THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

-- Invest in Your Community --


TERA

e.letter

November 3, 2005

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

Are you a TERA member yet?
Join us now!  Here's how:

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


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

Please encourage interested friends and neighbors to send their email addresses
to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed as well.

This week:


1.  TERA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -- MICHAEL THARP

2.  TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- THIS SUNDAY! -- NOVEMBER 6

3.  JOIN US FOR THE "SCENES OF EAGLE ROCK" ART SHOWAND "LIVE ART" -- NOVEMBER 6

4.  TERA'S HOME TOUR, AND EAGLE ROCK, ON TV! -- TONIGHT -- NOVEMBER 3

5.  "BRIDGING THE GAP" AT OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE -- NOVEMBER 10

6.  ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE 13TH ANNUAL DISCOVERY TOUR -- NOVEMBER 20

7.  DON'T MISS "A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE" AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH -- DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 4

8.  GOOD NEWS -- FOLLOW-UP TO BLISSFUL SOUL ROBBERY

9.  EDITOR'S NOTE -- FAREWELL -- JOANNE TURNER

10.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

11.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- KATHLEEN ABERMAN, FOUNDING TERA PRESIDENT

12.  SOME FAVORITE QUOTES

1.  TERA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -- MICHAEL THARP

The Eagle Rock Eclectic Home Tour is the hot item this weekend!  The event is this Sunday, November 6, 2006.

Tickets have been and will continue to be on sale at the Colorado Wine Company, 2114 Colorado Boulevard; Cactus Gallery and Gifts, 4534 Eagle Rock Boulevard; and Blue Heeler Imports, 5058 Eagle Rock Boulevard, during their regular hours of operation.  In addition, dedicated TERA Home Tour Volunteers will be selling tickets at The Coffee Table, Dave's Chillin' N Grillin' and Auntie Em's this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15.00 in advance for TERA members, $17.00 in advance for non-TERA members, and $20.00 at the door for any not savy enough to buy in advance.

Keep in mind, however, that the extra $3.00 to $5.00 goes to a worthy cause . . . to keep TERA working to represent you and your interests and to put on the 2006 Eclectic Eagle Rock Eclectic Home Tour.  We deeply appreciate the business people who have helped us by volunteering to host ticket sellers or have been willing to sell tickets themselves.  This partnership between the residents and the businesses is one of the many things that makes Eagle Rock such a great place to live and work.

TERA members received a number of letters last week regarding campaign mailers from Jose Huizar's supporters, stating, "Jose Huizar will join the Eagle Rock Association (TERA) in fighting to defend the Colorado Specific Plan."  The concern expressed was that this statement implied an endorsement by TERA of the candidate, which would endanger TERA's status as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

TERA cannot and does not endorse any candiates for public office.  TERA has a stated policy that allows individual TERA Board members to endorse candidates as individuals, but they must not identify themselves as TERA Board members or imply in any way that a candidate has the endorsement or support of TERA.  It is TERA's stated position that the requirements of the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan must be enforced.  It is also TERA's position that some portions of the Specific Plan should be revised.  It is TERA's expectation that whomever is elected to fill the currently vacant council seat will support TERA's position regarding the Specific Plan and revisions to it.

NO CANDIDATE HAS TERA'S ENDORSEMENT!  TERA CANNOT AND DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY CANDIDATE IN THIS OR ANY OTHER ELECTION.  IT IS ILLEGAL FOR TERA TO DO SO.  Hopefully this is clear to our readers and to all candidates.

That being said, be sure to vote on November 8.  Your vote counts and it is your most direct way of stating what you want the 14th Council District to be.  There are some real differences between the candidates.  Research what they say they will do, what they have done, and what you think they will do and then exercise your right to vote on November 8.  The future of your community depends on it.

Joanne Turner is stepping down as editor of the e.letter and from the TERA Board.  Joanne has been a super-volunteer and has given everything in support of TERA over the years that she has been involved.  She leaves some huge shoes to be filled, and they will not be filled by any one individual but by an entire Board.  TERA has grown too big for any one individual to direct it; it has become a Board-driven organization rather than an individual-driven organization.  These changes result in an organization is open to diverse view points from a diverse membership.  All interests in the community are encouraged to make their views known through The Eagle Rock Association.  We are a residents' group working for the betterment of the entire community, and participation from all interests in the community is encouraged and welcome.

For the time being, I will be the editor of the e.letter.  Joanne has generously coached me on how to put it together, and from this day forward it will be my responsibility.  I trust our readers and members will be patient as I learn the ropes.  In her farewell below, Joanne mentions that she hasn't had a steady paycheck since 1995.  I, like most other members of the current TERA Board, work full time.  TERA is our volunteer activity and it is extremely important to us.  We are volunteers, however, and have many other commitments, including jobs, family, other volunteer activities, and a personal life.

Therefore, it is you, my fellow Eagle Rockers, who are going to have to step up and volunteer to get the things done which are important to you.  TERA is looking for your help as well as your input. Contact our volunteer coordinator, Pauline Mauro, at pauline.mauro@gmail.com and offer your help in keeping Eagle Rock one of the best places to live in all of Los Angeles.
2.  TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- THIS SUNDAY! -- NOVEMBER 6

Be sure to attend TERA's sixth annual Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour this Sunday, November 6!  This year we are featuring the Mt. Royal Drive neighborhood north of Colorado.  Lots of variety.  It's guaranteed to be great!

There is still time to purchase tickets at reduced prices through our Web site: http://www.TERA90041.org.  TERA members can purchase tickets in advance for only $15, and non-members can purchase tickets for $17.  The day of the tour, all tickets are $20.

The starting point is the southwest corner of Hill Drive and Mt. Royal, 5277 Mt. Royal Drive.  See you there!
3.  JOIN US FOR THE "SCENES OF EAGLE ROCK" ART SHOWAND "LIVE ART" -- NOVEMBER 6

Come see Eagle Rock through the eyes of 30-plus artists along the route of the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour and at Carlotta's Passion Fine Art and Interiors for the "Scenes of Eagle Rock" art exhibit.

For the "Live Art" happening, there will be 13 artists stationed along the home tour route painting, photographing, and, in one case, creating art with plywood(!), from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 6 during the tour.

The "Scenes of Eagle Rock" exhibit is also opening for a one-week stay at Carlotta's Passion, 2012 Colorado Boulevard on November 6.

Featured will be over 30 artists who through a variety of media (digital photography on up to ceramic tiles) will show us how Eagle Rock looks to them.

A three-member judging panel will hand out Best in Show, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons at the awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m., November 6 at Carlotta's Passion.

DDCM Incorporated has also graciously contributed a $1,000 purchase award for artistic merit which will also be awarded at that time.  

Please join us on this day and the week following for some creative fun!
4.  TERA'S HOME TOUR, AND EAGLE ROCK, ON TV! -- TONIGHT -- NOVEMBER 3

TERA's Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour Co-chair Joanne Turner was filmed for a spot on a cable station based in Santa Monica called City TV.  The program is called Get Out, which encourages people to "get out" of their own neighborhood and visit other neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.  And, they chose our wonderful town.

The show wanted to showcase our Home Tour and Eagle Rock, since it is an area of LA unknown to some on the west side of town.  One of our tour homeowners was available to show his home for the camera.  We were able to talk about Eagle Rock and TERA, give contact information for the tour, and everything.  Fun!

The spot will air in our area tonight, Thursday, November 3, at 8:30 p.m. on LA36.  Even better, it will air for about seven days, every two hours, in Santa Monica.  We hope to get some of those Westsiders to visit our neighborhood and attend our Home Tour!
5.  "BRIDGING THE GAP" AT OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE -- NOVEMBER 10

Middle school, high school and college students will join with local seniors to celebrate the power of the spoken word to cross the generational divide at a "Bridging the Gap" program on Thursday, November 10 on the Occidental College campus.

Featuring poetry, music, and spoken word presentations, the 7:30 p.m. program on the lower level of the Herrick Interfaith Chapel will showcase participants from Eagle Rock Middle and High schools, Occidental, and the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center. Quilts created by Highland Park seniors in conjunction with visual artist Alvaro Asturias, depicting life in the community, also will be on display. Admission is free.

"The idea is to bring together not only people from different generations but from different backgrounds and life experiences," says Jasmine Wade '08, a member of the Occidental writing class that organized the event. "We want people to step outside of their usual environment, hear from neighbors they haven't met, and maybe build some new relationships on the common ground of the spoken word."

The program is a collaborative effort between the English Writing 201 class taught by Katie Mills, adjunct assistant professor of English writing at Occidental, Eagle Rock High School teacher Russell Copley, and Sam Robinson of Will & Company, artist-in-residence at the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center. Mills' students helped plan the event as part of Occidental's program for developing student leaders, based on the Public Achievement program of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at the University of Minnesota.

It is sponsored by the Occidental College Department of English Writing, Occidental's Center for Community Based Learning, the Mellon and Values and Vocations grants at Occidental, the Eagle Rock Stage of Eagle Rock High School, Will & Company, the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, and the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center.

For more information, contact Prof. Katie Mills at mills@oxy.edu, (323) 259-2962.
6.  ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE 13TH ANNUAL DISCOVERY TOUR -- NOVEMBER 20

Arroyo Arts Collective¹s 13th Annual Discovery Tour
Hearable Art: Artists and Musicians Come Out to Show and Play in Northeast L.A.*
Sunday, November 20, 2005, 10 AM ­ 4 PM
 
€ Self-guided tour of artists' studios 
€ Over 100 artists and musicians share their work
€ After-tour music festival at Mr T's Bowl (starting at 6 pm)
€ One-of-a-kind artist-made music boxes available for sale
 
Advance tickets are $12 (day of tour $17): Order online at http://www.arroyoartscollective.org, or in person at Galco¹s Soda Pop Stop (5702 York Boulevard, Highland Park).
 
Tour day check-in at the Lummis Home (200 E. Avenue 43, Highland Park). See examples of artists' work, pick up a map with detailed information, see music boxes.
 
For more information about the collective, go to: http://www.arroyoartscollective.org
 
*Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights, and Eagle Rock
7.  DON'T MISS "A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE" AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH -- DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 4

For all you parents whose kids are attending Eagle Rock High School, for all you parents whose kids someday will be attending ERHS, for ERHS alumni, and for all other members of the Eagle Rock community:

ERHS's drama department proudly presents probably the most famous play by Tennessee Williams, "A Streetcar Named Desire."  Come see one of the best arts programs at our local high school in action.

We all know how many of our schools have cut arts programming.  Well, we are pleased to say it's alive and well at Eagle Rock High!  Please join us.  It's guaranteed to be enlightening and entertaining, with a wonderfully emotional musical accompaniment.

"A Streetcar Named Desire"
Thursday through Sunday
December 1, 2, and 3
7:00 p.m.
Matinee performance December 4
3:00 p.m.
Eagle Rock High School Auditorium
1750 Yosemite Drive
Eagle Rock

Tickets are only $10.  Come help support the arts at our high school!  Please see attachment for  the play's poster advertisement.  Lovely!
8.  GOOD NEWS -- FOLLOW-UP TO BLISSFUL SOUL ROBBERY

The robber is in CUSTODY!!  Apprehended at a motel on York last week.  A guy from Texas with a serious drug problem.  Eeeeew.
9.  EDITOR'S NOTE -- FAREWELL -- JOANNE TURNER

Not only am I no longer going to serve as editor of the TERA e.letter, but also I am stepping down from the TERA Board.  My last day of service will be this Sunday, November 6.  My last duty will be to make sure as Home Tour co-chair that we have one hell of a great tour that day.

The e.letter began as a meeting notice.

Back in the summer of 2000, Council member Nick Pacheco arranged a gathering at St. Dominic's church to discuss the possibility of revising the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan, a law that TERA had a large hand in developing and implementing back in the early 1990s.  At that time, many in town were angry at us because of our steadfast support for the plan, because the plan places limitations on some types of businesses while encouraging variety in our business district.  Eight years later, they were still angry.

Anyway, I knew all those guys would be at the St. Dominic's meeting, angry, pounding their chests, and hoisting their placards, hoping to decimate the Specific Plan, so I read through every single TERA membership application I had and typed up a list of e.mail addresses.

I pressed the button, and out it went.  Over 200 people showed up. "Wow," I thought to myself.  "This could be one great communication tool."  Thus, the TERA e.letter was born.

Although many of us agree the Specific Plan needs updating because it became law way back in 1992 when there was almost nothing to do in town, I'm happy to say thus far it hasn't been seriously messed with.

A lot of these angry types have gone after TERA in writing over many, many years, trying to turn people against us, but it hasn't worked.  Being hated is a badge of honor.  It's proof positive that you're effective.

Speaking of positive, notwithstanding a few down moments I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as founding editor of the e.letter.  It has given TERA a forum for discussion of important issues that affect our lives, a way to relieve our frustration with the ill-handling of various local land-use matters, a venue for mobilizing the community, and a chance to let the neighborhood know about some of the great new businesses and goings-on around town.

Some of the most fun I've had has been when I've been able to tell jokes, because as we all know there is such great material here in Eagle Rock pretty much 24/7.  You know, all that small-town stuff.  Letters from readers for the most part have been particularly gratifying.  Also, I take it as a great compliment that electronic newsletters from many other local organizations have been established since we launched ours.

TERA is becoming something I don't quite recognize.  I was a far better fit for it when it was smaller and struggling.  I'm good at getting mad and acting on my anger, and I've had many opportunities to do so.  I am an artist by nature and training, so am a creative person, and I have used my anger creatively to come up with positive solutions to problems here in town.

For instance, if I and other folks hadn't gotten mad we would have a ton more of those awful mini-malls and a lot less historic buildings.  We would have yet another fast-food drive-through where Blockbuster is now, which would have violated the Specific Plan and set a precedent for more violation of it in the future.  We would have an illegal moving and storage company in the Farley building, with huge trucks routinely making unbearable noise, blocking traffic, and ruining sidewalks, really inconveniencing and angering the neighbors on Mt. Royal.  We would have many more high-density neighborhoods replete with awful, thoughtless architecture, crowding our schools and making traffic even worse than it already is, and far more injurious land-use planning policies negatively affecting how we live.  We even would have some tacky development on top of the Eagle Rock itself.

These few examples are just the tip of the TERA accomplishments iceberg.

We also wouldn't have the great businesses moving into town and residents paying attention to the integrity of their homes' histories that we do if I and the founders and Board members of TERA hadn't believed in appreciating and preserving our architectural history and in setting a high standard for future development and demanding that that standard be met, even in the face of years and years of tremendous resistance.  We've fought the good fight, and that's what making a difference is all about.

I can leave the editorship of the e.letter and the TERA Board knowing I did my utmost to make Eagle Rock a better community.  After all, I'm raising my kids here.  For about the last 15 years, however, I've neglected my house, my yard, sometimes my family, and most definitely myself.  I haven't had a steady paycheck since 1995 (I have the most amazingly patient husband -- "Sure, honey, if it makes you happy, go for it").  I was too busy
haulin' all that day-to-day TERA load, but no more.  I told myself when I assumed the TERA presidency back in 1997 that when the boulevards begin turning around, I could leave.  Well, the boulevards have begun turning around, and around, and around, so I can stop worrying and go.

I am so very proud of the work I have done, and one of the best things about it is all the people I've come to know and work with.  Their intelligence, dedication, conviction, humor, and even occasional weirdness, and my good fortune to have witnessed all of it, have been some of the most satisfying things life has had to offer me.  Most importantly, though, is that my kids have learned from watching me take part in community service that believing in an idea and working tirelessly to realize that idea is something well worth striving for.  In the end, though, if you can't laugh out loud and have fun doing this stuff, it just ain't worth it.

What I would like to do for TERA now is to write its history.  It's a history that is vitally important, that is very meaningful, that has its truly hilarious moments, and that, most importantly, has changed Eagle Rock for the better.  It is a legacy that each and every one of you who live here now and who will live here in the future is a direct beneficiary of.  No doubt about it.  Right on.  Damn straight.  Eric, I'll send you a copy when I'm done.

Well, I'll see you around town.  You can now reach me if you want to at artburn@earthlink.net.

Oh, and by the way, come to the Home Tour this Sunday.  I'd be most pleased to see you there.  After all, it's your community -- be a part of it.  Happy trails!

With great affection --

Joanne
10.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

"Hi Joanne --

I will greatly miss your e.letter. The concept was brilliant and the execution artful, impassioned and eloquent.  It has truly become the voice of Eagle Rock, uniting and, as needed, mobilizing the community.  I am certain that I am not the only exile who has looked forward to the connection every week.

You have served Eagle Rock well.  Your buddy --"

-- Suzanne Prieur, or "Light Bulb Head," former TERA Board member and Tampa, FL, resident who had some of TERA's best ideas and was the major force behind our Home Tour

"The TERA of yore was a tiny operation compared with the current TERA, but it is the attitude and focus that matter -- mutual respect and common interest.  When those break down they are sometimes difficult to recapture.  But you still have some terrific folks involved, with institutional memory of the 'hot group' that TERA was.

Whether you want to or not -- whether it is worth the effort and angst or not under current conditions -- is another matter.  Your judgment about such things has always been very good, and all I can do is hope for the best for you and Chris and the boys first, and Eagle Rock second."

-- Tim Sanders, former TERA president, Northeast Community Plan Advisory Committee member, my mentor, and one of the most wonderful and supportive human beings I've ever known

"I was saddened to read that you aren't going to edit the newsletter after 11/3.  Hopefully there will be a brave soul willing to carry on your good work.  See you at the Home Tour."

-- Tom Craig, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member

"You've lasted far longer than the statistical average for organizational burnout, that's of course due to the fact that you've been so effective in all issues you touch.  Toughness with compassion is your forte, polite 'establishment' organizations unfortunately have grown from too many well-rooted and loud advocacy groups, and that's just the nature of the terrain.  Hopefully we won't have to worry about a pendulum move getting us back into battle-station mode, although I thought Walgreed would force that issue.

Enjoy the next paths that drop in your way."

-- Jeff Samudio, founding TERA Board member and Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan committee member who really helped drive that issue as well as so many others

"Joanne --

You made TERA what it is.  You have earned the right to step down, and we are all grateful for all of your efforts and dedication to the mission of TERA.  Sadly, probably only a handful of us truly know and appreciate what blood and sweat you gave to get TERA to where it is.  We all know and are eternally grateful.

It was a joy and honor to work with you and I know that wherever or whoever you decide to devote your time and talents to will flourish and thrive because of you. So put down your planning maps, go forth, and . . . PARTY!"

-- Phil Barbaro, former TERA Board member and vice president, Northeast Community Plan Advisory Committee member, another forceful yet subtle mover and shaker, and a true gem of a guy

"Joanne --

Thank you so much for your work on the TERA e.letter.  I used to save the earlier versions, written when TERA actually was doing something to preserve the quality of life in Eagle Rock, as a sample of what neighborhood activists could accomplish in a democracy.  In the more recent past the e.letter has been more like a cheery calendar of events in ER. Yet you managed to make it engaging and fun.  A note to Michael Tharp about the presidential messages. You're not as funny or as clever as you think you are.  Keep it short.  You're wasting my time.

Joanne, you are a great writer and editor.  I know this also from the Verizon grant we wrote together.  I hope you can find a worthy outlet for your talent."

-- Gale Cohen, TERA member and one smart cookie who takes no prisoners, and a founding Board member of TERA who took care of our incorporation and bylaws issues, and so much more

"Dear Joanne --

After our conversation at the Women's Club Tea, I can't say I was surprised by your decision to leave the TERA Board, but I am happy for you.  It is time to live your life away from TERA.  I remember how wrenching the decision was for me.  It took me months and months to make the decision to leave and months after resigning to find meaning in other activities.

You have a wonderful family and smarts and energy that are amazing.  Take your time.  Life will go on.  Eagle Rock will be okay, but TERA will probably never have a president like you again.  Love --"

-- Kathleen Aberman, founding TERA president and one of the bravest women I have ever known

"Joanne --

I know decisions such as this are extremely hard but IT FEELS SO GOOD ONCE THEY ARE MADE.  I wish you much happiness and fulfillment in whatever path your life my take."

-- Teri Aranguren, Eagle Rock resident, TERA member, and Home Tour Committee member
11.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- KATHLEEN ABERMAN, FOUNDING TERA PRESIDENT

"Courage is a rare commodity."
12.  SOME FAVORITE QUOTES

"If you want to get something done, put the artists in charge." -- Phil Barbaro

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." -- bumper sticker spotted on Loleta Avenue

"Do the right thing." -- Spike Lee

"It's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world." -- Alan Ball

"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius.  Love, love, love -- that is the soul of genius." -- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

"There is one thing about intellectuals.  They prove that you can be absolutely brilliant and have no idea what is going on."  -- Woody Allen

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.  Time grabs you by the wrist; directs you where to go.  So make the best of this test and don't ask why.  It's not a question but a lesson learned in time.  It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right.  I hope you had the time of your life." -- Green Day
Got graffiti? Contact the City of LA¹s Operation Clean Sweep Graffiti Removal Hotline:  3 - 1 - 1.
Distributed weekly via e.mail and as a regular feature on various Internet discussion groups, the TERA e.letter is read by well over 2,000 readers (and probably more) with an interest in Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles.  Please encourage interested friends to send their full name and e.mail address to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed, too.

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

POLICY ON SUBMITTING A NOTICE:  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 e.mail text message, (no attachments, please) -- should be in our hands by noon on Tuesday to be considered for inclusion in that week's issue.

©2005 The Eagle Rock Association

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

The TERA e.letter
A publication of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Joanne Turner, Editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org