“I found that I love cooking, I'm good at it, and people like it.” Luz, owner of Las Tias food truck

For the next eight weeks, business owners will receive in-person training, resources, communal feedback, and grant funding for their business upon completion as they work to take their business to another level.

“People across all cultures seek our food. That's when you see food goes beyond borders. Over one dish you gain friends or meet people you've never met.” Daniel, Co-Owner of The Birria Truck

Our gratitude to the people of Coastal Roots Farm for extending an invite to New Roots farmers from the Latino and Somali Bantu gardening groups into a shared learning space for these gardeners to envision our next project: a seed start station!

They are called The Birria Truck (@thebirriatruck) and Las Tias (@las_tiasfoodtruck) and they sell delicious Mexican food!

“Sometimes at the end of the day, it's about survival. And survival comes with using what you know to make do with your daily expenses…”

One thing that has totally caught me off guard was how much I can relate with the residents I work with! For example, when I do after-school programming with the kids at Hollywood Palms, I often see myself in them.

At the age of one, Tran and her family migrated from Vietnam to City Heights. After graduating, Tran ditched her pursuit of a career in real estate, instead committing her efforts to protect City Height’s essence - its people.

Tran shares how growing up in City Heights framed her perspective of a successful and meaningful career.

Fern Street Circus is about performance and fun, but it’s also circus for social change, working alongside young people in the community to instill confidence, promote cultural understanding, and help youth realize their potential.

In commemoration of the holiday, Tierra Central hosted its first Mid-Autumn Moon celebration, a traditional celebration amongst Asian cultures honoring the moon for its harvest-giving light.

“I’ve seen people start businesses, and at first it’s cool and fun, but eventually the work and grind of it can leave you questioning…”

Join our film screening this Friday and get the opportunity to learn about grassroots-led transportation justice work in City Heights!

Almost everyday, you will find Nancy selling flowers. She owns and runs Mi Pequeña Lucia. More than a year ago, Mi Pequeña Lucia was nonexistent and Nancy was unemployed…

“The imbalance of power between landlords and tenants, which is created by weak tenant protections, places the tenants in a vulnerable position that is further amplified when the tenant has language, financial, or other barriers.”

As one of our most veteran staff members, Maria has spent decades working and waiting for promises to be kept. She was part of some of the earliest advocacy work dating back to The Visions Project.

It is a privilege to address you as ‘community’ and to be able to truly mean it. During my years working here, I have fallen more and more in love with City Heights and her people, places, and incredible beauty and resilience.

“Being part of this community has made me realize that, even though we are different from one another, we still come together as one.”

The Mid Autumn Festival is Sept 17 at Tierra Central and we'd LOVE to celebrate with you! There will be food trucks and carts, live music, and plenty to enjoy for the whole family.

This letter was originally sent to our staff, but we’re modifying it as an ‘open letter’ to you, our friends, partners, and neighbors in City Heights.

"Running has always been important to me, but what I came to realize after coaching for City Heights Runners is that running is more than just about getting faster, it’s about becoming a more resilient and strong person.”