April 16 - April 22, 2025🍇📅

Vol. 1, Issue 20: Chinese Immigrant Contributions to Rancho

Preserving Rancho Cucamonga’s Historic Chinatown House

In the heart of Rancho Cucamonga stands the Chinatown House, a two-story brick structure built in 1919. Once home to approximately 50 Chinese American laborers, it also functioned as a general store, serving as a central hub for the local Chinese community. This building is one of the last tangible links to the Chinese immigrant workers who significantly contributed to developing the Inland Empire's agricultural and infrastructure sectors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.​

A Landmark Under Threat

Despite its historical significance, the Chinatown House faced potential demolition in the early 2010s. The Cucamonga Valley Water District, which owns the property, had plans to tear it down, prompting concern among preservationists. In response, the Chinatown House Preservation Coalition was formed to advocate for its protection. Their efforts led to the building's inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2013 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Community Advocacy and Preservation Efforts

The coalition's advocacy has been instrumental in halting demolition plans and raising public awareness about the building's cultural importance. The Chinatown House is designated as a city landmark and is registered with the California Points of Historical Interest as point SBR-077. Despite these designations, the building remains vacant and in need of restoration. Local advocates continue to push for its preservation, emphasizing its role as a rare surviving example of Chinese worker housing in the region.

Looking Ahead

Preserving the Chinatown House is not just about saving a building; it's about honoring the legacy of the Chinese American laborers who played a vital role in shaping Rancho Cucamonga and the broader Inland Empire. Efforts to restore and repurpose the structure aim to create a space that educates the public about this often-overlooked chapter of American history. As preservationists and community members continue their work, the hope is that the Chinatown House will stand as a testament to the enduring contributions of Chinese Americans to the region.Heard it through the grapevine!

Heard it through the grapevine!

April 16 - April 22, 2025 Events

April 16

🎥 Teen Program: Craft and Movie Night – Backyard Bee Bath | 🕒 6:00 pm–7:30 pm | 📍 Paul A. Biane Library, 12505 Cultural Center Dr, Rancho Cucamonga

Celebrate Community Science Month with a screening of Backyard Wilderness and make your own bee bath. Open to grades 7–12. 

🎤 Comedy Open Mic with Feed That Funny | 🕒 7:00 pm | 📍 The Stackz Co, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Open mic night hosted by Feed That Funny. Bring the laughs or just enjoy the show!

🧠 New Girl Trivia Night | 🕒 7:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Trivia lovers unite for a night of laughs and “New Girl” nostalgia.

April 17

🌿 Sip N Succulent Workshop | 🕒 6:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Design your own succulent arrangement while sipping on drinks. Relaxed and hands-on. Tickets from $49.77+. 

🏛️ 2025 Mayor's State of the City Address | 🕒 5:00 pm–7:30 pm | 📍 Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga

Hosted by the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce, this annual event highlights city accomplishments and future plans. Tickets are $34 or there will be a livestream available for you to tune in.

📚 Books & Banter Bookclub | 🕒 6:00 pm–7:00 pm | 📍 Paul A. Biane Library, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga

Discuss The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. Attend in person or via Zoom. RSVP to [email protected].

April 18

📖 Senior Bookclub | 🕒 10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 James L. Brulte Senior Center, 11200 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga

Celebrate National Poetry Month by sharing your favorite poems. Attend in person or via Zoom. RSVP to [email protected].

🎶 Live Music: Andy Overdrive + The Fuzz | 🕒 7:00 pm–9:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Catch a live rock set featuring high-energy performances from two local bands.

April 19

🌷 Spring Into the Season Farmers Market | 🕒 9:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 Terra Vista Town Center, 10570 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga

Celebrate spring with live music, kids activities, local vendors, and a visit from the Heritage Bunny. Hosted by Heritage Farmers Market.

🍳 Easter Brunch | 🕒 9:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 The Stackz Co, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Seasonal specials, brunch classics, and bottomless mimosas await!

💃 Salsa Dancing | 🕒 6:00 pm–7:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga
Learn the basics of salsa in this upbeat group class.

🎉 Latin Night | 🕒 7:00 pm–10:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga
Stick around after salsa for Latin beats and dancing all night long.

🌱 Adult Program: Earth Day Program | 🕒 3:00 pm–4:30 pm | 📍 Archibald Library, 7368 Archibald Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Join a hands-on gardening session to celebrate Earth Day and learn how to grow your own plants. Open to all adults; walk-in event.

April 20

🎤 Karaoke with BSideKaroke | 🕒 5:00 pm | 📍 The Stackz Co, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Bring your best (or worst) singing voice. No judgment—just fun.

April 21

🤠 Country Night | 🕒 6:00 pm–9:30 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Get your boots on and enjoy a night of country music and good times.

April 22

♻️ IncredABLES: Eco-ABLE Life Skills Class | 🕒 5:30 pm–7:30 pm | 📍Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga

An inclusive class teaching sustainable living and eco-friendly choices. Open to all abilities.

Business Spotlights

🐾 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: At Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, your furry friend gets the royal treatment. Located in Terra Vista Village, this pet boutique offers professional grooming services alongside a curated selection of premium pet treats, food, and accessories. With a focus on care, comfort, and style, Woof Gang makes every pup feel pampered—because your best friend deserves the best.

🎭 Lewis Family Playhouse: A cultural gem in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga, the Lewis Family Playhouse brings world-class entertainment to the local stage. From Broadway-style musicals to family-friendly performances and comedy acts, the Playhouse offers something for everyone. With its intimate setting, stunning acoustics, and dynamic programming, it’s the perfect spot to experience live theater close to home.

🧁 +Bake Cafe: From the team behind Take Ur Seat comes +Bake Cafe—an Asian-fusion bakery and brunch spot that brings playful flavor combinations to the heart of Rancho. Known for its mochi waffles, croffles, fluffy soufflé pancakes, and signature drinks, +Bake blends classic Asian ingredients with modern brunch vibes. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a sweet treat to-go, every bite is a vibe.

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