Boulevard Sentinel

Northeast Los Angeles News

All that's happening in Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mt Washington, Glassell Park and surrounding Areas

May 18, 2002

Eagle Rock Bomb Scare

A bag of trash left under a mailbox near the Eagle Rock City Hall was called in as a possible bomb threat by a postal worker on Wednesday May 8th at around 12:30 pm. Colorado Boulevard was shut down in both directions and all businesses within a one block radius were evacuated for over an hour and a half. The bomb squad was called in to investigate. They were able to x-ray the package to determine that it was not explosive.

Gold Line Wins

CPUC clears crossings

On May 16th, at the California Public Utilities Commission meeting, the long awaited decision on the L.A. to Pasadena Blue Line crossings was handed down. The crossings in Pasadena and Mt. Washington were the subjects of vigorous protests from residents in those areas, who were seeking to separate the crossings by bridge or tunnel. Doing so would have incurred enormous expense postponing completion of the light rail line considerably.

Sheldon Rosenthal, an Administrative Law Judge, was responsible for hearing all the protests and making a recommendation to the commission on the crossings.

He had recommended that all the crossings be approved (with some conditions to increase safety and decrease noise) with the exception of Del Mar street in Pasadena, where he agreed with protesters and asked for grade separation.

CPUC Commisioner Henry M. Duque, however, agreeing with the Blue Line Construction Authority, made an alternate proposal allowing the Del Mar crossing to be at grade with the following mitigations ordered in the decision.

“Use of 4-quadrant gates, ATCS, and a 20 mile-per-hour speed limit at the Del Mar crossing will make that at-grade crossing adequately safe.”

The requirements for the crossings at Ave. 45 and 50 will be about the same with the addition of a prohibition on sounding the horn.

Work on the crossings will now proceed at full speed. Opening is projected for July 2003.

Councils Meet

Representatives from recently certified and soon to be certified Neighborhood Councils in the Northeast Los Angeles area appeared last week as an "information panel" at the regular meeting of the Northeast Los Angeles Community Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC). The meeting, held at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, was an informal opportunity for the present and future local Neighborhood Councils to discuss ways to work together toward common goals and to share information for the future.

Representatives from Eagle Rock, Arroyo Seco, Glassell Park, Lincoln Heights, Greater Valley Boulevard and LA-32 neighborhood Councils were there to participate. They all got a chance to introduce themselves and speak about their latest activities and progress.

Although some of the councils, still involved in boundary disputes with each other which are scheduled to be hammered out later this month, there was an overwhelming spirit of cooperation setting the tone of the night's meeting.

This meeting was one of the first steps toward eventually transfering the planning advisory function of CPAC to the Neighborhood Councils. With the councils taking over, ultimately the CPAC would "sunset".

Terry Speth from the L.A. Community Planning Department, gave his usual report on the upcoming local zoning ordinances, among them the Ave 57 Transit District Plan and the Cypress Park - Glassell Park Community Design Overlay plan.

Representatives from the Mt Washington Association spoke who were there to gather support in their final effort to influence the decision of the California Public Utilities Commission regarding the Blue (Gold) line crossings at Avenue 45 and Avenue 50, nearest to Mt Washington residents.

Neighborhood Council representatives appear before the Northeast Community Planning Council. Representing Glassell Park, on the left, is Bradley. Listening on the right is Eddie Rivera of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council.

Airport Noise

in pursuit of a mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Those of us who live in Northeast Los Angeles are quite used to enjoying the convenience of the nearby Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport. Anything that happens there will affect us. At a public hearing there on May 6th, over 250 people showed up to speak their piece on new proposed airport noise rules. Although the majority of attendees were residents of Burbank, they were

(please see NOISE p.10)

NOISE cont.

joined by representatives from Sherman Oaks and North Hollywood, as well as a City Councilman from Glendale.

When the Airport Authority purchased the airport from Lockheed in 1978, there were over 370 acres of residential land impacted by average aircraft noise levels of 70 decibels or more (residential land affected at less than 70 decibels averaged over a 24 hour period was considered compatible with the airport under state standards in 1978). Now there are about 14 acres of residential land impacted at that level. There are still almost 300 acres impacted by noise levels of 65 decibels.

The public hearings are one part of a continuing process to address the issue of airport noise. At one time local airports had their own authority to make and enforce rules on things such as noise. But Congress passed the Airport Noise and Capacity act of 1990 which prevented airports from passing new noise rules such as curfews. No new rule can be adopted unless a study is successfully completed and the rule is accepted by the FAA. Airport officials warned that the FAA has stated that if a noise abatement plan is too restrictive, it will not be accepted.

The new law requires a study be done that considers the costs versus the benefits of possible new noise abatement rules. It also requires that the public be offered an opportunity to provide their input. The airport has hired a consulting firm (Landrum & Brown) to gather that input and forecast the future in a variety of ways. First, they must forecast what the future impacts would be if no restrictions were made. This considers the growth in both air traffic, noise and economic impact to local business and goverment. Next they have to forecast what would happen if the most restrictive actions were taken. After that, they look at how many benefits could be gleaned out of less restrictive actions.

It does seem that all the studying and forecasting is doing little more than delaying any implementation of useful changes. Some of the airport's neighbors that have been fighting for relief for years have seen their children go from being toddlers to having children of their own. Some infered that because the FAA is the actual decision maker, trusting the airport to collect and forward the public input to them is a situation that is ripe for abuse. Many of the speakers urged that interested citizens should contact the FAA directly to make sure their opinions are getting through.

Interestingly, one of the speakers was from Ontario (CA) and had gone through a similar process with the Ontario Airport. "What we're dealing with is a very inconsiderate neighbor who is operating a business at our peril!" He warned attendees, "If you're going to accept a curfew, make sure that it's mandatory and make sure there are teeth in the fines (for non-compliance with noise rules)."

Gallery Ophelia

The newest Gallery in the Northeast area is proud to announce the following events:

May - "Tiny Works" Works of art making a statement in a smaller scale. Featuring works by 15 local artists in sizes ranging from 1 x 1" inches to 12" X 12". Photography, collage, painting and sculpture.

The gallery is located at 2114 Colorado Boulevard, in Eagle Rock. For additional information and hours please call (323) 982-9945 or visit them at www.galleryophelia.com

Hahn Bans Billboards

Mayor signs ordinance banning new bill boards citywide.

Sherman Oaks - May 7, 2002

Mayor Jim Hahn today signed a council ordinance to ban all new billboards in Los Angeles. This ordinance was unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council on April 30, 2002. Mayor Hahn was joined by Councilmembers Cindy Miscikowski and Jack Weiss as he signed the ordinance on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, one of the communities that advocated the ban.

"For years billboards have distracted our commuters, increased visual blight in our neighborhoods, and diminished the market value of houses in communities where billboards exist," said Mayor Hahn. "Today, we are committing to stopping that kind of blight from reducing the quality of life in our neighborhoods."

"The time is right to comprehensively and decisively take a stand against the proliferation of billboard blight in our neighborhoods," said Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski. "In signing this ordinance, the Mayor is hearing the many voices in our city who have long wished for a permanent solution to this problem."

"With this new law, we finally can stop the spread of billboard blight in all the city's neighborhoods," said Councilman Jack Weiss. "On top of the ban, we will identify and remove illegal signs to improve the quality of life in Los Angeles."

Los Angeles joins a growing number of at least 1,000 communities and six states nationwide that have restricted the construction of new billboards despite opposition from the billboard industry..

Yearly Fundraiser

Highlands Preschool is currently in the planning process for their Annual Flea Market. The event is set for June 22nd at the Albertson’s Market located at Figueroa and Avenue 45. More details will be announced as they become available.

Eagle Vista Seniors

No meeting on May 21 due an opera trip on the 23.

BINGO on Tuesday, May 28, with Lou Agrati, caller.

All meetings, unless otherwise noted are on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at the Eagle Vista Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive.

Highland Park Senior Center

Something for everybody (over 50), The Highland Park Senior Center, 6152 N. Figueroa And York Blvd. is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. There are five separate clubs:

The Monday Seniors meet from 10:30 to 12:30. They socialize between sing-a-longs, exercise classes, videos and poetry readings. Tuesday activities include basic drawing instruction, fabric painting, oil painting, ceramics and line dancing. On Wednesday there is a meeting at 11:00 and ballroom dancing with live music performed by “The Rhythm Makers” from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Thursday’s club, “The Merry Makers” and Friday’s club “The Happy Highlanders” play bingo from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings “The Shuffle Board Club” members get together and practice for tournaments.

In addition to the daily activities, all clubs celebrate holidays with special entertainment and luncheons. If you like traveling, we have day trips and gambling trips planned for the year. Don’t sit at home alone, come join us. For more information call the Center (323) 256-6866

Business Person of the Month

A new feature of the Boulevard Sentinel

This month we have chosen Michael Nogueira as the business person of the month. He not only has brought the level of Eagle Rock business to new heights, but has also raised the bar regarding businesses participating in the community. Twice elected President of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, he is responsible for the creation of the yearly "Music in the Park" series, as well as first overseeing and now running the Eagle Rock Farmer's Market. He has shown overwhelming generosity in supporting practically every community event in Eagle Rock. His involvment in civic life does not end there however, as he takes the responsibility of his appointment to the L.A. Housing Commission very seriously. He also is a Board member of UGLA (Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance). He can be seen at virtually every civic event in Eagle Rock with his lovely wife Eugenie and his sons Douglas and Danny.

Mr. Gary Fielder

We just have to make an acknowledgement of, and farewell to, a businessman, neighbor and friend who has been an integral part of the Eagle Rock Community for over 40 years. Mr. Gary Fielder was just a local teen ager when he went to work for Baldwin Automotive as an apprentice mechanic (where One Stop Tire is now located.) He took a cut in pay to go to work for Les Williamson at Williamson Auto Supply, auto parts being his real love. He worked his way up in the company, finally becoming manager, then owner. In his hey day, he had two full time delivery drivers, two parts counter men and a machinist working for him.

A fixture on the boulevard for so long, it seemed like he would be there forever. He decided to sell to be closer to his aging parents, who live in Arizona. Near the end of his run, he was renowned by car enthusiasts for his knowledge of, and ability to get parts for classic and vintage automobiles.

Richard "Dick" Post

Richard Post, owner of “Richard’s Hofbrau” a Highland Park merchant since 1965, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 6, 2002. He was in his 70’s. After serving as a police motor officer for 12 years, he entered the bar business. He stuck with it and at one time ran three local establishments. His wife Carleen of 55 years said, “He was unique in his own way... He touched a lot of peoples lives. He loved helping kids.” Denise, his daytime bartender said, “He was like a father to me, but much more. He helped me... a lot... I love him and miss him.”He is survived by his three children, Kenny, Roxanne and Laurie, four grand children and two great grandchildren.

PLEIN AIR EXHIBIT

Colorful depictions of Eagle Rock by Southern California artists; fabulous historic photos of the community assembled courtesy of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society; and period-appropriate music performed by local pianists may be experienced once more on Sunday, May 26 -- closing day -- of the much-acclaimed "Renaissance of Plein Air" exhibit from 2-5 p.m. in the Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock.

See "plein air" painting as contemporary as David McNutt's view of Fatty's. Check out the photo images of Eagle Rock's 19th-century Victorian homes and the early 20th-century panoramas shot from Round Top. As you view, pianists Shain Neumeier, Lois Douglass, Casey Neumeier, and Melody Peterson will set the mood with a background of New Age impressionism, ragtime, and artfully-arranged American folksongs.

"It's a wonderful show," coordinator John Stillion reminds us. “We'd hate for anyone to miss it."

Cultural Center Events

Sunday, May 26th is the last chance to view the exhibition Eagle Rock Renaissance of Plein Air. This show is spotlighting contemporary landscapes juried by some of the area's finest experts. Come see what masterpieces our local artists will create for this very special exhibit.

Dahlia Days

Dahlia Days will be held on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Caspar Street just south of Colorado Boulevard. The festival is a fabulous community event.

Metro Gallery Presents

The Metro Gallery is proud to present the works of Michael Rosenfeld. Box Top Heroes is a collection of thirteen paintings be exhibited at the Metro Gallery in Old Pasadena thru June 9.

For information and gallery hours, please call (626) 440-7379.

Museums of the Arroyo

Stroll back in time with other Angelinos, Sunday, May 19th, when five museums open their doors (from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to visitors (free of charge) as part of the 13th Annual Museums of the Arroyo (MOTA) Day.

The participating museums are: Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, 626-793-3334), Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer St, LA, 626-449-0193), Lummis Home and Garden (200 East Ave 43, LA, 323-333-0546), Pasadena Historical Museum (470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, 626-577-1660), and Southwest Museum (234 Museum Dr., LA, 323-221-2164, x221) - each featuring a distinctive slice of architectural and cultural history.

The MOTA Day shuttles will operate two free routes. One will run between Pasadena and Highland Park with stops at the Pasadena Historical Museum, The Gamble House and The Lummis Home and Garden. The other will shuttle guests from The Lummis Home, Southwest Museum and Heritage Square. The City of Pasadena and the City of Los Angeles provide shuttle service.

Parking will be available in Pasadena at Avery Dennison on Walnut (near Pasadena Historical Museum) and surrounding streets. In Highland Park, parking will be on Carlota Street (near Lummis Home) at Heritage Square and Southwest Museums' parking lots and surrounding streets.

For more information, please call the MOTA hotline at (213) 740-TOUR (8687).

Concert Under The Stars

Come and enjoy the Concert Under The Stars sponsored by Saint Dominic’s and performed by the students. This event begins at 6:00 p.m. in the large parking lot (2002 Merton Avenue). Bring your chairs or blankets and settle in for an enjoyable evening. You can also get Pasta Take-Out at Parish Hall served by the Boy Scouts.

Earth Alchemy

The Arroyo Arts Collective will present Earth Alchemy, an annual exhibition of members' work referring to the environment in innovative, transformational ways. Patricia Watts, juror.

It wil be at Avenue 50 Studio, 131 North Avenue 50, Highland Park thru May 19. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday 10-4.

Earth Alchemy, an exhibition of work creatively referring to the environment by members of the Arroyo Arts Collective, will hang at Avenue 50 Studio gallery as an interesting adjunct to the Collective's biennial site-specific installation project on the Los Angeles River. Contact Avenue 50 Studio at 258-1435 or ave50studio@msn.com. Avenue 50 Studio is located at 131 S. Avenue 50 in Highland Park.

Rock Rose Art Gallery Presents..

On display thru June 15, the Rock Rose Art Gallery is presenting ‘From Rags to Riches - From the Scrap Yard to the Gallery”. Ellard Alfred fabricates whimsical birds, animals and figures out of parts from motorcycles, typewriters and stoves. Joyce Kohl works abstractly, combining parts from farming with stabilized adobe to form lyrical wall works and sculptures many which are interactive.

The Gallery is located at 4108 North Figueroa, in Highland Park. For information please call Rosamaria Marquez at 222-4740.

In a rare and lucky find, Mr. Lee Lodes of Aroyo Furniture came across a copy of “Diamond Jubilee Highland Park 75th Anniversary Pictorial Souvenir Edition.” Among the many interesting items within it, which we will continue to share with you, was this Highland Park subdivision map.