Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The city of Long Beach has taken a significant step towards celebrating and honoring its diverse Latino community with the recent approval of a new cultural center. During its meeting on May 12, 2026, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously to partner with Centro C.H.A. to establish the Latino Cultural Center within the Jenny Oropeza Community Center at 401 Golden Ave.

The new center, which is set to begin programming in the coming weeks, aims to expand cultural programming, community engagement, and educational opportunities for residents citywide. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his pride in opening the doors to Long Beach's first Latino Cultural Center, stating that it will offer new programming that reflects the city's cultural richness and diversity.

The Latino Cultural Center will operate under a three-year agreement with options to renew and will open alongside the existing City programming and staff at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center. This partnership with Centro C.H.A., a trusted Long Beach-based nonprofit, was chosen due to their expertise in community-led programs and activities. The 11,000-square-foot facility also features an outdoor area with an amphitheater that will support year-round events.

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Planned activities at the 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, Hispanic Heritage Month activities, Día de los Muertos celebrations, car shows, performing arts events, food festivals and movies in the amphitheater.

First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas expressed her excitement for this new space that celebrates and uplifts the rich cultural heritage of Long Beach's Latino community. She believes that it will serve as a welcoming place for learning, creativity and connection while honoring generations of families and community leaders who have helped shape the city.

The partnership with Centro C.H.A. offers a cost-effective approach built on years of collaboration and input from local stakeholders. The nonprofit will manage administrative needs, coordinate cultural programming, and work with local partners to support the center. This effort aligns with the city's commitment to inclusive community development, cultural enrichment, and equitable access to resources while strengthening partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community leaders.

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Jessica Quintana, Executive Director of Centro C.H.A., expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to help launch this new cultural center. As a longtime resident of West Long Beach, she understands the importance of having a local space dedicated to learning, creativity, and connection. Quintana believes that 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.

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. This resulted in a business plan that received strong support from community stakeholders and the City Council in 2021.

Ongoing operations at the Latino Cultural Center will be supported by Measure B funds already allocated through a separate agreement. Additionally, the City has identified $4.5 million for capital improvements at the adjacent park and the center itself, including signage, structural upgrades, and restroom improvements. More funding opportunities are being identified to further enhance this new cultural hub for Long Beach's Latino community.

With its opening just around the corner, residents can look forward to experiencing all that the Latino Cultural Center has to offer in celebrating their heritage and fostering community connections.

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