Residents of the largely Mexican neighborhood of Boyle Heights, not far from Los Angeles’ downtown, have been shaken in recent years by a real estate boom that has brought evictions and huge increases in rent. Among the most affected areas is the neighborhood surrounding Mariachi Plaza. There, some long-established families of mariachi musicians have received eviction notices and have refused to vacate in protest. As this neighborhood is at the traditional heart of East L.A., many see the mariachis’ fight as a struggle for the soul of the Mexican community. Our correspondent Ruben Tapia tells the story. This report is part of the series, “Speaking of Race.”
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