Cambodia Town Inc.
| Cambodia Town Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Type | Civic |
| Focus areas | cultural district stewardship; economic development; district branding; Cambodian-American heritage |
| City | Long Beach |
| State / province | California |
| Country | United States |
| Address | 2201 E. Anaheim St., #103, Long Beach, CA 90804 |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Website | Website |
| Operating status | active |
Cambodia Town, Inc. was formed on November 4, 2005, by members of the Cambodia Town Initiative Task Force and the community as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. It developed an action plan to gather community support and engage the media to influence the Long Beach City Council regarding formal designation of Cambodia Town.
History
- November 4, 2005: Members of the Cambodia Town Initiative Task Force and the community formed Cambodia Town, Inc. as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
- 2005: Cambodia Town began producing the New Year Parade along Anaheim Street.
- October 24, 2006: Cambodia Town submitted a proposal to the Long Beach City Council for the formal designation of Cambodia Town. The City Council voted 6 to 3 to postpone action and refer the proposal to the Housing and Neighborhood Committee for further review.
- July 3, 2007: Through the efforts of Cambodia Town Board members, the City of Long Beach designated the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District. It was the first designated Cambodia Town in the United States. The City Council vote was 8 to 1.
- 2007: Cambodia Town's Ambassador Circle raised $150,000 to name the Community room in the Mark Twain Library.
- 2008 onward: Cambodia Town collected signatures to establish a Midtown PBID.
- 2009: CSU Dominguez Hills developed the Cambodian Arts and Handicrafts Exhibition in collaboration with Cambodia Town. It became the annual Cambodia Town Cultural Festival.
- 2011: Cambodia Town raised funds for installation of 16 street signs marking the boundaries of the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District.
- 2012: Cambodia Town raised funds for installation of Cambodia Town directional signs on the 710 Freeway.
- 2016: The City of Long Beach established the Midtown PBID, following Cambodia Town's advocacy.
- April 23, 2019: At the recommendation of Cambodia Town's Board, the City of Long Beach proclaimed April "Cambodian Heritage Month."
- May 31, 2020: Businesses on Anaheim Street were damaged and raided. Cambodia Town joined a coalition with Midtown BID and United Cambodian Community to distribute community relief funds. The relief fund aided 25 businesses and distributed $69,373.00.
- 2020 and 2021: The New Year Parade continued in video format.
- 2023: The New Year Parade returned live to thousands of attendees.
Community served
Cambodia Town promotes Khmer culture, customs, and traditions to advance the social and economic well-being of low- and moderate-income communities. It creates a thriving and peaceful community by increasing health access, revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting local businesses, and educating youth.
Programs and services
- Cambodia Town New Year Parade along Anaheim Street, produced since 2005; the parade continued in video format during 2020 and 2021 and returned live in 2023.
- Cambodia Town Cultural Festival, developed from the Cambodian Arts and Handicrafts Exhibition and attended by several thousand people.
- Advocacy for the Midtown PBID, including collecting signatures since 2008.
- Fundraising for Cambodia Town directional signs on the 710 Freeway, installed in 2012.
- Fundraising for 16 street signs marking the boundaries of the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District, installed in 2011.
- Advocacy for the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District designation.
- Community relief fund distribution for 25 businesses damaged and raided on Anaheim Street on May 31, 2020.
- Recommendation that the City of Long Beach proclaim April as "Cambodian Heritage Month."
- Fundraising to name the Community room in the Mark Twain Library.
The organization helped secure designation of the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District on July 3, 2007, and later raised funds for district and freeway signage. Its activities expanded to include the annual New Year Parade, the Cambodia Town Cultural Festival, Midtown PBID advocacy, Cambodian Heritage Month advocacy, and community relief distribution.
Leadership
- Monorom Neth — First Vice Chairman
- Sithea San — former Cambodia Town chair
Campaigns and advocacy
- Formal designation campaign for the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District, resulting in City of Long Beach approval on July 3, 2007.
- Midtown PBID signature-collection and advocacy campaign, conducted since 2008 and resulting in establishment by the City of Long Beach in 2016.
- Fundraising campaigns for Cambodia Town street signs and 710 Freeway directional signs.
- Cambodia Town Board recommendation for Cambodian Heritage Month, proclaimed by the City of Long Beach in April 2019.
- 2020 community relief fund campaign and distribution for businesses damaged and raided on Anaheim Street.
- Annual New Year Parade and Cambodia Town Cultural Festival.
Partnerships
- Mark Twain Library — recipient of more than $150,000 raised for its community room
- Long Beach City Council — approached for support and assistance with the proposed gateway
- City of Long Beach — undertaking Anaheim Street renovations relevant to the planned gateway
Funding
Cambodia Town's Ambassador Circle raised $150,000 in 2007 to name the Community room in the Mark Twain Library. Cambodia Town raised funds for 16 Cambodia Town boundary street signs in 2011 and Cambodia Town directional signs on the 710 Freeway in 2012. In 2020, a coalition involving Cambodia Town, Midtown BID, and United Cambodian Community distributed $69,373.00 in relief funds to 25 businesses.
Contact and participation
- Website: https://cambodiatown.org
- Address: 2201 E. Anaheim St., #103, Long Beach, CA 90804
Media coverage
- Long Beach Local News — "Cambodia Town: Bringing Life and Culture to Anaheim Street," August 6, 2018