Gentrification in Barrio Logan

When one hears about the community going through “restoration” the first thing, that comes to mind is perhaps a new big modernized office buildings or mall, this process is known as gentrification. Gentrification is more than just new buildings; it means the shattering of many traditions held within the community. Nomatter the cost, to gentrify is touse an old space to create anew one. At times the building beingdestroyed have historic value, and be meaningful to the community.

Today, many gentrified areas are poor, urban areas that, because of changes in urban planning or residential shifts, affects the people in those communities. Student Jenny Romero from University of California at San Diego said, “Gentrification kicks people out of low income communities to build, and make it “nicer,” and more presentable. After the new buildings are made, the homes cost more, and people who once lived there can’t move back because they can’t afford it. That means that more wealthy people move in, and all those lower income people are displaced. They become ‘disposable bodies.’” It seems that all gentrification does is cause the community harm.

Sherman Heights, Golden Hills, and Barrio Logan are the areas where gentrification isoccurring in San Diego. Recently in Golden Hills, a taco shop that many long-term residents consider a childhood favorite, has been “modernized” because the customers that recently moved there weren’t satisfied with its appearance. When asked about this taco shop, Manuel Enriquez a local, commented, “I think that the taco shop being modernized is negative for the low income families of the community of Golden Hills and surrounding neighborhoods… [because] their prices have also increased.” This is proof that all these changes to the community shops are causing spaces that were once accessible to residents to slowly become less so.

Another shocking place in which gentrification is also occurring is in Sherman Heights. A historic building, known to the community as the Bazaar, is being demolished to make way for a Wal-Mart. David Morales, who attends UC San Diego, shared his opinion and said, “If this Wal-Mart is indeed built, then that community will go through a tremendous change. People will not be allowed to produce goods, and they will forget how to produce them. Bakeries, tortilla factories, butcher shops, and other types of shops will close down.”

Not only is gentrification an economic problem for businesses and craftsmen, it causes people to lose their homes, become unable to access once-available resources, and changes the traditions of the community for future generations. It may be a surprise to a lot of San Diego residents, but Petco Park itself is an example of gentrification. When this park opened back in 2004 the establishment resulted in the demolishing of the Western Metal Supply Company, a historical landmark for the community. This “revitalization” of downtown San Diego actually only resulted in a large increase in parking, and surroundings. It is time to realize that gentrification isn’t just simply “improving communities” but comes with consequences that affect the masses.