Boulevard Sentinel
VOLUME XIV ISSUE 12
News and Views
for Northeast Los Angeles
April 2011
|
“EAGLE ROCK DAY”
|
Still, the pooch was a loner. No one could get close to it, not even
new homeowner Lynne DeMarco who in 2002 took special interest in the
dog; her day was not complete until she had a glimpse of The Red Dog.
Not alone in this routine, Lynne met most of her new neighbors through
The Red Dog, including Candy and Don who loved to put out huge bones
for him. The Red Dog was their common denominator; everyone was upset
when he was gone for a spell of days and all rejoiced when once again
he was spotted. 
 |
|
| Eagle Rock, CA- March
21, 2011 - Yosemite Drive is completely blocked after a ‘first day of
spring’ heavy rain and wind storm knocked over this lovely tree along
Yosemite Drive. Local residents stop to take a closer look at the
barely visble white Toyota car that plowed into the tree after it fell.
Yosemite was blocked by the tree for two full days as city crews were
too busy in other parts of the city to get to
it.
(staff photo) |
Buchanan Class Raises Funds for Science Trip
THEY DID IT! They raised $15,000 and took themselves on their trip! Is this the end?
The fifth grade class of Buchanan Street Elementary School Math Science and Technology Magnet Center in Highland Park had heard all about "Outdoor Science Camp". (See "Buchanan Elementary Outdoor Science School" in the July 2010 issue of the Boulevard Sentinel: boulevardsentinel.com/07-2010.htm) The last two year's classes went. This year, the funding was simply "gone". The choice: raise the money, or not go. Never say die!With determination, and the help of their families, Pam Chirichigno, their teacher, Joan Jacobs, the magnet center coordinator, Forrest Baird, the Principal, and People Connectors, a local business networking group, they worked from last May, all summer and into March, raising money.
On warm summer evenings music and laughter emanated from Casa Princesa* on York Boulevard. Every Thursday for 10 weeks, families, neighbors, and local business owners "danced their way to science camp". These Salsa classes were hosted by People Connectors, with space generously donated by Jonson and Yvonne Mallari. Under Walter Elias' tutelage, a group spanning four generations mastered their feet and let the music move them.
A spaghetti dinner, held at the school, was a hit with these precocious fifth graders. It was their most profitable single event, raising $750. But what really impressed them was the human connection. They enjoyed showing folks to their seats, serving the dinners, and "meeting lots of nice people".
Next, the class challenged the whole school to a recycling contest, an exercise in environmentalism, careful use of resources, and community efforts for the common good. For the record, Ms. Jaramillo's first grade class won, collecting over 1,700 recyclables, and got ice cream sandwich rewards, Yum!
Yes, they did it! The $15,000 needed to fund their trip to Outdoor Science School at Blue Sky Meadow in Big Bear, was in hand!
As the trip grew closer the students looked back on their efforts, it was all worth it: a trip they wanted and science they could dig into. They were impressed to see folks sharing time, energy, and money, and showed their appreciation, making thank you cards for the various people who had helped.
Were there worries? Of course! They were facing a lot of "firsts": hiking, camping, and being away from their families. As well as, "Will it be too cold?", "Will the bus break down?", and "Will we see a bear?" Mostly though, they were looking forward to the adventure, just like kids.
What were they looking forward to? Science, bears, night hikes, a first trip, singing, snow, becoming like families in the cabins. Many of the same ideas that were worrisome!
They gathered at seven am, on a brisk March morning standing around with family and friends, waiting for the bus, getting last minute hugs, words of advice, and instructions, from parents. And then they were gone.
Off for a full week of hands on learning: botany, geology, biology, even astronomy! A great deal of fifth grade science to be covered: by unearthing the secrets of soil to witness decomposition; trudging through, and poking around in, woods, meadow, and pond; comparing and testing real rocks picked up from real earth; searching out nests and evidence of life forms; identifying scat; singing and working together in teams with another class from Beryl Heights Elementary in Redondo Beach. They learned the Euell Gibbons way, by digging in, literally!
Families received daily updates from Mrs Chirichigno: all was well, it was cold. The young scientists were too busy to be homesick. As with any adventure, there are bound to be less than perfect moments, one child was sick. Joan Jacobs drove to camp and escorted him, and his cabin leader mom, home a few days early.
As it turned out, no one got eaten by a bear, or any other wild beast. No one got lost, the bus did not break down, nor turn over. No one sang too loudly or got sent home early for poor behavior. But, the trip was not in anyway dull! They even managed their quota of silliness: kidding each other and imitating others' eating styles, giggling to see their teacher in pajamas, finding a great rock, only to realize it was SCAT! And lets face it, a minute long fart is down right funny!
According to this group, Outdoor Science School is "Awesome", "Great", "An adventure"! It was "way better" than sitting in the classroom. There was so much more to do, the food was delicious, and they got to experience their lessons. In fact it was such a great trip, consensus is "Every single kid alive should go to Big Bear, it was a great experience where we all learned something."
Some things are best experienced far from the city. Looking up at the night sky.... "It was so beautiful", "The stars were much brighter", "Whoa, amazing, INCREDIBLE"! They found lots of constellations, including the dippers, and created some of their own. It was "Wonderful, like a dream".
The class has become inspired. They are determined to be outside in nature more, especially in snow, to see more of the birds of the world, learn more science, do outdoor science experiments, to become naturalists. But they have also been inspired in a deeper way, to be braver and explore new places, and to "not be afraid of anything": not challenges, new experiences, fund raising, and especially not the dark.
Would they recommend this trip to future fifth graders? "Tell your teachers to try it, at least once!", "You will enjoy everything about this trip, especially the food." Oh, and the proverbial, "Don't eat yellow snow" Do they appreciate the experience? To Mrs. Chirichigno and their parents, "We love you so much, thank you for giving us this opportunity".
These young people came back full of confidence, enthusiasm, new skills and knowledge, and to bad news. Mrs Chirichigno had received her RIF (reduction in force) notice from the school district. Next year's class may not get to make this trip. It will depend entirely upon the new teacher, and another round of fundraising.
When talking about the budget cuts, the students had some strong opinions. To the school district, and the folks who decide how we spend our money: "Do not fire a good, great, best, awesome teacher like Mrs. Chirichigno" and "We, 30 families, raised enough money to go to Blue Sky Meadow, why can't you raise the money to keep great teachers like Mrs Chirichigno in our school?"
SO, keep an eye out for next year's class, raising money for their Outdoor Science School. In the meantime: What are our priorities as a community, as a nation, if not ensuring the best education for our children through dedicated teachers like Pam Chirichigno, and amazing experiences like Outdoor Science School?
*Unfortunately, Casa Princesa, a simple coffee shop, and a wonderful neighborhood resource, has since closed.
Northeast Businesses Must Keep Up With Tax Changes
by Tae
Macias, CPAHave you been following the news lately? Just about everywhere you read about changes to the tax system and new regulations. It seems every level of government is changing the rules, from Washington through Sacramento right down to City Hall, and small Northeast L.A. businesses are affected by all of these changes as well.
We may not enjoy it, but we all pay taxes. The question is: are you paying more than you really need to? Unfortunately for small businesses, despite their size, governments view them as significant revenue sources and expect them to abide by many of the same regulations as a Fortune 500 company. However, unlike a Fortune 500 company perched high up in its steel and glass skyscraper, the restaurant at the corner and the auto shop next to it do not have entire accounting departments devising tax strategies and researching obscure tax deductions, so what can they do?
Many owners, entrepreneurial spirits as they are, decide to plunge ahead into the bizarre world of IRS regulations and figure things out for themselves, and this is very understandable. Why pay a CPA to do what they can do themselves? This is true to some extent; there exist many sources of information online, tax programs can be purchased off the shelf, or even your cousin the accountant may provide some guidance, but this may not be the optimal strategy. Let's use a car analogy. Changing the oil in your car as a weekend project may be feasible, but what about the brakes? Faulty wiring? The engine itself? Say that you take the time, buy all the tools, stop focusing on your business for a while and spend three or four hours a week just dealing with tax issues and gathering paperwork to stay compliant. Voila! After all this herculean effort, you master most details and can now fix most issues with your car. What about next year, when the government decides that your car is obsolete and you need to get another? Remember, regulations change constantly, at the whim of our elected officials. You are back at square one.
Business owners, by nature, like to take control of their destiny and charge ahead with their ideas. However, sometimes they ignore the regulations that are part of keeping a business open and become vulnerable to audits and fines. For example, someone who decided to open a restaurant and astonish the world with culinary delights never expected to spend hours away from their kitchen figuring out whether it makes sense for them to report tips to the IRS using the Tip Rate Alternative Commitment method or the Tip Rate Determinations Agreement method. They may decide to do neither and in doing so open themselves to the possibility of a tip audit by the IRS (yeah, there are such things as tip audits). Let's face it; paperwork is a hassle and many of us deal with hassles by procrastinating. Procrastination can be costly; I just got a parking ticket the other day because I put-off setting an alert in my phone to notify me when the meter was about to expire. The IRS penalties for non-compliance can make parking tickets look like chump change.
Another area where owners may not spend enough time is researching, documenting, and then claiming tax deductions entitled to them. We already have spoken about the constantly changing regulatory environment, and this became particularly acute over the last 2 years or so, with government efforts to incentivize businesses to invest in personnel, equipment, research, etc. Remember, every tax credit dollar counts, but keeping up with the changing environment often requires the expertise of a professional with a CPA license; asking a business owner to keep track of the changes simply adds another burden to their list of chores. Furthermore, there are many caveats to claiming tax credits and sometimes it can be difficult to see whether a particular business qualifies.
Having a CPA by your side means someone is navigating tax regulations on your behalf. I specialize in working with small business entrepreneurs in Northeast Los Angeles, helping them to stay organized and compliant with all levels of government, obtain an accurate representation of their finances and of course, keep as much of their hard-earned cash as legally possible. I like to meet with my clients on a monthly basis to resolve any questions they have, look at how their business is changing to detect patterns, and plan out a customized financial strategy that takes into scope their goals for the future, not just the present state of the business. This is a particularly important but often ignored task, as many of us tend to get so caught up with our lives, putting out the small fires that erupt daily, and we forget to think ahead.
I own the local Padgett Business Services office and am located in the heart of Eagle Rock, on the corner of Colorado and Eagle Rock, right above the coffee shop. I graduated from nearby Occidental College and am a longtime resident of the neighborhood. My interest lies in the success of the area and helping our local entrepreneurs establish successful businesses in our community.
Feel free to call me, Tae Macias, CPA, at (323) 476-1836 to schedule an appointment. The initial consultation about taxes or business matters is free. I can also be found online at MaciasCPA.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
From the Corporate World
To the Compost Pile
Eagle Rock man creates a greener world, one yard at a time.
by Ted AyalaAs soon as I approached the steps of the charming house at the summit of Eagle Rock's Linda Rosa, I knew I had arrived. Lush greenery and a Technicolor tapestry of blossoms poured out of the façade of the home of Mike Scott, refugee from the modern corporate world turned community farmer. But while he traded in his business suit for blue jeans and boots, that doesn't mean he's a novice to the world of gardening and farming.
"I've been gardening since I was 5 years old," said Scott. "Both of my parents grew up on farms." Eventually Scott's family made its way over to California. Living in suburban Reseda was not the most obvious place for a future urban farmer to grow up. But that's exactly what happened as Scott recounted to me a formative event of his youth. "My grandfather came to visit us in California. He planted carrots, radishes, and watermelons for me in our home. But I didn't really take care of my garden and it just sort of died. Then I heard he was coming back and wanted to see how well the garden was doing. I didn't want to disappoint him. So I started reading up on how to mend the soil and care for a garden. It worked- and ever since then, I've always had gardens."
Stepping into Scott's front yard is almost like being able to take a breath away from Los Angeles for a moment. As I stepped about the front yard, it was difficult to believe that I was still in the city. As if to cement the impression of being transported away to a different land, I saw a peacock strutting about by us. "That's Ramon," (AKA Kevin and Forrest) said Scott to me with a smile. "He loves it here."
As we strolled through his garden, Scott recounted the trip that took him from an office desk to tilling the soil. "I worked for Warner Bros. music in the finance department," he recollected. I just became so burnt out with the corporate environment; I was looking for a way out. My friends often encouraged me to start my own business. It was around that time where my friends, who would come visit our home for parties, pointed out how much they liked my garden. One of them had a friend that was a garden designer. Her name was Stephanie Barton. One time we got to talking and she took a look at my garden. She then suggested that I had a talent for this and that I should pursue it; that it could be a very lucrative business for me. So from there I put up an ad on Craigslist and ever since then this has been a full time gig for me." Then he turned and smiled: "I've never been happier."
Scott then led me to the back of his home: a gentle slope that is a kind of an urban hanging gardens in miniature. Not only was the array of plant life dazzling, but the aesthetic quality of Scott's layout was a gem.
One of the foundations of Scott's pride in his garden is his attentiveness to organic farming. "People like to know what is in their food," he told me. He led me to a stack of boxes. He lifted the lids and revealed a shelf with compost and earthworms. "This is why I tell people to save their food scraps and turn them into compost. This is so much better than all that Miracle Gro stuff. Your plants will love it."
Down below there grazed chickens; honey bees buzzed about toiling away.
"These bees are very safe," he said. " They help not just my garden
bloom, but my neighbors' too. Plants thrive on the crosspollination
that bees bring about. That's one of the reasons I won't use pesticides
on my garden. It can be deadly for my bees."In a coop below, several very merry and healthy chickens clucked about. "You haven't eaten eggs until you've had fresh organic ones," Scott said, his face beaming with pride in his chickens. "There is such a big difference in quality between these and store-bought eggs." Then he added with another smile, "My daughter has become so spoiled. She refuses to eat restaurant eggs. 'They're not as good as ours,' she'll tell me."
Surveying his garden, Scott told me the principle that drives him to help others foster their own community farms. "I want to not just make a garden for people. I want to teach them to maintain it; to have a green thumb."
Michael Scott has been winning friends and clients from far and wide and has been keeping him busy. "I get clients from all over Southern California." He then mentioned the boon that The Boulevard Sentinel for him. "Thanks to the Sentinel, I've gotten the best ad exposure I could have ever wished for. I've had people as far as Montrose looking for my help. I am deeply thankful for the Sentinel."
Michael Scott's garden is truly a wonder. Every square foot of it is a marvel of human ingenuity and natural beauty. For readers interested in having their own wondrously beautiful garden in their home, Scott is available. You can visit his website at www.eaglerockbackyardfarms.com or reach him by phone at (323)646-3886. He can also be reached via e-mail at michaelscott64@hotmail.com.
"Still Cruisin" with The Eagle Rockin' Rodders
Hello there hot rod fans!
We'll start by saying thank you to all who graced us Saturday night with your presence. Especially since the Trompers also held a function that same afternoon, we know it was a long day for you. It was a fun cruise-in with some great raffle prizes and a 50/50 winner with $40 in their pocket. On that note congrats to our secretary Amy Peters, who won the 50/50 at the Trompers earlier that day. Needless to say she had big smile on her face!Just a reminder to all you Car Enthusiasts...Spring is here! Time to bring out the 'wheels' and show it off. For all the enthusiasts out there that have a car no matter what condition, no matter what year, no matter how old or young you are, we are a no nonsense group of good people that enjoy cars. All cars! Membership is free, open to all who wish to join and there are no car restrictions. If you have been thinking that your car may not be good enough, or whatever may be holding you back from sharing your passion for cars, why not give us a try? The next Cruise-In will be on April 30th at Tommy's on Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock. Stop in and check us out!
Now on
to the good stuff! First pick this month is owned by "Roadster Rex" and
Reenie Jaramillo, whose children are 2nd generation, ERHS alumni.
They've had this 1930 Ford Roadster Model A, since 2002 and Rex says at
that time it was just a rolling chassis. He took it apart and redid all
the blemishes in the chassis which was lots of time and work. When
putting it back together he channeled the body over the frame. The
motor (a 327 '66 Vet engine) he completely rebuilt adding ported heads,
an Isky cam, and a 4 barrel Edelbrock carb. It has an automatic trans
and a Lincoln rear end. Since then he's drag raced his roadster in San Francisco, San Diego, and Vegas, with his best time being LACR where he ran low 14's. In case you don't know that means he was doing about a 100 MPH. Never using a trailer they've even driven out to the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Rumbler's show in Albuquerque. Rex is currently a proud member of two car clubs, the Trompers of Eagle Rock and the Gearheads of Glendale however; Rex says "his roots are with the Gearheads".
Dave said the 260 motor came with the car but he completely rebuilt it going from a 2 to a 4 barrel Edelbrock and a small Isky Cam. He went from a floor shift to a column shift and even jazzed up the radio and speakers so he can play his IPOD. Very Cool! Dave would like to say a special thank you to Joe Red, and all his Tromper brothers who helped him along the way with his project, by sharing their time and ideas with him.
That's all for this month and keep cruising!
VOICE IN THE EAGLE ROCK WILDERNESS
COFFEE: COFFEE: HEALTHFUL OR DETRIMENTAL?
Christopher Nyerges[Nyerges is the author of "Self-Sufficient Home" (Stackpole books) who leads regular classes in self-reliance. Info at www.ChristopherNyerges.com.]
Occasionally you'll hear this in any of the coffee shops in Eagle Rock: "But isn't coffee bad for my health?"
Much has been said and written about the benefits vs. the detrimental effects of coffee. But what is the "bottom line"? Are there beneficial qualities? Does it harm me? Should it be abstained from? Is it OK to drink coffee in moderation? These and similar questions are not easily answered because, in the tests statistical data, researchers and doctors do not use -- or attempt to define a consistent standard for what is meant by "coffee."
Coffee has also been accused of causing, or contributing to, cancer, heart diseases, hypertension, hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Dr. John Timson of the University of Manchester in England, while admitting that coffee is mildly addictive, states that, at present, there is no hard scientific evidence that links the use of coffee to any of the above-mentioned diseases.
Unfortunately, in virtually all studies done on the health effects of coffee, researchers indiscriminately lump all "coffees" together. But no two cups of coffee are alike. And it is not likely that any standard will ever be established for coffee research. Why? Because brewed coffee contains not only caffeine, but various acids, oils, and alcohols, the qualities of which vary depending on the way the coffee beans are handled from farm to cup.
According to Dr. Neil Solomon, "Caffeine is a strong stimulant with drug-like properties and is considered to have an unfavorable effect on nutrient absorption."
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has placed caffeine on their Generally-Recognized-As-Safe list. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. If used in excess, it contributes to nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF "COFFEE"
According to Timothy Hall, a former teacher with the L.A. Unified School District who has given numerous lectures on coffee, there are at least 30 factors which affect the beverage called "a cup of coffee," all of which must be taken into account if one is to draw a useful conclusion about coffee's "good" or "bad" effects.
Timothy Hall has shared his research during one of the monthly Plenary sessions of WTI in Highland Park. According to Timothy Hall, one cannot answer "Is coffee good for me?" until one has explored the following questions. In some cases, definitive answers to the following may be hard to come by, if not next to impossible. Some factors, however, are completely within our control.
THE PLANT
What is the type or variety of coffee plant? Of the two primary types of coffee -- arabica and robusta -- arabica is considered the better of the two. Where and how was it grown? How was it fertilized?
The elevation, quality of soil, and the amount of water received during growing all affect the quality of the fruit. This is why connoisseurs have individual preferences regarding the country of origin.
What was the quality of care in picking, cleaning, and storing the beans?
ROASTING
What was the method of roasting? The depth of darkness of the brown in coffee color is due to the proportion of cresylic acid (cresol) present after the beans have been roasted. The darker the roast, the greater the tar content.
GRINDING
What was the grinding procedure? How hot did the beans get during the grinding process? Though not everyone will notice the difference, any grinder which grinds at a high temperature can result in the loss of aromatic oils. One solution is to grind with a hand mill. Another solution (when using an electric mill) is to only grind enough for a few cups at a time, since prolonged grinding may result in excessive heat. How much time elapsed between grinding and brewing? Remember: if you smell it, you're losing it. If you don't plan to use your grinds immediately, then put them in a covered container and place in the refrigerator.
WATER
How much coffee grounds are used in relation to water? Obviously, a cup of coffee made with one scoop of grounds is vastly different than one made with 6 scoops of grounds. What is the quality of the water? (After all, the primary constituent of "a cup of coffee" is water.)
TEMPERATURE
Fusel oil, released into the water whenever coffee grounds are boiled, causes bitterness; however, it is NOT released into water at less than boiling temperatures.
CLEANLINESS
What was the level of cleanliness of the coffee maker? Old coffee stains are a combination of "dirt" and oxidized insoluble fats. When fat oxidizes, it becomes rancid. Rancid fat "flavors" all coffee that is brewed in coffee pots that have not been scrubbed spotless.
PREPARATION
What type of coffee maker was used (vacuum, drip, percolator)? (Space doesn't permit us to review every coffee-maker on the market however, so let the buyer beware.)
Did I brew the grounds using the percolation, infusion, or decoction method? Infusion refers to adding the grounds to the water and letting them steep. A camper might do this. Decoction refers to actually cooking the grounds -- even boiling -- to make a strong brew. Though this might be acceptable in a prison camp when one is trying to extend the available grounds as far as possible, it is the least desirable choice. Percolation -- pouring the hot water through the grounds -- is the best option.
What type of materials did I use in the making of the beverage? Stainless steel, glass, aluminum, porcelain, and plastic all affect the quality (and the flavor) of the finished product.
ADDITIVES
What have I added to the finished product? Sugar? Salt? Egg? Vanilla? Cinnamon? Chocolate? Honey? Sweet-'n-Low? Saccharin? Cream? Milk? Powdered milk? Half and half? Cloves? Cardamon? Coffee-mate? Brandy?THINKING
Of the factors under our control, the quality of our thinking (as we brew the coffee) has a direct effect on the finished product. Also, the way in which we drink the beverage has an effect (i.e., slow thoughtful sips vs. hurried gulps).
Hall asserts that in his tests, the quality of one's thinking has proven to be the most important factor. States Hall, "If you brew your coffee with precise intent, you can alchemically transmute those common grounds into a veritable elixir."
EXPERIMENT IN ALCHEMY
Here are a few guidelines if you'd like to begin alchemically changing "a cuppa coffee" to "wonderful elixir." This is the procedure that was shared with us by Timothy Hall, who learned of this via his association with Revve Weisz and WTI Inc. in 1976.
Begin with meticulously clean utensils. Stainless steel, French porcelain, glass, or copper are preferred; softer metals (e.g., aluminum) should not be used.
First, measure the needed amount of water (spring water is better than the chlorine and fluoride-laden city tap water) and set on the stove to boil.
Next, prepare your filter. An ideal filter is a simple cloth bag sewed into a cone, using the densest cotton flannel. These are reusable indefinitely -- far superior to commercial paper filters. The bag is suspended over your cup, or a second pot; the coffee grounds are measured into the bag (a fine grind works best).
Another ideal system is a French ceramic pot with a ceramic cone that fits into the top, and a gold-plated reusable filter. You measure your grounds into the filter.
When the water has boiled, stand squarely and strongly on both legs; breathe deeply; then, slowly pour the water in a clockwise circular motion over the grounds. While pouring, visualize and fell the energy of Love flowing from your heart, down your arm, and into the beverage. We call this "chi," and much has been written about this "chi" energy in books on Chinese healing and martial arts. You may need to "imagine" the feeling at first, but with practice you will find it easy. It sometimes feels like a mild electric shock.
If you wish to add anything to the resultant beverage, try raw honey and raw cream.
One of the main problems with extensive coffee ingestion is that it either removes or destroys the B-vitamins from the body, resulting in a slowly cumulative degeneration of the sheaths of the body's nerve fibres. This is what causes the "nervousness" with heavy coffee-drinkers. Honey, cream, and B-vitamins added to the diet, help to offset any harmful effects.
When the above process is done thoughtfully and lovingly, the process is somewhat analogous to the Japanese tea ceremony. And it CAN result in a truly fine elixir.
So is coffee "good" or "bad"? As always, it depends on the way you interact with it.
Menudo Breakfast for Veterans Memorial
As part of its ongoing care and upkeep of the
Cypress Park Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Cypress and
Pepper, the non-profit group Friends of Cypress Park Community
Improvement Association will once again host a fundraising "Menudo
Breakfast" on Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rio de Los
Angeles State Park's community building (1900 San Fernando Road, at
Macon).For a $6 ticket donation ($3 for children 11 and under), diners will be served home-made menudo, pan dulce and other breakfast treats, coffee and orange juice. Ticket holders will also be eligible for an opportunity drawing to win one of several valuable door prizes. Reduced price children's meals will also be available. Tickets are available at the door.
Invited particpants include L.A. District 1 City Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, along with local National Guard units that will display some of their armored vehicles.
The Veterans Memorial is the product of volunteer work organized by the Friends of Cypress Park in 2002, and funded by a Los Angeles Neighborhood Matching Funds grant, which converted a blighted concrete traffic median at the center of the community into a neighborhood garden and memorial site with new trees, flagpole, and engraved bronze plaque.
The Friends of Cypress Park Community Improvement Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit service organization that always welcomes new volunteers. The group meets the first Monday of each month in the Los Feliz Room of the River Center in Cypress Park (570 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles).
Amazon Drops Out of ER
Dear Eagle Rock Friends,
"Time to say thanks and to say goodbye. I started the "We Go Rock" movement as a way to strengthen links between business and community and to promote AmazonDrops, an organic skin care products store. We opened in Eagle Rock in June last year. My wife Leda and I had to close our store in Eagle Rock, however, and AmazonDrops has a new home in Pasadena (3746 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107) - across the street from Whole Foods and Sears.If you know of anyone who'd like to take over the "We Go Rock" effort, just let me know by email.
This little note is also to thank you to the more than 40 merchants who participated in the "We Go Rock" movement all these months. In saying good bye I invite everyone to "like" our FaceBook page so we will keep in touch. (search "We Go Rock, Eagle Rock's Friday Fest")
Sincerely, Rodney Mello
Huizar: Proliferation of Massage
Parlors
Over the last few months my office has coordinated with the LAPD, City Attorney's Office, the Department of Building and Safety, and local community groups to address the recent proliferation of Massage Businesses operating in Eagle Rock.
Within the last two weeks, LAPD has started a large-scale effort to conduct permit checks at each one of these locations in Eagle Rock. The LAPD has made multiple arrests for police permit violations, and the operation is ongoing.
The City departments and my office are committed to continued enforcement efforts to ensure that only properly permitted and legitimate massage businesses are operating in our neighborhoods. We are also reviewing both city and state ordinances to close loopholes and strengthen our existing laws. We will continue to provide community updates as this progress.
For more information please contact our Northeast Field Office directly at (323) 254-5295.
SLA Exhibit Opens at L.A.P.D. Historical Museum:
A new exhibit on the Symbionese Liberation Army, the 1970s radical group responsible for kidnapping newspaper heiress Patty Hearst, opened last month in Highland Park. The SLA show at the former Highland Park police station on York Boulevard features photos and artifacts related to the LAPD search for SLA members as well as the deadly May 1974 shootout and the bombing attempts of Los Angeles police stations.Glynn Martin, executive director of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society, said the show was organized following the acquisition of some new artifacts and ongoing public interest about the SLA. The was sold out but the public can see the show for the admission cost of $8.
"Unfolded Things" at Future Studio Gallery
Part of NELAart.com Second Saturday Gallery Night
Unfolded Things is the latest results from a lifelong exploration of the possibilities of automating decision making. There is an action on an object and there is the repetition of that action.Five numbers, two angles and three distances, are specified. An object is chosen or made, placed at the origin, and the process is started. The object is rotated through the two angles, in different planes, then pushed the three distances, in different directions. It is sliced through the plane where x equals zero and everything with negative x is deleted.
The remaining part of the object is reflected through the plane where x equals zero, resulting in a new object that is symmetrical, like a butterfly. It is then twisted, moved, and sliced, etcetera. This process goes on for 10, 20, 30 generations. The objects are shown individually or combined.
The goal is to surprise, distract, and amuse. "I work to surprise myself, to keep the eye satisfied and the mind activated with questions. This is enough of a challenge. The recursive manipulation of the picture plane is the perfect combination of the simplest means leading to the most satisfying results. The judgement of a curious eye cannot be reduced or eliminated if the goal is honestly compelling work. That judgement can be facilitated, enhanced, and liberated by the thoughtful and attentive application of algorithms, but somebody has got to steer."
Future Studio Gallery
5558 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles CA 90042 (Highland Park)
futurestudiogallery.com
Prosperity and Demolition
Eagle Rock: 1945-1975
Servicemen returned or stayed; babies boomed; the last farmland was divided; trolleys were abandoned. Small gas stations were on many corners; stylish cars were sold and rodded. The boulevards modernized. Smog browned, incineration ended, a dump built. The arroyo was bridged again, heading for Eagle Rock. We organized and fought for the skyway route, 2 drove north. We went to the mall, built safer schools. Fire and Quake. The world came.At the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, April 19 at 7:00, Eric Warren will show photographs and discuss this formative period, when Eagle Rock took the shape we know. Many of the images are from his forthcoming book ³Eagle Rock: 1911-2011² available in late July. Gathering pictures from a variety of sources; the many stories in our community life will be seen. This public meeting of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society is free and open to all.
Audubon Center PAID INTERNSHIP
The Audubon Center at Debs Park is in the process of seeking out talented college students to serve as paid summer interns at the Audubon Center at Debs Park. This is our fifth summer of offering this program and we are excited about involving local students in our work in Northeast Los Angeles to connect kids with nature. Our summer day camp serves up to 140 campers, over four weeks. The campers are predominantly from Northeast and East LA communities.Over the years, we have had 14 interns (most were from communities located around the Debs Park). Our interns have come from education and science programs from diverse colleges from
across the country. Currently, we have two former interns on staff and others have gone on to pursue graduate studies at UCLA and the University of Michigan.
http://audubondebspark.org/
Book Reading Contest- for
2nd thru 5th Graders
If spending hours in front of the TV or computer is not what you (or your kid) have in mind for spring break, Heritage Square Museum is sponsoring a book reading contest for 2nd through 5th grade students. Participants are asked to read three books about California or Los Angeles history from the years 1850-1950 and write a review of each to win. The contest will run until the end of the school year. For contest information and materials, please visit www.agoldenvision.org and look under the "I've Got to Learn More" section. You can also call Jessica Rivas, at (323) 225-2700.Center for the Arts a Problem?
Dear Editor,I have lived in the Eagle Rock area since 1950 and have seen it go through some good times and some decline. I was pleased when they started revitalization projects and welcomed new business's to the area. I live on Rockland Ave a short distance from the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts. My experiences with the center have been less than positive.
I have heard complaints about the parking problems with business's along Colorado Blvd and spilling into the residential side streets. The Center for the Arts is our problem. I have had to ask people attending the numerous functions at the Center not to block our drive way. They also park in the red zones sometime blocking fire hydrants. This is a minor problem compared what happens some nights.
The Center rents out the building for wedding receptions, celebrations, and other functions, some of which are suspicious at best. Last Friday night they had an event that catered to a younger crowd. In the morning I went to get my newspaper and found beer bottles, cans and trash on my lawn and in the street. I also noticed where people had urinated in the street and on the sidewalk. It took me 30 minutes to clean up the trash.
Other nights I have observed illegal drug use and loud boisterous activity. I'm trying to be a good neighbor to the Center, but I think they need to do more to be a good neighbor to us the residents.
-Hal Collier, Eagle Rock
CD14 Election
Huizar Wins,
by how much?
How did the local
communities vote?
by Tom Topping
"What Happened?" must have been what Rudy Martinez
was thinking earlier this month, when Los Angeles Council District 14
voters handed him a stinging March 8 defeat in his bid for L.A. City
Council. The "Flip this House" reality star was bested by incumbent
Jose Huizar by an embarrassing margin of nearly 2 to 1. He had been
heard saying, "I got this," just days before the election, as his call
center, humming late into the night, seemed to tally up the votes he
needed for victory.
However, the only tally that mattered was on
election night, and that told a different story.
Those that know the candidates and those that know
the district will have their own ideas about why folks voted the way
they did, and the results don't show that, but they do show where folks
voted the way they did.
I compiled this analysis by breaking down the
official results, which identified vote counts precinct by precinct,
and then cross referenced that data with the CD14 precinct map that I
had to buy from the L.A. City Clerk ($5). I grouped the precincts into
each community and then transferred it to a spread-sheet (accounting
program on my computer) where I could manipulate it, add it up and
figure out all the percentages.
The consolidated precincts within CD14 are sometimes
split between communities. For instance, while 14 consolidated voting
precincts are definitely in Eagle Rock, 4 straddle the border between
Eagle Rock and Highland Park and one straddles the Eagle Rock and
Glassell Park border.
Here is the breakdown by community (number of folks
who actually voted in all the CD14 communities):
Eagle Rock (ER) 4169
Highland Park (HP) 1662
ER/HP 857
Glassell Park (GP) 461
ER/GP 187
Mount Washington (MW) 1061
GP/MW 710
Hermon 803
El Sereno 3459
Boyle Heights 4652
Downtown 556
First of all, CD 14 voters should be proud to know
that overall, their voting turnout was quite a bit higher than the
average for the City of Los Angeles, 20.00% compared to about 14%
citywide.
The turnout did, however, vary community to
community within the 14th Council District. Eagle Rock and Mount
Washington showed the highest turnout, both coming in at about 26%, and
downtown L.A. turned out the lowest at 12%.
In the combined Northeast L.A. communities, 9210
voters cast a vote for one of the council candidates. It was the
majority of voters in the district at 53.4%.
In the El Sereno, Boyle Heights and Downtown areas
of CD14, 8019 voted for one of the candidates, or just 46.6% of the
voters who voted.
It was a surprise to me that the majority of votes
in the 14th district come from Northeast L.A. This is despite the fact
that there are less registered voters in all the Northeast L.A.
precincts. The reason for this is turnout. The turnout for the combined
CD14 communities in Northeast L.A. was 23%, compared to the turnout for
the rest of the CD14 which was just 17%.
So who voted for who?
Of the 78 consolidated CD14 precincts, all but three
were won by Jose Huizar. The three precincts that Rudy Martinez won
were in Eagle Rock. These were 9000760A, 9006335B and 9006337A. All
three of the precincts Martinez won were north of Colorado Boulevard.
(Interestingly, this area also voted for James Hahn for Mayor in 2005-
it is the most republican, conservative, "red state" area of CD14).
Rudy Martinez got 55% of the vote in these areas.
Overall though, Eagle Rock and Glassell Park had the
highest support of any community for Martinez, delivering to him just
about 48% of the votes cast in these areas. However, the further east
and south you went, the fewer and fewer votes he got.
In Highland Park, Mount Washington and Hermon
combined, Martinez only received about 40% of the vote.
Jose Huizar got 55% of the vote in all of Northeast
L.A. However, in El Sereno, Boyle Heights and Downtown L.A., it wasn't
just a landslide for Huizar; it was more like a slaughter. 73% of the
votes cast in these areas went to Huizar. They accounted for 53% of the
total votes he received.
To sum it up:
CD14 had a high turnout of 20%, with Northeast L.A.
having 23%, and of that area, Eagle Rock and Mount Washington had the
highest turnout at 26%.
Jose Huizar cruised to victory winning every
community in Northeast L.A. The Northeast parts of the district, while
having more voters who actually turned out to vote, were overshadowed
by the sheer numbers of Huizar voters in the southern parts of the
district.
Eagle Rock and Glassell Park were about evenly split
between the two candidates, with the rest of the Northeast going for
Huizar by a 20% margin.
Huizar won the El Sereno, Boyle Heights and Downtown
L.A. parts of his district by a whopping 45% margin. In those
precincts, it was like they had never even heard of Rudy Martinez. They
voted against him 3 to 1.
Like it or not, it is arguable to say that the city
representative for the communities of Northeast L.A. is mostly
determined by voters in East Los Angeles.
Boulevard
of Shame?
To my Eagle Rock neighbors,
I would imagine most of us in Eagle Rock have read
the recent article in the L.A. Times about the dramatic proliferation
of suspicious massage parlors that have popped up along Eagle Rock
Boulevard. The Times estimated about 20 in the general area.
Sadly, the number of establishments rises to about
50+, when Colorado Boulevard and adjacent side streets are added in. So
either the citizens of our community suffer from an uncounted number of
sore backs and limbs, or outsiders are coming to our charming community
to get a $60 "happy ending."
Unfortunately, the political leadership in our close
knit community lacks the will to exclude shady businesses from our
streets. The steady decline along our byways began with an abundance of
Marijuana Bars (euphemistically called Medical Marijuana Dispensaries),
and now the "table shower, 4 hands, erotic massage, nude masseuse"
industry has staked its claim to our town.
We who live in Eagle Rock must decide how to rid the
area of businesses that bring crime, unsafe conditions for our
children, and a significant decline in real estate values. There is not
any credible evidence that the politicians that "serve" us will take
real steps to rid the area of the most recent outside intruders into
Eagle Rock. We endure politicians who value verbal puffery over real
action.
It is well documented that the "Happy Ending
Massage" business begets criminal acts, and places undocumented parlor
women into a state of economic slavery. One would think that this would
be enough to get our city council member to take up the gauntlet and
lead the way in ridding our hometown of sleazy massage dens. Our
council member should be arranging community meetings to galvanize his
constituents into a force to be reckoned with in bringing a halt to the
decline of Eagle Rock into a red (massage) and green (marijuana) light
district. I submit it is no accident that the massage purveyors saw
this area as an easy mark because our political leadership lacked the
will to prevent a huge number of Marijuana Bars to put down roots in
our hometown. Yes, I acknowledge some action is being taken regarding
Marijuana Bars, but suggest in many ways it is too little too late.
Where do we go from here? As our community has
proved to be true in the past, it is we citizens who must clean up this
mess because our political leadership is too paralyzed to do so.
My proposal is that we readers--with the help of our
beloved local paper--organize a community meeting to debate the current
sad state of affairs, and to collectively decide on a course of action
that will keep our streets safe, protect our children, and rid the area
of business owners who runs operations that are about sex, not massage.
Either the Eagle Rock community joins in one voice
to clean up the area, or our town while slide ever downward into the
abyss of crime and filth.
The choice is ours: fight to protect our town, or
let the passive politicians surrender it to prurient interests one
building at a time.
Respectfully, Bill Heath
35 year citizen of Eagle Rock
Portantino Raising Funds for Dreier's Congress Seat
Dear Editor,
The first quarter filing deadline is just days away.
I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for
my burgeoning campaign for Congress. I need your help before the March
31st reporting deadline. We are $10,500 short of our goal! If everyone
who reads this contributes just $25, we will succeed.
The next 48 hours are crucial to achieving this key
milestone. I need your help and generosity. There have been exciting
developments to my campaign for Congress that I want to share with you.
I have garnered the endorsements of Congressmembers Steve Israel,
Xavier Becerra, John Garamendi, Adam Schiff and Anna Eshoo. This early
show of support is a key indication of the confidence in our potential
to turn the 26th Congressional District held by incumbent David Dreier
from red to blue.
Hundreds of
grassroots supporters like you have joined local and state elected
officials in supporting our effort. The road will be difficult and
expensive, but with your help we can win this critical fight. Can you
help us build on this momentum by donating online today? $25, $50, or
$100 will mean success for our effort. Respectfully, Anthony Portantino
Taxpayer Lawsuit Against Community
College District To Proceed
by Miki Jackson and
Laura Gutierrez, Van de Kamps Coalition
The lawsuit, filed against the LACCD, its Board of Trustees and the City of Los Angeles challenges the lease of the bond financed campus at the historic Van de Kamps Bakery Building to the City of Los Angeles and the depositing of rent money that should be paying back taxpayer bonds into the District's general fund.
Filed on behalf of four taxpayers in the Northeast area of Los Angeles, the lawsuit may proceed to seek to overturn the controversial lease of the newly re-constructed community college building to the City of Los Angeles for non-community college purposes, and the current practice of depositing rental earnings into the District's general operating fund, instead of reimbursing the bond fund that paid for reconstruction of the building.The Campus is located in the Glassell Park and Atwater Village area of Northeast Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant heard oral arguments for almost 30 minutes before ruling that the lawsuit, may proceed. He dismissed some other taxpayer claims, but attorneys for the taxpayers explained it would not curtail the ability of the plaintiff taxpayers to obtain full relief.
"Our lawsuit first and foremost seeks to invalidate the Board of Trustee's effort to hand off a brand new $72 million dollar community college campus built with bonds, to a bunch of unemployment programs funded by the Mayor's office that have no business being inside our community college building," said lead plaintiff Miki Jackson.After the Los Angeles Times investigative series recently revealed massive waste of bond funds in the LACCD's construction program, the ruling by the court is the first volley by angry taxpayers, and advances the idea that the Board of Trustees must be held accountable for misconduct in use of bonds and ordering the changes to the Van de Kamps site to begin with.
The campus was intended to be a satellite of Los Angeles City College. The District took it over in 2009. The Board, then Chancellor Marshall Drummond and recently fired LACCD Facilities Director Larry Eisenberg misspent millions in bond funds to illegally convert the campus into, as LACCD emails described it, "a tenant based facility". They ditched expensive architectural plans for classrooms and spent lavishly on custom redesigning and building offices and conference rooms to order for their intended tenants. Documents obtained from the District show that they even spent bond funds to buy equipment, such as computers, copy machines and furniture for the Mayor's tenants, a clear abuse of Community College bond funds.
"It's bad enough they wasted and abused so much of our bond money to put the Mayor's pet projects in there, but now they are spending a fortune on these outside lawyers to defend something that seems indefensible. They have a bunch of lawyers on the payroll in their fancy, downtown newly remodeled offices, but they just keep forking over bond money to these outside contractors. It never ends." said Van de Kamps Coalition member Laura Gutierrez.
Looking Back
by Joe Walker
90 years ago-1921
The City of Eagle Rock issued water bonds to improve the local water system on April 6, 1921. Offering attractive interest rates of 6% per year, the $2 million total bond would pay dividends until 1961.
For a small sum of only $2.00, the offices of Pottgeiser & Pottgeiser at 6170 York Blvd., Garvanza, offered treatments for Asthma, Rheumatism, Lumbago, and other ailments. Their large ad read "I have a cure for you!"
80 years ago this month-1931
On April 1, 1931, Fayette D. Marble of South Pasadena filed and request for probation in her recent conviction for manslaughter in the deaths of three Highland Park residents. On December 17, 1930, he was zooming down what was then Pasadena Avenue, now North Figueroa Street, and Ave. 53 when his car struck and killed Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cooper of 224 N. Ave. 54 and Mrs Ermena Johnson of 338 1/2 N Ave. 57. Marble retained famed Los Angeles defense lawyer Jerry Geisler for her case. He was convicted and sentenced to 1 to 10 years in San Quentin. Marble, the son of what was called, a "prominent Pasadena family", later was able to use his political connections as he was soon pardoned by California Governor James Rolph before he could serve his sentence.
A friendly neighborhood poker party turned less than friendly on the night of April 2, 1931, at 5038 Meridian Street, Highland Park, when, in "wild west fashion", a masked bandit forced his way into the game, brandished a handgun, and robbed the four players of more than $100. George Anderson, who lived at the residence, lost the most that evening when $60 was taken from him.
60 years ago this month-1951
In the April, 1951 city council election, the L.A. Times wholeheartedly endorsed the re-election of Councilman John Holland. IN language that resembled a campaign flyer, they wrote that he has "earned the respect of his colleagues and others well informed on city affairs for his conservative and careful handling of city revenue. He is an opponent of reckless spending and high taxes. He puts in long hours at his office and is one of the most conscientious legislators in the council"
The Children's Hospital Thrift Shop had a grand opening at 2530 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock, on April 20, 1951. Roughly where the Sizzler Restaurant was, it was called a "Salvage Shop" and raised money for the main Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.
Major case law was made in April, 1951, when a lawsuit filed by Patricia Anne and Reianne McCallum of South Pasadena who were hit in a crosswalk at Ave. 64 and Crescent St., Highland Park. It occurred on Halloween night, 1949, when at 5:35 PM, the girls were hit by a car driven by Paul Howe. Howe said the girls were not in the crosswalk, and the girl's lawyer said they were. The case wound its way through the courts for several years, and lawyers can still cite "McCallum V Howe" as a case that references pedestrian negligence as a cause to dismiss personal injury cases.
Marshall Hitchcock, 37, of 3727 Randolph Ave., El Sereno, had a terrible evening on March 31, 1951. So intoxicated that a motor officer pulled him over on the Arroyo Seco Freeway at 3:00 AM, Hitchcock saw the arresting officers bringing a mobile "intoximeter" to test his sobriety and he decided to take his chances. His scaled the 6-foot wire fence next to the freeway pull over area, dropped 40 feet into the riverbed, and ran three miles through the wash and city streets to his home. Officers were waiting for him and arrested him for suspicion of drunk driving.
Tragedy hit the Ogilvie family of 2107 Las Colinas, Eagle Rock, on April 17, 1951. William Ogilvie heard a car running in the rear garage of his property and raced to find his wife Gladys had left the car running and ran a length of hose to the window. The auto exhaust had killed her. In her suicide note, she wrote, "Darling Bill: I have to do this. It is the only way. I trust it will clear your path for future happiness. I am truly sorry for all the heartbreak"
35 years ago-1976
Violence destroyed the quiet serenity of the area near Ave. 49 and Stratford Road when Carlos de la Torre, 30, showed up at his former in-laws home at 4952 Stratford Rd., Highland Park. Pardo pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot his wife, Maria, her boyfriend, Jerome Steinhauer, 27, and her parents, Angel Pardo, 64, and Olga Pardo, 57. After killing his wife and her parents, and wounding the boyfriend, he turned the gun on himself.
30 years ago-1981
Incumbent Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson was forced into a runoff against challenger Michael Woo, a former aide to State Senator David A. Roberti. Woo lost the 1981 race, but later won the seat in 1985.
Questions or comments? Joe_Walker_2000@yahoo.com
Quick, Get into that Easter Spirit!
by Jim HughesWith chocolate bunnies peeking out from store shelves, and baskets and plastic grass aplenty, it can only mean one thing. Easter, the yearly holiday that has no firm date, is fast approaching. Sure, if you're like most Northeast L.A. residents, you've been to the Bunny Museum in Pasadena, journeyed down to Olvera St. to witness the Blessing of the Animals, and perhaps think this may be the year to get up extremely early and join a few thousand new friends at the Hollywood Bowl for a sunrise service.
Hold on a second…wait! You don't have to go that far to have fun. Quick, grab your Easter bonnet and head down the bunny trail for these fun local (and nearby local) activities that celebrate the coming of spring.
Topping my holiday list is getting a photo with a large, furry bunny. While the Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance for sit down photos at the Americana at Brand and several other area malls, the Eagle Rock Plaza offers photos without the sit-down fees. On April 16, 17 and 23 (from 2-4 p.m.) the Bunny will be walking around Eagle Rock Plaza and stopping to have photos with kids. Photos are free and helpers will happily email pictures to parents.
Sharpen up your searching skills on April 16 with two great hunts to fill your day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Eagle Rock Recreation Center will host their free Easter egg hunt that also features face painting, jumpers and a coloring contest. Egg hunts are staggered by age, with 2-4 year old kids hunting at 10:30 a.m., 5-7 years at 11 a.m., 8-10 years at 11:30 a.m., 11-13 at noon, and everyone else at 12:30 p.m. Over at the Eagle Rock Plaza, Girl Scout Troop 216 will be hosting a free Easter scavenger hunt for kids ages 5-12 between 2 and 4 p.m.
On Easter day itself, the Eagle Rock Recreation Center will be home to a free egg hunt following the Hope Fellowship Church's 10 a.m. service. Face painting, bounce houses, and other activities are planned near the outdoor stage. More information can be found at www.hopefellowshipla.com.
A quick trip to the Rose Bowl can bring more fun and treasure. Kidspace Museum has promised to hide hundreds of candy-filled eggs in their Garden, holding three egg hunts for kids grouped by age. Children under four years old will hunt at 11 a.m., kids between 5 and 10 years old will start at 12:30 p.m. and the 2 p.m. egg hunt is open to all. Family craft projects are also available. Egg hunts are $4 per child participant plus regular museum admission, and a basket to hold the eggs is included for each hunter. Since spots are limited, Kidspace is asking that you register online at www.kidspacemuseum.org.
While you're in the Rose Bowl area, how about stopping in at the St. Sophia Greek Easter Picnic? The family event, held at Brookside Park from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 24 offers Greek food, drinks and desserts, live Greek music/dancing and plenty of activities for kids (including an egg hunt). Entry fee is $10 at the door, $3 for kids 6 through12, and children 5 and under are free. More information is at www.stsophia.org.
If you're hungry for a full meal in a slightly more formal setting – and some egg hunting on the side – journey up to Descanso Gardens in La Canada (www.descansogardens.org) for a buffet brunch and egg hunt on both Saturday April 23 and Easter Sunday. Little brunchers who have attended one of the meal seatings can join in the egg hunt. Three seatings are available each day: 10 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Call (818) 790-3663 for more information or reservations.
ER Centennial Easter Sunrise Service at the Rock
The Churches Assisting Neighbors (CAN) will be holding an Easter Sunrise Service at the Rock on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 6:00 a.m. Historically, Easter Sunrise Services were held each spring, drawing thousands of worshippers who gathered around the Eagle Rock.The Eagle Rock Covenant Church will be spearheading the celebration, together with a number of local churches which form CAN, including Iglesia Del Pacto, Church of the Nazarene, St. Dominic's Catholic Church, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church, Christian Assembly, 7th Day Adventist Church and the Eagle Rock Baptist Church. A combined worship team and choir will lend their angelic voices to make the service even more meaningful. Interested singers and musicians can contact Margrit Beltran for more information.
The Easter Sunrise Service is part of the Centennial Celebration of Eagle Rock and everyone is encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the service. The park is located below the Eagle Rock at North Figueroa and the 134 Freeway. For more information, please contact: Ruby de Vera (323) 258-0776 or Margrit Beltran (626) 379-9387 or go to www.ercovchurch.org/easter-sunrise.
CAN is a network of Christian churches that mobilizes individuals in congregations to meet the needs of disenfranchised people in the Eagle Rock area. The CAN network exists to facilitatefellowship, communication, and the sharing ofresources and referrals between pastors, lay leaders and community members.
Shopping Local at Farmers' Markets
by Brenda ReesA few years back, my husband Jim and I decided that we would forgo the big chain stores and restaurants and go as local as possible with our hard-earned dollars. "Let's help the little guy and gal," was our thinking as we passed up the well-known names and opted instead for the offbeat and unique.
We thought that maybe the biggest challenge in buying locally was stocking our kitchen, but with an abundance of farmers markets in our Greater Eagle Rock neighborhood, we constantly find food that's fresh and healthy.
Through the years, we have discovered the kinds of food we can expect at our local famer's markets, so that if, for example, I run out of carrots on Monday, I know exactly where I can pick up a bunch or two…and NOT at a big chain grocery store.
Here's a rundown of nearby farmers markets and the biggest draws (and draw-backs) at each of them. You can find out more about markets by going online to www.farmnet.com.
Tuesdays:
Villa Park, Pasadena 8:30 a.m. – 1p.m. Taking place on a residential street near a park, this market is small with easy parking. A plant vendor is usually here as well as fresh-cut flowers among booths featuring strawberries, avocados and homemade Mexican food. Gless Ranch oranges – a 5- pound bag for $2.50 – is a great bargain.
Tuesdays:
Highland Park 4- 8 p.m. Here's another smallish market that has consistently good seasonal fruit and veggie selections. One night I discovered nuts, candied apples and blueberries!
Thursdays:
South Pasadena, 4-8 p.m. Don't come to this market hungry, because you will be tempted by a wide-assortment of prepared hot food items! It's impossible to pass them by without sampling. I come here for lettuces and other leafy greens and when in season, the superb tomatoes. The fresh local fish gets two thumbs up! Who can resist a big old Portobello from the LA Fungi's? Since parking can be tricky, I usually come early.
Fridays:
Eagle Rock 4-8 p.m. We all love our own market which is part shopping, part socializing and part entertainment. What other market has a singing Elvis? Seasonal fruit is always here, from apples to pears to peaches, and new vendor the South Central Farmers is showing off wonderful greens, kales, and broccolis. They promise to have Brussels sprouts soon…but not soon enough for me!
Saturdays:
Victory Park/Pasadena High School, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. I usually bring my wheeled cart to this market since it's so big. Parking can be maddening, despite the ample playground and school parking lots. First stop is usually the fish lady who stocks yummy halibut, salmon and other seasonal sea fare. Nearby, a vendor sells cauliflower in shades of purple, yellow and green alongside boring old white. Potato Man has every kind of spud; likewise for Carrot Guy. I love talking with the plant vendor who sold me our blueberry and raspberry plants. There's always a line at Mike and Sons eggs – and $4.50 for a flat is a fine price.
Sundays:
Atwater Village 10 a.m. -2 p.m. This is a new market for me, and I plan to return when I can! Held in a bank parking lot, this market has familiar vendors and new faces, including a fellow who sells locally-raised chickens that are big, delicious and affordable.
Elsewhere on Sundays are the famed Hollywood Farmers Market (8 am. – 1 p.m.) where you can always find amazing produce, cheese, butter, meat, fish, milk and a street lined with prepared ethnic foods. People-watching and music adds to the early morning entertainment: jazz trios, bluegrass bands, an older enthusiastic Asian man on a guitar. Gardeners can choose from about five plant vendors including the folks from the Theodore Payne Wildflower Association. As expected, parking is a big drag, and there's always paid parking lots, but I'd rather save my cash for the market.
All in all, a trip to our many farmers' markets is more than just a walk down the aisle at a big chain grocery store. They are memories in the making! Tell us where you shop for at your farmers' market… we'd love to know!
An aside: While we try our best to eschew big chain grocery stores, there is one store that we enjoy patronizing because they 'fit the bill' as little and local – Figueroa Produce offers cart-fulls of good produce, baked and canned goods along with organic meat. They get and deserve our business!
Dear Eagle Rock Groups, Friends, ERCPR Board, and all other folks who care!:
"A Day of Community Clean-Up"The Council Office of Jose Huizar, and community members & groups are planning "A Day of Community Clean-Up" on Sat. April 9th, 2011, to spruce up our community. Time is 9am to 12pm, meeting at ER City Hall.
At the encouragement of
Field Deputy Liberty Mesa, I've been meeting with two eager young folks, Sarah Lieving and Trevor Jones, who out of their generosity, have been leading clean-ups in Eagle Rock on various weekends. In effort to help them in this task, the Council Office has initiated a "whole community clean-up day." We used to do this, in times past, to spruce up our town, and clean-up eye-sores in the neighborhood. The Council Office is providing trash bins, the huge dumpster, different tools, bags, to aid in this clean-up. Local businesses are providing snacks and water, to get the day started. Bring your own gloves and clippers, if you are thinking of cleaning certain landscape areas.
These efforts have helped alot in the past, so come join your neighbors and help.....and pass along the flyer attached to this email. If you have any areas you feel need definite clean-up or are "eye sore spots", please let the Council Office know.
Thank you for any help you can give, your neighbor & fellow "Eagle Rockian",
Linda Johnstone Allen -
President, ERCPR
Great Opportunity for Local Organizations!
Resource Fair at Finish of Peace in the Northeast March
by Stan MooreThe 4th Annual Peace in the Northeast March, which is focused against family and gang violence, will have Resource Fair at the end of the March at Nightingale Middle School on May 14. The March will begin approximately at 10:45 a.m. at Glassell Park Senior Center and end by noon. The Fair is seeking 50 to 60 local organizations which desire to publicize the resources they have to offer to the Northeast Los Angeles communities.
There is no charge for a table and chair at Nightingale School. The tables and chairs are being provided by Ed Reyes, councilperson, CD1, Eric Garcetti, councilperson, CD 13 and Jose Huizar, councilperson, CD14. Some canopies are being provided by the Mayor. The Fair will begin about noon and end by 3:30 p.m. During those hours there will be free food, music and entertainment on stage and competitive events to attract marchers to stay and visit the "booths." Set up time at Nightingale should be completed by 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. at the latest.
Organizations wishing to participate can call Ben Castro at (323) 258-7878, or Heinrich Keifer at (323) 385-4935, or Stan Moore at (323) 256-1024 as soon as possible to ensure getting a table and chair. Late organizations may have to share a table with another organization.