Rachel Ortiz, 85, was celebrated by hundreds of people on May 29, 2026, during the annual Unity Luncheon sponsored by The Chicano Federation. Ortiz is the force behind Barrio Station, a nonprofit community center in Logan Heights that has provided a haven for children in the neighborhood and their families.
One of those kids was Louie Cardenas. “It changed my life,” he said. “When I started going there, it was more like a ranch. I met my mentor Carlos Manzano. He showed me the basics of bow hunting.” Now Cardenas is paying it forward. He’s been hired twice at Barrio Station over the years and now oversees recreational programs like boxing. He admits Rachel’s retirement will be a challenge. But he also says he has faith that The Chicano Federation will do the right thing for the residents. “They have real good ideas as long as they keep the kids busy. They (the kids) want to be there. There are drugs, violence, and gangs in the community. These kids want to belong.”
Connie Zuniga, 92, is a longtime community activist who served on the board of directors at Barrio Station. “Rachel is an institution; this will leave a void without a doubt.” She joked, “Rachel ran that place like a dictator. But she’s done wonderful things.”
Zuniga says Rachel was a problem solver. “She got rid of the junkyards; anything that needs to be done in the neighborhood, people would go there. And she even had a slush fund. Families who didn’t have money for a funeral, they would go see Rachel.”
Rachel wiped tears from her eyes as the city and county presented her with proclamations honoring her 50 years of service. "I have no high school diploma. I have no college degree, but I hope this goes to show that anyone from any neighborhood can become a nonprofit leader. Just have a heart, have a heart."
Even as Ortiz begins her retirement, her commitment to the organization she started won’t end. Executive Director of The Chicano Federation Liz Ramirez told attendees, “The Chicano Federation is committed to expanding youth programs at Barrio Station and helping immigrant families during these uncertain times.”
The Chicano Federation will take over the day-to-day operations of the Barrio Station. During the luncheon, US Bank matched donations to raise money for badly needed upgrades for a new swimming pool at Barrio Station. Attendees raised $100,00 on the spot in less than 30 minutes. But it’s not enough. The estimated cost for the renovations is over $1 million. The current pool has been closed for over 10 years. To donate, contact The Chicano Federation at (619) 285-5600 |or info@chicanofed.org.
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre presents Rachel Ortiz with a proclamation to the County of San Diego
for 50 years of service to her community. Photo: Laura Castañeda
