"Eagle Rock: Where land use planning is a contact sport"

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

TERA

-- e.letter --

March 6, 2003

In this issue:

1.  "TERA MAKES A DIFFERENCE!"  MEMBERSHIP DRIVE -- DEADLINE MAY 31

2.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY PRESENTS "THE TEMPEST" -- TONIGHT -- MARCH 6

3.  ROCK 'N BOWL IN EAGLE ROCK -- MARCH 8

4.  EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (ERNC) MEETING -- MARCH 8

5.  UPDATES ON L.A.F.D.'S COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) TRAINING CLASSES

6.  PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE WATCH

7.  GLASSELL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETING -- MARCH 10

8.  FIRST ANNUAL ROUTE 66 ART AUCTION -- MARCH 16

9.  CATFISH BITE OUTLET WILL BE FEATURED ON HGTV -- MARCH 16

10.  GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ON SALE SOON

11.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

12.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK



1.  "TERA MAKES A DIFFERENCE!"  MEMBERSHIP DRIVE -- DEADLINE MAY 31

Help TERA help Eagle Rock!  Our goal is community improvement and always has been.  These are the issues we care about:

o         beautification of our public areas

o        preservation of our historic resources

o        sensible land use and planning for our future

o        stable neighborhoods

o        a positive, balanced approach to business and residential development

o        adequate infrastructure and City services

o        public safety

o        thriving, pedestrian-friendly commercial districts that will keep our dollars in Eagle Rock

o        high standards for local education

o        open space for recreation

o        quality of life for family, neighbors and friends

o        a sense of community

o        our yearly Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour, and more


The way to get out the good word about TERA and our activities, and to advance our improvement efforts in Eagle Rock, is to include more businesses and residents.  This way they also  can be well informed of the issues, the same way you, our current members, have been able to enjoy.

This means strengthening our membership.


*To further this effort, we challenge each and every TERA member to recruit at least one new member today -- we welcome businesses as well as residents.

The first member to recruit at least five (5) new members at any level by May 31, 2003, will receive a $75.00 gift certificate for dinner at Eagle Rock's own fabulous French bistro, CafÈ Beaujolais.


Application forms are available at http://www.TERA90041.org/teraform.htm or inside our quarterly newsletter distributed around town.  Please ask those you have recruited to print your name clearly on the application form so we know you are the referring member.  Also, ask them to make sure the memo line on their check says "membership" (must be a one-year membership paid in full at any membership level that applies).

VERY IMPORTANT -- please encourage members you recruit to include their e.mail addresses.

TERA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-benefit corporation.  All membership dues are tax-deductible.


To find out more about TERA and our accomplishments, please see our Web site at http://www.TERA90041.org.



2.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY PRESENTS "THE TEMPEST" -- TONIGHT -- MARCH 6

You are cordially invited to an evening of Shakespeare as the students in Mrs. Hamlett's third grade class at Eagle Rock Elementary School present THE TEMPEST.

Thursday, March 6, 2003
7:00 PM
Eagle Rock Elementary School Auditorium

For more information please contact the school 323-254-6851



3.  ROCK 'N BOWL IN EAGLE ROCK -- MARCH 8

Classic Rock comes to the All Star Lanes, 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock on Saturday, March 8, 2003.  ROCK INC., an 11 piece classic rock band, plays the hits of Chicago, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, The Beatles, and Tower of Power.  One low price of $12 includes dancing to ROCK INC. (at 9:00PM), free bowling (including shoes), comedy club (at 7:30PM), pool and video arcade.  All ages are admitted (except in bar).  Rock N' Bowl dances will continue on alternate Saturdays.  For more information call (323) 254-2579.



4.  EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (ERNC) MEETING -- MARCH 8

The first official ERNC meeting with its newly elected board of directors will be Saturday, March 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle Rock Branch Library on Caspar Avenue.  The public is invited to attend.



5.  UPDATES ON L.A.F.D.'S COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) TRAINING CLASSES

In response to recent national "Orange" alerts and other worrisome world news, various individuals and neighborhood watch groups have expressed their concerns for a disaster preparedness program for their families and neighborhoods.  A few neighborhood watch folks have helped to organize the L.A Fire Department's FREE local, "disaster-earthquake-fire-terrorism" preparedness-training classes here in Eagle Rock.

Known as the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training program, the series of eight classes are open to everyone.  But due to space limitations, pre-registration is required, by Friday, March 7th, but every attempt will be made to accommodate those who call in later.

Classes start Friday, March 14th from 7 pm to 9:30 pm and will run through Friday, May 2.  Covered in the eight classes are: Hazard Mitigation, Fire Chemistry, Fire Extinguisher Use, Firefighting Techniques, Recognizing & Treating Emergency (Life Threatening) and Non Emergency Medical Operations, Response Team and Command System, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Info., Light Search & Rescue, Disaster Simulation and Critique and CPR.

The classes are conducted by an LAFD Disaster Preparedness Unit instructor, also a fire-fighter.  Because of the popularity and timeliness of this program, all LAFD instructors are booked through the month of May, with bookings up to January, 2004.  Therefore, a minimum of 25 people are required by the LAFD.

The classes are booked at the Eagle Rock City Hall at Maywood and Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.  However, there is a limit of 30 chairs and the room is a bit snug for more than that, so if we have more than 30 definite sign-ups, we will meet at Eagle Rock Elementary School's Multipurpose Room at 2057 Fairpark Ave., with ample adjacent parking.

With more and more recent government budget cuts, it behooves us to jump on this FREE community program before it is no longer offered.  We hope NOT to be faced with  a major catastrophic event, but should it occur, Eagle Rock will be ready for it, because this is our opportunity to learn from the professionals.  If nothing more, it will ready us for day-to-day emergencies and improve the quality of our community life.  It also serves to increase community spirit by bonding us in a common goal of protecting our loved ones and helping our neighbors.  And what better way do you know to get to know your neighbors?

A missed class can be made up by taking that specifically missed class elsewhere in Los Angeles, when given by the LAFD--a certification requirement.

For sign-ups and for further information, please call Marlene at (323) 257-3333 or e-mail at marlesch@hotmail.com



6.  PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE WATCH

A Weekly Service for Members
Vol. 6, Number 8, February 28, 2003
 ============================================
Prepared by Preservation Action,
Tel: 202/298-6180  Fax: 202/298-6182
mail@preservationaction.org
http://www.preservationaction.org
 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ==
PRESERVE AMERICA
First Lady to Announce New Historic Preservation Initiative

On Monday, March 3, First Lady Laura Bush is scheduled to announce a new historic preservation initiative during a speech at the National Association of Counties legislative conference.  The initiative, called "Preserve America," will encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America's natural and cultural heritage.  Preserve America includes awards to individuals and communities to acknowledge exemplary accomplishments in preserving cultural and natural assets.

The announcement is expected to include the unveiling of an Executive Order reinforcing and strengthening federal agency requirements to be good stewards of historic assets, with an emphasis on adaptive use and participation in heritage tourism.

The solid support of First Lady in this effort is an exciting development for the preservation movement.  Hopefully, her commitment will provide continued visibility for cultural heritage issues.

As always, contact Preservation Action at 202-298-6180 or mail@preservationaction.org if you have questions or concerns.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Advisory Council: http://www.achp.gov
American Cultural Resources Association: http://www.acra-crm.org
American Institute of Architects:  http://www.aia.org
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: http://aic.stanford.edu
Government Printing Office (Federal Register notices): http://www.access.gpo.gov
Great American Station Foundation: http://www.stationfoundation.org
HABS/HAER: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/hhhtml
H.R. 1861/ S. 897: http://www.stampoutsprawl.org
Library of Congress (current bills and reports): http://thomas.loc.gov
Livable Communities Task Force: http://www.house.gov/blumenauer/livable.htm
Michigan Land Use Institute: http://www.mlui.org
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~napc/
National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: http://www.nathpo.org
National Center for Preservation Technology and Training: http://www.ncptt.nps.gov
NCSHPO: http://www.ncshpo.org
National Conference of State Legislatures Data Base: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/arts/statehist_intro.htm
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse: http://www.enhancements.org
National Trust for Historic Preservation: http://www.nthp.org
National Park Service Cultural Programs: http://www.cr.nps.gov/whatwedo.htm
Planetizen: http://www.planetizen.com
Preservation Action: http://www.preservationaction.org
Renewal Alliance: http://www.senate.gov/~santorum/real/real.html
Resources and Research Tools: http://www.preservationdirectory.com
Scenic America: http://www.scenic.org
Smart Growth America: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org
Smart Growth Online: http://www.webmaster@smartgrowth.org
Society for American Archaeology:  http://www.saa.org
Society for Commercial Archeology: http://www.sca-roadside.org
Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities: http://www.splia.org
Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse: http://www.sprawlwatch.org
Surface Transportation Policy Project: http://www.istea.org



7.  GLASSELL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD  COUNCIL MEETING -- MARCH 10

Monday, March 10, The Board of the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council will meet at 7:00PM  at the Verdugo Recreation Center, 3650 Verdugo Road.  Everyone is encouraged to come.  http://www.gparknc.com



8.  FIRST ANNUAL ROUTE 66 ART AUCTION -- MARCH 15

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center (ERCCC) invites all to the first annual Route 66 Art Auction with proceeds supporting the Center¼s festivals, programming and exhibitions.
 Artists from all over Los Angeles have donated their work.  Among the artists featured are Kim Dingle, Elsa Dorfman, Donald Ferguson, Caio Fonseca, Kevin Hass,  Charles Karubian, Joyce Lightbody, Kelly McLane, Julie McManus, Dave Tourje, and Benjamin Weissman

There will be over a hundred pieces in all mediums.  Many minimum bids are affordable.  There will be both a silent and live auction.  Theatre, theater directors Nicolette Chaffey and Jeff Murray will be mistress and master of ceremonies with guest auctioneers.  Entertainment will be provided by Damon Zick and Friends and Leila Luna, a gypsy dancer.  Refreshments will be plentiful, including a complementary martini bar.  Please come help us celebrate the Center and its programs, festivals and concerts.

Art will be on display March 12 through the 14th, 1 ‚ 6PM.

The ERCCC is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, providing low cost art, music, dance and computer classes to children and adults of surrounding areas and communities.

For more information call Lui or Jenny at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, (323) 226-1617.  The Center is located just west of the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard at 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock.



9.  CATFISH BITE OUTLET WILL BE FEATURED ON HGTV -- MARCH 16
 
Eagle Rock's own Catfish Bite Outlet will air as part of a Segment for HGTV (HOME and GARDEN TELEVISION) called "The Finer Things."  This will be syndicated nationally on March 16th (Sunday).
 
"CATFISH BITE OUTLET WEB SITE"
 
Our new Catfish Bite Outlet Web site will go live one week before this segment, at http://www.catfishbiteoutlet.com.
 
The scheduled times for Catfish Bite Outlet on HGTV are as follows:
 
SUNDAY:                           MARCH 16TH
SHOW TITLE:                  "TRICKS OF THE TRADE"
SHOW SUBJECT:             "SHOPPING SECRETS"
 
SCHEDULE TIMES PER TIME ZONES AS FOLLOWS:
 
WESTERN
7:00 PM
10:00 PM
1:00 AM
 
MOUNTAIN
5:00   PM
8:00   PM
11:00 PM
 
CENTRAL
6:00   PM
9:00   PM
12:00 AM
 
EASTERN
7:00   PM
10:00 PM
1:00  AM
 
For more information about this segment go to HGTV.COM and search by program name Tricks of the Trade.
 
Also look for our on line shopping web site that will go live Saturday, March 16, 2003 -- http://www.catfishbiteoutlet.com

Gina T
President
Catfish Bite, Inc.
1-888-CATBITE
(Catfish Bite Corporate Office)



10.  GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ON SALE SOON

It's that time of year again to purchase the famous Girl Scout cookies -- eight varieties to choose from.   Please visit the Girl Scouts selling cookies at the various locations in Eagle Rock as follows:

VONS:  March 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 & 29

TRADER JOE'S:  March 8, 15, 16 & 29

SAV-ON/SUPER A FOODS:  March 8, 9, 15  & 29

BANK OF AMERICA:  March 8, 15 & 22

ALBERTSONS:  March 15, 22 & 29

BLOCKBUSTER:  March 8, 15, 22

WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN EAGLE ROCK:  March 22 & 23

ALL STAR LANES:  6pm on March 11 & 14

Aclita Velasco
Girl Scouts
Eagle Rock/Highland Park Neighborhood
Home Phone:  323-255-7258
e-mail:  avelasco12@yahoo.com



11.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

"In response to Karin Heyl's letter:

This is not-the-president of TERA speaking, but I'm pretty opinionated, myself, so here's my two cents. What I think about the state of the old Eagle Rock Theater painted a hideous blue is best illustrated in the following exchange between Winston Churchill and Lady Astor during a rowdy party.

She said, 'Sir Winston, you're drunk!'

He said, 'Lady Astor, you're ugly... and I won't be drunk in the morning.'

Once re-painted, the garish blue building will be beautiful in the morning.  All the paint in the world could never hide the ugliness of Walgreen's, Sav-On and all those mini malls that developers, drunk with greed, have crammed down our eyes.

Where there's an architecturally interesting building still standing, there's hope."


-- Pamela Lansden, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member

 
"ALL of Eagle Rock's residents are not against the Walgreens.  Many of us see it as a positive contribution to the community.  Plans are all well and good, but should not prohibit positive improvements (anything is better than what is already there)."

-- Donna Campbell, Eagle Rock resident

[Editor's note:  You're correct.  Not ALL of Eagle Rock's residents are against the Walgreens proposal as passed, and this is because these Walgreens-supportive residents see possibilities only in black or white.  When you say "anything is better than what is already there," you are seeing this situation only in terms of black or white, just like these residents are.  The gray area is vast, and it is well worth exploring.

There is always a better way to usher in a new development while at the same time respecting existing law and the clear wishes of the wider community.  Our Specific Plan does not prohibit positive improvements to our commercial corridor; on the contrary, it encourages it.  What it takes to work with our Specific Plan is creativity and a willingness to compromise.  That flexibility is written into the law, in the form of a Specific Plan Exception.

Most people here are not against the Walgreens, but only the current proposal, because it demeans and abuses our established law, our Specific Plan, which was conceived and implemented over many years by community stakeholders.  They, and the law, recognize that there is always a better way, a way that lets all involved come away with something positive.]


"I've followed your reporting on the 'Walgreens Fiasco' (can you tell where I'm headed?) with great interest.  As an architect I have dealt with Specific Community Plans through out the city, and though I've I whined and complained when they affected my projects I've grown to see the larger public interest they fiercely guard -- a public interest that inevitably made my own projects better by embedding them with contextual sensitivity, a sensitivity sorely lacking in the Walgreens project.

I'm outraged (understatement) at the City Council's decision and wrote Nick Pacheco numerous scathing letters about his participation in this travesty.  Am I just blowing in the wind to suggest that TERA organize a boycott of the future Walgreens?  I suggest that every TERA supporter write Walgreens and express their outrage and explain that you will never walk in the door of that business.  Walgreen's Corporate Office should be aware that their executives developed a brilliant marketing strategy that involves angering future customers, before they build a new store.  Nice move guys.

Walgreens Corporate Office
200 Wilmot Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 914-2500

Let's bring Antonio Villaraigosa's attention to the Colorado Specific Plan before the next project sneaks into our community.  He should be aware that the citizens of Eagle Rock, the voters of Eagle Rock, are watching and hoping he will care more about our community than his predecessor.  Thanks for your great work."

-- Jeremy Levine, Eagle Rock resident



12.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

-- Mahatma Gandhi


 

We welcome your comments.  Please include your name.



Joanne Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>
President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)