Check out the latest from your local news source!
Richard Alatorre, a groundbreaking Latino lawmaker in California and former CD 14 Councilmember, died this week at the age of 81. His death was announced during a L.A. City Council meeting by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez who described him as a “titan in the Chicano community.” You can read more on his passing here.
A California Senate committee voted this week to advance AB 2986, a bill that explores the feasibility of East L.A. becoming a city or special district. The full Legislature still needs to vote on the bill before it can head to Gov. Newsom’s desk for a signature or veto. You can read more on this update here, and in case you missed it, read our three-part series on the effort here.
The City Council approved an ordinance that temporarily prohibits demolition permits on rent-stabilized, multi-family housing and covenanted affordable housing units in Boyle Heights. It is effective now until longer-term protections are adopted under the Boyle Heights Community plan, which is expected to be finalized later this year. You can check out the full story here.
In case you missed it, Boyle Heights Beat wants to hear from our CD 14 community! This November, you will get to choose a councilmember to represent you. The City Council is responsible for creating local laws, which can have a big impact on your community. So tell us: What do you want your candidates to talk about this election season? Your responses will help us build The Election Beat to guide our reporting. You can take our survey here.
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 from your local news source!
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Aug. 16
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting an event diving deep into the story behind the film “The Ugly Little Monkeys.” The movie explores Los Changuitos Feos de Tuscan, a group of kids who grew up in the1960s and were catapulted into the international spotlight as musicians. The free event includes guest panelists, food, live youth mariachi music, local art vendors and more, all starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
It’s the third Saturday of the month, which means the Queer Mercado is back at the East LA Civic Center alongside the weekly farmers market. Here you’ll find LGBTQ+ artists, businesses, entrepreneurs, performers and more to enjoy from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
In Lincoln Heights, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez is hosting a back-to-school giveaway. Backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis at 2631 N. Broadway. There will be a block party event on the street from Avenue 24 to Sichel Street full of free food, games, a classic car show and more for families to enjoy from 1 to 6 p.m.
For folks looking for a hardcore show, 1st Street Billiards is hosting the show for you from 7 through midnight. You’ll get to hear from the band Seed of Pain, along with Wreckage, Collateral, D-Block, Twist of Cain and Dark Uniform. Grab a ticket online in advance for $20 or $25 at the door.
The Eastside venue Don Quixote is hosting a tribute night celebrating legendary Spanish rock bands Héroes del Silencio, Caifanes and Soda Stereo. Special guests for the night include Gonzalo Valdivia and Alan Boguslabsky, both ex guitarists for Héroes del Silencio. This 18 and over event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and you can buy a ticket online for $30.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Community-powered and hyper-local radio station 101.5 FM KQBH is hosting a 7-year anniversary celebration at The Paramount. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and features DJ sets from the radio’s show hosts, raffles, a cash bar and more to enjoy throughout the celebration. You can RSVP to attend the event for free online.
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!
