Prototype Issue
Hood Highlight: Rosemead
By Joyce Jaing
(page 1 of 2)Far too often are neighborhoods that fall outside the LA city vicinity written off with statements like 'that's not LA' or 'that's far' or even worse, 'where's that?'
But for those who know what’s up 10 miles east of downtown, know that a city like Rosemead can be just as authentic as Silver Lake and even cooler because it’s yet to be gentrified with overpriced lofts and a Starbucks at every corner. In fact, last year residents fought their hearts out (but lost) against a Wal-Mart being built. Nonetheless, this city that’s just about split evenly between Latinos and Asians, is the birthplace of Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo and has some of the best and cheapest hole-in-walls for eccentric eats, funky fashions and innocent fun in LA county.
Borders/Locations:
Rosemead is located in the San Gabriel Valley. It is bordered by El Monte in the east, Montebello in the south, San Gabriel to the west and Temple City in the north. The San Bernardino freeway (10) also runs through the city.
Roots and History:
Around the 1850s, settlers from the Southeast region of the United States came to the San Gabriel Valley to start a new life. John and Harriet Guess settled on a ranch in what is now the site of Savannah Elementary School.
Many others followed as the land was perfect for growing vegetables and raising farm animals. The city got its name from Leonard Rose as he purchased a ranch and called it Rose’s Meadow, which eventually became Rosemead. The city was incorporated as a city of Los Angeles county in August 4, 1959.
Ethnic breakdown:
There are approximately 55,000 people living in Rosemead. They consist of:
Mexican: 33% Chinese, except Taiwanese: 32% Vietnamese: 13% Other Hispanic or Latino: 5% Japanese: 2% Filipino: 2% Central American: 2% Italian: 1% Cambodian: 1% German: 1% English: 1% Irish: 1% Taiwanese: 1% Salvadoran: 1% Black or African American: 1% American Indian tribes, specified: 1% Spanish: 1% Korean: 1%
Crime Stats:
A large number of the crimes in the city involved property such as robberies and car thefts. There are also many violent crimes. In a year, there are several rapes, homicides and arsons.
Historical Sites:
Savannah Pioneer Cemetery 9263 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770
Located next to the fire station on Valley Blvd is an old cemetery that was erected in 1846 and many say is where the remains of the Santa Fe Trail settlers lay in peace. The cemetery has come under financial problems as of recent and has been threatened to be closed down by the city.
Famous Spots:
Rosemead High School was featured in the 1988 hit TV show The Wonder Years. Edison International, the Panda Express headquarters, Huy Fong Foods Inc., which creates Sriracha—or the rooster hot sauce that can be found in Asian supermarkets—are also based in the city.
Parks:
Rosemead Park- A hot spot for families on Sunday afternoons, this park features playgrounds, two baseball diamonds, many trees and rolling green hills. The park is also bordered by a pool and is the running grounds for the Rosemead High School cross country team. An annual carnival held on the 4th of July attracts many residents.
Restaurants and Cafes:
Like most working-class neighborhoods, there are many fast food chains, but some tasty hole-in-walls include.
Lublae Located on the corner of Rosemead Boulevard and Marshall Avenue in the Rosemead Plaza, Lublae is a simple but classy Thai restaurant featuring traditional Thai food with amazing melt-in-your-mouth Thai toast and “award-winning” Pad Thai.
Di Pilla’s Italian Restaurant Another small family restaurant is Di Pilla’s, which features simple Italian dishes at reasonable prices. It’s a family run business on the corner of Rosemead Blvd. and Valley Blvd. The warm bread sticks and spaghetti are a must-order.
Schools:
Discussion