Walgreen's Appeal Denied...
Then Pacheco'd (245'd)
by Tom Topping
At the December 11th meeting of the East L.A. Planning Commission, the previous decision of the Director of Planning regarding the proposed Walgreen's anchored development was upheld when an appeal of the latest plan modifications was denied. The previous decision that came down on October 3, 2002 had found that the "modified plans for the proposed project located at 2222 Colorado Blvd. and 5041-5051 Eagle Rock Boulevard" complied with the Colorado Specific Plan and with all other regulations. The appeals to that decision were made by the Eagle Rock resident association, Cesar Portillo for the friends of Atwater Village and Andrew Garsten for the Echo Park Historical Society. The appellants contended that the project did not comply with the spirit or intent of the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan, a planning and land use law passed in 1992.
There were a number of folks who attended and spoke for, and against the project. The Planning Department staff report recommended that the appeal be denied, which it ultimately was. In conversations after the meeting with Commission members, they felt that the developer had done a good job, and had made every effort to cooperate with legal requirements and community concerns.
"It's a beautiful development," said Commissioner Mary George.
The Eagle Rock resident association immediately kicked their political machine into high gear to persuade Councilman Nick Pacheco to assert jurisdiction over the commission's decision under section 245 of the city charter, and bring it before the entire City Council. After getting barraged with e-mails he finally relented, and did so. Now it will go to the PLUM (planning and land use) committee for a recommendation for final council action. There is no date set as of press time.
I'm sure residents and potential investors will be interested in the chronology of the case. It outlines a city process that is almost never final. As you read, imagine yourself as a developer or investor and try to put yourself in their shoes.
7/17/01 City Planning Public counter receives application, accepts fees, and issues case number DIR2001-3476-SPP
7/24/01 Community Planning Bureau (CPB) staff receives case file.
8/7/01 CPB Staff begins review of plans versus the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan provisions.
8/15/01 Site visit and picture reconnaissance of subject and adjacent sites.
8/20/01 Applicant submits revised plans labeled Exhibit A, to comply with requirements in which the previous plans were deficient.
8/21/01 Applicant submits revised Street Wall details to comply with requirements in which the previous plans were deficient.
8/28/01 The CPB staff deems the application complete, then prepared and presented the Determination for management review.
8/31/01 Corrections and editing made to this Determination.
The above is the official version of a process that is designed to serve the community and the developer. City representatives descibe everything a developer needs to do to make his project comply with their understanding of all applicable laws and regulations. If he listens to them and does everything they tell him to, his project is approved.
It could be said that the project is, in effect, designed by the city.
Because of this process, there has never been any valid contention that the project has not complied with the letter of the law. Protesters only claim violations of the spirit and intent, which, of course, are defined subjectively, with different meanings for different folks.
There have been other instances in the past where a property owner or developer has bent over backward to work with city officials and community members, spent a small fortune on the process, and still be turned down in the final verdict.
When this goes before the Council later this month, we will find out if the word of city officials can be trusted or if L.A will maintain its reputation as being one of the most business-unfriendly cities in the nation.

 

Village Controversy Ends

Councilman's Convincing Concludes Quarreling
In perhaps the most contentious issue to hit Eagle Rock in a decade, Philippine Village movement organizers last month were successful in getting the City of Los Angeles to give them recognition for their efforts to achieve recognition. Although their plan of designating a one and a half mile stretch of Eagle Rock Blvd. as the "Philippine Village" was not successful, they prevailed in getting an official city sign that will read "Philippine Village Community Center" which will be planted in front of the "Philippine Village Center" building located at 4515 Eagle Rock Blvd. (right next to the 'Bucket' fast food restaurant.)
The origins of the "movement" started perhaps two decades ago, as the number of Filipino businesses and residents grew in the lower Eagle Rock Blvd. area. Recently, however, the Philippine Village Steering Committee (PVSC), led by Filipino newspaperman Oscar Jornacion, pushed the issue to the forefront. At two community meetings, attended mostly by longtime Eagle Rock, Highland Park and Glassell Park residents, the PVSC and representatives of Councilman Pacheco's office were overwhelmed by the number and the ferocity of the protesters who showed up to oppose the "Village" designation. It was clear that the community would not stand for renaming any part of Eagle Rock for any particular race or ethnic group.
City Councilman Nick Pacheco's office, in a surprisingly uncharacteristic move, and perhaps due to his fast approaching reelection campaign, offered a compromise solution of a single plaque to be placed in front of the Philippine Center building. He invited established community groups to send a representative or two to meet and come up with a compromise plan. First it was to be a closed meeting, with only invited guests allowed to attend. The councilman answered a request from this paper to allow a reporter to attend by saying, "At this point I am not involved in the community process. Talk to the community leaders."
Critics warned that the Councilman was only inviting community leaders to come as a way of deflecting the blame from what ever the decision would be away from himself and onto them. They must have got the idea because suddenly, there was a shortage of folks who agreed to attend. He sent out this message to the Boulevard Sentinel, "I apologize, the meeting is one that my office is hosting. You are more than welcome to attend and it is open to the community. There is an extra effort out there to get the leadership of the community groups to attend."
Meanwhile an article under the title of "intolerance" appeared in the L.A. Weekly, portraying Eagle Rock residents in a very pejorative light, for the actions and words of a small minority who spoke out at the November 21 community meeting.
On Tuesday evening, December 10, Linda Herbert, Councilman Pacheco's Field deputy, ushered in the leaders from the various groups who showed up. "We were told there would be a vote," said Marlene Schmidt, representing the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council. "They said everyone would have their say, but a lot of people were cut-off," she added. Vice president of the resident association and powerful downtown lobbyist Hillary Norton Orozco and longtime Chamber of Commerce leader Kaye Beckham, as well as the PVSC had the most to say.
What was meant to be a discussion to create a compromise solution turned mostly into the Councilman using his considerable persuasive (lawyering) powers to get everyone to agree with what he wanted. The vote that was promised never happened. "Everyone agreed on the compromise solution," said Mrs. Beckham later.
The next day, the Councilman entered a motion to be placed on the Los Angeles City Council agenda, to recognize the building located at 4515 Eagle Rock Boulevard as "Philippine Village Community Center" and for the city Department of Transportation to design and install a sign at the appropriate location on or near 4515 Eagle Rock Blvd. to identify the Center.
The motion came up before the City Council on December 18, and was passed unanimously drawing cheers from the group of Village supporters in attendance. Betty Tyndall and Marlene Schmidt, long time residents who showed up to speak against the motion were chastised by Councilman Nate Holden, who spoke in favor of the motion saying, "You have prevailed" (in stopping the Philippine Village designation) "This kind of thing is done all the time," he added, referring to the process of renaming the city's buildings and streets.
Soon, motorists driving on Eagle Rock Boulevard will clearly see the location of the building that houses many for profit ventures including dance hall, radio station, newspapers, money wiring services and office space rentals. Critics charge that it is city sponsored advertising for a private property owner. Other local businesses feel that they now should also be entitled to have the city support their business property in the same way. There is no news yet on a proposal to recognize another nearby building as Sir Michael's Limousine Village.

Improving Colorado Streetscape? Or just playing the Angles? Does it all add up?
Efforts to convert Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock to diagonal parking appeared to be gaining ground again. Jeff McConnell, legislative deputy to the 14th district Councilman's office made a presentation last month at the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce board meeting. The story is that federal dollars are available for transportation improvements, and there is a process to identify projects that can be funded by these projects. Because of numerous complaints about motorists traveling too fast, too many cars and that the boulevard is not pedestrian friendly, he presented 2 ideas that could be submitted to the city and then the MTA for this funding. Both plans entail reducing the number of lanes to two each way from the present three on Colorado between Eagle Rock Blvd. and Townsend Ave.
The first plan would be to widen the sidewalks and make it a more European concept that is designed to encourage pedestrian use. The second idea is to create the diagonal parking, long talked about, but not universally accepted. The problem, according to Mr. McConnell is that the street is not wide enough for diagonal parking. "(Cars) can't safely pull out without entering traffic; without taking a little from the median." He said that by taking about 2 ½ feet from each side of the islands would give enough room for diagonal parking. He said that the city requires 33 feet from the curb to the traffic lanes for safe diagonal parking.
A quick measurement netted these results:
diagonal parking north side 33
diagonal parking south side + 33
4) 10 foot lanes + 40
1) 10 foot Island + 10
total =116 feet
Unfortunately, the boulevard is only 96 feet wide from curb to curb. Completely removing the islands would still not leave enough space for diagonal parking. However, reducing the traffic lanes to one in each direction would allow room for angled parking. At the prospect of two lanes in each direction, Hill drive residents were already worried that their charming and serene street would turn into a snarling and busy traffic corridor. Critics believe that is unlikely to happen, and were left wondering if this latest effort to improve streetscapes was based in reality or if Nick Pacheco is just playing politics during an election season. There is no doubt he knows the angles, but he must sometimes forget that we're at least smart enough to add.

Want to Run the Town?
You can be elected to serve on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council (ERNC). There is still time to sign up to be a candidate. All seats are up for grabs including president. If you've ever started a sentence by saying, "If I ran this city...", here is your chance to try. The Electi.ons will be held on Saturday February 8th from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at the Eagle Rock City Hall.
Anyone who lives, works, operates a business or participates in organizations within the ERNC area is allowed to vote for the Neighborhood Council members.
Prospective candidates are urged to attend the candidate workshop to learn about the ethics and open meeting laws requirements, as well as the financial disclosure ones. The workshop will be held Saturday January 11th, at 4:00 p.m., the Eagle Rock Library, at the corner of Merton and Caspar Avenues.
Two Candidate Forums will also be offered to give citizens a chance to hear the candidates views and ask questions. The first one will be on January 17th at the Eagle Rock Farmers Market at 6: p.m. The second will be Saturday, January 18th, 2: p.m. at the Westfield Shoppingtown, (Eagle Rock Plaza). Don't say I didn't warn you!
The Boulevard Sentinel will be happy to advise all candidates who call and give an official endorsement to a list of prospective candidates it deems worthy.

Piller's to Close Doors
One of the oldest continuously run family owned businesses in Eagle Rock is closing its doors after 55 years. Piller's clothing store, known for its 60's style architecture and its discount clothing and shoes will be closed to be adaptively remodeled into a mixed use building. Citing the popularity of artists lofts in downtown Los Angeles, Ron Piller, son of Piller's founder unveiled his plans at a recent meeting of the Colorado Specific Plan Design Review Board, who gave their stamp of approval. His plans include 7 live/work loft apartments, 3 work studios and retail and office space.
The Piller's building, being one of the few local commercial buildings with a substantial amount of parking on the premises, will be able to successfully house the many businesses along with the lofts. The front area will be kept as a retail establishment, while the rear center of the building might be ideal for a gym or aerobic exercise studio.
Real old timers will remember that, originally, the center part of the building was a Safeway Market. It became Pillers in 1947, was enlarged, and then got a facelift in the early sixties, which reflects its current appearance.
The sale will close out men and women's sportswear at 75% to 95% off regular price, and men's shoes at 75% off. Everything is to be liquidated cheap. Pillers is located at 1800 Colorado Blvd.

Letters
Well, it looks like The Eagle Rock Association (TERA) just won't give up trying to scuttle the proposed Walgreens project at 2222 Colorado Boulevard. For over 18 months TERA has struggled to find fault with this development.
First, they claimed that the old ugly and crumbling One Day Paint and Body building should be identified as having historical significance. This proposition was denied by the City Cultural Heritage Commission because it did not meet the qualifications.
Second, they claimed the overall development did not meet the requirements of the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan. In this case too, their claim was considered to be unsubstantiated.
Third, they most recently appealed to the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission. That particular hearing was held December 11, 2002. Again,TERA's complaint's were found to be unsubstantiated. In this case, TERA's stalling tactic was to "demand" that the City Building Standards, regarding walls and columns, be modified to meet with their approval. At this meeting they also "demanded" that the roof line of any new building have a roof that looks like the old Eagle Rock library building across the street.
As stated above, for over 1 1/2 years, TERA has caused much grief and loss of money by the developer of the Walgreens project. Every one of their issues of contention have been denied. The Walgreens Developer has jumped through all the hoops and over all the obstacles put before them by TERA and won each time.
TERA, still unwilling to lose fair and square, is now trying to pressure our Councilman Nick Pacheco to request the City Council to invoke Special Provision, Section 245. This can be used to halt the entire project. It is anticipated that the City Council will vote on this matter early January 2003.
In my opinion, if this positive upgrade to our Colorado Boulevard retail district is halted one more time, the Developer will have no choice but to scrap the whole project and move on. The losers then will be the 27,000 plus residents of Eagle Rock. The noisy TERA minority, combined with their pressuring of Councilman Nick Pacheco, will have stopped the development of an fine retail asset to our Colorado Boulevard commercial district.
As it is at this time, this project will provide a safe, clean off-street parking area with additional shops and restaurants, plus jobs for residents and more tax revenue to the City, County and the State.
If you are a Go for Walgreens, please call or write to Councilman Pacheco at 323/254-5295 or 2035 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, Ca 90041. Don't be silent and sit on your hands. Shirley Minser

 

The Fraternal Order of Eagles...
Came from Glendale to Eagle Rock in the late 1980’s. It has had its ups and downs but is now enjoying great success and popularity. Being a national organization, members have a friendly place to go in every city they may visit.
Now, it is constantly a hub of activity, to mention only two of the regular events like Monday Night Football and the Ladies Auxiliary and Men’s Breakfasts on the first and third Sundays of the month.
The photo at right bottom is from this years free Thanksgiving Dinner. This year 33 Turkeys were served at no cost to the folks who dined. At bottom left is the regularly scheduled fingerprinting day for the safety and security of community kids. (picture from Tim Bragg)
This weekend, January 5, 2003, wil be the Ladies Auxiliary Down Home New Year's Breakfast. In addition to the standard fare, there will be smothered pork chops/gravy, red beans & rice, grits w/cheese & bacon, black-eyed peas, baked apples and more. It goes from 9 AM - Noon.
You never know who might show up at the Eagles Club, especially for the special members only New Years Eve Pot Luck. At top left, Joe Galindo mugs for the camera with his lady. Above right, Ladies Aux members Shirley, Dee and Toni enjoy News Years with a local unamed couple..
The Eagles Club regularly donates to the R.O.C.K. (Reach Our Community Kids) and other worthy charities.
I’ve been a member since 1992. I had let my membership lapse for a while in 1996. In 1997, after my father died I asked them about renting the hall for his memorial, and they insisted I take it for free. I know they can’t do that for everyone, but I was so touched by their offer that I plan to stick with them, and be a member for the rest of my life.
The Eagles Club is located at 1596 Yosemite Drive. The telephone number for hall rentals is 323 257 8869.

 

 

IRWINDALE DRAGSTRIP ANNOUNCES: “HEY!!!
WE'RE STILL RACING ON THURSDAYS!"
Irwindale, Calif. - - "We just can't seem to shut the place down for winter," said Irwindale Dragstrip General Manager as he indicted that Thursday night NHRA drag racing at Irwindale (contrary to a flyer that was passed out at last Thursday's race) was still on. "We listened to the competitors and to the fans . They asked us to extend the drag racing season for as long as we could . So, that's just what we're going to do starting with this Thursday, December 12."
The "under the lights" Test and Tune event is open to all street legal cars whose drivers have a valid operators license. Tech gates open at 4pm and the first car is usually hustling down the super-quick 1/8-mile by about 5 minutes of 5. Racing of every imaginable (and some pretty UN-imaginable) street legal machines from "oldies but goody" Mopars, Mustangs, and Chevys, to brand-new whiz-bang 911 Porsches, Bad Beemers, Rusty Pick-Em-Up-Trucks, Hot Bikes, Snowmobiles (yeah, snowmobiles!), Vans, Volksies, all manner of Sport Compact Cars, and some cool Street Rods. Everyone runs and everyone has a great time at Irwindale! And the fans are just as diverse, from families to date night couples, to old-timers who remember the golden days of Drag Racing when it was fun to run and are coming back to the sport because of the Irwindale ambiance, Irwindale has become THE place to be for performance people on Thursday evenings.
"We'll keep running unless the weather makes it impossible or the drivers and spectators stop coming out for their racing and having fun watching," said DeFazio. "Our drag racing 'family' always seems to have a great time on Thursday nights and we're going to provide the place for them to enjoy themselves as long they want to keep coming." A winter schedule will be available at the event. Irwindale Speedway and Dragstrip is located off the 605 freeway, between the 10 and 210 freeways, exit Live Oak Avenue

MWHA To Host CD14 Candidates Forum
The race for Councilman of District 14 is going to be a highly contested one. Since we can't all go to the host of meetings held by all the candidates, it is highly efficient and informational to have all the candidates in one place to speak to us about their programs and thus we can make better informed choices.
The Mount Washington Homeowners Alliance will be hosting a candidates' forum for the those running for Councilman of District 14. This forum is open to all the residents and organizations of Council District 14 to come and hear the candidates put forth their platforms and to answer questions as well.
The forum will be held on January 13 (Monday), 2003 at Ramona Hall. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited. Please plan to attend.

Hello Eagle Rock,
Well finally got in a cruise night, without the rain. Two months of rain outs.
We got in the last cruise night of the year, dry, then it started to rain when the last of us diehards left at 9 o'clock. We had a good time, had some new cars show up. A yellow 66 or 67 Nova, with flames and ~ blown small block. This is an 11 second car at the drags. To the uninitatcd, this one fast car. A sweet two tone green 53 Ford, with a 351W small block showed up. A couple of pregnant roller skates came, in the form of a Honda 600 and an original Subaru. I seen pedal cars bigger than these things.
Bob Mizingo has a 32 Ford 5 window coupe, that he has had since the mid 50's. Dated his wife in this car, and still has both. The car got sold a few times, during the child rearing years. But he kept it and someday would rejuvenate it.
The Deuce started out with a 3/8's by 3/8's flathead, with multiple carbs, 39 trans, and assorted goodies. Then it got a small block Chevy, and got retired for a few years. Now it is on its way to going back on the road. A complete body off resurrection, is under way. The frame has been boxed, straightened, rust proofed, and had conduit installed to hide the wiring. Bob rigged up a rotisserie, to rotate the frame, in order to make the work easier. The rear end is going to be a 9 inch Ford, with some rework by Currie Ent. And the trans will be a 4 speed automatic. The final decision on the engine, has not been made. That is to say a crate motor verses a built engine. After the chassis is complete, then the body will get done. We should see a red 32 coupe running around town this next year. How many out there can say still have my l'st car and l'st wife, after 40 plus years?
Just Crusin', Conrad

Election 2003
I just have to get something in about the 14th District City Council Election which is coming up on March. As I've mentioned before, I believe that the current Councilman Nick Pacheco will be hard to beat. As the incumbent, he has a huge advantage in that he can use the power of his office, therefore the city, to complete projects that are politically beneficial to his reelection campaign. His incumbency also gives him an advantage when it comes to fundraising. As of 9-30-2002, he had already raised $273,000 for his reelection bid. At that time, second on the list was Alvin Parra, a staunch Democrat who ran twice and made a good showing against Richard Alatorre eight years ago. He had raised $77,773 so by the September disclosure.
As most of you may have heard, former speaker of the California State Assembly, Antonio Villa-Raigosa has entered the fray. He is campaigning for the win. After coming up second best in the race for mayor in 2001, there may still be some bad blood between he and Pacheco over the certain unethical campaigning tactics during that race. Those tactics came from the electioneering machine Pacheco created with money contributed by lobbyists seeking his support on various projects. He did not break any laws, but according to District Attorney Steve Cooley, his activities were clearly unethical.
Antonio, however, with many connections across the state, and a history of bringing opposing sides together in compromise, will give the Councilman a run for his money. Alvin Parra has endorsed Villa-Raigosa. Of the other candidates, William Morrison, Kareem Muhammad, and Paul Gonzales, Gonzales is a serious candidate, who is running for the second time. Check the article on him by Alex Henry in this issue. Coming up are candidate debates, which are also listed in this issue of the Boulevard Sentinel.

Candidate Forum
The Northeast Democratic Club is sponsoring a candidate forum for the 14th City Council seat. Mr. Gonzales, Councilman Pacheco and Mr. Villaraigosa will answer questions and speak to the club. When: Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 p.m.. Where: El Arco Iris, 5684 York Blvd, Highland Park.

Cypress Park Follow-up
As stated in the December issue of the Boulevard Sentinel, not everyone was pleased with the decision to remove Cypress Park from the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council. So much so that ASNC supporters were successful in getting L.A. City Council President Alex Padilla to assert jurisdiction over the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC) decision and take it to the full City Council. However, the Cypress Park proponents were not going to give up without a fight. They made an excellenbt showing at the Education and Neighborhoods Committee hearing, who voted 3 to 0 to uphold the BONC decision.
When it came before the full City Council, they voted 10-0 to vote the committee's recommendation to take no action regarding the BONC decision. It is rumored that 1st District Councilman Ed Reyes, who is the Councilman in that district, stepped outside the council chambers so he wouldn't have to record a vote on it.

Neighborhood Councils to Receive Funding
Los Angeles
Delivering on the voters' mandate for a far-reaching empowerment of neighborhoods, Mayor James Hahn and City Controller Laura Chick have announced that Neighborhood Councils will soon begin receiving significant City funding. Each qualified Neighborhood Council will receive the first installment of their annual $50,000 via a highly innovative system called the Neighborhood Council Stored Value Card.
The first funding installment for each Neighborhood Council is $12,500, which they will receive every three months. Councils can access their funds following a training process by the City for their Council Treasurer. The training sessions will be available as soon as next week with the Stored Value Cards issued the following week.
Each Neighborhood Council Stored Value Card is similar to a bank ATM debit card and has built in safeguards with certain purchases electronically prohibited. In addition, the cards can be used to withdraw limited amounts of cash.
For more information on the funding process, neighborhood councils can contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at 213-485- 360.

Paul Gonzales running for 14th District City Council Seat
Alexandra Henry
Through the window in his second story office, Paul Gonzales stares out over the weight room looking right at the huge painted head of the Arnold Schwarzenegger mural on the far wall. In between him and Arnold are the heads and arms of the teenage boys who are squatting and bench pressing during their after school workouts. This is the gym that Paul built. The gym is located in the Hollenbeck Youth Center that the community built. The community is Boyle Heights, where Paul Gonzales is running for the city council seat of the 14th district.
"I am not a politician," says Gonzales who was raised in the East Los Angeles Housing Projects, " I am just someone who really cares."
Gonzales, who was the winner of the 1984 Olympic Gold Metal for Boxing in the Light-Flyweight Division, knows how to fight for something he believes in. He was just eight years old when he participated in his first real fist fight. It happened just down the block from the Hollenbeck Youth Center in a local park where kids either chose a "career in crime or a real career" as Gonzales puts it.
Twenty-five years later, Gonzales has won 18 National A.AU. titles, the Los Angeles Golden Gloves, The Police Athletic League and numerous others. Gonzales credits his success to the encouragement of his community and is ready to thank them by giving back what he can. Gonzales wants "the community and voters to finally have a voice to relate their issues."
Gonzales says that over the past few years, "career politicians have neglected certain areas in the district."
This realization encouraged him to run for the city council seat in 1998. Upon hearing that Councilmen Alatorre was not running for reelection, he turned in his bid during the last few hours on the final day to enter the race. Although he admits that he was very unprepared to run a campaign, Gonzales was able to learn the ropes. He understands the deal making that goes on among politicians and says, "I will make deals that benefit the community."
Now running a more prepared campaign in round two, Gonzales realizes it will take more than a knockout to win. However, if in March he is able to come up with some right-hooks, Gonzales says it will take "four years to clean up a mess and then four more years to see growth in the community."

What will you change?
by Diane Russon
What inspires change? Does it take complaining, enforcement or is it motivation to make something better? What would inspire a doctor to spend more than $100,000 of his own money, lobby legislation and court the postal community for research money? Doctor Ernie Bodai, oncologist, got the idea while licking stamps for holiday greeting cards.
Many said that it couldn't be done, that a stamp could not raise money. But you should never underestimate California ingenuity! Dr. Bodai is the originator of the Postal Stamp for Breast Cancer. What qualifies Dr. Bodai to be the one to make this historical change? The answer is absolutely nothing. He has treated over 1,000 women with breast cancer and saw the need for further research money if we are going to overcome statistics with a cure.
Change is rarely comfortable, but the results are worth it. We can look to the future and see vast amounts of adjustments and only will they be worth our while if we keep our eye on the ball, so to speak. I am not here to sell stamps, just to point to an extraordinary example of what one person can do with an idea and a commitment to make a difference and contribute. This is your new year's resolution article hidden in a great example of philanthropy.
Aren't you the least bit curious about the results the breast cancer postal stamp has produced? Since issuance in July of 1998 to August of 2002 the data is as follows:
Total Number of Stamps Sold: 397.3 million
Total Sales Revenue: $160.2 million
Total Raised in Research, Net: $27.6 million
What accomplishment will you celebrate New Year's Eve of 2003?1-4-03

Eagle Rock Public Library
Calling all Preschoolers!! Come to the library on Tuesday, January 7 and 21 at 10:30 for your own special time for you and your parents.
Pop Up for Reading is proud to have author Dolores Johnson who has written "Kwanza" and other books celebrating Afro-American history and culture at the library on Thursday, January 9 at 3:30 p.m. Come celebrate Kwanza with this talented author and illustrator.
The library is located at 5027 Caspar Avenue in Eagle Rock. For additional events please call 258-8078.

Peace Gathering Schedule
1-4-03
Peace Gathering- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm In Glassell Park, at Eagle Rock Blvd. and El Paso Ave. (near Albertson's supermarket) info: evelynsq@pacbell.net
1-11-03
Peace Gathering- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm In Glassell Park, at Eagle Rock Blvd. and El Paso Ave. (near Albertson's supermarket)info: evelynsq@pacbell.net
1-18-03
Peace Gathering- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm In Glassell Park, at Eagle Rock Blvd. and El Paso Ave. (near Albertson's supermarket) info: evelynsq@pacbell.net
1-25-03
Peace Gathering- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm In Glassell Park, at Eagle Rock Blvd. and El Paso Ave. (near Albertson's supermarket) info: evelynsq@pacbell.nett

OFF-LEASH DOG EXERCISE AREA
This motion from the City Council came in just a couple of weeks ago.
"The residents and community in Eagle Rock in Council District Fourteen have for several months been working towards the establishment of an off-leash dog exercise area. Several sites have been discussed for the possible use of an off-leash dog exercise area, including the southwest corner of Eagle Rock Recreation Center. Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas, also known as Dog Parks, are good alternatives for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety due to the risk of confrontations between park patrons and dog owners, and the risk of attacks on children and adults by off-leash dogs.
THEREFORE MOVE that the Department of Recreation and Parks be instructed to report to Arts, Health and Humanities Committee regarding the establishment of an Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area in the Eagle Rock area.
FURTHER MOVE that Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) review all potential sites in the Eagle Rock area, including, but not limited to using a portion of Eagle Rock Recreation Center.
FURTHER MOVE that Department of Recreation and Parks report on the cost and potential financing sources associated with constructing an Off-Leash Dog Exercise Area."
Ursula Brown, from Brown Property management, has been working to help create this Dog Park in Eagle Rock for over a year. She said about the motion, "It's a good step forward toward establishing the Dog Park, but we still have a long way to go. The Councilman and his Deputy joined me for a site inspection, we measured the area and it's bigger than the Dog Park in Silverlake. There's still a lot of work to do before it's completed, though."
The proposed location is at Eagle Vista Recreation Center next to North Figueroa where the freeway off ramp crosses it.

OCCIDENTAL ALUMNI WIN AN UNPRECEDENTED TWO MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIPS
In a first for Occidental College, two alumni - Justin Anderson '00 of Tigard, Ore., and Jessica Kirkpatrick '02 of Albany, Calif. - have won prestigious Marshall Scholarships in the same year to pursue postgraduate studies in England. The pair becomes the sixth and seventh Oxy graduates to win the prize since 1972. The twin feat is all the more impressive in that Marshall winners typically are from large research universities. The scholarship pays up to $60,000 over two years. Anderson and Kirkpatrick both plan to start their postgraduate work in October 2003.
Anderson, who earned a diplomacy and world affairs degree at Oxy, hopes to pursue a master's degree in philosophy from the Department of War Studies at King's College London. Kirkpatrick, who graduated with a physics degree from Occidental, plans to pursue a doctoral degree in particle astrophysics at the University of Sheffield. Both recipients are awaiting final word on their placement.
Anderson says he will research the relationship between policy-making and the science and technology of detecting nuclear weapons. "Many leaders pay lip service to promoting non-proliferation efforts, but it is questionable whether the policies they craft to deal with the threat fully leverage the tools at their disposal," he says.
"In my studies I am particularly interested in looking at what systems other than satellites exist to identify nuclear weapons programs," Anderson adds. "With satellite imagery increasingly intrusive, some states conceal their nuclear weapons programs by disguising facilities or placing them underground."
Anderson, of Arlington, Va., is now a policy analyst for a large government contractor. He researches, writes and edits analyses of issues related to American commitments and obligations under arms control treaties, confidence and security building measures, and arms export agreements. He ultimately wants to work in foreign policy in Washington, D.C.
"Justin was a star in Oxy's diplomacy and world affairs department," said Larry Caldwell, the Cecil H. and Louise Gamble Professor in Political Science. "He served at the U.S. Mission at the United Nations in Occidental's U.N. program, won a Carnegie Junior Fellowship to work on issues of nuclear proliferation after he graduated, and has tutored children in Portland, Los Angeles, New York and Washington."
In winning a Marshall, Anderson follows in the tradition of Richard Falkenrath, a 1991 Occidental graduate and assistant professor of public policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. In December 2001, Falkenrath was named special assistant to the president and senior director for policy and plans with the Office of Homeland Security. He holds a doctorate in war studies from King's College London.
Kirkpatrick says she will continue her research into dark matter, a substance that dominates the universe, yet hasn't been seen or detected. With the aid of a National Science Foundation research grant, Kirkpatrick in 2001 spent six months at the University of Sheffield building a dark matter detector that will be installed in a northern England salt mine. She has been working in collaboration with Daniel Snowden-Ifft, an associate professor of physics at Occidental.
Kirkpatrick plans to take part in the University of Sheffield's Directional Recoil Identification From Tracks (DRIFT) Project, which concentrates on the discovery of weakly interacting massive particles, a leading dark matter candidate. Several research groups have unsuccessfully attempted dark matter detection over the past two decades.
Also in 2001, Kirkpatrick won a $7,500 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship given to college seniors interested in pursuing careers in math, science and engineering fields. She ultimately hopes to become a research professor and head a large research group with international ties.
"I am fascinated by the translation of the enormously complex workings of the universe into equations, models, and theory," Kirkpatrick said. "It is my professional goal to contribute to this body of language and inspire others to share in this sense of wonder and enthusiasm. Working on the DRIFT project has fueled a desire in me to push the boundaries of science."
Kirkpatrick is now a post-baccalaureate research associate and an adjunct laboratory instructor at Occidental. Her research duties include authoring data analysis computer programs and serving as the primary data analyst for the DRIFT collaboration. She also teaches three sections of mechanics laboratory classes.
"Jessica is a marvelous example of what brains and hard work can achieve," Caldwell said. "She is a physicist who has already worked near the cutting edge in research on dark matter. She was a student leader at Oxy and developed a great mentoring program working with students who have trouble learning in the sciences."
Up to 40 Marshall Scholarships are awarded each year to American citizens who have graduated from a four-year college or university. The scholarships were founded by an act of Parliament in 1953 to commemorate the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan - the American program to rebuild a ravaged Western Europe following World War II.

The Avenue 50 Studios Presents: Universal Drumming
Come join us as we explore tribal rhythms from around the globe in this dynamic group drumming workshop! Drumming together is an extremely fulfilling and joyous experience and allows us to express emotions or release tension in a healthy and artistic manner. Whether you have ever touched a drum before or not, this workshop will teach you some great rhythms and give you the confidence and skills to express yourself on just about any kind of hand drum. All levels of drummers (or non-drummers!) are welcome--class will be modified to the skill level of those present. No drum necessary. Bring your own or borrow one of ours (courtesy of http://www.bangadrum.com)!
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
· Universal tribal hand drumming techniques
· African, Middle-Eastern, Western rhythms...and more!
· Effective group playing & polyrhythms
· Exercises to strengthen your timing, technique, and speed
· Effective drum circle playing
·And much more!
The Tribal World Hand Drumming Class will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 4-6 pm at the Avenue 50 Studio located at 131 North Avenue 50. Registration: $20. Please RSVP by phone at 323-930-2248 or email onebeat@pacbell.net. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended to secure your seat. For more info: www.universaldrumming.com

ROCK N' BOWL OPENING IN EAGLE ROCK
ROCK N' BOWL classic rock night club will be opening on Saturday, January 11, 2003 at the All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock. This new venue open to all ages will feature dancing and listening to an 11 piece classic rock band, ROCK INC., free bowling on 22 lanes (including shoe rental), and a clean, but hilarious Comedy Club all for the incredible price of $12. Add to this a video game arcade, pool tables, restaurant and free parking and you have
THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
ROCK INC. will play the classic hits of Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Beatles, and Tower of Power. The full 6 piece horn section allows them to play songs that are not usually heard in small clubs. The band is led by La Canada resident Dennis Kaye who also leads the popular swing band SWING INC. that has produced swing dances at the Green Hotel in Old Pasadena for over 2 years. Both bands play extensive summer concerts at cities across the Southland as well as private parties and weddings.
ROCK N' BOWL will become the premier meeting place on Saturday nights. While only those over 21 are admitted in the bar and lounge all ages are welcome in the bowling area. A live video feed of the comedy club and the band will be shown in the bowling alley. There has been a great outpouring of support from the Eagle Rock community in preserving the All Star Lanes as a community resource. A planned demolition and conversion to a public storage facility was averted by a huge measure of public support for its preservation. ROCK N' BOWL plans to return the facility to its glory as a meeting place for the community. There are few places that admit persons under 21 and none that have the wide range of activities available in one location. Parents are welcome to bowl and enjoy music with their children. Adults will find a separate bar and lounge area that will provide an enjoyable evening of music and comedy.
ROCK N' BOWL begins Saturday, January 11 at the All Star Lanes, 4459 Eagle Rock Bl. in Eagle Rock. The Comedy Club begins at 7:30 PM and ROCK INC. plays at 9:00 PM. Admission is $12 which includes free bowling and shoe rental. Dances will continue on alternate Saturday nights. For more information (323) 254-2579.
For more information or photographs please contact Dennis Kaye at (818) 790-JIVE e-mail ssoftwar@rexx.com.

Junior Chef Program
Union Square Cooking School
Pasta, Foccaccia & Sauces - 1 class, $25, ages 12-16
Class description: Learn to make fettucini & raviolis, simple cream sauce & classic salsa Bolognese while we bake classic, aromatic foccaccia bread topped with fresh herbs.
Dates offered:
Class 1 - Saturday, Jan 11, 9:30 TO 2PM SPMS
Class 2 - Saturday, Jan 18, 9:30 TO 2PM SPMS
Class 3 - Saturday, Jan 25, 9:30 TO 2PM CP
Basic Techniques of Cooking - 4 class set, $150, children 12-16. (Adults by reservation.)
Learn knife skills, kitchen sanitation, how to broil, boil, saute, grill and roast and how to use fats in flavoring everything from vegetables to a variety of meats.
Dates available:
Set 1 - Saturday Feb 1, 8, 15 & 22, 9:30 to 1:00PM CP & SPMS
(Feb 1 & 22 at SPMS. Feb 8 & 15 at CP.)
CP = Calvary Presbyterian Church located at 1050 Fremont Av/ Oxley St. 1 block north of Monterey Road.
SPMS = South Pasadena Middle School located at 1600 Oak St/Fair Oaks Room 103 on Oak St.
Adult classes offered to small groups. Scheduling made by reservation of groups of 4-10 people. I provide the location either in South Pasadena or Eagle Rock. 323.982.1775
dwarriner@earthlink.net

Annual Whale Watch Weekend
at Cabrillo National Monument
[Point Loma, San Diego, California]
Superintendent Terry M. DiMattio invites everyone to the annual Whale Watch Weekend, January 18-19, 2003, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Cabrillo National Monument. This event celebrates the return of the Pacific gray whales to Point Loma as part of their annual round-trip migration from Baja California to Alaska. "It is a wonderful opportunity for families and visitors of all ages to see and learn about gray whales and other marine mammals," said DiMattio.
The whales will not be the only show for visitors, however. This exciting weekend will also feature guest speakers who will share their expertise on gray whales and other cetaceans. Some of the activities that families will enjoy while visiting the monument will be "A Whale of a Tale," a children's puppet show presented by National Park Service rangers and volunteers, and staff from Sea World's Education Department. A photo exhibit by environmental educator Jim Peckarsky will be shown in the visitor center. There will be book signings in the visitor center on Saturday with authors. Dick Russell (Eye of the Whale) and Francois Gohier (A Pod of Gray Whales), on Sunday with Serge Dedina (Saving the Gray Whale) and Dr. Sam Ridgeway (Dolphin Doctor) on both days. Exhibitors, including the Stephen Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Sea World, the San Diego Maritime Museum and Cabrillo National Monument's Natural Resource Science Division, will have booths in the visitor center breezeway from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM both days.
There is a $5.00 per vehicle entrance fee. However, holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle Passports, National Parks Passes or Cabrillo National Monument Annual Passes will be admitted free of charge upon the presentation of their pass. Cabrillo National Monument is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:15 PM. For additional information concerning the park or the Whale Watch Weekend, please call 619-557-5450 or TTY 619-222-8211, or visit the monument's website at www.nps.gov/cabr/ <http://www.nps.gov/cabr/>.

 

Eagle Vista Seniors
Happy New Year! The Eagle Vista Seniors start off 2003 with the regular Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., and Members Meeting, 10 a.m. on January 7. Birthday Cake will be served in honor of those who share a January birth date.
On January 14 the assembled seniors will be entertained by the pianist Jacques Foti. January 21 meeting will feature as speaker Dr. Debra White. Her subject should be of particular interest to seniors who take numerous prescribed drugs as it will inform everyone about the dangers of drug interactions, a much neglected but very important issue.
January 28 - BINGO! Mel Paulson is the caller.
Meetings take place at the Eagle Vista Recreation center, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, at 1 a.m. Tuesdays, unless stated otherwise.

El Cucuy!
The Exhibition of Honorio Roblego: El Cucuy! will end on January 4th. This is an exhibit which contains 24 paintings based on the artist's recollection of life as a child in Verzcruz, Mexico. Fifteen have are from the bilingual children's book "El Cucuy", which received awards previously. The Rock Rose Art Gallery is located at 4108 North Figueroa Street in Highland Park. For additional information contact Rosamaria Marquez at 222-4740.

Teen Club Citizens seek help
Teen Club Citizens at Cypress Park Recreation Center are looking for committed volunteers to help run their programs. Funding has been cut and without help the program will not be able to continue to offer "life affirming recreational experiences." The program is looking for mentors and instructors to teach life skills.
For information contact Bobbi Boudman 213 485 5384 at the Cypress Park Recreation Center, 2630 Pepper Avenue in Cypress Park

LOS ANGELES 3-1-1
Have you heard the 3-1-1 on L.A.? Instead of sorting through hundreds of listings in the phone book or having to know which City department handles potholes, lighting or any other service, LA residents and businesses can now dial 3-1-1 to access city services. An online directory is also available at http://www.lacity.org.

Hollenbeck CPAB Report
The Hollenbeck Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) includes residents of the area served by the LAPD Hollenbeck station. One of the newest projects sponsored by the board is the Community Volunteer Patrol. Volunteers are now in training to ride through the communities of Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and Montecito Heights in a marked car, serving as the eyes and ears for the officers patrolling the area.
When the volunteers see illegal activity, they report by radio to the police, who then respond. One of the main goals of the program is to address the problem of graffiti, a major problem in the area. When they spot graffiti, they will report it to a graffiti removal service.
Councilman Nick Pacheco reported on this new volunteer program to the Los Angeles Police Commission on November 15, with eight Hollenbeck volunteers in attendance at the meeting. Pacheco also reported on the entire Hollenbeck volunteer program, in existence since 1995. Fifty volunteers perform a variety of duties and work community events, such as the annual Hollenbeck Open House, curfew sweeps, local parades and the holiday toy give-away at the Hollenbeck Youth Center.
The volunteer patrol will be expanded as more volunteers are trained and as a second car is obtained. The patrol is the first in the city and will be of much help to the officers serving the area. Police and community working together can have a significant impact upon the reduction of crime and improvement in the quality of life in the area.
CPAB meets regularly at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, usually at the Hollenbeck station, 2111 East First Street. For more information, call 323-526-3188. Residents of the community are always welcome to attend. Anyone who would like to become a member of the board may apply at the meeting or at the station.
Dave Macpherson

Avenues Injunction
An injunction against the "Avenues" was announced this morning at 9:30 AM at the Northeast Police Precinct. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo made the announcement with Councilmembers Ed Reyes and Eric Garcetti on either side. All gentlemen spoke and their comments were recorded by local television, newspapers and the AP wire service.
The injunction area covers a large portion of Northeast LA, including Glassell Park, Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Highland Park and Eagle Rock. It will place restrictions on how gang members typically do their business such as: congregating in groups, riding in cars together and loitering. For more information, contact the Northeast Division of LAPD at 213/485-2563 and be sure to watch for local news coverage.