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08/23/2022ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2022 The regular meeting of August 23, 2022 was called to order at 3:08 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on August 18, 2022. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae, Jose F. Moreno, and Stephen Faessel. Council Member Jose Diaz joined the meeting at 3:09 P.M. Council Member Valencia joined the meeting during Closed Session. [Mayoral vacancy] STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that no electronically submitted public comments pertained to the Closed Session agenda. Mike Robbins, President of the People's Homeless Taskforce, stated that the criminal intent in the Angel Stadium sale started with corrupt money funneled to candidates by Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno and his friends. He added including the sale of the adjacent land should make this a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case. He encouraged City Council to find a new buyer for the land who would pay a higher price and requested a soccer stadium for the site if the Angels move. CLOSED SESSION: At 3:10 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil recessed to closed session for consideration of the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: People's Homeless Task Force of Orange County v. City of Anaheim, OCSC Case No. 30-2020 01135406-CU-WM-CJC 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Section 54957 (b) (1) of the California Government Code) Title: City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk 3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk At 5:27 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil reconvened the Anaheim City Council. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 2 of 34 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Jose Diaz, Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae, Jose F. Moreno, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel [Mayoral vacancy] INVOCATION: Preacher Jimmy Gaston, State College Blvd Church of Christ FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Jose Diaz ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (Top be presented at a later date): Recognizing September 2022, as World Alzheimer's Awareness Month Recognizing September 2022, as National Preparedness Month Anaheim Fire Chief Patrick Russell accepted the proclamation. Recognizing September 2022, as National Library Card Sign -Up Month Anaheim Public Library Communications Specialist Alessandra Gonzalez accepted the proclamation, discussed activities to encourage library usership in September, and thanked the City Council. Recognizing September 2022, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Recognizing September 2022, as Hunger Action Month Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Sara Bazant accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Orange County Hunger Alliance, spoke of the good deeds for the community done by Alliance members, and thanked City Council. She noted the Alliance serves 332,000 people monthly in a County where one (1) out of every 11 residents is food insecure, including one (1) out of every eight (8) children. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that consideration of Item No. 13 would include a revised resolution per a request by the Council of American -Islamic Relations to include an additional four organizations in the resolution. PUBLIC COMMENTS (all aaenda items): City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 24 public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of 27 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. - See Appendix. Hassam Ayloush, Chief Executive Officer of the California Council on American -Islamic Relations, stated he and his wife chose to reside in Anaheim in 1993 due to the large Arabic -speaking community. He noted people around the country know the Brookhurst Street corridor as Little Arabia and the City itself is the only group not using this culturally celebratory designation. He called on City Council to approve Item No. 17 and join everyone else in celebrating the City's diversity by formally designating Little Arabia. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 3 of 34 Nadia AI -Said, Arab -American Civic Council, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17 by noting the area's strong cultural heritage. She added the designation would strengthen the unity of the communities in response to strong anti -Arabian sentiments. She stated she has found a home away from home after moving to Little Arabia from the City of Fresno. She noted Little Arabia would be the first Arab cultural district in the nation. Mark Richard Daniels stated the Little Arabia designation should have happened a long time ago and added it was time for the designation to happen. He theorized that Major League Baseball is behind Mr. Moreno's rumored intention of selling the Angels. He stated that Council Members are likely involved in this considering it is an election year. He stated Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's intention of running for Mayor is abhorrent to democracy and added he is running for his own ego and the good of the cabal rather than doing it for the people. He stated connections with former Mayor Harry Sidhu would hurt election chances for the other Council Members as well. He stated the Council Members do not have the trust of the people, only the trust of wealthy donors. He stated it is an embarrassment to the City to have candidates under Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suspicion. He added that Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil received a Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loan from the federal government during the pandemic but never disclosed how much of it he personally received. He believed the election is an embarrassment. Cecile Sarruf reported her immigrant parents passed away years ago in Northern California missing their distant former homeland of Egypt, but she was able to find a traditional Egyptian burial garment in Little Arabia. She added she frequently traveled to Anaheim to be close to her mother's memory by soaking up her native culture, leading her to eventually move to Orange County. She called for an all- inclusive cultural center in Little Arabia. She stated the area's residents and merchants have shown a commitment to the City over the past 30 years and stated it was time for the City to show its commitment to a neighborhood whose economic contributions have served the City well by approving Item No. 17. R. Joshua Collins encouraged everyone to give their lives to Jesus Christ, stated he has Lebanese family members but noted many in the Arabian culture reject Jesus Christ, and encouraged all non- believers to follow Jesus Christ. He stated the City needs more affordable housing and added Item No. 14 works towards this goal. He encouraged City Council to pass Item No. 14 and encouraged more transparency from the Council considering the Angel Stadium deal controversy. He encouraged Muslims in attendance to speak to him about following Jesus Christ. Tom Alkam reported he immigrated from Palestine in 1987 and runs a successful law practice on Brookhurst Street. He stated everybody knows this area as Little Arabia. He stated the area has grown with many successful businesses over his 21 years in the area. He requested City Council pass Item No. 17, noted the designation had been tabled by City Council for over 20 years, and it was time to approve it. He added the designation would do no harm to the City and would only benefit its residents like himself. David Duran addressed the inability for residents to participate in City Council meetings remotely, causing his need to speak on behalf of Patricia Davis. He stated the City does not care about the public's ability to comment. He stated that, as District 1 residents, he and Ms. Davis demand support for the Little Arabia designation from Council Member Diaz. He stated that not designating it would show that City Council may possess racist intentions for not being inclusive. He asked City Council to consider making meetings more accessible for those who cannot attend for reasons ranging from illness to transportation issues. He stated the Council Members would be judged at the voting booth and expressed hope that there would be a new District 1 representative. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 4 of 34 Jeanine Robbins submitted records and reported she and her husband Mike Robbins have spoken many times in favor of the Little Arabia designation over the past 15 years. She added her family spends a lot of time in Little Arabia. She noted Council Member Ma'ae had the taxpayers pay for a study of the Brookhurst corridor as a diversionary tactic, so people think she is doing something and added that Council Member Ma'ae has publicly stated many times that she is opposed to the designation. She noted staff has already conducted many studies of Brookhurst Street and that this sort of neighborhood study is why Anaheim First was created and given taxpayer money. She stated Council Member Ma'ae has failed in her Anaheim First role. She stated Council Member Ma'ae only wants to commission another study of Brookhurst Street so the Arab community thinks she is doing something. She encouraged audience members to not donate to Council Member Ma'ae who follows in the footsteps of failed former Council Members Lucille Kring and Jordan Brandman. She expressed shame on the City for approving a meager $34,000 affordable housing donation from a developer on Broadway and called for an affordable housing mandate. She addressed Council Member Valencia for only appearing to be helpful to Arab residents when he chose not to agendize Little Arabia over his 18 months on City Council. Mike Robbins, President of the People's Homeless Taskforce, reported there was a Grand Jury investigation of all the Council Members, other than Council Member Moreno, for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from puppet masters. He stated none of the majority of Council Members would be on the dais without receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Disneyland. He added the Council Members only won by small margins, even with the large donations. He encouraged the Council Members to cut the line for a vote on Item No. 17 and lauded the restaurants on the Brookhurst Street corridor. He stated he would be happy when the Council Members were all gone from the dais and/or end up in prison. Estee Chandler, Founder of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, reported on her enjoyable experiences in Little Arabia and expressed her shock at the lack of a formal designation of the area. She noted how many other cultures are celebrated in Southern California. She stated the Little Arabia residents have created an asset for Anaheim and the lack of a formal designation smells fishy to her. She requested City Council approve Item No. 17 to make history for being inclusive as opposed to making history for being racist. She stated the study proposed in Item No. 16 reeks of gentrification and stated it would be vile to squeeze out Arab businesses. Doris Bittar, Southern California Organizer for the Anti -Arab -American Discrimination Committee, reported her organization's national office is looking closely at this item. She stated the City has not been as accepting of the Arab community as it should be. She added she has been assigned to write about the meeting by the San Diego Union -Tribune. She stated Little Arabia is a beautiful and diverse community accepting all religions, noting she is Christian and her husband Jewish, yet both consider themselves Arabs. She stated the whole country is waiting for City Council to do the right thing. She stated the study in Item No. 16 is ridiculous, adding that City Council should thank its local Arab community as opposed to dismissing it. She lauded positive contributions to global society made by Southern California Arabs who come to Anaheim to shop. Carolina Mendez commended the City's cultural riches and stated it should be honored. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17, noting how long overdue the designation is extending back 20 years. She expressed disappointment as a Latina that her fellow residents of Arab descent have had to fight for so long for something so basic. She stated there is hope in the Arab community's determination and added many are proud to stand with them tonight despite their non - Arab ethnic backgrounds. She commended the community's organizers for creating a metaphorical garden for the area's youth to grow and improve the City in the future. She called on the Council Members to prove their campaign statements about valuing diversity. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 5 of 34 Chelsea Inthavong expressed support for Item No. 17 to state Anaheim is a world leader in inclusivity and to support its Arab community. She stated many foreign countries hold prejudices against Arabs and she has shared with others globally the proud story of the Little Arabia community. She added the United States affects people around the world and Anaheim could be a positive model. She stated the designation is not a political issue but rather a unifying topic of recognizing the contributions of immigrants along with providing opportunities for Arabic and Middle Eastern businesspeople. She stated Anaheim is a city with an ethnic mix, but the Arabic people do not have an official enclave of their own. She encouraged City Council to change this and make history. Rashad AI-Daggagh, Arab -American Civic Council, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17. He stated he used to commute to Anaheim before he moved to the City because Little Arabia was a home away from home and a source of community. He stated the overdue designation would uplift small businesses, support immigrant families, and honor the community. He stated the study in Item No. 16 is not the best use of taxpayer funds and added the results may negatively impact hard- working immigrants and small businesses operating since the 1980s. He stated a study should empower and uplift what already exists. Jodie Mosley thanked Anaheim Police Department (APD) Sergeant Brian Paqua for all he does in west Anaheim. She stated the city has studied and promised to improve Beach Blvd. for decades, but it is still in the same unsafe and blighted place. She stated District 1 is part of Anaheim and deserves better from the City. She lauded Middle Eastern food and commended the restaurants on Brookhurst Street but cautioned against designating Little Arabia because it may squeeze out other ethnic businesses, citing Little Saigon's designation's negative impacts on non -Vietnamese businesses. She stated designating one ethnicity discriminates against all the others. Fatmah Muhammad, owner of Knafeh Queens restaurant, expressed hope that her four children in the audience would witness approval of Item No. 17. She added the designation would speak to millions of Arabs globally. She stated her mother lives in the City of Rancho Cucamonga and always wants to come over an hour on her birthday to celebrate it in Little Arabia. Her young, unidentified son encouraged City Council to approve the Little Arabia designation. Hani Haidar reported his family originally immigrated to Wisconsin but decided to relocate to Little Arabia instead because it felt more like home. He reported his family has lived in Little Arabia for 38 years and runs businesses. He encouraged City Council to formally designate Little Arabia after waiting for decades. He questioned why City Council would not approve the designation and inquired why the area has had to undergo such a painfully long process to reach this point. He cited the diversity of his homeland of Lebanon's 18 religions as an example of how not all Arabs are Muslims. Austin Lynch, UNITE HERE Local 11, stated the union's members are overwhelmingly immigrants who know what it means to fight for respect. He stated the Little Arabia designation is respect owed to the community for what it has done for the City. He pledged the assistance of Local 11 if the designation is not approved. Nathan Bass, representing State Senator Josh Newman, reported Senator Newman has authored and submitted a letter to City Council about the Little Arabia designation. He read the letter expressing Senator Newman's strong support for the designation. The letter noted the area is already a well-known landmark and cultural destination welcoming thousands weekly. The letter stated Little Arabia has played a role in Southern California's diverse cultural fabric since the 1980s through a thriving enclave of small businesses and faith -based institutions creating an economic engine out of City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 6 of 34 an underused retail area. The letter added the designation would recognize the tangible benefits the City receives from the area and noted a majority of residents support an official designation. Sarnia Alkam reported her doctoral research at the University of California at Riverside is on youth civic involvement. She encouraged City Council to designate Little Arabia to instill a sense of community and belonging for the City's Arab youth. She lauded the positive impacts on education, mental health, and civic involvement among those who feel attached to a community. She stated the Anaheim Unified High School District (AUHSD) and Superintendent Michael Matsuda are seen as leaders in the field of access to civic education. She stated the designation could further assist with developing a generation of civically oriented and culturally aware residents. She stated the designation is not just a sign but rather evidence that the residents are valued. Ayah Shiadah urged the designation of Little Arabia, lamenting it is 20 years too late. She stated Little Arabia is the only place residents feel connected to their ancestral homes halfway around the world. She added Little Arabia could help paint a better picture for the United States and the world to see who Arab -Americans truly are and not just what is negatively portrayed in the news. She added it would help Arabs of all generations feel connected to their heritage and help directly educate others about Arab culture without relying on hearsay. John Acosta stated that as a 40-year District 1 resident he is opposed to Item No. 17 because there is already diversity. He stated he does not need to go back to understand his Hispanic culture. He stated having Disneyland, In-N-Out Burger, Stater Brothers Markets, Cortina's Italian Market, Honeybaked Ham, and many other establishments already make Anaheim a great city. He stated many of his friends who work at tire shops are opposed to the Little Arabia designation to keep Anaheim American. He stated that City Council should be focused on safety, decrying the City's "Anacrime" nickname. He stated the City also must take care of homeless issues. He noted the Arab population is only 1.5% of the City. Afaf Annan encouraged City Council to support the Little Arabia designation. She stated surviving the pandemic has brought the community closer. She added that they can enjoy other cultural centers such as Little Saigon in other cities recognizing their diversity. She stated residents would like to enjoy a similar recognition and invited Council Members to enjoy their community. Wayne Woodward expressed concerns about the designation. He requested information about the location, number, size, and illumination of the signs. He expressed concerns the designation would cloud the City's name if it does not come first over its Arabic community. He stated it is acceptable to branch cities off into smaller communities but pondered where it stops before the community overtakes the City itself. Jonathan Echavarria, representative for Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk -Silva, reported Assemblywoman Quirk -Silva wholeheartedly supports the designation. He recited a letter of support from Assemblywoman Quirk -Silva supporting the Little Arabia designation, noting the community's contributions to the City's character. The letter noted she authored the State Assembly resolution designating April as Arab -American Heritage Month for the community's many contributions to the State. The letter noted the designation's strong public support for designating all that Arab immigrants have done to transform the once run-down area without any City subsidies. The letter cited how people come from around the country to visit the welcoming and vibrant Little Arabia. Vern Nelson questioned what happened between when Council Members pledged support for a designation while running for office and now. He inquired if the lack of Council support is for not wanting a tourist destination not controlled by the Walt Disney Company, racism, or catering to City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 7 of 34 racists. He expressed his support for the designation. He stated the City would have to write an alternative response to the Grand Jury in Item No. 02 because the proposed response disagreed with the Grand Jury's notion that the 2013 dismissal of former Mayor Tom Tait's concerns reflects the more recent dismissal of Council Member Moreno's and former Council Member Denise Barnes' concerns. He noted former Council Member Brandman was on both Councils and both Councils remained under the control of the same cabal. He stated he ran out of time at the last meeting to discuss how Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae and Diaz killed the Clean Up Anaheim Act. He disputed Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's reasoning for voting against campaign finance reform, noting the largest spending public employee unions are the Anaheim Police and Anaheim Fire and Rescue unions who align with the cabal candidates. He stated there is not enough transparency or the City would not be in its current position. He reported discussing the campaign finance report frequently cited in the discussion with its author, who admitted Anaheim should have received an F grade for his mistakenly not including the lack of limits on independent expenditures. He expressed hope that Mr. Moreno would sell the Angels to someone who would restore the Anaheim Angels name and win more games. Aref Farahi stated it is a historic day to see the Little Arabia designation. He added the designation would provide economic growth, improve the area's value, and be a source of pride. He added the increased business would provide more revenue for the City and empower the community. He added that City Council should investigate all possible ways to address homelessness and the dislocation of area businesses. He stated Little Arabia has improved the quality of life in the neighborhood and added the designation would help enhance the area's security and public safety through a stronger sense of ownership. He requested City Council approve the official designation. Ada Tamayo spoke on behalf of Pablo Cerrato who had to leave the meeting to go to work. She identified herself as a member of UNITE HERE Local 11 and spoke of the organization's Arab members' work to bring prosperity to Anaheim. She stated that as a Hispanic immigrant she understands how it feels for Arabs to have to fight for representation and to be heard along with not understanding why this is the case. She lauded Little Arabia's food and culture. She stated it is America and encouraged City Council to recognize Little Arabia as part of America. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17 and noted it is a moral thing and does not cost any money. She stated many Local 11 members in attendance of various ethnicities are tired from work but wanted to be in the Council Chamber hoping that City Council would recognize them as Americans. Fayaz Nawabi reported he is a Pakistani -born son of Afghan natives who came to the United States as a refugee. He stated his family has been driving from the City of San Diego to purchase halal food in Little Arabia since the 1990s. He added he moved to Little Arabia in 2018 and his daughter was born in Anaheim. He stated that City Council would be wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in Item No. 16 to study what residents already believe of the area known as Little Arabia. He called for the designation of Little Arabia. Khalil Devaji stated he is a resident of the City of Fullerton who goes to Little Arabia to shop and dine along with his wife. He questioned why this designation has taken 20 years. He encouraged City Council to make history by approving Item No. 17. He noted his friends across the country go to Little Arabia to dine when they are in Orange County because they feel at home. He noted he is from East Africa and feels at home in Little Arabia. Wes Jones stated that according to the City Charter they do not have either a Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem. He stated the Grand Jury response in Item No. 02 should be amended to indicate the criminal malfeasance of two Council Members for voting to reinstate the original lease in a secretive and corrupt manner and robbing the citizens of Anaheim. He stated Angel Stadium and the adjacent land City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 8 of 34 would have been appraised at $2 billion if the City Council was not involved. He disagreed with the stadium sale's Community Benefits Agreement for not benefitting residents but rather serving to get the price down to former Mayor Sidhu's target of $150,000,000. He stated Council Member Faessel and Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil should resign immediately. He encouraged the designation of Little Arabia. Al Jabbar, Anaheim Union High School District Trustee and Board President, expressed his support for the designation of Little Arabia. He noted the designation is long overdue and thanked Council Member Moreno for agendizing the item. He stated the study in Item No. 16 would only serve to waste money the Council is supposed to steward. He stated there are already many studies of Brookhurst Street done by the community and City staff in the past looking to study the same things listed in the proposal. He added the study should not stall the designation of Little Arabia. He encouraged approving the designation before approving the study. He noted former Mayor Sidhu was offended because the leaders of the Little Arabia community would not host a campaign fundraiser and encouraged City Council to put these politics aside to make history and approve Item No. 17 to support Anaheim's small businesses and immigrant communities. He added that increased business in Little Arabia would bring more revenue to the City. He thanked UNITE HERE Local 11 for its representation at the meeting. He stated they are America and designating Little Arabia would not take money away from anyone but rather unite citizens, noting how non -Arab business owners are supporting the designation. He encouraged City Council to do the right thing. Souhail Toubia reported he is a resident of the City of San Juan Capistrano who serves on the national board of the American -Arab Anti -Discrimination Committee (ADC) and noted several years ago Disney produced movies insulting Arabs with negative stereotypes. He noted that ADC leadership met with Disney and the company realized its mistake as reflected in the better portrayal of Arabs in its more recent films. He noted a great cross-section of professions represented by the Arab speakers at the meeting, reflecting its diversity. He questioned why it took City Council 20 years to agendize the designation and pondered if the Council Members were having thoughts like Disney's of the past. He encouraged City Council to correct the course by approving Item No. 17. He encouraged City Council to use the $250,000 for the proposed study in Item No. 16 to make signs, throw a party, and celebrate Little Arabia's designation. Anh Pham, as a Brookhurst area resident, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 16 and accountably support its community. He stated it would be responsible to study the potential impacts on the area before following through with a designation. He stated the designation would be an investment in the area to increase tourism, which brings both positive and negative impacts. He stated it would be an injustice to have a designation without a plan to support the district, noting Congressman Lou Correa's comments at the last meeting encouraged such an analysis. He encouraged the City to gather data and plan for a successful improvement before designating. He added this should also include investigating how to designate the area in a manner to maximize potential State and federal grant funding to improve the quality of life. Mohammed Abdelhaq stated he was immediately drawn to Little Arabia when he moved to California 15 years ago because it felt safe and welcoming to him as a Palestinian -American. He added the area has grown significantly to house and employ thousands of residents, helping the local economy. He stated the area would benefit further from the designation, noting people across the country are familiar with the area. He stated this should not be a controversial issue or questionable. He stated the delay is questionable and pondered what the reasoning would be for continuing to wait. He stated racism toward the Arab community has gone on for too long. He stated the simple ask for a designation keeps getting postponed for no good reason. He stated if the delay continues the driver of the decision must be prejudiced by the City Council over what is in the best interest of the City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 9 of 34 community. He stated that City Council's vote tonight should be to benefit the City's economy and protect a minority group and encouraged approval of Item No. 17. Lily Karam stated she is a frequent visitor to Anaheim while coordinating events. She expressed her support for the designation, noting what the Arab community has contributed to the country and Anaheim over the past two decades. She added the Little Arabia businesses attract people from all over Southern California, noting she drives over an hour and a half to shop in the unique stores. She stated it has been a home away from home for herself and many others. She stated constituent voices are very important and there is massive support for the designation. She stated the concept of needing more study is a politically motivated delay tactic, expressed confidence that Council Members would want to be on the right side of history, and encouraged them to approve the designation. Masih Fouladi, Deputy Executive Director for the Council on American -Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated there are undoubtedly Muslim residents in all six districts and noted the strong levels of support for the Little Arabia designation. He reported that CAIR worked with Council Member Ma'ae on Item No. 13 and expressed hope that it shows the organization's goodwill in working with her after Item No. 17 is approved. He reported CAIR's concerns about Item No. 16 have been aired to her. He stated a recession is not a time for a study. He stated it is not a good use of City funds at this time and added it would not be completed accurately during a recession. He stated there has been an insufficient amount of community outreach done by the City about the need for a study but reported CAIR's research of Brookhurst Street businesses found near universal disapproval for fears of an improvement district designation taxing them out of business. He noted the timing of the Council's request to hear the study before the designation smells of the designation being undercut. He stated the Little Arabia area should be from Crescent Ave. to Katella Ave. and not extending it north to Interstate 5 like the study proposes. Ayah Maaytah stated she is a high school freshman born in Anaheim Hills whose City means a lot to her. She stated her family visits Little Arabia two to three times a week and she and her siblings have many fond memories in Little Arabia where she feels like she belongs, is safe, and is included. She listed her favorite stores and restaurants in Little Arabia. She stated the hijab is positive there and without the negative connotations that she sees elsewhere. She encouraged City Council to designate Little Arabia because the City would not be the same without the community. She noted people come from all over Southern California to visit Little Arabia. She noted her mother's long-term fight for the designation and implored City Council not to let the fight extend to her generation. Salma Maaytah stated she is in fifth grade and was born in Anaheim Hills. She stated her favorite restaurant is Little Arabia Cafe where they know her by name and know her order in advance, making her feel special. She expressed her love for Little Arabia because it allows her to participate in her culture and has created many beautiful memories. She spoke fondly of the community's welcoming nature and its energy. She stated that City Council should officially designate Little Arabia because it has been there longer than she has been alive, and the businesses deserve credit. She stated she would feel overjoyed and acknowledged as an Arab -American if she saw a Little Arabia sign. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17. Kaurosh Karimi urged City Council to officially designate Little Arabia. He stated he helps immigrants and refugees and many who are Arab and Muslim still feel like they are not included. He stated the designation is a step towards the goal of inclusion. He stated this is an important opportunity for City Council to listen to community members and do something good for them. He lauded the vibrant culture of Little Arabia and stated the people in the room want respect and dignity. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 10 of 34 Diane Shammas supported the designation of Little Arabia and expressed shock at the comments against Little Arabia made at the September 14, 2021, City Council meeting which reeked of both implicit and explicit racial bias against Arab Americans, particularly when coming from people of color. She disputed negative comments about neighborhoods like Koreatown made by Council Members at the meeting. She cited several Little Arabia businesses supportive of the designation but not run by Arab owners. She added the fight for Arab ethnic recognition continues beyond Anaheim. She added everyone already calls the area Little Arabia so there is no big deal about making the designation official. Daisy Chavez expressed support for the designation of Little Arabia. She lauded the community's attendance at the meeting and called on City Council to show its support after waiting decades. She thanked City Council for voting at the last meeting to keep the opioid settlement funds within the City. She echoed Council Member Faessel's surprise at learning just how rampant drug use is across the City. She reported Park Rangers told her they are also frustrated that naloxone is not available to them having seen the crisis. She expressed hope that the City could find a way to provide Park Rangers with naloxone to save lives. Sarah Jamal-Eddine stated she recently moved to Southern California for the rich diversity, beautiful culture, and opportunity found in Little Arabia. She reported finding a renewed sense of belonging, a job at CAIR, and a home away from home in Little Arabia. She added the growing community has filled commercial vacancies, increased property values, sparked entrepreneurship, and provided revenue to the City. She stated Anaheim could set a national precedent by designating Little Arabia while helping change the narrative of fear and xenophobia. She added that it would help Anaheim's Arab community thrive into the future and this designation would be a part of the Council Members' legacies. Mike Ortega, District 3 resident, stated the designation of Little Arabia is not just a District 2 or Arabic issue. He stated he is Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian and is one of many non -Arab immigrants or children of immigrants who love Little Arabia's atmosphere. He stated the lack of an official designation is a shame. He noted many designated ethnic regions see growth and economic boom. He relayed his experiences being in Koreatown while attending Los Angeles City College and noted, for all its fame, that a majority of Koreatown residents are not Korean but rather Latino. He stated the district itself promotes the City of Los Angeles and questioned why Anaheim would not want to attract the businesses Koreatown attracts. He noted future larger businesses in Little Arabia could operate independently from the resort economy, making it smart business for stewards of the City to lure motorists off 1-5 to visit. He stated there is no downside to the designation, noting the long-term success of the local businesses there and what they bring to the corridor and the City. He encouraged City Council to make the designation. Ahmad Mukedad expressed his appreciation for the Council Members listening to the speakers attentively. He stated the community has spoken loudly with an overwhelming majority calling for a designation. He noted Arab -Americans contribute to the community and added that he sees no reason to object. He encouraged City Council to vote on the right side of history and do the right thing by designating Little Arabia. Fatmah Judeh expressed her love for the City after serving as an educator for many years. She urged City Council to look at the issue through the lens of humanity and designate Little Arabia. She stated to not acknowledge something so basic and nationally known seems like an attempt to obliterate her personal cultural experience and the social experience of her entire family that has benefited from the immense contributions Little Arabia has made to the City. She stated that not designating Little Arabia amounts to political erasure and noted that it is already called Little Arabia. She lauded how it has City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 11 of 34 made living in America easier for her as the daughter of Palestinian immigrants and made her proud of her cultural identity. She added that creating a true sense of belonging for any community involves creating structures perceived to be assets to society and Little Arabia would do this for generations to come. She believed that designation would empower a community that is historically marginalized and disenfranchised. Mirvette Judeh submitted a letter on behalf of the Democratic Party of Orange County and expressed hope that her past direct conversations with Council Members would be realized tonight. She stated that Little Arabia is not little because it has a big impact on the Anaheim community at large. She noted visiting Little Havana in the City of Miami, Florida did not erase her identity but allowed her to enjoy a different culture. She added that going to Little Saigon did not make her Vietnamese but rather allowed her to embrace the beauty of diversity. She stated it is the first time in 20 years the topic is on public notice and added her community would not forget what is said at the dais. She stated her family has worked hard and the only place she ever goes back to is Anaheim despite living in several other cities around Orange County. She stated Little Arabia is as valuable as Disneyland in attracting Arab Americans to visit the City, except it is organic. She stated that they do not need a study to determine if Little Arabia exists because it exists and for any Council Member to deny its existence would be a shame. She stated that the City looks terrible right now and this could be a change. She challenged the Council Members to take the opportunity to make history around the country and create a happy story. She encouraged City Council not to waste its money to determine if the area is Little Arabia because it is Little Arabia. She stated it should be designated first to show good intent before looking into potential improvements. Mohammed Aly expressed pride as the first member of his family born in the United States to Egyptian parents at how this issue has brought so many from the community to the meeting. He stated Council Member Moreno introduced this item after a long history of supporting the Arab American community. He noted a policy by former Mayor Sidhu prevented Council Member Moreno from agendizing the designation without the support of two other Council Members, but former Mayor Sidhu has resigned under FBI investigation allowing the item to be agendized. He noted Little Arabia is in Council Member Ma'ae's District 2 who has introduced an item to conduct a lengthy study of the Brookhurst Corridor taking well over a year. He stated the other four Council Members would have to choose between Item No. 16 and Item No. 17. He added the most important issue should be what the community is asking for and it is a designation. He called on City Council to listen to its community. Abdullah Zikria stated he descends from Afghanistan and is not Arab but is a community organizer working for non -profits in the City. He stated he cannot conduct his community events if he cannot connect with a neighborhood and added he connects best with Little Arabia to provide his free services. He added none of the 81,000 people he has worked with since 2000 have expressed concerns over the designation, noting many of them come from across the region to be served. He added that City Council should not only designate Little Arabia but to keep the idea in mind for other minority communities. Rida Hamida reported on seeing the Brookhurst corridor develop into Little Arabia since she was a child in the 1980s. She reported on November 20, 2020, as the Chair of the City's Cultural and Heritage Commission, she was part of a unanimous vote to recommend designating the area. She added it was never acknowledged by City Council and they are only there today because of the hard work of the business owners. She reported on discussions spanning a decade with stakeholders about how designating Little Arabia would uplift the entire City by ensuring public safety and a better quality of life. She stated as Commission Chair she was directed to meet with former Chamber of Commerce President Todd Ament and the City Manager to lay out goals for Little Arabia but lamented how nothing happened. She stated it is starting to feel like a charade to get basic dignity City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 12 of 34 and respect. She requested that City Council support the designation because the residents did their part. Wuo Darek stated that Little Arabia should be officially designated. He questioned why Orange County does not want to employ African Americans. He noted he is a doctorate student and knows other smart African Americans who cannot get hired. He encouraged the City and County to better appreciate diversity. Faisal Qazi stated Little Arabia is an iconic cultural landmark only lacking the official designation it so deserves. He stated his Pakistani family is spread around Los Angeles County and Orange County but spends more time in Little Arabia than any other place. He stated the community has sparked social service programs for the elderly populations he advocates for. He reported doing his medical residency in Detroit, Michigan, and spending time in the vibrant suburb of Dearborn, Michigan which has the largest Arab population outside of the Middle East. He added the Dearborn vibrancy has only grown in the 20 years since he left and stated the same would occur for Little Arabia with a designation. He stated that it would benefit the City and County, with no more studying necessary. He added the designation would bring positive national recognition to the City and tonight is the night to approve it. Mohssen Kassir expressed his support for the designation of Little Arabia. He stated the designation would bring attention and business to the area from Disneyland tourists. He added the designation is a matter of respect for the hard-working immigrants who deserve to be acknowledged for what they have done. He added the majority of residents support the designation and the overwhelming majority of comments tonight are supportive. He encouraged City Council to support Item No. 17. Carlos Leon expressed his support for Item No. 17, adding he stands in solidarity with the Arab community. He added he is inspired by the two children speaking in support of the designation, noting they are the future of the City. He encouraged City Council to build a better future for them. Amin Nash suggested a good slogan would be "welcome to Anaheim's Little Arabia where a kanafa is as American as a churro." Kathy Tran thanked City Council for its efforts to rebuild Beach Blvd. She congratulated and thanked Sgt. Paqua for all he does for Beach Blvd. She encouraged City Council to approve whatever the Anaheim Police Department is requesting in Item No. 18 to help ensure residential safety. James Guziak commended the community involvement and the willingness of the Council Members to accommodate all of them. He stated he is among the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) Directors in Anaheim Hills and reported at the last meeting he noted the important dates of 1993 for the landslide, 1996 for the passage of Proposition 218, and 1999 for the formation of the Geologic Hazard Abatement District. He stated that City Council has created a monster because they cannot assess Proposition 218 and the GHAD will run out of money in a.year or a year and a half. He added that they are required to have proportional voting so the people benefitting the most get the largest vote. He cited numerous examples of how much votes are weighed towards large projects and questioned if those people would vote to self -assess extra money. He cautioned that the City must step up or the GHAD will fail. Mazatl Tepehyolotzin called for the City to move to a more dignified future by removing the Colonist's nickname from Anaheim High School's athletic teams. He stated many schools and professional sports teams have removed mascots negatively affecting Native Americans and reflecting racism, oppression, and inequality. He stated their removal is a step towards healing. He stated the German City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 13 of 34 colonists who settled in Anaheim are not the same as the ones who settled on the east coast of the United States in the early 1600s and were never in California. He decried how the colonists who settled what later became the United States took indigenous lands as their own through violent and unscrupulous methods that should not represent Anaheim High School students. He clarified the Germans who settled in Anaheim were investors. He stated the term Colonists is a cruel reminder of the treatment of Native -American ancestors. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words about how America was born out of genocide embracing the notion that the Native American was an inferior race and calling for a new way of thinking. He expressed support for Little Arabia's designation, lauded the neighborhood's food, and stated he enjoyed learning more about Arab culture there. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Valencia reported that the District 4 office participated in the Youth Conference last Saturday at the Anaheim Convention Center, noted the wonderful turnout, and looked forward to more Anaheim students attending in the future. He wished all students and educators a blessed start to the school year, particularly his wife with her new role as the principal of Price Elementary School. Council Member Faessel requested the City Manager find ways to provide services and support to the Rubio family of nine (9) that was recently displaced from their home by a fire. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil reported he participated in a ride -a -long last week with the Community Policing Team, and thanked Sgt. Lillemoen for teaching him throughout the day, and noted that he values the work done by the Anaheim Police Department. Council Member Ma'ae thanked Sandra Lozeau for her work, recognized the support she provides throughout the City, and expressed gratitude on behalf of residents. Council Member Diaz highlighted Tana Ethiopian Restaurant and Market at 2622 West La Palma Avenue and encouraged support for small, immigrant -owned businesses. Council Member Moreno thanked City staff and Fair Housing for meeting with residents last Thursday to address neighborhood concerns for Pauline Street and Neighbors Street, specifically regarding apartment conditions and organizing clean-up events. He reported a neighborhood clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 9:00 A.M. — 11:00 A.M. in the Onondaga neighborhood. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported that Access California is assisting the Rubio family displaced by the fire. He reported that the Anaheim Police Department and other City staff met with the Edison Elementary School community on August 10 to field questions about crime and quality of life issues in the neighborhood. He further noted that the Police Explorers participated in the 92"d Academy with eight (8) graduates and five (5) trophies and he thanked the Police Department for preparing the next generation of law enforcement. He noted that the Anaheim Convention Center was recognized with a Smart Stars 2022 Award by Smart Meetings Magazine. On behalf of the Community Services Department, Anaheim Public Library, he invited the community to the OC Zinefest on Saturday, September 10, 11:00 A.M. — 4:00 P.M., at the Central Library, with more information available at www.anaheim.net/library. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 14 of 34 CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:19 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Moreno pulling Item Nos. 02 and 13 and Council Member Ma'ae pulling Item No. 13 for separate discussion and consideration. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the consent calendar in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0. Motion carried. B105 1. Receive and file minutes of the Library Board meeting of July 11, 2022. D180 3. Authorize an increase to the current master agreement with AAA Oil, Inc., in the amount of $1,078,000 to an increased not to exceed amount of $3,239,626.36, to account for the increases in petroleum prices in the purchase of automotive fuel during the 2022-23 term, and authorize the Purchasing Agent to adjust the maximum amount of the agreement as needed to cover costs in subsequent years, should the agreement be renewed. D180 4. Waive the sealed bid requirement of Council Policy 4.0; and ratify an increase to the current master agreement with Bound Tree Medical, in the amount of $84,195.62 to an increased not to exceed amount of $420,981, due to purchases of medical supplies under this agreement that were to be made using other available agreements. D180 5. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Cues, Inc., in the amount of $16,955 plus applicable tax, which is in conjunction with a recent purchase agreement of $39,079 for related software products, to complete the upgrade of existing Granite municipal asset inspection software by adding web application software for use by the Public Works Department, Streets Division; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise annual maintenance and support service renewals subject to available budget appropriations. AGR- 6. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, CEM Construction Corporation, in the 13699 amount of $1,048,898.70, for the North Vine Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements from the alley north of Lincoln Avenue to East Cypress Street, the alley west of North Vine Street, and the North Rose Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements from the alley north of Lincoln Avenue to East Cypress Street Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303 (d) and Section 15061 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. AGR- 7. Approve a Professional Design Services Agreement, in substantial form, with Pacific 13700 Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $7,930,627, to design and engineer the OC River Walk Project; authorize the Director of Community Services to increase the contract amount by up to 10%, if necessary; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney; and authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 15 of 34 AGR- 8. Approve an Agreement with Kana Substructure Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $762,450 13701 for a one year term with five one-year automatic extensions with Consumer Price Index adjustments for each one-year extension, plus an additional 15% for as -needed extra services to perform underground utility locating services; authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement; and determine that the locating services are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. AGR- 9. Approve the Second Amendment to the Information System Agreement with Systems & 7164.2 Software, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,114,000 plus a 15% contingency for extra work, for the upgrade of the Customer Information System (CIS), which includes post - implementation services and updates to software licenses and other agreement terms; authorize support and maintenance fees in an annual amount not to exceed $311,000 with an annual escalator not -to -exceed 3%; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute order forms, work orders, and related documents for software licenses, subscriptions, maintenance, and services for CIS improvements in an annual amount not -to - exceed $200,000; authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the Second Amendment and related documents and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended agreement; and authorize de minimis changes to the Second Amendment and related or associated documents that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Information System Agreement as amended, as determined by the City Attorney's Office. AGR- 10. Approve the Fifth Amendment to Concessions Agreement and the Fifth Amendment to 1843.0. Parking License Agreement with Nederlander-Grove, LLC to extend the term of the 32.5 agreements for one additional year through December 31, 2023, and add a one-year optional AGR- extension to the agreements for management of the City National Grove of Anaheim and use 1843.0. of the common area parking in support of the City National Grove of Anaheim; and authorize the Executive Director of the Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department to execute any 34.5 related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended Concessions and Parking License Agreements. AGR- 11. Approve the First Amendment to Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act 13143.1 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement with Mind OC, doing business as Be Well OC, extending the pilot program for a mobile crisis response program for an additional nine (9) months in order to spend CDBG funds and amend the termination date from September 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the amendment. D154 12. Approve the 2023 Health and Welfare Plan Carriers and Rates and authorize the Human Resources Director to enter into and execute all required provider agreements and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 16 of 34 C280 14. ORDINANCE NO. 6533 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM AGR- amending the Zoning Map referred to in Title 18 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to 13702 Zoning (Reclassification No. 2021-00336) (DEV2020-00248) [reclassifying the property at 1661-1673 West Broadway from the "C-G" General Commercial zone to the "RM-3.5" Multiple -Family Residential zone; introduced at the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Public Hearing Item No. 30]. ORDINANCE NO. 6534 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Development Agreement by and between the City of Anaheim and Anaheim 1 INV, LLC, and authorizing the Mayor Pro Tern to execute said agreement for and on behalf of the City (DEV2020-00248) [to permit a voluntary financial contribution, in the amount of $34,000, to support the City's affordable housing programs; introduced at the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Public Hearing Item No. 30]. Determine that the proposed Reclassification No. 2021-00336 and Development Agreement (DEV2020-00248) were adequately analyzed pursuant to the Mitigated Negative Declaration approved in conjunction with the project. D114 15. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of May 24, 2022. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR: 0144.6 2. Approve response to the 2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "The Big A Lack of Transparency," and direct the City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Court and the Orange County Grand Jury (continued from the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Item No. 4). DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno expressed appreciation for his colleagues agreeing to continue the item. He reported that he could not meet with the City Manager until last Thursday. He stated he could not get documents requested at that meeting before this meeting to help augment language in the response. He stated he thus does not have anything to add. He added that he would not be supporting the response as currently written. Council Member Valencia reported he also asked for the continuance at the last meeting. He stated the tone of the letter is dismissive and does not sit well with him. He noted that he was not on the City Council when most of the actions cited by the Grand Jury occurred and thus, he is challenged to request changes to the response for not being a part of City Council at the time. He stated that he would be voting no on the item but would be happy to move the item. MOTION: Council Member Valencia moved to approve response to the 2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "The Big A Lack of Transparency," and direct the City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Court and the Orange County Grand Jury, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 4 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, and Faessel); NOES — 2 (Council Member Moreno and Valencia). Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 17 of 34 R100 13. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM to recognize August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma'ae thanked the Little Arabia community for coming out tonight. She stated she listened intently to their experiences and added that she has been meeting with members of the Arab community since she was appointed last fall and learning a lot. She stated it is an honor to be able to sponsor the resolution. She agreed with the speakers that Little Arabia is an essential part of the City of Anaheim's character. She encouraged her colleagues to vote in favor of the resolution. She added by approving the resolution the recognition would repeat annually for the foreseeable future. Council Member Moreno stated Council Member Ma'ae's last comment clarified his concern about whether the City Council needs to move to include the recognition in the annual calendar. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, City Clerk Theresa Bass clarified that annual recognitions are brought to City Council by staff. She stated this direction would place the recognition on the annual recognition calendar. She confirmed this direction is sufficient and it did not need to be included in the motion. Council Member Moreno stated the resolution reflects Anaheim as being a welcoming city. He thanked Council Member Ma'ae for bringing the resolution forward. In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Ms. Bass confirmed that this recognition would be added to the annual list in coordination with the City Manager's Office. Council Member Diaz stated the Arab community in Anaheim is hard working and has a low crime rate. MOTION: Council Member Ma'ae moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2022-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM to recognize August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D125 16. Direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor (continued from the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Item No. 26). Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported that at the July 12 City Council meeting Council Member Ma'ae directed staff to explore a study to research improvement options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor. He stated that the City could consider a cultural district, business improvement district, historical district, enhanced infrastructure district, zoning overlay district, community facilities district, and specific plan areas. Mr. Ramirez reported staff recommends preparing a Request For Qualifications/Request For Proposals (RFQ/RFP) from planning consulting firms. He reported staff has reached out to a couple of firms to assess a potential process along with meeting with the Arab American Civic Council. He reported an RFQ/RFP process would take between 60-90 days followed by 30 days of evaluation to bring a recommendation to City Council. He stated that a study of this nature would take six (6) to nine (9) months to complete. He stated there was no budgetary impact to issuing the RFQ/RFP, but the eventual study would likely cost between $100,000-$200,000. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 18 of 34 DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Ma'ae's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez stated the company selected would have to have experience in such a study, including community outreach and economic and real estate analysis. Council Member Ma'ae stated the study intends to look at the corridor on a long-term basis and not only to assess where the boundaries of Little Arabia should be set. She added it should investigate zoning and other matters indicative of a comprehensive all-inclusive study. She confirmed the study should include the designation of Little Arabia. She thanked staff for their work developing the study. Council Member Ma'ae stated she has been working with the Arab American community ever since she came into her seat, noting her first community meeting fell on October 27 after being seated in September. She stated she reached out for the meeting out of her interest in helping the community. She thanked her colleagues and stated she wants to do what is best for all of District 2, including Little Arabia. She thanked the Arab American community for educating her about the history and culture of Little Arabia. Council Member Ma'ae stated the study is not a random or arbitrary request, nor was it a delay tactic. She stated it is an effort to make a responsible investment after a lot of thought. She stated a comprehensive study of residences and businesses is the responsible approach. She added the study would be an independent, objective analysis of all factors along the corridor. She stated she intends to have any final plan include a Little Arabia district. She stated she would like a long-term plan to help not only Little Arabia but the entire corridor to increase the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. She added she is thankful they can begin the process today and stated this investment is the best way to improve the corridor. Council Member Ma'ae stated Anaheim's diversity is the strength of its community and added everyone wants to honor Little Arabia as well as the other cultures intertwined along the corridor. She stated her long-term goal is to help the community by creating another attraction along the corridor by helping existing small businesses rather than eliminating them. She clarified the item is simply to approve an RFQ/RFP and would not raise taxes. She stated the point of the study is to encourage multi -cultural businesses to make the corridor a destination and not to push Arab American businesses out of town. She noted the last study of the corridor is 30 years old, so it is no longer current. She stated the poor economy makes the study timely because it is the first step to delivering resources to the area. She spoke of her personal history of working with the City to improve areas of west Anaheim in the past and encouraged her colleagues to approve the study. MOTION: Council Member Ma'ae moved to direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for decorum from the audience. Council Member Diaz stated Council Member Ma'ae should be celebrated and not criticized. He stated this study would be like the one recently conducted for Beach Blvd., which allowed the City to better understand what the community wants for the corridor. Council Member Diaz agreed with an audience member who called for an official designation of Little Arabia before doing the study. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 19 of 34 In response to an audience inquiry, Council Member Diaz stated they must determine what the community wants and how much it would cost. He stated that City Council could move forward with the designation but should also do a study to better understand where they want the district to go. He added one thing goes with the other. He noted eventually the community would vote on what it wants for the district. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Diaz seconded the motion but with the condition, that this item is viewed the same as Item No. 17. MOTION: Council Member Ma'ae moved to direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil determined Council Member Ma'ae's attempt to respond as being out of order. Council Member Moreno deferred to Council Member Ma'ae if she was responding to the ongoing conversation. Council Member Ma'ae confirmed she intends to vote for the Little Arabia designation. She added the City needs to conduct a study of the entire Brookhurst corridor. She added she is not opposed to the designation. She clarified she believes boundaries create division, but she is attempting to compromise to help put a spotlight on Little Arabia. She stated the study is an enhancement and not a deterrent. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for the audience to contain comments while City Council deliberates Council Member Moreno stated he supports the idea of studies but has questions about this study as proposed. He agreed with Council Member Diaz's statement that Item Nos. 16 and 17 are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. He stated there would have to be an upcoming discussion of how to implement and engage the designation. He clarified the designation would guide the planning and build trust with the community. Council Member Moreno noted the specter of a real estate analysis in the proposal raises concerns about gentrification. He added he agreed with the need for this information along Beach Blvd., which is why he has called for benchmarks to be attached to small businesses and rents along the corridor. He stated the people who have invested their livelihoods into a neighborhood should benefit from the City's investment in improvements. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez clarified that one of the options is to create a Business Improvement District (BID) or Community Facilities District (CFD). He advised one option sees property owners self -assessing for improvements and the other is merchant based. He added an initial real estate analysis is required to establish a benchmark for measuring return on investment. He clarified the real estate analysis is not for gentrification and staff is recommending having a consultant explore all the different types of districts to provide options for Little Arabia. Council Member Moreno agreed with Mr. Ramirez about the need for a real estate analysis but questioned if the wording of the study is clear. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez reported physical improvements were requested at meetings with community stakeholders. He clarified that economic analysis is needed to City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 20 of 34 identify the corridor's potential sales tax generation, job creation, and economic benefits derived from the district. He added it is a large area, including 19,000 residents, and the City needs an economic snapshot. He noted in 1993 the area was included in the Brookhurst Redevelopment Area but the funding for this program was lost in 2012. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez confirmed that data like what the City intends to collect for the study is often incorporated into applications for a variety of State and federal grants. Council Member Moreno stated one way to help clarify the study would intend to do the official designation of Little Arabia first. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae stated that real estate analysis and economic analysis are important for the grant application. She reported she has heard from the community they would like to pursue grant funding for community improvements. She added this is part of what would make it a comprehensive study. Council Member Moreno clarified he is not questioning the importance of the data but noted residents are wary of the study. He added this hesitancy is why he would like to see those analyses done after deliberative consultation with the community. He stated it would meet the intent and spirit of the study while building trust. He clarified his friendly amendment would be to change the language to "may," making the analyses optional at the community's discretion. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae stated she would like to ask if staff could have time to work with the language. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez stated the study would include focused outreach to stakeholder groups, including the Arab business community, the non -Arab business community, residents, non -profits, and community activists. He added walking tours have been beneficial to consultants in other cities for engagement opportunities. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez confirmed Little Arabia would be the first cultural district of its type in Anaheim. He added there are many special districts, with the Anaheim Resort being the City's largest CFD, but none of the City's districts are so designated for cultural reasons. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Mr. Ramirez stated there is no template for how other cities have officially designated cultural districts and added the search for relevant and consistent case studies is part of why staff is recommending the study. He discussed the nuances and history of many cultural districts around Southern California. He reported in 2017 the State launched a Cultural Districts Program, identifying 14 districts like Little Tokyo in the City of Los Angeles. He added part of the study would be the process behind establishing a district. He confirmed, from staff's research so far, comparable designations have been made as part of a City - led process. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae confirmed the study would include a commitment to designate a Little Arabia district upon its completion. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil expressed appreciation for the passion and conviction of the public speakers in support of the designation. He stated he enjoyed his meeting with Arab -American community leaders last week. He stated he stands with the community on making the designation for the City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 21 of 34 business contributions and cultural value a designation would bring to Little Arabia. He added he also wants to see the district done right. He stated the designation is more than just a sign, echoing a public commenter. He added he disagrees with the public speaker who called to designate the district before studying the district. He stated there is a governmental process when an action like this is taken. He added this is the first time that City Council has discussed the designation and many things have not yet been vetted, including the official boundaries, most -needed improvements, signage, promotional needs, and funding for these things. He stated a study of the entire Brookhurst Corridor, in partnership with the Arab American community, of how Little Arabia fits in is a necessary step. He called on residents to let the government do its work to let the designation be the best it could be. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez clarified this is an item brought by Council Member Ma'ae, and staff's recommendations could be amended. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae accepted a friendly amendment to her motion to clarify the City's commitment to the designation of Little Arabia. City Attorney Robert Fabela clarified the motion is to approve staff's recommendation and Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil is referring to a passage in the staff report and not a portion of the recommendation. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed the language could be added to the motion, but he wanted to ensure that City Council was aware of the proper starting point to add the language. He added the item is requesting authorization to issue an RFQ/RFP. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae accepted a friendly amendment to her motion including the direction that the study is being conducted with a commitment to designate Little Arabia. Council Member Diaz reaffirmed his second of the motion. He added he does not see a contradiction between Item Nos. 16 and 17, with the latter still needing to be discussed. Council Member Moreno called for a point of order because his conversation about adding a friendly amendment to change "should" to "may" never concluded. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil apologized and added there was no intent. He echoed Mr. Fabela's comment about the framework for the motion but added there are ways to work Council Member Moreno's tweak into the motion. Council Member Moreno stated he is also working off the staff report. He restated the real estate analysis and economic analysis should be included only with agreement from the community stakeholders to increase trust in the planning process. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae accepted the friendly amendment. Council Member Diaz restated his second of the motion. Council Member Valencia expressed appreciation for the productive dialogue. He added he has discussed the designation with many members of the Arab American community. He stated their shared experience personally resonated with him as his father owned a small grocery store specializing in Latin American products drawing customers from around the region in search of unique goods offered there. He added his father's Latin American store was in the heart of Little Saigon in the City of Westminster. He recalled the family never felt out of place running a Latino City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 22 of 34 business in a Vietnamese community. He stated this is part of why he supports the Little Arabia designation. He expressed appreciation that they could finally discuss the matter from the dais. Council Member Valencia stated, like with many Council actions, a City process is needed to implement the designation and achieve the desired goal. He expressed his pleasure a designation commitment would be included in the study. He stated the study would provide an outreach effort and in-depth analysis to enhance the Brookhurst Corridor, including Little Arabia. He commended Council Member Ma'ae's balanced approach to a collaboration resulting in the likely designation. Council Member Faessel stated he is fine with the designation, but his issue remains with an insistence that residents in adjoining neighborhoods be at the table. He questioned the validity of the poll showing strong support for Little Arabia for its small sample size of 332. He clarified that he has always supported the designation but questioned the process and lack of community engagement. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for decorum in the Council Chamber. Council Member Faessel restated he has always told Arab American community leaders he supports the designation provided adjacent communities are at the table and added that he still feels this way. He stated there must be a process and his top issue is having the voices of residents not currently in the Council Chamber. Council Member Faessel stated he supports the designation but wants more residential engagement. Council Member Valencia noted that despite the sample size of 332, the percentage is accurate. He added the institution conducting the poll is credible and stated it is valid as a representation of community sentiment. Council Member Moreno stated the author of the survey was hoping to join them tonight, but he could not drive up from the City of San Diego due to family commitments. He stated polling is often connected to politics and can be biased in terms of how they engage. He stated this poll was done in academia by the highly respected United States Immigration Policy Center at the University of California at San Diego. He added that Associate Professor Tom Wong is considered to be at the top of his field. He stated the academic methodology behind the poll is trustworthy and sound, adding it captures the community sentiment. Council Member Moreno stated he is worried they are mixing two agenda items. He stated everyone agrees the designation should happen but not now and added it does not feel right. He added they must face the political reality that they may not be there when the study is completed, and the next Council may or may not honor what they are saying tonight. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed that a future Council could always change tonight's action. Council Member Moreno stated they should state their commitment first and have this commitment jump-start the planning study. He stated it would be a mistake to assume a future Council would honor what they do tonight. He expressed concerns over asking residents to wait through the process of the study to learn for sure if City Council would honor the commitment written into the study. He stated that City Council is deciding on Item No. 17 by the way the motion is being amended. He expressed a preference for the study focusing on the type of district Little Arabia would be and not if the district would be. He clarified that he did not specify the type of district when agendizing Item No. 17, including a cultural district, because of what it means in terms of policy and budgets. He clarified that he only agendized naming the district with the ideal type of district to be determined by this study. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 23 of 34 Council Member Moreno requested assurances from his colleagues about their intentions on Item No. 17 before he votes for Item No. 16. In response to Council Member Diaz's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified this is only a study and that the City Council must act in the future based on its results. He confirmed if Little Arabia becomes a type of district requiring a property owner vote, the property owners would make decisions on things like tax assessments. Council Member Diaz clarified property owners' taxes would only increase if they wanted to tax themselves, due to Proposition 218. Council Member Ma'ae added that this conversation was going in a good direction toward a designation after many years. She expressed disappointment at Council Member Moreno because he agreed that a comprehensive study is critical. She questioned why City Council is still in this challenging spot after the issue lingered for so many years, noting the community has a lack of confidence in their elected officials after all these years. She noted Council Member Moreno could not make the designation happen even for the two years where he was part of a Council majority. Council Member Ma'ae confirmed the study should include the residents along the Brookhurst Corridor to assuage Council Member Faessel's fears. She clarified the study would include the residents and businesses he is referring to. Council Member Ma'ae expressed hope that they could move this forward tonight. Council Member Moreno stated that not having agendized Little Arabia when there was a one -person agenda rule and he sat on the Council majority is one of his regrets. He noted there was a lot of work for those two years while transitioning into a district -oriented Council. He noted in hindsight so many elected officials over the years expressed appreciation for the designation so he figured it did not have to be done right away but he learned the hard way when the Council changed, and he could not get the subject agendized. He added they now know that he could not get it agendized because former Mayor Sidhu squashed the matter out of political spite. He added they all agree on doing the study, but he has learned his lesson over the years about what can happen when the Council changes. He stated the Arab American community has come out for two decades asking for this designation and a study. He stated the best thing they can do is to frame the study around a Council - approved designation. He expressed fears of voting against the study if it is being done instead of Item No. 17 and then there is no conversation to have on Item No. 17. SUBSIDIARY MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to table Item No. 16 until after Item No. 17 is heard. The motion failed for lack of a second. MOTION: Council Member Ma'ae moved to direct staff to commission a RFQ/RFP to procure consulting services with a commitment of a designation of Little Arabia and deliverables from the RFP/RFQ to include 1) company qualifications and prior relevant work experience, 2) proposed project schedule, 3) corridor outreach and engagement plan, 4) facilitated community workshops and online engagement methods, 5) study area physical conditions report, 6) may include market and real estate analysis, 7) parking analysis, and 8) report to City Council with findings, recommendations, and funding options, including the branding for the area, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSTAIN — 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 24 of 34 D125 17. Discuss and potentially take action to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Street Corridor as "the Little Arabia District". Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported that on July 12 Council Member Moreno requested an item to discuss and potentially act to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Corridor as a Little Arabia district. He reported the area is located on Brookhurst Street between Crescent Avenue and Katella Avenue. DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno stated the conversation is going well and disagreed with Council Member Ma'ae's assessment that it had gone downhill. He clarified that he abstained on Item No. 16 because of the sentiment around the study but expressed hope that it turns out to be productive. Council Member Moreno clarified his goal is to create an inclusive recognition of substantive Anaheim history and culture, and to affirm and formally recognize a valued cultural and economic space in Anaheim. He added the item is not to determine what type of district Little Arabia would be classified as, noting this would be determined by the just -approved planning process. He provided a historical context of the mistreatment of Arab -Americans and Muslims dating back over a century, including the widespread xenophobia following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He added the Arab American population is undercounted because the United States Census has considered them white since 1944. Council Member Moreno clarified why he chose Crescent Ave. and Katella Ave. as the boundaries of Little Arabia, noting that Crescent Ave. is the home of the Council of American -Islamic Relations and Katella Ave. is home to several retailers of Middle Eastern goods and the Masjid al Ansar religious institute. He added there are 140 Arab businesses and service providers along Brookhurst St. between the two intersections. He added his request of the Council is only to designate Brookhurst St. and not neighboring areas. He noted tourist information sites, including Visit Anaheim, and national media outlets use the phrase Little Arabia to describe the district. He stated the world already sees the area as Little Arabia and called on his colleagues to not wait a year until the study is completed but rather to formally designate it tonight. Council Member Moreno added the City itself uses the phrase Little Arabia in places such as its identification as a community of interest in the 2015 districting process, 2021 redistricting process, the District 2 description on the City's website, and other places. He added the designation would demonstrate acceptance and celebration of the Arab community, boost the local economy, enhance the City's reputation as a tourist destination, and promote diversity. MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to officially designate the Little Arabia District from Crescent Ave. to Katella Ave. and determine what type of district it would become based on the study approved in Item No. 16. DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz stated he visited Little Arabia while campaigning two years ago, entering with a mental image of Little Havana in the City of Miami, Florida, or Chinatown in the City of San Francisco. He stated there is a passion behind Little Arabia, including economic and cultural interests. He added that he recently drove to Little Ethiopia in the City of Los Angeles and observed there are more Mexican restaurants there than Ethiopian restaurants. He cited this as an example of how these neighborhoods do not have to be exclusively one culture. He stated there is nothing to lose with a designation. He added that a designation would not impact his family or how he does his day-to-day business. He stated this item is to accept what they already know. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 25 of 34 Council Member Diaz requested a friendly amendment to the motion clarifying that the area should just be called "Little Arabia" and not the "Little Arabia District" so he could second the motion. Council Member Moreno accepted the friendly amendment and added it aligns with the previous discussion about the community's involvement in the study to help determine what is the ideal type of district for Little Arabia. Council Member Ma'ae expressed concerns about the boundaries and stated her preference would be to let the study determine Little Arabia's boundaries. Council Member Moreno stated he likes Council Member Ma'ae's idea because it involves a community process. He added he needs to give the idea more thought and requested the thoughts of his colleagues in the meantime. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil questioned what the Council would be approving without the distinction of boundaries and stated that he struggles with this. He clarified that he supports a formal process as was approved in Item No. 16, but he also supports an official designation. He noted several steps are needed to be taken to do it right. Council Member Diaz stated it is important to have a conclusion tonight for the community. He stated his goal for tonight is to recognize Little Arabia's existence. He added after the study they can establish boundaries and what type of district Little Arabia is. He stated tonight they should focus on making it Christmas for the people in the audience. He added that he supports an official designation and would like to approve it tonight. Council Member Faessel stated there may be some movement on the boundary issue. He agreed with Council Member Moreno's comment about the boundaries being subject to the study's results. He echoed his comments from the Item No. 16 discussion about the importance of the community being involved. He stated his inclination to follow Council Member Ma'ae lead if she feels the motion is satisfactory as Little Arabia is in her district. Council Member Moreno reported listening to a show on National Public Radio about a Palestinian refugee living in the United States and his life experiences in a state of statelessness. He stated a community needs boundaries or it too closely echoes the experience of those forced to migrate from their homeland. He stated his desire is to set boundaries of Crescent Ave. and Katella Ave. tonight but make the final boundaries contingent on the study approved earlier. Council Member Ma'ae believed they were so close but should not set a boundary tonight and then have to change it after the study. She stated she wants to make the designation tonight in agreement with Council Member Moreno's stated concern during the discussion of Item No. 16 that the next Council may possibly be against the designation. She requested he accept her amendment to the motion so the designation could move forward. Council Member Moreno expressed concerns over designating a stateless district. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil suggested a resolution affirming support for the designation subject to the study. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Fabela stated a resolution would be permissible within the Brown Act so long as the language is clear and the resolution could be drafted without City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 26 of 34 requiring staff to return to Council. He added the agenda stated there was a possibility of acting and a resolution is an action. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil stated he could support a resolution affirming support for a designation. Council Member Diaz stated that when he meets with the community, recognition is in their hearts above all else. He stated boundaries could be determined in the future, but he wants the community to go home tonight with recognition in the form of a designation. Council Member Faessel requested patience from Council Member Moreno on boundary setting. He stated a delay in setting formal boundaries until after the study is reasonable and inquired if the City staff has a way out of their conundrum. Mr. Ramirez stated the majority of the Arab businesses are located between Broadway and Ball Road. He noted this is a smaller area than identified by Council Member Moreno but stated the core of Little Arabia is between those streets. Council Member Valencia stated the Council is between a rock and a hard place and called for the search for a middle ground with options to change the boundaries after the study. He stated Mr. Ramirez's idea of a smaller area is a good one and would be his recommendation. Council Member Valencia requested a friendly amendment to set the Little Arabia boundaries at Broadway and Ball Road with the understanding that the district's size could grow based on the results of the study. Council Member Moreno stated he would be open to setting the boundaries as Crescent Ave. to Ball Rd. Council Member Valencia stated this is why he believes the study is needed but added he is open to moving in this direction now to ensure a good faith effort for the community. Council Member Moreno clarified the business core of Little Arabia is between Broadway and Ball Rd. but noted the cultural and human services corridor extends beyond there. He noted Crescent Ave. is also closer to 1-5. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated the continued discussion reinforces the need for a study. Council Member Ma'ae stated she could get behind Broadway to Ball Road boundaries, with the caveat that the boundaries could be expanded based on the study's conclusion. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil clarified his option is to accept the friendly amendment or there could be a motion to amend his motion. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Council Member Diaz and Council Member Valencia both confirmed their respective friendly amendments are to designate just "Little Arabia" instead of the "Little Arabia District," and to shorten the boundaries from Broadway to Ball Road with direction to the study to recommend potential expansion. Council Member Moreno stated his preference is to have the district extend north to Crescent Ave. but added even if it were only from Broadway to Ball Road, he would feel good about what the Council has done tonight. He stated he is comfortable with the amendments. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 27 of 34 In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Council Member Ma'ae confirmed they could move forward on this together. Council Member Diaz reaffirmed his second to the motion as amended. Council Member Faessel stated it is extraordinarily important for the Council to vote on this unanimously. He stated it is reasonable to expect the study results to suggest different boundaries. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated he wants the designation to happen. He added there is also a process to make it happen and he is not ready to make this determination tonight. He stated he would have to abstain from the item but clarified this does not mean he does not support an official designation of Little Arabia. In response to City Clerk Theresa Bass' inquiry, Council Member Moreno clarified the study would determine the ideal type of district and assigning a district type is not included in his motion. MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to formally designate Brookhurst Street from Broadway to Ball Road as "Little Arabia" with any changes to the boundaries to come in the future following the process and recommendations from the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSTAIN — 1 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil). Motion carried. D116 18. Receive and file an update on Rebuild Beach and as necessary provide direction to staff with the possibility of allocating additional appropriations based on Council direction. Senior Administrative Analyst Lylyana Bogdanovich reported staff held a workshop in December 2021 about the Rebuild Beach effort to help improve the quality of life by removing criminal elements and promoting redevelopment. She reported a robust interdepartmental group meets at least once a month to discuss issues along Beach Blvd. Police Chief Jorge Cisneros reported the City has been addressing Beach Blvd. through a community governance model. He lauded the Anaheim Police Department's (APD) role in addressing concerns along Beach Blvd. to protect business owners and residents while reducing the impact of crime. He added technology is involved along with the officers with eight (8) overt cameras recording 192 hours of video daily. He added more high -impact locations have been identified for cameras whenever equipment and funding allow. Police Chief Cisneros reported that in the last two months alone there have been 97 arrests and 78 criminal reports in the area. He added there has been a 14.7% decrease in citizen calls for service in the area compared to the same point in 2021. He reported on APD's ongoing outreach efforts to the area's transient population with the assistance of partners including the Community Care Response Team (CCRT). He added that over the past 18 months, the APD has spent over 8,000 proactive hours over 1.5 miles of Beach Blvd. He added the APD plans to soon add 1,100 more hours of proactive hours into the area. Police Chief Cisneros recommended, as part of a short-term solution, 10 additional overt camera packages, 10 automated license plate readers, a new APD technology support vehicle, and additional overt camera monitoring capability. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 28 of 34 Planning and Building Director Ted White reported the City started working on several proactive enforcement and improvement efforts following the workshop. He reported on staff's outreach efforts to motels in the area to encourage better management. He added that staff initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) modification proceedings on the Travel Inn and Anaheim Lodge with Council approval received on April 12, 2022 to add operational and security requirements. He reported the modifications have significantly improved the operations of the motels in coordination with the APD. He added that staff is evaluating options for motel operations in the area, including the feasibility of a Zoning Code amendment to establish operational standards for all motels on Beach Blvd. and potentially citywide. He cited the Covered Wagon Motel as an example of a motel suffering from severe mismanagement and neglect deemed unsafe for occupancy by the City. Mr. White reported on the progress of code enforcement officers assigned to Beach Blvd. conducting a door-to-door educational campaign about the City's quality expectations with business and property owners. He added the goal is to inspire voluntary compliance and investment in the business but noted enforcement measures may be necessary to gain compliance. He reported the Rebuild Beach team has conducted seven community and business watch meetings while also taking part in a sustainability fair. He added staff has created a comprehensive website to learn more about the initiative and added that staff is working to improve circulation at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Rome Ave. Mr. White provided an update on the 39 Commons residential development at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Lincoln Ave., noting the Nolin townhomes portion is now selling. He added the commercial portion of 39 Commons, including an In-N-Out Burger and Starbucks coffee shop, is expected to begin construction in early 2023. Mr. White reported the Economic Development Team has launched a Facade Improvement Program for eligible businesses that can apply for one-time City grants to help improve their properties. He stated improvements have been made to the corridor since the December workshop. He added the City is also looking into the strategic acquisition of properties with an update to come to City Council in the future. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil expressed appreciation for the work staff has done so far on improving Beach Blvd. He added he is primarily focused on finding ways to limit the criminal activity in the area to uplift the area. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros reported that APD is working on hiring more officers for the long-term but in the short-term, the extra enforcement efforts do cause officers to exceed 40-hour weeks. He reported in July, APD officers averaged 10.68 hours of weekly overtime. He added additional resources would be beneficial for officer wellness, but hiring officers takes time and it is not a short-term solution. He added the requested technological items would enhance the capabilities of the officers. He added the collaboration with other City departments has been extremely beneficial to the Beach Blvd. efforts and commended the group's synergy. He added issues of criminality must be handled by a sworn officer and City staff cannot assist with certain components of an officer's role. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros stated enforcement efforts have continued following the three-week sweep. He added officers worked an average of 9.62 overtime hours per week for Fiscal Year 21 /22. He stated part of his role as APD's leader is to find the right balance of overtime hours and focus on Beach Blvd. without breaking his staff. He confirmed that APD has positions available that it cannot fill fast enough. He stated they have 378 officers hired but noted 25 new officers are currently in training and 25 more are currently either injured or on leave. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 29 of 34 Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated he would leave it to Police Chief Cisneros to best manage the balancing act of the area's policing needs and officer availability. In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Mr. White stated the facade grant program is being advertised and emphasized on Beach Blvd. but added it is available citywide. Council Member Faessel encouraged City Manager Jim Vanderpool to do something for State College Blvd. He added he hears from multiple residents daily about issues on the corridor. He expressed doubt that he can wait much longer to plan the next steps for State College Blvd. He advised that affected residents and small businesses also cannot wait much longer. He added the stretch of State College Blvd. north of Ball Road is deteriorating as Beach Boulevard did. He commended the patience of Police Chief Cisneros and Mr. White but added everyone on State College Blvd. is running out of patience. He informed Mr.; Vanderpool that he would be hounding all involved to figure out the next steps to improve State College Blvd. Council Member Diaz stated the item is close to his heart and the main reason why he ran for office. He stated they are heading in the right long-term direction but cautioned the redevelopment would not happen overnight. He stated he wished he could direct staff to have two APD officers at the corner of Ball Rd. and Beach Blvd. 24 hours a day but knows it is unrealistic. He commended Sgt. Paqua and Police Chief Cisneros' team. He noted the cameras were very effective for a couple of months until the criminals realized they were being watched in those areas. In response to Council Member Diaz's inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros noted part of the recommendations he made earlier is for $118,000 for a contracted third party to help monitor the cameras. Council Member Moreno stated he also hears about issues along State College Blvd. and noted he drives through it regularly. He congratulated Police Chief Cisneros on how well the APD handled a bomb scare at a local school earlier this week and also thanked him for notifying the Council Members of the situation. Council Member Moreno noted the City did not cut funding for the APD. He echoed Police Chief Cisneros' past statements about an inability to enforce your way out of all social ills. He added the Council unanimously voted at the last meeting to maintain funding for drug support systems. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros stated crimes along Beach Blvd. include drug sales, gun recoveries, vehicle thefts, and robberies — all leading to the numerous resources the APD has focused on the area. He added the stool of success requires all three legs of prevention, intervention, and enforcement. He added the APD is careful to use Be Well Orange County and the CCRT for those in the area who have not committed crimes. He added residents and businesses in the area should have a safe environment. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros stated the collaborative approach among City departments helps with encouraging individuals to take some responsibility for their properties through things like having them illuminated at night, maintaining shrubbery, and not leaving the community in a state of disarray. He added many of these issues are addressed through code enforcement and business licensing. Mr. White stated the ongoing door-to-door education efforts by code enforcement officers and the economic development team are done to communicate the accountability expectations and take pride in your property. He added the facade grant program is City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 30 of 34 a good incentive. He added that staff lets businesses and property owners know that the City means business with its concerns for Beach Blvd. Council Member Moreno referenced the 2010 documentary "The Motel Kids of Orange County" and encouraged staff to continue to consider families who must live in these motels and live in such subpar conditions. He thanked staff for proactively engaging families like those in the documentary who live in the motels out of sense of desperation and should be transitioned to better housing. Council Member Diaz stated this program is the business version of a neighborhood watch. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil moved to approve staff's recommendations of 10 additional overt camera packages, 10 Automated License Plate Reader cameras, one (1) new Anaheim Police Department technology support vehicle "bucket truck," and additional overt camera monitoring capability via contractor with an estimated cost of $308,000, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D116 19. Discuss and approve holding a State of the City event in 2022. City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported the item is to discuss the concept of having a staff -driven and City -sponsored State of the City in the early fall of 2022 in the form of a public luncheon at the City National Grove of Anaheim. He listed potential invitees and a proposed program, adding proceeds from the event would go to benefit the Anaheim Community Foundation. He added attendance costs would be nominal to encourage public attendance, with a budget comparable to the $10,000 the City has historically spent on the State of the City. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil reported the event was redesigned four (4) to five (5) years ago to mirror one held in the City of Buena Park when Mr. Vanderpool served as its City Manager. He stated the event balanced competing interests and left attendees feeling like the City was in a good place. He stated that with all going on in the City, he does not want to send a message to the community that things are in disarray because Anaheim has a lot of great things to highlight. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Faessel stated that the City has held some sort of a State of the City event for many years. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated the proposed format would be a wonderful benefit to schools involved and the Anaheim Community Foundation and added that staff is adept at running events of this magnitude. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Vanderpool stated staff would envision doing this sometime around the end of September. Mr. Vanderpool clarified an earlier comment, noting the event would not be business -focused but rather include a balanced community focus. Council Member Faessel reported attending the City of Cypress's State of the City and other municipalities' similar events. He stated he would look forward to an event more community centric. He lauded the school and non-profit involvement in the proposed format. He thanked Mr. Vanderpool for considering the Community Foundation as a Board member. He stated this ground -up format would be refreshing for the City. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 31 of 34 Council Member Moreno commended the format and intent. He noted that former Mayor Tom Tait had a comparable format with proceeds going to Accelerate Change Together (ACT) Anaheim. He added using staff moves away from having people from outside the City run the show. He expressed concern that the proposed date would be seen as an election -time promotion and could create issues. He stated that former Mayor Sidhu's scandal created a lot of consequences and suggested doing the event in February, adding it could be good for the new Council's agenda -setting. He stated fall would take away from the authentic goal due to its proximity to the election. Council Member Valencia agreed with Council Member Moreno's concerns about timing and added that he would be open to having the event after the election, suggesting mid -November before Thanksgiving. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil clarified the intent is to have a State of the City in the 2022 calendar year. He added moving it to February 2023 skips 2022 and moving it to after the election presents challenges because the transition time between Councils is usually truncated by business. He stated it is important to highlight and showcase the good things in Anaheim in 2022. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date at the end of September, seconded by Council Member Diaz. DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma'ae lauded the idea of doing something positive on a high level after the challenging year. She stated she loves everything about the event and does not care when it is held. Council Member Moreno agreed with Council Member Valencia's idea of having the event after the election to help it be viewed as being clean. He lamented that it could create an awkward space where some of them are leaving the Council and others have been elected to replace them. He stated that he could not support the motion because it would be seen as a Council with a majority vote voting to promote its positives at election time. He added that this is the kind of cloud they would see at this event in late September. He urged his peers to support doing it in February instead. Council Member Faessel thanked Council Members Moreno and Valencia for bringing up the sensitivity of the event's timing. He added that he is not up for reelection, so the thought had not occurred to him. He agreed with Council Member Ma'ae about holding something in 2022, noted Mr. Vanderpool restored Employee Appreciation Day for similar celebratory reasons, and added they could use an event to remind the community and themselves a lot of good things happened in 2022. He acknowledged the cloud from former Mayor Sidhu still hangs over things in Anaheim. He agreed with Council Member Valencia's idea about having the event after the election but also agreed with Council Member Moreno's concern about the transitional period's awkwardness. He commended the proposed format. Council Member Diaz stated he does not believe the event would be used for political gain or it could be used because so few people watch it. He added even fewer people would want to watch it shortly after the election, and even fewer would want to watch it after New Year's. He stated the sooner the better and people are not thinking about elections yet in September. Council Member Moreno stated he could live with Council Member Valencia's mid -November target despite holding some reservations. He stated it would be cleaner if held then with better optics yet still in the 2022 calendar year. He stated the proposed program is community -heavy, which is wonderful, but noted on the eve of elections it creates the perception of a political event and the Council should avoid it. He added the Council transitional period in November could be beneficial to show solidarity City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 32 of 34 as the baton passes and added that the current Council could remind the new Council about Little Arabia. Council Member Valencia refuted Council Member Diaz's point about a lack of coverage for the event by displaying the Orange County Register's story about the last State of the City event. He added the current scandal would only serve to increase coverage of a 2022 State of the City. He stated he does not feel comfortable having the event before the election and his moral compass initially feels like he should not participate if held then. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil agreed with Council Member Diaz that this should be done as soon as possible. He added that he would have preferred to do it over the summer, noting his talks with Mr. Vanderpool about the event began then. He stated the State of the City is not about an election but rather showcasing good things the City is doing. He noted there is always going to be the next election and there is always speculation about the event being political. He stated the event has an apolitical structure. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date at the end of September, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 3 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz and Ma'ae); NOES — 3 (Council Members Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel). Motion failed. DISCUSSION: City Attorney Robert Fabela noted that City Council could also move to approve the item with a time frame set for after the election. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date after the November 8, 2022 election, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma'ae suggested October and then backtracked realizing it is still during election season. She agreed with Council Member Diaz's comments about getting good vibes going in the City again regardless of when it is done. She stated it is a community event and the Council needs to embrace the community. She noted many people go on vacation in November and December due to the holidays. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiries, Mr. Vanderpool stated staff is prepared to produce the event whenever the Council dictates. He stated mid -November would have fewer staff conflicts than December. Council Member Moreno stated he was willing to support the mid -November option out of compromise but noted it is the holiday season. He stated it is a massive production and staff should be able to enjoy their holidays. He lauded doing the production in-house. He noted how much turmoil staff has also been under. He suggested a highlight video could go out from staff promoting the good things the staff has done in 2022 without promoting City Council. He endorsed having the event in February, noting it has been done in February in the past. Council Member Diaz stated he does not want it done in November because it is too much work by staff for three people to watch it. He stated that staff should be enjoying Thanksgiving with their families. Council Member Valencia agreed with his peers. He added there are very few available days in November between scheduled Council meetings, Veterans' Day, the election, and other events. He City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 33 of 34 lamented this mid -November window may be too complicated. He stated he likes the concept of the State of the City event but agreed with Council Member Moreno about the idea of highlighting the City's 2022 accomplishments in a format such as a video. Council Member Faessel stated he made the motion because one or two of his colleagues suggested the mid -November timeframe would be workable but observed both have now changed their minds leaving him out on the ledge. He suggested they vote to wrap up the discussion and at least put it on the record. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Faessel stated he would not reconsider his previous vote and support the original motion. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve the item, as presented, with a target date after November 8, 2022, but before the end of the 2022 calendar year, election, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 1 (Council Member Faessel); NOES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, and Valencia). Motion failed. Council Member Moreno expressed appreciation for Council Member Faessel's attempts to compromise and added that after deeper thought he changed his mind. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): None COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Faessel thanked the City Manager for recognizing the Edison School meeting, displayed photos of an Edison Community meeting and park cleanup, and thanked neighborhood residents, volunteers, and staff for their efforts. He acknowledged his 50th anniversary with his wife, Susan. He announced that Bottle Logic Brewing was honored by State Senator David Min with a 37th Senate District's 2022 Small Business of the Year Award and congratulated the business owners. Council Member Diaz congratulated teachers and students for a new school year. He requested staff and Council be conscious of the number of items placed on each meeting agenda as well as the time that the meetings end. Council Member Moreno wished college students and their families good luck as they start that part of their education. He noted that a student recognized Anaheim as the home to the Kobe and Gigi basketball court and thanked the Community Services Department, Nancy Lieberman Charities, and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation for providing that amenity. COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: Council Member Ma'ae requested an agenda item to consider limiting the number of agenda items at each City Council meeting. Council Member Moreno requested a presentation on the Community Schools program in the Anaheim Union High School and Anaheim Elementary School Districts on September 27. He also requested an agenda item regarding street racing and speeding on October 4, allowing both items to be on different dates dependent on the volume of items and in consultation with the City Manager. City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022 Page 34 of 34 Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil requested a presentation by the Fire Chief on September 13 of recommendations to help be better prepared for fire season, whether via equipment purchases, staffing allocations, or other items. ADJOURNMENT: At 11:34 P.M., with no further business to conduct, Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil adjourned the City Council. Frk y submitted, CGesss, Cl City CI Public Comment From: Fatima Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 4:13 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Designate Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Councilmembers, My name is Fatima and I'm an Arab resident of OC who's grown up with fond memories of frequent visits to Brookhurst & the West Anaheim region. I urge the council to "Designate Little Arabia" because it provides a sense of home & belonging for locals, as well as supports sustainable economic development for the district. Additionally, I oppose the request for a firm to study the Brookhurst Corridor as this could result in an uprooting of the locals and long-standing small businesses in the area. Thank you! Fatima Charara Public Comment From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Begin forwarded message: Theresa Bass Saturday, August 20, 2022 5:18 AM Public Comment Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Materials - Proposal City Materials, Little Arabia Proposal.zip From: Amin Nash <amin@aaciviccouncil.org> Date: August 19, 2022 at 8:13:44 PM PDT To: Trevor O'Neil <TONeil@anaheim.net>, Jose Diaz <JoD iaz @anaheim. net>, "Gloria S. Ma'ae" <GMaae@anaheim.net>, Jose Moreno <JMoreno @anaheim. net>, Avelino Valencia <AValenc ia@anaheim. net>, Stephen Faessel <SFaessel@anaheim.net> Cc: Cameron Wessel <CWessel@anaheim.net>, Sarah Bartczak <SB artczak@anaheim. net>, Sara Catalan <S Catalan@anaheim. net>, Karen Romero Estrada <KRomeroEstrada@anaheim.net>, Valeria Sandoval <VSandoval@anaheim.net>, Luiz Torres <LTorres2@anaheim.net>, Nam Bartash <NB artash@anaheim. net>, Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>, Jim Vanderpool <JVanderpool @anaheim. net>, Rashad Al-Dabbagh <rashad@aaciviccouncil.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Materials - Proposal Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear City of Anaheim Council Members and Staff, On behalf of the Arab American Civic Council and associated community organizations, I would like to thank the City of Anaheim for engaging on the topic of Little Arabia. We hope that August 23rd is a robust and healthy conversation. Attached to this email are materials that have been prepared with years of hard work, community engagement, and professional input. A working proposal containing a Little Arabia Concept Plan for your review is included. Also included are letters of support from the President of California State Fullerton and other organizations as well as a previous Cultural Commission Proposal from 2021. Finally, included are surveys, data, and articles to assist with the contextual background of Little Arabia. The Arab American Civic Council wished to share these documents to provide insight into the community's vision for Little Arabia and provide context on who the community is. We hope these materials and files will be considered as the City Council begins its discussion on the matter. Once again, thank you all for your robust work. Best - Amin CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON Framroze M. Virjee, President 2600 Nutwood Avenue, Suite 1000, Fullerton, CA 92831 1 T. 657-278-3456 1 F: 657-278-1322 March 11, 2022 Mayor Harry Sidhu City of Anaheim 200 S Anaheim Boulevard 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 RE: Little Arabia Dear Mayor Sidhu: As the President of Cal State Fullerton, a Minority Serving Institution, where 310,000 of our graduates reside within a 50-mile radius of our campus, I make it a priority to get to know our local community. As part of these efforts, I recently had the great honor of visiting the area in Anaheim currently seeking designation as "Little Arabia," I was graciously hosted by a distinguished group of Muslim Community leaders from organizations including the Arab American Civic Council, Access California, and CAIR-LA. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. The memory of this rich experience is one that my wife and I, along with our Cal State Fullerton leadership team, will not soon forget. It is for this reason that I write to you today. Every week, thousands of visitors shop, dine, worship and celebrate within the vibrant ethnic community of Little Arabia, located in the area of Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and Katella Avenue. The Arab -American community has contributed to the economy and culture of Anaheim by opening restaurants, mosques, churches, clothing stores, hair salons, and other destinations for those wishing to experience Middle Eastern culture. Officially designating Little Arabia would bring even more commerce into the city. In 2019, Senator Ling Ling Chang introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 71, which provides that "the Legislature hereby, upon local designation by the City of Anaheim or the County of Orange, designates Exit 113, the Brookhurst Street; La Palma Avenue north and south exits on Interstate 5, as the defined route for reaching the landmark `Little Arabia."' The resolution further provides that the Department of Transportation would erect cultural landmark signs showing the designation upon receiving private donations to cover the cost. Together, the local community, city, and state can "encourage the Continued attraction of Customers and tourists to this important component of cultural diversity in the City of Anaheim." (Sen. Con. Res. No 71 2019-2020 Reg. Sess.) €iakasfieM/Cho ngLsl As/ChkD/ H s/EastBay/Fmsn/FuirWm/13=boWt/Long / lDsAnraks/Mm1mvAmcimY Nk r" Bay / Narttuidge / Pmom / Sx=mm / SanBarardiw / SanDkga / SanFrstdsm / Sanjcse / Sm link Obispo / SanMaims / Smmu / Sunidatss Little Arabia is well-known for its contribution to the diversity of Orange County. An official designation will foster an environment of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding among all of our communities that reside within Anaheim. As President of a University committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, I am in full support. Now more than ever, it is v have felt the impacts of the Anaheim's economic recov Thank you for yo c Sincerely, ee, JD 5 to support our local business community. Businesses in Anaheim VID-19 pandemic. Promoting this economic district will aid in ion and for serving Anaheim. Director, Arab American Civil Council January 7, 2021 Honorable Mayor Harry Sidhu Honorable Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel Honorable Council Member Jose Diaz Honorable Council Member Jordan Brandman Honorable Council Member Jose F. Moreno Honorable Council Member Avelino Valencia Honorable Council Member Trevor O'Neil Dear Members of the City Council, On behalf of the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission, I would like to recommend that the Anaheim City Council recognize Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and Katella Avenue in Anaheim as Little Arabia Business District. Background and Obiective For the past twenty-five years, Brookhurst Street in Anaheim has been a home away from home for immigrants coming from the Middle East and building community by opening up Arab owned supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare, legal services, and community -based organizations to serve the community. According to Political Data Inc. in 2016, there were 27,000 Anaheim residents identified as Arab American. Little Arabia has become a destination for not only Arab Americans, but all communities coming as far as San Diego and San Fernando Valley to shop and eat at the authentic restaurants that have become a cultural hotspot for dining and entertainment. In 2014, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau designated Little Arabia as an official tourist attraction. Business districts promote an environment that enables and encourages social interaction both within and among businesses, resulting in elevated idea exchange, innovation, and collaboration. The Little Arabia Business District designation will make it easier to attract customers, provide a diverse and vibrant environment, and create walkable spaces to shop and go restaurant hopping. Support and Recommendation The Cultural and Heritage Commission recommends that the City take action by formally recognizing the Little Arabia Business District on Brookhurst Street. The Cultural and Heritage Commission believes that this act of formal recognition will promote cultural resilience and economic development in Anaheim. We believe this is a step in our ongoing commitment to honor and respect the diverse heritage and economic contributions of our community. Additionally, the Commission encourages city staff to consider how future efforts can be made to incorporate markers and public art that celebrates the rich culture of this business district. At the November 20, 2020 meeting, the Cultural and Heritage Commission voted unanimously, with a vote of 4-0, in support for this recommendation to the Anaheim City Council. 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C o o © m cn .LP C m a U) >� o 0 z� m d L d ,°n �, •� {/J cu U CO o L� ua hS an cn U 2 E f4 (n f4 d Ql a O C? o M W I N Q7 .N E Co u�i 7 V7 06 o Q M N= M wd©L]dwlmUUc�nC7dd2Tdt-<<< <w - 2<YU�U)3:fU Designate Little Arabia Proposal Introduction Background Proposal Objectives Vision Statement Goals History, Studies, and Surveys History Data and Studies Timeline Boundary Proposals Map 1: Crescent to Katella Historical Maps Concept Plan Ate■ Community Engagement Community Outreach ` Long-term improvements r e Iri ca , 116 a , ELA" Guiding Principles: Five Facets of Growth Principle 1: Promote Little Arabia as an Essential Part of Anaheim's Fabric Principle 2: Community Development and Education Principle 3: Quality of life (Promote Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health) Principle 4: Cultural Engagement Principle 5: Economic Development Conclusion Contributors: Arab American Civic Council, CAIR-LA, ADC, Nizar MiIbes, Mirvette Judeh, Omar Masry, Cassandra Perez, and various Anonymous Business Contributors. 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 16 Introduction This living document serves as the initial proposal for our community's vision regarding the future of Little Arabia. As we continue to engage both residents and stakeholders in an ongoing dialogue, this document is expected to evolve to reflect the incorporation of their insight. Background As one of the most established cultural epicenters in orange County, Anaheim's Little Arabia district is recognized far and wide for its decades -long cultural and economic contributions to the local community. Situated on a 3'/2 mile stretch extending along Brookhurst Street from Crescent to Katella, Little Arabia has been home to many thriving businesses since the early 1980s and continues to service a loyal consumer base. Today, that consumer base is composed of people of all backgrounds. Regardless of where they come from, countless visitors and locals trust the quality of the goods and services provided in this dynamic, vibrant hub. Little Arabia provides consumers with a diverse wealth of goods, as evidenced by its many popular restaurants, health stores, bridal shops, and boutiques. In addition to this, visitors can access valuable services that address medical, religious, and legal needs. For many MENA-identifying peoples, Little Arabia imbues them with a sense of belonging, while non -Arabs are granted proximity to new, enriching experiences that expand cultural awareness and appreciation. Proposal Objectives • Provide historical context for the existing needs for the District's formal Designation • Illustrate potential community -focused geographic boundaries of the District • Highlight avenues of development to address current challenges faced by the District Vision Statement To sustain a culturally -inclusive and economically -thriving district for all the residents, constituents, and visitors of Little Arabia in Anaheim's Srookhurst Corridor. Goals • Announce the Little Arabia District as a Cultural District. • Develop a Little Arabia District that celebrates and contributes Arab Culture to Anaheim while adding, revitalizing, and encouraging inclusivity in West Anaheim. • Promote Anaheim's Little Arabia District as a destination that builds understanding and relationships between all communities. • Encourage visitors to foster a humanized and genuine understanding of people that have been historically misrepresented, disenfranchised, and misunderstood. History, Studies, and Surveys History 1996: Ahmad Alam began promotina the concept of Arab Town, which transitioned to Little Arabia in the early 2000s. • 2002: Arab Town transitions to "Little Arabia." Ahmad Alam's Arab Dav Festival is sublugated to prejudice after 9/11. • 2004: More than 50 community leaders gathered at Access California Services, a culturally sensitive community -based organization dedicated to empowering underserved populations, focusing on Arab -American and Muslim -American communities. Former Representative Loretta Sanchez (D- 46), Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Anaheim City Councilmember Richard Chavez were in attendance. One of the topics discussed was the Designation of Little Arabia. • 2010: Local Arab American groups began using Social Media to officially "test" the name "Little Arabia." Local leaders conducted community outreach to promote a positive image for Little Arabia. 9 2014: A "Shawarma Summit" was held in Little Arabia, where then -Mayor Torn Tait discussed the potential of Little Arabia being a tourist attraction. Included in the meeting were Anaheim community members and leaders, and Little Arabia was placed on the Visit Anaheim listing. • 2014: Advocates attend ACLU Meetings and advocated for the presence of Little Arabia in District 2, 2016 - 2018: The Arab American Civic Council held town halls and community forums to engage community leaders with Little Arabia. Many Council hopefuls said they would support the Designation. • 2019: State Senator Ling Ling Chang submitted a proposal for the Little Arabia District. • 2021: Rida Hamida submits a Cultural Heritage Proposal for Little Arabia. s 2021-2022: Continued Push for Little Arabia Designation, including visitations of City Council Members. Data and Studies In 2021, a survey of -332 Anaheim voters was conducted by the US Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego. The study ultimately found that: • 75% of those visiting Little Arabia "approve" or "strongly approve" of the Designation. • 58.2% of all Anaheim voters "approve" or "strongly approve" the Designation. In 2022, the Arab American Civic Council conducted a community history and needs survey of Little Arabia's stakeholders. The study identified the following themes and needs: • Themes: o Promotion and awareness a Renovations and beautification of the District o Education and community development o New immigrant opportunities o Systemic changes in policy and social levels a Encouragement of a women's market a Assistance from the city or the government • Needs: o Education a Safety o Housing o Jobs IIli"TaIMI M Goals Dates Phase To have Anaheim's City Council agendize the Designation of Little Arabia 2022 One and officially designate the Little Arabia district using a map provided by community leaders. Why? This will prompt City Staff to consider reviewing the district and conduct studies on the Little Arabia District. Phase An engagement with Anaheim's Cultural and Heritage Committee and similar Decernber 2D22 Two organizations to regularly attract visitors through cultural contributions. -December Acquisition of grants to improve and enhance the District encourages and attracts more visitors. 2027 Why? Anaheim's Little Arabia is a Cultu rat District. Working with Anaheim's Cultural and Heritage Committee will allow Little Arabia stakeholders to curate an identity for Little Arabia and to tell the story of the District as a part of Anaheim's history. Phase I Develop committees to promote business and infrastructure developments, By January 2028 Three Why? Adistrict-wide business committee will be capable of representing the District and providing internal and external recommendations. Boundary Proposals Map 1: Crescent to Katella Little Arabia - Boundaries, Crescent to Katella ��11�11� rr 1 . lii HISIllllllii ao , �, �� ti � ■ 111E .. in I '�. m,.T �� III ill le:r r �..,.� � .s �►� I- 811CM2 1:53.962 0 0.38 0.75 13 mi 0 0.6 ! 2 km �mYi, 9de4ryR. EleuiaMaMpb., K CE1141A..1 I1565, @rew d 4 a�+., WapmM. CP4 Mp31BlM • Map 1 runs from Crescent to Katella and contains the majority of Arab and MENA-owned businesses in the Little Arabia district. • Included are the Linbrook Bowling Alley and some residential communities. Residents of the area are of mixed ethnicities, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Historical Maps 11 The Arab World y Ie va 355 Iriday 06-27.2003 8B.; a...omplinnonts of tisa Araks American Council and 'IUe Urdtcd ,Arab American C h- alga er of conumcro /;7tt[o �`C#7L �,. aancr 73l� /•'I•f�i'il;F'f F i - YRglag��. 5�Y 1,.5PrC41L5PR l ranee �.' Carlroi' Flab bf,�� _ _ Trip atry i IAVL T, , �.�r crrercea c w.fenru rnaiw� rse.wJ �+ Wilt �l iV lvra. N7-Amii Uufon atlkr'.o•i 46 - 61 iF;V�rc a, [aew..h x'v..sn 4 4. 4 44 He...y.yr. 45 Rrdrt 14 Unian fypprr fling spy $I�iMr M., �lK4ffRSM ��� wr.lrrx f-7.77 4',� 1 �; � Jareer ;'N ilaokttarc u rs.il aP-Frrdew. Tiarel •� An6 Am AF T'hr 4 !9uvcfie[�at• 242 HALL HU wrrlrrq lJnWn j �; w'nrFcrn Il���. 4'nknn . e 11 hrk �4CA Inh-�t0n Concept Plan Brookhurst - West Anaheim Commercial Corridor flf Little Arabia- Anaheim Business Improvement Partnering With West Anaheim organizations and Anaheim Redevelopment Agency to improve infrastructure and individual retail plazas Community Pride Creating a distinct area within West Anaheim to create a regional attraction and better integrating local business into the civic fabric of Anaheim Community Design Creating outdoor an installations that celebrates ,crab cultural contributions and create a sense of uniqueness for the area Bfi.e hic_hEicht ndicates Redevelopment Areas 7. Ld ; Recognizing Cultural Contributions in Public Places -Public Places - Street Furniture Pedestrian -oriented lighting. For example using Moroccan style street lamps :•Med€an Improvements Landscaping clusters featuring outdoor art installations. For example placing a grouping of palm trees and fruitless olive trees in a cluster at key intersections to create a dramatic entrance. street An Mosaic tiling of geometric patterns on sidewalk curb edges Mosaic tiling for place -making (flying carpets) Poetry inscribed on walls and paving The Eye" to ward off bad spirits on streetlights Way -finding signage including f o-way direction signs erg miles to Addis { 6R1?OMLHLJRST ST � Fill" Brookhurst - West Anaheim Commercial Corridor - Cl a it e I Cif ,Id►► LittleArabia .� Examples: ,+F _as vai ras fL Facade Improvements -Working with two retail centers next to each other .'Signage to create a combined plaza where parking is Replacing worn can signs shared and the building square footage can be upgrading parking lots increased (white maintaining separate i ownership) Facades -Teaching small business F� "• a Basic rehabilitation the Importance of using ...a _ Removing or enhancing blank walls vinyl lettering on windows instead of printed pieces _- of paper to convey a professional image Business outreach •Teaching small business education how simply keywords desdcdrib g 5E�lntrepreneur ,* VYorkshops products and services to Social media Google Maps listings can atira0 new cuslorners Tips on using Google Maps 1 Yahoo Maps Community Engagement Since the late 1990s, Little Arabia and the community around Brookhurst have regularly met to improve the Corridor. Among the primary goals of these meetings is to ensure inclusivity and safety for all residents of Anaheim, including immigrant -born residents and business owners. The Little Arabia Project aims to provide a location in Anaheim that is welcoming, accepting, and inclusive of all people while uplifting the well-being of the people. Regular community engagement meetings, including galas, forums, and community activities, will help ensure Little Arabia's success for many years. Community Outreach ■ Hire local artists, including high school artists, to create murals and district -identifying illustrations • Street fairs to benefit all merchants in the West Anaheim Area • Working with the City of Garden Grove to bring improvements to South Brookhurst Long-term Improvements • Coordinate with Public Works for more considerable infrastructure improvements • Undergrounding power lines (sooner rather than later) • Sidewalk upgrades, decorative pavers • Sample design font set for Arabic language signage to create a cleanlconsistent look • Affordable housing that integrates community centers Guiding Principles: Five Facets of Growth The following guiding principles are meant to scaffold and support the Little Arabia Vision and inform the District's development strategies. Principle 1: Promote Little Arabia as an Essential Part of Anaheim's Fabric ■ Little Arabia has been a destination point in Anaheim that has provided services and experiences to patrons from all walks of life. The District aims to be inclusive to arriving immigrants and provides a safe place for Arabs, Muslims, and other Americans of Middle East and North African heritage. ■ The District has been a destination for non -Arab and non -Muslim Americans to engage with Arab and Muslim neighbors. The District has employed many Anaheim residents and has provided services to many more. Further, Little Arabia is a destination to allow individuals to learn, engage, and acquire an authentic Middle Eastern experience. Principle 2: Community Development and Education ■ In a 2022 survey, Education was the number one concern for Little Arabia stakeholders. Seeking ways to provide knowledge, skills, and new professions will help improve the quality of people's lives. ■ Promote unity and understanding between community development activities, such as collaboration and joint -effort projects. ■ Work with public libraries, schools, and other major institutions to provide knowledge and representation of the community. ■ Keep the community informed on local issues and teach them new techniques and skills to improve their livelihoods. Principle 3: Quality of life (Promote Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health) ■ Many immigrant residents often establish themselves in apartments and low-cost housing within West Anaheim. once financially secure, they tend to move to other parts of Southern California. Many, if not all, of these individuals either continue to work in Anaheim or visit weekly. • Providing new housing options will not just benefit the Arab community but also the broader community in West Anaheim. • Housing options will help combat homelessness and reduce homes dense with generations of families. Principle 4: Cultural Engagement • Conduct regular activities across Brookhurst, such as a Taste of Little Arabia, an Eid Festival, a Christmas celebration, and an Arab American Day Festival. • Expand partnerships with communities serving Arab Christian communities. ■ Attract artists, musicians, poets, and writers to curate and uplift the identity of Anaheim's Little Arabia. • Celebrate Arab cultural contributions through outdoor art installations. • Within five years of Designation, promote four artists -in -residence to add to Little Arabia's story. Principle 5: Economic Development ■ Continue Little Arabia's success in bringing jobs and tax revenue to the city. • Establish Little Arabia as an attraction point that brings commerce and traffic from all over America. • Through an agreed -upon body (such as a District -wide Business Association or Committee), provide economic and financial representation for the community. This approved body will plan and gather resources for possible district -wide developments. • Engage small businesses in social media training. Conclusion The Little Arabia Project aims to showcase community pride and potential. Within the soils of Anaheim grew a community that has offered immensely to West Anaheim. A Little Arabia District will provide Anaheim with an attractive hub that celebrates the contributions of West Asian and North African cultures. A Little Arabia district will provide culture to Anaheim, improving the District economically and financially, with a projected contribution towards the millions. Finally, the Little Arabia District will assist with Anaheim's forward -looking vision and aligns itself with the future of Anaheim. ArabAmencan C 1* Vic C o u n c V The Mayor and Council Members of the City of Anaheim, 1694 people have signed a petition on Action Network telling you to Designate Little Arabia. Here is the petition they signed: We are writing to you to kindly request that the Anaheim City Council adopts a resolution designating the Little Arabia District to bring more tourism into this vibrant cultural destination. Every week, thousands of visitors shop, dine, worship, and celebrate within the vibrant ethnic community of Little Arabia, located in the area of Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and Katella Avenue. The Arab -American community has contributed to the economy and culture of Anaheim by opening restaurants, mosques, churches, clothing stores, hair salons, and other destinations for those wishing to experience Middle Eastern culture. Officially designating Little Arabia would bring even more commerce into the city. Now more than ever, it is vital to support our local business community. Businesses in Anaheim have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and government -ordered shutdowns. Promoting this economic district will aid in Anaheim's economic recovery. Thank you for your consideration and for serving Anaheim. You can view each petition signer and the comments they left you below. Thank you, Arab American Civic Council. 1. Omar alhammouri (ZIP code: 92801) 2. Reva Damir (ZIP code: 95350) 3. Maher Khass (ZIP code: 92882) 4. Steve Schatz (ZIP code: 90715) 5. Jaber Jaber (ZIP code: 92336) 6. Imad Alfaqih (ZIP code: 92844) 1 would love to see it happen 7. Boualam Julie (ZIP code: 92612) 8. Eva Schulte (ZIP code: 92807) 9. David Harrison (ZIP code: 90278) 10. L. Diaz (ZIP code: 94110) 11. Jordan Chiang (ZIP code: CA I91107) 12. Hanae Bentchich (ZIP code: 92801) 13. Ayesha 5yed (ZIP code: 90260) 14. abdulah haikal (ZIP code: 92804) 15. A Reyes (ZIP code: 90680) 16. Aisha Abumaali (ZIP code: 93720) 17. Aalok Bhatt (ZIP code: 92805) 18. Amani A (ZIP code: 76548) 19. Ammar Alkhodr (ZIP code: 92804) 20. Aaron Anodide (ZIP code. 92614) 21. Aaron Marquez (ZIP code: 92648) 22. Abanoub Yacoup (ZIP code: 92627) 23. Anthony Botrus (ZIP code: 91789) 24. Abboud Khallouf (ZIP code: 92804) 25. Hanna Abdallah (ZIP code: 91765) 26. Iman A (ZIP code: 90623) 27. Abdel Ali (ZIP code: 92804) 28. Abdurahman Idris (ZIP code: 90045) 29. Miami Abdulal (ZIP code: 92882) 30. Abdulkarim Fateh (ZIP code: 92840) 31. Abdullah Haddad (ZIP code: 92805) 32. Ann Bein (ZIP code: 90064-2026) 33. Abir Dakak (ZIP code: 91765) 34. Abiha Kassamali (ZIP code: 92804) 35. Rasha Aboualzahab (ZIP code: 92804) 36. Abrahan Venegas (ZIP code: 92627) 37. Abdussalam Aburwein (ZIP code: 92603) Little Arabia is a destination for a lot of arabs n their friends. This designation can enrich the city's culture and commerce. 38. Ahmad Abutaa (ZIP code: 90028) Yes yes please 39. Ruby Abutaleb (ZIP code: 92782) 40. Ahmad Ullah (ZIP code: 92870) 41. RICHARD VARTANIAN (ZIP code: 91116) 42. Amine Chahbouni (ZIP code: 92801) Let's designate Little Arabia please 43. Araceli Chavez (ZIP code: 92801) 44. Anne Herndon (ZIP code: 940872070) 45. Amber Sumrall (ZIP code: 95073) 46. Anna Czosnyka (ZIP code: 90041) 47. Adam Beddawi (ZIP code: 20002) 48. Adam Paganini (ZIP code: 94118) 49. Adan Miranda (ZIP code: 90623) 50. Aditya Nathan (ZIP code: 92805) 51. Adnan Badenjki (ZIP code: 92618) 52. Adrian Malik (ZIP code: 92804) 53. Ann Dorsey (ZIP code: 91325) 54. Amr ELGENDY (ZIP code: 92708) 55. Ava Evans (ZIP code: 91436) 56. Afaf Annan (ZIP code: 90650) We are writing to you to kindly request that the Anaheim City Council adopts a resolution designating the Little Arabia ❑istrict to bring more tourism into this vibrant cultural destination. Every week, thousands of visitors shop, dine, worship, and celebrate within the vibrant ethnic community of Little Arabia, located in the area of Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and Katella Avenue. The Arab -American community has contributed to the economy and culture of Anaheim by opening restaurants, mosques, churches, clothing stores, hair salons, and other destinations for those wishing to experience Middle Eastern culture. Officially designating Little Arabia would bring even more commerce into the city. Now more than ever, it is vital to support our local business community. Businesses in Anaheim have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and government -ordered shutdowns. Promoting this economic district will aid in Anaheim's economic recovery. Thank you for your consideration and for serving Anaheim. 57. Shahpoor Adil (ZIP code: 92801) 58. Agnes Gillespie (ZIP code: 95667) 59. Griselda Aguirre (ZIP code: 92805) 60. Afaf Helmy (ZIP code: 92804) 61. Herb Jaradat (ZIP code: 95677) 62. Ahmed Helal (ZIP code: 92844) 63. Ahmad Switi (ZIP code: 92804) 64. Ahmad Abu (ZIP code: 92804) 65. Ahmad Alhenn (ZIP code: 92887) 66. Ahmad El Gamal (ZIP code: 92618) 67. AHMA❑ JABER (ZIP code: 92801) 68. Mostafa Ahmad (ZIP code: 95829) 69. Ahmed Eid (ZIP code: 92801) 70. Ahmed Albayoumy (ZIP code: 92688) 71. alaa Ibrahim (ZIP code: 92804) 72. AIDA PORTENEUVE (ZIP code: 90803-1910) 73. Aimee Monahan (ZIP code: 92656) Please help the small business entrepreneurs in Little Arabia so we can help them thrive and provide services and jobs to the community. 74. Arie Lugo (ZIP code: 92805-4635) Please do not send any mailers. Thank you! 75. Aisha Baqi (ZIP code: 91754) 76. Abbas Ismail (ZIP code: 91791) 77. AIXA FIELDER (ZIP code: 90028) 78. Amira Ziadeh (ZIP code: 92807) 79. Ajay Patel (ZIP code: 92805-2532) 80. Akram Abusharar (ZIP code: 92801) 81. Talia Aktas-Owen (ZIP code: SN10 2SN) 82. Alaa Abuadas (ZIP code: 92870) 83. Alaa Atassi (ZIP code: 92627) 84. Alaa Shehadeh (ZIP code: 92646) 85. Rashid Alam (ZIP code: 90241-5439) 86. Han! Albakri (ZIP code: 92620) 87. aleena nawabi (ZIP code: 92126) 88. Alex Okashita (ZIP code: 92805) Although I am Asian -American, I understand the pain of not having your immediate community's contributions be recognized. I also understand the joy and sense of safety that comes from being accepted by the larger community. This designation will be a fantastic addition to our city. 89. Sylvie Drake Jurras (ZIP code: 90046) 90. Alexandra Daher (ZIP code: us, 91030) 91. Charles Ray (ZIP code: 94103) 92. ❑ania AI-Itani (ZIP code: 90630) 93. Aliza Rafiq (ZIP code: 92630) 94. All AI-Saleem (ZIP code: 92804) 95. Zeena Aljawad (ZIP code: 92677) 96. Allan Campbell (ZIP code: 95132) 97. Allegra Felisan (ZIP code: 92833) 98. Ammar Alnajjar (ZIP code: 91730) 99. Charles Alger (ZIP code: 92057) 100. Ali Orhan (ZIP code: 92804) Ali arhan 101. Al Rabady (ZIP code: 08014) 102. Ahmed Alsabounchi (ZIP code: 90048) 103. Amar AI-shanti (ZIP code: 92804) 104. Brandie Alvarez (ZIP code: 92008) 105. Austin Lynch (ZIP code: 90706) 106. Alyssa Qlivas (ZIP code: 94513) 107. Amethyst Garza (ZIP code: 92870) 108. Angela Mancuso (ZIP code: 95926) 109. Amanda Hishmeh (ZIP code: 34202) Little arabia for the win 110. Amanda Wortman (ZIP code: 92805) 111. Allison Hall (ZIP code: 47909) 112. am i n AI Hassan (ZIP code: 92840) 113. Amin Nash (ZIP code: 92804) Make it happen 114. Amin Abukhader (ZIP code: 92831) 115. Amira Shaibi (ZIP code: 48126) 116. Ammar Issa (ZIP code: 92807) 117. Marzy Sepahifar (ZIP code: 92804) 118. Wardeh Abdelmut (ZIP code: 92646) 119. Abigail Rotholz (ZIP code: 97405) To ignore the need to designate this community makes Anaheim look xenophobic and disconnected from the needs of its residents. 120. Michelle Anaya (ZIP code: 92806) Will help the small business in this financial crisis and will brings more income to the city 121. Bautista Andrea (ZIP code: 92704) 122. Andrea Vargas (ZIP code: 0801) 123. Andres Chavez (ZIP code: 90807) 124. Andrew Hallak (ZIP code: 92617) 125. Andy Lewandowski (ZIP code: 92801) 126. Andrew Curto (ZIP code: 08876) 127. Angie BECERRA (ZIP code: 92802) 1 am signing as a previous homeowner in the area and yes, very much agree that this area has phenomenal restaurants, outstanding Customer Service, and a Warm Welcome at any time you choose to walk-in to check their businesses out. 128. Anisa Stoffel (ZIP code: 92801) 129. Ann Bartz (ZIP code: 90803) 130. Anne Patterson (ZIP code: 60641) 131. anne veraldi (ZIP code: 94110) 132. annie robbins (ZIP code: 94960) Designating Little Arabia sounds like a great idea, I want to visit next time i am in Southern California! 133. Ann Kindfield (ZIP code: 92549) 134. Antonio Benitez (ZIP code: 92647) 135. Abdelkarim Benothman (ZIP code: 90045) 136. Adam Overton (ZIP code. 90802) 137. areej mousa (ZIP code: 92804) 138. Arin Azzam (ZIP code: 92867) 139. Aref Abdullah (ZIP code: 92805) 140. Aref Farah! (ZIP code: CA 92805) Thank you! 141. Ashley Michel (ZIP code: 90024) 142. Christine Cartagena (ZIP code: 92630) 143. Natalie Tafoya (ZIP code: 92806) 144. Adam Salem (ZIP code: 19711) Although I live on the east coast, family privy And I privy California from time to time and would most certainly be more inclined to visit your area if this enclave were officially designated. 145. Asano Fertig (ZIP code: 94702) 146. Ashleigh Aitken (ZIP code: 92807) Please designate Little Arabia and honor this important community. 147. Ashley Vasquez (ZIP code: 90248) 148. Mohammad Ali (ZIP code: 91367) 149. Asma Teebi (ZIP code: 92867) 150. Athar Trablci (ZIP code: 92804) 151. Courtney Atienza (ZIP code: 91423) 152. Adrian Ureno (ZIP code: 92806) 153. Albert Sena (ZIP code: 92154) Please Help Little Arabia in any way you can. They need your help. Thank You 154. Yasmeen Awad (ZIP code: 90278) 155. Adeenah Tabani (ZIP code: 75600) Yup I'm not in the US but still wanna support it!! 156. Aya Shilleh (ZIP code: 91765) 157. Nansi Balkar (ZIP code: 92880) 158. John Ayala (ZIP code: 92835) 159. Ayham Dahlan (ZIP code: 91739) 160. Ahmad Alahmad (ZIP code: 92801) Please let us have the same treatment as others 161. Peter aziz (ZIP code: 90278) 162. Azizeh Kanj (ZIP code: 92563) 163. Abdelaziz Rifai (ZIP code: 02139) 164. Nicole Bovey (ZIP code: 92865) 165. Azzam Saad (ZIP code: 92708) 166. amad albadri (ZIP code: 90808) 167. Amad AI-Badri (ZIP code: 90808-4208) 168. Barbara Goldberg (ZIP code: 95521) Interesting cultural districts enhance the attractiveness of destinations and certainly encourage me as I make choices for destination travel. This designation would enhance Anaheim's interest to tourists. 169. Nick Baiz (ZIP code: 92801) 170. Arlene Baker (ZIP code: 94704) 171. Bakr Teebi (ZIP code: 92630) 172. Germaine Caro-Delvaille (ZIP code: 91606) 173. Bao Nguyen (ZIP code: 92840) 174. Basema Abrmih (ZIP code: 92804) 175. Bassam Bilal (ZIP code: 92618) 176. batool abdaijawad (ZIP code: 92544) 177. Baayan Quza (ZIP code: Ca) 178. Damima Habash (ZIP code: 92870) 179. Mikael Estarrona (ZIP code: 85606) 180. Joan Pradetto (ZIP code: 92069) 181. Meghan Medlin (ZIP code: 92866-1943) 182. Rebecca Dobkin (ZIP code: 90041) 183. Beckker Fawzi (ZIP code: 92804) 184. Bernadette Colomine (ZIP code: 90026) 185. Rolando Granadino (ZIP code: 92626) 186. Amir Beituni (ZIP code: 92805) 187. Yusra Aberra (ZIP code: 92610) 188. Madeleine Pestiaux (ZIP code: 92530) 189. Bert Greenberg (ZIP code: 95135) 190. Betty Valencia (ZIP code: 92867) 191. Bian Shehadeh (ZIP code: 92708) 192. Bianca Demello (ZIP code: 92691) 193. Biane Abdulla (ZIP code: 92557) 194. nancy hartman (ZIP code: 94549) 195. Bill 'Najd (ZIP code: 92691) It's about time for the city to recognize the American Arab community They have been ignored for the longest time 196. Brenda Robinson (ZIP code: M4H 1C9) We have Little Italy and China town and Greek town in Toronto; so why not Little Arabia in Anaheim? 197. Barbara Kloeppel (ZIP code: 94706) 198. Karla Henderson (ZIP code: 94116) 199. Lisa Ann Kelly and Family (ZIP code: 93101) 200. C H ERI B LY (ZIP code: 93021-3763) 201. Bob Miller (ZIP code: 95404) 202. Bob Blair (ZIP code: 92832) 203. Sharry Saleh (ZIP code: 92804) 204. Antonio Perez (ZIP code: 92805) 205. Firas Naji (ZIP code: 92618) 206. Caroline Bostwick (ZIP code: 92870) 207. Talia Boukhalil (ZIP code: 90403) 208. Noor Bouzidi (ZIP code: 94403) 1 grew up going to the shops and mosques in Little Arabia. It's the heart of Arab culture in California & deserves official recognition by Anaheim. 209. Michele ElKaraki (ZIP code: 92804) 210. Brian Baldoz (ZIP code: 92505) 211. Brian Woods (ZIP code: 90012) 212. Brianna Allen (ZIP code: 30458) 213. Brianna Shahin (ZIP code: 92315) 214. Bruce Schacht (ZIP code: 97221) If we have China Towns, Japanese gardens, then why not Little Arabia? 215. Bruno Pita (ZIP code: 92805) 216. eanthy Zeltman (ZIP code: 92308) keep your promise. 217. Jennifer Sellers (ZIP code: 94521) 218. Mandy Alkhodr (ZIP code: 92804) As a Middle Eastern descended American I would like the continued growth of my our community. Inshaallah 219. Anna Buenrostro (ZIP code: 90011) 220. Mohamed Buhijji (ZIP code: 92061) 221. Monica Mayes (ZIP code: 92127) 222. Rachad Albandakji (ZIP code: 92606) 223. clinton burdette (ZIP code: 90066-5720) 224. John Conway (ZIP code: 92821) 1 lived in "Little Arabia" up until 2014 and continuously go back for the great food and shopping. 225. Terrence Butler (ZIP code: 91405) 226. William Zain (ZIP code: 92801) Making this designation official will draw more visitors to Anaheim. 227. Cindy Zead (ZIP code: 91764) 228. Carlos Leon (ZIP code: 92804) 229. Ahmed Hadri (ZIP code: 92804 ) 230. Emma Ward (ZIP code: 90019-5731) 231. Calli Henderson (ZIP code: 92868) 232. Karen Camacho (ZIP code: 92806) 233. Camille Sparacio (ZIP code: 92870) 234. Camille Nguyen (ZIP code: 92606) 235. Camille Gilbert (ZIP code: 93101) 236. Maytham Alasadi (ZIP code: 90680) Let's hope this works out! 237. Carie Rael (ZIP code: 91505) 238. Carla Dalton (ZIP code: 94703) 239. Carla Compton (ZIP code: 92869) 1 would love to see this happen! 240. Carlos Tinoco (ZIP code: 92802) Little Arabia is a wonderful gastronomical hub it should be designated as such 241. Carlton Sloan (ZIP code: 95446) 242. Carl Carlson (ZIP code: 93041) 243. Carmen Flores (ZIP code: 92703) 244. Shauna Carmichael (ZIP code: 92602) 245. Carolyn Brunetti (ZIP code: 92804) 246. Caroline Vu (ZIP code: 92782) 247. Carol Queen (ZIP code: 94558) 248. Helen Carrier (ZIP code: 76082) 249. Isam Qreini (ZIP code: 92805) 250. Linda Shadle (ZIP code: 92804) 251. Carolyn Chung (ZIP code: 90630) 252. Casey Chan (ZIP code: 94404) 253. Alaa Mohammed (ZIP code: 94536) 254. Catherine Roche (ZIP code: 92804) 255. Cate Greenman (ZIP code: 90004) 256. Caterina Haiek (ZIP code: 93012) 257. Catherine Ray (ZIP code: 92115) It's about time 258. Carol Schneider (ZIP code: 91030) 259. chafik dakak (ZIP code: 92886-1889) 260. Charmaine Darmour (ZIP code: 92805) 261. Christine Doyka (ZIP code: 95542) 262. Caitlin Glenna (ZIP code: 92592) 263. Marcy Shaarda (ZIP code: 94109) 264. Chachmoni Ben-Yisrael (ZIP code: 92806) 265. Chakib Slimani (ZIP code: 91605) 266. Amanda Merheb (ZIP code: 92802) 267. Khalid Alkhalili (ZIP code: 90630) 268. Charlie Nguyen (ZIP code: 92841) 269. tomm i sito mpu I (ZIP code: 77088) i did not watch the video sorry 270. Marie Bishara (ZIP code: 92835) 271. Chiante Mataitusi (ZIP code: 92805) 272. Christopher Horner (ZIP code: 93108) 273. Christine Patterson (ZIP code: 92262) 274. Christina Lutfi (ZIP code: 90068) 275. Christine Hsia (ZIP code: 91604) 276. Courtney Christoffer (ZIP code: 95125) 277. Clara Simonian (ZIP code: 92887) 278. Cynthia Ashley (ZIP code: 92688) 279. Cindy Stein (ZIP code: 91360) 280. Chelsea Inthavong (ZIP code: 92804) 281. Cynthia Numan (ZIP code: 92507) 282. Connie Pratt (ZIP code: 95973) 283. Anthony Corona (ZIP code: 92832) 284. Caryl Parrish (ZIP code: 92009) 285. Cynthia Hellmuth (ZIP code: 94510) 286. Abdalkarim Aljarousha (ZIP code: 92620) 287. Jennifer Bradpiece (ZIP code: 90042) 288. Claudia Saddik (ZIP code: 90740) 289. Christopher DiFonso (ZIP code: 92692) 290. Christian Garton (ZIP code: 91303) 291. Carole Schindler Grover (ZIP code: 90405) 292. Carey Million (ZIP code: 90601) 293. L. Licari (ZIP code: 92833) 294. Cynthia Raddatz (ZIP code: 92834) Keep little Arabia. 295. Debbi Wood (ZIP code: 932041) 296. Dana Abdulla (ZIP code: 92557) 297. Scott Roberts (ZIP code: 91709) 298. Sam David (ZIP code: 92649) Sam 299. Damian Jimenez (ZIP code: 92802) This area on brcokhurst is legit. Straight up should be called that. Why arent the city recognising it? 300. Sarah Dakak (ZIP code: 91765) 301. dale riehart (ZIP code: 94107) 302. Yasmeen Odeh (ZIP code: 92806) Yasmeen odeh 303. Dalia Abdo (ZIP code: 92844) 304. Saman Dal❑ (ZIP code: 92879) 305. Danah Dahlawi (ZIP code: 22242) 306. Danya Abunar (ZIP code: 95831) 307. Dania Tashtoush (ZIP code: 21163) 308. Daniel Kish (ZIP code: 90805) 309. Danielle Lizarraga (ZIP code: 92801) 310. Daniel Lynch (ZIP code: 92865) 311. Dan Lawler (ZIP code: 90028) 312. Daniel Amad❑ (ZIP code: 92801) Listen up Anaheim! 313. Dan Goldberg (ZIP code: 95060) 314. Miriam Dari (ZIP code: 92880) 315. Nicole Scheerer (ZIP code: 90807) 316. Dash Porter (ZIP code: 90266) 317. David Smith Smith (ZIP code: 92617-4071) 318. David Nichols (ZIP code: 97213) 319. David Kukreja (ZIP code: 92804) 320. David Lance (ZIP code: GU27 1EU) 321. David Ford (ZIP code: 92307) 322. Dorothy Weicker (ZIP code: 95409) 323. David de la Cruz (ZIP code: 90031) 324. Farah Hanouni (ZIP code: 92802) 325. Dean Mitchell (ZIP code: 90046) 326. Deemah Saadeh (ZIP code: 92801) 327. Deena Zein (ZIP code: 92804) 328. Dena Shokair (ZIP code: 92883) 329. Sidny Ramirez (ZIP code: 91755) 330. DeVante Jewett (ZIP code: 94015) 331. Desiree Nguyen (ZIP code, 92802) I've been an Anaheim resident for over 15 years. I was born in the neighboring Little Saigon and understand how impactful spaces like these are financially and culturally. I always enjoy my time around the Little Arabia business district. An official Little Arabia would add great character to the diverse city of Anaheim. The locals all know of this place as the Arab -American district. I'm honestly surprised an official designation hasn't happened already!! 332. Richard Goodrich (ZIP code: 92028) 333. Marc Silverman (ZIP code: 90068-3071) 334. Dylan Hanami (ZIP code: 92805) 335. Darlene Morris (ZIP code: 92284) 336. Diana Burg (ZIP code: 92804) 337. Yenni Diaz (ZIP code: 92707) 338. Annika Dietrich (ZIP code: 92653) 339. Dima Abass (ZIP code: 10994) 340. Dina Duella (ZIP code: 92618) 341. Dina Klayman (ZIP code: 91302) 342. Mariana Diaz (ZIP code: 90680) 343. David Carlson (ZIP code: 92009) 344. Doaa Ahmed (ZIP code: 90706) 345. Sarah naame (ZIP code: 94544) 346. Saleh Nasrallah (ZIP code: 89012) 347. Joyce Johnson (ZIP code: 95404) 348. Dorothy Vieira (ZIP code: 92119) 343. Doug Stewart (ZIP code: 92806) 350. Melissa Johnson (ZIP code: 92805) This area deserves to be recognized! 351. Dr Bill Honigman (ZIP code: 92705) 352. Cherie garrett (ZIP code: 9310322) 353. Raymond Jallow (ZIP code: 90068) 354. Hisham and Lilly Seify (ZIP code: 92679) 355. Darcy Skarada (ZIP code: 95451) 356. Donna Tate (ZIP code: 90043) 357. Joan SORGE (ZIP code: 92629) 358. Samer Shloul (ZIP code: 92804) Samer Shloul 359. Dusty DoMoe (ZIP code: 95023) 360. Laura Anderson (ZIP code: 92782) 361. Dyamond Bolden (ZIP code: 94585) 362. Dylan Michael Norris (ZIP code: 92801) 1 support this movement. It will help promote diversity and new cultures in OC 363. Samar Aziz (ZIP code: 92782) 364. Dina Esmael (ZIP code: 92801) 365. Elizabeth Awed (ZIP code: 90023) 366. Etta Robin (ZIP code: 93312) 367. Carol Anne Fusco (ZIP code: 94708-2058) 368. Ebru Awad (ZIP code: 90630) 369. Emily Sudman (ZIP code: 90720) 370. Khaled maree (ZIP code: 92804) Yes 371. ❑oreen Corwin (ZIP code: 92705) 372. Edith Moore (ZIP code: 94306) 373. Ed Lopez (ZIP code: 92801) 374. Edwina White (ZIP code: 95811) Such a designation helps commercial districts thrive. Small businesses are the bedrock of city economies. 375. Emmanuel Guzman (ZIP code: 92507) 376. Eidah Hilo (ZIP code: CA) 377. Dr Amer EI-Ahraf (ZIP code: CA 92646) 1 strongly Support designating Little Arabia as an official title. It will bring a lot of business to Anaheim and strengthen its economy. 378. Elaine Larson (ZIP code: 95476-5102) 379. Mohamed Elayoubie (ZIP code: 92618) 380. Janet Harris (ZIP code: 92020) 381. Elena Sifuentes (ZIP code: 85037) 382. Margaret Elaine Lewinnek (ZIP code: 92831) 383. Eli Nino (ZIP code: 94591) 1 sign to help getting the approval to name the street as : little arabia 384. Jacob Picheny (ZIP code: 94705) 385. Eleanore Vann (ZIP code: 95670) 386. Elinor Davis (ZIP code: 94610) 387. Elizabeth Turi (ZIP code: 92840) Give this vibrant community the validation it deserves! 388. Elizabeth Zuniga (ZIP code: 92805) 389. Elizabeth Carvalho (ZIP code: 91302-2325) 390. Nicole Elkan (ZIP code: 90803) 391. Linda Lehnkering (ZIP code: 92805) 392. samir elshahed (ZIP code: 92804) 393. Ahmed Elqaza (ZIP code: 92808) 394. Salama Elsayed (ZIP code: 92807) Am for it and it should be 395. Emad Masadeh (ZIP code: 92804) 396. Rebecca Christy (ZIP code: 92630) 397. Ezzeldin Ahmed (ZIP code: 92805) 398. Elissa Manookian (ZIP code: 55454) 399. Eman Hassanin (ZIP code: 92801) 400. Emily Rosales (ZIP code: 92663) 401. Emily Boliver (ZIP code: 92802) 402. Emily Lasso (ZIP code: 92805) 403. Emmanuel Ross Hartway (ZIP code: 90029) 404. Sarah Wyatt (ZIP code: 90068) 405. Steven Waldrip (ZIP code: 95003) 406. emani rodrigues (ZIP code: 94110) 407. Enaya Hanbali (ZIP code: 93551) 408. Mark Spevak (ZIP code: 92808) 409. Eric Adel (ZIP code: 92804) 410. Erica Munn (ZIP code: 90028) 411. Eric Decker (ZIP code: 92804) 412. Eric Mattel (ZIP code: 91304) 413. Claudia Ortega (ZIP code: 92806) 414. Erik Soto (ZIP code: 92627) 415. Erik Wendt (ZIP code: 29403) 416. Eric Moody (ZIP code: 90291) 417. Ed Garza (ZIP code: 92705-7420) 418. Edda Spielmann (ZIP code: 90405) 419. Andres Esquivel (ZIP code: 92804) 420. Lily Cohen (ZIP code: 94949) 421. Etsegenet Mekasha (ZIP code: 90056) 422. Edgar Ureno (ZIP code: 92840-351) 423. Evan Oliver (ZIP code: 90804) 424. Lois Evron (ZIP code. 11516) 425. Ranggin Hedayat (ZIP coder 92612) 425. Ezz Azzeh (ZIP code: 92620) 427. Fadia Mohd (ZIP code: 92808) 428. Fadwa Alsaleh (ZIP code: 91754 ) 429. Mahmoud Fansha (ZIP code: 92804) 430. Fannan Alsouqi (ZIP code: 92647) 431. Rahma Farahat (ZIP code: 90814) 432. farhan khan (ZIP code: 92883) 433. Alfarouk Akili (ZIP code: 92555) 434. Farrah Hassen (ZIP code: 91791) 435. Vernon Bays (ZIP code: 94590) 436. mike robbins (ZIP code: 92802) 437. Blaise Brockman (ZIP code: 91007) 438. Fatima Alkam (ZIP code: 91730) 439. Fatima Salah (ZIP code: 91320) 440. Fatima Bag! (ZIP code: 90242) 441. Faisal Buharie (ZIP code: 90630) 442. Fatima Charara (ZIP code: 92604) 443. Rafika Alami (ZIP code: 92336) 444. Felicia Tacto (ZIP code: 90745) 445. Felicity Figueroa (ZIP code: 92604-3003) 446. felipe caceres (ZIP code: 90042) 447. Feliz Samson (ZIP code: 91342) 448. Ali Ahmed (ZIP code: 5466) 449. Ed Jack (ZIP code: 94303) 450. Andrew Hawshin (ZIP code: 92802) 451. Firas AlHilo (ZIP code: 92805) 452. Lanie Anderson (ZIP code: 92627) 453. Laura Juarez (ZIP code: 90046-4016) 454. Efrossini Koutsoukis (ZIP code: 94805) 455. Lisa McClelland (ZIP code: 92870) 456. Jeana Fletcher (ZIP code: 11225) 457. Richard Guinto (ZIP code: 91444) 458. Rebekah Flores (ZIP code: 90602) 459. Fadi Nasri (ZIP code: 92336) 460. John Halim (ZIP code: 92804) 461. Kokchin Khoo (ZIP code: 92804) This could help provide an additional attractions to Anaheim as a destination for the visitors. 462. John Ferrante (ZIP code: 94520-5506) 463. Felena Puentes (ZIP code: 93312) 464. Frank De Haan (ZIP code: 91352-2732) 465. Frances Goff (ZIP code: 91107) Whatever happened to cultural exchange? 466. Fred Sigala Jr (ZIP code: 92804-2435) 467. Hadiyah Ferhat (ZIP code: 92841) 468. Stephen Frost (ZIP code: 92234) 469. Fuad Asfour (ZIP code: 92821) 470. Fudwa Khalil (ZIP code: 92708) 471. Fabiana Velo (ZIP code: 90631) 472. Nydia Cardona (ZIP code: 92532) 473. Gabrielle Hildebrand (ZIP code: 94122) 474. Gabrielle Clifford (ZIP code: 92023) 475. DONNA GARCIA (ZIP code: 90038) 476. Gerard Ridella (ZIP code: 94546) 477. Gary Bender (ZIP code: 92646) 478. Greg Campbell (ZIP code: 92024) 479. Genevieve Deppong (ZIP code: 94024) 480. Bert Ged i n (ZIP code: B 17 OPL) We are all Little Arabians ! 481. Genevieve Lobo (ZIP code: 95134) 482. George Foxworth (ZIP code: 95628) 483. George Bushala (ZIP code: 92832) To: The Mayor and Council Members of the City of Anaheim From: George Bushala We are writing to you to kindly request that the Anaheim City Council adopts a resolution designating the Little Arabia District to bring more tourism into this vibrant cultural destination. Every week, thousands of visitors shop, dine, worship, and celebrate within the vibrant ethnic community of Little Arabia, located in the area of Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and Katella Avenue. The Arab -American community has contributed to the economy and culture of Anaheim by opening restaurants, mosques, churches, clothing stores, hair salons, and other destinations for those wishing to experience Middle Eastern culture. Officially designating Little Arabia would bring even more commerce into the city. Now more than ever, it is vital to support our local business community. Businesses in Anaheim have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and government -ordered shutdowns. Promoting this economic district will aid in Anaheim's economic recovery. Thank you for your consideration and for serving Anaheim. 484. Tyeisha Jones (ZIP code: 90731) 485. Gail G. (ZIP code: 93117) 486. virginia holmes (ZIP code: 94602) 487. George Ghantous (ZIP code: 94598) 488. Sandra Ghazal (ZIP code: 90057) 489. Ghazi Salahuddin (ZIP code: 90810) 490. Ghazi Idriss (ZIP code: 92804) 491. ❑avid Warner (ZIP code: 23235) 492. Gianna Stoddard (ZIP code: 92804) 493. Michael Denton (ZIP code: 94578) 494. Gina Torresola (ZIP code: 95128) 495. Gina Hamadani (ZIP code: 91763) 496. Gina Le (ZIP code: 92683) As a Vietnamese American from Little Saigon, I firmly believe the Arab American community in Orange County deserves to be recognized and celebrated. 497. Giselle Ashook (ZIP code: 92804) 498. Gisele Ghantous (ZIP code: 94513) 499. George Kassaseya (ZIP code: 92878) 500. Gabriella Magar (ZIP code: 90621) 501. Gabriel Torres (ZIP code: 90680) Little Arabia is a staple in my community! 502. george nassar (ZIP code: 92646) 503. Elizabeth Gonzalez (ZIP code: 92801) 504. Grace Habelrih (ZIP code. 90293) 505. Sara Alshimari (ZIP code: 92804) 506. Grace Chun (ZIP code: 90503) 507. Greta Meyerhof (ZIP code: 92672-3419) 508. Gordon Richiusa (ZIP code: 92637) 509. Garrett Murphy (ZIP code: 94612) 510. Gursher Sandhu (ZIP code: 92807) 511. Guy Biagiotti (ZIP code: 92705) 512. Tim Guisinger (ZIP code: 93010) 513. Giovanni Velasco (ZIP code: 92806) 514. Greg Walgenbach (ZIP code: 92804) 515. Gwyneth Perrier (ZIP code: 94121) 516. Habib Harnidi (ZIP code: 92807-2962) 517. Hadeel Ali (ZIP code: 92804) 518. Haitham Aranki (ZIP code: 92801-1754) 519. Nabilah Bamaas (ZIP code: 90250) 520. Hala Bero (ZIP code: 91342) 521. Hala Ahmed (ZIP code: 92805) 522. Hala Abusham (ZIP code: 92807) 523. Hala Nafea (ZIP code: 92782) 524. Haleema Abbasi (ZIP code: 92782) 525. Yamina Hamadi (ZIP code: 92870) 526. Hana Abdurahman (ZIP code: 92804) 527. Hana Shehadeh (ZIP code: 92645) Happy 528. Haneen Latayfa (ZIP code: 92804) 529. Hani Haidar (ZIP code: 92804) 530. Hanin Sharif (ZIP code: 92843) 531. Hanna Campbell (ZIP code: 78724) 532. Hannan Sayed (ZIP code: 92660) 533. Hany Fangary (ZIP code: 90254) 534. Mark Feldman (ZIP code: 95401) 535. Fjaere Nilssen-Mooney (ZIP code: 91606) 536. Kathie Mashni (ZIP code: 93110) 537. Amer EI-Hariri (ZIP code: 90620) 538. Mohammed Hasan (ZIP code: 92602) 539. Haseena Mirza (ZIP code: 92833) 540. Hassan Elbard (ZIP code: 92648) 541. Hassan Abdallah (ZIP code: 91708) 542. Hassan Arian (ZIP code: 90621) 543. ©mar Hattab (ZIP code: 92807) 544. Olivia Hazin (ZIP code: 92801) Anaheim City Council, Deep your promise and finally designate this cultural staple of Anaheim-- Little Arabia! I come here all of the time for Arab goods. DESIGNATE LITTLE ARABIA NOW!!!! 545. Held! Cervantes (ZIP code: 92647) 546. lulu carpenter (ZIP code: 94131-1022) 547. Heba Elachkar (ZIP code: 92804) 548. Hajar Ebid (ZIP code: 10029) 549. Lisa Heinz (ZIP code: 15055) 550. shaven heiser (ZIP code: 94132) 551. helena odeh awwad (ZIP code: 92807) 552. Alexander Coronado (ZIP code: 60647) 553. Atef Helmy (ZIP code: 92804) 554. Henar Abdelmonem (ZIP code: 92804) 555. Susan Hernandez (ZIP code: 92805) 556. Hernando Ombao (ZIP code: 90036) 557. Hesham Issawi (ZIP code: 90404) 558. simin heydari (ZIP code: 92807) 559. Husam Habibeh (ZIP code: 92620) 560. Howard H. Holmes (ZIP code: 90069) 561. Hiba Altimimy (ZIP code: 92821) 562. Hillary Ostrow (ZIP code: 91316) 563. Karen Hinks (ZIP code: 92647-5582) 564. Hira S (ZIP code: 92840) 565. Heba Odeh (ZIP code: 90630) 566. Nirmeen Hamed (ZIP code: 95363) 567. Holly Siebenhaar (ZIP code: 92656) 568. Firas Horani (ZIP code: 92804) 569. Hisham Houssain (ZIP code: 94903) 570. Hala Khalifeh (ZIP code: 92602) 571. Heather Grigoriou (ZIP code: 92660) 572. Sylvia Hernandez (ZIP code: 91791) 573. Hunter Wallof (ZIP code: 94956) 574. Husam Ismail (ZIP code: 55068) 575. Joanne Husar (ZIP code: 90007) 576. Rebecca Swanson (ZIP code: 95338) 577. Ayah Shiadah (ZIP code: 90630-2331) 578. Iyad Afalqa (ZIP code: 92603) 579. Leah O (ZIP code: 92707) 580. Ibrahim Homsi (ZIP code: 91789) 581. !mad Hasan (ZIP code: 60415) 582. Adam Ibrahim (ZIP code: 92805) Couldn't agree more: "Now more than ever, it is vital to support ❑ur local business community. Businesses in Anaheim have felt the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic and government -ordered shutdowns." This needs to happen & is long overdue! 583. Imad Elias (ZIP code: 90211) 584. Iman Defrali (ZIP code: 92655) 1 think it's a good place for it and would love to see it 585. Iman Alkam (ZIP code: 92801) 586. Isabel Manookian (ZIP code: 92392) 587. Iman Turfu (ZIP code: 82801) 588. Amer Imreish (ZIP code: 92801) 589. lgra Mukhlis (ZIP code: 92844) 590. Brenda Moron (ZIP code: 92704) 591. Arab America (ZIP code: 20001-0000) Do it! Anaheim and Southern California will be a better place for having it. 592. Saraswathi Devi (ZIP code: 94709-1405) 593. Brandon Rios (ZIP code: 92704) The time is now. 594. Sabra Schirm (ZIP code: 92562) 595. Intisar Nabout (ZIP code: 92806) 596. John Tu ri (ZIP code: 92804) 597. lrena Varjabedian (ZIP code: 91203) 598. Irene Hilgers (ZIP code: 94582-5359) 599. Iris Edinger (ZIP code: 91367) 600. Chuck Parcon (ZIP code: 90025) 601. Sabah Ismail (ZIP code: 92844) 602. Isabel Abdallah (ZIP code: 91708) 603. Islam Mrabet (ZIP code: 92833) 604. Isra Fakhruddin (ZIP code: 80220) 605. Lisa Ayres -Smith (ZIP code: 92647) 606. Liz Goldhammer (ZIP code: 91750) 607. Yusra Oweis (ZIP code: 94619) 608. Itzel Valle (ZIP code: 92801) 609. Ayah Shiadah (ZIP code: 92870) I've known this place to be Little Arabia since I was a little girl which was more than 20 years ago. It's long overdue! 610. Patricia Schwab RN (ZIP code: 92119) 611. Jerry Horner (ZIP code: 94518) 612. Noor Khoury (ZIP code: 92831) I'm a 3rd generation Levantine Arab who recently moved from the east coast. I have previously lived near ❑earborn, MI, which boasts a huge Iraqi and other Middle Eastern population. Many people in MI and the Midwest know of Dearborns culture and travel there to enjoy what is the most active collection of Mideastern restaurants, grocers, and other shops. I feel like designating this area of Anaheim as Little Arabia would not only bring more foot traffic to local businesses, but inspire other businesses to open up in the area, and possibly even give way to cultural festivals. 613. Jack Cummings (ZIP code: 92801) 614. Jackie Shannon (ZIP code: 34999) 615. Nadir Jaffan (ZIP code: 92878) 616. Jaime Leon (ZIP code: 91006) 617. Jamal Jabbar (ZIP code: 92377) 618. James Sullivan (ZIP code: 92895) 619. James Haig (ZIP code: 94901) 620. Jamie Ludovise (ZIP code: 92780) 621. Jana W Niernberger (ZIP code: 95401) 622. Jihan Babli (ZIP code: 92806) 623. Tim Ryan (ZIP code: 92624) 624. Jane Ross (ZIP code: 94158) 625. Jan Harrell (ZIP code: 91367) 626. Janice Beyer (ZIP code: 95203) 627. Janice Hayden (ZIP code: 92651) 628. Janie Lucas (ZIP code: 94110) 629. Jannette SHAMALY (ZIP code: 20762) 630. Jared Wallace (ZIP code: 92840-5262) 631. John Armstrong (ZIP code: 92804) Our Council has their hands full trying to get their stories straight about the rushed sale of our Stadium Property to Arte Moreno as promised by Mayor Sidhu before he ran for Mayor. 632. james lennon (ZIP code: 95521) 633. Jasminka Anderson (ZIP code: 90620) 634. Yasmin Shihadeh (ZIP code: 10305) 635. Jason Agcaoili (ZIP code: 90277) 636. Jason Vasquez (ZIP code: 92801) While the president and Congress talk about unity, this is a chance for Anaheim to do the right thing and show it. The Arab -American community has brought life into this area, and they deserve recognition for it. 637. John Astaunda (ZIP code: 92129) 638. Jawa Abdulal (ZIP code: 92879) 639. Jawad Al Souhail (ZIP code: 92870) 640. Jay Falconer (ZIP code: 90806) 641. Joel Judson (ZIP code: 90275) 642. Jim Bearden (ZIP code: 95223-4112) 643. J.B. Picot (ZIP code: 94103) 644. Jackie Pomles (ZIP code: 94122) 645. Bettendorf James (ZIP code: 90631) We need to take this opportunity to celebrate California's ethnic diversity and recognize the contribution that the Arab community has made to the city of Anaheim and the state of California. 646. Julie Svendsen (ZIP code: 91505) 647. James Armstrong (ZIP code: 95124) 648. John Atallah (ZIP code: 95688) 649. Javier Del Valle (ZIP code: 90640) 650. Jeanine Erikat (ZIP code: 92037) 651. Lauren Jean (ZIP code: 77450) 652. Jeanne Bourgeois (ZIP code: 90755) Please make this area a designated Little Arabia 653. Jeanne Williams (ZIP code: 90004) 654. Jeanne Tran-Martin (ZIP code: 92805) 655. Jeff Gould (ZIP code: 90013) 656. Jeffrey Saadeh (ZIP code: 92637) 657. Jorge Gavino (ZIP code: 92801) 658. Jehad Wadi (ZIP code: 55432) 659. Jem Bonfiglio (ZIP code: 90631) 660. Jenna Hanson (ZIP code: 91016-4042) 661. Jennifer Marquez (ZIP code: 92612) 662. Jeremy Spencer (ZIP code: 94044-3318) 663. Jerry Fuentes (ZIP code: 92895) 664. Jerry Peavy (ZIP code: 95926) 665. Jessca Greenman (ZIP code: 94609) 666. Jesse Ben -Ron (ZIP code: 92805) 667. Jessica Bost (ZIP code: 19143) 668. Jess Gaeta (ZIP code: 93001) 669. Jessica Lloyd (ZIP code: 92806) 670. Nassima Hariri (ZIP code: 90680) 671. Justine Chen (ZIP code: 92821) 672. Janine Kabbara (ZIP code: 92618) 673. JONATHAN BENEFIEL (ZIP code: 91367) 674. Jeannette hanna (ZIP code: 95864) 675. Beth Hillenbrand (ZIP code: 92314) 676. Jamil Horan! (ZIP code: 92620) 677. Japed Hussain (ZIP code: 91709) 678. Colleen McCaskey (ZIP code: 90066) 679. Jim Mellem (ZIP code: 92805) 1 am proud to support the Little Arabia community. Although I am ethnically not a member of the community, it is a thriving and welcoming community and I have always felt at home in its shops and restaurants. Diversity is what makes our city great, and this is just one piece of that. I ask the city leaders of Anaheim to officially recognize Little Arabia, and support its development both economically and culturally. Thank you, Jim Mellem 684. Jimmie Yvnemoto (ZIP code: 95126) 681. James Dinsmore (ZIP code: 95062) 682. Jimmy Goson (ZIP code: 92656) 683. Jake diTargiani (ZIP code: 94070) 684. Jessica Peters (ZIP code: 94608) 685. Kadigah Jubary (ZIP code: 95330) 686. Jane Kelsberg (ZIP code: 94509) 687. Jerry Floyd (ZIP code: 92545) It's long past time to do this. 688. Jessica Mitchell-Shihabi (ZIP code: 95843-5935) 689. Jamal Nassar (ZIP code: 92346) 690. Joan Lewis (ZIP code: 90402) 691. Joanna Rashid (ZIP code: 92881) 692. Joanna Katz (ZIP code: 94702) 693. Joanne Tenney (ZIP code: 92026) 694. Joe Guidotti (ZIP code: 92701) 695. Joseph Olsen (ZIP code: 92801) If Little Arabia is designed, then I shall give to them the former city flag of Anaheim as a congratulatory gift 696. Joese Hernandez (ZIP code: 92701) This is long overdue. Councilmembers and the Mayor should walk the walk and be and true allies to the Arab community in Anaheim! 697. Johanna Mustafa (ZIP code: 91709) 698. John Dade (ZIP code: 90620) 699. John Araujo (ZIP code: 92802) This is long overdo. Please officially acknowledge Little Arabia. 700. John Daoud (ZIP code: 92708) 701. John Petroni (ZIP code: 94530) 702. John Donaldson (ZIP code: 93727) 703. John Patches (ZIP code: 90042-2515) 704. John Moszyk (ZIP code: 63129) 705. Johnny Kafieh (ZIP code: 90638) 706. John Palafoutas (ZIP cede: 90038) 707. Michael Johns (ZIP code: 93535) 708. Jolie Haddadin (ZIP code: 91709) 709. Jordan Hashemi-Briskin (ZIP code: 94306) 710. jordan winehouse (ZIP code: 94111) 711. Jose Trejo (ZIP code: 92804) 712. Jose Trinidad Castaneda (ZIP code: 90621) 713. Stephen josephson (ZIP code: 94710) 714. Joseph Zahriya (ZIP code: 95037) 715. joslynn exley (ZIP code: 92223) 716. Joudy Abdulal (ZIP code: 92879) 717. Joy Reyes (ZIP code: 92896) 718. Janet periman (ZIP code: 94705-1052) 719. Joan English (ZIP code: 90069) 720. John Pedro Morales (ZIP code: 90033) 721. James Lindgren (ZIP code: 90703) 722. Joseph Ranftl (ZIP code: 92804) 1 have been fortunate to be part of the West Anaheim/Brookhurst corridor community for over 15 years. Arab Americans have a defining presence in the area- always happy to share a story or answer a question about food, culture or country. Through their warmth and generosity I have developed a love for za'atar, akkawi cheese, makdous and so much more. Please support the residents and merchants that have worked hard to make the area vibrant and engaging- they have earned it. 723. Jeanine Robbins (ZIP code: 92802) 724. Justin Rodriguez (ZIP code: 90024) 725. Jennifer Rojas (ZIP code: 92647) 726. James Adams (ZIP code: 95827) 727. Jose Serrano (ZIP code: 92801) 728. John Landmann (ZIP code: 92101) 729. Norm Tanber (ZIP code: 92629) 730. Jeremy Procaccini (ZIP code: 92833) 731. Juanita Martinez (ZIP code: 90620-3455) 732. Jumana Jubran (ZIP code: 90501) 733. Judith Hall (ZIP code: 94044) 734. Judy Fahrny (ZIP code: 92801) 735. Jim Slim (ZIP code: 91912) This area in Anaheim has become such a popular place to enjoy and celebrate Arab culture that me and my Arab family will dedicate road trips just to come here!!! I think this area is of great cultural importance and is an important part of the community, and it should receive official recognition as Little Arabia. 736. Julissa Colon (ZIP code: 92831) 737. Julie Gengo (ZIP code: 94131) 738. Julie Reister (ZIP code: 92660) Shine a light on this space that is Little Arabia - a true gift to Anaheim and Southern CA! 739. Julie Slater-Giglioli (ZIP code: 90046-6608) 740. Julio Cortez (ZIP code: 90262) 741. Justin Elassal (ZIP code: 92804) 742. Justin Cooper (ZIP code: 90301) 743. Justina Marji (ZIP code: 90638) 744. Justin Truong (ZIP code: 94112) 745. Valeri Hinderleider (ZIP code: 95023) 746. Janet V Pielke (ZIP code: 91711) 747. Jessica Wuyek (ZIP code: 91423) 1 moved to Orange County in 2015 for employment and chose to live in Anaheim (2285 W Broadway) because I loved the diversity and culture of Little Arabia. I live in Los Angeles now and anytime I need to visit Orange County, I go out of my way to visit Little Arabia to get food, usually from Zait and Zaatar. The Little Arabia businesses bring light to an area that has issues with drugs and homelessness. Let's brand this area and empower the business owners to be leaders and pillars of the community! 748. Kaiya Garcia (ZIP code: 94501) 749. Kamal AI-Khatib (ZIP code: 93550) These City officials must keep their promises and we must hold them accountable to their promise . 750. Karen Alam (ZIP code: 90604) 751. Kenneth Althiser (ZIP code: 92223) If this is what the community wants, then so be it. This seems like an excellent idea unless I am overlooking something. 752. Shawn Karama (ZIP code: 90035 ) 753. Kareem Essayli (ZIP code: 92603) 754. Kareem Youssef (ZIP code: 90034) 755. Karen Nguyen (ZIP code: 92802) 756. Karim Ayyoub (ZIP code: 92804) 757. Karima Feldhus (ZIP code: 92679) 758. yasmeen milbes (ZIP code: 90703) 759. Karla Kalin (ZIP code: 92113) 760. Karla Miranda -Arse (ZIP code: 92804) 761. Kate McQuade (ZIP code: 92677) 762. Katherine Portillo (ZIP code: Ca 90703) 763. Kathleen Shiroma (ZIP code: 90501) 764. Cynthia DuBose (ZIP code: 92886) 765. Katy Gerber (ZIP code: 92806) 766. Areeba Kaukab (ZIP code: 92807-1202) 767. Kauthar Ibrahim (ZIP code: 94704) 768. Kavi Mathur (ZIP code: 92620) 769. Kaye Stansbury (ZIP code: 92804) 770. Kelly Been (ZIP code: 95020-5333) 771. Kathleen Canter (ZIP code: 92656) 772. Kennedy Choe (ZIP code: 91765) 773. Kristine Dennehy (ZIP code: 92833) 1 love coming here for food and I was so grateful for the bookstore when I started studying Arabic. 774. Karissa Fong (ZIP code: 91710) 775. Kaci Monreal (ZIP code: 92801) 776. Ked Garden (ZIP code: 91945) 777. Keerthana Sivathasan (ZIP code: 92879) 778. Keilani Coquia (ZIP code: 90043) 779. Kelly Douglas (ZIP code: 92804) 780. Kelly padilla (ZIP code: 92707) 781. Kareem Mar (ZIP code: 92801) 782. Kennedy Mataitusi (ZIP code: 92805) PLEASE MAKE THIS "LITTLE ARABIA" ITS A WIN WIN PROGRESS! FOR THE COMMUNITY & CULTURE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES. 783. Carolyn Rosenstein (ZIP code: 90067) 784. Kera Panni (ZIP code: 93955) 785. Kevin Branstetter (ZIP code: 95651) 786. ryan H i mes (ZIP code: 90604) 787. Kadeeja Ahmed (ZIP code: 92677) 1 788. Kathryn Lee (ZIP code: 90293) 789. K H (ZIP code: 93407-9000) 790. Hassan Ahmad (ZIP code: 91709) 791. Khaled Ahmad (ZIP code: 92870) 792. Khaled Seirafi (ZIP code: 90066) 793. Ayman Khatib (ZIP code: 92804 ) 794. Kathleen Dossy (ZIP code: 95648) 795. Conrad Black (ZIP code: 90404) This is good for the community, good for Anaheim, and good for Southern California! 796. Kimberly Dietzel (ZIP code: 48208) 797. Karla Devine (ZIP code: 90266) 798. Ken Jubran (ZIP code: 92806) 799. Kaitlin Purdy (ZIP code: V8V 3V4) 800. Huda Ezzani-Mahfouz (ZIP code: 92354) 801. Khalid Tariq (ZIP code: 91752) 802. KATHLEEN STEWART (ZIP code. 91001) 803. Khalid Namoos (ZIP code: 92708) 804. Krista Nicholds (ZIP code: 92701) 805. koko dodson (ZIP code: 90623) Everyone deserves to be recognized in our beautiful melting pot. 806. Kevin McKelvie (ZIP code: 92264) 807. Kendra Harper (ZIP code: 94558) 808. Kamal Sherkasi (ZIP code: 95757) 809. Lacey Hicks (ZIP code: 94536) 810. Ms Lilith (ZIP code: 93003) 811. LaiIa Mokhiber (ZIP code: 22066) 812. Laith Halls! (ZIP code: 92882) 813. Marianna Mefia Contact (ZIP code: 95073-9708) 814. lama shalabi (ZIP code: 92804) 815. Lamis Kasir (ZIP code: 92806) 816. Lamya Yammine (ZIP code: 90014) 817. Lana Schmidt (ZIP code: 92672) 818. Lanette Radi (ZIP code: 90808-1010) 819. Lara Salkali (ZIP code: 91501-1991) 820. Lars Clutterham (ZIP code: 90240) 821. William Talbott (ZIP code: 91016) 822. Laura Rico (ZIP code: 92706) 823. Laura Nawaya (ZIP code: 91702) 824. Lauren Godfrey (ZIP code: 94610) 825. Lawrence Joe (ZIP code: 91770) 826. Lawrence Deng (ZIP code: 95120) 827. Abeer Laymoun (ZIP code: 92620) 828. Lena Basata (ZIP code: 48188) 829. Leanna Creel (ZIP code: 90068) 1 love this idea! I'm from Fullerton! 830. Mary Eames (ZIP code: 90714) 831. Leenah Teebi (ZIP code: 92867) 832. Lorilei Egipto (ZIP code: 90712) 833. Leigh Clark (ZIP code: 91344-6858) 834. Lena Anani (ZIP code: 92805-7903) 835. Leonard Conly (ZIP code: 94706) 836. Felicia Harding (ZIP code: 93065) 837. NORMA HERNANDEZ (ZIP code: 90023) 838. Dave Martinez (ZIP code: 90026) 839. Gregg Lowery (ZIP code: 95666) 840. Liliana Ruiz (ZIP code: 91910) 841. Georgio Habre (ZIP code: 94578) 842. Lina Beydoun (ZIP code: 92840) 843. Lina Mousa (ZIP code: 92804) 844. LINDA AWED (ZIP code: 90023) 845. Linda Halls! (ZIP code: 92882) 846. Omar Albayati (ZIP code: 92801) 847. Omar Albayati (ZIP code: 92801) 848. El P. (ZIP code: 95481) 849. Liza Stephanian (ZIP code: 91401) 850. Lenette Weishaar (ZIP code: 94591) 851. Laurie Kinnings (ZIP code: 92841) 852. Lobna Mandi (ZIP code: L6BOH4 ) 853. Lobaba Elachkar (ZIP code: 80013) 854. Lobna Mahmoud (ZIP code: 92802) 855. Lois Knudson (ZIP code: 92629) 856. Lorenzo Ice (ZIP code: 92801) 857. Romona Czichos-Slaughter (ZIP code: 95023-6720) 858. Diana Blanks (ZIP code: 92116) 859. Marlene Flint (ZIP code: 92805) Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness 860. Lorena Garcia (ZIP code: CA) 861. Lori Broger-Mackey (ZIP code: 91325) 862. Lori White (ZIP code: 95457) 863. Victoria Villareal (ZIP code: 91344) 864. Lou Delgado (ZIP code: 92701) 865. Lotfi Azzam (ZIP code: 92806) 866. Louisa Kashou (ZIP code: 90630) 867. Loulya Alcharbaji (ZIP code: 92606) 868. Elizabeth Altamirano (ZIP code: 92706) 869. Francisco Lopez (ZIP code: 94116) 870. Luke Shneour (ZIP code: 91354) 871. Duncan Still (ZIP code: 90631) 872. Lori Tang (ZIP code: 92606) 873. Lubna Hammad (ZIP code: 92656) 874. Lucinda Wills (ZIP code: 91107) 875. Luma Kennedy (ZIP code: 27606) 876. Luna Tarazi (ZIP code: 92656) 877. Michael Essex (ZIP code: 95762) 878. Muna Brejeyeh (ZIP code: 92804) 879. Mohammad Freiwan (ZIP code: 90701) 880. Mohamed Mokhtar (ZIP code: 91792) 881. Hadeel Salem (ZIP code: 92804) 882. madeline moran (ZIP code: 93003) 883. MAECE SEIRAFI (ZIP code: 90066) 884. Maria Carmody (ZIP code: 90745) 885. Mark Giordani (ZIP code: 91303) 886. Maha Awad (ZIP code: 91326) 887. Maharsh Patel (ZIP code: 92808 ) Maharsh 888. Maha Yousif (ZIP code: 92657) 889. Maher Oueida (ZIP code: 92602) 890. MAHMOUD ABDALLAH (ZIP code: 91320) So proud to drive all the way me and my friends from Ventura just to explore the culture, diversity and food in little Arabia 891. Majed Boura (ZIP code: 92804) 892. Majeda Geramy (ZIP code: 92844-2531) 893. Angela Ammari (ZIP code: 08879) 894. Malak TufFaha (ZIP code: 30024) 895. Malak Alomari (ZIP code: 91206) 896. Malak Hamada (ZIP code: 92807) 897. Malika Kounkourou (ZIP code: 30076) 898. Malki Choat (ZIP code: 92869) 899. Mallak Labniouri (ZIP code: 22151) 900. Susan Fahmy (ZIP code: 92807) 901. Germaine Neumann (ZIP code: 92805) 902. Mohammad Reza Amirkhizi (ZIP code: 92808) 903. Manal Elshinawy (ZIP code: 92648) 904. Therese Ryan (ZIP code: 93550) 905. Therese Ryan (ZIP code: 93550) 906. Dempsey Garcia (ZIP code: 90703) 907. Mareh Alsweis (ZIP code: 92804 ) 908. Maram Abdulwahab (ZIP code: 98260) 909. Marc Kharrat (ZIP code: 92627) 910. Maria Neshelm (ZIP code: 95003) 911. Marilyn Shepherd (ZIP code: 95570) 912. mario hazboun (ZIP code: 90710) 913. Marion Gross (ZIP code: 90048) We need all nationalities in this country . We are an open society . Let's keep it this way . 914. Maribel Hernandez (ZIP code: 92064) 915. Marisela Berumen (ZIP code: 92803) 916. Mark Cappetta (ZIP code: 92270-5622) 917. Marlena Truong (ZIP code: 92804) 918. Martha Patnode (ZIP code: 92865) 919. Martin Horwitz (ZIP code: 94122) 920. Marwa Afghani (ZIP code: 92801) 921. Marwa Said (ZIP code: 92694) Marwa 922. Marwa Zein (ZIP code: 90894) 923. Mary Urashima (ZIP code: 92648) This is a wonderful way to encourage a sense of place, spur tourism, and help preserve the intangible heritage of Arab Americans. 924. Maryam Zeineddine (ZIP code: 92870) 925. Mary Ann Cramer (ZIP code: 94611-5125) 926. Mary Anne Rose (ZIP code: 92673) 927. Mary Abouseibaa (ZIP code: 90094) 928. H Mary Rybka (ZIP code: 95423) 929. Mary Jarwan (ZIP code: 92804) 930. Massar Alzeyarah (ZIP code: 92833) 931. Matthew Reinoehl (ZIP code: 92882) 932. Jenny Matti (ZIP code: 92833) Jenny Matti 933. Maureen Nolan (ZIP code: 90059) 934. Max Dzul (ZIP code: 90250) 935. Maya Hamade (ZIP code: 91722) 935. Mudassir Mayet (ZIP code: 92801) 937. Maytha Alhassen (ZIP code: 90089) 938. Mohammad Raza (ZIP code: 90631) 939. maria Day (ZIP code: 92129-2754) 940. Melissa Pressman (ZIP code: 91306) 941. Karen McCaw (ZIP code: 90043) 942. Geraldine McNenny (ZIP code: 92835) 943. Carolyn Shuman (ZIP code: 94127) 944. Mohamed Dwaik (ZIP code: 90804) 945. Mohaned Amin (ZIP code: 90680) 946. Melanie Sinclair (ZIP code: 90814) 1 didn't know about this area until I read a piece about it. I am looking forward to visiting now. Making sure potential customers know about local business seems like an important city government responsibility. 947. Melinda Abukhader (ZIP code: 92124) Mort religious 948. Melissa Guerrero (ZIP code: 91776) 949. Khalid Memon (ZIP code: 92865) 950. Mena rasem (ZIP code: 90623) 951. Morgan Erickson (ZIP code: 90808) 952. Modern Baker (ZIP code: 92807) 953. Theresa Thomas (ZIP code: 92804) 954. Merna Sawouq (ZIP code: 90631) 955. Michael Haddadin (ZIP code: 92887) 956. Mitra Fiuzat (ZIP code: 92780) 957. Michael Fox (ZIP code: 92253) 958. Michael Penn (ZIP code: 92807) 959. Michael Verdecia (ZIP code: 91208) 960. Michael Wauschek (ZIP code: 90703) If they approve little seigan they differently can approve of this 961. michelle valdivia (ZIP code: 92804) 962. Mohamed Saad (ZIP code: 91605) 963. Miranda Holly (ZIP code: 94612) 964. Mikaela Gareeb (ZIP code: 91302) 965. Mikayla ❑ouglas (ZIP code: 92804) 966. mike Ismail (ZIP code: 90630) 967. Mahmoud Salamh (ZIP code: 91709) 968. Michael Haynes (ZIP code: 90740) 969. Mike Maali (ZIP code: 92646) 970. Michael Yun (ZIP code: 92804) 971. Jeffrey Miller (ZIP code: 92807) 972. Milo Matthews (ZIP code: 94122) 973. Sam Lewis (ZIP code: 92802) 974. Mira Rifai (ZIP code: 02139) 975. George Moubayed (ZIP code: 92683) 976. Miriam Baum (ZIP code: 91701) why not a :little arabia" I'll go for that!!!!!!!!!! 977. Mirna Khzam (ZIP code: 90026) 978. Mirvette Judeh (ZIP code: 90621) 979. Lesley Roberts (ZIP code: 92629) 980. Mishkas Algam (ZIP code: 90680) 981. Alexandra Noyes (ZIP code: 92626) 982. Marissa Walker (ZIP code: 92801) 983. Mitch ❑arwish (ZIP code: 92835) 984. soheila Mohammadi (ZIP code: 92692) 985. Mizghan Anis (ZIP code: 90680) 986. Fatima Jaber (ZIP code: 92503) 987. Matilda Dumaine (ZIP code: 92708) 988. Matthew Mendoza (ZIP code: 90808) 989. Mohssen Kassir (ZIP code: 92503) 1 support Little Arabia 990. MaryAnn Kassabgui (ZIP code: 90247) 991. Minnah Kazi (ZIP code: 92618) 992. Mona Mouradi (ZIP code: 92880) 993. Mary Stanistreet (ZIP code: 93003) 994. Marilyn Levine (ZIP code: 94041) 995. Mary Nicholas (ZIP code: 92866) 996. Maddie Villalobos (ZIP code: 90650) 997. Mary Margaret Perona (ZIP code: 90230) 998. Marianna Riser (ZIP code: 94949) 999. Ani Mnatsakanyan (ZIP code: 90029) 1000. Monika NaruIa (ZIP code: 92804) 1001. mohamad nabhan (ZIP code: 90650) 1002. Mohmed Abdullah (ZIP code: 92603) 1003. Mohammad Mahmoud (ZIP code: 92804) 1004. Mohamad Alami (ZIP code: 91765) 1005. Mohammad Abdel Haq (ZIP code: 92831) 1006. Mohammad Hamad (ZIP code: 92336) 1007. Mohamed Elhosainy (ZIP code: 92807) 1008. Mohammad Mari (ZIP code: 92868) 1009. Mohanad Qassoumah (ZIP code: 92806) 1010. Sarah Diaz (ZIP code: 92868) 1011. Mona Haddad (ZIP code: 92661) 1012. Mona Japer (ZIP code: 91739) 1013. Mona Mouradi (ZIP code: 92880) 1014. Monica Quintana (ZIP code: 92707) 1015. Monica Romero (ZIP code: 92530) 1016. monica eskander (ZIP code: 90066) 1017. Emily Harriman (ZIP code: 92831) 1018. Morsal Mohammad (ZIP code: 92807) 1019. Danyah Mousa (ZIP code: 92803) 1020. Lynne Weiske (ZIP code: 90048) 1021. Mamdouh Serry (ZIP code: 92802) Working abroad 1022. Maria Pinto (ZIP code: 95821) 1023. Nader Allaf (ZIP code: 92801) 1024. Mark Richard Daniels (ZIP code: 92801) This Should have been done years ago, so there no time like 'NOW' to Established this Special District. 1025. Douglas Gentry (ZIP code: 92802) 1026. Maryellen Redish (ZIP code: 92264) 1027. Montana Kyle Rodriguez Reinoehl (ZIP code: 92882) As someone with many Arabic and Coptic friends and who drives to eat the great food and visit family in Anaheim an a weekly basis, I believe there should be a sign. 1028. Debbie Shaffer (ZIP code: 92024) 1029. Madison Rawuka (ZIP code: 92801) 1030. Deborah Gunter (ZIP code: 92883) 1031. Miral Shomali (ZIP code: 90262) 1032. Mariela T Huerta (ZIP code: 90026) 1033. Mehmet Kaplan (ZIP code: 92804) 1034. Matthew Thompson (ZIP code: 95062) 1035. Muad ABU HUMAI❑ (ZIP code: 92804) 1036. Mike Abdeen (ZIP code: 92653) 1037. Muhamed Saad (ZIP code: 90620) 1038. Muneer AI-Akhras (ZIP code: 92833) 1039. Murtaza Masood (ZIP code: 92691) Please designate Little Arabia and make it official on the tourist map! 1040. mushtaq syed (ZIP code: 95050) 1041. Ashley Musick (ZIP code: 93307) 1042. Mustafa Elfarra (ZIP code: 92630) 1043. Mark Hurst (ZIP code: 94563) 1044. Mary Mikhael (ZIP code: 91745) 1045. Mai Tran (ZIP code: 92614) 1046. Nadjet Bourenane (ZIP code: 91765) 1047. Danielle K (ZIP code: 95762) 1048. Miguel Corral -Sanchez (ZIP code: 90740) 1049. Farah Kataf (ZIP code: 92688) 1050. Yvonne Quilenderino (ZIP code: 93955) 1051. Eid Marguerite (ZIP code: 92692-2213) 1052. Munir Zacharia (ZIP code: 90638-2454) 1053. Mazen Gabr (ZIP code: 90049) 1054. Mahmoud Zubaidi (ZIP code: 92562) 1055. Naagy Omar (ZIP code: 91711) 1056. Nabil Jabri (ZIP code: 92808) 1057. Tamara Nabulsi (ZIP code: 92867) 1058. Nader Hamda (ZIP code: 92804) 1059. Nadine Hammouri (ZIP code: 90631) 1060. Nadine Selim (ZIP code: 92614) 1061. Naim Sharif (ZIP code: 92805) 1062. Najwa Mahayni (ZIP code: 92692) 1063. Simon Nakhoul (ZIP code: 90621) 1064. Nancy Mezied (ZIP code: 92807) 1065. Nour El-kassem (ZIP code: 92708) 1066. Naomi Sorkin (ZIP code: 92804) Please do the right thing Anaheim. We should be proud of having Arab culture and commerce represented in our city instead of the shame and denial the Anaheim City Council has displayed. 1067. Neeran Aranki (ZIP code: 90601) 1068. Narina Sagha (ZIP code: 92115-7044) 1069. Nasrean Nael (ZIP code: Ca) 1070. Rashad AI-Dabbagh (ZIP code: 92780) 1071. N. Kaluza (ZIP code: 94803) 1072. Navraj Kaler (ZIP code: 92804) 1073. Lena Bishara (ZIP code: 92835) 1074. Nada Bassyoni (ZIP code: 92620) 1075. Nadia Bettendorf (ZIP code: 90631) 1076. Neda Ibrahim (ZIP code: 91709) 1077. Neha Syed (ZIP code: 90703) 1078. Nermeen Aboudawood (ZIP code: 92620) 1079. Christine Berger (ZIP code: 94610) 1080. Nesreen Alkam (ZIP code: 91730) 1081. Aleisa Moussa (ZIP code: 37167) 1082. Gabriela Cruz (ZIP code: 92801) Support for the LittleArab community. 1083. Alyce Van (ZIP code: 90680) 1084. nicolas haralambides (ZIP code: 94611) 1085. Nimet Erenler (ZIP code: 92801) 1086. Nina Dinh (ZIP code: 92020) 1087. Llliana Camacho (ZIP code: 95757) 1088. Dominique Dunning (ZIP code: 92336) 1089. Nizar Harilrl (ZIP code: 90620) 1090. kunal kapoor (ZIP code: 92821) 1091. N. Leveille (ZIP code: 95482) Hope all goes well 1092. Nizar Milbes (ZIP code: 90703) 1093. Ruby Nagashima (ZIP code: 92656) 1094. Noha Saad (ZIP code: 92804) 1095. Hend Hashem (ZIP code: 92806) 1096. Noor Aldaimalani (ZIP code: 92675) 1097. Nora Mani (ZIP code: 92805) 1098. Nora mohammad (ZIP code: 92865) 1099. Norman Astrin (ZIP code: 94931) 1100. Norm Brinkley (ZIP code: 92344) 1101. lyad nour (ZIP code: 95765) 1102. N o u r Abed (ZIP code: 92620) 1103. Mohamed Anwar (ZIP code: 92867) 1104. nour aburadaha (ZIP code: 92804) 1105. Michael Gambale (ZIP code: 94122) 1106. NakuI Pored (ZIP code: 92804) 1107. Nicole Malina (ZIP code: 90814) 1108. N o u r Ton (ZIP code: 92881) 1109. Natasha Sagha (ZIP code: 92802) 1110. Nader Salem (ZIP code: 92843) 1111. Nael Sawan (ZIP code: 90745) 1112. Nada 5haath (ZIP code: 90505) 1113. Noor Teebi (ZIP code: 20759) 1114. N u r Mirza (ZIP code: 92602) 1115. Ali EIrida (ZIP code: 92804) 1116. Nawal Zahzah (ZIP code: 90755) 1117. Robin Weirich (ZIP code: 92604) 1118. Obada Dalati (ZIP coder 92807) Designation of Little Arabia is not only to fulfill your promise it will bring more tourists to the area and consequently grow the income of the community in the city 1119. Crystina Kazmier (ZIP code: 92835) 1120. Laura Kobzeff (ZIP code: 92804) 1 love living in Little Arabia! 1121. omar Odeh (ZIP code: 91801) 1122. Elise Bauer (ZIP code: 93065) 1123. Cheryl Anker (ZIP code: 90035) Do you have to be an OC resident and voter? I live in LA. I just learned about Little Arabia. I am a member of Visit Anaheim. Looking forward to coming to your neighborhood. 1124. Luke T Lucas (ZIP code: 90804) 1125. Olivia Poota (ZIP code: 92064) 1126. Omar Alomari (ZIP code: 92802) 1127. Omar Ell hams (ZIP code: 90045) 1128. Omar Masry (ZIP code: 94605) Let's make Anaheim more of a destination! 1129. 0mar Alnuairni (ZIP code: 92882) 1130. Omar Ascha (ZIP code: 92692) 1131. Omar Kotob (ZIP code: 92808) 1132. Omar AI -Has himi (ZIP code: 92835) 1133. Omar Tair (ZIP code: 90680) 1134. Omar Tayara (ZIP code: 92804) 1135. Omar Aziz (ZIP code: 92507) 1136. Omayah Kazzaz (ZIP code: 92840) 1137. Steve Metzger (ZIP code: 92647) 1138. Ojas Patel (ZIP code: 92807) 1139. Imadeddin Hadri (ZIP code: 92804) Yes I would like to see it Happen.. 1140. Alma Ortiz (ZIP code: 90680) 1141. Wendy Ortiz (ZIP code: 92805) 1142. Usama Albadarin (ZIP code: 90630) 1143. Oscar Gonzalez (ZIP code: 92806) 1144. Omar Shaikh (ZIP code: 91709 ) 1145. Tim Ott (ZIP code: 92007) 1146. Paige Wright (ZIP code: 92870) 1147. Ivana Cruz (ZIP code: 90714) 1148. Palak Chopra (ZIP code: 92804) 1149. Pat Davis (ZIP code: 92801) This designation is a win win and long overdue! Step up and honor this community of gifted and dedicated individuals who have long given so much to Anaheim. 1150. Patricia patmike@sonic.net (ZIP code: 94122) 1151. Patrice Woeppel (ZIP code: 94601) 1152. Patricia Morford (ZIP code: 92804) 1153. Patricia Prestinary (ZIP code: 92705) 1154. Patrick killmer (ZIP code: 95501) 1155. Patrick MaIkoun (ZIP code: 90024) 1156. Patricia Sharp (ZIP code: 95945) 1157. Patricia Sierra (ZIP code: 92677) 1158. Paula Berinstein (ZIP code: 93065) 1159. Paula Katz (ZIP code: 94116) 1160. Paul Chin (ZIP code: 94619) 1161. Paul Matthis (ZIP code: 90007) 1162. Paul Smouse (ZIP code: 90815) 1163. Patricia Clark (ZIP code: 90802) 1164. Irene Snavely (ZIP code: 91724) 1165. Penelope Cooper -Kelley (ZIP code: 93105-2743) 1166. Grac ela Huth (ZIP code: 90045) 1167. Peter B Pits ker (ZIP code: 92648) Support our Arabian citizens. 1168. Barakat ►4lhammadin (ZIP code: 92821) 1169. Patrick Fasca (ZIP code: 92262) 1170. Pardees Fassihi (ZIP code: 91364) 1171. Monica Cruz (ZIP code: 90703) 1172. peggy Iopez (ZIP code: 96080) 1173. Patricia Gerges (ZIP code: 92860) 1174. Charles Teton (ZIP code: 93103) 1175. Pierre Vuilleumier (ZIP code: 90034) Wake up. America is about inclusion. 1176. Peg g1e Kirkpatrick (ZIP code: 92886) 1177. Michael A. Johnston (ZIP code: 92176) 1178. Patrick Dunlevy (ZIP code: 90732) 1179. Guy Kirkpatrick (ZIP code: 92885) 1180. Philip McKee (ZIP code: 95973-1126) 1181. Prema Jackson (ZIP code: 94121) 1182. J o h n M i lvos (ZIP code: 90241) 1183. Priyanka Patel (ZIP code: 94010) 1184. JOSE TAMEZ (ZIP code: 90069) 1185. Phil traynor (ZIP code: 93722) 1186. Mohamed Bensuliman (ZIP code: 92806) 1187. Lourdes Maldonado (ZIP code: 90631) 1188. Rita Qatami (ZIP code: 90045) 1189. Queenie Nguyen (ZIP code: 92606) 1190. Leen Yosef (ZIP code: 92869) 1191. Querido Galdo (ZIP code: 94601) 1192. Tara Strand (ZIP code: 91601) 1193. racheI Bang (ZIP code: 90630) 1194. Rafat Alzg hou I (ZIP code: 92804) Rafat zghoul 1195. Raul Garcia (ZIP code: 92833) 1196. Rabab Abdulhadi (ZIP code: 94132) 1197. Rachel Scarlata (ZIP code: 80814) 1198. Rauf Adil (ZIP code: 94541) 1199. Areej Radwan (ZIP code: 92804) 1200. Raed Latayfa (ZIP code: 92084) 1201. Ruth McKnight (ZIP code: 90805) Please make this happen! 1202. Kathleen Cafiero (ZIP code: 90266) 1203. Ramadan Ali (ZIP code: 94533) 1204. Rakan Hatem (ZIP code: 92804) 1205. Raleigh Delk (ZIP code: 93402) 1206. Rama Rhibani (ZIP code: 92801) 1207. Scott Phillips (ZIP code: 92806) 1208. Rami Ilaian (ZIP code: 92128) 1209. Ramona ❑raeger (ZIP code: 94117) 1210. Paulina Ramos (ZIP code: 92805) 1211. Rudy Ramp (ZIP code: 95521-5207) 1212. Nikki Ramsy (ZIP code: 92612) 1213. Ramzi Rabbat (ZIP code: 92646) 1214. Rana Maarouf (ZIP code: 91344) 1215. Rania Rahmoune (ZIP code: 02139) 1216. Rania Guirguis (ZIP code: 92879) Thank you 1217. Rania Alshoubaki (ZIP code: 92802) 1218. Rania Kamel (ZIP code: 92801) 1219. Rania 5baita (ZIP code: 92630) 1220. Raniya Jamal Aldeen (ZIP code: 91739) 1221. Rasha Reed (ZIP code: 92570) 1222. Rashad Asgarov (ZIP code: 93550) 1223. Rashad AI-Dabbagh (ZIP code: 92804) 1224. Rasha Moubacher (ZIP code: 92807) 1225. Rawiya Alburas (ZIP code: 92807) 1226. Razan Daker (ZIP code: 92602) 1227. Ryan Clark (ZIP code: 92804) Please designate Little Arabia, it's a wonderful and unique asset to Anaheim and the greater LA area! 1228. Rachel Walker (ZIP code: 92833) 1229. Robin White (ZIP code: 94583) 1230. Reema Jlelati (ZIP code: 92882) 1231. room shafik (ZIP code: 92336) 1232. Reevyn ►4ronson (ZIP code: 94061) 1233. Ree Whitford (ZIP code: 94558) 1234. Rehab abou ELEla (ZIP code: 91350) 1235. Reilly Crewe (ZIP code: 92683) 1236. Renee Klein (ZIP code: 90292) 1237. Beverly Ramirez (ZIP code: 95210) It's passed time everyone in this country is represented, every culture is beautiful and we should welcome each culture with love. I'm tired of the hate and making people of color wait for representation, it's time for our representatives step up and committ to their constituents. Just do your jobs! 1238. Rewa ausman (ZIP code: 92821) 1239. Rex Rediai (ZIP code: 92807) 1240. Richard Behrman (ZIP code: 94605) 1241. Reza Fiyouzat (ZIP code: 92506) 1242. Richard Ramsey (ZIP code: 92821) 1243. Jeelanne Gouda (ZIP code: 91739) 1244. Richard Daniel (ZIP code: 91343) 1245. Richard Kornfeld (ZIP code: 91101) 1246. Richard Galiguis (ZIP code: 92083) 1247. Richard Heimanson (ZIP code: 91423) 1248. Richard Bailey (ZIP code: 93458) 1249. Carolyn Riddle (ZIP code: 78758) 1250. Rilla Heslin (ZIP code: 91944) 1251. rima anabtawi (ZIP code: 77619) It's long overdue . Representation matters . We're in the Arab American community are watching which choice you make . Stop ignoring our communities and the enormous contributions made to your cities and our country . 1252. Rima Nashashibi (ZIP code: 92780) 1253. Rima Meroueh (ZIP code: 48168) 1254. Rima AI-zahrani (ZIP code: 95134) 1255. Rima Nashashibi (ZIP code: 92637) 1256. Rita A (ZIP code: 95521) 1257. Rana Jarkass (ZIP code: 92602) 1258. Ruth Wheelan (ZIP code: 93063) 1259. Robbi Nester (ZIP code: 92630) 1260. Rula Nassar (ZIP code: 11414) 1261. Nicholas Rivera (ZIP code: 92805) 1262. Margaret Roberts (ZIP code: 95460) 1263. Robin Wohlgemuth (ZIP code: 95776) 1264. Rob Chessman (ZIP code: 90016) 1265. Rocio Prado (ZIP code: 90044) 1266. Jennifer Rojas (ZIP code: 92646) 1267. Ronald Lemley (ZIP code: 95433) 1268. Ronnie Felix (ZIP code: 95062) 1269. Lindsey Kalfsbeek (ZIP code: 94509) 1270. Rosalia Aguillon (ZIP code: 90650-7813) 1271. Tracy Myers (ZIP code: 92618) 1272. Jessica Burg (ZIP code: 92805) 1273. Roxanne Bornowski (ZIP code: 92102) 1274. Reina Lopez (ZIP code: 92804) 1275. Rashed Saud (ZIP code: 92614) 1276. Rami Sarabi (ZIP code: 92659) 1277. Robert Saunders (ZIP code: 95821) 1278. Rafic Soubra (ZIP code: 90602) 1279. Russell Symonds (ZIP code: 92627) 1280. Ruaa Finjan (ZIP code: 92801) 1281. Josafat Rubio (ZIP code: 92841) 1282. Rudolph {Chaney (ZIP code: 92841) 1283. Susan Deering (ZIP code: 92676) 1284. Rufaida Alfarouk (ZIP code: 92880) 1285. Ryann Husain (ZIP code: 92708) 1286. Lily Wang (ZIP code: 91915) 1287. Manal Saad (ZIP code: 90630) 1288. sam samara (ZIP code: 90045) 1289. Sabah Mati (ZIP code: 92806) 1290. Sami Andelghani (ZIP code: 91016) 1291. Sara Abed (ZIP code: 92705) 1292. sahar abedi (ZIP code: 92801) 1293. Saber Ahmad (ZIP code: 92812) 1294. Sabiha Khan (ZIP code: 92844) 1295. Susan Brisby (ZIP code: 935364766) 1296. Salma Abumeeiz (ZIP code: 90025) 1297. Emjuju Algaza (ZIP code: 90623) 1298. Nathan Hayden (ZIP code: 92602) 1299. Maha Shariff (ZIP code: 91739) 1300. Saif Jayousi (ZIP code: 92804) Yes 1301. Saif Othman (ZIP code: 92840) 1302. Sakinah Ferhat (ZIP code: 92841) 1303. Salah Qasqas (ZIP code: 91740-5628) 1304. Zaid Salameh (ZIP code: 92507) 1305. Salam Khayat (ZIP code: 92808) 1306. Salee Zawerbek (ZIP code: 92620) 1307. Salim Hasin (ZIP code: 92584) 1308. Summya Alkatib (ZIP code: 92691) 1309. Sarah Alkhatib (ZIP code: 92630) 1310. salma hijazi (ZIP code: 92691) 1311. Salwa Alnajjar (ZIP code: 92683) 1312. Salma Hegab (ZIP code: 92620) 1313. Sam Bader (ZIP code: 90404) 1314. Samar Katbi (ZIP code: 92602) 1315. Sama Nafea (ZIP code: 92782) 1316. Samantha Abumallouh (ZIP code: 92801) 1317. Samir Albaroudi (ZIP code: 92688-1239) 1318. Samera Sood (ZIP code: 92679) 1319. Samia Alkam (ZIP code: 91730) 1320. Samirah Serrano (ZIP code: 91765) 1321. Samir Hsen (ZIP code: 92807) It's good for us and city of Anaheim 1322. sammantha perea (ZIP code: 92804) 1323. Sammy Abdallah (ZIP code: 91708) 1324. Samir Salem (ZIP code: 92683) 1325. Sana Ahmadsaleh (ZIP code: 94025) Sana ahmadsaleh 1326. Sana alsharif (ZIP code: 92843) 1327. Sana Syed (ZIP code: 90260) 1328. Sandra Kece (ZIP code: 19809) 1329. Asim Altamimi (ZIP code: 92782) 1330. Sara Deen (ZIP code: 90275-5089) 1331. Sara Tawfik (ZIP code: 91709) 1332. Sarah Evangelista (ZIP code: 92801) 1 emailed ,Jose Diaz as well. 1333. Sarah Chouman (ZIP code: 92660) 1334. Sarah Gsibat (ZIP code: 91767) 1335. Sarah Coe (ZIP code: 92660) 1336. Sarah Harvey (ZIP code: 94606) 1337. Sarah Qtaish (ZIP code: 93012) 1338. Sarah Daoudi (ZIP code: 90631-3542) 1339. Sara Mansour (ZIP code: 92844) 1340. Sarina Rossi (ZIP code: 91335) 1341. Sarmad Rifaat (ZIP code: 92606) 1342. Norah Sarsour (ZIP code: 92374-3851) 1343. Sonia Torres (ZIP code: 90044) 1344. Jane Savage (ZIP code: 94947) 1345. Syed Bary (ZIP code: 92807) We need to have a place as little Arabia Insha Allah. Note:California itself is an Arabic name We need to inform about this in council meeting lots of people even our community does not know this fact. 1346. Stacy Camarillo Mendoza (ZIP code: 90007) 1347. Scott Barlow (ZIP code: 94087) 1348. Scott Van Fossen (ZIP code: 93001) 1349. Ronald Dybvig (ZIP code: 93004) We need to support our brothers and sisters. 1350. Sean Deyo (ZIP code: 92801) 1351. Sean San Jose (ZIP code: 94112-3543) 1352. Seif Hamid (ZIP code: 91748) 1353. Seleena Mukbel (ZIP code: 92879) 1354. Sarah Elgalad (ZIP code: 07647) 1355. Selena Arbid (ZIP code: 90806) 1356. Seraj Abu-Seraj (ZIP code: 92879) 1357. Mohammed Serhal (ZIP code: 92620) 1358. Shoaib Bhatti (ZIP code: 92503) 1359. Stephen Fitch (ZIP code: 91362) 1360. Sherry Vatter (ZIP code: 90034) 1361. Mona Shadia (ZIP code: 92704) 1362. shadi Salim (ZIP code: 77082) 1363. Shanay Cai (ZIP code: 92683) 1364. Sausan Sharkas (ZIP code: 92804) 1365. Sharleen Foote (ZIP code: 95404) 1366. Charlene Lawrence (ZIP code: 90278) 1367. Sharon Tipton (ZIP code: 92614) Affirm all communities! Make Little Arabia a destination for foodies & tourists and a place of pride for that community. 1368. Shauna Noordeen (ZIP code: 11970) 1369. Shafayat Dewan (ZIP code: 92807) 1370. Shawna Shahparnia (ZIP code: 92694) 1371. Shea Galvez (ZIP code: 36330) 1372. Shereen Hijazi (ZIP code: 92131) 1373. Shereen Alkam (ZIP code: Ca) 1374. Sherene Tajdini (ZIP code: 92782) 1375. Sherine Teymour (ZIP code: 60056) 1376. Qraymond Green (ZIP code: 92802) 1377. Shirley Pacheco (ZIP code: 94553) 1378. Shand B (ZIP code: 92618) 1379. Stone Peterson (ZIP code: 92834) 1380. Shukry Ramadan (ZIP code: 92804) Good luck to you your efforts are appreciated. Thanks ?? 1381. sharon byers (ZIP code: 90242) Fulfill your promises: support the designation of Little Arabia. 1382. Alex Chang (ZIP code: 91745) 1383. Amber Galster (ZIP code: 92805) 1384. Sldrah AlbahsahII (ZIP code, 92111) 1385. Islam Abdelaziz (ZIP code: 90630) 1386. shahid iqbal (ZIP code: 94539) 1387. Sarah Badawi (ZIP code: 44313) As a former resident of Anaheim, I urge you to support this designation of Little Arabia. This part of the city is true gem and something to celebrate. I hope to come back for a visit soon! 1388. Stephanie Jed (ZIP code: 92122) 1389. Sami Kandah (ZIP code: 91784) 1390.. Ken Warfield (ZIP code: 92807) 1391. Summaya Khugyani (ZIP code: 91763) 1392. Sarah Kousba (ZIP code: 92117) 1393. Sabrina Smadi (ZIP code: 91711) 1394. Suzanne Abrams (ZIP code: 93710) 1395. Stephanie Colshan (ZIP code: 92705) Designating this area as Little Arabia will be beneficial to our community, just like designating Little Saigon, Koreatown, and other ethnic areas has been. 1396. Rabih Bakkar (ZIP code: 89147) 1397. Signe Wetteland (ZIP code: 95691) 1398. Sofia Naumovski (ZIP code: 92886) 1399. sofyan meshhal (ZIP code: 90806) 1400. Maria Moreira (ZIP code: 92505) 1401. marilyn soils (ZIP code: 92801) 1402. Sophia Nael-Simon (ZIP code: 92688) 1403. Umm Hurairah (ZIP code: 92706) Let's Da ITlRI'HIIIII 1404. Stephen Tetzlaff (ZIP code: 92870) 1405. Savannah Relos (ZIP code: 01201) 1406. Srihari Sadagoparamanujam (ZIP code: 92805) 1407. Stephen Castellow (ZIP code: 92804) 1408. Suzanne Sindi (ZIP code: 92870) This area is absolutely Little Arabia. An official designation would go quite far towards acknowledging a vibrant group that has contributed strongly to the fabric of Anaheim. 1409. shakeel syed (ZIP code: 90232) 1410. Stacy Espinoza (ZIP code: 92805) 1411. Sami Mashney (ZIP code: 92801) 1412. Edward Stepanian (ZIP code: 90755) 1413. Stephanie Rexing (ZIP code: 94110) 1414. Stephanie Glatt (ZIP code: 93427) 1415. Stephanie Rivas (ZIP code: 90037) 1416. John Steponaitis (ZIP code: 94109-7095) 1417. Stewart Winchester (ZIP code: 94805) 1418. Sara Tohamy (ZIP code: 92618) 1419. Ann Stratten (ZIP code: 91941) 1420. Shawna Dickson (ZIP code: 92831) 1421. Susan Allen (ZIP code: 27612) 1422. Susan Sloan (ZIP code: 90064) 1423. Suhail Kassis (ZIP code: 92886) 1424. suha Alkam (ZIP code: 60457) 1425. Dana Suleiman (ZIP code: 92805) 1426. SumbaI As if (ZIP code: MILIW8) 1427. Sumeya Hassan (ZIP code: L6k3p2) 1428. Summar Amin (ZIP code: 92705) 1429. Summaya Khugyani (ZIP code: 92688) 1430. Sundos Murad (ZIP code: 92708) 1431. dirk Drownover (ZIP code: 92807) No way. Have them go home and try that. They would get beheaded. They don't deserve it don't agree to it. What's happened to California 1432. Susan Kim (ZIP code: 90503) 1433. Susie Bone (ZIP code: 90230) 1434. Susy Pita (ZIP code: 92805) 1435. Suvir Bharil (ZIP code: 92808) 1436. Suzanne Shihadeh (ZIP code: 92869) 1437. Summer Khaleq (ZIP code: 95758) 1438. Sylvia Vairo (ZIP code: 95062) 1439. Thom Decant (ZIP code: 94559) 1440. Tamara Matar (ZIP code: 92708) 1441. Tahani Hassouneh (ZIP code: 92804) 1442. Tahseen Assaf (ZIP code: 92618) 1443. Taj Najjar (ZIP code: 90504) 1444. Haifaa Moammar (ZIP code: 90230) Please make Little Arabia come true 1445. Tala Eisouh (ZIP code: 60523) 1446. Tala Kharoufeh (ZIP code: 92806) 1447. Talal Trabolsi (ZIP code: 92804) 1448. Tallal Dahar (ZIP code: 92802) 1449. Tamer Shehata (ZIP code: 92804) 1450. Tammy Bullock (ZIP code: 92021) 1451. Timothy Anderson (ZIP code: 92345) 1452. Madison T (ZIP code: 92804) 1 <3 Little Arabia! Anaheim City Council should make the designation official! It is the least this country can do after waging destructive wars across MENA nations that killed (and continue to) and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. 1453. tania verafield (ZIP code: 90041) 1454. Ram! Ibrahim (ZIP code: 92024) 1455. Taqialdeen Zamil (ZIP code: 92806) 1456. Nasser Tarazi (ZIP code: 92656) 1457. Tarek Shibley (ZIP code: 92804) 1458. Tarek Gadd (ZIP code: 92630) 1459. Tarek Hijaz (ZIP code: 90270) 1460. Tarek Shawky (ZIP code: 91103) 1461. Tawfleq Mousa (ZIP code: 92804) 1462. Taylor Lippmam (ZIP code: 92694) 1463. Taylor Robey (ZIP code: 20010) Protecting and celebrating immigrant businesses and communities around the country is more important than ever. Little Arabia is a special place and should be designated as such. 1464. Todd Heiler (ZIP code: 95521-4445) 1465. William Schlesinger (ZIP code: 90046) 1466. Terry Kostiuk (ZIP code: 28560) 1467. Theresa Kellgreen (ZIP code: 95005) 1468. therese finazzo (ZIP code: 90004) 1469. Catherine Garcia (ZIP code: 92802) 1470. Michelle Salcedo (ZIP code: 92840) 1471. Wyatt Deane (ZIP code: 92802) 1472. Thiago E►►angelista (ZIP code: 92801) Little Arabia sounds like a great fitting for the area. Approve it! 1473. Julianne Virjee (ZIP code: 92832) 1474. Lucas Surman (ZIP code: 92841) 1475. Thomas Glover (ZIP code: 92804) It's time to recognize the people who live certain areas! Little Arabia! 1476. Karen Jacques (ZIP code: 95811) 1477. Thu Johnston (ZIP code: 92688) 1478. Tiffany Andrade (ZIP code: 94010) 1479. leslie spoon (ZIP code: 93402) 1480. Andrea Tillotson (ZIP code: 92260) 1481. Tina Matar (ZIP code: 92647) 1482. Tina Kh (ZIP code: 94706) 1483. Alia Tiscareno (ZIP code: 92806) 1484. Timothy Barkwill (ZIP code: 90621) 1485. Thomas Fielder (ZIP code: 92804) 1486. Terry LePage (ZIP code: 92617) Add to ❑ur brag as a cultural destination! Honor the diverse cultures that make up CSC! 1487. Toufic Masri (ZIP code: 92805) 1488. TOM MCCOWN (ZIP code: 90034) 1489. Twyla Meyer (ZIP code: 91767-1830) 1490. Tania Nasir (ZIP code: 91030) 1491. Jessica Foster (ZIP code: 94116) 1492. Tom Harper (ZIP code: 95949) 1493. Tom Earn ist (ZIP code: 90731) 1494. Thomas Azeizat (ZIP code: 92806) 1495. Tommy Killingworth (ZIP code: 92117) 1496. toni lands (ZIP code: 92614) 1497. Tony Bushala (ZIP code: 92832) 1498. Lance Vilter (ZIP code: 90026) 1499. Timothy Stoesz (ZIP code: 92104) 1500. Trasie Sikka (ZIP code: 90630) 1 have been frequenting Little Arabia for more than 20 years. Representation matters, and this is important! 1501. Glenn Gallagher (ZIP code: 93065-2369) 1502. Dennis Trembly (ZIP code: 90012-2417) 1503. Stephen Mashney (ZIP code: 92801-5610) 1504. Tamara Shoga (ZIP code: 92840) 1505. Tuleen Mazen (ZIP code: 92614) 1506. J yudell (ZIP code: 90409) 1507. Ahme Aead (ZIP code: 92807) 1508. Kamrun Islam (ZIP code: 92805) NA. 1509. Thomas Yaussy (ZIP code: 94114) 1510. Kareem Hawarl (ZIP code: 92804) 1511. Randa Rateb (ZIP code: 94534) 1 visit the Little Arabia district whenever I'm in Anaheim. 1512. Amanda Gerdlund (ZIP code: 94536) 1513. Dennis Cajas (ZIP code: 92308) 1514. Virginia Carpio (ZIP code: 95032) As a visitor to Anaheim, I would like to signs pointing out 'Little Arabia' so that I could enjoy the food, crafts, and culture there. 1515. Victoria Miller (ZIP code: 91436) 1516. veronica Flores (ZIP code: 92841) 1517. Vicki Perizzolo Perizzolo (ZIP code: 92507) 1518. Vicki DeBear (ZIP code: 91311) 1519. Victor Valladares (ZIP code: 92647) 1520. Sergi Goldman -Hull (ZIP code: 94601) 1521. Stephanie Wilder (ZIP code: 96067) 1522. Christy Vong (ZIP code: 94121) 1523. David Voorhees (ZIP code: 92805) 1524. Velma Talnadge (ZIP code: 91977) 1525. Vicki Tamoush (ZIP code: 92782) 1526. Vicky VanValkenburg (ZIP code: 94580) 1527. Vincenza Zuabi (ZIP code: 92677) 1528. Wael Elassal (ZIP code: 91709) 1529. Walaa Fawaz (ZIP code: 91709) 1530. Waleed Alnajjar (ZIP code: 92647) 1531. Tracey Walters (ZIP code: 92805) 1 pray that this petition is heeded and that the council makes good on their promises to this cultural community equally deserving of recognition in our city. I was ashamed to read that this recognition has been waiting four years! I'm grateful to be able to live locally and be able to have access to delicious and diverse foods that aren't as available in other areas. As a Japanese American understand what it means to have special areas that represent a collective identity and provide a place that maintains a connection to others who share our experiences, traditions, and foods. Every cultural community should have the ability to do this and be uplifted and supported in the process. 1532. Wardeh Abdelmuti (ZIP code: 92646) 1533. Warren M. Gold (ZIP code: 94941) 1534. Wassim Manaa (ZIP code: 90401) 1535. Janice Wong (ZIP code: 95946) 1536. Rick Brown (ZIP code: 94044) 1537. moe jerrar (ZIP code: 92804-4406) 1538. wendi Oliff (ZIP code: 92602) 1539. Wendy Rockwell (ZIP code: 80130) 1 am 6th generation from Orange County, primarily Orange Ranchers (McFadden, Lewis, Walker). I have always known this as Little Arabia and would love to see it designated as so. Orange County has such a great heritage of inclusion. And, these areas increase tourism. Little Saigon is awesome, for instance. 1540. Wendy Millstine (ZIP code: 95407) 1541. William Gunawan (ZIP code: 91741) 1542. Ugen Hugen (ZIP code: 91770) 1543. Widad Tamimi (ZIP code: 92630) 1544. Cynthia Miller (ZIP code: 95632 ) 1545. Will Agee (ZIP code: 92020-4 768) We are all in this together!! Blessings!! :) 1546. William Figueroa (ZIP code: 92868) 1547. William Utvich (ZIP code: 93560) 1548. Wilson Stiner (ZIP code: 90290) 1549. Savannah Wong (ZIP code: 93436) 1550. Anne and Xavier Urrutia (ZIP code: 94015) 1551. Maria K (ZIP code: 92833) 1552. Yajhaira Cortez (ZIP code: 92841) 1553. Y. ARMANDO NIETO (ZIP code: 94611-4636) 1554. Yasmeen Kanan (ZIP code: 92683) 1555. Yasmeen Qtaish (ZIP code: 92881) 1556. Yasmine Abdel Ghanee (ZIP code: 92801) 1557. Yaz Guergah (ZIP code: 94556) 1558. Yasmine Boufedji (ZIP code: 27545) 1559. Yusuf Abdelrahman (ZIP code: 92606) 1560. Joe Menhem (ZIP code: 95678) 1561. Yodit Rodgers (ZIP code: 90805) Moving to Anaheim soon because of the Arab community. Love the food and community. 1562. Fadia Mohd (ZIP code: 92808) 1563. Yousif Ghanim (ZIP code: 92708) 1564. Yalini Sivapathasundararn (ZIP code: 91006) 1565. Yusuf Attalla (ZIP code: 92806) 1566. Yvonne Gonzalez Duncan (ZIP code: 92648) 1567. Zain Farha (ZIP code: 92604) 1568. Zahraa Albusairi (ZIP code: 63116) 1569. Zahra Abdulameer (ZIP code: 80014) 1570. Zachary Knudsen (ZIP code: 63034) 1571. Zachariah Abrams (ZIP code: 92833) We Dove visiting this area of Anaheim, in fact it has some of the best food including pastries! They is a diverse Arab world, and several regions are represented in the culinary selection available to residence and visitors. If Anaheim was smart, they would promote this gem as it will attract more visitors and generate more tax revenues. 1572. Zoraiz Hashmi (ZIP code: 90504) 1573. Raya Zandeh (ZIP code: 94523) 1574. Zaid Alsalihi (ZIP code: 90621) 1575. Zoubida Chahbouni (ZIP code: 92801) 1576. Zoe Edington (ZIP code: 93940) 1577. Zenab Khouder (ZIP code: 92606) 1578. Regina Leeds (ZIP code: 90048) 1579. Patrick Vang (ZIP code: 95838) 1580. Ziv Lang (ZIP code: 95618) 1581. Mohamed Elaraby (ZIP code: 92804) 1582. Zana Youssef (ZIP code: 92840) 1583. zoha khalili-araghi (ZIP code: 92807) 1584. Zuhdi Nasraldeen (ZIP code: 92804) 1585. Zuhoor Lababidi (ZIP code: 90680) 1 fully support little Arabis 1586. Mansoor Mansbury (ZIP code: 91709) 1587. Mischa Kandinsky (ZIP code: CA) 1588. Zuveriya Master (ZIP code: 92801) Little Arabia Community Needs Survey, May 2022, Arab American Civic Council Executive Summary Brookhurst Street in Anaheim is home to one of the most visible Arab American communities in Southern California. Affectionately known as "Little Arabia," this area of West Anaheim is a cultural hub that is regularly patronized by visitors hailing from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) i region. The service providers and patrons come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, ranging from Arab to Afghan to Circassian to Vietnamese to Mexican, with each group functioning in harmony within the boundaries of West Anaheim. Despite its extreme visibility, there isn't too much data and information that captures the people's voices and experiences within the district. This project, known as the Little Arabia Community History and Needs Survey, aims to provide information about one of California's most unique and beloved cultural districts. This study explored how the district grew, what types of benefits it brought to Anaheim, and what are the community's needs as they envision the future of the district. Ultimately, the project aimed to allow the people to tell their story of Little Arabia. We conducted our study between December 2021 to April 2022. We gathered data from 35 participants. Oral interviews were conducted with 17 participants, while 18 participants filled out online survey forms. We split the survey into four parts: Demographic, Profile, Community Needs, and Civic Engagement. There was a total of 27 questions. We conducted textual data analysis on over 20,000 words to find common themes, phrases, terms, and sentiments delivered in English and Arabic. The data clarifies that Little Arabia is a cultural and business hub that attracts a diverse market from the MENA region. In Little Arabia, patrons can acquire their cultural needs, attain a sense of belonging, and find new opportunities. When asked what Little Arabia means to them, most participants responded by saying "Home." Little Arabia's residents and service providers are diverse in their backgrounds and profession. • 66.7% of participants were born outside of the United States. • 33.3% were born within the United States. w 41.6% of participants hail from the Belad W-Sham region, consisting of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. • 27.8% of participants were between the ages of 25-35. • 47.2% were between the ages of 43-65. • 86% of participants are bilingual. Some are multilingual. • The top three spoken languages are English, Arabic, and Spanish. 1 In this report, MENA is used to include the Southwest Asia and North African (SWANA) regions Little Arabia Community Needs Survey, May 2022, Arab American Civic Council • 34% of participants owned their businesses. The rest of the participants ranged in professions stretching from a cook to a lawyer to an engineer, among many others. Results show that participants desire the following themes to improve the district2= • Promotion and Awareness • Renovation and Beautification of the District • Education and Community Development through Activities and Events • Unifying the Community • Systemic Changes in Policy, Media, and Public Perceptions • Encouragement of a Women -led Market The top four needs of the community are: 1) Education (70%) 2) Safety (57%) 3) Housing (57%) 4) Jobs (49%) - Many cited that education is vital for the empowerment of the community. Participants indicated that they want to see an improvement in public schooling. They also requested educational material from the City, particularly information to increase their participation and productivity within Anaheim. To increase civic engagement, participants desire more information on issues surrounding the community and desire more preparational materials, informational sessions, and workshops. • 80% requested information on the issues concerning Anaheim and Little Arabia. • 50% stated they need information on time, location, and specific issues to discuss. • 63.3% requested information on the Designation of Little Arabia. The data reveals that participants have a neutral and negative view of the City Council. • 42% state that they are unsure if the City Council cares about their concerns. • 38% state that they do not believe the City Council cares about their concerns. • 20% state that they believe the City Council cares about their concerns. 2 See the section titled "Discussion, Analysis, and Ideas for Future Projects" for more details on the themes. 2 ArabAmerican CivicCouncil Little Arabia Community History and Needs survey May 2022 Amin Nash, Arab American Civic Council Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Arab American Civic Council Dedicated to the amazing people of Little Arabia 2 Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2 2. A Brief History of Little Arabia 5 a. Foundations of Arab American Urban Centers 5 b. The Roots of Little Arabia: ISQC and Al-Tayebat 6 c. Little Arabia in the 1990s 7 d. Discrimination S e. Little Arabia in the 2000s 9 3. Demographics of Participants 10 4. a. Country of Birth b. Age c. Gender d. Profession e. Languages Spoken Analysis of Questions 10 11 12 13 14 15 5. Analysis. Discussion, and Ideas for Future Projects 24 6. Annendix 27 a. Methodologies b. Tables and Visuals 27 28 c. Works Cited and References 32 d. Acknowledaments 34 3 Executive Summary Brookhurst Street in Anaheim is home to one of the most visible Arab American communities in Southern California. Affectionately known as "Little Arabia," this area of West Anaheim is a cultural hub that is regularly patronized by visitors hailing from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) r region. The service providers and patrons come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, ranging from Arab to Afghan to Circassian to Vietnamese to Mexican, with each group functioning in harmony within the boundaries of West Anaheim. Despite its extreme visibility, there isn't too much data and information that captures the people's voices and experiences within the district. This project, known as the Little Arabia Community History and Needs Survey, aims to provide information about one of California's most unique and beloved cultural districts. This study explored how the district grew, what types of benefits it brought to Anaheim, and what are the community's needs as they envision the future of the district. Ultimately, the project aimed to allow the people to tell their story of Little Arabia. We conducted our study between December 2021 to April 2022. We gathered data from 35 participants. Oral interviews were conducted with 17 participants, while 18 participants filled out online survey forms. We split the survey into four parts: Demographic, Profile, Community Needs, and Civic Engagement. There was a total of 27 questions. We conducted textual data analysis on over 20,000 words to find common themes, phrases, terms, and sentiments delivered in English and Arabic. The data clarifies that Little Arabia is a cultural and business hub that attracts a diverse market from the MENA region. In Little Arabia, patrons can acquire their cultural needs, attain a sense of belonging, and find new opportunities. When asked what Little Arabia means to them, most participants responded by saying "Home." Little Arabia's residents and service providers are diverse in their backgrounds and profession. 66.7% of participants were born outside of the United States. • 33.3% were born within the United States. ■ 41.6% of participants hail from the Belad al -Sham region, consisting of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. r 27.8% of participants were between the ages of 25-35. 47.2% were between the ages of 43-65. 86% of participants are bilingual. Some are multilingual. • The top three spoken languages are English, Arabic, and Spanish. 1 In this report, MENA is used to include the Southwest Asia and North African (SWANA) regions C! • 34% of participants awned their businesses. The rest of the participants ranged in professions stretching from a cook to a lawyer to an engineer, among many others. Results show that participants desire the following themes to improve the district2- • Promotion and Awareness • Renovation and Beautification of the District • Education and Community Development through Activities and Events • Unifying the Community • Systemic Changes in Policy, Media, and Public Perceptions • Encouragement of a Women -led Market The top four needs of the community are: 1) Education (70%) 2) Safety (57%) 3) Housing (57%) 4) Jobs (49%) Many cited that education is vital for the empowerment of the community. Participants indicated that they want to see an improvement in public schooling. They also requested educational material from the City, particularly information to increase their participation and productivity within Anaheim. To increase civic engagement, participants desire more information on issues surrounding the community and want more preparational materials, informational sessions, and workshops. • 80% requested information on the issues concerning Anaheim and Little Arabia. • 50% stated they need information on time, location, and specific issues to discuss. • 63.3% requested information on the Designation of Little Arabia. The data revealed that participants have a neutral and negative view of the City Council. • 42% state that they are unsure if the City Council cares about their concerns. • 38% state that they do not believe the City Council cares about their concerns. • 20% state that they believe the City Council cares about their concerns. 2 See the section titled "Discussion, Analysis, and Ideas for Future Projects" for more details on the themes. 0 A Brief History of Little Arabia Little Arabia's history is still being written. Currently, Anaheim's Little Arabia district contains over one hundred services catering to tens of thousands of patrons who trace their heritage from Afghanistan to Morocco. Businesses provide an authentic cultural experience that attracts customers from Southern California. The history of these service providers and patrons is a history of expatriates, integration, and transformation, and is also a history of challenges and disappointments. Little Arabia's history is about people who are actively transforming, evolving, and improving the lives of their community. Foundations ofArab American Urban Centers Unlike other ethnic communities in Southern California, the Arab community is not condensed into one central location.. For example, the Chinese community has developed large swaths of urban land, such as in the San Gabriel Valley, to provide places where people could go to school, shop, and open businesses. Professor of Urban Planning, Wei Li, refers to this phenomenon as an "ethnoburb" (Li, 1998). These ethnoburbs often contain banks and schools that feature foreign -language materials and managers capable of communicating with their respective populations. The Arab community does not have the same dynamic as an ethnoburb, and instead, the community established cultural hubs as attractions and gathering locations. Throughout the 1900s, Arabs and other individuals from the MENA region settled in different cities around Southern California, such as Los Angeles, Glendale, and Long Beach. Though the community has historically been present in Los Angeles, they were unable establish a centralized enclave for their respective communities. By 2020, the population of Arab -identifying individuals has spread across the State of California. The approximate count of the community stands around 750,000.3 The reader should note that the lack of an accurate MENA count at the federal and state level renders the population invisible in data collection, making it challenging to trace an accurate population history. Instead of creating one centralized ethnoburb, the Arab population established several clusters where people regularly patronize and visit. These central clusters fit with Urban Planner Noah Allison's terminology of "ethnoanchor," which is a "location comprised of clustered private commerce rather than a single entity community" such as Chinatown or Little Saigon (Allison, 2021). The Arab population is spread throughout Southern California to gather, spend money, and open businesses in several centrally located areas. Example of these areas include Main Street in El Cajon, San Diego County, and Brookhurst Street in Anaheim, Orange County. 3 https://census.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/06/Snapshot_CAIR-CA.pdf C: In Anaheim, city officials and policymakers have historically been involved in planning and developing lands for residency and industrial use. For example, in 1965, Anaheim used a "super stamp system" to "bypass municipal plan checks" to entice industries to move into the area (Allison, 2021). West Anaheim, located west of Euclid Street, grew to contain high -density residential regions, while a 4,200-acre site in East Anaheim became Anaheim Hills. Investments in attractions, such as Disneyland and sports arenas, helped the city become a destination for tourism. While investors pumped financial subsidies and assets into locations East of Euclid, areas West of Euclid Street became notorious for strip malls, cheap housing, and crime. Though many saw it undesirable to move to West Anaheim, the low financial housing and subsidies to open businesses meant opportunity for newly arriving immigrants. The Roots of Little Arabia: ISOC and AI-Ta vebat The earliest Arab immigrants arrived in an area in West Anaheim in the 1970s, then known as "Garza Island," This location was tucked between the cities of Anaheim, Stanton, and Garden Grove. The area attracted Arab residents because of the educational and communal promise of the Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC), which opened its doors in 1976 in Garden Grove. Shortly after, the first halal market called Al -Madinah opened in Garden Grove. Arab residents began moving closer to ISOC for community and enrolling their children in a school that promised a well- established Islamic educationa4 w.•..., ... w.a wcx. Anaheim e CPPr.x• SKFH.p •1 ' Sautn Rrw Mpn ' ......... Suntan - n •.•.. ..... ........, + � - t ei r' n•.,...... Pnnge NCR Gerdan Grave � � - s rift t.r Nase�lk � wr>+. e. r _ if SantaAna •.i...v. aeW # la, i.. r. Nxw.e s, r i.n Td_fl 7-77 Locations of iSOCand AI Madinah Market 4 Author interviews and Voice of oC Article Fi The roots of the Arab community began in the 1980s after Sammy and Noha Khouraki opened the first Al-Tayebat Market off Magnolia Avenue. Al-Tayebat became known for its quality and affordability but became beloved for its service and care to the Arab community. Their success led them to purchase land around Brookhurst and Ball in 1988, and what is known as modern-day Little Arabia was born. Arabic -speaking people who desired halal meats would travel from all over the Southwest United States to Al- Tayebat Market to acquire their needs. The Khouraki's service, care, and love for the community inspired others to begin opening restaurants and services to assist the larger Arabic -speaking and Muslim population in Anaheim. Little Arabia in the 1990s In 1994, Sami Mashney opened a law office in Brookhurst. In 1996, Palestinian immigrants Nesrine Qmari and Mike Hawari opened Kareem's Falafel across the street from Al-Tayebat Market. Also in 1996, Hussain Ayloush established the Council on American -Islamic Relations Greater LA Chapter to provide legal services and protect the civil rights of Muslim Americans. In 1997, Mat'am Al Quds, or Jerusalem Restaurant, opened in the shopping center on Brookhurst and Brookmore. That same year, Dib Khamis opened Cleopatra Hair Salon. Dib developed the salon as the first establishment catering specifically to mohajabbat women (Muslim women who practice wearing the hijab). Recognizing the enormous number of Arabic -speaking customers, Dib hired more Arabic -speaking hair stylists who were sensitive and knowledgeable of the needs of Arabic cultural events, such as weddings and social gatherings. Meanwhile, several humanitarian, legal, and medical services began emerging. Nahla Kayali opened Access California Services in 1997 to assist incoming individuals from the MENA region with their acclimation into American society. As of 2622, Access California Services serves over 100 individuals monthly and offers services in nineteen languages, including Spanish, Pashto, Persian, and Arabic. FIZ Ha.-, - L9i APasako+ `-- • �- June Plnn Stanton Recognizing the opportunities to tap into an emerging market and a good-hearted community, entrepreneurs Ahmad Alam and Belal Dalati purchased strip malls along the Brookhurst corridor, laying the groundwork for an Arabic district in Anaheim. Alam and Dalati purchased properties — including homes and development projects — and flipped them for newly arriving Arab immigrants to assist with their acclimation into America. Ahmad Alam purchased what is now known as the Little Arabia Plaza in the 1990s. He established the Arab World Newspaper to provide information and news while cultivating connections among West Anaheim residents. At this time, Alam provided the area with the moniker "Arab Town."5 Discrimination The area faced discrimination from residents and law enforcement alike. As Arabic - language signs marketing businesses began to rise, residents began labeling the businesses on Brookhurst as "invaders."'6. Business owners and residents reported that Anaheim police would refer to the area as "The Gaza Strip" to demean and put down the individuals of Arab heritage, as the association with the Gaza Strip implies an Israeli occupation that paints Palestinians as undesirablea,7 However, Arab business owners and residents took pride in the moniker. The Gaza Strip represented history, community, and 5 "Arab City Grows Lap in Shadow of Disneyland," 2003 5 information gathered from author interviews with entrepreneurs of Little Arabia 7 The author gathered information from interviews with entrepreneurs of Little Arabia. W, resistance against a military occupation that has displaced Palestinians from their land. Additionally, Orange County harbors well -documented Islamophobia that often spewed problematic rhetoric that paints Arab and Muslim residents as threats to Orange County's social and cultural landscape. A case in the 2000s saw Qur'ans found with bullet holes in front of the doors of Al -Farah Islamic Clothing$. Little Arahia in the 2000s The district moved from "Arab Town" to "Gaza Strip" to "Little Gaza" in a matter of years, slowly affirming itself as the people's attachment of the district as a "home away from home." In the 2000s, the area around Brookhurst saw an influx of businesses and new residents arriving from Kuwait, Iraq, and other regions. The term "Little Arabia" began to emerge as the district's unofficial name. The confusion of 9/11 drove non -Arabic - speaking Anaheim residents to engage with the Arab community to understand the community better. American servicemembers who served in Iraq regularly patronized Little Arabia to attain a similar culinary experience they found while on deployment. In the 2010s, Rashad Al-Dabbagh and Omar Masry began an online campaign to normalize the term "Little Arabia" as the district's official name. After establishing the Arab American Civic Council, Little Arabia became a recognized location in West Anaheim that offers a unique cultural experience to residents and shoppers alike. By 2020, more than 100 established businesses resided in and around 'ivTVest Anaheim. Numerous narratives and stories still need to be heard about Little Arabia's history. Influencers who offered various cultural and economic contributions, such as telecommunications, newspapers, and security services, are somewhat unknown to the current era. For example, individuals who have been involved with Little Arabia state that there were offices where Arabic -speaking partners offered Internet and IT services to people of West Anaheim, but these individuals moved out of Anaheim. Discovering why these individuals started their businesses and why they left could help paint a fuller picture of Little Arabia's history. 8 https://www.ibtimes.com/anaheim-bullet-ridden-quran-hate-crime-muslim-civil-rights-group-asks-fbi-investigate-2208221 10 Demographics of Participants Coun try of Birth 66.7% of participants were born outside of the United States. 33.3% of participants were born within the United States and tended to identify with their parents or familial country of birth. Of the MENA region, participants were primarily from the Belad a] - Sham, or the area of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. (Figure 1) Where were you horn? 1 Figure 1, Country of Birth 11 The age of participants ranged from 25 to 65 and was diverse in generational experience. 58.3% of the participants were over the age of 43. The youngest participant was in their mid -twenties, while the oldest was approaching 69. What is your age? / t A L. Figure 2, Age of Participants 12 (7Pn"IPr Gender proved to be a problematic issue in this study. As this study aimed to interview service providers directly located in Anaheim, the first iteration of data revealed a significantly lower number of female business owners than males. We increased our outreach to female stakeholders in and around Little Arabia to remedy this problem. We reached out to residents, volunteers, and community leaders. By the second iteration (April 2022), female participation increased from 10% to 42%. Reasons for the low female participation could relate to social, cultural, and economic factors. When approaching women on Brookhurst, this paper's author noted that women tended to be working and did not have time to conduct an interview. Many women demonstrated an openness and willingness to participate but were usually too exhausted before or after work to conduct an interview or fill a survey. Further, it was found that, though there were many female business owners, male business owners and service providers outweighed women. Je'nan Ghazal Read's 2004 study provides reasons for this phenomenon. She states that "Arab -American women cannot be explained by their human capital characteristics or family resources, but are almost entirely due to traditional cultural norms that prioritize women's family obligations over their economic activity, and to ethnic and religious social networks that encourage the maintenance of traditional gender roles" (Dead, 2004). Thus, future studies need to be done to discover employment patterns of Arab American women in Little Arabia and beyond. What is yocir gender? f s _�h t.. Figure 3, Gender 13 Profe.,?sinn The primary profession of participants was "Business Owner," followed by "Restaurant Owner." However, these professions only reflect 12 of the 35 total participants, less than half. Professions ranged from Engineer to Lawyer, Media Producer, to Nurse. What is your profession? 1 °� Restaurant Owner Store Owner Business Owner Insurance Designer and Fashion Store Executive Director Teacher Student Director Media Producer Culinary Cook Nurse Case Manager Realtor Statistician Director of Operations Arabic Language Teacher Real Estate Manager Office Manager Real Estate and Political Lawyer Software Engineer Stu dy Ab road Advi s o r Engineer Attorney Real Estate Hair Stylist Count of Gook Fi m-e 4, Ph)fE'S'SIC)11 14 Lan,evages Spoken All participants spoke English, and the vast majority spoke Arabic. Spanish was the third most spoken language, reflecting the need to cater to Anaheim's multilingual residents, particularly its Spanish-speaking community members. Many employees in Arab -owned businesses are of Mexican descent, requiring business owners and managers to know Spanish to communicate correctly with their employees. What language(s) do you speak? 1 ?lE :i N 31 -tal u a0 �0 English waoi[ HIISSIan Hindi Hedrew $panush Vrdu 04ar211 French Mnenian Count Figure 5, Languages Spoken 15 Analysis of Questions Below are the questions asked and summaries of participants' responses. The questions were designed as open-ended questions to allow participants to define Little Arabia in their own words. Answers were placed into a single document correlated with their question and analyzed for distinctive topics and themes. The analysis below summarizes all participants` responses and are not exclusively catered to one voice. Topics and themes which appear numerous times carry a higher "weight," meaning there is a high probability of the topic appearing around other terms. 60%. The term "many" means over 70% of the participants, while "some" means less than When did you first start coming to Anaheim?/ TeId �) Jj�i -4i The average year of advent was 1995. The oldest arrival was in the 1980s, and the latest was in the 2010s. Many individuals stated that they came to Anaheim to visit before opening businesses or purchasing property. Many individuals' first experience with Little Arabia involved some type of community, such as family or friends. Before coming to Anaheim, some participants stated that they settled in other parts of the Greater Los Angeles area, such as Norwalk, Downey, Lakewood, or Cerritos. Some said that they would purchase their Middle Eastern goods in Hollywood or Glendale and that they did not start coming to Anaheim until the 1990s. Overwhelmingly, many stated that the services in Anaheim felt more attuned to their cultural identity than other parts of Greater Los Angeles. did ,You choose Anaheim as ,Your Mace for work or residence Ji al"", uJLCZ �,L+i The most common reason participants chose Anaheim was the proximity to a community that made them feel at attuned to their identity, belonged, and safe. Some stated they chose Anaheim because they needed access to an Arab market for financial and economic success. Some also mentioned the proximity of resorts and work, such as Disneyland. The high traffic of Arabic -speaking and MENA customers guaranteed a built-in market for business owners. This sentiment indicates that Anaheim is a hub for the Arab market, even when many do not directly live in West Anaheim. Many felt safe living 16 around Anaheim because of the human traffic and interactions with other people who shared their identity. Since you've been in Anaheim, how has the Arab community grown, and what are some changes _you've seen?/ Tlj:,� j L3f of u�.ilf t,,c Many participants stated that the community grew in population size, particularly among Arab, Latino, and Asian residents. Many also say that more businesses have developed to cater to the growing market. Some have said that they still feel invisible and hidden, and some also state that the media and public perception have not improved. This sentiment echoes Nadine Naber's study of Arabs as "ambiguous insiders" or "visibly invisible" (Naber, 2000). In other words, even though the community has been present since the 1980s, many feel that Anaheim residents are still confused about who they are, their history, or their story. Some also said that there has been little growth due to competition between community members. A sentiment provided was, "One falafel place opens, another closes." This sentiment indicates that some individuals moving to Little Arabia use similar business models to tap into the MENA market instead of conceiving new concepts. Some interviewees said that instead of opening a new and original business concept, some stakeholders open a copy -cat business (such as a bakery or falafel stare) intending to capitalize on customers' desires and to "do better than the other guy." Interviewees feel that Little Arabia could benefit from clear-cut guidelines to create businesses catering to the needs of the community instead of watching individuals capitalize or "steal" from the market, further diluting their services. 17 How do ,You define Little Arabia? (? �_U.) c:�-- ti - x's How do you define Little Arabia? 1 L�;J} Lr- A Business District A Cultural District A Community Enclave 0 10 20 Count The graph above reflects the option participants chose to define Little Arabia. Here, a "Business District" means an economic and financial district. "Cultural District" means a cluster of businesses and services that caters to a specific culture, in this case, the MENA culture. "Community Enclave" represents a location with a high concentration of a single ethnicity, in this case, Arabs. Participants believe that Little Arabia is a Cultural District and a Business District, but not a Community Enclave. This sentiment means that .residents feel that Little Arabia is a hub that attracts, provides, and sells Arab/MENA culture to a diverse consumer base, from food to clothing. Discussion around this question could flow in multiple ways. A question could arise if Arab culture is being capitalized on within the shadows of tourist destinations of Anaheim, such as Disneyland. Another question could be if Arab business owners simply opened businesses because of the flow of Arabic -speaking patrons within the corridor. The answer to these questions could be both. Arab business owners likely realized that Arab immigrants desire a location that they can frequent outside of their homes, and they are providing a service to cater to their needs. 30 W Wha t does Little Arabia mean to you? 15.nu �r- LU- L , !-� 131- Overwhelmingly, participants responded by saying Little Arabia means "Home." The most distinctive term, "culture," indicates that Little Arabia allows individuals to feel safe to practice their culture and identity. They feel they belong in an area where others share their identity. Individuals report feeling that Little Arabia reminds them of the "scents," "sounds," and "feel" of the Middle East. They say that they would often visit the street to speak Arabic, enjoy their food, and spend time with family. Further, they do not feel targeted, discriminated against, or hated for being Arab or an immigrant. Little Arabia is a little piece of America that allows immigrants to fit in before leaving for the difficulties of a larger city. Thus, Little Arabia is a location where individuals feel connected to their culture and identity. They feel as if Little Arabia is a safe place where they can conduct their livelihood and business. Whether business or just visiting, individuals feel safe running their lives in Little Arabia. ArabAme-N ncar CivicCounc'l 19 Do You recall a time you faced discrimination?/ T Do you recall a time you faced discrimination? ! e , 41.7% of participants stated they've never faced discrimination. However, 30.6%® opted not to report if they faced discrimination. Some may not have known if they were facing discrimination. Those born in the United States tended to be aware that they were being discriminated against, whether through bullying or hurtful language. Foreign -born people may have been unaware if they were being discriminated against, such as when English-speaking service providers redirected their services due to language barriers. Some gave reports of bullying and intimidation at corporate workplaces. One interviewee reported that they received an engineering degree at a Cal State and began working for a big firm. However, after 9111, the interviewee said they faced bullying, and they were unaware of the steps to file grievances or report the intimidation to others. They opted to save money and open a store on Brookhurst Street, both to feel safe while earning enough income to support their family. z® Though this discrimination case did not occur at Brookhurst, it is an example of foreign -born immigrants being unaware of the steps to take to defend their rights to work. Imadne.you are talking to a visitor. How would you explain the benefits the Little Arabia district has wrought to Anaheim?/ Many participants responded that Little Arabia brought diversity, culture, and economic benefits to West Anaheim. The most distinctive terms, "culture" and "diverse," indicate that the Arab businesses and residents supplied West Anaheim with something unique and original. Many cited how it brought jobs, tax revenue, and an attraction to Anaheim. Many also mentioned that Little Arabia is seen as an additional tourist attraction outside of Disneyland and brings diverse economic traffic to the City. Some respondents reported how non -Arab visitors, specifically American servicemen and women who were stationed in the Middle East, enjoy coming to Little Arabia. Participants stated that Little Arabia was a way for these servicemen and women to eat food and engage with the cultures they were intimately involved with during their time in Kuwait, Iraq, or other parts of the Middle East. 21 Which of the options below concern .You the most?Please check all that a a�L"t11 uf,la�]4 j.o,c�. Which of the options below concern you the mast? Please check all that apply. I L. �S Lw e _pS; .-U _) z-; UI ,:,�-)Wl Lj, i Jabs Housing 7ransporlation Food Security Sa" Education Immigration Healthcare SurveillanrefSpying EnvironmentrClimate 0 5 10 15 20 Count The above graph reflects the community's most significant needs. The number one need requested is "Education." During interviews, individuals indicated that they want to see education in the form of schooling but also public education. Many felt that public education needs to be improved in Anaheim. Specifically, they requested information and educational sessions with community leaders to understand important policies and rules in America. Many feel that education is required for empowerment and improvement in their life. Some topics requested include Civil Rights Education, Business Education, Home Buying and Loan Education, and Language Education. The second most requested need is "Housing." Participants felt that many Arab residents leave Anaheim because of increasing housing costs in Anaheim. Many feel that their current salaries do not allow them to purchase property in Anaheim. Further, many thinly that the youth have a hard time acquiring a home and are forced to stay with their 25 22 parents. Also, many feel there is a need to provide affordable housing for unhoused individuals. The third most requested need is "Safety." Many reported that West Anaheim had a "gang" problem, but the Arab population essentially cleaned up the area. Now, participants feel that West Anaheim has a homeless crisis that the City could fix. Many also report not being protected or cared for by the City. The fourth most requested need is "!Jobs." Many say they would like to see more diverse services in West Anaheim, such as technical and manual skills. Many report that they would like to see unhoused people provided jobs to improve their lives. .What do You think Is needed to he1,o Your business and/or livelihood?l ss+ Participants responded that their primary need is promotion and awareness, such as signage, advertisement, and community events. Many would like to spread information about their services and bring public awareness to their services. Further, many said they would like to see community events that bring the Arab community together with the rest of Anaheim, increasing services to more markets. Some cited the need for government and city resources. Some did not know how to access loans during the Coronavirus pandemic, and others felt that the City could do a better job lowering rent and costs to improve business. Notably, some stated that education in community development and community respect is needed. Some said significant behavioral changes within the community need to be developed to ensure cohesiveness and unity. Further, some stated systemic changes in the media and government are needed to alter misperceptions and show Arabs as positive contributors to Anaheim. Many feel that they are still negatively perceived and would like to see this negative imagery changed. 23 In a perfect world, how would you imagine Little Arabia to be? Consider possible phys.ical.improvements or business enhancements You want to see, such as trees or architecture. / iliL4r-fTA-P-)C- c.U, j�A v, J,,�-- �-15 1&1)� .7a,' Overwhelmingly, participants desired renovations across Brookhurst street, specifically in beautification and remodeling projects to give the district an identity. Ideas provided include a mural and street art, monuments, arches, trees and flowers, string lights, a mall, and a bazaarlsouq. Many requested the need to see community activities and events that engage the larger community. Ideas given include a Taste of Little Arabia event or a farmer's market - style event where business owners could engage with the community. Many requested ways to modernize how services are provided, such as making an app like DoorDash or Postmates for the Arab market. Some requested updated textile and clothing stores to attract a maturing market. Some requested a women's only space that allows women to develop professionally. Others stated that a perfect Little Arabia is one where there is unity between community members. They cited their desire to see the end of infighting, backbiting, and unnecessary competition between one another. A story provided was how a community member became majorly ill from Covid. As a result, other community members left public posts on social media to not shop at their business. Though the participant felt that the community did not mean to be ill -intentioned (they thought that it was their way to handle Covid), the participant nonetheless felt that there should have been another way to show support to one another. They stated that Covid revealed that the community needs to have a culture of objectivity, unity, and care to prevent unnecessary infighting. A perfect Little Arabia is one where the community can improve one another incrementally. 24 Discussion, Analysis, and Ideas for Future Projects What is fascinating about this study is that despite none of these interviewees being aware of one another's identity, they all expressed similar sentiments. For example, the overwhelming response to the question, "What does Little Arabia mean to you?", was "Home." This response reveals how this district has provides not just a sense of belonging and community but allows the community to establish a sense of their cultural identity within America. To make a place feel like home means generations of work, love, and care. For the Arab American and MENA community, Little Arabia has it all. When defining Little Arabia, the participants' language reveals that Little Arabia is a cultural district that attracts an Arabic -speaking market and provides services from Middle Eastern food to doctors. Further, Little Arabia is an inclusive district of all individuals from the MENA region and beyond. For example, Afghan refugees find the culture and community of Little Arabia like their own in Afghanistan. Several themes emerged when reviewing the data provided by the participants of Little Arabia. First, interviewees desired the need for more Promotion and Awareness. Publicity should provide a positive image of Arabs and demonstrate them as human beings who have been a part of Anaheim's historic fabric. Signage, advertisement, and materials could (and should) derive from a sense of positivity from the Arab American community and residents who frequent Anaheim in general. Further, participants feel that it would help create a central and unified identity for Little Arabia. Committees should promote murals, arts, and culture to help provide identity to Little Arabia. The need for writers, poets, musicians, and artists to foster a sense of identity within Little Arabia should be encouraged. Second, interviewees reflected the desire to see a perfect Little Arabia as one that is clean and reflects MENA heritage. Renovations and beautification are essential. Establishing a volunteer group that could regularly clean and assist community members can be a solid start to this project. The possibility of adding greenery, such as trees and flowers, can enormously help the sun -stricken streets of Brookhurst. Ideas given by the community include string lights, Arabic -inspired architecture, and a common theme throughout the district. Participants pitched possible development ideas, including a museum, a cultural center, a souglbazaar, arches, monuments, and a boutique hotel. Third, many interviewees requested Education and Community Development. There need to be community activities, workshops, and informational materials to provide knowledge to the community and empower them to make critical decisions. Establishing a Chamber of Commerce that could regularly hold community meetings and develop policies and procedures for the community could be vital to the future of Little Arabia. Further, 25 members requested the need to establish a culture of trust and good behavior. Using art and fostering identity within the City can help with this process. Fourth, Little Arabia offers an opportunity to newly arriving Arabs and other individuals from the MENA region to get a positive start in America. It should not be ignored how important Anaheim is for immigrants to get their foot into the American dream. Anaheim should actively promote itself as a bastion for this progress. Fifth, interviewees felt an immense need for Systemic Changes at the Policy and Social levels. Some felt that they were still invisible and are being used as political props. Further, many feel that the media and the public do not appreciate their presence in Anaheim. Engagement with the community, as well as empowering the community, is critical to fostering systemic changes. Sixth, participants stated the need to encourage and tap into a women's market. Many feel that the district could benefit from a space where women could purchase and develop services catered to women's health and well-being. Ideas include professional development studios and exercise and athletics centers, among others. Lastly, the seventh theme was Assistance from the City or the Government. The survey participants felt that they have done enough to earn respect for the City and that Arabs have proven to be an essential part of Anaheim's fabric. Receiving city support is vital for the public's desires. Possible recommendations for future projects include: 1. A Taste of Little Arabia Community Event 2. Educational Initiatives through Public Schools and Libraries 3. Establishment of an Identity through the Arts, such as murals and cultural events 4. Formation of a Chamber of Commerce 5. Projects Engaging Female Residents The data above reflects a somewhat different story than other Arab American communities in different parts of the country. Even though Arabs and other MENA citizens do not make up the plurality of Anaheim, participants do not feel the need to remove their Arab identity to fit in Anaheim's society. Many participants stated that designating the district as Little Arabia is meant to be for non -Arabs, because, as one interviewee said, "Arabs already know this is Little Arabia. Naming it Little Arabia is for the non -Arabs." In other words, Arabs feel comfortable being who they are within the confines of Little Arabia's boundaries. Further, Anaheim's Little Arabia has been supported and uplifted by Arabs and non -Arabs alike. Put in another way, even though Arabs do not make up a large portion of Anaheim's population compared to Detroit, it's nonetheless the non -Arabs of Anaheim who 26 have supported and pushed to see Little Arabia officially designated. The harmony between Arabs and non -Arabs reflects Anaheim's acceptance of diverse ethnic backgrounds and the benefits of cultural inclusion.. Further studies need to be done to illustrate West Anaheim's cultural and economic impact. First, studies should be done to find how many employees were hired by businesses and how much the district has generated in tax revenue. Second, studies should be done around women workers to understand labor and employment practices and their needs. Third, studies should be encouraged to gather the needs of Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and non -Arab White service providers and residents. Lastly, studies to find the environmental and health conditions of the district could inform how policymakers could write laws or legislation that could positively impact the health of the community. J ArabAmencar CivicCounc'l 27 Appendix: Methodology, Tables, Works Referenced, and Acknowledgements Methodology Individuals were requested to participate in the study via oral interview or an online survey. Oral interviews were generally conducted at the business site or an agreed - upon location. Interviews typically lasted approximately thirty minutes. Interviewees were asked for consent to record, and interviewees agreed that their information, such as their names, would remain anonymous. Interviews were transcribed into a document, and responses were categorized into a Comma Separated Values (CSV) document correlated with their questions. Unstructured data were then transferred into word documents to be processed for text analysis and coding. We used Voyant Tools for textual and sentiment analysis. The tool uses built-in LDA programming to pull out the most frequent and distinctive words used throughout every document. Here, the word "distinctive" evaluates the signal strength of a word's topic assignments. A high distinctivitiy means a high posterior probability of the word coming from a specific topic. The process helps reduce topic identification uncertainty when analyzing a large corpus (Chai, 2020). These terms stand out as words with the highest "weight," meaning the probability of the terms being associated with other words is increased. Words with the highest weight are indicators of influential phrasing among participants and provide room to approach a lexicon of the community. Atlas TI was used to code and define common themes throughout the unstructured data. Three iterations were conducted to locate central themes throughout the document. The team then defined eight themes. These common themes include; 1. Promotion and Awareness 2. A Place for Belonging, Safety, and Community 3. Renovation and Beautification of the District 4. Community Development through Activities, Events, and Unifying Guidelines 5. Economic Access to both a Familiar and Diverse Market 6. Systemic Changes in Policy and Public Perception 7. Assistance and Permissions from City Officials and Government 8. Encouragement of a Women -Led Market The reader should understand that the above themes are fluid and do not provide exact definitions of the participants' views. Instead, the themes are starting points toward a larger conversation about their views, needs, and visions for the future. These themes are reviewed in the "Discussion" section of this report. Maps were designed using ArcGIS. Distinetive Terms and Word Fregueney per Question We placed responses to questions into documents as unstructured data. For example, all open-ended responses to "Why did you choose Anaheim as your place for work or residence?" were placed into a single document. The data was then placed into Voyant Tools for textual analysis. Distinctive terms have the highest probability of appearing near or around other terms of the document, and the most frequent terms are words that appear the most throughout all the documents. Why did You choose Anaheim as Your place for work or residence?/ jl-r- L�Liz yell 9i Distinctive Hair (14) Chose (8) Newspaper Hijab (4) Salon (7) Terms (4) Most Like (38) People (26) Community Arabic (20) Know (18) Frequent (23) Terms Since you've been in Anaheim, how has the Arab community grown and what are some changes you've seen?/?4ti:ij,:D .J ]i ter, , �Il e . < ; i 4. � i i,� Distinctive Grown (9) Growing (7) I've (8) Al (7) Larger (4) Terms Most People (38) Like (27) Know (25) It's (21) Come (20) Frequent Terms What does Little Arabia mean to you?Ig�_,y- LU, A 1su Distinctive Feeling (7) Means (8) Show (7) Americanized Culture Terms (3) (16) Most Like (42) Nome (29) It's (27) People (24) Feel (19) Frequent Terms Fj Imagineyouare talking to a visitor. How would you explain the benefits a Little Arabia district has brought to Anaheim?l'. - i �) , `-)= -�4 �l j,i ; Distinctive Traffic (3) Communities Cultural (7) Brought (8) Ways (3) Terms (4) Most Little (23) Arabia (20) Arab (17) Food (17) Frequent Terms What do you think is needed to help Your business and/or livelihood? jjs,�a'J d6� jgD LA Distinctive Advertisement Support Summer Resources Prices (3) Terms (7) (5) (3) (3) Most People (26) Know (21) Like (20) City (15) Businesses Frequent (14) Terms AO In a perfect world, how would you imagine Little Arabia to be? Consider possihle physical improvements or husr'ness enhancements you want to see, such as trees or architecture. I Distinctive Trees (8) Imagine (6) Signage (5) Nationalities Sign (7) Terms (5) Most Little (36) People (36) Arabia (31) Know Arabia Frequent Terms 30 The Most Common Wards Unstructured data was placed into a single corpus and analyzed for the most frequent words. Out of more than 20,000 words, the top ten words with an over a 70% probability of being around all significant phrases and sentence structures were: Term Count Like 188 People 182 Know 128 Little 101 Community 90 Arabia 80 Arab 72 Arabic 72 City 67 Business 59 Place 58 31 This word cloud provides a visual of the most frequent terms used. members brookhurstneeds experience feeling remember stores shop market back especially everybody wanna they're time pride council stuff whatever day main well Were way a middle going uscare usedstill eateducatlon guys else even mean friends take twooente� open -;fl"letF}Inf� bad that's [�naFleliil;,� I`fl`lcuftura! small felt lose p right trl p aroundeast little i t /S 7 dare's name find restaurant bIJS{neS$ dQ�'l't[Qi�1e C�lffereClt seenanother there's you're look % i7erican services maybe cQ m m u n lt" ' city k n O� moneybelieve glue shopping r arabi[say i71one musiirn can't years think arabia 9© 1 ike newflrstnext eastern I big make callfornia kind yes amerlca i-eally cameplaCe Parsee arablot one better Sal on hard language cominc: tell W businesses hair old brought 9 9 [drl justfeel area food yeah change okay street call keeplove restaurants he! =,ttrart manytry I��r-i-it' culture get p started ,iways aye attraction everything things will good rYGrn ,lause advertisement whale every also salon apenedlive thin talk i,i�tr�> family. '� everyone grown opening invest - comesenglish shop. best markets chase mosques The presence of the word "People" stands out as important. Though Little Arabia is visualized and seen for its food, Arabic signage, and services, the actual stakeholders of Little Arabia feel that the most important word to them is people. These could be customers, family, or even people at a metaphoric level. 32 W rks Referenced Allison, N. (2021). Little Arabia: A California Ethnoanchor. Journal of Urban History. Ajrouch, I.J., and Jamal, A. (2007). Assimilating to a white identity the case for arab americans. The International Migration Review, 41(4), 860-879 Gualtieri, S.M.A. (2020). Arab routes pathways to Syrian California (Ser. Stanford studies in comparative race and ethnicity). Stanford University Press. Ghazal Read, J. (2004). Cultural influences on immigrant women's labor force participation: the crab-american case. International Migration Review, 38(l), 52-77. Li, W. (2009). Ethnoburb: the new ethnic Comm unity in urban America (Ser. Democracy and urban landscapes). University of Hawai'i Press. Naber, Nadine. (2000). Ambiguous insiders: an investigation of Arab American invisibility. Ethnic and Racial Studies, (1), 37-61. P. Chai, Christine (2020). Word Distinctivity — Quantifying Improvement of Topic Modeling Results from N-Gramming. AMS Subject Classification: 6207, 62C10, 68U15 Twair, Pat McDonnel. (2003). Arab city grows up in the shadow of Disneyland. Middle East, 330. "Anaheim Bullet -Ridden Quran A Hate Crime? Muslim Civil Rights Groups Asks FBI to Investigate Islamic Holy Book." International Business Times, accessed May 5 2022. https//www.ibtimes.com/anaheim-bullet-ridden-guran-hate-crime-muslim-civil-rights- group-asks-fbi-investigate-2208221 "Demographics." Arab American Institute, accessed May 5 2022. https://www.aaiusa.or /dg emo rraaphics "California Complete Count." Council on Islamic -American Relations, access May 5 2022. https//census.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/06/Snapshot CAIR-CA.pdf "Oldest Market in Anaheim's Little Arabia Helped Shape a Community, Now its Adapted to a Pandemic." Voice of OC, accessed May 5 2022. https://voiceofoc.org/2021/04/oldest- market-in-anaheims-little-arabia-helped-shape-a-community-now-its-adapted-to-a- pandemic/ "More than 40 speakers urge Anaheim City Council to Designate Little Araba." Arab American Civic Council. Accessed May 5 2022. https:Haaciviccouncil.ora/2021/10/31/more- than-40-speakers/ 33 "Tom Tait State of the City Address, 2014". Anaheim. Accessed May 5 2022. https:llwww.anaheim.net/DocumentCenterNiew/19459/2018-Anaheim-State-of-the- City?bidld= Further Reading Berman, J.R. (2012). American arabesque arabs, Islam, and the 19th -century imaginary (Ser. America and the long 19th century). New York University Press. Beydoun, K. (2014). `Between Muslim and White: The Legal Construction of Arab American Identity." 69 NYU Annual Survev Am. Cainkar, Louise. (2006). The social construction of difference and the Arab American experience. Journal ofAmerlcan Ethnic History, 25(2), 244-278. Chik, CH (Ed.) (2022). Multilingualla la land' language use in sixteen greater Los Angeles communities. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group. The Detroit Arab American Studies Report Gaultieri, S. 2001 "Becoming 'White': Race, Religion and the Foundations of Syrian/Lebanese Ethnicity in the United States." Journal of American Ethnic History 20(4):29-58. Gualtieri, S. (2009). Between arab and white race and ethnicity in the early Syrian - american diaspora (Ser. American crossroads, 26). University of California Press. Hassoun, R.J. (2005). Arab americans in michigan (Ser. Discovering the peoples of Michigan). Michigan State University Press. Mandi, W.F. (2020). Arab americans in film: from Hollywood and Egyptian stereotypes to self-represntation (First, Ser. Critical arab American studies). Syracuse University Press. McIntosh, P. 1989 "'White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack." Peace and Freedom. August: 10-12. Naff, A. (1993). Becoming American. the early arab immigrant experience (Pbk, Ser Meri special studies), Southern Illinois University Press. Ognibene, TA and Browder, G (2018). South carolina's Turkish people: a history and ethnology. University of South Carolina Press. 34 Acknowled, ments Dania Ayah Alkhouli, Partner in Drafting Questions Maria Khani, Translations Aneesah Milbes, Iteration and Draft Reads from November to December 2021 Jeanine Nasser, Transcriptions and Data Analysis Hani Haidar, Administration About the Authors Amin Nash holds a Master of Arts from Claremont Graduate University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. at Claremont, studying the Arab and Muslim American experience. Rashad Al-Dabbagh is the Executive Director of the Arab American Civic Council. Petitions and Signed Letters: Anaheim Residents 92804 125 92801 55 92805 48 92807 33 92806 26 92802 23 92808 9 92812 1 Total 320 Little Arabia Designation Poll Results US IMMIGRATION -- POLICY CENTER This brief reports the results of a new survey of registered voters in the City of Anaheim (n = 332). The data make clear that the majority of registered voters in the City of Anaheim support an official Little Arabia designation. The results further show that an overwhelming majority of those who have been to the Little Arabia district support a Little Arabia designation. The survey was fielded from September 14th to October 6th and is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC) at UC San. Diego and the Arab American Civic Council, with support from the RISE Together Fund. The margin of error +/- 5.3%. Registered voters were identified using data obtained directly from the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Cell phones were scrubbed by Call Hub. Landlines and cell phones were sampled in the proportion they appeared in the voter file. The raw data are weighted to reflect the registered voter population by party, by age group (18-34, 35-55, 55+), and by sex. . 58.2% of registered voters in the City of Anaheim "support" or "strongly sup- port" an official Little Arabia designation • 57.4% of White registered voters in the City of Anaheim "support" or "strongly support" an official Little Arabia designation • 50.9% of registered Republican voters in the City of Anaheim "support" or "strongly support" an official Little Arabia designation • 75.4% of registered voters in the City of Anaheim who have been to the Little Arabia district "support" or "strongly support" an official Little Arabia desig- nation Q.Little.Arabia "Have you been to the Little Arabia District in Anaheim?" % Yes 25.5% No 43.7% Never heard of it 27.9% Decline to answer 2.8% Q. Little. Arabia. Pre. Information "The Little Arabia District is on Brookhurst Street in West Anaheim and is home to Middle Eastern restaurants, cafes, and ethnic markets. Last August, Republican state senator Ling Ling Chang, who represents parts of Anaheim, introduccd a resolution calling for official acknowledgement of Anaheim's Little Arabia District. This would mean that markers —like street signs mould go up that say, "Little Arabia District." But before this can happen the Anaheim City Council would have to vote to designate the Little Arabia District as a cultural site. Would you support or oppose the Anaheim City Council voting yes on designating the Little Arabia District a cultural site?" % Strongly support 26.6% Support 23.8% Neither support nor oppose 33.2% Oppose 9.4% Strongly Oppose 6.9% 2 f l . Lit t le. Ar abi a. Post .Information "Here's a bit more information about the Little Arabia District. (Discrimination and Prejudice) The Little Arabia District is a cultural hub for Orange County's Arab -American community. In the past 20 years, the Arab -American community across Orange County has grown, but so too has discrimination and prejudice. The official designation of Little Arabia as a cultural site could help break down fears and stereotypes about the Arab -American community. (Ethnic Diversity) Orange County is home to diverse ethnic communities, including Little Saigon, which received its official designation as a cultural site in 1988, and Koreatown, which received its official designation as a cultural site in 2019. These communities provide the region with restaurants, shopping centers, and an array of businesses and services. Both Little Saigon and Koreatown have received greater visibility and public awareness as a result of their official designations. Official designation as a cultural site could do the same for Little Arabia. (Economic Grourth) During the 1990s, the Little Arabia District grew as Arab -Americans moved to Orange County and started new businesses. The Little Arabia District received the 2918 "Best of Anaheim" Award in the local business category for helping make Anaheim a great place to live, work and play. Official designation as a cultural site could help businesses in the Little Arabia District continue to grow, which in turn helps strengthen the local economy. With this in mind, would you support or oppose the Anaheim City Council voting yes on designating the Little Arabia District a cultural site?" Strongly support 33.8% Support 27.5% Neither support nor oppose 20.1% Oppose 8.8% Strongly Oppose 9.8% Note: discrimination and prejudice, ethnic diversity, and economic growth information were randomized and respondents were read one. 3 Q.Little.Arabia.Post.Information (continued) by Race/Ethnicity White %a Non -White Strongly support 28.4% 51.0% Support 29.0% 22.5% Neither support nor oppose 21.3% 16.3% Oppose 10.3% 4.1% Strongly Oppose 10.9% 6.1% by Party Republican % Democrat % Other %4 Strongly support 25.4% 35.5% 55.9% Support 25.5% 30.7% 29.4% Neither support nor oppose 26.4% 17.7% 5.9% Oppose 9.4% 11.3% 2.9% Strongly Oppose 13.2% 4.8% 5.9% 4 Q.Little.Arabia.Post.Information (continued) by Been to Little Arabia Yes % No % Never Heard Of It%a Strongly support 54.4% 28.4% 23.2%© Support 21.1% 34.1% 25.0% Neither support nor oppose 10.5% 19.3% 26.8% Oppose 5.3% 9.1% 12.5% Strongly Oppose 8.8% 9.1% 12.5% 5 Title: Arab City grows up in the shadow of Disneyland. By: Twair, Pat McDonnell, Middle East, 03050734, Jan2003, Issue 330 Database: Academic Search Premier MOSAIC Arab City grows up in tht shadow of Disneyland Full Text Listen Section: COMMUNITY The southern Californian town of Airiaheirn is home to 25,000 Arab Americans and more are on the way. I os Angeles has earned a iielputation as the melting Ipot of the world. So much so that it is home to ethnic gli'C)UpS that no longer exist in the land they originated. There are neighbOUrhoods designated as I ittle Tokyo, China Town, I ittle Armenia and IKoiiea Town. East I os Angeles is inhabited by more than 2.5 million residents from Mexico and Central America. n nearby Orange County, the fastest growing ethnic gIFOUlp is located in an eight by 11 block area designated as Arab City. I ocated in Airiaheirn, famed for its Disneyland resort, Arab City is home to an estimated 25,000 Arab Americans. The total IPoIpulation of Airiaheirn is 175,000. But if Arab Americans continue to move into Airiaheirn, they Could exceed 60,000 in 10 years Ipiiedicts Ahmad Alam, a businessman who has been laying Iplans for Arab City since 1996. The main drag of Arab City is IBiioolkhUrst Avenue, often referred to as the Gaza Strip, here Arab restaurants proliferate, grocery stores and businesses, medical, legal and dental offices are identifiable by neon signs in Arabic. A towering directory for one mail heads like a United Nations roster: Sizzler, Al Rayan Restaurant, Al Sanabel Bakery, Mexican Food, Sarni Mashney I aw Offices, Al Anwaii Ilslamic Fashions, Cleopatra Hair Designs and Alaa El Deen Video, Audio and Water Pipes. Arid that's IUSt one mini mall in a couple of dozen clustered in Airiaheirn's Arab City. Three mosques, three Eastern Orthodox churches, the Southern California headqUaIrters of the Council on American Ilslarnic Relations (CAR) and 300 licensed businesses are Ipiioof the community is deepening its roots here. Since opening a real estate and loan office in Airiaheirn in 1995, Alam staged the first annual Arab American Day Festival in 1996 and established a bilingual newspaper, The Arab World, in July 1998. "We Iprint a minimum i'Un of 12,000 issues weekly and C4'CUlate in 14 different states," Alam explained. He i'Uns new ads for homes and bUsinesses available in Arab City. "Readers in Texas or the East Coast see these ads arid, they check their location in the Arab City map and bUsiness directory that appears in OUr newspaper. They already know abOUt Anaheim beCaUse of Disneyland and they relocate here and then invite their relatives to come here as well." Alam says he has Ipersonally N'OUght 200 Arab families to Anaheim in the past six years and he now is selling on average one hOUse a week to Arab Americans. He also deals in bUsiness properties and Arab Americans have established warehOUses and factories in the city. I point OUt that Anaheim is the least expensive city to live in Orange COUnty and it also is the safest thanks to Disneyland which protects its tOWISt ireverWes by enSUring a seCUre, family friendly atmosphere in the city." Alam admits that six years ago there was a 50% vacancy in Anaheim's commercial heal estate ValUed at 60 cents per sqUare foot. Today, there are no vacancies and the going rate is $1.05 per sqUare foot. This compares to $2.50 per sqUare foot in coastal Costa Mesa and anywhere from $4 to $12 in elite Newport Beach. The average hOUse in Anaheim sells for $260,000 to $550,000; condos irange from $ 150,000 to $300,000. Alam also established the Arab American COUncil in 1997 which liaises fUnds for and endorses political candidates. His next step is to establish an Arab City Chamber of Commerce. "We have 300 bUsinesses operated by Arab Americans," he explained, "arid it's time to organise. The Anaheim Chamber has 800 members and nearby Garden Grove as a chamber of commerce of 200 bUsinesses. "Bobby MacDonald, who started the African American Chamber in Anaheim is iFUnning for the Anaheim City COUncil. We've endorsed him and as soon as the election is over in November, he's promised to hellp US f01FM an Arab American Chamber." The annual Arab American Day Festival is a pet Iprolect of Alam who came to the US from I ebanon in 1971 at the age of 17. A highlight of the first festival was the flying of a giant Palestinian flag that was carried by a pal�'a&WhSt who lumped from a low flying plane over the Fain g i'OU rids. A big setback for the sixth annual festival slated for 21....23 September 2001 was the terrorist attack of 11 September. "We had to cancel the festival. i lost $40,000 in deposits all paid for renting the fa4'gli'C)Und, tents, games, incise and SOUnd eqUipment," he said i'Uekllly. "FRl agents were stalked OUt in front of my bUsiness offices for days after... but eventually they left, they knew we were harmless," Alam adds. The entrepreneUr earned a bachelor's degree in ireStaUrant and hotel management from California State University at I ong Beach in 1975. '1 worked my way thli'C)Ugh college talking lobs in ireStaUrants doing everything from cooking to designing merILIS. i never was a waiter, that is hard work." After graduating, he irekflned to I ebanon and landed a lob as manager of a IKentuclky Fried Chicken OLItiet in 1Be4llt. Then civil war broke OLIL Alam was stranded for two weeks in the basement of the ireStaUrarrt as fierce battles raged overhead. He was back in SOLIthern California by 1976 where he developed a chain of ireStaUrarrts in the I os Angeles area. He married a StUnning I ebariese, Rule, and began StUdying areal estate in his sipare time. Why has he invested so heavily in sponsoring an annual Arab American Day Festival which has yet to break even financially in seven years? 'I have fOLB'children. i clon't want them to get lost in the American melting Ipot. i want them to be pl�'C)Ucl of their Arab heritage, the festival is a way to bring all Arabs ............. Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians, Moroccans, I ebariese, Algerians, SaUdis .............together to celebrate OUIFfood, MLISiC and culture." He notes with pride that his American born children are Fluent Arabic speaker's and readers. Alam sipared no expenses on the 2002 festival. He IC aid the air transportation for Palestinian IKnesset member Azmi IBushara to fly to Orange COUnty and deliver two speeches clUring the three Say fair. The esteemed Ilsiraelu Arab statesman sipoke in Arabic to COMMUnity leader's giving a fiery speech abOUt Palestinian aspirations and later, in English, he addressed a crowd inClUding Congresswoman I incla Sanchez and Congressman Dana Rorfibacher, the mayor, IC olice chief and City COUncil members of Garden Grove. More than 50,000 people attended the festival, which featured two concerts by the Middle East Symphony Orchestra led by Dr. Nabil Azzam. Alam's ambitions seem to have no b0ff7claries. He already has collected commitments for $1.5 million for his dream pi olect: The Arab HOLIse. 1BLA he needs many more millions before it becomes reality. The Iprolect will be set on 15 to 20 acres of land in SOLIthern California and will feature a shopping mail, Iparlk, Arab Trade Centre, convention hall, hotel, library and Arabic handicraft factories. He foresees the site as a place where Arab heads of state can talke Ulp residence when visiting the US. The mall will be a SOUq spread over 120,000 sqUare feet capable of generating $500,000 income monthly. The 16 storey Arab Trade Centre WOUld hOUse Arab embassies, conSLIlates, banks and corporations. it SOUnds ambitiOUs, but lUdging by his Current SUccesses, the Arab HOLIse may come tO N'Llition. Anaheifn, fained for its Disneyland resort and home for an Entrepreneur and Arab City founder Ahmad Alain By Pat McDonneii Twa4, CqpyiIght of Middie East is the Ipiic,lpeiity of TM E Media 21 I imited and its content may not be cqpied oii, emaiied to nnuitipiesites orposted toafistsem/Withoutthe copyright hoUder'sexpress written permission. HcmxevelF, Users may print, dovvnUoad, orenna0 articUes for individuaU use. Orange County; Muslims and Arabs Seek New Profile; Leaders brainstorm in Anaheim on how the communities can show their contributions. Allison, Stanley. Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Califf . 05 June 2004: 13.3. c-7ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) The gathering was organized by Nahla Kayali, founding director of Access California Services, a resource center that serves Anaheim's Arabs and Muslims. She and others said they were encouraged that [Richard Chavez], Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim) stopped by to offer support. The activists and business leaders noted that the Anaheim commercial district known as Little Arabia, a stretch of Brookhurst Street with about 140 shops and restaurants, is popular among Arabs and Muslims in Southern California. PROBLEM SOLVING: Noha Alshugairi, left, Samar Labaneih, center, and Anita Alvarez participate in the gathering of Arabs and Muslims in Anaheim on Saturday.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times FULL TEXT Saying that they have been ignored or smeared by stereotypical images for years, more than 50 leaders in Anaheim's Arab American and American Muslim communities met Saturday to promote their contributions to the city's diversity. "The city has done a poor job of reaching out to ethnic groups," said City Councilman Richard Chavez, who sponsored the gathering. "There wasn't the political will to learn about their culture and the benefit they bring to the city." Saturday's exchange, he said, could be a step toward changing that. "This is a start," Chavez said. "These meetings will empower the community itself to take a leadership role." The gathering was organized by Nahla Kayali, founding director of Access California Services, a resource center that serves Anaheim's Arabs and Muslims. She and others said they were encouraged that Chavez, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim) stopped by to offer support, "They've created a partnership with us," said Joanne Abu- Qartoumy, executive committee secretary of the Palestinian American Congress. "They've given us a guarantee that is not just another meeting," she said. Pro uest. PCF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM The activists and business leaders noted that the Anaheim commercial district known as Little Arabia, a stretch of Brookhurst Street with about 140 shops and restaurants, is popular among Arabs and Muslims in Southern California. "I come from Laguna Hills to Anaheim to shop," said an attendee of the gathering, Rima Nashashibi, vice chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Orange County. She said she enjoys breakfast at an ethnic bakery, then visits her favorite butcher shop for halal meat, the Islamic equivalent of Jewish kosher, before buying Arabic cheese and labaneh, a concentrated yogurt. In attracting about 200,000 people a year, Little Arabia "gets the community together, it gives a voice to the community;' she said - The leaders -- brainstorming in small groups, scribbling their ideas in colored inks on display boards and then comparing notes — proposed several projects Saturday to elevate Arabs' and Muslims' presence in Anaheim. A community center, they said, would benefit both youth and women, and be a place for recreation and voter registration. They also suggested creating an official designation for Little Arabia and establishing an office of immigration affairs. Chavez said developing a community center would take time, but noting Muslim holidays on city calendars is easily achievable. He encouraged the attendees to participate in civic affairs and they acknowledged their responsibility to assimilate. Both Arabs and Muslims must "get involved in the American way of life," said Nadia Saad Bettendorf, an educator and a commissioner with the Orange County Human Relations Commission. "If we don't build coalitions, we are not going to succeed," she said. "If we don't talk about ourselves, we are not going to succeed. "We have to stop ... saying they are against us." Illustration Caption: PHOTO: PROBLEM SOLVING: Noha Alshugairi, left, Samar Labaneih, center, and Anita Alvarez participate in the gathering of Arabs and Muslims in Anaheim on Saturday.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times Credit: Times Staff Writer DETAILS Pro uest. PDF GENFRATFU BY PROQUEST.COM Subject: Muslims Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: B.3 Number of pages: 0 Publication year: 2004 Publication date: Jun 6, 2004 Section: California Metro; Part B; Metro Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: NEWSPAPER ProQuest document ID: 421937356 Document URL: http://ccl. idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-muslims-arabs-seek-new-profile/docview/421937356Ise-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2004 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2019-03-18 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright Q 2022 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Pro uest. PF)F GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Orange County; Muslims and Arabs Seek New Profile; Leaders brainstorm in Anaheim on how the communities can show their contributions. Allison, Stanley. Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Califf . 05 June 2004: 13.3. c-7ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) The gathering was organized by Nahla Kayali, founding director of Access California Services, a resource center that serves Anaheim's Arabs and Muslims. She and others said they were encouraged that [Richard Chavez], Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim) stopped by to offer support. The activists and business leaders noted that the Anaheim commercial district known as Little Arabia, a stretch of Brookhurst Street with about 140 shops and restaurants, is popular among Arabs and Muslims in Southern California. PROBLEM SOLVING: Noha Alshugairi, left, Samar Labaneih, center, and Anita Alvarez participate in the gathering of Arabs and Muslims in Anaheim on Saturday.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times FULL TEXT Saying that they have been ignored or smeared by stereotypical images for years, more than 50 leaders in Anaheim's Arab American and American Muslim communities met Saturday to promote their contributions to the city's diversity. "The city has done a poor job of reaching out to ethnic groups," said City Councilman Richard Chavez, who sponsored the gathering. "There wasn't the political will to learn about their culture and the benefit they bring to the city." Saturday's exchange, he said, could be a step toward changing that. "This is a start," Chavez said. "These meetings will empower the community itself to take a leadership role." The gathering was organized by Nahla Kayali, founding director of Access California Services, a resource center that serves Anaheim's Arabs and Muslims. She and others said they were encouraged that Chavez, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim) stopped by to offer support, "They've created a partnership with us," said Joanne Abu- Qartoumy, executive committee secretary of the Palestinian American Congress. "They've given us a guarantee that is not just another meeting," she said. Pro uest. PCF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM The activists and business leaders noted that the Anaheim commercial district known as Little Arabia, a stretch of Brookhurst Street with about 140 shops and restaurants, is popular among Arabs and Muslims in Southern California. "I come from Laguna Hills to Anaheim to shop," said an attendee of the gathering, Rima Nashashibi, vice chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Orange County. She said she enjoys breakfast at an ethnic bakery, then visits her favorite butcher shop for halal meat, the Islamic equivalent of Jewish kosher, before buying Arabic cheese and labaneh, a concentrated yogurt. In attracting about 200,000 people a year, Little Arabia "gets the community together, it gives a voice to the community;' she said - The leaders -- brainstorming in small groups, scribbling their ideas in colored inks on display boards and then comparing notes — proposed several projects Saturday to elevate Arabs' and Muslims' presence in Anaheim. A community center, they said, would benefit both youth and women, and be a place for recreation and voter registration. They also suggested creating an official designation for Little Arabia and establishing an office of immigration affairs. Chavez said developing a community center would take time, but noting Muslim holidays on city calendars is easily achievable. He encouraged the attendees to participate in civic affairs and they acknowledged their responsibility to assimilate. Both Arabs and Muslims must "get involved in the American way of life," said Nadia Saad Bettendorf, an educator and a commissioner with the Orange County Human Relations Commission. "If we don't build coalitions, we are not going to succeed," she said. "If we don't talk about ourselves, we are not going to succeed. "We have to stop ... saying they are against us." Illustration Caption: PHOTO: PROBLEM SOLVING: Noha Alshugairi, left, Samar Labaneih, center, and Anita Alvarez participate in the gathering of Arabs and Muslims in Anaheim on Saturday.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times Credit: Times Staff Writer DETAILS Pro uest. PDF GENFRATFU BY PROQUEST.COM Subject: Muslims Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: B.3 Number of pages: 0 Publication year: 2004 Publication date: Jun 6, 2004 Section: California Metro; Part B; Metro Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: NEWSPAPER ProQuest document ID: 421937356 Document URL: http://ccl. idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-muslims-arabs-seek-new-profile/docview/421937356Ise-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2004 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2019-03-18 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright Q 2022 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Pro uest. PF)F GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Arab Americans continue their efforts for Little Arabia designation in Anaheim Kwon, Jo. The Arab American News ; Dearborn, Mich. [Dearborn, Mich]. 20 Feb 2021: 5. C"ProQuest document link FULL TEXT ANAHEIM, CA - There is a roughly four -to -five -mile stretch in Anaheim where you can get Egyptian food, Syrian ice cream, Lebanese cuisine and many flavors from Arab -speaking countries - it is an area that business owners and organizers are hoping to get a special designation. One of the businesses on Brookhurst owned by an immigrant from an Arab -speaking country is Le Mirage Pastry. It is a place where you can smell the delicious treats, even before you enter the doors. Among the many sweet treats is baklava. Making each treat is a labor of love for Maher Nakhal, who has been baking since he was a teem. He started learning to bake when he was living in Syria at the urging of his sister, who was already living in America at the time. I want to go the United States,' She told me. 'Learn the cake, Arabic pastry,"" he said. Nakhal said he immediately went to learn at a famous bakery in his hometown in Damascus. He mastered sweet treats and immigrated to the United States in 1990. He has been baking for 45 years now, spending the last 17 years in Anaheim. One of the most popular items at his house of sweets is bouza ice cream. Bouza is a handmade Syrian ice cream that has a unique stretchy and stringy quality. "I feel great, of course," Nakhal said of sharing his hometown sweets in Southern California. "They taste our pastry. My culture." According to the Arab American Civic Council, based in Anaheim, Le Mirage Pastry is one of about 100 Arab -owned businesses on Brookhurst between Katel-la and Interstate 5. Founder Rashad AI-Dabbagh said the organization has been leading a campaign to ask the city to designate the area in West Anaheim as "Little Arabia." "Arab Americans transformed this area from a place where not a lot of people wanted to be into a cultural and tourist destination," AI-Dabbagh said. AI-Dabbagh said the area used to be seedy and rundown in the 1980s. For more than a decade, the organization has been working to get an official Little Arabia designation from the city. "Let a wider audience know that there's an idea right here that is diverse and that is unique to California," he said. An effort to put the issue on the Anaheim City Council agenda failed in January. Mayor Harry Sidhu sent over this statement about the designation: "We love Little Arabia," he said. "It is part of the diversity that makes up Anaheim. "The Arab American and other Middle Eastern immigrants who made their way to Anaheim starting in the 1980s have played a welcome role in revitalizing that part of our city. Many already are familiar with the area, and we celebrate the restaurants and shops of Little Arabia in our promotion of businesses in Anaheim. "As a large, diverse city, we have to take a broader, more inclusive view when it comes to formal designations. 'We also need to ensure that all feel welcome. "The area home to Little Arabia includes a range of people and backgrounds, with Hispanics making up half of the Proest -'DF GENERATED BY PRQQi1EST.COM .. area's population. "There's also a mix of businesses along Brookhurst Street, and some may not see themselves as part of Little Arabia. "Our goal is to see diversity within a unified city. We look forward to the continued, natural growth of Little Arabia and nothing can take away from the important role it plays in our city." AI-Dabbagh said they are not giving up. He said a survey of registered voters in Anaheim last year found that more than 58 percent support or strongly support the designation. 'We helped create a better Anaheim," he said. A designation Nakhal said would be a great boost to business, but also an opportunity for education. "We should know another nationality, what Arabic people do," Nakhal said. According to the Arab American Civic Council, during the California Legislature 2019 - 2020 regular session, State Senator Ling Ling Chang introduced the non -binding Senate Concurrent Resolution 71 (SCR-71) to support the designation of Little Arabia upon approval from the Anaheim City Council. The resolution proposed by Sen. Chang was never brought to the Senate floor for a vote. - This report by Jo Kwon appeared first at Spectrum News 1 Sidebar Arab Americans transformed this area from a place where not a lot of people wanted to be into a cultural and tourist destination. - Rashad AI-Dabbagh * Business owners and organizers are hoping to designate a section of Anaheim as "Little Arabia." * Designation would be in West Anaheim. * The Arab American Civic Council said about 100 businesses are owned by Arab Americans or Arab immigrants, * For more than a decade, the organization has been working to get an official Little Arabia designation from the city. IN i Subject. Councils; Arab Americans Location: California United States --US Anaheim California Company/ organization: Name, Senate; NAICS: 921120 Publication title: The Arab American News; Dearborn, Mich. Volume: 37 Issue: 1828 Pages: 5 Publication year: 2021 Publication date: Feb 20-Feb 26, 2021 Section. COMMUNITY Prouest. PDF GENERATE❑ 6Y PROQUEST.GGM Page 2 of 3 Publisher: Arab American News Place of publication: Dearborn, Mich. Country of publication: United States, Dearborn, Mich. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States, Ethnic Interests, Arab/Middle Eastern Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: Feature ProQuest document ID: 2492328977 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocle.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/arab- americans-continue-their-efforts-little/docview/2492328977/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: Copyright Arab Am erican News Feb 20-Feb 26, 2021 Last updated: 2021-02-23 Database: Ethnic NewsWatch LINKS Get this item Database copyright (D 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro uest PI)F GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 r ram-, •1 r L Jr. r•.� ems} •.L• r i R'C x Lei 73 - :.J im " LW e r q 16m-ft—h --; .4Ma -4F-4 ems' `ro� � �— cd tea r i. J- ' Tv _ in76- s • t' in 1 , ro t _ +� 4fr Ld a� � 10 L • o— • — `' < L :7' Arab -Americans Fear Misplaced Anger, Worry About Relatives DRUMMOND, TAMMERLIKDAVID WILLMAN 11MES STAFF WRITERS Lo-t Angell-s Troves 0923-1995),- Jan Ili, 1991: FroOuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times pg. OCR4 HOME FRONT Gdslacounaaling-- _ a West Orange County Crisis Hotline: (7141894.4242 (24 hours a day). ■ $1. hads's Hospltel Hollins: (8W) 6$6 -J1192 (24 hours). a Families of Er Toro MarinebaseUWPSIn*0PetslaoGLA (714) 726.2771, 726.3810, 726.3174 or T26.3176 (24 hours). In VC lrulnastudents. faat[yand stefr:(714)B58.6457. Twep family and frlandssupport gratips ■ Operatkin pasert Storm Support Group holds weekly suplommeedngs. Thu next one Is 9 a.m. Sunday at the First Naterene Church, 1 SW E. 17th St, Santa Ana, For Information, call V14) S&O'-6211. • Proud Familles of the Mllltwy Crescent Baptist Crwrch In Anaheim.(714)535-1313. ■ OesedShleld Support Grpup alto Habra. (�1 443•t)2a7. ■ 6oyMends and GritMends Support Group, First Calvary Chapel Church, San Pedro. (213)498-BE24. • Huntington Reach Support.Group,1714) 962-2010. War and casualty Infofmatfon r Army, (600l626.1"0, ■ Alrforce:(8OOi253-0276L ■ Navy, Immediate famlq; (800) 255�3868- • Navy, otherfelailves and Mends; (800) 732• Me, ■ Marine Corps:(8o01523.3694. ■ Coast Guard: (600) 367.8724. Saarches at El Toro Marine base ■ Vehklesentedngthe hasoare being scorched fWbombs and expoostves, Kt least acre entrance has been closed• Since ml 14sltors are subjected to IdenUrlratlon ch"Its. expect trafllc ba Cps. Arab - Anger, John Wayne Airport ■ Cars not allowed to park close to terminal bulydfngdue to polendoltenorlst threats. MotedstS can still drop off passengemin front, but may not leave cars unattended. Ontyticketed passengers allaned past secudty gales. Ardre at least two hours before departuro for domesl Ic flights and three hours before [nil Matlonal flights, Bladd doaatlana a call the Orange County chapleraf the American Red Cross foram apaolrltmant, (714) 035.5381. Walk -In donors also accepted. Phoning to the peralan Gulf: • 1.09 d stance phone companleS Say not to try to contact troops because of heavy teleptOno !rent, If you need to reach a family member In an emergency, call the orange County Chapter of the AmedcanRed Crass, i714) 835.539L Upcomfngavente: ar Antiwar demonstration from 7r30 am. to 6 p.m. daffy at the Federal Building, 34 Civic Center Rare. Santa Ana. n MtlWiff wndlelfa}Il vigil today &ram 8 P.M. to midnlat at Ure South Coast ara entrance, Bristol Street at Anton Avenue, ■ Ylgll "for peace am In support of U.S. troops" dolly at 6 p-m., Main Beach, Coast How-ayand Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Etcoch. ■ nemonstratianatthe WerseciImofHarporBavlevwdand HaterloAvonuoInAnaheim anSaturday from 1 p.m.to3 p.m. • "Support Our Troops" rallySalurday from 10 a.m, to noon at the Intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and Puena Real, Mlsslm Maio. —compiled byJOHN PENNER Loa Mftl"7v ALniericans Fear Misplaced Worry About Relatives r ByTAMMEtLINDRUMMOND and DAVID W ILLMAN TIMES STAFF W117EkS r t Nadia Betundorf was pushing a shopping cart through a La Mirada grocery store 'Thursday when she v noticed a man tailing two women F speaking Arabic. L He had a woman with ham and i he said to her. I would like 10 kick their ass,'" BeLtindorf recalled an- goV. "He was going on and on and - being very abusive, walking r around them in circles." Bettindorl, herself a Palestinian - American, kept dent, not wanting to make the situation worse. When the Arab -speaking women ap- peared not to notice the taunts, the man and his companion went on { their way. The incident reflects what some people in the Arab•Amerfcan com- munily believe is mounting anti. Arab sentiment across Orange County and the nation as the r Persian Gulr crisis escalates hour by hour. k ThrM into the spotlight because of their ethnicity, Arab -Americans are fearful that they are becoming C targets of misdirected aggression Pram their fellow Americans. And for many, such personal fears have recently been eclipsed by more S pressing concerns for relatives in the Middle East, innocent victims C trapped between warring armies. It is a painful paradox for Iraqi - Americans. who can only look on. o helplessly as their native land is destroyed by their adopted coun- t try. Some, such as an Anaheim doctor originally from Baghdad A who asked flat to be identified, shave nephews who are among The °- iJ-S. armed forces currently de- p)oyed in Saudi Arabia. +- ' It's terrible," the doctor said, ..his voice breaking. "I close my eyes because I have so many 3 tr'ipndc and Tnlativen there and Inlg of memories, And I am angry because what kind of man would ellow his nation to be bombarded by all the superpowers of the world?" All alems the county, many Arab -Americans took the day off from work, going into virtual hi- bernation. "A lot of people are glued to the television and they are very afraid," a Libyan shopkeeper said. ' They are nervous because they think people might hurt them be- cause they are Arabs. Even though there are 21 or so different Arab countries., to many people here, we all still look alike." At Orange Crescent School in GaT ,m Grove, imam Halix Ismail's call to midday prayer echoed off the stucco wails of the institution's mosque. Although these bows to Mecca occurred half a world away from war, Thursday's 1 p.m. prayer was framed in an atmosphere of fear, of sadness, that distance could rotdiminisK "The snood is depressed," said Sami Khan, Orange Crescent's ad- ninistrater, "These children are crying that there is a war. The teachers are in tears. They are depressed, and they are praying to God there should be no more war. No more bloodshed." Inside, about 200 people —young ebildren, teachers, middle-aged men taking their lunch break from work —all knelt in Prayer. "Allah o akMr,' imam Ismail chanted, Arabic for "God is great." Khan, the school administrator, said he ordered security to be increased as of Tuesday, when the G.N. deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwalt wasjusi. hours away. Although no threats had boon received at the school, classes were. canceled today "due to events in the Middle East," Khan said. The closure will affect 310 str rdanLt and 25 teachers, according to Khan. "Don't get into something and then come to us with &'holy war; " said one worshiper, who did not want to be Identified. ", , . This is not a holy war.... we jusL come here to practice Islam, and to teach our kids Islam. We are here to . , , teach onr values, and to share values with the American culture," "Ail or us at the Islamic Society of Orange County are saddened at the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf." said Namer Ahmed. president. of the Islamic Society of Orange County. ""OuT prayers go out to all the young men, women and Children in the area and to children all aver the world. We earnestly hope and pray for a speedy end to this conflict followed by a resolution of all outstanding disputes through peaceful negotia- Lion." Elsewhere in Orange County, the mead was equally grim among Arab -Americans. "You don't know what is going to happen. i here are fanatics on both sides;' said a Lebanese business- man, wha also refused to be idenLt- fied, At UC Irvine, where more than 75 stone -faced students huddled around the student center televi- sion, those of Arab descent ex- pressed horror that Hussein had apparently launched several mis• silesinto fsraeL "What Saddam Hussein did dis- gusts rne," sald Hhaldoun Baghda- di, 17. of Mission Viejo, who left the Middle last with his Palestinian family during the war between Israel and Egypt in 1973. "But what George Bush is doing ales disgusts ne." Times staff writare kriatina Lindgren and Lpm Smith also contributed to ihrsroport. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. C7 Ltd 1 cy r+"F C?, r `ig z s Cam' R, C ^ SC e4 I* Ei c} _ py 0 ' '. ' 0 C. �• ;vim Cd xy m�uw�, -Y. ,� sue-. UO 9.7i _ �, �_to s "4 C.11 <G r� tl , sn Gp 0} 4A it 0}Cc«3 , CIS JS a to Cm ri iD x eas a; ar . A, .c; �= M _ L- IU ito aa, - " cd fia t. IM to r44-0 yr 64 to cp - _ o' 4a da ... . OM Ej i74 0 ,.�.. 4--. icy, to Oi .�f'?- �' c X C 404 r_ ;, •--e ..i CL kn V a �' 2 ro a� co 5ca to '� yy ,vim . '� w r Cs a s W yr � "" F. ' o = , . _. — and ra rA cam. ate. ca =f ro rd 40 u rd v A cr o as V di di ca 02, dp E 1 ..ra ufi t . to Iv R � � � � � ��, � as o u � � -,a u ��o. a, �, art P4 0 a '� cis W `° � ',' a •� `° :} — o mr- m o $� CUW VS .�. .••� r El on � , 4 �] �y 2 _ ' " � , rsCa Ca o F°�. ` ,• • rip as V IG C �.0 �. c...aj Vj mom.rd A%AB: Americans Seek Improved Image, Continued from IIth Page ADC member to respond. In addition, he said, nadol Toyota had condemned the ad. As for the Sheeks, tl product was being taken off the market. Later, at Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. headquarte in Torrance, Art Garner, a spokesman, confirmed ti the company, upon receiving ADC's complaint, h voiced its concern to Southeast Toyota, an independe distributor, declaring the billboards to be in poor tas saying they were nothing Toyota USA wanted to be a sociated with. The word was passed on to the local dealer. Garn said. and the ads were scrapped. "You don't see it the way somebody else sees it." Ga ner said by way of guessing how the billboards hal pened in the first place" In Lowell, Mass., however, Jahn Preston, wl thought up the name Sheeks for the product his Prestt Distributing Co. obtains from a manufacturer, sa Sheeks were coming off the market due to the manufaq turer's labor problems and a plant shutdown. Prestc would like to get more Sheeks. "There's nothing particularly unusual about thi name," he scoffed. "All the talk about it has come froi one very small group that instigated achain letter." Freston has no plans to change the name of his pre duct, he said, indicating by his tone of Vojta he finds absurd anyone would find it offen;ive. 'The Greatest Respect' "As for Arabs," he said, pronouncing the world "Ay rabs," 1 have the greatest respect for them." The work of the committee has only just begur Aboureak and Zogby told the group repeatedly, Zogb; reminding fretsple they had themselves to blame to sum extent for not having organized before. With less than 3 rnilhon Arab -Americans in the coun try, Abourezk said, it was imperative they reach out ti other minority groups for mutual support and to fern coalitions "We want you to work with blacks, Italian. Jews. Because of America's involvement with Israel, s, many in this country are turning into fascists, We hav, to help Jews too." Abourezk and Zogby stressed repeatedly that th purpose of the ADC is to deal with racism and not polit ics. and that they seek to enlist the support of Jews, of ten their political adversaries, in the fight against ra cism. However, it was apparent from their remarks, anq the reception they met, that such a separation is no easy tomaintain. The issues constantly gat intertwined—sa that, fo: example, a condemnation of racism against ,Yews may iM obscured in criticism of Israeli politics, In his strongest statement, Abourezk told the An, aheim audjence he was tired of hearing Palestinian: tailed terrorists while Israelis were called freedon fighters. Usually soft-spoken, he shouted, "Living it ones own land without dignity is the worst kind of ter• ro ris m." Later, when asked about forming coalitjons with oth- er minority groups, A;wurezk told The TJmes ADC hac been in contact with a number of Jewish organizations especially "nowt -Zionist" rues, around the country, mentioning by name the Committee for a New Jewish Agenda Although he has been strongly critical of the B'Nai TRith Anti -Defamation League, accusing it of racist .riticism of Arabs in the past, he said he personally, .and )rivately, had been in touch with one member in Wash- ngton who had given him "some good organizational ►dvice."' Urging the potential members at both gatherings W sign up, Zogby warned people that "it can happen here," and described being "Arab -baited,"- being distressed to learnt that one of his children would not wear Arab dress to school on "ethnic day" because so many kids had come to school on Halloween in Arab dress -toting oil cans or wearing bandaleres, mocking the whole thing. "Why the hell didn't the teacher send those kids hone'„ he asked. He outlined the program ADC was contemplating: monitoring the media and taking action against slurs; conducting a textbook survey regarding presentation of Arabs and Arab -Americans,. seeking to end government harrassment of Arab-Arnerieans and Arab nationals that AIX says erdsts; providing legal counsel and engaging in litigation,. The ADC also will build a library of information, in- cluding reaource material on the past and present posi- tive contributions of Arabs, to be available to the pub- lic,Tltey will conduct seminars for the press and minori- ty groups, engage in dialogue. "If we don't stop it," Abourezk warned them of ra- cism, "it will lead tc some kind of violence against us." Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission_ 'ARAB-HATERS' BOMB NEGROES: VICTIM'S THEORY BLAMES SICKNESS Bingham, Joe Los Angeles Sentinel (1934-2005); Jun 27, 1968; ProQuest Historical Newspapers; Los Angeles Sentinel pg. Al `ARAB--HATERS' BOMB N'ECROES Victim's Theory Blames Sickness BY JOE BINGHAM Senseless tevenae for the assassination or Sen. Robert F. Kcanedy last June 5 was binmed this week for the bombing of n NeAm-owned store that advertlsed and sold Arab and African produett. The victim of the bombing told The Sentinel he feared the pattern or violence in Amenfa -tors, at 1lI�B W. W-9shington was responsible for his store Blvd., at Ardmore, was' Hot- to bave been blawo out a1 es- tened shortly before dawn Jstence. Monday. The store. Natural Distribw life Injuries No one wea Injured 1n the explosion and the Sire that fol. lowed. However, more them. jlS,altO damage was done to three buildings InvoIvcd In tha exple. lion and tire. The store owner, Marshall Frazier, lost his Ilfe'e aavings, hiss original investment of q, W. He was covered by Insur- ance and plans to begin again, Frazier rald at first he could think of nc mauve for the bornbl-9 and had received no threats of any kind. He did say, however, that Natural Plsdbutors Imported a number of Areblan prediects and Advertises the tact aver a local FM radio station. "I really can't say whether -tbat had anything to dowith it," Frazier said, "but in talk. leg It over with my family and my friends, we jeep Carole. back to the Arabian thing," "That guy Sirban Urban is an Arab," he pointed out. Sad, Desoondeat He referred la the..x1,..b old Jordanian-fm6)g•.ant ao cused of rhe.asslYssJaatltin of Sena. Robert F. Kehnedy, at the Ambassader Hofel last June 5. (All kinds of threats of via - lance have been made throughout the country since Senator Kennedy's death- -- some against Sirbsn and all Arabs, others against persads involved in the Investigation and prosecutjon of the alleged assarWn.) Frazier was sad and despair. dent when he talked with San- tinal. reporters. 1.1 don't care whether peo• ple are black or white, Negro, Jewish, Arabian or whatever," he said. "I dar't think anyone has the right to take the law er Into his own hds and de. st.oy." "I struggled to get this bust- bess started. Nov.' I have to slant all aver again.' He sold he prays that "this senseless destruction Trust stop" Police and fire department investigators reported that/ Weast Tom to Page A-8)- Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. I C Ni tImie-I #runt rmvo% Y i 0111 ;iFkVo` IIrfl"uvrIrrl I)o r Ilre la ilir, Mentil y of OF% per.4cnr t hn Or'"Ier, lhp hnrrh, tnnr n r1inI i+rp_ Thl7 MOW 1,WIs 11FI11c od. AH I hat rOMALt1s arc r h A r r e d ruin. and ltiviMtd plumb ng fjx l urc�- : , A piptsr sticking up indOWS in A f 5we r s Ilop next door to the bombed. store wer p blown ov1. No on "12 in eilher .vorc At the time 0 the bl isi. ITowever, flames this fol- lowed the explosion spread -quickly tc a ok-O-SIOTY house in back of the stores. The entl r f ront of the douse was aflani e when f irr men arrived. Fam lies Sleep Twofa+tiilie-F including four children, were asleep on the second floor of the houcre when the expJc 1-rori blamed them out of -bed, Flaines ears licking at their wirrd ws when ' they ,scaper dnwn ;% rear slairxway. M r. Ruhr lirodge% and 1yl�'!- inn, RICKaM, who were Alleep wilt their children and ?,raritl- children :n i ire rem- houstdt s4ild thry ware Thrown oul r,lr hed by Ole for ve of the a"Plo• %ion, Hodges mvns thr` flower shrip ,nexl dour to Ow iIll pwl shop. He n ns another flows !r shop on E. F12nd St. Police and 11re deportmem arson i Tive s# iga tors said They s r:w no o oonneo ti o n b etwc en rlie Washington Blvd. honibing and Anmhi r hnmbing t )� ar t &m- aR-rd a San rt%r rmidn Vntic_v Ornfl hnartl o1ficir s.r alrnw-r rnniminit Rep4oduced onthi perrmi siork of the cop tight owner- Further roprodudr n prohlbiled w lbout permpssion. Community -Little Arabia's time? - -Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - January 21, 2021 -page 3 January 21, 2021 i Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) I By Alicia Robinson arcbinson@scng.com l Article i Page 3 Southern California has a well-known Koreatown and Little Saigon, and some business and civic leaders in Orange County are hoping to add an officially sanctioned Little Arabia to the region's ethnically diverse mix of places to visit, shop and dine. A roughly 2.5-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street and the surrounding area on the southwestern edge of Anaheim are home to about three dozen businesses owned by Arab Americans, including restaurants, stores selling groceries and clothing, barbers and law offices, mosques and a community center. Some business owners and their supporters in the community are renewing efforts to get Anaheim to formally designate the area, between the 5 Freeway and Katella Avenue, as a business and cultural district. Their online petition has more than 1,000 signatures, and they're lobbying to get the designation on the City Council's agenda for a vote. They've sought formal recognition more than once over the past decade or so, but some Little Arabia backers say the coronavirus pandemic makes this a critical moment. "Many people know that there are businesses that have closed down due to the mandate, so we're trying to ensure the immigrant businesses in Anaheim are able to sustain themselves;" said Rida Hamida, who sits on the city's Cultural and Heritage Commission."Small businesses are the backbone of Anaheim" Finding niche Hamida said she grew up attending services at the Islamic Society of Orange County, just south on Brookhurst in Garden Grove. In the 1980s and'90s, businesses catering to the Arab immigrant community began opening in the area, so people had a place to eat and shop after attending mosque. 'There wasn't much happening before all these Arab businesses came to it, and it became a thriving community and a cultural destination," said Rashad AI-Dabbagh, who founded the Arab American Civic Council in 2015. That stretch of Brookhurst initially provided a taste of home for immigrants, and more recently it has attracted people looking to broaden their gustatory horizons. Kareem Hawari's parents started their Mediterranean restaurant, Kareem's, in 1996 offering traditional falafel, fava bean, Iamb and beef dishes. When Hawari, now 24, took over, he tweaked the menu to draw vegans and people looking for something different. Other restaurants — Lebanese, Turkish and Yemeni — along Brookhurst have their own specialties, and they recommend one another to diners, Hawari said. 'We've all been able to find our niche and kind of vocalize to Americans, here's our culture and we're more welcoming than you thought," he said. 'There's a lot of it here that you won't find in any other city." Lip the street from Kareem's is a plaza with the name "Little Arabia" atop the sign announcing the shops located there. Amer Mahmoud, who owns Alhara Meat in the plaza, said he hadn't heard of the effort to formally designate the area, but he thinks it could help spread the word to new customers. People already come from Irvine, Pasadena, Los Angeles and beyond. A butcher in his native Jordan, Mahmoud used to visit Alhara to get halal meat before he bought the shop a few months ago. Alhara has been there about 25 years, he said, and proprietors up and down the street give one another business. 'They (customers) ask me, 'I want to eat falafel,' I send them to someone," Mahmoud said. "Brookhurst is the best area for shopping for Arabic people." he added. Supporters see possibilities In having Little Arabia formally recognized: more awareness, wayfinding signs and maybe a brochure listing businesses. Hawari envisions the area having its own restaurant week. Designating the area as a cultural and business district could bring more visitors, and "it sends the message that Anaheim is a welcoming city," AI-Dabbagh said. Building support In earlier discussions over the years, some city leaders said recognizing an area or neighborhood might make people feel excluded, or that they'd have to say yes to any such future requests. Newly elected Councilman Jose Diaz, himself an immigrant from Cuba, said he doesn't think that strip of Brookhurst is ready for formal recognition. A drive along it reveals a wide, largely commercial boulevard that's dotted not only with store signs in graceful Arabic script but with two chain grocery stores, fast-food drive-thrus, a "boot camp" gym, a smog check station and other somewhat mundane businesses. Diaz worried some of them might get pushed out if they don't fit the idea of a cultural district. "When you go to Little Saigon, you know you're in Little Saigon" by the people, the food, the atmosphere, Diaz said- "This location doesn't feel like that yet." But supporters of such a designation aren't quitting. Hamida ---- whose group Latino & Muslim Unity organized food and cultural tours of Little Arabia in 2016 and 2017 — said she's working with state Sen. Josh Newman on a resolution to install highway signs along the 5 or the 91 freeways to mark the area. Little Arabia is made up of businesses that have contributed to the economy and social fabric of Anaheim, she said, but it also has a Middle Eastern market, community health clinic and service organizations. "It's like this whole comprehensive community space that could really uplift the Arab American community," Hamida said. Getting formal recognition would help promote the area, she said, and also could serve as "a victory for cultural resilience." Copyright {cI 2021 The orange County Register Community -Little Arabia's time? - -Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - January 21, 2021 -page 3 January 21, 2021 i Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) I By Alicia Robinson arcbinson@scng.com l Article i Page 3 Southern California has a well-known Koreatown and Little Saigon, and some business and civic leaders in Orange County are hoping to add an officially sanctioned Little Arabia to the region's ethnically diverse mix of places to visit, shop and dine. A roughly 2.5-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street and the surrounding area on the southwestern edge of Anaheim are home to about three dozen businesses owned by Arab Americans, including restaurants, stores selling groceries and clothing, barbers and law offices, mosques and a community center. Some business owners and their supporters in the community are renewing efforts to get Anaheim to formally designate the area, between the 5 Freeway and Katella Avenue, as a business and cultural district. Their online petition has more than 1,000 signatures, and they're lobbying to get the designation on the City Council's agenda for a vote. They've sought formal recognition more than once over the past decade or so, but some Little Arabia backers say the coronavirus pandemic makes this a critical moment. "Many people know that there are businesses that have closed down due to the mandate, so we're trying to ensure the immigrant businesses in Anaheim are able to sustain themselves;" said Rida Hamida, who sits on the city's Cultural and Heritage Commission."Small businesses are the backbone of Anaheim" Finding niche Hamida said she grew up attending services at the Islamic Society of Orange County, just south on Brookhurst in Garden Grove. In the 1980s and'90s, businesses catering to the Arab immigrant community began opening in the area, so people had a place to eat and shop after attending mosque. 'There wasn't much happening before all these Arab businesses came to it, and it became a thriving community and a cultural destination," said Rashad AI-Dabbagh, who founded the Arab American Civic Council in 2015. That stretch of Brookhurst initially provided a taste of home for immigrants, and more recently it has attracted people looking to broaden their gustatory horizons. Kareem Hawari's parents started their Mediterranean restaurant, Kareem's, in 1996 offering traditional falafel, fava bean, Iamb and beef dishes. When Hawari, now 24, took over, he tweaked the menu to draw vegans and people looking for something different. Other restaurants — Lebanese, Turkish and Yemeni — along Brookhurst have their own specialties, and they recommend one another to diners, Hawari said. 'We've all been able to find our niche and kind of vocalize to Americans, here's our culture and we're more welcoming than you thought," he said. 'There's a lot of it here that you won't find in any other city." Lip the street from Kareem's is a plaza with the name "Little Arabia" atop the sign announcing the shops located there. Amer Mahmoud, who owns Alhara Meat in the plaza, said he hadn't heard of the effort to formally designate the area, but he thinks it could help spread the word to new customers. People already come from Irvine, Pasadena, Los Angeles and beyond. A butcher in his native Jordan, Mahmoud used to visit Alhara to get halal meat before he bought the shop a few months ago. Alhara has been there about 25 years, he said, and proprietors up and down the street give one another business. 'They (customers) ask me, 'I want to eat falafel,' I send them to someone," Mahmoud said. "Brookhurst is the best area for shopping for Arabic people." he added. Supporters see possibilities In having Little Arabia formally recognized: more awareness, wayfinding signs and maybe a brochure listing businesses. Hawari envisions the area having its own restaurant week. Designating the area as a cultural and business district could bring more visitors, and "it sends the message that Anaheim is a welcoming city," AI-Dabbagh said. Building support In earlier discussions over the years, some city leaders said recognizing an area or neighborhood might make people feel excluded, or that they'd have to say yes to any such future requests. Newly elected Councilman Jose Diaz, himself an immigrant from Cuba, said he doesn't think that strip of Brookhurst is ready for formal recognition. A drive along it reveals a wide, largely commercial boulevard that's dotted not only with store signs in graceful Arabic script but with two chain grocery stores, fast-food drive-thrus, a "boot camp" gym, a smog check station and other somewhat mundane businesses. Diaz worried some of them might get pushed out if they don't fit the idea of a cultural district. "When you go to Little Saigon, you know you're in Little Saigon" by the people, the food, the atmosphere, Diaz said- "This location doesn't feel like that yet." But supporters of such a designation aren't quitting. Hamida ---- whose group Latino & Muslim Unity organized food and cultural tours of Little Arabia in 2016 and 2017 — said she's working with state Sen. Josh Newman on a resolution to install highway signs along the 5 or the 91 freeways to mark the area. Little Arabia is made up of businesses that have contributed to the economy and social fabric of Anaheim, she said, but it also has a Middle Eastern market, community health clinic and service organizations. "It's like this whole comprehensive community space that could really uplift the Arab American community," Hamida said. Getting formal recognition would help promote the area, she said, and also could serve as "a victory for cultural resilience." Copyright {cI 2021 The orange County Register Cook's Walk; Tabbouleh Town; Tape a walk through the restaurants, shops and cafes of Anaheim's bustling Little Arabia. Perry, Charles . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Caliq. 24 Apr 2002: H.1. c-7ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) For Armenian food, you go to south Glendale or east Hollywood. For Persian food, it's Westwood or Reseda. For Arab markets and restaurants, the local capital is Anaheim. The three -block stretch of Brookhurst Street from Ball Road to Orange Avenue is home to three Arab markets, two restaurants, two cafes, a butcher shop and a bakery. This is the densest collection of Middle Eastern food businesses in Anaheim, but there are others. If you go a mile south, you'll find a bright new market named Ta'ami at Brookhurst Street and Katella Avenue. If you head half a mile west on Ball Road instead, you'll come across Alexandria Restaurant &Fish Market, Al Sham Pastry, Sarkis Pastry, Anaheim King Market and a Zankou Chicken all in the same mini -mall at Gilbert Street. Little Cairo Restaurant and Janna, a tiny Lebanese eatery with a pool table, are a mile farther west at Dale Street. No surprise, this part of Anaheim is known as Little Arabia. Anaheim, California; CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; Clockwise from upper left, S-shaped cookies at Al- Rayan Restaurant; a shopper at Al Tayebat Grocery; nuts and narghiles at Al Huda Market's checkout counter; Al Tayebat's produce section; a range of Middle Eastern breads; the elegant interior of AI-Rayan.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Photos by GERALDINE WILKINS/Los Angeles Times; Cashier Karima Niazi rings up groceries at Al Tayebat. Among the impulse purchase items: dates, walnuts.; PHOTOGRAPHER: GERALDINE WILKINS/Los Angeles Times FULL TEXT For Armenian food, you go to south Glendale or east Hollywood. For Persian food, it's Westwood or Reseda. For Arab markets and restaurants, the local capital is Anaheim. The three -block stretch of Brookhurst Street from Ball Road to orange Avenue is home to three Arab markets, two restaurants, two cafes, a butcher shop and a bakery. All the Middle Eastern cuisines have a lot in common, so the markets stock much the same ingredients that you'd find in a Persian or Armenian store (as well as some Indian ingredients, particularly condiments), and the restaurant menus are a lot like Armenian menus- -hummus, tabbouleh, shish kebab, baklava. What makes them specifically Arab? They all have at least a few ingredients or dishes you're not likely to see elsewhere, and some feature tombak, the special aromatic tobacco for smoking in a water pipe. This is the densest collection of Middle Eastern food businesses in Anaheim, but there are others. If you go a mile south, you'll find a bright new market named Ta'ami at Brookhurst Street and Katella Avenue. If you head half a mile west on Ball Road instead, you'll come across Alexandria Restaurant &Fish Market, Al Sham Pastry, Sarkis Pastry, Anaheim King Market and a Zankou Chicken all in the same mini -mall at Gilbert Street. Little Cairo ProOues_ t. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM Restaurant and Janna, a tiny Lebanese eatery with a pool table, are a mile farther west at Dale Street. No surprise, this part of Anaheim is known as Little Arabia. Some of the businesses have hung American flags in their windows, but you do sense a little unease in the neighborhood. Not so much in the markets, which draw canny shoppers from a variety of ethnic groups and look quite busy. The restaurants, by contrast, seem to be patronized mostly by people speaking Arabic, and business sometimes looks quiet in some of them. The owners of these businesses are mostly from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, which share a common repertoire of dishes. You can count on seeing olives and olive oils, rice by the sack, bulgur wheat in all its grades, rosewater and orange blossom water, yogurt, fresh flatbreads and filo pastries in the markets. You'll also find syrups and honeys, inexpensive produce, canned Mediterranean vegetables and pickles, a surprising range of European cookies and handsome displays of halal meat (slaughtered according to Islamic law). All the markets carry Arab ingredients such as zaatar (a seasoning of wild thyme mixed with tart ground sumac berry), jamid (spiced buttermilk solids, often added to sauces) and Arab -style cheeses. The stock is mostly the same in all the markets, but each place also carries some unique items. Also on the street are two cafes of the sort you'd find in Damascus or Amman: male hangouts for drinking Turkish coffee (typically flavored Arab -style with cardamom) and perhaps having a pastry, but mostly for chatting, watching Arabic TV, playing backgammon and smoking the narghile, or water pipe, which has returned to fashion in the Arab world during the last 15 years. If a non -Arab walks into one, the patrons' reaction is likely to be guarded but mostly just very surprised, 1. The pioneer business in the neighborhood was Al Tayebat Grocery, located on the west side of Brookhurst just south of Ball Road. Owner Sami Khouraki, a onetime Kmart manager, opened the store 20 years ago. A few years later he took over the space next door and doubled the size of Al Tayebat (the name means "good things"). Khouraki is from Aleppo, Syria, and likes to emphasize Aleppo's traditional role as the center of trade between Europe and the Middle East. He maintains a web site where you can place orders. The south half of the shop, the produce department, mostly stocks the same fruits and vegetables as your local supermarket, at least at this season of the year, though it is likely to have ridged cucumbers (rnigta; the Armenian ghoota) and peeled garlic cloves by the 5-pound sack. North of that is a freezer case full of filo and puff pastry, samosa pastry ("samosa pad"), frozen quail and the Middle Eastern vegetables moloukhiya (a green also known as Jew's mallow) and colcas (qulqas, a potato -like root also called taro). Past that there are six aisles of staples such as oils, condiments, canned vegetables, syrups and pastas. Against the far wall are fresh breads, a little selection of Middle Eastern cooking utensils and a cubbyhole stocked with spices and sacks of rice. Along the west wall are a large halal meat department (whole Iambs, $1.99 a pound) and dairy cases featuring domestic Akkawi cheese (like a dense feta, but less salty) and the creamier Nabulsi, not to mention many fetas and string cheeses. Both narghiles and narghile tobaccos are for sale near the door. The impulse items at the cash register are likely to be frozen quail and bulk dates and walnuts. This is the largest market in the neighborhood and has the greatest number of unique items on its shelves, such as makdous (walnut -stuffed eggplants pickled in olive oil). Al Tayebat Grocery, 1217 S, Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 520- 4723. Also online at altayebat .com. Open 9 a.m. Pro uest. PnF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM ,_..... to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday. 2. On the other side of Brookhurst, there's a mini -mall with a restaurant and a cafe, not to mention a bookstore (about evenly divided between Arabic books and Arab pop -music recordings), a travel agency, a hair salon, an Islamic fashion shop and even a dental office. The restaurant, Kareem's, is a plain little place with little decor apart from a poster of the AI-Agsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The menu is the usual tabbouleh-falafel sort of thing, but you can get some less usual varieties, such as hummus garnished with fried meat and pine nuts. Msabbiha is hummus topped with whole garbanzos; qudsiyya is much the same but topped with boiled fava beans instead. The breakfast menu offers shakshouka, a dish of eggs scrambled with vegetables. Kareem`s Restaurant,1208 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 778- 6829. Open 8 a.m_ to 10 p.m. Tuesday -Sunday. 3. Hidden away in the comer of the mall is AI -Karnak, a small cafe/hangout open in the evenings. Food is limited to coffee, snacks and soft drinks. AI -Karnak, 1220 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 991-6800. Open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 4. A block north of Ball Road, at the corner of Brookmore Avenue, there's another cluster of businesses: a music and video store, a jewelry shop, a clothing store, a hair salon and two food businesses. One is a restaurant, AI-Rayan Middle Eastern Cuisine. It's a rather grand place inside, all in geometrical patterns of purple and white with a dais and microphone for parties or musical performances. On weeknights, the menu is the usual hummus and tabbouleh-type appetizers, various kebabs and nightly specials, such as musakhkhan (stewed chicken with sumac) on Wednesdays. On the weekends, it puts out an impressive buffet of a dozen or more cold dishes (which might include cauliflower frittata or braised kidneys as well as more familiar dishes such as stuffed grape leaves and stewed eggplants) and four or five hot ones, such as roast chicken, cabbage rolls or peppery okra stew. Behind the buffet table there are stations where you can get chicken soup, pastries and coffee or tea. AI-Rayan Middle Eastern Cuisine &Pastry, 808 S. Brookhurst St_, Anaheim. (714) 491-2768. Open noon to 10 p.m. daily. 5. Next to AI-Rayan stands a business with a sign in Arabic script reading Al Sanabel Bakery (the name means "the ears of wheat"). You might expect pita bread and baklava here, but you won't find either one. Basically, this is a sort of Lebanese pizza parlor. The wall behind the counter is covered with photos of lahmajoun- like flatbreads topped with tart zaatar (with or without white cheese or yogurt cheese), meatballs, chicken or spinach. Even more lahmajoun- like are lahm bi 'ajin, with a topping of ground meat in a little tomato sauce, and sfiha ba'albakiyya, similar but tangy with pomegranate juice. There are also toasted sandwiches ranging from American -style tuna to sandwiches of yogurt cheese with mint and olive oil, two kinds of Middle Eastern sausage or brains with garlic sauce and tomatoes. Instead of baklava, you might find similar filo pastries with rich cream fillings that have been fried instead of being Pro uest. PnF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.CGM baked. But most of the pastries are cookies or syrup -soaked cakes. Buttery semolina cookies (ma'mul) with date or walnut fillings are usually available, and sometimes you can get little rod -shaped pistachio- filled cookies called karabij, which you dip in rose -scented natif, which is something between a thick sauce and a frosting. Al Sanabel Bakery, 816 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 635- 4353. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 6. Al Basha Cafe, located just across the street, is the other cafe in the neighborhood. Its sign says it serves sandwiches, pastries and fruit juices as well as coffee, but the customers mostly seem to be making use of the water pipes the management provides --a perfumed wave of tobacco smoke rolls right out its door. Al Basha Cafe, 809 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 991-1112. Call for hours. 7. Two blocks farther north, a number of businesses are scattered around the corner of Brookhurst Street and Orange Avenue. Sahara Falafel has been in the mini -mall at the northeast corner for seven years. True to its name, it covers its walls with a mural of the desert complete with Bedouins and pyramids. Arabic news and entertainment play continuously on the television set over the counter, but there are only a few tables, and this is mostly a takeout business, There's more to the menu than falafel, good though it is. In fact, the place is better known for its roast chicken with garlic sauce and its shawarma (gyros) sandwiches, chicken and beef. Sahara Falafel, 590 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 491-0400. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday -Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p,m. Friday- Sunday. 8. Al Huda Grocery opened four months ago in the next mini -mall to the north. It has aisles of frozen convenience foods, spices and oils, pickles and condiments, syrups and cookies and coffee and tea. There are also coffee beans at the counter, along with pastries. The rest of the space is produce. One of the unique products it sells is Zaatar Albitoti, a richer version of the usual thyme and sumac seasoning which adds anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, peanuts, chickpeas and sunflower seeds. Al Huda Grocery, #6, 518 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 776- 4242. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 9. Next door is Al Huda Meat Market, which advertises halal Australian sheep as well as beef and chicken. In the window there's a diagram of the cuts of Iamb in English and Arabic. Al Huda Meat Market, No. 7, 518 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 10. The second -oldest Arab food business in the neighborhood is Sindbad Ranch Mid East Groceries located at the northwest corner for 12 years. The owner, Abdo Khouraki, is the brother of the owner of Al Tayebat. He keeps his market open an hour later than Al Tayebat most nights and closes on Mondays, instead of Sundays. Frozen foods are on the right as you enter, pastries and breads and bulk rice on the left. There are aisles of syrups, confections, pickles and canned vegetables, a halal meat counter and, of course, a produce section. Among the unique products here are canned Iranian tuna and Moroccan sardines_ Sindbad Ranch Mid East Groceries, 521 S, Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 533-3671. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday Pro uest. PnF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. 11. Just south of Orange Avenue, looking a little lost among its neighbors —a Sichuanese restaurant, a laundry and a chiropractor's office —is Petra Restaurant. It's a fancy place like AI-Rayan, complete with a dais and microphone, and larger than it seems from the outside, it looks as if two rooms have been joined where a decorative archway now stands. The walls are decorated with a big photomural of a tropical sunset. Its food is quite good, with particularly juicy chicken and kofta (ground beef) kebabs. At end of a meal, you can get Arab coffee scented with cardamom. Petra Restaurant, 611 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 774- 7999. Open 4 to 10 p.m, Monday -Friday, Ito 10 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m_ Sunday. Illustration Caption: GRAPHIC: Anaheim, California; CREDIT: 'Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: No Caption; PHOTOGRAPHER: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: Clockwise from upper left, S-shaped cookies at Al- Rayan Restaurant; a shopper at Al Tayebat Grocery; nuts and narghiles at Al Huda Market's checkout counter; Al Tayebat's produce section; a range of Middle Eastern breads; the elegant interior of At-Rayan.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Photos by GERALDINE WILKINS/Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: Cashier Karima Niazi rings up groceries at Al Tayebat. Among the impulse purchase items: dates, walnuts.; PHOTOGRAPHER: GERALDINE WILKINS/Los Angeles Times Credit: TIMES STAFF WRITER DETAILS Subject: Geographic profiles; Arab Americans; Restaurants; Cooking; Grocery stores, - Neighborhoods; Ethnic foods Location: Anaheim California Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: H.1 Number of pages: 0 Publication year: 2002 Publication date: Apr 24, 2002 Section. Food; Features Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Pro uest. PDF GENFRATFC BY PROQUEST.COM Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals —United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: Feature ProQuest document ID: 421872535 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocie.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/cooks- walk-tabbouleh-town-take-through/docview/421872535/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2002 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2017-11-14 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright O 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro es PIDF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 6 of 6 RESTAURANT REVIEW; A YEMENI FEAST IN ANAHEIM; IN O.C.'S LITTLE ARABIA, LINGER OVER PLATTERS OF SPICED MEAT STEWS Addison, Bill; RESTAURANT CRITIC. Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 25 July 2021: FO.3. c--9ProQuest document link FULL TEXT AT HOUSE OF Mandi in Anaheim, a young server requires both hands to hoist a platter full of gold. The menu labels it "No. 7," a hulking tray of rice, chicken and Iamb stained in sunset shades of turmeric and saffron. So many meaty, half -buried forms jut out from the grains that the eyes have trouble landing. Where to begin? Probably with a chicken leg, its skin crisp -soft and nearly orange from a cumin -forward spice rub. Next, reach for a forkful of Iamb tugged from a shank and coupled with a stray almond sliver. Spoon sides of minted yogurt and tomato -chile chutney over the rice, making it as saucy as you like and tinkering with interplays of hot and cool. This is a place to slow down_ Few customers appear rushed. Mandi (the name for this feast) originates in Hadhramaut, Yemen, a region of craggy hills and fertile valleys in the country's eastern -central region; it stretches to the coast of the Gulf of Aden, which flows into the Arabian Sea. Similar to barbacoa traditions that extend back to the Mayan culture, the meats and rice for mandi have historically been cooked in covered pits over coals. "Underground," said Sarem Mohamed in emphasis. Mohamed runs the restaurant with his family. Their modern adaptation of mandi might lack the smoldering fragrance of the original method, but the meats emerge uniformly lush and a hint of smokiness threads through the spices. House of Mandi opened in October. It anchors one end of the U-shaped Little Arabia Plaza, in the space that housed Olive Tree for 15 years before it closed last spring, sitting catty -corner from the wonderful Lebanese bakery Forn Al Hara and its za'atar-varnished manaeesh. In the surrounding few blocks, also unofficially dubbed "Little Arabia," one can crunch through the bright green center of Palestinian -style falafel at Kareem's; consider the textural shifts between grilled, baked and fried versions of Syrian kibbeh at Aleppo's Kitchen; and satisfy sweet cravings with a gooey, crunchy slab of pastry from Knafeh Cafe. Yemini cooking, its dishes indelibly scented by the trade routes that ran through the Arabian Peninsula and along the Red Sea, has been rare in Southern California restaurants. (A boomlet may be stirring, though: Monasaba, a small chain of Yemeni restaurants based in Canada, launched in nearby Stanton in April.) Without question, House of Mandi concentrates on its namesake dish: There are 10 versions that vary in size and in combinations of meats, including a peppery variation of lamb called haneeth, served wrapped in foil to preserve its succulence. But the menu goes further, surveying a gratifying swath of stews and breakfast staples. During one lunch a Jordanian friend who knows Yemeni cuisine well steered our order away from the overt, substantial pleasures of mandi, he wanted us to have the head and stomach space to give other specialties their due. He pointed me toward fahsa, Iamb stew rushed to the table roiling volcanically in a stone pot, the way soondubu arrives erupting in Korean restaurants. Floating atop the stew, melting but also astonishingly intact, is hilba, a scallion -flecked condiment made by soaking ground fenugreek in water and then beating it to the fluffy consistency of Cool Whip. Dairy -free cooks in search of an improbably creamy, savory garnish might want to experiment further with this miracle of science. I Pro uest. POF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM noticed instructions for hilba in "Sifratna," an excellent cookbook on Yemeni food by Amjaad Al Hussain. Once the fahsa cools you might eat it half with a spoon and half with the Yemeni flatbread delivered and replaced frequently by the staff. Wider than a basketball hoop and blistered near the center, it's best when it's as fresh from the oven as your fingers can handle. As with the mandi, the kitchen presents variations on themes with stews: vegetable with ground beef, lamb and vegetable; all -vegetable; and shrimp with tomato and garlic. Each appears in its small bubbling cauldron, most graced with hilba. Shafoot, a salad of herbed yogurt and cucumbers layered over delicate crepes that bring to mind extra -thin injera, moves in like a cold front between mouthfuls of stew. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m.; its breakfast options appeal any time of day. (Al Hussain notes in her book that her family frequently enjoys morning dishes for dinner.) Ubiquitous shakshouka comes in scrambled form, the medium -firm curds gripping diced tomatoes and onions. A soothing, pureed version of foul (dried lava beans) with a generous glug of olive oil is ideal for dipping bread. In this mix I also love an order of spiced Iamb liver sauteed with onions and tomatoes. Its iron richness rings strong and true among the other flavors. The menu repeatedly refers to "Yemeni sauce." That's zahawiq, also called salata harra, a spicy condiment that's more widely known these days as zhoug — its adoptive name in Israel and throughout much of the Middle East. Many versions blaze with green chile; House of Mandi uses tomato and, while it has some flicker, it's easy to use liberally. I mentioned most customers come for an unhurried meal. The pace of the restaurant is leisurely in general; if you need to be in and out in a flash, call ahead for carryout. otherwise, settle in. Most of the dining space has Western - style tables and chairs. A core clientele of families and friends gravitate to the Yemeni -style floor seating in one corner, relaxing on cushions patterned in red, black and white. They linger over platters, often finishing with sips of black tea piney from cardamom or strong coffee served with dates. If you're driving back to Los Angeles after banqueting on a blur of rice and bread and meats, I recommend the jolt of caffeine. House of Mandi 518 S. Brookhurst St., Unit 1, Anaheim, (657) 220-5272, houseofmandi-yemenirestaurant. com Prices: Salads $2.99-$9.99, stews $12.99-$19.99, mandi $11.99-$469.99 (for large groups) Details: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday; 1 1:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday -Saturday, No alcohol. Credit cards accepted. Lot parking. Recommended dishes: Mandi No. 7 (for a small group), fahsa, shafoot, foul, sauteed Iamb liver. Caption: PHOTO: HOUSE OF MANDI'S No. 7 is a mix of spiced Iamb, chicken and rice with sauces. The meats have a hint of smokiness. PHOTOGRAPHER:Myung J. Chun Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject-, Business indexing term: Location: Publication title: Pages: ProOuest Restaurants Subject: Restaurants Los Angeles California United States --US Anaheim California Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. FO.3 PDF GENERATE❑ BY PROQUEST.COM Publication year: 2021 Publication date: Jul 25, 2021 Section: Food; Part FD; Food Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif, Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals —United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: General Information ProQuest document ID: 2554635918 Document URL: http://ccl. idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/restaurant -review-yemeni-feast-anaheim-o-c-s/docview/2554635918/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: Copyright Los Angeles Times Jul 25, 2021 Last updated: 2021-07-25 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright Q 2021 PraQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact PraQuest -Pro uest PI)F GENFRATEd BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Little Arabia is seeking official status; The ethnic enclave in Anaheim would be recognized under a resolution introduced in the state Senate. Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 04 Sep 2019: B.2. c-7ProQuest document link FULL TEXT A state Senate resolution introduced in August is calling for official acknowledgment of Anaheim's Little Arabia district -- an ethnic enclave that centers around Brookhurst Street in West Anaheim -- with highway signs on Interstate 5. But in order for the markers to go up, the city of Anaheim or the county of Orange must first officially designate Little Arabia, according to the measure, which was introduced by Republican state Sen. Ling Ling Chang, who represents parts of Anaheim. "If it passes it would mean that the state as a whole would recognize the contributions of Arab Americans to Orange County and to the city of Anaheim," said Rashad AI-Dabbagh, founder and executive director of the Arab American Civic Council, a grassroots community organization based in Anaheim. "It's about time." The measure, SCR 71, also requires non -state donations to fund the landmark. According to the text of the resolution, a sign will "recognize how Arab American business owners have improved the area" and will also "encourage the continued attraction of customers and tourists to this important component of cultural diversity." Alan Abdo, the owner of Olive Tree Restaurant in Anaheim, agreed. "It would help a lot of our businesses here," he said of a highway marker. "All the Arabs know where the Little Arabia district is. It would be great to get different groups of people corning in from all cultures, backgrounds and religions to share our food." This would not be Orange County's first highway sign marking an ethnic enclave. Signs also mark Little Saigon and Garden Grove's Orange County Koreatown, which, until recently, was called the Korean Business District. According to AI-Dabbagh, what was then known as Little Gaza began in the 1980s with a Middle Eastern grocery store, and during the 1990s, the area gradually attracted other restaurants, cafes, bakeries and hookah bars, as well as social service organizations and community groups to assist a growing immigrant population. By 2010, he said, the name of the district shifted to Little Arabia to reflect the diversity of the population, which now includes Palestinians, Lebanese, Egyptians, .Jordanians, Yemenis, Iraqis and Syrians. Around this time, AI-Dabbagh said, Arab American advocates, including the Arab American Civic Council, also started pushing for a higher profile for Little Arabia as a way to boost business, and, given the area's proximity to Disneyland, to give tourists a culinary alternative to the abundance of chain restaurants. In 2014, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau designated it as an official tourist attraction, and then -Mayor Tom Tait called attention to the district in his annual state of the city speech. "Home to halal butcher shops, restaurants, beauty salons, travel agencies, bakeries and more, this neighborhood is really a cultural destination in our city," he said. "Whether you are stopping by Olive Tree for delicious lamb or picking up some baklava at Papa Hassan's, Little Arabia gives visitors a different experience than a typical convention city." But the new resolution isn't just about business, said Abdo of Olive Tree Restaurant. Pro uest. PnF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM "I think it would help break down stereotypes," he said. "People would get to see what the Arab American community is like. It's mainstream. It's not just for us to be proud to have a sign on the freeway, but with all that's going on in the world, people might pull over and drive down and walk into these businesses and see that everyone there is just like them, working hard. You'll see a bunch of families with their kids, no different from any other culture or religion, and they don't have to go to the Middle East to see it." The Arab American Civic Council is encouraging residents to sign a letter in support of the Senate resolution and to join a volunteer group called the Little Arabia Action Committee to push for Little Arabia's official designation at the local level. AI-Dabbagh said that when advocates first started pushing for official recognition by the city of Anaheim, they were met with reluctance. But now, given the organizing Arab Americans have done around the issue, he feels more hopeful. "I feel like it's a matter of time," he said. Caption: PHOTO: AT ALTAYEBAT MARKET in Little Arabia, owner Sammy Khouraki greets Layan Alasseel, 9, as her mother Kholod Alani looks on. PHOTOGRAPHER:Kevin Chang Daily Pilot Credit: Kandil writes for Times Community News. DETAILS Subject: Location: People: Company / organization: Identifier 1 keyword: Publication title: Pages: Publication year: Publication date: Section: Publisher: Place of publication: Country of publication: Publication subject: ISSN; Bakeries; Multiculturalism &pluralism; Councils; Arab Americans; Restaurants Middle East Gaza Strip Anaheim California Tait, Tom Name: Senate; NAICS: 921120; Name: Disneyland; NAILS: 713110 LITTLE ARABIA (NEIGHBORHOOD) SIGNS ANAHEIM (CA) ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE RESOLUTIONS Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. B.2 2019 Sep 4, 2019 California; Part B; Metro Desk Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Los Angeles, Calif. United States, Los Angeles, Calif. General Interest Periodicals --United States 04583035 ProOuest PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: News ProQuest document ID: 2283758187 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/little- a rabi a-is-seeki ng-offici a I-statu s-et hnic/d ocview/2283758187/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: Copyright Los Angeles Times Sep 4, 2019 Last updated: 2019-09-04 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright (D 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro uest PI)F GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Anaheim's Little Arabia wants a higher profile Esquivel, Paloma . Los Angeles Times , Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, CalifJ. 16 Mar 2014: A.27. e�ProQuest document link ABSTRACT A group of ambitious activists and business owners is trying to change that by getting city and tourism officials to recognize the commercial district as a destination. There are restaurants, grocery stores, hookah bars and clothing shops, each catering to the region's large Arab American population, all intermixed with a slew of chain groceries, fast-food places„ Mexican diners and muffler shops. FULL TEXT Two miles from Disneyland, a stretch of strip malls in Anaheim has transformed into an enclave catering to California's Arab American community. It lacks the immense sprawl of nearby Little Saigon or the decades -long history of Chinatown in Los Angeles, but the place now known as Little Arabia is a destination for Arab Americans from around the state and, lately, a go -to place for foodies in search of Middle Eastern dishes. Yet Little Arabia is largely unknown to the millions of tourists who flood into Anaheim every year -- and it remains below the radar even to longtime residents in the city's west side. A group of ambitious activists and business owners is trying to change that by getting city and tourism officials to recognize the commercial district as a destination. "The most important thing to us is saying, 'We are part of Anaheim,'" said Rida Hamida, director and co-founder of the Arab American Civic Council. "You have Disney, the Honda Center, the Angels, and you also have Little Arabia." The push is starting to gain some momentum. Most recently, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor &Convention Bureau agreed to put Little Arabia on its visitors guide. "What I've seen of it, it has some great restaurants that I got to enjoy and a community that's trying to build something there, so that's exciting to see;" said Jay Burress, president and chief executive of the convention bureau, who visited Little Arabia for the first time last month. The civic council is also preparing a new website and brochure to attract visitors. Proponents' most ambitious goal — an official designation for Little Arabia and an accompanying freeway sign -- is a long-term one. But it's getting push -back from some nearby residents and even some within Little Arabia. Some residents say such a designation would shortchange other ethnic pockets in the county's largest city. They Pro -est -'DF GENFRATED BY PROQUEST.CGM have also complained about the increase in hookah lounges that have opened in Little Arabia. To some Little Arabia denizens, there's a sense that the enclave is just not ready for a corning -out party. Generally seen as the dense commercial strip along Brookhurst Street between Crescent and Katella avenues, Little Arabia holds a wide variety of storefronts. There are restaurants, grocery stores, hookah bars and clothing shops, each catering to the region's large Arab American population, all intermixed with a slew of chain groceries, fast-food places, Mexican diners and muffler shops. "We're not ready to do a grand opening yet for Little Arabia because it's not ready," said Ahmad Alam, owner of Arab World Newspaper and a local property owner who envisions malls, movie theaters, "something to hang on to." Alam said Little Arabia lacks cohesion and has fallen short of the place he imagined: an ethnic community that would "make everything available for the new generation, to know about their history and heritage." The area, he said, is not yet suitable for an official designation. When supporters of the effort to gain recognition came to him, he said, "I told them,'Hey, good job. Bring me investors."' Esther Wallace, chairwoman of the West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council, said she's opposed to focusing attention on Little Arabia with an official designation. "There's only one ethnic group that's being pro- rooted and that's the Arab American group," Wallace said, "We don't have a Little Mexico or a Little Korea. All the pressure seems to be on putting a Little Arabia out here, and I don't see why." None of that has dissuaded those who want the city and tourism officials to pay attention to the area. Getting the area into visitor guides is just a first step, said Rashad AI-Dabbagh, also of the Arab American Civic Council- Next, the group would like to see a tourist bus from the Anaheim Convention Center to Little Arabia. Like Alam, it would also like to see the look of Little Arabia become more cohesive, a look Hamida described as an Andalusian style. But without lots of money to invest, Al-Dabbagh, Hamida and other supporters are taking a different tack: using social media to draw attention to the area, trying to bring city officials into the fold and inviting residents to learn about the community. Recently, they held an event dubbed the "shawarma summit," a meeting of business owners and local leaders, including Wallace, Burress and Mayor Tom Tait. It took place at Papa Hassan's Grill, a restaurant specializing in Lebanese shawarma. Tait said he supports efforts to draw more attention to Little Arabia but not an official designation. "It's this great local flavor that we should be Dragging about," he said. However, "as far as the city saying here's where the lines are, I'm not for that, because if we do that officially that could exclude people who aren't a part of it." Pro uest. PDF GENFRATFC BY PROQUEST.COM Organizers of the effort are prepared to be patient. "Some are reluctant, but it takes some educating about what is the vision," said Asem Abusir, who last year opened Knafeh Cafe, which specializes in a generations -old pastry recipe from Nablus in the West Bank. "It's going to take some education both internally and externally." paloma.esquivel@latimes.com latimes.com Illustration Caption: PHOTO: A STRETCH of Brookhurst Street in Anaheim has many businesses that are aimed at Arab American customers. Fans of Middle Eastern food go there too.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Robert Gauthier Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: ASEM ABUSIR serves knafeh pastry at his cafe. Organizers want Little Arabia to receive an official designation.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Robert Gauthier Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject: Location: Company 1 organization: Publication title: Pages: Publication year: Publication date: Section: Publisher: Place of publication: Country of publication: Publication subject: ISSN: Source type: Language of publication: Tourism; Conventions; Arab Americans; Neighborhoods Anaheim California Name: Anaheim -Orange County Visitor &Convention Bureau; NAILS: 561591 Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. A27 2014 Mar 16, 2014 Main News; Part A; Metro Desk Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Los Angeles, Calif. United States, Los Angeles, Calif. General Interest Periodicals --United States 04583035 Newspaper English Pro es` PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 Document type: News ProQuest document ID: 1507640049 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/anaheims- little-arabia-wants-higher-profile/docview/1507640049/se-2?accountid-10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2014 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2017-11-21 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright CD 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro uest PIDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 Little Arabia's big moves - Orange County Register, The (Santa mina, CA) - June 13, 2013 - page M—A June 13, 2013 i orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) i ART MARROQUINThe Orange County Register I page M_A Bold, curving letters emblazon the leather-bound books lining the long shelves atjarir Bookstore. The owner, jarir Saadoun, greets customers looking for the latest Middle Eastern cookbooks, historical texts, children's tales or novels by best-selling Algerian author Ahlam Mostaghami. Saadoun, an Orange County native whose father emigrated from Lebanon, said he opened the store a decade ago in hopes of preserving the Arabic language for families with deep roots in the Middle East. "It definitely keeps the culture alive," said Saadoun, 28. "1 grew up being both Lebanese and American, but it's good to learn as many cultures as you can, especially in Southern California." His attitude is widely embraced by those living and working in the Little Arabia neighborhood, which straddles the Anaheim -Garden Grove border, concentrated along a three-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street between La Palma and Katella avenues. Little Arabia has grown beyond the stereotype of simply having one of the region's largest concentration of hookah lounges. Grocery stores and meat markets sell halal products, the Muslim equivalent of kosher. Restaurants and bakeries serve traditional meals of hummus, baklava and shwarma. Bookstores sell books in Arabic, while travel shops book trips to the Middle East. Muslims gather for services at the mosques that have sprung up in Anaheim and Garden Grove. Embroidered scarves and long dresses adorn the windows of clothing stores. Most important, the area serves as a network for Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees seeking support from people who speak their native language, said Yasmin Nouh, a spokeswoman for the local chapter of the Council on American -Islamic Relations, located in Little Arabia. "The trend has been that immigrants come here, and settle for a few months or years before moving on for other reasons A€" bigger family, a betterjob or a bigger house," Nouh said. "In that way, Little Arabia has served as a bind of launching pad for a good amount of its immigrant population." About half of the storefronts lining Brookhurst were vacant 15 years ago until Ahmad Alam began printing a map of what he called Arab Town in his weekly publication, The Arab World Newspaper. Alam said he wanted to attract Arabic -speaking businesses and residents to the area so that his newspaper could be easily distributed within a concentrated neighborhood. "It sounds a little selfish, but I've got to have a community in one small area in order for me to have a high circulation and fresh news," said Alam, who moved to Southern California from his native Lebanon. A "Little Arabia doesn't look so big, but it's becoming something to the people who visit here." Overtime, Alam purchased wide swaths of Little Arabia and leased spaces to tenants hailing from throughout the Middle Fast, including his brother Mo Alam, who owns the Porn Al Hara restaurant and bakery - Among its most popular items, the affordable eatery serves up generous portions of spinach turnovers and flatbreads topped with cheese, chicken and oregano. "I like the fact that this area is becoming popular with people from outside the Arab community," Mo Alam said as he slid a piping hot flatbread out of his oven. Along with the Alams, the Dalati family has also purchased large parcels of property in Little Arabia. The community has attempted to flex its political muscle through real estate agent Bill Dalati, who unsuccessfully ran for City Council; he recently served on a citizens panel that provided a series of recommendations for the future ofAnaheim's elections. "Even though it was a relatively small Arab community, my brother Bill, like many others, recognized its potential for growth to become the strong culturally oriented economic force it is today," said Ali Dalati, 26, a law student whose family emigrated from Syria more than 30 years ago.A 1 feel we are well past the introductions as Orange County is now our home." just across Brookhurst from a Dalati shopping center sits Al Anwar Islamic Fashion, where the windows display Muslim head starves known as hijabs. Shelves are lined with fang dresses and gifts imported from Jordan United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. "These clothes aren't available in Macy's or other department stores," said Ahmad 5arsak, who opened the shop 20 years ago, before the neighborhood was known as Little Arabia. "I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that women wear these clothes by force by men," 5arsak said. "it's out of respect for the beauty of the woman and to be a part of the community like in any other religion." A smattering of small grocery stores catering to the Arabic community have sprung up over the years, but developer Mohammad Kaskas converted a shuttered hardware store into the Fresh Choice Marketplace in Garden Grove. The sprawling supermarket opened nine months ago, offering native Middle Eastern foods and a food court that serves up Arabic, Persian, Indian, Asian and Mexican food. Kaskas, a Palestinian who moved to the area from Jerusalem in 1985, said he also made sure the store is regularly equipped with halal and kosher foods. "I wanted to open this up for the whole community, cater to all the people, make it international," Kaskas said. "This country has given me many opportunities, and I want to give it right back." Copyright 2013 The Orange County Register Little Arabia's big moves - Orange County Register, The (Santa mina, CA) - June 13, 2013 - page M—A June 13, 2013 i orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) i ART MARROQUINThe Orange County Register I page M_A Bold, curving letters emblazon the leather-bound books lining the long shelves atjarir Bookstore. The owner, jarir Saadoun, greets customers looking for the latest Middle Eastern cookbooks, historical texts, children's tales or novels by best-selling Algerian author Ahlam Mostaghami. Saadoun, an Orange County native whose father emigrated from Lebanon, said he opened the store a decade ago in hopes of preserving the Arabic language for families with deep roots in the Middle East. "It definitely keeps the culture alive," said Saadoun, 28. "1 grew up being both Lebanese and American, but it's good to learn as many cultures as you can, especially in Southern California." His attitude is widely embraced by those living and working in the Little Arabia neighborhood, which straddles the Anaheim -Garden Grove border, concentrated along a three-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street between La Palma and Katella avenues. Little Arabia has grown beyond the stereotype of simply having one of the region's largest concentration of hookah lounges. Grocery stores and meat markets sell halal products, the Muslim equivalent of kosher. Restaurants and bakeries serve traditional meals of hummus, baklava and shwarma. Bookstores sell books in Arabic, while travel shops book trips to the Middle East. Muslims gather for services at the mosques that have sprung up in Anaheim and Garden Grove. Embroidered scarves and long dresses adorn the windows of clothing stores. Most important, the area serves as a network for Middle Eastern immigrants and refugees seeking support from people who speak their native language, said Yasmin Nouh, a spokeswoman for the local chapter of the Council on American -Islamic Relations, located in Little Arabia. "The trend has been that immigrants come here, and settle for a few months or years before moving on for other reasons A€" bigger family, a betterjob or a bigger house," Nouh said. "In that way, Little Arabia has served as a bind of launching pad for a good amount of its immigrant population." About half of the storefronts lining Brookhurst were vacant 15 years ago until Ahmad Alam began printing a map of what he called Arab Town in his weekly publication, The Arab World Newspaper. Alam said he wanted to attract Arabic -speaking businesses and residents to the area so that his newspaper could be easily distributed within a concentrated neighborhood. "It sounds a little selfish, but I've got to have a community in one small area in order for me to have a high circulation and fresh news," said Alam, who moved to Southern California from his native Lebanon. A "Little Arabia doesn't look so big, but it's becoming something to the people who visit here." Overtime, Alam purchased wide swaths of Little Arabia and leased spaces to tenants hailing from throughout the Middle Fast, including his brother Mo Alam, who owns the Porn Al Hara restaurant and bakery - Among its most popular items, the affordable eatery serves up generous portions of spinach turnovers and flatbreads topped with cheese, chicken and oregano. "I like the fact that this area is becoming popular with people from outside the Arab community," Mo Alam said as he slid a piping hot flatbread out of his oven. Along with the Alams, the Dalati family has also purchased large parcels of property in Little Arabia. The community has attempted to flex its political muscle through real estate agent Bill Dalati, who unsuccessfully ran for City Council; he recently served on a citizens panel that provided a series of recommendations for the future ofAnaheim's elections. "Even though it was a relatively small Arab community, my brother Bill, like many others, recognized its potential for growth to become the strong culturally oriented economic force it is today," said Ali Dalati, 26, a law student whose family emigrated from Syria more than 30 years ago.A 1 feel we are well past the introductions as Orange County is now our home." just across Brookhurst from a Dalati shopping center sits Al Anwar Islamic Fashion, where the windows display Muslim head starves known as hijabs. Shelves are lined with fang dresses and gifts imported from Jordan United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. "These clothes aren't available in Macy's or other department stores," said Ahmad 5arsak, who opened the shop 20 years ago, before the neighborhood was known as Little Arabia. "I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that women wear these clothes by force by men," 5arsak said. "it's out of respect for the beauty of the woman and to be a part of the community like in any other religion." A smattering of small grocery stores catering to the Arabic community have sprung up over the years, but developer Mohammad Kaskas converted a shuttered hardware store into the Fresh Choice Marketplace in Garden Grove. The sprawling supermarket opened nine months ago, offering native Middle Eastern foods and a food court that serves up Arabic, Persian, Indian, Asian and Mexican food. Kaskas, a Palestinian who moved to the area from Jerusalem in 1985, said he also made sure the store is regularly equipped with halal and kosher foods. "I wanted to open this up for the whole community, cater to all the people, make it international," Kaskas said. "This country has given me many opportunities, and I want to give it right back." Copyright 2013 The Orange County Register 'tj Gheek for Updates 060nal Research Article journal of Urban History 1-22 Little Arabia: A California C The Author(s) 2021 Article reuse guidelines: Eth n oan e h o r sagepub.comljournals-permissions D01; 10,1 1774096144221992036 journals.sagepub.comlhom eljuh r 71+ Noah Allison' Abstract Tucked into strip malls along Brookhurst Street are the scattered agglomeration of restaurants, markets, bakeries, butcher shops, hookah lounges, educational centers, hair salons, and clothing stores catering to groups who come from the Middle East and North Africa. Proliferating over the last twenty-five years, this Anaheim thoroughfare is colloquially known as Little Arabia. The small strip of commerce is supported by the nation's largest Arab population residing throughout Southern California. The emergence of Little Arabia is similar to what scholars refer to as "ethnoburbs," "invisiburbs," and "design assimilated suburbs." Little Arabia, however, represents something different: what this paper refers to as an "ethnoanchor." To illustrate the descriptive utility of the ethnoanchor typology, this paper unpacks the 'historical, spatial, social, and political dynamics of Little Arabia to illustrate how contemporary migration patterns are influencing suburban regions, collectively illustrating the constitution of a new kind of American dream. Keywords ethnoburbs, immigration, ethnic enclaves Introduction Brookhurst Street begins at a jersey barrier separating railroad tracks in the City of Fullerton and runs south through Anaheim, Carden Grove, Westminster, and Fountain Valley until reaching the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. For 16.5 miles, the six -lane thoroughfare creates fifty-one intersections and crosses four freeways through the utilitarian landscape primarily com- prised of post —World War 11 (WWII) residential and commercial developments common to Southern California. While initially indistinguishable from the dozens of other banal arterials that shape North Orange County, a small portion of Brookhurst Street boasts a subtle yet diver- gent identity from most Californian strectseapes. Along a 2.5-mile stretch between Crescent Street and Katella Avenue in the City of Anaheim are a scattered agglomeration of restaurants, markets, bakeries, halal butcher shops, hookah lounges, educational centers, hair salons, clothing stores, and health and professional services developed by and catering to groups who come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Proliferating over the last twenty-five years, some groups, colloquially know this segment of the West Anaheim thoroughfare as Little Arabia. The small strip of commerce operating in between gentlemen clubs, chain grocery stores, and fast 'The New School, New York, NY, USA Corresponding Author: Noah Allison, The New School, 72. Sth Avenue, New York, NY 1001 1-8603, USA. Email: allin I I S@newschool.edu 2 journal of Urban History 00(0) food joints is a result of the nation's largest Arab population scattered throughout Southern California. The emergence of immigrant hubs like Little Arabia is influenced and driven by international geopolitical and global restructuring processes. On one hand, it is similar to what Wei Li describes as "ethnoburbs." Contrary to inner-city enclaves, barrios, and ghettos, ethnoburbs are suburban clusters of residential and business districts comprised of ethnic minorities with transnational identities. They are established within large metropolitan areas resulting from group aspirations to participate in the contemporary global economy. In ethnoburbs, ethnic minorities own a good portion, or key components of local businesses, and are made visible by asserting ethnic expres- sion in the landscape.' On the other hand, Little Arabia also hints at what Becky Nicolaides and .lames Zarsadiaz call "design assimilated suburbs." Contrary to ethnoburbs, design assimilated suburbs represent places where conscious choices are made to ensure that spatial forms are undisturbed.' In other words, although such settlements comprise large groups of ethnic settlers, their presence is scarcely visible. And unlike the dispersed immigrant settlements that. Emily Skop refers to as "invisiburbs," immigrant groups in design assimilated suburbs cluster together.] When juxtaposed to these ethnic suburban settlements, Little Arabia, however, represents something different: what this paper refers to as an "ethnoanchor." Following more recent patterns of dispersed (rather than clustered) settlement, Arab Americans today live all over Southern California. Enticed by affordable housing and high -performing school districts, they are spread across scores of neighborhoods in the Southland's counties —hardly a "barb" let alone a "town," Even with a decentralized Arab population, the businesses comprising Little Arabia have success- fully generated a trans -regional and national economy. The self -identifying Arab community's push for city designation over the last decade has yet to come to fruition. Since the federal government does not formally recognize groups from Arab nations in cen- sus surveys, pushing the City to officially designate the clusters of Arab commerce in Anaheim was a tactic to legitimize their presence formally. The City's unwillingness to designate the area into a district was a particular disappointment to local advocates. Thus, Little Arabia sits in the shadows of other formally recognized districts in neighboring municipalities: Little Saigon in Westminster and Orange County Koreatown in Garden Grove. Despite the City's lack of official support, former Mayor Tom Tait acknowledged Little Arabia in his 2014 State of the City Address; "Whether you are stopping by Olive Free for delicious lamb or picking up some bak- lava at Papa Hassan' , Little Arabia gives visitors a different experience than a typical conven- tion city.�4 Notwithstanding being a moderate Republican and immigrant, the City's newly elected mayor, Harry Sidhu, has refrained from publicly discussing Little Arabia.' The public acknowledgment of Little Arabia by Tom Tait nonetheless continues to inspire Anaheim's Arab population. So much so that dreams of streetscape improvements explicitly illustrating Arab identity along Brookhurst Street are alive today.6 For instance, the Arab American Civic Council, a group of Anaheim -based activists who developed the district label, currently aspire to use urban design strategies to establish a coherent Arab identity along Brookhurst. Such tactics, however, can misconstrue the fine-grain multiplicity of Little Arabia, just as its moniker does.' Little Arabia makes global reference to the twenty-two North African and Middle Eastern nation -states that constitute the Arab League, a political organization recognized by the United Nations. But in the local context, Little Arabia actually consists of entanglements of businesses composed and patronized by groups of Arab origin and n.on-Arab Middle Easterners, Western Asians, and groups whose recent ancestral origins are not tied to the Middle East at all. Since multigroup settlements are the hallmark of contemporary immigrant incorporation, understanding how Little Arabia advantages some and disadvantages others is at stakes This paper intends to piece this puzzle together by giving clarity about the spatial, social, and political dynamics of Little Arabia and to illustrate the descriptive utility of the ethnoanchor Allison model. This is achieved by examining data collected from interviews and observations of texts, images, and materials from an urban studies lens. It begins by unpacking the historical events that led to the emergence of Anaheim's Arab agglomeration economy. It then examines the spatial characteristics and use of Little Arabia to understand the essential elements that constitute, inter- nally, its inhabitants' identity and, externally, suburban ethnic hubs' identity to others." The final section reveals the social and political consequences that arise when group labels are used to distinguish cultural landscapes. In doing so, this study provides a textured account concerning the relationship between international migration, identity politics, and settlement patterns in con- temporary suburban regions, collectively illustrating the constitution of new kind of American dream. The Emergence of an Ethnoanchor Ancestors of the Tongva and Aejachemem indigenous groups have occupied Orange County's lands for thousands ofyears,to While Spain had claimed California for over two centuries, it was not until 1769 that the Spanish colonized the area." When Mexico broke away from Spain forty years later, they took California with them. As the Mexican government authorized land grants of tip to 44,000 acres to Mexican citizens, cattle ranching became the local economy's backbone. One year after California was ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848, the Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of new settlers to the state. This gave the rancheros a new market for their cattle. But a series of droughts, floods, and diseases —along with the cost of defending the ownership of their lands in the American courts —eventually drove many of the rancheros to ruin.'' In 1857, a group of Bavarians seeking fortunes in the wine industry founded a colony solely devoted to viticulture along the Santa Ana River banks.13 The settlement's name came from combining "Ana" (referencing the river) with the German word for home, "heim."I' After com- pleting the transcontinental railroad in 1969, unemployed Chinese laborers took over the toil of agriculture labor previously undertaken by indigenous people." Incorporated in 1876, about a sixth of Anaheim's 881 residents were Chinese. To be sure, the influx of these workers sparked intense racism from White Californians. Yet, despite anti -Chinese animosity, bosses defended the Asian workforce for their hardwork and low wages. Although the Chinese population declined due to the Exclusion Act of 1882, Japanese migrants filled the open jobs. Fierce's dis- ease destroyed nearly 25,000 acres of vines around this time, forcing the wine: -dependent city to find other craps to harvest.' After failed attempts with walnuts and chili peppers, the Valencia Orange proved to be the most successful crop. In the early part of the twentieth century, collec- tive bargaining enabled Japanese laborers to earn enough money to obtain land where they also farmed strawberry fields and maintained goldfish operations. Due to their resiliency, Anaheim's agriculture landscape, however, was dominated by orange groves. First made possible by indig- enous groups and later Asian laborers, Anaheim's agriculture economy prospered for the next sixty years. Located at the northern end of Orange County —twenty-five miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles —Anaheim was still relatively small and economically reliant on citrus agriculture in 1950 (Figure 1).11 The postwar boom, however, was pivotal in the City's transformation. The opening of Disneyland in 1955 coupled with the completion of Interstate 5 (Santa Ana freeway) in 1956 not only prompted city officials to begin investing in tourism, but the boom was the driv- ing force behind the construction of the residential tracts that were constructed over the lands that were for many years devoted to the cultivation of orange groves." It was during this time that Anaheim quadrupled its area through a series of annexations. Fucled by cheap land, low housing costs, and low -interest rages for mortgage loans, Anaheim's population significantly increased to 104,184 by 1960.19 4 joumol of Urbon History 00(0) City of Anaheim 0 25 50 Miles 0 Orange County I I I �` Las Angeles County Figure 1. Anaheim's (current boundaries) location in Orange County. Source: Map created by the author. With a surging population, city officials were limited by its general -law arrangement, which sanctioned the state legislature as the ultimate arbiter of city business. Shortly after becoming a charter city in 1965, Anaheim's "super stamp system" enticed industry to move to the area, which allowed new construction to begin immediately by bypassing municipal plan checks." By 1970, Anaheim set aside 20 percent of its land for industrial use, making it the county's industrial front- runner, and the nation's fastest growing industrial base, thus prompting its further expansion.21 While Anaheim's older residential areas in the western "flatlands" are marked by high -density tract housing, a 4,200-acre site east of the municipal boundaries was annexed in 1971, transform- ing the area known today as Anaheim Hills into a planned, low -density residential community featuring large lots, hiking trails, and a golf course. 22 Besides the influx of income generated from tourism and its manufacturing industries, Anaheim grew due to professional sports investment. For decades the vast majority of the City's resources were subsequently invested in maintaining and expanding these attractions, particu- larly Disneyland and its resort, as well as revitalizing its downtown. While the City was economi- cally thriving, its focus on tourism and its downtown redevelopment subsequently led to the blight of Anaheim's older developments.23 As municipal authorities dedicated their attention to ensuring safe streets around the City's wealthy residential pockets and tourist destinations, the strip malls and aging residential lots of West Anaheim became spaces that facilitated prostitution and crime well into the 1980s.24 For instance, an Anaheim bureaucrat recently pointed out: the A bsen 4,i 11 City has not paid a whole lot of attention to West Anaheim over the last thirty years. If you ask anyone where the crime is the highest, where the architecture is dreariest, where the run-down strip malls are, everyone knows that it is west of Euclid. Ironically, that means less investment, but that also means that it is easy to get in, particularly in the 1980s to 1990s when things were really bad." To be sure, neglect in certain parts of the city resulted from the Disney Corporation's stronghold on Anaheim's politics since the theme park's inception. A successful lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in 2014, however, forced the City to begin district elections, limiting Disney's power and pushing Anaheim to invest in areas beyond Disneyland and the resort district. New arrivals and residents who were already settled in Southern California from MENA were particularly attracted to the area because of the Islamic Society of Grange County (ISOC) in Garden Grove and its nearby affordable housing stock. What started in the garage of the modest single-family home in the 1970s, ISOC ,grew into the largest Islamic organization in Southern California. The influx of these groups led to the opening of culturally specific businesses. For instance, Mohamed Sammy and Noha Khourak opened Altavebat M'arlrei on Brookhurst. Avenue and Ball Load in 1988. Altayehat, which means "the tasty and delicious" in Arabic, drew custom- ers from all over Southern California as it was Orange County's first specialty market catering to the Middle Eastern community. Eight years later, Palestinian immigrants Nesrine Omari and Mike Hawari opened Kareem across the street from Altayebat. As the first Middle Eastern res- taurant in a neighborhood, the two food businesses operated next to bikini bars and run-down strip malls. Lured by the area's cheap infrastructure, cultural institutions, and food establishments, Ahmad Alain and Belal Dalati, entrepreneurs from Lebanon and Syria, bought a few strip malls along Brookhurst Street and began leasing the spaces to people from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Morocco. In 1997, .slam began publishing the Arab World Newspaper from one of his offices located along Brookhurst Street. The paper frequently published a map of the Anaheim strip, which is where the first mentioning of"Arab" was used as a moniker to describe the area —"Arab Town." Since then, the strip has had multiple names —Little Gaza, Arabheim, and Arab Village. Over the years, what is commonly referred to as Little Arabia today has incrementally grown as immigrants and refugees continue to establish and patronize businesses that offer culturally appropriate goods and services that help constitute their sense of feeling of home. For example, Desert Moon Grill opened its second location in 2016, specifically along Brookhurst Street, after successfully serving Palestinian influenced fare, such as makdous and kufta casseroles, in Thebes and Keffiahs in the Greater Chicago area for seventeen years. In addition to the territorial specific cuisine, the restaurant workers' donning of traditional attire at the Anaheim post may also engen- der memories of home to some. For others, these markers of difference not only serve as an attraction in and of itself but also serve as a reminder that, like most attractions in Anaheim, Little Arabia sits in the shadows of Disneyland (Figure 2).26 While the theme park may cause some to overlook or even neglect Little Arabia, which has historically been the case for Anaheim offi- cials, for migrants of Arab origin and Islamic faith residing throughout Southern California, fre- quent trips to Brookhurst Street are a necessity as the strip is a place for social engagement where traditionally appropriate goods and services are produced, consumed, and practiced. Moreover, since Little Arabia is regularly mentioned in online food media outlets, groups identifying as foodies," who are receptive to the introduction of ethnic cuisines, are also frequent patrons to Brookhurst Street's restaurants.211 Due to reductionist categories used in local, regional, and federal surveys, the official count of Arab groups in the United States is inaccurate. While Dearborn Michigan has the densest cluster of Arab groups in the United States, the Arab American Institute (AAI) estimates that as of 2013, the largest Arab community in the United States is in California.") Approximately 324,609 Arab Americans live in the state, which is nearly the size of Anaheim, whose multigroup population is 6 journol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure 2. Desert Moon Grill worker dressed in a traditional Thobe poses with customers. Source: Yelp customer review, 2017. 357,000.3° According to the Arab American Civic Council, the number of Arabs who reside in Anaheim is unknown. But estimates reveal that approximately 40,000 inhabit Orange County, most of whom come from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine.31 Today, Anaheim is often the gateway for many Arab immigrants and refugees who come to California. The rea- sons for this are many, but the same forces cited for keeping Orange County conservative —the county's military -industrial complex and its megachurches—have also brought refugees to Orange County from across Asia and. the Middle East, ironically bringing diversity here. The majority of the Arai, American population, however, end up scattered throughout Southern California." Enticed by affordable housing and attractive school districts, the largest populations reside in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. And regardless of where people live and the masjid they attend, Little Arabia provides a sense of belonging for thousands of Southern California residents." While Orange County's Arab American population is a mix of Christians and Muslims, at the national level, approximately 63 percent of Arabs are Christian (35 percent Catholic, 18 percent Orthodox, 10 percent Protestant) --many of whom have settled in San Diego, as El Cajon is home to the second-largest Chaldean" population out- side of Iraq." Only 24 percent of Arab Americans in the United States are Muslim." Since the groups that Little Arabia's label is meant to represent are dispersed throughout the Southern California region, and in the ease of the proprietors of Desert Moon, other states, the Anaheim enclave does not neatly fit Li's conception of an "ethnoburV suburban ethnic clusters of residential areas and business districts in large metropolitan areas. And it certainly does not describe Nicolaides and Zarsadiaz's design "assimilated suburbs." Rather, the phenomenon of Little Arabia fits more tightly with what Wilbur Zelinsky describes as "heterolocalism," which Allison 7 refers to populations of shared ethnic identity who enter metropolitan areas from distant territories, then quickly adopt a dispersed pattern of residential locations, all the while managing to remain cohesive through a variety of means.37 Similarly, Little Arabia generally caters to and is maintained by groups who share common languages, tastes, traditions, customs, memories, and experiences from a multiplicity of nation -states that are regionally decentralized. However, due to diverging conditions, such as its suburban environment and out of state investment, Little Arabia accurately reflects what this paper refers to as an "ethnoanchor." Differentiating from ethnic service centers, ethnoanchors comprise clustered private commerce rather than single entity community centers developed by not -for -profit and advocacy group organizations. Besides the large and newly arrived group of Iraqi refugees that inhabit parts of San Diego, Arab ethnoanchors have yet to establish in other parts of Greater Los Angeles as Arab groups scantly scatter throughout the region. Sojourners to Anaheim are also enticed by the annual Arab American Festival, founded by Altrnad Alam. Featuring food, music, dancing, and live entertainment, the festival, which draws around 20,000 people every year, has attracted people to Little Arabia for over twenty years.3s Aside from its suburban setting and decentralized populations, Little Arabia functions simi- larly to the Chinatowns' and Little Italys' that emerged in American city centers throughout the twentieth century. Despite its spatial and demographic dissimilarities, Little Arabia also func- tions like Silicon Valley's "Asian malls."" Willow Lung -Amain argues that such places are critical sites where immigrants remain in touch with their homeland by picking tip native lan- guage newspapers, buying culturally specific goods, or sending money to families in Asia at Chinese -owned banks. As such, regardless if one resides in Glendora, Corona, Rancho Cucamonga, or La Palma, patrons of Arab descent and Islamic faith make weekly and some- times daily sojourns"to Little Arabia as it is an environment where people, objects, ideas, tradi- tions, and feelings come together giving certain groups a sense of belonging 41 Orange County's well -documented lslamophobia is also partially responsible for maintaining Anaheim's ethnoanchor. For instance, protests ensued when the Council on American Islamic Relations tried to hold a meeting in neighboring Yorba Linda in 2011. The intolerance of Arab - related activities in other Orange County cities illustrates how Middle Eastern and North African groups residing outside of Anaheim may choose to ensure that the appearance of their neighbor- hoods and cities is undisturbed. Besides a small strip in Eastern San Diego County, Brookhurst Avenue is the exception where Arab groups are made visible by asserting their identities in the, landscape. Having briefly explored Anaheim's development to understand how the ethnic cluster emerged, the following section discusses the spatial compositions of the ethnoanchor to illustrate how the politics of difference are embedded in Little Arabia's landscape. The Blurriness of Little Arabia A 2004 Community Design Element report produced by the City of Anaheim suggests that while it recognizes the importance of community appearance and identity to its vitality, economic health, and overall quality of life, such elements are not requirements for its General Planar' As a result, only selected areas have been enhanced through special design guidelines, such as the Anaheim Resort and the Anaheim Colony Historic District. While GOAL 17.1 outlined in the report suggests to "enhance the image of West Anaheim by continuing to implement strectscape and landscape improvements on major corridors and local streets"' as described below, the Iack of undertakings along Brookhurst Street has resulted in an incoherent strectscape.¢# The asymmetric shadows splicing Brookhurst Street's asphalt result from its symmetrically mounted light poles displaying weathered banners honoring local military persons. While such infrastructure creates a narrowing effect, the vastness of the multilane road appears to continue uninterrupted into its adjacent street -facing parking lots (Figure 3). This illusion is perpetuated by the lack of trees along the flat thoroughfare primarily surrounded by single -story commercial 8 journol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure 3. Looking south down Brookhurst Street at Cherrywood Lane. Source: Photo by the author. buildings and residential tracts. It particularly produces a sun -scorched environment that illus- trates society's ambivalence to see shade as a civic resource.' Utility boxes, road verges, and unsheltered benches occupied by unsheltered people are most prominent on the infrequently traversed sidewalks. Bike lanes and indicators of shared mobility systems are nonexistent. As far as official boundaries go, Little Arabia does not have any. The intersection of Ball Road and Brookhurst Street, however, marks the heart of the community, as it is the node with the high- est density of Middle Eastern and North African businesses. From that juncture, sixty-eight enter- prises, educational centers, and religious institutions constituting Little Arabia pepper Brookhurst Street for a little more than a mile in either direction (Figure 4)_ It is these proprietors that have helped revive the Anaheim stretch over the past two decades. Due to the regions' competitive rental market, however, not all of the businesses associated with Little Arabia exist wholly on Brookhurst Street, as few other Arab and Islamic enterprisesnamely, food businesses —hap- hazardly mark the landscape in the neighboring cities of Garden Grove and Stanton, as well as in other parts of Anaheim. Although built forms and signage provide meanings concerning the use and identities of the everyday places along the West Anaheim corridor, the aromas of roasted spiced meat and flavored tobacco extend well beyond the imagined boundaries of Little Arabia. While a few of Little Arabia's businesses are in stand-alone buildings, most of them are tucked into mini -malls, places of convenience designed to facilitate the parking of cars 45 in contrast to shopping malls that seek to capture consumers' attention for long periods of time, mini -malls are generally oriented toward the immediate and short -attention -span rhythms of daily commerce and culture." John Kaliski distinguishes Southern California mini -malls into five categories: micro -malls, classic mini -malls, midi -malls, macro -malls, and maxi -malls." Little Arabia Aflrson Figure 4. The stretch of 6rookhurst Street associated with Little Arabia's businesses and institutions, Source: Graphic created by the author. primarily comprises classic mini -malls, typically of single -story buildings that are "L" shape configurations and often consisting of two separate structures. Other mini -malls include double "L" shape formations and clusters of micro -malls connected by a single parking lot that span the length of entire blocks (Figure 5). After parking, these strip malls generally support approxi- mately ten to fourteen businesses each and sometimes include decorative elements like water fountains and ornate light poles. It is the commerce operating in these separate micro -constella- tions, or mini -cities, connected by a linear path that not only shapes people's experience of Little Arabia but collectively are the places that give the label its meaning. The ordinary structures comprising Littic Arabia primarily consist of single -story stucco sheds absent of ornamentation. Others consist of glass -pane storefronts with combinations of stone veneers and brick coursing and are generally covered with tiled roofs or simple parapets. The domes projecting from the Islamic Center of Anaheim and Nara Bistro are the most recognizable architectural design elements influencing the cultural landscape (Figure 6). 'While distinctive to the area, they are easily lost in the monotony of the built forms that house Little Arabia's enter- prises. Such businesses are primarily distinguished by shop signage comprised of a multiplicity of materials, languages, and images. Some businesses include Al Huda Meat, Alkun? Law offices, Knafeh Cafe, La Mirage Pastries, Cleopatra Hair Salon, Hidden Cafe Hookah, Hason Rashan CPA, and Sahara Falafel (Figure 7).. These banal built forms are in stark contrast to the distinct architectural features observed in Westminster's Little Saigon District just a few miles south. For instance, the Asian Garden Mall, 10 joumol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure S. The most common strip mall layouts comprising Little Arabia. Source: Graphic created by the author, Figure 6. The projecting domes illustrate a vital element of Arabic architecture. Source: Photos by the author, also known as Phtroc Lpc Thq, was constrrtcted in 1979 with financing from overseas investors. Incorporating round columns supporting long glazed -tile, curved roofs, stylized red dragons, and Buddha statutes, the large multistory mall functions as Little Saigon's town square as it is full of shops, vendors, and a food court (Figure 8). Moreover, since Little Saigon's designation into a business district in 1988, the Westminster city council has issued design guidelines that allow only two architectural styles in the district: Asian and French Colonial." To be sure, signage and aesthetics reflecting South East Asian populations come at a cost. For instance, in the late 1980s, freeway and ;street signs directing motorists to Little Saigon were routinely stolen and defaced." And thirty years latch, the built environment continues to be a medium for pcople to commit hate Aflrson � �A Figure 7. The ordinary buildings are the primary sites of Little Arabia's commerce. Source: Photos by the author. Figure g. Phuoc Loc Tho (Asian Garden Mall). Source: Kim Younger. crimes directed toward particular groups. That is, in 2020, six Buddhist temples in Orange County were vandalized with spray paint.5° 12 journol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure 9. Little Arabia's everyday places (un)marked with multiple meanings. Source: Photos by the author. Due to the lack of distinct architectural elements, the signage mounted on the structures com- prising Little Arabia serves as symbols of identity from the public right of way. However, the meanings of some storefronts are difficult to decipher (Figure 9). For example, Aleppo Kitchen's signage—which serves shingleesh, fool mudammas, and mixed kibbeh platters —sits above par- tially removed text from a previous incarnation, illustrating the various layers superimposed onto the built forms in Little Arabia. Another, such as an Islamic education center —an anchor with educational programming for various age groups —is housed in a vacant strip mall absent of any forms of commercial and institutional signage, illuminating that not all of Little Arabia's activi- ties are denoted from the street. However, Arabian nation -states sometimes appear near busi- nesses that are inconspicuous concerning their ethnic, cultural, or religious affiliations, such as Allstate Insurance, which boasts United Arab Emirates flags on its tiled roof. While the primary function of signs is to identify and advertise businesses and community facilities as well as direct motorists and pedestrians, they also greatly impact the visual quality of the streets and neighborhoods. Anaheim's sign guidelines are meant to help ensure distinct and appropriately scaled signs throughout the commercial, industrial, and mixed -use areas. But in older parts of the city, like Little Arabia, the quality, type, and size of signs vary significantly. Due to Anaheim's autoscape, Little Arabia is most clearly distinguished by the stand-alone signage on Brookhurst Street. It is here where the identities, affinities, and preferred practices of groups hailing from the MENA are subtly on display (Figure 10).5' This interface becomes a form of legibility to be read in the presence of socially diverse populations and is an important first point of interaction, expression, [and business]." This is achieved through the use of Arab script advertising the names of businesses and services offered. Although sometimes signage for a single business is written in English, Arabic, and Spanish, others are phonetically spelled in English, which corresponds to an Arabic name, such as Al-Amana Fashion. Some proprietors also display pictures and banners illustrating their wares, such as food, hook- ahs, perfume, and hijabs. Non -Arab businesses seeking a wider customer base also reiy on strip mall signage to display their adoption of particular culinary traditions. For example, the two A bsan 13 Figure 10. Stand-alone signage symbolizing Little Arabia. Source: Photos by the author. eateries that serve Thai cuisine both advertise the names of their restaurants in English and exhibit the Arabic term symbolizing halal practices: JU-, which means "permissible slaughter." Born in Thailand, Jenny, who runs one of the Thai restaurants—Jennys Place —is married to Mo, the Lebanese restaurant's operator Farm Alhara. Mo met Jenny in Los Angeles twenty-four years ago. Today residents of Riverside, the couple commute to Anaheim daily to operate their res- taurants that sit side -by -side in a mini -mall. There Jenny produces Thai influenced fare such as tom kha and pad see ew, whereas Mo prepares dishes that stem from Lebanon, such as flatbread topped with zaatar, muhammara, and cheese and honey. This narrative not only hints at Southern California's decentralized Arab population but also reveals how food representing nation -states outside the Arab League of Nations constitutes Little Arabia. Besides the names that are generally mounted at the top of strip mall signs, which have labels like "Hanshaw Center," "El Rancho Plaza," "Dalati Plaza," and "Little Arabia," all of the mark- ers simultaneously coexist with non -Arab -oriented shop symbols written in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Lao. For instance, some of these businesses include Subway, Starbucks, Car Stereo and Hating, Payday Express, Taqueria San Martin, Quy Tailor, ripsy Liquor, Hacienda Night Club de Anaheim, Pha Place, Cash 4 Gold, Smile Wide Dental, Chrome Nail Bark. and Santa Maria Pharmacy. Such stand-alone signage is most prominent along Brookhurst 'Street. In this way, Little Arabia is an architecture of commun 1 cation. 53 Yet, depending on one's experience and group affiliation, their meanings can be difficult to decipher. The buildings that occupy non -Arab -operated businesses generally range in styles from Spanish, Googie, and Neo-Classical to smooth stucco boxes that are ubiquitous of California's twenty-first century commercial landscapes (Figure 11). Some businesses include Sugars Bikini, Linhrook Bawling, California Girls, .Taco Bell, Stater Brothers, and Blink Fitness. In Little Arabia, the mixture of business and building typologies coexist alongside residential subdivisions. Take, for instance, Kareems Falafel. The Palestinian influenced restaurant that serves falafel, msab- baha, and babaganoush, operates in a strip mall located between a gated community consisting of exclusively two-story beige residential tracts and single -story postwar neighborhoods with cul-de- sacs dead -ending into Brookhurst Street (Figure 12). The presence of non -Arab businesses and 14 journol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure 11. Commerce along Brookhurst Street not affiliated with Little Arabia identity. Source: Photos by the author. tiFjM.V wa. Figure 12. Residential tracts surrounding Brookhurst Street in Little Arabia. Source: Photos by the author. residential tracts illustrates that depending on one's group affiliation, place of residence, and local familiarity, diverging and blurred perceptions become associated with the Brookhurst strip. The automobile is unsurprisingly the most common way to get to, from, and around Little Arabia. As parking lots are generally used for their intended purpose, in the normative sense of top -down restructuring of urban space, there is no overt "publicness" to Little Arabia. Therefore, to experience Little Arabia is to patronize its businesses, everyday spaces that are set back, and in some cases hidden from the street." Whether they are protests or celebrations, as events unfold that affect the so-called "Arab World," the congregation of people who transpire within the res- taurants' confines and hookah lounges begins to blur the boundaries of Little Arabia's public and private spheres. For example, during pivotal moments of the Arab Spring, public demonstrations even take place within the private realm of personal vehicles, as cars drive up and down Brookhurst Street with national flags waving out their windows, illustrating the prominent role Aflrson is Figure 13. Celebrating the resignation of the former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Source; 'Los Angeles Times.$' of the automobile as a form of public expression (Figure 13). The restaurants that populate the shopping centers along the corridor have also been at the forefront of Palestinian anti -occupation protests and Syrian anti -regime rallies. These organized and constituted counterpublics are where informed international migrants and refugees can exercise their political and civil liberties about their place of origin —Complicating the meaning of the construct that James Holston refers to as "spaces of insurgent citizenship." " That is, insurgent citizens not only congregate in city periph- cries but, as Little Arabia demonstrates, also emerge in other nations. While held within the pri- vate milieu of local enterprises, Little Arabia is subsequently a site for multiple social and economic transactions, revealing its significance as a place where- everyday engagements of transnationalism occur. For MENA residents of Southern California, it is not a single monument, institution, or site that creates a tangible, symbolic center, but the faint markings on an everyday, ordinary arterial of West Analieirn. To make sense of the political conditions of this Orange County ethnoanchor, the following section illustrates why self -ascribed labels like Little Arabia emerge. Politicizing Arab Identities The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask whether or not a person is of Arab descent. Arab Americans, therefore, often self -identify on census surveys as "White," which blurs the fine-grained texture of heterogeneous societies.57 As race and cultural or linguistic identities tied to the "Arab World" have different meanings in an American context, self -ascribing as White for some is a conten- tious political act. Such acts; have even inspired some Anaheim residents to formally change the census categories." For example, in 2010, Rashad A]-Dabbagh secured a job with the Federal Census Bureau specifically with the motivation to increase the visibility of his seemingly unrec- ognized community. For Rashad, formal labels applied to groups by authority census and elec- tions are a similar form of recognition that Benedict Anderson calls bounded serial iities.g� Getting a more accurate count of the Arab population became his goal in 2010. Rashad subsequently organized the Arab American Complete County Committee, a group that encouraged members to check the "Other" box and fill in "Arab„ or "their specific country of origin."" They additionally distributed flyers that proclaimed, "Check it right, you ain't white]" (Figure 14). This box -checking exercise matters as census data are the primary source that governments use when assigning 16 joumol of Urbon History 00(0) Figure 14. Flyers sent to Arab American residents in Orange County prior to the 2010 Census. Source: Rashad A!-Da6hagh. public goods based on group needs. For unbounded groups, that is, those that take the form of labels which are either informally imposed on persons and places or voluntarily adopted by them, as is the case with Arab Americans, their invisibility on the census survey prevents local and federal municipalities form ensuring that appropriate resources are equitably distributed." Shortly after the 2010 Census, Rashad created the Arab American Civic Council to facilitate more agency to Arab American groups in Southern California. He then began collaborating with fellow Anaheim resident Omar Marsy to increase the visibility of the Arab groups in West Anaheim.. Omar, an urban planner for the City of Irvine, recognized that the City of Anaheim could be a bottom -up catalyst for bounded recognition since the federal government did not for- mally recognize groups from Arab Nations. In other words, the duo believed that getting the City to designate the clusters of Arab businesses along Brookhurst Street would be the starting point for official acknowledgment. During this time, the Brookhurst strip was commonly referred to as "Little Gaza," a name referencing both the City's Palestinian population and the nearby plot of unincorporated land belonging to the county called "Garza Island." The phrase "Gaza Strip" was a local pun because it is near Garza Avenue and because some local businesses have ties to Gaza. Considering it to be more inclusive of the area's populations, Rashad and Omar settled on "Little Arabia" and began digital placemaking strategies. For example, they developed a website and social media accounts; added Little Arabia's presence on Google Maps, Wikipedia, and Yelp; and distributed tourist brochures with maps of the neighborhood to local hotels. Some businesses were and continue to oppose the designation out of fear that they will be targets by anti -Islam groups.62 Others believe that formal recognition would be economically advantageous, but it Allison 17 k - - 1 z1 i ammle kllk Y 1 KOREAN BUSINESS DISTRICT GARDEN GROVE Figure 15. Official signs signaling the entrance to nearby Orange County business districts. Source: Flickr, simultaneously, and importantly, serves as a signal to the region of these groups' presence. Although after gaining the backing from most of the proprietors included in the proposed district, the push for city designation was unsuccessful. This outcome left Anaheim's Arab businesses unbounded in the wake of Orange County's officially recognized Vietnamese and Korean dis- tricts just a few miles south that spread across multiple cities (Figure 15). To be sure, there was certainly resistance against those districts, but they eventually formalized for numerous reasons: the sheer size and population density of such groups and their long-established presence in the communities. However, the City's rejection to formalize Little Arabia was seen by the West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council (WAND) as a reason to celebrate_ WAND is a grassroots organization of longtime West Anaheim residents who are primarily "White retirees." They argued that additional districts would also have to be created for all the other city groups if Little Arabia is designated, The Arab American Civic Council believes such a claim to be disingenuous.63 The formalization of group labels is generally seen as a power grab by local authorities." The case of Little Arabia nevertheless illustrates diverging processes that municipalities may follow to control or maintain sovereignty over groups and territorial places. That is, Little Arabia's bottom -up push for recognition at the local level at once illustrates the City's inhibition to bound these groups formally. More importantly, it demonstrates that denying the district's official rec- ognition is another way to ensure their control over the groups. In other words, by preventing the formal designation of Little Arabia, Anaheim limits the agency of Anaheim's Arab groups. Moreover, rejecting the formal business district weakens Arab groups' collective ability to relay community concerns, establish a cohesive identity, and the possibilities of building stronger rela- tions with City authorities. Similar tactics are also visibly employed at the federal level. For instance, the Trump Administration's decision to remove the MENA category on the 2020 Census —which stemmed from additional bottom -up efforts by the Arab American Civic Council out of Anaheim —demonstrates how the absence of hounded labels safeguards comprehensive government control over groups and blurs and complicates meanings of difference_ Regardless of whether serialities emerge unbounded and unenumerated from the media and digital accounts or bound and numerated from census surveys, the social construct of Labels applied to groups inevitably obscures meanings concerning how ordinary people identify them- selves and others. For example, in areas that comprise Little Arabia, there are also restaurants, which are relatively new arrivals, that offer Persian, Turkish, and Armenian influenced fare, 18 journal of Urban History 00(0) cuisines that may be reminiscent of Arab foods but stern from political territories that are geo- graphically close to, but not part of, the Arab League of Nations." While relations between the groups are generally free of tensions, some local businesses have certainly been at the center of intragroup conflict. For example, Alan Abdo, owner of Olive Tree,66 publicly called Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's remarks concerning Israel's invasion into Gaza "disgusting."67 One month before Sanchez made the comment in 2013, she visited Olive Tree and gave it a congressional recognition ccrtificatc. After the incident, Abdo, a Palestinian American, banned Sanchez from the restaurant and ripped the certificate in hall`. Other problems ensue when political territories representing unique geographical boundaries, such as, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Armenia, are conflated by ordinary people with the nation -states and occupied territories that are imagined to represent Arab groups.6' This occurs daily as people travel up-and-down Anaheim's auto -centric landscape absorbing the identities displayed on and near the decorated sheds of Brookhurst Street. With signage inflected toward. the road, these quotidian encounters of non -verbalized idioms illustrate how the imagined com- munity of Little Arabia not only complicates, blurs, and erases notions of ethnic and national difference but also demonstrates how colloquial terms can inaccurately become crystallized in the social thought of ordinary people as essential and natural entities.69 Conclusion In 2019, Anaheim officials relayed that if advocates were to push for municipal recognition, the designation would likely pass due to the political makeup that at the time comprise Little Arabia's council district."' Although because of repeated designation rejections, such actions are presently not on the agenda for the Arab American Civic Council and its affiliated groups. Instead, they have turned their attention to the county to achieve what they see as prosperous outcomes. For instance, the Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau now recognize Little Arabia as a tourist attraction. That is, the bureau mentions Little Arabia's food businesses on their website. How this kind of recognition will benefit the corriniunity has yet to be seen. But, to sonic, this form of online recognition may not only have economic benefits but may be perceived as "Offi- cial," particularly due to societies' increasing engagement with informational technoseapes.71 More recently, the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared April "Arab American Heritage Month," which, according to Rashad, "is a testament to the contributions we [Arab people] have made to this county and the fact that we are recognized at a time when our community is facing challenges of bigotry, bullying, and negative political rhetoric." 7-- Little Arabia certainly has overlap with existing typologies categorizing immigrant settle- ments in suburban Southern California. However, this paper shows that enterprises comprising banal suburban architecture provide culturally appropriate goods and services that help constitute Arab migrants dispersed throughout the region a sense of home. In this way, Little Arabia's blurred realm of intricately entangled transnational identities thus distinguishes it from "ethno- burbs," "invisiburbs," and "design assimilated suburbs." In particular, the etllnoanchor model illustrates how culturally specific networks of businesses can hold diverse suburban communities together just as well —and perhaps better —than a more traditional center like a mosque, church, or urban enclave. While Little Arabia is not exclusively an Arab neighborhood or one with centuries of history, those have never been requirements for official recognition of any of Southern California's exist- ing ethnic clusters. However, for Arab Americans in the Greater Los Angeles Area, the faint markings on the banal and ordinary arterial of West Anaheim are the only tangible, large-scale symbol that rctlects the identities, affinities, and preferred practices of groups stemming from the MENA. Since such groups lack official recognition from various government authorities, for now, the Little Arabia ethnoanchor, whether formally recognized or not, will continue to adapt Allison 19 spaces in ordinary landscapes as essential places of community life. The sense of belonging to places like Little Arabia emphasizes a crucial way that people entangle and attach themselves to cultural landscapes, processes constituting the Arab American dream. But due to the diversity of commerce along Brookhurst Street, future scholarship needs to investigate what groups, as well as gender and generations, actually attach themselves to these places where a multiplicity of identities arc revealed on the physical forms along corridors. Furthermore, scholarship also needs to unpack how cthnoanchors produce unity and tensions between migrants practicing different religions, groups from different nations and regions, and between recently arrived refugees and older Arab populations. Such undertakings will not only help scholars, planners, architects, and policy makers unravel the socially complex landscapes of the twenty-first century but will also reveal how ethnoanchors influence the way in which ordinary people see, talk, implicate, enact, and uphold different views of the world. Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, anchor publication of this article. Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. ORCID iD Noah Allison(9htips:fforcid.org/0000-0003-1123-7487 Motes 1. Wei Li, "Anatomy of a New Ethnic Settlement: The Chinese Ethnoburb in Los Angeles," Urban Studies 35, no. 3 (March 1998): 479--501. 2. Becky M, Nicolaides and James Zarsadiaz, "Design Assimilation in Suburbia: Asian Americans, Built Landscapes, and Suburban Advantage in Los Angeles's San Gabriel Valley since 1970," Urban History 43, no. 2 (March 1 2017): 332-71. 3. Emily Skop and Wei Li, "From the Ghetto to the lnvisiburb: Shifting Patterns of Immigrant Settlement," in Multicultural Geographies: The Changing RaciallEthnie Patterns of the United States, ed. John Frazer and Florence Margai (.Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2010), 113-24, 4. Former Mayor Torn Tait State of the City Address. accessed January 28, 2014, https://www.anaheim. net/36812014-State-of-the-City, 5. Mayor Harry Sidhu's State of the City Address on March 5, 2019. See accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.anahei m.net/DocumentCenter/View/25213 /2019-Anaheim-State-of-the-City. 6. Author interview with Rashad Al-Dabbagh, founder of theAmerican Arab Civic Council (February 27, 2019). 7. Paul Knox, "Creating Ordinary Places: Slow Cities in a Fast World," Urban Design, International 10 (2005): 1-11. S. Arjun Appadurai, "Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy," Theory Culuere Society 7, no. 2-3 (June 1990): 295-310. Arjun Appadurai, Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization (Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 1996). 9. Anthony King, Spaces of Global Cultures Architecture, Urbanism Identity (London: Routledge, 2004), 10. "A Brief History of Orange County —Orange County Historical Society," accessed December 29, 2020, https://www.orangecountyhistory.org/wp/?page_id=38. 11. lbid, accessed December 29, 2020. 12. [bid, accessed December 29, 2020. 13. Reed Ueda, A Companion to American Immigration (Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006). 20 journol of Urbon History 00(0) 14. Anaheim History. "Anaheim Historical Society," accessed June 10, 2019, http:/lwww.anaheim historic alsoc iety. coml. 15. Richard Steven Street, Beasts afthe Field: A Narrative History afCalifornia Farmworkers, 176.9-1913 (Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2004). 16. Reed Ueda, A Companion to American: Immigration (Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006). 17. 'Stephen Fussell, Images ofAmerica: EarlvAnaheim (London: Arcadia Publishing Books, 2006). 18. Reed Ueda, A Companion to American Immigration (Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006). 19. John Westcott, Cynthia Simone, and Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, Anaheim: Citv of Dreamy: An Illustra led History (Chatsworth, California: Windsor Publications, 1990). 20. Ibid, 1990. 21, Ibid, 1990, 22, Ibid, 1990, 23. Stephen Fussell, Images nfAmerica: Early Anaheim (Landon. Arcadia Publishing Books, 2006). 24. Anaheim History, "Anaheim Historical Society," accessed June 10, 2019, hitp:flwww.anaheiinhistori- calsociety.comf. 25. Author interview with an Anaheim Policy Director. February 28, 2019. 2& A 2017 Yelp review of Desert Moon Grill: "When I visited this place, I walked straight into the Middle East. The decor is on point and beautiful. The food was very fresh and delicious!! Chicken Kababs and the hummus was exceptional. The service was delightful, very catered to and nice. Definitely coming back here to get my Ex." 2T According to Merriam Webster, a Foodie is a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads, 29. Eric Fong and Brent Berry, Immigration and the City (view York: John Wiley & Sons, 2017). 29. Sarah Cwick, "What Explains Michigan's Large Arab American Community?" Michigan Radio, July 9, 2014, accessed January 21, 2021, https:llwww.michiganvadio,org/p+osuwhat-explains-michigans -large-arab-american-community. 30. U.S, Census Bureau, 2017 American Community Survey One -Year Estimates, 3 L Author interview with Rashad Al-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 32. Author interview with Rashad Al-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 33. "About Us —Islamic Society of Orange County," accessed December 29, 2020, hitp://www.isoemas- jid.orglabout-us1. 34. Chaldeans are members of a group of Christians indigenous to Iraq- 35. Siobhan Braun, "50,000 Chaldeans Live in El Cajon," San Diego Reader, April 20, 2016, accessed December 29, 2020, https:llwww.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/apr/20/cover-closed-box-el-cajon/. 36, Lee Eric Brightwell, "ExploringAnaheim's Little Arabia," KCET, July 9, 2014, sec. History & Society, accessed January 21, 2021, https:llwww.kcct.orgfhistory-society/exploring-anaheims-little-arabia. 37. 'Wilbur Zelinsky, The Enigma qf Ethnicity: Another American Dilemma (Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa City Press, 2001). 39_ "Group Plans To Protest Arab American Festival in Carden Grove This Weekend because Founder Supports Syrian Dictator--OC Weekly," accessed December 29, 2020, https://www.ocweekly.com/ group -plans -to -pro test-arab-a meri can -felt i val-in-garden-grove-this-weekend-because-founder-sup- ports-syrian-di cta for-643 98061. 39. Willow Lung -Amain, Trespassers? Asian Americans and the Battle forSuburbira (Berkeley, California: University of California Press, 2017). 40. Survey inquiring where Little Arabia's proprietors, workers, and patrons reside, February 25-27, 2019, Undertaken by the author. 41. Author Interview with Nadia at Jenny's Place. A refugee originally from Cambodia, Nadia, a resi- dent of Tustin, is ethnically Cham. As a practicing Muslim, she comes to what she refers to as "Arab Village" multiple times a month to shop for groceries, clothing, and beauty services. 42. "Anaheim Community Design Element," C'iti of Anaheim, May 2004, accessed January 21, 2021. http:llwww.anaheim.net/DocumeittC:enterNiew120301L-Community-Design-Element-?bid ld=. 41 Ibid, 2004. Allison 21 44. Sam Bloch, "Shade." Places, April 23, 2019, accessed January 21, 2021, https:/Iplacesjoumal.org/ antic le/shade-an-urban-desi gn-mandate/. 45. John Kaliski, "Defining Mini -City, or the Architecture of Convenience and Contemporary Los Angeles Urban Design." in EvenWav Urbanism, ed. Margaret Crawford, John Kaliski, and John Chase, 176- 185 (New Fork: Monacelli, 2008). 46. John Chase, Margaret Crawford, and John Kaliski, Everydgy Urbanism (New York; Enfield: Monacelli, 2008). 47. John Kaliski, "Defining Mini -City, orThe Architecture of Convenience and Contemporary Los Angeles Urban Design," in EverydRv Urbanism, ed. Margaret Crawford, John Kaliski, and John Chase, 176- 185 (New York: Monacelli Press, 2008). 48. Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, "Regeneration of Urban Commercial Strips: Ethnicity and Space in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods," Urban Studies 31, no. 4 (2003): 334-50. 49. David Reyes, "Reporter's Notebook . Defaced Road Signs Point to Anti -refugee Sentiment." Los Angeles Pmes, June 26, 1989, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm- 19 89-06-26- me-3232-story.htm 1. 50. Stephanic Lai, "Six Buddhist Temples Vandal [zed across Little Saigon This Month," Los -Angeles Vines, November 29, 2020, accessed January 21, 2021, https.11www.latimes.com/califomia/story/2020-11-28/ santa-ana-budd h i st-temp le -a l l eked ly-defac ed-by-two-female-suspects. 51. Valerie Preston and Lucia Lo. "Canadian Urban Landscape Examples," Canadian Geographer 44, no. 2 (2000): 182-90. 52. Suzanne Hall, City; Street and Citizen. The Meastav, of the Ordinary (London: Routledge, 2013). 53. Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour, Learning from Las Vegas (Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1972). 54. Margaret Crawford, "Blurring The Boundaries: Public Space and Private Life," in Everyday Urbanism, ed. Margaret Crawford, John Kaliski, and John Chase, 22-35 (New York: Monacelli, 2008). 55. James Holston, Insurgent Citizenship: Disjunc#ions ofAemocracy and Modernity in .Brazil (Princeton, New Jersey„ Princeton University Press, 2009). 56, See accessed January 21, 2021, littps:liiatiniesblogs.latimes.cone/lanowl2011/02/cgyyptian-ameticans- in-ocs-little-arabi a -celebrate -say -a -monster- has -le ft-the-scene.html . 57. Author interview with Rashad A]-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 58. Southern Cali fornia Pub] i c Radio, "White or`Other?'With NoCensusCategoryfor2020,Arab-Americans Debate Which Box to Check," Southern Califdrnia Public Radio,16:49 800, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.sepr.org/news/2019/02/25/88393 /white-or-other-with-no-census-category-for-2020-arl. 59. Benedict Anderson, The Specter of'Cornparisons: Nationalism, Southeast Asia, and the World (London: Verso, 1998). 60. Author interview with Rashad A]-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 61. Ibid, 1998. 62. Semi -structured interviews with Little Arabia's proprietors. February 25-27, 2019. Undertaken by the author, 63. Author interview with Rashad A]-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 64. Ibid, I998. 65. Jean-Louis Flandrin, Massimo Montanari, Albert Sonnenfeld, and Clarissa Botsford, Fnod: A Culinary History from Antiyuily to the Present (New York: Penguin Books, 2000). 66. After fifteen years of operation, Olive Tree shuttered in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 67. San Roman, Gabriel. "Middle Eastern Restaurant Owner Bans Loretta Sanchez, Rips Up Her Award to Him, over Gaza Coirirnents—OC Weekly," accessed December 29, 2020, htips://www.ocweekly.com/ video-m i dd le-eastern-restaurant-owner-bans-t oretta-sanc h ez-rips-up-]zer-award-to-h i m-over-gaza- comments-6628526/. 68. Semi -structured interviews with Little Arabia's proprietors, February 25-27, 2019, Undertaken by the author. 69. Roger Brubaker and F. Cooper, "Beyond Identity," Theoty and SoeierJ, 29, no. 1 (2000): 1-47. 70. Author interview with an Anaheim [policy Director, February 28, 2019. 71. Arjun Appadurai, Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Economy (Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, 1990). 22 journol of Urban History 00(0) 72. Mona Shad ia, "An Arab American Spring Is Taking Root in Orange County," The Los Angeles Times, April 11, 2019, accessed January 21, 2021, https:Y/wwwAatimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/ tn-wknd-mona-Shadia-arab-american-civic-council-gala-2019041 1-story.html. Author Biography Noah Allison holds a PhD in urban policy from the New School in New York City. His research focuses on cities at the intersection of international migration, politics of difference, and governance. His book project, Immigrant Foodways, analyzes food practices to understand how they influence the spatial, social, and political dynamics of ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Queens, New York. Little Arabia's `mayor' eases tensions; An Anaheim police officer is building trust between the department and Arab Americans. McKibben, Dave . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, CalifJ. 15 May 2007: B.3. c-'ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) MAP: Little Arabia; CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; ON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer [Omar Adhamj chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County. "People from the Middle East have a natural distrust of police," Adham said. "They see police as an arm of the state."; PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times; OCON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer Omar Adham chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County.; OCON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer Omar Adham chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County.; OCGREETING: Omar Khalaf shows Adham a photo. "People from the Middle East have a natural distrust of police," Adham said.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times; IEBUILDING TRUST: Adham talks with Riad Saeid, editor of the Arab World newspaper. At right is Asad Saad.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times FULL TEXT He wears a uniform and drives a car that has traditionally evoked fear and anger in Anaheim's Arab American community. But the moment Omar Adham's black and white cruiser pulls into a strip mall on Brookhurst Street, it's clear that that sentiment is melting in Little Arabia. "How you doing, Omar?" one Palestinian restaurant owner shouts. "Great to see you," says another man as he shakes Adham's hand between puffs on a cigarette. As Adham sits at a table outside a Middle Eastern restaurant and blends seamlessly into a conversation with three elderly men, it is plain to see why some in this closely knit neighborhood have begun calling him "the mayor" of Little Arabia. For some in the ethnic community, it's difficult to picture an Anaheim cop wandering into a smoke shop, hookah cafe or bakery, sipping tea and munching baklava with business owners. Muhammad Alam, owner of Tripoli Bakery, remembers a vastly different scene a few years ago, when police practically used the Middle Eastern commercial strip malls as their territory. "They'd patrol undercover on an hourly basis," Alam said. "The area was totally chaos. There was a lot of harassment and misunderstanding of our culture by police. It was a crazy time. The police had to do anything to protect the country, but some of the police officers went overboard." In the past-9111 era, harassment complaints regularly came into Anaheim City Hall, and the Council on American Islamic Relations reported a record number of hate incidents and examples of civil rights discrimination in -est. 'DF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM Southern California. "it was a desperate situation for people in the Arab American community," said Richard Chavez, an Anaheim councilman from 2002 to 2006. "Families were being targeted, business owners harassed, police officers were writing down license plate numbers and towing cars." The community, which is sometimes also referred to as Arab Town or the Gaza Strip, is a gritty stretch of congested city blocks in the town's western quarter where travel agencies, pastry shops, beauty salons, real estate companies and adult bookstores do business in small shopping centers. When John Welter took over as Anaheim's police chief in February 2004, he said he immediately realized something needed to be done to ease the tension in the Arab American community. "The biggest issue to me was that there was a perception that people were being targeted based on their religion and race," Welter said. "Because of that, there was a lack of confidence in police." Welter held a series of meetings between the police and religious and business leaders in Little Arabia. A police investigation later uncovered misconduct within the department toward the Arab American community. One officer was reassigned and eventually resigned. Welter's next moves were symbolic and practical — placing a Muslim on the chiefs advisory board and taking Adharn off traffic duty and offering him a liaison position with the Arab American and Muslim communities. "l wanted to get someone in there who I knew could reestablish trust quickly," Welter said. "Someone who would be accepted by the community and who they could relate to. You get a lot more with honey than vinegar. If people like you, they will trust you with information and discuss their concerns without feeling they are an informant." Adham, 36, knew there would be challenges. Still, he gladly accepted Welter's offer. "People from the Middle East have a natural distrust of police," said Adham, an Egyptian American who was born in the United States and speaks some Arabic. "They see police as an arm of the state." A few days into his assignment, Adham realized he had a lot of bridges to build. 1 got suspicious looks when I first started going into mosques," he said. "It took some time before they began to realize I wasn't there to arrest somebody." It took him several months, but Adham slowly began tearing down barriers with a schmooze campaign that would make a politician smile. Wherever he went, Adham brought a smile, a handshake and business cards. To a select few religious and community leaders, he even offered his cellphone number. Since he isn't tied to the police radio, Adham is able to spend more time getting to know his constituents, their families and their problems. "if I can tell them their options and what the process is, it helps ease the tension," Adham said. "This was all new to Arab Americans. They've never had interaction with a police officer at this kind of personal level." Pro uest. POF GENFRATFC 6Y PROQUEST.CGM Adham also began networking with other mosques and police departments in Irvine, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo. The program is the first of its kind in Southern California. Anaheim mosques have responded with some goodwill of their own, sponsoring lunches for residents, police and local community leaders. "Having communication and being proactive will eliminate a lot of ill will," said Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County, on the other side of town from Little Arabia. "People develop radical ideas when their community is isolated." Faquh said a recent Easter weekend incident at his mosque illustrated how much has changed in Anaheim with Muslims and police_ When a Christian Arab group handed out potentially inflammatory literature during the Muslims' Friday prayer service, police were called to keep the peace. "It was impressive," Faquh said. "Their quick response was reassuring." Welter said he couldn't quantify how well his department's community relations strategy was working in Little Arabia. But the Palestinian restaurant owner offered a glimpse. "They treat people here equally," said Abdo Yusuf. "They don't look at where you're from or your color. They are more than fair. At the end, we all bleed the same way." david,mckibben@latimes,com Illustration Caption: GRAPHIC: MAP: Little Arabia; CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: ON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer Omar Adham chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County. "People from the Middle East have a natural distrust of police," Adham said. "They see police as an arm of the state.", - PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: (OC)ON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer Omar Adham chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County.; PHOTO: (OC)ON THE JOB: Anaheim Police Officer Omar Adham chats with Mohammed Faquh, imam of the Islamic Institute of Orange County.; PHOTO: (OC)GREETING: Omar Khalaf shows Adham a photo. "People from the Middle East have a natural distrust of police," Adham said.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: (IE)BUILDING TRUST: Adham talks with Riad Saeid, editor of the Arab World newspaper. At right is Asad Saad.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times Credit: Times Staff Writer DETAILS Subject: Neighborhoods; Arab Americans; Public relations; Police -- Anaheim California Location: Anaheim California People: Adham, Omar Pro uest. PDF GENFRATFC 6Y PROQUEST.COM Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: B.3 Number of pages: 0 Publication year: 2007 Publication date: May 15, 2007 Section: California Metro; Part B; Metro desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: Fnglish Document type: News ProQuest document ID: 422124258 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/login?urizhtips://www.proquest.com/newspapers/little- arabias-mayor-eases-tensions-anaheim/docview/422124258/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2007 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2017-11-14 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright G 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro es PIDF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 CAST IN COUNTY:6PAN Ct.A&,-"HI7 :}ARA641$PA11> [NiMIGRAN-rs sEEK PROSPf_ Wwkg,11MIari Lrxs Angeles Times (1933-1945); May 27, 1973; PraQucnt Historical Nmspara .s Loq Amgctcs Times pg.00I LOST IN COUNTY Arab Immigrants Seek Prosperity, � Find Anonyrnity RV HERMAN WONG -rims man W off ?%4ohsien Nagi-Qader was one nt the many immigrants to America who clad to start a new Iife from scratch_ tit# spoxe i3tue rm tnsn ana nau little money. His first regular job in this country was as a busboy at the Newporter Inn in Newport Beach. And his homeland, Southern} "Ye - amen, on the lower emst of the Arabi- an Peninsula, seemed strangely re- mote and world$ apart to most Americans. A decade has passed since he set- tled in Orange County. He is now a U.S. citizen and has changed his given name to Martin. He has a good -paying job at a metal processing plant in Costa Mesa and lives in a large apartment coanplex. Two relatives from Southern Ye- men have recently joined hire and work with hum at the Soundcast Co. foundry. But a degree of anonymity persists for them and other Ambic-speak- ing immigrants from one of the smallest and least -known immigrant ,groups in Southern California. The Immigration and Natliratiza- tion Service says only 7,357 aliens residing in Southern California are from the Arab sphere countries of North Africa and the Near East, —a region of endless crisis over Arab and Israeli nationalism. Most of these Arabia -speaking aliens entered the United States on student visas or under the sponsor- ship of relatives who are now U.S. citizens. "The predominant reason is the same for most immigrant groups. They come here for better jobs and to Iive more prosperous lives," says George Giacuntakis, chairman of the history department at Cal State Ful- lerton and a Middle East hUtoniani. "You'll find the Arab immigrant as a rule an extremely aggressive per- son when it comes to bettering him- self and a greatly motivated work- er." The vast majority of Arab iaunf- grants in Southern California line In Los Angeles —traditionally one of the great job -entry centers for immi- grants. A far smaller number have moved Please Turn to Page 10, Col. 1 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Furlher repmduclton pmhibiled without"mis5icn. a a x - r 0 p ey,r., A C m w v 46 m s V 'Oa�'r.ra 53 rTR Id m dcu�' mvo�tl� AR •`�� � Mice •�Q��g.0 �•�*._� �7 mdx3RmO.`.:3a� mp:, w x3 �a tio v4MT6-vo^ m .:, O gm p ti H d. ��SVV w a ro� a ri 3 Y Jul t2n � bG m Nut �$ daayy w0 S5 4 . F. OA 13- V .. 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F a +n « c, w.e) a o p m m a .a C,l a v 4ti a o w q .,; • ,� .a m r v r o 0 aen w � ro C oa 4 F a� � ps onaa �X Vy G�ggss tlNaA 'EL GrC C a G wV .�.�. �.�•G'C o.'c' v :.� ,a r 7, as L° ... a " a a :Y _ ° �+ ..° �+ :t "' a +�• r°..i 03.. � y -- g... ti � ... o .., ••- c CL a www�� mcNd? m i o? y T o�oE }'o ac�iyS d� vms°.uacb'E Ees nda Oc£ac� ��P4ed�oo� 2 v-m� Ka a s cE ' ocmmm v�.�c4°klE`cV�o WbW�mauv ro>a= w co O d m ri r x pd u u v Environment and Planning D: Society and Space 2009, volume 27, pages 633-648 doi:1 o_i aaarde2os Making publics: immigrants, regimes of publicity and entry to `the public' Lynn A Staeheli Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, Scotland; e-mail, Lynn.staeheli( ed.ac.uk Dan Mitchell Department of Geography, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1020, USA; e-mail: Dmmitch 01(4,maxwell.syr.edu Caroline R Nagel Department of Geography, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; e-mail: cnagel(i'mailbox. sc.edu Received 30 May 2008; in revised form 29 January 2009 Abstract. As groups struggle to gain visibility and voice in the public sphere and as new publics farm, they may expand the sense of inclusiveness within a polity, but these new publics may also rub against broader, hegemonic ideals of 'the' public sphere. This paper utilises the concept of `regimes of publicity' to explore how marginalised groups are included in the public. Regimes of publicity are the prevailing system of laws, practices, and relations that condition the qualities of a public and the ways that it is situated with respect to other publics. In exploring haw publics might be formed and received, we focus on three intcrlinked elements of regimes of publicity —community and social norms, legitimacy, and the relations that constitute property —as they condition the strategies of activists and the resources that different agents and institutions bring to struggles over entry to the public. The argument we present highlights the ongoing nature of struggles for access to the public realm and the fragmented nature of the public. The public sphere. Inclusion. Inclusion in the democratic public. There has been a great deal of research and writing on these topics. Common to much of this writing is an assumption —or perhaps a hope —that a society becomes more democratic as more and more individuals and social groups gain access to the public sphere and are incorporated into the public. Within geographical research and writing, attention is often directed to the strategic uses of space by different agents as they attempt to claim a stage for public address and thereby to condition entry into the public. In this research, gaining visibility in public space, addressing people who do not hold similar views, and laying claims to public space are seen as key moments in the process by which groups struggle to enter a public or a public sphere that transcends the specific sites of contestation. There are a number of critiques of the approach sketched in the preceding para- graph, not least of which is its simplistic, almost determinist quality. Indeed, in presenting the bare bones of a summary, we have probably constructed a caricature that does not describe any individual piece of research. Yet, the critiques are never- theless instructive. Some authors argue that geographers pay too much attention to physical spaces —to public space, for instance —when other kinds of spaces may be rnore important (eg Barnett, 2008). Other authors question the implicit assumption that there is a singular public to which access is desired (eg Warner, 2002). Still others question the very meaning and significance of inclusion in a public sphere character- ised by structural inequality and power relations that marginalise, even as they appear inclusive (eg Dikeq, 2005). Less commonly stated are worries that perhaps not all groups should be included in the public. Some strands of communitarianism and 634 L A Staeheli„ D Mitchell, C R Nagel neoliberalism emphasise the qualities of people worthy of inclusion (eg Etzioni, 1993), but some scholars on the Left quietly worry about the effects of allowing a site for public address to those who would deny civil liberties (eg neo-Nazi groups). While these critiques seem disparate, they share a sensibility that the relationship between visibility, public address, and inclusion is not straightforward and does not lead inexorably to more democratic societies (Barnett, 2008; Iveson, 2007; Watson, 200G). In this paper we examine the interplay between spatial strategies and social rela- tionships in attempts to stake a claim in public. We begin with a set of vignettes that describe efforts of immigrant activists to lodge claims for recognition, acceptance, and inclusion in the American public. These are not fully formed empirical analyses of entry into the public, as `the public' is something imagined and discursively formed, rather than a fixed entity into which `entry' can be unambiguously traced. Rather, in discussing these vignettes, we highlight the interplay between the physical and legal construction of spaces, social norms, and the processes by which claims for inclusion are legitimated, and argue that these relationships condition the possibilities for inclu- sion in a public. They are not, however, joined in a mechanistic process that necessarily leads to a more inclusive society or democracy. Rather, each element is part of a strategy only partially controlled or capable of being manipulated by any of the agents involved in struggles for inclusion (or exclusion). We argue, further, that the outcome of these struggles does not lead to an ever -more -inclusive public, but, instead, may contribute to the formation of multiple publics that jostle against each other. The argument we present thus highlights the ongoing nature of struggles for access to the public realm, the agonism inherent in the process, and the fragmented nature of the public. Before introducing the vignettes, however, a comment about terms is in order. One of the features of the debates over public space, the public sphere, and the qualities of the public is a slipperiness as to how the terms are used. Some of the slipperiness comes as debates cross disciplinary boundaries and languages. Some of the slipperiness is also because the relationship between different binds of spaces (eg material and metaphor- ical) is complicated. Some of it may stem from sloppiness in writing. And some of it is because authors employ different definitions of `public' —an issue that is compounded in empirical studies, as respondents may use different definitions yet again (Staeheli and Mitchell, 2007). We use the term `public space' or `publicly accessible space' when we are discussing physical spaces that are relatively open to a range of people and behaviours. These spaces are never completely open, so our focus is on the kind of access they allow and the conditions under which it is granted. We use the terms `the public' or `a public' to refer to a sociopolitical collective that is constructed through dialogue and action and that engages strangers or people not directly known to the speaker/actor. As noted, the public is not something we can easily observe empirically, as it is constructed in and through a range of discourses. Yet, the idea of the public is one that is mobilised in political debate and rhetoric, sometimes to reinforce hegem- onic and essentialist notions of the public, and sometimes to highlight injustice in the ways it seems to be constituted (Robbins, 1993). We use the term `public sphere' to refer to the often metaphorical space in which dialogue and action circulate in the construc- tion of publics, We use the term `publicity' to discuss the qualities of the public and public realm in terms of inclusiveness, the capacities to engage in meaningful action, and the relationships between different publics and people within them. Finally, we use the term `public realm' to conceptualise the metaphorical and material spaces and relationships that construct publicity. We offer these definitions now in an attempt to minimise confusion, but justify and expand them as we move through the paper. Making publics 635 As Michael Warner (2002) notes, there is a chicken -and -egg duality to the public and public formation; a public, he argues, cannot exist separately from the rhetflres (and, we would add, actions) that imagine it. While we attempt to prise apart the spaces, actions, and collectivities that are part of the public realm, there is an unavoidable messiness or, as noted above, slipperiness in the terms. Immigrants and the public: three American vignettes We use examples related to immigrants in the United States to explore the struggles for inclusion in the public. There is a wide-ranging debate in both the academy and American politics about the incorporation (or non.incorporation) of immigrants into what is often conceptualised as a singular American public. Among the topics addressed in this debate are the historical contexts of immigrant incorporation (eg Jacobson, 2002; Ngai„ 2004), transnationalism and incorporation (Ong, 1999), and the effects of segregation on incorporation (eg Alba and Nee, 2003; Clark, 2003). The experiences of immigrants can highlight the ways in which publics are reshaped through both overt political action and the banal politics of daily life. Yet, entering the public realm in order to express viewpoints, to engage in political address, or to simply to be part of a social collectivity can be an anxious, fraught moment for many immigrants for several reasons. Many of the coping mechanisms used by immigrants require their invisibility; the use of public spaces in order to highlight the situation of immigrants, however, relies on making their situation visible. In addition, politicians and public officials often seem to focus on immigrants as a cause of social and economic problems. Visibility and efforts to focus public debate on the situation of immigrants might therefore be affirming, but they can also be dangerous. Nevertheless, the experiences of immigrants in public —both in public spaces and in the public sphere —allow us to take up the challenge raised by Bonnie Honig (2002) in her book Democracy and the Foreigner, and to consider the `work' that foreigners do as they shed light on the qualities of democratic inclusion in a society. Our overarching concern is with the qualities of the public created in and through struggles for inclusion. The vignettes that we present are constructed from news accounts and interviews. Two of the vignettes are drawn from a study of Arab immigrants to the US, in which we interviewed leaders of organisations serving Arab communities. Participants in this study were promised confidentiality, but many of therm have been named in press accounts in which they presented arguments that reinforced the interviews. In news articles and in interviews, people described their efforts to demonstrate the importance of immigrants to the US and why they should be included in an American public. We are particularly interested in the spatial strategies they employed as they negotiated social norms and expectations about how and whether immigrants `belonged' as Americans and their proper position within the American public. Vignette 1: Immigrants' rights rallies of 2006 In the spring of 2006 thousands of immigrants and their supporters took to the public spaces of cities and towns across the United States to rally for their rights. The spark for these rallies was the so-called Sensenbrenner Bill (HR 4437), a proposed law that would have imposed strict penalties on immigrants found to be out of compliance with any immigration rule, constructing them as `illegal' and as `felons'. While much of the public debate about the bill implied that it was targeted toward undocumented immi- grants, those who work with or are part of immigrant communities knew that it is very difficult to stay in compliance with the complex and ever -shifting regulations regarding immigration; their fears were that almost any immigrant could be treated as a felon bib L A Staeheli„ D Mitchell, C R Nagel and be subject to deportation without clue process under the law G) Organisers of the rallies hoped that the nature —and what they believed was the injustice —of the legislation would serve as the impetus for a civil rights movement for immigrants. The messages of the rallies were both externally and internally directed. To those who were not immigrants, the rallies were intended to demonstrate the contributions made by immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to the vitality of American. communities. Participants asked native-born Americans to imagine a day without immigrants and to reflect on whether the criminalisation of immigration would lead to a better quality of life for them as individuals or to an enriched American life. For immigrants and their supporters, the rallies were intended to create a sense of solidarity and to impart a sense of urgency to the struggle to protect —and even expand —rights for immigrants in the US. In spreading these messages to both audiences, visibility in public space was a key part of organisers' strategy. In order to create bath a public dialogue and a sense of solidarity, immigrants and their contributions had to be seen, and had to be seen in a positive light_ Often rallies were held in spaces symbolically central to the American polity: Federal Plaza in Chicago, City Hall Park in New York, the Mall in Washington, DC. But just as often they were held at economically symbolic sites. On 10 April 2006—the National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice —rallies were held in at least 140 cities. Many of these were like the one outside Atlanta, where perhaps 40 000 people rallied at a suburban shopping mall that serves both as a site for a day -labour market and as a place catering to the needs of Latino immigrant consumers. Organisers' strategy was to remind the larger public of immigrants' centrality to the economy while demanding a place in the public realm. By occupying public space, the contributions of immigrants to the daily life of millions of Americans as house cleaners, child minders, gardeners, low -wage workers in service industries, and so forth were brought into public space, at least temporarily. Visibility in public space was also important in reaching immigrants and connecting them with the organisations and networks that were working to protect their rights. It was hoped that the rallies could counteract the isolation and fear of exposure that characterise the lives of many immigrants and that mares it difficult to build the connections that could launch a new civil rights movement. Yet, visibility was also dangerous, as organisers worried that the rallies would be watched by immigration authorities and that undocumented migrants would be exposed. Vignette 2: Arab Town Driving through Anaheim, California, an outsider is probably in search of the Magic Kingdom, for the city is the home of Disneyland. Leaving the freeway on the wrong exit, however, the outsider could find himself or herself in the middle of Arab Town and on a street sometimes referred to as the Gaza Strip (figure 1).(2) Arab Town is a concentration of Arab -origin families and of many businesses and organisations serving Arab and Muslim communities. The families and institutions associated with the Arab community did not establish themselves in Arab Town by chance, however, as this is not an `organic' ethnic enclave. Rather, Arab Town was built through the efforts of a small set of people intent on creating a place for Arabs in the Los Angeles/Orange County region. (') Sce Mathew Coleman (2007) for a discussion of immigration regulation and the way that it works outside the structures of the criminal law, even as it relies on police power and criminal penalties. 0) The naming of the area itself is rather unstable. The map given to us in 2003 by the founder was labeled 'grab Town', an article in the same year Called it Arab City', the founder used both names in the interview, and the online version of the map accessed in 2008 is labeled `Little Arabia' (see http flwww.awnews.netflittle_a.rabia.html). Making publics 637 Arab Town was, in effect., founded by an entrepreneur who had migrated to the US from Lebanon during its civil war. Like many of these who left at that time, he carve to the US as a student, but established a small business and prospered. Beginning in the late 1990s, the entrepreneur became interested in the neighbourhood surrounding Brockhurst Avenue. In his view, it was a distressed, rather seedy area. The houses were small and in need of repair. The business strip along Brockhurst Avenue included The Arab Wood IP 8B 6s 355 ,� Edday 06-27.2003 14 July 2000 WIA Figure 1. Map oC Arab Town (source; The Arab World 27 June 2003, B8). 638 L A Staeheli„ D Mitchell, C R Nagel adult bookstores, bars, and striptease clubs scattered amongst the vacant buildings; the vacancy rate was about 50%. The businesses that were there seemed to contribute to the depressed feeling the area exuded. Property prices in the area were the lowest in Orange County. Where others saw decay and sleaze, the entrepreneur saw an opportunity. While the property was cheap, it was also safe; its proximity to Disneyland ensured that police regularly patrolled the area and could respond quickly to crime reports.t3> This was something the entrepreneur had a particular interest in, as several people told us that his son had been the victim of a brutal attack that was apparently motivated by anti - Arab, anti -Muslim hatred. Furthermore, the houses were fundamentally sound, even if they needed repair. It was here, then., that the entrepreneur saw an opportunity to create a neighbourhood where Arab families —who often migrated with few monetary resources —could settle, establish businesses, and feel at home. So he set about trtarket- ing and branding the area as Arab Town, publicising it in all the Arab papers by having articles published and by ,publishing a map labelling the area. And Arab families did move there. The map, in particular, seems to have drawn a number of families. In the entrepreneurs words: "The map you saw in the paper made it all. Let's say a new family came from Lebanon this week. Where are you going to go? I mean, to feel familiar and feel at home and not strangers, they come here. This is where you go. When they read the paper, they say, `Let's go there. There are a lot of Arabs to help us out, give us a job. Maybe if we need to ask what to do, they help us out. And if we want to cat some bread or some food, this is where we go, walking down the street.' I know for a fact that 501A of newcomers come to Anaheim and to this area especially." Within five years of starting to market the area, Arab Town hosted over 25 000 Arab -Americans, over 400 businesses, three mosques, three Eastern Orthodox churches, and branches of most of the national organisations serving the Arab and Muslim communities. The vacancy rate in business properties is 0%, and the entrepre- neur predicted that there would be over 60000 Arab -Americans in the area by 2010 {Twair, 2003},(4) The business district —with the signs for shops and restaurants in Arabic —seems like just another ethnic neighbourhood. As the entrepreneur told us, it is no different than Korean, Chinese, or Italian districts in American cities. There is, as he said, `nothing strange'. The presence of a large number of homes owned by Arabs —with their strong commitment to social norms of family, religiosity, and hard work, they argued — transformed the neighbourhood from one that was rather seedy to one in which it was safe to be an Arab or Muslim in public. There is security in numbers as people walk through the neighbourhood, and the presence of Arab -awned shops, businesses, and organisations provides comfort for those who live there. Some people told us, for instance, that, after September 11, they worried about leaving their homes; one man said his family did not go out of the house except in Arab Town. In the words of the entrepreneur, the establishment of Arab Town and the presence of families and busi- nesses there allows the Arab community to say about the US, "This is our country". As a space to be in public, Arab Town feels secure by virtue of the mix of privately owned businesses and homes that simultaneously normalise the presence of Arabs and allow safe movement through the area. Os The Disney Corporation apparently pays for the policing in Anaheim, with a stipulation that areas close to Disneyland be carefully patrolled with an eye to safety (Twair, 2003). Arab Town abuts Disneyland. (")All population figures are estimates, as the US Census does not. include `Arab' as an enumeration category, Making publics 639 Vignette 3. Arab American day Festival Orange County is also host to the annual Arab American Day Festival. The festival is held in late September each year and brings together a variety of organisations, businesses, civic groups, and community leaders in a celebration of Arab culture in Orange County and in America. Thousands of people gather for food, music, dance, speeches, and a goad time. In this way, it is also just like other celebrations of ethnic heritage in the US, such as St Patrick's Day parades for Irish -American communities, Columbus Day parades for Italian Americans, and celebrations of Chinese New Year. Since it was initiated in 1996, the Arab American Day Festival has been held at a park jointly managed by the City of Garden Grove and a branch campus of a state university. When the festival began, the organisers Jsually arranged skydivers to jump into the festival grounds carrying large flags of the US and of Arab nations. Some- times, they would also hire planes to fly a big banner with the flags as an expression of pride in their heritage. In 2001, however, the festival was cancelled. Scheduled for just a few days after the attacks on September 11, organisers feared for the safety of their community and hunkered down in their homes. In 2002, however, the organisers felt it was important to held the festival again. Some people were worried about possible reprisals, but the organisers persevered. As one said, "We're part of this community. We're American and we don't belong to what happened with bin Laden .... This is our country. If someone is going to come and hurt us, he is an outlaw, and we won't let him. We're not going to stay at home; we want to go out, hike everyday business, how we used to be before" As an expression of belonging to America and to having rights to be in the public, he felt it was important to hold the festival. 4 But there was a hitch. The university and city would not let the festival use a skydiver to plant the flags of the Arab countries on campus. One of the organisers objected: "I said `WhyT They said, `Because it's a terrorist country. We won't let these flags come down on the state land.' I told them, `What do you mean `the state land'? These flags belong to us. This is our heritage, -our history'.... So they stopped us from skydiving, so I told them `OK. You own the land, but you don't own the skies, so I'm going to fly them up there." Civil aviation authorities then intervened, saying that the festival could not fly the planes over the nearby beaches, baseball stadia, shopping malls, and Disneyland. The mix of properties and attendant regulations governing the spaces —including airspace —of nearby properties made flying infeasible. Not to be defeated, however, the organiser arranged big helium balloons to fly the flags in the air over the festival. And there was a certain satisfaction that the balloons were cheaper than the skydivers and that the balloons stayed in the air above the campus for four days, rather than for the time it took the skydivers to land.t5> So even though the original plans were thwarted, in part by the local government's and state university's rules governing the park and by regulations on the use of airspace over nearby properties, the organisers found a space where the property ownership and regulation were less clear. They used that space to proclaim the loyalty of Arab -Americans to the cultures of their homelands as well as to the CIS. The lack of clarity regarding who owned and regulated the airspace above the campus allowed a highly visible location for public address in which claims could be made as a group of people who were both Arab and American. W Apparently, the festival got permission to fly a plane with a banner for Arab American Day and all the flags in later years, although the organiser's comments on this are unclear. 640 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel Spatial strategies of inclusion? In none of these cases did simply entering public space ease access to the public sphere or to the public. No one probably assumed that :t would. t's> It should be clear, for instance, that a variety of kinds of spaces —spaces that are more and less accessible to the public —shapes the activities, forms of address, and reception of ideas. Some of the activities took place on what might be thought of as quintessential public spaces: parks, streets, plazas owned by the government. Yet, public ownership of land does not guarantee unfettered access; as the organisers of the Arab American Festival discov- ered, governmental institutions can put all manner of restrictions on the use of publicly owned land. At the same time, privately owned properties can be sites of protest —as in the immigrant rights rally outside Atlanta —or can provide a measure of safety for those who venture into the streets. To the extent that activists employed spatial strategies to gain visibility and thereby, it was hoped, access to the public sphere, it was not a consistent strategy. Sometimes visibility in public space was important. For the organisers of the immigrant rights rallies, large number of protestors lent credibility to the claim that America depended on the presence of immigrants in the country to ensure a prosperous economy and communities. Visibility- in public space was intended to bolster their claims for fair treatment. Yet, visibility was also perilous. When protestors violated laws by working without documents, visibility could put them in danger. Presence in public space was also important in Arab Town. Whereas Arab immigrants felt insecure in some parts of Anaheim and Orange County after 9/11, the sight of Arabs going about their daily lives in Arab Town created a sense of normalcy and of safety. Sometimes visibility in :public space drew attention to a struggle to be included, as when the organisers of the Arab American Day Festival insisted on holding the festival and proclaiming their heritage. Sometimes visibility in public spaces challenged the expectations and assumptions held by Americans, as whcia rallies in large and small towns across the country were organised in the spring of 2006 and when Americans confronted their reliance on the labour of immigrants and immigrants' contributions to the broader economy and to local communities. And, sometimes, entry into public space was made easier by the creation of exclusionary spaces (eg private homes or businesses) that offered protection if immigrants felt threatened in public spaces. As the vignettes demonstrate, spatial strategies for inclusion are complex, traversing public and private spaces that may be variously inclusionary and exclusionary. So how should we make sense of this? In the following sections we describe a conceptual argument that can help us to understand the complex and rather chaotic process by which claims to be part of the public are made; this argument relies on a notion of a regime of publicity. We use this idea to understand the interrelation between the spaces in which public address and visibility are engaged and the social relationships and expectations that limit access to the public. In so doing, we underscore the importance of a conceptualisation of the public that is fragmented, rather than unitary. Regimes of publicity Two terms need to be defined here: `regime' and `publicity'. A regime is a prevailing system of laws, practices, and relations; it is a relatively settled and socially agreed upon set of rules that reflects and shapes the deployment of power. Publicity, as we defined it in the introduction to this paper, refers to the qualities of a public. We argue (1Although Clive Barnett's (2008) discussion of geographers' attention to public space comes close to arguing that geographers assume this. Making publics 641 here that the prevailing System of laws, practices, and relations conditions the qualities of a public. e conceptualise a regime of publicity as comprising three sets of relationships: social norms of community membership, practices of legitimation, and relations of property (7) Together, these relationships condition haw publics might be formed and received by members of other publics. The interplay between these three sets of relationships is crucial to the formation of publics, but we begin with a discussion of each in isolation. Community and social norms The term 'community' implies a commonality and an ability to interact in interpretable ways. While the idea of `community' is often linked to the idea of a `public', the two terms should be differentiated conceptually. The ability to reach beyond those who are already known to each other and to draw strangers into discourse is a critical step — and perhaps the defining step—in the construction of a public. A public, however, is different from a community in which a kind of social solidarity derives from sharing a ,preexisting history, experience, or identity (Baech er, 1993; Delanty, 2003).'While this distinction is important, we should acknowledge the constitutive role that ideas about community and the norms associated with them play in the formation of a public and in the processes by which new people are included. First, it must, be noted that while we make a conceptual distinction between communities and publics, a hest of political theorists, politicians, and activists do not (see Staehelii, 2008). Thus, in the real world where publics are created, there is often a conflation of terms and categories in ways that seem to equate `community', `the public', and, in some cases, 'the polity'. Second, the chicken -and -egg nature of the formation of publics means that some sense of community and shared ideals is facilitated by the preexistence of some feeling of `publicness' (Warner, 2002). Again, at a practical level, a sense of commonality can provide the basis for the uptake of ideas and for discussion amongst people who might otherwise be strangers. But coming full circle, the formation of a public may also spawn a feeling of community, meaning that the conceptual distinction between publics and communities is not easily sustained in practice. The ability to join or gain access to a public is, also as a pragmatic matter, enhanced if the people who might wish to be included hold views and engage in behaviours that are consonant with existing social and community norms; sharing norms may simply make it easier to imagine and construct a sociopolitical collective, the definition of a public we initially offered. The importance of community and social norms, however, is also seen in the relations between the dominant society and members of social groups seeking inclusion in it. A group that is seen to be deviant or to violate the norms of the public, for instance, is likely to face conflict as it seeks inclusion. If, however, members of a social group seem to behave in ways that are consistent with social and communal norms, they may be more readily accepted. Norms, thus, act as pathways to inclusion and acceptance within the public. Norms may also, however, act as barriers, and those people who are presumed to not share in communal norms —or, worse, to challenge them —may be excluded. In this way, while norms are not constructed through law, they can often take on the force of law, and the implicit social acceptance and policing of norms relaxed to behaviour and ideas set the stage for the relationships within the public sphere at any given time. ('}The discussion in this section draws from Lynn Staeheli and lion Mitchell (2008, chapter 6). 642 L A Staeheli„ D Mitchell, C R Nagel In each of the vignettes of immigrant activism, we can see the appeal to social norms of membership that were promoted. The immigrant rights activists attempted to highlight the ways in which immigrants —documented and otherwise —subscribed to an ethic of hard work and of participating in community. Residents of Arab Town and people who attended the Arab American Day Festival enact community norms through their everyday activities in public space and in their celebration of America's ethnic diversity. In the case of the festival, organisers were clear that it was important to hold the festival after September 11 precisely to demonstrate that Arab -Americans did not "belong to what happened with bin Laden'. Assertions of community norms did not, in and of themselves, guarantee inclusion in the American public, but they certainly made it easier to imagine immigrants and Arabs as Americans, and, thereby, as worthy of inclusion in the public. Legitimacy The ability to shape social norms and to enforce them is an exercise of power? usually exerted over a long period of time. But to be effective the claims made on social norms must be seen as legitimate, as normal, as unremarkable. In other words, to be legitimate, the actions and discourses involved in the creation of a public must be consistent with existent notions of publicity. Thus, there is another paradox. Struggles to gain acceptance in public often challenge the legitimacy of extant practices, ideas, and values that have been normalised; in challenging those norms, however, groups may create a sense of their own illegitimacy. Thus, the process of entering the public involves various strategies and moments when the legitimacy of existing publics are challenged. In those challenges, however, the `deviance' or nonconformity of the group seeking entry to or recognition in the public may be highlighted, thereby making the group's acceptance more difficult. To negotiate this paradox, groups often have to draw on practices and ideas that may seem legitimate in other senses, as they strive to make the exclusionary or limiting nature of social norms seem remarkable. The organisers of the immigrant rights rallies had to confront this issue directly. As noted above, they tried to present immigrants as people who came to the US to work and who provided valuable services to the American public and American economy. In pressing claims to rights and fair treatment, however, they had to deal with the reality that many of the people they represented were in the country without documents and the legal right to work. As such, in highlighting immigrants' conformity with some social norms, they also raised the Issue of the ways that some immigrants were not following the law. Linder these circumstances, legitimating the claims of immigrants would be very difficult, and, indeed, subsequent debates over immigration gave witness to these difficulties. To counteract this, organisers drew on a different set of legitimating claims (claims that would in other contexts be called `myths') including the American history of immigration. They also pressed moral claims associated with republican con- ceptualisations of citizenship about commitment to work, to paying taxes, and to families as a way of demonstrating their worthiness for protection and for inclusion. Similarly, the founders of Arab Town and the organisers of the Arab American Day Festival very clearly attempted to demonstrate the normalcy of Arab immigrants, drawing on the :stories of other immigrant groups, such as Koreans, Chinese, Italians, and Irish, to show that there was `nothing strange' about Arabs. (s) These legitimating stories were intended to offset perceptions of the group as nonconforming, and they highlighted the unremarkable nature of Arab immigrants and their legitimate right to be included (8) See Nagel and Staeheli (2005) for a broader discussion of Arab -Americans' attempts to portray themselves and their communities as `normal' American immigrants, whose experience would be `just like the Irish'. Making publics 643 in the American public. Clearly, this was a struggle. Power and politics —and, practically speaking, asymmetrical ;power and political relations —condition the ability to gain legitimacy and to gain acceptance as new members of the public. Relations of property The final element of the regime of publicity involves relations of property. :Many accounts of publicity assign an important role to public .space, rather than to property. As we have noted, the visibility that nnay come with public space and the presumed ability to gain access to it makes public space a particularly important resource for groups as they attempt to engage in public address and build connections with strangers, There are ways in which public space, however, can be conceptualised as a particular form of property; doing so draws attention to the rules and relationships — rules and relationships legitimated through law —that qualify access to all kinds of spaces, all kinds of properties (Blomley, 2004). In this view, property is not just a physical plot of land, but also the set of relationships and rights that make property meaningful as a farm of wealth, as a resource in building places and structuring activities, and as imbued with power. bather than a semantic conceit, then, the term `property' and the rights and relationships attendant to it make clear the ability to set terms of access (and exclusion); this is as true for property owned by governments as it is for property owned by individuals and corporations. The rights and relationships that constitute property are important issues in the formation of publics because a range of expectations, rules, and legal protections exist that can regulate access to a property (eg the claims that can be made by virtue of ownership, and the kinds of activities at different times that might be allowed on a property). What are often described as `public spaces' are, in fact, properties with attendant relationships, regulations, and norms that can be used to differentiate people, behaviours, and political claims. Owners of properties can set limits on the kinds of people and behaviours that are allowed on the property and the terms of access. Owners can restrict both what is said and how it is said, as the organisers of the Arab American Day Festival found when they tried to plant the flags of Arab countries in a public park. That property involves a set of rights means that it can also play a role in legitimat- ing the strategies of groups who attempt to use it. So, for example, the fact that so many residents of Arab Town are property owners gives them a feeling of legitimacy as they make claims on local governments as taxpayers and as responsible denizens, even if not as citizens. Some actions and some people may press political claims that seem more or less legitimate, based, in part, on the norms and rules that regulate the property on which the claims are made. Transgressing norms of property, however, may also contribute to a loss of legitimacy, a loss that may be enforced by the police or the courts. At the same time, and similar to what has been argued previously, contesting norms that involve property and attempting to reframe them may be part of a strategy for gaining access to the public sphere; over time, challenges may be incorporated into social practices and norms, becoming acceptable, unremarkable, and thereby legitimate. Taken together, norms, legitimacy, and the rights and relationships of property condition the entry of groups into public, the resources and opportunities that may be available in their struggles to gain entry, and the positioning of the group with respect to other members of the public. This is not a linear, mechanistic process, however, as groups engaged in struggles over the public advance competing norms and strategies of legitimation, and manipulate the resources available to be mobilised through property rights and relationships. These relationships are not fixed, however, 644 L A Staeheli„ D Mitchell, C R Nagel and so negotiating the process of gaining access to the public often involves tensions and conflicts. In short, there is a politics to publicity that fragments the public and that farces us to consider the possibility of multiple publics, rather than relying on a notion of a singular, overarching public sphere and public. This is the final element of our framework for understanding the relationship between spatial strategies and social relationships in attempts to stake a claim in public. Public or publics? The theoretical debates about the public are both wide-ranging and fierce. While many approaches accept the idea of a public being farmed through address and discourse, there are wildly different conceptualisations of what constitutes discourse and about the characteristics of political subjects capable of participating in discourse. There is also a wide-ranging set of theoretical debates about the relationship between the public, deliberation in the public sphere, and governing; the issues here often hinge on whether the public is seen as equivalent to the polity, and therefore coterminous with the state. tg> These theoretical debates are often confused, however, as scholars attempt to link them with debates over the very meaning or constitution of the public. These debates are even more confused when theoretical ideas of academics confront the theories of activists and others involved in struggles on the ground. For our purposes, one of the most important debates animating bath academics and political agents (`sets' that may well overlap) has to do with whether a singular public is imagined or whether multiple publics are imagined. Very often, the idea of a singular public —such as one that might be governed by a nation -state —is mobilised for pragmatic purposes related to ruling or as a way of imagining the characteristics of those who 'belong'. The idea of an American public forged through immigration, recognition of a common purpose, and mutual dependence, for instance, is one that imagines the members of the public in particular ways. In some political debates and in some theoretical argu- ments, those who do not meet the characteristics of the American public may be legitimately refused inclusion. By contrast., those who conceptualise multiple publics or a fragmented public typically argue that publics are actively created through address and through participation in public life, and are not simply historical remnants or the result of state power (eg Calhoun, 2002; Iveson, 2007; Kohn, 2004; Warner, 2002). Conceptualising a public in this way acknowledges the possibility, and, indeed, the likelihood, of multiple publics to which individuals might feel aligned, that operate within and across political boundaries, and that have different spatial extensibilities ('Watson, 2006). This plural conceptualisation is aligned theoretically with ideas about multiple identities and recognises the ways in which the attitudes and values of indi- vidual political subjects are often diffuse, are inconsistent, or are even sometimes in apparent conflict. In other words, it allows for agonism as the basis of politics (Mouffe, 2000). While there is often cooperation and overlap between publics, there can also be struggle and conflict as variously positioned —and variously powerful —agents and institutions attempt to impose order and control. Michael Warner (2002), for instance, makes a distinction between `the public', which is a normative and hegemonic con- struction created through domination, and `a public', which might be one of many publics that jostle against each other and to which an individual might be aligned. He argues that conflicts often arise when institutions associated with the state attempt to create a sense of a singular public aligned within the boundaries of nation -states or when institutions and agents attempt to create an idea of a set of behaviours and (') Myra Ferree et al (2002) provide an excellent summary of the ways these two strands of debate intersect. Making publics 645 norms to which everyone in a polity must assimilate or conform. This is one way to interpret the vignettes discussed previously. Facing exclusion from `the public; activists tried to create alternative spaces and alternative publics in which immigrants could be safe as they developed political skills and social acceptance. These alternative publics might be absorbed into the broader public at a later point, or they might remain sheltered publics that provide an entree for limited access to the broader public. It is significant that the activists did not seem to share a common view of inclusion: some in Arab Town thought Arabs would ultimately be `just like the Irish' and be accepted; other immigrant activists think inclusion should allow the maintenance of separate identities; and others thought that legal restrictions would always marginalise migrant workers. How are these safe spaces, these safe publics, to be built? Paradoxically, this may rely on exclusion. There are numerous examples of groups creating spaces of exclusion in order to nurture marginalised groups and to build the strength and political voice to create `a public', and, ultimately perhaps, to enter `the public'. Nancy Fraser (1990), for instance, argues that exclusionary public spheres can provide an environment for discussion and development of political ideas and strategies for subaltern, or margin- alised, political groups. A number of empirical examples support Fraser's theoretical intervention by demonstrating the ways in which exclusionary spaces have been created to create a safe space to simply he in public. Kurt Iveson (2003), for example, analyses the controversies over the exclusion of men from a beach near Sydney. Elements of the debate over the beach included questions of whether it was allowable to maintain women -only `public' baths. Those who supported the exclusion of rnen argued that the maintenance of women -only spaces was important for women's ability to draw fully from the benefits offered in public spaces; in this case, histories of gendered oppression, discrimination, and violence —histories that reflect exclusion of a different type —were used to support exclusionary practices. Similarly, Ruth Fincher and Ruth Panelli (2001) demonstrate the ways in which women in Australia use private —and thereby potentially exclusionary —spaces of the home to formulate political strategies for making claims on governments (see also Anderson and Jacobs, 1999). As these also demonstrate, bringing `private' matters into public spaces has been central to political strategies to develop the potential for the creation of publics in which subjectivities can be nurtured that allow entry into the broader public sphere. And sometimes ,groups occupy a space that seems neither fully public nor private, but to operate at the boundaries between them. Together, these strategies often involve the blurring —and even transgression —of boundaries between public and private in order to create political spaces from which large and small reorderings of political priorities, subjectiv- ities, and perhaps the public sphere itself can be effected. Arab Town is perhaps an exemplar in this regard. What all of this means is that entering a public realm on the part of groups is not a straightforward process of gaining access to a singular public, thereby creating an ever- more -inclusive polity. Instead, the process of entering the public realm through the creation and introduction of new publics is marked by `episodes' and longer term strategies in which groups themselves create exclusionary spaces that may offer a kind of protection as they nurture and develop their capacity to present themselves to other and to larger publics. As the examples demonstrate, the spatiality of publicity in this regard is complex, traversing public and private spaces that may be variously inclusive and exclusionary. While exclusion and privacy may be strategies appropriate at a given time or with regard to a particular goal, it nevertheless remains important to gain access to public spaces that are more open, perhaps more visible, in order to demonstrate conformance with particular norms and foster a sense of legitimacy in broader publics. 646 L A Staeheti, D Mitchell, C R Nagel Spatialities of publicity If we take seriously the idea of multiple publics and the ways that regimes of publicity condition entry or access to a public —and they are just conceptual arguments, rather than something `proven' —then we also need to expand our arguments about the spatiality of the public realm and of publicity. The bare bones description of the relationship between space and publicity was never either adequate or accurate, but the argument developed in this paper should point the way to an even more nuanced and com- plex assessment of the relationships between spatiality, sociopolitical relationships, and publicity. Specifically, three interrelated dimensions or expressions of spatiality are important. First, the `metaphorical' spaces of the public realm are important; they provide a sense of a `place' where publics come to see themselves and to rub up against each other, jostle for position with respect to other publics, and the agonism of politics. is developed and expressed. These spaces —signaled by terms such as `public realm', `public sphere', and so forth —are not the same as, and cannot be reduced to, material spaces (whether called `public' or not), but neither can they separated from material spaces. The structure of the public realm is conditioned by specific arrangements of material space, social relations, and institutions; a public realm is impossible without some `place' where that realm can exist, even if that place is shaped as much by (for example) current media arrangements or networks of communication as it is by real property. Drawing attention to the metaphorical spaces of the public realm reminds us not to overemphasise material public spaces in struggles to gain access to the public realm, but it also reminds us not to underestimate them. It is, for example, an open question as to whether the immigrant rights rallies were successful to the extent that they occupied spaces or whether it is because those temporary occupations led to different kinds of mobilisations in private spaces and in the realm of debate and deliberation. Rather than asking whether one kind of realm is more important than the other, it might be more productive to ask how the occupations of space spurred specific kinds of debate even as this debate reshaped the public face and strategies of publicity and the uses of material spaces. Following From that, the key question becomes, given the specific structures of power, to what degree does occupying material space advance or hinder attempts to stake a claim in the public realm and to thereby transform the nature of `the public' itself? The point here is that claiming public spaces is only one possible strategy for staking a claim in the spaces of the public. It is the positioning within the broader public that is significant in the quality of democracy and what it means to be included in it. Second, from the foregoing, it is clear that a close analysis of material spaces —or, better, spattialities—remains important. We have focused on one aspect of these spaces, that of the relationships associated with property. Property and its attendant rights and relationships are one element or resource that is available to groups in negotiating access to the public realm. In saying that it is available, however, we have not argued that it is the sole determinant of access. Rather, we have focused on the relationships involved in property because they set the terms under which people and groups can use material spaces as part of a broader strategy. Sometimes, transgress- ing the rules and expectations associated with a particular property is part of a group's strategy; rallies and protest, for instance, are often predicated on this strategy. Sometimes, conforming to them is part of the strategy, as in the development of Arab Town. Sometimes, wiggling around them is part of the strategy, as the organisers of the Arab American Day Festival did by floating the flags of Arab counties over the park after the local government —the owner of the property —said it could not plant them in the ground. Property, we argued, is not significant on its own, but is important Making publics 647 in relation to broader social norms and practices of legitimation. Through the interaction of these three elements of the regime of publicity, publics are constructed and structured, and struggles for access and positioning in the public realm are waged. Finally, our conceptualisation of the spatiality of the public realm means that there is a geography of publicity that is manifested in the neighbourhoods and physical spaces of cities, towns, and rural areas in which people go about their daily lives. This geography is neither fully material (in the sense of being rooted to specific spats on the ground) nor wholly metaphorical (in the sense of being entirely untethered to those spots on the ground). Instead, it is the geography of publicity that we enact, sometimes without knowing or being aware of precisely what we are doing. This is the geography in which people claim —through visibility, through protest, and through banal activities —their rights to be included in the public realm. Acknowledgements. This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (RCS-9819828 and BCS-0216886) and from the Economic and Social Research Council (R000223995)_ References Alba R, Nee V, 2003 Remaking the American Mainstream: Assimilation and Contemporary Immigration (Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA) Anderson K, Jacobs J, 1999, "Geographies of publicity and privacy: residential activism in Sydney in the 1970s" Environment and Planning A 311017 -1030 Buechler J, 1993, "Individual, group and democracy'", in Democratic Community, NC11 OS XXXV Eds J Chapman, I Shapiro (New York University Press, New York) pp 15-40 Barnett C, 2008, `Convening publics: the parasitical spaces of public action", in Handbook of Political Geography Eds K Cox, M Low, J Robinson (Sage, London) pp 403-417 Blornley N, 2004 Unsettling the City: Urban Land and the Politics of Property (Routledge, New York) Calhoun C, 2002, "Imagining solidarity: cosmopolitanism, constitutional patriotism, and the public sphere" Public Culture 14 147-171 Clark W A V, 2003 Immigrants and the American: Dream: Remaking the Middle Class (Guilford Press, New York) Coleman M, 2007, "Immigration geopolitics beyond the Mexico -US border" Antipode 39 54- 76 Delanty G, 2003 Community (Routledge, London) Dikei M, 2005, `.Space, politics, and the political" Environment and Planning D. 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This PDF may not be placed on any website (or other online distribution system) without permission of the publisher. /fIk AAA€RMAN BAR A5'SOCIAMN Defending Liberty Pursuing Justice Working with Arab Clients Author(s): Stephen B. Mashney Source: GPSolo, TANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004, Vol. 21, No. 1, The Benefits and Burdens of a Diversified Practice (,TANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004), pp. 42-44 Published by: American Bar Association Stable URL: https;//www.jstor.org/stable/23672544 J'STOR is a not -for -profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about ISTOR, please enntact support@jstor.org. Your use of the .TSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms $ Conditions of Use, available at http:5://about,jstor.org/terrns JS 1 ®R Amer -jean Bar Association is collaborating with TSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Gpsolo This content downloaded from 132.174.255.85 on Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:42:29 UTC ,All use subject to https //about.jstor.org/terms J0P".,.FW Working with Arab By Stephen B. Mashney fFectively represent- ing clients of foreign extraction requires a working familiarity with their cultures and traditions. This is --jj especially true today when representing clients of Arab ances- try —from a part of the world that has been the focus of media frenzy and gross misinformation during the past two years. Let's start with correct terminology: People are Arab or Arabic. Coffee and lan- guage are Arabic. Horses are Arabian. Arabic clients come from one of 23 Arab countries and occupied Palestine located in western Asia and northern Africa. At the Stephen S. Mashney practices law in Anaheim, California. He can be reached at Mashney@hotmall.com. 42 GPSOLO January/February 2004 beginning of the twentieth century, most of these 23 countries were contiguous components of one united nation ruled by the Ottoman Empire„ which had existed COT hundreds of years but was dissolved at the end of the First World War. For many centuries in the past, Arabs existed as citi- zens of successive united Arabic empires with one central governmem. Today, many Arab people still consider themselves pan of the Arab Nation and yearn for the uni- fication of divided Arab countries into one strong Arab country. Arabic people are diverse but share a common history, language, and tradi- tions. Although predominantly Muslim (preferred spelling), many Arabs are Christian or (fewer) Jewish. It is impor- tant to note that the terms "Arab" and "Muslim" are not interchangeable —most Muslims are not Arab, and many Arabs are not Muslim. This content downloaded from 132.174.255.86 on Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:42:29 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms Clients Generally speaking, Arabs are trusting people who pride themselves on their generosity and strong family values. Honor and reputation play a pivotal role in everyday life. My late father, for exam- ple, a Palestinian Arab American, refused to apply for Social Security benefits because he did not want to receive what he perceived as "charity." Except in Hollywood motives, there is no "typical Arab." lake populations of any country, Arabs differ; many have blond hair, fair skin, and blue or green eyes. Others have African features, although most have olive skin. Furthermore, there are very signifi- cant infra -Arab cultural variations within the larger Arab culture itself. There are significant cultural differ- ences between Arab and American cul- tures. Although Arab countries have capi- talist economies, many new Arab immi- grants are unaccustomed to the material- istic emphasis of the American economy. Arabs are generally shy people who would be reluctant to blurt out their feel- ings and intentions (as on TV sitcoms). As mentioned earlier, Arabs have his- torically operated on the mutual expecta- tion that opposite sides of an issue will honor their respective words and promis- es. As a result, Arabic clients may be shy to insist that agreements be formalized in written documents. This becomes prob- lematic when memories fade and inten- tions change. An attorney representing fairly recent Arab immigrant clients should pay close attention to this possi- bility and ensure that everything is ren- dered in writing. If the Arabic client does not speak good English, it is best if the attorney speaks Arabic or, next best, employs an Arabic -speaking staff person. if these options are not available, an out- side interpreter is indispensable when dealing with an Arab client. Although a translator is helpful, one must ensure that she or he translates as opposed to engag- ing in conversations with the client while you are out of the linguistic loop. The importance of speaking Arabic goes further than the mere facilitation of mutual comprehension. An Arabic client, even one who speaks perfect English, generally will feel more welcome if a key person at the law firm speaks Arabic. just imagine your delight if you needed help in a foreign country where almost no one speaks your language and you meet an attorney who greets you in flawless English. Mammoth multicultural law firms often are logistically equipped to deal with Arabic -speaking clients, but boutique law firths with at least one Arabic -speaking staff member can do just as good a job, and sometimes even better. Unlike what happens in some big law firms, an Arab client will not feel lost in the shuffle in a boutique law firm setting and consequently will have a better over- all experience and a greater likelihood of returning with other matters. An attorney may very easily alienate an Arab client by ignoring the fact that many items billable in U.S. culture are free in the Arab world. In Arab culture, many things are done without charge as tokens of generosity, respect, and friendship. GPSOL.O January/February 2004 43 This content downloaded from 132.174.255.86 on sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:42:29 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms In the ware of intensified prosecutorial and media scrutiny, many lawyers settled cases involving Arab clients on terms that would have been unacceptable before September 11. When Arab clients get billed for the firms making a few photocopies or a few long- distance phone calls, its a sure turnoff. The law firm' attempt to recoup negligi- ble costs may end up costing it the loss of the client's business. A client once told me an anecdote related to this topic. He was invited by a friend to a dinner that included the Friend's attorney. During the dinner con- versation, my client asked and the attor- ney answered some legal questions. When they finished dinner, my client, true to his Arab heritage, insisted on pay- ing the tab, while the lawyer did not object. Each went his separate way. But a few days later, my client was shocked and dismayed to receive a bill from the attor- ney for the "consultation" the attorney "rendered" during the free dinner paid for by my client. Needless to say, that short- sighted attorney's materialistic behavior forever alienated a potential client. In addition to the predictable cultural and economic challenges confronting immigrants in general, Arab immigrants in the United States face more sinister dif- ficulties. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, and as a direct result of the heightened negative generalized media and government scrutiny of Arabs, many Arabs have found themselves on the receiving end of widespread de jute and de facto discrimination, persecution, vio- lence, and economic ruin. At the end of 2002, the Justice Department instituted a program euphemistically dubbed "special regis- tration," ostensibly to catalog immigrants of all nations. When Arabs and Muslims showed up in good faith, thousands were arrested and imprisoned for peri- ods of time ranging from days to months. Many of the prisoners were treated extraordinarily harshly and inhu- manely, despite that Fact that the over- whelming majority of them had commit- ted no crime whatsoever. (Furthermore, the justice Department never called for the registration of immigrants from non - Arab and non -Muslim countries.) One unfortunate effect of the intensi- fied prosecutorial and media scrutiny was that many attorneys settled cases involv- ing Arabs on terms that would have been 44 GPSOLO January/February 2004 unacceptable before September 11. Today, a traffic stop is more than just a routine check if the motorist is an Arab. In addi- tion, the number of incidents of Arabic people being stopped, interrogated, and detained at airports and other points has skyrocketed. American culture has changed, now primed to believe any Arab person is a potential terrorist. When Arabs are arrested, even those who have lived here for decades, judges often deny hail or set it at significantly higher figures than for non -Arab defendants. Even in the realm of domestic relations cases, prejudice about Arab culture has affected the treatment of Arabs. The police and prosecutors often treat Arab men more harshly than non -Arab defendants because of the racist stereotype that Arabs are violent and treat women worse than other domestic abusers. These are but a few of the problems, perceptions, and strongly held positions that Arab clients now face when dealing with Americans in general and the U.S. justice system in particular. Attorneys rep- resenting Arabic clients must understand that representing Arabic clients carries additional challenges not encountered when representing Others. Furthermore, understanding and maintaining empathy for the predicaments of Arab clients, and being sensitive to Arabic culture and her- itage, will help ensure that the outcome of representation will be pleasantly memo- rable for both the attorney and the client. After all, it is our mission to see to it that those whom we represent receive the fairest possible result, regardless of color, creed, faith, and, yes, national origirt— even if they are Arab. ttttm This content downloaded from 132.174.255.86 on Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:42:29 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms Orange County; ©range Peeled / A LOOK AT LIFE INSIDE THE COUNTY; 'Little Arabia' Gives Muslims Taste of Home Yoshino, Kimi . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Califf . 01 Mar 2004: B.3. c-7ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) Like dozens of other Middle Eastern business owners, [Mohammad Abdallaj set up shop in Anaheim's bustling Little Arabia, a portion of Brookhurst Street also known as Arab Town and Gaza Strip. Abdalla's Al Huda Meat &Deli is one of seven butcher shops to offer halal meat, the Islamic equivalent to Jewish kosher_ Judging by the demand, there's plenty of business to go around. MAP: Little Arabia, Anaheim; CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; CULTURAL VARIETY: Noushin Bardi, the Iranian owner of Versailles Pastry &Chocolate on Brookhurst Street in Anaheim, prepares baklava for her customers.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Glenn Koenig Los Angeles Times FULL TEXT Looking back, Mohammad Abdalla can see things clearly: He was out of place -- a Muslim Palestinian American operating a Mexican American market in Orange. When he took it over, he stopped selling pork because eating it is forbidden by his religion. Customers understood, but it was an inconvenience, Then one day, a man walked in and told Abdalla, "if you don't want to have pork chops and ham for Mexicans, go sell halal food to your own community." It was a suggestion he took to heart. Like dozens of other Middle Eastern business owners, Abdalla set up shop in Anaheim's bustling Little Arabia, a portion of Brookhurst Street also known as Arab Town and Gaza Strip. Abdalla's Al Huda Meat &Deli is one of seven butcher shops to offer halal meat, the Islamic equivalent to Jewish kosher. Judging by the demand, there's plenty of business to go around. "They come from Ventura, Las Vegas, Riverside and Pasadena;" Abdalla said. "They drive 50 to 60 miles to come to Anaheim.... They buy everything here. They eat here." Among Abdalla's customers are Muslim families from Las Vegas and Arizona, who call in advance to place $1,000 orders for halal meat. He freezes it and they come toting ice chests for the long drive home. Pro uest. PCF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM They could find halal meat closer to home, Abdalla said. But his Arizona customers, for example, could pay prices as much as $1 per pound higher there. Butcher shops aren't the only thing Arab Town has to offer. Beauty salons cater to Muslim women, offering private rooms for haircuts because they customarily do not remove their hijabs -- their scarf -like head coverings — in front of men other than close relatives. Travel shops specialize in vacations to the Middle East. Restaurants feature hummus, tabbouleh and shish kebab. Pastry shops offer so many different kinds of baklava — cashew, pistachio, almond and walnut, to name a few — they fill display cases. On top of that, there are clothing stores, bookstores, video stores and grocery stores. "For Muslims and Arabs, it's very well-known," said Sabiha Khan, a spokeswoman for the Council on American - Islamic Relations- Southern California, whose office is on the outskirts of Little Arabia. "We're a little bit spoiled here because we have a lot of these amenities that other communities don't have. You can get everything you need." As a woman who needs specific attire to fit into Muslim requirements, Khan said it is easy for her to find beautiful, embroidered scarves — the kind, she said, "that you don't find at Robinsons-May." The area is so popular among area Muslims that even the local Sizzler on Brookhurst offers halal items on the menu. Khan said about 170,000 Muslims live in Orange County; 600,000 in Southern California and 1 million statewide. Nationalities include Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians. Anaheim does not promote the neighborhood or keep figures on the economic benefits it brings to the city. But business owners such as Abdalla say the neighborhood is packed on weekends. When Abdalla moved into the Brookhurst Plaza shopping center four years ago, his was the only business catering to the Arab community. Now, there's a grocery store and salon on either side and a smoke shop, coffeeshop and bakery across the parking lot. It is a melding of cultures and geography. At the Iranian -owned Versailles Pastry &Chocolate, there's a wide selection of French pastries -- eclairs and tarts and intricately decorated desserts. But half the stores are devoted to Middle -Eastern sweets. Baklava is sold by the pound. The honey -drenched phyllo dough treats come in a variety of shapes and flavors, from traditional diamonds to thin "fingers" to bracelet -shaped rounds. During Muslim holidays, the bakery sells hundreds of pieces of baklava, cashier Michel Conley said. At the Al Andalus Market, shopper Hakam Issa of Anaheim picked up an assortment of fresh vegetables, specialty Pro uest. PnF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM cheeses and pita bread. He can find everything he needs, he said, including Arabic cucumbers, small eggplants for stuffing and dolma. The store also has a wide selection of nuts and grains, items that are offered at many grocery stores but that are cheaper in Arab Town. "Every community has their own stuff," said Issa, who appreciates Orange County"s other ethnic shops in Little Saigon and Santa Ana. "We are really lucky_ The mix is very nice." Illustration Caption: GRAPHIC: MAP: Little Arabia, Anaheim, CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: CULTURAL VARIETY: Noushin Bardi, the Iranian owner of Versailles Pastry &Chocolate on Brookhurst Street in Anaheim, prepares baklava for her customers.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Glenn Koenig Los Angeles Times Credit: Times Staff Writer DETAILS Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: 13.3 Number of pages: 0 Publication year: 2004 Publication date: Mar 1, 2004 Section. California Metro; Part B; Metro Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: NEWSPAPER ProQuest document ID: 421908109 -Proest Pi7F GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/ log in?url=hops://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orang e- county-peeled-look-at-life-inside-little/docview/421908109/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2004 Las Angeles Times) Last updated: 201 i-11-15 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright © 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro uest PIDF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 Anti -Muslim protestors confronted with dance party at Eid Festival Hijazi, Samer. . The Arab American News; Dearborn, Mich. [Dearborn, Mich]. 16 July 2016: 3. ,,,0II�"iroOuua s d ocuuuineu°m�tl: llliu°m1k ABSTRACT "They started preaching things and spewing hate," he said. "People were non-violently confronting them because they were upset at what they were doing. I was upset too, I'll admit it. But I decided that it wasn't about them, it wasn't about us; it was about the festival and coming together. We are there to celebrate and not start altercations." "The feeling I got from it was fantastic," [Ibrahem Dalati] recalled. "I felt like we brought people together. We weren't going to stop ourselves from celebrating. We aren't going to be depicted as a religion of hate and murder. We are about peace and love. It wasn't just Muslims and Arabs dancing with us. So many different people were dancing along. It became one big dance party." In 2012, the Bible Believers' YouTube video called "American Muslims stone Christians in Dearborn, MI" went viral and the incident at the Arab International Festival resulted in a freedom of speech lawsuit that made its way through several courts and eventually landing in favor of the evangelist group in the Court of Appeals. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case of the Wayne County Sheriffs office, upholding the Court of Appeals decision that the group's rights had been violated. FULL TEXT ANAHEIM, CA - A group of anti -Islamic protestors attempted to disrupt the fourth annual Eid Festival on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, but instead were met with confrontations that turned into a dance party. The Bible Believers, a familiar group to Dearborn residents, was up to its old familiar tricks at the Eid Festival held in downtown Anaheim. This was the first year the group attended the festival, carrying bigoted signs and chanting offensive language, such as "Prophet Muhammad is a Pedophile." Members of the Bible Believers caused chaos when they disrupted the last Arab International Festival in Dearborn in 2012 by marching through the premises carrying a pig's head on a stick and chanting similar remarks. Wayne County Shenriffs deputies had to escort the group out of the festival after attendeesmany of them children - began engaging with the group and throwing rocks and water water bottles at them. But quite a different reaction occurred in Anaheim this year. 18-year-old Ibrahem Dalati, whose father founded the Fid Festival, led a dance party in front of the protestors - eventually drowning out their offensive behavior. In an interview with The AANews, Dalati said what had transpired at the festival was never planned. "They started preaching things and spewing hate," he said. "People were non-violently confronting them because they were upset at what they were doing. I was upset too, I'll admit it. But I decided that it wasn't about them, it wasn't about us; it was about the festival and coming together. We are there to celebrate and not start altercations." Dalati said during the first evening of the festival, only two men showed up to protest. But by the second day, the protestors had quadrupled in size. That was when festival attendees were growing increasingly agitated with the group. However, instead of confronting hate with more hate, Dalati recalled taking advantage of a moment when a sound technician began blaring music through the speakers. He decided to start dancing and soon dozens of festival attendees joined him, eventually drowning out the protestors with a larger -than -life dance celebration. "The feeling I got from it was fantastic," Dalati recalled. "I felt like we brought people together. We weren't going to stop ourselves from celebrating. We aren't going to be depicted as a religion of hate and murder. We are about peace and love. It wasn't just Muslims and Arabs dancing with us. So many different people were dancing along. It became one big dance party." A video that went viral captured the incident. In it, the protestors appear increasingly frustrated as more festival attendees began engaging in the celebration, with many of them shaking, shimmying and strutting to dabke music to block out their noise. One protestor can be heard screaming, "Your prophet would have you guys stoned if he caught you dancing like this." In a similar fashion to what they did after the Arab Festival in Dearborn, the Bible Believers posted a YouTube video about an "Eid sacrifice" that has yet to gain traction. Instead, the dance party video went viral. In 2012, the Bible Believers' YouTube video called "American Muslims stone Christians in Dearborn, MI" went viral and the incident at the Arab International Festival resulted in a freedom of speech lawsuit that made its way through several courts and eventually landing in favor of the evangelist group in the Court of Appeals. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case of the Wayne County Sheriffs office, upholding the Court of Appeals decision that the group's rights had been violated. But while the Bible Believers group has been credited for shutting down the Arab festival in Dearborn for good, the outcome is different in Anaheim. According to Dalati, the festival there will only thrive in the years to come. This year, he estimated that 20,000-30,000 people attended over the two-day celebration. Dalati said he rarely feels targeted in the Anaheim area for being a Muslim. However, he added that bigots tend to come out of the woodwork during large gatherings. He recalled overhearing a festival attendee unaffiliated with the Bible Believers telling her friend "Islam is a religion of murder' while she was engaging in the festivities. Dalati said he turned around and responded to the woman by telling her, "I'm sure the murders will treat you to a nice meal. Go ahead and enjoy the festival." � `. I'M G1 N1 HAI1E1) I Y 1'HOM11 P I C01,A Page t o� 4� AuthorAffiliation By Samer Hijazi The Arab American News DETAILS Subject: Dance; Festivals; Nonviolence; Demonstrations &protests Location: Anaheim California Ethnicity: Arab/Middle Eastern Publication title: The Arab American News; Dearborn, Mich. Volume: 32 Issue: 1588 Pages: 3 Number of pages: 1 Publication year: 2016 Publication date: Jul 16-Jul 22, 2016 Section: SPECIAL REPORT Publisher: Arab American News Place of publication: Dearborn, Mich. Country of publication: United States, Dearborn, Mich. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals --United States, Ethnic Interests, Arab/Middle Eastern Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: News Document feature: Photographs ProQuest document ID: 1807494115 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/anti- m usl i m-protestors-confronted-wit h-dance/docvi ew/ 180749411 5/se- 2?accountid=10141 Copyright: Copyright Arab American News Jul 16-Jul 22, 2016 Last updated: 2017-11-24 Database: Ethnic NewsWatch LINKS Get fl°�1s Iiteiillnl Database copyright (D 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Colrtac 11Iirco uua.st � `. I'M G1 N1 HAI1E1) I V 1'HOM11 P I C01,A Page 4 o� 4� ORANGE COUNTY; Finding strength in numbers; Troubled by harsh election rhetoric, Muslims and Latinos in Anaheim break bread together to boost political and personal ties Do, Anh . Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 05 July 2016: B.1. eProQuest document link ABSTRACT At a San Diego rally in May, Trump accused U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over a class-action lawsuit filed against his real estate investing program, Trump University, of being biased because he's of Mexican heritage, [...]Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans joined blacks in the 1960s in the run-up to the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. FULL TEXT The event had the look of feel -good cultural diplomacy. Rida Hamida, a Muslim of Palestinian descent, led about 30 Latinos on a tour of Anaheim's Little Arabia. They cracked jokes, sipped Arabic coffee from tiny cups, asked about hookah bars, and broke bread — or sangak — over their cultural similarities and differences. But the gathering organized by Hamida in late spring had a more practical purpose. It was an effort by local Muslims to make inroads with another, much larger group that often finds itself in the political crosshairs. As Donald Trump has risen to become the presumptive Republican candidate for president, Muslims and Mexicans have been a constant subject of his speeches as he talks about barring refugees and immigrants from Muslim countries and building a wall along the U.S_-Mexico border_ At a San Diego rally in May, Trump accused U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over a class-action lawsuit filed against his real estate investing program, Trump University, of being biased because he's of Mexican heritage. Curiel was born in Indiana. Shortly after, Trump suggested a Muslim judge would probably also be biased toward him. "These are dark days for our community," Hamida said. "Trump is rising while we're being demonized. Muslims are told they can't enter the country. Latinos are accused of being criminals. But if we come together for a movement, we can stay strong." In Orange County, immigrants who trace their roots to the Middle East and other predominantly Muslim countries number about 25,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But Latinos make up more than 1 million of the Pro uest. PDF GENERATED BY PROOLIEST .COM . county's roughly 3 million residents. And over the years, Latinos have built a much wider network than Muslims, Asian Americans and other minority groups -- not including the black community -- for flexing political muscle. "We are natural allies. Our numbers are going to matter together," said Ada Briceno, interim director of Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development. "More than ever, it's necessary to join forces because this kind of election rhetoric is disgusting." Jose Moreno, a longtime Anaheim resident who heads Los Amigos, a countywide alliance focusing on politics and civil rights, said the Latina community in Orange County knows "what it means to be targeted with hate," particularly in the past, when it was much smaller. But even though most Latinos in the country were born in the U.S., "we're still treated like newcomers." In past years, Latina activists reached out to Arab Americans after suing the city of Anaheim to allow district - based elections, in which council members must live in the area they represent. Officials promised to put a measure on the ballot allowing both communities to collaborate, drawing district maps, and promoting Little Arabia. It passed last year. Moreno, Hamida and other Muslims and Latino residents showed up at an Anaheim council meeting in May in which leaders debated a resolution to condemn Trump's rhetoric. Lou DeSipio, a political science professor at UC Irvine specializing in ethnic politics, said different ethnic and racial groups have long banded together at times when they feel discriminated against by the government, society or both. In the 1920s, Polish, Italian, Greek and Eastern European Jewish immigrants made alliances, he said. And Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans joined blacks in the 1950s in the run-up to the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. "This is something that goes back decades for people who feel excluded or who realize that shared interests can create something more meaningful," DeSipio said. "Would they have been as successful working individually? Probably not." Hussam Ayloush, director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council of American -Islamic Relations -- whose office is based in Little Arabia — said "we must create synergy since we have the same battles for equality and for justice." But he said it's not "just about political power. Were also in the business of promoting personal relationships. It could start with a meal or going to a wedding, You have to leave your comfort zone." Little Arabia is centered along Brookhurst Street, near the 5 Freeway, where clusters of halal butcher shops, beauty salons, travel agencies and restaurants pop up block to block, run by Syrian, Egyptian and Palestinian immigrants. Hamida collected donations so the tour would be free. She recruited Ben Vazquez, a teacher and friend from Santa Ana, as co-organizer for the tour. He in turn asked friends from Santa Ana to help lead the exploration of Little Pro uest. POF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.CGM Arabia. "Rids and I are good friends, but I would not even venture here if she didn't push me," Vazquez said_ "Unconsciously, we already crisscross cultures with Latinos. We do commerce together -- why not more?" asked Hamida, president of the Arab American Chamber of Commerce. During the tour she rattled off a few Arabic words that have influenced the Spanish language. Carlos Perea, a sociology major at Cal State Long Beach from Santa Ana, said he was glad to take part in the tour, calling it "not just symbolic. It's timely." Perea said many Latinos can empathize with Muslims who feel judged by the actions of a relative few. We "can sympathize with what they're going through because we've been through it," he said. "The big takeaway is we both are marginalized groups ... facing a backlash in this election." anh.do@latimes.com Illustration Caption: PHOTO: RIDA HAMIDA and Ben Vazquez chat at Fresh Choice grocery in Anaheim's Little Arabia. Hamida leads tours of the neighborhood.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: HAMIDA, who is Muslim, said racially charged comments by Donald Trump drove her to try to make inroads with Latinos.; PHOTOGRAPHER:AIIen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject: Location: Identifier / keyword: Publication title: Pages: Publication year: Publication date: Section: Publisher: Asian Americans; Politics; Muslims; Political activism; Civil rights; Voting rights; Councils; Local elections United States —US Anaheim California TRUMP, DONALD J ORANGE COUNTY MUSLIMS HISPANICS RACIAL RELATIONS REFUGEES IMMIGRANTS REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. B.1 2016 Jul 5, 2016 California; Part B; Metro Desk Los Angeles Times Communications LLC ProOlueSC PI)F GENERATED BY PROQUEST.GOM Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals —United States ISSN 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: News ProQuest document ID: 1801545838 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocie.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.corn/newspapers/orange- cou nty-find ing-strength-n umbers-troub led/d ocview/18015458-38/se- 2?accountid=10141 Copyright: (Copyright (c) 2016 Los Angeles Times) Last updated: 2017-11-23 Database: 'Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright Q 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest -Pro uest PIDF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 SURVIVING THE SHUTDOWN; SIBLINGS BUILD ON A LEGACY; BROTHER AND SISTER SAY ITS THEIR TURN TO DEEP THE FIRE GOING AT KAREEM' S IN LITTLE ARABIA Arellano, Gustavo. Las Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 26 Apr 2020: FG.3. eProQuest document fink FULL TEXT The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing shutdown have left many restaurants uncertain about their future. As smaller, less -heralded restaurants across the city grapple with new realities, we asked them to share their stories. The stacked metal tables and chairs outside Kareem's in Anaheim speak to the Middle Eastern restaurant's particular predicament during this pandemic. In the pre-coronavirus days, families and friends packed tables and freely reached over one another to nosh off platters packed with emerald -green falafels, crunchy fattoush, smooth labneh and other Palestinian standards. "Our cuisine is all about communion, and that's now all gone," said Kareem Hawari, 23, who runs the restaurant alongside his older sister, Nora. "The whole culture starts with the pita in the hand, and we can't do that right now or for a while. "Our regulars told us at the beginning of coronavirus, 'Please let us sit and eat! No one has to know!'" Kareem continued, 'But we had to tell them they couldn't. If we don't lead by example, it's not a good look. This is our parents' legacy." Kareem and Nora take their heritage seriously. Their parents, Palestinian immigrants Mike Hawari and Nesrine Omari, opened Kareem's in 1996, the first Middle Eastern restaurant in a neighborhood that was mostly bikini bars and run-down strip malls. Today, the area is known as Little Arabia and houses one of the largest concentrations of Middle Eastern businesses in the country outside of Detroit. Nesrine is Little Arabia's unofficial auntie, a ball of strong hugs and handshakes forged by decades of patting out falafels at Kareem's for diners from the neighborhood as well as politicians including California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and famous musicians (Los Lobos guitarist Louie Perez, a vegetarian, says the falafels here are the best in the country). But for the moment, she sticks to the kitchen. "We're trying to keep my mom away from the front," said Nora, 25. The health of their mom is important; the family's patriarch died of lung cancer in 2012, The lack of a dine -in crowd has gutted Kareem's business; the effective shutdown of restaurants nationwide cut Kareem's wholesale falafel sales to other eateries by 50%. Frozen falafel packages, available at Kareem's and at markets across Change County, are moving faster than ever as more people choose to cook at home, "but that just covers our expenses,' Kareem said. But the regulars are slowly coming back: "They don't even have to order; we know what they want," Nora said. Kareem's has introduced a family meal -- 10 pieces of chicken or falafel, along with fattoush, hummus, baba ganoush, fries and basmati rice for $35 that Kareem said customers will "eat in the parking lot like a tailgate." Kareem has worked full-time at the restaurant since graduating from high school; Nora used to come in only on weekends, She's a filmmaker, but with nearly all her projects on hold she's now the cashier while Kareem makes Pro - est POE GENERATED BY PROQUEST.GGM _ deliveries and Nesrine works the back. "I grew up here, and it's in my blood," Nora said. "What better way to be artistic for now than at a restaurant?" Kareem and Nora hadn't worked so closely in years, so the two "bicker like brothers and sisters do," she said. "But we have the laughs and love too." Kareem pointed to a closet. "We used to have a GameCube there and play while our dad and mom would do all the work. Now it's our turn." Caption: PHOTO: NORA and Kareem Hawari run Kareem's in Anaheim while their mother, Nesrine Omari, sticks safely to the kitchen for now. PHOTOGRAPHER:Mariah Tauger Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject: Coronaviruses; Pandemics; COVID-19; Restaurants; Government shutdowns Location: Anaheim California Identifier/ keyword: COVID 19 (VIRUS) RESTAURANTS MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD BROTHERS AND SISTERS Publication title: Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages: FO.3 Publication year: 2020 Publication date: Apr 26, 2020 Section: Food; Part FO; Food Desk Publisher: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC Place of publication: Los Angeles, Calif. Country of publication: United States, Los Angeles, Calif. Publication subject: General Interest Periodicals —United States ISSN: 04583035 Source type: Newspaper Language of publication: English Document type: General Information ProQUest document ID: 2394629157 Document URL: http://ccl.idm.ocic.org/login?url=https://www.proquest_com/newspapers/surviving- shutdown-siblings-build-on-legacy/docview/2394629157Ise-2?accountid=l 0141 -Pro es PIDF GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Copyright: Copyright Los Angeles Times Apr 26, 2020 Last updated: 2020-07-15 Database: Los Angeles Times LINKS Get this item Database copyright © 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Pro - es ` PI)F GENFRATFD BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Public Comment From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Begin forwarded message: Theresa Bass Saturday, August 20, 2022 5:18 AM Public Comment Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Re: Little Arabia Materials - Proposal Designate Little Arabia Proposal, August 2022.pdf From: Amin Nash <amin@aaciviccouncil.org> Date: August 19, 2022 at 8:23:57 PM PDT To: Trevor O'Neil <TONeil@anaheim.net>, Jose Diaz <JoD iaz @anaheim. net>, "Gloria S. Ma'ae" <GMaae@anaheim.net>, Jose Moreno <JMoreno @anaheim. net>, Avelino Valencia <AValenc ia@anaheim. net>, Stephen Faessel <SFaessel@anaheim.net> Cc: Cameron Wessel <CWessel@anaheim.net>, Sarah Bartczak <SB artczak@anaheim. net>, Sara Catalan <S Catalan@anaheim. net>, Karen Romero Estrada <KRomeroEstrada@anaheim.net>, Valeria Sandoval <VSandoval@anaheim.net>, Luiz Torres <LTorres2@anaheim.net>, Nam Bartash <NB artash@anaheim. net>, Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>, Jim Vanderpool <JVanderpool @anaheim. net>, Rashad Al-Dabbagh <rashad@aaciviccouncil.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Little Arabia Materials - Proposal Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Correction to Proposal Document: We incorrectly put the name "Cassandra Perez" for "Carolina Mendez." Attached is the corrected version. No one named Cassandra Perez was involved in drafting the proposal. My apologies. On Fri, Aug 19, 2022 at 8:11 PM Amin Nash <amin o,aaciviccouncil.org> wrote: Dear City of Anaheim Council Members and Staff, On behalf of the Arab American Civic Council and associated community organizations, I would like to thank the City of Anaheim for engaging on the topic of Little Arabia. We hope that August 23rd is a robust and healthy conversation. Attached to this email are materials that have been prepared with years of hard work, community engagement, and professional input. A working proposal containing a Little Arabia Concept Plan for your review is included. Also included are letters of support from the President of California State Fullerton and other organizations as well as a previous Cultural Commission Proposal from 2021. Finally, included are surveys, data, and articles to assist with the contextual background of Little Arabia. The Arab American Civic Council wished to share these documents to provide insight into the community's vision for Little Arabia and provide context on who the community is. We hope these materials and files will be considered as the City Council begins its discussion on the matter. Once again, thank you all for your robust work. Best - Amin Designate Little Arabia Proposal Introduction Background Proposal Objectives Vision Statement Goals History, Studies, and Surveys History Data and Studies Timeline Boundary Proposals Map 1: Crescent to Katella Historical Maps Concept Plan Ate■ Community Engagement Community Outreach ` Long-term improvements r e Iri ca , 116 a , ELA" Guiding Principles: Five Facets of Growth Principle 1: Promote Little Arabia as an Essential Part of Anaheim's Fabric Principle 2: Community Development and Education Principle 3: Quality of life (Promote Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health) Principle 4: Cultural Engagement Principle 5: Economic Development Conclusion Contributors: Arab American Civic Council, CAIR-LA, ADC, Nizar MiIbes, Mirvette Judeh, Omar Masry, Carolina Mendez, and various Anonymous Business Contributors. 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 16 Introduction This living document serves as the initial proposal for our community's vision regarding the future of Little Arabia. As we continue to engage both residents and stakeholders in an ongoing dialogue, this document is expected to evolve to reflect the incorporation of their insight. Background As one of the most established cultural epicenters in orange County, Anaheim's Little Arabia district is recognized far and wide for its decades -long cultural and economic contributions to the local community. Situated on a 3'/2 mile stretch extending along Brookhurst Street from Crescent to Katella, Little Arabia has been home to many thriving businesses since the early 1980s and continues to service a loyal consumer base. Today, that consumer base is composed of people of all backgrounds. Regardless of where they come from, countless visitors and locals trust the quality of the goods and services provided in this dynamic, vibrant hub. Little Arabia provides consumers with a diverse wealth of goods, as evidenced by its many popular restaurants, health stores, bridal shops, and boutiques. In addition to this, visitors can access valuable services that address medical, religious, and legal needs. For many MENA-identifying peoples, Little Arabia imbues them with a sense of belonging, while non -Arabs are granted proximity to new, enriching experiences that expand cultural awareness and appreciation. Proposal Objectives • Provide historical context for the existing needs for the District's formal Designation • Illustrate potential community -focused geographic boundaries of the District • Highlight avenues of development to address current challenges faced by the District Vision Statement To sustain a culturally -inclusive and economically -thriving district for all the residents, constituents, and visitors of Little Arabia in Anaheim's Srookhurst Corridor. Goals • Announce the Little Arabia District as a Cultural District. • Develop a Little Arabia District that celebrates and contributes Arab Culture to Anaheim while adding, revitalizing, and encouraging inclusivity in West Anaheim. • Promote Anaheim's Little Arabia District as a destination that builds understanding and relationships between all communities. • Encourage visitors to foster a humanized and genuine understanding of people that have been historically misrepresented, disenfranchised, and misunderstood. History, Studies, and Surveys History 1996: Ahmad Alam began promotina the concept of Arab Town, which transitioned to Little Arabia in the early 2000s. • 2002: Arab Town transitions to "Little Arabia." Ahmad Alam's Arab Dav Festival is sublugated to prejudice after 9/11. • 2004: More than 50 community leaders gathered at Access California Services, a culturally sensitive community -based organization dedicated to empowering underserved populations, focusing on Arab -American and Muslim -American communities. Former Representative Loretta Sanchez (D- 46), Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, and Anaheim City Councilmember Richard Chavez were in attendance. One of the topics discussed was the Designation of Little Arabia. • 2010: Local Arab American groups began using Social Media to officially "test" the name "Little Arabia." Local leaders conducted community outreach to promote a positive image for Little Arabia. 9 2014: A "Shawarma Summit" was held in Little Arabia, where then -Mayor Torn Tait discussed the potential of Little Arabia being a tourist attraction. Included in the meeting were Anaheim community members and leaders, and Little Arabia was placed on the Visit Anaheim listing. • 2014: Advocates attend ACLU Meetings and advocated for the presence of Little Arabia in District 2, 2016 - 2018: The Arab American Civic Council held town halls and community forums to engage community leaders with Little Arabia. Many Council hopefuls said they would support the Designation. • 2019: State Senator Ling Ling Chang submitted a proposal for the Little Arabia District. • 2021: Rida Hamida submits a Cultural Heritage Proposal for Little Arabia. s 2021-2022: Continued Push for Little Arabia Designation, including visitations of City Council Members. Data and Studies In 2021, a survey of -332 Anaheim voters was conducted by the US Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego. The study ultimately found that: • 75% of those visiting Little Arabia "approve" or "strongly approve" of the Designation. • 58.2% of all Anaheim voters "approve" or "strongly approve" the Designation. In 2022, the Arab American Civic Council conducted a community history and needs survey of Little Arabia's stakeholders. The study identified the following themes and needs: • Themes: o Promotion and awareness a Renovations and beautification of the District o Education and community development o New immigrant opportunities o Systemic changes in policy and social levels a Encouragement of a women's market a Assistance from the city or the government • Needs: o Education a Safety o Housing o Jobs IIli"TaIMI M Goals Dates Phase To have Anaheim's City Council agendize the Designation of Little Arabia 2022 One and officially designate the Little Arabia district using a map provided by community leaders. Why? This will prompt City Staff to consider reviewing the district and conduct studies on the Little Arabia District. Phase An engagement with Anaheim's Cultural and Heritage Committee and similar Decernber 2D22 Two organizations to regularly attract visitors through cultural contributions. -December Acquisition of grants to improve and enhance the District encourages and attracts more visitors. 2027 Why? Anaheim's Little Arabia is a Cultu rat District. Working with Anaheim's Cultural and Heritage Committee will allow Little Arabia stakeholders to curate an identity for Little Arabia and to tell the story of the District as a part of Anaheim's history. Phase I Develop committees to promote business and infrastructure developments, By January 2028 Three Why? Adistrict-wide business committee will be capable of representing the District and providing internal and external recommendations. Boundary Proposals Map 1: Crescent to Katella Little Arabia - Boundaries, Crescent to Katella ��11�11� rr 1 . lii HISIllllllii ao , �, �� ti � ■ 111E .. in I '�. m,.T �� III ill le:r r �..,.� � .s �►� I- 811CM2 1:53.962 0 0.38 0.75 13 mi 0 0.6 ! 2 km �mYi, 9de4ryR. EleuiaMaMpb., K CE1141A..1 I1565, @rew d 4 a�+., WapmM. CP4 Mp31BlM • Map 1 runs from Crescent to Katella and contains the majority of Arab and MENA-owned businesses in the Little Arabia district. • Included are the Linbrook Bowling Alley and some residential communities. Residents of the area are of mixed ethnicities, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Historical Maps 11 The Arab World y Ie va 355 Iriday 06-27.2003 8B.; a...omplinnonts of tisa Araks American Council and 'IUe Urdtcd ,Arab American C h- alga er of conumcro /;7tt[o �`C#7L �,. aancr 73l� /•'I•f�i'il;F'f F i - YRglag��. 5�Y 1,.5PrC41L5PR l ranee �.' Carlroi' Flab bf,�� _ _ Trip atry i IAVL T, , �.�r crrercea c w.fenru rnaiw� rse.wJ �+ Wilt �l iV lvra. N7-Amii Uufon atlkr'.o•i 46 - 61 iF;V�rc a, [aew..h x'v..sn 4 4. 4 44 He...y.yr. 45 Rrdrt 14 Unian fypprr fling spy $I�iMr M., �lK4ffRSM ��� wr.lrrx f-7.77 4',� 1 �; � Jareer ;'N ilaokttarc u rs.il aP-Frrdew. Tiarel •� An6 Am AF T'hr 4 !9uvcfie[�at• 242 HALL HU wrrlrrq lJnWn j �; w'nrFcrn Il���. 4'nknn . e 11 hrk �4CA Inh-�t0n Concept Plan Brookhurst - West Anaheim Commercial Corridor flf Little Arabia- Anaheim Business Improvement Partnering With West Anaheim organizations and Anaheim Redevelopment Agency to improve infrastructure and individual retail plazas Community Pride Creating a distinct area within West Anaheim to create a regional attraction and better integrating local business into the civic fabric of Anaheim Community Design Creating outdoor an installations that celebrates ,crab cultural contributions and create a sense of uniqueness for the area Bfi.e hic_hEicht ndicates Redevelopment Areas 7. Ld ; Recognizing Cultural Contributions in Public Places -Public Places - Street Furniture Pedestrian -oriented lighting. For example using Moroccan style street lamps :•Med€an Improvements Landscaping clusters featuring outdoor art installations. For example placing a grouping of palm trees and fruitless olive trees in a cluster at key intersections to create a dramatic entrance. street An Mosaic tiling of geometric patterns on sidewalk curb edges Mosaic tiling for place -making (flying carpets) Poetry inscribed on walls and paving The Eye" to ward off bad spirits on streetlights Way -finding signage including f o-way direction signs erg miles to Addis { 6R1?OMLHLJRST ST � Fill" Brookhurst - West Anaheim Commercial Corridor - Cl a it e I Cif ,Id►► LittleArabia .� Examples: ,+F _as vai ras f -`®ooketar° �p Facade Improvements -Working with two retail centers next to each other .'Signage to create a combined plaza where parking is Replacing worn can signs shared and the building square footage can be upgrading parking lots increased (white maintaining separate i ownership) Facades -Teaching small business F� "• a Basic rehabilitation the Importance of using ...a _ Removing or enhancing blank walls vinyl lettering on windows instead of printed pieces _- of paper to convey a professional image Business outreach •Teaching small business education how simply keywords desdcdrib g 5E�lntrepreneur ,* VYorkshops products and services to Social media Google Maps listings can atira0 new cuslorners Tips on using Google Maps 1 Yahoo Maps Community Engagement Since the late 1990s, Little Arabia and the community around Brookhurst have regularly met to improve the Corridor. Among the primary goals of these meetings is to ensure inclusivity and safety for all residents of Anaheim, including immigrant -born residents and business owners. The Little Arabia Project aims to provide a location in Anaheim that is welcoming, accepting, and inclusive of all people while uplifting the well-being of the people. Regular community engagement meetings, including galas, forums, and community activities, will help ensure Little Arabia's success for many years. Community Outreach ■ Hire local artists, including high school artists, to create murals and district -identifying illustrations • Street fairs to benefit all merchants in the West Anaheim Area • Working with the City of Garden Grove to bring improvements to South Brookhurst Long-term Improvements • Coordinate with Public Works for more considerable infrastructure improvements • Undergrounding power lines (sooner rather than later) • Sidewalk upgrades, decorative pavers • Sample design font set for Arabic language signage to create a cleanlconsistent look • Affordable housing that integrates community centers Guiding Principles: Five Facets of Growth The following guiding principles are meant to scaffold and support the Little Arabia Vision and inform the District's development strategies. Principle 1: Promote Little Arabia as an Essential Part of Anaheim's Fabric ■ Little Arabia has been a destination point in Anaheim that has provided services and experiences to patrons from all walks of life. The District aims to be inclusive to arriving immigrants and provides a safe place for Arabs, Muslims, and other Americans of Middle East and North African heritage. ■ The District has been a destination for non -Arab and non -Muslim Americans to engage with Arab and Muslim neighbors. The District has employed many Anaheim residents and has provided services to many more. Further, Little Arabia is a destination to allow individuals to learn, engage, and acquire an authentic Middle Eastern experience. Principle 2: Community Development and Education ■ In a 2022 survey, Education was the number one concern for Little Arabia stakeholders. Seeking ways to provide knowledge, skills, and new professions will help improve the quality of people's lives. ■ Promote unity and understanding between community development activities, such as collaboration and joint -effort projects. ■ Work with public libraries, schools, and other major institutions to provide knowledge and representation of the community. ■ Keep the community informed on local issues and teach them new techniques and skills to improve their livelihoods. Principle 3: Quality of life (Promote Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health) ■ Many immigrant residents often establish themselves in apartments and low-cost housing within West Anaheim. once financially secure, they tend to move to other parts of Southern California. Many, if not all, of these individuals either continue to work in Anaheim or visit weekly. • Providing new housing options will not just benefit the Arab community but also the broader community in West Anaheim. • Housing options will help combat homelessness and reduce homes dense with generations of families. Principle 4: Cultural Engagement • Conduct regular activities across Brookhurst, such as a Taste of Little Arabia, an Eid Festival, a Christmas celebration, and an Arab American Day Festival. • Expand partnerships with communities serving Arab Christian communities. ■ Attract artists, musicians, poets, and writers to curate and uplift the identity of Anaheim's Little Arabia. • Celebrate Arab cultural contributions through outdoor art installations. • Within five years of Designation, promote four artists -in -residence to add to Little Arabia's story. Principle 5: Economic Development ■ Continue Little Arabia's success in bringing jobs and tax revenue to the city. • Establish Little Arabia as an attraction point that brings commerce and traffic from all over America. • Through an agreed -upon body (such as a District -wide Business Association or Committee), provide economic and financial representation for the community. This approved body will plan and gather resources for possible district -wide developments. • Engage small businesses in social media training. Conclusion The Little Arabia Project aims to showcase community pride and potential. Within the soils of Anaheim grew a community that has offered immensely to West Anaheim. A Little Arabia District will provide Anaheim with an attractive hub that celebrates the contributions of West Asian and North African cultures. A Little Arabia district will provide culture to Anaheim, improving the District economically and financially, with a projected contribution towards the millions. Finally, the Little Arabia District will assist with Anaheim's forward -looking vision and aligns itself with the future of Anaheim. ArabAmencan C 1* Vic C o u n c V Public Comment From: Theresa Bass Sent: Monday, August 22, 2022 11:53 AM To: Public Comment Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] (Sen. Newman) Letter of Support: Designation of Little Arabia Attachments: Senator Newman -Letter of Support -Official Designation of Little Arabia_8.23.22.pdf Begin forwarded message: From: "Bass, Nathan" <Nathan.Bass@sen.ca.gov> Date: August 22, 2022 at 11:45:27 AM PDT To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net> Cc: Trevor O'Neil <TONeil@anaheim.net>, Jose Diaz <JoDiaz@anaheim.net>, "Gloria S. Ma'ae" <GMaae@anaheim.net>, Jose Moreno <JMoreno@anaheim.net>, Avelino Valencia <AValencia@anaheim.net>, Stephen Faessel <SFaessel@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] (Sen. Newman) Letter of Support: Designation of Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good Morning City Clerk, I hope you are doing well. I am writing in advance of the city council meeting of August 23, 2022, to provide council members with a letter from Senator Newman pertaining to the potential designation of Little Arabia as an official district within Anaheim. Senator Newman strongly supports action by the Anaheim City Council to provide Little Arabia with an official designation. Physical copies of this letter have also been prepared by Senator Newman and will be transmitted to city council at the meeting tomorrow. Please let me know if you have any questions about this. Best regards, Nathan Bass District Representative Office of Senator Josh Newman I District 29 /i....... ...Wul f^ I If lc i"li3fyf111< I II Ir1„r1 l lr llr o: (714) 525-2342 1 CAPITOL OFFICE 1021 0 STREET SUITE 6520 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 s 9161 651.4029 DISTRICT orrice 203 N HARBOR BLVD. FULLERTON, CA 92a32 C71 41 525-2342 The Honorable Jose Diaz Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 The Honorable Gloria Ma'ae Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 The Honorable Jose F. Moreno Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 SENATOR JOSH NEWMAN TWENTY-NINTH SENATE DISTRICT August 23, 2022 COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PANDEMIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE CHAIR BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW) BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #5 ON CORRECTIONS, PUBLIC SAFETY, JUDICIARY. LABOR & TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS. PROFESSIONS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELECTION'S & CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS LABOR, PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT & RETIREMENT MILITARY &'VETE€2ANS AFFAIRS TRANSPORTATION JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The Honorable Avelino Valencia Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Ana he m, CA 92805 The Honorable Stephen Faessel Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Ana he m, CA 92805 The Honorable Trevor O'Neil Member, Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd, Ana he m, CA 92805 Dear Councilmembers Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, Faessel, and O'Neill: I am writing to express my strong support for the proposal to officially designate the area within the corridor of Brookhurst Street between Interstate 5 and KatelIa Avenue as "Little Arabia" by the City of Anaheim. Little Arabia, as it is already known to so many, has become a well -recognized landmark and cultural destination which welcomes thousands of diners, shoppers, and worshippers each week. For the past decade, I have had the privilege of patronizing many of the small businesses in this corridor, and in my capacity as the area's representative to the California State Senate, I have come to fully appreciate the integral role that Little Arabia has come to play as part of the diverse cultural fabric of Southern California. Since the 1980s, Little Arabia has shone as a destination for Arab -American immigrantsto pursue their entrepreneurial passions. It is in this region of Southwest Anaheim that Arab -American restaurateurs, merchants, attorneys, and daycare providers coalesced to create a thriving enclave of small businesses, and in doing so, establish a cultural centerpiece in North 0range County. More than 150 businesses now line the corridor: restaurants, markets, clothing stores, daycare centers, law offices, and more. In addition to the local businesses that have come to flourish in this area, the Arab American community has constructed faith -based institutions including Islamic centers and mosques that serve the greater community. Over that time, Little Arabia has served as an economic engine for what had previously become an underutilized retail area. Official designation by the City Council would commemorate the tangible investments, and resulting benefits, that the Little Arabia business community has brought to the City of Anaheim. As noted in the Anaheim Economic Development Department's report of August 9, 2022, the City Council may at its discretion designate Little Arabia as a Cultural District, as a Business Improvement District, or as a Historical District, among various other district types. The adoption of such a designation would allow the City to denote the area through descriptive public signage, as well as to invest in culturally relevant beautification and capital improvement projects. A majority of Anaheim residents support the official designation of Little Arabia by the City. A 2021 poll by the Arab American Civic Council and the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California, San Diego found that more than half of surveyed Anaheim residents favor such a designation; and among respondents who have previously visited the area, fully 75% indicate such support. It is for those reasons that I strongly support action by the Anaheim City Council to provide Little Arabia with an official designation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Nathan Bass on my staff at nathan.bass@sen.ca.gov or (714) 525-2342. Thank you for your consideration, as well as your service to the City of Anaheim. Sincerely, Josh Newman Senator, 29th District Public Comment From: Andy Lewandowski Sent: Monday, August 22, 2022 8:35 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #17 - designating Little Arabia District Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Honorable Mayor Pro -Tern and Council Members, I am a resident of Anaheim district 3, and encourage you to vote to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Street Corridor as "the Little Arabia District". Thank you, Andy J Lewandowski Public Comment From: Greg Camphire Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 9:35 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Designation of Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello Anaheim City Councilmembers, My name is Greg Camphire, a resident of Orange County and regular visitor to Anaheim. One of the only reasons I often visit is to support and enjoy the amazing restaurants of Little Arabia. I am writing/speaking today to urge the designation of Little Arabia as an official location in the city. This area is a cultural treasure that gives Anaheim a unique identity as a diverse home to communities from around the world, who generously share their cuisine and customs with everyone in Orange County, making it a must -see destination. Perhaps only Disneyland gives more people a reason to visit Anaheim. Historically, Arab -Americans have not been welcomed in U.S. neighborhoods, an unfortunate result of negative stereotypes and racist mischaracterizations in the media. Luckily, the citizens and business owners of Little Arabia represent a strong antidote to this phenomenon, and in doing so, they deserve our full recognition. By moving forward with the designation of Little Arabia, Anaheim is investing in its economic prosperity within the Brookhurst St corridor from Crescent to Katella Ave. Please let me know the details of your stance on this issue to officially Designate the Little Arabia District. Thank you for your time. Greg C. Public Comment From: Rajaa Haidar Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 10:45 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am Raja Haidar, I am a resident of Anaheim and I fully support the designation of Little Arabia. The reason being is not only it feels like home. But also I find the needs and groceries stretching from Middle Eastern food and spices to non profit organizations helping the Arabian community with ESL classes (English as a second language). Child care workshops to provide us with a wider range of career opportunities. And not forgetting to mention the hundreds of Arab owned businesses in Little Arabia district to cater our traditional and modern Middle Eastern needs and wants. I ask and urge the council to finally designate Little Arabia. Public Comment From: KC Marie Pandell Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 11:38 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: 8/23/22 Council Meeting, Agenda Item 17, "Designating Little Arabia" Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good evening Anaheim Council Members, My name is KC Marie Pandell, I am the current minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim, as well as an Anaheim resident. I am writing today in vehement support of designating Little Arabia. The Arab - American community is a welcoming one, inviting people of all cultures, backgrounds, and denominations into their circle. It is a robust immigrant and cultural community that seeks to bring prosperity to the city of Anaheim, to the benefit of us all. Their small businesses have always, and continue to encourage visitors to engage more deeply and wholly with our city outside the typical tourist destination, in ways that build multiethnic and communal bonds; a personal point of enjoyment is the encouragement of public art, such as with the Hijabi Queens, which serves to further beautify our city. Designating Little Arabia will encourage growth and development in the area, and investing in the continued hard work of this community is a reflection of all that is good and unifying in our city, and will be an important historical point as the first district of its kind in the country. The successes of this mighty community are successes for the city of Anaheim, and each of us as a part of it. Designating Little Arabia is the right choice for Anaheim, and is long overdue. Thank you for your time. Gratefully, KC Marie Pandell (she / her / hers) Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Anaheim Intern Minister Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Congregation Public Comment From: Stephen Einstein Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 12:13 PM To: Public Comment Cc: m i rvettej ( Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Members, The Arab -American community is a vital part of life in Anaheim. Many people who are not of that heritage appreciate the food and culture. We come to Anaheim to shop for these products. It is well past time that the Little Arabia designation be made official. Please do so now. Respectfully, SJE Ral,l,i "I "IdI ,I.)J, I.ur I iI). I ) I II.. I_ D h , him Isis IIa'a\ `slialutn'`'ka'ak ,ai`,Iia\ a/almax'a\', Ida u�ia��;^aaauti I lmi I i °r"Is. I v,, of I,I v,, ill Ia I I, , ,I': auv '( 'I_n IIIu, e v, Ia, ,lu ev iI, laa 'In I I I u v,,la, v,, all:h III 'fly v,, itliunl ,Ir,izia ati\ f I I i I ) a '111„,I I I.ur I eiIa Public Comment From: Aref Farahi Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 12:47 PM To: Public Comment Cc: Jose Moreno; Amin Nash Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia District Designation Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Closing: • Introduction: My name is Aref, and it's an honor for me to be here today on this historic day of Little Arabia District Designation. I have been living and working in Anaheim for the last eight years, and now we call it home. Economic Growth: • The Designation of Little Arabia will provide economic growth and improve the area's overall value. It will provide the community with a sense of heritage and pride. • The brand identity and promotions will attract more business to the area. Thus, it generates more revenues for the City of Anaheim. • The middle eastern community has been able to innovate and contribute to businesses and commerce. The designation of Little Arabia will be a recognition that will empower the community to do more and contribute more. Public Safety and Security: The local government should look into all possible ways to support the community to address the homeless and the dislocation of businesses. Little Arabia has improved the quality of life, and the designation will help enhance the security and public safety in the area. By designating Little Arabia, it will provide the community and the companies in the area with a sense of ownership. Thus, the stakeholders will work together to attract more commerce and consumers to the site rather than dislocate it to a different part of town. Little Arabia is a special place for my family and me. Whenever we feel down, we visit it. It is a place that boosts our morale and recovers from a sense of loneliness. Therefore, I am requesting the honorable council members to officially Designate Little Arabia today to empower the community and contribute more to a place we call home. Public Comment From: Ted Perle Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 1:04 PM To: Public Comment Cc: mirvette Judeh Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. An old proverb says, " If the shoe fits, wear it." In this case, " If the name fits, use it!" Municipal use of "Little Arabia" will not only give recognition to a Vibrant and vibrant part of the Anaheim community, but will most likely generate even more tourism dollars for the city. This is a definite win- win situation!! Ted Perle Lake Forest CA 92630 Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: William Camargo Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 1:42 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. It has taken too long for this designation, as a resident, and educator in Anaheim, I fully support this long awaited designation. Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: Daniel Cano Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 2:06 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I strongly urge the city of Anaheim to support the designation and official recognization of Little Arabia. DIVERSITY IS BEAUTIFUL Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: senadanielcano Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 2:23 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Supporting Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. As someone who was born and raised in Anaheim, and spent the majority of my life in D2 living next to Little Arabia, I fully support a formal designation of Little Arabia District in Anaheim. The Arab/Arab-American community in Anaheim is an important and beautiful community in our City. Many of my friends and my parents friends are of Arab descent, as well as many of our neighbors. Not only would a formal designation bring in more tourism and therefore economic profit to the City of Anaheim, but the City of Anaheim would be demonstrating its acceptance and support to the robust Arab community orgs, school(s), mosque(s) and businesses along Brookhurst. Little Arabia is undisputedly the heart of West Anaheim. It connects us to Little Saigon to the west and to the freeways to the east. Little Arabia has been bringing life to the Brookhurst corridor, our neighborhoods and to the City, for over a decade, by contributing to the social, cultural and economic landscape of our City. Many media sites including NPR, LA Times, Fox News, KCET have recognized Little Arabia. It's also been recognized by many tourist sites even by Visit Anaheim. An official designation as a cultural site could help businesses in the Little Arabia District continue to grow, which in turn helps strengthen the local economy and be a marker of pride in our City. Little Arabia is a beloved cultural district in Anaheim. According to a 2021 poll by the Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego, more than 75% of Anaheim residents who visited Little Arabia District approve of its designation. As a location of many immigrant -owned small businesses, the recognition of Little Arabia as a cultural and business district will uplift the entire West Anaheim community. Further, many businesses in Anaheim are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and government -ordered shutdowns. Providing this cultural and economic district with a formal designation will improve and aid all businesses, ultimately assisting Anaheim's recovery. Thousands of visitors, shop, dine, worship, and celebrate within the vibrant ethnic community of Little Arabia, located on Brookhurst Street between Crescent and Katella Avenue. The Arab -American community has contributed to the economy and culture of Anaheim by opening restaurants, cafes, ethnic grocery stores, clothing stores, hair salons, mosques and churches, and other destinations for those wishing to experience Middle Eastern culture. Therefore I urge you to support the formal designation of Little Arabia. There is no excuse not to. We must begin by acknowledging the area as Little Arabia, and we must celebrate the Arab American community who have persevered, invested, and cultivated a thriving area that we know as Little Arabia. Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: Ibrahim Shakhtour Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 2:24 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. My name is Ibrahim. I am a resident of Irvine but have been going to Anaheim and specifically little Arabia for as long as I can remember, over 15 years. It is a place I have gone extremely out of my way for in order to experience my culture, eat my native foods, get groceries for home, and support Arab businesses in Anaheim. Little Arabia is the place I think of when I think of Anaheim. Officially designating Little Arabia into the city of Anaheim is extremely important to uplift the Arab population not only in Anaheim but in the greater Orange County Area. It would bring curiosity about Arab culture, influx of businesses, and content from Arab citizens around the county! Designate Little ArabiaM -Ibrahim S Public Comment From: Azu) Romero Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 2:26 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] In support of little Arabia designation now Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, My name is Azul and I was born and raised in Anaheim in D2, living next to Little Arabia. I fully support a formal designation of Little Arabia District in Anaheim. The Arab/Arab-American community in Anaheim is an important and beautiful community in our City. Many of my friends and my parents friends are of Arab descent, as well as many of our neighbors. I urge you to support the formal designation of Little Arabia to recognize the contributions of the Arab and Middle Eastern/ North African (MENA) community, which will also enhance Anaheim by boosting the local economy. It will also further enhance Anaheim's identity. Please vote in favor to designate Little Arabia tonight. Thank you. Public Comment From: Thomas Alkam Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:05 PM To: Public Comment Cc: Thomas Alkam Subject: [EXTERNAL] AGENDA ITEM: DESIGNATION OF LITTLE ARABIA DISTRICT Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Respected council members: My name is Tom Alkam. I have been a resident of Anaheim for over 20 years. I have also been in the legal practice since 2002 in the City of Anaheim. I strongly support the designation of Little Arabia District. I think is about time this area gets recognized as such. I have seen the Arab population increase substantially in the area in the last 20 years. I have also seen a substantial increase in Arab -owned and managed businesses in the area. Dear council members: your vote on this agenda item will define you amongst the members of the Arabic Community. It will have a tremendous effect on giving or withholding a vote from a member based on their vote on this agenda item. Let us stay away from politics on this issue. The designation will lead to a mutual benefit to the city and to the businesses in the area. I have heard roomers that some council members are against the designation, not because it will not benefit the residence or the businesses, but only because so and so council member introduced the initiative and pushed for the item to be on the agenda. This is totally uncalled for. We are her to serve our community and our residents. Let us look beyond our personal agenda's and interests and focus on what really matters. Thank you for taking the time to hear my comment. Respectfully, Tom Alkam Cell i ease note that I am workifkg remotelyand can be st° reached byemail or at" my cellphone number Blow 51_",,57"R1_"6'ARnS Ark i 1>. A M a uR to I PLEASENOTE OUR NEWADDRESS Thomas Alkam, Esq. M <AlM LAW OIf=If=IICI'ES 710 S. Brookhurst Street, Suite W Anaheim, California 92804 Tel: (714) 491-2556 Fax: (714) 491-2572 Cell: www.alkamlaw.cc�m _...................................................................................... tomr@alkamlaw.com Please "Reply to All" when replying to this email. Thank you. This e-mail and any attachments contain information from the Alkam Law Offices, which may be confidential and/or privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named on this email. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this email or any attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify us by reply email immediately and immediately and permanently delete this email from your system without opening any attachments to the same. this email from your system without opening any attachments to the same. Public Comment From: Mana) Saad Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:13 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Designate Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I support the designation of Little Arabia in Anaheim. Designate Little Arabia! Manal Saad Public Comment From: Khalid Memon Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:32 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello respected mayor Pro Tern & honorable Council Members, I am reaching out today because I understand that the official Designation of Little Arabia is up for discussion and vote tonight. The nonprofit I work for has organized food pantries, free medical services, thanks giving meals to residents of Ana Drive, back to school backpack and supply drives. Hence Anaheim holds a special place in our hearts. The Brookhurst Corridor from crescent to Katella has been referred to as Little Arabia ever since I could remember, this ethnic enclave holds a very special place in the MINA community and Muslim American community. I urge you to recognize this jewel that makes Anaheim a special place. Please vote yes tonight. Respectfully, Dr. Khalid Memon ICNA Relief Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: Sarah Amos Soboh Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:34 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Designation of Little Arabia Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello Anaheim City Councilmembers... My name is Sarah and I have kids that have attended a school in Anaheim for the past 13 years and I am a frequent visitor to the Little Arabia district, enjoying the culture, restaurants and grocery stores. I am writing today to urge the Council to support the Designation of Little Arabia because it is an area that should be recognized for its Arab community, the culture and value they bring to Anaheim. People from all over the world visit this corridor for its food, culture, and stores. We need to protect it and help it thrive/grow. In moving forward with this designation, Anaheim is investing in its economic prosperity within the Brookhurst St corridor from Crescent to Katella Ave. I am asking the Council to officially Designate the Little Arabia District. Thank the Council. Sarah A., PharmD Sent from my iPhone Sarah Amos Soboh, PharmD Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: Diane Shammas Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:55 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] In defense of the designating Little Arabia Attachments: In defense of Little Arabia.docx Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Anaheim Council, please see attached my statement regarding a "Yes vote" for designating Little Arabia. Best regards, Diane Shammas, PhD International/Intercultural Education Urban Higher Education Lecturer, Diversity Education, American Ethnic Studies Managing Director and Owner Shammas Properties DTLA DSS Management Inc. Auto Center LLC 1929 Auto Center West DS Holdings 1 and 2 LPs Cell Hello, my name is Diane Shammas. I enthusiastically support the designation of Anaheim's Little Arabia. As a scholar in Arab American and Muslim American Studies, a child of Lebanese grandparents that were among one of the first families to immigrate to the U.S., and settle in Los Angeles, California. In the late sixties, my family moved to Orange County during my high school years. My dissertation, and subsequent academic publications are frequently cited by scholars as one of the largest survey studies on post-9/11 Arab American and Muslim American community college students, and their successful integration into campus life. Half of my 753-student sample, in community colleges in North and South Orange Counties, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties, and the remaining half in Southeastern Michigan. Over the last two decades I spent a great deal of my time in the Anaheim -Fullerton area, assisting in literacy programs with recent immigrants at Access of California, eating at the local restaurants that offer a diversity of Arabic cooking (Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, and Iraqi), markets and bakeries with affordable prices, and variety of women's clothing stores, bookstores, and home services. As I have taught American Ethnic Studies, I was deeply shocked by the comments against the designation of Little Arabia that were recorded on September 21, 2021 at the Anaheim council meeting. The comments wreaked of both implicit and explicit racial bias against Arab Americans. Worse yet, many comments were voiced by people of color. The general concern was that the designation of Little Arabia will foment divide and disunity among the racial and ethnic groups living in the area ---and they didn't want Anaheim to turn into balkanized communities in L.A. like "Koreatown" or "Little Armenia". First of all, having both lived and having family dealerships near Koreatown and Little Armenia, divisiveness has not occurred with the designations of these neighborhoods, nor will it happen with a designation of Little Arabia. Like these ethnic neighborhoods, Little Arabia attracts a wide diversity of other ethnic and racial groups who regularly shop and eat at these Arab American establishments. Non -Arab customers remark favorably about our well-known hospitality and acceptance. Moreover, non -Arab customers, like Asians and Latinx frequent these Arab -owned markets like Tayibaat, which offers a broad range of fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats at affordable prices that also are commonly used in the cuisines of other ethnic groups. Discrimination against Arab Americans pre -dated 9/11, starting with the cinematic vilification of Arabs. Arabs have immigrated to the U.S. since 1896, fleeing from political and economic strife, they, like other immigrant groups, sacrificed themselves by arduous labor, and forming a welcoming community to others. We have prospered to make America what it is now. We are not an invisible community, and all we are asking is to be recognized as such by voting for the designation of Little Arabia. Public Comment From: Adrian Tafesh Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 4:19 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for little Arabia designation Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Anaheim City Council Members, My name is Adrian Mohamad Tafesh, I am an Arab -American, and I visit friends and family in Anaheim on a near weekly basis. I am writing today to urge the council to designate little Arabia. Brookhurst St, is to me, and countless others like me, home. A place where our community can gather and feel welcome. It is also a place where others can come and experience the beauty and richness of Arab culture and cuisine, while benefiting Anaheim economically. For three decades, Little Arabia's businesses have boosted the local economy, and an official designation will undoubtedly ensure that both the local community, and the city and county more broadly, will continue to enjoy the fruits of that prosperity. I fully support the designation of little Arabia, and I hope the council will as well. Thank you for your time. Adrian Public Comment From: Perez, Cassandra <Cassandra.Perez@mail.house.gov> Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 4:17 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment 08.23.22: Rep. Correa Attachments: Rep.Correa Public Comment 8.23.22.pdf Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, Attached is the Congressman Correa's letter submitted as public comment for the Anaheim City Council 08.23.22. Best, J. Luis CORREA 46TH [DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON OFFICE 2301 RAYDURIJ House OFFICE HVILOWG WAs311NGTON, Q.C. 20515 (202) 225-2965 2323 ABA AmAyIC7 re 319 i''i?'i�ngreos of the pniteb $totes 2323 N. BROAGWAY, SURE 319 1��LE C12�'1 SANTA ANA. CA 92706 (714) 559.6190 Pouse of Arpresentati'ves ashington, P (9 20515 Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Dear Anaheim City Council. House COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SEcluRmr SUSCOMMOTEE ON C°VERSIGRT, MANAGEMENT, ANo ACCOUNTABILITY CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION. AND OPERATIONS HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY SORCOMMITTEEon IMMIGRATION AND' CITIZENSHIP SuscoMMITTEE ON CRIME, TERRORISM, AND HOMELAND SECURITY HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE SuECO#IMTTTEE ON LIVESTOCK AND FOREIGNAGRICi1LTURE SURCOMMTTTQE ON CoNSERvmioN ANO FORESTRY SusCOMMRTEE oN BIOTECHNOLOGY, HORTICuLTuse, AND RESEARCH BI.uE DOG COALITION NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS I write to express my strong support for the proposed designation of the West Anaheim Community along the Brookhurst Corridor as Little Arabia. The City of Anaheim's economy relies heavily on tourism. We have Disneyland, the Anaheim Angels of Anaheim, and the Anaheim Ducks, to name a few Anaheim attractions that tourists enjoy. Our neighboring cities also rely on tourism for their economic well-being.. The City of Garden Grove has Little Korea, and the City of Westminster has Little Saigon, two tourist attractions that add to our comanunity's cultural richness. The designation of West Anaheim's Brookhurst Corridor as Little Arabia will also be a welcome addition to our tourist -based economy. Furthermore, Little Arabia will serve to familiarize us with Middle Eastern Culture, I ask the Anaheim City Council move to adopt the "Little Arabia" designation. Accordingly, I ask that the Anaheim City Council approve Item 26 and any and all other efforts. Such a designation must be accompanied by coordinated planning, resource analysis, and local community input. I encourage the City of Anaheim to continue to celebrate Anaheim's rich and diverse cultures that have made Anaheim the largest city in Orange County. Respectfully, e�7e_ 45� / Jwklr_� J. LUIS CORREA Member of Congress CORREA. HOUSE. GOV C Jennifer L. Hall From: Annemarie Randle-Trejo Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 5:43 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Little Arabia Attachments: Little Arabia (1).pdf Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Pro Tern and Anaheim Council Members, I am writing to you today to ask you all to approve the naming of Little Arabia" in Anaheim I would think there would be no controversy in doing such an act and I cannot understand why there is hesitancy. The community is there, the culture is there and the people are there who are asking for the designation. Talking about cultures is a good thing. Talking about and celebrating the richness that Little Arabia, (affectionately named) brings to the community is a good thing. Talking about ethnicity is a good thing. This is how we understand, learn, and grow as human beings. I have heard doubts and comments from some of the council members saying things like," we can't only celebrate one culture in our city." Well, that is simply not true. Anaheim Celebrates lots of diversity and you should be proud. Anaheim celebrates Hispanic culture with the day of the dead activities. Anaheim celebrates indigenous people by re -naming Columbus Day to Indigenous Day Anaheim celebrates African Americans with the black Cultural History parade and so much more. I have heard things said such as, "other groups will want to designate other areas as well." Well, here is the truth. These groups will not feel slighted because there is not a designated area like Little Arabia. No one is going to come to the council meeting next month to demand a Little so in so area. That is made up nonsense that some frighted person is saying in the background. People who do not surround themselves with the rich culture of Anaheim do not understand and I hope that it is not you. This city council should embrace this name and celebrate it. The people want it, it will bring business into the neighborhood, it will be a destination to bring more tourism to Anaheim (After all isn't that what we all want?) This gesture, for the community, will go a long way to bring some good faith. Let's face it, the Anaheim Council has a black cloud hanging over it. It is time to bring some good news to the people. Please designate and name That strip of Brookhurst Street. "Little Arabia." Thank you Annemarie Randle-Trejo Citizen of Anaheim Jennifer L. Hall From: Katie Brazer Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 7:05 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 17 Official little Arabia designation Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good evening City Council, As someone who has spent a lot of time in the little Arabia neighborhoods/area, I would be so happy to see the designation made official. The Arab community and influence makes Anaheim unique and special to visit. I have relatives who live in the city and we enjoy dining in Little Arabia and trying new desserts. It's something I brag about to my friends from outside Orange County and encourage them to visit. Most importantly, our Arab community is seeking recognition of their contributions to our community and I believe we should honor that with an official little Arabia designation. Thank you. Public Comment From: Theresa Bass Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2022 10:32 AM To: Public Comment Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Let voters decide on Anaheim homeowner and small business protections! Begin forwarded message: From: Lee Denton Date: August 20, 2022 at 9:53:17 AM PDT To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Let voters decide on Anaheim homeowner and small business protections! Reply -To: Lee Denton Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Anaheim City Clerk Dear Anaheim City Clerk Theresa Bass, Dear Anaheim City Council, Anaheim homeowners and small businesses are being targeted and we are calling on our elected leaders to protect our homes and our future. Anaheim residents have spent years saving so they could own a home or small business in this great city. We paid our mortgages, raised our families, and now we rely on these properties as an investment for our future. We understand that there has been a sharp rise in the cost of living and inflation is affecting us all. Now, both state and local governments are looking for ways to pay their debts. Whether it's a housing crisis or a fiscal crisis, they have set their sights on homeowners and small business properties. Some recent legislative proposals included: Abolishing Prop. 13 property tax protections outright and/ or creating loopholes like Split Roll back in 2020 Taxing an existing home up to 25% of its increased resale value resulting thousands of dollars in lost equity or appreciation for homeowners Taking away hundreds of thousands of dollars of our property's equity and redistributing those funds to local activist groups This war on homeowners and small businesses is real and it must stop. We urge the Anaheim City Council to support homeowners and small businesses by amending the city charter to prohibit government control over our property. Let the voters decide. Regards, Lee Denton Anaheim, CA 92805 Regarding mind control/mental voice since 2014,definitely let all your contacts know about their trade secrets and ownership theft: The first 21 of the whole organization behind mind control/mental voice and people following their commands have been stealing trade secrets using it to steal whole world's money(in financial market,all busnesses,and all professions) end up with all the properties;this is how they steal and own everything. They also steal money directly(from work and daily lives) against the ones who still succeeds. In the process,they committed batteries and homicides. *It's important to note that all of these are done using advance technology from remote. I'm the world's richest since 2014 from trading forex and futures including commodities also equities and Bonds: they stole my trade secrets and money;here are the details - basically I'm the world's richest since 2014 foreseeable for 60 years from trading forex antD futures including commodities also equities and bonds: the first 21 of the whole organizatio* behind mind control operation stole my trade secrets and money transfer to themselves and people fallowing their commands running away from heinous crimes,death penalties owed. They use stolen trade secrets(from me and others) to steal whole world's money(in financial market and all businesses and professions) end up with all the properties including non -money related assets for the next 50 years since 2014. Victims,over 80% of the population around the world,will never know about it and even if they do they'll be passive about it;important to note that stealing trade secrets is the only way they can steal and own everything. Essence of all: real owners of properties never change despite a group of 21 behind mind control operation and their agents have other people's properties with them. My relatives and friends did knowingly participate. -I average over 100% per day from trading forex and futures (then there's commodities also equities and bonds) since 2014.(trading returns potentially x 10 if mind control criminals did not mess with my computer) -06billions contract size per day) X (over 100% return per day) X (303 trading days) = $4.848 trillions per year potentially for 60 years • I also have way more and growing cash on the side than trading's contract limit for investments;larger bonds position with smaller returns eventually yields higher profits than trading. They steal my money,disable me from making any money,make me switch field,and give away my trade secrets. They put me out of work, kill my drive,motivation,interest,and work habit with lasting impact. Over the past 5 years through their mind control crimes,I did not work on anything mentally or physically 98% of my time and the other 2% when I make progress they try to take credit for it. I'm experiencing less than 1% of what it used to be but still domestic abused everyday to force me used to their mind control from remote and their crimes. Definitely let everyone know about the severity: /.suicide rate is like 20% and suicide up to 3 times for those experienced what I've been through over the 4.5yrs period since 2014 and 95% will be lifetime emotionally handicapped. 2.Imagine they use a knife to pierce through the palm of your hand remotely then heal it with advance technology people do not know about. Then they do it again and tell you how are you ,going to prove it? On the other hand to others they mischaracterize to the max to get away. What I've been through is a lot worse. 3.Over f counts of death penalties owed against me alone. This is what they do: 1.1hey set me up for the worse in life and run me down all aspects of my life. 2.The main thing: They use advance weapon to conduct physical battery,mental and emotional/ internal organ torture, social and insects attack,sexual harass and sexual torture against me remotely everyday the whole day including sleep,every seconds non-stop for over 3 years. This is how mind control works: heavy brain,agitated nods,ear ringing,loud white noise,continuous mental voice,image,and video override your thoughts. Be careful that they mischaracterize real torture. 3.They intentionally establish lifetime disgrace and traumas while kill my drive,motivation,interest,and work ethics with lasting impact. They induce and force positive tone,imply ethics,and mood to help them get away. They use advance weapon remotely fade my memories,alter my state,put me out of touch,brainwash/program me,through time manipulate their way out. They build thick tolerance over the years and mischaracterize to the 'max' to get away. Hacienda Heights,CA 91745 Knowingly Participated 1. Shyue wan — dad 2. Devon Wan — Sibling 3. Marvin Lee — Friend 4. Phoebe Lin — Marvin Lee's girlfriend 5. Sam Mu — Friend b. Rita Chen — Acquaintance Dustin Chen — Friend (ask for list)