The start of 2025 felt like a decade ago.
Los Angeles endured historic wildfires, rejoiced in a second Dodgers win and grappled with federal immigration authorities in its communities.
In Boyle Heights, residents came together to provide relief for fire victims, got creative during the spike in egg prices, fought for a community library, and showed resilience and power as ICE agents disrupted life at schools, businesses and neighborhoods.
We’re looking back on the moments that defined 2025 in Boyle Heights and beyond.
Wildfires and smoke ring in the new year
The year began with a windstorm that caused widespread damage across the region, including Boyle Heights, but sparked devastating wildfires in Altadena and the Palisades.
While parents expressed frustration at LAUSD’s handling of school closures that week, crowds of local volunteers banded together to sort clothes, food and water, and other donations to families in need.
Walkouts, tariffs and immigration fears mark the start of Trump’s second term
Without much time to breathe, President Donald Trump’s second term began with student walkouts, and renewed uncertainty over the economy, rising living costs and what new tariffs could mean for local industries.
Threats from federal immigration policies and planned enforcement actions led groups such as Unión del Barrio to patrol streets, while others, including the Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network, reactivated to protect undocumented residents and their families.
As prices for essential groceries like eggs skyrocketed, some residents turned the moment into an opportunity to give back, offering eggs from their home-raised chickens to neighbors and friends at a discount.
Even as families endured economic hardships, collectors embraced the Labubu trend in full force. At El Mercadito, an Eastside hub for Mexican-made goods, toys and food, vendors leaned into the craze with Labubu shirts, bags and other accessories nearly impossible to miss.
Development pressures in Boyle Heights and an attempt at cityhood for East LA
In May, Los Angeles County released a long-awaited report detailing the viability of East LA incorporating as a city. The report concluded that the community of nearly 120,000 residents lacks the financial resources to pursue cityhood, though outreach and community engagement efforts planned for 2026 may offer alternative ways to strengthen Eastside representation.
That same month, a proposed housing development at the center of a gentrification debate in Boyle Heights was approved by the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission. El Apetito longtime restaurant on Cesar Chavez Avenue, is among several businesses slated for demolition as part of a mixed-use development by Tiao Properties.
ICE descends on Los Angeles
As the months grew warmer, tensions rose across Los Angeles and Boyle Heights due to ramped-up immigration enforcement operations in Southern California. A curfew was imposed on parts of downtown and along the edge of Boyle Heights in an effort to quell protests calling for an end to ICE activity around LA neighborhoods.
Although Boyle Heights was not the site of major raids like those reported in Cypress Park or Westlake, the mere presence of immigration authorities in LA crippled the local economy, with small businesses such as restaurants and party supply stores reporting hundreds of dollars in losses.
The effects of raids have been felt in nearly every aspect of normal life in Boyle Heights: foot traffic along business corridors slowed, church attendance dropped and trust in a community hospital was tested due to contracts with ICE.
Yet in many communities, our reporters witnessed resilience showcased by organizers, an undocumented mother, street vendors and educators committed to supporting undocumented students.
Dodgers fans’ loyalty tested, Garfield High brings community pride
Sports became another lens through which the Eastside tested its loyalty and resilience. Dodgers fans in the community celebrated their team’s victory while grappling with the its delayed response to immigrant communities — one local bartender even painted over his Fernando Valenzuela mural.
Garfield High School’s standout season added pride for students and neighbors alike, showing how community spirit can thrive even in challenging times.
Civic improvements and local action
Throughout the year, Boyle Heights also saw several quality-of-life improvements, from repaired streetlights to progress on a long-shuttered library. Community organizers and leaders also mobilized to bring voting centers to Boyle Heights after learning none would be available for the November special election.
This year was heavy. It was complicated. But it was also filled with solidarity, ingenuity, and community action.
