Little India, Artesia, California

Little India c. 2015

Little India is an Indian enclave centered on Pioneer Boulevard between 183rd and 188th streets in the city of Artesia, California.[1] It is the largest Indian enclave in southern California.[1] As of 2003, approximately 120 shops in the area catered to Indian customers.[2] Though (as of 2004) less than 5% of the city's population was Indian American, Little India contributed approximately a quarter of the city's sales tax receipts.[3]

History

In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act abolished restrictive quotas on immigrants from certain regions.[1] During the ensuing increase in immigration from India to the United States, many Indians settled in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.[1] The region's first Indian grocery store was initially established in Hollywood, but it relocated to Artesia in 1970 at the behest of Indians living in Orange County.[1] Other Indian immigrants also settled in Artesia in the 1970s, which was relatively inexpensive at the time.[1] As of 1986, there were about 25 Indian businesses on Pioneer Boulevard; the number had grown to about 90 (or 80% of the retail businesses in the core area) as of 1995.[4][5]

In the 1980s and 1990s, there were tensions in the community between Indian businesses/residents and non-Indian businesses/residents.[6][7] Some local politicians proposed signage officially designating the area as "Little India" in 2004, but this proved divisive.[3][8] Many opposed such signage on the grounds that it would improperly privilege one ethnic group in a diverse area.[3][9] Ultimately, the area was designated the Artesia International and Cultural Shopping District on street signs.[9]

As of the late 2010s and early 2020s, the area had begun to struggle as a result of competition from Indian businesses elsewhere in the Los Angeles area and on the internet.[4]

Culture

Cultural events held in Little India include celebrations of Indian Independence Day, Diwali, and Navratri.[1] The largest Indian immigrant newspaper in southern California is based in Artesia.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Lee, Jessica C. (October 8, 2006). "From dairies to samosas and saris". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Sandhya Shukla. "New Immigrants, New Forms of Transnational Community: Post-1965 Indian Migrations". In Don T. Nakanishi, ed. (2003). Asian American Politics: Law, Participation, and Policy. James S. Lai. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 189. ISBN 978-0-7425-1850-6.
  3. ^ a b c Labossiere, Regine (August 26, 2004). "'Little India' Fights for Recognition". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Campa, Andrew J. (January 2, 2022). "Little India, already struggling before the pandemic, is at a crossroads". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Canalis, John (January 15, 1995). "Success of 'Little India' Puts Parking at a Premium, Merchants Say". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  6. ^ Churm, Steven R. (April 6, 1986). "'Little India' : Enterprising Immigrant Merchants Adding Spice to Artesia's Main Street". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  7. ^ Harris, Scott (September 1, 1992). "'Little India' : Ethnicity: A commercial strip in Artesia has evolved into a mecca for the Asian Indian culture. But the influx has drawn complaints in the community". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  8. ^ Fellers, Li (June 10, 2003). "Artesia Split on Little India Proposal". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  9. ^ a b Watanabe, Teresa (November 26, 2005). "Artesia Thinks the World of Itself". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.

Further reading/viewing