East los angeles

Eric Brightwell, born in Iowa and raised mostly there and in Missouri, didn't know much about Los Angeles when he arrived 14 years ago. Then he began mapping out his new home for himself. See story

I remember seeing a cop and gang shootout by my house and I can remember how scared and frightened I was. I remember thinking that these gangsters were bad people and deserved what happened to them. I remember hearing them argue about how they are going to pay their rent. Now I look back and…

Located just a few kilometers east of downtown LA, East Los Angeles is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Though it can be a tad on the gritty side for ... Read more

Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA, 08/10/12

The image of a downtown skyline seen from the broad sweep across the Los Angeles River, interrupted with a distinct curve near steel double arches, is burned in as a visual point of reference.

Historic El pino , located in East Los Angeles

John Valadez, East L.A. urban portraits, c. 1978

For decades, Whittier Boulevard has been a hub of Latino life. Now the 14-mile thoroughfare is facing challenges from the pandemic and gentrification.

A Los Angeles graffiti wall I photographed while taking the L.A. Gang Tour—my solution to researching gang life for BRUJA BROUHAHA. The tour guides, all former gang members, were wonderful. The tour itself was fabulous; I learned so much about the history of gangs in my city.

This modern day barrio in East Los Angeles has the traditional aesthetic of the 38th street residencies. The Reynas family lived in tight quarters with other families, however the living arrangement led to closer relationships. Friends, like Smiley and Henry, became brothers, and the bond between Enrique, Dolores, and their children will always be overwhelmingly strong.