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Breaking the Code
of Silence at
Eagle Rock High
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“HELL NO! CHOU WON’T GO! - HELL
NO! CHOU WON’T GO! February 16, 2008
Eagle Rock High School Students protest before the “Education Forum”
put on by the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council. Here, they march and
chant up and down Yosemite Drive. They are upset that their favorite
coaches who led them to two football championships were fired. They
blame Principal Velasco, and want him removed. |
Championship
Coaches Fired-
Free Speech Expelled-
Neighborhood Council Education Forum Exposes All-
by Tom Topping
"When our children are telling us they're being threatened by the
Principal... there's something wrong!" said Robert, one of the alarmed
parents who attended and spoke out at an education forum put on by the
Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, on Saturday, February 16, 2008. He went
on to say, "I spoke to coaches this morning... they were threatened, and I
was threatened... we were told specifically that if we spoke, we would
have repercussions." These words, from this parent, who is also a teaching
assistant at the school, supported what many others had been saying. They
said school leaders were trying to silence any voices who might be
critical of them.
Earlier, this reporter's calls to coaches revealed precious little. They
were reluctant to talk. Students, who were marching on Yosemite Drive
right before today's meeting, either refused to talk to the press, or
would not identify themselves at all. Worse, some Eagle Rock High School
Alumni Association leaders would not talk either. They said subtle
messages from school leaders were clear: "If you speak, there will be
repercussions."
But this morning, when this meeting got underway, in a combination of
courage and emotion, all the rumors, complaints and accusations came out
in a huge rush. The situation had snowballed. Like a boiler, the more
Principal Salvador Velasco clamped down, the more the pressure increased
until the situation could do nothing but explode. Eagle Rock High School
is considered by many in the community as a very good place to send their
kids to school. It is also a place where teachers like to work. They often
stay their whole career here. The community is supportive. A very active
and well funded Alumni Association is in constant support, and many ERHS
alumni still live nearby, giving huge attendance to every football game in
the season. They simply love their old school.
The wick on this long standing affinity was turned up even further in the
last couple of years as the Eagles completed back to back championship
seasons. Everyone was proud of the team, and of all who made those
championships possible, including, of course, the coaches.
Indeed, it is the coaches that the players credit most for those
championship years. They are credited with a lot more, too. A written
statement by Andrew Trejo was read aloud by Marcus Rodriguez during the
ERNC forum on February 16th. He said about head football Coach Chou:
"Coach Chou taught us football, but he taught us about life. He has shaped
us not only as student athletes, but as better people. Through him, we
have learned to work hard, and be honest, and not cheat ourselves or
anyone else. This is an honest coach. He is the coach that (benched)
Jeremy Camacho, an all-city Quarterback for two games because he missed a
few days of practice. He benched Jose Navarro, an all-city receiver and
record holder of touchdowns in a game, season, and career, and record
holder for most kickoff returns in a season for one game (for missing)
practice. He disciplines us, and it doesn't matter who you are, if you
screw around you will face the consequences."
Thus, students, parents, alumni and community alike were shocked to hear
that teacher, mentor and coach Chou had been fired from his coaching
position. (five other coaches as well)
From everything I've heard and read, the story of his firing is sort of
convoluted, but here it is, as accurate as I can get it, so please bear
with me.
Basketball coach Katto was holding varsity basketball practice in the gym,
when freshman/sophomore basketball coach Drew Lord (husband of assistant
principal Janet Lord) came into the gym wanting to use it to take photos
of his team. Coach Katto, the Varsity basketball coach, was holding
varsity practice at the time and did not want it interrupted by a photo
session. An argument ensued, ending in Katto's suggestion that they "Take
it outside." Whether he meant to challenge Coach Lord to a fight or simply
to continue their argument in private, away from the view of the students
is not clear. But the principal had to step in.
What Mr. Velasco apparently did, was to reprimand Coach Katto, and require
him to publicly apologize to Coach Drew Lord and his team. According to
those at the public meeting, Mr. Lord was not reprimanded for the
altercation. When the other coaches heard about that, they were not happy
for a variety of reasons. Mostly, I think, because they have their own
hierarchy, with the varsity football and basketball and the coaches with
the most seniority at the top, and the junior and freshman and less
popular sports coaches at the bottom. The principal's actions threw a
wrench into their order, forcing one of the most senior members to
apologize to one of the most junior. They also knew that the Junior Coach
Lord, was married to the assistant principal, and suspected that
relationship tilted the scales of justice away from their colleague. (The
LAUSD personnel commission rule 720, does not allow close relatives to
work in the same unit, with one supervising the other. Sources close to
the school administration allege that Janet Lord has some supervisory
capacity over her husband, but those claims are presently undetermined.)
Coach Chou, if you believe the way the way the students and parents talk
of him, is the kind of man that is among the precious few and far between
these days. He was willing to put his principles first, and he did that
many times by having some of the best players sit out games as punishment
for various bad behaviors. He was loyal, I think, to the other coaches and
the hierarchy that he was indoctrinated in as he came through the coaching
ranks. But most of all, he was upset that this principal was interfering
in the sports programs in a way that no other Eagle Rock High Principal
had ever done before. He submitted his letter of resignation to the
Principal in protest.
He changed his mind the next day, and tried to rescind the resignation,
but the principal did not look at it kindly. At the February 16 meeting,
Principal Velasco spelled out how he saw it. "He (Chou) came into my
office and said, 'If you don't rescind my resignation, I'm taking my
friends (the other coaches) with me.'" Velasco continued, "I don't think
our school deserves to be held hostage that way."
From his words, it looked like Mr. Velasco's mind was made up. Students
report that he said Chou will never be reinstated as long as he is there.
The issue seems done as far as he is concerned. The parents and students,
however, have a different idea.
The students felt strongly enough to organize a walkout of homeroom last
month. On January 25, they tried to hit the school in a pocketbook that
depends on homeroom attendance to get funding. Later, football player
Freddy Reyes was identified as the organizer. He was pulled into a room
alone with school officials, and said, "They tried to make me admit the
coaches were putting us behind it- and no coaches were involved."
A group of students, mostly football players, marched on Yosemite Drive
before the Saturday ERNC meeting took place. The signs read, "HELL NO CHOU
WONT GO", "WE WANT OUR CHAMPIONSHIP COACHES BACK", "HEY-HEY HO-HO MR.
VELASCO MUST GO", "STUDENTS VOICES ARE NEVER HEARD", "WE HAVE A DREAM-
BRING OUR COACHES BACK" and "GET RID OF THE OVER LORDS NOW!" referring to
the husband and wife team of Drew and Janet Lord.
I asked one of the protesters what it would take for him to be satisfied
that things were again all right at Eagle Rock. He said, "Principal
Velasco to resign or transfer to a different school and we get out coaches
back. Our coach was fired for unjustified reasons. He was not just a
coach, he was a mentor. He taught us discipline in life. He always
referred things to working; to discipline for work, discipline for school.
He taught us not only about football. He taught us about life. He was a
great man." He was talking about coach Chou.
Eagle Rock Alum Leslie Puls said, "My son played varsity basketball and
varsity volleyball, and coach Katto is one of the best men I've ever met
in my life. I really attribute part of my son being such a good boy to
him."
Parent Brandy Chavira was out watching over the protesters. She said,
"This is about six of our coaches that were unfairly fired from their
positions. And it's a personal grudge on the Principal's part, and the
students want their coaches back. They love their teachers and these
coaches kept them above average in their classrooms."
Parent Rosanna Rodriguez had a lot to say inside and outside the meeting.
"The coaches are their mentors, and that's what my son has really felt...
he's taken it very emotionally. He sat there crying about the situation,
and the fact is, my son doesn't want to play if he has to play for any
other coaches... This is messing up the whole school year."
Perry Portier was another parent who was watching the protest. He said,
"Well I think Velasco underestimates the parents, the community, the Eagle
Rock community here. Because we're behind the coaches, we're behind the
schools 100%. He (Velasco) won't take time to talk to the parents- they're
messin' up their whole education."
At the education forum, moderator Stephen Early, wore three hats, as he
put it. He's the Education Chair for the Neighborhood Council, a teacher
at Eagle Rock, and the Union Chapter Chair for the Teachers Union as well.
There was some discussion about "District 4" a sub-district of which Eagle
Rock is part of, but which practically no-one knows about, and the office
of which is located at Wilshire and Crenshaw. There is little opportunity
for them to be held accountable by Eagle Rock parents. He pointed out that
the forum had invited district 4 superintendent Richard Alonzo to
participate. Richard Alonzo did not attend, nor was he represented.
Board Member Yolie Flores Aguilar was also invited, said she would come,
then did not make it saying that she had to cancel due to respiratory
problems that put her in the Glendale Adventist emergency room the night
before. She did send her Chief of Staff, Valerie Cuevas, to represent her.
Community members, who are very fond of her, were concerned for her health
and called the hospital intending to send her flowers. They were confused
when the hospital told them she had not checked in. She was asked about
that in a later telephone interview and said, "Do you want to see my
wristband?" I suggested she could fax it to me, but she seemed angry when
she said, "I'm not going to do that... I can't believe the community is so
untrusting that they'd call the hospital!" With that, she ended the
interview.
As all the speakers wrapped up what they were trying to say, Eagle Rock
Neighborhood Council President, and private practice attorney, Brian
Heckmann volunteered his services to mediate the situation between the
coaches and Mr. Velasco.
Eagle Rock Alumni Association volunteer, Rosemary Reader, asked Velasco
whether or not he would accept the offer and go into mediation. He
responded, "I'll bring the sandwiches."
A reporter (not from this paper) spoke up and told how Principal Velasco
had had him ejected from the campus, while he was spectating at an Eagle
Rock Football Game. "I was told I would be handcuffed and escorted out of
the school in front of my mother..." He expressed his worries about the
student's fear to speak. "It bothers me when these kids come up to me and
say, 'I don't want to say anything, I'm afraid.'"
Velasco did not deny that he kicked a reporter out of an event that was
open to the general public, and defended his action, saying he did that
because the reporter was "disrespectful". However, he may have violated
the reporter's rights, whereas California Law clearly gives the principal
the right to have outsiders leave, it is only for the purpose of
preventing or detering crimes. In fact, some seeking to enter school
grounds are exempted by California Penal Code section 627.(3)(b), which
states:
"The Legislature recognizes the right to visit school grounds for
legitimate nonviolent purposes and does not intend by this enactment to
interfere with the exercise of that right."
Additionally, section 628.8 (a) states:
"The penalties imposed by the provisions of this chapter shall not be
utilized to infringe upon the legitimate exercise of constitutionally
protected rights of free speech or assembly."
Journalists can only be ejected only if their presence causes a
disruption, and there was none claimed or witnessed. There is no provision
that allows a principal to eject a reporter because the reporter is
"disrespectful" to him. From my understanding of the law, and I'm no
expert, it looks like the reporter was illegally ejected from the campus
by Principal Velasco.
The latest, as of Wednesday afternoon, February 26, is that Principal
Velasco did not keep his promised date to enter mediation by the
Neighborhood Council. The reason given, according to Brian Heckmann, is
that it was being taken to a higher level, and an e-mail from School Board
Member Yolie Flores Aguilar seemed to confirm that which stated that she,
"... called for an immediate meeting with Superintendent David L. Brewer,
Local District Superintendent Richard Alonzo and Eagle Rock Principal
Salvador Velasco to discuss the situation."
It was assumed by some observers that because her e-mail stated she "...
will convey my expectation that any escalating conflict be mediated within
the next 15 days," that therefore Ms. Aguilar would be providing the
mediation instead of the ERNC, but she denied that. She did not seem to
even know anything about the ERNC offer of mediation, or that Velasco had
agreed to it and then canceled it. There is now no known mediation
scheduled to take place, although Brian Heckmann has committed to follow
up on it.
Another Eagle Rock coach, Mike McKay, was called in to Mr. Velasco's
office today to answer accusations alleging that he distributed a copy of
an e-mail to all the teacher's mailboxes. It was an e-mail from Rachel
Morton, a resident of Eagle Rock whose husband used to teach there. The
e-mail calls the firing of coach Chou "cowardly" and described the
situation at Eagle Rock High by saying, "...cronyism and nepotism are
doing extremely well at Eagle Rock High School."
The situation is apparently far from being resolved.
Cypress and Glassell Park Shootings
Pack Council Meeting
A special meeting of the Greater Cypress Park
Neighborhood Council packed the auditorium of Aragon Elementary School in
Cypress Park, located on the same block where the first of the shootings
took place.
Local officials from the L.A.P.D., were there, along with City Councilman
Ed Reyes. One of the issues complained of was not just poor response by
the police department, but outright feelings of abandonment, as community
members reported calls to 911 being transferred again and again and
ultimately being hung up on.
The meeting was held to give the community a chance to speak out.
Information about the services available to community members was
distributed, as was information about the Cypress Park Neighborhood
Council. The report of the shootings is inside.
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Leaning Column Delays Lofts
After last month's photo and caption of the leaning
columns of the loft development near the 134 freeway on-ramp at
Colorado near Eagle Vista Drive, many inquiries have been made, asking
what is happening there now.
According to Erm, the Supervisor there, work will continue after the
insurance company gives the OK. If the work continues before their
approval, they may not cover it if something were to go wrong.
The walls were scheduled to be buttressed with steel reinforcing bar
and concrete, and then back filled, but at the time of the rain, the
work had not progressed that far. Workers were seen repelling down to
break up the huge chunk of earth that fell and perched against the
leaning column. After the giant dirt clod was removed the column
righted itself almost completely.
Work was not stopped by the city, and is simply awaiting the OK from
the insurance to continue. |
Curves Gym Member Celebrates 101st
Birthday
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Ana Coronado and her mom Paula
Salguero cool down after a workout at their Curves gym on Figueroa in
Highland Park. |
Paula Salguero, a native of El Salvador, never formally exercised before
joining Curves for Women on Figueroa at Avenue 43 in the fall of 2006. She
was 98. Since then, she and her daughter, Ana Coronado, have worked out
consistently every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
This January, the members of Curves helped Salguero celebrate her 101st
birthday.
"I feel younger every day," Salguero said in Spanish. "And I like all the
women here. They make me feel glad to come."
Coronado reports that Salguero, since joining Curves, constantly receives
good health reports after her doctor visits. Her arthritis is more
manageable, and all her tests are normal. In fact, says Coronado, she once
found her mother trying to climb a fig tree in their yard in order to
collect more figs.
"She wants to come to Curves every day!" Coronado laughs. "But I have
things to do!"
Richard Howell
Richard Howell, age 65, born and raised in Ohio, resident of Eagle Rock
for 30 years, and resident of Glassell Park for 10 years; suddenly died in
his home on Friday, January 28, 2008. Rich was a former fan and supporter
of off road racing for the local racers. He worked for Southern California
Edison for 25 years and was retired for the past 10 years. He devoted the
last years of his life to his family and to the assisting of raising his
youngest grandchild. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Karen; his
daughter, Lisa; his son, Scott; his three grandchildren; his brother, who
resides in Ohio; and all who knew him.
Easter Holiday Event
at Yosemite
On Saturday, March 22, 2008, Yosemite Recreation Center is hosting a
Community Health & Safety Fair and Easter Holiday Event at Yosemite Park
in Eagle Rock. Events are planned from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The City of
Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks Metro Region and CLASS
Parks and Councilman Jose Huizar are sponsoring this program. The fair is
free and open to the general public.
The event will feature the annual egg hunt, arts & crafts, and free photos
with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt will allow children from the ages of
2-12 years a chance to win a free bicycle. Every child who participates
will receive an Easter basket full of goodies!
In addition to the Easter festivities, participants of the event will be
able to get information on many topics, sample free snacks, and enjoy
music and dancing from local performers. A free inflatable area and face
painting for kids will also be available. The staff from various
organizations will provide information about available health & safety
resources in the community. Some vendors will also be providing free
on-site health screenings. A sign language interpreter will be on hand for
all of those who are hearing impaired.
Northeast Captain Perez Promotion
Scheduled to Leave Northeast
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton today announced the promotion of
Captain Jose Perez to Commander. "I am always honored to be able to
promote those in the LAPD who have clearly shown their commitment to
excellence, their dedication to the community and to the men and women of
this department," said Chief Bratton.
Captain Perez, currently the Commanding Officer of Northeast Area, will
assume the responsibilities of Department Employee Relations Administrator
(ERA) for the Chief of Police. The position was vacated by Terry Hara who
was recently promoted to Deputy Chief, Operations West Bureau.
Captain Perez was born in Chicago, Illinois. His career path was
established while he was in second grade when he assisted a Chicago Police
Officer with an investigation. While at school, his teacher was a victim
of a crime. 'Little Jose' translated information between the police and a
fellow Spanish speaking classmate who had witnessed the crime. The officer
was very impressed with Jose. The officer spoke to him regarding a future
career as a police officer.
Captain Perez was appointed to the Department in November 1983. As a
Police Officer and Training Officer he worked various assignments such as
patrol in Rampart and Southwest, Southwest Area Vice and Special Problems
Unit, West Bureau CRASH and Detectives. As a Sergeant he was assigned to
Hollenbeck Area for eleven years. Captain Perez promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant in 2001. After promoting to Lieutenant he was assigned to
Rampart Area Patrol, Detectives and the Gang Impact Team.
In May 2005 Perez was promoted to the rank of Captain where he was
assigned to Northeast Area as Patrol Commanding Officer. He was
transferred to Commanding Officer of Rampart Patrol for a time before his
promotion to Captain III and his return to Northeast Area.
Captain Perez's promotion will become effective April 1, 2008.
Eagle Vista Seniors
The Eagle Vista Seniors begin their busy calendar for March by enjoying a
matinee for the much admired"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream
Coat." It begins at the Glendale Centre Theatre, March first at 3:00 p.m.
(If you have never seen that, here's your chance!)
On March 4 (Tues.) after the board and Business Meetings have concluded (9
a.m. & 10 a.m.) the group will honor March Birthdays by enjoying cake and
coffee. They will also welcome Pauline Goodwin who will speak about a
Telephone Access Program.
(FINAL PAYMENT FOR "PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES" IS DUE TODAY!)
March 11 (Tues.) BINGO!
March 18 (Tues.) The St. patrick Day Luncheon (catered by the East Side
Market) takes place. See Ann Eaton for $10 tickets. And don't miss the
world famous Magician, Johnny Ace Palmer, who will entertain with his
usual aplomb!
(Bring a signed St. Patrick Day Card for the box)
March 28 (Tues.) BINGO!
COLLABORATIVE MEETING
3-29
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Peter Schaller makes the final cut,
completing the last link in the Eagle Rock Canyon Hiking Trail |
Please join The COLLABORATIVE Eagle Rock Beautiful for our first meeting
of 2008 on Saturday, March 29, 2008, 9 AM to 11 AM, at the Eagles Hall,
1596 Yosemite Drive, corner of Townsend and Yosemite.
The Collaborative, with The Eagle Rock Association, TERA, will showcase
the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden, the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail and the
grant received by TERA for trash cans for the Boulevard. The morning will
include a plant sale – all proceeds will benefit today's featured
projects: Community Garden, the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, and the Grant for
Trash Cans.
For further information please call: John Stillion: 323.254.6540, Ursula
Brown: 323.255.9400, or email
TheCERB@GMail.com.
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| Newly completed switchbacks on
the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail are clearly visible. The trail is
nick-named “mile trail” because it is about a one mile long loop. To
get there, drive east on Colorado, cross Figueroa, and turn left on
Patrician Way. Cross the freeway bridge, and turn left on Eagle Rock
View Drive. Proceed to the end of the cul-de-sack and park your car.
Enter the trail right below the cul-de-sack. Entrance is to your
right. |
Detectives Alert Community
Los Angeles Police Department detectives alert the community to a recent
increase in burglary and theft from motor vehicles in the Northeast area
of the city .
The thefts involve property being removed from a vehicle, especially GPS
systems, I-Pods, MP-3 players and laptop computers. The items are left
inside the vehicles in plain view and unfortunately thieves use this
opportunity to remove the property. The vehicles are often times unlocked
or the windows are rolled partially down. The suspects have also been
known to smash the vehicle's window to gain access to the items. The
victim not only suffers the loss of property but is also faced with the
cost of expensive repairs for damages to the vehicle.
Members of the community are reminded to keep valuables out of plain view.
Never leave a GPS or its cradle on the dash or where it is visible from
outside of the vehicle. Car owners should also use some type of anti-theft
device, such as an alarm system, and park in a well-illuminated area when
possible. Serial numbers for electronic devices, laptop computers and GPS
systems should always be written down and kept for future reference.
Another tip is to affix devices with an identifying number such as a
driver's license number.
For further information please contact Media Relations Section at
213-485-3586.
Heavily Armed Suspects Fire at Officers
Officers assigned to the Northeast Criminal Apprehension Team
investigating an attempt murder incident were met by gunfire.
On February 21, 2008, at 12:15 p.m., Officer Carlos Langarica, and Officer
Joseph Bain were working a plainclothes detail when they began monitoring
a shooting call. The shooting had just occurred near Roseview Avenue and
Aragon Avenue, in which a white Nissan was described as the suspects'
vehicle. Officers Langarica and Bain spotted a white Nissan Altima in the
area of Estara Avenue and Drew Street, that matched the suspect's vehicle.
The officers began following the vehicle a short distance, when it
abruptly stopped in front of 3326 Drew Street with three suspects quickly
exiting. One suspect, Daniel Leon, 22-years-old, armed with an AK-47 rifle
opened fire on the officers. A second suspect, Jose Angel Gomez, 18 years
of age, armed with a handgun also began firing at the officers. Officers
Langarica and Bain both returned fire wounding Leon and Gomez.
Canine and Special Weapons and Tactics officers arrested a third suspect,
Guillermo Ocampo, 24 years of age, hours later following a lengthy search.
Gomez sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by Los Angeles
Fire Department (LAFD) personnel to Glendale Adventist Hospital. Leon was
pronounced dead at the scene. Ocampo sustained dog bites and was
transported by LAFD to Glendale Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
Neither officer was injured.
The fourth suspect remained at large until Monday, February 25, 2008, at
around 5:25 p.m., when detectives located him in the 10400 block of
Hayvenhurst Avenue in Northridge. Rafael Carrillo was taken into custody
without incident, in the same car believed to have been used in the
original crime. Ocampo, Gomez and Carrillo have all been booked on Murder
and Attempt Murder on a Police Officer charges and are being held without
bail.
Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) Detectives Dan Myers and Brian Carr are
investigating the crimes against the officers. Detectives Wallace Tennelle
and Corbin Rheault are investigating the original shooting, which became a
homicide when the victim, Marco Antonio Salas, 36 years of age, died later
that same evening.
Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the
Officer Involved Shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call RHD at 213-485-2129. After hours
and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective
Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).
Garvanza Skate Park Celebration
The Highland Park Skate Park Coalition (HPSPC), Councilmember José Huizar,
and the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation & Parks – Metro
Skate Parks would like to invite you to be part of the Garvanza Skate Park
Celebration on Saturday, April 19th, 2008, from 1-5pm. Help us celebrate
the hard work of community members, skaters, and the City of Los Angeles
in the creation of Garvanza Skate Park. It could never have been possible
without the cooperation of everyone involved.
This exciting day of celebration will include live skate board
demonstrations by professional skaters, an historical skate exhibit, live
DJ mixing, giveaways and raffle prizes for skaters and their families,
skate industry sponsor booths, a skater meet and greet area, and will
culminate in a special thank you presentation for everyone who made
Garvanza Skate Park a reality.
Sponsorships are available. Companies who are able to confirm a
sponsorship commitment prior to March 19th will also have the opportunity
to have your company logo and name included on the event publicity flyers
& posters. Should the event be able to raise enough monetary funds, your
company logo and name will also be on the event T-shirts.
With your help, we can provide our local skate youth the supplies,
equipment and refreshments needed to facilitate a quality event that the
whole family can enjoy. For more information, please contact Michelle
Harnsberger at (323) 256-3131 or michelle@harnsberger.com or Cassandra
Reyes at (323) 224-3520 or Cassandra.bruno@lacity.org. or Heinrich Keifer
at 323-385-4935
VOICE IN THE EAGLE ROCK WILDERNESS
CROWS AND RAVENS SPOTTED IN THE SKIES
ABOVE EAGLE ROCK
Christopher Nyerges
Recently, I rented and watched "The Crow: City of Angels," a movie that
was set in the Los Angeles area. I thought that it would teach me a little
bit about the crows and ravens I often see in the skies of Eagle Rock. (It
didn't).
"The Crow" was about a man who had been murdered along with his son by a
bunch of "low-lifes" depicted as punk musicians. The man -- named Ashe --
somehow came back to life with the help of a crow so he could carry out
vengeance against the murderers. It was as if the crow used the man to
carry out the crow's agenda.
Part of our post-movie discussion centered around these unique birds
called ravens and crows, common throughout most of North America. I had
long been aware of the belief in Northern Mexico that sorcerers can take
on the body of a raven or a crow. Sometimes a raven or a crow is referred
to as a nagual. (Eagle has also been referred to as nagual, a complex word
but often roughly analogous to the English word "sorcerer.")
In some ways, you could call the crow/raven the "coyote" of the sky, since
the coyote seems to have many of the same survival traits as the crow and
raven.
Since we see crows and ravens just about every morning on our neighborhood
walks, we wanted to discover more about these creatures.
First, what is the difference between a crow and a raven? Both belong to
the family Corvidae, and bird-people often refers to both the crow and
raven as corvids, a family which includes blue jays, magpies, and
nutcrackers. Crows are generally smaller, with a wing span of 17 to 21
inches, a sharper bill, and a squared-off tail. Ravens are bigger, with a
wing span of 21 to 27 inches, a wedge-shaped bill, and a rounded or
wedge-shaped tail. When I see the jet black bird in the sky and I'm not
sure whether its a crow or a raven, my rule-of-thumb is that the crow is
slightly smaller. If I see the tail feathers, my reminder is the letter
"C" -- the crow tail feather is cropped or cut, and the letter "R" -- the
raven's tail feather is rounded.
Crows make the typical "caw-caw" sound, whereas the raven has what's
described as a croaking "cr-r-ruck" sound and that strange metallic
knocking sound called a "tok" or "kloo-klok." However, crows are said to
be able to express themselves in at least 24 different calls, and ravens
can express themselves in up to 64 different sounds. According to
ornithologists who spend time listening and attempting to interpret these
many sounds, the crows and ravens have sounds for courting, assembling,
scolding, threatening, dispersing, recruiting, help calls, etc. They are
said to be masters of mimicry, being able to mimic barking dogs, flowing
creeks, groaning tree trunks, and even human speech. I've personally never
heard such a broad array of corvid sounds, but I certainly have renewed
interest and appreciation in these birds.
The Audubon bird book describes the feeding habits of the crow as "an
opportunist in its feeding. It will consume a great variety of plant and
animals food, such as seeds, garbage, insects, mice. In orchards, it
destroys many injurious insects. Its nest plundering is decried. However,
the labeling of birds as either `harmful' or `useful' is misleading. Crows
do destroy many eggs and nestlings of woodland and meadow birds, but they
also weed out the weak and feeble and they alert the animals of a
neighborhood when danger approaches."
The crows and ravens are thus very "territorial," perhaps because they
have learned that survival dictates that only so many species can inhabit
an area. They are also survivors who eat just about anything, including
chicks, frogs, sparrows, fish, carrion (dead animals, like road kill),
rotten vegetables, grain, human refuse, even animal feces. This is the why
"eating crow" has long been considered so undesirable.
Ornithologists agree that the corvids are the "bullies" or "mean guys" of
the bird kingdom. They are arguably more curious, daring, and intelligent
that any other birds.
It's no wonder that so many myths and legends have arisen from the habits
of the crows and ravens. These survivors can use tools, can nearly always
get food, and can mimic man. Aside from being called Sorcerers, the
Tlingits of Alaska call Raven the Life Creator, and the Navajo call him
Trickster.
Clearly, the crows and ravens deserve our respect and study, not just our
scorn. Though you probably won't learn much about crows and ravens from
"The Crow: City of Angels," it might stimulate your thinking along these
lines, as it did ours.
National Register Elevates Status of
Southwest Museum
The National Register of Historic Places has elevated the status of the
Southwest Museum of the American Indian to "national significance" on its
official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation, clearing the
way for an application for Save America's Treasures funding for the
building's rehabilitation and for other federal-level assistance.
The National Register's initial listing of the Southwest Museum in 2004 as
a site with "state
significance," was based on the role of Charles Lummis and the museum he
created in the growth of Los Angeles and the Southern California region.
The change in status follows recognition of the museum's major
contribution in the advancement of archaeological and
Native American studies in the U.S. during the first part of the 20th
century.
Announcement of the elevation of the Museum's status on the National
Register comes as the Southwest Society begins a year-long observance of
the centennial of the Southwest Museum's founding. A Centennial Lecture
Series, titled "A View From the Braun," will feature guest speakers each
month, a Southwest Summer Nights program will
bring music, poetry and film to the Museum during July and August and
several programs will be staged in support of the community's third annual
Lummis Day Festival.
Though closed weekdays while undergoing extensive rehabilitation work,
building repairs and collections conservation, the museum remains open to
the public
weekends from noon to 5pm and features a variety of programs.
Members of The Southwest Society, including Native American tribal
leaders, Southern California elected officials and community activists,
have expressed thanks to the National Register and are supporting the
Autry National Center's application for Save America's
Treasures funding.
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of
cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National
Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register's purpose is to coordinate
and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect
our historic and archaeological resources.
Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings,
structures, and objects that are significant in American history,
architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register
is administered by the National Park Service, a part of the U.S.
Department of the Interior.
The Southwest Society is dedicated to supporting the revitalization and
sustenance of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, which includes
the Casa de
Adobe. The Society will work in partnership with the Autry National Center
to further a shared vision for the re-establishment and enhancement of
these historic resources as premiere cultural destinations for Angelenos,
visitors and scholars.
The "news" by Eliot Sekuler is
Old and Stale,
Yet Deserves Transparency
The elevation of the Southwest Museum 's National Register listing to
"national significance" occurred more than 6 months ago when on July 13,
2007 , the National Park Service formally accepted the additional
documentation and recommendation from the State Historic Resource
Commission's unanimous approval on May 3rd.
The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition applaud the Autry National
Center 's foot-dragging to finally acknowledge the national significance
of the Southwest Museum . Back in 2004, our Coalition suggested this
action not only to acknowledge the museum's important role in our nation's
history but because federal funding would then be accessible to
rehabilitate the historic facility as envisioned by Brenda Levin's 2004
Rehabilitation Plan for continued museum use. Had Autry taken this step
back then, grants and funding might already be secured, rather than just
now ready to be applied for.
Jump forward three years later and the consultants Autry hired proved to
the National Register that the Southwest Museum was "part of a national
trend of acquisition of knowledge relating to the Southwestern United
States and Native American cultures, and its conveyance through research
exhibit and publication programs in the United States ." (2007 Amendment
application)
The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition's position that a full
museum function must continue at the first museum in Los Angeles is only
further supported by this strong statement of national significance.
We also would like to acknowledge Autry National Center 's past
achievement of already receiving $500,000 in federal funds from the
prestigious "Save America's Treasures" program for the work to preserve
the Southwest Museum Collection. Our Coalition actively supported this
grant request and, in 2004, it was one of the largest grants given. Yet
this specific grant of public funds was never publicized by Autry. Autry
now touts that it has invested $4.5 million to-date in the Southwest
Museum but it must be recognized that this sum includes many taxpayer
funds, like Save America's Treasures program, that are hard at work on the
nationally significant Southwest Museum Collection.
This recent press release was curiously not issued by Autry National
Center but by an individual who asserted it was issued on behalf of the
"Southwest Society." The Southwest Society did not announce its formation
until well after this National Register amendment was approved. The
Southwest Society has still, after 150 days of its formation, yet come
forward in any transparent way to inform the public of its mission,
members and plans.
There are two other factual inconsistencies in their press release that
need to be brought forward. First, the Autry National Center currently
states in its materials that the Southwest Education and Cultural Center
will now re-open in 2012, yet the press release headline indicates
"Countdown to 2011 Re-Opening Are Underway." Autry has previously
committed to a re-opening date in 2010.
Second, the Centennial of the Southwest Museum actually occurred in 2007
and the Southwest Society is now announcing another Centennial observance
throughout 2008?
All of this is as clear as mud.
The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition ask the public to remember
the truth – Autry has no vision, plan, timeline that is enforceable or
guaranteed for Los Angeles ' first museum. Please ask Autry for
transparency on all matters but most importantly to make the Southwest
Museum 's national significance elevation meaningful. How? By keeping the
historic Southwest Museum the primary museum location for the Southwest
Collection in Northeast LA and not relocating it to Griffith Park .
www.mtwashington.org
The new Mount Washington Association web site has been launched to provide
a one-stop information source for residents of Mount Washington and
neighboring communities. The new site will feature news and event
announcements, links to many community organizations, updates from the
city council districts 1 and 14 and a regular update from the Mount
Washington School PTA.
www.mtwashington.org will also feature a Mount Washington or NELA "artist
of the month" and discussions are underway with the Lacy Street animal
shelter to spotlight one of the many pets available for adoption. The MWA
newsletter will be available as well as the Association's bylaws, contact
information and meeting calendar.
The site, created by Mount Washington resident Barry Hayes and featuring a
new logo designed by Ed Martin, will also allow space for local realtors
and other businesses to advertise.
The Cutting Edge Explores New Works in
Fiber Arts
The Arroyo Arts Collective presents a fiber arts exhibition, "The Cutting
Edge, New Works in Fiber Arts", from March 8 through April 6, 2008 at the
Acorn Gallery, 135 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042. The opening
reception will be on March 8th from 7pm to 10pm, in conjunction with
NELAArt Second Saturday Gallery Night.
These are exciting times for fiber artists. New cutting edge work is being
created which takes the artwork light years beyond the "craft" of earlier
generations. This exhibition features works by both emerging and
established fiber artists from throughout the United States and Mexico,
and covers a full range of visual expression and fiber art techniques.
Connie Rohman, curator and juror for the exhibition, explains, "In fabric,
the "cutting edge" is the outside boundary of the object being defined.
This exhibition takes the viewer to the outermost edge of the fiber art
world and lets us look over the horizon towards what is to come." Several
works demonstrate the merging of fine art and traditional techniques. Both
Naila Aladdin Sanders, in "Head In The Clouds" and Sherry Kleinman, "Art
Exhibit" use life drawing as a basis for exploring traditional fiber art
techniques. The simple line drawing of Sanders's woman combined with the
dye-painted, soft luminescent silk brings a particular peaceful mood to
her work. In Kleinman's "Art Exhibit", the starkness of the live artist
model's figure against the warmth of the textured cloth background
commands attention.
The model's intense stare makes us consider him more fully, and we are
drawn in to contemplate the beauty and form of the human body.
Heriberto Luna Exhibit at Southwest Museum
Inspired by his Mexican and Mayan roots, local artist Heriberto Luna
brings his vibrant artwork to the Southwest Museum for a one-month
exhibition in conjunction with the popular Arroyo Art Walk. Meet the
artist at the Arroyo Art Walk event and exhibition opening on Saturday,
March 8 and enjoy hot Mexican chocolate and pan dulce.
Born in Mexico City in 1976, Luna immigrated to the United States at the
age of 1. His family background revolves around politics and spiritual
healing. His grandfather was one of Zapata's soldiers, and his father was
in the Mexican army. His grandmother was a Mayan shaman, and spoke two of
the dialects.
Luna graduated from Franklin High School in Los Angeles. Growing up, he
was surrounded by a gang infested environment. Deaths, and friends in
jail, were sadly a part of his experience as a youth. "I was not part of
the gang, but part of the environment," Luna declares. At the age of 16,
he started to volunteer for ARTScorpsLA at La Tierra de la Culebra, and
gained experience in earth sculpting and painting. "I also got involved in
Aztec dancing as both a dancer and a drummer. Were it not for this art
experience, my life would have taken a different direction. This gave me
the opportunity to see that art would be an important motivating factor in
my life," he said.
For the past few years, he has exhibited in Santa Monica Museum of Art,
CA, The National Mexican Fine Art Museum, IL, The Museum of History and
Art of Ontario, CA, The Millicent Rogers Museum, NM, The Harwood Museum,
NM, Anthropology Museum, AZ, Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, CA, Latino Art
Museum, CA, and the Museum of Latin American Art, CA, His work has been
purchased for major art collections at Arizona State University and
California State University Northridge. In 2006 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
presented him with an award of recognition for his accomplishment in the
arts. In 2008 and 2007, he was awarded the artist- in- residence grant by
Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. March 8 – April 6, 2008
The Southwest Museum and Museum Store are open Saturday and Sunday, noon
to 5 p.m., during restoration and conservation projects. Admission is
free.
Autry National Center
Southwest Museum of the American Indian
234 Museum Drive in Mt. Washinton (323)221-2164
EAGLE ROCK
NEWS
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Homicide on Lincoln Avenue and Avenue 46
Christopher O'Leary, 34, a
white man, was fatally shot near the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and
Avenue 46 in Highland Park on Sunday, Jan. 20. O'Leary was on his way to
the store when a man or youth approached him and shot him. A passerby
discovered the body and reported it to police. The motive is still
unclear, said homicide Det. Lewis Lenchuk of LAPD's Northeast Division.
O'Leary was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where
he was pronounced dead at 9:11 p.m.
O'Leary was an employee at the Department of Public Health in the Sexually
Transmitted Disease Prevention Program. Having a doctorate in medical
anthropology, O'Leary assisted in launching two STD prevention campaigns,
according to Harlan Ortabalatt, a colleague. The first, "Check Yourself,"
was aimed at preventing the spread of syphilis among gay men. The second,
"I Know," attempted to prevent the spread of chlamydia and gonorrhea among
women of color. He was scheduled to give a presentation about the
campaigns at the National STD Prevention Conference in Chicago and the
International AIDS Prevention Conference in Mexico City later this year.
Those who knew and worked
with O'Leary described him as an astute and vibrant person. "He would make
you come alive," Ortabalatt said. "It would heighten your level about
life." Unanimously, friends and colleagues have taken comfort in the idea
that O'Leary was his usual self that Sunday; he was happy and enjoying
life. Read O'Leary's obituary in the Sacramento Bee for more.
Anyone with information about the incident can call (213) 847-426.
* Update: LAPD Northeast detectives have cleared this case: A 17-year-old
Latino youth has been arrested.
Mrs. Flores-Aguilar
I am sorry to hear about your health problems that kept you from attending
the community meeting at Eagle Rock High School (ERHS) on February 16. I
hope you are feeling better. Although you were unable to be there, I
understand that you were ably represented by a member of your office staff
and provided with a detailed summary of the meeting.
I imagine that you have been deluged with requests from alumni, students,
faculty, and citizens to resolve the problems at ERHS . Hopefully action
is already being taken to save a school that means so much to many people.
The only salvation at this time would be the removal/transfer of Principal
Valasco as soon as possible. I reached this conclusion based on an
objective review of all the information I could obtain, but the tipping
point was the summaries I received from two alumni (Rosemary Reader S-63
and Don Isbell S-62) of the February 16 meeting. If I did not live 370
miles from the school I would have been there.
I was both impressed and shocked by what they told me. Impressed with the
reported maturity, courtesy, courage, and devotion demonstrated by the
students and one teacher's aide who protested the principal's handling of
the ER coaches. They clearly risked disciplinary action/reprisal for their
support of the coaching staff. I was shocked by Principal Valasco's
explanations of what led up to all the problems. His explanation differed
from the ones he had provided before and some of his statements were not
factual. The teacher's aide explained some of the inaccuracy of the
principal's statements. Also, Rosemary Reader told me that Michael Lomen
sat next to her in the meeting. Mr. Lomen is a 1952 ER graduate, a
respected faculty member for over 35 years including more than 20 years as
Athletic Director. As a retired faculty member and devoted ER alumni he is
concerned about the current problems. Previously he spoke with many of the
people involved, and knows what occurred. He chose not to speak at the
meeting, but told Rosemary that the facts did not match the principal's
statements. Also, I understand that the principal's demeanor did not even
come close to the maturity of the students.
In summary, the problems probably can not be resolved as long as the
principal is present. Please, please help resolve the turmoil at our
beloved school. Your actions will enable future ER students the
opportunity to have positive memories that will last a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Gale Fullerton ERHS Class S-62
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price, Bill S-58
Dear Friends:
Thank you for contacting me to express your thoughts regarding the state
of affairs at Eagle Rock High School. As your representative on the LAUSD
Board of Education, know that I am diligently working to gather the facts
surrounding all of the recent events.
Over the past week, I have heard from a number of students, parents,
educators and community members equally concerned about the instruction
and safety of our students. I have called for an immediate meeting with
Superintendent David L. Brewer, Local District Superintendent Richard
Alonzo and Eagle Rock Principal Salvador Velasco to discuss the situation.
I expect to meet with our school leadership before the end of the week, at
which time I will convey my expectation that any escalating conflict be
mediated within the next 15 days. Again, thank you for your support. I am
fully committed to having the outstanding concerns addressed so that we
can refocus our collective energy on the academic success of our youth.
Please feel free to contact my office at 213-241-6383, if I can be of any
further assistance.
Sincerely,
Yolie Flores Aguilar
Board Vice President
LAUSD District 5
Dear Mayor Villaraigosa,
The 1957 Eagle Rock High School team members are very troubled with the
present state of our great school - particularly events that have occurred
since we were honored at the Homecoming in October which celebrated the
50th anniversary of our remarkable team. Our specific concerns are the
removal of numerous coaches (especially the highly successful Varsity
Football coach - Jerry Chou), the probable cancellation of many Spring and
Fall sports, a faculty that fears to express their opinion, a community in
upheaval because of conditions at the school, and an extremely unhappy
student body. Several of us have objectively reviewed many newspaper
articles from the LA Times, Daily News, and the LA Wave which describe
some of the school malaise. Some team members have also spoken with
members of the community, reviewed emails from faculty, and talked with
other alumni. Our overwhelming impression is that something has to be done
immediately to save the school. We realize that we have not included all
the specifics but we believe that an independent objective review by a
third party would justify immediate action to resolve the situation.
We know the value of both academics and athletics. The things we learned
in the classroom were important, but what we learned on the athletic field
(cooperation, competition, team work, leadership, and discipline) are very
lasting. In fact, without our athletic experience many of us would not
have developed the character to continue our education, and be successful
in our occupations (education, business, sales, public service, etc.). For
the current students to be deprived of this experience will effect them
the rest of their lives. The school needs your help, the students need
your assistance, the faculty need your support, and the community needs
(really needs) you to act now.
There will be a community meeting at the school's cafeteria this Saturday,
February 16, at 11:00 am. Hopefully you or someone from your office will
attend. Names of team members willing to have their name included are
listed below.
Larry Ramsey (see address & email below) If you want the addresses, or
emails of other players please let me know.
PS: Some of us met the football players and Coach Chou last October. We
were very impressed with the players, and particularly Coach Chou. It was
evident that he had some of the admiral characters of our high school
coaches - Roy Jae, and Joe Kelly. We will never forget them for the many
things they taught us. Hopefully, next years players will have the same
opportunity we had.
Arndt, Ken W-58
Barnett, Ed W-58
Bierman, Larry S-58
Bryan, Jim S-59
Caput, Frank W-58
Cesak, Walter S-58
Chesley, Ron W-59
Cole, Jim S-59
Cooper, Jeff S-58
Di Gennaro, Frank S-59
Gray, Jim S-59
Knight, Mel S-59
Lee, King S-58
Owen, Frank S-58
Montell, Dellis S-58
Paluska, Bill S-58
Ramsey, Larry S-58
Reed, Merril S-58
Matheson, Phil S-60
Renison, Bill W-60
Renison, Bob W-58
Rice, Daryl S-59
Sandlin, Mike
Stolo, Nick W-59
Swenson, Bob W-58
Turner Gary, S-58
Boland, Mike W-60
Gale, Bob S-59
Hanson, John S-60
Bruce Irving S-58
Longo, Art W-59
Nelson, Gordon S-58
Shields, Alan S-58
Woolsey, Robert S-58
Anderson, Gerry S-58
Danbacher, Jack S-59
Mandic, Tom S-60
McSwenney, Gary W-58
McDonough to
All-American Team
Lifetime Eagle Rock resident Ray McDonough was voted to the 2007 Junior
College Football All-American Team. (WHEN) Ray played the last two years
at Glendale Community College after graduating from Saint Francis High
School in La Canada in 2006.
He attended Dahlia Heights Elementary then St. Dominic's before attending
St. Francis. Ray –known affectionately as Ray-Ray throughout the local
area-- started playing sports at Eagle Rock Park and Yosemite Park where
his dad Jeff McDonough coached he and his cousins in baseball, football,
and basketball.
Jeff was coaching before Ray was old enough to play sports so Ray grew up
at the park, always with a ball in one hand and an ice cream in the other.
Ray says that he owes much of his success to his father's hard work and
time put in to practicing with him, teaching him the fundamentals and
stressing the importance of character. Ray represented Eagle Rock many
times on All-Star teams throughout the years and helped Eagle Rock compete
and win many Tournament Championships against other parks.
At St. Francis Ray received the prestigious class of 2006 Capuchin-Friars
Scholar-Athlete award given to the top student-athlete each year. He
starred all four years in basketball and football and ran Varsity track
his sophomore campaign. He was captain and earned the MVP award for
basketball his senior year and was All-Conference and All-Area along with
many other accolades.
In football Ray was a captain and helped lead the Golden Knights to back
to back CIF Semi-final appearances where they were eliminated by Notre
Dame high school each year. Notre Dame was ranked number one in the state
his junior year and sixth his senior year. Ray received many honors for
All-Conference, All-Area, and many team awards. He started in the Hall of
Fame game and the East-West All-Star game for high school seniors where he
was a captain and the monetary scholarship recipient.
As a freshman at Glendale Community College, Ray started every game
playing Free-Safety and several special teams including punt returner. He
helped lead the team to the Western States Conference Bowl game
Championship and number two ranked defense in the state. Head coach John
Cicuto said every time he looked in the weight room or on the field to see
who was doing extra work, Ray was there. This past season Ray's
expectations for himself and his hard work paid dividends.
At the culmination of the season he was voted unanimously to 1st Team
All-Western State Conference by the Conferences coaches. He was also named
by the California Junior College Coaches Association to First-Team
All-State at safety position. Ray then learned he was selected by head
Junior College football coaches and sports writers across the country to
the 2007 All-American Team at the free-safety position. Cicuto said Ray is
revered by his teammates, teachers and his coaches.
Schoolwork is also a priority for Ray; he was named to the Western State
Conference All-Academic Team and received the 2007 Glendale Quarterback
Club Scholar-Athlete of the year award and scholarship. After receiving
numerous scholarship offers from colleges and universities across the
country, Ray chose to accept a football scholarship from Hofstra
University in New York.
Rays father Jeff is the owner of Eagle Rock based McDonough Electric, and
his Grandmother Dee McDonough is the former owner of Dee's New Image salon
and gym.
Two Kinds of People in this World
Aside from there being two kinds of people in this world, those who write
about the two kinds of people in this world, and the others who don't, I
postulate that there are two kinds of people in the world who operate in
groups, like organizations or government bodies.
The first type of people have a high regard for rules and laws. They
adhere to them, not only when it is convenient, and not only when it suits
them. They always do. They stick to those rules, even when it limits their
own actions. They are honest to each other and honest to themselves. They
have principles that they place higher than their own needs, agendas or
practicalities.
The second type cares not about the rules, or laws or principles. They
only use them to limit those they disagree with, and never themselves. If
the law, rule or bylaw supports what they'd like, they embrace and defend
it. If it opposes their needs they attack and diminish it. They care not
for principles or the truth.
The first type of people do not pull for their clan or class or group to
the detriment of others. They give and expect fair and equitable
treatment. They hold the means to achieve something as more important than
the ends achieved.
To the second type, backing up each other is the all-important concept.
These people decide on the end result and get there anyway they can. If
you're not in it, then guess what? You're out.
The self-limiting nature of the first kind of people in this world,
unfortunately, works as a handicap when competing with the second type. It
is my belief that the power of the second type of people is generated
from, and dependent upon, the honesty of the first type.
Could government work if the citizens were as dishonest as the
politicians?
Could law and order work if the all the citizens lied like the cops? (If
you've ever tried to fight a ticket you know what I'm saying is true.)
I have friend who plays a game with his nieces and nephews as to who can
tell the biggest lie. He says, "It will do them more good in life than
being honest." AAAAKKKKK!
Is it any wonder the justice system has just plain failed most of us?
It wasn't supposed to be this way, was it? For those of us taught to be
good and honest and disciplined and hard working, we thought it was
because we would win out in the end because of it.
But, sadly, (sigh) aside from those who believe that their reward for
their efforts will be paid in the afterlife, it hardly turns out that way.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm just a little cynical. I hope so.
You can see this difference right here in our own town.
Pick any organization. You can see these forces at work.
The schools. The government. Civic Groups. If you have eyes that see, all
you have to do is sit back and watch. It doesn't take long to tell one
from the other. Next time you sit in, sit back and take a slow look and
listen.
Some of these organizations have both residents and businesses in them.
Some people in this town are doing what they love. They're putting on
parades or feeding the homeless or making pizzas or burgers or fixing cars
or cutting hair. They have their ups and downs, but they survive, they
have good friends and people love them.
Others may neither live nor work here, and have no stake in the community
at all. Some may be so consumed with making money, they could care less
about anything else. To them, there's no such thing as right and wrong.
They think in terms of legal or illegal. Or maybe they think in terms of
whatever they can get away with. They don't need love because they can
afford to buy all the love they want. They’re usually wearing suits.
You can tell a lot from whom is supporting whom as well. Some in this city
support the people who they know are committed to the truth. They support
the entities that expose the self serving, the unprincipled, the liars and
the cheaters. Others support the liars and the schemers and the crooks.
Now look through these pages. No one is perfect and people make mistakes,
but take a look at who is supporting the truth and supporting people who
spend their life serving others. When you need a service or a product or
something good to eat, look at who is supporting the Boulevard Sentinel,
and support them, too. (Tom Topping)
Homeless Issues Coalition Meets
On February 25th eighteen people squeezed into Councilman Jose Huizar's
field office at City Hall in Eagle Rock to discuss local homeless issues
and how local organizations can work together on them. Present at the
meeting were representatives from Eagle Rock Covenant Church, St.
Dominic's, Hermon Community Church, Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council,
Christian Assembly, South Pasadena Holy Family, and La Placita Olvera.
The main goals of the meeting were to: 1) Make connections and network
with other churches and organizations. 2) Become more aware of what each
church is doing for the poor in Eagle Rock and surrounding neighborhoods.
3) Build consensus for any future actions to be taken within the
community.
The main achievement last night was relationship building, networking, and
a unifying of purpose for the work each organization is doing. Perhaps
that unifying purpose can be summed up best with these words:
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of
those who have too much…it is whether we provide enough for those who have
too little." Franklin Delano Roosevelt
All who were present seemed excited to continue meeting. There was an
energy in the room around how to begin mobilizing people to address the
communities most important issues and how to make Eagle Rock and
surrounding neighborhoods, exemplary communities that define progress in
terms of "those who have too little."
For more information call Chris Belluomini, (626) 398-2289.
Optimist Foster Family Orientation
Optimist Foster Family & Adoption Services invites prospective families
interested in adopting a child from foster care to a special orientation
meeting on Thursday, March 6 (6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.) at the agency's
offices in Los Angeles ( 7003 N. Figueroa Street ). The meeting provides
an overview of adopting a child from the foster care system, the general
requirements to adopt a child, legal information, and information about
the type of children who are in need of an adoptive family. Those
interested in the opportunity to become an adoptive parent will receive
full training and support from Optimist Foster Family & Adoption Services.
Optimist Foster Family & Adoption Services addresses the increasing need
for quality foster and adoptive homes for abused, abandoned and neglected
children and has placed more than 5,000 in nurturing homes throughout Los
Angeles County since 1993.
For reservations or to learn more about Optimist Foster Family & Adoption
Services, please call (800) 454-5561 or email kids@oyhfs.org.
Jack Smith Remembrance
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist Al Martinez Marks 50th Anniversary Of
Jack Smith's Times Column At Mt Washington Association Meeting, Monday,
March 17 at Jack and Denny Smith Community Center
Al Martinez, Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. Times columnist, will offer a
remembrance of his late colleague Jack Smith to help celebrate the 50th
anniversary of Smith's first Times column at the general membership
meeting of the Mount Washington Association, Monday, March 17 at the Mount
Washington School's Jack and Denny Smith Community Center, 3981 San Rafael
Drive.
The meeting begins at 7:30 pm and is open to the public. Refreshments will
be served. Martinez began his career at the Oakland Tribune, moved to the
L.A. Times in the early 70's and became a regular Times columnist in 1984,
appearing in the View Section alongside Jack Smith. He shared Smith's
background as a news reporter and a Marine Corps veteran and like Smith,
he is a prolific author. His books include the 2000 novel "The Last City
Room," the non-fiction titles "City of Angles, a Driveby Portrait of L.A."
(1996), "I'll Be Damned if I'll Die in Oakland: A Sort-of Travel Memoir
(2003), "Reflections" (2004) and "Barkley: A Dog's Journey" (2006).
Martinez has also authored screenplays for TV and movies and earned an
Emmy nomination for the TV movie, "Out on the Edge." In 2006, his papers
were added to the collection of the Huntington Library, where they are
part of an archive that includes those of Jack Smith and the editorial
cartoonist, Paul Conrad.
Jack Smith began writing his regular Times column in 1958 and soon became
an icon to Los Angeles newspaper readers with daily reports on everyday
life as observed from his Mount Washington home. Born in Long Beach, Ca,
Jack Smith served as a combat correspondent attached to the Marine Corps
during World War II, worked as a reporter for a number of newspapers,
including the Los Angeles Daily News and the Los Angeles Herald-Express
before taking a post as a general assignment reporter for the Los Angeles
Times in 1953.
Subjects for Smith's columns included the trials of child rearing, the
joys of bird watching, the frustrations of home re-modeling, the horrors
of L.A. traffic and the use and abuse of the English language. He was
known for a warm, unpretentious style that graced over 6,000 columns
during an extraordinary 37-year run. Smith, who remained a Mount
Washington resident until his passing in 1996, also authored ten books.
The Mount Washington Association was formed in 1954 by residents of the
Mt. Washington community of Northeast Los Angeles. Its purpose is to
preserve our community's scenic beauty, encourage and promote cultural
activities, support educational resources and act as a forum for issues of
concern to Mount Washington residents and the residents of neighboring
communities. General membership meetings are held on the third Monday of
every other month and typically feature topics of interest to public
safety, our community history, the local arts community and our schools.
¡Presente! Homenaje a la Mujer
The Aliados con Amnesty network of Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) and
Avenue 50 Studio present ¡Presente! Homenaje a la Mujer, a group
exhibition including nearly 100 artists from the U.S. and around the
world. The exhibition includes a variety of 2-D and 3-D art by both male
and female artists. The exhibition coincides with International Women's
Day. Its purpose is to celebrate women and to create awareness of AIUSA's
Stop Violence Against Women Campaign.
The Aliados con Amnesty network is a group of young Latino activists
engaged in promoting human rights and to inspire activism. Avenue 50
Studio is a non-profit art gallery located in Highland Park that enhances
public recognition and appreciation of multicultural art. The exhibition
is being organized by three women: Kathy Gallegos, Director of Avenue 50
Studio; Julissa Gómez, AIUSA Field Organizer; and Liliana Herrera, AIUSA
Latino Outreach Coordinator. All of whom are passionate about "artivism",
the idea of activism through art.
Art Exhibition, Avenue 50 Studio, 131 North Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA
90042
Exhibition Dates: March 8 – April 6, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Aliados & Artist Talk: Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Avenue 50 Studio hours: Tue-Thurs 10:00-12:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-4:00 or by
appointment
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