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Hometown Living in Fontana

Then and Now

The community of Astoria in Fontana is located in the heart of San Bernardino County. Once part of a Spanish land grant, the city of Fontana has a colorful history, encompassing fragrant citrus groves and grape vines, swine and poultry farms, a steel mill, and a thriving transportation network facilitated by the city's ultra-convenient location close to several major freeways and Ontario International Airport. Historic Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard) passes right through this town incorporated in 1952, which has grown to an estimated population of more than 139,000.

Fontana is home to many medium to heavy industrial facilities and numerous major distribution centers, including Mercedes-Benz, Sears, Target, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Southern California Edison, the Home Shopping Network and Avery Dennison.

Fontana history comes alive during the annual Fontana Days celebration, a four-day extravaganza that includes a parade, a car show, the Hen Derby, a carnival with rides and games, and a half Marathon and 5K Run/Race Walk on what is considered to be the world's fastest half marathon course.

The city also is known for its Civic Auditorium, a 1,000-seat auditorium and arts center dedicated to cultural enrichment in the areas of music, film, dance and theater; the Mary Vagle Science and Nature Center, with its wide range of environmental education activities; and Fontana Farms Ranch House, which offers perspectives on the city's early farm life.

Schools and Recreation

Fontana is served by the Fontana Unified School District. Several colleges and universities are nearby too, including the University of California at Riverside, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College, Loma Linda University and the Claremont Colleges.

With nearly 40 community parks, sports parks and recreation centers, Fontana offers organized sports and other recreational fun for all ages. That list is highlighted by the recent opening of an eight-acre park founded by Young Homes, located within walking distance from Astoria at the corner of Baseline and Almeria Street. Almeria Park features barbeques, shade structures, walking paths, public restrooms, and extensive, beautiful landscaping. There are plans for a Fontana Park as well, due to be opened within the next five years, which will include a health and fitness center, outdoor amphitheater, monuments, trails, skate park, aquatic center and more.

The local community will soon host a $14.9 million library. The facility will be a modern, multi-level 92,500 square foot complex unlike any other, offering more than 140,000 books and publications, 7,500 reference items, 143 media sources, and 198 periodical subscriptions. Inside this magnificent architectural sight will be 250 computers for public use and a 350 seat auditorium. Visitors will be able to enjoy a Children's Library, Homework Center, "Friends of the Library" book store, Career Center, Meeting Rooms, Literary Center, and Café. The Fontana library is scheduled to open in late 2007.

The California Speedway, several fine golf courses, a skate park, local ski resorts, desert attractions, and 12 San Bernardino County regional parks also contribute to the outstanding lifestyle that residents can enjoy.

Shopping and Entertainment

From one-of-a-kind boutiques to giant department stores, close-to-home shopping offers something for everyone. Various shops and shopping centers are situated along Foothill Boulevard, and nearby Victoria Gardens and Ontario Mills Shopping Center featuring an exceptional variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Useful Links

City of Fontana

Fontana Unified School District

Fontana Public Library

University of California Riverside

Cal State San Bernardino

California Speedway

San Bernardino Regional Parks

Parks and Recreation

Victoria Gardens

Ontario Mills Mall