Colorado Blvd. Closed at Rush Hour-
Gas Main Break Repaired by Midnight
by Tom Topping
On Wednesday, January 12, traffic on Colorado Blvd. was closed down and diverted in both directions after a worker boring a hole for an upgraded traffic signal system drilled right into a gas main. The accidental damage of the gas main occurred at about 12:30 p.m. The local fire station responded, evacuating businesses and homes for a radius of 1½ blocks.
The puncture occurred at the corner of Colorado and Live Oak View, directly in front of the dental offices of Dr. Chetty. The drilling machine, however, was being operated a block down Colorado at College View Avenue. Apparently, Moore Construction Company workers, under contract to the City of L.A.'s Division of Transportation, misread the painted markings on the sidewalk. It was a "2" that looked like a "3" (or vice-versa) which led to a ten inch discrepancy in the depth of the drill, causing the bit to hit the gas main dead center.
The scent was detected for blocks, and even by motorists passing by on the Ventura and Glendale Freeways.
Gas Company workers labored until almost midnight before completing repairs to the main line, but were still out in force on Thursday, servicing the 68 homes that lost their heat on a cold January night.
Most local business owners did not seem to mind getting the afternoon off. Other nearby businesses that were not evacuated also closed early as there were no customers able to get through the impossible traffic. People reported being delayed up to an hour just trying to return from Glendale.
By friday, all was normal again, except for a few extra steel plates covering some newly dug holes on the Boulevard.

Fight over County Seal comes to Northeast L.A.
by Tom Topping
By now, most everyone has heard about the fight over whether or not to remove the cross symbol from the official seal of the County of Los Angeles. The Board of County Supervisors, in a move seen by many as cowardly and wasteful, voted last year to cowtow to a letter sent by the American Civil Liberties Union, threatening a lawsuit unless the cross be removed from the seal.
This stirred up a firestorm of protest, both from people and groups with a religious affiliation, and those who are simply upset at the enormous cost of changing the seal on all the county buildings, trucks, cars, printed material like letterheads and envelopes and many other places it was displayed.
That fight has now come to Northeast Los Angeles.
Soon after hearing about the initial ALCU request and the pending vote of the Supervisors, Dennis Prager, a long time radio talk show host, initiated the movement to "Save the Seal" on June 8, 2004. The congregation and Pastor at Christ's Church in the City, a Highland Park church located at Ave. 53 and Meridian, heard about it, and decided to get involved. They contacted the the organization leading the fight to keep the County Seal intact with the cross.
They participated in the protest then and are still hard at work on it. The County Supervisors may have thought it was over with their vote, but apparently, it may be just the beginning.
OurFirstAmendment.org, an organization formed to coordinate the Saving of the Seal, although losing the first round, investigated the various laws and government codes and they have found what they think is a "bulletproof" way to force the County to return to the Millard Sheets designed seal adopted in 1957.
They say a petition drive will change the law and settle the matter once and for all. In the L.A. County initiative procedures, they found that by getting the signatures of "not less in number than 20% of the entire vote cast within the county for all candidates for Governor at the last gubernatorial election", the County must adopt the ordinance, which has pretty strong language stating that only by a majority vote of the people can the Official County Seal be able to replaced by another. The petition drive brings the matter back to Northeast L.A, the congregation and PastorWilliam Pile at Christ's Church in the City, Highland Park.
They are the official local depository for distributing blank and gathering signed petitions. They have become in effect, the local precinct office for all of Northeast L.A. to Save the County Seal.
They have been contacting other churches and organizations, manning petition gathering tables outside supermarkets and gathering and packageing petitions for shipment back to OurFirstAmendment.org
Pastor Pile said, "We've had an outstanding response from people who are religious, and from people who are just fed up with the behavior of county officials in this matter... So many Hispanics are upset with (supervisor) Gloria Molina- supposedly a good Catholic Latino. They say 'I'll never vote for her again.'"
He wanted to stress that, "All (petition gatherers) working through this church are volunteer." The Pastor also wanted to make it clear that once all 341,212 signatures are obtained and certified, it will become a county ordinance.
He invites all who want to help to give them a call at the Church, pick up a petition, or volunteer by calling 323-256-1010. They will also gladly accept completed petitions as the deadline for presenting the full petitions is near the end of February. Vounteers may also download their own petitions at http://ourfirstamendment.org/.

For Chamber Honoree Michael Nogueira, it's a Family Affair

Wall of Honor - A large gathering of about 40 showed up to congratulate Michael on his placement on the “Wall of Honor.” Seen in front are previous wall of honor recipients, Shirley Minser (sitting) and Kaye Beckham, in gray blazer and black skirt. Circled is Mr. Nogueira's portrait photograph.

by Tom Topping
Carrol Evans, Lil Gentry, Pat Connors, Katie Smith, Bob Cota, Shirley Minser and Jim and Kaye Beckham all have something in common. Their photos all hang on the wall in Eagle Rock City Hall. Called "The Chamber of Commerce Wall of Honor" the wall represents the best of Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce leaders who have led the community in service to others.
The plaque below his photo reads:

Michael was born and raised in the area. A graduate of Eagle Rock High School, he opened his business, Sir Michael's Enterprises - Party Rental and Limosine Service, in 1983.

Community and service oriented, his volunteer work with the Chamber started in the mid 80's. He is currently serving his fifth non-consecutive term as president. Michael has been instrumental in starting the Summer Concerts in the Park series and the weekly Farmers Market. He initiated the boulevard Christmas Banners and has taken responsibility for the annual installation, maintenance and storage.

A member of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, he served as Vice President from 2003-2004. He is affiliated with several other community service organizations and is a Los Angeles City Commissioner with the Housing Authority. Michael is married to Eugenie, they have two sons, Danny and Douglas.

About 40 people attended the ceremony, including the representatives of local elected officials. Michael Cathy, Eagle Rock Field Deputy for Councilman Villaraigosa said, "This is a day we celebrate all the work you've done."
Teresa Acosta, Representing State Senator Jack Scott, presented a certificate and said, "(we) wanted to say congratulations and thanks for the hard work you've done." There was even a representative of Mayor Jim Hahn there- Eastside area director Terry Valdez showed up to deliver the Mayor's congratulations as well.
Michael explained how he came upon the idea to start the concerts in the park. He and wife Eugenie were returning one summer from an outdoor concert in an adjoining community and she said, "Why can't we have that?" He said, "I'm gonna do it!" and made it happen.
He said that Eagle Rock is the only community in L.A. to own its own banners, (he bought a cherry picker truck just to be able to put them up and take them down) and said, "I'd like to see (holiday) lights on the trees in the median (on Colorado Blvd.)." When wife Eugenie heard this, she added, "If he says it, it will be done!" and added, "So, some Saturday night, if you see someone crawling around the trees in the middle of the street- it will be Michael (installing Christmas lights)."
Michael Nogueira senior, his father, was a long time volunteer, and past president of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, he took his little boy Michael with him to many chamber events there. Now Michael Jr. is continuing the tradition with son's Danny or Douglas (or both) right at his side during Eagle Rock chamber events.
His Mother, Linda Nogueira (that is, Linda Lopez on piano if you ever eat at Colombo's on a Friday or Saturday evening) said, "I'm so happy and fortunate to have such a hard working son." Indeed, it runs in the family. Even Michael's sister, Yolanda, (who took over their father's insurance business after he died) is now vice president of the Highland Park Chamber, and most likely will accept the role of Highland Park Chamber President in the near future.

NEDC Endorsements
On Wednesday night, the Northeast Democratic Club held its monthly meeting and the membership voted for its endorsements for a number of offices. In order to receive the club's endorsement, a candidate must get at least 60% of the vote. In the Mayoral race, Mayor Hahn addressed the NEDC on his own behalf. The other candidates all had surrogates because they were at the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association debate: Corina Villaraigosa spoke on behalf of her husband, Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa; Henry Lozano spoke on behalf of former Assemblymember Bob Hertzberg; Evelina Alarcon spoke on behalf of her brother, State Senator Richard Alarcon, and Bethann Buddeman represented Councilmember Bernard Parks.
Councilmember Villaraigosa won the NEDC endorsement with over 72% of the vote.
In other races, the club's membership voted on endorsements for the following:
City Attorney - Rocky Delgadillo
City Controller - Laura Chick
Council District 1 - Ed P. Reyes
Council District 13 - Eric Garcetti
LACC Board of Trustees, District 2 - Michael Waxman
LACC Board of Trustees, District 4 - No Endorsement
Democratic National Committee Chair - Howard Dean
Kudos to the new NEDC Board on running a very well organized endorsement process and for a fast and efficient meeting. The meeting even ended a little ahead of schedule, which is unusual, especially since we are talking about Democrats!

Highland Park Happenings
by Paul Thomas & Tom Topping
Ringing In The New Year
The warnings were all over the place. On the local TV news. On billboards throughout Highland Park and much of Northeast L.A. In English and Spanish.
Innocent people are killed every New Year. The statistics told a grim tale. The saddest thing is how easily preventable it would all be.
2005, however, like most others still came in with a bang. A lot of bangs, actually. Blasts, shots, explosions, too.
Yes, despite all the reasonable warnings, Highland Park was ablaze with gunfire for the ringing in of the New year.
Then, in spite of weeks of rain, the Rose Parade went off without a hitch. The sun miraclously came out and kept spectators dry on New Year's Day - and only on New year's Day. Then it was back to rain, rain, rain.
Ebell Club Silver Tea
The Highland Park Ebell Club (the venerable local women's organization which has its origins in the 1800's), hosted their Silver Tea on Tuesday, January 25th, 2005. This bi-annual event awards scholarships to deserving youth, and grants to deserving community organizations throughout the area, totalling thousands of dollars.
These scholarships are awarded based on the recommendation of people ranging from school counselors and representatives, to a member of the L.A. Police Academy, as well as Francis Choate, who is the President of the Ebell Club. The honorees this time were (drum roll please...):

1. Northeast Explorer Post - upon the recommendation of Marjan Mobasser -
A. Manny Castro - B. Lordes Flores - C. Britney Garza

2. Optimist High School Staff Member Chris Funaro or Kyle Frost -
A. Tatiana Hal1 - B. Renardo Palmer

3. Upon the recommendation of President Frances Choate -
A. Lizeth Hernandez - B. Sandra Palacios - C. Felipe Caceres - D. Kevin Grahm Phelps

4. Upon the recommendation of County Commissioner Mary Helen Cruz -
A. Stephanie Dominguez - B. Larry M. Dominguez

5. Benjamin Franklin High School upon the recommendation of college counselor Sally Conway -
A. Augustina Busoni - B. Tanya Sepulveda - C. Brenda Zepeda

6. Los Angeles Fire Department Engine Co. 12 -
A. Kevin Cruz

7. Los Angeles County College of Nursing upon the recommendation of Doris DeHart -
A. Terry Knowles

8. Southeast Explorers -
A. Yazmin Bastida - B. Eduardo Rodriguez

9. Upon the recommendation of Debbie DeMond, Los Angeles Police Academy
A. Frances Castro, Nursing student - B. Amy Marie Dotson - C. Priscilla Espalin - D. Christina Mariem Pineda -

10. Binch Foundation - Frank Binch Trustee, upon the recommendation of Sara Hanan -
A. Titus Mendez

Community Organizations
11. Center for the Children of Incarcerated Parents (CCIP) -
A. Katherine Gebel

12.AIDS Service Center (ASC)
A. Yvonne Benson

13.Project 10 for scholarships -
A. Virginia Uribe and Gail Rolf

14.Northeast Explorers for Post expenses
A. Pastor Wyatt

15.Bishop Cruver of Pillar of Fire School -
A. Reverend Pile -

16.Police Memorial Foundation
A. Al Atkins -

17.L.A. Police Historical Museum -
A. Dave Dalton

18.Chief Parker Memorial Foundation -
A. Sgt. Steve Wayans

The grants and scholarships ranged from $200 to $500. After the awards were all presented, everyone in attendance was treated to a High Tea. Guests got to nibble on sandwiches, various salads, cookies and a variety of other desserts and delicacies. All in all, a noble and noteworthy event.
Skatepark Meeting
On the evening of January 27th, the first of three meetings regarding the design of the skatepark, in the Garvanza district of Highland Park, was held at Luther Burbank Junior High School.
Yes, the design was once expected to be finished a long time ago. In fact, the whole skate park was once scheduled to be completed this Spring.
Things didn't go as planned. Blame has been cast, fingers have been pointed, accusations have been made. Let's skip over all that nastiness, shall we?
After all, the whole process of building the park is now more transparent, more straight forward, and more inclusive of the community and others involved. That includes the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council and its offshoot Skatepark Coalition.
That includes Council District 14 and its representatives. That includes Highland Park stakeholders, and perhaps most importantly, local skaters. To some, Thursday's meeting may have seemed like a few steps back, but at least now everyone is on the same page.
It was a big turn out, with maybe 30 young skaters in attendance. These kids were given large sheets of paper with which they were asked to either draw or list their design ideas for the park.
First there was some preliminary number crunching by the adults. The budget for the project is now set at $913,000. That is the originally scheduled $703,000 plus an additional $210,000 secured by Councilmember Villaraigosa's office.
A whopping $350,000 of that money will go to "Administrative/Contingency" costs (a nice blanket term to put costs under). The money allocated for the "skate park component" is $350,000.
This "skate park component" sum does not go entirely toward construction of the skate park. After subtracting $125,000 for "related costs," there is only $225,000 left for actual "construction money."
After the preliminaries, the kids were given a 15 minute period to set their deepest skatepark desires down on paper, and...
Nothing. At first. After 5 minutes, I anxiously paced around the table where the skaters sat, and I looked at their papers. Some had drawn a line or two. Most had nothing.
When "time's up" was eventually called, things were better. Kids were brought up to present their design ideas.
With a considerable amount of prodding from park design consultant Jeff Sporano (of Sporano - Mooney Architecture), the skaters revealed what they wanted. "Music", "a wall for tagging", and "stairs" were some of the more popular choices.
After the skaters had spoken, the next meeting regarding design was scheduled for February 2nd, where they will be another step closer to having a workable design.

TROMPERLAND by-Richard Miazga
Welcome to Tromperland everyone! Nice to have you join us for our monthly update on the latest happenings of the Trompers of Eagle Rock hot rod club. You know, the Trompers of Eagle Rock are truly blessed. Sometimes I get the feeling that our founder, John Gunderson, who passed away years ago, is up there somewhere guiding the Trompers of today to help us be as great a club, as it was back in 1945 when John first started the Trompers. Just to show you what I mean, back in October, we received the picture you see of a trophy the Trompers had back in 1947 called the "Perpetual" trophy. When we received the picture in the mail we were surprised, because up to that point no one had told us that such a trophy existed. We received the picture from Freeman Hall, one of the original members of the club from 1946 to 1950, so I called Freeman to get more information about this valuable piece of Tromper memorabilia. Freeman said that the Trompers had purchased the trophy in 1947, and each year it was awarded to the member that was voted the most outstanding Tromper for that year. To win this recognition, the member had to be at all club events, race regularly at El Mirage, improve his hot rod all year, and do the things it took to impress his fellow Trompers to garner the votes to be chosen-"Tromper of the Year"!
Three names appear on the "Perpetual Trophy", Johnny Adams, winner for 1947, Phil Miller for 1948, and Freeman Hall was the winner in 1949. Then I asked Freeman the million dollar question? Where is it? Freeman said 'I have no idea!" In 1949, Freeman recalled that he was getting ready to go back East to graduate school, and lost track of it after that! Wow! would we love to get our hands on this fabulous piece of Tromper history! Now, here's where our founder John Gunderson has a hand. Two days later, after we had called Freeman I interviewed Keith Karnes. Keith is the co-owner of the "Angel Puss Rescue" along with his wife Shirley, a cat rescue center right here in Eagle Rock. Keith had been a member of two car clubs back in the forties and fifties, The Shafts and the Ramblers, and we were looking for information for an up-coming article which appeared in last months Sentinel. I arrived at the store, took notes, Keith handed me 3 pictures, we went over everything, at which point I asked if there was anything else Keith could add? Keith said, "well, I do have one more thing, and it actually belongs to your club?" Looking puzzled, I asked Keith, "what's that?" Keith bent down and picked up a large paper bag, and handed it to me. He said,"go ahead, open it up!" I want everyone to know, I nearly fell down, in the bag was the PERPETUAL TROPHY!
I almost couldn't believe my eyes! Just 2 days before, I had received the surprise picture from Freeman, and, had commented to Freeman, that wouldn't it be something if we could find it! Here I was holding it in my hands! The most beautiful trophy I've ever seen! The most important piece of Tromper history we possess! Three days later, at the Trompers 59th Birthday party, Keith presented the trophy to the 50 Trompers and friends in attendance.Everyone was in awe, and applauded loudly with great gratitude to Keith and his wife Shirley for their tremendous contribution. Where did Keith get the trophy? Keith says he doesn't know, but that it sat on top of a tool box in his garage for at least 40 years or better! How about that! Are the Trompers Blessed? You bet we are! What were the odds that we would ever have found this? Thanks John! Would you like to see this fabulous piece of Tromper history? You can! Come to our club get-together we have on the second Wednesday of the month running from 5 to 9 p.m. at Jim's Burgers, 2005 Colorado Blvd. here in Eagle Rock. We'll have our entire Tromper display there which includes a lot of pictures of the "original" members, and you'll see and enjoy all the Trompers hot rods on display. And, of course the "Perpetual Trophy! Well, that's it for this month, but before we close, let's mention a few events that are coming up this month. Out at Pomona on February11,12 and 13th the NHRA is having their Winternationals drag races. On the 9th, it's our club get-together at Jim's from 5 to 9 p.m., and if you feel like taking a trip up to Portland, Oregon, on the18 and 19th. they are having the 8th. Annual Rod & Custom car show. Ok, we close for this month, goodbye everyone, and to John, and to Keith and Shirley Karnes, a Very Special Thank You! "Let The Fun Begin"!...rm

Storm Wreaks Local Havoc
by Paul Thomas
Beginning the first week of January 2005, the sun disappeared in Highland Park, and indeed most of California. In its place - dark skies, lightning, thunder.
Oh, and there was something else, too. Now what was it? Rain! Torrential rain. Relentless rain. Heavy precipitation. Downpours. Showers.
Whatever you want to call it, Highland Park was pelted by a deluge of rain the likes of which we haven't seen before. The worst rain EVER in Los Angeles, according to various authorities.
Due to the fact that it poured almost continuously, many people (yours truly included) suffered water damage of some sort, or were otherwise adversely affected. Flooding, leaking, mudslides, and falling rocks were common.
Dead palm fronds, leaves, and other fallen tree branches littered the streets on a daily basis, due to heavy downpours and strong winds. Good samaritan motorists were prompted to pull over and move them to the side to allow vehicles to pass.
Actual trees and assorted branches fell onto Metro Line tracks on January 10th, forcing trains heading from Highland Park into South Pasadena to shut down temporarily. This caused quite a little mess for train commuters and clean-up crews alike.
Passengers using the halted train routes had to be shuffled off, and then onto special buses. Then they were driven to the next station down, and back on a train, but not after being severely delayed.
Also on that very same day, Highland Park took additional beatings. The 110 freeway north (near Avenue 57) had to have two lanes shut down due to a geyser spouting up in the middle of traffic.
yes, a geyser erupted due to storm drains overfilling. The rain simply fell so hard and fast onto already oversaturated ground, that the water actually exploded from underneath!
It seemed we would never see the sun again. Was it to just remain a memory now, I wondered? One local told me, "Y'know what I put up on my (computer) screensaver now? A picture of the sun. Just to remind me what it looks like."
By the middle of the month, though, rays of light finally peeked through the clouds, and soon enough there were clear skies once again in Highland Park.
Before the streets had even dried up, however, there was another problem: potholes. A lot of them. All over Northeast L.A.
I overheard a supervisor early one morning telling employees to huury over to another street once they had finished their current repairs. There was something about four separate legal threats.
L.A. Street Services did their best to keep the stormdrains working, as well. The day before the rains began, workers were out in force, clearing debris and cleaning around the drains and street gutters.
You can still view some of the areas where mudslides occured. From the 110 Freeway, between Avenue 60 and Avenue 64, large tracks are visible where parts of the hill gave way and slid down.
It actually appears like tractors of some sort have been digging trails and depositing mud at the bottom of the hill. Nope. This was all caused by tremendous amounts of rainwater washing down the sides of the hill.
So it seems we are now good on rain for the rest of the year, and it's still winter!

Eagle Vista Seniors
The February Calender of the Eagle Vista Seniors begins with the 9:00 a.m. Board meeting followed by the 10:00 Business meeting. A sing-along with Lou Agrati and his accordian is an added attraction.
Feb.03 ( Thurs.) brings the exciting trip to Palm Springs for the fabulous "Follies" which displays the talents of the great chorus girls, all 65 years or older. Our bus departs at 9:00 a.m. and returns at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Feb.08 ( Tues.) Chris Lomasad: about a favorite vacation spot- "Hawaii".
Feb .15 ( Tues.) Love is everywhere when we celebrate Valentine Day with an El Polo Loco catered luncheon (Cost $ 5.00). Birthday cake will honor February birthdays. Please bring a signed Valentine to exchange.
Feb.(22 (Tues.) BINGO Carlos Cruz will call. NOTE: The last day for the initial deposit of $200.00 per person for the Royal Caribbean Mediterranen Cruise is Feb. 08, 2005.
The deadline for sign up and $51.00 payment, to attend the "Pageant of Our Lord" at the Rolling Hills Covenant Church is Feb. 15, 2005. (This performance is similar to the "Pageant of the Masters" in Laguna.)

Chinese
New Year
Celebrate the 106th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and Festival as Chinatown rings in the Chinese New Year the weekend of February 12-13.
This year's parade will take place Saturday, Feb. 12 from 2-5 p.m. The Chinese New Year Festival will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A festival car show is also planned on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hill and Alpine Streets.
Festival attendees may also participate in the 27th Annual Chinatown Firecracker 5k/10k Run, Kiddie Run, and 5k Fun Walk on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register for these races, visit http://firecracker10k.org/.
Consider taking the Metro Gold Line. The Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Gold Line stops in Chinatown, where events are within walking distance of the station. Additionally, several Metro Bus Lines serve Chinatown: Bus Lines 45, 76, 81, 83, 84, 85, 90, 91, 94, 96, 381, 576 and 705. DASH Lincoln Heights/Chinatown and DASH Downtown buses also serve the area.
An all-day $3 pass can be purchased on board Metro Buses or at Metro Rail station ticket vending machines.
To plan your trip, use the Metro Trip Planner at WWW.METRO.NET or call 1-800-C-O-M-M-U-T-E.

J. Scott Burden

In loving memory of J. Scott Burden, born on June 25, 1963. J.Scott passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 30, 2004. He was born in Hollywood, but lived his entire life in the Eagle Rock/Highland Park area of Los Angeles. He attended Toland Way, and Eagle Rock elementary schools; Eagle Rock High School, Glendale Community College and Cal State Los Angeles. He was employed as a physical education teacher, and track coach with the Los Angeles Unified School District at Manual Arts High School for nine years. He is survived by his son Jerron, mother Jan, father Jerry, sister Jeri Lynn, brother in law Rob, two great-aunts Louise and Helen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and many cousins and second cousins' living here locally and in San Jose, Arizona and New York. "J." enriched many lives. May he rest in peace with God. Services will be a private family outing. Donations in his memory may be made to the Manual Arts High School track team.

New Seal vs Old Seal- Which is Right?
by Tom Topping
The county seal controversy is still a heated issue for many. If you try to take an objective look at all the evidence it gets even more confusing.
The ACLU is saying that the cross is a religious symbol that represents one segment of the County's diverse population, and it reflects an endorsement of one particular religion. They say that government entities are prohibited from even appearing to take a position on the question of one's religious beliefs. It comes down to the question of what a "reasonable observer" would conclude from looking at the cross symbol on the County Seal.
So the question seems to be, what would a reasonable person think that the cross on the seal means? The ACLU would have us believe that a reasonable person would determine it meant that the County government of Los Angeles is a Christian government, and if you're not a Christian, don't bother trying to participate in any way with us because your are not welcome. The only problem with that argument, is that most anyone from America knows that is not true in the least. I suppose someone from another country without knowledge of American culture could think it true, though. So which one of these folks is considered reasonable?
On the other end of the scale are the Christians that think the ACLU is a godless pro-soviet organization that is determined to remove any mention of God and religion from life in America. The seal fight has become a new crusade of sorts, a classic drama, the forces of good against evil.
Somewhere in between, there are many folks who believe that the small cross on the seal should be allowed to stay for a different reason. When this area was part of the Spanish empire, and later Mexico, one could not become a citizen, or own property unless he first converted to Catholicism (a good argument for separation of Church and State, eh?). The early history of this area is inextricably tied to religion. They argue that depicting the cross on the County seal is not an endorsement but merely an acknowledgment of the history and contributions of religion in Southern California. I ask, is the cross on the seal a simple acknowledgment of the areas history?
But there's a twist! Inside information gleaned from one of the artists that helped prepare the 1957 county seal for the printing process (my mother) sheds new light on the cross depicted on the seal.
Often mentioned in the debate are the reasons why the cross was included in the first place. Was it put there to endorse Christianity? Was it put there to acknowledge the historical significance? The Official L.A. County website describes the cross on the old seal as representing religion, as the other symbols on the seal were to represent agriculture, industry and other aspects of the County.
According to retired graphic artist Pat Topping, is was another reason. She brought out a copy of "Thirty explosive years in Los Angeles County", a book written by John Anson Ford, one of the County Supervisors at that time. In the book he describes a civic minded resident of Hollywood, Mrs. Christine Wetherwill Stevenson, who, increasingly disturbed by the news of more and casualties in World War I, concluded that mankind needed a greater understanding of the great religions and philosophies of the past.
After taking a pilgrimage to Palestine she returned home, and intended to write plays portraying the lives of the great religious leaders of all the religions. She completed the work on the life of Christ, and saw to it that a temporary theater was built to stage performances. The "Pilgrimage Play" as it was called, played to sold out theaters for years. A giant cross was erected on the hill above the theater to advertise performances, and it was lit brightly at night, making it visible for miles. The theater and cross was located just across the canyon from the Hollywood Bowl. The cross was still up in the 1950's and possible the sixties as well (The theater was later called the Pilgrimage theater- today it is the John Anson Ford theater).
According to Mrs. Topping, the cross just signified the well known landmark, and was grouped with the Hollywood Bowl and the two stars representing film and TV because they all fell within one County Supervisor's district, that of John Anson Ford.
So which will it be? Is the cross telling us that we have to Christians to be good citizens? Is it an acknowledgment of the role of Christianity in the regions history? Is it a just a matter of a landmark, long removed? Or, are the forces of evil trying to remove any reference of religion from all facets of public life?
One thing I learned throughout all of this: everyone concerned has already made up their mind and is not willing to even listen to anyone that doesn't agree with them.
So what is America about?

Miss Mindy's Music Reviews by Mindy Jones
When it comes to live hip-hop, all groups are not created equal. You may be lucky enough to experience the occasional bass line or guitar lick. You may also have to endure the artists who only use musicians for their live performance or touring. For a hip-hop group to be a full on, full time "band" is almost unheard of...until now.
Feast your eyes and ears upon Most Chill Slackmob. Originally formed in San Francisco, now a local North East L.A. band. Meet King Slack (vocals/percussion), Momo (vocals/harmonica), Da Big Cheese (bass/vocals), Chooch (guitar), DJ iLL Media (turntables/beats) and Scottchy 800 (electronic/acoustic drums).
Their new CD, "Urban Mind Expansion" is bursting with funky grooves, crisp percussion and bubbling bass lines. Most Chill Slackmob also try their hand at Latin, reggae and drum 'n bass inspired sounds. Each song is like a gift with exciting musical surprises for all.
Most Chill Slackmob has performed all over California and have played with Outkast, Black Eyed Peas, Rakim, Fishbone, Blackalicious and a long list of others. The band has also been placed on the Music Connection's "Hot 100 Unsigned Bands" list. Don't make the mistake of labeling this group as music strictly for "hip-hop heads". Most Chill Slackmob has mass appeal and easily crosses over from jazzy jams to motown-y funk to Brazilian string sparklers.
Starting off the album is "Duc 2 Ways", which incorporates snappy percussion, reggae- style vocals and a bouncy bass line into a steamy, groovy stew. "The river is deep and the river is wide, Milk and honey on the other side".
"See You Baby" features Da Big Cheese's funky bass intro and Scottchy 800's impressive cymbals seasoned with DJ iLL Media's precise scratches. Vocal distortion and a "fuzzy" sound has the feeling of a tune being played on vintage vinyl.
Chooch adds some lively Brazilian string styling to "Stop The Dog" and Momo spices up "Boom Shak" with blues-y harmonica wailing.
"Push It (Like A Star)" is a straight up party song. A heavy-hitter with grime-y bass beats, clean horn samples and plenty of quality DJ action. "My ride might be a bucket, but I push it like a star".
Next on the list is "One Step", a sneaky and stealthy song (very James Bond). Smooth, jazzy and slightly reminiscent of old Digable Planet tunes.
My absolute favorite song on the album is "Epicenter". Space-y and futuristic, the song has a warm, liquid feeling (almost like you're underwater). Definitely drum 'n bass inspired, this song boasts shaky electric clicks, beautiful keyboard melodies and moody minor chords.
"Food Stamp Samba" is one of their most addictive songs. Fanciful percussion work courtesy of King Slack with Chooch's beautiful finger-style. A magical musical treat with tons of authentic Latin flair.
Most Chill Slackmob is an original and unique take on classic hip-hop. These musicians create music that is well orchestrated and finely tuned, yet still has a gritty, earthy quality. Most Chill Slackmob beautifully evolve song after song, never ceasing to amaze even the most skeptical listener.
Find out more about Most Chill Slackmob at www.slackmob.com, where you can also buy "Urban Mind Expansion" and "Break North-Live!!" (their previous album). Do yourself a favor and give this newly local band a try.

from Smellzgood:
To our Dear friends in Eagle Rock...
This past year has been filled with so much joy. When we opened our little store, Smellzgood (our first retail venture) we could never have imagined the warm welcome and the strong support that we would receive from our neighbors and friends here in Eagle Rock. It has been an experience and a chapter in our lives that we will remember and cherish wherever we go. Our original intent was to open a store for the Holidays only but we managed (with your help) to keep it going for more than a year. over the last few months of 2004 we began making plans to move closer to our families and we were sad to think that we would have to close our store. As we began mentioning this to our customers, our sadness was increased as we realized that there were so many people who would miss the store and had come to count on us being here for them.
Then like two Angels from heaven came our friends, Cheryl Leutjen, and David Meyer who presented us with the idea that it doesn't have to end here. Cheryl and David, who many of you already know and love, have offered to carry on the traditions that we started here (and start a tradition or two of their own) to keep our little store open! As we move on, we know that Eagle Rock will continue to support Cheryl and David with the same grace and warmth that we have come to know here. Please join us if you can on Saturday February 5th between 6pm and 8pm for our "passing of the candle" event-An opportunity to celebrate the continuation of Smellzgood, a chance to bestow blessings and good luck on its' new guardian angels and to bid farewell (for now) to it's original parents.
Lots of Love to all of you!
Ross & John

Life Through my Eyes
The Women's 20th Century Club and ROCK Teen Center will present "Life Through My Eyes," a tantalizing poetry and spicy spoken word extravaganza, directed and hosted by two-time grant recipient and City of Los Angeles Artist in Residence Lisa Marie Sandoval. "Life Through My Eyes" will feature Northeast L.A. youth, ages 12-20, performing original works about life in today1s world, side by side Sandoval as she presents her powerfully poignant slices of life from "The Yowling & Other Sounds from Highland Park" on Saturday, February 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Women1s 20th Century Club is located at 5105 Hermosa in Eagle Rock, on the corner of Colorado Boulevard in Council District 14, represented by Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, whose council office will be in attendance.
For those interested in what the next generation has to say, this is the event to attend. Sandoval began her search and development of young talent by conducting poetry workshops tied to California state academic standards and curriculum for almost 600 students at Eagle Rock and Franklin High Schools. For over 100 years the Women1s 20th Century Club has supported arts in this community. We are excited to celebrate our founder1s month by hosting such an innovative performance by young local talent, says Donna Robey-Sullivan, WTCC board member and ROCK Executive Director.
Sandoval selected only the cream of the crop youth poets to develop their written technique and performance style more intensely at classes specifically designed for them at ROCK Teen Center. Jenny Krusoe, former Poetry Editor of the Santa Monica Review and Executive Director of Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock‹last year1s venue for Life Through My Eyes ‹says she and the Center were 3proud to be the host venue for such a talented and cutting-edge poet. Her performance style is unique. Last year's event attracted over 120 people.
The event is also sponsored in part by a City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs grant awarded to Sandoval for 2004 -2005 purposed to bring art into local communities. “My aim is to bring healing and hope and to show people, youth in particular, that they can make beautiful art from the brokenness of real life,” said the nationally published poet and Cultural Affairs grant recipient. “My poetry is a song I wrote, because I heard it resonating from the hearts of the people in my neighborhood.” Sandoval's unique style of contemporary drama and dance in her poetic performance intimately brings to life the immigrant experience, welfare mothers, homelessness, gangs, and families with poverty-stricken dreams.
Sandoval’s work has been published in The Southern California Anthology, The Christian Century, Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Blue Collar Review, Brújula/Compass: Latino Poets in Los Angeles, among others.
Admission to the show is free. Music and refreshments will be served. For more information, please call (323) 257-6102 or e-mail

chocolate and chile
Celebrate Valentine's Day and taste tantalizing samples as a local chocolate and chile expert shares the fascinating origins and recipes of these ever-evolving aphrodisiacs. Rendezvous with your sweetheart on the garden terrace of the Southwest Museum for this spicy adventure! $15 for Autry National Center members, $30 for nonmembers. Purchase tickets at our Visitor Services Desk in Griffith Park, or contact TicketWeb at 866.468.3399 or www.ticketweb.com.

Valentine's at the Audubon Center 1/12
Audubon Center at Debs Park Presents "The Birds and the Bees: A Romantic Dinner in Nature"on Saturday February 12, 2005 - 5:00 pm~8:00 pm
Discover how Debs Park1s critters search and find their mates, enjoy a delicious dinner with your special someone, and support the Audubon Center1s educational programs!
--Adults will dine on a vegetarian or chicken dinner & no-host bar in the main courtyard.
--Children will feast on chicken fingers and fries & watch a movie in the Discovery Room. (Children 2 and under accompany parents)
Cost: $25 per couple, $10 per child (ages 2-12)
All proceeds will benefit Audubon Adventure Camps
Tickets available for sale at the Audubon Center at Debs Park
Or, send a check payable to:
Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 North Griffin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
For more information call 323-221-2255 ext.11
Limited space available, reserve your tickets early.

Mardi Gras -
Mark you Calendars for Tues Feb 8th celebration at Mr. 's Bowl. Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday. So on Tuesday Febuary 8th from 7:30pm - 2amcome to the 2nd Annual Mardi Gras pot luck at Mr T's bowl. Mardi Gras is the last day of the 2005 Carnival season - 5621 1/2 FIGUEROA BAR / CAFE / LIVE MUSIC Now take the Metro GOLD LINE to the Highland park Station Ave 57- runs till 1:30am
Bands to play: Tequila gris gris voodoo girl show - Jon Wahl & Rob Walther - Sherpas - and the DownBeats.

DRAWN AND QUARTERED:
Works on paper by Duvier Del Dago, Richard Louderback, Laurie Steelink, and Chris Wilder
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is pleased to present "Drawn and Quartered,"* a group exhibition of works on paper ranging the figurative to the conceptual. The show features pieces by Duvier Del Dago, Richard Louderback, Laurie Steelink, and Chris Wilder. The exhibition runs from January 23, 2005 through February 19, 2005, with an artist's reception on Sunday, January 23 from 1 - 4 pm.
Duvier Del Dago presents working drawings for an installation project yet to be completed. These works can be interpreted on many levels including being read as distorted memories, or as structured realities that may, or may not exist. Living and working in Havana, Cuba, he is currently preparing a piece for the Salon of Contemporary Cuban Art in February, 2005.
Inspired by circus sideshows freaks, the occult, extreme lighting, and goth culture, Laurie Steelink creates for this exhibition a large-scale drawing. Juxtaposing humor with horror, and dream with nightmare, her work displays psychic disarray in its expression of fear, disgust, pain, and glory. Not only are the spirits of the innocently evil children depicted in horror flicks like The Omen, The Exorcist, and The Children of the Corn channeled through this piece; it also evokes the lingering nightmare that invades our collective psyche on a daily basis during times of war, and also serves as a reminder of the violence and abuse experienced by young people world wide.
Steelink graduated with a BFA at San Francisco Art Institute, and with a MFA from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She has exhibited her work both locally and internationally. She currently lives and works in Venice, California.
Using source images from his recent island travels, Chris Wilder takes drawing and photography to a conceptual level. Wilder graduated with a BFA and MFA from California Institute of Arts. Some of his work is currently traveling in the museum exhibitions, 3100 Artists See God," (curated by John Baldessari and Meg Cranston), and "Surf Culture," (originated at the Laguna Beach Museum of Art). His video collaboration with Richard Louderback, 3Colour Flight/Music for Len Lye,2 an exhibition and performance curated by David Pestorius, opened at the Sydney Opera House in 2004 in conjunction with the Sydney Biennale. It has since been screened at Art Forum Berlin, Foundation Cartier in Paris, among other venues, and is currently touring. Wilder lives and works in Santa Monica, California.
Richard Louderback culls unauthorized historical documents to create contemporary socio-political dialogue. Comical and at times shocking, his work is a commentary on "history at present," as it addresses power relationships.
*To be drawn and quartered was a torture reserved for heretics, traitors, and deviants. It was also preceded by hanging. All art work described above is stoner friendly. This exhibition was curated by Cindy Ojeda with love and admiration for the artists.
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, providing low cost art, music, dance, and computer classes to children and adults of surrounding areas and communities. The Center also sponsors concerts, exhibitions and festivals.
The Center's federal tax identification number is 95-4689576. For more information, call Jenny Krusoe or Lui Sanchez at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock (323) 226-1617. The Center is located just west of the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard at 2225 Colorado Boulevard.

click on ads to enlarge

Glassell Park Senior Center
On January 6, 2005, members of the Glassell Park Seniors attended the Ground Breaking ceremony for the new Community/Senior Center at Public Storage.
Next General meeting will be Friday February 4th at 10:00 A.M. Please note change of meeting day for February meeting only. Guest Speaker will be Randy Votsch from Convalescent Aid Society ~ who will speak on free services and equipment for Seniors. Exercise classes are held Wednesday 10:30-11:00. Ballroom Dancing 12:30 -4:00. Bingo is held every Friday 12:30-3:00.
All activities are held at Glassell Park Recreation Center located at 3650 Verdugo Road. Glassell Park Seniors (323) 254 4559

A Weekly Paper for ALL of Northeast L.A.?

EDITORIAL

We’re almost at the end of our 8th year at the Boulevard Sentinel. And it’s been fun, although incredibly hard work. The pay is lousy and the hours are long, but it’s worth it to me to know that people in power keep themselves in check when they know their actions and words may be broadcast across the hills and valleys of their community.
The press is a necessary component of any free society. Society doesn’t work well without it.
By far the most difficult task in publishing this paper is raising the funds to keep it going. Because I have been a local boulevard merchant, the business people who have been here for some time relate to me and appreciate the work I am doing. It is their financial support that makes the Boulevard Sentinel possible.
They and I, as well as many other hard working community volunteers have transformed this town in the last eight years. It is a very different place now. Through our combined efforts, we set the stage for a veritable renaissance in the appearance and types of businesses, as well as the connected skyrocketing of property values.
New businesses like Swork, Camilo’s, Auntie Em’s, Fatty’s, and many others are much lauded establishments who have received a direct benefit from this renaissance.
Unfortunatly, many of the new businesses getting the benefit from these community improvements don’t think they have any responsibility to support the community. Or, they believe that they are so special that their mere presence here is support enough. They don’t want to help the entities that made it possible for them to be successful here.
If you are one of their customers, you like them, and you like the Boulevard Sentinel and want to see it continue, tell them how important a good outspoken community newspaper is to you. Tell them they should be a consistent advertiser. It only costs about a dollar a day, and the ads work.
Take a look at who does advertise. Give them a try. Tell them you appreciate their help to provide a good local paper.
I have some plans for the Boulevard Sentinel. I plan to get more help, and I’ve already started to train people to produce it so the publication can continue long after I am gone.
I’ve also started a weekly paper. On January 7th the first issue of the weekly Highland View was sent by mail to all the current and past subscribers of the Boulevard Sentinel. It was sent out every week since then, & I am including the monthly Sentinel as part of that weekly publication (note change in mast head on front page).
The Highland View, though small in size, is big on timely information. It covers the same area as the Boulevard Sentinel. If you want to keep up with news and events on a weekly basis, you will want to subscribe to it. It is not a free paper, only paid subscribers get it, and the price is $49 a year.
In the mean time, I want to tell you I understand that the community is changing. Many of you are part of a new demographic and I want to serve you as well.
Please call, write or e-mail your request to tell me what kind of articles you want to see. Tell me what you like about what we’re doing now, tell me how we can improve. I don’t want to be known as the paper of “old” guard, or new guard, or any guard other than YOURS.
Tom Topping - Editor & Publisher.

Letters Policy
The Boulevard Sentinel welcomes letters of all viewpoints regarding local subjects within the jurisdiction of Northeast L.A. However, all letters must include the writers name, address and telephone.
Our policy is to print the name and community of residence with letters, which will be withheld from publication on request. Anonymous letters and letters containing hate language or bad taste will not be published, but they will be read.
The publication of any materials received is at the sole discretion of the publisher and editor, and are judged on newsworthyness and other qualifying factors.
All materials received become the property of Topping Publishing. If sending photos, include a self addressed stamped envelope if you want them returned.
We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. Send your letters to the Topping Publishing p.o. box 41726, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 or e-mail to blvdsent5775@yahoo.com.

Mayoral Debate
KCBS Channel 2 and KCAL Channel 9 in association with the Citywide Alliance of Neighbor- hood Councils and City Watch will present two televised mayoral debates in February.
The debate on Monday Feb. 7 from 8-9:30pm will be on the subject of "LA Today". The debate on Monday Feb. 28 from 6:30-8pm will be on the subject of "LA Tomorrow".

Students Wanted for Legislative Seminar
by Stan Moore
Last year 8 juniors and seniors at Franklin High were the first high school students to attend the annual Sacramento Legislative Seminar in its 55 year history.
Greg Nelson, head of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, has approved the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council's request to again send eight local high school students to Sacramento to attend the Sacramento Legislative Seminar's 56th annual conference, February 27-March 1.
Last year Monica Whalen, Advanced Placement (AP)Government teacher at Franklin High School got some of her students to write 500 word essays on "How I would improve Highland Park if I had the Power." Then she also served as chaperone for the trip to Sacramento.
Dr. Stanley Moore, chair of the Human Relations, Education and Youth Development Committee has been taking students from Pepperdine University to the Sacramento Legislative Seminar since 1967. Last year, and only for Highland Park because of Dr. Moore's position for 20 years as the president of the California Center for Education in Public Affairs, Inc., (CCEPA) the board of the CCEPA permitted the eight local high school students also to attend.
Students must write a 500 word essay on "how I would improve Highland Park if I had the Power." Again Ms. Monica Whalen and Dr. Moore will judge the essays. Students must be Junior or Seniors in high school. BUT, They do NOT need to attend Franklin. Last year one participant learned about the trip through Richard Ledesma, Kiwanian and director of the mentoring program of the Hathaway Family Resource Center. He wrote an essay and got to attend the SLS in early March of 2004.
If YOU are a Junior or Senior at another school other than Franklin, you should call Dr. Moore for additional information: (323) 256-1024. The deadline for the essays is February 16.
Sunday night, Feb. 27, there will be a "Staff Panel" at the Capitol. Then four of Dr. Moore's students who are presently working in the Capitol will spend several hours talking with the students. Monday, Feb. 28, will begin with a "Lobbyist Panel," followed by a panel chaired by Dr. Moore examining the budget crisis.
Lunch with the Pepperdine students will be Dr. Jonathan Brown, president of The Association of California Independent Colleges and Universities. Late in the afternoon there will be a panel on "Politics 2005," followed by a Pepperdine-U.S.C. reception for legislators and staff, and ending with a "Media Panel" at 9 p.m. Students will again go back to the Clarion Hotel to talk with the panelists. Finally, the students will have a free lunch with a lobbyist as his office—Mike Kahl of Kahl-Pownell Associates.
The students will return to Highland Park around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. All of this, except for several meals not covered by the HHPNC, is free to the student. A frugal student can go on the trip for less than $30!
Dr. Moore and Patricia Villasenor, employee of the Human Relations Commission, will serve both as drivers of the van and chaperones, along with Ms. Monica Whalen, who again has volunteered to go on the trip to Sacramento.
The HHPNC has approved of up to $1500 to fund the trip. But time is of the essence, the DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 16 IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING. Call Dr. Moore for more information immediately.

Sewer Charge Stinks
by Paul Thomas
Once again City of Los Angeles is sticking it to us. This time it's the Bureau of Sanitation's sewer service charge increase.
Just 40 months from now an average user will be paying an average of $7.10 more on their water bills. This is all according to a table outline drawn up by the Department Of PublicWorks and sent out in a letter to residential, industrial, users in the City of Los Angeles.
Sure, they try to sugar-coat things by touting it as a "1 to 2 cent per year increase in HCF (Hundred Cubic Feet) charge." Make no mistake. It will amount to the average L.A. resident paying several more dollars on their bills by 2008.
The first increase will appear in March, 2005 and will be followed by increases in July 1, 2005, July 1, 2006, July 1, 2007 and then July 1, 2008. This is all projected on their table.
They officially attribute the hikes to "requirements of a recent settlement agreement that resolved a $550 million dollar lawsuit related to sewer overflows and discharges into certain waterways that occurred during the 1998 El Nino rains."
They are additionally blaming "costs of labor, construction materials, chemicals, and the utilities required to provide the existing service level. The City also claims to be using the additional fees to "improve sewer cleaning, root control, and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) control programs."
As Northeast L.A. knows, there have been continual noisy and smelly construction in our streets in recent years, due to pipeline rehabilitation projects. Guess what? We have to pay for that, too.
Yes, they've included the rehabilitation "of over 500 miles of aging sewers and construction of 60 - 100 miles of new sewers" as part of the new heftier bills we have to look forward to.
Public Works promises that the increases will not exceed those shown in the table (viewable at www.lacitysan.org/sscnotice.htm). They also say that "they could be lower than as shown." I say "fat chance."
It's all coming next month to a water bill near you. Cue Randy Newman's "I Love L.A." as background music. Fade.

Doris Watson’s 100 year old birthday party.
On 27th Jan. 2004 Doris Watson shared her 100 yr. Birthday with family and many friends at the College Vista Convalescent Hospital on Eagle Rock Blvd. Among the guests were her daughter Pat Miller, her granddaughter Lynne Bloomfield and her great granddaughter Lauren Bloomfield. Others in attendance were Alan (son in law), Ian (grandson) John (grandson in law), Chris (great grandson), Beryl Parsons (niece) and many members of the Eagle Vista Seniors and the Eagle Rock St. Barnabas Church groups. Doris was born in Manchester England and her long and active life has included several interesting features. Doris was married in 1928 to Alan Morton. Prior to having a family, Doris worked as secretary to Henry Royce (of Rolls & Royce, car makers). In the 1930's Doris and her husband had two children Pat who became a Speech Pathologist, and Derek who became an MD. Doris as a wartime mother with two children experienced and survived the early 1940's German bombing blitz on Manchester. Alan Morton died in 1962 and Derek died in 1979. In 1972 she met and married Norman Watson (d. 1982). Doris also met and talked to Mary Pickford (the screen actress). Doris emigrated from England and settled with her daughter's family in Eagle Rock in 1987.

Free Trees Available for your Community
Happy New Year! The Environmental Affairs Department of the City of the Los Angeles would like to help you improve your community this year by expanding its Greenways Across Los Angeles program to plant trees along your streets at no cost to residents and business owners. We are requesting your input and assistance.
We are currently finishing up a grant that is planting 2600 street trees along major transportation routes across the City. We still have approximately 200 trees available and need your assistance in determining locations and obtaining permission to plant from the owner/resident. We are looking for busy streets with parkways or existing tree wells as we have reached our limit on concrete cuts.
This grant will be ending within the next few months so please contact us as soon as possible.
We are also looking for community members who could canvas their neighbors to obtain signatures on permission to plant forms. Please let us know streets in your community that need greening so we can begin identifying planting locations. All streets would need to meet the grant criteria in order to be planted as part of this project.
Trees benefit your community by reducing both air and water pollution, providing a buffer between transportation routes and neighborhoods, reducing ambient temperatures, creating attractive pedestrian and bicycling routes, and enhancing the scenic quality of the City of Los Angeles. These benefits also lead to higher property values and more community pride.
These trees are available to your community free of charge. The Environmental Affairs Department will handle all permitting and its contractor will handle tree planting. All we need from the homeowner or resident is a signed permission to plant form.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Elissa Palmer, our project coordinator, can be reached at 213/978-0859 or by e-mail at epalmer@mailbox.lacity.org. My contact information is below. We look forward to working with you to improve your community.
Sincerely,
Julie Van Wagner
Environmental Specialist II
Environmental Affairs Department, City of Los Angeles

The Judson Gallery
The Judson Gallery of contemporary and traditional art, David Judson, Director, presents: "Contemporary Drawing as Preparation," curated by Prof. Ronald E. Steen, Art Historian & Art Educator.
The opening reception is on Saturday, January 22, 2005, 4 – 6 p.m., and continues: Monday, January 24 through Friday, April 29, 2005. The gallery hours are mon.- fri. from 10 to 3.
The exhibition includes the work of 18 contemporary mature artists who work by preparing thoughtful drawings as a study format of preparation. Both the studies and finished works are presented. The exhibition visually yields unique information about contemporary processes of art making. The artists included are Wes Christensen, John Frame, D.J. Hall, F. Scott Hess, Tom Knechtel, Laura Lasworth, David Ligare, Dan McCleary, Jim Morphesis, Deni Ponty, Tino Rodriquez, Aaron Smith, Jon Swihart, Masami Teraoka, Ruth Weisberg, Patty Wickman, Jerome Witken and Peter Zokosky. Works are being loaned by artists, private collectors and contemporary art galleries.
Concurrent with the "Drawing as Preparation" exhibition and displayed in the Hall Gallery area of the Judson Gallery is the exhibition "The Maine Project". This exhibition consists of works created by five contemporary artists during their six week fall 2004 residency in Westport Island, Maine at the MacNamara Foundation.
Francesco De Benedetto, Luis Serrano, Sergio Teran and Tim Carey were brought together by artist Peter Zokosky to work under the general theme of portraiture. The work on exhibition represents a variety of techniques and media used in each artist's unique interpretation of the people and the natural surroundings of Maine. The exhibition extends the concept of drawing to include the work of artists studying, working and developing an artistic construct along with other figurative/object based artists. The exhibition is organized by Tim Carey with the gallery curator Prof. Ronald E. Steen, Art Historian.

H.P. Groups to Help Tsunami Victims
by Stan Moore
Inspired by the Kiwanis Builders Clubs at Luther Burbank Intermediate School and the Club at St. Ignatius, the HP Kiwanis Club, under the leadership of its president Heinrich Keifer and its board of directors is beginning a "penny roll" fund raising campaign for tsunami relief through the Kiwanis International Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of the money will go to either immediate relief for the victims or for the long term development of the damaged nations of Southeast Asia.
In the past two years the Kiwanis Club of Greater Highland Park has created two Builders Clubs. These Clubs are designed to be run by the students themselves with minimal adult supervision. The students learn leadership and organizational skills, and, because Kiwanis is a community service organization, it is hoped that the students will gain an appreciation for giving back to the community and the world.
The St. Ignatius and Luther Burbank Builders Clubs have obviously learned well the goals of Kiwanis. Coming back to school after the disaster both Clubs, independently of each other, decided that they needed to help the tsunami victims.
The Luther Burbank Club, in existent for slightly more than one year, voted to send $150 from their fund raised by two car washes at the Police Museum to the victims.
St. Ignatius, formed in November, and not having any money in its Club's treasury, decided to immediately begin fund raising. Through selling candy and bake goods on campus in one week the Club raised $276. Then it did an appeal for contributions and raised even more money. So at its second meeting of the new year the students voted to send over $500 to the tsunami victims. Next the Club, will minimal input from Mrs. Ledesma, the teacher at St. Ignatius had to vote on which aid agency to use. Four were proposed by Mrs. Ledesma and Dr. Stan Moore, the representative from the Kiwanis Club. After a thorough discussion the Club members voted to send their money to World Vision, since its relief is focused primarily on the children affected by this disaster.
Learning from its Builders Clubs, the adult Kiwanians are placing, with the Police Museum's support, a banner at the Museum announcing that it is a collection site for money for the long term rebuilding of the destroyed communities. The tsunami victims need immediate relief, but they will desperately need long term development funds after the T.V. cameras have gone and the world's attention has shifted elsewhere. The Kiwanis Club of Highland Park is beginning a "penny roll" campaign. Not only is there a box at the Police Museum to collect donations, but local citizens can get paper rolls for their pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. These are contributed by Jackson Federal Savings, which is now a part of Union Bank, whose local bank manager, Manuel Barcena, is a member of the Kiwanis.
So, want to get rid of all that change that is cluttering up your house? Want to join the Builders Clubs and the Kiwanians in helping the tsunami victims? Then bring your gifts to the Police Museum.
Lonely for company? Want to lose some weight gained during the holidays? Then put March 12, Total K Day, on your calendar and joined the Luther Burbank Builders Club, the Kiwanis Club and some members of the HHPNC and volunteer to help improve our community at the Veterans Memorial, hopefully at the Arroyo Seco Library, and elsewhere. For more information please call Heinrich Keifer, (323) 258-7920, or Dr. Stanley W. Moore at 256-1024. Join us in improving Highland Park! The Kiwanis Club welcomes your help! And, it welcomes new members. With additional members it could start a K Club at every elementary school in the area. Kiwanians are known for community service and for working to improve the life of kids around the world.

Student Art Contest
Aspiring student artists - this announcement is for you! It's time for the annual California Student Arts Contest in which the winning artist will travel to Sacramento to see his or her artwork displayed in the state capitol.
State Senator Jack Scott, chair of the Joint Committee on the Arts, is calling on middle school students to submit their work for consideration. The deadline for submission is March 18, 2005. The theme for this year's contest is People Helping People and is a way for artists to commemorate the spirit of compassion - the ways in which we help our neighbors, friends and families.
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6, 7, 8) in the 21st Senate District. (Altadena, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Highland Park, La Canada Flintridge, San Gabriel, Temple City, and parts of Los Angeles )
Medium: Painting, sculpture or small wall art - maximum size 4 x 5 feet.
Deadline: March 18, 2005
Prizes: 1st place: Artist will travel to Sacramento for installation of artwork to be part of the Senate's collection for one year.
2nd place: Art to hang in Capitol office in Sacramento for one year.
3rd place: Art will hang in Pasadena district office for one year.
Entries may be delivered or mailed to the district office at 215 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 185, Pasadena 91101 by March 18, 2005. For further information call: 626. 683.0282.

Closing Party for Saints, Shadows and Bloodshed
Please come join us this Sunday, February 6th, from 1 to 4pm, at the Mexican Cultural Institute, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, at the southeast corner of Olvera Street. There will be live music: Brazilian guitar (a la Jobim) by Anand and Mexican traditional song by Las Hermanas Martinez.
Hope to see you there Sunday afternoon. Feel free to call the Mexican Cultural Institute for more information at 213.300.0409.

 

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