{"id":325543,"date":"2026-05-21T02:03:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T02:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/325543\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T02:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T02:03:18","slug":"long-beach-approves-latino-cultural-center-in-downtown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/325543\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Beach approves Latino Cultural Center in Downtown"},"content":{"rendered":"

Long Beach and nonprofit Centro C.H.A. will work together to establish the city\u2019s first Latino Cultural Center at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center in Downtown.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the creation of the center at its meeting on May 12, with the hopes to expand programming, community engagement and educational opportunities for the Latino community. Programming is expected to begin in the next few weeks, according to the City.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Planned activities at the Latino Cultural Center include arts and cultural workshops, heritage celebrations, youth programs, family events and opportunities for civic participation. Several events are already in development for the center, including Fiesta Patrias and D\u00eda de los Muertos celebrations, Hispanic Heritage Month activities, car shows, performing arts events, food festivals and movie screenings.<\/p>\n

\"\"Jenny Oropeza Community Center (Google Maps)<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are grateful for the opportunity to help launch this new cultural center,\u201d said Jessica Quintana, Executive Director of Centro C.H.A., in a public statement. \u201cAs someone who grew up in West Long Beach and has spent decades working alongside local families and community partners, I know how meaningful it is to have a local space dedicated to learning, creativity and connection. This center will be a place where people of all ages can come together, share their stories and build on the strong community spirit that defines Long Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Latino Cultural Center will operate under a three\u2011year agreement with options to renew, and will act alongside, rather than replace, the existing City programming and staff at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center (401 Golden Ave.). City programs and services at the site will continue uninterrupted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Centro C.H.A. and the City chose Downtown as the ideal location for the Latino Cultural Center because of the \u201carea\u2019s longstanding role in supporting community\u2011led programs and activities,\u201d according to a public statement. The 11,000\u2011square\u2011foot facility also features an outdoor area with an amphitheater that will support year\u2011round events.<\/p>\n

\"\"Dancers with Ballet Folklorico Nueva Antequera perform the Flor de Pi\u00f1a or \u201cFlower of Pineapple,\u201d a folk dance with indigenous origins from the city of Tuxtepec in the Mexican state of Oaxaca at the Museum of Latin American Art during the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 29, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)<\/p>\n

Planning for the Latino Cultural Center began in 2019, when the City Council set aside funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 Adopted Budget to support outreach for the project. The City partnered with Centro C.H.A. to carry out a multi\u2011phased process that included a 50\u2011member steering committee, visioning workshops, focus groups and other engagement efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to support the creation of a space that celebrates and uplifts the rich cultural heritage, history and contributions of Long Beach\u2019s Latino community,\u201d said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas in a public statement. \u201cThe Latino Cultural Center will serve as a welcoming place for learning, creativity and connection, while honoring the generations of families and community leaders who have helped shape our city. I\u2019m excited to see this center become a resource where residents of all ages can come together, share experiences and build community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ongoing operations will be supported by Measure B funds already allocated to the center through a separate agreement. Additionally, the City has identified $4.5 million for capital improvements at the adjacent park and the Latino Cultural Center, including signage, structural upgrades and restroom improvements.<\/p>\n

Centro C.H.A. will manage administrative needs, coordinate cultural programming and work with local partners to support the center.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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