Home Displacement in North East Los Angeles

North East Los Angeles: Home Development

edited by Mirian Rosales
November 11, 2020

Early Homeownership & History

Early as the 1930s, President Roosevelt came up with the New Deal, which brought new laws such as the Fair Housing Act. This was before the Civil Rights Movement, so people of color were at a disadvantage during this event. During the Fair Housing Act, 95% of white Angelenos were granted homes, and the rest were given to people of color. People of color and poor minorities were forced to move into areas called Redlining. Redlining is a community with a risk of hazards, poor resources, and an unsettling environment. This the area no one wants to live in, so they gave it to the minority Asian, Blacks, and Latinx. Home loans were not available which meant renting homes from homeowners who were able to charge how much ever they want to low-income families. It was not until after 1985,

Moving to Northeast Los Angeles

What is considered low income in Los Angeles now? With a household of 4 people, earning less than $72,000 altogether is considered the poverty line. Northeast Los Angeles holds a history of segregation over the past decades. Gentrification crept its way in Silverlake and Echo Park early 2000's and now we see it in Highland Park, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, and Boyle Heights. These areas were considered dangerous, toxic areas. Mainly industrial communities with hazardous environments, but near the center of the city. There is no wonder why one would live in these neighborhoods. It is close to public commuters and train rails that take you around the city of angels. Living 24 years in Highland Park, there is a major difference between early 2000 and now 2020. 

The early 2000s

Highland Park and neighboring communities were filled with gangs and police activity. Highland Park, Frogtown, Avenues, and others' names were painted on walls and public buildings so it advises residents who own the streets. Gentrification was not difficult to miss because it started with a couple cafes and bars. Highland Park was populated by working-class Latinx, Asians, and Caucasians. It was not the safest neighborhood for many. Personally, friend's families would not dare to drive down Avenue 50. This little spot is known to be drug and gang-affiliated. While it is true locals knew which streets were safe to walk on, but when the sun sets it is best to start heading home before getting stopped by strangers, 

Present Day

Unfortunately, many low immigrant families were impacted. HIhgland Park became a gold spot for realtors. Turning dull, quiet neighborhoods into entertainment and social spot for tourists visiting Los Angeles. Raising prices on homes excludes the low-income population from affordable housing. This city matters to the people that grew up for generations separated from the middle-class suburbs. 

North East neighborhoods were homes for Latin and Asian families where they can live their life without police discrimination. Now that the community is diverse, a rise in police activity for the sake of middle-class families not feeling safe. 

People first took notice of their community changing when murals were "white-washed." This concept meaning they were painted over by new realtors. All grade schools in Highland Park have images of farmworkers and immigrants. When they painted over this, the people living here were upset.

December 2019, families and friends of the neighborhood marched the streets of Figueroa for one mile starting York Boulevard to Sycamore Park. It was a diversity of people and different class status making a statement. Many feel betrayed and lost, not knowing how and where they will have a roof over their heads.

Children's doll hanging outside Gil Cedillo's Council Office. December 2019. @highlandpark90042

There can be change involved if the people were part of their neighborhood council committee. There are benefits such as cleaner streets and reconstructed buildings. These changes are only made when there is money involved. 

Even so, families should not have to lose a sanctuary in order for new families to move in.

Protestors from the neighborhood marching on Avenue 57 & Figueroa Steet.

Works Cites

Chiland, E. (2017, May 04). If you earn $50,500 in LA, you now qualify as low-income. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://la.curbed.com/2017/5/3/15539770/los-angeles-affordable-housing-income-requirements

Gumbel, A. (2020, January 26). 'Whitewashed': How gentrification continues to erase LA's bold murals. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/26/whitewashed-how-gentrification-continues-to-erase-las-bold-murals

L.A., C., November 11, 2., November 6, 2., October 30, 2., Features, November 10, 2., . . . January 30, 2. (2020, February 17). Gentrifying Highland Park's War on the Middle Class. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://losangeleno.com/features/highland-park-middle-class/

Lin, J. (2016, February 17). Bringing Attention to Gentrification in Highland Park. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.kcet.org/shows/departures/bringing-attention-to-gentrification-in-highland-park

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