Little India, Artesia

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] Over the next few decades, more Indian businesses opened in the area.[3] Some local politicians proposed signage officially designating the area as "Little India" in 2004, but this proved divisive.[3] Many opposed such signage on the grounds that it would improperly privilege one ethnic group in a diverse area.[3][4] Ultimately, the area was designated the Artesia International and Cultural Shopping District on street signs.[4]

Culture

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lee, Jessica C. (October 8, 2006). "From dairies to samosas and saris". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  2. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 Labossiere, Regine (August 26, 2004). "'Little India' Fights for Recognition". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Watanabe, Teresa (November 26, 2005). "Artesia Thinks the World of Itself". L.A. Times. Retrieved May 10, 2014.

Further reading

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