Little India, Artesia, California

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]

Little India c. 2015

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

Further reading/viewing
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