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

TERA

e.letter


September 25,  2003

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

Click on
http://www.TERA90041.org

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

Join TERA now!  Here's how:

Click on
http://www.TERA90041.org/teraform.htm

Please encourage interested friends and neighbors to send their email addresses
to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed, too.

In this issue:

Tell the city how to spend your money--fill out the Neighborhood Council Survey
(item #5)

Relief on the way for Eagle Rock High? (item #7)

A great way to get your fingers dirty this weekend  
(item #8)

Table of Contents:

1.  A MESSAGE FROM TERA PRESIDENT HILARY NORTON OROZCO

2.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR ON THE HORIZON -- OCTOBER 19

3.  THERE'S STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR

4.  CALLING ALL ARTISTS: A BREATH OF PLEIN AIR -- DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: OCTOBER 3

5.  EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU -- SURVEY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 29

6.  GOOD NEWS!  EXTENDED HOURS AT CURVES FOR WOMEN -- BEGINNING OCTOBER 4

7.  LAUSD PONDERS NEW SCHOOL TO RELIEVE CROWDING AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH

8.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FALL CLEAN-UP DAY -- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

9.  CYPRESS PARK LIBRARY BOOK SALE -- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

10.  THE HIGHLAND PARK PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL IS BACK! -- SEPTEMBER 27

11.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE TO HOST TIGER TYKES SPORTS CAMP -- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

12.  MIDDLE EAST SCHOLAR ANN ZWICKER KERR AT OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE -- OCTOBER 1

13.  GET IN TUNE FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 4

14.  ENJOY A MUSICAL BRUNCH AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS -- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

15.  AREA PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ON McDONALD'S -- OCTOBER 8

16.  THE ANNUAL DO-GOODERS BALL: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL ACTIVISM -- OCTOBER 10

17.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE WOMEN'S 20TH CENTURY CLUB HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR -- NOVEMBER 15

18.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

19.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- ELIZABETH WALDRON



1.  A MESSAGE FROM TERA PRESIDENT HILARY NORTON OROZCO

TERA's State of the Town meeting on Tuesday evening was fantastic, thanks to the hard work of Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa and his staff and TERA members Keith Louie, Suzanne Prieur, Mary Tokita, Joanne Turner, John Stillion and numerous others.  Over 200 people came to find out more about TERA's upcoming events and Councilmember Villaraigosa's vision for Eagle Rock.
                                     
At our meeting, Councilmember Villaraigosa outlined his goals for the future, and assured us that he would be vigilant about development projects on our boulevards.  In addition, he will continue his longstanding advocacy for additional police officers, graffiti abatement, afterschool programs and park space.  Councilmember Villaraigosa will also reexamine the Design Review Board (DRB) for the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan.

As chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee and a board member of the MTA, Councilmember Villaraigosa is working on additional transit connection to the Gold Line, as well as working with Eagle Rock Community Preservation and Revitalization (ERCPR) on parking solutions for our commercial corridors.                Thank you, Antonio, for your leadership! TERA looks forward to partnering with you and your staff on the many issues you discussed at our meeting.

Thank you's also go to Councilmember Villaraigosa and Senator Jack Scott for honoring Joanne Turner for her six years of leadership and advocacy as the President of TERA.  Joanne's tenacity and ceaseless energy on behalf of Eagle Rock have built TERA into the tremendous organization we are today.

Finally, thank you to Camilo's California Bistro, The Coffee Table, Elvira's, Senor Fish, and Cafe Beaujolais for donating cuisine to the meeting.  Thank you to Michael Noguiera for donating additional chairs. Thank you to Jenny Krusoe and the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, for hosting us.  It was a wonderful and informative evening!

Don't forget to buy your Home Tour tickets for October 19th!

-- Hilary Norton Orozco



2.  ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR ON THE HORIZON -- OCTOBER 19

The 4th Annual

Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour

Sunday, October 19, 2003
10:00 a.m.­4:00 p.m.

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.

The Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour is co-sponsored by:


Advance tickets are $12.00 each, or $10.00 for members of TERA, and may be purchased at the Eagle Rock Music Festival on October 4.  Tickets are also available now at any of the following Eagle Rock businesses:

The Coffee Table, 930 Rowena Avenue, Silver Lake

You may also buy your tickets at TERA's website, http://www.tera90041.org/httickets-03.htm, or by sending a check (payable to TERA,) to:

TERA
P.O. Box 41453
Eagle Rock, CA 90041

(Please make a note on the face of your check that it is for a Home Tour ticket purchase.)



3.  THERE'S STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR

The Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour
planners are still looking for a few more volunteers and docents to help organize this year's Home Tour as well as to help out on the weekend of the event.  Play an integral role in bringing one of our community's best-loved annual events to life.  As an added bonus, tour volunteers earn highly-sought invitations to the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour Wrap Party, a highlight of Eagle Rock's social calendar.

If you'd like to help us make this year's Home Tour another smashing success, call Juliann at (323) 256-6767 or email her at  Julilanser@aol.com.



4.  CALLING ALL ARTISTS: A BREATH OF PLEIN AIR -- DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: OCTOBER 3

Artists from throughout southern California are invited to paint on location in Eagle Rock, before TERA's annual Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour on October 19, 2003.  The artworks will be displayed in the historic Women's 20th Century Club (the Women's Club, 5105 Hermosa Avenue, northwest corner of Colorado Boulevard), with an opening date and reception on Friday, October 17, and closing on Friday, October 24, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The Plein Air exhibit will be a delightful part of the Eagle Rock Eclectic Home Tour, which will begin at the Women's Club.  Contributing artists are also invited to paint in front of the homes featured on the tour the day of the tour and bring their paintings to the traditional after-tour party for all tour volunteers to see.

The artworks featured in the exhibit are to be painted of scenes anywhere in the community of Eagle Rock.  Works will be limited to oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors, and pastels.  Maximum size is 40 x 60 inches.  All participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour and the post-tour celebration.

To be considered for this Plein Air exhibit, please submit one slide of each completed work clearly marked with your name, the title of the piece, medium, and size.  A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required for return of the slide(s).

Entries must be received by Friday, October 3.  Artists will receive 85% of any sales made through the exhibit.  Prizes will be awarded -- first place $750, second place $500, and third place $250.

We hope you can join us in this important event.  Please print out and fill in the application below and mail it, along with a $20 entry fee (payable to TERA,) to Beth Parker, 2419 Ridgeview Avenue, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.  For further information, please call Beth Parker at (323) 256-5701.

Name ___________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City _____________________________________________  

State _________  Zip Code ______  Email _________________

Daytime Phone _____________________________________  

Evening Phone _____________________________________

Enclosed is $20 in Cash ______ Check _____ Money Order ______



5.  EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU -- SURVEY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 29

From Dalila Soleto, President of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, comes this survey for area stakeholders:

Dear Community Stakeholder: 
 
Here's your copy of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Survey for City Budget Priorities, which we will send to the City of Los Angeles to inform the Mayor and the Council Office about the things we would most like to see accomplished in Eagle Rock.   The survey offers stakeholders in our community an historic opportunity to participate in helping to shape the City of Los Angeles budget, and to provide meaningful feedback to our public officials and city managers about the local issues that really matter to us.
 
YOUR voice is very important in this process!  Please take a few moments to fill out this information and return it to the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council at info@eaglerockcouncil.org by Monday, September 29th at 5:00 p.m.  And please pass this survey along to your friends. 

If you would prefer taking part in the survey by telephone,  please call (323) 257-6381.  Thank you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dalila Sotelo
President
Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council 


EAGLE ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL SURVEY FOR CITY BUDGET PRIORITIES
Please take a moment to fill this out and mail (or email) it back to us.  Thanks!

Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council 
P.O. Box 41005
Eagle Rock, CA  90041
info@eaglerockcouncil.org
(323) 257-6381

TO ASSIST YOU IN FILLING OUT THE SURVEY, WE HAVE PROVIDED A SAMPLE PRIORITY BELOW, ALONG WITH A SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR AN EXPLANATION/: BENEFIT THAT ADDRESSES THAT PRIORITY.

SAMPLE PRIORITY: 
 
PRIORITY:
Traffic on Example Blvd needs improved flow.

EXPLANATION/: BENEFIT
Thousands of cars are backed up every day traveling along Example Blvd in Eagle Rock.  If we can time the stop lights or do other things to improve the flow of traffic, it would make the area safer and more productive. Sometimes people make dangerous turns on or off the street.

HERE ARE SOME ISSUES THAT MAY HELP YOU IN IDENTIFYING YOUR OWN PRIORITIES:
(These are examples only.  You need not limit your Priority from among the topics on this list.)

Recycling
Housing
Firefighters
Police
Bicycle lanes
Soccer fields
Schools
Lights
Equestrian Bridge
Small Businesses
Arts
Library
Taxes
Storm Drains
Parks
Job Training
Streetscape Project
Homeless persons
Historic preservation
Movie production
Gangs
Signage
Dogs  
 

1. PRIORITY:

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________


EXPLANATION/:
BENEFIT

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________


2. PRIORITY:
_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________


EXPLANATION/:
BENEFIT
_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________


FEEL FREE TO COPY THE SURVEY AND ADD MORE SPACE IF YOU'D LIKE TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL BUDGET PRIORITIES.
 
Visit the ERNC at http://www.EagleRockCouncil.org.


6.  GOOD NEWS!  EXTENDED HOURS AT CURVES FOR WOMEN -- BEGINNING OCTOBER 4

In its first few weeks of operation, one of Eagle Rock's newest businesses, Curves for Women, has proved to be a smashing success!   To keep up with the demands of their growing clientele, the popular fitness center has announced plans to add Saturdays to their current five-day-a-week schedule.  Now open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Curves will also be be open Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon, beginning October 4th.

Get an hour-and-a-half workout in only 30 minutes!  Perfect for the busy woman.

Curves for Women
4870 Eagle Rock Boulevard
Eagle Rock
(323) 259-5800
http://www.curveseaglerock.com



7.  LAUSD PONDERS NEW SCHOOL TO RELIEVE CROWDING AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH

From community activist Scott Folsom comes this report on a recent LAUSD meeting convened to address overcrowding at Eagle Rock and Franklin High Schools:

At a meeting held last week, Los Angles Unified School District (LAUSD) Central District Director Tom Calhoun described an immediate need to add classroom capacity to relieve overcrowding at Franklin and Eagle Rock High Schools. The meeting, held last Wednesday evening at Burbank Middle School, was convened to solicit community input into the process of building new schools under Measure K.   The meeting was well attended, and a number of community members and from Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Mount Washington, Silver Lake and surrounding areas expressed their views and opinions.

The school district is proposing to build a new high school to relieve crowding at two area schools.  This new school would also provide some relief for Marshall High School in the Silver Lake/Los Feliz area.  While noting that it was too early in the process to address site identification and land acquisition, Mr. Calhoun proposed that the new high school be located in an area between the three campuses to be relieved, such as Cypress Park or Glassell Park.  Community members from Glassell Park championed Parcel F in Taylor Yard.  The property is vacant and currently for sale.  A new school would be welcome in the neighborhood, which surrounds the intersection of San Fernando Road and Division Street.  A school built on that site could also share facilities with the new State and City Park at Taylor Yard's parcel D, and it would also have adjacency to the new LACC satellite campus and other open space parkland developments along the LA River.

Mr. Calhoun agreed that the Taylor Yard site seemed ideal.  LAUSD had been studying the site previously as part of a proposed land swap with CalTrans to obtain land for a North Hollywood High School.  But, he observed, the Taylor Yard parcel may be more valuable as a school site.  

The next meeting in the process is scheduled for October 23rd at a place still to be determined.  For further information, contact LAUSD Community Outreach:  (213) 633-7616.
-- Scott Folsom

Mount Washington resident Scott Folsom is the Tenth District PTA's Vice President for Education and the publisher of 4LAKids, a weekly electronic newsletter for parents with children in Los Angeles area schools.  To subscribe to 4LAKids, send an email to: forLAKids@aol.com.  Please include the word "Subscribe" in your subject heading.



8.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FALL CLEAN-UP DAY -- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Eagle Rock Elementary School
Clean-up Day
Saturday, September 27
8:00 a.m. ­ Noon
2057 Fair Park Avenue
Eagle Rock

Itıs fall, time to turn the soil in the garden beds at Eagle Rock Elementary -- and the PTA, teachers and students need your help.  Any amount of time you can devote to this day of mulching, weeding and planting day will be valued.  Some small garden tools will be provided. but if you've got an extra shovel, weeder or a pair of gardening gloves, please bring them along.   Donations of bottled water and snacks would also be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be dropped off with Mrs. Rush in Room 29 (Kindergarten Building).  Cash donations to purchase water and snacks will also be accepted.   For more information, call Eagle Rock Elementary at (323) 254-6851.



9.  CYPRESS PARK LIBRARY BOOK SALE -- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, September 27
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cypress Park Library
1150 Cypress Avenue
Cypress Park

The Friends of the Library will offer hundreds of books for sale at the Cypress Park Branch Library's Annual Book Sale this Saturday.

Many new and used books -- plus some videos and CD's -- will be sold at bargain prices (25 cents to $1.00) to help raise funds for children's programs and other library activities. The sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, will be the first held at the new and larger facility at 1150 Cypress Avenue (at Alice Street), in the Northeast community of Cypress Park.  The Friends group meets monthly in the library's community room to plan volunteer activities in the library. New members are welcome.

For more information, dial (323) 224-0039.



10.  THE HIGHLAND PARK PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL IS BACK! -- SEPTEMBER 27

The 2003 Highland Park Music Festival

Saturday, September 27
Noon -- 8:00 p.m.
Historic Sycamore Grove Bandshell
Sycamore Grove Park
4901 N. Figueroa
Highland Park

Presented by the Sangeet School of World Music and The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, through the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the 2003 Highland Park Music Festival offers live entertainment from noon to 8:00 p.m., encompassing musical styles from jazz to soul, blues and rock.

The program is free to all.

Musical artists currently scheduled include:

3:00 PM      Timbaloo (Progressive Latin Jazz)

4:00 PM      Arohi  (Indian Classical w/Brazilian)

5:00 PM      Ann Likes Red (Rock & Roll)

6:00 PM     Heavy Hitters (Blues)

7:00PM      The Elliot Caine Quintet (Jazz)

8:00PM      The Garcia Brothers (Latin Jazz)

For more info, dial (323) 340-1525.



11.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE TO HOST TIGER TYKES SPORTS CAMP -- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Tiger Tykes Sports Camp
Sunday, September 28
2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Occidental College Alumni Gym
(and adjacent playing fields)
1600 Campus Road
Eagle Rock

All neighborhood children ages 6 to 12 are invited to join the children of Occidental alumni at the Tiger Tykes Sports Camp.   The cost is $5.00 per child.  Please RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 25.  To make your reservation, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (323) 259-2601.

The afternoon camp will feature sessions with the Oxy coaching staff and current varsity athletes in the following sports: tennis, soccer, volleyball and basketball.  Campers will rotate among the different sports.  The day will conclude with an ice cream social.  Parents are expected to spend the entire afternoon with their kids.

RSVP reservations: (323) 259-2601.

For more information, contact Andy Faught at (323) 259-2534.



12.  MIDDLE EAST SCHOLAR ANN ZWICKER KERR AT OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE -- OCTOBER 1

Occidental Speakers Forum presents
Author and Artist Ann Zwicker Kerr
"Painting the Middle East"
Wednesday, October 1
11:30 a.m.
Biltmore Hotel
Downtown Los Angeles

Middle East scholar, author and artist Ann Zwicker Kerr, a 1956 graduate of Occidental College, will be the featured speaker at the Occidental College Speakers Forum.  Her 1996 book, "Come With Me From Lebanon," chronicles the years she, her husband, and their four children spent living in the region. The story is set against the backdrop of political events that ultimately led to the 1984 assassination of her husband, who was president of the American University of Beirut.  Kerr's latest book, "Painting the Middle East," is a collection of her watercolors and photographs done over several decades.  

The Occidental College Speakers Forum will be held the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., in downtown Los Angeles.  An 11:30 reception will precede the noon luncheon, after which Kerr will speak on the Middle East and field audience questions. For reservations or for more information, call Jamie Murphy at (323) 259-1456.

Ms. Kerr will also give a speech titled "Views of the Middle East: A 50-Year Perspective" at 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Occidental's Johnson Hall, Room 200.



13.  GET IN TUNE FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 4

EAGLE ROCK COMMUNITY CULTURAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
THE FIFTH ANNUAL (FREE)
EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 4th
6:00 p.m. ­ 12:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 5th
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

At the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, (formerly the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center), and
various other locations throughout Eagle Rock

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association (ERCCA) will host the Fifth Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, Saturday, October 4th at 6:00 ­ 12:30 a.m., and then continue on Sunday, October 5th, 11 a,m. 'til 9 p.m.  The festival on Saturday is free with the first concert beginning at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, located at 2225 Colorado Blvd.  Festival goers will then walk eastward down Colorado Boulevard to hear a variety of musical performances.  

What makes this Saturday night music festival so unique are the 24 local venues, including restaurants, coffee houses, a floral shop, beauty salon, auto garage, real estate office, gas station and several other storefronts along Colorado Boulevard hosting performances.  A free shuttle service will be available throughout the evening until 10:00 pm.  The evening will conclude with a final concert in an outdoor parking lot at Caspar and Merton, ending at 12:30 a.m.

Scheduled to appear on October 4th are Juan Oliva (Cuban Drumming), Bonne Musique Zydeco, Sam Robles Tango Band,  Eldad Tarmu Jazz Ensemble, Arohi Ensemble, and Randy Kovitz with Lies Like Truth.  On October 5th, beginning at 11 am, the Center for the Arts will host a brunch followed by a concert of classical music, directed by Carl Matthes.  At 3 p.m., the North Indian Classical Music with Rajeeb Taranath of Cal Arts will perform at the Center.  The festival will close with the Open Gate Eclectic Jazz concert at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for TERA's Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour will be available at the festival. Look for our table at the Center Saturday night, and buy your tickets at the reduced advance prices ($10.00 for TERA members & $12.00 for non-members).

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association is a non-profit organization, supported solely by grants and donations, providing low-cost art, music, dance and computer classes to children and adults of surrounding areas and communities.  The ERCCA also hosts two free festivals yearly and numerous concerts and exhibitions. For more information call Lui or Jenny at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, (323) 226-1617.  The Center is located near the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard at 2225 Colorado Boulevard.



14.  ENJOY A MUSICAL BRUNCH AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS -- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

The Eagle Rock Music Festival
and
The Southwestern Youth Music Festival
present

Brunch at the Center


Sunday, October 5, 2003
11:00 a.m.
Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock
2225 Colorado Boulevard
RSVP: (323) 226-1617

The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock invites you to join them for a free musical brunch and complimentary Continental Breakfast.  Winners from the 2003 Southwestern Youth Music Festival and others will be on hand to regale you an array of classical selections titled, including works by Copland, Mozart and Grieg.

For more information, or to RSVP, dial (323) 226-1617.



15.  AREA PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING ON McDONALD'S -- OCTOBER 8

East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Hearing
on Glassell Park McDonald's
4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 8
Ramona Hall, Main Hall
4580 North Figueroa
Highland Park

The East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission will meet on October 8 to hear the McDonald's Corporation's appeal to the Zoning Administrator's rejection of their application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to build a drive-through and have hours of operation of 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 5;00 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday.

A full 82.7% of the GPIA membership voted to oppose the granting of the CUP at its November 2002 general meeting.

Councilmember Eric Garcetti supported the GPIA and the overwhelming majority of the residents who live within 500' of the proposed McDonald's who are opposed.

On July 18th, Zoning Administrator Al Landini rejected the CUP based on the "tortured" traffic pattern on Eagle Rock Blvd. which he felt would be exacerbated by a proposed drive-through and the "excessive" hours of operation that McDonald's was asking for.

The GPIA encourages its membership and other Northeast Los Angeles community members to attend this hearing and express their support of the Zoning Administrator's ruling as well as the stance made by Councilmember Garcetti.

For more information, e.mail ask.GPIA@earthlink.net.



16.  THE ANNUAL DO-GOODERS BALL: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL ACTIVISM -- OCTOBER 10

The Do-Gooders Ball

starring Carlos Guitarlos,
Marcy Levy and Friends,
Ann Likes Red and others
7: 30 p.m.
Friday, October 10
Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
Cypress Park

LA blues legend and guitar slinger Carlos Guitarlos returns to his old neighborhood October 10, 2003, when he headlines the first annual Do-Gooders Ball at the River Center in Cypress Park.  The event is a salute to the wealth of local community activists and the unheralded work they perform throughout Northeast Los Angeles, from Cypress Park to Eagle Rock and beyond.

Guitarlos grew up in Cypress Park, a hardworking low-income section of LA set hard against the Southern Pacific rail yards and the LA River. In the late 70s and 80s, he was a fixture in the LA rock scene with the band, Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, who held down the fort every Monday night at Hollywood's Cathay De Grande.  It was a boozy mix of blues, rock and soul, heavy on the booze. In fact, it was the drinking life that finally took Top Jimmy, and found Guitarlos on the streets of San Francisco for the last 5 years, playing for change in the Mission District.

Newly clean and sober, Guitarlos has recorded a new CD with the help of some friends, and teamed up with former Eric Clapton partner/singer Marcy Levy for a new band and hopefully, a new tour. Guitarlos will be performing tunes from the new CD, "Straight from the Heart," and should be joined on stage by a few of his special musical friends.  Also on the bill are local rockers Ann Likes Red, "Highland Parkıs House Band" and a long time fixture at LA community events.  They have played everywhere from the LA Marathon to the ArroyoFest to the Bay to Breakers 10K in San Francisco.

Proceeds from the Do Gooders Ball will be awarded to one local community group in a drawing at the close of the evening.  Producers of the event are expecting anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people at the event, so the proceeds could bring a healthy award to one local group.  The evening is sponsored by The Observer, serving Downtown and Northeast LA.

Tickets are $15.00 at the door and may be reserved by emailing Gene Evans at Gene@northeastobserver.com.  

For more information on the event, call (323) 243-0005.



17.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE WOMEN'S 20TH CENTURY CLUB HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR -- NOVEMBER 15

Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair
Saturday, November 15
9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.
Women's 20th Century Club

Vendor applications are due September 30.

The Women's 20th Century Club is hosting a Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair, the ideal opportunity to celebrate the season by having a bite to eat and purchasing holiday gifts and baked goods. 

The club is also seeking vendors who specialize in homemade and handmade products.  Vendor Applications are due by September 30.  Please contact Lois Shilts, Chairperson, at (323) 257-5262 or send an email to: gramlo@adelphia.net.



18.  WE'VE GOT MAIL

"I've enjoyed your e letter for a while now. Congratulations on all the good works you do and the ones you publicize in your newsletter. My question is, has Lee's Kitchen gone out of business? I was very disappointed when I called them tonight and got a disconnect message. Then I drove by and saw all the windows painted over. Please tell me they're only remodeling!"
-- Kacy Treadway,  Upperton Avenue (on the cusp of Eagle Rock)

Thanks for asking, Kacy.   We're sorry to report that, after many years on Colorado Boulevard, Lee's Chinese Kitchen has indeed closed its doors.  But the good news is that the site won't be vacant for long.   As reported in TERA's quarterly member newsletter (which is mailed to all active TERA members), the site of Lee's Chinese Kitchen will soon reopen as Dante's Chicken and Ribs.   The new restaurant is the brainchild of Mike Zamarripa and his business partner, Brett Schoenhals, the entrepreneurs behind the Coffee Table, which is set to open later this month a few doors east of Lee's, at the old Williamson Automotive Building (across the street from City Hall).


* * *

"I recently had difficulty finding my favorite photo shop, One Hour Photo, which was, until recently, located inside the Westfield Shoppingtown (formerly the Eagle Rock Plaza.)  Fortunately, a Westfield security guard was able to tell me that One Hour Photo had moved to 2750 Colorado Boulevard, which is in the minimall right in front of the Westfield Plaza,.   The proprietor, Mimi, is still there, giving the same great service she has always provided.  I would appreciate it if you would print this in the e.letter, so that others can also find Mimi's photo shop.     
-- Lucy Cole, Eagle Rock

* * *

"I just wanted to share the news that Eagle Rock's new Renaissance Performing Arts Academy charter school opened on September 16 in the old American Legion building on Merton (across from the Eagle Rock Library.)  Enrollment is currently limited to middle school age students, from sixth to eight grade, although I believe they plan to expand the program to include ninth through 12th grades at a later point.  My son Hector, 11, who plays violin, is very happy to be enrolled as a sixth grader at the Academy.   And we both feel very lucky to be have this wonderful opportunity."
-- Gloria Gonzalez, Eagle Rock

* * *

Continuing our ongoing forum on the topic of Occidental College's recent removal of trees from Mount Fiji, we present two more views from concerned community members.   First up is an Occidental College alum, who responds to last week's comment by e.letter reader Moses Arteaga:

 

"Finally!  Someone isn't blinded by false beliefs that a small number of people have the right to prevent private parties (be they individuals or institutions) from doing what they are legally entitled to do: namely, that Occidental College had -- and still has -- the right to do as they please with their land, as long as they comply with existing laws.  I commend Oxy for having the foresight to know that if they continued to wait, they themselves would become limited in their abilities to develop their land as will be needed in the future.  It is sooooo irritating that people can make blind assessments and that TERA would choose to support them by their publication of the comments of individuals who express "compassion" for trees but will trounce over the rights of those entities provided by our local, state and federal laws. 

"There can be no denying that Oxy has always done a beautiful job of developing its campus, and that it remains a jewel for Eagle Rock, both by educational/intellectual reputation and in its physical beauty.  To those who choose to speak out, even as they acknowledge that they have no knowledge of Oxy's plans, I say, please, withhold such comments until you know what this private institution's plans are.  Don't scuff up the jewel, and in so doing, damage your community as well."
-- Dan Sanchez, Eagle Rock, TERA Member, Occidental College, '79        

Thanks for weighing in, Dan.  For the record, TERA has taken no position on this matter.  As stated in the letters policy that appears below,  opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of TERA, the e.letter editor, or the TERA Board.  In the interest of fostering debate on this topic of obvious interest to our community, we have afforded concerned community members from both sides of this issue the opportunity to air their thoughts in the forum of this letters column, just as we have provided Occidental College the opportunity to post their views here as well.

* * *

"My, my, so, the trees are disappearing off Mt. Fiji.  Who planted them?  Occidental College with the cooperation of Northeast Trees?  That is my understanding.  Try to come in my yard and tell me to cut down a tree or not cut down a tree and you'll be berated and cursed all the way to the Eagle Rock border, which is about 50 yards away.

"Please leave Occidental College alone to do their own expansion and tree planting or cutting.  I've written this letter before when parts of the community have become offended by the construction or tree cutting or whatever.  Occidental College contributes far more to this community by simply being here than it detracts from the community by expanding or changing its landscape. 

"Clean your own yards and let Oxy take care of itself."
-- Mary Ellen Canniff, Highland Park


* * *

As always, we welcome your comments, complaints and/or compliments on the e.letter or any 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 don't wish to have your comments appear in the e.letter.


19.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"There's so much in life.  Let's go see the crickets."
-- Elizabeth Esmé Waldron (2000-     )


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