Boulevard Sentinel
VOLUME XIII ISSUE 9
News and Views
for Northeast Los Angeles
January 2010
|
 Eagle Rock 22 Year Old- "A Cut Above the Rest" Rides Rose Parade Float by Tom Topping When Maria Betania Alsina was a little girl in Paraguay, she loved to watch the Rose Parade on TV. She, her friends and family would marvel at the beautiful floats, and pick their favorite ones. She never imagined that one day she would be riding one. But, after growing up in California, (Eagle Rock since 2002) she will indeed be riding that float in the 2010 Rose Parade. She and her family are so excited (as well as dozens of her relatives back in Paraguay), and her mother and sister will be there to see her on the first float of the parade with the 2010 Rose Parade theme, "A Cut Above the Rest." When Maria (she goes by Betania) was attending Eagle Rock High School, her friends and family recognized her gift of physical beauty, and pushed and coaxed her to pursue modeling. Eventually her mother, Carmen, discovered the William Adrian Agency in Pasadena. Bill Adrian liked her, and her part-time modeling career got off to a good start. She appeared on some runways and designer shows, and modeled a gown for a magazine shoot among other work. 
She still
kept up her classes at Eagle Rock High, and worked on the school
newspaper
there. After graduating High School, she took time off from her
modeling to
concentrate on college work, but soon returned to pursue her fledgling
modeling
career. She still continues her journalism studies at Pasadena City
College.Bill Adrian thought she should try for a spot on the "A Cut Above the Rest" float, so she and dozens more tried out for the position. Only four would make the cut. Her phone wasn't working the day she was chosen. She missed the call telling her she had made it. Later that night, however, an e-mail confirmed her spot. She, her family and especially her mother, Carmen, were so excited to hear it. "I never thought I'd be in the Parade," she said, and added, "It's a really great opportunity for me." Parade day will be a new experience for (Maria) Betania Alsina. She will show up at 9 pm on New Year's Eve, and then on to a late night practice, where all the young lady participants will prepare for the next days festivities. "It will be a different kind of New Year's," she added. I asked her if she had any advice for a young girl who may want to someday model or ride on a parade float. "I missed a lot of opportunities because I was shy," she said. "I'm a different person today. So don't be afraid to be outspoken and go for it!" 22 year old Betania Alsina went for it, and is glad she did. Our 22 year old home-girl from Eagle Rock, and three other models from the Adrian Agency made the cut, and for 2010 they truly were, A Cut Above the Rest. John Potter, Retired Dahlia Heights Teacher Succumbs in Eagle Rock Fire  by Tom ToppingOn Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 6:23 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Wade White, responded to a Structure Fire at 4838 North Maywood Avenue in Eagle Rock. While in route to a structure fire, firefighters heard the dreadful radio transmission, "Possible victim trapped" and quickly ordered additional companies. They arrived to a one-story, wood-sided single family dwelling engulfed in flames. Neighbors frantically tried to help with garden hoses while declaring that someone was inside, thus confirming the previous radio transmission. Firefighters sprinted into action, making an attack with hose-lines while simultaneously cutting holes in the roof for ventilation. An immediate search and rescue operation commenced in this 1200 square-foot non-sprinklered home. Firefighters were disheartened to find the lifeless body of a 77 year-old male in his bathroom. The body was that of the homeowner John Wilcox Potter, who lived alone in the house he grew up in. He was a retired school teacher, who spent years teaching Eagle Rock youth at Dahlia Heights Elementary School. He still taught occasionally, and had worked as a school psychologist. He was well liked on his block, a cozy little cul-de-sac off of Addison Way, and had lived in Eagle Rock since 1952. Eagle Rock native Mary Sellitto-Mcguan attended Dahlia as a child and had Mr. Potter for a teacher. She sent this remembrance of him. "Mr. Potter was a pretty strict teacher, but a very good teacher now that I look back. One time I was chewing gum in class and he made me put it on my nose and keep it there in front of the whole class, as well as Chester Cusamano a class mate of mine. Darren Sauro remembers that if you got in trouble with him he would make you copy pages out of the dictionary. "But let me just tell you, about a month and a half ago I saw him at In and Out Burgers, and I talked to him for about 45 minutes. He said that he was retired but still taught now and then when needed. He said he still played tennis, and Volley Ball, said he was happy, and said he wasn't married but he still dated. Teaching was his life, and I could tell he was very lonely. He did say he really missed teaching, and had such good memories from his teaching days. "Believe it or not, strict as he was, everyone you talk to today will tell you how much they loved him, and what a great teacher he was." During their relentless assault on the flames, 41 firefighters extinguished the blaze in just 20 minutes and prevented it from damaging nearby residences. No evidence of any hard wired or battery powered smoke alarms were found in the residence. There were no window security bars or other obvious non-fire factors to impede escape, however, fire fighter's described "pack rat" conditions in the home. CRIME UPDATES: Whatever Happened To...? by Tom Topping The trial of Rostilov Dimittryi Shnayder, who was allegedly involved in the crash of a black Nissan Maxima that killed four youth, (and all three children from the Cordova family) on August 27, 2008 is continuing. As you may remember, Shnayder was driving a white Mistsubishi Eclipse and was allegedly racing the Nissan that crashed into the tree in the median on Colorado Blvd. right in front of the Women's 20th Century Club. Another car was also reported as being involved in the high speed race, chase or road rage incident, but fled the scene and was never identified. Shnayder stopped to try and give aid after he saw the crash, and was over-heard at the scene trying to explain to police how he was not involved. Shnayder was charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter and was released on $200,000 bail on September 8, 2008. His passport and I.N.S. card were taken by authorities as he was deemed a flight risk (he is a citizen of the Ukraine). He was arraigned and pled not-guilty on March 5, 2009 in Dept. 117, presided over by Judge Barbara R. Johnson. On May 8, 2009 he was represented by J. Tahzmazian, whose 995 motion to set aside the indictment was denied. The prosecution indicated that defense had not provided all discovery on June 30, and the matter was continued until July 20, 2009. On September 2, a defense motion to exonerate bail and have the Shnayder remain out on his own recognizance was denied, and they were ordered to provide discovery to the prosecution. Body attachments (to enforce a subpoena) were issued for the October 22, 2009 hearing for witnesses Leopoldo Matin Fonseca, Chris Nielsen, Jason Bonilla, James Kerman and Phillip Jason Roxas, was continued to November 20th. On that day, the prosecution was ordered to turn over discovery to the defense, and Steve Cabral and Valerie Dawson were added to the body attachments list, for proceedings continued to November 30. On November 30th the court stated that the defendants I.N.S. (green) card should be made available to him. They estimate the trial will take three weeks and it is ordered that the matter be transferred to Dept. 100 for December 3, 2009. An affadavit pursuant to code of civil procedure section 170.6 was filed, basically saying the judge should not hear the case because he is prejudiced against the defendent or one of the attorneys, and the case is ordered transferred to Dept. 101, where Judge William Pounders presides. At 9:30 a.m. the same day, in Dept. 101, the defense asks for another pre-trial date before setting a trial date, and the next appearance is scheduled for January 14, 2010 in Dept. 101. It may seem unfair that Shnayder is being held accountable for the deaths of 4 people, when the driver of the Nissan, the Cordova family's oldest daughter was the one whose throttle foot pushed the Nissan to high speed, but the code he is being charged with is Vehicular Manslaughter which reads: "driving a vehicle in the commission of an unlawful act (speeding), not amounting to felony, and with gross negligence; or driving a vehicle in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence." The conviction can result in up to 6 years in state prison for each count. We all might think about that before we get behind the wheel later. David Del Toro Update One question I hear most often is, "Whatever happened to the fireman who dragged his girlfriend through the streets of Eagle Rock?" Well here you go. L.A.F.D. Fire Captain David Del Toro faces felony murder charges after his girlfriend, Jennifer Flores' mangled and naked body was found on Floristan Avenue on the Morning of August 16, 2006. He is still in jail, and the wheels of the Criminal Justice System are slowly turning. Famous O.J. Simpson Judge Lance Ito is presiding over the case. The docket print-out indicates that there has been a pre-trial hearing about every month for the last three years, since the grand jury returned an indictment on November 7, 2006. His "house arrest" was revoked shortly after, and bail denied. He is represented by Joseph A. Gutierrez Esq. A notice that the death penalty was no longer being sought was signed and filed on March 15, 2007. Legal wrangling over motions to set aside the indictment known as a section 995, as well as motions to suppress evidence took up most of 2007, with a defense motion to suppress evidence known as a "1538.5 Penal Code". It was eventually denied on January 8, 2008. However, the 995 motion was granted, dismissing the allegation of "special circumstance" and the count 2 allegation of "torture," on February 4, 2008. On May 29, 2008, a motion "in limine" was started by the defense, seeking to exclude prior bad acts by Del Toro, specifically, records from Glendale Adventist Medical Center and the L.A. City Fire Department, (Del Toro's employer) as well prior conduct of Del Toro directed toward his ex-wife and a former girlfriend (who basically allege separately that he beat them when he drank). On October 1, 2008, Judge Ito ordered that the testimony of ex-wife, Melissa Dale, would not be allowed because "the minimal probative value is outweighed by the undue amount of time if would take to present this evidence," and because is occurred too long ago, in 1997. He did order that the ex-girlfriend, Monica Gibo, be allowed to testify to events that triggered police and fire department involvement (allegations of physical abuse by Del Toro while he was under the influence of alcohol). Certain pieces of evidence were ordered to be allowed as they apply to the curricula of the diversion program and the records of Del Toro's attendance in it, however four weeks later it was determined that the evidence exceeded "subpena duces tecum," or the specific description of what was subpoenaed, and proceedings resulting from that are still continuing, it remains undecided. Discussion over having the court review psychiatric records of Ms. Flores (the victim) started on July 17, 2009. On August 13, 2009, it was ordered that the defense would get certain parts of Flores' psychiatric records. More discussion occurred over whether the prosecution would get access to Del Toro's records from a Domestic Violence program he attended. The program was provided to him by his employer, the L.A. Fire Department. The defense counsel indicates he will file a motion on whether or not those records are privileged information. More continuances have followed, which bring us right up to date. Case number BA320299 is continued to January 13, 2010, in Department 110 for more pretrial conference and motions, just three and a half years since the trail of bloody tire marks led police to Del Toro's Eagle Rock home on Vincent Avenue. Del Toro faces a minimum of 25 years to life if convicted of first degree murder. Canine Tragedy on Eucalyptus Lane  by Tom Topping On December 14, the Eucalyptus Street neighbor heard a ruckus and looked out to see a mass of growling, snarling, and howling teeth and flying fur. She realized right away that Larry and Wolfgang, the neighbor's pit bulls had gotten through the fence into the other neighbor's yard where they were attacking Merlyn, her next door neighbor's dog. She watched helplessly as the two bulls reverted to "pack" mentality, completely overwhelming the 17 year old Merlyn on his own turf. As he breathed his last breath, the poor dog fell silent and the attack subsided. The sole witness was the only one to see, and called the authorities to intervene. By the time help arrived, it was all over. L.A.P.D. and L.A. Animal Control were on the scene as Christopher Wall, Merlyn's owner, arrived home from work. "I lost my best friend," said Wall. The pit's owners were not bad people. They treated their dogs well, walking them daily, keeping them out of the cold at night. But they had known their dogs had a penchant for trying to burrow through and under the fence. They took action when and where they needed to, but alas, this time it turned out to be a little too little and a little too late. On the surface, it seems obvious that animals bred for fighting should not be living among the civilized. But according to local dog training expert Lezle Stein, although pit bulls are bred to fight other dogs they are also bred to be gentle to humans. As the breed has been fighting for years, any dogs that turn on their owners are regularly destroyed. Many problems occur as well, when the dogs are kept penned up, never being walked and never having the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. "You see that a lot in Latino neighborhoods," she added. This did not seem to be the case here, but another factor may have contributed. According to Wall, the animal shelters are currently overrun with both pit bulls as well as chihuahuas. Kind hearted folks who really want to help and do good have been adopting these animals, without really having the knowledge and skill needed to control them. Wall thinks it may have been a case of "good Samaritans" getting in over their heads. He says the shelters are partly to blame, too. "You can't push these animals on these bleeding hearts," he added. For now Christopher remains heartbroken. The neighbors have built chain link fence cages to constrain and control their dogs while they're away from home. It was devastating for Mr. Wall, and he says the neighbor's all agree: they don't want to live in a neighborhood with dogs who have a violent history. Meanwhile, proceedings within the Department of Animal control are moving at a governmental pace, with a hearing coming up in a couple of weeks. But it won't bring Merlyn back. Life will also not soon be back to normal for the owners of Wolfgang and Larry. If only people had spayed and neutered their pets like they're supposed to. If only there hadn't been so many cute pit bulls waiting in shelters for adoption. If only the shelters made sure new pit bull owners could handle them. If only they had kept a keener eye on their fence. If only... If only... If only... Early Eagle Rock Tongva and Californios once lived on this land, which would become Eagle Rock. Part of the huge Rancho San Rafael was transformed into a farming community and then into a trolley suburb, a city of the 6th class. Eric Warren of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society will take us on a visual journey to early Eagle Rock at 7 PM, on Tuesday, January 19th at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Boulevard. As always, our meeting is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. Tongva Indian villages, the Rancho San Rafael and the CampbellJohnson Ranch preceded the town of Eagle Rock. Surrounded by hills, the Eagle Rock Valley at the end of the 19th century was a rural area far removed from the bustling city. At the time, truck farms, including the Gates Strawberry Ranch, worked by Chinese laborers, covered much of the area. Grand Victorian farmhouses on the slopes and more humble houses and barns populated the valley. With the founding of the Union Church and the Women¹s Twentieth Century Club, the small population began its cultural organization. The arrival of the Los Angeles Railway streetcar system in 1906, made suburbanization of the valley possible. The tracks came from downtown Los Angeles along Central Avenue (now Eagle Rock Boulevard) and extended to the intersection of Townsend Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, the heart of town at the time. A local line that ran to Glendale and Montrose featured the ³Dinkey² trolley car, known locally as the ³galloping goose² for its swaying movement and occasional track jumping. A round waiting station dubbed ³the merry-go-round² was built in the center of the Colorado-and-Central intersection. Another line ran down Figueroa Street and up to the Eagle Rock to supply the Edison power station and serve the verdant area known as Eagle Rock Park. Eagle Rock was incorporated as a city in 1911. A spirit of boosterism and small-town sociability prevailed. To its residents Eagle Rock still felt rural, but the roots of the community to come were in place. We look forward to taking our friends and neighbors on this journey to the past. Grandparent's Pride Grandson-Inventor Wins Top Prize "What type of system can improve the quality of life in a village?" The answer, a system that provides the basic necessities of food, provides for sanitation, provides for energy-fuel, and provides for an income; all in an environmentally sustainable and technologically appropriate fashion. At the tender age of nine, Javier Fernández-Han, found the answer to this question and found his life calling. He identified components of new and adapted technologies which caused an efficient system to be developed. This system treats waste, produces methane and uses bio-oil as a fuel. In addition, these components produce food for humans and livestock, sequesters greenhouse gases, and produce oxygen. At the heart of this efficient system is the secret ingredient, alga, a salt-water loving plant, usually chlorophyll, containing nonvascular organisms and powered by the sun. He named the system VERSATILE. Needless to say Grandma Ana Fernandez, an Eagle Rock resident and Javier's parents, Maria and Peter Han, are very proud. Maria, an Eagle Rock High school graduate, continued her studies, graduating at Brown University. Maria and her husband, Peter Han, a UCLA graduate, educated their son Javier at home in Conroe, Texas. The family speaks of when, at the age of seven, instead of cleaning up a spill, Javier built a robot to do it. Last year, Fernandez-Han founded the non-profit Inventors Without Borders for high school students to solve problems around the world. Javier's latest inventions included a solar and geo-thermal powered generator that transforms humid air into water for drought-prone areas. He developed an alga bioreactor that can make cheap electricity in places that lack access to the grid. Javier found that by interconnecting the 12 technologies in the six subsystems of the VERSATILE system, it provided a complete solution in an almost waste free manner. As much as possible, waste created in one part of the system, is used as nourishment and fuel for another system. For his work, Javier, now 15, won the top $20,000 prize, in this year's Invent Your World Challenge, sponsored by Ashoka's Youth Venture and the Lemelson Foundation. Although educated at home by his parents, Javier is visiting Boston to check out Olin College of Engineering, MIT and Harvard. San Pascual Canned Food Drive 
With the
desire to help families in need during the holiday season, San Pascual
Elementary School students enthusiastically and generously supported a
canned
food drive held in December, 2009. Over
a four day period, more than 900 food and personal hygiene items were
collected. Students responded to the call for most needed items
including
canned tuna, vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, rice, toothpaste, soap
and baby
products. Josephine Yadegar's first grade students donated over 100
items,
including six 5 lb, cans of hominy.The school's "350 Club", a honor society consisting of 66 third - sixth grade students, sponsored the event. Club members kicked off the canned food drive with an assembly and stated "350" as their goal, which was quickly met after the second day. "350" is the number of points needed to score proficient on the California Standards Test. The food was donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Pictured here are 350 Club members with the donations. Front, from left: Kye Akana, Joseph Morales, and Maile Mercado. Top, from left: Reanne Serna, Jamariah Sheppard, Joaquin Fajardo and Karla Rivas. Kiwanis host fundraiser at Italiano's Pizza, Tuesday Jan. 26th. Are the holiday blues getting you down? Want to feel festive once again and at the same time get that warm fuzzy feeling when you do something good for others? Join the Kiwanis Club of Greater Highland Park for a lovely evening of dining out at, Italiano's Pizza located at 5101 York Boulevard on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Once there you will enjoy a good meal and a percentage of the cost of the meal will be given back to the Kiwanis Club to be used for the benefit of Highland Park community service projects. Bring your family and friends to shed the blues, and contribute to making Highland Park better place to live. All you need to do is show up and the club will provide you with a special fundraiser flyer that will confirm that you are part of the group. To receive your flyer, before the event, simply contact the Kiwanis Club at 323-385-4935 or by email to hkeifer101@sbcglboal.net. HERMON COMMUNITY AIMS AT BEING 2010'S "MOST WATCHED" Northeast L.A.'s Hermon Community boosted its safety measures in December by posting another 17 of the easily recognizable orange and white "Neighborhood Watch" signs on poles throughout the 3,000-resident neighborhood to serve as an added reminder to criminal elements that community members look out for each other and report all crimes and suspicious activity to the police. [SHOWN: ASNC Public Safety Chair and Hermon Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Mark Legassie installing the signs at DOT-approved locations on nearly every street in Hermon. He was aided by Hermon/Oak Hill residents Ken and Barbara Matzkin.] The 17 new crime-fighting tools were paid for by a combination of public and private funds, including: five by the City-certified Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC), of which Hermon is a member community; four by the offices of District 14 L.A. City Councilmember Jose Huizar; and four each by the Oak Hill and Surfwood Monterey Homeowners Associations, in Hermon. The ASNC portion was part of larger purchase of more than $2,000 worth of the placards using the neighborhood council's City-provided funds, approved earlier this year and intended to put at least five additional "Watch" signs in each of its five communities to serve as crime deterrents. Hermon is already identified by the LAPD as one of the most crime-free communities in its Hollenbeck Division, and hosts well-attended quarterly meetings of the Hermon Safety Committee, which incorporates neighborhood watch activities. At meetings, Hermon's people get regular crime reports from their Senior Lead Officer, and advisory presentations from police and other experts on ways to protect their homes, lives, and identity. Safety Committee attendees also recommended placement locations for the new signs, which were then approved by L.A.'s Department of Transportation. The next Safety Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Hermon Church Fellowship Center, 5800 Monterey Road, L.A. 90042, and is open to all. For more information on the Safety Committee, send e-mail to WendiRiser@cs.com Want to serve your community? Nominations are now open for the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council. You can vote and run for the governing board of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council! Las Nominaciones están abiertas. ¡Usted puede votar y correr para la mesa gobernante del Consejo Vecinal de Historic Highland Park! The election will take place on Thursday, April 29, 2010. You are eligible if you live, work or own real property within the HHPNC boundaries. Contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment for more information at 213-485-1360 Go to www.lacityneighborhoods.com and click on elections for more information. Voice in the Eagle Rock Wilderness THE SHOWY CALIFORNIA PEPPER TREE By Christopher Nyerges [Nyerges is the editor of Wilderness Way magazine, author of "Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants" and other books, and a manager at the Tuesday Highland Park Farmers Market. He can be reached at Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041, or www.ChristopherNyerges.com] The California pepper tree (Schinus molle) is widespread in Southern California and Arizona, and some surrounding states. It is a large, stately tree with feathery, fern-like leaves that droop from the large limbs, giving it a very graceful appearance. It is somewhat misnamed since it is not from California – I have been told that it's originally from Brazil -- and it is not the plant where we normally get pepper (as in "salt and pepper"). I have always liked the appearance of this tree – it has a quality that I would call "Southern." You can easily imagine one of these large trees next to some old Southern estate, along side a weeping willow tree. This is an easy-to-grow tree that tolerates drought, making it a desirable landscape tree. On the other hand, just as many gardeners dislike the fact that the limbs get so large that they occasionally drop, and that the leaves and small red seeds constantly drop. Though not botanically related to the usual peppers we use as a dinner spice, you actually can take these little seeds and use them as condiments in the same way you'd use regular peppercorns. The California pepper tree seeds are small, like the size of a BB. There is a pink papery outer shell, and within there is a hard seed. The flavor is delicate and enjoyable, but these are much more powerful than ordinary peppers. The California pepper seeds must be ground, and then added sparingly into soups, bread, stews, and other foods. Go moderate at first until you experience how much of the pepper you can tolerate. Ground fine and added to bread batter, these peppers add a delicate flavor to bread. We've had it ground fine and added to soups and stews many times, and enjoy it more than regular pepper. But be sure to grind the seeds. We recall when we first started experimenting with these seeds, Dolores would toss some whole seeds into soup. We had a dinner gathering one night, and one of our guests decided to chew on the whole seed. It left him coughing and choking for several minutes. For best results, we've found that we should pick the pink seeds off the ground or off the tree. Then we set them in an uncovered bowl for a few weeks for them to dry and season. The pinkness will eventually fade and this is the better time to use the seeds for seasoning. You should remove all the stems before grinding, but you don't need to remove the pink outing shell of the seed. Sometimes woodworkers will make beautiful bowls and cups from the wood of this tree. And since the tree gets so large and might require periodic prunings, the wood can be available even if it is not cut down. This is a great tree to know if you happen to live in its zone. It is a fairly widespread tree, and is also easily grown. I have even seen these pink peppers in some specialty stores, either mixed with regular pepper or alone. If you don't have any near where you live and would like to try some, one package of the seeds is $6 (price includes postage) from Survival Seeds, Box 41834, Los Angeles, CA 90041. Autry's Closure of Southwest Museum Shuts Off All Public Access Autry Returns Scarce State Funding Secured for Southwest Museum Statement from Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition "The revelation that Autry intends to 'quietly' completely close the Southwest Museum to the general public on December 31st is the latest proof of Autry's continued disrespect to our community, to the City of Los Angeles and to the history of the Southwest," said Nicole Possert, Chairperson for the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition. In 2003, Autry merged with the Southwest Museum with the stated intent to save the Southwest Museum institution. In the ensuing seven years, Autry has done just the opposite. It has not complied with the legal merger agreement and Autry's pattern of contrarian actions proves that they never intended to stay and continue to operate the first museum in Los Angeles. "This is the last stab in Autry's 'death by a 1,000 cuts' strategy to kill the first museum in Los Angeles and take for themselves the priceless Southwest Museum Collection," continued Possert. "Wake up Los Angeles. Our history is unnecessarily going away." This news piles on top of more negative news and a financial red-flag alert. Autry recently returned scarce grant funds to the State of California for over $160,000 to waterproof the historic tunnel entrance to the Southwest Museum – the entryway with unique dioramas used by schoolchildren coming by bus and visitors using public transportation (Southwest Museum Metro Gold station and Metro Bus lines are immediately adjacent). The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition had originally supported that grant request and is alarmed by Autry's actions of disinvestment in the promised rehabilitation of the Southwest Museum and our community. "In light of Autry's financial condition, this is a strange and illogical way to be a responsible steward and uphold their fiduciary responsibilities to the merger," concluded Possert. The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition has watched, warned and worked to prevent this from occurring. Self-labeled IMBY's (In My Back Yard), the Coalition has worked to keep the Southwest Museum a key museum destination for Los Angeles. It has proposed various win-win solutions including a modest expansion of the Mt. Washington site for more exhibition space, supported Autry's artifact conservation efforts and fundraising activities for the rehabilitation of the Southwest Museum and Casa de Adobe. Each time, Autry rejected the Coalition's attempts at support and solutions. Councilmember Jose Huizar's office has been working with City staff to review funding options to keep the Southwest Museum open and requested a meeting with Autry to discuss any financing options. The Coalition strongly urges the Autry to meet with Councilmember Huizar and actively secure a solution to re-open the Southwest Museum as a museum to the public, as promised. There is a trigger option, soon expiring on the Southwest Museum, allowing the Autry board to begin selling off parts or all of the priceless Collection, including the two historic museums – the Casa de Adobe and the Southwest Museum. HHPNC to Fund 9 HP High School Students To Attend the Sacramento Legislative Seminar Stan Moore From 2003 through 2008 the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC) funded annually a trip to Sacramento for nine Highland Park juniors or seniors, and then the stock market crash and the economic recession killed for the first time since its founding in 1954 the annual all-college conference known as the Sacramento Legislative Seminar (SLS). Now, after a year's hiatus, the 16-18 colleges and universities that form the California Center for Education in Public Affairs, Inc., the non-profit umbrella organization that established the Sacramento Legislative Seminar (SLS) will once again be making the trek to Sacramento to introduce students to the real world of California politics and governance. Since Dr. Stanley W. Moore was the president for 20 years of the California Center and the SLS, and is now the vice president of the HHPNC, he has been permitted to bring, in his retirement, the only high school students who are allowed to attend an otherwise all College annual conference. The Feb. 28-March 2 SLS conference has been approved by the principal of Franklin High School, Luis Lopez, who has assigned Prof. Yim Tam for the forth time to take responsibility for both going on the trip and for identifying nine competent and responsible students to take the trip in late February. The SLS starts Sunday night, Feb. 28, 2010 with a Staff Panel chaired by Dr. Tim Hodson of CSU, Sacramento, and continues to noon on Tuesday, March 2, ending with "Legislative and Executive Leaders." The students' housing at a Holiday Inn, the seminar costs, and transportation in a 15 passenger van will be covered by the HHPNC. The City of Los Angeles will provide insurance, as will the Kiwanis Club of Greater Highland Park. Dr. Moore and Mr. Paul Bonsell will serve as the drivers. Dr. Moore will set up appointments with the local Senators and Assemblypersons (Senators Carol Liu and Gil Cedillo, and Assemblymen Kevin DeLeon and Anthony Portantino) at lunch and dinner breaks and whenever the elected representatives are available for meetings. Dr. Fernando Guerra, a professor at Loyola Marymount University and a graduate of Franklin High School, will also meet with the students to encourage them to do well academically and thereby open up for themselves doors of opportunity. Two years ago he also brought a vice president of Cisco Systems, also a graduate of Franklin High School, to meet with the students. Any high school junior or senior can apply to attend the trip. Each must have about $40 for food; all other expenses are covered. They DO NOT have to attend Franklin High School, but, they MUST RESIDE in Highland Park. They must have good academic records and they are required to write a 500 word essay on how they would make HP a better place IF they had the POWER to make the changes. The essays will be read by Prof. Yim Tam of Franklin, Dr. Moore, and, at least one other volunteer reader, and good ideas for improvement will be given to the HHPNC. For more information please contact Dr. Stanley W. Moore at (323) 256-1024 (revdrmoore@sbcglobal.net) or Prof. Tam at (626) 797-4879 or (626) 590-8132 (yyt5159@lausd.net). HHPNC Christmas Party Honors 21 Community Activists at The Ebell Club by Stan Moore On Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009 fourteen Highland Park community organizations met at The Ebell Club to recognize members of the HP community that have contributed above and beyond normal community commitment to the wellbeing of our community. The Ebell Club contributed the meeting facility, the food was contributed by the nearly 100 participants, Christmas carols and songs were sung with Ms. Ann Walnum, co-president of Friends of the Southwest Museum, at the piano, and Ms. Carmela Gomes, president of the HP Heritage Trust, serving as song leader. Dr. Stanley W. Moore, vice president of the HHPNC, set up the Holiday Party and served as MC, while decorating the Ebell was led by Ms. Yvonne Sarceda and Mr. Heinrich Keifer, both members of the HHPNC and a number of volunteers. Council Districts 1 (The Honorable Ed Reyes and Field Representative Suzanne Jimenez) and Council District 14 (The Honorable Jose Huizar and Field Representative Zeney Loera) and Assembly District 44 (The Honorable Anthony Portantino and Field Representative Mark Gonzalez) provided beautiful official City of Los Angeles and California Assembly certificates for all of the honorees. The Mayor's Office was represented by Area Representative Daniel S. Andalon and Area Director Michael Wong. The participating organizations included: Anahuak Youth Sports Assn., The Arroyo Arts Collective, the American Legion District 17, BLEND (Businesses and Residents for Law Enforcement in the Northeast Division), The Ebell Club, The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition (70+ organizations fighting the closure of the Southwest Museum Dec. 31, 2009), Franklin High School, Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, HP Heritage Trust, Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC), HP Chamber of Commerce, Luther Burbank Middle School, Northeast Business Assn., North Figueroa Assn., NE Democratic Club and the Highland Park (NELA) Ministerial Assn. Anthony Portantino was to have brought a "State of the State" address but he was caught in Sacramento in the Assembly's Chamber in the politics over the Speakership of the Assembly next year, a battle between Assembly District 45's Assemblyperson, Kevin DeLeon and a cousin of Mayor Villaraigosa, John Perez. After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Commander of District 17 of the American Legion, Lenard Michael Black, and the invocation, led by Bishop Bill Cruver of the Pillar of Fire Church, Mr. Black was honored by District 17 for his leadership role the past three years of the Veterans Parade and for being the new Commander of the District, by the previous Commander of District 17, Richard Ledesma. The host of the evening, The Ebell Club, honored its leader over the past two decades, Ms. Frances Choate; her presenter was Ms. Joan Potter, member of the Ebell and a retired teacher in northeast Los Angeles. Ms. Choate has been a member and a leader of the Ebell for more than half a century. Immediately following was the "Lifetime Commitment Award" of the NELA Ministerial Association, presented to Bishop William "Bill" Cruver and his wife Betty by the chair of the Ministerial Assn., Pastor Randy Carrillo. The Cruvers have lived in Highland Park for 56 years, serving the Pillar of Fire Church, serving the HP community, founding the Sycamore Grove School, and serving many of the organizations of HP, such as Kiwanis, The Heritage Trust, the Ministerial Assn., etc. Their lives represent "a long obedience in the same direction," enriching the lives of all who know them as they attempt to represent the love of their Savior. The fourth honoree of the evening was Ms. Nicole Possert. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Highland Park chose to honor a non-member of its organization. Usually Kiwanis Clubs honor a member by making an $150 contribution to the Kiwanis Foundation that helps children worldwide (the Kiwanis slogan is: "Helping the Children of the World") and the honoree gets a wooden and brass-inscribed plaque. Instead, the honoree was not a Kiwanis member nor was the presenter, Ms. Ann Walnum. Ms. Possert and Ms. Walnum are the co-founders and co-chairs of The Friends of the Southwest Museum and Ms. Walnum presented an amazing long list of the commitments of Possert to our community, unaware that she was to be an honoree later in the evening. After these early presentations the feasting on all of the potluck contributions began in earnest and Mark Gonzalez arrived with the word that Portantino was trapped in Sacramento in the Assembly Chamber and was not going to make his presentation. When the presentation of honorees resumed, Ms. Heather Hogan was the honoree of the Arroyo Arts Collective, presented by Amy Inouye, a member of the Collective. Alan Berta, the honoree of B.L.E.N.D., was presented his certificates by Heinrich Keifer and Stan Moore, members of BLEND, for his work on the LAPD surveillance cameras in Eagle Rock and Highland Park and for his development of the BLEND website. Franklin High School honored three outstanding teachers for their commitments to their students: Yim Tam, Elaine Harada, and Jason Myong. Mr. Richard Ledesma presented the honorees of Hathaway-Sycamore Family Resource Center: Yvonne Sarceda, a Council member of the HHPNC and chair of the Council's Arts and Culture committee, a member of the Franklin H.S. Festival committee for its first two years, and, last year's organizer of the December's Christmas Party, and Ms. Janet Lester, the executive director of Hathaway, for her funding out of her own pocket all of the youth program at Hathaway because of a loss in grant funding. Mr. and Mrs. Jonson and Yvonne Mallari, owners of Sign-A-Rama and Casa Princessa on York, were honored by the HP Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Virginia Neely was honored for serving in the leadership of the HP Heritage Trust for the last 27 years, but because of health reasons was unable to attend. The presentation was done by the president of the Heritage Trust, Carmela Gomes. Richard "Rick" Marquez was the honoree of the HHPNC for his many contributions as founding scoutmaster of Troop 2002, and for his work as "Webmaster" of the HHPNC's website: historichighlandpark.org. Mr. John Samaniego, principal of Luther Burbank Middle School presented Mr. Mark Reed and Ms. Barbara Cheung as his honorees, with Mr. Steve Higdon present representing the faculty of Luther Burbank as the president of the UTLA. Mr. Jesse Rosa presented Mr. Carlos Lopez, of Las Casualas Restaurant, as the honoree of the Northeast Business Assn., while Mitzi Iwatzu, executive director of the North Figueroa Association, honored Ms. Amy Iyouye for her willingness to contribute pro bona her amazing artistic skills. The Rev. Nancy C. Moore was completely surprised when she was honored by Pastor Randy Carrillo for her work with the NELA Ministerial Assn. She would not have attended if she had known that she were going to be honored, but her husband was able to keep it a secret from her. Three to four years ago the Ministerial Association had six to eight members. Now there are more than 80 minister's email addresses on Rev. Moore's computer, with an additional 60 plus "leaders" who want to be kept informed about what the churches are doing in Northeast L.A. Rev. Moore spends 20 hours a week keeping everyone on the two lists informed about what is going on. In addition, at the request of Captain Bill Murphy, she formed the Clergy Council for the Northeast Division. The Ministerial Assn. meets every first Monday of every month and if the reader wants to be involved as a minister or a leader, the email address is revdrmoore@sbcglobal.net. The Northeast Democratic Club honored its president, Al Strange, for his leadership and efforts to improve HP. The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition honored Ms. Olga Hall and her family and friends. Every HP Holiday Parade Ms. Hall and members of her family and friends have marched in support of saving the Southwest Museum. She has spent countless hours making banners and posters in support of the Museum. On June 30, when the Autry tried to sneak through the Board of Referred Powers an expansion of 210,000 sq. ft. at 3 p.m.-three hours before the new City Attorney was to take office-Olga brought to the City Council's Chamber at City Hall Emy Jimenez, Genesee Duarte, Malinali Martinez, Luis Martinez, Donahi Martinez, Sebastian Hall, Stephanie Pinto, and Azriel Hall. As the last presenters before the five members The Board of Referred Powers these courageous "kids" stood up with a box with a car in it. They, at the podium, opened the box, removed the six to eight inch car, and said, "If the contents of the SW Museum are all removed, all that is left is an empty box." Five minutes later the five Councilpersons told the Autry that there would be no expansion at Griffith Park, on public land used by the Autry for $1 a year (13 acres of land for $1 a year for 50 years), unless there was "in writing, in the lease agreement, a guarantee that the SW Museum would be restored to a functioning accredited museum." The Autry lawyer got up and shouted that there would be nothing put in writing. The Councilmembers told him, "You have heard what we have said." And, now the Autry is closing the SW Museum as of Dec. 31, 2009, breaking its legally binding agreement made in 2003. The end of the story remains to be seen. One of the five members of the Board of Referred Powers presented all of the certificates to each of the above nine, the Honorable Ed Reyes, who had come to the Party late because of other appointments on his schedule. Finally, before the singing of Christmas carols and songs began, the Friends of the SW Museum honored Esperanza Cano for opening Cinnamon Restaurant at 7:45 a.m. for three years to provide a meeting place for the steering committee of the Friends. Attending the Christmas Party were the following members of the Steering Committee: Olga Hall, Heinrich Keifer, Dr. Stanley Moore, Nicole Possert, Ann Walnum and Dr. Tom Williams. At this point, Rauel Maseus, founder of Anahauk Youth Sports Assn., presented Anahauk's honoree: Ms. Ann Walnum. Ms. Walnum was completely surprised. Mr. Maseus and a member of the board of Anahauk presented Ms. Walnum with an engraved glass plaque with a beautiful thick glass base. Again, Councilman Ed Reyes participated in the presentation. Then came one last surprise-this time to the MC of the evening. Dr. Stan Moore has organized seven of the eight previous HP Christmas Parties. As the organizer he could not honor himself. But suddenly he was called to the podium by Councilman Ed Reyes and represented with a certificate from Council District 1 and from Council District 14. Then Mark Gonzalez presented him with a certificate from Assemblyman Portantino. And, laughing in the background, was Field Deputy Suzanne Jimenez, who had orchestrated the final surprise of the evening. Then the singing began, followed by the cleanup-done rapidly because of the 20 plus volunteers. Many hands make fast work. Many participants in a democracy make a strong democracy. Many people committed to their community and willing to give of their time to improve it-can succeed. Join the fun, there are many organizations committed to HP and they all can use additional willing hands. Looking Back by Joe Walker 100 years ago this month-January,1910 Complaints about public transit are nothing new. On Jan 18, 1910, the Highland Park Protective League organized a visit to City Hall where they lodged a complaint about street car service. They asked that the Monte Vista Street Car Line be required to stop at Ave 28 so that passengers could transfer to the Eagle Rock line. Apparently there was no stop for quite a distance from where the Eagle Rock Street Car could be picked up. 90 years ago this month-January, 1920 The Highland Park Presbyterian Church at Ave 53 and Figueroa St. was slated to have a "modern three story temple" to be built for $50,000 according to the pastor of the church, Dr. Campbell Coyle. At a meeting held on January 16, 1920, Pastor Coyle outlined that half of the building fund had already been raised and he expected the remaining funds to arrive shortly. Founded in 1900, the church was originally attached to nearby Occidental College. The church got its own building in 1908, which the 1920 remodeling added considerably to. 70 years ago this month-January, 1940 Jan 2, 1940, Eagle Rock Mrs Rae Holland of 2228 1/2 Yosemite Drive did not heed the advice to use caution with portable heaters, or such warnings weren't issued way back then, but she found out the hard way when while attemping to light a gas heater an explosion occured, severely burning her and sending her to the hospital. When Roger Warren Bell, 6, and his 78 year old grandmother, Mary Bell, went for a walk on Jan 20, 1940 near their home at 2020 Hill Drive, they crossed the street at 2970 Broadway, off Colorado Blvd, where they both were hit by a car. Grandma Bell, who lived with her son, electrician Edward Bell, was killed instantly. Little Roger was sped off to the hospital where he recovered. Unfortunately, because of jurisdictional confusion over whether the incident was in Eagle Rock or Glendale, the ambulance left and Mrs. Bell's body was left at the location for nearly two hours unattended. After numerous calls to the police, the coroners van came and took her body away. LAPD Chief Arthur Hohmann immediately called for an inquiry into this tragic error, and the media reported precise details of who dropped the ball and how the issue would be assured to not happen again. More tragedy the next day, Jan 21, when Jess Oliver, 26, and Warren Oliver, 21, of 3024 Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, took their .22 caliber rifle to the hills of Glendale to go target shooting. Thinking the gun was empty of bullets, Warren began cleaning the weapon when it discharged, shooting him through the heart. Jess carried his brother over a mile down to the nearest road where he summoned help. 60 years ago this month, January, 1950 Jan 26, 1950 Roy W. Heimbuch Jr, a 1940 graduate of Franklin High School, had an amazing future ahead of him. The editor of the school newspaper and yearbook, He went on to Occidental College where played football and was very active in student affairs. Graduating on Jan 20, 1950, Heimbuch was considered to be a master in economics and had a job waiting for him in a local aircraft factory. But all was not peaceful in Heimbuch's personal life. Distraught over being seduced by a local girl and then have her end the relationship, he wrote three long letters on the back on life insurance policies and then headed for the railroad crossing at Fletcher Drive and the Southern Pacific tracks. He wrote to "J", the object of his romantic heartbreak, "Maybe I am a coward, but after what she has gotten me to do to help her out of her troubles, and then left me holding the bag, is too much for any intelligent being to absorb..." He laid down on the tracks and was cut in half by the train a few minutes later. 55 years ago this month-January, 1955 Jan 20, 1955 Mt. Washington Mrs Helen Lukens Gaut, of 735 Moon Dr, Mt. Washington, died this week at the age of 84. Mrs Luken Gaut's father was the first honorary mayor of Pasadena and she was the first woman to drive an automobile to the top of Mt. Wilson. She was a travel and non-fiction story writer, with many pieces published in the L.A. Times. Mount Lukens, in the city of Sunland is the highest mountain in the San Fernando Valley. 50 years ago this month-January, 1960 Water main's breaking and sending forth thousands of gallons of water is nothing new in Los Angeles. The gushing mud flowed 150' down a hillside onto 368 Crane Blvd, Mt. Washington. It wiped out the rear patio of the home and damaged the concrete foundation. The home, owned by "Mr and Mrs. Levi Harper" also had mud come into the home and into the bedroom of Aileen Harper, three years old in 1960. Highland Park Motors, located roughly where the Jack in the Box is now at Ave 63 and York, had a special in January, 1960, on the new Studebaker Lark, billed as a compact car. The two door coupe sold for less than $2,000. 40 years ago this month, January, 1970. Miss Helen Babson, the first principal of Eagle Rock High School who held that position from when the school opened in 1927 until her retirement in 1945, died at the age of 88. When Miss Babson became a teacher in the first few years of the 20th century, teachers were not permitted to marry. If they did, they had to resign their positions. New Years Day, 1970, was a confusing one for a little 2-3 year old girl wandering alone at Monterey Road and Ave 60. A South Pasadena woman spotted her, picked her up, and called police. The only words she could say were "Bodie", so for three days, that was her name. Finally little Lydia Arvizu, 3, was claimed by her mother, Bertha, the name Lydia was trying to say. Berta Martinez, 19, of 1255 S. Boston St., Echo Park. Mother Bertha never knew that Lydia was missing, as she thought her aunt, who lived near Ave 60 and Monterey Road, thought the toddler was with her. The aunt denied knowing she was supposed to have the child. Personal observation-Lydia Arvizu would be 43 years old now in 2010--I would love to hear her side of this crazy story!Joe_Walker_2000@yahoo.com Shown here and in the background is the Sunbeam theater. The building is on the corner of Ave. 58 and N. Figueroa, still exists and houses the U.S. Typewriter Co. Cruising with Mary Greetings and happy 2010 Eagle Rock! I hope everyone had a safe, fun, and peaceful holiday season and that lots of new, or old car parts were found under the Christmas tree! The Eagle Rockin' Rodders closed out the year, and the decade, with a holiday party held at the home of members Maggie and Don Ray. A great time was had by all, good food, friends, and drag racing on tv. The only thing that would have been better was if we had a little gambling on the drag races.... Well, maybe next time. I also attended the garage sale at the Petersen Museum last month. Being a car guy, I know well enough to get there early for the best photo ops and bargains. Silly me, just getting over a bad cough and not being quite able to get there at 6 a.m. and by the time I did arrive, the vendors were starting to pack up and move out. I hope to do better next year. As the decade closes I reflect back on some of the accomplishments of the Eagle Rockin' Rodders Car Club. Being formed in 1996, this decade ending 2009 is our actual "full decade" as the premier car club in the Eagle Rock area. As individuals, as well as a club, we survived some serious changes, and are coming out of them stronger and more passionate about our goals than ever. We lost club members thru death, attrition, and just plain old "jumping ship" to other clubs. Many of us suffered the loss of beloved family members and pets. Quite a few members made job and career changes while trying to finance car projects, and just survive. Jim's Burgers was sold, then sold again and remodeled into the Oinkster. During the remodeling period the staff at Auto Zone made us extremely welcome there. After having that venue (Jim's/Oinkster) as our official club cruise-in location for well over 13 years, we were unceremoniously, and with very little notice, told not to come back by the female manager there. And to the rescue- the owner of the lot of the former American Tires, right across the street. The parking lot is bigger, and actually much more fun to hold a cruise-in than the former location. The Coffee Table generously offered to give us a discount on dinner on cruise night and allow use of the restrooms. Aside from the poor lighting, which we are addressing, our cruise-ins at American Tire have been very successful. We will continue to meet there indefinitely. Change can be difficult, but this location change has been for the better. We continued our charity work as "the club that gives back to the community" with the help of generous local sponsors and raffle tickets sold at each cruise-in. I can proudly say that 100% of all raffle sales goes directly back to our charity work. We have continued our Christmas toy drive, in addition to the charity work. This past year the toys went to Hillsides Home (for abused kids.) In 2010, we plan to hold a special event for the kids who live there, when we bring all of our hot rods up to Hillsides for the kids to see close up, sit in, and maybe even go cruising with us. This will be during the spring, and all car clubs and non-members are welcome to participate. I truly believe most of these disadvantaged kids have never seen a hot rod real close up, let alone ridden in one, and this should be exciting for them! More information will follow in the next couple months. The club also kept its tradition of sponsoring the car show at the July Concerts In the Park at Eagle Vista Recreation Center. Attendance has been up and down, but we plan on being a visible part of this community event for years to come. In closing I would again like to thank our many past and present sponsors and patrons, including Sir Michael's, Tritch Hardware, Verdugo Hardware, Sizzler, One Stop Tires, Auto Zone, Kirk's Mac Tools, Western Glass, Nestle, Cig Zone, Coffee Table, American Tire Depot, Justice Brothers, ADP in Buena Park, and of course, the Blvd. Sentinel. If I forgot anyone, my sincere apologies. We will be back, full speed on Sat. Jan. 30 from 5-9 p.m. at the American Tire lot on Colorado Blvd. Until that time, stay warm with your hot rods and keep on cruising!  Many years ago in Hermon, a man built a wall with auto parts in it. It is known as the Hermon car wall and has a L.A. City historic designation. Ever seen a three main six cylinder? This was a first for me. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  At the Justice Brother’s Museum in Duarte is the Blair’s Speed Shop Special. Blair’s was in Pasadena, and is where many Northeast L.A. locals got their parts. The Museum has many of the famous racers.
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(mostly rants) by Tom Topping Eagle Rock, and all of Northeast L.A. has been and is a wonderful place to live. I'm not saying it's perfect. There are definitely a few areas where I'd like to see some changes made. Most contentious of all is the medicinal marijuana places that are quite the ongoing subject at recent L.A. City Council meetings. And although I completely support legalizing and taxing the medicinal and recreational use of Marijuana, I sure don't support these little hole in the walls that are open all up and down the Boulevard. It doesn't take a genius to see the majority of these places cater to the "young dopers" (hey I was once young) in and out of this community. It didn't bother me at first, but when a young guy, all pumped up from weightlifting and steroids is making it uncomfortable for me to walk down the streets, I don't like it, and I want him gone. I think they should be buying it at the local CVS store just like liquor and cigarettes. Tax it and by the way, use the money to pay for workman's comp for businesses whose gross receipts under $250,000. Do you have any idea how many entry level jobs could be created if the requirement to buy workman's compensation insurance was eliminated from small businesses? Do you know much how this city would improve with a bunch of extra employment to go around? But back in Eagle Rock, I have a problem with leaf blowers. Yes, I know the City Council tried to outlaw them a few years back and failed, but in these tough times, gardeners and maintenance workers need to try and get ahead of their day. They know they can't use the blowers until eight o'clock, but they also know that if they start at 7:38 a.m., by the time someone gets annoyed and calls the police, and the police respond, it will already be quarter after 8, so there's no violation to worry about. Hey Huizar! Reyes! Can't you guys do something helpful for a change? Here's another thing. This is really the gorilla in the room. Isn't it time to take a look at the Eagle Rock Music Festival? Sure it's the biggest and grandest block party ever seen, but it's time to open our eyes! With all the outside venues, and all so close to each other, and all extremely loud, I don't think anyone can truly enjoy it anymore. When you finally find a band your like, it's way to loud close up, and by the time you back off to a reasonable listening distance, the music is overrun by the sound of the band right across the street. When it first started, it was wonderful. Most of the bands were inside, and you could go door to door and really see and hear each performer up close. Two or three outdoor stages are plenty for the bigger and more popular acts. I think if it were about 40% of its current size it would be 200% better. Bigger is NOT necessarily better! Another big problem in this community is parking injustice. There are a few examples of this. One long standing example is the street sweeper parking. The only reason I've ever heard to have restricted parking south of Colorado and not north is that they can't afford the signage. BS! I think it's pretty clear that the more affluent No-Cos (North of Colorados) can't be bothered with having to move their extra car from the east to west side of the street on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the city folks are afraid to go after them. The parking tickets written tax the poorest members of the community and leave the most well to do sitting pretty- It's just not fair. And speaking of street sweeping day tickets, what about the uneven enforcement in the business district? Mike Zamirippa is a welcome addition to the business area with his Coffee Table restaurant, but if he can get an exception for "relaxed" enforcement next to his restaurant, and he does have it, the same exceptions MUST be made available to ALL of the business on his street. How could you do otherwise? It is obscene- and that is what is happening! Which brings to mind the L.A. City Department of Transportation. They are another elephant in the room that no one- not even the City Council can control. They seem to do whatever the hell they want with no oversight whatsoever. C'mon Jose! C'mon Ed Reyes! Make us happy to pay you $170,000 a year- HELP! Which brings to mind the entire L.A. City bureaucracy. Are you familiar with the term feudalism? I know you know what a predator is. Put them together and you get a sort of a hybrid system of predator fiefdoms that have "serving the public" last on their agendas. Serving themselves and increasing their own size and power is foremost on their agenda. Mayor Antonio, you didn't help that, in fact you made matters worse. You told all the departments "bring in new revenue streams." How do think they did that? By screwing all of us! I've investigated how their system works, and we are at least partly to blame. Here's an example: 30 years ago, citizens complained that auto repair shops were parking their customer's cars on residential streets. No department was in charge of that, so a brand new one was created. (Ahh... a new fiefdom) The ordinance mandated that all auto repair had to keep a current list of the cars they were working on so an inspector could come by and check if any were parked on nearby residential streets. To pay for the inspectors, garages would have to pay a yearly fee (now about $400). Soon, it became clear that all the inspectors did was to drive around and find who to send the bill for the fee to. That was the inspection. That was it. Not one garage in the entire city has ever had to make or show a list of his customer's cars to an inspector. However, they all have to pay the fee. That's right! The original problem was NEVER SOLVED! The result was bigger bureaucracy, more city employees, more money being sucked out of small businesses and not one car ever being removed from in front of a local homeowner's house. NOT ONE! And the auto establishment inspection arm of Building and Safety have publicly, freely and arrogantly admitted it! You can just imagine what happens in all the city departments. Now you know that whenever you have a complaint, and your councilperson decides to take it on, all the little fiefdoms in the city gather around like hungry jackals, competing for the prey. And believe me the goal is NOT to see which one can do most to impact the problem! The goal is to see which department can most effectively turn the complaint into... what? You guessed it. A REVENUE stream! It is amazing that anyone can afford to be in business at all in this city. Just to wrap it up... The best news and the worst news of 2009 was Obama care. But what promised to be a plan to rein in the bad behavior of insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and for-profit health care companies and provide decent health care we can afford (which would have been good), it looks like all were going to get it is a plan forcing us to hand over even more cash to these same villains! WHAT THE HELL!!! Is no one on OUR side anymore? Happy New Year! Trompers 2009 Recap “2009 was a good year for us. We had a lot of fun, went on a lot of road trips. We went to Justice Brothers Museum, Peterson Museum, Sant Paula Airport, Las Vegas. We had three successful Hot Rod swap meets, we got 3 or 4 new members for 2009, and everything's just going good for us. “We're planning some more cruises to certain places, possibly a new President. I'm the current president, and we might have a new one next year..” - Tim Dodd President Tim Dodd (right) and past President Kenny Keyes keep the mob in order as the Tromper’s wednesday morning meeting at Carrow’s draws to a close. You always can find fun at the Tromper’s Swap Meet. Here, Nick Morgan and Chuck Spiker check out the goods. RE: Parking Madness Cured for Now "Cured" seems an unusual word for the "solution" to the Gold Line parking issues at the Highland Park Gold Line station. The issues are two and only one — the creation of an "all-day" parking fee in the meter — has been solved. While it is true that the parking meter increase has been lowered to 200% for an hour and 250% for the entire day from pre-2009 rates, the City continues to shoot itself in the foot over even putting in an increase. Ever since the 400% parking fee increase went into effect at the beginning of the year, I don't think I've seen even one handful of people who have used a meter in the lots surrounding the Gold Line station. The hoped-for revenue gain has, I'm sure, turned into a revenue loss over previous years. Like others, I've managed to find parking on the streets north of the Gold Line station and the fact that the all-day rate has been "decreased" from $4 to $2.50 isn't likely to encourage people to park at the meters. It was a bad idea to start with and the fact that it's somewhat less onerous doesn't make it into a good idea. Bob Thomas Geraldine "Gerrie" Viola Meek Geraldine Viola Meek, 89, died peacefully early Sunday evening October 11, 2009 at her home in Redding, CA. Gerrie was born December 19, 1919 in Birmingham, PA; to Mary Harpster and became the adopted daughter to Samuel Carper. Gerrie married T. Ralph Meek December 25, 1942. Their first son, Thomas, died shortly after birth. Ralph died in 1956. Gerrie is survived by her two sons and their wives: Sam & Linda Meek of Redding, CA. and Les & Karen Meek of Sierra Madre, CA. two granddaughters, Renee Estill of Redding, CA. and Gerilyn Kirkhart of Chesapeake, VA; one great granddaughter, Brianna Kirkhart and one great grandson, Van Estill; three brothers Earl Carper of Sinking Valley, PA. Wilson Carper of Altoona, PA. Howard Carper of Baltimore, MD; two sisters Sophie David of Altoona, PA. and Alberta Huff of Altoona, PA. She is preceded in death by three brothers: Norman, Arthur, and Percy Carper, and one sister Arietta Couch. Gerrie attended Altoona Beauty School of Hair Designing and Cosmetology and graduated in September 1957. In 1961 Gerrie and her two young sons moved from Pennsylvania to California. In 1963 she opened her own beauty shop, "Gerries Tress Designs", on Eagle Rock Blvd. She sold her shop in 1997 but did not fully retire until about 77 years of age. Gerrie was an active member of the Highland Park Wednesday Friendly Seniors. The "Club", as she called it, was an important social part of her life. For many years she volunteered at the Solhiem Lutheran Home in Eagle Rock where she called BINGO and helped with many social activities. She was instrumental in the creation and painting of the "Nature Wall" at the home. She attended and supported the Eagle Rock Covenant Church in Eagle Rock, CA. She loved talking with people and helping them in any way she could. Corinne Vidano Weeks Corinne Vidano Weeks, age 84, was born in Globe AZ on March 30, 1925 and passed away in Fallbrook, CA on December 22, 2009. She graduated from Globe High School in 1943, attended Northern Arizona University's pre-nursing program and studied nursing at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson. She met her future husband, Vernon L. Weeks, at NAU where he was in the Navy V12 program. They were married in 1948 and lived in Eagle Rock/Highland Park. She enjoyed square dancing with the South Pasadena Spellbinders and assisted the elderly at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Eagle Rock. When they retired to Fallbrook, Corinne was active in the St. Peter's Catholic Church, volunteered at the Fallbrook Community Project and enjoyed world travel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon L. Weeks; and son, Lawrence (Larry) Weeks. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah and son-in-law Lou Donnelly; son, Donald and daughter-in-law Jennifer Weeks; brother, Jim Vidano and his wife Marie; and cousin, Jeanette Bowling and her husband Bill. Her grandchildren are Andrew Donnelly, Nathan Donnelly, Matthew Donnelly, Ryan Weeks, and Kenny Weeks. The viewing will occur from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. rosary on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Berry - Bell & Hall in Fallbrook. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Fallbrook's St. Peter's Catholic Church 450 with burial at San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charity, Fallbrook Food Pantry, 1042 South Mission, Fallbrook, CA 92028.
SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study The SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Team has recently completed the DRAFT Geotechnical Summary Report. Additional community meetings, as shown below, are scheduled to share the outcome of field exploration work conducted as part of the Study. Attached is a flyer listing the upcoming meetings (for distribution to your community). A short presentation on information contained in the DRAFT Report will summarize the geology, faulting, seismicity, material properties, hazardous materials and groundwater conditions within the Study's five zones. Individuals who require special accommodations (American Sign Language interpreter, accessible seating, documentation in alternate formats, etc.) are required to contact the SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Information Office (323) 222-1710 at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) users may contact the California Relay Service TDD line at (800) 735-2922. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Ramona Hall 4580 N. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, 90031 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please contact the SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Information Office at 323-222-1710, or visit our website at www.710tunnelstudy.info Thank you, SR-710 Tunnel Technical Study Outreach Team New Albion Park Design: Have your say! 1/9/2010 Please join First District, Councilmember Ed Reyes for the first of three meetings to discuss the future of the 6-acre Swiss Dairy site. The meetings seeks to inform and solicit input from local neighborhoods and stakeholders on the possibilities to transform this site into a community riverside park. The meetings will be hosted at: Downey Recreation Center 1772 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90031 Refreshments and Snacks will be provided at every meeting This effort is led by First Council District Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and CA State Assemblymember Kevin de Leon. For more information or questions, please contact: Marisol Salguero 213.485.0763- marisol.salguero@lacity.org Meeting Agendas: Site-specific overview and background. Community input on desired outcomes. Saturday - January 9, 2010 10:00AM - 12:00AM Community check-in. Design concepts presented. Community input on project alternatives. Thursday - Jan. 28, 6:30PM - 8:30PM Community design unveiled. ABOUT THE SITE The 6-acre LA River adjacent site is located next to Downey Park in the community of Lincoln Heights. For decades this site has operated as a distribution and warehouse center for the Swiss Dairy Company. In October of 2009, the site was purchased by the City of Los Angeles with funds from Proposition O - the $500 million Clean Water Bond measure passed by Angelenos in 2004. The distribution and warehouse operations at the site will continue until 2011. After then, the site will undergo a makeover process which will incorporate multi-functional and multi-benefit design features that will serve as an amenity for the community while improving stormwater quality in the city. Huizar's Cap of 70 Included for Marijuana Law New limits guarantee that the City will have fewer medical marijuana dispensaries than it did before 2007 moratorium The Los Angeles City Council is set to vote on a Medical Marijuana Ordinance Wednesday that will set a cap of 70 dispensaries, while allowing for active dispensaries that registered with the City before a November 2007 moratorium the opportunity to come into compliance under the new ordinance within 180 days. Of the 186 dispensaries that registered before the moratorium, there are an estimated 137 still in operation. Many of those dispensaries would be unable to meet the new regulations at their existing locations due to other expected restrictions favored by the majority of the City Council, such as one that requires collectives to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, parks, places of worship and other sensitive-use areas. Over the last two years, an estimated 900-1,000 mostly illegal dispensaries opened by exploiting a loophole in the City's hardship exemption process under its Medical Marijuana interim control ordinance. Tuesday's vote ensures that Los Angeles will have fewer dispensaries in operation than before its moratorium went into effect. "Today we took the first step in regaining the trust of the residents of Los Angeles by protecting the integrity and safety of our communities while honoring the spirit of the Compassionate Use Act and offering medical marijuana to those who truly need it," said Councilmember José Huizar, who also introduced amendments forbidding individuals from operating more than one collective, ensuring early notification for Neighborhood Councils, and capping the number of dispensaries at 70 in order to effectively monitor dispensaries and remove black market influence and profiteers. The ordinance is expected to allow the 137 pre-ICO dispensaries the opportunity to continue to operate for up to 180 days while they come into compliance. If fewer than 70 are able to come into compliance, other collectives may apply to open, but the maximum number would not exceed 70. The City Council would be able to modify that number at a later date if necessary. The City Council also adopted Councilmember Huizar's proposal to locate the dispensaries in the City's 35 Community Planning Areas, according to their respective population density, in order to prevent overconcentration in any one neighborhood, while ensuring reasonable access for qualified patients. Los Angeles Arts Orgs Celebrate Second Annual Los Angeles Arts Month Arts organizations throughout Los Angeles are gearing up for Los Angeles Arts Month, a celebration of the arts in January 2010. Throughout the month, residents and visitors are encouraged to seek out cultural experiences: from visiting a local gallery or museum, catching a show at a small theater, or getting a taste of a multi-cultural festival. Through community outreach, local promotional ticket giveaways, and a viral word-of-mouth campaign, Los Angeles Arts Month encourages Angelenos to enjoy the best art the world has to offer, without leaving the city. Following upon last year's success, Los Angeles Arts Month returns with increased cultural programs, events and exhibitions. LA Arts Month is a collaboration between arts leaders, private partners, and local arts organizations, including Arts for LA, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The J. Paul Getty Trust, LACMA, LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Los Angeles Art Show, LA Stage Alliance, MOCA, TOWN HALL LA, and media partners Angeleno and Art Ltd. magazines, among others. Organizers sent out a call to arts groups to submit a comprehensive list of events going on in January, along with special arts month offers, on www.laartsmonth.org, a new website showcasing Arts Month events. "LA Arts Month has been created to celebrate the richness and diversity of LA's vast offerings. We hope Angelenos take advantage of the many events, special offers, and reduced rates at our cultural institutions during the month of January. Once they experience a play at a small neighborhood theater, an opera performance, or an engaging art exhibition, we're confident they'll return throughout the year and bring family and friends," said Olga Garay, Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. "When the art world comes to visit in January we want to show off the best that Los Angeles has to offer," states Kim Martindale, director of the LA Art Show, which runs January 20-24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and co-chair of the Arts Month Committee. Throughout January, LA Arts Month sponsor Clear Channel will promote the month on its eight regional radio stations and give away 1,400 free tickets to a range of performances and museums. In addition to heavy promotion at all its ATMs and branches in Los Angeles, sponsor Wells Fargo will offer discounts to customers for museums and performances across greater Los Angeles. Los Angeles Arts Month takes place from January 1-31, 2010. For programming information please visit www.laartsmonth.org. For media inquiries please contact Agnes Gomes-Koizumi at agnes@agkmedia.com, Julie Jaskol at jjaskol@getty.edu or Deborah Weinberg at dweinberg@townhall-la.org. The Land of Odd Gallery Open House & Artist Mixer The Land of Odd Gallery cordially invites YOU to an open house and artist mixer on the evening of January 9, 2010 from 6pm to 10pm. The open house will be held in conjunction with the NELA 2nd Saturday art walk. As always refreshments will be served and the event is FREE! This event will feature; skate decks by artist Deryke Cardenaz, paintings by artists Kebe Fox and Gabriela Hernandez, pen and ink work by artists Pablo Ramos and David Daniel, assemblage works by artist Patrick Quinn, creepy dolls by artist Christie Bastet, mobiles by artist Matt Mays, Cinnamon Roll Gang dolls and Mutant Bags by designer Marcel de Jure, and lino cuts by artists Jason Sullivan and Melissa Sullivan. Artists and art lovers alike are invited to drop by the Gallery at 4690 Eagle Rock Blvd. from 6 to 10 p.m. and enjoy a free evening of fine art, compelling conversation, interesting people, good food, and as always be prepared to have fun at The Land of Odd Gallery. URGENT: Your action needed on 110 Freeway Work I attended a community meeting last night at Ramona Hall in Highland Park regarding the 110 Freeway Project. If you frequently travel the 110, you probably have seen the big orange signs about the off and on ramps being closed from now until 2011. The 110 Improvement Project is going to consist of construction of side barrier walls in various places on both sides of the parkway, a median barrier wall the full length of the parkway, paving at the northbound on-and off ramps, lights and fencing. In order to complete the project, the work area is going to be divided into 4 sections, starting from the Pasadena and finishing up just shy of the I-5 Freeway. This work is slated to begin in 2010 and end in 2011. This is what I found out at the Cal Trans community meeting: * There will be nightly closures of the ramps to construct ride side concrete barrier walls and paving. o Up to two lanes of the freeway and intermittent ramps will be closed. o No two ramps will be closed at one time. * There will be full freeway closured to construct the median barrier. o All Southbound Lanes and One Northbound lane will be closed during this period of construction. o These closures will begin Friday evening at 10 PM and continues to 5 AM Monday morning. The entire weekend, for most if not all of next year, the freeway will be closed. o There are ten of these full freeway closures planned, which will take on average 5 weeks. o The four segments for construction planned are from: # Glenarm St. to Orange Grove Avenue # Orange Grove Ave. to York Blvd. # York Blvd. to Ave. 52 # Ave. 52 to I-5 Freeway o Traffic will be detoured onto local streets or other freeways + Traffic control officers and signage will provide detour direction Project related information can be found at CalTrans website - www.dot.ca.gov/dist07. Please share this information with those whom you believe need to know of it. If you find this unacceptable, I would encourage you to contact your local and state political representatives. Thank you. Jessica Maria Alicea-Covarrubias Nature Nursery School The Audubon Center in Debs Park and La Casita Verde Child Care Center have teamed up in a monthly joint program to bring the natural environment to our youngest residents. The preschoolers (and teachers and supporting parents) walk across Sycamore Grove Park, across the bridge over the freeway and up to the Audubon Center, then off into Debs Park to experience things that urban children often do not get to see. And the children love it! The Audubon Center at Debs Park is committed to connecting residents of Northeast Los Angeles with nature. This partnership with La Casita Verde, through the "Nature Nursery School," is a very natural fit. Playing in and learning about the natural world is vital for healthy child development. Studies are beginning to show that: Nature is good for us! The joint program helps guide the children on their discoveries in Debs Park, while giving them the freedom to explore on their own. This mix of structured learning and informal play provides children with the tools they need for lifelong learning. The Audubon Center is open to the whole community Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for play and exploration in the big and wild backyard that is Debs Park. La Casita Verde provides care and education for infants through preschoolers Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The center serves Northeast LA families, including a majority of low-income families. Further contacts are: Jeff Chapman, Center Director, Audubon Center at Debs Park, 323-221-2255 ext. 11, www.audubondebspark.org and Darlene Cabrera, Exec. Dir., Mt. Washington Preschools, 323-222-7114, www.mtwashingtonpreschools.org. Going for the Gold: A Tour of the Public Art on the Los Angeles Metro Gold Line MICHAEL SEVERAL On Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 10 a.m., join researcher Michael Several for an in-depth tour of the public art on the Metro Gold Line. Rich in detail, the tour highlights the many elements and facets to the concept, development, creation, installation and interpretation of the artworks that enhance the Metro Gold Line stations between Chinatown and Pasadena. Among the art treasures to explore are Cheri Gaulke's narrative "Water Street, River of Dreams" at the Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park Station, Teddy Sandoval and Paul Polubinskas' "Highland Park Gateway" at the Southwest Museum Station, Michael Stutz' larger-than-life walking man "Astride – Aside" at the Mission Street Station in South Pasadena, and John Valadez's "The First Artists in Southern California: A Short Story" at the Memorial Park Station in Pasadena. Tour goers meet at 10 a.m. at the street level of the Metro Gold Line Chinatown Station. Take the Metro Gold Line to the Chinatown Station. Free street parking on North Alameda is available. Tour is free; valid fare is required to ride the trains (Day Pass $5.00 or $1.80 for seniors). Tours are approx. 2 hours in duration. Handicapped accessible. Reservations are required. RSVP: gold_line_tours@yahoo.com ABOUT THE TOUR: This tour brings to life California stories gleaned from artists, administrators, and the unique communities involved in the creation of the public art along the Los Angeles Metro Gold Line. Going for the Gold is a collaborative project between the USC Libraries and researcher Michael Several, with funding from the California Council for the Humanities' California Story Fund.
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