epian ways december-january 2006

8/8/2019 EPIAn Ways December-January 2006

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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

Trash and littering are not unique to Echo Park. Itseems to have become a universal blight that threat-ens even what we consider pristine areas. Whilehousehold trash is regularly collected from color-coded bins by the LA City Bureau of Sanitation, trashin public areas receives limited attention. This situa-tion needs to be addressed more meaningfully at thelocal, neighborhood level.

Trash collection from the handful of bus shelterscannot keep pace with the mounds of trash generatedin a day. The wide-mouthed mesh trash containerspile high with trash spilling overinto streets and storm drains.More trashcans are not the soleanswer. About 20% of the 90026Zip Code area use public transpor-tation. Subjecting this group tostanding around a half dozentrashcans spilling over with uncol-lected trash is neither fair nor nec-essary.

Until the announcement of Big-Belly, a solar operated trash com-

pactor-trashcan manufactured bythe Seahorse Power Company inMassachusetts, neighborhoodshad little access to addressingtrash other than feel-good-come-together sporadiccommunity trash clean-ups. The BigBelly trash com-paction system allows for four times as much trash tobe held than a regular trash can. BigBelly is safe,durable, ergonomically designed and can help meetthe City's obligation to address the issue of StormWater pollution, a grave concern to the City.

The Echo Park Chamber of Commerce stated Big-Belly is "unproven". The following have utilized Big-

Belly: Boston [45 units], Worcester, Needham, andSpencer, Massachusetts; Flushing [50 units], East-hampton, and Riverhead, New York; the US ForestService; Washington, DC parks; Carnegie-Mellon Uni-

versity, Pennsylvania; Hartford County, Maryland; Ber-gen County, NJ, Ventura, CA; and the Cincinnati ParksService. Vancouver, BC, Canada, has also had Big-Belly's assistance. How many more cities or agenciesneed to test these solar operated trash compactor-trashcans before they are proven?

The Chamber also objected to the cost, between$4,500 to $ 5,000per unit, and feel it is a waste ofcity funds. However, the Cincinnati cost analysis re-port indicated that the unit pays for itself in 3.8 yearsvia savings. Such cost effectiveness should not be dis-

missed with impunity. Echo Parkcould go from 440 regular trash-cans to 150 BigBelly systems overthe space of a few years.

Maintenance is another issue ofthe Chamber's concern. Batteryreplacement is $90 every three tofour years and the trash bags arebiodegradable. The sale of adver-tisement space on the side panelsof the bin could meet maintenanceneeds.

There are funding sources read-ily available to the neighborhood topurchase a limited number of Big-Belly solar trash compactors for

areas with high use. While these funds are available,Echo Park needs to secure them. The benefits areenormous to Echo Park and BigBelly could be a partof the neighborhoods effort to improve the quality oflife both for itself and the marine environment, nowimpacted by trash and water pollution entering thestorm drain system.

Echo Park TAP (Trash Abatement Project) hasbeen doing trash surveys to establish high use areas

where BigBelly might be located. Towards this endTAP has asked the Greater Echo Park ElysianNeighborhood Council (GEPENC) to write a letter to

(Continued on page 6)

HOW ABOUTA BIGBELLYFOR ECHO PARK?by Ida Talalla, Echo Park resident and Trash Abatement Project (TAP) organizer


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(323)

girls teen yoga

Pilates

Once again the EPIA will be participating in theTree People free fruit tree giveaway program. This

program by the Tree People to bring together treesand local communities has, over the last threedecades, planted more than 60,000 trees inbackyards, schools and community gardens.Generous donations from the Tree People will makethese trees available to our community at no charge.

This year the trees available are apple, apricot,nectarine, peach, plum and orange. Aside from thecontainerized oranges, all trees are deciduous andbare-root.

Once again we will pickup the trees at one of theTree People distribution sites on Saturday. There wewill trim and prepare the bare-root trees fortransport to our neighborhood. On Sunday, we willdistribute the trees to those who have madereservations. To make a reservation for two trees the limit so that everyone has an opportunity to getsome trees leave you name, phone number and

the variety of tree(s) that you would like.

In the past a group of volunteers has gone on

Saturday to the Tree People nursery to prepare theyoung trees for distribution. This year thepreparation site has been changed while the TreePeople undergo major renovations at theirMulholand Drive and Coldwater Canyon nursery sowe will be heading to one of two as yetundetermined distribution sites to prepare and loadthe trees to bring them back to Echo Park.

We can use volunteers for the preparation eventon Saturday and for distribution of the reservedtrees the following day when the trees will beavailable for pickup in Echo Park to those who havemade a reservation.

To volunteer or to reserve a tree, leave your nameand phone number on the EPIA Hot Line (323) 882-4835. Speak clearly so that we contact you when alldetails are known.

EPIA Annual Free Fruit Tree Giveaway


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1911 SUNSET BOULEVARDLOS ANGELES, CA 90026

(213) 484-1265

WWW.GEPENC.ORG


5/12

Sign up now for this seasons

2006-7 Christmas Bird Count

SATURDAY, January 6, 2007

Rain or Shine

You can be part of the Echo Park Lake count team, identifying andcounting the bird population. What will you see?

The Lake is a rest and refueling stop for cormorants, ring-neckedducks, ruddy ducks, American widgeons, blue herons, great egrets,Canada geese, and several kinds of gulls and other migratory birds.Resident birds include Mallard ducks, several types of doves,hummingbirds, blackbirds, and many others.

The Echo Park Lake count, part of the 107 th Christmas Bird Count that is conducted throughoutthe U.S., Canada, many Central and South American countries and Pacific islands, helpsdetermine the health and diversity of local and migratory bird populations. Last years Echo ParkLake count team, one of many fielded by the Los Angeles Audubon Society, noted about 25species and over 1,000 individual birds. LAAS compiles all local figures and sends them to theCornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, which does the master tally.

2007 Echo Park Lake Bird CountApproximate time: 2-3 hours

8:00 a.m. at Echo Park Lake Boathouse, Echo Park Avenue near LagunaBring binoculars and bird guide, if you have one

Participation fee: $5.00 per personRSVP preferred: call Judy (323) 663-6767 or [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


6/12

ECHO PARK CALENDAREvent Date Location Comments

EPIA Meetings 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm

Jan. 4, Feb. 1

Williams Hall at Barlow

Hospital, 2000 StadiumWay in Elysian Park

Call EPIA message phone for

additional information.

EPIA SteeringCommitteeMeetings

2nd Monday, 7:15 pmDec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12

Call (323) 882-4835 forlocation

Take an active part in EPIA.Join the Steering Committee

CommunitySafety Meeting

2nd

Thursday, 3:30 pmDec.14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8

LAPD Stop-In Center,Echo Park Avenue andSunset Boulevard

Hosted by Echo Park SecurityAssociation. Call (323)666-3228 for more info

CitizensCommittee toSave ElysianPark

1st Wednesday, 7:30 pmJan. 3, Feb. 7

Williams Hall at BarlowHospital, 2000 StadiumWay in Elysian Park

Call 213-666-9651 for meetinglocation

Echo ParkChamber ofCommerce

Taix Restaurant. Call 213-630-3032 for furtherinformation.

Greater EchoPark ElysianNeighborhoodCouncil Meeting

4th Tuesday, 7 pmDec. 26, Jan. 23., Feb. 27

Logan Street SchoolAuditorium, 1711 W.Logan Street

Call (213) 413-3196 for info orvisit www.GEPENC.org

EdendaleLibrary FriendsSociety

>=> ELFS


7/12

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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LIBRARY COMPUTER CLASSESComputer ComfortThursday, Dec 5, 4pm.Learn to use the Librarys electronic catalog to search formaterials, renew items, and place your own holds. Learnthe basics of surfing the Internet. Introduction to variousdatabases and search engines. For adults only.Familiarity with the keyboard and mouse is recommendedbut not mandatory. Reservations required. Please arrive10 minutes before class begins.

Computer Class for Improving Your EnglishTuesday, Dec 7, 4pm.

Rosetta Stone An introductory self-paced class to beginor improve your English language skills. Computerexperience is mandatory.

Introduction to Basic Web DesignTuesday, Dec 12, 4pm.Learn about HTML codes to create a simple web page.Computer experience is mandatory.

EVENTSMovie MadnessSaturday, Dec 2, 4pm.Join us for a movie classic.Adults only. Call (213) 250-7808 for information.

Tarot Reading ProgramSaturday, Dec 16 4pm.Come and receive short mini-tarot readings. Sign-ups arerequired. Adults only. Call (213) 250-7808.

JUSTFOR TEENS

OngoingEcho Park Branch holds many teen activities and

programs, including film screenings, art workshops,readings and skills-building activities. To learn about thecurrent schedule of events, call or email Wendy at

(213) 250-7808 [email protected].

College ClubTuesdays, 4-6pm.

For high school students who want to go to college.Topics covered during these informal sessions includefinancial aid options, how to choose a college, study skills,and important things you should be doing NOW in highschool to get yourself into college. Refreshments alwaysserved. Call Wendy for information at (213) 250-7808.

FUNFOR KIDSSATURDAYS GAB. Echo Park Branch, call 213/250-7808for times.MONDAYS Bilingual Storytime Call 213/250-7808. EchoPark Branch, 4pm.THURSDAYSGame Day Board & card games. Call(213) 250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm.December 23 Sat. Christmas Storytime & CraftProgram Join us for Christmas stories and crafts. Call(213) 250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 1pm.

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGSLibrary 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 AddressEcho Park Branch Library

1410 W. Temple Street

Los Angeles CA 90026Phone 213.250.7808FAX 213.250.3744World Wide Web Address

http://www.lapl.org24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL

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9/12

The Edendale Branch Library has many events for all

ages scheduled for December and January.Every Tuesday morning from 10am-10:45am is

Storytime for Babies and Toddlers.

December 6, from 3:30-4:30pm, we'll have "Stories ofthe First People". This is an opportunity for children tolearn about the traditional cultures of the pacific coast.

December 11, at 6:30pm there's a cookie exchange forchildren and their parents. Bring your treats and onecopy of your recipe.

Monday, January 8, from 3:30-4:30pm, free, weekly artclasses for children will start up, with instructors fromthe Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

There's also lots of stuff for adults.

Our book club continues to meet on the thirdMonday of every month at 6:30pm. For Decemberwe are reading Alexander McCall Smith's series ofthree short books featuring Professor Dr VonIgelfeld. Copies available in the branch.

Starting January 8th, we will have free yogaclasses on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of eachmonth at 6:30pm.

Mondays, December 2 and 16, from 3-5pm, we willhave information sessions about the officetechnician training that is available at Evans Adult

School.Also in December we will have author talks in twoacts on December 6 and 9. In the first act, on the6th, at 5:30pm, Stewart Timmons, author of "GayL.A", will present "Vicious Los Angeles: Toughs,Soiled Doves, Purity Sweeps, and Queer Doings1870-1914". In the second act, Michael JacobRochlin, author of "Ancient L.A.", will present "MateNext Move: a Comedy - Danish, Developers,Chess, and Salsa, all at Tang's Donuts".

Please join us for these events. You can reach uswith your questions at (213) 207-3000.

EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGSLibrary HoursMondays 12:30 pm 8:00 pmTuesdays 12:30 pm 5:30 pmWednesdays 12:30 pm 8:00 pmThursdays 12:30 pm 5:30 pmFridays 10:00 am 5:30 pmSaturdays 10:00 am 5:30 pmSundays CLOSED

Library AddressEdendale Branch Library

2011 W. Sunset Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90026Phone (213) 207-3000FAX (213) 207-309724 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL

If youre looking for the unusual special something for yourspecial someone, look no further than your local EdendalePublic Library, at 2011 Sunset Blvd, in Echo Park, at the cornerof Alvarado. We have free secure parking in back. EachWednesday, from 2pm-5pm, your friendly ELFS (EdendaleLibrary Friends Society) are there with great bargains on newand gently used books. Childrens books are 25, paperback

novels are 10, and new hardback, many first editions, are just$1.00. We have 3 signed first editions by Michael Connelly(author of Echo Park) for just $10 each. How better to showyour affection that with a gift of knowledge!

Our books are not library discards, and our titles are notobscure. We have so many best sellers and collectibles that youwill be astonished. We have a few signed 18"x24" lithographs ofL.A.'s bi-centennial which are free with a $5 purchase, and theyare perfect for framing. If you cant make it by 5pm onWednesday, please call Sheila Anthony at 323-664-1388, andshe can try to arrange an alternate time. Watch for the ELFS(along with Santa Claus) at the Annual Echo Park HolidayParade Saturday, December 9th. They will be the ones with thecute hats and pointy ears. The ELFS will also be hosting theirholiday party for members on Wednesday, December 13thfollowing the book sale. If you think you might miss out on anyof this fun, and if you would like to donate books or volunteerwith the ELFS they welcome your participation.

ELFS Holiday BargainsEvery Wednesday through New Year

The EPIAn ways would like to thank NielsBartels, Adult Librarian at the Edendale Branchfor his contribution to the HAPPENINGS


10/12

MonThur 11am11pm Fri 11amMid Sat 8amMid Sun 8am 11pmBrunch served 8am3pm Saturday & SundayFree Delivery for Echo Park on $15 minimum order 1800 West Sunset Blvd 213.989.1558

The Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys(MTA) desire to eliminate design alternative 5 fromconsideration for the SR2/Freeway Terminus Projecthas been resolved for now and Alternative 5 willremain for environmental study. This design,commissioned by the Echo Park Community ActionCommittee, has gained increased communitysupport over the years. For the environmentalphase of the project, it has been relabeled asAlternative D.

Alternative 5/Alternative D has many beneficialfeatures. Some of its benefits are: the on-and off-

ramps would be consolidated on the east side of thefreeway, and the flyover ramp and bridge would bedecommissioned for traffic but its surface recycledas a community plaza as the central element increating a new park connecting Tommy LasordaPark on the west with unused land on the north sideof Glendale Blvd. In addition, the design allows ADAaccessibility to the park, a new bikeway, meteredtraffic, safe pedestrian crossings and a reduction innoise and pollution near St. Teresa of Avila Churchand School.

MTA provided the Echo Park CAC with a drawingthat attempts to show that only by removing thebridge would right turns be possible from the exitramp. The Echo Park CAC examined this drawingcarefully and concluded that MTA is wrong.

Whether the off-ramp has 2 lanes off (EPCACspreferred configuration) or 3 lanes off, it is notnecessary to demolish the bridge at a cost that isin the neighborhood of $1 million.

However, it is clear that in a 3-lane configuration,the space available for trucks to turn right afterexiting the freeway southbound is limited by thebridge structure. This limitation can be resolved bybanning all truck traffic on SR2, south of the I-5interchange, or by disallowing southbound trafficfrom turning right on Glendale Boulevard north.

A special thank you is in order to those who

support our effects to retain Alternative 5/Alternative D as a design choice: Our thanks toRepresentative Xavier Becerra, Supervisor GloriaMolina, Councilmember Eric Garcetti, the GreaterEcho Park Elysian Neighborhood Council, and themany friends who gathered signatures andneighbors who signed petitions in our SaveAlternative 5 petition campaign.

SaturdaySpecial

TypicalHaitian

Food

Mon Sat11 am 7 pm

Sundays Group of 10or more byReservation Wood Burning Rotisserie

309 N. Glendale BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90026

www.tigeorgeschicken.comEmail: [email protected]

FREEWAY TERMINUS PROJECTCOMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE 5 RENAMED BUT STILL ON THE TABLEBy Judith Raskin, Echo Park Community Action Committee


11/12

When it comes to planning an exciting holidayseason at CCAC, our fearless and determinedleader, Maryanne is a pro. Almost everyday after

Thanksgiving has a theme.Starting up during the last week of November,

plans were made to decorate the center before thefirst of December. With the help of our off-trackkids and graffiti staff, the decorations will go up!While making spirits bright, the off-track kids will bealso cleaning Sunset Blvd. In the early evenings, thekids still like to play basketball so Michael willdevote at least an hour a day for this exercise.

On Tuesdays we have an art class. One weekthe younger kids take the class and on alternatingTuesdays the older kids participate. This coming

week, Nancy Lissome, our resident artist andteacher, and Maryanne are taking the kids on anartistic ride on the Gold line. Each child will have acamera to take pictures of the art at each stop. Thepictures will then be projected onto a screen anddiscussed at the next lesson.

In November we started helping the KingsFoundation to collect CDs to send to the troopsoverseas. In December we will be maintaining binsto collect toys that will be distributed to variouscharities throughout Los Angeles.

The Echo Park Holiday Parade is on our list, asall staff will be taking part in the parade. We wantto be nice because Santa is making a list and we

want to be on it. Of course our annual Magic

Mountain trip is planned for the 3rd. Even thoughthe temperature is cooler, the kids enjoy getting wetand going on all the rides. Up, up and over anddown, oh my aching head. Sometimes there are afew sniffles the next week but most are still eager toengage in the many activities going on at the center.The last item for the year will be the ChristmasParty, a perfect way to bring families and friendstogether.

Wait a minute; I cant forget the rummage salesand more rummage sales. While everything else isgoing on we still have rummage sales. Keep youritems coming. These sales help us to finance thetrips to the movies, Hometown Buffet, the arcadeand bowling.

Have a wonderful holiday and see you all nextyear!

Central City Action by Gloria

BROCK

BROCK REAL ESTATE

IDA POTASH

Echo Park Since 1949Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Late Night

1918 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90026

213.484.9800 213.484.5187 [email protected]


12/12

The Echo Park winter social season may not putyou into the holiday spirit -- but at least itll get youout of the house! Things kickoff on Saturday,December 9 with the Echo Park Holiday Parade,which will send dozens of entries down SunsetBoulevard at noon. The following day, anotherneighborhood party gets under way -- the Echo ParkPottery sale, which runs from noon to 5 pm at PeterShire studios, 1850 Echo Park Avenue. The SundayShire sale always features music, refreshments andplenty of gift-buying opportunities. Plus theres themini-event within the pottery sale pet portraits with

Santa, courtesy of the Echo Park Animal Alliance. Buythe photos and send them as Christmas cards tofriends!

***

The real estate market continues to soften. Casein point: the shocker at Chicken Corner. Thedeveloper who was slated to build 36 town homes atEcho Park Avenue and Delta abruptly pulled out ofthe project, leaving other partners to scramble for anew developer or put the site up for sale to thehighest bidder.

THE JAVA WARS CONTINUE TO RAGE in EchoPark, thanks to the opening of the Magic Caf thelittle latte hut housed inside Magic Gas at Echo ParkAvenue and Morton. The gas station, by the way, sitsright across from Chango Coffeehouse. Anothercoffee place Mariposa is still searching for a wayto open on Sunset Boulevard near Laveta Terrace.

Coffee is also available at the delightful newvegetarian restaurant known as Elf, which is onSunset directly across from Lucys laundramat (rightnext to the vacant Studio 1 movie theater). The peartart is a particularly tasty treat to accompany anycoffee drink.

More than 325 people bought tickets last monthfor the Echo Park Home Tour, a fund-raising event

that showcased the homes of Elysian Heights. Thesleeper hit of the tour was the home with the tricked-out Tiki bar a full-on bamboo interior and black

light painting. A few tour goers reported that the barmade them immediately crave an umbrella drink.But, of course Tiki Taixisnt until the last Friday of themonth. While the tour went smoothly, Echo Parkssteep streets unnerved a few of the out-of-town tourgoers. One poor soul, who parallel parked her car ona perilous stretch of Baxter Street, asked a tourvolunteer to drive her car out of the space.

FILE THIS ONE IN THE GRODY FOLDER: A bunchof volunteers showed up in Elysian Park onDecember2 to help remove all the random dog poothat litters the parks trails and byways. By oneorganizers count, park rangers helped haul off at 30

large garbage bags of poo.

THE FIGHT OVER LA PAZ, the little restaurantnext to House of Spirits, has been decided by a city-planning official. The hearing officer agreed to allowliquor to be sold at the restaurant, but put a huge listof conditions on the permit from the hours ofoperation to the requirement of parking space.

***

The changing of the guard formally took place atthe Greater Echo Park Elysian NeighborhoodCouncils November 28th meeting, as a new president

and a few new board members were installed. Thenew president is Jose Sigala, who takes the reinsfrom outgoing president Matthew Dubois. A verywarm thanks goes out to Matthew for running someextremely challenging meetings over the last year and to departing board member Suzi Rogers for herwork on the neighborhood council elections.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-january 2006

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