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From our Neighbors: Stairways and Beer tour

Bob Inman, who is not a stranger around Echo Park, will lead a “Stairways and Beer” tour around Eagle Rock this Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Inman is the author of  “Guide to Public Stairways of Los Angeles” as well as a veteran of the annual Big Parade LA in Echo Park and surrounding neighborhoods. He’s the perfect guy to take you on a tour of stairways anywhere in LA!

The tour starts at Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park, and explores four public stairways in an eight mile loop, along with great views and little known jewels of the LA scene.

After the tour, return to Verdugo Bar for music, special beers, and gourmet food trucks.

For more information, contact Bob Inman at LASTAIRWAYS@pacbell.net

Verdugo Bar is located at 3408 Verdugo Road

Sun 9/19 Stairways and Beer

Led by Bob Inman, author of
“Guide to Public Stairways of Los Angeles”
and veteran of June’s “Big Parade LA”

Meet at Verdugo for an exploration through the highlands of Eagle Rock including 4 public stairways, lovely streets with great views, and little known jewels of the LA scene.

Return back to Verdugo to hang on the patio with tunes, special beers, and treats from the gourmet food trucks!

For more information contact Bob Inman at LASTAIRWAYS@pacbell.net

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Spotted: Fox 11 News in Echo Park

Journalist Susan Hirasuna covered the Summer Fling Truck earlier tonight in front of Origami Vinyl in Echo Park. We’re not sure what the story is about (it couldn’t be the perpetual food truck debate, Summer Fling Truck only serves up fashion), but she tweeted that the story would air tonight on Fox 11 at 10:00 pm.

Check out that broadcast tower/pole/thingy!

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In case you missed it: Maria the Goose Video

Maria the Goose takes a walk around Echo Park Lake. Video caption says, “Dominic had asked, ‘Have you seen Maria,’ to the female jogger you see in the video (she of course had not, or at least had not known that she had.) This time around, she notes that he has indeed found his beloved Maria.”

Check it out:

Makes you wonder… where will Maria the Goose go when the lake is drained next year?

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Art Time Punks party and signing at Stories

Stop by Stories Books and Cafe on Saturday for a party and signing for “Art Time Punks,” the 98-page “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.

More info from Stories:

Promoter, artist, troublemaker Michael Stock creates flyers that use the dada/punk rock aestetic and are still done in the real time cut and paste format. Expect DJs, live music, kids in skinny jeans and Zola Jesus t-shirts and hearing The Fall’s “Totally Wired” or Wire’s “12XU.”

Echo Park Books will also be debuting a new book published by Echo Park Books called “Can’t Stop Winning,” a limited-edition “chapbook of psycho-philosophical meanderings by Sweaters.”

Art Time Punks signing and party
Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 pm
Stories Books & Cafe is located at 1716 Sunset Blvd

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Get your piece of historic Angelino Heights

This AMAZING historic home in Angelino Heights has been on my radar for at least a year now as a fun fixer-upper project. We noticed a little “for sale” sign a while back while I was showing off Carroll Avenue to some family, and I was curious to see how much we could buy this little bit of Angelino Heights paradise.

According to a Big Orange Landmarks website post last May, this seven bedroom, two bath, approximately 2,700 square foot house (as described by Zillow) is going for $1,750,000. We’re not sure what it’s up for now, the sales flyers were no longer there, but you can expect it’s going to be a high price for that crazy neighborhood (there are 51 Victorian residences and carriage houses in the area!).

Located at 1325 Carroll Avenue, the house is known as the Irey House, named after original owner and gardener Hiram B. Irey. It was built in 1887 but originally located at 1123 Court Street, and moved in 1978 as part of the Carroll Avenue Restoration Foundation’s efforts to restore Carroll Avenue.

Architecturally, the house is known as a nearly pure Eastlake style (that’s the Victorian style) like its neighboring houses but with a dash of “Stick” style – meaning it has those extra ornate features like gingerbread trim or other geometric patterns.

Of note is the angled bay window and “unusual asymmetrical arrangement of windows and roof line,” reads a description from a 1978 publication on Historic Angelino Heights. “Also of interest is the window that illuminates the interior stairwell on the second floor.”

The last I heard, the house was being repaired a while back by its current owner, but only foundational elements leaving the restoration of the aesthetic elements to the new buyers. So if you have a knack for Eastlake-Stick style restoration, drop by the house on Carroll Avenue and check it out for us!

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La Gran Fiesta Viva Los Dodgers on Sunday

This Sunday, September 19, at Dodger Stadium is the annual Viva Los Dodgers “La Gran Fiesta.” Throughout the season, every Sunday, the Stadium has hosted a smaller version, but this weekend is the big fest. The Dodgers are playing the Colorado Rockies.

From 10:00 am-2:00 pm (with a sound check starting at 9:00 am) in Lot 6 of the Stadium parking lot, you can expect some booths by sponsors Hyundai, Coca Cola, and Time Warner Cable, along with a beer garden and other fun activities for families. There will also be some live musical events, and last year there were even some former players signing autographs.

Viva Los Dodgers started in 1998 to “help more Hispanic fans come to Dodger Stadium.” Last year about 10,000 fans attended the festival, so get your tickets soon!

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David Yow invites you to closing reception at DIY Gallery

This is a crazy video, don’t view while hung over – it will make you dizzy.

FYI that closing reception at the DIY Gallery in Echo Park is on Saturday, September 11. It’s been going on since August 14, click here to read our previous post about what it’s all about!

DIY Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm and is located at 1549 West Sunset Boulevard

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Sunset Beer opening in Echo Park

Good news! Echo Park is getting a new beer store early next year! John Nugent and wife Jennifer, along with partners Jenna Miller-Vonah and Andrew Vonah (also investors in Eagle Rock Brewery) are opening up Sunset Beer Company in Echo Park, which will stock bottled beer for sale, as will as sport a tasting room as well (pending a liquor license approval).

The new space is located in a mini-mall along the 1400 block of Sunset Blvd, taking over the approximation 2,000 square foot ladies gym space next to Beauty Box. Nugent told us to expect everything from Unibroue Blanche de Chambly (a Belgian-style white ale from Canada) for $2.50, all the way to the fancy schmancy (and $22 a bottle) Russian River Consecration for those special occasions.

“California craft brews and Belgians are covered really well in Los Angeles and beyond,” said Nugent,” but we feel there is a gap in the market to carry obscure beers from all over the United States. The amount of new, upstart breweries from the Midwest and Southeast alone popping up at craft beer festivals is hard to keep up with. That’s exciting to us.”

So why did they choose Echo Park? Nugent and his wife have always wanted to open another wine or similar store in Echo Park – they have many friends in the neighborhood, and they couldn’t pass up the chance at this location. They plan having the “best” craft beer selection in Los Angeles, not necessarily the largest, because “our priority is quality over quantity.” They also want to make sure a majority of that beer is available in the cold coolers, so it will be ready to go.

An article on The Eastsider LA sparked some debate between some residents about introducing another alcohol establishment to Echo Park (arguments similar to those made against Tony Yanow’s new bar/restaurant at the old El Camino theater) – arguing that the establishment will increase those “rowdy drunks” in the neighborhood. Nugent responded to some of the comments, saying: “I will say that after almost six years of selling wine/beer/sake to-go and in-house in Eagle Rock from our wine store, Colorado Wine Company, we have never had an issue with our neighbors regarding excess noise or rowdy drunks.”

Nugent and partners plan on attending community meetings like the neighborhood council soon, so feel free to share your support (or opposition) by attending one of these meetings and get to know the people behind the concept.

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Free cooking class at Echo Park Farmers’ Market

Get some great cooking tips at the Echo Park Farmers’ Market tomorrow from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.

The Good Cooking/Buena Cocina cooking class is free, and will teach you how to prepare delicious, quick and affordable recipes.

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Filmed in Echo Park: State Farm commercial

I know there are a lot of commercial shoots in Echo Park, but I just like sharing them with you all. Here’s a State Farm Insurance video at Magic Gas Station and the Chicken Corner businesses nearby. You can even catch a glimpse of the Durbin project skeletons in the background, weeds and all!

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Echo Park’s Missed Connections

“Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”

– Kahlil Gibran

September 7:

we stood close but no exchange of words – w4m – 22
you played drums at echo curio last night (9/6/10) and after your set you stood right next to me to watch the next band. i wanted to say hi because you were cute but i got too shy. i was wearing a white boat neck with blue stripes.

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September 5:

FYF Fest – During Cold Cave – w4m (Echo Park)
Dave at FYF Fest! I feel so creepy doing this.. but you seemed really cool and I left Delorean to catch all of Panda Bear’s set!

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September 3:

asian market shenanigans – m4w
We both had a chuckle when the cashier at the asian market in Echo Park wouldn’t let you buy your sweets because they had gone bad. Especially since you had eaten some of them already. You dressed like a painter and moved like a dancer. Would love to have more laughs, minus possible food poisoning.

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September 1:

Gold Room girl – m4w
We’ve run into each other a few times, and you told me once that you liked a particular peculiarity about my speech. I like your kind eyes and freckles. Last time I saw you you were with a guy– was he a boyfriend? I hope not. I’d like to learn more. If this is you, you’ll know what junk I’ve got my in my trunk.

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August:

Burning Girl at Vons – m4w – 40
You told me my Mercury was in retrograde!
Help!
😉

Laguna Ave – m4w – 46
To the pretty redhead with the beautifully curvy figure walking down Laguna Avenue Saturday morning about 9am……………..were you just passing through or do you live nearby? You were wearing jean shorts and had a cigarette in your hand. I had my dog with me, and had just got in my vehicle to leave when you passed by.

h/t Craigslist

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Dodgers Lose Series to Giants, 2-1

It was a rough holiday weekend for the Dodgers, who blew a lead in Saturday’s game against the Giants and then were shutout in Sunday night’s series finale.

On Saturday, the Dodgers capitalized on a strong start by Ted Lilly and entered the ninth with a 4-3 lead over the Giants. All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton, who has been struggling since the break, was given the opportunity for the save. He promptly gave up a two-run homer, and the Dodgers were defeated 5-4. The loss was the final straw for Torre, who is officially pulling Broxton from save positions.

Kuroda pitched over seven innings in Sunday’s game, striking out eight, and giving up one in the second off a sacrifice fly by Pablo Sandoval then two more off a homer in the seventh. Despite a relatively solid start by Kuroda, Dodgers’ offense was once again nonexistent. Andre Ethier, currently on a one-for-19 streak, struck out three times, as did Matt Kemp, who is supposedly hitting clean up. Dodgers lost the game 3-0.

A look ahead

Tonight the Dodgers move south, with a three-game away series against the Padres. The Padres, who have been the division leader for the majority of the season, are on a 10-game losing streak. The Dodgers must put in a strong showing against the Padres if they are to keep their wildcard hopes alive.

Monday 9/6 at 7:05 pm – TV: KCAL, Radio: KABC 790
Dodgers v. Padres @ PETCO Park
Tuesday 9/7 at 7:05 pm – TV: KCAL, Radio: KABC 790
Dodgers v. Padres @ PETCO Park
Wednesday 9/8 at 7:05 pm – TV: PRIME TICKET/ESPN, Radio: KABC 790
Dodgers v. Padres @ PETCO Park

The buzz

What’s Next for Torre? The Dodgers’ manager, whose contract ends this season, had originally planned on announcing whether he’d return by Labor Day. But the holiday is here and still no word from Torre. Check out Helene Elliott’s column on the LA Times.

Dodgers Call up Five from Triple-A Albuquerque, including 16-year minors veteran. It took 16 long years, but first-basemen John Lindsey will finally make his major league debut. Lindsey, who’s played 1,570 games in the minors, earned his Dodger blues by leading the Pacific Coast League in hitting (.356) and slugging (.663) percentage.  No current player has spent more time in the minors without receiving a call-up.

Pitcher John Ely, who started for the Dodgers in several games this season, is also back. Joining him is relief pitcher Jon Link, who has been called up three times so far this season, shortstop Chin-Lung Hu and infielder Russell Mitchell, making his major-league debut.

  • Read more about John Lindsey’s call to the Big Leagues from Eric Stephen on True Blue LA
  • Steve Dildeck’s take on why Lindsey’s call up is noteable on  the LA Times Dodgers Blog
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Echo Park’s Week in Music

For the week of Monday, September 6 through Sunday, September 12

Monday
Kisses, Mystery Claws, Brittain Ashford, Blunt Mechanics (new band featuring Ben Barnett of Kind Of Like Spitting) @ Echo Curio
Monday Night Residency: Vanaprasta, Pacific Hurt @ Echo
Summer Darling Video Release @ Origami Vinyl
Nasa Space Universe, The Emotron, Terraform, Okie Dokie, Stag Bitten @ Pehrspace
Family of the Year, Hi Ho Silver Oh, Torches in Trees, Death Kit @ Bootleg Theater

Tuesday
Hipsters Who Heart Hip Hop presents: Mestizo, Offwhyte, Briefcase Scenario, Speak, Magick Orchids @ Echo Curio
Buzz Bands & Al Borde present Wait. Think. Fast: Album Release Show, Light Fm, Marvelous Toy, Future Ghost @ Echo
Little Teeth @ Origami Vinyl
KROQ Locals Only presents: The Funeral Party, My Pet Saddle @ Bootleg Theater

Wednesday
Michael Nhat Album Release, Halloween Swim Team, Pizza!, Tik//tik @ Echo Curio
Aquarium Drunkard Presents The Gories, Haunted George, Nice Smile @ Echo
Dub Club @ Echoplex
Live Jazz every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm @ Downbeat Cafe

Thursday
Graham Forrest, Red Hunter, Ecce (Emily Lacy And Ezra Buchla), Black Jesus @ Echo Curio
Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven @ Echoplex
We Barbarians, Superhumanoids, Tijuana Panthers @ Echo
KXSC Presents Daedelus “Acla 10x10x6” record release party, Teebs @ Origami Vinyl

Friday
Kevin Greenspon, Vehicle Blues, Little Teeth, Former Ghost @ Echo Curio
Echo & Club Underground present: Helen Stellar, Saucy Jacks @ Echo
Club Underground @ Echo
Telle Eyed Specs, The Natives @ Tribal Cafe
Chung Antique, traps, ps @ Pehrspace
The Watson Twins, Mini Mansions @ Bootleg Theater

Saturday
Heather Woodbury’s as the Globe Warms followed by Matt Salas Solo, Not An Airplane, Guests @ Echo Curio
Clientele, Lay Low, Gangi @ Echoplex
Funky Sole @ Echo
Robotanists @ Origami Vinyl
Special Guest TBA, Red Arrow Messenger, The Hundred Days @ Bootleg Theater
Instant Pussy, Stepfather Show (closing Reception Of David Yow “Solo” Show) @ Diy Gallery

Sunday
Ige*timer, Stls, Mimes of Wine @ Echo Curio
Grand Ole Echo with Kingsizemaybe, The Running Kind, Gentlemen Farmers, Skip Heller @ Echo
Mogwai Screening @ Echoplex
Part Time Punks with Wild Nothing, The Procedure Club, Sweater Girls, DJ Mike Schulman from Slumberland Records @ Echo

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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Sea Nymph: A shipwrecked boat inside Machine Project, opening tonight!

We mentioned last month that the Machine Project would be hosting Josh Beckman’s Sea Nymph – a series of nautical-themed events, workshops and performances along with a capsized hull of a ship inside the art space. There will also be a crystal cave!

The opening reception is tonight, September 5, from 5-10:00 pm. Performances by Clay Chaplin, Ambient Force 3000, Ecce, OK Music, Chris Kallmyer, and Colin Woodford.

Check out a couple of the photos from the Machine Project website of the ship being built:

Read more

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Cars of Echo Park: Honey Bee

Cute and yellow!

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