Cutting the Ribbon

on an Eagle Rock Dream

by Tom Topping
A ribbon cutting ceremony to punctuate the start of hiking trail construction next to the Eagle Rock was the event that brought community leaders and elected officials to the base of the famous landmark on June 9, 2007. It also turned into an event to celebrate the acquisition of the new Eagle Rock Historic Park Property as well as to honor those who saved the Eagle Rock from developers some fifteen years ago.
The ground breaking ceremony for the "Eagle Rock Canyon" hiking trails was only part of an overall effort to create an Eagle Rock Historic Park, to preserve natural surroundings around the Eagle Rock and create a permanent home for the Eagle Rock Historical Society. At the event, many politicians and community leaders were in attendance, and special acknowledgment was given to Kaye Beckham and Shirley Minser for they were the ones greatly responsible for the "Save the Rock" campaign some fifteen years ago, and for holding onto the left over funds until now, which were used for the down payment on the four acre property.
The vision for the park came out of the efforts of the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful, and Collaborative founder John Stillion. He had come up with the idea after learning about a four and a half acre parcel of land that was adjacent to the Eagle Rock. It was by mere circumstance that he discovered it. He had attended a reception at a home near the Eagle Rock at the end of a TERA home tour a few years ago. It was then he learned that the owner of that home also owned the four acres and might be interested in selling it if they approved of how the property would be used.
He and Collaborative co-chair Ester Monk envisioned a botanical garden filled with hiking trails and planted with native flora and trees, and talked about creating a permanent home for the Eagle Rock Historical Society. The owners liked the idea and agreed to sell for about the same as they paid for it. That was last year, and as he and Ester took the idea around to the various community groups, they held their breath for fear that the word might get out, giving an opportunist the ability to try and scuttle the deal and offer the owner what the property might currently be worth.
As they worked to acquire the property, they also worked to raise the funds for it. That's when the leftover funds from the "Save the Rock" effort came into play. "It took six months to get that property into escrow," said Stillion.
At the ribbon cutting event, former CD14 Councilman Richard reminded all how close the community came to losing the Eagle Rock forever when he said, "This rock would have already been bulldozed many years ago if it hadn't been for the work of many people." He again acknowledged the efforts of Mrs. Minser and Mrs. Beckham, who in turn thanked him again for the help he had given them at that time.
Peggy Stewart of the Santa Monica Conservancy had some interesting news relating to the name of the area where the Eagle Rock and the new park resided. It turned out that some developer at one time had referred to the area as Annandale, but the canyon was never officially named anything. She explained that since the nearby Annandale Golf Course's watershed flowed into the Arroyo Seco, and the watershed from this location flowed into the Verdugo Wash, there was no reason to keep the Annandale designation and instead should be renamed "Eagle Rock Canyon", which drew a rousing round of applause from the audience. She did not know of a process to officially name a canyon, but said, "The way to start, is to call it the Eagle Rock Canyon."
The heart of the event, however, comprised the presentation of the volunteer crew who would be designing and constructing the hiking trails in the new park.
Peter Schaller has been building hiking tails since 1986, mostly in the San Gabriel but also in the La Crescenta mountains. It was only by shear good fortune that this trail building club was connected to the Eagle Rock Beautification group. It turns out that his wife, Carol Schaller, works at Community Escrow Company, the Escrow service that was used for the 4 acre purchase. And it was at a Chamber mixer that John Stillion met Peter, who showed immediate interest in building the hiking trails on the 4 acre parcel.
John Stillion said, "We've all come to welcome the builders of the trail, and we thought it would be three to five years before we would get the trail started, and it's going to be built now!"
Peter showed me the map of the proposed trail and described its route. "The trail as you may or may not know, is gonna kinda come right across this piece of land right here (Alatorre Eagle Rock View Park) starting right off this little path around the corner and it will come right across to the new property and then will go up one side of the hill to the top, which is a water tank, and there'll hopefully be some benches which John will provide, for people to sit down and have a beautiful view of this whole valley area, and all the way to Palos Verdes and beyond. This trail will be a half mile long, so it's not really a long trail, but it should be a beautiful place to go and have a nice view."
He showed me on the map the half mile route that went up to the top of the hill and back down. As a young man I remember going up to that water tank on my bicycle, before it was all gated off, and I can attest that the view from there is indeed beautiful if not exhilarating.
At the end of the presentations, finally came the ribbon cutting performed by Shirley Minser and Kaye Beckham, who were closely assisted by Alatorre and Assemblymember Anthony Portatino. John Stillion concluded the ceremonies by saying, "And now it's a reality- those trail builders are going to get to work!"
And work they did. In less than a month, the first 400 feet of hiking trail has been cut. You can see it paralleling Figueroa Street just above the northern end of Alatorre Park. They've made it across the Conservancy property to the border of the four acres. Soon, the trail will be snaking its way up the hill to the water tower.
If you would like to learn a new skill, make some new friends and get a little bit of good exercise on a Saturday morning, you can join in the trail building effort. All you need to bring is a good pair of shoes(boots), gloves, a few bottles of water, and Mr. Schaller and friends will supply all the rest. It's easy to find, just go to the Eagle Rock, and you're there. You can contact lead trail builder Peter Schaller at (323)316-9806 if you need more information and to confirm work days. Why not become a part of Eagle Rock history? One day it could be you who points to those trails and says, "I did that!"

Joan Lundy, 68

Joan Lundy, 68, a local neighborhood leader, past president of the Glassell Park Improvement Association, and engineering geologist died June 7. Joan, a long time resident of Glassell Park was a prominent spokesperson for neighborhood causes in Los Angeles. Joan's can-do attitude defined her.
She turned working for neighborhood improvement through the City of Los Angeles bureaucracy into a fine art, becoming a familiar face in the Planning Department, at Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission meetings, and in City Council offices.
She was particularly proud of persuading the City to carry out numerous public works projects in the Glassell Park neighborhood, from replacing water mains, to demolishing derelict buildings, to improving the Glassell Park Recreation Center. Potholes were her specialty and big box stores her nemesis. She will be remembered by many when driving by the beautiful jacaranda trees along San Fernando Rd., a project which she helped plan and complete.
As a long time member and past president of the Glassell Park Improvement Association, she will be remembered for her effectiveness in promoting neighborhood causes with her special mix of wit, eloquence, diplomacy, technical expertise, and organizing ability. She was a mentor to many people in the community, encouraging them to become involved in civic life and make their voices heard at City Hall.
Joan did it all. She was a supermom, an immaculate housekeeper, an accomplished seamstress, a wonderful dancer, a well respected professional engineering geologist, and a community organizer.
Joan was born to Ray and Sonia Jensen in Cleveland, Ohio on June 15, 1938 while her parents were traveling the country demonstrating and selling products invented by her father during the Depression.
Her father's family, the Jensens, were a large and gregarious group of aunts and uncles of second generation Danish immigrants, the source of her fun loving, outgoing personality.
The family finally settled in Southern California in the late 1940s. She and her brother Ray were close and spent much of their childhood roaming the San Gabriel mountains and orange groves near San Dimas. Along with their younger sister, Sonia, they were an extremely close knit family.
In the 1950s, when she was 18, she married Doug Oberholtzer and they settled in Altadena where they raised their family of five children. She was also active in community affairs in Altadena. She was one of the original members of Altadena Neighbors, president of the Edison Elementary School P.T.A., and a Troop 143 Girl Scout Leader. She had a passion for fairness and justice and worked to desegregate the schools in Altadena and Pasadena during those years. She worked as a teacher's aide at Roosevelt Special Education School in Pasadena for many years.
In the 1970s, spurred by her interest in rock hounding and the desert, and with children still at home and in college, she entered college to study geology. She graduated from Pasadena City College, leaving with a scholarship from the American Association of University Women and a son in law for one of her daughters. She then graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree in Geology.
She loved geology field work in college which began many years of trips to the desert and other locations in her series of Toyota Forerunners.
She became a California State Certified Engineering Geologist when only about 5% of CEG’s were women. She practiced engineering geology in the Los Angeles area for many years working for Leroy Crandall and Associates and Law Environmental. She specialized in landfill and landslide engineering geology projects. Some referred to her as the "dump lady", a title she bore proudly as it referred to her accomplishment. She was active in professional organizations as president of the Dana Geologic Club at PCC in 1974 and the Los Angeles Area Branner Geologic Society as Secretary-Treasurer from 1983 to 1993.
She met her husband, Bill Lundy, at a ballroom dancing class and they married in 1987. They spent 19 happy years seeing the grandchildren come along, traveling, and participating in neighborhood activities. They particularly loved sitting on their deck viewing the San Gabriel Mountains, camping, and their trips to Baja California.
She is survived by her husband William Lundy, retired principal engineer with the Metropolitan Water District. She also leaves her brother and sister in law Raymond and Sheri Jensen of Escondido; daughter and son in law Laurie Oberholtzer Carlton and Steve Carlton of Nevada City, daughters Beth Oberholtzer of Santa Barbara and Crockett and Margie Oberholtzer of Santa Barbara, and son John Oberholtzer of Santa Barbara; stepchildren Bert Lundy, Laural Lundy, and Paula Lundy Charron; grandchildren Matthew and Ryland Grivetti, Amy, Eric, and Ray Oberholtzer, Elizabeth and Wyn Carlton, Cristina and Carlo Spampinato, Douglas Charron, and Rachel Oberholtzer; niece Angela Brenner Wright and nephews Patrick and Christopher Brenner. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Tim Oberholtzer, sister Sonia Jensen, and grandson Chris Oberholtzer.
A memorial celebration of her life was held at the Glassell Park Community Center, in Glassell Park, Los Angeles, on Saturday, June 16.
She was buried at Forest Lawn with a full view of the Glassell Park neighborhood.
Donations in her name in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Glassell Park Improvement Association, PO Box 65881, Los Angeles 90065 or to the California State University at Los Angeles, Geology Department Scholarship Fund, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, Ca. 90032-8200.

The Great Glassell Park- Cypress Park Walkabout

by Tom Topping
Glassell Park and Cypress Park community members were out for a morning of fun and work as the Glassell - Cypress "Walkabout" was held on June 9, 2007. With grants from the three city councilman who represent the area, CD 1, 13 and 14, and the services of Deborah Murphy from "LA Walks" the event was organized and executed without a hitch..
The event used the labor of community members to survey the commercial streets in Glassell Park and Cypress Park. Their job was to find out what's there and to carefully document it. They were to survey as accurately as possible the condition, detail and usefulness of the sidewalks and other pedestrian amenities along their assigned half-mile section of commercial street. They were to look at sidewalks, driveways, ADA accommodations and bus stops. Lookout for problem areas, trash, and other hazards. They also looked at what was right about their streets.
They were assigned to 3 to 4 person groups and each group typically took about 100 digital photos, and provided written descriptions of what they saw. Starting at 8:00 am, community members showed up at the Glassell Park Community Center for a continental breakfast, survey forms and instruction on how to proceed.
At 9:00 a.m., Ms. Murphy was almost finished explaining the process and the task at hand. It was truly a festival atmosphere as the joyous surveyors took to the streets. Although clearly a fun and community building event, all kidding was put aside as the seriousness of the task ahead prevailed.
I observed a few groups as they surveyed their sections, usually with one person taking photos and the others looking, talking and writing. Each group also had a tape measure and was instructed to measure and record the width of the sidewalks and parkways along their section.

A typical site from the Walkabout- clipboard, cameras, hats and comfortable shoes.

Some survey questions were:

What is the width of the side walk?
Is there landscaped parkway? If so, what is its width?
Is there a lack of sidewalk at any point?
Are there locations with broken, uplifted or uneven sidewalks?
Are there obstructions (signage/ poles/ utilities, etc) within the pedestrian path?
Do drivers impede pedestrian movement?
Is there street parking?
is it metered?
is there red curb where there could be street parking?
Are there parking restrictions during peak hours?
Are vehicles obstructing the side walk?
If cyclists or skateboarders are on the sidewalks, are they moving at a safe speed?
Are there any signs that are fading or falling down?
Are there any faded red curbs?

You may be wondering why.
On the surface, the walkabout is to provide the information to overtaxed city planers, who then may use that information to influence their recommendations as to what and where to spend city resources. But, Brian Lane, a Hollywood resident, had participated in last year's "Walkabout" in Hollywood, had a different idea. He thought it was valuable for the residents to really know what is on their streets, as a tool to influence development in a community.
He said, "All building projects are influenced by the community that they are part of, and through that process there's a lot of community outreach and public meetings. I think when communities come to the table and they've walked all those streets; they know them really well; they can speak really together with the people who are trying to do the building; so they can improve the whole neighborhood. I think it gives an even platform for everybody; it puts them on an equal plane to talk about their own neighborhood. So that's good."
So what did they find?
I asked veteran community activist Ann Walnum. "Well, if you want to generalize, the areas in front of businesses where the parkway was extended all the way from the building to the street with no lawn area had a much nicer appearance than the ones in front of residences which primarily had dry grass. (They) did not have an attractive appearance."
She continued, "There was some really gorgeous old trees in one spot that were picking up the sidewalk. We almost hesitate to report it." She was afraid that the city might take those trees out in order to fix the sidewalks there.
The Walkabout was a great success with more than 130 participants. Community members from Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Glassell Park and Cypress Park, along with planning and design professionals from the City of LA, Glendale, and Pasadena, covered all 12.5 miles of streets in both communities.
They were joined by Councilmember Ed Reyes, Council President Eric Garcetti and Anthony Portantino, Assembly member for the 44th district.

Von's Restores Handicap Parking

Recently the Von's Market located at 7311 North Figueroa Street underwent a remodeling project. In the process the handicap parking places were moved from the building entrances to a more distant location around the corner to the north side of the building.
The Boulevard Sentinel received numerous complaints from local shoppers who are handicapped and missed using those five handicap parking places near the front entrance. They disliked the location they were moved to.
The new around-the-corner handicap parking location was undesirable for a number of reasons. The parking area, including the sidewalk, is on a slope which is difficult to negotiate if a person has to use crutches, or a walker, or a cane, or wheelchair. The new area is unsafe for security reasons because it is away from and out of sight of other shoppers and employees. Also, there was no place to park empty shopping carts; except to just let them loose to roll across the parking lot on the north side of the building.
Veteran Eagle Rock activist and former council office (Richard Alatorre) field deputy Shirley Minser, is a long-time Von's shopper, and uses a cane. In March of this year she contacted the Von's corporate office, the L.A. Department of Building and Safety, and the L.A. Department on Disability, and made each of them aware of the situation.
She followed up on the issue and recently, an on-site inspection was made with Von's Public Affairs Director, Marilyn Denter; Von's Project Director, Larry Elbert; L.A. Building and Safety Inspector, Dan McAuliffe; L.A. Building and Safety Assistant Director, Ron Black; and L.A. Department on Disability Negotiator, Eva O'Neil.
From that meeting, it was determined that two of the handicap parking places in front of the store could be restored. Only two places could be restored because the driveway slope at the other three locations are too steep for continued handicap use.
As of June 14, 2007, the two celebrated handicap parking places were restored. While not a complete success, because of the prodding and persistence of Shirley Minser, there was a prompt and positive response by Von's and L.A. City Officials who worked together to address handicap shoppers' needs.
This, just one more example of how one person can make a difference in a community, from a lady who's already done more than her share. Thanks, Shirley.

NOTICE
For Eagle Rock Farmer's Market Patrons
As a courtesy, we request that you, our valued patrons, please be sensitive to local business needs by parking at St. Dominic, Eagle Rock Library or Eagle Rock City Hall parking lots when visiting the Eagle Rock Farmer's Market. Thank you for your business and thank you for your kind consideration.

Eagle Vista Seniors
On July 3, the Board Meeting and Business meeting will be postponed due to the holiday barbeque lunch at 10:000 am.
On Tuesday, July 10 the seniors will enjoy BINGO! Lou Agrati will be the caller.
On Thursday July 12, the club will travel to the Long Beach Aquarium. They will depart from Heritage Square Goldline station at 8:45 a.m., returning at 5:00 pm. Don't forget to bring $3 for the Rail Pass. Lunch is on your own.
Bobby Brook, a speaker from the Pasadena Senior Center will talk on the subject of "Preventing Falling," On Tuesday July 17.
BINGO will again be played on Tuesday July 24. Lou Agrati will be the caller.
A guest speaker from Glendale Memorial Hospital will speak on Tuesaday July 31.
Start collecting items now for the SILENT AUCTION on August 21st. Your White Elephant may be someones' long lost treasure.

American Legion District 17 Honors Community leaders.
Woman of the Year 2006-07 was

shared between Frances Choate & Nancy Wyatt.

Frances Choate was recognized for her many years of service and management of the Highland Park Ebell Club. Through her leadership many grants and scholarships have been awarded to organizations and individuals.
Nancy Wyatt long time volunteer with the Neighborhood Council, Kiwanis Club, Debs Park Advisory Board and others was recognized for her long-standing contributions.
Man of the Year 2006-07 was shared between Dr. Stan Moore and Heinrich Keifer.
Dr. Stan Moore and Heinrich Keifer were honored for their work with the Kiwanis Club and Neighborhood Council.
This American Legion award is presented in recognition of valuable contributions to the community and for most emulating the spirit of the American Legion Preamble.
These organizations have worked together in the last few years in supporting "Boys State," a one week immersion program in State government. Boys State teaches the political process and has the students play through a mock campaign with political parties and elections. Over 900 boys have attended. Sacramento State University is used as facility where the various political parties form, strategize and elect candidates of their choice.
American Legion District 17 has recently sent 27 Boys to "Boys State" and 3 Girls to "Girls State," (scheduled to leave in July). Qualifying students must be in their junior year of high school. Next years selection process begins in January 2008, contact Richard Ledesma at Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services at 323-257-9600 ext. 7120 for more info.
 

Cruisin' with Mary

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Club member Michael Rickman brought his 1949 International pickup to the cruise in.

Happy 4th of July everyone. I trust everyone had a safe, sane, and sober holiday, or at least a safe one… Our June cruise in was mildly successful, with the predictably low turn out for the Saturday preceding a holiday. I counted 25 cars around raffle time at 8:00, but we had a pretty good canned food drive, again to be donated to the Highland Park Senior Center. Thanks to Amy Peters for helping me with that effort.
The club would like to send our condolences to members Linda and Louie De La Rosa on the passing last month of Linda's dad, Mr. Troy Capps. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Club member Michael Rickman brought his '49 International truck to the cruise in. I learned a lot about his new project, including some funny observations and stories about it. First of all, lots of us have bought and sold vehicles on Ebay and the internet. Serious lesson here, so listen up: If you buy a car from back east that has to be trucked out here during winter, be sure that there is anti-freeze in the radiator, not just plain old water. Mike learned this the hard way when the truck was being transported on a flatbed during the dead of winter from Florida to L.A. The 350 engine blew up because the water expanded when it froze, resulting in a total loss of that engine. Mike tells me this truck is known as a "corn binder" and its color is 152 Bright Red Truck, a standard color. It has a 350 small block Diablo racing engine, putting out slightly over 400hp, as well as an '80 Camaro front clip (from the firewall forward). The rear frame is narrowed, shortened rear end, and tubbed. I learned another new term: Mechanical Hours. Mike has over 1,000 mechanical hours into the truck so far, and he's just started. The interior has a gray bench seat which came out of a mini-van (I know those vans were good for something…) and the yellow Florida license plate is still attached. He will eventually attach a California license over that one for driving around, then remove it for car show aesthetics. Mike states he's had a lot of disappointments while working on "Big Red" since last fall, but he has no regrets. Eventually he plans to load his red Indian motorcycle up in the back. The two coolest things are a stainless steel Smirnoff bottle sitting in a silver service decanter for the overflow, and the 4 real bullet holes in the rear window. Mike plans on leaving the window as is and installing a gun rack.
In closing, don't forget we kick off Concerts in the Park Sunday, July 8 with our car show and live 50's concert by Ronnie and the Classics. Cars need to be in by 3:00, and the concert starts around 6:00. And don't forget to patronize our generous sponsors. 'Til next month, stay kool, and keep on cruising!

Eagle Rock High School Cap & Gown Project

Dr. R. K. Chetty, left, and Grace Stone, presented the awards on behalf of the Rotary Club of Northeast L.A.

On June 17, 2007, the Rotary Club of Northeast Los Angeles proudly presented a cash scholarship and certificate of recognition to an outstanding student of Eagle Rock High School. Her name is Michelle Sanchez. Michelle's grades and plans for the future are outstanding.
On June 18, the club met with six students with special needs at Eagle Rock High School. Members of the club had donated $60.00 each to cover the cost of the cap and gown for "special needs"students.
Dr. R. K. Chetty, incoming president of the club, along with Grace Stone, a member of the club, presented these awards on behalf of the membership of the club.
It is the goal of the Rotary Club of Northeast Los Angeles to continue to focus on the needs of the students in the ER/HP communities.
The Rotary club meets on Wednesday noon at Carrow's Restaurant, 6040 York Boulevard in Highland Park. Business and professional people interested in "doing good deeds" are invited to visit the club. For information: 323-258-2885 or 818-621-9927.

Quilted Treasures in the Attic?
If any of them are grandma's quilts, "Quilt Care & Share" is your chance to find out more about them and how to preserve and enjoy them. The Pasadena Museum of History invites the public to bring their quilts and join the fun on Sunday, July 8, from 2:00-4:30 p.m. A panel of quilt experts, led by American Quilt Society certified appraiser Violet Vaughnes, will help identify styles and dates of quilts brought in by the public, discuss how to preserve, clean and display them, and share quilting stories.
Cost (per person): 3 quilts free; additional quilts $5 each.
The Pasadena Museum of History is located at the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and Walnut St. (470 W. Walnut) in Pasadena. Free parking is available in the Museum lot (enter on Walnut) and on Walnut St. For directions and additional museum information please visit the website: www.pasadenahistory.org.
Reservations are requested; please call 626-577-1660, ext. 10.
"Quilt Care & Share" is presented in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibition, African-American Quilts from the Robert and Helen Cargo Collection, a traveling exhibit from the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The exhibit is open 12:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through August 5. Suggested donation: $5 adults; $4 seniors/students; children under 12 free. No reservations necessary.

Southwest Museum

           POINT                    COUNTERPOINT

At the conclusion of the meeting, Councilmember Huizar vowed to continue and increase his efforts on this high priority issue. He indicated that he will be meeting with the Autry in the next few weeks. The Councilmember's meeting created a renewed energy of collaboration and support from each organization toward working for a dynamic and vibrant Southwest Museum in Northeast Los Angeles.
Charles Lummis' vision for a museum of and for history, art and cultures of the diverse people's of the Southwest is alive and well.
A few other major updates of note outside of this very productive meeting:
New organizations have joined in the recent weeks who are committed to the issue. The Coalition continues to grow as the story of the Southwest Museum's peril gets out to a wider and wider audience.
The Los Angeles Conservancy sent a letter (dated June 12th) to the Autry wherein they said, "We have always seen room for additional development on the historic museum site and find that Garavaglia's proposal (the Coalition's) sensitively addresses many of the deficiencies found there today."
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's also wrote to the to the Autry Board in June 7th letter and asks: "I respectfully urge your sincere consideration for the alternate expansion plans of the Southwest Museum, retaining the museum in its original Northeast Los Angeles location."
The Coaltition has done and will continue to do everything they can -- respond positively to Autry and other critics on the merits of the issue, support Autry's substantial efforts to address the Southwest Collection's needs, support Autry in securing much of the public money now being used to study/stabilize either the Collection or the historic buildings, and create a positive vision that provides a win-win solution that invests in Northeast Los Angeles.

CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar congratulates Tom Topping, Publisher of the Boulevard Sentinel for his ten years of service to the community.

Lemongrass

Sprouting up in an almost out of control way are new places to eat in Northeast L.A. One of the nicest new restaurants you'll find is Lemongrass restaurant in Eagle Rock. They offer a mouth watering array of Vietnamese cuisine that can satisfy any taste. The decor is remarkably elegant and appetizing, creating a atmosphere that is open and airy, yet calming and friendly. In fact, while the food is very good, the interior design is so much nicer, amazingly designed and assembled by the owners themselves, Ray and Jennifer Nyugen.
The brainchild of Ray Nyugen, Lemongrass took about a year and a half to open. His restaurant is the first to open using the Eagle Rock "Pilot Parking Program". Making good use of the program, he was able to buy parking credits which allowed him to open even though he could not provide any parking dedicated solely to the restaurant. It is located in a space previously occupied by "Chic's" liquor store, right next door to the Coffee Table restaurant, both located in recently renovated historic Eagle Rock storefronts.
The menu consists of a variety of dishes emphasizing vegetarian, noodle and rice dishes along with sandwiches and salads. I tried the "GOI TOM, THIT" which was a shrimp and pork salad, along with and order of vegetarian egg rolls, which left me both pleased and satisfied. The salad was made of steamed shrimp and pork, grteen and red cabbage mix with mint, onions, crushed peanuts and shallots, served with their house vinaigrette dressing. It was light, yet filling- a perfect light lunch. The egg rolls were as good as any I've tasted, served with Asian greens and a really tasty house special sauce. Really delicious.
My date had the "BUN TOM", grilled shrimp over vermicelli. It was served in a generous sized bowl with crushed peanuts, shallots, Asian greens and again, the house special sauce.
All meals are served with chopsticks, you have to ask for a fork.
When I go back, I'd like to try a "Spring Roll" or one of the many noodle soups offered. Also on my wish list is to try the sandwiches with BBQ chicken, char broiled beef and char broiled pork to choose from.
I'm not much of a dessert eater, but at Lemongrass you may want to choose between "KEM FLAN" (Flan) or "CHE BA MAU" which is "3 Color Dessert" (red and green bean with jello mixed with milk coconut and crushed ice) just to try something new.
Main dishes range in price from $7 to $9. The food alone or the atmosphere alone is worth the price, but at Lemongrass you get both. Lemon grass is located at 1952 Colorado Blvd., and they are closed Tuesdays. 323-258-8050.

Fire on Milwaukee Avenue
On Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 6:52 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, Bldg & Safety, DWP and L.A. County Health, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Logan responded to a Structure Fire at 1074 N. Milwaukee Av. in the Highland Park area.
The first arriving Fire Department resources on scene found a small amount of grass burning which had extended into the attic of the single family residence located on the property. A preliminary interior search revealed all occupants had self evacuated the structure.
First responders "ramped up" up operations of companies assigned to interior firefighting and roof top ventilation, realizing the exposure problem if the fire extended into the grass and surrounding structures. The first ventilation hole revealed heavy, thick and pressurized smoke. Could there be two ceilings in this slightly remodeled home? The persistent fire re-ignited several times as firefighters continued their defensive efforts gaining control of the blaze.
It took the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department 28 minutes to get a knockdown on the stubborn attic fire. As the smoke cleared, a large quantity of aerosol cans, containing different types of flammable liquids, were discovered illegally stored in the attic space. A Hazardous Materials Squad was dispatched to assist in the identification of the containers.
Assistance from other agencies was also requested. DWP was notified that a two block area around the incident, serving approximately 30 single family residences, was without power.
Service was restored to the area around midnight. Building & Safety will determine the structural integrity of the residence. L.A. County Health will handle the disposal and cleanup of the illegal storage. The cause of the fire was accidental and dollar loss is estimated at $120,000 ($80,000 structure, $20,000 contents).
There were not injuries to civilians or firefighters. The 72 year old female occupant of the residence was transported to an area hospital after being advised she could not remain in the home for safety reasons. The occupants will seek temporary housing with family members.

Enjoy Debs Park
With the arrival of summertime and plans for picnics, the Debs Park Advisory Board invites Northeast residents to enjoy the facilities of Debs Park: Fresh air, open space and some of the most dramatic panoramic views in the city.
The main entrance at 4235 Monterey Road leads to a large parking area bordered by gazebos, group picnic areas and smaller picnic sites. From the center and end of this parking lot, trails lead uphill north to the park pond and upper gazebo. Another trail leads south 400 yards over a paved path to an additional picnic area, ideal for large groups.
The Audubon Nature Center is accessed from Griffin Avenue. Baseball and other sports activities take place near the Rose Hills/El Sereno entrance along Mercury Avenue. Dogs on leash are permitted everywhere in the park except the Audubon restoration area. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Safety and damage problems may be reported 24 hours a day to (213) 978-4670, L.A. City General Services Office of Public Safety. Information about reservations and fees for group areas is available at (213) 485-5054.

EAGLE ROCK NEWS

click on ads to enlarge

Huizar Asserts Himself
245's East L.A. Area Planning Commission
(José, did you try to pull fast one on Ed Reyes?)
by Tom Topping
If you are an attentive Boulevard Sentinel reader, you will recall the East Area Planning Commission (ELAAPC) back in March overturned the decision of Pat Brown, an L.A. City Zoning Administrator (ZA), and approved the application of Scott Robbins of Highland Perk Coffee House, enabling him to serve beer and wine (now La Casa Blue restaurant). The situation was that Robbins had applied to serve alcoholic beverages, but was denied by the ZA.
Robbins solicited support from neighbors and community members (one of whom appealed the ZA's decision for him at a much lower cost than he could) and the ELAAPC granted his appeal, with a long list of conditions. Everybody was seemingly happy until a May 23th letter finally arrived from the planning department listing all the conditions of approval.
Scott got the list of conditions and balked. He hadn't remembered them that way. Particularly troubling were the requirements of mandatory valet parking, and requiring a signed lease for parking spaces from a nearby property owner before he could be permitted to serve alcohol. These conditions would all but eliminate the benefit of being an alcohol serving restaurant. Scott contacted CD 14 Councilman José Huizar's office and asked for assistance.
José's staff followed through and filed a motion that the full L.A. City Council would consider on May 29, just a few days later. The motion was to assert jurisdiction over the action of the ELAAPC pursuant to section 245 of the City Charter. That section allows a councilman to overrule that body's decision. The motion was passed and it was then up to José's office to specify what the conditions would be.
A few days later I ran into a longtime Highland Park community activist, who was very upset and convinced that there was some kind of funny business going on and that Huizar was up to no good. I was skeptical, but I knew exactly how to check it out.
LET'S DO THE NUMBERS
The first thing I did was to hunt down the Council File number. Any issue that goes before the L.A. City Council has to have a Council file number. With this number any person can go down to L.A. City Hall, inspect the file, and get copies of it. I knew it had been on the June 15 agenda, so I merely had to go to the City Council web site, and browse the June 15 meeting agenda to find the maghic number.
07-1655 was the CFI (Council File Index) number. Next was to go to the City Hall during business hours. It's really not so bad if you jump on the bus or the Gold line, and it is far cheaper than parking around the civic center. It's kinda fun, too. The City Clerk's office is on the third floor. I simply showed the clerk the CFI number on my pad, and a few minutes later I had the file in my hands.
The file I had was the official record of the city's action on the issue of the Highland Perk conditional use permit for Alcohol sales. I took my time and looked through each page. Paper clips were nearby to mark the pages I wanted copies of. Each copy cost ten cents, a reasonable price.
A few minutes later, I walked out with printed proof of what the original conditions were, and what the changes were. You could do the same. (Oh yeah, you can do that with planning department case numbers as well. But you have to go to the planning department instead of the city clerk.)
Anyway, I got lucky that day as I read in my copies that two East Area Planning Commissioners had attended the PLUM hearing a week before, on June 12, and had spoken in favor of the 245'd changes. The lucky part was that one of them, Sharon Lowe, would be in today's PLUM meeting within the next hour.
I like Sharon Lowe. She is definitely one of the good guys. (Comforting the afflicted- get it?) After she was confirmed for another term as Planning Commissioner, I got to ask her about the Highland Perk situation.
She confirmed exactly what the staff report said, that errors were made in reflecting the Conditions of Approval imposed by the ELAAPC. The Huizar 245 motion did not do anything but change the conditions to reflect what the ELAAPC had said. Interestingly, the conditions of approval were most likely written up by Planning Staff member Pat Brown, who denied the application in the first place. If seems she erred in recording what the commissioners told her to do. (Ooops!)
At this point I assumed that the good Highland Park lady activist was just doing a little "Chicken Little" routine- the sky is falling! I did know, however, that she was truly concerned about the parking around the Coffee House, not for herself, but for the people living near there. I wished I had been at the June 15th and June 19th city council meetings to see exactly what happened. Then I discovered I could be.
While I waited for the file to be brought out, I snooped around on the computer they have at the counter for the public to use. I discovered something new- all City Council meetings since the first of the year are available in streaming video on-line. As soon as I got home I logged on the look and see.
I watched the discussion of that item from the June 15th and June 19th meetings, and I discovered something interesting. When the item came up on June 15, Ed Reyes, Councilman for the 1st district was out of town. It seems that an issue that could greatly affect the parking needs of residents in his adjoining District #1 would have slipped right past him if not for Chicken Little, who was at that June 15 City Council meeting. She tried to talk to José but couldn't. She asked Councilman Tom La Bonge to reconsider that item- and he did!
Now the item was moved to the 19th. Now Ed Reyes was back in town. While not stepping on anyone's toes, Mr. Reyes had more than a bit to say about the parking needs of his constituents on Aldama Street, right next to the Highland Perk. In fact, he even directed the D.O.T. to report back in 60 days on the feasibility of creating a preferential parking district on the streets adjacent to the Highland Perk there.
So it turned out that what I thought might be a story, really wasn't much of a story and then it turned out it was. Confused? Well let's just say that just because the messenger looks like Chicken Little and sounds like Chicken Little, it doesn't mean that the sky isn't falling.

Garvanza Skatepark Not Open-
But Skaters Can't Wait
The office of CD 14 Councilman was contacted last month when about a dozen skateboarders repeatedly entered the still unfinished Garvanza Skatepark to try it out. The good news is that the design of the skatepark was so good that skaters could not resist giving it a try. The bad news is that among those that did break-in were taggers who have already made their mark.
The skatepark is nearing completion, and there remains only a few tasks to complete before the official opening and ribbon cutting, which possibly will be sometime this month. The facility was still without electricity and signage for rules and park hours was yet to be installed. The 8 foot high fence was being repeatedly pierced, and city crews have been repairing it twice a week. Graffiti is being removed as needed.
One solution to curtail the premature skating was to spread sand on the concrete areas, preventing the skate wheels from rolling. The councilman's office has asked the neighbors to call and report when the unauthorized skating is taking place. Zenay Loera is the Councilman's Highland Park Deputy to contact regarding the Skatepark. Community members who have any questions can call her at (323) 254-5295.

Portantino
Pacifies Police Unions
State Assemblyperson Anthony Portatino, (AD44) member of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, joined his fellow committee members last week when he refused to support a bill that would have ensured continued oversight by the public and press of police officer disciplinary proceedings. The bill was heavily lobbied against by Police Officers Labor Unions who even threatened California State Senators at one point.
Police advocates claimed they were only trying to protect the safety of officers and their families, but discounted the fact that in twenty years of public oversight of police disciplinary hearings in the L.A.P.D., there was not one incident of threat or attack on any officer or their family who were exposed during disciplinary hearings of their alleged inappropriate police behavior.
Only one vote was required in the committee to hear the proposed bill, but not one member would stand up to ensure that the public had oversight of their most powerful public employees, law enforcement officers.
Way to step up there, Anthony!

MOM'S Club of Glendale-East and Eagle Rock
Check out our new board! Check out our new look! The MOMS Club of Glendale-East and Eagle Rock will hold its July Meet & Greet open house at 2:00 p.m. at Brand Park, 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91201 and will feature refreshments, entertainment, children's craft, and face painting. Come see us at the park to meet other stay at home moms and learn more about the MOMS Club! The MOMS Club is a non-profit organization that supports the stay at home mom. All members attending will receive our new membership kits and will also be entered in a raffle to win Trader Joe's gift basket. Bring a friend...and if your friend becomes a member that day you will receive a free gift. Amenities of the park include hiking and biking trails, basketball court, softball field, picnic areas, children's playground, and seasonal children's wading pool. For more information, call (818) 903-7294.

Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society Welcomes the Community
Let¹s beat the heat together at the Historical Society¹s 7th Annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 22nd from 2pm ­ 5pm at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock 2225 Colorado Blvd.
FREE admission for ALL, Dollar a scoop ice cream, ³endless² toppings, and luscious baked goods await you!
We will again have family entertainment, Peter Breede and his street organ music (it wouldn¹t be an ice cream social without him) and delightful piano playing by local talent, the "Musikers"! Headlining will be the Eagle Rock High School Latin Jazz Band! Fabulous prizes donated by local merchants will be won by a lucky few.
As a special thank you to all Historical Society members who make it possible, due to membership fees and personal interest in this community¹s history, for us to sustain and continually add to our already rich archives. A FREE Historical Society T-shirt to all new and current members at the door!!! (Of course, supplies and sizes are on a first come, first serve, one per membership basis).
Be sure to stop by the event with friends and the whole family! We look forward to seeing new and old friends! See you then!
Looking for our history? Check out our website at eaglerockhistory.org
 

Former Occidental College Administrator Dies

Robert T, Magnuson, 88, assistant to the President of Occidental College from 1968 to 1983, passed away on April 21, 2007.
Magnuson graduated from Occidental College in 1939. He spent 30 years serving YMCAs including those in Glendale, San Bernardino, Chicago, Illinois and Denver, Colorado, plus a stint on the organization's national staff.
In 1968, he retired early from the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver where he had been chief executive officer for six years, to accept then President Richard C. Gilman's invitation to return to his alma mater in an administrative capacity. He was instrumental in strengthening many facets of the College, particularly its financial position. He retired after 16 years and, along with Fran, his wife of 47 years who passed away in 1996, moved to San Clemente. He has lived the last 16 years in nearby Claremont.
A memorial fund has been established at the Palisades United Methodist Church, 29002 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach 92624.

Ralph B. Surdo
1938-2007
Born in Los Angeles, Mr. Surdo spent most of his life in the Highland Park/ Eagle Rock area. He enjoyed being with his family, relaxing at the beach or in Palm Springs, eating Italian food and indulging his sweet tooth. Mr. Surdo graduated from Franklin High School and was employed by Sears Roebuck for many years before finishing his career as a general contractor. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings. He is survived by his sister Marie Cairo & husband Fred of Eagle Rock, his daughter Debbie Garcia and her husband "Crunch" of Oak Harbor, Wa., his son Doug Surdo & wife Karla of Covina. He is also survived by seven grandchildren & three great grandchildren. Inurnment was at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, donations may be made in his name to Saint Dominic Church in Eagle Rock.

Rockdale Garden Bastille Day Celebration
Organizers of the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden & Art Park invite all to join them for a Bastille Day Celebration & Artists' Reception of quotable benches by: Libby Gerber; Michael Gullberg; Sandy Huse; Betty Phoenix Wan; & Kacy Treadway of the Arroyo Arts Collective.
It will take place at the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden & Art Park, a project of The Eagle Rock Association on Saturday, July 14 from 5:00 p.m- 8:00 pm.
The Garden is located in Eagle Rock, nestled in a neighborhood off Figueroa and La Loma. To find it, go south on Figueroa from Colorado Blvd. near the Eagle Rock Post Office. Take a left at the next light, La Loma Street. Take a right at Lanark St., and go one block to Shelby-Lanark Park. The Garden gate is at the south end of the park.
Since it will be on the same evening as the July northeast L.A. Gallery Night, you may want to go from there onto the NELA Art Tour, a self-guided visit to galleries and studios throughout Eagle Rock and neighboring communities!
Refreshments and Tour Maps will be provided - free!

Kids Summer Fun at Eagle Rock Baptist Church
The popular "Jesus And Me Performing Arts Camp (JAMPAC) is returning to Eagle Rock Baptist Church on June 25. A full week of music, drama, choreography, and set production wil culminate in a great children's musical to be performed July 1 at 6:00 P.M. This program is offered to children grades 1 to 8
SONFORCE KIDS, is a week long day camp for kids K through 5. The camp will be offered from July 30 through August 3, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 p.m. and features fun filled days with games, crafts, and a variety of other great kid activities.
Registration is now open for both these great kid's camps. For more information or to register contact the church office at 323-255-2764 or go to www.eaglerockbaptist.com
 

Diversity Award to David Steven Company

Jim Gillespie President of Coldwell Banker offers congratulations to David & Adriana Toyama, President and Vice President of Coldwell Banker David Steven Company, as he presents them with Coldwell Banker Diversity Award. They were chosen for diligently and creatively fostering an inclusive environment that has supported diverse minority markets.
Coldwell Banker David Steven Company has been independently owned for over 23 years. They are committed to providing the highest quality real estate services for both residential and commercial customers. They service the local community with offices located in Azusa, Baldwin Park, and Eagle Rocks and are ready to assist with all real estate needs.

Lummis Day 2007 Grand Success
Planning for 2008 to Begin Soon
On the heels of the success of Lummis Day 2007, which drew over 3,500 people to Sycamore Grove Park and Lummis Home and easily doubled the previous year's Festival attendance, the Lummis Day organizing committee has announced Sunday, June 1 as the date for the third annual Lummis Day event, continuing the tradition of observing Lummis Day on the first Sunday of June.
For those who missed it, Lummis Day 2007 on Sunday June 3 began with an opening Poetry Reception that attracted a standing-room-only crowd, with hundreds turning out to hear poets reading their work at the historic Lummis Home.
At Sycamore Grove Park a little later in the day, a wildly eclectic and fast-paced line-up of performances presented a smorgasbord of entertainment and cultural attractions with broad appeal. At 3:00 pm, Los Angeles Fire Department estimated peak attendance at 2,500.
Many Festival-goers arrived later for late-afternoon music performances, puppet shows and Mexican, Filipino and Aztec folk dancers.
Photos of Lummis Day 2007 and information on the 2008 event can be seen on www.lummisday.org.
Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast Los Angeles, takes its name from Charles Fletcher Lummis, who joined the L.A. Times as the paper's first city editor in 1876. Lummis was also one of the city's first librarians, founded the Southwest Museum and helped introduce the concept of multi-culturalism to Southern California.
The second annual Lummis Day was presented by Occidental College and sponsored by the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council, the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council, the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council, the Autry Center for the American West, public radio station KPFK 90.7, SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Los Angeles City Council Districts 1 and 14, the Boulevard Sentinel and Poets & Writers Inc.
Supporting organizations included the North Figueroa Association, the Department of Recreation and Parks, Heritage Square Museum, the MTA, the Highland Park Heritage Trust, the Arroyo Arts Collective, Time Warner Cable, the L.A. Poetry Festival, Rock Rose Productions, Future Studios, Orchestrada Audio and other community organizations.

Shop Eagle Rock Night
On the third Thursday of every month, local Eagle Rock merchants invite all to, "Come Shop, Eat, and Chill Out!" Participating businesses along Eagle Rock and Colorado Blvd.'s will be staying open late to serve you! These businesses will be open until 9 pm or later every third Thursday of the month. Look for the RED balloons outside participating store fronts. The event is centered around the Colorado Eagle Rock intersection and is catching on fast! The third Thurdays for the next three months are: July 19, 2007, August 16, 2007 and September 20, 2007.

Welcome Reception for New Northeast Captain
Councilmember Huizar invites you to attend this public welcome reception for Captain José Perez. The event will take place at the Twentieth Century Women's Club on Tuesday July 17, starting at 6:00 p.m. Come and meet our new Captain and find out his plans for the Northeast. The Club is located in Eagle Rock at 5015 Hermosa Drive (corner of Colorado and Hermosa). Please RSVP (213) 473-5800 no later than July 11, 2007.