Assemblywoman Pacheco Secures $3.5 Million for Community Projects in Downey, Bell and Cudahy

DOWNEY, CA - Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) joined local leaders and community members this week to celebrate $3.5 million in state funding she secured for four projects across California's 64th Assembly District.

The investments include $1.5 million for the Kolar Family YMCA and $1 million for the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, $500,000 to help design a new Senior & Youth Center in Bell, and $500,000 for improvements to Clara Park in Cudahy.

"People don't experience the state budget as numbers on a page," said Assemblywoman Pacheco. "They experience it when their kids have somewhere to learn to swim, explore science, or play outdoors, and when seniors have places to stay active and be connected.

"I'm glad I could secure this funding and work with our local partners to bring these projects closer to reality," She added.

Pacheco presented ceremonial checks at events held October 19 and 20, recognizing the organizations, city leaders and residents working to bring these projects to life.

Kolar Family YMCA, Downey - $1.5 Million

The $1.5 million investment will support the Kolar Family YMCA's transformation into a modern, more accessible community facility. The project is part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles's $23.5 million capital campaign and includes plans for an indoor swimming pool, renovated gymnasium, fitness facilities, a Child Activity Center and additional community gathering spaces.

The improvements will expand opportunities for children, families and older adults to participate in recreational, educational and wellness programs.

"The Kolar Family YMCA is more than a building. As the Center for Community Well-Being, the YMCA represents hope, possibility, and a shared commitment to building healthier, stronger, and more connected communities where everyone belongs," said Cheryl Vargas, Executive Director of the Kolar Family YMCA.

"This gift from Assemblymember Pacheco ensures that the Kolar Family YMCA in Downey continues to be where our community can come together, where children can learn to swim and make their first game-winning baskets, where neighbors can connect for generations to come, Vargas said.

Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey - $1 Million

Pacheco secured an additional $1 million for the Columbia Memorial Space Center's expansion, building on approximately $2.7 million in state funding that she previously directed to the facility.

The latest investment will support construction of the Center's new Learning Complex, which will house a full-scale mockup of the space shuttle Inspiration, built in Downey. The expansion will create additional space for hands-on science education, allowing the Center to reach more students and families through exhibits, programs and activities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

"We are incredibly grateful to have the support of Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco," said Ben Dickow, President and Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. "Her belief in this project from the very beginning was instrumental in our ability to move our expansion plans forward."

"The project will increase access to after-school learning programs to local children and families," Dickow said. "This funding will allow our team to welcome more students, create new science-themed programs and ensure that students have access to the high-quality learning experiences they deserve."

City of Bell Senior & Youth Center - $500,000

The City of Bell will receive $500,000 to support the design of a new Senior & Youth Center in a building recently acquired by the city on Gage Avenue.

The funding will allow Bell to begin the design phase of a facility envisioned to serve residents across generations, with planned spaces for after-school activities, arts and technology, senior programs, exercise classes and social activities.

"Bell's seniors and young people deserve welcoming spaces to connect with neighbors, stay active and explore new interests," said Bell Mayor Ana Maria Quintana. "This funding will help us design a Senior and Youth Center with their needs at its heart. We thank Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco for securing this $500,000 investment in our community."

Clara Park, Cudahy - $500,000

An additional $500,000 will support the City of Cudahy's ongoing efforts to improve Clara Park, advancing a broader rehabilitation project shaped by residents' priorities.

More than 200 community members participated in workshops and surveys during the project's planning process, identifying needs such as improved playgrounds, basketball courts, safer park facilities and additional gathering spaces. The investment will help advance improvements to a neighborhood park that provides important access to outdoor recreation and green space in densely populated Cudahy.

"We thank Assemblymember Pacheco for this important investment in Clara Park and the Cudahy community," said Cudahy Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez. "This project reflects our commitment to listening to residents, expanding access to green space, and creating the welcoming recreational spaces our community deserves.

Together, these investments will support new and improved community facilities, expand educational and recreational opportunities, and help local partners advance projects that serve residents throughout the 64th Assembly District.

Additional photos and video available upon request.