Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is here to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood to get you out and about this season!
Resources and support available on the Eastside
One of the most important aspects of celebrating Pride is spreading awareness on resources available for members of the community. Many organizations have been bringing essential services and information to the Eastside in recent years, helping to improve accessibility for all.
Below is a list of organizations offering HIV testing and information, support groups for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as people who can connect you to more services you might need.
- The Wall Las Memorias – Boyle Heights Hub (2020 E. 1st Street, 90033): (323) 257-1056
- East Los Angeles Women’s Center (1431 S. Atlantic Boulevard, 90022): (323) 526-5819
- Latino Equality Alliance – Mi Centro (553 S. Clarence Street, 90033): (323) 993-8944
- The Wellness Center (1200 N. State Street, 90033): (213) 784-9191
- Planned Parenthood – Bixby Center (1057 Kingston Avenue, 90033): (800) 576-5544
- Bienestar Human Services (5326 E. Beverly Boulevard, 90022): (323) 727-7896
- AltaMed Health Clinic – Commerce (5427 E. Whittier Boulevard, 90022): (888) 499-9303
- Alma Services – Centro Estrella (4701 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, 90033): (323) 881-3799
- Sylvia Méndez Wellness Center (1321 E. 1st Street, 90033): (323) 541-1411
- 211 Los Angeles – General Guide to Support Services in Los Angeles County
Happenings in and around the Heights
Saturday, June 8
Over at Don Quixote (2811 E. Olympic Boulevard), get ready to celebrate “Pride on the wild side” with a “sex-centric celebration on a hot summer night in Boyle Heights.” The Eastside venue is hosting A Pride Called Rhonda, an 18 and over event with an amazing line-up of music and performances that are sure to keep you up and dancing from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets for the event range from $20 to $40 online.
If you’re looking for a different kind of vibe, The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting Latin rock group Chencha Berrinches. With a mix of cumbia, pop, Latin ska, traditional Mexican music and rock, this band’s got a unique vibe I’m sure you’ll vibe with. Groups Mafia Rusa and Hora Cero are also set to take the stage at the all-ages show. You can grab a ticket for the event, with doors opening at 8 p.m., for about $20 online.
As mentioned in last week’s Pride newsletter, the Teragram Ballroom (1234 W. 7th Street) is hosting Preciosa Night, a queer reggaeton rave party. With DJs, performers and more set to light up the venue throughout the night, you’re sure to be up and dancing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. You can grab a ticket for the 21 and over event online.
It’s that time of the month for the Goddess Mercado at the East L.A. Civic Center (4801 E. 3rd Street). On top of the regular farmer’s market, there will be over 80 Latina vendors, live music, food trucks and much more to keep you busy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking for the event is located at the county courthouse parking structure (4849 Civic Center Way).
Self Help Graphics & Arts is hosting a family workshop at the East Los Angeles County Library’s community room (4837 E. 3rd Street) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. You’ll learn everything there is to know about stencil screen printing – and can even bring your own poster home. Registration online ahead of the event is encouraged, though walk-ins the day of are also welcome.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (555 N. Spring Street) is hosting a plática between food historian Maite Gomez-Rejon and author Kim Fay on the life and legacy of Barbara Hansen, one of the first food writers to explore international cuisines while at the L.A. Times. You can register for the free in-person event, set to run from 3 to 4:30 p.m., online.
If you haven’t heard already, the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory and other community organizations are hosting a festival by local youth for fellow youth. Catch a slew of community booths, resources, fun activities, food, drinks, live performances, raffles and much more to enjoy from 3 to 7 p.m. on 1st Street from Breed to St. Louis. Special guests Xolo Maridueña and Xochitl Gómez, both movie stars I’m sure you’ve heard of, will be there for this year’s BH Youth Fest. It’s sure to be an amazing time you won’t want to miss!
Join Northeast Trees at Ascot Hills Park (4371 Multnomah Street) for “Birds and the Bees,” a workshop series of discovery and nature education. There’s only 50 spots available for the event, set to run from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees will get to learn about the importance of biodiversity, native plants, local pollinators and birding, all while enjoying food on top of these informative insights. You can register for the event here.
Sunday, June 9
Celebrate El Dia del Niño at Latinx with Plants (2208 Cesar E. Chavez) with a bilingual repujado workshop. The event, set to run from 1 to 3 p.m., will teach you traditional Mexican metal embossing techniques you can use on aluminum to make your own repujados. RSVP for this $30 workshop online.
As always, let us know what you think of the newsletter and send us events to include in future editions. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
