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 your local news source!
Eastside college freshmen share concerns on rising education costs
As thousands of students at college campuses across the state head back to school, many can’t help but worry about whether the rising costs associated with higher education are worth it. An analysis found that over the past 50 years, student fees and tuition at UC schools have nearly quadrupled, with costs at Cal State schools jumping six-fold. Our youth reporter Reana Peña spoke with a few Eastside college freshmen to hear their concerns. Check out that story here.
Locals speak out against a Boyle Heights development
Eastside residents and local organizers opposed to a new development at the USC Health Sciences campus are continuing their fight after the seven-story, 200,000-square-foot research facility won approval by the L.A. City Planning Commision in May. Several met at a town hall last weekend to receive updates on the expansion and share community demands for the campus to benefit surrounding neighborhoods. Read more here.
Investigation at local dry cleaner that used cancer-causing chemicals on-site
State regulators launched an investigation near Sloan’s Dry Cleaners in Boyle Heights after a high concentration of harmful chemicals known to cause cancer were detected at the business. It’s been operating at the location since 1942, with on-site dry-cleaning ending in 2013. Currently, the business offers drop-off/pick-up services. A California Department of Toxic Substances Control spokesperson said there is no immediate cause for concern for residents living in the vicinity and that the agency will provide updates on the investigation. You can read more here.
As always, make sure to 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. 23
Picaresca Barra De Cafe is hosting their first spoken word event Noche de Poemas. The event is open to poets, musicians, lyricists and public speakers. If you’d like to speak, you can sign up to do so by sending the coffee shop a DM on Instagram, or sign up in person the day of the event. Check-in for the night starts at 5:30 p.m. with spoken word running from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Paramount is hosting soul music band Thee Heart Tones and synth rock pop soul group 54 Ultra. Doors for the night open at 8 p.m. and you can grab a ticket online for about $20.
Saturday, Aug. 24
East Los Angeles Community Corporation is hosting a first-time home buyer class for folks looking to take that big step in life. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sol y Luna Apartments. You’ll learn everything from the basics of credit scores and mortgages to available subsidy programs and budgeting tools. You can RSVP to take the course in English for $25. The course will be offered in Spanish for the same price on Sept. 21.
Down at the Los Angeles Theater Center, Sin Fronteras Project and Latino Theater Company are hosting the 1st Annual L.A. Street Poetry Festival. Focusing on themes of resistance and love, the free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will feature an open mic, multiple poetry workshops and various vendors to explore. You can learn more about the event here.
InnerCity Struggle is hosting a free resource fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will get to enjoy loteria games, painting activities, giveaways and free food on top of a variety of local education, transportation and utility resources.
At Don Quixote, you can catch a night of hardcore lucha libre matches full of the fiercest luchadores the Eastside has to offer. You’ll get to watch some intense matches from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and experience the thrill that comes from professional wrestling. You can grab a ticket online ranging from about $30-$60.
Sunday, Aug. 25
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting a Náhuatl workshop where you’ll learn everything about the indigenous language. Tlahtoltapazolli teachers provide lessons using sound and research-based teaching methodologies. The class is free and runs from noon to 3:30 p.m.
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