M
2007 in Review
A Look Back
by Tom Topping
January
At the start of 2007, we in CD14 were in the midst of another campaign season for CD14 Councilman. It seemed only Alvin Parra of El Sereno could give any competition to the incumbent José Huizar, and the Boulevard Sentinel endorsed him.
Northeast L.A hotel owners found themselves a target of the L.A.P.D., as a new law was being enforced making relatively low wage hotel clerks subject to criminal charges for making clerical errors on hotel registration cards, or failing to record the I.D., car color, license plate and vehicle ID number of every guest regardless of who paid for the room. They said a police sting operation that had undercover officers pretending to check in as a John and a prostitute unfairly targeted many of the immigrant workers who did not understand English very well.
February
L.A. City and county leaders toured the L.A. River at a press event to tout the L.A. River Revitalization Master Plan. Local disabled Von's shoppers in Eagle Rock were calling the Boulevard Sentinel for help after Von's facilities management re-striped the parking lot, moving the disabled accessible spaces to the outer reaches of the parking lot. Carol Tharp, one of the founding members of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council was appointed General Manager of the Los Angeles City Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, the overseeing body of the City's Neighborhood Council System. Jim and Jeff Theil of the Capri Italian restaurant won an award for their "Signature Dish," Sausage Eggplant Zuccini.
The Grand Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles visited the Eagle Rock club and liked what he saw, the aerie and the auxiliary working together.
March
A proposal to open the "Fat Dog Lounge" at Colorado and Townsend met extreme opposition when it came before the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee. About 150 people showed up to protest. Scott Robbins of the Highland Perk (now La Casa Blue) received the support of Jose Huizar, and overturned the Zoning Administrator's decision allowing him to serve beer and wine at his coffee house turned lounge/restaurant. José Huizar was re-elected with about 2/3's of the vote. We mourned the loss of former Eagle Rock civic leader Katie Smith formerly of Bragg and Smith Realty. With some help from my friends, I successfully opposed a motion in court that tried to make me pay James Perry's legal fees that he incurred while trying to sue me!
April
After another busy and crowded night considering plans of the Fat Dog Lounge, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee recommended against the parking variance that Fat Dog needed to open. This virtually killed the Fat Dog plans for an alcohol serving late night establishment. (OK, it WAS a bar!)
May
The ten year anniversary issue of the Boulevard Sentinel hit the streets, I told my story of how the paper started. A farewell party for retiring Senior Lead Office Joe Galindo was held at the monthly Eagle Rock Neighborhood Watch Block Captain's meeting. Jenny Krusoe, who directed the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts since 2001 stepped down as well.
Bradley E. Bradley of Glassell Park was caught on tape denying a stakeholder's right to videotape a public meeting. It was posted to U-tube for the world to see.
June
Former Councilman Richard Alatorre was there to help cut the ribbon on the construction of the Eagle Rock Canyon hiking trail. Peter Schaller and his volunteers went right to work, first marking and then digging the path through the 4 acres of natural hillside near the Eagle Rock. Longtime Glassell Park community leader and activist Joan Lundy passed away at the age of 68. With a little help from Shirley Minser, Von's supermarket restored the disabled spaces taken away earlier in the year. The Lemongrass restaurant opened in Eagle Rock and the 2nd annual Lummis Day Northeast Festival was a great success. Eliot Sekular, Chairman of the Friends of the Southwest Museum group resigned, convinced that more can be accomplished without resorting to a legal battle, that some local activists were threatening.
July
The Garvanza Skatepark opens. Jose Perez, originally from Chicago is appointed the new Captain of the Northeast Division, L.A.P.D. Galco's finally gets a official city sign recognizing them for their 100 years in business in L.A. A late night crash put an SUV into the front wall of Cindy's restaurant. They were closed for two months for repairs. I had a wonderful anniversary party for the ten year landmark of the Boulevard Sentinel. I was deeply touched by the outpouring of respect and love.
August
Real ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawsuits are filed on many Eagle Rock businesses by ADA lawsuit mill lawfirm Pinnock and Wakefield in San Diego. A risky sidewalk closure forced many pedestrians to walk on a busy, blind and highspeed section of Colorado Blvd. The most successful Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce Concerts in the Park series comes to a close after seven successful performances. Lenny Davis is chosen to be the new Eagle Rock Senior Lead Officer. Community leader Ruby De Vera is awarded $125,000 in a settlement after she is unfairly fired from her job in CD1 by Councilmember Ed Reyes.
September
It's a sad month as both longtime Eagle Rock automotive businessman Bob Costa, and Eagle Rock native Ron Jorgenson pass away. Mary Tokita saved the month by taking me on a tour of the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden and Art Park, and I got to show the community what a good job she is doing there. Finally, I got to the bottom of a rumored pilfering of drama and music student's funds, which were feared to be going to the athletic department. After I started, or maybe because I started asking questions, all the funds were returned to their proper departments.
October
The Eagle Rock Canyon trail has made it top the top of the hill, and I found out first hand it's a beautiful view from there. Chamber President Denise Miller angers a few community leaders when she tries to put former TERA president Joanne Turner in charge of the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Ms. Turner withdraws her proposal after I publish a scathing editorial reminding everyone of her past anti-business activities.
November
The second annual Eagle Rock Veteran's Day Parade is a nice success, with longtime community leader Bob Cota riding high as the Grand Marshal. Yet another round of ADA lawsuit threats hit the business community, some targeting the same businesses for the second time in three months.
Sadly, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment Manager, and Eagle Rocker, Carol Tharp loses her battle with cancer. Another sad story happened on November 16, as Carl "Okie" Adams was burned to death in his Oak Grove home. Very few in the community knew of his contributions to the world of Hot Rodding and the world of Banjo building. Fresh and Easy market opens in the former Albertson's - Lucky Market location on Eagle Rock Boulevard in Glassell Park.
December
More Christmas parties than I can remember happened this month, but not much else. New Years' Eve at Colombo's was cool and here we are in 2008. Man, the time is sure going by quick these days.

Councilman José Huizar Celebrates an Old Fashioned Christmas with the Eagle Rock Chamber
Councilmember José Huizar and the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated this evening the 36th Annual Eagle Rock Holiday Tree Lighting and Children's Old Fashioned Christmas at the Historic Old Eagle Rock City Hall.
"This is one of my favorite Holiday events because it captures the spirit of the Eagle Rock community. In Eagle Rock people know each other and help each other in times of need. Today, we all came together to celebrate Christmas the old fashioned way," said Councilmember José Huizar.
More than 500 Northeast Los Angeles residents and children marked the beginning of the holiday season by lighting a 20-foot Christmas tree. The event also featured a special visit from Santa Claus providing hundreds of toys for children in-need.
"I am glad to see that so many families and children came to the tree lighting this year and we were also happy that Santa Claus came a little early to give a Christmas gift to the children," added Councilmember Huizar.
"Our goal with this event is to create a family atmosphere where the residents can come together to sing Christmas carols, enjoy some hot chocolate, and wish each other a Merry Christmas," said Kaye Beckham, Event Chair and Past President, Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Northeast Los Angeles residents also enjoyed hot chocolate, cotton candy, sang old fashioned Christmas carols, lead by the The Eagle Rock High School Choir, and enjoyed a dance performance by the world renowned Patsy Metzger dancers.
Councilman José Huizar CD 14
2035 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Phone: (323) 254-5295, Fax: (213) 485-8788

2007 Mount Washington Assn Food Drive a Success
For over two hours, the cars arrived non-stop; over 50 cars came. Their trunks were opened and bags and boxes were unloaded until sacks of rice and beans, cartons and shopping bags packed with cans of fish and vegetables filled the entire corner of Elyria and San Rafael Drive in Mount Washington.
This year's annual Mount Washington Association food drive was an enormous success, collecting what appeared to be a record quantity of foodstuffs for the Northeast Los Angeles Mental Health Center.
MWA volunteers Maria Gray, Carol Jacques, Natalie Seaman, Julie Nagesh manned the donations drop-off and MWA board member Rob Schraff handled the food delivery.
From left: Steve Veres, District Director for Assemblymember Kevin De Leon, Pat Griffith, Carol Jacques, 45th District Assemblymember Kevin De Leon, Julie Nagesh and Brian Schadel

Councilman Ed Reyes Rolls With Bike Plan
Reyes urges planners to prioritize bikes in City's public transportation plan, calls for pilot project in his district
Councilmember Ed P. Reyes introduced a motion today that explores bringing renowned bicycle projects, such as bike boulevards, road diets and bike stations, to his district, and thus to the City of Los Angeles, for the first time.
Reyes' motion seeks to implement these and other eco-friendly measures into Council District One to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the nation's most-polluted City. "We have the Gold Line and Red Line here," he said. "Now we need to tie in the loose ends by creating a bike network linking people to key spots like work, school, shops and museums. This motion will complement the overall network of infrastructure for public transportation."
The bicycle motion is the latest in Reyes' ongoing mission to reduce car trips by Los Angeles' growing population of 3.8 million. In addition to this bike measure, Reyes has spearheaded transit-oriented districts—housing and business communities built around public transportation— the Metro Gold Line and enhanced DASH bus routes.
Specifically, Reyes' motion calls for planners to explore innovative bike projects –successful in cities from Portland to Paris—that offer safe, efficient and affordable modes of travel for people of all abilities. These approaches could include the following:
• Bicycle boulevards, through streets for bikes in which roadways have been modified with new striping, curbs and markers
• Road diets, incorporating bike lanes or sidewalks streets for more efficient and safer transportation for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists
• Bike stations, a bicycle program in which users rent a bike online, or at a convenient location like a Metro stop, and drop it off at a docking station. Reyes' motion also calls for a public workshop in his district in early 2008 for residents, bicyclists, businesses and others to weigh in on bicycle projects in their neighborhoods. The input would be used to develop the pilot project in Reyes' district which includes northeast Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, Chinatown and MacArthur Park.
"We have made significant headway in adding rail lines, which improve public transportation regionally, and bus routes that enhance it Citywide," said Reyes, a veteran planner who chairs the City's Planning and Land Use Management Committee.
"But we are far behind in providing ecofriendly transportation, such as bicycles, at the neighborhood level. This motion does just that." Reyes' motion would be included in the City's Bicycle Plan, which is being updated by the transportation and planning departments. The plan is expected to be completed in 2009.
Councilman Ed Reyes, CD1
163 S. Ave 24, Room 202
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Phone: (213) 485-0763
Fax: (213) 485-8908

Entrepreneur Training Program

The Eastside Business Assistance Center will be holding regularly scheduled classes for entrepreneurs with a special interest for Northeast Los Angeles Residents. These classes are comprehensive and cover a wide range of business issues and information. The classes are funded by the City of Los Angeles' Community Development Department and are being held locally and during evening hours. Contact Ruben Sanchez or Ralph Carmona at 323 726 7734 to sign up for the next session starting January 15, 2008.

ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM CLASS XXVI
Learn How to Start Your Own Business in ONLY 8 WEEKS. Next Course Starting on Tues. January 15, 2008. Classes Meet Once A Week on Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 pm — 9:30 pm
Topics Include:
• Business Concept Development
• Record Keeping & Bookkeeping
• Initial Steps of Business Setup
• Financial Planning
• Developing a Business Plan
• Business Insurance
• Strategic Marketing / Credit Repair
• E-Commerce
Seats are limited
Call (323) 726-7734 to register NOW! or register online at www.ebac-bpi.org

Talk of
the ‘Rock
Last month, bloggers were concerned about the homeless looking folks that have been hanging out in front of the Nazarene church on Eagle Rock Blvd. across from Panda Express. Accusing these folks of public drinking in plastic lawn chairs, they are quite worried and ask, "What can be done?"
Another poster was lamenting about the "meltdowns" she's experienced after bringing ice cream home from Von's. The ice cream, once melted and re-frozen, due to an old freezer case in disrepair. It was not to her liking, but she was somewhat satisfied that they refunded her money. Store personnel told her that they had had several meltdowns in the past few months, but that a new freezer case was not in the works.
Another blogger did not like the idea of a second Lemongrass being built, saying the first one was a "disappointment." Personally, I love the place. The lunch specials are just the right amount of food for just the right price, the servers are nice and the atmosphere marvelous.
A internet contest put on by "Curbed L.A." for the best L.A neighborhood pitted Eagle Rock against North Hollywood. Locals were urged to go online and vote for Eagle Rock, which lost by a margin of two to one. No telling how many used their vote to try and keep Eagle Rock on a low profile, preferring instead to try and keep their community a closely guarded secret.
Perhaps dozens of Eagle Rock residents were disturbed, annoyed and threatened by a rash of strangers doing door to door sales. They were selling a cleaning product that would remove ink and such. If the person refused to buy, the sales person would become abusive and curse at them as well as give them the one finger salute. No one has been physically attacked as yet.
But on the brighter side, work on the Eagle Rock monument at the 134 freeway ramp and Colorado is nearing completion and is looking great. Look for a christening sometime around Easter.
The community is split on whether they would like to see the SW Hill Country site again be a local restaurant-bar or just a restaurant.
Many are still arguing over the new Fresh and Easy market. Owner Tesco Inc., the third largest retailer in the world, is not showing any concern over it. Trader Joe's is responding to F&E by offering some fresh, unfrozen packaged entrees for sale in their store.
Finally, everyone has been complaining about the stoplight timing at Mt. Royal and Colorado. One night I took a stopwatch to it and found that Colorado traffic was stopped with a red light for 48 seconds, and green for only 7. It has slowed down traffic, but mostly at night, as the timing in the daylight hours is not as restrictive. I notice more and more people running that light every day.
Robert Skotheim Named President of Occidental College
Robert A. Skotheim, former president of Whitman College and retired president of the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, has been appointed president of Occidental College beginning January 1, 2008. Skotheim is a historian of national reputation who, during his 13-year tenure at Whitman (1975-1988), led the largest capital campaign ever undertaken by any college or university in the Pacific Northwest up to that time. His term at Occidental will run until June 2009 when it is anticipated that the College will announce the appointment of its 15th president.
Under his leadership, the Huntington's endowment more than doubled, budget deficits were eliminated, membership grew sixfold, and a major building program was launched.
A native of Seattle, Skotheim received his bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in history from the University of Washington. He was a Guggenheim Fellow and the recipient of Washington's Distinguished Teaching Award and the Distinguished Achievement Award in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Over the years he has published a number of books, articles and reviews in the field of American intellectual history and social thought, among other topics. An authority on higher education and a passionate advocate for the liberal arts, Skotheim served on Whitman's board of overseers for a decade following his tenure as president. He has served on many other boards, including the advisory council of the National Humanities Council at Yale University.
Skotheim and his wife Nadine currently reside on Bainbridge Island on Puget Sound near Seattle. They have three grown sons and daughters and eight grandchildren.
Founded in 1887, Occidental College is one of the few nationally ranked liberal arts colleges located in a major city. Its student body of 1,877 students, drawn from 45 states and 22 countries, combines a remarkable diversity – more than a third are students of color; 15 percent are the first in their family to attend college – with a traditional commitment to academic achievement.

Cruizin’ with Mary

Happy New Year 2008, Eagle Rock! I hope that now that the holidays are over, everyone is in good health and spirits and at least hopeful for a better 2008. I don't have much Eagle Rockin' Rodders news this month, mainly because we don't meet in December at Oinkster. We did have a festive holiday party at Black Angus: Good friends, good food and lots of laughs.
I would like to briefly touch on some new vehicle laws for 2008 (from the DMV website and internet, so feel free to correct me if any of this is wrong!). First of all, I thought the cell phone/hands-free law went into effect last July. I made a special point of buying, and attempting to use, a hands-free device while driving. What a joke! That thing always falls out of my ear. I tried switching to the other ear, it still falls out. I stopped using it and was dreading the time that a cop would see me and cite me for this. But I was seeing hundreds of drivers every day talking and driving, with cops blowing right by them paying no notice. Now I see that the new cell phone law is scheduled to go into effect in July 2008, with the first infraction for not using a hands-free device of $20. Subsequent fines will be $50. I want to know where I can purchase that thing that hooks your cell phone up to your car speakers so that you hear your caller through the speakers, not a headset. Those were in all the malls a couple years ago, but that trend seems to never have caught on.
Another new law AB645 prohibits courts from dismissing serious driving charges when the offender has completed driving school or court-appointed class! Now, call me naïve, but I did NOT know serious offenses could be, and have been excused for that reason. That just seems stupid, and a technical loophole which I'm sure, has benefited someone, just not anyone I know. Well, we can all sleep better now knowing this one is on the books!
Here's a good one, not that any teenager will pay attention to it, so parents, here it goes: new law SB33, prohibits any driver under the age of 18 from using a cell phone AT ALL, while driving, hands-free device or not. Teens, that means you can drive or you can talk but not both. Get it?
Anyway, now that I have done my civic duty for this month and enlightened my readers while amusing myself, I bid you a fond farewell. Don't forget to cruise with us on the last Saturday of the month: Jan. 26 at Oinkster, the home of the slow, fast good. Until then stay warm, don't forget to bring those pets inside and keep on cruising'!
(Author Mary Garson lives in Eagle Rock, was an alumni of ERHS and is an outspoken supporter of the Blvd Sentinel…)

Exploring the Eagle Rock Trail

[Nyerges is a manager at the Tuesday Highland Park market, and is the author of various books, including "Guide toWild Foods." He conducts plant and survival skills walks. For more information, write to Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041, or check www.- ChristopherNyerges.com]
On one of the last remaining days of 2007, I took a walk along the new Eagle Rock Trail. I wanted to see it for myself, and to do an informal botanical survey of the plants that the local native Americans once used on a regular basis. I began the trail at the base of the Eagle Rock, on North Figueroa, immediately north of the 134 freeway. I noted some of the very common food plants that sustained generations of people.
Coast live oaks were common around the base of the Eagle Rock, as well as many scattered acorns. These acorns were once a staple food crop of most Southern California Indians. Ever had an acorn biscuit, or soup made with acorn gravy? These acorns are collected in the fall and then peeled of their shells. The nut meat must then be soaked or boiled in water to remove the bitter tannic acid. Then they are ground into flour and used to make gravey, stew, biscuits, breads – that sort of thing. The acorn meal was nearly always mixed with other seeds and grain.
I explored along the old cement stairway on the south side, all buckled from large oaks and pines. Back on the trail, I saw two varieties of prickly pear cactus, elder tree, black sage, wild rose, sierra gooseberry, yucca, and wild cucumbers. All of these played some role in the life of the Native Americans who were once the exclusive residents here.
The prickly pear pad – nopales – were eaten just as they are today, either raw, cooked, or pickled. The fruits, also called tunas, were also used as a delicious fruit in the old days. The elder tree produces abundant fruits in the early summer and is also a great source of useful wood. Because the stems are filled with a soft inner pith, they are easily hollowed out to make straws, pipe stems, and blowguns. The sage was used as a spice and medicine, and the wild rose not only produced edible fruits, but the long straight new shoots were regarded as the finest material for arrow shafts. Sierra gooseberry produces prickly fruits, but they can be crushed and eaten.
The yucca was not common along the Eagle Rock trail, but was one of the most useful plants in the old days. Yes, the yucca produced food: both the flowers and the fruits were cooked and made into paddies or used in stews. But the yucca was most prized for its top-quality fibre. The leaves, once shredded, make a superlative twine or braid, which is then used for making the whole host of objects of everyday life, such as sandals, hats, bags, fishing nets, bow strings, etc. Even the vining wild cucumber was useful. The previous year's dried-up fruit was used as a luffa to scrub the skin.
As I walked along the Eagle Rock trail, it didn't appear to be used much at all. I saw more animal tracks than human tracks. Deer tracks were common, for example. Plus I saw small rodent tracks, and packrat piles. But just when I was thinking that no one comes up here, a man began to speak to me from higher up on the trail near a home. He told me he wasn't happy about the trail, that it brings all the bad boys up there at night who party and leave trash. He told me that he has filled three large big black trash cans with their litter since the trail opened. However, later on it did appear to me that the bad boys do not use the new eagle rock trail, but simply drive to a convenient spot to do their revelry. It appeared to be a situation that could easily be solved by some fencing, lights, and a friendly pit bull.
When I got to the top of the eagle rock trail, I rested for a few minutes in one of the three plastic chairs put there by someone, adjacent to a Pasadena Water and Power facility. There was also a sign asking for volunteer trail builders and I could see that there were other trails that led off further north into the hills. It was a hazy day when I sat at this vista point and I could look south into Los Angeles and see the ridgelines of the maybe 11 east-west hillsides, all looking like a pastel drawing in the afternoon haze.
I walked back down, and noted other plants such as the native wild cherries, poison oak, and western black nightshade whose ripe tomato-tasting fruits were eaten by the Indians. There were also plenty of introduced plants all along the trail and hillsides, such as arundo, sow thistle, lamb's quarter, and even carob trees.
I noted the many rocks around the Eagle Rock, and saw at least two that were possible hand stones from the old days. I also saw at least one small clay deposit that could have been used for pots and bowls.
For me, on that quiet afternoon, looking down at the hurly-burly of the rushing freeway, it was quite pleasant to be there alone on the Eagle Rock and to explore it mysteries. It was just another reason why I love our near wilderness in this unique community of Eagle Rock.

What's New with Assemblyman Anthony Portantino?

Hello Friends,
It's hard to believe that the first year of the legislative session has come and gone. Having previously served on the five-person La Cañada City Council, I learned that working in tandem with 119 diverse and passionate civil servants is a complex and rewarding enterprise. My first few months were a flurry of back-to-back stakeholder meetings, committee hearings, and floor session, usually capped with district meetings and various weekend events, including, of course, my daughters' soccer and band practice.
The year has been rich with activity and opportunity, and I am extremely pleased with my initial policy achievements. On October 11th, the Governor signed AB 34, which establishes the State's first Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Program. This was a legislative priority for me, having learned of the profound healing potential of umbilical cord blood and its moral and ethical applications. Learn more about umbilical cord blood here.
As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, I made significant progress in increasing students' academic and financial access to California's Community Colleges. In addition, my committee passed legislation to control the prevalence of credit card companies on college campuses.
But, the year was certainly not without its disappointments. My effort to reform governance of the California State University system was vetoed by the Governor, despite bi-partisan support and favorable consideration by editorial boards throughout the State. Additionally, a resolution urging the University of California to establish a dedicated student exchange program with Historical Black Colleges and Universities also stalled. However, these are merely minor setbacks, as I intend to further develop these policies in the coming months.
Closer to home, my district office has been bustling with workshops and educational events. In October, I hosted a Children's Health Forum to educate parents about the growing problem of childhood obesity and diabetes. The following weekend I hosted a College Workshop Day to ensure that prospective students and families had the most current and accurate admissions and financial aid information available. In early November, I hosted an Identity Theft Conference and invited experts to enlighten members of the community on how to protect themselves against one of the fastest growing crimes in the country.
If you require assistance, my staff and I are at your service. Please do not hesitate to call, write, or e-mail.
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino
215 N. Marengo Ave, Suite 115
Pasadena, CA 91101
Home: (818) 952-3432
Tel: (626) 577-9944

Lummis Day Educational Program for Teachers

An educational workshop for teachers encompassing the history, geography and culture of Northeast Los Angeles will be presented in conjunction with the third annual "Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast
Los Angeles" on two consecutive Saturdays in February, (2/2 and 2/9).
Titled "A River Runs Through It: Charles Lummis and the Culture of the Arroyo Seco," the workshop will be presented as an LAUSD-approved one-point credit class and the curriculum will include seminars and presentations by poets, authors, naturalists, a Native American storyteller, and historians. A broad cross-section of Arroyo locations will serve as classrooms for the program, which will include docent tours of the area's museums, field studies and nature walks through urban wilderness areas.
Carmela Gomes, a retired LAUSD teacher who serves as Educational Director for the Lummis Day Community Foundation, has designed the 15-hour course in cooperation with the Los Angeles Unified School District and will lead eight additional presenters representing a broad cross section of disciplines and interests for this uniquely multi-disciplinary curriculum. The course is aimed at allowing teachers to impart a sense of "place," community pride and unity among Los Angeles students.
Participants will join field studies and nature walks in the restored Lower Arroyo, and will attend sessions at some of Northeast Los Angeles' most historically and culturally significant locations, including Heritage Square Museum, Lummis Home and Gardens, the Casa de Adobe, the Southwest Museum's Braun Library and Judson Studios. The course will emphasize the geography of the Arroyo Seco watershed, its modes of transportation, the urban wilderness, and the diverse heritage of its inhabitants.
A central theme of the workshop will be the life and work of Northeast Los Angeles' larger-than-life pioneering spirit, Charles Fletcher Lummis, first city editor of the Los Angeles Times, a city librarian, founder of the Southwest Museum, and an early proponent of Native American Rights.
Presenters for the educational workshop will include poet Suzanne Lummis, Arroyo Seco Foundation Director Tim Brick, native plants expert Christopher Nyerges, author and artist Don Newton, artists Deborah Thomas, instructor and Gabrielino/Tongva tribal council member Julia Bogany, Arroyo Scenic Byway founder Nicole Possert and Highland Park Heritage Trust member and raconteur Virginia Neely.
Participating teachers will be able to create meaningful, standards-based curriculum-relevant projects for use with students, projects that can be shared through community presentations in their own school environments. Teachers will be asked to encourage their students to return with their projects on June 1, for presentation at the Lummis Day Festival.
The program is limited to 40 participants and the fee is $65, which covers materials, museum entries, tours, and speaker fees. Registration and fees are due January 25. The complete schedule and registration forms may be accessed at www.lummisday.org. Online payment is limited to Paypal account holders. Checks may be mailed to Carmela Gomes at 1326 N. Avenue 54, Los Angeles CA 90042.
Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast Los Angeles will take place on Sunday June 1 and will be preceded by a month-long series of events at libraries and schools throughout Northeast L.A. Lummis Day information can be found at www.lummisday.org. Lummis Day is sponsored by the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council, the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, with support from public radio station KPFK 90.7 and City Council Districts 1 and 14.
For further information, contact: call or email Carmela Gomes at 323-257-1900 or carmela.gomes@lausd.net. Media inquiries: Eliot Sekuler, 818-535-9178. lummisday@yahoo.com

2008's Divine Holy Ride:
The 8th Annual Nacimiento Tour
On Sunday, January 6, 2008, bicyclists and motorists alike will take to the streets to enjoy the eclectic and divine nacimientos of Los Angeles's Eastside. This year's tour starts at the Los Angeles River and Gardens Center, 570 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles, 90065 at 11 am, with registration opening at 10 am. Highland Park's Bike Oven will offer free tire checks and sag support. This year, the Charles Lummis Home in Highland Park will provide refreshments.
The Latino Urban Forum, The Rare Times, Wild Women on Wheels (w2ows), C.I.C.L.E., Santa Monica Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, and Council Districts One and Fourteen are co-sponsors of the tour.
For the 8th year, the annual tour will highlight mini Bethlehems, makeshift barns and stables, and in one setting, a complete living room reenactment of Jesus' birth and the arrival of the three kings. For many bicyclists, this is the first time exploring the historically and ethnically rich neighborhoods of Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, and Boyle Heights.
Nacimientos, or nativity scenes, is a tradition that many Latino throughout Latin America follow during the Christmas season. This tradition takes place in the streets of LA where many immigrants and multi-generational families spend countless hours creating Nacimientos in their front yards, porches, on roofs, as well as in the home.
Nacimientos range in size, complexity, and creativity. Some can be a simple scene of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to elaborate landscapes with tinsel waterfalls, sparkling lights, and hundreds of pieces. Each Nacimiento reflects the creator's devotion to Christmas and can be very personal in nature.
For many Latinos, the building of the sets begins the day after December 12th, which is the feast day of Our lady of Guadalupe and they stay up until January 6th, when the three kings arrive with gifts for the new born king.
Listings and pictures of previous years' tours can be found on www.theraretimes.com. The bike ride will be approximately 18 miles with frequent stops. Please wear a helmet. The 2008 map will be available online and at the registration on the day of the event.
For more information and/or suggestions of new nacimientos, please contact Lupe Vela at 213-820-3680 lmvela@w2ows.org.

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock Presents:
Possible Impossible Dimension:
Six Artists on the Brink
of Abstraction
Dates: 12 January-16 February 2008
Artists: Dan Bayles, Dorsey Dunn, Brad Eberhard, Max Lesser, Chris Natrop, Bari Ziperstein
Curator: Holly Myers
This show features six young, LA-based artists who approach abstraction with a rigorous sense of spatial dynamics and an abiding concern--often absent in abstraction--for the relationship between the world they create in their work and the world outside their studio. The work will include painting, sculpture, collage, and a sound installation.
Address: 2225 Colorado Blvd. LA CA 90041 323.226.1617
www.centerartseaglerock.org www.myspace.com/eaglerockmusicfest

 - Contact Person: Brian Martinez - Events Director

Mount Washington Association Presents History and Overview of The Judson Studios At January 21 Membership Meeting

The history and current programming of the Judson Studios will be the topic of a discussion and presentation at the next meeting of the Mount Washington Association to be held at 7:30 pm on Monday, January 21 at the Mt. Washington School's Jack and Denny Smith Community Center, 3981 San Rafael Drive.
David Judson, managing director of the Judson Studios, will present an overview of the landmark institution that has played an integral role in the development of the arts in Northeast Los Angeles. The meeting is open to all members of the public. Refreshments will be served.
Located at Avenue 66 just off York Boulevard, the building occupied by the Judson Studios originally housed the University of Southern California's School of Fine Arts. For over a century, it has served as a world-class stained glass studio and currently also includes the Judson Gallery of Contemporary and Traditional Art.
William Lees Judson, a noted plein aire painter, served as Dean of USC's School of Fine Arts until 1920. During his tenure the school became the nexus for arts activity in Southern California and, particularly for the Arroyo, then known as the "art colony of Los Angeles."
When the school moved south to its present University of Southern California campus site, the building was purchased by Judson family members, renowned then and now as world-class stained glass artists. The Judson Studios became known as the "Tiffany's of the West," a world-famous stained glass atelier, and the building became the meeting hall for a group called the Arroyo Guild of Fellow craftsmen, which included artists from Mount Washington, Garvanza, Highland Park and other neighborhoods of Northeast Los Angeles.
The Judson Studios is still family run and is currently owned by Karen Judson, her husband Walter Judson having passed away suddenly in January of 2003, and directed by David Judson, fourth and fifth generation respectively. Today the current generation brings a 21st century aesthetic and technological sensibility to the facility and the craft, with over 100 years of tradition and experience.
David Judson holds a master's degree from USC and also studied at the 1992 Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He is currently re-searching the biography and history of his great-great-grandfather and has lectured around the country on the Southern California arts and crafts movement.

This float was captured on "moving picture reproduction for thousands to see." This was Eagle Rock's First entry, which won the Silver Cup.
EAGLE ROCK FLOAT WINS SILVER CUP

This impressive headline graced the front pages of the Eagle Rock Sentinel on January 15th 1914.
Who would have thought that Eagle Rock, only an official city of three years old, would have had the vision, the resources, and the creative spirit to enter the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade and take home a medal on their first entry?!
Curious what flowers they used and how they obtained them? Interested in knowing which "lovely young ladies noted for their many charms" were chosen to ride on the floats? How much the floats cost and who in town started to grumble about the expense? All these questions and more will be answered on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7pm at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock's involvement in the parade spanned from 1914 to 1936 with a total of fifteen entries ranging in names/themes from "Colonial Days" and "Valley of Happiness" to "Blooming Rose" and "School Day Memories."
The city of Eagle Rock won five trophies over the years ­ all of which will be on display the night of the presentation! The Historical Society invites you to join your fellow Eagle Rock neighbors for a night of exploration on the history of Eagle Rock's involvement in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Our very own Fred Guapo will be leading us in this wonderful journey with a presentation full of photos, news articles, anecdotes, and other fascinating tid-bits that reveal the character of the people, the early pioneers, of our wonderful town. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. Please bring friends and family and support the Historical Society!
On December 31st, 1914 the Eagle Rock Sentinel wrote: "The Tournament promises to be bigger and prettier than ever. The Eagle Rock float is going to be a beautiful one in every way. The ladies have done wonders. We will not describe it. Go and see it."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves! See you on the 22nd!

Contrasting Tones
Photographs by Kevin Hass and Chris Kleine
January 12
to February 2, 2008
The MorYork Gallery will ring in the new year by showcasing the work of Kevin Hass and Chris Kleine from January 12 through February 2, 2008. The opening night reception will be Saturday, January 12 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in conjunction with the NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night, a popular event when many galleries in northeast Los Angeles will be open.
Two friends. Two visions. One art form. Contrasting Tones juxtaposes the color photographs of Kevin Hass with the black and white prints of Chris Kleine. As the world grows more and more digital, Hass and Kleine continue to pursue photography using "old school" methods and materials, developing film and crafting images as unseen phantoms working from within the black solitude of their darkrooms.
Representing the color image is longtime photographer Kevin Hass. Through his varied interests and travels, Hass's eye is in relentless pursuit of photographic possibilities. Creating images from subjects as he finds them, his prints become visual harmonies of natural light, color, and texture. Contrasting Tones includes Hass's recent images and also highlights photographs from his much heralded show at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Memories in Color and Steel.
Representing the black and white image is San Gabriel photographer Chris Kleine. Drawn to the luscious tones and simple elegance of the black and white image, Kleine creates stunning prints of haunting beauty and clarity. Contrasting Tones chronicles some of Kleine's early work and includes recent abstract prints.
MorYork Gallery is located at 4959 York Boulevard in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Check www.nelaart.org for a map that includes other galleries open that night.

EAGLE ROCK NEWS

click on ads to enlarge

Fi

Coffee Table Lemongrass Expansion-
Neighbors Win,
Still Not Satisfied
by Tom Topping
As Eagle Rock's commercial areas are getting busier and more new businesses are coming in, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council's Land Use Committee is trying to support new business while protecting the quality of life for nearby residents. Thus, this latest chapter of the Coffee Table / Lemongrass expansion plans, put the committee to the test and they did OK.
The Coffee Table Restaurant has been in business for a few years, and is well liked by many. Last year, after Councilman Huizar's "pilot parking program" was approved, the Lemongrass opened on the same property. Neither business is required to have parking because they occupy a historic building. They are successful, but that success has generated problems for the adjacent residents, mostly due to the lack of parking for their restaurant customers. Some of the residents affected have been wanting to speak out about it, and the latest plans for expansion gave them a chance to be heard. The expansion would add almost 100 alcohol serving restaurant seats to that already busy block.
At a few previous ERNC Land Use meetings, residents within a 500 foot radius were supposed to have been notified. When no one living within that zone showed up, committee members suspected that notification efforts by the expanding businesses may have been insufficient. The committee postponed the hearing twice, as they were sure that someone who lived nearby would be concerned enough to show up to their meeting.
Committee Chair Bob Arranaga declared he would personally take care of mailing the meeting notices in preparation for the December 6 meeting. The day before, I called the Barry family, who I know, that lives in the area and asked if they had received any notice. The answer was no. I had to then explain what the meeting was about, and Steve Barry cared enough about the issue to tell his neighbors and bring them to the committee meeting the very next day.
The meeting on Thursday, December 6, was held at 7 pm at the Eagle Rock City Hall. When the agenda reached the Coffee Table issue, chairman Arranaga and the applicant described the project, and explained what was being sought.
When the public had their chance to speak, Chikasaw resident Rick Elden got in the first word. He said, "I did not receive the notice of the meeting tonight. I believe the community has not been adequately given time to prepare any kind of response yay or nay." (he does live within the 500 foot radius) He then went on to complain about the delivery trucks which double park on Shearin Avenue, forcing he and other local drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road, often facing oncoming traffic as they pass by.
Arranaga got a little defensive as he insisted he had sent out the notices, mailed them himself and then he revealed a few leftover envelopes with the meeting notice folded inside. I got one from him.
He said, "They were mailed out with plenty of time in advance." He went on to explain that since the labels provided by the city for the mailing were addressed only to "occupant" perhaps the notices were thought to be just junk mail and thrown straight into the trash. That may have been true as there was no return address or any clue on the outside of the letter letting residents know that it might contain something important to them.
The notice itself may have been hard to understand, too, as it read, "CONTINUED USE OF TWO CONDITIONAL USE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; EXCLUDING A THIRD USE FOR CONSOLIDATION INTO ONE MASTER CUB." (huh?)
The rest of the six residents who showed up out of 142 addresses in the 500 foot radius also had something to say. Pete Almenera said, "How many restaurants do we need over here? We can't even park nowhere!"
Aranaga let resident Joeleanor Hildebrand speak for a full five minutes when she said, "I am affected more than anyone else in this building." Indeed Ms. Hildebrand lives right behind the Coffee Table and had a few complaints. She said that restaurant employees would often take their breaks in the rear breezeway late at night, disturbing her sleep as they talked and smoked until break time was over. She said the original as well as the latest construction activities would often start early and continue until 9, 10 or 11 at night. She complained about restaurant customers who would move her and her elderly neighbor Estela's trash cans on trash day preventing the trash from being picked up. She said they would sometimes block the driveway so she and Estela could not get in or out. They both said they did not receive notice either. Everyone who attended said they did not get the notice. The entire committee, however, was listening to their concerns, and did their best to address them.
Although the rep for the Coffee Table was doing some pretty fast talking, the committee mostly ignored him and took seriously the neighbor's concerns and really gave them everything they were able to give. At one point the rep brought up the subject of permit parking which brought a stern reprimand from committee member Clark Thomas who said, "You just really miss it. Permit parking isn't even in the conversation. You start permit parking- the pilot program goes down within 90 days." (He was defending a parking plan that he and the other members of ERCPR [the revitalization group] had helped create)
He continued, "You don't understand how much work has gone into this pilot program. What were asking for is this man pony up- come forth with some real parking- and make it for the hours his business is."
The committee recommended-
conditions to be imposed on the businesses that would eliminate or reduce the problems the neighbors complained about.
When all was said and done, the committee asked for these conditions:
Delivery trucks to be unloaded only in proper loading zones or on Colorado Blvd.;
Employees be restricted from taking breaks in the rear breezeway;
A signed contract with a valet parking service to operate daily from 6 pm till closing, and from 9:30 am till 2 on weekends;
Signs, notices on menus and other communications to advertise that valet parking is available;
Employees can no longer park on Shearin or Glen Iris;
And come back in a year to review the progress.
It was a slam dunk victory for a neighborhood that barely had more than 24 hours to organize. The neighbors, however, were less than satisfied, not believing that these conditions would alleviate their concerns. They say they are preparing to attend the future hearings on this project, and are considering an appeal as well as a petition drive for permit parking on their block if they are still not satisfied with the results.
This reporter was not convinced that the notices were mailed out as chairman Arranaga insisted. In fact, as the meeting ended, I made a lawful request to view the documentation that supported his mailing. At first he refused to let me see it- (public records brought by an elected or appointed official to a meeting must be allowed to be viewed on request) then relented and let me see them. I saw a receipt for printing from Super Copy and a reimbursement request so Arranaga could be refunded for his expenditure.
"Do you have receipt for the postage?" I asked.
He did not answer, but Brian Heckman, President of the Neighborhood Council, sent me copies of the receipts for 140 stamps and 175 envelopes dated November 29. The evidence supported his statements, and further investigation revealed that some folks living in the area did receive the notice. So while some notices were received it is not known why so many were not.

City of L.A. Tax Reform
As part of a continuing effort to attract and retain businesses the City passed several tax reform measures in 2004 providing over $92 million dollars in business tax relief when fully implemented. As of January 1, 2008, most businesses will receive an additional 4% rate reduction while small businesses with total worldwide gross receipts $100,000 or less will pay no tax. Additionally, fund/class and rate consolidation is fully implemented which simplifies the tax rate categories. Previously enacted tax breaks for qualified businesses in the entertainment industry will continue. These tax reform measures will benefit Los Angeles' businesses and economy.
To take advantage of the above tax breaks, businesses must file their business tax renewals with the Office of Finance by February 29,2008. E-filing is available on our website for registered taxpayers at www.lacity.org/finance. This is also an opportunity for businesses that are not registered with the Office of Finance to do so by the deadline of February 29th in order to receive the tax breaks.
Other important business tax information includes a small business tax assistance program to assist small businesses in completing their annual business tax renewal forms.
For the 2008 tax renewal, small businesses with total gross receipts of $100,000 or less may qualify for the Small Business Exemption and pay no tax. A Small Business Assistance Program is available to assist small businesses in completing their annual business tax renewal. Appointments are required for this limited service.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR ASSISTANCE? Businesses that have total worldwide annual gross
receipts of less than $100,000 qualify for this program.
HOW DO I GET STARTED? Call (213) 978-3403 to make an appointment.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM RUN? This program is scheduled to run from January 7th through February 15, 2008, subject to availability.
WHICH OFFICES OFFER THIS SERVICE? This program is available at our City Hall, Hollywood and Van Nuys offices.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO? Go to our web site located at the following address:
www.lacity.org/flnance.
If you need additional information or assistance, please contact Alicia Vega of the Office of Finance at (213) 978- 1555 or at alicia.vega@lacity.org.

ASNC Election Challenge Granted
The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council completed their elections last month, but the results were challenged by stakeholder and board member Joseph Riser. The Los Angeles Human Relations Commission (HRC) has ruled that in light of a typographical error on the Mount Washington ballot, the election of two Mount Washington geographic representatives must be re-run.
The HRC has ruled that all other board positions -including geographic representatives from the other four ASNC communities of Hermon, Monterey Hills, Montecito Heights and Sycamore Grove-plus all the at-large representatives, may stand. Those representatives will begin serving their terms at the January 28 ASNC board meeting.
Regarding the re-voting for two Mount Washington positions, dates for the mailing and the deadline for return of the ballots, plus a date, time and location for in-person voting, will be determined as soon as possible, pursuant to directions from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and the Independent Election Administrator.
Notification will be sent as soon as these determinations have been finalized.
In the interim, the HRC has directed that existing board members representing Mount Washington will remain in office, so that the ASNC may continue to conduct regular business.
The Final Decision Maker for the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council received one challenge for the November 26, 2007 election by the scheduled deadline. The role of the Final Decision-Maker (FDM) is to render a fact-based decision regarding challenges pertaining to an election. As a neutral entity with no interest in the outcome of an election except to ensure that said election is equitable and fair to the entire community, the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission ensures that process and procedures are not violated.
As a result of this role, the HRC has reviewed the challenges with the duly approved Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Bylaws and Election Procedures and the following is our decision on this election.
Challenge:
The challenge was submitted by Mr. Joseph Riser whose challenging the outcome of the election based upon an error on the instructions of the original ballot mailed out to 459 Mount Washington (MW) stakeholders. Mr. Riser is requesting a re-vote for only the two MW geographic representative seats. The challenge is as follows:
"The portion of the election that involved votes cast by mail for the two 'geographic representatives' seats for the community of Mount Washington (MW) was very obviously and seriously affected by an error in the instructions on the original ballot mailed.
On that ballot, 459 registered Mount Washington stakeholders were told in writing in at least one location that they should ONLY vote for 'one' of the four listed candidates for that position -- when in reality, there have always been multiple seats open each election year."
According to the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Election Procedures, Article XI. Section A and H,
The Independent Election Administrator will be responsible for overseeing and approving the design of the ballot(s) to be used in the election.
Voter instructions will be included on the ballot or accompanying material to assist the voter in completing the ballot correctly.
Review and Findings:
In his challenge, Mr. Riser states that the mistake on the original mail-in ballots contributed to a 33% "under-vote" which significantly affected the outcome of the MW geographic representative seats. Although this may be one of the factors that contributed to the "undervote," there are a number of other factors, including the need for increased outreach and the low overall voter turnout in general that may have also contributed to the "under-vote." Whatever the reason may be, the Election Procedures clearly state that the correct protocol and/or practice is to immediately inform the Independent Election Administrator (IEA) of any mistakes in regards to the ballot design, as he is the entity responsible for overseeing and approving the preparation of the ballot to be used in the election. If a discrepancy and/or error are indeed discovered then the IEA, along with the Election Committee, would then take appropriate steps to correct the mistake and inform all eligible stakeholders.
An interview with the Independent Election Administrator, Jerry Kvasnicka, informed the Human Relations Commission that prior to the election several MW stakeholders did report inconsistencies on the ballot noting that the text of the ballot stated "vote for 2" while the top of the ballot stated "vote for 1." As a result, immediate attempts were taken on November 16, 2007 to correct this mistake after the error was discovered, including the mailing and emailing of a correction postcard to all MW stakeholders informing them of the error and that they could vote for two, not just one candidate. In addition, those who received the email and correction postcard were also informed that if they had already mailed in their ballot that they could contact the IEA and get a replacement ballot and/or attend the polling location on the day of the election and recast their vote.
Although the IEA, along with the Election Committee, took immediate action to correct the unintentional mistake on the original ballot, the fact that only 30 votes separated the top three candidates and only 8 votes separated the second place finisher from the third place candidate places serious doubt about whether the election result would have been different if the unfortunate mistake had not occurred. By not informing the MW stakeholders of the appropriate voting instructions from the onset of the election, the IEA and Election Committee unfortunately broke Article XI, Section H of the Election Procedures which states that "Voter instructions will be included on the ballot or accompanying material to assist the voter in completing the ballot correctly." In addition to the infraction of the Election Procedures, the IEA mailed out only two replacement ballots and received a couple of additional phone calls inquiring about the corrected ballot, thus casting even more uncertainty of whether or not all eligible stakeholders were indeed aware of the replacement ballot.
Looking at the latest Arroyo Seco email spreadsheet also reveals that less than half of all stakeholders signed on to the email list again casting doubt as to whether or not every stakeholder was notified in ample time to correct their vote. Of the 409 eligible voters listed on the ASNC spreadsheet, only 182 gave email addresses, which mean that a significant amount of voters could not be reached by email. Although the IEA and ASNC Election did mail out a correction postcard to every registered ASNC voter, the small number of votes separating the candidates and the fact that there is no way to ensure that every voter was indeed aware of the correction jeopardizes the integrity and fairness of the overall election process.
Final Decision:
The IEA, along with the Election Committee, must be acknowledged for immediately taking action to correct the error on the ballot. Their immediate actions prove that their intent and spirit was indeed to correct the unintentional error on the initial ballot and ensure that every ASNC stakeholders was aware of the correction in a timely and fair manner. However, in order to ensure and uphold a fair and transparent process for all, the Human Relations Commission calls for the Arroyo Seco
(continued next-->>>>)
Neighborhood Council to re-vote ONLY the Mount Washington representative positions. Re-voting only the MW representative positions will eliminate any doubt about the legitimacy of the election and allow all stakeholders to feel confident in the overall election process and the integrity of the newly elected representatives of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council.
Therefore, the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission recognizes the following stakeholders, except for the Mount Washington representatives, as the official, newly elected representatives of Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council:
Hermon Representative
Joseph Riser
Education and Youth
Clifford R. Moseley
Montecito Heights Rep
Tina Zabala
Recreation, Culture Arts
J. Michael Walker
Monterey Hills Rep
Darlene Roker
Environment
Marybelle Cam Ang
Sycamore Grove Rep
Sylvia Robledo (write-in)
Community Non-Profits
Ernest Sanchez
Retail, Wholesale and Services - Efren Chepi
Health Care and Seniors
Amado Machorro
Faith-based Organization
A. J. Mora
Mt. Washington Rep TBD
Looking at the number of votes that were cast in this election, the Human Relations Commission hopes that the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council and its Election Committee will not be satisfied with a voter turnout of 283 people for this election out of a potential resident stakeholder population of at least 24,521. Each election should be seen as an opportunity to improve the process, and thereby enhance all aspects of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council's way of doing things. If Neighborhood Councils are to succeed, each and every one of them must be diligent in reaching out to all of their possible constituencies and be accessible to the community they profess to represent.
We know that outreach is an arduous effort, but it must be done. To that end, we offer our assistance to this particular Neighborhood Council in the coming year.

EL PUEBLO HISTORICAL MONUMENT DOCENT GROUP 'LAS ANGELITAS' ANNOUNCES 2008 TRAINING CLASSES

New docent training classes for El Pueblo Historical Monument will be held for eight Tuesdays from February 12 to April 3, 2008. Classes are offered by Las Angelitas del Pueblo, the volunteer docent organization that leads the free walking tours of the "birthplace of Los Angeles." Classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Las Angelitas office, located at 130 Paseo de la Plaza across from Union Station.
The classes feature multi-media presentations of historic photos and lectures from El Pueblo curators and area history experts. Las Angelitas consists of 70 men and women who are history buffs with a passion for the history of Los Angeles, according to the organization's president Frank Damon. "This is a wonderful group of volunteers who embrace L.A. history and want to share their knowledge with others," says Damon, who also leads the training classes.
The volunteer commitment is two weekday tours or one Saturday tour per month. The walking tours are 50 minutes long. Tours are provided in various languages, including Spanish. The historical timeline for the class begins prior to the founding of the city in 1781, when California was still part of Spain and then Mexico.
"During the training sessions, everyone learns how to guide visitors around El Pueblo, which includes five museums, 27 historic buildings and world-famous Olvera Street," says Damon. Las Angelitas, founded in 1966, is the oldest walking tour nonprofit organization in Los Angeles. "Our purpose since the beginning has been to provide educational and historically accurate walking tours of El Pueblo," said Damon. More than 12,000 students, local residents and tourists are given free tours annually.
For more information, including the class agenda and to sign up for Las Angelitas docent training classes, visit www.lasangelitas.org and click "BE A DOCENT," or call Jeanne Conklin at (310) 398-0269.
About El Pueblo Historical Monument
El Pueblo Historical Monument is the oldest section of Los Angeles and is the site where the City was first established in 1781. The forty-four acre park consists of numerous historic buildings, museums, a beautiful outdoor plaza and the world famous Mexican marketplace on Olvera Street. The Monument represents the rich history, culture and ethnic diversity that is the foundation of the City of Los Angeles.