GARDENA — State Sen. Ben Allen (D-El Segundo) joined the Gardena City Council on Oct. 20 to celebrate $2 million in the state budget to restore a teen-focused community center at Mas Fukai Park.
“Access to safe and resourced spaces is so important for our community’s youth,” Allen said. “I’m so excited to see the project materialize.”
The check presentation took place at the park during the Fall Festival. Allen was joined by Mayor Tasha Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Henderson, City Councilmembers Paulette Francis, Wanda Love and Rodney Tanaka, and Gardena Police Lt. Alex Rivera.
Located at 15800 Brighton Ave., Mas Fukai Park includes basketball courts, baseball fields, picnic tables and children’s play areas.
Masani “Mas” Fukai, a long-time community leader in Gardena, died in 2006 at the age of 79. He was elected to the City Council in 1974 and served until 1998. He also joined the staff of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn in 1975 and served until 1993. Recreation Park was renamed in his honor.
Allen represents Senate District 24, which includes the cities of Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Lomita, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Fairfax, Holmby Hills, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Little Holmby, Mid City West, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Sunset Hills, Venice, Westwood, and Westwood Village; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and Marina Del Rey.