Secretary Terrye Munday, V.P. Mary Garson-Amrhein and Amy Peters are the first all-women elected board for the Eagle Rockin' Rodders Car Club. Ms. Peters is President.

Cool November Nights in Eagle Rock

            Greetings Eagle Rockers! This month I am giddy (look it up!) with excitement and hope. And it's not because of the presidential election. The Eagle Rockin' Rodders held club elections and 2009 has the potential for a lot of positive changes. Check out our new board of directors: Amy Peters as President; Mary Garson-Amrhein as VP, Terrye Munday as Secretary, and Anita Gonzalez as Treasurer. In the past some nay-sayers called the Eagle Rockin' Rodders a "girls club" because many of us, male as well as female, did not drag race or race at all for that matter. That negative name calling stopped when former member, Georgia Campbell, raced her Corvette with some of the Road Kings at LACR/Palmdale a few years ago. I fully expect some of the more unprogressive (male) members of the car club community to start the unproductive name calling again. I have this to say right now: if you want to call us names, do it to our faces and don't hide behind rumor and innuendo. You know who you are…

            We have a lot of plans for the coming year - including some refreshing ideas about increasing our membership, making our charity work even better, having a more visible position in the community, increasing our sponsorship, as well as creating more club outings and fun participation events. Look for new ERR t-shirts and plaques next year as well. And yes, we will keep the traditional green of Eagle Rock! Go Eagles!

            I want to thank everyone, especially members of other car clubs, who came out to our November cruise-in at Oinkster and brought toys and participated in our raffles. We had close to 100 toys and gift cards that were given to Haven House, a shelter for battered women and their children. Teresa Trinidad from that organization talked about what they do, and how our toys help this holiday season. We also made cash donations to St Dominic's Church right here in Eagle Rock for their bagged lunch program and hot dinner program for people in need, as well as St Bernard's Church and their St Vincent de Paul Society program, and the many services they provide. Two families in need were selected from the local Victory Outreach and given cash donations as well.

            We had many strikes against us this year in terms of our cruise in's and raffle monies- there were no raffles the first 3 months of 2008 due to bad weather, we lost several sponsors this year, and cruise in attendance was low, pretty much all year long. The weird weather - and economy can be blamed for some of this, but not all. We vow to make next year even better and more fun. And now that Oinkster has repaired parking lot lights, you can actually see some of the hot rods after dark!

            I cannot thank enough our sponsors who loyally stuck in here with us this year: Tritch Hardware, Verdugo Hardware, Sir Michaels Limousines, Justice Brothers, Kirk's MAC Tools, Nestle, G-Spot, Oinkster, and of course Tom Topping and the Blvd Sentinel. Numerous club members also donate raffle items. Without their unfailing generosity month after month, we would not be able to hold raffles, and at the end of the year, have 100% of all raffle proceeds go back into the community. There are no operating costs and no profits for this club to be made, just pure and simple giving back. We operate on a shoestring, with club volunteers soliciting donations from our sponsors, and then picking them up before cruise night. Everyone has jobs, families and is busy with their own stuff, yet members of the ERR's, mainly Amy, Terrye, Martha, and Anita, take time from their busy schedules to remind our sponsors, pick up the raffle items, then run the raffles on cruise night and baby sit the money. It takes a lot more time and work than you would think. But again none of this would be possible without, first and foremost, our very generous sponsors. As for the two sponsors we lost in 2007-2008, I sincerely request that those sponsors please reconsider supporting the Eagle Rockin' Rodders in 2009. I have been asked not to name sponsors who have dropped out for reasons of bad PR, so I won't.

            A big thanks to Richard Gonzalez, 2008 President; Mike Rickman, VP; Terrye Munday, Secretary; Anita Gonzalez, Treasurer, and Louie DeLaRosa, Sergeant at Arms. It's not always easy being in charge of a club with so many different personalities and opinions, but you did a fine job.

            In closing for 2008, I would like to mention an incident at the cruise in: A dog who appeared to be sick and homeless showed up at Oinkster. The dog was a large elderly shepherd-mix, female, and appeared to be hungry. Several of our guests and members gave the dog burger and other scraps. She was very gentle. Anytime a homeless dog shows up, especially with how cold its been at night, it always breaks my heart. This was especially sad because the dog had a very large bump on top of her head which was probably a tumor of some sort. It was the size of a grapefruit and caused her head to hang crooked. Some people commented that due to the medical issues she was probably abandoned. People! How many times do I have to say this? If you have a dog or cat that is sick, and you can't afford its medical care, seek out some of the local organizations that help pets in need. If you can't do this, its kinder to take them to the shelter to be euthanized, rather than roam the streets scrounging for a next meal and dodging cars and brutal people who are afraid of them. And if you can't afford the many expenses that go with being a pet owner, don't get one to start with -- and do not give pets as Christmas gifts! Thank you and Happy New Year!

Veterans Flags on the Memorial flagpole at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock

            The Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society in collaboration with the Center continues its efforts to honor our veterans by flying the flags given to families of veterans by the government. The forty-eight star flag currently flying was given to Virginia Juett Lenney and Fred H. Lenney Sr. the parents of Fred (Ted) Lenney. He graduated from Eagle Rock High School in winter 1943 and like most graduates immediately entered the Service. He was a tail gunner on a B24, which was shot down in a ten-hour raid over Borneo. He was declared legally dead after having been declared missing in action after a year or two toward the end of World War II. The flag was flown by his parents in front of his home on 2018 Ridgeview. His sister Peggy Lenney feels that he would have appreciated his flag flying over his beloved Eagle Rock once again.

            We will continue to fly the flag as long it is in acceptable condition. The American Legion will retire it with dignity. The flags that have flown previously in this tradition were given in honor of World War II veterans Larry de la Fontaine and Robert H. Warren. We invite anyone who wishes to continue the tradition to contact the Society, which will fly the flags as they are needed.

CORRECTION:

Last month, the Photos identified as Eagle Rock Veterans parade Grand Marshals Jack and Merritt Tritch were in fact, photos of Jack and oldest brother Stuart S. Tritch Jr. (Stuart was killed in action aboard ship by a kamikaze attack during World War II)

Council Unanimously Approves Northeast Hillside Ordinance

            Ordinance championed by Councilmembers Reyes and Huizar seeks safety and building measures to protect residents and hillsides by creating uniform standards on new construction projects

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 26, 2008) - In a move designed to address fire and safety issues while protecting the character and quality of Northeast Los Angeles hillside properties against overdevelopment, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-0 today to support a new hillside ordinance.

            The new hillside ordinance, heralded by environmentalists and density opponents, will protect against long-held hillside property owners' concerns over reckless and unsafe development.

            "My district is full of beautiful hillside communities," said Councilmember José Huizar. "This ordinance will end haphazard development where residents' safety and picturesque views have been at risk for a number of years now and will put us more in line with surrounding communities."

            At a recent City Planning and Land Use Management Committee meeting, LAFD Assistant Fire Chief Craig Fry, a supporter of the ordinance, said that by limiting the size and scope of new buildings, the zoning change could potentially save lives and help avoid the kind of structural losses suffered in the recent Sylmar fire.

            Before the ordinance, there were no restrictions on how much dirt could be graded on hillside property, which is a huge safety concern. With the new ordinance, grading will be reduced to a maximum of 500 cubic yards, plus 5 percent of the total lot size, up to a maximum of 1,000 cubic yards.

            Depending on lot size and slope, the new zone changes sets limits on building height, retaining wall height and square footage allowed for all new construction projects in Northeast Los Angeles, including El Sereno, Hermon, Lincoln Heights and Monterey Hills.

            Supporters of the project include California Assemblymember Kevin de León, The Hillside Federation, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Audubon Society.

            The new ordinance affects approximately 11,000 parcels and will go into effect Jan. 9, 2009, and will replace an interim control ordinance, which had been in place since December 2006, and was set to expire in January.

Here, Pete’s Blue Chip as it looked before the 1980’s. It was and still is a favorite spot for both high schoolers and working people.

This is the first time we've seen an exit poll in Eagle Rock. This one was polling voters as they left the polling place at Dahlia Heights Elementary.

This giant flag was a lively part of the Veteran's Day Parade.

Yolanda Nogueira takes some fashion tips from Highland Park Chamber of Commerce President Max Vasquez, at the H P Chamber Halloween Mixer, held at Casa Princesa

Gary Jacobson drives Northeast Veteran's Parade Grand Marshals Jack and Merritt Tritch in style with his 1965 Buick LeSabre convertible.

Tammy Kelly won first prize at Colombo’s Halloween for her “Trailer Bride”costume.

CD 14 Deputy Jim Omahan (right) lends a hand to Renee Dominique as she presents the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce an award for their support of the Eagle Rock Music Festival.

At the Discovery Tour of local artist’s studio’s, Brian Mallman tries to explain the “creative process”

Looking Back by Joe Walker

70 years ago this month

            Henry F. Schincker, 44, a goat dealer who lived at 5420 Hillmont St, Eagle Rock, leaped from the north side of the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena.  He had suffered many recent financial setbacks, (possibly related to the stock market crash several weeks earlier).  Before the fatal leap, he wrote a note to his wife that read: "Please forgive me dear wife. I can't help it, and do not grieve for me, as I am not worthy-Henry"

50 years ago this month

            Los Angeles City Fireman James E. Hassan, 5447 El Verano, Eagle Rock, was killed while fighting a fire at a rug cleaning plant at 7518 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood.  Hassan had only recently returned to work after recovering from injuries sustained in an earlier fire. Hassan, 33, of Engine Company 27, left a wife, Elizabeth, and a seven year old daugter, Linn. He is buried at Forest Lawn Glendale.

40 years ago this month

            On December 3, 1968, three men were arrested at 2509 Hines Dr, Glassell Park, on charges of producing methamphetamine. Thomas Walton, 24, was arrested at his home on Hines Drive along with three other men from San Bernadino. Narcotics detectives had been observing the house when they smelled marijuana coming from inside. They seize several guns, marijuana, and enough chemicals to make one pound of "meth".

            On December 1, 1968, Joseph Felix, 34, of 901 Terrace 49, met a federal narcotics agent in an alley behind a bar at 4649 Huntington. He sold the undercovering agent 20 ounces of heroin and when the agent attempted to arrest him, he produced a knife. He refused demands to surrender, and was shot and killed by the agent.

30 years ago this month

            On December 26, 1978, City Councilman Arthur K. Snyder announced his plans for re-election to his fourth term. It was revealed at that time that Mayor Tom Bradley had asked California Governor Jerry Brown to appoint Snyder as a judge to "make way for a Latino representative on the city council". Gov Brown refused the suggestion. At this time, 75% of the 14th district was Latino. Snyder was re-elected the following April when no other candidates were able to muster enough support to qualify for the ballot.

25 years ago this month

            On Dec 10, 1983, the Northeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department had its last roll call.  At 3:15 PM, the building at 6045 York Bl sent its last group of officers into the field.  The station, which opened in April, 1926, was open for 57 years and had more than 63,000 role calls.

            On Dec 22, 1983, Taghi Khan-Khodavand, a 29 year old electronics student from Iran, was found stabbed to death in the 800 block of Bridewell, right off the Pasadena Freeway.  Robbery was the motive.  He left a wife. Although a $5000 reward was offered, the killer or killers were never caught.

Parking Rates Quadruple

            Confirming suspicions that the 800 pound gorilla, known as the L.A. City Department of Transportation, is really the one who is running this city, shoppers and diners were greeted last month with an ugly surprise, when meter rates quadrupled overnight.

            At the November meeting of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, representatives of both Mayor Villa-retardo and Councilman Huizar weathered a fusillade of complaints and criticism over the exploding parking fees.

            Chamber President Denise Miller suggested that although the parking meter fees were the same in Old Town Pasadena, the amount of total sales and business property values were much higher in Pasadena. Many wondered whether Eagle Rock was being singled out, but the rates we pay are now the lowest in the city, with rates in some areas of the city 2, 3 and $4 dollars for an hour. It was suggested that to raise parking rates in a recession was really bad timing, putting a double hurt on local businesses when they are already hurting.

            The fees are not only increasing, but the hours of operation have been extended as well, increasing to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Local businesses are considering whether the meters should remain or be removed.

            Here is the authorized areas of the various Northeast L.A. $1 an hour Meter Zones, pursuant to ORDINANCE NO. l80058, passed by the City Council and Mayor in July.

Eagle Rock Parking Meter Zone - $1.00 per hour.

(a) Colorado Boulevard between EI Rio Avenue and Glen Iris Avenue. This subdivision shall cease to be operative six months after receipt by the City Council of written notice of withdrawal of approval of the State Department of Public Works.

(b) Eagle Rock Boulevard between Chickasaw Avenue and a point 125 feet south of Colorado Boulevard. This subdivision shall cease to be operative six months after receipt by the City council of written notice of withdrawal of approval by the State Department of Public Works.

(c) EI Rio Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and a point 100 feet north of Colorado Boulevard.

(d) Rockland Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and a point 160 feet north of Colorado Boulevard.

(e) Casper Avenue between Merton Avenue and a point 140 feet north of Colorado Boulevard.

(f) Maywood Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and a point 170 feet north of Colorado Boulevard.

(g) Merton Avenue between Eagle Rock Boulevard and a point 150 feet east of Eagle Rock Boulevard.

(h) Chickasaw Avenue between Eagle Rock Boulevard and a point 150 feet east of Eagle Rock Boulevard.

Highland Park Parking Meter Zone - $1 per hour.

The Highland Park Parking Meter Zone includes all streets within the area bounded by the following street segments. All boundary streets except the Pasadena Freeway are included in the Parking Meter Zone.

(a) Pasadena Freeway between South Avenue 50 and York Boulevard.

(b) York Boulevard between the Pasadena Freeway and Aldama Street.

(c) Aldama street between York Boulevard and North Avenue 61.

(d) North Avenue 61 between Aldama Street and Monte Vista Street.

(e) Monte Vista Street between North Avenue 61 and North Avenue 50.

(f) North Avenue 50 between Monte Vista Street and South Avenue 50.

(g) South Avenue 50 between North Avenue 50 and the Pasadena Freeway

York Boulevard Parking Meter Zone - $1 per hour.

(a) York Boulevard between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52.

(b) Avenue 50 between Lincoln Avenue and Meridian Street.

(c) Avenue 51 between Lincoln Avenue and Meridian Street.

Eagle Rock Girl to Light  Capitol Christmas Tree.            Michaela Tritch, of the Eagle Rock Community, (part of the Tritch Hardware Family) has been selected to participate in the December 9, 2008 California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony. Representing approximately 230,000 children and adults served by the California Department of Developmental Services, Michaela will help Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver light the Capitol Christmas tree, decorated with 1,500 ornaments created by Californians with developmental disabilities.

            Described by her sister Amanda as "truly the fruits of the spirit," Michaela will turn 9 years old just days before Christmas. The youngster, who has Down Syndrome, has received services from the East Los Angeles Regional Center since she was three months old. Michaela is a third grader at Delevan Drive Elementary School in Eagle Rock. She adores gymnastics- especially the trampoline- and is active in an equestrian program, where she has learned to stand on the horse and can perform other fun stunts.

            Her parents, Jeffery and Rhonda Tritch, say the program has helped with her balance, posture, strength and even her speech. In addition, Michaela loves playing soccer with her sister, Brittany, and has become an avid member of the American Youth Soccer Organization's Region 13 VIP team. She is equally enthusiastic about reading Curious George and Sponge Bob books with her Dad, Jeffery, and singing along to music in the family car.

            "She is the heart and the soul of our family," said her mother. "She seems to know when you need a hug and so just comes up and gives you one."

Something Happening at ERHS?

            Something is happening... maybe? Our usual meetings were displaced by small group discussion with district sent mediators. We spent over 2 hours talking about what is going wrong at the Rock and made suggestions on what to do. I will try to scan and forward the final list of stuff when I get it. But, the majority agreed there is a lack of communication and leadership, a lack of truth from administration and that may be the tip of the iceberg.

            EXAMPLE: At the beginning of the school year the administration denied the pile of dirt was toxic or hazardous and Velasco invited people to who office to prove it. Today, a memo I have from Dr. Ikeda, "The DIRT in the Student Parking Lot is contaminated, but not toxic (I put it in bold face for you to feel my outrage at this). The District is looking for proper procedure for removing it from the premises."

            I questioned how something is contaminated yet no toxic and pointed out the contradiction in announcements pertaining to this issue... is not contaminated also a safety issue? And, I questioned the honesty of previous administration announcements about the pile of dirt.

            Example: The administration announced the Belmont Game was canceled because, "The team did not practice... It is not ready" No clear truth has been presented since that announcement. The memo today does say they have not caught the perpetrator of the coach attack, but no memo has related it to the cancellation of the game. We heard what happened to the assistant coach from a teacher witness... the first time most heard the truth.

            Example: 3 years ago a teacher came in to find out she was the subject of a bomb threat, no one else was told on the campus to look for the students. She had to go with an officer to look for the bomb in her room. She had to file for a restraining order to get the students removed. No one was warned.

            And other discussion occurred indicating serious problems, from the teacher point of view. Classified spoke up of a lack of communication leading to frustration on their part.

            Many items were presented indicating serious communication issues, and we were just one of 5 groups doing this. We are supposed to get a report on all this from all groups and are supposed to continue discussion.

            Among solutions proposed in our group, communication, respect for teachers and classified, and respect for each other. Common courtesy, such as saying "hello" some (many) feel administration ignores them/us in hallways or on the campus. Factions do not speak to each other, courtesy please?

            I proposed a "vote of no confidence" or at least read the UTLA evaluations we have done. If no confidence then clean sweep of administration and a fresh start. Minimum proposed by others is meet and talk and communicate honestly, no secrets or half truths as are now occurring. Respect for each other regardless of opinion. I proposed, and others supported, some sort of mediation like this to listen to the community, invite all parents and community members and get their feelings and concerns, not like the "community meetings" of last year which were ignored, or so community felt.

            I think you get the point of the meeting with much detail left out.

            Most left smiling or laughing... why? Because as one put it, we know the district does not care and will sweep this under the rug, too. Tomorrow the feeling of doom will return, but at least we got to vent today...and will probably be punished for it tomorrow.... can't any one save the Rock?

            Is there hope after this? Probably not, but the mediator did say the problems and attacks have caught somebody's attention.

            Your Frustrated but Hanging in there (or about to be hung) teacher and friend,

Rudy Cordero

ps. I am also confused about the coaching stuff after the latest revelations, as I always say, I don't know what's going on I just work here... lol... or cry????

Who Lost the Election?

            The results of the election of Tuesday, November 4th were more than the elevation of a singularly talented, skilled and visionary statesman, Barrack Obama, to our highest office; more than the ultimate display of the progress this country has made towards civil rights and justice; more than a victory for the Democratic Party. It was a genuine repudiation of Republican Party politics and policy. In three major areas the American people told the Republicans, "Enough, already!"

            The neo-con foreign policy of "exporting democracy" by force, preventive strikes, belligerent anti-diplomacy and profound arrogance has turned our once admired country to the object of loathing and scorn worldwide. Barrack Obama's victory was celebrated not just in blue state America, but all over the world. People around the world seem to know this change ushers in a new day of renewed confidence in the United States of America and its relations with the rest of the planet.

            Republican attack dog Karl Rove's vicious smear tactics have run into a road block of national resistance. Like the boy who cried wolf, Republican condemnations are no longer taken seriously. McCain's and Palin's characterizations of Obama as a "socialist", a "pal to terrorists" and the "re-distributor in chief" fell on deaf ears. As did the constant TV ads proclaiming Obama as "too radical, too risky" played on every commercial break on every channel right through Election Day. Elizabeth Dole's attempt at a Rovian style attack on her opponent's religious beliefs backfired and cost her the senate seat she held.

            But the most significant rejection of Republicanism is on the economy. The current economic upheaval with the housing crisis, the stock market crash, the failure of several major banks and the insecurity of America's financial health are a direct result of not just 8 years of Bush-a-nomics, but 28 years of Reaganomics. Few Americans know of Milton Friedman, the chief architect of the supply-side, "free-market", trickle-down economic theories the Republicans have taken to heart. The theory goes when and where the markets are left alone with little or no regulation (laizzes-faire) and taxes for the wealthy and corporations stay low, the markets will somehow magically adjust and everyone will share in the prosperity. In actual practice Friedman's philosophies have always resulted in the rise of income and wealth for the well-to-do and greater levels of unemployment, poverty and misery for the working class. In effect a "re-distribution" of wealth upward at the expense of working people. Ronald Reagan experimented with a form of Friedman's theories when he cut taxes for the wealthy and then later had to raise taxes on the middle-class. George W. Bush has performed like Reagan on steroids with his tax cuts for the wealthy, his privatization of governmental services and his deregulation mantra. In all cases, domestic and internationally, where the "free-market" system has been implemented it resulted in tremendous borrowing (mostly from foreign sources) to make up for the loss in revenue, a weakened national currency and a massive increase in national debt

            Milton Friedman died in 2006. His economic theories need to be buried with him. The "free market", trickle-down system quite simply has never worked and never will. What has worked for this country was FDR's "New Deal" of the 1930's. That "bottom-up" recovery brought sustained prosperity and stability to the United States financial system for almost 50 years until Reagan started experimenting with Friedman's theories; cutting taxes and then having to borrow to keep the economy afloat.

            John McCain did not lose the election. Nor did Sarah Palin lose the election for McCain. The Republican Party and its ideology and tactics caused the loss of the election for itself. Neo-con foreign policy is dead. Rovian smear political practices are dead. "Free-market", laizzes-faire, trickle-down economics is dead. R.I.P.! America, we have a new direction; new hope; renewed optimism about our country and what we can and will accomplish. We are the greatest country on earth. And we just proved it.

Eric Ekstrand

Eagle Rock, CA