History of Justin Garza High School in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 7, 2025

Justin Garza High School is a public high school located west of Fresno, California, serving a rural community. It functions as an educational institution for the local student population.

1922: Opening of Central West Campus

The "Central West" campus opened in 1922 and is located at McKinley and Dickenson avenues.

1996: Opening of Central East Campus

The "Central East" campus opened in 1996 and is located at Cornelia and Dakota avenues.

1999: Justin Garza Starts Career at Central High

In 1999, Justin Garza began his career at Central High School as a teacher and assistant coach for football, track, and golf.

2008: Measure B Bond Authorization and Subsequent Reduction Due to Recession

In 2008, voters approved Measure B, which authorized $152 million in bonds for school improvements and new campuses, including a new high school. However, the Great Recession of 2008 led to reduced home values, making the initial funding unsustainable, and the bond amount was reduced to $64.7 million, delaying the high school's design and construction.

2012: Justin Garza Becomes Head Football Coach

In 2012, Justin Garza became the head football coach at Central High School.

2015: Justin Garza's Last Year as Head Football Coach

2015 was Justin Garza's last year as the head football coach at Central High School.

2016: Measure C Reauthorizes Measure B Balance

In 2016, voters passed Measure C, reauthorizing the remaining $87.3 million from the 2008 Measure B, allowing the first phase of construction for the new school to proceed. The project also received California state matching funds.

2017: Death of Justin Garza

Justin Garza died in February of 2017 at the age of 41 after battling Hodgkin lymphoma for six years.

June 29, 2019: Groundbreaking Ceremony

On June 29, 2019, Harris Construction broke ground on the new high school. The ceremony was attended by Congressman Jim Costa, Assemblymen Joaquin Arambula and Jim Patterson, and Fresno City Council members. The construction project was estimated to cost approximately $130 million and take two years.

May 2020: School Board Discusses Naming Options

In May 2020, the school board discussed potential names for the new school. The options considered were naming it after former Central High School coach Justin Garza or using a directional name like Central North.

October 5, 2020: Guardians Mascot and Logo Revealed

On October 5, 2020, Central Unified Superintendent Andrew Alvarado revealed the Guardians mascot and logo for the new school.

October 27, 2020: District Boundaries Discussion and Vote

At an October 27, 2020, board meeting, district boundaries for the new school were discussed and voted upon. Three options were considered: a C-shaped area around Central East, a north/south pattern, and an east/west pattern.

August 11, 2021: School Opening

On August 11, 2021, the school officially opened with the Garza family as honored guests. The school initially served grades 9 and 10.

March 2022: First Musical Performance: In The Heights

In March 2022, Justin Garza High School's performing arts program presented its first organized musical, "In The Heights" by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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2022: Yosef Fares Works with the Atlanta Falcons

In 2022, Yosef Fares was selected to work with the Atlanta Falcons during the season as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, in addition to his duties at the school.