Josephine "Chepa" Andrade, affectionately known as "La Reina de la Logan" or "The Queen of Logan Barrio," stands as a beacon of community activism and dedication in Santa Ana. Her life's work was devoted to preserving the integrity of the Logan community, one of Orange County's oldest Mexican-American neighborhoods. Chepa's unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Logan, coupled with her relentless advocacy for the well-being of its residents, left a permanent mark on the community she cherished.
A Champion of the Logan Community
Chepa Andrade's activism was deeply rooted in her profound love for the Logan community. Her efforts were instrumental in combating industrialization, freeway expansions, and thoroughfare developments that threatened to disrupt and displace the neighborhood's residents. In 1969, Chepa successfully rallied the Logan community against a plan to route Civic Center Drive through the neighborhood.
Chepa also played a crucial role in opposing a land use plan to transform Logan into an industrial park. Her persistent advocacy secured residential rezoning, ensuring that Logan remained a place where families could live and thrive. Chepa received many recognitions and awards for her community involvement and for her efforts to fight poverty, homelessness, injustice and hunger. These awards included the Poverty Fighter Hero Award and the Joan of ARC Award.
Creation of Logan Park: A Lasting Legacy
Chepa's advocacy extended to the creation of Logan Park on City-owned land, a space that has become a symbol of community pride and resilience. Posthumously named "Chepa's Park" in her honor, this park stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and dedication to her community. The park is not just a physical space but a representation of the collective efforts of Logan residents led by Chepa, who fought to transform a threatened half-acre of land into a space for children to play, families to gather, and the community to thrive.
A Lifetime of Selfless Service
Chepa's passion for community involvement was evident from a young age. At just eight years old, she demonstrated her commitment by going door-to-door to collect money for a family in need of food. This early act of kindness set the tone for a lifetime of selfless service and community activism.
Despite facing severe health challenges, Chepa continued to make decisions from home, gathered signatures for petitions, and persuaded neighbors to attend City Hall meetings to advocate for improvements in their neighborhood.
"My mother was my inspiration," said Cecelia Rodriguez, Chepa's daughter. "She believed in doing things for other people."
Chepa was born December 16, 1926, and resided in Logan until she passed on April 17, 2006. In 1950, Chepa married her neighbor Joe Andrade, a World War II veteran. Chepa is survived by six children, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Much like the Logan neighborhood she fought so hard to protect, her family stands as a testament to her life's work and enduring legacy.
Honoring a Tireless Advocate
On a memorable Saturday, nearly 200 people gathered to honor Josephine "Chepa" Andrade with a stone monument in the small parkland she helped preserve. City leaders unveiled the new name for the neighborhood park, inscribed in stone: Chepa's Park. The park's new sign features a carved portrait of Chepa with a plaque describing her as "a tireless advocate for neighborhood improvement and involvement." This tribute encapsulates her profound impact on her community and the lasting influence of her activism.
Conclusion
Josephine "Chepa" Andrade's life and work remain a shining example of grassroots activism and community dedication. Her efforts preserved the Logan neighborhood and empowered its residents, fostering a strong sense of unity and pride that continues to thrive today. Chepa's legacy as "La Reina de la Logan" will forever inspire future generations to advocate for their communities with the same passion and determination she embodied throughout her life. Chepa's story is one of unwavering commitment, selfless service, and enduring impact, making her a true icon in the history of Santa Ana and a role model for community activists everywhere.
Reference Works
Navejas, Celeste. "Santa Ana's Logan neighborhood activist Josephine 'Chepa' Andrade, 79, a pillar of the Latino community, suffered a heart attack.." Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA), April 20, 2006: Obit. NewsBank: America's News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1118061214564656
Orange County Register, Doug Irving."Park named for activist." Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA), March 9, 2008: G_B. NewsBank: America's News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11F5D5F424004B18
"An Oral History with Samuel Romero interview by Kira A. Gentry & Amanda Tewes in Santa Ana, California, 2010." From the Center for Oral and Public History California State University, Fullerton, El Toro Marine Corps Air Station Oral History Project.