February-March 2008 Echo Park Improvement Association newsletter Volume 15 Issue 1

2007 Echo Park Holiday Parade Shines

by Cindy Ortiz, Echo Park Holiday Parade Co-Chair
It was supposed to be a miserable day. By most the “Big Guy” from missing such an important event.
accounts rain was expected to be plentiful and the highs The staff, elves and holiday chicken, (in no way con-
were to peak in the mid-50s. nected to the traditional holiday turkey, ham or goose), of
Yet, they came…by the hundreds. With brightly- Central City Action Committee made sure Santa Claus ar-
colored costumes, hair curled to perfection and uniforms rived in grand style. Who would have guessed that Santa
neatly pressed, they came Saturday, December 8th, 2007, has a strong penchant for graffiti-removal trucks?!?!
to participate in the 2007 Echo Park Holiday Parade. The Echo Park Chamber of Commerce added such
Drill teams, folk dancers, cheerleaders, marching festivity to our historic community. Hearty congratula-
bands, youth groups, hip hop dancers, Boy Scouts and tions to the art contest winners: Ms. Luz Perez, parade
classic cars delighted the thousands of spectators that flier; Ms. Zury Flores, parade poster; Ms. Natalie
lined the Sunset Boulevard parade route. Espinoza, parade banner; and Ms. Elora Dorn, parade
Elysian Heights Elementary brought a few of its program.
brightest, and Clifford Elementary received words of
encouragement from California State Assembly
member Kevin de Leon.
Bicycle Kitchen, The Young Marines and LAPD’s
Rampart Explorers displayed tremendous form.
Jose Sigala, President of The Greater Echo Park
Elysian Neighborhood Council, and his family
handed out sweets as did newcomers, the L. A.
Derby Dolls. Also making their Echo Park Holiday
Parade debut were the Los Angeles Host Lions Club,
Lucha Libre de Echo Park and Temple Westlake
Neighborhood Development/Manila Terrace.
Everyone’s favorite field deputies, Ms. Suzanne
Jimenez, (CD1), and Ms. Kabira Stokes-Hochberg,
(CD13), accompanied LAFD Station 20, while The
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreations and
Parks reminded us to take a moment from our hectic EPIA’s Missing Lotus entrants line up for 2007 Holiday Parade
schedule and ‘Let Them Play.’ We took time to salute and memorialize those who
Ms. Carol Jacques and Ms. Dalila Sotelo, both of El have contributed so much. Mr. Art Goldberg, Esq.; Mr.
Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument Commission, Bob Baker, puppeteer; the men and women of Cal Fire;
were the example of poise and elegance, and three and the late Mr. Larry D. Pickens, (a popular community
cheers to the Echo Park Improvement Association for leader), were recipients of The 2007 Lady of The Lake
locating the missing lotuses. (Why, they were on Sunset Award.
Boulevard, of course). To the council members, merchants, community or-
The Northeast Los Angeles Little League proudly ganizations, The Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood
introduced the Grand Marshal, former Los Angeles Council, participants, volunteers, spectators, Central City
Dodger and an absolute community favorite, Mr. Kenny Action Committee and El Centro Del Pueblo that made
Landreaux. the 2007 Echo Park Holiday Parade so very special –
Not even the threat of inclement weather could keep thank you.

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

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 2 February-March 2008

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Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 3

2008, A Year of Change

by Susan Borden
2008 is an election year for the U.S.A. and also for Treasurer Barbara Neal plans to run again, as does
the E.P.I.A. Vice-Chair Lawrence Fried.
According to the current by-laws, the Association’s Running for E.P.I.A. office doesn’t involve raising
officers serve two-year terms—no term limits. The millions of dollars, as it does when candidates cam-
new term begins this year, 2008. paign for the presidency of the country. You just have
Voters tend to hope, or to fear, that different lead- to want to help lead a volunteer service group that’s
ers will radically alter an institution, but generally new dedicated to making life better in Echo Park. It’s a
faces give new vigor to a group’s basic structure and group that provides a forum for determining commu-
purpose. Whoever its president is, the good old U.S.A. nity concerns and participating in their implementa-
will still be a democratic republic. And whoever tion.
heads the E.P.I.A., it will stick to its stated purpose of A call for nominations will go out in the next month
improving the community of Echo Park, as it has and any member can respond by putting forward his
since the early 1990s. own or another member’s name. It’s easy to become
There will, however, have to be some fresh faces a member—in general it entails attending most meet-
instead of familiar ones. The Chairperson, Lynn ings and showing a willingness to work to forward the
Barbé, and Secretary, Susan Borden, are both step- Association’s goals.
ping down after several years in office. Fortunately,

Echo Park Loves Trees!

by Susan Borden
Trees—it seems we can’t get flourishing parkway trees planted A few weeks
enough of ‘em here in Echo Park! on the avenue over the last fifteen later, scores of
Community members added years. fruit trees were
more than thirty new street trees to After street trees have been in handed out at
leafy Echo Park Avenue on a crisp the ground for a few seasons, they the Echo Park Farmers Market.
Saturday morning last October. The often need a little extra TLC. A Residents received free apple, apri-
Greater Echo Elysian Neighborhood small group of volunteers spent a cot, nectarine, peach or plum trees
Council planned the planting with December morning sprucing up to plant in their backyards, courtesy
the local organization NorthEast Chitalpa trees along the Sunset of TreePeople. (The Market is open
Trees. Although many of the sap- Boulevard route of the 2007 Holi- every Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
lings look like little more than tall day Parade. They trimmed errant in parking lot #663, half a block
sticks, they’ll grow steadily—the branches, weeded tree wells and south of Sunset Boulevard in the
January rains are just what’s cleaned out accumulated trash. The 1100 block of Logan Street)
needed—and join several dozen trees looked all the better for it!

(323)

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 4 February-March 2008

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Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 5

Flora Kerp 1926-2007

Flora Linda Kerp, who was widely known and loved
in Echo Park for her involvement in the community,
has passed away. Her health had been poor for some
time when she died on December 23, 2007 at Hunt-
ington Memorial Hospital. Flora was 82.
Flora’s participation with the Echo Park Improve-
ment Association dated back to the beginning days of
the organization when she brought an old-fashioned
sweetness—along with her home-made lemon bar
cookies—to events such as the many tree plantings
and Community Pride days that the group sponsored
in the early 1990s.
Little went on in the life of her community that
Flora was not part of, from greeting new residents on
her winding street next to Elysian Park to charming
everyone as she rode in the 2000 Holiday Parade as
Echo Park’s ‘Community Ambassador’. She distrib-
uted newsletters to all her neighbors and signed them
up for the community security patrol as well. A warm-
hearted booster, Flora sold scores of “Ghosts of Echo
Park”, a book of local history that included some of
her experiences, to neighbors past and present.
With her soft silver hair and her pink-and-white Flora in 1999, acting as Ms. Claus, waves from
face, Flora was irresistible and made friends through- EPIA Holiday Parade Float
out the community as she took her almost daily walks
in Elysian Park and the surrounding streets. And she death to live with her older sister. She graduated from
was rarely without a newsletter or flier to share with Belmont High School in 1943, a year when the schol-
people she met. For many years she also used to walk ars had to forgo prom night due to fear of night-time
to Barlow Respiratory Hospital where she volunteered air raids. A photograph of young Flora and her class-
at the Guildhouse Gift Shop in gratitude for hospital mates was featured in the Historical Society’s calen-
treatment. dar for May 2001.
When the Echo Park Christmas Parade was revived After leaving school, Flora spent two years working
in 1996 Flora was excited to ride with husband Kurt in as a maid in Yosemite National Park where she slept
period costume as part of the Echo Park Historical in a tent and hiked every chance she got. The experi-
Society’s entry. The two of them, married since 1951, ence left her with a life-long love of the U.S. parks.
were posed as newly-weds in a vintage car which, as Later, after attending secretarial school, Flora began
old cars tend to do, failed to start. So they rode along working at Sunkist, where she stayed until her retire-
the parade route swinging their heels from the tailgate ment. She had many stories about riding the now
of a classic pick-up truck—and having a great time! gone street cars and trolleys downtown to work.
The Echo Park Chamber of Commerce presented Flora and Kurt had no children, but Flora did have
Flora with their ‘Soaring Eagle’ award in December her cats. In spite of what they did to the furniture,
2000 in recognition of her activity and involvement in Pinkie and Whiskers were much loved. After Kurt’s
local events. Flora’s appeal lay in the way she wel- death in 2005, Flora’s companion Josefina Hidalgo
comed everyone—young or old, important or not, she took good care of Flora and the cats.
was interested in people. (And she poured tasty lem-
Flora leaves a wide community who will miss her.
onade from her garden for visitors on hot days)!
Her friends held a remembrance on February 2, 2008
In 1938 Flora arrived in Echo Park as a twelve-year- and will plant a tree Elysian Park in Flora’s name later
old, riding the train from Wisconsin after her mother’s in the year.

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 6 February-March 2008

BIRD COUNT ADDS NEW SPECIES AT ECHO PARK LAKE

Vaux’s swift seen for first time; woodpecker also spotted
by Judy Raskin

An enthusiastic mix of 10 birders, beginners and experienced, and weather that was cool but clear, made
Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, an excellent day for the Echo Park Lake Christmas Bird Count.
The final tally for the day was 33 species and 1155
individual birds counted. This was quite a bit better than last
year’s 30 species and 913 individuals.
Several birds stand out from the crowd (or flocks, if you
wish). An email alert from other birders asked us to be on the
look out for Vaux’s swift, a gray-black bird less than 4” long
with a 12” wingspan that usually stays aloft and nests in
cavities with a vertical entry. They have tiny legs and cannot
perch. While we often see White-throated swifts at the Lake, we
were delighted to see our first-ever Vaux’s at about 10:30 a.m.
Other birds spotted include the northern shoveler, a duck
with a flattish bill; northern flicker; yellow-rumped warblers;
four types of gulls; and Ross’s goose, which has been resident
at the Lake for more than two years.
A Nuttall’s woodpecker visited the Lake the day before the
official count. According to the rules, we are able to list it, but
because it didn’t return on Count Day, we could not add it to
the total. This woodpecker is common in our part of southern
California, but this was the first sighting at the Lake. It’s about
7” long, has a 13” wingspan, a black and white “barred”
pattern, and the adult male has a red crown. (Look for it on
utility poles or other high places). Veux’s Swift from whatBird.com

4 pied billed grebe 146 Western gull 26 Yellow-rumped warbler

2 double-crested cormorant 247 Rock pigeon 1 Townsend's warbler

5 black-crowned night heron 1 Vaux's swift 73 Brewer's blackbird

8 Canada geese 6 White-throated swift 128 Great-tailed grackle

53 Mallard duck 2 Anna's hummingbird 29 Brown-headed cowbird
26 American wigeon 1 Northern flicker 11 House finch
5 Northern shoveler 1 Black phoebe 2 House sparrow
1 Red-tailed hawk 2 Cassin's kingbird 7 Yellow-chevroned parakeet

229 American coot 2 American crow 1 Ross's goose

1 Ring-billed gull 2 Northern mockingbird 4 Shelduck
12 California gull 116 European starling 1 Thayer's gull

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 7

Great Backyard Bird Count, Sunday, February 17, 2008

Meet at the Echo Park Lake Boathouse, 9:00 a.m.

Get to Know Your Birds

The annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be sweeping the nation the week of February 15-21. Here at Echo Park
Lake, our day is Sunday, February 17. Over the years we have identified almost 70 species that call the lake home for
all or part of the year.

We’ll probably see a mix of migrants and resident birds. Late winter and spring species include Mallards, great-tailed
grackles, robins, American coots, sparrows, finches, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, green herons,
blackbirds, hawks and various gulls and doves. We will surely identify many others.

This is a fun walk, and beginning birders are encouraged to participate. Parents are encouraged to bring their
children. And it’s free! For more information, contact Judy Raskin, judycalifornia@yahoo.com

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 8 February-March 2008

ECHO PARK CALENDAR

Event Date Location Comments
st
EPIA Meetings 1 Thursday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call EPIA message phone for
Mar 6, Apr 3 Hospital, 2000 Stadium additional information.
Way in Elysian Park
EPIA Steering 2nd Monday, 7:15 pm Call (323) 882-4835 for Take an active part in EPIA. Join
Committee Feb 11, Mar 10 location the Steering Committee
Meetings
Community 2nd Thursday, 2:00 pm LAPD Stop-In Center, Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting Feb 14, Mar 13 Echo Park Avenue and Association. Call (323)666-3228
Sunset Boulevard for more info
Citizens 1st Wednesday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call 213-666-9651 for meeting
Committee to Mar 5, Apr 2 Hospital, 2000 Stadium location
Save Elysian Way in Elysian Park
Park
Echo Park 3rd Thursday, 7:00 pm and Taix Restaurant. Call 213-630-3032 for further
Chamber of every Wednesday 1:30 pm information.
Commerce
Greater Echo 4th Tuesday, 7 pm Logan Street School Call (213) 413-3196 for info or
Park Elysian Feb 26, Mar 25, April 22 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 Feb 13, Mar 12 Community room and find out how you can help
Society 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. your neighborhood’s branch.
>=> ELFS <=<
Positive Energy 4th Wednesday , 6 pm - 7 pm Edendale Branch Library For info : e-mail
Group of Echo Feb 27, Mar 26 Community room slsa@sbcglobal.net or our blog
Park and Silver www.positiveenergygroup.blogspot.com
Lake Area Or call (323) 860-9914
EP Farmers Every Friday, 3pm - 7 pm parking lot #663 -- half a bock south of Sunset Boulevard
Market 323463-3171 x13
4th Thursday, 4th Thursday, 5:30 pm Central City Action 534 E. Edgeware Road (coner
5:30 pm Feb 28, Mar 27 Committee Belevue)
Deadline April Saturday, March 22 Send submissions to EPIA, Attn:
EPIAn ways EPIAn Ways Editor
SPECIAL EVENTS
>=> ELFS <=< Sunday, March 2, 6-9 pm Echoplex on Sunset Blvd Info or to purchase advance
Annual Fund Featured entertainers Bobby Matos Orchestra, Nathan Nice, Andrea
tickets call Sheila Anthony, 323-
Raiser Portes, and John Tottenham. Join the Silent Auction and raffle too. 868-1243

Los Angeles Citywide Service Directory

a single toll-free phone number to contact
City of Los Angeles officials
non--emergency public service: Dial 311
for any non

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 9

POLICE CLEAN-UP
Police Emergency: Need Police Car 911 Abandoned Vehicles 1-800-222-6366
Spanish Line 213-928-8222 Cars Parked in Yards 1-888-524-2845
Narcotic Hotline 1-800-662-2878
Fire Hazards 1-310-412-5350
Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-540-4000
Hazardous Waste Disposal Information 1-800-988-6942
Police Non-Emergency 1-877-275-5273
Overflowing Dumpsters 310-412-5350
LAPD Air Support Division 213-485-2600
Parkway Maintenance 1-800-996-2489
RAMPART DIVISION
Storm Drains 213-485-5391
Rampart Police Division Desk 213-485-4061
Rampart Vice Unit 213-485-4080 Trash and Bulky Item Pick Up 1-800-773-2489
FAX 213-847-2261
Rampart Division Watch Commander 213-485-4062 L. A. Fire Department Brush Clearance 818-374-1111
Senior Lead Officer Ford 213-793-0775
GRAFFITI RELATED ISSUES
Community Relations 213-847-1903
Central City Action Committee 213-241-0908
China Town Sub-Station 213-621-2344
Free Paint 1st District) 213-485-0763
NORTHEAST DIVISION
Northeast Desk 213-485-2563 Free Paint 13th District) 323-957-4500
Northeast Report Unit 213-485-2563 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
Senior Lead Officer Sonia Rimkunas 213-793-0760 Department Building & Safety 888-524-2845
Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki 213-793-0763 Department of Health 1-800-427-8700
Northeast Detectives 213-485-2566 Department of Transportation 213-580-1177
Northeast Community Relations 213-485-2548
Department of Water & Power 800-342-5397
Northeast Gang Detail 213-847-4263
Parking Enforcement 866-869-2929
Northeast Youth Referral Program 213-847-3375
Northeast Records 213-485-2568 Loose/Stray Animals/Barking Dogs 888-452-7381

Release of Impounded Vehicles 213-485-2566 LA County Department of Consumer Affairs 213-974-1452

COMMUNITY SERVICES Legal Aid Client Referral 1-800- 399-4529

Operation Bright Lights 1-800- 303-5267
Copies of Crime and Traffic Reports 213-485-4193
Concerned Citizens Echo Park/Youth 323-662-2081 Street Lighting Repairs 1-800- 303-5267
Empowerment Council — CCEC/YEC Professional Helicopter Pilots Association 213-891-3636
El Centro del Pueblo 213-483-6335
Echo Park Library 213-250-7808 POLITICAL
Echo Park Recreation Center 213-250-3578 1st District Ed Reyes 213-485-3451
Echo Park Chamber of Commerce 213-630-3032 13th District Eric Garcetti 323-957-4500
Dodger's Security 323-224-1363 Congressman Xavier Becerra 213-483-1425
Dodger's Comunity Focus 323-224-2636 Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard 213-628-9230
Dodger's Public Relations 323-224-1435 State Senator Gil Cedillo 213-612-9566
Central City Action Committee 213-241-0908
Assemblyperson Kevin de Leon 323-258-0450
North Central Animal Shelter 213-847-1416
LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina 213-974-4111
L.A City Department of Aging 800-834-4777
Elysian Park Ranger 323-913-4688 Mayor’s Office mayor@lacity.org 213-978-0600
Los Angeles City Information website www.lacity.org City Attorney, Rocky Delgadillo 213-847-8045

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 10 February-March 2008

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW BUILDING Library Hours
by Lisa Palombi, Branch Manager Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
On November 3, 2007 the Echo Park Branch Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Library celebrated the 10th Anniversary at its newest Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
location, 1410 West Temple Street, and 100 years of Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
service, with birthday cake, pizza, and memories Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
provided by the Echo Park Historical Society, the Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Echo Park Film Center, Masa’s of Echo Park, and
Sundays CLOSED
artist David Orozco.
The Echo Park Branch has a long and dramatic Library Address
history beginning around the turn of the last century. Echo Park Branch Library
The earliest record available at the branch speaks of 1410 W. Temple Street
library services being provided at the “Echo Park Los Angeles CA 90026
Playground Clubhouse” in 1908. Books were kept in Phone 213.250.7808
locked glass bookcases and were available for reading FAX 213.250.3744
at the clubhouse or for borrowing whenever the World Wide Web Address
librarian, Miss Jane Dick, was there. In 1928, a new
http://www.lapl.org
library building was opened at 520 Glendale
Boulevard. Even then, the librarian reported on the 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
many different cultures represented in the community
and the difficulties reaching out to new immigrant The current building opened on June 5, 1997 with
families who spoke a variety of languages. a grand celebration. Some people were at both the
When the 101 Freeway was being built in the 1997 Grand Opening and the 10th Anniversary, such
1930s and 1940s, the branch suffered from being cut as loyal staff members and community activists. Most
off from half of the Echo Park community; and when interestingly, the student guest speaker for the grand
the Sylmar earthquake hit in 1971 the building had to opening ten years ago is now a member of the staff,
be closed and later demolished. The branch moved and the artist who helped children make crafts at the
into a “temporary” building for the next 26 years at grand opening (David Orozco), returned to help
515 Laveta Terrace. children celebrate the 10th Anniversary. Echo Park is
During the period 1989-1992, a very successful now graced with two public library branches since the
outreach campaign called “Partnerships for Change, addition of the Edendale Branch Library on Sunset
Libraries for Everyone” was launched to attract the Boulevard in 2004. Miss Jane Dick, the first Echo
Latino community to the branch. Circulation Park librarian, would be pleased: she lamented in her
increased by 78%, which helped garnish support for a early annual reports that it would be easier to attract
new building. readers if the branch were located closer to the busy
business district located on Sunset Boulevard. But
she could never have dreamed that in 2008 people
would bring the public library right into their homes
via the Internet!
Though the Library has come a long way through
the advent of technology, it still serves the same
basic purpose: to provide free access to reading
material to all the people of Los Angeles. Come visit
the Echo Park Library and rediscover the many
resources and services available, including our new
Adult Literacy Center!

conceptual craftsman—over twenty years experience

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 11

EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Adult Events
Beginning computer classes are held once a week on a variety Library Hours (starting March 1, 2007)
of topics. Call to find out what’s coming up. Mondays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Book Sale Saturday 2/9, 2/20 2pm-5pm Tuesdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
Book Club Monday 3/17 6:30-7:30pm Wednesdays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Get a little more out of the books you read by sharing your thoughts
and hearing those of others.
Thursdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
Children’s Events Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Weekly Children’s Programs Saturdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Toddler Storytime Tuesdays, 10-10:45 Sundays CLOSED
Future readers and their special grown-ups join the librarian for Library Address
nursery rhymes, songs, finger play and more.
Edendale Branch Library
Edendale Puppet Theater Monday 3/3, 3/15 4:30-5pm
2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
Puppet show and stories: dogs, cats, & other animals
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Art Class for Kids. Thursday 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 4-5pm
Kids will learn about art from a local artist and create something new Phone (213) 207-3000
each week FAX (213) 207-3097
Just for Teens Let's Talk w/ Teen Line Thursday 2/21 5-6pm Join Teen Line
Teen Council Thursday 2/7, 3/6, 4/3 5-6pm staff to get information about the confidential phone helpline run by
Make your voice heard, meet new people and eat tasty snacks at teens for teens, and discover the programs and resources available
the next Edendale Teen Council Meeting. to you in your community.
LACMA Art Thursday 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 5 pm - 6 pm. Join Wii Bowling Tournament Thursday 3/20 5-6pm Get your
an artist from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for fun and game on with a little Wii bowling action @ Edendale Library.
imaginative art projects in the library.

How Echo Park Shops for Books

Looking for a way to improve your
budget in 2008? Looking for a way to
make a difference in our community?
Think bargain books. Think main-
stream and collectible books. And
look no further than our own Edendale
Library at Sunset and Alvarado.
It has been said that no one needs
to buy books more than library pa-
trons. I don’t know who said that, but
somebody must have.
Every Wednesday afternoon from
2-5, and on Saturday, February 9th
from 10:30 to 2:30p.m., the Edendale
Library and the Edendale Library
Friends Society (ELFS) will be highly
positioned to be your one-stop book
destination in the neighborhood. Last
year, with the generous contributions
and countless volunteer hours, we
doubled our previous year’s book sale
income, and we poised for steady
growth in 2008. We have over 5,000
books now. The word is out.
Book sale customers and library
patrons continue to remain enthusias-
tic and bring their neighbors and
friends and families. Additionally, we
are beginning to attract a much larger and John Tottenham. As always there
base of enthusiastic book collectors, will be a silent auction and raffle.
teachers, and just plain readers from Space is limited so if you would like to
throughout the L.A. area. Our buyers purchase advance tickets please call
tell us they saved hundred of dollars Sheila Anthony, 323-868-1243.
last year buying gifts, personal favor-
ites, or books and videos for their
favorite charities, schools, re-
tirement centers, etc. They are
doubly enthusiastic because
they are contributing to en-
hanced programming and as-
sets at their local library which
has become the best social
gathering spot in the ‘hood for
old and young alike.
We’re excited about our an-
nual fund raiser coming
Sunday, March 2nd at the
Echoplex from 6-9pm. We hope
to raise enough money to help
secure the area around Sunset
and Alvarado with lights and
cameras to thwart possible
vandalism and tagging. Our
featured entertainers include
The Bobby Matos Orchestra,
Nathan Nice, Andrea Portes,

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 Page 12 February-March 2008

Welcome Café Mariposa

by Margarita Fernandez

I came upon Café Mariposa as I was walking along Sunset Blvd on a warm summer day. The door was wide open,
and it was dark inside. Someone I did not recognize came forward and said "Hello".
“Hello, is Lorenzo here?” I inquired, looking around and noticing there were no more
paint brushes and art supplies. "No" he replied, “I don't know him, but I will soon be
opening a café here, Café Mariposa”. His name, it turned out is Emilio, Emilio Aguilera.
“I have wonderful ideas for this space,” Emilio said, “I will have Italian Coffee, with the
equipment brought from Italy, and tea, pastries, muffins, tables, chairs, the whole
works”. Wow, I thought this sounds great but there is no space. How will he manage all
that in such a small dark space?
It has been 3 years since that first encounter and as Emilio, the proprietor of the now
completed Café Mariposa at 1547 Sunset Blvd had predicted, Café Mariposa has ar-
rived. It is still small but spacious with the European equipment to make coffee
(espresso). The pastries are absolutely wonderful; I enjoyed the Spinach Croissant
along with Peach Tea, what flavor.
Emilio is such an energetic gentleman; his goal is to serve the Echo Park Community
as best he can. It is always nice to have a new business come into town with such goals and to incorporate itself
into the community. Café Mariposa is a place where members of the community can stop in to have a cup of cof-
fee, or tea, pastries, or simply just chat while sitting outside at the tables. It has been a journey, but Café Mariposa
opened its doors on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, and this is the new place to be.

BEAUTY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER & POWER

by Susan Borden
There’s a secret gem, a beauty spot unknown to most,
downtown and south Los Angeles. One of the smaller
hidden in the canyons of Elysian Park. Seven acres of open reservoirs used by the DWP, Elysian Reservoir is
open water that sparkle in the sun, surrounded by the only one located within a park.
graceful cedars and slender palm trees, can only be seen But park visitors do not have long to enjoy the
from within the park. An occasional flock of water birds
picturesque scenery.
floats on the deep blue surface while a hawk circles high The days of open water reservoirs are numbered. They
above in the sky. Unseen by drivers on the southbound must be covered to conform to the latest federal
Pasadena freeway only yards away, the scene is peacefulregulations for the safety of our water supply.
and unhurried. Hikers on park trails, picnicking families
On January 26, 2008 the DWP revealed the fate of
at leisure, local artists, all come—usually on foot—and
Elysian Reservoir to concerned residents at a
admire the view.
presentation at Logan Street School. Four options are
This is not a recreational lake; it is Elysian Reservoir,
being considered; covering the entire water surface with
55 million gallons of water maintained by the Depart- heavy, colored plastic; installing a shed-like aluminum
ment of Water and Power to provide drinking water for cover over the water and painting it; installing the same
aluminum roof but covering it with gravel; or burying
PROFESSIONAL SECURITY the water underground in two huge concrete tanks, like
OFFICERS has been done at some other sites, and planting native
SECURITY PATROLS vegetation on the site. The fourth choice is the least
OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICERS unacceptable to a majority of park users. It is also the
LOSS PREVENTION costliest.
DEDICATED The next step is a hearing by the DWP Commission.
MANAGEMENT & STAFF Anyone can speak and give an opinion of the proposals
at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the
24 Hour Dispatch Center: (213) 403-0111
DWP’s downtown headquarters, 15th floor.
Office: (213) 384-3643 - Fax: (213) 384-3652 The DWP will forward the plan chosen to the U.S.
3470 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 885Los Angeles, CA 90010 Environmental Protection Agency by April 1, 2008.

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008 Page 13

A Great Place for All of Us!

by Stephanie Vendig, President of the Griffith Park Adult Community Club
On Thursday, January 31st, a “ribbon-cutting” cere- Community Club, formerly the Silver Lake Senior Club,
mony took place. The long-awaited opening of the will work with Mark to provide quality programming; and
Griffith Park Adult Community Center at 3201 Riverside through its fund-raising, the club will be able to enrich
Dr. finally happened. LA Department of Recreation and the Center’s offerings.
Parks hosted the ceremony speeches and refreshment to On Saturday, March 1st, there will be a Community
open their 29th senior center in Los Angeles. Speakers Celebration in which there will be an opportunity for you
included Vicki Israel, Assistant Manager, Jon Kirk Mukri, to tour the facility, participate in some class demonstra-
General Manager, Laura Triejo, General Manager, Los tions, buy used books, enjoy music, dance, eat and be-
Angeles Department of Aging, Council Member Tom La- come acquainted with a place that could add to your
Bonge and Stephanie Vendig, President of the Griffith quality of life.
Park Adult Community Club.
For Information on the Griffith Park Adult Community
These speakers all represented a collaboration that Center, call Mark Wilson at (323) 644-5579 or e-mail at
begun in 2004 and resulted in the establishment of this Mark.Wilson@lacity.org.
facility for all adults
who want to take
advantage of activities
focusing on their needs
and interests, or just
need a place to “hang
out” to meet with
friends, to find
resources, to learn, and
to support a quality life
style.
This facility will be
operated by the LA
Department of Recrea-
tion and Parks under
the leadership of Mark
Wilson, Facility Direc-
tor. The facility will
serve the 50+ popula-
tion of Atwater Village,
East Hollywood, Echo
Park, Elysian Valley,
Franklin Hills, Los Feliz
and Silver Lake. The
Griffith Park Adult

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 14 February-March 2008

PADDLE BOATS CONTINUE TO FLOAT ON ECHO PARK LAKE

by Susan Borden

Echo Park paddle boats are off the endangered list—
at least for the time being.
Last year in an effort to save money, the City closed
the paddle boat concessions at Echo Park lake and at
McArthur Park lake.
There have been boats on Echo Park lake as long as
anyone alive today can remember. The boats were not
always paddle-powered; there have been canoes and
wooden rowboats in the past. But there have always
been local residents enjoying a refreshing cruise on a
hot day. So the City’s decision was not a popular one.
Cries of protest followed. A group of photographers,
headed by well-known local shutter-bug Martin Cox,
staged a couple of photo exhibits at two local eateries.
Photos on the walls at Mama’s Hot Tamales and the
Down Beat Café dramatized the role that the lake boats
have played in the life of the community.
Finally the politicians re-considered, dug deep into
the city’s purse, and found enough money to float the
boats.
For now, the paddle boats at Echo Park can be
rented on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:30
p.m. for $7 a half-hour or $10 an hour. Boats hold up
to four and life vests are included. The last week in
June boats will be available every day. After then, who
knows?

California Telephone Access Program Loans Telephone Equipment

New Beginnings…in an effort to
better serve the public, The
California Telephone Access
Program, formerly known as The
California Telephone Equipment
Loan Program, has undergone a
major change. This statewide
program, funded by a tax that
appears on your phone bill, had its
humble beginnings in 1981 when a
group of deaf activists, fighting for
equal access on the telephone,
succeeded in the implementation
of Senate Bill 597, providing them
with TTYs. By 1985 with Senate
Bill 60 in place, the program had
grown to include not only the deaf
and hard of hearing, but also the
visually, mobility/manipulation,
cognitive and speech impaired.
In our early days, telephone
equipment was distributed by your
local phone companies, but no
longer! With the centralization of
the program, all telephone
equipment is now being distributed
by the program's own staff. Walk-in
centers are slowly opening
throughout California. Currently we
have centers open in Burbank,
by Theresa Tong, Outreach Specialist
Santa Ana, Riverside, San Diego, 1191 English, 1-866-324-8747
Fresno, Sacramento and Oakland. Mandarin, 1-866-324-8754
All calls are being handled by our Cantonese, or 1-800-949-5650
Call-in center in Stockton. Spanish. You may also contact us
What is the program really by writing to 81 W. March Lane,
about? Regardless of age or Stockton, California 95207.
income, individuals having special If you are interested in a
needs (temporary or permanent) presentation or would like to
with regard to using the phone, request our participation in an
may be eligible to receive FREE upcoming health fair, expo, or any
telephone equipment. Criteria other related outreach event,
include: residency in the state of please call: 1-800-995-6831.
CA, current telephone service, and For local calls, you may contact
a certification from one of the Outreach Specialist, Theresa Tong
following: a licensed doctor, at (818)237-9277 voice, or (818)
rehabilitation counselor, 569-7139 fax. Please address any
audiologist or hearing aid correspondence c/o CTAP 303 N.
dispenser (hearing difficulties only) Glenoaks.L-130, Burbank, CA
or an ophthalmologist (visional 91502.
difficulties only).
For inquiring minds that want
If you have or know of any to know, “What’s the name of that
friends or loved ones that are in tax?” you will find it listed on your
need of a special telephone and phone bill as “CA Relay Service and
meet the criteria described above, Communications Devices Fund”.
or if you are just seeking additional
Yes, it’s YOUR tax money; why
information on the program, please
not take advantage of it if you
do not hesitate to contact the
qualify? Pick up that phone and
California Telephone Access
make that call today!
Program by calling: 1-800-806-

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 February-March 2008
Central City Action
The holidays are over, the decorations are coming
down, the kids have gone back to school, the staff is tired
but CCAC still moves on each and every day. We tried our
best to meet and greet everyone during the holidays but if
we missed someone, we’re surely sorry. A big thanks to all
the merchants who donated toys to our kids. Your
thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and we invite you to
stop by the center any afternoon and if you haven’t
already, meet some of our greaaaaat kids!
In November we helped the Council Offices, CD13 and
CD1 and the Los Angeles Dodgers pass out Turkeys with
all the trimmings. Twenty of our families received a
wonderful surprise of a Turkey dinner. We also had our
annual Thanksgiving dinner. Thirty-two of our kids and
staff participated in this special meal. The kids also
participated in writing what they are thankful for at this
time of year. Each kid picked out a piece of fruit or
vegetable (made of paper) and then wrote down his or her
thoughts. These thoughts are displayed on the wall in the
front of the fire station.
The first Monday in December you could have found us
at Councilman Ed Reyes’s annual holiday bash in Elysian
Park. We have painted faces on the kids who attend this
function for many years. It is especially fun as later in the
day when the kids are all occupied; we get to slide down
the hill made of snow. I think I finally found what I can
paint the best, purple snowflakes. December does not
stop. For about 5 nights we helped collect toys at the
Staples Center and WOW was it so cooooooold. Of
course we were in the Echo Park Holiday Parade. We
usually have the privilege of escorting Santa down
Sunset along with our little elves. Some of our elves are
not so little anymore. The youth enjoy the parade as
they can dress up in costumes, put on make up and
wave and walk along side the person everyone is
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Page 15
by Gloria
awaiting. Since we are always the last entry, it is difficult
for us to actually watch the parade entries as they
perform. Sunset Boulevard on that one special day in
December becomes a wondrous, magical path for both
spectators and participants.
During the school holiday vacation we were able to have
a few rummage sales and the kids raised enough money to
go out to eat. They can really eat, eat and eat. We took a
few kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, and The Legend.
Practically all the kids went to see the movie Juno. One
Thursday morning Michael drove the kids up to Angelus
Crest Mountains looking for snow. After driving around for
3 hours, he went to Mt Wilson and there he found a patch
of snow. The center has sleds so the kids had fun sliding
down the hill and throwing snowballs at each other.
Our AT&T pilot program of painting the utility boxes is
winding down. There is one more box to cover. If any of
you have seen the AT&T boxes at Echo Park and Morton,
Berkeley and Glendale, Temple and Rosemont and further
north on Glendale Blvd, those were painted by world
renowned muralist, Carlos Callejo and a few of our kids.
Look closely at the ones on Glendale Blvd and Echo Park
and you might recognize some of our kids. We would like
to continue this project but need to find a way to secure
money so that we can paint all the utility boxes in Echo
Park. A big thanks to Carlos and our kids for their efforts.
Echo Park Film Center
“Your friendly neighborhood media arts organization!”
*cinema
*store
*school
1200 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-484-8846 www.echoparkfilmcenter.org
Hours: Wed/Thur/Fri 2 – 7pm, Sat noon – 5pm
*Thursday Night Cinema Series: 8 – 11 pm
*50% off equipment rentals for EPFC Members
*Free filmmaking classes for Seniors and Teens
EPFC is a 501(c)3: donations are tax deductible.
Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 16 February-March 2008

LOTUS PAD NOTES

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

Boom or bust? The downturn is officially here! Or meeting hosted by representatives of the Greater
at least it looks that way after glancing at one of the Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council. The
city’s biggest real estate web sites, www.themls.com. company announced that it plans on building an
In the section devoted to apartments for sale in Echo affordable housing project on Temple Street and
Park and Silverlake, four of the first five properties Bonnie Brae, just a few blocks west of the Echo Park
advertised are bank-owned. tennis courts.
One property has now dropped in price by How tall will it be? Fifteen stories.
$100,000 since last summer, while another is
advertised as being on the auction block in mid
February.
BUST OR BOOM? But then there are still those
scary prices. The owner of a seven-unit bungalow
court on Morton Avenue – Spanish-style cottages and
one really old house – is asking $1.5 million. That’s a
price that will only be appealing to someone who
wants to scrape the lot clean and built a mega- Those who spoke in favor of the project said it
project. In fact, the real estate ad promises that the would have a community room on the ground floor.
buyer will have the right to build 18 brand-new units. The neighborhood council does not yet have a
position on the project.
MEANWHILE, WITH ALL THIS WEIRDNESS
GOING ON, Echo Park is still being promoted as a
playground for young creative types. This month’s
Exhibit A would be a story in the January 20 New
York Times, in which the Style Section spent an event
with the stars of that new monster movie,
“Cloverfield.”
Even the “Restaurant 15,” which opened on Echo Where did those stars go? Well, they had a few
Park Avenue a few months back, is part of a property drinks at El Compadre on Sunset, then walked a few
now listed for sale for $1.6 million. The question is, is paces over to Short Stop to shoot pool.
the speculation over? Or are builders of huge
***
residential buildings the only remaining players in the
market? ECHO PARK SAID FAREWELL last month to Flora
Kerp, one of the neighborhood’s sweetest and most
***
active volunteers. Flora, who moved to Echo Park in
ONE BIG PLAYER showed up recently at a 1938, always managed to pitch in when there was a
tree planting, a neighborhood cleanup or an Echo
Park History Day. She even managed to throw out a
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the pitch at Dodger Stadium!
writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Flora made her presence known to countless
Echo Park Improvement Association Echo Park residents over the last few decades,
befriending neighborhoods and encouraging people
to participate in community activities in a way that

Read the EPIAn ways online at http://echoparkimprovement.googlepages.com/home

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835