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Villaraigosa's
Broken Promise

by Tom Topping
They told me he was a career politician. They told me it was only a stepping stone to higher office. "Oh no," I said. "He made us a promise. He promised that if he won he would complete his term as Councilman, run for a second term, and then after that, who knows."
I heard him make that promise over and over again during the campaign. I believed him. I believed him so much that I made it my own promise. I put my own word and reputation on the line as I passed that promise on to others.
On Tuesday, August 3rd, by his official announcement to run for Mayor of the city of L.A., he broke that promise. And because I personally vouched for his promise, I broke mine, too.
"BIG NEWS! POLITICIAN BREAKS PROMISE!" You know you'll never see that headline on the front page. It's kinda like, "DOG BITES MAN!" It's just not news. It's just business as usual. It's just so ordinary.
During his campaign for City Councilman, he had to make that promise. After being Speaker of the California State Assembly, and running for Mayor in 2001, one of the biggest criticisms he faced was that he was just using the office of 14th District City Councilman as a stepping stone. He knew folks did not want to vote for someone that would be here today and gone tomorrow.
I phoned a few of the local opinion leaders to get their reaction. "He's a career politician and I don't trust him," said Michael Nogueira, President of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce. (He had been a strong supporter of Nick Pacheco, the incumbent who Villaraigosa defeated in that city council race).
"I'm disappointed because he's not keeping his word," said Gladys Pintos-Munoz, a Villaraigosa supporter and Eagle Rock soccer mom. She continued, "I thought he was different, but he's worse."
Manuel Montano, formerly of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council said, "He said he wasn't going to do it (run for mayor)- so he's breaking a promise- but I don't mind that he's running for Mayor. I think he'd be a better Mayor than Hahn- I think he'd be better than any of the candidates."
Eagle Rock Resident Moises Vasquez, a long time friend of Antonio and local youth sports coach said, "I think he's very qualified and I've loved him as our councilman. I think most of Eagle Rock will support (his decision to run)."
"I just wish people could finish their current obligation before taking on another one," said Glen Tritch, employee at Tritch Hardware.
"You should know- you can't believe those guys anyway," my mom told me. Motherly advice is often the best, isn't it?
Last year, during the campaign, retired resident Wayne Minser had told me, "They're all a bunch of liars, you know." He knew what he was talking about. As husband of a former Eagle Rock field deputy to Councilmen Art Snyder and Richard Alatorre he had seen plenty.
Antonio had an answer for my concerns. "Over the last three months, I've talked with my constituents and they urged me to run. That's the reason it took me so long to make the decision." He explained that if the people to whom he'd made that promise ask him to break it, then that releases him from that promise.
I can't help but wonder exactly how many of the 13,000 voters who elected him have released him from that promise.
As in, 'DOG BITES MAN!', there's no story in 'POLITICIAN BREAKS PROMISE!' But if you turn it around, into 'MAN BITES DOG!', then you have a story. We'll have to wait until next year to see if this tale will turn into: 'PROMISE BREAKS POLITICIAN'. Now that might be a story!

Sewer Construction in Eagle Rock

by Tom Topping
If you've driven up Eagle Rock Boulevard in the last few weeks, you are well aware of the construction taking place there. What are they doing and why?
In 1998, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a Cease and Desist Order requiring the City of Los Angeles to fix rainy weather sewage overflow problems. They must upgrade sewers throughout the City. The city had scheduled replacement of the sewer systems over many years, but was forced to speed up the schedule due to this order.
The sewers in Los Angeles have been in use since the 1920's and are deteriorating. The old sewers are semi-elliptical, ceramic tile lined concrete sewers which have deteriorated over the years to a point where many tiles have fallen exposing concrete to corrosive sewer gases. Tiles and concrete now litter the sewer's bottom collecting debris and reducing the capacity.
The main sewers are up to 14 feet in diameter. They connect all the way to the Hyperion Treatment Plant near Marina Del Rey (practically following the original path of the L.A. River coincidentally). Two of the phases of construction, reaching from down town to the Hyperion plant are already complete.
You may have noticed that for the last two years, San Fernando Road in Cypress Park has been torn up. Under San Fernando Rd. is one of the main sewers in L.A. This one is scheduled to be complete this year. The new one under Eagle Rock Boulevard will connect to that one. It is scheduled to be complete sometime in 2005.
I have received e-mails questioning the way traffic is being re-routed on Eagle Rock Blvd. "Why must they take both lanes and the parking lane?" The answer is that the equipment is huge. One of the cranes they're using down on San Fernando completely takes up one side of the street. I expect traffic to occasionally be run both ways on the west side of the Boulevard in the next year or so.
The construction will undoubtedly seem like a curse to motorists for the coming year, but delaying it any longer could bring much more serious curse in the long run. Sewers are one government service that we take for granted. They are something we never think about- until there's a problem. With a little luck, the next few generations of Angelenos will be blessed by not having to think about it.

Resignations Shock ERNC
by Bob Thorpe
Vice President and Treasurer vacate their positions- new Secretary is elected.
At the rescheduled ERNC monthly Board meeting (moved to Monday August 2 due to a conflict with National Night Out), Irene Daniel, ERNC Vice President submitted her resignation citing personal issues and demands on her time that precluded her continuing in the office. This followed the previously announced resignation of Treasurer Mark Ryan, who has consented to act as Treasurer until a new Treasurer takes office.
Mark, who holds a Doctorate in Education, has been extremely effective in office after taking over the position from the founding Treasurer, Patti Sugerman. In addition to taking funding requests through the bureaucratic process and identifying a vendor and invoice amount for payment, he was instrumental in correcting problems with the use of the City-issued credit card given the ERNC for purchasing.
He cited frustration with the directive of the City that set a deadline for allocation of fiscal year 2003-2004 funds and then essentially repealed it.
After spending countless hours rushing to meet a June deadline, the City has reconsidered and decided to let Neighborhood Councils use funds from any period for current expenditures. According to Mark, this makes both the budget process, and the identification of items to be included in a fiscal year's allocation vastly more difficult.
Another problem cited at the most recent Board Meeting was the revisiting of projects already approved for funding by the Board. Although there exists a question as to whether the ERNC can participate in the 20th Century Women's Club Building earthquake retrofit, the decision was made by the ERNC to support the project and it is now up to the City to rule on whether or not City funds can be used to repair the facilities of a private club.
Mark, in addition to his full time position at a high school is a part-time Professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He stated that the time requirements of the ERNC position as Treasurer were making it difficult for him to fulfill his other obligations.
Irene Daniel recently suffered the loss of two family members, and cited needs to spend more time with her family and with her clients in her practice as an attorney. Since joining the Executive Board as Vice President and Director of Communications, she has been effective in guiding the meetings held to establish a new ERNC web site. She has stated that she wants to continue to contribute to ERNC, but not in an executive position at this time.
The vacant position of ERNC Secretary, which includes the responsibility of chairing the Rules and Elections Committee, was filled by the election of Marlene Schmidt at the Monday meeting. Recently honored by Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa for her years of community service, Marlene is also Public Safety Director for ERNC, and was chair of the ad hoc committee to select a vendor for the security cameras to be installed at the Yosemite Recreation Center.

Related Story:
District1 Rep.
Resigns
by Tom Topping
Another Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Board Member resigned last month. Danette Inzalaco, Area Representative for District 1, sent her letter of resignation after deciding her time was better spent elsewhere. "I felt like I was being shoved out. I wasn't getting e-mails or phone calls notifying me of meetings or events. They have an elitist attitude- I felt like they didn't want me there."
Danette had served on the board since the council's certification, being elected the district 1 representative, in 2003. "I feel they've lost their purpose, all they do is fight and throw parties." She felt that the council could have and should have worked for the benefit of the community, but for the personalities. "I got involved to address problems in my neighborhood, but it was just impossible."
She said that after the "incident" between Past President Dalila Sotelo and her husband and former council member Manuel Montano, Sotelo treated her more coldly than ever. She said that being on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council "...was not what I expected." She specifically mentioned Dalila and Jessica Wethington when she said, "If you oppose them in anyway they hate you."
As she reflected on her year serving on the council, Danette said, "We tried to explain Democracy to our 7 year old son last week. We realized that we wouldn't want anyone in this community to look to the ERNC as an example of democracy."

Night Out to Remember
by Paul Thomas
August 3rd was the 21st annual National Night Out for cities all across the country. The aim is to bring police and the community together to take a bite out of crime.
Highland Park held it's Night Out at the Police Historical Museum on York Boulevard. It was a night of bigwigs, bad wigs, and wigginess, that drew a huge cross section of Northeast L.A. At the podium was the commanding officer of Northeast Police Division Morris Smith (who I misidentified last issue - my apologies).
To his credit, Smith did a nice job of presenting the notables participating in the evening's event. Kicking things off was the Vaqueros Karate School, with a group of about 40 Beginner Level students demonstrating their kicks and chops. Due to space restrictions, they had to shorten their program, but still managed to put on a lengthy performance.
Next up, a little pomp and ceremony from the Roosevelt High School ROTC, who led the pledge of allegiance while the crowd stood at attention. Then a short prayer was said, before those who had seats sat. The crowd had swelled to standing room only proportions.
Councilmember Ed Reyes was the first speaker up. He showered the police with praise, then delivered a micro-speech emphasizing, "For every 12 gang members, there is one police officer."
It was a warm-up for coucilmember Garcetti's following address, which made the night's main agenda clear. It was this: push an initiative through on the November ballot which would double the amount of cops on the street, and perhaps guarantee a Police State once and for all.
The theme was bandied around throughout the night, climaxing with Chief Bratton taking the stand to implore his legions: "Give me my 5000 more officers. We can make this the safest city in America."
Mayor Hahn was there for his two bits, plus numerous police commissioners, neighborhood councils, and local organizations. It should go without saying that Councilman Villaraigosa showed up, but today was special for him. It's official - he's running for Mayor. The speeches eventually came to a close, but the patting of backs and browning of noses had just begun.

Cypress Park Comeback
by Tom Topping
After last month's report on the status of Cypress Park's Neighborhood Council I had to do a follow up and see what happened next. The problem is that the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council (GCPNC) has delayed having their elections for 20 months, taking about a year longer than it should have. At the June 22 meeting, (read last months story July 2004) upon questioning GCPNC interim president John Edwards, and hearing conflicting stories, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) was left thinking that maybe they should de-certify the GCPNC. The BONC Commissioners made it clear to staff-members they wanted a full report on the facts of the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council and their election's status.
Since then, a few things happened. That report was produced by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (D.O.N.E.) staff, a meeting was held and disrupted in Cypress Park, and a letter was sent from the GCPNC trashing senior project coordinator Michelle Cuevas and asking for her dismissal.
The report from D.O.N.E. staff included their recommendation, which asked for the GPCNC to provide documentation within 30 days to support one of three possibilities.
1. The continued functional existence of the original GPCNC board.
2. A new interim board identifying specific resignations, replacements or reinstatements with evidence that such replacements were done pursuant to their bylaws, the Brown Act and other applicable laws.
3. The appointment of a duly established election subcommittee, again with evidence that it was established by following applicable laws, etc.
The staff report also described what they found after reviewing the draft election procedures that were received in June. Those procedures were found to be insufficient.
The disrupted meeting, an exiting one by all accounts, held at Aragon Street Elementary School lasted for seven minutes before being adjourned.
As eye witness Charles Inman reported on the nelalist yahoo internet group, "When interim president John Edwards started the meeting Art Pulido immediately started shouting about his alleged resignation as interim vice pres. There was constant shouting and cursing by both the Pulido brothers but by no others to my knowledge. A vote was taken on his right to speak and I think 4 hands went up. The brothers squared off at several of the attendees in a very menancing manner. The police were called. John Edwards couldn't get a word in edgewise, even with the P.A. system so had to call off the meeting due to the continual chaos. The brothers remained outside the entrance with a group and I felt lucky to get away unscathed."
This was to be a meeting complying with a previous BONC request that they progress toward having their elections. It was ended before any progress was made.
The letter trashing Ms. Cuevas was sent to DONE general manager Greg Nelson alleging that she "knowingly and purposely gave a misleading and untruthful report" to the BONC at their June 22 meeting. The letter, signed by interim president John Edwards, asked that Nelson consider removing her from her position she currently "enjoys". (The BONC, however went out of their way that night to acknowledge the good work of Ms. Cuevas calling her the best of the best).
On August 3, the latest BONC meeting was held in Van Nuys. Senior Project Coordinator, Janiko Bell, gave the staff report to the BONC. She said it was unclear who the members of the GCPNC were, and that, "We are unable to respond to them because we don't know who to give that response to." She said the GCPNC should "Return in 30 days with proof (of who they are) or we will recommend de-certification." She also questioned the validity of a letter documenting the resignation of interim vice president Art Pulido because it was "signed by everyone but him," to which he yelled "Yeah!"
John Edwards, Alan Lake, Belin Eller, Jose Solis and Peter Lucas all vouched for the integrity and legitimacy of the interim council and complained that D.O.N.E. staff had not tried to contact them, nor returned their phone calls, and ignored their pleas for help and assistance.
Art Pulido mentioned that they needed to have the elections and "Have the right people vote for the right candidates," implying that there were some wrong ones he had in mind.
Luis Duarte summed it up well when he said that in Cypress Park there were "People who wanted to improve it (the community); and people whose egos need to be improved."
When the public hearing was over, Commissioner Bill Christopher said, "I think we would be remiss if we didn't allow them a thirty day period." The commission was impressed by the many persuasive speakers that were there to support the GCPNC.
Commissioner Longoria was appalled at the rudeness of some, namely Pulido, who, during the meeting who were heckling the speakers. She said, "It's time for adults to look at the big picture."
Commission President Ronald Stone wrapped it up. "Our concern was to move forward with elections. We urge the GCPNC board to come up with proof (of who the interim board is) and put together five members who can work with staff (on elections). He agreed to re-agendize the item for the September 7th meeting to give them the 30 day chance to bring it together.

Eastside Goldline Breaks Ground

Local, state and federal officials joined community and Metro leaders, last month, to break ground for the six-mile Eastside Extension connecting the Metro Gold Line with Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles.
The Eastside community has waited two decades to gain access to the expanding Metro Rail system and has fought hard to secure a federal funding commitment of $490.7 million toward the $898.8 million project. The balance will be paid with local and state funds.
The extension from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Pomona/Atlantic is scheduled to open in late 2009.
The Eastside Extension is Metro's highest-priority rail construction project. The six-mile extension will include eight additional stations with stops at Little Tokyo/Arts District, Pico/Aliso, Mariachi Plaza, Soto Street, Indiana, Maravilla, East LA Civic Center and Pomona/Atlantic.
UNDERGROUND SEGMENT
A 1.8-mile segment running through a densely populated area in Boyle Heights will be constructed underground and will include two underground stations. The remainder of the system will be built at street level.
The Eastside Extension is expected to reach an estimated 23,000 daily boardings by the year 2020. It will serve a corridor that is densely populated with many people who are transit dependent. The Metro Gold Line Eastside extension also is expected to generate 46,000 jobs.
In June, Metro executed a $600.4 million construction contract with Eastside LRT Constructors. Eastside LRT is a joint venture of Washington Group International, Obayashi Corporation and Shimmick Construction Corporation.

Lions Club Award

Roice Hagemier receives the very prestigious "Melvin Jones Fellow Award" from Eagle Rock Lions Club.
Presented by Lions Club International Past President Kay F. Fukushimalon July 24, 2004 at the Metro Region Meeting.
Past District Governor Ross Adams is in foreground.
 

TROMPERLAND
by Richard Miazga
Hello again everyone!
Summer is really settling in around us now, it's hot, the days are long, and everyone is out hitting the road.. This really holds true for the Trompers of Eagle Rock Hot Rod Club. You'll see the Trompers roadsters, coupes, sedans and pickup trucks all over the Eagle Rock area these days.
How do you recognize a Tromper? Look on the back bumper of their hotrod for the Tromper plaque... About the size of a license plate, our Tromper plaque says the words Trompers-Eagle Rock, and you'll see a "Lil Abner" boot trompin' down on a spoon throttle. The official colors are black boot, red background, and silver lettering. It is a very unique car plaque that is an exact duplication of the plaques the Trompers displayed on their roadsters back in 1946.
We're asked many questions at the various shows and cruise-ins we attend. We've been saving up these inquiries, so it's time we answer them here in our column. One that is often asked is, "where do we find our hotrods?" In many cases our members search high and low for the 'basic' ingredient.
Take the two photos of Tim Dodd's 1930 Ford Coupe. Tim purchased this 1930 "stock" Model A coupe that needed everything. He dragged it home, and then went to work. This is the really great thing about our Trompers club, the members enjoy the challenge of building a hot rod from "scratch". Tim bought pieces, parts, the 350 cu.in. Chevy engine, the transmission, and on and on.
It's an agonizing slow process, but when you finish, the finished product makes it all worth while. You can proudly say you "did it all", and that's a great feeling, believe me. The respect you receive from your peers, more than makes up for all the hours of frustration you have to endure.
Our members are always looking for "project cars", so if you have a 1920, 30, 40's or 50's car and would like to see it returned to its original glory and much more, stop in at one of our Monday morning get-togethers and let's talk about it.
We hold our get-together starting at 9 a.m. at Jim's Burgers, 2005 Colorado Blvd., and we'd love for anyone with a passion for hotrods to cordially join us. There at our club house (Jim's) we have a mini museum set up. We display pictures of our "original" members from the 1940's along with pictures of the current membership, and we also display memorabilia like high compression aluminum heads from a Ford flathead engine, Mickey Thompson connecting rods, and chrome hemi valve covers. Stop in at Jim's one day, and look over the very interesting photos and hot rod related items we have on display.
Another person asked, "What kind of cars are in your club?" Our rules state that any U.S. car produced prior to 1959 is allowed. However, we encourage the members to have much older cars, roadsters and coupes especially. When the Trompers were founded back in 1945, only modified roadsters were allowed. The reason for this was the Trompers were all racing their cars on the dry lakes back then, and the rules stated that only roadsters were allowed to race, no coupes, sedans, or pickups. Some of the "original" members actually took a coupe, cut the roof off, and made a roadster. This was ingenuity in action, something our "original" Trompers were famous for.
This ingenuity also produced speed parts to make that roadster a record contender when they went rumbling down the El Mirage dry lake race course. By the way, the record for the fastest speed attained at El Mirage by a Tromper was 132.77 mph. This was set in June 1950 by Burdette Sanders, driving his highly modified 1932 Ford roadster, running on a nice dose of nitro-methane fuel.
You can see a very nice photo of Burdette preparing this car for this record there at Jim's. One last thing this month. At a recent car show held on Brand Blvd. in Glendale, two Eagle Rock hotrodders got some deserved attention from the press and a TV crew working the show. In the photos you see Tom Amhrein being interviewed for a segment on Channel 6 ( a local community channel) They had two cameras rolling, a boom operator, and Tom did a masterful job answering questions about his adventures in our great hobby. The other photo shows Terry (Moe) Wilcox being interviewed by a reporter from the L.A. Times.
If you read our column last month (July) we featured Terry and his fabulous 1928 A-V8 roadster pickup he owns. At this show Terry won the "Merchants Pick" trophy in addition to that nice write-up in the Times. Since Terry got his '28 A-V8 back on the road after a long hiatus, he's been making up for lost time in a big way... not bad for a 75 year old hotrodder.
Terry is having fun, and we encourage him. Next month on August 14th. there's a huge car show up in Big Bear, the Trompers are going in force, and guess who will lead the parade? Yep, it will be Terry and his 1928 A-V8... We'll see you next month everyone, till then, as always, "let the fun begin"..rm

Temple Beth’s75th
Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock celebrates 75 year anniversary!
by Bob Thorpe
President Henry Leventon of Temple Beth Israel, the Conservative Synagogue serving Northeast Los Angeles, announced that a major milestone will be reached with the observance of High Holiday Services in September. As the third oldest Synagogue in continuous operation in Los Angeles, this High Holiday season will mark the 75th observance of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Pauline Ledeen, whose family has belonged to the Temple since the beginning in 1929, recently recalled on an episode of the Phil Blazer television broadcast how the temple got its start. Her mother, seeking other families to share in the observance of holidays, asked the postman to give her the addresses of families with Jewish names.
She then sent invitations to those in the community to participate in a Purim celebration, and the first Purim play (the story of the Book of Esther) was presented in March of 1924. Services were held in various locations until the congregation broke ground on its permanent location at 5711 Monte Vista Street in 1947.
Today the Temple membership is growing due to the influx of professionals and their families from the Westside, Silver Lake, and other areas. Occidental College students, from the Hillel chapter on campus, have recently been guests at services.
All are welcome to attend services, which are held every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. New members have characterized the congregation as warm, friendly, and welcoming. For more information regarding membership or High Holiday Services, see Henry after services any Saturday!

Highland Seniors' Hangout
by Paul Thomas
The Highland Park Senior Center, at the corner of Figueroa and York, has been a familiar sight in the community for the past 20 odd years. The membership has grown to between 350-400 people currently, according to Dolores Fenton, the center's president and overseer.
Mrs. Fenton has entered her second term as president (each term being three years). She is in charge of five clubs which operate within the center, each of which requires an annual $3 membership fee.
They include the Bingo Club, The Shuffleboard Club, and others. The Dance Club is said to be the most popular club, and it gathers on Wednesday nights. Dolores Fenton herself teaches the class, and members get to break out their moves to the live musical accompaniment of The Rhythm Makers. Grandparents can get their collective grooves on as the swinging trio plays standards like "In The Mood."
Seniors are encouraged to join more than one club since, as Mrs. Fenton notes, "that will increase the privileges, such as their free lunches." There are also special field trips and dinners that members get to enjoy throughout the year. Group getaways to Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, are on the horizon for Senior Center members as well.
Mrs. Fenton is also a playwright, and has written several plays that have been performed at the center, with senior actors. On Tuesday, a non-club night she teaches line dancing, and if this active lady gets a chance to relax, you might find her at one of her favorite haunts, Colombo's.
The center has been host to a number of other public events and classes as well, such as drawing and oil painting. Upcoming highlights include a picnic on August 14 for all clubs combined, that will include games, food and possible mayhem. Check the Highland Park Senior Center for details.


Pacific Christian

June 1906, Pacific Christian's (formerly Los Angeles Free Methodist Seminary) first graduating class consisting of Mark Horton, Blanche Wyatt, Frances English (teacher) Mary Stewart and  John Corbin.

After a century of providing quality Christian education in Northeast Los Angeles, Pacific Christian on the Hill is in danger of closing its doors unless the institution can balance its budget by July 31st.
The school needs to increase its enrollment by a score or more, and receive more donor funds, to raise the needed funds to Stay open, due to a significant monetary shortfall over the past couple of years. (Monetary giving has been down in the non-profit sector across the nation, as has been private school enrollment in our local region.)
On Saturday, July 17 at 3:00 p.m., an information meeting will be held to discuss current efforts to keep the school alive. Parents, especially, are dedicated to keeping the school open, as evidenced by a many parent's commitment to sacrifice registration fees they've paid to other schools to send their children back to Pacific should the school stay open.
(The school provides a uniquely affordable and quality education in the community of Hermon, with comprehensive music and arts programs, and a rigorous, Socratic, discussion-oriented teaching method. Potential donors and interested students are encouraged to inquire about giving and enrollment possibilities at 323-254-7161.)

Miss Mindy's Record Reviews
I may not be Julia Childs (or even a good cook for that matter) but I do know a tasty dish when I see one. An absolute connoisseur of tastiness, if you will. This month, I'm excited to present an especially tasty treat. A band that is so deliciously tempting, you'll be scrambling back for seconds (and thirds).
Don't worry, there aren't any carbs or calories in this delicacy, just a highly potent musical chemistry that can't (and won't) be ignored. What is the recipe for a searing hot band? Mix one part Betty Boop sass and one part rocked out trip-hop. Blend well with visual fireworks and a solid beat. Bake on high and you've got The Peak Show. Yummy!
Only a perfected recipe could result in such a savory sound and The Peak Show should know, they've been cooking up grooves together for five years. However, I find it shocking that in an era where Brittany Spears can rule the air-waves, a band as original and well polished as The Peak Show isn't already signing deals and getting video rotation on MTV. Although The Peak Show cut a demo for Atlantic Records, they are still patiently awaiting their turn.
Long overdue if you ask me.
The Peak Show is based out of our own backyard, Highland Park. The performers are Holland Greco, the talented vocalist, Gabriel "Front Row" Rowland as drummer/producer extrordinaire, Derek Goodwin, the guitarist who exudes a crazy style you should see his sideburns!) and bassist Alex Painter who beautifully lays down all those funky bass lines.
It's this special combination of people that will literally make you jump out of your seat when they start playing "Stupid Little Fellow" (one of my favorites). Anyone who's witnessed The Peak Show (live or otherwise) simply can't stop raving about the experience and with a front woman like Greco, it's completely understandable.
When meeting someone with as much star quality as Greco, you would assumably expect this high-maintenance, diva-esque vibe but that couldn't possibly be further from the truth. She's more the eccentric "girl-next-door". Down to earth and always ready for a hearty laugh and genuine smile. This coming from an artist who's vocal abilities would make even the most seasoned pro envious.
So how can someone with that much raw talent not let it all "go to her head"? Honestly, she doesn't seem the type, investing her time and energy into performing and promotion. In fact, The Peak Show blows me away in all they've accomplished on their own (without label backing). The list of performers they've opened for include "big names" such as LL Cool J, The Dave Matthews Band, and The B-52's.
The Peak Show has rocked the infamous Viper Room, gone on the road with The Girlz Garage Tour and they've even snuck into Coachella (a massive musical event) two years in a row, performing half an hour or so before security figured it out. All this just reiterating the fact that The Peak Show is a self-motivated, do- it-yourself kind of band. They do it themselves and they do quite a job of it.
The Peak Show's DVD/CD was surprising considering I only expected a CD (an underground band with a DVD? Impressive). A beautifully packaged 2-disc set that you'd expect to see on a store shelf, completely stuffed with music, photos, a blazing music video and "behind the scenes" footage.
The DVD introduces The Peak Show "beginner" to their uniquely eclectic sound and style. The additional footage was shot in Highland Park at Mr. T's Bowl (a local music venue), at their studio (also in H.P.) and at a performance in front of Zeppelin's Music (on York).
The CD is just as enticing as the DVD. Blending different moods and rhythms, like a musical journey that zig-zags through more styles than one could possibly list. For example, "Blue" sounds like it's straight out of a swanky jazz club.
"In The Dirt" has an infectious, hypnotizing beat paired with a hint of "folky" flavor. "Stupid Little Fellow" has a funky punk sound with sky- high energy. Rounding out the album is "Reckless Love", a sweeter, softer song and "Laugh Think" which talks about the good things in life. "Laugh...Think...Love...Drink...". What more do we need?
The Peak Show DVD/CD is an absolute "must-have" for all music lovers. Check out the web site (www.thepeakshow.com) and get yourself a copy. To check them out live, attend their monthly loft party in Highland Park called (what else) The Peak Show.
The band will also be headlining the Highland Park Street Fair (Arroyo Seco Park, August 7th). I urge our readers to invest in the community, to embrace its creativity and to lend your support to The Peak Show, a local band that totally rocks!

Music Festival to Rock the Vote
The Fourth Annual Highland Park Music Festival has teamed up with the national Rock The Vote organization to bring yet another element to the afternoon music event/ voter registration. Rock the Vote is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, founded in 1990 in response to a wave of attacks on freedom of speech and artistic expression.
The free Festival, which is set for Saturday, August 7 at Arroyo Seco Hermon Park, will feature former Atlantic Records recording artists Peak Show and local performers Ann Likes Red, along with the Artichokes and PapaChango, two more local performers. The free festival has been moved from its original site at the Sycamore Grove Bandshell to Arroyo Seco/Hermon Park in an effort to make the event more accessible and more attractive to more residents Rock the Vote engages youth in the political process by incorporating the entertainment community and youth culture into its activities. From actors to musicians, comedians to athletes, Rock the Vote harnesses cutting-edge trends and pop culture to make political participation cool.
Rock the Vote mobilizes young people to create positive social and political change in their lives and communities. The goal of Rock the Vote's media campaigns and street team activities is to increase youth voter turnout. Rock the Vote coordinates voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote events, and voter education efforts, all with the intention of ensuring that young people take advantage of their right to vote.
Rock the Vote's work doesn't end when the polls close. The group empowers young people to create change in their communities and take action on the issues they care about. Regardless of whether youth are signing petitions, running for office, contacting their elected officials, or taking up a sign in protest, they are all rocking the vote.
So, mark your calendars. Highland Park Music Festival. Saturday, August 7th. Arroyo Seco Hermon Park. 2-8 p.m.

Performing Fest at the Sylvan (Yosemite Rec)
On August 18-21st, and August 25-28th at 8p.m., the Center for the Arts will be hosting an exciting new performing arts festival in the historic Sylvan Amphitheater located behind Eagle Rock's Yosemite Park. Constructed in 1930 utilizing Los Angeles County relief fund appropriations, unemployed local men built the facility. Today our Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa and the Center for the Arts will be partnering with the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, City of Los Angeles' Park and Recreation Department and the Cultural Affairs Department, as well as local businesses and arts organizations, to revitalize the site with all disciplines of performing arts.
As many as 2,000 arts lovers will be treated to an enjoyable eight nights of free events over a two-week period. Programming includes two nights of classic films, a night of choreography by four Southern Californian artists curated by Anita Pace, an Open Gate Theater production of Dionysus in the Underworld, a performance by the Los Angeles Vocal Artists LAVA, an evening of spoken-word featuring local poet Lisa Sandoval, and much, much more.
The 2004 Sylvan festival's guest programmer is accomplished actor Randy Kovitz, who is the notable creator/ writer/ and vocalist for performance band Lies Like Truth.
The Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, providing low-cost art, music, dance and computer classes to children and adults of surrounding areas and communities.
For more information call the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 323.226.1617 or check our website, www.centerartseaglerock.org for updates. The Center is located near the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard at 2225 Colorado Blvd.

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Highland Park Happenings
by Paul Thomas
The June Gloom effect carried right over into early July, making for a comfortable, but un-summerlike beginning of summer. Nevertheless, activities for the season continued unhampered by the weather.
Starting July 3rd, there were independence day celebrations in and around Highland Park. Neighboring communities such as El Sereno had a parade with councilman Villaraigosa. South Pasadena held its popular Balloon Festival.
Highland Park really loves its pyrotechnics, though, and this year it was obvious. After all, what better way to show your patriotism, than by blowing things up and firing guns. A battery of impromptu explosions and fireworks shows - legally sanctioned and otherwise - filled the night air.
Before, during, and after the 4th of July weekend, one could hear the sound of gunfire, Piccolo Petes, firecrackers, M-80s, sticks of dynamite, and maybe the occasional hand grenade - Whizzzzzzzzzzz! Booooooommm!!! This year's explosive of choice was gunpowder from various sources combined into one giant firecracker. Perfect for those popular disfiguring blasts. The actual streets and sidewalks were surreally empty - as far as traffic and pedestrians were concerned.
Explosions seemed to emanate from every other house and apartment complex, but it was virtually impossible to determine who was actually setting off the fireworks. If anyone. The thought occurred to me later that some clever folks might have had their fireworks set on timers. They'd be programmed to go off at, say, 9pm on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of July - just to distract would-be intruders. All the while the Jones' are secretly on vacation in the Bahamas. Think about it.
Judging from the pungent smoke which permeated the air, leaving a layer of smoke for Highlanders to breathe, this was a very popular Independence Day. Apparently, the police and fire department took a different approach this time around.
Whereas squad cars, plainclothes cops, and fire trucks chased through the area trying to stop illegal fireworks and prevent fires the past few years, this year they seemed to lay low. It worked out fine, but came as a surprise, and contrasted with the loud and visible police presence in June. The patrol helicopters which filled the skies last month stayed grounded for the night. Except for the staccato of blasts from every direction, the streets were uncommonly tranquil this 4th of July.
The following Saturday the community of Hermon held its (now) annual picnic in where else - Hermon Park (between Via Marisol and Avenue 60). Devoted Hermonites and Highlanders came out for a picture-perfect summer afternoon and evening of food, live music, history lectures, and even a screening of the movie "Babe" for the kids.
By the middle of the month, the weather started heating up, and July started to act like July. Activities in Highland Park started heating up simultaneously.
The Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC) busied itself this month with straightening out the budget and vigorous Clean and Green efforts. Treasurer Heinrich Keifer presented a revised budget for July'04 - June'05, which included a new category: Community Improvements.
The $14,300 for this category would be divided to cover a Job or Business Fair, a National Night Out (crime prevention event) on August 3rd, as well as a Crime Prevention Fair & Open House on October 16th. The remaining Community Improvement funds would go toward a First Time Homebuyer's event, and skate park improvements in which the HHPNC would match private contributions.
The rest of the budget (from a total allowable draw of $55,000) is for Stakeholder Hospitality, Outreach & Communications, Web Site, General Operating & Administration, Community Events, and Community Beautification. Speaking of which, the Unsinkable Venita Strange (Beautification Advisor to the President of the HHPNC) had the Clean and Green Team out beautifying on the weekend of the 16-18th. Part of the HHPNC beautification campaign is to designate the brilliant red bougainvillea plants, especially along the Gold Line, as the signature flower of the area. Their work at the meridian area of York and Figueroa looks great.
The HHPNC is on a "Clean and Green Your Parkway" campaign. A parkway is the area between the street and sidewalk, in front of your home or business. You can do your part by maintaining (weeding, trimming, etc.) and removing trash in these areas.
The Arroyo Arts Collective and the Avenue 50 Gallery have plans to spiff up their parkway and turn it into an art garden gateway. Now that's getting creative!
One other item worth mentioning came up at the HHPNC's July 15th meeting at Franklin High School. It was regarding their logo, which is a simple little vista design with clouds and birds.
Well, it seems that someone has brought it to the council's attention that the logo, when printed small, "suggests feces with flies," and it was further suggested that the offending logo be altered. Oh, c'mon! Nobody would have given it a moment's consideration unless some wise-guy (or wise-gal) pointed it out as such.
It's akin to those images of the Virgin Mary that appear to people en masse on skyscrapers or tree stumps. It's basic psychology, of the manipulative kind: "Well... now that you mention it, it DOES look like flies on ..."
Fortunately, the council did not waste much time with this suggestion, and it was quickly agreed that the logo stays as it is. Hooray!
Other events throughout the month of July included Highland Park Summer Day Camp and Art In The Park. The camp entertains elementary school age kids locally on weekdays, and keeps them out of parents' hair for 6-hour stretches.
Art In The Park continues through August 20th, afternoons in Hermon Park. Young people get to gain real-life experience and education in the visual and performing arts.
Hey, summer's not over yet. Stay tuned for continuing adventures in Highland Park.

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Dear Friends:
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank Paul Thomas for his intrepid and irreverent investigation of police helicopter activity in Highland Park. Once, I complained to authorities about excessive use of helicopters when they circled Highland Park from before midnight until after 6 am looking for a shooting suspect.
Both the police chief and board of commissioners replied that the action was justified because the suspect had been found. A community newspaper, however, reported that the suspect, accompanied by his priest, turned himself in the next day. How much does it cost to use police helicopters?
Years ago, I came across a figure of $500 per hour (Imagine what the cost is today!). If helicopters are being used to supplement police ground forces, maybe it would be more cost-effective to hire new cops instead of using helicopters.
And, while we're at it, let's find out what the cops now on payroll are actually doing? At desk jobs, a movie shoot, on disability? We might have enough cops already if we can just get them into the neighborhoods. Clearly, an audit of the police department is in order.
Lastly, have you observed the times when low-flying helicopters buzzed Highland Park for very short periods-say ten minutes or so? When I asked police officials what kind of air support this could be about, I received no reply. Was Highland Park being used for joyrides or training, with the expectation that this "immigrant" neighborhood wouldn't complain?
Sandra Malone

ROCK Kids Go Fishing
The Eagle Rock Sportsmen's Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Friends of Rollo and LAUSD Board Member David Tokofsky are co-sponsoring a summer one-half day fishing trip with for the youth who attend the ROCK (Reach Our Community Kids) Teen Center on Wednesday, August 25, 2004. "ROCK is proud to have supporters such as the Eagle Rock Sportsmen's and Eagles' Clubs, Friends of Rollo, and Board Member Tokofsky, who make field trip opportunities, such as this, available to our youth. Many of our teens have never had an opportunity to fish or boat, even though they live so close to the ocean," said Donna Robey-Sullivan, ROCK Executive Director.
In co-sponsoring this trip, Eagle Rock Sportsmen's Club is continuing a 48 year history of supporting local programs, such as ROCK, the YMCA, Los Angeles Mission and local food banks. The club, which is comprised of mostly local fishermen and some hunters, is multi-generational, having 50 members from 35 to 88 years old. The current president is Jim Craig, a long-term Eagle Rock resident and retired local businessman. The club meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8 PM at the Eagles' Club, 1596 Yosemite Drive. The Eagles' Club is providing each participant with a special t-shirt, commemorating the event, and donating disposable cameras and refreshments for the day's adventure.
Friends of Rollo is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999, in memory of the late sea captain, Rollo Heyn. "The Friends of Rollo is a California kids fishing program designed to give underprivileged or special needs children a chance to go fishing," said Frank LoPreste, the prominent sports-fishing figure who founded the group. Bus transportation for the 40 youth and 10 chaperones, boarding the Sea Angler in San Pedro on August 25th, is provided through the office of LAUSD's Board Member David Tokofsky.
Youth, between the ages of 12 to 18, who are interested in attending this exciting adventure should contact the ROCK Teen Center at 323-257-6102 or through their website at www.rockids.org. Space is limited, so sign-up soon!
Listen to Bus Riders
Metro community-based service sectors will hold a series of public hearings in August to receive public comment on proposed changes to Metro Bus service. Metro Bus service changes are proposed for Metro Bus Lines operating in the Metro Gateway Sector, San Gabriel Valley Sector, South Bay Sector and the Westside/ Central Sector.
One of the proposed changes is to eliminate the #85 Cypress Av-Verdugo Rd. line. They would establish new Shuttle Line 685 to serve Verdugo Rd. between Eagle Rock Blvd. in the Eagle Rock area and Broadway in the City of Glendale. The segment north of Broadway will be discontinued with no replacement service. Service to downtown LA would be provided by existing Line 84.
The local public hearings are as follows:
San Gabriel Valley Sector Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004 6 p.m. (Regular Governance Council Meeting set for 5 p.m.) Pasadena City College Circadian Room 1570 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena
Westside/Central Sector Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 7 p.m. La Cienega Tennis Center 325 S. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills.

Water Rates to Freeze?
Outraged by allegations that a DWP public relations contractor may have fraudulently billed the City of Los Angeles, Councilmembers Antonio Villaraigosa and Jack Weiss today proposed suspending the recent DWP water rate increase and creating new oversight and whistleblower capabilities to uncover fraud and abuse in the City's Harbor, Airport and Water & Power departments.
"The endless string of scandals involving the DWP and other City Departments requires a proactive solution," said Councilmember Villaraigosa. "Without one, we are only changing light bulbs one at a time when what we need to do is change the wiring."
"These ongoing allegations of waste and mismanagement have shaken public faith in local government," said Councilmember Weiss. "City officials and employees must do the right thing to end abuse and fraud."
The Villaraigosa/Weiss proposal includes the following measures to protect residents and rate-payers and uncover wrongdoing:
1) Suspend the water rate increase that was implemented July 1, 2004, until the DWP institutes management reforms to prevent fraud and abuse
2) Create an Inspector General to detect fraud and root out corruption in the City's Proprietary Departments
3) Encourage whistle-blowers with an aggressive hotline and reward program
The measure will be introduced in a motion to the City Council next week. In addition, Weiss renewed his call for Mayor James Hahn to issue an executive order.
"In April, I asked Mayor James Hahn to issue an executive order to encourage anyone who had information about wrongdoing to come forward and assist investigators, but he refused," said Councilmember Weiss. "It's time for him to do the right thing."

Seniors Events
AUG. 03: The Eagle Vista
Seniors calendar for August begins with the Board meeting at 9 a,m, and proceeds to the Business meeting for members at 10 a.m.
Art Gibson will give a Craft talk, and birthday cake will honor those born in August.
AUG. 10: A lively LUAU takes place which includes a performance by the Keiki 0 Ka Aina dance group.
Members $6.00, Guests $7.00.
AUG. 17: Librarian Alma Lomeli will join us as our Speaker for the Day.
AUG. 24: BINGO Carlos Cruz will call. AUG. 31: A Surprise Guest.
NOTE: Payment deadline for the "Wasco Festival of Roses" is August I7, as is payment for the Catalina overnight trip.
All meetings take place on Tuesdays, unless otherwise indicated, at the Recreation Center in Eagle Rock Park.

Where for-
art thou- Arts?
by Paul Thomas
As has been the case for the last couple of generations of students, when school funds get tight, one of the first things to suffer is the Arts. Ever-tightening budgets have all but squeezed Music, Dance, Painting, Drama, and the like out of the educational system completely.
It makes me sad because way back in the 20th century, my classmates and I looked forward to our Art, Music, and Drama classes most of all. Not because we could slack off during those periods, but because of the teachers' enthusiasm, as well as the opportunity it gave us to create and share with others.
Well, happily, the Arts are being taught this summer in Highland Park thanks to the Art In The Park series. This exciting and educational program continues through August 20th at Hermon Park (between Via Marisol and Avenue 60). It gives kids over the age of 10 the chance to learn and experience visual and musical arts in a fun and creative environment.
Art In The Park is brought by the City of L.A. Cultural Affairs Department, whose goal of is to enhance the quality of life for Los Angeles' 3.9 million residents and 25.1 million annual visitors.
They accomplish this goal by generating and supporting high quality arts and cultural experiences. They provide access to those experiences through grant making, marketing, development, communication, and building relationships with community partners. The department aims to be a catalyst for the delivery of art, culture, and heritage to every neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles.
As if teachers weren't already underpaid, as if the music industry wasn't already gasping for life, a number of teachers are donating their time and giving free music classes on weekday afternoons. That's right, Free Classes at The Lalo Guerrero School of Music. This tiny clubhouse-sized school sits inside the park, and was founded just a few years back, in honor of Lalo Guerrero - "The Father of Chicano Music."
On Monday from 4-6, there's a class for drums and bass. Students get to learn how these instruments form the backbone of music. Thursday from 5-6 there's a percussion lesson which covers drum kit and timbales.
One of the most popular classes is Tuesday's Band Workshop for Intermediate to Advanced students. This class allows kids the chance to play with others in a group context. It focuses on the interaction between instruments and between musicians.
Wednesdays from 4-5, they hold a Performance Workshop. This class gives practical knowledge on playing on stage and getting the most out of your performing abilities. At 6 p.m., there's the important Music Theory class, which gives the basics of music notation and sight-reading.
There's even a Yoga for Musicians class on Friday from 4:15 - 5:15. Perfect for unwinding from a stressful week. Call (323)259-0861 for further information on Art in The Park.
Marmion Way Community Garden.
In the past month, or so, Albina Ferreyra, who is Ed Reyes' Field Deputy at the Lincoln Heights Office, has been working to develop a proposal for a community garden in Highland Park. She has identified an empty lot on Marmion Way that could be a potential site of a community garden. This roughly 2 ½ acre plot of land is about a quarter mile up the road from the Southwest Museum Metro Station on Marmion Way, and currently has a county lien on it which will put it up for auction in the coming months. Ms. Ferreyra has arranged for a land transfer to the Council District, and is still debating to which entity the property will be entrusted until usage decisions have been made.
While Ms. Ferreyra would like to see this land be put to use as a community garden, Councilman Reyes would like to put a Park and Ride facility on the premises. Ms. Ferreyra will be creating a proposal for a garden with input from members of the Los Angeles Food Justice Network.
Albina has asked the Center for Food and Justice to help organize community outreach efforts and gather community input as the process of creating a garden develops. Our first objective is to hold a community meeting in the next few weeks to inform community members about the project. In order to make this first meeting a success, I am contacting groups like your Center that are active in the community. Our hope is that any interested person in the community can become involved in the creation of this garden.

Ave 50 Tardeada
On Sunday, August 22, 2004 from 2-6 p.m. the will host an afternoon of art, music, food and friendship in celebration of the Studio's new non-profit. In existence for almost five years, the Avenue 50 Studio has promoted the visual arts here in the Northeast corner of L.A. through the showcasing of multicultural artists on a local, national and international level. This fundraiser is being held in support of the Avenue 50 Studio's continued drive towards the promotion of culture and diversity.
"Since its inception, Avenue 50 Studio has been shining a light on the ever-evolving Latino art world in this city. Inviting veteran, as well as unrecognized artists, the Gallery has expanded the community's knowledge of the art around us. With innovative exhibitions including the Chicano Moratorium Exhibit in 2002, and the recent Rubén Rodriguez show direct from Cuba, this Gallery deserves the support of all who value this development." Armando Durón
The afternoon Tardeada Art Auction is supported by the following artists (currently): Michael Amescua, Linda Arreola, Maria Castro, Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin, Raoul De la Sota, Roberto Delgado, Ulises Díaz, Ophelia Esparza; Lucia Vigil Francis; Margaret Garcia, Ernie Herrera, Ana Marini Genzon, Art Gonzalez, C.C. Gonzalez, Tina Gulotta, Cidne Hart, Rachael Julius, Leo Limon, Jose Lozano, Luna, Poli Marichal, Miguel Murillo, Ramses Noriega, Artemio Rodriguez, Frank Romero, Sonia Romero, Peri Shefik, Julie Soto, Cindy Suriyani, Eloy Torrez, John Valadez, Richard Valdez, Carlos Vargas, J. Michael Walker, Jacobo Walker, Nan Wollman
Tickets are available for $25 per person or $40 per couple. You may contact the Avenue 50 Studio at (323) 258-1435 for ticket information.

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