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17 Public Comment From:Theresa Bass Sent:Saturday, August 20, 2022 5:18 AM To:Public Comment Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Little Arabia Materials - Proposal Attachments:City Materials, Little Arabia Proposal.zip Begin forwarded message: 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 <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> Cc: Cameron Wessel <CWessel@anaheim.net>, Sarah Bartczak <SBartczak@anaheim.net>, Sara Catalan <SCatalan@anaheim.net>, Karen Romero Estrada <KRomeroEstrada@anaheim.net>, Valeria Sandoval <VSandoval@anaheim.net>, Luiz Torres <LTorres2@anaheim.net>, Nam Bartash <NBartash@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. 1 Best - Amin 2 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 Objective 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. Sincerely, Rida Hamida Chairperson Business Name Business Type Address Handasa, Inc Engineering Services 421 N Brookhurst St #222, Anaheim, CA 92801 West Coast Islamic Society Faith Based Institution 1717 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Islamic Center of Anaheim Faith Based Institution 1136 N Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Fit Body Bootcamp Gym 521 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim CA 92804 OC Urgent Care Anaheim #1 Healthcare 631 S Brookhurst St #101, Anaheim, CA 92804 California Smile Dental Group: Bustati Mohammad DDS Healthcare 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804 California Smile Dental Group: Moutaz Dabbagh DDS Healthcare 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804 Village Dental & Orthodontics Healthcare 1210 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Families Together of Orange County Community Health CenterHealthcare 9918 Katella Ave suite a, Anaheim, CA 92804 OC Urgent Care Anaheim #2 Healthcare 801 S Brookhurst St #4302, Anaheim, CA 92804 Ibrahim Ghanem, DC (Urgent Care)Healthcare 710 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Saeed Maisun DDS Healthcare 710 S Brookhurst St. Ste K, Anaheim CA 92804 Yasser Salem, MD Healthcare 631 S Brookhurst St #214, Anaheim, 92804 Anaheim Chiropractor Healthcare 631 S Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Platinum Chiropractic Center Healthcare 1720 W Ball Rd # 3C, Anaheim, 92804 Al-Shifa Home Health Care Agency Healthcare 501 N Brookhurst St Ste 300a, Anaheim, 92801 Perfect Smile Dental Care Healthcare 11101 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92840 Santa Maria Pharmacy Healthcare 1224 S Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Solutions Healthcare Information Management Information Technology 631 S Brookhurst St Ste 201, Anaheim, 92804 Abusharar Law Office Law Office 501 N Brookhurst Street, Suite # 202, 92801 Ibrahim Law firm Law Office 10231 S. Brookhurst Street Anaheim, 92804 Mashney Law Offices Law Office 335 N Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Alkam Law Offices Law Office 710 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Elsharnoby & Associates Law Office 631 S Brookhurst St Suite #203, Anaheim, 92804 Law Office of Fady Eskandar Law Office 421 N Brookhurst St Ste 200, Anaheim, 92804 Manarah Butcher Market 824 S. Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Al Tayebat Market Market 1217 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Harvest Fresh Market Market 9922 Katella Ave Garden Grove, 92840 Super King Market Market 10500 Magnolia, Anaheim, 92804 Al Hara Meat Market Market 618 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Al-Ayn Social Care Foundation Non-Profit 631 S Brookhurst St #212a, Anaheim, 92804 Arab American Civic Council Non-Profit 631 S Brookhurst St #202, Anaheim, CA 92804 Access California Services Non-Profit 631 S Brookhurst St #107, Anaheim, CA 92804 CAIR-LA Non-Profit 2180 W Crescent Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804 Voice of Refugees Non-Profit 622 N Gilbert St Building 2, Anaheim, CA 92801 ADC Southern California Non-Profit 335 N Brookhurst , Anaheim, CA 92804 Sudanese American Association Non-Profit 423 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Mashney Realty Real Estate 335 N Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Flag Realty Real Estate 518 S Brookhurst St Ste 5, Anaheim, CA, 92804 Shalim Othman Pharos Reality Real Estate 10255 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Al-Amir Bakery Restaurants and Cafes 905 S Brookhurst St A, Anaheim, 92804 Koftegi / Al Sanabel Restaurants and Cafes 816 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Kareem's Falafel Restaurants and Cafes 1208 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Knafeh Cafe Restaurants and Cafes 866 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Desert Moon Grill Restaurants and Cafes 888 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Nubia Cafe Restaurants and Cafes 1785 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, 92801 El Mahroosa Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 930 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Little Arabia Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 638 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Hidden Cafe Restaurants and Cafes 642 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Le Mirage Pastry Restaurants and Cafes 100 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Cairo Cafe Restaurants and Cafes 10832 Katella Ave, Anaheim, 92804 Sahara Falafel Restaurants and Cafes 590 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Zait & Zaatar Restaurants and Cafes 510 N Brookhurst St #106, Anaheim, 92801 Cheasweet Restaurants and Cafes 510 N Brookhurst St #102, Anaheim, 92801 Alwadee Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 311 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Victory Sweets Restaurants and Cafes 9057 W Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, 92804 Sarkis Pastry Restaurants and Cafes 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, 92804 Raoushi Lebanese Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 9562 Chapman Ave, 92841 Al Tannour Restaurants and Cafes 2947 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, 92804 Scoop & Juice Restaurants and Cafes 512 S Brookhurst St #4, Anaheim, 92804 Fusion Ultra Lounge Restaurants and Cafes 512 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Choco Fruit Restaurants and Cafes 638 S Brookhust St, Anaheim, 92804 Forn Al-Hara Restaurants and Cafes 512 S Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Nara Bistro Restaurants and Cafes 1220 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Al Mokhtar Restaurants and Cafes 401 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 YoYo Burgers and Chicken Restaurants and Cafes 510 N Brookhurst St unit 103, Anaheim, 92801 Al Sultan Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 1707 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 House of Mandi Restaurants and Cafes 518 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Aleppos Kitchen Restaurants and Cafes 513 1/2 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Sababa Falafel Restaurants and Cafes 11011 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92840 Trio Grill Restaurants and Cafes 221 S Magnolia Ave Suite D, Anahiem, 92804 Zankou Chicken Restaurants and Cafes 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, 92804 Medmix Grill Restaurants and Cafes 12105 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92840 Remal Snack Restaurants and Cafes 881 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Thai Corner Kitchen Restaurants and Cafes 499 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Golden Crown Restaurants and Cafes 1200 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 California Shawerma Restaurants and Cafes 518 S Brookhurst St, Unit 8, Anaheim, 92804 Layali Al-Sham Restaurants and Cafes 515 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Hallab Pastry Restaurants and Cafes 634 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Al Baraka Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 413 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Abu Omar Halal Restaurants and Cafes 1730 S Euclid St, Anaheim, CA 92802 Shawarma Loca Restaurants and Cafes 430 S Euclid St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Fresh Nuts Restaurants and Cafes 518 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim CA 92804 Jenny's Place Thai Cuisine Restaurants and Cafes 512 S Brookhurst St #3, Anaheim, CA 92804 Hatam Restaurant Restaurants and Cafes 2383 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801 Alsham Pastry Restaurants and Cafes 2424 W Ball Rd U, Anaheim, CA 92804 Tawdi Restaurants and Cafes 2424 W Ball Rd N, Anaheim, CA 92804 Samakaya Restaurants and Cafes 9888 Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92840 Dream Cafe Restaurants and Cafes 830 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Havana Smoke Shop Retail 654 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Dream Tobacco Retail 874 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Jarir Bookstore Retail 11107 S Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, 92840 Al Anwar Islamic Fashion Retail 802 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Cash 4 Gold Retail 512 S Brookhurst St #9, Anaheim, 92804 Alexandria Fragrances Retail 800 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Amal Clothing Store Retail 710 S Brookhurst St Suite V, Anaheim, 92804 Vapor Store Smokeshop Retail 500 N Brookhurst St Ste 101, Anaheim, 92801 Jersusalem Gold Exchange Retail 512 S Brookhurst St #9, Anaheim, 92804 Taleen Fashion Retail 710 S Brookhurst St Suite V, Anaheim, 92804 Al-Amana Islamic Fashion Retail 710 S Brookhurst St I, Anaheim, 92804 Alibaba 40 Flavors Smoke Shop Retail 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, 92804 Almas Fashion Retail 1204 1/2 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Eworld Electronics Retail 578 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 World Smoke Shop Retail 512 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Cali Smoke Retail 411 S. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Mac Star Computers Retail 933 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Al-Amira Jewelry Retail 570 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 E-World Electronics Retail 9896 Katella Ave suite # A, Anaheim, CA 92804 Alibaba 40 Flavors Smoke Shop Retail 2424 W Ball Rd #R, Anaheim, CA 92804 Dalati's Inc. Services 791 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Castle Accounting Services Services 760 N Euclid St #201, Anaheim, 92801 Amari Group Services 800 S Brookhurst St #1a, Anaheim, 92804 EMA Accounting Services 800 S Brookhurst St # 3B, Anaheim, 92804 King Legal Service Inc Services 9053 Cerritos Ave, Anaheim, 92804 Buy and Fly Travel Services 800 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Cleopatra Hair Salon Services 868 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Crescent Driving and Traffic School Services 800 S. Brookhurst St # 1C, Anaheim, 92804 Salon Brazily Services 710 South Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Global Attache OC Translator Services 800 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim, 92804 Anaheim Stylist Services 517 S Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Adi & Associates Services 10231 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Maestro Barber Shop Services 512 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Hassan Rashwan CPA Services 2424 W Ball Rd Ste X, Anaheim, 92804 Psia Insurance Services 501 N Brookhurst St #150, Anaheim, 92801 Prestige Printing and Design Services 2424 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, 92804 Alferdows Travel Services 11105 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92840 Aziz Cuts Services 1214 Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 A & R Scissors, Barbers & Hair Salon Services 510 N Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92801 Premier Insurance Agency Services 510 N. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92801 Anaheim Hair Salon Services 517 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, 92804 Easy Shipping Services 421 S Brookhurst, Anaheim, 92804 Tam Hair Salon Services 1775 W Lincoln Ave suite A, Anaheim, CA 92801 Travel Saver and Immigration Services 1811 W Katella Ave UNIT 211, Anaheim, CA 92804 Muslim Chamber of Commerce Services 631 S. Brookhurst St, Suite 210 Anaheim, CA 92804 AT&T Store Services 791 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Khoury Bookkeeping & Tax Services Services 520 N Brookhurst St # 200, Anaheim, CA 92804 Chrome Nail Bar Services 858 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Saad and Associates Services 421 N Brookhurst St #120, Anaheim, CA 92801 Waze2Print Services 800 S Brookhurst St Suite 3F, Anaheim, CA 92804 Unlimited Immigration Services Services 401 N Brookhurst St # 205, Anaheim, CA 92801 Creations Beauty Salon Services 622 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 Designate Little Arabia Proposal Introduction 2 Background 2 Proposal Objectives 2 Vision Statement 2 Goals 3 History, Studies, and Surveys 4 History 4 Data and Studies 5 Timeline 6 Boundary Proposals 7 Map 1: Crescent to Katella 7 Historical Maps 8 Concept Plan 10 Community Engagement 13 Community Outreach 13 Long-term Improvements 13 Guiding Principles: Five Facets of Growth 14 Principle 1: Promote Little Arabia as an Essential Part of Anaheim’s Fabric 14 Principle 2: Community Development and Education 14 Principle 3: Quality of life (Promote Physical, Social, and Spiritual Health)14 Principle 4: Cultural Engagement 15 Principle 5: Economic Development 15 Conclusion 16 Contributors: Arab American Civic Council, CAIR-LA, ADC, Nizar Milbes, Mirvette Judeh, Omar Masry, Cassandra Perez, and various Anonymous Business Contributors. 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 ½ 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 Brookhurst 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 promoting 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 Day Festival is subjugated 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. ●2014: A “Shawarma Summit” was held in Little Arabia ,where then-Mayor Tom 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. ●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: ○Promotion and awareness ○Renovations and beautification of the District ○Education and community development ○New immigrant opportunities ○Systemic changes in policy and social levels ○Encouragement of a women's market ○Assistance from the city or the government ●Needs: ○Education ○Safety ○Housing ○Jobs Timeline Goals Dates Phase One To have Anaheim’s City Council agendize the Designation of Little Arabia 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. 2022 Phase Two An engagement with Anaheim's Cultural and Heritage Committee and similar organizations to regularly attract visitors through cultural contributions. Acquisition of grants to improve and enhance the District encourages and attracts more visitors. Why?Anaheim's Little Arabia is a Cultural 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. December 2022 - December 2027 Phase Three Develop committees to promote business and infrastructure developments. Why?A district-wide business committee will be capable of representing the District and providing internal and external recommendations. By January 2028 Boundary Proposals Map 1: Crescent to Katella ●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 Concept Plan 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 clean/consistent 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. 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) I 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 / 91107) 12. Hanae Bentchich (ZIP code: 92801) 13. Ayesha Syed (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. Adán Miranda (ZIP code: 90623) 50. Aditya Nathan (ZIP code: 92805) 51. Adnan Badenjki (ZIP code: 92618) 52. Adnan 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 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. 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. AHMAD 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. Hani 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. Dania Al-Itani (ZIP code: 90630) 93. Aliza Rafiq (ZIP code: 92630) 94. Ali Al-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 Orhan 101. Al Rabady (ZIP code: 08014) 102. Ahmed Alsabounchi (ZIP code: 90048) 103. Amar Al-shanti (ZIP code: 92804) 104. Brandie Alvarez (ZIP code: 92008) 105. Austin Lynch (ZIP code: 90706) 106. Alyssa Olivas (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. amin AlHassan (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 Abdelmuti (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 bring 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) I 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 Farahi (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 Al-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 abdaljawad (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. CHERI BLY (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) I 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. Mahdy 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) I 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) I 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 Chon (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. tommi sitompul (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. Ciara 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 brookhurst 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 Dalo (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 Amado (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 I 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) 349. 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) I 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. Doreen 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 El-Ahraf (ZIP code: CA 92646) I 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) I 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 Mattei (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 code: 92612) 426. 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 Baqi (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 Gedin (ZIP code: B17 0PL) 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. David 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 Hamidi (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 El-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. Omar Hattab (ZIP code: 92807) 544. Olivia Hazin (ZIP code: 92801) Anaheim City Council, Keep 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. Heidi 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. shawn 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. Imad Hasan (ZIP code: 60415) 582. Adam Ibrahim (ZIP code: 92805) Couldn't agree more: "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." This needs to happen & is long overdue! 583. Imad Elias (ZIP code: 90211) 584. Iman Defrali (ZIP code: 92655) I 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. Iqra 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 Turi (ZIP code: 92804) 597. Irena 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 Dearborn, 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 Pomies (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. Jessea 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 Horani (ZIP code: 92620) 677. Javed Hussain (ZIP code: 91709) 678. Colleen McCaskey (ZIP code: 90066) 679. Jim Mellem (ZIP code: 92805) I 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 680. Jimmie Yonemoto (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 code: 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 perlman (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) I 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 Fahmy (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) I 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 Al-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-Arce (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) I 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 Himes (ZIP code: 90604) 787. Kadeeja Ahmed (ZIP code: 92677) ! 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. Laila Mokhiber (ZIP code: 22066) 812. Laith Halisi (ZIP code: 92882) 813. Marianna Mejia 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 Saikali (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) I 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 Halisi (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 Mahdi (ZIP code: L6B0H4 ) 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 Nesheim (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) 936. 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) I 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) Non 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. Meriem 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 Helly (ZIP code: 94612) 964. Mikaela Gareeb (ZIP code: 91302) 965. Mikayla Douglas (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 Alqam (ZIP code: 90680) 981. Alexandra Noyes (ZIP code: 92626) 982. Marissa Walker (ZIP code: 92801) 983. Mitch Darwish (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) I 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 Narula (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 Jaber (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 Hamman (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 on 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 HUMAID (ZIP code: 92804) 1036. Mike Abdeen (ZIP code: 92653) 1037. Muhamed Saad (ZIP code: 90620) 1038. Muneer Al-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 Al-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. Liliana Camacho (ZIP code: 95757) 1088. Dominique Dunning (ZIP code: 92336) 1089. Nizar Hariri (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. Iyad nour (ZIP code: 95765) 1102. Nour Abed (ZIP code: 92620) 1103. Mohamed Anwar (ZIP code: 92867) 1104. nour aburadaha (ZIP code: 92804) 1105. Michael Gambale (ZIP code: 94122) 1106. Nakul Poredi (ZIP code: 92804) 1107. Nicole Malina (ZIP code: 90814) 1108. Nour Ton (ZIP code: 92881) 1109. Natasha Sagha (ZIP code: 92802) 1110. Nader Salem (ZIP code: 92843) 1111. Nael Sawan (ZIP code: 90745) 1112. Nada Shaath (ZIP code: 90505) 1113. Noor Teebi (ZIP code: 20759) 1114. Nur Mirza (ZIP code: 92602) 1115. Ali Elrida (ZIP code: 92804) 1116. Nawal Zahzah (ZIP code: 90755) 1117. Robin Weirich (ZIP code: 92604) 1118. Obada Dalati (ZIP code: 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) I 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 Elhams (ZIP code: 90045) 1128. Omar Masry (ZIP code: 94605) Let's make Anaheim more of a destination! 1129. Omar Alnuaimi (ZIP code: 92882) 1130. Omar Ascha (ZIP code: 92692) 1131. Omar Kotob (ZIP code: 92808) 1132. Omar Al-Hashimi (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 Malkoun (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. Graciela Huth (ZIP code: 90045) 1167. Peter B Pitsker (ZIP code: 92648) Support our Arabian citizens. 1168. Barakat Alhammadin (ZIP code: 92821) 1169. Patrick Fasca (ZIP code: 92262) 1170. Pardees Fassihi (ZIP code: 91364) 1171. Monica Cruz (ZIP code: 90703) 1172. peggy lopez (ZIP code: 96080) 1173. Patricia Gerges (ZIP code: 92860) 1174. Charles Tetoni (ZIP code: 93103) 1175. Pierre Vuilleumier (ZIP code: 90034) Wake up. America is about inclusion. 1176. Peggie 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. John Milvos (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. rachel dang (ZIP code: 90630) 1194. Rafat Alzghoul (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 Draeger (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 Sbaita (ZIP code: 92630) 1220. Raniya Jamal Aldeen (ZIP code: 91739) 1221. Rasha Reed (ZIP code: 92570) 1222. Rashad Asgarov (ZIP code: 93550) 1223. Rashad Al-Dabbagh (ZIP code: 92804) 1224. Rasha Moubacher (ZIP code: 92807) 1225. Rawiya Aburas (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. reem shafik (ZIP code: 92336) 1232. Reevyn Aronson (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 Ousman (ZIP code: 92821) 1239. Rex Redjai (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 Al-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) I 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. Draymond Green (ZIP code: 92802) 1377. Shirley Pacheco (ZIP code: 94553) 1378. Shahd 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. Sidrah Albahsahli (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 solis (ZIP code: 92801) 1402. Sophia Nael-Simon (ZIP code: 92688) 1403. Umm Hurairah (ZIP code: 92706) Let's DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! 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. Sumbal Asif (ZIP code: M1L1W8) 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 Crownover (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) I <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. Rami 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. Tawfieq 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 Evangelista (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 our brag as a cultural destination! Honor the diverse cultures that make up OC! 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 Earnist (ZIP code: 90731) 1494. Thomas Azeizat (ZIP code: 92806) 1495. Tommy Killingworth (ZIP code: 92117) 1496. toni lande (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) I 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 Hawari (ZIP code: 92804) 1511. Randa Rateb (ZIP code: 94534) I 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) I 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 I 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) I 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: 92020-4768) 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 Sivapathasundaram (ZIP code: 91006) 1565. Yusef 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 love 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 Zahdeh (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) I 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 1 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)1 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. ● 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 2 ● 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 district 2: ● 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. 1 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: ISOC and Al-Tayebat 6 c. Little Arabia in the 1990s 7 d. Discrimination 8 e. Little Arabia in the 2000s 9 3. Demographics of Participants 10 a. Country of Birth 10 b. Age 11 c. Gender 12 d. Profession 13 e. Languages Spoken 14 4. Analysis of Questions 15 5. Analysis, Discussion, and Ideas for Future Projects 24 6. Appendix 27 a. Methodologies 27 b. Tables and Visuals 28 c. Works Cited and References 32 d. Acknowledgments 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)1 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. ● 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 4 ● 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 district 2: ● 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. 5 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 of Arab 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 6 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 Al-Tayebat 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 education.4 Locations of ISOC and Al Madinah Market 4 Author interviews and Voice of OC Article 7 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 Omari and Mike Hawari opened Kareem's Falafel across the street from Al-Tayebat Market. Also in 1996, Hussam 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 2022, Access California Services serves over 100 individuals monthly and offers services in nineteen languages, including Spanish, Pashto, Persian, and Arabic. 8 Arab businesses in the 1990s 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 undesirables.7 However, Arab business owners and residents took pride in the moniker. The Gaza Strip represented history, community, and 5 “Arab City Grows Up in Shadow of Disneyland,” 2003 6 Information gathered from author interviews with entrepreneurs of Little Arabia 7 The author gathered information from interviews with entrepreneurs of Little Arabia. 9 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 8. Little Arabia 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 West 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 Country 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 al-Sham, or the area of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. (Figure 1) Figure 1, Country of Birth 11 Age 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. Figure 2, Age of Participants 12 Gender 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'' (Read, 2004). Thus, future studies need to be done to discover employment patterns of Arab American women in Little Arabia and beyond. Figure 3, Gender 13 Profession 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. Figure 4, Profession 14 Languages 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. 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. The term “many” means over 70% of the participants, while “some” means less than 60%. When did you first start coming to Anaheim? / ؟ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ ﻰﻟإ ةﺮﻣ لوﻷ ﺖﯿﺗأ ﻰﺘﻣ 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. Why did you choose Anaheim as your place for work or residence? / تﺮﺘﺧا اذﺎﻤﻟ ؟ﻚﺘﻣﺎﻗإ وأ ﻚﻠﻤﻋ نﺎﻜﻤﻛ ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ 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? / ﻲھ ﺎﻣو ﻲﺑﺮﻌﻟا ﻊﻤﺘﺠﻤﻟا ﺎﻤﻧ ﻒﯿﻛ ،ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ ﻲﻓ ﺖﻤﻗأ نأ ﺬﻨﻣ ؟ﺎﮭﺘﯾأر ﻲﺘﻟا تاﺮﯿﯿﻐﺘﻟا ﺾﻌﺑ 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 store) 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? (؟ ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ) ﻦﻋ ﻒﯾﺮﻌﺘﻟا ﻚﻨﻜﻤﯾ ﻒﯿﻛ 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. 18 What does Little Arabia mean to you? / ؟ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ ﻚﻟ ﻲﻨﻌﺗ اذﺎﻣ 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. 19 Do you recall a time you faced discrimination? / ﺎﮭﯿﻓ ﺖﺿﺮﻌﺗ ةﺮﻣ ﻲﻓﺮﻛﺬﺘﺗ ﻞھ ؟ﺰﯿﯿﻤﺘﻠﻟ 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 9/11, 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. 20 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. Imagine you are talking to a visitor. How would you explain the benefits the Little Arabia district has brought to Anaheim? / حﺮﺸﺗ ﻒﯿﻛ .ﺮﺋاز ﻰﻟإ ثﺪﺤﺘﺗ ﻚﻧأ ﻞﯿﺨﺗ ؟ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ ﻰﻟإ ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ ﺎﮭﺘﺒﻠﺟ ﻲﺘﻟا ﺪﺋاﻮﻔﻟا 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 apply. / ﻚﻤﺋﻼﯾ ﺎﻣ ﻞﻛ رﺎﯿﺘﺧا ﻚﻨﻜﻤﯾ ؟ﺮﺜﻛأ ﻚﻘﻠﻗ ﺮﯿﺜﺗ ﺔﯿﻟﺎﺘﻟا تارﺎﯿﺨﻟا ﻦﻣ يأ. 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 think that the youth have a hard time acquiring a home and are forced to stay with their 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 help your business and/or livelihood? / يﺬﻟا ﺎﻣ ؟ﻚﻗزر رﺪﺼﻣ وأ / و ﻞﻤﻌﻟا ﻲﻓ ﻚﺗﺪﻋﺎﺴﻤﻟ يروﺮﺿ ﮫﻧأ ﺪﻘﺘﻌﺗ 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 physical improvements or business enhancements you want to see, such as trees or architecture. / كرﺎﺒﺘﻋا ﻲﻓ ﻊﺿ ؟ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ نﻮﻜﺗ نأ ﻞﯿﺨﺘﺗ ﻒﯿﻛ ،ﻲﻟﺎﺜﻣ ﻢﻟﺎﻋ ﻲﻓ ﺎﮭﺘﯾؤر ﺪﯾﺮﺗ ﻲﺘﻟا ﺔﻠﻤﺘﺤﻤﻟا ﺔﯾرﺎﺠﺘﻟا وأ ﺔﯾدﺎﻤﻟا تﺎﻨﯿﺴﺤﺘﻟا. 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 bazaar/souq. 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 souq/bazaar, 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. 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. 28 Maps were designed using ArcGIS. Distinctive Terms and Word Frequency 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? / ﻚﻠﻤﻋ نﺎﻜﻤﻛ ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ تﺮﺘﺧا اذﺎﻤﻟ ؟ﻚﺘﻣﺎﻗإ وأ Distinctive Terms Hair (14) Chose (8) Newspaper (4) Hijab (4) Salon (7) Most Frequent Terms Like (38) People (26) Community (23) Arabic (20) Know (18) Since you've been in Anaheim, how has the Arab community grown and what are some changes you've seen? / ؟ﺎﮭﺘﯾأر ﻲﺘﻟا تاﺮﯿﯿﻐﺘﻟا ﺾﻌﺑ ﻲھ ﺎﻣو ﻲﺑﺮﻌﻟا ﻊﻤﺘﺠﻤﻟا ﺎﻤﻧ ﻒﯿﻛ ،ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ ﻲﻓ ﺖﻤﻗأ نأ ﺬﻨﻣ Distinctive Terms Grown (9) Growing (7) I’ve (8) Al (7) Larger (4) Most Frequent Terms People (38) Like (27) Know (25) It’s (21) Come (20) What does Little Arabia mean to you? / ؟ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ ﻚﻟ ﻲﻨﻌﺗ اذﺎﻣ Distinctive Terms Feeling (7) Means (8) Show (7) Americanized (3) Culture (16) Most Frequent Terms Like (42) Home (29) It’s (27) People (24) Feel (19) 29 Imagine you are talking to a visitor. How would you explain the benefits a Little Arabia district has brought to Anaheim? / ؟ﻢﯾﺎﮭﻧأ ﻰﻟإ ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ ﺎﮭﺘﺒﻠﺟ ﻲﺘﻟا ﺪﺋاﻮﻔﻟا حﺮﺸﺗ ﻒﯿﻛ .ﺮﺋاز ﻰﻟإ ثﺪﺤﺘﺗ ﻚﻧأ ﻞﯿﺨﺗ Distinctive Terms Traffic (3) Communities (4) Cultural (7) Brought (8) Ways (3) Most Frequent Terms Little (23) Arabia (20) Arab (17) Food (17) What do you think is needed to help your business and/or livelihood? / يروﺮﺿ ﮫﻧأ ﺪﻘﺘﻌﺗ يﺬﻟا ﺎﻣ ؟ﻚﻗزر رﺪﺼﻣ وأ / و ﻞﻤﻌﻟا ﻲﻓ ﻚﺗﺪﻋﺎﺴﻤﻟ Distinctive Terms Advertisement (7) Support (5) Summer (3) Resources (3) Prices (3) Most Frequent Terms People (26) Know (21) Like (20) City (15) Businesses (14) In a perfect world, how would you imagine Little Arabia to be? Consider possible physical improvements or business enhancements you want to see, such as trees or architecture. / ﺎﮭﺘﯾؤر ﺪﯾﺮﺗ ﻲﺘﻟا ﺔﻠﻤﺘﺤﻤﻟا ﺔﯾرﺎﺠﺘﻟا وأ ﺔﯾدﺎﻤﻟا تﺎﻨﯿﺴﺤﺘﻟا كرﺎﺒﺘﻋا ﻲﻓ ﻊﺿ ؟ﺔﯿﺑﺮﻋ ﻞﺘﯿﻟ نﻮﻜﺗ نأ ﻞﯿﺨﺘﺗ ﻒﯿﻛ ،ﻲﻟﺎﺜﻣ ﻢﻟﺎﻋ ﻲﻓ. Distinctive Terms Trees (8) Imagine (6) Signage (5) Nationalities (5) Sign (7) Most Frequent Terms Little (36) People (36) Arabia (31) Know Arabia 30 The Most Common Words 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. 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 Works Referenced Allison, N. (2021). Little Arabia: A California Ethnoanchor. Journal of Urban History. Ajrouch, K.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 arab-american case. International Migration Review, 38(1), 52-77. Li, W. (2009). Ethnoburb: the new ethnic community 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-quran-hate-crime-muslim-civil-rights-group-asks-fbi-investigate-2208221 “Demographics.” Arab American Institute, accessed May 5 2022. https://www.aaiusa.org/demographics “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://aaciviccouncil.org/2021/10/31/more-than-40-speakers/ 33 “Tom Tait State of the City Address, 2014”. Anaheim. Accessed May 5 2022. https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/19459/2018-Anaheim-State-of-the-City?bidId= 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 of American Ethnic History, 25(2), 244-278. Chik, CH (Ed.) (2022). Multilingual la 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. Mahdi, W.F. (2020). Arab americans in film: from Hollywood and Egyptian stereotypes to self-represntation (First, Ser. Critical arab American studies). Syracuse University Press. Mclntosh, 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 Acknowledgments 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 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 ocial 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 ocial Little Arabia designation 57.4% of White registered voters in the City of Anaheim “support” or “strongly support” an ocial Little Arabia designation 50.9% of registered Republican voters in the City of Anaheim “support” or “strongly support” an ocial 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 ocial 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, introduced a resolution calling for ocial acknowledgement of Anaheim’s Little Arabia District. This would mean that markers —like street signs —could 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 Q.Little.Arabia.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 ocial 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 ocial designation as a cultural site in 1988, and Koreatown, which received its ocial 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 ocial designations. Ocial designation as a cultural site could do the same for Little Arabia. (Economic Growth ) 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 2018 “Best of Anaheim” Award in the local business category for helping make Anaheim a great place to live, work and play. Ocial 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 % 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 % 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% 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 Arab City grows up in the shadow of Disneyland Full Text Listen Section: MOSAIC COMMUNITY The southern Californian town of Anaheim is home to 25,000 Arab Americans and more are on the way. Los Angeles has earned a reputation as the melting pot of the world. So much so that it is home to ethnic groups that no longer exist in the land they originated. There are neighbourhoods designated as Little Tokyo, China Town, Little Armenia and Korea Town. East Los Angeles is inhabited by more than 2.5 million residents from Mexico and Central America. In nearby Orange County, the fastest growing ethnic group is located in an eight by 11 block area designated as Arab City. Located in Anaheim, famed for its Disneyland resort, Arab City is home to an estimated 25,000 Arab- Americans. The total population of Anaheim is 175,000. But if Arab-Americans continue to move into Anaheim, they could exceed 60,000 in 10 years predicts Ahmad Alam, a businessman who has been laying plans for Arab City since 1996. The main drag of Arab City is Brookhurst 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 mall reads like a United Nations roster: Sizzler, Al-Rayan Restaurant, Al Sanabel Bakery, Mexican Food, Sami Mashney Law Offices, Al-Anwar Islamic Fashions, Cleopatra Hair Designs and Alaa El Deen Video, Audio and Water Pipes. And that's just one mini-mall in a couple of dozen clustered in Anaheim's Arab City. Three mosques, three Eastern Orthodox churches, the Southern California headquarters of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and 300 licensed businesses are proof the community is deepening its roots here. Since opening a real estate and loan office in Anaheim 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 print a minimum run of 12,000 issues weekly and circulate in 14 different states,” Alam explained. He runs new ads for homes and businesses available in Arab City. “Readers in Texas or the East Coast see these ads and, 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 personally brought 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 tourist revenues 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 real 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 range from $ 150,000 to $300,000. Alam also established the Arab-American Council in 1997 which raises 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, “and 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 running for the Anaheim City Council. We've endorsed him and as soon as the election is over in November, he's promised to help us form an Arab-American Chamber.” The annual Arab-American Day Festival is a pet project of Alam who came to the US from Lebanon 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 parachutist who jumped from a low-flying plane over the fair grounds. 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 already paid for renting the fairground, tents, games, rides and sound equipment,” he said ruefully. “FBI agents were staked 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 restaurant and hotel management from California State University at Long Beach in 1975. “I worked my way through college taking jobs in restaurants doing everything from cooking to designing menus. I never was a waiter, that is hard work.” After graduating, he returned to Lebanon and landed a job as manager of a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Beirut. Then civil war broke out. Alam was stranded for two weeks in the basement of the restaurant as fierce battles raged overhead. He was back in Southern California by 1976 where he developed a chain of restaurants in the Los Angeles area. He married a stunning Lebanese, Rula, and began studying real estate in his spare 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 four children. I don't want them to get lost in the American melting pot. I want them to be proud of their Arab heritage, the festival is a way to bring all Arabs — Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians, Moroccans, Lebanese, Algerians, Saudis—together to celebrate our food, music and culture.” He notes with pride that his American-born children are fluent Arabic speakers and readers. Alam spared no expenses on the 2002 festival. He paid the air transportation for Palestinian Knesset member Azmi Bishara to fly to Orange County and deliver two speeches during the three- day fair. The esteemed Israeli Arab statesman spoke in Arabic to community leaders giving a fiery speech about Palestinian aspirations and later, in English, he addressed a crowd including Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and Congressman Dana Rorhbacher, the mayor, police 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 boundaries. He already has collected commitments for $1.5 million for his dream project: The Arab House. But he needs many more millions before it becomes reality. The project will be set on 15 to 20 acres of land in Southern California and will feature a shopping mall, park, Arab Trade Centre, convention hall, hotel, library and Arabic handicraft factories. He foresees the site as a place where Arab heads of state can take up 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, consulates, banks and corporations. It sounds ambitious, but judging by his current successes, the Arab House may come to fruition. Anaheim, famed for its Disneyland resort and home for an estimated 25,000 Arab-Americans in Arab City Entrepreneur and Arab City founder Ahmad Alam ~~~~~~~~ By Pat McDonnell Twair Copyright of Middle East is the property of TME Media 21 Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual 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, Calif]. 06 June 2004: B.3. ProQuest 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. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2022 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-muslims-arabs-seek-new-profile/docview/421937356/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright:(Copyright (c) 2004 Los Angeles Times) Last updated:2019-03-18 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF 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, Calif]. 06 June 2004: B.3. ProQuest 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. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2022 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-muslims-arabs-seek-new-profile/docview/421937356/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright:(Copyright (c) 2004 Los Angeles Times) Last updated:2019-03-18 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF 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. 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 teen. 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 Al-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," Al-Dabbagh said. Al-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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 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." Al-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 Al-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. DETAILS 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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.oclc.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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Arab-American Group Ceremony Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Feb 5, 1981; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times pg. OC_A7 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Arab-Americans Fear Misplaced Anger, Worry About Relatives DRUMMOND, TAMMERLIN;DAVID WILLMAN TIMES STAFF WRITERS Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Jan 18, 1991; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times pg. OCB4 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Arab-Americans Seek to Reshape Their Image Hendrix, Kathleen Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Apr 3, 1981; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times pg. OC_C11 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. 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. A1 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Community - Little Arabia’s time? - - Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - January 21, 2021 - page 3 January 21, 2021 | Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) | By Alicia Robinson arobinson@scng.com | Article | Page 3 Southern California has a well-known Koreatown and LittleLittle Saigon, and some business and civic leaders in Orange County are hoping to add an officially sanctioned LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim are able to sustain themselves,” said Rida Hamida, who sits on the city’s Cultural and Heritage Commission. “Small businesses are the backbone of AnaheimAnaheim .” Finding a 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 Al-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, lamb 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.” Up the street from Kareem’s is a plaza with the name “LittleLittle ArabiaArabia” 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim is a welcoming city,” Al-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 LittleLittle Saigon, you know you’re in LittleLittle 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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. LittleLittle ArabiaArabia is made up of businesses that have contributed to the economy and social fabric of AnaheimAnaheim, 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 (c) 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 | Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) | By Alicia Robinson arobinson@scng.com | Article | Page 3 Southern California has a well-known Koreatown and LittleLittle Saigon, and some business and civic leaders in Orange County are hoping to add an officially sanctioned LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim are able to sustain themselves,” said Rida Hamida, who sits on the city’s Cultural and Heritage Commission. “Small businesses are the backbone of AnaheimAnaheim .” Finding a 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 Al-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, lamb 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.” Up the street from Kareem’s is a plaza with the name “LittleLittle ArabiaArabia” 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim is a welcoming city,” Al-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 LittleLittle Saigon, you know you’re in LittleLittle 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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. LittleLittle ArabiaArabia is made up of businesses that have contributed to the economy and social fabric of AnaheimAnaheim, 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 (c) 2021 The Orange County Register Cook's Walk; Tabbouleh Town; Take a walk through the restaurants, shops and cafes of Anaheim's bustling Little Arabia. Perry, Charles . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 24 Apr 2002: H.1. ProQuest 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 Al-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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 6 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 (miqta; 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 lambs, $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. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 6 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 Al-Aqsa 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 corner of the mall is Al-Karnak, a small cafe/hangout open in the evenings. Food is limited to coffee, snacks and soft drinks. Al-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, Al-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. Al-Rayan Middle Eastern Cuisine &Pastry, 808 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim. (714) 491-2768. Open noon to 10 p.m. daily. 5. Next to Al-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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 6 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 lamb 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 6 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 Al-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, 1 to 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 Al-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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 5 of 6 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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.oclc.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 PDF GENERATED 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. ProQuest 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 lamb 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 lamb 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, lamb 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 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 fava beans) with a generous glug of olive oil is ideal for dipping bread. In this mix I also love an order of spiced lamb 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; 11:30 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 lamb liver. Caption: PHOTO: HOUSE OF MANDI'S No. 7 is a mix of spiced lamb, chicken and rice with sauces. The meats have a hint of smokiness. PHOTOGRAPHER:Myung J. Chun Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject:Restaurants Business indexing term:Subject: Restaurants Location:Los Angeles California United States--US Anaheim California Publication title:Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages:FO.3 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Publication year:2021 Publication date:Jul 25, 2021 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:2554635918 Document URL:http://ccl.idm.oclc.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 PDF GENERATED 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. ProQuest 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 Al-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 coming 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 Al-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, Al-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. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 "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. Al-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:Bakeries; Multiculturalism &pluralism; Councils; Arab Americans; Restaurants Location:Middle East Gaza Strip Anaheim California People:Tait, Tom Company / organization:Name: Senate; NAICS: 921120; Name: Disneyland; NAICS: 713110 Identifier / keyword:LITTLE ARABIA (NEIGHBORHOOD) SIGNS ANAHEIM (CA) ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE RESOLUTIONS Publication title:Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages:B.2 Publication year:2019 Publication date:Sep 4, 2019 Section:California; 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Source type:Newspaper Language of publication:English Document type:News ProQuest document ID:2283758187 Document URL:http://ccl.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/little- arabia-is-seeking-official-status-ethnic/docview/2283758187/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright:Copyright Los Angeles Times Sep 4, 2019 Last updated:2019-09-04 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF GENERATED 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, Calif]. 16 Mar 2014: A.27. 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 4 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 coming-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- moted 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 Al-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 bragging 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." PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 4 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 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:Tourism; Conventions; Arab Americans; Neighborhoods Location:Anaheim California Company / organization:Name: Anaheim-Orange County Visitor &Convention Bureau; NAICS: 561591 Publication title:Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages:A.27 Publication year:2014 Publication date:Mar 16, 2014 Section:Main News; Part A; 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Document type:News ProQuest document ID:1507640049 Document URL:http://ccl.idm.oclc.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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 Little Arabia's big moves - Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - June 13, 2013 - page M_A June 13, 2013 | Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) | ART MARROQUINThe Orange County Register | Page M_A Bold, curving letters emblazon the leather-bound books lining the long shelves at Jarir 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. "I 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia neighborhood, which straddles the AnaheimAnaheim-Garden Grove border, concentrated along a three-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street between La Palma and Katella avenues. LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. "The trend has been that immigrants come here, and settle for a few months or years before moving on for other reasons â€“ bigger family, a better job or a bigger house," Nouh said. "In that way, LittleLittle ArabiaArabia has served as a kind 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 littlelittle 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. Â "LittleLittle ArabiaArabia doesn't look so big, but it's becoming something to the people who visit here." Over time, Alam purchased wide swaths of LittleLittle ArabiaArabia and leased spaces to tenants hailing from throughout the Middle East, including his brother Mo Alam, who owns the Forn 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. 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 of AnaheimAnaheim '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.Â "I 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 scarves known as hijabs. Shelves are lined with long 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 Sarsak, who opened the shop 20 years ago, before the neighborhood was known as LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. "I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that women wear these clothes by force by men," Sarsak 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 Ana, CA) - June 13, 2013 - page M_A June 13, 2013 | Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) | ART MARROQUINThe Orange County Register | Page M_A Bold, curving letters emblazon the leather-bound books lining the long shelves at Jarir 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. "I 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia neighborhood, which straddles the AnaheimAnaheim-Garden Grove border, concentrated along a three-mile stretch of Brookhurst Street between La Palma and Katella avenues. LittleLittle ArabiaArabia 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 AnaheimAnaheim 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. "The trend has been that immigrants come here, and settle for a few months or years before moving on for other reasons â€“ bigger family, a better job or a bigger house," Nouh said. "In that way, LittleLittle ArabiaArabia has served as a kind 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 littlelittle 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. Â "LittleLittle ArabiaArabia doesn't look so big, but it's becoming something to the people who visit here." Over time, Alam purchased wide swaths of LittleLittle ArabiaArabia and leased spaces to tenants hailing from throughout the Middle East, including his brother Mo Alam, who owns the Forn 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 LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. 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 of AnaheimAnaheim '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.Â "I 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 scarves known as hijabs. Shelves are lined with long 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 Sarsak, who opened the shop 20 years ago, before the neighborhood was known as LittleLittle ArabiaArabia. "I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that women wear these clothes by force by men," Sarsak 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 https://doi.org/10.1177/0096144221992036 Journal of Urban History 1 –22 © The Author(s) 2021 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/0096144221992036 journals.sagepub.com/home/juh Original Research Article Little Arabia: A California Ethnoanchor Noah Allison1 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, Garden 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 II (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 streetscapes. 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 1The New School, New York, NY, USA Corresponding Author: Noah Allison, The New School, 72, 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10011-8603, USA. Email: allin115@newschool.edu 992036JUHXXX10.1177/0096144221992036Journal of Urban HistoryAllisonresearch-article2021 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.1 On the other hand, Little Arabia also hints at what Becky Nicolaides and James 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.2 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.3 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 “burb” 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 Tree for delicious lamb or picking up some bak- lava at Papa Hassan’s, 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.5 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.7 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 non-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 stake.8 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 3 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.9 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 a new kind of American dream. The Emergence of an Ethnoanchor Ancestors of the Tongva and Acjachemem indigenous groups have occupied Orange County’s lands for thousands of years.10 While Spain had claimed California for over two centuries, it was not until 1769 that the Spanish colonized the area.11 When Mexico broke away from Spain forty years later, they took California with them. As the Mexican government authorized land grants of up 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.12 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.”14 After com- pleting the transcontinental railroad in 1869, unemployed Chinese laborers took over the toil of agriculture labor previously undertaken by indigenous people.15 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. Pierce’s dis- ease destroyed nearly 25,000 acres of vines around this time, forcing the wine-dependent city to find other crops to harvest.16 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).17 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.18 It was during this time that Anaheim quadrupled its area through a series of annexations. Fueled by cheap land, low housing costs, and low-interest rates for mortgage loans, Anaheim’s population significantly increased to 104,184 by 1960.19 4 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 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.20 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 Figure 1. Anaheim’s (current boundaries) location in Orange County. Source: Map created by the author. Allison 5 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.25 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 Orange 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 Altayebat Market on Brookhurst Avenue and Ball Road in 1988. Altayebat, 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’s 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 Alam 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, Alam 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 Thobes 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,27 who are receptive to the introduction of ethnic cuisines, are also frequent patrons to Brookhurst Street’s restaurants.28 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.29 Approximately 324,609 Arab Americans live in the state, which is nearly the size of Anaheim, whose multigroup population is 6 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 357,000.30 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 Arab American population, however, end up scattered throughout Southern California.32 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.33 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 Chaldean34 population out- side of Iraq.35 Only 24 percent of Arab Americans in the United States are Muslim.36 Since the groups that Little Arabia’s label is meant to represent are dispersed throughout the Southern California region, and in the case of the proprietors of Desert Moon, other states, the Anaheim enclave does not neatly fit Li’s conception of an “ethnoburb”—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 Figure 2. Desert Moon Grill worker dressed in a traditional Thobe poses with customers. Source: Yelp customer review, 2017. 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 Ahmad 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.38 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.”39 Willow Lung-Amam argues that such places are critical sites where immigrants remain in touch with their homeland by picking up 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 sojourns40 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 Islamophobia 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 Plan.42 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 streetscape and landscape improvements on major corridors and local streets” as described below, the lack of undertakings along Brookhurst Street has resulted in an incoherent streetscape.43 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 Journal of Urban History 00(0) buildings and residential tracts. It particularly produces a sun-scorched environment that illus- trates society’s ambivalence to see shade as a civic resource.44 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 enterprises—namely, 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.46 John Kaliski distinguishes Southern California mini-malls into five categories: micro-malls, classic mini-malls, midi-malls, macro-malls, and maxi-malls.47 Little Arabia Figure 3. Looking south down Brookhurst Street at Cherrywood Lane. Source: Photo by the author. Allison 9 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 Little 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, Alkum Law Offices, Knafeh Cafe, La Mirage Pastries, Cleopatra Hair Salon, Hidden Cafe Hookah, Hasan 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, Figure 4. The stretch of Brookhurst Street associated with Little Arabia’s businesses and institutions. Source: Graphic created by the author. 10 Journal of Urban History 00(0) also known as Phưoc Lộc Thọ, was constructed 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.48 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.49 And thirty years later, the built environment continues to be a medium for people to commit hate Figure 5. 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. Allison 11 crimes directed toward particular groups. That is, in 2020, six Buddhist temples in Orange County were vandalized with spray paint.50 Figure 7. The ordinary buildings are the primary sites of Little Arabia’s commerce. Source: Photos by the author. Figure 8. Phuoc Loc Tho (Asian Garden Mall). Source: Kim Younger. 12 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 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).51 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].52 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 rely on strip mall signage to display their adoption of particular culinary traditions. For example, the two Figure 9. Little Arabia’s everyday places [un]marked with multiple meanings. Source: Photos by the author. Allison 13 eateries that serve Thai cuisine both advertise the names of their restaurants in English and exhibit the Arabic term symbolizing halal practices: لاَل َح, which means “permissible slaughter.” Born in Thailand, Jenny, who runs one of the Thai restaurants—Jenny’s Place—is married to Mo, the Lebanese restaurant’s operator Forn 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 Tinting, Payday Express, Taqueria San Martin, Quy Tailor, Tipsy Liquor, Hacienda Night Club de Anaheim, Phở Place, Cash 4 Gold, Smile Wide Dental, Chrome Nail Bar, and Santa Maria Pharmacy. Such stand-alone signage is most prominent along Brookhurst Street. In this way, Little Arabia is an architecture of communication.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, Linbrook Bowling, 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, Kareem’s 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 Figure 10. Stand-alone signage symbolizing Little Arabia. Source: Photos by the author. 14 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 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.54 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 Figure 11. Commerce along Brookhurst Street not affiliated with Little Arabia identity. Source: Photos by the author. Figure 12. Residential tracts surrounding Brookhurst Street in Little Arabia. Source: Photos by the author. Allison 15 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.”55 That is, insurgent citizens not only congregate in city periph- eries 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 Anaheim. 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.58 For example, in 2010, Rashad Al-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 serialities.59 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.”60 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 Figure 13. Celebrating the resignation of the former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Source: Los Angeles Times.56 16 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 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.61 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 Figure 14. Flyers sent to Arab American residents in Orange County prior to the 2010 Census. Source: Rashad Al-Dabbagh. Allison 17 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.64 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 bounded 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, Figure 15. Official signs signaling the entrance to nearby Orange County business districts. Source: Flickr. 18 Journal of Urban History 00(0) cuisines that may be reminiscent of Arab foods but stem from political territories that are geo- graphically close to, but not part of, the Arab League of Nations.65 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 certificate. After the incident, Abdo, a Palestinian American, banned Sanchez from the restaurant and ripped the certificate in half. 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.68 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.70 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 community has yet to be seen. But, to some, 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 technoscapes.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.”72 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 ethnoanchor 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 reflects 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 are revealed on the physical forms along corridors. Furthermore, scholarship also needs to unpack how ethnoanchors 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, and/or 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 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1123-7487 Notes 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 Invisiburb: Shifting Patterns of Immigrant Settlement,” in Multicultural Geographies: The Changing Racial/Ethnic 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 Tom Tait State of the City Address. accessed January 28, 2014, https://www.anaheim. net/368/2014-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.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/25213/2019-Anaheim-State-of-the-City. 6. Author interview with Rashad Al-Dabbagh, founder of the American 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. 8. Arjun Appadurai, “Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy,” Theory Culture 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. Ibid, accessed December 29, 2020. 12. Ibid, accessed December 29, 2020. 13. Reed Ueda, A Companion to American Immigration (Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006). 20 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 14. Anaheim History. “Anaheim Historical Society,” accessed June 10, 2019, http://www.anaheim historicalsociety.com/. 15. Richard Steven Street, Beasts of the Field: A Narrative History of California Farmworkers, 1769-1913 (Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2004). 16. Reed Ueda, A Companion to American Immigration (Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006). 17. Stephen Fussell, Images of America: Early Anaheim (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: City of Dreams: An Illustrated History (Chatsworth, California: Windsor Publications, 1990). 20. Ibid, 1990. 21. Ibid, 1990. 22. Ibid, 1990. 23. Stephen Fussell, Images of America: Early Anaheim (London: Arcadia Publishing Books, 2006). 24. Anaheim History, “Anaheim Historical Society,” accessed June 10, 2019, http://www.anaheimhistori- calsociety.com/. 25. Author interview with an Anaheim Policy Director. February 28, 2019. 26. 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 fix.” 27. According to Merriam Webster, a Foodie is a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads. 28. Eric Fong and Brent Berry, Immigration and the City (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2017). 29. Sarah Cwiek, “What Explains Michigan’s Large Arab American Community?” Michigan Radio, July 9, 2014, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.michiganradio.org/post/what-explains-michigans -large-arab-american-community. 30. U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 American Community Survey One-Year Estimates. 31. 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, http://www.isocmas- jid.org/about-us/. 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://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/apr/20/cover-closed-box-el-cajon/. 36. Lee Eric Brightwell, “Exploring Anaheim’s Little Arabia,” KCET, July 9, 2014, sec. History & Society, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.kcet.org/history-society/exploring-anaheims-little-arabia. 37. Wilbur Zelinsky, The Enigma of Ethnicity: Another American Dilemma (Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa City Press, 2001). 38. “Group Plans To Protest Arab American Festival in Garden Grove This Weekend because Founder Supports Syrian Dictator—OC Weekly,” accessed December 29, 2020, https://www.ocweekly.com/ group-plans-to-protest-arab-american-festival-in-garden-grove-this-weekend-because-founder-sup- ports-syrian-dictator-6439806/. 39. Willow Lung-Amam, Trespassers? Asian Americans and the Battle for Suburbia (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,” City of Anaheim, May 2004, accessed January 21, 2021, http://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/2030/L-Community-Design-Element-?bidId=. 43. Ibid, 2004. Allison 21 44. Sam Bloch, “Shade.” Places, April 23, 2019, accessed January 21, 2021, https://placesjournal.org/ article/shade-an-urban-design-mandate/. 45. John Kaliski, “Defining Mini-City, or the Architecture of Convenience and Contemporary Los Angeles Urban Design,” in Everyday Urbanism, ed. Margaret Crawford, John Kaliski, and John Chase, 176- 185 (New York: Monacelli, 2008). 46. John Chase, Margaret Crawford, and John Kaliski, Everyday Urbanism (New York; Enfield: Monacelli, 2008). 47. John Kaliski, “Defining Mini-City, or The Architecture of Convenience and Contemporary Los Angeles Urban Design,” in Everyday 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 Times, June 26, 1989, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm- 1989-06-26-me-3232-story.html. 50. Stephanie Lai, “Six Buddhist Temples Vandalized across Little Saigon This Month,” Los Angeles Times, November 29, 2020, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-28/ santa-ana-buddhist-temple-allegedly-defaced-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 Measure 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: Disjunctions of Democracy and Modernity in Brazil (Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University Press, 2009). 56. See accessed January 21, 2021, https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/02/egyptian-americans- in-ocs-little-arabia-celebrate-say-a-monster-has-left-the-scene.html. 57. Author interview with Rashad Al-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 58. Southern California Public Radio, “White or ‘Other?’ With No Census Category for 2020, Arab-Americans Debate Which Box to Check,” Southern California Public Radio, 16:49 800, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.scpr.org/news/2019/02/25/88393/white-or-other-with-no-census-category-for-2020-ar/. 59. Benedict Anderson, The Specter of Comparisons: Nationalism, Southeast Asia, and the World (London: Verso, 1998). 60. Author interview with Rashad Al-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 Al-Dabbagh (February 27, 2019). 64. Ibid, 1998. 65. Jean-Louis Flandrin, Massimo Montanari, Albert Sonnenfeld, and Clarissa Botsford, Food: A Culinary History from Antiquity 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 Comments—OC Weekly,” accessed December 29, 2020, https://www.ocweekly.com/ video-middle-eastern-restaurant-owner-bans-loretta-sanchez-rips-up-her-award-to-him-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,” Theory and Society 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 Journal of Urban History 00(0) 72. Mona Shadia, “An Arab American Spring Is Taking Root in Orange County,” The Los Angeles Times, April 11, 2019, accessed January 21, 2021, https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/ tn-wknd-mona-shadia-arab-american-civic-council-gala-20190411-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, Calif]. 15 May 2007: B.3. ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) MAP: Little Arabia; CREDIT: Los Angeles Times; 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; 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 post-9/11 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 4 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 chief's advisory board and taking Adham off traffic duty and offering him a liaison position with the Arab American and Muslim communities. "I 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. "I 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." PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 4 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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:English Document type:News ProQuest document ID:422124258 Document URL:http://ccl.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. LOST IN COUNTY: <SPAN CLASS="HIT">ARAB</SPAN> IMMIGRANTS SEEK PROSPERITY, FIND ANONYMITY Wong, Herman Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); May 27, 1973; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times pg. OC1 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. 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 more 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 Dikec, 2005). Less commonly stated are worries that perhaps not all groups should be included in the public. Some strands of communitarianism and 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 Don Mitchell Department of Geography, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1020, USA; e-mail: Dmmitch01@maxwell.syr.edu Caroline R Nagel Department of Geography, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; e-mail: cnagel@mailbox.sc.edu Received 30 May 2008; in revised form 29 January 2009 Environment and Planning D: Society and Space 2009, volume 27, pages 633^648 Abstract.As groups struggle to gain visibility and voice in the public sphere and as new publics form, 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 how publics might be formed and received, we focus on three interlinked 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. doi:10.1068/d6208 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, 2006). 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 kinds 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. 634 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel As Michael Warner (2002) notes, there is a chicken-and-egg quality to the public and public formation; a public, he argues, cannot exist separately from the rhetorics (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 nonincorporation) 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 them 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 (HR4437), 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 know 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 Making publics 635 and be subject to deportation without due process under the law. (1)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 both 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 40000 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 makes 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. (1)See 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. (2)The naming of the area itself is rather unstable. The map given to us in 2003 by the founder was labeled ‘Arab 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://www.awnews.net/little arabia.html). 636 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel Arab Town was, in effect, founded by an entrepreneur who had migrated to the US from Lebanon during its civil war. Like many of those who left at that time, he came 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 Figure 1.Map of Arab Town (source:The Arab World 27 June 2003, B8). Making publics 637 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. (3)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 market- 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 entrepreneur’s 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 eat some bread or some food, this is where we go, walking down the street.’ I know for a fact that 50% of newcomers come to Anaheim and to this area especially.’’ Within five years of starting to market the area, Arab Town hosted over 25000 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-owned 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. (3)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. (4)All population figures are estimates, as the US Census does not include ‘Arab’as an enumeration category. 638 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel 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 good time. In this way, it is also just like other celebrations of ethnic heritage in the US, such as StPatrick’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 usually 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 hold 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, like 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. 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 ‘Why?’ 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. (5)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 US. 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. (5)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. Making publics 639 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 it would. (6)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 when 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 (6)Although Clive Barnett’s (2008) discussion of geographers’attention to public space comes close to arguing that geographers assume this. 640 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel here that the prevailing system of laws, practices, and relations conditions the qualities of a public. We 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 how 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 (Baechler, 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 host of political theorists, politicians, and activists do not (see Staeheli, 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 related to behaviour and ideas set the stage for the relationships within the public sphere at any given time. (7)The discussion in this section draws from Lynn Staeheli and Don Mitchell (2008, chapter 6). Making publics 641 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. Under 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. (8)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’. 642 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel 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 may 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 form of wealth, as a resource in building places and structuring activities, and as imbued with power. Rather 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, Making publics 643 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 forces 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 formed 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. (9)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 both 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 (9)Myra Ferree et al (2002) provide an excellent summary of the ways these two strands of debate intersect. 644 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel 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 entre¤e 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 be 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 men 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. Making publics 645 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, spatialities 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 646 L A Staeheli, D Mitchell, C R Nagel 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 spots 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 (BCS-9819828 and BCS-0216886) and from the Economic and Social Research Council (R000223995). 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Working with Arab Clients Author(s): Stephen B. Mashney Source: GPSolo , JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004, Vol. 21, No. 1, The Benefits and Burdens of a Diversified Practice (JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004), pp. 42-44 Published by: American Bar Association Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23672544 JSTOR 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 JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at https://about.jstor.org/terms American Bar Association is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to GPSolo 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 Working with Arab By Stephen B. Mashney Effectively represent- beginning of the twentieth century, most ing clients of foreign of these 23 countries were contiguous extraction requires a components of one united nation ruled by working familiarity the Ottoman Empire, which had existed with their cultures for hundreds of years but was dissolved at and traditions. This is the end of the First World War. For many especially true today centuries in the past, Arabs existed as citi when representing clients of Arab ances- zens of successive united Arabic empires try—from a part of the world that has with one central government. Today, many been the focus of media frenzy and gross Arab people still consider themselves part misinformation during the past two years. of the Arab Nation and yearn for the uni Let's start with correct terminology: fication of divided Arab countries into one People are Arab or Arabic. Coffee and lan- strong Arab country guage are Arabic. Horses are Arabian. Arabic people are diverse but share a Arabic clients come from one of 23 Arab common history, language, and tradi countries and occupied Palestine located tions. Although predominantly Muslim in western Asia and northern Africa. At the (preferred spelling), many Arabs are Christian or (fewer) Jewish. It is impor tant to note that the terms "Arab" and Stephen B. Mashney practices law in "Muslim" are not interchangeable—most Anaheim, California. He can be reached Muslims are not Arab, and many Arabs at Mashney@hotmail.com. are not Muslim. 42 GPSOLO January/February 2004 Working with Arab By Stephen B. Mashney 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 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 Generally speaking, Arabs are trusting imagine your delight if you needed help people who pride themselves on their in a foreign country where almost no one generosity and strong family values. speaks your language and you meet an Honor and reputation play a pivotal role attorney who greets you in flawless in everyday life. My late father, for exam- English. Mammoth multicultural law pie, a Palestinian Arab American, refused firms often are logistically equipped to to apply for Social Security benefits deal with Arabic-speaking clients, but because he did not want to receive what boutique law firms with at least one he perceived as "charity." Except in Arabic-speaking staff member can do just Hollywood movies, there is no "typical as good a job, and sometimes even better. Arab." Like populations of any country, Unlike what happens in some big law Arabs differ; many have blond hair, fair firms, an Arab client will not feel lost in skin, and blue or green eyes. Others have the shuffle in a boutique law firm setting African features, although most have olive and consequently will have a better over skin. Furthermore, there are very signifi- all experience and a greater likelihood of cant intra-Arab cultural variations within returning with other matters, the larger Arab culture itself. An attorney may very easily alienate an There are significant cultural differ- Arab client by ignoring the fact that many ences between Arab and American cul- items billable in U.S. culture are free in tures. Although Arab countries have capi- the Arab world. In Arab culture, many talist economies, many new Arab immi- things are done without charge as tokens grants are unaccustomed to the material- of generosity, respect, and friendship. Clients GPSOLO January/February 2004 43 Clients 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 involving Arab clients on terms that |H fj|0 wake off intensified when Arab clients get billed for the firm's unacceptable before September 11. Today, making a few photocopies or a few long- a traffic stop is more than just a routine prosecutorial and distance phone calls, it's a sure turnoff. check if the motorist is an Arab. In addi The law firm's attempt to recoup negligi- tion, the number of incidents of Arabic media scrutiny, many ble costs may end up costing it the loss of people being stopped, interrogated, and _ . . the client's business. detained at airports and other points has lawyers settled cases A client once told me an anecdote skyrocketed. American culture has related to this topic. He was invited by a changed, now primed to believe any Arab friend to a dinner that included the person is a potential terrorist. When friend's attorney. During the dinner con- Arabs are arrested, even those who have versation, my client asked and the attor- lived here for decades, judges often deny WOUld have been ne^ answered some legal questions. bail or set it at significantly higher figures When they finished dinner, my client, than for non-Arab defendants. Even in unacceptable before true to his Arab heritage, insisted on pay- the realm of domestic relations cases, ing the tab, while the lawyer did not prejudice about Arab culture has affected September 11. object. Each went his separate way. But a the treatment of Arabs. The police and few days later, my client was shocked and prosecutors often treat Arab men more dismayed to receive a bill from the attor- harshly than non-Arab defendants ney for the "consultation" the attorney because of the racist stereotype that Arabs "rendered" during the free dinner paid for are violent and treat women worse than by my client. Needless to say, that short- other domestic abusers, sighted attorney's materialistic behavior These are but a few of the problems, forever alienated a potential client. perceptions, and strongly held positions In addition to the predictable cultural that Arab clients now face when dealing and economic challenges confronting with Americans in general and the U.S. immigrants in general, Arab immigrants justice system in particular. Attorneys rep in the United States face more sinister dif- resenting Arabic clients must understand ficulties. After the attacks of September that representing Arabic clients carries 11, 2001, and as a direct result of the additional challenges not encountered heightened negative generalized media when representing others. Furthermore, and government scrutiny of Arabs, many understanding and maintaining empathy Arabs have found themselves on the for the predicaments of Arab clients, and receiving end of widespread de jure and being sensitive to Arabic culture and her de facto discrimination, persecution, vio- itage, will help ensure that the outcome of lence, and economic ruin. representation will be pleasantly memo At the end of 2002, the Justice rable for both the attorney and the client. Department instituted a program After all, it is our mission to see to it that euphemistically dubbed "special regis- those whom we represent receive the tration," ostensibly to catalog immigrants fairest possible result, regardless of color, of all nations. When Arabs and Muslims creed, faith, and, yes, national origin— showed up in good faith, thousands even if they are Arab, 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 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; Orange 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, Calif]. 01 Mar 2004: B.3. ProQuest document link ABSTRACT (ABSTRACT) Like dozens of other Middle Eastern business owners, [Mohammad 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. 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. PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 4 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 4 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:B.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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Document URL:http://ccl.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-peeled-look-at-life-inside-little/docview/421908109/se-2?accountid=10141 Copyright:(Copyright (c) 2004 Los Angeles Times) Last updated:2017-11-15 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 Ô 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. ProQuest 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 4 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 Latino 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, Latino 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 1960s 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. We're 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 4 Arabia. "Rida 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:Allen J. Schaben Los Angeles Times DETAILS Subject:Asian Americans; Politics; Muslims; Political activism; Civil rights; Voting rights; Councils; Local elections Location:United States--US Anaheim California Identifier / keyword:TRUMP, DONALD J ORANGE COUNTY MUSLIMS HISPANICS RACIAL RELATIONS REFUGEES IMMIGRANTS REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Publication title:Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif. Pages:B.1 Publication year:2016 Publication date:Jul 5, 2016 Section:California; Part B; Metro Desk Publisher:Los Angeles Times Communications LLC PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 4 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest 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.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/orange- county-finding-strength-numbers-troubled/docview/1801545838/se- 2?accountid=10141 Copyright:(Copyright (c) 2016 Los Angeles Times) Last updated:2017-11-23 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 4 of 4 SURVIVING THE SHUTDOWN; SIBLINGS BUILD ON A LEGACY; BROTHER AND SISTER SAY IT'S THEIR TURN TO KEEP THE FIRE GOING AT KAREEM'S IN LITTLE ARABIA Arellano, Gustavo . Los Angeles Times ; Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]. 26 Apr 2020: FO.3. ProQuest document link 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 Orange 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 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 1 of 3 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.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/surviving- shutdown-siblings-build-on-legacy/docview/2394629157/se-2?accountid=10141 PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 2 of 3 LINKS Get this item Database copyright Ó 2021 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Contact ProQuest Copyright:Copyright Los Angeles Times Apr 26, 2020 Last updated:2020-07-15 Database:Los Angeles Times PDF GENERATED BY PROQUEST.COM Page 3 of 3