McDonald's Dumped by Garcetti, GPIA

by Tom Topping
The McDonald's plan to open another of its drive through restaurants in Glassell Park appears doomed to failure. The project would have developed the long unused property at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd. Although the fast-food giant's plans initially had enough support to warrant them purchasing the Eagle Rock Boulevard location, people opposing their plan have apparently now gained the upper hand.
This location, part of which was the old intersection of Fletcher Drive and Verdugo Road was formerly used by two local companies, one that sold building supplies and the other that built and rented construction elevators. Lately, the location has been nothing but an empty lot.
According to neighbors, it has been a magnet for illegal dumping and been taken over by transients who camp out there. They claim it is a crime ridden location where a young girl was raped and left for dead. They tell stories of seeing young men being accosted by "Gang-Bangers" there. They see McDonald's as a "White Knight" riding in to rescue their community from such a blighted area.
A year or two ago most of the community seemed to agree. The City Councilperson (CD13) at that time, now State Assemblyperson Jackie Goldberg, was in favor of it. The Glassell Park Improvement Association (GPIA) formed a McDonald's design review committee, which worked with the developer of McDonald's to find a more appealing design
that would better fit the community.
Changes were incorporated into the project that included improved landscaping, tile roof facades, and moving the drive-through to the rear of the property. Mitch O'Farrell, then President of the GPIA, wrote this in a letter dated March 29, 2002, "...We thank McDonald's for their willingness to partner with our community; we endorse the design..." The project seemed to be on a fast track to completion.
Although McDonald's could build their restaurant "by right" (all property has certain buildable rights) they needed to include a drive through window, and they wanted extended hours. These plans were not allowed under the local zoning and planning laws. However, they were welcome to apply for a "conditional use permit" (CUP), which is what they did.
When it became known that McDonald's had to go through a public process to get their CUP, the Glassell Park activists got busy. Over the next weeks and months letters were written. These letters were not just the "I don't want McDonald's because I don't like it" type of letters. These letters were the kind that would make F. Lee Baily proud. These letters were good enough to stop about anything short of a recall election for Governor. These letters were full of evidence and facts gathered at a great expense of time and effort. These letters were put together by people who are, legally and politically speaking, very educated and sophisticated. At the first public hearing held on October 15, 2002, they spoke just as well as they wrote.
Somehow, although the GPIA had at first seemed to be supportive of the project, they did an about-face and started to oppose it. In a letter dated October 9, 2002, Mitch O'Farrell, still GPIA President wrote, "The purpose of this letter is to clarify for the record that the GPIA at large took no position on whether or not we wanted a McDonald's at that location." He backed that up in a letter dated October 16 when he wrote, "... GPIA has not taken a position in supporting McDonald's at that site..."
Apparently, at the October 15 hearing it was questioned whether the GPIA was for or against the project. To answer that, according to Joan Lundy, Past President of the GPIA and membership chair, on November 21, 2002, the GPIA presented a referendum on this issue at its regularly scheduled meeting, and a ballot vote was taken. The results were:
against McDonald's 82.7 %
for McDonald's 16.0 %
and 1.3 % said the GPIA should not take a position.
Two men who attended said there were about 110 people there that night, others say the normal turnout for those meetings is about 40. Their own figures suggest that 75 people voted that night if you assume that the 1.3% mentioned represents one person. That would mean that the 82.7 % who voted against the McDonald's represents 62 folks. Sixty-two people out of the entire Glassell Park community is what opponents quote as "overwhelming opposition" to the McDonald's project.
Mr. Al Landini, City of Los Angeles Zoning Adminstrator, in his official determination of July 18, 2003, denied the conditional use permit to McDonald's developers. They could still build the restaurant without a drive through window or the extended hours, but have decided instead to appeal the decision to the East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission who will hear the case on October 8, after 4:30 p.m. at Ramona Hall, 4580 North Figueroa, in Highland Park.
McDonald's has practically no chance to prevail, however. The Glassell Park activists who are opposing them are now joined by the even stronger and more militant Mt. Washington activists who are determined to protect their community from the evils of fast food. Together, they can stop anything short of a cruise missle.
At the October 15, 2002 hearing and again at the June 23, 2003 public hearing, there was one group of people there who spoke in favor of the proposed Mc Donald's. They said they liked it and they wanted it. They were there and they tried their best. But they weren't able to debate the issue like a high dollar lawyer. They weren't able to collect overwhelming facts and evidence to support their case. They weren't able to convince Councilman Eric Garcetti, or the GPIA or the Zoning Administrator that this was something that the working people and families of Glassell Park should have. They weren't even able to drive themselves to the hearing.
Their mothers drove them.

Villaraigosa’s
State of the Town
by Tom Topping
The Eagle Rock Association's State of the Town address by Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa was a very successful event last month. The turnout was good, and the Senor Fish Taco's there were even better. The address wasn't so much a State of the Town address as it was the state of the first 85 days in office address for Antonio Villaraigosa. He started off by presenting past-president Joanne Turner an award for he years of service as President of TERA.
Paramount on TERA member's minds was to find out the latest progress on the Walgreen's development. Mr. Villaraigosa said, "(I told them)they need to sit down with us- they need to work with us- to make this the best project under the circumstances." He explained that the developers have the permits they need to start construction, but that he has formed a focus group so the community will have a say on the design and the details of the project. (Actually, this is little more than what the developer offered to do from the beginning).
He spoke about his role as Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the City Counci, and his appointment to the MTA board. He said he told his fellow board members, "I want all of us to regularly take a DASH bus once in a while," and personally promised that he and his family members would ride public tranportation at least once a week so he can see first hand the issues that affect users of public transportation in the City of Los Angeles.
He went on to talk about public safety, and specifically, the L.A.P.D. "I'm a big supporter of (Chief) Bratton's broken windows theory," he said. He was referring to the theory that if small problems like graffiti are not addressed, criminals will take that as a message that no one cares here, and they can get away with what ever they want in that neighborhood.
He said he has taken on a practice that Bratton instituted when he was police chief in Boston and New York. That practice is to go out to every homicide that happens in his district. Because as he said, "If I don't see it, I won't feel the rage to do something about it."
He was asked about the progress of the new day care center at Eagle Rock Park. He said it is stalled right now because of a legal fight between the city and the contractor.
One question really struck a chord with the TERA audience. It was about the Colorado Blvd. Specific Plan, and specifically about the make-up of the Design Review Board. The person said that since the seven member Design Review Board was required to be filled with persons from certain disciplines like licensed achitects, landscaping achitects, urban planners, etc, and two of the current ones were lacking any of the required pre-requisits, would he replace them as required by law? Mr. Villaraigosa made a face and said jokingly, "Oh, that'll be fun," but agreed that if that was what the law provided he would do it. (The law states that if no one is available who lives or operates a business in the specific plan area from that designated discipline, the Councilman may make appointments from outside the area.)
He fielded a question about the October 7 recall election, and why didn't he run for Governor? He said the recall election was turning into a circus, and the circus was for clowns, "And I'm no clown," he added. No one asked if that meant he thought Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante was a clown.
He finished by relating his impressions about his new job as City Councilperson compared to his old post as Speaker of the State Assembly. He said while all the issues that he thought were so important and emotional on a State level, like education, child care and health care, he said, "Try tree-trimming or stop signs- now those are emotional issues."

Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa helps open the Juice Exchange. The owners were celebrating because Andrew Barrera (left) got them a $15,000 loan from the Valley Economic Development Center.

Crime Report
The Northeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department emcompases the areas of Griffith Park, Hollywood, Atwater, Silverlake, Echo Park, Cypress Park, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Garvanza, Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Eagle Rock,/ Glassell Park Senior Lead Officer Joe Gallindo gave the run down on Northeast crime for the past month at the monthly block captains meeting held at 6 pm, the third Thursday of the month at Eagle Rock, City Hall.
For aggravated assaults, 6 occurred in Eagle Rock while 14 happened in Highland Park. In the "shots fired" catragory, there were seven in the ER/HP area mostly gang related. Of particular interest was the gang shooting that occurred on September 13, Saturday night, in the vicinity of Hermosa, Chickasaw and Argus streets. It seems that gang members from the SUR 13 (sur-trece or sur-enos) had tagged the area to say, "we're back" and the traditional northeast gang, the Avenues shot them up in retaliation.
There was only one homicide in the area and that was on Bridewell street on September 1. There were twenty robberies, and most of those were gang related as well. There were about twenty burglaries, two of those at the Target store in Eagle Rock.
In the entire northeast area there were 136 thefts from motor vehicle (BTFV), with the hot spots being located along Figueroa and Eagle Rock Boulevard. Finally, last month the car of choice for GTA (grand theft auto) was again Toyota, with 41 instances, followed closely by Honda at 30. Nissan thefts were a distant third at 9. Not one Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Maserati or Ferrari was stolen in Northeast L.A. last month.

Turning 21
The 20th Century Women's Club Enters the Next Century
Deborah Hosking
There was just one place in town worthy of hosting Betty Reed's birthday party. It wasn't just the stage that made it perfect; it had the spaciousness, the atmosphere and the sense of dignity that the occasion warranted. That place was Eagle Rock's 20th Century Women's Club. The elegant craftsman-style hall on Colorado Boulevard dates back to 1912, the same year that the Arroyo Seco Bridge was built. The same year, too, that Betty herself was born.
The Club itself was started 9 years earlier, in 1903, and is celebrating its centennial this year. Special events marking the anniversary include a fashion show of vintage women's wear and an Open House during the annual Eagle Rock Home Tour on Sunday, October 19, 2003.
As it turns out, Betty's party was both a small piece of Eagle Rock's present creative life and an accidental homage to the building's history. The singing, dancing and comedic performances in her honor were reminiscent of parties past, faithfully recorded in colorful detail in the Club's archives, both in content and in spirit.
Self Improvement, Intellectual Development and Service
The Club was not established just for social functions, however. The founding women were dedicated to "self-improvement, intellectual development and community service." Eagle Rock was acknowledged as a leading cultural district, and the Women's Club was considered one of the most progressive in the area. In fact, in 1911, the Club was singled out in California to join the State Federation and sign the State Legislature resolution asking voters to extend voting privileges to women. The resolution passed, making California the first state in the Union to have complete suffrage — ten years before the 19th Amendment to the Federal Constitution.
Over the years, the 20th Century Women's Club fulfilled many important civic duties to the community and state, including assisting the Red Cross, campaigning for Save the Redwoods, Mothers' Education programs and a Well Baby Clinic — an idea that was years ahead of its time.
Back when Eagle Rock Boulevard was called Central Avenue...
At first, Club meetings were held in members' homes, later in an empty store and then at the "Bungalow Church," a stone-and-shingle Craftsman-style building on Colorado Boulevard. While the church may have been an inspiration architecturally, it fell short in other ways. Fundraisers and dances were held at rented halls because church laws forbade the charging for admission.
By 1909 the Club was determined to have a place of its own. Committees were formed and advice solicited. Contributions of work and supplies were pledged by local businessmen. Members' husbands were generous in their support of Club construction and equally so later, when mortgage payments were due.
The Club was not distracted from its civic responsibilities while building was under way, however. They adopted a resolution in 1912, protesting Occidental College's exclusion of women students, even though Occidental did not come to Eagle Rock until the following year.
In December of 1912, the site of the Clubhouse was purchased for $1,500, and blueprints were soon approved. The architect was Frank Tyler. Though little is known about him, he is considered important and was quite prolific. What records exist refer to a few large residences, several Los Angeles apartment buildings and a number of Craftsman houses in West Adams.
A loan of $4,000 was negotiated for the construction of the building, as were some rather unusual contracts. One contract specified that a budget of $6,400. would be allowed, but if the contractors could possibly do it for less, the surplus must be paid back. The builder called it "The damnedest thing I ever saw!" Yet he treated the project as a labor of love and "gave and gave and GAVE" according to Club records. He substituted more expensive maple flooring for the cheaper wood specified. Plaster was donated by one community member and plumbing installed by another. The fireplace, chimney and lawn were all sponsored by committee members, their husbands, and anyone else they could convince.
By 1914, the building was almost ready for dedication, but not quite. $175 more were needed for bricks to complete the porch and entrance to Colorado. The word went out. "Girls, we'll have to do some tricks to pay for bricks," one of the builders told the committee, so they put on a show. A crowded audience gave rousing applause to hit songs covered by Club members, monologues, a female quartet, and a lusty burlesque by the builder himself. Club members' ghosts must have been pleased to see a similar spirit at Betty's party almost 90 years later.
The 20th Century Women's Club building was finally dedicated on February 25, 1915, exactly 12 years after its first meeting. Inscribed on the stone mantelpiece of the clubhouse remain the words "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER."
That idea hasn't aged a bit in the last century, but the building has. It has become comfortably ensconced on its corner site, like a venerable matriarch in her favorite chair. Ah... the stories she could tell.

kicking and crying
ERNC Meeting 9/1/03 -by Bob Thorpe
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council celebrated 6 months of its existence at the meeting held September 1st at the Eagle Rock Library on Caspar Avenue. As with any infant, a fair amount of kicking and crying accompanied the celebration.
The meeting was divided into two parts, with the first half largely a procedural exercise of approving minutes and committee reports, and was highlighted by a presentation by Digital Neighborhood, LLC which proposed a local website funded by links to other websites in the area. The second half of the meeting, which followed a free meal of sandwiches, was called to discuss goals and structure of the Neighborhood Council.
The problems encountered which gave fuel to the personality clashes evident at the meeting stemmed from the fact
that the Council is an all volunteer organization, and as such has drawn support and direction from strong willed members whose only compensation is the feeling of accomplishment achieved when their ideas and plans for the community are realized through their work and the actions of the Council.
The second meeting saw Dalila Sotelo and Jessica Wethington-McLean, two strong personalities who have both made major contributions of time and effort on the Council, squared off on the running of the Outreach Committee, which was most recently responsible for the hugely successful Swingfest Concert at Eagle Rock Recreation Center on Sunday, August 10th , in partnership with the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Nominally, the argument centered around the budget for the event, but it was transparently clear (after Treasurer Patti Sugarman agreed that the event had not, in fact, exceeded the budget) that Dalila was going after the process by which decisions were made on the council, and because Jessica had essentially taken the event and run with it, this directly opposed Dalila's top-down management style, which essentially relegates Committee chairs to an advisory capacity, with all real decisions made by the Executive and Budget Committees.
When Dalila suggested that all expenditures within the sub-districts be approved by stakeholders before being brought to the board, Rich Monk, another member of the Neighborhood Council Board commented that instead of empowering Sub District Directors to act on behalf of their constituents, the Council was turning into a government by committee.
The outcome of the conflict was a suggestion by Dalila, embodied in a motion passed by the Board, to install a Vice Chair of the Outreach and Events Committee, who would answer to Dalila. This motion was opposed by Elizabeth Macias, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment representative attending on behalf of the Mayor. She suggested that any major change to the structure of the Council be reviewed by the City Attorney before putting the change in place.
Other Board members vociferously objected as well, making the point that any Director or Committee Chair that met with Dalila's disfavor could expect to have a Co-Director appointed, if this precedent was established.
When the meeting was opened to Public comment, Robert Flores, a stakeholder, scolded the board for the infighting, and pointed out that as far as budgets went, the proposal for the website should also be subject to scrutiny as there was competition for such a service.
His comments, clearly infused with the same passion that the Board members and Dalila held for their respective views, ran over the recently imposed three minute limit and caused Dalila to not only cut him off, but to threaten him with removal by the Library Security Guard if he did not stop talking.
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council is experiencing the same growing pains as some of the other Neighborhood Councils recently credentialed in other areas. As was pointed out by Elizabeth Macias (clearly the most politically savvy person at the meeting), review of what does and does not work should be an ongoing process. In light of that comment, Dalila is to be praised for having the second meeting to discuss goals and structure.
The motion to create a Vice Chairman of Outreach, however, should be rescinded. Not only is the structure questionable from a legal or organizational standpoint, but it is neither right nor necessary. Since the Treasurer is ultimately responsible for disbursements from the Council bank accounts, the correct response to a Committee Chair or Director who has not had a specific budget approval, and who spends their own money on behalf of the Council (as was the case with the Swingfest, according to our sources) is to thank them for their contribution to the Council.
The issue of public comment also needs to be addressed. While an argument can be made that unlimited comment would further protract meetings which already have a history of running almost twice as long as scheduled, the reality is that strict enforcement of a three minute limit is off-putting to the very people the Council is charged with serving. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was only given fifteen minutes to speak at the March on Washington in 1963, and if held to those limits, would not have been able to deliver the famous "I have a Dream" speech. Fortunately at ERNC, board members finally gave Robert Flores the time to share his dream for Eagle Rock.
(See related story- ERNC Breakdown)

Eagle Rock Home Tour -
October 19
On Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. you are invited to tour some of the most lovely and interesting homes and gardens in our historic community, starting with The Women's 20th Century Club Craftsman building, constructed in 1913. The club, now celebrating its 100 year anniversary, was formed by the progressive women of Eagle Rock, which, at that time, was a small agricultural village. Their purpose was "self-improvement along social and intellectual lines."
TERA will also be hosting an exhibit of plein air painting, an art form which celebrates the natural beauty of the outdoors and has historic roots in the community.
Tour goers will also have the opportunity to visit homes built over the course of the last century in the variety of styles which make Eagle Rock, "L.A.'s Hometown," so unique. Volunteers and docents are needed to help organize this event, as well as to help out on the weekend of the tour. Your participation earns you an invitation to the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour wrap party, a highlight of Eagle Rock's social calendar.
Home Tour tickets are available at several Eagle Rock locations: the Juice Exchange, Auntie Em's, Beaujolais Le Petit, and Vons (on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12), as well as the Coffee Table in Silver Lake. Tickets will also be sold at the Music Festival, Saturday, Oct. 4. To buy tickets or if you'd like to volunteer to help make this event a success, call (323) 259-TERA

Shouting in Cypress Park
A community meeting on Monday September 29 to present and discuss the Mount Washington/Glassell Park Specific Plan was disrupted for a short time by Cypress Park community leaders. Led by Cypress Park Neighborhood Council organizers, John Edwards and Art Pulido, the protesters apparently were unhappy that the River Center, which is in Cypress Park, was being used for a meeting of Mt. Washington and Glassell Park folks.
Michael Cathy, Eagle Rock Field deputy for Councilperson Antonio Villaraigosa jumped into the fray and handled the disturbance despite obvious risk to life and limb. Cypress Park folks tried to intimidate him to no avail as he stood firm. Things got a little touchy for a few moments, and when Glassell Park advocate Brian Frobisher jumped in to back him up, the Cypress Park folks left without incident. After that, the meeting continued without further incident.

Eagle Vista Seniors
On October 7, the usual 9:30 a.m. Board meeting will take place prior to the 10 a.m. business meeting of the Eagle Vista Seniors Club. Those numbers with October birthdays will be treated to birthday cake and coffee.
The October 14 meeting will be canceled because the gala trip to Carmel, San Francisco and Reno will be held Oct. 13 through Oct. 17. The bus for this excursion will leave from Eagle Rock Park at 7:00 p.m. and from Glassell Park at 7:15 a.m. The tour group will return on Friday, October 17, between 7 and 8 pm.
October 21 BINGO! Lou Agrati, caller.
Another festive occasion will be the annual Halloween party on October 28 (Tuesday).
Costumes are much encouraged and prizes will be awarded. A box lunch, catered by Dinah's will be served. Members $5 guests $6.
Meetings, as a rule, are held at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista Dr., on Tuesdays at 10 am, unless noted (as above).

Dear Editor,
I have been a homeowner and resident of Eagle Rock for 41 years. In that time I have seen many changes. Over a year ago, the Eagle Theater was purchased. I asked on behalf of many residents and business owners to ask the (Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce) to ask the owner if he could buy a couple of buckets of paint and at least blend in with the other buildings. The owner said he would be painting the building in six months. The dark blue he painted that building over a year ago is an insult to our town. It has been over a year and it still looks like a place of ill repute. Also instead of buying a $5 no-trespassing sign, he has spray painted it on a large piece of wood facing other businesses. We are outraged. He has shown no respect for our town. Does he expect our town to patronize his business?
Sincerely, Nick Gianis

The Big Blue Eagle Theater. A constant source of complaints.

Dear Tom:
On behalf of the board, thank you for including TERA in the current issue of the Boulevard Sentinel. While we don't always agree on the issues (what an understatement!), at least we can be good neighbors. After all, we all love Eagle Rock. We very much appreciate your efforts to be inclusive.
Your latest issue is interesting, informative, and balanced. It's also encouraging to see that your ad space is growing, too, thanks in part to our many new businesses.
All of us long-time Eagle Rockers are excited to see positive change in the 'hood. I'm glad to see you leading by example to build bridges, not walls (Walgreed pun intended).
I especially liked your piece on Linda Lopez, everyone's favorite Colombo's pianist. Watch out or we'll both be serenading you some Friday night soon. Pack some ear plugs (I'm just gawd awful)...
Mary Tokita
Board Member, The Eagle Rock Association

Crime Prevention Fair
On Saturday, October 11, 2003, from 10AM-3PM, the Northeast Division LAPD in collaboration with BLEND (Business for Law Enforcement - Northeast Division and CPAB (Community Police Advisory Board) presents the 4th Annual Crime Prevention Fair & Open House.
Also featuring our honorary hosts from the City of Los Angeles Council Districts 1.4.13.1& 14 (Ed P. Reyes, Eric Garcetti, Tom La Bonge and Antonio Villaraigosa and Mayor Jim Hahn). The event will be located behind the Northeast Division LAPD Station at 3353 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065 in the parking lot.
All of the LAPD crime fighting departments will be on display. There are plans to host a testing for potential Police Officer candidates at the event. Other exhibitors include: the LA Fire Department, LAPD Emergency management, Highway Patrol, fingerprinting identification for youth and Los Angeles Dodgers Memorabilia display and pitching machine. Live DJ and BBQ fundraiser. New this year with be entertainment by local dance troops. Station tours and community policing programs information will be ongoing through out the day.
Once again, all children under twelve will enjoy a free hot dog, face painting, a bounce house and entertainment by a special clown. This free event is open to the whole community. Parking is available behind the station grounds.For more info contact Heinrich Keifer, Chair 323-258-7920

GPNC Leaders Change
The Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council changed its leadership positions. At a meeting of its Interim Governing Board, held on Wednesday, September 24, Patricia (Patsy) Alfaro was elected President, replacing John Edwards. Edith Weil will relace Ms. Alfaro as Treasurer; and, Luis Duarte will relace Karen Mueller as Secretary. Richard Guerrero was appointed Parliamentarian. Art Pulido remains Vice President.
According to Ms. Alfaro, the GCPNC's priorities remain the same, pressing ahead with its preparations for elections, and pushing for an educational facility to be built on Parcel F at Taylor Yard.

ERNC Breakdown
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council (ERNC) got together on Monday September 22 for a "Conflict Resolution" meeting. I know it may sound strange, but some of the council members have not been getting along very well lately. The problem came to a head over a mailer that was sent out to publicize the ERNC's "Swing Fest," a live music event that they sponsored with the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.
The mailer ended up costing about $1000 more than originally planned, which was followed by a lot of finger pointing regarding whose fault it was... This breakdown in relationships prompted ERNC leadership to enlist the help of the "Human Relations Commission" from the City of Los Angeles.
Patricia Villasenor, who you may remember as the one who came to facilitate the town hall meeting during the Philippine Village fiasco, did the facilitation duties. After starting the meeting she gave everyone a chance to have their say. They all did have something to say about ERNC Vice President Jessica Wethington's activities of late.
President Dalila Sotelo said "There was a lot of tension on the board... There was a breakdown of trust- a breakdown of honesty."
Treasurer Patty Sugarman said, "we went several thousand dollars over the budget for the mailer... If you go over, you should go back to the board."
Anita Hultman said, "I don't ever remember approving only 90041 being mailed out to."
There were complaints about some errant e-mailing that was going around as well. Cheryl Luetjen said, "I resent the back and forth e-mails."
Rich Monk said, "When people are making personal attacks, I don't think that's how we should be responding to each other."
Max Vasquez, former president of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce said, "One of the major problems of this board is a communication problem."
By now, you probably have a pretty good idea of how things were deteriorating that night. Luckily, there were cooler heads as well.
Barbara Marbach was the only one to show any leadership when she said, "When there is a mistake, what is the process to get over the mistake and go on to another order of business." She was the only one besides Ms. Villasenor to try to address the problem in a positive way.
Everyone took their turn and finally, the focus of the meeting, Jessica, had the floor. She had been taking notes furiously while the others were talking and she was prepared. She systematically answered every concern, and countered every point that her fellow board members had made. She said, "No one's willing to do the work (of the ERNC), but they're willing to crucify those who are... My only fault's taking on extra work." She later added, "I got a railroad job, but that's OK... I know there's not one of you here that doesn't live in a glass house."
She apparently had no idea that those statements hurt her own case much more than everything that was said before she spoke. Lucky for her, she really was not the one on trial, rather the whole board and the process to address these types of concerns when they come up were the real subject under scrutiny.
As anyone knows who has attended many ERNC meetings, they don't exactly run in a fair and democratic manner. For instance I attended one committee meeting where comment on a specific issue was limited to only opposition of the motion in question. (At one point when Dalila said, "Sorry, I'm just being a bully- Tom, don't print that!") Unfortunately, this is more the rule in the ERNC than the exception. Of course, as in most organizations, the bylaws are only followed when it suits the board, and ignored when it doesn't.
The person who exerts that rule more often than any is ERNC president Dalila Sotelo. She said, "...another thing I take responsibility for if having a dysfunctional executive committee." She had thrown everyone for a loop at the monthly meeting when she tried to forward a plan to insert vice-chairs onto committees that she wished to keep tabs on. She then said to Jessica, "I have no vested interest in making sure people get along with you."
The politeness of the meeting was disappearing fast when Ms. Villasenor broke in with, "Most of your issues could have been avoided if you had a process.... You need to put that in a process order."
As the meeting drew to a close, she gave the ERNC officials homework to do. "I want you to make a list of three things that you need to do to put on a meeting. Think of putting on an event... decide what things you think need to go before the board (for approval). Next, what are the things in the budget that need to be approved? What is the process if things (expenses) go over?"
She put them to work creating a process that everyone could agree on that would address many future issues the board of the ERNC has with each other.
In February, the next Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council election will take place. That will be the place to address any issues the community has with the board of the ERNC.

VENDORS NEEDED!
The Women's Twentieth Century Club is hosting a Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 15, from 9a- 4p (at the Clubhouse). This will be the ideal opportunity to purchase Holiday Gifts and baked goods, have a bite to eat and celebrate the season. We are also seeking vendors who specialize in homemade and handmade products. Vendor Applications are due by October 10. Please contact Lois Shilts, Chairperson, at 257-5262 or gramlo@adelphia.net

Eagles Shred Sheiks
The Eagle Rock Eagles slaughtered the Hollywood High School Sheiks 34-0 on Friday, September 26, winning their 2003 season home opener emphatically. Relying on their outstanding defense and a relentless ground attack, the Eagles soared to an early lead and never looked back.
After receiving the kickoff, the Eagles' running game went on a rampage, and with 7:02 remaining in the first quarter, they got on the scoreboard with the first of five touchdowns they would score that afternoon. Their opening possession was capped off by a five yard dash by Sammy Villanueva, which was followed by a successful extra point kick, propelling Eagle Rock to an early 7-0 lead.
The Sheiks, after an impressive kick off return, found themselves in Eagle territory, but a solid defensive effort by Eagle Rock coupled with a costly holding penalty stultified their quest to even the score. Facing fourth and 16, the Sheiks were forced to punt, effectively placing the Eagles on their own nine yard line. Eagle Rock's prodigious running game answered back, with the speedy Villanueva picking up a 33 yard gain and Anthony Garcia bullying his way through Hollywood's defensive line for a gain of nine yard.
The auspicious start to their second drive, however, was squashed when Eagles quarterback Roberto Solis threw an interception, thereby returning possession to Hollywood. The Sheiks failed to capitalize on Eagle Rock's turnover, and the first quarter concluded with the Eagles leading by a touchdown. Hollywood's offense continued to be stagnant in the second quarter.
After usurping possession from the Sheiks early on, the Eagles staged another impressive march down the field including several dazzling plays by Villanueva, as he effortlessly sliced through Hollywood's porous defense for lofty gains. The culmination of Eagle Rock's 70 yard drive occurred when Solis carried the pigskin into the end zone himself with just under five and a half minutes remaining in the half.
The ensuing extra point attempt sailed too far to the left. After the Eagles' kick off, the Sheiks found themselves in a hole once again, as their offense continued to sputter and they racked up tremendous losses in yardage due to penalties. When Eagle Rock regained possession of the ball on Hollywood's 37 yard line, they squandered their golden opportunity by coughing up a fumble, and the half ended with the home team holding on to a 13-0 advantage.
Shortly after Eagle Rock High School's marching band rocked the house with a riveting rendition of the B-52's classic anthem "Love Shack," the two teams stormed back onto the gridiron to resume battle. Hollywood continued to have their offensive schemes thwarted by Eagle Rock's swarming defense, and the accumulation of penalties by the Sheiks indicated that they were losing focus.
With 6:50 left in the third quarter, the Eagles' offense struck again; Solis launched a bomb to wide receiver Jonathan Brown, who darted into the end zone to complete the 58 yard play, increasing the lead to a commanding 20-0. Despite putting a new quarterback at the helm, Eagle Rock's offense refused to relent.
Early in the final quarter, the Eagles moved the ball all the way to Hollywood's two yard line before another fumble gave possession back to the Sheiks, giving them perhaps their last opportunity to turn the tables on the boys in green. Once again, Hollywood had its momentum destroyed by Eagle Rock's truculent defense, and with less than six minutes on the clock, Eagle Rock recovered a fumble in the end zone, converted the extra point, and boosted their lead to an insurmountable 27-0 advantage.
Unable to do much more than toss a pair of incomplete passes and sustain a sack, Hollywood rapidly returned the ball to the feisty Eagles, who, behind the speed and power of their newly installed quarterback, scored again when Villanueva muscled his way into the end zone from three yards out. The score at that point, 34-0, was preserved when Eagle Rock's following kick off went deep for a touchback, and the Sheiks were once again unable to put any dents into the Eagles' formidable defense.

Governor To Sign Identity Theft Bill
Sacramento – Governor Gray Davis announced that he will sign into law today a measure by Assemblymember Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge), aimed at preventing identity theft. The bill, AB 763, regulates the mailing of social security numbers. Drafted in response to the growing problem of identity theft, AB 763 prohibits the mailing of any portion of a person's social security number on or visible from the outside of an envelope or postcard. Increasing numbers of Californians are victims of identity theft. The measure is part of a larger package of privacy protection bills to be signed by the Governor today.
"We live in a time of rampant identity theft. Printing social security numbers on the outside of the mail provides an open invitation for criminals to violate someone's privacy," said Assemblymember Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge). "This law is necessary to halt these unseemly mailing practices and to deter people from committing this crime."
Current law prohibits the mailing of a person's social security number, except as required by law. However, Liu explained that many companies skirt existing regulations by slightly altering a social security number before mailing it. Some companies substitute numbers or letters for the hyphens or add zeroes, while others transpose the last four digits and place them at the beginning of the number. Still others send out mailers where the number is visible through the address window.
"Identity theft is such a devastating crime, both emotionally and financially," Liu said. "It's a small change to the law, but it's a big step toward curbing this very disturbing problem."

Fiji Hill Fiji Hill Fiji Hill Fiji Hill
From a Good Neighbor?
Members of the Highland Park/Eagle Rock communities are probably used to thinking of Occidental College as a good neighbor and a valuable member of the community. However, events of the past couple of years have shown that when Oxy presents itself as an environmentally concerned, community oriented institution, they are being somewhat hypocritical.
Approximately 2 years ago, Occidental proposed to develop Mt. Fiji, the large open space behind Eagle Rock HS, along Townsend and N. Ave 50. Although Occidental owns this land, it has served the Highland Park/Eagle Rock community as a de facto park for generations. Occidental proposed to grade the hill, and to replace it with a softball field, and to light this new field and all athletic fields on campus, to the tune of half a million watts of light. These lights were to be in use 10 months of the year, until 10:00 at night. (All of this information is in Occidental's Conditional Use Permit application). Only the rapid response of members of the community, organized as CANAL, Community Against Noise and Lights, was able to prevent this destruction of a valuable community resource and the massive increase in light pollution throughout our neighborhoods.
This victory for our community was to prove temporary, however. On Friday, Aug. 15, with no advance warning to the neighbors, and no notification to our new City Council member, Antonio Villaraigosa, Occidental sent tree-cutting crews to the base of Mt. Fiji, and began felling trees. They rapidly cut down 15 old, 50 foot tall California Sycamores. When neighbors contacted Oxy, and asked what was going on, Oxy Director of Communications Jim Tranquada responded that they were clearing the area. He said that they didn't have plans to develop the area yet, but that they were going to cut down all of the trees, so that it would be easier to develop when they were ready. When neighbors asked who might be able to stop this, they were told only Occidental President, Ted Mitchell could do so, and he was currently out of town.
Many community members then contacted City Council member Villaraigosa, who called Occidental, and got them to stop the cutting, until members of his staff met with them the following Monday. After that meeting, the council member's staff requested that Oxy inform the neighbors by letter before they resumed cutting. Councilman Villaraigosa took no further action to defend this valuable community resource, despite indications that he had given to community members during his campaign that he wanted to see open space preserved.
Occidental has fenced off the public access to the area at the corner of Eaton and N Ave 50, and posted a 24-hour guard, who remained assigned to the site until they completed their cutting. A total of over 50 trees were removed from the base of Mt. Fiji, even though Occidental says that they have no plans to develop the site in the near future. A rare, open space location that this relatively poor, inner city community has used as a park for generations, has been damaged, and is threatened with destruction, for no apparent reason, other than to make it easier for Occidental College to develop at some point in the future. A hillside, covered with young oaks, where families hike and fly kites, young people hang out, and people of all ages walk their dogs, and watch the sunset, has had dozens of trees removed so that Oxy administrators will not, in the future, have prove that proposed development will not harm the environment or negatively impact the community. If the environment is already destroyed, then Oxy expects that permits will be more easily granted. For shame, Occidental College! You can visit our website at www.fijihill.org.
Jeff Pott

College Values
On Friday, Aug. 15, a College contractor removed 28 trees from a site on the southern end of the Occidental campus - three undeveloped acres on the southwestern slope of the hill known locally as Mt. Fiji. (This part of campus lies next to several homes on Avenue 50 and Coringa Drive.) With a few exceptions, these trees -- a mixture of native and non-native species -- were all planted by the College over the past 15 years. Occidental hired a certified arborist who identified and tagged 22 oaks as large enough to potentially fall under the provisions of the City of Los Angeles' oak tree ordinance. These trees were not touched.
Although the College was in complete compliance with all applicable city ordinances, it voluntarily stopped work at the request of City Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, who asked for an opportunity for his staff to meet with College administrators and discuss the situation. That meeting took place on Monday, Aug. 18. The councilmember's staff asked the College to communicate with its neighbors in advance of any major activity that could cause them concern. The College agreed to do so in future.
The three-acre site from which trees were removed is the last relatively flat piece of undeveloped land on Occidental's hilly 120-acre campus. Although no specific project has been identified, the changing needs of the College will inevitably lead to the development of the site, although no time frame for future development, if any, has been determined. Given these facts, the College decided to remove a total of 48 trees from this portion of the lower southern slope of Mt. Fiji in anticipation of future development. (Scores of trees planted by the College on the other 32 acres of undeveloped campus land will not be affected.)
For decades, Occidental has allowed public access to Mt. Fiji and the undeveloped portion of campus, despite problems with vandalism, graffiti, littering, unleashed dogs, dirt-bikers, nocturnal partying by local teenagers, and smokers who ignore the danger of fire. This part of campus is cleared of brush each year in compliance with city fire prevention laws. In an effort to improve fire safety, Occidental agreed to participate in the city's greenwaste recycling program and applied city-produced mulch along Avenue 50 and on other parts of campus. However, complaints from our neighbors about the plastic bags and other household items the city inadvertently mixed in with the mulch led the College to withdraw from the program earlier this year. Efforts will continue this fall to clean up the trash remaining in the mulch.
A tour of the Occidental campus will demonstrate that the College values the hundreds of trees it has planted since the Eagle Rock campus first opened in 1914. Over the years, it has been necessary to remove some of those trees to make way for new College buildings. This pattern continues today all across campus, including the trees that were removed to allow construction of the College's new science building. While we understand our neighbors' concern over the removal of trees, we must balance their concerns with the long-term needs of the College and its students. When Occidental does come up with a development proposal for the Avenue 50 site, there will be a full and open discussion of its plans with the community.
Oxy Director of Communications-
Jim Tranquada

Downtown Directions
The community group who has taken on the responsibility of revitalizing the commercial areas of Eagle Rock is getting results. The new businesses that folks are noticing lately did not get here by accident. It has been largely due to the time and effort of this group, better known as ERCPR (Eagle Rock Community Preservation and Revitalization Inc.) or 'Erp' for short.
Formed in the fall of 1996, the Downtown Directions group was formed under the advisement of Ed Henning and Associates, a urban revitalization consultant firm. Through focus groups and community meetings Ed Henning recognized that there was a lot that could be gained by having all the stakeholder groups be represented and meeting once a month at one table. It hasn't progressed at lightning speed, but steady progress has been made.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits came from reaching out to all businesses. Breakfast meetings and business watch meetings (put on by the Boulevard Sentinel) got more business people out and aware of what was going on in their communities. Here they found out about programs that were available to them, like the successful Storefront Improvement Program (SIP).
The SIP was started by the ERCPR under the leadership of Hillary Norton Orozco, (now TERA President). When she worked for State Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, she became familiar with the process to ask for state funding. She used that knowledge to make a proposal to our Assemblyman at that time, Jack Scott. She and other Eagle Rock leaders worked hard and got the $300,000 of state money to use for improving Eagle Rock's storefronts. Thanks again, Mrs. Orozco.
Here is an update on the progress of the program as of (September 2003):
Complete with ERCPR Project Funding and Design Assistance.
- Rahmanizad Building
(Cingular Wireless, PC Bang, Fruit Exchange, Lucky Money)
- PC Bang
- Owl Talk
- A-I Carpets and Drapes
Complete with ERCPR Design Assistance
- California Z-Car Property
- Rose Bowl Motel
- Rattan/Wicker Shop
Under Construction Now
- Eufloria Florist
- Coldwell Banker/David Steven Realtors
- Shell Station
- 1860 Colorado (Old Taste Buds Building/Sislin)
- 2301 Colorado (Karate Studio Building/Sislin)
- "Coffee Table" (Old Williamson Auto Building/Sislin)
- Liquor Store (Sislin)
Under Construction Soon
- Games and Cards.Com
- Ray's Auto
Next Up/Coordinating Scope/Paper Work
- Welcome Inn
- Colombo's
- 20th Century Women's Club
- Camilo's Fine Cuisine
- Fatty's
- Piller's
Some businesses have pulled out of the process allowing others to get in. Others took advantage of a parallel program that offered free design assistance, with no funding or the conditions that come with it. At the September ERCPR meeting, the group listened to a proposal to fund graffiti film that would protect storefront windows from the dreaded acid-etching that has been the bane of the boulevard for years.
For those adjacent communities who want to do what Eagle Rock has done, take note: it can't be created by complaining, writing specific plans and bringing in code enforcement.
The success of this process is due to the hard work of bringing everyone to the table in an open and inclusive environment. This can only happen by talking to people and getting them engaged and involved. And embracing a bottom-up management style.

Azusa Pacific Celebration
Azusa Pacific University's vocal music ensemble, Celebration, will perform on Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. The concert will be sponsored and hosted by New Hope Christian Fellowship, at 777 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.
Celebration is an upbeat group that performs cutting-edge, contemporary Christian music. The ensemble's mission is to use God's gift of music to minister with a high level of performance and integrity. For information regarding the worship service and concert, please call (626) 836-3199.
Azusa Pacific is an independent, Christian liberal arts university founded in 1899. The university challenges students academically while providing them with the ethical foundation necessary to contribute professionally and serve generously in today's complex society.
The university offers studies in more than 40 undergraduate and professional fields, to approximately 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about the university, send a letter to the Office of Admissions, 901 East Alosta Ave., P.O. Box 7000, Azusa, CA 91702-7000. You may also call 1-800-TALK-APU or the APU website at www.apu.edu.

Historical Society Harvest Potluck
Author Elizabeth Pomeroy To Speak On Historic Places
The Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society presents it's free Fall Event Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts (formerly the Community Cultural Center), 2225 Colorado Boulevard. A Harvest Potluck and Lost & Found: Transformations of Historic Places will combine a festive, community potluck dinner, the Historical Society's Annual Meeting and a lecture by popular author and historian Elizabeth Pomeroy.
The Cultural Center will be decorated in an autumn motif for the Harvest Potluck, which begins at 6:30 pm. Every person who attends is asked to bring a main dish, salad or dessert that serves eight. The Historical Society will supply paper goods, flatware and beverages.
At 7:30 pm, Eric Warren will lead a short meeting of the Historical Society. Immediately following, Elizabeth Pomeroy will present Lost & Found: Transformations of Historic Places, a delightful journey through the unexpected historical places in our own San Gabriel Valley. Pomeroy, a California native, holds a Ph.D. in English from UCLA, teaches English at Pasadena City College, and is the author of Lost and Found and Lost and Found II. These interesting and informative volumes contain the best of her many newspaper columns by that name and provide a lively roadmap to historic places throughout the San Gabriel Valley, with glimpses of art, culture and society. Pomeroy often accompanies tours to historic sites and is a popular speaker on the hidden cultural and historical treasures of the region. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.
"We are thrilled to have Elizabeth with us for this event," said Eric Warren, President of the Historical Society. "She is an avid traveler and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of this area."
The Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society was founded in 1961 and houses its archival collection of local photographs, newspapers, and artifacts in the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center. Annual Society membership is just $15 for individuals, and $20 for families and businesses. For more information on The Historical Society and its programs, its collection, making a donation of local artifacts or the Harvest Potluck, contact President Eric Warren at (323) 257-1357.
Potluck begins at 6:30 pm; Lecture begins at 7:30 pm.

UPTOWN CABARET *03
The Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with the latest edition of its popular cabaret performances. This years show will feature TV comic Jason Stuart, pianist Carl Mathes, Rene and his marionettes, singer Amanda Able and a bevy of female, female impersonators all under the direction of Ken Kane. This years show will be held at The Women's 20th Century Club at the comer of Hermosa and Colorado in Eagle Rock. Cocktails and dinner: 6- 7:45pm. Curtain: 8pm. Prices for dinner: $25 (benefit for the Women's Club). Prices for the performance: $35 (for benefit ofUGLA's various charitable programs). No host bar. You may attend the cabaret or the dinner or both. Mail your orders, along with your check, to UGLA, PO Box 65111, LA CA 90065, or call Joan Potter At (323) 258-2555 for further information.


Historic Bridge Bike Tour
On Sunday October 12 at 10:00 a.m., join the Friends of the Los Angeles River and North East Trees as they tour around some astonishing elements of Los Angeles' architectural history. Many of the bridges over the Los Angeles River were created in the 1920's and 30's and designed to be things of beauty and not just utility. Investigate over a dozen historic bridges that traverse the Los Angeles River. The casual paced tour is less than 20 miles and will be about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and departs from the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, 570 West Avenue 26, Los Angeles 90065.
Families are welcome. The entire tour will be on older city streets along and adjacent to the river. Although the road will be quiet on Sunday morning, please bring the proper bike and skill level. A short safety and rules of the road refresher briefing will be held just prior to departure. Arrive at 9:45 am and have your bike ready to go. Bring water, wear sunscreen and a bike helmet. The cost is free.

Eagles Events
Come and enjoy a hearty breakfast on the first and third Sunday of the Month at the Fraternal order of Eagles Club, located on the corner of Townsend and Yosemite Drive, at 1596 Yosemite Drive in Eagle Rock. The breakfast is served from 9 to noon and costs $5.
On October 4th, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2188 invites you to their annual charity fundraiser. Come and pick from a variety of appliances, jewelry, books, records, toys, kitchenware, furniture, clothes, collectibles and much much more. They will be serving hot dogs, nachos, kosher juicy pickles ,sodas and water. Sale will be from 8 to 4.
Friends of Eagle Rock Library
5027 Caspar Avenue
The Friends of the Eagle Rock Library will hold an used book sale On Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 am to 3;00 pm, at the library, 5027 Caspar Avenue. Coffee and baked goods will be sold, from 9:30 am to 11 am. Most books prices are $1.00 or less.
Only softback and hardback book donations will be accepted on October 24 at the library, no magazines. Call 323 258 8078 for information.

Celebrate the Cosmos:
The 100th Anniversary of the Mt. Wilson Observatory
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Carnegie Observatories
813 Santa Barbara Street
Pasadena, California
Please join artists, astronomers, and special guests for an afternoon open house and exhibition. Paintings of Mt. Wilson and the San Gabriel mountains by the Painting Patrons of the California Art Club will be available for viewing and acquisition. Proceeds will benefit the artists, the California Art Club, the Carnegie Observatories and the Mt. Wilson Institute. Scientific staff will be in attendance for discussion and information about current research. Garden Party attire. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled. RSVP 626-304-0269 rsvp@ ociw.edu

EAGLE ROCK MUSIC
FESTIVAL
The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association (ERCCA) will host the Fifth Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, Saturday October 4h from 6: p.m. to midnight and then continue on Sunday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The festival on Saturday is free with the first concert beginning at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, located at 2225 Colorado Blvd. at 6 pm.
Champagne and appetizers provided by Restaurant Lozano will be served at that time at the Center. Festivalgoers will then walk eastward up Colorado Boulevard to hear a variety of musical performances.
What makes this Saturday night music festival so unique are the 24 local venues, including restaurants, coffee houses, a floral shop, beauty salon, auto garage, real estate office, gas station and several other storefronts along Colorado Boulevard hosting performances. A free shuttle service will be available throughout the evening until 10:00 pm. The evening will conclude with a final concert by Quetzal in an outdoor parking lot at Caspar and Merton, ending at midnight.
Scheduled to appear on October 4th are Juan Oliva (Cuban Drumming), Bonne Musique Zydeco, Sam Robles Tango Band, Eldad Tarmu Jazz Ensemble, Arohi Ensemble, and Randy Kovitz with Lies Like Truth and more.
On October 5th beginning at 11 am, the Center for the Arts will host a brunch followed by a concert of classical music, directed by Carl Matthes. At 3 pm, the North Indian Classical Music with Rajeeb Taranath of Cal Arts will perform at the Center. The festival will close with a 7:30 pm concert, Open Gate Eclectic Jazz. All events are free of charge.
The festival is presented with the generous support of Council Member Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the LA Arts Commission, the Recording Industries' Music Performance Trust Funds through the Professional Musicians Union 47, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Bank of America, and the community of Eagle Rock.

Percussionist Evelyn Glennie to Perform
Award-winning percussionist Evelyn Glennie will showcase her unique brand of performance art in a solo concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Occidental College's Thorne Hall. General admission tickets are $15 ($5 for seniors) and can be purchased prior to the performance or at the door if available. To preorder tickets, call the Music Department at (323) 259-2785. The concert is free to Occidental employees and students with a valid ID. Alumni tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling Jamie Murphy at (323) 259-1456.
Occidental is located at 1600 Campus Road in the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles. For directions to the college, and for a campus map, visit <http://www.oxy.edu/welcome/directions/index.html>.
The Scottish-born Glennie will perform works by seven composers, as well as an original composition titled "Light in Darkness." Glennie's concerts are a display of visual drama as she moves quickly among keyboards, chimes and drums. Her performances are all the more impressive given that Glennie is profoundly deaf. She is aided by her bare feet, which pick up the vibrations of her instruments.
"What is remarkable, clearly, is the degree to which Ms. Glennie has honed all these senses: touch, sight and what remains of hearing in the standard sense," a New York Times reporter writes. "Yet it is scarcely more remarkable than Ms. Glennie's accomplishment in strictly musical terms. Technically, she is a crack performer, able to nail the fastest, trickiest passages in a quirky repertory."
Glennie reportedly owns more than 1,000 percussive instruments, from bamboo sticks and ceramic bells to car exhaust pipes and thundersheets. Her first CD, a recording of Bartok's "Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion," won her a Grammy in 1988. She won a second trophy for "Perpetual Motion," her 2002 collaboration with banjo player Bela Fleck. Her latest CD, "Shadow Behind the Iron Sun," is her 12th solo recording and is an exploration of mysterious sound. Glennie is the author of a bestselling autobiography, "Good Vibrations," and she has appeared on worldwide television programs, including "The David Letterman Show" and "Sesame Street."
Glennie's appearance is being featured as Occidental's inaugural G. William Hume Visiting Artist Fellowship Concert

Chavez Ravine Documentary
The Progressive L.A. Network (Urban & Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College) is screening the premiere of photographer/filmmaker Don Normark's new documentary, "Chavez Ravine," on Tuesday, October 7 at 7 pm at Occidental College, in Alumni Auditorium (Johnson Hall, Room 200). This 26-minute video features interviews with many Latinos displaced by the construction of Dodger Stadium in the late 1950s, as well as Frank Wilkinson of the City Housing Authority. Mr. Normark will lead a discussion following the screening. He previously published a photo-essay book titled "Chavez Ravine, 1949: A Los Angeles Story" (Chronicle, 1999). He is the producer of the documentary. Jordan Mechner is the director. Narration is by Cheech Marin and music by Ry Cooder. For directions to Occidental College, go to www.oxy.edu and click the link marked "Welcome."
 

BOOK SALE -- CYPRESS PARK BRANCH LIBRARY:
The Friends of the Library will offer many hundreds of books for sale at the Cypress Park Branch Library's Annual Book Sale -- Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Many new and used books -- as well as some videos and CD's -- will be sold at bargain prices to help raise funds for special children's programs and other library activities. The sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, will be the first held at the new and larger facility at 1150 Cypress Avenue (at Alice Street), in the Northeast L. A. community of Cypress Park (323) 224-0039. The Friends of the Library group meets monthly in the library's community room to plan fundraising and volunteer activities in the library. New members are welcome..