LA Considers Establishing Central American Cultural District

LOS ANGELES, CA — A motion to designate a Central American Cultural District in Los Angeles was introduced Tuesday by Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez.

The proposed district would cover areas of the Westlake district, Pico- Union, Hollywood and Central Los Angeles.

"The Central American community is an irreplaceable part of the fabric of Los Angeles," Hernandez said in a statement. "Today we are bringing over a decade of work to fruition as we formally begin the process of designating a Central American Cultural District that will honor the contributions this community has made in Los Angeles".

According to Hernandez's office, a Central American District Master Plan was developed in 2012 in partnership with residents and organizations in the First District which she represents. The recommendations in the plan are expected to be used for the cultural district.

If approved, the motion would instruct the Bureau of Street Services to develop the scope of work, identify cost estimates and guide the project to completion, which could take up to four to five years. Staff would be tasked with finding public and private funding sources for the project.

Gateways would be installed at the intersections of Pico Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, and Alvarado Street and Beverly Boulevard, as well as ceremonial signage at 7th and Hoover streets, 6th and Bixel streets, and Olympic Boulevard and Union Avenue.

Additionally, council members seek to restore and erect cultural markers at the following locations:

• Paseo Romero on Alvarado Street between 3rd Street and Beverly Boulevard;
• Plaza Morazan at 8th and Valencia streets;
• Salvadoran Diaspora Monument and Time Capsule at Wilshire Boulevard and Park View Street;
• Plaza Monsenor Romero at 7th and Alvarado Street; and
• Central American Unity Art Installations at 7th and Hoover streets, and 4th Street/6th Street and Bixel Street.

Carlos Vaquerano, president and CEO of Clínica Romero, described the motion as a "significant milestone" for the Central American community and would recognize decades of cultural, social and economic contributions that have shaped Los Angeles.

"This district will stand as a living tribute to the memories and history we've built here. We thank Councilmember Hernandez for championing this vision, and we look forward to creating a space that celebrates our shared pride and presence for future generations," Vaquerano said in a statement.

Joceyln Duarte, executive director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund, added that the district would serve as a hub where the next generation of Central American leaders can "learn, grow and lead the fight for justice and equity."

City News Service