Whittier Boulevard

Whittier Boulevard is an arterial street that runs from the Los Angeles River (where it continues into Downtown Los Angeles as 6th Street) to Brea, California, mainly through areas with large Latino populations. It is one of the main thoroughfares in both Whittier and East Los Angeles. At various times, portions of Whittier Boulevard have carried the designation of U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 72. Whittier Boulevard also carries a portion of El Camino Real.

During World War II, Whittier Boulevard and neighboring East LA streets were the location for many Pachucos. A few Zoot Suits fights happened in East Los Angeles' streets like Whittier Blvd. When the Zoot Suit Riots occurred in Los Angeles it was difficult to be a Latino in that area (especially around Whittier Blvd), especially for those who wore a Zoot Suit.

One memorable and still alive trend along Whittier Boulevard is the usage and showings of lowriders. It has been said that East Los Angeles, specifically on Whittier Boulevard was one of the few first places that low riders began to appear around World War II and up until now, there are still low-rider showings along Whittier Boulevard, or anywhere in East Los Angeles. Drivers would compete against each other and hope to win the other driver’s car, known as "hopping for pink slips.” The street itself became very popular because it became a place for low riders to come together and the locals would cruise up and down the streets. To this day lowriders are still being driven and meet ups occur, where those who still have cars and want to showcase them come together at parks, parking lots, etc. anywhere they find place and come in groups.

Whittier Blvd located in The East Los Angeles community consists mainly of Latino descent, but as well as other culture groups, which provides the diversity of this city. Whittier Boulevard is the heart of the community in East Los Angeles; it is filled with street vendors, selling hot dogs, fruits, garments, and Mexican food. In particular, taco trucks appear frequently on Whittier Boulevard. Other establishments include liquor stores, bread shops, clothing stores and furniture warehouses, 99 cent stores, as well as a supermarket, but with the change in times, places are being shut down and remodeled or new shops pop up frequently. The tacos are not the only thing popular along these strips, but the occasional, but a more growing popular snack rising is the Hot Dog created on the streets of Whittier. Hot dogs served along Whittier are wrapped in bacon and served with grilled onions and jalapeños. When prepared this way, it is known as an East L.A. Ditch Dog. Both hot dogs and tacos can be served with nieves (Mexican slushy), the esquites (corn kernels smothered in mayo, Mexican cheese, and butter, with the option of chili or other condiments).

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