Single young latina needing advice regarding moving to Boyle Heights? (Los Angeles: crime, how much)

[Lira]

I just moved out here recently from the Bay. I been comin out to L.A. for a year and a half and moved out here 5 months ago. I lived in Glendale and now found a place in Boyle Heights. Everytime i mention I'm movin there people look at me like "DANG! BE CAREFUL" cuz its gang infested. I'm used to the gang environment cuz I been around it my whole life. But the gangs up North aren't as ruthless as down here. Knowing my background if any of these guys come up to me and ask me where I'm from, I would probably give them a smartass response, but i know that wouldn't be smart. I was raised rugged and sometimes feel invincible but thats probably not the reality.

I been reading on the history of gangs in L.A. and my mission in life is to work with at risk youth and single parents who's lives have been revolved in this lifestyle. I want to help them. So basically, I want to know what type of insight anyone can provide me about Boyle Heights and its history or personal experiences here. Thank you for your feedback.

[Los Angel]

Originally Posted by Lira

I just moved out here recently from the Bay. I been comin out to L.A. for a year and a half and moved out here 5 months ago.

Cool, so you know what time it is down here.

Originally Posted by Lira

I lived in Glendale and now found a place in Boyle Heights. Everytime i mention I'm movin there people look at me like "DANG! BE CAREFUL" cuz its gang infested.

Boyle Heights does have issue's...but there are tons of good and hard working people there.

Originally Posted by Lira

I'm used to the gang environment cuz I been around it my whole life. But the gangs up North aren't as ruthless as down here.

Unless your in the pen. Norte is pretty ruthless in there.

Originally Posted by Lira

Knowing my background if any of these guys come up to me and ask me where I'm from, I would probably give them a smartass response, but i know that wouldn't be smart. I was raised rugged and sometimes feel invincible but thats probably not the reality.

No it wouldn't be smart especially with the Norte~Sur thing going on. No need for unnecessary violence.

Originally Posted by Lira

I been reading on the history of gangs in L.A. and my mission in life is to work with at risk youth and single parents who's lives have been revolved in this lifestyle. I want to help them.

You should work with Father Greg Doyle. He's doing great things in the Boyle Heights area. He's the founder of Homeboy Industries & The Homegirl Cafe. He is amazing.

Originally Posted by Lira

So basically, I want to know what type of insight anyone can provide me about Boyle Heights and its history or personal experiences here. Thank you for your feedback.

I don't know how much insight your gonna get on this forum on BH, but I would give Father Doyle's organization a call. They'll give you all the insight you want.
[HOMEBOY] industries

[LizzyNola]

Hummmmmmm, as mentioned, call Homeboy if you truly want to get involved and work towards turning young lives in the right direction.

Also, do you know the history of Boyle Heights? Back in the day Boyle Heights had a very large Jewish population. Hard to believe that much of it now looks like Tjuana (not saying anything is wrong with that), and you will find that one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles is located in Boyle Heights where many Black families are buried (Evergreen Cemetary), and others of course.
When we were kids our grandmother would take us with her to the old Sears in Boyle Heights, and we looked forward to it. There is a lot of early Los Angeles history in Boyle Heights

Anyway, back on topic. There are hard working, honest great people in Boyle Heights, however just like every place else the gang/wrong doers are there in spades. There are also some nice properties if you want the feel of old Los Angeles, but please watch yourself in the streets when asked where you are from. Here in LA, folks have been gunned down when they did not give the right answer.

Good luck!

If you are seeking the more Hispanic communities right in LA you may find the Silver Lake, Echo Park areas interesting as well.They used to shoot a lot of old films in the Silverlake/Echo Park areas, and there is much history. Both of these communities have a mix of just about everyone.

[King0fthehill]

Pico-Union and the Byzantine Latino Quarter are similar neighborhoods that warrant a look if the milieu you seek is working class Hispanic Los Angeles.

[the one]

no, BH is not like it was before. it is coming up. the gang problem exists mostly in certain hoods and in the projects. i know of a young lady who volunteers with us. she is a white college student from a cristian university. they have to live with a family in an urban area as part of their studies. she lives in BH and takes the bus/train to work/volunteer. she has no problems with the area.

mind your business and you should be fine. make good neighbors and everything will be ok. there are some nice areas on the east side after all.

i think peopls percepetion is that of "mi vida loca", blood in blood out, american me, etc etc. it aint like that anymore.

crime and violence exists, but you should be fine. the area around the marichi plaza on 1st is coming up. nice restaurants, bar, shops, old rehabbed homes, a new train station. check it out.

dont be scared.

[nori_garsi]

The gang problem in the bay area is pretty bad. I grew up in the Bay Area and we still visit all the time and it keeps getting worse and worse. IMO it is just as bad if not worse. I worked as a teacher in Watts right across the street from the projects, and the gangs didn't usually bother anyone but each other, unless you gave them a reason of course. That's not the case up North. If you can handle the gangs up North you can handle the gangs down here.

[Lira]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my post! You guys have helped me out a lot! I'm definately going to check out Homeboy Industries! I really want to get involved! I was praying for that! God Bless!

[Lira]

Thanks so much! I would love to find a book on the history of the area. I know in a certain way, I feel more welcome because it's a lot of Latinos here. I guess it's just because I'm by myself and didn't know what to expect. Thanks for tellin me a little about your story too. I will keep in touch. Muchas gracias LizzyNola

[Detective Lopez]

BH is definately coming up. I wouldn't worry about it. You just have to mind your business and be tactful if some youngster tries to get fresh w/ you. But really, the area is changing and isn't like it has been depicted in the movies. Violence is actually down in LA.

[Lmerc]

Lira... Are you still living here in Boyle heights?