| Glassell Park Improvement Association P.O. Box 65881 Glassell Park, CA 90065 gpiaalert@gmail.com |
The Glassell Park Improvement Association was established in
1968 to promote pride in our community and further the interests of Glassell Park. We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit,
charitable organization. Our members donate their time and energy to plant trees, participate in community clean
ups and beautification projects in Glassell Park. We also advocate for needed improvements to our infrastructure
and strive to strengthen relations with local, state and federal officials for the betterment of our Community. All
residents and business owners are welcome to join the GPIA. Our meetings are open to everyone.
We hold general membership meetings during January, March, May, September and November of each year at
the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center at Public Storage. In advance of those meetings we send out a
newsletter to members, bringing them up to date on news and issues that are vital to Glassell Park. Membership
dues are $25.00 per household or family, $15.00 per individual, $12.00 for seniors 60 or older and $25.00 for
businesses. (for more information see JOIN THE GPIA.)
Our community began as a subdivision around the turn of the Twentieth century when the Glassell family
subdivided lots on their estate. (see Our History).
_______________________________________________________
1968 to promote pride in our community and further the interests of Glassell Park. We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit,
charitable organization. Our members donate their time and energy to plant trees, participate in community clean
ups and beautification projects in Glassell Park. We also advocate for needed improvements to our infrastructure
and strive to strengthen relations with local, state and federal officials for the betterment of our Community. All
residents and business owners are welcome to join the GPIA. Our meetings are open to everyone.
We hold general membership meetings during January, March, May, September and November of each year at
the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center at Public Storage. In advance of those meetings we send out a
newsletter to members, bringing them up to date on news and issues that are vital to Glassell Park. Membership
dues are $25.00 per household or family, $15.00 per individual, $12.00 for seniors 60 or older and $25.00 for
businesses. (for more information see JOIN THE GPIA.)
Our community began as a subdivision around the turn of the Twentieth century when the Glassell family
subdivided lots on their estate. (see Our History).
_______________________________________________________
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JOIN THE GPIA
Our Community/Map
Calendar of Events
Our History
Newsletter Archive
Land Use
GPIA Achievements
GPIA 2007 Board
President's Message
Photo Gallery
Businesses/Services
Our Elected Officials
City Services
Links
(Saturday, March 17, 2007) At the GPIA Meeting on March 15th, we
celebrated our Schools.
At the last GPIA meeting, members and guests were treated to presentations by
our local principals, Ms. Sandy Carter of Glassell Park Elementary and Ms.
Kimberly Noble of Washington Irving Middle School. Both of these women are
dynamic leaders who have a real handle on what is going on in our schools. They
exhibited a love of education and of children that came across loud and clear.
Sandy Carter showed a chart of increasing student achievement and Kimberly
Noble showed a PowerPoint presentation detailing the school's numerous
programs and activities for students. Myrian Magana, a Glassell Park resident,
who is the Parent Outreach Coordinator for Washington Irving, received
recognition for her great work in getting parents involved in their children's
education.
Council District 13's Alejandra Marroquin, field deputy for Glassell Park
prepared a two-page report on the Council Districts' activities on behalf of Glassell
Park. Council District 14's Paul Habib updated us on street improvements
throughout the district and CD 14's inability to find funds to fix the sprinkler system
on the medians of Eagle Rock Blvd.
___________________________________
celebrated our Schools.
At the last GPIA meeting, members and guests were treated to presentations by
our local principals, Ms. Sandy Carter of Glassell Park Elementary and Ms.
Kimberly Noble of Washington Irving Middle School. Both of these women are
dynamic leaders who have a real handle on what is going on in our schools. They
exhibited a love of education and of children that came across loud and clear.
Sandy Carter showed a chart of increasing student achievement and Kimberly
Noble showed a PowerPoint presentation detailing the school's numerous
programs and activities for students. Myrian Magana, a Glassell Park resident,
who is the Parent Outreach Coordinator for Washington Irving, received
recognition for her great work in getting parents involved in their children's
education.
Council District 13's Alejandra Marroquin, field deputy for Glassell Park
prepared a two-page report on the Council Districts' activities on behalf of Glassell
Park. Council District 14's Paul Habib updated us on street improvements
throughout the district and CD 14's inability to find funds to fix the sprinkler system
on the medians of Eagle Rock Blvd.
___________________________________
The Latest News:
(Sunday, May 13, 2007) - Thursday, May 17th is our next General
Membership Meeting. All are welcome! Come meet Gloria Jeff, head of
the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
A Michigan native, Ms. Jeff served in the U.S. DOT under President Clinton, and most
recently ran the Michigan State DOT. Los Angeles’s DOT is responsible for all the
traffic signals and traffic operations within the city of L.A. That includes everything from
the 4,300 signalized intersections to the most sophisticated traffic management system
in the nation. At our ATSAC (Automated Surveillance and Control) center, cameras can
see 3,400 of the 4,300 intersections in the city and most of the major bus routes. DOT
ha sthe ability to give buses priority and to modify traffic signals if needed, to help traffic
flow. DOT has more than 500 crossing guards who provide safety for children, and
almost 1,000 employees who work in traffic enforcement and traffic control. The
department is planning some $500 million worth of capital projects over the next few
years. Please join us and find out what plans DOT has to make our traffic flow
smoother and accommodate all the new residents and their cars who are expected to
make Los Angeles their home in the next few years.
__________________________________
Membership Meeting. All are welcome! Come meet Gloria Jeff, head of
the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
A Michigan native, Ms. Jeff served in the U.S. DOT under President Clinton, and most
recently ran the Michigan State DOT. Los Angeles’s DOT is responsible for all the
traffic signals and traffic operations within the city of L.A. That includes everything from
the 4,300 signalized intersections to the most sophisticated traffic management system
in the nation. At our ATSAC (Automated Surveillance and Control) center, cameras can
see 3,400 of the 4,300 intersections in the city and most of the major bus routes. DOT
ha sthe ability to give buses priority and to modify traffic signals if needed, to help traffic
flow. DOT has more than 500 crossing guards who provide safety for children, and
almost 1,000 employees who work in traffic enforcement and traffic control. The
department is planning some $500 million worth of capital projects over the next few
years. Please join us and find out what plans DOT has to make our traffic flow
smoother and accommodate all the new residents and their cars who are expected to
make Los Angeles their home in the next few years.
__________________________________
Principal Sandra Carter
Glassell Park Elementary School
Glassell Park Elementary School
| www.gpia.org |
Myrian Magana & Principal
Kimberly Noble -
Washington Irving Middle
School
Kimberly Noble -
Washington Irving Middle
School
| Think four Home Depots in a five-mile radius are too many? Then visit www.nohomedepot.org for more information. We deserve something much better at Fletcher Square!!! |
| Gloria Jeff |
(Sunday, May 13, 2007) - GPIA's Youth Job Fair attendance was
overwhelming!
Over 100 young people from our neighborhood attended this job fair sponsored by
the L.A. City Attorney's Office, Council Districts 13 and 14 and the Jewish Vocational
Services' First Chance Program, and the GPIA. Donna Wong from the City
Attorney's office understands how important a job can be for young people as an
alternative to getting into trouble, so she partnered with David Cons, Program
Coordinator of the Jewish Vocational Services' First Change Program. When GPIA
president, Laura Gutierrez heard about this, she didn't hesitate to ask the GPIA to
sponsor the event at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center. Laura worked
with Council District 13 and 14 to make sure the groups had what they needed to
hold a successful event at the center. Radio station KROQ broadcast live updates
from the Center.
Employers who participated in the event were:
Appleone Employment Services, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire
Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs, City of Los Angeles Personnel, City of Los
Angeles Rec/Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood, John Anson Ford Theatre,
Northeast Trees, Laidlaw Educational Services, Los Angeles Convention
Center, Toys R Us, JVS Bankworks, FedEx Express, TSA-Homeland Security,
Aztecs Rising, Warehouse Shoe Sale, Los Angeles Conservation Corp, City
Year LA, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (Marriott), Universal Protection Service,
Verizon, Disneyland Resort, Roto Rooter, Wetzell Pretzell,
California Pizza Kitchen, Las Casa Realty, Jack In The Box, &
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's office.
We heard that State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino signed up four young
people to be interns in his office. Thank you, Anthony!! Thanks to all of the
co-sponsors, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and Atty. Donna Wong, Council
President Garcetti, Councilmember Huizar, and the Jewish Vocational Services'
David Cons for caring so much about our young people!
____________________________________
overwhelming!
Over 100 young people from our neighborhood attended this job fair sponsored by
the L.A. City Attorney's Office, Council Districts 13 and 14 and the Jewish Vocational
Services' First Chance Program, and the GPIA. Donna Wong from the City
Attorney's office understands how important a job can be for young people as an
alternative to getting into trouble, so she partnered with David Cons, Program
Coordinator of the Jewish Vocational Services' First Change Program. When GPIA
president, Laura Gutierrez heard about this, she didn't hesitate to ask the GPIA to
sponsor the event at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center. Laura worked
with Council District 13 and 14 to make sure the groups had what they needed to
hold a successful event at the center. Radio station KROQ broadcast live updates
from the Center.
Employers who participated in the event were:
Appleone Employment Services, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire
Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs, City of Los Angeles Personnel, City of Los
Angeles Rec/Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood, John Anson Ford Theatre,
Northeast Trees, Laidlaw Educational Services, Los Angeles Convention
Center, Toys R Us, JVS Bankworks, FedEx Express, TSA-Homeland Security,
Aztecs Rising, Warehouse Shoe Sale, Los Angeles Conservation Corp, City
Year LA, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (Marriott), Universal Protection Service,
Verizon, Disneyland Resort, Roto Rooter, Wetzell Pretzell,
California Pizza Kitchen, Las Casa Realty, Jack In The Box, &
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino's office.
We heard that State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino signed up four young
people to be interns in his office. Thank you, Anthony!! Thanks to all of the
co-sponsors, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and Atty. Donna Wong, Council
President Garcetti, Councilmember Huizar, and the Jewish Vocational Services'
David Cons for caring so much about our young people!
____________________________________
(Sunday, May 13, 2007) Glassell Park Elementary Listed on the
National Register of Historic Places!
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation’s official list of cultural
resources worthy of preservation. The School, built in 1924, is of Spanish
Colonial Revival Style with Public Works Administration
Moderne-style modifi cations added in the 1930’s to repair damage following the
Long Beach earthquake and to comply with new state and local building
earthquake safety codes. The structure is made of concrete and steel with a
stucco exterior and a mission clay tile roof, designed by Edward Cray Taylor.
The preservation effort was spearheadedby Glassell Park Resident Alisa Smith.
Winning this designation caps a months-long effort and included many letters of
support from local residents, students and teachers; plus letters from Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa and the L.A. Conservancy. “The school is a beautiful, stately
building and not only represents a significant era in Los Angeles Architecture,
but that of the national Public Works Administration style as well,” said
Smith, who traveled to Placerville at her own expense to attend the hearing of
the nomination. “Glassell Park Elementary is a vibrant, active center of our
community. A listing on the National Register helps us recognize a jewel in our
neighborhood that has been appreciated by many generations of families.” The
designation also honors its excellent condition; which is maintained (at times with
valiant effort) by the principal of the school, Ms. Sandra Carter, who grew up in
Glassell Park.
Thank you to all the community members and GPIA members who wrote letters
in support of this designation!
___________________________________
National Register of Historic Places!
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation’s official list of cultural
resources worthy of preservation. The School, built in 1924, is of Spanish
Colonial Revival Style with Public Works Administration
Moderne-style modifi cations added in the 1930’s to repair damage following the
Long Beach earthquake and to comply with new state and local building
earthquake safety codes. The structure is made of concrete and steel with a
stucco exterior and a mission clay tile roof, designed by Edward Cray Taylor.
The preservation effort was spearheadedby Glassell Park Resident Alisa Smith.
Winning this designation caps a months-long effort and included many letters of
support from local residents, students and teachers; plus letters from Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa and the L.A. Conservancy. “The school is a beautiful, stately
building and not only represents a significant era in Los Angeles Architecture,
but that of the national Public Works Administration style as well,” said
Smith, who traveled to Placerville at her own expense to attend the hearing of
the nomination. “Glassell Park Elementary is a vibrant, active center of our
community. A listing on the National Register helps us recognize a jewel in our
neighborhood that has been appreciated by many generations of families.” The
designation also honors its excellent condition; which is maintained (at times with
valiant effort) by the principal of the school, Ms. Sandra Carter, who grew up in
Glassell Park.
Thank you to all the community members and GPIA members who wrote letters
in support of this designation!
___________________________________
| Glassell Park Elementary 2211 W. Ave 30 |
| Donna Wong, Jose Huizar and Laura Gutierrez celebrate with Ipod winner. (Ipod donated by GPIA) |
(Monday, May 14, 2007) Fresh & Easy is on its way!
Construction has begun on the old Albertson's building on Eagle Rock Blvd. at El
Paso Drive in Glassell Park. Fresh & Easy has a website and if you'd like to know
more about the new venture (a division of Tesco) Click on the logo to the right.
________________________________________
Construction has begun on the old Albertson's building on Eagle Rock Blvd. at El
Paso Drive in Glassell Park. Fresh & Easy has a website and if you'd like to know
more about the new venture (a division of Tesco) Click on the logo to the right.
________________________________________
(January 25, 2007) - The 2007 GPIA Tree Giveaway was
a major success! Special thanks to all of our volunteers. And a big, big thanks to brand
new GPIA President, Laura Gutierrez. She's off to a great start!! Today over 400 trees
(and free mulch) were given away to people from all over Northeast L.A. TreePeople
donated 150 fruit trees. The Mayor's million tree initiative was there, giving out trees as
well, and a big thanks to them, to TreePeople and the L.A. Corps who support this
initiative. The event was so successful, we may be doing another one this year. We'll
keep you posted. As always a big and heartfelt thank-you to Citizen Forester Alonso
Calderon who was one of many who helped Laura to organize this event. Special thanks
to Super King Market and Sevan Bakery who donated delicious sandwiches, salads and
desserts to feed our volunteers. View pictures and read more about it. Click Here
a major success! Special thanks to all of our volunteers. And a big, big thanks to brand
new GPIA President, Laura Gutierrez. She's off to a great start!! Today over 400 trees
(and free mulch) were given away to people from all over Northeast L.A. TreePeople
donated 150 fruit trees. The Mayor's million tree initiative was there, giving out trees as
well, and a big thanks to them, to TreePeople and the L.A. Corps who support this
initiative. The event was so successful, we may be doing another one this year. We'll
keep you posted. As always a big and heartfelt thank-you to Citizen Forester Alonso
Calderon who was one of many who helped Laura to organize this event. Special thanks
to Super King Market and Sevan Bakery who donated delicious sandwiches, salads and
desserts to feed our volunteers. View pictures and read more about it. Click Here
(Monday, May 28, 2007) The Great Glassell Park & Cypress Park Walkabout is Saturday June
9th!!!
Volunteers are needed to walk the streets of our neighborhoods and document all that we have by making
notes and taking photographs. Meet with other community members and stakeholders at 8 AM on Saturday,
June 9th at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, CA 90065.
It's a chance to connect with other neighbors, residents, business owners and stakeholders from our two great
communities.
What kind of architecture currently exists? Any historically significant structures or wonderful open space with
sweeping views? Alleyways littered with trash and bulky items?
We want to document it all, so that in the future there exists a document to help developers, urban planners,
politicians, residents and business owners make informed decisions about our common future. There are 2
introductory meetings taking place this week to learn more about the Walkabout:
Tuesday, May 29th at 6:30 PM
Aragon Elementary School - 1118 Aragon Avenue, Cypress Park, CA 90065
Wednesday, May 30th at 6:30 PM
Glassell Park Elementary School - 2211 W. Avenue 30, Glassell Park, CA 90065
Click on the link in the left hand navigation bar to learn more about the Walkabout.
_____________________________________________
9th!!!
Volunteers are needed to walk the streets of our neighborhoods and document all that we have by making
notes and taking photographs. Meet with other community members and stakeholders at 8 AM on Saturday,
June 9th at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, CA 90065.
It's a chance to connect with other neighbors, residents, business owners and stakeholders from our two great
communities.
What kind of architecture currently exists? Any historically significant structures or wonderful open space with
sweeping views? Alleyways littered with trash and bulky items?
We want to document it all, so that in the future there exists a document to help developers, urban planners,
politicians, residents and business owners make informed decisions about our common future. There are 2
introductory meetings taking place this week to learn more about the Walkabout:
Tuesday, May 29th at 6:30 PM
Aragon Elementary School - 1118 Aragon Avenue, Cypress Park, CA 90065
Wednesday, May 30th at 6:30 PM
Glassell Park Elementary School - 2211 W. Avenue 30, Glassell Park, CA 90065
Click on the link in the left hand navigation bar to learn more about the Walkabout.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
| Joan Lundy |
(Saturday, June 9, 2007)
Dear Friends:
On Thursday evening, June 7, at around 10:20 PM, Joan Lundy passed away with her family at her bedside.
She had suffered a stroke earlier this spring and after several weeks at a rehabilitation facility had returned to
her home and her beloved husband, Bill. But on Sunday June 3rd, she had a massive stroke and was moved
to the hospital and died the following Thursday.
Many of you who knew Joan, knew what a great and model citizen of Los Angeles she was. She was president
of the Glassell Park Improvement Association for several years and an active board member for many more.
She was known as a tireless advocate for improving our streets, traffic and pedestrian safety. She also worked
to preserve open space and helped to launch "Friends of Walnut Canyon." Her's was a familiar name and face
at City Hall -- she gave generously of her time to show up at City Council meetings to speak on behalf of her
neighbors in Glassell Park. Her ability to organize people and get things accomplished for the betterment of
our neighborhoods was an inspiration.
She was a mentor to many people in the community, encouraging them to become involved in civic life and
make their voices heard at City Hall. But she was also a devoted working mother of five who sewed all her kids
clothes when they were young. She put herself through college and became a working Geologist -- a career
that she was passionate about and successful in. She also had a passion for fairness and justice and worked
to desegregate the schools in Altadena. She served as president of the PTA as well.
Joan was a delightful friend with a ready wit and she will be missed by many, but her influence will live on in all
of us who knew her and worked with her in our very special community of Glassell Park and Northeast L.A.
There will be a memorial service for Joan on Saturday, June 16th at 2 PM at the Glassell Park Community and
Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, CA 90065. Please join us to celebrate Joan's life.
Today we held the Great Glassell Park and Cypress Park Walkabout. 100 neighbors showed up at the
Community/Sr. Center to work together to improve our community. Joan would have loved this, and in many
respects this represents her legacy -- alive in our community. All of those who attended the walkabout today
followed in Joan's footsteps. Thank you, Joan.
Dear Friends:
On Thursday evening, June 7, at around 10:20 PM, Joan Lundy passed away with her family at her bedside.
She had suffered a stroke earlier this spring and after several weeks at a rehabilitation facility had returned to
her home and her beloved husband, Bill. But on Sunday June 3rd, she had a massive stroke and was moved
to the hospital and died the following Thursday.
Many of you who knew Joan, knew what a great and model citizen of Los Angeles she was. She was president
of the Glassell Park Improvement Association for several years and an active board member for many more.
She was known as a tireless advocate for improving our streets, traffic and pedestrian safety. She also worked
to preserve open space and helped to launch "Friends of Walnut Canyon." Her's was a familiar name and face
at City Hall -- she gave generously of her time to show up at City Council meetings to speak on behalf of her
neighbors in Glassell Park. Her ability to organize people and get things accomplished for the betterment of
our neighborhoods was an inspiration.
She was a mentor to many people in the community, encouraging them to become involved in civic life and
make their voices heard at City Hall. But she was also a devoted working mother of five who sewed all her kids
clothes when they were young. She put herself through college and became a working Geologist -- a career
that she was passionate about and successful in. She also had a passion for fairness and justice and worked
to desegregate the schools in Altadena. She served as president of the PTA as well.
Joan was a delightful friend with a ready wit and she will be missed by many, but her influence will live on in all
of us who knew her and worked with her in our very special community of Glassell Park and Northeast L.A.
There will be a memorial service for Joan on Saturday, June 16th at 2 PM at the Glassell Park Community and
Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, CA 90065. Please join us to celebrate Joan's life.
Today we held the Great Glassell Park and Cypress Park Walkabout. 100 neighbors showed up at the
Community/Sr. Center to work together to improve our community. Joan would have loved this, and in many
respects this represents her legacy -- alive in our community. All of those who attended the walkabout today
followed in Joan's footsteps. Thank you, Joan.
1938-2007
(Saturday, June 30, 2007) GPIA volunteers planted a beautiful garden of drought-tolerant plants at
the Glassell Park South Monument at Eagle Rock Blvd. and San Fernando Road. Special thanks to
GPIA Volunteers Janis and Bob McCarthy, Laura Gutierrez, Alfred and Alyson Marin, Denise
Eberle, Dorothy McCain, John Geary, Mark and Maggie Quiroz, and Rogelio Rodriguez of CD 1.
The GPIA hired Local handyman, John Delgado and son to repair some damage that had occurred to
the concrete portion of the monument. We are working with the city to apply a wax-based, anti-graffiti
coating to the monument similar to the one we have applied to the river rock surface of the Crestmoore
Place Steps. And our hard-working President, Laura Gutierrez, rented a truck and carted around
supplies and refreshments for the volunteers.
Back in the early 1970's the GPIA raised funds and worked with the City to have these monuments
erected to give a greater sense of community and identity to Glassell Park. Over the years, members of
the GPIA have "adopted" the monuments and visit regularly to pick up trash and pull weeds. The City's
Bureau of Street Services has been very responsive to the GPIA's requests to keep the sprinkler
systems working. Just last week at the North Monument, for example, a BSS crew did an assessment of
the sprinklers there and added an extension to one of the sprinkler heads, so that it would reach a wider
patch of the garden underneath the monument. A shout out to Ron Olive, John Arriola and Dennis
Wake of Bureau of Street Services (and the maintenance crews) for their assistance and
responsiveness.
the Glassell Park South Monument at Eagle Rock Blvd. and San Fernando Road. Special thanks to
GPIA Volunteers Janis and Bob McCarthy, Laura Gutierrez, Alfred and Alyson Marin, Denise
Eberle, Dorothy McCain, John Geary, Mark and Maggie Quiroz, and Rogelio Rodriguez of CD 1.
The GPIA hired Local handyman, John Delgado and son to repair some damage that had occurred to
the concrete portion of the monument. We are working with the city to apply a wax-based, anti-graffiti
coating to the monument similar to the one we have applied to the river rock surface of the Crestmoore
Place Steps. And our hard-working President, Laura Gutierrez, rented a truck and carted around
supplies and refreshments for the volunteers.
Back in the early 1970's the GPIA raised funds and worked with the City to have these monuments
erected to give a greater sense of community and identity to Glassell Park. Over the years, members of
the GPIA have "adopted" the monuments and visit regularly to pick up trash and pull weeds. The City's
Bureau of Street Services has been very responsive to the GPIA's requests to keep the sprinkler
systems working. Just last week at the North Monument, for example, a BSS crew did an assessment of
the sprinklers there and added an extension to one of the sprinkler heads, so that it would reach a wider
patch of the garden underneath the monument. A shout out to Ron Olive, John Arriola and Dennis
Wake of Bureau of Street Services (and the maintenance crews) for their assistance and
responsiveness.
_______________________________________________________
| Click on Photos to enlarge |
(Sunday, July 15, 2007)- On Monday, July 16th there will be a Land Use Forum sponsored by the
GPIA at the Glassell Park Community/Sr. Center at 7 PM.
Presentations will be made by the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition on the future of the
Southwest Museum and its collection, and by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy on their efforts to
obtain the land in Walnut Canyon in Glassell Park to preserve it as a nature reserve.
Glassell Park Community and Senior Center is located at: 3750 Verdugo Road in the Public Storage
Building NEXT TO the Glassell Park Recreation Center Swimming Pool.
GPIA at the Glassell Park Community/Sr. Center at 7 PM.
Presentations will be made by the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition on the future of the
Southwest Museum and its collection, and by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy on their efforts to
obtain the land in Walnut Canyon in Glassell Park to preserve it as a nature reserve.
Glassell Park Community and Senior Center is located at: 3750 Verdugo Road in the Public Storage
Building NEXT TO the Glassell Park Recreation Center Swimming Pool.
(Sunday, August 12, 2007) - On Thursday, August 16th, the GPIA will host an evening with Gail Goldberg,
City Planning Director, at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center starting at 6 PM. Ms. Goldberg
will be discussing how the Planning Department intends to implement the objectives and goals in the "Do Real
Planning" document that is part of the Department's Strategic Plan, and how that might affect current Community
Plans for Glassell Park. Gail Goldberg is a very dynamic speaker with a great deal of planning experience and a
vision for our City. Come out and hear how she and her staff are working with other City departments, elected
officials, and residents to reshape our city to be ready for the challenges we face in the future. She will also take
questions from the audience. 3750 Verdugo Road in the Public Storage Building next to the Glassell Park
Recreation Center pool.
City Planning Director, at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center starting at 6 PM. Ms. Goldberg
will be discussing how the Planning Department intends to implement the objectives and goals in the "Do Real
Planning" document that is part of the Department's Strategic Plan, and how that might affect current Community
Plans for Glassell Park. Gail Goldberg is a very dynamic speaker with a great deal of planning experience and a
vision for our City. Come out and hear how she and her staff are working with other City departments, elected
officials, and residents to reshape our city to be ready for the challenges we face in the future. She will also take
questions from the audience. 3750 Verdugo Road in the Public Storage Building next to the Glassell Park
Recreation Center pool.
(Saturday, September 8, 2007) - Coffee with your Congressman, Xavier Becerra on
Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center 11 AM.
Rep. Becerra has been representing Glassell Park and the surrounding communities in Congress for the
past 14 years. And from the beginning he has always held town meetings or "coffees" to hear from you,
his constituents. If you haven't attended one, please don't miss this valuable part of American democracy
in action. He wants to hear what is on your mind and "your ideas on how to chart a new direction for our
country."
Saturday, September 15th from 11 am to Noon. Park in the lot between the Public Storage Building and
the Recreation Center pool. If you require special accommodations for this event, please contact the
Congressman's district office at (213) 483-1425.
Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center 11 AM.
Rep. Becerra has been representing Glassell Park and the surrounding communities in Congress for the
past 14 years. And from the beginning he has always held town meetings or "coffees" to hear from you,
his constituents. If you haven't attended one, please don't miss this valuable part of American democracy
in action. He wants to hear what is on your mind and "your ideas on how to chart a new direction for our
country."
Saturday, September 15th from 11 am to Noon. Park in the lot between the Public Storage Building and
the Recreation Center pool. If you require special accommodations for this event, please contact the
Congressman's district office at (213) 483-1425.
(Saturday, September 8, 2007) - NEXT GPIA MEETING IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 at
the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center at 7 PM. Come hear about the interesting and
exciting work of non-profits in our area, plus reports from the Council Offices on what's happening in their areas
of Glassell Park.
the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center at 7 PM. Come hear about the interesting and
exciting work of non-profits in our area, plus reports from the Council Offices on what's happening in their areas
of Glassell Park.
(Saturday, September 8, 2007) - Glassell Park STREETSCAPE
September 26th, 6:30 PM at the GP Community and Senior Center, come and see the plans for the
Glassell Park - South Atwater Village Streetscape plan. This plan will build enhancements to Eagle Rock Blvd.
and Fletcher Drive with bump outs and stamped cross walks, etc. Kathy Cerra of Kathy Cerra & Associates, will
be showing plans based on community input meetings that have been held at the Center over the past several
months, since April. This project is sponsored by and funded through the efforts of City Council President Eric
Garcetti, city councilmember for district 13.
September 26th, 6:30 PM at the GP Community and Senior Center, come and see the plans for the
Glassell Park - South Atwater Village Streetscape plan. This plan will build enhancements to Eagle Rock Blvd.
and Fletcher Drive with bump outs and stamped cross walks, etc. Kathy Cerra of Kathy Cerra & Associates, will
be showing plans based on community input meetings that have been held at the Center over the past several
months, since April. This project is sponsored by and funded through the efforts of City Council President Eric
Garcetti, city councilmember for district 13.
(Saturday, September 29, 2007) COMMUNITY FESTIVAL POSTPONED. It is with deepest regret that the
Glassell Park Community Festival, originally scheduled to take place this Saturday, September 29, has been
postponed. This community event is a wonderful collaboration of local groups, organizations, artists, vendors,
and residents. In order to continue the tradition of showcasing the best of Glassell Park and ensuring full
community participation, the event will be rescheduled for the spring/summer of 2008.
The Glassell Park Improvement Association wishes to thank all of the festival supporters for their understanding
as we work to make sure that the rescheduled Glassell Park Community Festival is a great celebration of
everything that makes Glassell Park special. The GPIA also wishes to thank Council President Garcetti, Council
member Reyes, Council member Huizar and their staff, Glassell Park Chamber of Commerce, Glassell Park
Recreation Center, and SLO Falconer/Northeast LAPD for working together to ensure that the festival celebrates
our community and it’s neighbors. For any questions, please contact the GPIA at PO BOX 65881 Los Angeles,
California 90065
Glassell Park Community Festival, originally scheduled to take place this Saturday, September 29, has been
postponed. This community event is a wonderful collaboration of local groups, organizations, artists, vendors,
and residents. In order to continue the tradition of showcasing the best of Glassell Park and ensuring full
community participation, the event will be rescheduled for the spring/summer of 2008.
The Glassell Park Improvement Association wishes to thank all of the festival supporters for their understanding
as we work to make sure that the rescheduled Glassell Park Community Festival is a great celebration of
everything that makes Glassell Park special. The GPIA also wishes to thank Council President Garcetti, Council
member Reyes, Council member Huizar and their staff, Glassell Park Chamber of Commerce, Glassell Park
Recreation Center, and SLO Falconer/Northeast LAPD for working together to ensure that the festival celebrates
our community and it’s neighbors. For any questions, please contact the GPIA at PO BOX 65881 Los Angeles,
California 90065
(Saturday, September 29, 2007) GPIA Anniversary Dinner - Saturday, October 20th.
We're 39 and still looking good. Join your friends, neighbors and fellow GPIA members for the 39th Annual
GPIA Anniversary dinner on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at TAIX FRENCH RESTAURANT--1911 Sunset Blvd.
(east of Alvarado). (213) 484-1265
Doors open at 6:30 PM. No host cocktails, but dinner includes: Entre, either Beef Bourguginon or Filet of Sole,
and sides, traditional Rum Cake, Wine and Entertainment.
Download the flyer below, fill it out and send it in with your check (made out to GPIA) for $29.50 with your name,
number in your party and your entre choices to GPIA P.O. Box 65881 Los Angeles, CA 90065. We look
forward to celebrating with you!! CLICK HERE FOR FLYER!!
We're 39 and still looking good. Join your friends, neighbors and fellow GPIA members for the 39th Annual
GPIA Anniversary dinner on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at TAIX FRENCH RESTAURANT--1911 Sunset Blvd.
(east of Alvarado). (213) 484-1265
Doors open at 6:30 PM. No host cocktails, but dinner includes: Entre, either Beef Bourguginon or Filet of Sole,
and sides, traditional Rum Cake, Wine and Entertainment.
Download the flyer below, fill it out and send it in with your check (made out to GPIA) for $29.50 with your name,
number in your party and your entre choices to GPIA P.O. Box 65881 Los Angeles, CA 90065. We look
forward to celebrating with you!! CLICK HERE FOR FLYER!!
Are you interested in preserving open space in Glassell Park? Please help the
Santa Monica Mountains Conservency do just that in Moss Canyon!
Currently the SMMC is looking to purchase of 10 tax defaulted properties. Follow the link below to see
the map. They are asking if residents who support their efforts to write letters to the director of the
SMMC, since the low cost of these properties will allow them to stretch their dollars further. MORE
Santa Monica Mountains Conservency do just that in Moss Canyon!
Currently the SMMC is looking to purchase of 10 tax defaulted properties. Follow the link below to see
the map. They are asking if residents who support their efforts to write letters to the director of the
SMMC, since the low cost of these properties will allow them to stretch their dollars further. MORE
L.A. REC and PARKS IS LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT!!!
The Department of Recreation and Parks has recently embarked on its Citywide Community Needs
Assessment Project. The objective of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment and the subsequent master
planning process is to develop strategies to help prioritize and address the tremendous needs for additional
recreation and park land, existing facilities needing improvements to meet current and future community
needs, actions to prevent future maintenance problems, and offer positive alternatives to our City's
increasingly dense and urbanized population.
Note about upcoming Community Workshops:
We are preparing to hold our first set of Community Workshops and would welcome any opportunity to
coordinate community outreach and communication for these workshops. Please feel free to distribute both
the attached flyer (which contains the schedule for all 15 of the Community Workshops) and information
sheet (which contains background info about the Needs Assessment Project) to your network of community
stakeholders, interested persons, and organizations.
Please contact either myself, Melinda Gejer (213-928-9136), or Darryl Ford (213-928-9182), if you have any
questions or comments about the overall Citywide Community Needs Assessment Project.
Best,
Melinda M. Gejer
melinda.gejer@lacity.org
The Department of Recreation and Parks has recently embarked on its Citywide Community Needs
Assessment Project. The objective of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment and the subsequent master
planning process is to develop strategies to help prioritize and address the tremendous needs for additional
recreation and park land, existing facilities needing improvements to meet current and future community
needs, actions to prevent future maintenance problems, and offer positive alternatives to our City's
increasingly dense and urbanized population.
Note about upcoming Community Workshops:
We are preparing to hold our first set of Community Workshops and would welcome any opportunity to
coordinate community outreach and communication for these workshops. Please feel free to distribute both
the attached flyer (which contains the schedule for all 15 of the Community Workshops) and information
sheet (which contains background info about the Needs Assessment Project) to your network of community
stakeholders, interested persons, and organizations.
Please contact either myself, Melinda Gejer (213-928-9136), or Darryl Ford (213-928-9182), if you have any
questions or comments about the overall Citywide Community Needs Assessment Project.
Best,
Melinda M. Gejer
melinda.gejer@lacity.org
Home Depot abandons plans to build new store in Glassell Park at
Fletcher Square
From Council District 13:
It's official: Home Depot is abandoning its effort to open a store in Glassell Park at the old K-mart site. The
lease hold is up for sale and this office is optimistic that we can attract a development that the surrounding
communities can support. We thank everyone for their continued advocacy in fighting for developments that
enhance our neighborhoods, encourage pedestrian activity, and bring a diversity of options that this area
sorely needs. Like all of you, we are extremely excited by the new possibilities this brings!
- Mitch O'Farrell, District Director of Constituent services for Council President, Eric Garcetti,
Council District 13
The grass roots No Home Depot - Northeast L.A. Coalition was formed in 2006 by community leaders
from GPIA, Friends of Atwater Village, Silver Lake Residents Association and our local hardware store
Verdugo Hardware. Soon we had a pro-bono web site, hosted for free by Friends of Atwater Village.
Before the year was out we had gathered more than 3,000 signatures from local residents from Echo Park to
Eagle Rock supporting a very different type of development at Fletcher Square that would offer improved
amenities for our area and one that would be more compatible with the Los Angeles City College campus
being built across Fletcher drive at the former Van De Kamps bakery, whose historic facade was saved from
the wrecking ball years earlier by another local grass roots organization, The Coaltion To Save Van De
Kamps. At that time (1998) another big box hardware retailer, Home Base, wanted to flatten Van De Kamp's
historic architecture and put up a big box that ultimately would have been abandoned a few years later when
Home Base went out of business.
In late 2005, after Council District 13 discovered that Kmart would be closing its Glassell Park Store, the
district's planning team enacted an interim control ordinance (ICO), which would prohibit any major
development changes in the area for six months. Knowing how concerned the community was with this area
from the effort to save Van De Kamps, CD 13 felt it was in the best interest of the community to give it some
time to explore options for the site. Soon it was announced that Home Depot had purchased the lease to
the site in a deal that included many Kmart sites around the country, including Fletcher Square.
Subsequently, Neighborhood Councils in Atwater Village and Glassell Park held community forums with Home
Depot so that the community could hear directly from Home Depot about their intentions, and so that Home
Depot could hear how the community felt about its plans. After hearing overwhelming opposition from the
community to another big-box store -- since two Home Depots already existed less than 3 miles in either
direction -- Home Depot came back to the community later, and proposed a store with additional retail and
housing fronting San Fernando Road. However, the community strongly rejected this idea as an
inappropriate combination with a big-box Home Depot.
The No Home Depot coalition volunteers kept plugging away, gaining support from local retailers in our
neighborhoods who displayed our petitions at their stores. Luis Lopez, of Luis Lopez Automotive on Fletcher
Dr. donated his time to build a web site at www.nohomedepot.org. Writing and graphic design were
contributed pro-bono as well. Email and faxes were used to communicate cost effectively. Local businesses
opposed to another Home Depot purchased banners and posters and donated them to the effort to get the
word out. The support from residents and businesses in our community for the No Home Depot Coalition was
huge. The Coalition's vision for Fletcher Square, supported by the community, was for something better
there for the people and businesses of our community: A mix of retailing and services that we need, perhaps
some office space for higher-paying jobs related to the entertainment industry, and a developer who would
work with the community to listen to our input and who would be willing to think "outside the box" to come up
with innovative ways to minimize traffic congestion that development would bring. The GPIA is optimistic that
there is a huge win-win option out there for a responsible and creative developer and for our community of
Northeast Los Angeles. For more info go to: www.nohomedepot.org
Fletcher Square
From Council District 13:
It's official: Home Depot is abandoning its effort to open a store in Glassell Park at the old K-mart site. The
lease hold is up for sale and this office is optimistic that we can attract a development that the surrounding
communities can support. We thank everyone for their continued advocacy in fighting for developments that
enhance our neighborhoods, encourage pedestrian activity, and bring a diversity of options that this area
sorely needs. Like all of you, we are extremely excited by the new possibilities this brings!
- Mitch O'Farrell, District Director of Constituent services for Council President, Eric Garcetti,
Council District 13
The grass roots No Home Depot - Northeast L.A. Coalition was formed in 2006 by community leaders
from GPIA, Friends of Atwater Village, Silver Lake Residents Association and our local hardware store
Verdugo Hardware. Soon we had a pro-bono web site, hosted for free by Friends of Atwater Village.
Before the year was out we had gathered more than 3,000 signatures from local residents from Echo Park to
Eagle Rock supporting a very different type of development at Fletcher Square that would offer improved
amenities for our area and one that would be more compatible with the Los Angeles City College campus
being built across Fletcher drive at the former Van De Kamps bakery, whose historic facade was saved from
the wrecking ball years earlier by another local grass roots organization, The Coaltion To Save Van De
Kamps. At that time (1998) another big box hardware retailer, Home Base, wanted to flatten Van De Kamp's
historic architecture and put up a big box that ultimately would have been abandoned a few years later when
Home Base went out of business.
In late 2005, after Council District 13 discovered that Kmart would be closing its Glassell Park Store, the
district's planning team enacted an interim control ordinance (ICO), which would prohibit any major
development changes in the area for six months. Knowing how concerned the community was with this area
from the effort to save Van De Kamps, CD 13 felt it was in the best interest of the community to give it some
time to explore options for the site. Soon it was announced that Home Depot had purchased the lease to
the site in a deal that included many Kmart sites around the country, including Fletcher Square.
Subsequently, Neighborhood Councils in Atwater Village and Glassell Park held community forums with Home
Depot so that the community could hear directly from Home Depot about their intentions, and so that Home
Depot could hear how the community felt about its plans. After hearing overwhelming opposition from the
community to another big-box store -- since two Home Depots already existed less than 3 miles in either
direction -- Home Depot came back to the community later, and proposed a store with additional retail and
housing fronting San Fernando Road. However, the community strongly rejected this idea as an
inappropriate combination with a big-box Home Depot.
The No Home Depot coalition volunteers kept plugging away, gaining support from local retailers in our
neighborhoods who displayed our petitions at their stores. Luis Lopez, of Luis Lopez Automotive on Fletcher
Dr. donated his time to build a web site at www.nohomedepot.org. Writing and graphic design were
contributed pro-bono as well. Email and faxes were used to communicate cost effectively. Local businesses
opposed to another Home Depot purchased banners and posters and donated them to the effort to get the
word out. The support from residents and businesses in our community for the No Home Depot Coalition was
huge. The Coalition's vision for Fletcher Square, supported by the community, was for something better
there for the people and businesses of our community: A mix of retailing and services that we need, perhaps
some office space for higher-paying jobs related to the entertainment industry, and a developer who would
work with the community to listen to our input and who would be willing to think "outside the box" to come up
with innovative ways to minimize traffic congestion that development would bring. The GPIA is optimistic that
there is a huge win-win option out there for a responsible and creative developer and for our community of
Northeast Los Angeles. For more info go to: www.nohomedepot.org
Happy Holidays, from the Glassell Park Improvement Association
The GPIA wishes you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. Our busy volunteers were out recently
providing our Glassell Park Monuments with a little holiday cheer in the form of some festive, seasonal
plants.
The next GPIA general membership meeting will be on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Stay tuned for more
information on upcoming activities and events.
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