I remember being shy and anxious when I first joined the Boyle Heights Beat as a sophomore at Bravo High School back in 2015. That would change through the program’s mentorship, interviews I needed to get for my first articles and opportunities to engage with the community through public forums. My first two articles (one diving into FAFSA and the other on the local LGBTQIA+ community) would be the subject of two community forums hosted by the Beat just down the street from our new home (2026 E. 1st Street) at the Boyle Heights City Hall. I helped emcee both events thanks to guidance from my mentors and support from my fellow youth reporters.
That experience helped me open up more, and talking to people became a lot easier. Fast forward nearly a decade (yes, I know, I’ve been here forever!), and I’m now getting to help the next generation of our youth to do the same. I had the chance to quickly sit down with Angela Caliz, a senior at Roosevelt High School who just published her first article on a unique pink taco shop on 1st Street, earlier this week to see how she’s feeling about being one of our youth emcees at our upcoming Council District 14 Candidate forum.
“The forum being youth led is important, because it gives us a chance to start learning about politics and getting involved,” she said. “I’m nervous and scared because I’ve never really talked in front of a large crowd, but I’m excited because it’s a chance to be involved in my community.”
And that to me is one of the special things that makes the Beat what it is: an opportunity to grow and a chance to highlight an aspect of the neighborhood our youth call home. Folks interested in attending the forum, scheduled for February 10 from 10 am through 1 pm at Mendez High School (1200 Plaza del Sol E), can do so online.
“I really hope to see lots of people there because it’s a chance for them to get informed and really get to know who they’re going to be voting for,” Angela said. “I hope it becomes a tradition we do.”
Get out and sprout on the Eastside
It’s gonna be quite the rainy weekend, which is perfect for those plants on the Eastside looking for a little extra boost this winter season as spring quickly approaches. Coincidentally, there are quite a few events going on in the coming days for those with a green thumb – and those looking to give back to their neighborhood in a more environmental way.
The organization Northeast Trees is hosting a volunteer action event at the Ascot Hills nursery (4371 Multnomah Street) on Saturday, February 3 from 9 am through noon. Folks who attend will learn about how to propagate Rosa californica (CA wild rose) from seed, as well as how to transplant Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak) and Eriogonum fasciculatum (CA buckwheat). In addition, volunteers will get the chance to make an origami floral engagement during the event!
The organization is hosting an additional event at Ascot Hills on Sunday, February 4 from 9 – 11 am in collaboration with Artemisia Nursery. At a workshop focused on the plants Manzanitas and Dudleyas, folks will learn how to identify and sow seeds as well as how to efficiently cut the plants. The first 50 to register for the free event will get to take their own seeds home, along with pots and some soil to grow at home. You can register for the free event online.
Later in the month at Artemisia Nursery itself (5068 Valley Boulevard), the organization is hosting a fun class on February 18th from 1:30 – 3:30 pm on California native plant garden maintenance. The class will be led by Antonio Sanchez, who has almost two decades worth of experience in the horticulture world. You can register for the class online for $25.
More coming up on the Eastside
The Paramount (2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) has two fun events scheduled for this weekend:
- The group Beach Clinic is hosting a release party for its newest album Televisions Friday, February 2. DIY Valentine, Lydian Arrow and Graves-13 set to take the stage as well. Tickets for the all-ages event are available online for $25 with a start time of 8 pm.
- Just a day later on Saturday, February 3, the venue is hosting a “Wholesome Rave” featuring Suicidal-Idol, hoshie star and multiple special guests. Tickets for this 18+ event set to start at 8 pm are $15 ahead of time and $18 at the door. You can snag a ticket online too.
It’s always a good time when you’re at an event at this iconic venue, so try to check one out.
The Boyle Heights Tavern (3025 Wabash Avenue) is hosting 5 bands on Saturday, February 3 for those looking to enjoy a drink or two while checking out the local music scene. The event has an $8 entry fee, and there will be happy hour specials throughout the night. If you haven’t had the chance to check out this local bar (my favorite), this is the perfect event to stop by.
Neighborhood Notice
RL Stevenson Library (803 Spence Street) will be closed for maintenance until Tuesday, February 20. The two closest libraries are Malabar (2801 Wabash Avenue) and Benjamin Franklin (2200 E. 1st Street). Materials borrowed from the library can be returned to any LA Public Library.
As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions.
