With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Ahead of Black Friday, a Santee Alley festival aims to boost sales for businesses hit by ICE raids
Shoppers in face masks flock to Santee Alley in the Fashion District in May 2020.
(
Shutterstock
)
This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Wednesday.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, many small-business owners across Los Angeles are looking for a much-needed boost in sales after months of financial strain tied to immigration raids.
In Boyle Heights, for example, more than a dozen local restaurants reported losing 50% or more of their customers or revenue in the weeks after federal agents began conducting sweeps, according to a Boyle Heights Beat survey.
One business owner said he lost more than $10,000 in revenue. Another estimated a loss of around $15,000.
Sponsored message
Leading up to Black Friday, the merchants association known as Somos Los Callejones and the Los Angeles Tenants Union are teaming up with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado to host a street festival Saturday in the L.A. Fashion District’s Santee Alley. Olympic Boulevard between Santee Street and Maple Avenue will be shut down for the festival, which will feature music and vendors.
-
Earlier mergers, like Disney's 2019 acquisition of Fox, cut the number of films studios released theatrically — a troubling trend for theater owners already coping with consolidation and streaming. -
Public documents reviewed by LAist reveal an ongoing dispute between the city and its contractors. -
The project runs on an approximately four-mile stretch of the street between North Mission Road near LAC+USC Medical Center and Alhambra/South Pasadena.
Event organizers aim to bring business back to the callejones, where vendors have noticed a decrease in foot traffic since immigration sweeps began in the summer. The Fashion District was among the locations that experienced the first workplace raids in early June.
Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights in District 14, will be attending the event.
The councilmember helped facilitate the opening of the city’s Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Center at 1780 E. First Street. There, small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the raids can access information and resources about loan programs available to those experiencing financial hardship, a CD 14 spokesperson said.
On the Eastside, small businesses and community groups are launching holiday markets, hoping to boost local sales. Check back with Boyle Heights Beat soon for a full list.
Event details
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
Where: Olympic Boulevard between Santee Street and Maple Avenue
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
