Alhambra

Named after Washington Irving's book Tales of the Alhambra, Alhambra was founded as a suburb of Los Angeles in 1903. It was originally promoted as a "city of homes", and many of its homes have historical significance. They include styles such as craftsman, bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish colonial, Italian beaux-arts, and arts and crafts. Several residential areas have been designated historic neighborhoods by the city, including the Bean Tract, the Midwick Tract, the Airport Tract, and the Emery Park area. Alhambra's main business district, at the intersection of Main and Garfield, has been a center of commerce since 1895.

While many of the classic historical buildings have been torn down over the years, the rebuilding of Main Street has led to numerous dining, retail, and entertainment establishments. The Valley Boulevard corridor has become a national hub for many Asian-owned bank headquarters, although there are other nationally recognized retailers.

Each year, Valley Boulevard hosts the San Gabriel Valley Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, which runs from Del Mar to Garfield Avenue. The event is of such significance to the majority Asian American demographic in Alhambra that it is broadcast live on Chinese radio, KWRM AM 1370, locally on KSCI-18, and later on worldwide cable and satellite TV.