June-July 2007 Echo Park Improvement Association newsletter Volume 14 Issue 3

Introducing the Griffith Park Adult Community Center

by Stephanie Vendig

It’s happening. The portables are ready for moving. Chi, Strength Training and Life Story Writing
The sewer lines and the utilities are almost ready to be • Volunteer program to match people wanting to
connected. There is even a walkway from Riverside Dr. volunteer with appropriate places.
onto the parking lot, so we won’t be competing with cars • Computer Lab
to get to the facility. • A library
In case you haven’t heard, the Griffith Park Adult • A nutrition program
Community Center, the latest addition to the LA • Card and Table games
Department of Recreation and Parks network of facilities • Interest and Support groups
dedicated to the 50+ population, will be on the scene, • Classes provided by community and university
expecting to begin operations in September. The new programs
facility will be on the parking lot of Friendship • An extensive travel program
Auditorium on Riverside Drive just south of Los Feliz. • Social services assistance provided by Hollywood
The swimming pool and the tennis courts will be our Multipurpose Center
neighbors. Facility Director Mark Wilson will be working
with all of us to provide the best programming possible. For more information contact Stephanie Vendig at (323)
The facility will serve the neighborhoods of Atwater 667-3043 or vendig@sbcglobal.net or Mark Wilson at
Village, Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, East Hollywood, Echo (213) 485-5652 or mark.wilson@lacity.org
Park and Elysian Valley, and Silver Lake.
What will this Center Offer?
The Griffith Park Adult Community
Center will naturally start small as we
get off the ground. The two portables
will have only 5200 square feet
configured into large, medium and
small rooms. The key will be
scheduling a variety of activities
throughout the day and sometimes in
the evening. Some of the plans and
ideas so far:
• Fitness programs (Fitness
equipment has been ordered)
• Collaboration with Griffith Park
Rangers and staff to organize hiking,
nature walks, swimming and tennis
classes
• Lectures, Forums, Community
meetings
• Art and craft activities
• Collaboration with LAUSD to
continue classes such as Yoga, Thai Portables Waiting to Move to the Parking Lot of Friendship Auditorium on Riverside

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 June-July 2007

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Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 June=July 2007
Council Member Tom LaBonge on Griffith Park
June 1, 2007
Dear Friends:
We are continuously receiving emails of support and
concern regarding Griffith Park and its recovery. It is
encouraging to hear so many voices speak up about
wanting to be back in the park hiking, riding and bik-
ing.
Department of Recreation and Parks officials’ key con-
cern is for the safety of park users as well as park
crews working in the burn zones. We ask for
your patience while daily assessments are made to
evaluate whether affected areas remain closed to the
public.
There are certain issues that have become prominent
in your queries and I thought it would be worthwhile
to answer those of greatest concern:The Vermont Can-
yon Tennis Courts remain closed and no date has
been set for reopening. The area directly adjacent to
the complex is where the fire began and it suffered
from severe fire damage that crews are still working to
clear.
The city’s Forestry Division has cleared more than
800 dead or damaged trees in the burn zone, which
remain off-limits until further notice. Lingering fire
(323)
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Page 3
threats in the bases of tree trunks remains a concern
as does the danger of falling trees.
In regard to replanting, over 95% of the park will be
left to grow back on its own without any intervention.
Non-natives plantings that have long distinguished the
shady gardens such as Dante’s View, Captain’s Roost,
Amir’s Garden and the Bird Sanctuary will be allowed.
We have an ever-growing list of people who would like
to volunteer for the recovery effort. As soon as the
burned areas are deemed safe, we will organize volun-
teer days to start the restoration process of Dante’s
and other unique park treasures. We will notify you of
the dates. We are looking at a multi-year effort and
welcome your involvement.
If you would like to make a donation toward the resto-
ration efforts, please go to www.laparks.org and click
on the Griffith Park link. The Rec. and Parks website
also contains the latest updates about park openings
and the remaining closures.
I look forward to working with you as the restoration
process moves forward!
Sincerely,
TOM LABONGE
Councilmember, Fourth District
BROCK
BROCK REAL ESTATE
IDA POTASH
knows the neighborhood
[ph] 323.644.9081
[fx] 323.644.9387
[cl] 323.662.7656
2235 HYPERION AVE
LA, CA 90027
Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 4 June-July 2007

conceptual craftsman—over twenty years experience

Mon — Sat Saturday

11 am — 7 pm Special
Sundays — Typical
Group of 10 Haitian
or more by Food
Wood Burning Rotisserie Echo Park • Since 1949
309 N. Glendale Blvd
We Roast Los Angeles, CA 90026
our own www.tigeorgeschicken.com
HAITIAN Email: geo4u1@sbcglobal.net
Coffee

Read the EPIAn ways online at

http://echoparkimprovement.googlepages.com/home

1911 SUNSET BOULEVARD

LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 June=July 2007 Page 5

Echo Park Lake’s 3rd Annual Fun Bird Walk

Sunday, August 12, 2007, 9:00 a.m.
During recent years, Echo Park Lake Birders have identified more than
60 birds that call Echo Park their home for all or part of the year.
Summer birds at the lake 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!
Take your binoculars, and a bird guide, if you have one.
Sign up by telephoning (323) 663-6767. Or send an email to
jayebea@earthlink.net. Write “summer bird walk” In the subject line.
Please include your name and phone number.

Meet at Echo Park Lake Boathouse

(Echo Park Ave. & Laguna Ave.) Park along Echo Park Ave. or Laguna Ave

+ MEDI-
MEDI-CAL

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 6 June-July 2007

ECHO PARK CALENDAR

Event Date Location Comments
st
EPIA Meetings 1 Thursday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call EPIA message phone for
July 5, Aug 2 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 June 11, July 9 location the Steering Committee
Meetings
Community 2nd Thursday, 2:00 pm LAPD Stop-In Center, Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting June 14, July 12 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 July 4, Aug 1 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 June 26, July 24 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 June 13, July 11 Community room and find out how you can help
Society 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. your neighborhood’s branch.
>=> ELFS <=<
Positive Energy 4th Wednesday , 6pm 7 pm Edendale Public Library For info : e-mail
Group of Echo June 27 , July 25 -2011 W. Sunset Blvd slsa@sbcglobal.net
Park and Silver or our blog
Lake Area www.positiveenergygroup.blogspot.com
Or call (213) 417-8816
Deadline Saturday, July 20 Send submissions to EPIA, Attn:
August EPIAn EPIAn Ways Editor
ways
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lotus Festival July 13, 14, 15 Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Sunday, August 12, 9:00 am Meet at Echo Park Lake Please sign up by telephoning (323)
Lake’s 3rd Boathouse 663-6767. Or send an email to
(Echo Park Ave. & Laguna jayebea@earthlink.net Write “summer
Annual Fun bird walk” In the subject line.
Bird Walk Ave.)

WWW.GEPENC.ORG
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 June=July 2007 Page 7

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
Trash and Bulky Item Pick Up 1-800-773-2489
Rampart Vice Unit 213-485-4080 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 Free Paint 13th District) 323-957-4500
Northeast Desk 213-485-2563
Northeast Report Unit 213-485-2563 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
Department Building & Safety 888-524-2845
Senior Lead Officer Sonia Rimkunas 213-793-0760
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 Loose/Stray Animals/Barking Dogs 888-452-7381
Northeast Records 213-485-2568 LA County Department of Consumer Affairs 213-974-1452
Release of Impounded Vehicles 213-485-2566
Legal Aid Client Referral 1-800- 399-4529
COMMUNITY SERVICES Operation Bright Lights 1-800- 303-5267
Copies of Crime and Traffic Reports 213-485-4193 Street Lighting Repairs 1-800- 303-5267
Concerned Citizens Echo Park/Youth 323-662-2081 Professional Helicopter Pilots Association 213-891-3636
Empowerment Council — CCEC/YEC
El Centro del Pueblo 213-483-6335 POLITICAL
Echo Park Library 213-250-7808 1st District Ed Reyes 213-485-3451
Echo Park Recreation Center 213-250-3578 13th District Eric Garcetti 323-957-4500
Echo Park Chamber of Commerce 213-630-3032 Congressman Xavier Becerra 213-483-1425
Dodger's Security 323-224-1363 Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard 213-628-9230
Dodger's Comunity Focus 323-224-2636
State Senator Gil Cedillo 213-612-9566
Dodger's Public Relations 323-224-1435
Assemblyperson Kevin de Leon 323-258-0450
Central City Action Committee 213-241-0908
LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina 213-974-4111
North Central Animal Shelter 213-847-1416
L.A City Department of Aging 800-834-4777 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 8 June-July 2007

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

LIBRARY COMPUTER CLASSES Library Hours
Computer Comfort Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday, 4pm, 6/12, 7/17 Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Learn to use the Library’s electronic catalog to search for Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
materials, renew items, and place your own holds. Learn Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
the basics of surfing the Internet. Introduction to various Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
databases and search engines. For adults only. Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Familiarity with the keyboard and mouse is recommended
but not mandatory. Reservations required. Please arrive
Sundays CLOSED
10 minutes before class begins. Library Address
Computer Class for Improving Your English Echo Park Branch Library
Tuesday, 4pm, 7/10 1410 W. Temple Street
“Rosetta Stone” An introductory self-paced class to begin Los Angeles CA 90026
or improve your English language skills. Computer Phone 213.250.7808
experience is mandatory. FAX 213.250.3744
Introduction to Basic Web Design World Wide Web Address
Tuesday, 4pm 6/19, 7/24 http://www.lapl.org
Learn about HTML codes to create a simple web page.
24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Computer experience is mandatory.
FUN FOR KIDS ASTROLOGY CLASS
Knitting Club Tuesdays 4 - 5pm by astrologer, Malcolm Schenot
Saturday, June 16 1pm
6/12, 6/19, 6/26 Sign-up by June 12. All birth information required for chart –
I Spy Mondays Reading Club Monday 7/2, 7/9, 7/23, For questions about this free program, call Nadine Flores at
7/30 3:30PM - 4:30PM (213) 250-7808
Join us for a different weekly Summer Reading Club
storytime, performance, activity or craft program.
Who responds to your alarms?
I Spy Magic with Rafael and Katia Monday 7/16 3:30PM
– 4:30PM
Children will take a magical ride into books, culture,
magic, and reading. Experience does matter.
Mother Goose Storytime Tuesday
5/1 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Father’s Day Storytime Saturday 6/15 2:30—3:30pm
With so much at risk why take chances?
Art with LACMA Friday 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13,
7/20, 7/27 4 - 5:30pm Count on the experience of Select Patrol.
Kids will learn about art from a local artist and create
something new each week
For more information about our 24 - hour
alarm response service, call us today.

SONIC ROOTS
Select Patrol
ATHENA LEGRAND A superior level of service since 1984
Hairstylist
323•308•9417
323.644.1014 Lic. PP0-9229

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 June=July 2007 Page 9

EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Adult Events: Library Hours (starting March 1, 2007)
Monday, June 18th, 6:30 p.m. Mondays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Book Club will hold a potluck and discuss Diet for
Tuesdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe. Wednesdays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Beginning computer classes are held once a week on a Thursdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
variety of topics. Call to find out what’s coming up. Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Children’s Events Saturdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Rafael & Katia the Mariachi Magicians return Sundays CLOSED
Monday, June 25, 6:30 p.m. Library Address
Readers Theater and other patriotic fun Edendale Branch Library
Monday, July 2, 6:30 p.m. 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
Canine Detectives meet a real snoop hound Los Angeles, CA 90026
Monday, July 9, 6:30 p.m. Phone (213) 207-3000
Opera Kadabera A hilarious, magical introduction to FAX (213) 207-3097
classical opera 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Monday, July 16, 6:30 p.m.
Harry Potter Party games, prizes, refreshments
Summer Music Concerts
Saturday, July 21, 2-3
Edendale is one of LAPL’s few branch libraries to offer
Ernesto de la Loza, artist spy local sights in the library live music. Following the concerts, the musicians are
mural available to answer questions and chat with the audience.
Monday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. This year the series welcomes back some of Edendale
Disguises spot the spy behind the disguise & the animal patrons’ favorite orchestras and introduces a presentation
in the camouflage new to the audience.
Monday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. The Observatory Orchestra Brass Quintet and The
Weekly Children’s Programs Avenal Chamber Players
Infant & Toddler Story time Saturday, June 9th, 1 p.m.
Tuesdays, 10-10:45 Aztec Stories The culture of ancient Mexico is explored
through music, spoken word, and audience participation.
Knitting & Craft Club, especially for elementary school
Saturday, June 16th, 3 p.m.
kids
Tuesdays, 4-5pm MOCA ART WORKSHOPS
June 5, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24& 31. Thursdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 & August 2, 9 5-6:30 pm
Read-a-Ton Book Club Join artists from the Museum of Contemporary Art for this
Improve your reading skills, have fun, & help your friends 6 part series of hands on creative art workshops.
meet the library’s goal of reading 1,000 pounds of books
this summer. Starts June 14.
Thursdays, 3:30-4:15

The EPIAn ways newsletter

can now be seen on the web at
http://
echoparkimprovement.googlepages.com/
home

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 10 June-July 2007

Red Hill to be Shown in July

by Ross Plesset
Echo Park’s long and impressive tradition of activism view and impressive historic footage circa the early
is celebrated in the 2006 documentary Red Hill. Accord- 1970s. Ruth recalls : “What did we want? Free, universal,
ing to the film, the community became known inter- quality childcare, and the most important word was
changeably as Red Hill and Red Gulch between the two NOW! We were really passionate. . . . We broke down
world wars because of its activist population, which in- gender: we had a volunteer man every day working with
cluded communists. the kids, and that didn’t happen back then. We had dolls
The documentary consists primarily of interviews with penises. That just about freaked everybody out. We
(about 17 altogether), conducted by teenage students of really pioneered an activist curriculum to children.”
the Echo Park Film Center. “It was actually suggested to Ava Hess was the filmmaker for this segment, and
us by Jesus Sanchez at the Echo Park Historical Soci- she attended the daycare center decades after its found-
ety,” says instructor Lisa Marr. “They had just started ing. “Thirty years later, the co-op seems to have lost its
documenting, through oral histories, the Red Diaper Ba- active mentality towards the community,” she observes.
bies [i.e., children of communists]. It sounded like an “Although it still provides free daycare to working par-
interesting project.” ents, it’s missing the very ideologies it was founded on.”
One interviewee, Suzanne Kimbrough, recalls being Even though Red Hill is two hours long, quite a bit of
“very active” in protesting the information had to be edited out. ”Everything was really
Vietnam Invasion, “and then interesting,” says Hess, “so it was hard to decide what to
came the farm work- cut and what not to, but you can’t make a seven-hour-
ers’ [movement],” she says, long movie.”
“and a lot of us here sup- One segment that required a lot of condensing con-
ported the farm workers in cerned activist lawyer Art Goldberg, who moved to Echo
the lettuce boycott and the Park in the ‘60s, partly because of its tradition of activ-
grape boycott. Their move- ism. Among the topics dropped was his involvement in
ment was to unionize, and the Food Conspiracy, an Echo Park-based food co-op
with it came boycotts of head circa the early ‘70s. “It was like a farmer’s market,” ex-
lettuce. At that time I had plains filmmaker Lucien Unruh. “People would bring
fundraisers at my house, spa- their produce, and they would exchange food, and make
ghetti dinners, and we’d go food for each other, and make group meals.”
and pass out flyers trying to educate people and get Fortunately, the Film Center tells me that they’ve
them to boycott the lettuce. That went on for a while, saved all the raw footage for Red Hill, a potentially valu-
and there was the grape boycott, and we did pretty able resource for historians. (Also, The Echo Park His-
much the same thing.” torical Society has oral histories by other activists, in-
Also profiled is Ruth Beaglehole, whose pathbreaking cluding, reportedly, one made some years ago with Luba
work in child daycare is depicted through a recent inter- Perlin, formerly of the Echo Park Communist Club.)

Red Hill will be shown at the Edendale Library on July 20 at 6:30pm. More information: www.Neighborsforpeaceandjustice.org.
The film can also be purchased from the Echo Park Film Center (phone: 213/484-8846).

PERON
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Open Seven Days

One To Five
Mon– 11am–11pm • Fri 11am–
Mon–Thur 11am– 11am–Mid • Sat 8am–
8am–Mid • Sun 8am–
8am– 11pm
2213 Sunset Blvd. Echo Park Brunch served 8am–
8am–3pm Saturday & Sunday
Free Delivery for Echo Park on $15 minimum order
1800 West Sunset Blvd • 213.989.1558

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 June=July 2007
Central City Action
The last few months at Central City have been
prosperous at our rummage sales. These rummage
sales have helped finance a lot of “extras” for our
youth. In March we were able to take about 15 kids
to Arrowhead Lake for three days. We stayed in a
super huge chalet owned by one of Maryanne’s long
time friends, Liama.
The chalet has 8 bedrooms, recreation room,
dining room, huge kitchen, three bathrooms and a
hot tub. It also comes with a big screen TV, pool
table, video games and lots of space for just
lounging around. There was no snow but the kids
were treated to a boat ride around the lake. The tour
guide gave everyone a brief history of the area while
showing them the beautiful dwellings around the
lake. They also went hiking somewhere up in the
mountains (can’t get a precise location) along a
creek (or river). The view was outstanding. They
went into town to spend some money on souvenirs.
The kids enjoyed the little shops all around the
town. Most all agreed they would love to spend
more time up at the chalet. Looks like we will be
planning a few more trips to the mountains.
Our kids participated in the Keep America
Beautiful kick off in Echo Park. We all met at the
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Page 11
by Gloria
lake and then CCAC groups, along with Susan
Borden, went up to Sunset to weed around the tree
wells. After we pulled the weeds and got to know
Susan a little better, one of our staff planted seeds.
The seeds were native California wild flower mix.
Still waiting for the flowers. Perhaps they will bloom
next year, or perhaps we will plant more flowers.
Anyway, all of us had a great time with Susan.
We are starting to make plans for the summer. It
appears we will be having a few kids help us out
with the graffiti program for the summer. We are
also planning an art exhibition for sometime in June.
Our kids have been taking an art class with Nancy
Lissaman from Echo Park. She is an accomplished
artist and has been instructing our kids how to use
different mediums to express themselves. Some will
have their own section to display their art work. We
hope to invite the community and parents to this
exhibition.
Yes, for those who want to know, we are going to
have a booth at the Lotus Festival. We will continue
our tradition of making hakus and leis. Hope to see
some of you at the festival.
Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 12 June-July 2007

LOTUS PAD NOTES

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

WHUMP! Does that noise sound familiar? If so, "I don't eat out. I don't shop. I even had to cancel
you might be standing at the corner of Echo Park my cable. But I love it," the bakery owner explained to
Avenue and Grafton Street, just south of the brick Del New York's big daily.
Mor apartment building. ***
That's because right next door to the Del Mor is – Echo Park got a glimpse of something that has
WHUMP! -- a gray industrial shed that houses a ring been hidden for decades on Sunset Boulevard. The
for Lucha Libre, the Mexican-style of wrestling where owners of the Echo nightclub, working hard to create
fellas wear masks, capes and tights while tossing their newly expanded Echoplex disco, pulled away
people onto the mat. Lucha Libre is a pastime of some plastic 1960s signage in preparation for a new
Sergio, the Del Mor's building manager, who uses the pizza parlor and found the original 1920s brick
ring to train would-be wrestlers in the sport. storefront – complete with terra cotta arches!
Sergio has even been known to hand out a few
free passes to Mexican wrestling matches to tenants
in the Del Mor.
SPEAKING OF ECHO PARK AVENUE, the bakery
known as Delilah has gotten plenty of play in the
news media. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve
Lopez devoted an entire column to the bakery's
nightmare in dealing with the Building and Safety The brick still looks beautiful. Here's hoping the
Department, which pushed her to install a grease Echo keeps going, showing off the building's original
trap, underground parking, etc., etc. before it features. Photos of the old storefront, located on
opened. Sunset just east of the Brite Spot, can be found in the
news section of www.historicechopark.org.
***
WHAT ONE HAND GIVETH in Echo Park, another
hand taketh away. Further west on Sunset, the
owners of American Apparel building recently
uncovered their own brick façade, including a modest
arch doorway.
Delilah also showed up in the New York Times Last week, they decided to cover it all up –
style section in a story on L.A.'s newfound fascination sealing it in under a smothering layer of stucco.
with cupcakes. In the style story, Delilah owner ***
Genevieve Ostrander said she found baking after
Where have all the Lotus gone? Just when you
realizing she no longer wanted the "soul sucking" life
thought last year's showing at Echo Park Lake was
of a publicist.
discouraging, this year's crop of lotus looks even
That decision led to a new career and some more anemic. Is it really just the dry, dry weather?
considerable debt.
In other, equally weird Echo Park news, a group
of artsy types decided to float a large boat made of
wax – essentially, one big boat-sized candle – out into
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers the lake. The boat, sent out into the water on a
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park Sunday night, quickly burst into flame. One of the
Improvement Association many spectators standing onshore quickly dubbed it
the "Echo Valdez."

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