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LA Times: LA’s Chinatown Becoming Less Chinese

Los Angeles Chinatown
Photo by Steven Meiers

Much of the Southland’s Chinese population has moved into the 626 area code, an area which includes Monterey Park. considered to be the New Chinatown.

As the young abandon Los Angeles’ Chinatown, the character of the neighborhood is slowly changing, according to the LA Times.

Longtime businesses like the Empress Pavilion have shut its doors. Slated to move into the area are Walmart and Starbucks. A new housing development hopes to attract  a diverse group of young professionals.

“Why shouldn’t we have a multicultural Chinatown?” asked George Yu, Executive Director of Chinatown’s business improvement district. “Why shouldn’t we have a good cup of [Starbucks coffee]? Little Tokyo has two of them, and no one says anything about that.”

Yu sees this as an opportunity to revitalize the area. He doesn’t see it as the death of Chinatown, but a rebirth.

“If we bring in the mainstream which our children are a part of, and make Chinatown relevant to that, you’ll see the second and third and fourth generations returning like they used to,” Yu said

For a closer look at the evolution of Chinatown you can read the LA Times along with a pictorial essay on the area.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Yogi Tam via Facebook: RE: LA Chinatown becoming less Chinese: Just read the article. That explains why they never fixed the escalators to Empress Pavilion. The things been broke for over a year. Landlord kept saying it was waiting for parts. I am sure once Walmart takes over the escalator will 'magically' be fixed.

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