Long Beach and nonprofit Centro C.H.A. will work together to establish the city’s first Latino Cultural Center at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center in Downtown.
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.
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 Día de los Muertos celebrations, Hispanic Heritage Month activities, car shows, performing arts events, food festivals and movie screenings.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to help launch this new cultural center,” said Jessica Quintana, Executive Director of Centro C.H.A., in a public statement. “As 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.”
The Latino Cultural Center will operate under a three‑year 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.
Centro C.H.A. and the City chose Downtown as the ideal location for the Latino Cultural Center because of the “area’s longstanding role in supporting community‑led programs and activities,” according to a public statement. The 11,000‑square‑foot facility also features an outdoor area with an amphitheater that will support year‑round events.
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‑phased process that included a 50‑member steering committee, visioning workshops, focus groups and other engagement efforts.
“We are proud to support the creation of a space that celebrates and uplifts the rich cultural heritage, history and contributions of Long Beach’s Latino community,” said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas in a public statement. “The 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’m excited to see this center become a resource where residents of all ages can come together, share experiences and build community.”
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.
Centro C.H.A. will manage administrative needs, coordinate cultural programming and work with local partners to support the center.
