epian ways october 2000

8/9/2019 EPIAn Ways October 2000

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On Wednesday, October 11 CentralCity Action Committee will celebrate theopening of their new location in theformer Los Angeles Fire Station No. 6with an open house and ribbon cuttingceremony. The open house will be from2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the ribboncutting ceremony at 4:00 p.m. MikeHernandez, Councilman from the 1stDistrict who assisted CCAC in obtainingthis location, will attend the ceremonies.

Chris Olsen, manager and entertainmentdirector at Taix restaurant, will entertainthose present with his strolling guitar.

In addition to CCAC, the firehouse nowhouses a fire department mini museum

and offices for ONRamp, a youth orientedcomputer graphic and advanced mediaprogram.

The fire department museum containsa fire engine and ambulance. For theopening it will also have an exhibit ofhistorical fire department picturesorganized by AHCO, an Angelino Heights

preservationist group. Photos, beginningwith horse drawn fire wagons andcontinuing until the station was closeddown in the 1990s, were organized byAHCO member Patty Good whose fatherworked at this fire station.

ONRamp will have its MillenniumProject on view upstairs. This is thesecond showing of their multi media viewof Echo Park, created by youth. If you

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

Central City Action Committee Cuts Ribbon at Old Fire Station No. 6

Old Fire Station No. 6, Central City Action Committees new home at 543East Edgware, was built in 1929 and was originally located on Temple


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Occasionally nature and humanity assertthemselves in harmony rather than opposition. Highabove the rail yards and the LA river, shadowed by

downtown, in a small corner of Elysian Park lies justsuch an example. It was little more than dust andweeds at the intersection of two trails when a groupof local women, among them Marian Harlow, hersister-in-law Mary Owen, Suzanne Kimbrough, SophieLewis, and Dauna Whitehead began planting flowersand trees to spruce it up.

Marian Harlow was raised inEcho Park but left with herhusband in the 1950's. Theyreturned in the late 1970's andmoved into the house on AltivoWay where she was born. She and

the other women on the streetquickly established themselves ascommunity activists working tokeep Echo Park the familyoriented neighborhood it had always been. By allaccounts Marian seemed to be the nexus of thegroup. They met over tea and cake once monthly and

became known as the Elysian Heights Hill DwellersAssociation, Echo Park's first historical communitygroup. During that time Marian and her sister in law,

Mary, co-authored a three volume set of booksdetailing the history of the houses on Altivo Way,Curran Street and Echo Park Avenue. It was a busytime and Marian seemed to know everyone. That wasthe early 1980's. The garden was taking shape andthe women convinced the Los Angeles Department of

Recreation and Parks to install awater main for irrigation. Themeet ings and plant ingscontinued month after month,growing with the community.In 1989 after years of service tothe area, Marian died. Her loss

was felt deeply by the group andthey resolved to dedicate thegarden to her. Local artist PeterShire was commissioned by

Sophie Lewis to construct an appropriate sign and in1990 the garden became the aptly named MarianHarlow Memorial Grove. A small red bud tree wasplanted in Marian's name too.

Today there is a bench in the center with a littlegraffiti on it, comfortably shaded by Marian's (nowlarge) red bud tree and the spigot is surrounded byseveral stainless steel bowls. Left by an unknown

Samaritan, the bowls are always full of water for thedogs who accompany their human companions alongthe trail. It is an inviting stop, filled with bush daisies,a lodgepole pine, jade, aloe, acacias and a host ofcolorful flowers. Suzanne can often be found tendingthe grove which is visited daily by those seeking aquiet place to rest before moving on. The next time

REDUCE STRESSDEVELOP FLEXIBILITY,STRENGTH & TONE

Call for class schedule(323) 953-0496

2810 Glendale Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323)

The Marian Harlow Memorial Groveby Trey Baskett


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I could never do that I love animals too much!is the response I hear most often, upon learning that Ivolunteer at the North Central animal shelter. The factis, I love animals too much to NOT do what I do! Itsnot that I dont understand this reaction. Volunteeringat the shelter is an emotionally taxing experience, butthe reward of knowing Im making a difference, faroutweighs the heartache involved in this sort ofvolunteer work.

Everyone knows that shelters are depressing placeswhere companion animals are incarcerated. Theanimals only crime, in most cases, is being in thewrong place at the wrong time existing in a world

where there are not enough loving homes for all ofthem.

For better or for worse, the values of ourcommunity are directly reflected in our local animalshelter not just the sheer number of animals inimpound, but also breed preferences, general healthand temperament, whether animals are altered ornotIf we love our pets so much, how DO all of theseanimals end up in the shelter?

The majority of animals in the shelters come in asstrays. These animals may have once been someonespampered pets. Sadly, few have collars or I.D. tags,and once they are impounded, the majority are notredeemed or adopted. Due to limited kennel spaceand severe overcrowding, up to 80% are euthanizedafter 5 days - the legally mandated holding period.Owner-surrendered pets, whose numbers aregrowing at an alarming rate, are held over for 2 daysafter which, like the strays, they can be madeavailable for adoption, or euthanized.

For those who believe the key to solving the petover-population problem is to construct more shelters,

you have an opportunity in November to cast yourvote on a bond issue making funding for morefacilities possible. For those who believe that thesolution lies in education, I urge you to use yourefforts to promote the wisdom of spaying andneutering all companion pets, and lobbying forhumane education in every classroom. For those ofyou who would like to help the animals directly, I urgeyou to consider becoming a shelter volunteer - no

experience is necessary. And for thosewho wish to help, but are unable tovisit the shelter on a regular basis,your donations of old towels, blankets,

and newspapers to make bedding fornewborn puppies and kittens area l w a y s n e e d e d a n d g r e a t l yappreciated.To volunteer at North Central, callSteve Cunningham: (213) 485-8542To visit the dogs at North Central onthe Internet: www.devildogranch.comOr you can contact Marsh Perlofthrough e-mail at:

[email protected]

North Central Animal Care and Control3201 Lacy Street (off of Avenue 26)

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 8am - 5pm

City vouchers worth $30.00-off spay &neuter operations (at most localVeterinarians) are always available at

DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ANIMAL PROBLEMDO SOMETHING TO HELPby Marsha Perloff


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ECHO PARK CALENDAREvent Date Location CommentsEPIA Meetings 1st Thursday, 7 p.m.

November 3, December7

Williams Hall at Barlow

Hospital in Elysian Park

Call EPIA message

phone for additionalinformation

EPIA SteeringCommittee Meetings

2nd Monday, 7 p.m.

October 9, November 13Taix French Resaurant Take an active part in

EPIA Join the SteeringCommittee

Chamber of CommerceGeneral Meeting

Friday, 1:00 p.m.October 20, November17

Taix French Restauant EPCC information/message 213-630-3032

NODS MeetingNeighbors of Dodger Stadium

3rd Thursday, 7:30 p.m. 1949 Cerro Gordo St. Call 323-663-6356 or

FAX 323-663-6361Citizens Committee toSave Elysian Park Mtg.

1st Wednesday, 7:30

p.m., November 1,December 6

Call 213-666-9651 formeeting location

Echo Park CommunityGarden

Garden membershipmeeting 1st Sunday ofthe month 10:00 a.m. allother Sundays openhours 10-2.

Echo Park CommunityGarden, 2223 SunsetBlvd. (Sunset atRosemont)

In case of rain call 213-882-4835 for meetinglocation

Echo Park Arts Not regularly scheduled Information at 213- 250-4155

Echo Park HistoricalSociety

Meets quarterly Call for Information 323-860-8874.

Introduction to RajaYoga

Sundays, 5:00 p.m. 1300 Glendale Blvd. Free

Deadline for DecemberEPIAn Ways Newsletter

Friday, November 22 Send submissions toEPIA, Attn: EPIAn WaysEditor

SPECIAL EVENTS

5th Annual Echo ParkArts Festival

October 14-15 Application entry forms for artists, poets,musicians, performers and more information areavailable by calling (213) 250-4155.

Pancake Breakfast to

Support Fire Fightersand Police

Saturday, 7:30 a.m. -

9:30 a.m. November 4

Golden West Church

1310 Liberty St.

$3 donation to help Fire

Fighters. For informationcall 213-413-1650 .

Plans are underway for the Annual Holiday Parade to be held on Sunday, December 10th, 1 pm - 3 pm. The Echo

Park Chamber of Commerce has contacted members and member organizations who have participated in the

past, but we welcome new people to help with the many details that must be taken care of to stage this event.

The many hours of volunteer efforts each year are the foundation of being able to bring this parade to the

community. If you are interested in joining the planning committee, give us a call at (213) 630-3032. Many

hands make light work.....the more the merrier! from Bonnie Scanlan, President, Echo Park


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people can live on the land, and how the business andcommercial areas will be used. The greater thedensity, the more crowded and congested it becomes.Zoning follows from the density decisions. The built-inconflict is that residents want to keep the existing

Community Plandensity or reduce it, and real estate developers want toincrease density because they will make more profit.Developers often ask for variances on their property toget an increase in density greater than the plan allows.This violates the integrity of the plan and is an attackon the rest of the community. If the Council membersupports the variance, it usually goes through. This is

called "selling us out to developers" which is one of theworst forms of treachery a Council member cancommit. And it does happen.

Our Planners have some very good maps of ourplan area. One shows the densities currently allowedby the existing plan. It shows single family residence,low density and R-1 zone in the hilly parts of our area.This was what we achieved in the last go-around.

Before that the plan provided for much greater

densities. Another map shows the existing actual landuse right now. The important thing is to compare thetwo maps. Both maps use yellow to color-code single-family residence. Overwhelmingly, the whole area ofour plan is color-coded yellow on the second map ofcurrent actual use. Not all, but most of the residentialarea is now single-family homes. The plan needs to berevised now so that it will correspond better to theactual use. This is called "down-zoning." In otherwords, the residential areas in the flats should becomecolor-coded yellow after they revise our plan. What thiswould do is protect the existing character of ourvarious neighborhoods in their present density. And, it

would make it hader for over-developers to buy ahouse, demolish it, and build a big apartmentbuilding.

Our plan area already has among the greatestpopulation density in the whole city. We can't take anymore congestion. This was my message during thefocus groups. Call Patricia about this.

Planners now have many new innovative ways toprotect our area. An example is the Historical

(Continued from page 12)

ARTS & CRAFTS SALESSaturday ONLY 12PM - 5PMEastside Artisans RowLemoyne St. & Sunset Blvd.

CHILDREN'S EVENTSSat. & Sun. 1 pm - 5 pmYouth Art WorkshopsLemoyne St. & Sunset Blvd.

EXHIBTIONSSat. & Sun. 12PM - 5PMIn the Heart of the City:Landscape, Community andCreativityEcho Park United MethodistChurch, 1226 N. Alvarado

Sat. & Sun. 12PM - 5PM Firehouse 14Old Fire House No. 6534 E. Edgeware Rd.

Sat. & Sun. 12PM - 5PMYard Art1300-1500 blocks of Echo ParkAvenue

MUSICSaturday ONLY 12 pm - 5 pm

Cruise Control: Sit Back & Enjoythe Electronic Ride

Lemoyne Street & Sunset Blvd.

Saturday ONLY 10 pm - 2 amHere Comes Trouble: L.A.sFinest Emerging MusiciansTaix Restaurant, 1911 SunsetBlvd.

Sunday ONLY 12:30PM - 5:30PM

World MusicEcho Park United MethodistChurch, 1226 N. Alvarado

TOURSSat. & Sun. 12 pm - 5 pmStudio ToursTours Begin at Lemoyne St. &Sunset Blvd.

Sat. & Sun. 12 pm - 1 pm3 pm - 4 pmHistoric Walking Tour

Tour Begins at Lemoyne St. &

Sunset Blvd.

POETRYSaturday ONLY 7 pm - 9 pmEvening Poetry ReadingPeter Shire Studio, 1850 EchoPark Ave.

Sunday ONLY 12PM - 2PMAfternoon PoetryFototeka, 1549 Echo Park Ave.

Schedule

5th Annual

Echo Park Arts Fesival

October 14 & 15, 2000


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5th AnnualEcho Park Arts Festival

Scheduled for October 14 -15The fifth annual Echo Park Arts

Festival will showcase an estimated100 Eastside visual artists, poets,musicians and performers in twodozen venues spread across thecommunity. One of the largestneighborhood art festivals in LosAngeles, the Echo Park event will beheld on the weekend of October 14-15. Visitors will be able toexperience the work of new,

emerging talent and such wellknown artists as sculptor PeterShire, poet and performance artistLuis Alfaro and the experimentalmusic group Crib.

Downtown Echo Park will serveas the gateway to festival, which

runs from 12 pm to 5 pm on bothdays and into the evening on

Saturday. From the corner ofLemoyne Street and SunsetBoulevard, festival visitors will begreeted wi th l i ve mus ica lperformances, arts and crafts forkids, and an artisan village wherelocal artists will sell handmadegifts.

Shuttle buses will take visitors toartists studios and galleries locatedin historic buildings and hillsidehomes. The three main exhibitionsites are also spread around the

community and include the historicEcho Park United Methodist Churchand the recently restored AngelinoHeights Fire House. Along EchoPark Avenue, artists will use thefront porches and yards of homes

as a setting for artwork createdspecifically for the festival. In

addition, there will be an outdoorpoetry readings and nighttimemusical performance at TaixRestaurant on Sunset Boulevard.All events are free to the public.

The event, which fundedprimarily through a generous grantfrom the City of Los Angeles, issponsored by the Los AngelesCultural Affairs Department andCouncil members Jackie Goldbergand Mike Hernandez.

For more information, please call

(213) 250-4155 or refer to the EchoPark community web s i te:

www.echopark.net

PARKARTS

1911 SUNSET BOULEVARDLOS ANGELES, CA 90026

(213) 484-1265


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The July issue of the EPIAn Ways included a letterto the editor from Mr. Michael Kogan expressing hisposition on the issue of the parking lot being

confiscated for assigned re-usage as a sports playingfield. Though not clarified, Mr. Kogan indicated hewas somehow intricately involved in the inception ofthis plan, to the point he was the one who suggestedthe entire lot be used, not just a portion of it. Mr.Kogan further indicated he spoke to numerouspeople about the idea, mentioning several membersof EPIA and CCSEP, in January and February.

So the question still goes begging as to why thosemost effected by this, the general populous ofresidents and business district owner/operators,were not aware nor informed this proposal was beingformulated? A select few having a one-on-one

discussion with Mr. Kogan does not qualify asprocess and public information being available. Norshould there be an implication that either EPIA orCCSEP, as organizations, endorsed and supportedthis proposed plan which was never discussed atmeetings nor made common knowledge throughoutthe community.

As so often happens when there is a difference ofopinion, twists and turns take away from the baseprinciple involved and other tentacles reaching intothe mix to turn it into something it is not. Pure andsimple it is about the parking lot being a key part ofthe infrastructure in the retail business district for

the use of the residents and businesses in the area.It is admirable that Mr. Kogan expressed his loyaltyand support of the council member, but the heart of

the issue still remains the parking lot. If thisproposed project plan is sustainable on its ownpositive merits as Mr. Kogan thinks it is, then itwould have weathered any storm of protest throughprocess and public scrutiny from all facets of thiscommunity, not a select few, and certainly not in awell choreographed setting.

Finally reference is made to the siding with

business interests over those of the community. Thebusiness interests are part of the community! Theattitude of them versus us is detrimental towardsforming a cohesive partnership of community.Creating a them label for business and casting

them in the role of the bad guy does not exhibitlogical thinking that recognizes successful, decent,thriving retail districts are the economic anchor ofcommunities. The business community of Echo Parkis constantly accessed and utilized for support andcontributions from the various resident organizations it is called partnership. Through many years ofhard work and interaction, both aspects ofcommunity have come to a point of mutual respectand consideration for one another. Because of this,yes, the them have the support of the us as thereis only we.

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

S.M.ART Systems, Inc.Bought a computer and dont know how toget the benefits you expected?

WE CAN HELP YOUYour Community Computer HelperTraining & Tutoring

Upgrades & InstallationsFlyers & Newsletters

Network Systems Design

Internet AssistanceCall Us at [email protected]

Hollywood, and the Wilshire District.

Implement the Ruben Lovray Plan which increases thecapacity of the Golden State (5) Freeway to Downtown LA, andcloses the terminus of the Glendale (2) Freeway from south ofthe 5 to Glendale Blvd.

Close the terminus of the Glendale Freeway and use half of itas a park-and-ride lot for DASH-type buses to workdaydestinations and to Dodger Stadium and other entertainmentvenues.Allow only high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) to use the terminusof the Glendale Freeway for access to Glendale Blvd. HOVsshould carry at least three people. (This plan does not includean HOV lane on Glendale Blvd.)

(Continued from page 5)

Will Glendale Corridor Plan Divide Echo Park?


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In October, the library will begin offering free, one-hour classes on how to use the librarys exciting on-

line computer catalog. Learn how to browse the vastholdings of your Los Angeles Public Librarys 67branches and Central Library from any on-linecomputer anywhere! Learn how to order materialsfrom far-flung libraries across the city and havethem delivered for you to your neighborhood branch,or how to check your record and confirm your latestdue dates, and many other function of our flexibleVirtual Library. October classes are scheduled forall Monday evenings from 6pm-7pm. Noappointment necessary, but dont leave homewithout that library card!

And if youre curious about all this Internet,web, and on-line stuff, the library can helpsatisfy your curiosity. Take our free 1 -hourInternet introduction (Spanish or English) right atthe library. You get plenty of personal attention.Class sizes are limited to 4 people at a time. Andthey are held at a variety of times and days. Theclass starts at the first very basic steps noexperience required!

On Thursday, October 5, the library will presentthe Mr. Lizard Show. Bring the kids for this after -school (from 3-5pm) extravaganza to see real livelizards!

The Fall Service Volunteer class for high schoolstudents begins on Saturday, October 14. If youknow teens who must complete community servicecredits for graduation, who want to earn work

experience for paid jobs, or letters ofrecommendation for college, urge them to call the

library for more details. Its not too late to enroll inthe Fall Class.

On Saturday, October 21, at 2pm., author of TheHoly Spirit of My Uncles Cojones (Arte Publico, 1999),Marcos Villatoro, will appear at the branch topresent Stories from a Latino Southerner. Mr.Villatoros appearance, free and open to theneighborhood, is part of the Los Angeles PublicLibrarys Los Angeles Writes series featuring localauthors in libraries across the city.

Also for young people, the library will hostanother Design Your Own Dream House,

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Library HoursMonday 12:30-8:00 p.m.

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 12:30 5:30 p.m.

Thursdays 12:30-8:00 p.m.

Fridays 12:30 5:30 p.m.

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. 5:30

p.m.

Library Address1410 W. Temple Street

Los Angeles CA 90026

Phone 213.250.7808FAX 213.250.3744World Wide Web Addresshttp://www.lapl.org24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL

As we have reported before, Lucia Properties - aka the Cimmarusti's, have vowed to appeal the PlanningCommission's ruling to disallow their plans to demolish the Van de Kamp's Bakery building. The Cimmarusti'smust file their appeal within 20 days of the date of the Planning Commission's Finding Report. The report wasdated September 26th, so they have until October 16th. Failure to do so kills the paperwork that has wendedit's way through the Planning Department, effectively making them start from scratch if they still want topursue any plans with Van de Kamp's. If they do file, it first goes to the Planning and Land Use Management(PLUM) Commission consisting of Council Members Bernson (Chairman), Hernandez and Miscikowski. PLUMcan kill the appeal. If the PLUM Commission fails to deny the appeal, it sends it to City Council chamberswhere 10 council members must vote to overrule the Planning Commissioners.

Now is the time where we can severely wound, if not entirely kill the Cimmarusti's plans to destroy Van deKamp's. Send a note, call or e-mail Council Members and the PLUM Commissioners to tell them to STOP theCimmarusti's.

It is imperative that as many individuals from the community as possible contact city council members andthe PLUM Commissioners to tell them to STOP the Cimmarusti's.

from The Coalition to Save Van de Kamp's by Andrew Garsten, Spokesperson (323) 661-0150


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Overview on Neighborhood Councils

Political observers from other cities say that L.A.

doesn't have any local politics. Other cities can haveexciting, vigorous, open and public political life. Thecontroversies and struggles over the use of politicalpower are very important. It's mainly what'shappening in a healthy democracy. Politics is thespectator sport of choice for grownups. Communityactivists are many of the players in this sport in anydemocracy. So, what's wrong with L.A.?

Here, our politics is invisible to the general public.You would never guess that there are any activistshere if you rely on the L.A. Times. This is one of thecentral journalistic failures of the Times as anewspaper. The Daily News is only a little bit better.

There is almost no coverage of the City Council orCounty Board of Supervisors except in personalitypuff pieces. This has produced a political culture herethat has eliminated the role of the sovereign citizen.Only a very few of us still know about how democracyshould function at the local level in L.A. Includingpeople like me, political junkies. But soon, thispolitical wasteland will end.

Neighborhood Councils are coming next summer.The Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)just published their first draft of the guidelines. Thecauldron of change is simmering. Political power willbe redistributed forever. This is causing controversy

that will get a lot bigger, and a lot more public.Hooray, democracy has a chance to happen in L.A. atlast!

Political power is what is at stake. Creating newpower for neighborhoods will cause the power of CityCouncil members to shrink. The size of the shrinkagewill be in proportion to how effective the localcouncils become. This is why they typically opposethe councils. A few Council members are grimlyopposed to neighborhood power. They are trying toundermine them by supporting a group that makesphony accusations against DONE. They claim that

DONE must use professional community organizers.Of course DONEdoesn't have todo any suchthing. DONE didset up ana d v i s o r yc o m m i t t e ei n c l u d i n gc o m m u n i t y

activists and non-profit group reps. We'll see ifanything useful comes of this. I doubt it.

I suggest that a problem centers on the use of theterm "stakeholder." This trendy and politically correctword should not be used in connection withneighborhoods. "Stakeholders" implies that there arecertain special people who are politically moreimportant. And therefore, the "stakeholders" deserveto be over-represented in comparison to the generalpopulation of neighborhood residents. This notionisn't democracy. It automatically discriminatesagainst everybody else in the general population. Atworst it seeks to stack the representation in favor ofgroups that are supporters of the Council member.Non-profit corporations that get public money coming

through their Council member are dependent onthese political favors. They are not free to do anythingexcept kiss the hand that feeds them. This violatesone of the first guidelines DONE has defined forNeighborhood Councils, namely that they must beindependent.

The next topic to be explored another time is,"How do non-profit corporations buy the support oftheir City Council member?"

As you can see, the fun is about to begin. Becomea community activist and get in on the excitement."Let the good times roll," as they say.

Community Plan Update ProcessThe Echo Park/Silver Lake Community Plan is

being updated by the City Planning Department. Theyheld a series of five focus groups in different places inour area. For the last plan revision, years ago, therewas an appointed Citizens Advisory Committee and Iwas the Chairman. This time the Planning Dept. iskeeping much closer control over the content of therevisions. So, the good-will and professionalism ofour individual Planners becomes crucially important.Several of us went to all five of their meetings. Ourdesignated Community Planner is PatriciaDiefenderfer (213-485-6763), her supervisor is Dan

Scott, and his supervisor is David Gay. I am veryfavorably impressed with all of them based on what Isaw in their focus groups. We expect to continue towork with them successfully.

Basically, the Plan defines how the land can beused in our communities. The main issue to keep inmind is "density." This is the control over how many

(Continued on page 8)

JEBSVIEW

Opinions expressed in this

newsletter are those of the

writers and do not necessarily

reflect the position of the Echo

Park Improvement Association

Opinion by Jeb Brighouse

epian ways october 2000

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