Giving Tuesday
Our Mission
Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the role of the Pacific Electric Trail by promoting healthy living and active lifestyles in the region.
We envision a regional trail system from the mountains to the sea that fosters a thriving and interconnected community.
We envision a regional trail system from the mountains to the sea that fosters a thriving and interconnected community.
Who are the Friends
Victoria Jones
Victoria Jones is the Community Outreach Director and past President of the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail.
She is a California native and passionate civic activist. She has directed over a decade of community events such as running and biking gatherings, trail counts, and educational workshops with other organizations promoting healthy lifestyles and active living.
Under her direction, the Friends developed the Trail Enhancement Program along with the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the goal of which was to usher in private and corporate sponsorship of trial heads, tree plantings, benches, and water fountains along the Pacific Electric Trail for all in the community to enjoy.
She has mentored interns from the Claremont Graduate University and the Robert Woods Johnson Fellowship on strategic planning and goal setting. She has successfully written and administered grants for pre-school age children for “Story time on the Trail” to teach trail use and safety skills. She also coordinated with the RC Sheriffs to install “WE TIP” signage along the PETrail.
She is a founding member of Healthy RC Steering Committee since its’ inception in 2008 that works to improve the health of the community through farmers markets, community gardens, healthy choices in vending machines, resources for both physical and mental health, while promoting pedestrian and cycling enhancement through the complete streets’ movement.
Under her direction, the Friends developed the Trail Enhancement Program along with the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the goal of which was to usher in private and corporate sponsorship of trial heads, tree plantings, benches, and water fountains along the Pacific Electric Trail for all in the community to enjoy.
She has mentored interns from the Claremont Graduate University and the Robert Woods Johnson Fellowship on strategic planning and goal setting. She has successfully written and administered grants for pre-school age children for “Story time on the Trail” to teach trail use and safety skills. She also coordinated with the RC Sheriffs to install “WE TIP” signage along the PETrail.
She is a founding member of Healthy RC Steering Committee since its’ inception in 2008 that works to improve the health of the community through farmers markets, community gardens, healthy choices in vending machines, resources for both physical and mental health, while promoting pedestrian and cycling enhancement through the complete streets’ movement.
For these efforts she has received various rewards from the city of Rancho Cucamonga for her leadership and community involvement, most recently the “Community Hero of 2015” at the Los Angeles County Fair, and “Community Champion” from the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) District XI 2018.
Victoria Jones was selected as Rancho Cucamonga’s Adult Community Hero. She is dedicated to improving public health and awareness. She’s a supporter of the Rancho Cucamonga City Health Services. Jones also serves as commissioner on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission and is currently president of the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail.
(Read Story Here)
(Read Story Here)
She has served as a Rancho Cucamonga Parks and Recreation Commissioner from 2014 – 2017. During that time, she acted as Project Manager for the 100-year Anniversary celebration for the historic Etiwanda Pacific Electric Train Depot , and spear-headed the movement to preserve and restore the Depot for generations to come.
It’s very important to keep things like this alive, because pretty soon, the next generation, would take a look at that building and say, well that building didn’t mean anything to me,” said Bob Curtis of Etiwanda, who was instrumental in bringing attention to the need to preserve the property as the first president of the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail.
“It’s very important for me to preserve what we already have.”
(Read Story Here)
(Watch Segment Here)
Some of these collaborations have been with Fire Departments for securing the structure, community gatherings for clean up events, and photo shoots for promotional use.
Recently she has been featured on the Inside – Out art project at the RETREAT new residential development in RC. Also has recently appeared on KCAA 106.5 FM Viewpoint with Father John Reid to promote the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail. The Friends of the PETrail have been honored by San Bernardino County Supervisor 9th District as “Hometown Heros”.
Some of these collaborations have been with Fire Departments for securing the structure, community gatherings for clean up events, and photo shoots for promotional use.
Recently she has been featured on the Inside – Out art project at the RETREAT new residential development in RC. Also has recently appeared on KCAA 106.5 FM Viewpoint with Father John Reid to promote the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail. The Friends of the PETrail have been honored by San Bernardino County Supervisor 9th District as “Hometown Heros”.
Dennis Jones
Dennis grew up in the mid-West and was always impressed with the numerous Rails to Trails projects that connected communities to the country-side.
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As an avid cyclist riding with the thousands of others before the LA Marathon for over 16 years, and by bicycle 22 miles daily for several years, Dennis brings his passion of cycling and a keen understanding of Active Transportation on our city streets Dennis knows the benefit of overall wellness when you combine “fun and fitness” to the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail as our President.
His commitment to the community combined with his compassion and management skills are a winning combination. He developed the route for our first fundraising event in the 2005: Poker Ride which eventually grew into the PE Challenge running and cycling event over 14 years. |
Sadly, the demands on our performance to provide a great user experience increased each year as our support base of volunteers decreased, making it necessary to put our annual PE Challenge community event on hiatus until our volunteer base increases. Become a Volunteer Today!
Throughout the years, Dennis has helped plant donated trees on the PE Trail in Rancho Cucamonga with CalFire, collaborated with the Sheriff’s department on “We-Tip” signage on the PE Trail, collaborated with local bike shops to provide a “Day on the Trail” to offer free brake check-ups while engaging with trail users, built Bike Rodeo activity ramps for Safe Routes to School programs, and applies his time management skills to hosting and managing our community events.
Together We Are : The Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail
The Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail is a 501(3) c organization committed to healthy living and active lifestyles in the Inland Empire. This community based organization was created in 2005 to help raise awareness of the development of the abandoned Pacific Electric Railway into a regional non-motorized walking and cycling trail. The city of Rancho Cucamonga included the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail to participate and provide input in design and future trail amenities.
Rancho Cucamonga was the lead agency along with the cities of Montclair, Upland, Fontana and Rialto to connect the 21 mile regional trail corridor in the Inland Empire. The Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail participated in each phase of the project and help raise awareness through community outreach of the benefits of this new amenity for the community. They are a strong community partner contributing to the Healthy cities initiative – Healthy RC since its conception in 2008.
Rancho Cucamonga was the lead agency along with the cities of Montclair, Upland, Fontana and Rialto to connect the 21 mile regional trail corridor in the Inland Empire. The Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail participated in each phase of the project and help raise awareness through community outreach of the benefits of this new amenity for the community. They are a strong community partner contributing to the Healthy cities initiative – Healthy RC since its conception in 2008.
A DAY ON THE TRAIL TO CELEBRATE SPRING
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What better way to celebrate the beginning of Spring than spending Sunday morning with our longtime partners at Cyclery USA on the Pacific Electric Trail at Central Park. #VisitRancho
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Suffering in Silence
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None of us have any real control over these current events, but kids feel the lack of control even more acutely than most.
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FITNESS COURT ARRIVES IN RANCHO CUCAMONGA
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One of the most popular amenities in the Inland Empire is the 21-mile Regional Pacific Electric Trail that spans five cities: Montclair, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Rialto. #VisitRancho
Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
California's Oldest Winery
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The original winery has been reinvented numerous times over 182 years to serve the community in a variety of ways such as a restaurant, coffee shop and a wine tasting room. #VisitRancho
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ETIWANDA PACIFIC ELECTRIC DEPOT along the Regional Pacific Electric Trail
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The Pacific Electric Railway Company, nicknamed the Red Cars, was a privately owned mass transit system in Southern California consisting of electrically powered streetcars, interurban cars, and buses and was the largest electric railway system in the world in the 1920s. #VisitRancho
Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
A Life Outdoors is a Life Well-Lived
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At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) they believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived. Since 1938, they have been your local PREMIER outdoor co-op, working to help you experience the transformational power of nature. #VisitRancho
Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
MARKS BICYCLE WATCHES OVER THE PE TRAIL
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Marks Bicycles is the place to go for bike repair and of course, he offers an array of new bikes to select from if you’re in the market for a new ride. #VisitRancho
Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
Discover The Day Creek Trailhead
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The tradition of amenities along the PACIFIC ELECTRIC TRAIL help increase the user experience, whether you are walking your dog, commuting, rollerblading, running or cycling. #VisitRancho https://tinyurl.com/yycgo7fp
Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
Remembering the Alta Loma Packing House
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The Alta Loma Packing House was built in 1926 and is one of the few remaining remnants of Cucamonga’s rich citrus and wine industry. #VisitRancho https://tinyurl.com/y3h2z92h Read Our Blog here Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Watch this Episode of the Tales from the Trail here |
Early Etiwanda Welcomes Chaffey Garcia House
Our first visit is to the historic SYCAMORE INN
COVID-19 TOOK THE WORLD BY SURPRISE
Make Healthy Living Second Nature
E-Bikes are changing the landscape of Cycling
STAY IN YOUR LANE
AFFECTS OF EXTENDED ISOLATION
Recognizing Mindfulness Daily
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The world-wide pandemic has forced us to isolate from our friends and family when we need each other the most. Accepting that painful separation can be a daily challenge. We have had to embrace the limitations of not visiting our loved ones in the hospital and be left with just a phone call or face time to stay connected.
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UPLAND APPROVES TWO NEW PARKS
Tour de France welcomes First Native American racer in 117 years
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVING THE MELROSE DISTRICT
HISTORIACL TRENDSETTERS WORE DRESSES AND RODE BIKES
VOLUNTEER HEARTBEAT
CAN A PLANT-BASED DIET IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?
THE GREAT AMERICAN BIKE BOOM
Local Storytellers
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“There once was an Indian village on this very site: Kuukaamonga that sustained a village with abundant hunting and year-round water from Cucamonga Creek.” “Led by Captain Juan Batista de Anza, Spanish Conquistadors arrived in this area in 1774 and were invited by the local tribe to rest at the oasis of plentiful water in thick groves of cottonwoods, willow and giant sycamore trees.”
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ROUTE 66 TRAIL-HEAD MONUMENT
Trail Safety 101
COVID-19 PANDEMIC – THE LEARNING CONTINUES
TRADITION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
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This Independence Day 2020 has given us a space for reflection of the freedoms we so deeply treasure. Fireworks may be the public demonstration of this national holiday, but they are not a requirement. We will have much to look forward to next year when we are finally passed the health crisis and truly have something to collectively celebrate.
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The Human Condition Amidst a Pandemic
#TogetherCovid19
We are all in a state of distress. Our sense of security and our base of emotional well being are as much a victim of the Covid 19 virus as the stricken person confined to the hospital bed. Even though only a fraction of the population are afflicted, we are all suffering and sheltering in fear. This is beyond politics, finances, social standing, or geographic location...
We are all in a state of distress. Our sense of security and our base of emotional well being are as much a victim of the Covid 19 virus as the stricken person confined to the hospital bed. Even though only a fraction of the population are afflicted, we are all suffering and sheltering in fear. This is beyond politics, finances, social standing, or geographic location...
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
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Create a plan that provides long-term benefits to your health and set realistic goals that include exercise, to boost your physical and mental health.
Consider for the first week... #TogetherCovid19 |
