by Tom Topping
Jackson Browne is the only name you heard all last month as local anticipation for the Lummis Day headline performer grew and grew. No one believed it at first, they thought it must have been a mistake.
"A Jackson Browne concert- for free?" the incredulous chimed.
But perform he and his band did; and what a perfect way to end the third annual Lummis Day, "The festival of Northeast Los Angeles."
For those that don't know, Jackson Browne, who lived in Highland Park, is a songwriter and performer that made it big in the 70's and still has a huge following today. Many of his hit songs, like the Pretender, Runnin' on Empty, Red Neck Friend, Doctor My Eyes and The Load-out (roadie song) wove a loving texture of background music for an entire generation. Some who grew up here told stories of bringing ice chests to the edge of Figueroa Street across from the Arroyo Library, where they would sit and listen for hours as Jackson Browne, his brother Severin and a band of musicians and would practice for hours.
As influential and enduring as his music is Browne's legacy as an advocate for social and environmental justice. In 2002, he was the fourth recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works exemplify the environmental and social values that were essential to the great California-born author. In 2004, Jackson was named an honorary Doctorate of Music by Occidental College in Los Angeles, for "a remarkable musical career that has successfully combined an intensely personal artistry with a broader vision of social justice." In 2007, he received the Chapin-World Hunger Year Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award.
But at Lummis Day in Highland Park, an entire day of performers ranging from the cute to cultural and the over-amped to the over-vamped. There really was something for everyone. The early morning poetry, the march of the giant puppets, and art and photo exhibitions at the Casa de Adobe and Southwest Museum combined with a full day of performers and a full row of food vendors all added together for a day some described afterwards as being a "local" holiday.
The event, put together by an entire year of planning, was jeopardized at the last minute by the fire at Universal Studios, which tied lead organizer Eliot Sekular to his duties there as Universal Studios lead PR man.
Fortunately, if there was any impact from his not being there, no one could tell the difference, and all the activities, performances, vendors and accommodations went off without a hitch. Local restaurants were well represented, and the weather cooperated completely. You had sun if you got cold, and lots of shade fanned by a cool breeze if you got hot. The Mariachi Divas deserve a special mention, now a Los Angeles icon, who sounded great and looked terrific.

VOICE IN THE EAGLE ROCK WILDERNESS
BICYCLING TO WORK

For Health and the Environment.
Franklin High School teacher Richard Redman bicycles 6000 miles a year
by Christopher Nyerges
Franklin High School teacher Richard Redman is glad that riding his bicycle to work is good for the environment. But he really does it because he enjoys it and it makes him feel good.
"Yes, it's wonderful to do something that's good for the environment. I like that. But I also feel good, and I sleep well, and I have lots of energy."
Since the summer of 2000, Redman bicycles 11 miles to work and back, a total of about 22 miles a day. He bicycles five days a week when he is teaching at Franklin High School in Highland Park, and he does that 34 weeks out of the year. Outside of going to school and coming home, he also rides about 20 to 30 extra miles each week.
Environmental activist and actor Ed Begley Jr. states that one of the single best things you can do to help the environment is to get out of the car at least one day a week, and either walk, bicycle, or take the bus. Clearly, Richard Redman – who turned 70 in early 2008 -- is doing his share and more.
But I wondered about the practicality of bicycling to one's job every day. It might not be easy or practical for everyone.
Previous to 2000, Redman had been teaching at Los Angeles 

High School which is located about four miles west of downtown L.A. on Olympic Blvd., and about 20 miles from his home. "I was teaching at L.A. High for a total of 8 years, and I found that each year it took another one to two minutes to get there driving. I could see the traffic getting worse, and it really upset my psyche. A colleague told me about an opening for a biology teacher at Franklin High School, which was close enough to my home for me to bicycle. I applied for that position, and got it."
In other words, Redman was open to working closer to home, and he remained open to possibilities that would enable him to live the life that would be more conducive to his health-awareness.
He began riding his Cannondale road bike to school and back, never using a bike rack, but carrying whatever gear he needs in his backpack.
"I never cared much for a bike rack," he explains, "and if I ever needed to carry a heavy load to school, I simply drove my car."
Fortunately, he has a locker at his school where he keeps a change of clothes for his teaching day.
Also, his bicycle route is largely downhill to his school, so he doesn't get sweaty before he gets to school. It takes him about 40 minutes to arrive at his school, through a course he planned which takes him through scenic areas in all but a mile and a half stretch when he rides down busy York Blvd. He takes the reverse route home every day, with a slight uphill grade, taking about 60 minutes to get home.
He wears a helmet, and bright yellow bicycling outfit for safety. Still, he was hit once by an automobile, and knocked off his bike. Though the motorist who hit Redman quickly drove off, other motorists stopped and helped Redman, whose bruises were minor.
He has not experienced any serious problems with dogs, since he can outride them. Perhaps the biggest challenge is heavy rain, and during these periods Redman drives his car to work.
Redman is the only teacher at his school who rides his bicycle, and he estimates that there are only five to 10 students who bicycle. While the students nearly all live nearby, Redman believes that part of the reason more students don't bicycle is fear of vandalism or theft of their bikes, even though the school has a special enclosure for bicycles.
What do the students think of Redman's bicycling?
"Sometimes they ask me if I have a car, and I tell them yes," says Redman. "So next the student will ask me why I don't drive the car, and I tell them that it's more fun to ride a bike. They don't laugh at me, and I think some of them just think I'm stupid – in other words, in the mind of a high school student, why would you ride a bike when you could drive a car," laughs Redman.
"Some students do say that I'm weird or crazy."
What do Redman's fellow teachers think?
"I have gotten differing reactions," he says. "Some say they feel guilty for not bicycling. Some say they are envious. Others have told me that they feel that they should be bicycling too. Sometimes, people have told me that they admire me for bicycling. So I ask them, 'So what is stopping you from doing it too,' and usually they say nothing."
Redman is one of the new pioneers in the silent revolution of living lightly on the earth, of being a part of the solution to our global ills. He has proven that all one needs to do is to make a commitment, and then to go ahead and find the ways to live the life we want.
[Nyerges is a manager of the Tuesday Highland Park farmers market, the editor of Wilderness Way magazine, the author of "How to Survive Anywhere" and other books. He can be reached at www.self-reliance.net, www.ChristopherNyerges.com; or Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041]

Eagle Rock Resident Reaches 101-
Still Lives Independently!

Venita Picinich

by Tom Topping

Venita Picinich turns 101 years old on Friday, June 6, and you'd never know it to meet her. Still living independently in her Eagle Rock home, she may use a walker to get around, but her mind is sharper than some 1/2 her age.
Born in 1907, she was alive to experience the Great War (WWI), the current conflict in Iraq and everything in between.
She came to California with her family from Oklahoma dust bowl during the depression year 1936. "There was no work," she said. They made it to California and she went to work at a meat processing plant. Soon, she met her husband and was married in 1939. Her husband Louis was a Los Angeles fireman and worked out of Station 42 right here in Eagle Rock. During the World War II, gas was hard to come by, so they moved into their Eagle Rock home in 1941 to be closer to his work.
They never had any children, but raised a niece as her own, who had two daughters that still keep in touch.
He retired in 1960, and they spent their last 24 years together square dancing, ballroom dancing and traveling in California.
Their travels often consisted of attending square dancing conventions, but they would also tow their travel trailer to some of the beautiful California outdoor locations like Yosemite, and Lake Isabella. Venita said that of all the places she traveled to, she still liked Los Angeles the best.
She misses the old days when she could get up in the middle of the night and go for a walk right down Colorado Boulevard, and never worry for her own safety or leaving her doors unlocked. She doesn't like the direction Eagle Rock is going now, especially with all the "lofts" being built. "It's gonna get too congested," she said.
She credits her longevity from coming from a "quite happy loving family, a loving husband and good friends." But all that square dancing must have helped, too.
Last year, she celebrated her 100th with "two big blowouts" as she put it.
But this year, just a celebration with her friends at the Eagle Vista Seniors club, and a dinner or two out will do it for her.
When asked what she thought of all the modern things she's seen come along in her years, she replied, "I didn't think computers would get anywhere," but added, "If my husband had been alive, I'm sure he would have had one, we were the first on out block to have a TV, and the first to get a microwave oven, too!"

State Enterprise Zone Now in Northeast L.A.

by Tom Topping
Great news was announced last month for small businesses in Northeast L.A., and the news was all about the 'zone'. A State Enterprise Zone to be exact. Being in the zone carries with it an abundance of goodies in the form of benefits, incentives, deductions, tax credits and business assistance.
At business assistance forum organized by Councilman Huizar's office and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, state, city, and local representatives of the various economic, enterprise and assistance programs appeared to explain what benefits and incentives are available.
Enterprise zones are not new. The "Eastside" zone has been in effect for same time, but the borders were recently redrawn to include all of Highland Park, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Mt. Washington and most of Eagle Rock. (All the commercial streets are included) This went into effect in February of this year, and is something Councilman Huizar boasts of as one of his accomplishments.
The City of Los Angeles has three State Enterprise Zones as well as a Federal Empowerment Zone and a Renewal Community designation. Within these areas, businesses can take advantage of State and/or Federal tax credits and deductions not available to businesses elsewhere. The goal of the incentives is to stimulate business attraction, growth, and increased employment opportunities within economically challenged areas of the City.
Enterprise Zones assist businesses located in the zones to lower their operating costs by providing them with tax credits and deductions. The state offers incentives such as: hiring credits, sales & use tax credits, expense and interest deductions.
The City of Los Angeles offers local incentives such as, DWP rate discount, site fee waivers, sewer facility hookup payment plans, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and reduced parking rates.
These benefits are available to all businesses within the zone.
If your business... needs a loan to buy land, a building or equipment, you can fund those purchases with tax-free bonds possibly saving 20 to 30% on your interest rate.
If your business... hires a qualified employee (qualified by living in the area, being economically disadvantaged etc.) you get a tax credit of up to $37,444 per employee per five year period. (not a deduction- a TAX CREDIT!)
If your business... is new or has recently increased its electricity usage by 35% in the last year, you can get a 25% discount over 5 years on your DWP electric bill.
If your business... is new to the area or expanding, you may qualify for a reduction in your parking requirements.
If your business... requires a new sewer hook-up costing more than $17,000, you can make payments instead of having to pay it all at once.
If you are looking to buy new equipment, hire new employees or relocate, chances are you will be able to make use of some or all of these incentives, deductions and tax credits. If you are currently in business, you may already qualify for some of these programs as well. There are many more programs available like, net operating loss carry-over, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, site plan review and fee waiver, sales tax credit on new equipment and accelerated depreciation deductions as well.
The first step is to tell your accountant that you now are in an enterprise zone. A manual is available to explain all the tax benefits and how to take advantage of them at: www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutftb/manuals/audit/edam/edamfront.shtml
You can also get information through the L.A. City website at www.lacity.org/cdd or by calling (213) 744-7111 or call Councilman Huizar's economic development deputy Jessica McClean at (213) 473-7014.
 

St. Dominic 8th Graders
to Graduate June 7

St. Dominic School will hold graduation Mass and Ceremony on Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 AM, with its 33 graduates being honored. The class of 2008 include: (front row from left) Teacher, Miss Craughwell, Katrina Dela Cruz, Charmaine Villacorte, Cassie Nufable, Rina Gutierrez, Danny Nogueira, Miguel Bautista, Carl Poldete, Josh Bautista, Justin Dominguez, Ronald Legaspi (middle row), Amanda Armas, Billee Gonzalez, Niki Balagao, Reyna Osuna, Justin Durano, Aliza Mariano, Viktor Gatdula, Jared Gonzalez, Franklin Barraza, J.P. Vergara, Brian Jitpatima, Diego Torres. Back row: Laura Lopez, Priscilla Hernandez, Samantha Veloz, Caitlynn Smith, Alejandra Aguilar, Christina Wong, Rocky Wuthrich, Jason Cruz, Christian, Regalado, A.J. Dizon, David Guerra

Highland Park Activist Fired by Hathaway-Sycamores
after She Supports Luther Burbank Middle School Parents-

Maggie Godoy, Highland Park activist and Neighborhood Council member, was fired from her job at Hathaway-Sycamores family resource center last month after she supported Luther Burbank Middle School parents who were protesting conditions at the school. In a heartfelt and emotional Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC) meeting, Ms. Godoy said, "I got fired from Hathaway because I tried to support the parents at Luther Burbank- and again, I'm not the victim and I don't want to be the victim- I got fired but it was for a good cause, it was for the kids of this community."
This, after weeks turmoil that has middle school kids fighting almost every day, a principal that had school police remove a parent from a meeting because she tried to speak out, the local press (me) being threatened with arrest and parents picketing the school on numerous occasions.
The problems at Luther Burbank are thought to arise from too many students, and not enough supervision. Recent events at this school that educates 7th through 9th graders, have the local civic groups on edge and dissatisfied with the response of the local principal and LAUSD District 4 officials.
Ron Palacio, staff member of School Board Member Yolie Flores-Aguilar was looking very stressed as he listened to yet another round of complaints of school officials that the community believe care more about silencing those who may complain than addressing the problems that are the cause of the complaintst. (like at Eagle Rock High)
Godoy extolled the parents at the council meeting to keep collecting petitions because, "That school is not opening their doors to the parents, and that's their right!"
Parent Carmen Sanchez said, "I know we are all together-- thank you Maggie, we are here today with you. We are not happy with Hathaway anymore- we don't want to go there anymore. We believed that we were working together- we never thought that this (Godoy's firing) was going to happen just because Maggie was working with us." Parent Gabriela Soliz said, "I am not going to take my child to Hathaway anymore."
"At Hathaway they're telling the children that Maggie didn't want to go back there anymore," said another parent.
Neighborhood Council member Stan Moore spoke in support of Ms. Godoy saying, "If we have to, we will carry signs, and we'll embarrass Hathaway so much they'll have to hire her back."
HHPNC President Dr. Richard Dyke said, "Absolutely outrageous, that any agency thinks it has the right to stop a person from exercising their civil rights under the constitution."
In a telephone interview, Ms. Godoy said the main problems at the school was violence that happens after school and at lunch time. Students are being pressured to join gangs. Children are being threatened in their classrooms and the school either refuses to or is incapable of responding.
She said that when the school was on a different "track" less students were there at the same time, and that with the present schedule, all the students have lunch and nutrition breaks at the same time, which adds to the problems. Also, she said the school should have more than one dean to take care of the 1600 students at the school. The dean who is there is considered ineffective, and she thought two new deans should be hired, and the break times staggered so that the younger children are separated from the older ones.
The next day, on Friday May 16th, I attended the parent meeting at the middle school. After District 4 director Ann Ware (sic) tried to tell me I couldn't take photos and couldn't attend the meeting that was for parents only, Chuck Flores from District 4 threatened to have the School police arrest me if I didn't leave. I told him to go get them and called his bluff. The principal droned on in a way that was nearly impossible for English speakers to understand, as most of the parents there had to listen to the interpreter through headphones.
The meeting then broke into committees to address concerns of discipline, supervision, safety, physical education, resources and health and nutrition. So far, nothing has been reported to have changed there yet. Some parents expressed that they thought school officials were simply delaying to get to the end of the school year, when the slate will be virtually wiped clean. Many parents said they would never let their children go to that school again.
Hathaway is legally barred from commenting on Ms. Godoy's dismissal as are all employers.

Cruisin’ with Mary

Hello again, Eagle Rock! I hope everyone had a safe Memorial Day and is finding a way to deal with these insane gas prices. The warmer weather brought a pretty good turn-out of hot rods for our May cruise-in. Thanks to all who participated in our raffles, and remember all our raffle proceeds go back into the community in November.
Congratulations to club member Louie DelaRosa, who recently won, not one, but two awards for his '37 Ford at different cruise-in events in Downey. Frisco's Drive In sponsors a cruise-in every Wednesday night, is well organized, and still has car-hops on roller skates! Louie was awarded a large trophy at that event, as well as a plaque at the Nordic Fox cruise in (one Saturday night per month). Way to cruise, Linda and Louie!

This is what I call "limo season," the time of year when limos are seen multiplying like rabbits due to the large numbers of proms, graduations, and weddings. Those of you who are familiar with this article know I have a thing for large, long, boatlike cars, preferably with fins, and that I love older limos, Rolls Royces, and Bentleys. Recently I saw a new limo at CVS that was extremely long. One of the astonishing features was the front doors, which opened up in the gull-wing style of Panteras or Lamborghinis. The passenger doors were just regular open-out doors and nothing special, but the front doors were very impressive. The car was a custom Chrysler and you can see how long it was based on the parking at CVS.
Here are a few fun car shows to note:

Sun. June 8 at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank sponsored by the Burbank Road Kings. This is a free (no entry fee) show under the trees with live music, trophies, and a pancake breakfast. Then on Sun, July 13, the Eagle Rockin' Rodders will again host the car show at Concerts in the Park, at Eagle Vista Park. Hot rods need to be parked by 4:00 for the free car show and concert at 6 p.m. Bring a picnic, blanket, and the whole family for hot rods, rock n' roll, and lots of fun! Last but not least is the Brand Blvd. Cruise Night on Sat. July 19 in Glendale. This is a fun, but INTENSE car show with well over 20,000 people passing through during a 5-hour period. Hot rods need to be pre-registered. This year should be particularly lively since visitors will also want to visit the recently opened Americana Mall. Come early and stay late as parking will be at a premium.
Thanks for reading, and don't forget to visit the Eagle Rockin' Rodders MySpace. Now, someone stick a fork in me, cause I am done! Til next time, keep cruisin’!
(Author Mary Garson resides here in good old Eagle Rock & is an ERHS alumni.)

Eagle Rock High Officials Close Ranks- Put on a Show for Cortines
A meeting at Eagle Rock High moderated by assistant LAUSD superintendent Ray Cortines, organized so he could hear charges of nepotism and retaliation by school officials, was attempted to be twisted into a rally supporting Janet and Drew Lord, the subjects of the nepotism charges. Teacher after teacher and a few former students spoke about how wonderful the Lords were for the High School. They were present but did not get up and say anything. (Later the majority of supporters were identified as coordinators who are beholden to Principal Velasco and Janet Lord for their jobs)
Others, however, were not so love struck.
Teacher Stephen Early, who is also the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council President, said "I think I can say that we all agreed that some form of reconciliation between the administration and the teacher/coaches would best serve Eagle Rock." He went on to suggest that interference by the principal in the athletic program led to the boycott of the coaches, and the perception of the principal that he was being disrespected combined to create the present impasse.
Lucia Rivera said, "I would like to see mediation, we are adults and we are supposed to be setting the example- we are not setting a good example." She went on to inform Cortines of the way the students were treated when they peacefully demonstrated for what they believed in, and were not allowed to have any water as they stood in the hot sun.
Coach McKay said, "In the nine years I've been here I've never had a problem, but in the last four months I've been written up four times, for nothing really. All four times I was threatened with possible suspension- and not one of those times did Mr. Velasco want to hear my side of the story."
Another teacher said, "Mr. Velasco is responsible for the destruction of my health."
Finally, Mr. Cortines took to the microphone. "I don't know how we'll put it back together. Part of the reason I came is I needed to hear and see who you are. Next week I will be on the campus so that I get a feel of the school and how it operates.
"This is not an easy situation because we all need to be winners in this situation and try to find a way to put it back together. Both sides feel strongly- I respect that. Winston Churchill said, 'Sometimes the greatest way to victory is through compromise.'
"There are a lot of hurt feelings here, and I watched some of the body language when other people were talking- and that's a loud language. I don't have a solution. I know some of you don't feel there is a resolve and I agree with you."
He thanked everyone for coming. The local Eagle Rock High critics have low expectations that anything is likely to change, but remain steadfast in their disapproval of the Principal and the "Lords" of Eagle Rock High.
 

Cordero on the Cortines Meeting
I was surprised we had to walk through an intimidating line (the Lords and company). I felt the defenders of them were politically motivated...trying to keep favor with Velasco.
1) Defenders of the Lords were not accurate in portraying issues. That is why I spoke, I wish I were more prepared. They failed to mention that 4 times I sacrificed myself on behalf of all to stop contract violations when Chapter Chair Early did not act. I am paying for that still, punished with my Stull being lowered two years in a row. They failed to mention how Velasco tried to alter rules and end pupil free time that is contractual and I provided the proof to protect their rights. And so on... Velasco does not respect the contract; in my opinion, their presentations were self serving, to keep their coordinatorships and positions.
2) The parent who spoke about nepotism was stunning. I hope Mr. Cortines was listening. Making Drew Lord a coach and putting his son on the team after the son did not qualify certainly sounds like nepotism. Favoring Lord and punishing Coach Kato, no supervision in the mornings...she hit the mark of nepotism on big issues. Well done and lots of applause from the audience, too.
3) Finally, a brilliant statement from Mr. Early. Ignored by Mr. Cortines, but well spoken on the origin of these problems and the need for mediation. Well done. I am told that after the meeting, Mr. Cortines said there would be no mediation (which is why it was left off the agenda).
4) I was stunned by Athletic Director Martinez saying students were not at Eagle Rock to win and that winning was no big deal. This is how he justifies the new coach? The way he spoke was to say, remedial or failure teams are the future of Eagle Rock and it doesn't matter, as he put it, "...students are here for school stuff...not to win". That parrots by Velasco last Fall, that he (Velasco) did not care if the team [football] wins another game, the coach is out. The future of Eagle Rock sports is failure???
As I said there, the meeting was poorly communicated, announcement letters were not sent out in a timely or effective manner. I felt the effort to control attendance was to save Velasco...yet the defense spoken was for the Lords...virtually nothing for Velasco, except for Mr. Hicks' inaccurate portrayal of the status of the school. I think my comments corrected the "no grievances" baloney of Mr. Hicks. Yes, I have initiated discrimination complaints which are based in retaliation. Velasco did not yet respond to phone calls to speak with the Office of Compliance Friday, but he will have to next week (they have called to interview me and will investigate). Local District 4 continues to ignore my right to a hearing that I asked for last October and ignore requests for a rescheduling of Step 2 on a grievance filed a year ago.
As I speculated when surprised by the announcement of this meeting, it did not allow full discussion of all issues and ignored a committee of Eagle Rock parents and community members' desires to fully present facts on all the problems occurring at the Rock. I would expect the final results will be no problems found, shut up Eagle Rock and suffer. It has been a while since I have felt so pessimistic. Shall we follow Athletic Director Martinez's suggestion and get used to losing?
The immediate future does not look good. I had to leave the meeting early but I left with little hope for improvement. I hope you all can find a way to full charter all Eagle Rock schools, or, perhaps, create a mini-district, and get back local control.
Rudy Cordero

Eagle Vista Seniors
for June '08.
June 3 - (Tues) Board meets at 9:00 a.m./ Business meeting 10:00 a.m.
June 8 - 18 - (Sun. to Wed.) The tour of "Best of the West". The bus will be ready at 7 a.m. (unless noted otherwise)
June 10 - (Tues) BINGO! Lou Agrati, Caller
June 17 - (Tues) A speaker from Glendale Memorial Hospital.
June 24 (Tues) BINGO!
June 26 - (Thurs) Lotusland will be our Montecito - Santa Barbara jaunt, departing by bus from Glassell park - 7:45 a.m. and from Eagle Vista from 8:00 a.m. We will return at approx. 5:00 p.m.
Our new roster welcomes Ann Coleman and Edna Peyton.
NOTE -Save your old (or new) items for the Silent Auction which takes place on July 29. (Be sure you've paid your dues!)

First L.A. Accordion Festival a Success at Eagles Lodge In Eagle Rock

by Tom Topping
The First Annual Los Angeles Accordion Festival was held at the Fraternal Order of Eagle's Hall, Aerie 2188, in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1.
The three day festival featured 15 accordion players and their bands showcasing accordion music with diverse styles such as Cajun, Irish, Rockabilly, Tex-Mex, Zydeco, Alternative and Experimental.
The Festival schedule for Friday, May 30, included Count Smokula, Vagabond Opera, Cinderella Motel, Hurricajuns and the Humble Hooligans.
On Saturday, Veronique Chevalier, Sam Mellon & the Skylarks, Jessica Fichot, Conjunto Los Pochos and Phil Parlapiano performed their sets.
For the finale on Sunday, the bands Mrs. Hobbs, Mrs. Brown's Lovely Daughter, La Santa Cecilia, Doug Legacy & the Zydeco Party Band and Ollin rounded out the weekend.
Delicious BBQ dinners were served for $8.75, and plenty of customers to buy cocktails, beer and wine from the Eagle's bar.
On Saturday, an Accordion Workshop was held for those interested in learning more about the accordion. Otono Lujan of Conjunto Los Pochos and accordion instructor at the Eagle Rock Music Studio conducted the workshop demonstrating the Three Button Row Accordion that is used in traditional Cajun, Tex-Mex and Zydeco music.
The event was a sell-out each of the three days according to husband and wife promoters Robert and Pat Talamantez, formerly of the SW Hill Country western apparel store. The couple fast earning a great reputation for promoting wonderful local music concerts.

CHERRY BOMB: The Ultimate Guide
Local author Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna asks in her new book
"WHO SAYS COOLNESS CAN'T BE TAUGHT?"
Entertainment journalist/ author Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna has rounded up some of her famous friends, favorite rock chicks and cool experts to dish out advice, inspiration and know-how in her forthcoming book, CHERRY BOMB: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to Living Life Like a Rock Star (On-sale August 5, 2008; $18.95).
CHERRY BOMB is an A-to-Z reference for everything awesome a girl needs to know, including the obvious (style, beauty, dating, and sex tips) and the not-so-obvious (how to prepare absinthe, how to sneak backstage, how to hit on a celebrity).
Unlike other lifestyle or advice books of its kind, CHERRY BOMB is a girl guide with a rock and roll twist. CHERRY BOMB – the title influenced from the Runaways teen rebellion anthem of the same name -- is peppered with playlists of songs for every occasion (songs to get over a broken heart, songs to get in touch with your "tough chick" side, songs to get you out of a funk), as well as contributions from some of the writer's favorite rock chicks, including Tori Amos, Cherie Currie of the Runaways, Terri Nunn of Berlin, Samantha Maloney of Peaches, Louise Post of Veruca Salt, Imogen Heap and others.
"Every time one of my contributors handed in their section or sat down with me for an interview and dished out their advice, it felt like Christmas morning when you're a kid and you get every gift you want," says Borzillo-Vrenna. "I'm honored to have all of these great gals (and a few guys) be a part of this book. There's a little something for everyone in there and you don't have to be a rock chick to enjoy it or get something from it. You just need to be a gal who's not afraid to be bold, sexy and a little different." Contributors include:
¨ Cherie Currie of THE RUNAWAYS (on "Cherry Bomb," the song that influenced the book)
¨ Tori Amos (Life Advice)
¨ Dita Von Teese (Striptease)
¨ Betsey Johnson (Breast Cancer Awareness and Personal Style)
¨ Dancing with the Stars' Cheryl Burke (Dancing Tips)
¨ Samantha Maloney of PEACHES (Drum Lesson)
¨ Katy Perry (Vintage Shopping)
¨ Lisa Loeb (How To Be a Great Hostess)
¨ Jessicka of SCARLING/JACK OFF JILL (Starting a Band)
¨ American Idol makeup artist Mezhgan (Beauty)
¨ Stylist Cynthia Freund (Rock Chick Style Tips)
¨ Anna Sui (Fashion Inspiration)
¨ Kat Von D (Tattoos)
¨ Master Chef Dave Rubell (Black Vodka Recipes)
¨ Berlin's Terri Nunn (Dating, Doing it & Dumping)
¨ The Viper Room's Melissa Renee Hernandez and Anna Geyer (Bouncers, Jobs)
¨ Christian Joy (Fashion Inspiration)
¨ Veruca Salt's Louise Post (Sobriety)
¨ Dr. Ava Cadell (Orgasms)
¨ Tera Patrick (Menage a Trois)
¨ Joanna Angel (X-rated movies)
¨ Imogen Heap (Individuality)
¨ Hairstylist Dean Banowetz (Rockin' Up 'Dos)
¨ NicoleLee/SuicideGirls. com (Piercings)
¨ Pink Cheeks' Cynthia Esser-Thorin (Waxing Tips)
Not for the faint of heart, this book will appeal to the girls who prefer black nail polish to French manicure. Written by the quintessential rock chick, CHERRY BOMB will empower women to veer away from the pack, work every situation to their advantage and look cool doing it.
CHERRY BOMB - By Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna - Simon Spotlight Entertainment - Out 8/5/08 - $18.95 – 256 88pages - ISBN: 978-1-4169-6116-1

La Cage Aux Folles at the Knightsbridge Theatre
"La Cage Aux Folles" high-kicks its way onto the Knightsbridge Theatre stage on June 7, 2008. Broadway's first gay-themed musical will run in conjunction with a different charity each weekend, with donations collected from the audience and half of the donation proceeds going to that organization and the other half supporting the theatre. Week 1 will put the spotlight on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; Week 2, AIDS Project Los Angeles; Week 3, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles; Week 4, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Los Angeles chapter; Week 5, Inside Out Community Arts; and Week 6, Project Angel Food. A cabaret show will follow each Saturday performance, with variety acts donating half of their tips to the charities.
Set in the present day, the Knightsbridge's production of "La Cage" takes place in a Silver Lake bar and pays homage to cultural icons and history, inspired by the glory days of old-style drag bars, cabarets and entertainers. Directed by Rene Guerrero, the show focuses on a loving couple and their nightclub. The outrageous events that follow the engagement of their son to the daughter of a conservative politician are a testament to the foolish things one does for love, and teach a lesson about the importance of respect for diverse lifestyles.
Musical Direction is by Michael Collum and the show is scheduled to run Saturdays and Sundays through July 13, 2008. The performances are Saturdays at 8:00 pm (followed by special cabaret performances at 11:00pm), and Sundays at 6:00 pm.
The Knightsbridge Theatre is located at 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039. The tickets cost $30 for general admission, $25 for students and seniors (group discounts are available) and $10 for Saturday Cabaret Performances. Get your tickets by calling the reservation line at 323-667-0955 or purchase tickets directly without a service charge at www.knightsbridgetheatre.com.

Changing Ties:
Reconsidering Identity Through Cross-cultural Interventions
Akosua Adoma Owusu • Harry Gamboa Jr. • Margarita Cabrera •
Nate Young • Nery Gabriel Lemus • Nikki Presley • Rubén Ortiz-Torres
Opening reception: Friday, June 13, 2008 6-9 pm
Avenue 50 Studio is pleased to announce the exhibition Changing Ties: Reconsidering Identity Through Cross-cultural Interventions.
Changing Ties is an exhibit that functions as an art intervention to contemporary and historical divisions between the Black and Brown communities within Los Angeles. The divisions have been visibly apparent through gang warfare, in schools, jails and certain communities. The intent of this exhibition is to present certain models that explore strategies of engagement between the Black and Brown cultures that point to an intercultural dialogue in contrast to the negative documentation.
Changing Ties challenges the common notion that identity lies within a fixed state -- that we fall into a category that is not susceptible to change as we encounter other cultures. The artists take into account the significance of cultural specificity and its importance in their lives and work; yet they understand that who they are cannot be contained solely within those parameters. They also work in the contemporary fashion of finding a particular medium to articulate an idea, as opposed to finding a particular idea to fit a medium. The exhibition will showcase works in painting, drawing, video and sculpture. The artists in the exhibition engage cultural signifiers from Black, Brown, and popular culture to destabilize their assumed location.
Perhaps by exploring the formation of the subjective identity and the intermingling of cultures, we can come to the realization that as people we merge more than we chose to believe. As such, there can never be a true polarization, as our "cultural" subjectivities continue to merge with other cultures. Hence, to "change ties", as the title of the exhibition suggests, alludes to adopting a reasoning that confronts commonly held ethno-nationalistic values and, presents a different model that deconstructs a rigid tie to the notion of identity. The exhibited artists believe that art can serve as an important vehicle to generate conversations that address these societal tensions and hence have broad social relevance.
June 13- July 6, 2008
31 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042
www.avenue50studio.com