IS ECHO PARK JUST ONE BIG “DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY”?
by Lynn Barbé
That question urgently deserves
an answer, now that outside real
estate interests are aggressively
pursuing Echo Park as a place for
massive, impersonal building
projects
For most of us, Echo Park is
many things: a neighborhood with
history and character, a community
blessed with beautiful parks and a
p edest ri a n - fri end l y b usi ne ss
district. To read the real estate
ads, however, you’d think we were
just a tasty snack for development
interests. Or as the ads say,
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.
The latest cause for alarm came
last weekend, when a Westside real
estate firm announced plans to sell
a half-block stretch of Morton
Avenue for $4.8 million. Even
though the property has nine
bungalows -- most of them more
than 90 years old -- and a small
apartment building that has a
dozen households, the property is
billed simply as ―LAND -- $4.8
million,‖ where a developer is
encouraged to scrape clean any
trace of our neighborhood’s past or
its charm.
The same day, another real
estate firm listed four acres of
Elysian Heights, not far from Avon
Street, for $1.5 million. And two
days earlier, a developer
announced it had approval for a
four-story condominium down the
block from Chango, on Echo Park
Avenue just north of Scott Avenue.
Echo Park Improvement Association
Meets at 7 p.m. the 1st Thursday of each Month
in Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital 2000 Stadium Way in Elysian Park
Many of us moved to Echo Park
because of its modest scale –
Spanish-style courtyards, intriguing
public staircases, and bungalows
on hillsides. It had the feel of old
Los Angeles, but it was also
international, with residents from
Mexico, the Philippines, Cuba,
Central America, Italy, Southeast
Asia, the Ukraine.
Longtime residents worked hard
to plant trees, pick up garbage and
paint out graffiti. Newcomers were
intrigued by what they found, and
launched community events like
the Echo Park Arts Festival, the
Historic Echo Park Home Tour.
Echo Park residents found
themselves in a place that differed
from impersonal suburban tract
development on the outskirts of the
city, one that had largely been
spared from gigantic blocks of
architectural ugliness, of the
variety so frequently approved by
the Los Angeles planning
department.
That is changing. The local
neighborhood council has been
deluged with proposals for projects
that skate by without sufficient
parking, ignore height limits and
specialize in higher density: 18
units on Quintero Street, 38 units
just north of Chango on Echo Park
Avenue, 60-plus units next to
Angelino Heights, 67 units next to
Rosemont Elementary.
The Echo Park Improvement
Association spent 15 years working
to improve the neighborhood so
that it was cleaner, safer and more
interconnected. Now there is a new
challenge, one that those of us who
love Echo Park ignore at our peril.
You need only look south of Beverly
Boulevard or east of Echo Park at
the enormous blocks of multi-story
projects – many of them cheaply
made – to see that we are next.
In short, Echo Park deserves
quality planning, not the type that
shoehorns as many people as
possible into a modest series of
lots. Echo Park deserves a
development process that allows
residents to spell out exactly how
tall is too tall, what is right for our
neighborhood.
Last summer, the City Council
approved a 10-year plan for Echo
Park that promised our
neighborhood a series of new
planning documents and
(Continued on page 11)
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 VOUNTEERS OF ECHO PARK LIBRARY END 2004 WITH SUCESSFUL BOOKSALE
The Volunteers of the Echo
Park Library, had the final book
sale of 2004 on Saturday,
December 4, and thanks to you
dear friends, it was a success.
It was a beautiful, Saturday
morning when we arrived at the
library, ready to sell books. It was
so pleasing to see people waiting
outside for the library to open and
it was only 9:30 am. Yes, Jeni, did
a great PR job, it was the sign of a
good day.
At 10:00 am., the doors
opened and the people started
coming in. Off they went to their
respective tables, in search of that
interesting book. We enjoyed
meeting and having conversation
with our new friends. We were
girl’s teen yoga
Pilates
by Margarita Fernandez, epVolunteer Co-ordinator
especially pleased when a young $500.00, all for the Echo Park
student came to us all smiles, for Library. We look forward to having
he had found an excellent Webster more sales and our next one will
Dictionary, this was something he be on Saturday March 20, 2005,
needed and he had found it for a and like always, we look forward
bargain of a price - $1.00. We to seeing you. Remember the
were pleased that he had done date, come and enjoy, we will be
just that. It is a joy to see young looking for you.
teens, some of them accompanied
by their parents buying books.
Educational books, they buy,
plenty of Algebra, and biology
books. The good part is that the
books are in excellent conditions
and at low price, our friends are
happy to make good deals and we
are happy for them.
Overall, we made over $355.00
on this date and have been
pleased that we have raised over
(323)
 HOW BIRDIE IS YOUR BACKYARD?
FIND OUT DURING FEBRUARY 18-21 BIRD COUNT
T he annual Great Backyard
Bird Count will be sweeping
through the nation from Friday,
February 18 through Monday,
February 21 and everyone, young
and old, can get involved. No ex-
perience is necessary. All you
need is a pair of binoculars and a
bird guide, if you have one.
There will be two ―backyards‖
in Echo Park. The largest is Echo
Park Lake, where you can be part
of the fun on Sunday, February
20, at 9:00 a.m. The group meets
at the Boat House; the count will
by Judith Raskin
take 1-2 hours. In previous years,
counters have seen about 20 dif-
ferent birds, including blackbirds,
doves, egrets, herons, warblers
and grackles.
The second backyard is yours—
a real backyard, a balcony, ter-
race or patio, a street location
where you think you will find
birds, a school, business, or any
place you choose. These places
are missed during the more for-
mal Christmas Bird Count, but
they are valuable locations to dis-
cover more Echo Park species.
You are likely to see a number of
species that don’t hang out near
the Lake, such as finches, jays,
black phoebes, wrens, hawks and
mockingbirds. You can choose
the day and time, but you will
need at least 15 minutes to do
your count, more if you like.
To take part in the count at
Echo Park Lake, please contact
Judy Raskin at (323) 663-6767 or
jayebea@earthlink.net (use Back-
yard Birdcount in the subject
line). If you want to count on your
own, go to www.birdsource.org to
download the instructions and
checklist for California birds.
1911 SUNSET BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265
 Annual Festival of Childhood: Creating a Peaceful World
Saturday, April 16th 2005

On Saturday afternoon of April 16 from 1pm-4pm,
the Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting’s
(CNVEP) will host its 6th Annual Street Festival of
Childhood. Reservoir Street in Echo Park (between
Alvarado and Glendale Boulevards., one block north of
Sunset), will be closed off and filled with local artists
and musicians entertaining children and their parents.
We are planning our annual Festival of Childhood
in conjunction with the Day of the Child and
International Spank Out Day, where we create a street
art fair for children and parents. As we all know, there
is virtually no visual arts, music, or dance in the
schools in this community. We see our festival as a
way to offer a free creative space for an afternoon
where children and their parents can go from table to
table enjoying the rich art and music experiences. We
have a stage where we provide music entertainment
and booths for community artists to participate for
whom we provide the supplies needed for the
activities.
We are seeking performers, food donations,
monetary donations, and raffle prizes for adults and
children. Please pass the word. All artists donate their
time and many volunteers help bring the event
together. The food and refreshments are sold at
reasonable prices to allow low-income families to be
able to afford to eat. The event is free and open to the
public.
This year we aspire to expand our musicians to
include local groups such as Gwendlyn, Mariachi
Divas, and the Peace Squad from the Evidence Room.
We have been fortunate to receive Councilman
Garcetti’s office support providing tables and chairs
and other auxiliaries. Last year, over 300 people
attended the festival and hope to significantly increase
outreach this year and double attendance. We are
asking you to donate your services if you would like to
set up a booth, monetary donations to cover our costs,
food, or items for our raffle.
While celebrating children, the festival also
provides an opportunity to bring together the
neighborhood with all of its diversity.
Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting,
213.484.6676, cnvep@earthlink.net
www.nonviolentparenting.org

Storytime for Toddlers

Toddlers, babies and

expecting parents, as well as
grandparents are welcome to
participate in a lifetime
journey of stories & rhymes,
followed by activities and
games. It is a place where
memories are made with
those little bundles of joy, a
place where children are
positively bonded with their
grown-ups. A fun place to
develop social skills at no
cost.
Every Friday from 8:30
a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at
Allesandro Elementary School,
2210 Riverside Drive. Los
Angeles, CA. 90039
Telephone Mrs. Hubbard at
(323) 666-7162
 ECHO PARK CALENDAR
Event Date Location Comments
st
EPIA Meetings 1 Thursday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call EPIA message phone
Mar. 3, Apr. 3 Hospital, 2000 Stadium for additional information
Way in Elysian Park
EPIA Steering 3rd Thursdays, 7:15 pm Call (323) 882-4835 for Take an active part in EPIA.
Committee Feb. 17, Mar 17 location Join the Steering Committee
Meetings
Echo Park 2nd Thursday, LAPD Stop-in Center (on Call (323) 666-3228 for
Security Feb. 10, Mar 10 the side of Bank of additional information
Association America)
Citizens 1st Wednesday,7:30 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call 213-666-9651 for
Committee to Mar 2, Apr 6 Hospital, 2000 Stadium meeting location
Save Elysian Park Way in Elysian Park
Greater Echo 4th Tuesday, 7 pm Logan Street School Call (213) 413-3196 for info
Park Elysian Feb. 22, Mar 22 Auditorium, 1711 W. or visit www.GEPENC.org
Neighborhood Logan Street
Council Meeting
Edendale Library 2nd Wednesday, 7 pm Edendale Branch Library Join the library’s support group and
Friends Society Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard find out how you can help your
>=> ELFS <=< in the Community room neighborhood’s branch. New
members are always welcome.
Deadline for April Friday, March 25 Send submissions to EPIA,
EPIAn ways Attn: EPIAn Ways Editor
SPECIAL EVENTS
Great Backyard Sunday, Feb. 20, 9 am Echo Park Lake contact Judy Raskin at (323)
Bird Count Boathouse, rain or shine! 663-6767
CANDIDATES Thursday, Mar. 3, 7 pm Williams Hall at Barlow
FORUM Hospital, 2000 Stadium
Way in Elysian Park
The Festival of Saturday, April 16th 1 am Reservoir St. between Call Diana, (213) 484–6676 or
Childhood to 4 pm Alvarado & Glendale Blvd www.nonviolentparenting.org
one block north of Sunset
UPCOMING EPIA TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Glendale Freeway Terminus ● Candidates Forum

CANDIDATES FORUM PLANNED — WHO WILL GET YOUR VOTE?

Before you vote in March's primary election, check out your choices. You are invited to meet the folks who are
running for Echo Park's two L.A. City Council seats. On Thursday, March 3rd Echo Park Improvement Association
is sponsoring a neighborhood forum for candidates seeking to represent Council Districts 1 and 13.
Ask questions, get answers, make up your own mind.
You'll have the chance to hear Councilman Ed Reyes, Councilman Eric Garcetti, and challengers Sylvia Luna,
William M. Morrison, Stephen Sarinana-Lampson, and Ernest E. Sanchez answer questions about Echo Park.
Come to Williams Hall, Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way at 7:00 p.m. to decide who's getting your vote!
ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
FEBRUARY
Library Computer Classes Library Hours
Computer Comfort Tuesday 1, Thursday 17 Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Learn to use the Library’s electronic catalog to search for Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
materials, renew items, and place your own holds. Learn the basics
Wednesdays
of surfing the Internet. Introduction to various databases and search
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
engines. Bring your library card. Adults only. Familiarity with the Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
keyboard and mouse is recommended but not mandatory. Call Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Introduction to Basic Web Design Thursday 10 & 24
Learn about HTML codes to create a simple web page. Computer
Sundays CLOSED
experience is mandatory. Library Address
Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm. Echo Park Branch Library
Events 1410 W. Temple Street
Saturday 26. Tarot Reading Program Come and receive short
mini-tarot readings. Sign-ups are required. Adults only. Call Los Angeles CA 90026
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 1pm & 4pm. Phone 213.250.7808
Fun for Kids FAX 213.250.3744
Daily Grandparents and Books For days and time call 213/250- World Wide Web Address
7808. Echo Park Branch.
Monday 14 Valentine’s Crafts & Stories Join children’s librarian, http://www.lapl.org
Jeni Zambrano for Valentine’s Day stories and crafts. For all ages. 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 3pm

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Central City Action by Gloria
It appears as though the holiday season came and restaurant is one of their favorites. They can eat,
went so fast; I barely can remember what and eat and eat and then still have some room in
happened. Every day our December calendar had their bottomless stomachs for ice cream.
involved a project. For our annual party we served Tamales, rice,
beans, and cookies. We put all the gifts into one
room. One by one we called the youth into the
room. Each kid was allowed to pick out a gift as well
to receive many little generic items. Some of the
kids brought their little brothers and sisters. The
smiles on their faces are memory makers for our
staff. I am enclosing a picture and special message
Starting the first Monday in December, we from Central City Action Committee
helped Councilman Ed Reyes with his annual
Christmas party held at Elysian Park. Some of the
staff and youth painted holiday object such as
candy canes, holly, Christmas trees and lop-sided
snowmen on the faces of kids attending the party.
Guess who painted the lop-sided snowman?
Upon our arrival back to the center, an
unexpected invitation was waiting for us. A friend of
Maryanne’s, Laima Leko, had just purchased a
chalet in Lake Arrowhead. She called to invite the
youngins to come up and play in the snow. Well she
did not have to ask twice. Within a few hours
Maryanne and Paul and Sam had everything
planned for a sleepover... Off they went up to the
mountains.
Kids not only got to play in the snow but also
helped Laima make cookies. They even brought
some back for me to sample. Also, while up the
mountain the kids had their choice of playing
outside or sitting by a huge fireplace with a big
screen TV, pool table and DVD’s to watch. The
sleepover was not complete until they went into
town to see the holiday decorations and do some
souvenir shopping.
The troop came back on Friday and the next day,
Saturday, some of our same staff had to take the
kids to Magic Mountain. It was warm and the sky
was beautiful and everyone had a wonderful time.
December is probably one of our busiest months
with events going on almost everyday. Sam,
Maryanne and other staff members worked
diligently planning the Center’s Christmas Party.
The next week, the kids held a rummage sale and
sold some ceramic Christmas tree ornaments. They
made enough money to take themselves to the
movies and also go to eat at Hometown Buffet. This
EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
FEBRUARY
Library Computer Classes Library Hours
Computer Basics Wednesday 2, Friday 25 Mondays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
An introduction to Computer usage. Topics covered include the Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
use of the keyboard and mouse, computer concepts and naviga-
tion skills, and basic internet navigation. Sign-ups are recom- Wednesdays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
mended. Thursdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Edendale Library Fridays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Kids’ Path Computer Class Monday 7, Monday 28 Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Kids and parents learn how to use the Kids’ Path section of the
Sundays CLOSED
library’s web site for homework help and fun.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Edendale Library
Fun For Kids Library Address
Tuesdays: Terrific Tuesdays for Toddlers & Teethers Edendale Branch Library
Babies, toddlers, and their special grown-ups join Miss Lisa for 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
nursery rhymes, songs, finger-plays and more.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Edendale Library
Tuesdays Terrific Tuesdays Phone (213) 207-3000
Share seasonal stories, songs, and activities with Miss Lisa. FAX (213) 207-3097
3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Edendale Library 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Valentine’s Night Storytime Monday 14
Kids can wear their pajamas, bring their Valentines, and listen More Fun For Kids
to heart-felt stories with Lisa. Tuesdays Terrific Tuesdays for Toddlers and Teethers.
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Edendale Library Babies, toddlers and their special grown-ups join Miss Lisa for
nursery rhymes, songs, finger-plays, and more.
MARCH
10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Edendale Library
Library Computer Classes Tuesdays Terrific Tuesdays
Introduction to Word. Wednesday 2 Share seasonal stories, songs, and activities with Miss Lisa.
An introduction to word processing. Come learn the basics in- 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Edendale Library
volved in preparing an editing a document. Pajamas Night Storytime. Monday 14
Sign-ups are recommended. Kids can wear their pajamas and listen to bedtimes stories with
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Edendale Library Miss Lisa.
Kids’ Path Computer Class. Monday 7 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Edendale Library
Kids and parents learn how to use the Kids’ Path section of the
LAPL web site for homework help and fun.
Events
Read Across America. Saturday 5
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Edendale Library
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special guest rader from
the Screen Actors Guild.
Computer Basics. Saturday 12
2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Edendale Library
An introduction to computer usage. Topics covered include the
Used Book Sale Saturday 12
use of the keyboard and mouse, computer concepts and naviga-
Featuring paperbacks & hard covers, CD’s, videos, DVD’s, etc.
tion skills, and basic Internet navigation.
Sponsored by the ELFS.
Sign-ups are recommended.
Edendale Library Branch. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Edendale Library
Cartoons That Didn’t Make It. Saturday 12
Introduction to the Library Web and The Internet
Come enjoy a presentation of Academy Award nominated car-
Wednesday 23
toons from the middle of the 20th century.
Topics to be covered include using the library’s electronic cata-
Presented by Tom Safer.
log to locate items, renew items, place holds, and use a database
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Edendale Library
effectively to find what you’re actually looking for on the Inter-
net. Sign-ups are recommended.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Edendale Library
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thank God 2004 is finally over. It was hard and long
year for sure! If, as my college track coach used to say,
no pain, no gain then 2005 should bring a lot of gain
here in Echo Park. It was painful that all the hard work
we put into the Presidential race including trips to swing
states and all the calls we made did not change the
course of this great country.
Lets hope the supreme court justices can find a mira-
cle and stay alive four more years. If not, all the gains we
made in civil rights and other movements may go down
the toilet.
Here in Echo Park we had our hands full with land-
lord/tenant problems. Since 2000, property value has
gone up on the average 30% a year. With rent control on
older buildings, a number of property owners are trying
games to get rid of long time Latino residents. One big
con-game of some property owners is calling the Depart-
ment of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and forcing
the families to relocate or lose their children because of
false allegations by the property owner's. Concerned Citi-
zens of Echo Park is networking with other child advo-
cacy groups to fight this injustice to the Latino commu-
nity. The L.A Weekly, on 12/31/04, had a great article
on this injustice "an American Family" by Celeste Fre-
mon. The actions of the DCFS, we predict, will be the
(Continued from page 1)
Development Opportunity
mechanisms to shape the design and development of
new buildings.
The city promised a pedestrian-oriented design
district for Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue. It
promised a historic resources survey for the entire
neighborhood – one that would determine whether
smaller historic districts should be created around Echo
Park Lake and elsewhere. It promised a new design
overlay for Glendale Boulevard that would shift it from
industry to other uses.
Mon — Sat Saturday
11 am — 7 pm Special
Sundays — Typical
Group of 10 Haitian
or more by Food
Reservation Wood Burning Rotisserie
309 N. Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
www.tigeorgeschicken.com
Email: geo4u@earthlink.net
next major lawsuit to hit the city. Father Greg Boyle
(Homeboy Industries) stated to the L.A Weekly "DCSF
has done more damage to Latino children than a life
time of injustices, oppression, and torture‖.
During the recent toy giveaway, I took a poll with com-
munity members, the number one need was for a union
backed Market, as many of our members use public
transportation to get around. Suggestion, on Echo Park
Ave there is a vacant mini-market, why can't the
Neighborhood Council start a food-Co-op, this would be
of great help to people in Echo Park.
A very big thanks goes out to George (Jorge) Ortozar
of Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Debby, he was
the reason Churchill Downs donated Christmas trees for
our low income members. Big THANK YOU'S TO Channel
7 and the L.A.F.D-SERTOMA club. It's great to see local
jockey Patrick Valenzuela volunteer his community time
and buy tons of gifts for low income children.
C.C.E.P hopes all in Echo Park have a great year. The
next event C.C.E.P hopes to be involved in is the election
of Antonio Villarigosa as the next mayor of Los Angeles.
With his election the for sale sign at city hall will be laid
to rest and our future will be enhanced
William Mavropoulos
Citizens of Echo Park AKA Cuidadanos Involucrados Echo Park
Now is the time for the city to fulfill its promises.
None of these plans has even been started, yet the
development is here. It’s time for the city to roll up its
sleeves, help us have a conversation about what we
want, and finish those plans.
Until that plan is finished, developers should not keep
trying to beat the clock and get their new, huge projects
on Echo Park Avenue in under the wire. The city has not
shied away from imposing moratoriums on building in
Lincoln Heights, Glassell Park, MacArthur Park and
elsewhere until planning documents were completed.
That idea is now ripe in Echo Park as well.
LOTUS PAD NOTES
NEWS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
FROM ECHO PARK & ANGELINO
How do you know your neighborhood is changing?
Here’s one clue: there’s a party on your street, and it
has a VALET.
Recognizing that Echo Park is one of the hardest
places in the city to find parking, two young women
wearing modified tuxes were hired to help usher cars
to an available – if distant – curb. Near the two
women was a sign: Valets of the Dolls.
SPEAKING OF CHANGE, the Los Angeles Times
did a nice feature on a young woman who created a
documentary on the issue of gentrification. The piece
pleasantly presented multiple points of view and did
not allow unfounded rumors to go unchecked – like
the one going 'round that gentrification killed Pioneer
Market.
The article also resulted in a letter to the editor a
few days later, from a Temple City resident who
recalled Echo Park in the 60s, and its problems with
gangs and grafitti. To her, Echo Park has not changed
nearly enough.
ONE EVENT MENTIONED in the newspaper story
was the December 11 anti-gentrification march. The
event, which shut down parking on Sunset Boulevard
for about five hours, caused some spectators to think
it was the Echo Park Holiday Parade!
One of the 25-or-so marchers carried a sign
informing the neighborhood that gentrification killed
the holiday parade.
IT SEEMS LIKE A DISTANT memory, those 15
days of near monsoons that pounded Echo Park with
rain before and after New Year’s. But at the time, it
felt like everyone in Echo Park had a leak somewhere
— in their garage, living room, dining room or even
the rare basement. One retaining wall at Scott and
Portia avenues is looking especially precarious, with a
huge split and yellow police tape around it.
HEIGHTS by E.P. Lagoso
Even more frustrating than the leaks were the
repeated blackouts. Some streets lost power on five
separate occasions.
One despairing Sunset Boulevard merchant,
waiting anxiously for electricity, reported that he had
been on the hold with the Department of Power folks
for 90 minutes without any opportunity to speak with
a live human.
HOW MUCH COFFEE can one neighborhood gulp
down? We may soon get the answer.
Now that Echo Parkians can get their caffeine fix
at the Downbeat, Chango, Masa and Starbucks – as
well as eateries like Brite Spot and Rodeo Grill – a
storefront on Sunset Boulevard looks poised to
become yet another java joint.
The space, just east of Crown Shoes, is vacant
and has a small sign bearing the words Café
Mariposa. Whether they can get the city’s permission
is, as always, an open question.
A BIG SHAKEUP MAY BE IN STORE for the
planned 38-unit affordable housing complex on Echo
Park Avenue. In remarks to the Neighborhood
Council, Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti
said the developer, Insite, is thinking of selling the
property to another interested buyer.
Residents near Chicken Corner had voiced their
dismay over the need for more parking, as well as the
loss of a 1911 house on Delta Street. No other issue
in Echo Park has produced as much mail as the
Chicken Corner project, the councilman revealed in
his remarks.
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park
Improvement Association