¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex back to share the latest happening in our neighborhood. 

News por y para la comunidad

Boyle Heights City Hall
A woman walks by the Boyle Heights City Hall. Photo by Andrew Lopez/Boyle Heights Beat.

Did you know $24,000 in grants for Boyle Heights organizations and schools has been frozen for months and could expire soon? These funds meant for Neighborhood Purpose Grants have been stalled due to operational challenges facing the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. 

Since December, the Council has been under “exhausted efforts,” a restrictive status designated when a council can’t meet certain city regulations. Our reporter Andrew Lopez looked into the situation, and you can check out his story online

Speaking of the local neighborhood council, did you know we had an election this week for a new board? It doesn’t sound like most people did.  community of more than 80,000 residents, only 148 ballots were requested, according to the L.A. City Clerk.

Boyle Heights isn’t alone in experiencing a low voter turnout for neighborhood council elections. In fact, it’s a citywide trend

Other stories you should know about:

Now, onto this weekend’s lineup of events. From late-night shows to community gatherings, I’m sure there’s something for you to get out and about in the neighborhood!

Happenings in the Heights

Mercado at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Photo courtesy of the organization.

Thursday, May 8

  • Diabetes Day: Head to the Wellness Center for a workshop on how to manage living with diabetes, an exercise class to create at-home workouts, a live cooking class for preparing healthy meals and more. RSVP by calling (213) 784-9191. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Children’s Workshop: Got kids? Bring them to Stevenson Library for a workshop on creating musical instruments using simple materials. The free class starts at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 9

  • Stress Management: The Wellness Center is hosting an in-person class on techniques to cope with pain and stress. RSVP by calling (213) 784-9191. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Spiritual Wellness: Restore your body and mind through traditional healing practices at a free InnerCity Struggle workshop. RSVP to attend. 5 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Summer of Salsa: Looking to get moving Friday night? Join LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for a free dance class led by Rumbankete with music by Super DJ Robby. 6 to 11 p.m.
  • Art Mercado: It’s that time of the month for Caminarte. Enjoy an art show at Espacio 1839 before exploring local vendors and businesses out on 1st Street. 6 p.m.
  • DJ Jams: Enjoy music mixed by DJ BSYDE at Eastside Luv. Doors open 8 p.m. with no entrance fee. Drink specials available through 10 p.m.
  • Live Tribute Night: Love Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Rata Blanca and Angeles del Infierno? Listen to live tributes to these legends at Don Quixote brought to you by Casa Del Cuervo. $15 tickets. Doors for the 18+ event starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 10

  • Coffee & Flowers: Stop by Cafe Niña for a Mexican candy flavored latte and bouquets crafted by a local florist for Mother’s Day. 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Community Market: The Goddess Mercado is back at the East L.A. Civic Center, this time focusing on entrepreneurship and motherhood. Enjoy various workshops, explore local vendors and grab produce at the farmers market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Paper Flowers: Drop by El Sereno GreenGrocer to get crafty and make your own paper flower bouquet. Tickets run about $25. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Flower Workshop: Come to Eastside Café with your mom or maternal figure for flower bouquet making! For $60, you’ll get all the materials required, along with refreshments for two. RSVP by DMing @monarosa.la on IG. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Clay Workshop: Self-Help Graphics & Arts is heading to the East L.A. County Library for a family workshop on the basics of making pinch pots with air-dry clay. The event is open to all ages, with no experience required. RSVP to attend. 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Bojagi Workshop: If you’ve ever wanted to learn about Bojagi, Stevenson Library has you covered. Drop in for a workshop on the art of wrapping gifts using the traditional Korean wrapping cloth. The free class starts at 2 p.m.
  • Dance Night: Don Quixote is hosting a 21+ night of eclectic dance featuring model and recording artist Shaun Ross. $30-40 tickets. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sunday, May 11

  • Paint & Brunch: Liliflor Art is bringing a $50 paint & brunch experience to Distrito Catorce. Enjoy guided painting and drink specials. RSVP to attend. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, May 13

As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions. Hope you have an amazing weekend!

¡Hasta luego Boyle Heights, nos vemos en la calle!

Alex Medina served as a community reporter for Boyle Heights Beat from 2022 to 2024 and as an associate editor and reporter from 2024 to 2025. He was also a participant in the Boyle Heights Beat Youth Journalism Program from 2015 to 2018. He earned his degree from Hamilton College in 2022. In his free time, he enjoys reading and walking.

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