Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is here to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood to get you out and about!
Check out the latest from the Beat
As I’m sure you may already know, beginning in April more than 400,000 fast food workers throughout California have been granted a minimum wage of $20. What does this mean for McDonald’s aficionados? Read more about the current state of fast food in Boyle Heights here.
The city’s free 311 system fielded more service requests from Boyle Heights than any other neighborhood during the first quarter of 2024. Requests ranged from graffiti removal and bulky item pick-ups to reports of illegal dumping and homeless encampments. You can read more here.
The California State Assembly voted to advance AB 2986, sponsored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo. The bill would set up a task force to explore the feasibility of East LA becoming a city or special district, an endeavor that has failed in the past. Want to know more? You can read about it here.
As always, visit our website for the latest from your local news source.
Happenings in the Heights
Friday, May 24th
On Friday nights, you know The Paramount (2708 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) has you covered. For $30, you’ll get to hear sounds from Sonido Calle Negro, a Mexico City band with beats rooted in psychedelic tropical music mixed with a visual performance that’s sure to get you dancing. You can grab a ticket online here. Doors are set to open at 8 p.m. There’s more events going down at this iconic venue this weekend, and you can check them out on its website.
Saturday, May 25th
Mindful Gardners, a mental health awareness group based out of Griffith Middle School, will be tabling outside of the Beat’s offices (2026 E. 1st Street), from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Students will be sharing information about the program and resources on how to care for your community and personal well-being. You’re welcome to chat with our team inside as well!
Bienesta LA is hosting a Trans Woman Conference at the East Los Angeles Library (4837 E. 3rd Street) from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. There will be opportunities to network, meet new people, learn about social justice and connect to valuable resources in the local community. You can register by calling (886) 590-6411 and choosing the extension 502.
It’s time for Las Fotos Project’s summer exhibition Fotos y Recuerdos: Guatemala in Los Ángeles. Available for viewing at OXY ARTS (4757 York Boulevard), the project exploring the Guatemalan diaspora through community images will have an opening reception from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday. The exhibition will be on display at Occidental College’s art hub through July 20th.
Re/Arte (2123 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting its latest teach-in event on the history of La Raza Unida Party. Led by Ernesto Ayala, LRU Vice Chair, you’ll get to learn everything from the history of the group dedicated to Chicano nationalism and its most iconic leaders over the years to the political party’s current status. The event runs from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 26th
Don Quixote (2811 E. Olympic Boulevard) is hosting Jambao, a band from Argentina specializing in cumbia beats. Tickets for this 18+ show are available online starting at $45. Doors for the event open at 7 p.m. with the show scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.
Monday, May 27th
One of the many celebrations going on throughout the city for Memorial Day, is the annual ceremony at Cinco Puntos (3300 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1013 always stands out. With a helicopter fly over, community hero spotlights, awards, live music and a local resource booth for veterans, it’s a truly special event. Speakers set to take the stage include Johnny Altamirano, a First Sergeant with the Marines, and Vera Jimenez, a KTLA meteorologist. The event runs from 10 – 11 a.m.
As always, let us know what you think of the newsletter and send us events to include in future editions. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
