ARTESIA ARCHWAY: Council Discusses Naming Entry Arch

By Tammye McDuff

A preliminary discussion was held at Council July 13, 2015 relating to the highly anticipated Phase IV of the Pioneer Boulevard Improvement Project, which includes building the downtown entry archway.

In preparation for Phase IV, a selected phrase will be integrated into the preliminary design of a gateway arch for approval.

A “branding phrase” is the next step to identify the entry to the distinctive downtown experience.

City Manager William Rawlings advised Council, “although this seems a bit backwards, we need to agree on a phrase before we can agree on an archway design. We need to make sure that the phrase will fit the archway.”

Staff introduced four possible phrases for consideration:

1. Artesia International and Cultural Shopping District

2. Artesia Downtown Shopping District

3. International Downtown Artesia

4. Artesia International Shopping District.

Councilman Tony Lima suggested that the phrase be something simple and easy to read, such as ‘Artesia International Downtown District or Artesia New International Shopping District or Artesia Cultural Center’. Councilman Ali Sajjad Taj noted that in his European travels there is always a central business district and he would like to something in the form of ‘International Business District’ to cater to all visitors.

Councilmember Sally Flowers pointed out, “I notice that the placement of the archway has not been definitely designated. I believe from 183rd Street to 188th Street would be the ideal area to have the archway. I do like the phrase ‘Artesia International Shopping District’, and would like to see somewhere on the archway or on a plaque nearby state this is the home of Little India. If we miss this branding opportunity to officially name and acknowledge the downtown corridor, it would be a loss to the city and our downtown merchants should another city claim to be the home of Little India.”  Lima added that ‘Little India’ should not be added to the archway, but in a directional plague as is the case for with City Hall.

The original vision was to name the area ‘The Artesia International and Cultural Shopping District.’  Flowers noted that the name is too long and not a brand that is easily remembered. Lima inserted the word ‘international’ should stay within the phrase because of the International Fair held annually and to keep the word ‘new’ due to the city’s new construction and facelift. Rawlings requested and encouraged Council to select a phrase that would best capture the essence of the City’s Downtown now and for the future. Mayor Miguel Canales said ‘If we really want a good phrase then in honor and remembrance of Councilman Larry Nelson’s choice phrase ‘Every day is a good day’ would be easy to read and remember as well as being an effect use of branding the City.”

Flowers requested that the official choice of phrases be postponed until Victor Manalo, Mayor Pro Tem, was able to cast his vote.

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming

(15081)

$19.99 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Pink

(1026)

$299.00 (as of May 8, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binocular with Low Light Vision,High Powered Easy Focus Binoculars for Bird Watching,Outdoor Hunting,Travel,Sightseeing

(31418)

$27.53 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Walk On: 5 Fat Burning Miles Indoor Walking Exercise DVD with Jessica Smith

(1669)

$20.37 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth

(13904)

$5.98 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Hontry Binoculars for Adults and Kids, 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching, Theater and Concerts, Hunting and Sport Games

(22566)

$24.95 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ninja Woodfire ProXL Outdoor Grill & Smoker, Thermometer, 4-in-1 Master Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, Bake, Portable, Electric Grill (Renewed) (Hunter Green)

(2)

$229.99 (as of May 8, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Meta Quest 3S 128GB Renewed — Dive into Mixed Reality — Unreal Experiences — All-in-One Headset

$269.99 (as of May 8, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

(51738)

$39.99 (as of May 8, 2025 06:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle, (2) CREAMi Swirl 16oz Pints, For Kids & ALL ages, NC701

(244)

$348.00 (as of May 8, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)