"Eagle Rock: Where land use
planning is a contact sport"
THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION
December 9, 2002 (sorry it's late -- we've had Internet problems)
"Thanks for the TERA weekly update. I am continually amazed
by the level of professionalism and technical detail
your group is able to provide to your ever-increasing constituency.
What an asset to a community buried in the LA bureaucratic shuffle.
I've only seen such vigor and intelligence in Larchmont and Brentwood in LA,
and even they don't compare. Keep up the fine work -- while frustrating
--
very rewarding for the betterment of the community."
-- Tom Eidem, noted economic development advisor, San Clemente
In this issue:
1. WALGREENS APPEAL HEARING -- DECEMBER 11
2. LAUSD CANDIDATE DEBATE -- TONIGHT -- DECEMBER 9
3. WALLACE SHAWN PLAY "AUNT DAN AND LEMON" STARRING EAGLE
ROCKER RACHEL SINGER -- TONIGHT -- DECEMBER 9
4. MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL FOR EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL -- DECEMBER 10
5. NORTHEAST AREA SEMIANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING -- DECEMBER 12
6. ATWATER VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL POTLUCK -- DECEMBER 12
7. HOLIDAY ART AND GIFT SHOW AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- DECEMBER 14
8. BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS TREES LOCALLY
9. "PHILIPPINE VILLAGE" DISCUSSION
10. MT. WASHINGTON PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE CENTER WINTER FIESTA --
DECEMBER 15
11. HOLIDAY SALE AT TOWNSEND GALLERY
12. LETTERS AND E.MAILS
13. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
1. WALGREENS APPEAL HEARING -- DECEMBER 11
As we previously reported, TERA has appealed the Planning Department's
misguided decision to approve the current Walgreens proposal, and so have at
least three other interested parties. The appeal hearing before the
East Area Planning Commission will take place Wednesday, December 11, at 4:30
p.m., at Ramona Hall, 4580 N. Figueroa Street in Highland Park. We
encourage you all to attend and be heard.
We cannot emphasize this enough. The proposal as it stands DOES NOT
COMPLY WITH THE LAW, and, if it were to be approved by the East Area
Planning Commission, it would bear lasting negative consequences on future
development in Eagle Rock AND THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES. We
cannot allow Eagle Rock's vastly improving commercial district to be thrown off
course, to be sacrificed for the errors of those who are ACCOUNTABLE TO THE
PUBLIC, and to be served up as guinea pig for the introduction of backward
land-use law.
Eagle Rock wants and needs to MOVE FORWARD, not regress. We have
fought long and hard to rise above and beyond bad development. Please
help us get there.
If you cannot appear at the hearing, please immediately write and express your
opposition to this proposal.
E.mail Commission Executive Assistant Greg Bartz at gbartz@planning.lacity.org. Don't forget to
include the Case No., which is CASE NO. DIR-2002-3476-DRB-SPPM2-(A2, A3, and
A4).
Or, write to:
East
Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
200 North Spring Street
City Hall, Room 525
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Case No. DIR-2002-3476-DRB-SPPM2-(A2, A3, and A4)
You MUST include the case No. in your correspondence: Case No.
DIR-2002-3476-DRB-SPPM2-(A2, A3, and A4).
2. LAUSD CANDIDATE DEBATE -- TONIGHT -- DECEMBER 9
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council will sponsor a debate between candidates
for LAUSD Board of Education member for District 5 this coming Monday, Dec. 9,
at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Rock High School auditorium, 1750 Yosemite Drive. Please
arrive early to take a seat.
The candidate who wins the high-stakes race will be a powerful player in
policy-making for the school district, which spans across most of east Los
Angeles and covers over 600,000 people. The school board manages a $9
Billion annual budget and the boards policy decisions affect over 3/4 of a
million LAUSD students. All four candidates will participate in the
debate: David Tokofsky, Maria Lou Calanche, Nellie Rios Parra, and Jose Sigala.
The event will have two parts: A moderated debate and a "quick-question
session," wherein each candidate will speak face-to-face with members of
the community, one at a time, for three minutes each. Issues expected to be
covered in the debate range from school performance and policy-making, to
bilingual education, education reform and more.
This may be your only opportunity to get to know the candidates and have your
questions answered. Please attend and spread the word! Spanish
interpretation provided. Please arrive early for accommodation.
If you or your children have questions to suggest for the debate, please email jessicadw@earthlink.net Not all questions
will be able to be used, but we'd like as much input as we can get.
Contact:
Jessica Wethington
323-256-6221
Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council
http://www.eaglerockcouncil.org
e-mail: info@eaglerockcouncil.org
3. WALLACE SHAWN PLAY "AUNT DAN AND LEMON" STARRING
EAGLE ROCKER RACHEL SINGER -- TONIGHT -- DECEMBER 9
The Blank Theatre Company, the Living Room Series, presents a staged
reading of AUNT DAN AND LEMON by Wallace Shawn
directed by Jim Ortlieb and Tom Carroll
presented Monday, December 9, 2002, 8pm
with Warren Davis, Anthony Diaz-Perez, Peggy Dunne, Steve Heller, Laura Lamson,
Amy Pietz, and Rachel Singer [enthusiastic TERA member and volunteer]
{as Aunt Dan}
2nd Stage Theatre
6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
(between Highland & Cahuenga)
secured valet parking available
Reservations and information, call 323.661.9827 or visit http://www.theblank.com
Hope to see you there!
4. MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL FOR EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL -- DECEMBER 10
Please come to the PTSA meeting Tuesday evening, December 10, 6:30 pm. in the
school library. We plan to meet the new principal and hopefully to talk
with our Title I coordinator, Steve Kibler, about parent involvement needs and
how you can help.
5. NORTHEAST AREA SEMIANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING -- DECEMBER 12
Northeast Area Semiannual District Meeting
Join your neighboring communities of Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Eagle Rock,
Glassell Park, and Cypress Park. Senior Lead Officers Chris Cooper, Mark
Allen, Ray Rangel, Joe Galindo and our Commanding Officer to discuss crime,
quality of life issues and concerns in an open forum.
WHEN: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 6PM
WHERE: LAPD HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 6045 YORK BOULEVARD, HIGHLAND PARK
6. ATWATER VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL POTLUCK -- DECEMBER 12
You're invited! The Neighborhood Council potluck is THIS THURSDAY.
The weekday was incorrect on the e-newsletter.
Below are the details!
YOU ARE FORMALLY INVITED TO THE ATWATER VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Come meet your friends and neighbors, enjoy good food and meet the leaders of
the various Atwater Village community groups and your political
representatives! Learn what services are available to you along with
opportunities to improve our fabulous village.
DID WE MENTION FOOD?
Bring your appetite, and if you wish, a dish to share!
When: Thursday, December 12, 2002 7:00 p.m.- 8:30
p.m.
Where: Glenfeliz Elementary School Auditorium3955 Glenfeliz Blvd.
(Entrance to the Auditorium is around the corner on Hollypark)
For more information, contact: Lin Min Kong (323) 662-6880 or Roberta Javier
(espaņol) (323) 669-0997 or E-mail: atwatervillagenc@hotmail.com
7. HOLIDAY ART AND GIFT SHOW AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- DECEMBER 14
SPECIAL EVENT @ GALLERY
OPHELIA!
HOLIDAY ART & GIFT SHOW
Saturday Dec. 14th, 2002 10am-4pm
Join us for a day filled with fantastic and unique
gifts
made by local artists and artisans!
·
small paintings & limited
edition prints ($20-$500)
·
jewelry (turquoise, precious
stones, ceramic) ($20-200)
·
greeting cards,
handmade stationary ($2-$30)
·
handpainted and handwoven
scarves ($50-$100)
·
and much more!
AND DON'T MISS....
"Espritu de Madonna"
Gallery Ophelia's December show
featuring art, altars & icons
from the past and present.
SHOW DATES: Dec. 6th, 2002 - Jan
30th, 2003
Gallery Hours : Weds - Sat 12-6pm
For info: 323.982.9945
2114 Colorado Blvd In Eagle Rock
http://www.galleryophelia.com
(Opheila is an art gallery and
design studio owned and operated by artist sisters Miss Mindy & Candace
Jeanette Allen)
8. BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS TREES LOCALLY
When purchasing your Christmas trees, please try to buy from local merchants
who are "Stakeholders" in our
community.
Tony Macias has a tree lot on Eagle Rock Boulevard that has really nice trees
and I comparison shopped them at a local national retailer and I think his
prices are actually better and you are supporting a local business man who has
helped us out when we needed our jacarandas tended to.
There may be others also, so keep in mind that it is a good thing to keep our
local business people supported with our money.
3275 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Glassell Park
-- Brian Frobisher, Glassell Park
9. "PHILIPPINE VILLAGE" DISCUSSION
"EAGLE ROCK -- A Community United or Divided?
The time was 1945. Eleanor Duffy and her husband had just purchased their
lovely home at 4515 Eagle Rock Boulevard, just a few blocks north of York
Boulevard, in Eagle Rock (Los Angeles), California. Fifty-seven years
later, her home long gone, Mrs. Duffy walked onto her old property on a cool,
drizzling November 7th, 2002, evening. She greeted a number of smiling
faces while entering the building to attend a meeting. The purpose of
this meeting was to hear the proposal of the Philippine community to obtain a
city designation of "Philippine Village," along a one-mile corridor of
Eagle Rock Boulevard, from Avenue 40 on the south to Norwalk Boulevard on the
north.
Some years back, the Duffys had sold their home and adjacent properties and the
home was torn down to build a super commercial structure -- a whopping 10,000
foot structure, as it appears this rainy evening. Long time Eagle Rock
residents remember this building as the Blue Chip Stamp Company, where
redemption gifts were exchanged for years of saving books of pasted stamps.
After many years, the Blue Chip Stamp Company closed its doors, heralding
the end of the stamp-redemption collection era. Many other tenants took
possession of the building, until its present owner.
'scar Jornacion, a pleasantly mild mannered man of Philippine descent, is that
new owner. He named his building "The Tri Media Center Building.'
It has become the hub of Filipino media operations -- home to various
Filipino-American newspapers in California and Nevada, Radio Manila, the
Philippine Yellow Pages, Philippine American Expo and advertising services.
At this evening's meeting, the crowds of community residents, including Mrs.
Duffy, and a few city officials eased their way through the small side door
opening and were cordially greeted by the Village volunteers, who asked us to
sign in and handed us a flyer. The flyer stated that Jornacion had founded the
Philippine Village Steering Committee, which is comprised of business, civic
and religious leaders. The meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m., but
apparently there was a reception held earlier, with music and food provided.
Promptly at 6 pm, the meeting was called to order by a Ms. Abayari, who
announced the singing of the 'Star Spangled Banner.' The audience then
faced the American flag and, led by a cherub-faced young child, broke into
patriotic song. Then a guitarist came forward and another more mature
lady led the audience in singing a beautifully lyric composition, which I
perceived was the National Anthem of the Philippines. The lyrics were in
Tagalog and all had faced the flag of the Philippines.
We rose once more for the invocation, led by Father Anthony Patalano, a Roman
Catholic priest from Eagle Rock's St. Dominic's Church. But this was
somewhat to the disappointment of the English speaking community for it was
spoken in Tagalog with no translation.
When the audience of about 250 finally settled back into their chairs, about 75
more guests were left standing since the room was filled to capacity.
Subsequently, 14th District Councilman Nick Pacheco was introduced.
He stated that he had received so many e-mails regarding the Village
proposal that he felt a community meeting was important and suggested that the
leaders of the proposal hold a meeting to hear the concerns of the residents of
the Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington and Highland Park areas, which
this Village would impact. He counseled the audience to 'be frank, vocal
and passionate in voicing your community concerns, but do not be
disrespectful.'
Well, frank, vocal and passionate seemed to characterize the mood of the crowd
as Moderator Abayari waxed on about Oscar Jornacion's academic and business
credentials and his importance to the community. She introduced a
representative of the Philippine Consulate, whose name I could not process.
This representative said she would like to see a Philippine Village
established throughout all of the Southern California cities and areas.
This evoked a few rumblings from the audience.
When Mr. Jornacion finally spoke, he cited the flyer's printed Census 2000
figures, the veracity of which someone in the audience questioned.
Jornacion continued his sincere dialogue stating that he would like to
help in the revitalization and beautification of Eagle Rock. 'It's like
Chinatown or Koreatown. There will be a Little Manila, a Little Armenia
and so on,' he explained. Again, there was an audible audience reaction
to his dialogue.
When Ms. Abayari again took the microphone, she stated, 'We need to have a
meeting of minds and we will be good neighbors.' She then recited out-of-context
statistics from the flyer, saying that Filipinos make much more money than
others. The flyer stated: 'According to Kang & Lee Advertising,
the average household income for Asians (which includes Filipinos) is $46,675,
or $6,000 higher than their Caucasian and non-Caucasian counterparts, $16,000
higher than that of Hispanics and $21,000 higher than that of
African-Americans.' There was no mention in the flyer how much of the
$46,675 was earned by Filipinos vs. other Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Koreans,
Vietnamese, Thai, people from India, and all other people that consider
themselves Asians), nor for what area: city, state or nationwide, for what
years the statistics represented and from what source Kang & Lee obtained
their figures.
As more information from the flyer was being verbalized by speaker after
speaker, the audience grew more restless. Finally a man from the audience
spoke up: 'I don't mean to be rude. We can all read the flyer, but
we're here for discussion,' he said.
With that comment, as though on cue, a number of Center volunteers walked to
the front wall and unveiled a large ceiling-to-floor map of Eagle Rock and
Colorado Boulevards. The large drawing displayed a photograph of each
Philippine owned or managed business along those streets, which gave the
impression that the Philippine community was well rooted in Eagle Rock's
business community. Ms. Abayari started to name each business, which
again agitated some of the audience. It had been almost an hour and the
audience had not been given an opportunity to air their objections.
'That's all in your paperwork. We're here for discussion.'
The audience responded in polite, to firm, to harsher, frustrated tones.
Instead of inviting audience participation, Moderator Abayari continued
introducing more Philippine guests: the Mayor of Walnut, whose name I
didn't hear, and Allison Aquino of Aquino & Aquino, a law firm, each one
saying that Eagle Rock and surrounding communities would benefit from the
Village, but not explaining how the communities would benefit.
Audience unrest continued. But then, a frail, elderly Filipino man was
introduced: Col. Ramon Mendoza, who was a veteran of World War II. The
audience hushed in respect as he stood up to pay homage to the 320 Philippine
Veterans, whom he said, live in Eagle Rock.
In August of this year, the Historic Filipinotown was dedicated by the city of
Los Angeles. It is located on Glendale Boulevard, west of the Belmont
Learning Center. Cecilia Ramos, a representative from this Historic
Filipinotown was introduced. When she spoke in favor of the Eagle Rock
Philippine Village, the audience became very vocal with eagerness to speak.
One more committee speaker was introduced. He was Philip
Abramowitz, an attorney, who said the Filipinos have supported the U.S. more
than any other foreign community. That did not alleviate the audience's
mounting restlessness to be heard.
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived when the moderator invited the guests
to come forward, and they lined up to voice their opinions. She did not
announce that there would be a time limit, but produced a tiny hour-glass, as
the first guest speaker came forward.
William Littlefield praised the Philippine community as good neighbors, very
hospitable and very welcome in Eagle Rock, but, he said, to establish a
separate Philippine Village would not unite the community. Instead, it
would be divisive. 'We don't divide in America, we integrate,' he ended,
as the word 'Time' was called by the moderator. This did not sit well
with the audience, as one man shouted: 'None of your speakers had time limits.'
It was hard to tell if the hour-glass was a full minute or less or even
if it was empty when time was called. Had this time limit, whatever it was,
been announced before the speakers came up, a lot of resentment would have been
avoided.
The moderator then explained that Mr. Jornacion and his panel will now respond
to Mr. Littlefield's words, as well as each of the lined-up guests. More
audience agitation ensued, as one man said, 'I have to get up for work
tomorrow. We need to be heard.' With that, a young man from a
councilman's office or Jackie Goldberg's office -- he was not introduced --
took the microphone and restored order to a frustrated audience that felt it
was being unfairly treated by what was perceived as a disorganized process.
The civil servant suggested that everyone should speak first and
then the panel could respond. That seemed to dissipate some tempers --
temporarily.
June Smith was next. 'I grew up here,' she said. 'My mom and
grandmother were born here. My kids and their kids live here. I'm a
mixture of Italian, Mexican, American Indian and Japanese, but I don't think of
myself as anything but American. In all those years, no one would think
to have an Italian Village here or a Mexican Village. It's just Eagle
Rock -- just American -- we're united, not divided,' she pleasantly intoned..
One unnamed lady said there are already five Philippine Villages here (she
didn't say what areas). She said she tried to rent a business space from
a Philippine-owned business building, but it was denied. Later it was
rented to a Philippine group, so she felt that she was discriminated against.
Several other members of the audience spoke. One wanted Eagle Rock to
stay Eagle Rock, not be ethnically divided. Another said he was from
Glendale and represented La Rouche. After someone from the audience
loudly vocalized that this was an Eagle Rock issue, the moderator quickly
called 'Time' on the Glendale man, much to the delight of the audience.
When John Van Dyke took the floor, he asked what the Filipino community wanted
and meant by one of their panelist's earlier comments about wanting to
establish a Philippine stronghold and wanting Philippine empowerment.
'Those are strong words,' he said, 'words that Caucasians cannot say.
I like Eagle Rock the way it is. I don't want any one group singled
out.'
Lucy Manning challenged the Philippine community to unite with the ethnically
diverse community of Eagle Rock. 'It seems selfish,' she related, 'to
include only your own group for special recognition.'
The nervous tension of the dialogue was broken by laughter from the audience
when Nancy Neudweike said, 'What if an Italian business moves in between the
Italian Bakery and Casa Bianca? Are we going to call that "Little
Italy?" No, we're Eagle Rock and we want to stay that way.'
One unnamed man commented that not all the endorsements that the Filipino
community was giving out were local; some included U.S.A. and Canadian
associations and other states and areas.
With this, one elderly lady of Philippine descent, marched forward and very
dramatically told the audience: 'Filipinos are good citizens. They don't
ask anything from the government. They work hard.' Another lady of
the same generation said, 'We Filipinos are the doctors, nurses and medical
people that take care of you.'
Next up to the microphone was Charles Shoemaker. He said, 'If you came
here because you didn't like the Philippines, then join us and live like
Americans. But don't expect us Americans to become Filipinos.' One
lady said she was a Mexican-American and resented the fact that the Filipinos
pointed out that they earn more than anyone else in America. That, she
said, should have nothing to do with the issue. Another man said we
purchased homes here to live in unity and harmony with our ethnically diverse
neighbors, not to segregate.
Somehow that motivated another elderly lady from the front row of seated
Village elders to stand and speak. With very dramatic gestures, she stood
in front of the microphone and shouted, 'We Filipinos will be the ones.
We will fight until we win!'
Tom Topping of the Boulevard Sentinal, Eagle Rock's community newspaper, came
forward to say, 'If you're part of the community, as you say you are, why
haven't you been involved? I go to all the community meetings and I never
see any of you there. Be a part of our community. Join us.'
Along those lines, another man had earlier said that he volunteers on
community sweep-ups and never sees any of the Village crowd there.
Perhaps twenty minutes passed wherein about twenty audience speakers were
heard, including the three pro-Village elders. Ms. Abayari announced it
was now time for Jornacion and the panel to address their comments. When
he said, 'We are not dividing the community,' the pumped-up audience rumbled
again. One man started shouting. The tension was broken when,
during a pause, one lady politely asked Jornacion, 'Why do you want another
Philippine Village? You already have one in the Belmont area of
downtown.' Jornacion didn't respond. The woman persisted, 'Why?'
Jornacion replied, 'Because the Hollywood people in the Filiipinotown
have moved to Eagle Rock and now want this area designated,' to which the lady
replied, 'Does that mean that whenever everyone decides to move out of Eagle
Rock, you'll want another Philippine Village to follow you wherever you decide
to move?'
Jornacion continued his recitation of flyer statistics. 'There are 17%
Filipinos in Eagle Rock with high incomes, not to boast, but because we own a
lot of real estate.' A voice in the audience said, 'Yes, but real estate
values go down when you segregate,' and he cited some cases.
Jornacion said he believes that the councilman should act on their request
because of the large Filipino population in Eagle Rock and the large number of
petition signatures they have acquired. When explaining their community
involvement, he said, they invite the mayor, the councilman and the Fire
Department to their events.
By now, many of the Eagle Rock guests had left, frustrated that they were cut
off from speaking, and perhaps angered or perplexed at the fervor and undaunted
persistence of the Village committee and their miscommunicated presentation.
It appeared there was still a large number of Filipinos in the audience,
all seemingly sympathetic to the cause.
But out of nowhere, a man of Philippine descent arose and started speaking
about unity in America -- not separation and division. That shocked the
rest of the audience, especially when he said he resented the way that the
Filipinos treated the disabled. A Filipino man sitting next to him said,
'You're not Filipino.' He said, 'Yes, I am.' 'Where were you born,'
the second man asked, as both men became more heated with this exchange.
'Hawaii,' the first man said. With that, the other man said, 'Well
then, sit down!' The first man said, 'I will not!' And before you
knew it, the two men were facing each other and about to tangle, when another
man intervened and stopped the fray. With that incident, the L.A. civil
servant announced over the microphone: 'The discussion is over. It's time
to go home now.' Adding to the embarrassment of those leaving, the police
were called, but they stayed outside.
It was hoping that this evening would bring together two entities in Eagle Rock
in a peaceful, harmonious exchange, but it was a fiasco. Neither side
really understood each other. The observed objective of the Philippine
Village committee was to charm and convince the Eagle Rock and surrounding
communities that a city designated Philippine Village along Eagle Rock
Boulevard would benefit the community. Instead of proving this, they
angered a diverse section of American surburbia, whose grass roots run deeper
into the community than any other community in Los Angeles -- a community that
wants to be united, not divided.
As the crowd finally dissipated, some in shock, some saddened, frustrated or
angered, a few of us gathered up Eleanor Duffy, with her injured leg and cane,
and helped her out of the Center and into a friend's waiting automobile.
We waved goodbye in the rain, as she was being driven back to her home --
and back to the memories of all that she has seen since she moved into Eagle
Rock.
If this event would have been held at a neutral place, monitored by an
objective, professional moderator, with speakers given an equal pre-announced
time limit, all residents given the opportunity to speak, and all speakers asked
to use restraint and diplomacy in expressing themselves, the result of this
meeting might have been a better understanding of each other's community
contributions, needs and future desires. It should have inspired goodwill
and friendly attitudes, but that did not happen."
-- Marlene Schmidt, Eagle Rock resident and member, Eagle Rock Neighborhood
Council
"As I stated at the recent Eagle Rock community meeting on the subject: if
nobody thinks designating part of Eagle Rock as Philippine Village is a good
idea, then we probably shouldn't do it. That being said, and since I have no
intention of ever seeking political office in Los Angeles, I am going to
elaborate on my dissenting position.
I've lived in Eagle Rock for 25 years, and raised four children here. Monica
and I signed the Filipinos' petition and we stand by our decision to do so, for
all the valid reasons the Filipino community has put forth in its proposal.
There is ample precedent for doing exactly what they propose, and I am
surprised and vaguely disappointed at the "NIMBY" response that the
issue has generated amongst the non-Filipino Eagle Rock community.
I see nothing inherently divisive about designating part of our Eagle Rock
community to recognize the presence and contributions of residents of a
specific culture who have a major presence here. I acknowledge however that
divisiveness is de facto, when half the community feels it.
Rather than re-state the Filipinos case for their proposal, a case which nobody
seems to want to hear anyway, let me take issue with a few of the arguments
against it.
The Filipinos want to re-name Eagle Rock, put up "welcome to Philippine
Village" freeway signs, (which have by the way already been printed),
construct a complex of buildings, and segregate their population into a defined
area at the exclusion of others. Poppycock and balderdash. They have
neither proposed nor intended any of these things, and shame on those of us who
have propagated these goof-ball rumors. And, here I am especially critical of our
Self Appointed Local Press, which showed its true colors with its churlish
behavior at the community meeting. Could we perhaps find an adult to
fill this function for Eagle Rock?
The Filipinos are asking for this designation as a condition for becoming
involved in bettering our community. I haven't heard this stated by anyone
other than the opposition, but if someone from the Filipino community did state
or imply this, they ought to retract, apologize, and move on. As to the
implication that our Filipino neighbors are not already helping make our
community a better place to live, work and raise a family, I take strong
exception based on personal experience. Filipino culture is strongly
faith-based, and the Filipino community at my church (St. Dominic's) has
shouldered the load for many important ministries in our community. They are a
vibrant presence in our business districts. They are wonderful and caring
neighbors. If they haven't turned out for TERA- or Chamber-sponsored street
cleanups, well neither have I or the large majority of Eagle Rock residents. To
single Filipinos out as non-participative borders on the ugly.
We would never harbor racist or divisive feelings because of
this designation, but our children will. I suppose someone
had to play the "for the sake of the children" card. I submit that
our children will see two street signs on Eagle Rock Blvd., one northbound at
Avenue 42 and one southbound at Norwalk. In the unlikely event that any of my
children even begin to misinterpret this as racial division, then I as a
parent will straighten them out in short order. End of subject.
We (Latinos, Italians, Greeks (Greeks?)) have never asked for such a
designation! This at least is a true statement, and hard to argue with. It
does however beg the question, "why not?" I think the answer is
obvious, and it is not "because we know it would divide our
community."
On the bright side, it was heartening at the community meeting to see the
intense interest in how our elected officials receive and respond to this kind
of proposal. That this interest was completely self-serving is not a negative,
rather, it's what representative governance is all about. I have to wonder how
much hot water Councilmember Pacheco's field deputy was in back at the office
for proposing an off-the-cuff solution on the councilmember's behalf.
I mean no disrespect to any of my fellow Eagle Rock residents who sincerely
believe that a Philippine Village designation is a bad idea. As I have said, if
enough people are against it, then we shouldn't do it. I just hope that the
decision is made in a thoughtful and even-handed way, and I sincerely hope and
pray that there is no pleasure taken by anyone in having shouted down this
sincere and respectful proposal by a very important segment of our
community."
-- Bob Warnock, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Regarding Item 3. The Filipino Village.
My husband and I have lived in Eagle Rock for 30 years. Prior to moving
to Eagle Rock we both were born and raised in Echo Park. I am an American
Indian where a large population lived in the 20's through the 70's. My
husband, who is Filipino, lived in Echo Park between Temple Street and 1st
Street, Glendale Blvd. to Rampart Blvd., that is currently known as Historic
Filipino Town, where his father still resides at the age of 97 along with his
wife. My husband's step-siblings were born in the Philippines and now
live, have purchased homes and reside in Filipino Town.
My husband, along with many other thousands of Filipinos, raised millions of
dollars to have a designated area that has been occupied by a large number of
Filipinos for over 100 years.
We find it very sad that Filipino new arrivals and others not involved with the
city of Los Angeles are not aware of a very active and political Filipino
force. We know that the members would find it very sad that despite all
the work they have put together by all the various South Pacific Islanders that
celebrate in the annual Lotus Festival to name only one of the many activities
held in Echo Park.
We moved to Eagle Rock because of the diversity that we felt would be
experienced by our children. And, it has been a wonderful experience.
My sons have been raised with children of mixed races, and from other
cultures all striving for a harmonizing environment.
I feel that trying to create another Filipino community within the city of Los
Angeles would only divide the already established Filipino Town.
This would be like creating a portion of Eagle Rock into Chinatown, because
there are residents who do not want to take their business to the already
established Chinatown at the end of the 110 Fwy.
Chinatown, Filipino Town, Korea Town, and etc. have been established because
they have a history in the area that have been made up by their various
cultures. They have cultural centers and have been a force that have made
it possible for others to come to this country. Give tribute to these
areas and provide them by shopping in them to keep the pride, just like Eagle
Rock has strived to achieve the same.
I would like each and everyone that reads this to remember that my family
ancestors gave up their lives in preventing people from other lands from taking
what belonged to us. I ask you to think and remember why you left your
ancestor's countries. You came for a different and fair life.
Living in a diverse community helps America to be different. Keep Eagle
Rock history alive."
-- Gloria Buccat, Eagle Rock resident
10. MT. WASHINGTON PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE CENTER WINTER FIESTA --
DECEMBER 15
Mt. Washington Preschool and Child Care Center
Winter Fiesta
Sunday, December 15, 2002
1:00 - 5:00 PM
La Casita Verde
4601 N. Figueroa St.
more info: 323-222-7001
Food, music, craft bazaar and a visit from Santa!
11. HOLIDAY SALE AT TOWNSEND GALLERY
Get up to 50% off on beautiful art and gift items at Townsend Gallery. A
wide variety of items are for sale and are perfect for holiday gift giving.
Townsend Gallery, northeast corner of Colorado and Townsend. Open Monday
through Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
12. LETTERS AND E.MAILS
"Yes... the last Bowl-A-Rama is coming, however, All Star Lanes will
remain open. The Bowl-A-Rama event producers are taking their long
established and successful event to another venue (to be determined) because
the current owner does not work with them in meeting customer needs.
Again, similar to the departure of All Star Lanes bowling leagues, due to poor
management and failure to meet customer needs, the Bowl-A-Rama is leaving and
going elsewhere.
For the immediate future All Star Lanes will remain open. How long?
We do not know. The current owners are talking with two developers
who propose to demolish the bowling alley.
One developer wants to build luxury condos, and the other wants to erect a
strip mall. If you receive intelligence that either of these, or another,
development is moving forward with plans or presentations please advise me.
Thanks for your continued support."
-- Manuel Montano, Friends of All Star Lanes, 323/255-8676, and Eagle Rock
resident
"As a transported Chicagoan -- where city politics is a religion -- I have
been particularly disappointed with Mr. Pacheco's lack of leadership in our
district. In a recent TERA newsletter, he actually suggested that if
neighborhood groups would take leadership positions, his office might lend it's
support -- I'm all for neighborhood organizing, but isn't he paid to be on the
front lines?
This attitude is nothing new but part of a clear pattern. In the many times I
have written to him by e-mail, I have never once received so much as a form
letter acknowledging receipt of my mail. However, the very night after
Mr. Villaraigosa declared his candidacy, I received a 3-minute computerized
phone message from Mr. Pacheco (though he may now attempt to claim that it was
an impersonator). He enthusiastically invited me to contact him with any
concerns I might have about the district; perhaps he doesn't read e-mail.
Nor can I recall Mr. Pacheco being so communicative in the TERA newsletter
until recently, i.e., post Villaraigosa's announcement. Even so, his
recent letters have mostly to do with salvaging his candidacy.
If Mr. Pacheco had used his term in office to become a leader who was proactive
politically and responsive to his constituency, perhaps he would not feel so
threatened now by Mr. Villaraigosa. I have no personal investment in
either candidate, but Mr. Pacheco seems to have given little thought until now
about the many opportunities he has blown off which might have earned him our
support. It is difficult to see his sudden ability to communicate as
anything more than a cynical last-minute attempt to endear himself to a
constituency he continues to take for granted."
-- Lynn Sacco, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member
"Thank you for doing such a great job on the TERA email newsletter.
You've kept me well inform about Eagle Rock and I'm always looking
forward to receive my next newsletter from you. I love this community.
Eagle Rock feels like a tight knit family. This community is small
and we care about what's going. I'm glad I can call Eagle Rock my
hometown.
I do have a question to ask -- who is the original owner of MaCastle [Constance
and Albert Braasch]? Sincerely --
PS: I'll be sending my $20.00 soon to join TERA."
-- Susan Lee, Eagle Rock resident and soon-to-be TERA member
13. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"If
a thing isn't distinguished from anything else it has no value. For our
communities to have value they must be distinguished. And their physical
distinction -- particularly the historic built environment -- is a crucial
element in that search for value."
--
Donovan Rypkema
We
welcome your comments. Please include your name, and let us know if you
are a TERA member.
Joanne
Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>
President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)