Youth reporter Kathryn Mora conducts an interview at the 2022 East L.A. Classic.

Hola Boyle Heights!

You may have already heard that I recently rejoined Boyle Heights Beat as senior editor. In short: I’m the gal who leads an amazing team of reporters and editors bringing you community news and happenings. 

I’m here to share an exciting update. The L.A. Local News Initiative launches today with us, Boyle Heights Beat, as its first local publication. 

This coalition represents a groundbreaking effort by philanthropy, media and community organizations working together to fill information gaps, strengthen local democracy and make L.A. work better for L.A. residents. 

You might be wondering: How did this happen and what does it mean?

It was all thanks to you. 

When the American Journalism Project asked Boyle Heights and East L.A. residents where they turn for news and information during its community listening effort, our name came up again and again. That’s why we’re proud to serve as the L.A. Local News Initiative’s model to launch similar publications in additional communities beginning next year. 

Now, we’ll not only get to do more of the reporting and storytelling you’ve come to rely on, we will also have more robust support and resources as well as an ecosystem of community and media partners. So thank you for sticking with us as we evolve and arrive at this exhilarating new chapter.

Sincerely, 

Jessica Perez

P.S. You can read more about the L.A. Local News Initiative here. 

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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