Print
Every Sunday at 2 p.m., a group of community members meets (in a socially distanced manner) on the corner of Folsom and Indiana streets, near the invisible boundary between East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, to discuss the future of a bunya pine tree.
The tree El Pino, as it’s affectionately known by the community is well known for its role in the 1993 crime drama “Blood In, Blood Out,” but to the people of East L.A. it has more communal significance than international recognition. This is where people come together.
Miguel Paredes, an organizer who was born in East L.A. and grew up in Elysian Valley, says El Pino is “the symbol of this community.” East L.A. native Michael Lopez, a roofer and videographer, says the tree is “more of a sign of love” than merely a movie star.