¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex, your community reporter and associate editor at the Beat, back to bring you the latest happening in and around our neighborhood.
If you walk around Boyle Heights, chances are you’ll see graffiti in a lot of places – on walls, alleys, storefronts and even sidewalks. Numbers and 311 data highlight just how much graffiti is part of our landscape. In 2021, Boyle Heights had 21,783 graffiti clean-ups.
By 2024, that number rose to 29,423, the most of any L.A. neighborhood, according to an analysis by The Eastsider. Whether you see graffiti as an art form, a nuisance, or something in between, there’s no denying its role in shaping the visual identity of our streets. If you’re interested in the city’s response, calling 311 or (213) 473-3231 is the main way to request graffiti removal. Same goes for illegal dumping or encampments. You can also file a report online.
Another great resource right here in our neighborhood is the Boyle Heights City Hall where you can find Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s field office and a myriad of community organizations and city services. Check out our guide to the local city hall here.
Here’s what else you should know this week:
- A coalition of grassroots groups is ramping up patrols to warn residents of ICE activity.
- Business owners and street vendors share how rumors of ICE sweeps have caused a drop in customers.
- Benjamin Franklin Library’s temporary bungalow is closing soon, and the main building won’t reopen until 2026. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado is looking into the issue.
- A week after Un Solo Sol was vandalized, Purgatory Pizza experienced a burglary.
- California has extended the deadline for students to apply for financial aid until April 2, citing past issues with the FAFSA form, fewer students seeking aid and fears of sharing personal information.
Now for some personal news: We’re launching Eastside Eats, a brand-new series by Boyle Heights Beat, where we spotlight the people, stories and delicious dishes that make our community special. From hidden gems to iconic favorites, we’re diving into the Eastside’s tastiest spots. Join us on a tantalizing journey as we explore eateries on the Eastside.
Email us at editor@boyleheightsbeat.org to share your favorite local restaurants!
Happenings in the Heights
Thursday, February 27
- Building Blocks Club: Got kids? Bring them to Stevenson Library at 4 p.m. to craft in community.
- Mass Deportation Discussion: LA Plaza de Cultural y Artes is hosting a panel exploring the history of immigration in the United States. Features four leading voices in immigration policy, education and activism. Pre-reception at 6, discussion at 7 p.m.
- Wrestling Night: The Alliance For All (AFA) Wrestling is hosting a fierce night of action and high-energy entertainment that’s redefining the world of live pro wrestling in SoCal. Hosted at Don Quixote. $40 tickets available. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 28
- Walk-Up Food Distribution: Los Angeles General Medical Center is hosting a food distribution event. Patients and community members from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and employees from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Clothing Swap: Legacy LA is hosting a youth clothing swap open to ages 13 to 18. Exchange clothing, accessories and styles. Food and drinks provided. First 20 get a tote bag. 4 to 7 p.m.
- Safe Schools Workshop: Latino Equality Alliance is hosting a virtual workshop for educators to learn how to foster a safe, supportive environment for students of all backgrounds. $20 incentive to attend. 5 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP online.
- Hard Rock Show: The Paramount is hosting Zepparella, an all-female American hard rock tribute band with beats that are sure to get your head bumping. The hard-hitting power trio Dead Groove Band will also be performing. $30 tickets available. Doors open at 7 p.m.
- Panamerica Show: Head to Eastside Luv for a performance by Twanguero. Expect an electric night of rock and roll mixed with bolero, cumbia, ranchera and rhumba rhythms. $15 tickets. Doors open at 8 p.m. Must be 21+ to attend.
- Mujeres on the Verge: Chicana playwrights present four one-act plays tackling life’s biggest challenges. Four-week run at Casa 0101 from Feb. 28 to March 23. Tickets available online for Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Saturday, March 1
- Milpa 101: Explore the history of the milpa system and gardening practices used today. Participants receive a garden kit consisting of a resource book, gloves, tools and seeds. 1 to 3 p.m. RSVP to attend.
- Art Market: La Misma Luna is hosting its second market, providing a vibrant gathering to support homegrown businesses and artists offering unique goods. Enjoy coffee, food and drinks while you explore. Open noon to 5 p.m.
- Alumni Night: If you went to Salesian High School, this event is for you. For $40, enjoy drinks and music with fellow alumni. Cocktail hour at 5, performances at 6 p.m.
As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions. Hope you have an amazing weekend!
