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 Atlantic Avenue. Their homes, churches, temples, businesses, and service centers have created a community identified by most Cambodians here, and throughout the rest of the world, as the "Cambodian Capital of the United States."
The Cambodia Town, Inc. has requested community signs to direct freeway motorists to Cambodia Town. The requirements for a Community Sign under Section 101.12 of the California Streets and Highways Code require that:
1. The community is located within a City, County, or City and County
2. The geographical boundary of the community is within 3 miles of the State Highway exit.
3. The name of the community:
a. Is culturally unique and historically significant.
b. Has resulted from the influence of a culture over a significant period of time.
c. Is commonly recognized by the general public and media.
Cambodia Town met these requirements. If approved, the Cambodia Town, Inc will help to identify the funding for the signage.
According to the state code, the procedure for requesting community signs involves:
1. The governing body of the City, County, or City and County in which the community is located
must adopt a resolution that does the following:
a. Designates the name of the community that is to be used on directional signs.
b. Defines the geographical boundaries of the community.
c. Requests Caltrans to posts signs on State highways. The signs must be
consistent with the signing requirements for the State highway system.
FISCAL IMPACT
All expenses related to the freeway signs shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring entity.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER FIRST DISTRICT
DEE ANDREWS
COUNCILMEMBER SIXTH DISTRICT
STEVEN NEAL
COUNCILMEMBER NINTH DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR SUJA LOWENTHAL
SECOND DISTRICT