The poor condition of the perimeter of Eagle Rock Plaza (see photos below) does not provide the image of a center of commerce that respects the community on which it relies for its commercial success. The interior of the mall was beautifully refurbished. However, the poor appearance of the perimeter and surrounding chain link fence gives no hint of the fresh and bright interior of Eagle Rock Plaza. Instead, it incorrectly reflects the appearance of a mall and a neighborhood in decline. There is no concern or respect for the impact it has on the quality of life of its neighbors, the overall community, or the negative impact on the value of adjacent properties.

The poor exterior appearance of the mall is amplified by the fact that Eagle Rock Plaza also functions as the Western Gateway to our community. It is the first impression of Eagle Rock that one encounters coming off the freeway or traveling from Glendale. While the presence of Eagle Rock Plaza is much appreciated, the community deserves better than a shopping mall surrounding by a low-end, aged, falling-down chain-link fence that is often barren or latticed with dead vegetation.

Several months ago, TERA Board members met with Bryan Paul, the mall manager. We presented evidence of the abysmal condition of the fence and exterior perimeter and asked that he share our concerns with the mall owners. While it is a soft economy, the owners have a responsibility to the community to at least make minimum improvements. Since our meeting, mall management has been unresponsive to our follow-up communications.

Now it is time for the community to get involved. TERA has long been the voice for community improvements in Eagle Rock. However, our ability to effect change has always relied on many voices raised from within the community, to support the cause we are advocating. Now it's your turn to voice your concerns. If you do not like what you see when you drive around the plaza, if you agree with TERA, that Eagle Rock deserves a better first impression, make your feelings know to Bryan Paul (Bryan.Paul@shopeaglerock.com). Please copy me (President@TERA90041.org). It will only take a minute to speak your mind. Don't make the common mistake of thinking I don't have time, others will send e-mails. It is reasonable to ask Eagle Rock Plaza to respect our neighborhood, to respect their neighbors and fix the perimeter. Take action now!

TERA's next public meeting will be Wednesday, June 9 at Occidental College.

• "Los Angeles, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" will be presented by the City Controller, Wendy Gruel.
• Leadership from Eagle Rock High School will tell us about their successes in an era of ever increasing challenges for the education system.
• Eagle Rock Centennial preparations - an update

If you have never been to the college campus, go early and enjoy the beautiful campus grounds. TERA greatly appreciates the hospitality extended to the community by Occidental College.

TERA Annual Membership Drive: Your membership support of The Eagle Rock Association is key to our ability to continue our work on behalf of this community. Our annual membership drive is conducted each June. We want to express our gratitude to the many in this community who express their appreciation and support for the work of TERA by renewing each year and maintaining a current TERA membership.

However, there are many others who enjoy this eLetter, they do feel the work we do is important, and rely on this organization to follow up on their development concerns. However, they do not support the organization by becoming a member. If you are in that category, I hope you will consider supporting our organization by becoming a member. Membership levels are as follows:

• Senior $15
• Individual $25
• Household $35
• Business Associate $50
• Sustaining $75
• Sponsor $100
• Patron $250
• Lifetime $500

To become a member now go to: http://www.tera90041.org/join-paypal.htm