Discover Pacoima's remarkable history in Crystal Jackson’s book, The Entrance: Pacoima’s Story

Jenaro Ayala was a dedicated Chicano activist, community voice, teacher, and proud son of Pacoima/San Fernando, whose life embodied the spirit of La Raza and the ongoing struggle for justice, dignity, and self-determination.

After African American families began moving into the Joe Louis Homes in Pacoima in 1951—and later into neighborhoods such as San Fern Manor—women organized social clubs, sororities, and community circles that helped shape a new Black suburban life in the San Fernando Valley.

In The Entrance: Pacoima’s Story, author and historian Crystal Jackson uncovers the remarkable history of a Southern California community whose story mirrors many of the struggles, transformations, and triumphs that have shaped America.

For most of the San Fernando Valley’s recorded history, Pacoima sat at the margins of the narrative: redlined on maps, omitted from timelines, and treated as an isolated, “other” community rather than as a central part of Valley history. Its people built industries, created culture, led movements, and raised generations here, yet their contributions were rarely documented in the same places where “official” Valley history lived.

Pacoima Historical Society and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley officially unveiled the complete "Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley" exhibit on June 6. The unveiling ceremony, held at the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, marked the completion of a three-phase project that began in 2024 and has grown into one of the most ambitious efforts ever undertaken to document the region's rich and diverse history.

Author Crystal Jackson shows her new book, "Valley Chronicles: Told and Untold Stories of the San Fernando Valley," released this month NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Acclaimed author, historian, and filmmaker Crystal Jackson is inviting readers to rediscover the San Fernando Valley through a new lens with the release of her latest book, Valley Chronicles: Told and Untold Stories of the San Fernando Valley, a richly illustrated exploration of one of Southern California's most influenti

Mark your calendars for June 6th at 11 AM—history is being made. For years, the Pacoima Historical Society has worked hard to make sure our community’s stories are heard. Too often, important voices and contributions have been left out of history. On June 6th at 11 AM, we will celebrate a major milestone with the unveiling of the new “Historical Timeline of the San Fernando Valley” exhibit at the Museum of the San Fernando Valley. This unveiling marks the completion of a thre

Pacoima Historical Society is celebrating a new chapter in community history with the recognition of an everyday landmark that helped shape Black life in the northeast Valley. StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon, long regarded as the oldest continuously operating Black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley, is now officially a Historic-Cultural Monument, thanks in part to a nomination supported by the Pacoima Historical Society