Cambodia Town, Inc. chairman Pasin Chanou and 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews at the banner dedication. Photos by Sarah Bennett.

For the first time since 2011, neighborhood-signifying banners are again hanging from lamp posts on Anaheim St. in Cambodia Town, encouraging all who drive through the culturally significant stretch to “stop, shop, dine” at the area’s many stores and restaurants.

Richly colored gold and featuring a photo of a seated woman wearing Khmer clothing, the new banners focus promotion on “traditional Cambodian fashion,” which can be found at multiple small businesses in Cambodia Town. According to Pasin Chanou, chairman of Cambodia Town, Inc., the woman pictured is not a professional model, but works with fashion in Cambodia and is named Mona. 

“She’s our Cambodian Mona Lisa,” he says.

Designed by Chanou’s wife, Rosana, the banners were unveiled in the week before the three-day Cambodian New Year, a celebration which signals the beginning of the Buddhist year 2557. 

The fashion-promoting banner was originally one in a set of three that advertised other Cambodian industries residing on Anaheim St. between Atlantic and Junipero avenues, but he says there was not enough money to print all of them. Cambodia Town is home to jewelers, music stores, restaurants, travel agencies and more. 

“The banners make the neighborhood more beautiful,” said Chanou. “It spruces up the area and promotes the businesses here. Some people don’t know what we have to offer.”

Since the stretch was officially designated as Cambodia Town in 2007, it has been the goal of the Chanou’s organization to have new banners put up every year. That, however, requires sponsorships, which have become increasingly difficult to obtain. The last year that the street had banners was 2011, when the Getty Museum wanted to advertise their exhibit of bronze Cambodian statues. 

Using some of the one-time Uplands Oil Funds money designated for neighborhood improvement, the City of Long Beach stepped up to sponsor the banners this year and many city officials were on hand Wednesday for their dedication. Wearing a traditional Cambodian shirt, 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews said that he would ensure the Cambodian New Year parade returns next year, despite its being canceled for the second year due to lack of funds.  

Mayor Bob Foster also spoke at the dedication, touting the vibrant designs that he hopes will attract both residents and tourists to the neighborhood.

“Placing these banners in Cambodia Town will bring much-deserved attention to this cultural jewel in our City,” Foster said. “Visitors will know that Cambodia Town is the place to shop, dine, do business and to have an authentic Cambodian cultural experience.”

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