The Arab American Civic Council today renewed its call for an official designation of Little Arabia in the City of Anaheim with a petition directed at the Mayor and Council members.
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated countless small businesses in California and across the nation, including some in Anaheim’s Little Arabia, as reported by the Los Angeles Times:
“Olive Tree was a thriving, well-known Middle Eastern restaurant in Anaheim right up until the enforced business closures began. “The day before, we were still busy,” owner Alan Abdo said. Then, he began losing “between $15,000 and $20,000 a month.”
Now more than ever, it is vital to support our local business community in Little Arabia, which is why we recently launched our campaign to tell the Anaheim City Council to designate Little Arabia. Businesses in Anaheim have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdowns. Promoting this cultural destination will aid in Anaheim’s economic recovery, while keeping essential workers safe.
Little Arabia, home to hundreds of Arab American businesses in Anaheim, has become a cultural destination to countless American families from all over Southern California who enjoy dining at the various authentic Arab restaurants in the district.
Many cultural destinations and ethnic enclaves across Southern California, such as Little Saigon, Koreatown, Little Armenia, and others, have contributed to our state’s culture and vibrancy. It is time for the City of Anaheim to officially designate Little Arabia.
