,

Echo Park Lake Restoration tour

Flickr Photo via avilon_music

On Saturday, October 23, we are heading to Echo Park Lake for a “Rehabilitation Pre-Construction Tour” to learn about the upcoming work on the historic lake. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the project, stormwater improvements, and what you can expect come April 2011.

Here are the dates of the tours:

Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday, November 13th, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – English
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – Spanish

Meet at the corner of Park Avenue and Echo Park Avenue. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.

Sign up NOW! There are only 30 slots per tour and RSVP s are required.  Sign up today by emailing Olga.Morales@lacity.org or calling (213) 978-0329.

Click here to download the event flyer.

/107 Comments/by
,

Guest chef serves up raw/vegan Indian food at Mooi

Dinner in the Mythical Kingdom of Shambala (at Mooi)
Friday, October 15

This dinner is a collaboration between Mooi owner Stephen Hauptfuhr and Chef BeLive on Friday night; they are creating a special pre-set and pre-priced seven course Indian dinner that is completely vegan, gluten free and raw. The menu includes:

Curry Soup
Salad w/ Red Pepper Rose Vinaigrette
Samosas w/ Banana Tamarind & Pineapple Chutney
Indian Red Curry over Mock Rice
Pumpkin Curry Zucchini Pasta
Vegetable Korma
Coconut Yogurt
Chai Ice Cream w/ Cinnamon Chili Sauce
Served with Chamomile Jasmine Tea

Cost: $30 per person

RSVP is recommended but not required, email stephen@mooifood.com

/59 Comments/by
,

The Warehouse grand opening party Friday

Just a few months ago, owner Justin Warwick closed down his vintage store, Warwick, on Sunset Blvd. near the Short Stop. He took on a huge project remodeling and fixing up a warehouse space farther down the road, and is now ready to show off his hard work with a grand opening party on Friday, October 15.

Free Booze, piñatas on the patio, local DJs, DIY Class demos, sales! (15% off if you say the magic word, Seahorse), unique restyled vintage, dart painting, and much more…

Friday, October 15
8:00 pm-Midnight
1197 W. Sunset Boulevard (@ Marion)

Click here for the Warehouse Facebook page.

/644 Comments/by

Avalon Street live/work lofts denied

Remember those 8-unit live/work lofts proposed for Avalon Street and Echo Park Avenue? Residents have been collecting signatures for petitions, and working tirelessly with Echo Park organizations like the EPIA to reduce the size and/or stop the development of the four story building for the past couple of months. In an email sent out by neighbors and organizers today, it was announced that the developer has NOT received the approval to proceed with the project as planned.

The developer does, however, have until October 25 to submit an appeal. This gives a few of us in Echo Park hopes that a little bit of community organization, communication, and the right resources can help keep the community on track – hopefully we’ll be able to work with the developer of a pending 64-unit development planned for the former community garden site on Sunset and Elsinore.

We’ll keep you updated!

/586 Comments/by
,

Dia de Los Muertos with El Centro Del Pueblo

Join your neighbors and El Centro Del Pueblo at the organization’s FREE Second Annual Día de los Muertos commemoration. This year they are expanding the event with a special “Día de los Muertos” art exhibit inside the rec center. Set up your own free altar, organize your own booth for $100, and get registered to vote throughout the event.

El Centro Del Pueblo Día de los Muertos
Saturday, October 16 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Located at 1157 Lemoyne Street

/101 Comments/by
,

Shakespeare for Everyone: Hamlet at Bootleg Theater


Hamlet, Prince of Puddles, performed by theater group L’Enfant Terrible, has returned to Bootleg Theater for a short run in October after a successful run last Spring. Running every Saturday starting this weekend, October 16, through the 30th, the show promises to make adults laugh and tickle the kiddies at the same time.

Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, but after the untimely death of his kingly father, his mother Gertrude hastily marries his uncle Claudius. When Hamlet learns who is to blame for his father’s death, he struggles to take revenge against his murderous uncle and becomes known as the Prince of Puddles! Find out why in this hilarious and family-friendly adaptation of the Bard’s classic.

Hamlet, Prince of Puddles

$9.99 for adults $5.00 kids (cash or card)
Saturday October 16, 23, and 30 from 12:00 noon – 12:45 pm
Bootleg Theater is located at 2220 Beverly Blvd.
For reservations call (213) 389-3856

/121 Comments/by

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to run through Echo Park

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, expect some road closures and delays as the marathon runs through communities including Echo Park. The race will start in Griffith Park, cross the Hyperion Bridge, go through Silver Lake down Sunset Boulevard, alongside Echo Park Lake, and end at LA Live in Downtown.

Expect some road closures along the 13-mile course, or just avoid leaving your house altogether except to check out the race along Sunset Blvd. and Echo Park Avenue. Our neighborhood council (GEPENC) will be hosting a water station along Echo Park Avenue (probably near the community center on the corner of Sunset) as well.

We met some of the guys from Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon a few nights ago at the Echo Park Improvement Association meeting, and it seems like everything will go smoothly under their direction (they’ve done this before – this race was formerly called the City of Angels Half Marathon). There will also be quite a few entertainment stages along the course, including live music every mile, and a post-race concert.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon
Sunday, October 24 starting at 7:30 am
Go to the Rock ‘n’ Roll website for more details.
Click here to view a full map of the course.

/661 Comments/by
,

Apply for the 2010 Echo Park Community Parade

2007 parade photo by Paul via Picasa

We are a little jealous that Atwater Village has a big tree lighting event every year, but we in Echo Park do have a holiday parade!

The Echo Park Community Parade is currently accepting applicants for the 2010 holiday parade on Saturday, December 11.

To apply, you have a few options:

  1. Complete the participation form online at EchoParkCommunityParade.com
  2. Download a PDF Version of the form here. Print, fill out and fax back to Cindy at 213-483-5523, or mail to:

Cindy Ortiz
Parade Entry Coordinator
1157 Lemoyne Street
Los Angeles CA 90026

It’s free to be in the parade, but you must apply by November 1, 2010.

For more info, contact Parade Entry Coordinator Cindy Ortiz at 323-664-2412.

/2 Comments/by
,

Children’s Program at the Rec Center

From October through December 2010, the Rec Center will be hosting Sunshine Academy – a program for children ages 3-5 four days a week.

Your child will enjoy exploration into the visual learning of colors, shapes, letters, crafts, and music through creative movement and active play. Emphasis on socialization and cooperation in a fun and educational environment will also be covered. Activities are designed for Pre-K academics, and may also include arts and crafts, games, story time, and other socially stimulating activities.

Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Cost is $40 per week. It’s a great way to support Echo Park programs and the Rec Center!

Children must bring their own lunch. It is mandatory that children are potty trained. No class will be held on all City observed holidays.

Click here to download the flyer for Seshine Academy

Echo Park Children’s Center is located at 515 Laveta Terrace. Call with questions: (213) 240-3006

/206 Comments/by

Rewind Electronics grand opening party

Rewind The Recycled Electronics Store in Echo Park is having a Grand Opening party on Friday, October 15 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

Everyone is invited to drop by for live entertainment, refreshments, music, door prizes, and discounted merchandise.

Rewind fixes your audio equipment such as stereos and instruments, and also sells vintage collectibles and equipment. For a free estimate, come by or call them at (213) 273-8904.

Rewind is located at 1041 N. Alvarado

/614 Comments/by

Echo Park’s Week in Music

For the week of Monday, October 11 through Sunday, October 17

The Echo Curio is also closed down for the time being, stay tuned for more info on that!

Monday
The Moth Grandslam Vii @ Echoplex
Monday Night Residency – Evan Voytas, Hands @ Echo
Jessie Baylin, The Belle Brigade, Whispertown (Solo) @ Bootleg Theater
Tleilaxu Music Machine Album Release Party, Nymph, Tujunga @ Pehrspace

Tuesday
Smog Sessions @ Echo
The Blakes (Seattle, Wa), Sea Of Cortez, Lord Huron @ Bootleg Theater
Big Search (New Solo Project From Matt Popieluch Of Foreign Born And Fool’s Gold) @ Echo Country Outpost

Wednesday
The Acorn, Leif Vollebekk, Stone Darling @ Echo
Dub Club @ Echoplex
El Ten Eleven, Baths, Sister Crayon @ Bootleg Theater
We Are Country Mice @ Origami Vinyl
Live Jazz every Wednesday Night at 7:00 pm @ Downbeat Cafe
Brennan Leigh @ Taix Lounge

Thursday
Rain Phoenix (Of Paper Cranes) @ International Playground
Shadow Shadow Shade (Record Release Show), Eastern Conference Champions, Lesands @ Echoplex
Zola Jesus, Broken Spindles, Obstacle Corpse @ Echo
Cory Chisel (Appleton, Wi), Henry Wolfe, Hand @ Bootleg Theater
Devon and the Crazy Hearts, Chris Laterzo and Buffalo Robe @ Taix Lounge

Friday
Tilt 3 Year Anniversary With Jamaica, Nightwaves, Parallels, French Horn Rebellion And More @ Echoplex
Echo & Club Underground Present Nicole Atkins, Gamble House @ Echo
An Evening With Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing), Mike Viola @ Bootleg Theater
Manhattan Murder Mystery, Luna Is Honey, Torches In Trees, Schoenberg Knifefight Ensemble @ Pehrspace

Saturday
Dr. Sketchy Anti Art, Juliette Commagere @ International Playground
Echo, Dub Club & La Weekly Presents Dubquake With Michael Rose, Scientist With Roots Radics, Sister Nancy, Ranking Joe, Lloyd Hemmings, Dub Club Djs, Massamba And Sabar All Stars, Lady Tigra, Dubiterian, Ras Benji, Empress Akua, Rootsman, Jah T, General Jah Mikey, Ryo Vibes, Natasha D, Twelve Tribes Of Israel Sound @ Echoplex & Echo
Valient Thorr, Red Fang, Green & Wood @ Echo (Early Show)
Bootie La – Moved To Spaceland
Funky Sole @ Echo
Kenan Bell, Hesta Prynn @ Bootleg Theater
Tangent Transmission, Fim, John German And The Early Humans, Nacosta @ Pehrspace
Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits @ Origami Vinyl
Ruthann Friedmann, Fort King @ The Fretted Frog
The Mecolodiacs, The Atomic Sherpas @ Taix Lounge

Sunday
Echo, Dub Club & La Weekly Present Dubquake With The Heptones, Peanut Butter Wolf, Stone Love, Sister Nancy, The Lions, Tippa Lee, Dj Pinch, Dub Club Djs, Buyepongo, Viernes 13, El Haru Kuroi, Jah Faith And The Black Emeralds, Concepto Tambor, Raskahuele @ Echoplex & Echo
Vincent Minor, Obi Best @ Bootleg Theater
Lucky Dragons, Mi Ami, Kit, The Urxed (Member Of High Places), Traps, Ps @ Pehrspace

For more information on weekly musical events like club nights, see our community resource pages.Visit the venue website for more information on the cost and times of shows. This list may not represent all the musical events happening in Echo Park this week – feel free to add more events in the comment section. All events listed are subject to change at any time. New events announced for the week after this posting may not be included.

/5 Comments/by

Cars of Echo Park: Outside of Montana Cans

Flickr photo by Albert Domasin

This beauty was photographed outside of Montana Cans during its store opening on September 24, 2010.

/85 Comments/by

Fallen Fruit of Echo Park video/commercial

This is a really cute commercial/advertisement featuring the Fallen Fruit guys on their search for public fruit in Echo Park. Though not all of the shots are Echo Park itself, you can see them building the map of Fallen Fruit in Echo Park using social media and other technologies, specifically this “Samsung Galaxy Tab” device and what looks to be similar to the iPad.

While we haven’t find the Echo Park map on the Echo Park map on the Fallen Fruit website yet, we’re sure it will pop up soon. Based on an old map it had a while back (click here to view that map) we started a while back creating a map of our own. Some items may be outdated, and we are slowly building more of the map, but that’s why you’re going to let us know if we’ve missed anything using the comments field below.

View Echo Park Fallen Fruit Trees in a larger map

/90 Comments/by
, ,

Taking over the Streets: CicLAvia on Sunday

How many things have you noticed about your neighborhood or other parts of LA when you drove through them, versus what you’ve noticed while walking or biking by?

Now’s your chance to experience parts of Los Angeles like you never have before. Coming up soon on Sunday, October 10 is CicLAvia – a walking/biking event that is closing down some of our Los Angeles roads to give us the opportunity to see and experience the city without any cars.

This event has had huge success outside of the U.S. (it started in Bogotá, Colombia) as well as in San Francisco and Seattle, but this is a first for Los Angeles. The goal of this event isn’t just to close down roads, interrupt traffic, and have an excuse to bike ride – it’s about temporarily reclaiming public space in order for us to “walk, bike, socialize, celebrate, and learn about new cultures and neighborhoods.” It will be a great opportunity to shop some of our local stores, try some new restaurants, and get to share the space with more people. I am looking forward to the event and think it will be a one-of-a-kind experience in Los Angeles when it comes to reclaiming public space.

The event starts in the “bicycle district” on Heliotrope (eg. where the Bicycle Kitchen is) and ends in Hollenbeck Park in East LA.

There will be a few road closures in the Rampart area, and while CicLAvia is new to Los Angeles, Rampart Officers aren’t too concerned about the new event and things should run smoothly. However, in addition to the newbie factor, the difference between this event and the LA Marathon also includes some “breaks” in the route (see above map), and, to be honest, people forget to move their cars on road closure days so there might be a few unhappy people trekking to the impound.

Event-wise, there are group rides planned (including a NELA one from Mt. Washington area), art events, rest stops, food and even yoga throughout the route, so make sure you click here to view the full events map and timeline.

Click here to visit the CicLAvia website to learn more about the event and view route maps.

CicLAvia
October 10 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Route Map | Events/Activities

This also brings to mind what I thought was some kind of old wive’s tale or something – a few years ago a big section of the Pasadena Freeway (that’s the 110 freeway for you newbs) was closed for cyclists and pedestrians for an event called ArroyoFest. You can read more of it from the LA Times blog by clicking here.

/71 Comments/by

Flashback Fridays: The Echo building and Sunset Blvd.

This week’s flashback is another fun photo find, this time along Sunset Boulevard. We’re not certain when these photographs were taken, but my amateur classic car knowledge places it around the 1920s or early ’30s (please let me know if this is inaccurate and we’ll happily revise!).

The photo above shows the building where The Echo is currently located. The original architecture on the left-hand side of the image, where the arches are, display what is now Two Boots and Origami Vinyl, the central entrance is now The Echo.

Makes you kind of wish the arches on the right-hand side were maintained, right now there’s the old Nayarit Restaurant sign.

The photo on the right is around, I believe, the same time. This is taken from Sunset Blvd. on the Bridge that crosses over Glendale Blvd.. Notice the wooden sidewalk along the left side of the street, and you can see the Jensen’s Recreation sign in the distance. And of course, the trolley lines zigzag across the sky.

Flickr photos via Echo_29

/289 Comments/by