We’re only a month away from city elections! Here are some important dates to keep note of if you plan on voting:

• February 20th is the last day to register online to vote and get a mail-in ballot. You can still vote in person after this date.
• February 24th is when vote centers open for in-person voting and support. You can find a center at LAVote.gov
• March 5th is the last day you can vote in person, drop your mail-in at a ballot box, or postmark your ballot mail-in.
• Results for elections will be finalized on April 5th. 

Though there are many things you’ll be voting for, one of the most important locally is who you hope will lead LA City Council District 14. That’s why we’re hosting a youth-led forum this Saturday for candidates running to represent you.

Here’s a quick rundown on the event:

• Folks interested in attending the Candidate’s Forum, scheduled for February 10th from 10 am through 1 pm at Mendez High School (1200 Plaza del Sol E), can RSVP online. 
• Registration will run from 10-11 am alongside a community resource fair. The forum is expected to start at 11:00 am and will end at 1 pm. 
• Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the school site, though we recommend taking public transportation. The Metro E-Line stops right across the street from the school. 
• The Beat is collaborating with the organization ButterFli to provide free transportation for CD 14 residents. You can register to ride to the forum on ButterFLi’s portal online by using code BHNC, or by calling English or Spanish customer care at (855) 267-2345. 

• LA Public Press is partnering with BHB on the event and will be streaming the event on YouTube. 

A lovely weekend, XOXO Eastside

Friday, February 9th

It’s that time of the month again for Caminarte out on la Primera. This cultural art show at Espacio 1839 (1839 1st Street) will feature an opening reception of “Feat of the Heart” by Tina Arroyos and Margret Garcia Curated by Jasmine Garcia. Right outside, you’ll be able to shop from various vendors (a chance to maybe get something nice for your Valentine) and enjoy the local cuisine on the 1st Street Business Corridor. The event runs from 6 to10 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop by.

Saturday, February 10th

Latinx with Plants (2208 E. Cesar E. Chavez) has a unique offering for those of you looking for a bouquet for a special someone. The business is hosting a Valentine’s Day workshop where you’ll get to paint a ceramic cowboy boot and make a flower arrangement inside. You can register for the event, set to run from 1 through 3 pm, online. A limited number of tickets are  available for $60.  

Further east, Self-Help Graphics (SHG) is hosting a family workshop for folks to learn the basics of screen printing and create a customized Valentine’s card. Set to take place at the East Los Angeles County Library (4837 E. 3rd Street), the free event will start right at 1 pm. Online registration beforehand is encouraged but not required. If you want to learn more about SHG’s newest Executive Director, check out this recent article by yours truly. 

It wouldn’t be a real weekend without a show at The Paramount (2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue). The iconic venue is hosting a disco goth night featuring Glüme with Twin Ritual.  This all-ages show is set to start at 8 pm.  You can buy tickets on sale online before the show for $17.  A list of more upcoming shows can be found here on the spot’s website.

Sunday, February 11th

Tattoo artist Maru is hosting a unique art class set to take place at Cafe Girasol (2630 E. Cesar E. Chávez Avenue). For $33 you’ll not only get to learn from the Colibri Tattoo Studio artist, but you’ll also get to taste test a unique limited edition latte from the coffee shop. If you’re interested, you can register for the event by messaging Maru on Instagram. 

In the Northeast, East Los Musubi (3428 Stockbridge Avenue) is hosting a Valentine’s mini market from noon through 5 pm. Featuring various sweets, pastries, and gifts of all sorts for those in your life that you love (including yourself!). It’s something you’ll want to check out if you’re in the area this Sunday.

As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events so we can include them in future editions.