Boyle Heights library unveils $140K renovation | 89.3 KPCC

Boyle Heights library unveils $140K renovation | 89.3 KPCC

El Pueblo Sign Points to Rich, But Little Known Past : Eastern Group Publications

El Pueblo Sign Points to Rich, But Little Known Past : Eastern Group Publications

Plan de Barrio

The East Los Angeles Community Corporation (ELACC). does a lot of good work trying to provide affordable housing for low income folk. And in Boyle Heights that a big group of people. Unfortunately, I wonder if this is a fruitful struggle. Like it or not Boyle Heights is part of the city of Los Angeles and adjacent to the downtown area, which means it is subject to some of the boom, bust, and speculation that the area presents. Historically the community was established to serve as a refuge for well to do folk from the downtown L.A. grit for the late 1800s. But it would soon outgrow it is that role. Eventually becoming home to a large multiethnic community and now a majority singular ethnic community

But enough with the history lesson, back to the ELACC and its work. Recently the released a community plan that was suppose to provide direction to the city’s community plan for the area. The plan by ELACC contains most the notable goals of the organization. Low-income housing, beautification, preserving local culture, designating areas for neighbor friendly businesses and community centers were among the items on the list of the area. And this is the time the scholar in me tries to reconcile with the street kid in me. Is it possible for a low-income area to have abundant resources, not only have them but also be able to sustain them? Community centers are great, but even community centers have bills to pay. Designating an area for a possible location for a “green businesses” sounds great. However, is there a current business there, are they looking to move out. What incentives does a business like that have to come into the area?

The debates for these issues are continuous. And that is when some of these proposals fall short, they depend heavy on a public private cooperation. In an economic recession and even during good times, finding corporations and business that are willing to bend to the demands of the local populist is difficult.  So for a community to get businesses to cooperate with it, they need to provide some form of leverage. And I wonder how much leverage/ enticement the community can provide to have a developer building affordable housing vs. market rate housing. Or entice an environmental friendly industry to operate in Boyle Heights versus any other community in Los Angeles, California, country or world. Also consider the debate of street vending versus brick and mortar businesses. How does one maintain the street vending that is a staple of the local area, while encouraging local businesses to open and continue to operate. You could get out every day of the week, but lets face it that’s just too expensive.

There is very much a different opinions in the neighborhood. No cohesive opinion on the subject of low-income housing, supporting local businesses, and what type of industry and growth is best suited for the area. That when the importance for the need for everyone to speak up on local issues is felt. ELACC has its mission that its works for. Put there are still other voices that need to be heard.

What better time to start something than after the celebration of the founding of the United States.

Boyle Heights had its only little 4th of July on the 2nd of July at Hollenbeck park. It was nice event which brings out community spirit. As the evening got into the later hours the event drew more people. If the event was actually scheduled on the fourth i image the draw for the event would have been overwhelming.  The handful of booth there were doing brisk business selling food. Other booths for neighborhood organizations drew some interest.   I would have liked to spend more time with wondering the booths, but i was hungry and i wanted to get a comfortable spot to watch the fireworks from.  Got a nice spot on the slope which was clear from trees to watch the fireworks. I am not big an taking pictures. I know, i know, pictures a big part of blogging,  but i just don't want to feel like i have to capture the moment. I would rather live the moment and enjoy it, instead of having to reach for a camera to capture it. Overall a good event with plenty of room for growth.

After long thought, i have decided to start writing a blog. Its in fashion right now, in the age of twitter, facebook and social media blogs have become a way to express oneself and have conversations without actually having to physically interact with anyone. Anyone else see a problem with that? But i have a lot of free time which i spend reading and commenting on other blogs.  Further more, i think of myself as a historian. There is a fine line between journalist and historians. So i guess i best put my writing skills to practice, even if i am not writing about the past.

I have also come to note that many blogs are very cynical, or maybe its just the commenters on those blogs. Either way, it would be refreshing to have a break from all the negative writers and commenters. Is that to saw i will always be a happy chipper writer? No.   i will write about how things are, bad or good, but at least i will try to add a positive outlook.