October-November 2007 Echo Park Improvement Association newsletter Volume 14 Issue 5

Young EP Artists Prepare for Holiday Parade “Visions of Joy”

by Margarita Fernandez, EP Holiday Parade Co-chair

Why were members of the Echo Park Holiday forward to coming to the Farmer's Market every Friday
Committee camping out at the Echo Park Farmers to draw.
Market every Friday since August 3rd? They were The mothers said the children eagerly awaited going
holding court for our future artists, the children of Echo to the Farmer’s Market on Fridays where they drew while
Park, who were drawing pictures depicting the theme of their mothers bought fresh produce and afterwards they
the Echo Park Holiday Parade, Visions of all went together to
Holiday Joy. the park.
The children arrived with their parents The members of
at the Farmers Market, saw the Echo Park the Echo Park
Holiday Parade Committee table and Holiday Parade
gleefully picked their chairs, crayons and said so long to
started drawing. During their shorts visits their little friends
to the Farmers Market, onlookers saw the at the Farmers
children engaged with one another, Market on
sharing crayons, talking with each September 28th,
another, having a wonderful time. but look forward to
Some children were chatty, others seeing them again
quiet, but one thing they all had in for the Echo Park
common was the beautiful smiles on their faces when Holiday Parade Kick-off on Friday November 30th, at
they completed their art work. One could see the 6:30pm at the Boat House, and then again at the
concentration the children put into their work; one 4 Parade itself on Saturday, December 8th, at 12:00pm -
year old was so upset that he was unable to draw what 3:00pm on Sunset Blvd.
was in his mind that he had a fit. The Echo Park Holiday Parade Committee invites
Holiday Parade Committee members encouraged everyone to save these dates for Visions of Holiday Joy, -
the child to try again; he did and from then on he looked The Echo Park Holiday Parade.

GEPENC Elections October 13

The Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) is an advisory body on issues of concern to the
people represented by our neighborhood council and in the governance of the City of Los Angeles. This purpose is
meant to be educational concerning local government and charitable as support for local community needs.
On October 13, the community will elect two (2) representatives each for District 1 (Elysian Height), District 2
(Echo Elysian), District 3 (West Echo Park) and District 4 (Angelino Heights) and four (4) representatives for Dis-
trict 5 (Temple Beaudry).
In order to cast a ballot in the election, a stakeholder must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the elec-
tion.
The election will take place October 13, 2007, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Logan Elementary School, 1711 W.
Montana Avenue, Echo Park, CA 90026
For more information about GEPENC and the Governing Board Election visit the GEPENC website,
www.gepenc.org, call (213) 413-0372 or email info@gepenc.org

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 October-November 2007

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Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2007 Page 3

ECHO PARK LOSES ACTIVIST

Larry Pickens, member of the Greater Echo youth, had been seen on TV dancing on the show
Park Elysian Neighborhood Council Governing “Soul Train”.
Board and a long-time resident of Echo Park, Larry grew up in Los Angeles in a close-knit
unexpectedly passed away at his home on Lemoyne family with many brothers and sisters. Later he
Street on Saturday, September 22nd. He was in hisand his partner Jeff Horton had two sons, Dante,
early fifties. now 18 years old, and Lorenzo, 15. The boys were
A popular member of the Council, Larry had the highlights of his life, according to friends.
been re-elected regularly since its inception in Larry and Jeff’s family lived on one of Echo
2002. He brought not only his warm and friendly Park’s streets where the north and south bound
personality to the board, but also years of lanes occupy different levels, separated by a bare,
experience in public service. sloping median strip. A couple of years ago Larry
Larry worked at the Silverlake field office for organized the neighbors to install irrigation and to
Los Angeles City Councilmember Jackie Goldberg landscape the median with a variety of plants,
during her term of office in the nineteen-nineties, successfully beautifying the block.
where his was the always welcoming face at the Another of Larry’s neighborhood projects was
front desk. the family’s yearly Halloween show, when he
Earlier Larry had been the office coordinator opened up the garage as a stage for the local kids
and facilitator for the well-regarded after-school to put on skits and entertainment, always ending
enrichment program known as LACER. Larry the evening with generous candy hand-outs.
coordinated the programs for Hollywood junior Although in October 2005 the family’s home
high schools King, Le Conte, Washington Irving and burned nearly to the ground, Larry and Jeff set
Bancroft and for Fairfax and Hollywood high about re-building bigger, better -– and safer — than
schools. ever. They were living in the new house at the time
As a social worker for one of L.A.’s residential of Larry’s death.
facilities, Larry made an effort to increase A memorial service will be held on October 6th
residents’ cultural awareness with programs on at Inglewood Park Cemetery, followed by a
subjects as diverse as Filipino culture and celebration at Larry and Jeff's home. Donations
earthquake preparation. may be made to the United Negro College Fund.
Previously Larry held a position in the medical
field at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, and, as a

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

(323)

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 4 October-November 2007

Echo Park - Since 1949

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LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265

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

EPSA Now On the Net

The Echo Park Security Association is building a bigger Internet presence with its expanding website,
www.EchoParkSecurity.org, and other online services.
We've updated the website in recent months with new features, including a service agreement that can be
downloaded and printed from your computer; a new online archive of
our EPSA Security Alerts and an enhanced map showing our
coverage area. We have also included links to the police
department's Northeast and Rampart divisions and the LAPD's
Online Crime Map, which allows you to track recent crimes in your
part of the neighborhood.
In addition, EPSA members can sign up to receive timely news
about crime and other public safety information via email through
our EPSA Security Alerts.
All these online features are intended to make it easier than ever
to promote our organization (just tell folks to go to
EchoParkSecurity.org) and quickly distribute vital neighborhood
safety information.
If you are interested in finding more about EPSA, visit
www.EchoParkSecurity.org or send e-mail to
epsa@EchoParkSecurity.org. Of course, you can still always call
(323) 860-9914.

+ MEDI-
MEDI-CAL

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 6 October-November 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
Nov 1, Dec 6 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 Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10 location the Steering Committee
Meetings
Community 2nd Thursday, 2:00 pm LAPD Stop-In Center, Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 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 Nov 7, Dec 5 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 Oct 23, 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 10, Nov 14, Dec 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 Oct 24, Nov 28, Dec 26 Community room slsa@sbcglobal.net
Park and Silver or our blog
Lake Area www.positiveenergygroup.blogspot.com
Or call (323) 860-9914
Holiday Parade 4th Wednesday, 5:30 pm Central City Action 534 E. Edgeware Road (corner
Committee Committee Bellevue)
Deadline Saturday, November 24 Send submissions to EPIA, Attn:
December EPIAn Ways Editor
EPIAn ways
SPECIAL EVENTS
GEPENC Saturday, October 13 Logan Street School Call (213) 413-3196 for info or
Elections 9am—5pm Auditorium, 1711 W. visit www.GEPENC.org
Logan Street
Flights of Sunday, November 11 from Self-guided tour starts at Williams Hall, 2000 Stadium Way.
Fancy: The 11 am to 4 pm Tour visitors will pick up tickets, a program and map at Williams
Stairway Homes Hall and can then see the homes in any order they want. More
of Echo Park information at HistoricEchoPark.org or call (323) 860-8874
Echo Park Saturday, December 8, 2007 Route will be along Sunset
Holiday Parade from 12pm - 3pm Blvd. from Elysian Park
Ave ending at Park Ave

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 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 October-November 2007

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

10th Anniversary Celebration Saturday 11/3 10am-6pm Library Hours
A celebration of the Echo Park community and its library. Event Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
includes a film festival, a presentation by the Echo Park Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Historical Society, children's activities, and refreshments Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
LIBRARY COMPUTER CLASSES Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Computer Classes to Go. Join us for Computer Comfort,
Computer Classes for Improving your English, and Introduction
Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
to Beginning Web Design. Individual and group classes by Sundays CLOSED
appointment only. Library Address
For information call Nadine Flores at (213)250-7808.
Echo Park Branch Library
Computer Comfort
Thursday, 4pm, 1410 W. Temple Street
Learn to use the Library’s electronic catalog to search for Los Angeles CA 90026
materials, renew items, and place your own holds. Learn the Phone 213.250.7808
basics of surfing the Internet. Introduction to various databases
and search engines. For adults only. Familiarity with the
FAX 213.250.3744
keyboard and mouse is recommended but not mandatory. World Wide Web Address
Reservations required. Please arrive 10 minutes before class http://www.lapl.org
begins.
24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Computer Class for Improving Your English
Tuesday, 4-5pm, 11/20 ADULT PROGRAMS
“Rosetta Stone” An introductory self-paced class to begin or Doc Day Saturday 10/13, 2-4pm
improve your English language skills. Computer experience is Join us for a documentary. Adults only. Refreshments served!
mandatory.
Movie Madness Saturday 10/27, 11/3 2-4pm
FUN FOR KIDS Join us for a movie classic. Adults only. Refreshments served!
. EP Crocheting Club Saturday 11/3 ,11/17 11am-12pm
Halloween Wednesday 10/31 3:30-4:30pm Join us for scary
stories, games, face painting and treats. Costumes encouraged.
Dia de Los Muertos Starts 11/1 Echo Park Community Dia Who responds to your alarms?
de los Muertos Altar. Live flowers and community mementos
grace this festive Day of the Dead altar as part of an important
Latino tradition.
Read-A-Ton Book Club Monday 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5,
Experience does matter.
11/19 3:30-4:15pm
Work together with the rest of the group to reach our goal of With so much at risk why take chances?
reading hundreds of pounds of books.
Art with LACMA Friday 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 4-5:30pm
Kids will learn about art from a local artist and create something Count on the experience of Select Patrol.
new each week

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

E DENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Adult Events
Library Hours (starting March 1, 2007)
Beginning computer classes are held once a week on a
variety of topics. Call to find out what’s coming up. Mondays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Used Book Sale Saturday 11/10 10:00am-2:30pm Tuesdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
Book Club Monday 10/15, 11/19 6:30-7:30pm Wednesdays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Get a little more out of the books you read by sharing your Thursdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm
thoughts and hearing those of others. Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Children’s Events Saturdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Spooky Cartoon Fest October 31 4-5:30pm Sundays CLOSED
Celebrate Halloween with terrifying toons and goulishly
good grub. Costumes encouraged. Library Address
Edendale Branch Library
Weekly Children’s Programs 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
Toddler Storytime Tuesdays, 10-10:45 Los Angeles, CA 90026
Future readers and their special grown-ups join the librarian
Phone (213) 207-3000
for nursery rhymes, songs, finger play and more.
FAX (213) 207-3097
Read To Me LA: Pre-school Storytime Saturdays 11:00
AM - 11:45am
24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Edendale Puppet Theater Monday 11/05 6:30-7:15pm snacks at the next Edendale Teen Council Meeting.
Puppet show and stories: dogs, cats, & other animals Student Smart: SAT Practice Test Saturday 11/17
Just for Teens 10am-2:30pm
Teen Council Monday 11/1 5-6pm SAT Follow-up Thursday 11/29 5-6pm Discuss your
Make your voice heard, meet new people and eat tasty SAT Practice Test with a Princeton Review Instructor.

WEDNESDAY ELFS
by Sheila Anthony
If you were passing by the Edendale Library on a Regular weekly customers like Daniel and David from
Wednesday afternoon and it happened to be between 2- Elysian Heights Elementary School never leave without more
5pm, you wouldn't need to come inside to see that kid's books and a few fistfuls of hot popcorn; Joe Lee always
something intriguing was taking place. You would have adds new graphic artistry to our oversized whiteboard, and
looked at the banner or hand-lettered sign boards beckoning local musician Bobby Matos rarely misses a Wednesday
you to the community room, and as you approached you armload of books.
would see easels and more artistic graffiti enticing you to The ELFS have been known to blast old time rock 'n roll,
just look around a minute or two prior to getting your real wear oversized Elf hats with funny ears, and flaunt their fake
work done at the library or nearby in the "hood”. And as you pearls, but take my word, they can help find the perfect
walked through the big double glass doors, you would be book for the discerning bibliophile, can counsel a local
astonished by rolling cart after rolling cart crammed with gangbanger on the merits of arts and literature, and can
first editions, antiques, signed collectibles, and the latest provide the neighborhood with a wonderful exchange place
best-sellers. On the six center tables you would see all the to donate gently used books and leave with others, fulfilling
newest donations that just arrived that week usually reading urges for yet another week.
numbering in the many hundreds.
Inside, running around like Elysian Park coyotes, you
will find the ELFS, Suzi, Patricia, Sheila, and sometimes
others darting back and forth from the office to the storage
shed to the community room to the library office, fretting
about the line of customers outside and attempting to ready
over 4,000 books in a presentable and orderly display.
Pretty high school girls are sitting outside on the
benches, usually waiting to enter after 4 o-clock, after the
handsome high school boys leave for sports or part-time
jobs. Young parents with toddlers come in after nap time to
enjoy our cozy Kiddie Corner while carefully choosing their
10-cent storybooks.

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

EPHS Readies Flights of Fancy

Take a step back into the past by exploring our Admission is $20 and $15 for EPHS members.
neighborhood's unique network of public stairways During the month of October, the general public can
that will be featured on the upcoming 2007 Historic purchase $15 discount tickets online and through the
Echo Park Home Tour. mail.
"Flights of Fancy: The Stairway Homes of Echo
Park", will highlight homes located on or near the
public stairways that scale the hills of Echo Park, An-
gelino Heights and Elysian Heights. Find out what
"stairway living" is all about by taking the tour on Sun-
day, Nov. 11 from 11 am to 4 pm.
The approximately eight properties on this year's
tour range from a 1920s era Spanish-Colonial com-
pound overlooking Echo Park Lake to nearly century
old Craftsman bungalows in these hills of Elysian
Heights. For the first time, the tour features a newly
constructed structure, a post-and-beam style house
that is one of the few homes to be built on an Echo
Park stairway in decades.
The public stairways that scale Echo Park's some-
times ridiculously steep hills are relics of the days
before the automobile began to dominate the land-
scape and culture of Los Angeles. They reflect a time
when most residents traveled either by horse and
carriage, trolley or (gasp) on foot.
Now in its fifth year, the Historic Echo Park Home
Tour, chaired by Holly Hampton, is designed to gen-
erate interest in the preservation of old and historic
homes as well as raise funds to support our ongoing
preservation and historic research programs.
The self-guided tour starts at Williams Hall, 2000
Stadium Way. Tour visitors will pick up tickets, a pro-
gram and map at Williams Hall and can then see the
homes in any order they want.

Mon– 11am–11pm • Fri 11am–

Mon–Thur 11am– 11am–Mid • Sat 8am–
8am–Mid • Sun 8am–
8am– 11pm
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
 October-November 2007
Central City Action
Ding dong or buzz buzz, or is it beep beep?
Whatever it is the kids are back in school. Most of
the schools have changed to a traditional school
year spanning over 9 months. Only King Jr. is on the
year-round schedule. Of course this means we do
not have as many kids off school during the year so
our planning is changing to meet the needs of the
kids enrolled in traditional schools.
The past summer has been good to our kids.
About 8 kids worked a total of 5 weeks in a special
program funded by UCLA. The kids were an added
asset to our graffiti removal program. Some of the
kids worked three days a week at 8 hours a day and
others worked 5 days at 6 hours per day. Our graffiti
crews were able to complete a whole block of light
poles in one day instead one week. The youth are
missed now that school has begun. The kids earned
approximately $900 for the 5 weeks. Yes, they
bought a lot of clothes and shoes which was a big
help for their families. Some of the kids even gave
money to their parents or treated them to a dinner.
The biggest event for the summer was a three
day camping trip to the San Bernardino Mountains.
In order to participate in the camping trip all kids
had to do volunteer work at the Center. The kids
who did the most volunteer work were able to go on
the trip at a reduced rate. It was the first time they
had gone to this camping ground. Even Maryanne
went on this trip. Kids and staff spent all day in the
water. Sam, our resident cook, prepared waffles
and fritos beans, eggs and fried beans, hot dogs and
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Page 11
by Gloria
re-fried beans, salads and dried beans, hamburgers
and pork and beans of course canned ravioli (his
favorite meal) with garbanzo beans. Anyone know
about fuel-injection?
Sometime in August a few of our kids started
helping out at Councilman Ed Reyes’s Office at City
Hall. The kids enjoy going down to City Hall and,
from what I hear, the deputies enjoy having the kids
help stuff envelopes and other clerical duties.
Rummage sales are profitable. We are trying to get
the rummage down to a manageable level. Please
call first before dropping off items at the center.
It seems that as soon as school starts, the kids
begin to whisper and talk about Halloween. Yes,
Captain Rollo has been sited. Captain prefers the
cooler weather so I suspect we will be seeing more
of him. Many items have been moved around for no
apparent reason so I assume the Captain is doing a
little house cleaning.
CCAC would like to express its gratitude to those
of you who attended our ART Show last month. Two
ladies from Angelino Heights, Patti and Peggy
deserve a wave of applause as they set up a sweet
table fit for a king and queen. Some of the pieces on
display were actually sold. Our kids were dressed up
to the nines and profoundly eager to discuss their
pieces with those who were attending the show. A
few of the kids were even commissioned to paint
new art pieces. The art work is still up if you would
like to stop by and see it. A special thanks to Nancy
for your patience with all of us at CCAC.
Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 12 October-November 2007
LOTUS PAD NOTES
NEWS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
FROM ECHO PARK & ANGELINO
Echo Park is no stranger to the crime blotter, dating
back to the days when the Los Angeles Independent
covered neighborhood news. Then Echo Park started
showing up in the real estate section, with stories
about our over-the-top home prices.
But here’s a first: last month, Echo Park
made its way onto Page 6 of the New York Post, a
gossipy venue more suited to sightings of Britney,
Lindsey and Paris than neighborhood doings on the
other coast.
Page 6 recently followed two industry types
as they walked around Echo Park Lake at 2 a.m.
while discussing their next film project. Partway
through their conversation, a coyote sauntered by,
grabbed a duck and walked off with it still in its
mouth! More proof that L.A. really is tougher than the
Big Apple.
***
SPEAKING OF NEW YORK, Echo Park
photographer Martin Cox went to Central Park and
found that that New York, unlike Los Angeles,
manages to offer boats to the public available at its
parks. Disgusted that the L.A. parks department
recently canceled boat rentals at MacArthur Park and
Echo Park Lakes, Cox teamed up with folks in
Westlake to hold a photo show on the two lakes.
The photo exhibit opened in October at
Mama’s Hot Tamales in MacArthur Park, where a
reception is planned for October 15. The show then
moves to the Downbeat Café in Echo Park in
November. The show’s title, naturally, is “Without a
Paddle.”
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park
Improvement Association
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
HEIGHTS by E.P. Lagoso
PERHAPS ONE SILVER LINING IN THE
WHOLE AFFAIR is that, months after its building was
scorched by fire, the Downbeat Café has reopened
and looks better than ever. The owners have mopped
up the water damage created by the fire department
hoses, put in new floors and even got air
conditioning.
Downbeat has been followed by the soft
opening of 15, a restaurant just north of the House of
Spirits. Brite Spot reopened after its disastrous visit
from the health department. And it looks like El
Autentico, at the corner of Sunset and Douglas, will
be replaced by a new eatery that serves bistro fare.
***
What will our city planners dream up next? A
company recently got the go-ahead to build dozens of
condos next to the mouth of the 2 Freeway, right
where thousands of cars pour onto Glendale
Boulevard every morning. Neighbors were baffled,
wondering who would want to live near such a
concentrated mass of car exhaust.
The builders of Silver Lake Terraces cleared
the site, ripping out an enormous tree. But the icing
on the cake came weeks later, when even the
monument marker to Echo Park’s silent film era was
damaged, defaced and vandalized.
For those who haven’t heard, Glendale
Boulevard was the first place that movie studios were
concentrated before they migrated to Hollywood. The
monument marker honored the old Mack Sennett
studios, which created the Keystone Kops and the
Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties.
***
Neighborhood council elections are on
Saturday, October 13. Don’t forget to vote!
Message Phone (323) 882-4835