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
August already? That means we’re over halfway through the year! It also means you’ve only got a few more weeks to squeeze out as much fun as you can from summer this 2024. But first, catch up on some of the latest happening in our neck of the urban woods.
The latest effort to explore East L.A. cityhood
There’s been talk about the possibility of East L.A. becoming a city or special district for years. The latest effort is AB 2986, introduced by State Assemblywoman Wendy Carillo. The state bill calls for a study exploring the feasibility of such a change, a topic that has garnered both heavy support and opposition by residents and local leaders alike. You can learn more about AB 2986 in the recent post by our reporter Andrew Lopez, the first installment in a series on the efforts to explore East L.A. cityhood.
L.A. County on Newsom’s homeless encampments order
In L.A. County, there’s been a lot going on in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to clear homeless encampments. The Board of Supervisors passed a motion this week to affirm that county jails will not be used to hold those who are arrested during a homeless encampment sweeps. Instead, local leaders are reaffirming the city’s current encampment protocols that operate by directing homeless individuals to county services and away from jails. You can read more here.
Arrests in copper wire thefts
The city launched a “heavy metal” task force effort earlier this year to address an uptick in copper wire theft predominantly affecting working class neighborhoods like Boyle Heights. City representatives say it’s been successful, with dozens arrested, over 2,000 pounds of stolen metal recovered and even some firearms being seized. You can read more on the task force here.
Changes to EBT cards are coming
Those who use EBT cards to utilize public assistance programs can expect to receive a new one with chip and tap to pay technology sometime before the end of summer. The change comes to address the millions of dollars stolen statewide from such cards over the past few years. You can read more about these changes here.
For the latest on what’s going on in the neighborhood, make sure you keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Aug. 2
Las Cafeteras, an Eastside-based band with a unique sound that fuses spoken word and folk music with traditional dancing, has a sold-out show at The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) happening in celebration of the group’s newest album. If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, you can still join a waitlist to possibly attend the show.
To help out with some of the stress that might come with back-to-school season, The Wellness Center (1200 N. State Street) is hosting a backpack giveaway from 6 to 7 p.m. Children aged 4-18 must be present, and each of the 500 backpacks available will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the giveaway, there will be an outdoor movie night featuring “Trolls: Band Together” from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 3
Northeast Trees is hosting an appreciation day at its Ascot Hills Nursery (4371 Multnomah Street) in celebration of dedicated volunteers and CCAC Fellows who have helped spearhead the organization’s monthly efforts at the park. The event is open to everyone, with various fun activities including transplanting native coffeeberry and white sage, restoration work around the nursery, as well as snacks and refreshments available from 9 to 11 a.m.
Legacy LA (1350 San Pablo Street) is hosting a meeting in partnership with the office of County Supervisor Hilda Solis for youth to share ideas on how to support and uplift district policies, practices and services most important to them. An event led by youth for youth, this listening session will run from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. and includes time to talk with Solis herself.
Boyle Heights is set to celebrate its Japanese history with the neighborhood’s third annual Nikkei Celebration. It’s a vibrant event that starts off with a 5 p.m. parade from Tenrikyo Church (2727 E. 1st Street) to Otomisan (2506 E. 1st Street). Outside the historic restaurant, there will be various festivities and more to enjoy through 10 p.m. I’ve had the chance to attend the last two celebrations, and it’s definitely something amazing you’ll want to check out.
Re/Arte (2123 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting the fourth installment of its Notes from the Chicana/o/x Underground series focused on conversations with artists, thinkers, writers and leaders involved in different movements. This event features renowned author Luis Rodriguez, well known for his groundbreaking 1993 memoir “Always Running.” Doors for the event open at 7 p.m. Drinks and merch sold during the event will help support the bookstore.
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes (501 N. Main Street) is hosting a comedy night featuring Aida Rodriguez, a comedian of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent who uses comedy to turn pain into progress. Attendees will get to enjoy DJ music inspired by Puerto Rico and beats from the Dominican Republic before and after the show. The free event starts at 7 p.m. and there will be food and beverages available for purchase.
The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting the post-punk band Bootblacks alongside Corbeau Hangs, Second Divine and Lover’s Guilt. If those types of jams are your style, you can grab a ticket for the show online for about $20. Doors open at 8 p.m.
