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 season!
Check out the latest from the Beat
This past weekend, the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) hosted its Youth Fest for the first time since the pandemic. The event drew over a thousand people with fun activities, resources and food to enjoy through the afternoon and evening. “Blue Beetle” movie star Xolo Maridueña and Xochitl Gomez, who joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as superhero America Chavez, were there to meet community members. You can read more about the event here, and check out our recent feature on the BHAC, too.
The City Council recently passed a resolution declaring its support for any federal action, legislative or administrative, that would grant Temporary Protected Status for Guatemala, providing TPS benefits to those living in the States. You can read more on the significance of this on our website.
In partnership with the California Youth Media Network, our community engagement coordinator Carmen Gonzalez and youth reporter David Garcia worked together to produce an article exploring the new norm of adult children living with parents. It’s part of the “Our Future” series, which shines a light on the most pressing issues for young people. It’s a great read documenting the challenges of rising housing prices and cost of living expenses. You can check it out here.
As always, visit our website and social media channels for the latest from your local news source.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, June 14
Don Quixote (2811 E. Olympic Boulevard) is hosting the band Momento CNI for a night of Spanish rock and pop from the 80s and 90s. This 18+ show will feature hits from legends like Luis Miguel, Gloria Trevi, Maná and more. You can grab a ticket for the show online. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Over at The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue), you can listen to music by Harry Katz and the Pistachios, Heebies and The Jeebies, Luke Pelletier and The Chain Gang and Mrs. Henry all in one show for about $20. Doors for the night open at 7 p.m., and you can grab a ticket online.
Both these venues have more events happening this weekend and throughout the month, so keep an eye on Don Quixote and The Paramount for more events you might be into.
It’s the second Friday of the month, and that means Caminarte is back on la Primera outside of Espacio 1839 (1839 1st Street). You can enjoy an opening reception for the art exhibition “I got love for life” by Victor Rosas at 6 p.m. Then, you can take a stroll outside to shop from local artisan vendors selling paintings, prints, cultural jewelry and apparel. There’s great restaurants on First Street as well. The exhibition and mercado will be open until 10 p.m.
Las Fotos Project (2210 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting a workshop in collaboration with The Ford on the essentials of concert photography. This intermediate level workshop is open to teenage girls and gender expansive youth between the ages of 12 and 18, as well as young adults up to 24 years old. You can register for the event online. The event is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
InnerCity Struggle (3467 Whittier Boulevard) is celebrating Pride with an evening of festivities. Attendees can enjoy music, wellness activities, resource sharing, live performances, food and more. The event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. You can RSVP for the celebration online.
Saturday, June 15
The Wall Las Memorias’ Boyle Heights Hub (2020 1st Street) is hosting POZ Pride, a sunny afternoon full of orgullo, spirit and positivity. There’ll be snacks, refreshments, fun activities and essential resources available throughout the event, set to run from 1 to 5 p.m. You can RSVP to attend the event by filling out this form.
It’s that time of the month for Queer Mercado, taking place at the East L.A. Civic Center (4801 E. 3rd Street). From 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., this event features LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, creators, entrepreneurs, performers and a farmers market for the Eastside community. It’s Pride month, so you know the market will be going all out this weekend. Also, our community engagement coordinator Carmen and social media manager Jackie will be there if you’d like to chat with us!
Sunday, June 16
As mentioned in our Pride newsletter, the local Orgullo Fest is the neighborhood’s grand celebration of queerness. The festivities start at 2 p.m. with a parade at the intersection of First and North Boyle Avenue by Mariachi Plaza (1831 1st Street) going all the way towards North Chicago Street right outside Boyle Heights City Hall (2130 1st Street). From there all the way up to Soto Street, there will be a festival featuring entertainment, food, and vendors through midnight. Entry to the annual community event is free.
Tuesday, June 18
Looking ahead, the East Los Angeles Community Corporation (ELACC) is hosting its monthly food bank behind the Lorena Terrace (611 S. Lorena Street) from 9 to 11 a.m. Folks can pick up food at the intersection of Sixth and South Concord streets. The organization Climate Resolve will also be there to share information about upcoming community garden programs in the neighborhood.
As always, let us know what you think of the newsletter and send us events to include in future editions. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
