Uninsured and in pain: A street vendor’s story
Yeskya Mondejar, Community News Reporter
June 4, 2019
In the early 1990s, Oralia Figueroa Castaneda and Ignacio Torres moved to the United States with their two children. He was thrilled to eventually land a job as a restaurant manager and settle with his family in Huntington Park, a small city near Los Angeles. The restaurant was among businesses...
Mariachis find jobs and a community in Boyle Heights plaza
Anibal Duarte, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
The Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights isn’t just a place for performers to find work: It’s a place where they find comradery. Several mariachis interviewed at the plaza said they emigrated from Mexico in order to provide a better life for themselves and their families – and are doing that, in...
From ‘corn man’ to caterer: My father’s journey
Fernanda Hernandez, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
Oscar Hernandez, my dad, was a “corn man.” Street vending was his only job since he immigrated to the United States in February 2004. Every day, he’d wake up at 5 a.m. to get the best corn at the central market in Downtown L.A. I don’t recall a single weekend he stayed home with us. I knew...
Lost in translation: Misinterpreting ‘notario’ can lead to deportation
Marlene Cordova, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
Notary public and notario publico. They seem like the same occupation in two different languages, right? That false assumption has led to some immigrants being deported, according to local lawyers and the American Bar Association. Latino immigrants who want to apply for a green card must be very...
From “cash only” to “card only”
Amanda Lanza, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
Cashless restaurants are increasingly popular in the Los Angeles dining scene and the decision to go cash-free by some restaurants in L.A. and other cities has been criticized and explored by journalists at Eater, Los Angeles Magazine, and the New York Times. The emerging trend of card-only payment streamlines operations for owners but can exclud...
Neighborhood council plans better outreach to youth
Fernanda Hernandez, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
After a nearly one-hour discussion, Boyle Heights neighborhood council members approved an overhaul of their social media plan in order to better engage community residents and raise awareness about issues that affect them. The plan is to give council members more access to the council’s four social...
Dine in the cafeteria, and shine in the classroom?
Denae Ayala, Community News Reporter
May 28, 2019
Carrots and broccoli may never be a kid’s favorite food to eat during lunch. Although a review of local school district menus shows healthier food options in recent years, some administrators note students don’t always choose to consume them. Meanwhile, interviews with some students indicate that...
A glimpse into the life of a child actor from Alhambra
Daniel Lindley, Community News Reporter
May 6, 2019
Like many 5-year-olds, Marcello Reyes of Alhambra enjoys playing with friends in kindergarten and playing T-ball after school. Unlike most, he also likes going to the set of the hit TV sitcom, “Modern Family,” to play Calhoun Johnson, a guest star in Season 10. This child actor’s life provides...
Community clashes over cannabis companies
Matthew Salcido, Community News Reporter
April 24, 2019
The city of El Monte drew fire – and nearly 100 people to a council meeting – this month over proposals to bring two marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and distribution facilities to town. The council approved the developments in a 4-1 council vote, with Council Member Jessica Ancona dissenting. Members...
Public library offers 3D printer, virtual reality headsets
Daniel Lindley, Community News Reporter
April 24, 2019
Those interested in exploring some of the newest technology of our generation can now get firsthand experience at the Alhambra library’s new Discovery Center. The center features a 3D printer, Oculus Rift and Oculus Go virtual reality machines, sewing machines complimented by a new machine th...
A struggle to build trust between community and police
Joshua Letona, Community News Reporter
April 24, 2019
Many Americans report not trusting law enforcement in recent years because of media reports of police brutality, racial profiling and deportations of undocumented immigrants. So police in some cities near South L.A. hold monthly gatherings to gain trust and build bridges with the community. ...
Highland Park’s farmers market reflects a changing neighborhood
Martha Nerio, Community News Reporter
April 24, 2019
Years ago, Highland Park’s farmers market offered multiple taco vendors, a churro stand and other delicious fried treats. Now, it offers produce from eight farmers, a sushi vendor and just one stall with tacos. Vendors at the market, which is across the street from the Gold Line’s Highland...
Miles Gaius, Contributing Artist
April 26, 2019
Miles Gaius, Contributing Artist
April 8, 2019
Miles Gaius, Contributing Artist
April 8, 2019