Neighborhoods: Byzantine-Latino Quarter

At the corner of Normandie Avenue and Pico Boulevard, a large mural on the side of a public storage building offers a poignant message: "We are each of us angels with one wing. We can only fly embracing each other." Such is the essence of the Byzantine-Latino Quarter, a corner of the Pico-Union district where Greeks, Mexicans and Central Americans have found vibrant synergy. Once known as "Greek Town" for its concentration of Greek residents and businesses, community groups designated the area the "BLQ" in 1997.

By Rachel Levin

February 10, 2009