In Southern California, One Last Strawberry Harvest on Route 66

Three generations of Nicolsons have grown strawberries on this roughly 9-acre patch of land along Route 66.

Kyle Nicolson stands among strawberry plants on his farm on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, June 3, 2025. E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/TNS

By Jonathan Bullington Chicago Tribune

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.—The tank weighing down the back of Kyle Nicolson’s truck holds a mixture of water, nutrients, and fertilizer concocted through years of tinkering, first by his grandfather, then his dad, his uncle, and his cousins.