Students March
On Wednesday, March 6, over 200 students at Eagle Rock High School walked off campus, and accompanied by School Police, marched along the streets of Eagle Rock to protest the imminent war on Iraq. The students carried signs and banners that bore the messages of "NO WAR" and "Bill of Rights."
The walkout was organized by five students at Eagle Rock High School. Led by Linda Barios and Jeff Satin, seniors Juliet Markis, Sonia Morales, and Max Rosen organized the protest. They met several times, and created posters and flyers to publicise the event. They thought that they would be lucky to get 50 people to participate, but at lunchtime before the walkout, organizers walked around campus with signs eliciting support.
The gained many participants, but also found the opposition of fellow students who heckled and threw trash and food at them. The students walked off campus, down Yosemite drive to Eagle Rock Boulevard, and up Colorado, rallying in front of the Eagle Rock City Hall before returning to class.
It started when Linda Barrios was given a flyer by a magnet schoool student. It was put out by "Not in Our Name," an anti-war effort of worldwide scope. She took it from there, getting her friends to help. "I learned that it can be scary to stand up for what you believe in- to go against what's acceptable," said Ms. Barrios. She also learned that there is a cost to using one's freedom of speech. "They (the school officials) gave us the minimum (punishment)." The punishment was one hour of after school detention for every period missed.
Not in our name is on the web at http://www.nion.us/. Part of their message is the following: "We believe that people of conscience must take responsibility for what their own governments do — we must first of all oppose the injustice that is done in our own name."
When asked why he participated in organizing the walkout, Jeff Satin said, "I don't think Iraq poses a threat to us."

Dialogue:
w/ Antonio Villaraigosa
After winning the 14th District City Council election handily last month with a 17 point margin of victory, Councilman-elect Antonio Villaraigosa generously consented to sit down and let me question him on a few issues facing business people in Northeast Los Angeles. I started the conversation by explaining how I came to be involved in the community and why I started the Boulevard Sentinel.

BS     My father had an automotive business on the Boulevard between 1969 and 1979, and more than once, on Christmas Eve I'd see him stay late to get someone's car done so they could go be with their relatives, so that's important to me. In 1996 I had just finished racing Pike's Peak, I had got on ESPN, and I see this flyer on the "Downtown Directions"
And I had heard from my friend Bob Costa that he had had lots of trouble, and it's not so much that the laws were unfair, but it seemed like there were a lot of funny tactics being used against him. So I was like something's wrong here. So that's why I started getting involved. I had 40 automotive business people at that meeting in one day, and that was the first activism I had ever done in my life.
So since then I started the Eagle Rock Garage owners, and I'm still the president. The whole thing is that it seemed like these people, not just the auto businesses but other businesses, too, they needed someone to kind-a pull for them. Because it's always extremely lopsided. You have a lot of different groups that are really educated and smart and experienced at navigating these different issues.
So I wonder if you have anything to say about how I perceive and I think other business perceive how there's a lopsidedness in the activism when it comes to these issues. Because the business are very busy just trying to make a living, to keep the doors open, I'm talking about the small business people.

AV     I've always believed that it's important for people - institutions and organizations - business to engage their community; to get involved; and it's important for like minded constituencies to organize. Because oftentimes what happens is when there's not a communication- an organized communication between those groups and their elected representatives- misunderstandings occur, and unfortunately not enough in the full spectrum of voices end up participating.
I think it's important- obviously in this community there's been some tensions between residents and businesses. I think the role of the council member is to, as much as possible be a salve- to minimize the tension. On the other hand, in a changing, growing, community there's always going to be disagreements between groups; and where they happen I think people expect a council member to be fair- to listen to all sides; to work to find a compromise where possible; and create consensus where you can.

BS     Sometimes I look at all this stuff as the role of law is to protect the individual from the mob, so to speak. Does that have any bearing on these situations that you can see?

AV     I think the government is setup to protect minority interests- the minority viewpoints rather, that's a better way of saying it. And good leadership needs to listen to everyone, not just the loudest voice, but all the stakeholders, whenever possible. Our system of government attempts to respect those viewpoints but sometimes that doesn't always happen.

BS     Considering that a lot of times the voice is a little muffled, for individual business people, small business people...

AV     One of the things that I say to people

BS     Let me just ask the question. What can us, who are business activists, do to help alleviate that or to balance it out?

AV     Get involved. meet regularly with your elected representatives. What I intend to do as much as possible, both formal and informal settings; try to have an ear to the ground and solicit peoples opinions about the future of Eagle Rock and what we can do to be business friendly and at the same time promote a certain quality of life here.

BS     I think everybody would agree with that on both sides- that's excellent. I don't envy you your job at all. Only someone- cause I think you have extraordinary talent- I think it's going to take someone like you to do better than- we just really need it at this time."

AV     You know I tell people- this is not a job for somebody that doesn't like people, and doesn't have the patience and the fortitude it takes sometimes to balance all of the interests and needs of a community and I'm excited about it, Tom I'll be really honest- I am- I am very honored to have received such overwhelming support from so many people.
I won every single community, including Eagle Rock, and I fell very much honored that people would bestow.. that people have that kind of confidence in me. And so I tell people, I got a job cut out for me, it's a tough job without question, al lot of thing you need to do here to promote responsible economic development along Colorado Boulevard, to put together a vision statement, as I call it, for Eagle Rock Boulevard and York, and all stakeholders have to be a part of it.

BS     One thing I've noticed, not I'm not quite sure what your job was as the assemblyman, but it seems to me the city council person has a lot of power over the real down-to earth issues in his district. You're not just representing people, you're acting like a judge sometime. Is that a lot different than your former position?

AV     It's a legislative position that has some executive decision making- discretion as you say. You really are able to kind of make some of those very important decisions that impact the day to day lives of people. I'm looking forward to it. To doing it in a way that people feel is fair and isn't an abuse of power.
And so I think the best way to do that is to put sunshine- let the sunshine in, people need to know what you're doing, what you're working on, I'm someone who's gonna be very active about letting people know what the projects we're working on here in Eagle Rock, and all throughout the district.

BS     I notice on a lot of these issues, like you said, the executive powers, they have a political component and then they have their actual merits, plus or minus. Do you have any thought on one versus the other? The political side of things versus the merits?

AV     Whenever possible, good public policy has to be the goal. The question at a municipal governmental level politics also comes in oftentimes, but as much as possible you want to focus on good public policy, on what's best for the most people, while not completely disrespecting the rights of those in the minority, and sometime you just have to call 'em the way you see 'em. But you want to do it in a way that always promotes good public policy.

BS     I think that's a good way, a good filter for it, and I appreciate that, and I just learned something, too. I also wanted to thank you for the thing you told me Saturday before the election about how your mother told Antonio, nobody wants to know what you're against, they just want to know what you're for.

AV     Isn't it true?

BS     Well I never thought of it that way before and I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate that.

AV     She said, “Son, when you grow up, people don't only want to know what you're against, people want to know what you're for. They want to know what you've built.” You know, we spend too much time, I think, in public life opposing things, and sometimes it's important to do that, we also got to spend time building things, and creating things, and I tell people, 'we can all identify the things that we disagree on, let's work on the things we agree on, and then create the respect and the experience of working together upon which we can work on the things we disagree on.

BS     On the Specific Plan, that's always caused a lot of controversy and really most people, for the first five years, most people had really never even heard of it, ----> especially business people, were never informed what was going in. But I am told this by my friend John Stillion that even the TERA board agreed that it hasn't worked. And because some want to include more areas, or new Specific Plans for more areas, what about making this one work before expanding it into different areas?

AV     I'm not sure, I mean the Specific Plan that was put together as I understand it was put together by a broad group of stakeholders here in Eagle Rock, and I'm not sure it hasn't worked. I will say this, not all of the conflicts that have arisen out of this specific plan needed to get to the level of animosity that they have.
And I'm hoping that with early intervention and active solicitation of opinions and ideas and efforts to resolve differences early won't kinda have some of those problems. And I think it is important, Tom, to have... essentially what these are vision statements for the way we want our community to grow. I think that is important for us to do. I do think it's essential that we have everyone involved, all the stake holders, I do think it's critical that there be, that it be balanced, fair, truly reflect the broad array of opinions that make up Eagle Rock.
I like to say there's the Chamber, there's TERA there's the Rotary Club, there's the Kiwanis Club, and then there are all those other people, the kind of silent majority, who also need to be involved, hear them out and hopefully the Neighborhood Councils will solicit them, and their opinion, as much as possible I think it's always important to elicit and solicit as broad a array of opinions and input whenever you can.
But, at the end of the day you got to make a decision. I think when people don't have to agree with you on that decision, they just gotta know that you've been fair, and that public policy and not politics drove that decision.

BS     OK so just going back to the vision statement, really quickly, the idea I was showing around was, because the Specific Plan to me, this is my personal opinion, and quite a few others, remember I have 80 business people that give me money every month, to put their ad in the paper, and when I put on the business watch meeting, well the Chamber put it on and they got 6 businesses to show up, I put it on I got sixty.
And I know how to get business people out. So instead of making these areas all "pedestrian friendly, which is nothing wrong with that per se, but there's also something called a village concept, where you group the pedestrian friendly things into 2 or 3 blocks, and then you have other uses in between. I just wanted to throw that out there, it's something that I think could balanced the types of uses that half the people want and other people want, It's a long Boulevard, the boulevards are very long I think it's maybe one way that could be looked at where something could work.

AV     I think we have to... I don't have a preconceived opinion right now what Eagle Rock and York Boulevard should look like. I do think we need to plan and be proactive about responsible development in these areas in a way that enhance the beauty and the character of the neighborhoods of Eagle Rock.
I don't have a preconceived opinion about what that should be like. I think it's got to be an open process, it's gotta include a lot of people, It's got to be a very thoughtful and deliberate statement about what this community wants these boulevards to look like. They're important arteries.

BS     OK I only have one more thing now, and that is relating to business people dealing with the city. What we find a lot of times when we're dealing with permits, building and safety and this and that, If they stacked all the books up (codes etc.) they go like this high (3-4 feet) and they use a different book compared to like when your place was built, from what I understand they are far from being enforced evenly, I mean you have this set of books if you have a good attitude and you have this set of books to go by if you don't have a good attitude with the inspector.
Do you have any thoughts about what your role might be in the future with the city departments? I mean, they have been there a lot longer than you have.,

AV     First of all you should know, I've been saying now for almost three years, that we need to lower the business taxes in Los Angeles, that there just is too many people leaving Los Angeles, and going to Glendale and Burbank because it's just less expensive to do business there.
I helped to spearhead legislation in Sacramento that would allow us to go through the Franchise Tax Board to go after the scofflaws there are a lot of businesses that aren't paying taxes, so that we can recoup what ever losses that would come from cutting business taxes for the other businesses while we are going through a recession and looking at a budget, and I think that L.A. needs to make a commitment to small businesses and say that we're committed to make it easier for you to do business.
I also think that you're right that the permitting is a Byzantine process that frankly is not friendly oftentimes arbitrary and capricious in the way that they make decisions and I think people all they're looking for is for government to be fair.

BS     And accountable?

AV     And accountable. I'm not gonna tell you, Tom, that I have an answer for every problem, or that on my inauguation in July I'm gonna end all the challenges basically, I think you'll see a very aggressive person who's gonna work with every stakeholder, and try to do as good a job as possible, communicating and hearing from a broad group of constituencies that make up Eagle Rock. I want to do something about parking, and or runs the gamut from finding the resources to put a parking facility here somewhere, to work with Caltrans and others to put diagonal parking if that's what people think will make sense, It's really important for us to take on some of these challenges, I'd like to do something to support improving the facades, get people support for that, small business loans and the like, I want to work to make government easier to deal with.

BS     OK I'm done. Is there anything else you want to add?

AV     I'm just excited to represent Eagle Rock, as I said earlier I think it's a great part of the city, a part of the city where the quality of life is as good as any other part of the city, but we want to keep it that way and work together to address the blight, maintain public safety, do something about working to provide more green space, conserve historical edifices, make them an anchor, for this community, maintain the character of this community.
I'm looking forward to serving, I feel like I'll have a great four years. I said to people who were on the other end, lets work together, I certainly want to serve you and I think it's important for us to move forward and I'm looking forward to doing it.

The Yellow Ribbon

Support our Troops! One of the many ribbons displayed along Colorado Boulevard to show our community’s support.

The yellow ribbon, now an intergral part of our culture when it relates to soldiers returning from war has some very interesting roots.
"Round her neck she wore a yellow ribbon" has roots that go back to Shakespear's Othello.And the 1949 Civil War drama starring John Wayne had the same name.
But the original idea of a ribbon to welcome home the almost lost or forgotten related more to convicts returning from prison. One of the earliest stories, recorded in a 1959 book about prison reform, titled "Star Wormwood" is a folk tale about two men on a railroad train. One was a convict returning home from five years in prison. His family had been too poor to travel to visit him in prison, and he could only communicate poorly with them in writing. He was worried that because of his crimes, his relatives would not want him to return. He wrote them that if they wanted him, they should put a big white ribbon in the big apple tree that was close to the railroad tracks. If he arrived and saw nothing he would then stay on the train and make a life elswhere. As the train neared his home town he couldn't bear to look. His fellow passenger agreed to look for him, and watched for the big apple tree to see if there was a ribbon on it.
Suddenly the man grabbed the other by the arm and cried, "It's all right! The whole tree is white with ribbons!"
This folk tale has been repeated and repeated with many different details. It was also redone in religious publications to correlate with the "Return of the Prodigal Son" parable from the New Testament of the Bible.
In April of 1973 the Tony Olando and Dawn single of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, hit number one on the pop music charts.
It was reported that the song was based on an actual incident that occurred aboard a southern bus bound for Miami. It was a similar story to the one in the 1959 book.
In January 1975, the wife of one of the Watergate burglars, Gail Magruder, was on the national evening news showing her front porch decorated with yellow ribbons to welcome her husband back home from jail. One of the viewers that evening was Penne Laingen.
Four years later Mrs. Laingen tied a yellow ribbon around her old oak tree as she waited for her husband, Bruce Laingen, to return home. He was the Ambassador to Iran captured and held in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Thus the emblem of the yellow ribbon was transformed from the release of a convicted criminal to the wait for the return of an imprisoned hero.
In 1991, the use of the yellow ribbon changed again, being displayed to wait for the returning soldiers of Desert Storm. They were sometimes combined with hand painted signs and American flags.
The Yellow Ribbon concept continues to change and grow. Today they are increasingly used to complement funeral and cemetary flower arrangements as well. Now it is a national folk symbol.
At the top of page two in this paper, we have displayed a ribbon for over a year out of both respect and affinity for our former city editor, Captain David L. Corrick, Air Force Reserve, who was activated soon after September 11, 2001, and is still serving at the European Command in Germany. Godspeed David!

RIGHT NOW...
It's not about being pro or anti-war.
It's time to put our political agenda aside.
Right now, I challenge every resident and every business here in Eagle Rock, for starters, to "tie a yellow ribbon" in full view IN SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS, much like the ribbons that someone placed on the Boulevard.
My nephew is on a naval ship in Kuwait, and if and when servicemen get news, I want them to see the love and respect in our communities. Our troops are seeing' enough fighting where they are. They don't deserve to see political fights between pro and anti-war protesters. The anti-war campaign was lodged and thanks to our "freedom of speech" our positions have been voiced. We are at war.
Right now, let's channel that "freedom of speech" to send positive messages of love, support and prayers for their safe return and let's maintain this momentum.
Yolanda Dennis

Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Election Results
President
*Dalila Sotelo - 387 votes
Robert Flores - 154 votes
Treasurer
* Pattie Sugerman - 283 votes
Doris Lau - 223 votes
Youth Representative
* Caroline Olmedo - 501 votes
District 1 Director
* Danette Inzalaco - 30 votes
District 2 Director
* Jessica Wetington - 97 votes
Stephan Early - 40 votes
District 3 Director
* Anita Hultman - 50 votes
District 4 Director
* Max Vasquez - 44 votes
Patricia Woodlin - 19
District 5 Director
VACANT
District 6 Director
* Cheryl Luetjen - 47 votes
Rosa Myrna Tambagan Canonigo - 17 votes
District 7 Director
* Rich Monk - 71 votes
District 8 Director
* William Markis - 106 votes
Martha Moren - 24 votes
Business Representative 1 and 2
1) * Michael Nogueira - 464 votes
2) VACANT
Civic Representative 1 and 2
1) * Art Casillas - 389 votes
2) * Manuel Montano - 516 votes
Faith-Based Representative
VACANT
Education Representative
* Barbara Marback - 486 votes
Public Safety Representative
* Marlene Schmidt - 495 votes

HENRY WELCOME: EAGLE ROCK LOSES ITS MOST DEDICATED HISTORIAN

Eagle Rock resident Henry Welcome died March 20th in his home on Linda Rosa from complications due to lung cancer.
For nearly half a century, this quiet, droll, and utterly persistent man had championed Eagle Rock history, much of that time with the equal participation of his late wife Betty.
Henry was the founding president of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society in 1961 and, until just months ago, a regular on the archival work crew at ERVHS' cultural Center headquarters.
All who worked with him had vivid memories of both his dedication and his extraordinary humor.
Powell Greenland, himself a former ERVHS president, was still in junior high school when he visited Henry at home for the first time.
"While showing me around, he took me into his back yard that contained a small well-built structure he called his clubhouse.
Upon entering, I was surprised to find all four walls covered with well-stocked bookshelves from the floor to the ceiling. In addition to books, he had shelf after shelf filled with magazines. Noting my amazement, Henry, who was five years my senior, explained with pride that he had in his collection every copy of TOURING TOPICS [now WESTWAYS] ever published.
It was obvious, even at that early date [that] his interest in local history was paramount and [it] remained that way for the rest of his life."
John Miller, another former ERVHS president attributes the organization's neatly-pasted clippings files to the industry of both Welcome and the late Donna Adams, then ERVHS Curator. Miller also recalls that "after I became president, Henry would always tease me and say 'The book of order should always be followed in meetings.' Miller adds that he "will always remember that curled-up smile and dry wit."
Eric Warren, the latest in the presidential line of Welcome enthusiasts, has also been the one to document Henry's reminiscences and prodigious recall of historical data on video. These oral history tapes, made in the last months of Henry's life, will be of inestimable value to students of both local and Southern California history.
"Our Society owes Henry immeasurably," Warren reminds us. "He was not only our founding president, he was also author of our incorporation and bylaws, and for 18 years, our newsletter editor and program chair.
Truly, the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society would not exist but for him."
ERVHS has established a memorial fund in Henry Welcome's name, and thanks the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce for being the first to contribute. All those interested in making contributions may send them to ERVHS -- "Welcome Memorial Fund", 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock 90041. Please note "Welcome fund" on your check.

WARWICK, Kenneth G.
1935-2003

Passed away on March 19, 2003, in Glendale, California. He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas and has lived in Southern California since moving here with his family in 1960. He retired after teaching 36 years in the Los Angeles City School System, the last 13 at Lincoln High. He was a favorite teacher admired by his students for his fairness and encouraging way but most of all for his sense of humor.
Ken graduated from Field Kindley High School, Coffeyville College and the University of Wichita in Kansas where he earned his degree in Liberal Arts. He was an All-State football player while at Coffeyville and always an enthusiastic participant in theater activities. A dedicated teacher, Ken's life- long hobby was reading and writing. He studied theatre and music.
Ken Warwick is survived by his three children, Gregory, Valerie and Brock; four grandchildren, Jimmy, Leah, Alex and Heidi; great-grandsons, DeVin and Brandon, his life-long friend Claudia, his brother Robert and sister Virginia.

The War, the President, America and Eagle Rock
by Tom Topping
Here are a few excerpts from local people talking about the war in Iraq, President Bush and the United States of America.
From Mr. Ricardo Antunez, a local automotive businessman, came to this country from Mexico when he was 21 years old. "Mr. Bush, I think he did a very big mistake. Now the war is on and we have to be supporting our troops, we are part of one team and we have to stick together now. It doesn't matter if the big man made a boo-boo, so we have to stick with it until we get out of there... somehow, and bring our troops home and keep our country safe. Still I do not support Mr. Bush's decision. I do not support war, but I support our troops." he went on to say that although the leaders may have more information than they are giving to us, he has not been convinced from what the administration has been telling us.
John Cheng, from Nohn Motorsports simply said, "I support the troops."
Doug Bassett, a veteran of the Korean war and member of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles said, "It's immaterial the political ideology anybody has, we have troops that are sent over there, under orders! If you have a bitch about the situation, take it to the government, not to the troops. Support the troops." He went on to comment on the situation in Iraq currently, "Hussein at one time was our man. When he decided to to go independent and go into Kuwait he broke the relationship and the trust that we had. We had no alternative but to move him out of there. I think Mr. Hussein should be removed. If he has any regard for his people he should bail out. "
Varooj is a local smog check mechanic. He is a Christian Armenian born in Iran. Coming to Florida in 1974, he finished school here getting a bachelors degree. "I am very appreciative of the things this country has offered me. I can relate to the people that protest against the war. 'Cause I know both ends. People who are pro the attack, I don't get that part. Why? Why have a war? We tried to work through the United Nations. Blix and all his crew went there, they couldn't find nothing. Even the French and German governments said you have to let the diplomacy take its course. Which we didn't allow that." He added this, "Basically, I think people ought to know this is a great country- no matter what. No matter who is the President. But the core of the system (of government) is beautiful. It gives you opportunity to grow, and the sky's the limit. People should travel abroad to see how good we got it here. It's sad to see a lot of people (who) take things (for) granted."
Eagle Vista Seniors
On April 1 the Eagle Vista Seniors will have their Board meeting at 9:30 a.m., their Regular meeting at 10:30 a.m., and the members born in April will be honored with birthday cake.
April 8 brings a festive Spring Hat Party with prizes for the funniest hat, the largest hat, the smallest hat and the prettiest hat. A jury of three has been elected to choose these winners. Light refreshments will be served.
April 15 the seniors celebrate their fourteenth anniversary with a luncheon at the Elks Club, 120 E. Colorado, Glendale at 12 noon. Cost is $7.00.
April 22 - BINGO - Lou Agrati, caller.
April 26 (Saturday) those signed up to see the Ramona Pageant in Hemet will depart by bus at 10:30 a.m. and return at approximately 8p.m.
April 29 offers a Silent Auction under the co-chairman Carlos and Lupe Cruz. Members should start gathering items to donate and tell their friends about the successful event.
All meetings are held at the Eagle Vista Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, on Tuesdays at 10:a.m. unless otherwise noted, as above.

Consent Decree Meeting
On Aprill 28, at 6:00 pm, the Los Angeles Police Department will hold a “Consent Decree” meeting for the Northeast Los Angeles area. The meeting, open to the general public, will feature:
1. Presentation and materials on filing commendations for officers.
2. Presentation on the LAPD and LAPD operations designed to enhance interaction between officers and community members in daily policing activiies.
3. Consent decree overview and update.
4. Presentation and materials on filing a personnel complaint.
WHEN: April 28, 2003
WHERE: Los Angeles Police Department- Northeast Station 3353 San Fernando Rd.
TIME: 6:00 P.M.

Station Dedications
Councilmember Ed Reyes and the Metro Gold Line Construction Authority cordially invite you to the city of Los Angeles Gold Line Dedications. They will be at French Station, on Monday, April 7 - 1 1 am; and at Southwest Museum Station, on Saturday, April 26, at 11 am.
The distinctive designs of the Los Angeles Metro Gold Line Stations reflect years of community planning. The concepts of artists selected more than decade ago are now integral to the architecture and landscaping of each station. Dedication of these stations is part of a series of Metro Gold Line events to commemorate the construction of the light rail system and the 13 stations that will soon connect the cities of Los Angeles, South Pasadena and Pasadena. The 13.7 mile Metro Gold Line is scheduled to open to the public this summer.
You can call or stop by the Northeast Los Angeles Community Information Center, located at 3571 Pasadena Avenue, Los Angeles - 90031. Tel: 323 224 2530 - Office Hours: W-F - 9 AM -1PM

Candlelight Vigil
Just want to inform everyone that we will be holding a candlelight vigil in place of our monthly "Highland Park Neighborhood Watch Meeting". "National Victims of Crime Week" is April 6-12, and we have agreed to hold a candlelight vigil in their honor.
We will be meeting on Thursday, April 10. 2003, 7:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial / Flagpole at the Corner of Figueroa St. and York Blvd.
Come and join Senior Lead Officers Chris Cooper, Mark Allen, Joe Galindo, and Ray Rangel. All community members from Highland Park, Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, and Mt. Washington are welcome. Hope to see you there.

Highland Park on Tour
The Highland Park HPOZ will be one of five featured historic districts on an upcoming Los Angeles Conservancy tour on Sunday, April 6. A historic Craftsman home on Sycamore Terrace will be open for tour-goers as part of "At Home with History: Exploring Los Angeles' Historic Preservation Overlay Zones".
If you're interested in this tour showcasing the City's spectacular range of historic districts, go to either www.hpht.org or www.laconservancy.org to find out more about the event and tickets. (last year's tour sold out a few days before hand.) This tour is co-sponsored by the Highland Park HPOZ Board with support of Councilmember Reyes and help of the Highland Park Heritage Trust.
Whether you sign up for the tour or not.... the Highland Park Heritage Trust will open our first exhibition at our space at 135 N. Avenue 50 (next to the Avenue 50 Gallery) on April 6th as well.
"A Journey Back" features historic photographs and postcards of the Highland Park area, including a spectacular black and white panorama from the late 1880s. See what the Arroyo Seco valley looked like just as development of the area began.
The doors will be open from 10-4 on Sunday April 6th. No charge, just drop by to learn some local history and enjoy the exhibition.

What Would YO-YO Do?

With all the focus of master cellist Yo-Yo Ma, a young orchestra member does some last minute reviewing before a recent performance at Bushnell Way Elementary School. Located in the century-old Hermon district of Los Angeles, the school unveiled its newly organized student orchestra as part of the evening's entertainment at a Family Literacy Night held in partnership with the Hathaway Family Resource Center. Like the east Arroyo Seco community of which it is a vital part, Bushnell Way School is also commemorating its 100th year in 2003. Preparing to celebrate the anniversary in style, students this year organized a drill team and the school has added other new student activities in addition to re-starting its music program. Academically, Bushnell Way was listed among L.A. Unified School District's "most improved" recently when its API test scores increased by 60 points in just one year. Bushnell Way School, organized as the "American School" in the early 1900s in Hermon, officially became part of the LAUSD in 1912 when the unincorporated neighborhood was annexed by the City of Los Angeles. The school is the academic home of more than 700 Kindergarten through 5th grade students from Hermon and other nearby Northeast Los Angeles communities and hosts "L.A.'s Best" as well as other after school programs.
(Hermon Neighborhood Association)

Storefront Improvement
Eufloria, located at 1576 Colorado Boulevard, is preparing for a major facelift. Last month The Design Review Board unanimously approved the new facade with some minor changes to the materials used for the roof and flower boxes. Owners Maria & Marcus Lujan are excited, and rightfully so, taking advantage of the city program ERCPR to enhance the facades of existing commercial buildings. The design complies with the guidelines of the Colorado Specific Plan which allows and encourages different materials to be used in the facade of buildings. The improvements are well thought out and will certainly enhance their business and our community. Of course the beautiful flowers and wonderful arrangements will remain the same.

Glassell Park Seniors
This seniors group meets at 10:00 am, the first Thursday of the month at Glassell Park Recreation Center. (no contact information provided)

National Audubon Jobs
Through a partnership with the City of Los Angeles, Dept. of Recreation and Parks, the National Audubon Society is currently building a new nature center, the Debs Park Audubon Center, in Ernest Debs Regional Park. This is a 282-acre urban wilderness located just east of the 110 freeway, across from the Southwest Museum. This facility is scheduled to hold its grand opening this fall, 2003. Audubon is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill two job vacancies with the Debs Park Audubon Center. These positions are Center Director and Teacher Naturalist. A third job vacancy, State Director of Centers, is also available with the Audubon California office and will focus on leading the development of a statewide nature center network. Please review the enclosed attachments for more specific job descriptions and how to apply for these vacancies.

Eagle Rock Library News!
Friends of the Eagle Rock Library will hold a book sale, Saturday ~ April 26 from 10am until 3 pm Pick up bargains galore in books, tapes, CD's and magazines. Come early in the day and enjoy our delicious home-baked treats and coffee sale. Donations of books for the book sale will be gladly accepted from Apri12l through the 25.
On Thursday. April 10 at 4:00 pm magician Tony Daniels will present a special Magic show in celebration of National Library Week at the Eagle Rock Branch Library.
The Eagle Rock Library is located at 5027 Caspar Avenue.
For more information, please call the branch at (323) 258-7078.

FOODBANK
Children's Network International, Southern California's largest privately funded Food Bank welcomes qualifying 501 (c)3 non-profit agencies and churches for scheduled food pick-up. For application and details contact Erick Bustamante (323) 980-9870 xlO6.

Sister Maze Retires
On Saturday, April 26, 2003, St. Dominic Parish will host a mass and reception honoring Sr. Deborah Maze, O.P. Sr. Deborah has served the children and families of St. Dominic School and Parish for over 27 years. She will be retiring in June. A reception will Immediately follow the 5:00 p.m. mass. To R.S.V.P. or for further information call Debbie Ravlol or Vickie Hernandez at (323) 255-5803

Rummage Sale
The Occidental Presbyterian Church is having their 39th annual Rummage Sale, Bake Sale and Soup Kitchen. The Event will be held on Friday, April 25th and Saturday the 26th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Church located at 4371 Eagle Rock Boulevard, (corner of York and Eagle Rock Boulevards), and will feature home made baked goods, pies, cakes, cookies and candy. Also for sale will be chili and home made soup, with french bread and free coffee.
For more information call 323 256 0584.

Wedding Announcement
Yuri Caballero & Flor Campos Saturday August 05, 2003
Ceremony: San Igancio de Loyola Church of Highland Park
Reception: Fraternal Order of Eagles of Eagle Rock

Randolph Bradley, Jr.
Randy Bradley, Eagle Rock resident, 72, died Thursday, February 27, 2003 from injuries sustained in a 30 foot fall from a hiking trail at Camp Fox in Catalina.
He was a Los Angeles City Fireman for 36 years and retired in 1993. He was a 5th generation Californian, born in the strawberry-producing town of Watsonville, California.
Randy came to Eagle Rock to marry Diana Chavez Springer, a long-time Eagle Rock resident.
Randy is survived by his wife, Diana; his son, James, his son, Robert "Rob" Bradley, and grandchildren Scott, Ryan and Sara; his daughter, Debra Brunette, and graddaughter, Sara; his son, Steven Springer, and granddaughter, Alicia; his son Regan Springer, and grandson Cory; and daughter, Andrea Manfredo, from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stained Glass Workshops
Judson Stained Glass Studios and artist Diane Gamboa will team to present a series of workshops at the Eagle Rock Branch Library for students ages 9 to 13. The seven workshops are scheduled from 3:00 to 4:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays. April 22. April 24, April 29, May 1, May 6, May 8, and May 13. Advance registration is required and sign-up lists are available at the Eagle Rock Library main desk. The workshops are free of charge. The project is being sponsored by Dynamic Builders Construction Company and the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Percent for Art Requirement.
Diane Gamboa will instruct students in the history and process of stained glass design, using paper format, including colored tissue, to simulate the production of actual stained glass windows. The process is based on the actual art form of stained glass that has been produced at Judson Stained Glass Studios in Highland Park since the early 1900s. The workshops will culminate in an exhibition of the students' work. at the Judson Studios gallery.
For further information, contact the Eagle Rock Library at (323) 258-8078

Monument Sign
The Eagle Rock monument sign which will be placed on the Save-On property on the corner of Colorado & Figueroa will soon be completed, and of course the existing Save-On sign will be moved to another location on the property. Councilman Nick Pacheco is graciously picking up the $16,000 tab for our "Welcome to our Community" monument. Our monument sign has been in the works for the last several years and now, because of his support, will become a reality. The Chamber openly wishes to thank our Councilman and let him know his efforts and support are appreciated.

Museum & Community Agree on Merger
After receiving assurances from museum officials that key community concerns would be addressed, the "Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition," has entered into a working accord with the Autry Museum of Western Heritage and the Southwest Museum. Of principal importance to the community, museum officials say they'll work toward preserving the Southwest Museum's world-renowned collection, its historic buildings and its status as a premiere public destination at the current Mount Washington site.
Museum leaders also agreed to list the Southwest Museum building, first opened in 1914, on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was formally determined Eligible for listing in 1992, but could not be formally listed without owner consent.
In a series of community meetings held in February, museum officials were faced with widespread community outcry as they outlined plans to formalize a "memorandum of understanding" that would officially unite the Autry with the Southwest Museum and create the "Autry National Center of the American West," as an umbrella organization responsible for the administration of both institutions. Community residents decried a perceived lack of commitment to the historic facilities future and the lack of community input.
Community members feared that the Southwest Museum, the oldest museum in the City of Los Angeles, would cease to be operated as a public destination at its historic Mount Washington site, and concerned about the fate of its unique and world-renowned collection of Native American, California and Hispanic art and artifacts. Efforts of the community at large to preserve the integrity of the Southwest Museum's status drew attention from the Los Angeles City Council, which passed a unanimous resolution on February 14 supporting the community's position. Subsequently, John Gray and Dr. Duane King, executive directors of the Autry and Southwest Museums, sent correspondence to the Friends of the Southwest Museum addressing the community and elected officials concerns.
Charles Fletcher Lummis and members of the Southwest Society established the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in 1907. The museum's collection contains over 350,000 objects including rare textiles, pottery, clothing, tools and paintings. The Museum's collections are augmented by the holdings of the Braun Research library which holds over 50,000 volumes and 100,000 photographs and serves as a major center of American history and anthropology.

Eagles Events
On Sunday, April 6, 2003, the Ladies Auxiliary will be holding their Easter Breakfast. In addition to the standard fare of eggs (any style), bacon, sausage hash brown potatoes, biscuits & gravy, there will be pancakes with a choice of flavored syrups. The breakfast will be served from 9 AM to Noon.
Don’t Forget the men’s breakfast on April 20th, also 9 to noon.
The Eagle Club is located at 1596 Yosemite in Eagle Rock. 323 257 8869



March 26, 2003 - Highland Park, California - The track is finished and all of the crossings are complete. Testing of the tracks is one of the last tasks the Gold Line Construction Authority must perform. Here, workers stop traffic at the Figueroa crossing to allow the trains to make full speed tests of the track and to check and correct crossing gate operation. The opening is scheduled for July.

20th CENTURY TYPO

A 25-year-old spelling error on a 110 Freeway off ramp in Northeast Los Angeles that had motorists asking "Herman who?" for many years was finally made right last month. The new Caltrans sign (right) now correctly identifies the century-old L.A. district of HERMON (with an "o") as one of the several small East Arroyo Seco communities across the Pasadena (110) Freeway/Arroyo Seco Parkway from better-known Highland Park. The original misspelled "Herman" sign was hurriedly placed on the off-ramp in the late 1970s shortly AFTER the historic street was renamed from "Hermon" (never spelled with an "a") Avenue to "Via Marisol" in honor of a family member of a 70s-era former L.A. City Councilman. The added precaution became necessary when fire and EMS workers were unable to locate residents living on the hastily-renamed street when they called in for emergency service. Earlier this year - in preparation for a centennial celebration in mid-2003 -- Hermon neighbors began working with current 14th District Councilmember Nick Pacheco's staff to finally correct the often-overgrown, "pre-spellchecker" goof after nearly three decades of misidentification and confusion.
(Hermon Resident Association)

The Astrology of War
Barbara Ferrara
In other years, and other centuries, we would perhaps have celebrated the Spring Equinox with a recognition of nature's renewal. However, this year's entry of the Sun into the Tropical Zodiacal sign of Aries will be remembered for the televised bombing of Baghdad and the start of a projected change in the balance of power in the world, the aim of which, according to Western leaders is to eliminate terrorism.
Our current state in history is drawn in bold lines by the astrological opposition of the planets Saturn and Pluto in the signs Gemini, sign of transportation, and Sagittarius, sign of religion. This is the same aspect that was in effect during 9/11, and the one that is only now beginning to separate. It is also the very same opposition that was in the sky, although in different signs of the Zodiac, during 1965, when half a million American troops were sent to Vietnam, and the same opposition that occurred in 1931 shortly after the stock market crash, the great depression, and the election of Adolf Hitler as chancellor of Germany. Currently, we see that there is a polarization between differing belief systems with both sides thinking that they have integrity (Saturn) and the right to forcefully transform the situation (Pluto) on their side. Secrecy and control, both symbolized by Saturn and Pluto are aptly manifested in both the reported hidden weapons of mass destruction, and the attempts at revealing and destroying them.
With all the talk of war, we probably didn't notice the planet Uranus changing signs from Aquarius to Pisces on March 11. Because Pisces is the sign connected with spirituality, compassion and oil, we can foresee some revolutionary changes in these areas over the next seven years. Spirituality is rather a vague word, but in this context it means the idea of "Oneness", or how all life is connected. With this principle in mind, we can understand the view of environmentalists whose battle cry is that if the political leaders would wake up out of their lethargy and materialism (Saturn), transportation could be free of its shackles to fossil fuels, oppressive regimes and environmental pollution, to be completely transformed (Pluto).
Just as we can substitute the key leaders in this war, President Bush with the coalition leaders, and Saddam Hussein, for the planets Saturn and Pluto, depending on our persuasion, these leaders and ideologies could also be placed as actors in this cosmic drama in the other great opposition in this horoscope, namely that between Neptune in democratic Aquarius, and Jupiter in regal Leo. Besides the battle between tanks and soldiers in the Middle East, there is also the more verbal battle on the streets of capitals of the world by protesters and supporters of the war. Jupiter and Neptune have a strong astrological connection because they are both associated with sign Pisces, Jupiter being it's old ruler, and Neptune the modern one.
In their current star chart I have arbitrarily chosen the time of 11pm Baghdad time. It is perhaps relevant that the Scorpio Moon is in the hidden twelfth house. We do not see the death and suffering but we know it's there. We have already seen how technology, symbolized by Uranus and Aquarius enables the physical part of modern warfare to take place in a matter of weeks or months and not years, and we are also seeing Neptune and Pisces evident as a kind of kindness and compassion, even in war, as the coalition forces are seen to act quite humanely to the surrendering Iraqi soldiers. Now that this war has begun, there will of course see suffering and sacrifice, but perhaps the best that we can do is hope that when Iraq gets democracy, it will choose wisely before turning into yet another country full of McDonalds, Starbucks and SUVs. 

Leidenthal Exhibition
March 26th - April 26th, 2003 Los Angeles, CA---- The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center (ERCCC) is proud to present the exhibition, Building The World, a new series of paintings by William Leidenthal. This exhibition contains new work from the Neo-Landscape Project and Raw World. These long-awaited paintings and mixed media works will be exhibited from March 26 through April 26th. His paintings and constructions are raw and have an undiluted quality. Mr. Leidenthal's work combines the simplicity of the Eastern arts with the boldness of a Constructist.
On April 6th, 1 -4 pm, the ERCCC will host a reception for William Leidenthal. The public is invited. Sam Robles and his band will perform. Refreshment will be served.
The ERCCC 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.
For more information call Lui or Jenny at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center,
(323) 226-1617. The Center is located just west of the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard at 2225 Colorado Boulevard."

Composers Forum at Cultural Center
The American Composers Forum of Los Angeles will host a RECITAL and RECEPTION, to celebrate the conclusion of the 12-week program, MAKING MUSIC, on SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2003, 2-4PM. Students will perform vocally and with instruments of their own construction a series of works they composed during the workshop. Many of the songs grew out of sessions with older generation family members who shared songs, stories and music.
Artist-in.-Residence, DAVID O, workshop instructor, will also perform. David O is a composer, musical director and music educator. Most recently he was musical director for the Pomona College production of Hair, and musical director for the Actors' Co-op August production of Man of La Mancha. He was nominated for an Ovation Award as Musical Director for Steel: John Henry and the Shaker. David O is an instructor with "Voices Within" program sponsored by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The American Composers Forum-Los Angeles, under the leadership of Director Heidi Lesemann, offers composers and music-loving audiences in the Los Angeles area opportunities and experiences in new music. For composers, ACF-LA offers grant programs, career development programs and composer residencies within various communities. For audiences, ACF-LA publishes a calendar of new music events in the Los Angeles area. Through its community-based programs, ACF-LA offers educational and community-outreach programs to develop awareness and appreciation for the music of our time.

A Little Night Music
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music", the Occidental College Department of Theater presents the classic musical with performances in April and May. Performances will be in April at 7:30 p.m. on the 18,19,24,25 & 26. A 2:00 p.m. matinee will be on April 27, and in May, there will be an 8:00 p.m. performance on the 17th. Tickets are $15 regular, $12 Senior and $8 for students. Group rates are available. For more information and tickets call 323 259 2922.