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

 

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

TERA

 

-- e.letter --

 

August 30, 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.  HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT -- AUGUST 30

 

2.  LAST CHANCE TO VIEW "WOMEN'S WORK" ART EXHIBIT -- ENDS SEPTEMBER 1

 

3.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL NEWS -- SCHOOL STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

 

4.  HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK MASTER PLAN MEETING -- SEPTEMBER 4

 

5.  GREAT IDEA!! -- OFF-LEASH DOG PARK IN EAGLE ROCK -- MEETING SEPTEMBER 5

 

6.   COLLEGE VIEW AVENUE DEVELOPMENT PROBLEM (SINCE 1978) -- MEETING SEPTEMBER 6

 

7.  "PERROS DOGOS" -- AVENUE 50 STUDIO -- ART RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 7

 

8.  NEXT MEETING OF THE COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL -- SEPTEMBER 8

 

9.  COUNCIL MEMBER PACHECO -- ANNUAL "STATE OF THE TOWN" ADDRESS -- SEPTEMBER 11

 

10.  EAGLE ROCK RECEIVES MORE GOOD PRESS!

 

11.  TEEN "WEB-RAISING" WORKSHOP -- SEPTEMBER 11

 

12.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR COMMITTEE HARD AT WORK, AND WE WANT YOU!

 

13.  FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (F.O.E.) ANNUAL LUAU -- SEPTEMBER 15

 

14.  ANOTHER HOME TOUR -- "THE MODERN ARROYO" -- SEPTEMBER 30

 

15.  CATFISH BITE IS HAVING 25% OFF SALE -- THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

 

16.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

 

17.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

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1.  HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT -- AUGUST 30

 

The Highland Park Neighborhood Council Organizing Committee is having our next meeting tonight, August 30, 2001, at the Northeast Family Learning Center, 5031 North Figueroa Street, Highland Park, at 6:00 p.m.

 

We will be discussing our Mission Statement and Outreach Plan.  We will hear from committees.

 

Our membership is open to churches, businesses, homeowners, renters, schools, employees and associations in the community such as chambers of commerce, historical societies, etc.

 

We cover most of zip code 90042 in the Highland Park area.  Please come and help us set up our Council!

 

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2.  LAST CHANCE TO VIEW "WOMEN'S WORK" ART EXHIBIT -- ENDS SEPTEMBER 1

 

Last chance to view "Women's Work" is Saturday, Sept 1st between 3-5pm

There will be WID members present...

We hope to see you!

 

"Women's Work," brought to you by Women in Design LA (WID) and the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association, can be viewed at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, in Eagle Rock, through Saturday, September 1.  For weekly hours and other information, please call the Cultural Center at (323) 226-1617.

 

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3.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL NEWS -- SCHOOL STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMER 4

 

First day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 7:56 am.  If you drop your students off at school, please arrive at least twenty minutes earlier to avoid traffic and give the students time to find their first class.

 

The first PTSA meeting is Tuesday, September 11 at 6:30 pm in the Library.  The program begins at 7 pm and addresses the Attendance office, discipline, and tardy policies.  Meet your principal and other administrators.  Meet other parents.  Learn how the school system works so you can help your student have a successful experience at school.

 

Best regards,

Tracy King

PTSA Co-President

626-844-2256 (anytime)

 

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4.  HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK MASTER PLAN MEETING -- SEPTEMBER 4

 

Rosa Laveaga, Pasadena's Arroyo Seco superintendent, sends this announcement:

 

Notice of a special meeting of the Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee

 

Subject: update on the final draft of the HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK MASTER PLAN, a component of the Arroyo Seco Master Plan

 

Tuesday, September 4th at 7:30 p.m., to be held at the Pasadena City Yards, 233 W. Mountain Avenue, 2nd floor conference room

 

Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 or as soon as possible following the 6pm meeting of the Recreation and Parks Commission, which precedes this meeting.

 

For further information contact Rosa Laveaga, Project Manager at (626) 744-4321

 

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5.  GREAT IDEA!! -- OFF-LEASH DOG PARK IN EAGLE ROCK -- MEETING SEPTEMBER 5

 

Please join us on September 5, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at the Day Care Center at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center on Eagle Vista Drive for the very first community meeting  to discuss the possibility of establishing an off-leash dog park in Eagle Rock!

 

This open meeting will evaluate this proposal to determine community interest and support.  This project has been developed by the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful, a coming together of all local organizations and individuals who desire to make Eagle Rock a better place.  For further information, please call Ursula Brown @ 323-255-9400.

 

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6.  COLLEGE VIEW AVENUE DEVELOPMENT PROBLEM (SINCE 1978) -- MEETING SEPTEMBER 6

 

Sept. 6th at 3 PM, Councilman Nick Pacheco and Mr. Alderman, Head of Building and Safety of the City of Los Angeles, will meet with us on site at 4923 College View Avenue to discuss on going problems (since 1978) with a 13-house development.

 

This follows a series of neighborhood meeting starting in May of this year with various City personnel in an attempt to solve problems with the developer.  The meetings produced finger pointing away from responsible parties to other agencies or personnel who offered no resolution to the problems.

 

We met with Councilman Pacheco on July 23rd to discuss our inability to resolve these issues through normal city channels.  Councilman Pacheco is looking into the problems personally and has called this site meeting.

 

Primary issue is the lack of permit to continue the development when nothing has been done for over 7 years.  The developer should not be allowed to continue without scrapping all plans and starting over from ground zero.  This means hearings with the zoning commission administrator and new plans that the neighborhood can agree to.  I'm sure you are familiar with the routine.

 

Other issues are: a historical driveway that belonged to the house of the original area land owner, drainage of an artesian well onto the streets, retaining walls in the wrong place, decorative block wall on property line with adjacent neighbor, repair of land after the developer dug 20' down and 13' onto another neighbor's property, size of the building pads, height of the building pads, road access for one lot, proper engineering of retaining wall, soil compacture ratings, etc.

 

We would like it very much if you and/or one of your spokespersons could attend the meeting. We will be forwarding a outline of the history and problems Sept. 3rd or 4th.

 

More later and thanks for listening.

 

Ralph and Sharon Arnold

(323) 254-9401

 

Anyone concerned about this issue in the College View Avenue neighborhood is strongly encouraged to attend.

 

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7.  "PERROS DOGOS" -- AVENUE 50 STUDIO -- ART RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 7

 

"Painted Tile, Paintings and Experimental Works by Wayne Healy and Reyes Rodriguez"

 

Perros Dogos -- bulldogs-- Garfield High -- home of the bulldog.  Painter, muralist Wayne Healy and painter Reyes Rodriguez, alumni of the East L.A. high school known for the many artists who have passed through its doors, will be exhibiting their experimentally new and powerful art works at the Avenue 50 Studio during the month of September.

 

The exploration of the spirit, of the soul with all its vulnerabilities, of compositionally playing with still life images, of home and comfort, fish tortillas and beer after work, and the playing with color and shape, is the basis of this work.  The icons and images used are of a heritage stemming from being mejicano, mestizo, indio within the context of city living -- without the existence of right angles.

 

Wayne Healy was a member of the Mechicano Art Center at Whittier and Gage in East L.A. during the 1970's: Mechicano was where I started painting murals_.

 

It was at the Mechicano Art Center in 1975, while still a student at Garfield High, that Reyes Rodriguez developed a profound vision of art.  It helped fuse love for my community and my art into one that continues to influence me today._

 

Please join the Avenue 50 Studio in welcoming the experimental art works of Wayne Healy and Reyes Rodriguez.

 

RECEPTION:  Friday, September 7, 2001 from 7:30 until10:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:  The Avenue 50 Studio, 131 North Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90041 (323) 258-1435

 

This event will run from September 3, 2001 through September 29, 2001, and is free to the public.

 

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8.  NEXT MEETING OF THE COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL -- SEPTEMBER 8

 

The next meeting of the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful is this Saturday, September 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Oasis Club, 2435 Colorado Boulevard, in Eagle Rock.  Come see what's been happening with our beautification efforts here in Eagle Rock, and enjoy a continental breakfast!  For more information, please call Esther Monk at (323) 255-4052 or beautification@esthermonk.com.  We hope to see you there!

 

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9.  COUNCIL MEMBER PACHECO -- ANNUAL "STATE OF THE TOWN" ADDRESS -- SEPTEMBER 11

 

Save the date!  Please join us at TERA's next member meeting (the public is invited) on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when Council member Nick Pacheco delivers his annual "State of the Town" address, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock.

 

Come find out what's been happening over the last year in our town, and bring your questions!  This is yet another terrific opportunity to meet other concerned community members and activists.  Also, be treated to great drinks and snacks!

 

Some of the subjects/questions covered at this meeting will include the following:

 

Local historic preservation efforts

 

The community of Eagle Rock has several buildings that are of historical importance.  Our community is unusual in that our historical buildings are very diverse, both in style and age

 

The Women's 20th Century Club, a wonderful example of the Craftsman style, is in the process of applying for a Getty grant.

 

The old Shopping Bag Market (currently the One Day Paint & Body building) has a distinctive Moderne fa°ade and is in danger of being demolished.

 

What is your position regarding these structures and your overall position regarding architectural preservation in Eagle Rock?

 

Merchant diversity

 

There have been indications that Walgreen's may be interested in locating at the One Day Paint & Body site.  Given the close proximity to several other similar stores, do you think this is the best use for this property?

 

Economic development/Specific Plan

 

Our community has a wealth of vacant storefronts on high-traffic streets.  One of the reasons they continue to be vacant are obstacles in the Specific Plan.  Entrepreneurs who would bring attractive new businesses that would foster economic growth in the neighborhood are encountering obstacles in our Specific Plan that lessen, if not eliminate, their enthusiasm for coming here.  The issues they encounter most often are:

 

1. Limited hours of operation

2. Parking requirements that cannot be resolved on a practical basis within a mature neighborhood

3. A costly and lengthy process to obtain waivers for non-controversial exemptions

 

What actions are you taking in the short term and long term to mitigate these barriers to economic growth in Eagle Rock?

 

Yosemite gym proposal

 

The intent to build a new gym in Eagle Rock should have been a moment of celebration.  Due the following issues, however, the gym has provoked significant acrimony and discussion:

 

1. Inadequate neighborhood communication

2. No plan for parking

3. Unresolved neighborhood issues surrounding the care and maintenance of the green space surrounding the school

 

Please share your thoughts on this issue.  How do we avoid a similar situation in the future?

 

Neighborhood councils

 

TERA supports the formation of neighborhood councils, but direction and guidance from the City of Los Angeles has been spotty.  There are many issues concerning formation, organization, and roles of neighborhood councils that lack clarity.

 

What is your opinion of the concept of neighborhood councils?

 

How will you support us to ensure that Eagle Rock's efforts to organize a council for our community are successful?

 

Population increases/schools

 

Two senior-only housing developments are targeted for Eagle Rock, and we are certain to face the pressure to accept low-income multi-family housing units in the near future.  Our local schools are already overcrowded.  What is the City's plan to ensure that adequate school facilities will exist for the increase in students?

 

Community safety

 

It is well known that the LAPD is understaffed and that all communities probably do not have the optimal amount of police coverage.

 

Based on assigned officers as a ratio of the number of residents in a community, how does the coverage of Eagle Rock compare with other communities in Los Angeles?

 

Welcome to Eagle Rock

 

How has becoming a resident of Eagle Rock influenced your perception of the community?

 

Childcare will be provided so that busy parents can attend.  Parking is available on the street and at Bank of America.  We kindly ask that all meeting attendees contribute a $2 donation to help defray TERA's cost for the event, and all monies collected are donated to the Center -- a very good cause, indeed!

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

6:30 p.m.

2225 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock

(323) 226-1617

 

Please join us!  All are invited to come.

 

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10.  EAGLE ROCK RECEIVES MORE GOOD PRESS!

 

Check out the August 23 issue of the Pasadena Weekly and the article called "Everyday art -- Eagle Rock style," written by Jennie Webb, independent writer, humorist, critic, playwright, Eagle Rock resident, and proud TERA member:

 

"Oh. I hear a lot of artists are moving into Eagle Rock."

 

I forget who it was that said this to us after we'd settled into the hills above Occidental College. I'm sure it was someone with an artistic aura or at least tolerance -- my husband and I generally gravitate toward other lefty-commie-artsy types. But it stuck in my head. The "moving-in of artists." Kind of like . . . Killer African Bees? Or Red Army Ants? Hmmm. Just what would this cultural migration mean to our humble, funky hamlet?

 

Well, it kicked local businesses in the butt, and put us on the map of LA cool.

 

"For a while there's been a lot of talk about what's happening in Eagle Rock, and where it should be going," says artist Candace Allen, a self-described "near-Eagle-Rock native" whose commitment to the local scene she attributes to her artist mother, Linda. "So there's talk and more talk," she continues, "And while they're all talking, the artists come in and say, 'Let's just get in there and do this!'  And sometimes they fall flat on their face, and sometimes it turns into something fantastic."

 

For the list of pesky artists and their fantastic (at least thus-far) endeavors, turn to Patricia Neal, she of the uber-coffee-house Swork, who is a photographer; and artists Kim Dingle and Aude Charles, the forces behind the left-bank-esque cafe called Fatty's which fronts their studio space. Even the auspicious Joanne Turner, mover and shaker extraordinaire as president of the local homeowners association, is an illustrator.

 

Candace now lives and works in Glendale, but is a big fan of what's going on in Eagle Rock. She's a regular at Swork, coming for music on the weekends, and applauds what the ladies at Fatty's are doing. "They're paving the way for possibilities," she says, hoping that their success will bring more lofts and artist spaces to Colorado Boulevard. "Now I do see more of a concern for the arts here, an awareness that's making the renaissance more visible."  So Eagle Rock has crossed over the "This is Art" line. "I think we're officially artistic," she laughs. "It's time to put away the macrame."

 

Allen remains actively involved with the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association (ERCCA -- say it out loud for a little taste of our quirky aesthetics), organizing the annual "Dahlia Days" Arts Festival each spring, as well as exhibits at the Community Cultural Center.

 

Okay. And for those of you who didn't know Eagle Rock had a center for both its culture and its community, it's that fantabulous building on Colorado just west of Eagle Rock Boulevard. Right, the 30's, Spanish building with the gorgeous, floor to ceiling window, sandwiched (a true reflection of things here) between the Mobil station and the Korean self defense studio.

 

"A lot of people aren't sure what it is," says Candace. Although the Center has got official "City of Los Angeles" signage  (yeah, read: "ugly") stuck into the lawn, "The sign is so formal you forget that it's an arts facility," she sighs.

 

Lui Sanchez, the Center's Program Director, agrees. "We get a lot of people coming in who still think it's a library," he says. (The library moved a couple blocks east, oh, 20 years ago? Who says we're a sleepy community!)  

 

For those of you in search of artistic expression Eagle Rock-style, check out the Center and its current exhibition, which Candace co-curated with her artist sister Mindy. Featuring a bevy-o-local artists, "Women's Work" runs through the end of the month.

 

Not that the Center is the only arts mecca in town. Women aren't the only artists, either.

 

The devastatingly charming Toros Tngrian has shifted gears from operating a recycling business in Glendale to get in touch with his artistic side, and opened Toros Pottery, a very impressive working showroom on Eagle Rock Boulevard . And who hasn't driven by the D. Paul Verbre Gallery and Studios, located down the street? You know, that building with the "Got Art" sign out front? Next to Marly's House of Beauty and the mini-market that specializes in all things Filipino. Down the street from Nick's Barber Shop and Ralph's Brake and Clutch? (Although I've never seen any signs of life in the always-closed gallery, a notice posted in the big, empty frame in the window assures passers-by that original fine art is indeed available, and commissions are accepted.) 

   

But the real arts destination in town, for me, has got to be Colombo's Steak House. Ah, yes, a cultural hub that serves seared flesh. What could be more reflective of Eagle Rock?

 

For a truly musical experience, make reservations or squeeze into the crowded bar (the one with the Vargas-style nude displayed prominently between neon beer signs) on the weekends. There you'll find Linda at the piano, passing the mic around the dining room and calling up veteran songsters to share the stage. It's an event of royal proportions, packed with local queens of renown and blue-haired, bejeweled patrons of the arts from way back.

 

"It's really something," Linda herself proudly boasts. "I bring in a lot of talent!"  

 

What does Linda, who raised her three children in Eagle Rock, think about the recognition of her hometown as a thriving arts community?

 

"It's about time!" she says.

 

And we toast, she with a translucent green cocktail, and me with a single malt of artistic proportions: To the arts (and artists) in Eagle Rock.

 

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11.  TEEN "WEB-RAISING" WORKSHOP -- SEPTEMBER 11

 

There will be a Teen "Web-Raising" Workshop on September 11th, from 4:00 to6:00 p.m. at Hathaway Family Resource Center's Professional Development Center, 840 N. Avenue 66 in Highland Park.  This is an opportunity for youth to learn how to create personal web pages for FREE!!  Attendees are advised to bring any items they wish to feature on the page, i.e., pictures, files, etc.  If you know any teenagers that would like to attend, please have them contact Lindsay Burt at 323-257-9600 x206.  Space is limited, reservations are required.

 

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12.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR COMMITTEE HARD AT WORK, AND WE WANT YOU!

 

Now is the time to sign up for Eagle Rock's A-team!  The Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour 2002 Committee has been hard at work for next year's tour, and we are implementing some GREAT ideas.  Our tour has helped do wonders for our community, and it's only going to get better every year, especially with your help.

 

Our meetings are fun (we do joke around a lot), yet productive, and a very positive experience.  How many Eagle Rock meetings can you say THAT about (and there are lots of meetings, as you all know)?  You can be a part of that success (and fun) by calling Home Tour Committee member Suzanne Prieur at (323) 257-7042 and saying yes!

 

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13.  FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES (F.O.E.) ANNUAL LUAU -- SEPTEMBER 15

 

On Saturday, September 15th, 2001, the Pasadena/Altadena Fraternal Order of Eagles #719 will present its annual Luau.  The removing of the pig from the imu (fire pit) will begin around 5:00 p.m., with formal dinner being served between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

 

Entertainment is provided by a cast of more than fifty Hawaiian and Tahitian singers and dancers.  Adults $12.00.  Children $8.00.  Location is 455 E. Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001.  For further information call 626-798-5312 or e-mail communityhelp4u@yahoo.com.

 

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14.  ANOTHER HOME TOUR -- "THE MODERN ARROYO" -- SEPTEMBER 30

 

"The Modern Arroyo," a self-guided tour of 8 Modern Homes http://www.hpht.org/hometours.html

 

Mark your calendars!  The Highland Park Heritage Trust is pleased to present this tour, in conjunction with the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter of the American Institute for Architects, of residential homes in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Mt. Washington and the Pasadena neighborhood of San Rafael.

 

DATE:  Sunday, September 30, 2001

 

TIME:  10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

COST:  $25 in advance, $30 day of tour

 

Tickets can now be purchased:

 

1)  at Galco's Old World Market, 5702 York Blvd. in Highland Park

2)  through the mail -- send a check (payable to HPHT) and self-addressed stamped envelope to P.O. Box 50894, Los Angeles, CA  90050-0894

3) online at website noted above

 

Starting point of tour will offer tickets for sale.  For more information, call (323) 223-4895.

 

CALL FOR DOCENTS -- The Highland Park Heritage Trust needs a few good volunteers to assist in making this home tour a memorable experience for our guests.  We need docents and volunteers.  If you can offer 1/2 day of volunteerism, you will receive 2 complimentary tickets (you and 1 guest) for the tour -- a $50 value.  If interested contact Caroline Norris at procural@flash.net or (323) 254-8219.

 

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15.  CATFISH BITE IS HAVING 25% OFF SALE -- THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

 

Our wonderful bed-linen and household-gift outlet store, Catfish Bite, is having a terrific 25%-off sale on all merchandise from now until September 30.  Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed Saturday, September 1, for Labor Day).  Hurry in for the best pickin's, and no coupon is necessary.  This includes anything that is already marked down.  Catfish Bite truly offers quality items.

 

Catfish Bite

1565 B Colorado Boulevard (across from Trader Joe's)

(323) 255-5548

 

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16.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

 

"Dear Joanne -- Please register my opposition to the possible demolition of 2222 Colorado Boulevard [the Shopping Bag building], and include the official endorsement of the HUD-funded Occidental College Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC).  I support and echo Robert Mendel's righteous words [below] promoting historic preservation in Eagle Rock.  If anyone wants to organize a picket, I'll show up for sure.  We might be able to devote an Oxy student organizer to the task.  In solidarity --"

 

-- Jan Lin, Associate Professor of Sociology, Occidental College

 

 

"Here's a note of support for slowing the process of tearing down any building that even MIGHT contribute to the cultural/historic viability and economic thriveability of Eagle Rock.

 

Eagle Rock is the Historic Gateway to Garvanza, a Historic Member of the Highland Park Commercial Districts (home to the city's largest HPOZ and only HPOZ w/ both Commercial and Residential Contributing Structures).  Since Eagle Rock has been identified as the next most likely flashpoint of commercial trend-setting businesses ala Los Feliz/Silverlake (see LA Times 7/29/01 - Cover Story LA Times Magazine), then the City should ask the developers to take a 'time-out' and consider that a commercial structure of historic and aesthetic sensitivity such as the old Shopping Bag Building MIGHT be able to be just as economically viable as ANY redevelopment might be.

 

Alternatively, at least, and despite there being no actual HPOZ in Eagle Rock, that a quick voluntary review process be implemented w/ ringleading by the City Council Office to consider sensitive adaptive reuse possibilities or architecturally savvy designs for any redevelopment that insure that the all-important community of Eagle Rock isn't given any more 'knock-out' punches that could doom it to continuing struggles for economic development.

 

Good luck --"

 

-- Robert Mendel, Assembleditor of the NELA Community e.mail Calendar -- get on the list -- e.mail your address to: NELAcalendar@jps.net [we recommend it]

 

[Editor's note:  We received well over 140 letters opposing demolition of the Shopping Bag building, on very short notice!  Many thanks to all of you who wrote in.  By the way, it's not too late to express your opinion on this issue, since it is still unresolved.  Please send your e.mail letter to Michael Southard at lavalodge@earthlink.net, and please copy us at artburn@earthlink.net.  Thanks so very much for caring about Eagle Rock and its history!]

 

 

"You are so awesome for printing my letter to you in the TERA e.letter! You'll be happy to know that today (Thurs. 8/16) the girls at The Gutter reported TERA members stopping by to grab a bite -- how amazingly fast the good citizens of Eagle Rock rally around a great establishment!  Many many thanks from Katie and Leecy and Lisa, and from me.

 

You deserve some of my precious black scabiosa seeds -- I know 'black scabiosa' doesn't sound like something you'd want to have, but it is not an icky skin problem -- it is a lovely dark red/black pincushion flower.  I'm saving some for you, with much affection.  Hopefully, I'll actually meet you one day and present them in person!

 

And by the way, the 'quote of the week' from Yoda happens to be a favorite of mine - there IS NO try!  Best --"

 

-- Ivette Soler, Eagle Rock resident, TERA member, and Germinator

 

 

"Thanks again for joining us at lunch today. I'm really looking forward to working with TERA.  Regards --"

 

-- Nancy Ackerman, Development Director at Solheim Lutheran Home, a soon-to-be TERA member

 

 

"I read right through the e-mail newsletter, so interesting, so effort-free for me.  Just deliver it to my face.  I would never find out about most of this stuff otherwise.  Thanks for keeping me on the mailing list.

 

I'm always telling people about things I've learned from you and encouraging them to get on board.  When we drive down Colorado or Eagle Rock Boulevard, we're always saying, hey, there's such and such place with the new awnings, maybe looking for some interesting manhole covers or recently restored transom windows or a vacant lot of naturalized dahlias or something you wrote about.  I love to see the stucco and aluminum of [so-called] 'progress' peeled away from ornate old facades.

 

Also, now I won't be able to go by Swork without thinking about that 'princess drink' one of your readers [Roe Muzingo] mentioned.  You must be great for the commercial blood.  You act as a tonic!"

 

-- Julie Wiant, Mt. Washington resident and Eagle Rock Jr. High School gifted magnet parent

 

 

"I enjoyed the article on Eagle Rock in Sunday's Los Angeles Times Magazine [7/29/01], and was delighted to see your photo -- and to realize you've still got what it takes to be the one and only 'Turner the Burner.'"

 

-- Nick DeWitt, Glendale resident, good friend, hilarious guy, and former colleague at the law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP [now at his own firm, DeWitt & Roberts LLP]

 

 

"Building on Ann Pehoushek's comments about the unsung heroes and helpers who've lent a hand to building Eagle Rock in the new century, I have to believe the movie business deserves some of the credit, too.  As a frequent destination for film crews in search of novel settings, Eagle Rock has brought probably thousands of producers, directors, writers, artists and technicians to our streets for one thing and another, and the buzz that follows must account for some of the new attention lavished upon us. 

 

Equally important, I think the Times overlooked the role of the arts in community outreach.  We've got our resident artists, but also enjoy the benefits of the NEA/NEH grant that fueled Oxy's community outreach art projects a couple years ago and brought together a unique group of neighbors who never knew each other before.  With Jesse Helms retiring, it's time to get back to the real basics of community identity and civic pride and welcome the arts and artists into our streets, schools and homes.  Business is great and essential and welcome, but let's not overlook the artful impulses that enrich our deeper spirits. 

 

And while I'm at it, let's extend the honors to the Internet.  Who would have guessed that e-mail and networked newsletters could so reinvigorate our citizenry?  Put it all together and you've got businesspeople, artists, engineers, technicians, tree planters and nerds working together to make this a place we're all proud to live in.  Sounds positively quaint -- and totally unstoppable.  We have seen the tipping point, and it is us.

 

Best regards --"

 

-- Jim Rawitsch, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member

 

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17.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

"It's your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude."

 

-- Zig Ziglar

 

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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.

 

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Joanne Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>

President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)