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Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Submitted by Ghostpainter on Thu, 05/03/2007 - 8:20pm
We often hear rumors about who or what might have lived, or died or has family in an area.. Below are some figures, some most noticeable and others not so notorious that once had something to do with the city of Fontana.
Gangster Al Capone once had a home in Fontana, which was notable for the initial "C" displayed on one of the home's chimneys. It was rumored that Capone had secret passageways or tunnels built under the house that led out into the back yard making for a quick escape in case his place was ever surrounded by the fuzz. No tunnels were ever found though after the home was torn down. And we all know what happened to Al after he left Fontana.
The Crlenica Brothers, a local Slavic "Tamburitza" musical group, lived in Fontana, had a music store on Arrow Blvd., and played music locally for Fontana's large Slavic population. Unbeknownst to most Fontana residents, they also did some movie work in Hollywood, performing on the soundtrack of "Dr. Zhivago", and also in the movie "Patton," near the end of the movie in the Russian dance scene.
Shelton Brooks, legendary songwriter and bandleader of the early 20th century, spent several decades in his later years living in Fontana. The writer of such hits as "Darktown Strutters’ Ball" and "Some of These Days," he would buy a new Cadillac every year with his songwriter royalties.. As a leader of his own successful big band, he hobnobbed with the Hollywood elite and became especially close to torch singer Sophie Tucker, known as The Last of the Red Hot Mammas.
Whitman Mayo, the actor who played Shady Grady in the TV series "Sanford and Son," moved with his family from New York City to Fontana in 1967, when he was 37. While living in Fontana he attended Chaffey College in nearby Cucamonga.. He once served as the Grand Marshall in the Fontana Days parade.
Legendary motorcycle builder Denver Mullins was from Fontana.. He started a bike shop, Denver’s Choppers, in San Bernardino in 1967, where he was the first to toy in the building of custom bikes and replacement bike parts. The shop later moved to Henderson, Nevada, just outside Las Vegas, where it still operates to this day. Denver died in a racing boat accident in 1992.
Henry Kaiser’s steel mill in Fontana was the only steel mill west of the Mississippi River.. During WWII Kaiser shipbuilding contributed hundreds of naval and merchant vessels.. The steel mill scene in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s movie "Terminator 2" was filmed in the abandoned Kaiser Steel Mill. Robo Cop was also filmed at the old steel mill as well as many sci-fi and police movies.
What ever happened to Ro-Val’s automobile museum, located on Foothill Blvd on the western outskirts between Fontana and Cucamonga? It was for a while the home for many classic automobiles of the 20’s and 30’s, including a huge vehicle once owned by screen actor Fatty Arbuckle. When the Ro-Val museum closed, the vehicles were sold to Bill Harrah, a Nevada casino owner and automobile collector, who placed them on display in the museum located at his casino.
In the 1950’s and 60’s Fontana was home to a famous drag racing strip that was a significant venue in the NHRA circuit. Known officially as Mickey Thompson’s Fontana International Dragway, it was also referred to as Fontana Drag City or just plain old Fontana Drag Strip. The original Fontana strip closed after several serous accidents and deaths to the drivers ad the NHRA deemed the track to short and narrow for safe racing.
Felony Flats - Fontana
Who ever is saying the house was torn down is a fuckin lame, I am standing in front of the house as I type this, fuck off and worry about your own rich punk city, this is the city of felons and flat land's ,outlaws , doers not dreamers...from Hells Angeles, to the kkk from The east drifter With the big C in fron of his pad ..... welcome to the city of felons welcome to the city of felony flats (Fontana,Ca)
Re: Felony Flats - Fontana
You sound like a ignorant fool I live in fontana.... its not that bad you schmuck try living in a ghird world country... tough guy.... grow up
Re: Felony Flats - Fontana
Fontana ain't so bad no more. It used to be felony flats or fontucky but now with all the strip malls up north and new developments everywhere, it's gotten to the point where the police sometimes get bored driving around with nothing to do.
Don't get me wrong. I would still not take strolls around at night but for the most part, it's not half as bad as it used to be. I think the last time I felt hinky around there was like at least 4 years ago with a few drunk punks who didn't know what they were starting.
Fontana
There is an old building foundation on the hill in old Southridge (Fontana). I was told it was Al Capone's or the klan.
Last i saw it ( 1995 ish). Its near the bottom of the hill right next to the big empty reservoir, i think it's the southwest end of the hill. . A trail leads to it. Theres a hole in the foundation where you can see into what looks like a room with stuff in it...
Re: Fontana
Al Capone also had a mansion that was torn down around the late 50,s early 60s off of Merril. It had a huge water fountain in mile drive way secret passage ways 2 flights below the ground. Several rooms were just like bared jail cells with numorous doorways that lead to multiple paths.
KKK Meeting in Fontana
KkK meeting 3:30 to 10 January 11 2013 Fontana under the freeway
Re: KKK Meeting in Fontana
when is the next one
Re: KKK Meeting in Fontana
Which freeway and where and when? Fontana has a few underpasses and the freeway is not very specific.
al capones house in Fontana
The house is still there 10/27/2012 the kids that live there right know go to my school jurpa hills high if you look it up they will al say it was taking down even though they didn't it looks cool and iv always wanted to go in there and see it
Re: al capones house in Fontana
I live in the same street as them. I don't know why they say the house was torn down but its not. I've always been suspicious of the house without knowing about the house. Until my sister told me a few days ago. Is that weird?
Al Capone house in Fontana
i grew up in fontana, i lived on tamarind st i remember capones house awesome !! i grew up there in the 80s
Fontana Al Capone's house
i had a friend named christy we would walk to her house and we would have to walk by capones house to get to hers im reading these comments and wondering if i know any of you!!!
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Why all this hate and sarcasm "The Illiterate Hood Liar" and "Spelling In Fontana"? Where is your guys' hearts? No optimism, just judging, huh? If you guys care so much about "spelling" than go to an elementary Spelling Bee, become a teacher or something like that. Why the resentment towards someone who speaks nothing but honesty? I personally know The Hood Pastor, we the main homeboys! As a matter of fact he's my brother-in-law, and I CAN CONFIRM everything he has stated here. I've been living here Rialto for nearly 7 years and I myself have seen such things. Hood Pastor has even shown me the historical FACTS he speaks of, he is very trustworthy and I rely on him in many things, such as the word of God and even my parents' daughter, my sister. So people just be more open minded and if you cant believe what hes saying than Google it or go to a library. Cant handle the Truth? Then leave.
Al Capone house in Fontana
before i moved a year ago the al capone house still had not been torn down
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
as of june 2012 the house still stands.
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
when i was a kid in the 80S my grandparents live on Randell between tamran and alder. next to the church there is a sub division now but it was an empty lot, some of us kids were exploring and we came across some stairs buried in the dirt, going down. we found a little door that opened into a room that was from the 20s. it had a old soda machine, pool table, bar and and old ass car. the coolest thing was the steel tube in the wall. my uncle went in it and it was full of tunnels that led everywhere but the straightest route took him to the capone mansion inside a closet. looking back i wish i was older so i couldve seen it before the new houses went in
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
I would love tk know exactly where it was at...
please leave me exact details I would love to research
bogota909@gmail.com
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
going east on Randell right past tamarind on the right there is a church, next to the church is a housing tack now but it was a field so there would be no way to explore unless someone lets you dig up the yard. good luck tho. i grew up in the big house thats set back with the horse shoe driveway next to the housing track. my name is sassy..
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
i was a kid in fontana in the 80s too my name is tracy (summers) michel trying to find friends from those days im on facebook...
Re: Al Capone house in Fontana
i grew up in fontana in the 80s i lived on tamarind st next to s tamarind elementary school, i remember i had a friend christy when we would walk to her house we would walk by capones house!! it was very cool house.
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Fontana PD does not have 261 sworn personnel. There are more than 1 that is black, including 1 captain, which is pretty high ranking. There are also a lot of other minorities in the department, including a Puerto Rican lieutenant, and lots of Hispanic officers. The ones I know are all very good guys.
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Personal means all workers. And mexican cops they have alot of. But mexicans arent blacks. They used to be 3blk cops about 4yrs ago. I interviewed them. Two left and one stayed. He doesnt know how long he can though. Because the mex and anglo cops treat him like an out sider. Theres sum good cops and theres sum bad cops. And theres still cops working today, born in raised in fontana that are in different leadership positions that were active members of the KKK. HOW DO I KNOW U ASK, I DID AN INTERVIEW WITH ONE. And for the record, the racisism doesnt go away in a city that has had the KKK since the end of the civil war...
Al Capone House on Tamarind in Fontana
i lived on tamarind in the 80s capones house was very cool
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
And by the way if i saw a cop or cops beating sumone i would step in and protect the citizen. Same goes if i saw a cop getting jumped i would too step in and get the cop to safety. I've actually done both. Im a pastor befor my ethnicity...
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
I don't doubt you at all and never questioned that. Race is not an issue here.
KKK in the Fontana Police Dept
261 police personal in tbe city of fontana and only one of them are black and they say theres no KKK. SUM OF THE TOP OFFICERS WERE KKK MEMBERS. THEY JUST CHANGED UNIFORMS
Re: KKK in the Fontana Police Dept
Lol you thk i would interview a black cop that wld admit he was BPP or a chicano cop that was BB or a white cop that was KKK and put it out there on this lil web site. Come now, the last march was held rt down sierra in 85. Yes times have changed but what was here 13yrs ago is still here today. Are the ranches still here were the meetings were, no torn down and homes buitl on that land, is the black panther bar, or chicken coup where the HAs started still standing-no. Fontana is rich in history but acting like its not there because we like our two story summit homes. Facts are facts, i can only continue to do what i do and pray for our citys leaders. Because the cops and lord knows were praying for their safety, but like a marine we do what were told and are taught not to question. And just like one man like MLK, CHAVEZ, GHANDI decides to stand up and say enuff. Than things will continue to get worse. God bless you
Re: KKK in the Fontana Police Dept
Really... you are saying you personally interviewed one active officer that is there today that is still an active KKK member? Wow... amazing. You also interviewed all their black officers and the only one left is leaving soon because he can't take the cold shoulder treatment?
I'll have to talk to my buddies tomorrow about that one... I see FPD guys everyday.
Re: KKK in the Fontana Police Dept
And thats good for you. We all have the rt to know more info about our cities. I know sum very stand-up police officers that are good men, good fathers and good role models. But one apple spolis the bunch. And thats wonderful that you have such a great relationship with the entire police force. But this is a very big city and theres alot of of unhappy people that have had sum bad apples treat them with disrespect. Police are there to protect and serve and like any job you must weigh the pro and cons and than ask yourself will you be able to deal with the everyday crap, stress, etc. As pastors, police, teachers, city officials, etc. we must be held to a much higher standard (s). I've been a pastor home based here in the I.E. Since 96 and have ministerd in every major ghetto and project that cops refuses to go in to. Have i been spit at, cursed at, threatend, yes and have i wanted to lose my cool, you bet yourself! But i made a choice and because of that choice i knew what i was putting myself into. Who ever you are, what role you hold in the city, remember sumbody is always watching us and its their legal rt to. But more than anything God is watching our every move and wether i pick up a bage, a
bible or a school book at the end of the day we go home knowing that there will be good times and bad we should all be on the same side...
Spelling in Fontana
The word you are so struggling with is "some".
The illiterate Hood Liar
This guy has a lot more problems than his spelling! He's a walking lie, talk to you buddies on the FPD about him! I heard they've had to be called on him for many things including a Domestic Viiolence call, I don't want this guy "pastoring" MY hood!
Spelling Bee Judge ms.stalker
The domestic violence case wasnt his fault or in any way did he cause it to happen, as a matter of fact, Hood Pastor was doing his best to protect a 16 year old pregnant girl from getting beat by her abusive gangster boyfriend and his father.
Re: Spelling Bee Judge ms.stalker
So how did he get arrested for it if he is defending a 3rd party? Did she turn on him too when it came time to testify?
Re: Spelling Bee Judge ms.stalker
Well lets see, i was never arrested and she didnt want to send her boyfriend to jail because she lived with their family and was scared they would hurt her even more if she pressed charges. And just for the record i've never been arrested by any police officer in fontana. So please get ur facts st8 because you just make yourself sound foolish. God bless you :)
Re: The illiterate Hood Liar
People love to talk about things they dont know and what they dont know they make up... Here alot of hate here. Im born in raised in fontana and my parents and grand parents were born here. Im not gonna lie, befor i gave my life to Jesus i was running these streets and yes i was white power and hated everybody. All i really hated was myself. The hood pastor might not be perfect but are any of you? And the domestic violence, i've know him for a few years and his walk speaks for itself. I dont see him bashing anybody but i see you guys bashing him. The funny thing is no matter what goes on i still see him caring for everybody. God bless his work! Im saved and got my life back, thank God! But i know i couldnt go into the places he goes just to tell some one Jesus loves them. Like always God bless all of you
Re: The illiterate Hood Liar
So who is this... "pastor"?
Re: The illiterate Hood Liar
I've met that pastor befor hes alright in my book. Helped me and my family out when we needed food. And even helped me and my girl with clothes for our two year old. God bless all of you, looks like all of us need it
Re: Spelling in Fontana
He's just keepin' it real, fo sho!
Re: KKK in the Fontana Police Dept
Bless you for your good work. I don't doubt there are bad cops as there are in any profession. I talked to my buddy and we discussed the above and had a good laugh. Not at you, but at the situation.
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
I've driven by the Capone and KKK houses several times. The Capone house looks pretty run down but the KKK house is gorgeous. It's built on 2 lots and it's very grand on the outside. Never been on the inside. Looks almost like a proper Southern plantation. Also been to the house where Sonny Barger hung out with the Hell's Angels. I think it was his mom's house or something.
KKK in Fontana
I was sitting in a front yard of a ranch house on jurupa, in between citrus and cypress. I was facing south towards Wat is now new southridge along the hills towards the nature center. Me and my brother both seen a man walking in the hills. He was wearing a white gown with a white cone shaped hood/hat with a briefcase. Obviously he was in kkk uniform. Also I had heard of satanic rituals up the hills at Martin Tudor park ( the water slide park) on Sierra and jurupa
Re: KKK in Fontana
Ur rt theres 3satanic tagging crews that i know of in fontana. 1in the north, one in south ridge and one in the west. The one in the north is also white power
The Hood Pastor
ps311315@yahoo.com
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Does anyone know where George pepper lives or his ph number i used to work with him om riverside and would like to re connect if he is not involved in the kkk anymore.
Canadian
George Pepper Fontana KKK
Nope still KKK
Re: Tunnels under Al Capone's house in Fontana
I wonder if the "tunnel" part of the Capone House story might stem from his (Al Capone's) involvement in the construction of the old hotel at the Arrowhead Springs Resort. I worked there in 2003, after a controlled burn destroyed several structures, including the entrance to the steam cave, located directly beneath the hotel. Before arriving there, I was told about rumors of a secret shaft which lead to the cave from the hotel above, providing for covert comings and goings. The cave entrance is at the top of a narrow canyon that goes down toward Waterman Canyon. There is a constant water source. The plant life in that canyon was already recovering rapidly. Before the fire there would have been ample cover for anyone wishing to escape to the highway unseen.
I had a chance to explore a little and, at the rear of the cave, there was what appeared to be a doorway which had been sealed off with cinder blocks.
At the time, the property was owned by Calvary Chapel. It was my understanding that they were looking to sell it. I don't know if that ever occurred. But there were guards posted and no public access to the grounds. I doubt that has changed, regardless of who owns it now. You can't miss the entrance though. Just drive up Old Waterman Canyon Road until you see the big indian pointing at it, unless it too has burnt since then, of course.
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
Phuk the kkk
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
I lived in a house on Anastasia and I remember the stories of Sammy Hagar practicing in the garage/carport there when he was a young musician breaking through. I also sat on the roof of that house when there was a KKK rally across the street when George Pepper and his associates in full KKK garb, with music blaring, burned 3 crosses in the backyard. I believe this was in either 1979 or 1980. Channel 7 news had the audacity to send Angela Black, a very young but accomplished African American reporter, to cover the story at the time. And yes, the Capone house still exists. There is a standing agreement that the portrait above the fireplace won't be removed ever by any new buyer. It may be a portrait of Al Capone's mother, is what I recollect, as well as other contingencies of "no changes" to any prospective new owner. The house seemed to change hands often, so who knows if it's haunted or just a freaky place to live.
Re: Local myths of Fontana that are quite real....
good stuff, my mother still lives in Fontana and i lived there for 18 years before i moved. A friend that i went to high school with lived in that house and i dont remember the whole having to leave the picture there and other stuff but i also know that its been ransacked and alot of the stuff inside had been stolen from the property. That also doesnt mean that you're incorrect because your very right about it not keeping any new tenants for very long. Great Job!!
Fontana KKK rally
I remember the KKK rally. It was probably the fall of 1980. I was 13 years old and was going for a jog that morning. I saw a sign that said Ku Klux Klan rally tonight. I knew what it was from school but history wasn't my favorite subject so I was a little confused. I thought maybe I had paid even less attention than I had. I went home told my mom about it and asked her about it. She said yes, that's what it is. I grew up in Fontana and couldn't believe it. I guess I had been sheltered. I had several Hispanic friends but there were only a handful of "blacks" in the whole town. Now I know why. And yes, I remember the black reporter on TV that night. They were burning a cross in the background. You could tell she was nervous but handled it with professionalism. I couldn't believe they would send her into that situation. Guess it was for ratings! I wonder what ever happened to her?
Re: Al Capone in Fontana
The house was never torn down. I live just around the corner from the Capone home. The C is on the chimney on the south side of the home. Some friends of mine living there have added a few things to the large backyard, including a pool that looks like a natural hot spring. They mentioned the secret tunnels found througout the home, but they have been covered up for some time.
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