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Elections:
It's great when an election is over. The outcome may not always be as we had hoped. But the fact that we will no longer be inundated by campaign attempts to sway our potential vote one way or another is a great gift. The reference to"potential vote" is justified by the small percentage of registered voters who actually cast a vote.
Being particularly involved in politics is one of the many qualities that distinguish Eagle Rock. Tangible proof of our healthy interest in who will occupy the Council Office is provided by a few statistics for Council District 14. Voter participation increased from 17.45% in 2007 to 20% in 2011, a positive trend, but still lower than it should be. If I interpreted the Registrar's statistics correctly, CD 14's 20% participation is the highest participation of any council district in the city. I qualify my statement because the voter statistics posted by the Registrar's office are provided in very basic Excel spreadsheets with minimum formatting and no user friendly legends. One would think personnel in this office would have the skills and the motivation to provide a better work product, especially since these documents will be used by many for years.
Thankfully, the days of the robo-calls are done for awhile.
Unexpected Gifts:
Gifts can come when you least expect them. TERA cannot endorse any candidate but that does not preclude board members from being supportive on a personal basis, which you probably know I did - more visibly than I had anticipated. Walking through neighborhoods is the only way to really know an area. Driving by doesn't do it. Neighborhoods north of Colorado are already well known for the wonderful tree lined streets and large number of distinctive homes. In support of my candidate, I walked neighborhoods south of Colorado. I gained a new appreciation for the wealth of distinctive homes in Eagle Rock, especially homes from the Craftsman era in this area. You won't find luxury cars or spacious lawns. But you will find wonderful architectural gems that have not been diminished by stucco, aluminum windows, etc., homes with children running around and hard-working owners. Delrosa Drive was one of the areas filled with Craftsman treasures. Park your car on Addison and take a walk through this area. You will be amazed.
Parrots, Parrots Everywhere, and Not a Moments Rest:
Rarely, when reading an email from a reader describing a real problem, does the email bring a smile to my face. But this one did and she generously agreed to allow me to share it. I hope this skilled writing brings the same smile to your face. And, if you have a solution, let me know. I will pass it on.
"Oh no! It's like my worst nightmare from the past has come back to haunt me! And that nightmare is feathered and green.
Years ago, I used to live up on Mt. Helena, and every morning at 5 am I would be woken up by those infernal wild parrots, those little green monsters who would scream like some sort of unworldy alien pest from a world of terror. They were so loud, so offensive, and now they seem to have flown down the hill next to Eagle Rock Elementary where for the past few days I've been shocked awake once again.
Now, I am a huge animal lover and I'm conscious of my environment. These parrots are the only thing on earth that drives me crazy, and it's all I can do not to call open hunting season on their feathered butts. Please, Mr. President...please tell me that something can be done. I know we're not dealing with native wildlife here. These birds are not part of the natural ecosystem and getting rid of them would not disrupt the balance of our lovely Eagle Rock flora and fauna."
Happy Endings:
Just in case you are not familiar with the lingo, "Happy Endings" in this context refers to a massage service that will include an erotic finale. There have been several media reports, including the LA Times, which have highlighted the proliferation of erotic massage parlors in Eagle Rock and steps being taken to address the acknowledged problem. In the last three weeks, LAPD has visited several suspect locations, primarily in Eagle Rock. Additional visits are scheduled for the future. Six arrests have been made in Eagle Rock.
The happy ending to the issue of erotic massages in Eagle Rock is far from over. Clearly, there as many as 22 others that are suspect and still need to be visited by the LAPD.
Unfortunately, the solution to the massage parlor issue as well as the marijuana dispensary situation is not as simple as it appears from the distance. Often the benefits of living in a democracy, individual freedoms, adhering to an established system of laws and a judicial process, all can create obstacles to moving as quickly as hoped. But there is also no doubt that the City of Los Angeles has often not provided the services we would like until prodded into doing so. Unfortunately, I think that city oversight weakness preceded the economic challenges of today.
A very passionate long-time Eagle Rock resident and TERA Member recently sent me an email expressing his rage and valid concern about this neighborhood that he loves. The email included the following thoughts:
"My first and primary concern is that Eagle Rock is becoming a haven for shady business activities that place the children here at risk of harm. Secondly, the town is getting trashed by business people who are trafficking in sex, and drugs (legal or illegal). Thirdly, you can start kissing property values goodbye. Who wants to live in a town of 50+ "Happy Hands" parlors and "Marijuana Bars?"
The writer indicated he was "…ready to take this problem on." Eagle Rock needs more people with his passion and concern to be involved. The key phrase however is "to be involved". Each time we have an election for Neighborhood Council representatives, the shortage of candidates is appalling. To counter the opinion of some, that Neighborhood Councils are not productive, notice the lead taken by the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council and its president Michael Larsen to address the elimination of erotic oriented massage parlors in Eagle Rock. TERA has been a partner in this effort; but the ERNC deserves credit for taking a leadership role. As the president of TERA, I have approached many high profile Eagle Rock individuals and asked them to get more involved with TERA. The usual answer is that they appreciate what TERA does but have no time to get more involved. It was sadly remarkable, how few community residents who oppose marijuana dispensaries attended the community meeting held last fall to discuss the issue. The vast majority of attendees were from out of Eagle Rock and only came here to get their grass.
If you care, if you want to make a difference, get involved at the shirtsleeves level. Go to community meetings, make your voice heard, volunteer, serve on a board, and support The Eagle Rock Association with your membership.
Membership Has Benefits :
Discounts are available for TERA Members at the following participating merchants. Just show your active membership card. Click on http://www.tera90041.org/benefits.htm to see the member benefits offered by each merchant.
Please patronize these merchants, save a little money, and show them that you appreciate their support of the community.
 Bob Gotham, President
Save the Date: Saturday, May 21 Mark your calendar now for TERA's annual fundraiser, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?," a celebration of fine dining and community camaraderie, set for Saturday, May 21, throughout Eagle Rock. Tickets will be on sale April 7. A special eLetter will be sent to announce the beginning of ticket sales.
The evening begins on Hill Drive with a reception at the beautiful and distinctive 1933 Spanish Colonial residence of Damon Dennis and Michael Schlueter. A party atmosphere that is both festive and sophisticated and will welcome you to this landmark property. Tasty appetizers, a no host bar, live music and a wandering magician will set the tone for a fun evening on the town. From the reception, guests will proceed to one of the many dinner parties at homes throughout Eagle Rock.
We have great schools and great children in Eagle Rock. We would like to give a special TERA shout-out to the students from Dahlia Heights Elementary School who played an important role in the recent Eagle Rock Centennial celebration at City Hall.
A play and slide show on Eagle Rock history was presented in City Council chambers last week by students in Mrs. Marlene Paddit-Griffith's third grade and Mrs. Mary Rose O'Leary's sixth grade from our own Dahlia Heights Elementary. They deserve our kudos for representing our community with such wit and grace.
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 - 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Occidental-Caltech Symphony Orchestra, under the musical direction of conductor Allen Robert Gross, continues its 2010-2011 season on April 16, 2011 featuring Schubert's Symphony No. 6 and William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony.
In order to create a cleaner environment for our community, Happy Recyclers and Eagle Rock Plaza is hosting an EARTH DAY electronic waste (e-waste) recycling event. The event is a free service to properly get rid of unwanted electronic products. Only 10% - 15% of e-waste is currently properly dismantled or recycled. Electronic discards are one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream. 70% of heavy metals and 40% of lead contents found in today's landfills are from e-waste. E-waste includes electronic products or devices, such as computer monitors, televisions, PC systems, printers, home entertainment systems, copiers, and facsimile machines, whether in working condition or not. Show your support for a cleaner environment by diverting e-waste away from our city and landfills to the appropriate recycling process. For more detailed information see below.
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