Long Beach, Calif. – On December 8, 2023, Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) presented $3.5 million in funds to support the preservation of historical sites Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos in the City of Long Beach. Senator Gonzalez advocated for the funds to be allocated as part of the 2023 fiscal year state budget. The allocation of funds will serve to address several key aspects, notably public safety concerns, accessibility improvement, and restoration of historic ranch buildings and gardens. The Ranchos are situated on lands historically inhabited by the Gabrielino-Tongva indigenous community. As historically significant regional treasures, the Ranchos help promote cultural and environmental awareness through accessible programming for students, families and all visitors.

“I am proud to lend my support for the preservation of Long Beach’s cherished landmarks, Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “This funding will provide our communities with better access to beautiful outdoor spaces and historical buildings, and educational resources, where visitors can learn firsthand about our state's history and the importance of environmental stewardship.”

"We are grateful to Senator Lena Gonzalez for her advocacy, which led to the allocation of $3.5 million from the state. The teams at Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos appreciate this award immensely," said Pam Lee, Executive Director of Rancho Los Alamitos. "The funding will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to preserve and share the stories and rich cultural heritage of the people of California."

“We express our gratitude to Senator Lena Gonzalez for her efforts in securing state funds aimed at supporting the preservation of Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos. Both Ranchos hold immense historical and cultural significance, and it is a privilege for us to be entrusted with their maintenance and preservation by the State of California,” said Alison Bruesehoff, Executive Director of Rancho Los Cerritos.

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Senator Gonzalez represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes the City of Long Beach and portions of South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles including the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Signal Hill, and South Gate. Senator Gonzalez lives in Long Beach with her family. Website of Senator Lena Gonzalez: www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez

Rancho Los Alamitos, the “Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods,” is a Long Beach City Landmark and twice-listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rancho is located on Tongva-Gabrielino land known as Povuun’nga. The site has nurtured a great diversity of peoples and cultures over thousands of years. Today, the 7½-acre site includes four acres of nationally significant historic gardens, a ranch house (1790-1933), and a restored barnyard of the early 20th-century working ranch. We are open to the public and provide free docent-led tours Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5pm.

Entrusted with the care of this National, State and Local Historic Landmark, the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation continues living its mission to honor diverse perspectives, enrich collaborative conversations, and inspire broader understanding through stewardship of Rancho Los Cerritos’ natural and cultural history.