¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex, your community reporter and associate editor at the Beat, back to bring you the latest from our neighborhood. Let’s get into it.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent string of Los Angeles protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Thanks to our team of youth reporters, we were able to cover the hundreds of Eastside students who walked out of school in solidarity with immigrant rights this week, capturing images and videos along the way. 

A student carries a Mexican flag as they make their way down the 1st Street Bridge. Photo by Andrew Lopez

Before students walked out, we reported on Sunday’s rally in downtown L.A., where demonstrators started the day at Olvera Street and later descended onto the 101 Freeway.

We also looked into how the Eastside participated in the nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protest, examined school attendance rates that day and shared details of a local network of organizations working to protect immigrant families in Boyle Heights.

Here’s some other news you need to know:

When something happens on the Eastside, you can count on us to be there—because we do news por y para la comunidad. If you know of a story that needs to be told, email us at editor@boyleheightsbeat.org.

Now, on to the weekend’s lineup of events.

Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights. Photo by Andrew Lopez.

Happenings in the Heights

Thursday, Feb. 6

  • Seeds of Resistance: Watch social justice plays inspired by local community leaders. Hosted at Roosevelt High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Entry is donation-based.
  • General Hospital Update: Want to know what’s going on at L.A. General Medical Center? Head to El Sereno Senior Center to learn about projects, resources and more. Spanish translation, childcare and food provided. 6 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP to attend

Friday, Feb. 7

Saturday, Feb. 8

  • Community Cleanup: Head to Mariachi Plaza at 8:30 a.m. to help clean up neighborhood spots in need of some TLC. Hosted by Boyle Heights In Action and local partners. 
  • Mi Centro Cleanup: Latino Equality Alliance also has its own community clean up. Meet at Mi Centro at 9 a.m. Event runs through noon. RSVP recommended.
  • East L.A. Mercado: Goddess Mercado is back at the East L.A. Civic Center. Enjoy a farmer’s market, dozens of vendors, live music, local organizations and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • FAFSA Workshop: Applying for financial aid? The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory has you covered. Workshop and Q&A. 10 a.m. to noon. RSVP by calling (213) 293-6170.
  • L.A. Love Letter: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting a free, heartfelt day of artmaking, wellness activities, music, resource sharing and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Valentine’s Mercadito: Head to Tonalli Studio to grab the perfect gift for the special someone in your life at this collab with Self Help Graphics. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • Fire Fundraiser: Espacio 1839 is hosting a poetry art show to support those affected by L.A. wildfires. $25+ gift cards accepted for entry. 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Indie vs. Emo Show: The Paramount is bringing you indie and emo vibes featuring tribute bands Juice Box and Sweet Revenge. $20 tickets available online. Doors open at 8 p.m.
  • Sonidero Night: Don Quixote is hosting a night of sonidero music featuring three groups spinning beats of the genre. $20 tickets available online. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 9

  • Healing Masculinity: Head to Esquina Bicycle Shop for an ongoing Men’s Circle. Connect, make friends, share stories and grow together. 6 to 8 p.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!

¡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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