Long-held dream becomes reality at Cesar Chavez Park.
By Harry Saltzgaver | Press-Telegram | SEP. 19, 2022 | Photo courtesy of Centro CHA
An 18-month visioning process culminated this month with the City Council approving a five-year, $4 million agreement to create the Latino Cultural Center and El Mercado de Long Beach — and a kick-off celebration is set for next month.
The center has been a dream for more than 30 years, starting with late architect and planner Manny Perez, said Jessica Quintana, executive director of nonprofit Centro CHA, the lead agency for the cultural center program; Centro CHA serves Long Beach’s Latino community, which comprises 43% of the population.
While there is still a desire to develop a stand-alone center and surrounding “mercado,” or marketplace, activities and services will start at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center at Cesar Chavez Park, north of downtown.
A preview of center activities will take over the Cesar Chavez amphitheater from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The kickoff will include traditional dancing and music performances reflecting the diversity of Latino cultures, from those in Central and South America to ones from Long Beach and the Los Angeles County region.
The Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles, for example, is expected to perform.
The afternoon will also feature an art exhibit, traditional food carts and remarks from officials, including Long Beach’s first Latino mayor, Robert Garcia.
“We will showcase what will be happening at the cultural center,” Quintana said in a recent phone interview. “We will be creating a place and space to celebrate the culture, and to be a regional economic center.”
Jessica Quinta, President of Centro CHA
Formal planning for the cultural center began in March 2021, when the City Council approved a visioning process for a center and mercardo. At the time, the concept included an entire build-out of the area around Cesar Chavez Park into a district that would include restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, housing, entertainment, art and social services.
The $4 million commitment from the city is part of a five-year park improvement plan and could go toward a permanent center. Buildings and locations in the proposed greenbelt along the Los Angeles River, from Cesar Chavez Park to Drake Park, are under consideration, Quintana said.
Those plans will be on display at the kickoff.
In the meantime, plans are in the works for a monthly mercado near the community center.
Rather than wait for a permanent home, Quintana said, the Latino Cultural Center will operate inside the community center, with health and education workshops (including citizenship sessions already taking place), referrals and activities for children.
“This ‘creation of place’ will not only showcase the diversity, vitality, and spirit of the Long Beach Latino community,” Quintana wrote in an email, “but also will become a regional economic generator offering visitors and tourists an authentic cultural experience in celebration of the rich heritage in Long Beach.”
Other speakers expected on Oct. 1 include state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, current First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, City Manager Tom Modica and Brent Dennis, director of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department.
The kickoff is open to the public. To RSVP, which is required, email Francisco@Centrocha.org.
For more about the Latino Cultural Center and the visioning process, go to bit.ly/3QO7ALG.
