Ch 15- California

The beautiful California, pictured left, is the topic of this chapter. California is a diverse cultural and geographic region. Though they are literally on opposite sides of the country, Philadelphia and California do have a few things in common. 

First, one of both California and Philadelphia's primary economic is the tourism. There are many iconic sites to see in both places, but the previously discussed historic wealth in the city of Brotherly Love is certainly unique. 

Also similar to both regions, are the large amount of urban areas. Philadelphia, as a major city, is by definition a metropolitan place. Several cities in California, like Los Angeles and San Francisco have similar attributes to the city of Philly.

 Ethnoburbs, or clusters of one particular ethnic group, are present in many urban areas of California and Philadelphia. As discussed in Chapter 4, historically there have been many ethnic enclaves that dominated specific regions of Philly. 

One cultural area we have yet to discuss is Philadelphia's Chinatown. This area, typically recognized by the "Friendship Arch" located at 10th and Arch street (pictured right), has a unique history all its own. In 1951, after many Chinese families had developed a community in this area, the Chinese Benevolent Association was created to bridge the political and social differences among the many different Chinese people living there.  Through the course of this, many Chinese churches and schools were developed to help foster and maintain the community. 

In the 1960's, Philadelphia city officials had planned an expressway construction project that would disrupt this area. Shops and business, and the schools and churches, would be permanently closed as the construction continued.  As a result, several young Chinese men and women became politically involved and advocated for their community. 

It took over twenty years, but finally an agreement between Philadelphia and the Chinese community was reached in the late 1980's. The expressway was built elsewhere, and all Chinese churches and schools were saved. Since this, the city has worked with this community to preserve and enhance Chinatown. 

Though it may not be as popular as San Fran's Chinatown, Philadelphia's Chinese community represents a thriving ethnoburb that exemplifies the cultural diversity present in all city conglomerations, whether in on the East or West coast.