NELA Live

Southwest Musuem

The Southwest Musuem, closed since 2002 under a shadow of controversy will open its doors Saturday, May 19 from 10am to 4pm, for a "partial re-opening".
 
The Southwest Museum's Re-opening of the hallway in the lower lobby will be the first time the public has had an opportunity to visit the museum in many years. Wear your Friends of the SWM Coalition t-shirt, stop in for a bit and show that there is overwhelming interest in having the ENTIRE museum re-open, sooner rather than never.

4th Annual Peace in the Northeast March May 14

View Larger Map

The 4th Annual Peace in the Northeast March and Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The kick-off event will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the front of the Glassell Park Senior and Community Center (3750 Verdugo Road). Starting at 11:00 a.m., participants will then march for three miles to Florence Nightingale Middle School (3311 N. Figueroa Street), to join the Community Resource Fair.

Bus transportation to and from the event will be available. Buses to join the kick-off event and Peace March will leave promptly at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Drew/Estara, and at 9:45 a.m. at all other locations that include:

• Washington Irving Middle School
• Florence Nightingale Middle School
• Burbank Middle School
• Franklin High School

Buses will depart from the Community Resource Fair at 3:30 p.m.

The 4th Annual Peace in the Northeast March and Resource Fair is a community-driven effort that brings together local churches, schools, police, businesses, city officials, youth serving agencies, neighborhood councils, and residents who are committed to ending gang violence and promoting peace in Northeast Los Angeles.

For additional information, please contact Ben Castro at (323) 258-7878.

 

Din Din A Go Go Comes to Highland Park

Din Din A Go Go is a gathering of some of the best local gourmet food trucks, each week, every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

The trucks are stationed in the parking lot on the corner of Avenue 63 and Garvanza, just east of Figueroa Produce Market.

Tomorrow's participants: 

AhnJooLA

LomoArigato

GrillEmAllTruck

Don Chow Tacos

Great Balls on Tires

Royko Gourmet Ramen

mambojuicetruck

The Sweets Truck

Squirrels

Spring is near!  The squirrels are at play in the Mount Angelus neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles.

 

Note:  The squirrels residing in Highland Park are Fox Squirrels.

" Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) were introduced to the Los Angeles area in about 1904. Civil war and Spanish American war veterans residing at the Sawtelle Veteran’s Home on Sepulveda and Wilshire Boulevards brought fox squirrels to this site from their homes in the areas surrounding the Mississippi Valley (possibly Tennessee). "

Dateline>City of Angeles

I started updating, editing and cleaning up the NELALive list of NEIGHBORHOOD BLOGS AND WEBSITES this morning.  And in the process discovered Dateline>City of Angels  -- Exploring the History, Mystery and Reality of Life in Fabled L.A.  What a treasure!

 

Bike Lane Opens on York Boulevard in Highland Park

A new Bike Lane opened on York Boulevard in Highland Park on back December 2, joining bike lanes already open on Avenue 50.

Bike Lanes are planned for in Eagle Rock.

Several local bloggers wrote about our bike lanes as they first opened:

http://highlandpark.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/new-bike-lanes-on-york-blvd/

http://highlandpark.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/the-cost-of-a-boulevard-bike-lane/

 

But, speaking as an automobile driver here, I soon realized I did not know the rules of the road that apply to sharing the streets with bicyclists.  I think that might be true for many drivers.

Here's a good example:  If a driver needs to make a right turn, do you merge into the bike lane before making the turn, or are you supposed stay out of the bike lane completely, and cross it only when you come to the corner to make your turn?

The answer is merge into the bike lane, in the last 200 feet before making the turn.

From the California Driver's Handbook:

Bicycle Lanes

A bicycle lane is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. The white line will usually be broken near the corner and the words "BIKE LANE" will be painted in the lane. When you are making a right turn and are within 200 feet of the corner or other driveway entrance, you must enter the bicycle lane to make the turn. Do not drive in the bicycle lane at any other time.

You may park in a bicycle lane if your vehicle does not block a bicyclist and/or there is not a "No Parking" sign posted.

Pedestrians are not allowed in bicycle lanes when sidewalks are available. Drivers of motorized bicycles should use bicycle lanes carefully to avoid collisions with bicyclists.

 

I read some comments in a bicyclist forum about many drivers darting across the bike lane to make a right turn at the last possible moment. 

I would offer that those drivers are probably not purposely trying to wipe out cyclists; they are operating under the misktaken notion that they must stay out of the bike lane at all times.

Councilman Reyes, Councilman Huizar, if you are reading this, may I suggest a series of Public Services Annoucements (street posters, online, radio, whatever) might help inform drivers and cyclists alike about safely sharing the road!

Gung Hei Fat Choy

Happy Lunar New Year!

Tradition says the Year of The Rabbit  will be a time of peace, calm and healing after the tumultuous Tiger and Ox. 

I'm ready!

Lots of info here:

http://www.stanssewingsupplies.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=253080

and here: http://www.suzannewhite.com/year_of_the_rabbit.html

And the Wikipedia entry explains the relation of the four elements to the animal signs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology

 

Happy Groundhog Day 2011

OK.  This morning Punxsutaweny Phil, the nation's original weatherman, did NOT see his shadow, indicating "early spring". 

Think about that:

When you see shadows, it is a bright, sunny day.   If you don't see shadows, it is cloudy and overcast.  So, "sunny" equals more winter?  What's with that?

February 2 is the middle point between Winter Solstice on December 21 and Spring Equinox on March 20.

And forklore has it that if the midpoint of Winter is bright and sunny, the remaining weeks of Winter will be harsh and stormy. 

So ... Seeing a shadow on February 2 equals "bright and sunny" which equals more more harsh Winter weather to come.  More here.

In ancient Celtic traditions, the middle points between solticies and equinoxes were known as Cross Quarter Days and were celebrated as High Holy Days.  February 2, the Cross Quarter Day betwwen Winter Soltice and Spring Equinox, was called Imbolc.

February 2 is also exactly 40 days after December 25.  Ancient Jewish women celebrated a ritual purification exactly 40 days after the birth of a son.  According to early Christian tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have celebrated this ritual on February 2, 40 days after December 25. 

According to an old English song:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.

According to an old Scotch couplet:

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be twa (two) winters in the year.

Another variation of the Scottish rhyme:

If Candlemas day be dry and fair,
The half o' winter to come and mair,
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half of winter's gone at Yule.

From: http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/history/

Also see:  http://www.matrifocus.com/IMB04/wheel.htm

 

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse, a rare and magical convergence

A Blue Moon, Winter Solstice, and a Total Lunar Eclipse, a rare and magical convergence. 

Total Lunar Eclipse:  December 20 beginning at 9:29PST and ending December 21 at 3:05PST

Blue Moon:  December 21, 2010 will be a full moon, the fourth full moon since the Autumnal Equinox in September; which is the original meaning of the term "Blue Moon"

Winter Solstice: December 21, 2010 3:38PST

 

 

Blessings, peace and joy to all.

Sweets Truck Celebrates National Red Velvet Day Today December 11

Tonight, Saturday, December 11, SWEETS TRUCK, a mobile bakeshop and gourmet coffeehouse, will be parked at Cactus Gallery, 4534 Eagle Rock Boulevard from 5:00 to 10:00 PM

 

THE SWEETS TRUCK HAS DECLARED December 11th NATIONAL RED VELVET DAY and we are going to take a break from "the holidays" and celebrate ...

We are going to dedicate the truck to all things RED VELVET and invite some of our baker friends to join in and bring some sweet red velvet prizes to give away.

The Grilled Cheese Truck will be joining us and we hope to see you there. We want to thank our host Cactus Gallery, NELA and also The Grilled Cheese Truck.

We have also been out on the road for one year (12/1) and wanted to pair our birthday party w/ a great community event and something REALLY sweet! So see you all on 12/11

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=17759848891763

http://www.Twitter.com/TheSweetsTruck
http://www.nelaart.com/
www.eclecticcactus.com/
www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com/

North Figueroa in Highland Park is YARN BOMBED!

 

Yarn Bombing:  Public fixtures are are outfitted with knitted or crocheted items, or other fabric art.  Trees and lamp posts are adorned with colorful scarves, bike racks don sweaters, trash cans and newspaper racks wear cozies.

The Yarn Bombing of 2 blocks of North Figueroa in Highland Park lasted for the entire month of October.  And like any public art, it evolved; rains came, a cozy was stolen, new pieces appeared.

The Yarn Bombing was part of Future Studio's Fig Knit On exhibition, and was covered in depth by several excellent local bloggers:

waltarrrrr

waltarrrrr's flickr set

Martha Benedict

The Eastsider LA

deviantART

rocky-o.com

 

WE TELL STORIES at HIGHLAND PARK'S OLD L.A. FARMER'S MARKET HAUNTED HARVEST FESTIVAL

WE TELL STORIES 5th annual HAUNTED HARVEST FESTIVAL
AT HIGHLAND PARK's OLD LA FARMERS MARKET

Tuseday, October 26, 2010  -- 3:00 - 8:00 PM

@ Old L.A. Farmer's Market at Avenue 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd, Highland Park, CA 90042, adjacent to the Metro Highland Park Station

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 We Tell Stories, LA's multi-ethnic children's storytelling theatre company-presents The 5th Annual Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival at the Old LA Farmer's Market at Ave. 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd. in Highland Park, California.  This outdoor festival is a great way for families to celebrate the harvest and enjoy Halloween in a comfortable, lively setting with fun for the whole family.  Hours are from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Admission is Free.

Click the image, or click this link to watch video:  http://www.wetellstories.org/media/ManyMoons.mov

We Tell Stories, performing since 1981, is known for bringing myths, legends, and literature from all cultures and times to extemporaneous life.  The Haunted Harvest storytelling whirlwind includes literature and folktales from around the world. From their seats or on the stage in costume, audience members are an integral part of the performance.

This years guest stars are world renowned Physical Theatre duo, Keith Berger and Sharon Diskin, The Chameleons, who have captivated thousands of audiences world wide with their electrifying Theatre in Motion! Also performing will be Artichoke, a Highland Park band known for catchy and melodic songs about scientists, animals, bees, and Highland Park itself.  And young performers from Ballet Folklorico Maria Felix from Ramona Hall Community Center in Highland Park will be preserving Mexican culture through dance right on our stage.  The troupe has performed at the LA County Fair and downtown LA's Olvera Street.

The ever popular Costume Contest is open to all ages.  Participants are also encouraged to enter their already-carved pumpkins in the Carved Pumpkin Contest.  The Festival's additional attractions include face painting, an arts and crafts table, fresh Farmer's Market produce and prepared foods, trick-or-treating and more.

The 2010 Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival marks a continuation of the partnership between We Tell Stories and the North Figueroa Association (NFA). NFA voting members are property owners along the North Figueroa business corridor.  NFA organizes and supports the Old LA's Farmers Market. Both non-profits are long-time residents of Northeast L.A. who see community events as a way to enrich the cultural, social, and economic prosperity of Highland Park and other communities in Northeast Los Angeles.

We Tell Stories has entertained and educated more than four million youngsters and performs at major art institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Getty Center and the Getty Villa. The company was shaken by the state's economic downturn, and is now operating with a skeleton staff (get it? Skeleton?) but the show must go on. Misty Iwatsu, the Executive Director of NFA agrees.  She said, "The festival has become a Halloween tradition for the entire community, it would be a shame not to have it, and this year we expect to reach an even broader audience."

The 5th Annual Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival is located at the Old L.A. Farmer's Market at Avenue 58 and N. Figueroa Blvd, Highland Park, CA 90042, adjacent to the Metro Highland Park Station, accessible from the Gold Line.  To plan the route that's best for you, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net or call 1.800. commute.  Metro riders can show their metro ticket stubs and get a free One-Dollar Farmer's Market Bill to spend at the farmers market.  To park enter the lot at Ave. 57.  Street parking is also available.

This project was funded in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and supported by Councilmembers Ed P. Reyes.

For more information, call We Tell Stories at 323-256-2336 or visit  www.wetellstories.org .

7th Annual Halloween and Mourning Tours & Scary Movie Night at Heritage Square

7th Annual Halloween and Mourning Tours & Scary Movie Night 

On Saturday and Sunday, October 23rd and 24th, experience Halloween in a whole new light at Heritage Square Museum's Seventh Annual Halloween and Mourning Tours. 

 

Discover the very different traditions surrounding death and mourning as they were practiced 100 years ago. Mourning Tours are made possible thanks to the support of sponsors like METRO, Los Angeles Family Magazine, 100.3 The Sound,  Pasadena Weekly and Citizen's Trust (a division of Citizens Bank). Additional support provided by Councilman Ed Reyes/CD1, Trader Joe's of South Pasadena, Superior Warehouse and Licha's Flowers. 
 
This living history program puts you in the middle of a superstitious Victorian-era society where death was never far behind. Witness a funeral procession as they bury a loved one, visit a fortune teller, learn about hair jewelry and mourning attire and even join two men in arguing the merits of spirit photography! Also on hand for this year's festivities will be author Mark Daniel Wood. Mark is the Author of several titles, most recently Halloween Crafts-Eerily Elegant Décor (2001) and Create a Bewitched Fall-o-ween: 45 Projects for Decorating and Entertaining (2006). Mark will transform the 1887 John J. Ford residence into an authentic Victorian-esque haunted house. In so doing, he will demonstrate to visitors how to make period decorations. Mark will be on-hand to sign books.

On Sunday, October 24, the event adds family activities. Children can come in costume, make period crafts, receive a free pumpkin, listen to spooky stories by the San Gabriel Valley Storytellers and much more.

Also Sunday, Paranormal Investigators will share the results of their study of Heritage Square Museum. After all, for more than 40 years, people have claimed to hear, see and feel all manner of mysterious happenings at Heritage Square Museum. Whether it is the nature of the Victorian architecture, the historic furnishings and paintings on display or something all-together different, "ghost sightings" have occurred at the museum since its inception. On October 24th, those "sightings" will be denied...or confirmed!
 
Admission to the Halloween and Mourning tours are free for members, $10.00 for Adults, $8.00 for Seniors over 65, $5.00 for Children 6 to 12 years, and free for Children under 6. For more information about the program, call the museum offices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (323) 225-2700.
 
Due to periodic Caltrans Closures on the 110-Pasadena Frewway, we encourage everyone to take public transportation to the event. In fact, if you take the METRO GOLD LINE, we will even give you a free poster! If you are local, take your bicycle and we'll also give you a free poster.
 
Halloween and Mourning Movie Night to feature Body Snatcher (1945)
On the evening of Saturday, October 23, Heritage Square Museum will host its fourth annual Halloween and Mourning Movie Night. The evening is sponsored by Videotheque, the premier destination for classic and indie cinema.

Guests are invited to bring a picnic, blankets, chairs, and candy while enjoying classic scary movies at Heritage Square... if they dare. The scheduled feature is Body Snatcher, a 1945 horror classic starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. The plot involves a ruthless doctor and his young prize student finding themselves continually harassed by a murderous supplier of illegal cadavers. Considered one of Boris Karloff's best performances, the film is based on a classic 1884 short story by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Guests are encouraged to wear warm clothing. Beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase. Admission to the Halloween and Mourning Movie Night is free for Museum members and $10.00 for the general public. The gates will open at 7 p.m. for picnics with the show starting at dusk.
 
Bring the kids for Safe Haven Trick or Treating
Bring your kids for more treats on Halloween inside the safe confines of the museum grounds. Children 1 to 12 years of age, with parent accompaniment, may come in costume and receive sweet treats from our costumed interpreters stationed at each building. Halloween treats will be available from 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission price is $5 for Adults and $2 for children 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. Free for members. 

Focus on NELA Bloggers

Northeast Los Angeles is  home to some truly excellent local bloggers.

Earlier this week, The Eastsider published a story on the final completion of a decade long construction project on Toland Way.

And  waltarrrrr of 90042 featured the home of my associate and good friend as part of  his “The Front Yards of 90042″ project.

Southwest Museum: Saving Los Angeles First Museum and the Arroyo Culture

Register at the National Trust for Historic Presevation and vote to show your support of the the Southwest Museum.

  

 

Charles Fletcher Lummis founded the Southwest Museum to be a comprehensive museum covering the history, science, and art of the American Southwest.

Founded in 1907, the Southwest Museum's permanent home was specifically chosen atop a hill overlooking the Arroyo Seco Valley and since opening in 1914, the Southwest Museum has remained the iconic symbol of Los Angeles' architectural and cultural life.

This gorgeous building became, in many ways, a pivot point that swung the city from an agrarian community to an urban metropolis of the first order.

Today, following years of "backroom negotiations" and unkept promises, the museum is permanently closed, and it's vast collection is unavailable to the public. The architecturally-designed museum structure, now used as a storage warehouse, is void of public life.

The Highland Park Heritage Trust (HPHT) is working hard to re-open the Southwest Museum and to educate the city about all the important treasures of the region's Arroyo Culture. 

Read the enter article and vote here 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has created "This Place Matters Community Challenge" to help non-profit organizations across the country start a conversation about places that matter in our communities.

Each organization that is participating is competing to register the most support for their places, with the winning group receiving a cash award of $25,000 to support their preservation efforts!

 

Public Hearing for Highland Park - Garvanza HPOZ tomorrow 7/7

Via Tina Gulotta-Miller:    Tomorrow night is a very important milestone for Garvanza.  This is the public hearing for the Highland Park - Garvanza HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone).  The Highland Park Heritage Trust and the Garvanza Improvement Association, along with many of our community organizations, Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, Los Angeles Conservancy, CM Jose Huizar, Heritage Square and many other groups are in support of our next step into being designated a historic district. 

Please come and show your support.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
7:00pm
Highland Park Senior Center
6152 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Please copy the letter at the bottom of this post, add  your own name and address, print it, sign it and bring it with you to the hearing. 

And please send an email copy of your letter to the following email addresses:

jason.chan@lacity.org
hphtpres@gmail.com

councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
councilmember.huizar@lacity.org

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please include your name and address on the letter and email your letter to hphtpres@gmail.com and we will submit it to the Los Angeles Planning Department at the hearing on your behalf.

Many people have worked very hard for this moment in the city process.  The Garvanza Improvement Association and the Highland Park Heritage Trust have spent 15 years moving this effort forward with the support of CD14 and the Los Angeles Planning Department.  This has been a huge effort on all our parts and we would greatly appreciate your support tomorrow night in making history for Garvanza.  Please come in support of the Highland Park - Garvanza HPOZ Expansion!

The Department of City Planning Cordially Invites You to the Public Hearing

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
7:00pm
Highland Park Senior Center
6152 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90042

The City Planning Department of the City of Los Angeles is holding a Public Hearing for the proposed expansion and renaming of the Highland Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) to "Highland Park – Garvanza HPOZ."

It is important that we show support for this momentous occasion, especially at the July 7th hearing tomorrow night.  This will determine if the Garvanza Survey becomes certified and adopted into the expansion of the Highland Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Thank-you,

Tina Gulotta-Miller
co-chair, Garvanza Improvement Association
Secretary, Highland Park Heritage Trust

SUGGESTED LETTER:

LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING
COMMUNITY PLANNING BUREAU
CITY HALL
200 NORTH SPRING STREET
ROOM 667
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Re: Expansion and Renaming of the Highland Park HPOZ to "Highland Park –Garvanza HPOZ"

City Planning Case Nos.: CPC-2010-943-HPOZ, ENV-2010-944-CE
Council Districts: 1 & 14

I am writing in support of the Expansion and Renaming of the Highland Park HPOZ
to the "Highland Park – Garvanza HPOZ". As a resident of the Highland Park
community, it is important that we continue on a path that includes a higher
quality of life. Preserving our communities' history and architecture has never
been more important in Los Angeles. Our hope is to be able to continue this
goal through the approval by City Council motion of the certification of the
Garvanza Survey and segue into the Highland Park – Garvanza HPOZ.

This has been a long awaited action for the community of Garvanza to become a
historic district in the city of Los Angeles. I fully support the Expansion and
Renaming of the Highland Park HPOZ to Highland Park – Garvanza HPOZ, 
Case Nos: CPC-2010-943-HPOZ, ENV-2010-944-CE.

Respectfully,

Your Name
Address
Email

address to:
councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
councilmember.huizar@lacity.org

cc: hphtpres@gmail.com

"TubePress Gallery" for Lummis Day videos

Just for fun, I set up a "TubePress Gallery" for Lummis Day videos.

It's located at http://lummisday2010.nelanews.net/

If you were at Lummis Day last Sunday, shot video, and would like it to show up in this index, just upload it to YouTube and tag it: Lummis Day 2010 (with the spaces between words, capitialize first letters).

TubePress will automatically find your video, create a thumbnail image, and a link back to your video's page on YouTube.

Lummis Day 2010: Ann Likes Red performs

 

 

I went to Lummis Day Sunday with a fully charged camera battery, and a backup battery. Turns out it was not quite enough for a full day of video. And I sadly sat out some numbers by Ann Likes Red.

Then the light went on! My phone! I can shoot some video with my phone!

To my surprise, the sound/picture quality is OK. Not great, but OK.

I always learn something useful at Lummis Day

I always learn something useful at Lummis Day, The Festival of Northeast Los Angeles.

The photography lesson is learned from Lummis Day 2009: If you plan to video most of a day-long event, take 10-12 4 gig memory cards*; change the card inbetween each performer, even if the card is not full. That way you never run out of memory in the middle of a song.

Lesson learned yesterday at Lummis Day 2010: One backup camera battery is NOT, Repeat NOT, enough. And I think I'll change the battery every two or three hours, so I don't have a camera die in the middle of a performance.

By the time a favorite local rock band, Ann Likes Red, came on stage my backup battery was deep in the red zone. The sound and picture quality of this video would have been better and truer with a fully juiced battery.... But hey, ALR classic rock is great, not matter what.

 

 

*Memory cards are fairly cheap these days, and you can buy in bulk from Amazon.

Sunday, April 11 is Heritage Day at Heritage Square Museum

 

Heritage Square Museum invites you to join us on Sunday, April 11 from 11am to 4pm,  for LA Heritage Day.

This year, the event will feature a heritage showcase, games and crafts for kids and lots of opportunities to discover the history of the region from the over 70 groups in attendance. Pink's Hot Dogs, will also be here and will have a special display showing their history in Hollywood going back to 1939!
 
Special activities occurring throughout the day include:
Blacksmithing from Adam's Forge
A living history interpretation of William Mulholland by the museum of the San Fernando Valley
Period dancing and audience participation by the Yesteryears Dancers
Performance of songs from the Charles Lummis Book "Spanish Songs of Old California" by the Historical Society of Southern California
A costumed presentation recalling moments in the history of the Centinela Valley by the Historical Society of Centinela Valley
The opportunity to see a 1922 Moreland Bus courtesy of the Burbank Historical Society
Regional Music courtesy of the Arab American Historical Foundation
A discussion on the Los Angeles City Preservation Ordinanance
 
For a complete list of participating groups visit http://heritagesquare.blogspot.com .

Because you're "in the know," you can download a flyer for FREE admission here: http://heritagesquare.org/calendar_of_events.htm  (it's $5 without the flyer).
 
Admission is also free for those showing their Heritage Square membership card.

Those attending the event are encouraged to take the METRO Gold Line to the Heritage Square stop, where a shuttle will be running every 5 to 10 minutes.
 
We also want to thank Councilman Ed Reyes and Supervisor Gloria Molina for their support of the event.  LA Heritage Day is put on by the Los Angeles Heritage Alliance. Learn more at http://laheritage.blogspot.com

Heritage Square is a living history museum reflecting the settlement and development of Southern California from the Civil War to the early 20th Century, Heritage Square Museum offers visitors a look into the everyday lives of Southern Californians at the close of the 19th Century.

The eight historic structures located on the museum grounds, constructed during the Victorian Era, were saved from demolition and serve as a perfect background to educate the public about Southern California's early development. From the simplicity of the Octagon House to the opulence of the Perry Mansion, the Museum provides a unique look at the lifestyles of the people who contributed so much to the development of modern Los Angeles. 

 

Remembering Highland Park

Highland Park is one of the oldest communities in the city of Los Angeles.

Highland Park developed from the Great Southern California Land Boom of the 1880s, from land purchased in 1869 at a sheriff's sale that ended years of litigation over a defaulted $3,500.00 loan that had been placed against the Rancho San Rafael in 1861.

The Great Southern California Land Boom collapsed in 1888.  Many speculators went bankrupt as sales in new subdivisions slowed to a halt.  Real estate people take note:  This is a good example of the cyclical nature of our real estate market.

But this article is NOT about the History of Highland Park.

When I wrote out the title "Remembering Highland Park in Northeast Los Angeles" I was simply pondering how I managed to leave Highland Park off the list of communities in Northeast Los Angeles that I compiled and posted on FaceBook.  Thank goodness, Mabel Jung Taylor noticed the oversight.

To my local friends:  Do you notice any any communities or districts I have inadvertently omitted?  Any that don't belong?

Historical information from the book:  Highland Park by local historian Charles J. Fisher

Los Angeles Marathon Sunday March 21

I do like this year's course:

http://www.lamarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/marathon%20official%20map.pdf

From Dodger Stadium, through Downtown L A, to Echo Park and Silverlake through Hollywood, Westwood and Beverly Hills, and then on to the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica.

However, I think us folks on the Real Eastside need our own marathon ... Highland Park Avenues, Boyle Heights, East L A, City Terrace ...... I'm gonna think up a Real Eastside Marathon Route and post a map.

(NO, I am not a Marathon runner, but I do like to watch it on TV!)

4.4 Earthquake: Just another day in L A

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred this morning in Los Angeles at 4:04 AM.  No serious damage or injury has been reported.  For L A residents, this is relatively minor event.

I do want to comment on a couple things, though:

First, how quickly most of the regular locals jumped on Twitter and FaceBook to begin talking about the quake.  And the quality of the information reported.

@HLP90042 and @militantangelino had the magnitude and epicenter maps posted on Twitter before KNX Radio.

And secondly, this came up in my conversation with @HLP90042, and I am intriqued enough to research further.

My 90-something year old house has a two story tall arroyo stone chimney.  That chimney has survived numerous earthquakes without a scratch.  (Knocking on wood as I type that!!)

@HLP90042 commented that stone chimneys seem to withstand quakes around here better than their brick counterparts.

Yeah, that fits with the empirical evidence.

So, why is that?  I am not an engineer, but my theory is that because the stones are different sizes and irregular shapes, the load/weight of the chimney is distributed in a random manner ... and the resultant object is sturdier than an object built of completely uniform components.

Any engineers here?  Am I on the right track?

"The product of pure whimsy..."

Here in Northeast Los Angeles, we have amazing homes of every size, style and description; from small cottages built in the 1800s, to mid-century modern and newly built contemporary.

In my quest to properly name the styles of homes in my neighborhood, I have been buying and reading architectural textbooks.

One small volume I bought is titled "What Style Is It" and there are a couple sentences in the introduction that so perfectly describe the homes in Northeast Los Angeles, I just had to quote them here:

"Many buildings defy stylistic labels.  They may represent transitional periods when one style was slowly blending into another; they may exhibit the conscious combination of unrelated stylistic elements for a certain effect; or they may be the product of pure whimsy or eccentricity."

 

Pure Whimsy and Joyful Eccentricity abound in Northeast Los Angeles.  Enjoy!

Seen on the Street: Mobile Art

Google Internet Service

You can nominate Highland Park for Google Interent Service here:

http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options

NELAArt Second Saturday Gallery Night, February 13

Saturday, February 13, NELAart presents: SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT

WHEN: The Second Saturday of Every Month  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. 

Individual gallery hours may vary:

Avenue 50 Studios, 121 North Avenue 50

Cactus, 5434 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Cafe de Leche, 5000 York Boulevard

Future Studio, 5558 North Figueroa Street

hi tree, 131 North Avenue 50 (behind Avenue 50 Studio)

Jose Vera Fine Art, 2012 Colorado Boulevard

Judson Studios, 200 South Avenue 66

Kristi Engle Gallery, 5002 York Boulevard

Land of Odd Gallery, 4690 Eagle Rock Boulevard

La tierra de la Cuebra, 240 South Avenue 57

MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Boulevard

New Puppy, Unit 1, 2808 Elm Street 

New Stone Age Mosiacs, 4532 1/2 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Outpost for Contemporary Art, 1268 North Avenue 50

Sea and Space Explorations, 4755 York Boulevard

She Rides the Lion, 133 North Avenue 50

THIS, 5906 North Figueroa Street

Toros Pottery, 4962 Eagle Rock Boulevard

2 Tracks Art Studio, 135 North Avenue 50 (Next to Avenue 50 Studio)

WORKSPACE, 2601 Pasadena Avenue

York Studios, 5029 York Boulevard

NELAart is based in Highland Park and consists of galleries and art organizations located in Northeast Los Angeles who are dedicated to increase the visibility of the thriving arts community in the area. Northeast Los Angeles has a long tradition in the arts. Many working artists now continue this tradition by making their homes and having their studios here. The neighborhood is also home to many galleries, alternative arts spaces and arts organizations. NELAart provides a resource to share information and ideas, and assist in promoting galleries and organizations. Please join us in celebrating the arts in Northeast Los Angeles.

"Eventful" Week headed this way..

Lots of stuff to plan for this coming week!

Saturday, February 13 is NELAArt Second Saturday

Sunday, February 14 is Lunar New Year AND Valentine's Day

Monday, February 15 is President's Day

Tuesday, February 16 is Mardi Gras 

Groundhog Day

OK.  This morning Punxsutaweny Phil, the nation's original weatherman, saw his shadow, indicating "six more weeks of winter". 

Think about that:

When you see shadows, it is a bright, sunny day.   If you don't see shadows, it is cloudy and overcast.  So, "sunny" equals more winter?  What's with that?

February 2 is the middle point between Winter Solstice on December 21 and Spring Equinox on March 20.

And forklore has it that if the midpoint of Winter is bright and sunny, the remaining weeks of Winter will be harsh and stormy.  So ... Seeing a shadow on February 2 equals "bright and sunny" which equals more more harsh Winter weather to come.  More here.

In ancient Celtic traditions, the middle points between solticies and equinoxes were known as Cross Quarter Days and were celebrated as High Holy Days.  February 2, the Cross Quarter Day betwwen Winter Soltice and Spring Equinox, was called Imbolc.

February 2 is also exactly 40 days after December 25.  Ancient Jewish women celebrated a ritual purification exactly 40 days after the birth of a son.  According to early Christian tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have celebrated this ritual on February 2, 40 days after December 25. 

Have a Blessed Twelfth Day

Christmas carolers will remember that the season has 12 days. 

For the early Western Christian Church, the twelve days of Christmas end today, with the Feast of Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. It is also known as Three Kings Day.

According to the legend based on the Bible story, the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who are often called the Three Wise Men saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star.

And after seeing the star, the Three Wise Men made a journey of twelve days following the star to Bethlehem, to present the baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Modern feminist humor sometimes gently jokes that Three Wise Women would have asked directions, arrived on time, and brought practical gifts.  :-)

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold at La Tropicana Market in Highland Park

Yes, it's true!  A winning California Lotto ticket was sold at La Tropicana Market on the corner of Avenue 52 and Monte Vista Street.

Victorian Mansions at Heritage Square, Los Angeles, Available for On-Location Filming

Are you a location scout in Los Angeles?  Do you need a vintage Victorian Mansion for film or TV location shooting?

Please consider Heritage Square Museum!  The museum staff is industry & location savvy. 

The Eastsider LA reports that with the decline in local on-location filming, revenue for the unique museum has taken a serious hit.

Heritage Square Museum is also available to host private rental opportunities, including weddings, parties, portrait photo shoots and small corporate events upon request. 

For more information on rentals, portrait photography or commercial filming to the Heritage Square Business Offices at (323) 225-2700, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

http://www.heritagesquare.org/index.htm

Villa Sombrero Returns

Early New Year's Eve at Villa Sombrero Restaurant:

Yes, Villa Sombrero Restaurant is again open at its original location: 6101 York Boulvard.  Same menu, same furnishings, same artwork on the walls.

Excellent margaritas, excellent mixed drinks, excellent guacamole!

Highland Park Photo Survey

Get out your camera and your walking shoes, it's time for the Annual Highland Park Photo Survey, created and hosted by Waltarrrrr of 90042

http://highlandpark.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/highland-park-surveying/

Tools for coping with L.A. power outages

Eagle Rock is in the midst of a power outage that started yesterday afternoon. Highland Park suffered a 16 hour outage in mid October, and it seems to me we have at least one serious outage a year. (I must start keeping a record.)

As L.A.'s infrastructure continues to deteriorate without sufficient funds to update it, I don't doubt that we will see outages more and more frequently.

So here's my list of tips for coping with erratic electricity. Please feel free to add your own.

I realize installing a gasoline generator would cover many of these issues, and I probably will get one installed one of these days, but meanwhile:

Battery operated wall clocks in several rooms.

At least 2 flashlights in every room, always kept in the same place - a drawer or on a shelf so I can remember where to reach for them. I think flashlights are safer and more practical than candles, too. Just turn on the flashlight, and set it up on its end and it becomes a lantern light.

Plenty of batteries for the flashlights, always kept in their own special drawer.

A charger for the cell phone that plugs into the car cigarette lighter.

A old-school, plug-into-the-wall-jack telephone.

 

Battery operated radio.  Extra batteries.

In L.A. most homes have natural gas for heating and cooking, so a tea kettle to boil water on the stove top and a non-electric drip coffee maker.

Everyone, please add your own tools and tips in the comments!

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night 12/12/2009

WHEN:The Second Saturday of every month from 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 LosAngeles (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.

Individual gallery hours may vary:

Avenue 50 Studios, 121 North Avenue 50

Bike Oven, 3706 North Figueroa Street

Bughouse, 5046 Eagle Rock Bloulevard

Cactus, 5434 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Cafe de Leche, 5000 York Boulevard

Drkrm, 2121 San Fernando Road

Eagle Rock Plaza, 2700 Colorado Boulevard

Future Studio, 5558 North Figueroa Street

GorillArts Gallery, 170 San Fernando Road

hi tree, 131 North Avenue 50 (behind Avenue 50 Studio)

Jose Vera Fina Art, 2012 Colorado Boulevard

Kristi Engle Gallery, 5002 York Boulevard

The Land of Odd Gallery, 4690 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Moppet Studio, 5101 Monte Vista Street

MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Boulevard

New Puppy, 2808 Elm Street, Unit 1

New Stone Age Mosiacs, 4532 1/2 Eagle Rock Boulevard

PHIL, 4918 York Boulevard

Sea and Space Explorations, 4755 York Boulevard

Southwest Museum, 234 Museum Drive

Toros Pottery, 4962 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Two Track Art Studio, 135 North Avenue 50 (next to Avenue 50 Studio)

Verbre Studio and Gallery, 4540 Eagle Rock Boulevard

York Studio, 5029 York Boulevard 

Northeast Los Angeles Holiday Parade Sunday December 6

Don't forget:  The 65th Annual Northeast Holiday Parade will take place Sunday, December 6, starting at 1:00 PM.  The parade marches on North Figueroa Street starting at Avenue 50; and ending at Sycamore Grove Park with a Winterfest Carnival.

15th Annual Lamplight Celebration

Witness as the past becomes the present among the beautiful glow of Victorian homes lit by the aura of lamplights at Heritage Square Museum’s 15th Annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration.
Hosted on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2009, guests will dance and experience spectacular holiday festivities in three of our historic homes. Experience this totally unique living history presentation by traveling through time to the years 1890, 1910 and 1930. Immerse yourselfe, as our costumed hosts transport you from house to house while warm apple cider and tasty treats await museum you at the end of the tour.
Additionally, guest may view the return of a guest favorite, “Holiday Heritage: A Southern California Christmas”, a photographic exhibit offering a glimpse of the culture, commerce, and art of Christmas in Southern California from 1880 to 1950, listen to classic tales from a “special visitor”, and shop for unique holiday gifts in our Museum Store.

Evening tours begin at 4:00 PM and continue through until 8:30 PM. Advanced reservations are required as space on the tours is limited. Tours are approximately one hour in length. Tickets are $20 per Adult and $10 for children 12 and under. Museum members receive a 25% discount on ticket prices. (Number of member discounts incremental by level.) Tickets are non-refundable. The program not suited for children under 6 years of age.

 
For reservations or additional information about Holiday Lamplight Celebration, please call the museum’s box office at (323) 225-2700 ext. 223, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. beginning November 1.

Celebrating 40 Years of Preservation and Interpretation of the History of Southern California, Heritage Square Museum is an open-air, living history museum dedicated to telling the story of the development of Los Angeles. For further information, the public may visit our website at www.heritagesquare.org.

Start Time:	Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 4:00pm
End Time:	Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 8:20pm
Location:	Heritage Square Museum

Phillies-Dodgers 2009 NLCS Preview

No love is lost between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. Most NELA readers know that the Dodgers ruined my childhood so I won't spend too much time denigrating the Blue Crew.  Both teams were pugnacious in last year's playoffs but the Phillies, aided by Matt Stairs' Gibson-like homer, advanced to eventually win the World Series.

That's all ancient history.  Tomorrow night, the 2009 NLCS starts at Chavez Ravine.  Here's a breakdown of both teams and my prediction for the NLCS:

Pitching:

The Dodgers have suffered with their starting rotation while The Phils have gotten stronger.  Starters Cole Hamels and Pedro Martinez should provide an edge over Kershaw and Vicente Padilla.  Kershaw is undefeated at Dodgers Stadium but the Phillies have his number.  Padilla is red-hot but so is Pedro at this point. 

Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee should be unbeatable in Game Three.  Edge:  PHILLIES

Bullpen:

The Dodgers excel out of the bullpen while the Phillies have had their trials and tribulations with Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge.  Both performed well against Colorado but the ghost of 11 blown saves continues to haunt the Phils.  Brett Myers just can't pitch on the road and LA has the home field advantage. If it comes down to the late innings, Jon Broxton is about as good you can have on the hill.  EDGE: DODGERS

Offense:

Manny Ramirez is the best hitter of this generation but continues to be a head case.  Phillies slugger Ryan Howard is all business.  The Phillies have perhaps the best offensive punch in baseball unless facing a dominant pitcher.  If the Dodgers get behind early, and can't produce runs, the Phillies should be able to hold on.  EDGE:  PHILLIES

Defense:

The Phillies oufield and right side of the infield matches up better than the Dodgers.  The Dodgers edge the Phillies behind the plate and on the left side of the infield.  The Phillies bats are mostly left-handed so this could be a slight edge to the Phillies.  I'll call it a push.

Bench:

On paper, the Dodgers are much deeper than the Phillies but the bench shouldn't be a factor in this series.  If we have extra inning games, expect the Dodgers bullpen and deep bench to prevail.  EDGE: DODGERS

Grit:

Hands down, Phillies.  While the Dodgers were all business against the Cardinals, the Fightin' Phils earned their nickname in the Rockies series.  That intangible called heart is the one thing that can keep the Phillies alive if the games come down to the late innings.  As good as the Dodgers bullpen is, the defending World Champions find ways to win ball games when the title is on the line.  EDGE: PHILLIES

Environment:

Phillies fans are known for their no-nonsense passion but Dodgers fans of today are not the sushi-eating dilletantes of years past.  Dodgers baseball is a WAY OF LIFE to today's fans.  With no football team, Los Angelenos have nothing other to distract them from their mission to make the Phillies players as miserable as possible when in Chavez Ravine.  Considering the bean-ball war of 2008, both fans will be trying to give their team the edge.  As the Dodgers have home field advantage-  EDGE: DODGERS

In my opinion, these teams are evenly matched with unique strengths.  The secret to the Dodgers success will be to keep the Phillies early-inning run production down while building up leads to take to the late innings.  Consequently, the Phillies will have to get to the Dodgers pitching early and often.  I expect the Phils to pull one late-inning victory out of their hats on pure heart which is why I predict:

Phillies in 7

 

An afternoon at Heritage Square Museum

I spent a little time at Heritage Square Museum yesterday.

The docent brought up an interesting point.  The Perry Mansion, (the white home on the left)  built in 1876, cost considerably more to build than the Hale House, (on the right) built in 1887.

And contributing factors to that change in cost, were that in the intervening span of 11 years, huge progress was made in the ability to transport raw materials from one point to another cross country; and equally huge progress was made in the ability to mass-produce materials.

We often talk about the enormous, mind boggling changes in technology and business that have occured in the last ten years.  I'm thinking the people living in the 1876 to 1887 period might have felt the same way.

Flickr Group for Southern California Fires of 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.

La Canada Flintridge Fire August 29, 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:

 

Infomation on La Canada Flintridge here.

Map here

Community Meeting Re 710 Freeway Extension Through Glassell Park

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/

Celebrating Diversity in Highland Park CA

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. 

Highland Park, CA, Alleys and Parking Lots

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,

 

Concert at Heritage Square Museum, Today Sunday August 9 at 5:00PM

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

Ghetto Grounds at Tierra de la Culebra Park in Highland Park

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.

More info here.

Expert, Holistic Dog Training in Northeast Los Angeles

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.

Figueroa Produce: The Neighborhood Market for Northeast Los Angeles

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?"

Figueroa Produce is on Facebook here.

Follow this link to the Figueroa Produce web site.

Mr T's Bowl: Highland Park's Legendary Dive Bar

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.