Fontana CA Moving Companies

Fontana, California

A city of southern California just west of San Bernardino, Fontana is the industrial center of a citrus-growing area. With a population of just over 170,000, the city has grown extensively along with the development of southern California. Those relocating to Fontana will discover a booming city, where residents enjoy moderate weather and plush landscapes.

History:
Active development of the area did not begin until the early 1900s when the Fontana Development Company acquired the land and began the community of Fontana in 1913. Fontana was built into a diversified agricultural area with citrus, grain, poultry, grapes, and swine being the foremost commodities. The community faced a transition in 1942 when the city of Fontana was selected as the site for a steel mill. The city was later incorporated on June 25, 1952, with a population of only 13,695 and became Southern California's leading producer of steel and related products. The steel industry dominated Fontana’s economy since the mill was built. However, in the late 1970's, Kaiser Steel began to reduce production and manpower and the steel mill closed was finally closed in 1984. The plate steel and rolling mill plant was acquired by California Steel Company, which continues to produce steel products. In addition, railroad and trucking operations, a number of medium to heavy industrial facilities, and several warehousing distribution centers moved to Fontana to take advantage of the city’s convenient geographical location and superb transportation system.

Economy:
Fontana's current economy is driven largely by industrial uses, particularly trucking-based industries. The city is home to several truck dealerships and other industrial equipment sales centers. Much like its neighbors, Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, many product distribution centers call the city home. Fontana is also home to several small manufacturers of building materials and other locally used products, such as small auto dealerships and salvage yards. Fontana's economy has also heavily encouraged the planning, developing and construction of new housing developments. Fontana also has numerous local shopping centers, such as the Summit Heights Gateway-Falcon Ridge Town Center and Palm Court in the southern section. The city also features commercial strip zoning along several of its major avenues and boulevards, such as the "Miracle Mile." The official Fontana Auto Center is part of that zone, with two major dealerships located in the area. Perhaps the city's largest economic contributor, however, is the Auto Club Speedway. Although not located within the city limits, the speedway brings tens of thousands of racing fans to the city each year, which can be a major boon for local restaurants, motels, hotels and service stations.

Tourism:
Check out the Art Depot. One of Fontana's original community centers, it was originally built as a freight depot of the Pacific Electric Railway in 1915. Today, the center sits alongside the newly landscaped Pacific Electric Trail in the Helen Putnam Historical Plaza. Next, the city's Artist Showcase program at city hall was developed in order to demonstrate Fontana’s dedication to the cultural arts. Through the provision of quarterly artist showcases, Fontana residents are introduced to local artists. One of the town’s most popular events, the Auto Club Speedway is a racetrack that plays host to two NASCAR Sprint Cup events a year and various smaller races. Or, spend some time enjoying the outdoors at Fontana Park, located in the northern part of the city at Summit Avenue and Lytle Creek Road. The park is the city's second largest municipal park, featuring a large state-of-the-art community center, skate park, aquatic center and a number of play areas perfect for the little ones. At night, enjoy a nightcap of a small snack at one of the city’s many late night bars and diner.

Colleges/Universities:

• Chaffey College

Interesting Facts:

• It is estimated that 48,000 vehicles drive daily between San Bernardino Avenue and the I-10 Freeway.
• The Auto Club Speedway was built on the former site of the Kaiser Steel mill. Some parts of the mill were sold to China, and the rest remains as an operating steel mill.