THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION
The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood
December 18, 2003
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This week:
Walgreens update, for better or verse (item
#1)
Short day, big night (item #5)
Yes, Virginia, we went back to 1897 for this week's
"Last Word" (item #9)
Table of Contents:
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE : WILL THE WALGRINCH STEAL CHRISTMAS?
2. A PARKWAY RUNS THROUGH IT: THE LATEST NEWS ON THE TAYLOR YARD PARK
ON THE LA RIVER
CALIFORNIA PARKS DEPARTMENT CLEARS THE WAY FOR RIVER PARKWAY AT TAYLOR YARD
3. SENATOR JACK SCOTT EARNS HIGH MARKS FROM CALIFORNIA EDUCATORS
4. CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO -- DECEMBER 18
5. EAGLE ROCK'S WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL - DECEMBER 21
6. AVENUE 50 STUDIO TAKES YOU HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS -- THROUGH
DECEMBER 28
7. THREE RING EXHIBIT AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- THROUGH DECEMBER 31
8. WE'VE GOT MAIL
9. THE LAST WORD -- FRANCIS P. CHURCH
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE : WILL THE WALGRINCH STEAL CHRISTMAS?
As Eagle Rock closes
Two thousand and three,
Come hear of a gift
NOT under our tree.
In the year yester
Youšll no doubt recall,
TERA fought to keep Eagle Rock
From getting too "malled."
For years, TERA championed
The CBSP;
But Walgreens didn't listen
To our petitions, times three.
We didn't give up.
We chose a new leader.
Antonio stood with us
"Walgreens' plan should be neater!"
But Walgreens has decided
To build buildings three,
Where they first got their permits.
It's different, you see,
From the way we had hoped
In Antonio's group.
What happened, you say?
Well, here's the real scoop:
The focus group met
To improve Walgreens' plan,
And discuss a few ways
We all could be fans.
Within just one week,
Jeff Samudio and Tom Yang
Redrew parking and a building
And most of us sang
Praises! What genius!
The new plan had more green,
And Building C on Colorado
Didn't seem quite so lean .
But then came the waiting.
Walgreens checked this great work,
But not even Antonio
Could budge Walgreens' jerks.
"You don't own it," some say.
"You're right," we say back.
"But if Eagle Rock shops there,
No money they'll lack."
It's why we're so sad
That for such a small change
And a sure big return,
The Walgrinch won't rearrange
The buildings to make them
Much better appear.
And will it look nicer?
Rock holds quite dear.
Now we all are in fear.
As we waited and trusted,
And hoped for the light,
Our trees got shoved
Up our chimneys one night.
Now Walgrinch will build
Buildings A, B and C
In the very same places --
No changes, you see.
So all of that work
And all of that faith
Have so far shown nothing
That we can call great.
So let's see if theWalgrinch
Has a new change of heart
And shows us great plans
And creates a fresh start.
Our town deserves miracles.
When others build them, we pay,
So we're praying and hoping
Walgrinch can be swayed.
If not, spend elsewhere!
Our money's our voice !
Please Walgrinch, don't force us
To make this grim choice.
So we watch and we wait
For Walgrinch's new plan,
And we hope for the best
2004 -- make it grand!
And there's just one more thing
That Walgrinch must fix:
Just what's going to happen
With the building called Bricks?
We are the Whos down in Whoville,
But for only so long.
We hold long grudges
When Eagle Rock's wronged.
So as you drive by or mourn
At the Shopping Bag's mound,
Please all rest assured
That we're standing our ground.
Happy holidays from all of us at TERA!
-- Hilary Norton Orozco
2. A PARKWAY RUNS THROUGH IT: THE LATEST ON THE TAYLOR YARD
STATE PARK ON THE LA RIVER
The California Department of Parks and Recreation just gave area river watchers
an early Christmas present. Here are the details, direct from the
department's official announcement:
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has announced that it has
acquired its first park property which directly fronts along the Los Angeles
River at Taylor Yard near downtown Los Angeles. It is an
acquisition that has been the dream of neighborhood and community groups for
more than a decade and is seen as the critical centerpiece property in the
effort to create a Los Angeles River Parkway.
The property is known as parcel G-1, a 17.808-acre piece of land that has been
a part of the Union Pacific Taylor Yard properties. It runs for about a
half-mile along the river just east of the Highway 2 Glendale Freeway bridge
over the Los Angeles River. It is one of the few remaining natural
habitat zones left along the river and is seen as essential for the long-term
restoration of the Los Angeles River.
"We have now taken State Parks directly to the Los Angeles River," said
State Park Director Ruth Coleman. "This property is seen as the linchpin,
the essential catalyst and the centerpiece for the dream of creating a Los
Angeles River Parkway."
On Friday, the State's Public Works Board, meeting in public session in Sacramento,
voted unanimously to grant State Parks the authority to select and acquire the
G-1 parcel, clearing the way for State Parks and Union Pacific Railroad to
close the deal.
In December 2001, State Parks purchased the 40-acre Taylor Yard property known
as parcel D along San Fernando Road. However, it is separated from the
river by the Metrolink rail line. It is now being developed jointly by
California State Parks and the City of Los Angeles as a seamless park that
includes both natural and recreational areas. The G-1 parcel is just
upstream and State Parks intends to develop it as a natural riverfront area and
connect it to Taylor Yard, thereby connecting the Taylor Yard property to the
Los Angeles River parkland corridor.
Many believe parcels D and G are the linchpin properties for moving ahead and
acquiring more of the riverfront by State Parks and other agencies to
eventually create a Los Angeles River Parkway.
"All across the nation there are examples of neighborhoods and cities that
have been revitalized by river corridor parkways," said State Parks
Southern Division Chief Ted Jackson." This latest acquisition now
opens the door for fulfilling that very dream here in Los Angeles, a
world-class and beautiful greenbelt winding through the heart of this great
city."
--Roy Stearns, California Department of Parks and Recreation
3. SENATOR JACK SCOTT EARNS HIGH MARKS FROM CALIFORNIA EDUCATORS
Here's another bit of good news, from the office of California Senator Jack
Scott:
The California County Superintendents Educational Services Association
(CCSESA) has named Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) Legislator of the
Year.
"I sincerely thank the CCSESA for this tribute, and for the hard work they
do every day," said Scott. "I know how hard the superintendents
work to make sure each generation is well-educated and able to fulfill all the
potential they possess. I am grateful that I have been able to help them
and the students they serve."
The group gave the award to Scott largely because of his leadership in
education in the state legislature. As Chair of the Senate Budget
Subcommittee on Education, Scott has taken the leading role in protecting
education funding. In last yearšs hard-fought budget process, he produced
a budget for K-12 schools that has been described as being "much better
than most local educators had expected."
CCSESA praised Scott for his hard work. "The 58 county
superintendents of schools in California are delighted to honor Senator Jack
Scott as Legislator of the Year," stated Dr. Joni Samples, Glenn County
Superintendent of Schools and the President of CCSESA. "As the
Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee on Education, Senator Scott led the
fight last year to protect education funding in a thoughtful, statesmanlike
manner. He is a man of high integrity who cares deeply about Californiašs
school children."
Scott has dedicated nearly all of his professional life to education.
Over the last thirty years, he has served as community college president,
administrator and teacher. This is the fifth time Scott has been named
Legislator of the Year by a group of education professionals. He has
received similar honors from the California State University, the Faculty
Association of Community Colleges, the California School Boards Association,
the California Federation of Teachers, and the California League of High
Schools.
-- David Link, Communications Co-ordinator for Senator Jack Scott
4. CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO -- DECEMBER 18
Celebrate Las Posades with stories, songs and surprises when the Eagle Rock branch library presents "Christmas
in Mexico" with Alina Mendez. All ages are invited.
For more information, contact Children's Librarian Mary Wynton at (323)
258-8078.
5. EAGLE ROCK'S WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL - DECEMBER 21
If you're not otherwise engaged this solstice, be sure to check out the
newly-thriving business district that's sprung up on Eagle Rock Boulevard just
south of Yosemite. The businesses on that street have got
festive plans afoot for the first day of winter, as they explain in this
dispatch:
Come discover the real heart of Eagle Rock at the first ever Winter Light
Festival on December 21st. Find a treasure trove of local
artists and merchants. Meet new friends and neighbors! Celebrate
the shortest day of the year as we welcome the return of the light.
Experience visual art exhibits, music performances, great food,
refreshments, last minute holiday gifts, and lots of friendly people.
The Winter Light Festival is hosted by Yogini's, Smellzgood Fragrance
Boutique, Curves, Oxy Cafe, Sir Michael's Party Supplies, Ninfa's Gift
Boutique, A & A Signs, and Toros Pottery.
6. AVENUE 50 STUDIO TAKES YOU HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS -- THROUGH
DECEMBER 28
What if you didnšt have a home to go to for the holidays? That's the reality
for thousands of Southern Californians whose houses were destroyed in the
October wild fires, and itšs a way of life for thousands more who call Skid Row
home. But is "home" simply four walls and a roof, or is it
something more? "Shelter: Coming Home" at Avenue 50 Studio
presents 28 artists from downtown LA's skid row to South Africa, all exploring
the meaning of home in an exhibit of paintings, assemblage, photography, and
sculpture. Through their vision we see that, at its core, shelter is a
place that provides solace and refuge from the world at large.
"Shelter" delivers a powerful message about our universal need for
home. Sadly, satisfying that need is elusive for too many. For
those who live in houses with running water, air conditioners, and soft beds,
"Shelter" will serve as a timely reminder to give thanks for their
blessings.
"Shelter" showcases the work of professional artists and artists
living in the streets. Participants include Susan Giblan, O.G. Man,
Joacquin Roebuck, Marie B., Jessica Grossbard, and Stephanie Hunter.
Additionally, the show will feature the work of Edith Abeyta and Charlene
Roth, Abel Alejandre, Katrina Alexy, Linda Arreola, Victoria Taylor
Alvarez, Rex Atienza, J.B. Bryte, Nicky Cacavas, Beau Daignault, Carlos
Garcia, Michael Gullberg, Tina Gulotta, Deborah Hosking, Jennifer Murphy,
Angela Ortiz, Suzanne Siegel, Fortune Mduduzi Sitole (from South Africa), Virginia
Valdes, Mona Vatamanu, Florin Tudor (from Bucharest, Romania) and Nan
Wollman. This exhibit has been curated by Jennifer Rowlan.
Avenue 50 Studio is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to
noon, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. THREE RING EXHIBIT AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- THROUGH DECEMBER 31
Through
December 31
Gallery Ophelia
2114 Colorado Boulevard
Eagle Rock
Sisters Candace J. and Miss Mindy present "Le
Monde est une Cirque (the world is a circus),"a series of delightfully
humorous and somewhat serious paintings and collages inspired by the circus,
girlhood memories, dreams, and all sorts of other things. To see more of
Candace and Mindy's work, visit them on the web at:
http://www.galleryophelia.com/pages/art_sale.html
The exhibit runs through December 31st.
For more information, dial (323) 982-9945. Or visit Gallery Ophelia
on the web at http:// www.galleryophelia.com.
8. WE'VE GOT MAIL
"Thank you for highlighting our school's achievements ("Eagle Rock
Elementary is Nominated for a Blue Ribbon," e.letter, December 11.)
"We are very proud and honored to be nominated for the prestigious
National Blue Ribbon School Award. Just to add another note, we
are the only school in Los Angeles Unified School District to receive
this nomination! It is always gratifying to discover that hard work and
perseverance pay off."
-- Jane Sierra, Principal, Eagle Rock Elementary School
* * *
We welcome your comments, complaints and/or
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13. THE LAST WORD -- FRANCIS P. CHURCH
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
"He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you
know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.
Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!
It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be
no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this
existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.
The external light with which childhood fills the world would be
extinguished...
"You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside,
but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor
even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear
apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and
view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real?
Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and
abiding."
-- Francis P. Church (1839-1906), quoted from the famous 1897 New York
Sun editorial he wrote in response to 8 year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's question,
"Is there a Santa Claus?"
The next
issue of the e.letter will be published on January 8. Happy holidays to
one and all! See you in '04!
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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
The TERA e.letter
A publication of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Vince Waldron, editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org