Skip to Content

Councilmember Kevin de León Opposes Boyle Heights Development, Following Appeal By ‘Anti-Gentrification’ Group

The move for a politician to openly support an anti-gentrification group is uncommon in Los Angeles, where three city council members have been convicted of corruption in four years. Find Kevin de León's full letter in the article.

Just a little over a year after L.A.'s City Council had one of the most significant racism-based controversies in history, involving leaked audio and the former City Council president Nury Martinez, former CD1 representative Gil Cedillo, and CD 14 representative Kevin de León, de León has now penned a lengthy letter opposing the development of a new six-story mixed-use building with 50 units on what is now a Mexican restaurant, independent book shop, and beauty salon, along with a rent-controlled residential unit at 2125 E. Cesar Chavez.

According to the letter that L.A. TACO obtained on December 1, the councilmember, who refused to resign despite consistent pressure from activists, stands in solidarity with El Apetito Finessa Colectivo, the collective of tenants who is responsible for the mural on the side of the building bearing the words: "Brooklyn Ave is not for sale."

Last week, those words were whitewashed twice and a larger anti-gentrification mural is currently in the works by a collective of local artists.

León's letter was addressed to Michael Yap, Eunice Song, and Gloria Gutierrez of the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission.

It reads as follows:

"I believe the proposal regrettably would worsen the effects of gentrification, displacing local businesses and affordable housing units, further diminishing affordable housing in the community. This proposed plan runs completely counter to proposed changes to the Boyle Heights Community Plan, which I have called for to preserve our community's identity and demand real affordable housing solutions for Boyle Heights residents, not displacement."

The move for a politician to openly support an anti-gentrification group is uncommon in Los Angeles, where three city council members have been convicted of corruption in four years.

On Tuesday, León was present at a meeting to stop the moratorium against rent hikes. Renters can expect at least a 4% increase in their rents beginning in February and up to 6% if the landlord pays for gas and utilities. Mayor Karen Bass must sign and approve the ordinance before it can be enacted.

Viva Padilla, who started the anti-gentrification collective, is cautiously skeptical of León's letter of support for her efforts, but hopes that he comes through with his word.

"This is a time to hold a public servant like León accountable for his supposed support," she said.

Find the full letter below.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

The Eight Best Cemitas Poblanas In Los Angeles

Named after the type of bread they are made from—a giant, egg-enrichd sesame bun—a cemita is like the torta's cousin from Puebla. It comes stacked high with milanesa, pápalo, quesillo, avocado, chipotle paste, and pickled jalapeño. Here's where to find the best ones from East L.A. to The Valley.

Announcing the Winners of TACO MADNESS 2025!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted and attended TACO MADNESS 2025 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on Saturday night! Your passion for tacos and true independent journalism made this event successful, not just for our taqueros (many of whom closed their shops to be there!) but also for our tiny newsroom. This event directly supports us and helps us keep going financially and morally.

May 5, 2025

A New Food Hall Just Opened at a Former Juvenile Detention Facility in Whittier

And a new Downtown pizza place from Issa Rae and friends, a Drag bingo night for Cinco de Mayo, and a promising new food hall in a former juvenile detention center now filled with murals and Estevan Oriol photos.

May 2, 2025

Revisiting ‘Mi Familia’ and the Main Filming Location In Boyle Heights 30 Years Later

Boyle Heights has changed since Gregory Nava filmed 'Mi Familia' 30 years ago, and gentrification threatens the neighborhood’s very essence. Unchangeable, however, is the commanding presence of the concrete viaduct at 4th and Lorena where he shot most of the iconic film.

May 1, 2025

Here Are All the Tacos Being Served At TACO MADNESS 2025

This is L.A.’s taco-soul on full display—diverse, delicious, and the best of the best available in one spot only this Saturday.

See all posts