Pacoima Historical Society

06/10/2026

The Pacoima Historical Society is deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this historic occasion, a day that honored Pacoima's rich legacy while celebrating the voices that continue to shape our community's story. This event was more than a gathering; it was a meaningful preservation of our collective history and a testament to the enduring impact of those who came before us.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our extraordinary speakers, each of whom brought a vital chapter of history to life:
• Nicole Chase from the Boys & Girls Club, representing youth leadership and community investment
• Joy Picus, the first elected female councilwoman in the San Fernando Valley—a groundbreaking moment for women in local government
• Rita Cofield from the Getty Conservation Institute, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage
• Muralist Hector Ponce (father of renowned artist Levi Ponce), whose art has visually documented our community's identity
• Philip Ha, a Vietnamese refugee whose journey reflects the resilience and diversity that define Pacoima
These stories matter because they reveal the remarkable, remembered, and resilient people who shaped our neighborhood. Their contributions resulted in lasting change and continue to resonate in our community today.
The event was a tremendous success, and we are especially honored that Councilman Bob Blumenfield joined us to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony—a symbolic moment marking the beginning of a new chapter in Pacoima's ongoing history.

Thank you all for being part of this important preservation of our community's legacy, including Sal & Madeline Rodriguez, the Lozano family, Patricia Flowers, Robyn Myers, and Charles Biggs.

Our partner, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, was amazing, and PHS especially thanks Eric Stuart, Jackie Langa, Michel Stevens, Cheri, Sandy, and all the support staff.

We also thank the setup crew and photographer for PHS, Lance Grandison Jr, Corbin Jackson, and the book table crew, Chanelle Grandison, Tonice Gilmore, and Kandis Grandison (jack of all trades) , and Briitany Broach (t-shirt design) for all your hard work.

We sold out of "Valley Chronicles" books, but they can be ordered on Amazon or Pacoimahistoricalsociety.org

https://www.pacoimahistoricalsociety.org/post/san-fernando-valley-museum-completes-landmark-history-timeline-project

Years of research, community collaboration, and a commitment to telling stories too often overlooked culminated on June 6, when the Pacoima Historical Society and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley officially unveiled the completed "Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley" exhibit at the m...

06/02/2026

Don't forget to join the Pacoima Historical Society on Saturday, June 6, as we unveil the new Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley exhibit at the Museum of the SFV in Northridge. Historian and author, PHS President Crystal Jackson, will host the event. You can also now order her new book, "Valley Chronicles: Told and Untold Stories of the San Fernando Valley" available on Amazon.

05/29/2026

Available on Amazon

05/22/2026

The Pacoima Historical Society mourns the passing of Kyoko Nancy Oda, a beloved educator, activist, and pillar of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American community. A tireless advocate for remembering Tule Lake and Tuna Canyon, she turned her family’s incarceration story into a lifelong mission for justice and public history.

For more than forty years, Kyoko was a pillar of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center (SFVJACC), eventually serving as president of its board and continuing as an officer long after her term ended. Under her leadership, the Center grew into a home for nearly one thousand families, a gathering place where culture, memory, and community life could flourish in the Valley.

Her generous guidance and support for our Phase 2 historic timeline of the SFV helped ensure that Japanese American stories hold their rightful place in the history of the Valley. We honor Kyoko’s courage, humility, and lifelong service—and will carry her legacy forward in the work we do.

Kyoko passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a grieving Nikkei community and countless students, colleagues, and friends who were shaped by her example. Her life was an example of quiet courage, tireless service, and a fierce commitment to memory and justice, and the Pacoima Historical Society is deeply honored to have been among the many communities she so generously supported.

Pacoima Historical Society
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05/16/2026

Valley Chronicles - New Song and Book

Song Title: Valley Chronicles | Producer: Mr. Smooth Jazz BiggsDiscover authentic American history in this new book from historian and author Crystal Jackson...

05/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/lon.grandison/posts/pfbid0wMMSrtHHrLTNPWXqaYnssoq7aCbCHQLqGt192mUSyE2wZrynJJSe3ZFPbCCRYSe6l

Congratulations to historian and author Crystal Jackson on the release of her 4th book through Baitcal Publishing. Valley Chronicles: Told and Untold Stories of the San Fernando Valley is a comprehensive historical narrative and photographic archive documenting the evolution of one of Southern California’s most significant regions. Tracing the Valley’s history from its geological origins and Indigenous civilizations through brutal Spanish colonization, industrial expansion, and modern urban development, this literary work provides critical context for understanding the area's transformation into a globally recognized cultural hub.

On June 6, Crystal Jackson will be at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in Northridge, signing copies of her new book, during the unveiling of the new Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley exhibit. The event is free to the public.

05/15/2026

Join the Pacoima Historical Society on June 6, 2026, as we unveil the new Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley exhibit at the Museum of the SFV in Northridge. Historian and author Crystal Jackson will be there, signing copies of her new book, "Valley Chronicles: Told & Untold Stories of the San Fernando Valley.

05/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/theritchievalens/posts/pfbid02y36QhLx7nmhcnEFq7d8mo6QzJbEwL5co2Rux65UTvcHVHTQdgDqARUayJTD7bvjEl

Happy 85th birthday to Ritchie Valens! We're celebrating his life and influence all day today. What song will you be listening to?

03/01/2026