As the holiday shopping season approaches, many small business owners across Los Angeles are looking for a much-needed boost in sales after months of financial strain tied to immigration raids.
In Boyle Heights, for example, more than a dozen local restaurants reported losing 50% or more of their customers or revenue in the weeks after federal agents began conducting sweeps, according to a Boyle Heights Beat survey.
One business owner said he lost more than $10,000 in revenue. Another estimated a loss of around $15,000.
Leading up to Black Friday, the merchants’ association known as Somos Los Callejones and the Los Angeles Tenants Union are teaming up with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado to host a street festival on Nov. 22 in the LA Fashion District’s Santee Alley. Olympic Boulevard between Santee Street and Maple Avenue will be shut down for the festival, which will feature music and vendors.
Event organizers aim to bring business back to the callejones where vendors have noticed a decrease in foot traffic since immigration sweeps began in the summer. The Fashion District was among the locations that experienced the first workplace raids in early June.
Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights in District 14, will be attending the event.
The councilmember helped facilitate the opening of the City’s Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Center at 1780 E. 1st Street. There, small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the raids can access information and resources about loan programs available to those experiencing financial hardship, a CD 14 spokesperson said.
On the Eastside, small businesses and community groups are launching holiday markets, hoping to boost local sales. Check back with Boyle Heights Beat soon for a full list.
Event details:
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: Olympic Boulevard between Santee Street and Maple Avenue
