The IAMLA was delighted to join Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo for the inauguration of Annette Cardona Square in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Cypress Park earlier this week. Cardona, who was known later in life as Annette Charles, was born in Los Angeles to Italian and Mexican parents. She is best remembered for playing the role of Charlene “Cha-Cha” Di Gregorio in the 1978 film Grease.

Annette lived in Cypress Park and enjoyed a film career up until 2009. She was also active in the community and was a beloved professor of speech and interpersonal communication at California State University, Northridge. Annette Cardona Square is found on the corner of Avenue 26 and Jeffries Avenue.