Fontana - Italian for “fountain” or a source of water - was founded in 1913 by Azariel Blanchard Miller, and formally incorporated in 1952. It was primarily a citrus and vineyard area and remained largely rural until Henry J. Kaiser (of Kaiser-Permanente fame) built a large steel mill in the area after World War II. This, in conjunction with the building of the San Bernardino (I-10) Freeway, resulted in a boom of growth for Fontana. The estimated population in 2017 was over 210,000.

In addition to a multitude of historic hotels and motels, Fontana is also home to Bono’s Italian Restaurant (currently closed) and the adjacent Giant Orange, both great photo opportunities.

By Scott Piotrowski