"Eagle Rock: Where land use and
planning is a contact sport"
THE EAGLE ROCK
ASSOCIATION
TERA
-- e.letter --
January 10, 2002
In this issue:
1. EAGLE ROCK AND TERA MAKE THE LA BUSINESS
JOURNAL!
2. COUNCIL REDISTRICTING MEETINGS --
IMPORTANT!!
3. GREAT NEWS!! -- CAMILO'S CAFE IS COMING TO
EAGLE ROCK!!
4. WALGREENS UPDATE
5. EVEN MORE COMMENTS FROM WALGREENS PETITION
SIGNERS
6. LAFD'S NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS MEETING --
TONIGHT -- JANUARY 10
7. TOPPER'S TAVERN TO FEATURE THE BAND EUGENE
EDWARD -- JANUARY 12
8. AUDITIONS
FOR OCCIDENTAL-FOOTHILL MASTER CHORALE SET -- JANUARY 14
9. EAGLE ROCK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING
-- JANUARY 15
10. TERA
PUBLIC MEETING -- EAGLE ROCK REAL ESTATE -- JANUARY 22
11. RENTAL OR SUBLET NEEDED
12. LETTERS AND E.MAILS
13. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
----------
1. EAGLE ROCK AND TERA MAKE THE LA BUSINESS
JOURNAL!
In
the December 31, 2001, issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal, Eagle
Rock and TERA are highlighted in an article entitled, "Neighborhood
Aspirations; Three Local Communities Striving to Create or Retain a Distinctive
Flavor in Metropolis." East
Hollywood and Historic Uptown Whittier are also featured. The article, by staff reporter Danny King,
begins as follows:
Los
Angeles is less a homogenous city than a collection of communities with their
own interests and concerns. The
Business Journal examines three areas that are worth watching in the new year.
Eagle
Rock
With
a Starbucks outlet slated to open on Colorado Boulevard just west of Eagle Rock
Boulevard [TERA e.letter editor's note: nothing's been confirmed], it's
official.
Eagle
Rock has landed.
The
ubiquitous coffee purveyor's arrival is just the latest reflection of a
Colorado/Eagle Rock shopping district that is responding to the changing
demographics of the surrounding community.
Newer
businesses like Fatti's coffeehouse and Cafe Boulangerie have joined the
half-dozen tax preparation and notary houses near the intersection that cater
to longtime residents, students at Occidental College and the increasing number
young families that cannot afford the rising house prices of Silver Lake and
Los Feliz.
'All
this is upbeat for the new residents coming into the area,' said Lorelei Young,
owner of Century 21 First on Colorado Boulevard. 'There's just a lot more variety coming in.'
While
two-bedroom houses in Los Feliz and Silver Lake are pushing the $500,000
threshold, a three-bedroom house off of
Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock can be had for $300,000.
'I
was so priced out of Los Feliz,' said Patricia Neal, who bought a home in Eagle
Rock last year after renting a townhouse on Hillhurst Avenue. 'I was paying $1,200 a month. The minute I moved out, it went up to
$2,000,' she said.
'We
have younger people coming -- younger families who had been renting on the
Westside,' said Young, who has been a broker in the area since the early
'80s. 'It's been going on for about two
years.'
Neal
was so confident about the influx that she opened an interactive coffee bar,
called swork, at the corner of Colorado and Eagle Rock. 'The demographic is definitely there to
support it,' said Neal.
Having
seen the development of big-block shopping centers on Eagle Rock Boulevard to
the south and the Westfield Shoppingtown a mile west on Colorado, community
members are wary of the threat of chain stores overrunning a Colorado/Eagle
Rock district that retains many of its original brick buildings, as well as its
community feel.
A
group called TERA (The Eagle Rock Association) recently sent a note to the Los
Angeles city planning department opposing the teardown of a 1940s' structure on
Colorado for the build-out of a Walgreens.
In the note, dated December 3, the group argues that the Walgreens
development 'would destroy one of the last vestiges of our history . . . and
virtually annihilate our town center.'
Though
Neal has no qualms about Walgreens coming in, she is not surprised to hear a
response from longtime community members that can be protective as well as a
bit old-fashioned. 'When I was opening
up (swork), somebody told me, "We already have a coffee house here. It's called Winchell's,"' said Neal.
----------
2. COUNCIL REDISTRICTING MEETINGS --
IMPORTANT!!
The
City of Los Angeles is preparing to map out new City Council districts that
reflect the population changes in our City. The redistricting process is
underway now, and it only happens once every 10 years.
One
community hearing on redistricting was held on Tuesday, January 8 from 6:30 to
8:30 pm. For further meetings, see the
schedule below. This meeting (the
closest one to Hollywood) took place at the Oriental Mission Church at 424 N.
Western Avenue in Koreatown.
These
hearings are sponsored by the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting
Commission, a 21-member body responsible for gathering public testimony and
producing maps of new City Council districts. The Commission will submit its
proposed maps to the City Council by March 1 and the City Council will make a
final decision by June 30.
There
will be a chance for the public to testify at the hearings on topics such as:
How
do the current Council District boundaries affect your sense of community?
How
should the lines be drawn to best keep communities together?
Which
neighborhoods should be grouped in the same district?
Where
does it make sense to draw the line?
For
more information, call (213) 473-4595 or visit http://www.cityofla.org/redistricting
Schedule
of Public Hearings and Special Meetings
Tuesday,
January 8, 2002, 6:30-8:30 PM (already held)
Public
Hearing: Mid-City
Oriental
Mission Church
424 N
Western Ave., Koreatown
Tuesday,
January 15, 2002, 11:30 AM
Special
Meeting
Joint
City Council/Commission Legal Briefing
Council
Chambers
Wednesday,
January 16, 2002, 6:30-8:30 PM
Public
Hearing: South LA
Crenshaw
Christian Center
7901
S Vermont Ave
Tuesday,
January 22, 2002, 6-8 PM
Public
Hearing: North San Fernando Valley
San
Fernando High School
11133
O'Melveny St., San Fernando
Wednesday,
January 23, 2002, 6-8 PM
Public
Hearing: Central City Metro Area
Location
to Be Determined
Saturday,
January 26, 2002, 10 AM
Special
Meeting: Wrap-Up Report on Public Testimony and Decisions on Map-Making
Guidelines
MTA
Gateway Plaza
----------
3. GREAT NEWS!! -- CAMILO'S CAFE IS COMING
TO EAGLE ROCK!!
TERA
is very pleased to announce that Eagle Rock residents and catering
business/restaurant owners Amelia and Camilo Gonzalez are bringing their
culinary talents and their restaurant, Camilo's Cafe, to Eagle Rock's business
district! Camilo's (pronounced ca-MEE-loz) is currently located on York
Boulevard in Highland Park and is a favorite of the art crowd.
The
Gonzalezes had originally wanted to open their business in Eagle Rock but could
not find a suitable location at the time.
They will soon occupy the Harnsberger's site, at the corner of
Colorado Boulevard and Caspar Avenue, at 2128 Colorado. They are thrilled to be able to run their
business in the town they live in!
This
terrific location has the space needed to expand their very popular cafe. It also will become part of our burgeoning
pedestrian-oriented business district very near our town center, encouraging
other needed businesses to set up shop in Eagle Rock, and helping to boost our
local economy. Their presence will also
offer all of us foodies more choice in where to dine and spend our money
locally while enjoying high-quality cuisine.
Hooray! Another reason not to
drive to Pasadena or Glendale!!
Construction
is due to begin soon, and the Gonzalezes hope to open Camilo's Cafe in
April. You can still enjoy Camilo's for
breakfast and lunch in Highland Park for a little while longer, if you haven't
already. They are currently located
at 5816 York Boulevard, and they can be reached at (323) 478-1300. We strongly recommend it!
We
will keep you updated as things progress.
----------
4. WALGREENS UPDATE
We
have contacted the developers on the Walgreens project for the purpose of
meeting with them to discuss restoration of the Shopping Bag building. Although they have stated in writing that
they don't believe restoration is feasible, the Eagle Rock community deserves
the chance to prove otherwise. We are
still awaiting their reply.
In
the meantime, please sign our petition!
Every name counts. Thus far, we
have gather well over 200 signatures via the internet. We are also gathering names at various
places around town. Please sign, and if
you are interested in helping with this effort, please call Suzanne Prieur at
(323) 257-7042 or by e.mail at enchanted_wds@hotmail.com. Thank you.
----------
5. EVEN MORE COMMENTS FROM WALGREENS
PETITION SIGNERS
"I
agree with TERA wholeheartedly on protecting the intent of the Specific Plan
and opposing Walgreens' proposed design.
The proposal would have destroyed the PEDESTRIAN environment of Colorado
Blvd. The pedestrian corridor is what
makes the community of Eagle Rock a beautiful area. TERA's position was a no-brainer. Glad that the Planning Department sees it this way!
In El
Sereno, the city pushed a project through when we were not looking -- we were
unsuccessful at stopping the development of a 90-unit apartment complex on a
ONE-WAY street off-ramp, located where Soto, Mission and Huntington Drive meet.
Your
continued vigilance will protect the character of the Eagle Rock
community."
--
Alvin Parra, former Los Angeles City Council candidate, Council District 14; El
Sereno resident; and TERA member
"I'd
like to sign up to say that I would like Walgreens to meet the intent of the
Colorado Blvd. Specific Plan. The
priorities of the Plan were established by the residents of the area and
approved by the City Council. The CBSP
was intended to encourage what is currently (by State and City street standards)
considered a transportation corridor to evolve into an identifiable place --
bringing businesses that would attract the attention of area residents to walk
and shop in this community, and for visitors to actually have a reason to get
out of a car and experience the various and distinct business services of the
area.
While
Walgreens might bring great services, a building set back from the street will
significantly impact the momentum The Eagle Rock Association and its neighbors
have worked so hard for -- that is, to add the feel of neighborhood and
community to the Boulevard.
Count
me in as against the current plan as described. Thank you."
--
Jeanmarie Hance, Glassell Park resident and former Council District 14 planning
deputy [during the time the Specific Plan was devised]
"Don't
these people understand that the Specific Plan exists because WE WANT IT? Do they think it is just piece of paper that
dropped out of nowhere and has no meaning?
For those of us who have been with TERA for a while, it is
incomprehensible that anyone, or any corporation, thinks that the Plan exists
only to be bypassed. WE MEANT IT! And the more that I drive through other
communities and they all look alike, the more we mean it -- not less.
Mr.
Pacheco, don't you understand this? I
don't think that any of us are saying that the Shopping Bag building should be
looked at as it is, but as it should be, and we want it to be. We, the citizens of Eagle Rock, have the
vision to see what it should be.
Walgreens and Mr. Pacheco need to be with us, not against us; they need to have the imagination to see
what belongs there -- and it is NOT a big box that will be a permanent eyesore
regardless of whatever happens to Walgreens in the future. We think long periods of time because we
live here. Our battles are won one
building at a time. Thank you --"
--
Barbara Aran (with TERA from when TERA was 10 people at a meeting, sometimes
only 5), Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
am pro-capitalism, and I am anti-culture police. I have no problems with a Walgreens, but please let's make it look
as cool as possible."
--
Brian McPherson, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
attended the town hall meeting on this issue in November and was truly
dismayed, yet not surprised, by the 'corporate-speak' responses of the
Walgreen's management. Every time they
opened their mouth, it was as if they were reading from a company manual. They clearly had no desire whatsoever to
connect with what our community wanted.
When
I asked the question about how they planned to mitigate the impact to traffic
flow on Colorado Blvd. and the major intersection with Eagle Rock Blvd., they
did some hand-waving and gave a non-answer.
In ninety percent of these situations, they build the project and when
the inevitable traffic mess develops afterwards, it becomes someone else's
problem which can't be fixed because the damage is already done. A perfect example is the Public Storage
abomination on Eagle Rock Blvd. in Glassell Park. There's nothing you can do once it's built. The city would never force them to tear it down."
--
Eric Vincent, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"That's
great news! After hearing our councilman insist that the project complied with
the specific plan, and you insist that it doesn't, I thought, 'I'm pretty sure
neither of these people is a compulsive liar, but one of 'em is either ignorant
or nuts.' And I was pretty sure it wasn't you, but it's good to have it
officially confirmed! It'll be interesting to see what his attitude is once he
washes the egg off his face."
--
Chris Willman, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
do not want Walgreens at Colorado and Eagle Rock. If they want to locate in the area they should try Colorado and
Figueroa."
--
Frances Balcomb, Highland Park resident
"I
hope that Walgreens Corporate Parent takes to heart the Planning Department's
recommendation to comply with the Colorado Blvd. Specific Plan. Maybe they've gone down this insensitive
road while secretly preparing a brilliant adaptive reuse architectural plan for
the Shopping Bag building -- all a ploy to emerge as heroes of the community
and saviors of a solid and reassuring gem of a building in the lap of the Eagle
Rock Community! (I live in hope and
would certainly be happy to devote 100% of my drugstore patronage business to
Walgreens if they rise to the occasion!)
Thanks
for your vigilance and for keeping 'Eagle Rock, where land use and planning is
a contact sport' the motto of TERA."
--
Robert Mendel, Highland Park resident and editor, Northeast LA Community
Calendar
"Walgreens
has rehabbed historic buildings all over the country. Eagle Rock deserves no less."
-- Chris Nichols, Silver Lake resident
"We
must save the character of our community.
There are plenty of other places without historical value, so why choose
the old Shopping Bag? It is truly a
magnificent example of its time period.
The roofline alone is worth the effort to save it. In addition, it is important that all new
development adhere to the Northeast Community Plan which calls for preservation
of historic buildings. Walgreens, GET
ON THE BANDWAGON!"
--
Marla Conti, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
agree with Cindy Olnick when she so eloquently wrote, 'Adaptive reuse of
historic structures makes economic and environmental sense, increases property
values, strengthens communities, and helps to maintain our cultural
heritage. By listening to potential
customers and reusing the historic Shopping Bag building, Walgreens would gain
the support -- and business -- of consumers in Eagle Rock and beyond.'"
--
Laurie Arroyo, Highland Park resident
"We
already have several independent pharmacy stores here in Eagle Rock; they serve
the community quite well. Either
preserve the historic integrity of the building you intend to occupy, comply
with the wishes of those who live here, or take your business elsewhere."
--
James Wirrick, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Tear
down the old and build anew is not the answer to solving our problems. Adaptive reuse can be an effective tool for
shaping and maintaining our quality of life here in our Eagle Rock. Through our efforts, we can either keep on
accepting the kind of communities we get, or we can insist on getting the kind
of communities we want and need."
--
Antonio Castillo, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Please
add our names to the petition. Congratulations to all of the hard working
people that refused to let the city intimidate them into settling for less than
their due. We can have business in the
area and intelligent design also.
Thank
you."
--
Eric Toro and Robin Amussen, Eagle Rock residents, business owners, and TERA
members
"Woo!
Hoo! I love the 'underdoggies'!!!"
--
Mary Ellen Canniff, Eagle Rock resident
"We
do not need another drug store in Eagle Rock, especially at this end of
town."
--
Terrye and Kirk Munday, Eagle Rock residents
"I
would be far more disposed to shop at a store that took the interests of the
local community to heart and would certainly not patronize one that ignored
them."
--
Jamie Angell, Eagle Rock resident
"Let's
bring in a good urban architect who can
help us . They did it in Old Town. Why not here?"
--
Jan Freed, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"To
Whom It May Concern:
I
have been a resident of Eagle Rock since 1987.
I am also a small business owner with an office on Colorado Boulevard in
Eagle Rock since 1989. I support
positive economic development in Eagle Rock, which benefits business and
residents alike. I support development
that respects Eagle Rock's architectural history and town ambiance.
If
Walgreens decides to locate in our community:
I DO
NOT want Walgreens to demolish the Shopping Bag building and erect a standard
run of the mill structure surrounded by a vast parking lot which does not fit
well with the esthetic vision our community members have for Eagle Rock.
I DO
want Walgreens to restore and occupy the Shopping Bag building at 2222 Colorado
Boulevard, after carefully planning with community leaders. I believe parking should be located behind
the structure, not directly visible from the boulevard.
Finally,
I am personally happy with my local pharmacies (Brogran's and Vons Market) and
will not consider shopping at Walgreens unless the community's wishes are
followed. Sincerely --"
--
Cynthia Whitham, Eagle Rock resident, Eagle Rock business owner, and TERA
member
"Being
an avid member of the Los Angeles Conservancy, I urge you to reconsider your
position and protect the historical foundations of our beloved city. Surely there is a way to restore and occupy
the building in order to preserve not only our history but our heritage that
can be passed on to many American generations to enjoy."
--
Marcus Skiles, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
support the petition for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the 1940s
Streamline Moderne Shopping Building located at 2222 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle
Rock. While I am not a resident of
Eagle Rock, I work in the community and live in a neighborhood connected
directly with Eagle Rock. Do not
destroy our history."
--
Luana Krizman, Highland Park resident
"Don't
demolish Eagle Rock's history!"
--
Veronica Serafin, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"My
additional comments are: I DO NOT want to see the Shopping Bag
building demolished and DEFINITELY will not support a business that does not
care about the history of my neighborhood for their own profit!!"
--
John T. Hillman, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
live in the neighboring area of Highland Park, about five to ten minutes from
Eagle Rock. Restoration and preservation of landmarks are a part of
retaining the richness of the area. It is something the residents can take
pride in. To demolish a part of history is to erase what ties residents to
their past, present and future.
--
Guadalupe Aguilar, Highland Park resident
"Yes,
I support saving the historic Shopping Bag building on Colorado Blvd. Adaptive reuse of existing structures is
very important to our community from many points of view. The concept of disposable architecture is
outdated and contrary to a green point of view."
--
Richard Barron, architect and Highland Park HPOZ [Historic Preservation Overlay
Zone] Board Member
"Please
pass on my support to the Eagle Rock Community for their commitment to preserve
Eagle Rock's history."
--
Maria Bautista, Glassell Park resident
"Save
our City's History, or soon we shall have none. Thanks TERA!"
--
Frank Do Stefano and Steve Tirotta, Eagle Rock residents and TERA members
"My
additional comments are: We are a community that cherishes our history. Respect the integrity of our Eagle Rock
Community by preserving our 1940s Streamline Moderne Shopping Bag building
located at 2222 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock."
--
Teresa Grenot, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Thank
you for taking the lead on this. Sure
wish our Council member was on-board with us on this issue. We could use stronger representation of our
interests by our representative at City Hall, not just on this issue but in all
matters that pertain to our wonderful little city."
--
Pat Viera, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
hope TERA is as opposed to Occidental College building a lighted softball field
in our backyard as we are to the Walgreens plans."
--
Jeffrey L. Jacobs, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Eagle Rock resident
"Having
moved to LA from Chicago, I am thrilled to see a local political movement in
this neighborhood. I hope that Nick
Pacheco adjusts accordingly."
--
Lynn Sacco, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Please
don't tear down a perfectly useable building that can be restored
beautifully! Please do what the
community strongly prefers and Walgreen's will benefit from the mutual
goodwill."
--
Stephanie Rush, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"If
it HAS to be a Walgreens, then keep the building. Would much rather see
something else in that great old place."
--
Cindy Woodard, Eagle Rock resident
"I
would rather not "welcome" Walgreens at all since we have enough
drugstores already."
--Janetta
Schuch, Eagle Rock resident
"I
attended the presentation and was impressed with the proposal to remodel the
Shopping Bag building as a viable alternative.
I certainly hope Walgreen's will considerate it."
--
Carol Scherfenberg (TERA member), Bonnie Dostie, and Ruth Cusick (3adult
members of same household), Eagle Rock residents
"So
much in Los Angeles was destroyed before people realized the value. Surely the Walgreens architects can find a
way to reuse a beautiful old building.
History cannot be replaced, and the value of having a unique structure
to house a store far outweighs the expense of the modifications required. In many cases reuse projects have been found
to cost less than new construction."
--
Andrew Sears, Silver Lake resident
"I'm
not sure how to sign a petition on-line.
Please add my name to this petition. Thanks!"
--
Lucy Cole, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
work for (and am active as an artist with) the Arroyo Arts Collective. As an East Coast transplant with
professional experience in historic preservation, I would think that a business
centered in Chicago would be responsive to preservation concerns -- there is
quite a lot of attention paid in Chicago to restoring and revitalizing its
urban neighborhoods, after all.
Hopefully, you will be able to appeal to Walgreen's to help us provide
historic continuity in Southern California with a colorful and active period in
this area's development."
--
Deborah Thomas, Altadena resident
"I
support development that respects Eagle Rock's architectural history and
'hometown' feel."
--
Dil-Domine Leonares, Glassell Park resident
"If
Walgreens destroys the Shopping Bag Building, I will make a special point of
NOT giving them any of my business."
--
Barbara Schumacher, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"We
will sign the petition, but we do not welcome a Walgreens into this community
under any circumstances. As a labor
family, we oppose Walgreens' history of union busting."
--
Theresa Montano, Terry Skotnes, Tom Walsh, and Patricia Recinos-Walsh, Eagle
Rock residents
"Eagle
Rock is a unique community, let's not make it a chain store cookie-cutter copy
of the surrounding cities!"
--
Natalie Freidberg, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
do not think we need another pharmacy.
If Walgreens decides to locatein our community, I would prefer that they
use the existing building (that was formerly the Shopping Bag)."
Anita
Morales, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Adaptive
reuse of historic buildings by corporate America occurs across the United
States in communities that will not allow their cultural and architectural
heritage to be erased from the urban landscape. The Walgreens corporation should put their best foot forward and
make every effort to renovate the existing building. The potential exists for Walgreens to truly make a contribution
to preserving the history of the community and improving the Colorado Boulevard
streetscape. One can only look at the
strip centers developed on Colorado Boulevard and Townsend and in the blocks
west on Colorado to see what irreparable damage contemporary infill projects
can do to a commercial district with a fundamentally solid urban form.
Adaptive
reuse of the existing building could provide both Walgreens and Eagle Rock with
a landmark store that is recognized and remembered throughout the local retail
market area. I urge the City of Los
Angeles planning staff and decisionmakers to stand up for Eagle Rock and ask
for something out of the ordinary.
After all, when Walgreen's goes away someday, there will be a brighter
future for an interesting historic building than there will be for a generic
Walgreens building.
Thank
you for your consideration."
--
Anna Pehoushek, Orange resident, urban planner, Eagle Rock property owner, and
TERA member
"I
have signed to protect the wonderful architecture of the old building, and to
support the 'uniqueness' of Eagle Rock, because that's why we live here!"
--
Mindy Allen, life-long Eagle Rocker
"We
don't need Walgreens in our Community.
Enough with big chain stores.
Let's support our community stores.
Besides, we already have another big chain: SavOn."
--
Kathy Gallegos, Eagle Rock resident
"Walgreen's
will not be my choice for the prescription that I need filled, nor for any
other of the upstanding residents of this area whom respect the integrity of
the history and character of Eagle Rock. SAVE THE SHOPPING BAG BUILDING!"
--
Matthew DeHaven, Highland Park resident
"Eagle
Rock is my home and our future is in the preservation of our past. Keep up the
good work."
--
Hamidah Glasgow, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
wholeheartedly support the restoration and adaptive reuse of the 1940s
Streamline Moderne Shopping Bag building located at 2222 Colorado Boulevard in
Eagle Rock. Please stop Walgreens from
coming to this area of Eagle Rock. We
have plenty of very nice pharmacies in close proximity and I will not abandon
Savons for Walgreens. We're not that
kind of community."
--
Anita Bartlett, Eagle Rock resident
"Please
add my name and address to the petition to save the shopping bag
building."
--
Michael R. Cummings, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I
support TERA's petition to adaptively re-use the Shopping Bag store."
--
Paul Vandeventer, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"We
are in support of TERA's position on Walgreens. Could not sign the petition on Outlook Express so please use this
email message instead. Thanks."
--
Jacqueline Hinson and Dick Roberto, Eagle Rock residents and TERA members
"We
support TERA's demands for Walgreens."
--
Lisa and Chuck Simon, Eagle Rock residents
"Walgreens
needs a developer with the vision to work out of the conventional box on
this. What we are asking is very doable
and the good will that would come from using the historic building for a
Walgreens will pay handsome dividends in the short as well as the long
run."
--
Charles J. Fisher and Anne Marie Wozniak, Highland Park residents
----------
6. LAFD'S NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS MEETING
-- TONIGHT -- JANUARY 10
Northeast
L.A., East, and Central L.A. Communities:
You
are cordially invited to attend the Los Angeles Fire Department's
"Neighborhood Preparedness Meeting" on Thursday, January 10th, 2002
being held at Fire Station 44 located at 1410 Cypress Avenue (Cypress Park)
from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Learn how to prepare for EMERGENCIES, BRUSH
FIRES, EARTHQUAKES, TERRORIST ACTS, and other emergency preparedness situations
which need to be addressed within our communities.
The
LAFD's goal is to establish your local Fire Station as a center for developing
strategies, providing resources and information, and addressing community
concerns that will further enhance the quality of life standards to
re-establishing a sense of community throughout the City of Los Angeles.
For
further information and to obtain a copy of the completed agenda with the list
of the officials and guests attending the Los Angeles Fire Department's
Neighborhood Preparedness Meeting, please contact the Battalion (2) Commanders
at (213)485-6272 or e.mail your request to Peter Benesch at PMB2207@LAFD.LACITY.ORG
, Daniel McCarthy at DRM7637@lafd.lacity.org , or Gary Clark at GLC6855@lafd.lacity.org
for the agenda topics!
Your
local LAFD needs to establish community dialogue and awareness of your
community concerns! Refreshments will
be provided! Your attendance is greatly
appreciated!
----------
7. TOPPER'S TAVERN TO FEATURE THE BAND
EUGENE EDWARD -- JANUARY 12
Topper's
Tavern will feature rock band Eugene Edward on Saturday, January 12, at 10:00
p.m. Two sets will be performed that will each be about 45 minutes,
and Eagle Rock resident Gene Jaramillo heads the band. Topper's Tavern is located at 1630 Colorado
Boulevard, and the phone number is (323)257-0386. The music is melodic guitar rock. The original material is very tuneful rock a la Elvis
Costello. Plus they cover Tom Petty,
Nick Lowe, Crowded House, the Beatles, etc.
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8. AUDITIONS FOR OCCIDENTAL-FOOTHILL MASTER
CHORALE SET -- JANUARY 14
Auditions
for the Occidental-Foothill Master Chorale for the 2001-2002 season will be
held by appointment on Monday, Jan. 14 and Monday, Jan. 21 in Willis H. Booth
Hall on the Occidental College campus. The
Chorale, a 90-member oratorio chorus dedicated to the performance of major
choral works with orchestra, is open by audition to all experienced choral
singers in all voice parts.
This
season the Chorale is scheduled to perform Mendelssohn's Elijah on May 17 with
the Orchestra Camerata and the combined Occidental Glee Clubs.
Rehearsals
are held every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Occidental campus. Each
Chorale member is asked to pay annual dues to help defray music and orchestra
costs. Scholarships for qualified singers are available. To schedule an
audition, contact Chorale Manager Warry MacElroy at (323) 259-1469 or at comoc@oxy.edu.
No prepared music will be necessary.
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9. EAGLE ROCK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MEETING -- JANUARY 15
"Eagle
Rock's Trolleys" plus "A Look at the Blue Line" are the subjects
of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society Meeting, this Tuesday, January 15th
at 7:30 in the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard,
in Eagle Rock.
Our
speaker is longtime Eagle Rock resident and trolley guru, Alan K. Weeks. If you've seen ERVHS's trolley postcards,
you've met the expert. As a kid, Alan
grabbed his box camera, hopped on his bike and pedaled to the boulevards. He has photographed the heydays and the sad
demise of local trolleys.
Alan
is active in the Southern California Scenic Railway Association and holds
numerous licenses for operation of motorized railway equipment. His latest volunteer gig was at Travel Town
Museum in Griffith Park where he could be seen at the throttle of the 40-ton
switcher "Charley Atkins."
Each
of Tuesday's 15-minute slide presentations will be followed by Q & A
opportunities. Refreshments will be
served.
The
public is always welcome at ERVHS meetings, and membership is encouraged (but
not required) at rates beginning at $15.
In
the Winter 2002 edition of the ERVHS newsletter, "Eagle Rock at War,"
"Dateline: Summer 1946 ('neglected boulevard sites are a special
anxiety')," a Shopping Bag graphic ("Skippy peanut butter @ 35 cents
a pound"); a letter from our new president, Eric Warren; and more.
For
historic Eagle Rock photos with informative captions, please see: http://www.EagleRockCA.com. This site was created by Anne
Richardson-Daniel and is really picking up steam!
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10. TERA PUBLIC MEETING -- EAGLE ROCK REAL
ESTATE -- JANUARY 22
Below
is our meeting notice for TERA's first public meeting of 2002. Please join us! All are invited to attend.
Member Meeting - Public Invited
Tuesday,
January 22, 2002
7:oo
p.m.
Eagle
Rock Community Cultural Center
2225
Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock
"Owner
or Renter: How to Get the Greatest Housing Value in Eagle Rock"
How
do you find the best deals on buying a home in Eagle Rock? Thinking about making improvements to your
home? What things will increase the
value of your home and what renovations won't make much of a difference?
A
wide variety of rentals exist in Eagle Rock.
How do you find them? What does
it cost to rent an apartment or a home in Eagle Rock? What are the pros and cons of renting with an option to buy?
A
panel of Real Estate Professionals will conduct a round table discussion of
these and more topics with a special focus on real estate in Eagle Rock.
Parking
is available on the street and at Bank of America.
To
help defray the Cultural Centeršs costs a contribution of $2.00 per attendee is
encouraged.
GET
INFORMED GET INVOLVED BE THERE
----------
11. RENTAL OR SUBLET NEEDED
MATURE,
(ALMOST) COMPULSIVELY NEAT ARTIST with small dog SEEKS SUNNY, SPACIOUS HOUSE OR
APARTMENT WITH STUDIO SPACE (ARTIST BOOKS) FOR SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR
LOCATION:
BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND PASADENA
CONTACT:
ALICE SIMPSON
E-MAIL:<TangoBarBook@AOL.COM>
TELEPHONE:
212-662-0736
----------
12. LETTERS AND E.MAILS
"Joanne
-- I'll look at the current [Walgreens site] plan and if I have any worthwhile
comments will share them. I am very
much concerned that the built-in protections of the community, contained in
CEQA [California Environmental Quality Act], the Land Use Element, the
[Colorado Boulevard] Specific Plan, and the Site Review Ordinance, have not
been observed. Whether Mr. Pacheco
approves of them or not, it is his duty to the community and to his oath, to
see that they are observed. Best
regards --"
-- Art
Snyder, former Los Angeles City Council member, 14th District; Eagle Rock
resident and TERA member
The
following letter was published in the BS a while back, and its writer asked
that we also publish it in the TERA e.letter:
Well,
the article in the LA Times Magazine [July 29, 2001] sure has stirred up a lot
of controversy in the community, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However,
I don't like to see people who are sincerely working toward the greater good
being vilified. I may not agree with everything
Tom says in this publication, but by talking to Tom, I know his heart is in the
right place and I respect the hours he puts in to make this publication. And, I am sure his main motivation for doing
so is to provide a service to this community.
By
the same token, Joanne Turner, who is a working mother with two kids to raise,
volunteers countless hours of her time to try and create what she sees as a
better Eagle Rock for everybody. There
is no personal financial gain or other ulterior motive for what she and the
other board members of TERA are doing. There are other people who donate their
time to paint out graffiti, plant trees, and prevent crime. We should be glad we have people in the
community who give a damn. I also
respect anyone who has the courage and ambition to open a business on the
Boulevard. (Providing it is a
non-nuisance business which doesn't cause a parking, noise, or eyesore
problem.)
I do
believe all the different factions in Eagle Rock want the same thing; we just
don't agree on how to get there. I
think we all want:
1. No graffiti.
2. No gangs.
3. To be able to park in front of our houses
without having to resort to resident parking permits.
4. To sleep at night without being awakened by
a ruckus.
5. Programs to keep our children out of trouble
and help them become happy, successful adults.
6. A neighborhood which is pleasant to look at.
7. A thriving business district with all the
vacant buildings on the Boulevard occupied.
I
dare say we probably have similar ideas of what our first choice of types of
businesses should be to fill those vacant buildings. The severe disagreements begin when we start talking about what
an acceptable second choice should be to fill the vacancies. I hope we can be more respectful of differences
of opinion and work together and focus our energy on the common goal.
--
David Gustavson, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"I'm
very glad to hear that SOMETHING has gone in the right direction in regards to
the Walgreens albatross. Are you as
suspicious of Pacheco as I am at this point?
Thank you."
--
Gene E. Jaramillo, Eagle Rock resident
"My
partner Mark and I have been members of TERA for the past several years and
have owned a home in Eagle Rock for 11 years.
Like everyone else, we want only what is best for Eagle Rock. What is best for the community, of course,
should only improve the quality of life in Eagle Rock and help property
values.
For
the last few months, we have read comments in the TERA newsletter that suggest
the proposed Walgreens will 'destroy' Eagle Rock. Although we are not thrilled about another drug store opening in
our community, we are very excited about that area of Eagle Rock being
upgraded, particularly if it holds the possibility of other businesses, like
Starbucks, also opening. Starbucks would serve as a sign to many established
businesses that Eagle Rock can accommodate upscale shopping.
As
for the 'Shopping Bag' building, it is an eyesore. There is nothing architecturally beautiful about the
building. It would need a complete new
facade to make it appealing, thereby defeating the purpose of preserving it.
All that is old is not necessarily good.
We wonder if the fight against Walgreens -- and the other potential
businesses that may open in Eagle Rock -- is driven by financial interests in a
certain business on Colorado Blvd., rather than what is good for the entire
Eagle Rock community.
Our
community should support businesses that provide high quality customer service
on a consistent basis. We should
welcome the opportunity to have a choice in where we spend our resources, as do
residents in Glendale and Pasadena. The
fact of the matter is that Eagle Rock is a large enough community to support a
wide range of businesses.
We
would appreciate this e-mail, our opinion, being printed in the next TERA
newsletter. We do not want people to
think that TERA members cannot have differences in opinion."
--
Art Brisolara and Mark Etzel, Eagle Rock residents and TERA members
"I
am so glad things are moving in the right direction in regards to Walgreen's!
So they thought a little retaining wall was a 'building wall?'
Thanks
again for including my comments. I can't wait to go and see the latest
Boulevard Sentinel! I save them in a folder, just to keep track of the
stupidity.
Some
kind of book/records/cd store would be really amazing, then I wouldn't have to
deal with Glendale or Pasadena, and their parking situation that is right out
of the former Soviet Union!"
--
Sean Harrington, Eagle Rock resident
"Dear
TERA,
I was
thrilled by the community turn out at the meeting concerning the Walgreen's
project. You know, I don't fault
Walgreen's. They do what they do to
expand and make money. The Walgreen's
beast needs to be fed. I fault our
Councilman and the people at the Planning Dept. There are not 1000, nor 120
Specific Plans for the City of L.A.
There are only four such plans, with the Colorado Blvd. Specific Plan
being one of them. If Nick Pacheco is
representing this community and this Specific Plan then he must now appoint a
Design Review Board. It was and is
incumbent on our elected official to appoint the Design Review Board. I guarantee you, if we had a Design Review
Board in place, we would not have had these last two meetings go the way they
went.
Why are
we expending such huge amounts of time and energy fighting off bad design, and
projects that we've already decided we don't want, through the many years of
(volunteer) work spent drafting the Specific Plan? The hundreds of hours spent thus far, researching and battling
the Walgreen's Project by community members, council staff, etc., etc., could
be better invested launching a pro-active program for the community to address
the many ills that ail L.A., e.g., gang recruitment, graffiti, literacy, beautification,
refurbishing our local library, or even building a much needed skatepark for
our young people. (On the
skatepark. If any of you have been to
or are going to Portland, Or., please visit the Burnside Skatepark, built by
skate boarders, for skaters and boarders. It is awesome, and is something we
can do here!)
If
our councilman doesn't yet know he has a very activist community here, then he
may discover this fact, two years from now, on the day after he is not
re-elected to office. I listened to the councilman's reasons for not having
appointed the Board, but they sounded like empty excuses to me. The Planning Dept., on the other hand,
should not be able to review any such projects in Specific Plan areas without
the community input that is mandated. When are the people who are paid to serve
us going to get the message? Perhaps
when we have a vital Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council in place, the community
will get early notification on all such projects, before they are allowed to
gain a foothold, either in the Planning Dept., the council office or in the
community.
So
there's my rant. I scanned the
Walgreen's survey responses and noted Tim Sanders also wondered where the
Design Review Board is, so I felt encouraged to offer my take on the matter. I am
so grateful to anyone who serves the community. Thank you, all of you.
As
always, with heartfelt thanks for all you and crew do . . .. Keep our names on the latest
e-petition. The concession made by the
Department of Planning re: Walgreen's, is good news. Will our councilman be able to 'save face' on this one?"
--
Helen Goodwill Gustavson, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Thank
you SO much for all you do for our community!!!"
--
Greg Downs, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
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13. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Good
design begets good design."
--
Michael Hricak, President, American Institute of Architecture, California
Council
----------
We
welcome your comments. Please include
your name.
----------
Joanne
Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>
President,
The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)