East Los Angeles, California

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See also: East Los Angeles (region)

East Los Angeles (often shortened to East L.A. or East Los or in Spanish El Este) is an unincorporated area in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The community is bounded by the Boyle Heights neighborhood of the city of Los Angeles to the west, the unincorporated area of City Terrace to the northwest, the city of Monterey Park to the northeast, the city of Montebello to the east, and the city of Commerce to the south. It forms part of the East Los Angeles region. As of the 2000 census, this area had a total population of 124,283. East Los Angeles is represented by Gloria Molina in the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. This community receives its police service from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and fire service is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Welcome sign on Atlantic Boulevard

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Emergency services
4 Education
5 Political Issues
6 Notable residents
7 External links

[edit] Geography

East Los Angeles is located at 34°1′53″N, 118°10′7″W (34.031462, -118.168653)^GR1. East Los Angeles lies directly east of downtown Los Angeles. (see map)

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 19.3 km² (7.4 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

East Los Angeles CDP Population by year [1], [2]
2000 124,283 1990 126,379 1980 110,017 1970 104,881 1960 104,270

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 124,283 people, 29,844 households, and 25,068 families residing in the community. The population density was 6,449.7/km² (16,697.4/mi²). There were 31,096 housing units at an average density of 1,613.7/km² (4,177.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the community was 39.26% White, 0.39% Black or African American, 1.29% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 54.01% from other races, and 4.22% from two or more races. 96.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino; Hispanics or Latinos can be of any race.

There were 29,844 households out of which 51.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 21.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.0% were non-families. 12.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.15 and the average family size was 4.42.

In the community the population was spread out with 34.6% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $28,544, and the median income for a family was $29,755. Males had a median income of $21,065 versus $18,475 for females. The per capita income for the community was $9,543. About 24.7% of families and 27.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.0% of those under age 18 and 13.5% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Emergency services

Since East Los Angeles is an unincorporated area, fire protection in East Los Angeles is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department with ambulance transport by Care Ambulance Service. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement.

[edit] Education

East Los Angeles is split between Los Angeles Unified School District and Montebello Unified School District [3].

The only high school in the LAUSD section of East L.A. is James A. Garfield High School. There are current plans for the building of Esteban Torres High School in the former Hammel Street Elementary School grounds (Hammel ES still exists at a new address). The high school is expected to open in 2010.

Adult Education programs from the Eastside Learning Center and East Los Angeles Occupational Center are intended and currently plan to be relocated at the East LA Star Hospital site. The East La Star Adult Educationproject is expected to be completed by 2011.

[edit] Political Issues

Despite multiple failed attempts in the past, residents are currently campaigning for cityhood for East Los Angeles. A ballot measure may appear in 2007. [4] Proponents of incorporation include California State Senator Gloria Romero.

[edit] Notable residents

Maria Helena Viramontes -- chicana fiction writer.
Val Valentino -- Latino magician (grew up in East Los Angeles and later moved to Las Vegas)
Oscar de la Hoya-- Chicano gold medalist and world boxing champion.
Edward James Olmos-- Actor, Producer, and Director
Jaime Escalante -- Teacher
Lucille Roybal-Allard -- Representative in the U.S. Congress
Juan Rangel -- Chicano Comedian