¡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.
News por y para la comunidad
Keeping it going with Boyle Heights by the numbers, this week we looked at 311 calls data. Did you know that Boyle Heights has consistently ranked as the L.A. neighborhood with the most 311 service requests since 2016?
The only exceptions were 2019 and 2020, when we came in a close second. In 2024, our neighborhood logged 50,935 requests – a 6% increase from the previous year.
The most common request for nearly a decade? Graffiti removal. Calls for graffiti cleanup rose from 20,353 in 2016 to 29,423 in 2023 – a 45% increase over nine years. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado acknowledges the growing concern:
“Recognizing that graffiti abatement makes up a large portion of calls, our office is exploring additional solutions, especially in light of upcoming budget challenges.”
Mayor Karen Bass stopped by this week with some encouraging news: violent crime declined citywide in 2023. Locally, homicides in the LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division dropped 65%, from 40 to 14. Additionally, the city’s Heavy Metal Task Force has made over 100 arrests and recovered thousands of pounds of stolen copper wire – an issue that has left Boyle Heights and other neighborhoods in the dark. Read more about these stats on our website.
Other stories you should know about:
- A city effort is aiming to beautify a portion of E. 6th Street in Boyle Heights while also improving stormwater management between S. St. Louis and S. Matthews streets. Construction is expected to start in late April and will be completed spring of 2026.
- I’m sure you know the L.A. Marathon happened last weekend, but did you know that the Eastside’s Running Mamis group took 80 of its members this year? That’s the largest group they’ve sent to the city’s 26.2-mile race since the running club got its start in Boyle Heights.
- Cal State L.A. is facing a budget crisis. That could mean fewer classes offered, staff layoffs and reduced support for students, raising concerns about the future of accessible higher education. Amid the changes, faculty and staff unions held a protest on campus this month to share concerns about the crisis with a rallying cry of “No. More. Cuts.”
Happenings in the Heights
Thursday, March 20
- Early Childhood Workshop: If you’ve got a kid, why not get them started thinking about the future? Stevenson Branch Library is hosting lawyer Elizabeth Gonzalez as part of its “When I Grow Up” series. Learn about how this local lawyer strives to ensure equal access to justice at 4 p.m.
Friday, March 21
- Ska Night: The Paramount is hosting the South Central Shankers alongside The 3 Tonicz and The Ruffalos for an all-out night of ska. Doors for this all-ages event open at 8 p.m. $25 tickets.
- Mariachi Night: Head to Eastside Luv for a lovely night out on 1st Street featuring the group Mariachi Ambiente. Free entry during 8 to 10 p.m. Happy Hour, $10 after.
- Amsterdam Jams: Over at Don Quixote, Tune97 is hosting Amsterdam based Peruvian DJ & Producer Nicolás Caprile to bring you tech house sounds with deep melodies alongside various local DJs. $15 tickets. Doors for this 21+ event open at 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 22
- Student Vision Services: A bit out of the area but worth knowing about, LAUSD is hosting an event at Helen Bernstein High School offering free vision screenings for any student, with no medical insurance required. You can also get free clothes, books, diapers and more. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority is given for those who RSVP.
- Career Fair: Looking for a job? Head to PUENTE Learning Center to connect with career professionals from a wide range of industries including law, finance, community engagement and more. Free breakfast and raffle giveaways. RSVP to attend. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Art Workshop: Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is looking to help you feel connected to your chosen family. Create an art collage of the people who mean the most to you. Supplies and snacks will be provided. RSVP to attend. Workshop starts at 11 a.m.
- Taxes & Tacos: AD 54 Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez is hosting a free tax workshop in English and Spanish at the Weingart East L.A. YMCA to help you file this year – all while enjoying Eastside tacos. Must earn an annual income of $67,000 or less to qualify. RSVP online or call (213) 620-4646 to reserve your spot. Appointments available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Prison Art Exhibit: Esquina Bicycle Shop is hosting a closing reception of “Expressions: A Prison Art Experience.” Event includes a book signing by JD Estrada and photography discussion by Alfonso “Fox” Orozco. 4 to 8 p.m.
- Disco Night: El Sereno Social Club is hosting an 18+ night of disco and connection at the newly opened El Sereno Children’s Museum. 5 to 9 p.m.
- Baby Shower Bash: DJ Preciosa is having a baby, and you’re invited to her baby shower at Don Quixote. This Preciosa Night event will be a night of pure perreo, featuring beats by the soon-to-be mother along with DJs iKarla, KilledBySynth and Gracy D. You can also expect baby shower games and raffles. $15 tickets. Doors for the 21+ event open at 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 23
- César Chávez Celebration: It’s that time again for Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, this time celebrating the farm labor rights activist and labor leader César Chávez. Expect tons of music, dance, arts & crafts workshops, food and more. 12 to 4 p.m.
- Market Show: Exterminio de L.A. is hosting Vol. 2 of its community market and show. Explore a wide range of vendors while enjoying beats by the bands Repeat Offender, Modern Man, Total Vacation and Future of Despair. $5 tickets available online or at the door. 2 to 6 p.m.
- Men’s Support Group: It’s time for “Homie Link” night at Esquina Bicycle Shop. Come to reimagine masculinity in community and inspire others to do the same. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Hardcore Night: Coalesce, Kowloon Walled City and Guiltless are heading to The Paramount to get you head bumping to metal beats. Doors for the all-ages show open at 6 p.m. $27 tickets.
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!
