Help Us Preserve the History of the Segna Motel & California Garage - Fontana, California, 1920-1975
Originally located on Historic U.S. Route 99 (13930 Valley Boulevard, Fontana, California) & Calabash Avenue
The Segna's Motel and California Garage, Family bar, Dance Hall, Valley & Calabash below Kaiser Steel - 1920-1975.
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Do you have memories, photos, or artifacts related to the Segna Motel & California Garage?
We are seeking contributions from community members, collectors, and anyone with stories or memorabilia connected to this historic 1920s roadside stop along U.S. Route 99—located halfway between Hollywood and Palm Springs—where Hollywood actors and travelers visited during the 1920s and 1940s. In addition to their roadside motel (motor court) and California Garage, the Segna's also included a family Italian bar, Chevron gas station, gifts, bocce courts, a dance hall, community dances and festivals, as well as catered to Kaiser Steel workers, from check cashing, lodging, to drinks, dance, and food. |
See the Site as It Was Historically
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What We’re Looking For
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Background on the Author & Book
As the author, James DeCarli, the Segna's Motel and California Garage, or more commonly known as "the store" was owned and operated by Domenic (Dom) and Sylvia Segna, my grandparents (Nonni). My mother, as a little girl in the 1940s began collecting autographs when actors from that time period would stop in for gas or refreshment. Overtime, she collected 144 mostly signed photographs from 112 actors from the 1930s and 1940s. My book, Hollywood’s Golden Age-The Segna Collection: Stories Behind Signed Photographs of 112 Actors from the 1930s-40s— Immigration, War, and Resilience." describes her experiences, these actors, and the Hollywood and social influences during that era.
As the author, James DeCarli, the Segna's Motel and California Garage, or more commonly known as "the store" was owned and operated by Domenic (Dom) and Sylvia Segna, my grandparents (Nonni). My mother, as a little girl in the 1940s began collecting autographs when actors from that time period would stop in for gas or refreshment. Overtime, she collected 144 mostly signed photographs from 112 actors from the 1930s and 1940s. My book, Hollywood’s Golden Age-The Segna Collection: Stories Behind Signed Photographs of 112 Actors from the 1930s-40s— Immigration, War, and Resilience." describes her experiences, these actors, and the Hollywood and social influences during that era.
Be Part of the Book!
Your stories and artifacts won’t just help us preserve this important history—with your permission could also be included in the forthcoming book, "Hollywood’s Golden Age-The Segna Collection: Stories Behind Signed Photographs of 112 Actors from the 1930s-40s— Immigration, War, and Resilience." This is a unique opportunity to share your memories and contribute to a published work that highlights this special chapter of California history. If you know of stories of your older relatives who had experiences at the Segna's, we would be honored to invite you to provide a book review as well.
Your stories and artifacts won’t just help us preserve this important history—with your permission could also be included in the forthcoming book, "Hollywood’s Golden Age-The Segna Collection: Stories Behind Signed Photographs of 112 Actors from the 1930s-40s— Immigration, War, and Resilience." This is a unique opportunity to share your memories and contribute to a published work that highlights this special chapter of California history. If you know of stories of your older relatives who had experiences at the Segna's, we would be honored to invite you to provide a book review as well.
How to Share Your Memories
Please email us for questions and information
Include:
Please email us for questions and information
Include:
- A brief description of your item or story
- Your contact info (optional)
- Attachments or links to images/files
(Optional: Embed submission form or link)
Your Privacy & Use of Contributions
We respect your privacy. Contributions may be used for research, publication, or display purposes to help preserve and share the history of the Segna Motel & California Garage. Credit will be given whenever possible.
We respect your privacy. Contributions may be used for research, publication, or display purposes to help preserve and share the history of the Segna Motel & California Garage. Credit will be given whenever possible.
Join Us in Preserving California & Hollywood History
Your participation helps keep alive the stories of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the local history of Route 99’s iconic stops. Thank you for sharing your memories and treasures — your stories will be part of a book that celebrates this rich legacy!
Your participation helps keep alive the stories of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the local history of Route 99’s iconic stops. Thank you for sharing your memories and treasures — your stories will be part of a book that celebrates this rich legacy!
Thank You!
Your participation helps preserve this special piece of California and Hollywood history. Together, we can keep the stories, artifacts, and legacy of the Segna Motel & California Garage alive for future generations—both through this upcoming book and the information shared with the Fontana Historical Society.
Your participation helps preserve this special piece of California and Hollywood history. Together, we can keep the stories, artifacts, and legacy of the Segna Motel & California Garage alive for future generations—both through this upcoming book and the information shared with the Fontana Historical Society.
Learn About The Book
Hollywood's Golden Age: The Segna Collection (Home)
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James DeCarli
Author
Author
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© James DeCarli 2025-2026 All Rights Reserved
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