A resident signs a card to submit questions to candidates. Photo by Andrew Lopez.

Hola Boyle Heights,

Welcome to The Election Beat, a limited-run, weekly newsletter bringing you information and guides about the upcoming election, and uplifting the voices of readers like you.

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, you can sign up here.

Let me fill you in about how we’re approaching our 2024 general election coverage.

At Boyle Heights Beat, we understand the impact elections have on our communities. It’s important our reporting reflects the diverse perspectives and concerns of the people we serve.

We’re a small newsroom, and we rely on you to guide our mission of “por y para la comunidad” or “by and for the community.” That’s why we want to hear what YOU need as you get ready to vote this November. 

Here’s what we’re doing

  • The Election Beat survey: Since July we’ve been collecting responses from Council District 14 residents, asking them what they want their candidates to focus on this election season.
  • Inclusive, multi-platform storytelling: We’re using responses from the Election Beat survey to guide our reporting and make it useful for the residents we serve across multiple platforms.
  • Collaborative reporting: We’re collaborating with newsrooms in L.A. and California to bring you voter guides and other important storytelling.
  • Engagement events and listening posts: We’re hosting election events and conducting listening tours around the neighborhood to directly engage with residents. 

Why community voices matter

Mentor Alejandra Molina and youth reporter Edwin Perez speak with local resident following public comment. Photo by Dania Legido.

Community voices are the heartbeat of Boyle Heights Beat – and democracy. By highlighting your concerns, we aim to facilitate an informed conversation around the issues that matter to you. 

We want to hear from you

If you didn’t get a chance to take our Election Beat survey, don’t worry. Here’s how you can help shape our coverage:

And don’t forget to RSVP to our CD14 candidate forum happening Oct. 5.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

¡Hasta luego, Boyle Heights!

Jessica Perez,
Senior Editor

P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at editor@boyleheightsbeat.org. It helps us serve you better.

My background: I was born in Mexico and raised in Boyle Heights, where I got my start in journalism by launching a community blog. Most recently, I worked at the Los Angeles Times and have spent most of my career covering local news in LA, with a focus on community-centered stories, Latino communities and mentoring emerging writers.

What I do: I lead coverage of Boyle Heights and East LA across all platforms to inform, connect and uplift our community. I spend my days listening, planning, editing and coordinating to make sure our stories reflect the community fairly, while supporting and mentoring my team of reporters and freelancers so they can grow along the way.

Why LA?: It’s home. It’s the sounds of Spanglish and other languages, the smell of tacos and kimchi, the way street art tells stories and how, even though I hate traffic, I love how the freeways can take me to the beach or the mountains on a whim.

The best way to contact me: My email is jessica.perez@boyleheightsbeat.org.

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