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

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

TERA

 

-- e.letter --

April 11, 2002



 In this issue:


1.  TERA'S MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS

2.  GREAT NEWS!! -- EAGLE THEATRE/99-CENT STORE REBIRTH!!

3.  GALLERY OPHELIA GRAND OPENING -- APRIL 13

4.  EAGLE ROCK SNAPSHOT DAY -- APRIL 20

5.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! -- MAY 19

6.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE EVENTS

7.  HANDEL'S MESSIAH IS COMING! -- ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY -- APRIL 19

8.  FREE TREES!!!

9.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PLOTKIN GALLERY CONCERT -- APRIL 21

10.  DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SCHEDULES MEETING ON NEWSRACKS -- APRIL 22

11.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

12.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK.



1.  TERA'S MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS

March has become Membership Appreciation month for TERA.  Early in the month all members received surveys soliciting their feedback on what TERA does and how we do it.  On Tuesday, March 19th, approximately 60 TERA members attended the Membership Appreciation Meeting at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center.

The evening began with words of appreciation from TERA president Joanne Turner followed by an introduction of members of the TERA Board.  Survey results were next on the agenda with each board member addressing an aspect of the survey.  We received a very strong response rate -- more than 20% of the members returned completed surveys.  For the most part the responses confirmed many of the perceptions held by the Board of Directors.  A summary of the results of the survey is as follows.

Why did you join TERA:  Most respondents indicated they joined to either control development in Eagle Rock or to protect the value of their homes.  These issues are closely linked and are consistent with TERA's primary goals.

Communication (Newsletter and e.letter):  The vast majority rated these communications Excellent and Good.  A sizable number of members indicated they would be satisfied with an e.letter every two weeks as compared to the current weekly e.letter.  Moving to every other week is under consideration.   Many indicated a willingness to receive the newsletter electronically instead of via mail as it's currently distributed.  Developing the ability to discern members who could receive the newsletter electronically will require considerable effort due to developing separate mailing lists.  This concept is also being considered as a possibility by the board.

New Businesses in Eagle Rock:  There were no surprises in this area.  In order of priority:  book stores, arts related stores (supplies, framing, galleries, etc.) restaurants and specialty groceries are the businesses that 80% of the member respondents would like to see grow in our community.  Members have a strong preference for small business over chains and would definitely like a pedestrian-friendly shopping district.  TERA has been actively encouraging commercial development consistent with that feedback.

Events:  State of the Town (Councilperson speaks), Real Estate, and Focus on Business were the 1st, 2nd and 3rd most popular public meeting topics.  Member support of the Home Tour is extremely positive.  Regarding a family event, members were evenly split on whether it should be a picnic format or based on a play day linked to the arts.  A significant number of members expressed no interest in a family event.  The board will further consider our tentative plan to host a family event in the fall.

Tone, Spirit, Organization:  The most frequent comments were that TERA is well organized, shows a strong commitment to Eagle Rock and is very vigilant.  Our support of the Specific Plan, dialogue with the Council Office, and emphasis on quality of life in Eagle Rock were frequently pointed out as TERA strong points.  We were encouraged to continue our efforts to develop alliances with other community groups.  Toning down our rhetoric without giving up our goals and commitment was also strongly encouraged.  The board plans to further discuss this topic in the near future.

Beautification:  Approximately four years ago TERA initiated a committee to focus exclusively on beautification.  One of the outcomes of that committee in 2000 was to form an independent group known as the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful, an all-inclusive community based group that focuses in this area.  Members are supportive of current efforts and asked for more attention to unattractive signage and clean up.

Historical:  Survey feedback reaffirmed the support for historic preservation that has been obvious in the Walgreens efforts.  Members are very interested in the preservation of the mixture of architectural styles that are found in Eagle Rock.

What are the most important issues for Eagle Rock's future:  Beautification (graffiti eradication, clean streets), recruiting desirable businesses and reducing the undesirable businesses, preserving historic/older buildings, and keeping the small-town feeling were the issues that most members felt were critical to Eagle Rock's future.

Following the discussion of the survey, awards were presented to volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort in the following areas:

Beautification:   ANGEL CORRAL, RENATE CRUMP, DEREK CUNZ, HEATHER CUNZ, JOHN STILLION and BETTY TYNDALL.

Historic Preservation:   MARY ELLEN CANNIFF, ANTONIO CASTILLO, MARY CERVANTEZ, CAROL CETRONE, CYNTHIA FLORES, ANITA HULTMAN, JULIANA L. KREJER, PAMELA LANSDEN, KEITH LOUIE, CRISTI LYON, JEAN MUSMACHER, REBECCA NIEDERLANDER, JEFFREY SAMUDIO, DAVID SHUMATE, JENNIFER TROCHEZ and ERIC WARREN.

Home Tour:   JOHN ACEVEDO, TINA DELANY, TONY ESTRADA, MAEDALE GONGORA, TRACY KING, WANDA KUENZLI, MILES LICHTERMAN, MARY ROSE OíLEARY, ANNE RINEY, SUSANNAH SCOTT, LUCY SPURGEON, BILL STUTZ, JACKIE STUTZ and JOHN WAGNER.

Newsletter:   JOHN URQUIZA


TERA wishes to thank our following local merchants who generously supported this event:   ALBERTSONS, RALPHS SUPERMARKET, SCARANTINO'S RESTAURANT, TRADER JOE'S and VONS SUPERMARKET.

Another group we want to mention with a special thanks is Nancy Ackerman and her wonderful volunteers at the Solheim Lutheran Home for their tremendous help.  We really appreciate their contribution.

The meeting was wrapped up with a social hour that included food, drinks and music.  For those who were not able to attend, we hope that you will be able to join us next year so that we can thank you personally for your invaluable support.

Robert Gotham
Chair,  TERA Public Meetings



 
2.  GREAT NEWS!! -- EAGLE THEATRE/99-CENT STORE REBIRTH!!

Wondering what's been happening with Fred Eric and his Eagle Theatre/99-cent Store plans?  We recently got the great news that Fred has closed escrow on the property, so we'll soon have a working movie theatre and, next door, what we believe will be called the Nighthawk Diner, similar to the 24-hour (yeah!) Fred 62 in Loz Feliz!

We also heard the good news that Fred will be hosting jointly with the Council office a fundraiser to benefit the Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness (GLAD), whose offices are located in the lovely restored Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) building on Norwalk Avenue here in Eagle Rock.  The fundraiser, we are told, will take place in late May at Fred's theatre and will feature a showing of the cult film Rocky Horror Picture Show.  There will also be a Rocky Horror costume contest!

Details will be forthcoming in our weekly e.letter.  Stay tuned!!



3.  GALLERY OPHELIA GRAND OPENING -- APRIL 13

Gallery Ophelia Grand Opening!

Opening Reception Saturday, April 13th, 2002 6-9pm  

SHOW INFORMATION:

April 1st-30th, 2002. "Lucky 13" Grand Opening Group Show

        Featuring the works of 13 artists including - Miss Mindy, Candace Jeanette,
        Kimmy McCann, Rick O'Brien, Pete Metzger, Ronny Vardy, and many others...

        Indulge in fabulous art, a wonderfully appealing gallery space, music and refreshments!

(You have to see the bright red bathroom!)

2114 Colorado Boulevard
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
323.982.9945 http://www.galleryophelia.com

Gallery Hours: Tues-Friday 12-7pm, Saturday 12-5pm or
by appointment. (we are currently open)

Hope to see you there!

*There is a public parking lot around the corner south of Colorado on Caspar Avenue.



4.  EAGLE ROCK SNAPSHOT DAY -- APRIL 20

Local Officials, Noted L.A. Photographer Gary Leonard to Speak at Kick-Off Breakfast

LOS ANGELES - March 28, 2002 - All of Eagle Rock will be saying "cheese" on April 20, 2002 as part of the second annual Eagle Rock Snapshot Day.  On Snapshot Day, photographers from throughout the Los Angeles area will descend on Eagle Rock to explore the streets, stores, parks and churches to document 24 hours of everyday activities in the 90-year-old community.

The free city-wide event is a combination of fun and a contest for photographers of all ages, from school kids to seniors (and everyone in between).

Snapshot Day will begin with a kick-off breakfast on April 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Eagle Rock City Hall (2035 Colorado Boulevard) where local leaders will address the participants and then launch the photographic event. Noted Los Angeles photographer Gary Leonard is also scheduled to address the eager photographers.

Leonard is one of three judges who will be reviewing the photographs for the Snapshot Day Photo contest. Photographers will be asked to submit their three best Snapshot Day pictures for a competition. Judges will award prizes in various categories for all ages. Contest prizes, kickoff breakfast food, and volunteer help have been donated by local businesses.

More than 300 photographers from throughout Southern California participated in the last Snapshot Day in 1997. Organizers stress that they want people of all ages and experiences to come and have a good time - it doesn't matter if participants are shooting with professional equipment or throw-away cameras.

"For some photographers, this will be their first experience in visiting and documenting Eagle Rock," says local resident Lori Pond, one of the Snapshot Day organizers. "We invite newcomers to Eagle Rock and encourage them to come back. And for our local photographers, we see this as an opportunity for them to feel even closer to their community as they photographically explore it."

For more information, call the Snapshot Day hotline at (323) 258-3741. For free pre-event registration, a list of rules, categories and model release forms, visit http://www.snapshotday.com.  Interested photographers can also sign up at the kickoff breakfast.



5.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! -- MAY 19

Mark your calendars for TERA's annual Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour, to take place Sunday, May 19, 2002!  The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 4:00 p.m.

This is a fantastic and very fun event.  We have a WONDERFUL AND ECLECTIC array of fines homes this year -- from a lovely Asian-inspired Craftsman to a Richard Neutra-designed home built for plein-air artist Conrad Buff in 1927 to a lovely Spanish Colonial Revival to an Irving Gill-influenced home built only five years ago, and more!

Volunteers are needed.  There are openings for docents, ticket/brochure handlers, table monitors, etc.  All volunteers receive a complimentary ticket to our Home Tour and an invitation to our post-tour party, which is always great fun!  Please call Wanda Kuenzli at (323) 256-7297 or by e.mail at wmkuenzli@earthlink.net.



6.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE EVENTS

Environmental Club:
"Celebration of the Earth: A month long tribute to the Environment"
The Environmental Club desires awareness between the Occidental and surrounding community. Earth Day is celebrated nationwide on April 22. Last year the Environmental Club celebrated Earth Day with an Energy Fair, concentrated on educating the students and faculty with energy saving tips and various goods to help conserve energy such as our "Turn out the lights" stickers and the energy saving light bulbs from the Department of Water and Power. This year, we want to expand on the idea of the Energy Fair and encompass more environmental issues spread out over the course of April. To help educate the students, faculty, and community, we have organized a series of speakers, a film series, an Earth Day Fair, an art show, and resolution sessions to environmental problems. All events are free. For further information about any of our events, please contact Vanessa Bopp, (323) 341-4029, or email: bopp@oxy.edu.

Series of Events:

Speaker Series
April 11: Mike Feinstein
"Mike Feinstein on Green Politics"
Occidental College: Library, Galarza Room
Time: 12 pm-1:30 pm
For more information on Mike Feinstein, visit his web page:
http://www.feinstein.org/

Mr. Feinstein is a member of the Green Party and is very involved in environmental issues within Santa Monica and the state of California. As one of the co-founders of the Green Party in California, it is important to Mr. Feinstein to represent a party that can combine politics, economics, and environment. The Green Party is usually known as the environmentalists, however it is now encompassing more social justice activists. The party addresses issues like affordable housing, living wage, and environmental threats. Mr. Feinstein will speak about his involvement in the Green Party, the difficulties faced by the Green Party in a primarily two party political system, and issues he faces as the current mayor in the city of Santa Monica.

Film Series
April 11: Film to be determined
Occidental College:
Time: 7 pm- 10 pm
Contact: Colleen Callahan (323) 341-4384 Email: callahac@oxy.edu

Activity
April 14: Beach Clean Up
Meet at Occidental College, Carpool to Topanga State Beach
Time: 9 am- 12 pm
Contact Lauren Marlotte (323) 341-4243 Email: marlotte@oxy.edu

The Occidental Environmental Club has an adopt a beach, through Heal The Bay. We are having a beach clean up and could use your support to keep our environment a clean and beautiful place. Come out and catch some rays! You might even see some whales!
 
Speakers Series
April 15: Ian Hutcheon and Sharon Shields, Livermore Lab, Livermore, California
"New Strategies to Counter Threats from Bio- and Nuclear Terrorism"
Occidental College: Johnson Student Center: Morrison Lounge and the Ironman Room
Time: 12 pm-1:30 pm

Mr. Hutcheon and Ms. Shields are scientists that work in a government lab named Livermore Lab, in Livermore, California. Mr. Hutcheon has worked on various projects for the government. He, and Ms. Shields have done extensive work on bio and nuclear terrorist threats, as they are both highly educated scientists and advise the President on various measures that the public and civilian workers (such as police and customs officials) can take to prevent these threats from entering our country and keep national security at its best. In light of the events on September 11, 2001, Mr. Hutcheon and Ms. Shields can provide the Occidental students and faculty, and community with the science behind the past and present policies made to counter these relatively new threats to national security. This is a rare occasion to actually hear from professionals that combine science and policy together in their work. In addition, Mr. Hutcheon is an alum of Occidental.

Film Series
April 17
Occidental College: Room to be determined
Time: 7 pm-10 pm
Contact: Colleen Callahan (323) 341-4384 Email: callahac@oxy.edu

Art Display: April 21-April 26
Occidental College: Samuelson Pavilion
Time: Sunday, April 21, 10 am-2 pm
           Monday-Thursday, April 22- April 25, 8 am- 11:30 pm
           Friday, April 26, 2002, 8 am- 8 pm
Contact: Maggie Fleming (323) 341-4359 Email: flemingm@oxy.edu

The Art Display will feature paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, and many more! If you would like to display your art work, please contact Maggie Fleming.

Earth Fair 2002
April 22
Occidental College: The student quad
Time: 12:30 pm- 1:30 pm
Contact: Kim Foulds (323) 341-4029 Email: foulds@oxy.edu

The Earth Fair 2002 is an opportunity to expose the Occidental and surrounding community to various non-governmental organizations, government entities and environmental work here at the College. This event will host several organizations around the Los Angeles area. Please contact Kim Foulds if you would like to have a table at the event and supply information.

Environmental Problem Solving: Presentations of resolutions to various environmental problems around the Occidental Community
April 23 and April 25
Occidental College: Room to be determined
Time: 3 pm- 4:30 pm
Contact: Andrea Brown (323) 259-1407 Email: abrown@oxy.edu

Ms. Brown is a professor at Occidental College. She teaches a class called, Environmental Problem Solving. Analyzing and utilizing problem-solving approaches, the course includes inventory analysis and asset mapping of environmental and resource-based issues as they apply to the Occidental College campus and linked community sites. It will evaluate opportunities and barriers for environmental change, including decision-making structures, institutional and cultural influences, and policy factors. Topics will include "green building" strategies, energy and water use, recycling and materials use, hazardous waste generation and disposal, and landscape maintenance and pest management, among others. The students in this class will present their research on the various topics and solutions to these environmental problems.

Film Series
April 24: Film to be determined
Occidental College: Room to be determined
Time: 7 pm- 10 pm
Contact: Colleen Callahan (323) 341-4384 Email: callahac@oxy.edu

Speakers Series
April 30: Ryan Zinn and Oscar Canseco
Fair Trade Coffee, Biodiversity Conservation, and Social Justice Issues in Chiapas, Mexico
Occidental College: Johnson Academic Building, Room 200
Time: 7:00 pm
For more info, check out the web site: www.globalexchange.org

Mr. Zinn and Mr. Canseco will be speaking about the social justice movement in Chiapas, Mexico. Mr. Zinn works for a non-governmental organization called Global Exchange, a human rights organization dedicated to promoting environmental, political, and social justice around the world. Since their founding in 1988, they have been striving to increase global awareness among the US public while building international partnerships around the world. Ryan currently works in Chiapas on biodiversity and human rights issues. Mexico is listed in the top 5 of "mega-diverse" countries, meaning there is exceptional cultural and biological diversity there. The state of Chiapas is one of the most biologically varied places on earth and is considered the "crown jewel" of biodiversity. The Lacandon jungle covers the east portion of the state and is second only to the Amazon River Basin in number and diversity of flora and fauna species. During the last seven years Indigenous communities have disproportionately suffered the consequences of conflict and militarization. Now, even while the conflict continues, Chiapas has become a target for multinational corporations seeking to capitalize on the traditional knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples and pristine biological resources. They are working with indigenous groups to combat this destruction.
One of the threats the indigenous people face is the low prices for their coffee. Mr. Canseco will be speaking about fair prices for coffee and the situation of many indigenous people in the highlands of Chiapas. Coffee is the second largest US import after oil, and the US consumes one-fifth of all the world's coffee, making it the largest consumer in the world. But few Americans realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry often toil in what can be described as "sweatshops in the fields." Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt.
A new wave of coffee is emerging to cater to our cravings for justice as much as it does our cravings for caffeine. The Fair Trade certification mark has been developed to assure consumers that the coffee we drink was purchased under Fair Trade conditions. To become Fair Trade certified, an importer must meet stringent international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound of $1.26, providing much needed credit to farmers, and providing technical assistance such as help transitioning to organic farming. Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.



7.  HANDEL'S MESSIAH IS COMING! -- ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY -- APRIL 19                
                                                       
The Occidental Glee Club and The nationally renowned Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra and Professional Soloists --Friday, April 19th at 8:00pm in Thorne Hall -- purchase tickets online http://www.oxybookstore.com/occolgleclub.html             

"The orchestra sounds like it's playing for gods." -- National Public Radio  

Anne Wolf
awolf@oxy.edu
323-259-2828



8.  FREE TREES!!!


The Department of Water and Power and North East Trees
are giving out free trees through the
 
Trees for a Green LA Program
 

All you have to do is join us for a brief training workshop
  
Wednesday, April 17th, 6:30pm
Bellevue Recreation Center
826 Lucile Avenue
Los Angeles 90026
 
Thursday, April 25th, 6:30pm
Silverlake Recreation Center
1850 West Silverlake Drive
Los Angeles 90026
 
Tuesday, April 30th, 6:30pm
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles 90012
 
Contact North East Trees for more info.
323 441 8634
info@northeasttrees.org
or go to:
www.greenla.com
or call:
1-800-473-3652
 
We hope to see you there!!!!!



9.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PLOTKIN GALLERY CONCERT -- APRIL 21

The Eagle Rock High School Alumni Association Presents the Seventh Annual Plotkin Gallery Concert featuring the ERHS Concert Choir and Orchestra on Sunday, April 21, 2002 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.  The Plotkin Gallery is located at 20581 Canada Road, Lake Forest in Orange County.  Take the 5 Freeway South to Bake Parkway and go east until Dimension Drive.  Turn right on Dimension and turn left onto Canada.  This is a free of charge event for all to enjoy an outstanding Choir and Orchestra.  For reservations call:  Anita Garcia 626-285-5254.

 

Contact: Marshall Lowe

(213) 978-0330; (213) 978-0333



10.  DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SCHEDULES MEETING ON NEWSRACKS -- APRIL 22

LOS ANGELES (March 28, 2002)The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works has scheduled a meeting in the northeastern area of the city in an effort to gain input from the community on the placement of newsracks in public places.

The meeting will be held on April 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Ramona Hall Recreation Center, located at 4580 N. Figueroa St.

"We urge the public to come, learn and participate in an official hearing about public works activities that affect your community," said Ellen Stein, Board of Public Works commissioner. Stein, along with BPW Commissioner Janice Wood, will co-chair the meeting.

"Public comment is needed because it will help when future decisions are made on the issue of the placement of newsracks in public areas," Wood added.

Members of the public are urged to come to the meeting to offer any suggestions they have about where newsracks should be located, how many should be located at a single site, their appearance, size or how they should be maintained. "All suggestions are welcome," Stein and Wood said.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for construction, renovation and operation of public facilities and infrastructure, ranging from curbside collection and graffiti removal to maintenance of sidewalks, bridges, sewers and streetlights; management of wastewater treatment plants and design of public buildings.

For more information, call the Department of Public Works Public Affairs Office at (213) 978-0330 or (213) 978-0333.



11.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

" I really look forward to your e-letter.  It's easier to keep up on community happenings since you began publishing.   Keep up the great work!"

-- Donna Robey-Sullivan, Executive Director of ROCK (Reach Our Community Kids), Eagle Rock resident, and TERA member


"Thanks again for all the work you're doing in bringing this community together. I always get a rush when I see the new e-newsletter popping up in my basket late at night (although, being a print guy, it would break my heart if the quarterly mailout got discontinued [Editor's note: it's not -- we're just behind])."

-- Chris Willman, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member



12.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"A vision without a task is but a dream. A task without a vision is drudgery. A vision with a task is the hope of the world."

-- Inscription from a church in Sussex, England, 1730


We welcome your comments.  Please include your name.




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