VOLUME XIII ISSUE 4

News and Views

for Northeast Los Angeles             go to EAGLE ROCK NEWS

August 2009

 

 

Van de Kamps
LA City College Site
Almost Completed;
...then Taken Away

by Tom Topping

Local community members and education activists were disheartened but not surprised last month as the LA Community College District Board of Trustees voted to lease out the still in progress LACC Van de Kamps satellite campus community college site to the Alliance for College Ready Public Schools (ACRPS) to be used for a Charter High School.
After a long battle to preserve the Van de Kamps building a decade ago, funding was secured to restore the historic facade and build the site into a satellite campus of Los Angeles City College. The community had fought hard and long to preserve the Van de Kamps historic structure, and indeed were the ones who came up with the plan to have L.A. City College make the site into a satellite campus and were looking forward to classes being offered there. They look at it a no less than a betrayal by the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, for a campus that they worked for to be pulled out from under them.
The construction proceeded, but college officials warned months ago that while the money to build the facility was there, the money to staff and operate the facility was not.
The Alliance for College Ready Public Schools, whose board looks like a who's who of the powerful and rich of Los Angeles, will lease the location to create one of their charter High Schools there, of three new ones to be added to their current eight locations.
They say the mission of the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools is to open and operate a network of excellent small high-performing public schools in historically underachieving, low income, overcrowded communities in Los Angeles. The nonprofit charter management organization says their schools are geared toward preparing students to enter and succeed in college. This one will be called "The Environmental Science and Technology" High School, and is scheduled to open at the end of August.
Local activists say another high school is not needed in this area, as a new public high school is under construction within a mile. They contend the private Ribet Academy high school, just a stone's throw away, will be hurt by the competition, and another charter high school nearby further deflates the need for another high school in the vicinity. The coalition does say that accredited adult programs are needed there.
Questions about leasing Community College facilities to a charter school whose construction was paid for with State money earmarked to construct adult education facilities remain unanswered for the Van de Kamps coalition. Frustration over illegitimately delayed public records requests are outstanding as well. Suspicions of motivated self-interest guiding the decisions of community college district board members including Northeast local, Mona Field, also linger.
The college board says it may still create the adult classes promised after the Alliance's five year lease is expired, and say they could offer some adult classes at the site in the evenings and on weekends, should they get the funding to operate it.
The coalition says they may sue over the decision.
Coalition activists say they have been told that LACCD does have the money to open this campus and there was nothing stopping them from opening. L.A. City College was recently placed on academic probation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. They cited in their report that LACC was opening a satellite campus in the Van de Kamps site. It went on further to say the LACC did not outreach and communicate with the surrounding communities to assess the needs of the communities it serves.
At the Board of Trustee's meeting was a clear indication that this district has major problems. Students and faculty from other colleges were there to also voice their vote of no confidence regarding administration of their campuses.
A visit to the site discovered a Van de Kamps building still months, if not years, away from completion. A new building, in the rear of the property is about done, but parking lot and common area grading, paving, landscaping and fencing still remain to be completed.

 

 

 

"Uncle" Max Norris 1934-2009

Max Anderson Norris died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the age of 75. He was hospitalized on June 11 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. Life support was removed on July 16, when all hopes of recovery dwindled.
He was a fixture in Eagle Rock, California, first living there in 1942, and was known by all as the most friendly and outgoing person, quick with a smile or a joke, and generous toward everyone he knew. Known and loved by hundreds, if not thousands, of people from South Dakota to Baja California, he will be dearly missed by all.
He was born on June 14, 1934, of parents George and Leona Norris in Stugis, South Dakota. He was named Max because on the day he was born, a professional prize fight that same evening between Max Baer and Primo Canera was won by Max Baer. He was given the name of the winner. In December, 1942, the family came to California by train.
He attended Eagle Rock Elementary and Eagle Rock High School, graduating in 1953. He then joined the service and spent his time in Korea doing ordnance demolition, a job he loathed.
After his discharge from the army, he found a job he loved, working as an elevator mechanic. He would have continued in elevators had he not been injured on the job. That injury, however, turned out to be a blessing of sorts as he was forced to retire at half pay with full medical benefits while still in his 40's.
From high school until his death, he was involved in hot rods, racing cars, boats and motorcycles. He drag raced at San Fernando Drag Strip while in High School. Later, he co-owned a V-8 60 midget racer with friend Bob Shepherd. In the late 50's he got into sports car racing, starting out in a bug-eye Sprite. He was so tall, his helmeted head stuck way above the little Sprite's roll bar. He soon got into a bigger car, eventually winning two sports car club championships in 1962-63 racing a Jaguar XKE. Once, he came close to tragedy while driving at Willow Springs, cutting a can-am car in half right behind the driver's seat after losing control in turn nine.
In the mid to late sixties, the dirt bike craze was really coming on, and Max was out there with the rest of them, racing the desert in enduro and "Hare and Hound" events.
After a few dirt bike related injuries, he got into four-wheeled off road racing in the 1970's, and later joined the Checkers Off Road racing club. He became a real fixture there, serving as president for a number of years, and continued his membership and participation, attending the Wednesday night Checkers meeting the very night before his surprise illness struck. His niece, Lee Ann said, "His heart and soul was the Checkers."
He was on a first name basis with many of auto racing's greats, like Mickey Thompson, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske, Robby Gordon, Brendan Gaughan, the Mears brothers, Walker Evans and Ivan Stewart to name just a few.
Max was also a local businessman for many years as he partnered with Al Scolfield around 1969 to open the "Blue Fox," a local Eagle Rock watering hole that stayed open into the eighties. Later, he again became an Eagle Rock business owner, launching the "Off Road Toy Shop," in 1978, where he sold dune buggy parts and built his off-road racing vehicles for about 8 years. The "Uncle" moniker became attached to his name during the Toy Shop years, when young people, who were introduced to Max by his niece, Lee Ann or nephew, Jeff, all started calling him "Uncle Max." The name stuck.
Recently, his auto interest had turned to street rods, and his cars won many trophies at the numerous car shows he attended. He belonged to and participated in the Pasadena Elks, Eagle Rock Sportsmen's Club, the Tromper's car club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he was the driving force every year as they put on their yearly free community Thanksgiving dinner.
He is survived by his sister Linda Jackson, niece and nephew Lee Ann Ochoa and Jeff Jackson, and grand niece and nephew Jade Ochoa and Jakob Maxwell Jackson. Last summer, they all traveled with Max back to Sturgis, South Dakota, where they attended the famous "Sturgis Bike Week," and met dozens of relatives still living there, where he was originally from.
His niece, Lee Ann, said, "His biggest family was Eagle Rock and all his clubs- they were all his family- that's where he spent most of his time."
A memorial for the local community is set for Sunday, August 30th, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles club, 1596 Yosemite Drive. The Trompers plan a memorial to coincide with their yearly picnic. The date and location for a Checkers Off Road Club memorial is still being planned, to be held in the desert, where about 1000 are expected to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2188, for their yearly Thanksgiving dinner. Please write "Max Norris Thanksgiving Dinner" in the memo section of the check.
Fraternal Order of Eagles #2188
1596 Yosemite Drive
Eagle Rock, CA 90041

 

 

ER Ridge Restaurant in Progress

From City of Glendale Planning

SUBJECT: NEW INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED BANQUET FACILITY IN EAGLE ROCK

The purpose of this letter is to provide the latest update obtained by the Glendale Planning Department staff regarding a proposed banquet facility in Eagle Rock. On June 23, 2009, Planning Department staff met with planning staff from the City of Los Angeles, the project applicant. and the project architect to discuss the proposed banquet hall on undeveloped hillside in Eagle Rock directly adjacent to Glendale.
As proposed, the development would include a 35,059 square foot restaurant/banquet hall and community center with 288 surface level parking spaces. The project would consist of two buildings, including a 2-story, 45 foot tall, 28,475 square foot restaurant/banquet building and a 6,584 square foot community center building with a 300 seat theater and exhibition hall. Access to the site is proposed from Mt. Carmel Drive in Glendale, via a driveway that would be approximately 900 feet long. All grading is proposed to be balanced onsite.
From the City of Los Angeles, the applicant is requesting a zone change from Agriculture (A1- 1XL) to Commercial (C2-1VL), a General Plan (GP) amendment to allow commercial uses, and a Conditional Use Permit for banquet use and alcohol service.
At this time, neither the City of Los Angeles nor the applicant could say whether the proposed project meets the standards of the proposed zone. The City of Los Angeles has determined that the project will require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to address the impacts of the project on the environment.
During the meeting with the applicant and City of Los Angeles staff, Glendale Planning Department staff has already raised a number of issues that would have to be addressed as part of the project review. Although much of the project is proposed to be within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles, some Glendale restrictions and procedures may still apply. As additional information is submitted to staff, we will be assessing the extent to which the project would be subject to Glendale's procedures. Meanwhile, City staff will actively participate in the communication structure provided through the California Environmental Quality Act.
Erik Krause. Senior Planner, will be the Planning Department's main contact person on this case. He will be providing periodic updates as more information becomes available. If you have any questions. please feel free to contact Erik Krause directly at (818) 548-2140

 

 

Hi Tom,

I am sending this to show the community what the Churches can do.
I would like to thank Pastor Nick from the Highland Park Lutheran Church and the Congregation for opening the doors to their church so the kids around the community can come and have fun and also learn at the same time.
Special thanks to Mrs. Mary Crouch for the support we get from her. We also have two high school students working under the city Summer Program. I ask the rest of the Churches to consider doing the same this summer and also to sponsor an after school program. We need to remember that a lot of programs are cut off and the only ones who suffer are the kids.
Last week I was blessed with meeting teachers from our community that will be teaching the students since the kids did not get any summer school this year. I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Socorro Orozco who will be teaching once a week and training us on how to help the students, and Javier Narvaez, the Spanish teacher at Franklin High School, who's also coming along with Socorro to help the kids. We also have 2 other teachers that I would like to add to the list, Gemma Marquez and Anna Maria Escobar ( my sisters).
Thanks for all the work you do.
Peace, Maggie Godoy
HHPNC Human Relations, Education & Youth Prgrm Chair
Garden Parties
On behalf of the LA Community Garden Council, you are cordially invited to join the fun at local community gardens this summer.
The Garden Party series, running 5:00-7:00 p.m. each Sunday evening, includes live music, topical lectures and/or film screenings, refreshments, and a chance to meet like-minded people. The series, produced by RocknRoll Community Garden, will raise funds for a future rooftop garden project in Echo Park. Suggested donation of $5.00 is requested; mimosas are $3.00. For additional information, please contact resistanceisfertilela@gmail.com.
Here is the schedule:
• Aug 9 - Jardin del Rio Community Garden, Elysian Park. Live Music by Sasha Gransjean. Talk by Jack Neff of "South Central Farmers" and Chi Quong Breathing Technique Class "Relaxation & Mind Intent: The Primary Tool of All Life Forms." 2563 Riverdale Avenue, Elysian Park/LA. CA 90031.
• Aug 16- Italian Potluck w/ Adam Schell - Author, Tomato Rhapsody. Live Music by Morgan De Rouen. Location provided with reservation only: Contact Danielle or Alissa, resistanceisfertilela@gmail.com.
• Aug 23 - Urban Homestead @ Eagle Rock Community Garden & Art Park. Representatives of the legendary Pasadena eco-pioneers of the Dervaes Institute (Path to Freedom/Urban Homestead) present a workshop on Making a Self-Irrigating Planter. Live Music by Dorian Wood. 1003 Rockdale Ave. Eagle Rock/LA, 90041 (located south of Shelby-Lanark Park off La Loma and Figueroa).

 

 

Bikers Confront Partiers in Highland Park-

One Cyclist Shot.

By Tom Topping

and excerpts from an Anonymous Local Blogger

Hundreds of cyclists known as Midnight Ridazz had a near tragedy as they rode down Avenue 52 on Friday night, July10, around midnight. As they were making their way through Highland Park, on their way to Lincoln Heights, the group was attacked as they cruised down Avenue 52 near the Pasadena Freeway.
When the cyclists with blinking lights, bells, horns, and amplified music trailers went rolling by a house party on 52, the occupants there started yelling, "F__k you white boys!" (despite the diverse crowd of men and women of every skin color)
As the blocks-long group of bikes continued to pass, the group of men in the yard started throwing beer bottles, pots, and anything they could find at the cyclists. Then they came at them with shovels and started knocking people off bikes.
Some of the the cyclists stopped, confronted the assailants. As the incident escalated, someone from the house pulled out a .22 from his pocket and shot a cyclist in the back. The shooter then fled, and the other assailants ran back into the house and turned off the lights to hide. Highland Park's LA Fire Department #12 was on the scene within five minutes. Unfortunately, LAPD officers didn't arrive until 15 minutes later. Several suspects were arrested.
The shot cyclist was extremely lucky. The small caliber bullet that missed his spine by less than an inch. The wound was not too serious, the bullet got lodged in his back muscles.

 

 

Eldie Snyder

Eldie Snyder, age 79, passed away Sunday, July 12. Married to Betty Sargent for 51 years, they were blessed with eight children and sixteen grandchildren, at last count. His life was spent in Eagle Rock where he attended Eagle Rock High School, graduating in June, 1946. He attended college at Georgetown University in Maryland and UCLA.
He had an active career as a real estate appraiser and acquisition agent being a partner in Western Cities Appraisal Company in Eagle Rock. Eldie had dealt with diabetes since age 13 and with the loving care of his wife was able to lead a happy and productive life. His likable nature attracted many friends over the course of his life. Strong in faith he devoted himself to service in his parish, St. Dominic's Catholic church in Eagle Rock.
 

Nadine O'Sullivan

Nadine O'Sullivan, a long-time resident and active community member of Mount Washington, died peacefully at her home in Colfax on Wednesday with her family at her side.
Nadine dedicated many hours to a group called, "Las Senoras de la Montana", The group formed in the 1970s to fundraise and advocate for the abandoned Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center . They were the creators of a quilt depicting the neighborhood that was given to the Southwest Museum. She was well-known for her quiet graciousness, sense of humor and kind heart, as well as owner and friend of her wonderful dog Cedar.
 

 

2009 Eagle Rock High
Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

by Gale Fullerton S'62

ERHS alumni have spoken when nearly 350 votes were cast in the recent election to select members of the 2009 Sports Hall of Fame. The top six vote-getters received over 82% of the votes and only 10 votes separated second and sixth place. Because voting was so close, we decided to honor three winners this year and three in 2010. Those being honored at the 2009 Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will be:
Larry Ramsey S'58 Alan Shields S'58 Janice Lum '87
The 2010 inductees will be Tim Alexander S'57, Rick Carey S'63 and Bill Renison W'60. Note that Tim Alexander S'57 received the most votes, but foreign travel plans prevented him from attending this year's program.
Mark you calendars for Saturday, Oct 31st. Additional information will be sent to alumni in September. Thank you for your input in selecting such great athletes and make plans to honor Larry, Alan and Janice while seeing long time friends, meeting new ones and having a great time.

 

 

 

 

Cypress Park Council Congratulates Grads

Community and Neighborhood Council members Alexia Teran and Gustavo Lizarde (far left) join the new high school graduates from Cypress Park, (starting at top from left to right); Ernesto Cruz, Rigoberto Siqueiros Jr., Michael Caraba, Marcos Vergara, Hector Napolas, (bottom row from left) Nicole Soria, Espesania Hernandez, Fatima Austin, Vasthi Velasquez. Good work, kids!

 

The Cypress Park Neighborhood Council held its yearly party to congratulate and distinguish the newest high school graduates in that community. A dinner held July 21st at the L.A. River Center, honored them and recognized them as an inspiration to the entire community.
The presenting high schools were: Cathedral, Sacred Heart, Central, Bravo Medical Magnet and Abraham Lincoln.
The graduates were: Ashley Gomez; Irving Hernandez; Kimberly Hernandez; Andrea Huliganga; Brissa Isidoro; Mariela Juarez; Karina Montano; Cherry Liu; Charlie Lopez; Maria Ramirez; Ruben Gutierrez Martinez; Adriana Moreno; Shealy Raudalos; Roxanne Rangel; Stacy Razo; Rafael Reyes; Mitzia Jazmin Rivera; Edwin Ruiz; Leonel Sanchez; Rigoberto Siqueiros Jr.; Lizette Skjothad; Nicole Soria; Emilio Varela; Vasthi Velasquez; Marcos Vergara; William Xwe; Michael Caraba; Fatima Austin; Ernesto Cruz; Hector Napolas; Espesania Hernandez.
The effort started a few years ago while trying to come up with an idea of how to spend the neighborhood council funds to address the local drop out rate.
Besides the dinner, catered by the Cordon Bleu Culinary school in Pasadena, the graduates each received a certificate from CD1 Councilman Ed Reyes' office. Nine out of the 31 honored were able to attend the event. They were clearly some of the best from the community, and all seemed genuinely pleased to be the center of attention for the night.

 

 

NELA Pride Resource Fair,

Sat. 8/8

Northeast Los Angeles Pride, an informational resource fair for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (lgbt) community, will take place on Saturday, August 8, 3-5pm, at MCMC in the Eagle Rock Plaza, 2700 Colorado Blvd., in Eagle Rock. The event, which is sponsored by Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance (UGLA), in collaboration with Eagle Rock Plaza and San Gabriel Valley Pride, is free to the public; all are welcomed. Also participating is the Lesbian News, Occidental College Queer Straight Alliance and Gay & Lesbian Alumni, ONE Institute, Outfest, Pasadena/PFLAG and Project 10, among others.
UGLA, a non-profit charitable organization active in Northeast Los Angeles for over 26 years, encompasses the communities of Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Highland Park, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills and Mt. Washington. According to event chair Carl Matthes, "At the suggestion of Gina Garay of Eagle Rock Plaza, UGLA has invited lgbt groups experienced in the areas of art, education, family, film, health and lgbt history to participate."
Highlights include lgbt Short Films courtesy of Outfest, the Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival; a look at lgbt history curated by Carol Grosvenor of ONE Institute, including the 1969 New York City Stonewall Riots, and the screening of Ken Kane and Dan Brodzik's video production of UGLA's own "25 Glorious Years." In the area of education, Project 10, a program of the Los Angeles Unified School District that offers technical and educational support to lgbt students and Occidental College, Eagle Rock's top-tier liberal arts school, will be present. Family support and information will come from the Pasadena Branch of PFLAG, Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, an organization which has more than 500 chapters in all 50 states. There will also be a display of paintings by local lgbt artists curated by Sharon Lilly.
Carl observed, "UGLA donated over $20,000. this past year to community 501(c) 3 groups. We are particularly grateful to Gina Garay of Eagle Rock Plaza and Carlos Hamparsumian of MCMC for hosting this event and Christopher Ramirez, chair of San Gabriel Valley Pride, for his guidance and expertise."
UGLA President Allen Luke said, "This event further realizes UGLA's mission to promote visibility while providing a support system for the lgbt community and education for individuals and the community-at- large on the true nature of homosexuality."
Carl Matthes
Northeast Los Angeles Pride
August 8, 2009 - 3-5pm
MCMC, Eagle Rock Plaza, Los Angeles 90041
Contact: Carl Matthes - (323) 254-2726 - fax (323) 982-0816
FoLAR to Host Two River CleanUp Celebration Events this August
August 29, 2009, Taylor Yard
9am to Noon
As Los Angeles River awareness builds we receive more and more calls asking about opportunities to clean the River. One major CleanUp a year is just not enough for our friends and fellow River enthusiasts. So when an Aquarius Spring! representative asked FoLAR to join their national, cross-country campaign this summer to involve citizens in watershed protection and pollution prevention efforts in their local communities we welcomed the opportunity to gather at the River.
Join us at one or both River CleanUp and Celebration Events from 9:00am to noon. Both locations will feature live music, food, and cold water. Aquarius Spring! representatives will be on hand to give out t-shirts and reusable totes, made from recycled materials. Help us ensure that the next rain doesn't take whatever is in the River today down to the ocean.
We do hope that picking up trash in the LA River will be a thing of the past one day. The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation has put in storm drain grates and catch basins all across the city, which will help to significantly reduce the amount of trash that comes from the streets of LA. If you see a neglected storm drain within Los Angeles, feel free to call the storm drain hotline at 323.342.6006. There remains much to be done, and until a time when trash rarely makes it into the River, we've got work to do!

 

 

EAGLE BASKETBALL TEAM
A MEMORABLE EVENT AT THE PANTAGES MANSION IN EAGLE ROCK

Sri Lankan - Indian - American Character Development organized and practiced basketball since June 2008 to June 2009. Every Sunday for a year.
It was an evening of joyful celebration where the kids were appreciated for the hard work and efforts they had put in graduating from the first year of the Basketball Training they had derived. This moving function was held by the parents of the children who had participated in this Basketball training which was regularly held every Sunday for the past one year in the Basketball court located at the rear of the Hall of fame Pantages Land Mark Mansion in Eagle Rock.
Nearly 10 students were awarded the certificate of completing the training by sergeant major / Captain Colombo and his co officers from station 42 of the Fire Department who were invited by the parents as chief guests. The children were simply thrilled and flabbergasted in receiving their certificates from the firemen which brought tears in their eyes with happiness. A group of six officers from the Eagle Rock fire department station 42 participated in this ceremony and each one of them addressed the young players and the gathering by sharing their own experiences about the goodness of the training, getting together as one loving unit and how they were diversifying their broad outlook in life. The firemen also had very valuable advice and congratulated each young kid for their dedication and hard work. The firemen also appreciated the sacrifice, dedication, money and time spent by the parents to have successfully completed the first year program with their loving children.
The Professional Basketball Coach of the kids Mr. Indi introduced the players in depth, outlining how the kids commenced by not knowing much of basketball and have now turned out to be matured, confident and skilled players within one year. High tributes were rendered to the Basketball Coach for the magnificent task he had undertaken. As participants in this program, the children developed sports skills, discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, citizenship, and character development.
The hosts Mr. Raja and Mrs. Noeline Raja as usual did a wonderful job in hosting this event along with other parents and there was a glowing spirit in their hospitality which made every one present with a broad smile and happiness.
What was more were the sumptuous snacks and dinner served by all parents to everyone present. It included Barbecue, Spanish and Asian meals served in abundance. The evening ended with a dip in the gorgeous swimming pool at the Pantages Home of the Rajas which also had a jacuzzi and the young and the old had a whale of a time in the pool and cherished one of the most memorable evenings of all times.
Mr. Nandakumaran
Los Angeles City College

 

 

VOICE IN THE EAGLE ROCK WILDERNESS
SAVING WATER AND LIVING BETTER IN THIS DESERT

by Christopher Nyerges

[Nyerges' latest book, "Self-Sufficient Home," which includes a chapter on water-saving methods, will be available everywhere in September. He can be reached at
www.ChristopherNyerges.com, or Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041. WTI's water saving class can be seen on-line at www.wtinc.info]
Now that we're getting into the hotter and drier part of the year, our city officials are finally trying to get serious about getting all of us to reduce our water usage. After all, there are far too many of us living here in this wonderful climate which is a coastal desert plain. That's right – we live in a desert! That's why most of our water is imported from hundreds of miles away.
Water conservation makes sense. It's the way we should be living all the time, not just when we're forced to by circumstances.
But the suggestion to just stop watering trees and shrubs and plants and let them die off is not a viable suggestion. Consider the great mystery of trees and the wonderful things they do. They draw water up to the surface with their deep roots. They constantly transpire water vapour into the surrounding environment, meaning, it is always cooler around trees and other plants can live more readily than in a barren wasteland. Due to this effect of transpiration, trees also create little microclimates – they create weather – and even localized wind can be created by the updraft of water vapour from trees. We do NOT want to just let our trees die off for the short-sighted goal of "saving water."
Through my association with the non-profit survival-oriented think tank WTI over the past 30 years, we have studied and applied countless ways to get better use of our water, and have thereby done our part to "save the environment." Specifically, our water conservation and water-saving efforts have caused the lands under our control to be cooler when it is hotter and drier elsewhere, and to be more fruitful from an ecological point of view.
For example, all household water (minus the toilet) can be easily recycled back into the yard to water the garden, the trees, and even the drought-tolerant plants.
Assuming the lay of your land is somewhat downhill, you can disconnect the washing machine drain pipe, connect a long hose and let the water drain to your yard or garden. (Buy biodegradable soaps). One load of wash and rinse can use 30 plus gallons, depending on your system. All that water can wash your clothes, and feed your yard.
I have always disconnected bath tub lines and let the water drain into the yard. This is simple plumbing which most folks should be able to do in a few hours. Building and Safety takes a dim view of these practices since they don't want people breeding mosquitoes for the entire neighborhood, so give careful thought to how you do this, and make sure your system doesn't become a problem.
Oh, I just remembered: all the officials constantly declare that we should take showers since "showers use less water." Really? Have you ever actually measured the amount of water you use in a shower? How long do you stay in there? If you're disciplined, you could take a water-efficient shower, and let that water flow into the yard. I have actually taken solar showers in the back yard, and the water all went to the grapefruit tree.
But typically, I take baths. I don't fill up the entire tub and then get in. Rather, I turn on the hot water, get in, and add a few small clothes items that I always wash by hand, thus relieving the load on the washing machine. Plus, it is much healthier to sit in the tub a bit and to scrub, rather than to race through the process. When I am done with the bath, I save some water in one-gallon jugs and use recycle it by using it to flush the water. I let the remaining water drain out into my garden. I am using that water and getting much more out of it, and keeping my landscape alive and thriving and producing water-vapor-fillled oxygen.
[We covered all of this years ago in our "Extreme Simplicity:Homesteading in the City" book -- I assume that all Boulevard Sentinel readers have a copy.]
For dishwater, you can simply take the dish basin out into your yard and empty it on trees, roses, garden, etc. All the little food scraps will actually be a sort of fertilizer for the plants.
Be a part of the solution. Recycle all your water and keep your oxygen-producing plants alive.
I do agree with DWP that a lawn is pointless. Plant succulents, cactus, fruit trees – things that are useful and don't require excessive water. Some good and useful drought-tolerant plants include Peruvian mint, wandering Jew, New Zealand spinach, jade, aloes, prickly pear cactus, and many, many others.
We can live here in this desert and we can live here well. We just need to adapt to the desert, rather than arrogantly thinking that the desert should adapt to us.

 

 

Cruising with Mary

Welcome to the August issue of Cruisin' with Mary- your source for up-to-date and somewhat reliable local hot rod news. The Eagle Rockin' Rodders participated in our 12th year of sponsoring the car show at Concerts in the Park this past July 12. That's not so bad for a car club that is 13 years old! Despite the blazing heat we had 30-40 hot rods, custom cars, and dune buggies. A good time was had by all, including our friends from The Trompers and The Gearheads. Our 50/50 raffles were successful, adding to our charity monies that will be distributed at our Thanksgiving cruise in, Nov. 28. Many thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets in the spirit of generosity. You, and our local sponsors enable us to call ourselves "the car club that gives back to the community." The concert featuring Ronnie and the Classics was made possible by Sir Michael's Limousines. Local resident and guitar hero, Louis Metoyer, opened the show with a rousing, heavy metal version of "The Star Spangled Banner," ala Jimi Hendrix. Louis plays regularly at Canter's Kibbitz Room (yes, Canter's, the famous deli!), on Fairfax. Again, thank you to all who attended the car show, concert, and had a great time. See you next year for lucky year 13!
A few members entered their cars in Brand Blvd Cruise Night on July 18. This is the extremely intense car show where about six blocks of Brand Blvd. in Glendale is closed completely to accommodate about 400 beautiful hot rods, a live concert, about 25,000 people, and hours of a crazy street party. Some of the people who attend this show have no clue about hot rods, how much time and money is invested in them, and proper car show etiquette. This was evidenced when we discovered an unknown "substance" on one of the rear tires of our '31 Plymouth. This substance suspiciously resembled spit. $19,000 for a chrome, blown engine- your jealousy and lack of knowledge is showing. We may reconsider entering a hot rod next year.
Some of you may remember that last month, I gave a shout (and prayer) out to our friend, Tromper, Mr. Max Norris, who was in the hospital. Sadly, Max has passed away. Suffice it to say, he was a wonderful man, always with a cheerful smile and a hug for me. This breaks my heart, because I did not get to thank him properly for what he did for me when my own mom was sick a few months ago. He is going to seriously be missed around Eagle Rock, and on the hot rod scene as well. Please see Tom Topping's article for more detailed info about "Uncle Max."
Now I know a few of you are going to say "Oh nooo, here she goes again... on her soapbox..." As I told you a few months ago, my column, my choice.... So some of you can stop reading right here, or proceed at your own risk. Recently the ERR's redesigned our club logo to update and modernize it a bit. We pretty much ran out of t-shirts with the old logo, and it was time for new shirts. In keeping with the Eagle Rock High School tradition, the club agreed to keep the colors of forest green and yellow. T-shirt orders were placed at T-Shirt Warehouse, located at the corner of York Blvd. and Figueroa St. We ordered about 25 shirts, in various sizes, with the express promise that the shirts would be the forest green, and we left a cash deposit for half the order. Imagine our surprise when we were told that all 25 shirts had instead been printed on black t-shirts, and the owner expected us to just accept this mistake, take those shirts and pay up! When we stated that the order (plainly written in English), clearly stated "forest green," the owner said he would have a new batch printed up with the correct color shirt. When he was asked what would happen to the bad print batch, i.e. his mistake, he informed us he would "just put them out and sell them." He was informed that this is a club logo and a trade-marked image created by one of our own members, and that he is not allowed to "just sell them." We offered to take the bad printing off of his hands for a little more than half of what he charged for the green shirts. He refused, and wanted full price for the whole batch! To my way of thinking, isn't this a form of double-dipping? Look it up... We were trying to help him re-coup some of his expenses for shirts he will NOT be able to sell at all, due to his own printer's sloppy mistake. But no, he wanted to stick it to the Eagle Rockin' Rodders, a small community car club, who basically operate on a shoestring. Needless to say, the Rockin' Rodders car club will not be doing business there again, and neither will most of our members on an individual basis. Until next month, stay cool and keep on cruising!

 

Newest Rodder
Bringing a third generation into the Eagle Rock hot-rodding scene is mother, Megan, and Grandpa, Tony Romero. Grandson, Mason Joshua Soracco, born only a week before, didn't have much to say about the whole business.

 

 

Night out w/Steven E.

Music editor's note: Does everyone still have a full hand? Good. My B-day was great. Thanks to all who showed. If you have an upcoming event within the vicinity of Eagle Rock please send an e-mail to Steve Estrada at (entertainment@boulevardsentinel.com) (Keep an eye out for updates during the week at www.boulevardsentinel.com)
So you know for August: 8/9 Susie Hansen Latin Band, 8/16 a tribute to Neil Diamond w/Dean Colley, 8/23 Jack Lantz Big Band all at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center staring at 6:00 PM.
For the Month:
Sunday's Jazz Evening @the York at 6:00, Last Sunday of the month, Metal Nite @ER All-Star Lanes, Monday's Jazz Jam @Colombo's at 9:00, Last Tuesday of the month, 80'sRetro @the Little Cave at 10:00, Wednesday's Movie Night at 8:30@the Coffee Table Lounge & Open Mike @the ER All-Star Lanes at 9:00, Thursday evening @Casa Princesa Open Mike at 7:00. Enjoy.
Now for what you missed:

A new night of self-served entertainment is on tap every Thursday at the Casa Princesa with “song-writers” night. If you are a song-writer/performer, this is your chance to test your chops.

At Colombos: Again something new here, a "Featured Artist Series", each Friday night with the Stephan Oberhoff Trio from about 9:30 till midnight and showcased Katisse Buckingham (Sax/Flute) ala Stan Getz/Hank Mobley and fill in studio drummer Matt Starr ala Elvin Jones/Art Blakey for the opening. Starting with "Days of Wine and Roses" you could tell everyone was one the same page.
Nice sax delivery along with improve piano behind it and rhythm section that kept it up thru the rest of the session. Tunes like "Autumn in New York", "Footprints" & "Solar" which brought Katisse & Matt to the forefront. And this was just the first show. John Tegmeier (clarinet/composer) along with returning drummer Mike Hughes couldn't wait to get it started with "Shadow of Your Smile" which immediately highlighted John's soft touch and versatility of range up and down the scales.
Through the evening's set of tunes of Lalo Schiffren, Stan Getz, Clifford Brown (Nature Boy, Billy Miles, Bluesette, Caravan, Round Midnight & Green Dolphin St.) it did not lag. And this presents a perplexing situation. I realize the first set is for the remaining dinner group to finish but I tell you, in the two nights the musicians couldn't wait for the second set to begin to let it out. I mean the second set kills. Hopefully this will continue into August.contact: myspace.com/Stephanoberhoff
Elliott Caine Sextet @ Farnsworth Park. This is the second incarnation I've been privileged to observe. Farnsworth is a pretty cool little place that has great lighting and sound (yea lighting). First you have Carl Randle (sax), Bill Marcus (bass), Kenny Elliott (drums), Rick Olsen (clavinet) and Elliot on trumpet. To begin with this is not your standard jazz group. They are basically a throw back to the 60's which is much appreciated. No formula structures in their presentation just set the tone, and go. With Witch Hunt (Wayne Shorter) an excellent opening tune that displays the strength of the rhythm section and highlighting sax and trumpet.
By offering a few originals, "Defiance", "Little Rio" & "Hippie Chick's on Acid" (my fav) opens with trumpet and sax with al little Harold Land touch with a good running rhythm between piano and drums. The classic "Afro Blue" ended the first set with a mild up tempo off center interpretation with a nice twist (marimba ala congas on the clavinet) for percussion along with great piano tempo (Dave Brubeck) allowing a well tuned solo from drummer Kenny Elliott who I believe put the spark in this machine. Let it be known that each is essential. contact: www.elliottcaine.com
Soul Sacrifice @ ER Rec. Cnt. This becoming an annual event, for the last three years this group has performed "A tribute to SANTANA" for Eagle Rock fans of the iconic rock group.
And as usual they did not disappoint. With leader Larry Rousseve (guitar) and the rest, Carlos Arias (drums), Tonatiuha Hernandez (congas), Ramses Ariaya (timbales). Ed Roads (bass), Mark Wilson, Tedashi Namba (keyboards) they really keep the fire alive. They do not perform necessarily an all hits review which is refreshing. Oh they do hit on a few but initially they spread the familiar and yet not quite familiar.
The one that was intriguing was "Yaleo" which was highlighted by Larry on guitar with all the mannerism and fingering along with Tedashi on clavinet made the song sparkle. A true clone (I mean that in a good sense). It set the tone of the evening. An innovative version of "Black Magic Woman" with a great percussion set by drum, conga & timbales was up to par and flowed right into "Oye Como Va" just like the LP, then on to the new stuff "Smooth", by that time the pit was one mass of throbbing bodies in full latin rhythm.

 

 

Short Stories in Collage
at the

Judson Studios Gallery

recent artwork

by Ross Farrell

Please join us for an exhibition of Ross Farrell's recent works, on the evening of Saturday, August 8th at Judson Gallery in Highland Park (200 S. Ave. 66, Los Angeles, CA. 90042). The exhibit, held on the second Saturday, also known as NELAart Gallery Night, will be open to the public from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
Over the past two years, painter Ross Farrell has created a series of more than 300 collage artworks - some dark, some whimsical - and often a combination of both. He takes old, disparate, and fantastical found images, and separates them from their original setting. Then, these cuttings are repurposed with other imagery that play, or sometimes clash, to create a new story and a fresh tableau. With the artist's own line drawing added in, each one tells a different story while it also tells us something about its maker.
Light refreshments will be provided.
4th Semi-Annual Tardeada and Art Auction
The Board of the Avenue 50 Studio cordially invites you to their 4th Semi-Annual Tardeada and Art Auction Fundraiser. As they journey through our ninth year in the Northeast neighborhood of Highland Park, they ask you to join them in a celebration of art, friendship and community. It all takes place on August 22, 2009, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the home of Ricardo and Maria Teresa Muρoz. Tickets are $25/per person or $40/couple. For tickets contact Avenue 50 Studio, 323-258-1435 on visit them on the web at http://www.avenue50studio.com. Come enjoy poetry, music, great food, and, most importantly, wonderful affordable art by some of the best artists Los Angeles has to offer.
(Selected artists as of 7/7/09):
Wayne Healy, Jose Lozano, Margaret Garcia, John Valadez, Barbara Carrasco, J. Michael Walker, Nancy Romero, Linda Arreola, Kevin Spitze, Roberto Gutierrez, Ronald J. Llanos, Luis Ituarte, Tina Gulotta-Miller, Ruth De Nicola, Sonia Romero, Pola Lopez, Raoul De la Sota, Abel Alejandre, Heriberto Luna, John Urquiza, Joe Bravo, Tina Rodas, Gerardo Hacer, Lalo Alcaraz, Cidne Hart, Kevin Hass, Brandy Maya Healy, Michael Amescua, Roberto Delgado, Daniel Martinez, Sam Baray, Mita Cuaron, Richard Valdes, Leo Limon, Isabel Martinez, Cindy Suriyani, Howard Swerdloff, Andres E. Montoya, Emilia Garcia, Armando Brito, Ofelia Esparza, Amy Inouye, Alberto Varela, Stuart Rapeport, Kikki Eder, Beth Peterson, Peri Shefik, Nan Wollman, Poli Marichal, Joseph Botello, Esau Andrade, Yolanda Garcia, Victoria Delgadillo, Yrneh Brown.

 

 

Free classes in architecture,
preservation and history offered at Heritage Square Museum

Los Angeles - Beginning August 1st at 9:30 AM continuing every Saturday through August 29th, Heritage Square Museum hosts free classes in history, architecture, period fashion and much, much more. Set among the historic architecture on display at the museum, students will learn hands-on what makes a home Victorian, best practices for preservation, and other essential skills.
Learn how and why Los Angeles went from a tiny pueblo in 1850 into a bustling metropolis by 1900. Discover the fun, sometimes seedy, always interesting facts at Heritage Square's volunteer training. Volunteer opportunities include museum guiding, research, historic interpretation, heirloom gardening and more during this six Saturday morning course.
As the museum reaches out to new audiences, bilingual Spanish and Chinese speaking volunteers are especially needed. Volunteering at the museum helps to connect the current generation of young and old alike with a history often forgotten in the textbooks. To participate and for more information, contact Jessica Maria at (323) 225-2700, extension 222 or email jessica@heritagesquare.org.
Founded in 1969, Heritage Square is a living history museum dedicated to telling the story of the development of Los Angeles. At the museum, eight historic structures, saved from demolition and moved to the site, provide a glimpse of Southern California as it looked 100 years ago. The Museum is located at 3800 Homer Street, off the 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway (110/Pasadena Freeway) at Avenue 43, just north of downtown Los Angeles. For further information, please visit our website at www.heritagesquare.org or our blog at http://heritagesquare.blogspot.com
Heritage Square is located at 3800 Homer Street, off the 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway (110/Pasadena Freeway) at Avenue 43, just north of downtown Los Angeles. For further information, the public may call 323/225-2700 or visit our website at www.heritagesquare.org
Unlock the key to the history of Los Angeles at Heritage Square Museum.

 

 

 

EAGLE ROCK NEWS

 

 


 

ERNC: You DO NOT Have Freedom of Speech or the Right to Know!

by Tom Topping

The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council met for their July meeting on Tuesday, July 7, at the Center for the Arts Eagle Rock. After an article in the Boulevard Sentinel came out in July exposing that sometimes the community's and the councilmember's time is wasted due to their recommendations never reaching City Hall, President Steve Early made a note to say he appreciated the councilmembers hard work, and that he wanted the council to not become the dysfunctional family it once was. He seemed to be issuing a prior restraint on the members' freedom of speech when he cautioned that even if they thought something was wrong or improper they should not say anything that was untrue or not provably true, hinting that he may not have a good understanding of the U.S. or California Constitution regarding free speech. (Anything said in a public, government, meeting is protected speech under the California Constitution - even if it is slanderous)
An issue brought up in the July Sentinel article about parking problems on Townsend Avenue was discussed. Craig Powell, a ERNC councilmember who owns the Pollen Florist in that same building, would be organizing a round table meeting with the businesses to try and come up with solutions that would alleviate the problem for neighbors who live on that street.
This reported asked if the meeting would be public, or if it the public would be barred from attending.
Steve Early, tried to answer in a way that he did not have to say yes or no. I said, "It's a simple question, Is the meeting open to the public or not?" Again Early tried to talk around the issue and did not give a straight answer.
Apparently, he did not want the meeting to be public, but did not want to say that until he knew whether or not the meeting would be legally required to be public.
After some consultation with D.O.N.E. rep. Sarah Molina, and the two lawyers who sit on the board, Brian Heckmann and Meredith Brown, it was decided that since they were not required to make the meeting public, it would not be public. (They did not explain, however, why they thought the public did not have a right to know what went on in the proposed meeting.)
When public comment started on the issue of Townsend parking, a woman who said her name was Tiffany Croag spoke out and said that there is no parking problem on Townsend. She had brought photos taken at 3 p.m. to prove it. She was sitting behind me, so when she was done I asked her if she knew that there were no Cardio Barre class sessions held at 3 p.m.
At first she ignored me, then as I pressed she got indignant and said, "Are you addressing me?" And then, as I repeated my question, she ignored it again. My guess is that she was not a community member at all but a plant whom the Cardio Barre owners sent to try and deflate the fact that, indeed, a parking problem did exist there.
The next subject to be considered was the MMDs, or the Medical Marijuana Dispersaries. After Councilman Huizar made a motion last month to cancel the current automatic approval of "hardship exemptions," and hold public hearings to decide on all the "Hardship" exemptions under which a proliferation of MMDs have gone into business in the city of L.A., the ERNC put together a letter to recommend that the exemptions be denied for 9 of these local establishments.
Interestingly, only five of the nine specified in the letter are actually in Eagle Rock. Three of the MMD location are in the Highland Park Neighborhood Council area, and one was in Glassell Park Neighborhood Council boundaries.
Speaking against approval of the proposed MMDs was Michael Baccus, the owner of the second Medical Marijuana Dispensary to open in Eagle Rock. His establishment's status was not in jeopardy and he seemed to be trying to help the council help him eliminate future competition for his Communities Medical Marijuana business. He did, however explain that the problem with MMD proliferation was due to the loose interpretation and rules by the California Medical Board, who sets the rules about who doctors are allowed to recommend Marijuana for. He said that that body needed to change the rules to really impact the problem. (The problem of people getting recommendations from any "Dr. Feelgood" who wants to collect the $100 for an examination and issue the pot prescription)
To wrap up this report, DONE rep. Sarah Molina announced that ERNC elections, now organized and run by the L.A. city clerk for the first time this year, will hold the ERNC election on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Interestingly, Ms. Molina helped us discover that night that DONE reps are only there to represent the City of L.A. to the councils, and are not concerned with complaints from stakeholders about the operation of the councils they are assigned to.

 

 

Looking Back

by Joe Walker

This historic photo shows Juett, Clements and Lenney on the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Shearin Avenue.

 

80 years ago this month-Eagle Rock
Kenneth Linkford, a paper boy living at 4930 La Roda Ave, Eagle Rock, didn't remember a thing when he was hit by a car or ran over something, when Mr. and Mrs L. Hickock of Los Angeles found him knocked out cold next to his bicycle and a bag of undelivered newspapers. They picked him up and drove him to Glendale Medical Group, where he was diagnosed with a harmless bump on the head. He never recalled what happened to him. He died in 1993 at the ripe old age of 80.
80 years ago this month-Eagle Rock
Michio Ito was going to present a night of Japanese dancing at one of a series of summer concerts held at the "Argus Bowl" at 1805 Hill Drive in the summer of 1929. (see July's article for more references to the "Argus Bowl")
80 years ago this month-Eagle Rock
Juett, Clements & Lenney tire dealer station at 2005 Colorado Blvd offered Goodrich Tires for sale with the top of the line tires selling for $12.each, with the prices starting at $4.00
each. No doubt reflecting the early automotive experience of having to change your flat tires far more often then we do now, the ad promised that if you bought new tires, you would "then ride out with brand new Goodrich tires on your car...al set to enjoy the holidays. free of tire worries for months and months to come!" Research shows that Juett, Clements & Lenney was open from approximately 1928-1943 at that location
75 years ago this month-Highland Park
Almost 600 people gathered for the California-Nevada Synodical convention of Presbyterians at the Highland Park Presbyterian church on August 1, 1934. The group got very political very fast, with resolutions of the right to strike, war and the military, and obscenity in the movies. They voted to officially claim that they "will not cross any international border except in friendship, nor will I support my country in such actions". They advocated for "clean pictures" and the right of employees to organize and negotiate for wages and benefits. Highland Park Presbyterian church became Faith United church in the 1970's. 75 years ago this month-Eagle Rock-August, 1934
Son of former Mayor passes away. AR Rose, the 44 year old son of former Los Angeles Mayor Henry R. Rose, passed away at the Veterans Hospital in what was called "Sawtelle" in 1934. He lived at 1521 Hill Drive at the time of his death. According to Wikipedia, his father, Henry R. Rose was Mayor of Los Angeles from July 1913 to July 1915. He only served for one term. He was regarded as "anti- [trade] unionist" He was at first against the Mulholland annexation proposal, but after taking office he switched positions. According to the Los Angeles Times, Rose was: "[a] socialist and progressive, Rose was also a crack pistol shot, winning many matches, even against the police chief."
On August 3, 1934, the L.A. Playground and Recreation Department gave permission to the American Legion to erect a bronze table at Yosemite Park listing all the "Eagle Rock men who enlisted in the world war" The plan was to locate a large boulder in Eagle Rock and transport it to the park.
In the first week of August, 1934, the Yosemite Theater in Eagle Rock was showing, "Little Man, What Now?" with Alan Hale and Margaret Sullivan as a couple struggling against family conflict in 1920's Germany. On the same double feature was Bette Davis in "Fog over Frisco", a suspense story full of twists and turns. the Yosemite Theater was opened in 1929, showed silent films for awhile, and then sound equipment was installed. It was renamed the New Eagle Theater in 1937 after extensive remodeling. In 1940, it dropped the "New" from its name and was simply called the Eagle Theater from then until several years ago when it became a church.
65 years ago this month- Eagle Rock- 1944
The McLean family at 4922 Maywood Ave, was devastated by the loss of their son, Harry McLean, a Private First Class in the Army, who's death was announced on August 17, 1944. Private First Class Allen Miller, unknown address in Highland Park, was also noted as being injured in the same month.
Theodore Sramek, 47, of 1221 Olancha Drive, Highland Park, was working on his car in this garage, with the motor running, when he wisely left the garage doors open to air out the building. However, he didn't notice the door blow close due to a strong wind. He was overcome by the carbon monoxide fumes and a fire department rescue squad raced to his aid. There they used what was called a Pulmotor on him. Invented in 1911, it was a respiratory apparatus for pumping oxygen or air into and out of the lungs.
On August 4, 1944, the residents near Ave 52 and Figueroa St were rudely awakened by a loud explosion. Fire fighters responded and put out a small brush fire nearby, but could not locate the source of the blast.
55 years ago this month-Eagle Rock
Michael Lawrence McLean, 12, of 5250 Hermosa Ave, Eagle Rock, died from injuries he sustained in a bicycle accident at the corner of Eagle Rock Blvd and York Blvd. He lingered in the hospital for several days after the accident, finally passing away on August 27. 1954
50 years ago this month-Highland Park
Mike and Ione Tager came forth with a plan to construct an ice skating rink at 4959 York Bl. Surrounding merchants opposed the plan, while local civic groups saw it as a wholesome activity for local youth.
50 years ago this month-Eagle Rock
In the last weeks of August, 1959, Hollywood films makes took advantage of the summer recess at Occidental College and brought in Anthony Perkins, ("Psycho")Jane Fonda, and Ray Walton, (My Favorite Martian) to film a basketball themed movie on the campus called "Tall Story" This was Jane Fonda's film debut and Robert Redford's feature film debut. After making it big, he and Jane Fonda would be star together in The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967) and The Electric Horseman (1979).
40 years ago this month-Highland Park-1969
Mrs Ilean Welch, secretary of the City's Cultural Heritage Board, discussed how Heritage Square at the end of Homer Ave was going to be a repository for impressive Los Angeles area homes. "We want these to be living buildings, and not dead monuments", she said, adding that one day the square might include Victorian themed businesses and restaurants.
Next month, in News From Yesterday..
A dark day in Eagle Rock History, as a cross in burned to protest a homeowners announcement that she will sell to anyone she chooses, including African-Americans.
Comments or questions? The author can be reached at:
Joe_Walker_2000@yahoo.com

This historic photo shows Don's Auto Repair on the corner of York and Avenue 51 as it looked many years ago.

 

 

Next Caltrans 710 meeting 8/4

The next Caltrans 710 meeting will be a joint meeting with their Technical Advisory and Steering Committees. This meeting will be the follow-up to the explosive Steering Committee meeting of June 25th where Caltrans divulged their 'Task Order 5' which expanded the scope of the current Œroute-neutralΉ study.
The meeting will be on August 4th is going to be held at the San Marino Center, 1800 Huntington Drive. San Marino, CA 91108 at 4 p.m.
Caltrans was taken by surprise by the turnout of the community at their last meeting. We need to continue to monitor their activities around the 710 study. So save the date and spread the word.
Helene Schpak
 

 

Mystery Chair Found at Delevan Drive

by Bob Thorpe

In cleaning out a cinder block enclosure in the School Garden area at Delevan Drive Elementary School, an unusual chair was discovered.
Mr. John Nelson, now deceased, the teacher who established the Garden and Science Center was known to have had a variety of projects for his students to work on.
These included gardening, lapidary, jewelry making and even the construction of hand made telescopes.
Andrea Garcia, School Librarian, found the chair, and has had it restored for use in the Library during events when books are read aloud to students.
The heavy carving on the back of the chair depicts fantastical creatures, the eyes of which were painted red before the restoration.
If any former students or teachers at Delevan Drive Elementary have knowledge of the history of the chair, they are asked to email Ms. Garcia at Librarygalos@sbcglobal.net or call the school, when the Office reopens in September.

 

 

Local Little League Team Crowned District Champions-

June 26, 2009 - The Los Angeles Longhorns, representing Los Angeles Little League, earned an 8-3 victory over the Temple City Angels, winning the Little League District 18, 8-11 year old Tournament of Champions at Elysian Fields.
The Longhorns, based out of Garvanza field, the home of Los Angeles Little League, are comprised of 8-10 year old players from Eagle Rock, Highland Park and the immediate, surrounding areas. On their way to the deciding championship game against Temple City, the Longhorns were successful in defeating teams from El Monte and North East (Elysian Fields) Little League.
About Los Angeles Little League -
Based out of Garvanza Field, Los Angeles Little League is a Non - Profit organization that offers baseball and softball for both boys and girls ages 5-18. Our organization was founded in order to instruct young people not only in the fundamentals of Baseball, but good sportsmanship, team work and respect as well.

 

 

Crime Update
From Northeast
L.A.P.D. Captain Murphy

Toonerville Gang Takedown - On July 9, 2009, I want to thank the Glendale Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Team 52 for their outstanding work on this investigation (Glendale started the investigation and DEA/HIDTA assumed command). This take down was an incredible success, 21 search warrants (locations) were served with 19 separate arrest warrants for crimes such as murder, attempt murder, narcotics trafficking, and weapons violations.
All 19 wanted suspects were arrested (arrested 2 others during the raid for weapons violations) confiscated 63 firearms (48 in one house alone), 3 ounces of meth/cocaine, and 2 pounds of marijuana. Northeast Area immediately initiated footbeat operations in the area after the raids. We held a community meeting that night at the New Hope Church (thanks for your support) and the raid received strong media coverage. In the coming weeks we will be working with Council President Eric Garcetti's Office to bring in additional services to the area. Great job by all!
Upcoming Events:
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009, this is a nationwide annual event that encourages millions of people to get out of their homes for one night and participate in community activities that improve the quality of life in your neighborhood. Northeast Area has three confirmed events at this time in Echo Park, Glassell Park, and Eagle Rock (others maybe added later). Please mark this down on your calendar - more info will be coming about these events shortly.
NOE Crime Update
The year to date crime statistics will cover from January 1, 2009 through July 11, 2009. The weekly crime maps I will be looking at will cover between July 5th through July 15, 2009. I may also comment on other high profile events that have occurred the last month in NOE.
Year to date Statistics:
• Violent Crime: Down 8.5%
• Property Crime: Down 21.1%
• Part I (total): Down 18.9%
• Homicide: Down 55.6% (8 vs. 18 last year)
• Robbery: Up 0.4% (up one crime versus last year 249 vs. 248 )
• All categories of crimes (except robbery) are down significantly compared to last year
• We are down 688 total crimes YTD
• NOE Area ranks FIRST in crime reduction City-wide (out of 21 police stations)
Neighborhood Crime Update
• Glassell Park: Very clear
• Highland Park: Sporadic Property Crime (auto related) - one crime cluster is between Figueroa Street and the 110 Fwy - Ave 50 to York Blvd. The other is on along Baltimore Street south of York Blvd. Again most are occurring between midnight and 6AM.
• In the last Newsletter, I talked about a serial burglar who was breaking into businesses along the Figueroa Corridor and stealing the till (money from cash registers). Glendale PD sent us a videotape captured during a commercial burglary in their City. The MO was similar to our crime pattern. We immediately recognized the suspect and arrested him within the hour - clearing up the Glendale burglaries and our Highland Park ones. If you own a business and can afford a camera system, they are a tremendous help in preventing and solving crimes.
• Eagle Rock: No patterns or trends. A few property crimes scattered.
• Mount Washington: Very clear

Mother Commits Murder-Suicide
Los Angeles: A 43-year-old woman and mother of a 4 year-old boy, used a knife to kill her son before using it to take her own life.
On July 18, 2009, at around 9:30 a.m., police were called to the 300 block of Vista Place after Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the location for a medical emergency. Fire Department personnel quickly determined that the victims were dead under suspicious circumstances and immediately notified the Los Angeles Police Department.
Northeast Area Homicide Detectives responded and are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide. There is no evidence that anyone else was involved.
The identities of the two victims are being withheld until their family can be notified.

 

 

THIRD UNANIMOUS VOTE FOR CEDILLO'S 710 BILL, SOUTH PASADENA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Gilbert Cedillo's (D–Los Angeles) SB 545 which would resolve a fifty-year dispute over closing the gap between Route 710 and the I-210 passed a 10-0 vote yesterday of the Assembly Transportation Committee. SB 545 has garnered strong support within the legislature; this is the third unanimous vote by a policy committee. Testifying on behalf of the bill were city officials Mayor David Sifuentes and Councilmember Mike Ten of South Pasadena.
"South Pasadena City Council is pleased to reaffirm our support for SB 545 and the committee's unanimous vote gets us one step closer toward eliminating a surface route proposal. We need smart growth solutions that address our future transportation needs without threatening the homes of thousands of residents in the region. Senator Cedillo's SB 545 is a step in the right direction," remarked Mayor Sifuentes. South Pasadena City Council passed a second resolution supporting SB 545 last Friday, endorsing amendments to the bill regarding cut and cover usage.
"We've been successful in engaging the City of Alhambra, City of South Pasadena, Los Angeles MTA and Caltrans to address concerns and make amendments moving this conflict forward in a manner not achieved in over fifty years. I'm grateful to have the continued support of Mayor Sifuentes and the South Pasadena Council as we move forward in the Assembly," remarked Cedillo.
The bill will head to Assembly Appropriations mid-July and then a full vote of the Assembly in September.
 

 

 

Corps Arroyo Seco Study Gets House Nod

July 8, 2009

The long-awaited Corps of Engineers study of Arroyo Seco restoration projects might finally be on track as the result of the good work of Congressman Adam Schiff and other local congressional representatives.
Last month the House Appropriations Committee approved the 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act including a $500,000 appropriation for the US Army Corps of Engineers study of the Arroyo.
The US Army Corps of Engineers Arroyo Seco study will conduct a technical assessment of ecosystem, hydrology and watershed management programs to identify five projects for implementation to improve the Arroyo Seco Watershed. A $500,000 appropriation will enable to Corps to pursue key tasks needed to complete the study. Local sponsors, including the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and the cities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, La Canada Flintridge and South Pasadena, will pay half of the $2.68 million budget for the study.
The Corps study is critical for Arroyo Seco watershed restoration efforts because it will provide key technical analysis for restoration efforts as well as open the door to substantial federal funding. A previous Corps reconnaissance study (2002) has already established that there is a federal interest in restoring and upgrading the Arroyo Seco. Upon completion of this feasibility study, the Corps can supply up to 75% of the funding for approved restoration projects.
Appropriations for projects like this can come from the President's budget or from congressional direction. The Arroyo Seco appropriation was based on the request of four Congress members, Adam Schiff, Xavier Becerra, David Dreier and Lucille Roybal-Allard. Most congressionally directed authorizations have the support of one or two Congress members, so the Arroyo Seco project stood out for broad, bipartisan support.
The 2010 Energy and water Development Appropriations Act will now go to the Senate for further review, so funding is not yet assured. Differences between the House and Senate version of the bill will be ironed out in a joint conference committee.
The Arroyo Seco Foundation urges Arroyo lovers to contact Senators Feinstein and Boxer to express their support for at least $500,000 in funding for the Arroyo Seco project in the Senate appropriations bill. Help Secure Funding for Arroyo Restoration:

 

 

Southwest Museum Program's Success

July 19 Tamales and Tower Tour Proves Museum's Viability.

An event held at the Southwest Museum, touted as a "Summer Fun Meeting," clearly intended to build support for the Autry Museum's expansion plans, also showed a huge amount of community support for decent programming at the museum as well.
The Mount Washington Association sponsored event brought about 200 people for the free tamales and tours of the newly refurbished Caracol tower. The Southwest Society, a group formed of prominent elected officials and community members, which some suspect to be little more than s orgsnization of smoke and mirrors, co-sponsored the event, held last month on a very hot July 19.

 

 Above, Autry CEO John Gray and companion wave as they are introduced, while the chow line moves for more Mom’s Tamales.

Below, the inside of the Caracol tower is quite a sight. Just a few years ago it was overflowing with priceless artifacts, now, just windows.

 

Although the majority of the museum is empty and closed to the public, the museum that day did offer one exhibit, "Sounds of the Circle: Wax Cylinder Recordings of Charles Fletcher Lummis." It was a look at some of the original recordings that Lummis made to preserve the early California music performed by musicians he encountered and gathered into his circle. The music that would otherwise have been lost to history played softly behind a computer screen of historic images, mostly matching the music recordings. The exhibit took up one little corner of the downstairs lobby, but was well situated to draw folks into the Museum Store, which is the one part of the Museum that is always open and well-stocked with pricey merchandise.

 

Here, Kiwanis Pres. Heinrich Keiffer carefully winds back down the Caracol Stairway


The climb up the Caracol circular stairway was not as warm as expected, but the interior restoration work was not as complete as expected either. The interior re-plastering had not even begun, although the outside was complete and looking good.
Suzanne Lummis, granddaughter of Charles Lummis was there participating, as well as Autry Museum head John Gray. The lobby of the Braun research library was the one cool and quiet spot, to get away from the heat and the eclectic bolero music of guitarist Mateo Stoneman.
The selection of tamales provided by Mom's Tamales in Lincoln Heights satisfied the tastes of everyone, whether they preferred the sweet or the savory. The salsa was good, albeit a little on the mild side.

 

 

Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council
CERT Drill

Today I attended the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council's sponsored CERT Drill. This was the first CERT Drill I have ever attended and it was an amazing experience!!! I was one of the victims suffering from a heart attack.
The scenario for this simulated drill was as follows.
• A large 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck.
• Roads are impassible.
• An apartment building has been moderately damaged.
• The apartment building had caught on fire but the fire was put out.
• There are multiple injured victims in the building.
• The injured need to be evacuated out of the building and transported to a safe location to be treated.
• The injuries range from minor cuts, bruises and sprains, walking wounded on the green tarp.
• The moderately injured suffering from worse cuts bruises and injuries on the yellow tarp.
The seriously injured, on the red tarp included compound fractures, 3rd degree burns, a pregnant women gone into labor, one victim had glass sticking out of his lower leg, very serious back injuries and heart attack victims.
There were people moaning, screaming, limping around dazed and confused etc. Everyone tried to make this as real as possible. It's the only way the CERT people can practice and improve their skills.
There were makeup artists there today to Moulage some of the victims. Moulage is is the art of applying mock injuries for the purpose of training Emergency Response Teams and other medical and military personnel. Some of these injuries looked very real. The following snap shots will give you an idea of what the CERT Training was about today.
One last word. Today was a practice drill for a real event that WILL happen. It is only a matter of when that will be. I urge everyone to get involved in CERT Training. Learn how to take care of your families first and then be able to help your neighbors with your knowledge and training. Not to try and scare anyone, but this training could very well make a difference in the survival of your loved ones and neighbors. Get involved before it's too late. For more information on CERT check out http://www.cert-la.com/index.shtml
Richard Lechner
safeneighborhood@att.net