What Communities Are Made Of

On September 4th, Los Angeles will celebrate 227 years of existence. With more than 200 languages spoken, Los Angeles has a rich cultural history of  diversity and pluralism.  The Pico-Fairfax area is an example of this rich cultural diversity. At first glance, the Pico-Fairfax area may appear to be a small tight-knit Jewish community, but after a thorough exploration, it appears that this community has much more to offer than meets the eye. This community is full of culture and history, to which many residents take much pride. By simply walking down Pico Blvd, you see billboards and ads in multiple languages reflecting upon not only its residents, but of the cultural pluralism and unity as a community. This community offers many different services to its residents. From adult day care, spiritual services, community building workshops (B.O.N.D) and many different markets and bakeries that offer items that are common staple of many of these communities. This community is a conglomerate of the many cultural traditions of the different ethnic groups that reside in this community. Each group has left its stamp in the community which is reflected in the stores you see throughout the area. 

Often times we often look to categorize and label things, and base assumptions, whether good or bad about a particular community and its residents. I know for myself, i used to drive through this community almost everyday and never took the time to truly explore the eclectic shops and services that this community has to offer.  I assumed that this community was a close-knit and exclusive jewish community, and felt a sense of disconnect because i did not identify culturally with that community. But after exploring this community, many of my initial presumptions were proven wrong. This community offers much more than it may appear to, and is a definite example of the urban diverse pluralism that defines Los Angeles as a whole. So as we celebrate Los Angeles' history as a city, we should see this community as a reflection of not one particular culture of a specific ethnic group, but as Los Angeles culture to which residents from all walks of life can identify and appreciate. 

An Outsider Looking In

As an outsider walking the few blocks on Pico, in a predominantly what is known as a Jewish community, one can be confused.  Without prior knowledge, it is not readily apparent that the community is that of Jewish predominance.   There are many stores with names that depict the origins of their owners.  There was a French cleaners, an Ethiopian restaurant, a Persian meat mart and an Indian shop all along the strip, right next to the Jewish shops, synagogues and adult day centers.  An outsider might become overwhelmed, as I did, with all the things there was to see.  

It was so interesting walking down the street and seeing all the community had to offer for its residents.  It was so well contained within itself.  It's so strange to realize how many times I have driven down that street and never paid attention to all the richness it had to offer.  The people that were walking down the street were so interesting and nice. They all in one way or another acknowledged our presence in their community. The community seemed to have an excellent public transportation system. 

On another side, it was sad to see how unkept the streets were. The trash was overflowing and the bus stops were all covered with graffiti. I didn't really get to go into the residential streets, so I cannot really speaks for the side streets, but the main street of Pico was very unkept.  Another thing I noticed was that the windows to the shops all had metal bars.  Maybe a sign of a dangerous neighborhood?  Or simply maybe buildings just built when there weren't any alarm systems set up?  I don't really know the answer to that question, but either way, the first impression the bars leave is that of an unsafe neighborhood. 

It was an interesting experience walking down the streets of an unknown neighborhood.  It was as though we were walking through an unknown territory, discovering it for the first time.  All the richness it had to offer was in fact overwhelming, and just walking through it once was not enough to soak it all in. 

Social Networks in the Area

It was evident that within the few blocks of Pico and Robertson, there is a wide variety of social networks offered to the community.  There are support systems and other types of networks for people of different ages, cultures and ethnicities, all within walking distance of each other.  Just a few to name are St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church; B.O.N.D. (Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny); Beth Chayim Chadashim; National Council of Jewish Women; and Young Israel of Beverly Hills.

Young Israel of Beverly Hills is the oldest Orthodox Synagogue in West Los Angeles and has been serving the community over fifty years.  Young Israel of Beverly Hills offers a friendly environment, which welcomes groups from Yeshivish to Israeli, Persian to Yemenite, Shepardi to Ashkenzani, and families to singles.  By having YIBH in the community people are able to attend various programs for prayer and study, including children and youth.  There is a social hall available, which has been renovated for events and social gatherings.  YIBH is for the veteran Orthodox interested in Torah study, and helping the community.

The National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization offering quality resources to the community.  Their philosophy is to empower women of all ages.  After seeing the storefront of their thrift shop, we peeked inside and realized there was more to the store.  The revenue from the stores help fund their community service programs to help children and families.  The organization of volunteer and staff come together to provide services such as the free counseling hotline, family counseling, support groups, and life skills workshops.  Another goal of the organization is to help children achieve success by offering after school tutoring, a teen mother literacy program, and book giveaways.

This community is offered faith-based social services, support groups for families and singles, for people of varying socioeconomic status and background.  With these social networks, people are able to take advantage of what is offered to feel comfortable and have a place in their neighborhood.