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

TERA

e.letter


August 6, 2004

Learn more about us
 and how we are changing our community for the better.

What? You're not yet a member of TERA?
 Join now!  Here's how:

Go to
http://www.TERA90041.org/teraform.htm

Now more than ever, please support your residents association --
 more than 1,000 members strong, and growing every day!

And don’t forget to encourage interested friends and neighbors to join TERA
 so that they, too, may enjoy the many benefits of membership, including
a complimentary subscription to the TERA e.letter.

 

This week:

Colombo’s Celebrates 50 years! (Item #1)

Art Exhibit on the Eagle Rock Mural (Item #5)

Eagle Rock Performance Festival at Sylvan Theater (Item #7)


 

Table of Contents:


1.  PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – COFFEE TABLE AND COLOMBO’S – A GREAT CULINARY PAST AND PRESENT

2.  THIS JUST IN FROM TERA’S HOME TOUR COMMITTEE --   VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

3.  FREE PET SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC IN BOYLE HEIGHTS

4.  HISTORY IN THE MAKING WITH HISTORIC ECHO PARK

 5. TAKE TIME OUT FOR ART IN AUGUST! 

6.  THE ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE’S OCTOBER SURPRISE — PROPOSALS DUE AUGUST 18

7.  EAGLE ROCK PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL IN THE SYLVAN AMPHITHEATER — AUGUST 18-21, 25-28

8.  AVENUE 52 HIGHLAND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FESTIVAL — AUGUST 21

 9.  WOLFMAN CHEWS SCENERY IN NEW OXY CHILDREN’S SHOW!  YOUNGSTERS HOOOWWWL WITH DELIGHT!  — THROUGH AUGUST 21

 10.   LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE 'WOMEN IN BUSINESS' WINNERS

 11.  ”REVISITING THE RED CAR” WITH THE FRIENDS OF ATWATER VILLAGE — SEPTEMBER 10

 12.  CALL FOR TALENT: UPTOWN GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE CABARET 2004

 13.  LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY MODERN COMMITTEE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH COUNTYWIDE MODERNISM TOUR SEPTEMBER  18-19, 2004

 14.  DON’T MISS TERA’S ANNUAL STATE OF THE TOWN MEETING

 15.  WOMEN’S 20TH CENTURY CLUB SEEKS VENDORS FOR HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

 16.  REVISITING THE WATERING HOLE: HIGHLAND PARK WELCOMES THE WILD HARE

 17.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

18.  THE LAST WORD
TIP O’NEILL



1.  PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

TERA Vice President Kathleen Long posted this National Night Out report.  Thanks, Kathleen, for cutting a zillion pieces of watermelon for the community!

TERA gives good watermelon!  Just ask anyone at this year's event.

Betty Tyndall, CPAB and Eagle Rock Neighborhood Watch activist, TERA member and past TERA board member, was wrapping hundreds of hot dogs as fast as her hands could move for long lines of hungry attendees.  Barbara Lopez, CPAB and Highland Park Neighborhood Watch, had a small cadre of young people helping her put out piles of packages of chips and tray after tray of cookies.

The Northeast CPAB -- Community/Police Advisory Board -- is the group that organized the event, with support from Neighborhood Watch groups and the local Neighborhood Councils, and other community groups.  All during the year the CPAB volunteers work closely with the Northeast Police.

There were hundreds of people there at the Los Angeles Police Historical Museum from Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Boyle Heights and other Northeast communities.  From infants in strollers to senior citizens with walkers; parents and teenagers; men and women in uniform;  city, county and state elected officials there or represented; and community volunteers and activists;  all to join together in solidarity with our Los Angeles Police in an annual display of unity against crime.  Simultaneously, all across the country other communities were doing the same thing.

Michael Cathey, CD 14 Eagle Rock Field Deputy, who has a good eye for sizing up a crowd estimates that approximately 600 were there.  Ask the women who reduced the mile-high stacks of hot dog buns down to only several dozen left, and they'll tell you it was closer to 800.

Senator Jack Scott and Assemblymember Carol Liu were represented.  Mayor Hahn spoke and gave out commendations.  Los Angeles Chief of Police Bratton was there.  Councilmember Ed Reyes was represented. There were LAPD and LAFD presentations.  Northeast Police Captain Smith was there as well as Officer Joe Gallindo, Eagle Rock Senior Lead Officer (SLO) and all the other Northeast SLO's.

Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa spoke and really got the crowd energy going.  He urged everyone to vote for the proposed 1/2 cent tax raise which will accumulate money to pay for more police in our communities.  He said that 65 new Neighborhood Watch groups have been initiated during his term.

The loudest burst of applause was when a surprise presentation of recognition was given to a young soldier recently returned from Iraq.

Other members of Councilmember Villaraigosa's team in attendance were Jimmy Blackman, Chief of Staff;  and from our Eagle Rock Field Office: Lisa Sarno, Deputy Chief of Staff;  Monica Garcia, Field Deputy and Ulisses Sanchez, Council Aide.

TERA was represented by president Hilary Norton Orozco, vice president Kathleen Long and Beautification Committee Chair, Esther Monk.  Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council had a presence -- Dalila Sotelo, Jessica Wethington and Rich Monk.

Other Eagle Rock people we saw were Chamber president, Michael Nogeuira; CPAB member and Chamber Secretary, Kaye Beckham, and  Executive Director of ROCK Teen Center, Donna Robey-Sullivan, among many other community members.

Just at twilight to end the night on a salient note, everyone gathered in the flashlight group walk and took off to the Veteran's Memorial at York and Figueroa and then walked back to the Police Museum.  Periodically they would chant "What do we want? " "Peace" "When do we want it?" "Now" referring to peace from crime in our Northeast community. 

OK, our secret recipe for great watermelon?  Trader Joe's.  Thanks, Sean Furukawa, Store Manager!

THE COFFEE TABLE GRAND OPENING

In front of a packed house of nearly 200 people in and out throughout the night, The Coffee Table held its remarkable grand opening.  Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa introduced TERA Board member and owner Michael Zamarripa, building owner Paul Sislin, and Michael’s proud Eagle Rock resident parents.   After Councilmember Villaraigosa presented a certificate, the party continued on for hours!  The building was gleaming with four searchlights in the sky. 

EVERYONE was there – too many even for my usual run down of the usual suspects! – to congratulate Michael on his fantastic achievement.  Most impressive is the fact that The Coffee Table building is another fantastic example of the beauty and community support created when revitalizing a historic structure.  Come check out The Coffee Table’s historic monument plaque, and the 8-foot tree TERA bestowed as a congratulatory gift.  And don’t forget to get your 10% discount when you show your TERA membership card!

COLOMBO'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SATURDAY!

It’s official!  Ann Colombo and Vic Parrino are throwing a big bash to celebrate Colombo's Italian Steak House’s golden anniversary Saturday, August 7, 2004  at 5pm.  This open invitation to the community will feature a unique collector's edition menu of special dishes from Colombo's rich Italian history.  As part of the celebration -- and for one day only -- selected menu items will be offered at 50% off.

Come join the non-stop entertainment, featuring Colombo's roster of world-class entertainers, special guest stars.  This once in a lifetime 50 year celebration promises to be an evening of unparalleled fun for the whole family.  Come celebrate at the corner of Colorado and Hermosa.  

EAGLE ROCK BOULEVARD, EAGLE ROCK INTERCEPTOR SEWER, AND TERA LAND USE COMMITTEE

If you are wondering what is going on with the lane closure on Eagle Rock Boulevard, come to the TERA Land Use Committee and find out! Members of the Eagle Rock Interceptor Sewer (ERIS) team, including the project engineer and the community education staff, will make a presentation to TERA's Land Use Committee on Wednesday, August 18, 6:30  p.m., at the Eagle Rock Library.

EAGLE ROCKDALE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND ART PARK UPDATE
 
TERA Board member and Community Garden Project Director, Mary Tokita,
gave me the following update from the latest garden meeting:

"We now have a commitment from Councilmember Villaraigosa’s Office to try to get a FREE water meter.  We should know the outcome on that shortly.  Also at this meeting, Teague Weybright of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps recommended that we scale back our immediate plans for the Garden, reducing the site size in half and focusing on getting the individual plots up and running as soon as possible (mostly due to the cost of fencing, which would eat up most of the grant).  However, we will submit a second grant proposal in October to implement the rest of the space as Phase 2.  To achieve the grant, we need to show results on Phase I in the next application.  I will spend this month getting the insurance handled, fencing estimated and ordered, and the DWP water meter in place. We'll have a work day in September, if not sooner." 

Congratulations, Mary, on your tremendous progress! 

 -- Hilary Norton Orozco, TERA President



2.  THIS JUST IN FROM TERA’S HOME TOUR COMMITTEE --  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Thank you to Teri Aranguren of the TERA Home Tour Committee for this submission.  Don’t forget that this year’s Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour is Sunday, October 24th!

Would you like to….

 ·        Meet active and interesting people in your community?

 ·        Perform your civic duties?

 ·        Brag about your beautiful and diverse neighborhood?

 ·        Attend a great party with your new friends?

Then be a volunteer for the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour.  Be a part of one of the premier events of Eagle Rock.  Volunteers are needed before the event and the day of the event to set-up, sell tickets, and much more.  Please email Tacpa@pacbell.net, please write “volunteer” in the subject area.



3.   FREE PET SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC IN BOYLE HEIGHTS — AUGUST 7-9

 

Councilmember Antonio R. Villaraigosa

and The Sam Simon Foundation
 Free spay/neuter services
 Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
 August 7-9, 2004

 

Las Palomas Park,

1st Street and Chicago, Boyle Heights
 drop off time - 7:30am
 pick up time - after 3pm

 

You must call for an appointment: 1-888-DOG-SPAY...

 1. Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old.

 2. Animals are admitted by appointment only.

 3. No food or water for animals after 10pm the night before coming to the clinic.

 4. Dogs must be on leash; cats must be in closed container.

 5. Animals must be picked up the same day as surgery.



4.  HISTORY IN THE MAKING IN HISTORIC ECHO PARK

 Old Hardware Repair and Care Workshop: August 8

Sunday, August 8 at 1:00 pm, workshop coordinator Kevin Kuzma will lead the Restoration Workshop series final class on old hardware repair and care.

  Workshops are free to EPHS members and $5 for non-members.  Please see the Preservation section of the HistoricEchoPark.org for a schedule and details.  RSVP to ephs@HistoricEchoPark.org for location information.

  History Happy Hour: August 9

This casual gathering on Monday, August 9 at 7:00 pm offers Echo Park history fans a chance to exchange their most recent findings, research tips and valuable resources.  The History Happy Hour is held the second Monday of every month.
  
 During the summer months, the event will be held on the backyard deck of History Happy Hour host Danny Munoz.  The address is 1337 Bellevue Avenue, a green Victorian home located between E. Edgeware Road and Douglas Street.  Please RSVP via e-mail to ephs@HistoricEchoPark.org

  Echo Park Summer Cinema Night: August 14

Please join us for our first-ever Summer Cinema Night on Saturday, August 14 at 7:30 PM featuring the outdoor screening of the film-noir classic "Double Indemnity," starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck.  Light snacks, complements of Barrigan's and Taix restaurants, and refreshments will be provided.

 The event is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Please e-mail or call (323) 860-8874 to reserve a spot and receive location information.

 We would like to thank Benjamin Lein of Associates in Media Engineering for donating the video and sound system and our hosts for the evening, the family of Rosa Tobar.

Echo Park Stairway Walking Tour: August 28

This month's tour on Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 AM features the stairways and hills of northern Echo Park and Elysian Heights. Reservations are required.  The tour is free to EPHS members.  For more information, please go to the Walking Tour section of www.HistoricEchoPark.org

  For further information, please visit the Preservation Section of their site at http://www.HistoricEchoPark.org.




5.  TAKE TIME OUT FOR ART IN AUGUST! 

"Transformations of Being" by Roger Dolin

New paintings and studies of an Eagle Rock mural
 TOWNSEND GALLERY
 1581 West Colorado Boulevard
 323-478-9513


Exhibit continues until August 31

For info: e-mail: townsendgallery@sbcglobal.net

Solo exhibit by Simone Gad

LA River Lil’ Frogtown Gallery

1625  Blake Avenue
 (Corner Blake and Eads off of Riverside Drive, Near Dodger Stadium)
 Exhibit runs until August 21

 


6.  THE ARROYO ARTS COLLECTIVE’S OCTOBER SURPRISE — PROPOSALS DUE AUGUST 18

This is our city, let's live in it!

October Surprise is calling on all Artists, Activists, Social Interventionists, Architects, Gardeners, Solar Engineers and others to submit proposals for site-specific projects that celebrate the past, present and possible futures of Northeast LA.   Projects may be situated throughout Northeast  LA:  along the boulevards and arroyos, as well as in other public spaces and even private homes.

  Projects will be on exhibit over the long weekend of October 8, 9, and 10, 2004.  Documentation of the events will remain in the gallery through October into the first week of November and Election Day.  (Ongoing projects are encouraged.)

  The Arroyo Arts Collective at 135 N. Avenue 50 in Highland Park will serve as a meeting space where participants can present and discuss their work.

 Please submit your proposal by August 18th.  We’re not looking for a fancy resume--just articulate your ideas and tell us how you connect to this place called Northeast  LA.   Contact us with questions and proposals via email at opencall@theoctobersurprise.org. Or you can call us at (323) 449-9019 (English,) or (323) 227-5861 (Español.)   You may also mail your proposal to:

October Surprise
 c/o Flor y Canto
 3706 N. Figueroa  Ave.
 Los Angeles, CA 90065

This is a non-juried exhibition, but we would like to have a basic participants list for organizational purposes (including fundraising, publicity, and a possible catalogue.)  

 Questions? Stop by Flor Y Canto any Friday night and ask for Jennifer.



7.  EAGLE ROCK PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL AT SYLVAN AMPHITHEATER — AUGUST 18-21, 25-28

Arts at The Sylvan Amphitheater
 Eight Nights of Free Entertainment
 August 18-21st, and August 25-28th
 Sylvan Amphitheater
 Yosemite Recreational Park
 Eagle Rock


The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock will play host to an exciting new performing arts festival in the historic Sylvan Amphitheater in Eagle Rock’s Yosemite Park.  Constructed in 1930 by otherwise unemployed workers,(using funds from the Los Angeles County relief fund,) the site will soon be revitalized into a showplace for all disciplines of performing arts.  As many as 2,000 arts lovers will be treated to eight nights of free events over the festival’s two-week period.  

 Programming includes t4.com's presentation of a "The Sound of Music" sing-a-long;  a night of classic film including cartoons and shorts;  a night of choreography by four Southern Californian artists, curated by Anita Pace;  an Open Gate Theater production of “Dionysus in the Underworld;” a performance by the Los Angeles Vocal Artists “LAVA”;  and an evening of spoken-word featuring local poet Lisa Sandoval, along with much, much more.  The 2004 Sylvan Festival’s guest programmer is accomplished actor Randy Kovitz, who is the notable creator/writer/vocalist for performance band “Lies Like Truth.”

 Co-sponsors of this event include Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, Adelphia Communications, The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, The Kaplan Foundation as well as local businesses and arts and service organizations.

 The Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, which provides low-cost art, music, dance and computer classes to children and adults of Eagle Rock and the surrounding areas and communities.  

 For more information, call the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, (323) 226-1617, or check the Center’s website at http://www.centerartseaglerock.org.  

Finally, if you or your organization are in a position to support this ambitious venture with underwriting or other forms of financial support, your help is most welcome.  For a sponsorship or individual donation package, please call (323) 226-1617.  



8.  AVENUE 52 HIGHLAND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FESTIVAL — AUGUST 21

 

The Avenue 52/Highland Neighborhood Watch Group
  Neighborhood Awareness Festival
 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 Saturday, August 21, 2004
 1800 block of North Avenue 52

(between Coringa Drive and Phillips Way)

 

Highland  Park’s Avenue 52/Highland Neighborhood Watch invites you to join them on August 21, for a gala community event.  The group promises a great opportunity to come out and meet your neighbors and to get ideas of how to get your own Neighborhood Watch going.  Present will be representatives from the 14th District office, the LAPD and many other city offices.  



9.  WOLFMAN CHEWS SCENERY IN NEW OXY CHILDREN’S SHOW!  YOUNGSTERS HOOOWWWL WITH DELIGHT!  — THROUGH AUGUST 21

The critically acclaimed run of the Occidental College Children's Theater’s latest presentation, "The Boy Who Cried Wolfman," conceived and directed by Jamie Angell, continues through August 21st.  Performances will be in the Remsen Bird Hillside Amphitheater outdoors on the Occidental campus.

  In about an hour, a cast of 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 talented actors ... is as fresh and entertaining as ever," the Los Angeles Times says.  

  Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under.  Group rates are available.

  For ticket information, call the Occidental Box Office at (323) 259-2771.

 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.



10.  LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE 'WOMEN IN BUSINESS' WINNERS

Sixteen Southland women have been selected as this year's winners of the Women in Business Awards.  State Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena), Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) and Assemblymember Carol Liu (D-La Cañada-Flintridge) will honor these outstanding business leaders at a luncheon September 1 in Pasadena.

 The winners were chosen based on nominations from the communities of the 21st Senate district, 43rd and 44th Assembly districts.  These outstanding leaders are being recognized for their contributions and leadership in their local business communities.

  SMALL BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

 * Dora Herrera, owner, Yuca's Restaurant, Glendale


 CORPORATE BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

 * Dalila Sotelo, Sr. Vice Pres., McCormack, Baron & Salazar, Eagle Rock

 * Uma Shrivastava, Sr. Vice Pres., Bank of America, La Cañada-Flintridge


  NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

 * Joan Whitenack, Ex.Dir., Foothill Unity Center, Monrovia

 * Judith Arandes, Ex.Dir., Burbank Housing Corporation, Toluca Lake

 * Bonny Herman, Ex.Dir., VICA, Sherman Oaks

  
 TAMI GINSBURG EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

 * Rubina Djansezian, Ex.Dir. Western Board, Homenetmen, Glendale

 * Rashi Kallur, Vice Pres. Comm. Relations, Citibank, Glendale

  
 NON-PROFIT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

 * Judith Zitter, Community Health Mgr., Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena

  
 WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD

 * Suzanne Gornick, Corporate Environmental Management Engineer, New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc., Burbank

  
 MOST INSPIRATIONAL AWARD

 * Katy Townsend, Owner, Open House, Altadena

 * Wassy Tesfa, Program Administrator, Head Start, Altadena


  WOMEN IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARD

 * Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Writer, Glendale

 * Jenny Cornuelle Krusoe, Ex. Dir., Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock


  EMPOWERMENT AWARD

 * Linda J. Loe, Vice Pres., Strategic Alliances for Women in Film, Studio City

 Yasmin Davidds, CEO-Founder, Empowering Latinas, Inc., Pasadena



11.  ”REVISITING THE RED CAR” WITH THE FRIENDS OF ATWATER VILLAGE — SEPTEMBER 10

 The Friends of Atwater Village asked us to pass along word of an exciting event they’ve got planned for the fall, a gala benefit that promises to transport you back to the glory days of the Los Angeles red cars!  The Friends were formed in 2000 to battle the planned demolition of the historic Van Kamps Bakery building, and since them they’ve been a dynamic force in the Northeast community.  Among their other good works, the Friends have provided vital assistance to TERA on a number of occasions.  We urge you to mark the date of their fundraising gala in calendars, and to plan on attending what promises to be a worthwhile event.

 

Friends of Atwater  Village present
  "Revisiting the Red Car"
 Friday, September 10th, 2004
 7:00 p.m.
 Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

 

Join us for an evening along with Sky City Productions as we take a ride back in time with The Red Car.  Whether you rode Southern California’s legendary rail system in your past, or you simply would like to make a vibrant connection with our city's colorful past, you will not want to miss this event.

 Tickets are $45.00 per person which includes: admission to our screening of Sky City Productions’ documentary, "This Was Pacific Electric,” as well as light fare by Netty's, a no host bar, a silent auction, coffee and conversation with the film makers and area rail historians.

 Visit us online at http;// www.friendsofatwatervillage.org to purchase tickets.  Or make your check payable to Friends of Atwater Village and mail it to:

Friends of Atwater Village
 3371 Glendale Blvd, Unit 110
 Los Angeles, CA  90039

For more information, dial (323) 913-2999.



12.  CALL FOR TALENT: UPTOWN GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE CABARET 2004

On Saturday, September 18, the Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance (UGLA) will hold auditions for its 14th annual fund raiser, Cabaret 2004, in Eagle Rock. Singers, dancers, comics, instrumentalists, illusionists, groups, etc., are encouraged to try out.   If interested, please call Carl Matthes at (323) 254-2726 or Joan Potter at (323) 258-2555.  Or e-mail UGLA at UptownGLA@aol.com.

  Cabaret 2004 will be held at the Womens 20th Century Club on October 16.  Funds raised by Cabaret 2004 will go to support UGLA's community charitable, educational and visibility programs.  For more information about UGLA, visit http://www.ugla.org.



13.  LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY MODERN COMMITTEE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH COUNTYWIDE MODERNISM TOUR SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2004  

 To celebrate two decades of helping to preserve Los  Angeles' extraordinary Modern architecture, the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee ("ModCom") is throwing a two-day birthday party all over the county. The event, called "20/20/20" -- 20 years, 20 sites, 20 dollars (member price) -- will take place the weekend of September 18-19, 2004, with ten different sites available for viewing each day.  The self-driven tour features the "greatest hits" of previous ModCom tours and preservation issues, a true cross-section of mid-twentieth-century architecture.

  Spanning from Pacific Palisades to Downey, the 20/20/20 tour includes such highlights as:

- The Charles and Ray Eames home and studio (Case Study House #8)

- Richard Neutra's former residence, VDL Research House II

- A 1930 Los Feliz home designed by R.M. Schindler

- Prime examples of postwar residential tracts, including Gregory Ain's Mar Vista tract, the city's newest historic district and the first composed solely of Modern homes

- The world's oldest McDonalds restaurant

- The 1958 former Union Oil headquarters (now Los Angeles Center Studios)

- A book signing with legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman

Some sites will have docent-led tours, while others will feature special promotions and involvement by neighborhood organizations.  Participants will create their own custom tours by choosing which sites to see and in which order.  To commemorate the event, celebrated artist Shag will produce a special, limited-edition print, which will be offered first to 20/20/20 ticket holders.

  Along with the fun comes a reminder to Angelenos of the vulnerability of L.A.'s authentic Modern architectural heritage.  The Modern Committee was formed in 1984 in response to the rapid destruction of post-World War II buildings in Los Angeles -- particularly two iconic Googie coffee shops, Ships Westwood and Tiny Naylors.  This volunteer sub-committee of the Los Angeles Conservancy has since grown into a powerful voice for Modern preservation.

  Tickets are $20 for Los Angeles Conservancy members and $30 for the general public.  Tickets are good for all sites on both days. To order tickets, visit the Modern Committee website at http://www.modcom.org or request an order form by calling 213.430.4219.

  The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization that works through education and advocacy to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los  Angeles County.  What began as a volunteer group in 1978 has grown to more than 8,500 members, making the Conservancy the largest organization of its kind in the U.S.  For more information, contact the Conservancy at http://www.laconservancy.org.



14. DON’T MISS TERA’S ANNUAL STATE OF THE TOWN MEETING

 The Eagle Rock Association (TERA) presents our

"2004 State of the Town Meeting"
  featuring Councilmember and Candidate for Mayor  Antonio Villaraigosa
 Tuesday, September 21st, 2004
 7:00 p.m.
 Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock


Come hear Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa discuss his accomplishments and goals for Council District 14, as well as his vision to be Los Angeles’ next mayor!  Mark your calendars now!  It should be a great evening! 



15.  WOMEN’S 20TH CENTURY CLUB SEEKS VENDORS FOR HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

 The Women's 20th Century Club
of Eagle Rock is in the planning stages of their upcoming Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair, which will be held on November 6.  If you are interested in a vendor spot at the Club on that day, please contact Roe Muzingo (323) 255-4438, or email her at Roemuz@webtv.net.



16.  REVISITING THE WATERING HOLE: HIGHLAND PARK WELCOMES THE WILD HARE

 Thanks to the sharp eye and clever historical tongue of East Area Planning Commissioner Alexis Moreno, we are running this article for a second time, with the correctly listed Avenue 50 and 51.  Please see the letters to the editor for the response this editor found so interesting.  Thanks again to Apryl Lundsten for filing this terrific review!

The Wild Hare Restaurant & Bar
 5018 York Blvd. (Between Avenue 50 and 51)
 Highland Park
 http://www.thewildhare.net
 Hours:
 Monday - Friday
  Bar: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.
  Food: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday

Bar: 12 p.m. - 2 a.m.

 Food: 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.

 

I just wanted to let people know what happened to the Dragon Chinese Restaurant that used to be on York Avenue between Ave 50 and 51 -- it became a great new bar!  It's called The Wild Hare, and it has 12 beers on tap, including Stella Artois, Pilsner Urquell, Warsteiner Pils, Hefeweisse and Chimay, among others.   They’ve also got a small but great menu that includes a sausage plate, a hummus and tapenade plate, a cheese plate, some salads and other things.  It's kind of a modern twist on a pub.  When we dropped in the other night, one of the owners introduced herself to us.  Turns out she worked at the Red Lion Tavern in Silver Lake for years.  Anyway, thought I'd update you and give the place a well-deserved plug.  It's definitely a great addition to the ‘hood.

  -- Apryl Lundsten, Eagle Rock



17.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

  
“Thank you for the news about the new bar on York  Blvd.  I just wanted to send a gentle reminder that the address given for the new Wild Hare Bar ‘between 50th and 51st  Avenue’ is incorrect (the location is between Avenue 50 and 51.)

 “The 'Avenues' street names come out of a particular time in LA History, when the neighborhoods in NE LA were being transformed from the 'country' into street car suburbs.  As many of your readers know, part of what makes our neighborhoods in Northeast  LA unique is that our streets do not correspond to the general grid that was laid out for most of the city.  Our streets follow the topography of the land, the Los Angeles River and the Arroyo Seco.  The 'Avenues' naming scheme was introduced in Lincoln Heights, Cypress Park, Highland  Park and adjacent neighborhoods in the early 20th century to try to make Northeast LA more connected to the downtown street grid.  Prior to that time, the streets in NE LA (now Avenue 18 -Avenue 66) had names that evoked the landscape more clearly, such as Walnut  Street, River Street, etc.  North Broadway was Downey Road, named after former California Governor and developer of Lincoln Heights, John G. Downey.

 “I share all this because our neighborhoods are once again undergoing a major transformation.  It seems especially important, at this time, to make sure that the unique historical character (including street names) of our area is recognized and shared with newcomers.”

  -- Alexis Moreno, Eagle Rock

We could not agree with you more, Alexis.  And, in honor of your educational correction of our work, we are printing your letter and running the Wild Hare review again!   Thanks to you and all of our readers who continue to be vigilant for the proper historic recognition of Northeast Los Angeles!   

   * * *


“Has anyone ever looked into whether there are enough remaining original elements inside the Eagle Theatre to merit historic designation by the city?  I wouldn't have thought so, from the outside -- or even a casual trip through the inside, frankly. But at one TERA meeting within the last year, a longtime community resident got up and said that, when the theater was in its long period of limbo, he was able to take a close look and establish that there ARE significant original details or fixtures underneath all the "updating" that's been done over the years.  If that's true, it would be great to identify those elements and have them protected, if at all possible.

 “It was a small consolation to see that the church currently operating on the premises recently reduced its "stop suffering!" signage so that the part of the marquee identifying it as the Eagle Theatre was visible again.  I'm curious whether that was done under pressure or out of sheer good will.  I'm glad to see the place being inhabited by a congregation and not retooled into retail space (yet), but the history of churches taking over historic theaters isn't always a pretty one, from a preservationist point of view, so I can't help but be nervous.  I'm still peeved at Fred Eric for keeping us waiting for years for his supposedly imminent dine-in theater, then quietly selling the place without offering a public sale that might've attracted a buyer who wanted to carry on with his great concept. I see that he had to dump his failing Airstream Diner in Beverly Hills; it's too bad he didn't try to open one in Eagle Rock first, because it would've gone over much better here.
   
“When I moved here four and a half years ago, Eagle Rock had two operating movie theaters (both of which I'd patronized for many years prior to that, as a then-Silverlake resident).  But with the shutdown of the Eagle, shortly followed by the mall shuttering its multiplex, the town was left with no open theaters to call its own for the first time since (I'm presuming) the 1930s.  I know the mall is a lost cause, but is it too much to hope, or pray, that, by the turn of the next decade, we might get the Eagle back?”

 --  Chris Willman, Eagle Rock

Chris, we share your dreams to preserve and reopen the Eagle Theater.  TERA will work with the Eagle Rock Historical Society and the office of Councilmember Villaraigosa to pick up on work the Historical Society already began, according to John Miller, and seek to preserve the Eagle, rather than see it suffer the fate of the Shopping Bag market. 

   * * *


“Howdy!  Not to be a nag, but what about those TERA cards that were supposed to be mailed a few weeks ago?  Thanks.”

  -- Brian McPherson, Eagle Rock

Brian, you aren’t nagging.  I hope you have received your temporary membership card, and the permanent cards are in production.  But when you see the amazing design of the new TERA cards (business card size!), I think you will agree that it all will be worth the wait.  And now that we are ironing the kinks out of our system, next year should be a snap.  We’ll let you know in the next e.letter when TERA membership cards will be arriving.  In the meantime, thank you for your support!

* * *


”We are experiencing a growing concern in our neighborhood and wondering if it is just in our particular area.  There are more and more strange people with shopping carts rummaging through our trash cans looking for recyclables.  Today I observed one of these people going into backyards on our street when it appeared nobody was home.  Our truck was stolen also on our street.  We live on Las Colinas Avenue not far from the college.  The graffiti is also showing up more, especially on a corner Laundromat located on Ridgecrest & ER Blvd.  I don't think Neighborhood Watch works that good in this area.  I hope that TERA gets interested in the South side of Colorado Boulevard.  Eagle Rock Boulevard needs TERA's watchful eyes too.  We have already brought these matters to the attention of our Councilman.  Any ideas?”

 -- Marilyn & Steve Mason, Eagle Rock  

Marilyn, please rest assured that TERA is interested in the south side of Colorado.  I spoke to Michael Cathey of Councilmember Villaraigosa’s office about the issues you raised, and think that TERA can also bring this to the attention of our other neighborhood watch groups in the area.

 * * *


“I have lived in Eagle Rock for nearly 20 years.  For most of that time, I have been asking our various councilmembers for help on a very annoying problem.  When I'm traveling westbound on Colorado and want to make a left turn onto Sierra Villa (where Target and Winchell's are), I have the right-of-way when the green arrow is illuminated but I must watch for oncoming traffic when the arrow goes out before making a turn.  Many people don't know that, so once the green arrow goes out they sit and wait until the light turns red.  It's gotten much worse since Target has come to the mall, and I can only imagine what it will be like when/if Chuck E. Cheese is there.

 “On June 10, 2004, I wrote an email to Michael Cathey from Councilmember Villaraigosa's office again requesting some signage for the intersection.  He referred my letter to Martha Stephenson at the Dept. of Transportation.  As of yesterday, July 28, only about six weeks after I contacted Mr. Cathey, the signs were installed!  Did I mention that I've tried for nearly 20 years to get that done?!?  Finally, we've got people who listen and act.”

--Kathy Hirsh, Eagle Rock

Kathy, thanks for highlighting a job well done!  I am sure Michael Cathey will be happy to hear that you are so pleased with their attentiveness.

   * * *


“During the Democratic National Convention, one of the ‘talking heads’ commented that it appears all but certain that Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa is planning on running for L.A. City Mayor next year.  If so, this would be a direct and blatant breach of a campaign promise he made in Joanne Turner's living room at a "meet-and-greet" in February of last year at which I was present, and which I noted.

 “Have you heard anything about this?  What do his staffers (esp. Jimmy Johnson in the City Hall main office) say about this? Please advise.”

  --Steve Watkins, Eagle Rock

Thanks for the letter, Steve.  When I asked Antonio and his staff about Antonio’s decision to run for Mayor, he said that one of the reasons he took three months to make the decision to run was not only to talk with his family, but also to take the time to talk with his constituents - to hear their thoughts and concerns, and to ask them whether he should run.  He heard from hundreds of constituents and an overwhelming majority urged him to run for Mayor.  He said that circumstances have changed significantly over the past year.  That many people have told him that they have lost trust in their government and feel the City is adrift and starved for tough-minded leadership and vision.  He said he believes he can provide that vision - the same tough mindedness he has shown over the past year in solving problems in his district.  He also stressed that as Mayor he would absolutely fight to make sure the East and Northeast communities get their fair share of City resources and the attention his “home" district deserves from City government.  Be sure and join us at our “State of the Town” event on September 21st to hear from Antonio in person! 

   * * *


We welcome your comments, complaints and/or compliments on the e.letter or any other topic of interest to greater Eagle Rock. Please address your message to e.letter@TERA90041.org, and include your full name, along with your city, neighborhood or professional affiliation.  Opinions expressed in the e.letter's "We've Got Mail" section do not necessarily reflect the views of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA), the e.letter editor, or The Eagle Rock Association Board of Directors, who reserve the right to publish letters or other materials submitted to the e.letter at their sole discretion.  Letters or other material chosen for publication may be edited for style, clarity and brevity.  Please let us know if you do not wish to have your comments appear in the e.letter.



15.  THE LAST WORD -- TIP O’NEILL

“All politics is local.” 

 --Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. (1912 – 1994), former Speaker of the US House of Representatives


Distributed weekly via email and as a regular feature on various internet discussion groups, the TERA e.letter is read by well over 2000 readers with an interest in Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles.  Please encourage interested friends to send their full name and email address to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed, too.  

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©2004 The Eagle Rock Association


TERA -- The Eagle Rock Association -- YOUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION -- http://www.TERA90041.org --
 P. O. Box 41453, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 -- (323) 259-TERA -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation


Got graffiti?  Contact the City of LA’s Operation Clean Sweep Graffiti Removal Hotline: (800) 611-2489.


The TERA e.letter
 A publication of
 The Eagle Rock Association
(TERA)
 Hilary Norton Orozco, editor
 e.letter@TERA90041.org