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!

Before we get into our latest stories, I’ve got a quick question for you:

Are you a CD 14 resident that wants your voice heard this election season? Fill out The Election Beat survey to share what you want your candidates to talk about this election season. You can fill out the survey online here. While you’re at it, sign up for our Election Beat newsletter to stay informed as the general election quickly approaches this November. Click here to sign up. 

‘A Woman Named Gloria’ honors Gloria Molina, ‘La Madrina of The Eastside’

Artwork for the play, courtesy of CASA 0101.

A play exploring the life of groundbreaking Eastside politician Gloria Molina debuts this weekend at CASA 0101. It’s called “A Woman Named Gloria” and was written by the local playhouse’s founder Josefina López. The play centers around a young politician in dire need of guidance who looks toward the spirit of Molina, bringing forth her life and rise to becoming a leader in the Latino community. You can read more about the creative process behind the play here. Tickets for the production, which runs weekends through Oct. 5, are available online

Community pushes back against Boyle Heights affordable housing development 

Caution tape surrounded the market on the corner of Wabash and Evergreen before its demolition. Photo by Andrew Lopez.

The former Wabash Market at the corner of Wabash and Evergreen avenues was demolished in July to make way for a new four-story, 52-unit affordable housing complex. Some community members and local activists aren’t happy about the planned development, and have started a petition demanding parking be added and that units be changed from low-income to very-low-income. You can read more about the reaction here

5 coffee shops in Boyle Heights with must-try hidden gems

Baristas Xuan Carlos and Joel Espinoza prepare orders at Cafe Cafe Mobile Coffee. Photo by Jackie Ramirez.

There’s nothing like your favorite cup of coffee – especially when you’ve got a nearby spot with good brews, unique flavors and that signature Eastside ambience. In Boyle Heights, there’s quite a few different options for local coffee shops that have popped up in recent years. That’s why we’re kicking off our newest series, Boyle Heights Eats, with a neighborhood coffee tour featuring five local shops. You can check it out 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

L.A. County Parks has opened registration for youth sports classes this fall available for $25. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register children as soon as possible as spots are limited. From cheerleading and flag football to soccer, lacrosse and aquatics, there is something for everyone looking to practice during the school year. Classes run from October through December. You can check out available programs and schedules online here.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Join East Los Angeles Community Corporation (ELACC) in celebrating its 29th anniversary at the Taste of Boyle Heights. For $150, you’ll get to enjoy food and drinks from various local vendors and businesses, as well as live performances and a goodie bag – all while supporting the long-standing neighborhood nonprofit. The event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Mariachi Plaza and will also feature a film screening and silent auction. Tickets are available for purchase online

Friday, Aug. 30

Why not start your weekend with some relaxing yoga? Over at the Wellness Center, you can attend weekly classes every Friday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to find your inner peace and learn about healthy postures and breathing techniques. Classes are taught in partnership with the Ashwin Clinic-College of Yoga & Vedic Sciences. You can register to participate in individual or recurring sessions by calling (213) 784-9191.

At Don Quixote, you can catch an all-ages show featuring Mike Sherm, with beats provided by DJ Major Hype, DJ Oso, Bailey Jayyy and Fully Laced. A bar will be available for those 21 and over with valid ID. Doors for the show open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $50 online.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Writer and poet Ellie Lopez is dropping by Re/Arte Bookstore for a book stop featuring her latest work “While in Mourning.” The book is a journey of loss, grief and enduring love through original writing and photography rooted in culture and family. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and features performances by Andrea Aliseda, Jocelyne Flores and Alejandra Roggero.

The Paramount is hosting “Blazed & Confused,” featuring bands SPUNK, The Burners, Funds for Jimmy and FLESH FOR FANTASY. Doors for the all-ages show open at 8 p.m. You can grab a ticket online for about $15.

Las Fotos Project is hosting Voz Y Cuerpo Vol. II, a showcase of work created by three transgender and non-binary artists of color. There will also be a vendor fair, a raffle, and performances by San Cha, Mahogani and Bay Davis. Free food will be provided at this all-ages event, which runs from 6 to 11 p.m. You can RSVP to attend for free online.

Sunday, Sept. 1

LA Game Club is coming to Café Girasol for a fun night of games from 4 to 8 p.m. Grab a sweet drink and treat from the local coffee shop and then enjoy a variety of party, team or 2-player board and card games. You’re welcome to bring your own too.

As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions. Hope you have an amazing weekend!

¡Hasta luego Boyle Heights, nos vemos en la calle!

Alex Medina served as a community reporter for Boyle Heights Beat from 2022 to 2024 and as an associate editor and reporter from 2024 to 2025. He was also a participant in the Boyle Heights Beat Youth Journalism Program from 2015 to 2018. He earned his degree from Hamilton College in 2022. In his free time, he enjoys reading and walking.

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