epian ways december 2003

8/9/2019 EPIAn Ways December 2003

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Echo Park Improvement AssociationMeets at 7 p.m. the 1st Thursday of each Month

in Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital 2000 Stadium Way in Elysian Park

Echo Park scored a major success last month,pulling off its first-ever Historic Echo Park HomeTour, a daylong event that introduced residents andvisitors alike to houses built over a 75-year span fromone end of the neighborhood to the other.

An estimated 350 people turned out for the tour,titled "Restored, Remodeled and Remade," acollection of ten homes that ranged in style from1880s Victorian all the way to a 1965 mid-centurymodern duplex. Tour goers arrived in a steadystream throughout the day, asking questions aboutEcho Park history, historic preservation and ofcourse, about the homes themselves.

Even Huell Howser, a well-known televisionpersonality and a chronicler of Californias people,places and events, showed up with a camera to takepart in the tour. The event has already aired twiceon KCET-TV, L.A.s public television station, as partof Howsers 30-minute program, "Our Neighbor-hoods."

The tour was staged by the Echo Park HistoricalSociety, with much-needed help from volunteersacross Echo Park, Highland Park and Eagle Rock. It

was designed to promote efforts to preserve andrestore Echo Parks architectural past rebuilt woodwindows, built-in cabinetry, clapboard siding.

Some homes were well-preserved, while othershad been dramatically redesigned in ways that hon-ored their location and style. But almost all weremodest two-bedroom homes, typical of our neighbor-hood. The tour captured our neighborhoods style,from the charming bake sale held on one homesporch to the incredible lack of parking on our narrow,winding streets. Tour goers took in stride the suddenshortage of tour programs, with some agreeing todrive to House of Spirits where new brochures were

being photocopied to pick them up.

Proceeds from the tour will go to the Echo ParkHistorical Society. Some of the funds will go towardthe purchase of a scanner to reproduce familyphotos, while another portion will be earmarked forthe purchase of archival materials. A certainamount, yet to be determined, will be held in reservefor future projects and events.

The EPHS extends a thank-you to the dozens whohelped put on the tour and to those who purchasedbrochure ads. See you next year (we hope)!

1st Historic Echo Park Home Tour A Sellout


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December

NEWSLETTER CREDITS

EDITORS:LYNN BARBSTEVEN M. ARTHURADVERTISINGFLORA KERP

DESKTOP PUBLISHING:S.M.ART SYSTEMS

PRINTING:LYMAN PRINTING

MEMORANDUMS

INVOICES

WARRANTIES

BUSINESS CARDS

PRICE CATALOGSAPPRAISAL CERTIFICATES

COIN ENVELOPES

Lyman CommercialPrinting1201 N. ALVARADO (213) 413-5355

LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 (213) 413-5469 FAX

(323) 634-0830

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December

1911 SUNSET BOULEVARDLOS ANGELES, CA 90026

(213) 484-1265

After years of designs, redesigns, meetings andmore meetings, it appears that the Glendale BoulevardCorridor Improvement Project will soon be ready tobuild. With the expected completion of designs for

two key parts of the plans, the Los Angeles Depart-ment of Transportation (LADOT) hopes to begin con-struction early in 2004.Traffic Calming Measures Take Shape

The Echo Park Community Action Committee re-ports that the Neighborhood Traffic Management(NTM) component is very close to completion. EP-CACs Technical Subcommittee met with members ofCouncilman Eric Garcettis staff and LADOTS NTMteam a number of times to monitor their designs andoffer our own suggestions. NTM believes they haveaddressed neighborhood concerns and will display

their efforts at a community meeting on Wednesday,December 10, 2003, at the Echo Park Library. Thisopen house will run from 6:00-8:00 p.m. LADOT,Council Districts 1 and 13 and EPCAC representativeswill be on hand to co-host the evening.

The major, unfinished elements concern speedhumps. Residents of streets that have been pre-

qualified for speed humps must mount petition cam-paigns for their streets to demonstrate that there is agenuine demands for this type of traffic calming ontheir streets. More details will be available on Decem-

ber 10, but interested residents can contact [email protected] the list of pre-qualified streets.Landscaping Talks Continue

The Bureau of Street Services submitted compara-tive cost estimates of their original design and EPCAC-sponsored design, which is supported by Councilmem-ber Garcetti and many community residents andneighborhood organizations, including our Neighbor-hood Council. We expect many elements of the EPCACdesign will be incorporated into the final plans, and weare heartened that BoSS contracted with an outsidelandscape architect in order to get the next version of

the plans completed before the end of this year. Therewill not be enough money to do everything we thinkshould be done now, but it is our intention to seekgrants from other sources to continue the beautifica-tion efforts that are part of the Corridor Project.

For more information, contact us at [email protected]

GLENDALE CORRIDOR PROJECT MOVES AHEADBy Judy Raskin
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Happy Howlidays From EPAA!

The Echo Park Animal Alliance has much to cele-brate this holiday season! We are proud to announcethat our little grass-roots animal welfare group re-cently became a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Thisdesignation will allow us to expand our mission; help-ing animals in need within the Echo Park communityand offering various types of assistance to their hu-man caregivers.

We are also thrilled to report that just over the sum-mer alone, our group has rescued and placed 8 or-phaned companion animals into new loving, perma-nent homes. These placements would not have been

possible without foster homes. We have an on-goingneed for these temporary safe havens while a newhome is being sought for the animals we sponsor. Ifyou think you might like to try fostering, please con-tact us for details.

The EPAA now also distributes FREE Spay and Neu-ter vouchers. These vouchers are available to all cityresidents for the asking, and may be redeemed at par-ticipating veterinarian clinics throughout Los Angeles.Spaying and neutering your pets reduces all types ofhealth risks and undesirable behaviors, plus elimi-nates unwanted pregnancies. Help us reduce the num-ber of stray and unwanted animals in Echo Park by

spaying or neutering your dog or cat. To receive avoucher (limit is 3 per household), leave a message forus at: 323-860-DAWG and one of our volunteers willcontact you.

Last but not least, EPAAs holiday fundraiser willtake place at Peter Shires Echo Park Pottery Studio;1850 Echo Park Avenue, Sunday December 14th, 1:00P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Alongside Peters fabulous pottery,shoppers will have an opportunity to purchase our sig-nature homemade dog biscuits, one-of-a-kind ceramictree ornaments and fridge magnets, as well as fancy,patent leather dog collars.

In addition to our traditional festive fare, EPAA issponsoring a Pet Portrait with Santa booth! Come byto have your furry familys photo taken for a holidaymemento or gift!

All proceeds from our holiday fundraiser go directlytowards the care of needy animals. If you cant attendthe sale on either date, but would like to support ourefforts, you may send a check to: Echo Park AnimalAlliance P.O. Box 26010, Los Angeles, CA. 90026. Alldonations are fully tax-deductible.

Join our online discussion group: email:

[email protected] us on the web:http://www.devildogranch.com/echoparkanimalalliance.

htmlCheck out our orphans for adoption at:www.petfinders.orgjust enter zip code: 90026.

ECHO PARK ANIMAL ALLIANCE

Santa Claus IS Coming to Town!Pet Portraits with Santaa fundraiser for

Echo Park Animal Alliance

Echo Park Pottery1850 Echo Park Avenue

Sun. Nov. 23 & Sun. Dec 14

1 PM - 5 PM

Color photo with card-frame: $10duplicates available - buy 3, get one free!

for information: (323) 860-DAWG

non-furry familymembers portraits, too!
http://www.petfinders.org/http://www.petfinders.org/http://www.petfinders.org/


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7/12

Abandoned Vehicles 1-800-222-6366

Cars Parked in Yards 1-888-524-2845

Fire Hazards 1-310-412-5350

Hazardous Waste Disposal Information 1-800-988-6942

Overflowing Dumpsters 310-412-5350

Parkway Maintenance 1-800-996-2489

Storm Drains 213-485-5391

Trash and Bulky Item Pick Up 1-800-773-2489

L. A. Fire Department Brush Clearance 818-374-1111

Central City Action Committee 213-241-0908

Free Paint 1st District) 213-485-0763

Free Paint 13th District) 213-485-3353

Graffiti Hotline/Operation Clean Sweep 1-800-611-2489

Department Building & Safety 888-524-2845

Department of Health 213-250-8055

Department of Transportation 213-580-1182

Department of Water & Power 800-342-5397

Parking Enforcement 213-485-4184

Loose/Stray Animals/Barking Dogs 888-452-7381

LA County Department of Consumer 213-974-1452

Legal Aid Client Referral 1-800- 399-4529

Operation Bright Lights 1-800- 303-5267

Potholes 213-473-8410

Street Lighting Repairs 1-800- 303-5267

Professional Helicopter Pilots Association 213-891-3636

1st District Ed Reyes 213-485-3451

13th District Eric Garcetti 323-913-4693

Congressman Xavier Becerra 213-483-1425

State Senator Gil Cedillo 213-612-9566

Assemblyperson Jackie Goldberg 323-258-0450

LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina 213-974-4111

Mayors Office Community Representative, 213-847-3626


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December

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Saturday

SpecialTypicalHaitian

Food

Mon Sat

11 am 7 pmSundaysGroup of 10or more byReservation

Wood Burning Rotisserie309 N. Glendale Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90026

www.tigeorgeschicken.comEmail: [email protected]

Library Computer ClassesInternet para Principiantes! En Espanol. Las Clasesempiezan en Enero, dos Sabados por mes, a las 4 de

la tarde; llame para confirmar las fechas. Las clasesson para principiantes solamente y cubren lo basico.Call 213/250-7808 for hours. Echo Park Branch.Computer ComfortThurday 1/22, Tuesday 2/3, Thursday 2/19. Learnto use the Librarys electronic catalog to search formaterials, renew items, and place your own holds.Learn the basics of surfing the internet. Introductionto various databases and search engines. Bring yourlibrary card. Adults only. Familiarity with the key-board and mouse is recommended but not manda-tory. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm.

Fun for Kids

Daily Grandparents and Books For days and time call213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch.1/13 Tuesday Storytime with Jeni! Hear new storiestold by childrens librarian, Jeni Zambrano! Call213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 3:30pm.2/10 Tuesday Valentines Stories and Crafts withJeniCelebrate Valentines Day with awesome storiesand crafts. 3:30pm.

Library HoursMondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pmWednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pmThursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pmFridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pmSaturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pmSundays CLOSED

Library Address1410 W. Temple Street

Los Angeles CA 90026Phone 213.250.7808FAX213.250.3744

World Wide Web Addresshttp://www.lapl.org24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL


9/12

The end of the year is nearing. The holidays areapproaching. It seems like a looong time since welast let everyone know what is happening at CCAC.

Here goes!!Approximately the same time that last issue

went to print, several CACC members went on acamping trip to end all camping trips. To be exact,Sam Z., David B., Maria B., Ivan C., Adan D., EdwinD., Jackie Gaona and Sandra N. The center wasasked to volunteer time on Santa Cruz Island.

Now talk about primitive, the island is way upthe coast off Ventura harbor. The crew was to helpthe park rangers trim olive trees (which had notbeen touched in 100 years) and in turn get a freetrip along with food to the island for the weekend.

They had to pack everything they would need for aweek, including food, water, lights andentertainment. There was no electricity except for asmall historic building. The only building, which was100 years old, had enough solar power for arefrigerator (at least we did not have to take ice) anda toilet with a shower (this was a new addition to thecampground). The building including pots, pans andcontainers for food (the island had a lot of mice androdents). Before going we made sure the kids knewthere was no nightlife, no hair dryers, no cell phonesand no washing of clothes as they would not dry andno wandering off alone as there were wild pigs on

the island. Any entertainment could be done by thesilvery moon and battery lights. When they wentshopping for their trip, Maryanne and Gloria madesure they had double on all batteries, and extras.

We did not know that when the group got toVentura it was another hour and a half ride on aboat to the island. Then it was a 10 mile hike toSmugglers Cove, the campground. Unexpectedly,

the rangers picked them up at the boat dock andtransported the crew and their belongings. The ridealong the trail to the campground was bumpy but

provided both scenery and excitement? Aftercoming back and being in the wilderness andexperiencing nature at its best, the crew wants to goback again. We are already planning a trip and ifthey put a Motel 6, Maryanne and Gloria will go.

At the time of this publishing, Maryanne has justgot back from a 3-week tour of Thailand with goodfriends, Neil and Shampoo. She was also ready forour annual Thanksgiving dinner with our kids andclose friends. It was a huge success with enoughfood for three days. Fellowship and eating are a bigpart of Cocas theme.

Now the holidays are approaching and everydaywill ring surprises. We have our annual trip to MagicMountain on the 13th, Councilman Ed Reyess

Christmas party, the Dodger party, and our party.Fun will be the theme for December.

We want to thank all who have supported us thispast year and a wish good health and success to allin the up-coming year. Wow, 2004 already! Why isseemed like it was just 1995. How time flies.

Happy Holydays to everyone and their families.

Central City Action by Gloria

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS

FORTHE TRADITIONAL KITCHEN

Tupperwarecall Luiza 323 662-2081


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December

www.HistoricEchoPark.orgThe web site of the Echo Park Historical Society hasdeveloped some new features to those interested in research-

ing neighborhood history or restoring their home or commercialbuilding.

Street-by-Street History

www.HistoricEchoPark.orgs History & Landmarks section

now features more in depth history about the neighborhood and

its significant features. Residents curious about the background

of their own street, block or house should view "Memory Lane,"

an ever growing list of historical facts arranged on a street-by-

street basis.

Home Restoration

The Preservation section ofwww.HistoricEchoPark.org will

soon have a "Work-in-Progress" feature that explains how resi-

dents approached their restoration projects and includes their

recommendations about local contractors and restoration spe-

cialists.

Message Boards

Both the Preservation and the History sections also include mes-

sage boards where you can post questions on Echo Park history

or inquire about preservation methods and sources for materials.

If you have any questions about ,the site please send an e-

mail to [email protected] or call (323) 860-8874.

Backpack Brigade We provide a safe and nurturing

place where kids can work on their homework, munch

on a tasty, nutritious snack and have some fun under

the supervision of trained staff. Walking pick-ups are

done for Logan Street School, Plasencia School and

Our Lady of Loretto School. In order to maintain a

ratio of 1 trained adult to 10 children, space is limited.

(Monday through Friday. Fee: $5.00 per week. Par-ticipants also receive $5.00 off other park-sponsored activities.)

Violin Whether you are a Perlman or a Benny, you willmake beautiful music under the guidance of our master

musician. These are private and semi-private weekly,half-hour lessons assigned by appointment. (Ages: 6

18. Class and time are by appointment. Teacher:

Heather Lockie. Fee: FREE.)

Tutoring Echo Park is the place to be when you needa little help from your friends. Bring your books, pa-

per, pencils and problems and we will give you the

needed boost in your schoolwork. Sign up for a private

or semi-private half-hour lesson. (Ages: 618. Class

and time are by appointment. Teacher: Jose Luis Rami-

rez. Fee: FREE.)

Go Girl Go Team With your Go Girl Go girlfriendsyou will learn about healthy lifestyles and leadership.

You can do it! (Ages: 618. Tuesday. 4:006:00 PM.

Leader: Irene Cazares. Fee: FREE.)

Las Chicas Sports Club Calling all girls. This is a

league of your own where you can get together withother girls interested in sports and socializing. Bring

your friends and ideas for a good time. Youll learn

about sports; participate in some games; and go on

sports field trips. (Ages: 6 18. Wednesday. 4:00

6:00 PM. Leader: Irene Cazares. Fee: FREE.)

Basketball Whether you are a Lakers fan or a Clip-pers fan, you will find your team in our league. Join us

for a sporty good time. Registration starts Saturday,

November 22, 2003. (Ages: 516. Dates and times for

practice and games are by team assignment.

Leader: David Estrada. Fee: FREE.)

Camp Sunchasers (Mistletoe Session) The crowds atthe mall. Wrapping gifts. Last minute shopping cooking

extra fancy foods. AND THE KIDS ARE OUT OF

SCHOOL! Dont panic. Bring them to Camp Sunchasers

(Where kids just wanna have fun.) And we guarantee

a very happy camper at the end of the day. Camp Sun-

chasers (Echo Park) is accredited by the American

Camping Association. Mandatory Parent Meeting: Sat-urday, December 20, 2003 @ 10:00 AM. (Ages: 618.

December 22, 2003

January 2, 2004. 9:00 AM

4:00 PM. Fee: $60.00. Extended supervision is avail-able between 7:009:00 AM and 4:006:00 PM. Fee:$10.00 plus fee. Price of trip is not included.Director: Sara Ortega.

1632 Bellevue Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 250-3578 or (213) 847-0095


11/12

We will be celebrating our 10th annual Toy Giveaway and Light Tour on December 16, 2003 at the

Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 840 Echo Park Avenue, starting at 5PM sharp until 8:00 - 8:30 PM. We

could use help decorating. We are still in need of cash donations to offset some costs of this event. We

have a shortage of desserts, so if you can find the time to bake a little something it would help. We

expect to have a turnout of approximately 250 community youth members and their families (not

including SANTA CLAUS).

Thanks to Fr. Medina who came and answered our prayers, Mitch OFarrell and Sallie Martinez

from Councilman Eric Garrcettis office, L.A.F.D-Sertoma Club and to our faithful volunteers, Sara

Galvan, William Mavropoulos, Bessy Hernandez, Lucy Rodman, Senora Bonilla and family, Casper

and Letty Torres and Mike Leum at Pioneer Market for all the support and encouragement.

If you can help, please contact us at 323 662-2081.Hope to see you all there.

Luiza Padilla-Mavropoulos

President Echo Park Youth Empowerment Council

THERE IS NOTHING SO SPECIAL AS A SMILING FACE OF A CHILD.

S.M.ART Systems, Inc.Comprehensive Computer AssistanceWE CAN HELP YOUTraining & Tutoring

Upgrades & Installations

Flyers & Newsletters

Network Systems Design

Internet AssistanceWeb Design & PrescenceCall Us at 323-660-2839

[email protected]


12/12

December

BIG CHANGES ARE SWEEPING our neighbor-hoods hopping commercial district. The newest arri-val is American Apparel, a t-shirt and pants shop onSunset that offers sweatshop-free clothing. The com-pany is the creation of Echo Park resident Dov Char-ney, who has gone on CNN to promote his employee-friendly approach to the garment business.

A few doors away is Malucala, a new boutiqueoffering more flamboyant outr. And around the cor-ner, Davin Gumm and Marta Novials sold their two-year-old coffeehouse, the Downbeat, to another EchoPark couple, David Berryman and Carina Acevedo.Word among the caffeine infused is that Davin and

Marta are heading back to Barcelona.Another business that changed hands is the Brite

Spot, a fixture on Sunset Boulevard for decades. Fa-ther George Venetos, the restaurants previous owner,passed away earlier this fall and left the business tohis sons, according to diner insiders. One of thosesons decided to team up with a friend, Julio of SilverLakes Eat Well, and continue carrying on the familybusiness. The new operators have already made afew changes, adding chalkboard menus to the interiorand bringing new dishes on line, including the verytasty chilaquiles. But the diners core menu, andstyle, remains the same.

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET: Another piece of din-ing gossip, Brite Spot received some high praise thedessert-oriented web site, Daily Candy LA. The sitesingled out Brite Spots pastry chef, Debra King, forher cookies, cheesecake and chocolate cake with mo-cha mousse and chocolate ganache. The storyprompted a brief run on Brite Spot sweets!

***Some of Echo Parks more controversial projects

appear to have gone the way of the dodo. A pro-posed motel at the southeast corner of Sunset andAlvarado -- just south of the car wash -- was rejected

by a city zoning administrator. And Councilman EdReyes canned plans for reversible lanes through Ely-sian Park, a project that drew boos and hisses fromseveral dozen of residents.

IN ANGELINO HEIGHTS, activists continue towage their battle against an Edgeware Road condo-minium project, winning support from the Echo-Elysian neighborhood council, which voted to opposeit unanimously.

MEANWHILE, THE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL isdivided over the new Silver Lake Echo Park Commu-nity Plan -- or at least, a provision of the plan to in-crease the size of buildings permitted on Sunset andAlvarado. The plan calls for a 3-to-1 FAR, or FloorArea Ratio, doubling the size of buildings allowed onthe two boulevards.

Critics say the plan will result in buildings asmassive as the eight-story Cal-Fed building. Support-ers say it is the only way to get "mixed use," or build-

ings with stores on the ground floor and apartmentsup above.

The council deadlocked 8-8 on a proposal to keepthe building sizes as-is. But the issue could come upagain next month.

***ECHO PARK SAID FAREWELL to some well-loved,and in some cases well-known, residents during thepast season. Indie rocker Elliott Smith, a frequentpresence at such venues as Spaceland in Silver Lake,died at his home at age 34. A tribute was erected onSunset Boulevard to Smith, best known for the Oscar-nominated song he wrote for the film "Good Will Hunt-ing.

Another talented Echo Park resident, Albert No-zaki, died in mid-November at the age of 91. A resi-dent of Echo Parks Elysian Heights section, Nozakiwas an art director best known for the set for the1953 film "War of the Worlds" and "The Ten Com-mandments."

Finally, Echo Park saw the passing of Primo Lo-pez, a longtime resident whose warmth and kindnessis remembered by many in this neighborhood. Allthree will be greatly missed.

Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers

and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park

Improvement Association

LOTUSPAD NOTESNEWSAND ITEMSOF INTERESTFROM ECHO PARK & ANGELINO HEIGHTS by E.P. Lagoso

epian ways december 2003

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