¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex back to share the latest happening in our neighborhood.
News por y para la comunidad
You’ve likely been following our coverage of East L.A.’s push for cityhood, especially the work of our reporter Andrew Lopez, who’s been on the story since early 2024. And there’s a big update.
After months of delay, the L.A. County CEO’s office released its long-awaited fiscal analysis on whether East L.A. could stand on its own as a city or special district. The bottom line? It still doesn’t pencil out. The report published Monday found that East L.A., a majority-Latino community of nearly 120,000 people, remains fiscally unviable as a city. Similar efforts to incorporate the neighborhood, with the latest in 2012, reached the same conclusion.
So what now? The county is recommending a Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) instead – a group that would represent East L.A. interests and serve as a bridge to the Board of Supervisors.
You can read more about the report on our website, and I want to hear from you. Just hit reply and let me know what you think about the push for East L.A. representation – it’ll help us report on the issue, and it’s a chance to make your voice heard.
More news you should know:
- Los Angeles County has launched a network of vending machines stocked with free overdose prevention and health products. Here’s where to find them.
- Amid escalating political interference, Cal State L.A.’s president has joined more than 600 university leaders in signing a national letter defending academic freedom.
- A special education center in East L.A. is creating paths to independence for its students.
Across the Eastside, many students have been taking up jobs, fundraisers – or just missing out – to deal with the high cost of graduation activities.
Now, onto this weekend’s lineup of events. From late-night shows to community gatherings, I’m sure there’s something for you to get out and about in the neighborhood!
Happenings in the Heights
Thursday, May 15
- Children’s Workshop: Got kids? Bring them to Stevenson Library after school for an arts workshop to create their own kaleidoscope butterfly. Materials will be provided 4 to 5 p.m.
- Evening Mixer: Join the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer hosted at Correas Mariscos. Enjoy networking, community building and more. 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 16
- Mobile Food Pantry: Los Angeles General Medical Center is hosting a food distribution. Expect 25-40 pounds of free food, so come with a cart or reusable bags. Open to patients and community members from 9 to 10:30 a.m., employees from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Museum Night: Enjoy a free, fun-filled evening celebrating community storytelling and the preservation of family histories at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Enjoy hands-on workshops, connect with local organizations and learn a bit of history. RSVP to attend. 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 17
- Community Market: Queer Mercado is back at the East L.A. Civic Center, featuring LGBTQ+ vendors, artists, performers and a farmers market. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Celebrating Tech Center: For years, Legacy L.A.’s teen tech center has provided resources for the youth of Ramona Gardens. Now, it’s time to celebrate: Enjoy free food, performances and more from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP to attend.
- Volunteer Day: Join the Weingart East L.A. YMCA in supporting Stevenson Library with shelf organization, cataloging, cleaning and more. RSVP to volunteer. 12 to 2 p.m.
- Experience Electric: Want to know the benefits of driving an electric vehicle? An info session on the cars is coming to Coyolxauhqui Plaza in City Terrace, and yes, you can drive one too! The free ride and drive event is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tribute Night: The Paramount is hosting guitarists Gox Valdivia and Alan Boguslavsky, bringing Héroes del Silencio’s greatest hits. $35 tickets. The 21+ show starts 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
- Paint Your Pet: Show your pet some love by turning them into a work of art at East Los Tacos! Grab a $32 ticket for the workshop, with guided painting by local artist Mextica. All materials will be provided, including a pre-sketched canvas. 4 to 6 p.m.
- Lucha Libre: Get ready for an action-packed evening at Don Quixote featuring masked wrestlers battling it out in the ring. $40+ tickets. All-ages show. 5 to 9 p.m.
- Men’s Support Group: It’s that time of the month for “Home Link” at Esquina Bicycle Shop. Come reimagine masculinity in community. 6 to 8 p.m.
