October-November 2009 Echo Park Improvement Association newsletter Volume 16 Issue 4

New Eastlake Victorian Life-Project on Lemoyne

by Darren Hubert
New construction of a two story solar powered Italian- from Newfoundland. She painted the exterior twice be-
ate Eastlake influenced Victorian by long time local resi- cause she did not like the shade of the color the first
dents Alison Julian and Darrell Dooley is an ongoing pro- time. And although it was probably the easiest detail of
ject at 1902 Lemoyne St. The two of them have lived in all you can not miss the glow in the dark stars on the roof
Echo Park for over 30 years and are building their dream eaves.
home just steps from where they first met. The source of the various doors in the house says a lot
Darrell says when he first about the project and the
saw the property, with its owners. They come from
dilapidated Craftsman, he ebay, craigslist, and the
said to himself he would like Bone Yard at OK Manufac-
to live in a Victorian in this turing, the Reuse people in
location. He did not own the Pacoima and DirectBuy.
current property and choose Some of them are new, a
not to share his dream with few are vintage, many with
anyone at that time. Eventu- beveled glass panels, solid
ally he and Alison became Douglas fir and a few with
owners of the property. Then leaded glass. I may have
one day when they were pon- missed a few details but I
dering selling it he convinced think you get the picture.
Alison, which was no easy As we walked through
feat, to join him on the roof the house Alison shared her
where he shared his dream. various finds on Craigslist
It seemed to instantly be- and other sources with me.
come both of their dreams. So rather than selling the She spends 6 days a week at the property and seems to
property they started planning. After almost two years in love almost every minute of it. This is construction after
city plan check they broke ground in August of 2007. all. The daughter of the voice of the road runner cartoon,
Darrell and Alison worked on the floor plans for the Alison is a retired animator. She writes and does illustra-
2400 square foot home and only acquired the help of an tion for children’s books. She has published five. Darrell
engineer to submit to the city for approval. The home has does computer repair and computer/cable wiring.
2 bedrooms, 3 offices, 2 bathrooms, 9 foot ceilings and So I asked what I thought was an important ques-
an elevator. When inside, the scaling of the rooms is ap- tion...when do you expect to be done? Alison’s response
propriate to the era. They paid a contractor to build the was “Prior to cremation”. It is rare to see someone enjoy-
structure to the point of completing the drywall. Darrell ing their journey as much as these two do. They commu-
did all the electrical work as well. nicate their joy about the process and the people they
As they started working on both exterior and interior have worked with. The one person in particular that
details their enthusiasm for the project only grew. From stands out for them is their contractor Jorge Lamborena.
the exterior, that is mostly complete, you can see the Vic- Alison is happy to pass on his information if you contact
torian details that Alison cut, painted and put in place. her.
They had the 23 exterior Corbels made and shipped in

Download the EPIAn ways at http://www.echoparkimprovement.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
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October-November 2009
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Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2009 Page 3

DON’T BRING YOUR MILK-PAIL

by Susan Borden
Looks like Echo
Park deserves to
be called a cow-
town! It’s
unexpected to
come across a
scene like this on
an Elysian Heights
street. But look
closely at Bossy in
the front yard of
the tidy Victorian
above Riverside
Drive. You’ll
conclude that,
realistic as she
appears, this is
one Holstein that’s
no more capable
of giving milk than
the polychrome
monkeys looking
down at her from
the porch roof!

(323)

EPIA can be contacted at epiamail@yahoo.com. Read the EPIAn ways online at

Of course, you can continue to reach us through the
EPIA message phone at (323) 882-4835. http://echoparkimprovement.org

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 4 October-November 2009

1800 W Sunset Blvd • (213) 989-1558 • www.masaofechopark.com

Mon — Sat Saturday

11 am — 7 pm Special
Sundays — Typical
Group of 10 Haitian
or more by Food
Reservation
Wood Burning Rotisserie
We Roast 309 N. Glendale Blvd We Pour
1911 SUNSET BOULEVARD our own Los Angeles, CA 90026 our own
LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 HAITIAN www.tigeorgeschicken.com HAITIAN
(213) 484-1265 Coffee Email: geo4u1@sbcglobal.net Coffee -
Try some!

Download the EPIAn ways at ECHO PARK SECURITY ASSOCIATION

http:// Join us for a safe, secure and crime-free
Echo Park and Angelino Heights.
www.echoparkimprovement.org/ Since 1991. Alarm response included (24-hour)
Low cost. Lowered crime rate
Endorsed by EPIA. Close relationship with police
Volunteer run Founded by EPIA members.
‘Dedicated’ patrol allows an officer to patrol Echo Park
and Angelino Heights exclusively (during patrol hours)
To sign up, send name, address, phone, to:
ECHO PARK SECURITY ASSN.
P.O. Box 26201, L.A., CA 90026
Or call 323-860-9914

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2009 Page 5

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

by Susan Borden

The Walgreen’s parking lot is in the running to be- with the

come Echo Park’s unofficial Town Square. Even though bouncer?
it’s a commercial, privately owned property, the centrally Community
located, versatile area is our neighborhood’s main com- Parade com-
munal space. It’s hosted plenty of community events mittee mem-
from a celebration of the historic Jensen’s sign renova- bers encour-
tion to a children’s Christmas program, and many other aged kids to
festivities, including 2009’s National Night Out for the create draw-
third year running. ings for the
National Night Out, a program that aims to reduce December
crime by getting neighbors out for an evening of fun on community
the first Tuesday in August, has grown every year it’s parade.
been held in Echo Park, thanks to the hard work of volun- While
teer organizer and longtime resident Rosie Betanzos. they strolled
With more than thirty organizations participating, the around, visi-
parking lot was filled with colorful booths. Balloons were tors had the
given away and crowds of children lined up for the excite- chance to
ment of the giant bouncer. Meanwhile their parents and listen to live
Select Patrol Officers Bob Genova and Glenda
families dined on freshly grilled hamburgers—no music, chat DePaz take a Night Out
charge—prepared and served by Select Patrol staff. Not with a dentist
full yet? There were free cotton candy, cups of flavored and even to have a free, professional eye exam sponsored
crushed ice and cold sodas too. The Census 2010 booth by the Lions Club.
handed out free cloth bags which could be quickly filled The following are among the groups that contributed
with useful brochures from the groups on hand. Bored to the success of National Night Out this year: Wal-
green’s, Yvonne Solis of State Farm Insurance, Save A
Lot, Lions International Club, Los Angeles Fire Depart-
ment Station 20, Juan Sandoval of Los Angeles National
Bank, Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council,
George Lim DMD, Edendale Public Library, Echo Park
Security Association, Echo Park Historical Society, Echo
Park Parents’ Group, Echo Park Farmers Market, Los
Angeles Dodgers, Central City Action Committee, El
Centro Del Pueblo, Census 2010, 826-LA, Echo Park Ani-
mal Alliance and, of course, the Northeast Los Angeles
Police Department. See you all next time in the town
square!

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 6 October-November 2009

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 5, Dec 3 Hospital, 2000 additional information.
Stadium Way in
Elysian Park
EPIA Steering 2nd Monday, 7:15 pm Call (323) 882-4835 Take an active part in EPIA.
Committee Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14 for location Join the Steering Committee
Meetings
Community 2nd Thursday, 2:00 p.m. Edendale Branch Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10 Library Association. Call 323-860-
Community room 9914 for meeting location.
2011 W. Sunset Blvd.
Citizens Committee to 1st Wednesday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Call 213-666-9651 for
Save Elysian Park Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2 Hospital, 2000 meeting location
Stadium Way in
Elysian Park
Echo Park Chamber of 3rd Thursday, 7:00 pm and Taix Restaurant. Call 213-630-3032 for further
Commerce every Wednesday 1:30 pm information.
Greater Echo Park 4th Tuesday, 7 pm St. Paul Cathedral Center Call (213) 413-3196 for info or
Elysian Neighborhood Oct 27, Nov 24, Dec 22 Great Hall visit www.GEPENC.org
Council Meeting 840 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Edendale Library 2nd Wednesday, 7 pm Edendale Branch Library Join the library’s support group
Friends Society Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9 Community room and find out how you can help
>=> ELFS <=< 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. your neighborhood’s branch.
Positive Energy Group 4th Wednesday , 6 - 7 pm Edendale Branch For info : blog
of Echo Park and Oct 28, Nov 25, Dec 23 Library www.positiveenergygroup.blogspot.c
Silver Lake Area Community room om
EP Farmers Market Every Friday, 3pm - 7 pm parking lot #663 -- half a bock south of Sunset
Boulevard 323463-3171 x13
Edendale Book Club 3rd Monday, 6:30 pm Edendale Branch Library
Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21 Community room
2011 W. Sunset Blvd.
Deadline Decemer Sunday, November 22 Send submissions to EPIA,
EPIAn ways Attn: EPIAn Ways Editor
SPECIAL EVENT
CCSEP Memorial Tree Saturday, November 21,
Planting 2009 at 2pm.
(Continued from page 9) portable floodlights that were trailered in to illuminate
Light Festival Wants to Be Green new, unnecessary "bus stops." Since most walking night
One step forward, one step back. The LADWP intro- visitors did the sensible thing and parked in the adjacent
duced big fume-belching buses on these Walking-Only Zoo lot, the buses were under-used, fostered confusion
Nights ostensibly to transport attendees to the route's and introduced pedestrian safety issues.
starting point which the DWP insisted was not the Zoo
parking lot which is just steps away from the dis- From the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council
plays. The buses brought with them unnecessary noise visit http://www.ggpnc.org/?q=pros#lightfestival
and engine emissions and additional waste from giant to weigh-in on this issue

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2009 Page 7

POLICE CLEAN-UP
Police Emergency: Need Police Car 911 Abandoned Vehicles 311
Spanish Line 213-928-8222 Cars Parked in Yards 1-888-524-2845
Narcotic Hotline 1-800-662-2878 Hazardous Waste Disposal Information 1-800-988-6942
Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-540-4000 Parkway and Median Maintenance 1-800-996-2489
Police Non-Emergency 1-877-275-5273 Storm Drains 213-485-5391
LAPD Air Support Division 213-485-2600 Trash and Bulky Item Pick Up 1-800-773-2489
FAX 213-847-2261
RAMPART DIVISION L. A. Fire Department Brush Clearance 818-374-1111
Rampart Police Division Desk 213-484-3400 ext 1
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Rampart Vice Unit 213-485-4080 Copies of Crime and Traffic Reports 213-485-4193
Rampart Division Watch Commander 213-485-4062 El Centro del Pueblo 213-483-6335
Senior Lead Officer Ford 213-793-0775 Echo Park Library 213-250-7808
Community Relations 213-484-3400 ext 2
Edendale Library 213-207-3000
China Town Sub-Station 213-621-2344 Echo Park Recreation Center 213-250-3578
NORTHEAST DIVISION Echo Park Chamber of Commerce 213-630-3032
Northeast Desk 213-485-2563 Dodger's Security 323-224-1363
Northeast Report Unit 213-485-2563 Dodger's Neighborhood Focus 323-224-2636
Senior Lead Officer Bobby Hill 213-793-0760 Dodger's Community Affairs 323-224-1435
Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki 213-793-0763 Central City Action Committee 213-241-0908
Northeast Detectives 213-485-2566 North Central Animal Shelter 213-847-1416
Northeast Community Relations 213-485-2548 L.A City Department of Aging 800-834-4777
Northeast Gang Detail 213-847-4263 Elysian Park Ranger 323-913-4688
Northeast Youth Referral Program 213-847-3375 Health Information 211
Northeast Records 213-485-2568 Los Angeles City Information 311
Release of Impounded Vehicles 213-485-2566 Los Angeles City Information website www.lacity.org
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard 213-628-9230
Department Building & Safety 888-524-2845 State Senator Gil Cedillo 213-612-9566
Department of Health 1-800-427-8700 Assemblyperson Kevin de Leon 323-225-4545
Department of Transportation 213-580-1177 LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina 213-974-4111
Department of Water & Power 800-342-5397 Mayor’s Office mayor@lacity.org 213-978-0600
Parking Enforcement 311 Neighborhood Prosecutor Program 213-847-8045
Loose/Stray Animals/Barking Dogs 888-452-7381 POLITICAL
LA County Department of Consumer 213-974-1452 1st District Ed Reyes 213-485-3451
Affairs
13th District Eric Garcetti 323-957-4500
Legal Aid Client Referral 1-800-399-4529
Congressman Xavier Becerra 213-483-1425
Operation Bright Lights 311 Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard 213-628-9230
Street Lighting Repairs 311 State Senator Gil Cedillo 213-612-9566
Professional Helicopter Pilots Association 213-891-3636
Assemblyperson Kevin de Leon 323-225-4545
GRAFFITI RELATED ISSUES LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina 213-974-4111
Report Graffitti 311
Mayor’s Office mayor@lacity.org 213-978-0600
Free Paint 311 Neighborhood Prosecutor Program 213-847-8045

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 Page 8 October-November 2009

EDENDALE LIBRARY ECHO PARK LIBRARY

Library Hours Library Hours
Mondays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesdays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursdays 12 noon – 8:00 pm Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fridays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sundays CLOSED Sundays CLOSED
Library Address Library Address
Edendale Branch Library Echo Park Branch Library
2011 W. Sunset Boulevard 1410 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026 Los Angeles CA 90026
Phone (213) 207-3000 Phone 213.250.7808
FAX (213) 207-3097 FAX 213.250.3744

World Wide Web Address http://www.lapl.org • 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL

Community Day of Service in Elysian Park

Unleashes
Super Duper Poop Pick up
by Christine Peters
On Saturday, September 19, 2009, over 40 walkers no excuse not to pick up!
volunteers, A Clean and Green crew, Chief Park The top 10 list of "Why I don't Pick up" grew to
Ranger Albert Torres, CD1 Field Deputy Lynelle over 28 (last count), but, the spirit of cleaning up,
Scaduto, and lots of "deputized" dog walkers, be it bottles, cans, paper, tarps, pillows, tires, boxes
participated in our most successful ever "Super etc. kept the day going.
Duper Poop Pick up!"
Fabulous refreshments from Delilah's
bakery, EP Farmers Market and Masa
Pizzas! Coffee made freah by Lisa B., and
much more. Much appreciated cases of
water from CD1 and "in spirit" but out of
town volunteer Jenny B. Clean and Green
kicked butt, hauling (and sometimes
sliding) with bags of stuff up and down our
slippery hills!
We painted out grafiitti on four trash
cans, and two park benches (sad to report
one bench got brutally tagged that Saturday
night). Three fire hydrants got repainted
and numbered (more to do). The park was a
clean and pleasant place to walk this
morning. Bureau of Sanitation donations of
Bag on Board dispensers gave unsuspecting

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2009 Page 9

IT'S HARD TO LEAVE ECHO PARK!

by Susan Borden
Elysian Heights Elementary on Echo Park Avenue
is one of several local schools welcoming a new
principal at the beginning of this school year. Taking
former principal Sally Holguin’s place, newcomer
Veronica Herrera is very much a local. She attended
Betty Plasencia back when it was Cortez Street
School, and went on to graduate from Echo Park’s
Belmont High and the University of Southern
California. Ms Herrera, a fluent Spanish speaker, has
been working at Rosemont Elementary. Elysian
Heights will be her first principal assignment and she
is looking forward to meeting everybody.
In this photo, Ms Herrera, second from right, gets
to know some of her incoming students and their
parents before the school’s first official day at an
informal gathering at nearby FIX Coffee.

Griffith Park Light Festival Wants to Be Green

At the behest of the PROS (Parks, Rivers and Open Council) has asked Los Angeles Department of Water and
Space) Committee, this year for the fourth year in the Power (LADWP) Management and elected officials to fully
row, the GGPNC (Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood and finally transform the 2009 LADWP Light Festival in
Griffith Park into a pedestrian-friendly, engine-free,
greenhouse gas-free event. With evidence mounting that
global warming is wreaking havoc on natural and human
systems; the City should cease promoting energy waste
and stop sending the message to citizens—especially
children—that it is fun to pollute.
For three years, officials have resisted changing
the event. Way back in the summer of 2006, the GGPNC
asked the DWP to convert the 2006 Festival from an
auto-centric to a pedestrian-friendly event that would pro-
mote environmental responsibility and conform to the
DWP Board's own 2006 adoption of principles recogniz-
ing the need to reduce auto emissions to combat global
warming. The resolution asked for an event that is acces-
sible by foot and bicycle, with provisions for compliance
with the Americans With Disability Act.
Unfortunately, the 2006 Festival was business as
usual: more than a month of automobile engines idling
for up to 90 minutes as they waited to drive slowly
through the one-mile route. Faced with continuing public
pressure, however, in 2007 the DWP tested five Walking-
Only Nights, reserving the remaining four weeks for auto-
mobiles. They were such a hit that in 2008 the DWP
scheduled eleven Walking-Only Nights, reserving the re-
maining three weeks for automobiles.
(Continued on page 6)

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 10
Coastal Cleanup Day 2009 Lands at Echo Park!?
Echo Park can always be
counted on to have an event
scheduled and Saturday Septem-
ber 19, 2009 was no exception.
The California Coastal Cleanup
Day 2009 in Inland Echo Park was
to take place and I had been in-
vited to attend. The event would
take place at the northeast section
of Echo Park lake and what a won-
derful site. I arrived early at
7:15am, and the people with the
tables, chairs, and tents were al-
ready there, not to mention the
flocks of community runners.
People began arriving by
8:30am ready to do serious clean
up - they came with their registra-
tion in hand ready to hear the
opening remarks delivered to
them by Capt. Ida Talala, Mitch
O'Farrell of CD-13 and Marianne
Hayashi. There were various
groups that came from as far as
Lancaster High School the Robot-
ics, the Zoo Magnet, Metro Green,
the Clean and Green Team, Spiral-
ing Orchard, and our own Central
City, who served as co-host. After
the groups heard from Ida, Mitch,
Marianne and others thanking
them for coming, they were ready
to get their assignments from
David Bermudez of Central City.
Then off they went to collect trash.
Two and half hours later they re-
turned with a total of 756 pounds
of trash and 6680 cigarette butts.
Everyone worked hard and we
were tired but excitement aroused
with the arrival of Congressman
Xavier Becerra who came to chat
with the organizers and partici-
pants. Instead it was picture time
Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026
October-November 2009
by Margarita Fernandez
as everyone with a camera started
of my new friends, since another
snapping pictures of the congress-
big event will be held in Decem-
man and getting a group photo to
ber. Yes, I had a wonderful time at
take back and show at school. the California Coastal Clean Up
Why not? We were at a park with a
Day 2009 in Inland Echo Park and
lake nearby, under the shade ofby the look of things so did our
trees, wonderful weather, having
guests. Ida Tallala, Marianne Hiya-
lunch. No one could complain. shi and the youth of Central City
However, this did not stem to only
must feel proud of the excellent
VIP's, the youth in their various
job they performed in Echo Park
different t-shirts were also being
but the biggest credit goes to
photograph. "Smile" was the re-those who came to make this
quest and smile they did. event the Hugh Success it turned
Raffles were being held as out to be, another wonderful day
there were many gifts to give event in Echo Park.
away. Marianne and company
were at the helm, but
the Dodger tickets
brought by Alejandra
Marroquin, Field
Deputy of CD-13
were a big hit with
the youth.
Friendships were
made and informa-
tion exchanged from
those who came from
so far, for they en-
joyed the warm hos-
pitality offered them
from their hosts in
Echo Park. Let's stay
in touch and if you
have another event
here let's us know. It
is good to know be-
cause as it is well
known that Echo
Park always has op-
portunity for volun-
teering in our various
community events.
So I will be making
contacts with some
Message Phone (323) 882-4835
 October-November 2009 Page 11

Central City Action by Gloria

WOW! We made it through the summer. It has been of the kids wrote about how they felt about a particular
many years since all of our youth have been off for an display at the Getty. Others wrote about the same
entire summer and some for a few weeks more. We piece of art. Alexis went over their papers and
employed and paid stipends to 32 kids ages 12 and up discussed sentence structure and grammar with each
in various beautification efforts in and around Echo of the kids. Probably the best trip of the summer was
Park. Thanks to a grant from the Department of a train ride to San Diego and bus ride to Sea World.
Justice, we hired two part-time staff to work with these Sam and Maryanne packed breakfast and snacks. The
kids. Alexis Rivera, who worked at CCAC before and train ride was probably a first for most of our kids. Sea
Angelica Bejar, Alfred’s wife, were our supervisors for World with its rides and shows was enjoyed by all of
the summer. With the precise planning of each work us. That was a long day. Going back to Los Angeles
week by Maryanne and Sam, the kids alternated took a long time as the train kept having to stop to let
working with our graffiti crew, Alexis and Angelica. other trains pass.
Three of the older kids were assigned to me to work in On the last day of summer vacation, CCAC rented a
the office. We also used the City of Los Angeles youth
employment service through UCLA for our older kids.
The kids were divided into groups. Alexis and his
group painted over 200 light poles, parking meter and
bagged around 400 bags of debris. Angelica painted
17 murals using geometric designs in Echo Park,
Highland Park and Lincoln Heights. Each morning waterslide to put in the backyard and invited kids and
David would give Alexis and Angelica a list with their families for a day of play and BBQ. What fun!!!
instructions on where to go and what to do. Most of
The center has been quiet this past week as the
the older kids worked with our graffiti crew. My part in
kids all went back to school. Around 3 pm they come
this endeavor was timekeeper and payroll manager.
in to do homework and play. Maryanne arranged for
Part of the learning process for the kids is learning to
tutors from the Downtown Business Magnet to come
fill out timecards and count their money. They really
each day to tutor our kids. I am looking for ways to
learned this part of the job quickly. Kids who worked
obtain money to keep the two girls who worked for me
had money to give to their families or to spend on
this summer employed for the next year. Natalie and
items they needed, like cell phone, bicycles,
Lynnette have become a vital part of the graffiti
computers, games and clothes.
removal program as they learned how to enter the data
from the crews. As well as helping me with data entry I
have tried to teach them basic office and computer
skills.
So summer is over at least by the calendar, but
Maryanne will make sure that CCAC will continue to
As I am sure you know that at CCAC, even though
provide the necessary after-school programs that have
we provide employment opportunities, we manage to
made us a successful and much sought after program.
have fun. Let me tell you that I wish I had this
opportunity as a youngster. We tried to take a trip
each Friday. Hansen Dam was the first trip. The kids
love the water even if they cannot swim. Then there
was a camping trip to Silverton with Sam, Maryanne
and Alexis. I heard that all the kids and Maryanne
stayed in the water all day while Sam and Alexis
relaxed to the point of sleeping and snoring. Going to
the beach was another option. An educational trip was
suggested by Alexis to take the kids to the Getty. So
David, Alexis and Angelica took them for a trip. The
kids did not know they were going till we told them
that day. Each of the youth was asked to write a paper
about what they liked at the Getty. Surprisingly, a few

Mail for EPIA: P.O.Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone (323) 882-4835
Page 12 October-November 2009

METRO STAFF RECOMMENDS COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE

FOR REBUILDING GLENDALE FREEWAY TERMINUS
by Judy Raskin
More than 10 years after the first meeting was was subsequently added for environmental
held to determine whether, and how, the terminus of review with the support of Supervisor
the SR2/Glendale Freeway should be reconfigured, a Gloria Molina. This design –
determination has been made by the Metropolitan which was ultimately
Transportation Authority (Metro) staff. labeled Alternative D –
Alternative D Recommended b e c a m e t h e
Irving Taylor, Project Manager for Metro’s SR2/ community favorite
Glendale Freeway Terminus Project, said he would because it would
recommend Alternative D as the “locally preferred smooth the flow of
alternative,” with Alternative C as a “fallback” choice traffic into Glendale
if D should be determined unworkable. The proposal Boulevard and it
is expected to go before the Metro Board of incorporates more beneficial features.
Governors for a vote in late September. Alternative D’s benefits
“Overwhelming” community support 1. The freeway on-and-off ramps are consolidated
Taylor, who was accompanied by members of the east of the bridge.
project design team, representatives of Caltrans and 2. The bridge surface is available for “recycled”
other Metro staff at a meeting of local residents, also use as a community plaza, not just as a walking
acknowledged that Alternative D had received path.
“overwhelming” community support. The Echo Park 3. Unused open space is made available for
Community Action Committee (EPCAC) is aware of at community recreational use.
least 69 letters of support (60 regular plus 9 emails) 4. Part of the open space is available for creation
in support of Alternative D. Metro concluded that of a bike route with eventual links to the Los Angeles
while Alternative D is not perfect, particularly River and other communities.
because of its use of 11-foot wide, non-standard 5. Saint Teresa’s Church and School would
width traffic lanes, the design can be accomplished. experience less noise and pollution as the current
“This is not a fatal flaw,” Taylor said. “north” off-ramp facing the school would be
The SR2/Freeway Terminus Project received its eliminated.
first funding of about $300,000 in 1999. 6. The atmosphere in the area would be improved
Subsequently, Rep. Xavier Becerra secured federal for business.
funding in the amount of $12 million from TEA-21 7. Pedestrian access would be made safer.
sources. About $3 million has been spent on the “Fallback” design C minimizes park
project to date. Metro estimates that Alternative D In contrast, “fallback” choice Alternative C would
would cost about $18 million dollars to build. By demolish the bridge. Doing so would hamper the
contrast, Alternative C, which removes the bridge, creation of a park or recreation area. While some of
would cost about $22 million. the unused open space could be incorporated into
Alternative D became favorite design the bike route, other available open space would be
The choice of Alternative D is a victory for the for passive use only, and presents the possibility of
community. For several years, starting around 1999, becoming a homeless encampment. Members of the
Metro submitted a number of designs for community community should thank their elected
comment, but none found popular support. Finally, in representatives for the support they have given over
2001, EPCAC commissioned its own design, which the years.

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 Message Phone (323) 882-4835