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!
The Election Beat and what you need to know about registering to vote
In case you missed it, this week we launched The Election Beat, a weekly newsletter bringing you information and guides about the election, and uplifting the voices of readers like you. You can learn more about it here. One aspect of our goal with this coverage is making sure you’ve got everything you need this election season. That’s why one of our youth reporters wrote a guide on registering to vote in California. You can read it here, and check out the rest of our election coverage so far here.
County report on East L.A. cityhood feasibility study overdue
In April, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors asked for an analysis of East L.A.’s tax base, imposing a 120-day deadline on the County CEO Office to publish results. This was done to give residents a better understanding of how feasible it is for the area to become a city or special district. The report should have been completed by Aug. 21, but it has yet to be shared. You can learn more about the situation here, and check out our coverage on the latest effort to explore East L.A. cityhood here.
Local Mexican Independence Day Parade celebrates culture and community
Thousands gathered to show their pride at the 78th annual East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade last weekend. Onlookers lined Cesar E. Chavez Avenue as floats, convertibles and even horses made their way toward the East L.A. Civic Center. After the parade attendees were greeted with cultural displays, food and merch vendors, live music, lucha libre matches, and more. We spoke to attendees – some of whom have been attending the event for years. Check out our photos 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, Sept. 20
It’s going to be a night of darkwave beats over at The Paramount. The event features Estrada Foo and The Crystal Tears, along with DJ sets by Riki and Darko. Come dance in the darkness, aka to tunes of new wave at this all-ages show. Tickets are available for about $15 here. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Don Quixote is hosting the bands Azrael, Angel Siniestro, Thares, Ethernian, Disciples of Death, Cielo Puro and Sonido Histeria for those looking for Spanish metal and rock n’ roll vibes on a Friday night. Tickets are currently available for just over $60 online. The event starts with a meet-and-greet from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by performances up until 2 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21
In El Sereno, North East Trees and Coyotl + Macehualli are hosting a Black Walnut Tree Day event at Ascot Hills. You can start your day off with a bird walk from 8 to 10 a.m. From 11 to 11:50 a.m., you can learn about efforts to restore the habitat at the park. The event itself starts at noon with a ceremony, followed by various activities, workshops and more to enjoy until 6 p.m. There will be a limited number of Black Walnut trees available for adoption. You can check out the full schedule here.
Join the organization People for Mobility Justice for a fun bike ride to explore the vibrant murals of East L.A. It’s a great way to get your exercise in while connecting with fellow art and bike enthusiasts. The event starts with an 8:30 a.m. meet-up at the East L.A. Civic Center and a ride-out at 9. At 4 miles, the route is easy enough for beginner and intermediate riders. You can RSVP to attend here.
Also at the East L.A. Civic Center, it’s time for September’s Queer Mercado. Taking place every third Saturday of the month, this staple marketplace brings LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, performers, a farmer’s market and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I’ve been many times, and it’s definitely something worth checking out if you haven’t already.
The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting a workshop uncovering and documenting stories of resilience in the community. The photo walk event starts at 10 a.m. and you’ll get to stroll through the neighborhood and practice your photography skills. Cameras are available if you need one, and you can RSVP to attend by emailing hub@bharts.org or calling (323) 317-4120.
Back by popular demand, Latinx with Plants is bringing back its Bootquet workshop. For $40, the shop’s founder and owner Andi Xoch will teach you painting techniques to decorate your own ceramic boot. You’ll even get to craft your own flower arrangement using both dry and fresh flowers. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you can grab a spot here.
Esquina Bicycle Shop is hosting its first art gallery featuring “Las Voces de México.” The free art exhibition celebrates the musical legends and other significant figures throughout history, featuring works by JD Estrada, Fernando Barragan, Pinchi Michi, Ramon Vargas and many more. The event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Food and drinks will be available from Duran and Amigos.
Self-Help Graphics & Art is unveiling the “Sinks: Places We Call Home” exhibition at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex’s Gallery at Cal State L.A. The project, curated by Marvella Muro featuring artists Maru Garcia and Beatriz Jaramillo, is part of a Getty Art initiative highlighting the ramifications of pollution on communities of color. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. and you can RSVP to attend here.
Sunday, Sept. 22
In El Sereno, North East Trees and Coyotl + Macehualli are hosting a Black Walnut Tree Day event at Ascot Hills. You can start your day off with a bird walk from 8 to 10 a.m. From 11 to 11:50 a.m., you can learn about efforts to restore the habitat at the park. The event itself starts at noon with a ceremony, followed by various activities, workshops and more to enjoy until 6 p.m. There will be a limited number of Black Walnut trees available for adoption. You can check out the full schedule here.
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!
