THE EAGLE
ROCK ASSOCIATION
The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood
March 25, 2004
What? You're not yet a member of TERA?
Join now!
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Click on
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!
Please encourage
interested friends and neighbors to send their email addresses
to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we
can keep them informed, too.
This week:
The candidates speak(item #2)
Collaborate on beauty (Item #4)
Community theater comes to Eagle Rock! (Item
#10)
Table of Contents:
1. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
2. GET TO KNOW THE ERNC CANDIDATES
3. ANOTHER MEMORABLE EAGLE ROCK SUNSET
4. WELCOME SPRING AS YOU HELP BEAUTIFY YOUR TOWN — MARCH 27
5. VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR THIS WEEKEND’S NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
ELECTIONS — MARCH 27
6. TAKING BACK YOUR BACK: A YOGA ESSENCE CLASS IN BACK CARE — MARCH 27
7. “LIFE THROUGH MY EYES”: THE POETRY OF EAGLE ROCK YOUTH —
MARCH 27
8. JAZZ LIVES -- ON BOTH SIDES OF COLORADO — MARCH 28
9. EXPERIENCE AN ARCHITECTURAL LEGEND THIS SUNDAY — MARCH 28
10. COMMUNITY THEATER COMES TO EAGLE ROCK!
11. THE THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION’S 1st ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT GARDEN
TOUR — MARCH 28
12. "GROWING WITH GHOSTS" AN EAGLE ROCK ART AND PERFORMANCE
EXTRAVAGANZA -- APRIL 2 - 25
13. TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MEETING — APRIL 12
14. NINTH ANNUAL “JACK SMITH TRAIL WALK” -- APRIL 18
15. BUNGALOW HEAVEN HOME TOUR -- APRIL 25
16. WE'VE GOT MAIL
17. THE LAST WORD-- MASON COOLEY
1. PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
Parking, Planting, Voting and Jamming!
For a small town, we sure can pack a weekend! Last Saturday, ERCPR
brought us all together for a terrific meeting on the progress of ERCPR's
façade grant program and the future of parking in Eagle Rock. Senator
Jack Scott and Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa celebrated the
businesses that have made their storefronts beautiful. ERCPR then
presented its parking study, and with great participation from the audience,
set out the following agenda for parking in Eagle Rock:
For updates on these parking issues, come to TERA's Land Use Committee or
ERCPR's board meetings.
As for this weekend, I hope you are all planning to go to the R.O.C.K.
Center at Townsend and Yosemite from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for this
year’s first quarterly meeting of the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful --
another great committee of TERA's. TERA Board members Esther Monk and
Mary Tokita will give updates on beautification projects and on Mary's
community garden project. Come join in the vision to beautify Eagle Rock
through plants and the environment.
After the meeting, you can vote for our new Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council
(ERNC) representatives. In item #2 below our are messages from some of
the candidates in response to questions I posed to all of them. Please
read their responses and learn more about each candidate, and then be sure to
vote on Saturday at the Yosemite Recreation Center.
On Saturday evening, check out the poetry reading at the Center for the
Arts, Eagle Rock (see item #7 below for all the details.) And Mary
Tokita's article on the Dr. Music sponsored jam on both sides of
Colorado convinced me to book up my Sunday night with jazz. Sounds like a
treat!
Stay tuned for another Walgreens update and information about the grand
opening of the Coffee Table. TERA Board member Michael
Zamarripa has been doing some fantastic work to get the Coffee Table ready,
so let’s support him, as we support so many of the wonderful businesses in our
town.
Have a great weekend! And don't forget to look for the lovely mention of
Eagle Rock in the current issue of Sunset Magazine!
--- Hilary Norton Orozco, TERA President
2. GET TO KNOW THE ERNC CANDIDATES
In anticipation of this weekend’s Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Elections,
TERA invited each of the candidates to respond to a series of questions about
their particular plans for our community. Here the responses that reached
us by press time.
ANITA M. HULTMAN, Candidate for ERNC President:
Eagle Rock is a mixed bag of charm and culture. It has the unique privilege of
being named after something that actually exists; our own little Mt. Rushmore.
As President I envision The Neighborhood Council as an organization built
around our community, as a body that seeks change in the connectiveness
sometimes lacking in big city government. My goal is to reinforce and
reestablish that partnership with local government that affects quality of life
issues here at home, as well as to help
existing organizations provide those hometown characteristics we have all come
to enjoy.
MANUEL MONTANO, Candidate for ERNC President:
Q: What do you think are the best things about Eagle Rock?
I love the diversity of people in Eagle Rock. We have a color-rich
community that combines to form a charming mix of nationalities, cultures,
languages, interests, and good food. I love that I can enjoy good food
from around the world such as -- Mexico, Thailand, China, Italy,
France, Philippines, and of course USA -- in my little corner of
the world. I love that Eagle Rock continues to feel like a small town
with a bowling alley, farmers market, many churches, little league, and our own
shopping mall. I love that we have the biggest pet rock in the country... The
Eagle Rock.
Q: What needs to change?
In order to fully implement the neighborhood council vision and model we need
to reachout and hear from as many Eagle Rock friends, neighbors, residents,
community leaders, and interest groups as possible.
Q: What are your goals for your term on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council?
My first goal is to add stability to the ERNC. Presently I am a Civic
representative on the ERNC. For a variety of factors including growing
pains, the first year has been very challenging. The second is to provide
the leadership which champions unity and working together. To bring personalities
and interests together thereby reducing division. The third is to develop and
execute a year two and year three action plan with community input. It's
important that the ERNC hear from stakeholders and know what they want...then
we deliver.
LILIA DE JESUS, Candidate for Director,
Sub-district 2:
1. What do you think about Eagle Rock? What needs to change?
Eagle Rock is LA’s best kept secret. It's accessible, has quiet
neighborhoods, involved residents and is home to many ethnic groups. I would
like to see more of the diverse communities active and involved in issues
affecting us.
2. What are your goals for your term on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council?
I chose to run because I want to see a change and become a voice in our
community. The Filipino community in Eagle Rock is growing and I would
like to see their active participation in the many activity involving the
youth, seniors, healthcare programs, spiritual development and overall
improvement of the quality of life.
JESSICA WETHINGTON McLEAN, Candidate for Director,
Sub-district 2:
My husband and I put down roots in Eagle Rock because of its hometown feel,
eclectic architecture, family-friendly atmosphere and the spirit of activism
that gives Eagle Rock real character and spark. As Sub-District Director
my volunteer hours are spent trying to enhance and protect these wonderful
community assets by: demanding responsible and community-oriented land use and
development; the inclusion of more and more community members in City processes
and decision-making; better use and more allocation of City services to Eagle
Rock; and response and follow-through on community issues and concerns such as
crime and safety, street services, and beautification. To read what I've done
this past year as Sub-District Two Director, please go to:
http://home.earthlink.net/~ernc_district2/annualreport.pdf or
contact me at ERNC_District2@earthlink.net There's a lot more to do and I
look forward to it. Thanks for your consideration.
JEFF SAMUDIO, Candidate for Director, Sub-district
5:
(Please see Jeff's candidate statement on the ERNC website.)
NORMA GONZALEZ, Candidate for Director,
Sub-district 7:
Nested in the Northeast part of a big city makes Eagle Rock a unique place to
live. We have access to everything while maintaining our hometown feeling. Our
neighborhood needs to be informed of any changes that would affect our style of
living. I would like to create better communication between neighbors to share
concerns about safety, traffic or environment. Establish a forum for people
that are not normally involved in community activities. Improving our
neighborhood, Sub-district 7 will lead to making a better community. This
neighborhood belongs to all of us.
DANTA A. BANTA, M.D., Candidate for Director,
Sub-district 8:
I love Eagle Rock! We moved here in 1979 and never left since. My
wife and I raised our three children in this fine neighborhood. Our twin
sons are now medical doctors like their dad, and our daughter is working
towards a master's degree. By choice they still live in the area.
Does this say much about Eagle Rock? You bet! We are a
beautiful community surrounded by big cities all very accessible thru freeways
yet are not congested by traffic. I would like to see more commercial
establishments along our major streets. I would like to help further develop
and preserve this friendly community's rich cultural diversity.
IRENE DANIEL, Candidate for Director, Sub-district
8:
In my opinion, the best thing about Eagle Rock is that it has a very intimate
small town feel, while being able to draw from and contribute to all of the
resources of the great city of Los Angeles. My goal is to keep it that
way by 1) demanding more adequate police resources and 2) working more closely
with other elected officials representing Eagle Rock, as well as community
based organizations to make use of all the resources available to us.
Controlled growth is another goal that I would work to achieve in order
to maintain that small town atmosphere.
DR. MARK P. RYAN, Candidate for Treasurer:
What do you think are the best things about Eagle Rock? What needs to
change?
As a relatively new Eagle Rock resident, I believe I need to listen to the
voice of experience about what needs to change. I love living in Eagle
Rock. There is a small city feeling, low crime, very little graffiti,
pleasant neighbors, and a great business base.
What are your goals for your term on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council?
I plan to listen to constituents' concerns and act in a responsible
manner to represent and resolve those concerns. I also hope to bring
grant-writing skills to seek out additional funds for council-initiated
projects to improve the community and to continue the work of my predecessor to
communicate openly about the financial status of the Council. Finally, my
many years of leadership in the schools of greater Los Angeles has allowed me
to hone skills of effective communication, dedication, hard work, organization,
and planning.
KRISTA NEUMANN, Candidate for ERNC Representative
from the Business Community:
I am a new business owner in Eagle Rock. I opened Yoga Essence almost 2 years
ago, and although, at times, it has been a challenge, I persevere because of
the people who come through my door. Eagle Rock is a great community with an
interesting history and a bright future. I live here and work here and want to
be part of that future. I haven't run for office since 9th grade, but if
I can help the community grow and prosper and not lose it's uniqueness I am
willing to serve.
Thanks to all the candidates. We’ll see you at the polls this
Saturday!
3. ANOTHER MEMORABLE
EAGLE ROCK SUNSET
Sunset Magazine readers have probably already noticed the splendid write-up
our little town received in the magazine’sApril issue. For those who
haven’t seen the piece, here it is:
Dine, stroll, and bowl in this small town in
the big city
By L.J. Williamson
©2004 Sunset Magazine
Not too long ago, the stretch of Colorado Boulevard that ran through the
Los Angeles neighborhood of Eagle Rock was, in the words of resident Mary
Tokita, "just a place you drove on to get from the Valley to
Pasadena."
Now the boulevard and Eagle Rock itself are coming into their own. For years,
residents watched as Colorado Boulevard slid into decline: Storefronts receded,
parking lots encroached, and neighborhood shops were replaced by automotive
businesses - more than 90, by Tokita's count. But Tokita and other residents
formed a neighborhood association that fought to enhance the foot-friendly
nature of the boulevard, which serves as Eagle Rock's Main Street.
Once an auto-repair shop, Fatty's & Co. ($$; closed Tue; 1627
Colorado Blvd.; 323/254-8804) is now a vegetarian cafe, although the
automotive magazines for sale here provide a nice link to the past.
Longer-established favorites include Casa Bianca ($; closed Sun-Mon;
1650 Colorado; 323/256-9617) for pizza and Colombo's Restaurant
($$$; 1833 Colorado; 323/254-9138) for steaks and live jazz.
Car culture hasn't been totally lost here; on the last Saturday of each month,
Jim's Burgers ($; 2005 Colorado; 323/257-3892) - as unpretentious as
the name implies - hosts the Eagle Rockin' Rodders car club. After talking shop
with collectors of "vintage tin," bowl a frame or two at All Star
Lanes (4459 Eagle Rock Blvd.; 323/254-2579), famous for its thwarted
appointment with the wrecking ball.
Higher culture isn't neglected either. Toros Pottery (closed Sun; 4962
Eagle Rock Blvd.; 323/344-8330) is a gem of a store, with beautiful
ceramics and a range of pottery classes. And Occidental College
(1600 Campus Rd.; 323/259-2500) has graceful Myron Hunt-designed buildings
that have been settings for numerous films, from the Hepburn-Tracy classic
Pat and Mike to Star Trek III. A walk through campus makes a fine
spring outing. Or enjoy a musical offering: On April 24, the Occidental-Caltech
Symphony Orchestra performs for free at Thorne Hall auditorium.
4. WELCOME SPRING AS YOU HELP BEAUTIFY YOUR TOWN — MARCH 27
Here’s a reminder of this weekend’s meeting of the Collaborative Eagle Rock
Beautiful, a hardworking committee of TERA that continues to work for the
beautification of all Eagle Rock.
The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful is committed to the development of a better Eagle
Rock, through all agencies and volunteers working together. Meetings to
further the beautification of Eagle Rock are conducted quarterly, in spring,
summer, autumn and winter.
Celebrate the arrival of spring by attending the
Collaborative’s first general meeting of 2004!
As those of you who’ve attended past meetings are aware, wonderful things have
been accomplished through our public meetings, at which strategies and projects
to advance our mission for a beautiful Eagle Rock are discussed and
implemented.
As always, a light breakfast will be served. And we promise not to go
overtime.
For questions or further information, call (323) 254-6540 or email pecos555@pacbell.net.
-- The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful
5. VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR THIS WEEKEND’S NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
ELECTIONS — MARCH 27
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council has put out the call for volunteers
to help out at the polls for this weekend’s elections. Thirty volunteers
are needed, and you could be one of them.
The First Shift runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Second Shift, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Please contact ERNC Elections chair Bill Markis via email at
District8@EagleRockCouncil.org. Don’t forget to indicate which shift you’d like
to work.
For more information, contact Bill Markis via email at
District8@EagleRockCouncil.org, or by phone at (323) 254-6930.
6. TAKING BACK YOUR BACK: A YOGA ESSENCE CLASS IN BACK CARE — MARCH
27
From the folks at Yoga Essence comes word of an upcoming course for anyone
who suffers from a pain in the back:
If you or someone you know suffers from back pain, please check out the
Back Care Course coming up March 27th at Yoga Essence Studio. You will come out
of the class with a simple practice you can do at home to combat your back
issues. This class is great for anyone who doesn't want to go to an
ongoing class but needs some insight into dealing with their back issues.
Do you know someone like that?
Barbara Paulsen Fazio will be teaching this 4 week course for those with back
problems. This course is for those who want to learn to safely stretch
and strengthen the muscles that stabilize and support the spine with yoga
asanas, breath awareness and relaxation. Learn the 8 Steps to Wellness,
which include biomechanics/re-education and yoga breathing. Class will
meet over four Saturdays, from 2:00 -3:30 p.m. The cost is $80.00 and the
space is limited, so please sign up in advance. Call (323) 550-8182, or
email krista@yogaessence.net.
7. “LIFE THROUGH MY EYES”: THE POETRY OF EAGLE ROCK YOUTH —
MARCH 27
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock proudly presents:
On March 27, the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, will present "Life
Through My Eyes," a tantalizing spoken word extravaganza, directed and
hosted by local poet and City of Los Angeles Artist in Residence Lisa Marie
Sandoval. "Life Through My Eyes" will feature readings by
Sandoval as well as readings by the youthful participants of the poet’s now
ongoing Thursday afternoon Youth Poetry Workshop. The Center for the Arts
is located at 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, one block west of
Eagle Rock Boulevard.
Admission to the show is free, and music and refreshments will be served.
For more information, please call (323) 226-1617 or e-mail poetryarts@truevine.net.
8. JAZZ LIVES -- ON BOTH SIDES OF COLORADO — MARCH 28
Here’s regular correspondent Mary Tokita’s report on Dr. Music’s grand muscial
plans for this weekend:
In case you're not hip to it, let us fill you in: musical symbiosis has
come to ole Route 66. Colombo's and Dr. Music are offering Eagle Rock
quality jazz 7 nights a week!
First for the SOCO side (that's south of Colorado for the uninitiated). This
Sunday, March 28 from 7-10p.m., Dr. Music presents The Southern California Jazz
Company, a 17-piece swing orchestra that has shook the house at the Baked
Potato and many other venues in the area. Located in the Pillar's building at 1812
W. Colorado, Dr. M is a cozy, kick-off-yer-shoes spot with a big stage, cozy
chairs, balcony seating and a snack bar. Tickets for this gig are $15 and there
are many more to come. For more info, call 323/258-9010.
At the same time, on the northside of the boulevard (that's NOCO in ER
parlance), the Eric Ekstrand Band will be jamming at Colombo's (Colorado at
Hermosa, just next to the 20th Century Women's Club). Eric and company not only
have a huge talents of their own, they also boast many musical friends from all
over town who come to sit in with the band. It's a very special evening, and
there's NO COVER! Plus, the steaks are great; the drinks straight and strong.
For dinner reservations, call (323) 254-9138.
And the cross-pollinating continues: Some nights you can cross the street
and hear two terrific bands at once. At others, the Dr. Music instructors come
into Colombo's and jam for a set after a full day's work (Mondays, last I
heard).
Don't miss this burgeoning music scene as it grows -- and blows -- right
in front of you!
-- Mary Tokita, Member of TERA’s Board
9. EXPERIENCE AN ARCHITECTURAL LEGEND THIS SUNDAY — MARCH 28
Join Pasadena Heritage on Sunday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
for an extraordinary tour featuring five privately-owned houses designed by
renowned Southern California architect Wallace Neff. Known for his
spectacular Mediterranean Revival residences built for elite clients, Neff
created what he called California Houses that were based on European traditions
adapted to the unique climate and landscape of Southern California. Also
featured on the tour is Neff's Balloon House of 1941, his experiment with
innovative methods for low-cost housing. Tickets are $32.50. Please
RSVP by phoning (626) 441-6333.
10. COMMUNITY THEATER COMES TO EAGLE ROCK!
T4.c (Theatre for the Community) will be having a meeting on March 28th
from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Yoga Essence Studio, 1577 Colorado Blvd, (across from
Trader Joe’s.) We have plans to put together a play this summer in an outdoor
venue in Eagle Rock, and would love anyone interested drop by Sunday to hear
more. We are a non-profit community theatre and are seeking board
members, volunteers, and theatre craft persons. For questions call Krista
Neumann at (323) 550-8182, or email krista@yogaessence.net.
11. THE THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION’S 1st ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT GARDEN
TOUR — MARCH 28
The Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit nursery, seed and bookstore,
dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Californiaís native flora,
presents their first ever garden tour.
March 28, 2004
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From a shady hillside in Studio City to sunny Spanish-style gardens in Sherman
Oaks and Eagle Rock; from a converted school parking lot in Long Beach to a
Beverly Hills habitat designed for native wildlife, the Theodore Payne
Foundation promises a one of kind day for participants in their first ever
citywide native garden tour.
The self-guided tour focuses on 21 native gardens in communities as diverse as
Altadena, Atwater Village, Beverly Hills, Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Glendale,
Granada Hills, Lawndale, Long Beach, Mid-Wilshire, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks,
Silver Lake, Studio City, Sun Valley, Tujunga and Woodland Hills. These
stunning individual spaces are the true legacy of Theodore Payne, the 19th
century naturalist who dreamed of sowing vacant lots throughout the city with
successions of local wildflowers. Come be a part of the landscape revolution!
Tour prices are $25.00 for Theodore Payne Foundation members, $30.00 for
non-members, or $40.00 per member couple and $50.00 per couple for non-member
couples.
Please call (818) 768-1802 for reservations. The Theodore Payne
Foundation is located at 10459 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley, California 91352..
http://www.theodorepayne.org
12. "GROWING WITH GHOSTS" AN EAGLE ROCK ART AND
PERFORMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA -- APRIL 2 - 25
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock sends us word of an upcoming art, music
and theater performance show that sounds like the not-to-be-missed event of the
season. Here’s the scoop:
Playwright Ken Roht's Newest Work,
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is honored to sponsor Ken Roht’s
theater-dance-arts extravaganza, "Growing With Ghosts."
In June 2003, Mr. Roht began to work on this site-specific work, a
progressive music theater piece that uses every inch of the Center and its
grounds. The actual stage will be the Center itself, a restored 1915
Carnegie library, and a National Historic Landmark. Mr. Roht's piece
takes place in seven different theatrical installations. As the audience
walks through each, they will witness stages of human growth, from before birth
to after death.
What makes Ken Roht’s work unique? The answer is simple: his work is both
cutting-edge and stunningly beautiful. Theatrical productions are rarely
innovative, entertaining, and broadly accessible at the same time. This
combination is compelling and distinctive. Mr. Roht has a singular vision
and only now is beginning to get recognition for years of dedication to his
work. On December 21st, 2003, the Los Angeles Times described Mr. Roht as
“an anarchistic visionary whose time is now.”
"Growing With Ghosts" is a walk-through show, lasting fifty-minutes.
The audience for each performance will be limited to 100 people. In this
way, the experience will be more personal to each audience member. The piece
will be presented for one month, from April 2 - 25, Friday through Sunday, at
7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
For additional information regarding Mr. Roht and his company, Orphean Circus,
please check their website, http://www.orpheancircus.com. For more
information on the Center for the Arts, go to
http://www.centerartseaglerock.org.
13. TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MEETING — APRIL 12
Our Home Tour committee still needs:
Please remember that you will not need to do anything other than one
specific job (unless you want to do more), making it easier and more fun
for everyone. Also, you may work with a partner to handle any of the
above duties. Our Home Tour committee is open to all TERA members
interested in furthering TERA's goals and making Eagle Rock an even better
place to live. If you'd like to help out but are not already a TERA
member, we'd be happy to sign you up at the next meeting. It's the best
investment you can make in your neighborhood, not to mention the best deal ($20
per individual or $25 per household)!
Our next Home Tour meeting will take place Monday,
April 12.
Details of upcoming meetings will be sent out in our e.letter in the
coming weeks. Please help us make this Home Tour the best one yet!
Please contact me at artburn@earthlink.net
if you are interested in helping with any of the above jobs. Thanks so
much!
-- Joanne Turner, President Emeritus, The Eagle Rock Association
(TERA)
14. NINTH ANNUAL “JACK SMITH TRAIL WALK” -- APRIL 18
The annual Jack Smith Trail Walk, inaugurated nine years ago in honor of
the celebrated author and Los Angeles Times columnist, will take place on
Sunday, April 18 and has been renamed “The Jack and Denise Smith Trail Walk” in
recognition of the efforts of the late author’s wife to support the Mount
Washington School and other community institutions.
Sponsored by the Mount Washington Association, the walk consists of a four-mile
loop through the historic and picturesque Mount Washington hillside.
Walkers will depart in small groups between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. from
the tunnel entrance of the Southwest Museum, 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles.
Participation is open to the public and free of charge. Well-behaved dogs on
leashes are welcome.
The trail route, walked at a leisurely pace and taking between two and
two and a half hours, will wind through the slopes of Mount Washington,
affording walkers dramatic vistas of Mt. San Antonio, Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt.
San Jacinto --Southern California’s highest mountain peaks—as well as panoramic
views of the San Gabriel and Verdugo ranges. Docents will call attention to
many notable craftsman and contemporary architectural landmarks that dot the
area.
Walkers will pass hillsides carpeted with blooming wildflowers and stands of
protected black walnut trees, habitat for many wildlife species.
Birdwatchers are encouraged to bring binoculars.
Born in Long Beach, Ca, Jack Smith served as a combat correspondent attached
to the Marine Corps during World War II worked as a reporter for a number of
newspapers, including the Los Angeles Daily News and the Los Angeles
Herald-Express before taking a post as a general assignment reporter for the
Los Angeles Times in 1953. He began writing his regular column 1958 and
soon became an icon to Los Angeles newspapers readers with daily reports on
everyday life as observed from his Mount Washington home.
Subjects for Smith’s columns included the trials of child rearing, the joys of
bird watching, the frustrations of home re-modeling, the horrors of L.A.
traffic and the use and abuse of the English language. He was known for his
warmth and an unpretentious, uncluttered style that graced over 6,000 columns
during an extraordinary 37-year run. Smith, who remained a Mount Washington
resident until his passing in 1996, also authored ten books.
Construction for the Jack and Denny Smith Library and Community
Center, a new multipurpose building at the Mount Washington School, is due to
begin this fall.
15. BUNGALOW HEAVEN HOME TOUR -- APRIL 25
Celebrating its fifteenth year, the Bungalow HeavenTM Neighborhood
Association is proud to present Pasadena's premier historic home tour on
Sunday, April 25, 2004, showcasing eight outstanding examples of early
twentieth century architecture, many of which have never before been open to
the public. Hours of this walking tour are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 2004 Historic Home Tour will feature homes within the Bungalow Heaven
Landmark District of Pasadena, California, which has been featured in Sunset
magazine, USA Today and most recently in the new books Bungalow Nation and
California Cottage Style. Each of the homes on tour is a fine example of period
architecture and style, and docents will be on hand to answer questions as
visitors enjoy this rare and intimate look through the interiors of these
unusual homes in this beautiful, tree-lined district.
From about 1905 to 1920, Bungalow Heaven saw the construction of hundreds of
Craftsman-style homes, and today Pasadena's first official landmark district
contains one of the largest collections of these homes in the nation. Many of
the homes will be decorated in authentic Arts & Crafts-era furniture and
appointments, and tour organizers have once again invited prominent antiques
dealers to furnish the homes in period style. A lecture, "Bungalow Heaven
and the Arts and Crafts Movement," will be presented. Lecture tickets are
$5.
Proceeds from previous Home Tours have funded local renovation efforts, such as
the award-winning MacDonald Park playground. Money raised by the 2004 Home Tour
will continue to fund neighborhood revitalization efforts and community events.
Bungalow Heaven is located north of the 210 (Foothill) Freeway in the heart of
residential Pasadena between the Lake and Hill exits. Home Tour tickets can be
purchased the day of the event at MacDonald Park at the intersection of Mar
Vista Avenue and Mountain Street in Bungalow Heaven. Tickets are $15 the day of
the tour and advance tickets are available for $12 by writing BHNA Tour, P.O.
Box 40812, Pasadena, CA 91114-7812. For recorded information call (626)
585-2172 or visit http://www.bungalowheaven.org.
16. WE'VE GOT MAIL
”Thank you to all Eagle Rock stakeholders who took the time to write in
about the condition of the Von's lot at La Loma & Figueroa. I got
dozens of letters, and included them along with photos when I met with the real
estate director for this region. He had not seen the property himself and
I think its condition was an eye-opener. We spoke about the well-known
"broken windows" philosophy and agreed this is an example of that in
action. We both agreed Von's shouldn't let a property sit in such poor
condition and that regular maintenance is imperative.
“Certainly not all the problems are Von's alone-- for instance if people
wouldn't litter, there would be no trash to collect along the perimeter; and
the vagrancy situation needs more muscle than Von's security can provide,
though they can do a better job, too, and have promised to do so. I will
also be meeting with the property manager about their implementation of
specific procedures (regular trash pickups, prompt graffiti painting, etc.) to
get this lot clean and keep it that way, and will include our senior lead
officer, if he will agree, so that Vons, the neighborhood council and the
police can partner to address some of the more crime-related problems on the
lot before things get any more out of hand.
“I think we've accomplished a lot. They know the community takes these issues
seriously and I believe we'll see some good improvement in the maintenance of
this lot.
“As a side note, Von's does have plans to develop their corner property, and
will be presenting their proposed plans to the ERNC's Land Use & Planning
Committee in the next month or two to get community input. I know many of
you will want to participate and be part of that important process, as a major
corner of our community will see major change, so please keep an eye out for updates
as they come.
“If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email me:
ERNC_District2@earthlink.net . I appreciate your time and support on this
important issue.”
-- Jessica Wethington McLean, Sub-District Two Director, ERNC
* * *
"I am a traditional Irish fiddle teacher who has been playing
around town at gigs and sessions for 15 years. I would love to hear from
any other TERA members or e.letter readers who might be interested in learning
more about the lessons I offer on this wonderful instrument. Even
if you've never picked up a fiddle, (same instrument as a violin, by the way,)
you can still learn how to play, at any age. I teach tunes by ear, so you
don't have to read music to learn Irish Fiddling. Fiddling is a much more
relaxed style than classical violin, so it really is a lot more fun.
After achieving a certain level of competence, a fiddler can join in some
local sessions as well.
“All ages and levels welcome. I invite all interested parties to contact
me directly at (323) 254-8394.
-- Mary Morano, Eagle Rock resident, TERA member
* * *
“I’m writing this from Palo Alto, where I notice a Walgreens is located
on a tree-lined central boulevard and -- like all the other businesses on the
street -- occupies a building that fronts the sidewalk. No parkling
lot is visible. Pedestrians are alive and well -- and shopping.
“I just read Joanne Turner's letter [in last week’s e.letter] which
recapped the sorry and sordid history of the ongoing Walgreens debacle in Eagle
Rock and the somewhat disappointing ‘It didn't happen on our watch’ response
from Michael Cathey of Antonio Villaraigosa's office. Cathey is
technically correct, but I remember all too clearly the evening of League of
Women Voters candidate debate last spring at the Cultural Center when
Villaraigosa said, ‘If you vote for me, I will do something about that building
over there,’ pointing in the direction of the still-standing shopping bag
building across the street. Many of us took special note of this bold
promise and thought perhaps Villaraigosa's demonstrated political skills
at the state level would indeed make some kind of difference even at the 11th
hour. Some of us voted for him on this issue above all others. Maybe there
was a bit of wishful thinking involved, both on his part and ours. All
politicians make promises that might help get them elected. But
wouldn't it be nice if Antonio could actually deliver on this one?”
-- Sean Mitchell, Eagle Rock
* * *
“For what it is worth, my own
conversations with Councilman Villaraigosa have convinced me that he is doing
everything within his power to deconstruct the approval of the Walgreen project
supported by our former Council Member. I wish him (and Eagle Rock) well
as he works to fulfill his promise to do his best to stop it (or at least to
"tweak" it in a manner more acceptable to traditionalists such as
myself in Eagle Rock.)
As for the location of the old Van de Kamp's building:
The neighborhood adjacent to the intersection of Fletcher and San Fernando
road was traditionally (in the 30s when I lived there) called
"Northgate." When, following my election in 1967, I decided to
undertake marking the boundaries of the neighborhoods of Northeast Los
Angeles--and by so doing set off a flurry of activitity to follow our lead
throughout the City--I tried to avoid signing neighborhoods that were too
small, and so Northgate faded into history as I designated it as within the
newly-created Glassell Park. Glassell Park, which was originally only one
small subdivision near Verdugo and Cypress, was signed to include not
only Northgate, but a lot of other area that had no traditional separate
identification as well, such as the area around Eagle Rock Boulevard and El
Paso.”
--Art Snyder, Eagle Rock resident and former District 14 Councilmember
* * *
We welcome your comments,
complaints and/or compliments on the e.letter or any other topic of interest to
greater Eagle Rock. Please address your message to e.letter@TERA90041.org, and include your full
name, along with your city, neighborhood or professional affiliation.
Opinions expressed in the e.letter's "We've Got Mail" section
do not necessarily reflect the views of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA), the
e.letter editor, or The Eagle Rock Association Board of Directors, who reserve
the right to publish letters or other materials submitted to the e.letter at
their sole discretion. Letters or other material chosen for publication
may be edited for style, clarity and brevity. Please let us know if you do
not wish to have your comments appear in the e.letter.
17. THE LAST WORD
“In
the theater of confusion, knowing the location of the exits is what counts.”
-- Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
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
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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.
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
The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Vince Waldron, editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org