Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is here to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood to get you out and about.
Check out the latest from your local news source!
Eastside residents gather in Boyle Heights to watch Trump-Harris debate
Nearly three dozen attended The Beat’s presidential debate watch party Tuesday night. The 90-minute debate showcased Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump sparring over immigration, abortion, healthcare and the economy. Attendees ate pizza and played a round of debate bingo, marking how many times candidates talked about tax cuts, border control, Project 25 and inflation. You can read more here.
Los Angeles mourns the loss of 55-year-old Jose “Chuy” Tovar
Well known on the Eastside for his bright personality, amazing food, coffee brews and time at Boyle Heights businesses Mariscos Jalisco and Primera Taza, Jose “Chuy” Tovar has undoubtedly made his mark in the L.A. food and drink community. On Monday afternoon, he died tragically in a car crash that also claimed the lives of five others, including two children. You can read more about Tovar’s legacy and community reaction to his passing here.
This street vendor has sold fruit from the same intersection for more than 30 years
Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Torres moved to Boyle Heights in 1989 looking for work. Now, at 52 years old, he’s built a reputation for selling high-quality fruit from his cart, Torres Fruta, near the corner of Lorena Street and Whittier Boulevard in Boyle Heights. He’s been in the community for so long, his rainbow umbrella has become part of the landscape. You can read more about his story here.
As always, make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more of the latest from your local news source.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Sept. 13
It’s the second Friday of the month, which means it’s time for CaminArte out on 1st Street. This time around, La Pulga de Print is leading the group art show available for viewing at Espacio 1839 from 6 to 10 p.m. Outside of the local shop, you’ll find a variety of different local vendors and artists to support.
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting a free “Summer of Salsa” event led by Club Mambí, a music collective with sounds stemming from a mix of tropical music and urban beats. The unique rhythms and melodies are sure to get you up and dancing. Super DJ Robby will also be there. Doors for the event open at 6 p.m. with music taking center stage from 7 to 11 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale, though only card and digital payments are accepted.
Saturday, Sept. 14
PaintCare is hosting a hybrid drop-off and giveaway event from 8 a.m to noon at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) for those looking to get – or get rid of – any amount of paint, stain and/or varnish. Products must be in a sealed, original container with an original manufacturer label. You can learn more here.
The Libros Lincoln Heights and Goddess Mercado are collaborating to host an East Los Book Festival at the East L.A. Civic Center. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature various author talks, book signings, workshops, mercado booths and live music for attendees to enjoy.
Self Help Graphics is hosting its monthly Family Workshop at the East L.A. County Library from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Bring friends and family (or just yourself) to get a professional headshot taken. There will also be a frame decorating station, and you’ll get a printed photo on the spot to take home. You can RSVP to attend the free event here, though walk-ins are welcome.
Sunday, Sept. 15
It’s time for the 78th annual East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival! Start your day off by watching the day’s parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Mednik and ends at the East L.A. Civic Center. The event’s festivities begin at 11 a.m. and feature live music, lucha libre matches, a variety of food and merch vendors to explore, and of course, fellow neighbors to celebrate the historic day with. The event runs until 5 p.m. and you can learn more about it here.
Over at El Sereno Green Grocer, Seedy is having a food pop-up bringing magical takes on L.A. comfort food. Starting at noon, you can try wavy noodles with pepita crema, salsa macha and seasonal veggies with your choice of tamarind BBQ beef or spiced eggplant. You can enjoy it dry or with consomé. There’ll also be griddled masa cake for those with a sweet tooth. While you’re there check out the grocery store’s selection of produce and pantry items. It’s open till 7 p.m.
The Latino Theater Company is bringing back the critically acclaimed, ensemble-devised “Chicano Noir” satire “Whittier Boulevard.” It’s an L.A. story based in the year 2042 in a future where the area’s become a totalitarian city-state. It’s a blend of comedy, drama, dance and theatrical magic exploring the topic of ageism. Weekend shows are available through Oct. 20. You can learn more about the production and grab yourself a ticket here. Opening night tickets are available for $75, but prices drop to a range of $10-48 for future shows.
As always, let us know what you think of the newsletter and send us events to include in future editions. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
