WHAM- BAM - BOOM! -

Coffee Table hired help to get their alcohol permit.	ERNC member Peter Hilton comments on the proposal.

No Coffee Table Decision Yet

Proposed Full Alcohol and Extended Hours on Hold.

by Tom Topping

            If you like tales of politics and money, the story of the latest chapter of the expansion of the Coffee Table is sure to please.

            In our last installment, Clark Thomas, Chair of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee had gone beyond what most expected and what the Coffee Table owners would have liked, when he took it upon himself to make sure the neighbors within a 500 foot radius were aware of the restaurant applying for a permit to serve a full line of Alcoholic beverages. While making sure that the neighbors had a chance to comment on the application, he frustrated other committee members who did not want to revisit the issue since they had passed a motion to approve the full line of alcohol a month before.

            However, that night, the committee got an earful of complaints about noise, but mostly about the parking for the Coffee Table / Coffee Table Lounge. As we left the issue last month, the full neighborhood council board was ready to take up the issue on July 6.

            At the July 6th Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council meeting, Coffee table owners and their representatives were there and ready with both barrels loaded. They distributed a "package" to the neighborhood council board members containing, among other documents, numerous letters of support for their application. Most were copies of a form letter that was distributed at the restaurant/lounge to be signed by Coffee Table patrons. Another was from TERA President Bob Gotham urging approval on behalf of TERA. Also included was a parking contract between Coffee Table owners and their landlord Paul Sislin for parking spots in an adjacent lot he also owns. (However, it wasn't worth much because the contract specified it could be cancelled by either side at any time with 30 days written notice.)

            The neighbors showed up in force. A little weary of the endless meetings on the subject, they showed up yet again, as they had at the last meeting and the many previous meetings 4 years before, when Coffee Table first applied for their beer and wine license. To the Coffee Table's accounts of community support, the neighbors had stories of promises broken. Then, in a surprise move, councilmember Peter Hilton turned Coffee Table's ream of supportive form letters into evidence against them.

            He had a lengthy exchange with one of Coffee Table's hired guns. She was an articulate and attractive woman who first said the majority of support letters were from folks living within a 500 foot radius of the restaurant. Then, as Peter flipped through each letter, he read the residential location off of every support letter. Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena. Finally, one was from Highland Park and another from Eagle Rock. Not only did the majority live more than 500 feet away, but, "more than two thousand feet away," as Peter put it.

            Residential neighbors who did live within 500 feet had their turn to comment, and comment they did, as the anger and frustration over noise and parking came to a boil when they faced the prospect of the restaurant and lounge, already the source of problems in their neighborhood, going from beer and wine and closing at 10 p.m. to a full line of alcohol and staying open until 1 in the morning.

            Joeleanor, who lives right next to the restaurant on Shearin Avenue, was almost in tears as she exclaimed how angry and frustrated she was.

            She had had her fill of empty promises for the last four years. She had watched as Coffee Table employees did not refrain from parking on her street like she was promised they would. She had cringed at the noise of employees and late evening patrons awaking her infant and toddler grandchildren four years after assurances to the contrary. And she had been frustrated, trapped as patrons occasionally parked in front of her house blocking her driveway for hours at a time.

            Four others who lived within that 500 foot radius also spoke, but they were mostly resigned, feeling that they would not be listened to and that they were wasting their time.

            The neighborhood council, however, did listen, and while wanting to support the expansion of local businesses, acknowledged that they were also there to try and preserve and protect the quality of life for people who live there. After each of them had the opportunity to comment and ask questions, interim chair (and Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce President) Michael Nogueira asked for a motion advising L.A. City Planning to grant the full liquor license, and reject the request for extended hours. The motion also included that if the Coffee Table came back in a year with their neighbor's concerns about noise and parking satisfied, they would happily reconsider the request for the extended hours.

            The next morning was the official hearing at Downtown L.A. City Hall with the Zoning Administrator. Land Use Chair Clark Thomas was responsible for composing a letter defining the motion and position of the Neighborhood Council. He walked it personally into the hearing, not wanting to take a chance that a fax or e-mail might not make it to the 10 a.m. hearing. Neighbors again showed up, doing a replay of their comments, anger and frustration of the night before. CD 14 Councilman Jose Huizar had his representative there as well, expressing a position of support for the full line of alcohol and extended hours.

            The Zoning Adminstrator did not show up. Instead, a

deputy conducted the hearing, collecting information from the Coffee Table representatives and the tenacious neighbors. He made no decision that morning and instead deferred to the actual ZA who would make the determination.

            No approval or denial has been recorded as of press time, and the reason given was, "Applicant (rep) To Meet With Abutting Property Owner To Discuss Noise Issues."

            And indeed, Coffee Table Owner Michael Zamirippa did meet with Joeleanor. He offered her assurances and promises, but she was unfazed. She had been given those assurances before and found them to be nothing more than empty promises. This time she wanted it in writing. The meeting ended without any agreement being met.

            Stay tuned.

Sadness on Figueroa Street

The L.A. County Coroner vehicle was parked outside the Super Big Discount Furniture Store on Figueroa near York Boulevard on July 22 at about 7:00 p.m. A person who worked there, possibly the owner, identified as Alberto, unfortunately committed suicide by hanging himself in the rear of the store. According to his father, he may have been despondent over the recent death of his mother. A funeral service crowded by many friends was held on August 2. He was 39. photo courtesy of Victoria Insinna

Garbage Truck Fire

Apparently someone had put some inflamable or explosive material in a garbage truck and it caught fire. The public service people had to come and put it out and overturn the truck to remove the material. This pic was taken as they were shoveling it all back into the truck. It happened at the corner of Ellenwood and Adison in Tuesday July 13, 2010 (garbage collection day). The overturned truck was blocking both streets so that traffic had to divert. photo Barbara Ferrara

History needed Today- Centennial Next Year

            The community is planning the centennial of Eagle Rock's incorporation as a city in 1911. community groups will be planning their events around the celebration Also planned are a pictorial calendar (sponsored by Councilman Jose Huizar), a short video, and a sequel to the current pictorial Eagle Rock. We are looking for photographs from 1911 to NOW to use in this documentary. Subjects included, but not restricted to, are earthquakes; fires; businesses; schools, particularly Delevan Drive, Dahlia Heights, San Rafael and Toland Way; clubs and organizations and their events, including car clubs and notable cars and builders; athletes and sports events; houses and developments, particularly Round Top and Lemon Grove, including Christmas Card Lane; freeway demolition; and notable residents and families. Video footage will be extremely helpful for the short movie. Please share your memories! Eric Warren of the ER Valley Historical Society will be coordinating and assembling these resources. Call 323-257-1357 or email eaglerockhistory.org

A Clean Sweep of CD14?

        
           I attended the Los Angeles Clean Sweep event out in North Hollywood last month. It was a relatively small event for a group that is supposed to be able to take over the politics of Los Angeles. Former editor of the Daily News Ron Kaye is the main organizer, and he brought in some notable and well known speakers to address the gang of crap disturbers and mal-contents from all over the City of L.A.

            Mayor Richard Riordan was there, as well as second place Mayoral Candidate Walter Moore. Riordan came up with a new acronym for the politicians in L.A. NIMITO, which stands for "Not in my term of office." He spotlighted that the current Mayor and City Council will not make the hard decisions necessary to bring back the City of L.A. because they all are beholden to the public employee unions and big developers who will hurt them if they lose their sweet heart pensions or other benefits at the expense of the regular citizens of L.A. NIMITO!

            I saw quite a few activists from the East side of town. The event was to introduce the clean sweep candidates for the upcoming L.A. City council elections in early 2011. I hovered around the food tables until they got around to Candidates for CD14.

            Rudy Martinez, of Flip This House fame agreed to be one of the Clean sweep candidates to try for Jose Huizar's City Council seat. Glassell Park's Tony Butka will also apparently try for the position.

            Most impressive to me was Heinrich Keifer, a senior civic leader in Highland Park, who is one of the main organizers and go-getters of the clean sweep/ Save L.A. organization. He was there at the registration table running things when I came in.

            The group was heavy with reporters and bloggers, but I left with the feeling that this would not go anywhere. I hope I am wrong.

Eagle Rock Canyon Trail Benefit

            On Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, 2010, The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful (CERB), presented “A Summer Weekend Interlude,” benefiting the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, adjacent to the Eagle Rock.

            Michael and Eugénie Nogueira graciously opened their home for the two day event which featured a drought-resistant plant and Plein Aire Art Sale on their front lawn of the Nogueira home, and a poolside champagne brunch. Over 250 people were in attendance at the Sunday brunch, and enjoyed a sumptuous buffet brunch and champagne, generously donated by the Nogueiras. Members of all community groups in Eagle Rock and environs were in attendance, many of whom also volunteered at the event.

            Businesses and individuals donated more than thirty items for the raffle, including tickets to Los Angeles Sparks basketball games, a number of garden books, and paintings by Plein Aire painters, including five by Russell Hobbs of Pasadena. One lucky winner, Joan Potter, Treasurer of the Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, won $1500 in the "50/50 raffle."

            Over the course of the weekend, more than $7.000 was raised toward the purchase and maintenance of the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, located on a unique 4.5 acre nature preserve adjacent to the Eagle Rock. This massive project encompasses the last remaining open space between Eagle Rock and Pasadena and features a native and drought-resistant botanical garden in a magnificent setting with vistas to the sea for painters, hikers and sightseers. Members of the community are invited to hike the trail and enjoy vistas to the sea at its summit. Additional tax-deductible contributions are still being accepted. For further information, see www.cerb.us or call 323-255-9400 or 323-254-6540.

            The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful is a non-profit organization, founded in 2001, to bring local volunteers and agencies together to enrich and beautify Eagle Rock.

Looking Back by Joe Walker

46 years ago, El Sereno

            August 31, 1964 was one of those sweltering Los Angeles days. Chris Villalobos was a 14 year old student about to enter Wilson High School at this time, living at 4949 Twining. Twining is one of those steep streets in El Sereno that residents either love or avoid. Chris and his brother Ralph had been invited to go skateboarding outside and they jumped at the chance. His sister, Karen, 13, watched from the house.

            When the boys were done playing, they heard a loud voice from across the street. It was the always angry Mr. O'Connor, a man in his 60's who had yelled at them before for the noise their skateboard and ball playing had made. But he had a soft side. He kept to himself, spending time only with his wife, and often talked to Michael Villalobos, the father of the family. He also would hire young Chris to do odd jobs for him like watering his lawn . But, Michael had tried to get Mr. O'Connor to not be so easily angered, saying that kids will be kids and asking that he not get so irritated so much.

            Back on Twining Street, the boys heard him yell out, "get those girls in the house!", and then a shot rang out from the O'Connor house at 4952 Twining. The first shot hit the mailbox and lodged in the wall of their house.The children all ran inside to the safety of their home.

            But Allen James O'Connor, 64, was not done yet. He trained his .22 caliber rifle at the house waiting for a target. He saw Chris in the window and fired again, this time the bullet pierced his chest, killing him instantly. LAPD officers quickly arrived and arrested the shooter, and this quiet neighborhood was stunned. The next day, O'Connor was charged with murder and his wife, just as stunned as everyone else, went to Chris's parents and apologized. They accepted her remorse and held no grudges against her.

80 years ago this month-Eagle Rock-1930

            Mrs. Fannie Patton, 4116 Eagle Rock Blvd, became quite a celebrity on August 17, 1930, when she failed to show up in court after being arrested and cited for having 17 goats on her Eagle Rock property. By law, anyone in the city limits was limited to only two goats. When she failed to show up in court, a warrant was issued for her arrest.

            Another Eagle Rock resident faced his troubles with a different approach. On August 23, 1930, O.W. Voorhies, of 5229 Sumner St., had been hit by financial ruin almost certainly as a result of the stock market crash a few months earlier, and this coupled with the separation from his wife, lead him to true desperation. He wrote a note, found by his brother, which said, "All those that I have loved and tried to save have turned against me. You will find me at..." His family rushed to the other end of town, but it was too late. Voorhies had climbed to the top of the Eagle Rock and jumped off, his mangled body found 200 feet below.

80 years ago this month-Highland Park-1930

            Arthur J. Madison of 148 E Ave. 56 and Arthur C Burlingame of 6044 Echo Street, were among the 12 jurors seated for the hugely covered case of Mrs. Walburga Oesterreich, charged with complicity in the murder eight years earlier of her husband, Fred Oesterrch. She gained notoriety for her amazing 10-year affair with Otto Sanhuber, who hid in the attic of her home for many years while her and her husband, Fred, lived downstairs. It all ended badly with the shooting death of her husband. The story inspired both a feature film, "The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom", and a made-for-TV movie "The Man in the Attic". The jury was hung, with most favoring a not guilty verdict.

            I am getting more and more letters about the historical stories I share in the column. This letter is a good one to share:

Dear Mr. Walker,

            I enjoyed reading your "Looking Back" column and the mention about Michio Ito performing there 80 years ago. Is there a historical site where might I see photos of the Argus Bowl circa 1929 when Ito (also spelled Itow) performed his concerts there?

Sincerely,

Bonnie H.

Los Angeles

            Bonnie, the best source of information on the Argus Bowl is in Eric Warren's recently published book from the Images of America series of Arcadia Publishing. Arcadia Publishing, (not located in the city of the racetrack to the east!) publishes dozens of books a year on small cities and large ones all over America. They have a very set format. Each book in this series is in a standard format—128 pages exactly, between 180-240 vintage images, and between 8-18,000 words of accompanying caption text. Eric Warren, who is heavily involved in the Eagle Rock Valley Hisorical Society, did a great job and his book has a drawing of the Argus Bowl in it and some references to its significance to the community.

            Questions of comments? Please write me at joe_walker_2000@yahoo.com

Kevin the Peacock?

Dear Editor,

            Thank you for your article about the Eagle Rock peacock. He name is, in fact, Kevin, named after the bird in the Pixar film, "Up."

            Kevin has been a fixture around the hills north of Colorado Boulevard for a few months now, and shows little fear of anything. Our dog is highly amused by his antics, and we all feed and talk to him. He has performed his "Mick Jagger" strut for us, with full plumage, and almost followed us into the house one day, to the horror of the cat. He has spent many a night wrapped around our chimney, and entertains himself by peeking through our skylight (photo above right).

            Despite the awful racket he makes, he has delighted all of us with his inquisitiveness and ability to accept all his new neighbors with a sense of clumsy dignity. My only hope is that our neighborhood coyote doesn't get to him. Someone in the neighborhood is feeding him, and that worries me far more than Kevin's call....

Sincerely,

Ruth Bonnet

Editor:

You will find wild peacock's, unrestrained, at the Los Angeles Zoo. The care takers say they just show up there.

Rafael Beltran

Hi Tom

I am an Eagle Rock resident and stakeholder of five years now. My partner and I regularly involve ourselves in rescuing fixing and relocating stray animals In the neighborhood. The majority of our work is with Kitten Rescue and Fix Nation. I know from experience that Valley Wildlife care should be able to capture and safely relocate your peacock. They can be reached at (818) 346 8247 or valleywildlife@aim.com.

Matt Mckenna

Composer

Montecito Heights Celebrates

from All Things Hermon

            Happy Birthday to Montecito Heights -- they turned 100 last month! Their party on July 10 had music, dancing, arts and crafts, kid stuff and food. Montecito Heights itself began as a development in 1910. The developers envisioned the planned and affluent suburb they named Montecito Hills as groups of gracious houses placed on large lots surrounding a magnificent hilltop hotel. The company went bankrupt along with the rest of the country in 1929, and the hotel was never built. But many Montecito Heights residents still delight in their spacious oversized lots, a rare luxury in any large city.

            One of the many interesting people that settled in the Montecito Heights area was prominent English painter William Lees Judson in 1893. He went on to found the first school of fine art in Southern California along the banks of the Arroyo Seco. In 1901, the College of Fine Arts joined the University of Southern California and erected a building designed by Judson, in Garvanza.

            The school and its founder attracted many artists and became known as the bohemian arts colony of the Arroyo Seco. The Judson Studios building also served as the guild hall for the Arroyo Guild of Fellow Craftsman, a group of artisans and craftsperson's inspired by Judson and George Wharton James.

            In October 1909, influenced by William Morris, the Stickley brothers and the Roycroft community, James published the "Arroyo Craftsman" through the Arroyo Guild Press. The Craftsman aesthetic immediately enjoyed enormous esteem, popularized the budding Arts and Crafts movement of the 1920s, and advanced the American Bungalow architectural style.

            In the thirties, evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson fell in love with a large tract of land in Montecito Heights that is still owned by her Four Square Gospel Church.

            The Montecito Heights area attractions include Heritage Square's collection of meticulously restored Victorian houses, the notable Lummis Home, and the astonishingly vast Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The Audubon Center on Griffin Avenue opened in 2003 to partner with the community and preserve Debs park as an authentic native wilderness area. It has developed into an exceptional educational resource as a nature center at the edge of a dense urban environment.

            Welcome, Montecito Heights to the Centennial Communities of Northeast LA! (Eagle Rock joins soon).

CRUISIN’ WITH MARY

            Hello, Eagle Rock and welcome to my world! I have lots of interesting updates for you, starting with Concerts in the Park on July 4. The Eagle Rockin' Rodders hosted our 13th car show in conjunction with the concert series. The car attendance was moderate this year, probably due to several factors including direct competition with the Montrose car show (whom I heard actually paid people to bring their hot rods…), the fact that this was a holiday, and the fact of the gates being locked my the fire marshal exactly at 4:30 p.m. thereby eliminating any last-minute entry of hot rods. None of this matters too much because we had a lovely array of cars, an awesome picnic, a great concert with Surfin' Safari and beautiful fireworks. We had a couple of animated raffles, with all monies raised going back to local charities in November.

            One thing that was just a little disappointing about the attendance was the other car clubs who promised to show up, reneged at the last minute. Really that's ok, because we didn't really even miss you. Maybe you can host your own car show when you grow up!

            I heard that "mention" was made over the loudspeaker at the Montrose show that the "other" car club in Eagle Rock, more like Highland Park, was "the" car club of Eagle Rock. Hahaha…. I would like to remind all readers and those with short memories that the Eagle Rockin' Rodders have been in existence 14 consecutive years and that 2011 will be our 15 year anniversary! We are not a fly-by-night club who pops up for a couple years, disbands, then pops up 30 years later claiming a 50+ year history in the community.

            Our July 30 cruise-in was successful, with way better attendance than the June cruise-in! We had awesome raffle prizes thanks to Tritch Hardware, Sir Michael's, and various club members, and again added to the charity fund. A few new cars and prospective new members showed up, so it was a fun night for all.

            The cruise-in was punctuated by a visit from the owners of the American Tire lot, and even though we already had previous permission from them to hold our cruise-in here, they were very nice, and again stated it was ok for us to be there. They did express some concerns about the amount of trash and debris still being left behind by the swap-meeters and homeless. It's very obvious if you take a closer look at that trash (but not too close!), that a lot of it looks like it is from someone's yard sale… We were also told that construction work may begin soon on the site for the proposed medical offices but no firm dates were given. However, because the medical offices will be closed at night, we might be able to still use this lot after the remodeling is completed.

            A couple of the Eagle Rockin'Rodders attended the Brand Blvd. Cruise Night last month, and as usual had a great time. There was a gorgeous customized hearse with black leather and velvet flamed upholstery and interior. A casket, monsters, spider lace curtains, numerous lighting tricks, and scary music completed the ride. Check out www.graverides.com for more info. Thanks again to everyone who supports us and our community efforts, see you next month…. And keep on cruising!

Las Cazuelas:

Creating the American Dream

One Pupusa at a Time.

            Have you ever had a pupusa smothered with curtido? If you know what I meant by that you are part of a growing number of Los Angeles area residents who have a taste for something a little different. And if you're like me, you like something a little south of the border- a little south of the Mexican border that is.

            El Salvadoran food is slowly making it's way under the mainstream Los Angeles palate, to take its rightful place among the many Mexican, Chinese and Italian and other ethnic eateries that make up the tapestry of cultures and flavors that is Los Angeles. In Northeast L.A., we are lucky to have one of the finest examples of El Salvadoran dining right here in Highland Park.

            First let me explain for the uninitiated. A pupusa is the mainstay of El Salvadoran food. A pupusa is a hand made stuffed corn tortilla that is griddled, not fried. Appearing much like a thick tortilla, the pupusa comes made with many different types of fillings, from cheese, to beans, pork, chicken, lorocco (made from an edible flower), chorizo and maybe more. When eating the pupusa it is customary to smother the top of it with a lightly fermented and dilled cabbage salad called curtido, and on the top add a little tomato salsa to suit your taste.

            It's warm and cool and soft and crunchy all in the same bite, one of the best things that a dish can and should be. But that's not all. The best thing is that they're made and served right here on North Figueroa Street in Highland Park for a very inexpensive price.

            On the corner of Avenue 57 and N. Figueroa is Las Cazuelas (the casseroles). You probably have noticed it by the bright yellow and red facade located right next to the Antigua Bread coffee house. Since 1985, they have been serving a wonderful variety of Salvadoran and Mexican food. The Lopez family, originally from El Salvador, bought the restaurant in 1989 and never looked back.

            While pupusas are the mainstay of El Salvadoran dining, patrons of Las Cazuelas will have many dishes to choose from. Other El Salvadoran dishes include, fritada, a sautéed pork dish, yuca con fritada or yuca con chicharon (casava with sautéed or fried pork), tamales or the specialty plantanos fritos con crema y frijoles, (fried plantains with sour cream and beans-) mmmmm- they are so good!

            Complete dinner dishes are numerous and delicious with your choice of beef, or chicken, or pork dishes, all served with rice and beans AND salad, an option so often missing from south of the border delicacies. Seafood is an option as well with shrimp, fillet or tilapia dishes that are served with all the tasty side dishes.

            But if you're in the mood for traditional Mexican food, with a slightly different context, be sure to try the enchiladas, tostadas, or quesadillas. Extra special is the Las Cazuelas take on the chile relleno. It's a sure bet to please the pickiest Mexican food aficionado.

            Even better, they just recently started their $3 breakfasts with a full array of breakfasts to choose from.

            Carlos Miguel Lopez, the thirty year old son, runs the business now, but his mother still comes to work every day for a few hours. His father also reports to work daily at the new Bell Gardens location, opened about 5 years ago. He said that the wait is often a bit longer for El Salvadoran food because it is always made fresh to order, but that he supervises the kitchen staff to make sure they are keeping up. He also said he avoids having an over abundance of El Salvadoran decor, to keep the restaurant as neutral as possible so that everyone who comes to eat will feel comfortable there.

            He said his clientele is 80% Spanish speaking, and 20% everyone else. More and more varied people are discovering Las Cazuelas every day and loving it.

            His mother was the driving force that pushed the family to come to America and work for themselves. She was a baker in El Salvador and always dreamed of coming to America and having her own business. Carlos was only ten years old when they bought the business, and he worked there as he was growing up. After graduating high school in the San Fernando Valley, he got an education in information technology, which he today puts to work doing Las Cazuelas website, Facebook, Myspace and Yelp pages.

            He said, "She (mother) always wanted to be self-employed and wanted to do well, and they worked long hours. So, in light of that, I and my siblings appreciate everything that she did. We appreciate everything that she's offered. We appreciate everything the county's offered, too. Americans often tend to take stuff for granted. Us, having the memories of El Salvador, we tend, I think, to appreciate it a little more.”

LAS CAZUELAS

HIGHLAND PARK

Open Daily

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

5707 N FIGUEROA ST

LOS ANGELES, CA 90042

323-255-4719

info@lascazuelas-la.com

www.myspace.com\cazuelas

Voice in the Eagle Rock Wilderness

A UNIQUE ANTI-PLAGUE FORMULA

By Christopher Nyerges

[Nyerges is the author of "How to Survive Anywhere," "Enter the Forest," and other books. For information of his books and classes, go to

www.ChristopherNyerges.com, or Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.]

            In an issue of the Forest Voice, newsletter of the Forest Preservation Society of Southern California, I read an interesting item. It seems that some centuries ago during an outbreak of bubonic plague in France, four thieves managed to loot the empty plague-ridden homes without contracting the dreaded plague. That immediately caught my attention, since our society always has the potential for such an outbreak of disease, for a variety of reasons. If a widespread outbreak of plague were to erupt here in Eagle Rock -- or anywhere in the U.S. for that matter -- would we realistically be able to rely on doctors and hospitals?

            Some Middle Ages accounts tell us that during some of the worst plague outbreaks, the dead outnumbered the living, and the dead could not be buried fast enough. If that were to happen here, to us, who would operate the 911 phone line? Would the paramedics be able to handle the emergency? What would happen to basic "law and order"? Well, it wouldn't be a pretty sight!

            Anyway, these four thieves were arrested by policemen, and were brought before the French judge in Marseilles. Wondering aloud, the judge asked how it was that these four thieves managed to resist the plague, especially since they had been in and out of so many plague-infested homes.

            "We drink and wash with this vinegar preparation every few hours," they answered. The judge made a shrewd bargain. The thieves would be given their freedom in exchange for their "anti-plague recipe."

            This recipe is recorded in Dian Buchman's Herbal Medicine book. Buchman writes, "this recipe has been used for centuries, but legend has it that it was discovered during a devastating bubonic plague." Here's the recipe:

VINEGAR OF FOUR THIEVES

2 quarts (half gallon) apple cider vinegar

2 T lavendar

2 T rosemary

2 T sage

2 T wormwood

2 T rue

2 T mint

            Combine the herbs and steep in vinegar in the sun for two weeks. Strain. Add 2 T. of garlic buds and steep for several days. Remove. To preserve, add 4 oz. of glycerin.

            Karin James, the editor of the Forest Voice, told me that the vinegar recipe can be used for washing floors, walls, windows, and will offset smells in the home. It helps to deter bugs if you rinse your hiking gear in it. She also saves the herbs when she strains them out of the vinegar, and places them where ants come into the kitchen. "It works," she states. "No more ants!"

            I've shared this many times over the years and received many responses from readers. One suggested that it is the vinegar which is the primary reason that this recipe worked. I have used raw apple cider vinegar (in my drinking water, in ratio of about 2 teaspoons per quart) and have found that it keeps the mosquitoes from biting, and helps reduce heat stress when working out in the sun. I strongly suggest that you use only the raw apple cider vinegar, as per the suggestions in the classic work of the Vermont Dr. D.C. Jarvis' "Folk Medicine."

            Whole books have been written about the health benefits of vinegar, and the health benefits of garlics, including antibiotic effects, reducing cholesterol, etc.

            Though I've not seen a scientific analysis of the Vinegar of Four Thieves – and there very well may be a synergistic effect from all the combined herbs – I strongly believe that the most powerful elements are the vinegar and the garlic.

            Even if we never get an outbreak of the Plague in Eagle Rock, for good health and protection against disease, garlic and raw apple cider vinegar should be included in the daily diet. If vinegar is carried on the trail, you can also use it to treat insect bites, for making salad dressing, and for washing. Garlic can be added to any dehydrated trail meals to liven them up, increasing both the nutritional value and the flavor.

or call 323-226-1617.

Grammy-Award-Winning Mariachi Divas to Headline

Free concert series at Heritage Square

            On August 15th and August 26th, step out of your car or get off the Metro Gold Line on your way home from work for one-of-a-kind free concerts at Heritage Square Museum. Join us as we present great musical acts, local food vendors and costumed docents in a venue that brings you out of the present and into Southern California's past. No need to drive – take the Gold Line to the nearby Heritage Square station. Concerts are made possible thanks to the support of Supervisor Gloria Molina and the LA County Arts Commission.

            Opening acts begin at 5:00 PM. Arrive at the museum early to see the historic architecture up close. Visitors will have a chance to try local food and drink and shop in the museum store. Costumed docents will be on hand to enliven the evening.

            On August 15, the Susie Hansen Latin Band returns to us for what promises to be an unforgettable performance. Electric violinist Susie Hansen plays fiery Latin Jazz and Salsa, creating music that brings audiences to their feet, dancing in the aisles. Susie and her Los Angeles-based band have been acclaimed by many critics, such as Phil Elwood from the San Francisco Examiner who describes them this way: "It's a sizzling, swinging Salsa band. Hansen can solo as if her bow was afire. The whole room was jumpin' for joy." Mark Holston wrote in JAZZIZ Magazine that Susie Hansen's "violin speaks the language of Latin Jazz with total fluency." A long-time favorite in Los Angeles, Susie and her band play 175-200 live performances per year, including such events as the Playboy Jazz Festival, Fiesta Broadway, San Jose Jazz Festival, LA Salsa Festival and Newport Beach Jazz Festival. She has toured nationally with her band, and has appeared with such big names as Tito Puente.

            On August 26, Mariachi Divas will be the headline act. Founded and directed by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, the all-female Mariachi Divas are making big waves on the national music scene. In 2009, the group won the American Grammy award for Regional Mexican Album for their latest CD, Canciones De Amor. Mariachi Divas are a unique, multi-cultural ensemble imbued with the true flavor of Los Angeles and have been represented by women of Mexican, Cuban, Samoan, Argentinian, Colombian, Panamanian, Puerto Rican, Swiss, Japanese, Honduran, Peruvian, Tongan and Anglo descents. Cindy Shea states, "Music is a way of uniting our cultural backgrounds." Mariachi Divas have appeared at Southern California venues such as the Arrowhead Pond, Universal Amphitheater, Staples Center, the Greek Theatre, the Santa Barbara Bowl, the House of Blues, the LA Forum for the 2005 Premio La Gente live TV awards show and the Shrine Auditorium for the 2006 Alma Awards. They have also accompanied Grammy- winning artists including Joan Sebastian, Jenny Rivera, Marco Antonio Solis, Pablo Montero, Graciela Beltran and Paulina Rubio and Mariachi Vargas.

            For more information on Mariachi Divas, please visit www.mariachidivas.com/. For more information on Susie Hansen, go to www.susiehansen.com.

            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

            Unlock the key to the history of Los Angeles at Heritage Square Museum.

"Eagle Rock Collections"

Centennial Contest - Win $250

            Fully organized and sponsored by the Boulevard Sentinel, is a contest to commemorate and celebrate the 100 Year anniversary of Eagle Rock. "Eagle Rock Collections" will be a way for everyone to participate. It will bring out the best of what Eagle Rock has, or has had in its 100 year history.

            What are Centennial Collections and how can you win? Here's an example:

            Perhaps you, your siblings, your parents and grandparents have all gone to Eagle Rock High. If that's true, you probably have trophies, class sweaters, programs, penants, varsity jackets, photographs, paintings or any number of items that are from or relate to Eagle Rock High. You've saved them all these years, now's the time to finally show them off.

            Your Centennial Collection would be 12 to 30 different Eagle Rock High School related items all arranged to fit on and within the footprint of a common 36" x 48" tabletop presentation board readily available at office supply stores for about $10. You will get half an eight foot folding table to set up your display for judging when the contest begins. Use your best artistic sensibilities to select and arrange your items in the most effective and attractive way possible.

            All collections will be displayed at various venues throughout the centennial year, and returned at the end of 2011. The possibilities for Eagle Rock collections are endless. You could have craftsman homes as your subject. You could use Occidental College or St. Dominic School. You could have Eagle Rock hot rods through the years, or just one notable local hot rod. How about a collection focusing on Eagle Rock's pioneering drag racer Jim Brissete? Or Eagle Rock's most famous burlesque queen, Lili St.Cyr? How about WWII or Vietnam memorabilia collected by an Eagle Rock person? How about the history of L.A. City Councilmen through the years? Or local dentists? Or teachers? Or gas stations? What about streetcar memorabilia from Eagle Rock's streetcar days? How about Eagle Rock shooting locations in cinema? How about women's fashions? How about t-shirts? The only limit besides the space limitation is your imagination.

            Official rules will be developed and available locally and on our website by the end of September. If there are enough entries (20?), a $100 second place will be awarded as well.

            So get started now. Although you have plenty of time to get it together, the deadline for entries will be February 14, 2011, for display and judging near the end of February.

            I know that there are many of you out there that have or can put together some incredible collections. It will be so much fun doing it, and the entire community will have so much fun enjoying it. It will bring a wonderful flavor and texture to the Eagle Rock Centennial that not many communities celebrating their 100 year mark will ever have.

            And the winner could be YOU!

49th Annual Sunland Watermelon Festival

            Come join the fun and witness the debut of the Watermelon Festival's original watermelonOmatic slicing machine! The 49th Annual Watermelon Festival will debut local businessman Ara Zeithlian's WatermelonOmatic slicing machine at the event being held at Sunland Park, 8651 Foothill Boulevard, Sunland, California, 91040, August 13 through August 15, 2010. The Festival is sponsored by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club. For additional information, complete schedule and times log on to www.lionswatermelonfestival.com, www.facebook.com/watermelonfestival or call 818-353-4554.

            Necessity, always the mother of invention, dictated the creation of the WatermelonOmatic. The machine creates uniform slices of the succulent melon and deposits them on to a conveyer belt at the speed of forty slices a minute. This best invention since sliced bread was created by Zeithlian who owns and operates the Breadmaster Bakery (www.breadmasters.com) in Pico Rivera. It is possibly the only industrial watermelon slicing machine in the world and saves the volunteers working in the Watermelon Pavilion's free watermelon booth both time and energy. The long lines will be a thing of the past as the masses of melon lovers can pick up a slice right off the conveyor belt at a record breaking pace.

            Zeithlian, a Lions Club member and director of the Watermelon Festival for the past three years also has other inventions to his name. One of them is a rotisserie oven that cooks twenty chickens at a time. He also builds and sells ovens specifically designed to bake flat bread. Using his knowledge of the yearly event and his expertise in manufacturing he created the new watermelon slicer specifically for Sunland-Tujunga's annual Lions Club event.

            Additional events featured at the Watermelon Pavilion include the Watermelon Spitway, the All-Day-Every-Day Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest with a $100 cash prize, watermelon carving demonstrations, the Watermelon Eating Contest and the Greased Watermelon Relay Race.

            After filling up on watermelon the kids will love to visit the newly created KidsZone with pony rides, petting zoo, water slides, a sports cage, laser tag, and Spider Mountain. Or they can get their faces painted, laugh with the clowns and have fun in the shade with arts and crafts.

            Also, don't miss the coronation of the annual Watermelon Queen and her court on Friday and August 13 at 7:30, or enjoy the numerous musical acts and dance troupes non-stop on the main stage, eat in the International Food Court and shop in Marketplace, then check out all the rides and arcade games.

            For additional information contact Marynance Schellenbach at stlionsclub@gmail.com or call 818-353-4554. For press credentials and interviews contact Marcia Groff at entmg@adelphia.net or call 310-310-3937. A video is also available upon request.

12TH ANNUAL EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL.

            Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar and Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock present the 12th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, the yearly music festival with a unique and independent neighborhood vibe, taking place on Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock, on Saturday October 2, 2010, from 4:00- 11:00pm.

            Musicians perform at ten unique venues ranging from auto shops and formal stages to historical buildings and a motel balcony along Colorado Boulevard, that will be open to pedestrians between Eagle Rock Boulevard and Argus Street.

            The Eagle Rock Music Festival will welcome the eclectic, local lineup for which it is known, highlighting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Los Angeles music scene. Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock experiments with a multitude of genres to create a truly groundbreaking experience. That mix of localism and innovation has paved the way for many other community festivals.

            The growing line-up of artists and a complete schedule will be announced throughout the summer on the festival's website: http://www.centerartseaglerock.org as well as the Eagle Rock Music Festival Facebook and Myspace pages.

            A free shuttle service to and from the festival will be available from the Eagle Rock Plaza, where limited free parking will be available for festivalgoers. The Plaza is located off Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock where the 2 and 134 freeways meet.

            A five-dollar suggested donation can be made at the official donation stations located at the main entrances and throughout the festival route. This donation supports Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, the non-profit that produces the Eagle Rock Music Festival.

            The Annual Eagle Rock Music festival is being presented with the generous support of the James Irvine Foundation, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Time Warner, Eagle Rock Plaza, and the community and businesses of Eagle Rock.

            The Eagle Rock Music Festival is a centerpiece in the year-round free arts programming of Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, one of the last remaining arts and cultural programming centers in Northeast Los Angeles.

Councilmember Provides Funding to clean up Eagle Rock Medians

            Last week, The City Council voted to pass Councilmember Huizar's motion to use Council District 14 discretionary funds to pay for cleanup and upkeep of the median islands on Colorado Blvd./ Eagle Rock Blvd. in Eagle Rock.

            Recently, due to budget cuts and layoffs the medians were no longer being serviced by the City. This was unacceptable to Councilmember Huizar and he immediately worked on bringing in a contractor to continue the service.

            Starting on Friday, crews will restore maintenance to the medians, including mowing the grass and removing weeds and trash. Councilmember Huizar has worked to bring many improvements to Eagle Rock, including recent renovations at Eagle Rock Recreation Center and upcoming landscaping improvements around the iconic Eagle Rock "Rock" landmark. Councilmember Huizar will continue to be an advocate for our community and will fight to make sure Eagle Rock gets its fair share of services".

Blight on our Community

from TERA

            The partially built lofts, located in the 1200 block of Colorado Boulevard, close to the 210 Freeway access / exit ramps, frustrate Eagle Rockers and generate many appeals to TERA to do something about it.

            Many forces have converged, making the solution very difficult. The weak economy has minimized the prospect of a new developer completing the project. "Why doesn't the city take it over" is a frequent comment. Eminent domain is the tool the city could use to take control of the property. However, that would require the city to pay fair market value for the property; we all know there is not a discretionary dime in the city budget. Several, including me, can envision the half-built project turning into a unique artistic endeavor on an interim basis. However, allowing artists to create on the property would require the purchase of costly insurance. Protecting the property from the inevitable graffiti onslaught would be a long-term issue and another expense.

            Until the economy improves, and developers have regained their inclination and funding for new residential projects, we may be stuck with this eyesore. TERA leaders have asked the Council Office to explore any other potential approaches including the non-payment of property taxes, etc. So far, all solutions will require funding that is not there. If you have an out of the box approach that you think deserves consideration, please share it with us.

EAGLE ROCK NEWS

Eagle Rock Businesses Prepare for  Water Main Construction

by Tom Topping

            As I write this, construction of a new ductile iron water main is beginning in Eagle Rock along Colorado Blvd. The 16" main will replace the current one which is over 80 years old, and will be highly resistant to damage in the event of a major earthquake.

            As you may remember, last year, the water main along Townsend Avenue north of Colorado sprung a leak, was repaired, then leaked and was repaired again and again until the whole thing was replaced. Water service was interrupted on and off for many months as the new one was installed and hooked up. The same scenario is happening right now along Colorado Blvd., but in this case, almost everyone's water service in Eagle Rock will have periodic interruptions. Also to be interrupted periodically will be traffic and with that the local businesses, as Eagle Rock's busy Colorado corridor will be narrowed to 1 lane of traffic on the eastbound side for up to three blocks at a time.

            When local businesses got the notice, they were shocked to see that the project could take up to six months, and that parking would prohibited. Equally disturbing was notice that water service may be interrupted for unspecified periods. The interruptions, naturally, would have 48 hours notice unless, of course, there is an emergency.

            The phone lines started ringing immediately, with Jennifer Morgan from Colorado Wine Company taking a leadership role in contacting the Council Office and inviting members of the community get involved immediately. Rudy Martinez of Mia Sushi restaurant also got involved and contacted his fellow restaurateurs at Colombo's and Camilo's. An emergency meeting was arranged in conjunction with the Council Office on July 19, with a follow up at Mia Sushi hosted by Mr. Martinez.

            Martinez, whose restaurant and mortgage businesses share the same building on Eagle Rock Boulevard knew first hand the negative impacts that prolonged under ground utility construction can have, as he and his business neighbors suffered through years of sewer construction along Eagle Rock Boulevard just a few years ago.

            At that time, many of his neighbors lost their businesses, or had to move, and he knew that letting them know their rights and responsibilities could only help.

            On Thursday, July 29 the CD 14 Council Office held a follow-up community meeting with the DWP to hear the updated proposal on how they would minimize impacts and alleviate concerns regarding the new pipeline construction. The DWP incorporated a number of adjustments based on the feedback they received during the July 19th community meeting.

            The original plan was to start construction on the Colorado Blvd. water main at Eagle Rock Blvd. and continue west along Colorado till they reached the end at Genevive street, just two blocks before North Figueroa St. No other details on the parking prohibition was stated, which was feared to be a full-time ban for the entire length of construction. Interruptions to businesses that depend on an uninterrupted flow of water were not considered at all.

            After the first meeting, DWP officials came up with a new detailed plan. Instead of starting at Eagle Rock Boulevard, work will first begin at Loleta and proceed east to Genevieve. This phase of the project should be completed by December 3. The project will then take a hiatus to make sure that no construction takes place during the holiday season. Only the south side of Colorado Blvd will be impacted. Construction will only impact 2-3 blocks at a time. One lane of traffic and curbside parking will be maintained in the construction area. After 3:30pm, all lanes of traffic will re-open, important, as local business would be affected greatly by traffic impacts that would send their customers on to other routes and other businesses. Restaurants and other businesses that need full time water service will be hooked up to an alternate source during construction in their section, most likely from the fire hydrant supply, which is a separate system.

            DWP anticipates that the second Phase will begin in February or March of 2011. They have agreed to hold another community meeting to confirm the start date in the new year. The holiday hiatus will also allow the community to review the work so far and make suggestions if changes need to be made for Phase 2.

            Phase 2 will take place from Eagle Rock Blvd and Colorado, and proceed to Loleta. Phase 2 is expected to take 7 months to complete. During phase 2, special parking arrangements will be made with the Department of Transportation to help minimize disruption to businesses. All affected businesses will be provided advanced notice if there will be any planned disruption in water service.

            SAVE THIS INFO!

            The DWP has also established a 24-hour hotline should urgent issues arise. That number is 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). To further alleviate concerns, Jose Huizar's office has volunteered to be a go between should issues arise. (323) 254-5295.

            Luckily, the business community was able to quickly mobilize and begin a productive dialogue with the Council Office and the DWP.

            Bob Gotham, President of TERA wrote, "The ability to deal with an issue that provides so much concern for our business community, and do it in a way that avoided adversarial overtones was commendable and cannot be found in every community. Kudos to all who participated in the productive dialogue. I am confident that a reasonable solution will be chosen in a collaborative way, that recognizes both the concerns of the business community and the DWP."

            Let's all hope so.

EAGLE ROCK ACTRESS "KATHY O'DARE" 1957-2010

            Kathleen Rose D'Orazi, born and raised in Eagle Rock, who had an acting stage name of "Kathy O'Dare", passed away Sunday July 18th, at her home in Riverside, California.

            Kathleen D'Orazi attended St. Dominic's Grammar School, and graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1975, and graduated from Glendale College. Kathleen D'Orazi had quite an actress career. She was a child star as "One of the Sour Grape Girls" in the Banana Splits Adventure in the early 1970's, and got her big break as a leading star in the first episode of Happy Days TV Show in 1974 as Mary Lou Mulligan, starring Ronnie Howard (Richie) and Henry Winkler, (The Fonz).

            She had many other credits on such shows as the Brady Bunch, and a movie with Ronnie Howard called "Eat My Dust". Kathleen was born August 27th, 1957 of Tony and Miltreta D'Orazi. Her father Tony D'Orazi, was a TV Star in the early 1950's, and had his own show for 3 years, called "Uncle Tony O'Dare, First Cartoonist of the Air". Kathleen's dad was a renowned artist in the Eagle Rock after his TV Career and raised his family on  Norwalk Ave.

            She had been studying dance and acting since she was three years old. She leaves behind her mother, Miltreta, who lives in San Diego, brother Mike, Eagle Rock Class of 1958, and her brother David, Eagle Rock Class of Summer of 1967, and a 13 year old daughter, Miltreta Mae D'Orazi, who resides in Cardiff by the Sea, California.

"Eagle Rock" Book Signing

            The Eagle Rock volume in the Images of America series of historical books published by Arcadia Publishing sheds light on what was once a small farming community on Tongva ancestral lands. The author, SAH/SCC Life Member Eric Warren, will give the colorful history of this area that he knows so with a slide talk based on the book, which will be available for purchase and signing. The talk takes place at the Central Library in neighboring Glendale, 222 east Harvard St. at 1:30 Sunday, August 15. The event is free.

            A native of the area and president of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society, Warren selected remarkable vintage images of his neighborhood's past from the Society's outstanding archives as well as from other public and private collections. They illustrate Eagle Rock's steady evolution from an oak-shaded valley into one of Los Angeles's great neighborhoods.

            By 1906, trolleys made for an easy commute to Los Angeles, and Eagle Rock, which incorporated as a city in 1911, became increasingly integrated in the urban fabric yet remained defined by its residential nature and small-town character. The annexation of Eagle Rock by Los Angeles in 1923 brought ample water supply as well as Eagle Rock High School, a center of town life into the 21st century. Freeway construction and shifts in business patterns affected Eagle Rock's growth in the post-World War II years, but the pleasant neighborhood identity remains despite its proximity to urban bustle.

Dear Tom:

            This responds to Stan Moore's letter (July). Unexpectedly, the 2008-2010 Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council (HHPNC) is still in office until August 6 because the new Board installation did not happen on July 15. Apparently the old Board was not to be invited to the transfer ceremonies. The meeting was posted without our knowledge and when inquiring, we were told our term was over and I would not open any last meeting. Even City Clerk Election Policy No. 22 on seating of new Boards was ignored. There was determined resistance until the City Clerk declared we must be included, unless the ceremony was canceled to "wait out" automatic transfer of power. Three weeks have been lost just to exclude us.

            Readers need to know our Board was confronted the last several years by a group determined to prove we were ineffective. They spread gossip with snippets of meeting videos taken out of context that the Board does everything wrong and is dysfunctional. This "takeover faction" has manufactured issues to make us APPEAR dysfunctional. They eventually succeeded, gaining a majority by driving other members off the Board.

            Per our 9-24-2009 mediation video, Stan Moore was named (not chosen) "trial" Agenda Committee Chair. The takeover faction (majority by now) wanted to "improve" the agenda again, already changed many times. Contrary to Stan, Gemma Marquez did not "graciously" volunteer--she insisted on serving. The video indicates I objected, saying it would be inappropriate for our most outspoken Board antagonist to handle the agenda. Gemma fought to stay, arguing she could be objective and reasonable.

            This was no "trial" Agenda Committee. At the very next (October 15) HHPNC meeting, the takeover faction made the "trial" Agenda Committee PERMANENT, a deliberate strategy to make the Board ineffective. The ad hoc "Reform" Agenda Committee now controlled the agenda. I attempted five times (every two weeks for three months) to get the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment's (DONE's) requirements placed first on the agenda (to get our funding restored). Instead, the items were given low priority and never considered. The half dozen agendas before the election were essentially the same agenda, with cosmetic changes. In March, the faction walked out of both meetings, ending quorum, and during April and May, they did not attend. Everyone else came, so who was really dysfunctional? Without a quorum, the HHPNC could not meet DONE's requirements nor access its funding. Stan's description of the 4-minute-late Lummis Committee funding request during May inside the Agenda Committee is laughable, since the faction (including Gemma) killed the quorum, so the proposal could never be approved.

            Stan's claim that Richard Marquez had no conflict of interest is questionable. Running for office and "objective" efforts to increase voter turnout (outreach) don't mix. The City Clerk claims in the election challenge response that Marquez's behavior was specifically prohibited by the HHPNC bylaws, because the Election Committee must include only stakeholders not running for office. Stan's question to Stella Yun proved nothing, since Yun's Citywide answer would not trump local bylaws.

            There were even worse election violations. Marquez conducted a community study with the Coro Foundation that supported his viewpoint. The Board DID NOT KNOW ABOUT AND HAD NOT

AUTHORIZED NOR APPROVED THE STUDY, a serious bylaws violation. Marquez further allowed use of the HHPNC seal on the study without Board knowledge or approval. Worse, using HHPNC funds for a consultant to write a study favorable to you without Board approval is a serious misappropriation of funds. DONE and the City Attorney have been asked to investigate.

Dr. Richard Dyke

Farewell Steven E.

It is with sadness we report the loss of one of the Boulevard Sentinel family. Steven Estrada, who contributed the  column "Nite Out with Steven E." died last month from complications of liver failure. He was a freelance writer for this paper who had an encyclopedic knowledge of so many types of music. Few know that he was also a stand-up comedian who worked night clubs in Ensenada Mexico as well as the occasional cruise ship gig. Steve was always a gentleman who liked being with his friends and raising a glass or two. He will be greatly missed.

Drug Dealer Collectives?

Tom -

            As a local homeowner and father of two school age children, I'd like to add my voice to the conversation about the proliferation of storefront marijuana dealers in Eagle Rock. Below is the text of an email I recently sent to the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council...

To the ERNC -

            I want to compliment you on the work the ERNC has been doing to track and hold accountable the myriad storefront marijuana profiteers who have flooded into Eagle Rock.

            As someone who voted for the original ballot measure to decriminalize marijuana for medical/compassionate uses, and as an individual who has lost both his father and his younger sister to cancer in the past ten years, you would think that I would be sympathetic to the storefront dealers. But in my opinion, the original intent of the ballot measure I voted for years back has been shoved aside by amoral opportunists who hide behind distortions, half truths and borderline slander to peddle powerful unregulated and untaxed drugs of questionable purity to anyone willing to pay a "doctor" with dubious ethics for a "prescription." I'm a longtime resident of Eagle Rock with a six year old and an eight year old, and to me the proliferation of storefront dealers (often several to a block) located near our neighborhood preschools and schools is a predictable tragedy in the making - witness the recent murders at several storefront dispensaries in Echo Park. I'm glad that the ERNC is standing up for the interests and values of the average resident and is not being cowed (or bought off) by the well-funded lobbyists (and attractive young women) employed by the drug dealers. I look forward to the day that the intent of the original ballot measure is restored, so that seriously ill individuals who genuinely need relief can obtain it, without being used as pawns by exploitative outsiders who place huge personal profits over the community in which they operate - a community of churches, schools, and small businesses whose hardworking owners provide quality goods and services, and who live and raise their families in the neighborhood in which they operate.

-         R Morris

Medical Marijuana Seed Planted at the Rock! by Tim Ryder

            On Sunday, July 25th the local grass roots organization, Cannabis Clubs "United with the Community", held another educational event at the base of our famous Eagle Rock called "Plant a Medical Marijuana Seed."

            The purpose of the event was to plant a symbolic "Seed of Knowledge and Reason" concerning the current issue of Medical Marijuana and the Hemp plant from which it originates in order to create a fresh look at man's interesting relationship with this sometimes misunderstood plant.

            Instead of looking at this unique plant with fear and ignorance, this was an attempt to try to understand the bigger picture of how this plant is not just a worthless weed without any value but instead has great potential as a practical therapy for a wide range of medical conditions and chronic illnesses as it has for thousands of years.

            The Plant the Seed ceremony was also an attempt to dispel some of the debunked theories, irrational fears and misinformation that is propagated by a few prohibition crusaders lurking in the shadows of our community and substitute it with scientific fact, botanical knowledge and rational discussion.

            There was a two-fold purpose to the event. As well as an educational aspect, it was also to take a moment to remember the recently murdered Medical Marijuana dispensary worker, Matthew Butcher, who was just doing his job assisting Medical Marijuana patients at a local Collective.

             Along with the Medical Marijuana seed (really just an old avocado pit) we also planted a golf ball because Golf was Matthew's favorite sport and is what he enjoyed the most while not working at the Collective.

            We had a pretty good turnout for a somewhat hot day but there was a nice breeze running through the canyon so it wasn't that bad.

            A few people in attendance, including some local Eagle Rockers, had never seen our famous Eagle Rock up close and were quite impressed. For the outsiders, I had to go through the usual routine of pointing out how one can see the Eagle at just the right angle and so forth.

            I had one small surprise for the attendees as the educational portion of my event concluded. One of the local bands called Morning Glory, led by local Eagle Rocker Dan Hanken, had asked if they could come and play in memory of Matthew Butcher as well. This band plays the melodic Grateful Dead ballads that sound so good outdoors so I told them of course they could come and complete the event with some of their cool music.

            They were so good that the neighbors from the houses near the rock came running down. "Is that the Dead, is that the Dead?" I told them indeed it was and that they were welcome to stay and listen which they did.

            I asked Kevin, one of the Medical Marijuana patients in attendance, why he had showed up for my event. He said, "This is great! I'm finally glad to see the community getting more involved in this issue. These events help people to better understand the whole medical marijuana subject and also have a good time too. The band was awesome."

            My next educational event will be a series of debates over the next three months leading up to the legalization vote on Proposition 19 in November. Like most people, I believe in an informed citizenry and on this issue I just see way to much misinformation and half-truths still out there that need to be discussed in a rational forum in order for us to cast a fully informed vote.

            The first debate will commence on Sunday, August 29th.

Old Time Square Dance

with Triple Chicken Foot and Cory Marie

            On August 14, beginning at 5:00 PM join Triple Chicken Foot and Caller Cory Marie for an Old-Time American Square Dance at Heritage Square Museum. From its roots as a traditional form of social dance in the 1740s, square dancing still has its place in modern America society, making it the perfect complement to the historic architecture found at Heritage Square.

            Triple Chicken Foot will play old-time fiddle and banjo tunes, while Cory Marie will call the dances. Before each dance the steps will be taught. Beginners are encouraged and everyone will have a good time. This is a family friendly dance, so kids are welcome! Join us for a beautiful afternoon of community and music - greet your neighbor.

            Celebrating 41 years preserving and interpreting the history of Southern California, Heritage Square is a living history museum whose eight historic structures to tell the story of the development of Los Angeles like no place else. Heritage Square Museum is open for regular tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The exhibit is included in the museum's admission fee: $10/adults, $8/seniors, $5/children ages 6-12. The Museum is located at 3800 Homer Street, off the 110 Pasadena Freeway at Avenue 43, just north of downtown Los Angeles.

            For further information on Heritage Square Museum, visit www.heritagesquare.org or the museum blog at http://heritagesquare.blogspot.com. For more information on Triple Chicken Foot, visit http://triplechickenfoot.com.

"Today's Youth – Tomorrow's Leader's" Boys & Girls State 2010

by L. Michael Black

            Once again Hathaway-Sycamores Family Resource Center hosts in collaboration with the American Legion Dist. 17, The Los Angeles Police Historical Society and the Kiwanis Club of Highland Park for the Annual Boys State & Girls State "Orientation Luncheon" and "Bus Send Off Dinner".

            Post's from District 17 of the American Legion sent 29 Boys and 4 Girls from a variety of Southern California Schools including our local Benjamin Franklin and Woodrow Wilson High Schools.

            Delegates from Franklin High School: Daniel Ramirez and Prayer Jackson-Longs.

Delegates from Wilson High School: Fabian Pacheco, Raymond Rojas, Arturo Carranza and Karen Bejarano

            Over 900 boys from Northern, Central and Southern California attended a week long Citizenship and Government program called Boys State. The Boys took over the Sacramento State University setting up a factitious State. The boys using the Dorms as Counties and each floor level as a City took on various duties that make the state Government work. The boys were appointed or elected to position in City, County and towards the end of the week they elected their State Government. The Girls State program is a separate but similar program held at Claremont College every July.

            Legion representatives Lt. to Rt. District 17 Commander L. Michael Black and Area 4 Vice Commander Hugh E. Crooks. Rt. To Lt. District Boys state Chairman Richard A. Ledesma and Boys State Commissioner Joe Gonzales with Boys from Beverly Hills, Benjamin Franklin, Civitas School of Leadership, Claremont, Esperanza, Glen A. Wilson, Woodrow Wilson, Valencia, Laguna, Harvard-Westlake, South, Marina, Poway Christian, Loyola, La Serna, Whittier, Marina, Narbonne, John F. Kennedy High Schools represented District 17.

            The new selection process will start up in October. Any Student that would like to be considered for Boys State or Girls State programs contact the College Councilor Maria Solevilla at Franklin High School or Mr. Ledesma. To Join the American Legion or help in Sponsorship of its Youth Programs contact Mr. Ledesma at (323) 257-9600 x7120.

            Email: richardledesma@hathaway-Sycamores.org

If you would like to explore and learn more about Boys State & Girls State visit: calegion.org Go to Youth programs and click on "Boys State". For the Girls State go to calegion.org and click on Women's Auxiliary then click on Youth programs to "Girls State".

            Candidates must be in their Junior year with one year left in High School for a coveted position as a Delegate or Alternate. They will be among 900 other youth selected to participate in establishing a factious State. The Boys & Girls are similar programs but separate with the Boys in Sacramento and the Girls State program at Claremont College in Southern California.

DASH Service Slashed

            On August 1st, the Eagle Rock/ Highland Park DASH bus service was dealt a devastating blow as the route was shortened by about a mile. Formerly, the DASH traveled eastbound on Colorado Boulevard, turned south on Figueroa and then west on Yosemite on its way into Highland Park.

            This was really helpful to all the senior citizens who live in the apartments east of Townsend on Yosemite. It also provided access to CVS, Von's Market, Mc Donalds and the Post Office near the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Figueroa Street.

            Instead, the bus will turn south down Townsend Avenue off of Colorado Boulevard, and continue over the hill and onto North Avenue 51. The fare has also increased to 35 cents from the previous 25 cent fare.

Hello Mr. Topping:

            My husband and I returned from a trip on Sunday evening and were driving North on Colorado Blvd. We were noticing that the center medians are so overgrown and several of them have "dead" grass on them. I don't think they've been cut for several months now. I also noticed that the two up near Tritch Hardware are really green and look like they haven't been cut for 3-4- months and the one in front of the Fire Station is extremely overgrown. The one down in front of The Capri that had plants added to it is all overgrown and hanging in the streets. We also noticed the gutters by the sidewalks almost all the way up the Boulevard were filled with leaves etc.

            What happened to the Pride of Eagle Rock. I remember that these islands were cut and trimmed (and watered) on a regular basis. I remember seeing people take care of the streets in front of their businesses. With our 100 year celebration coming in a few months don't you think we should start sprucing up Eagle Rock so that we would want to show it off to the visitors coming to see us for our Birthday Celebrations? I would be embarrassed to invite any of my friends to

come to Eagle Rock in its current condition.

Cheryl Pubols

Life Long Eagle Rocker