Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is here to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood to get you out and about this spooky season.
Check out the latest from your local news source!
José Huizar begins 13-year prison sentence in corruption case
Former CD 14 Councilman José Huizar surrendered himself to the Federal Bureau of Prisons earlier this week to start his 13-year prison term. The former politician was originally scheduled to surrender by April 30, but was granted two additional extensions until Oct. 7.
The once celebrated representative was sentenced in January to the maximum sentence recommended by federal prosecutors for accepting over $1 million in bribes from developers in a “pay-to-play” scheme. Check out the full story here.
Home cooks in L.A. County can now apply to sell food legally
The County Department of Public Health is accepting applications for those interested in operating food facilities from their homes. The initiative falls under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program. Once permitted, a resident can store, handle, prepare and serve food to the public, as allowed by state law. You can learn more about the process here.
Las Fotos Project helps local youth embrace art and identity
Founded in 2010, the nonprofit Las Fotos Project began its mission to elevate the voices of local teenage girls through photography. The organization now offers programming to people who identify from all over the gender spectrum. Through photography and mentoring, students are able to document their journeys to finding their true selves, all the while capturing images of what makes the local neighborhood the gem that it is. You can read more here.
Ysabel Jurado and Kevin de León fight for the Eastside in contentious Boyle Heights debate
As I’m sure you know, we hosted a debate between Kevin De León and Ysabel Jurado Wednesday night. With over 300 in attendance, the two tackled the district’s most pressing issues, and threw verbal jabs at each other throughout. They’re in a heated race for a City Council seat to represent CD 14, which includes Boyle Heights, downtown L.A. and several Northeast L.A. neighborhoods. Read a recap of our story here where you can also watch a video of the full debate.
As always, make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more of the latest from your local news source.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Oct. 11
In celebration of National Coming Out Day, East Los Angeles Community College is hosting a screening of “Feliz Cumpleaños” followed by a Q&A panel discussion. It’s a short film part of an independent feature film anthology centered on the challenges and triumphs of the city’s diverse trans community. The event runs from 12 to 2 p.m. and you can RSVP to attend here.
Presented as part of Mapping Los Angeles, Filipino American dancer and choreographer Jay Carlon is coming to Don Quixote for an immersive nightclub experience. Carlon, who combines performance and queer nightlife, will perform alongside a coalition of experimental AAPI creatives. You can grab a ticket online for $35. Doors for the event open at 8 p.m.
It’s that time of the month for Caminarte. Come to Espacio 1839 for an opening reception of a Oaxacan-based art show that made its way from Mexico to the city of angels. There will be various local vendors and plenty of food options to check out on 1st Street. Event organizers are bringing different groups to fill the streets with Oaxacan music. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12
As part of its annual Día de Los Muertos series, Self Help Graphics is hosting a series of workshops leading to its main celebration of the Mexican tradition. From 12 – 3 p.m. at the East L.A. County Library, you can honor your ancestors by creating crafts. All materials will be provided for participants. Space is limited, but you can register here. To learn more about the organization’s many offerings this season, you can check out their website.
In partnership with the L.A. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis is hosting a town hall for veterans featuring presentations on employment and disability benefits. You can share your experiences, voice your concerns and meet with fellow veterans. The event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East L.A. Service Center. Those interested in attending the event can RSVP here.
For those looking to get into the spirit of things as Halloween approaches, The Paramount has you covered this weekend. THE HAYDS, a moody alternative band based out of Riverside, is coming to the venue to debut their new single “Under My Skin” with a costume party. Groups Chicano Mosh and .com will also be performing during the night, which starts at 8 p.m. You can grab a ticket online for $20. Make sure to dress up!
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes also has its own costume party – and contest – featuring performances by Los Lonely Stars. The L.A.-based band pays homage to the 1960s Peruvian pioneers of punk rock Los Saicos. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and there will be various local artisan vendors there to explore too. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. More details on the costume contest and guidelines are available here.
1st Street Billiards is hosting a tribute night to The Smiths, an 80’s English Rock band. The band Nowhere Fast will be playing the group’s greatest hits, and DJ Envy will be spinning 80s New Wave beats and more before and after the main show. The event starts at 9 p.m. and ends by 1:30 a.m. You must be 18+ to attend. Grab a ticket online for about $15.
Sunday, Oct. 13
CicLAvia is bringing back its “Heart of L.A.” route with 7.5 miles of open streets from downtown L.A. to Boyle Heights. Streets along the route will be shut down to traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for participants to walk, jog, run, bike, skate or just enjoy the city through a car-free lens. Check out the route here, You can also catch members of The Beat’s team along the route outside of our 1st Street office. We’ll have some water and goodies so make sure you stop by!
Meruelo Media is heading to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to encourage local communities to participate in the electoral process. There will be various performances, pop-up booths, food trucks and even an artist mercado. This “Tu Vida Fest” will also feature resource tables with essential information to ensure you have the tools to be informed this upcoming election. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you can learn more here.
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!
