ACE Awarded Grant from CFMC

Sign above the Republic Cafe in Salinas Chinatown. Photo by Jean Vengua.

Members of the Asian Cultural Experience (ACE) of Salinas CA were gratified, recently, to receive a $5000 strategic planning grant from the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Centered in Salinas Chinatown, ACE is a unique organization representing the three Asian American communities that established Chinatown in the late 19th century.

While the neighborhood has seen its share of issues over the years, it is blessed with committed social groups and individuals who care about Chinatown’s residents and homeless population and value its storied culture. More recently, Chinatown has seen more movement afoot to revitalize the area as projects by the Monterey County Housing Development and MidPen Housing Corporations move forward in and near the neighborhood. The Salinas Downtown Community Board (SDCB) also continues to push forward projects to create solutions for the homeless community.

Given current and projected changes, the CFMC grant will greatly assist ACE in re-visioning and developing short term action and long term strategic plans to further its mission to preserve the history and culture of Salinas Chinatown and support its revitalization.

Nicole M. Young, of Optimal Solutions Consulting, will work closely with ACE to facilitate and develop the plan. Young has over 25 years of experience working in non-profit and public sectors, and ACE is very pleased to have her on its team.

ACE has received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Cal Humanities, and The Community Foundation for Monterey County (Neighborhood Grant). It has partnered with the City of Salinas, National Steinbeck Center, CSUMB, Salinas Downtown Community Board, Salinas Libraries, and other local organizations to preserve Chinatown culture and history. After nine years, ACE is a respected historical preservation group, and has been a nonprofit organization for over two years. Its members look forward to new and renewed partnerships in the community.

Chinese School in Salinas Chinatown. Image from the Ahtye family collection.