Oct. 15--It seems that Falken Tire, a Japanese tire manufacturer with an operation in Fontana, would receive a fair share of gifts when it recently marked its 100th anniversary. Instead, it was Falken Tire that was doing all the giving.

On the receiving end was the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail of Rancho Cucamonga, who welcomed the $24,000 donation with gratitude and a bit of awe.

At a time when government agencies are cash-strapped and private companies are cutting back, a donation of this size is rather surprising.

"It just blows my mind," said Victoria Jones, president of the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail. "Their generosity is more than anything we could dream of. We were thrilled."

To see what the donation paid for, just head to the popular trail north of Central Park. At the trail near Milliken Avenue, the rest stop with three benches, 10 cherry blossom trees, bike racks and drinking fountains (one for people; one for dogs) has Falken Tire's name all over it.

The gift was part of the company's initiative to support environmentally friendly causes and promote corporate responsibility. The company also has a goal of planting 1 million trees by 2029 and has plans to create an eco-friendly tire.

Joyce Ho, an executive assistant at Falken Tire, said the donation was also an opportunity to help enhance a trail that many of its employees use.

Falken Tire Chief Executive Officer Yasushi Tanaka is known

for being a big fan of the Pacific Electric Trail. Tanaka, who was out of town and not available to comment, walks his dogs on the trail several times a week, according to Ho.

"He almost wanted to water the plants because some were starting to die," Ho said.

Sherri Rich is another Falken Tire employee who frequents the trail regularly. The longtime Rancho Cucamonga resident said the trail is a strong asset to the community and her children use it to get to and from the home of their uncle and grandmother.

"I still run into people from high school on the trail," Rich said.

The Pacific Electric Trail is a treasured amenity for joggers, bikers and equestrians. In this city, it runs parallel with Base Line Road from Amethyst Avenue to the 15 Freeway. The western portion of the trail that will be connected with Upland is not yet finished.

Jones said the rest stop that Falken Tire helped enhance is vital for trail users.

"These trail heads are for everyone's use," Jones said. "For runners, for bikers and anybody on the trail who needs a rest, who needs to tie up their bikes and go to the Community Center to use the facilities."

Falken Tire's donation is expected to be the first of many. The company has pledged a 10-year commitment to the trail and vowed to donate more as the trail nears completion.

wendy.leung@inlandnewspapers.com (909) 483-9376

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