EPIAn

by Kelly Erickson

August-September 2012 Volume 19 Issue 4

Echo Park Improvement Association Newsletter

ways

Echo Park Lake project updates

Its hard to believe our beloved Echo Park Lake closed down a year ago as part of the $65 million renovation project under Proposition O the states water quality act. Since then, the lake has been drained and dredged, and a new lake bed is being built. So far everything appears to be on schedule for the lakes grand re-opening in May 2013. The Lotus bed is also expected to return with the opening of the lake, as they are currently being
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by Kelly Erickson

Elf Cafe expanding Movie Night Under the Stars The services and restaurant MovieEcho Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a benefit Night Under the Stars on the Citibank roofdeck on
August 25 at 7:00 pm. Godzilla vs King Kong will be the featured film, and starts dusk so bring your blankets, folding chairs, picnics and family for this fun summer event. Popcorn and other treats will be provided by Masa. Suggested donations are $5.00 for adults, $10.00 for families. Proceeds benefit local youth groups. To confirm your attendance please email Christine at vice-president@echoparkchamber.

Owner and chef Scott Zwiezen has been

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ECHO PARK

Five years ago, Elf Caf opened its doors to Echo Park vegetarians and vegans seeking gourmet Mediterranean themed cuisine. Until a couple of years ago the small, 700 square foot restaurant on Sunset Boulevard barely had a kitchen; they were using hot plates and convection ovens to churn out plates IMPRO M NT just a few nightsV Ea Eweek, but still managing to convince even the heartiest of meat-eaters that vegetarian food can be good, really good.
A S S O C I AT I O N

ECHO PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

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

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Hate Crime Workshops
Celebrate, Educate and Stop the Hate Coalition presents 2 workshops: adult workshop: august 23, 6-8:00 pm Youth workshop: august 30, 4:30-6:30 pm Cathedral Center of St. Paul at 840 Echo Park Avenue. Info: conradoterrazas@roadrunner.com

Cont.: Echo Park Lake

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grown by aquatic plant expert Randy McDonald in Reseda. Street Sweeping returnS to echo park avenue Echo Park Avenue residents near the lake take heed street sweeping will return back to its regular schedule beginning the week of August 6, 2012. The east side of Echo Park Avenue will be swept on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; while the west side (lake side) will be swept on Fridays during the same time period. tour of conStruction Site The Proposition O Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee (COAC) will conduct a tour of the project site on August 16 at 9:00 am. A committee meeting will be held afterwards at 11:00 am in the nearby Rec Center. Attendees are asked to wear sturdy shoes and long pants (hard hats will be provided). If youre interested in attending the tour, you are required to RSVP to Katie Clark at katherine. clark@lacity.org or (213) 847-0395 by August 10. Please mention if you need Spanish-language translation services during the tour. Visit echoparklake.org for regular updates of the lake rehabilitation project.

Trash Pick-Up / Gra ti removal / Sidewalk clean up

(Echo Park Avenue from Altivo to Morton and surrounding streets)

ECHO PARK AVENUE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012 9:00 AM NOON
IMPROVEMENT

Cleanup
COMMUNITY
CLEAN UP
ECHO PARK

For more information, visit

EPIAn Ways Newsletter Credits

1197 West Sunset Blvd. www.thewarehousela.com i@thewarehousela.com (213) 975-0035

EDITOR: Kelly Erickson ADVERTISING: Darren Hubert PRINTING: Davco epiamail@yahoo.com

Copyright 2012 Echo Park Improvement Association

www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

A S S O C I AT I O N

www.epia-echopark.org

Subscribe to our online mailing list

Get meeting notices and announcements in your email inbox! Visit our website and click on sign up for our newsletter.

www.epia-echopark.org

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This adorable black and red female Rottweiler was found in an Echo Park residents car after she jumped in through the open window and spend the night. She is about one year old, and is thus far unaltered. She is a great family dog good with children, cats, and other dogs! She is looking for a foster or forever home. Currently she resides at the animal shelter, and is reeady for adoption!

August-September 2012 Volume 19 Issue 4

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Echo Park Animal Alliance pet spotlight

Her ID for the North Central Animal Shelter is #A1322099. You can also contact the Echo Park Animal Alliance for more information at info@echoparkanimalalliance.org

www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

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Location
Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way Email EPIAmail@yahoo.com for location Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way GEPENC Community room 1572 Sunset Boulevard Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way Taix Restaurant Hosted by EPSA. Call (323) 8609914 for meeting location. Call (213) 666-9651 for meeting location Call (213) 630-3032 for further information.

Echo Park Community Calendar

Event EPIA Meetings EPIA Steering Committee EPIA Neighborhood Issues Committee Community Safety Meeting (EPSA) Date
Every 1st Thursday 7:00 pm Every 2nd Monday 7:15 pm Every 3rd Wednesday 7:00 pm Every 3rd Wednesday 2:00 pm

Comments
Email EPIA to get monthly reminders of meetings and to be on email list. Take an active part in EPIA. Join the Steering Committee.

Citizens Committee to Every 1st Wednesday 7:00 pm Save Elysian Park Echo Park Chamber of Commerce Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council Meeting Edendale Library Friends Society (ELFS)
Every 3rd Thursday 7:00 pm Every 4th Tuesday 7:00 pm Every 2nd Wednesday 7:00 pm

GEPENC Community room 1572 Sunset Boulevard Edendale Library Community room 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. Edendale Library Community room 2011 W. Sunset Blvd.

Call (213) 250-3400 for info or visit www.GEPENC.org

Find out how you can help your neighborhoods branch.

Positive Energy Group 4th Wednesday of Echo Park and 6:00 - 7:00 pm Silver Lake Area EP Farmers Market Edendale Book Club
Every Friday 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Every 3rd Monday 6:30 pm

For info: www.positiveenergy group.blogspot.com

Parking lot #663 -- half a bock south of Sunset Boulevard (323) 463-3171 x13 Edendale Library Community room 2011 W. Sunset Blvd.

www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

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POLICE
Emergency .................................................... 911 Spanish Line ................................... 213-928-8222 Narcotic Hotline............................ 1-800-662-2878 Child Abuse Hotline .....................1-800-540-4000 Police Non-Emergency ....................1-877-275-5273 LAPD Air Support Division ................ 213-485-2600 RAMPART DIVISION Division Desk ..........................213-484-3400 ext 1 Vice Unit ........................................213-485-4080 Division Watch Commander .............213-485-4062 Senior Lead Officer Ford ...................213-793-0775 Community Relations ...............213-484-3400 ext 2 China Town Sub-Station ................... 213-621-2344 NORTHEAST DIVISION Division Desk .................................. 323-344-5701 Northeast Report Unit ...................... 323-344-5701 Senior Lead Officer Bobby Hill ..........213-793-0760 Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki ........213-793-0763 Detectives ....................................... 323-344-5731 Community Relations ....................... 323-344-5712 Gang Detail ................................... 323-344-5754

August-September 2012 Volume 19 Issue 4

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Community Resources
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
Department Building & Safety .........1-888-524-2845 Department of Health.....................1-800-427-8700 Department of Transportation ............213-580-1177 Department of Water & Power ........1-800-342-5397 Parking Enforcement ....................................... 311 Loose/Stray Animals/Barking Dogs ....888-452-7381 Legal Aid Client Referral ................ 1-800-399-4529 Operation Bright Lights.................................... 311 Film LA .......................................... 213-977-8600

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Report Graffiti/Free Paint................................. 311 Copies of Crime & Traffic Reports ......213-485-4193 Dodgers Neighborhood Focus .......... 323-224-2636 Dodgers Community Affairs ..............323-224-1435 North Central Animal Shelter ............ 213-847-1416 Elysian Park Ranger ......................... 323-913-4688 Health Information .......................................... 211 Los Angeles City Information ............................ 311 Neighborhood Prosecutor Program .... 213-847-8045

POLITICAL
1st District Ed Reyes ......................... 213-473-7001 13th District Eric Garcetti...................323-957-4500 Congressman Xavier Becerra ............ 213-483-1425 Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard .. 213-628-9230 State Senator Gil Cedillo ...................323-225-4545 Assemblyperson Kevin de Leon ......... 213-612-9566 LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina .. 213-974-4111 Mayors Office................................ 213-978-0600

CLEAN-UP
Abandoned Vehicles ....................................... 311 Cars Parked in Yards .....................1-888-524-2845 Hazardous Waste Disposal Info ......1-800-988-6942 Storm Drains ................................... 213-485-5391 Trash & Bulky Item Pick Up..............1-800-773-2489 LAFD Brush Clearance ..................... 818-374-1111

More info also available at our website, www.epia-echopark.org

www.epia-echopark.org www.U R B A N H I L L S I D E S .com P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

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ECHO PARK LIBRARIES - UPCOMING EVENTS

echo park Branch LiBrarY
teen chess night: Call for date where is it?: How to use the library and website for school projects and reports. Call 213-2507808 for an appointment. art class for kids: Kids will learn about art from an artist from LACMA and create something new each week. For hours please call 213-250-7808. gaB: Books come alive for kids when they share the fun of reading with GAB library volunteers. Call 213-250-7808 for hours. computer classes: For info call 213-250-7808 online Job Searching & resume review: This class will assist you in job searching, creating, and updating your resume. By appointment. computer classes to go: Join us for Computer Comfort, Computer Classes for Improving your English, and Introduction to Beginning Web Design. By appointment only.

eDenDaLe Branch LiBrarY

eLfS used Book Sale: Wednesdays at 2:00 pm. geD class: Thursday, Aug. 9, 16 & 23 at 2:30 pm. For Children Shin3: Tuesday, August 7. Japanese drumming (taiko), storytelling, music and dance. infant & toddler Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:15 am. Legos club: Saturday, August 11 at 10:15 am. For Teens end of Summer party: Thurs., Aug. 9 at 5:00 pm teen Book club: Thursday, Aug. 16 at 5:00 pm. teen cooking club: Thursday, Aug. 23 at 5:00 pm. Computer classes: introduction to computers: Aug. 8 at 12:00 pm introduction to e-mail: Aug. 10 16 at 12:00 pm. introduction to Spreadsheets: Aug. 10 at 2:00 pm introduction to the internet: Aug. 15 at 12:00 pm introduction to e-mail: Aug. 22 16 at 12:00 pm. intro to google Drive: Aug. 29 16 at 12:00 pm.

For details: www.lapl.org

Echo Park Now is a local source for news, music, history and events in Echo Park.
www.echoparknow.com

www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

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August-September 2012 Volume 19 Issue 4

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Cont: Echo Park Vegetarian cafe expanding

planning for over two years now to expand and evolve the restaurant into the adjacent space, plans which are now finally in motion. In the summer of 2012, the hot plates were replaced by a real kitchen that currently serves 20 seats. The expansion will add 448 square feet to the restaurant, including an additional bathroom, office and storage space, and eight more seats for the restaurant. On top of taking over the empty Branche Boutique space next door, Elf Caf has applied for a beer and wine license. Aware of the concentration of alcohol licenses in the area, Zwiezen has been doing outreach in the immediate radius since January. They told the Neighborhood Issues Committee of the Echo Park Improvement Association last night that the majority of the input has been favorable. And its a good time for the restaurant to start expanding its services food critic Jonathan Gold lists Elf Caf as one of his favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, recently recommending the restaurant for vegans and vegetarians in an online chat for the LA Times. Currently, Elf is open just Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to about 1:00 am, but they will expand those hours under the beer and wine license. They are currently asking for 7:00 am 2:00 am so that they have some flexibility should they want to start offering brunch and lunch service (which neighbor Mohawk Bend also offers). Its unclear whether or not the expansion will now require them to provide a certain number of parking spaces. A public hearing on the beer and wine license is expected to be in August this year, construction will start that same month but the restaurant should only be closed for a few days. free SpaniSh-Language cooking cLaSSeS Theyve also got some neighborhood interest in new free cooking classes starting July 17, which will focus on introducing vegetarian cooking to Spanish-language speakers on Tuesday nights when the restaurant is closed. If you have questions or would like to RSVP for one of the free cooking classes, email elfcafe@ gmail.com. Elf Caf is located at 2135 W Sunset Blvd.

www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA

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August-September 2012 Volume 19 Issue 4

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The Echoplex will have a record fair, book fair, on site t-shirt silkscreening, and workshops on creating a fanzine plus more. Business that wish to participate should email neil@ origamiorigami.com with information about what youre doing (store discounts, music, etc.). For more information, visit echoparkrising.com

Second annual Echo Park Rising on August 25

After the shut-down of Sunset Junction, Liz Garo (Spaceland Productions) and other community members decided to fill the void, offering bands and other artists a place to perform at different venues. Thus was born Echo Park Rising. Returning for its second year (and with a little more time to get organized), the festival has now become a grass roots neighborhood effort focusing on Echo Parks arts, culture, music and small businesses. So far, there will be music and/or DJs at: iam8bit, Fretted Frog, Raffas Lounge, Echo, Origami Vinyl, El Prado, Stories Books & Cafe, Sancho Gallery, Fix Cafe and Short Stop. There will be a main stage in the Taix parking lot, and inside the restaurant. Lineup for the main stage includes Youngblood Hawke, NO, Dante Vs Zombies, Gothic Tropic, Hott MT, Robert Delong and Lavender Diamond.

Neighborhood Council elections

Elections for the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) are coming up on October 6, 2012. Candidates for the elections can file between August 6 and September 6, 2012. For more info about your NC, or to file for candidacy, visit www.EmpowerLA.com.

We need your help

This year we had donations from printers, other community groups and residents that has allowed us to continue to product our newsletter. Due to the cost of printing we run a deficit with each newsletter produced. This is not something that the EPIA can sustain for a long period of time if donations stop coming in. Therefore we are attempting to raise funds for continued support of the newsletter.

Donation Amount:
All contributions are appreciated equally

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www.epia-echopark.org P.O. Box 261021, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Message Phone 877-860-EPIA