THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood

TERA

e.letter

November 18, 2004

Learn more about us and how we are changing our community for the better.

What? You're not yet a member of TERA?

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Go to
http://www.TERA90041.org/teraform.htm


Now more than ever, please support your residents association --
more than 1,000 members strong, and growing every day!

And don’t forget to encourage interested friends and neighbors to join TERA so that they, too, may enjoy the many benefits of membership, including a complimentary subscription to the TERA e.letter.

 

This week:

Changes at the Vons Site – This week (Item #1)

ERNC Land Use Committee – Tonight! (Item #2)

ROCK Fundraiser at Baja Fresh – Tomorrow! (Item #3)

ERNC Community Clean Up – Saturday (Item #4)

Avenue 50 Art Show Begins – Saturday (Item #5)

St. Barnabas Church Silent Auction and Bazaar (Item #6)

ERNC Land Use Committee Seeks Volunteers – Reply by Sunday (Item #7)

Arroyo Arts Collective Discovery Tour – Sunday (Item #8)

Final Deadline for Landscaping Makeover – Wednesday (Item #9)

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1.         PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – PLAN YOUR FUTURE!

2.         EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL LAND USE & PLANNING COMMITTEE (LUPC) – NOVEMBER 18TH

3.         ROCK & BAJA FRESH TEAM UP TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TEEN CENTER PROGRAMS – NOVEMBER 19TH

4.         EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP – NOVEMBER 20TH

5.         “2 FROM THE SOUTHWEST” ART SHOW AT AVENUE 50 STUDIO – NOVEMBER 20TH

6.         ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH SILENT AUCTION AND BAZAAR – NOVEMBER 20TH  

7.         ERNC LAND USE COMMITTEE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS – REPLY BY NOVEMBER 21ST  

8.         ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE’S 12TH ANNUAL DISCOVERY TOUR – NOVEMBER 21ST

9.         NEED A LANDSCAPING MAKEOVER? – APPLY BY NOVEMBER 24TH

10.       FUNCTIONAL AND FINE ART FESTIVAL AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK! – DECEMBER 4TH

11.       EAGLE ROCK’S LILY SIMONE BOUTIQUE FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES!

12.       YOGA ESSENCE MARKETPLACE OPENS

13.       AUNTIE EM’S FEATURED IN LAST SUNDAY’S LA TIMES MAGAZINE!

14.       SWORK WELCOMES BLUE HEELER TO EAGLE ROCK!

15.       OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE INSTITUTE CALLS ON WAL-MART TO IMPLEMENT “COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN”

16.       THE FINAL WORD – TWO QUOTES ON VISION

* * *

 

1.         PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – PLAN YOUR FUTURE!

 

EAGLE ROCK IS GROWING – PLAN IT RIGHT!

 

There are a number of efforts underway to encourage growth and preserve Eagle Rock’s character the smart way – through proper planning and communitywide participation. 

 

These efforts include: 1) ERNC examining and potentially expanding the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan, 2) ERNC creating a plan for the future uses of the Vons properties, 3) ERCPR’s visioning project for Colorado and Eagle Rock Boulevard’s parking and future business and residential growth, 4) ERNC preparing response regarding the proposed Inclusionary Zoning ordinance which would require affordable housing in each new residential development, 5) TERA’s creating a historic designation plan for buildings on Colorado Boulevard, and 6) potentially creating Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ’s) for residential and commercial areas to preserve the historic character of our community. 

 

All of these efforts require community input.  Though many TERA board members are leading and participating in these efforts, it is important that your opinions and support are included.  I am including notices from TERA’s Land Use Committee, the ERNC Land Use Committee, and future community meetings for ERCPR’s visioning project. 

 

Please take the time to attend these meetings.  If you cannot attend, please take the time to make your vision known to us through letters to the editor.  The next year’s planning efforts will have a considerable effect on the future of Eagle Rock.  Be part of it!

 

VONS DEMOLISHES HELMS BAKERY AND LA LOMA PROPERTIES

 

According to an announcement by Jessica Wethington McLean, ERNC Sub-District 2 Director and ERNC Land Use Co-Chair, this week, the vacant buildings near the corner of Figueroa & La Loma, which are owned by Vons grocery store, will be having asbestos removal work done during the next several days in preparation for demolition which is scheduled to occur in the next two weeks.  The LAPD and LAFD will be using the vacant buildings for drills and exercises as well, so there may be increased police and fire activity in the area.

 

Though the Helms Bakery was never designated a historic cultural monument, Jessica is working with the office of Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa to preserve the beautiful crests on the columns of the bakery. 

 

TERA’S PRINTED NEWSLETTER IS OUT! 

 

…and it is full of brand new news!  Please check it out at many of Eagle Rock’s finest establishments and the office of Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa at Eagle Rock City Hall!  Read about TERA’s State of the Town, and see all of those TERA members who joined at the $25 level and above.  If you are not already a member, please consider becoming one today!

 

--         Hilary Norton Orozco, TERA President

 

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2.         EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL LAND USE & PLANNING COMMITTEE (LUPC)

Thursday, November 18, 2004 7:00 PM, Eagle Rock City Hall

***SPECIAL MEETING***

PLEASE NOTE:  Though the LUPC usually meets the fourth Thursday of each month, we are meeting the third Thursday in November & December due to the holiday season.

  1. Call to Order, Roll Call: Hilary Norton Orozco, LUPC Co-Chair, Presiding Officer
  2. Discussion / Action: Approval of June & August meeting minutes (no meeting held in July)
  3. Public Comment Section I (2minutes per speaker) on non-agenda items
  4. Discussion / Action (Announcements & Updates)
    1. Oxy Area Housing – Appeal to Councilman
    2. Others
  5. Discussion/ Action (Old Business):
    1. 6-Resident Facility for Developmentally Disabled, 4675 York Blvd, Florencia Pilpa, Presenting further information as requested at the last meeting regarding landscape plan and other requests.
    2. Eagle Rock Monuments – update from case managers regarding monuments & status of projects
    3. LAX Master PlanPresentation – updates from case managers regarding LAX master plan
    4. Von’s Figueroa& La Loma – Update on community planning meeting (charette) progress.  Update on property.
    5. Case ZA2004-4830 (CUB) Colorado Wine Company, 2114 Colorado Blvd. Case received approval at zoning administration. Formal written decision not yet received.
    6. 134 Sound Walls – update from case manager looking into the issue.
    7. Cal-Trans &maintenance of on/off ramps –update from case manager looking into the issue.
    8. Inclusionary Zoning – develop recommendations based on City Councilmember-Reyes and Garcetti proposed plan & alternate plan as presented respectively at Northeast Forum on Inclusionary Zoning, & LUPC meeting.
    9. Specific Plan Working Group Proposal - update on proposal status. ERNC Board of Directors will consider proposal on Monday Dec. 6.
  1. Discussion/ Action (New Business)
    1. LAUSD NewSchool Presentation – Final New School plans for our area and updateon Phase 3 seats for the Eagle Rock High School.  Fernando Chavarria, Presenter
    2. LUPC Open Positions – volunteers being sought.
    3. ERCPR – Colorado / Eagle Rock Blvd.-- Presentation on progress
  1. Public Comment Section II (2 minutes per speaker) on non-agenda items
  2. Adjournment

 

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3.         ROCK & BAJA FRESH TEAM UP TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TEEN CENTER PROGRAMS – NOVEMBER 19TH

 

Eat Fresh & Raise Funds for the ROCK Teen Center at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill in Glendale

114 South Brand Boulevard

Friday, November 19th

11:30 am to 9 pm

 

Get together with family and friends to help us, while you help yourself to some great food!  When you come to the Baja Fresh on Brand Boulevard and bring the flyer you’ll find at Reach Our Community Kids (ROCK’s) website at http://www.rockids.org/BajaFreshCoupon.pdf, Baja Fresh will donate 15% of the proceeds to our cause.  Please tell all your friends and family and help earn important dollars to benefit of the teens of Eagle Rock!  For more information, contact:  (323) 257-6102 or www.rockids.org

 

Donna Robey-Sullivan, Executive Director

Reach Our Community Kids, 4808 Townsend Avenue, Eagle Rock, CA  90041

The ROCK Teen Center, 1597 Yosemite Drive, Eagle Rock, CA 90041    

 

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4.         EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP – NOVEMBER 20TH

 

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
Saturday, November 20TH

9:30 am -12:30 pm
Neglected Alleyway -- 4800 Block of Townsend Avenue  
Between Fair Park & Linda Rosa

Please join the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, Operation Clean Sweep, the ERHS Key Club and your friends and neighbors!

Do a good deed.  Bring your family and help beautify this area of the community! Volunteer one hour or the whole time- but please help!  

All ages welcome!  Tools and supplies provided. Please bring your own gloves if needed.  See you there!!

 

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5.         “2 FROM THE SOUTHWEST” ART SHOW AT AVENUE 50 STUDIO

 

Dos Del Sudoeste / 2 From The Southwest:  Cristina Cárdenas and Alfred J. Quiroz

Exhibition Dates: November 20th - December 29th

Avenue 50 Studio

131 North Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042

 

Artists' Reception, Saturday, November 20th 7 - 11 p.m.

 

The Avenue 50 Studio is pleased to announce an exhibition featuring the works of two Latino painters from the Southwest: Cristina Cárdenas and Alfred J. Quiroz. Our presentation of these two stylistically, and politically, different artists clashes with stereotypic Southwestern regional painting. We proudly present Southwestern painters Cristina Cárdenas and Alfred J. Quiroz to our Los Angeles community.

 

From her classically trained roots in renaissance art, Cristina Cárdenas developed her approach to art following the tradition of the Mexican muralists. Through her friendships with Arizona artists Luis Carlos Bernal, Alfred Quiroz and Luis Jimenez, Cárdenas began to tackle issues of a more political and personal nature using Amate paper as a link to her ancestors. The Amate paper is made from the same Aztec recipe the Otomi Indians used for several centuries. Her large-scale works on Amate paper reflect Cárdenas' desire to disrupt historic stereotypes of gender, religion and race.

 

"My current body of work is in recognition of the female protagonist. These images are of women who are sensual and provocative, images that will stay in our minds, and be remembered as we give them a permanent voice." --Cristina Cárdenas

 

Alfred Quiroz examines the world in a satirical in-your-face manner. His commentary on U.S. culture uses a cartoonish approach with humor and wit as he lampoons corporations that we North Americans idolize.  Quiroz speaks specifically about identity and combines elements of Mexican and North American cultures. His use of bright colors reflects a Mexican sensibility and his aggressive painting style and forms reflect the energy and frenzy of life on the border.

 

The "2 de Sudoeste/Two from the Southwest" painters characterize the distinct and exemplary world of Southwestern art.  For more information, please call: (323) 258-1435.

 

 * * *

 

6.         ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH SILENT AUCTION AND BAZAAR – NOVEMBER 20TH

 

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will have a Holiday Season Silent Auction and Bazaar on Saturday, November 20.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. 

 

There will be a silent Auction of wonderful donated items from neighborhood and nearby shops, a holiday boutique of handmade items, and wonderful bake sale goods.  Raffle tickets for a prize are $2.02 each or $5.05 for three.  A Sing-A-Long (the highlight of the spaghetti dinner) follows the meal.  The funds raised at this event will go toward the Church's Capital Fund Drive, which has spruced up and will continue to improve the facilities for parishioners and guests who use the church, such as Head Start, dance troupes, scouts, 12-Step groups and others. 

 

Auction/Bazaar pre-sale tickets are $10 for single and $25 for a family.  Tickets at the door will be $12 single and $30 for a family.  Advance tickets can be purchased from Father Tom Discavage at the Church office, 2109 Chickasaw Avenue (one block east of Eagle Rock, two blocks south of Colorado), or call (323) 254-7569.   

 

Many wanted to know how they could help at St. Barnabas' Wednesday dinners for the hungry and homeless of Eagle Rock. If you are interested in helping with or at this long-running gift to the community, call Father Tom at (323) 254-7569 to get the particulars about it and other volunteer opportunities.   

 

* * *

 

7.         EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL LAND USE COMMITTEE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

 

Dear Eagle Rock Stakeholders,

The ERNC Land Use Committee is looking for stakeholder volunteers to fill vacancies.  If you have applied before and were not placed, please apply again with updated information.  

LAND USE & PLANNING COMMITTEE (LUPC):  A 17-member volunteer committee comprised mostly of stakeholders with some ERNC board members.  Considers and makes recommendations on city planning and zoning issues in Eagle Rock - residential and business development; conditional use permits; citywide ordinances; code violations; traffic issues and more. The LUPC meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm at Eagle Rock City Hall.  We will be meeting on the third Thursday in Nov. & Dec. due to holidays.  
 
DUTIES: Each member is required to attend a monthly meeting, and act as case manager for at least one agenda issue per year, accessing the zoning admin.,  city planning file or other relevant information and seeking input and/or presentation from representatives on all sides, so the LUPC has fair & balanced information upon which to act.  

QUALIFICATIONS: No previous land use or planning experience is required, only a willingness to learn and serve the community.  Those who have volunteered previously but were not placed should provide updated information.

INTERESTED?  
Please reply by Sunday Nov. 21st
by sending the following info to LUPC Co-Chair Jessica Wethington McLean at ERNC_LandUse@earthlink.net

1.      your name

2.      address

3.      phone number(s)

4.      email address

5.      ERNC Sub-District (To find out which is your Sub-District, visit www.eaglerockcouncil.org


It is imperative that you provide ALL of the requested information in order to be considered.  Thanks for your interest!

Sincerely,

Jessica Wethington McLean
Co-Chair, Land Use & Planning Committee
Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council
323-256-6221
ERNC_LandUse@earthlink.net

 

* * *

 

8.         ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE’S 12TH ANNUAL DISCOVERY TOUR – NOVEMBER 21ST

 

Celebrating a Dozen Years of Art –

A self-guided auto tour of artists' studios in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and Mount Washington

Starts at the Lummis Home, 200 E. Avenue 43, Highland Park

November 21st, 10 am - 4 pm

 

Sponsored by the Arroyo Arts Collective and the Historical Society of Southern California, the Discovery Tour showcases the artistic riches of Northeast Los Angeles. Mount Washington and the neighboring communities of Highland Park and Eagle Rock are home to one of the largest concentrations of artists in Los Angeles. “What makes this art tour unique,” says Tour Coordinator Kate Burroughs, “is the combination of history and art. The Arroyo was the city's first cultural center at the turn of the century, and its artistic legacy continues today.”

 

The Arroyo Arts Collective, a grassroots community artists' organization in Northeast Los Angeles, presents its 12th Annual Discovery Tour – Celebrating a Dozen Years of Art -- a self-guided auto tour of artists' studios in Highland Park, Eagle Rock and Mount Washington. Tourgoers will have the opportunity to discover work by over 70 local artists in creative styles ranging from plein air painting to computer art, and to visit unique studio settings ranging from storefronts and funky garages to landmark Craftsman homes scattered through the hills of northeast Los Angeles.

 

Tickets can be purchased in advance ($10) online at www.ArroyoArtsCollective.org and at Galco's Old World Grocery, 5702 York Boulevard, Highland Park. A special promotion this year: buy 12 tickets and a get a baker’s dozen the 13th ticket for free.) Tickets the day of the Tour ($15) will be available at the Lummis Home. Ticket holders will receive a comprehensive map of artist studios and galleries including Avenue 50 Studio, Gallery Ophelia, Rock Rose Gallery and Random.

 

The Charles Lummis Home is located at 200 E. Avenue 43 in Highland Park. Tour sites will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a closing reception from 4:30 to 5:30 at the Lummis Home.  For more information, please call: (323) 221-3225. 

 

* * *

 

9.         NEED A LANDSCAPING MAKEOVER? – APPLY BY NOVEMBER 24TH

 

Local Eagle Rocker Phillip Latham, owner of PAL Landscape Services, has organized a fun community give-away project…just in time for the Holidays! With the help of other local merchants such as Persson’s Nursery of Pasadena, Tritch Hardware of Eagle Rock and Ewing Irrigation of Glendale, he is having a contest to give away a free landscaping front yard “make-over” worth up to $5000!

 

Contestants must be nominated by a neighbor, family member or friend who will describe why their deserving nominee should be declared the winner. Yards must be residential only and within the community boundaries of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park and Mount Washington. All applications must be received before November 24th.

 

Local actress Lorraine Toussaint and other community members will serve as the jury. Winners will be announced on November 30th, and work will be accomplished between December 1st and 15th.

 

Hurry and e-mail your nominations to phillip@pallandscape.com…today!  Any further questions?  Call (323) 254-2141. 

 

* * *

 

10.       FUNCTIONAL AND FINE ART FESTIVAL AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK! – DECEMBER 4TH

Saturday, December 4th, from 11 am – 8 pm

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock

2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock (near Eagle Rock Boulevard)

 

Give a little, get a lot!

Come discover the artistic bounty of Eagle Rock at a one-day functional and fine art festival to benefit the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. Jewelry, paintings, clothing and more will be available from some of Northeast L.A.'s most talented individuals. Live acoustical music and tasty treats add to the festivities.  Painters, Jewelry and Clothing designers, Ceramists, and others will have their wares available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds supports the Center for the Arts.

 

Suggested donation: $5, which includes a raffle ticket. Additional tickets are available for purchase at $5 each or three for $10. The artist's have generously donated pieces of their work for this special event. A great chance to win some unique gifts!  For more information: call (323) 226-1617 or go online: www.centerartseaglerock.org

 

The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable art classes and programming for children and adults.  Housed in a beautiful historical setting, the Center hosts art exhibits and is a key supporter of cultural events in Northeast L.A.

 

* * *

 

11.       EAGLE ROCK’S LILY SIMONE BOUTIQUE FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES!

 

Thanks to new TERA Board member Pauline Mauro for sending this clip from the October 31st issue of The New York Times!  Congratulations to owner Simone Porter for this wonderful highlight of your boutique and our community!

 

Pioneers of hip in search of affordable housing and street cred have pushed the eastern boundary of Los Angeles to its limit and are now looking north to Eagle Rock. This neighborhood is home to a playground with a Neutra-designed clubhouse, some of the city's best pizza (at Casa Bianca) and the Lily Simone boutique. "There are a lot of young moms out here, mostly film industry people who are fashion-forward," said the boutique's owner, Simone Porter, holding her mini-pinscher, Lily, under one arm. "They still want to look stylish, and there was nothing for them on this side of town." With its flea market décor and local labels like Grey Ant, Pegah Anvarian, Ella Moss and Mon Petit Oiseau, Lily Simone is the first fashion outpost in this gentrifying area; 5022 Eagle Rock Boulevard, (323) 254-0530, www.shoplilysimone.com.

 

* * *

 

12.       YOGA ESSENCE MARKETPLACE OPENS

 

 365 Shopping Days Left!

 

Along with the special "2 for New" offer on classes at the studio, the Yoga Essence Marketplace is now open for business. We are proud to feature the work of local artisans and musicians, as well as clothing and other items manufactured from earth-friendly materials and in sweatshop-free environments. The marketplace is a great place to find gifts, cards, yoga supplies and other wellness-related materials, so be sure to visit early and often. After all, they don't serve tea and cookies at the mall!

 

In addition, Yoga Essence now offers a 10% discount on single classes and series cards to members of TERA.  Now is a great time to check out that yoga or Pilates class you've always wanted to try.  Stop by the studio, located at 1577 Colorado Boulevard (across from Trader Joe's).

 

Call or e.mail owner, Hilary Lachoff, for schedule or other information: (323) 550-8182, or e.mail at hilary@yogaessence.net.

 

* * *

 

13.       AUNTIE EM’S FEATURED IN LA TIMES MAGAZINE!

Thanks to Joanne Turner, TERA President Emeritus, who sent this item to the e.letter about Auntie Em’s.  Congratulations, Auntie Em’s, and thanks for selling Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour tickets for us! 

Auntie Em's was mentioned in Sunday's LA Magazine!  It was in the Metropolis section, and the title of the article was "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life, Waking up to the Song of Coffeecake."

Auntie Em's Kitchen
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock

(323) 255-0800

Even Westsiders schlep in for the from-scratch cupcakes, but pastry chef Barbara Monderine's coffeecakes shouldn't be overlooked.  The cinnamon bundt has walnuts, raisins and a ribbon of Valrhona chocolate; the New York coffee crumb cake features a brown sugar and butter topping; and then there's the sour cream model with pears and pecans.  Whole cake ($17, serves 12 to 15); single pieces ($2.25).  – Ginny Chien, LA Times Sunday Magazine, Metropolis

 

* * *

 

14.       SWORK WELCOMES BLUE HEELER TO EAGLE ROCK!

 

Patricia Neal of swork sent out this lovely introduction to her new business neighbor.  TERA joins in welcoming this new business to Eagle Rock! 

 

Please welcome Blue Heeler to 5058 Eagle Rock Boulevard, right next door to Swork!

 

About Blue Heeler: The owners are devoted to introducing the U.S. consumer to many of the wonderful products of Australia. They have an extreme passion for the land down under and want to show that this amazing country produces much more than didgeridoos and oil-skin hats. Over the last several years, Australia has bred a wonderful range of designers who make clothing, accessories, homewares, skin care products and many other specialty items. They would like to establish Blue Heeler as the exclusive provider of many of these fine products and offer them to you. And of course in honor of our four-legged namesake, we sell a few things for dogs too! Please stop by and say hello to the owner, Shannon Bedell as soon as Blue Heeler opens!

About the name: Blue Heeler is an Australian cattle dog famous for its unique markings it's loyalty and intelligence. Blue Heelers are Australia's national pal and they are probably one of the best representations of the unique quality and spirit of Australia.

 

* * *

 

15.       OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE INSTITUTE CALLS ON WAL-MART TO IMPLEMENT “COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN”

 

With Wal-Mart planning to open 40 of its Supercenters in California, the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI) at Occidental College is calling on the retail giant to develop a “community benefits plan” that would locate new stores near transit stops, provide on-site farmers’ markets, and pay living wages to employees.

 

In a 26-page paper released Friday, UEPI and its Center for Food and Justice analyze Wal-Mart’s labor and land use impacts on urban communities, as well as food access implications of the Supercenter model of food retailing. Supercenters combine groceries and department store goods in stores roughly the size of four football fields. The report, which can be viewed at http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/thinking_outside_the_big_box.pdf, examines such issues as food selection, pricing and store accessibility based on a case study of the La Quinta, Calif., Supercenter, which in spring 2004 was the first to open in the state.

 

“With Wal-Mart poised to expand its Supercenter approach to food retailing in the Los Angeles region and throughout California, residents and elected officials have the opportunity to decide what business model they want to support and what kind of policy tools are needed to facilitate that choice,” said report co-author Robert Gottlieb, Occidental professor of urban and environmental policy and UEPI director.

 

Because of Wal-Mart’s marketplace clout (it is the world’s biggest company and the largest employer in the nation), the company is able to price its groceries at or near cost and make a profit from non-food items, Gottlieb said. This pricing strategy – in which groceries are the lure to get consumers into the store – makes it nearly impossible for supermarkets to compete, he added.

 

The situation is made all the more challenging by a persistent grocery store gap in Los Angeles, particularly in low-income and minority communities. A separate UEPI study shows that the number of supermarkets in areas affected by the 1992 Los Angeles riots was the same in 2002, making it difficult for transit-dependent residents to buy fresh produce outside of their immediate neighborhoods. Middle- and upper-income areas, meanwhile, have about three times as many grocery stories per capita.

 

“With obesity and diet-related illnesses rapidly becoming the nation’s No. 1 preventable cause of death, L.A.’s grocery store gap is not just another statistic of social disparity,” said UEPI Communications Director Amanda Shaffer, a 2001 Occidental graduate who was the author of the grocery gap study. Shaffer adds that “The lack of access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in many neighborhoods is a public health crisis.”

 

A survey of Wal-Mart’s La Quinta Supercenter and nearby chain grocery stores find that “the selection of fresh produce and other healthy food items at Wal-Mart is adequate, and prices are low,” the report says. However, the footprint of such mega-stores makes them ill-suited for denser urban neighborhoods, and their low prices would likely have a significant negative impact on existing grocery stores in already underserved urban communities.

 

In composing its proposed community benefits plan, the UEPI paper considered food access, labor and land use/environmental protections. Its recommendations to Wal-Mart include:

 

·        Developing a transportation plan to ensure that people without cars have reasonably easy access to the store. Transportation strategies could include locating the new store near existing transit stops, requiring the store to provide shuttle service to shoppers, and improving public transportation options to the store location.

 

·        Providing on-site farmers markets to attract customers and offer fresh produce from local farms, a strategy that has been successfully used by grocery stores to attract customers on slow business days to also buy non-fresh food items.

 

·        Using compact designs to minimize the amount of land needed to build new box stores. Limits on the amount of aboveground parking spaces and innovative use of multi-level buildings can reduce the amount of land consumed by large retail stores.

 

·        Paying living wages for employees, possible tied to the prevailing wage paid by large retail stores other than Wal-Mart.

 

The paper also considered the use of big box ordinances to restrict the size of retail stores and the types of goods sold within the store. In California, the cities of Oakland, Martinez, Turlock and Agoura Hills, as well as Alameda and Contra Costa counties, have passed ordinances banning stores larger than 100,000 square feet that devote more than 5 to 10 percent of shelf space to grocery items or other non-taxable items.

 

“Given Wal-Mart’s likely status as a major player in food retail, it is imperative that further research be conducted and policies considered that promote access to healthy food for everyone,” Gottlieb said. “The policy decisions to be taken in Los Angeles and other California communities will ultimately influence what model will prevail.”

 

* * *

 

16.       THE FINAL WORD – TWO QUOTES ON VISION

 

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart…. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

 

--          Carl Jung, 1875–1961, Swiss psychiatrist, founder of analytical psychology

 

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

 

--          Bible: Proverbs 29:18.  President John F. Kennedy quoted this passage on the eve of his assassination in Dallas, Texas.

 

* * *

 

Distributed weekly via email and as a regular feature on various internet discussion groups, the TERA e.letter is read by well over 2000 readers with an interest in Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles. Please encourage interested friends to send their full name and email address to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed, too.

If you have changed your email address or would like to be removed from this list, send us an email to
e.letter@TERA90041.org with the word(s) "remove" or "address change" in the subject box, as appropriate.

If you have a press release, letter of comment, question or other notice that you feel might be of interest to the Eagle Rock community, send it to
e.letter@TERA90041.org.  Your announcement -- in the form of an email text message, (no attachments, please) -- must be in our hands by noon on Monday to be considered for inclusion in that week's issue.

©2004 The Eagle Rock Association

 

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TERA -- The Eagle Rock Association -- YOUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION -- http://www.TERA90041.org -- P. O. Box 41453, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 -- (323) 259-TERA -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation

 

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Got graffiti? Contact the City of LA’s Operation Clean Sweep Graffiti Removal Hotline: (800) 611-2489.

 

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The TERA e.letter
A publication of
The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Hilary Norton Orozco, editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org