THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION
The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood

TERA

e.letter


August 21, 2003

In this issue:

WESTWAYS  magazine looks in on the home tour  
(#2)

"Friends of the River movie benefit: see "THEM!"  under the stars  
(#4)

Shakespeare's  Birnam Wood on the Arroyo?  (#5)


Table of  Contents:

1.  A MESSAGE FROM TERA PRESIDENT HILARY NORTON OROZCO

2.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MAKES WESTWAYS MAGAZINE!

3.  HOME TOUR ON THE HORIZON -- OCTOBER 19

4.  FRIENDS OF THE RIVER INVITE YOU TO JOIN "THEM" AT THE MOVIES -- THURSDAY, AUGUST 21--TONIGHT!

5.  EAST LA REP BRINGS SHAKESPEARE TO THE PARK -- AUGUST 23 and 24

6. "GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE TENORS" GO INTO HIBERNATION -- MUST CLOSE AUGUST 23

7.  JAZZ ON A SUMMER'S DAY -- AUGUST 24

8.  STRIKE UP THE BIG BAND -- AUGUST 24

9.  TALK TO THE HAHN -- AUGUST 29

10.  SUMMER SALON AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST

11.  VISIT THE NEW ARROYO SECO LIBRARY AND TALK TO THE ARCHITECT WHO DESIGNED IT -- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

12.  WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

13.  WANTED:  SINGLE MOM SEEKS SPACE

14.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

15.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK --  RALPH WALDO EMERSON


1.  A MESSAGE FROM TERA PRESIDENT HILARY NORTON OROZCO

I am very pleased to announce our new tagline -- "The Eagle Rock Association, the best investment you can make in your neighborhood."  For only a $20 membership fee, TERA and its members are helping to make positive change throughout Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles.

While we are not the only highly effective organization Eagle Rock has, we have galvanized our all-volunteer membership toward improvements and investment in this community for over 15 years.  If you are not already a member, please join today!

An example of our positive investments is TERA's co-sponsorship of this summer's final Concert in the Park with the Coffee Table, owned by TERA Board member Michael Zamarripa.  Michael Noguiera and the Eagle Rock Chamber have done such a fabulous job of programming this summer festival, we wanted to show our support. Great job, Michael! Please see details on the concert below.

See you at Eagle Rock Park on Sunday!

--Hilary Norton Orozco


2.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MAKES WESTWAYS MAGAZINE!

TERA's fourth annual Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour is publicized in the September/October issue of Westways magazine, thanks to the efforts of TERA Board member Suzanne Prieur!  On page 94, under "Arts and Crafts Affairs," it states:

"October 19, Eagle Rock.  The Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour includes several Craftsman and Colonial homes and gardens.  Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 for [TERA] members, and $15 at the event.  (626) 844-2256; www.tera90041.org."


3.  ECLECTIC HOME TOUR ON THE HORIZON -- OCTOBER 19

Speaking of the social event of Eagle Rock's fall season, we trust you've already blocked out the following date on your personal calendar:

The 4th Annual

Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour

Sunday, October 19, 2003
10:00 am­4:00 pm

Tour some of the most lovely and interesting homes and gardens in our historic community, starting with The Women's 20th Century Club Craftsman building, constructed in 1913.  The club, now celebrating its 100 year anniversary, was formed by the progressive women of Eagle Rock, which, at that time, was a small agricultural village.  Their purpose was "self-improvement along social and intellectual lines."

TERA will also be hosting an exhibit of plein air painting, an art form which celebrates the natural beauty of the outdoors and has historic roots in the community.

Tour goers will also have the opportunity to visit homes built over the course of the last century in the variety of styles which make Eagle Rock, "L.A.'s Hometown," so unique.

Volunteers and docents are needed to help organize this event, as well as to help out on the weekend of the tour.  Your participation earns you an invitation to the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour wrap party, a highlight of Eagle Rock's social calendar.

 

If you'd like to volunteer to help make this event a success, send an email reply to this e.letter with the subject heading, "Home tour volunteer."  Don't forget to include your name and phone number.


4.  FRIENDS OF THE RIVER INVITE YOU TO JOIN "THEM" AT THE MOVIES -- AUGUST 21 -- TONIGHT!

The Friends of the LA River present a benefit screeing of  the 1954 science fiction classic:

"THEM!"
projected on a giant outdoor screen

Thursday, August 21
Doors open at 7:00 pm, film screens at dusk
Los Angeles Media Tech Center
Cypress Park
(off  San Fernando Rd at the north end of Taylor Yard)

Don't miss this last FoLAR (Friends of the L.A. River) consciousness-raising, must-do, be-there or be-square, Summer Event!  Thrill to the sight of Big Jim Arness and an (almost) all-star cast as they attempt to save LA from an invasion of creepy 30 foot giant ants!  (Okay...okay, so maybe the ants are kinda cheesy-looking -- they're still fun to scream at!)   Don't miss this chance to see "Them!" screened, for the first time in 65,000 years, under the glow of the angry red planet.  

If you've been to any of FoLAR's previous events this summer,  you already know that the crowd will be at least as cool as the movie, so hop on your flying saucer, thumb a ride from Mothra, or just have your alien abductors drop you off at Taylor Yard for an evening of 1950's style thrills and chills.

The film screens at dusk.  Requested donation: $10.00 to $250.00.

For more information, go to http://www.folar.org, or call (323) 223-0585 during business hours.


5.  EAST LA REP BRINGS SHAKESPEARE TO THE PARK -- AUGUST 23 and 24

Our friends at the East Los Angeles Repertory Theatre Company sent us this update on their Shakespeare in the Park event this weekend:

EAST LOS ANGELES REPERTORY THEATRE COMPANY
presents
MACBETH
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Jesus A. Reyes

Free Shakespeare in the Park
Saturday, August 23
11:30 am
Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco
5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles
and
Sunday, August 24
11:30 am
Sycamore Grove Park
4702 N. Figueroa, Los Angeles

Featuring:
Karina R. Gonzalez, Mercedes Castro, Fanny Garcia, Juan E. Carrillo, Carla Pantoja, Carlos Calderon, Marcelo Olivas, Maria Gonzalez, Rena Trujillo, Carlos Madrid Mora, Jesus Vargas Hernandez, Julia Sanchez.

Bring your tables, blankets, and big hats and join the fun!  The Sycamore Park show will be performed close to the Ramona Center, and the Arroyo Seco site is on a slope near the main street, directly across from the bridge.  If you get lost, just look for actors wearing battle gear and carrying swords.  

East Los Angeles Repertory Theatre Company provides a platform for Latino artists by producing the works of established and emerging playwrights of Latino heritage.  The company also produces classical theatre for a wide audience, with free outdoor productions as well as special programs for educational and community groups.

For more information email: eastlarepertory@hotmail.com


6. "GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE TENORS" TO GO INTO HIBERNATION -- MUST CLOSE AUGUST 23

Don't miss the final performances of:

Goldilocks and the Three Tenors

Closes August 23rd

Just a few more days to catch the latest production of the critically acclaimed Occidental College Children's Theater, "Goldilocks and the Three Tenors."   The show features the original title tale, plus three unique adaptations of traditional folktales.  Performances are presented in the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater on the Occidental campus through August 23rd.

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

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

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

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 http://www.oxy.edu/oxy/welcome/directions.


7.  JAZZ ON A SUMMER'S DAY--AUGUST 24

A not-to-be-missed musical  family event!  

The 10th Annual Monterey Hills Jazz Festival

Sunday, August 24, 2003
12:00 noon to 7:00 pm
Via Marisol, between Via Colin and Via Arbolada,
in Monterey Hills, (not far from South Pasadena)

Many fine jazz bands will perform, including  the Susie Hansen Latin Band, (from 1:50 pm until 3:20,) followed by the LA Mambo Combo, to name only two. The entire event runs from 12 noon until 7pm, and all are invited.

The festival will take place on Via Marisol, between Via Arbolada and Via Colina.  Festival parking is limited on site, so please plan to park in the Monterey Plaza Shopping Center, located on Monterey Road between Avenue 60 and Via Marisol.  There will be shuttle service to take you directly to the festival and back from 11:30 am to 7:30pm.  Via Marisol will be closed to through traffic from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

For more information, call (323) 225-8983.


8.  STRIKE UP THE BIG BAND -- AUGUST 24

The Festive Finale to the Eagle Rock Summer Concert Series!

A Nostalgic Big Band Show

and gala closing night festivities
Sunday, August 24
6 - 8 pm
Eagle Rock Park Recreation Center
Co-sponsored by TERA and The Coffee Table

Join your neighbors for the final event in this season's outdoor concert series, A Nostalgic Big Band Show, co-sponsored by TERA and The Coffee Table.  The Eagle Rock Summer Concerts in the Park, a program of local businesses and the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, take place on selected Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the area behind the Eagle Rock Park Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista, just this side of Figueroa Boulevard.   Everyone is invited.   TERA will be giving away free seed packets!


9.  TALK TO THE HAHN -- AUGUST 29

From our friends at the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council comes this:

The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council is pleased to announce that a representative from Mayor James Hahn's Office will be joing us at the ERNC Outreach Booth at the Farmer's Market on Friday, August 29th from 5 pm - 9pm.  Information about City Services will be available.   Come meet the Mayor's staff and share your vision for Eagle Rock with your ERNC representatives.   If you would like more information, please contact Anita Hultman at District3@EagleRockCouncil.org or (323) 257-6381. Hope to see you there!


10.  SUMMER SALON AT GALLERY OPHELIA -- EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST

SUMMER SALON:


A salon-style show featuring works by local artists
through August 29th, 2003

Gallery Ophelia

2114 Colorado Boulevard
Eagle Rock

Includes works by:
Katrina Alexy - collages
Miss Mindy -paintings
Linda Johnstone-Allen - paintings, handmade masks
Candace Jeanette - paintings and collages
Cynthia Paige Aaron -assemblages
Courtney Regli - collage
Kevin Hass -photography
Rebecca Johnson - photography
Jennifer Murphy - mixed media
Victor Moreno -photography
Kelly Reemsten - paintings
Clarissa Castillo - mixed media
Kimmy McCann - paintings
Wendy Lang - photographs

GALLERY HOURS:
Wednesday-Saturday, 12:00-6:00pm

For more information:
http://www.galleryophelia.com
or call (323) 982-9945


11.  VISIT THE NEW ARROYO SECO LIBRARY AND TALK TO THE ARCHITECT WHO DESIGNED IT -- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Architect Tom Michali

talks about designing the new
Arroyo Seco Regional Library
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monday, September 8, 2003 
Arroyo Seco Library Community Room
6145 North Figueroa Street
Highland Park

Highland Park Heritage Trust (HPHT) will host architect Tom Michali of M2A in Hollywood, the designer of the Highland Park's newly opened Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library.   Come learn how the Mr. Michali and his colleagues created this new gateway project in Highland Park with input from the community and local preservationists.   The historic Arroyo Seco Regional Library began serving the community in 1894, when 22 local women created a subscription library in a rented store at the corner of Avenue 64 and Eagle Rock Avenue in Garvanza.   The library moved to its present site in 1914.


12.  WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Our Garvanza neighbor Gloria Estrada compiled this helpful list of city service numbers and was nice enough to share them with us:

City of LA Services Contact Numbers

City of LA Information............3-1-1
Customer Service Center.........800-CITY (2489)
Sewer Service charge................800-540-0952
Board of Public Works.............213-485-3719
Street Services............................800-996-2489
Assessments & Lot Cleaning...213-485-3465
Operation Clean Sweep............800-611-2489
Animal Services.........................213-473-7550
Nuisance Alley conversion.....213-473-8314
Public Affairs Office...................213-473-3623
Street Lighting............................800-303-5267
Street Tree Trimming...............800-996-CITY (2489)
Stormwater..................................800-974-6039
Hazardous Household waste...800-988-6942
Used Oil Disposal.......................800-98-DISPOSAL (34776725)
Recycling at work.......................213-473-8228
Apartment Recycling info........213-473-8228
Donation opportunties..............213-473-8228
FREE BULKY ITEM PICK-UP...800-773-CITY (2489)
Excessive Brush collection........800-773-CITY (2489)


13.  WANTED:  SINGLE MOM SEEKS SPACE

Wanted: Private living space for responsible, committed Eagle Rock activist and part-time single parent.  Will consider house-sitting and/or gardening/yardwork to offset rent; can pay up to $700 per month. Seeking a backyard cottage, duplex or single with separate entrance in a character home. Excellent references. Call 323/257-5886.


14.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

"Last Friday, without any warning to the neighborhood, Occidental College began cutting down the trees on Mount Fiji, the highest hill in Eagle Rock, located right behind Eagle Rock High.   By 1:00 that afternoon, [work crews] had cut down a dozen or so trees on the south side of the hill. Most of the trees Oxy cut down were sycamores over 30 feet tall.  We understand that Oxy's plan is to cut down every tree on the hill except the few oaks that have trunks over 4" in diameter that are protected by law.

"Why are the trees being cut down?  Oxy's Director of Communications, Jim Tranquada, told members of the neighboring community that Occidental had some tree trimmers on campus last week and thought now would be a good time to cut down the trees on Mt. Fiji, in case they decide to build something there someday.  He said, 'They are going to be cut down some day and it might as well be now!'

"If the Oxy Administration is not stopped now, we estimate that more than a hundred trees will be cut down, and most of the trees on Mount Fiji will be lost forever.   The Oxy Administration and the Councilman need to hear from you!  Thanks."
-- B. Morgan Martin, Eagle Rock,  CACT (Community Against Cutting Trees)

When we received Mr. Morgan's email, we contacted Oxy's communications office to offer the college an opportunity to respond.  As of Wednesday evening, we have  yet to hear from them on this issue.

* * *

"Thanks for another great TERA e.letter.  The e.letter is always one of the things I brag about to anyone coming into the neighborhood.  It is one of the most important ways we create such a fantastic, all-inclusive feel.

"I was hoping you would use this great forum to make everyone aware of a way we can be better stewards to our community.  When putting up fliers for garage sales, lost dogs, yellow ribbons, etc. please do not put staples or nails into our trees.    The bark of a tree is very important for it to get its nutrients.  I've seen trees along Hill and on Colorado who have so many holes the tree is covered in scabs.

"You can always use packing tape, wrapped around the tree once.  This assures your sign will stay up, but that our so important trees will be here for many more years.  Thanks all..."
--Rebecca Niederlander, Eagle Rock homeowner, tree-hugger and TERA member


* * *

Our piece on the grand opening of the Curves  Center in last week's e.letter prompted this note from Eagle Rock fitness guru Rick Caputo:

"There is another Fitness Center that has been in operation for two years now under the "Fitness" sign at 2161 Colorado Boulevard (on the 2nd floor of Colorado Square.)   We are called The Dynamic Advantage: Your Professional Fitness Team.

"Our clientele is 95% women, and we provide personalized fitness in a group setting as well as one-on-one personal training."
--Rick Caputo, Eagle Rock resident

* * *


The Los Angeles Conservancy's plea for support to save the Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard moved at e.letter reader Jennifer Tróchez to pen an impassioned plea on the hotel's behalf, and she was kind enough to share the following excerpt with us:

"My fiancé and I just returned from a vacation in Charleston, South Carolina and in Atlanta and Savannah, GA.  We were amazed by the beauty found in so many places that were renovated, rather than razed, by individuals and organizations who had committed themselves to the preservation of buildings and sites that have historic value.  Preserved buildings had new and creative uses.  In Savannah, old cotton warehouses now housed shops and restaurants; in Charleston, an old fire-engine company now housed a lawyer's office and the Old Slave Mart Museum.  During our vacation, my fiancé and I also had the opportunity to stay, eat at and visit places that brought colonial and civil war history alive for us.  We sat in the same church where George Washington prayed over 200 years ago; we listened to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech while sitting in a pew in Ebenezer Baptist Church.  We visited several homes of people long gone who played an important role in American history, including the home and neighborhood in which Dr. King, Jr. was born and grew up.  Because these buildings were saved and not destroyed, we were able to immerse ourselves in a time and place that were not ours.  And by doing so, we had the opportunity to enjoy the work done to preserve these buildings, as well as to think about, discuss and learn from the history we experienced.

"As a result of this trip, I feel strongly about preserving our past in Los Angeles.  It is critical for us as a community to preserve as much of our history for future generations to enjoy."
-- Jennifer Tróchez, Highland Park


15.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Could Shakespeare give a theory of Shakespeare?"
       -- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803­1882)


We welcome your comments.  Please include your first and last name, along with your city, street or neighborhood.


The TERA e.letter
A publication of The Eagle Rock Association
(TERA)
Edited by Vince Waldron
e.letter@TERA90041.org