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Take a ride on the waters of Echo Park Lake

The pedal boats are back in business on Echo Park Lake! It’s been around four years since the city shut down pedal boat operations at the Boathouse due to budget cuts. Yesterday the operators of the pedal boats, Echo Park Lake Pedal Boats, Canoe & Gondola, greeted lines of people renting the bright yellow boats on the newly renovated Echo Park Lake.

The boating company is operating on a 90 day pilot program for the summer, after which the city will review whether or not it was successful. The cafe vendor will also operate under the same trial period – Square One Dining is expected to start serving on August 1.

Cost is $5 per child and $10 per adult for both the pedal boats (up to one hour) and canoe rides (the latter includes two laps around the lake with a guide). A gondola ride sounds like a nice date night – a half hour for one couple will cost you $50.

Wednesdays will be a great day to head down and rent a pedal boat – called “90026 day,” local residents can rent a pedal boat for just $10.

Hours right now are Monday through Friday, 11:00 am-7:00 pm, and weekends open at 9:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset. We imagine hours will fluctuate depending on the season.

The menu for the cafe has not yet been released, but according to The Eastsider LA will include “park fare” such as hamburgers, hot dogs, juices, and brunch items. Currently the sample menu on the Square One Dining website looks pretty delicious – gourmet cold and hot sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. Hopefully the price tag at the new Echo Park Lake Boathouse won’t reflect that menu – the cheapest lunch sandwich is listed at a whopping $10.50.

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Celebrating another July 4th in Echo Park

The past few years, we’ve made a nice tradition with our close friends of the usual July 4th BBQ and beer, followed up by an evening walk around Echo Park. Since the Dodgers were out of town, our normal visit to an overlook in Elysian Park to watch the Stadium fireworks was quickly replaced by plenty of unsanctioned pandemonium. In our part of the neighborhood, it turned out to be one of the largest celebrations we’ve ever seen.

And the entertainment was so plentiful, we didn’t even make it to our usual Echo Park Lake visit, which in past years has included homemade M-80s (hate those), young children shooting Roman Candles, palm trees on fire, and lots of garbage (ick!). Now that the Lake is open again, we expected there would be a return to illegal fireworks at the lake, but according to our Twitter followers it was fairly mellow, while the rest of the neighborhood sounded like a battlefield, loud booms sounding constantly off the hills from all directions.

Grand fireworks displays on this Echo Park street

These guys were prepared with safety goggles, helmets and a leather jacket

What was your July 4th experience in Echo Park this year?

Visit our Facebook page for more fireworks photos!

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Pedal Boats may be back in Echo Park Lake soon!

Flickr photo via atezrm

While the city has not yet released the list of food vendors being considered for the recently rehabbed Echo Park Lake boathouse, one thing looks good depending on how the paperwork goes – the pedal boats may be back by the beginning of August.

A Facebook page by the name of Echo Park Lake Pedal Boats Canoe & Gondola claims they are in the process of finishing up some paperwork to be the official vendors of the boats. A recent status posted on the page states:

We have had to close our Atascadero Lake site due to lack of water for the rest of 2013 so all of our safety gear and pedal boats are available for Echo Park. We are currently in the paperwork/permit process for Echo Lake. It is a lot more involved than expected, for example contract and compliance papers come to over 120 pages. City staff has been great in helping us wade through it all. Current hang up is trying to get our existing 1 million insurance for water craft upped to the required 2 million. Stay tuned…..

From what we remember before they shut the pedal boats down a few years ago, it cost about $10 per hour (per person!) to rent. We haven’t confirmed how much the rentals will be once things are up and running again, but the Atascadero Lake location mentioned above appears to be about the same.

Will you be first in line to rent pedal boats on Echo Park Lake?

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Third gun among list of items found in Echo Park Lake

Image via The Eastsider LA

In November 2011, we published the list of items found at the bottom of Echo Park Lake. Of the various items beyond the usual toys, trash and debris there were skateboards, office chairs, shopping carts and even a pay telephone. But the two guns, a hand gun and a rifle, were items of interest as the public pondered over what they would find in relation to criminal activities that the lake was once notorious for.

But after a recent article published by Los Angeles Magazine, which states there were a total of three guns found in the sludge, we got curious. A representative from the Bureau of Engineering confirmed that there was indeed a third gun found later on – a gun that was so rusted (like the others) that is was not “considered to be useful for any investigations” by the LAPD.

It had been since the 1984 Olympics that Echo Park Lake was last drained and dredged, leaving many to ponder the items that sank to the bottom of the lake. Despite that cleaning, even an 1880s-era wagon wheel was found in this last cleanup, and many of us all wondered what else was under there. No dead bodies, just three guns, a parking enforcement booth, a toil, and lonely 20 frisbees.

Now that the lake is all filled up, Saturday morning is the grand opening after a year and a half of construction. Make your way to the corner of Park and Logan at 10:00 am for the festivities!

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You’re invited: Grand opening of Echo Park Lake

More exciting news about Echo Park Lake – the official grand opening is happening this weekend on Saturday, June 15.

On Saturday the crew will start removing the fence that has encircled the lake during the past year and half of construction. While it will take a few days to have the fence fully removed, there will be a full day of celebration hosted by Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti, the Department of Rec and Parks and the Bureau of Engineering for the Lake’s reopening ceremonies.

Featured speakers and performers will gather at the corner of Logan Street and Park Avenue just before 10:00 am.

Several businesses in the area of taking advantage of the opening with some great specials and celebrations – like Lot 1 Cafe’s “love & lotus – a free day/night of music” ($2 PBRs and bottomless mimosas!).

Also read: 5 awesome things about the new Echo Park Lake

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Five awesome things about the new Echo Park Lake

Earlier this month, we shared some excellent news on Twitter and Facebook – Echo Park Lake will be officially and finally opening to the public on June 15! Although this is about a month later than we expected, the project is on time and under budget at $45 million (originally $85 million).

At a news conference/media preview of the lake earlier this month, elected officials and project heads shared thoughts on the project: “This has been an iconic setting for film, for literature, for art, for countless movies,” said L.A. mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti. “And like the surrounding neighborhood the park has fallen on some tough times. But the true beauty of Echo Park is reflected not just Echo Park itself, this lake, but the entire community here today.”

When the gates do open at Echo Park Lake on June 15, we think everyone will like the changes. Here are our top five favorite things about the new Echo Park Lake:

 1) The new Lotus bed

The Lotus bed is back in its original location

Back in its original spot, the Lotus bed started getting greener just last month when the Lotus leaves popped up above the water level. While the netting will remain over the plants for about a year to prevent birds from eating all the new plants, the Lotus blossoms have started to bloom, about a year ahead of schedule!

2) The Boathouse will be back

As soon as the city decides on what vendor to bring in (we vote for Homegirl Cafe!!), the boathouse will not only be a fully operating kitchen, it will also support the peddle boats once again! At next year’s Lotus Festival, the dragon boats will also launch off of the Boathouse’s deck.

3) The Boardwalks/Observation decks

There are two boardwalk-style structures around the lake that act as observation decks – one on the north end is a large wooden deck overlooking wetlands, the other on the West end is a concrete deck. Both have benches and some signage on the information of the lake, and are definitely going to be the coveted spots to chill.

Boardwalk on the North end of the Lake

Boardwalk on the West end of the Lake

4) The birds return!

Bird protecting its nest!

Although the number of birds declined at last December’s bird count, over the years there have been over 70 species of birds counted at the lake. Now that there is plenty of water and potentially lots of food, we expect a number of them to return – in fact at the media preview this month, we spied one with its next just at the shore!

5) The Festivals

The number one question we get asked every year is when the Lotus Festival and when the Cuban Music Festival will be celebrated at the Lake. Unfortunately this year there will be no festivals as the new sod needs some time to establish. But next year we can count on the famous dragon boat races and more!

Lotus Festival in 2011

Want to see more photos of the Lake? Click here to visit our Facebook album.

See you at the grand opening at June 15!

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Dog park coming to Echo Park Lake adjacent lot… or is it?

Photo courtesy of Josh Anderson

According to some flyers and a new banner posted at a vacant lot near Echo Park Lake, the neighborhood is getting a dog park. Mayyyyybe.

A quick call to the community relations office of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, which is clearly listed on the banner in the photo above, and it turns out they are not putting up a dog park on Echo Park Avenue near Laguna Avenue, or anywhere for that matter.

“The idea had been floated at one time,” said Canon for Community Relations Bob Williams, “but the Diocese has no intention of putting in a dog park.”

So who is really behind the “Coming soon” banners and flyers?

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Author of The Madonnas of Echo Park coming to Stories

Have you read The Madonnas of Echo Park yet?

If not, do! It’s a magical book that takes place in Echo Park, where author Brando Skyhorse also grew up. Many view it as a commentary on the gentrification of the neighborhood – which is the direction that HBO is taking on developing a series of the novel. But if you’re tired of the overuse of the “g” word (gentrification), there’s a lot more to the novel.

Fans of the novel will have an opportunity to get some insight into the book in its original location next week. Skyhorse will be reading excerpts of the novel at Stories Books & Cafe in Echo Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 starting at 7:30 pm. He will also join authors Joseph Mattson of Los Angeles and Carlene Bonnivier of Echo Park.

 

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Elf Café now serving beer and wine

We drove by Elf Café the other night – and it was BUZZING!

Considered by many to be the best vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles, the six-year-old Echo Park restaurant now has something new to offer its patrons (and to compete with the giant and vegan-friendly Mohawk Bend next door): Beer and wine!

Owner and chef Scott Zwiezen is focusing this new menu addition on a natural/organic approach. He explains in an email to us:

Our focus is on wine, with emphasis on biodynamic and natural, dry-farmed wines which utilize native yeasts and natural forms of pest control. There’s a Loire we have in, for instance from Olivier Cousin -a visionary of modern biodynamic winemaking- that is, simply put, incredible. We have also been meeting with and buying wines from other small producers in California, France, Portugal, Australia and Chile.

And there’s beer too – Evan George, of Hot Knives and formerly of Elf, is helping curate the beer menu. Eagle Rock Brewery’s Populist IPA and Solidarity will be available, as well as organic options from Eel River Brewery and Iron First (Vista, California).

Both the beer and wine list will change, depending on availability and season.

We can’t wait to check it out!

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Echo Park Art Walk map!

Click for map

Today is the 4th annual Echo Park Art Walk!

Starting at noon today, there will be art exhibits, sidewalk chalk, workshops, kids activities, live music, food, special discounts in stores, and live performance art all over Echo Park.

Additionally, this year Art Needs Freedom is collaborating with Elysian Heights Elementary School, so there will be a lot of stuff going on there!

So much great stuff going on – the map is dizzying! Click here to download your own map of the festivities.

See you there!

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Echo Park Lake getting greener

Spring brings many shades of green and other colors to the landscape of Echo Park, but in the nearly two years that Echo Park Lake has been under construction there’s been a lot more dirt and a lot less green.

That is, until last week. Last week workers started laying sod along the west end of the lake, a welcome site for those of us anxious for the lake’s reopening next month.

In addition to the sod, you’ll also notice the lotus leaves starting to pop up just above the water level. Although they might not blossom until next year, there are some blossoming water lilies on the east side of the lake that are adding some more color to the landscape.

h/t Above the Lake

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Crazy color: An incredible front yard installation in Echo Park

I put together some photos and copy for the latest issue of the Echo Park Improvement Association (of which I am a member) newsletter, EPIAn Ways, on this brilliant Echo Park art installation.

Called Randyland/The Giant Glass Virgin of Guadalupe and located on the 1600 block of Lemoyne Street, this work of art consists of thousands of bottles filled with water and strung together using wire and rebar. It’s flexible, sways in wind and looms 24 feet high over the artist,’s Randlett Lawrences, front yard.

It’s truly dazzling. Check out my full article on the EPIA website!

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Will street vendors return to Echo Park Lake?

Swap meet vendors back in 2010

Before Echo Park Lake was drained, before the gates went up around its perimeters, the lake wasn’t just a hub for families and picnickers to enjoy. Sunday afternoons were often host to street vendors on the grass alongside the sidewalk, wrapping around the entire northern section of the park. While many enjoyed shopping for a variety of new and used items, others found the vendors to be invasive, taking over valued park space and leaving loads of litter behind.

The mass of street vendors wasn’t just an issue at Echo Park Lake, it’s all over the city. Today, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors is reviewing a motion to strengthen the crack-down on street vendors, which are, after all, illegal. But it’s also more than just about the legality – it’s an enforcement issue, a race and class issue, a tax issue, and a business issue. At Echo Park Lake, it also became a safety/crime issue as witnesses have reported seeing armed men portioning out and selling spaces for $20-40 the night before.

The proposal wouldn’t affect the occasional yard sale, but specifically addresses illegal street vendors including those bacon-wrapped hot dogs and pushcarts.

With Echo Park Lake re-opening in mid-May, the question is: Will the street vendors return, and will the city crack down on the activity if they do?

Related articles:

  • “Police try a new strategy to sweep out Echo Park Lake swap meet vendors.” August 8, 2010, The Eastsider LA
  • “Vendors at Echo Park Lake get the boot.” August 1, 2010, Echo Park Now
  • “The many facets of the Echo Park Lake swap meet.: March 24, 1010, Echo Park Now
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Echo Park beautification project meeting on Tuesday

Residents should attend a meeting on the Sunset Boulevard beautification project on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 pm.

This is your chance to learn about the $750,000 beautification project that stretches along the main drag in Echo Park. Plans include pocket parks, tree planting, and even hitching posts on Alvarado and Sunset.

Sunset Blvd. Streetscape Beautification Project Meeting

Tuesday, April 9, 2013
6:30 – 7:30 pm

Edendale Library – Community Room
2011 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026

See you there!

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Opening Day and more Dodgers news

The new Dodgers season is upon us!

For Echo Parkians, however, baseball season is bittersweet. It’s GREAT to be able to walk to the games and we love being Dodgers fan, but the traffic and the noise and fighting for a seat at the sports bars before the game…. Well, it can get a little hectic.

Opening Day

Opening Day is the worst. So prepare yourself. On Monday, April 1 the Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants once again. Here are some details for opening day:

  • Pregame ceremony starts at 12:10 pm and will include a one minute fireworks display at 1:00 pm
  • Parking gates and stadium gates will open at 10:00 am
  • Street closures are as follows: Scott Avenue between Stadium Way & North Boylston Street; North Boylston between Academy & Stadium Way; Lilac Terrace between Stadium Way & Lookout to Stadium
  • The a-frame signs (“Local Access Only”) will be placed throughout the neighborhood
  • Early LADOT staffing at Sunset/Elysian Park & Academy/Golden State Gate C areas
  • Police officers will be monitoring all activity with a zero tolerance policy in mind
  • Scott Avenue gate will be open on opening day, but for exit traffic only

Report any non-emergency security concerns to our Neighborhood Focus line at (323) 224-2636.

Stadium Renovations

There have been a lot of changes at the Stadium, including installation of a sophisticated wi-fi network (YES!), a new clubhouse, and new “amenities” on all levels (we think that means restrooms).

All the renovations will debut at tonight’s Exhibition Game versus the Angels, which starts at 7:10 pm.

Craft Beer!

Admittedly the most exciting rumor circulating around Twitter isn’t the renovated restrooms (although that’s awesome). It’s the BEER! Word is Golden Road Brewing will be on tap, finally introducing craft beer to the craft services at the stadium (by the way, Shock Top is not craft beer).

With the growing craft brewery scene in Los Angeles, we hope this is just a starting point for Dodger Stadium to start supporting local craft beer. We’ll toast to that!

This should be an exciting year – with all the roster changes, fans are hoping this will be a winning year and the high ticket sales are reflecting just that. See you at the stadium!

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