Echo Curio closing for good… no, really

A big “For Lease” sign is just one indication of the Echo Curio’s for-real final days. After being shut down in October by police, citing a lack of entertainment license, the long-time venue is unable to get the necessary permits from the city to continue bringing local musicians to the venue.

Since then, it’s held a few art openings and shows, giving us hope that the space on Sunset and Laveta won’t end up empty. Alas, the Echo Curio indeed coming to an end after closing a current art exhibit by & Collective on December 17, and Echo Obscura Movie Night (movie screenings at the Curio) on Sunday, December 19.

We will miss you, Echo Curio. We’ve seen friends play at the space, along with some really seriously obscure stuff, we’ve colored on your chalk walls, and brown-bagged to our heart’s delight. There probably won’t be another one like you out there, so we are happy to have experienced it while we could!

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Indulge in National Cupcake Day in Echo Park

Delilah Bakery cupcakes. Yum! Flickr photo via LoveByte

Today is National Cupcake Day! Thankfully there are plenty of ways you can indulge in the unofficial celebration. We have a couple of favorites around Echo Park we’d like to share:

Delilah Bakery: Simply the best cupcakes around- try the Chocolate Orange Jack Daniels or the Red Velvet, particularly delicious. They cost about $3.25 (I think) and are totally worth it. The Bakery was also highlighted on the Huffington Post for the Best Cakes in Los Angeles.

Soul Cups: Echo Park resident Celeste Alleyne is the master chef behind this cupcake catering company. They are, indeed, cupcakes with soul: made from down home, soulful and natural ingredients. “Pound O’ Butter” and “Lemon Drop” are just two of the flavors she offers at $40 per dozen (check the website for more info on pricing).

Let us know in the comments section below where you get your favorite cupcakes in Echo Park!

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Sunset Flats developer to visit EPIA meeting tonight

Though the developers of the Sunset Flats project didn’t attend last month’s Echo Park Improvement Association Neighborhood Issues Committee meeting as scheduled, they will hopefully be making it up to everyone at tonight’s meeting.

This may be your last chance to hear directly from the developers before the city makes a decision on the project variances on January 13, 2011. Residents who oppose the project will be particularly interested in attending the meeting, although we’ve heard the developer wasn’t so keen on budging at the last meeting with residents and CD13.

Nevertheless, join the EPIA (which, for purposes of full disclosure, I am a member of) tonight:

ECHO PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Neighborhood Issues Committee Minutes
Wednesday, December 15, 2010, 7 pm
Williams Hall, Barlow Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way

Click here for the full agenda.

Related Articles:

  • “Upcoming hearing on Sunset Flats Development in Echo Park.” Echo Park Now, November 19, 2010.
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Chinatown Express officially open for business

The owners and employees at Chinatown Express in Echo Park had something to celebrate on the weekend of December 4, 2010 – the local Chinese food restaurant finally reopened its doors after a fire broke out in the mini mall over a year ago in September of 2009. It looks like they had a blast at the opening!

More pictures after the jump. Photos via Chinatown Express Facebook page.

Read more

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Even Maria the Goose takes interest in Lake Rehab

A lot of us were at the Echo Park Community Parade on Saturday, but there was also another Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation Tour around the lake. This time, Maria the Goose joined in on the talk, raising the question: Where will the infamous goose go once the project starts?

Photo via LA Stormwater Facebook gallery.

Related Articles:

  • “Echo Park Lake Rehab EIR to go before City tomorrow.” Echo Park Now, November 22, 2010
  • “Echo Park Lake Restoration tour.” Echo Park Now, October 14, 2010
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Echo Park’s Week in Music

For the week of Monday, December 13 through Sunday, December 20

Monday
Monday Night Residency – Iamsound Presents with Princeton, Therapies Son, Sea Of Cortez, Hands @ Echo
Release Party for Big Whup, starring Kid Static, David Liebe Hartand Adam Papagan (From Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job!), Peter Pants @ Pehrspaces

Tuesday
KCRW Presents Tame Impala, Rainbow Arabia, DJ Liza Richardson @ Echoplex
Honeyhoney, Coyol, The Mots Nouveaux (feat. Aaron Beaumont) @ Bootleg Theater
Open Mic Night @ The Fretted Frog

Wednesday
Horse Feathers, Y La Bamba, Hi Ho Silver Oh @ Echo
Dub Club @ Echoplex
Film Screening: Let’s Spend the Night Together Rollo and Grady Present: Roy Von Balthazar, J. Irvin Dally, Johnny O’Donnell @ Bootleg Theater

Live Jazz every Wednesday Night at 7:00 pm @ Downbeat Cafe

Thursday
Lord Huron, Funeral Party, Lesands, Bell Brigade @ Echo
Blu, Busdriver, Jonwayne, Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Open Mike Eagle and Intuition @ Echoplex

Friday
Club Underground With Jessica 6, Torches In Trees, Seasons @ Echo
Bearracuda @ Echoplex
Dash Jacket @ Origami Vinyl

Saturday
Elfin’ Funny – Comedy With Jennifer Murphy, Shannon Hatch, Kyle Kinane, Frog Island Comedy @Echo
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Not The Actor!) @ Origami Vinyl
Rooney @ Bootleg Theater

Sunday
Yeah, City of Devils 2nd Anniversary/Holiday Party Featuring Crom, It’s Casual, Green and Wood, Cactus Pricks @ Echo
Part Time Punks Tribute to Ari Up and The Slits with Members of Weave, Swahili Blonde, Rainbow Arabia Performing “Cut” @ Echo
Jeffertitti’s Nile, Guy Blakeslee (of Entrance Band), The CervinE Furs, Li Daiguo @ Bootleg Theater

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.

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The faces of the Echo Park Film Center audience

The Echo Park Film Center has posted a series of photos on its blog of the many audiences of the center’s film screenings going back almost a year and a half. Audiences range from just a couple of people to a packed room, some cradling a glass of what appears to be wine (err I mean, grape juice), others making some funny faces and poses. More photos after the jump at at the Echo Park Film Center Blog.

Read more

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Photos from the 2010 Echo Park Community Parade

The parade was nice this year – I’ve never actually been to one of these before so I don’t have much to compare it to, but there were definitely quite a few typical “LA” moments… Enjoy!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

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Ti George’s in Echo Park open again?

Flickr photo via ebogjonson

We were a little worried last August when The Eastsider LA wrote that the local Haitian food restaurant, Ti George’s, wasn’t making much progress in terms of repairs since a fire broke out in the restaurant. But construction did eventually start in late September, and today, Eater LA reported that Ti George’s opened its doors for business on Thursday for the first time since the February 2010 fire.

We are quite happy the restaurant is back up and running – owner George LaGuerre has had that restaurant on Glendale Boulevard for 12 years, and he’s deeply committed to his Haitian roots, hosting a dinner earlier this year to raise money for the Haiti relief efforts after the earthquake.

I am looking forward to FINALLY trying some delicious Ti George’s Chicken!

Ti George’s Chicken is located at 309 N. Glendale Blvd.

(Author’s note: In all honesty, the restaurant isn’t located in the prettiest part of Echo Park, which is probably what makes this place such a great find. I lived right around the corner for a little while but never went out to eat at the time, so I am really looking forward to trying it for the first time. I’m sure you’ll hear about it when I do!)

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Elysian Park Workshop: Make your own solar oven

Flicker photo via dvautier

You can actually cook your food with the power of the sun, but who needs an expensive and fancy solar panel when you can make your own out of recycled materials? Join the Elysian Park Museum of Art (EPMoA) for a Solar Oven Workshop taught by Alyse Emdur and Michael Parker on Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Learn how to build your own solar oven, the simple science behind solar cooking, and learn practical recipes.

The workshop takes place at the Elysian Fields in Elysian Park, directions are:

Follow signs to grace e simons lodge. from stadium way, take right (directly across from grace e simons entrance) onto street with “northeast little league” sign. follow winding road up and past angel’s point, make right into elysian fields. take first right at fork in the parking lot road. pass picnic tables on left. park in front of the playground at the turnaround. walk through pirate ship playground and picnic tables to the edge of the lookout point. we will meet at the point overlooking los angeles and chavez ravine.

Bring:

  • A cardboard box with a minimum dimension of 13″ x 13″ x 13″ (ideally between 16″ x 16″ x 16″ and 20″ x 20″ x 20″)
  • Heavy duty tin foil
  • Glue (nontoxic, water based)
  • X-acto knife / box cutter / razor
  • Large ruler or straight edge
  • 2″ paint brush
  • Pencil / pen / marker
  • 2 mason jars

You can learn more about solar cooking at The Solar Cooking Archives website. And yes, it is really that simple!

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Your Echo Park Holiday party + sales guide

There are soooooo many Echo Park holiday parties going on in the next couple of weeks, we thought we’d bring it all together into one article. Keep checking back as we’ll update the post as we hear more! And, of course, don’t forget about the Echo Park Holiday Parade on Saturday, followed by local shopping and great deals along Sunset Boulevard and beyond!

Flounce Vintage Holiday Party and Sale

Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

15% off of everything in the store, homemade chocolate chip cookies, festive beverages and surprise treats!

1555 Echo Park Ave.

Tavin Boutique Holiday Party

Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

15% off everything, spiced cider, kettle corn, live music and lots of great gifts and dresses starting at $20. Click here for the flyer.

1543 Echo Park. Ave.

Local Artisan Bazaar at FIX Coffee

Sunday, December 12 from 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm

Celebrating one year of LAB at Fix. Original gifts by local fabulous and talented crafters and artists. African Cowboy will be performing from 2-4:00 pm. Buy a raffle ticket to win many amazing gift certificates to local boutiques and restaurants, all while supporting the music department at Elysian Heights Elementary School. Click here for the flyer.

2100 Echo Park Ave.

Rewind Electronics

Saturday, December 11 from 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 12 from 12:00 noon -6:00 pm

Holiday White Elephant Sale: The store will take over the side walk with all kinds of wonderful merchandise!

CD13 Community Holiday Party

Monday, December 13 from 5-7:00 pm

Hosted by the Children’s Institute, there will be arts and crafts for kids, music and food for everyone. 2121 West Temple Street. Click here for the flyer.

To RSVP, go to www.tiny.cc/cd13holidayparty or call (323) 957-4500.

BlueCollar Dog Supply

Saturday, December 18 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Music, treats, toys, give-aways, free food and spirits! Get 15-20% off all Holiday items. Also, please bring a blanket, towel, or toy to donate for the animal shelters – they need help! 1533 Echo Park Avenue. Click here for the flyer.

TWO DAYS ONLY!
SATURDAY, December 11 from 12noon – 7pm
SUNDAY, December 12 from 12noon – 6pm

We will take over the side walk with all kinds of wonderful merchandise!

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Even mangled cars get tickets

Can’t move your car because there’s a giant gaping hole in the hood? Unfortunately the city will ticket you anyways, like it did for this vehicle parked on Logan Street next to Gabriella Charter School. Both air bags were deployed inside the car, so we are hoping everyone is uninjured.

A little tip: If you can’t move your car on street sweeping days (or possibly even next to an expired meter) because it’s broken down or busted, call 311 and ask them to give you a get out of jail free card so you won’t get ticketed. We think you get about three per year, so use them wisely!

Photo courtesy of Sarah McClure

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Echo Park Holiday Shop Hop after the Parade

The second annual Echo Park Holiday Shop Hop is coming up this Saturday, December 11! After the Echo Park Community Parade, Join 826LA, The Echo Park Time Travel Mart, City Sip, The Echo and Echoplex, EPIC, Masa, K9 Loft, Origami Vinyl, Stories, Two Boots, and other Echo Park neighbors for a day of shopping and fun.

Echo Park Time Travel Mart: All proceeds from the store go directly to support 826LA, so your generosity instantly doubles this holiday season.

Stories Books: Eggnog and Holiday Newsletter Writing Workshop with J. Ryan Stradal at 4:00 p.m. Plus get 25% off of holiday cards for all workshop attendees who donate $10 or more!  $2.50 special holiday drinks, $5 mac n’ cheese, andmore.

Origami Vinyl: Get 10% off plus Infantree vinyl release party + Sunday: PHYSICAL FORMS in the loft

Masa: All day at Masa, everyone who comes in (8am – midnight) can fill out a ticket for raffle drawings (certificates for five large Chicago deep dish pizzas) throughout the night! Also will be collecting donations of old towels and blankets for the North Central Animal Shelter – donate and receive 25% off our Masa meal excluding beer and wine.

K-9 Loft: 15% off all products (food excluded), 15% off grooming and 25% off daycare.

Ballard’s Artwork Framing: Extra 10% off custom framing and 50% off ready made frames.

Raven + Lily: 10% off all merchandise.

Echo Park Independent Co-Op: Everything in the store is an extra 15% off the lowest prices. All menswear is 20% off the lowest price.

Two Boots Pizza: $1 off Slices from 3-6:00 pm and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate.

IKO IKO: Smart offerings for entertaining, home ornamentation and personal adornment with a special evening of pickled edibles by artist Jen Smith and wine jellies homemade by MOM for tasting and for sale. New Ceramic work by artist Katy Krantz.

City Sip LA: Something involving wine and/or beer.

Rec Center Studios: The photography studio and event space will let us know what they have up their sleeves soon!

Let us know in the comments section below if we’ve missed anything, or drop us an email: info@echoparknow.com


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Honoring teachers and principals in Echo Park tonight

Tonight, the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC), along with the Positive Energy Group, are hosting the 2nd Annual Echo Park Elementary Principal/Teacher Appreciation Reception. Though events have already started (at 3:00 pm), the reception/program will start at 5:30 pm.

The event was originally scheduled for October 7, 2010, but was rescheduled due to weather concerns.

Honorees include:

Mr. Lynn Andrews, Allesandro Elementary
Ms. Julie Gonzalez, Betty Plasencia Elementary
Ms. Armineh Alexan Papazian, Clifford Street Elementary
Ms. Veronica Herrera, Elysian Hts. Elementary
Mr. Luis Ochoa, Logan Street Elementary
Ms. Rosa Eshaq, Mayberry Elementary
Mr. Evaristo Barrett, Rosemont Elementary

This is a great opportunity to thank all the hard-working principals and teachers in Echo Park! Congrats to everyone involved!

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Miss the Elysian Park snowmen? Help bring them back!

Flickr photo via Non Paratus

This year was almost the first time since the project started a few years ago that the Elysian Park snowmen would not decorate the park’s entrances. But thanks to a few ambitious volunteers, the park might just have these happy recycled tumbleweed decorations after all!

The problem with installing the snowmen was due to, you guessed it, cutbacks. Put together by the Recreation and Parks staff, they face a 15% budget cut leaving them no time to put together the holiday decorations.

Last year we noticed the financial cut backs when the corner of Scott and Stadium Way (on our way home) went without its usual snowmen. Hopefully the volunteers will help bring a little cheer back to that corner as well!

Volunteers are meeting on Friday, December 10 at 10:00 am at the Elysian Park maintenance yard (between the Police Academy and Solano Canyon). They have already started collecting tumbleweeds and will teach volunteers how to make them. Just bring gloves and clippers, and wear long sleeves!

Maybe if you learn how to make these you’ll be able to have some inexpensive and recycled decorations for your own yard!

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