In This Issue of the CucamongaConnect Newsletter

🌧️ Today’s Weather

⛺ Fontana’s Plan To Aid The Homeless

🚨 Upland PD Officers Warns of Trending Scam

🤔 Hometown Trivia - How Much Do You Know About The City? The Answer To Yesterday’s Question

🎉 Things To Do

🔦 Local Business Highlight

From Motel to Sanctuary: Fontana's Plan to House and Aid the Homeless

Fontana is embarking on a significant project to address homelessness, supported by federal and San Bernardino County funds. The city plans to purchase and renovate a motel, transforming it into a facility that will provide housing and essential services for its homeless population.

This initiative gained momentum earlier in the month when the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors allocated $5 million to the project. This funding, part of the board’s consent agenda, comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a federal initiative aimed at aiding the country's economic recovery post-coronavirus pandemic.

Recent data reveals a concerning rise in homelessness in San Bernardino County, with a 25.9% increase noted in the last year. This includes a 24.6% rise in the number of residents living on the streets and in unsuitable conditions. Specifically, in Fontana, there were 239 people without shelter in January, with 36.8% identified as chronically homeless.

Fontana's current resources for the homeless include 12 emergency shelter beds, 20 transitional housing beds, and 10 permanent supportive housing beds. The city's new plan involves the acquisition and refurbishment of the Sure Stay Hotel at 17133 Valley Blvd. This hotel, with its 60 rooms, will be converted to provide 120 beds for interim housing. Additionally, it will offer round-the-clock managed care, encompassing social rehabilitation, substance abuse services, skills training, and more.

The total cost of this project is estimated at $15.3 million. Fontana has already allocated $6.3 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds and secured an additional $4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This ensures that the entire expense for the purchase and renovation will be covered by federal funds.

The renovation of the Sure Stay Hotel is expected to be completed by March 2024, with the facility set to begin serving Fontana’s homeless residents in April.

This development follows a previous issue where San Bernardino County had to return $4.4 million in funds intended for homeless services due to missed federal deadlines. Former county CEO Leonard Hernandez attributed this to the failure of local nonprofits in meeting these deadlines. However, the nonprofits countered, arguing that the county had delayed the allocation of these funds and had experienced high turnover in departments overseeing homeless services.

TSO's 'Ghosts of Christmas Eve' Set to Dazzle Ontario This December

The holiday season brings a variety of celebrations, each unique in its own way. For those who favor a blend of face-melting electric guitar solos, symphonic rock music, and dazzling laser light shows, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) offers an ideal festive experience. The Orchestra, renowned for its extravagant annual tours, attracts a dedicated fan base, including what TSO's Al Pitrelli refers to as "repeat offenders" - the loyal enthusiasts who attend the shows year after year.

This year, the Orchestra is set to present "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — the Best of TSO & More" at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Saturday, December 2. The show promises a spectacular performance, revisiting the Orchestra's beloved TV special, album, and rock opera "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve." This narrative follows the tale of a runaway teen on Christmas Eve. Additionally, the performance will feature a second set comprising more of TSO's fan favorites, all originating from the creative mind of the late Paul O’Neill, the visionary producer, composer, and lyricist who founded the Orchestra in 1996 and passed away in 2017.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”

When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario
Tickets: $59-$196 at Ticketmaster.com

Upland PD Warn Against Trending Scam

From the Upland PD:

How Much Do You Know About
Rancho Cucamonga?

Yesterday, we asked:

The Correct Answer is D - All of the above!

According to Wikipedia:

• Tiburcio Tapia established the first winery in California in Rancho Cucamonga in 1839​​.

• "The Jack Benny Program" played a role in popularizing the city's name​​.

• The city of Rancho Cucamonga was formed in 1977 through the merger of Alta Loma, Cucamonga, and Etiwanda​​.

Thanks for playing! Stay tuned for more trivia games in upcoming issues.

Know Of Something Interesting To Do?
Tell Us About It Today!

Pictures With Santa
Tue. Nov 21 - Sat. Dec 23

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Santa's here! Don't miss out on capturing tree-mendous family photos this year - make your reservation to meet and take pictures with Santa today!

Get more details on the Facebook Event page by clicking here

Make A Free Wooden Christmas Ornament At Solorio Brewing
Wed. Dec 6 @ 7PM

San Bernadino Sheriff Dept
‘Stuff The Bus’ Charity Event
Dec. 6 & 7

Upland Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire
Sat. Dec 9 from 2PM on

Santa Paws Pet Adoption Event
Sun. Dec 10 from 2-5PM
Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center

Come hither, on the joyous day of December 10th, from the hours of 2PM to 5PM, and partake in our 3rd Annual Santa Paws Adoption Extravaganza. Behold! The grandest of guests, Santa Claus himself, graces us with his presence. Prepare your four-legged companions for a free festive photo session, capturing your furry friend's irresistible charm with Santa! Experience the warmth of your heart, as we showcase the most deserving of pets, where adoption fees will be waived for these select few. But that's not all - witness the raffle of the century, with prizes beyond your wildest dreams. Shop with ease at our holiday boutique and peruse our famed Adopt a Plant booth. Satisfy your cravings with our delectable bake sale, knowing that all proceeds will benefit our beloved homeless pets.

We 💖 Love Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "CucamongaConnect" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Rancho Cucamonga together!

👇 Select an option below 👇

✅ Own a local business? Apply to be featured.

💖 Love a local business? Nominate them to be featured.

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