¡Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is back to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood this holiday season.
In case you missed it – we’re hiring!
The Los Angeles Local News Initiative is seeking a Documenters Assignment Editor to help manage our deployment of the Documenter program. In this role, you’ll be assigning, editing and reviewing content produced by local residents from assignments – and writing a newsletter summarizing notes from the week. It’s an essential position that will help support our newsroom, so I encourage you to apply if it feels like the right fit for you.
The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $85,000. Apply here.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, Dec. 13
The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting a two-day open house for teaching artists looking to contribute to the nonprofit’s work in the neighborhood. Professional artists interested in a dual career as educators are invited to meet the organization’s team and learn about employment opportunities. The open house runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
CaminArte is back out on 1st Street – with a holiday spin this time around. Come to Espacio 1839 at 6 p.m. for an opening reception for the 7th Annual Kalli Arte Family Show, featuring a “Things That Made Us” paper mache theme. Outside you’ll find vendors and more to enjoy through 10 p.m.
Six Heights, a new bar on 1st Street where Xelas once stood, is working with the group Healing Urban Barrios for a holiday celebration and a way to give back. Bar admission for the evening, which starts at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight, is an unwrapped toy or Visa/Mastercard gift card valued at $10+. DJ Kido will be spinning beats throughout the night.
Don Quixote is hosting a “Noche de Krampus” night for the holidays. It’s a one-of-a-kind mashup of live music, lucha libre matches and a goth variety art show. There will be food, drinks, merch vendors and even a tattoo artist for those looking to get inked up. Doors open at 7 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. Tickets for this 21+ event are available online.
For cycling enthusiasts, Esquina Bicycle Shop is hosting a ride from its Boyle Heights spot to a larger meet-up over at the Placita Olvera. There, Midnight Razz is hosting a late-night toy drive for those looking to give back to the city. Those interested in participating are encouraged to come with an unwrapped toy to donate – and there will be an afterparty for those who attend. Esquina’s meet-up starts at 8 p.m. if you’d like to ride alongside fellow Eastsiders – though you’re welcome to go straight to the Placita at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Hollenbeck Youth Center is hosting its annual “Miracle on 1st Street” toy giveaway. Participants must RSVP ahead of the event, and children must be present to receive a gift (with I.D. required). Please note that registration does not guarantee you’ll receive a gift, as toys will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting a mental health zine workshop open to those between the ages of 14 to 24. Materials and a light breakfast will be provided for the event, which runs from 9 to 11 a.m. You can register to attend by texting (213) 293-6170 or emailing pc1@bharts.org.
Picaresca Barra de Cafe is hosting “El Throwdown,” a latte art competition for the coffee connoisseurs. Those looking to compete must bring a toy donation with a minimum value of $10. Warm clothing and amenities are being accepted by the nonprofit Border Kindness. There will be food, drinks vendors and cash prizes for competition winners. The event starts at 6 p.m.
Self Help Graphics & Art is working with the East L.A. exhibition space and boutique Tonalli Studio for a two-day mercadito. From handcrafted candles, soaps and home goods to ceramics, jewelry and more, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye – and you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting local creatives. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and free lot parking will be available.
Self Help Graphics & Art is also hosting its monthly family workshop at the East L.A. County Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Teaching artist Zoe Blaq will be leading the event where you’ll get to make your own leaf art print. The workshop is open to all ages, with all materials provided. You can RSVP to grab a spot here, though limited walk-ins will also be welcome.
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!
