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Historical Society of Long Beach

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Venerable Kong Chhean with Student and Teachers


Students and teachers from an English language class stand in front of the Wat Khemara Buddhikaram (Khmer Buddhist Temple) where social programs and English classes were provided throughout the 1990s. The temple, headed by Ven. Kong Chhean (in orange robe), moved to its current location in the former Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Hall at 2100 Willow Street in 1988. The Khmer lettering on the building translates to Wat Khmer. Community members refer to the temple as Wat Willow after the street it is on.
Students and teachers from an English language class stand in front of the Wat Khemara Buddhikaram (Khmer Buddhist Temple) where social programs and English classes were provided throughout the 1990s. The temple, headed by Ven. Kong Chhean (in orange robe), moved to its current location in the former Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union Hall at 2100 Willow Street in 1988. The Khmer lettering on the building translates to Wat Khmer. Community members refer to the temple as Wat Willow after the street it is on.

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