The Brief

Julián Castro was a student at Stanford University when California voters passed Proposition 187 — a ballot initiative to deny undocumented immigrants social and health services — in 1994.

“I remember the ads they ran with the grainy footage that said ‘They keep coming,’” recalled the newly-named CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development at a CalMatters Ideas Festival panel in Sacramento Thursday.

“It felt like a real affront to the Latino community.”

Widely seen as a turning point in California politics, the measure — endorsed by then-Republican-Gov. Pete Wilson and others — helped flip California blue.

Two decades later, could the rapidly growing number of young Latino voters again shake up the state’s political dynamics?

Nationwide, Latino voters are shifting rightward, and Democratic candidates’ margins of support among them have shrunk over the past three presidential elections.

Mike Madrid, a longtime GOP strategist and expert on Latino voting trends, said the change signals an “emergence” of new voters, partly driven by the rise of young Latino voters primarily concerned with the economy instead of immigration.

“The ethnic identity and the race anchor that immigration served for the past 30 years is no longer working for the fastest growing segment of the Latino electorate,” he said during the discussion, moderated by CalMatters senior editor Dave Lesher.

Castro, a Democrat, said it’s not a given, arguing younger voters may take issue with Republican stances on abortion and LGBTQ issues. But Democrats may have problems courting those voters, too: Both Castro and Madrid criticized President Joe Biden’s decision this week to close the southern border temporarily to asylum seekers — an action tried by former President Donald Trump.

“I think it’s a mistake,” Castro said, contending some Democrats thought the response to the border crisis could help them in the November election. “Do I get the politics of that? Sure. I also believe that they were bullied into a corner (to do) that, so now you are having to scramble a few months before an election to address it.”

The November election is another symptom of the political polarization that has taken shape for decades, according to former U.S. Representative Doug Ose, a Sacramento Republican, and Democrat Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Voters must choose between Trump, the first former president in America to be convicted of felony crimes, and Biden, whose disapproval rate has steadily climbed since 2021, Panetta noted.

The presidential debates — the first of which is scheduled for June 27 — may be “chaotic” and “embarrassing,” Panetta and Ose agreed during an earlier discussion, moderated by CalMatters Editor-in-Chief Kristen Go.

“The problem today… isn’t about governing. It’s about stopping the other side,” Panetta said.

The solution, Ose said, is to elect “problem-solvers,” not “flame-throwers.” “It’s almost like we go to the people who are the loudest … as opposed to the most effective,” he said.

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Friday.

All December, local pop-ups and community arts spaces are hosting holiday markets on the Eastside.

Whether you’re trying to find one-of-a-kind pieces, handmade jewelry, or simply looking to support small businesses during the holidays, we’ve got just the guide for you.

Holiday Mercadito — Tonalli Studio

Inside Tonalli Studio

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Alma Lucia

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Boyle Heights Beat

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Tonalli Studio opens the holiday season with Holiday Mercadito, where you can shop goods from local artists, creatives and printmakers. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping while you check out the opening reception of the studio’s newest exhibition, La Morenita. The showcase will feature over 20 artists, including the works of Chicana altarista Ofelia Esparza, the studio’s co-founder.

Holiday Market Sale — Plaza De La Raza

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Plaza de la Raza

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Plaza de La Raza’s Holiday Market Sale returns this year with its annual host, Los Angeles-based Chicano artist Frank Romero. Taking place in the Boathouse Gallery, the two-day sale will feature a “stop and shop” with artists and other vendors, where attendees can buy unique gifts this holiday season. Admission and parking are free on-site.

Holiday Artist Mercado — LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Visitors exploring the mercado at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

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Courtesy LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

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Local vendors, live screenprinting, holiday-themed workshops and even a Bad Bunny look-alike contest are what you’ll find at this year’s Holiday Artist Mercado. Explore booths featuring jewelry and clothing, and enjoy coffee from Acurrúcame Cafe, while listening to live DJs. Winners of the Bad Bunny look-alike contest will take home a $150 grand prize. Only the first 15 people who arrive in their Bad Bunny attire will be able to participate. A live screenprinting session with artist Mario Hernandez will allow guests to take home limited-edition shirts of Patrick Martinez’s neon art, “Tierra Y Libertad.” Guests also can visit the gift-wrapping station to experiment with a variety of different papers, ribbons and stamps to decorate gifts this holiday season. The event is free. You can let them know you’re attending by registering here.

Goddess & Queer Jingle Mingle — The East LA Goddess and Queer Mercado

A vendor at the 2024 Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle event in East L.A.

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Courtesy Goddess Mercado

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Monthly East L.A. pop-ups Goddess Mercado and Queer Mercado are combining Latina and queer vendors for this special holiday collaboration event. The holiday fiesta encourages attendees to shop with intention and explore the unique arts and gifts for sale. Beyond shopping for the holidays, guests can check out the East LA Farmers Market, full of goods and community resources to explore. The event will feature live entertainment, a fashion show, an art walk, food and creative workshops. From clothing, apothecary, cosmetics, books and even handmade goods, the Goddess and Queer Jingle Mingle can be your next stop this gifting season.

Brigade Artisan Marketplace Solstice Holiday Sale — Brigade Artisan Marketplace

The 14th annual Solstice Holiday Sale returns to the Pico Aliso Recreation Center this year. This free family event will feature handmade gifts, fine art, self-care products and vintage upcycled fashion. The first 20 shoppers who purchase from a vendor will be entered into a raffle to win gifts and prizes. There also will be a raffle fundraiser with proceeds for IMPACTO Youth Programming. Grab some food and desserts while you catch live entertainment, including guest DJs and Danza Mexica performances. A solstice community altar will be on display for guests to leave an offering.

Mercado Del Pueblo Winter Marketplace

Eastside Cafe and Mercado Del Pueblo return this year to host the 24th annual Mercado Del Pueblo Holiday Market. This two-day event is open to all ages and will have a variety of activities to enjoy, from live DJ entertainment to food and drinks and raffles. Attendees also can shop around to support local artisan vendors and makers all weekend long.

Barrio Flea: Holiday Makers Market — Ray and Roy’s Market

The inaugural Barrio Flea Holiday Makers Market will take place at the new Ray and Roy’s Market, which opened earlier this year. Featuring over 20 vendors, makers and curators, you can find a selection of original handmade gifts, vintage clothing, art, jewelry and prints for sale, among many other goods. The event will have holiday Mexican wine specials and food pop-ups for folks looking to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the sounds of DJs Linda Nuves and Ojos de Hojas while shopping locally. The Holiday Market is free and open to all ages.

Holiday Mercadito — Self Help Graphics & Art

Self Help Graphics & Art Marketplace.

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Eric Jaipal

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Self Help Graphics & Art

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This year, the Lincoln Heights Senior Center will transform into a Holiday Mercadito hosted by Self-Help Graphics and Art. Attendees can shop a variety of art, high-quality goods, crafts and decor from L.A.-based artists and artisans. Explore the booths, art and vendors — you might just find something for everyone on your list here.

By Our People For Our People: Community Night Market — InnerCity Struggle

InnerCity Struggle is hosting a community night market, By Our People For Our People. The organization encourages people to bring their loved ones and shop small this holiday season. Enjoy free food, giveaways and activities for all ages, including a DIY holiday gift-making activation. The evening also will feature local artists and vendors and a free community closet.

As the one year anniversary of the Palisades fire approaches, a group of volunteers and Scouts with Scouting America are headed back to a beloved camp for the first time since it was lost in the blaze.

An historic site

The 110-acre site nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains known as Camp Josepho has welcomed thousands of Scouts since the 1940s. But a change in the direction of the wind during the Palisades Fire meant it would never look the same again. Pretty much everything was lost in the blaze, save for a concrete pool house.

“It’s a bit of a gut check, it almost doesn’t feel real, 85 years of camp... was just decimated that fast and that suddenly,” Nathan Erlandson, chief operating officer of Scouting America’s Western Los Angeles County Council, told LAist.

An undated photo of Camp Josepho

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Courtesy Dr. John S. Dahlem

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Listed as a Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument, the land was gifted to the organization by the Josepho family. Ganna Josepho was a silent film star. Her husband, Anatol Josepho is credited with inventing the photo booth, which was coined the ‘Photomaton.’

Anatol Josepho

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Courtesy Dr. John S. Dahlem

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For decades, Scouts young and old have made the pilgrimage back to the place.

“Some of the older generation, a lot of them are no longer with us, they absolutely loved their experiences down there. It was just such a beautiful location,” said Lee Harrison, Scout executive for Western Los Angeles County Council. He’s been involved with his local council since he was 15, nearly four decades ago.

Harrison remembered Camp Josepho before the fire, when it was complete with the towering Malibu Lodge, which was built with redwood by aircraft manufacturer Donald Douglas and resembled a hangar.

Harrison used to love throwing his sleeping bag down in front of the lodge’s towering stone fireplace.

“It is irreplaceable and had a tremendous amount of history in it. And that’s the saddest part is that you would walk into that cavernous space, you could look at all the names that were written on the walls... And all of that’s gone,” he said.

Many famous and notable people visited Camp Josepho over the years, at least one of them uninvited.

Camp Josepho post Palisades Fire

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Aaron Kupferman

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There was the time Adam Sandler buzzed onto the historic grounds.

“He drove his gold cart down into the camp one day, and the site manager who was there had no idea who he was and chased him out of the camp. And he [Sandler] said ‘I’ll never come back here again,’” Harrison recalled.

This weekend, Scouts and members of the community will start to bring the place back to life, weeding out non-native plants and invasive species that have sprung to life around the ruins.

What's left of a pool at Camp Josepho

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Aaron Kupferman

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Harrison said the hope is to build the camp back with a lighter footprint, blending it more with the surrounding nature.

“People were -- and are -- very passionate about this place. And I think primarily because we’re able to bring lots of kids who don’t necessarily get access to the outdoors... in a very easy and quick way,” he said.

Harris and Erlandson said they are looking for support from the community as they breathe new life into the camp. You can visit their website to learn how you can help.

It's the ultimate road for the ultimate driving machine, known for its coiling, hairpin turns that have lent a 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway the sobriquet of "The Snake."

On Tuesday, this famous squiggle etched through the Santa Monica Mountains finally reopened, seven years after it was shut down by the Woolsey Fire.

Here’s the catch: People who live in the area and enthusiasts who frequent the route wish you didn’t know. More about that later. But first, let’s take a short drive down memory lane.

Connecting L.A.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Mulholland Drive in 1923, called Mulholland Highway at the time.

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Keystone Photo Service

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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Aerial view of Mulholland Drive taken in 1924, looking east over the Hollywood Hills from a point just east of Girard.

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Robert E. Spence

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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The Mulholland corridor, all 50-some miles of it, has long lured motorists chasing speed against a scrolling backdrop of the city. In fact, when the thoroughfare carrying the name of the man who brought water to modern Los Angeles first opened in 1924, the prediction was that it'd become "one of the best known scenic roads in the United States."

The project, backed by landowners who wanted to bring development to the Hollywood Hills, was conceived to link the burgeoning city to the mountains and the sea.

The road has inspired art, film — and since its earliest days, movie stars. Before World War II, it was Gary Cooper and John Carradine taking their Duesenbergs there for a spin. In the 1950s, James Dean used its turns and switchbacks as a training course of sorts.

"All I've been doing is driving around Mulholland Drive," said the actor, according to lore, after placing second overall in the Palm Spring Road Races.

A winding Mulholland Drive in Hollywood Hills in 1933.

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Courtesy Security Pacific National Bank Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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View of the Hollywoodland sign from Mulholland

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Herman J Schultheis

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Herman J Schultheis Collection / Los Angeles Photographers Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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A decade later, it was Steve McQueen, taking The Snake on his Jaguar or Triumph, before making a pit stop at the Rock Store, the nearby biker hangout.

The bad stretch

As legends of the road grew, so too did the crowd, including thrill-seekers — locally and from all corners of the world — looking to strut their stuff.

For years, a YouTube channel documented these rides and wipeouts, with cameras set up at the unofficial end of The Snake, dubbed Edwards Corner.

Officer G. H. Yeaton gives Norman Norlander directions atop Mulholland Drive at Beverly Glen as children wave placards urging traffic safety in 1937.

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Gordon Dean

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Courtesy Valley Times Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

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Those videos stopped in 2018 after the Woolsey Fire and mudslides a year later caused major damage to The Snake.

Keeping it low key

Now, those 2.4 miles finally have reopened. But instead of fanfare, it’s been met with controversy and a hope that outsiders don’t notice.

That’s because a debate was raging about whether the stretch should be reopened at all to the public.

On the one side, you have homeowners and residents who have long been turned off by the noise and the open exhaust pipes — not to mention the crashes — from a constant stream of motorists.

Skyline view of downtown Los Angeles from Mulholland Drive

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Jeff Thurlow

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COVID-19 Community Archive, Los Angeles Public Library

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On the other, you have the riding clubs and Mulholland regulars wary of the same thing: that overuse will bring the callous riders, complaints and crashes of the before times.

“Sadly, irresponsible riders will have it closed again before you know it,” a poster in a Facebook thread said of The Snake’s reopening.

The question was even addressed by L.A. County Public Works officials in an FAQ issued this year, where they said the roadway did not meet the criteria for a permanent closure and that closing it permanently would cut off a key access point for residents.

LAist reached out to a number of riders for the story, to no avail. Same with our request to the CHP division that oversees The Snake.

So there you have it. The famed route is now open. Just don’t expect any welcoming waves if you venture through.