May 9, 2023
City of Long Beach
411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
RE: Support Item 17 – Presentation of Proposed Cambodian American Cultural Center Vision and Feasibility Plan.
Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers,
As the State Senator representing California's 33rd District, I'm writing to support item 17 to receive and file a presentation on the City of Long Beach Proposed Cambodian American Cultural Center Vision and Feasibility Plan.
Long Beach is one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in the country. After the Cambodian genocide, which is characterized as one of the most horrific events in human history, more than 140,000 Cambodians took refuge in the United States. Many of them made the City of Long Beach their new home, making it the largest Cambodian population outside the country of Cambodia. During this time, Cambodian art and culture were nearly lost forever.
Therefore, it is imperative to have a Cambodian Cultural Center that promotes, preserves, and celebrates Cambodian art, culture, and history.
For these reasons, I express my support for item 17. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (562) 256-7921 with any questions regarding my support.
Sincerely,
Lena Gonzalez
Senator, Senate District 33