¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex here with Vol. 2 of “Happenings in the Heights,” keeping you in the loop on the people, places and stories shaping our community.
Pope Francis’ teachings have guided Dolores Mission for years
At a parish hall at Dolores Mission, church members gathered this week to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88. For the church’s congregants and leaders, their parish has long embodied the humble teachings of Francis. It’s the birthplace of Homeboy Industries— now the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program— and through Proyecto Pastoral’s Guadalupe Homeless Project, the parish also shelters unhoused men and women.
“Dolores Mission has done what the pope did, paying attention to people in need – people who don’t have a place to live and people of lower means,” said Martha Sifuentes, a decades-long member of Dolores Mission.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26. Have a memory or reflection you’d like to share? Drop a comment and let us know.
More stories you should know
- “Real Women Have Curves,” the play-turned-film by Boyle Heights playwright Josefina López, is about to make its Broadway debut. The production opens this Sunday, April 27, at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York.
- The L.A. City Ethics Commission has fined Kevin De León $18,750 for failing to disclose his financial ties to two organizations benefiting from votes during his time as CD 14’s councilmember.
- This week, Mayor Karen Bass released a proposed budget closing the gap on a $1 billion deficit by laying off 1,600 city employees, among other cuts.
A community hub for Eastside gamers
Talk to enough young adults today, and you’ll hear a common issue: making new friends is hard, and finding a fun, affordable place to hang out is even harder. That’s one reason that inspired partners Joannalyn Villanueva and Chuck Solis— both Roosevelt High School alumni who grew up in Boyle Heights— to open BYO Games, a gaming lounge in East L.A.
Since opening in 2022, the spot has become a go-to hub for walk-in gaming and tournaments for card games and popular player-versus-player (PvP) games.
Eastside Eats
After 27 years of selling pagers in Boyle Heights, Reyes and Esmeralda Perez wanted to try something new. Enter Acurrúcame Coffee Bar, a coffee shop offering lattes, matcha, teas and seasonal brews. My personal favorite is the guava matcha latte, but during spooky season, I opt for the Beetlejuice matcha (an October exclusive).
Watch our video below to learn more about the unique spot!
Check out yesterday’s newsletters for events, and even more we found down below!
Friday, April 25th
- New EP Release: Listen to En La Muerte’s new EP at Eastside Luv. Enjoy live performances, DJ mixes and great drinks. Entry for the 21+ show is $10 at the door. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday, April 26th
- Family Gathering: Mercado del Pueblo in El Sereno is hosting its next family event, this time focusing on music, movement, art, ceramics and fashion. Activities and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Market Opening: Ray & Roy’s Market is hosting a grand opening for its Boyle Heights shop on 4th Street. Keep your grocery shopping local and enjoy food by A’s BBQ and music mixes by local DJs. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Film Festival: The organization Justice for My Sister is turning 10, and it’s celebrating with a community event at The Japanese American National Museum. Enjoy documentaries by BIPOC filmmakers, art galleries and panels on the group’s history. Limited tickets available online. 4:30 to 10 p.m.
- Anniversary Event: Support the Los Angeles Nomadic Division’s mission to connect Angelenos with art by attending the organization’s quinceñera at Don Quixote. Enjoy a seated dinner, art installation, photo opportunities and performances from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets start at $150.
Sunday, April 27th
- Community Cycling: Join Esquina Bicycle Shop for its next “Critical Masa” event. Meet at the local bike shop at 9 a.m., then head out on a 12.8-mile round trip, and enjoy some food by Komal.
- Community Market: Head to Mariachi Plaza for a community market featuring local vendors and artists from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While you’re there, explore nearby businesses on 1st Street.
- History Exhibit: Want to learn more about L.A. history? LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting free tours of its exhibit, diving deep into the city’s story. Free tickets are available from 12 to 2 p.m.
Inside the newsroom: Student spotlight
Our team of youth reporters was busy this spring break! On top of interviewing councilmember Ysabel Jurado and cleaning up Cummings Street, they also visited two newsrooms in L.A.!
At LAist, they stepped into the recording studio and got to hear from reporters about what a career in journalism looks like. At USC’s Annenberg Media Center, they sat in the anchor’s chair and heard from students running Dímelo, the school’s bilingual news desk.
Community Notice: Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council election
It’s election season for many neighborhood councils across the city, and in case you missed it, you can no longer vote in person.
If you’re a stakeholder in Boyle Heights, you have until Monday, April 28 to request a vote-by-mail ballot from the City Clerk’s office online. If you plan on voting, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, May 6, or dropped off by that date at a neighborhood council election drop box. Have more questions? We have you covered.
Have thoughts, feedback, or ideas for what you’d like to see next? Drop a comment – I’m all ears.
