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Etiwanda Historical Society reports record attendance, seeks members and funding support
Summary
Representatives of the Etiwanda Historical Society told the council they hosted nearly 4,300 visitors in 2025, ran multiple events including three weddings, completed a major roof repair with county and city assistance, and are seeking membership growth and sustainable fundraising to continue preservation work.
Representatives of the Etiwanda Historical Society presented an annual report to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council highlighting a busy year of events, volunteer work and property upkeep.
Flavio Nunez introduced Tony Gonzalez and Ronnie (Roddy) Dawson, who described the society's stewardship of two city-owned historic properties (the JP Garcia/Chaffee Garcia House and the Chaffee Isle House on Etiwanda Avenue). Gonzalez said the society hosted nearly 4,300 guests in 2025, held three weddings and accompanying receptions, and organized community events such as a Sleepy Hollow celebration. He said the society has 28 active volunteers and is currently managing eight improvement projects, including completing a major roof repair that relied on a San Bernardino County grant and city contributions.
Council members thanked the society for their work and asked whether fundraising and membership levels were sufficient to sustain operations. Ronnie Dawson said fundraising and volunteer recruitment are obstacles: the society raised substantial support for the roof project via a county grant and city assistance, but volunteer capacity and long-term funding remain concerns. Gonzalez said the group is focusing on membership outreach, reviving its newsletter and exploring options for more formal event staffing if volunteer levels cannot be sustained.
Council members expressed appreciation and encouraged continued outreach. Society representatives and staff made themselves available for follow-up questions after the presentation.
