1980's
El Sereno's Annual Fourth of July Parade (29 Consecutive Years)
El Sereno residents lined both sides of Eastern Avenue, as that community kicked off the Fourth of July celebration with a parade. A number of celebrities and dignitaries were on hand, July 2, 1983. (LAPL)
Post Office Workers Demonstrate Against Too Many Unrestrained Dogs
El Sereno has been known as a dog-loving community. But apparently, back in the 80's someone was training the dogs to go after our mail men/women. It could also be that some residents forgot to secure their canines and these animals were just doing what comes natural: defending their territory and owners property. Either way, it got so out of hand that the mail-service workers needed to show us just how big the problem was. As for El Sereno today, dogs are still very popular.
Postal Workers
Postal workers who marched in protest of unrestrained dogs, some of which resulted in dog bites, pass one such dog atop a balcony on Eastern between El Sereno Park, and nearby post office. They encountered a few other dogs along their march. [LAPL]
Richard Nelson
Richard Nelson, a letter carrier for 5 years, and whom dogs have bitten twice, shows his scars at a rally and protest that postal workers held in El Sereno. Photograph dated August 20, 1989.
About 100 postal workers came to rally and march from El Sereno Park to nearby post office to show the problem they're having with dog bites while they deliver the mail. Several carriers have suffered bites. This group is from the El Sereno area. Photograph [LAPL]
2000's
El Sereno's Elephant Hills
From the First Battle to Hills/Land Set Aside
While we have shared some information about Elephant Hills and the fight to save the Hills from Developers, we truly do no justice to this long and hard-fought battles. These battles to save Elephant Hills were waged by ordinary, yet determined, residents against seemingly unbeatable multi-partnership corporations. Yet, as often is the case, when the community is able to unite, the seemingly unbeatable get beat. We would like to share with you a few websites and blogs from which you can read everything and anything that has to do with Elephant Hills. We would like to share a little history about Elephant Hills, courtesy of http://www.saveelephanthills.blogspot.com/. This well written and informative introduction about what is Elephant Hills and why its so important to save it will inform you and allow you to understand what has been done and what still needs to be done in order to save this precious open space. We recommend you explore and read the other informative post available on these blogs and websites.
Much needs to be said about those dedicated members of our community, as well as those in general who unselfishly dedicated their time and effort to make sure El Sereno's beautiful open landscape remains that way. The El Sereno Historical Society extends their thanks and appreciation to these men and women; it's truly inspiring to see just how much can be achieved by those few who take on the responsibility of helping their community of El Sereno.
BELOW: History about Elephant Hills, courtesy of http://www.saveelephanthills.blogspot.com/.
Thursday
3/15/07 Early Elephant Hills and how they survived
Labels: 3/15/07 Start Here: Pre-Historic Elephant Hills
Pre-historic Elephant Hills or The Land That Some Forgot
Chapter 1
It all started way back in the early 1900's when every city in the US so far was developed around a grid type system of streets and roads, Los Angeles was no exception, our nearsighted city planners were content with the standard method of laying out their city (platting) with a checkerboard of streets at right angles to each other paying no attention to the topography of the land they were platting over the top of, after all, Los Angeles looks as flat as Topeka Kansas on a map.
The result was a system of streets that in some hilly locations was as useless as a squirt gun at a forest fire leaving select areas nearly impossible to develop. Over time most of these areas have been exploited by developers using innovative methods of hillside building and creative zoning variances (Google 'California mudslide' or 'La Conchita' or 'Eaton Crest' for examples) very few were left undeveloped and by the early 80's only a handful of topographically challenged sites remained, Elephant Hills is one of these sites.
In 1978 when some rocket scientist decided that it would be a good thing to take this giant plot of undeveloped rolling hillsides affectionately known by locals as Elephant Hills "a.k.a. The Heavens"-- (note the 'S' these are hills, a range of them not one single, but a group of, hillS) and build condo's on them, the housing market was about to explode and venture capitalists across the ocean piled their money in stacks of hundreds of thousands and proceeded to make the first run at decimating the most precious natural resource Northeast Los Angeles has ever known, it's limited (even then) open space. The attempt was squashed almost before it got off the ground.
The history of ownership and finding out who owned the parcels then finding where that person was, was a huge task. Remember each parcel had to be individually identified by parcel number then a written request for each one had to be submitted to the county assessor who then took anywhere from 3 to 18 weeks to return the results of their microfilm records search.
If you were able to track the owners down you had to then convince them to sell their land. Life was more difficult for everyone before the advent of the computer. The overseas investors lost a bundle on the failed first attempt but their effort was just the beginning and sparked interest in the area and soon the man would be back, this time he would bring the CRA with him and boy, what a ride it was, The 65 million dollar Snyder-Allatorre blunder on the hill...coming soon.
Posted by MusicUCanSee at 1:26 PM
Other Websites/Blogs we recommend about Elephant Hills:
Save Elephant Hill Blog-spot: Babckground-Elephant Hills History
EGPN NEWS.com
NELA Lives: Elephant Hills-The Beginnings
To view a video about the El Sereno community's concerns with the development of Elephant Hills in 2012 and get some new info about the history of Elephant Hills, visit our Archives page; and read the Picture of the Month: July 2012.
LAist Article on Elephant Hill
Here is an update on the plight of "The Heavens" ...a.k.a. Elephant Hill, published on April 7, 2016.
El Sereno's Ascot Park opens
August 2006-Phase I is completed and now the residents of El Sereno (and the public)
have 40 acres of parkland to enjoy.
Brief History on Ascot Hills/Ascot Park
Below is an article published by the Los Angeles Times on El Sereno's Ascot Hills, April 9, 2016
In Memory of Sgt. Jose Regalado
We've included an article from the L.A. Times honoring one of El Sereno's many fine sons (Wilson High School Alumnus) serving in the armed forces, SGT Jose Regalado; taken from us too early while proudly serving his country; Mosul, Iraq- Nov. 12, 2008.
L.A. Times 2008 article honoring one of El Sereno's finest (Wilson graduate)- SGT Jose Regalado
--PLEASE--
IF YOU KNOW ANY OTHER OF EL SERENO'S (WILSON HIGH SCHOOL) FINEST WHO HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY, PLEASE CONTACT US.
THE EL SERENO HISTORICAL SOCIETY WOULD LIKE TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WITH A PHOTO AND STORY. ANY PERSONAL COMMENTS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOMED AND WILL BE ADDED TO THEIR POST.
THEY MIGHT BE GONE, BUT THEY'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU.
El Sereno Day: Los Angeles Official Recognition
On June 30, 2009 Los Angeles City Council Officially Declares June 30 as EL SERENO DAY
Click on link to view LA City Council File 09-1538
Article by KCET.
The article touches on our community's history, culture, and current issues impacting El Sereno. From February 29, 2016.
1968 Legacy Plaque Unveiled
Today (March 1, 2018) marks the 50th anniversary of the Chicano Walkouts that took place at Wilson HS, Lincoln HS, Roosevelt HS, Garfield HS, and Belmont HS.
Wilson students were the first to walkout on March 1, 1968. Their actions kicked off what is now historically known as the Chicano Walkouts. These walkouts were the start of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.
The historic plaque was unveiled today at the site of the old Wilson High School (present day El Sereno Middle School) in honor of those brave students who decided to take their educational future into their own hands.
Thanks to our fellow partners who helped make this event possible:
InnerCity Struggle, Wilson Mules Alumni Association, El Sereno Middle School, Wilson High School, LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia, and Councilmember Jose Huizar.
The beautiful mural that will accompany the plaque will be completed by April 28, in time for Wilson 80th anniversary.
Photo above: Great turn out at today's plaque unveiling at El Sereno Middle (formerly Wilson High School). March 1, 2018.
1968 Student Blowout Plaque
Close up of the historic plaque at the El Sereno Middle School auditorium.
The organizers.
Members of the El Sereno Legacy Committee.
Thanks to everyone who put in the work and effort!!
Woodrow Wilson High School 80th Anniversary Celebration
Join our Celebration
Saturday April 28, 2018
El Sereno Middle School
10:00am - 11:30am
Wilson High School
11:00am - 1:00pm
Begin your journey at Wilson's original location El Sereno Middle School where we will begin with coffee cake, entertainment, tours of the Old Farmdale School House, library and the campus. Then transition up the hill to WHS permanent location where we will honor 80 years of legacies, 80 years of building traditions, 80 years of learning, and 80 years of service to our community.
Let us never forget,
“Once a Mule, Always a Mule”
80 Years of Service To Our Community
Old (Now El Sereno Middle School) and new Woodrow Wilson High School (Opened in 1970).
Flyer of the 80th Celebration
Join our Celebration
Saturday April 28, 2018
El Sereno Middle School 10:00am - 11:30am
Wilson High School 11:00am - 1:00pm
We're El Sereno & Proud of it...
The One and Only El Sereno
From the Native Americans, to the first Spanish explorers; to the Mexican and European immigrants of later years; to the culturally diverse era of Japanese, Mexicans, Anglos, Italians, and Jews of not so long ago; from the families with 3rd and 4th generations of roots in the community; to the fresh immigrants seeking a place to settle down and set new ones; El Sereno continues to be a special place for today's hard-working newcomers.
A Multi-Cultural Community
The ethnic make-up of El Sereno continues to be primarily that of immigrants from Mexico as well as many Mexican-American (Chicano/a) families. That's not to say that other ethnic groups are not represented. A good look around will reveal many Chinese, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, South-American, Vietnamese, Africa-American, and Anglo neighbors that together call El Sereno home (this is just to name a few, for there are many other ethnic groups that call El Sereno home).
A Vibrant Community
The continual influx of immigrants adds a vibrant cultural layer that makes El Sereno unique amongst other neighboring communities and cities. And whether you feel that the constant influx of immigrants is good or bad, in the end, it's what makes the community of El Sereno the special jewel to so many of us; accepting all for who they are.
Family and Culture
A family portrait at a reunion and party to celebrate Edward's 86th birthday, in El Sereno, Los Angeles. Edward is in the center of the photo (Dated 1980). [LAPL]
Family and Culture
Family members gathered for an engagement party at a restaurant in El Sereno. The sign reads, "Happy Engagement" 1996. [LAPL]
Who Calls El Sereno HOME
While El Sereno has usually been identified as a place for the everyday hard-working person, our community today is full of people working in different and diverse professions; as diverse as the many different ethnic groups that live here.
Today you find that within El Sereno there are residents who are doctors, lawyers, business men/women, professional educators, active military personnel, law enforcement professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, city/state employees, factory workers, blue-collar workers, street vendors and hustlers who all call El Sereno home.
El Sereno welcomes them all. It's another of the many facts that makes and has made El Sereno unique throughout its long historic existence.
El Sereno is special like that.
The Hills of El Sereno
In the City of Los Angeles, yet so much open space and nature to enjoy.
Community Pride
El Sereno Documentary
You Tube video of El Sereno's History By Melissa Dominguez, Woodrow Wilson High School Student
You Tube video of El Sereno's History By Melissa Dominguez, Woodrow Wilson High School Student
by Local Film Student, Edward Maraga,
Showcasing the Community and Local Businesses
You Tube video of El Sereno's History By Melissa Dominguez, Woodrow Wilson High School Student
You Tube video of El Sereno's History By Melissa Dominguez, Woodrow Wilson High School Student
You Tube video of El Sereno's History By Melissa Dominguez, Woodrow Wilson High School Student
Melissa Dominguez is a sophomore at Wilson High School. Since Wilson High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, students are required to do a personal project which begins in the 9th grade and completed in the 10th grade.
For her project Melissa chose El Sereno's History, her culminating product was a video. Melissa ack
Melissa Dominguez is a sophomore at Wilson High School. Since Wilson High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, students are required to do a personal project which begins in the 9th grade and completed in the 10th grade.
For her project Melissa chose El Sereno's History, her culminating product was a video. Melissa acknowledges that "this wouldn't have been possible without your (ESHS) website and dedication to keeping El Sereno's history alive."
Furthermore she states, "the purpose of this video is to teach the residents of El Sereno to appreciate their community and to help others steer away from stereotypes that El Sereno is just a place of violence and gangs.
We, ESHS, are proud to present Melissa's video as our Picture (Video) of the Month!
Somos El Sereno || We Are El Sereno
Somos El Sereno || We Are El Sereno
Somos El Sereno || We Are El Sereno
Some faces of local business owners in El Sereno, Los Angeles, CA.
By Torianne Schiff
Map Of El Sereno
Somos El Sereno || We Are El Sereno
Somos El Sereno || We Are El Sereno
Reference Section
REFERENCE SECTION
SPECIAL UPDATE:
We received an unexpected e-mail on April 19, 2012- from none other than Mr. George Casen himself, author of the historical document History of El Sereno. Mr. Casen generously shared a copy of the original History of El Sereno document with us. In doing so, Mr. Casen has provided the El Sereno Historical Society with the opportunity to present and share a completely new set of colorful maps and extra-clear photos (Figures 4-24) referenced in the document.
Mr. Casen's historical document gave the El Sereno Historical Society the solid foundation it needed in order to even have considered and begin the arduous task of researching, gathering, and organizing the historical information and photos presented on our website. Mr. Casen's historical document was the base from which we were able to start our endeavor, both as a source of knowledge and as reference guide for further research. Without Mr. Casen's History of El Sereno it would have been nearly impossible to have accomplished what we have so far.
The El Sereno Historical Society sends its sincere appreciation and a heartfelt THANK YOU! to Mr. Casen; both for his written-work and genuine generosity.
We have put in the extra-hours needed, working into the night, in order to present Mr. Casen's updated historical document History of El Sereno on our website ASAP, complete with the colorful-maps and extra-clear photos of figures 4-24. The updated History of El Sereno PDF (located below) has also been uploaded and is now available for your convenience.
We hope you enjoy the maps and photos as much as we have.
***************************************************
History of El Sereno
Presented by the El Sereno Historical Society
The historical facts presented on this website are from the History of El Sereno, as were presented by George Casen on April 18, 1994 to the El Sereno Coordinating Council (1769-1946). The historical document History of El Sereno is presented using the same words, illustrations, and facts contained in the historical document. We have added other documents, maps, links, and pictures to enhance and better inform our readers about our community of El Sereno's long and unique history.
George Casen's historical document is available at the El Sereno Branch Library, as a reference item only. We have also taken the initiative to provide you with this complete historical document in PDF format. The PDF document will take a little time to download, please be patient.
Also for your enjoyment and to continue our commitment to inform and empower our readers, we are providing another rare historical document detailing the history of other neighboring north-east L.A.communities (text includes some facts on El Sereno). The text is listed as The Northeast Los Angeles Subregional Planning Area--prepared by Historic Resources Group for Los Angeles Conservancy, and is also a reference only document at the Eagle rock Library.
Although listed as a reference item at the Eagle Rock Branch Library, the librarians there were unaware of its existence until a member of our Historical Society, searching for further historical documents, asked to review it. Unable to find it, the El Sereno Historical Society member was not deterred, and diligently researched for the reference document at the Central Library, found it, got a copy and Library File Number, and returned to Eagle Rock's Branch Library to share the finding.
Sharing historical information is important to the El Sereno Historical Society because it is the cornerstone to our mission: To inform and share history with all those who live within these unique communities that make up NELA (North-East L.A.), and with the public in general.
We hope you too will enjoy learning some history and historical facts about our neighboring communities. The download may be slow, please be patient.
*************************************************
Another great contribution to the El Sereno's Historical Society's data base of information and pictures comes from Mr. Robert A. Lerner. We made a concerted effort to contact Mr. Lerner and after many, many long hours of research, we were finally able to contact him. Mr. Lerner's work and effort of gathering and preserving local history that had been over-looked or forgotten has been a extraordinary breakthrough in our effort to learn more about the Historic Rancho Rosa de Castilla and the pioneering family that made it their home.
Mr. Lerner was fortunate enough to have met, befriended, and interviewed the Batz sisters, Esperanza and Marguerite. Most of the pictures/information on Rancho Rosa de Castilla and the Batz family came from Mr. Lerner's research . In fact, all of the pictures having to do with the Batz Family come directly from Mr. Lerner's research-archive. Mr. Lerner also interviewed many other informative figures whose families were part of the original settlers in what today is El Sereno.
We appreciate and thank Mr. Lerner for his great fore-sight in recording as much history as possible about Rancho Rosa de Castilla, the Batz Family and for his help in making sure the El Sereno Historical Society got this information.
*************************************************
Although we try our best to share the online websites for the location of maps, illustrations, and photos we have used, we are human and sometimes forget to either site the location or create a link directly to the website we used. Please e-mail us requesting an link/update for any photo, map, or illustration.
Other websites/location of City/Government reference material used:
Office of the City Clerk--City of Los Angeles
Councilman Jose Huizar Blog: El Sereno Day June 30, 2009
LA City Clerk Council Files: El Sereno Day Approved
The Los Angeles Public Library
The El Sereno Branch Library--El Sereno Historic Collection of newspaper articles and documents
Farmdale Schoolhouse Museum
The set of historical facts and data were gathered by members of the El Sereno Historical Society and all the historical information gathered and documented here can be verified as historically true. The El Sereno Historical Society makes the utmost effort to provide the readers with photos, files, and documents verifying the information, as well as providing links to other websites which contain historical information. We have set and adhere to high standards of personal integrity to ensure we present our readers with authentic and verifiable historical data. We pride ourselves on the high standards that we have set and welcome an open discourse of communication so the public is able to present and share any historical information they would like to see added to the History page. We do require time to confirm and verify any historical data presented, and ask for patience and understanding from those presenting new information.