PLAN SEEKS LARGER DEVELOPMENT ON SUNSET BOULEVARD?

Should Echo Park‟s historic homes have greater absentee landlords will use the higher 3-to-1 Floor Area
protections against demolition? Does Echo Park have the Ratio to raze much of the historic, pedestrian-friendly
classrooms, roads and other infrastructure to handle business district.
thousands of additional residents? Planners responded by taking a few blocks of Sunset
These are the questions that have been debated for – between Alvarado and Laveta Terrace – out of the
two years as city planners drafted the Echo Park – Silver proposal. But many other businesses remain in the plan,
Lake Community Plan, a proposal to guide development such as Pizza Buona, Wells Tile, and A-1 Supermarket,
over the next decade. That plan is finally coming up for a Saratoga Restaurant and Flora Mia flower shop. The
vote at the city‟s Planning Commission on April 8 – a latest draft of the plan still allows the larger buildings on
meeting that begins at 9:30 a.m. much of Sunset and on Alvarado
The Greater Echo Park – Elysian from the 101 Freeway north to
Neighborhood Council, the Echo Vons supermarket.
Park Historical Society and Silver Lake‟s neighborhood
countless individuals have weighed council also voted against the
in on the plan, which includes new Floor-Area Ratio, or FAR,
dozens of changes to zoning on calling for a compromise that
Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park allows an increase in building
Avenue, Glendale Boulevard and size but not as much as the city
elsewhere. Critics warn that the proposed. The Echo Park
plan still lacks the protections to Historical Society voted to
keep our neighborhood‟s small- recommend that if the Floor-Area
scale character intact over the Ratio plan is approved, all
coming decade. buildings over 50 years old
The most controversial element should receive a special review.
of the plan continues to be over City planner Patricia
“Floor Area Ratio,” a formula used Diefenderfer said that any project
to decide how large a building can that has the higher Floor Area
be constructed on a single lot. The Ratio, or FAR, will require a
plan calls for doubling the floor special discretionary approval –
area ratio – or the maximum size and community input.
of buildings – on much of Sunset Neighborhood council acting
Boulevard and Alvarado Street to president Bennett Kayser warned
encourage “mixed use projects,” that the plan could lead to five-
those that have stores on the ground floor and housing and six-story buildings similar to the Cal Fed building.
up above. Diefenderfer said the neighborhood will be protected by
The neighborhood council voted 11-1 against the existing height limits. Kayser disagreed, warning that the
doubling of the floor-area ratio, saying there were no minute that one exception is granted by the planning
protections to safeguard the size and character of the department, every other developer will want taller, mid-
existing business district, which includes one- and two- rise buildings.
story businesses. Council members argued that (Continued on page 5)

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
 April 2004

(323) 634-0830

Los Angeles Citywide

Service Directory
for children’s parties
a single toll-free phone number to contact by
City of Los Angeles officials
for any non-emergency public service: Echo Park and surrounding areas, good rates.
all proceeds to benefit
the ECHO PARK YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COUNCIL
Dial 311 (323) 662-2081

MEMORANDUMS
INVOICES NEWSLETTER CREDITS
WARRANTIES
EDITORS:
BUSINESS CARDS
LYNN BARBÉ
PRICE CATALOGS
APPRAISAL CERTIFICATES
STEVEN M. ARTHUR
COIN ENVELOPES ADVERTISING
FLORA KERP
Lyman CommercialPrinting DESKTOP PUBLISHING:
1201 N. ALVARADO (213) 413-5355 S.M.ART SYSTEMS
LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 (213) 413-5469 FAX PRINTING:
LYMAN PRINTING
 Winter has just turned the corner into Spring, and there couldn't be a nicer time in Echo Park. Although the council
district that I represent stretches from La Brea Avenue to the city's border with Glendale, I come home at night to this
community. My staff and I work to create a clean and safe city of opportunity for all. In my own neighborhood, I get to
learn how well it's working.
When the Mayor's office asked me which part of the district I would choose for an interdepartmental project that
focused resources on one single area, I chose Echo Park. The Neighborhood Empowerment Action Team (NEAT) has
been notifying absentee landlords around Echo Park Avenue that they must conform to our city codes. NEAT has de-
manded that trash-strewn parkways be cleaned up and that broken windows and screens be fixed. It hasn't stopped
at cosmetic fixes, either: dry rot must be removed, failing staircases must be reinforced, and broken railings must be
fixed. The overall effect? The neighborhood is safer and cleaner for everyone.
Improving the neighborhood doesn't stop with private property. Echo Park Lake is a jewel in the crown of Echo
Park and one of Los Angeles' must valued public spaces, and I'm always looking for ways to make the park better-
looking and safer for daily recreation and annual events. You may have noticed floating islands in the middle of the
lake. They're not hiding a very small Robinson Crusoe! The islands filter bacteria out of the lake. Their effect, com-
bined with that of the aerator set in the shallows, is to keep the water from stagnating and to lower the contaminant
level. The recent removal of various duck perches also keeps the lake clean. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Engineering
has prepared designs for the renovation the recreation center across Bellevue, using voter-approved Proposition K
bond funds. Renovations will make the rec center disabled-accessible and seismically sound. Our engineers are also
readying plans to replace the pilings and planks of the boathouse.
In upcoming weeks, I'll be introducing a program aimed at cutting graffiti in half in the 13th Council District,
United to Abolish Graffiti: UnTAG. Like everything we do, its success will depend heavily on your involvement. Let me
know if you want to get involved by calling the number below!
Councilmember Eric Garcetti represents the 13th District, comprising the communities of Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Echo
Park, Silver Lake, Historic Filipinotown and Hollywood. For monthly updates on his work in Echo Park and across the city, sign up for
e-mail updates at www.cd13.com. Call (323) 913 4693 to make an appointment for his community office hours.

(323)

girl’s teen yoga

Pilates
 April 2004

HELP SAVE THE ECHO PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

Founded nearly 7 years ago, on the site of a nuisance The current landlord bought the land two years ago
property, the Echo Park Community Garden served as an and has no idea the importance this community places
early catalyst for neighborhood improvement. Now, in the on the garden. He seems to be unaware of what existed
midst of this neighborhood‟s renaissance, the commu- before the garden formed and therefore sees little value
nity‟s beautiful garden is about to disappear and be re- to keeping the garden as a tenant. The Echo Park Com-
placed by development. Sadly, this is occurring at the munity Garden has been a collaborative effort between
same time the Trust For Public Land and the Los Angeles hundreds of families, individuals as well as social service
Community Garden Council are awaiting grant money to agencies, neighborhood groups and government. It has
purchase the garden property from the current owner, also served as an environmental, educational and nutri-
and make the garden a permanent part of the neighbor- tional resource for the neighborhood families and
hood. schools.
Since December, the community has been locked out Support from the community is desperately needed
of the garden property due to the garden chairman‟s mis- to preserve the community garden. There are several
management of funds. There is currently an investigation things that can be done. First, write a letter of support or
into the fraud and scams this individual has perpetrated call Councilmember Garcetti telling him how important
on various Echo Park non-profits and individuals. When the community garden is to you, your family, friends and
the gardeners discovered the chairman‟s deception and neighbors. (Councilmember Garcetti, 200 N. Spring
fraud, they attempted to rectify the situation with the Street, Room 470, LA 90012; (213) 473-7013)
landlord. Unfortunately, by that time the landlord was There is also a group forming, “Friends of Echo Park
unwilling to negotiate with the remaining gardeners, or Community Garden” that will be meeting Tuesday, April
with the Los Angeles Community Garden Council. The 6th, 7pm at Council District 13 Field Office in the com-
gardeners then turned to the Echo Park Improvement munity room. For more information on this group, drop
Association, who wrote a letter of support for the garden. us a line at [email protected]

1911 SUNSET BOULEVARD

LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265
(Continued from page 1) Essentially, the plan calls for
NEW COMMUNITY PLAN several more plans. And while each
Echo Park already faces sounds like a good idea, community
development pressure from leaders say the city should not wait
companies that want to build on a to fund these plans. Furthermore, the
scale of 3-to-1 FAR, the amount plan makes virtually no proposals to
proposed in the community plan. On safeguard the size and character of a
Glendale Boulevard, a developer is neighborhood known for its cottages
seeking approval for a 45-foot and bungalows, its courtyards and
storage building next to the Echo public staircases.
Park Animal Hospital. Residents who are worried about
The community plan makes overdevelopment, the loss of historic
several other proposals, including: homes and the design character of
A plan for a design overlay on Echo Park in the future should make
Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park their voices known, by attending the
Avenue that preserves its April 8 planning commission
pedestrian friendly character meeting, held at 9:30 a.m. in Los
Creation of an “artcraft” district Angeles City Hall, Tenth Floor, 200 N.
on Glendale Boulevard that Spring Street. For information, call:
includes lofts and studios 213-978-1300.
A historic resources survey of
Echo Park 
 April 2004

ECHO PARK CALENDAR

Event Date Location Comments
EPIA Meetings 1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Williams Hall at Barlow Call EPIA message phone
May 6, June 3 Hospital, 2000 Stadium for additional information
Way in Elysian Park
EPIA Steering 2nd Monday, 7:15 p.m. Taix French Restaurant Take an active part in EPIA.
Committee Apr 12, May 10, June 14 Join the Steering Committee
Meetings
Chamber of 3rd Friday, 1 p.m. Taix French Restaurant Echo Park C of C informa-
Commerce Apr 16, May 21, June 18 tion/message 213-630-3032
General Meeting
Citizens Commit- 1st Wednesday,7:30p.m., Williams Hall at Barlow Call 213-666-9651 for meet-
tee to Save Ely- May 5, June 2 Hospital, 2000 Stadium ing location
sian Park Mtg. Way in Elysian Park
Greater Echo Park 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m. Logan Street School Call (213) 413-3196 for info
Elysian Neighbor- Apr 27, May 24, Jun 22 Auditorium, 1711 W. or visit www.GEPENC.org
hood Council Logan Street
Meeting
Deadline for May Friday, May 21 Send submissions to EPIA,
EPIAn ways Attn: EPIAn Ways Editor
Newsletter
SPECIAL EVENTS
Barlow Friday, May 14 Robinson Ranch For more information,
Foundation Santa Clarita, 27734 Please contact
GOLF CLASSIC Sand Canyon Road Margaret Gross at
213.250.4200x3202
Seratoma Wednesday June 9 Police Academy Call 323 662-2081 for more
Luncheon to 12 noon details.
Honor Mike Leum
Lotus Festival July 10 & 11 Echo Park Lake Volunteers leave your name
& number on the EPIA phone
UPCOMING EPIA TOWN HALL MEETINGS
LACC at Van de Kamps; New Edendale Branch Library; What’s Happening With the L.A. River Project?

If you are concerned about Echo Park‟s future, make your feelings known. Write down your thoughts and send
them to the city. Contact the Los Angeles Planning Commission, 200 N. Spring, Room 532, Los Angeles CA 90012.
Councilman Eric Garcetti Councilman Ed Reyes
Los Angeles City Hall, Room 470 Los Angeles City Hall, 410
200 N. Spring St. 200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fax: 213-613-0819 Fax: 213-485-8907
 April 2004

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
Events
May 10 Mon. Tarot Reading Program Come and receive for $50.00. The Slam will be held at the Central Library
short mini-tarot readings. Sign-ups are required. Adults Mark Taper Auditorium. Echo Park area teens will travel
only. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 6pm. by charter bus from Echo Park Branch to Central Library
June 12 Sat. Author Program Two countries, two to participate in the Slam. Sign-up at the Echo Park
religions, two histories and two perspectives complicate Branch. Bus leaves Echo Park at 2pm. Call 213/250-
the most controversial crisis in modern time – the Israeli 7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm.
Palestinian conflict. By navigating through some of the ACT Test Prep Workshop Thu. 5/27
most pressing issues – the status of Jerusalem, the Learn techniques for improving ACT test scores. This
Palestinian refugee problem, Israeli settlements, free workshop, conducted by an expert from the
socioeconomic differences etc. – Amanda Roraback Princeton Review, would cost hundreds of dollars from a
clarifies some of the deep-rooted causes of the conflict private tutoring group. Highly recommended for high
in her presentation. Ms. Roraback is the author of the school students who want to practice for both ACT and
“World in a Nutshell” series. Call 213/250-7808. Echo SAT. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm.
Park Branch, 3pm. Fun for Kids
Library Computer Classes Daily Grandparents and Books
Internet Classes En Espanol Internet classes in Spanish. For days and time call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch.
Classes begin in May, two Saturdays a month. The Rhyme Time Storytime with Jeni Tue. 5/4
classes are for beginners only and cover the basics of Stories and poems for the very young. Call 213/250-7808.
the LAPL webpage. Call to confirm the dates at Echo Park Branch, 3:30pm.
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm. “Hot Stuff Stories” Tue. 6/8
Computer Comfort 5/11, 5/17, 6/10, 6/17, 6/21 Celebrate summer with Jeni as she reads some “hot”
Learn to use the Library‟s electronic catalog to search stories. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 3:30pm.
for materials, renew items, and place your own holds. Dance Games Workshop with David Calderon
Learn the basics of surfing the internet. Introduction to Tue. 6/15, 6/22, 6/29
various databases and search engines. Bring your library Explore imagination in movement with this dance
card. Adults only. Familiarity with the keyboard and improvisation workshop. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park
mouse is recommended but not mandatory. Call Branch, 3:30pm.
213/250-7808. Echo Park Branch, 4pm.
Introduction to Basic Web Design 5/13 Thu, 6/7 Mon
Learn about HTML codes to create a simple webpage.
Library Hours
Computer experience is mandatory. Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Call 213/250-7808.Echo Park Branch, 4pm. Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Just for Teens Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Teen Poetry-Writing Workshop Sat. 5/1 Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Polish or learn to write your first poem at this workshop
Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
lead by local poet, Naomi Quinones. Teens can use this
opportunity to write poems to read in the Teen Poetry Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Slam held May 15th. Call 213/250-7808. Echo Park Sundays CLOSED
Branch, 2pm. Library Address
Superhero Writing Workshop Thu. 5/6, 5/20, 6/3,
1410 W. Temple Street
6/13 Learn how to create and write a story about your
own superhero in this 4-week workshop. Author Eduardo Los Angeles CA 90026
Santiago will take you through the steps, and you will Phone 213.250.7808
also learn to illustrate it. After the series your work will FAX 213.250.3744
be published in a zine you keep! Call 213/250-7808.
Echo Park Branch, 4pm. World Wide Web Address
Teen Poetry Slam Sat. 5/15 http://www.lapl.org
Be creative! Write poetry and join us at the Teen Poetry 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Slam. Compete for prizes, including an online gift card
Central City Action by Gloria
March came in like lion at Central City Action a MacDonalds. We got caught in a peace
Committee. Like lions, tigers, snakes, happy hippos, demonstration but managed to find our way to the
polar and panda bears. The reason for this uproar Zoo. Sam and I decided that we should have gone to
was not in CCAC‟s backyard but from the San Diego the Zoo the first day because it would have tired out
Zoo! Sam, Jackie and I chaperoned 8 very energetic the kids faster. We walked (hiked) all over the zoo.
youth on an overnight to San Diego. The youth were
well deserving of this trip as they all helped with
several rummage sales, raising enough money to go
to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and stay overnight
in a motel.
Leaving at 8:30 on a Wednesday morning, we
arrived at Sea World around noon. What fun to
watch the beautiful orange flamingos running back
and forth in their enclosure. The kids and staff
managed to go to every show and even go on the Walking the Zoo it not for everyone but Sam and I
water rides. The staff watched as Natalie, Itzel, Jose, could do it, so we figured the kids could hike it. Sam
Maria, Janet, Eric, Jonathon and Juan had fun on took a lot of pictures especially of the happy hippos.
the water rapids not once but twice. So that meant As you can see, it was a bright and sunny day. The
they got twice as wet and it took twice as long to trip was a huge success.
dry. It was windy that day so it helped them dry out. The staff and youth would like to thank everyone
Then when we went to see Shamu. The dolphin show who donated to our rummage sales. Your trash is
wasn‟t exactly dry for everyone either, the kids got our treasure!
wet again.
In the evening we went to
         
Home Town buffet to eat. It took
us awhile to find the restaurant
because the maps we had took us
to an address that did not exist.
While at the restaurant, the kids
pulled a surprise on me. Jose and
Eric decided it was my birthday
so they made everyone in the
establishment sing to me. I didn‟t
have to heart to tell everyone it
was not my birthday. I noticed
Sam got up from the table so he
did not have to sing. The kids
really thought this was funny.
Back at the hotel after
showers, hair drying and putting
on our PJ‟s most of the kids came
into my room. We started to play
cards and then I told some ghost
stories. Guess I scared the boys
„cause they all slept in the same
bed.
Up and early on Thursday we Happy and wet, CCAC kids use no-hands to take a spin at Sea Work
ventured downtown San Diego to
 April 2004

by Luiza Padilla-Mavropoules
As many of you may know I am also a member of the L-A-F-D SERTOMA Club, last year Ret. Chief Rey Rojo
asked our Echo Park club if we wanted to nominate anyone in our area who has gone over and above the call of
duty. Well I nominated Mike Leum and HE WAS SELECTED! There will be a lunch held in his honor and to receive
the plaque. The lunch is scheduled for June 9, 2004 at the Police Academy. There will be tickets for sale to those of
you who would like to attend the luncheon and say thanks to Mr. Leum for all his years of service and support to
the Echo Park community. The tickets are $22.50, turkey is on the menu. SERTOMA is a civic organization with
over 26,000 members throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Please let‟s say thank you and attend the
luncheon. Call me at 323 662-2081 for more details.

SKY GARDENING By Steve Marshal, the urban lumberjcak

When you're making your landscaping plans, what trade-offs. Plant a fast-growing tree where you want some
factors come to mind? Sun, shade, drainage and soil - screening and you'll have your privacy soon enough, but
these are all important. Yet missing from that list is per- you may have introduced a powerful specimen into a lim-
haps the most important element of them all. Lift your ited space where it'll require frequent maintenance to
eyes up and let's talk about the dominant feature of your prevent it crowding out its neighbors. Plant a slower-
landscape - your trees. growing tree in the same spot and it can take years - even
Too often an afterthought, trees and the contribution decades - to fill the space.
can make or break your garden. their shape, size and Trees, like the gardens below them, take time and
placement determine how and when the sun reaches your money to maintain. If you have a gardening service at-
garden below. The leaves, flowers and fruit they produce tending your landscaping, you're probably paying a rela-
can be a blessing or a curse. They can provide necessary tively modest monthly fee. Your trees require less fre-
privacy or block a million dollar view. Their roots can an- quent care but having the work done right can be costly -
chor an unstable hillside or attack your plumbing and prudent homeowners prepare by setting something aside
foundation. They can provide a canopy of shade and monthly from their gardening budget so that by the time
beauty or create a headache of litter and breakage the trees need attention, the funds are waiting
Like most things in life, the choices you make in For more information about your trees, please visit
planting and maintaining trees represent a series of us at www.theurbanlumberjack.com

(Continued from page 11)

AT THE ECHO PARK REC CENTER
like fun? It is because Camp Sunchasers is “Where kids just wanna‟ have fun.” Camp Sunchasers (Echo Park) is accredited
by the American Camping Association. Mandatory parent meeting: June 19, 2004 @ 10:00 AM. Ages: 6 – 18. July 5 - August
27, 2004. Monday through Friday. $65. 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Extended supervision is available between 7:00 – 9:00 AM and 4:00 –
6:00 PM. $10.00 plus fee. Price of trip and registration fee is not included. Director: Sara Ortega.
1632 Bellevue Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 250-3578 or (213) 847-0095

Mon — Sat Saturday

11 am — 7 pm Special
Sundays — Typical
Haitian
MICHAEL BECKLER
Group of 10
Food
PAPERHANGING
or more by
Registration fee of $275 per golfer
Reservation
includes: Wood Burning Rotisserie
309 N. Glendale Blvd 650 MALTMAN (323) 644-1922
Tee Prizes
LosFees
Green and Cart Angeles, CA 90026 LA 90029 INSURED
Lunch and www.tigeorgeschicken.com
Dinner
Silent Auction
Email: [email protected]
Free Golf Shoes and much more!
Backpack Brigade – We provide a safe and nurturing place where kids can work on their homework, munch on a tasty, nutri-
tious snack and have some fun under the supervision of trained staff. Walking pick-ups are done for Logan Street School,
Plasencia School and Our Lady of Loretto School. In order to maintain a ratio of 1 trained adult to 10 children, space is lim-
ited. (Monday through Friday. Fee: $5.00 per week. Participants also receive $5.00 off other park-sponsored activities.)
Violin – Whether you are a Perlman or a Benny, you will make beautiful music under the guidance of our master musician.
These are private and semi-private weekly, half-hour lessons assigned by appointment. (Ages: 6 – 18. Class and time are by
appointment. Teacher: Heather Lockie. Fee: FREE.)
Tutoring – Echo Park is the place to be when you need a little help from your friends. Bring your books, paper, pencils and
problems and we will give you the needed boost in your schoolwork. Sign up for a private or semi-private half-hour lesson.
(Ages: 6 – 18. Class and time are by appointment. Teacher: Jose Luis Ramirez. Fee: FREE.)
Las Chicas Sports Club – Calling all girls. This is a league of your own where you can get together with other girls interested
in sports and socializing. Bring your friends and ideas for a good time. You‟ll learn about sports; participate in some games;
and go on sports field trips. (Ages: 6 – 18. Tuesday. 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Leader: Cristina Flores. Fee: FREE.)
Baseball – Winter is over and the kids of spring are ready to crack their bats at the baseball diamond. And we‟re ready for
them, too. Sign up soon. NO CHILD IS EVER CUT FROM A TEAM! Registration is being taken now! Ages: 5 – 16. April 1 –
June 30, 2004. Dates and times for practice and games are by team assignment. Leader: David Estrada. Fee: $65.00.
Softball (Girls Play LA) – It is the goal of Echo Park Recreation Center to provide quality sports opportunities for everyone.
Girls Play LA offers a league for middle school age girls who are looking for non co-ed athletics. Registration is being taken
now! Ages: 13 – 15. April 1 – June 30, 2004. Dates and times for practice and games are by team assignment. Leader:
David Estrada. Fee: $10.00.
Camp Sunchasers (Sunflower Session) – School‟s out! What are you going to do with the kids? The best place for summer‟s
children is Camp Sunchasers, a unique and quality camp where they will be singing camp songs Monday; looking through a
telescope Tuesday; swimming Wednesday; water-sliding down a pyramid Thursday; and riding a paddle boat Friday. Sound
(Continued on page 10)
 April 2004

LOTUS PAD NOTES

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

GLENDALE BOULEVARD IS TURNING into desti- to two members of the Los Angeles City Council, De-
nation No. 1 for developers of hulking storage build- Boe said the group is too much like a homeowners
ings. The Greater Echo Park-Elysian Neighborhood association and failed to focus on community out-
Council‟s planning committee heard from a company reach.
last month that is planning a 48-foot high storage Some in Echo Park expressed disbelief, pointing
project next to the Echo Park Animal Hospital. out that while the neighborhood council needs to
The proposal is controversial. Supporters say it will reach out more, DeBoe was the one who charged with
spruce up the boulevard, while opponents warn it will that task under the group‟s bylaws.
be a gigantic block dropped in the middle of a hillside
setting, blocking views of the hills from Glendale
Boulevard and erasing vistas further up Alvarado and
Mohawk streets.
Either way, the proposal is a big change from what
is proposed in the Echo Park – Silver Lake Commu-
nity Plan, which identifies the strip as a potential “art IN OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL news, one
craft” district with lofts and housing. of the representatives from Echo Park‟s eastern edge,
THE FREQUENTLY CONGESTED Glendale Corridor Matthew DuBois, is pressing ahead with his efforts to
was once lined with a trolley car and half a dozen si- clean up the neighborhood‟s open space and public
lent movie studios. These days, it has storage build- areas. DuBois has already organized two cleanups in
ings, including one that sits on the site of the old Elysian Park and a third is expected soon in another
Mack Sennett Studio, where Charlie Chaplin and part of the neighborhood.
Fatty Arbuckle were filmed. Another storage building BIG HONORS WERE BESTOWED on one of Echo
is already under construction just south of Montana Park‟s elementary schools last month. Elysian
Avenue, according to the owner of the residential Heights Elementary School, located on Echo Park
property next door. That project began after the de- Avenue at Baxter Street, was named a Distinguished
veloper leveled an 80-year-old Craftsman bungalow. School – one of only two in California to receive the
The neighborhood council received a jolt last honor this year, according to local parents.
month when Thomas DeBoe, abruptly resigned from THE BATTLE OVER a condominium project in An-
his post as president. In letters to his colleagues and gelino Heights appears to be over. Faced with com-
munity opposition over a plan to build on East Edge-
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers
ware Road, the property owner decided to sell to a
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park
Improvement Association handful of neighborhood leaders who will look for an-
other type of project to be built.

5th ANNUAL
Registration fee of $275 per golfer
includes: Barlow Foundation Play on a world class course
Contribute to a good cause:
Tee Prizes
Green and Cart Fees
Lunch and Dinner
Silent Auction
Free Golf Shoes and much more!
GOLF CLASSIC Barlow Respiratory Hospital
and community programs
Pick up tips from our long ball
Friday, May 14, 2004 drive demonstration
Compete for prizes, including:
Robinson Ranch, Santa Clarita To register or for more information,
$10,000, a new car, travel get
27734 Sand Canyon Road Please contact Margaret Gross at
-aways, and golf equipment
213.250.4200x3202