La Verne celebrates century of resilience and community spirit

During a recent government meeting, a poignant discussion emerged regarding the historical significance of El Siglo, a local organization with deep ties to the La Verne community. A resident shared personal anecdotes about their family's involvement with El Siglo, highlighting how, during the Great Depression, they were forced to sell their shares to purchase food from the company store. This reflection underscored the resilience of the community and the importance of remembering past struggles.

The speaker expressed gratitude for El Siglo's continued prosperity, noting a recent celebration of its 100-year anniversary at a restaurant where the organization once held board meetings. However, the conversation took a somber turn as the speaker recalled the discriminatory practices that marginalized community members, such as being relegated to the back of theaters and restricted swimming times.

This historical context served as a reminder of the community's journey and the need to ensure that such inequalities are never repeated. The meeting emphasized the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to foster a more inclusive future for all residents of La Verne.