Artesia News

Southeast Artesia Reveals New Street Signs

Residents in the community of Southeast Artesia have scored a point in the battle for their neighborhood; sickened as they were of the perception that the neighborhood was gang-infested and full of graffiti.

On October 1, over 100 residents along with three city council members celebrated the changing of the names of their streets, informally dubbed ‘The 190’s’, symbolizing the first step toward a different neighborhood. The ceremony was located at the corner of 193rd (now Carver Lane) and Ely Ave., across the street from Carver Academy.

Captain Dave Fender of the Lakewood Sheriff Station and Neighborhood Watch Captain Bea Saldana were the keynote speakers.

Fender commended the efforts of the citizens in the neighborhood. “Not too many communities have the courage to do what this one did,” he said.

Saldana spoke for quite a bit, explaining in detail the residents’ ordeal to get to where they are now, and emphasizing that there is much more to come in order to whip South Artesia back into shape. “This isn’t a cure-all, it’s just a beginning,” said Saldana, “little by little, as a team, we will pull it off.”

Saldana then urged her neighbors to not feel too proud to pick up trash in front of their homes, and that they should start focusing on issues like crime and graffiti. Saldana then presented a plaque to city council members.

After the speakers, the mayor and Saldana pulled a side of the American flag bandana that draped the sign.

“This is an excellent example of citizens making a request, and city council honoring that request,” said Mayor Larry R. Nelson. After receiving the plaque, an emotional Nelson said, “This is one of those moments as mayor that touches the heart …”

Reverend Joan Riley, of the Evangelical Church of Cerritos, prayed for three and a half minutes, asking for protection of the four affected streets.

Refreshments were served across the street at Carver Elementary.


Captain Dave Fender of the Lakewood Sheriff Station said the residents of the community were courageous.	The mayor reveals the new street signs.	This is how the street signs will be presented for 24 months. An ample of amount of time, it is thought, for residents to change their addresses.

Captain Fender speaking to the dignitaries and denizens.	Councilman John Martins and members of the Miss Artesia Royal Court pause during a moment of transition in the ceremony.	The new street sign was covered with an American flag bandana.

The mayor successfully pulled off his half of the street sign, however the other side took more than one tug.	The mayor and Bea Saldana pulled each side of the flag veil covering the new street sign.	Residents offered refreshments after the ceremony, including this cake.

Click here for related story: New Street Signs, New Neighborhood

Click here for related story: Artesia to Decide on Street Name Change

Click here for related story: City Council Decides on Street Name Change