February 5-February 11, 2025 🍇📅

Vol. 1, Issue 10: The History of Chaffey College

Chaffey College has been a cornerstone of education in the Inland Empire for over a century, but its journey began long before Rancho Cucamonga became its home. In 1883, Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey, known for their pioneering irrigation systems, founded the Chaffey College of Agriculture in Ontario, California. Partnering with the University of Southern California (USC), they aimed to create an institution that would support the region’s growing agricultural industry. The college officially opened its doors in 1885, but financial struggles forced its closure in 1901.

Education in the region didn’t fade, though. By 1916, Chaffey Junior College was revived as part of the local high school system. It continued to grow, and in 1922, a separate junior college district was formed. Over the next few decades, the school expanded its programs beyond agriculture, embracing a broader curriculum. By the late 1950s, demand for a larger, independent campus led to the approval of bonds to fund its move. In 1960, Chaffey College relocated to its current site in Rancho Cucamonga, marking the start of a new era.

Notable Alumni

Over the years, Chaffey College has helped launch the careers of many successful individuals across various fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Beverly Cleary – Beloved children’s book author, best known for Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle series. Cleary attended Chaffey College before transferring to UC Berkeley, later becoming one of the most celebrated authors of children’s literature.

• Paul Biane – Former San Bernardino County Supervisor and community leader.

• Butch Johnson – Former NFL wide receiver, known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.

• Chad Cordero – Former Major League Baseball pitcher, who played for the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals.

• Ken Hubbs – Former Chicago Cubs second baseman and 1962 National League Rookie of the Year.

• Robert Beltran – Actor best known for his role as Chakotay on Star Trek: Voyager.

• Frank Zappa – Legendary musician, composer, and bandleader, known for his experimental and genre-defying work.

Today, Chaffey College serves more than 28,000 students across its campuses in Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and Fontana. With a diverse range of academic and vocational programs, the college continues its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the Inland Empire. From its agricultural roots to a modern-day community college, Chaffey College remains a vital part of Southern California’s educational landscape.

Heard it through the grapevine!

February 5 – February 11, 2025 Events

Feb 5

🛍️ The Gathering: Morning Farmers & Craft Market | 🕒 10:00 am–2:30 pm | 📍 South Main Street, Victoria Gardens

Explore local produce and handmade goods at this weekly farmers and craft market, rooted in community and good vibes.

❓ Trivia Night | 🕒 7:00–9:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market

Gather your friends and test your knowledge at this fun and competitive trivia night.

❤️ Heartsaver CPR AED Class | 🕒 6:00–10:00 pm | 📍 All-Risk Training Center, 11285 Jersey Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga

Gain lifesaving skills in adult CPR, choking relief, and AED use. Certification is valid for two years. Registration fee: $60 per person.

🧑‍🎓 Teen Advisory Group Meeting | 🕒 6:00–7:00 pm | 📍 Paul A. Biane Library, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga

Teens in grades 7–12 can provide feedback on library services and earn volunteer hours.

Feb 6

🎤 Karaoke Night | 🕒 7:00–10:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market

Show off your singing skills or cheer on others at Karaoke Night!

🎶 The Hits of the Coasters, Drifters, and Platters | 🕒 7:30–10:00 pm | 📍 Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga

Enjoy classic hits performed live, featuring songs like This Magic Moment and Under The Boardwalk.

Feb 7

🎶 Live Music: Mouhammed Bassaj | 🕒 7:00–9:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market

Enjoy live performances from Mouhammed Bassaj and unwind with great music.

🌇 Heritage Sunset Market | 🕒 4:00–7:30 pm | 📍 Social Garden, 9350 The Resort Parkway, Rancho Cucamonga

Experience culinary delights, fresh produce, and artisan goods at this monthly market. Discover local treasures and connect with your community.

🎥 Movie Night: Sonic the Hedgehog 1 | 🕒 4:00 pm | 📍 8338 Day Creek Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga

Bring a chair and enjoy a free family movie night under the stars! Vendors, raffles, and more.

Feb 8

💃 Latin Night | 🕒 Free Salsa Class 6:00–7:00 pm, Live Music 7:00–10:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market, Indoor Event Center

Enjoy a free salsa class followed by live music featuring DJ Kiddee. IBASA specials include $7 micheladas and $4 beers.

🎥 Movie Night: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | 🕒 4:00 pm | 📍 8338 Day Creek Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga

Catch the sequel at this free family-friendly event! Vendors, raffles, and fun activities await.

Feb 9

🏈 Super Bowl Watch Party at Haven City Market | 🕒 Game Time 3:30 pm | 📍 Haven City Market

Catch the big game on a giant LED screen and enjoy food specials around the market.

🏈 Super Bowl Day at Raw Kitchen & Cantina | 🕒 3:30 pm–Close | 📍 Raw Kitchen & Cantina

Enjoy beer specials, appetizers, and more! Happy Hour starts at 3:30 pm and runs until closing. Watch the game with friends and RSVP at (909) 294-5416 or on the website.

Feb 10

🛡️ Women's Personal Safety Seminar | 🕒 12:00–2:00 pm | 📍 Magnum Range, 9049 East 9th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Join Aegis Authority LLC for a free seminar focusing on situational awareness, personal defense strategies, and an introduction to various self-defense tools. Limited seating available

Feb 11

❤️ V.I.P. Senior Club Blast of Love Party | 🕒 9:00–10:00 am | 📍 Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga

Seniors are invited to enjoy dancing, singing, food, and giveaways at this Valentine's celebration.

🎨 Paint Night: Como La Flor | 🕒 6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Haven City Market

Join this month’s painting session, Como La Flor, hosted by Purple Easel.

🧀 Brie Mine Couple’s Date Night | 🕒 6:00–8:30 pm | 📍 Haven City Market Rancho Cucamonga (inside Raffael’s Silver Lounge Club Speakeasy)

Make it a date night with your cheese lover by creating a heart-shaped charcuterie board together. $95 per couple.

🎉 GNO Galentines at Drybar Victoria Gardens | 🕒 5:30–7:30 pm | 📍 7901 Kew Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a Girls' Night Out! Enjoy complimentary dry styles (regularly $35), mocktails from Drink Good Bar, exclusive deals, and giveaways. Shop local vendors like Golden Daze Jewelry, Radmama Collective, and more. Don’t miss this free event filled with pampering and fun!

Multi-day events

January 31 – February 23, 2025

🌱 Mulch Giveaway | 🕒 8:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Dr. at Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga

Grab your shovels, tarps, and containers! Rancho Cucamonga residents can collect free mulch during this multi-day giveaway. No businesses or commercial vehicles allowed.

Let me know if you need any more updates or changes!

Business Spotlights

🧋Der-Tea: Der-Tea is a cozy tea shop offering a variety of tea blends and light snacks. Known for their yogurt drinks and smoothies, popular menu items include the Avocado Mango and Jasmine Tea.

🍝Cara Mia: Cara Mia brings authentic Italian flavors to Rancho Cucamonga with handcrafted pastas, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. Its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and excellent wine selection make it perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or special occasions.

💇🏽The Hair Cafe: The Hair Cafe is a premier salon offering services like hair extensions, custom cuts, balayage, and color melting. Established in 2001 and led by experienced stylist Monique Tompkins, the salon is known for its high-quality work and strong customer satisfaction.

Feel free to check us out on Instagram too!