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!
Check out the latest from the Beat
One of the significant environmental issues facing the Eastside for nearly a decade has been dealing with the contamination of the former Exide battery recycling plant. Though the facility was shut down in 2015, its cleanup has proven to be a complicated process. There is some hope for it, as the EPA has just determined that the site and areas around it are eligible to become a Superfund site, a designation that would free up federal funding for the project and expedite cleanup efforts. You can read more about this update here.
Exide was of top concern at our forum on environmental justice. In case you missed it, our reporter Andrew Lopez has you covered with a recap. You can read that story here.
President Joe Biden has dropped out of this year’s presidential election and has chosen to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the race. Our editor Jessica Perez gathered reactions from Eastside leaders, many of whom touted Biden’s career and threw their support behind Harris. You can check that out here. If you’re open to sharing your thoughts on Biden’s decision, please respond to this email with any commentary you might have!
Another announcement of note came from former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa – he’s running for governor, again. The 71-year-old East L.A. native, who represented CD 14 from 2003 to 2005, says he’s the “problem solver” California needs. You can read more here. Some in the neighborhood are not happy with the news, saying things like “how can you solve problems when you are the problem” and “don’t you just hate career politicians?” on our Instagram post on the announcement. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this announcement, please email us!
There’s always a lot going on in and around the neighborhood, so make sure you keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more of the latest!
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, July 26
Over at The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue), the venue is hosting HillBilly Moon Explosion. With beats synched to everything from ‘60s garage and surf-punk to psychobilly and beyond, the band’s got a great sound you’ve got to check out. The event is a part of the band’s California Summer Tour, celebrating its ninth studio album “Back In Time,” and groups 3LH and Wenzdaze are set to also take the stage. You can grab a ticket for the show online for about $25. Doors are set to open at 7 p.m.
Sonidero Night is back at Don Quixote (2811 Olympic Boulevard) for those looking to dance the night away to beats of the genre. Different bands will be performing throughout the night, with doors set to open at 9 p.m. Tickets for the 18+ event will be sold at the door.
Saturday, July 27
La Calle Sucia (2720 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is giving away 100 backpacks at its shop from 10 a.m. until supplies run out. Backpacks will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must be present to receive one. To learn more about the business itself, check out our youth reporter Anakin Rivera’s coverage here.
Malabar Branch Library (2801 Wabash Avenue) is hosting a nutrition workshop for those with diabetes, hosted by Lilly Padilla. The 3 p.m. workshop is a great way to learn about anti-inflammatory meals and the best foods to control blood sugar and cholesterol.
Victory Outreach is hosting a back-to-school bash at Hollenbeck Park (415 S. St. Louis Street). There will be giveaways and entertainment for folks of all ages to enjoy, from free backpacks and school supplies to face painting, haircuts and arts and crafts. You can RSVP for the free event online. The event starts at 3 p.m. and supplies are limited.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (501 N. Main Avenue) is hosting a free screening of A Day Without a Mexican!, a mockumentary about what would happen if all Mexicans in California vanished. Following the showing, Director Sergio Arau and screenplay co-writer Yareli Arizmendi will host a brief discussion on the film. The showing is set to start at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.
Sunday, July 28
Latinx with Plants (2208 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting Palabras Literary Salon, a BIPOC-centered event celebrating stories of immigrants and migrants. Hosted by Jen Cheng, the event will feature BIPOC poets and writers, including “Nostalgia and Borders” author Sonia Guiñansaca. The event runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the local shop, and you can RSVP online.
As always, let us know what you think of the newsletter and send us events to include in future editions. If you’d like to support our nonprofit, you can click the button down below. Have an amazing weekend!
