North Park’s Community Rallies to Save Cultural Hub

For nearly 16 years, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center has been the beating heart of North Park’s creative scene. From salsa nights to slam poetry, goth gatherings to line dancing, this Ohio Street venue has been a home for artists of all stripes.

Now, this beloved space faces an uncertain future, and the community is swarming to its defense.

The Sting of Change

The buzz of activity at Queen Bee’s took a somber turn when owner and director Alma Rodriguez announced that the building housing the center had been sold. The new owners have plans that don’t include Queen Bee’s vibrant cultural programming—they’re eyeing the space for townhouses.

“I lost the opportunity to purchase the venue, so we have to find a new home,” Rodriguez said at a recent press conference. “I’m not going to give up without a fight.”

More Than Just a Venue

For many San Diego artists, Queen Bee’s is more than just a space—it’s a launchpad for dreams and a safety net for creative risks.

Gregory Page, a musician who’s found a second home at Queen Bee’s, put it this way: “I can’t imagine a San Diego without Alma and Queen Bee’s. It’s truly like imagining our city without sunshine.”

From pole dancing to free acupuncture, Queen Bee’s has been a hive of diverse activities. Lorena Romero-Cabra, who runs Pole Buzz inside the center, emphasized its inclusive nature: “People feel like, ‘This is where I can be me, this is where I can be myself.’ That’s the whole nature of Queen Bee’s.”

A Two-Pronged Plan to Preserve and Relocate

The Queen Bee’s team isn’t just looking for a new home—they’re also fighting to preserve the legacy of their current one. They’re preparing documentation to request that the City of San Diego grant the building historical designation, a process that will cost about $15,000.

Beyond that, they’re raising funds to help Queen Bee’s relocate and continue its mission in a new space. It’s not the first time the community has rallied to save Queen Bee’s—they came through during the pandemic when venues were shuttered and rent was due.

How You Can Help Keep the Hive Alive

Kate “Edukate” Morrissey, a dancer and DJ who’s hosted events at Queen Bee’s, summed up the community’s sentiment: “Alma has always been there for us. Now it’s time for us to be there for her.”

If you want to be part of preserving this slice of San Diego culture, you can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign. Every donation, big or small, helps.

Remember, San Diego needs more than just housing—it needs spaces where culture can thrive, and communities can come together. Let’s make sure Queen Bee’s keeps that spirit alive for years to come.

Know more about Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center through the website here.