Personal Reflections: Christmas eve, as we joined friends around our dinner table I noted that the unemployed and under-employed were represented. The business of one of our dinner guests is surviving partly because he frequently abandons his role as owner and manager, and serves customers who used to be served by those he was able to employ when business was better. And finally, another guest struggled with cutting his meat since he had badly broken his wrist a couple of days before Christmas. Several guests had plenty of reason to be joyless, but they weren't. As each person reflected on their life in the past year, they gave thanks for the positive things that 2011 had brought to them, and acknowledged the plight of those less fortunate. We all agreed that having others who care about us is the most valued gift. Fortunately, the economic challenges of 2011 did not diminish the strength of relationships; In some cases, the relationships were actually strengthened.

Eagle Rock Business: If we had been able to gather the Eagle Rock Community around our table, I suspect that, in spite of the business climate malaise, the reflections would also have been optimistic. Several businesses closed, but many new businesses opened. Consequently, we have not suffered an inordinate blight of vacant store fronts. Trader Joe's has added parking capacity, the first phase of enlarging their very popular store. Several Eagle Rock business owners have indicated that business in 2011, although not as good as they had hoped, was definitely better than 2010. There is a general expectation of gradual improvement to continue through 2012.

2011 Election: A campaign for the office of the CD14 council member could best be described as "spirited". Eagle Rock lived up to its reputation of being politically passionate and passionately practical. Members of the community quickly became vocal supporters of the incumbent or the challenger. The new social norm in town was "Meet and Greet" meetings. Eagle Rock distinguished itself among all council districts with the highest percentage of registered voters (20%) casting their ballots. Of equal importance is that Eagle Rockers again proved that individuals can embrace different ideologies, different candidates, and still embrace each other. My partner and I are like so many in this great community. Our array of friends spreads from the most conservative to the most liberal individuals.

New Developments: The soft economy unquestionably limited the amount of development efforts. Two of the major projects on Colorado Boulevard furthered a goal of the Colorado Boulevard Specific Plan by continuing the transition away from auto-oriented enterprises. A mixed use development at the intersection of Colorado and Hartwick replaces derelict housing that previously fronted the boulevard. These represent small but discernable steps in the gradual improvement of properties that are located on one of the main thoroughfares in our town. An attractive mixed use project on Eagle Rock Boulevard between Yosemite and Fair Park is in the planning phase. This project would represent the first new development in that area for many years.

DHM Lofts (aka Pillarhenge), the unsightly abandoned project located on Colorado Boulevard at the entrance / exit of the 134 freeway continues to cast a dark shadow over the perception of Eagle Rock. One of TERA's goals for 2012 will be to fully explore how the organization might support a solution to this eyesore that has been standing way too long.

Take Back the Boulevard, a community-wide initiative to improve how Colorado Boulevard, our main street, serves the community, invited the entire community to participate in initial meetings. At these meetings, we were encouraged to ponder the greater potential of this important street and to think about all the ways that it could be improved. A unique aspect of this initiative is the broad coalition of community leadership and the partnership with the Council Office that is involved in moving this project forward. At the last steering committee meeting of 2011, an important reflection was made by one of the steering committee members. He expressed appreciation for the camaraderie that has developed between the steering committee members and leaders of other community organizations. He eagerly looked forward to being part of the team for 2012. We all agreed. For anyone that has been involved in community projects, especially with a group of strong personalities, there is no guarantee that the leadership team will coalesce as one would hope. Because of the support of TERA members, and those who participated in our 2011 fundraiser, TERA has been able to provide significant financial support to the Take Back the Boulevard initiative.

Centennial: We celebrated Eagle Rock's 100th birthday this year. Initially there were grand plans that depicted frequent and a varied array of events. As happens so often, the idea people far out numbered the execution team. Thanks to a small group of dedicated community leaders, we had a very festive kick off in the spring and a few events through the year. The year of celebration was marked by a couple of community dinners and a wonderful Veteran's Day / Centennial parade that included a float with Eagle Rock's 100th year birthday cake.

One of the hopes expressed at the initial planning meeting was for something to be done as part of the celebration that would leave a legacy beyond the celebration year. Thanks to theUrban Forest Collective, a loose group of volunteers led by Jane Tsong, 26 trees were planted in the greater Eagle Rock area. TERA provided administrative support for the effort. But it was Jane Tsong's vision, passion, commitment, and the hard work of many volunteers that kept this initiative moving forward. A big thanks to the Urban Forest Collective!

Gratitude Expressed: Community leaders often work tirelessly with little recognition or appreciation expressed. However, when John Stillion, president of the Eagle Rock Collaborative Beautiful passed, the voice of the community rose loud and clear in appreciation of an individual who gave so much to Eagle Rock. Because of John's humility and lack of desire for recognition, I postulated that he may not have allowed even his spirit to be present as we came together to acknowledge his years of service and express gratitude for his many contributions to the betterment of Eagle Rock. I am happy to report that new leadership has emerged. In the spirit of John Stillion, the Collaborative continues to carry on the good work under the leadership of Carmen Castillo.

Crime is a concern in every neighborhood. We must accept that crime is present in virtually every neighborhood. Of course, we would like as little crime as possible. Criminal acts come in many shapes and forms, some having much more impact than others.

Eagle Rock does not appear to be experiencing an alarming incidence of crimes. Trends are a key indicator. For the first six months of this year, crime increased 33% in Glassell Park, 17% in Highland Park, and 4% in Eagle Rock. No increase in crime is ever welcome. However, it is encouraging to know that trend-wise, Eagle Rock is faring better than surrounding areas.

Another measure is based on per capita experience (crimes per 10,000 residents). The most recent six month statistics indicated that Eagle Rock has experienced a rate of 79.2 crimes per 10,000 residents. Mount Washington (69.5), Glassell Park (65.7), and Highland Park (55.4) are experiencing less crime than Eagle Rock. However, Silverlake and Atwater, which are centers of commerce, and draw from surrounding communities, are experiencing a much higher per capita rate of 141.4 and 91.9 respectively.

The presence of an affluent community and the attraction of the many commercial / retail offerings in Eagle Rock that attract clientele from the greater northeast are often cited as contributing to our experience with crime. I suspect we would not want incomes to go down or have Eagle Rock Plaza or other popular businesses to disappear in the spirit of reducing crime. Of course, we should stay vigilant at all times, to ensure crime is minimized to the extent that it is possible.

Here, There, and Everywhere - Marijuana Dispensaries: Efforts to bring the marijuana dispensary business under control in 2011 had limited impact. A few closed, but sadly, our community is still "marijuana central" for the communities around us who have banned dispensaries.

Recently, in response to the fatally flawed existing marijuana regulations and the out of control marijuana dispensary landscape in Eagle Rock, our Councilmember José Huizar has introduced a bill that would ban dispensaries totally. In consideration of that proposal, the TERA Board takes the following position:

"The Eagle Rock Association supports councilmember Huizar's proposed legislation to ban any medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles. TERA recognizes the valid medical marijuana needs of some individuals. Unfortunately, we feel that the original intent of the legislation that established legal medical marijuana dispensaries has not been respected. It is the opinion of this organization that the wholesale issuance of prescriptions to many who do not have a legitimate medical need for marijuana and the inordinate proliferation of dispensaries in Eagle Rock has created a quality of life issue for our community.

Until legislation is enacted that creates a responsible environment, making medical marijuana available only to those with a credible need, and does not result in an inordinate concentration of dispensaries in Eagle Rock, TERA supports José Huizar's latest effort to prevent the opening of any additional dispensaries in Los Angeles."

There are those who will read TERA's position and say that we are against the availability of marijuana to anyone, anytime, anyhow. Please read TERA's position carefully; it does not say that.

Unfortunately, simply passing the ban on dispensaries will not suddenly solve the problem. Assuming that the ban passes, there is the potential for a rush of new dispensaries trying to open from now until the ban becomes law. Once the ban passes, it is likely that well-established dispensaries will continue to do business as usual. Newly established dispensaries that open between now and the date of the ban may possibly be more vulnerable to closure. The clear benefit is that once the ban is in place, no dispensary can legally open. It is my understanding that those who attempt to open after the ban is in place will not have basis to initiate the extended litigation efforts that have protected dispensaries in the past.

The period in which new guidance will be crafted, creating an environment that protects communities and also recognizes those who have a genuine medical need for marijuana, is perhaps two to three years away. Given that Los Angeles' current legislation has been found ineffective, it is likely that federal agencies would not want to be involved in enforcement assistance in the city today. However, if the ban is crafted with clarity and found enforceable by the courts, the prospect of federal enforcement assistance may improve. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the city's attorneys have it right this time. Perhaps "third time is the charm".

What's It All Mean? On many levels, personally, community-wise and certainly in the business world, these are challenging times. It is no small accomplishment to simply "hold your own". I think we can say with confidence that Eagle Rock is holding its own. An underlying strength in this community is the affection and commitment so many Eagle Rockers have for this place. Had the Eagle Rock Community been among the guests we had at our table for Christmas Eve dinner, I am confident one of the gifts to be thankful for would be a great affection for this place we call home, and the people who make it special. If you are already involved in working for Eagle Rock, then you know these people. Kudos to you! If you are not, find a way to get involved in 2012. Make a difference as so many did in 2011.

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. On behalf of the TERA Board of Directors, we extend our sincere wishes to all that 2012 will be year of health, hope and prosperity for all.