THE
EAGLE ROCK
ASSOCIATION
The Best Investment You Can Make in Your Neighborhood
April 8, 2004
What? You're not yet a member of TERA?
Join now!
Here's how:
Click on
http://www.TERA90041.org/teraform.htm
Now more than ever,
please support your residents association --
more than 1,000 members strong, and growing every day!
Please encourage
interested friends and neighbors to send their email addresses
to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we
can keep them informed, too.
This week:
President’s Message: antonio on focus (item
#1)
Dahlia Days are right around the corner! (item
#15)
Coming to a boulevard near you: Colorado Wine
Company (We’ve Got Mail, item #16)
Table of Contents:
1. PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE — HEAR ANTONIO TALK ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE WALGREENS FOCUS GROUP -- TONIGHT!
2. SAN FRANCISCO KEEPS WALGREENS AT BAY
3. CALLING ALL EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS AND STUDENTS...
4. AND IT’S ONE, TWO, THREE STRIKES YOU’RE OUT OF SO-CI-ET-TEEEE! --
APRIL 10
5. GLASSELL PARK FORUM ON THE PLANNED CLOSING OF THE LOCAL RALPHS
SUPERMARKET — APRIL 12
6. "GROWING WITH GHOSTS" AN EAGLE ROCK ART AND PERFORMANCE
EXTRAVAGANZA -- WEEKENDS THROUGH APRIL 25
7. TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MEETING — APRIL 12
8. ONCE UPON A STORYTIME — TUESDAY MORNINGS AT EAGLE ROCK LIBRARY
— APRIL 13
9. NINTH ANNUAL “JACK SMITH TRAIL WALK” -- APRIL 18
10. WALK HISTORIC ECHO PARK — APRIL 24
11. BUNGALOW HEAVEN HOME TOUR -- APRIL 25
12. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BRUCE — APRIL 25, 2004
13. LA COUNTY ARBORETUM PRESENTS A PLANT SALE & GARDEN
SHOW — MAY 1 – 2
14. SAVING THE GOLDEN STATE — MAY 8, 15, 22
15. DAHLIA DAYS IS COMING! AND YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! -- MAY 8
16. WE'VE GOT MAIL
17. THE LAST WORD — CHINESE PROVERB
1. PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE — HEAR ANTONIO TALK ABOUT THE LATEST WALGREENS FOCUS GROUP -- TONIGHT!
Come hear and be heard!
Due to the fact that Walgreens and Councilmember Villaraigosa
moved the "focus group" meeting to tonight, Thursday, at 5:30, I
cannot brief you all about the Walgreens site's new design for its parking lots
and facades as I had planned. A summary of the meeting will be included
in TERA's upcoming newsletter.
However, Councilmember Villaraigosa, immediately following the focus
group meeting, will be at the Women's Twentieth Century Club to speak
about Eagle Rock and answer questions from the audience. I hope you all
will try to be there.
In the meantime, please see the article from Tuesday's LA Times article about
an enclave of San Francisco that is fighting to limit all chain stores in its
community. (See item #2 below.) It is definitely worth discussion
tonight!
Happy Passover and Easter,
-- Hilary Norton Orozco, TERA President
2. SAN FRANCISCO KEEPS WALGREENS AT BAY
Here’s the text of a fascinating piece that appeared in Tuesday’s Los
Angeles Times:
Neighborhood Pride Prompts Effort to Limit Chain Stores
A San Francisco ordinance, not yet signed by the mayor, would restrict
corporate outlets wanting to open in some areas.
By Lee Romney
Times Staff Writer
©2004 Los Angeles Times, A Tribune Company
SAN FRANCISCO — For years, Starbucks, Rite Aid, Walgreens and other corporate
chains have felt the wrath of residents determined to freeze them out and
protect the home-grown charm of this city's diverse neighborhoods.
Now San Franciscans have translated that passion into policy. Late last month,
the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance restricting so-called formula
retail stores from opening their doors here.
The measure, which has not yet been signed by the mayor but has enough support
to override his potential veto, bans chains with more than 11 outlets and a
standardized look from opening in the trendy-chic enclave of Hayes Valley.
It places tight restrictions on any chain store hoping to move into Cole Valley
— where residents and merchants recently fought a losing battle to keep out
Walgreens after learning of its lease too late. And it requires all chain
stores to notify neighbors of plans to open in any of the city's designated
Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
The ordinance leaves untouched plenty of areas that are purely commercial —
including the Financial District, upscale Union Square and the tourist haven of
Fisherman's Wharf. Proponents call it a necessary step to prevent the bejeweled
city from turning into a replica of such cities as Phoenix, where identical
chain stores are scattered across town.
"People come to San Francisco [because] it's a city of
neighborhoods," said Paul Lord, a senior planner with the city who helped
draft the legislation. "Chinatown doesn't look like the Mission, which
doesn't look like North Beach."
Corporate chains often pay higher rents and undercut the local
independent store owner on pricing, eventually driving out smaller businesses
along with their vendors and suppliers, supporters of the ordinance add. Once a
neighborhood turns, they say, there's no going back.
But critics say the ordinance sends a dangerous message — at a time of
record budget deficits and stinging unemployment — that liberal San Francisco
is not business friendly. It comes on the heels of a citywide minimum wage hike
approved by voters last fall.
"It's ideology over practicality," said San Francisco Chamber
of Commerce President Lee Blitch. "The answer to our budget crisis is to
create more jobs…. Not only is it hurting on tax revenues, it's also hurting on
the cost side because the Planning Department is going to have to add people to
process all these things."
Besides, Blitch adds, "if a neighborhood doesn't want a certain type
of store, they won't shop there. So why are we legislating that? Competition
brings lower prices for the consumer and more jobs."
As chain stores spread across cities small and large, however, they are
meeting increasing resistance.
From Coronado, Calif., to Bristol, R.I., more and more towns have passed
or are considering similar restrictions, said Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher
with the Minneapolis-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance and author of
"The Hometown Advantage: How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain
Stores and Why It Matters."
The ordinances — San Francisco's included — don't ban the stores outright,
but saddle them with restrictions. For example, the San Francisco ordinance
defines formula retail stores as having more than 11 outlets and meeting two of
any of the following criteria: standardized merchandise, a standardized facade
or decor and color scheme, uniforms, standardized signage or a trademark or
service mark.
Because the chains could arguably ditch their defining look and offerings
and open a distinct store, legal challenges to the measures have been
unsuccessful, Mitchell said. Coronado's ordinance, for example, was upheld by a
state appellate court last year.
"It's an interesting way of — as a community — saying, 'If you
really want to be here, then these are the standards you have to meet. If you
don't meet them, then fine, we didn't want you anyway,' " Mitchell said.
The fight is not new for San Francisco, where lawmakers have been trying
to control the influx of chain stores since the 1970s, albeit less directly,
said Lord, the city planner. An ordinance that took effect in 2001 requires
businesses that are expanding in size or planning a change of use for a
targeted location to notify neighbors and give them a chance to speak out.
But if a store changes hands within a broad retail category, no
notification is required. That has helped Starbucks and others enter some
neighborhoods without opponents' knowledge. Last year, Board of Supervisors
President Matt Gonzalez pushed another ordinance specifically requiring coffee
shops and pharmacies to give neighborhoods notice.
But Hayes Valley residents wanted more. Nestled west of San Francisco's
civic center and opera house, the neighborhood has been transformed over the
past decade from a blighted hollow to a strip of one-of-a-kind boutiques with a
bohemian flair (for example, an organic nail salon and designer clothing
boutique rolled into one). Here, shopkeepers and restaurateurs say they have
invested sweat equity when chain stores wouldn't have looked twice.
Leigh Stackpole moved her Gimme Shoes into the neighborhood 12 years ago.
Sporting two-toned hair and a T-Shirt that reads "Touch Me, I'm
Sick," she recently rattled off the benefits of her business while
lunching in a community garden behind a locally owned cafe.
Stackpole employs a neighborhood graphic designer, as well as an
accountant and lawyer up the block — all longtime shoe customers. Merchants
throughout the neighborhood know her 12-year-old son and keep a protective eye
on him when he plays outside. She has three San Francisco locations, each a
little different to match neighborhood needs. (Proponents of the ordinance note
that fewer than 1% of businesses in San Francisco have more than five
locations.)
Last year, Stackpole and others accidentally learned from a local real
estate agent that Starbucks had its eye on an empty storefront. The Hayes
Valley Neighborhood Assn. kicked into action. At community meetings, sentiment
ran solidly in favor of a ban, said Vice President Ed Bedard.
"When you bring in a chain store and break the interconnectedness of
the local economy, it really harms the area," Bedard said. "It's not
worth the Frappuccino to put the local accountant out of business."
A loud and long campaign dissuaded Starbucks. But residents and merchants
were exhausted.
"We spent hundreds of hours mobilizing," said Stackpole, who
along with her business partner selects the store's designer shoes in Italy,
Paris and New York. "This ordinance protects us."
The neighborhood turned to Gonzalez — who represents both Hayes and Cole
valleys — to sponsor the new restrictions.
Since sentiment ran so strong in Hayes Valley, its four-block commercial
district received a chain-store ban. A few miles away, in Cole Valley, feelings
were somewhat shy of unanimous, so two commercial strips there got a lesser
restriction: The stores must obtain conditional use permits, a lengthy and
often costly process that places the onus on them to prove they belong.
Starbucks officials have said they were willing to work around any new
restrictions and would not be deterred. They note that smaller chains might
fare worse. Some critics of the policy point out that the Gap began as one
storefront in the city and would have been hampered by this ordinance, but
proponents argue that there still is plenty of room for expansion for a store like
the Gap, just not in every neighborhood.
The ordinance leaves open the possibility that other neighborhoods could
seek similar restrictions in the future. To some, the notion is appalling.
"The legislation before us is not fair," Supervisor Fiona Ma
told her colleagues last Tuesday, before the board voted, 8 to 3, to support it
on a second and final reading. "It creates advantages for some businesses
in some neighborhoods and penalizes others."
Steve Sarver agrees. He and his wife opened the San Francisco Soup Co.
five years ago and now have six outlets with, yes, standardized decor and
uniforms. Three more are set to open — at San Francisco International Airport
and in Palo Alto.
With plans to open three new outlets annually, Sarver said, he may soon
hit the magic dozen that would label him formula retail.
"It seems un-American," said Sarver, who has not considered
either Hayes Valley or Cole Valley but is concerned that the restrictions will
spread throughout the city and possibly to Berkeley and Palo Alto. "It's
anti-competitive. It should be unconstitutional."
But Stackpole suggests that Sarver is thinking too narrowly. If he
proposed an outlet with a special look, feel and menu to fit the neighborhood,
he could fly right under the radar of the new rules.
"He could come to us and say, 'I'd like to fit in,' she said.
"Maybe he could open a Hayes Valley Soup Co."
The full text of this article will also be on the LA Times website for a
limited time. See http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-chains6apr06,1,5532628.story
3. CALLING ALL EAGLE ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS AND STUDENTS...
Did you know that Eagle Rock Elementary School has a weekly online newsletter?
To be added to the subscription list, just send your name and email address
to michelleteri@aol.com.
4. AND IT’S ONE, TWO, THREE STRIKES YOU’RE OUT OF SO-CI-ET-TEEEE!
-- APRIL 10
We just got word that our friends at Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park are
launching a new show this weekend. If you haven’t been to Avenue 50, this
could be the perfect time to become acquainted with this eclectic art center.
Tres
Caídas/Three Strikes
Art by José Lozano, Victor Gastelum, Ixrael
The Avenue 50 Studio will host an art exhibit of drawings and
paintings by three L.A. based artists, José Lozano, Victor Gastelum, and
Ixrael. Tres Caídas/Three Strikes refers to the ongoing interest these three
artists have in Mexican wrestling.
Tres Caídas/Three Strikes speaks to the three falls in a
wrestling match which determines who wins or loses. The word “caídas”
means falls, and can refer to religion as in the falls of Christ, or to one’s
state in society, as in fallen from grace or on hard times. The
number three has magical, superstitious and cabalistic properties. There
are three wishes, three chances, three strikes, three blind mice, three wise
men and three stooges. The phrase “Tres Caídas” envelopes an array of
interpretations, this exhibit will add a few more.
About our Artists:
José Lozano: “I would like people to look at my work as if
being let in on a joke, with the punch line sometimes being sweet, sometimes
unsettling, bitter, tender – like life”. Lozano uses popular iconography
to deal critically with the question of mass production and commercial
infiltration in our lives – a takeoff of Chicanismo, wit, and political
commentary. Lozano received in B.A., M.A. and M.F.A. at California State
University, Fullerton.
Victor Gastelum: “I mix iconography to create my own
icons.” Gastelum creates his “street art” by using a combination of
spray-paint, high-contrast drawings and acetate stencils, appropriating Chicano
icons and adding graffiti iconography.
Ixrael: Ixrael was born in Mexico City. He
studied at the Academy of San Carlos. His work was featured in the Salon
de Artes Plásticas in Mexico City, in Tijuana for his “Zona Norte” Proyecto de
Pintura Fronteriza show, and at the Casa de la Cultura for his Ando Grabando
Gráfica de Tijuana exhibit. Ixrael currently lives and works in L.A.
where he has presented several solo as well as group shows.
“Tres Caídas/Three Strikes” runs from April 6 through May 2, 2004 and
is free to the public. Studio hours: Tuesday through Thursday 10-12
noon; Saturday and Sunday 10-4 p.m.
Contact: Kathy Gallegos, Avenue 50 Studio, (323) 258-1435, ave50studio@msn.com; www.avenue50studio.com.
5. GLASSELL PARK FORUM ON THE PLANNED CLOSING OF THE LOCAL RALPHS
SUPERMARKET — APRIL 12
The Glassell Park Neighborhood Council will be providing a forum to
discuss the proposed closure of the Ralph's market on San Fernando Road.
They are inviting all interested parties to participate in this open
discussion.
Glassell Park Elementary School
Glassell Park, 90065
The meeting will begin at 7:30, with the forum scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Helene Schpak, Chairperson, Glassell Park
Neighborhood Council, at (323) 255-1677.
6. "GROWING WITH GHOSTS" AN EAGLE ROCK ART AND
PERFORMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA -- WEEKENDS THROUGH APRIL 25
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock reminds us that their highly
anticipated art, music and theater performance show is now open and running
through April 25. Here are all the details:
Playwright Ken Roht's Newest Work,
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is honored to sponsor Ken Roht’s
theater-dance-arts extravaganza, "Growing With Ghosts."
In June 2003, Mr. Roht began to work on this site-specific work, a
progressive music theater piece that uses every inch of the Center and its
grounds. The actual stage will be the Center itself, a restored 1915
Carnegie library, and a National Historic Landmark. Mr. Roht's piece takes
place in seven different theatrical installations. As the audience walks
through each, they will witness stages of human growth, from before birth to
after death.
What makes Ken Roht’s work unique? The answer is simple: his work is both
cutting-edge and stunningly beautiful. Theatrical productions are rarely
innovative, entertaining, and broadly accessible at the same time. This
combination is compelling and distinctive. Mr. Roht has a singular vision
and only now is beginning to get recognition for years of dedication to his
work. On December 21st, 2003, the Los Angeles Times described Mr. Roht as
“an anarchistic visionary whose time is now.”
"Growing With Ghosts" is a walk-through show, lasting fifty-minutes.
The audience for each performance will be limited to 100 people. In this
way, the experience will be more personal to each audience member. The piece
will be presented for one month, from April 2 - 25, Friday through Sunday, at
7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Please keep in mind that the audience for this
event is limited to 50 people per performance. To avoid disappointment,
please call first to make a reservation.
Reservation line: (323) 226-1230
Information line: (323) 226-1617
The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is located near the corner of
Colorado and Eagle Rock Boulevards, 2225 Colorado Blvd, LA, CA 90041.
Parkingis available at the Bank of America , (but please don’t park in
the spaces reserved for ATM users.)
For additional information regarding Mr. Roht and his company, Orphean Circus,
please check their website, http://www.orpheancircus.com.
For more information on the Center for the Arts, go to http://www.centerartseaglerock.org.
7. TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR MEETING — APRIL 12
Home Tour fans, here’s the latest update from Joanne Turner, co-chair of
TERA’s Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour Committee:
TERA'S HOME TOUR COMMITTEE THANKS EAGLE ROCK!
Thanks to TERA's wonderful members, our Home Tour Committee has
filled all open positions. Let's all look forward to an incredible Home
Tour this October! We'll keep all our readers updated on our progress.
Again, thank you Eagle Rock! What a great town we are!
And, don’t forget, our next Home Tour meeting will
take place Monday, April 12.
For more info, email me at artburn@earthlink.net.
-- Joanne Turner, President Emeritus, The Eagle Rock Association
(TERA)
8. ONCE UPON A STORYTIME — TUESDAY MORNINGS AT EAGLE ROCK LIBRARY —
APRIL 13
Attention Toddlers, infants and preschoolers (and your parents and caretakers!)
The Eagle Rock Branch Library holds preschool story times on
Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The readings are designed to appeal to the
youngest library users and their parents and caregivers. The next story time
will take place this Tuesday, April 13. See you there!
9. NINTH ANNUAL “JACK SMITH TRAIL WALK” -- APRIL 18
The annual Jack Smith Trail Walk, inaugurated nine years ago in honor of
the celebrated author and Los Angeles Times columnist, will take place on
Sunday, April 18. Renamed “The Jack and Denise Smith Trail Walk” in recognition
of the efforts of the late author’s wife to support the Mount Washington School
and other community institutions, the walk consists of a four-mile loop through
the historic and picturesque Mount Washington hillside.
Walkers will depart in small groups between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. from the
tunnel entrance of the Southwest Museum, 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles.
Participation is open to the public and free of charge. Well-behaved dogs on
leashes are welcome.
The trail route, walked at a leisurely pace and taking between two and two and
a half hours, will wind through the slopes of Mount Washington, affording
walkers dramatic vistas of Mt. San Antonio, Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San
Jacinto --Southern California’s highest mountain peaks—as well as panoramic
views of the San Gabriel and Verdugo ranges. Docents will call attention
to many notable craftsman and contemporary architectural landmarks that dot the
area. Walkers will pass hillsides carpeted with blooming wildflowers and
stands of protected black walnut trees, habitat for many wildlife
species. Birdwatchers are encouraged to bring binoculars.
10. WALK HISTORIC ECHO PARK — APRIL 24
Echo Park’s most prominent historic landmarks will be featured during a
walking tour of the neighborhood business district and Echo Park Lake on
Saturday, April. 24. The tour begins at 10:00 a.m. A Spanish-language
version of the tour will be offered at 12 noon. The 1-1/2 hour tour
organized by the Echo Park Historical Society will include the colorful
histories of prominent neighborhood buildings and institutions that have been
recognized by local and national agencies as historic and cultural treasures.
The outdoor tour features Angelus Temple, Jensen’s Recreation Center and
the restored "Lady of the Lake" statue. The tours leave from
the southwest corner of Sunset and Lemoyne Street. The tour group is limited to
20 people. A $3.00 donation is requested for adults. There is no charge
for children under 12 or for Echo Park Historical Society members.
For tour information and reservations, please call (323) 860-8874.
Or visit the Historic Society’s web site at
http://www.HistoricEchoPark.org. The business district and lake tour is part of
the Historic Echo Park Walking Tours program organized by the Echo Park
Historical Society. The tours are held on the fourth Saturday of every month
and rotate among three different routes: Elysian Park, Echo Park
stairways and the business district.
11. BUNGALOW HEAVEN HOME TOUR -- APRIL 25
Celebrating its fifteenth year, the Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood
Association is proud to present Pasadena's premier historic home tour on Sunday,
April 25, 2004, showcasing eight outstanding examples of early twentieth
century architecture, many of which have never before been open to the public.
Hours of this walking tour are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The 2004 Historic Home Tour will feature homes within the Bungalow
Heaven Landmark District of Pasadena, California, which has been featured
in Sunset magazine, USA Today and most recently in the new books Bungalow
Nation and California Cottage Style. Each of the homes on tour is a fine
example of period architecture and style, and docents will be on hand to answer
questions as visitors enjoy this rare and intimate look through the interiors
of these unusual homes in this beautiful, tree-lined district.
From about 1905 to 1920, Bungalow Heaven saw the construction of hundreds of
Craftsman-style homes, and today Pasadena's first official landmark district
contains one of the largest collections of these homes in the nation. Many of
the homes will be decorated in authentic Arts & Crafts-era furniture and
appointments, and tour organizers have once again invited prominent antiques
dealers to furnish the homes in period style. A lecture, "Bungalow Heaven
and the Arts and Crafts Movement," will be presented. Lecture tickets are
$5.
Proceeds from previous Home Tours have funded local renovation efforts, such as
the award-winning MacDonald Park playground. Money raised by the 2004 Home Tour
will continue to fund neighborhood revitalization efforts and community events.
Bungalow Heaven is located north of the 210 (Foothill) Freeway in the heart of
residential Pasadena between the Lake and Hill exits. Home Tour tickets can be
purchased the day of the event at MacDonald Park at the intersection of Mar
Vista Avenue and Mountain Street in Bungalow Heaven. Tickets are $15 the day of
the tour and advance tickets are available for $12 by writing BHNA Tour, P.O.
Box 40812, Pasadena, CA 91114-7812. For recorded information call (626)
585-2172 or visit http://www.bungalowheaven.org.
12. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BRUCE — APRIL 25, 2004
Bruce Marchiano, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the Visual Bible film The
Gospel According to Matthew will speak at New Hope Christian
Fellowship, 777 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock during the 10:30 a.m. worship
service on Sunday, April 25, 2004.
A popular Christian speaker, Marchiano has addressed churches, businesses,
schools, conferences, and other groups around the world to reveal how his faith
went from simple belief in Christ to a profound awareness of God’s powerful
reality in his life. For further details about the services at New Hope
Christian Fellowship or directions to the church, call (626) 836-3199 or visit
the New Hope Website at http://www.newhope4all.org.
13. LA COUNTY ARBORETUM PRESENTS A PLANT SALE & GARDEN
SHOW — MAY 1 – 2
The fun takes place in the big tent in front of Ayres Hall. The Bonanza
is with Arboretum admission: $6 for adults, $4 for seniors over 62, $4 for
students with an ID, children ages 5-12 are $1.50, and under 5 are free
Here are the some of the event’s highlights:
At 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 1, Jill Vig gives a talk called “Plants I
Have Loved.”
At 11:00 a.m. Steve Goto addresses Heirloom Tomatoes. Steve is the owner of
Goto Nursery, and sells his heirloom tomatoes and vegetables to many many
nurseries in Southern California. Don't miss his Top 25 Tomato Picks for
2004! These are the result of Tomato Tastings that Steve did last summer and
fall. Learn all the tricks to successful planting and harvesting of the
best tomatoes for this area. There will be a great selection of his wonderful
tomato plants at the Plant Sale.
At 1:00 p.m., Gary Jones take a look at "Proven Winners for Your
Garden.” Gary is the former owner of Hortus Nursery, and is now with
Armstrong Gardens. He is editor of the California Gardener. Gary will
talk about why these Proven Winners are some of his favorite plants. He
has an amazing ability to combine plants in unique ways so come to his Garden
Chat and be inspired! The plants will also be available at the Baldwin Bonanza
Plant Sale.
At 2:00 p.m. Sharon and Bruce Asakawa take the stock of a Summer Garden.
Authors of numerous books, including California's Gardener's Guide,
as well as subjects such as roses and perennials, Sharon and Bruce have a new
about-to-be published book, California Gardening Rhythms. Books will be
available for signing. And tune in to The Garden Compass radio program
hosted by Bruce and Sharon and other garden experts; you can be hear it
throughout California and part of Arizona every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am
to 10 am.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, Jan Smithen talks about The
Mediterranean Style Garden. For 20 years, Jan taught a variety
of classes at The Arboretum, but was most renown for her Fanatic Gardener class
that had a 2-year waiting list! She is also co-author of a fascinating
and glorious book called Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style, and
speaks frequently on a variety of subjects. This is your chance to hear a
legend without having to be on a wait list! Jan's book will be available
for signing.
At noon, take part in a Floral Demonstration with Wayne Woods. Floral
artist Wayne Woods of The Woods Exquisite Flowers has been delighting gardeners
for the past twenty-five years producing gorgeous, precisely arranged and
selected flowers. Teamed up with his wife Evonne Azar-Woods, a third generation
florist, The Woods has innovated the art of floral design by introducing new and
creative uses for flowers and containers. Wayne will be discussing basic cut
flower care and will demonstrate arrangement composition with unique container
types.
Sunday at 11:00 finds Lili Singer discussing Shade Gardening.
Horticulturist, garden consultant, garden writer with the Los Angeles Times and
other publications, Lili was formerly the publisher and editor of The Southern
California Gardener (1991-99) and The Gardener's Companion (2000-2003),
bimonthly guides to gardening in Southern California. She currently hosts
the Thursday Morning Seminar Series at The Arboretum, informative gatherings
with horticultural specialists, passionate gardeners and landscape
professionals. Lili will discuss the joys and challenges of gardening in
spots with limited sunlight. The session will feature an array of
shade-tolerant flora for moist areas, dry spots and under trees. Plants will be
available at the Baldwin Bonanza Plant Sale.
And, finally, at 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, join Robert Smaus as he looks at “The
Gardener's Year.” Gardening goes on year-round in Southern California
and each month has its special opportunities. There is a natural flow and
rhythm that follows the seasonal changes. This talk looks at when and why we
should do something in the garden and how it fits into the gardener's year.
Robert Smaus was the Garden Editor of the Los Angeles Times for 25 years
(and still writes occasional articles), and before that, was the Southern
California Garden Editor for Sunset Magazine. He has won several awards
for his garden writing, including a citation from the American Horticultural
Society, and is the author of three books, including the best-selling 52 Weeks
in the California Garden. He was also the West Coast host for public
television's "The Victory Garden" for 15 years, and does the
occasional guest expert spots for DIY network garden and landscape shows.
His books will be available for signing.
For more information, please phone (626) 821 - 4624. Or email: Jill.Berry@arboretum.org.
A PROJECT OF THE COMMON GROUND GARDEN PROGRAM.
Volunteers of the Common Ground Garden Program help low-income and
limited-resource county residents to grow and eat more nutritious vegetables
and fruits. Programs include Master Gardener volunteers (seasonal
gardening presentations) and Fresh From The Garden volunteers (simple nutrition
and food safety presentations). We work primarily with community gardens,
school gardens, seniors, and homeless and battered women's shelters.
14. SAVING THE GOLDEN STATE — MAY 8, 15, 22
“California
Politics: Can we Save the Golden State?”
Saturday, May 8th, 15th and 22nd
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Occidental College, Johnson Hall, Room 311
Mona Field, TERA member and President of the LA Community College
District Board of Trustees, will teach a Saturday afternoon course at
Occidental College called “California Politics: Can we Save the Golden
State?” The course will be offered in a discussion format that
tackles current issues, including the state budget deficit, upcoming ballot
measures, local government challenges and more.
Mona is a Professor of Political Science at Glendale Community College.
The tenth edition of her book, California Government and Politics
Today, has just been published. For further information, contact
UCLA Extension at http://uclaextension.edu/capolitics or call (310)
825-2272.
15. DAHLIA DAYS IS COMING! AND YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! -- MAY 8
(On Caspar Ave., just off Eagle Rock
and Colorado Boulevards)
The Dahlia Days committee needs vendors and volunteers for this gala annual
event. And there are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities available.
Call (626) 577-9944 or (323) 881-4618!
Dahlia Days is offered with the kind generosity of State Senator Jack Scott,
Assemblymember Carol Liu, Supervisor Gloria Molina, and Councilmember
Antonio Villaraigosa.
For more information and vendor applications, call (626) 577-9944 or (323)
881-4618.
16. WE'VE GOT MAIL
Here’s the latest correspondence from John Nugent and Jennifer Morgan, who
first wrote the e.letter a few months back to solicit feedback on their
proposal to open a full service wine store in Eagle Rock. Apparently the
feedback they received was positive enough to inspire these intrepid
entrepreneurs to move all the way from New Jersey to our town, where they’re in
the process of setting their plan in motion. Here’s John to tell us all
about it:
”Just wanted to give you an update on our progress [on the Wine Shop.]
As of this past weekend, Jennifer and I are now living in Eagle Rock and
have already assumed the lease of the old Gallery Ophelia space for the
new wine store. It will take 6 - 8 months to get the city paperwork
pushed through, so, barring any unforeseen issues, we're planning on a grand
opening in Fall '04. Also, we have settled on a name:
Colorado Wine Company
“That's it. We've been keeping tabs on Eagle Rock through the TERA
e.letter and can't wait to start meeting more people in the neighborhood.”
-- John Nugent and Jennifer Morgan, Fair Park Avenue, Eagle Rock
Thanks for keeping us informed, John and Jennifer! And best of luck as
you make your way through the labyrinth of paperwork and red tape that stands
between you and opening day. We’ll meet you on the other side in the
fall! Meantime if we see you in the store hammering nails and
setting up counters, we’ll be sure to give a wave.
* * *
“Friends,
“My wife and I own a 42-year old home in the Round Top neighborhood of Eagle
Rock. Over the years we have developed a beautiful Zen-style garden, with
many artifacts of Japan, plants native to that land, and two ponds.
It has been the subject of tours by various organizations interested
in Oriental culture in past years.
“Initially we had a fine young Japanese gardener who loved it at the same level
as we do, and who cared for it beautifully. After he decided to change
careers several years ago, we have searched unsuccessfully for someone who was
actually "a gardener," and was willing to treat our garden, in the
whole and each individual element, as his own interest. We now have a
nice gentleman, who with his crew mow and blow quite well. But this does
not meet the needs of the garden, and since my activities have not decreased
with advancing age, it is a little beyond me.
“I wonder if anyone reading this might be able to direct me to some organization
or agency through which I might find a real gardener for our home? Or to
an individual, if one comes to mind. I would appreciate it very much, and
I know that our koi, pine trees, bamboo, etc. would as well.
“Thanks for your help!”
-- Art Snyder, Lawndale Drive, Eagle Rock
If you have any ideas or recommendations you’d like to pass along to former
14th district councilmember Art Snyder, please email him directly at:
ArtSnyder@aol.com.
* * *
We welcome your comments,
complaints and/or compliments on the e.letter or any other topic of interest to
greater Eagle Rock. Please address your message to e.letter@TERA90041.org, and include your full
name, along with your city, neighborhood or professional affiliation.
Opinions expressed in the e.letter's "We've Got Mail" section
do not necessarily reflect the views of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA), the
e.letter editor, or The Eagle Rock Association Board of Directors, who reserve
the right to publish letters or other materials submitted to the e.letter at
their sole discretion. Letters or other material chosen for publication
may be edited for style, clarity and brevity. Please let us know if you do
not wish to have your comments appear in the e.letter.
17. THE LAST WORD —
CHINESE PROVERB
”Distant relatives are not as important as
nearby neighbors.”
-- Chinese proverb
Distributed weekly via
email and as a regular feature on various internet discussion groups, the TERA
e.letter is read by well over 2000 readers with an interest in Eagle Rock and
Northeast Los Angeles. Please encourage interested friends to send their
full name and email address to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org
so we can keep them informed, too.
If you have changed your email address or would like to be removed from this
list, send us an email to e.letter@TERA90041.org
with the word(s) "remove" or "address change" in the
subject box, as appropriate.
If you have a press release, letter of comment, question or other notice that
you feel might be of interest to the Eagle Rock community, send it to e.letter@TERA90041.org. Your announcement -- in the form of an
email text message, (no attachments, please) -- must be in our hands by noon on
Monday to be considered for inclusion in that week's issue.
TERA -- The Eagle Rock Association -- YOUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION -- http://www.TERA90041.org --
P. O. Box 41453, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 -- (323) 259-TERA -- a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit public benefit corporation
The TERA e.letter
The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Vince Waldron, editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org