Stephanie Serrano, Former Resident & Community Advocate
Eva Garcia interviews former Boyle Heights resident and community advocate, Stephanie Serrano at the Sounds of California: Boyle Heights Festival (October 2021)
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Stephanie grew up in various neighborhoods of East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, and is a graduate of Garfield High School (Class of 2002). During her interview with Martha, Stephanie shares some of her favorite memories in Boyle Heights, particularly going to backyard punk shows and hearing the sounds of local street vendors throughout the neighborhood. She also underlines the importance of amplifying and preserving community voices in the realm of local politics.
Any memorable experiences you've had in Boyle Heights?
"Probably one of the most impactful experiences that I had in this community was when I started learning about different types of music -- particularly like Punk-Rock in the community here. We have had a really great art scene, like music scenes in backyards. And so, one of my favorite memories is just a lot of young people coming together through music, mosh pitting, connecting, and building community."
What sounds do you associate with Boyle Heights?
"I think of cumbias on the weekends, or even during the weekdays celebrating birthdays and quinceañeras. I think about roosters at all hours in the morning and it's so beautiful. I think of the elote man. I remember a man used to come around on the weekends and yell, 'HUEVOOOOS' and I love that. I love the vendors, like the raspado man, and the honk of their horn. It really is like home."