The Boyle Heights neighborhood (see map) is one of the oldest and historically significant
areas in the Los Angeles Basin. For the past 40 years, it has been home to one
of the largest Chicano/Mexican populations in the United States. A small densely
populated urban neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights has
been significantly impacted by the challenges everywhere to public education
which has resulted in a high number of high school dropouts.
Though the
community has many challenges - an embedded gang presence being one of the most
significant - it is also possesses many assets. To address the community's
social problems such as gang violence, domestic violence and teen pregnancy,
community-based organizations have taken a progressive approach and are
emphasizing prevention, comprehensive services and coordinated strategies.
Education and youth development services are moving beyond academic content to
include new forms of social behavior, labor skills, mental and emotional health,
physical health and psycho-social counseling.
In addition, there are
several planning, design and infrastructure improvement projects that are
anticipated to help address the affordable housing shortage in the community.
These projects will also help increase opportunities for residents to engage in
physical activity, and preserve green and open spaces. Furthermore, elected
officials representing Boyle Heights have been very active within the community
and have engaged residents on a number of issues, and new leadership is emerging
from the community-based organizations serving the area.
With all of
these assets, Boyle Heights is ripe for positive change; the kind of change that
will ultimately result in improved community health where children are healthy,
safe and ready to learn.
Leadership
Boyle Heights is home to roughly 90,000 residents, spread across this historic region.
Mayor: Eric Garcetti
City Council:
Jose Huizar, 14th District
County Supervisors:
Hilda Solis, 1st District
Governor: Jerry Brown (D)
State Senate: Kevin de Leon
State Assembly:
Miguel Santiago (D)
U.S. Senators:
Dianne Feinstein (D)
Barbara Boxer (D)
U.S. Representatives: Xavier Becerra
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