Hello,

I’m back. It’s been a very hectic couple of months, and I’ve been hella out of contact with a lot of people, sorry if you are one of them.

Today’s quick update is a late notice about a cool event that I’m going to be at, THIS SUNDAY. It’s free, it’s at the Central Los Angeles Public Library, and I would be so happy if you’re able to make it. If you enjoyed City of Ghosts, the shorts we are showing are very much in the same spirit (pun intended). These shorts I’ve been working on with Clockshop have been saving my life these past few years, and also have introduced me to so many new friends, some who will be speaking on the panel! Please see Clockshop founder, Julia Meltzer’s message below.

Very much hope to see you there! Please RSVP so the Library can anticipate audience size.

Thank you!

HI family + friends,

On Sunday October 18th from 2-3 pm we will be doing a special screening and conversation at the LA Made series at the Taper Auditorium at the Central Library.

“Somos NELA” and “Saving Arvia,” are animated shorts created by Elizabeth Ito featuring long term residents of Northeast LA, Lili Sanchez and Andrés Cortés. These animations are a part of Take Me to Your River: A Cultural Atlas of the LA River, an oral history project that has been led by Dario Herrera and me.

Following the screenings, there will be a conversation on cultural preservation, affordability in Los Angeles, and creative strategies to help long-term residents remain rooted and thriving in the neighborhoods they call home. The discussion will feature Elizabeth Ito, animator of "Saving Arvia" and "Somos NELA" and creator of “City of Ghosts,” Lili Sanchez, Elysian Valley resident and community organizer, Helen Leung, executive director of LA Más, and Betty Avila, long term Cypress Park resident and board chair of LA Más. I will moderate the conversation and Dario Herrera will introduce.

We’ll also be talking about the book, Take Me To Your River, which Dario and I edited and was just released last week. by Clockshop. RSVP for the screening or, if you can’t make it, purchase a book here.

I hope to see you next Sunday!

—Julia