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The Rock is Art!

Opening to a large crowd of celebrators and TV news coverage, "Time by the Rock", a lighting art installation by Jane Tsong, produced by the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, opened to oohs, aahhs, cheers and tears on Saturday, September 25.
Starting off with the Renaissance Arts Acadamy Trio, then the lively Taiko drummers, we waited for the sun to set, cloaking the Eagle Rock in darkness. Lisa Sandoval performed "The Legend of the Rock", and then the Rock was lit up, cued to the command of "let there be light" by 14th district Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa.
The combined choirs of Occidental College, the Eagle Rock High School Choir, and the Voice Within All Stars performed America the Beautiful, This Land is Your Land and other tunes.
Finally, the time arrived for the main event, Time by the Rock, an art installation. What is it? Well, those familiar with the Eagle Rock know that at certain times of the day, when the sun hits the rock just right, the natural formation of the rock casts a shadow resembling an Eagle in flight. Just as in daylight, time can be measured by the changing shape of the shadow, Time by the Rock projects light on the dark nightime face of the rock, in the same place the shadows would fall in daylight.
These eight faces of shadow, turned into light, are projected 4 seconds apart in series, start to finish and then it repeats. It's not a fireworks show, but provides a calming introspective respite to the observer.
It will repeat this weekend only, October 1, 2 and 3 from dusk to midnight. It can bee seen from most of Eagle Rock but is best viewed within a ¼ mile radius.

State Funds Granted to
Private Club
by Tom Topping
The ERCPR (Eagle Rock Community Preservation and Revitalization) voted last month to use storefront improvement funds to perform seismic retrofitting of the 20th Century Women's Club building, suprisingly at the same time those funds are under scrutiny by State Controller Steve Westly. The retrofitting proposal was to bolt the building to the foundation, and is estimated to cost about $14,000, $7000 of which would be reimbursed to the club through the program.
The "Storefront Improvement Program", was created by a "members request proposal" grant from State Assemblyman (now State Senator) Jack Scott. Created to address the decline in the boulevard commercial areas of Eagle Rock, It was designed to help local businesses, many of which are struggling, to improve the looks of their businesses with improvements such as new windows, doors, painting, plaster, brickwork, signs, awnings, planters, etc. and would pay for design help as well.
Businesses applying for these funds had to complete a moderate amount of paperwork, promise to maintain and keep up the improvements and agree to let ERCPR representatives enter and inspect their properties at will.
The allocation of funds from the Storefront Improvement Program, to a private club surprised and shocked even some ERCPR Board Members.
"It pissed me off," said board member Clark Thomas. "I just didn't think it was fair." He felt that because four of the ERCPR Board Members who voted for the seismic work, were members of the 20th Century Women's Club, they should have abstained from the vote. "Even Ray Patel (a board member who operates the Welcome Inn in Eagle Rock) abstained from voting when funds for his business were being voted on." "Besides, non-profit organizations have many grant sources available to them that small businesses do not."
Ray Patel said, "I was not present at that particular meeting, but I definitely would have voted against it." He insisted that the funds were never intended to pay for work that could not be seen on the exterior.
In ERCPR's own Storefront Improvement Program brochure is a list of eligible improvements that include remodeling, painting, cleaning; removal of old pipes, wires and brackets; removal of false wall facade coverings; new signs, doors, windows and trim; grafitti removal and protection treatments; design costs, permit fees; and also costs to acquire historic designation. They are almost all related to visible exterior improvements, and are specifically stated to be for storefronts and business properties. There is no mention of structural, maintenance or seismic work being eligible for the matching grant funds. There is no mention of funding for buildings owned by non-profit organizations. In fact, in widely distributed program literature, there is nothing about program funds being available for any non-commercial entities or non-exterior work.
"The board has voted that it can be considered a facade improvement," said ERCPR President and Women's 20th Century Club member Linda Allen. "And our contract (with the State of California) says we can." She went on to explain that preserving the Women's Club building was "important to the community" and that "it's within the area" that was part of the storefront improvement program.
ERCPR VP and resident association President Hillary Norton-Orozco explained that it was not a conflict for ERCPR board members who also belonged to the women's club, to vote on granting funds to that club because, "The usual definition of a conflict (of interest) is having a financial interest to them (board members)- because it is a non-profit, we see none of that financial gain." She added, "The decision was based on the need of Eagle Rock and not anything else."
The building has been there for about eighty years and has survived all the major earthquakes in that time.
On September 13th, six members of the ERCPR voted in favor of the retrofit funding, four of which were members of the women's club. Women's Club members were Linda Allen, Hillary Norton-Orozco, Lucy Spurgeon and Occidental College representative Paula Chrisotomos. There were three votes against it- all business people.
In attendance that night was Teresa Acosta, a representative from Senator Scott's Office. ERCPR board members were apparently aware that they were treading on shaky ground during their deliberations of granting money to a private club. They asked Ms. Acosta if her boss, the Senator, wanted to decide if the California funds could be used for that purpose. Ms. Acosta quickly assured them that it was the board's decision to make and that she would take it back to the Senator, who would let them know if he had a problem with it.
The ERCPR State Grant funds, administered through the California Department of Recreation and Parks, are part of the much criticized "pork barrel" funds now under investigation by State Controller Steve Westly. In a recent L.A. Times article which came out just four days before the ERCPR voted on the Women's Club grant, the Eagle Rock storefront improvement program was mentioned.
A followup article in the Times revealed that soon to be audited are those millions that have gone to non-profit organizations throughout the state. They are being scheduled for audit throughout the state, with the ERCPR's to be performed sometime between February and April.
Observers close to the board found it astonishing that they would take such an action, sure to be perceived as questionable at best, right at the same time they are being watched the closest. Also in question is where the funds came from. Businesses for whom the grants were intended, have been turned away for months, being told that the funding was all used up. It seems strange that $7000 would magically appear, when other qualified applicants have been discouraged from applying.

Mayoral Hopeful
in Eagle Rock
by Tom Topping
State Senator and Mayoral Candidate Richard Alarcon paid a visit to the monthly Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce board meeting last month. He was there, suppositiously, to gather support for his push to reestablish trust in government. When the time came for his presentation, he talked about the 18% water rate hike DWP officials were pushing for last year, which was reduced to 11% after the Neighborhood Councils got involved, but which he maintained was still illegal.
He listed several actions that he was and would be taking, including filing a lawsuit and writing letters. Finnally time was given for questions. This reporter could not hold back and asked him, "In the years you were an L.A. City Councilman out in the valley, and now a State Senator, we've never seen you take on any citywide issue before. Aren't you just doing this because you're running for Mayor?"
I have to give the guy credit for the answer he gave. "Yes," he said. "But it's because I believe that a campaign should be bigger than being just about the man." He started going on about the mayor's race and was bluntly cut off by Chamber luminary Kaye Beckham who chastised that the Chamber's bylaws did not allow for any politicking during any Chamber events. After he finished his talk and the questions were over, the agenda moved on, and he left quietly.

Condo Con Job (part 2)
by Paul Thomas
To recap last month's story, Santa Fe Hill, a small but important piece of open space on Monterey Road in Hermon, is being destroyed and replaced with condominiums, despite any efforts to regulate, or stop it. It's all seems to be part of a concerted effort to squeeze the old houses (and the old residents) out of Hermon completely. Presently, or soon-to-be replaced by overpriced apartments, condos, and "modern" cookie-cutter housing. Welcome to Invasion Northeast L.A.: 21st Century Style.
You may have noticed other parts of L.A. county rapidly filling with apartments and condos, every few obscuring a little house that is sandwiched between them, looking as sad and out-of-place as it's occupants. Hermon is rapidly becoming one of those places. I am rapidly becoming one of those people.
You can tell us by the bags under our eyes and our beat expressions. My house is now one of those houses, surrounded on all sides by concrete, construction, peering windows, noisy apartment dwellers, noisy laborers, trash. You may be next if you are not already there. Blame it on zoning laws, grea$ed palms, and new polymer construction technology. Just look around and see what's coming, and what's going.
Regarding this construction at Santa Fe Hill here, some neighbors attended meetings, some made phone calls, some wrote letters or e-mails. The same basic points were made independently (and these are just the ones I know of. I may have missed others):
1) It's already too densely populated on Monterey Road. Just between the stoplight (at 6000 Monterey) to the construction site (at 6221 Monterey) there are a combined 32 houses, duplexes, apartments, condos, and businesses, some containing up to 70 units!
This does not consider the numerous small side streets (like Hardisson Way) that are only accessible from Monterey Road. Considering that most units house more than one person, there are a heck of a lot of folks competing for space in this small area already - and they want to put another 30-unit complex in the middle of it? Gee, thanks.
2) There is already way too much traffic for a residential street, largely due to it's overuse as a thoroughfare for other cities' construction and delivery vehicles, as well as fire engines. For God's sake, every other year they have to repair the road so it doesn't sink from the pressure. Hello!
Every night cars screech around the curve that's right there at Santa Fe Hill. Virtually every weekend, someone spins out of control and/or crashes. Traffic arrows and clearer street lines were implemented a couple years back, but haven't slowed things down.
In fact, the temporary office they have set up in front of the construction site was hit by a car that skidded out - on the first night it was set up! Parking is already is a nightmare with apartment & condo residents and their guests competing for space and frequently parking in peoples' driveways (including yours truly).
3) Noise. Lots of new construction, lots of new buildings, lots of new residents, lots of new traffic. It all adds up to lots more Noise. Add to this the nosy and noisy helicopter patrols, sirens and screaming brats, and it's not a pretty picture.
4) Displacement of wildlife, rodents, insects, etc. They've got to go somewhere, and it's usually the neighbors' yards.
I was assured that no approval had been made yet & that nothing would happen until the issuance of the necessary permits. Then about the end of June the Hermon Neighborhood Association Newsletter published similar information, as well as, the rules, regulations & restrictions that the developer had agreed to adhere to (i.e. no work of any kind would begin until late September, 9am- 4pm loading time would be strictly enforced, etc.).
A couple of months ago a crew came early in the morning (7am) & chopped down all the trees on the side of the hill. I immediately called the owner Adam Pasori of Cedar Property, of Santa Monica, leaving a concerned message as to why this was going on in early summer? In a few hours I received a message back from him saying that he was not aware of anything going on at this property & he would look into it right away. He thanked me for my concerns & assured me that he would do everything he could (including meetings) to work together with the neighborhood.
2 weeks later I became suspicious as fencing & a temporary office were put up & none of the neighbors seem to know why. When a bulldozer showed up I called Mr. Pasori again, leaving another concerned message. He called me back shortly & when I informed him of the situation, his story was completely different. He now claimed he knew all along of the work going on at this property & denied any agreements or meeting regarding rules, stating, "This is my property. Who are these people making up these rules for me? I am going to build on this property as quickly as possible & there is nothing you can do to stop me. If you don't like it I suggest you move."
At this I lost my composure a bit and shouted something to the effect of, "You son-of-a-b#@%&! Do you realize what the %&#4%^7 residents in this g#^&%*+ town have been going through, and now you want to just %^$%& stampede over us again. No &%*$# way! %&#$ you!"
The tone Mr. Pasori's voice, coupled with his repeated stammering "I don't know what you people want," led me to believe I was not the only disgruntled neighbor to communicate with him. This was confirmed by one Council District 14 representative I spoke with. "He's received several similar complaints. Unfortunately, we've never been able to actually speak with him," she said.
"Well, I have spoken with him," I said, explaining that he was going through with it no matter what, and that I could see the work being done from my vantage point across the street. I told her I had also spoken with the Department of Building and Safety earlier.
I recounted, "A senior inspector informed me that several permits had been applied for, but only a temporary electricity permit had been obtained, so what gives?"
"They have a different story every time we call, she replied. "It's the same with the Department of Housing."
"Oh, great," I thought to myself. She added that there is "lots of confusion" regarding the whole situation.
"Well, how is he getting away with this?"
She explained that it is due to zoning laws in our area. In a Zone 4 area, for example, a property owner can build a three-story house, an apartment building, possibly a castle and dungeon, and no permits are required. Building and Safety inspectors won't bat an eye.
"He's building a 30-unit condominium complex, though. How is he getting a way with that? I thought that required permits," I persisted.
Well surprise, surprise! It turns out Mr. Pasori is, indeed, applying for permits to have condos on this site. In his own sweet time. In the meantime, his "apartments" (wink, wink) are going up as scheduled. When the time comes that the condominium permits are squared away, these "apartments" will magically become "condominiums." Aren't zoning laws fun?
So what do we do now and who do we talk to? Good question. I should have an answer by now, but I don't. Maybe there isn't one. I have talked to a dozen people and have gotten a dozen different stories. I hope to have more clarity for the next issue.
For now, we can call the owner at Cedar Property at (310) 392-1380 or the Department of Building and Safety at (888) 524-2845. Tell them it's regarding file #54304 at 6121 Monterey Road, L.A. 90042. Tell them you're mad as hell and you're not going to take it anymore!
(To be continued...)

TROMPERLAND
by Richard Miazga
Hello again everyone!
We want to start off our column this month by saying Thank You! The Trompers received many compliments on our September article, and many well wishes about celebrating our 59th birthday last month. Many people especially liked the drawing of the 32 Ford roadster that was in last months Sentinel. So from me, and for all my fellow Trompers, we sincerely say, "Thank You Eagle Rock!"
This month we are focusing on our current members, so let's get right into it. First off, a Tromper has his fabulous 1929 Ford roadster pickup featured in the September issue of "Street Rod Builder" magazine! Congratulations to Tromper Milt Unger who certainly owns a great looking hotrod. The magazine gave Milt's 29, four very colorful pages of super looking photos taken from every angle. Pick up a copy and turn to page 106, and get treated to viewing one sweet Tromper ride! But, not to be outdone, Tromper Max Norris moved the bar a whole lot higher recently.
Max owns a trophy winning 1926 T coupe. Recently Max removed the sharp looking Chevy motor, and installed a fabulous head turning flathead V8. What a move! The first two car shows Max entered after doing this he won, "People's Choice" and "Best Street Rod" trophies! Congratulations Max, better get another trophy shelf ready, you're going to need it, for your 26 T is a great Tromper hotrod.
Boy, when it comes to looking fast just sitting, Robert Aquayo's 40 Willy's pickup is a bombshell on wheels. Powered by a wild 454 cu. in. Chevy V8 monster motor, and Robert's Willy's has a beautiful show quality red paint finish, it screams--- FAST! There's just something about those old Willy's that makes you stop and take a l-o-n-g look. Robert's Willy's does just that, and we are very proud to say Robert is a Tromper!
Low, sleek, and ready to go anywhere, that's Walt Klies 31 Ford lowboy chevy powered roadster. Walt and his wife get on the road a lot, recently they made a 5,000 mile cruise up to Yellowstone Park and thereabouts. Walt's a true believer in not letting them sit in the garage collecting dust. A proud Tromper member who has a very reliable, 50's style hot rod, AND goes places!
Not finished yet, but it's on the road, that's Bob Bean's 1949 Plymouth powered by a Chevy 6 powerplant. Bob has a lot of ideas, and you are looking at his laboratory on wheels. There's an old saying that goes, "When it's runnin- you're done! This is not the case here with Bob. We'll picture Bob's car in the future and I'll guarantee you it won't look the same. Go get em' Bob!
Once again, we invite anyone who really enjoys the company of true hotrodders to join us at Jim's Burgers, 2005 Colorado Blvd. on Monday's at 9 a.m. Join us, have breakfast, sit around and bench race, and see the hot rod car show we always have on display every Monday when the Trompers roll in. Well, we have to close for this month, but look forward to more Trompers pictured with their rides again next month, after all, when you're a Tromper of Eagle Rock, it's-- "Let The Fun Begin", and the Trompers have the wheels to do it! Bye everyone!

Child Care Center Opens
September 23, 2004 -- L.A. City Councilmember Antonio R. Villaraigosa hosted a dedication ceremony for the Eagle Rock Child Care Center today.
The 6,200 square-foot, $2.3 million facility is operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and can accommodate up to 60 children in this community located in the northeast portion of the City. Features and amenities include classrooms, a kitchen, staff office and storage space, an outdoor play area, restrooms that are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, and more.
"This project took too long," said Councilmember Villaraigosa. "It's a state of the art facility that is an indication of the commitment we have to children in the City of Los Angeles." "It's one of 27 such centers, but unfortunatly is only a drop in the bucket compared to the need. So we've got a lot of work to do." "LAUSD cut their child care center hours from closing at 6 to 5p.m. And I said 'This will not happen here!'"
The facility was designed by the architectural firm of Kanner Architects, of West Los Angeles, which won an Architects Institute of America Excellence award for their efforts, which includes large exterior alphabet blocks of various primary colors. Construction was completed by the City's General Services Department. The work was managed by the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering.
Funding for the project came from Proposition K ($1.7 million), Proposition A ($350,000), and Proposition 12 ($300,000).
The facility is located at 1102 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90041.

New Mural Unveiled
by Paul Thomas
"The Used Oil Recycling Mural" was unveiled on the wall facing the Pep Boys Auto Center on Figueroa Street in Highland Park. About 40 members of the media and the public were present for the event on the morning of September 23rd.
The message of the mural, as well as the speakers at the event, was this: Recycle Your Used Motor Oil.
Councilmember Ed Reyes was on hand to support those involved. He spoke out against oil being dumped in storm drains and took credit for improvements to the L.A. River. "These seemingly small gestures will make a change," he stated.
Cynthia Ruiz, of the L.A. Board of Public Works, also stepped up to the podium with some facts and figures. "25% of the city's population change their own oil. Only about 15% of those recycle," she claimed. That comes out to about eight million gallons of improperly disposed oil each year in L.A.!
Presently the mural was unveiled to applause and sounds of cameras clicking away. The artwork was created by Mt. Washington resident and long-time artist Rich Raya. He was selected by a panel of judges out of a number of artists who submitted proposal sketches.
The 21 feet high and 71 feet wide mural depicts a colorful view of Figueroa Street during the annual "Highland Park Car and Truck Show." Within this familiar setting are people very distinctly and joyfully recycling their used motor oil.
In the foreground of the artwork are two large close-up hands. They both hold pictures. The left hand holds an ominously dark scene of oil being dumped, and the river being contaminated. Bad Times.
The right hand in the scene, however, holds a brightly colored picture of a clean and happy community that definitely recycles its oil. Good Times.
The artist spoke briefly over the microphone, explaining that the mural was completed with the use of ladders, not scaffolding. "I got a good workout," Raya grinned, recalling all the shifting and moving he had to do.
Finding a location proved dificult. "We went all over Highland Park, and we could not find (a wall)." With two days to spare, they settled on a location.
Unable to hide a tinge of regret in his voice, Raya shrugged, "It's not on the street. It's in a parking lot." The wall of the MP Carpets building, inside the Pep Boys parking lot, to be precise.
Student artists pitched in and gave Raya some extra elbow grease in finishing the process. Other support for the project came from L.A Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Arroyo Arts Collective, Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, and even the Dukes Car Club, who displayed a tricked-out flame painted '56 Chevy Impala at the event.
In parting: Los Angeles is known as "the Mural Capital of the World." Check out www. lamurals.org and learn all about the subject.

Miss Mindy’s Music Reviews
www.planetbubble.com
by Mindy Jones

"Welcome To Rock 'N Roll Hell"! This month I give you an adrenaline fueled, local rock band named Bubble. Loud, fast and rowdy, this band is in your face with an album that hits hard. A refreshingly crisp and happy punk sound peppered with crashing cymbals, assault style drums and wailing guitars.
Bubble is a three-piece band that is centered around husband and wife super-duo, Share and Bam Ross. Share, the lead singer/guitarist is a strong and mighty glam rock queen. Entirely capable of ripping her guitar to shreds and completely dominating every song she performs. I can best describe her attention grabbing voice as a beautifully twisted mix of Courtney Love and Gwen Steffani. Raspy rock 'n roll backed with powerful intensity. Bam, the bands drummer anchors down the music with unbelievably accurate, rapid fire drumming. So precise that it sounds as if it was shot out of a machine gun. This drummer absolutely blows my mind! Brian Wong, the bassist of the group is a newer member, although if you heard the album you would never know. The band sounds like they've been playing together since day one. Bubble is a group of focused, talented and professional musicians who have spent years honing their skill.
Bubble was created in 1997, when Share and Bam decided to form a group together. They had both spent a long time in bands that were "big", going multi-platinum on their industry record company labels. Share had been playing bass in Vixen (the all girl glam band) and Bam was drummer for Dogs D' Amour ("gutter rock" kings). They felt it was time for them to finally do it their way. After going through numerous members, sometimes going from a two-piece to a four-piece, they found Brian Wong (a previous member of Contraband and The Wildhearts). Bubble releases their music on Basement Boy Records (the band's own label). They write, record, press and release, all from their home studio in Eagle Rock.
"Welcome To Rock 'N Roll Hell" is Bubble's third full-length album. They've also released three EP's and have toured England, Japan and the USA West Coast including Texas.
Bubble won Maxell's coveted John Lennon Songwriting Award for a song called "Sparkle Star" in 2000 (which can be heard in a scene from the movie "Dancing At The Blue Iguana" with Daryl Hannah). Rock City News honored Share by awarding her "Best Female Guitarist In Los Angeles" in 1999 and 2003. Bubble made the cover of Popular Number One (a music magazine in Spain) and has also contributed music to a few movies. Bubble's musical credentials prove them to be dedicated and serious rockers. They do it for the love of the music, re-navigating and re-designing their rock star past, making a sound that is fierce, unrelenting and all their own.
Bubble's new album, "Welcome To Rock 'N Roll Hell" is complete and total rock from beginning to end, definitely an album that you'll enjoy listening to all the way through. I wouldn't go as far as to label this "dance" music, though it absolutely qualifies as good old fashioned party music. Inspiring all to jump up, shake it and rock out. Featuring eleven songs, each one as fast, wild and ruthless as the next. Bubble opens up with "Big Top", an explosive song that is highlighted with Share's awesome screaming and wailing. "Deadender" hits you next with peppy, jumpy punk fun. "Lovestains" has an infectious, funky strut melody with hints of 80's style undertones. "Down 'N Out In Hollywood" has been getting air play on Indie 103.1, a moody anthem accented with a tambourine and cow bell. The talented Bam goes all out on "Headcase", "Mistake" and "I'm Alright Jack", showing off some serious drumming skills. Always on perfect beat with thunderous rolling drums. Bubble finishes up with a gem called "Bread 'N Butter", a bluesy acid rock tune. The perfect end to this powerhouse song set (one that I absolutely enjoyed every minute of).
Though it's been a month since receiving this album, I must admit that it hasn't once left my side. I have definitely found myself wondering why I hadn't discovered Bubble sooner. So here's my message to all the avid rock fans out there and to all the people who enjoy trying something new: Don't waste any more time! Request their songs on Indie , go to www.planetbubble.com and get this album! "Welcome To Rock 'N Roll Hell" a revved up and rocked out musical trip that is sure to please.
"Welcome to the game…
Hope you like the burn…
You'll never be the same…
Lovestains"

(if you have or know a local Northeast L.A. band you would like reviewed, send an E-mail to blvdsent5775@ yahoo.com to tell us about it)

Money, Food and our Children's Health
Barbara Ferrara
This is the time of year when most parents share in the enthusiasm of a new school grade and educational opportunity for our children. But for this parent, I have also come to dread one aspect of our school system – the increasing dependence of schools on money donated to classes through fundraising. It's not the fundraising per se which causes so much personal moral conflict – raising money for my daughter's tennis team from car washing is fine – it's when this fundraising involves the sale of sticky, gooey and potentially lethal junk food to good willed, generous but mostly ignorant students and adults that this issue raises so much antagonism.
Thankfully, last year Eagle Rock High School decided to cancel its contract with soft drink companies for vending machines on campus. I'm not sure whether this was the principal's or school board's decision, but the fact is that there were enough voices of reason, pointing out the deleterious effects of drinks such as Coca Cola on our children's health to counteract the materialist voices trying to persuade us that the money from these poisonous sales could somehow benefit education. Sugar – laden soft drinks have been scientifically linked with juvenile diabetes, obesity, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, and I suspect that they also have a strong influence on other youth related concerns such as acne and dental cavities. The recognition that something like 18 million Americans are suffering from diabetes and another 5 million teenagers are "borderline" has at last woken parents and educators up to urgency of stopping the sale of non-nutritious substances on school campuses.
But what about junk like Krispy-Kreme doughnuts, which not only contain enough calories to satisfy an elephant, but very harmful saturated fats and diglycerides which block arteries and contribute to possible heart attacks and strokes – maybe not while our children are young, but certainly as a cumulative effect later in life? These diabolic time bombs have consistently been used in fundraising efforts. Only marginally better are the so-called "healthy" alternatives such as energy or granola bars. Have you ever read the ingredients in these products? Just because the sugar has been replaced by honey doesn't make them any less harmful from a nutritional point of view. The fact is that American children are addicted to sugar and the only way to stop this addiction is to start feeding them real food instead of junk. In case anyone doesn't remember what real food is, it grows in fields and trees, without pesticides, and doesn't come prepackaged in plastic.
So next time your child asks if they can fundraise for a uniform or trip to somewhere nice, lets start doing activities for money such as playing live music, reading poetry, performing plays or sports, walking dogs or washing cars. And let's start selling organic fruit and vegetables, juice smoothies, whole wheat pies (juice sweetened please!) and bubbly bottled water.

Star Search comes to Eagle Rock
by Dr. James Kholos
If you're reaching for a dream and you're an artistic kid between sixth and twelfth grade, you may want to consider the Renaissance Arts Academy when it comes to a new secondary school. Renaissance Arts Academy a licensed charter school, it's considered the sixth best performance school in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Sarah Kholos is a typical sixth grade graduate of Mount Washington Elementary School, who has chosen and been accepted to start seventh grade at RenArts Academy for the performing arts. As a gymnast, Sarah has trained since age 4, and her choice to attend RenArts offers her a chance to develop artistically and pursue her own aspirations. The school is performance oriented with other like minded students attending classes in music, voice, string instruments, ballet, and even self-defense classes are deemed mandatory. Most students focus on their individual specialty and practice both in school and at home. The unique blend of classic academics includes Latin as a foreign language, Greek mythology, Shakespearean literature, ancient and modern history, including the sciences, physics and higher math, interconnecting biology allowing each discipline to be understood with logic and clarity.
No longer will individual subjects become mind boggling, disjointed from one another as this format makes sense to me. Homework, the drudgery of youth is not a priority, as most of the work is completed during class time. The philosophy and learning strategy, as taught by a rotating group of sessions, whereby each student works to his or her own level and progresses up to higher comprehension with advanced learners, regardless of the grade level designation. At times, seventh graders are joined with tenth graders or eleventh graders. An advisor monitors each student's comprehension by a Socratic method, and is regarded as a co-learner.
The core of learning comes from motivating the novice with the group encouragement of shared experience, moored in the appreciation of the arts. On September 27, the school will commence at a new location. Formally known as Pillars, at 1800 Colorado Boulevard, RenArts evolved from the American Legion Hall in Eagle Rock without air-conditioning to a spacious, modern, comfortable, brand-new facility with private sound proofed practice rooms, central heating and air, not to mention other amenities in place for the specific animation of the arts.
Now Sarah, and other kids like her, have the opportunity to be the best they can be. Great gratitude is credited to the tireless efforts of Councilmember, Antonio Villaraigosa of the 14th District, who assisted Executive Director, PK Candaux and Academic Director, Sydnie Myrick with owner-builder Ron Pillar through a firestorm of bureaucratic red tape. The councilman believed in the project as he stated to be "an important institution to realize a school for the Arts in the Northeast area."
For the community of Eagle Rock the Renaissance Arts Academy for the Performing Arts will become a jewel to this quaint Southern California town. With a legacy show placing talent and promoting the empowerment of youth, it offers another alternative to compulsory education. The reason this learning strategy will succeed is from the heart and mind of the student's themselves, working harder together encouraging one another, while achieving their personal best in both education and the arts.

Rim of the Valley Study
Bill Moves Forward- Schiff-Feinstein Bill Passes House Committee
WASHINGTON, DC – The House Resources Committee today approved the Schiff-Feinstein Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act. This bill, which has already passed the Senate, would evaluate the feasibility of expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley – the mountains above the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo valleys, as well as the Arroyo Seco Corridor.
Schiff introduced H.R.704 in the House, and Sen. Feinstein introduced companion legislation, S. 347, in the Senate. In October 2003, Congressman Schiff testified at a House National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Subcommittee hearing in support of H.R. 704, as did La Cañada-Flintridge Mayor Pro-Tem Anthony J. Portantino, representing the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. The U.S. Park Service also submitted written testimony in support of the House bill. Since it already passed the Senate in April 2003, the Senate version of the bill was considered in Committee today.
Designated by Congress in 1978 as the world's largest urban park, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area spans the area from the Ventura Freeway westward to the Pacific Ocean, an area rich in rare Mediterranean ecosystems. Inclusion of the Rim of the Valley corridor would link wildlife habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains to the Angeles National Forest. Under the legislation, the Interior Department would consult with state, county and local governments, and report their recommendations to Congress within three years. A subsequent Act of Congress would then be required to designate any new addition to the U.S. Park System.
Congressman Schiff represents California's 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

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Project Watch
by Tom Topping
This column is in response to the many questions I get about the current construction in Eagle Rock. I will not attempt to go into detail here but will just give you the gyst of the projects so you'll know what's happening.
The most asked about construction this month is the Chevron Station on the corner of Colorado and Figueroa, across from the Post Office. It was, and will again be a Chevron gas station. The pumps will remain in basically the same location, but the attendent post, and minimart with beer and wine alcohol sales, will be at the extreme south end of the lot on Figueroa. Next to the vacant Edison lot on the east side of the property will be a drive-through 'quick' carwash.
Two other projects are most visible in Eagle Rock. One is the Senior/Low income housing development to be on
the corner of College view and Colorado Blvd. If memory serves, it will be a mixed use development, with 74 housing units, with storefront spaces at street level. It has been in process for at least eight years. The project has the blessing of the resident association, as the developer has allowed them to redesign almost all of it and has supported every cause they've taken on in that time.
The interceptor sewer down Eagle Rock Boulevard had a slight setback last month when exceptionally high ground water forced the contrator to completely shore up the sides of the trench with giant I-beams sunk 30 to 40 feet into the ground. It will be at least another year before Eagle Rock Boulevard returns to normal.
Ah Walgreens, open at last! Maybe not for long- sorry- you'll have to read my State of the Town article for coverage on that.

State of the TOWN
by Tom Topping
The yearly State of the Town address given by the 14th Disrict City Councilperson was held on September 21 this year. It was the second for the Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa. He reported on the State of the Town as it relates to what he has accomplished since last year.
There was some good information as well as some interesting stuff. He talked about the child care center at Eagle Rock Park that has been in progress for years. It is finnally open now and the reason it took so long was that the contractor went out of business- and then the bonding company went out of business, too!
He talked about the Renaissance Arts Acadamy now open in the old Pillers building. His office had to intercede with the City's Department of Building and Safety, who was giving them a hard time, to help expedite its completion.
He touted his efforts at helping the Center for the Arts, the $50,000 he found in the City budget for them, and for working with them to provide the performances at the old Sylvan Theater, and the upcoming "Rock is Art Project" that was coming up that weekend.
WALGREENS
"Walgreens has violated the spirit, if not the letter of the Specific Plan," he stated. The work his office had done with them, though, would result in potted plants in the seating area of the patio of contention, and vines on the columns to improve their appearance.
That day was a busy one for the Walgreens developer, however. The story is a little long, but when the final design of the patio area building, the one facing Colorado Blvd. was approved by the Planning and Land Use Committee of the City Council, a condition was added that required all the buildings be completed before the Walgreen's store was allowed to open. When I say completed, I mean that Certificates of Occupancy be issued for those buildings.
I'm sure there was a lot of pressure for the drug store to open as soon as possible, and on August 30, the store opened for business, with completion of the outer buildings in the development weeks away. Well, the councilman's office got involved and found out that Building and Safety had given them a temporary certificate of occupancy (C of O), determined that it had been issued in error, and had it pulled. The developer appealed and the hearing was held earlier the same day as the State of the Town address.
Villaraigosa announced that the developer had lost their appeal, but the city didn't close them down because now 22 people are employed there, many of them Eagle Rock residents. They were given ten working days to comply- until Tuesday, October 5. (I asked the assistant manager at Walgreen's if they were gonna be be shut down next week- he said that the developer was extremely confident that would not happen- sounds like an inside job, eh?)
The councilman went on to explain that according to the city attorney, many of these conditions that get put on these projects when they are approved cannot be enforced. He said his office is working on a proposal that the city comes up with a list of what (conditions) can and cannot be enforced, for future reference.
Finally, the question and answer period came. The question most people wanted to know was about the Mayor's race. Specifically, why did he break his promise not to run for mayor this time?
Antonio said he believed he would stay in the councilman's seat for the 4 years, but during the MTA strike, he realized there was a lack of leadership. He reminded all that as soon as he won his lawsuit, (he was being prevented from participating in negotiations, and he fought to be allowed to participate) he went into round the clock negotiations- and the strike was settled in two days. He said that mayor Hahn did not get involved in solving the strike because he was afraid he might fail. "Some people have urged me to run- they said, 'I want a leader who will unite- who is not afraid to lead.'."
He continued then, answering questions about the homeless problem, a possible HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone), creating a specific plan for Eagle Rock and York Boulevards, and illegal immigration.
He said that every country has a right to have immigration laws and enforce them. But that is not going to stop illegal immigrants from coming. The answer that other countries have found is to invest in those countries that the immigrants are coming from. It is the only long term solution that works.

Letters Policy
The Boulevard Sentinel welcomes letters of all viewpoints regarding local subjects within the jurisdiction of Northeast L.A. However, all letters must include the writers name, address and telephone. Our policy is to print the name and community of residence with letters, which will be withheld from publication on request. Anonymous letters and letters containing hate language or bad taste will not be published, but they will be read. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. Send your letters to the Boulevard Sentinel p.o. box 41726, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 or e-mail to blvdsent5775@yahoo.com.

EAGLE ROCK PHARMACY
5048 Eagle Rock Blvd
Dear Friends,
I want to thank you for your loyalty over the past 37 years. It has been my pleasure to be your pharmacist and I feel as if you have become family rather than just my customers.
A special opportunity presented itself to me and I felt I couldn't refuse it. A new Walgreens store opened directly across the street and offered to buy my pharmacy. Although the decision was obvious, I still had many sleepless nights. They encouraged me to bring my employees and join the staff at Walgreens. They have been very supportive of this endeavor and I can"t say enough good things about Walgreens.
Effective Tuesday, September 28, my phone will no longer ring to Eagle Rock Pharmacy, but to Walgreens. I look forward to my new adventure and to serving you at Walgreens.
Sincerely, Steven Saylor
Walgreens
2222 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(on the corner of Eagle Rock Blvd. and Colorado Blvd.) (323) 254-0643

Hi Tom Topping
Just a short note:
This morning, while sipping my coffee and eating my bagel, I read one more time "Friends of Fishing" from the September Boulevard Sentinel.
What a charming story and what exceptional imagery- the kids- the fish- the ocean. You painted quite a picture.
Such good imagery in fact that it is easy for the reader to imagine himself or herself actually on board with the kids, watching the dolphins play and the seaguls overhead.
This one is a winner, Tom.
Mary Moon, Eagle Rock

Dear Mr. Topping,
As an Eagle Rock resident for more than 13 years, I want to welcome the new Walgreens to town and relate a personal experience with their store. I recently needed some medicine for my wife on a Sunday evening just before 9:00 PM, and first went to the local Sav-On Drugs. Although I arrived several minutes before closing (at least 3 or 4), but was not allowed in and turned away at the door. I then had my first opportunity to visit the new Walgreens, which I not only found open, but I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff, and the same medicine I was going to purchase at Sav-On Drugs was also less expensive at Walgreens.
I, for one, am glad to have the Walgreens as a new neighbor, and I must say that it is a MUCH nicer area now, than when that eyesore of a (Shopping Bag) building was there. Welcome to Eagle Rock!
John Barry
Eagle Rock, CA

Craig Stephen Kapner

Craig Stephen Kapner, a Tujunga resident who had lived in Eagle Rock and attended Eagle Rock High School was killed in a motorcycle accident on September 12th on the Angeles Crest highway. He has many friends in this area and will be sadly missed. Craig was a devoted husband and father who coached youth baseball and school sports. He leaves his wife Lori (Leventon) and 2 sons, Curtis Michael, 16; and Clayton Nicholas, 10.

The Eagle Vista Seniors
The Eagle Vista Seniors' Board meeting on Oct.05 at 9:00 a.m, and the Members' meeting at 10:00. There will be a report from the Nominating Committee and birthday cake to honor October birthdays. Tamar Konyalion, (a nurse practitioner, will speak on the subject of Stroke Prevention.
No regular meeting on October 12 (Tuesday) due to the Grand Canyon trip which departs from Glassell Park at 7:00 a.m. and from Eagle Rock Park at 7:15 a.m. This 4-day trip includes Flagstaff, Lake Powell, Brice and Zion Canyons and returns via Mesquite on October 14.
Oct. 19 BINGO! Art Gibson- caller.
Tuesday, Oct.26., the annual Halloween Party takes place. (Costumes will be judged by category). Lunch is to be catered by El Pollo Loco-$5.00.
HEADS UP: Nov. 9, Tues, a trip to the Getty Museum is offered for the princely sum of $1.00. The bus will depart from Eagle Rock at 10 :15 a.m. going first to the Sizzler Restaurant in Los Feliz for lunch (on your own) then on to the Getty.

Uptown Cabaret
The uptown gay and lesbian Alliance invites all to order tickets now for the 2004 Uptown Cabaret. This years show will be on Saturday evening, October 16. Cocktail hour and the silent auction will begin at 6:30pm, curtain time at 8:00. This year it will be held at the Women's 20th Century Club, 5105 Hermosa Avenue in Eagle Rock. General Admission is $35. Order your tickets now! Seating is limited. Orders postmarked after October 4th will be held at the door in your name. Mail your orders, along with your check, to: UGLA, P.O. Box 65111, Los Angeles, CA 90065, Call Joan Potter at (323) 258-2555 for more information.

GPNC News:
GPNC ELECTION DAY
It's election time for the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council. All 15 seats on our Board are open. There are 7 area representatives, 3 business, 2 organizational, and 3 institutional with one being faith-based, one education-based, and one open to suggestion.
Election timeline:
*Monday, October 11 at 7:00PM at Glassell Park Elementary School- Candidate Forum and nominations from the floor
*Wednesday, October 13 at 5:00PM- Candidate Nomination Forms must be received in order to be printed on the ballot
*Monday, November 1 at 5:00PM- Deadline for write-in candidates to register
*Saturday, November 13 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM- At Glassell Park Elementary School- ELECTION DAY!!
The election planning committee will be meeting Wednesday, September 29 at
7:00PM at the GP Recreation Center. Please attend if you'd like to register as a candidate, learn more about the process, or if you can help.

Highland Park Happenings
by Paul Thomas
September is a time of falling leaves, beautiful sunsets, cool breezes, and ever-annoying Back-To-School TV commercials. Well, not exactly. Not in Highland Park anyway.
September did mean that the kids went back to school - like it or not. For the rest of us lucky folks - Summer remained with us in a big way.
On Labor Day weekend, one had the choice of crawling out of town on one of the majorly congested major freeways, or staying home for a serene and sunny holiday at home - complete with fireworks.
Muggy days and balmy nights beckoned residents out for midnight walks and liaisons, despite the West Nile Virus risk. Mid-September in Highland Park was a beautiful time for scant clothing and revisits to July's weather. An enjoyable end of Summer indeed!
Throughout the month, the parade committee for the 60th Northeast Los Angeles Holiday Parade has been busy, meeting every Wednesday (6:30 - 7:30pm at 115 N. Ave 53 in Highland Park).
Call them at: 323-255-5030 or show up at the next meeting.
Also involved in the parade is The Historic Highland Park neighborhood Council, which has been meeting regularly at The Franklin High School cafeteria, to discuss their level of participation. They've also been working out kinks for the Garvanza Skate Park and The Arroyo Seco/Hermon Dog Park. Lastly, the Spring Equinox arrived on September 22nd, but nobody really noticed. They were too busy enjoying the 90% Summer heat!

HERMON DOG PARK CLEARS ENVIRONMENTAL HURDLES
Endorsed by Area's Certified Neighborhood Council, Other Local Community Groups
Northeast Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2004: The HERMON DOG PARK -- a proposed off-leash exercise area for dogs and their owners, located in the Hermon community of Northeast Los Angeles -- has passed through the initial studies under the required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with a finding of "no significant unavoidable adverse impacts" related to its placement in Hermon Park, at 5566 Via Marisol.
The CEQA study was prepared by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Park which made a "negative declaration" - a positive finding for placing the park in this centrally located community in the 14th Council District, which stretches along the city's eastern perimeter from Eagle Rock, near the Glendale border, to Boyle Heights.
The environmental report showed no need to mitigate, and no potentially significant impact on any of the 17 environmental topic areas surveyed under the Act -- ranging from water and soil quality to noise and other affects on nearby populations in this East Arroyo Seco community. According to the CEQA summary, the Hermon Dog Park will include two separately fenced areas - accommodating small- and large-breed dogs - as well as a dog watering fountain, disposable bag dispenser, portable toilet, and benches.
In the weeks before the formal report was issued, the Hermon Dog Park project added two critical endorsements from community organizations that serve the immediate area - one from the city's certified Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC), five small interconnected communities along the arroyo, including Hermon -- and also from the Hermon Neighborhood Association, a volunteer support group established in 1999 to organize that community's activist and preservationist efforts.
In expressing the ASNC board's overwhelming support of the project, neighborhood council president Patricia Griffith of nearby Mount Washington wrote: "This. . . dog park is needed. The nearest off-leash dog park is Silverlake Park, an overused park approximately 15 miles away. With traffic, this drive takes 20 minutes to a half hour (and) many potential dog park patrons simply will not bother."
Residents from the Northeast communities of Hermon, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, and other neighboring areas began lobbying current and past city council members nearly two years ago to place a planned, funded dog park in an under-utilized portion of Hermon Park, centrally located in the 14th district, near Avenue 60 and Monterey Road. Over the past 18 months, several other potential locations were ruled out due to environmental concerns or lack of community support.
Plans calls for the Hermon Dog Park to be situated on a 1.3-acre section of secluded, unused city park space alongside the northbound Avenue 60 on-ramp to the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (110 Freeway) and offer recreational space for upwards of 40,000 nearby dog-owner households. Supporters of the location lobbied that it would fill a particular need in the Hermon/Monterey Hills area where nearly two-thirds of the homes are "attached" dwellings with little yard space (condominiums, townhouses, and apartments).
A support group for the proposed off-leash park was established last year including dog owners from the Hermon Neighborhood Association, the neighboring Montecito Heights Improvement Association, City of Angels Dog Rescue, and unaffiliated individuals from throughout the Northeast and nearby San Gabriel Valley. The CEQA report is now available for public review at several area locations, and open to public comment until October 4, 2004.
To view the summary report, or for more general information, news updates, or directions to the location, visit www.hermondogpark.com -- the official formation committee Website.

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