Gualala Community Center
Our Story
The Gualala Community Center (GCC) was built in 1954 by local volunteers who wanted to create a welcoming gathering place for meetings, dances, celebrations, and other community events. Over the decades, it has continued to serve as a cornerstone of community life on the South Coast.
Through the proceeds of its long-running thrift program, Pay ‘n’ Take, the Community Center has been able to give back in meaningful ways—supporting local food banks, schools, scholarships, senior services, and other vital community programs.
On February 13, 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the two original buildings that housed the Pay ‘n’ Take Clothing store and the main rental hall. While the loss was deeply felt, it also brought the community together around a shared vision to rebuild.
Since then, plans for a new, more sustainable and cost-effective building have been developed with input and collaboration from local residents and professionals. As the rebuilding process moves forward, the Gualala Community Center remains committed to its founding purpose: providing a space where the community can gather, connect, and thrive.
Through the proceeds of its long-running thrift program, Pay ‘n’ Take, the Community Center has been able to give back in meaningful ways—supporting local food banks, schools, scholarships, senior services, and other vital community programs.
On February 13, 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the two original buildings that housed the Pay ‘n’ Take Clothing store and the main rental hall. While the loss was deeply felt, it also brought the community together around a shared vision to rebuild.
Since then, plans for a new, more sustainable and cost-effective building have been developed with input and collaboration from local residents and professionals. As the rebuilding process moves forward, the Gualala Community Center remains committed to its founding purpose: providing a space where the community can gather, connect, and thrive.
Old GCC Building
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GCC Building after the fire of 2023.
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Rendering of new building plan.
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About Gualala
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Gualala - Water Coming Down Place
Whether you come from the breathtaking drive up the Sonoma coast or through the regal redwoods of Mendocino, your first view of Gualala will be memorable. Gualala seems hard to pronounce, but the natives pronounce it as “wa-LA-la.” And the first inhabitants, the Pomo Native people, called it "Ah-Kha Wa-LA-Li" which translates to water Coming down place. Two excellent websites exploring Gualala and the surrounding area are: https://www.gualala.com https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/gualala/ 
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A Coastal Tradition of Sharing and Sustainability
Along our stretch of coast, neighbors from Elk to Timber Cove rely on each other—and gather at the beloved Pay ‘n’ Take to find new homes for gently used items. It’s community recycling at its best, with very little ending up in the landfill. About Mendocino County
Where rugged coastline, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages, majestic redwood forests, and America’s Greenest Wine Region beckon you to escape at a slower pace. This website give you more information about this beautiful diverse California County: https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/home |
Our Closest Neighbors
The Sea Ranch is our closest neighbor to the south. Extending ten miles along the Sonoma Coast, the modern homes, clad in weathered redwood, seem to grow organically from the rugged landscape. 
In contrast, ten miles north is the tiny historic town of Point Arena. With its 60’s vibe, visitors should never miss the Point Arena Lighthouse, the 330-foot-long public fishing pier, or beautiful coastal hiking on the Stornetta Public Lands.
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