History of Club Estrella
Club Estrella was founded in February 1948 by a group of
dynamic women who were sponsored by St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church in Mountain View. The club’s purpose was to promote
Mexican-American culture in a social atmosphere as well
as to assist the poor and needy. Their mentor through the
church was Father Donald McDonnell who had an excellent
rapport with the women as he spoke Spanish and assimilated
easily into their culture. Father McDonnell also assisted
in sponsoring the club’s own credit union, the Guadalupe
Federal Credit Union, named for the Virgen of Guadalupe.
The name Club Estrella literally translated from Spanish to
English means “Star Club,” but how the club got its name is a
source of discussion that goes on within the members to this
day. One version has it that when the club’s founders were
wondering what to call their club, one woman spoke of a
club with the name “Club Estrella” in her hometown in New
Mexico. The first president of Club Estrella was Mrs. Carmen
Sias (late great-grandmother of MVHA Board Members Lisa
Garcia and Nick Perry). Most of the club’s founding members
lived on or near Washington Street in Mountain View, which
at that time was known as the “Mexican Colony” of Mountain
View.
Club Estrella members gather on Washington Street for a parade c. 1950
Fe, Amistad y Progresso
Fa i t h , F r i e n d s h i p, & P r o g r e s s
In it early years, Club Estrella was relatively choosy about
who could belong, and it wasn’t until the fifties that husbands
of the members were allowed to join. The men had always
helped with the club’s events. For over two decades, a
“Couples Only” rule applied, but today, Club Estrella by-laws
allow single women and men to join the club. Club Estrella
currently has members throughout Santa Clara County
and is actively recruiting new members. The Club gained
nonprofit status in 1965 with the help of Joe Perez , a club
member who went on to become the first Mexican-American
council member and mayor of Mountain View. The club was
incorporated in 1992; its motto is Fe, Amistad y Progresso
which means, Faith, Friendship and Progress.
Club Estrella continues to follow the traditions of its founders
with pride by offering the community the richness of its
Mexican-American culture. They sponsor approximately five
dances annually and various events like a Mexican Tardeada
(fiesta), Reno trips and picnics. The Club also continues to
assist people who are in need of help. Club Estrella supports
In the beginning, celebrations were held in the church hall
other service organizations with donations and started a
during the Feast of the Virgen de Guadalupe. Club Estrella
scholarship fund in 1992 that grants annual scholarships to
family members annually portrayed the Pageant of the
Virgen de Guadalupe apparition. Besides the pageant, typical deserving high school graduates going on to higher learning.
Over 160 Club Estrella scholarships have been awarded, and
Mexican dances were portrayed, directed by Mrs. Rose
Cervantes as well as representation from other dance groups. the Club remains committed to promoting higher education
within the Santa Clara County Latino community.
Mexican food booths were also installed to the delight of all
attending the festivities. Club Estrella also participated in the
1950 California Centennial celebration held in Mountain View For more information on Club Estrella and its scholarship
program, visit www.estrellaclub.com.
and was represented in Cinco de Mayo and Deis y Seis de
Septembre (Mexican Independence Day) parades.
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