The historic, eclectic and diverse communities of Northeast Los Angeles grew from the gentle valley and hillsides along the Arroyo Seco, stretching in between Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena.
The neighborhoods are now cross-cultural and dynamic, but much of their character can traced to Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Arts and Crafts Movement celebrated individualism, creativity and pride of craftsmanship as a rebuttal to the Industrial Revolution , and as a counterpoint to Victorian formality.
The spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement continues today as a vital and thriving Arts Community rooted in Northeast Los Angeles.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 31, 2009
Someone (DisneyKrayzie / Mike) started a Flickr Group for images of the fires raging in Los Angeles County Los Angeles Fires 2009 ( http://www.flickr.com/groups/1179287@N24/ )
If you are anywhere in the L A Basin, and have some images of the fires, firefighters, towering smoke clouds, or any related images, please do join the group and add your photos.
It's an act of Citizen Journalism.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 30, 2009
I can see the San Gabriel Mountains from the upstairs window of my home; this was my vantage point yesterday evening as I witnessed the progress of the La Canada Flintridge fire.
This photo of a giant smoke cloud was taken at approximately 6:50PM PDT.
This photo was taken at approximately 7:30PM PDT. The flames have now crossed the ridge. (Note the shot is zoomed in closer - compare the size of the palm tree in the foreground.)
This photo was taken at approximately 7:50PM PDT, just an hour after the first photo:
Posted by Brian Brady
August 30, 2009
I stated at the beginning of the year that VA jumbo mortgages could very well be the product that helped stabilize the middle-market ($500,000- $1,000,000) in Los Angeles real estate. Let me share with you how they work and give you some cases where we were able to fund loans this year.
The current zero-down VA jumbo mortgage limit is $737,500. This means that a qualified veteran is eligible to purchase a a home, up to that limit, with no down payment required. That's pretty straightforward. Did you know that VA loans go up to $1,080,000 with a down payment? The down payment requirement for a VA jumbo mortgage is essentially 25% of the difference between the purchase price and the county loan limit ($737,500 in Los Angeles County).
Here are some examples of funded VA loans, in LA county, this year:
Most veterans who served after 1980 are eligible for the VA home loan benefit. While eligibility doesn't guarantee approval, if the veteran's credit and income supports the loan, a VA jumbo mortgage might very well be the loan solution that allows for a low down payment for a seven-figure purchase price.
Many Californians are eligible for VA home loan benefits. Some of the more famous veterans include Easy Rider Dennis Hopper, Kirk Douglas, Sidney Poitier, Chuck Norris, ER's Troy Evans, and Pat Sajac. All are eligible for a VA home loan (although I doubt they need one).
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 28, 2009
When: Saturday August 29, 10:30AM
Where; Glassell Park Community Center, 3750 Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, 90065
On Saturday, August 29, 2009, the Glassell Park Improvement Association Land Use Committee is hosting an educational forum regarding the 710 Tunnel Feasibility Study.
The 710 Tunnel Feasibility Study currently being conducted by Cal Trans could result in a tunnel portal opening in our community. The feasibility study has been engaged in order to determine whether or not a tunnel could be constructed to complete the 710 gap closure for northbound traffic via a "route-neutral" plan.
The meeting is free to the public.
Here is the Caltrans web site: http://www.710tunnelstudy.info/
Posted by BarujBraja
August 26, 2009
Community Network and Resource Fair
Saturday, August 29, 2009, 10am – 4pm PDT
Court of Champions
The Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
10a-2p Community Network and Resource Fair with information about Employment Health Financial Housing Education Youth Parenting Spiritual and More
Over 50 Resource Vendors
10a-4p Celebration Join us for Music Art Dance Drama Food
*All Ages
FREE
The Church of the City, Greater Pasadena
in conjunction with
The Employment Development Department of California and
The Foothill Workforce Investment Board
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 25, 2009
The Old L A Farmer's Market in Highland Park is held every Tuesday, rain or shine, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Farmer's Market is held on Avenue 58 in between North Figueroa and Marmion Way, and on Marmion Way between Avenue 57 and Avenue 58.
You can ride the Metro Gold Line and get off at the Avenue 57 Station. Or you can park in the public parking lot north of North Figueroa. Enter the parking lot from Avenue 57.
And the market has more than fruit and veggies! You can buy hot, prepared food; you can buy arts, crafts, jewelry and apparel.
And there's live entertainment!
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 24, 2009
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 23, 2009
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 21, 2009
ESCROW SURVIVAL GUIDE -For Homebuyers in Northeast Los Angeles - PART ONE: What is Escrow?
Many eastern states use a settlement/closing process to effect a purchase of real estate. California and several other western states use a process known as "escrow".
It's bad enough that the word "escrow" itself can be used is so many different ways.
"Escrow" can be a verb: As in "We will escrow the money".
"Escrow" can be a company name: As in "Arroyo Village Escrow".
"Escrow" can be a generic noun, a word for the process itself: "We are in escrow".
And "escrow" as a process is not limited to real estate transactions. You can escrow items you buy and sell on eBay. eBay's one approved escrow service provider is escrow.com.
Escrow.com describes the eBay escrow process this way (I am paraphrasing here):
1. Buyer and Seller agree to terms
2. Buyer submits money to escrow.com
3. Escrow.com confirms receipt of money
4. Seller ships item
5. Buyer confirms receipt of item
6. Escrow.com forwards the money to the seller.
Substitute the idea of shipping the item with the idea of recording the transfer deed, add a few layers of complexity, a few additional steps, and a few zeros to the price of the item, and you will understand the process as it applies to a real estate transaction.
An escrow company is a neutral third party. Buyers and sellers deposit documents and money with this neutral third party. The neutral third party holds the money and the documents, until whatever conditions agreed upon by both buyer and seller are met, then the third party distributes the documents and the money.
In a California real estate transaction, the neutral third party (the escrow company) has some requirements to of their own to complete before the transaction can close.
So while the buyer is busy obtaining inspections and completing paperwork for final loan approval, and while the seller is busy making agreed upon repairs and making moving arrangements, the escrow company will:
1, Receive buyer's initial deposit and prepare escrow instructions. Obtain all signatures.
2, Order a title search and receive the preliminary title report.
3. Distribute copies of the preliminary title report to all parties and obtain approval.
4. Request "demands" (that is, pay-off statements) from the seller's existing lenders.
5. Obtain seller's signature on grant deed. Hold grant deed until all terms are meet, and all money is deposited.
6. Calculate prorations on property taxes, rents, insurance, or other expenses as required.
7. Coordinate with buyer's lender. Order and process buyer's loan documents.
8. Receive buyer's down payment funds and request funds from buyer's lender.
9. Order recording of grant deed to buyer and distribute all funds: Pay-off existing loans; pay required costs, such as termite completion; release net proceeds to seller.
Don't worry! If you are working with one of the experienced real estate agents at Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., in Highland Park, we will constantly monitor your escrow to make sure that all participants are performing their tasks correctly and on time; so that your escrow proceeds smoothly and closes successfully.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 18, 2009
It's Tuesday! Come on over to the Old L.A. Farmers Market in Highland Park, from 3 to 7 pm, on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way.
Come for the entertainment and stay for the fresh produce, hot and prepared foods and arts and crafts.
The Old LA Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3-8pm. Corner of North Figueroa and Ave. 58. Lots of free parking at Ave. 57. Adjacent to the Highland Park Metro Goldline.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 17, 2009
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 16, 2009
Here in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, we are a community of contrasts and diversity, where many different cultures and beliefs peacefully (for the most part) co-exist.
I enjoy this juxtaposition:
Palm Reading, the Virgin of Guadalupe and Fresh Flowers.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 16, 2009
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 14, 2009
As promised, I have started an occasional photo collection of some the Highland Park's Alleys and Parking Lots.
Many of our Alleys and Parking lots are home to some remarkable examples of graffiti art.
This parking lot is on the South side of North Figueroa, in between Avenue 57 and Avenue 58,
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 13, 2009
After many years in the planning José Saavedra joins forces with Grammy nominated Puerto Rican songwriter and producer Walter Morciglio to present Conversos, a collection of contemporary Puerto Rican Poetry put into song. As Saavedra's previous works, Conversos explores the territory of Latin American acoustic guitar music this time to blend them with Morciglios territory of electronica and pop, creating a blend hard to attach to a specific genre.
Conversos (Converts/Together with Verse), as the Spanish title suggests is an exploration of words in their poetic form. It is also a journey where two songwriters are converted to an imaginary religion or faith where the path towards illumination is the process of discovering the power of poems by converting them into songs.
Avenue 50 Studio is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, in addition to the California Community Foundation and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Where: Avenue 50 Studio, 131 North Avenue 50, Highland Park, Ca 90042
When: Sunday, August 16, 7:00PM
Cover: $10.00
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 11, 2009
It's Tuesday! Come on over to the Old L.A. Farmers Market in Highland Park, from 3 to 7 pm, on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way.
And this week is a special treat! Music at the Market! Music at the Market! Sizzling Summer Music Nights!
Bands scheduled to play on August 11 are:
Crosby Tylor 4pm
Artichoke 5pm
The Seasons 6pm
Come for the entertainment and stay for the fresh produce, hot and prepared foods and arts and crafts.
The Old LA Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3-8pm. Corner of North Figueroa and Ave. 58. Lots of free parking at Ave. 57. Adjacent to the Highland Park Metro Goldline.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 11, 2009
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by BarujBraja
August 9, 2009
Hola Todos - I know this a bit outside the area, but we are going to have an awesome Resource Fair right at the time we all need it most. Come on UP! Shaloha, RuthAnne
Saturday August 29 Global Compassion Day
29 08 09 10a-2p Resource Fair Global Compassion Day Court of Champions The Rose Bowl Employment Health Financial Housing Education Youth Parenting Spiritual and More
29 08 09 10a-5p Celebration Global Compassion Day Court of Champions The Rose Bowl Music Art Performances Food
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 9, 2009
Come to the Square today and enjoy the rhythms of Salsa & Rumba = "SalSumba", a group of multitalented musicians from all parts of the world.
The combined talents of these musical artists creates a contagious energy that is sure to bring your audience to their feet & on the dance floor with their Afro/Caribbean rhythms of Salsa, Rumba, & Latin Jazz.
Where: Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles, California 90031
Tel. 323-225-2700
When: Doors open at 4:00PM, Music at 5:00PM
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 9, 2009
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 8, 2009
In case you didn't see the comment on the previous post.....
As part of Second Saturday Art Gallery Night, Juanita's Bar and Restaurant is hosting the SOUP Kitchen 6, an all-night Art & Music festival of the best in LA artists and musicians. 5930 York Blvd, LA, 90042. 5pm-2am.
Artists: Eric October, Will Koffman, Rocio Moran, Laura Lichter, Star Foreman, Hestin Lostwood, Sebastian Zelepin, Steve Seleska, and Live Painting by Ricardo Revelli.
Bands: Evita Freaks, Push to Transmit, Coco O'Connor, The Undead M, Hollywood Kill, What's Their Name?, and For Blocks.
And we have vendors selling jewelry, clocks, vinyl records, and other hand-made stuff!
Stop by! 5930 York Blvd, LA, 90042. 5pm-2am
http://www.soupkitchenrocks.com
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 8, 2009
Tonight, August 8, NELAart presents:
WHEN: Every Second Saturday 7:00-10:00p.m.
WHERE: Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night is a free self-guided tour of the galleries, non-profits and artist run project spaces located in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA).
NELA has a tradition in the arts that dates back to the early 1900s.
The tradition continues with new spaces opening regularly. NELA is now one of L.A.'s most exciting destinations to view contemporary art.
This month, NELAart welcomes the neighborhood's newest studio:
Moppet
5101 Monte Vista St.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90042
Contact: carol@esart.com
Please join Moppet for its very first open Studio, tonight August 8, 7:00 - 10:00 PM.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 8, 2009
Gerardo Hacer
Preview Party of the art for our 4th Semi-Annual Tardeada and Art Auction Fundraiser will be on display at the Avenue 50 Studio during the NELA Second Saturday Art Night.
Download map: http://www.nelaart.com
Lalo Alcaraz, Abel Alejandre, Michael Amescua, Esau Andrade, Linda Arreola, Sam Baray, David Botello, Joseph Botello, Joe Bravo, Armando Brito, Yrneh Brown, Barbara Carrasco, Camilo Cruz, Mita Cuaron, Beau Daignault, Raoul De la Sota, Victoria Delgadillo, Roberto Delgado, Ruth DeNicola, Val Echavarria, Kikki Eder, Ofelia Esparza, Donald Ferguson, Kathi Flood, Emilia Garcia, Margaret Garcia, Germs, Pat Gomez, Yolanda Gonzalez, Mark Steven Greenfield, Tina Gulotta, Roberto Gutierrez, Gerardo Hacer, Cidne Hart, Kevin Hass, Brandy Healy, Wayne Healy, Peter Hess, Carlye Hild, Heather Hoggan, Amy Inouye, Luis Ituarte, Patricia Lazalde, Leo Limon, Ronald J. Llanos, Pola Lopez, Jose Lozano, Heriberto Luna, Maja, Poli Marichal, Daniel Martinez, Isabel Martinez, Stephanie Mercado, Andres E. Montoya, Toti O'Brien, Angela Penaredondo, Beth Peterson, Stuart Rapeport, Tina Rodas, Nancy Romero, Sonia Romero, Peri Shefik, Kevin Spitze, Cindy Suriyani, Howard Swerdloff, John Urquiza, John Valadez, Richard Valdes, Sergio Vasquez, Alberto Varela, J. Michael Walker, Nan Wollman
Doors open at 7:00 on Saturday, August 8, 2009
When: Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 7-10 pm
Where: Avenue 50 Studio, Inc., 131 North Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042
Contact: Kathy Gallegos (323) 258-1435
Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA 90042
323-258-1435
http://www..avenue50studio.com
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 5, 2009
When Ghetto Grounds, a coffee shop on the parkgrounds of Tierre de la Culebra, opened a few months ago, Highland Park locals voiced some concern over the word "Ghetto". After all, that word does carry some baggage.
Tierra de la Culebra youth worker, Kimberly asked the concerns best in this comment she made on the York Blvd. blog:
"I feel if you would come down and visit Ghetto Grounds you would see a new meaning in ghetto.The vibe in the shop is really chill it feels like coming into your home making a cup of coffee and chilling with your friends.People would see It like a "ghetto" version of a ‘real' coffee shop.We have bulliton boards were we pin our ‘qoutes' of the week, couches with fun pillows on them, and books on a table.Coffee shops now and days has been made a place where you rush in and out, and on the contrary everyone loves to enjoy there cup of coffee.Thats why we've made it a place where you share laughs, have great conversations, escape from reality for a while and just enjoy your cup of joe or organic tea =)"
Tierra de la Culebra is located at 240 South Avenue 57 in Highland Park. The park was originally an unwanted vacant parcel of land, located on a block inbetween North Figueroa and the 110 Freeway.
Art Corps LA created a stone serpent on the grounds --La Culebra--to represent fertility and growth in the diverse cultures of Highland Park. Art Corps LA offers youth arts programming, cultural festivals, art classes and building projects.
Do pay Ghetto Grounds in Highland Park a visit. Word on the street is that the coffee is excellent.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 5, 2009
Lezle Stein, owner of Handle Woof Care in Northeast Los Angeles is an expert in holistic, positive reward based dog training.
In addition to in-home private instruction, Lezle also conducts group dog school classes regularly at both Hermon Dog Park and Silverlake Dog Park, and "Out and About" dog walking classes at different locations throughout the city.
The goal of an "Out and About" class is to teach dogs how they should behave publicly, in a setting with other people, other animals, and many distractions; so that dogs and owners alike can enjoy social settings such as outdoor cafes, public parks, retail stores or indoor malls.
This photo is of a recent graduating class at Hermon Dog Park.)
A graduate of the Animal Behavior and Training Association program, Lezle Stein is AKC-certified as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers as well as a member of the Southern California Dog Trainers Forum.
Lezle's extensive experience also includes American Red Cross certification in Pet First Aid and CPR, as well as assistance to Paul Owens' Raise With Praise Program. Lezle has also studied with Dr. Nancy Scanlon, who specializes in holistic veterinary medicine through acupuncture and herbs.
A firm believer in community involvement, Lezle is also a volunteer adoption counselor at North Central Los Angeles city shelter. Lezle has also assisted The Brittany Foundation in training pit bulls through Tia Torres' program from The Villalobos Rescue Center at the East Valley Animal Shelter.
Presently she is the volunteer adoption counselor and dog rehabilitator for Downtown Dog Rescue, Los Angeles' rescue group for homeless people and their dogs.
Follow this link to read about Lezle's involvement in Downtown Dog Rescue.
Follow this link to the Handle Woof Care web site.
For holistic, positive reward based dog training, contact Lezle Stein, Handle Woof Care at (323) 225-6700.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 4, 2009
It's Tuesday! Come on over to the Old L.A. Farmers Market in Highland Park, from 3 to 7 pm, on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way.
And starting August 11: Music at the Market! Sizzling Summer Music Nights!
Bands scheduled to play on August 11 are:
Crosby Tylor 4pm
Artichoke 5pm
The Seasons 6pm
Come for the entertainment and stay for the fresh produce, hot and prepared foods and arts and crafts.
The Old LA Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3-8pm. Corner of North Figueroa and Ave. 58. Lots of free parking at Ave. 57. Adjacent to the Highland Park Metro Goldline.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 4, 2009
If you are looking for Truly Great Coffee in Northeast Los Angeles, a visit to Cycleway in the Hermon neighborhood is in order.
Cycleway airships their coffee beans from Dillanos in Seattle; and Cycleway's many devoted fans will tell you that it it smoother, fresher, and better than any coffee you might find at the big name shops. Cycleway Coffee puts great care into what they serve, and it shows.
Follow this link to Cycleway's web site
Follow this link to Cycleway's menu
Cycleway's location on the corner of Monterey Road and Redfield Avenue in the community of Hermon is unexpected and delightful. This is a modest, working class neighborhood filled with an eclectic collection of homes from the first part of the 20th century.
Andy the name Cycleway? It comes from the California Cycleway. (Yes, as in bicycle.) The building occupied by Cycleway Coffe is built on or near part of the right-of-way of original California Cycleway.
The California Cycleway was an elevated wooden freeway built in the late 1800's for bicycles only. It was intended to connect cyclists from Pasadena, California to downtown Los Angeles. It opened on January 1st, 1900. The California Cycleway fell into disuse in the early 1900's with the invention of the automobile, and it was soon demolished.
Follow this link to read more about the California Cycleway
Coffee Lovers: If you have not yet paid Cycleway Coffee a visit, you are in for a treat. The interior is casual; dark-walled, but well lit. The clientele tends to be kick-back locals from the surrounding neighborhood, usually there to read or work off the free Wi-Fi in a relaxed environment.
Cycleway Coffee is top quality and completely unpretentious.
Cycleway Coffee is located at 5526 Monterey Rd Los Angeles, CA 90042-4920 - Telephone: (323) 256-0200
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 3, 2009
Figueroa Produce is a hidden gem in Northeast Los Angeles. Remember the days of a small neighborhood grocery store on the corner?
The guys that created Figueroa Produce remember those days. They visualised a small neighborhood market that looked and felt like some of the big name high-end specialty markets.
Figueroa Produce opened in 2008. And is a relatively short time, they have acquired some very loyal fans.
Customers rave about Figueroa Produce's fresh organic fruit and veggies and made-fresh-daily specialty items such as salsa, pico-de-gallo, guacamole and hummus.
And remember the deli with a live person standing behind the cold case? A person who not only know the contents of the case, but could provide small samples of the meats and cheeses? Yes, you'll find that person at Figueroa Produce.
Figueroa Produces carries fruit that is in season, so there may be times you don't see an item you had in mind; but be prepared for serendipity; try another item!
And as one customer said: "Where else can you listen to vintage Rolling Stones while fondling citrus fruit and oogling gourmet ice cream at 10am on a Monday?"
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 3, 2009
These zip codes include the Northeast Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Avenue 50
August 2, 2009
“Hope” - Gloria Longval
I would like to invite you to join us for a closing event at the Avenue 50 Studio for the Ashe: Blessings, Energy, Power exhibition. Our artists, Eddy Bello-Sandoval, Lili Bernard, Gloria Longval, Wendell Wiggins, Susan Matthews, and Jorge Luis Rodriguez will be in attendance to talk about the relationship between Santeria and their art.
“Reflections” - Kevin Hass
Our Contemporary Cuban Photography artists Kevin Hass, Maria Luisa Gauerke and Alisa Adona will also join us in discussion.
When: Sunday, August 2, 2009 starting at 2:00 pm.
Where: Avenue 50 Studio 131 No. Avenue 50 Highland Park, CA 90042 (323) 258-1435
Light refreshments will be served.
Hope to see you here,
Kathy Gallegos
Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA 90042
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 2, 2009
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 2, 2009
The Lengendary Rock N Roll Dive Bar, Mr T's in Highland Park occupies a brick and concrete building that originally opened in 1929 as a garage.
Sometime in the 1940s, the garage was converted to a bowling alley. Set amid family owned diners and five-and-dime stores, the bowling alley prospered during the 1940s and 1950s.
By the 1960s, the once popular bowling alley was begining to show some signs of wear and neglect. And in 1966, Joseph "Mr T" Teresa bought the property. Joe, the son of an Italian immigrant, set up home-style buffets for the bowlers and filled the space with some live big-band music.
But Joe saw the writing on the wall. Interest in bowling was waning, the times were changing, and Joe had a idea.
He dismantled the pin machines, and took out some of the lanes to make room for a stage and dance floor. (If you look backstage, behind a large flow of curtains, you'll see a couple of the alleys are still there.)
It was crazy and funky and it worked. Mr T's Bowl evolved into a homebase for many muscians just getting started in the biz, and a staple on the underground and alternative rock and roll circuit. Joe Teresa passed in 2003, at the age of 87, and his son John is carrying on the legacy.
During the day, just look for the "B WL" sign on Figueroa Street near Avenue 57, you can enter through the front door marked by the "hp ReCReaTi n CenTeR" sign.
But after dark, the back door serves as the main entrance for the music venue. The only access to the rear entrance is from a public parking lot and alley around the corner off Avenue 57.
The regular patrons at Mr T's represent a very broad age range, so don't be surprised to see gray haired seniors cheering on punk bands, sitting beside twenty-somethings with colorful tatoos and multiple body piercings.
Watch this short video clip of local indie band, the Monolators performing at Mr T's last year for a taste of the Mr T ambience. The song title is "My Weaker Self".
Read more at the Mr T's Bowl website.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
August 1, 2009
Here's a short video clip of the Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band performing at Heritage Square last Thrusday (07/30/2009).
One commentator called called Susie "The Greatest Salsa Violinist in America"; and that about covers it.
Susie is a Chicago native, the daughter of a concert violinist; her study of violin began at the age of six. Susie moved to Los Angeles in 1988, and embarked on an in-depth study of Latin music.
If anyone initially had doubts about a transplanted blonde mid-westerner playing Salsa music, those doubts are gone, and Susie has won the hearts of Los Angeles, in addition to much critical acclaim.
This link will take you to the Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band web site.
NELA Live covers art openings, lifestyle and community events in the historic and eclectic communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, all served with a side of real estate commentary.
