This audio story by Ruby Córdova reflects on what the Santee Alleys means to the people who work and shop there.
By RUBY CÓRDOVA
EL NUEVO SOL
The Santee Alleys are a cultural stop that resides in the heart of Los Angeles. It is home to many members of the Latino community who not only work there selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, and food but also a fairly popular tourist place for Los Angeles. The Santee Alleys, also known as Los Callejones, has been around since the city first started creating its roots. Though its size has remained the same throughout the years, the cultural appreciation has grown immensely. In recent years, Los Angeles has been subjected to many forms of gentrification which has put many residents and workers at risk for displacement and lack of income. The people work here day and night trying to make ends meet by any means necessary. The issue of displacement is known by most of the workers here. This audio story reflects on the stories of these individuals, what the alleys mean to them, and getting an understanding of just how impacted the alleys are to thousands of families. (Photos by Ruby Córdova)
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- One of the main entrances of the Santee Alleys where most of the food carts gather and music is the loudest.
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- A retail shop the Santee Alleys with a “help wanted” sign.
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- A close up shot of a makeup store in the alleys.
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- Rows of cowboy shoes in one of the shoe stores in the alleys.
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- A group of women gather by a side shop looking at trinkets and childrens toys.
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- To follow safe measures, a mask stand lays on corners of every block in the alleys.
