With a hole in its roof and its civic center complex needing other repairs, the city of Los Alamitos welcomed the news of Senator Janet Nguyen’s one-time appropriation of $2.5 million with open arms this week.
Senator Nguyen announced this week that she has secured a significant investment of $2.5 million through the budget process for critical upgrades and repairs to the beloved Los Alamitos Civic Center Complex.
“I am proud to announce the allocation of $2.5 million for critical upgrades to the Los Alamitos Civic Center Complex,” said Senator Nguyen in a statement.
“This investment will enhance the City’s ability to serve its residents, modernize emergency response capabilities, and ensure a flourishing hub for community engagement. Together, we are investing in the future of Los Alamitos, empowering our community to thrive and ensuring a better quality of life for all,” she added.
The city is currently experiencing a significant turnaround, buoyed by the passage during the pandemic of an additional 1.5 percent sales tax, which has allowed the city to experience growth and is somewhat hemmed in by an aging civic center on Katella.
The Los Alamitos Civic Center Complex has long been the heart of the vibrant city, fostering a sense of belonging and providing essential services to residents, Nguyen said.
“This central civic complex, housing the community center, police department, and fire department, has served as a cornerstone of the community for decades. Its impact extends far beyond the city’s borders, attracting individuals from neighboring areas who participate in an array of programs, classes, and community initiatives,” said Nguyen in securing the funds.
In addition, she said the improvements made through the allocation will serve thousands of residents who rely on the Los Alamitos Civic Center each week.
Among other programs, Nguyen was referring to a broad expansion of programs now being offered by the revamped Los Al Recreation Department which brings diverse groups of citizens, of all ages, into the civic center complex.
“These citizens are taking advantage of the diverse range of classes, day camps, programs for older adults, and various community service offerings available year-round, Nguyen said.
“Moreover, during times of crisis, this facility, alongside the Los Alamitos Police Department, serves as the emergency operations center and acts as the designated point of distribution for food and other essential resources,” she said.
In her statement, Nguyen acknowledged problems with the aging center, like roofing problems and other issues.
“Like many of Los Alamitos’ infrastructure assets, the Civic Center and the Police and Fire Departments have remained largely unchanged since their construction in the 1970s,” the Senator said.
“As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is imperative that we modernize these facilities to meet the increasing demand for services and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents,” she said.
“This funding brings much-needed relief and support to the City of Los Alamitos. The allocated funds will be utilized to address recent storm damage that has affected the Civic Center and other facilities, enabling necessary repairs and upgrades,” said Nguyen.
“This investment will empower the community to continue its mission of serving the community effectively during normal operations and emergencies alike,” she said.
For city officials, the state’s investment is much needed and confirmation of Mayor Tanya Doby’s oft-stated quest to get “every dollar available” for the “small, but mighty city” of Los Alamitos.
“We want to thank Senator Janet Nguyen for her steadfast support for our city,” said Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby. “Senator Nguyen has been an ally for our small but mighty city since her first days in higher office,” said Doby in a statement.
“Due to her background as an advocate for the underdog and the little guy, she has always had a soft spot for Los Alamitos and our particular needs,” the mayor said.
“Our views and values naturally align which has made making the requests for our growing city much easier to communicate to her and her staff. Soliciting and securing $2.5M for our residents is just the latest in a long line of ways the Senator has shown her dedication to our city over the course of our relationship with her as a diligent advocate for Los Alamitos,” she added.