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

 

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

 

TERA

-- e.letter --

 

July 26, 2001

 

Please encourage interested friends to send their e.mail addresses to us at artburn@earthlink.net

so we can keep them informed, too.

 

In this issue:

 

1.  MORE GREAT PRESS FOR EAGLE ROCK! -- JULY 29 LA TIMES MAGAZINE -- COVER STORY!

 

2.  ART EXHIBIT -- "WOMEN'S WORK" -- OPENING RECEPTION AUGUST 11

 

3.  ELMER DILLS SPOT ON CAFE BEAUJOLAIS WAS POSTPONED TO JULY 29

 

4.  COMMUNITY MEETING -- GRAFFITI REMOVAL -- JULY 30

 

5.  EAGLE ROCK COMMUNITY MEETING ON NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS -- AUGUST 1

 

6.  COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL PLANTING DAY -- AUGUST 4

 

7.  HEARING ON YOSEMITE GYM PROPOSAL -- AUGUST 8

 

8.  NEW ART GALLERY OPENING IN NORTHEAST LA -- SEPTEMBER

 

9.  EAGLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET -- EVERY FRIDAY

 

10.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

 

11.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

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1.  MORE GREAT PRESS FOR EAGLE ROCK! -- JULY 29 LA TIMES MAGAZINE -- COVER STORY!

 

Look for the Los Angeles Times Magazine in this Sunday's Los Angeles Times.  That's Sunday, July 29.   A prominent article on Eagle Rock will be featured, and it will be the cover story!  Last Sunday's preview of the Magazine's next cover said:

 

"A retail desert that's long been ignored by the city, Eagle Rock has languished in the shadow of its hipper neighbors.  That may soon be ending."

 

We have every reason to believe it will be a positive, perhaps somewhat controversial article (after all, this is Eagle Rock . . .), but at the same time do great things for our community.  At the very least, it should be an interesting read.  Keep those eyes peeled, grab some high-test java, and enjoy!  (Join us at Fatty's that morning to celebrate -- read Item 3 below.)

 

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2.  ART EXHIBIT -- "WOMEN'S WORK" -- OPENING RECEPTION AUGUST 11

 

Women in Design Los Angeles and The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association are proud to announce "Women's Work," a juried art exhibition at the Gallery at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock, showing August 1 through August 31.  Opening reception will be Saturday, August 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

This exhibit will provide a forum for works exploring the myriad roles women play in the challenging realm of the visual communication arts.  As women artists and designers, business owners and activists, "Women's Work" will showcase dynamic works embracing women's lives, women's art, women's work.

 

Many Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles women artists will be showing their work, and therefore showing their true selves, including long-time, well-known community activist and business owner Linda Allen; her very vibrant, talented, and painterly daughters Candace and Mindy Allen; Patricia Neal, photographer and owner of swank coffeehouse Swork; Anne Richardson-Daniel, graphic designer and involved parent at Eagle Rock Elementary; and my own illustrator self, among others.

 

I'll bet many of you thought I was only a proud TERA-ist -- well, remember what my dear friend Phil Barbaro once so succinctly said: "If you want to get something done, put the artists in charge."

 

We hope to see you at the opening on August 11.  Please come and see what we women are truly capable of.

 

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3.  ELMER DILLS SPOT ON CAFE BEAUJOLAIS WAS POSTPONED TO JULY 29

 

Well, there was a golf tournament, of all things, on Channel 7 last Sunday morning, so Elmer's critique on Cafe Beaujolais was postponed to the following Sunday, July 29, which is this weekend.  While you're busy reading your Sunday LA Times paper and the Los Angeles Times Magazine taking in everything Eagle Rock (see notice above), watch Channel 7 between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. for this review of one of Eagle Rock's most happening businesses!

 

My friend Mary and I (featured in the Elmer Dills review) will be at Fatty's during the Sunday-morning broadcast hour to celebrate both the article and the televised spot.  Girlfriends Dingle and Aude (pronounced "OD" if you didn't know) will have a TV up and running.  The LA Times Magazine will also be there, along with the paper itself, many times over.  Car-nut Dingle and Haitian beauty Aude will have lots of copies of the LA Times for you to purchase and enjoy.  Or, bring your own copy.  Just come join us for great coffee and scones, or whatever your morning thing is, good company and great ambience -- and then savor the grand Eagle Rock moment!

 

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4.  COMMUNITY MEETING -- GRAFFITI REMOVAL -- JULY 30

 

Council member Nick Pacheco invites you to a community meeting on graffiti removal Monday, July 30, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock.  For information, please call the Eagle Rock/Highland Park field office at (323) 254-5295.  Please invite your friends and neighbors!  Sign language interpreters, assistive devices, or other auxiliary aids provided upon request.  TDD (323) 982-0872.  Community support can make it happen!

 

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5.  EAGLE ROCK COMMUNITY MEETING ON NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS -- AUGUST 1

 

What is a Neighborhood Council?  Neighborhood Councils provide a vehicle for increased participation in City governance and in decision making at the local, community level.  An active Neighborhood Council increases the ability of a local community to influence outcomes in working with the City regarding specific community needs.

 

This is Meeting No. 1, Wednesday, August 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., to be held at the Eagle Rock High School Auditorium, 1750 Yosemite Drive.  Discussion will include: What are the boundaries of Eagle Rock (oooh, that's a tough one)?  What will be our Neighborhood Council's mission statement?

 

Special guests from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) will be featured.  Sponsored through the collaboration of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, the Eagle Rock Community Preservation and Revitalization coalition (ERCPR), The Eagle Rock Association (TERA), Northeast Awareness Team (NEAT), Neighborhood Watch, and Occidental College.

 

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6.  COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL PLANTING DAY -- AUGUST 4

 

The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful will be planting at Alma Lodge, a board and care facility, on August 4th at 9am.  Alma Lodge is located at 1750 Colorado Blvd.  Please join us.  We are in need of Agapanthus and Day Lily donations for this project.  If you have any of these in your yard and would like to contribute please contact Esther Monk 323.255.4052 or John Stillion 323.254.6540 by August 1st.

 

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7.  HEARING ON YOSEMITE GYM PROPOSAL -- AUGUST 8

 

CASE NO:  ZA 2001-1778(ZV)(ZAA)-A1,A2

HEARING DATE:  WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

HEARING LOCATION:  RAMONA HALL, 4580 NORTH FIGUEROA STREET, HIGHLAND PARK AREA

HEARING TIME:  4:30 P.M.

 

Written testimony may be submitted prior to the hearing and must be submitted to the Commission office10 days prior to the date of the hearing.  If Monday is a holiday, it must be received by noon of the preceding Friday.

 

Please provide an original and 19 copies (sets) of all correspondence or exhibits.  All may be mailed in the same envelope and must on letter-size or legal-size paper (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14").

 

Any oversize photos must be folded to fit in the above-dimensioned envelope(s).  Any photo exhibits must be mounted on foldable paper or light cardboard.

 

Write the ZA case number above on all communications and exhibits.  All materials submitted to the Commission become City property and cannot be returned.  This includes any correspondence or exhibit used as part of your testimony to the Commission.

 

Send all correspondence to:

 

EAST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION

221 NORTH FEGUEROA STREET, SUITE 1600

LOS ANGELES, CA  90012

 

Don't forget to include the Case No:  ZA 2001-1778(ZV)(ZAA)-A1,A2.

 

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8.  NEW ART GALLERY OPENING IN NORTHEAST LA -- SEPTEMBER

 

TERA members Jennifer Rowland and Michael Gullberg are excited to announce the opening of Gallery Figueroa, scheduled for September.  Work is underway to rehab the space located at 6122 N. Figueroa Street just south of York Boulevard.  The Gallery will feature painting, photography, fine art prints, and other works by Los Angeles artists.  In addition, Ms. Rowland and Mr. Gullberg will offer figure drawing classes for adults and Saturday morning art classes for kids.  Events such as theatrical readings and musical performances are also planned

 

Mr. Gullberg is a professional fine artist who recently participated in Dahlia Days and the Eagle Rock Eclectic Home Tour, as well as the Noho Theater & Arts Festival.  Ms. Rowland is an art collector and dabbler who makes her other living as an editor.

 

We'll keep you posted as we get closer to a definitive opening date.  In the meantime, please call Jennifer Rowland at (323) 340-8024 if you would like further information.

 

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9.  EAGLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET -- EVERY FRIDAY

 

At the intersection of Caspar and Merton Avenues just south and east of Colorado and Eagle Rock Boulevards, Eagle Rock's Farmers Market takes place every Friday starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m.  Lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, bakery goods, cut flowers, potted plants, ready-to-eat foods, crafts, and gift items are offered.  A wide array of organically grown produce as well as foods prized in the Philippines are also featured.

 

A visit to the Farmers Market is a terrific way to end a long work week and help prepare for that weekend dinner party.  Come see friends and neighbors, and enjoy live music with it all!  Activities for children as well.

 

Sponsored by our own Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, please call Michael Nogueira at (323) 225-5466.

 

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10.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

 

"I think the daughter who bought the English-style house in Eagle Rock that was mentioned in your e-letter is my new neighbor.  When we bought our house 18 years ago, our realtor told us that this area would be the next to follow Silverlake as a favorite of the artistic community.  We have been patiently waiting ever since.  We endured a several years of graffiti and gang activity near Tommy's, and we were saddened as many businesses closed their doors on Colorado Blvd.  But now we are delighted that a turn-around is underway.

 

The plans for Eagle Rock sound wonderful, just what we imagined when we bought our beautiful Spanish-revival house.  I am so glad that we resisted the urge to move to a 'newer and cleaner' area, without the charm of Eagle Rock.  'Bravo' to all who have worked hard to make this happen in our community." 

 

--Marla Conti, Eagle Rock resident and new TERA member

 

 

"I really enjoy the newsletter and the tidbits of information concerning the community and am thrilled to be getting a TARGET soon.  In addition to shopping there, I know they are committed to the improvement of the communities they operate in.

 

As the mother of three small children, I am particularly interested in knowing if there are any plans within TERA to help address and improve the quality of our schools in Eagle Rock.  In particular,  I see a real need for a pre-kindergarten program within the public school system.  With excellent schools being a major draw for home buyers with children, it seems to me that committing to the schools is one of the strongest commitments you can make to improving the community in general.  Everything else will naturally follow!

 

I have been in Eagle Rock seven years and love it here.  Unfortunately I have watched many of my friends move to places like Valencia ". . . for the schools."  I would like nothing better than to be able to brag about our own quality of life and our schools while staying IN the city, in a UNIQUE home, with a mere 10-minute commute to work!

 

Thanks for all your hard work!

 

P.S. I could do WITHOUT a Starbucks, but would love an art supply store [YES.], a fresh-mex type restaurant, healthy Chinese food, and really ANY kid-friendly establishment. Swork has made a great effort along those lines. Trendy establishments sometimes tend to overlook the little ones.  As a parent I can vouch . . . if they build it kid-friendly. . . we will come!"

 

-- Stephanie Rush, Eagle Rock resident and fan

 

 

"Thank for you sharing the great news about Fred's Two!  We are former lifelong residents of the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles.  Since moving to Eagle Rock, the only thing we've really missed about living on the other side of town is the food!  Our family frequented places like Rosti, Ca' Brea, Mishima, the Larchmont Village area, etc.

 

We are so excited that Fred Eric has decided to open his next restaurant right here in Eagle Rock!  Will it be a 24-hour diner like Fred 62?  [Yes.]  We are thrilled!  Please keep us all up-to-date on the grand opening."

 

-- Randy and Staci Momii, Eagle Rock residents and loyal TERA members

 

 

" I sincerely love TERA and I love Eagle Rock.  I feel so very blessed that I was led to 1631 Hill Dr.  It happened as a fluke.  I was driving and made a wrong turn.  I guess it was a very right turn.  We have been here almost 6 years now and it's been the happiest of years of any environment after we got over the shock of no noise and gun shots that we endured at the time in West Hollywood.  Although they have cleaned up their act since, I am still very grateful that we live here.

 

And I love your emails.  We are in heaven here.  When I see the development on Colorado Boulevard, I just praise God.

 

Thanks for all your productive effort.  Please do not hesitate to call on me when any help is needed.  I remain a faithful and grateful Eagle Rock resident."

 

-- Carol McGrath, faithful and grateful Eagle Rock resident and TERA member

 

 

"The latest e-mail newsletter reported that Blas Automotive is moving out and the art framing business is in.

 

Mr. Blas, a member in good standing of the Eagle Rock Society of Automotive Professionals, who occupies only the rear part of the bulding informs me that he is not moving out.

 

However, the owner of Performance Auto Glass, who occupied the front part of the building, is retiring and moving. This is the area that the art framing tenant will occupy.

 

Mr. Blas's business is alive, well and growing thanks to, in part, the very effective and reasonably priced advertising he does in the Boulevard Sentinel.

 

Thankyou,"

 

-- Tom Topping, President, Eagle Rock Society of Automotive Professionals and publisher, BS

 

[Editor's note:  We reported in our last e.letter that Blas Auto "soon would be replaced by . . . an art-framing store."  We were wrong.  Tim Yalda's Designer Framing is indeed currently moving to the front of the building (replacing Performance Auto, but not Blas Auto, which occupies the back portion of the building).   Tim also intends to open an art gallery in the front of the building, in which international, national, and local artists' work will be featured and rotate about every six weeks.  Many of us have been wanting and waiting a very long time for this, and we welcome it wholeheartedly!]

 

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11.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes."

 

--Maggie Kuhn [taken from a bumper sticker on a car parked on Loleta Avenue]

 

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We welcome your comments.  Please include your name.

 

Please encourage interested friends to send their e.mail addresses to us at artburn@earthlink.net so we can keep them informed, too.

 

If you have changed your e.mail address or would like to be removed from this list, please contact artburn@earthlink.net.

 

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Joanne Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>

President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)