L.A.'s Eastside: Where do you draw the line?

“ The Eastside is a neighborhood that basically has not changed much since the 40's. My parents and grandparents talk about the Eastside where they would go to the Jewish deli's and bakeries and to buy Mexican produce and products. My idea of the Eastside will never change becasue it shares a history with my family, friends and best of all my youth. I was raised in the El Sereno area in the neighborhood of Hillside Village (bounded by Valley Blvd and Soto St.) and was know as the Northeast District during the 50's - 80's. I do not consider El Sereno or Lincoln Heights part of the Eastside because it was a totally different mix of cultures and second and third generation of Chicanos (Latinos). When you went to the Eastside you knew right away you were in a different place, not negative but more, do I dare say more Hip than our little quiet neighborhood. The guys I grew up with, we could not wait for Friday night so we could go to all the Dances featuring live music from the Eastside. To hear someone say that neighborthoods west of the L.A. River is part of the Eastside is just wrong especially hearing it from 20 something year old newcomers. Long live the Eastside. ” — Frank Medina from Eagle Rock, Feb. 18, 2014, 12:44 p.m.