Rancho Roundup: December 4-11, 2024 🍇📅

Vol. 1, Issue 3: Rancho Cucamonga’s Festive Roots

As the holiday season begins, Rancho Cucamonga’s rich history and festive spirit come to life. This week, we look back at the Etiwanda Colony’s early Christmas traditions, where community and agriculture blended to create a unique holiday celebration. We also highlight the best events this week, including Santa photos, holiday markets, and family fun—perfect for kicking off the season!

Rancho Cucamonga's Christmas Legacy: A Glimpse into Early Etiwanda

Rancho Cucamonga, particularly the Etiwanda area, holds a distinctive place in California’s history, marked by innovation and community traditions that shaped its character. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Etiwanda was home to the first electric lights in Southern California and one of the earliest long-distance telephony systems. These advancements, led by George and William Chaffey, brought new opportunities and a sense of unity to the area.

During Christmas, this communal spirit was on full display. Residents gathered in homes or community hubs like the Chaffey-Garcia House, celebrating the season with traditions rooted in their agricultural lifestyle. Citrus fruits, a hallmark of the region’s farming, were often featured in festive dishes and decorations, linking their livelihoods to holiday cheer​.

These celebrations reflected the colony’s diverse cultural backgrounds, blending traditions to create a shared identity. Caroling, shared meals, and small gift exchanges characterized the holidays, embodying the values of simplicity and togetherness. Today, restored historical landmarks like the Isle House and the Chaffey-Garcia House offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience Etiwanda’s rich heritage, including its holiday customs.

For those interested in delving deeper, the Etiwanda Historical Society organizes tours and events that unravel the area's storied past, from pioneering innovations to festive community gatherings. These efforts keep Rancho Cucamonga’s historical Christmas spirit alive, connecting modern celebrations with the legacy of its early settlers​.

Heard it through the grapevine!

December 4-11, 2024 Events

🌟 Dec 5: Know Your Rights: Immigration Workshop | 📅 12:30–2:30 pm | 📍 Wargin Hall, WH-142, Rancho Campus, Chaffey College | Join attorneys and immigration experts for a workshop offering legal advice and resources to understand your rights. Hosted by the San Bernardino Community Service Center and TODEC, this event empowers the community with valuable legal insights.

🎄 Dec 6: Bethlehem Marketplace | 📅 5:30–8:30 pm | 📍 Water of Life Community Church, Fontana Campus | Immerse yourself in a recreated Bethlehem marketplace filled with crafts, music, and festive activities. This ticketed event offers a fun, hands-on holiday experience for families and guests.

🎅 Dec 7: Breakfast with Santa | 📅 8:30 am–12:30 pm | 📍 Central Park, 11200 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga | Enjoy breakfast with your family, including Santa's workshop activities and photo ops. 

🐾 Dec 7: Santa Paws | 📅 12:00 pm–5:00 pm | 📍 RC Animal Center, 11780 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga | Bring your furry friends for photos with Santa and explore the holiday boutique and bake sale. All proceeds support shelter programs, making it a great way to give back while enjoying the festivities.

🎨 Dec 7: Slay Bells Market | 📅 2:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | 📍 Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga | Shop from over 60 local vendors, enjoy live music, and get creative with ornament painting. With free entry and photos with Santa, this holiday market is a must-visit for the whole family.

🌟 Dec 7: Christmas Open House at Historic Ioamosa | 📅 2:00 pm–7:00 pm | 📍 Historic Ioamosa, Rancho Cucamonga | Celebrate the season with live music, sweets, and kids’ activities. Bring a toy donation to enjoy free hot cocoa and a ride on the Ioamosa Little Train.

🎭 Dec 7: The Silhouettes: Light of Christmas | 📅 Shows at 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. | 📍 Lewis Family Playhouse, Rancho Cucamonga | Experience the breathtaking shadow dance performance "Light of Christmas" by The Silhouettes, a Golden Buzzer-winning act from America’s Got Talent. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season.

Business Spotlights

🌱The Root 66 Community Garden: Established in 2014, The Root 66 Community Garden is a collaborative nonprofit initiative dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in western San Bernardino County. They offer garden plots, educational workshops, and community events, fostering sustainable gardening practices and neighborly connections. Proceeds from event venue rentals support their FoodShare Project, which aims to provide locally grown, organic produce to the community, including home-bound individuals.

📺 The Stackz Co.: Nestled in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga, The Stackz Company is the go-to destination for great food, cold beer, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a solo meal at the bar, or soaking in the weekend vibes, The Stackz Co. offers something for everyone. Their diverse menu caters to every palate, featuring mouthwatering sandwiches and a brunch experience every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. Sports fans will love the big screens showcasing NFL games and other events, making it the perfect spot for unforgettable dining and entertainment moments.

🧘‍♀️YogaSix Rancho Cucamonga: Located at 7349 Milliken Ave., Suite 120, YogaSix Rancho Cucamonga is a boutique yoga fitness studio redefining the yoga experience. The studio caters to various fitness levels and goals, offering six core classes—Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt & Flow—from building strength and agility to enhancing flexibility and balance. Each class provides a full-sensory, energizing, and empowering workout designed to deliver the mind-body benefits of yoga to all.

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