Poet and musician Leonard Esparza gives a reading at Eastside Luv, claiming the Eastside title and criticizing people in western areas who want the name. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
Musicians Whitney Allen and Jean Villepique tune up at the Hyperion Avenue Tavern in Silver Lake, a pivotal area in the Eastside debate. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
Patrons at Eastside Luv in Boyle Heights listen to poets proclaim their love of the traditional Eastside, east of the Los Angeles River. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
Patrons mingle at El Cid in Silver Lake, one of the trendy spots in an area that is using the Eastside brand. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
