¡Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is back to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood this giving season.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Nov. 15
Mendez High School is hosting its first-ever pozole contest, with cash prizes available for the “judge’s pick” and a “crowd favorite.” Drop off a pot with your best recipe before the contest, which starts right at 1 p.m. at lunchtime at the school’s parent center. Participants must make a minimum of one pot (five quarts) to share. Staff and parents can sign up at the school’s parent center with Ms. Green, and everyone else can do so here.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is back at Casa 0101 Theater, with shows through Dec. 22. Based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney film, the play is set in fifteenth-century Paris where bell-ringer Quasimodo yearns to explore the world. General tickets are available for $25-$35 online, by calling the theater’s box office at (323) 263-7684 or in person. VIP tickets are also available for $70, and include priority seating, a picture on set, a free concession item and a souvenir memento. Shows are presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
The Paramount is bringing 12 Rods, a Twin Cities’ indie rock band best known for its 90s songs and recent 2023 revival album “If We Stayed Alive.” The band will be joined by Chatterton, a California-based group with nostalgic and fresh beats. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are available for about $25 online.
Don Quixote is hosting a night of club speed.star, where club music meets y2k for a unique mashup perfect for lovers of both the audio and digital experience. The lineup for the 21+ event includes Main Phase, Todd Edwards, Shaking and Clearcast. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are available online for about $30.
Saturday, Nov. 16
LAPD Hollenbeck PAL is hosting a career fair for those looking to meet and connect with top industry professionals and discover pathways into skilled trades and public service. There will be representatives from a wide range of fields, including carpenters, ironworkers, electricians, firefighters and police officers. The event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on the 200 block of N. St. Louis Street and Michigan Avenue. You can register to attend here, though walk-ins are still welcome.
The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting a zine workshop themed around mental health for young adults from 9 to 11 a.m. No experience is needed, and all materials required will be provided. You can RSVP to attend by calling (213) 293-6170 or emailing pc1@bharts.org.
It’s that time of the month again for Queer Mercado at the East L.A. Civic Center. The event features LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, entrepreneurs, performers, creators as well as a farmers market for the Eastside community. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Centro CSO and Legalization For All are hosting a “Know Your Rights” workshop at Boyle Heights City Hall on 1st Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about immigrant rights, what you can do to defend yourself in an emergency scenario and new immigration policies planned under the President-elect. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVP to attend the free event here.
Sunday, Nov. 17
The Mariachi and Santa Cecilia Festival is coming back to Mariachi Plaza for an all-day event running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a variety of vendors, performers, food options and activities throughout the iconic Boyle Heights spot, with music filling the area throughout the day. A beautiful celebration of music and culture, it’s definitely something to check out if you can.
El Sereno Social Club is heading to Valley Boulevard for Tirzah’s Mexi-Terranean’s all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a performance right at 11:30 a.m. Brunch is $35 per person, with drinks available separately. You can learn more here.
Las Fotos Project is hosting 15-minute portrait and headshot sessions this holiday season. For $45, you’ll get photographed by one of the nonprofit’s students mentored by a house photographer at the nonprofit. You can reserve a slot here from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your digital images will be emailed to you within five business days. This is a fundraiser, so payment is non-refundable. All proceeds support the year-round Las Fotos photography program.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is collaborating with the Fred Jordan Mission, Los Angeles Lowrider Alliance and Mattel Inc. for a toy and food drive ahead of the holiday season. Families who attend will enjoy music, folklorico dance, hands-on art workshops, a low-rider car show and a performance by Lorenzo y sus Compadres from noon to 4 p.m. Those who can are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for local children. There will also be Hot Wheels and Barbie photo opportunities and giveaways.
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!
