LOS ANGELES — Following the lifting of the curfew by Mayor Karen Bass, businesses in Downtown Los Angeles expressed hope for a resurgence of customers. The curfew was initially imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent vandalism and looting amid protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
The recent protests had predominantly taken place in specific areas of downtown, particularly where federal and local government buildings are concentrated, in reaction to President Trump’s immigration crackdown and the deployment of military forces including the National Guard.
Mayor Bass announced that the curfew, which had been in effect since June 10, had achieved its goals, citing successful crime prevention and efforts to protect residents and local businesses. The curfew’s restrictions were geographically limited, impacting a small section of the vast city.
In the Little Tokyo neighborhood, a historic district that is home to many Japanese Americans, the aftermath of the protests was evident. Numerous storefronts displayed boarded-up windows, a symbolic reminder of the disturbances triggered by the protests. Little Tokyo, adjacent to a fortified federal detention facility, struggled to regain its footing.
Tourists flocked to the area, taking photos of a large mural of baseball star Shohei Ohtani, adding a juxtaposition of normalcy against the backdrop of protest aftermath.
Businesses, however, like Far Bar owned by Don Tahara, faced severe repercussions from vandalism incidents and break-ins. Tahara noted the repercussions of the protests on local commerce, explaining that his establishment had seen numerous cancellations due to the assumed continuation of the curfew.
Reflecting on the historical context, Tahara, a third-generation Japanese American, drew parallels between today’s events and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. He voiced understanding for the protests, citing a historical trauma that resonates with current events.
“Back then, the federal government uprooted families from their homes. Today, we are witnessing a similar pattern,” Tahara remarked, emphasizing the need to recognize the painful history shared by his community.
Despite the mayor tweaking the curfew hours from an initial 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the fear of continued unrest lingered in the minds of patrons and business owners alike. Bass attributed the need for the curfew to a select group of lawbreakers disturbing the peace while acknowledging the majority of protesters who sought to express their concerns peacefully.
Cindy Reyes, head server at Rakkan Ramen, expressed frustration over the impact of the curfew, coining it especially challenging for night-shift employees. The ramen shop, typically bustling late into the night, had to shut down operations entirely during peak hours on the weekend.
“I rely on the dinner shift for income, as we are usually the last restaurant standing,” Reyes stated, lamenting over the adverse effects on staff earnings.
The Historic Core of downtown, which hosts numerous nightclubs and bars situated further from the protests, similarly felt the fallout. Many establishments closed as a precaution, given their nightlife-centric business model.
Vincent Vong, owner of Rhythm Room, reported significant financial loss, estimating tens of thousands of dollars not only from lost patronage but due to ongoing employee payments during the closure.
“I had to make sure my employees still get paid, leading to further financial strain,” Vong said, also calling for increased city support to ensure protection of vulnerable areas prone to vandalism.
Even in the wake of lifted restrictions, Vong remained skeptical about deterring customers back into an environment still dotted with boarded-up windows and an overall sense of distress.
“I will have to work hard to show that downtown LA remains a safe and welcoming destination,” he reflected, recognizing the uphill battle that lies ahead.
As businesses grapple with the consequences of the past days, there remains a collective hope among owners and employees that customers will once again return to support their local establishments in a recovering downtown Los Angeles.
image source from：nbcnews
