COMMUNITY PREFERS TERMINUS ALTERNATIVE 5; MTA SAYS NO

By Judith Raskin, Echo Park Community Action Committee

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has extra freeway lane is possible only if the bridge is
given an unexpected thumbs-down to design Alternative destroyed, but the bridge is a key element in
5, the community‘s preferred design for the rebuilding of revitalization of the area, and we cannot support a
the SR2/Freeway Terminus. design that creates an environment that supports more
In a series of public meetings in the spring of 2006, gridlock and fewer community amenities.
MTA showed altered versions of the Alternative 5, the Reconstructing the Terminus with EPCAC‘s original
design commissioned by the Echo Park Community Alternative 5 as the guide has many positive benefits:
Action Committee (EPCAC) without consultation with the The freeway on- and off-ramps are consolidated east
EPCAC or the community. The EPCAC design calls for 2 of the bridge.
lanes on and 2 lanes off the freeway. MTA‘s version of The bridge surface is ―recycled‖ for use as a
Alternative 5 includes 2 lanes on to the Freeway and 3 community plaza, not just a walking path.
lanes off. This is Open space is created for community recreational
not an use.
insignificant A portion of a bikeway with links to the Los Angeles
detail. River and other communities would be included in the
As a result, project.
MTA claims that Saint Teresa‘s Church and School would experience
Alternative 5 less noise and pollution, as the current ―north‖ off-ramp
cannot be facing the school would be eliminated.
achieved unless The atmosphere in the area would be improved for
the bridge is business.
destroyed – it‘s Pedestrian access would be improved.
that extra lane We urge you support the Echo Park Community
that causes this. Action Committee and the community. Please tell MTA
As of this that Alternative 5, the original preferred alternative,
writing, MTA must not be eliminated as a design alternative. After six
wants to totally years of meetings and public input, it would be a terrible
eliminate betrayal if Alternative 5 and its benefits are summarily
Alternative 5 dismissed.
from We ask you to call or write the following people to
consideration express your continued support for Alternative 5 and
and focus its your displeasure with MTA‘s peremptory decision to
studies on ignore the community‘s preferred choice.
Alternative 1, 2, Councilmember Eric Garcetti, (323) 957-4500, or email
5B and 6A – Mitch O‘Farrell, Mitch.OFarrell@lacity.org;
none of which Supervisor Gloria Molina, (213) 974-4111, or email to
contain the the attention of Nicole Englund , nenglund@bos.co.la.ca.us;
entire package of Representative Xavier Becerra, (213) 483-1425 or email
elements that Gayle Greenberg, gayle.greenberg@mail.house.gov.
the community Don‘t wait! It will take only a few minutes to show
prefers. your support for your community.
The MTA claims
that building an

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
 October-November 2006

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 October-November 2006
Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council 2006 Election
The Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council
2006 Election will be conducted Saturday, October 21,
2006 from 9am until 6pm. The election will take place
at the Logan Street Elementary School Auditorium,
1711 W. Montana Avenue. Both Executive and District
offices are up for election. The Executive offices of
President, Vice President, C.I.O. and Treasurer are all
open. One District representative is to be chosen in
each of the five Districts. While Candidate filings for the
offices were closed on September 21st so that the bal-
lots could be printed, the GEPENC voting procedures
allow write-in candidates to register up to October 21,
the day of the election, at 8am-9am before the polling
begins at 9 am. You could even campaign without al-
ready filing and throw your hat in the ring the morning
of the election to allow your supporters to vote for you.
To run for office you need to be a stakeholder in the
GEPENC area. (See www.GEPENC.org/faq.php to view a
map of the council‘s boundaries). A Community Stake-
holder is any individual who lives, works or owns prop-
erty in this neighborhood council area. In addition,
girl’s teen yoga
Pilates
Community Stakeholder status may be identified by
participation in, among other things, educational insti-
tutions, community organizations or other non-profit
organizations, block clubs, neighborhood associations,
homeowners associations, apartment associations, con-
dominium associations, resident associations, school/
parent groups, faith based groups and organizations,
senior groups and organizations, youth groups and or-
ganizations, chambers of commerce, business improve-
ment districts, service organizations, park advisory
boards, boys and girls clubs, cultural groups, environ-
mental groups, code watch, neighborhood watch, police
advisory board groups, and/or redevelopment action
boards. Note that to run for office or Vote in the
Neighborhood Council Election you do not have to be a
Registered Voter or a U.S. Citizen.
Further information can be obtained by contacting
GEPENC Elections committee co-chairs, Suzi Rogers
(213) 250-5208 or Larry Pickens (323) 810-4413. As
the Election approaches more information will be
posted on the NC‘s website, www.GEPENC.org.
(323)
 October-November 2006

NOTES FROM THE ‘HOOD by Lynn Barbé, EPIA President

As we come to another GEPENC election, I pause Most center around gang activity. So what can we
to think about what‘s important to Echo Park. It‘s do? We need to provide a positive alternative. We
something I think about often, as I, like many others, need a way for youth to earn an income. We need
treasure what we have, yet want to see changes for more organized activities, such as skate board parks
the better. What are our concerns? and late night basketball, more green space and rec-
Diversity. We are arguably the most ethnically di- reation areas, mentoring about life skills, such as in-
verse neighborhood in Los Angeles. And we are terviewing, how to balance a checkbook, information
proud of it. We realize that our community has be- about scholarships. Yes, we have some wonderful
come very desirable, but we do not want that to be at groups that do this, but we need more. Too many
the expense of our diversity. We need to find a way to youth are lost, and it‘s something we cannot afford.
keep our diversity despite increasing incomes. Our Community. Perhaps this is what I have been say-
increased population of middle class should help eve- ing all along. We all want to be part of a diverse,
ryone, not force out people of lower incomes. unique, safe community. We want to appreciate and
Our Character. We are one of the oldest neighbor- celebrate our differences and realize that we are all
hoods in Los Angeles -- the first suburb. We have a part of this wonderful community.
unique character that we want to preserve. We have When the Neighborhood Councils were first pro-
our small bungalows, narrow streets and historic posed, I had a great hope that they would be a place
houses. While we realize that we will have increased where we could all realize that we all had the same
population, we want to maintain the character of the goals. I still believe this. We face a challenge in com-
neighborhood. And also keep quality of life but not municating this, but this is how we can grow. And
creating unmanageable traffic and parking. how we can create an Echo Park that is even better
Safety. While Echo Park is one of the safest than the one we now have and love.
neighborhoods in Los Angeles, we still have our fears.

WWW.GEPENC.ORG

1911 SUNSET BOULEVARD

LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265
 October-November 2006

ARTSTORM AEROSOL ARTPARKS COME TO ECHO PARK

By Steve Bagish
In a blast of colorful spray paint, with a spectacular The growth of ArtStorm Aerosol ArtParks is a telling
rainbow of hues including Royal Blue, Aqua Marine and sign that the police departments and graffiti abatement
Sunflower Yellow - ArtStorm opened another ArtPark – departments of the city have failed. They are wasting
(3rd of 10 planned); the ArtStorm ArtPark in Echo Park. money, fighting a losing battle. Long term prevention
Some of the greatest Aerosol Artists in the history of providing by ArtStorm is the answer.
Los Angeles converged on Saturday, September 2, The next event will be October 7 in the Walgreens
2006 from noon to 5 p.m. at Chicken Corner – the in- parking lot. District 2 of GEPENC is the sponsor of this
tersection of Echo Park Avenue and Morton Street in ArtPark
Echo Park just 1 ¼ mile north of Sunset Blvd. The The only way to achieve zero illegal graffiti in Los
event was sponsored by District 1 of the GEPENC. Angeles is to build Aerosol ArtParks.
Smack in the middle of the neo-urbane hipsteropo-
lis, with locals, cute immigrant families being trailed by
skinny guys jogging in funny shorts, Vietnamese fami-
lies, cute, pale San Francisco-like women walking dogs
wearing turtle-neck sweaters on hot days, to Dodger
Fans stuck on the Boulevard on the way to the stadium,
Echo Park has got to be the epitome of diversity in the
21st Century with a happening 3rd World Country flair.
Now, with an ArtStorm Aerosol ArtPark, Echo Park
has finally reached the pinnacle of coolness, with cut-
ting edges written in complex dimensions of 3D letter-
ing, characters and images sprayed with color and
more color. The Art produced at the event was for sale
to interested aficionados with 3‘x 4‘ canvases starting
as low as $250.
The growth of ArtStorm Aerosol ArtParks across
LA‘s hip and un-westside environs is due to the explo-
sion in young‘ns dedication to actively get paint and go
on missions of artistic derring-do at 4am under the
confluence of the 100 foot-high bridges of the 5 and
110 freeways, among other places.
Risking life and limb, freedom and injury, arrest,
incarceration, fines and spankings, these dedicated
Aerosolers continue to pave new trails in audacity, skill,
courage, passion and dedication to making bigger and Aerosol Artists apply tasteful touches to their creation
better pieces in more and more illegal places. at September 2 ArtStorm ArtPark at Chicken Corner.
 October-November 2006

ECHO PARK CALENDAR

Event Date Location Comments
st
EPIA Meetings 1 Thursday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call EPIA message phone for
Nov 2, Dec 7 (Holiday Potluck Hospital, 2000 Stadium additional information.
– bring a gift for a CCAC Way in Elysian Park And participate in the EPIA
youth) Holiday Parade Entry.
EPIA Steering 2nd Monday, 7:15 pm Call (323) 882-4835 for Take an active part in EPIA.
Committee Oct 9, Nov 13 location Join the Steering Committee
Meetings
Community 2nd Thursday,3:30 pm LAPD Stop-In Center, Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting Oct 12, Nov 9 Echo Park Avenue and Association. Call (323)666-
Sunset Boulevard 3228 for more info
Citizens 1st Wednesday, 7:30 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call 213-666-9651 for meeting
Committee to Nov 1, Dec 6 Hospital, 2000 Stadium location
Save Elysian Way in Elysian Park
Park
Echo Park Thursday, Oct 19th Taix Restaurant. Call 213-630-3032 for further
Chamber of from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. information.
Commerce
Greater Echo 4th Tuesday, 7 pm Logan Street School Call (213) 413-3196 for info or
Park Elysian Oct 24, Nov 27 Auditorium, 1711 W. visit www.GEPENC.org
Neighborhood Logan Street
Council Meeting
Edendale 2nd Wednesday, 7 pm Edendale Branch Library Join the library’s support group
Library Friends Oct 11, Nov 8 Community room and find out how you can help
Society 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. your neighborhood’s branch.
>=> ELFS <=<
Deadline Friday, Nov 24 , 2006 Send submissions to EPIA,
December Attn: EPIAn Ways Editor
EPIAn ways
SPECIAL EVENTS
ArtStorm Aerosol Saturday, October 7 Walgreens parking lot
ArtPark Corner Sunset Blvd & Echo Park Avenue
Greater Echo Saturday , Oct. 21, Logan Street School Contact GEPENC Elections commit-
Park Elysian 9 am – 6 pm Auditorium tee co-chairs, Suzi Rogers (213)
Neighborhood 1711 Montana Ave 250-5208 or Larry Pickens (323)
810-4413 or view the NC’s website,
Council Election www.GEPENC.org for more info.
Barlow Hospital Saturday, Oct 21, Barlow Hospital Free Flu Shots for the first 350 so
Respiratory 10 am – 2 pm 2000 Stadium Way arrive early. Info 213.202.6445 or
Health Fair in Elysian Park www.barlow2000.org/fair
EPHS Historical Sunday, November 12 from 11 am to 4 pm Home Tour section of
Home Tour Visitors will pick up tickets, a program and map at Williams www.HistoricEchoPark.org for ad-
Hall of Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way in Elysian Park vance purchase tickets by mail or
Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour for $20 online with a credit card, $15. Re-
quest an order form by phone at (323)
860-8874. Discount ticket orders must
be received or postmarked no later
than November 4
October-November 2006

mayor@lacity.org
 October-November 2006

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

EXHIBITIONS Library Hours
November 1- 8 Echo Park Community Dia de los Muertos
Altar Live flowers and community mementos grace this Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
festive Day of the Dead altar as part of an important Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Latino tradition. Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
LIBRARY COMPUTER CLASSES Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Computer Comfort Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday, Oct 5, Nov 9, Dec 5, 4pm. Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Learn to use the Library’s electronic catalog to search for Sundays CLOSED
materials, renew items, and place your own holds. Learn
the basics of surfing the Internet. Introduction to various
Library Address
databases and search engines. For adults only. Echo Park Branch Library
Familiarity with the keyboard and mouse is recommended 1410 W. Temple Street
but not mandatory. Reservations required. Please arrive Los Angeles CA 90026
10 minutes before class begins. Phone 213.250.7808
Computer Class for Improving Your English FAX 213.250.3744
Tuesday, Oct 10, Nov14, Dec 7, 4pm. World Wide Web Address
“Rosetta Stone” An introductory self-paced class to begin http://www.lapl.org
or improve your English language skills. Computer
24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
experience is mandatory.
Introduction to Basic Web Design EVENTS
Tuesday, Oct 24, Nov 16, Dec 12, 4pm. Movie Madness
Learn about HTML codes to create a simple web page. Saturday, Oct 7, Nov 12, Dec 2, 4pm.
Computer experience is mandatory. Join us for a movie classic.
Adults only. Call (213) 250-7808 for information.
Who responds to your alarms? Tarot Reading Program
Saturday, Nov 18, Dec 16 4pm.
Come and receive short mini-tarot readings. Sign-ups are
required. Adults only. Call (213) 250-7808.
Experience does matter. JUST FOR TEENS
Ongoing
With so much at risk why take chances? Echo Park Branch holds many teen activities and
programs, including film screenings, art workshops,
readings and skills-building activities. To learn about the
Count on the experience of Select Patrol. current schedule of events, call or email Wendy at
(213) 250-7808 or wmcpher@lapl.org.
For more information about our 24 - hour
College Club
alarm response service, call us today. Tuesdays, 4-6pm.
For high school students who want to go to college.
Topics covered during these informal sessions include
financial aid options, how to choose a college, study skills,
Select Patrol and important things you should be doing NOW in high
school to get yourself into college. Refreshments always
A superior level of service since 1984 served. Call Wendy for information at (213) 250-7808.
FUN FOR KIDS
SATURDAYS GAB. Echo Park Branch, call 213/250-7808
323.644.1014 Lic. PP0-9229 for times.
2150 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026 CA (Continued on page 9)
 October-November 2006

EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Book Sales Library Hours
Weekly Preowned Book Sale. Each Wednesday from 2 Mondays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
pm until 8 pm in the Community Room. Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Events Wednesdays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Family Storytime & crafts for all ages Thursdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm Fridays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
October 23, The Fox Outfoxed Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
October 30, Halloween Haunted House Sundays CLOSED
(hosted by the Edendale Teen Council)
Library Address
November 13, Names & Family Stories
Edendale Branch Library
November 27, Winter Tales
2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
December 11, Holiday Cookie Exchange
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(Please bring treats & one copy of the recipe. Copies
Phone (213) 207-3000
will be made to exchange.)
FAX (213) 207-3097
Other Programs 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
After-school Fun:
Edendale Teen Council
Mind-Boggling Mythology,
Oct. 4 ETC Meeting (Halloween Planning) 6:30-7:30pm
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 3:30-4:30 pm
Oct. 11 Meet an Author 6:30-7:30pm
Janeece Flint tells Eskimo Tales,
Oct, 30 Haunted House 6:30-8pm
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 3:30-4:30pm
Nov. 15 Book Charades 6:30-7:30pm
Holiday Stories & Crafts,
Tuesday’s Knitting Club (10/10, 10/24, 11/7) 4-5pm
Monday, Dec. 18, 3:30-4:30pm

It’s Patriotic to have your own opinion!

Is it a Red Flag Day?
Vote With the first day of "official" Santa Ana season
already here we want to pass on the link to "red
November 7 flag" day warnings. Go to www.lafd.org/redflag/
and find your council district. You will see what
streets are affected and if it's a "flag" day or not.

ECHO PARK LIBRARY

MORE HAPPENINGS
Barlow Respiratory Hospital
(Continued from page 8)
4th Annual Respiratory Health Fair
MONDAYS Bilingual Storytime Call 213/250-7808. Echo
Park Branch, 4pm. Saturday, October 21, 2006
10:00—2:00 pm
THURSDAYS Game Day Board & card games. Call
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm. Free flu shots to the first 350
November 2 Thu. Author Visit Day of the Dead with
Health screenings: lung capacity, blood
author, Max Benavidez, and his book Maria de Flor. Call oxygen & sugar levels
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 3pm.
Seminars and exhibits by experts!
December 23 Sat. Christmas Storytime & Craft 2000 Stadium Way (next door to Dodger Stadium)
Program Join us for Christmas stories and crafts. Call more info: www.barlow2000.org/fair • 213.202.6445
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 1pm.
 October-November 2006

ECHO PARK HOME TOUR FEATURES ELYSIAN HEIGHTS BOHOMES

From painters to poets and architects to actors, and creative individuals who contributed to the
Echo Park has long been home to a wide variety of art- neighborhood's bohemian reputation. These included
ists. So it is only fitting that this year's Historic Echo Carey McWilliams, chronicler of the struggles of the
Park Home Tour on Sunday, November 12 honors the state's working class during the Depression, who re-
community's creative spirit. The theme, "The Bohemian sided in a hilltop home on Alvarado Street. Edward
Havens of Elysian Heights" reflects the tour's focus on Middleton Manigault, a World War I veteran who exhib-
the northern edge of the neighborhood, where secluded ited in the nation's first major exhibition of modern art,
canyons and steep hillsides have served as refuge and found refuge at the top of Elysian Heights.
inspiration to generations of artists. Tour Tickets & Details
Tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $20. The self-guided tour will be held on Sunday, Novem-
But $15 tickets will be sold in advance through the ber 12 from 11 am to 4 pm. The tour starts at Williams
mail and online during the month of October (see de- Hall, 2000 Stadium Way near Dodger Stadium. Tour
tails below). visitors will pick up tickets, a program and map at Wil-
The self-guided tour will feature eight properties liams Hall before touring the homes in any order they
ranging from nearly century old bungalows to mid- want. Please visit the Home Tour section of
century cottages to Spanish colonial compounds. Most www.HistoricEchoPark.org to purchase $15, advance
of these dwellings continue to serve as home to indi- purchase tickets by mail or online with a credit card.
viduals involved in artistic fields, including dance, tile You can also request an order form by phone by calling
making and the entertainment industry. (323) 860-8874. Discount ticket orders must be re-
In its fourth year, the Historic Echo Park Home Tour ceived or postmarked no later than November 4.
aims to promote the neighborhood's past and encour- For more information about the tour, including vol-
age preservation and restoration. Some of the homes unteer and advertising opportunities, please call (323)
retain their original character, while others have been 860-8874 or email ephs@HistoricEchoPark.org.
restored or remodeled in ways that respect Echo Park's
historic scale. Proceeds from the tour help pay for the
society's ongoing preservation and history programs.
Elysian Heights
Mon — Sat Saturday
Located within the original boundaries of the City of
11 am — 7 pm Special
Los Angeles, the steep hills of Elysian Heights were
Sundays — Typical
once the highest in the city. The remote and rustic at-
Group of 10 Haitian
mosphere made these hills made them popular with
or more by Food
those seeking seclusion, including a great many artists
Reservation Wood Burning Rotisserie
309 N. Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
www.tigeorgeschicken.com
Email: geo4u1@sbcglobal.net

Mon–Thur 11am–11pm • Fri 11am–Mid • Sat 8am–Mid • Sun 8am– 11pm

Brunch served 8am–3pm Saturday & Sunday
Free Delivery for Echo Park on $15 minimum order
1800 West Sunset Blvd • 213.989.1558
 October-November 2006

Central City Action by Gloria

Summer was profitable for our youth. Six kids aged
15-16 years old were able to work until September 30,
2006. First the kids learned how to fill out an
application for the position. Then they were off to
school to obtain the necessary work permits. Before we
let them go out and work they underwent extensive
training on job safety and keeping cool in the hot
summer heat. The kids became an integral part of our
graffiti removal program. Their help with our graffiti
program provided our staff with dependable help
during the past 8 weeks. At the end of August, all
participants in the special work program were honored
at a delicious luncheon held at City Hall. Our kids not
only looked great in their purple shirts but were
beaming as they were presented with Certificates of
Completion from the Board of Public Works. They just
finished their last week and now I will be teaching them
how to prepare a resume for future employment.
A special thanks to the kids who participated in this
program—Richard Hernandez, Maria Martinez, Andres
Jimenez, Natalie Espinoza, Eddie Santiago and
Yonathon Barreles.
Basketball has always been our favorite sport and
the older kids just finished a set of games in
conjunction with El Centro Del Pueblo. At the end of
the games we received a beautiful trophy as well as a
banquet. Flag football is now the game of choice right
now.
Miguel is starting an in house league for all ages.
School has started and so our homework room is
abuzz every afternoon when the kids arrive. I‘ve started
a reading program with the younger kids. Together we
have read three books. My hope is to have all the kids
read three books by December.
The days are beginning to get shorter and dusk
comes early. Did you know that Captain Rollo has been
sighted in the stairways at CCAC? As the days get
shorter, there are more sightings of our infamous
character. Every year ‗round this time—the Captain
makes appearances

by Susan Borden

Echo Park is an exciting place to weekly luncheon meeting every

do business these days. And the Echo
Park Chamber of Commerce, proba-
bly the earliest local association still
in existence, continues to attract new
members. Nearly fifty Echo Park busi-
nesses comprise the membership
this year. To join, call 213-630-3032
and request an application.
Not a group to rest on its laurels,
the Chamber is making sure that its
programs are changing and evolving
right along with Echo Park itself. A
monthly roundtable dedicated to find-
ing answers to the problems caused
by homeless people in the business
district has been set up. The roundta-
ble took place at 1:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, October 4th at Taix Res-
taurant. It was open to anyone inter-
ested in this topic.
President Mitchell Frank holds a of Commerce!
Wednesday, also at Taix, at 1:30 p.m.
to which all members and their
guests are invited. This informal
meeting is a good way to meet your
BROCK
fellow business people. Call 213-630-
3032 to reserve a seat.
The Chamber's next evening meet- BROCK REAL ESTATE
ing will be on Thursday, October 19th
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Taix Res-
taurant. The officers are also looking
into the possibility of holding a break-
fast meeting every quarter for mem- IDA POTASH
bers and others who prefer an early
start to their day.
Were you at Dodger Stadium on

September 19th? The Chamber

sponsored discount tickets to the L.A.

Dodgers' game with the Pittsburgh
Pirates. 
Support your Echo Park Chamber 
 October-November 2006

LOTUS PAD NOTES

NEWS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
FROM ECHO PARK & ANGELINO HEIGHTS by E.P. Lagoso

THE ECHO PARK DRAMA of the month involves La Word has it that Dov Charney, the mogul behind
Paz, the restaurant right next to House of Spirits that the mega-clothing company known as American
has been looking for a liquor license. The new owners Apparel, has bought up four units on Morton Avenue
of La Paz want to sell drinks while serving food at its as possible living quarters for his garment workers,
counter. Backers say it will be a grown-up drinking who face a tough real estate market. The building,
establishment; opponents say it‘s a sports bar in just north of Magic Gas, has already been gutted and
sheep‘s clothing. painted a faint sky blue.
The neighborhood council‘s land use committee
narrowly favored the proposal. Then the full
neighborhood council overturned that decision, in
part over fears that La Paz planned to evict tenants in
order to provide more parking. A zoning officer is still
reviewing the case, but may have cut off the deadline
for comment before the full neighborhood council
had a chance to vote. At this rate, the proposal could TALK ABOUT LATE BLOOMERS: Whoda thunk
go all the way to the City Council. that the Lotus blossoms of Echo Park Lake would still
How do you know the Echo Park housing market is be around on Labor Day? Although the Lotus bed
finally starting to slow down? Treats! One high-profile never fully flowered this year, many of the late
open house last week had a major spread of finger arrivals were standing tall during the back-to-school
food -- slices of salami, miniature sandwiches, even season.
smoked salmon on pumpernickel! Real estate agents ***
are also blind-calling the names on their sign-in Two new L.A. history books are out, each with
sheets, even the lookey-loos. some interesting nuggets for Echo Park. The more
DESPITE THE COOLER MARKET, Echo Park‘s academic of the two, Daniel Hurewitz‘s “Bohemian
business districts continue to evolve. The latest Los Angeles,” focuses on the artistic and politically
storefront to undergo a change is on Sunset active community of Edendale, the section of the city
that takes in the northeastern section of Silver Lake
and the northwest portion of Echo Park.
THERE‘S ALSO A COFFEE table book, John
Bengston‘s “Silent Traces,” which revisits the
backdrops used in the films of silent star Charlie
Chaplin, whose first year in the film industry was
Boulevard just east of Laveta Terrace, where a former spent in Edendale on Glendale Boulevard – it was
beauty salon is being turned into Echo Curio, an art then known as Allesandro Street.
and performance space. The building‘s new tenants
Although most of the book deals with Chapllin‘s
made their presence known by painting the façade
life after Edendale, it contains some early images of
bright shades of blue.
the intersection of Echo Park and Sunset – including
the Sunset Pharmacy, which in 1914 stood on the
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers corner Bank of America now occupies. Sunset
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park
Pharmacy migrated across the street in the early
Improvement Association
1930s

Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council

VOTE Election—Saturday, October 29, 9am—6pm

Logan Street Elementary Auditorium, 1711 Montana Avenue
see www.GEPENC.org for information