ALL WE WANT IS MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC!

Echo Park’s 1st Music Festival

by Susan Borden
On an overcast Saturday morn- dent and musician Varoujan ‗VJ‘ sion eventually reduced.
ing in September the melodies of Nalbandian was not only part of Nalbandian sounded very satis-
Mozart and Haydn floated across the audience but also the visionary fied with the music festival. He
the fading lotus flowers that still who brought the festival to life in said, ―I thought it was great! Not
cover the northwest corner of Echo the face of a discouraging bu- crowded – people were on blan-
Park Lake. The three violinists and reaucracy. When Nalbandian first kets with picnics. Attendance was
one cellist who comprise the Hol- approached the Parks Department great for a first-time event….I defi-
liston String Quartet were the last year he was told that music nitely want to do it again‖! This is
opening performers at the the first time Nalbandian
first Echo Park Music Fes- has done something like
tival. The two men and this, although his musical
two women played half a career began very early. In
dozen selections, ending what he calls the ‗carefully
with a jaunty Scott Joplin controlled environment‘ of
rag that had their audi- communist Rumania, he
ence applauding enthusi- trained as a violinist from
astically. the age of five and toured
Over the weekend as a classical concert player
nearly two dozen acts fol- at 11 years old. Now a stu-
lowed the string quartet. dio musician who works
There was something for with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim
everyone, from the Obser- Seal, and John Morris
vatory Orchestra Brass among others, Nalbandian
Quintet to rapper Nathan has lived in Echo Park for
Nice or reggae artist Robert was not allowed in the park be- seven years.
Berryman and the Nomads. Sev- cause people in Echo Park don‘t Festival-goers were asked to
eral of the performers live – and care for the noise, nor for the extra donate items for Hurricane Katrina
play – in Echo Park. Audience re- trash generated. Undeterred, Nal- victims, as well as enjoy listening
sponse was better for some acts bandian circulated a petition that to music. Food went to the Red
than others and, this being Echo 300 people signed within a week. Cross while the clothing collected
Park, there were differences of With this encouragement he was went to other charitable organiza-
opinion. One listener later posted able to get the support of the tions.
email criticizing a rap act‘s lan- Greater Echo Park Elysian
Nalbandian is already looking
guage while another hearer Neighborhood Council and other
forward to next year‘s event. He
claimed to get ―into his poetry… local groups. The next hurdle was
says, ―It‘ll be bigger and better!‖
and art‖! the date – his first choice clashed
To help or perform, log on to
Stretched out on the grass, with a Cuban festival – and then
www.echoparkmusicfestival.com.
lanky 42-year-old Echo Park resi- the fee, which the Parks Commis-

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
 October-November 2005

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 October-November 2005

Lakeside Living: 2005 Historic Echo Park Home Tour

Life Along the Urban Shore
The Craftsman-style mansions and historic apartment houses surrounding Echo Park Lake will
serve as the dramatic backdrop for the 2005 Historic Echo Park Home Tour on Saturday, Nov. 12.
This year‘s tour, whose theme is ―Lakeside Living: Life Along the Urban Shore,‖ will feature the
panoramic hills and bustling commercial district that surrounds Echo Park Lake, which this year
celebrates its 110th Anniversary. The nine
properties on the self-guided tour feature a wide-
range of styles and, in many cases, offer
breathtaking views of the lake and park that serves
as the historic heart of the neighborhood.
The homes on the third-annual tour and fundraiser
range from a pair of nearly century old Craftsman-
style mansions designed by architect Arthur Benton
to a romantic Spanish Colonial cottage as well as a
1970s, post-modern residence perched above Echo
Park Lake. The tour will also open a major historic
landmark to the public, the renovated apartments
of Jensen's Recreation Center.
(Continued on page 4)

(323)

girl’s teen yoga

Pilates
 October-November 2005

(Continued from page 3) personality Huell Howser.

Lakeside Living: Life Along the Urban Shore This year‘s tour, co-chaired by Mary-Austin Klein
The event aims to promote our neighborhood‘s and Holly Hampton, is a major undertaking and
past and encourage preservation and restoration. involves a large number of volunteers to perform a
Some of the homes retain their original character, variety of tasks. Volunteers will receive free admission
while others have been restored in a variety of ways to the tour.
that meld the historic details and contemporary flair. Please volunteer by calling us (323) 860-8874 or
Ticket Information & Details by sending e-mail to [email protected].
The homes on this self-guided tour will be open to
the public from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Nov. 12.
Admission is $12 for tickets purchased in advance or
$15 on the day of the event. Proceeds from the home
tour are used to help finance the society‘s year-
around education and preservation programs and
basic operations.
Ticket order forms can be downloaded from the
Home Tour section of www.HistoricEchoPark.org or
can be mailed upon request by calling (323) 860-
8874. Tickets, home tour programs, maps and other
information will be available on the day of the tour at
Williams Hall, 2000 Stadium Way near Scott Avenue.
Last year, the Historic Echo Park Home Tour
attracted more than 500 people from across Southern
California. The tour was the subject of a 30-minute
long program television program featuring KCET

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LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
(213) 484-1265
 October-November 2005

FAIR CELEBRATES NATIONAL RESPIRATORY HEALTH WEEK

Prevention and Early Detection are Key

To celebrate National Respiratory Care Week, seminars and visit exhibits led by respiratory experts
Barlow Respiratory Hospital will host its 3 rd Annual about managing asthma, avoiding allergies,
Respiratory Health Fair on Saturday, October 22. strengthening their breathing, stress management,
This free event will offer free flu shots, health smoking cessation and COPD, among other hot
screenings and seminars that aim to raise awareness topics.
of the importance of ―At Barlow, we deal
respiratory health in with some of the most

barlow
our daily lives. critical respiratory
Many do not health cases,‖ said
realize they could Margaret Crane, CEO
have a serious lung of the not-for-profit
disease yet show no hospital in operation
symptoms. since 1902. ―This
Respiratory disease health fair is about
is the 4th leading education and
cause of death, and prevention and is part
countless people of our commitment to
suffer from a breathing disorder and don‘t know it. help Southern California breathe easier.‖
This unique event will feature free respiratory health Hosted by Barlow Respiratory Hospital, and
screenings that can provide early detection of supported by Council members Ed Reyes and Eric
breathing disorders. Garcetti and local health agencies, the fair will be
―Breathing is fundamental to our health and well- held from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. on Barlow‘s hospital
being, but people don‘t think about it much,‖ said Dr. campus at 2000 Stadium Way in Los Angeles – next
David Nelson, Barlow Respiratory Hospital‘s Medical door to Dodger Stadium. Parking is free.
Director. ―For those who do think about their For fair information, visit www.barlow2000.org/fair
breathing, whether it be because they have asthma, or call 213-202-6445.
live with a smoker, or struggle with respiratory illness, The only one of its kind on the West Coast, Barlow
they often do not realize there is more they can do to Respiratory Hospital (www.barlow2000.org) provides care for
better manage their respiratory health.‖ the critically ill. Among its distinctions, Barlow is known in the
A variety of screenings will be available to measure medical community for successfully weaning ventilator-
lung capacity, blood oxygen and blood sugar levels, dependent patients when the general health system can do no
more. Serving Southern California since 1902, the specialty
cholesterol and much more. Also, just in time for respiratory hospital works in partnership with 100 regional
cold and flu season, free flu shots will be provided to hospitals, which refer patients to Barlow based on its expertise
the first 250 people. Attendees can also attend in respiratory and other critical illnesses.

THIS SPACE IS
WAITING for
YOUR AD
Call the EPIA (323) 882-4835 for Info
 October-November 2005

ECHO PARK CALENDAR

Event Date Location Comments
EPIA Meetings 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Hos- Call EPIA message phone for ad-
Nov. meeting canceled pital, 2000 Stadium Way in ditional information. Dec. meeting
Dec. 1 - Holiday Celebration – Elysian Park is Holiday Potluck. Bring a gift for
Potluck and gift for CCAC a CCAC child.
EPIA Steering 2nd Monday, 7:15 pm Call (323) 882-4835 for loca- Take an active part in EPIA. Join
Committee Oct 17*, Nov 14 tion the Steering Committee
Meetings * 3rd Monday-exception
Community 2nd Thursday, LAPD Stop-In Center, Echo Hosted by Echo Park Security
Safety Meeting 3 pm, each month Park Avenue and Sunset Association. Call (323)666-3228
Boulevard for more info
Citizens Commit- 1st Wednesday,7:30 pm Williams Hall at Barlow Hos- Call 213-666-9651 for meeting
tee to Save Ely- Nov 2, Dec 7 pital, 2000 Stadium Way in location
sian Park Elysian Park
Greater Echo 4th Tuesday, 7 pm Logan Street School Audito- Call (213) 413-3196 for info or
Park Elysian Oct. 25, Nov. 22 rium, 1711 W. Logan Street visit www.GEPENC.org
Neighborhood
Council Meeting
Edendale Library 2nd Wednesday, 7 pm Edendale Branch Library Join the library’s support group
Friends Society Oct. 12, Nov 9 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard and find out how you can help
>=> ELFS <=< in the Community room your neighborhood’s branch. New
members always welcome.
Deadline Friday, November 18 Send submissions to EPIA, Attn:
December EPIAn Ways Editor
EPIAn ways
SPECIAL EVENTS
Edendale Library Saturday, October 8 Edendale Library
Giant Used Book 10:30 a.m. – 3 pm Community Room
Sale
Barlow Hospital Saturday, October 22 2000 Stadium Way in For fair information, visit
Respiratory Health Elysian Park www.barlow2000.org/fair or call
Fair 213-202-6445.
GEPENC Tuesday, October 25, 7 pm Logan Street School Come meet the Candidates for
Candidate Forum Auditorium GEPENC positions at the
GEPENC monthly meeting
GEPENC Election Saturday, October 29 Logan Street School,1711 Call (213) 413-3196 for info or visit
10 am — 3 pm W. Montana Ave WWW.GEPENC.ORG
2005 Historic Echo Saturday, Nov. 12 Ticket order forms can be downloaded from the Home Tour
Park Home Tour 11 am to 4 pm section of www.HistoricEchoPark.org or can be mailed upon
request by calling (323) 860-8874.
Candidates Saturday, Nov 19 Echo Park Recreational
Forum, for 45th 5 pm Center, 1632 Bellevue Ave
Assembly Seat
Echo Park Library Saturday November 12 Echo Park Library
Book Sale 10 am –5 pm 1410 W. Temple Street
Echo Park Holiday Dec. 10 Sunset Blvd. Volunteer to help with VIP
Parade reception by leaving your name &
number on the EPIA hotline.
October-November 2005
 October-November 2005

ECHO PARK LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Movies at the Library Library Hours
The Echo Park Library has begun to show movies.
Mondays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
The movies are shown in the afternoon on Saturdays
at 4:00pm. Ms. Nadine Flores, the Adult Librarian, is
Tuesdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
responsible for showing these movies. The first movie Wednesdays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
exhibited, on Saturday July 30, was Gaslight, with Thursdays 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ingrid Berman and Claude Raines. A mystery movie, Fridays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
which was enjoyed by all present. Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
The second movie, a comedy titled Guantanamera, Sundays CLOSED
a Spanish film with English subtitles, was set in the Library Address
beautiful country side in Cuba. It was a funny, Echo Park Branch Library
charming, and enjoyed by all in attendance.
1410 W. Temple Street
The last movie shown was La Dama de Las
Camillas (The Lady of the Camillas) with Mexican
Los Angeles CA 90026
Actress Maria Felix, in the leading role. Although the Phone 213.250.7808
film was in Spanish, it was well attened. FAX 213.250.3744
In addition, to the viewing of good movies, World Wide Web Address
refreshments are also served to those in attendance, http://www.lapl.org
(talk about no eating at the library). Ms. Flores, is 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
pleased with the attendance at these showings and
welcomes suggestions as to films the public would 10:00-5:00, at the library 1410 W. Temple Street.
like to see, and other events for adults as well. Thus We will be selling interesting and exciting books,
the staff extends an invitation to everyone to come and all proceeds go towards expenditures the library
and enjoy a movie. It is a good way to relax in a cool incurs, which are not covered by the City. With the
dark ample room, eating and watching fun movies. current City Budget, libraries have been hit hard and
So, we hope to see you at the movies. so every little bit that can be raised is a big help.
BOOKSALE on Saturday, November 12 The volunteers look forward to seeing you. With
The Volunteers of the Echo Park Library, will be your participation, we will accomplish our goal of
having a book sale on Saturday November 12 from raising funds for our Library.

The EPIA will once again be acting as hosts for the Echo Park Holiday Parade VIP reception before the parade.
This is an opportunity for our members to be of additional service to the community. If you would like to take part
in this event, please let us know by leaving your name and phone number on the EPIA hotline — (323) 882-4835.

Echo Park Library Really Participates at Lotus Festival

letter to the editor by Margarita Fernandez, epVolunteer Co-ordinator
The August/September issue of the EPIAn Ways failed to mention the presence of the Echo Park Library at
the Lotus Festival. The Echo Park Library was well represented on both days by Ms. Sally Chuah, Head
Librarian, Jennie Zambrano, Children‘s Librarian and the volunteers of the Echo Park Library
The volunteers helped Judy Donavan, Head Librarian at Edendale, set up and put away the booth. They
successfully promoted both libraries, Echo Park and Edendale, mentioning the various programs offered at
both libraries. One of the results of the hard work was the great turnout for the Music Recital at the Edendale
branch the following weekend.
The Echo Park Library volunteers enjoyed their hard work at the festival and are, and will always be,
involved in community events.
 October-November 2005

EDENDALE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

The Edendale Library will be screening the Echo Library Hours
Park Film Center's Student film "City of Angeles" Mondays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
all day (continuous loop) on Saturday October 15th Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
in the Community Room. We hope to invite some of Wednesdays 12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
the students to drop by and talk about their work. Thursdays 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
The student Q & A session will be from 4 pm to 5 Fridays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
pm — with a little reception. The Echo Park Film Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Center will be donating two copies of the film on Sundays CLOSED
DVD to the Library!
Library Address
(The audio visual equip. we will be using was
Edendale Branch Library
provided to the library by our own GEPENC District
2 and 3!) 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
A few more ELFS sponsored Edendale Library
events coming up in October and November: Phone (213) 207-3000
Saturday - October 8th - Giant Used Book Sale - FAX (213) 207-3097
10:30am to 3:00pm in the Community Room. 24 Hour Renewal: 888-577-LAPL
Friday November. 18th & Saturday November 19th
- Silver Lake Artist Collective Art Show - all day in the by Karoush Zolani in the main Library - Time TBA.
Community Room.
Saturday November 19th - Solo music performance

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 October-November 2005

SUMMER LAKE WALK SCORES WITH BIRDERS

by Judy Raskin
At 9:00 a.m. on a sunny August morning, fourteen bird-
ers – ten from Echo Park, one from England, and three from
other parts of Los Angeles – began a two hour walk around
Echo Park Lake that was part social hour and part bird iden-
tification.
―This walk was billed as a fun walk and it lived up to its
name,‖ said Judy Raskin, an Echo Park resident and long
time birder. ―The idea was to introduce birding to people
who had never done it. Ten of the walkers were newcomers
and they all seemed to enjoy the event.‖
Serious birders usually start out at 7:00 a.m. or so,
when the birds are feeding, because there are more of them
to see. ―Starting out later meant we would see fewer species but have more time to chat.‖
Among the birds spotted that day were Mallards, American coots, green herons, Brewer‘s blackbird, yel-
low-tailed parakeets, great tailed grackles, western gulls, rock pigeons, starlings, house finches, and the ma-
jor thrill for the day, two Caspian terns.
―The last time we recorded Caspian terns at the lake was during the 2003 Christmas Bird Walk. They are
really something to see – about as large as gulls but with a wingspan that goes to 50 inches. They have thick
red bills and a black cap on their heads. They fly over the water, hover for a while, then dive straight down to
catch a fish. It‘s really quite a sight,‖ Judy added.

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 October-November 2005

Central City Action by Gloria

Ding Dong school is in. Our biggest track of kids with the help of our instructor, Rhonda Walker, to
has gone back to school. They still come to the put on a performance by Thanksgiving. Even if we
center but now are involved with their homework don‘t make it to the performance stage, we will have
and assignments. Eagerly and sometimes not so been providing all participants with great exercise
eagerly they are working hard to comprehend their and stretching.
new classes. Did you ever go on all the roller coasters and
water rides at Knottsberry Farm? Well if you want
an experience of your life, go with our kids. We will
probably make arrangements to go to the Haunted
House and/or Haunted Houses. Anyone know of
some haunted places we can go?
This new track will take over the Red Shirt Sunset It is getting to be the haunting time of the year. Yes, I have
Project. So you might see the red shirt kids with seen Captain Rollo flying around the center late in the day. I
different faces. When you see them along Sunset, feel I may have scared the dickens out of some of our newer
give them a heads up, as they like to be noticed for kids.
their hard work.
We are having our first Rummage sale for this
track. Hopefully they will make enough money to go
bowling and the movies. The kids have not decided
on a big trip as of yet but I am sure on will be
planned.
Camping seems to be the activity of choice
around here. Sam has become our resident chef
since Paul Meza left. I hear he makes some good
pancakes and sausage. I know he makes good
sandwiches (he brings me back one). It seems that
the last time the kids went camping, Sam and
Miguel made their own slide. They bought some
realllly big plastic sheets, put them on a hill, and
ran water over the sheets to make a gigantic slide.
Check the picture out.
Our Capoeria class is still being held on
Tuesdays. If you still do not know what Capoeria is, Richard takes a cool Summer slide.
please feel to come and be a spectator. We hope

45th District Candidate Forum

A Candidates Forum, for the 45th Assembly Seat, will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005,
5:00pm., at the Echo Park Recreational Center, 1632 Bellevue Ave.
You are invited to attend and decide which candidate will get your vote. The candidates who have
said, yes, they will participate in the Forum are: Gabriel Buelna, Christine Chavez, Devin de Leon and
Elena Popp. Christopher Arrellano, the fifth candidate, has not yet responded to his invitation.
It will be an interesting forum which will enable everyone to learn where the candidates stand on the
issues that will be facing them once the victorious candidate goes to Sacramento. With your participa-
tion, the candidates will be on their toes to see how many voters they will be able to swing to their cor-
ner.
We look forward to seeing you at the Forum Saturday November 19, 1005, at 5:00pm,
 October-November 2005

LOTUS PAD NOTES

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

Seasons change, temperatures cool, and once ***

again Echo Park is back in the media – not once but The school board is scheduled to meet on October
a few times, thanks to a devastating hurricane, an 11 to decide whether to press ahead with its poorly
old house and the occasional celebrity. It seems like planned elementary school on Alvarado Street just
you can’t change the channel or pick up the paper south of Sunset Boulevard.
without seeing our neighborhood. Those who live on the site – most of whom fear
First up was the Dream Center, the Evangelical they‘ll never again be able to afford Echo Park once
outfit housed in the old Queen of the Angeles they‘re forced out – still can‘t figure out why the
Hospital, which stepped forward to provide food and district won‘t build on a location with less homes –
shelter for scores who were forced out of New like the block that will soon be vacated by the LAPD‘s
Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. As you may recall, the Rampart Station, which is moving from Temple
Dream Center, perched above the 101 Freeway, had Street to Westlake.
a holy merger with the Angelus Temple a few years
back.
THEN THERE WAS HURRICANE FRANCES, as in
the actress Frances Conroy, who told the Los Angeles
Times about her dismay over seeing graffiti on the
garage doors of her Echo Park compound. The LA
Times writer concluded that Conroy, who appeared NOT ALWAYS SO GOOD AT MATH, the Los
on the television show ―Six Feet Under,‖ was keepin‘ Angeles Unified School District has had a trouble
it real by exercising at the downtown Y and dining in accurately reporting the number of homes that would
Little Tokyo. be demolished (they said 38 last year; now its 55), let
alone the dwindling enrollment numbers.
Employees of Logan Elementary School reported
last month that enrollment at the start of the school
year stood at 920, a drop of more than 100 over last
year and a decline of 350 since 2001. Despite those
trends, the district wants to build the school for 875
THINGS GOT EVEN WEIRDER on the cable students on the west side of Alvarado, even though
channel TLC, where a one-hour episode of ―Property children on the east side of Alvarado are in the
Ladder‖ portrayed an Echo Park resident struggling enrollment boundaries of the rapidly shrinking Logan.
to fix and flip a Bellevue Avenue cottage in Angeleno
***
Heights.
WILL ECHO PARK ONCE AGAIN have a true
While the show and the owner seemed to confuse
Chamber of Commerce? That‘s the question on
the Angeleno Heights preservation board with the
merchants‘ minds now that a group of business
Echo Park Historical Society, it definitely captured
owners got together to discuss their common needs
the anxiety and general disarray that come with
remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, and well, just about and wants.
every other room in the house. Days after the show AND FINALLY, one of Echo Park‘s stalwart
aired, a ―Sold‖ sign was added to the sign outside the volunteers, Rosie Betanzos, had a tough summer
turn-of-the-century cottage. health-wise, making a trip to the hospital in August
that put her out of commission for a few weeks. Send
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers your warm thoughts to Rosie, who gives much of her
and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Echo Park time raising money for the Edendale Branch Library.
Improvement Association