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"He didn't just care about this community; he rolled up his sleeves and did something about it." That is the way one person who knew John Stillion described him to me as we were reflecting on the recent passing of this individual who gave so much to Eagle Rock. For those who did not know John, he was the long-term president of CERB (Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful). His latest passion was to complete the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, making it possible to visit the rock that is the symbol of our community. John Stillion and I have been friends for many years. Perhaps we were not close friends, but we were good friends. The most important thing we shared was an affection for Eagle Rock and a hope that we could make it better. Mike and I have had the good fortune of visiting John's home, seeing the incredible assortment of succulents in his garden and enjoying his very warm hospitality. He has been a guest at our home many times, always arriving dressed impeccably and accompanied by a delightful friend. There was no need to make introductions, John knew people and was well known. We have clinked martini glasses at Colombo's as we discussed our hopes for Eagle Rock and the challenges we sometimes faced in moving forward On occasion we traded stories and perhaps a little gossip, always in absolute confidence. John was always supportive of TERA's efforts. And, most importantly, as friends we watched each other's back. About three weeks ago John and I spoke on the phone. He mentioned that he now knew his days were numbered. He didn't have a concern regarding his demise. Rather his message was one of great appreciation for his life, for those who had been in his life, for the community he loved and for the incredible support he was now receiving from those closest to him. His only concern centered on the things he hoped to do for Eagle Rock that remained undone. The world is a better place because John existed. From earlier in life when he was a teacher to his involvement in the Eagle Rock Community, he left it better than he found it. All Eagle Rock residents owe John a debt of gratitude. My initial notion was to restrict this e.letter to my reflections regarding my friend John Stillion. However, if you knew John at all, you know he would undoubtedly say, "Things for the community need to go on, don't stop for me." It is in that spirit that remaining content is included in this eLetter.  Bob Gotham, President
Save the Date: Saturday, May 21 It's time to act. Almost half the tickets to the dinner event are now sold. But there are still seats available at most homes.
Go to http://www.TERA90041.org where you will find photos and descriptions of all host homes. Act now before your favorite home is sold out!
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Featured Host: Kaye Beckham and David Dickinson
Join Kaye Beckham and David Dickinson for dinner in a formal dining room that has hosted Eagle Rock power brokers for decades. Located in the Hill Drive area of Eagle Rock, the Beckham / Dickinson home is a spacious craftsman designed and built by the architect Stanford White in 1910. Entertaining friends is clearly a consideration in the décor of this very traditional home. The table will be set with fine china and linen; the candlelight glow will be reflected in the sparkle of the crystal goblets. This will be a relaxed "sit down" dinner affair with a hostess who has been part of Eagle Rock leadership for over 30 years.
Dinner will feature traditional Italian-American Cuisine followed by coffee and dessert in the large fireplaced living room, designed for conversation. Choose this home and you will have an elegant dinner in the midst of Eagle Rock history.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner tickets or info: http://www.TERA90041.org
Colorado and Eagle Vista Although there is not a lot of development happening these days, the eastern portion of Colorado Boulevard seems to be getting its share. A new residential development is planned for the northeastern corner of Colorado Boulevard at Eagle Vista.
The picture above shows the automotive-related business currently occupying the site and, below it, a rendering of the proposed project. The complex is composed of 10 "small lot" dwellings. The units that face Colorado Boulevard are denoted as "live / work" units. They will be designed so that from the boulevard they will appear to be consistent with the prevalent mixed use complexes that are the referenced in the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan. TERA feels that this project will improve the quality of this very visible corner and supports the project.
Trader Joe's Recently a Trader Joe representative appeared before the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Land Use Planning Committee asking for approval of their plans to expand the size of the store. With assurances that extra parking would be included in the expansion, the Committee approved the plan.
Many Eagle Rockers feel as I do, that it's one of our favorite places to shop. Not only is it a quick in and out. Frequently I meet other acquaintances fostering a real neighborhood feeling. The consistently pleasant and helpful attitude of Trader Joe's staff is another big plus. I was quite surprised by the response, when, as suggested by the local Team Leader at the store, I contacted the corporate office. I was connected to a community relations representative and asked her if they would like to provide an "official" statement regarding the planned expansion. She put me on hold briefly while she talked to another department. Then, in a very un-Trader Joe's manner, she abruptly refused to acknowledge the expansion plan. She also discouraged me from contacting her in the future, indicating that the store manager would provide information when and if they chose to provide any statements regarding the plan. I am not sure he knows that.
What does this mean? Perhaps nothing at all other than I caught someone on a bad day. Or maybe Trader Joe's plans are more tentative than they appeared to be at the Land Use Planning meeting. I still love the store and hope they will make further investments in their Eagle Rock location.
The more things change the more they stay the same, at least it would seem that way in the story of marijuana dispensaries in Eagle Rock and throughout Los Angeles.
You may recall that the ordinance originally developed to control the medical marijuana dispensaries was found to not be enforceable. A new ordinance was developed that supposedly would pass the sniff test of a judge. I asked Huizar's office what additional steps were taken to ensure that the new ordinance was crafted in a way that will minimize the potential for future litigation and delay in enforcement. The approach taken was to use the original ordinance and the definition of weaknesses as defined by the judge as the starting point. The new ordinance was developed by refining the original ordinance in response to each of the points articulated by the judge who found the original ordinance unenforceable.
Today, according to the Los Angeles Times, 21 dispensaries are suing the city, alleging that the new ordinance is also flawed. Additional suits are promised. In considerable dispute is the lottery approach of determining what locations will be allowed to continue to operate. However, I expect that many other aspects of the ordinance will ultimately be attacked. I don't think we are back to square one. It is no surprise that the dispensaries are once again initiating litigation. However, according to the CD14 Council Office, given that the new ordinance responds so fully to the judge's prior conclusions, there is measured confidence that the dispensaries will not prevail this time. Frankly, I would have welcomed a higher level of confidence.
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