Plans to build a ‘Wellness District’ that maintains the present Latino identity of downtown Santa Ana continue to be debated by Santa Ana City Council.
At its latest meeting, on April 7, City Council discussed a proposal to prioritize retaining the Latino character of the downtown area. They heard from citizens who expressed fears that as millennials are moving into the area, and businesses that cater to them are following, Downtown Santa Ana will lose its Latin flair unless measures are taken.
Those residents would prefer that council encourage more of the city’s Latino residents to use the downtown neighborhood, resulting in a unique area similar to the Little Saigon area of Garden Grove and Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. This could be done, they said, by encouraging businesses that foster wellness, such as groceries, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, drug stores, and full-service restaurants to have priority, so long as they maintain the neighborhood’s Latin character.
According to those petitioning council, encouraged growth downtown with an eye toward retaining a Latin-centric culture could not only revitalize the neighborhood by attracting Latinos who make up a large portion of the city’s population but also bring in tourists wishing to enjoy a taste of Latino culture.
Should the petitioners prove successful, a bilingual poster printing service might become in high demand.
