¡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

Thursday, Nov. 21

Did you know City Terrace has its own farmers market? Located outside of Plaza Community Services on City Terrace Dr. between Hazard and Miller avenues, the 323 Food and Flea happens every Thursday, with hours this winter from 3 to 7 p.m. Here you’ll find a variety of fresh produce and fruit, as well as food and merch vendors. Read more here.

Salesian Family Youth Center is hosting a Thanksgiving celebration on 4th Street. There will be live music, free food, fun games, activities and more to enjoy in the community. The event starts at 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 22

Safari Restaurant & Bar, is hosting a turkey giveaway event running from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a special appearance by radio station Power 106’s Brown Bag Mornings DJ Greg C.

The Boyle Heights Tech Center is hosting a trust circle event for youth aged 14 to 24 looking to connect, learn and grow together. There will be separate circles for men and women, both running from 5:30 to 7 p.m. You can RSVP to attend here

1st Street Billiards is hosting a function featuring performances by The Rude Tone Bandits, ¡Fuerza!, Trinidad Suave, Los Munchies, 8 Ball Fracture and Tzar Bomba. Tickets will be sold at the venue for $10, with doors opening at 7 p.m. The event is 18 and over, with I.D. required.

Bambu, a father and community organizer raised in Los Angeles, is coming to The Paramount. A Filipino-American rapper, he’s got hip-hop beats aimed at inspiring people to overcome life’s biggest obstacles. Poet Faith Santilla and DJ Phantrick are also set to take the stage during the 18 and over show, which starts at 8 p.m. You can grab a ticket online for about $30. 

Sonidero Night is back at Don Quixote for those looking to dance the night away. Various bands will perform throughout the night, with doors set to open at 10 p.m. Entry is free.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Join the Weingart East L.A. YMCA for its 10th annual turkey giveaway at Mariachi Plaza. Running from 10 a.m. to noon, community members will receive a free Thanksgiving tote bag and turkey while supplies last. If you’re looking to support, you can sign up to volunteer for the event here

Tuesday, Nov. 26

It’s a “Miracle on 1st Street” over at the Hollenbeck Youth Center, where the organization hosts annual giveaways as the year comes to a close. Featuring appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger and local leaders bringing cheer to the Eastside neighborhood, the event is always well attended. Turkeys will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, though attendees must register here in advance. 

Looking ahead:

Are you interested in attending public meetings, documenting them for the public and collaborating with local journalists – all while getting paid? Come learn about how to be a “Documenter” at an open house at Picaresca Barra de Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. You can learn more and RSVP to attend here

¡Hasta luego Boyle Heights, nos vemos en la calle!

As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions. If you’d like to receive this in your inbox, sign up below.

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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