¡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.
‘We have to be ready’: L.A. teachers ramp up defenses after immigration agents visit schools
This month, federal immigration agents tried to enter LAUSD elementary schools and were turned away. As pressure builds in Congress, educators across the Eastside are taking action. From Boyle Heights to El Sereno, teachers and staff are building rapid-response networks to protect students and families. Some are training students to respond to ICE encounters. Others are monitoring school entrances to keep agents out.
Our senior reporter and youth mentor Alejandra Molina takes you inside this grassroots movement and reflects on what it means to be an educator in this political moment. Her behind-the-scenes account is below:
Behind the scenes in our newsroom
Working on this story reminded me of the extra weight educators are carrying as a result of President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts. They’re talking to kids about immigration fears, organizing emergency networks, and preparing for worst-case scenarios, all while running their classrooms.
Many people have poked fun at organizers and educators for “overreacting” in calling for training and “Know Your Rights” workshops, saying that immigration agents would never raid a school. But, the incidents on April 7 show that this is very much a reality.
-Alejandra Molina, Working on this story reminded me of the extra weight educators are carrying as a result of President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts. They’re talking to kids about immigration fears, organizing emergency networks, and preparing for worst-case scenarios, all while running their classrooms.
Many people have poked fun at organizers and educators for “overreacting” in calling for training and “Know Your Rights” workshops, saying that immigration agents would never raid a school. But, the incidents on April 7 show that this is very much a reality.
-Alejandra Molina, Boyle Heights Beat Senior Reporter
More stories you should know
- Nearly eight months after its promised release, a report detailing the financial power of unincorporated East L.A. remains unpublished, frustrating residents who say they deserve to know the fiscal health of their community. Here’s what you need to know.
- When the city of Los Angeles established Vision Zero in 2015, the goal was to eliminate all traffic deaths by the year 2025. Instead, fatalities grew even faster than the national average. An audit found what went wrong.
- The city of L.A. recently planted 1,400 new trees across Boyle Heights in a push to improve air quality, cool our blocks and make walking a little more enjoyable.
Meet our new Executive Editor!
We’ve got some big news to share: Kristen Muller has been named the Executive Editor of the L.A. Local News Initiative — the nonprofit organization that was inspired by Boyle Heights Beat’s 15 years of service and now powers our newsroom.
Kristen brings decades of experience in public service journalism, a deep understanding of our city, and a clear commitment to collaboration. She’s been a champion of community-driven reporting throughout her career, and we’re thrilled to welcome her aboard.
We’ll continue to share updates on this growing network of local journalism, and we’re grateful to you for making this work possible. You can find our current and upcoming openings at the L.A. Local News Initiative jobs page.
Eastside Eats
There’s nothing like a good slice of pizza – especially when you can grab it from a spot right here in Boyle Heights. In this week’s edition of Eastside Eats, our Multimedia Producer Jackie Ramirez took a trip down Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to check out Brooklyn Avenue Pizza Company. If you’ve got a chance, I definitely recommend the Cherry Bomb pizza.
Check out the video down below!
Youth News Team: Interviewing councilmember + spring break clean-up
Our youth reporters have had a packed spring break and we’re so proud!
They sat down with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado for a one-on-one interview about the future of Boyle Heights. Their questions were sharp, thoughtful and filled with love for this neighborhood. Keep an eye on our site for the full story!
And when they weren’t reporting?
They were out cleaning a portion of Cummings Street, picking up trash, abandoned toys, even a tire.
“Our community already lacks a lot, and it’s looking like a lot of [city services] are going to get cuts, so why not do things ourselves?” said Natalie Juarez, a senior at Mendez High School.
“We’re trying to be an example, so more people take care of the neighborhood. We can all work to make Boyle Heights a little cleaner.”
More Happenings in the Heights
Check out yesterday’s newsletters for events, and even more we found down below!
- Distrito Catorce is hosting an evening of gourmet dining with proceeds going to the children of Colina De Luz Orphanage. $130 tickets available. Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Want to support the mission of Eastside Café? Head to the community center on Saturday, April 19 for a benefit show featuring performances by Triple Exposure, email, Muerte De Ti, Bespawl and Harbor Light. $10 donation to enter, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
- It’s going to be a noche de baile at Don Quixote this Saturday, April 19 as “El Palenque de Molcajete” is back at the venue. The series brings bands to get you dancing and vendors to get you shopping local. $35 tickets. The 21+ event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” at Casa 0101
Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights is bringing the critically acclaimed “Tuesdays with Morrie” to its stage. Based on the bestselling memoir, the play follows the heartfelt reunion between a successful journalist and his former college professor, who is now facing a terminal illness. It’s a touching tale that’s sure to get your eyes watering.
The show runs for four weeks through May 11, with performances set for 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available for $25-$30 online, by calling (323) 263-7684, emailing tickets@casa0101.org or in person.
Free Zumba classes in East L.A.
I remember going to Zumba classes with my mom growing up, and they sure get you moving. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active, the Community Resource Center in East Los Angeles hosts free weekly sessions, with no pre-registration or paperwork needed. Here’s the schedule if you want to check the program out:
- Monday: Classic Zumba at 1:15 p.m.
- Tuesday: Zumba Fusion at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: Classic Zumba at 12:30 p.m.
- Friday: Zumba Step at 12 p.m. + Zumba Gold at 1:15 p.m.
Have thoughts, feedback, or ideas for what you’d like to see next? Hit reply – I’m all ears.
