¡Hola Boyle Heights! It’s Alex, your community reporter and associate editor at the Beat, back to bring you the latest happening in and around our neighborhood.
First off: Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d give up my parking spot, that’s right, just for you!
Did you get a parking ticket in Boyle Heights last month? If you did, you got one of the 4,736 citations issued in the neighborhood this January. That’s the most tickets issued during the first month of the year since the city went on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The city’s parking enforcement just loves Boyle Heights.
Last year, there were 55,117 total citations issued, ranking Boyle Heights at No. 6 for the most parking tickets, compared to the 114 neighborhoods in Los Angeles. (A special thanks to Crosstown L.A. for helping us with the numbers.)
Another thing as irritating as getting a parking ticket? Egg prices. I’m sure you’ve noticed prices rising in recent months as a nationwide egg shortage has sent prices skyrocketing across the country. We explored the reasons behind it, and how consumers and businesses on the Eastside have been impacted.
Before we dive into some more neighborhood news, we’ve got some of our own!
The L.A. Local News Initiative – which powers Boyle Heights Beat – has a new leader at the helm! We’re thrilled to welcome Michele Siqueiros as our new CEO. Michele is a passionate advocate for equity and community-driven change, and we can’t wait to see how she helps strengthen local news in L.A. Read more about her vision here.
Here are some more stories you should check out:
- 32 unhoused people in East L.A. were successfully transitioned into interim housing last month in the latest Pathway Home Operation. The program helps connect those living in RVs and encampments with resources to transition into more permanent housing solutions.
- The stories of Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory Boyle, artivist Nobuko Miyamoto, culture sculptor Rubén Funkahuatl Guevara and Brown Berets founding member Victoria Castro came to life on stage at Roosevelt High School’s production of “Seeds of Resistance.” The play was written by theater students who were visited by these social justice icons last year.
- A 6th grader from Eagle Rock took home the first-place trophy at LAUSD’s second annual Region East Spelling Bee, outspelling nearly 40 other students. 12-year-old Veronica Byerly is now heading to the L.A. County Regional Spelling Bee on March 19 in Alhambra.
- We compiled events happening this special season, and we’ve got more down below.
Good to know: Libros Shimbros is offering a four-week summer fellowship opportunity for local 10th and 11th-grade students all about the history of Los Angeles. Two four-week sessions are available, and students who participate will receive a $1,200 stipend. The deadline to apply is this Friday, Feb. 15, so get to it if it sounds like a good fit for you or someone you know!
Now, on to the weekend’s lineup of events!
Happenings in the Heights
Thursday, February 13
- Know Your Rights: Mi Centro is hosting a free workshop in Spanish for those looking to learn about immigrant rights. No RSVP required. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Hip-Hop Show: Bartees Strange is heading to The Paramount this week. His music is a blend of hip-hop, hard rock and R&B. $35 tickets. Doors open at 7 p.m.
- Update: An LADWP Workshop Hosted at InnerCity Struggle was canceled due to inclement weather
Valentine’s Day 2025
- Mixtape Swap: The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is hosting a free community swap for those looking to make, decorate and share their own custom CD mixtape. There will be music, giveaways, screenprinting and more to enjoy as well. RSVP online. 4 to 7 p.m.
- Lovely Bike Ride: Esquina Bicycle Shop is hosting a community ride for lovers and friends on two wheels. Meet at 5 p.m. and cruise through East L.A. and end the night at Quiet Please Pop-Up for a 6 to 9 p.m. art show that celebrates love in all its forms.
- Drinks + Mariachi: Eastside Luv is hosting Mariachi Ambiente for a night of lovely vibes. Free entry during 8 to 10 p.m. happy hour, $10 after. Group set to take the stage at 11 a.m.
Saturday, February 15
- Lavender Mercado: Queer Mercado is back at the East L.A. Civic Center. Features LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, creators, performers and a farmers market for the Eastside community. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Noche de Poemas: Head to Picaresca Barra De Cafe for a special Valentine’s edition of its spoken word event series. Share your poetry, stories, songs and spoken word – or just come to be in community. If you’d like to participate, send a DM to the coffee shop to secure your spot. 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 16
- Lovely Latino Pop-Up: Dozens of vendors, live music, hourly raffles and more are coming to Olvera Street. Event hosted by Molcajete Dominguero. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lincoln Heights Fundraiser: The L.A. Tenants Union is hosting a food fundraiser for those affected by recent wildfires. There will be food from Oaxaca, El Salvador, Honduras and more available for purchase – as well as karaoke, loteria, music and more. 12 to 4 p.m.
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!
