14 California Cultural Districts Named In New Statewide Program

Communities across California received a special state designation Thursday in celebration of their artistic and cultural significance.

The California Arts Council designated 14 California Cultural Districts, from San Francisco to San Diego, as part of the new statewide program. Under the newly launched program, a "cultural district" is described as a well-defined geographic area with a high concentration of cultural resources and activities.

"State-level designation of cultural districts, with California’s diverse geography and regional variety, allowed for an entirely new and comprehensive look at our deeply valued cultural assets," said Donn K. Harris, chair of the California Arts Council. "Each community's personal and generational commitment to these assets speaks of a state deeply invested in the places and people that celebrate local traditions and creativity."

Two San Francisco communities, Calle 24 and South of Market (SoMa) Pilipinas, have been designated as cultural districts.

The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District is an arts and culture hub and active Latino community at the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. The SoMa Pilipinas - Filipino Cultural Heritage District is an arts, cultural and social center for Filipinos throughout Northern California.

“San Francisco continues to be on the forefront of preserving and enhancing neighborhood character, identity and diversity,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement. “These important cultural assets are a testament to the work of our partners and residents who embody the values of San Francisco.”

Three San Diego County communities, Balboa Park and Barrio Logan in the city of San Diego and the Oceanside Cultural District, were also selected among the inaugural cultural districts.

Balboa Park is the cultural center of San Diego and Barrio Logan is a vibrant community rooted in Chicano history.

"Both Balboa Park and Barrio Logan are beloved by San Diegans and we're so proud that the state is a new partner in the preservation, promotion and evolution of these San Diego-signature cultural districts," said Dana Springs, executive director of the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

The Oceanside Cultural District, home to an emerging art scene, includes the city of Oceanside – represented by the Oceanside Public Library and Oceanside Arts Commission – the Oceanside Museum of Art and MainStreet Oceanside.

"Oceanside is an original, active and eclectic area abundant with cultural resources," said Principal Librarian CJ Di Mento.

The State Assembly signed the California Cultural Districts initiative into law in 2015.

Each of the 14 districts will receive the designation for five years, according to the California Arts Council. Under the pilot launch of the program, designation includes benefits such as technical assistance, peer-to-peer exchanges, branding materials and promotional strategy.

“These cultural districts showcase California’s cultural diversity and vibrant experiences," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “The districts are one more way to highlight the one-of-a-kind places throughout our state that inspire residents and visitors alike.”

According to the California Arts Council, selection for the California Cultural Districts was conducted through a multistep process, including an open call for initial letters of intent, a peer-panel review, site visits for semifinalists and an invited finalist application.

New districts will be eligible to apply for state designation in 2019 through a finalized certification process.

Here's the full list of the 14 newly designated California Cultural Districts:

• Balboa Park Cultural District, San Diego - San Diego Region
• Barrio Logan Cultural District, San Diego - San Diego Region
• The BLVD Cultural District, Lancaster – Deserts Region
• The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Downtown San Rafael Arts District, San Rafael - San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Eureka Cultural Arts District, Eureka - North Coast Region
• Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District, Grass Valley/Nevada City - Gold Country Region
• Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – Los Angeles Region
• Oceanside Cultural District, Oceanside – San Diego Region
• Redding Cultural District, Redding – Shasta Cascade Region
• Rotten City-Emeryville Cultural Arts District, Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Area Region
• San Pedro Waterfront Arts, Cultural & Entertainment District, San Pedro – Los Angeles Region
• SOMA Pilipinas – Filipino Cultural Heritage District, San Francisco – San Francisco Bay Area Region
• Truckee Cultural District, Truckee – High Sierra Region

Photo: Panama-California Exposition Buildings in Balboa Park / Photo by Osbornb via flickr.com, used under Creative Commons