Hertzberg’s Heroes: Vol. I, Issue VI
Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
Welcome to Hertzberg’s Heroes! Every month, Team Hertzberg will highlight an organization or individual who exemplifies heroism through their dedication to making life better for the San Fernando Valley. Have a Hero to suggest? Submit your idea to Senator.Hertzberg@sen.ca.gov!
Nearly two decades ago, Tia Chucha’s opened as a great place to grab a coffee, read a book, or experience art and culture in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Since then, it has only expanded its cultural footprint in our community. Through open mic nights, film screenings, music lessons, and cultural gatherings,Tia Chucha’s is a hub for culture and expression in Sylmar. At Tia Chucha’s, they focus on “healing through the power of the arts.”
One way that Tia Chucha’s drives inspiration in our community is through their Arts for Justice programs, offered to those who are currently or recently incarcerated. Louis Rodriguez, the co-founder of Tia Chucha’s, established this program in order to facilitate healing and provide opportunities to succeed upon re-entry to society. What makes this program unique is the focus on healing of the heart rather than just socioeconomic tools for success. Tia Chucha’s staff and volunteers now work directly with local prisons and half-way houses to provide these services, such as art and writing programming, to individuals who need them in a way that is easily accessible.
“I feel like sometimes it’s hard to articulate what Tia Chucha’s does and is,” said executive director and filmmaker Michael Centeno, “but I think also a big part of it is that we have cultivated a lot of people have gone on to do and start their own things, being actively engaged in their community.” Centeno has been a part of the organization for 20 years and credits the organization for much of the growth and success he has seen in the Northeast Valley.
When you visit Tia Chucha’s bookstore in Sylmar, the walls are covered in beautiful paintings, drawings and prints for sale. The bookshelves are lined with books about native cultures and poetry. The best part is that all of this beautiful work they curate and sell is done by locals in our communities, people of all ages and backgrounds. In the future, Tia Chucha’s hopes to expand the services they provide, with a focus on the health and wellness of our community.
Tia Chucha’s is funded primarily through government grants and profits from their bookstore, which is located in the Sylmar Plaza and is open Monday-Saturday. For more information on their cultural workshops or their bookstore go to their website https://www.tiachucha.org or follow them at Tia Chucha Press on Facebook.
