Flag Day for Community Activists

Land Use Advocates Perfect the art of Trading Approval for Cash- Almost

Community Pride - Joanne Turner and Linda Allen are beaming with pride as the Eagle Rock flag is raised. Although it was the result of many community members’ efforts, no one worked harder for it than these two ladies.

by Tom Topping
The saga of the Eagle Rock flag stretches across ten years, and three City Council members. It's actually not a story of a flag, but a story of urban development decisions and all the forces that can be brought to bear when those decisions are being made. It's also a story about the proliferation of technology, and how the impact of that can be lessened, or leveraged into a community benefit. It all started when Air Touch Cellular wanted to build a cellphone tower.
In about 1996, Air Touch Cellular (now Verizon) approached the city of Los Angeles, with plans to build a wireless communication facility at the intersection of the 2 and 134 freeways. They were instructed to get community support and so created illustrations to show the community. What the community saw was a few different options for (cellular) tower designs. One was fake palm trees, another was a trio of flag poles and still another had the look of a craftsman design water well or tower. These were shown at many community meetings, and while the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce gave its blessing early, the Eagle Rock (resident) Association thought they could do better.
Now it should be noted that the location for the tower(s) although within the city of Los Angeles, is much more connected to the City of Glendale. The site is visible mostly from Glendale, and barely from Eagle Rock. It is accessible through Glendale, not Eagle Rock. And the electricity to operate the power hungry facility would be purchased from Glendale Water and Power, whose lines are nearby.
This is important because although the facility was but ten feet from the border of Glendale, the City of L.A. had jurisdiction. Decisions on use would have to go through L.A.
Because the location was technically Eagle Rock as well, the Eagle Rock Association went to work. They were, and are quite used to dealing with developers of all types and at that time had quite a history of successfully blocking whatever they didn't want to see built in the area.
The result was that they convinced the developer to adopt a design more to their liking. "We tried to design it so it would comply with existing architecture in Eagle Rock and Glendale," Eagle Rock Association President Joanne Turner said later at a public hearing.
The design they created was described as "Mediterranean or Spanish Colonial Revival," by activist Tim Sanders, a past president of the homeowners group. It consisted of a tower, almost like a bell tower of a California mission. It was an adobe looking structure with arched windows and a red tile roof. Up near the top, the words "Eagle Rock" were affixed.
On August 5, 1999, the zoning administrator for the city of L.A. held the first hearing on the application.
Letters of opposition were received from the Glendale City Planning Dept. as well as the Glendale City Council. They were opposed to the aesthetics of the proposed tower, contending that it would resemble nothing in the surrounding area. A Glendale representative was there to say it would be out of place, out of scale and would be detrimental to the City of Glendale. Ron Wilcox, who lived on the adjacent street Harvey Drive said, "(the location) is bulls eye on top of the Eagle Rock earthquake fault."
They felt the location was the gateway to their community, and did not want it labeled "Eagle Rock". With all that, Leonard Levine, the City's Zoning Administrator denied it, mostly because Glendale had a big problem with it.
The developers appealed and took their case to the BZA (board of zoning appeals) on October 26, 1999. There it was denied again. They found that the location "was not desirable to the public convenience or welfare; was not proper in relation to adjacent uses or the development of the community; the use will be materially detrimental to the character of the development in the immediate neighborhood, and the proposed location will not be in harmony with the various elements and objectives of the General Plan."
With that, the "Tower" design was abandoned.
Plan B?
Somehow, somewhere, someone got the idea to trade community support for the previously suggested "flagpole" design for a cash payment from the cell phone companies. Community activists reasoned that if the flagpole design was adopted, it would save the companies fifty to one hundred thousand dollars from what the mission style tower would have cost. They could get that money for the community to help support community needs.
Airtouch, by now, had been cooperating with both Nextel and AT&T Wireless in order to co-locate their three transmission facilities. They hired Whalen & Company to help get it through the city's process. Also at this time, the newly elected city councilman for the area, Nick Pacheco, was starting to find his "sea legs" as councilman of the 14th District. The community, (well, the resident association anyway) had decided that it would be wonderful to get this windfall of cash- and included plans to create an "Eagle Rock" flag to boot.
After many behind the scenes discussions, the companies appealed the decision of the BZA to the L.A. City Council. They knew that this time they had within their grasp community support as well as the support of the Councilman.
The negotiations began in earnest. In an e-mail obtained through the freedom of information act, Councilman Pacheco's Eagle Rock field deputy, Linda Herbert, received this message from John Koos of Whalen & Company, the firm that was hired to represent all three companies in this land use issue.
"Linda,
With respect to the lump sum contribution to the Eagle Rock Community, the following constitutes the offer of assistance:
1) The three carriers will engage in an ongoing relationship in the community, whereby the companies will be available to participate in community events or other functions at the request of the community.
2) The three carriers will contribute a total of $45,000 toward the community to be used as specified by the community (etc.)"
They said that the $60,000 asked for was out of reach of the cell companies budgets, but negotiations continued.
Mr. Koos wrote,
"... After some careful consideration, and some budget juggling, a contribution of $60,000 to be paid by the wireless carriers will be paid to the Eagle Rock Community.
We still need to iron on the particular recipients of this contribution.
I look forward to enthusiastic support from Councilman Nick Pacheco regarding our project when it comes before the City Council's PLUM (Planning and Land Use) Committee as well as the full City Council."
With that, the councilman agreed to support the flag and pole design in exchange for money to be paid to the community.
At the time, the members of the PLUM committee were Hal Bernson, Cindy Miscikowski and Mike Hernandez, of CD 1 in nearby Highland Park. There, the cell companies' representatives described how their project was modified to appease the complaints of Glendale, and how the Councilman and the community was now behind them.
Anthony Solano was there to represent Pacheco's office. "We're agreeing to three flag poles," he said.
Mike Hernandez was especially concerned that the flags might be a distraction to drivers negotiating the interchange of the 2 and 134 freeways. It was near the same time that the council was considering how giant advertising balloons along roadways should be outlawed.
Hal Bernson was concerned about the illumination of the flags at night. He thought that Glendale City would have final say over that by withholding the electrical power used to light the flags, apparently not thinking that the power required to light up the flags was a mere pittance compared to the power used to run the communication facility.
Cindy Miscikowski said. "The flagpoles create a visually pleasant, almost attractive way of dealing with this. I make a motion to grant the appeal."
Flagging Effort?
With the biggest hurdles over, the companies could start construction and the community could design a flag. Do you need to guess which took longest?
When the communication facility was completed, it took a while for them to get the American flag and two state flags up on the poles. Designs were being done on the Eagle Rock flag. The ERCPR (Eagle Rock Community Preservation and Revitalization Corporation) was selected by Councilman Pacheco to select the flag design. It was a good choice on the surface, as the group had a representative from about ten of the many groups in the community. So the flag would be chosen by committee (usually a committee is a group of people who alone can do nothing and who together decide that nothing can be done).
John Urquiza, a local designer who had a long association with the resident group, submitted many variations of a flag design. They were nice, and many were in warm designer colors. After a call for designs went out in the Boulevard Sentinel, a new local firm submitted a couple of designs as well (the best ones I thought).
Finally, one of Urquiza's designs was chosen, after Eagle Rock Chamber leader Kaye Beckham got the major color changed to bright green, to go along with the local high school's historic colors.
The completion of the flag went very slowly, but was completed early this year. On June 14th, 2005, the flag was finally unveiled in a public celebration at the flag site, located in the parking lot of the Rusty Pelican and the In-N-Out Burger. Councilman and now L.A. Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa was there for the flag raising, although he got there a little late.
He said, "Eagle Rock is the only community in the City of L.A. to have its own flag."
No End in Sight?
That should be the end of the story, but it's not, and it may continue for years to come. I told you about the $60,000 that was traded for community support for the towers. Well, there was a problem of who to give the money to. Back in 2000, Pacheco's office asked the chamber and the resident group to figure out who would get the funds, and the answer was very slow coming.
It turned out that the Chambers' board decided that they could not, would not, and should not be a party to what they viewed as a type of extortion of a business, where community support was withheld and then traded for cash. They voted not to take the money.
Then, after the project was approved by the city, the cell companies started having memory problems. The hired guns from Whalen & Company had finished their contract so they were no longer involved. Air Touch company is now Verizon. People in the corporate world can change locations very fast, much faster than it takes a community to design a flag for sure. Some of them denied knowing that any money had been promised at all.
The story is that $30,000 was received by the Eagle Rock Association. They used this to order the flags. Flags? Yes, they had many flags made. Two of them are the 25 by 35 foot flags that go on the 95 foot tall pole at the cell site. It turns out that the life expectancy of a 24 hour flag is very low. Each will only last 6 months to a year. The second flag is the replacement for when the first one goes bad.
At the June Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce meeting, the issue of the flags was brought up. Someone suggested that the chamber buy some of the 3x5 flags to display at chamber events. "Buy them!" another exclaimed, "The money that bought them was for the community (meaning us)!" The sounds of a upcoming battle rumbled up in the meeting. "They (the Eagle Rock Association) should give us some flags," another said.
"We voted not to take that money," said Anne Wolfe, a chamber director, as she reminded them of their action a few years back.
"The small flags are to be sold to pay for the maintenance on the flag," cautioned Michael Nogueira, chamber president. He had worked closely with resident group representatives on the flag project.
There is no word yet on what the other $18,000 of community money, held by the Eagle Rock association, will be spent on. How do you think it should be spent?
One of my loyal readers confronted me on the street the other day, complaining that the cell tower site was a lousy place to display an Eagle Rock flag. He said it should be displayed at Eagle Rock Park and Yosemite Park, where folks could see it. He wouldn't let me explain that the whole effort had nothing to do with the flag. The flag was only the end result of the entire process. A process, not discovered, but almost perfected in Eagle Rock, which systematically forces developers to give something in return for the community‘s support of their project.

Warm Welcome for Fallen Firefighter Memorial Torch Run

June 25, 2005 - LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial Torch Relay ran on Saturday Morning through Northeast L.A. The finish was at Station 42 in Eagle Rock. Relay runners were greeted by this display as they arrived. Monies generated from the relay will be used to fund the construction of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in front of the LAFD Museum located in Hollywood at 1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

All Things HERMON...
by Wendi Riser
In 1903, when Hermon was founded, it was known as the home of the Los Angeles Free Methodist Seminary. In fact, most of Hermon's little cottages were first built for families bringing their youth to the private school.
Now, fast-forward nearly 100 years, and Hermon advocates begin thinking of additional things for which Hermon could become "known." Discussions within Hermon and the burgeoning Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council in the fall of 2002 lead to the idea of using the small, underused portion at the end of Hermon Park for a dog park that would bring people from all over Los Angeles (and beyond) to Hermon. People would not only find out where Hermon is but what makes it such a special place to call home.
And so its time to celebrate . . . our dogs, for reminding us to play more. . . our community, for giving us a home. . . Hermon Park, for its beautiful old Sycamores and its ability to instantly relax and refresh us. . . and our friends, that we've met at dog parks and friendships we have yet to make at Hermon Dog Park.
The Council District 14 office has decided they will call the dog park "Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco Dog Park". I double-dog-dare you to say that 3 times fast.
The Dedication and Grand Opening will finally be THIS Saturday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.. YAY!
Walk your dogs under the majestic Ave. 60 Bridge, from the north end of Hermon Park -- and you'll be there!

The Blissful Soul

Since opening on February 1st, The Blissful Soul has brought a wealth of creative talent to our town. Local artists, authors and musicians are showcased in the store which offers their original artwork, small statuary, books, music, candles, custom jewelry, handmade soaps and greeting cards, specially blended essential oils, hand-painted t-shirts, and hand-knit scarves. Customers have the opportunity to meet their unique assortment of artisans via free events that showcase their works and usually include hors d'oeuvres and wine or tea. Since their opening, The Blissful Soul has hosted eight special events, including:
A watercolor exhibit and live cello concert
A concert with Aurah, whose music has been featured on popular television shows
a book signing with local author David Elliott (whose book, The Reluctant Healer is just beginning to gain nationwide attention)
a cable TV show taping with "American Idol" psychic Kimberly Berg
a class on herbs and aromatherapy with Kirsten Schilling Stackhouse (who will be featured on the USA Network in July)
a class on Feng Shui with noted consultant, Kartar Diamond of Feng Shui Solutions
The Blissful Soul occupies the location of the former Smellzgood Boutique, owned by John vanDyke and Ross Sinfield who moved out of state earlier this year. Current owners, Cheryl Leutjen and David Meyer, say they loved the environment created by John and Ross, so they decided to buy the store, rather than see it close. "We so appreciated the beautiful environment that John and Ross created with their store, and we felt that "feel good shopping" ambience belongs in Eagle Rock. We have added some things since they left, but we have also kept nearly every product they carried in their store, including the Taronga "Famous for Fragrance" line of candles that were created by John and Ross. We are also thrilled that Pam Arriaza, who worked with John & Ross, decided to stay on. She knows the old customers well, and I think they like finding a familiar face in the store."
The store offers very personal service, with free gift wrapping, and custom-designed gift baskets. Cheryl says, "Big retail chain stores just feel soulless to me. We want our store to be a place where people enjoy spending time, a place where they feel good about spending their hard-earned money. We have one customer who comes in to sit on our couch and meditate. For me, that's the best compliment! We want people to know that customer service is not a thing of the past.In fact, it's our passion at The BlissfulSoul. We want to know what products and events our customers want us to have, and we do our best to respond to every request."
The Blissful Soul is definitely a family affaire. On any given day, you may find Cheryl or David operating the cash register, the owner's children, Cameron and Chloë, greeting customers, or Cheryl's mom, Shirley, around town distributing fliers. Cheryl says, "Building a new business isn't easy, as many small business owners in this town can tell you, and we're in a tough location because we sit back from the street (and because of all of the street construction). Luckily, we are in the same building as Curves, and we are so grateful to all of our loyal customers from Curves and the former Smellzgood customers. We don't have a good place for a highly visible sign, though, so we rely heavily on print and word of mouth advertising to attract new business. My mom does a great job passing out fliers to anybody who will take one. Our special events really inspire people to discover our store, and, for some of them, to discover Eagle Rock!"
The Blissful Soul is a first-time retail venture for Cheryl and David. According to Cheryl, "We never intended to have a store, but we couldn't pass up this opportunity. The store is right in between my
daughter's preschool and my son's elementary school, and I relish the opportunity to work so near to their schools. One thing I so appreciate about Eagle Rock is that it feels like a hometown for my kids. When I moved to Los Angeles, I never thought it would be possible for my kids to feel like they really belonged somewhere in this burgeoning metropolis. Eagle Rock has done that for us, and the store is helping to build an even bigger community for our family."
The Blissful Soul special events keep coming. Author and poet D.Light will be signing books and creating an on-the-spot poem for every book purchaser on Saturday, July 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. On August 6, Larisa Stow and Gathering Guru will perform their mystic and Hindu-inspired contemporary music for the low price of $15 (in advance). The current list of events is always available on their website at www.blissfulsoul.com. This fall, The Blissful Soul will host a full-day "Blissful Souls Fair," which will feature many more of their local artists. One thing is for sure, The Blissful Soul is livening up the face of Eagle Boulevard!

Local Business, ETY inc.

Receives Award

from Sacramento

Alan Yap of ETY Parts Imports, Inc. was presented an
award by Assemblymember Carol Lui’s Office of Assembly District #44, honoring him for his outstanding leadership in the community. California Small Business Day is hosted by California legislative leaders, and sponsored by 31 organizations and chambers. State Controller Steve Westly delivered the keynote address "A Salute to Small Business."

Miss Mindy’s Reviews:

AGUAfantastica

Welcome to summer, everyone! Now, it's very important to remember, on these hot summer days, to keep plenty of water handy to help you stay hydrated. So with that said, I want to introduce you to a local N.E.L.A. band named AGUAfantastica. Guaranteed to keep you cool and refreshed all summer long.
This audibly fascinating band sounds like a psychedeli-pop group from the 60's transported to modern day. Imagine Strawberry Alarm Clock, LOVE and the Beatles (in their "Sgt. Pepper" days) mixed with newer musical elements, sounds and ideas. They describe themselves as "a group of master musicians who like to drive a 4/4 flower metal with trumpets, flutes and on occasion, an effervescing tuba for kicks… Fun stuff for a troubled time." I couldn't agree more. This CD is so fun in fact, that the disc hasn't left my player since I received it!
AGUAfantastica was started back in 1998 by L.A. music veteran and self-proclaimed musical schizophrenic Dan West. He formed a group of musicians with the hope of "spanning the infinite reaches of music." The band consists of Dan West (lead vocals, guitar and keys), Amanda Mullins (bass guitar and vocals), Andrew Duncan (trumpet and Fleugal horn), Jim Goulden (guitar, percussion and vocals), Tara Gore (guitar, Bb clarinet and vocals) and Mitch Leslie (drums and percussion). To top it all off, Dan decided to name the band after the 25-cent water machines at the super Mercado by his house. Now if that isn't fun, I don't know what is!
This band has released two albums, "Conglomerationation" and 2004's "Quasar Flashing Dawn" (which was praised by one writer as "a veritable blizzard of harmonic bliss"). AGUAfantastica is currently on SMILE Records and working on new material (which is hopefully for a third album).
This month, I'll be reviewing their brand new demo, which features four tunes that are fresh, pure and bottled at the source. Tasty!
The disc springs to a start with "Viet Mom", a rockin' song with a hard driving beat, pulsating rhythm and intricate guitar work. Dan's vocals go from loud and solid to soft and detached, which adds to this tune's intriguing mix of musical intensities.
"A Salt And Battery" is a melodic powerhouse that features beautiful finger-style, angelic vocal harmonies and an infectious beat that will keep you dancing from beginning to end. A tambourine-lovers paradise, where buzzing reverb and feedback reign supreme.
My favorite tune on the disc, "Anna", really shines in this virtual instrumental wonderland. With an addicting hook, non-stop minimalist drum tapping and piercing guitar wails, this song is definitely a "show-stopper". Dan simply amazes on the keys and impressively displays his dazzling song writing skills. A "must-hear" for everyone!
Closing out the CD is "Never Go Away", a sparkling lullaby with Dan's tranquil vocals washing over the dreamy melody. Keys like twinkling stars and harp-like guitar plucks texture into a swirling carousel of audible loveliness…a beautiful end to an exceptional album.
AGUAfantastica is definitely a refreshing choice in a world of over-saturated, over-produced "radio-friendly hits". Have a sip for yourself at www.aguafantastica.com and www.myspace.com/aguafantastica. For live hydration, check them out at the Lava Lounge on July 18th or during their residency at Taix (on Mondays in August/September).
And remember, AGUAfantastica says: "If you like stuff, then you'll love us"!

Owners Robert and wife Patricia, give guests a big HOWDY! at the grand opening party for Southwest Hill Country, a brand new western wear store at the corner of Colorado and Eagle Vista Dr.
 

Beautification at Toland Way
Toland Way Elementary School staff, parents along with the members of the Eagle Rock Valley Association, have joined together to form the Toland Way Creating Gardens Committee. The mission of the Gardens Committee is to provide a positive physical environment for our students, staff, and community members at large. They claim to have a mandate to improve the school and community.
The committee has received a Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant from the city of Los Angeles. These funds are being used on the landscape beautification located on the eastern side of the school on North Avenue 46. This side of the school is noticeably less attractive than the rest of the school. Phase two of this project calls for replanting grass at the front entrance of the school that borders the street, Toland Way. The group continues to volunteer with the planting and soil preparation that is required in the landscaping plan. With the delivery of railroad ties this week members will have the opportunity to complete Phase one of the projects.
They state that it is a shared belief that their school would be more conducive to learning with a campus adorned with plants, trees, and flowers. They say this would demonstrate that Toland Way Elementary is a nurturing environment, that students are respected and valued, and that they believe students deserve to have a beautiful place to go each day and learn.
To volunteer please call (323) 255-3142 or (323) 254-3512 and they can let you know the work days they have scheduled for June.

Additional $500,000 to Garvanza Skate Park
Mayor-Elect Antonio R. Villaraigosa announced today that an additional $500,000 has been allocated to the Garvanza skate park project.
The additional funding is the result of many months of advocating by the Mayor-Elect on behalf of the skate park coalition and supporters. The funds were secured from the Recreational Sites and Facilities Fund.
"I am pleased that we have allocated $500,000 more to this worthy community project," said Mayor-Elect Villaraigosa. "I will continue to advocate on behalf of the community so that the skate park is completed and will be ready for use as soon as possible."
In total, Mayor-Elect Villaraigosa has secured $903,000 for the Garvanza Skate Park during his years as Councilmember of the 14th District.
The $1.4 million project is currently up for bid and will likely break ground in late August.

Three Lakota (Sioux) Artists'
Reception and Sale
July 10, 2005, 1 - 4 pm
Location: Southwest Museum of the American Indian, Mt. Washington Native American artists Robert Freeman, Thomas Red Bear, and Russell Means share an afternoon of conversation and light refreshments.
Purchase paintings, etchings, and sculptures.
Southwest Museum of the American Indian
234 Museum Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065
T. 323.221.2164
F. 323.224.8223
Museum of the American West
Institute for the Study of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
T. 323.667.2000
F. 323.660.5721


Seems Familiar
Southern California artists Edith Abeyta and Betsy Lohrer Hall will be working on Seems Familiar, a collaborative, participatory installation, at the Acorn Gallery in Highland Park. The artists have been collecting garments donated from individuals through email solicitations and word of mouth. They also collect stories and memories associated with clothes from those who donate clothing and from gallery visitors. They weave the clothes together to create large, soft sculptures. As the individual garments are integrated into the woven forms, the changing configurations become a shared history of sorts, an exploration of disparate economic circumstances.
During July and early August, the Acorn Gallery will be transformed into a workspace and collaborative, interactive site. The artists encourage the participation of gallery visitors who can assist with the weaving of clothes, and/or contribute a story or memory about clothing. The artists will be working in the gallery space on Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4. The project will culminate in a closing reception on Saturday, August 6, 7 – 10pm during which the woven pieces will be dismantled and the clothing disbursed to gallery visitors, participants, and local charities.
The Acorn Gallery is located at 135 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042. Opening reception: is on Saturday, July 9, 7 to – 10pm.
Acorn Gallery hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 4*
Acorn Gallery: (323) 850-8566

Eagle Vista Seniors
July 5 - The new month for the Eagle Vista Seniors begins with a 4th of July picnic, 10:a.m., (please note) July 5th. Hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings, including drinks, and cake to celebrate July birthdays. Only $6 for all comers.
July 12 - Dorothy Daugherty will make you aware of a company called "Comfort Keepers" which provides assisted living in your home.
July 18-22 - No meeting on the 19th due to the tip to Monterey, San Francisco and Reno which will depart at 7:10 a.m. from Eagle Rock Park and 7:15 from Glassell Park, returning on the 22nd at approximately 6 or 7 p.m.
July 26 - BINGO! Lou Agrati, Caller.
NOTE: Final Payment for the Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Cruise must be made by July 5. All checks should be made out to "Vera's Tours and Cruises."

Dear Tom,
We're seeing a lot of "Lost Pet" signs this summer. Do new residents and pet owners know that we actively share our foothill neighborhoods with coyotes?
Small pets -- cats and dogs -- represent PREY for coyotes between dusk and dawn. This seems like a good reason to move outdoor cats indoors before nightfall, keep little pooches in fenced yards, and avoid putting any kind of pet food outdoors.
Skunks are residents of, er, another stripe, and boy are they prolific this year! We shine flashlights ahead on evening walks, always keep Pupr on a leash, and use enzyme products when necessary to de-skunk her and/or us. (It's worth a preventative trip to Petco for the enzymes. Tomato juice is a depressing alternative at midnight.)
One more thing: our groomer has not-so-politely suggested that we let her know the next time Pupr has been sprayed between visits. Seems that when a dog is wetted down, enzymes or not, the eau de skunk is unbelieeeeeeevable.
Hope this helps make someone's summer happier.
Melody and Dick Sale
Eagle Rock

Intl. Order of Rainbow for Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (called IORG, or Rainbow) is a non-profit, fraternal youth service organization for girls between the ages of 11-20. Over the past 10 years, California Rainbow has donated nearly $1,000.000 to charity. Some of our state service projects have been:
2005
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Fund. $87,000 + (still collecting)
2005
Locks of Love over 5700 inches of hair ($335,000 value)
2004
No Limits Theater Group $90.907.16
2003
Camp Sunshine Dreams $108,567.11
2002
Freedom In Motion $106,306.77
2002
New York Widows & Children $2597.60
This list goes on and on.
Rainbow instills a strong sense of service to the community and fellow man, while having fun and making new friends. Rainbow is much more than just a club or social group. It becomes a part of your everyday life. It gives opportunities that many girls do not receive in their everyday life. It prepares you for life after your teens. In Rainbow you will learn to be a leader, be given the opportunity to receive scholarships only available to students in the Masonic family, and many girls travel throughout the country and world as ambassadors, sharing their talents and meeting people from all over the world. Rainbow is open to all girls, regardless of race or religious beliefs.
Upcoming Events for July:
7/09/05 Founders Day Picnic
7/16/05 Sea World Trip
We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays, at 7PM at the Glendale Masonic Center.
If you are interested in joining, contact Angie Eckart, Mother Advisor
323-255-0285

DAVID R. M. GROVER
Mr. Grover, a resident of Eagle Rock since 1960, passed away May 25th at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer and emphesema. He is survived by his wife Hazel of 55 years, son Clive and daughter-in-law Gail, son Christopher, granddaughter Christy, and great-grandchildren Jeremy and Jessica.
David was born in London, England. He served as a commissioned officer in the British Royal Navy and landed British and American troops on Utah Beach during the D-Day Invasion. In Eagle Rock, he had his own business as a tour operator.
The family gives thanks for the wonderful love and care given by Vitas Hospice.

Last DASH Effort?
The proposed expansion of new Dash service in Los Angeles has come before the LA City Council's Transportation Committee for the third and final time on Tuesday, June 8th.
Co-Chair Greig Smith presided over the meeting, Councilmember Tom La Bonge was present. Chairman Villaraigosa was absent. Others present were Adam Lid, Legislative Analyst for the Transportation Committee, Council Policy Staffers Angela Ovalle, Jim Bickhart and Michael Davies from the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Several members of the North East Transportation Coalition (NET-C) attended including Co-chairs Ronni Solman, and Everett Sarabia. Others present were Alicia Avalos, Gloria I. Arredondo. Mrs. Gonzales and Alexia Teran were also present.
Net-C members voiced their concerns on the DOT's latest version of what NET-C called the "Butterfly Route." Their strongest objection was that the new version had completely left out the Community of Cypress Park. This version placed 6th on the recommended list of 22 routes.
As NET-C members stood by her, Mrs. Gonzales, the Parent Leader at Nightingale Middle School (NMS). Passionately spoke on the need for Dash service in the communities of Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park. How the safety of the children was paramount to the parents of the students that attend NMS and the other local area schools. She shared about the NET-C outreach efforts and how they truly touched the core of the felt need in the community for safer, more effective and efficient transportation. A little known fact is that this community had developed a route that posted number 8 on the original list of proposed routes, but pulled it back to allow the inclusion of the Elysian Valley. Such sacrifice should be taken into consideration and honored by the LA City Council as it makes its decision.
Ms. Avalos Parent Trainer from NMS brought up the fact that Elysian Valley petitions for Dash service specifically asked for a route that would connect them to other local communities including Cypress Park.
Alexia Teran from the Friends of Cypress Park Community Association eloquently spoke of her community's need for Dash Service. She asked that the committee to should take their community's need into consideration
Eagle Rock Valley Association President Everett Sarabia closed the session with a sincere plea to the committee. He asked its members not to consider one route or community above another, but the whole of what NET-C has proposed. For the City to create a system of Dash Routes (area specific) that interlinks communities and connects them to the light rail system. Northeast Los Angeles would be an ideal area to initiate this system because of the low rider ship of the Gold line and the extreme amount of support for this system. He also shared news from the Metro Transit Authority that they were in the process of starting a survey in the San Gabriel Valley sector.
At that time Committee Member La Bonge spoke in agreement with points raised by NET-C members and told the gathering that he would personally speak with Councilmember Reyes to see if a solution could be found for Cypress Park.
The results of the DASH Needs Assessment Survey and its recommendation go before the Full City Council on Tuesday, June 28. NET-C is looking forward to a good turn out of its members and the community at large.
The fact that the northeast has 5 routes within the list of 22 recommended routes is a tribute to your encouragement and support. For more information call (323) 254-3512 or email:net-c@adelphia.net

New Leadership at Teen Center
There's new leadership at the ROCK Teen Center. When summer school begins July 6, teens arriving at the ROCK after classes will be greeted by two new faces, Tracey Brown and Mitch McKinley, the new co-directors, who have planned a full summer activity schedule during the program hours, 12:30 to 4 PM.
The summer schedule includes music and dance classes, chess club, basketball, computer games, foosball and pool tournaments. Homework coaches and the computer lab will also be available Monday through Thursday from July 6 though August 16.
Tracey was born in Cairo, IL and attended college at DePaul University in Chicago, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. Upon completing her BA she moved to Pasadena, CA to study theology and prepare for full time ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary from which she recently graduated with a Master of Divinity. Over the past 7 years, Tracey has worked with church youth groups, after school programs, summer camps, in different roles serving youth their families and the community at large.
Mitch was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN and attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University just outside Dallas Texas, where he majored in Church Ministries with a focus on Youth Ministry. During his time in college, Mitch held many on-campus volunteer leadership positions, as well as a volunteer youth pastor for an urban church plant. It is Mitch and Tracey's vision to build upon the already solid foundation laid here at the ROCK and spread its influence across Northeast Los Angeles.
ROCK, which was originally organized in 1999, is a volunteer organization, born out of the community's need for teen services. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives and character of community youth, between the ages of 12 and 19, through the teen center and its programs. The center, located at 1597 Yosemite Drive in Eagle Rock, provides the only free, drop-in, learning and skills development programs within the community, specifically for teens. To obtain more information about the center, activities and volunteer opportunities, contact their office at 323-257-6102 or through the website at www.rockids.org.


Hermon Picnic
Undaunted by a few no-shows, delays, and some equipment lapses, a group of amazing Hermon volunteers dedicated their Saturday afternoon and evening to creating a fun, energetic and memorable Picnic in the Park for several hundred neighbors! What could beat great music, food and drink, a balloon artist, gigantic bubble wands, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, The Incredibles, and popcorn -- all in the company of friends?
When tables did not arrive and water was too difficult to obtain at the fountain, Ken and Barbara Matzkin zipped on home to pick up tables, water, coolers, extension cords, etc. When the reserved lemonade was given to another group for their event and hot dogs were running low, Miguel Martinez and Fernando Gaytan found ways to keeping feeding the ever-growing crowd. And all the while, our local DJ and Hermon Church pastor, AJ Mora, remained cool and calm and managed to smoothly orchestrate the changing sets on stage, keeping people constantly entertained.
Other thanks go out to Miguel's friend Audruin for donating her time and materials for the face painting, Gabe Alvarado for the use of his grill (and Dave for bringing it), the band, Nothing to Lose, for their good ol' fashioned rock-n-roll, our newsletter walkers for getting the flyers to every household in Hermon, Adam Byrne for designing the banner and flyer, Jose Navarro for helping to hang the banner, and local businesses for their raffle prize donations and monetary contributions: TBS-Tax & Business Services, Inc., Thai Fantasy, Monterey Donuts, Rachel's Hair Fashion, Marisol Tanning, Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine, Monterey Hills Dental, and H&T Unocal 76 Station.
A special thanks to the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council for funding our flyers, posters and banner hanging in the park - we'll be reusing it again next year for our 4th Annual Picnic in the Park!
An event like this could not occur without the crucial support and energy that all of you contributed. Give yourselves a huge pat on the back. Hope you had a relaxing Sunday as reward for a terrific job, and have a great week!

Cypress Park Neighborhood Council Election Results
At Large (15) votes elected rank
Raul Macias 310 elected 1
Guillermo Reyes, Jr. 188 elected 2
Erick Mejorado 186 elected 3
Gus Lizarde 152 elected 4
Alexia Teran 152 elected 5
Maria Carmen Lira 142 elected 6
Sylvia Luna 133 elected 7
Sal Valenzuela 132 elected 8
Maria J. Serafin 130 elected 9
Art Pulido 128 elected 10
Mirna Fuentes 125 elected 11
Roberta Trotman 125 elected 12
Viola O. Martinez 122 elected 13
Rene Encarnacion 111 elected 14
Belen Eller 110 elected 15
 

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Towed While at the Chalet? It May Be Illegal!

Learn How to Get Your Money Back
By Denise Campos
In a recent article on the Sentinel, a problem that my brother experienced was outlined; his car was towed while at the Chalet. He's a full time student, so it was an exorbitant quote of $220 to get his car back when he had obviously not been using up any customer space. Diamond Towing doesn't have a set price, and he got them to release his car for $180.
I work for Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's Neighborhood Prosecutor Program, and this practice is neither new nor legal. As complaints come across our office, I have learned that these sorts of tows are illegal. Both the state and federal courts have declared the practice illegal. According to our resident tow truck expert, Deputy City Attorney Tamar Galatzan, the tow companies are continuing to tow illegally because the profit is worth the risk.
HISTORY
According to Galatzan, the companies popped up when jurisdiction over tow companies was taken to the federal level, which basically meant that there was little to no oversight of their business practices. Both the cities of San Francisco and San Diego have brought cases to the courts in order to regain the right to monitor the activities of tow companies. In May of this year, the City of San Diego won their case in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The court decision was simple, it "requires that the property owner or agent be present for the tow." According to this court precedent, it is illegal to tow cars if someone from any private property if they didn't personally call to have the car towed and was present at the time of tow. All this time, while private businesses such as our mini mall on Colorado and Townsend may have a previously signed a contract permitting the tow company to take vehicles off their lot, it would only be a legal tow if someone from the business was present at the time of tow.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Consumer Protection Unit has already prosecuted several criminal cases against tow companies. Earlier this year, the owners of a Valley-based towing company were charged with 57 criminal counts for illegally towing vehicles and extorting money from the owners for release. People could serve up to one year in jail and/or a fine of $5,000 per count for illegally taking a vehicle. In this case, the company had to pay back approximately $15,000 in restitution to 35 victims. But what if you have already been towed? Its not to late to take action and recuperate your hard-earned cash.
Next Steps
Tow victims can make a police report at the local police station. Also, the tow victim can request to get their car back from the towing company. It may not work if you just ask for it. You can write a letter citing the above information. If the company refuses, as they probably will, this can be then be resolved in small claims court. Simply go to www.lasuperiorcourt.org to apply and pay the $45 for a small claims court. Anybody can do this, especially since you aren't allowed to have a lawyer in small claims court. Yes, this whole process might take 6 weeks or more, but wouldn't it be worth it to get your money back because the law says you're right and the tow company is wrong?
This is not a solution to Eagle Rock's parking problems, however, it's a start at empowering resident's with their rights by addressing the problem that a local business center brought into focus by not really being the best of neighbors.
Imagine how much money can be made in one night. If a minimum of 20 Chalet or Casa Bianca customers park at the mini mall, Diamond Towing would rake in a minimum of $4,400; not bad for one night. Because it is such a profitable business, it is not unusual to hear that tow companies sit around and wait for victims to pull in to the wrong lot. It is no wonder then, that tow companies are now continuing to press forward in their unscrupulous towing because few people are aware of the illegality of the matter. I have even heard of tow companies paying transients who sleep at these lots to call in the tows and get a part of the profit.
Certainly this does not mean that businesses like the Chalet or Casa Bianca are totally blameless. As vibrant and very profitable community businesses, they should be thinking of innovative ways in which to address the lack of parking and thus show that they are good neighbors by looking out for their customers.
In the meantime, it is time for Eagle Rock residents to address this unscrupulous towing and be informed that it may be ILLEGAL for Diamond Towing to do this.
Denise Campos is a Community Resource Specialist for the Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's Neighborhood Prosecutor Program in the San Fernando Valley. She can be reached at dcampos@atty.lacity.org

Old Faithful?

June 27, 2005 Eagle Rock, CA - The aftermath of an accident involving two vans at the liquor store on the corner of Townsend and Colorado created a temporary geyser. At right, officials work to turn off water.
(Photo by ERVANWatch)

Arroyo Bikeway

by Tom Topping
On Tuesday, June 21, L.A. County public works officials held a public meeting to discuss plans to extend the Arroyo Seco Bike path from its current end at Pasadena Avenue to the Arroyo's terminus with the L.A. River.

The little known, seldom used bikeway runs along the bottom of the Arroyo from Avenue 60, through the communities of Hermon, Highland Park, Sycamore Grove and Montecito Heights, before ending near the Heritage Square Gold Line Station, near Lincoln Heights.
The goal of the meeting was to make sure 2.6 million in state transportation grant funds do not go unspent, as they are due to expire shortly if not applied for. The plan is to extend the bike trail to the L.A. River, and "ramp up" a route from the bottom of the riverbed where the trail is, to Avenue 26 and also to the pedestrian foot bridge that school kids use to cross the Arroyo near Cypress Avenue.
County officials seemed a bit surprised when a handful of local activists showed up to be heard.
"Your graphics are minimal," said Jerry, a longtime Mt. Washington activist. "I'm very disappointed," he added. He went on to say "I never heard anything at all about this project!" (Neither had I) "It doesn't make useful connections- it's unsafe- this is not a good project. It's a terrible project. You wouldn't do this in the L.A. river," he said.
Next to speak was Tim Brick, managing director of the Arroyo Seco Foundation, a volunteer group founded to protect and preserve the Arroyo Seco River. He was not happy with the project or the process. He said, "This (project) is going to be an excuse for not doing bike paths for the next 20 years."
The meeting was attended mostly by folks that get paid by taxpayers. County workers, city employees, staffers of local politicians, etc. A few folks were real bicycle riding activists, who actually rode their bikes to the meeting.
Patrick DeChellis, Deputy Director of the County Public Works Department was the "answer man" for most of the issues brought up that day. He was answering the charges of poor community outreach when he said, "If we commit to phase one, I commit to coming back to each one of you (to hear what your concerns are)."
Local tree activist, Scott Wilson, appeared to flip-flop as he spoke in favor of a project that may require the remove of 127 trees, some that his organization, Northeast Trees, planted. He said, "We've waited 20 years for this (bicycle path)! We need it now!"

DeChellis, was apparently unaware of the message he was sending to the community when he added, "I'm sorry. I don't know the name of that area of the city," as he was referring to Cypress Park/Lincoln Heights.
As Arroyo Foundation Managing Director Tim Brick left, he added, "I can't support the project."
If all goes according to plan, construction of the Arroyo Seco bikeway extension will be completed by 2006.

Las Geisha Mermaids
The Avenue 50 Studio is pleased to present a month of whimsical, heartwarming paintings by local artist J. Michael Walker. "Las Geisha Mermaids" is a suite of all new paintings described by the artist as "love haiku to women". Intuitively combining a pair of grand female archetypes - geishas and mermaids - into sweet, graceful beings, these sumi ink works on canvas engage us with their evocations of innocence, melancholy, and peaceful solitude. Painted in a child-like manner, J. Michael draws us into a fantasy world where each Geisha Mermaid becomes a reality.
J. Michael Walker is a Los Angeles-based artist whose work is grounded in his decades-long immersion in the rural Mexican culture into which he married over twenty-five years ago. He is the recipient of more than a dozen grants, artist residencies, fellowships, and public art commissions; and has participated in more than eighty-five exhibitions in the United States and México, including solo shows at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art, at Harvard University; el Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares, in Mexico City; and the Arkansas Arts Center. He is also a California Humanities Scholar.
Each weekend during the exhibition, Avenue 50 Studio will host a series of cultural events thematically tied to the Geisha Mermaids, including a "Geisha Mermaids Hors D'oeuvres Party" on July 23; a special in-house concert by the incredible singer-songwriter Angela Correa (recently nominated for LA Weekly's "Best New Artist" of 2005) on July 29; and, to end in luxury, a "Women Only Massage Party," on August 5th.
Please join us for what will prove to be a month of fanciful love stories.
Art Opening - Las Geisha Mermaids 7/9 - Exhibition Dates: July 9 - August 7, 2005 - Artist's Reception, Saturday, July 9, 2005, 5-9 pm - Avenue 50 Studio, 131 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park

Visual Realities:
An Exploration of Reality and the Subconscious
Carlotta's Passion Fine Art presents Visual Realities: An Exploration of Reality and the Subconscious. Visual Realities opens with a reception on Saturday, July 9th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm. The show runs until Sunday, August 28th.
Visual Realities focuses on fine original Surrealist and Photo-Realist works, including those by John Baeder, Jeff Cohen, Bob Deyber, Johanna Girard, Douglas Gorsline, Karen Hollingsworth, Neil Hollingsworth, and Kurt Larisch.
During the Visual Realities show, Carlotta's Passion will offer educational lectures that probe the origins, influences, and multiple manifestations of the Surrealist and Photo-Realist movements. The lectures are open to the public and free of charge.
On Friday, July 15th, at 8:00 p.m., Caroline Putnam, a Los Angeles-based artist with a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, will present a lecture on Surrealism at Carlotta's Passion. Johanna Girard, an Art Center College of Design graduate and practicing Photo-Realist, will present a lecture on a later evening during the Visual Realities show run about her chosen mode of artistic expression.
Carlotta's Passion Fine Art is located at 2012 Colorado Blvd. in the Eagle Rock. Hours are Tues - Sun, 11– 9. info- 323.259.1563

There’s always something interesting at the Jim’s Cruise-in. Here a “T” roadster that has not been on the street for 30 years. The owner, Robert Atol, said, “I went 123 (mph) at the dry lakes with this car, and 105 at the drags. It’s got a stock motor in it now, though.”

Cruisin' with Mary

Hello, Eagle Rock. Here we are again! I hope you enjoyed my first article on behalf of the Eagle Rockin' Rodders Car Club. As you may have noticed, this column has a distinctively different slant on car club "kulture" in Eagle Rock. At the request of editor Tom Topping, this will be from a female's point of view, with input from any club members who wish to contribute. I'm not going to get "car technical," like other writers, since that's not my area of expertise.
We had a nice turn out at the May Cruise In at Jim's Burgers. Three old school Chevys parked together which made for an impressive photo op. You may have seen the picture with last month's article. It's always such a treat when new cars make an appearance. These cars were pretty much original with nice paint jobs. Hot rodding and car restoration is such an individual art - you could take the same car, give it to 10 different guys, and they would come up with 10 completely different versions of how the car should look. This is what makes hot rodding fun, and it's all good.
The raffle was fun, with lively commentary by Anita Gonzales. One of our sponsors, One Stop Tires, donated a shiny black bar stool with the HotRod Magazine logo on the seat. One Stop has been most generous, and this is one of the best raffle items we've ever had donated. Just a reminder, that ALL the proceeds from our raffles go to local charities, so dig deep in your pockets and participate - its fun and the profits go to a good cause.
The June Cruise also had several new visitors, including a 1965 Volvo and a '51 Merc. Best of all, they are owned and driven by two local ladies whom I briefly interviewed. The 122-50 Volvo has the original engine, will eventually be cream and deep red, and it's owner is doing the body work herself. You go girl! The egg-plant colored Merc has flames on it, suicide doors, and a gothic interior which made me want to crawl in the backseat and go to sleep. Not because it was boring- but because it was all done in purple and leopard velvet. The owner calls it her "lounge." Indeed.
I recently saw a car which may be my new favorite car. For now... This was a black hot rod going down Huntington Drive near Santa Anita Racetrack. I wasn't even sure "what" it was until I started asking around and found out a little about it. Turns out it's a '32 Ford with an amazing paint job and body. The body is very shiny black with brownish-orange flames going from the front sides across the doors to the rear of the car. Something kept catching my eye, and I couldn't figure out what it was until the car growled forward: Some of the flames are raised up! The fiberglass body is made by Zipper, and the flames are actually "built" into the body. Just gorgeous, and again, what makes rodding so fun.
Sunday July 10 will be our Car Show and Concerts in the Park at Eagle Vista Park (Figueroa St. at Eagle Vista Dr.). This is sponsored by the ER Chamber of Commerce, the Eagle Rockin' Rodders Car Club, and a new sponsor, Universal Savings. There will be a free custom car show (all are welcome), as well as a live 50's concert featuring Ronnie and the Classics, and an Elvis impersonator. There will be food vendors, and new this year - craft booths. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket for the grass. This is the first of the summertime concert series at the park. Please join us for an afternoon of hot rods and hot rock n roll. Until next time, keep on rockin'!

Local Group Seeks to Block Autry Park Expansion
Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition Enlists Villaraigosa's Support In Preventing Development on City Land, Obtaining Autry's Commitment To SW Museum's Mt. Washington Operations
Los Angeles CA, June 20, 2005-- The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition, an umbrella group representing over 75 organizations, will seek to block the Autry National Center's plans for expansion in Griffith Park and has sought the assistance of Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa in preventing the Autry from further development on the city-owned property.
In a letter delivered to the Autry's board, the Coalition re-stated demands for legally binding commitments to the continuing permanent operations of Mount Washington's Southwest Museum of the American Indian, Los Angeles' oldest museum, as well as two related institutions, the Braun Library and the Casa De Adobe, all acquired by the Autry in a 2003 merger that allowed the Autry to assume control of the Southwest Museum's collection of over 250,000 rare artifacts, artworks and objects of archaeological interest.
The Coalition has demanded that any further Griffith Park development be tied to the Autry's obligatory assumption of responsibility to maintaining and operating the Mount Washington facilities and asks that the Autry seek alternatives to the construction of its proposed new 100,000 sq. ft. building.
In re-stating their demands, The Coalition members cited research conducted by three outside consultants, two commissioned by the Autry and one by the Coalition. The findings of the three studies indicate that the restoration, maintenance and continuing operation of the historic facilities can be accomplished on a sound economic basis.
The Southwest Museum is located within the boundaries of Villaraigosa's Council District 14 and the Mayor-elect has continually affirmed support for the Coalition's objectives of retaining the Southwest Museum as a key cultural anchor for the City in Northeast Los Angeles. Addressing a public meeting held during his recent election campaign, Villaraigosa backed the Coalition's goals and vowed he would hold the Autry to commitments made by the Griffith Park museum to the Mount Washington facilities at the time of the 2003 merger.
The Coalition's demands were detailed in a position paper delivered to the Autry board. Text of that paper follows:
Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition Position Statement
The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition (hereafter "the Coalition"), which represents 75 organizations with membership totaling in excess of 100,000 persons, takes the following positions regarding the future of the historic Southwest Museum, the Braun Library and the Casa de Adobe (collectively hereafter referred to as "the Mt. Washington Campus").
1. In recognition of the enormous investment of public funds to construct the Gold Line's Southwest Museum station and because the Autry National Center (hereafter "ANC") pays only $1 per month rent for city-owned land at the Griffith Park site, the ANC Board must make a legally-binding commitment to take responsibility for the Mt. Washington Campus, in perpetuity, as a condition of developing any new facilities at the Griffith Park site.
2. The Coalition's strongly held position is that the Mt. Washington Campus must remain as a museum and an on-going public destination. We recognize that other revenue enhancements that encourage incremental public use may need to be added to the museum component, such as a restaurant, amphitheatre, expanded retail, additional parking and site rental for non-museum related events. Under no circumstances are these other uses to be done as a replacement for the museums at the Mt. Washington Campus.
3. The ANC must officially recognize its post-merger legal and moral obligations to maintain and revitalize both the Collection and the Mt. Washington Campus, which play an integral role in the cultural and economic future of Los Angeles. Any fundraising by ANC must include sustainable and equitable funding for the Mt. Washington Campus and the Collection.
4. The Coalition rejects ANC's interpretation of the Brenda Levin Study. The Study actually supports the view that the Mt. Washington Campus is economically feasible (also corroborated by a peer-to-peer review commissioned by the Coalition). The Coalition asks ANC to accept the Levin study as a basis for a real Master Plan.
5. The Coalition must take part in any decision-making process for future uses of the Mt. Washington Campus. We insist that a comprehensive ANC Master Plan be developed which includes the Mt. Washington Campus. ANC must adhere to its past agreements to hold a public process as part of the Master Plan.
6. As part of the Master Plan process, ANC shall conduct a programmatic study that details what ANC needs to fulfill its vision for the Mt. Washington Campus and the Griffith Park site. This should include viable attendance goals for both locations.
7. The Mt. Washington Campus and its priceless art and artifacts (hereafter "the Collection") are vital resources to the City of Los Angeles. The Collection is an inherent part of the Mt. Washington Campus and it shall remain culturally identified to it. ANC cannot divest of the Mt. Washington Campus without the complete Collection being a part of any such divestiture.
8. The Southwest Museum in Mt. Washington must be ANC's primary location for the exhibition, for education and activities related to the Collection.
9. ANC must engage in consumer research, consistent with institutional standards and foster the development of programs to enhance the continued public appeal at the Mt. Washington Campus.
10. Innovative museum activities that present the Museum in a new dynamic way are welcomed as long as they remain connected to -- or based upon – the Collection. Successful, signature events on the Mt. Washington Campus must continue to be presented. These include (but are not limited to) the Intertribal Marketplace, Las Posadas, the annual rug sale and the Museums of the Arroyo Day.
11. Should there be an extension of the Southwest Museum in Griffith Park, the Mt. Washington Campus shall be marketed as a distinct entity from the Griffith Park site. The identity, content and programming of the Mt. Washington Campus must remain consistent with the original vision of its founder, Charles Lummis.
12. ANC and the City of Los Angeles must perform due diligence in seeking other options/sites for the proposed 100,000 sq. ft. facility at Griffith Park. Options explored might include building on the Mt.Washington Campus as well as other cost-effective alternatives including sites in the Northeast business corridors of Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park and Highland Park.

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