The Artesia-Pilar Neighborhood was once an old colonia called Artesia. It was an old barrio that the Mexican American workers were segregated from the Anglo population. Years later, Pilar was added to the name in honor of the parish church, Our Lady of Pilar and the Artesia Street which is now Raitt. In the 1980's, local neighborhood leaders began to organize the poor in the poor and disenfranchised in neighborhood with help from the Orange County Organizing Committee that later gave birth to Santa Ana Neigbrhood Organization (SANO). Artesia Pilar was one the orginal SANO organizations that was organized by Ruby Gonzales, Faith Bracamontes, Josie Vega and others. The Association has now grown and there is a new generation of leaders and communty memebers. The Associaiton enjoys a close relation with Neighborhood Housing Services(NHS). NHS organizes, with our help, the Annual Neighborhood Pride Day.
1) Expansion of Santa Ana College and its impact on the neighborhood
2) Rennovation plans for El Salvador Park
3) Protecting neighborhood integrity and preserving the residential character of our community.
4) Improving community services
5) Reducing crime
Just hard working folks who care and who want a better future for their children and each other.
Email us
rubywoo@adelphia.net