Fontana, a city in San Bernardino County, California, has evolved significantly since its founding by Azariel Blanchard Miller in 1919. Initially an agricultural town with citrus orchards and vineyards along the historic U.S. Route 66, Fontana underwent a radical transformation during World War II when entrepreneur Henry J. Kaiser established the Kaiser Steel plant. This move catapulted Fontana into the forefront of the steel industry, making it a regional hub for the trucking industry today.

The city's historical journey includes its role as a drag racing venue in the 1950s and 1960s, with Mickey Thompson's Fontana International Dragway becoming a notable spot in the NHRA circuit. The Ro-Val's automobile museum, housing classic vehicles, added to Fontana's charm but closed later, with the vehicles finding a new home in a Nevada casino owner's museum.

In recent decades, Fontana has experienced rapid growth, expanding from a population of 128,929 in 2000 to 212,704 in 2020. This surge is attributed to large residential developments in the northern part of the city and successful annexations of nearby areas.

However, along with growth, Fontana faces environmental challenges. In 2019, the California Air Resources Board cautioned against housing near industrial warehouses due to harmful truck pollution. Legal battles ensued, with the city sued over the West Valley Logistics Center, accused of violating state environmental laws. In 2021, Fontana faced legal action from the State of California Attorney General's office for violating the California Environmental Quality Act by encouraging warehouse development in low-income areas.

Moreover, city leadership came under scrutiny in 2021 when the California State Controller's Office criticized the payment of $932,623 to former city manager Ken Hunt in 2020, despite him not working that year. The lack of explanation for such compensation raised questions, highlighting transparency issues.

Geographically, Fontana sits atop a geologically young, gently sloping alluvial fan from Lytle Creek. Bounded by the San Gabriel and Jurupa mountain ranges, the city exhibits diverse topography. The Cucamonga Fault Zone, capable of producing earthquakes, traverses the northern part of the city.

As Fontana continues to navigate its industrial legacy, environmental concerns, and population growth, it stands as a city with a complex tapestry – balancing its historical roots with the challenges of the present day.