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

THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

TERA

-- e.letter --

September 26, 2002

 

In this issue:


1.  MEETING ON PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP ALL STAR LANES BOWLING ALLEY SITE -- OCTOBER 1

2.  YOUR BUNGALOW HOME COULD BE FEATURED IN UPCOMING BOOKS!

3.  THE COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL MEETING -- SEPTEMBER 28

4.  HELP CHILDREN RESOLVE CONFLICTS AND PREVENT VIOLENCE -- OCTOBER 1

5.  NORTHEAST LAPD VOLUNTEER SURVEILLANCE TEAM FUNDRAISER -- OCTOBER 2

6.  CRIME PREVENTION FAIR AND OPEN HOUSE -- OCTOBER 12

7.  . . . AND THEN AFTER THE CRIME PREVENTION FAIR . . . THE EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL!! -- OCTOBER 12

8.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE OFFICE NEWS

9.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT -- TONIGHT -- SEPTEMBER 26

10.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTER OFFERS TUTORING FOR LOCAL YOUTHS

11.  SOLHEIM LUTHERAN HOME ANNUAL MEETING/FALL FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 13

12.  SEVENTH ANNUAL ECHO PARK ARTS FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 12 AND 13

13.  COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION CENTER -- FREE CLASSES

14.  BUZZWORD OF THE DAY

15.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

16.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK


1.  MEETING ON PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP ALL STAR LANES BOWLING ALLEY SITE -- OCTOBER 1

Extra Space Storage proposes to demolish the All Star Lanes bowling alley and apartment building at 4459 and 4465 Eagle Rock Boulevard here in Eagle Rock and build in their place a storage facility.

TERA has invited representatives of the architectural firm and the company to present their plan to the community so that community members can make an informed decision regarding this proposal.  The owner of the property has also been invited.  The TERA Board has not thus far taken a position regarding this proposal.

Anyone interested in this proposal is welcomed and strongly encouraged to attend:

Tuesday, October 1, 2002
7:30 p.m.
Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center
2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock

Parking is available on the street and at Bank of America.  Refreshments will be served.  TERA asks each attendee to contribute $2 to help cover our costs.  All monies go to the Cultural Center.  Thank you.


2.  YOUR BUNGALOW HOME COULD BE FEATURED IN UPCOMING BOOKS!

Bungalow Home Owners!

Three new books are being published on bungalows, and your beloved house could be in them!

Make your house famous!

Get your house professionally photographed!

Call Suzanne Prieur at 323 257-7042 for details before October 1, 2002.


3.  THE COLLABORATIVE EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL MEETING -- SEPTEMBER 28

THE COLLABORATIVE
EAGLE ROCK BEAUTIFUL

You are cordially invited to attend the meeting of the Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful on Saturday, September 28, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, 2225 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock.

Come and celebrate our new "home' at the Cultural Center, and join us as we welcome its new director, Jenny Krusoe.  Jenny has said that "collaboration is something that keeps us connected with the community."  The Collaborative applauds her commitment to Eagle Rock, which mirrors our own.

Remember, the Collaborative was founded on the principle that every organization and every entity and every person in Eagle Rock is integral to our success.  You are needed!

We have wonderful projects planned and urgently need all of your help.  A continental breakfast will be served.  As in the past, our meeting will end promptly at 11:00 a.m.
 
For more information, please call:

ESTHER MONK  (323) 255-4052
JOHN STILLION  (323) 254-6540


4.  HELP CHILDREN RESOLVE CONFLICTS AND PREVENT VIOLENCE -- OCTOBER 1

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A VERY SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE AND DEDICATION AND ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE A PERSONAL ART PIECE TO THE CHILDREN'S PEACE MURAL (supplies available at event)

Please RSVP: 626-584-7494 Anita

Event is: October 1, 2002

OUCH the EGG HELPS CHILDREN RESOLVE CONFLICTS AND PREVENT VIOLENCE

Judge Nelson to Dedicate Unique Children's Workshop Space

"Conflict Resolution" will be unveiled at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, October 1, 10 AM (with additional events at 2PM and 4:30 PM) at the Western Justice Center Foundation (WJCF) in Pasadena. The Honorable Dorothy L. Nelson, Senior Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Chairman and founder of WJCF, will dedicate the new children's workshop space.

The Children's Workshop on Conflict Resolution includes interactive, multi-media and computer-based activities in which children may explore, practice and master their responses to conflict. The curriculum, including the character "Ouch the Egg," has been specially designed for third to fifth grade students. Students will first learn how they respond to conflict and stress in their bodies, minds and feelings. Then they will learn three steps to successfully resolving a conflict: First, C.A.L.M.: what happens to their bodies when they become stressed and how to calm their emotions. Second, T.H.I.N.K.: how to interpret and assess a conflict. Third, A.C.T.: how to choose a response that does not escalate the problem or hurt anyone.

"The most promising approach to reducing violence is to prevent it in the first place," explains Susan Scott, Executive Director of WJCF. "Intervene early enough in a child's life and we can prevent conflict escalation and violence later on. If children are not taught these kinds of problem-solving skills by parents, caretakers or teachers, they will be much less likely to successfully manage conflicts throughout their lives. No one on the planet is born with these skills -- they need to learn them. People who learn how to peacefully resolve conflicts early in life tend to be more successful,effective, happy and productive."

Development of the Children's Workshop on Conflict Resolution has been funded by the Pasadena Foundation. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Law, part of Pepperdine University's Law School, donated computers and created customized computer programming which will enable children to interact with and respond to conflict situations that mirror real-life.

"As far as we know, it's the world's first such dedicated workshop space," said Scott. "It will serve as a hands-on, experiential resource for children, teachers and community groups. We will start with third through fifth graders and will eventually expand workshop technology and age-appropriate content to younger children and older youth."  The Children's Workshop on Conflict Resolution -- and its satellite programs for teachers and parents -- will serve as a model for adaptation regionally, nationally and internationally. WJCF is a national leader in conflict resolution education for teachers, principals, parents, students and community organizations.

Area Municipal and Federal Judges, elected officials and representatives, school administrators and leading Southern California attorneys are among those expected to attend the Children's Workshop ceremony and open house from 10 AM to noon.

Ms. Scott added, "Children cannot avoid conflict entirely but if they learn to manage it appropriately, conflict can be healthy and move them along the road to independence." She concluded by saying, " We believe strongly that by teaching children self-control, self-awareness and specific problem-solving skills, we contribute to their overall well-being -- and society's -- for many years to come."

Interviews with Ms. Scott and Judge Dorothy L. Nelson can be pre-arranged by calling: 626-584-7494; ask for Ms. Scott or Connie Hurston. Members of the Children's Workshop design team will also be available for interview at the ceremony.  Guests will be asked to sign or create a personal art statement for a new Children's Peace Mural which will begin to document participation in the Children's Workshop and other WJCF programs.

What: Children's Workshop on Conflict Resolution: Ribbon Cutting, Dedication Ceremony and Open House

When: 10 AM to Noon, Tuesday, October 1, 2002

Ribbon Cutting and Dedication approximately 10:15, followed by children-led demonstrations in the workshop.

Where: Western Justice Center Foundation
55 S. Grand Avenue First Floor
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-584-7494

(1 block South of the 210 Freeway/Colorado Blvd, 1 block West of Orange Grove Blvd. Parking on streets and in lot across from the Courthouse, just south of WJCF.)

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Scott, Executive Director
626-584-7494 x 17


5.  NORTHEAST LAPD VOLUNTEER SURVEILLANCE TEAM FUNDRAISER -- OCTOBER 2

Everyone is cordially invited to the LAPD's Northeast Area Volunteer Surveillance Team (VST) Fundraiser.  VST comprises community members that assist the police in suppressing crime.  The hope is that sufficient funds will be raised in order to purchase equipment for this team.

Please come and support these brave volunteers that put in so much of themselves in order to help the LAPD officers and improve the Northeast communities.  VST is here to support you, so please help these dedicated community members.  They really go out there and do a great service to us all, believe me!!!

Date:  Wednesday, October 2, 2002
Time:  10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Place:  Northeast Community Police Station
            3353 San Fernando Road  (Rear parking lot)
Menu:  Carne Asada/BBQ Chicken, Beans, Rice, Tortillas, Chips & Salsa,
            and Soft Drinks.
Donation:  $6.00 to a VERY worthy cause!!!

Hope to see you there!


6.  CRIME PREVENTION FAIR AND OPEN HOUSE -- OCTOBER 12

Crime Prevention Fair & Open House (Free)
LAPD Northeast Division, Community Police Station

Saturday, October 12, 2002
10:00AM - 3:00PM
3353 San Fernando Rd.

Free community resource awareness event.

Free hot dogs for all kids twelve and under. Fun for the whole family. Carne asada BBQ, Popcorn, snow cones, drinks.  Free Bounce House for younger children, Dodger pitching machine, Dodger History Museum trailer, giveaways. Live broadcast by K-Big 104.3 Radio featuring "Charlie Tuna," live demonstrations, youth performances and guided tours of the police station.

Community service booths like American Red Cross, LA Street Services, Department of Sanitation, Local and State Political Offices, Senior Services, Fingerprinting and Child Identification, LAPD Swat, Scientific Investigation Division, Bomb Squad, Montrose Search & Rescue, Volunteer Surveillance Team, Problem Solving Unit, D.A.R.E., Public Health Services, Los Angeles Fire Department, Police Historical Society Museum trailer and much, much more.

Parking off San Fernando Road, look for directional signs.

Co-Sponsored by: Council Districts #1,4,13 and 14, State Senator Jack Scott, Assembly Members Carol Liu and Jackie Goldberg, Congress member Xavier Becerra, and Mayor James Hahn.

For more information: Call Heinrich Keifer 323-258-7920 or Community Relations Officer, Rita Vallejo at 213-485-2548


7.  . . . AND THEN AFTER THE CRIME PREVENTION FAIR . . . THE EAGLE ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL!! -- OCTOBER 12

The Eagle Rock Music Festival features 29 free public concerts Saturday evening, October 12!  This is one of the very best events (aside from TERA's Home Tour) that our community offers each year -- don't miss it!

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center (ERCCC) hosts the 4th annual Eagle Rock Music Festival
Saturday, October 12
6:00 p.m. to12:30 a.m. in the Eagle Rock community of northeast Los Angeles

The free public event will present 29 live musical performances in 24 local venues, including restaurants, a floral shop, a beauty salon, an auto garage, a real estate office, a gas station, and several other storefronts along Colorado Boulevard. A free shuttle service will be provided to festival venues.

"Angelenos will be delighted to discover what Eagle Rock has to offer -- it's a small town with big ideas," said Jenny Krusoe, ERCCC director and festival co-organizer. "Our festival is a journey of discovery, an opportunity to go places you've never been before -- both musically and physically. Whether it's Taiko drumming on the lawn of the City Council field office, an Armenian band in a mini-mall, or a "rave" in an empty storefront, we're encouraging people to stroll around town and have fun exploring musical genres."

The Eagle Rock Music Festival program will also include classical, reggae, Cajun, Latin jazz, Tex-Mex, Pre-Columbian, folk, blues, country western, Afro-Cuban, cabaret and contemporary original music.

Scheduled performers include: Swing Inc., Neon Venus, Go Betty Go, V.R Smith and the Beaujolais Jazz Band, Ann Likes Red, Elliott Caine, composer Jon Rumford, and Liz Cusuco. The winners of the Southwestern Youth Music Festival will perform at Eagle Rock Flowers.  Camilo's Restaurant will host "The Best of the UGLA Cabaret 2002," and the Glendale Branch Music Teachers' Association will host the 20th Century Women's Club.  Fatty's, a local coffee house, is closing a side street to host a swing concert, including a dance contest between children and senior citizens.

The Eagle Rock Music Festival begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center, located at 2225 Colorado Blvd., just west of Eagle Rock Blvd.   Festivalgoers will enjoy the first concert of the evening, obtain a festival program, then walk eastward down Colorado Blvd. or take the shuttle from 7:00-10:00 p.m. to hear a variety of musical performances. The Cultural Center will close the festival with the Bobby Haynes Blues Band, scheduled to perform at the ERCCC's historic building, a former Carnegie library, until 12:30 a.m.

The Eagle Rock Music Festival is free and open to the public, presented with the support of L.A. Council Member Nick Pacheco, the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs, L.A. County Arts Commission and the Recording Industries' Music Performance Trust Funds through the Professional Musicians Union 47, Bank of America, Vons, the Westfield Shoppingtown Eagle Rock, and the fantastic community of Eagle Rock.

For more information, call the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center at (323) 226-1617.


8.  EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE OFFICE NEWS

EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE OFFICE NEWS

PSAT/NMSQT
Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Should students take the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the SAT Program tests?

Yes! The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship  Qualifying Test is great practice for the SAT, and juniors who take the test may qualify to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs.  It is also beneficial for sophomores and younger students to take the test to get a head start on improving academic skills needed for college.  On average, juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October and the SAT the following spring have corresponding SAT scores that are 10 points higher in verbal, 12 points higher in math, and 14 points higher in writing.  However, scores on the SAT will not always be higher than those on the PSAT/NMSQT.  The PSAT/NMSQT is an invaluable experience for students who plan to take any SAT test during high school.  Be sure to recommend it to your student.

Students can register at the business office beginning October 1st.  The cost for this year's PSAT will be $12.00.

What's the best way to prepare for the SAT?

The best preparation is straightforward; students should work hard in the most challenging courses available, read as much as possible, and study, study, study.  College admission staff is more impressed by an academic record that shows real effort and achievement than they are by test scores.  Remind your students that test scores are only one part of the admissions decision.

Before taking the SAT, students should


This information, along with a full-length practice test, is presented in the free publication Taking the SAT I: Reasoning Test available in the Career Center.  In general, the most important step in preparation for the SAT is to complete as many practice exams as possible. There are also several test preparation products available for purchase at local bookstores.

Planning for College

Every student enters high school with the potential to continue his or her education after graduation.  Those students who are not planning to attend college should be encouraged to keep their post-secondary school options open.  Students should plan a program of study during high school that preserves choices after graduation.  Those students who think ahead will have many opportunities available to them.  There are more than 3,000 two- and four-year colleges in this country, as well as a variety of professional schools.  They all offer programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of high school graduates.

SENIORS

Important Dates, Events, and Reminders
September 2002

Take SATI/II this fall.  Remember December is the last test date for college applications.

This Month:
- Release any SAT II: Subject Test scores that are on Score Choice Hold before October 2002 if you¼re sending them to college.  
- Review your transcripts.
- Narrow down your list of colleges.  Be sure list includes "SAFE" schools as well as "REACH" and "REALISTIC" schools.
- Request college applications early.
- If needed, request teacher and counselor recommendations (always give teachers at least 2 weeks).
- Visit http://www.collegeboard.com online to practice SAT test items.
- Meet with college representatives who visit your school this fall.
- Continue survey of scholarship opportunities: see your counselor, visit career center, and listen for announcements.

University of California and California State University applications will be available in a few weeks in the Career Center.  Plan to attend the lunchtime workshops to get the information needed to complete the applications.

JUNIORS

September 2002

A Reminder:  The Junior year is very important. The grades you earn this year will be an important factor in a college's decision about your application for admission.

Have a Productive Year!

This Month:
- Make plans to take the PSAT/NMSQT.  This test is the first step to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Look at the PSAT/NMSQT page on http://www.collegeboard.com.
- Review your course selection; be sure your courses are preparing you for college.
- Take SAT Prep class (optional).

If you have not already done so, apply for a social security number because it will be needed as an identification card.


9.  EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT -- TONIGHT -- SEPTEMBER 26

Just a reminder about BACK 2 SCHOOL!

THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 26
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Followed by LEARN COUNCIL ELECTIONS at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium.

And don't forget the PTA Magazine fundraiser starts on September 26th too!  Check those backpacks for the magazine drive envelopes!


10.  OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTER OFFERS TUTORING FOR LOCAL YOUTHS
            
The Occidental College Community Literacy Center, a northeast Los Angeles resource since 1963, is open for the 2002-03 school year to provide one-on-one reading and writing instruction for children in kindergarten through the sixth grade. Children meet with Occidental student tutors twice a week for a semester to cultivate an enthusiasm for learning through literacy.
 
The philosophy of the Literacy Center is developmental, with each child progressing at his or her own pace, says center director Mary Christianakis. Instruction is individualized and targeted to meet each child's particular needs. Tutors support children in developing literacy skills and tools through ongoing assessments and a flexible curriculum.
 
Throughout the sessions, children may engage in the following: Book Club discussions, large and small group reading, phonics and phonemic awareness activities, reading comprehension activities, digital storytelling, and electronic bookmaking. At the end of the semester, participants will receive a progress report and a portfolio of their accomplishments.
 
The Literacy Center is open from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during Occidental's Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 semesters. Classes run from 4-5:30 p.m. To begin the application process, a $50 deposit should be submitted to the center. If space is available, you will be contacted to complete paperwork. If at the time of your application there is no longer space available, you will be notified and placed on a waiting list for the following session. Cost is $200 per semester.
 
The Literacy Center's reputation and successes with students have been widely recognized by parents, local teachers and administrators. Program benefits include vocabulary improvement and the acquisition of coping strategies for challenging texts. Additionally, children develop creative writing tools and a better understanding of academic writing.
 
To start the application process, or for more information, call Angela Brown at (323) 259-2781.


11.  SOLHEIM LUTHERAN HOME ANNUAL MEETING/FALL FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 13

Please join us for Solheim Lutheran Home's Annual Meeting/Fall Festival on Sunday, October 13, 2002, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m..  Solheim is located at 2236 Merton Avenue in Eagle Rock.

2:00 - Annual Meeting in the Residential Dining Room
2:00 - 5:00 - Open House featuring tours, refreshments, entertainment and door prizes.

All are welcome!  For more information, please contact Nancy Ackerman, Director of Development, at (323) 257-7518.


12.  SEVENTH ANNUAL ECHO PARK ARTS FESTIVAL -- OCTOBER 12 AND 13

Celebrating Creativity and Community!

Event scheduled for Oct. 12-13, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Art Exhibits * Studio Tours * Live Music * Soap Box Derby * Film Festival * Poetry Readings * and much more

The seventh annual Echo Park Arts Festival will feature the creative energy of  approximately 100 local artists, musicians, poets and performers, whose work will be showcased in two dozen venues spread across one of Los Angeles's most historic and colorful communities.

One of the city's largest neighborhood art festivals, the multimedia event on the weekend of Oct. 12 and 13 includes everything from exhibitions and studio tours to a whimsical soap box derby (with cars created by local artists) and two days of outdoor music sponsored by one of Los Angeles' hottest nightclubs,the Echo.

The festival events -- most of which run from 12 PM to 6 PM on both days and into the evening on Saturday -- are all free and open to the public.

Adults and children will be able to experience the broad range of work created by emerging talent and the established artists who live and work in Echo Park, a diverse, century-old  community tucked into the hills and ravines northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Maps, information and public parking will be available in downtown Echo Park at the Festival Gateway--Lemoyne Street at Sunset Boulevard--that will serve as the starting point to variety of destinations and events. Information will also be posted on the festival website: http://www.EchoParkArts.org

Shuttle buses departing from the Festival Gateway will take visitors on tours of the three main exhibition sites, studios and galleries located in busy neighborhood shopping districts and rustic hillside enclaves.  The Festival Gateway will also host a wide variety of musical entertainment -- from techno to funk and rap -- at The Echo Stage.

This year's festival will feature several new events, including a Saturday morning Echo Park Soap Box Derby atop a scenic hilltop; a showcase of work of neighborhood filmmakers at the Echo Park Film Center; and a Sunday afternoon poetry reading at Echo Park Lake.

Children of all ages will be able to create their own art at crafts workshops located amid the homes and galleries of the neighborhood's main drag, Echo Park Avenue.

The event, which is funded primarily through a generous grant from the City of Los Angeles, is sponsored by the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, the offices of Los Angeles city council members Eric Garcetti and Ed Reyes, Adelphia Cable, the Cathedral Center of St. Paul and the Cathedral Arts Program and the Echo.

For more information, please call (213) 250-4155 or refer to the Echo Park Arts web site: http://www.EchoParkArts.org for updated information, a complete list of participants and online version of this press release.


13.  COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION CENTER -- FREE CLASSES

Hello Northeast Los Angeles --

The Computer Technology and Education Center (CTEC) would like to take this time to inform you all of our up coming FREE classes.  We are located inside the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens.  Our Address is570 West Avenue 26, suit 300, Cypress Park, CA 90065.

1. Internet Fundamentals: Come in for one day and learn how to use the Internet, This class is being held October 12, 2002 and March 8, 2003 9:00am -4:00pm

2. Best of the Hispanic Culture on the Web: Discover the best online cultural, political, historical, and community resources for the Hispanic community plus much more. This class is being held January 11, 2003 and May10, 2003 9:00am - 4:00pm

3. Resume Workshop: This class covers what goes into a resume, and how do you build it to best present your knowledge, skills, and abilities, plus how to do the format. This class is being held November 16, 2002 and April 26, 2003 9:00am - 4:00pm.

4. Put a Dot Com in Your Job Search: Have you noticed that the process of finding a job is moving to the internet? Don't get stuck in the past. In just 6 hours you will learn how to let the internet find jobs for you, learn how to use Monster.com and other web sites, and more. This class is being held December 14, 2002 and April 12, 2003 9:00am - 4:00pm.


All you need to get this class for FREE is to have a California ID, Social Security Card and for the males Selective Service. If you are interested in any of our class or know anyone who might be interested, please call Melanie Guerrero at (323) 223-0604 x29.


14.  BUZZWORD OF THE DAY

E.letter reader and "Buzzword of the Day" subscriber Paula Johnson sent this to us (last week one of the words was NIMBY (not in my back yard))":

 B U Z Z W O R D   O F   T H E   D A Y  http://www.buzzwhack.com
 
The anti-development acronyms continue to pour in. Here's another batch. Thanks to Steve Llanso, Ruth Frear, Larry Schwartz and Martin Johncox.

NIMTO: Not In My Term of Office (from a politician's point of view)
 
LULU: Locally Unwanted Land Use
 
NIMU: Not In My Universe

NIMSOI: Not In My Sphere Of Influence
 
NANU NANU: Not Anywhere Near Us, Not A Neighborhood Use
 
CAVE: Citizens Against Virtually Everything

PITBY: Put It in Their Back Yard
 
John Walston, BuzzWhacker-in-Chief
To see the full Buzzword Compliant Dictionary, just click here. http://www.buzzwhack.com


15.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

"You were great at this [TERA's "State of the Town" address meeting of 9/17/02]!  And you were right, this was the entertainment of the year!  Will you please clarify in some e.letter if the Design Review Board or the Planning Department is under the same peculiar assumption offered by N. Pacheco that 'Building A' is somehow exempt from the Colorado Specific Plan, or just not the topic at hand?  After the meeting, I'm concerned that they too might 'misunderstand!'  All the best --"

-- MeHee Hyun, Eagle Rock resident and TERA member

[Editor's note:  The Design Review Board voted last month to disapprove the Walgreens proposal, four to two, with one absention -- a fact which Council member Pacheco neglected to mention during the "State of the Town" address on September 17.  More on this monumental planning debacle later.]  


"I don't know if you remember me, I'm Donnette Thayer, the webmistress for the Montecito Heights Improvement Association at http://www.montecitohts.org.
 
We are just so impressed with the work you are doing there in Eagle Rock. We would like to emulate you, but we don't know where to start.  If you could offer just one suggestion about how to create such a cohesive, active community, what would that be?  What is the most effective thing you've ever done to improve your community?
 
Thanks in advance.  Love --"
 
-- Donnette Thayer, Montecito Heights resident


"Council Person Pacheco,

Thanks for attending yesterday evening's Eagle Rock town meeting. My wife and I are recent (2nd year) Eagle Rock homeowners and yesterday was our first opportunity to hear you at a public forum. We found you to be informative, pragmatic and genuinely interested in the balancing the concerns of your economically and culturally diverse constituents -- basically a politician.

Also, we commend you for your patience during the drawn-out, unstructured question and answer session. We initially enjoyed this portion of the meeting until the session was hijacked for some people's special interest (i.e. Shopping Bag building*). Whatever happened to time allotment, waiting one's turn, and logically expressing one's ideas? Numerous attendees, including ourselves, were put off the grandstanding and had to exit before being able to voice their concerns/questions.

Since we couldn't hangout until 9:30 PM (and thereby miss the entire Dodger/Giant game), we would like to put forth some low cost, simple ideas that will have a greater positive impact on our community's appearance than one more drug store or one less auto body shop.

First, the initial impression of Eagle Rock is shaped by a person's initial exposure to the town.  The Highway 134 on/off ramps for Figueroa St. (Harvey Dr. ramps [in Glendale] are quite clean), especially the along the ramps for Colorado Blvd., have the appearance of a landfill. These eyesores are saying to visitors to our town, 'bring us your tires and your doors.' Possible solutions: biweekly cleanup crews, anti-litter (fines) signs. If this is Caltrans' responsibility, let them know that they are not doing their job.

Second, the northeast parking lot (Eagle Vista residential area) of the Eagle Rock Recreational Center is a bulky item/construction materials/landscape waste drop-off site. Besides being a major eyesore, this area is also hazard to playing children and another tacit o.k. to guests that Eagle Rock will accept their trash. Possible solutions: Cover & lock trash bins, move trash bins, enclose trash bins within a fenced area, post anti-litter signs, post signs that provide information about the new bulky item drop-off center.

Lastly, in response to the woman at meeting who suggested that Eagle Rock should have a dog run and the City should purchase some specific piece of land. We agree that there is a need for a dog run but there is no need to use scarce city resources to fund another pet project. Possible solution: Use a small portion of the Eagle Rock Recreational Center. There are barren, unused, trashed, areas of the park (e.g. the portion near Eagle Vista & Lansford) that would only be enhanced by the introduction of doggy waste.

Thanks in advance for your action.

* Note: Don't get us wrong, we support renovation of the Shopping Bag bldg. and we expect your full support on this issue; however, this was supposed to be a Town Meeting, not a Design Review Board meeting."

-- Michael and Dawn Roznowski, City of Los Angeles residents and Eagle Rock homeowners


"Would you please include an announcement about Solheim's Annual Meeting/Fall Festival in the next issue of the TERA e.letter? TERA does an amazing job getting information throughout the entire Eagle Rock community -- I can't think of a better way to invite people to come and visit Solheim. Believe it or not, I meet Eagle Rock residents who've never visited the facility and we've been here for 79 years."

-- Nancy Ackerman, Director of Development, Solheim Lutheran Home, and TERA member


 "Thanks for keeping us on your TERA newsletter and e-mail distribution."

 -- Robin McLeod-Jones and Bruce Jones, Eagle Rock residents and TERA members


"Please add me to your email list.  I am very interested in becoming more involved in the community.  Thank you!"

-- Michele Lander, Eagle Rock resident


16.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Solid waste landfill is increasingly expensive in both dollars and environmental quality.  Sixty to sixty-five percent of most landfill sites is made up of construction debris.  And much of that waste comes from the razing of existing structures.  Preserving instead of demolishing our inventory of historic buildings reduces that construction waste.  Preserving instead of demolishing our inventory of historic buildings is smart growth."

-- Donovan Rypkema


We welcome your comments.  Please include your name.

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

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

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


Joanne Turner <artburn@earthlink.net>
President, The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)