Boulevard Sentinel

News for Northeast L.A.

June 15, 2002

current calendar by Genine Sauer

H.P.TRANSIT DISTRICT APPROVED

Protestors Overuled by Reyes - Plan Passes City Council 14-1

by Tom Topping

A series of E-mail messages were sent out in recent weeks to elicit protests to the passage of the Avenue 57 TOD (Transit Oriented District) Specific Plan, affecting commercial areas in Highland Park along the Figueroa Street and Gold Line corridor. Unlike the Colorado Specific plan in Eagle Rock, which focuses on aesthetics and elimination of certain uses, The Ave. 57 TOD is to increase development and take advantage of the potential economic benefits the Gold Lline will bring.

The controversy was created by "Save Van De Kamps" activist Andrew Garsten. He sent the E-mails claiming that 1st district Councilman Ed Reyes had abrogated the public process for the proposed Specific Plan by adding an amendment to it shortly before it was to come before the City Council for approval. Not clear in the E-mails however, was exactly what difference the amendment would cause. Bowing to activist pressure, Councilman Reyes tabled the proposed TOD.

The amendment in question changed the amount of "lot assemblage" allowable in the TOD area. As far as I can tell, this means that developers may acquire a number of lots up to a certain square footage, and combine them in order to make a single development. The amendment increased that square footage amount.

The only apparent difference is that Councilman Reyes, in attempting to increase the economic benefits of the Gold Line light rail to the Highland Park community, has made the area more desirable to potential developers with this change. Calls to the Councilman to clarify this issue were met with a friendly response, but very little in the way of solid, substantive information was received.

After the initial protests and the tableing of the proposed TOD and amendment, Reyes modified the amendment (by reducing the area affected by it) and took it out to the community to get support. His staffers appeared at the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce board meeting to explain the plan and amendments and ask for a letter of support, which he got. (The actual text of the plan and amendment was not made available for review. Chamber members were asked to give their support on the say-so of Reyes staff members)

They approached the HPOZ (Historic Highland Park Overlay Zone) as well, and while there were not enough members present for a quorum, members who spoke to the Boulevard Sentinel were not very concerned about the plan or amendment because any project in the TOD area must be approved by the HPOZ before it can proceed anyway. The identified historic buildings and facades will be protected.

On Tuesday, June 11, the Los Angeles City Council considered the Ave. 57 TOD Specific Plan. Two of the community members there to speak in support of the plan were Andrew Barrera of the Northeast Business assistance Center, and Pam Hanna of the Southwest Museum. It passed by 14 to 1.

Dating Destination: Eagle Rock?

by Ms. Chockie Tom

It’s another Friday night, and rather than deal with the hustle and congestion of Old Town Pasadena, why not stay local, and spend your date in the community? There are many options available for every budget and every interest. You can have a fantastic date with out ever leaving Eagle Rock.

My personal favorite date is shopping at the local Farmer’s Market located at Colorado and Casper, Fridays at 5:00pm and afterwards enjoying a picnic in one of the many parks in the area, at sunset. If Thai food is your interest, Panang, provides great traditional dishes that even a starving student can afford. If you are a vegetarian, the cooks at Panang are more than willing to substitute tofu for meat and create exquisite meat-free dishes. The patio area provides a nice setting for conversing. If you prefer the classic dinner and a movie date, the Highland theater located at 5604 N. Figueroa St. and right up the street is Folliero’s Pizza and Italian Food, 5566 N. Figueroa St.,

the food is affordable and delicious and the atmosphere is lively and fun.

If you like bowling, the All Star Bowling lanes are a great option; Friday Nights there is Karaoke (21 and over) and Saturday’s Bowl-A-Rama, which features live music and of course, there‘s always bowling. Speaking of bowling alleys, present and former, Mr. T’s Bowl (21 and over) 5612½ is home to the Gutter, which makes several of the best meals in town, and is home to some of the more interesting local music and people. If you have a bigger budget, Colombo’s, 1833 Colorado Blvd, has an excellent bar and great food, as well as fantastic entertainment provided by Linda Lopez on piano.

For those of you that are under 21, Fatty’s provides live music on occasion, and has a bunch of great sandwiches starting around $7.00; the coffee drinks are good as well. Swork is another great option, located at 2160 Colorado Blvd., not only is there Internet access, a relaxed vibe about the place, good coffee and live music some nights. If you feel like releasing your inner-poet, the Rock Rose Art Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa St., has poetry readings that are a lot of fun to check out. With all these options available, you could spend every Friday night in the neighborhood and still find something new and exciting to do every time.

A Hero’s Farewell

by Marcelo Araujo

After the dismissal bell rang, Wednesday June 5th at Eagle Rock High School, students did not leave for home. Students flocked to the auditorium to be part of a salute for Coach Gilbert Espino.

Eagle Rock students, alumni and staff shared stories and memories about Coach Espino. The Eagle Rock High School auditorium had over 400 people for an hour and a half salute. The Eagle Rock High School Jazz Band performed Marvin Gaye's hit song of "What's Going On?" and choir sang Andrew Lloyd Webber's "As if We Never Said Good-bye". The salute ended with Caitlin Gallogly singing the hit from the Temptations "My Girl", one of Coach Espino's favorite songs.

Richard Martinez, a former football player and track runner for Coach Espino graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1995. He assisted Coach Espino this year during the track season. "Coach Espino made his students competitors by making them grow-up and putting them in positions and events where they would have to adjust quickly to succeed." Said Martinez. "I would know that because I was one of them. I only realized what he was doing for me when I became a coach for his track team."

Grace Ullom who came to teach physical education at Eagle Rock High School 27 years ago joined Coach Espino and Jorge Garcia, the newly hired faculty. "I coached with him for 15 years." Said Ullom. "During that time, he made the team like a family. He was the father and I was the mother, while the team was our sons and daughters. The team learned to become a family and how valuable it is to work together, since what one person does has an influence on the family."

Jorge Garcia, Dean of Eagle Rock High School also served 27 years at Eagle Rock High School, with Coach Ullom and Coach Espino. Garcia spoke of a time that Coach Ullom, Coach Espino and he were known as the "Three Amigos" on campus. "Gil was often known for his humor." Said Garcia. "His jokes and comments never meant to be insulting because he would follow with his smile, gestures and facial expressions that would make you laugh at him and yourself." Garcia was nearly overcome with tears as he said his last words about Coach Espino. "Let's not mourn over the flame that died out rather let's remember how bright the flame was of Coach Espino."

Junior Vanessa Barraza spoke of her experience and memories of Coach Espino. "I was grateful the day that Coach Espino substituted for my class. He played a big role in my high school life. He was like a father to me. He would rescue me in my time of need. He would try to match me up with many of his boy students and told me the ones to stay away from. I will always remember to smile during the hardest of times as he told me, because he would do it."

Coach Espino's daughter Maritza Espino thanked all those whom attended and expressed her goals of becoming like her father. "I dream when I become a teacher that I can leave a legacy like my father to the students that I will educate. I will help them grow up and give them advice as my father did to the students of Eagle Rock High School."

Contributions can be made to Eagle Rock High School for the Gil Espino Memorial Scholarship for Scholar Athletes.

Marcelo Araujo can be reached at Godzillanow@hotmail.com

Mobile Home Owners Take a Stand

Mobile Home owners and tenants at the Eagle Rock Springs mobile home park took their future into their own hands last week when they voted to become a chapter of the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League (GSMOL). Despite receiving many retaliatory eviction notices, Eagle Rock mobile home resident Maurice Roncalli had gone from unit to unit soliciting membership in the GSMOL, and with the help of resident Jean Mc Daniel, organized the meeting held June 8th at the park.

"If you don't know your rights, you have no rights," said Mr. Ralph Weber, GSMOL regional manager, who attended and spoke at the meeting. "This is the mobile home residency laws," he said, showing me a handbook. "When people violate, (the laws) it's a civil law; in order to take action against them, you must sue." He had been to the Eagle Rock Springs park two previous times. "Apparently this park here has got problems, between tenant and management, and from what I can see, most of them have got problems that are legitimate."

The Boulevard Sentinel has been receiving reports of problems with the park's owners/management for years. There were claims of harassment intended to drive them out of the park. There were reports of management refusing to accept rent, and then putting a lien on the mobile home to take it from tenants. There was a situation in which a tenant died and the management of the park sold the mobile home to someone else without even trying to notify the deceased persons heirs of the sale. Lately, management was trying to have trees removed (in violation of city codes) which really was the straw that broke the camels back, and activated those residents with strong feelings for nature and the environment.

"If you have 51% of the people in your park as a member of your chapter you can sue as one entity." Mr. Weber went on to explain that once you have your officers elected you can go to a law firm and sue as one entity.

Don Brown, of the City of L.A. Housing Department, Mobile Home Task Force, was there to distribute copies of the city ordinances that pertain to Mobile Home Parks, and the Mobile Home Residency Law. "I've known this park for many many years, and I've heard from a lot of people that live in this park, and for years and years all I've heard is complain complain, be scared to death and move out cause all the threats of the previous management... but no one ever wanted to file a complaint. They call me to issue complaints, and I'd say 'I want you to fill out a complaint form,' they wouldn't even give me their phone numbers so I could call them back. Also they would go to our Council office, issue complaints, never leave their phone number and never ever wanting to fill out a complaint form. If you stick together all this B.S. that's been going on for years and years will stop."

Resident Maurice Roncalli, who is the newly elected president of the Eagle Rock Springs chapter of the GSMOL put himself in jeopardy for his neighbors. " I was supposed to be evicted as soon as we were participating in this association. I wanted to serve as a example to everybody that regardless of the outcome, I was going to follow through with it. We followed through the association, I went to the housing department, wrote to 16 or 17 government representatives, the ACLU, and the eviction notice has been dropped. And just like that our laundry room was rebuilt. So as you can see, here I am, nothing happened." He is ready to take his case to attorneys, as soon as the formation of their association is complete. More information on GSMOL id available on the web at www.gsmol.org.

Ahh Politics!

Borders disputes between newly forming neighborhood councils are a trial in the court of public opinion.

These competing press releases were received a day apart. If you read carefully, you can notice the subtle but important differences in the way the same event is looked at from opposing sides. It is a study in “spin”; both sides interpreting the same facts to support different conclusions.

You can see that each release is designed to appear neutral and non-partisan, but both releases have portions which obviously are not. The parts of each identified with bold type are examples of this.

Both are printed here in the spirit of ancient Greece’s tradition of giving equal voice to both sides, so that eventually the truth will come out.

Arroyo Seco Council Talks

Northeast Los Angeles, California, June 4, 2002

Following Mandate of Board of Neighborhood Commis- sioners (BONC), Arroyo Seco Group Requests Mediation by Department of Neighborhood Empowerment

Acting on the recommendation of the Los Angeles Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC) has reached out to a group of Cypress Park activists and has requested mediation by the Department of Neighborhood Councils in an effort to achieve unified neighborhood council representation for the communities of Cypress Park, Hermon, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington and Sycamore Grove.

Seeking to expedite dialogue through formal, DONE-mediated discussions, the ASNC has requested that a first meeting date be set by June 6.

At a May 28 public hearing held in Highland Park, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners heard arguments by many Cypress Park residents in favor of joining the Arroyo Seco Neighbor- hood Council and received supporting signatures representing over ten per cent of all Cypress Park community stakeholders. A second group of Cypress Park residents addressed the BONC hearing in favor of a separate neighborhood council.

Acknowledging the advantage of a unified neighborhood council as well as apparent divisions within the community, BONC took an unusual step—unprecedented in the ongoing neighborhood council certification process--and presented the representatives of Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council with two choices. The group could choose immediate certification with the Cypress Park community "carved out" of their boundaries pending further hearings. Alternately, the group could take the opportunity to continue their certification application until an agreement could be worked out with the splinter Cypress Park stakeholders.

A straw poll was immediately taken by steering committee members of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council—many of them from Cypress Park—and the unanimous decision was made to defer certification until a unified council could be formed.

In a letter sent to the splinter Cypress Park group, ASNC steering committee chairperson Anna Carpenter noted that the groups share a common concern for utilizing a neighborhood council as a vehicle for community empowerment and improvement. She asked that past differences be put aside in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue.

The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council has compiled a database of over 3000 supporters and has received the endorsement of a broad cross-section of residents’ groups within the six Northeast Los Angeles communities.

The six Northeast Los Angeles communities of Cypress Park, Hermon, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington and Sycamore Grove are linked together along the Arroyo Seco and the Los Angeles River. While joining together to form a single neighborhood council, residents of the Arroyo Seco hope to maintain the character and environment of their individual communities while also shaping their destiny at the center of Los Angeles civic life.

Cypress Park Talks Back

Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council

June 5, 2002

"Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council not certified"

After four years of preparation, the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC) failed in its attempt to be certified at a public hearing held by the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners on May 28, 2002.

With very little time allotted to them, supporters of the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council (GCPNC) made a very strong impact on the Commission. As a result, the ASNC failed it its attempt to be certified and be recognized as representing Cypress Park. This was a stunning victory for the stakeholders of Cypress Park.

The Commission made two rulings directly relevant to ASNC and GCPNC. The first was that both parties should meet to work towards developing a unified neighborhood council. The second ruling was that the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council should continue working on its application towards certification of its own Neighborhood Council.

Furthermore, the Commission set no time limit on either the negotiations between the GCPNC and the ASNC, or on GCPNC submitting its application in anticipation of its own public hearing. Accordingly, the ASNC has no authority to set deadlines. Also, the ASNCs own hearing has been postponed indefinitely.

The Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council will now begin a deliberative process to heal the divisions in their community, prepare for dialogue with the ASNC, and work diligently towards finalizing its own application to become a certified Neighborhood Council.

The Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council is a bone fide neighborhood council in formation. It was never a part of ASNC and is not a "splinter group". The GCPNC enjoys widespread support throughout the GCPNC's area. For further information, please contact the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council at (323) 343-0005 or via email at gcpnc@hotmail.com.

The Northeast Democratic Club

Invites You!

The June 19th meeting of The Northeast Democratic Club will feature a panel of speakers who will discuss the Valley secession vote from different points of view. Jeff Darr will represent One L.A., Valley Vote will be sending a representative, Tony Butka will outline LAFCO's position and Paula Bagasao will offer the League of Women Voters' non-partisan evaluation of this highly volatile, timely issue.

The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. at the El Arco Iris Restaurant, 5684 York Boulevard in Highland Park

TreePeople to Form Alliance with

Glassell Park

The Glassell Park Improvement Association (GPIA) organized a meeting with Beverly Hills based TreePeople, held yesterday evening at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. The catalyst for this meeting was GPIA Improvement Chair and Citizen Forester Alonso Calderon. It was decided that TreePeople would bring their Citizen Forester program to Glassell Park for a comprehensive one day training session and partner with the community in planting trees, provide resource information and other support. Details and dates are being worked out.

Offsite training is unusual for the nearly 30 year old group. Historically the training sessions have been held at their Mulholland Drive location over a period of 4 Saturdays. After working with the GPIA on a tree maintenance project in March of this year it was decided by both parties that perhaps they could form a lasting alliance somewhat tailored to their needs. That day has come.

"We see this as a benefit not only to Glassell Park but our neighbors," says Calderon, expressing the sentiments of everyone at the meeting. It was decided that once the project gets started, the GPIA is willing to lend a hand to neighboring communities that are interested.

Two of the dedicated individuals working with Glassell Park are Forestry Director Jim Summers and Citizen Forestry manager Elizabeth Altshule. Some of the statistics they site are worth considering - In one year an acre of trees can provide enough oxygen for 15 people, a tree lined street can enhance property values as much as 15%, trees cool a city by up to 10 degrees by shading homes and streets, producing water vapor through their leaves, 3 strategically planted trees will reduce a homes' air conditioning needs up to 50%, therefore reducing energy demand, carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Trees also reduce runoff, ultimately preventing water pollution.

If you're interested in becoming involved or would like more information please contact Alonso Calderon at 323-982-0328 or acalceves@yahoo.com. For more information about TreePeople call 818-753-4600 or contact website at www.treepeople.org. For information about the Glassell Park Improvement Association or this story please contact Mitch O'Farrell at 323-257-9437 or contact website at www.gpia.org.

When flowers crowned Poppy Peak

Spring in the Highlands (from 1963 diamond Jubilee edition)

By WILLFRID DELLQUEST

The most magnificent flower display in northeastern Los Angeles took place each spring when Poppy Peak put on her Easter bonnet of California Golden Poppies. The highest elevation in the San Rafael area, rising nearly eleven hundred feet above the level of the sea, Poppy Peak’s radiant crown of golden fire could be seen for many miles

When caravels from Castile churned along the California coast, Spanish sailors sometimes looked land ward and saw the fading sun of dusk angle its slanting rays on the flower-decked summit of Poppy Peak. Like molten gold flowing down the slopes of a mountain top, Poppy Peak was God’s glory in the kingdom of the Dons. “Madre Dios!” the sailors cried, “but it is beautiful.” The land in those days was lush. It was green and peaceful. Watered by wild streams and natural springs, the hills were covered with toyon, the California holly; the laurel sumac and the spreading oaks. Yucca, the Spanish bayonet, thrust its barred leaves in clusters from the ground, and lifted its cream-white blooms towards the sky. “Candles of God,” they called them. There were orange and deep red monkey flowers and the bright yellow brodiaea, aristocrat of the wild-flower tribe.

WHEN THE RANCHO CAME

In the 1880’s, the Campbell Johnston Ranch with its two thousand acres sprawled across’ the foothill area now known as San Rafael Heights. Alexander Campbell-Johnston bought the hilltop acre from Prudent Beaudry, settled there with his family and died at the old ranch house in 1888. His two sons, Conway and Augustine continued to occupy the property. They built a winding road called Mountain Avenue over the foot of Poppy Peak. Mountain Avenue is still there. It has been renamed Avenue 64 and joins York Blvd. with Colorado Freeway to the north.

IN THE PATH OF PROGRESS

The land was rapidly filling with settlers. Pasadena Ave. and North Figueroa St. became tentacles feeding the population of Los Angeles into the pleasant hills and valleys of the northeastern suburbs. The hills were overrun with picnickers and hikers. The GoIden Poppies were picked to the point of extinction. In 1924, pioneer subdivider William C. Carr bought Poppy Peak. He built new roads and erected the first modern residence in the area. The hills are now dotted with fine homes, a proud part of the fast-growing suburbia of America’s third largest city.

IT HAD BEEN A GOOD VOYAGE

Conway Carnpbell- Johnston often gloried In the inspired spectacle of the Golden Poppies. He planned to be buried with his wife on the top of a Poppy Peak. Fate had other plans. On the morning of May 7, 1915, he stood with his arm about his wife on the deck of a transatlantic liner trying to glimpse through the mist the nearby coast of Ireland. It had been a good voyage in spite of the hazards of the war-zone. In a few hours they would be in England. Without warning a German torpedo howled into the bowels of the Lusitania. Conway Campbell-Johnston and his wife rest in eternity far from the peak where the Golden Poppies grew.

Another gem of a picture and story from Northeast Newspaper’s 75 years of progress Diamond Jublilee issue; Chili-Ville at 6214 York Boulevard, was a landmark in Highland Park for years. Shown here in 1963, it was a popular spot known for its good food, served 24 hours a day.

I, Paul Buscaglia, have been a resident and in the restaurant business since 1910. In 1923 I built my home in South Pasadena and thus became very familiar with the Highland Park area. To know Highland Park is to love it. It does not take one long to appreciate the many advantages, sincere people, and friendly atmosphere that Highland Park has to offer.

I consider February 15, 1929, one of the happiest days of my life. It was on this day I bought Chile Ville restaurant. At that time the business operated 24 hours a day; and it was during World War II that it became necessary to put locks on the doors and close them from 1 to 6 a.m. to conserve food points.

Many people consider Chile Ville a landmark in Highland Park. In fact it was not uncommon for motormen on the street car line to. call out “Chile-Ville Junction.” Many of the older residents can remember courting their best-girl at Chile Ville.

Through the years, working diligently and making many lasting friends has been very rewarding to me. Another very important date for me is September 12, 1947 when my son-in-law, Ray Montara, became my business partner. It is gratifying to know that a member of your family with the same love and loyalty for business will continue the efforts that you set forth. This makes everything worthwhile.

In 1957 Ray Montara and I conceived the idea of freezing our Chili. We then built a modern well equipped factory adjacent to Chile Ville and distributed packages available in the frozen food section of markets and larger quantities made available for wholesale purposes.

In 1961 I retired from business knowing full well that Ray Montara would continue with the same sincere effort to please my many friends and customers. Looking back through the years I realize that my family was always behind me with their loyalty, encouraging words and moral support. My family consists of my wife, Ida, and two daughters, Carole (Mrs. Ray) Montara and Gloria (Mrs. Norf) Jebbia and four grandchildren; Roger and Linda Montara, and Pauline and Dennis Jebbia.

Ebell Club Silver Tea Scholarships

by Joan Potter

The Highland Park Ebell Club, soon to celebrate its 100th birthday, held its Silver Tea on Tuesday, May 28th where new members were honored, community grants awarded, and scholarships given to a host of deserving students attending our local schools. Receiving scholarships for outstanding accomplishment at Franklin Community Adult School were Debra Hearn, Irma Vallejos and Sandra Rodriguez. Outstanding day school students of Franklin High receiving awards were Blanca Marin, Wanda Molino and Wendy Pena. Iliana Alvarado, a second year student at CSULA, was honored on the recommendation of former college counselor Sara Hanan.

Each year an outstanding nursing student is selected by financial aid administrator Doris DeHart of the Los Angeles County College of Nursing. This year Doris picked Naheed Hazarika to receive $500.

The Explorer Post, sponsored by the NELAPD, is awarded a $500 grant twice a year. Officers Marjan Mobasser and Mark Caravao are the adult leaders, and they selected the top two student officers, Joanna Law and Cesar Tamayo, to receive individual $300 scholarships.

New to the Ebell's list of community grants is $1000 going to the Explorer Post sponsored by the Glassell Park Fire Station. Robert Maya of Station 44 accepted the check with heartfelt thanks.

The Optimist High School is for students at risk, and these graduates have overcome great obstacles to gain their diploma. Maureen Spagnolo, Assistant Principal, introduced this year's top male and female graduating seniors who were awarded $300 each.

President Frances Choate, the energy behind all fund raising at the Ebell, said she enjoys raising money, but it is giving the money away that brings the most joy. She personally selected Briana Chamberlain, Mabley Arce and Valerie Alaniz to receive $300 each.

Community grants of $500 were awarded to Bishop Cruver and Reverend Bill Pile to further the good works of their churches.

Assistant LAPD Chief Peggy York, an Ebell member, was generous with the scholarship recipients. The award winners said their thanks and each one will be putting the funds to good use either in college or entering the work force.

A fabulous buffet followed the award ceremony, with sandwiches, salads, desserts, and yes, there was tea.

Letters

My wife and I recently walked past the 1-Day Paint building near the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado. It is apparently abandoned; doors were busted open and it looked like homeless people were living inside, with trash, boxes and broken glass everywhere. Do you have any idea how we can do something about this? The cops said to call the owner/manager of the building. Any idea who it is? We left a message at the corporate headquarters of 1-Day Paint. No response yet.

Thanks, Matthew Carroll

Arthritis Not Just Age-Specific

You may have thought of arthritis as a condition of old age. Although it is true that almost half of everyone over age 65 has some type of arthritis, these diseases of the joints (arthritis literally means joint inflammation) know no age boundaries: Arthritis is the number one cause of disability among Americans over age 15. It afflicts nearly 1 in 6 Americans, about 285,000 of them children. And nearly two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are women.

Arthritis may not be easy to diagnose on your own when it first takes hold, particularly if you believe you are too young to suffer from it. Among the symptoms to look for are joint pain, stiffness that is worse in the morning, buckling or instability of a joint under stress, and loss of function. You should also look for bony enlargements at the joints, a limited range of motion, tenderness to the touch, and pain during motion of the affected joint.

Arthritis Not Just Age-Specific

You may have thought of arthritis as a condition of old age. Although it is true that almost half of everyone over age 65 has some type of arthritis, these diseases of the joints (arthritis literally means joint inflammation) know no age boundaries: Arthritis is the number one cause of disability among Americans over age 15. It afflicts nearly 1 in 6 Americans, about 285,000 of them children. And nearly two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are women.

Arthritis may not be easy to diagnose on your own when it first takes hold, particularly if you believe you are too young to suffer from it. Among the symptoms to look for are joint pain, stiffness that is worse in the morning, buckling or instability of a joint under stress, and loss of function. You should also look for bony enlargements at the joints, a limited range of motion, tenderness to the touch, and pain during motion of the affected joint.

The Raw Truth about Eggs

The American Egg Board, a marketing and research organization for the egg industry, does not recommend the consumption of raw or undercooked eggs, yet many recipes call for them. Salmonella, one of several types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, has been found inside a small number of raw eggs -- about 0.005 percent, or 1 in every 20,000 eggs.

Though the odds of getting salmonella poisoning from raw eggs are low, it would be wise to use them only in recipes in which they are essential, like homemade mayonnaise and Caesar salad. A good substitution for raw eggs is pasteurized liquid egg substitute, which closely resembles fresh eggs.

You can't tell by looking at it whether an egg is infected. Bacteria are destroyed when the egg reaches a temperature of 140 degrees. Never eat an egg whose shell is cracked or broken. Cracked eggs become vulnerable to other types of bacteria, so you should throw them away.

June is National Safety Month

Keeping home a safe haven

As we get older, changes in vision, motion, strength, hearing and cognition make even the most youthful senior more prone to accidents. Falls are one of the leading health risks for older people, with an estimated one third of all people age 60 and older suffering a fall each year

This increased risk of falling is related to:

Normal aging process (decreased muscle strength or slowed reflexes), higher incidence of chronic health problems (arthritis or diabetes) that may limit mobility, agility or sensory awareness, side effects of medication (dizziness or blurred vision) and brittle bones. The consequences of a fall can be serious and long lasting.

Home life

Research by the Association of Aging (AOA) shows that one half to one third of all home accidents among older adults can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes and basic modifications and repairs to the home environment. Here are some lifestyle changes that experts recommend to increase your safety:

Have your vision and hearing checked regularly, speak to your doctor about possible side effects of your medications, limit your intake of alcohol, use a cane or walker to help maintain your balance, wear supportive, rubber-soled shoes, and exercise regularly to help maintain muscle tone, agility and balance.

According to the "Older Consumer Home Safety Checklist," it is important to check for potential hazards in each room as well as in your home in general. Proper lighting is an essential factor in home safety,

Important questions to ask yourself include: Are lamps, electric, extension and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic and in good condition? Are all small rugs and runners slip resistant? Are smoke detectors working? Is the phone easily reachable, and is the cord safely tucked away?

Institutes of Health. Includes a directory of aging resources and brochures and fact sheets covering a wide range of health and safety concerns. For information on additional safety procedures check out http://www.aarp.org

Estate Preparation

"Estate planning" refers to the process of putting your affairs in order so that, upon your death, you pass on as much of your assets (or estate) as possible to your designated beneficiaries or heirs in an orderly transition. Your beneficiaries receive the proceeds of your estate by your direction made in writing. Your heirs, on the other hand, are relatives who receive your assets as a matter of law if you don't specify otherwise.

The basic goal of estate planning is to make sure that your estate passes to those whom you want to receive it at the least possible cost in taxes and administrative expenses.

Scholarship Fundraiser Scheduled

Highlands Preschool will be holding their Annual Flea Market June 22nd at the Albertson's Market located at Figueroa and Avenue 45. The funds received will go to the schools Scholarship Program. Come and purchase gently used clothing, toys, kitchenware books, offices supplies and furniture. Items will be ready for purchase at 8:00 a.m..

Townsend Gallery

ART DISTRICT OF EAGLE ROCK

Townsend III Gallery had their

Grand Opening and Inaugural Exhibition, May 4, 2002 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.. Townsend III Gallery, specializing in fine art, folk art, and custom art framing, offers the public collectable contemporary art from North and South America, ethnographic antiques, distinctive one-of a-kind jewelry, arte popular or folk art, and custom framing and installation services. The newest addition to Eagle Rock's growing art scene, the gallery and frame facility, Townsend III Gallery, is located at 1581 West Colorado Blvd, on the corner of Townsend Ave. and West Colorado Blvd. Townsend III Gallery and Designer Framing are owned and operated by a triad partnership/management team -- Tim Valda, Debra Boudreau and Ian Callender.

Well established in the San Gabriel Valley, Tim Valda of Designer Framing, has been providing custom art frame services to the public and wholesale trade for over the past ten years. Clients include the museum and entertainment industry, Walt Disney Inc., DreamWorks, fine art galleries, private collectors, and professional interior designers. Earlier this year, Mr. Valda purchased the historic, 1920s, Eagle Rock open-air market of Townsend Street to expand Designer Framing services and to include an art gallery for contemporary art and distinctive gifts.

Well known in the western region museum community, Debra Boudreau, has been an art professional and retailer for over twenty-five years. Her accomplishments include Executive Director of the Kirkpatrick Center Museum Complex's Eighteen Art Galleries, Oklahoma; Director of Retail Development, Bowers Museums of Cultural Art, Santa Ana; Interim Executive Director and Director of Retail Development, Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach; and most recently owner of the Boudreau-Ruiz Gallery, Newport Beach.

Throughout the year, the gallery will represent artists from Los Angeles and Mexico and present a series of solo and group exhibitions of their contemporary art. The inaugural exhibition, Caminos Magicos / Magical Pathways, presents direct and powerful images of acrylics on canvas by painter Karima Muyaes (b 1960, Mexico) and assembled found objects of metal tools by sculptor Jaled Muyaes (b.1921, Mexico).

Townsend III Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11 :00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For further information please call (323) 478-9513.

"Guateque/

Guazábara"

Celebration and Struggle

The Puerto Rican Experience Through Art will be displayed on June 15, 2002 from 7-11 p.m. of contemporary works by Los Angeles and San Francisco-based Puerto Rican artists Poli Marichal, Ivan Camilli Rivera, Carlos Cancio and Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi whose works express the cultural, political and spiritual Puerto Rican experience.

Symbolic of a nation of people whose ethnic and cultural identity is a mixture of African, indigenous and Iberian roots, the works produced for this exhibit demonstrate this amalgam and links Puerto Rico with its struggle for cultural identity with its colonial status.

Our Program: Saturday, June 15, 7-11 p.m., Reception for the Artists: Sunday, June 30, 1:00 p.m., Latino Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach, Victor Rodriguez on the struggle over Vieques Sunday, July 7, 4 p.m., Cuatro artisan, Frank Vasquez will demonstrate the art of cuatro making, the Puerto Rican national instrument.

Where: Avenue 50 Studio, For information please call: 258-1435. This event is free to the public.

Westfield Shoppingtown Events

On Wednesday, June 19 at 11am in Center Court: come see Joy The Clown at the Westfield Shoppingtown in Eagle Rock as always - Kids Club: Always Free, Always Fun!

On Thursday, June 20 from 9am - 12pm the LA County Dept. of Social Services/Glendale GROW "JUMP START YOUR FUTURE" Job Fair. Call (818) 546-6163 for more info.

Events at the Eagle Rock Library

Join the "Pop-Up for Reading Club" at the Eagle Rock Branch Library this summer. Kick-off will be Wednesday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m. Come and see Ken Frawley's "Dino Stories and Songs" and get your "pop-up" reading folder. Open to kids 5-11 yrs. Read at least 5 books during the summer to receive a reading certificate and other great prizes.

If you are 12 or older, join the Teen Reading Club and rock to the "Rhythm of Reading". On Thursday, June 27 at 3:30 p.m. the program will kick off with a demonstration of the "Art of the Violin" by concert violinist, Jeanine Wynton.

Preschool children are invited to storytime at 10:30 a.m., so be sure to mark your calendars for June 18.

The Eagle Rock Library is located at 5027 Caspar Avenue.

Father's Day at the Fort

The Fort Tejon Historical Association will hold its monthly Civil War reenactment at Fort Tejon State Historic Park located on Interstate 5 just north of Lebec on June 16, 2002.

Battles will take place at 10:30 and 1:00. Tours and Living History demonstrations will take place between the battles.

Ticket prices are $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Family admission for families with children under 18 is $14.00.

No food is sold at the State Park, so the public is encouraged to bring suitable picnic lunches and portable chairs.

For more information, call (661) 248-6692, or check the FTHA's web site, www.forttejon.org

Gallery Ophelia

Gallery Ophelia is pleased to announce the works of Kimmy McCann - Featured Artist for June. With an impressive group of new pieces, McCann's work explores the communicative power of painting as a transcendental language that crosses gender barriers.

The show will be exhibited until June 30 and the opening reception will be held on June 21 from 7 to 10 p.m.

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.

Fun Ship Week-End

Join the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Eagle Rock Lions Club for a "Fun Ship" week-end 3 day vacation cruise on board the "Ecstasy" to Ensenada, Mexico.

Leaving 15th. and recturning on 18th. of November 2002. It's hard to believe that you can have so much fun in just 3 days! Relax on acres of sun splashed decks. Pamper yourself with great Spa Program. Fantastic meals and snacks all day, including late night buffets (evcn breakfast in bed if you 1ike)! Enjoy lavish Las Vegas Style Entertainment. Have a great time in a super casino at sea. An these features and more are inc1uded in onc 1ow price:

INSIDE CABIN OCEAN VIEW CABIN

395 455 per person (double occupancy)

348 388 per person (triple occupancy)

325 365 per person (quadruple occupancy)

Invite your friends, family and neighbors to come a1ong for the wonderful fun-filled week-end. Price guarantee upon payment of $ 100 deposit per person. Please rush as space is limited. Make check payablc to Classic Tours and Trave1 and send it to Josefina DeAquino at 333 Burchett St. #101, Glendale, CA 91203.

For further information contact Josefina DeAquino (formerly Bentley Tours and Travel) at phone (818) 507-0084 or e-mail:

jdeaquino1@yahoo.com or call Erica Gruber at (323) 257-2497 e-mail:egru245@aol.com

Snapshot Day Winners!

We'd like to thank our judges and sponsors, and invite you to take a look at the winning photographs shot on April 20, 2002 You can see

all the winners at www.snapshotday.com

Freeman King

June 1, 1943 - June 1, 2002

Eagle Rock resident Freeman King was born on a farm in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. He composed songs and at age 16 won first prize in a song writing contest sponsored by a Memphis radio station. He pursued a career as a songwriter which led to his relocation to Southern California. Freeman graduated from Compton High in 1962.

In 1965, he co- wrote a top-ten song entitled, "Love Me Baby" that was a million seller. Freeman pursued song writing, acting, and comedy. This led to a weekly role on the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.

Freeman was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, as well as both his parents. Services were held at Utter-McKinley San Fernando Mission Mortuary at 1I071 Columbus Avenue, Mission Hills, CA 91345.

Freeman died on June 1, 2002 of heart failure on his 59th birthday.

GOLD LINE BLUES

Last month, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the light rail crossings that are near Mt. Washington. Part of that was to include a no-horn zone. Activists were alerted, however, when it was discovered that in fact the trains would be sounding their horns at the crossings in question.

The lawyer representing community members can file an appeal motion to get a re-hearing at the CPUC on the horn sounding issue. They must do so within 30 days or lose their right to. The MTA has promsed to apply for a no horn zone pilot project, but will not unless community members give up their right to appeal. Activists that have been lied to before do not trust the MTA.

These are two very nice designs for an Eagle Rock Flag submitted by Day Sixty Three Visual Audio. They have recently moved their studio into the area, love it here and want to support all Eagle Rock events.