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I fear that
many in Eagle Rock did not
know that we recently had an election for
representatives on the Eagle Rock
Neighborhood Council. The first major
concern of Neighborhood Councils, when they
were formed in 1999, was DWP's proposed 18%
increase water rates. Some things have
changed and some things haven't.
In 1999
interest and even excitement was
evident when neighborhood councils became
part of the leadership of our community, but
not today. Over the years there were times
when council meetings were less productive
and perhaps more colorful than was
productive. However, there have also been
eras when leadership tried to bring a more
business-like conduct to the council
meetings. Judging by the number of offices
lacking a candidate in the most recent
election, and the suspected low-turnout at
the polls (When I voted there were four
staffers to assist one voter - me), the
excitement and interest has apparently waned.
One eLetter reader wrote to me, proclaiming
that the Neighborhood Council was ineffective
- a waste of time. Rather than criticize
those who volunteer for this community
service, I suggested to the writer to get
involved, become part of the solution, and
help the council to become more effective.
Whoever prevails in the latest election, we
should give them our support. After all,
they are willing to give up their time in the
hope they can somehow contribute to the
betterment of Eagle Rock.
The constant
between 1999 and now appears
to be our continued consternation with the
DWP. They asked us to use less water last
year; we did. Now they want to charge us
more for less because revenue declined when
we reduced our water usage - duh! Oh, and
they just discovered the need for alternative
energy sources. They recently agreed to
share some of their "surplus" with the city.
Their message is mixed and clearly not
positive. Some things unfortunately do not
change.
The Arroyo and
Foothills Conservancy is
one of the preeminent organizations fighting
for the preservation of open, undeveloped
space. They recently celebrated their tenth
anniversary - congratulations. Maria Nazario
and Frank Parrello represented TERA at the
celebration. In addition, TERA made a
monetary contribution to support the
Conservancy's efforts.
We are blessed
almost every day now by
weather that could have been designed by
DeMille; absolutely perfect in every way. I
hope you all are enjoying the ability to
transition to more outside living as we
approach my favorite season, summer.
 Bob Gotham, President
America
Tire The future of the
building on Colorado Blvd. that previously
was occupied by the American Tire Co. was
discussed at the April Design Review Board
meeting. TERA Board Member Frank Parrello
and former TERA President Michael Tharp
participated in the meeting. At the meeting,
the property owner indicated that the
property would be renovated with the goal of
being occupied by multiple medical offices.
Some modification of the building's façade is
contemplated. The concern that this property
may contribute to the further proliferation
of marijuana dispensaries in Eagle Rock is
obvious. However, a site that houses
multiple medical offices would be an
illogical location for a dispensary. Also,
the recent fortunate passage of city
guidelines that will severely limit the
number of dispensaries in the future gives
further comfort that this location will not
become "Pot Central".
Occidental
College Development The
College is in the initial stages on moving
forward on a more modest plan of development.
Swan Hall, a historic structure on campus, is
the subject of a Notice of Preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report recently received
by TERA. This structure, which was designed
by Myron Hunt and constructed in 1914, is one
of the most historically important buildings
on campus. Renovating the existing
structure, and adding a new structure larger
than the existing Swan Hall, is the overall
intent for this building. Based on our
current understanding of the proposed
construction process, we do not think the
project will employ historic preservation
best practices. Replacing serviceable
historic aspects of the building (i.e.
exterior stucco) with new construction is an
example of deviating from widely accepted
preservation standards.
The Alumni
House is the second structure
targeted for renovation. The new structure
will be at least twice the size of the
existing structure. However, there will be a
25' setback from the college perimeter and
the overall height of the renovated structure
will be lower than the current building. The
limited height and generous setback should
significantly mitigate the impact of the
larger building. The college has also
conducted a robust outreach to the
surrounding community. TERA applauds this
approach.
I am happy
to share this letter from Al
Jimenez: Dear Bob, thank
you for the e.letter. I think it
worth mentioning in your next
edition the wonderful news from Eagle Rock
High School. Two ERHS seniors have been
accepted to Harvard. Several other students
have been accepted at other Ivy League
campuses. Numerous students have been
accepted to the Cal State and UC colleges.
Furthermore, ERHS is well on its way to
obtaining certification for its International
Baccalaureate program to be offered to its
junior high school students.
As a TERA
member, Eagle Rock resident and
the parent of a sophomore and a freshman at
ERHS, I am pleased and confidant that our
local public high school offers a college
preparatory education to those students with
the intelligence, perseverance and work ethic
to take advantage of it. ERHS is a
tremendous asset to our community and yet
another reason to live in Eagle Rock and
raise our children here.
Thanks, Al
Jimenez President's
Note: Mary Tokita, TERA
Vice President, is very proud of her son
Chris, one of the many students mentioned by
Al. Chris will attend Yale.
Eagle Rock Centennial presents: Talent show
finalist will perform on
May 15, 2010 7pm - 10pm at the Women's
20th Century Club. Adult admission: $25
suggested donation at door or $15 pre-sale.
Children (4 - 12 years of age) $5.
For additional
information, please contact
323-478-1883 or eaglerocksgottalent@yahoo.com.
For more info on the centennial, visit http://www.eaglerock100th.com/.
TERA
strongly supports the concept of
alternative transportation, and a more
pedestrian safe and friendly environment. In
that spirit, this note from Jose Huizar's
blog is shared:
Today the City
Council unanimously
passed my motion to create the City's first
bike corral on York Boulevard in Highland
Park. Bike corrals allow for 12-14 bikes to
be parked in a space that would normally
accommodate one automobile. They are a great
use of space and offer bicyclists a safe and
secure place to park their bikes, while
keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrians. I
want to thank the bicycle enthusiasts who
supported this legislation. And a big thank
you to Café de Leche and the Highland Park
Chamber of Commerce, who are putting up the
money for the bike corral, which will be
placed on York Boulevard between Avenues 50
and 56. Hopefully, we can follow Portland's
model, where at least 20 single-parking
spaces have been converted to bike corrals.
(Posted by josehuizar at 5:25 PM April 27, 2010)
Coming up at the Cactus Gallery: About Cactus
Gallery:
Established in 2005, Cactus Gallery is a
vibrant Latino owned and operated space that
promotes L.A. artists. Cactus is an eclectic
mix of traditional art forms, outsider art
and folk art. To the ever-growing family of
artists, we add the work of dozens of
talented artesanos from Argentina who
handcraft stunning modern metal jewelry and
art objects.
Cactus strives to foster a nurturing space
for our talented artists to flourish and to
bring a sensibility to the arts that is fresh
and innovative. We believe in community and
maintaining cultural traditions.
The
following communication was
received from Lydia Estrada who is working on
building support for continued arts education
in our schools. Please take a minute to read
her appeal for support and got to the website
she has provided. Arts education is an
important and often sacrificed aspect of
every student's education.
Dear TERA: I am writing to
you on behalf of the Arts
for Education Committee at Dahlia Heights
Elementary (Floristan Ave in Eagle Rock, near
Trader Joes on Colorado). It consists of a
wonderful group of parents who are concerned
about the pending 50% budget cuts in Arts
funding for LA Unified School District.
We are looking
to outside Dahlia/Eagle
Rock community support to help us with our
letter writing campaign and to make our
voices heard. It would be wonderful if we
could broadcast the message louder among
others. Please let me know if you are able
to help by communicating this to your
interested members or allowing us an
opportunity to communicate.
Visit http://www.artsforla.org/groups/lausd
for more information on the subject and
action steps such as letter writing campaign,
that those living within LAUSD boundaries can
take.
Thanks so much.
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