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Trouble near Elysian Park Ave. and Sunset Blvd.

Tweets started coming in not too long ago about road closures and traffic building up on Sunset Blvd., and The Eastsider LA is now reporting that police are searching for a gunman following a possible shooting.

Photo via resident and business owner Justin Warwick

The photo above, taken by Warwick owner Justin Warwick, shows that LAPD are diverting traffic on Sunset Blvd.

In addition, ABC7 is reporting the following:

LAPD officers were on the scene of a reported shooting near Echo Park on Sunset Blvd. Thursday afternoon.

The shooting occurred on the 1300 block of West Sunset Blvd. at about 4:13 p.m. Thursday, according to the LAPD.

One person has been transported by firefighters.

No suspects were arrested.

Police did not immediately release further details.

Los Angeles Police were investigating the incident.

We’ll keep you posted! Follow us on Twitter!

UPDATES:

LA NOW reports that one man at the pot dispensary, The Higher Path, where the robbery took place was killed, while another is in the hospital. The Echo Park robbery occured at around 4:15 pm, and hours later at 9:15 pm another dispensary was robbed El Centro Avenue in Hollywood, leaving another employee dead. The LAPD have not yet determined whether or not the two events are linked.

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Stadium Preps for Dodgers vs. Yankees Series Tomorrow

The much-anticipated Dodgers versus Yankees series starts tomorrow, and the Stadium is preparing for the crowds and some unusual start times. Neighborhood Relations Manager Noel Pallais just sent out an email to community members about some of the steps the stadium is taking to “minimize the impact on our neighbors”:

Dear Neighbor:

As has been our commitment to inform the surrounding community of upcoming events, we have listed below updated information for games to be played this weekend at Dodger Stadium against the New York Yankees. Please note that in an effort to minimize the impact on our neighbors due to the starting times being different than our regularly scheduled weekend games we are working very closely with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (DOT); additionally, as was the case during this past Opening Day and last year’s National League Division and Championship Series, all of our parking gates will open 2 ½ hrs prior to the start of the games:

Friday, June 25th – 7:10PM

Parking gates will open at 4:40PM and Stadium gates will open 5:10PM.

Saturday, June 26th – 4:10PM

Parking gates will open at 1:40PM and Stadium gates will open by 2:10PM.

Sunday, June 27th – 5:05PM

Parking gates will open at 2:40PM and Stadium gates will open by 3:10 pm.

Do note that for all three games LAPD and DOT are treating this weekend series as 3 separate Opening Days. To this end, DOT will have an earlier deployment of officers in an effort to keep arteries open for community members to access their neighborhoods. Additionally, LAPD will, also schedule an earlier deployment, as well as deploy an increased numbers of officers, to proactively patrol the surrounding community, especially the area in and around the park. Also, the City of Los Angeles will enact street a closure for Lilac Terrace between Stadium Way and Lookout Way from 12:00AM on Friday, June 25th and continuing to 11:00PM on Sunday, June 27th for staging purposes and game preparations. During this closure emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Also, we are actively encouraging all fans to arrive early, carpool and take the Dodger Stadium Express shuttle from Union Station to help alleviate parking congestion. We recently sent out a press release that noting that the Dodger Stadium Express picks up fans at the Patsaouras Bus Plaza adjacent to the east portal of Union Station and drops them off in the parking lot behind left/center field.

Finally, since safety is of paramount importance, all necessary traffic controls will be in place. Additionally, (323) 224-1363 is the 24-hour number you should use to report any security concerns.

The Scott gate will be open for exiting traffic for all games. I’ve asked Noel to see if DOT will provide assistance on the corner of Sargent and Scott Avenue at the stop sign to help with the traffic.

As for fans – don’t expect to walk up on game-day to get tickets. The Dodgers didn’t sell individual tickets to the Yankees series, but reserved tickets for fans buying season seats or packages of 14, 21 or 28 games. It looks like you can get tickets on StubHub, but they won’t come as cheap as all the other games (right now, top deck prices are around $27.00 – ouch!).

I’ll be happily enjoying the game from home or at El Compadre myself. See you there!

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The Echo Show to Benefit for Nashville Flood Relief Fund

MusiCares has teamed up with The Echo to throw a benefit concert to raise money for people affected by the Middle Tennessee floods tomorrow (Thursday, June 24) at 7:00 pm. Cost is $20 benefiting Musicares Nashville Flood Relief Fund.

The lineup for the event includes Carlene Carter, along with Dave Alvin, Exene Cervenka, Syd Straw (our neighbor in Echo Park!), Tony Gilkyson, Seaspin, The Damn Sons, and DJ Travis Keller.

From The Echo website:

Nashville and its surrounding communities were unexpectedly struck by a major disaster on Saturday, May 1. Many in this music community experienced significant loss — homes, cars, equipment, and rehearsal space — ruined by the unprecedented flooding in several communities. It has been estimated that only a fraction of those who experienced significant loss have adequate flood insurance to cover their damages. MusiCares understands the effects of this disaster in a unique way. Since our inception in 1989, it has been our mission to assist music industry people facing unexpected crises. MusiCares is poised and ready to help the Nashville music community get through this crisis.

MusiCares has established the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund to assist music people affected by the Middle Tennessee Floods. MusiCares’ initial assistance will provide funds for food and clothing, gasoline and transportation, cleanup efforts, relocation costs, medicine, and other critical supplies.

18 and over, click here for tickets.

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Hello Summer in Echo Park!

Monday marked the first official day of summer! We’ve been lucky with the mild weather lately, but soon enough it’s going to get hot outside. If you’re like me and live in an old house with no central air, you’ll be looking for a place to cool down soon enough. Here are some good local places to go cool off:

Echo Park Deep Pool:

Not to be confused with the Echo Park Shallow Pool by the Rec Center, the deep pool is located at 1419 Colton St. It’s super cheap too – adults get in for $2 with your library card (regularly $2.50)! Children and seniors are free. Some Yelp! reviews say the pool is pretty crowded, but I haven’t personally been yet so it’s worth a shot!

Website
Download PDF flyer of events/services, hours and pricing for 2010 (there are swimming lessons!)

Through September 3, hours are:
Monday-Friday: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Edendale & Echo Park Libraries:

Edendale: Located at 2011 West Sunset Boulevard, the library is a nice (and quiet!) place to go sit under an air conditioning vent and read a book. Unfortunately, city cuts have reduced library hours. So while you can’t go on Sundays, or before noon on some weekdays, the library is available. Click here for the website and hours.

Echo Park Library: Located at 1410 W. Temple Street, the Echo Park Library always has something going on. There are lots of activities for kids, volunteer opportunities for high school students, computer classes, book sales, and more. Click here for the website and hours.

Echo Park Rec Center

While the shallow pool looks like it’s closed for a while, the Rec Center still has barbecue pits and picnic tables, a really awesome playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, football field, indoor gym, soccer field, and tennis courts. There are a ton of classes (from ballet to free kickboxing to cooking), adult and children’s leagues, and even an after school club. Click here for the PDF flyer of the 2010 program.

Any other brilliant ideas on how to cool down for summer in Echo Park? Let us know!

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Newest Echo Park Business – Montana Cans

It took me a while, but I finally figured out who’s moving into 1528 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd after finding this post on the Eastsider LA. The newest addition to Echo Park’s businesses will be Montana LA, a boutique spray paint store. The brand Montana has been around for a while (at least ten years)* and offers high end spray cans as well as markers, black and sketchbooks and apparel. As well as selling products, the company also sponsors artists, projects, events and does charity work. The store should be opening soon as its website announces that it will open in early 2010.

*Montana Cans (or German Montana) is not to be confused with Montana Colors (or Spanish Montana). The two companies seem to have a long and sordid history. See this PDF.

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Shooting Outside The Echo Spooks Residents

According to several news sources, a man parked out front of The Echo opened fire on a few people who were leaving the nightclub last night at around 2:00 am. Two of the men were injured but released from the hospital, but the third was shot in the torso and is still hospitalized.

Rampart Police have not yet determined why the gunman opened fire or if there’s any connection to the victims, but the thought of such random violence has some of us Echo Park residents a little spooked.

“Scary stuff. I may have made an error in judgment in moving to this neighborhood,” wrote resident “Chris L” on The Eastsider LA comments section about the event.

But Lt.Wes Buhrmester of the Rampart Patrol Division is trying to be reassuring, responded to the comment: “You did not make an error in judgment in moving to Echo Park. And I say this being a resident of LA (Montecito Heights) myself. This was not borne out of any activity by the victims, or by the establishment. We are trying to establish motive. While it is not apparent as those of many crimes, there was some reason for the suspect to fire at the group, and we will ascertain it. Echo Park is still an excellent place to live, work, visit and do business. Unfortunately, no areas are immune to violence.”

We are hoping for a connection so that this doesn’t end up being some random violence that we could all be subject to. Be safe out there!

UPDATES:

  • It’s possible the suspect may have been standing in the street when the shots were fired, rather than parked on a motorcycle out front. The investigation is ongoing.
  • The Echo is beefing up security. From the website: “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred outside of our venue last night and are concerned about the well being of those injured. As the investigation is on-going, we are unable to make any further statements regarding the details of the incident at this time. Please be assured that safety is our first priority and to ease the concerns of our patrons, The Echo will have additional security and street patrols in place for upcoming shows.”

Related Articles:

  • “Three injured in shooting outside Echo Park nightclub.” The Eastsider LA, June 21, 2010
  • “3 men outside popular Echo Park club wounded after gunman opens fire.” LA Now, June 21, 2010
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Week In Music

For the week of Monday, June 21 through Sunday, June 27th.

Monday
Rainbow^Arabia, Abe Vigoda, Aska, Demo Team, DJ ORO11 at The Echo (free!)
Desktop Rulers, Nightmare & The Cat at Bootleg Theater
Nu Sensae, Shearing Pinx, NASA Space Universe, Bad Party at Pehrspace
Totally Serious, Witt, Rats, Snuffaluffagus at Echo Curio

Tuesday
Seasons’ EP release, Tenlons Fort, Death to Anders, Magick Orchids at The Echo
Gemma Ray at Origami Vinyl (free! Early Show; 7 PM)
Space Waves at Bootleg Theater
Nude Beach, Fim at Echo Curio

Wednesday
Matmos, So Percussion, Lexie Mountain Boys at Rec Center Studio
Hot Hot Heat, Eulogies, Links at Bootleg Theater
No Babies, Hawney Troof, TEARIST, Signals at Echo Curio

Thursday
Benefit for Musicares Nashville Flood Relief Fund feat. Carlene Carter, Dave Alvin, Exene Cervenka, Syd Straw, Tony Gilkyson, Seaspin, The Damn Sons at The Echo
Family of the Year, The Steelwells at Bootleg Theater
Learning Music, Rats, Donut at Echo Curio

Friday
Joe Pug, Jim Hanft, Sonny Pete at The Echo
Head Like A Kite, Smoosh at Bootleg Theater
Lemuria, The Monthlies, Roman Candles at Echo Curio
Moses Campbell, Aerial Stereo, Record Year, Watercolor Paintings at Pehrspace
Travie McCoy, Tay Dizm, Tiron, Ayomari, 82 Stuck Up Kids at Echoplex

Saturday
Lou Barlow, Sarah Jaffe at Bootleg Theater
Giant Drag at Echoplex
Bowery Beasts’ 7″ release at Origami Vinyl
Gabriel Sullivan, Maquiladora, Alina Cutrono, The Fragile Gang at Echo Curio

Sunday
Grand Ole Echo feat. Dan Janisch, Chris Latero & Buffalo Robe, Vanish Valley at The Echo (free! Early Show; 5 PM)
Part Time Punks feat. Fuxa, LSD & The Search For God + Suki Ewers at The Echo
Holy Rolling Empire, The Sea of Cortez, The Atlantic Line, Freddy Fudd Pucker at Echo Curio

Thanks to LAist

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SurveyLA and the History of Barlow Respiratory Hospital

Barlow Hospital in 1910

This Thursday, June 24 at 7:00 pm, SurveyLA and the Los Angeles City Historical Society are teaming up to raise awareness of their mission and to give a talk on the history of Barlow Respiratory Hospital.

Funded by a grant from the J. Paul Getty Trust, SurveyLA’s goal is to more thoroughly identify and document Los Angeles’ historic landmarks. At the end of its six-year survey (the second year of research includes Echo Park), the organization will present its findings to the city, homeowners, preservation groups and neighborhood groups so that both developers and property owners are not “surprised or exasperated by eleventh-hour preservation efforts.”

On Thursday, Flora Chou from the Los Angeles Conservancy will be giving a brief talk on the history of Barlow before Janet Hansen discusses the SurveyLA project (“what it is, where it’s happening and how all of us can contribute“).

The talk will be at Williams Hall at Barlow Respiratory Hospital (2000 Stadium Way) at 7:00 pm. Parking is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Click here to download the flyer.

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Take a Folk Art Tour by bicycle around Echo Park/Historic Filipinotown

Join Folk Art Everywhere and the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition on a bicycle ride exploring art and culture in Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown.

Tomorrow! Saturday, June 19, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (approximately)

Ride begins and ends at Pilipino Workers Center on 153 Glendale Blvd. (2nd Floor). Enter off Rockwood Dr.

The 3.4 mile bike tour is co-sponsored by Folk Art Everywhere, a project of the Craft and Folk Art Museum, and the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. It’s designed to explore folk art in shops and cultural centers in the neighborhood with other art and bike lovers. Stops include:

  • Remy’s on Temple (a Filipino arts and culture gallery)
  • Nahuí Ohlín
  • Tribal Cafe
  • Edendale Branch Library in Echo Park
  • Pilipino Workers Center

About Folk Art Everywhere:

Folk Art Everywhere is designed to inspire exploration of diverse communities and neighborhoods in Los Angeles through art and culture. A project of the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), Folk Art Everywhere has partnered with 25 diverse organizations and businesses to place artwork representing cultures from around the world inside venues throughout LA County. Think of it as a cultural treasure hunt that releases beautiful and curious art objects from private collections and installs them in unexpected public spaces—restaurants, parks, coffee shops, bookstores, and cultural centers—places where people naturally gather.

Click here to download the PDF flyer for the event.

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Echo Park Books Publishes “Art Time Punks”

Front and back covers of Art Time Punks book

Newly formed Echo Park Books has just launched its first release. Titled “Art Time Punks,” the 98-page softcover book is an original “fanbook” that covers five years of Part Time Punks (every Sunday at The Echo), including original artwork by Michael Stock from the past few years.

First Art Time Punks flyer circa 2005

Echo Park Books consists of Andrew Pogany (Echo Park resident, self-proclaimed “cultural instigator” and former Flaunt Magazine Editor-in-Chief) and Michael Stock (writer, DJ, and part-time professor). “For now, Echo Park Books will focus on publishing limited-edition books, chapbooks, and fanzines,” says Andrew, “But the plan is for it to evolve into just one of several imprints offering a variety of literary and arts services to an intimate community of creative peers.”

Art Time Punks books is a limited edition (only 250 books will be published), is black and white, soft cover perfectbound, 98 pages, and dimensions are 8 x 8 inches. All books come wrapped in Kraft Butcher paper.

You can purchase the books in person at:

  • Tonight! Punky Reggae Party at La Cita on Friday, June 18.
  • Tiger Beat at La Cita on Saturday, June 19.
  • Part Time Punks at The Echo on Sunday, June 20.

Or starting today, you can purchase a book online for $14 plus tax and shipping/handling at www.echoparkbooks.com and www.parttimepunks.com.

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Flashback Fridays – Echo Park Lake

"Echo Park in Midwinter" (Postcard for sale through EPHS)

Echo Park Lake began its life as Los Angeles Reservoir No. 4. It was built in 1868 by a private company called The Los Angeles Canal and Reservoir Company. Water flowed to the reservoir from the L.A. River in Los Feliz. Legend has it that the name Echo Park comes from the fact that the builders of the reservoir could hear their voices echoing off the surrounding canyon walls. The water collected in a damn near Bellevue Avenue and from there it traveled to a mill near 5th and Figueroa.

The property surrounding Echo Park Lake was purchased in the 1880s by a carriage-maker named Thomas Kelley and several other speculators.  Kelley and his partners wanted to divide up the land and sell it to individuals to build homes and businesses. However, the city wanted to reserve the right to overflow the damn if needed, which would have made those plots useless.

After several years of arguing, they came to an agreement. Kelley and his partners gave up 33 acres of land around the reservoir to be used as a park. In exchange, “the city agreed not to overflow the reservoir land, making the remaining land held by Kelley and his associates – including the street that would soon become Sunset Boulevard – far more valuable.” Landscaping on the park began in 1892, and by 1895 the park and its boathouses were completed.

Thanks to the Echo Park Historical Society for all the info! For a more thorough rundown of the history of Echo Park Lake, you can visit its website.

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Sewer Rehab Projects in Echo Park

Source Department of Public Works

Summer 2010 in Echo Park will be filled with sewer pipe “rehabilitation” as the Department of Public Works repairs or replaces about 3.4 miles of small diameter sewer pipe, some of which are 70 years old. The overall construction could last an entire year.

Glendale Blvd. at the intersection of Scott Blvd. is supposed to have started on June 16, and while we’re not sure what intersection will be next, the Bureau of Engineering report indicates construction will last until June 2011.

Here are the “Quick Facts” provided on the Department of Public Works / LA Sewers website:

  • Construction period: Summer 2010 through summer 2011. Weather or other circumstances could shift the work schedule. Neighbors will be informed as conditions warrant.
  • Construction will generally take place Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on major streets from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. to minimize traffic impacts.
  • Estimated Cost: $3.8 million.
  • Construction methods include sewer pipe lining (rehabilitates defective sewers without excavation and surface disruption), and sewer pipe removal and replacement (performed by “open cut” or trenching, a method that is typically used where sewers are shallow).
  • In order to minimize disruption in the streets, most of the construction work at each location will be completed in about 5-10 business days.
  • Trucks and other equipment such as pipes will be used during construction, and you may see open trench excavation and debris removal.
  • Dust control will be provided in all project areas.
  • Enclosures or other barriers will be used in construction areas wherever necessary for public safety.
  • Flaggers will be used where traffic is impacted. Traffic will be restored to normal when construction has been completed at the end of each workday.
  • Trash pickup, deliveries, access to businesses and residential driveways will be maintained.
  • Parking may be temporarily restricted in some areas, and signs will be posted in advance telling you where and when.
  • You will be notified 24-48 hours in advance whenever sewer services may be temporarily interrupted.
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Adopt a Cat/Dog: Father’s Day Discount Days

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 20th! Give a Cat or Dog a much needed home and surprise Dad with a cuddly companion at the same time!

For the 90026 area code, the closest center is North Central, located at 3201 Lacy Street. For all others out there, go to www.laanimalservices.com to find a center near you!

Masa loves animals too! When you adopt, make sure you bring your paperwork to Masa and get 50% off your next visit!

Click here to download the above flyer to print out.

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Upcoming Echo Park Film Center Screenings

Thursday, June 17 @ 8:00 pm – OPEN SCREEN
Our quarterly cinematic free-for-all dares you to share your film with the feisty EPFC audience. Any genre! Any style! New, old, work-in-progress! First come, first screened; one film per filmmaker; 10 minute maximum. DVD, VHS, mini-DV, DV-CAM, Super 8, 8mm, 16mm. FILMMAKERS GET IN FREE!

Monday, June 21 @ 7:30 pm – FILMMAKERS ALLIANCE
Join us for the latest crop of local indies hosted by Filmmakers Alliance and get inspired to greenlight yourself! FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE! FREE!

Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25 @ 8:00 – TIJUANA SHOWCASE
Join EPFC and guest curator and filmmaker Giancarlo Ruiz for a special two-night showcase of the best new cinematic work from Tijuana. Giancarlo Ruiz is a filmmaker and an actor. He is also co-founder of the collective “La Luciernaga Colectivo Escenico” with Raquel Presa in Tijuana and the acting troupe “The Travellin’ Zoo” with Joseph J. Stephen and Wayne Shi in San Diego. Ruiz is also co-founder of the annual film festival RECORTOS48 in the city of Tijuana. So many good films are being made in Tijuana right now that we had t o fill two nights! Each night will be a completely different program so be sure to be at both! FILMMAKER/CURATOR GIANCARLO RUIZ IN ATTENDANCE!

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Laker Fans Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

Milo and Willow, owners of Echo Park resident Jennifer, are representing the Lakers today for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

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