On Jan. 31, 2026, A small rural community south of Shafter will mark a major milestone this year as residents gather to commemorate 100 years of history, resilience, and advocacy in the Mexican Colony.
La Colonia, a newly formed grassroots organization whose name stands for Community Organized for Leadership, Opportunity, Neighborhood Inclusion and Advancement, will host an event honoring the century-old community and the generations who have called it home.
The Mexican Colony is located about three miles south of Shafter. Dora Hernandez-Jara, a longtime resident and community advocate who serves as president of La Colonia, is the lead organizer of the event. Hernandez-Jara has lived in the Mexican Colony for more than 75 years and has advocated for the community for five decades…