12th Annual Arroyo Art Walk, aka The Discovery Tour, scheduled for Sunday November 21, from 10am-4pm

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood

TERA

e.letter

February 23, 2005

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

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

Join now! Here's how:

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – A GREAT SIGN FOR EAGLE ROCK

2. CHEERS TO THE COLORADO WINE COMPANY’S GRAND OPENING!

3. ERNC LAND USE COMMITTEE – TOMORROW NIGHT!

4. BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR IN HIGHLAND PARK – FEBRUARY 25^TH

5. WOMEN'S 20TH CENTURY CLUB AND ROCK TEEN CENTER PRESENT “LIFE THROUGH MY EYES” – FEBRUARY 26^TH

6. HISTORIC ECHO PARK TAKES YOU ON A WALKING TOUR OF THEIR LANDMARK STAIRWAYS – FEBRUARY 26^TH

7. OCCIDENTAL-CALTECH BAND TO PERFORM FREE CONCERT -- FEBRUARY 26^TH

8. DON’T MISS THIS IMPORTANT MAYORAL DEBATE! – FEBRUARY 28^TH!

9. LA HOUSING DEPARTMENT MEETING – MARCH 2^ND

10. ERNC COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP – MARCH 5^TH

11. “THE TREE” GROWS IN EAGLE ROCK – MARCH 5^TH

12. PEOPLE’S URBANISM LECTURE – MARCH 7^TH

13. WOMENS TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB MAD HATTERS FASHION SHOW – MARCH 12^TH

14. CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!

15. CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK HOSTS ANNUAL ROUTE 66 AUCTION, MARCH 12^TH

16. TREES FOR EAGLE ROCK CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH – MARCH 13^TH

17. SENATOR SCOTT STUDENT ART CONTEST – DEADLINE MARCH 18^TH

18. MONTECITO HEIGHTS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (MHIA)’S GARDENS OF MONTECITO TOUR BLOSSOMS -- APRIL 3^RD

19. FLOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM OUR NEIGHBORS IN CD 13

20. FREE ON SATURDAYS? LEARN MORE ABOUT EAGLE ROCK!

21. ROUTE 66 CELEBRATIONS, SEPTEMBER 2005! BE PART OF IT!

22. LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

23. THE FINAL WORD – GENERAL OMAR BRADLEY

* * *

1. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – A GREAT SIGN FOR EAGLE ROCK

A GREAT SIGN FOR EAGLE ROCK

Due to the generosity of Steve Saylor, former proprietor of Eagle Rock Drug, the Eagle Rock Drug sign has been donated to the Museum of Neon Art in downtown Los Angeles. This Classic neon sign which hung at the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado Boulevards for over 50 years will be preserved as a welcome addition to the museum's collection of historic neon. TERA and the ERVHS helped sponsor the move of this sign, and thank Steve Saylor for his kind heart and appreciation of the Eagle Rock Drug sign as a beautiful example of period neon art.

The move was necessitated by the uncertain status of the sign. Hanging as it was on a building no longer tenanted by the Drug Store its future custody and maintenance were uncertain. Everyone concerned including the Museum feels that the best place for the sign is once again hanging prominently in Eagle Rock. The Museum is very willing to discuss such a situation for the sign with any willing building owner and to make the necessary legal arrangements to properly protect and display the sign.

For now, please visit the sign anytime at MONA, 501 W. Olympic Blvd. LA (213) 489-9918.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE E.LETTER

Thank you so much for your patience and support as we have attempted to fix our technical difficulties. Your support is crucial for TERA’s future, and we appreciate your kindness.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS MAILED OUT TO NEW MEMBERS – MAKE SURE YOU GET YOURS!

Our membership card system is on track and we sent out a batch to our new members. Please make sure that you have an up-to-date card, so that you can receive a 15% discount at swork, a 10% discount at the Coffee Table, and the first month free on an annual membership to Curves.

TERA NEWSLETTER IS HERE!

Our first newsletter of 2005 has been sent to all TERA members and will be located in places around town. This issue is full of pictures of the 2004 Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour and great stories of interest to our community. Make sure to pick up your copy, and join TERA to have a copy sent to your home!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Make a New Year’s Resolution to serve your local community in 2005!

TERA has many interesting volunteer opportunities available from being a writer for our quarterly newsletter to researching land use cases and surveying the area for a potential Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. This is a great chance to learn more about Eagle Rock, learn a new skill, and meet other great volunteers in our town. We can place you in a volunteer position that fits the amount of time you can offer and the kind of service you’re interested in doing.

TERA is looking for a few good volunteers! Please contact Pauline Mauro, Volunteer Coordinator, at (323) 550-1130 or pauline@mauro.com and make a positive impact in Eagle Rock. We have the following opportunities available:

Land Use Volunteer: Research and review permits/land use cases and obtain file copies at downtown LA City Hall. Volunteers will be reimbursed by TERA for cost of parking and copies. 2-3 hours per research request on as needed basis.

Land Use Volunteer: Review hearing notices and agendas for Eagle Rock Land Use cases. This can be done on-line. Volunteer must have computer and online access. About 15 - 20 min per week.

Land Use Volunteer: Attend Planning and Land Use hearings downtown and at Ramona Hall, and when appropriate, present TERA position on land use issues. This may require up to 3 hours time commitment per hearing, plus preparation time on as needed basis, probably 12 hours per year total.

E-Letter Reporter: Submit weekly brief reports on events and news in the Northeast Community. Takes about ½ to one hour a week for each article.

Newsletter Distributor: Distribute TERA Newsletters to local businesses for about 1/2 day on a quarterly basis.

Please contact Pauline Mauro, TERA’s Volunteer Coordinator, at pauline@mauro.com or (323) 550-1130 if you’d like to volunteer.

-- Hilary Norton Orozco, TERA President

* * *

2. CHEERS TO THE COLORADO WINE COMPANY’S GRAND OPENING!

The Colorado Wine Company opened its doors yesterday. TERA is so pleased that John and Jennifer Nugent have persevered and are open for business. Stop by and learn about wine! I know I need to!

wine for everyone

2114 Colorado Boulevard

Eagle Rock, CA 90041

(323) 478-1985

www.cowineco.com

* * *

3. ERNC LAND USE COMMITTEE – TOMORROW NIGHT!

Dear Stakeholders,

Please join us for a meeting of the

EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

LAND USE & PLANNING COMMITTEE (LUPC)

Thurs. Feb. 24, 2005 7:00PM

Eagle Rock City Hall, 2035 Colorado Blvd., LA, CA 90041

Topics on the agenda include:

* Updates on ongoing projects (Inclusionary Zoning, Eagle Rock Monuments, Von's, Cal-Trans and more)

* Consideration of ZA 2004-7231 (ZAD)(ZAA) at 2869 West El Roble Drive (reduced side yard, 8-foot increased height for hillside dwelling, bridge / driveway request). Presentation by applicant, stakeholder comment in favor of or against application.

* Discussion of how City Planning & the Zoning Administration deal with neighborhood councils (participation in the process, communication, early notification, consideration of recommendations, etc.) and how those policies could be revised to be more inclusive, comprehensive, and streamlined between city government and neighborhood councils.

For a complete agenda, please contact Jessica Wethington McLean at ERNC_LandUse@earthlink.net

* * *

4. BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR IN HIGHLAND PARK – FEBRUARY 25^TH

Starting a Business? Want to Expand? Need More Capital?

Come Join Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg for a Business Resource Fair

Location: Highland Hall in Highland Park, 104 N. Avenue 56, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Date: Friday, February 25, 2005

Time: 2:00PM - 5:00PM PST

Information and Lender Booths include:

State Fund Worker's Comp Specialists

California Capital Access Program (CalCAP)

CA Industrial Development Financing Advisory Commission

Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC)

City of Los Angeles CDD L.A. Business Assistance Program

Small Business Administration Los Angeles District Office

Charo Community Development Corporation

For more information please call (323) 258-0450

* * *

5. WOMEN'S 20TH CENTURY CLUB AND ROCK TEEN CENTER PRESENT “LIFE THROUGH MY EYES” – FEBRUARY 26^TH

The Women’s 20th Century Club and ROCK Teen Center will present “Life Through My Eyes,” a tantalizing poetry and spicy spoken word extravaganza, directed and hosted by two-time grant recipient and City of Los Angeles Artist in Residence Lisa Marie Sandoval. “Life Through My Eyes” will feature Northeast L.A. youth, ages 12-20, performing original works about life in today’s world, side by side Sandoval as she presents her powerfully poignant slices of life from “The Yowling & Other Sounds from Highland Park” on Saturday, February 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Women’s 20th Century Club is located at 5105 Hermosa in Eagle Rock, on the corner of Colorado Boulevard in Council District 14, represented by Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, whose council office will be in attendance.

For those interested in what the next generation has to say, this is the event to attend. Sandoval began her search and development of young talent by conducting poetry workshops tied to California state academic standards and curriculum for almost 600 students at Eagle Rock and Franklin High Schools. “For over 100 years the Women’s 20^th Century Club has supported arts in this community. We are excited to celebrate our founder’s month by hosting such an innovative performance by young local talent,” says Donna Robey-Sullivan, WTCC board member and ROCK Executive Director.

Sandoval selected only the cream of the crop youth poets to develop their written technique and performance style more intensely at classes specifically designed for them at ROCK Teen Center. Jenny Krusoe, former Poetry Editor of the Santa Monica Review and Executive Director of Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock—last year’s venue for “Life Through My Eyes”—says she and the Center were “proud to be the host venue for such a talented and cutting-edge poet. Her performance style is unique.” Last year’s event attracted over 120 people.

The event is also sponsored in part by a City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs grant awarded to Sandoval for 2004 -2005 purposed to bring art into local communities. “My aim is to bring healing and hope and to show people, youth in particular, that they can make beautiful art from the brokenness of real life,” said the nationally published poet and Cultural Affairs grant recipient. “My poetry is a song I wrote, because I heard it resonating from the hearts of the people in my neighborhood.” Sandoval's unique style of contemporary drama and dance in her poetic performance intimately brings to life the immigrant experience, welfare mothers, homelessness, gangs, and families with poverty-stricken dreams.

Sandoval’s work has been published in The Southern California Anthology, The Christian Century, Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Blue Collar Review, Brújula/Compass: Latino Poets in Los Angeles, among others. Most recently, she performed at “The Time at the Rock” and was selected as host/organizer/featured performer for the 2004 Sylvan Amphitheater Festival of the Arts’ “Evening of Spoken Word,” sponsored by Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa, Center for the Arts (Eagle Rock), the City of L.A.’s Department of Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs Department, and The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council. Sandoval is a member of the Arroyo Arts Collective and holds a master’s degree in Professional Writing from USC and a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College.

Admission to the show is free. Music and refreshments will be served. For more information, please call (323) 257-6102 or e-mail poetryarts@truevine.net.

* * *

6. HISTORIC ECHO PARK TAKES YOU ON A WALKING TOUR OF THEIR LANDMARK STAIRWAYS – FEBRUARY 26

The heart-pounding public stairways and scenic hillsides neighborhoods of Echo Park and Elysian Heights will be featured on a morning walking tour of the area on Saturday, February 26.

The two-long hour tour organized by the Echo Park Historical Society will include one of the city’s tallest public stairways—the 240-step Baxter Stairs—and insights into a neighborhood rich in history and architecture. In addition to the Baxter Stairs, tour highlights include Fellowship Park and the house designed by modernist pioneer Harwell Harris (building interiors are not included).

The tour begins at 10 AM at the entrance of Elysian Heights Elementary School, 1562 Baxter St. at Echo Park Avenue. The tour group is limited to 20 people. A $3 donation is requested for adults. There is no charge for children under 12 or historical society members. For tour information and reservations please call (323) 860-8874 or visit or web site at www.HistoricEchoPark.org.

The tour is part of the Historic Echo Park Walking Tours program organized by the Echo Park Historical Society. The tours are held on the fourth Saturday of every month and rotate among three different routes: Elysian Park, Echo Park stairways and the downtown Echo Park and the lake.

* * *

7. OCCIDENTAL-CALTECH BAND TO PERFORM FREE CONCERT -- FEBRUARY 26

The Occidental-Caltech Concert Band will present a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at Occidental’s Thorne Hall. The performance will include Erik Satie’s “Rag-Time Parade,” Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” and “Pineapple Poll” by Gilbert and Sullivan.

The program also will include “Musical Adventure No. 1” by Nicholas Lawrence and “Lord of the Rings” by Johan de Meij. William Bing, director of bands at Caltech, will conduct.

Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Road in Eagle Rock. Parking is free. For directions to the college, go to http://www.oxy.edu/MapsDirections.xml.

* * *

8. DON’T MISS THIS IMPORTANT MAYORAL DEBATE! – FEBRUARY 28^TH!

Citywide Alliance of Neighborhood Councils in association with KCBS Channel 2, KCAL Channel 9 and City Watch will present two televised mayoral debates in February. The debate on Monday February 28 from 6:30-8pm will be on the subject of "LA Tomorrow." Tune in to learn more about where LA is headed!

* * *

9. LA HOUSING DEPARTMENT MEETING – MARCH 2^ND

Dear City of Los Angeles City Residents:

The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), the Affordable Housing Commission (AHC), and the Rent Adjustment Commission (RAC) are pleased to invite you to a series of public meetings on LAHD's recently approved program redesign and organizational re-structure. The new programs include a new Compliance Division as well as redesigned Homeownership and Rehabilitation programs. Most importantly, LAHD would like to take public comments on issues related to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

LAHD needs to hear from you!

We hope you can attend one or more of the scheduled public meetings. The same subjects will be covered at all of the meetings, which will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and free parking will be available. The five meetings will take place as follows:

1. March 2, 2005 - Northeast Los Angeles - Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center, 2323 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

2. March 10, 2005 - Central Los Angeles - Echo Park Library, 1410 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026

For more information please visit LAHD's website at http://www.lacity.org/lahd and click on "LAHD - Public Meeting Invitation," or contact: -Claudia Monterrosa, Policy Unit at (213) 808-8656, cmonterrosa@lahd.lacity.org -Carmen Chavez, General Manager and Policy Unit Office at (213) 808-8636, cchavez@lahd.lacity.org -Anita Trigueros, Executive Secretary II at (213) 808-8664, atrigueros@lahd.lacity.org

The Housing Department looks forward to your active participation in these meetings. WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE!

* * *

10. ERNC COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP – MARCH 5^TH

Dear Stakeholders,

Please join us!

Saturday March 5

Community Clean-Up

Medians at Yosemite Drive & Townsend Avenue

9am - 12pm

Please join the ERNC, Operation Clean Sweep, the ERHS Key Club and your friends and neighbors as we beautify this area of our community! Tools, supplies and water provided. Bring gloves if you wish. Volunteer one hour or the whole time- but please help!

THANK YOU!

* * *

11. “THE TREE” GROWS IN EAGLE ROCK – MARCH 5^TH

You are cordially invited to attend

"The Tree"

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2005

AT 6:00 PM

At THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK

2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock

near the northwest corner of Eagle Rock Blvd and Colorado Blvd.

Parking on street and at B of A

(323) 226 1617 for information/reservations

Or call Mr. Wing Healey at 323 343 1171 http://www.centerartseaglerock.org

AN ENHANCED READING OF

THE TREE

A NEW OPERA

LIBRETTO BY PETER WING HEALEY

MUSIC BY LINDA DOWDELL

VIDEO BY JON 9

RECEPTION FOLLOWING

$10 suggested donation

The spirit of a centuries-old oak tree on a ridge outside a small town falls in love with a poetic young man from the town. She comes out of her tree and marries him when his first marriage falls apart. They move to the big city where he will pursue his dream of becoming an architect. His ex-wife, taking custody of their son, marries again, this time to a local developer. When, years later, the developer decides to build a mall outside the now growing town it becomes clear that he plans to cut down the old tree. The town is instantly polarized and the son joins with a band of tree-sitters to protest the construction. The architect and the tree spirit watch helplessly as the situation deteriorates. When the tree is finally felled she dies but in the process he receives the gift of a vision that will enable him to transform the world.

An exciting, contemporary re-telling of an ancient Shinto myth combined with the story of today's struggle to save our old-growth forests and stop the sprawl. Tying together themes being addressed by a broad world movement chrystalising around such organizations as Smart Growth and Congress for a New Urbanism, The Tree attempts to sing about the unthinkable - is there life without cars?

* * *

12. PEOPLE’S URBANISM LECTURE – MARCH 7^TH

People's Urbanism Lecture by Mark Lakeman

Monday, March 7, 7:00 P.M.

Gallery 727, 727 South Spring Street #12, downtown LA

All across the United States residents long for a sense of community. This comparative lecture will examine how people in Portland Oregon and East Los Angeles are reclaiming public space through grassroots actions.

Join visionary architect Mark Lakeman as he inspires and guides the grid structure of a typical American city into a vital social commons with Portland's City Repair Project <www.cityrepair.org>. Now a national movement, City Repair is about cities, towns, grids and the intersections where our lives can converge. Multidisciplinary, City Repair combines architecture, urban planning, anthropology, community development, public art, permaculture and ecological design in projects that transform public space. James Rojas from the Latino Urban Forum will present how Latinos are using urban space in East Los Angeles. LUF work has been instrumental in creating the Evergreen Cemetery Jogging Path and other open space campaigns in Los Angeles.

This event is free. For further information call and RSVP call: 626 437-4446 or email the Latinourbanforum@yahoo.com

* * *

13. WOMEN’S TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB MAD HATTERS FASHION SHOW -- MARCH 12^TH

The Mad Hatters Fashion Show is March 12^th, 2005 at ll:30 am and tickets are $25. There will be a silent auction and raffle. Please contact a Board Member or Lucy Spurgeon (323) 254-3725.

* * *

14. CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!

Who: VOLUNTEERS wanted/needed for the event of the year

What: The 3rd Annual Route 66 Art Auction

Where: Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock, CA

When: March 12, 2005 volunteer check in 6pm

Why: All non-profits exist with the help of volunteers. Be a part of a memorable evening!

* * *

15. CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EAGLE ROCK HOSTS ANNUAL ROUTE 66 AUCTION, MARCH 12

THIRD ANNUAL ROUTE 66 ART AUCTION

MARCH 12, 2005

6:00 pm Members Preview

7:00 pm General Public

March 12th, 2004, 7:00 pm Los Angeles: The Third Annual Route 66 Art Auction on Saturday, March 12, a benefit for the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, is the public’s opportunity to buy affordable art while people watching, enjoying eclectic music and gourmet food, and viewing art from some of the best contemporary artists in Los Angeles and beyond.

Festivities will be held at the center, an historic Carnegie Library, at 2225 Colorado Blvd., the former Route 66 Highway, in Los Angeles. Admission is $15.

More than 150 artists have contributed works to the benefit, which will support the center’s innovative and multicultural programming. A members preview and the famous multicolored martini bar begin at 6pm, and the public is invited to purchase memberships that evening. General admission begins at 7 pm with bidding on silent auction items. The live auction begins at 9:30 pm, and this year features works by Alice Fellows, Caio Fonseca, Salomon Huerta, Martin Kersels and Jim Shaw.

Among the artworks being contributed are paintings by Mika Cho, Roberto Gil de Montes, Patricia Gonzalez, Julie McManus, Miguel Angel Reyes, Liz Young and Alexandra Wiesenfeld. Prints, drawings, and photographs have been donated by such artists as Bill Beccio, Benjamin Weissman, Christopher Wilder and Michael Woodcock. The work of David Bunn, Ellen Cline, David Hatcher, Michael McCall, Tom Recchio, Wayne Shimabukuro, and many more will also be in the silent auction.

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, presents innovative and multicultural arts programming to the communities of northeast Los Angeles, including classes, performances, festivals and outdoor public art. The center produces the annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, now in its eighth year.

For more information on Center for the Arts or The Third Annual Route 66 Art Auction, call (323) 226-1617 or visit the center’s website at www.centerartseaglerock.org. The Center is located near the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado boulevards.

* * *

16. TREES FOR EAGLE ROCK CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH – MARCH 13^TH

On March 13, 2005, The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful will host a Sunday Champagne Brunch to support their major project of the 2005-2006 season: ‘TREES FOR EAGLE ROCK.’ All proceeds of the brunch will directly support the planting of trees along the corridors of Townsend Avenue, Yosemite Avenue, Figueroa Avenue, and Colorado Boulevard, in Eagle Rock.

This benefit will take place from 10 am to 2 pm at The Eagles, located at the corners of Townsend and Yosemite Avenues. Please join with The Collaborative for a beautiful Sunday of excellent home cooked food, champagne, music and camaraderie as we support the beautification of Eagle Rock.

$10.00 advance tickets are available for purchase at The Center for the Arts Eagle Rock, Brown Properties, Curves, and Tritch Hardware. For further ticket information, please call Ursula Brown at 323 255-9400.

* * *

17. SENATOR SCOTT STUDENT ART CONTEST – DEADLINE MARCH 18^TH

For artists in grades 6 - 7 - 8 in the 21st State Senate District

SACRAMENTO - Aspiring student artists - this announcement is for you! It's time for the annual California Student Arts Contest in which the winning artist will travel to Sacramento to see his or her artwork displayed in the state capitol.

State Senator Jack Scott, chair of the Joint Committee on the Arts, is calling on middle school students to submit their work for consideration. The deadline for submission is March 18, 2005. The theme for this year's contest is “People Helping People” and is a way for artists to commemorate the spirit of compassion - the ways in which we help our neighbors, friends and families.

Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6, 7, 8) in the 21st Senate District. (Altadena, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Highland Park, La Canada Flintridge, San Gabriel, Temple City, and parts of Los Angeles )

Medium: Painting, sculpture or small wall art - maximum size 4 x 5 feet.

Deadline: March 18, 2005

Prizes:

1st place: Artist will travel to Sacramento for installation of artwork to be part of the Senate's collection for one year.
2nd place: Art to hang in Capitol office in Sacramento for one year.
3rd place: Art will hang in Pasadena district office for one year.

Entries may be delivered or mailed to the district office at 215 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 185, Pasadena 91101 by March 18, 2005. For further information call: 626. 683.0282.

* * *

18. MONTECITO HEIGHTS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (MHIA)’S GARDENS OF MONTECITO TOUR BLOSSOMS APRIL 3, 2005

MHIA is sponsoring its 2nd annual Gardens of the Montecito - Tour and Fundraiser. A date of Sunday, April 3, 2005, has been selected for this community event.

Volunteers are needed to "share" their gardens. We are seeking a variety of garden types. Large gardens, small gardens, desert gardens, tropical gardens, lush gardens, rock gardens, patio gardens, slope gardens, container gardens are needed. This is a great opportunity share your gardening secrets while meeting your neighbors and helping to support our association.

Our 2004 event raised $500 in ticket sales. Tickets are $5 each. If you are interesting in featuring your garden, selling tickets or wish to purchase tickets, please contact Tom Berg at: tom90053@aol.com or

323-227-6244.

* * *

19. FLOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM OUR NEIGHBORS IN CD 13

Dear Friend of the LAFD:

City of Los Angeles Homeowners and Business Owners should call 3-1-1 or

(866) 4-LACITY to report property damage, potholes, any storm-related damage or to request an inspection by the City of Los Angeles.

For any situation that imminently endangers human life, please use 9-1-1.

Property owners are advised to contact their insurance agent to evaluate their personal coverage. A comprehensive list of insurance company hotlines appears at the bottom of this message.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a special Disaster Assistance hotline with information about public, private, and voluntary agency programs to help you recover from recent floods. For more information, please call: (800) 621-FEMA.

Those in need of food, clothing or shelter can contact the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross at (213) 739-5200.

Los Angeles County's 24/7 "Info Line" at (800) 339-6993 can also provide information at any hour on the local programs or community service organizations that might best meet your human service needs.

Watch out for animals, especially those that may have come into buildings with the flood waters. If you need assistance from the City's Department of Animal Services, call (888) 452-7381 or 3-1-1.

Though your home and its contents may look beyond hope, many of your belongings can be restored. If you do things right, your flooded home can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt, and reoccupied sooner than you think!

Play it safe. The dangers are not over when the water goes down. Your home's foundation may have been weakened, the electrical system may have shorted out, and floodwaters may have left behind things that could make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't risk injury or infection.

Ask for help. Many people can do a lot of the clean up and repairs necessary following a flood or winter storm. If you have technical questions or do not feel comfortable doing something, get professional assistance.

Floodproof. It is very likely that your home will be flooded again someday. You can save a lot of money by flood proofing as you repair and rebuild.

- Here are "The Nine Steps" for Surviving a Flood:

Step 1. Take Care of Yourself First

Protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and health hazards that follow a flood.

Step 2. Give Your Home First Aid

Once it is safe to go back in, protect your home and contents from further damage.

Step 3. Get Organized

Some things are not worth repairing and some things may be too complicated or expensive for you to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make the most of your time and money.

Step 4. Dry Out Your Home

Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants, and promote the growth of mildew. You need to dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.

Step 5. Restore the Utilities

The rest of your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal.

Step 6. Clean Up

The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

Step 7. Check on Financial Assistance

Voluntary agencies, businesses, insurance, and government disaster programs can help you through recovery.

Step 8. Rebuild and Floodproof

Take your time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will protect your building from damage by the next flood.

Step 9. Prepare for the Next Flood

Protect yourself from the next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan, and community flood protection programs. This step also includes sources to go to for additional assistance.

- What To Do After a Flood?

Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital or clinic. Contaminated flood waters lead to a greater possibility of infection. Severe injuries will require medical attention.

Help a neighbor who may require special assistance, especially infants, elderly people, and those with disabilities. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations. Help your local Firefighters and Paramedics by being a good neighbor.

Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods, such as contaminated waters, crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards.

Visit the EDIS website at http://www.edis.ca.gov ... and listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television stations for emergency information. If evacuated, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede; there may be flood-related hazards within your community, which you could hear about from local broadcasts.

Stay out of any building if flood waters remain around the building. Flood waters often undermine foundations, causing sinking, floors can crack or break and buildings can collapse.

Avoid entering ANY building (home, business, or other) before local officials have said it is safe to do so. Buildings may have hidden damage that makes them unsafe. Gas leaks or electric or waterline damage can create additional problems.

Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury. Check with your utility company now about where broken lines should be reported. Local phone numbers appear below.

Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires. When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Watch carefully every step you take. Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster? Cut feet!

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest, preventing fire hazard for the user, occupants, and building.

Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Cracks and damage to a foundation can render a building uninhabitable. When surveying your home, watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.

Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials may travel from upstream. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods.

Check for gas leaks. If you smell natural gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, a professional must turn it back on.

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

Check for sewage and waterline damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.

Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections.

If water is of questionable purity, treat it before you drink, cook or bathe with it. If in doubt, call your local public health authority or water provider. Ill health effects often occur when people drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs.

Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per

day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

Here are some utility service contact numbers for the *City of Los

Angeles*

Electric: (800) DIAL-DWP

Water: (800) DIAL-DWP

Natural Gas: (800) 427-2200

Sewer: (866) 44-SEWER

Of course, whenever you need live personal assistance for any City of Los Angeles non-emergency public service, you can always call 3-1-1. To learn more about our 3-1-1 system: http://www.lafd.org/311.htm

Here are some truly helpful links. Remember - Knowledge is Power!

Repairing Your Flooded Home:

http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf

Coping With a Flood - Before, During and After:

http://www.fema.gov/nfip/coping.shtm

Fact Sheet: Floods And Flash Floods:

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/floodf.shtm

Tips on Handling Your Flood Insurance Claim:

http://www.fema.gov/nfip/tips.shtm

Federal Disaster Assistance and National Flood Insurance:

http://www.fema.gov/nfip/know.shtm

Protecting Your Home From Future Flood Damage:

http://www.fema.gov/nwz97/prothom.shtm

Don't forget to take pictures of any building or contents damage for insurance claims. Here are those Insurance Company information hotlines I promised earlier:

21st Century: 800-322-8200

Allstate: 800-547-8676

Allied Insurance: 800-282-9445

American Modern: 800-543-2644

Arrowhead/Clarendon: 800-453-8610

Auto Club of Southern Calif: 800-672-5246

California Casualty: 800-800-9410

California (Capital) Insurance Group: 800-986-9974

California Fair Plan Claims: 800-339-4099

Chubb Group: 800-252-4670

CSE Insurance Co Claims: 800-282-6848 option #3

Golden Eagle: 800-238-3085

Farmers: 800-435-7764

Fireman's Fund: 888-347-3428FIC

First American Specialty: 888-922-5344 or 800-348-3782

Foremost: 800-527-3907

Hartford: 800-243-5860

Liberty Mutual: 800-225-2467

Mercury: 888-313-6372

Metlife Home and Auto: 800-422-4272

Nationwide: 877-422-6800

Oregon Mutual: 800-934-3809

Progressive: 800-274-4499

Prudential: 800-437-3535

USAA: 800-531-8222

Safeco: 800-332-3226

State Farm: 800-732-5246

Traveler's: 800-252-4633

Please know that the men and women of the LAFD will be there when you need them. Rain or shine, prompt and capable emergency help is but a single 9-1-1 call away!

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey

Firefighter/Specialist

Public Service Officer

Los Angeles Fire Department

200 North Main Street, Room OCD - E423

Los Angeles, CA 90012 USA

E-Mail: beh9593@lafd.lacity.org

LAFD Website: http://www.lafd.org

Mitch O'Farrell, Deputy District Director

Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti

3525 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Phone 323/913-4693

Fax 323/913-4474

www.cd13.com

* * *

20. FREE ON SATURDAYS? LEARN MORE ABOUT EAGLE ROCK!

Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society Archive is open! Come research, rediscover, or add to Eagle Rock’s History! Visit us every Saturday morning from 10 am to noon in the basement of the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock at 2225 Colorado Blvd.

* * *

21. ROUTE 66 CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 2005! BE PART OF IT!

This just in from the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council and Scott Piotrowski of Route 66 Productions:

In September 2005, the Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino will also be hosting the National Historic Route 66 Federation's annual Steinbeck Awards Ceremony. This will bring Route 66 Ambassadors from around the world to the event in San Bernardino.

The Steinbeck Awards are traditionally held in a different city every year. The intent of the Federation is that the city hosting the event holds a related International Route 66 Festival in conjunction with the Awards in order to raise awareness of Route 66 in the local community and raise awareness of the local community within Route 66 enthusiasts.

The dates for next year's event are officially September 15 – 18. However, the various California Route 66 organizations and museums are coming together to host a variety of events throughout the week leading up to and including the Rendezvous. Those organizations include the California Historic Route 66 Association, the California

Route 66 Museum (Victorville), the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation, the Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum (Barstow), and 66 Productions, of which I am the director.

The events being discussed include, but are not limited to, the following ideas. There are definite plans for two Route 66 Bus Tours, one eastbound and one westbound, both originating and ending in San Bernardino. The westbound tour will make it as far as the original terminus of Route 66 at 7th and Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles. (I am co-hosting both tours.) There will be a preservation seminar hosted in part by the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Management Program, based out of Santa Fe, NM. This is currently scheduled for two days at the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia. There are also plans afoot for a reception which will bring together Route 66 Ambassadors, local business owners, and local preservation enthusiasts. The date and location for that are still TBA. I am currently the chairperson of that committee, so if anyone has any suggestions, or is willing to assist on that committee, please let me know!

Other events include the John Steinbeck Awards Luncheon (Friday, September 16), a Route 66 egroup breakfast (Sunday, September 18), a Route 66 Authors / Artists exhibition (all weekend), and many other events, all in addition to the usual Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous events.

If anyone is interested in receiving more information about any of the events, or perhaps is interesting in providing more ideas or serving on any of the organizing committees, please contact me off-list at rt66prods@yahoo.com.

* * *

22. LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Dear TERA:

S.O.S LA needs a Planning Director that can Plan

The new planning director needs to steer the Los Angeles Planning

Department back to planning. For the past 10 years, as a way to

promote economic development the City Planning Department has been

focused on giving out building permits and has failed to plan for

better communities. Consequently low-income communities that do not

pull many building permits have been neglected by the department.

Westwood, Downtown gets the attention while East Los Angeles and

South Central go unnoticed by the department. In these low income

communities many basic issues that are not being addressed.

Pedestrian safety, obesity, lack of open space, public safety and

street vending are just a few that go unchecked by the Planning

Department.

The City has circulated a very minimal job description for the

planning director position, and as of Thursday Feb. 17, 2005 has not

posted it on any planning web bulletins such as California Chapter of

the American Planning Association or Planetizen. In addition, the job

announcement has a tight deadline of Friday March 4, 2005.

The City of Los Angeles deserves the best planning director it can

get. The City should use the appropriate channels to do a national

search and extent the deadline beyond March 4, 2005!

James Rojas

THE SALARY: $169,671 to $254,402 annually

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING:

The Department of City Planning prepares and maintains a general plan which promotes a vital, economically healthy city that serves a growing and diverse population by preserving stable, single-family neighborhoods, enhancing the livability in urban and suburban locations, accommodating inevitable growth where the social and physical infrastructure can support it while attracting investment in areas in need of revitalization, encouraging mixed-use development in the City's centers and along its transit corridors and creating opportunities for housing serving a range of income groups, through proactive planning and innovative interagency collaboration.

THE POSITION:

The City of Los Angeles is actively seeking an administrative head responsible for organizing and directing the policies and planning activities of the City's Planning Department; develop, maintain and implement all elements of the City's general plan, with district, functional, special and other related zoning plans; establishes plan implementation measures, subdivisions and other controls; develop and recommend proactive policy methods and procedures related to city planning activities, programs and projects that effectively manage the continued growth and development of the city; direct the preparation, approval, review and maintenance of complex and specialized planning records and reports; represent the City involving public relations, presentation and interpretation of city planning policies, rules and regulations; directs public participation; makes continuing personal contacts involving technical professionals of all rank, administrative officials, neighborhood councils and other representative groups; builds and maintains an effective work force.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record of improving troubled organizations, a strong commitment to implementing the highest standards of customer service, and the ability to operate in a high- pressure environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelors degree, preferably with a concentration in a relevant field such as urban and regional planning, public policy, public administration, public affairs or a related discipline. Master's or advanced degree is highly desirable. Ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal, regional, state or federal urban planning, housing, economic development, urban design and development, transportation, environmental, land-use and/or physical infrastructure planning. This position also requires comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, purposes, scope and techniques of various phases of city planning, land use and/or policy planning, zoning and federal, state and local laws, as they relate to city planning.

APPLY:

The selection process will consist of an oral interview to determine the most qualified candidate. All eligible candidates interested in applying for this Director of Planning position must submit a resume (including salary history) and a list of five business-related references to:

Charlette Rodgers Starkey

Personnel Department

700 East Temple Street - Room 100

Los Angeles, CA 90012

ExecSearch@per.lacity.org

APPLY IMMEDIATELY

Application acceptance period will close on or before Friday, March

4, 2005. An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

* * *

23. THE FINAL WORD –

“We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.”

-- Omar Bradley (1893–1981), U.S. general. speech, Nov. 11, 1948, Armistice Day. Collected Writings, vol. 1 (1967).

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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