Born and Razed

Sometimes you first notice a neighborhood is changing when you see new businesses that cater to people who just moved in. Other times, change moves slowly over decades, and old-timers suddenly realize they’re living in a new place without ever having moved at all. In this series, Greater LA visits Southern California neighborhoods to bring you stories of communities in transition.

In the 1990s, Downey rapidly shifted its demographics to become mostly a Latino area. It was then labeled “Mexican Beverly Hills,” but longtime residents say that’s unfair.

from Greater LA

A nonprofit gallery in downtown Downey has been instrumental in developing an art scene in the city. Now it faces possible closure.

from Greater LA

Dave Alvin formed Americana band The Blasters in Downey with his brother Phil, then went solo in the 1980s, but recently returned to show KCRW around.

‘Constantly changing’ Downey will always be home to Dave Alvin

Dave Alvin formed Americana band The Blasters in Downey with his brother Phil, then went solo in the 1980s, but recently returned to show KCRW around.

from Greater LA

Olvera Street is an LA tourist attraction that’s been around for 92 years. When it turns 100, will any of its legacy businesses still be here?

Replay: Olvera Street’s legacy businesses flounder after pandemic

Olvera Street is an LA tourist attraction that’s been around for 92 years. When it turns 100, will any of its legacy businesses still be here?

from Greater LA

Replay: Rent is pricing out the farm workers Oxnard depends on

from Greater LA

La Colonia, a neighborhood in Oxnard, consists of single-family homes with gardens and chihuahuas barking behind fences as pedestrians pass by.

Replay: Oxnard’s housing crunch hits agricultural workers the hardest

La Colonia, a neighborhood in Oxnard, consists of single-family homes with gardens and chihuahuas barking behind fences as pedestrians pass by.

from Greater LA

Olvera Street is an LA tourist attraction that’s been around for 92 years. When it turns 100, will any of its legacy businesses still be here?

Olvera Street’s legacy businesses flounder after pandemic

Olvera Street is an LA tourist attraction that’s been around for 92 years. When it turns 100, will any of its legacy businesses still be here?

from Greater LA

In Oxnard, some residents are pushing for the development of new housing, while others are against it.

Oxnard’s housing crunch looks a little different from rest of CA

In Oxnard, some residents are pushing for the development of new housing, while others are against it.

from Greater LA

Ventura County has one of the highest rent-to-income ratios in the state, forcing some low-paid farmworkers to move.

Rent is pricing out the farm workers Oxnard depends on

Ventura County has one of the highest rent-to-income ratios in the state, forcing some low-paid farmworkers to move.

from Greater LA

Sunset Beer Company is closing on May 1, but it leaves behind a legacy of building community and belonging for Echo Park’s newcomers.

Last call: Echo Park’s homey Sunset Beer gets gentrified out

Sunset Beer Company is closing on May 1, but it leaves behind a legacy of building community and belonging for Echo Park’s newcomers.

from Greater LA

The Mexican restaurant El Nayarit thrived for almost 50 years.

Mexican restaurant El Nayarit prioritized immigrants, newcomers

The Mexican restaurant El Nayarit thrived for almost 50 years.

from Greater LA

Marriage skateshop quickly became a hangout spot for many young skaters after it launched earlier this month. Owner Ronnie Campone has been skating for 30 years.

Goofy foot or not, young skaters flock to Marriage shop in Echo Park

Marriage skateshop quickly became a hangout spot for many young skaters after it launched earlier this month. Owner Ronnie Campone has been skating for 30 years.

from Greater LA