TERA Statement of Purpose and Mission: The mission of this organization is to work for improvement of the quality of life in the Eagle Rock Community in Los Angeles, California, by providing research and education about Eagle Rock, participating in land-use planning activities, and promoting positive community growth and beautifi cation. TERA is a T H E E A G L E R O C K A S S O C I A T I O N T E R AINVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY non-profi t 501(C)(3) organization.

FALL 2010 P.O. BOX 41453 • EAGLE ROCK, CA 90041• 323. 799.1190 • www.tera90041.org

PAST PRESIDENTS KATHLEEN ABERMAN 1986 – 1995 TIM SANDERS 1995 - 1997 JOANNE TURNER 1997 – 2003 HILLARY NORTON OROZCO 2003 – 2005 MICHAEL THARP 2005 – 2007 MARIA NAZARIO 2007 - 2009

T E R A 2010-2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOB GOTHAM PRESIDENT

JOAN MACNEIL VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER

JAMELA GURICAN SECRETARY

MAURA DUVAL GRIFFIN KEITH LOUIE MARIA NAZARIO ARTHUR NAKATA From Where Eagles Soar SARA JANE THIES MARY TOKITA • by Keely Myres agle Rock High School has long been a beacon of hope shining through the LAUSD fog. IN THIS ISSUE In the past few years, the high school has really begun to excel – consistently sending Pg 1 From Where Eagles Soar E students off to prestigious colleges, increasing the graduation rate, and proving itself as a well-rounded educator. The proof is in the numbers:

Pg 6 Ped Power • Ranked in the top 6% of all public high schools in the nation in 2009 and 2010 by News- week Magazine (In 2009, it was #393 of the top 1500, and in 2010 it was ranked #650 out of the top 1600). Pg 7 Deep Roots Thin Crust http://www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools/ list.html with Salami CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

TERA FALL 2010 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

• by Bob Gotham, TERA President T E R A NEWSLETTER STAFF s I begin my second year as president of TERA, I want to acknowledge that at the end of any accomplishment of a community EDITOR A activist group like TERA, there is nothing that can be MIKE WOODWARD accomplished individually. With that thought, my [email protected] great appreciation is extended to the members of the 2009 – 2010 board. They worked hard individually WRITERS and as a team to help further our mission, goals and BOB GOTHAM make Eagle Rock a little better. KEELY MYERS MIKE WOODWARD Recently a prominent Eagle Rock resident said to me “The thing I like about TERA is that the DESIGNER organization tries to make Eagle Rock the best it GEORGINA REYES can be. It doesn’t try to make Eagle Rock into DISEÑO GRAPHIICS something it isn’t.” Initially I did not fully [email protected] appreciate the signifi cance of his comment. However, as it resonated in my mind I understood and appreciated more the signifi cance PRINTER of his comment. WARREN PRINTING & MAILING [email protected] When I moved here 22 years ago, the community was already ethnically and economically diverse. Most communities, including Eagle Rock, were experiencing ADVERTISING growth as a result of an economy that I wish we had today. Many communities did not JOAN MACNEIL recognize that they were reaching a fork in the road, that the development decisions [email protected] made then would leave a heavy imprint on their community for many years. Strip malls and restaurant chains were proliferating. Zoning guidelines provided little incentive for eLETTER EDITOR new business development to take the steps needed to retain the pedestrian friendly small BOB GOTHAM town atmosphere of the past. [email protected] The Eagle Rock Association was born over twenty years ago out of the desire to WEBMASTER protect a historic structure scheduled for demolition. Keeping this worthwhile structure ARTHUR NAKATA became one of TERA’s mantras – historic preservation. Recognizing that there is a [email protected] symbiotic relationship between the business and residential communities was also a guiding factor in TERA’s efforts. We fought against the proliferation of more strip malls. © 2008 TERA These efforts were perceived by some as anti-business. However, that never was TERA’s mind-set. Time has proven that strip malls diminish rather than enhance the quality of a neighborhood. TERA simply did not buy into the notion that any business is a good business for the neighborhood. Preserving the things that are special about Eagle Rock VOLUNTEER TODAY and encouraging new businesses that have a vested interest in Eagle Rock and fi t into the fabric of our neighborhood, was, and is still our goal. Interested in getting Today Eagle Rock businesses continue to cater to a wide economic and ethnic diver- involved ? sity. For the most part business owners are not sitting in a corporate offi ce in Chicago or New York. They are local and an important part of our community. Eagle Rock residents Write or call us at: still get riled up about what is happening here, go to community meetings and come elec- P.O. Box 41453 tion time, they vote! Happily, Eagle Rock is still a small town in a big city. Eagle Rock, CA 90041 An extremely important legacy of TERA’s efforts came to my attention recently as I pre- (323) 799-1190 pared to review a new development proposal with the TERA Board. TERA, as the preemi- nent land-use community group, and other community groups, worked closely with the [email protected]

2 TERA FALL 2010 AUTO C Z E T N T N E A

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R CD-14 Council Office to support the development of the Colorado � lete Auto R mp epa Boulevard Specific Plan. The goals of this plan are to: Co ir • Increase diversity in Eagle Rock’s business base. • Place a premium on aesthetics in our business district. RANTZ • Make our business district more pedestrian-friendly. AUTO CENTER • Attract the businesses Eagle Rock needs. Mechanical, Electrical & Upholstery This plan established guidelines that have enhanced the Colorado Busi- Certified Automotive Master Technician ness District over time, and will continue to do so for the indefinite future. A treasure trove of businesses resides on Eagle Rock Boulevard. Perhaps it (323) 259-0641 is time to explore a similar plan for that boulevard. 1941 W. Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041 The Eagle Rock community continues to be recognized as a very special place. TERA, collaborating with and supporting many other community groups, works to make this place the best it can be. Eagle Rock has not lost its identity; it has not morphed into something else. It has remained a place for many languages, many colors and many economic brackets. It has jealously guarded its small town character. Finally, I seem unable to write anything for TERA without ending on a plea for membership. One of the benefits of membership is discounts to TERA members offered by local merchants. Many thanks to EARNING YOUR TRUST FOR 5 GENERATIONS! the merchants listed below for their support of TERA and our members. • Complete Diagnostic • Brakes & Alignment • Blue Dot Acai & Yogurt Parfait • Camilo’s California Bistro • Electric Tune Up • Auto/Manual Transmission • Coffee Table • Colorado Wine Co • Fuel Injection • Engine Overhaul • Four Cafe • The Loft Hair Lounge • Auto Electric • Towing Available • Spitz • Swork • Tire & Balance • Upholstery & Auto Glass If you are not a member, and appreciate TERA’s efforts, I urge you All Work 100% Guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 Miles. to become a member and help support our work on behalf of the commu- C O U P O N S nity. You may use the enclosed envelope or go to www.tera90041.org and ✁ ✁ sign up. At our website you may also sign up for the TERA eLetter that is Warranty Maintenance Special 30-60-90 Thousand Mile Service published multiple times per month. Keep Your Vehicle Dependable & 00 Reliable with Maintenance & Warranty! $20. Best regards, The service required at these intervals vary considerably by manufacturer. There are many inspection that need OFF to be performed as well, so let us suggest the best path Exp: 12/31/10 to take when it comes to these important services. Coupon valid only if presented at time of purchase. Most cars. Not valid with any other offer. Rantz Auto Center•1941 W. Colorado Blvd•Eagle Rock, CA 90041

BOB GOTHAM Premium Oil Change TERA PRESIDENT “For Faster Service - Please Call Ahead for an Appointment” • Chassis Lubrication (If Applicable) • 5 Quarts Oil (10w30 only) + Oil Filter 95 • Preventative Maintenance Inspection $25. • Top Off Fluids Exp: 12/31/10 • Check Tire Pressure

Coupon valid only if presented at time of purchase. Most cars. Not valid with any other offer. Warm. Fuzzy. Edgy. Rantz Auto Center•1941 W. Colorado Blvd•Eagle Rock, CA 90041 Brake Service We deliver: • Savings Off Our Regular Price. 00 • Front Disc or Rear Drum $20. ��������������� • Install New Pads or Shoes ������������������� • Inspect System OFF • Resurface Rotors or Drums Exp: 12/31/10 �������������������������� Coupon valid only if presented at time of purchase. ������������������������ furryteeth.com | 323.254.4546 Most cars. Not valid with any other offer. Rantz Auto Center•1941 W. Colorado Blvd•Eagle Rock, CA 90041

TERA FALL 2010 3 If you have Editor’s Letter a story or stories to tell, there are • by Michael Woodward several ways to make it known. Potpourri You can email the committee at the web site, you can email ext year is the Centennial Year the editor of this for this community. I want to publication at N take this space to give some [email protected], or you can sign recognition to the planning activities for the sheet that will be available at the the coming celebration and mention a few Eagle Rock Music Festival. individuals in this effort. Do the television weather broadcasts The Eagle Rock Centennial Com- make you crazy? Are you tired of Fritz mittee is currently trying to coordinate or Dallas telling that they are going to celebrations for the big year. They have give you the forecast in the “next” a web site: http://www.eaglerockcenten- segment? Do websites like “weather. nial.com. This Committee is ably chaired com” or “accuweather” leave you cold? by Valerie Dawson, and the project is There is a homegrown alternative. in conjunction with the Collaborative Try http://hammerandsaw.com. It’s Eagle Rock Beautiful (CERB). Eagle Rock specifi c weather. You no Maura Duval Griffi n represents longer have to take the Pasadena and TERA on the committee. The Eagle Rock Burbank temperatures and try to average Association has made a promise of a them; it turns out someone in our fair $500 contribution to the effort. TERA village has a thermometer and is willing is also exploring the potential of public to share. meetings themed to the celebration. The site is straightforward and One of the fund-raising projects is a easy to navigate without the annoying DVD of pictures of historic Eagle Rock. pop-ups that occur on some weather Photos are solicited from anyone who sites. Try it out. might have them. The man taking the Finally, as the last days of summer lead on this project is Paul Harrison. die down I look back on the highlight He is looking for photos “with heart,” of this season: the Fourth of July celebra- by which he means those that have a tion at our park. Without pretense, or story to go with them - something that surcharge, everyone who attended had connects with the people of Eagle Rock a great time. There was the happy may- then or now. If you have such photos hem of Frisbee games occurring in the contact the Committee through their web middle of soccer games and each of the site, or directly contact Mr. Harrison at participants glad to give “a little help.” [email protected]. The atmosphere was low key but Another project the Centennial Com- festive. I saw many people walking up mittee is considering is an idea put for- to the park and others getting off the bus ward by your humble editor. This would to attend. It was a neighborhood event involve collecting stories from Eagle Rock in the truest sense of the word, and it residents about the place we all live and was Eagle Rock at its best. recording them. Shamelessly ripped off from Public If you missed it, come next year. Radio’s Story Corps project, this would Several of us leaned on our Council- be specifi c to Eagle Rock. We would not man to continue the event into the be looking only for stories from the “old future. Not that much arm-twisting days,” but from anyone who has a good was required. Mr. Huizar seemed to be story to tell about our neighborhood. bubbling over with the same joy that Absent a better name maybe we’ll call it infected the rest of the crowd. Story Core (get it?). Eagle Rock fever: catch it!

4 TERA FALL 2010 Becerra’s staff. Additionally, the num- From Where Eagles Soar ber of Eagle Rock students who have CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 returned to the high school they gradu- ated from to teach the next generation • Received a Silver Medal from US News is amazing (Richard Martinez, Mark in their ranking of American’s best Jovanelly, Philip Christ, among others). high schools. http://www.usnews.com/ Many people have described Eagle Rock sections/education/high-schools/ as a small town within the big city and • Received an API score of 717, which nothing shows that better than all the is the second highest score in Local people who return to their hometown to District 4 for both junior and senior give back in some way. high school. So what is happening at Eagle Rock • Graduation rate has improved greatly High School lately that is causing such in the past five years – going from great success? 67% of seniors graduating to 92% for Salvador Velasco, the principal at the Class of 2010. Eagle Rock High School since 2005, has • College-going culture: 95.88% of been on a mission to raise the graduation graduates attend post-secondary edu- rate. Velasco himself is a product of the cational institutions. Of that 95.88%, public school system – he was an ESL 41.68% attend a 4-year college or student growing up in Los Angeles. He university and 54.2% attend a 2-year had a dream of teaching at Eagle Rock community college. High School. Becoming principal at the school was the fulfillment of a long- The college-bound culture’s momen- time goal. When he began his role as tum is building and the results are pretty principal, Velasco’s mission was to instill remarkable. The number of top seniors the expectation that students at ERHS getting into the best schools is increas- graduate from high school and go on to ing and the lower ranks are graduating college. He pushes a rigorous academic with the expectation of going to college curriculum as a way for students to as well. The Class of 2010 had 482 master the skills they really need to students: 212 are going to community pursue their dreams for the future. colleges, 138 are going to California Velasco is known for being easy to work State Universities and 43 are going into with and dedicated to doing everything the University of California system. he can to help the students succeed. The list of private colleges for the According to Richard Martinez, ERHS Class of 2010 is extensive as teacher, athletic director and magnet well: Occidental, USC, Pitzer, Mt. Saint coordinator at Eagle Rock, as well as a Mary’s, University of San Francisco, Class of 1995 graduate, the cause is not Woodbury, Azusa Pacific, Harvard, Yale, necessarily a recent policy change at the Brown, Vassar, Boston University, Boston school. He explains that in the early College, NYU, Carleton, Dickinson, 2000s a group of teachers came together Hampshire, Marlboro, and U Penn are who really work well together. Over all on the list. the past few years this core group has Beyond the graduation statistics are set the bar high for students, making the the real-life success stories of Eagle Rock academics much more rigorous than in graduates. Many students go on to do the past. There is a friendly competition wonderful things for their community. between the teachers to make their A very small number of examples in- classes more demanding, and even cludes: Daniel Steiner, Class of 1995, to start higher level classes in areas who is currently the Title 1 Coordina- in which they have expertise, such as tor for the school; Jose Loya, Class of Martinez’s AP Psychology program (his 2006, who graduated from Brown this major at Yale). This has created a wider year and is doing public policy work in variety of higher-level classes so that D.C.; Jacob Stevens, Class of 2004, who students have more options, resulting in graduated from Occidental after getting more seniors staying on campus instead a full ride scholarship and is currently a member of Representative Xavier CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

TERA FALL 2010 5 What if we made our neighborhoods through MickeyD’s to get them breakfast more friendly to walkers and cyclists? on the way. Ped The next speaker was Fred Kent, There has been a lot of talk about President of the Project for Public the “obesity epidemic” in our society. Spaces, who could have been Mr. Fenton does not use that term. He Power talking about TERA’s vision of Eagle prefers to call it an inactivity and poor Rock when he said that, “...the idea is nutrition epidemic. “Inactivity and • by Michael Woodward to turn a neighborhood from a place poor nutrition kill more people in this you can’t wait to get through to one you country than any other cause except e have a problem in our city. never want to leave.” tobacco.” Since that information came Our people are out of shape One of the most inspiring speakers from a study several years old he won- and our air is polluted. of the day was Mark Fenton. To call dered if tobacco had not been replaced W as number one on the hit parade. We eat too much junk food and we drive- Mr. Fenton a walking advocate would be through to get it. Now our seas are full of to grossly understate the degree of his Then he cited the most disturbing the oil that should have been used to power commitment. He is a walking fanatic. trend of all, “As a result of the inactivity our sloth. and poor nutrition the current genera- Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a tion may be the fi rst in our history with simple solution to these problems? a shorter life span than the previous generation.” Actually there is: walking. So, at the risk of sounding like a On behalf of The Eagle Rock politician: How do we get the country, Association, I attended a pedestrian or at least Eagle Rock, moving again? symposium sponsored by the Metropoli- tan Transportation Authority. TERA has It is not by getting people to join a an interest in calming traffi c through gym. It is not by having health fairs at our neighborhood not only to prevent which we hand out water bottles. It is tragedies like last year’s fatalities on not by forcing people or guilting them Colorado Boulevard, but also to remove into exercise programs. some of that frenetic quality a trip to One of the easiest ways to get your Trader Joe’s now involves. Eagle Rock recommended amount of exercise is residents should not have to feel they are to take the bus. The average bus rider taking their lives in their hands when walks about ten or fi fteen minutes to they go out to buy cheese and wine. reach a stop then another bit to reach Kicking off the daylong seminar their ultimate destination. And there and moderating the speakers was Robin He is also a former race walker who tried you have it: all the exercise you need Blair, the Director of Planning for the out for the Olympics in 1984 and 1988. without joining a gym or buying MTA, who set the tone saying, “We’re He is a very dynamic speaker who equipment and your car will last longer spending our resources to make our- moved the audience as he prowled the as well. selves unhealthy.” We burn fossil fuels stage making his presentation. It is by having local places that are to get to a fast food joint to buy enough The fi rst thing he did was to ask the attractive to walk. It is by having conve- grease to begin our own fossilization, audience how many of them had grown nient public transit. It may even be by hardening our arteries and shortening up as “free range kids.” In other words, having fewer places to park and more our lives. how many had walked to school, played places to sit down. Many of these things we have all pick-up games as opposed to games Some of that has already been heard before. We eat too much junk; organized by adults, and had engaged accomplished. The Eagle Rock Music we do not get enough exercise. Yadda, in risky childhood behaviors like Festival turns our throughway into a yadda, yadda. And our response is the tree-climbing. Most of us had. village one night a year. The maturing same as well: “I’m going to start going Then he asked how many allowed street trees planted by Northeast Trees to the gym.” Or “I’m going to start their own children to do such things. are changing the ambience of Colorado running.” Far fewer hands went up. A previous Boulevard making it a more pleasant The truth is we don’t. We start out speaker had noted that up to one-third place to walk. New restaurants and with good intentions, but then some- of morning traffi c is parents taking their shops are transforming the once thing comes up. The gym is out of the children to school. Besides clogging moribund business district into a way. Running under the skies produced the roads, Mr. Fenton noted, this results pedestrian destination. by the 134 Freeway makes your lungs in “less peer interaction and much less hurt. Walking around a track is boring. exercise.” It gets worse if you drive CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

6 TERA FALL 2010 Deep Roots and Thin Crust with Salami • By Michael Woodward he best single thing about editing Eagle Rock High, was there working. As this little newsletter is that it gives has been noted here before, everything Tme an excuse to meet some in Eagle Rock is intertwined. wonderful people. With this issue of the The home was purchased by Don’s Newsletter, I got to do it again. parents in 1948. It had been a part of Don Dustine is an old Eagle Rock the old Schumacher groves of lemons hand, having lived here much of his life. and oranges. Don’s grandfather had His wife Kitty is a newcomer by Eagle worked the Roscoe farm in what is now Rock standards, only moving here in the Panorama City. The family later moved last quarter century. down to Cazador Street, just down the The original impetus for a News- hill from Eagle Rock. letter article was that Don and Kitty As a traditional Italian family they, are living in a home once occupied by of course, made their own wine. When his parents and grandparents, where they moved to Eagle Rock, they moved they gardened organically before there quickly to make it a home, which meant was such a term. People told me that, digging a wine cave. Over the years that because of my interest in gardening, we has been improved and now stores the would have a great time together. I was one hundred fi fty gallons of wine the looking forward to seeing a garden that family makes each year; that takes a ton was the result of three generations of of grapes, literally. composting. Both of the Dustines are now retired, The current garden was put together but during their working lives were by Willie Nakatani, formerly the Horti- educators with the Los Angeles School culture and Agriculture teacher at Eagle District. For many years Kitty was the Rock High. For years it was maintained assistant principal at Eagle Rock High by Giovanni Davi, the man with the School. Don was a music teacher, greenest thumb in Eagle Rock. The day eventually becoming the Director of before I got there Chris Tokita, who is Performing Arts for the district. featured in Ms Keely Myres’ article on CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Dustin’s Outdoor Living Room

TERA FALL 2010 7 Their love of good food and good encouraged such organizations. They Deep Roots friends became even more apparent said that in earlier days, each of the eth- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 when Don said that, “We spend so much nic groups represented by the teachers, time trying to eat what’s good for us, we as diverse a group as our student popu- I was beginning to despair, what don’t eat what’s good.” Pizza may not be lation, had its own dinners. They said in about the gardening? Usually when you health food, but it tastes good and shar- unison, “Everybody went to everybody talk with gardeners, the conversation ing it with friends makes it taste even else’s dinners. It was a great way of runs to things like, “Where did you get better. bringing the faculties together.” Appar- your manure?” Or, “What do you do Now I understood what people had ently such celebrations have fallen victim about nematodes?” None of that was been telling me about this couple. They to our more politically correct times happening. are great entertainers who make every- and our ever more cautious leaders. Then the conversation turned to one feel at home in their home. Kitty As our time together drew to a close, food. Then it was the Dustines who brought out biscotti while Don made I could no longer think of it as just an blossomed. We talked about great meals espresso. Not content with feeding me interview; I asked if they had anything we had had. They told of a restaurant there they sent me home with a bottle of they would change about present-day outside of Rome where they bring a doz- homemade Cabernet; it was delightful. Eagle Rock. Don’s response was imme- en different types of salami to your table They mentioned their regret at diate and forceful, “Colorado Boulevard: to sample. Don said, “You can’t do that not being able to host a dinner for the the traffic is horrible.” sort of thing here, because of the FDA.” TERA fundraiser, “Guess Who’s Com- An then he was off, “Why do we Then we took a look around the ing to Dinner.” They are obligated to have six lanes running through Eagle yard. Fond as they are of their garden, an annual dinner for the AEIOU, the Rock when there are only four coming where Kitty claims to get the “fattest American Educators of Italian Origin, from Glendale and four coming from earthworms I’ve ever seen,” what really United, which conflicted this year. Pasadena?” He knew the answer, made their eyes light up was the outdoor Both Don and Kitty expressed disap- pizza oven. pointment that the LAUSD no longer CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

8 TERA FALL 2010 Garden Spot

• by Michael Woodward benefi ts of mulch you must increase the amount of nitrogen you add to your Mulch Madness garden. Mulch helps control annual weeds. t has been said by some, notably my A heavy layer of mulch, approximately wife, that I am sometimes “over the four to six inches, will prevent the young top,” especially when it comes to weed seeds from reaching the sunshine I after sprouting. If you have more perni- gardening. This is, no doubt, true. cious weeds, such as Bermuda grass There is a new wrinkle in my putting newspaper under the layer of gardening obsessions; I have an enabler. mulch will starve that plant of necessary The City of Los Angeles offers free sunlight. mulch and, both personally and as the In the Community Garden we are manager of the Community Garden, using free mulch delivered by the City of I could not be happier. Los Angeles. They bring it to us in incre- Before I tell the secrets of the City’s ments of fi fteen cubic yards. To give you free mulch I would like to sing the an idea of how much fi fteen yards is, a praises of this amendment. full-sized pick up truck with an eight The fi rst thing that mulch does is foot bed will hold about three yards to decrease the amount of water needed when the bed is full, mounded as high in the garden, simply by slowing the as the top of the cab. evaporation rate. Without mulch the soil Two caveats obtain here. The fi rst is in your garden gives up its water, crack- that you must have an off-street site, like ing and wrinkling. This not only puts your driveway, available. The second is additional stress on plants, but increases that you must be able to take at least a the amount of dust both in the air and in half-load of the material, or seven and your house. a half yards; the City cannot deliver Another benefi t of mulch is that it smaller loads. softens and completes the look of the The contact for this mulch is garden unifying the entire space with Matthew Wood. Send Mr. Wood an a single theme, whether that theme is email [email protected] . He or wood chips or alfalfa. members of his crew will inspect your Dave’s Chillin-n-Grillin is Mulch also enriches the soil as it site and, if it is feasible, they will deliver it. officially recognized as the Best in the City! This coveted honor was bestowed on Dave’s breaks down because mulch is “digested” Be aware that fi fteen cubic yards is Chillin-n-Grillin by CitySearch, America’s #1 by the earth through mushrooms and an overwhelming amount of material for Online Dinning Guide in the category of other fungus. Each kind of mulch brings most homeowners. Another way to con- sandwich shop - Rating 9.2. Gridskipper. com recently ranked the Smoothies of Los with it the seeds of its own destruction; sider the quantity is to remember that Angeles - ours was rated at 2! Come see what each kind of mulch requires a different a standard wheelbarrow will hold two all the hoopla is about! Experts have spoken sort of fungal action to become part of cubic feet and there are twenty-seven and they can’t be wrong! the soil. cubic feet to a cubic yard. Open Til The Bread Runs Out A word should be said about the cost If this seems a little too much mulch Seven Days a Week! of the breaking down process. The price for you consider the free mulch and Mon - Sat 11am - 8 pm is nitrogen. It takes nitrogen in the soil compost available at the City yard at 850 Sunday 12 noon - 8 pm to produce green growth in plants and North Mission Road in Boyle Heights, (323) 490-0988 it takes nitrogen to facilitate the break- CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 2152 Colorado Blvd. • Eagle Rock, CA 90041 down of mulch. In order to reap the full

TERA FALL 2010 9 TERA Unrestricted Funds: These TERA 2009 - 2010 funds consist of operating checking and savings accounts. Monies are available to fund TERA’s operational activities such as FINANCIAL REPORT administration, insurance, public meetings, printed newsletter, e-letter, community garden, fundraisers, membership drive, TERA 2009 - 2010 Financial Report and other activities. TERA Restricted Funds: These Asse ts (Balances as of Fiscal Year End - June 30, 2010) funds are reserved for specific projects or purposes. Unrestricted Funds 2010 2009 Operating Savings Account $16,077 $12,380 The Beautification Fund was estab- Operating Checking Account $2,710 $2,953 lished by Council District 14 in 2003, dedi- cated to fund an Eagle Rock Monument. Total $18,787 $15,333 In this fiscal year, as the Fund Administra- tor, TERA expended $3,044 on the Wiota Restricted Funds Circle Monument at the base of the Beautification Fund $4,521 $8,116 Colorado Exit of the 134 Freeway. The ERCPR / DOT Match $3,000 $3,000 Beautification Fund balance of $3,348 at Cenennial Celebration $500 $0 fiscal year end remains allocated to the Community Garden $1,328 $1,752 Monument for final construction and future TERA Contingency Fund $15,000 $15,000 maintenance costs. Total $24,349 $27,868 The mosaic art cans (Eagle Rock Make Art Not Trash — ERMANT) were installed Net Assets $43,136 $43,201 in the spring of 2009. TERA expended $576 in payment of installment wrap-up expenses in this current fiscal year. The STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES balance of $1,173 is allocated for future maintenance costs. Income 2010% 2010 2009 The ERCPR/DOT Match Fund was Administration 0.66% $152 $481 reinstituted in March of this fiscal year sup- Beautification 0.11% $25 $0 porting ERCPR’s new application with the Community Garden 7.01% $1,630 $1,240 California Department of Transportation for Donations 1.29% $300 $295 creation of an overall plan (including park- ing) for Colorado Boulevard. TERA’s Board Fundraiser 51.25% $11,918 $359 of Directors voted to pledge $3,000, to be Insurance 0.00% $0 $81 paid in $1,000 increments over 3 years, Membership 36.90% $8,580 $9,391 should the grant be funded. Outreach 2.39% $555 $1,941 Public Meetings 0.40% $93 $107 The Eagle Rock Centennial. The TERA Board of Directors voted to allocate Total 100.00% $23,253 $13,895 $500 to the Centennial Committee for Eagle Rock’s centennial celebration. Expenses 2010% 2010 2009 The Eagle Rockdale Community Administration 14.52% $3,386 $4,002 Garden and Art Park finances are handled Beautification 15.74% $3,671 $19,555 by TERA. The garden is self-sustaining and Community Garden 9.46% $2,207 $2,987 its account balance as of June 30, 2010 is Donations 5.68% $1,325 $575 $1,328. Fundraiser 23.54% $5,490 $0 Overall Comments Insurance 4.88% $1,139 $1,570 Membership 4.16% $970 $100 TERA expended approximately $4,500 Outreach 17.88% $4,169 $3,525 in reserved beautification funds in this Public Meetings 4.12% $961 $1,064 fiscal year primarily due to the wrap-up 100.00% $23,318 $33,378 expenses of the ERMANT project and additional work completed on the Wiota Circle Monument. Newsletter advertising Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets ($65) revenue was billed shortly after the close

10 TERA FALL 2010 of this fi scal year and income will be Manager and former board member, TERA has historically prepared refl ected in the new fi scal year. enjoy the bounty of their organic and fi led tax returns on a calendar year TERA’s successful 2010 Guess vegetables and enjoy the community basis and prepared its fi nancial reports Who’s Coming to Dinner fundraiser fellowship in a lovely garden. Individu- using a June 30 fi scal year end. This netted $6,428. Kudos to the Fundraiser als and businesses support TERA with has resulted in excess work for the Committee members and the volunteers their membership dollars and many treasurer in closing the books twice a for their hard work. A big thank you other volunteers regularly assist in the year. Earlier this year, the TERA board to all our host families and those who ongoing work of TERA. voted to change TERA’s fi scal year from attended or contributed in other ways to Eagle Rock businesses support the June 30 to the calendar year. To transi- its success. TERA newsletter with their advertising tion to the new calendar fi scal year, the contributions. In addition, a number Treasurer will prepare and publish a This last year was again a productive short year (July 1, 2010 – December 31, year for TERA and Eagle Rock. We of businesses are offering discounts to TERA members. Look for information 2010) fi scal year report early next year. could not have accomplished what we Following that short year report, future did without the support of many in the on participating businesses in the e-letter, newsletters and TERA’s website. fi nancial reports (2011 and following) community. The ERMANT project, will be published as soon as convenient coordinated by former board member The fi nancial report does not refl ect at the beginning of each calendar year. Pauline Mauro, continues to be the invaluable property development supported by Eagle Rock businesses who monitoring work of TERA. That is The success of TERA truly is due to adopted and empty the trash from the because the work has been funded the fi nancial support of its members, the cans on a regular basis. The Wiota Cir- exclusively by volunteer hours. Special dedication of its volunteers and the sup- cle Monument is shepherded by Dave thanks is owed to retiring board member port of Eagle Rock community at large. and Helen Gustavson and makes a Frank Parrello who for so many years If you have any questions, please welcoming setting to those entering carefully monitored the many potential contact me at [email protected] Eagle Rock from the freeway exit at Col- and actual projects proposed for our or (323) 799-1190. orado. The Eagle Rock Community community to ensure that they adhered Respectfully submitted, Garden & Art Park volunteer gardeners to the Master Plan. led by Mike Woodward, Garden Joan MacNeil, Treasurer

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TERA FALL 2010 11 Ann and Eric serving your real estate and investment needs.

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Julio Gonzalez Broker/President Office (818) 242-4777 Hablamos Español Toll Free (800) 636-2211 but during the planning and permitting upon and the developer agreed to pro- Thanks, stages. vide public meeting space, in exchange As an example of the level of mi- for a variance in FAR (fl oor area ratio). nutiae that has to be examined, when The developer then permitted a different Frank Occidental College was beginning to talk FAR, the height exceeds what was agreed about its development plans Frank no- on and no one has seen those public • by Mike Woodward ticed a little anomaly. One of the clauses meeting spaces. would have allowed Occidental to build The moral of that story is “get it in uly fi rst Mr. Frank Parrello a hotel on the campus. writing.” This same developer wants retired from the TERA board. to build on the land next to Colorado Some readers may recall that I Going into competition with the J Hiltons was obviously not the intention Terrace and will again come to the com- once compared him to Virgil leading Dante munity to ask co-operation. We will be through the seven circles of the Inferno of the College. And they are making counting our fi ngers. as he tried, very patiently, to explain the efforts to be responsive to the commu- vagaries of city planning to me. From what nity. Still, if this were allowed to slide by As Mr. Parrello points out, “these I have learned, Dante had it easy; city in 2010, then other planners would have are not really bad guys.” They are trying planning is extremely complicated. a loophole through which they could to make a living in a very diffi cult trade have driven a hotel. and look to the exact letter of the law to Mr. Parrello fi rst joined the board see what they can do. The citizens of the in 2004 at the urging of then President, Occidental was willing to change area, where they are plying their trade, Michael Tharp. He came to head a the language and potential future committee now known as PP&D: Plan- ning, Preservation and Development. This is not a position that leads to fame. I would imagine that most TERA members have only a passing acquain- tance with the workings of this commit- tee; it was certainly true of me. A quote attributed to Thomas Jeffer- son reads, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” While that is certainly true in foreign affairs, and to keep our elected domestic rascals from overstepping their bounds, the former President’s phrase may have reached its real fruition in city planning. Not to trivialize these events, but most of us will not be killed by terrorist bombs, or spied on by this latest genera- This Project Earned Frank’s Approval tion of Russian spies, but we will, almost all of us, have little pieces of our lives problems were averted, because some- need to be equally exacting in their read- and lifestyles nibbled away by aggressive one of expertise spotted the problem and ing of the law. developers and literal-minded bureau- moved to solve it. crats. They won’t do it with explosives So I asked Mr. Parrello what should or encryption devices; they will do it by I chose Occidental for this example residents and TERA members look out knowing the laws better, or at least more because they are among the most co-op- for. He felt that we should learn to explicitly, than does the citizenry. erative of developers. Others are not so understand what infl uence is actually kind. As Frank once said to me, “After possible. As someone else said, “Politics The problem can be summed up you shake hands with a developer, count is the art of the possible.” in one of my favorite Frank Parrello your fi ngers.” quotes, “Being pro-active is really Further, he said that we should un- boring.” Whereas developers have a In Eagle Rock, we have had several derstand bargaining. How does a given fi nancial incentive to search out favor- disappointments when expecting devel- project fi t in with the community and able clauses in the laws and ordinances, opers to live up to their commitments. how can it be mitigated; those are the citizens often only become aware of What is said at a community meeting questions we should all be asking. problems when someone brings in a may not be what ultimately is built. Lest we all despair, Mr. Parrello is crane. The time to make a difference Colorado Terrace is an example. leaving the TERA board, but he is not is not after construction has begun, The height of the building was agreed CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

12 TERA FALL 2010

From Where Eagles Soar CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Business Card Ads of just taking the four required classes and then leaving for the day. [email protected] Teachers are also very involved in campus life, taking on other areas of responsibility, such as Martinez’s role as athletic director. Full Service Law Firm Martinez says he makes it a point to at least know by name all the athletes on campus and chase them in the classroom. It lets stu- Law Offices of Frazee/Laron dents know that someone is aware of what’s going on with them. Security Pacific Home Loan Building Chris Tokita, Class of 2010 graduate (who turned down Harvard 123 North Lake Avenue, Suite 200 • Pasadena, California 91101 to attend Yale because he feels that “at Yale they’re more interested RoseAnn Frazee Kirk Laron in creating students who are also citizens and want to make a dif- Partner Partner Eagle Rock Resident • Office: 626.744.0263 ference”), was one student who felt that presence. He believes that • 626.372.2310 Eagle Rock’s success comes from its supportive staff. “The staff re- • Se Habla Español: 818.516.2636 ally looks out for the kids, and looks out for their needs, especially • Fax: 626.744.0548 [email protected] [email protected] during college application time. Mr. Williams was very helpful.” www.FrazeeLaron.com And Tokita is not the only who will mention Mr. Williams as a great resource at the high school. Anyone I have spoken with about the increase in college-bound students has, without hesita- tion, labeled Stephen Williams, the college counselor at ERHS since 1994, as a major driving force. Martinez cites him as a moti- vating factor when he applied for colleges in Williams’ first year at the job, stating that it was Williams who “put it in my brain that I could get into Yale.” When I was a senior in 2003-2004, Williams helped me apply (and, I believe, succeed in getting into) to the University of Liverpool in England, something that I had never even realized was a possibility. Williams helps each student take the necessary steps to get where they want to go, making sure they know where they can find information about scholarships and financial aid, what SAT scores are needed for different colleges, and what classes ���������������� and extracurricular activities they need. Talk about a tremendous resource. Not only are teachers and staff members looking out for the students, but also the students are looking out for each other. Tokita believes it is not only the school policies that are increas- ing graduation rates, but also that students become a lot more involved with each other and very close. “If someone was talking about dropping out, everyone would help out. They’d pull them ����������������������������������������� through.” Tokita started his career at Eagle Rock High School in the Magnet Program, which runs from 7th to 9th grade at ERHS. He loved it, explaining that the program has “great students, but well- Deep Roots rounded. There are lots of people who do well in school, but also CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 join clubs and sports, and often become the leaders in class gov- ernment at the school. It’s a small environment within the bigger “because we’re a secondary, alternate highway, but what’s school, so they are close to each other, and remain close friends.” the use of that?” Martinez, the current Magnet Coordinator, wants to try to expand I wanted to enthusiastically agree with him but the Magnet into upper grades in the next few years, believing that couldn’t since my mouth was full of biscotti. a magnet high school track would further enhance Eagle Rock’s reputation. When you write, and it is as true of fiction as report- age, you have to be prepared to follow the story where it Martinez is quick to point out that the success of ERHS is wants to go, not where you think it should go. It requires really because the kids are prepared – in his opinion, “teachers a certain amount of humility to do this, but the rewards only look good because of the students. The students are the ones are the people you meet along the way. This time I met CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 the Dustines and I was rewarded.

TERA FALL 2010 13 From Where Eagles Soar TERA PATRONS $35 HOUSEHOLD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 The Eagle Rock Association could not exist without the Dr. Marilyn Ader & Karen Shanbrom, Esq. doing the work and putting in the time.” support of its members. Thank you to all those listed below who have either renewed their membership or Joel Aldape & Reuben DeLeon While that is definitely true, it is no joined for the first time. Memberships submitted after Linda & Terry Allen small thing to have a supportive com- August 30, 2010 will be acknowledged in the next Kit & Iris Awakuni munity surrounding the students, not newsletter. Jon Button only motivating them to reach higher, Stephen Bannatyne & Alexandra Carver Chistopher C. Chaney & Lindy Carll but making sure they get help every step LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS Rosser & Lucy Cole of the way. $500 The following members, who established Joseph H. Collins & John Goldfarb Sure, Eagle Rock High School is lifetime membership in a prior year, generously Angel & Della Corral provided additional support. Doug & Joan Cumming still weighed down by the LAUSD’s Robert Daok & Denise Russell reputation. It may not be a prestigious Alejandro Jimenez & Jeannine Jaramillo Stephen Davison & Leah Morrison private college-preparatory school, but Jeffrey Samudio Chris & Deanna Deacon when people do the research it’s obvious Clint & Linda Deacon that ERHS is excellent at what it does Leslie Denk Sean Devine & Airen Vandevoort – providing a well-rounded curriculum Tim & Marsha Dodd $ SPONSORS where students can get what they need 100 Bonnie Dostie & Carol Scherfenberg to succeed. The proof is in the numbers. Ralph L. Amey & Eunice Howe John & Carey Dunlop Barbara Aran Carlos Durna-Hernandez & James F. Ripka More so, the proof is in the overwhelm- Authentic Picture Corp. - John Thompson ing number of stories about successful Bobby & Sharron Enriquez and Tatiana Urquiza Takeshi Kurt Eto & Emilyn Eto Eagle Rock graduates you will hear sim- Bob & Debbie Berger Robert L. & Marjorie Fairman ply by mentioning the high school. Randy Burt & Eric de la Cruz Bob & Ellen Fisher Renate Crump Leeds & Aurora Greene Louis Dumser & Mark Jewkes John & Maura Duval Griffin Don and Katherine Dustin Carrie Havel & Michelle Penn Thanks, Frank David Hanpeter & Rosalie Maxwell David & Shirley Hickman Jane LiVigni CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Andrew & Miri Day Hindes Joan MacNeil Norman & Alice Hsu Edward & Anne Erwin Mullaney leaving Eagle Rock. He will continue to Robert Inman & Barbara May Maria Nazario Imad & Lenei Ishmael be a strong presence in our community, Octavio A. Pedroza & Shannon L. Johnson Ned & Tina Kerwin with his sharp eye and great experience Plaza Pet Clinic - Albert Cartwright Jr, & Robert & Janet Kropp he will be a resource for our neighbor- Denise Cartwright. Eric & Jennisen Lee Eitan Sadeh & Eileen Hatrick-Sadeh hood for a long time to come. Paul & Sandra Manneck Daniel Schrier Michael A. & Rosario Martin Thank you Frank Parrello for the John & Sara Jane Thies Pete & Pauline Mauro service you have freely given Eagle Rock. Welcome Inn - Ray Patel David & Rosemary McNutt We are in your debt. Brian McPherson & Lisa Moreno $ SUBSTAINING Mike & Laurie Mendelson 75 George & Molly Milner Mercedes Bin Daniel Ornelas & Anita Morales Ped Power David & Helen Goodwill Gustavson Arthur & Kim Nakata CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Craig & Kim Ochoa Jose H. Ortez $50 BUSINESS ASSOCIATE Al Zelinka & Anna Pehoushek It is also by changing our minds Walter Adams Maria & Danielle Perez about what streets are for. The main Eagle Rock Montessori School - Ute de Lara Timothy L. & Erin S. Powell function of Colorado Boulevard is not Jeffrey Erickson & Mary Kim Richard Puz & Monica Berndt to have a freeway alternate between Rose Ann Frazee, Esq. Dale & Jennifer Robinson Glendale and Pasadena. We are not a Howard & Beverly Higginson Darren Rogers & Bonnie Stern Tracy King, Teresa King & Michael Davis Asher & Nancy Rosen conduit in a Cal Trans or LA Department Law Offices of Ruperto Domingo Viveca Sapin of Transportation master plan; we are a Lily Man, Inc. - Eric Liljestrand & Gwen Everman Scott & Jillian Shriner neighborhood. M. Bean Plumbing - Jordan Kalbs David & Michelle Simutis Bruce Mitchell Bob & Lisa Skylar Padgett Business Services - Tae Macias Ted & Ellen Stern Frank Parrello & Heather Hoggan Jack Burnett-Stuart & Julia Strickland Pilates Eagle Rock - Jennifer Matthews David Sutton & Lynne DeMarco ADVERTISE WITH US! Solheim Lutheran Home - Tina Antypas Zach & Katie Taylor [email protected] Ken A. Sonoda & Theresa Miyashiro-Sonoda Peter Tovar & Eric Vincent Uptown Gay & Lesbian Alliance Marc Trotoux Warren Printing & Mailing - Bob Warren John & Elizabeth Wagner

14 TERA FALL 2010 Garden Spot Stevan Wahl & Cristi Lyon SENIOR & ASSOCIATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 $ Bryan & Stephanie Yates 10 (NON RESIDENT)

$ INDIVIDUAL Gustavo Aguilar & Alberto Valdivia 25 Ernesto & Celia Aldover Michael Backes & Amy just west of Interstate 5. There are Robertson Robert Bauer Proceso (J.R.) Bayani Clyde & Jill R. Brown people there to help you shovel and load Lisa Brewer Merideth Brown the material into containers and then Arletta Brown Sandra Carter into your vehicle. The workers there are Barbara Burgan Laurence Chacon Carl Chow young men and women who are study- Michael Burr ing to work in the forestry fire service. Susan Castellanos John Clark Jeanine Colini Robert & Yolanda De Velasco This resource is available Tuesdays Mark DeAngelis Susan Dreger and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paula A. DiSano Will Dumain Renee Dominique Stephan Early Gardeners should know that this Diane Drummond Soledad Elizaga material comes from the Department Michael Emanuelson Rebecca Enayati Jane Evans of Sanitation. It includes tree trimming Mona Field debris, “zoo doo” and treated materi- Cristina Fleming Jan & Maggie Freed Bert Fraleigh Eddie Fumasi als. The following web site can give you Douglas Frye Paul & Mary Ann Gambucci more information on the material. Note Lyle & Karen Fulks Joe Garcia that some of the information on the site Anita Garcia Bill Gass & Billie Spinat Barbara Georgette is out of date, such as the days of opera- Frank & Carol Gelfuso tion and when compost and mulch are Alison Gilbert Carol Jane Gertz Maedale Gongora Murray Gould distributed. http://www.ci.la.ca.us/san/ Richard Graves & Robin Fleck Velva Griffin & Eva Weightman srpcd/mulch_giveaway.htm Raphael Guerin Pat Griffith My own experience and that of Jamela Gurican Vlasta Gufrey Ron & Alice Hansen Bob & Mary Hammond several friends is that “zoo doo” is Brice & Carolyn P. Harris Jared Hardy wonderful, ah, stuff. We have had good James Harris Connie Hester results with it in our own gardens. Clifton Kroeber Thelman Henderson If readers are interested in a first Geraldine B. Herres Patti Laursen Sheila Herrick Tamara Lobaco hand look at these three different free Christine Hine Concepcion Lopez mulches take a stroll by the Community Jeff Klarin Lilia Maljanian Garden. In the Garden itself we are Kevy & Kathryn Klinger Michele Markota Marilyn Lewis Mason using the mulch from Street Mainte- David & Renate Kofahl nance. Along Rockdale Avenue above Kris Kouri Julia A. Meek David & Ruby Kuscienka Elieen Mendoza the Garden I have put down a layer of Mitzie Lulucki Robert & Frances Moffitt the “zoo doo” mulch and compost in Wilfredo & Lina Manansala Alfred Moore & Gae Seal preparation for a crop of wildflowers and Carolyn Olney Tom & Jessica Wethington for sweet peas along the fence line. McLean Michael Pessah & Joan E. Duggan Rosario Medrano Linda Phelps You can look for yourself at what’s Danny Miller & Bethany Jim Radon available and I hope you will walk by Orlemann Hortensia Rojo Carolyn Russing this coming Spring when the sweet peas Manijeh Nava are in bloom. The Eagle Rock Com- Marr Nealon Lena Sanchez Paul Ohannesian Richard Shive munity Garden stretches along Rock- Ricardo & Elizabeth Oliveras Phillip J. Snyder, Jr. dale Avenue between Figueroa St and Anthony J. & Ellen Portantino David Stanford Minden Place. Parking is available at Karie Prescott David Stowe & Margarita Perez Lois Y. Sullender the Lanark-Shelby Park. (located at, Albert and Madelon Reiners cue drum roll, Lanark and Shelby.) We Nancy Reyes Elizabeth Swain Jennifer Root Doris Thielen discourage drive-bys as there is little to Bruce & Patricia Taylor Patricia Topping see from your vehicle and Rockdale is Kacy Treadway Elaine Vargas a short and narrow street. If the gates Betty Tyndall Dr. Patrick & Pearl Wells Shirlee Wolf are open, please feel free to come in and Sandy Vizcarra look around. Alan K. Weeks Rosalind D. Zachow Soctt & Clari Wilson If you have additional questions or Christine Zardeneta comments about mulch or gardening in general, please email me: communitygar INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY [email protected].

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