Community members are invited to bring a broom, their energy and friend to beautify streets in Boyle Heights this Saturday.

Organizers and vendors from The Boyle Heights Farmer’s Market (BHFM) are leading the effort to promote cleaner streets and encourage resident participation in a clean up day along the First Street corridor. According to BHFM Assistant Manager Diana Del Pozo-Mora, the organization has arranged clean ups in the past, but this is the first time they invite the community to help.

“We’re doing this because there’s a need,” said Del Pozo-Mora.

For this event, they’ve teamed up with several community groups such as Self Help Graphics and Art and Councilman Jose Huizar’s office who will also be participating in the clean up.

The day will consist of sweeping and picking up trash along First Street, from the Aliso/Pico Metro station to Chicago Street. Del Pozo said they want to hear from the community what areas should be targeted next and hope clean up days become a regular event.

What areas do you think should be cleaned in your neighborhood?

Community Cleanup Day

When: Saturday, February 11. Meet at 9 a.m.
Where: Mariachi Plaza
Corner of Boyle Avenue and First Street

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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