HAPPY NEW YEAR

EAGLE ROCK, CA. - DECEMBER 31, 2003 11:23 P.M. - Christy Miller, Steve Compton, Julie, Val and Gerald ring in the new year at Colombo’s restaurant in Eagle Rock.

Council VP Quits
re:Budget Conflicts

by Bob Thorpe
Jessica Wethington McLean resigned her posts as Vice President and Outreach & Events Chair of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council at their meeting held December 3 at the Eagle Rock Library. She will remain the ERNC SubDistrict 2 Director.
In a long letter read at the meeting, she charged the council with undue conflict, public hyper criticism, unnecessary micro management, fiduciary fear, and a process-over-progress mentality. She also warned that tens of thousands of dollars in the ERNC budget could go un-spent and be lost forever if the current process for approving budget items precludes use of the money.
It appeared that much of her concern, leading up to the resignation, was based on problems she had encountered trying to plan and fund the ERNC participation in Winterfest, the community wide event held in conjunction with the 59th Annual Northeast Los Angeles Holiday Parade. In a comment made after the meeting, Pattie Sugerman, ERNC treasurer, admitted that there had
been some confusion regarding the process for approving events.
The ERNC, a fledgling organization authorized by the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, has been struggling with the task of providing services and a voice to the community while defining its role and processes at the same time. Dalila Sotelo, ERNC President and Pattie Sugerman, Treasurer, have been the driving forces defining what ERNC does, and how the $50,000.00 budget bestowed upon the ERNC by the City is accounted for and spent.
Two previous conflicts between Wethington Mc Lean and the Budget and Finance Committee regarding a mailing sent to Eagle Rock residents and stakeholders and the event budget for the Swingfest held last fall led to an attempt by the Budget and Finance Committee and the Executive Board to codify the process for funding events and outreach.
Jessica, with some justification, felt that the imposition of a bureaucratic structure was meant to constrain her efforts to organize events and send mailings to the community, while Dalila and Pattie had legitimate concerns about keeping within budgets and complying with the City's guidelines as to how and why money could be spent.
Specifically, Pattie, as treasurer, is held responsible by the City for adhering to guidelines set up by the City and the Neighborhood Council as to how money is to be disbursed. The problem appears to be that since the ERNC set up some of its own guidelines, and is still doing so, the approval process is in a state of flux.
The Winterfest budget conflict started, according to Jessica, when her request for approval was left off the agenda for the Budget and Finance Committee meeting. An e-mail from Pattie, shared with this reporter, said that the agenda had been posted the Friday before the meeting, and that the latest that agenda items could be submitted was the Wednesday preceding the meeting.
Conflicting stories exist regarding whether the Winterfest was actually discussed at the Budget and Finance Meeting. According to other Board members, Jessica was not at the meeting to offer a detailed budget for the Winterfest.
Jessica did, however, attend a special session of the Executive Board, which was called for the very purpose of defining the processes and approvals necessary to do mailings and put on events. Much of the discussion at this meeting turned to Jessica's budget request.
In fairness to the Board and to the Budget and Finance Committee, it must be noted that some members felt that discussing Winterfest at all was an accommodation to Jessica. They told this reporter that they were unhappy about the amount of funding, the fact that the request was late, and that the timing put undue pressure on the Board to make funds available.
When the Board Members attempted to pass a motion granting funds for Winterfest, Pattie noted that the amount of money exceeded the limit for spending without Budget and Finance Committee approval. Frustrated that the Board would act without following procedure, she threatened to quit her post.
Subsequently, a motion was made to amend the grant to Jessica to just under $500, an amount that could be authorized without Budget and Finance Committee approval. At this point Jessica became upset.
When the monthly meeting of the ERNC opened, Jessica had already shared her concerns with Dalila, and indicated her intention to resign as Outreach and Events Chair, but no formal letter of resignation had been given. According to Jessica, she was still uncertain that she wished to go through with the resignation.
At the meeting, Art Casillas, Civic Representative, mentioned an event planned to provide 400 turkey dinners to Grocery Union Strikers and the homeless at Avenue 42 and Eagle Rock Boulevard on December 21. He asked if the ERNC could participate in the event and requested funding in the amount of $1500.00.
This, of course, was contrary to all the Budget and Finance guidelines and procedures. However, the general feeling among ERNC members was that the event was a good thing to support, and a motion was made to make some funds available. Pattie supported this deviation from the guidelines.
Jessica was outraged, since she had tried to get Winterfest approved and had been blind sided by an agenda item deadline that she was unaware of. To her credit, Dalila voted against the approval of funds, since the integrity of the budget process was at stake.
Following the discussion of Art's event, Jessica read her formal letter of resignation and submitted it to the ERNC. Dalila allowed the letter to be read in its entirety, but did object after the reading to the characterization of the board as stated in the letter.
The immediate result the ERNC will have to deal with is the loss of an energetic and outspoken Outreach and Events Chair. Jessica will have to deal with the effect her letter of resignation had on the other members of the ERNC and on the Budget and Finance Committee, to whom she must still apply for funds for Sub District 2 events and mailings. And the Budget and Finance Committee would be wise to include a standard agenda item for review of event and mailing proposals so that late items could be legitimately considered.

Working Together 2004-
Can We Do It?
by Tom Topping
"What do you think would be a great issue, problem or project that the community should agree to work together on in 2004?" This was the question asked of many of Eagle Rock's civic and business leaders. Suprisingly, they agreed on more than they differed on.
Most people recognize that Eagle Rock is known for its spirited disagreements, if not outright conflicts, between the various civic groups that call Eagle Rock home. But they have shown a proven ability to fight City Hall and choose the politicians who represent their district. One can only imagine the result that could be accomplished if all that energy, intelligence and effort that so often is directed in opposite directions, instead pulls together all at once.
Obviously, the key is to steer clear of the historically contentious issues that so often divide the community, and choose one or two problems we can all agree need to be solved. After that, it is simply a matter of rolling up the sleeves and getting to work.
These are the areas that were mentioned:
1. Historic Preservation
There are still a few historic or culturally significant buildings in Eagle Rock. One way to preserve them is to acquire an official cultural/historic designation for them. It is a somewhat clearly defined process with specific steps and paperwork to fill out to be submitted to the appropriate government entity for approval. Although the subject, as in the case of the now evacuated Shopping Bag building, has been the source of enormous disagreements, I'll bet there are some other buildings we all can agree need to be preserved.
2. Get Out the Vote
This is a universal issue in both application and importance. I think we could agree that, while not specifically impacting local issues, it would be a good thing for everyone to vote.
3. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Some kind of structured programs or events could tremendously impact our quality of life. So many problems and misunderstandings could be easily avoided if we knew who our neighbors were. This definitely would have a tremendous impact on the most local of levels- right where we live.
4. Reestablish Eagle Rock as a College Town
A few months ago I spent the afternoon in Westwood. It was a fun and lively place. Not many years ago I joined the Eagle Rockin' Rodders in a "Cruise Night in Claremont." Yale, the main street in that college town also had many interesting shops, a few bars, restaurants and other eateries. It was also a fun attractive place. I think we all could agree we want those good things here, too.
5. Renewal of Faith to Address Inner Problems First
In all the focus groups and surveys and community meetings that are done, there are groups who always want to make sure their voices are heard. Some of these are residents, property owners, business owners, (with subgroups of business people like real estate and automotive), artists and the established organizations like the resident association and the Chamber of Commerce. In the last seven years I have never heard of anyone asking any churches or schools (besides Occidental College) for their views or ideas on subjects affecting the greater community. It seems some institutions that most directly impact people's lives are being left out.
I did ask the question of a local pastor I know. He would like to see the community take on a renewal of their faith. No matter what their faith is, doing so could make a huge difference in improving our community. He mentioned treating others as you would have them treat you. He also meant if you want to improve the community you have to start with yourself. It is like those people we see always so worried about what others doing, when what they should be doing first is cleaning up their own back yard.
6. Take Responsibility for Your Pets/Kids/Yard/Street
This one is, literally, cleaning up your own back yard- and front yard- and sidewalk and street. I am not sure how folks could be motivated to do that, but it is another great idea. Maybe the means to get there might be found in #5, above.
7. Shop Local Program
Four of the leaders I asked shared this answer. We know that this is a tremendously important issue. I know many of the local business people, and the vast majority are just scraping by. I meet Eagle Rock residents all the time who have never seen a copy of the Boulevard Sentinel. This is because they never shop locally (where they can pick up a free copy). They sometimes complain that the business district looks too shabby, or that the products and services they want are not available here.
It really is a chicken and the egg syndrome though, because how could the shops afford to offer more things without enough customers, and why should the shoppers patronize businesses that don't sell what they want? Could we get together to somehow intercede to get this ball rolling?
8. Beautification/Planting
This was high on everyone's list. Isn't it a win-win situation? Trees and other greenery make all the difference between an attractive or ugly community. The beautification collaborative has accomplished quite a bit, and has had a lot of support. Everyone's effort in this area will pay off. There are grants that may be available for this. Since this group is already formed, will the rest of the community decide to get behind them in 2004?
9. Graffiti/Crime
The graffiti problem is never completely handled. I group it with crime because the only solution seems to be greater enforcement of existing laws, making it a police/ government matter. The programs to cover graffiti as quickly as possible are good. Unfortunately, when our storefront windows are scratched or acid etched, the damage can easily run into thousands to repair it. Since it is a low priority crime, law enforcement pays little attention to it. It seems that even when these vandals are caught, they are either let go, or given a slap on the wrist.
What do you think could happen if we pooled our resources to make our representatives get greater enforcement for us? And what about reparation? If the parents of these vandals were forced to pay, wouldn't that at least slow it down? Last I heard, the police were legally restrained from identifying juvenile criminals to their victims. What if we pushed for laws to at least get around that and let the parents of these vandals be sued in small claims court? With all our effort and intelligence can't we come up with something that will work for us?
10. Parking
It seems almost everyone now recognizes that there is a parking problem. We are in agreement! I say that there is a solution we can agree on to this problem, but we just haven't found it yet. Maybe by removing the islands and reducing the number of lanes on Colorado Blvd., angle parking will work.
What if we could agree to allow some business adjacent residential lots to be converted into parking? I we agreed on it, you know the city could do it- if we pushed them hard enough. Or how about relaxing those parking requirements? We are told there is no mechanism of law to do it. Big Deal! Let's make new law! Does anybody doubt if we all pushed together we could make it happen?
Maybe we can create incentives for sharing parking. There are some under utilized lots. This could work if lot owners are given a reason and an excuse for doing it.
Consensus
Individually, we can address many of these issues ourselves, and it will undoubtedly help. Collectively, taking them all on would probably be too much. But what would happen if in 2004, we could agree on at least one of these (or some other issue) to take on- full force- as a community- in 2004? Do you think we could preval?
Imagine if we did.

 

Holiday Homecoming
by Tom Topping

Nick Morgqn, third from right, shares a moment with his long lost family. From right, sister Deanna Buzzell -Gray, her daughter Jessica, Nick, sister Gina Vanderwind, Marcy Parker, Brother Vernon”Cotton” Soeneke.

Nicolas Morgan, a L.A. resident since 1953 lives in Highland Park. He lately was partners in Ideal Rubberstamp company on York Boulevard.
Nicolas made the trip of a lifetime last month when he reunited with his long lost family after 50 years of separation. He reunited with a sister he knew and a brother and sister and niece he never knew he had.
His daughter had recently been trying to trace his family's heritage and had called Makah (indian) tribal enrollment in Neah Bay Washington with questions about her grandmother.
Neah Bay is a village in the Makah Indian Nation, located on the most northwestern tip of the contiguous United States, across the Juan De Fuca straights from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is also where Nicolas's mother, Genevieve (Peterson) Morgan, was from. It turned out that Jessica Buzzell, Nick's niece, was working at the tribal enrollment center when Nick's daughter called.
She told her mother, "Someone called today asking about Grandma." She brought Deanna Buzzell-Gray, Nick's sister, a phone number. Since it was a Los Angeles number, it must be from her brother, she thought. A call to that number started to set up the reunion. After many calls, Nick wasted no time in arranging to drive up for a visit.
It was a meeting full of tears and laughter for Nick and his new family. He marveled at the similarities he had with his brother, Vernon "Cotton" Soeneke. Their voices were identical, they both loved hotrods and they drank their coffee fixed the same way.
His siblings are all enrolled in the Makah Tribe, and soon he will enroll, too. They are descendents of hereditary Chief Peter Brown, sister Deanna said.
Nick said he immediatly felt at home in Neah Bay, with the town's people there giving him a hero's welcome home. In 1953, as sister Deanna was saying goodbye to six year old Nick, she said, "You'll not forget us, someday we'll see each other again." She had made a prediction and a promise that day that took 50 years to come true.

TROMPERS OF EAGLE ROCK HOTROD CLUB WELCOME ORIGINAL MEMBERS

December 8, 2003 - Eagle Rock, CA - 5 Original members- left to right-
Terry Wilcox, Freeman Hall, Don Zabel, Burdette Sanders and Ed Parsons

By Richard Miazga
December 8th, 2003 was a historical day for the "Trompers Hotrod Club" as they welcomed five (5) of the "Original" members at their weekly Monday morning get-together at Jim's Burgers on Colorado Blvd. The "Trompers" club which originated back in 1946, had many of the original members just returning from service duty in WWII. Combine these returning veterans with members graduating from Eagle Rock High School and as one of the "original" members said -"Let the fun begin."
The present day "Trompers" which number 25 "enthusiastic" Eagle Rock Hot Rodders, have made it priority #1 to attempt to document the history of this great Hot Rod club and, of course, contact as many of the "Original" members as they can. As of this date they have been able to contact 11 "Original" members, and the club invites them to join in at their weekly get-togethers.
On this December 8th., they had the pleasure of having 5 "Original" members join them for breakfast. This famous group included Terry Wilcox, Freeman Hall, Cal Drake, Burdette Sanders, and Don Zabel. All these "Original" members were in the "Trompers" from 1946 up to 1950. Everyone there enjoyed the wide variety of stories about the "beginning" of the sport of Hot Rodding.
To show their heartfelt appreciation for having the 5 "Original" members join in that day, some traveling long distances to attend, the "current" members presented a "Lifetime" membership card, and an official "Tromper" T -shirt to each of the five "Original" members in appreciation for a "job well done." This makes them "Trompers" forever. In return, Freeman Hall gave the club his "Derby" hat, a hat he had purchased and worn back in 1948.
Derby hats were an un-official symbol many of the "Original" members wore around Eagle Rock back in the forties. The club also received many photos further enhancing their volume of pictures the club now has in their archives. The club is always looking for Tromper related photos, and welcomes any help they can receive from old time Eagle Rock residents that remember the "Trompers.
"Needless to say, the original members had a great time talking about their exploits back in the forties, and, the "New" Trompers were enjoying listening to these "Original Hot Rodders" of our hobby. They are still attempting to contact more "Original" members. If you can help them locate more of the over 41 "Original" members of this great car club, please contact the Trompers any Monday morning at Jim's Burgers.
Anyone interested in Hot Rods is cordially invited to join them at Jim's Burgers, 2005 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock every Monday morning for breakfast starting at 9:00 a.m.
Keep an eye on the "Trompers", a great hotrod club that's proud to say they're from Eagle Rock,
"Let The Fun Begin!"

A Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration and dedication and grand opening of a new gymnasium at a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located in Eagle Rock. Activities at the Winter Wonderland included falling snow, a snow slide, arts and crafts, carnival games, photos with Santa, dance and musical performances, along with food and more. The gymnasium is a $3.4 million, nearly 10,000 square-foot facility with features that include a full-size basketball court that can also be used for volleyball, two scoreboards, a performing arts stage, bleachers, a food service area, protective wall padding, security and fire protection and suppression systems, and more. The facility was designed by Fremer/Savel Architects of Santa Monica and built by the City's Department of General Services. Here 14th district Councilman Antoniio Villaraigosa cuts the ribbon with the help of some of his smaller supporters.

GPIA’s guest speaker: Councilman Garcetti
The GPIA is thrilled to announce that our Guest Speaker for the January 15th General Meeting will be Councilmember Eric Garcetti (CD13). Councilmember Garcetti will talk about some of the exciting things that his office is doing on behalf of improving Glassell Park - and if you've never had the opportunity to hear Councilmember Garcetti speak, he is an incredibly exciting and dynamic speaker.
Councilmember Garcetti will also preside over the installation of officers for the 2004 GPIA Board.
And, Amy Shulenberg from the City of Los Angeles' Environmental Affairs Department will give us an update on the tree grants that she is spearheading with GPIA's 2003 Improvement Chair / 2004 Vice President, Alonso Calderon.
We welcome you to join us:
Thursday, 15 January 2004
Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
Community Room
570 W. Avenue 26

Eagle Vista Seniors
The New Year begins for the Eagle Vista Seniors with an earlier oard meeting time- 9:00 a...m. in stead of the usual 9:30- as the new officers begin their 2004 duties. The regular meeting takes place at the uusual 10:00 a.m time. Birthday cake, honoring those with January Birthdays, will be served.
Jan. 13: Jimmy Weldon will expound on the "Power of Enthusiasm," a useful tool for achieving goals for seniors as well as for all ages.
Jan. 20: an explanatory session on ClinicalTrials, especially regarding research being done on Parkinsons Disease.
Jan. 27: BINGO!
All seniors are welcome to visit and/or join the Eagle Vista Senior Club which meets on Tuesdays at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise noted.

Car Culture History
The first meeting of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society for 2004 will feature a look at the historic Car Culture in Eagle Rock when they present "Views of Our Car Culture."
A panel of different car culture experts will be there to speak and answer questions. Scott Piotrowski will talk about Eagle Rock on Route 66. Max Norris will be the expert on the Eagle Rock "Track" Racers. Garry Saffer is an Eagle Rock "Hot Wheels designer. La Dell Stapp will represent the Eagle Rock Auto Shop Owners, and Clark Thomas, another local automotive businessperson will be there to speak on a wide variety of automotive subjects.
The program will take place on Tuesday, January 20th at 7:30 pm. Attendees are invited to bring their car photos and memorabilia.

Fullerton Dumps Oxy
by David Crockett
Fullerton dumped Occidental College 83-63 before a crowd of 720 on Saturday, December 20, in a showdown between the Division I Titans and the Division III Occidental Tigers. Last season, the Tigers stunned Cal-State Fullerton with an eight point victory on the Titans' home court en route to a 25-3 season, which culminated with an appearance in the Division III elite eight.
The Tigers, who graduated four starters including three all-league performers after last season's historic post season run, were out muscled from the get go. At half-time, the undersized visiting squad was faced with a 20 point deficit, trailing Fullerton 50-30. The athletically superior Titans applied ample defensive pressure, causing Oxy to cough up 13 turnovers in the opening half. Fullerton shot 51% from the field in the first half, including seven three pointers which the Tigers were virtually defenseless against.
The pesky and undersized Occidental team gave the Orange and Blue faithful a slight scare early in the second half by whittling Fullerton's lead to as little as seven after junior Evan Godfrey swished a three pointer with 13 minutes remaining in regulation. Godfrey connected on four out of six attempts from downtown, netting 15 points overall for the evening. Oxy center Dallin Wilson also scored 15, but was hampered by foul trouble down the stretch. After Godfrey's key three, Fullerton closed the game out with a 24-11 run, thereby erasing the nightmare of last year's woeful loss to their feisty Division III rivals.
The Titans were paced by the 18 points of Pape Sow, a 6'10" behemoth. Anthony Bolton chipped in with 17 points and a career high 14 rebounds for the victors. Aside from Godfrey and Wilson, the Tigers received a boost from senior guard Dan Murphy, who added 13 points in the losing effort. Freshman Sam Betty led the Tigers in rebounding for the contest with 6 boards. At one point during the second half of play, the hospitable Cal-State Fullerton cheerleading team, which I suspect is comprised of extras from the film Showgirls, tossed Klondike Bars into the crowd. A certain Boulevard Sentinel reporter was fortunate enough to snatch one of the delicious treats. Can you guess which one?
The 4-4 Titans begin Big West conference play on January 3 at home against Cal-State Northridge. Occidental, the defending SCIAC champions, face yet another Division I opponent on January 7, when they are slated to play the UNLV Runnin' Rebels in Las Vegas. They begin SCIAC play on January 14 at home against the Cal Tech Beavers. Admission to all Oxy home games at Rush Gymnasium are free
 

The Walgrinch

As Eagle Rock closes
Two thousand and three,
Come hear of a gift
NOT under our tree.

In the year yester
You'll no doubt recall,
TERA fought to keep Eagle Rock
From getting too "malled."

For years, TERA championed
The CBSP;
But Walgreens didn't listen
To our petitions, times three.

We didn't give up.
We chose a new leader.
Antonio stood with us
"Walgreens' plan should be neater!"

But Walgreens has decided
To build buildings three,
Where they first got their permits.
It's different, you see,

From the way we had hoped
In Antonio's group.
What happened, you say?
Well, here's the real scoop:

The focus group met
To improve Walgreens' plan,
And discuss a few ways
We all could be fans.

Within just one week,
Jeff Samudio and Tom Yang
Redrew parking and a building
And most of us sang

Praises! What genius!
The new plan had more green,
And Building C on Colorado
Didn't seem quite so lean.

But then came the waiting.
Walgreens checked this great work,
But not even Antonio
Could budge Walgreens' jerks.

"You don't own it," some say.
"You're right," we say back.
"But if Eagle Rock shops there,
No money they'll lack."

It's why we're so sad
That for such a small change
And a sure big return,
The Walgrinch won't rearrange

The buildings to make them
Much better appear.
And will it look nicer?
Rock holds quite dear.
Now we all are in fear.

As we waited and trusted,
And hoped for the light,
Our trees got shoved
Up our chimneys one night.

Now Walgrinch will build
Buildings A, B and C
In the very same places --
No changes, you see.

So all of that work
And all of that faith
Have so far shown nothing
That we can call great.

So let's see if theWalgrinch
Has a new change of heart
And shows us great plans
And creates a fresh start.

Our town deserves miracles.
When others build them, we pay,
So we're praying and hoping
Walgrinch can be swayed.

If not, spend elsewhere!
Our money's our voice !
Please Walgrinch, don't force us
To make this grim choice.

So we watch and we wait
For Walgrinch's new plan,
And we hope for the best
2004 -- make it grand!

And there's just one more thing
That Walgrinch must fix:
Just what's going to happen
With the building called Bricks?

We are the Whos down in Whoville,
But for only so long.
We hold long grudges
When Eagle Rock's wronged.

So as you drive by or mourn
At the Shopping Bag's mound,
Please all rest assured
That we're standing our ground.

(Thanks to the Eagle Rock Association for the very creative and entertaining poem)

Thai Eagle Rox... Rocks!
by Mme. La Bouche
One Toque Over the Line
Madame la Bouche is the nom de fork of an extremely exacting diner who has shamed chefs, worried waiters and mauled maitre d's all over the world. Although she has never had any formal training in food preparation, she eats daily, dines out frequently, counts several prominent chefs among her acquaintances, and still manages to find the time and energy to crank out this column.
[A toque is a chef's hat, and is also used as a symbol of favor in the revered Gault Millau dining guide in France.]

After Christmas, as fallen fir trees line the curbs, and wisps of lingering tinsel sparkle in the wet gutters, one is particularly susceptible to the blues and flu bugs. How invigorating and restorative it is to walk into a Thai restaurant then, where bright red, green and gilt prevail year-round. At Thai Eagle Rox during the Holidays the addition of flashing colored lights to their usually exuberant decor particularly lifts the spirits and the senses, and the bright, flavorful food provides a dazzling complement, inviting one to start off the New Year with a swift kick in the palate.
The menu at this modest but perky establishment, open a mere eight months at the corner of York Boulevard and Avenue 46, hints of vast culinary riches (over a hundred items are listed), but my dining companion and I chose a mere five of the most emblematic of Thai dishes to try.
We started with Tom-khar Soup on this chilly, bleak night. We were rewarded with a flaming pot of this best of all renditions of chicken soup, truly a prophylactic antidote for whatever ails you, or is even thinking about ailing you. The rich, invigorating balance of chicken broth and coconut milk, studded with big chunks of chicken, red pepper, mint, cilantro and lemon grass wraps around your tummy like a cashmere bed jacket and urges the blues "begone!", along with every greasy memory of other, less successful efforts.
Although the Tom-khar Soup can be a meal in itself, we pushed on. We regretted wasting our time on the Mee-grob: anywhere you order it (and why do I keep doing that?!), the dish rarely rises above the taste and consistency of a caramel popcorn ball, typically gummy and sweet. At least the Thai Eagle Rox version sported perfectly-cooked shrimp as a garnish.
Pressing on, we discovered that the real treasures of Thai Eagle Rox are their various interpretations of fresh vegetables combined with meats or seafood. Spicy Squid Salad lived up to its name and beyond. Beautifully presented, the squid was cut in inch-wide ribbons, deftly cooked, and dressed lightly with a chili-peppery vinegar over fluttery lettuce. After a couple of bites, however, while we were innocently remarking on the piquant taste and texture, the really spicy part of the dressing snuck up on us big time.
Drawing tears of stunned pleasure from our eyes and nostrils, the delayed but sudden heat compelled us to reach out blindly for our beer or iced tea to quell the fire. Although the Spicy Squid Salad is excellent for dispelling evil spirits in the body, it is strictly for the stout of gullet. I caution those with tottering taste buds to avoid it or to gently ask Chef June for a little less chili, or be prepared to call 911. Or, you can wait to try this salad until the Thai-Buddhist New Year in April, when tradition calls for throwing water on anybody who passes by.
The stand-out in terms of sheer beauty as well as taste-- the Sweepstakes Winner, in Rose Parade terms -- was the Eggplant with Pork, which can also be paired with chicken or beef. June uses slim, tender-skinned Japanese eggplants, slices them in large oblique chunks, and cooks them so skillfully that their skins retain their lavender purple exteriors combined with a meltingly luscious, flavorful, perfectly done interior. The pork, sliced thin and cooked quickly, was a tad chewy. But the tender marinated beef alongside the crunchy, garlicky dry-fried green beans in the Prig-King showed that June can work wonders with an average cut of meat. I can't wait to go back and try their other takes on pud-thai, curry dishes, pan-fried noodle dishes, and extensive seafood and vegetarian entrees.
For beverages, Singha and domestic beer as well as BV wines are available, along with palm juice, boba drinks, sweetened Thai iced tea or coffee, soft drinks, and lemonade. With a beer, a boba tea and steamed rice, our feast came to over fifty dollars, but there was plenty left over for a substantial lunch for two the next day. The menu lists a "Dinner Special" for $6.95 and a "Lunch Special" for a dollar less, and even at the low price, at Thai Eagle Rox I'll bet that whatever you get will be pretty good. And they do take MasterCard and Visa. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, there is parking in the back or on the street, and they also deliver locally for free for orders over $10.00.
Thai Eagle Rox
4601 York Boulevard
323-349-0508
11am to 10 pm, Mon - Sun

Masks: An Ecology of Spirit
at Cultural Center
From January 5th to the 31st, the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association, now doing business as The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, will present an exhibition by Judy Leventhal: Masks: Ecology of Spirit.
This exhibition, a retrospective of clay and papier mache masks, focuses on contemporary and ancient traditions of mask making. In Masks: Ecology of Spirit, Ms. Leventhal, a visionary and multi media artist and educator, provides insight on the many ways masks have been an essential part of ecological and ceremonial traditions in many cultural regions of the world.
For decades, Ms.Leventhal has designed collaborations, exhibits and events to showcase children's artistic talents and visions for the future preservation of local and regional ecologies around the world. In recent years she has collaborated with the Audubon Center at Debs Park, the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles and the Capital Children's Museum in Washington, DC. Ms. Leventhal believes that, "in many traditions, masks play an important role in maintaining balance between the needs of the people of a community and the integrity of the environment around them."
This current exhibit, Masks: Ecology of Spirit, has been the foundation and inspiration for the Mask Making Adventures, a public school art and environmental science program presented in collaboration with the Natural Resources Partnership For Youth Achievement, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service career education program.
The artist's upcoming exhibition at the Center will coincide with an installation of 78 school children's masks and personal statements on the environment. Masks: The World in Me: Expressions of Urban Youth is now at District F Administrative Offices, Los Angeles Unified School District, 2151 N. Soto Street.
The Center will be hosting a reception for the artist on Sunday, January 11th , from 1 - 4PM. There will be entertainment and refreshments. Admission is free.
The ERCCA is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, providing low-cost art, music, dance and computer classes to children and adults of surrounding areas and communities. The ERCCA also hosts two free festivals yearly and numerous concerts and exhibitions.
For more information call the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 323.226.1617. The Center is located at 2225 Colorado Blvd.

Bug in the House!
MOD*I*FI
Starting January 10th at Gallery Ophelia will be “MOD*I*FI I am not my IKEA furniture- Art and Objects for the Home.” It is a new work by Jeff and Rebecca Bughouse The exhibition is a series of limited edition serigraphs and screenprinting done on objects such as tables, lamps, drapes, pillows and trash cans. Rejecting the idea of a prepackaged lifestyle this show says, “MAKE it Your Way!”
Gallery Ophelia is located at 2114 Colorado Boulevard- hours Wed- Sat 12-6 pm.

Frank Gehry Workshop
Your last chance to enjoy a family workshop celebrating MOCA's Frank O. Gehry: Work in Progress is this Sunday! Join a spotlight tour and hands-on workshop exploring the architect's luminous surfaces and exuberant shapes.
Workshop designed and conducted by artist-educator Amy Green, whose shimmering paintings have been exhibited internationally.
MOCA's hands-on, artist-led workshops are scheduled the first Sunday of every month. Free for families with children ages 5 and up. No reservations required. Sunday, January 4, 1-3:30pm MOCA at California Plaza 250 S. Grand Avenue, Downtown LA. INFO 213/621-1712 or carias@moca.org.

Acoustic Music Series January Concerts
Pasadena, CA The Acoustic Music Series begins the 2004 concert season with Dave Alvin on Saturday, January 10 at 8:00 P.M. at Neighborhood Church at 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. This will be Dave's ninth annual acoustic concert kicking off the New Year for the Acoustic Music Series. Opening this year's concert will be L.A.'s own, I See Hawks in L.A.
John McCutcheon - Saturday, January 17 at 8:00 P.M. ($20/$27) at Throop Memorial Church, 300 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena
Eddie from Ohio - Saturday, January 31 at 8:00 P.M. ($21/$28) at Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.
With this trademark sound, Eddie from Ohio has produced seven CDs (selling over 100,000 copies to date), toured from Maine to California, cultivated a mailing list of over 20,000 names, received air play from hundreds of radio stations worldwide
For tickets, call 626.791.0411. Tickets are $22 advance/ $23 at the door.
 

January TERA Garden Meeting
Whether your thumb is green or black, The Eagle Rock Association's first public meeting of 2004 has great ideas for every gardener at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27, with "How Does Your Garden Grow?," a forum on horticulture and landscaping, at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. The free public event will offer presentations and dialogue with four varied experts from the Northeast: Scott Wilson, landscape architect and founder of North East Trees; John Wickham, board member of the Theodore Payne Foundation; Al Renner, president of the Los Angeles Community Garden Council and director of Solano Canyon Community Garden (recently featured in the Los Angeles Times Magazine), and Yvonne Savio, director of University of California Extension's Master Gardener Program, Los Angeles County. TERA board member and LA Master Gardener Mary Tokita will moderate. The evening will include many perks for attendees: free refreshments, free catered cuisine, free seed packets and gardening-related prizes. Attendees may question the panel as time permits. A $2 donation for each attendee is welcome to defray insurance costs for this event. For additional information, please call TERA at 323-259-8372.

The Seashell & the Tree
(Balance is the Key)
by Graham Griffin
Remember that there are no
boundaries in all the worlds.
It is an ecosystem
that brings us together now.
For as the Eagle may carry a rock,
Heaven is like the rainbow
in the mist of the rain.
Hell the only fire
from within our own brains.
A tree sprouts straight up,
branches out and
bears fruit for us all.
While the seashell tumbles
and toils in the sea endlessly.
Lined in the bark we are taught
that if cut
the tree shows the truth
about the lines of time.
Trace these lines
on the outside of the Seashell
for when you pick it up
to look inside,
You will learn
Balance is the Key.

Taylor Yard State Park News
The California Department of Parks and Recreation just gave area river watchers an early Christmas present. Here are the details, direct from the department's official announcement:
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has announced that it has acquired its first park property which directly fronts along the Los Angeles River at Taylor Yard near downtown Los Angeles. It is an acquisition that has been the dream of neighborhood and community groups for more than a decade and is seen as the critical centerpiece property in the effort to create a Los Angeles River Parkway.
"We have now taken State Parks directly to the Los Angeles River," said State Park Director Ruth Coleman. "This property is seen as the linchpin, the essential catalyst and the centerpiece for the dream of creating a Los Angeles River Parkway."
In December 2001, State Parks purchased the 40-acre Taylor Yard property known as parcel D along San Fernando Road. However, it is separated from the river by the Metrolink rail line. It is now being developed jointly by California State Parks and the City of Los Angeles as a seamless park that includes both natural and recreational areas.
Many believe parcels D and G are the linchpin properties for moving ahead and acquiring more of the riverfront by State Parks and other agencies to eventually create a Los Angeles River Parkway.
"All across the nation there are examples of neighborhoods and cities that have been revitalized by river corridor parkways," said State Parks Southern Division Chief Ted Jackson." This latest acquisition now opens the door for fulfilling that very dream here in Los Angeles, a world-class and beautiful greenbelt winding through the heart of this great city."z

Eagle Rock Neighborhood Watch Schedule
All meetings take place from 6 to 7 pm at the Eagle Rock City Hall building, on the northeast corner of Colorado Blvd. and North Maywood Ave. The LAPD, Senior Lead Officer for Eagle Rock, Joe Galindo, conducts our meetings. NW meetings are open to everyone and all are welcomed. For more information and to be connected with local NW leaders, call the Eagle Rock Field Office at 323 254-5295.
JANUARY 15
FEBRUARY 19
MARCH 18
APRIL 15
MAY 20
JUNE 17
JULY 15
AUGUST 3rd - National Night Out, celebrated nationally, and sponsored by The Department of Justice. Keep your porch lights on and encourage your
neighbors to participate in Neighborhood Watch. The time, location and specifics of a community wide celebration to be planned and announced by June of 2004.
SEPTEMBER 16
OCTOBER 21
NOVEMBER 18
DECEMBER - No NW meeting this month. Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday and New Year! See you in 2005!