Eagle Rock Pop

Hello neighbors,

This is probably our most comprehensive issue yet, and a little longer, because we’ve got NEWS and EVENTS.  Obviously the big story in Eagle Rock yesterday was the fire that started on the hillside of the 2 North and then destroyed a home. (See below for more details.)

Watching a neighbor lose a home on the heels of the industrial fire disaster in Boyle Heights and last year’s Altadena fire is a sobering reminder that we all need to be as prepared as possible for natural and man-made disasters. Keep that brush around your home cleared and get your family emergency plan together. Rank yourself in the Emergency Preparedness Poll at the bottom of the newsletter. 

In addition to the fire, it was a busy week for community news, much of it coming out of this week’s Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council meeting. 

Kathleen Craughwell
Editor, Eagle Rock Pop

Fire in Eagle Rock
One home on the 2800 block of Palmer Drive was destroyed by a fire that started on Thursday July 16 on the hillside abutting the 2 North. Thankfully no residents or pets were harmed. 

Firefighters were able to save two neighboring homes that were threatened. 

The fire started just before 2 p.m. with numerous people posting photographs and video on social media and the Citizen app. A truck from Station 55 was first on the scene and immediately requested additional units. LAFD Air Ops was dispatched and LA Park Rangers also assisted with water tenders (tankers). 

Tommy Christoffel, who works in Eagle Rock, was driving past the hillside right at 2 p.m., before the first LAFD unit arrived, and was able to get a few photos (see below) but like others who posted on social media, he saw no obvious cause of the fire.

Eagle Rock residents Herb and Laurie West, who could see the fire from their house, both reported hearing two loud bangs when the fire first started. Herb said that each of the explosive sounds were followed by black smoke. 

Neighbors praised firefighters for their quick work tamping down the fire and preventing it from consuming neighboring homes. Residents on Palmer and adjacent streets also pitched in, extinguishing sparks with their garden hoses. 

Lifelong Eagle Rock resident Garry Dunn was returning from a trip to the grocery store when he spotted the fire and drove up the hill to distribute the case of Gatorade he had just purchased to some extremely grateful firefighters.

A Go Fund Me has been set up by Gabriela Ruiz for the family whose house was destroyed. Eagle Rock Pop has not independently verified the Go Fund Me but local business owner Leanna Lin Fong of Leanna Lin’s Wonderland posted a link to the campaign in the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Group on Facebook. 

Eagle Rock Crime Report: Thefts Targeting Senior Citizens
At Tuesday’s Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council meeting, senior lead LAPD Officer Hanier Hernandez reported that over a two-week period, three reported "thefts by trickery" have occurred in the lower-level parking lot at the Eagle Rock Plaza, with the suspect or suspects targeting senior citizens. 

Thefts by trickery occur when a suspect gains a victim's trust through deception rather than force to steal money or property. 

According to Hernandez, the suspect or suspects approach victims in a friendly manner, compliment a watch or piece of jewelry, and ask to try it on before fleeing with the item. In at least one case, the victim reported feeling threatened with bodily harm, although no physical injuries were reported.

LAPD's Northeast Division is working with specialized units, including Vice and Narcotics, as part of the investigation and has increased patrols in the area. Police also said they are coordinating with Eagle Rock Plaza and Target security to share information and help prevent additional incidents.

Hernandez encouraged community members to talk to their elderly relatives and neighbors about situational awareness and to caution them against strangers who approach them when they are alone in isolated areas like parking lots. 

Overall Hernandez reported an uptick in crime, particularly residential and commercial burglaries, in Eagle Rock and bordering NELA communities, a pattern historically consistent during the summer months. 

Also covered during the meeting: 

Colorado Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lane Construction
A representative from Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s office reported that LA Metro is still in the design and review phase of the Pasadena to NoHo RBT and that the long-delayed construction has been pushed to closer to September.

Stay posted as Eagle Rock Pop will publish a complete report including a “how we got here” explainer and information regarding traffic diversions before construction work begins.

The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council voted to formally oppose portions of the Arroyo Seco water project affecting land within Los Angeles in the Garvanza Park area. This story from LAist gives a comprehensive overview of the complicated project which involves the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, and a small section of Northeast Los Angeles (less than an acre), as well as state regulation agencies. 

The drone show to celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial that was postponed in the wake of the fire emergency in Boyle Heights has been rescheduled for August 1st. It will still be held at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and will include a Back to School component with giveaways and resources for families. 

In a 4-1 decision this week, the Board of Public Works rejected a developer's request to remove sixteen protected trees connected with the Onteora Hillside housing proposal located in the Roundtop neighborhood just east of the 2 freeway. 

Much like the storied Pillarhenge, this proposed housing development has been long-stalled and has already changed ownership once. Although no building construction has begun, the four acre patch of land has been graded for water infrastructure and some vegetation has removed. 

The Onteora Hillside Alliance, a group of concerned neighbors and activists, has led the efforts opposing the entire project. 

The next step for the developer, Leap of Faith Partners, is unknown and the head of Leap of Faith did not respond to our request for comment. We will continue to follow this story.

Next week’s issue will include more news from the ERNC.

World Cup Viewing The following Eagle Rock restaurants may be showing the final two World Cup matches (France vs. England for third place on Sat. July 18 at 2 p.m, and Spain vs. Argentina for the Cup on Sun. July 19 at noon) but please call ahead to check: Señor Fish, The Bucket, Relentless, The Fable, CaCao Mexicatessen, Yellow Paper Burger, Carnivore, Eagle Rock Market. Please email [email protected] if you know of others and we will update the list.

Friday July 17
Eagle Rock Market Vendors include vintage clothing, vinyl, crystals, micheladas, food, and more. American Legion Post, 2109 Merton Ave. 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

Vidiots At 4 p.m., All That Jazz (1979), famed choreographer Bob Fosse’s semi-autobiographical musical-drama about an obsessive director-choreographer (Roy Schneider) who is working, drinking, and womanizing himself to death. Winner of the Palme d’Or and four Oscars. With Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, and Jessica Lange. At 9:45 p.m., Perfect Blue (1998), “visionary director Satoshi Kon’s intense animated psychological thriller for the social media era.” Rated R; in Japanese with English Subtitles. Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd. 

Saturday July 18
Eagle Rock Market FIFA: France vs. England watch party; vendors include vintage clothing, vinyl, crystals, micheladas, food, and more.  American Legion Post, 2109 Merton Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mahjong Sosyal Learn Filipino Mahjong, have snacks, make friends, maybe even win a prize. All levels welcome. $10 at the door; $12.50 on Eventbrite. The Pop-Hop Books Co-op, 5002 York Blvd. Noon-3 p.m.

Anti Social Knit Club: Sip ‘n Stitch Knitters, crochets, and fiber artists of all skill levels are welcome at this “laid back, drop-in style hangout.” Creature’s Coffee & Plants, 4958 N. Eagle Rock Blvd. 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Learn to Make Kombucha and Other Homemade Drinks A certified food preservation instructor will show how to safely make fermented sodas at home. Bring a clean pint or quart jar if you would like to take a kombucha scoby (starter) home. Eagle Rock Library, 5027 Caspar Ave. 2:00 p.m.

National Film Preservation Foundation’s Semiquincentennial Celebration of Celluloid A “collection of shorts from archives around the country reveals . . . the way American filmmakers have used movies to inform, honor, document, and critique.” Some of the short works include “Obey Your Air Raid Warden” (1942) and an excerpt of “Marian Anderson: The Lincoln Memorial Concert” (1939). Vidiots, 4 p.m.

Sunday July 19
Kids Animal Drawing Session Art lesson for kids on the back patio. Students must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. $10 fee covers supplies and instructor. Recommended for kids ages 4-10. Muddy Paw Coffee, 4610 Eagle Rock Blvd. 8:00-10:00 a.m. Reserve your spot here.

Fundraiser Breakfast for Eagle Rock High School Scholarship Fund
Eggs, omelettes, potatoes, pancakes, and beverages all for $8. First responders and former and active military, $7. Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 1596 Yosemite Drive. 9:00 a.m.-noon.

Eagle Rock Summer Concerts in the Park Tribute band ABBA LA will perform the beloved Swedish band’s greatest hits. Bring a blanket or beach towel. Eagle Rock Recreation Center, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive. 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

Live Music at The Fable Julez and the Rollerz, Street Fruit, and Lua & the Followers. The Fable, 1630 Colorado Blvd. Doors 7 p.m.

Monday July 20
Jamón jamón (1992) Spanish director Bigas Luna’s “tasty erotic romp” in which “women eat men and men eat ham!” Starring future married couple Penélope Cruz (in her film debut) and Javier Bardem. In Spanish with English subtitles. 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday July 21
Teens “Craft-teen Tuesday” Creative craft projects. Supplies may be limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact [email protected] with any questions. Eagle Rock Library, 5027 Caspar Ave. 2:30 p.m.

Sweet 16mm - Rare Notes A collection of “celluloid obscurities” with shorts “from the 1920s-1970s offbeat musical masterpieces, curiosities, and cartoons.” Vidiots in the MUBI Microconema. 7 p.m.

Wednesday July 22
Baby and Toddler Play From the website: “Make new friends, boost social-emotional growth and enjoy hands-on sensory materials that ignite curiosity and exploration.” Open playtime for babies, toddlers (ages 3 and under), and their adult caregivers. Eagle Rock Library, 5027 Caspar Ave. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Board Game Night Play from a game in the coffee house’s collection or bring your own. Players of all levels welcome. No cover but please help support the business by purchasing food or drink. Check out a previous game night here. The Rock Coffee House, 4808 Townsend Ave. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 

Microdose Comedy Tatyana Guchi, Paige Weldon, Chad Damiani, Grace Bahler, Anastasia Jacques, Tom Thakkar, Mike Bridenstine, David Jackson. Guest host Paul Danke. The Fable, 1630 Colorado Blvd. 8 p.m.

As always, thank you so much for reading and a hello to all our new subscribers. The best way any of you can support Eagle Rock Pop is to refer us to a friend and encourage them to subscribe.

If you have ANY questions, comments, suggestions, please email us at [email protected]