Fontana, located in San Bernardino County, California, was founded by Azariel Blanchard Miller in 1913 and remained largely rural until World War II. The city grew rapidly after entrepreneur Henry J. Kaiser built a large steel mill nearby, transforming Fontana into an industrial hub. Originally an agricultural town with citrus orchards, vineyards, and chicken ranches, it later became a key center for the trucking industry due to its location along Interstate 10, State Route 210, and Interstate 15. Fontana also has a history of motorsports, including the NHRA drag racing strip, and cultural attractions such as Ro-Val’s automobile museum. By 2020, the population had grown to over 208,000, making it the second-most-populous city in the county.
Over the years, Fontana has faced environmental and health challenges related to industrial growth. The California Air Resources Board and several organizations have raised concerns about truck pollution and warehouse development in residential areas, resulting in lawsuits and stricter regulations. Despite these challenges, the city has continued to expand through new residential developments and annexation of surrounding areas. Today, Fontana is a thriving urban center with a mix of industrial, residential, and cultural significance, maintaining its role as a major hub for the trucking and logistics industry in Southern California.









