by Carl Matthes –
Saturday night, October 4, was a big night in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). Holding forth on Colorado Boulevard — between Eagle Rock Blvd. and Argus — was the 10th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival (ERMF), which featured over 40 bands, dancers, and performers. Again this year, the Festival attracted more than 20,000 people, making this the largest live event in NELA.
Beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until midnight, Colorado was shut down in both directions to allow crowds free-range walking and listening, eating and drinking, perusing 60 community vendors, and visiting local businesses. The huge diverse crowd, perhaps attracted by the fact that the event is free, was amazing. Even intermittent light mist/rain couldn't dampen the celebratory spirit.
ERMF grew from Dahlia Days, an Eagle Rock community fair, and was the brain child of Eagle Rock Center for the Arts then Executive Director Denise Seider. I was associated with the ERMF at its inception, helping Denise with fundraising, booking talent, and logistics. I also became a Center Board Member.
One fond memory is of moving the Center's ancient spinet piano, with the help of Eagle Rock's most involved businessmen, Michael Nogueira, from the Center to Camilo's Bistro. Camilo's had just moved from York Boulevard to its new location on Colorado and wanted to be an ERMF host. They also were interested in showcasing featured performers from Uptown Cabaret, an annual fundraiser sponsored by UGLA (Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance). All they needed was a piano. Michael and I became piano movers! Colorado was not shut down in those early years and venues were not only along Colorado, but included the Center itself while extending down Eagle Rock Boulevard.
Denise left to take a position with the Armory Center for the Arts and the Center Board hired the able and talented Jenny Krusoe. Jenny expanded ERMF to its present format and with prodigious work brought ERMF into focus as an important NELA event. Current Center for the Arts ED Julia Salazar has sharpened the local focus and has raised city-wide awareness of the Festival. Support from 14th District Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, the City of Los Angeles, Northeast businesses and individuals has been the heart of the continuing financial health of the Festival.
This year, my own local focus was the performances at Renaissance Arts Academy (RenArts), a Charter School for the Arts housed in the old Piller's Department store in Eagle Rock. RenArts, with an excellent faculty, headed by Director PK Candaux, will be celebrating its Fifth Anniversary later this month. It has achieved an enviable scholastic record while providing students serious study of music with access to performance.
In fact, RenArts demands that each student enrolled in the school must study either violin, viola, cello, or double bass. What is also amazing is that the students receive instruction on their instrument of choice as part of their school curriculum. During ERMF, RenArts students performed Contemporary/Classical repertoire by composers such as Holst, Ravel, Villa-Lobos, Kodaly, and others.
RenArts students appeared in string ensembles of from three to 25 members (under the direction of Maggie Edmonson), participated in the RenArts Dance Company with Percussion Ensemble. (Choreography by Sarri Sanchez and Eric Speth. Physical Education is supplied by mandatory ballet training!)
At least 25 students comprised the RenArts Vocal Ensemble (under the direction of Yorgos Adamis). Also included were some of my piano students who performed works by Bernstein, Persichetti, Reigger, Kabalevsky, and Muczynski.
The almost two-hour program played to a full house including northeast luminaries Congressman Xavier Becerra, Jenny Krusoe, Paul Vandeventer, and Tony Scudelarri, chair of the Board for Center for the Arts and Manager of the Northeast Democratic Club's headquarters on North Figueroa in Highland Park.
I am sure that plans for the 11th Annual ERMF are already incubating. The inclusion this year of so many different types of music—from jazz and percussion to rock and hip-hop and from spiritual and world music to East Indian and Classical—showcases the diverse nature of our neighborhoods married through interest in music - an art which erases differences and provides a platform for understanding.
Congratulations to Julia and the entire Center for the Arts staff.
Carl Matthes is a native of Los Angeles and has lived in Eagle Rock for over 40 years. He is a former president and a current Board member of Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance. He is a former columnist and a current advisor to the Lesbian News, the oldest lesbian publication in America. He was editor of the GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) newsletter and a former GLAAD National Board member. He has also been a Board member of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

 

Looking Back
by Joe Walker

In this classic postcard from the 1940s, the Pueblo Motel (Now the Alma Lodge board and care) was a state of the art “motor hotel”, with a cafe, a barber shop, radios in every room and TV in the lobby. (postcard courtesy of Max Norris- his mother Lenore worked as a waitress there.)

30 YEARS AGO IN NORTHEAST LA
Eagle Rock

On Nov 18, 1978,Wilson High School quarterback Steve Clarkson had a field day by leading his school to a crushing 52-0 defeat of Eagle Rock. Wilson won the Northern Title with that victory. He later was a three-year starter for coach Jack Elway at San José State University, where he holds several passing records and was named to the Academic All-American teams in 1981 and 1982. Clarkson played a season for the Denver Broncos and two seasons for the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
An Addidas canvas basketball shoe was being sold at the Oshman's Sporting Goods store at the Eagle Rock Plaza for $8.99. For $1. more, you could buy an official Wilson brand "O.J. Simpson" football-regularly $12.99. Oshmans was eventually bought out by the "Sports Authority" chain, which was owned by K-Mart. Former USC football star was aquitted in 1995 of two murders, but was convicted of 12 counts of robbery on Oct. 2, 2008, and faces life in prison.
Nearby Conroy's Florists was offering a six inch bridal veil for only $2.99, if you used a coupon.

1978

The Grand opening of the Dollarsaver Discount Store at 6305 York Blvd was held on Nov 5, 1978. The location, previously a Mayfair Market, is now a Rite Aid. On Nov 30, 1978, the owner of Theta Cable, which brought the "Z" channel to Los Angeles in the early 1970's, warily eyed two new pay stations that were available in Northeast L.A.
They were the "On TV" Channel" and "Select-TV". Theta's basic service was $9 per month, plus a $15 installation charge. If you wanted the Z channel, it cost another $9.95 per month. Many northeast L.A. residents paid just the basic $9 per month and hacked into the Z channel service by making deals with the men who installed the cable. The channel was the subject of the 2004 documentary Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession, which is available
on Netflix. ON-TV and Select TV were one of many "scrambled UHF" services in many major markets around the country in the era before multi-channel cable television became widely available.

70 YEARS AGO IN NORTHEAST LA

In November, 1938, $3450 could buy you a five room house at 4316 Verdugo Road , Glassell Park.
Eagle Rock Elementary hosted Mrs. Mab Copeland Lineman on Thursday, November 24, 1938, the chairman of the "social adjustment and crime prevention" committee of the Los Angeles County Federation of Women's Clubs, who conducted a class for women. She encouraged the ladies to help her promote a writing contest for local students to submit crime prevention plans. Among the issues she wanted the plans to address were: "violations of the law include truancy, breaking traffic laws, stealing tires, automobiles, bicycles, too much "petting" (quotation marks included in the story), taking other people's finery or belongings, selling cigarettes, liquor, and dope to minors" Not mentioned in the article was that Ms. Coleman was the first woman judge pro tem for the Superior Court who specialized in women's legal affairs.

90 YEARS AGO IN NORTHEAST LA

The signing of the armistice to end World War I brought huge and rowdy celebrations to downtown L.A, where the mayor declared a holiday and half a million people gathered on November 18, 1918.. Murphy Bryan, 63, of 5310 Irvington suf
fered a broken leg and fractured skull in the celebrations held downtown, and Mrs. Janette Shoey of Alhambra was killed when a car with six other celebrants crashed into the Santa Fe Train as it crossed Pasadena Ave and Ave 61—right where Smart and Final is and the Gold Line passes dozens of times a day.

 

 

I Love the Nightlife.
Northeast L.A.- Entertain Me!

by Tom Topping
Right on the heels of the most successful Eagle Rock Music Festival yet, there's not enough said about the great entertainment offered weekly in Northeast L.A.
It's getting so I can't wait for Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights to come around every week. Saturday and Sunday and Tuesday and Thursday are pretty good, too. Not since the "glory" days of Topper's Tavern (where the Chalet is today) has living in Northeast L.A. provided so many late night choices for low cost and close-to-home fun. What? I'm talkin' live entertainment. Music, dancing, karaoke, rock, jazz and now even a stand-up comedy night are all here to satiate any late night appetite.
Whereas good ol' Toppers had live music two to three nights a week, and karaoke on another two nights, the place that started it all going again is Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock. This is the place that started with a guitarist who sang (Brian the Fisherman), and then a Pianist showed up who got every body else up to sing (Linda Lopez), is now a full fledged seven-night-a-week Jazz club.

The Colombos All Stars perform on a typical Monday night. Here, Tommy Trujillo sings while Leslie Baker (on base), Stephan Oberhoff (on piano) and Frank Wilson (on drums) accompany him.

Every Monday night the Colombo's All Stars, led by the Eric Eckstrand trio, attracts some of the best Jazz musicians from around southern California and even the entire world, really. Experienced pros and newcomers right out of high school play next to each other on Monday nights. It is always good, but sometimes it is so fantastic, that you just can't believe

you're sitting in a restaurant in little old Eagle Rock. It is open for any musician or singer to sign up and show wha-cha got.
Sonji Kimmons, someone who's performed around the world, lights up the night on Tuesdays with her classic Jazz style and that smooth and sultry voice that can melt the ice cubes right out from out of under the glasses that hold the many great drinks available at the spacious Colombo's bar.
Wednesday, Ms. Karen Hernandez and Jimmie Spencer entertain and Thursday is the Rio Fiumara-Tom Armbruster Quartet. You won't be disappointed.

The Colombo’s headliner for Friday night late is the Ralph Guzman Latin Jazz Band

The headliner for Friday night late is the Ralph Guzman Latin Jazz Band. It is always popular with the late dinner crowd, some of whom show up to salsa and rumba. It always has a holiday feel Fridays at Colombo's.
Saturdays usually start out with Eric Eckstrand soloing on the piano, while the Martini Diaries and the Phil Parlapiano Trio alternate every other week, broken up by a special guest performance each month.
Sundays bring it all back together again with the Eric Eckstrand Trio of Eric on Piano, Frank Wilson on drums and the lovely Leslie Baker on the stand-up bass. Leslie, by the way, just had her second CD drop, Askew Blew, which is available for sale on the Sunday and Monday nights she performs.
When you get your fill of Jazz for the week, and you're in the mood for something young, raw and cutting edge, there's only one place to go. Mr. T's Bowl. The old six lane bowling alley has resurrected itself from the dead, reinventing itself again and again with each new generation.
Mr. T's consistently attracts 'em in from all areas of greater L.A. With the Gold Line Station right next door, a steady stream of counterculture late-night Hollywood types funnel in right past midnight, all resting assured
that a full volley of bands are booked for the night. It is not uncommon for 6 separate bands to play back to back sets from 9 until 1 a.m. This all happens practically every night of the week, with a cover charge only on Fridays and Saturdays. It is loud and raw and young, and I can only take a little more than an hour of it before my 51 year old ears can't take any more.
Mr. T's is at 5621 1/2 Figueroa, but don't look for a sign that says "Mr. T", unless you come in the back door. They sport a full bar, and are open for the after work crowd around 4 p.m. Plenty of parking is available off Avenue 57, all within sight of their famous back door entry way.
Newest on the block at the western end of York Boulevard, on the corner of Tonawanda and York is the Casa Princesa Coffe House. No alcohol here, but the music at Casa Princesa, 4527 York Blvd, is plenty loud enough when the Filipino community and the rest of the community join together for Karaoke Nights, hosted by the infamous Blogger and now Boulevard Sentinel columnist Zuma Dogg.
Johnson, the owner of Casa Princesa, and his lovely family could not have made the place a more welcoming spot for all community members to come. It is really classy, and they even have a spotlight to shine on the performers. Look for the "Zuma Dogg Karaoke Party and Open Mic" nights every Friday.
Finally, in a single swipe, the community of Northeast L.A.'s night life has finally come of age with the initiation of a weekly comedy night at All Star Lanes Bowling alley, 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd. Unbelievable as it sounds it is actually true.

The Wednesday night All Star Lanes comics give a new meaning to the word “comedy”

Twenty-six year old up and coming comic Adam Shenkman, (good name for a comic, eh?) has overcome all the nattering naysayers and critics by organizing and hosting his very own local version of the comedy store, at a place that is surprisingly well suited to it. It is partly amateur night and partly 100% professional. Some nights are better than others, and some are much worse.
Last week, on October 22, three comics performed that were pure genius. It was amazing that real pros like Eddie Pepitone, Rick Shapiro and Eagle Rock's own Bobbie Oliver (a regular at the ice House) showed up for a brand new venue that practically no one (until now) knows about or goes to. Of course, their genius was constantly being interrupted by moments of pure stupidity, inane-ness, boredom, ugliness and outright unfunny-ness (the host and the other wannabe comics), but the drinks are reasonable and it was a FREE-SHOW! If you are in the mood for some local fun that is a little different on Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30, this is the place to go. After the comedians, the stage at All Star Lanes stays lit as the only alcoholic Karaoke venue in the area keeps things rolling every night of the week.
The real jewel of the All Star lanes, however, is the Eagle Rock Bowling and Drinking Club, which just turned three years old last month. Promoters Janine and Marie got the monthly live music event started on their own, and it happens once a month.
They book at least three bands- pretty good ones, too, and it has a regular following. The best way to keep up on upcoming shows is to contact them at bowlinganddrinking@gmail.com, to get on their e-mail list. It is usually followed by Karaoke, with fans staying late into the night. You can also add them as a friend at their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/bowlinganddrinking to keep up on the upcoming dates and performers.
There is something for almost everyone in the Northeast L.A. entertainment scene. With Jazz, Rock and Comedy all represented, the only things that might be missing are country, hip-hop and classical. Luckily for Classical fans, Ernie Draffin, concert violinist performs at Colombos on Fridays from 5:30-9:30, and the notable local Santa Cecilia Orchestra will perform their "De Alma Latina", at Occidental College Thorne Hall on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
And just to make sure I don't leave anyone out, the wildly successful Los Angeles Accordion Festival is planning to repeat this coming year, held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall in Eagle Rock. The three day event drew around 2000 people last spring, rounding out the width and breadth of entertainment in the local communities of Northeast L.A.
If your have an upcoming performance scheduled for the communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Cypress Park, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington or Hermon, send an e-mail to our new music editor, Steve Estrada at, entertainment@boulevardsentinel.com.

 

 

Society for the Spectacle

West York Blvd. Never Looked so Good!

by Tom Topping
Nestled along a historically shoddy and busy commercial boulevard, is a shining ray of hope for the future of southern Eagle Rock that is the west end of York Boulevard. The bright and cheery yellow and orange facade seems less out of place, and more like part of a dream. More than a dream it is, too. It is Society for the Spectacle, the realization of the dreams of sisters Amy and Katie O'Connell, and their passion of bringing high quality and fashionable eyewear to Northeast L.A.
Originally from Orange County, Katie moved to L.A. in the mid nineteen-eighties. While attending an art opening, she met the owner of L.A. Eyeworks, the cutting edge of high quality fashion eyewear in Los Angeles. She got a job at a company who still designs and manufactures the top quality eyewear. Ten years later, Amy started work there as well. They both learned the business of eyewear from the best.
When the two sisters with over 30 years of experience in the optical industry decided to open their own shop, they had lived in Highland Park since 1999. They fell in love with the area after spending so much time with several friends who have lived there for many years. Once a house went up for sale in their favorite neighborhood, they bought it right away. "We didn't look anywhere else, we knew we were home," Amy said.
After moving to Highland Park, they often found themselves sending friends and neighbors to the Melrose Blvd. L.A. Eyeworks location, and thought how great it would be if a local store would carry their empolyer's brands. No local eyewear store seemed interested, so aside from thinking they should open their own shop, they forgot all about it.
After they attending an eyewear convention in Paris, France, they remembered their dream. At the convention, they met two sisters from Australia who had opened their own store. Katie and Amy were inspired, and soon went looking for a location. Soon after, they were opening the Society for the Spectacle. Their much loved 1906 Highland park Craftsman home became the starting point for how they wanted their store to be. "We wanted it to feel like home and feel comfortable, and for it to have the feel of its place here in Historic Northeast Los Angeles," said Katie.
"I just saw the sign on my way by," said Amy of how they found their York boulevard location.
It is California itself that spurred the eyewear selection at their shop. Housed in a small bungalow, the shop focuses on eyewear brands that are designed and based in California.
"In the past 35 years, California has become the Detroit of eyewear," Katie says… "Los Angeles based brands such as L.A. Eyeworks, and Oliver Peoples have lead the way in eyeglass styling and design and use of materials worldwide. We are so excited to feature these brands in our store. We really believe in them. Newer, up and coming California based eyewear design houses such as Salt and Kala are also in the shop."
Amy chimed in about her passion for great eyewear. "Our background is that we have the experience, obviously, in dispensing and selling eyeglasses, but also with the manufacturing and quality, things like that. So that's why we carry brands that you don't find in a Lensecrafters or a Sears or something like that. We want to sell good quality eyewear." Business has been pretty good, but, as Amy added, "Our location is a slight challenge, because we're across the street from Sparklett's, and on a very busy thoroughfare."
Now, the sisters are taking an active role in the revitalization of "Western York", participating in the local Neighborhood Watches and Chamber of Commerce mixers whenever they can. They are proving to be an anchor, that other businesses can look to, to support theirs.
But there is no doubt their main focus in on great eyewear. "Our goal is that our clients look amazing, we want them to feel like themselves and get great lenses. We want to provide excellent service in an environment that makes it easy to make choose whatever look they want," Katie added.
Society of the Spectacle, 4563 York Blvd., 323 255 4300.
 

 

WHY SHOP LOCALLY?
In these economic times, and especially with the Holiday buying season coming up, it is more important than ever to shop locally. Why?
A locally owned independent business returns approximately 80% of each dollar spent back to the community. Local, independent businesses assist the community through a "multiplier effect": one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees' wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses. In addition, these businesses will turn that dollar back into the community through school funding, social services, contributions to local non-profit organizations and advertise in local publications like the Boulevard Sentinel.
Chains and franchises contribute roughly 40% and at times as little as 20% of the store's sales back into the community through employee wages, sales taxes, and property taxes. Frequently, a chain store's location is owned by the larger non-local company, and the business is often given tax breaks by the city in order for shareholder profits to remain high. Locally owned independent businesses do not receive such benefits and thus contribute a far greater proportion of revenues to local taxes.
Your choice to "Shop Local" makes for a richer community.
Local, independent businesses are located all over Northeast L.A. You can grab an espresso to go, pick up locally grown produce at either of our two Farmer's markets, freshly baked bread, shop for unique gifts or household items, or choose a good book for a day at the beach. You can get your hair cut, have your taxes prepared, or apply for a mortgage at your friendly community bank or credit union.
These businesses add to the character that is Northeast L.A., contributing more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention and add diversity to our shopping options, as well as bring life to historic buildings. And they pay their employees— and local taxes— with the income they receive. Each time you choose to spend your dollars at a local, independent business, you are voting for the continued strength and vitality of your community.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
You can help support choice in our business community by patronizing local businesses throughout the Northeast Los Angeles area. The more successful and vibrant local businesses become, other businesses will want to open in an area that breeds success.
Although some items are not available from local businesses, often they can be ordered easily and available in just a few days. If your local business is missing an item you'd like them to carry, let them know. Maybe they can begin to stock it.
Think about the long-term effect of your spending choices. The shopping decisions you make today have a ripple effect on our local and regional economy. Let's all make sure we keep the Northeast area thriving for the benefit of our children and their children as well.

 

 

 

Jake Carper 1934-2008

Percy Andrew Cecile Carper was born April 24, 1934, in Huntingdon county Pennsylvania, He was the son of Samuel and Mary Carper one of 10 children.
He married Connie in 1955. together they moved to southern California in 1957 and raised their four children. Jake was a long time resident of eagle rock where he owned Jake's barber shop for 40 years. He was known to have given a lot of men their First Hair Cut just as he had given his four Grandsons theirs. He loved to cut hair and to get to know his customers. Even some of his customers that had moved away would stop by for a hair cut when in town. Jake always knew what was going on in Eagle Rock all you needed to do was stop by for a hair cut and you could get caught up on everything in town.
Jake also loved to square dance. Every Friday you could find him at a dance making new friends and hanging with old ones.
Jake loved a good ol' fishing trip, in fact he would hang a sign in the barber shop window GONE FISHING will be back soon when he set out on his trips. He enjoyed fishing so much he not only taught all three sons and his daughter to fish but also his grandkids. Promises of fishing trips were often birthday and Christmas gifts.
He will be deeply missed. Anyone who had the deep privilege of experiencing all that Jake was, will know what a true honor it is to have had him in their lives. His humor, and his kindness will always be a imprint on the lives of those who loved him
He is survived by his 3 sons, Dan Carper of Sunland, Barry Carper of Tujunga, Jerry Carper and wife Lori of New Hampshire, daughter Tami Chevalier and husband Dirk of Tujunga, and 8 grandchildren: Chris, Richard, Meshell, Lindsay, Mandy, Dustin, Craig and Cassy.
Jake also leaves behind a long time loving companion, Sally Sanchez, along with her three children and grandchildren.
Jake and Sally shared twelve years of happiness together. They moved to Palmdale in 2004 when Jake retired from the barbershop. They spent their time together square dancing, camping and making memories with their families and friends.
He is also survived by 3 sister Gerrie Meek of Eagle Rock, Sophie, and Burt, of pennsylvania 3 brothers Chip, and Wils of Pennsylvania and Howd of Maryland. A celebration of his life was held on October 12.

 

 

First Eagle Rock Sports Hall of Fame

by Sharon Gould

Dean Balzarett, Tom Meyer, Dave Brown

The Eagle Rock Alumni Eagle Scream editorial staff with the help of the Homecoming Committee initiated the first Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies for ERHS at this year's Homecoming activities. They thanked the Hollywood HS alumni newsletter for the idea of this worthwhile star-search and are particularly grateful to Gale Fullerton S'62, the sports editor, for taking the idea and running with it to score a great victory!
The inductees were nominated by alumni newsletter readers. They included the very distinguished and deserving Tom Meyer S'53 for track & field, basketball and football; Dean Balzarett S'57 for track & field and football; and Dave Brown S'68 for track & field and football, whose classmates were celebrating their 50th reunion and were there to cheer him on!
This was just one of the many well-planned and entertaining events organized by the Homecoming Committee. Several Alumni Board members have received numerous complimentary communications regarding the overwhelming success of the festivities, including this positive summation from Tom Pocklington S'61.
He said, "Thank you Homecoming Committee, for all your hard work and ERHS spirit for the Homecoming Alumni Program on Friday, October 17."
Everyone who was a participant in this event made it a wonderful day as they looked back on, and remembered the alumni leaders with great appreciation. The principal, faculty and students greeted participants with smiles and open arms, and gave a very great greeting of 'welcome back' as they parked their cars and checked in at the cafeteria.
Alumni were thrilled and a little bit scared to step back into the classroom and talk with students and teachers for some of us who have not been in a high school classroom in many years. The classroom visitations were a lot of fun and the student questions were a good read on what current concerns face students today.
The Drill Team, Cheer Leaders, and band put on a great Student Spirit performance on the campus lawn prior to lunch. The gift of a special made rally patch, handmade by the Drill Team, was a great booster gift to wear to the game and was appreciated by all.
The tailgate luncheon and program to recognize outstanding ER alumni was very memorable, and I was very happy to be there with my family to observe this event. The ERHS Sports Hall of Fame and Honorary Sports Hall of Fame is a great way of providing great role models for the students today and recognize outstanding past performances.
Congratulations to Gale Fullerton S'62, MC of this first-time event, for a job well-done! The detail of the information and the knowledge of her subject matter was outstanding. Gale's hard work was truly a labor of love for this program. The school choir closed with ER spirit songs and the Alma Mater.
Eagle Rock Alums then toured the campus on their way to the football game, which brought back great memories. There were several meetings with senior and junior class members in attendance, along with a former teacher. What was a perfect day was only made more perfect with a great win by the Eagles. GO EAGLES!!"

 

The 2003 Discovery Tour of Art and Architecture

by Frits van Willigen
The Arroyo Arts Collective's 16th annual Discovery Tour will take place, as is its tradition, the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day (which this year will be on the 23rd of November).
The event enables those interested in arts, crafts and architecture to discover interesting people and places that are usually hidden within the communities of Highland Park, Eagle Rock and Mount Washington. Most of the art and crafts items on display this day will be for sale. And with the holidays approaching. this could be an excellent way of finding unique and affordable gifts.
With more than 140 participants this year, the self-guided tour provides opportunities to select from a great variety of places to visit. From professional artists working in splendid studios to eccentric dilettanti creating whimsical objects in converted garages, the diversity of art that can be seen is tremendous. Then there are the numerous artists who present their work in historic homes or otherwise interesting places in the neighborhood. A couple of puppeteers will also participate this year with short but inventive performances. In many different ways, true discoveries can be made.
A few places of specific interest should be mentioned here. such as the historic stained glass workshop of the Judson studios on Avenue 66 (just off York). In their gallery can be viewed a chronological and very colorful retrospective exhibition of the late, but well- remembered printmaker Carita Kent. Always an absolute wonderland. Bob Breen and Clare Graham's studio at 4959 York Boulevard will this day also feature the work of two other artists. Then there is the Casa de Alegria, on the corner of Aldama and Avenue 52, a beautifully restored historic home that will present the art work by selected students from Franklin High School.
The tour is an important way of raising money for educational programs in the visual arts in local high schools. Another beneficiary is the Historical Society of Southern California. which co-sponsors this event and provides its historic Lummis Home as the starting point of the tour.
For further details about the Discovery Tour, please look for our ad in this issue of the Boulevard Sentinel.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner-12 to 3pm
The Fraternal order of Eagle #2188, in Eagle Rock, invites the entire community to enjoy their annual free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Community supporting businesses like Von’s and Trader Joe’s help support this event with discounted items. Last year about 320 dinners were served. Many local seniors and families would not have any Thanksgiving if not for the Eagles, located at the corner of Townsend and Yosemite Drive.

 

 

Cruisin' with Mary

Fall greetings, Eagle Rock! This is going to be short and sweet this month. The Eagle Rockin' Rodders had a mildly successful October cruise-in at Oinkster. One of the lowest participations for the year certainly cannot be blamed on the weather because it was warm.
One of the highlights of October was the Road Kings of Burbank Car Show held at Santa Anita Racetrack this past month. Lots of lovely hot rods and high-dollar paint jobs, but I also noticed the attendance at this car show was down a little this year. Maybe the economy is to blame? The same was true for the Love Ride this past weekend, fewer bikes, at least by my count, than in past years.
Our November cruise in is our annual charity giveaway, with monies raised this past year going to two local churches- St. Dominic's (towards lunches and meals for the homeless) and St. Bernard's (towards St. Vincent De Paul efforts). We will also again make cash donations to two needy families from the Eagle Rock Victory Outreach.
Toys will be distributed to Haven House, a secure shelter for battered women and their children. Please bring at least two unwrapped new toys to our November cruise in on Nov. 28, for a child ages 2-15. A representative from Haven House will make a brief presentation and accept the toys for the kids. Every gift and donation is sincerely appreciated, this year especially, given tough economic times and the poor economy.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our generous sponsors this past year, without whom the Eagle Rockin' Rodders car club would not be able to call themselves the "club that gives back to the community." Many thanks to Oinkster, Verdugo Hardware, Tritch Hardware, Nestle, JoAnn's Hair as well as Tom Topping and the Blvd. Sentinel. Please join us Nov. 28, and keep on cruising!

 

 

Eagle Rock Curves Owners Celebrated as Highest Achievers

Curves, the world's largest fitness club franchisor, honored its best owners and managers at a banquet following the close of its 13th Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, in October.
Approximately 3,000 Curves owners, managers and employees from around the world attended the convention, which ran October 8-11. Joyce & Lynda D'Angelo received the Franchise of the Year for the Western region.
"It's a thrill to be recognized by Curves as the best of the best. We take great pride in offering a superior level of service and quality to our members. This award truly reflects what a great Curves club we have in Eagle Rock," said D'Angelo.
Curves President Mike Raymond and Director of Communications and Events Janell Gilman presided over the awards ceremony, while founders Gary and Diane Heavin snapped photos with the winners. "We're so proud of each and every one of our great franchisees and their managers and staff," said Diane Heavin. "They embody the Curves ideals of giving women back their health and beauty, and they each do it in their own unique way."
Award winners were chosen for their adherence to the Curves methods, their success in providing quality service to members, their level of community involvement, and personal recommendations. While there were numerous candidates in each region, winners typically exhibited an extra quality; something special that set them head and shoulders above the rest.
"Those honored here tonight are doing everything the Curves way, and it shows in the success of their franchises and in the results of their members. We recognize them for daily helping women move away from disease in an environment of support and encouragement," said Curves CEO Gary Heavin.
D'Angelo credited the staff in Eagle Rock and the support of the Curves corporate office in helping win this award.
"I couldn't wait to get back to Eagle Rock and share this award with the staff and our great members. Winning an award like this is definitely a team effort," said D'Angelo.
About Curves
Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to over 4 million women. With more than 10,000 locations in dozens of countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

 

 

Tritch Brothers to be Veteran's Parade Grand Marshalls

Jack and Merritt Tritch are this year's Grand Marshalls for the 3rd Annual Northeast Los Angeles Veterans Day Parade. They hail from a generation of Veterans.
Stuart S. Tritch, Sr. (founder of Tritch Hardware Company) served his country with honor and distinction as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I. His oldest son, Stuart S. Tritch, Jr. served in the U.S. Navy during World War n from 1942 to 1944 on the USS Lamson DD367. The Lamson was a destroyer, so Stu was a "Tin Can" sailor because destroyers were small, fast and lightly armored. He fought in most of the famous naval battles in the Pacific but was killed in action when his ship was truck by a Kamikaze airplane. Stu was born on November 11, 1923, the day known as Armistice Day and later renamed as the Veterans Day, was killed on December 7, 1944, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.
His brother, Jack also served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Navy in the Amphibious Forces (Landing Craft) also during WWII.
The youngest brother, Merritt served with distinction in the Korean War.
A solemn Memorial Service will begin at 11: 00 a.m. in front of the Eagle Rock City Hall where Councilmember Jose Huizar will lay the wreaths at the memorials for Veterans of all Wars and the Filipino American Veterans who fought side by side with the American forces during WWII. Franklin High School Color Guards will begin the salute followed by the playing of taps by Nathan Miranda. Everyone is invited to plant a flag in the front lawn in honor of a loved one.
The parade will commence at 1 :00 p.m. from York Boulevard to Eagle Rock Boulevard and culminate at Merton and Caspar Avenues. Entertainment and program await all the participants including Kids on Stage for a Better World, Pacheco Brothers and other well- known bands. Participants in the parade include elected officials, boys & girls scouts, ROTC, Franklin High School Marching Band, Irving Middle School Drill Team,
Marshall High School Drill Team, Aztec Dancers and a host of community groups.
The parade is sponsored by the Office of Council member Jose Huizar, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, The Glassell Park Neighborhood Council, The Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.
For information, contact Ruby de Vera (323) 255-6351, Brandy Chavira (323) 254-0233 email rbdevera@sbcglobal.net.

 

 

Veteran's Day Observance at Cypress Park Memorial

The Friends of Cypress Park Community Improvement Association together with the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council will again host a special Veteran's Day observance in Northeast Los Angeles on Saturday, November 8, beginning at the Cypress Park Veterans Memorial with a traditional memorial ceremony and then concluding with a Veterans Celebration and light lunch for attendees, beginning at noon at the nearby Cypress Park Recreation Center.
The ceremony to honor veterans -- living and dead -- begins 10:30 a.m. at the memorial site (at the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Pepper Avenue), then moves to the Recreation Center two blocks away (2630 Pepper Avenue) for a time of food and celebration.
Part of the two-part observance this year will include a repeat of the ever popular visit "from above" by a team of professional military veteran skydivers, the "Shooting Stars." The air team will once again parachute its way onto the recreation center fields at approximately 12:30 p.m. to meet and greet those attending the celebration event, after circling the skies above the community.
District 1 Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed P. Reyes will speak as part of the memorial service.
The veterans celebration events are open to all. Free food and drinks will be provided to those attending the ceremonies, hosted by members of the Friends of Cypress Park Community Improvement Association.
The Cypress Park Veterans Memorial is the product of volunteer work organized by the Friends of Cypress Park in 2002, funded by a Los Angeles Neighborhood Matching Funds grant -- converting a blighted concrete traffic median at the center of the community into a neighborhood garden and memorial site with new trees, flagpole and engraved bronze plaque honoring all local veterans. Last year, the Friends also re-landscaped the four year old memorial site and continue to help with maintenance as needed.
The Friends of Cypress Park Community Improvement Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit service organization that welcomes new. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month in the Los Feliz Room of the River Center in Cypress Park (570 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles). The group oversees community improvement efforts working with Los Angeles city and county governments as well as other local community groups.

 

 

Embracing the Latino Soul

Celebrating the Local Community

As an orchestra with a special mission to serve the Latino community, Santa Cecilia Orchestra presents "De Alma Latina", (From the Latin Soul). This season opener celebrates Latin music that reveals the soul as not only vibrant and alive, but remarkably rich and varied.
Under the baton of Sonia Marie De Léon de Vega, the Santa Cecilia Orchestra begins its 16th year with a full symphony concert featuring more than 70 talented musicians. Following last season's wonderfully successful performance, "The Best of Mexico and the USA" the 2008-2009 season will begin with another spirited tribute to Latin culture, taking works from the Mexican Composers Silvestre Revueltas, Arturo Marquez and Blas Galindo. Also featured is Tangazo a work by Tango enthusiast, Astor Piazzolla. De Alma Latina will present the music of Argentina, Spain and Mexico through a dynamic program filled with the rich musical flavors of the Latin culture. This same evening, one of Los Angeles' premier pianists, Bryan Pezzonne, will solo on De Falla's virtuosic and alluring "Noches en los jardines de España."
While the orchestra will officially open its season on November 16, its educational programs commenced with the start of school in September. The orchestra's educational program, Discovering Music, has begun yet another year dedicated to bringing music into the classroom and into the hearts and imaginations of Los Angeles' youth. The Orchestra reaches more than 16,000 children and serves 16 schools each year in Northeast Los Angeles, including every elementary school in Eagle Rock. Families of students in the program all receive a special invitation to attend an orchestra concert, completely free of charge; this aspect of the program is especially designed to help the students make a connection between their experience of music in the classroom and the majestic sounds of a symphony orchestra in hopes that they might see their own potential as future musicians.
Sonia Marie De Léon de Vega is one of the most commanding musical figures in the region. She has recently received international attention on Univision's "Orgullo Hispano" (Hispanic Pride), a profile that is reserved for the most accomplished Hispanic artists in the world. Hispanic Business Magazine voted her one of the "100 most influential Hispanics in the United States" and one of the "80 Elite Hispanic Women". KCET named Ms. De Léon de Vega a "Local Hero," airing a profile throughout Hispanic Heritage Month about her work and the mission of the orchestra.
The Piano soloist, Bryan Pezzone, has been a freelance performing and recording artist in the Los Angeles area since 1987. He performs with a wide range of composers and musicians including Pierre Boulez, John Williams, and John Adams; Pezzone has recorded for countless film and television soundtracks. He was the principal pianist in the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra from its inception in 1991 until 1999 and he served as the former chair and founder of the multi-focused keyboard department at the California Institute of the Arts from 1987 through 2000. Pezzone is continually working to redefine himself and his role as an artist, musician, and person in today's complex and eclectic culture.
The concert, De Alma Latina, will take place at Occidental College's Thorne Hall on November 16, 2008 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon; the concert will prove to be a passionate display of the Latino heritage that is so central to the communities that the orchestra serves.
There will be one performance only of this program at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 16 at the Thorne Hall, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles. Tickets – priced at $26, $20 and $7 (youth 17 and under) – are available at (323) 259-3011 or logging on to www.scorchestra.org to purchase on-line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EAGLE ROCK NEWS

 

The opening line that this group is just about "Latin lounge music" is far from the maddening crowd. It's has a multi-cultural aura lead by Japanese singer Junko Seki who sets the tone for what's to come. Along with leader Otto Grarillo the band sways from traditional Japanese music entwined with Salsa and Bosa Nova sounds. Especially when a song starts in Japanese, Junko straps on an accordion, begins to play in Jalisco styles and ends in Spanish, honest. All their music is uplifting and very danceable. That's what makes this band so well rounded and receivable. With little more than an ample rhythm section along with two horns, keyboard and conga's they more than fill the bill. They recently performed at the Pasadena Jazz Institute whose co-contributor is Kareem Abdul Jabar. They'll be performing in Hollywood later this month. Contact: www.kotolan.com

Permanent Blue

These three young lads know what their doing. From the start they demonstrate a little more maturity for their age. Winners of the Eagle Rock Battle of the Bands they perform with a sense of controlled enthusiasm. Energetic, adventurous and technically schooled they display a wide spray of vocal & new age rock. Noted is the Beatle cover they play with feed-back thru out ala Jimi Hendrix. Very tasty.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic
By 10:30 this group was the darling of a rain soaked crowd. Helped out by a visual backdrop, lighting, a great mixing core (and all important location, location, location) they displayed the groups' strengths derived from their vocals. With this band the balancing act is their rhythm section. Well delivered guitar work integrated nicely with the rest. These guys' need a video.
Atzlan Underground
This is a group of fellow Hispanics looking for a UFW rally. The deliver a very potent vocal view point of anarchy mixed with social consciences ala post Punk era ( I know, I know). They're loud though musically entertaining and one can't help envisioning them at a Brown Beret scene. If you're old enough to remember.

Eleanor M. Duffy

1920-2008

Eleanor Duffy passed away on October 6, 2008 in her Hill Drive home. She was a well respected businesswoman, community leader, philanthropist and fixture in local politics, honored countless times for her selfless volunteerism by the City of Los Angeles and her Northeast Los Angeles community of Eagle Rock.
Preceded in death by her husband, Eagle Rock native James H. Duffy, her son Richard Duffy and granddaughter Melissa Eleanor Petersen, she is survived by children James Duffy, Hon. Judge Maureen Duffy-Lewis, Mary Petersen, Sheila Duffy-Lehrman, grandchildren Ryan Lewis, Kelly Ann Lewis, Eric Petersen, Jonathan, Joshua & Alexis Lehrman, brother Peter Tubiolo, cousin Deborah Burkholder, Uncle Sam Pilato, Aunt Rose Pilato and extended members of the Pilato Tubiolo Families in New York, California, Nevada and Sicily, Italy.
On Saturday, October 11, a funeral mass was held at Calvary Mortuary Church in East L.A., Followed by a reception at the Duffy family home.
Family members ask that to continue their mother's legacy of love, charity and philanthropy, in lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to her granddaughter, Lexi Lehrman's charity. The Love Lexi Foundation has raised thousands for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. (www. lovelexi.org), c/o Tropic Survival Adv. & Mktg., 1125 NE 125th Street, Suite 400, North Miami, Florida, 33161.

 

Tina Infranca 1944-2008

Longtime Northeast Los Angeles resident Tina Infranca passed away on September 26, 2008 at the age of 63 when she lost her valiant fight with cancer
Tina was born on November 19, 1944 in Leeuwarden, Holland at the peak of the German occupation of the Netherlands. She came to the United States when she was a teenager and lived in Sunland and then Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Her children all went through Eagle Rock and Franklin High School and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, and many other ways. She stayed close with her ex-husbands, and it was not unusual to attend family gatherings with her in the past 10-15 years when she would have two ex-husbands present. Tina was not one to hold grudges and tried hard to be at peace with everyone.
She is survived by her life partner Dieter, two brothers, Hanke and Jan, and a sister Attie. Her four children, Joey, Jeanette, Chad and Rony, and eight grandchildren, JoJo, Justin, James, Alex, Dani, PJ, Chris & Gigi. She was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Glendale after a church ceremony in Glendale on Wednesday, October 1st. Her final party was held at the Eagles Club on Yosemite Drive, where she had been a member for many years. Many of her and family enjoyed reminicing about her and her many adventures. If three words could sum up her life, she would insist on five words, and they would be.."Loved my children and Grandchildren!"

Mr. Topping:
Re; Mr Larsen and Michael Garcia.

"The plant" Mr Larsen I truly hope that you or your loved ones never get ill. I watched my Dad in pain for 5 years with lung cancer. Chemo, weight lose, not eating. His doctor said "the plant" would not hurt him, would make him want to eat. My Dad did not want to do this because it was illegal.
Many chemo patients use the "plant". I have never seen anybody that smoke pot be mad, dangerous, or hurtful. Pot calms you, the most it does is make you want to sit and listen to old rock n roll and eat everything. Let gang members smoke it, they will forget what they were trying do.
No side affects no regrets
Amy Peters

VOICE IN THE EAGLE ROCK WILDERNESS
Permaculture on an urban lot:
A VISIT WITH DAVID KAHN
by Christopher Nyerges
[Nyerges is a manager of the Tuesday Highland Park Farmers Market, the author of "How to Survive Anywhere," and a proponent of self-reliance living. He can be reached via this paper, or Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041, or at the web site www.self-reliance.net, or www.ChristopherNyerges.com]
I'm driving through a residential neighborhood near Eagle Rock. It is more or less like any other residential neighborhood. I turn onto a side street and drive up half a block. There on one of the front lawns is a huge pile of wood chips dumped by a tree pruner. There is no front lawn – just swales of wood chips arranged in tiers on the gently sloping lot. There is a small chicken coop near the front with Rhode Island reds and banties. There are fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, and wild foods everywhere. Mushrooms sprout from the wood chips. Various containers and composters are everywhere.
I walk up and examine what appears to be a recycled satellite dish turned into a solar cooker when David Kahn appears.
Kahn is an architect by trade whose thinking has led him down the path of natural architecture, using only natural materials. He is a man who is very concerned about diminishing resources in an ever-more populated world and he is determined to be a living example and a part of the solution. Kahn greets me with a smile and handshake, and we begin to talk and tour his "urban farm."
Kahn explained that more than half the world now lives in cities, and too many of us have stopped learning from nature how to live. With more and more people, using more and more resources, Kahn explains that we must re-think our approach to resources. This includes how we deal with trash, and food production, and waste production, and the rain that falls on our land, among other things. He is not trying to convince me of anything, like some salesman trying to sell you a lemon. Rather, he is speaking like an evangelist who is literally engaged in the practica of saving the earth. He knows the specific details of what is happening in the "big picture," and he knows the details of what each of us should do in our daily lives in order to be a part of the solution.
Kahn is an optimist, not someone who is hollering about the impending end of the world as we know it. He explains his concern about the world at large, and how he has made the choice to be a part of the solution, right in his own urban yard.
"The choices that we make affect our world," explains Kahn, "and most of our choices in terms of how we build houses, how we deal with trash, how we use energy, how we raise our food, are all taking us down the wrong path. These are not sustainable paths, and we must begin to live the life that we believe is sustainable and good for the planet, and good for our health," explains Kahn.
PERMACULTURE
In 2000, he discovered permaculture, and eventually earned a permaculture certificate. "Permaculture" is a term coined by Bill Mollison (author of "Permaculture: A Designer's Manual") from the phrase "permanent agriculture."
"Permaculture was the philosophy and action plan that tied all this together for me," says Kahn. He adds that permaculture is practiced all over the world, to differing degrees, and goes by many names.
He pauses, and he shows me that the leaves from his trees are not raked up, but left as a cover on the ground. They eventually decompose along with all the wood chips and compost and chicken manure, and become good soil. He holds a handful of the rich soil and tells me, "The most diverse design on the earth is the forest, and it's best if left alone." The forest recycles its own "waste," and produces its own fertilizer for the growth of the trees. When the mulch is thick, water retention is high in the soil so plants are better able to survive periods of drought. In fact, with rich soil, plants have also been shown to survive periods of extreme cold better. The key to the overall health of the system is good soil, and Kahn demonstrates that good soil can be produced by using everything found in the modern home, and those things found locally.
Large piles of wood chips are made into terraces on the slight slope of his property. As the wood chips decompose, there are mushrooms that appear, showing that the underground mycelium is alive and breaking down the wood into usable soil. Bugs and worms are in evidence everywhere.
The woodchips retain the rainwater and there is hardly any runoff from his property after a rain.
He also lays sections of cardboard along the pathways, and this "trash" not only quickly decomposes, but often produces edible mushrooms.
CHICKENS and PIGEONS
There is one main chicken coop, and a portable coop, on the Kahn homestead. He is also building a larger coop. His mix of chickens includes Rhode Island reds, banties, and others. He proudly shows me a few eggs from the day's collection: beautiful brown eggs and lovely bluish-green shelled eggs.
Kahn lets the chickens roam the yard each day, and they scratch around eating bugs and worms, and depositing their fertilizer.
Chickens can also be fed yard clippings, and leftover kitchen scraps, and are thus ideal in the sustainable homestead.
RECYCLED MATERIAL
"Nothing should be regarded as trash," says Kahn. We are using up our resources and it is necessary for us to refurbish and reuse things. We also need to find multiple uses for products, and quit simply throwing things away."
"Remember," says Kahn, "waste does not exist in nature. In a sustainable system, you need to go out of your way to find multiple uses for things. I will always go out of my way to use recycled materials, not only because it is right to do so, but also as an example to others."
Kahn's yard and lifestyle is not just some quirky 1960s idea. He regards the principles of Permaculture as one of the avenues of salvation for humankind, and he practices this in his own urban homestead.
"We humans have exceeded the capacity of the planet," explains Kahn. "The most important thing we can do in our lifetime is to rectify the disparity on the planet that we have created. Nothing is more important. And it is criminal for the media and politicians to be in denial of this."
Kahn continues, saying that since more and more of us live in cities, we must produce our food in the cities and we must live sustainable lives. "What I'm doing here is a snapshot of what the future will look like if we are to survive," says Kahn. "And nothing in my formal education prepared me for this. In school, we stopped learning about life and we focussed on tiny ingredients without seeing how they all related. For me, Permaculture tied everything together. It provided me with the blueprint to begin being and living the solution."

Evelyn Wimmer
Evelyn Wimmer, age 93, died at Season's of Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo , CA with her daughters by her side on Saturday, October 4, 2008, following a short illness.
Evelyn was born October 11, 1914, in Chicago , Illinois , to the late Harriett I. Hale and Edward B. Hale. She moved to Los Angeles as a child and graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1931. She was active in the school PTA while her children attended St. Dominic School . She was well known in the Eagle Rock community and worked for many years as a bookkeeper at various businesses. After retiring from her job, Evelyn loved to travel, play golf and socialize with her many friends. She served as a past officer of the Women's Auxiliary 2188 of The Fraternal Order of Eagles.
In 2003 Evelyn moved to San Clemente , CA to be closer to her daughters. Evelyn is survived by her five children, sons Stephen McLean (Lauren), and Robert McLean (Lil), and daughters, Judy Smith (David), Sue Scheff (Steve), and Patty Taulbee (Lon), 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grand child.

Wilma Poplawski

Wilma Letha Roorda Poplawski died September 9, 2008 in her home in Seal Beach. She was 91. Wilma was a resident of Eagle Rock for nearly 50 years before relocating to Seal Beach in the mid 1990s.
Wilma was born March 29, 1917, in the northwest Iowa town of Rock Valley. With her husband Leonard, Wilma moved to Eagle Rock in the late 1940s.
While living in Eagle Rock Wilma was active in the PTA at Dahlia Heights and Eagle Rock Jr/Sr High, Order of the Eastern Star, Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was particularly interested in the Girls State program, traveling annually to Sacramento for many years.
After her move to Leisure Word in Seal Beach, Wilma remained active. She attended geography classes, card clubs, bus trips far afield, including Angel's baseball games and plays at the Glendale Centre Theatre. Wilma traveled nationally and internationally. Wilma was also a long-time UCLA football season ticket holder, going to games and pre-game festivities up until the weekend before she passed away.
In June 2008 Wilma endowed a scholarship at Eagle Rock High School in honor of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have attended ERHS.
Wilma is survived by daughter Letha McDowell Kemper, and sons Ron, Gary and Denny. Wilma also had 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren with whom she was actively involved.

Mr. Huizar, What is the Southwest Museum Society Doing? Anything?

by Stan Moore
Our dear "Friends," to borrow from one of our presidential candidates, Antonio Villaraigosa and Jose Huizar, presented us with the Southwest Society on Sept. 27, 2007. It was going to ride to the rescue of our much loved Southwest Museum. It was not only going to keep it alive, it was going to restore it its earlier glory with the help of the Autry National Center. Stop worrying you so-called "Friends" of the Southwest Museum Coalition, we, the founding members of the Southwest Society, can be truly relied upon to raise funds to restore and revitalize the Southwest Museum and Casa de Adobe. So . . . we don't need or want any of the members of the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition to attend our "coming out" party or to be a part of our "new creation," THE SOUTHWEST SOCIETY. We will even post guards to keep you from attending our reception.
So . . . what have you done in these past thirteen months to validate your existence? As Olga Hall asked last Wednesday at the City Council meeting, "How much money has the Southwest Society raised in more than thirteen months?"
At the public podium of the City Council Olga confronted "our"
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City Councilman, Jose, "ZERO!" Jose Huizar did not raise his eyes to even however briefly respond to her indictment. "ZERO!"
Olga then asked, "Isn't it a fact that the only reason the Southwest Society was created is to use it as a political ploy?" "Aren't you," Jose Huizar, using the so-called Southwest Society to "deceive the community and others into believing that you are working for the benefit of the Southwest Museum," while "in reality you are working to benefit the Autry?" Are you, Jose Huizar, a traitor to your city council district and a lackey of City Councilman Tom LaBonge.
Olga Hall then declared to the members of the City Council and those in the audience, while staring at the unobserving Huizar, "WHY ARE YOU ALLOWING THE AUTRY TO STEAL THIS GREAT TREASURE FROM OUR COMMUNITY?" "When are you going to STAND UP to the Autry and have the COURAGE to protect the Southwest Museum, the First Museum in Los Angeles?"
Olga is a member of the steering committee of "The Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition," a coalition of more than 70 community organizations committee to protecting the Southwest Museum and making it a fully accredited museum with at least 12,500 square feet of exhibition space with its former, but now stolen, incredible collection of native American artifacts. The steering committee of eight to 10 members meet weekly and are fighting to have the Southwest Museum restored to a world class museum.
The steering committee, of which this writer is a member, has challenged Mr. Jose Huizar to meet with us. So far he has refused. He promised to save the Southwest Museum. He promised to raise money for it. He has done neither. He has a responsibility to protect the whole of Council District 14. Instead, he has done nothing. Promises? Many. Leadership? None!

St. Ignatius Builders Club

by Heinrich Keifer
Installs new Board and awards $400 to girls organization.
On Thursday, October 23rd, the St. Ignatius Builders Club installed a new Board of Directors and presented $400 to a Los Angeles Pregnancy Center to help mothers and babies in need of care and supplies. Originally chartered on March 10, 2005 the Builders Club has contributed to the civic community through youth projects and fund-raising to the benefit of many organizations. The first effort resulted in a substantial contribution to "World Vision." These projects have helped the young club members with their growth through their service to the civic community. "Faculty Advisor, Betsy Savant has done a outstanding job leading the Builders Club to many successful civic projects," said Dr. Stan Moore, Club Advisor. Another of the Club's major projects was completed on "Kiwanis One Day" (of Service), the planting of the library and laying of the flagstone walkway. They also donated 20 baby blankets that the Builders Club members hand made using money they raised by having a school bake sale.
Look for more good works from this club as they continue to grow in experience through participation in the Kiwanis Builders Club.
If you are interested in starting a Service Leadership Program in your school call Heinrich Keifer at 323-385-4935 or email to hkeifer101@sbcglobal.net. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Highland Park is part of Kiwanis International the largest service organization in the world with the most service hours performed to contribute to fund-raising and life experiences throughout the world.
The Kiwanis defining statement is: "Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time." Check our website at Kiwanisghp.org for our weekly meeting schedule.