This box brings together a visual chronicle of our community over the past quarter century. Through images of local events, familiar places, and moments that reflect our cultural identity, the collection tells the evolving story of Fremont from 2000 to today. Each photograph captures not only what we’ve seen, but also who we are — a community shaped by change, diversity, and shared experiences. Together, these images invite us to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate what makes us unique, and imagine the Fremont we are still creating.
Map of Fremont, Newark, Union City and Vicinity
California State Automobile Association
Dated: 2000
(used as background on this box)
California State Automobile Association
Dated: 2000
(used as background on this box)
Rancho Campfire
Dianne Holmes, Education Director for the Washington Township Museum of Local History explores the history of the rancho era with 4th grade students, parents and teachers at Rancho Higuera Historical Park, 47300 Rancho Higuera Road in Fremont. (2017)
Dianne Holmes, Education Director for the Washington Township Museum of Local History explores the history of the rancho era with 4th grade students, parents and teachers at Rancho Higuera Historical Park, 47300 Rancho Higuera Road in Fremont. (2017)
Photo courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History
Mexican Dancers
Ballet Folklorico dancers from Newark Elementary Schools joined us for Family Day at the Rancho. The day was filled with traditional Mexican music and Folklorico dancing, as well as Mexican food, games, activities, and a piñata for children. There were also tours of the adobe, a video of the history and restoration of the adobe, and displays, including Ohlone, Mexican, Portuguese, & American families that lived here, plus Rattlesnake Roger with his authentic spurs and chaps of the period. (2018)
Ballet Folklorico dancers from Newark Elementary Schools joined us for Family Day at the Rancho. The day was filled with traditional Mexican music and Folklorico dancing, as well as Mexican food, games, activities, and a piñata for children. There were also tours of the adobe, a video of the history and restoration of the adobe, and displays, including Ohlone, Mexican, Portuguese, & American families that lived here, plus Rattlesnake Roger with his authentic spurs and chaps of the period. (2018)
Photo courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History
Parade
July 4th Parade in Warm Springs, featuring the American High School marching band. (2009)
July 4th Parade in Warm Springs, featuring the American High School marching band. (2009)
Photo courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History
Lake Elizabeth Aerial
Aerial photo of Lake Elizabeth, taken on July 4th, as part of the 4th of July Porch Parade. (2020)
Aerial photo of Lake Elizabeth, taken on July 4th, as part of the 4th of July Porch Parade. (2020)
Photo courtesy of Washington Township Museum of Local History, Photographer: Dan Strauss
Aqua Adventure Waterpark
Get set to get wet! Aqua Adventure is a 3-acre family-oriented waterpark located on beautiful Lake Elizabeth/Central Park; owned and operated by the City of Fremont. A 4-story tower leads to 4 twisting waterslides and other attractions include Lazy River, tots play area, spray ground, and a swimming pool. Open May to Septmeber, the venue is open to the public, and also available for parties, family reunions, and special events.
Get set to get wet! Aqua Adventure is a 3-acre family-oriented waterpark located on beautiful Lake Elizabeth/Central Park; owned and operated by the City of Fremont. A 4-story tower leads to 4 twisting waterslides and other attractions include Lazy River, tots play area, spray ground, and a swimming pool. Open May to Septmeber, the venue is open to the public, and also available for parties, family reunions, and special events.
Photo courtesy of Aqua Adventure
Flying A Gas Station in Niles
Originally purchased from the railroad in 1938, this was the Solon Brothers Gas Station and Diner. This landmark at the entrance to Niles welcomes visitors to a destination dedicated to the history and car culture of the town. The Flying A is both a museum and event space.
Originally purchased from the railroad in 1938, this was the Solon Brothers Gas Station and Diner. This landmark at the entrance to Niles welcomes visitors to a destination dedicated to the history and car culture of the town. The Flying A is both a museum and event space.
Photo courtesy of Keith Westra
Warm Springs BART
Warm Springs/South Fremont station is a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station located in the Warm Springs district. The station is served by the Orange and Green lines. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in September of 2009, construction began in 2011, and the station ultimately opened on March 25, 2017. The conceptual design of the station was by local architect Robin Chiang, with final design by HNTB, and Catherine Widgery’s “Sky Cycles” artwork in the entrance rotunda.
Warm Springs/South Fremont station is a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station located in the Warm Springs district. The station is served by the Orange and Green lines. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in September of 2009, construction began in 2011, and the station ultimately opened on March 25, 2017. The conceptual design of the station was by local architect Robin Chiang, with final design by HNTB, and Catherine Widgery’s “Sky Cycles” artwork in the entrance rotunda.
Photo courtesy of Susan Longini
Ohlone Crowd at Building Dedication
Ohlone College is a public community college, a member of the California Community College System, with its main campus in Fremont and a second campus in Newark. The Ohlone Community College District serves Fremont, Newark, and parts of Union City, offering over 60 associate degree programs leading to university transfer or careers and over 100 vocational certificate programs that provide job skill training. The campus was established in 1965, and was named in 1967 in honor of the Ohlone people, whose unceded lands include much of the surrounding area. It has seen major growth and expansion over recent years, with new, state-of-the art centers being created for various departments.
Ohlone College is a public community college, a member of the California Community College System, with its main campus in Fremont and a second campus in Newark. The Ohlone Community College District serves Fremont, Newark, and parts of Union City, offering over 60 associate degree programs leading to university transfer or careers and over 100 vocational certificate programs that provide job skill training. The campus was established in 1965, and was named in 1967 in honor of the Ohlone people, whose unceded lands include much of the surrounding area. It has seen major growth and expansion over recent years, with new, state-of-the art centers being created for various departments.
Photo courtesy of Ohlone College
Tolman Apartments Mural
Mural painted by Nora Bruhn, who paints large-scale murals of flowers cast in dramatic lighting. She emphasizes the texture, transparency, and contour of each petal; laboring over every color and representing each hue she finds. Her compositions accentuate the most compelling aspects of the flower, offering viewers a captivating and immersive experience.
Mural painted by Nora Bruhn, who paints large-scale murals of flowers cast in dramatic lighting. She emphasizes the texture, transparency, and contour of each petal; laboring over every color and representing each hue she finds. Her compositions accentuate the most compelling aspects of the flower, offering viewers a captivating and immersive experience.
Photo courtesy of Susan Longini
Dale Hardware Sign
Two life-like hard-hatted workmen struggle with difficult projects at the entrance to the Dale Hardware store, one hanging onto the Dale sign as his ladder slips away and the other is stooping under a heavy or tipping load. The load carried by the stooping figure can be changed to reflect the seasons, which adds even more interest to this eye-catching multi-media installation, whose title is Men at Work. This sculpture is from the studio of Mario Chiodo.
Two life-like hard-hatted workmen struggle with difficult projects at the entrance to the Dale Hardware store, one hanging onto the Dale sign as his ladder slips away and the other is stooping under a heavy or tipping load. The load carried by the stooping figure can be changed to reflect the seasons, which adds even more interest to this eye-catching multi-media installation, whose title is Men at Work. This sculpture is from the studio of Mario Chiodo.
HERS Breast Cancer Foundation Annual 5K/10K Walk/Run/Yoga Event
Funds raised at this event help sustain patient assistance programs so that low income, under-insured and uninsured individuals can access post-surgical products and services that help them heal physically and emotionally. This feel-great event is also a wonderful opportunity for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones to celebrate life and remember and honor those who have battled breast cancer.
Funds raised at this event help sustain patient assistance programs so that low income, under-insured and uninsured individuals can access post-surgical products and services that help them heal physically and emotionally. This feel-great event is also a wonderful opportunity for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones to celebrate life and remember and honor those who have battled breast cancer.
Photo courtesy of Ramil Sumalpong, Iconic Lab
Primavera Century Bike Race
The Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club’s annual century bike ride (with options for 101 miles, 62 miles, or 28 miles) occurs annually in April. The race starts and ends at Ohlone College in Mission San Jose.
The Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club’s annual century bike ride (with options for 101 miles, 62 miles, or 28 miles) occurs annually in April. The race starts and ends at Ohlone College in Mission San Jose.
Photo courtesy of Carl La Rue
Holi
Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. Holi originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of the world. Multiple Holi activities and celebrations occur in Fremont, celebrating the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season.
Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. Holi originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of the world. Multiple Holi activities and celebrations occur in Fremont, celebrating the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season.
Photo courtesy of Keith Westra
Charlie Chaplin at Niles Canyon Railway
For the weekend of May 17 and 18, 2025, Niles Canyon Railway operated their weekend excursions out of the Niles Station in celebration of Charlie Chaplin Days in Niles, the location of early silent film production by Chaplin and Broncho Billy in the 1910s. Riders noticed a familiar face in the crowd, the man of the weekend, Charlie Chaplin himself!
For the weekend of May 17 and 18, 2025, Niles Canyon Railway operated their weekend excursions out of the Niles Station in celebration of Charlie Chaplin Days in Niles, the location of early silent film production by Chaplin and Broncho Billy in the 1910s. Riders noticed a familiar face in the crowd, the man of the weekend, Charlie Chaplin himself!
Photo courtesy of Christopher Hauf
Friday Night Street Eats
Friday Night Street Eats is a weekly food truck event held at the Fremont Downtown Event Center every Friday from May through October. In addition to food trucks, wine and hard ciders/seltzers are available. Different Fremont Chamber members are featured at the Member Market each week, there are drawings and prizes, live entertainment, and all tips raised from bar sales are donated to a local nonprofit.
Friday Night Street Eats is a weekly food truck event held at the Fremont Downtown Event Center every Friday from May through October. In addition to food trucks, wine and hard ciders/seltzers are available. Different Fremont Chamber members are featured at the Member Market each week, there are drawings and prizes, live entertainment, and all tips raised from bar sales are donated to a local nonprofit.
Photo courtesy of Napoleon Batalao
Fremont Festival of the Arts
The Fremont Festival is the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi. It attracts over 150,000 people annually, with activities and entertainment for the entire family. Featuring hundreds of Art & Craft booths, unique services and deals in the Business Marketplace, artisanal food sales in the Gourmet Marketplace, food booths benefiting nonprofit organizations, beer and wine in branded cups, music, street performers, and Kid City — rides, games and live performances just for the young ones!
The Fremont Festival is the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi. It attracts over 150,000 people annually, with activities and entertainment for the entire family. Featuring hundreds of Art & Craft booths, unique services and deals in the Business Marketplace, artisanal food sales in the Gourmet Marketplace, food booths benefiting nonprofit organizations, beer and wine in branded cups, music, street performers, and Kid City — rides, games and live performances just for the young ones!
Photo courtesy of Napoleon Batalao
Fremont Skatepark
The Fremont Skate Park is approximately an acre in size, located adjacent to the Aqua Adventure Waterpark in Central Park on Paseo Padre Parkway. The park includes street course and bowl features, and many other features. The Fremont Skate Park was designed by nationally acclaimed skate park designer Wormhoudt, Inc. Pictured here is Dylan Meikle; photo taken by Todd Fuller. (2015)
The Fremont Skate Park is approximately an acre in size, located adjacent to the Aqua Adventure Waterpark in Central Park on Paseo Padre Parkway. The park includes street course and bowl features, and many other features. The Fremont Skate Park was designed by nationally acclaimed skate park designer Wormhoudt, Inc. Pictured here is Dylan Meikle; photo taken by Todd Fuller. (2015)
Photo courtesy of Anthony Camello
Fremont 50th Birthday Celebration 2006
The City of Fremont sponsored a 2-year celebratory program to commemorate 50 years since incorporation on January 23, 1956. Events kicked off with a festive Gala in early 2005, featuring dinner, entertainment, and this ice sculpture. The program continued through the large “Celebrate Fremont at the Park” event in Central Park, on September 9 and 10, 2006. Approximately 80,000 Fremont residents took part in the largest party ever put on in the park. The celebration began with the first-of-its-kind event, entitled Hands Around the Lake. Approximately 2,700 people, a majority wearing commemorative orange T-shirts, ringed the shoreline of Lake Elizabeth and joined hands in a display of unity. This event is featured on the Utility Towers at Paseo Padre Pkwy. @ Walnut Ave., and Capitol Ave. @ Fremont Blvd.
The City of Fremont sponsored a 2-year celebratory program to commemorate 50 years since incorporation on January 23, 1956. Events kicked off with a festive Gala in early 2005, featuring dinner, entertainment, and this ice sculpture. The program continued through the large “Celebrate Fremont at the Park” event in Central Park, on September 9 and 10, 2006. Approximately 80,000 Fremont residents took part in the largest party ever put on in the park. The celebration began with the first-of-its-kind event, entitled Hands Around the Lake. Approximately 2,700 people, a majority wearing commemorative orange T-shirts, ringed the shoreline of Lake Elizabeth and joined hands in a display of unity. This event is featured on the Utility Towers at Paseo Padre Pkwy. @ Walnut Ave., and Capitol Ave. @ Fremont Blvd.
Photo courtesy of Fremont Bulletin
Fremont Pride Fair
The Fremont Main Library and the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission (Human Services Department) started hosting the Fremont Pride Fair in 2024. Residents were able to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community, stroll the fair to connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations, community resources, and vendors, partake in fair food, dance, enjoy entertainment including storytime and film screenings, and connect with other community members.
The Fremont Main Library and the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission (Human Services Department) started hosting the Fremont Pride Fair in 2024. Residents were able to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community, stroll the fair to connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations, community resources, and vendors, partake in fair food, dance, enjoy entertainment including storytime and film screenings, and connect with other community members.
Photo courtesy of Todd Isaacson
Dusterberry Mural
This plaque is displayed at the mural.
This plaque is displayed at the mural.
Photo courtesy of Herb Chiu
Fourth of July After-Party
This event was initiated by the Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition, to occur immediately after the annual downtown Fourth of July Parade, providing attendees an additional activity for the day. This fun, family-oriented festival at the Downtown Event Center featured nonprofit booths to share organization information, games and activities for kids, food trucks, music and DJ, as well as performances by local performing arts groups and organizations.
This event was initiated by the Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition, to occur immediately after the annual downtown Fourth of July Parade, providing attendees an additional activity for the day. This fun, family-oriented festival at the Downtown Event Center featured nonprofit booths to share organization information, games and activities for kids, food trucks, music and DJ, as well as performances by local performing arts groups and organizations.
Photo courtesy of Scott Capen
BollyX
BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with the hottest music from around the world. At the very core of a BollyX workout is the inspiration it draws from the music and dance of Bollywood, the film industry of India. The group embodies the infectious energy, expression and movement of Bollywood and aims to expand the reach of fitness to more people worldwide. Local BollyX instructors have led outdoor performances and lessons to engage attendees at events such as Fremont Creates, a celebration of April’s Art, Culture, and Creativity Month, observed throughout California.
BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with the hottest music from around the world. At the very core of a BollyX workout is the inspiration it draws from the music and dance of Bollywood, the film industry of India. The group embodies the infectious energy, expression and movement of Bollywood and aims to expand the reach of fitness to more people worldwide. Local BollyX instructors have led outdoor performances and lessons to engage attendees at events such as Fremont Creates, a celebration of April’s Art, Culture, and Creativity Month, observed throughout California.
Photo courtesy of Scott Capen
Tesla Factory
The Fremont Tesla factory is one of the largest manufacturing sites in California. The factory originally opened as General Motors’ Fremont Assembly in 1962, and then was operated by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), a joint venture of GM and Toyota from 1984. The joint venture ended when GM entered bankruptcy in 2009. In 2010, Tesla purchased the plant, which is the only production site for the Model S and Model X and also produces the Model 3, and Model Y.
The Fremont Tesla factory is one of the largest manufacturing sites in California. The factory originally opened as General Motors’ Fremont Assembly in 1962, and then was operated by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), a joint venture of GM and Toyota from 1984. The joint venture ended when GM entered bankruptcy in 2009. In 2010, Tesla purchased the plant, which is the only production site for the Model S and Model X and also produces the Model 3, and Model Y.
Photo courtesy of Susan Longini
Repentance Prayer Community Smile Dance Team
The RPC Smile Dance Team’s repertoire consists of a range of ethnic and folk dances from different historical and geographical backgrounds of East Asia.
The RPC Smile Dance Team’s repertoire consists of a range of ethnic and folk dances from different historical and geographical backgrounds of East Asia.
Photo courtesy of Scott Capen
Wadaiko Taiko Drummers
Wadaiko Newark is a Taiko group formed in cooperation with the Newark Unified School District and offers classes for children and adults. Wadaiko is the Japanese term for the traditional style of drumming known in the Western world as Taiko. It is the playing of traditional Japanese rhythms on traditional-style drums. Playing the Taiko brings us a sense of oneness, harmony, and interdependence, not only with the drum but also with fellow players. The Wadaiko group performs at various events in the Tri-City area, including this performance at Fremont Creates.
Wadaiko Newark is a Taiko group formed in cooperation with the Newark Unified School District and offers classes for children and adults. Wadaiko is the Japanese term for the traditional style of drumming known in the Western world as Taiko. It is the playing of traditional Japanese rhythms on traditional-style drums. Playing the Taiko brings us a sense of oneness, harmony, and interdependence, not only with the drum but also with fellow players. The Wadaiko group performs at various events in the Tri-City area, including this performance at Fremont Creates.
Photo courtesy of Scott Capen
New Downtown Groundbreaking Ceremony 2016
Bordered by Mowry Avenue to the north, Walnut Avenue to the south, Paseo Padre Parkway to the east, and Fremont Boulevard to the west, Fremont’s new Downtown is a 110-acre area that serves as a central gathering hub for the entire Fremont community as a place to live, work, and play. The Downtown Community Plan published in 2012 provides the framework for the Downtown District; and is encompassed by the broader 430-acre City Center Community Plan area. Downtown Fremont benefits from its close proximity to the Fremont BART station, as well as being straddled by the Fremont Hub, Gateway Plaza, and Fremont Plaza shopping centers. The City has made substantial investments in creating a walkable environment with pedestrian connections to the nearby BART station. The area includes retailers, small businesses, the Downtown Event Center and Plaza, living spaces, and medical providers.
Bordered by Mowry Avenue to the north, Walnut Avenue to the south, Paseo Padre Parkway to the east, and Fremont Boulevard to the west, Fremont’s new Downtown is a 110-acre area that serves as a central gathering hub for the entire Fremont community as a place to live, work, and play. The Downtown Community Plan published in 2012 provides the framework for the Downtown District; and is encompassed by the broader 430-acre City Center Community Plan area. Downtown Fremont benefits from its close proximity to the Fremont BART station, as well as being straddled by the Fremont Hub, Gateway Plaza, and Fremont Plaza shopping centers. The City has made substantial investments in creating a walkable environment with pedestrian connections to the nearby BART station. The area includes retailers, small businesses, the Downtown Event Center and Plaza, living spaces, and medical providers.
