¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex, your community reporter and associate editor at the Beat, back to share the latest happenings in and around our neighborhood.
First off, thank you to every single one of you for sticking along with this newsletter as it nears its second year. I’ve met quite a few of you in the past few months, and it’s always such a pleasure to talk and get to know the faces that make our community so special. As Boyle Heights Beat enters its quinceañera season, and as our neighborhood celebrates 150 years, we’re looking to send a second edition of Happening in the Heights to your inbox.
I’ll have more details soon – so stay tuned.
News por y para la comunidad
Now let’s get into Boyle Heights by the numbers. Did you know that arrests in our neighborhood have seen a sharp decline since 2010? Last year, Boyle Heights saw a total of 1,515 arrests, ranking 8th out of the city’s 114 neighborhoods for most arrests. Downtown L.A., another neighborhood in CD 14, ranked 1st with 8,881. Back in 2010, Boyle Heights saw 3,122 arrests – more than double last year’s count.
L.A. has followed a similar trend, going from 162,338 arrests in 2010 to a low of 61,847 in 2022 – a 57% drop! Those numbers have started creeping up again though as citywide arrests jumped to 70,232 (a 13% increase), and Boyle Heights saw a matching 13% uptick in the past two years.
Other stories you should know about:
- On the morning of Feb. 5, Maria Carmen Peralta was found dead inside the Boyle Heights apartment she shared with her son who is now charged with her death. Peralta’s passing has shocked neighbors and family who are searching for answers on what went wrong.
- You’ve probably seen “Know Your Rights” Virgen de Guadalupe cards hanging outside local homes and businesses, but do you know the story behind them? They’re the work of Boyle Heights-based artist Ernesto Yerena, who hopes they will deter ICE agents in the area.
- Known for producing theater that explores the complexity of cultural issues, the latest production at Casa 0101 is no exception. “Mujeres on the Verge” features four one-act plays written by Chicana playwrights about the intersection of ethnicity and gender. We spoke with one of the writers to learn more about the play, which has performances Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 23.
- Over at Mendez, Daniel Martinez is doing more than teaching art – he strives to create a safe space for students to express themselves while making an impact in their community. His unique life journey and appreciation for the arts is why he’s dedicated to education.
As always, keep an eye on our website for more of the latest from your local news source.
Good to know: Our internship program is now open for high school students interested in journalism, photography, and podcasting. If you or someone you know attends an Eastside school, check out our application online. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9th.
Happenings in the Heights
Thursday, March 13
- Library Workshop: Stevenson Library is hosting a Furniture Design and Construction program. Learn how to use woodworking tools and techniques to build simple furniture. Open to all ages. RSVP by calling the library at (323) 268-4710. Workshop starts at 4 p.m.
Friday, March 14
- Community Bike Ride: Head to Equina Bicycle Shop for Critical Masa, a 10-mile bike ride. It’s a great way to make new friends while getting your exercise in – concluding with a meal at Tacos Arabes De Puebla. Event meet-up at 5:30 p.m. with roll-out at 6:10 p.m.
- Eres Poderosa Exhibit: It’s that time of the month for Caminarte. Start the night off with an opening reception of Eres Poderosa, a local art exhibit honoring international women at Espacio 1839, then enjoy vendors and food spots on 1st Street. 6 to 10 p.m.
- Sonidero Night: Enjoy beats by the groups Excelencia Latina, Profeta El Más Famoso, GORILA and more at Don Quixote. $20 tickets. Doors for the 18+ show open at 9 p.m.
- Mariachi Night: Eastside Luv is hosting Mariachi Las Catrinas. Free entry and drink specials from 8 to 10 p.m. during Happy Hour, $10 after. Showtime starts right at 11 p.m.
Saturday, March 15
- Community Clean-Up: Stop by The Wellness Center for an effort to beautify the local neighborhood. Event runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Call (213) 784-9191 to participate.
- Book Talk: Chat about Gloria Anzaldúa’s “Borderlands – La Frontera: The New Mestiza” in community at Libros Shmibros. Event runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- Community Collage: The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting an art collage workshop at 11 a.m. Snacks and required materials will be provided. RSVP to attend.
- Acoustic-Electronic Show: Head to The Paramount for a performance by Peyman Salimi and Zoe Guigueno. You’re in for a multi-lingual repertoire of original material mixed with re-imagined popular songs. $50 tickets. Doors open at 8 p.m.
- Rap Night: Don Quixote is hosting Fenix Flexin of the Shoreline Mafia Group. Expect a 5-hour long night of hip-hop beats, also featuring sounds from DJ Major Hype, DJ Oso, Bailey Jayyy and Fully Laced. Tickets start at $13. Doors for the 18+ show open at 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 16
- History Walk: Enjoy a tour of Boyle Heights led by community organizer and local historian Shmuel Gonzales. Learn about the history behind the neighborhood while getting your steps in. The 3-hour tour starts off at Mariachi Plaza at 11:45 a.m. $30 tickets.
- Plant Workshop: Artemisia Nursery in El Sereno is hosting a California Native Plants 101 workshop. Learn about unique plants that thrive in the neighborhood and how to create your own sustainable and vibrant garden. $25 tickets. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
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!
Thank You Alex! Well done, informative, precise and interesting.