TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution to request that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) post community signs for “Cambodia Town” on the 710 Freeway southbound and northbound at Anaheim Street, pursuant to Section 101.12 of the Streets and Highways Code. The design, production and installation of the freeway signs shall be under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) pending approval by the State Legislature.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach is the symbolic and actual center of the worldwide Cambodian Diasporas as it is home to the largest population of Cambodians outside of Cambodia. This area was recognized by the City of Long Beach and designated it as “Cambodia Town” in July 2007. The 2000 U.S. Census showed that of the approximate 84,000 Cambodians in California there are upwards of 30,000 Cambodians living within the Long Beach city limits.
“Cambodia Town” is viewed by many to be the heart of the Cambodian American community by those from the greater Los Angeles County, Orange County, and as far away as San Diego, Fresno, Stockton, Oakland, and San Jose areas. Cambodian Americans come to this area on a regular basis to shop, eat, and conduct business. As home to the largest concentration of Cambodian families and businesses in the United States, this vibrant Long Beach neighborhood is where Cambodian American history flourishes.
Cambodia Town began its development when many of the Cambodians in Long Beach came to the United States as refugees from Democratic Kampuchea from 1975 to 1979, as well as the 1978 invasion and occupation of Cambodia by Vietnam. Many were attracted to Long Beach because it already held a small community of Cambodians who had arrived during the 1960s to study at California State University Long Beach.
Since 1975, Cambodians have built their homes and businesses in Long Beach, in the immediate area of Anaheim Street between Junipero and A...
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