In a press conference held at DaVinci Ristorante yesterday, local education leaders spoke out in support of the proposed Kroc Center community facility that is planned for construction in Long Beach’s 6th District. The center is a joint effort with the Salvation Army and Ray & Joan Kroc Trust to create a $120 million facility that will include state-of-the-art athletic and education facilities for local youth, an aspect that is sorely needed in the area accoring to supporters of the project.
“It’s a quality of life issue,” said CSULB President F. King Alexander, joined at the table by Long Beach City College President Eloy Oakley and Long Beach Unified School District Chris Steinhauser.
“Getting our students ready for higher education is not only about our teachers and classrooms,” King said. “That’s what this facility is all about, providing opportunities.”
The educators were joined by Councilmember Dee Andrews and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe to stress the need for additional funding. The Salvation Army has contributed about $24 million along with $76 million from the Kroc Fund toward the $120 million target. Now, an estimated $8.5 million is needed from the public to finalize necessary funding.