Lawsuit Filed to Preserve Toro Wapo Arena, a Longstanding Latino Cultural Home in Perris

ThinkEventos alleges its considerable investment, and the community ecosystem built around the venue, are at risk due to undisclosed state infrastructure plans.

PERRIS, CA, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ThinkEventos, operator of Toro Wapo Arena, has filed a civil complaint, case number CVRI2604244 in the Superior Court Of The State Of California in and for The County Of Riverside, against the 46th District Agricultural Association (46th DAA) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), alleging that circumstances surrounding the Perris Dam Modernization Project have significantly undermined the operation of the venue and put its long-term viability at risk.

According to the complaint, ThinkEventos invested a significant amount of capital to build and develop Toro Wapo, and the important music scene around it, under an exclusive lease agreement with the 46th District Agricultural Association signed in 2018.

Other allegations in the court documents include that the infrastructure plans affecting the property existed before the lease was executed but were never disclosed to ThinkEventos before that investment was made. The project has since reduced Toro Wapo’s available parking capacity by more than 60%, severely impacting the venue’s ability to operate and host events.

Beyond the operation of a single business, the potential impact threatens a broader cultural and economic ecosystem. For nearly three decades, this venue has served as a cultural anchor for Riverside County’s Latino community, a gathering place for families to listen to regional Mexican music, and local working families whose livelihoods depend on event operations.

ThinkEventos supports the continued growth and modernization of Perris and recognizes the importance of public infrastructure. However, the company maintains that progress must respect existing business investments, valid contracts, and the cultural fabric of the community.

“Toro Wapo is where the heart of Mexico beats in the Riverside County,” said Xavier Ortiz, owner of ThinkEventos “When we made a major investment here in 2018, we didn't just build an arena; we built a home for our traditions, our artists, and our working families. We truly believe Perris can modernize and move into the future without tearing down the very spaces that give this community its soul.”

“This isn't just a disagreement over a commercial lease,” said Jeffrey Mayes, lead counsel for ThinkEventos at Druven PC. “The core legal issue is about good faith and transparency. When a public agency invites private investment while withholding plans that destroy over 60% of the venue’s capacity, it raises serious questions about accountability and how state infrastructure projects treat existing community institutions.”

ThinkEventos is seeking legal accountability and a constructive path forward that restores venue operations and protects the community’s cultural infrastructure.

“We aren't asking anyone to choose between infrastructure and culture,” Ortiz added. “We are simply asking for a solution where both can thrive side by side.”

ThinkEventos is represented by Jeffrey Mayes, Jefford Davis, and Marco Castellon of Druven PC, counsel of record in the filed action, case number CVRI2604244.

About Toro Wapo Arena
Toro Wapo Arena is a cultural and entertainment venue in Perris, California, serving the Inland Empire through regional Mexican music, jaripeo, rodeo, family celebrations, and community events.

About Druven
DRUVEN is an international strategic consultancy specializing in public relations, public affairs, and legal and regulatory analysis, with offices in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Mexico City. The firm advises organizations navigating complex, high-exposure environments across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. For more information, visit druven.us.

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