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

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

TERA

e.letter

June  12, 2003

"Thanks for the TERA weekly update.  I am continually amazed
by the level of professionalism and technical detail your group is able to provide
to your ever-increasing constituency.  What an asset to a community
buried in the LA bureaucratic shuffle.  I've only seen such vigor and intelligence
in Larchmont and Brentwood in LA, and even they don't compare.  
Keep up the fine work -- while frustrating --
very rewarding for the betterment of the community."

-- Tom Eidem, noted economic development advisor, San Clemente


In this issue:


1.  A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT--JOANNE TURNER

2.  HISTORIC PRESERVATION  IN LOS ANGELES NEEDS YOUR HELP--TODAY! JUNE 12

3.  TERA SEEKS NOMINEES FOR BOARD: NOMINATIONS DEADLINE--JUNE 15

4. TERA MEETING: "PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS"--JUNE 24

5. EAGLE ROCK COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER CLEAN-UP -- JUNE 14

6.  WALK THE PASADENA FREEWAY THIS SUNDAY AT ARROYOFEST--JUNE 15

7.   Y CANTO COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS ROY SAN FILLIPO--JUNE 14

8. "DOWN BY THE RIVER," FRIENDS OF THE LA RIVER COME TO THE ARROYO--JUNE 15

9. FINANCIAL PROGRAMS FOR BUYING OR RESTORING YOUR HISTORIC HOME--JUNE 17

10.  FIND OUT WHAT HARVARD DESIGNERS WOULD DO WITH THE LA RIVER--JUNE 17, 18

11.  DON A DISGUISE FOR THE CULTURAL CENTER'S FIRST MASQUERADE BALL --JUNE 21

12.  THE SW MUSEUM INVITES YOU TO DESIGN YOUR OWN DEER HIDE PARFLECH--JUNE 21, 22

13.  CALIFORNIA ANTIQUE PHONOGRAPH SOCIETY PRESENTS "OLD SPANISH SONGS"--JUNE 28

14. COUNCILMAN GARCETTI  CALLS FOR MORE POLICE PATROLS ALONG THE LA RIVER

15. "GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE TENORS" COMES TO OXY--JULY 10

16.  ADD YOUR NAME TO CALIFORNIA'S ANTI-TELEMARKETING LIST

17.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

18.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 


 

1.  A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT--JOANNE TURNER

I have had the privilege to serve as TERA's president for six years.  When I was first approached by then-president Tim Sanders and then-board member Phil Barbaro to consider taking the position, I hesitated, thinking I wasn't nearly organized enough to take on such a daunting task.  But my commitment to Eagle Rock and its improvement was strong, and it spurred me on to accept.  I leaped into the abyss; after all, I was raising my children here, and I wanted it to be the best it could be.

My goals when I accepted this position were to increase our membership, to gain positive visibility by communicating more effectively with our community members, to improve our business district by actively applying existing land-use laws and guidelines, to encourage more people to volunteer in the pursuit of community improvement, and to work harmoniously with other local organizations for the betterment of all.

When I became president, our membership hovered around 65 or so loyal members, and I am very proud to say that TERA now is actively supported by well over 1,000 members, including about 25 or 30 local businesses.  Thanks to volunteer John Urquiza, TERA has been able to reach out to a majority of Eagle Rock households via the wonderful and very professional quarterly newsletter that he designed and has produced for us for almost as long as I've served as president.  John also designed our logo, which is easily recognizable by most in our town and elsewhere.  The e.letter we developed in the last few years has also been extremely effective in getting the word out to our readers about meetings, hearings, special events, and much more, all with the purpose of empowering members of Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles to take an active role in improving our communities.

We have seen real, positive change in our business district and residential areas over the past few years, much of it due to TERA's firm support of our land-use laws, which were written and enacted to demand the high-quality development we deserve.  As our demographic makeup and needs were changing, the addition of attractive, desired businesses that preclude our having to shop in adjacent cities has helped make Eagle Rock a destination instead of a previously little-known town bypassed by the 134 freeway.

We've received well-deserved media coverage, highlighting our community's hard work and the many treasures that lie within our boundaries.  We are currently planning our fourth annual Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour, always a great success and a wonderful vehicle for drawing positive attention to our community in a variety of ways.  Our town has seen a dramatic rise in property values, because Eagle Rock represents the ideal small-town life: good neighborhoods, good schools with actively involved parents, an up-and-coming and very promising business district, and lots of volunteer opportunities to make our town even better.

Through our highly visible activities, we have been able to attract a sizable number of volunteers to help further our endeavors.  We've helped write grants and completed a number of beautification projects.  We've been able to partner and work with other local organizations for the benefit of the entire community.

I told myself that when the above objectives were well on their way to completion, I could pass the presidential baton to another leader.  Well, that time has come.  (In addition, I promised my family many months ago that this would be my last term as president.)  I have enjoyed very much the opportunity to serve this community and to lead such a terrific and essential community organization.  It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but our successes are many, and they speak loudly for TERA's, and Eagle Rock's, strength and vitality.

I want to thank my board of directors for offering such vision, intelligence, and vigor to the work that we do. What an incredible group I've had the privilege to work with these past several years!  And I want to especially thank all our volunteers and our many members, without whom we could not carry on.  Your support means everything to me and my board, to TERA, and to Eagle Rock.  Thank you all.



2.  HISTORIC PRESERVATION  IN LOS ANGELES NEEDS YOUR HELP--TODAY! JUNE 12

This just in from LA Conservancy Preservation Issues chair Ken Bernstein:

"Scorched Earth" Ordinance Hearing
Thursday June 12
(Today!)
10:00 am
Department of Building and Safety
201 N. Figueroa Street, Rm 900

The hearing on the "Scorched Earth" Ordinance takes place TODAY, Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m., at the Department of Building and Safety, 201 N. Figueroa Street, Room 900.    There, a hearing examiner will determine whether an illegal demolition of Bunker Hill's last remaining Victorian home has occurred and what the proper punishment should be.

The hearing is regarding the recent unpermitted razing in downtown Los Angeles of a Bunker Hill Victorian that was eligible for historic status.  The house was scheduled to be moved to Angelino Heights, developed in the 1880s as LA's first suburb, with lovely views of the downtown skyline.  It is very unfortunate that the wrecking ball got there first.  For shame!

Come and stand up for the history of our city!



3.  TERA SEEKS NOMINEES FOR BOARD: NOMINATIONS DEADLINE--JUNE 15

The TERA Board of Directors consists of at least five but not more than 15 members, all of whom serve a renewable three-year term.  The TERA membership votes every year for one or more new Board members, depending on the number of positions open.  The annual addition of new Directors promotes a fresh exchange of ideas, and it encourages new and more creative solutions to problems.  These conditions are vital to the health, welfare, and advancement of a well-run civic organization.

Directors must pledge to uphold TERA's mission and purposes (stated below),and they must have been TERA members for at least one (1) year prior to election.  Directors shall be residents and/or property owners in the Eagle Rock community.  No member may be elected Director who holds a federal, state, county, city, or other public office representing Eagle Rock or be a
salaried appointee of an elected official representing Eagle Rock.  No member may be elected Director whose business consists primarily of land development, representation of land developers, or activity in zoning or planning or land-use matters, which would conflict with TERA's mission and purposes.

The broad mission of this organization is to work for improvement of the quality of life in the Eagle Rock Community in Los Angeles, California, by providing research and education about Eagle Rock, participating in land-use and planning activities, and promoting positive community growth and beautification.

The specific purposes of TERA are as follows:

1. CHARACTER.  To work to retain the community character of the Eagle Rock
area, the Association's geographical focus, by participating in and
initiating activities suited to that end.

2. PRESERVATION.  To encourage preservation of single-family low-density
residential land use, open space, ecologically important areas, cultural
resources, historical sites and landmarks, aesthetic integrity, safety, and
the high quality of life in the Community.

3. PROTECTION.  To protect the entire Eagle Rock area from incompatible land
uses and encroachment upon its basic residential character and its best
qualities as a place to live.

4. DEVELOPMENT.  To seek and abet harmonious development of land and
buildings within the Community that is consistent with the character and
history of the neighborhoods, and to foster harmonious relationships between
Community residents and developers pursuing those same ends.

5. COOPERATION.  To promote cooperation among Community residents and
Community organizations concerning land-use, planning and zoning matters and
other matters affecting the quality of life in the Community, to disseminate
data and information on pertinent problems and issues, and to cultivate good
relationships with other communities in the Northeast Los Angeles District,
the surrounding cities of Glendale, Pasadena and La Canada Flintridge, as
well as all communities citywide.

6. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.  To promote comprehensive knowledge and
understanding of the Community and its heritage, and of the need to protect
the area's "small town" atmosphere and character.

7. GOVERNMENT.  To work with the City and County of Los Angeles and the
State of California toward the implementation and enforcement of legislation
pertinent to the Association's objectives and welfare.

8. LOCAL SCHOOLS.  To work with all parts of the community to improve local
schools within Eagle Rock.

9. EDUCATION.  To promote public awareness and education of issues affecting
Eagle Rock.

The TERA Board generally meets the third Tuesday of each month except around the holidays, and we hold public meetings at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center approximately four times each year.  Attendance at public meetings is preferred but not mandatory.  It is highly desirable for Board members to be computer-savvy or at least be computer-acquainted.  All nominees are asked to submit a biographical statement of 150 words or less explaining their qualifications, experience, and what they can offer to help TERA reach the goal of high quality of life for all who live in Eagle Rock.

If you know a TERA member who meets the foregoing qualifications and who would be willing to devote a certain amount of time and energy furthering TERA's goals, any TERA member may submit that individual's name for
nomination. A final slate of nominees is determined by the Nominating Committee, consisting of at least two but not more than five Board members, excluding the president.  Please call Kathleen Long at (323) 259-TERA, or Email her at KTLN@aol.com with your submissions.  Deadline for submission of nominees and their bios is June 15, 2003.

Joanne Turner
President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)



4.  TERA MEETING: "PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS"--JUNE 24

P U B L I C   M E E T I N G:
All are welcome!

Discover the economic,
social
and cultural benefits
of historic preservation!

"Preserving the Character of Our Neighborhoods"
with special guest, Catherine Barrier

hosted by TERA, The Eagle Rock Association
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
7:00 pm
Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center
2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock

On Tuesday, June 24, TERA, The Eagle Rock Association, is holding its quarterly public meeting, "Preserving the Character of Our Neighborhood,"with special guest Catherine Barrier of the Los Angeles Conservancy, who will speak on the economic, social and cultural benefits of historic preservation.

Historic preservation has been shown to make neighborhoods more beautiful, instill neighborhood pride, increase property values and decrease crime. This is a popular topic, so arrive early to ensure that you will have a seat.

For more information call (323) 259-TERA

Parking is available on the street & in the Bank of America lot.

To help defray the cost of the event, a contribution of $2.00 per attendee is encouraged.



5.  EAGLE ROCK COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER CLEAN-UP -- JUNE 14

Help Spruce up the Cultural Center
Saturday, June 14
8:00 am to Noon
ER Community Cultural Center
2222 Colorado Bl.

Come join your friends and neighbors of the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful and help spruce up the grounds of our lovely Community Cultural Center on Saturday, June 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Cultural Center is located at 2222 Colorado Boulevard, just west of Eagle Rock Boulevard.

For those of you who don't know, all the beautiful cacti and succulents that were planted on the Center's grounds a couple of years ago were donated by Eagle Rockers who simply thinned out plantings in their own yards.  Never throw a plant away!  Donate it to the Collaborative so it can be recycled and help beautify our town.

All are welcome!  The Collaborative consists of representatives of all local organizations in our town, plus anyone else who is simply interested in improving Eagle Rock.  

For further information about the clean-up or to donate plants, please contact Collaborative chair Esther Monk at esther@esthermonk.com or Mary Tokita at mtokita@earthlink.net.



6.  WALK THE PASADENA FREEWAY THIS SUNDAY AT ARROYOFEST--JUNE 15

Bike and Walk On the Pasadena Freeway!

On Sunday, June 15th you and your Northeast LA neighbors will have a chance to bike or walk on the oldest freeway in the American West during Arroyofest, the community festival celebrating the Arroyo Seco.

The goal of the event is to connect the communities of the Arroyo Seco, from Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles, and show how the Arroyo can become a model for creating more livable communities, communities with abundant parks, clean and convenient transportation, a strong sense of history and an appreciation for our region's cultural diversity.

The ArroyoFest Volunteer Steering Committee consists of representatives from environmental, transportation, community and cultural groups from up and down the Arroyo and throughout the region.

Bicylists may take part in a specially prepared 4, 12 or 16 mile ride.   For more information and important details on registration, please visit the arroyofest website:

www.arroyofest.org

Or call (323) 341-5091 or e-mail arroyofest@oxy.edu if you'd like an entry form mailed to you or are interested in becoming a volunteer.   



7.  FLOR Y CANTO COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS ROY SAN FILLIPO--JUNE 14

Here's the latest from our friends at Highland Park's Flor y Canto Community Center Collective and radical bookstore:

Political Speaker: Roy San Fillipo
Saturday, June 14th
7:00 pm
Flor y Canto Centro Comunitario
3706 N. Figueroa Ave.
Highland Park

Roy San Fillipo, editor of the newly published 'A New World in Our Hearts: 8 Years of Writings from the Love and Rage Revolutionary Anarchist Federation' will be speaking about his new book and the history of the Love and Rage federation.

Flor y Canto is a not-for-profit community center & radical bookstore run entirely by volunteers. We intend to create a social space that promotes the self-development & self-sufficiency of our diverse, multi-ethnic community of North East L.A.  We provide access to resources, services, cultural and educational activities that enhance our social lives. We want to encourage a dialogue between residents that aims for the sharing of ideas and skills that will propel the people of L.A. towards a more cooperative, non-coercive, and self-sufficient future.   Always free and  always fun.

Houra: Tuesday-Wednesday 3:00-8:00 pm,  Thursday-Friday 4:00-8:00 pm,  Saturday 2:00-7:00 pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

For more info: (323) 276-8350 or email: mail@florycanto.org

Flor y Canto Centro Comunitario
3706 N. Figueroa Ave.
(323)276-8350
www.florycanto.org
________________________________________________________________________



8.  "DOWN BY THE RIVER," FRIENDS OF THE LA RIVER COME TO THE ARROYO--JUNE 15

Friends of the LA River's
61st "Down By The River" walk
Sunday, June 15
4:30 pm
at Pasadena's Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park

The Arroyo Seco is one of the most prominent tributaries of the Los Angeles River.  Much attention has been focused on restoration of the Arroyo Seco watershed by groups including North East Trees, the Arroyo Seco Foundation, FoLAR, and others.  Sunday's walk will showcase a lush restoration area and  a never-concreted portion of the Arroyo.

And while you're at the Arroyo Seco, don't forget Sunday's ArroyoFest, where you can walk or bike on the Pasadena Freeway, and participate in festival to highlight community and environmental issues in the Arroyo area and the whole region.  Check out www.arroyofest.org

Friends of the LA River's (FoLAR) free, casual, non-strenuous river walks take place the 3rd Sunday of each month and are canceled in the event of rain.  For walk schedules and information on how to join FoLAR, see www.folar.org. And don't miss our new 'Third Thursdays' events!

Directions to Sunday's River Walk;
Departs 4:30pm from Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park - Thomas Guide page 565, grid F-5
By bike: Take Arroyo Blvd, go west into park across from Norwood Drive
By transit: Take the MTA 180-181 bus to Colorado and Orange Grove, walk south on Orange Grove, west on Arbor, south on Arroyo, west into park across from Norwood Drive
Car: Take the 134/210 to the 710 south, exit at the end of the freeway at California Blvd, turn right (west) on California Blvd, turn right on Arroyo Blvd, left into Park.  Or take the Pasadena Freeway north to its end, continue straight ahead to California Blvd, take a left on California, turn right on Arroyo Blvd, left into Park.



9.  FINANCIAL PROGRAMS FOR BUYING OR RESTORING YOUR HISTORIC HOME--JUNE 17

From our friends at the Echo Park Historical Society (EPHS,) comes word of this event:

ECHO PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY Quarterly Meeting
June 17, 2003
7:00 pm
Williams Hall, Barlow Hospital

Speakers from HistoricConsultants.com will speak about financial programs available to buyers or restorers of historic homes.
 
Thanks:

Kevin Kuzma
President
Echo Park Historical Society
(323) 860-8874
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EPHistoricalSociety/



10.  FIND OUT WHAT HARVARD DESIGNERS WOULD DO WITH THE LA RIVER--JUNE 17, 18

From Chuck Arnold, Project Analyst of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority:

Harvard University Graduate Studio of Design Final Presentation:
Los Angeles River Studio
Reception:
LA River Center Gardens
June 17th, 7:00-9:00pm

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design Los Angeles River Studio is complete. The aim of the studio was to study the Los Angeles River area and focus on potential connections between Taylor Yard, Cornfield, Confluence Park, planned bikeways and the Elysian Valley Greenway.   In February 2003, many people shared their personal experience and expertise in briefing the students as they came to Los Angeles for an in-depth look at the study area. Now it is time to see the results of the studio work.

The students will be coming to Los Angeles on June 17th and 18th for studio presentations which will be held at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, 570 West Avenue 26.   There will be refreshments during the evening presentation on Tuesday, June 17th, from 7:00-9:00 pm.    Or drop in on Wednesday, June 18th from 10:00 am-Noon.

Finally, in an effort to make the Harvard Graduate School of Design Los Angeles River Studio presentations accessible to as many people as possible, the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council has arranged for a presentation just after the monthly stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, June 18th. The presentation will start at 12:30pm at the

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works building
Conference Room A
900 S. Fremont
Alhambra

If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Arnold by email at arnold@smmc.ca.gov.



11.  DON A DISGUISE FOR THE CULTURAL CENTER'S FIRST MASQUERADE BALL --JUNE 21

"UNMASKED: The Masquerade "

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center Ball
June 21st, 8:00pm to Midnight

 

Itıs time to dust off your most swanky duds, shine your hoofing shoes, dawn a festive mask and come celebrate the summer solstice by dancing the night away.    The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center (ERCCC) invites all to ³Unmasked:  The Masquerade," a fundraiser commemorating the Centerıs sixth anniversary, with the proceeds supporting the Centerıs festivals, programming and exhibitions.    Miles Lichterman and Lonnie Roy are designing a dazzling décor that's bound to transform the Center into a glamorous European hot spot somewhere lost in time.  Morganne, the Divine Diva and darling of the press, is the eveningıs mistress of ceremonies.  The Los Angeles Times, L.A. Weekly, Flaunt, Paper Magazine and Venice Magazine have all featured Morganne and selected her performances as a ³must see.²  Also, throughout the night, a competitive ballroom dance team will grace our floors.  Disc jockey David Cabrera will provide music for all tastes, and there will be complimentary hors dıoeuvre and assorted desserts.  Prizes, an opportunity drawing, and a live auction will be part of the eveningıs festivities.  "Unmasked: The Masquerade" promises more surprise and spectacle than Eagle Rock has ever seen.  

Trip the light fantastic and support the Center.  Tickets start at only $20.00 and are available for purchase, along with a selection of masks at the Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock.

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.  The ERCCC also hosts three free festivals a year, as well as numerous concerts and exhibitions.

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



12.  THE SW MUSEUM INVITES YOU TO DESIGN YOUR OWN DEER HIDE PARFLECH--JUNE 21, 22

Parflech Design and Construction Workshop
Taught by John Bradley, Junior, Comanche/Cherokee
Southwest Museum
Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22
9:00 am- 3:00 pm

A parflech was a deerhide carry-all used by the Plains cultures, a item similar to our present day suitcases.  In this fascinating two-day workshop, Commanche/Cherokee artist John Bradley, Jr. will guide participants in the construction of their own deer hide parflechs.    

Saturday's workshop will cover techniques necessary to soak, prepare, cut and sew the rawhide.  After letting the raw materials dry overnight, workshop participants will return Sunday to crush pigments and paint their finished pieces.  Each participant should go home with a completed parflech.  

Members: $50
Guests:      $65
All materials are included with registration. Class size is small and reservations are required.

Call (323) 221-2164, ext. 221 for information and registration.

The Southwest Museum is located at 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, California 90065.



13.  CALIFORNIA ANTIQUE PHONOGRAPH SOCIETY PRESENTS "OLD SPANISH SONGS"--JUNE 28

The Southwest Museum Library Friends Group Lecture:
The California Antique Phonograph Society Project presents
"Old Spanish Songs and other recordings"
Saturday, June 28 at 2:00 pm

Members of the California Antique Phonograph Society will discuss and play material from the Charles F. Lummis California Hispanic Folk Song Collection, as well as selections from other wax cylinders.   This presentation is the end result of more than twelve years of volunteer work and expertise on the part of Antique Phonograph Society members.  

The lecture will be in the Carl S. Dentzel Reading Room in the Braun Research Library at the Southwest Museum.   Library Friends Members are free.  Tickets for Southwest Museum members are $5.00, and $7.00 for non-members (with special half price tickets for students and seniors.)

Reservations are suggested. Please call (323) 221-2164, extension 221.

The Southwest Museum is located at 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, California 90065.



14.  COUNCILMAN GARCETTI  CALLS FOR MORE POLICE PATROLS ALONG THE LA RIVER

From City Hall comes yet another river-related note:

COUNCILMAN ERIC GARCETTI CALLS FOR INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE ON LA RIVER             

At the City Council's June 3 meeting, Los Angeles Councilmember Eric Garcetti called on the Los Angeles Police Department to increase its patrols along the Los Angeles River.

Councilmember Garcetti stated: "The Los Angeles River is a rare under-utilized jewel in the City of Los Angeles.   The potential of  the river - for recreation, for appropriate development, for  environmental awareness and clean up - is limitless.  The River will only have the exciting future it deserves if we assure that it is safe."

Garcetti added:  "Residents and businesses along the river have complained loud and long about the crime problems facing the river from illegal dumping and graffiti to more serious criminal activity.  The Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River has adopted "Guiding Principles" necessary for river revitalization, and River Safety is one of these 'Guiding Principles." While we can explain that policing the River is difficult because there are numerous federal, state and local agencies which have some role in its upkeep and safety, our residents need action now."

Garcetti concluded: "Accordingly, I am asking the LAPD to establish a pilot river patrol program.  I believe that the LAPD and our neighborhoods will see significant results quickly, which will ensure that this pilot becomes permanent."

Garcetti today introduced a motion before the City Council seeking the Council's support for this pilot program.  Garcetti asked the LAPD to report on its findings to the Council's Public Safety Committee.  Garcetti's motion will be considered by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River on Monday, June 9, 2003, at 2:00 p.m.  Hearing dates in the City Council have not been set.

For further information, contact Green Deputy Glen Dake at 213/473-7013.



15.  "GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE TENORS" COMES TO OXY--JULY 10

OCCIDENTAL CHILDREN'S THEATER TO LAUNCH SEVENTH SUMMER SEASON JULY 10

The critically acclaimed Occidental College Children's Theater will present "Goldilocks and the Three Tenors," an original tale, plus three unique adaptions of traditional folktales for a seven-week outdoor run starting July 10. Performances will be in the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater on the Occidental campus.

In about an hour, a cast of six Occidental students, alumni and professional actors will perform without props, sets, or costumes, relying only on their acting and physical skills. "This dynamic company of talent actors ... is as fresh and entertaining as ever," the Los Angeles Times says.  

Beginning July 10, "Goldilocks and the Three Tenors" will be performed outdoors in the Hillside Theater every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. through Aug. 23. All seats are shaded from the sun. Tickets are $8 for
adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Group rates are available.

For ticket information, call the Occidental Box Office at (323) 259-2922.

As is the case every year, the script for "Goldilocks and the Three Tenors" will be entirely the result of cast improvisation, said Jamie Angell, the theater's artistic director since its inception.

"We work in the round, so the audience is right on top of the action," Angell said. "The unconventional material and the absence of props or costumes force both the actors and the audience to rely on their imaginations. It's remarkably different from most anything else you see in children's theater today."

Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Road in the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles. For a campus map and directions to the college, please visit
www.oxy.edu/oxy/welcome/directions.

Located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, 116-year-old Occidental College is a selective, nationally ranked college of the liberal arts and sciences. Its 1,800-member student body combines diversity with academic excellence, having won three Rhodes scholarships and scores of other national awards over the past 10 years.

Contact: Andy Faught  (323) 259-2534 or  afaught@oxy.edu



16.  ADD YOUR NAME TO CALIFORNIA'S ANTI-TELEMARKETING LIST

REGISTER FOR CALIFORNIA'S "DO NOT CALL" LIST

Are you aware that California has a "do not call" list?  If you choose to register your home, work or cel number on the list,  telemarketers who ignore your wishes and call you anyway could be subject to a federal fine of $11,000!  

For more information, go to http://www.nocall.ag.ca.gov



17. LETTERS AND E.MAILS

Editor's note
: We close this week's e.letter as we began: with a missive from TERA President Joanne Turner.  Here she takes The LA Alternative Press to task for a clipping that appeared in last week's e.letter  in which the paper implied that TERA's call for a boycott of Walgreens grew from our desire to "keep a Walgreens superstore out of Eagle Rock."  Here's Joanne's response:

"I very much appreciate your including the 'Press Clippings" from LA Alternative Press's segment in our last e.letter to highlight TERA's position on issues, but I must correct the LA Alternative Press in its characterization of why we have called a boycott of Walgreens.

The survey we conducted in the fall of 2001 regarding this proposal overwhelmingly proved that the community does not welcome a Walgreens store.  The results of that survey (a very impressive 26% response from approximately 1,200 recipients) make it clear that the community feels an addition of yet another drug store simply would duplicate goods and services already offered in Eagle Rock.  Also, the Planning Department erroneously approved this proposal, one that did not comply with our established laws, laws that were written by and for the benefit of the citizens of our town.  The city also approved this project without proper input from our community, resulting in well justified outrage throughout Eagle Rock and the Northeast area.  In order to address the viewpoints expressed by our community while accommodating a Walgreens store, TERA has since tried very hard over 18 months to encourage the company to work with the community to develop an acceptable plan that all parties could agree with.

The plan included asking Walgreens and its developers to meet our community halfway by restoring the existing building in order to respect Eagle Rock's history and maintain the current streetscape.  Each of these goals is in keeping with our land-use laws that were written for the benefit all of Northeast Los Angeles.  Even though the existing building offers the approximate square footage the company wants to build, Walgreens has refused time and time again to even consider the benefits of restoring the existing structure, even though it has done so at many other sites around the nation.  It's opting instead for a tacky building plan fronted by a vast, impersonal parking lot.  This awful proposal, which is completely contrary to the goals of our land-use laws, will only add more poor design to our city's built environment and erode the laws we worked so hard to put in place.  With all the commercial progress Eagle Rock has made over the last few years, this project as designed would simply turn back the clock and ruin our town center.

A few in our community maintain that the existing Shopping Bag building does not merit any kind of status that would qualify it as an architectural resource worth saving.  They are wrong.  We've done the research, and the building has not only been structurally retrofitted for earthquake readiness, but also it is definitely worth saving from both an architectural and historical point of view.  Even more importantly, the Specific Plan calls for saving "community significant" structures, whether officially landmarked as historic or not.  TERA proved by our save-the-building petition drive, collecting well over 2,000 signatures, that the community definitely considers the Shopping Bag building to be "significant."

TERA is not calling for a boycott of Walgreens because the company wants to move into our neighborhood.  We are calling for a boycott because Walgreens is treating us and our community, as major stakeholders, as if we don't matter except to the company's bottom line.  This is simply unacceptable, and it does absolutely nothing to gain the good will of the company's future customers, which is essential for a successful commercial enterprise."

-- Joanne Turner, President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA), and 27-year Eagle Rock resident



18.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 
     "Oh, that lovely title, ex-president."
                --Dwight Einsenhower (1890-1969)



We welcome your comments.  Please include your full name as well as your city or neighborhood.


The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
e.letter@TERA90041.org