December 9, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Shorts: Locals Raise Funds for Mexican-American Monument Honoring Traqueros

Remembering & Preserving a History Somewhat Forgotten 

By Nicholas Antonicello

Remembering and honoring a history that in some cases has gone unacknowledged or ignored, Venice locals inspired by the Japanese-American Internment Memorial located at Lincoln and Venice Boulevard are working hard to raise the necessary funding to erect the Mexican-American Traqueros Monument scheduled for unveiling in 2025 or early 2026.

I met with members of the committee last week led by Laura Ceballos, a Venice native and longtime community organizer and veteran’s advocate along with Jose Gonzalez, a 60-year Venetian and Darlene Rodriguez, a lifelong resident, mother and grandmother. Other members of the committee include Johnny Garcia, Jr. and Wendy Santiago, who attends Santa Monica College and is a graduate of Venice High School.

With a Go Fund Me page intact, the overall project is estimated at $350,000 with roughly $200,000 raised for this worthy cause.

The project started with a petition drive that resulted in the collection of 1,500 signatures and significant political support from US Congressman Ted Lieu, State Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica, labor leader icon Dolores Huerta and significant backing by former LA councilmember Mike Bonin.

The proposal was approved by the Venice Neighborhood Council in 2020 and the Los Angeles City Council in 2021.

The sculptor commissioned for the monument is Jorge Marin and the entire project is currently in the permit process.

In many ways, gentrification that has transformed Venice so dramatically has erased the roots of these longtime residents who believe this project will retain and remember a crucial piece of Mexican-American history.

With a fundraiser scheduled for October 29th, this monument and memorial will be the first of its kind in Venice as well as the Westside of Los Angeles.

The next event is the popular Car Show, which was attended by hundreds in the past and is a must Venice event for true locals and residents alike.

The fundraiser will take place at Oakwood Park, located at 757 California Avenue, with the gates opening at 8:00 AM and the event will commence at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM.

Over 100 cars will be on display that will comprise classic, muscle and antique vehicles as well as a “community altar,” which will remember loved ones with photos and images as well as authentic Aztec cuisine.

Vendors, food and refreshments as well as a DJ and raffle will make for a great community event that all will enjoy for a great cause of remembering the trials and tribulations of the Mexican-American narrative.

According to Wikipedia, Traquero is a railroad track worker, or “section hand”, especially a Mexican or Mexican American railroad track worker (“gandy dancer” in American English usage).

The word derives from “traque”, Spanglish for “track”.

The Pacific Electric interurban system in the Los Angeles area was constructed and maintained by a workforce which was largely made up of traqueros.

Nick Antonicello is a 30-year resident who covers the history, culture and vibe of Venice. Have a story suggestion? Contact him via-email at nantoni@mindspring.com

in News, upbeat
Related Posts

(Video) Civic Auditorium Could Become Historic Property

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Santa Monica Conservancy Submitted an Application to Make it Happen @yovenicenews The Civic could become a historic landmark. #santamonica...

Venice Shorts: Main & Market RV Mess Lingers for Two Years!

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

While Other Vehicles Are Ticketed for Parking Violations, This Van Remains Immune From Such Consequences! By Nick Antonicello The above...

(Video) Menorah Lighting Recap from Palisades Village

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

The annual menorah lighting at Palisades Village was a celebration. @yovenicenews The annual menorah lighting of Palisades Village was a...

(Video) Get in the Holiday Spirit at Santa Monica Place

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

With Free photos with Santa and a Giant Christmas Tree, Santa Monica Place is must visit this season! @yovenicenews With...

California Brunch Destination to Open on Ocean Ave

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Santa Monica Debuts the Iconic San Francisco Brunch Eatery to Southern California Food Enthusiasts Renowned California restaurateur Hoyul Steven Choi...

Milonga Tango Cafe to Host Holiday Sunday Brunch

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

As the Festive Season Approaches, Unique, Handcrafted Dance Shoe Bags Are Available. Milonga Tango Café will present the Holiday Sunday...

Shakespeare Theatre Workshop Coming to Venice

December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Participants are Asked to Come Prepared with a Monologue of Their Choice The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy of Washington DC...

Yo! Venice Interviews Candidate for L.A. District Attorney Jonathan Hatami

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Campaign 2024: The Race for Los Angeles District Attorney By Nick Antonicello In 2024 there will be several critical races...

(Video) Multiple International Retailers Now Open at Palisades Village

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Check out the new international brands now with an open shop in Palisades. @yovenicenews Check out the new retailers at...

Highlights from PRIDE Night at ICE at Santa Monica!

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Last week, ICE at Santa Monica dazzled the community with its highly successful annual PRIDE night. The event, filled with...

(Video) Recap of 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Venice Beach welcomed the holiday season with festive style @yovenicenews Venice Beach welcomed the holiday season with festive style #christmas...

Venice Shorts: RVs Free to Park Anywhere, Anytime!

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

RV “Madness” Must Be Reigned-in by LA City Officials! By Nick Antonicello While most people in Venice who live here...

Outdoor Retailer to Close Westside Store Following Marina del Rey Opening

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Staff Were Informed Months Ago That the Lease Won’t Be Renewed By Zach Armstrong Shortly after the grand opening of...

Son of Coffee Billionaire Acquires Santa Monica Residence

December 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

The Residence Reportedly Features an Array of Lavish Amenities The Robb Report is reporting that after Green Mountain co-founder Bob...