Martin Macias Jr
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As seen in:
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Covers:
Environmental justice, gentrification, city planning, federal courts, local politics, science
Reporter and photographer @lapublicpress
Articles by Martin Macias Jr
California teachers have no free speech rights in class, judge says in antisemitism case
A federal judge denied California teachers’ attempt to block a new antisemitism law before it took effect, ruling that educators have no First Amendment protections while teaching. The judge said it’s too early to determine if the law is unconstitutionally vague, but allowed the lawsuit to continue.
Metro made Open Streets permanent but tied most funding to the Olympics and World Cup
Cyclists, rollerbladers and skaters across Los Angeles County can rejoice knowing Metro’s board of directors voted last week to make open street events permanent. The majority of funds for upcoming events, however, are tied solely to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, raising concerns from some sustainable mobility advocates about equity and access for programs designed to connect the entire county.
Metro board approves Dodger stadium gondola despite heavy protests
Opponents of the proposed gondola to Dodger Stadium briefly shut down a Metro board meeting Thursday, but their protest didn’t stop the agency directors from voting to approve the plan’s revised environmental impact report, clearing a significant regulatory obstacle for the controversial project.
How Residents In Chicago And LA Are Building Multiracial Solidarity Against ICE
This story was reported in partnership with LA Public Press and Block Club Chicago. CHICAGO — When federal immigration agents detained a South Los Angeles tamale vendor, her husband and their customer in June, a multiracial group of neighbors organized a march and vigil to denounce the arrests and collect donations for the affected families. Neighbors grieved collectively and laid flowers at a makeshift altar.
How residents in LA and Chicago are building multiracial solidarity against ICE
This story is part of ICE vs. LA, a collaborative reporting project by LA Public Press, Caló News, Capital & Main, Capital B, LA Taco, and Q Voice News. The newsrooms worked together to report what actually happens when immigration enforcement arrives — how people mobilize, look out for each other, and try to keep their families intact. Read more from the collaboration here.
From Chicago To LA, Neighborly Solidarity Fuels Resistance To ICE
This story was reported in partnership with LA Public Press and Block Club Chicago. CHICAGO — When ICE comes to their neighborhoods, residents in Los Angeles and Chicago know it’s time to act. On an almost daily basis for months, federal agents, often heavily armed and masked, have descended on their cities, deploying tear gas at people outside a Home Depot, beating protesters and journalists, or snatching beloved tamale vendors. The community response has been loud and vigilant.
California's new law to protect Jewish students has LA teachers worried about censorship
A new California law is being hailed as vital for protecting Jewish students from antisemitic bullying and discrimination in schools. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed the “landmark” legislative package on October 7, said the law will help the state “confront hate.” So why is the legislation opposed by every statewide education group and dozens of community organizations? On its face, the new law ensures that discriminatory content is banned from schools.
Ahead of No Kings protest, LA City Council, judge kill LAPD bid to roll back press protections against police violence
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Friday to withdraw a controversial request by the City Attorney asking a federal judge to lift restrictions on the LA Police Department’s use of force against journalists at protests. News of the council’s action came as a federal judge also declined to take emergency action on the City Attorney’s request. Lawyers with the City Attorney’s office filed a motion Wednesday on behalf of the LAPD asking U.S. District Judge Hernán D.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs California bill protecting street vendor data from ICE
A California bill signed into law Tuesday will protect street vendors from federal immigration enforcement agencies by barring local jurisdictions from collecting sensitive information — such as immigration status and finger prints — that ICE may attempt to access. The law creates protections that advocates say will help vendors, some of whom closed operations during recent ICE raids, make a living safely and without fear.
Prop 50: What you need to know before the Nov. 4 election
When California voters head to the polls this November 4, they’ll be asked whether the state should redraw its congressional district lines in order to help Democrats counter what Governor Gavin Newsom has characterized as President Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine democracy.
Delays, cost overruns slow Metro’s plan to complete 8-mile gap in LA River path
On the paved Los Angeles river path in Elysian Valley last week, cyclists sped past joggers and dog-walkers as the din from freeway traffic clashed with the sounds of flowing water and birdsong. But people (and dogs) on the northern portion of the corridor currently can only ride or walk between Griffith Park and Egret Park — a roughly eight-mile stretch where the river feels wild and trees sprout from its muddy base — before the path ends.
LA Metro Board member wants a plan for ICE on transit as reinstated bus drivers fight for back pay
Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board member Janice Hahn told LA transit officials Thursday that the agency must develop a plan for responding to a situation where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempt to conduct enforcement operations on the system.
Metro reinstates two LA bus drivers who vowed to protect riders from ICE
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has reinstated two bus drivers who were fired last month after speaking to an LA Public Press reporter about an informal agreement to protect riders by refusing to allow ICE onboard buses, according to agency documents reviewed by the news outlet. In July, bus operators Sean Broadbent and Jaime C.
ICE raids are driving a looming eviction crisis for LA immigrants
When federal immigration agencies ramped up enforcement operations in Los Angeles in early June, Juana, a 57-year old street vendor in the San Fernando Valley, stopped selling tamales and gorditas from her popup stall in Chatsworth out of fear that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would arrest her or her customers. “It scared us, and we stopped selling food for two weeks,” said Juana, whose identity LA Public Press has agreed to protect due to her immigration status.
LA supervisor backs fired Metro driver who refused to help ICE agents
Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board of Directors member Janice Hahn sent a letter Tuesday to the transit agency’s CEO Stephanie Wiggins, urging her to reinstate a driver who was fired last month for speaking to LA Public Press. In the letter, Hanh wrote that Sean Broadbent showed “concern for the riders he serves.” In July, Broadbent and fellow driver, Jaime C.
California bill would help keep street vendors’ sensitive data from ICE
Long a part of the food ecosystem and culture of Southern California, street vendors waged a long fight to become part of the formal economy. In 2018, the City of Los Angeles dropped criminal penalties for street vending from its municipal code, and in 2019, the state followed, essentially decriminalizing the business of street vending.
LA County Supervisor calls on Metro to ‘reconsider’ firing bus driver who vowed to stand up to ICE
LA County Supervisor and Metro board member Janice Hahn is calling on the transit agency to reexamine its decision to fire a bus operator after he told LA Public Press he wouldn’t allow federal immigration agents to board his bus. Driver Sean Broadbent is one of two Metro bus operators who spoke to LA Public Pressin July about an informal agreement among some bus drivers to defend passengers against ICE.
LA bus driver who vowed to shut doors on ICE speaks out after 'retaliatory' firing by Metro
A Los Angeles Metro bus operator who last month told the LA Public Press he would shut the doors on federal immigration officials if they tried to board his bus has been fired by the regional transportation agency. Driver Sean Broadbent said he was terminated for violating the agency’s communications policy by speaking with LA Public Press without permission from management.
LA Chinatown residents say no to legislation streamlining approval for Dodgers stadium gondola
Opponents of the proposed Dodger stadium gondola voiced their opposition Monday to legislation that would exempt the project from state-mandated environmental review, a move that residents argue would streamline approval for infrastructure that will increase gentrification, uproot vital trees and seize valuable park space.
LAUSD families are switching to online school because they’re scared of ICE raids
An increasing number of Los Angeles students are switching to online schooling, which has educators concerned about student safety and the impact online learning will have on families. In an email to LA Public Press, an LAUSD spokesperson confirmed the rise in enrollment for online learning, but the school district didn’t respond by publication time to a question about why more students are signing up for online courses. The district also declined to provide specific enrollment figures.
LAUSD families are switching to online school because they’re scared of ICE raids
Nihilistic online networks groom minors to commit harm. Her son was one of them The beginning of ninth grade was already shaping up to be a bumpy transition for then-14-year-old Elliott. His longtime friend group from preschool days had fractured. His parents were separating. And, he was starting high school. With his new smartphone, Elliott increasingly sought community …
At Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner, protesters denounce fascism, billionaire’s ties to Trump
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Tesla Diner in West Hollywood on Saturday, waving signs denouncing fascism and calling the world’s richest man a “Nazi” as customers walked inside to dine on items like a $17 hot dog plate, breakfast tacos and popcorn scooped by a humanoid robot. Elon Musk, who also leads SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), owns about 13% of Tesla’s stock, is the company’s chief executive officer and sits on its board of directors.
LA bus operators vow to shut doors on ICE to keep immigrant riders safe
On June 3, days before federal agents expanded immigration enforcement across Los Angeles County, three unidentified masked men tried to board a Metro bus in Koreatown, according to Jaime C., the bus operator that day. He said they looked nothing like the nannies, gardeners, and hotel workers he typically picked up at that time on the westward route. Jaime was concerned that they might be federal immigration agents who could harm his passengers so he said he refused to let them board.
LA restaurants are struggling amid ICE raids
Over the last month, Jorge, an Inglewood resident and a cook at a restaurant, has scanned social media each morning to check for ICE activity near his home or along the route to work. If federal immigration agents are around, he stays inside, which he said means risking the loss of a job that sustains his family of four.
Whittier Mayor's silence on ICE raids exposes political divide in Latino-majority city
Maritzabeth Hernandez drove around Whittier on multiple mornings last week, monitoring Home Depot parking lots, public parks and commercial strips in the city roughly 40 minutes east of Los Angeles. She and other volunteers looked for any signs of ICE activity or for the telltale unmarked trucks federal agents have used during recent immigration enforcement. “The goal is to check ICE sightings and alert people,” Hernandez told the LA Public Press.
Police violence against ICE protesters and journalists could cost LA $100M in settlements
Videos circulating online show law enforcement using foam bullets, tear gas and horses to disperse journalists and anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles. The use of force will undoubtedly lead to expensive litigation and legal settlements — but how much will that cost the city, exactly?
Inland Empire immigrants rights advocates prep for ICE raids
This article was originally published by Los Angeles Public Press. As thousands of Los Angeles residents protest daily against increasing ICE raids, immigrant rights groups in the Inland Empire, a sprawling region east of Los Angeles, are briefing communities about their legal rights and shoring up rapid response networks in case ICE raids target them next. Yazmin Mercado, a legal advocate with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), has been watching the LA protests with a heavy heart.
Inland Empire immigrants rights advocates prep for ICE raids
As thousands of Los Angeles residents protest daily against increasing ICE raids, immigrant rights groups in the Inland Empire, a sprawling region east of Los Angeles, are briefing communities about their legal rights and shoring up rapid response networks in case ICE raids target them next. Yazmin Mercado, a legal advocate with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), has been watching the LA protests with a heavy heart.
New allegations say LA Metro’s bid process for $198M bike share contract illegally benefited Lyft
Newly obtained complaints lodged against Metro by its bike share vendor detail a bid process for a lucrative new contract that it says was tainted by illegal behavior. The complaints were filed by Bicycle Transit Systems, Inc., which over the past couple of weeks has publicly accused Metro and rideshare company Lyft Inc. of ethics violations in the bidding process for a new contract to run Metro Bike Share. BTS is the program’s current vendor, but its contract ends Aug.
Did Lyft cheat to win a $200 million LA bike share contract?
As Lyft was bidding to take over Los Angeles’ public bike rental program, a subcontractor for the company was also writing the county’s request for proposals — an alleged conflict of interest that gave the ride share giant an unfair advantage, the current bike program operator alleges. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board of directors was set to vote Thursday on whether to award Lyft a $198 million, 11-year contract to run Metro Bike Share.
Family sues LA County, LASD after a deputy died following a gun-range trailer explosion
The family of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who suffered fatal burns in a mobile gun range explosion sued LA county on Monday, alleging officials recklessly and negligently allowed dangerous flammables to accumulate, causing the deputy’s life-ending injuries.
Long Beach schools just told ICE to stay away from their students
The Long Beach school board voted Wednesday to prohibit district staff from assisting or coordinating with immigration and law enforcement agencies like ICE and bar them from showing up at schools without a warrant. The move comes after undocumented students and their allies lobbied for protections against the kind of immigration enforcement activity seen on nearby campuses.
Here's what you need to know about the hepatitis A outbreak in LA County
Los Angeles County residents are urged to take extra precautions with sanitation and hygiene and get vaccinated for hepatitis A after health officials declared an outbreak of the virus on Monday. The declaration comes after the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) detected elevated levels of the virus in wastewater samples and an increase of positive cases in local clinics.
5 reasons why LA residents blocked the Dodger Stadium gondola (for now)
The proposed Dodger Stadium gondola project hit a legal roadblock last week when the California Court of Appeals rejected key portions of an environmental review conducted by Metro.
Tijuana-Style Tacos With a Twist
Today is the last day to participate in Eastside Madness. Have you voted on what best represents the Eastside - Echo Park Lake or Dodger Stadium? Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Hermon: What used to be a bare cinder block walk is now lovely and lively thanks to muralist Natasha Pirouzian and her students. Thanks to Eric Rhoden for sharing the photo.
Permits for Park Vendors?
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How about spreading the Eastsider love? Please share our stories on NextDoor, Reddit and Facebook Groups. Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Echo Park: Clouds over Sunset Boulevard. Thanks to Elisa Rossi for sharing the photo. Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image. You can also tag your Instagram photos with #theeastsiderla.
By Martin Macias Jr Verified, Jesus Sanchez Verified, Jesús Nicolás Sánchez Verified, Jennifer Rodriguez, Robert Fulton
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The Eastsider LA
Verified
Tijuana Style Tacos With a Twist
Today is the last day to participate in Eastside Madness. Have you voted on what best represents the Eastside - Echo Park Lake or Dodger Stadium? Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Hermon: What used to be a bare cinder block walk is now lovely and lively thanks to muralist Natasha Pirouzian and her students. Thanks to Eric Rhoden for sharing the photo.
Preserving El Sereno’s history through the voices of its elders
El Sereno -- For Tony Borges, El Sereno Park has always provided more than recreation. For decades, it served as a place to see neighbors and build community bonds. “Back in 1967, we didn’t have cell phones, we didn’t have Internet,” Borges said in a video for the El Sereno Elders Project, a volunteer-led effort to record and archive the stories of the neighborhood’s most venerable residents. “The only way to communicate was to run into each other at the park.
Permits for Park Vendors?
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How about spreading the Eastsider love? Please share our stories on NextDoor, Reddit and Facebook Groups. Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Echo Park: Clouds over Sunset Boulevard. Thanks to Elisa Rossi for sharing the photo. Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image. You can also tag your Instagram photos with #theeastsiderla.
By Martin Macias Jr Verified, Jesus Sanchez Verified, Jesús Nicolás Sánchez Verified, Jennifer Rodriguez, Robert Fulton
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The Eastsider LA
Verified
Echo Park Lake vendors seek a fair permitting process
Echo Park -- After cutting strips of freshly grilled carne asada, Maria Hernandez heats a half dozen tortillas over burning coals. On a bright Saturday morning, she’s one of dozens of vendors selling food, clothing and jewelry from stalls along the sidewalks at Echo Park Lake. Hernandez, who lives in South Los Angeles, has sold tacos here for 24 years. Without proper permits, city officials have fined and sometimes taken her grills and equipment.
Community efforts in Highland Park protect residents from ICE
Highland Park -- When two people were reportedly arrested by federal law enforcement in Highland Park in recent months, Saúl Narro and other locals quickly mobilized. They called each other to track the activity and used their Instagram accounts to share information with neighbors. As photos and videos of the arrests arrived, Narro—a local high school coach who runs @TheNewYorkBlvd—worked with other Instagram accounts to try to verify images before posting updates.
El Sereno Children Museum pop-up brings community together
Andrew Rayas loves bringing people together. As a child, he was fascinated by museums and how they serve as spaces for collective learning. Time with his grandparents deepened his appreciation for community gatherings. His interests led him to spearhead the El Sereno Childrens Museum, which debuted this weekend as a month-long pop-up. “There’s such a need for art and music in this neighborhood,” Rayas said.
Cooling ICE Efforts
Here are some headlines we ran five years ago today: And a picture of an empty store shelf. Troubling times, indeed. Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Highland Park: Firefighters take a coffee break on York Boulevard. Thanks J. Orpilla for the photo. Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image. You can also tag your Instagram photos with #theeastsiderla.
Permit Parking Push
Heads up: Classes are not in session tomorrow, Thursday, at LAUSD. Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Mount Washington: The sunrise and fog viewed from Crane Boulevard. Thanks to The Eastsider reader for sharing the photo. Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image. You can also tag your Instagram photos with #theeastsiderla.
Lincoln Heights warehouse development stirs up opposition
Lincoln Heights – Residents are calling on authorities to halt plans to build an e-commerce distribution warehouse on Pasadena Avenue, saying that increased traffic and pollution from the development will endanger residents’ health. The project’s developer, a company called Xebec, plans to build a 56,700-square-foot distribution center, according to permits filed with the City. The project site at 3505 Pasadena Avenue is currently an empty lot across the street from Hillside Elementary School.
How to organize your building in LA
This is part of a series accompanying LA Public Press’ new investigative podcast, The Tenant Association. Listen to the story about the tenants of Hillside Villa: Chinatown residents facing displacement who organized and became a political force that’s changing what’s possible for renters in LA. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Cherished Park Faces Challenges
In today’s issue, we dive into ongoing challenges at Deb's Park and how residents are advocating for improvement. In keeping with an unplanned park theme, we also look at a pressing deadline for turning 30 acres of open space in Lincoln Heights into parkland. Now on to today's news • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here 📷 Eastside Scene Eagle Rock: Sometimes the back of a billboard is more interesting than the front, including this one on Colorado Boulevard.
Ernest E. Debs Park: Beauty, Trails, and Safety Challenges
After a hike in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Aric Kim stands at a hilltop, taking in the view southwest towards Downtown Los Angeles. The din of urban noise is barely audible over the sounds of birdsong and swaying toyon and eucalyptus trees. Kim said the park is a “hidden gem.” He recently found the turtle-filled pond known as Peanut Lake, and now he’s itching to see where the web of hiking trails will take him. “You won’t get bored,” Kim said.
Cherished Park Faces Challenges
In today’s issue, we dive into ongoing challenges at Deb's Park and how residents are advocating for improvement. In keeping with an unplanned park theme, we also look at a pressing deadline for turning 30 acres of open space in Lincoln Heights into parkland. Now on to today's news • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here. 📷 Eastside Scene Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image.
A Northeast L.A. Rose Queen?
IF you like what you see - and I know you do! - please forward this newsletter to three friends and ask them to sign up. Thank you! Now on to today's news. • Got a story idea or photo to share? Submit it here. 📷 Eastside Scene Silver Lake: A hazy Sunday evening sky looking west to the Griffith Observatory. Thanks to Donna Sloan for the photo. Go here to share your neighborhood photos or reply to this newsletter with your photo and details about the image.
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