The City of Santa Maria celebrated the opening of the long-planned Japanese Community Center on Monday, June 8, 2026. - The 10,000-square-foot facility is located adjacent to the historic Smith-Enos House on South Bradley Road.
- The center honors the Issei and Nisei generations, recognizing their agricultural achievements and community leadership despite discrimination and WWII incarceration. - The barn-shaped building includes a lobby, multi-use area, historical displays, restrooms, kitchen, and storage space.
The center, a project over a decade in the making, serves as both a community hub and a tribute to Japanese American pioneers who shaped the Santa Maria Valley.