Boyle Heights

my family move in East LA in 1914, since then three generations were born and grew up here including me. I love East La with a passion, its were I call home and always will. I went Mariana Elementry, then Belevedear JH and now Garfied Hs. I am very proud of were i grew up and proud to be Chicana. East LA has changed very much in the last five years and its not as bad as it used to be. And i hope everyone else loves it as much as i do

Boyle Heights is key to my identity as a strong Chicana whose parents have had a small business on Brooklyn Ave for 34 years, I went to San Antonio De Pauda Catholic Elementry School and then my parents made a decision to move us out because they wanted more
"opportunities" for their children. I appreciate their love but now that I am older I am seeing the beauty of all the lessons I learned growing up in BH. The beauty of having a sense of community that I wish I could have now living in the San Gabriel Valley. I remember going to the El Pollo Loco on the corner of Cummings and Brooklyn or Shakeey's across the street or walking the streets taking in the sights smells and the excitment of going to Payles shoe store to get my new shiny shoes!!!! Boyle Heights is Changing, is that a good thing? I will leave that for each of you to think about!!

Thank you BH for the passion, love and justice you allowed me to learn.

Boyle heights, that is the place to be. i moved here wen i was about 5 and i loved it since the first day i got here. I lived on the corner Evergreen and Ceasar Chavez ave at Evergreen Village aka "the village". I attended Malabar Elementary. me and a couple of friends made this group up called The Malaballers because we played basketball. then we all moved on to Belvedere Middle School. The best 3 years of my life. had my first kiss there n first girlfriend and first well u know were in going. then i went to Roosevelt High School. The best high school ever!!!!! Boyle heights is the best place in the world. everyone knows who your are and you know who everyone is. It's like we are this big family were we take care of each other. Started playing basketball at the YMCA on Whittier and Euclid were coach Andre gave me a chance and since then i have not stopped playing. Me and the homies always went to Wabash Park were we played basketball all day until it wasnt safe to be there no more. Even though we had a lot of gangs in our neighborhood we still have fun. We grew up in that environment and we are used to it. Jack in the Box on Evergreen and Mott, thats were everyone went to eat n talk. Well all the youngsters. Boyle Heights is always gonna be in my heart. It made me who i am today. A strong person who loves life and appreciates it. I love this place and i hope all the people living there appreciate it and love it too. My childhood is in Boyle Heights.

Waz up Aliso Village! I see you Pico Aliso! Pico Gardens I hear you! RIP! ALISO VILLAGE! Roosevelt! We made it to state playoffs! Wilson, you took care of me like I was one of yours. Ramona Gardens, Big Hazard, Estrada Courts and Dogg Town Rock La Famila! Project Unity.Hollenbeck gym, everygreen park, Pecan park, Pico Gym, Lincoln wolverines, Everygreen wolfpack. Utah baskeball courts, 2nd street, I see you Praised! My Alley boys, peace to all seven gangs that roamed the projects. Thanks for letting me dribble my ball through those dangerous streets without any harm. Peace to Paul Gonzales, first Mexican gold medalist who was my neighbor in AlisoVillage who placed his gold medal around my neck at 13 years old and told me the sky's the limit! Thanks Boyle Heights! Will not trade you in for nada!

Born and raised in East Los Angeles which is not Boyle Heights,but close to it. I proudly graduated from James A. Garfield High School in the year 007. At my "block" my friends and myself used to play in the middle of the streets to soccer,football, baseball. Good memories. Now that i left the hood, i am here at Humboldt County trying to attain a better education at Humboldt State University.

To me Boyle Heights brings back many childhood memories. My four brothers, sister, I each attended Soto St. Elementary, Hollenbeck JH, and each graduated from Roosevelt High. As kids growing up in Boyle Heights we most enjoyed playing baseball at Evergreen Rec. Center for Mr. Paz, Mr. Corona, and Jesse Estrada. As kids we loved visiting landmarks such as: The White Spot to enjoy a pastrami sandwich, Frosties Frezze, and La Mascota Bakery. Later in life as young adults we played
Sunday baseball in the Mike Brito League and after each game our friends would unite at my moms house near the corner of Whittier and Soto to enjoy food and beer. My memories of our house in Boyle Heights will never be forgotten especially due to the crazy Disco parties we threw in the back yard. After marraige my wife and I briefly settled in to my parents home where both of my boys (now 21 & 18) were able to enjoy life with their grandparents. We eventually purchased a home in the city of La Habra where they both graduated, however, we have never lost that speacial bond with Boyle Heights and visit my mom and dad every week to enjoy grandma's great home-made food, including menudo on Sunday's and Tamales for Christmas.

My family moved to Boyle Heights in 1970. We lived near the corner of Marengo and Evergreen. I attended Evergreen Elementary (remember Mr. Johnson and Mrs.Van Dyke?). Went to Belvedere JH (remember Salas' ice cream parlor?). Then went to Wilson HS in El Sereno. Shortcut to Wilson: over the bridge, overpass of 10 fwy, into Ramona Gardens and through the factories. Spent most of my childhood playing sports at the Wabash Rec. Center (remember old man Leo?). Used to love playing tackle football in the mud after the rain! Then pitching in to put together enough money for a Manuel's Special Burrito or a Hollenbeck from El Tepeyac. Also used to spend time at Salesian Boys Club and Varietys Club. Used to walk over the City Terrace hills (Mustard Hill?) to go visit my girlfriend. My kids love to take tours through those hills and be amazed by the house on the stilts hanging over the edge of the hill. Best views of LA from those hills. My parents still live in the area so I still frequent ELA. My kids always ask "why are there so many loose dogs?" Funny how I never noticed the loose dogs before! It's true that you still feel at home when you come back to the old neighborhood, even though most of the o.g. people are gone. I ride my motorcycle to work everyday to downtown LA, so every now and then I'll detour through Boyle Heights just to get a wiff of all that good Mexican cooking going on! Best times gowing up in Boyle Heights.

It's great to hear from current and past BH residents. There are a lot of stories and histories that need to be preserved. I am working on an oral history project and want to interview people who live/lived in BH and worked in the various industries throughout LA. For example, someone mentioned that their parents worked at Angelus Furniture. If interested, please contact me at bluedemonio@yahoo.com

I was born and raised in Boyle Heights back in 1973, and although I've moved on, those memories live with me where ever I go. I no longer live in the L.A. area but reading all these comments makes me feel good to see that so many people share the same good old memories not just the bad publicity that we always get. I say "we" because I still consider myself part of the community. I attended Dacotah St. school. Mom always took me to mass at Resurection church. We shopped at Sears on Olympic and Soto. Frequent visitor at Mcdonald's on Soto and 8th. I spend many quarters playing video games at Fine's Foods. Little League at Costello park. Darn my parents even met at Angelus furniture when they worked there back in the late 60s. How can I not be proud of my community and "peeps". And every once in a while when people refer to it as East L.A. I make sure to correct them "No, that's Boyle Heights!"
These days I live in the S.D. area. Life has been good work is great. And although I can provide more for my kids than my parents could at the time, I still share my memories,thoughts and make it a point to visit even if it's just to have a great meal.

I was born, in ’22, and raised in Boyle Heights near Marengo and Evergreen, went to Harrison St. School, then Belvedere Jr. High, where with others in Mr. Sours Drafting Class chose JHF Polytechnic High to study Architecture. I rode several street cars going and coming from Poly Hi, then in ’39 worked for US Army Engineers on LA Flood Control, then on the Pan American Highway in Central America, then 3 years with Patton’s 3rd Army in ETO, and the Pacific. After VJ Day, I returned to Boyle Heights and went to USC on the GI Bill, again using the same trolley cars. After marriage, we moved to the West Side and Valley, but nothing really replaced Boyle Heights as the home of my youth and friends, theaters, playgrounds, temples, Downtown LA, and the beachs, by streetcar.
With Fond Memories, Max Schwartz

Anyone have a photo of the White Spot burger stand that was located on the north east corner of Whittier and Soto ?

I was born in White Memorial on Cesar Chavez (will always be Brooklyn Ave to me) and raised in Ramona Gardens Housing Projects...My Sister who was alos born in White Memorial, 30 yrs later became a doctor and worked in White Memorial delivering babies!...My family has since moved towards the San Gabriel Valley but we still find any excuse to go and eat in Boyle Heights which i believe has the best foods BY FAR!

Being born and raised in Boyle Heights was a blessing. Playing at Fresno Park on summer days, or fishing at Hollenbeck Park was a blast. Attending Lorena Street School, Resurrection then Roosevelt HS(1988) brought the greatest memories. The East LA Classic and house parties after always were great. The Hole, Fresno Park, the Factories,and Sports Night at RHS always were fun. As for places to eat, Ciros, Tepeyac, El Mercado, 24 Hours Tacos, or Jims Burgers across the street from Costello Park. As for the downsides of growing up in Boyle Heights in the 70's and 80's, I can't think of any. I thank my mother for raising me in Boyle Heights, and GOOOOOO DODGERS!!!!!!

I was born in 1973 at White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights and lived in Aliso Village till they were demolished in 1998. It was sad to see that all those memories were gone. I still live in the area near 1st and state streets. Although it is not the same, but I am glad now that the city is building the light rail wish we had it years ago. I love riding the trains. I attended Utah st.School, Hollenbeck and RHS. Happy memories there. My idea of a nice home would be something like back east, especially Boston. Homes there are beautiful and very old, and less expensive than here in LA. No matter what, I still love my city. Still ups and downs with a few nuckleheads, but so far, its been quite. Beautiful sunsets and sunrise can be seen from atop and see the Downtown LA skyline and it shines beautiful. I will always remember my memories.

I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and I am very proud of the community. I was born in 1979 at General Hospital. I attended Sheridan Street Elementary, then Hollenbeck Jr. High and graduated Roosevelt High School in 1998. I then attended Cal State LA and graduated with BS in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I then attended UCLA and got my Masters and 2 years of Law School.
After high school i went back to work for Sheridan snd enjoyed it highly. I love that Boyle heights is a friendly community with so many undiscoverable riches. It has sooooooo much history.

lived in boyle heights short time after movong from new york. 1950, 1953. went to hollenbeck jh. sold news papers on brooklyn&soto. played basketball in the center on brooklyn &soto. also played basketball there. nice memory.

I grew up in the Estrada Courts Projects, or as my frineds would say Estrada Hills! My first summer job was repainting the murals that were originally put up in the 70's. We are not a minority!!! I went to Dacotah St Elementary, Stevenson Jr High and RHS. Costello Park was my second home as was the pool, especially after hours when everyone climbed the fence to continue swimming and LAPD would kick us out! Don Quixote was the "club" to be at, Sports Night were great at RHS, The ELA classic was always something to look forward to. The annual Resurrection Church carnival was great fun! There were always kids outside playing, your neighbors were your friends during christmas everyone exchanges tamales! There were gangs but as long as you did not mess with them you were ok. Great memories.

I attended Euclid Ave School, Hollenbeck Jr High and Roosevelt. Every party on 8th and Lorena, Wednesday night sock hops at Laguana Park, dances, football games, GAA at Roosevelt. I still live in Boyle Heights and enjoy the city view.

Wow, As I sat here and read the folks articles over the long and great years spent in Boyle H, makes it all worth while, that I am still there and continuing to try and make a change. I grew up way on the other end by Estrada Courts 8th and Lorena as many others my family came from Sonora Mx, and stopped in boyle H, we first rented a home a few blocks from Roosevelt on Suvanna St, and stayed there a few years, I only remember the place by pics, I was born a few later. When they went and bought a home near Resurrection Church on Estrada st. Both of my neighbors where immigrants as well one German and the other was Asian. I have fond memories of my up bring n Estrada Courts. I began my playing sports there at Costello Park with a great Park Director Jeff, he really cared for the kids, we would have a huge Halloween event every year and just like RHS, we where in the barrio with our own swimming pool, that was the greatest thing, especially night swimming with the girls was great!! and then there was the venture of being chased by the security at Wyvnnewood apartments trying to go to the Famous Land Mark of Boyle H"SEARS", back in the 70's Wyvnnwood apts was very well taken care of and did not like outsiders coming in so the security would not allow us to cut through to go to Sears. So funny as I think about it it was fun, I went to Stevenson JR and then to RHS Rough Riders!!!, an off to the Military. As I remember the Gang problem was there when we lived there, but it wasn't an issue they never bother any of the kids, but back then there where only few Major gangs and they weren't as violent as they are now. We would walk to the Johnsons Mkt on whitter and Lorena or the little Movie theater to see a spanish movie on whitter and soto or the best was gong to down town that was a treat. Now there is nothing in terms of doing anything, no movies, no bowling alley's, No major shopping areas, other then Sears Thank god for that. But you have plenty kids don't have nothing to do but joining a bunch of little gangs & crews & running around with very little parent involvement. But over the last ten years Boyle H has been doing a huge turn around and making the place beautiful and save, and I am happy to be apart of it, I open the doors to the Boyle H Tech youth Center 2006 for the City of LA right in front of Pico Gardens, I left a year ago, but now over see a city wide youth program and very much involved still of Boyle H, in fact just went back to Costello Park to my old playing field and met with the Park Director which in fact grew up in Estrada Cts as well and we held a meeting with about 25 friends we played sports with back then. In fact I got a hold of Will I.am, which also grew up in Estrada courts to try to get more youth to play sports!!! Great memories will continue as long as we keep them alive for others!!! "Help create change, by getting involved"

I was born and raised in Boyle Heights never ashamed to say were I came from I say it with pride. I went to Malabar
Elem. Belvedere Hollenback and every High School you can think of in Boyle Heights back then Boyle Heights was very beautiful when I go visit old friends and my grandma it feels like little mexico no joke I still love al and beas and El Tepeyac I miss the good ol days we use to have at EVERGREEN Park playing baseball basketball

Boyle Heights lives in my heart. Catching the amazing sunsets over downtown LA from Boyle & 7th Street. What a view! To the West the beautiful San Gabriel mountains. I remember seeing them get dusted in snow on chilly (albeit rare) winter mornings. Las Posadas at Saint Isabel or the 'carnival' that was hosted by Salesian High School back in the late 70s and early 80s. The summers spent out at the pool at Roosevelt High School. Heck, we even went in the winter...ahhh the joys of having an heated olympic size pool in el barrio all to ourselves. Studying long hours at Benjamin Franklin Library on 1st Street. Then off to 'El Oyo' (the hole) park off of Whittier to swing at the playground. Having dinner at '24-Hour' where one could get a big ol' heaping helping of super nachos. Lots of fond memories. I still go back and visit family and friends. Time just stops when I visit.

WHEN MY FAMILY CAME FROM MEXICO AND FROM EL PASO, TEXAS ON MY FATHERS SIDE, THEY LANDED IN BOYLE HEIGHTS, MOM LIVED ON SOTO ST AND MY DAD GREW UP ON BERNAL AND SIXTH ST. MY PARENTS MET AT WHITTIER AND LORENA WHILE MY MOTHER WAITED FOR THE BUS. WE HAD A HOUSE ON BLANCHARD ST AND MY BROTHER AND I WENT TO ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL, I PLAYED BASEBALL AT EVERGREEN PARK, BUT TIMES WERE BAD THEN SO WE MOVED OUT IN 1989, BUT WE ALWAYS WENT BACK EVERY WEEKEND TO STAY AT GRANDMAS. BOYLE HEIGHTS IS TO MANY ANGELENOS WHAT THE BRONX IS TO NEW YORKERS

BOYLE HEIGHTS''''GOSH THE GREATEST TIME OF MY LIFE WAS THERE.AS A YOUNG MARINE IN 1942 I MET A FAMILY FROM EAST LA,BOYLE HEIGHTS,YES---THEY HAD A DAUGHTER,LOL.AND I WISH I HAD A QUARTER FOR EVERY TIME I ROAD THE B TROLEY OUT THERE,BROOKLYN AVE.AND SOTA,HAD THE BEST FRENCH DIP STAND IN THE WORLD.I MET AND LOVED SO MANY FOLKS THERE,ILL NEVER FORGET,AND THE PACHUCOS,NEVER BOTHERD ME ONCE,I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED SO NICE IN MY LIFE,AS I HAVE BEEN IN BOYLE,THANKS,FRIENDS WHO REMEMBER ME,ILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,YES I STAYED IN CALIF FOR 50 YEARS,RAN A TIRE STORE FOR MARK C.BLOOME.NOW BACK IN THE MIDWEST LIVING OUT MY FOND MEMORIES OF ,EAST LA.GOD BLESS VERA,AND HER FAMILY.AND MY MANY FRIENDS.MUCHO GRACIAS ,AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.CHUCK -CHARLES LaMASTRES,CAMERON MO.64429

My Grandparents first moved to Boyle Heights upon their immigration from Mexico to the United States in the early 30's. My Mother And Father still live on the same property that they purchased on Gleason Street next to the Water and Power station. I went to Belvedere Elementary, went out of the area for Jr High, and ended up at Cathedral High School. My fondest memories are playing at Evergreen Rec Center, playing Baseball, Basketball for Mr Corona, Mike Rios, and Benny Rios. Also playing in the street with Michael, Alfred, John, Raul, and anyone else that wanted to challenge us to a baseball or football game. So many people think negative when you say you grew up in ELA, but I always go back, not only to visit my parents but to show my kids where we are from, where I played and how much pride I have in my neighborhood.

Born (1970) and raised in Boyle Heights went to Evergreen Elementary, Belvedere Jr High and Roosevelt High. Growing up was great. being able to be a kid, playing Hide & Seek behind cars and houses, playing Tag, Street Football (Jr Hicks & Hicks Boys, before it became a gang), Baseball, riding Bikes & Skateboards. Walking everywhere, going up to the "Haunted House" in City Terrace, My mom sending me to Robles Mkt on Wabash. I thank Salesian Boys & Girls Club for keeping me on the right path. El Tepeyac Cooks getting mad at me for ordering burgers, but they were so good. I drive through sometimes but its not the same. Those were Great Times.

I was born in 1955 in the Japanese hospital of Los Angeles [I'm mexican-american] it was on Fickett &1st,the building is still there. It's now a convalescent home,I lived on 2nd st & Lorena ave. for 15 years ,moved out in 1970. I remember when the the Milkman made deliveries to our doorstep,and cant forget those doughnut's from the Helms Bakery Trucks, Anybody remember 'Segovias 'Grocery Store?on 4th & Velasco st .And there was' EL Centavito' store across from El Mercado. I have a lot of memories of Boyle Heights ,one was Pulling the Emergency levers[before 9-1-1 system] on the Telephone pole's ,and running very fast to hide behind the bush's ,waiting for the Fire Truck's to show up ,it was wrong but I was only 10 yrs old.

Born in 1983 what was once known Lincoln hospital and lived in some apartments that are still there 2524 gleason ave... There till I was 6 going to plaza del sol the friendly people to assist u... Going through the 1987 quake coming down those long stairs and sticking together within are communities if anyone needed anything. Boyle Heights is the heart of what are culture represents a culture being taken away everyday...

I was born in Doctor's Hospital on Olympic, and grew up on Ditman over the hill on Brooklyn, now Cesar E. Chavez. As a child, I remember walking down the hill with my grandma to catch the bus. Of going to the First Street Store, where she paid her bills and I got an ice cream cone. I remember eating burgers at Tommy's, as well as Okies at Manuel's (El Tepayac Cafe). I remember playing at Evergreen Park, and going to First Street School. My memories are like a rich, vibrate tapestry.

I now live by the Roybal Clinic, and have lived here my entire life. I've always told people that I plan on growing old and dying here. I have been to various parts of LA, but East Los has always been my heart. I love the rhythm and spice that make us who we are, and the ability we have of accepting other cultures and beliefs and making them our own. We are diverse, we are family, and sometimes our worst enemies. An example is there are people trying to make it into a city (The East Los Angeles Cityhood) because sadly if it isn't done soon, one day it may be gone. All that we will have left are the memories, and frankly East LA is too special and iconic for that to happen. I just wish more people would take more of an interest in our future.

I have been in Boyle Heights for 15 years and it is a place I never want to leave. People build networks and support each other. The saddest thing to see in my community was the demolition of the Pico Aliso and Aliso Village housing projects. Out community lost 900 units of affordable housing just in that project alone and hundreds of families who lived in the community for 15 years or more were displaced. I see the continual and slow gentrification that continues to spread through my community using public funds but I also see people working together to preserve the cultural identity of this rich community.

I was born and raised in what might be considered the modern Boyle Heights. I was born in 1979 and grew up in the Pico Gardens Housing Projects. We didn't move out until around 1997, and my family was there for a total of about 22 years, since 1975.

I went off to college, graduated and lived in Korea Town for a while, but now I'm back in Boyle Heights across the street from Bridge Elementary School. LIving the area does have its ups and downs, the few knuckle heads still around do at times make it a bit dangerous, but since the early 1990s the gang activity has visibly declined and of course the mexican food choices are never ending. I love living in this centrally located area just minutes from downtown...Boyle Heights... a small treasure just east of the river

reading Allan Abrams account of Boyle Heights closely parallels my own boyhood memories. I lived on Sheridan St. and attended Sheridan St. School from 1944-1947. We used to jump on the freight trains and ride them for a few blocks; also, our neighbor was interning at General hospital and I used to jump on his motorcycle and ride over to the hospital, then walk back home.

Of course Currie's ice cream on Brooklyn and Soto was THE place to be.

Most of my family lived in Boyle Heights when I was born in 1937. My grandparents on both sides immigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine, Germany and Roumania, fleeing widespread pogroms against Jews between 1890-1910. Settling briefly in New York, Chicago and St. Louis, they came to Los Angeles and the growing Jewish community in Bpyle Heights during the years around World War I. Until World War II, Boyle Heights was LA's largest Jewish community. My parents' families knew eachother and both attended Roosevelt High. Mom graduated 2 years after Dad, and through the charity of a successful cousin, became the first in my close extended family to graduate college (UCLA in 1932, and worked as a teacher at Roosevelt High until after the War.)

E. Cesar E Chavez Avenue was then known as Brooklyn Avenue, a main street of many Jewish businesses: Canter's Deli, kosher butcher shops, groceries, hardware, plumbers, tailors,etc. A great dime store on Wabash was a favorite source of toys and the Wabash theater introduced me to my youthful interest in war movies. A Bank of America (not Jewish owned) anchored the corner of Soto and Brooklyn. which was a main intersection of activity.

During my childhood in the late 30s and early 40s, I lived on Fickett St. behind a long lived hardware store on Booklyn, in my grandparent's house, where neighbors raised goats, rabbits, ducks and chickens. In 1940 we moved to Ganahl St. where I went to Evergreen St. School when it only covered a third of the block and we lived on the same large block with some great vacant lots to play soldiers with my friends. I remember the outbreak of WWII, when, being in the kindergarten, we were all equipped with homemade little sleeping bags fully stocked with crayons, coloring books and candy bars to get us through the expected air-raids. They got us through some weird exciting air-raid drills in school, lying in darkened hallways and hearing stories (probably from the then raging Battle of Britain) of a classroom of children being evacuated seconds before the bldg collapsed. We depleted our sleeping bag supplies soon after the end of the first drill!

Back then Ramona Blvd, just a few blocks downhill from Ganahl, where the San Bernardino Fwy now passes. was a main 4 lane thoroughfare leading to the San Gabriel Valley. A small grassy creek, the scene of my happily splashing barefooted on a day of playing hookey from 1st grade, was just down hill from Ramona Blvd and led to the LA River miles to the west. On the vacant hills leading up to the white shiney monument of County Hospital, a herd of goats grazed. Most exciting was the railroad yard with it's frequent irresistible steam engines and dynamic activity of railroading. The hill north and east of Boyle Heights toward City Terrace and south of Ramona, had a few homes and someones flock of (trained?) white pigeons, frequently swooping and circling over the hill.

One man's memories of boyhood in Boyle Heights.

In 1969 I came to Los Angles to join a firm located on 15th street & Esperanza. Our entire workforce were residents of Boyle Heights. The area has since seen a renaissance, as it was rather dismal in the area of small plants and warehouses. A fgew old, wooden residences remained in 1969. Working their was my introduction to the Latino world, as we attended weddings, christenings and funerals of our employees. Some of the very best Latin food is found in the smaller restaurants in that area. Retired now, don't drive so haven't been back for a few years. Also found the area to important historically to LA.