The World has not Ended

With the advent of fewer traffic lanes on Colorado and the prospect of new bike lanes, the predictions of insufferable traffic jams throughout the day have not materialized. It is still possible to traverse the entire length of Eagle Rock, at rush hour, in just a few minutes. Last Friday, at peak drive-time (5:30) I only had to wait through one red light at what has been described as the most challenging intersection in Eagle Rock (Colorado and Sierra Villa).

Remarkably, some who opposed the reconfiguration of the Boulevard have acknowledged that parallel parking is easier, exiting the driver side of the car much safer, and leaving a parking spot to merge back into moving traffic are all improved. It is also much easier to cross the boulevard, only dealing with 4 lanes of traffic and the convenience of newly installed crosswalks. Reasonable comments have also been made regarding the light volume of bikers. Remembering that the primary goal was to make Colorado Boulevard a safer Boulevard that better served everyone (pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists), even with the light bicycle traffic, the goal has been accomplished. It is reasonable to expect to see a gradual increase in the presence of bikers over time.

We Survived

Once again Eagle Rock survived the Eagle Rock Music Festival hosted by the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. Responding to a general feeling from the community that the event had become too large, the festival was scaled back slightly this year. With a single main-stage, as opposed to three main stages last year, the overall scope of the event was more contained. Attendance this year was estimated to be in the range of 50,000 to 65,000, a good crowd for sure but considerably less than the 100,000+ experienced last year. No surprise; the more modest but still sizeable event drew both praise and criticism. In any case, the Center deserves kudos for hearing the community and responding as best they could.

The obvious question now is what about next year? There is no denying the fact that over the years, the Music Festival has promoted Eagle Rock in a very positive way. But it is not a simple task. The festival requires a huge effort on the part of Center for the Arts personnel. Also, as city fees and other expenses have increased over the years, it has become more and more challenging to conduct the festival in a cost effective way. The rumors that this was the final Music Festival are premature. The management and the Board of Directors for the Center will be considering all aspects of the annual event and I am confident come to a decision on how to proceed in a way that is appropriate for the Center and for the community. Perhaps this was the last festival and perhaps it wasn't - stay tuned.

Fun Stuff is Right Around Your Corner

Woof
 

TERA Board Member Maria Nazario's dogs - Osso and Bowzer. Photo by Herb West 

Many people find the fact that Eagle Rock does not already have a dog park surprising. Others feel it is a blessing that we don't have one. One thing that cannot be denied is the fact that many Eagle Rockers include dogs as an important part of their life. The effort to create a compelling argument for a dog park is moving forward, quietly and deliberately. Go to www.dogsoftherock.com where you will see photos of many dogs that call Eagle Rock home and will be invited to send a photo of your own dog to join the collection. You will also find information about how to sign the petition supporting a dog park. 

Home Renovation Gone Bad??
 

Have you fallen prey to a rogue contractor?  Has your dream home descended into a nightmare?  Has your family endured months of misery at the hands of a contractor leaving your home in shambles when they walked out on the job?

If you have been through or are currently experiencing this nightmare, then this is the opportunity you've been praying for!!! From the creators of hit series "Super Nanny" and "Who Do You Think You Are" comes a new series that will pair you with nationally recognized experts in home improvement who will help repair the damage and go after those who are responsible!

To be considered, please send photos of your home, the unfinished work, and your family, along with information about yourself and your nightmare situation, to fixmyhomecasting@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name, age, city and contact info so we can get in touch with you!  Note: Your home must be within 30-miles of Los Angeles.