Tag Archive for: echo park

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El Centro’s voter registration drive Saturday

It’s almost time to vote this year, as we know with the all-important gubernatorial elections on November 2. El Centro Del Pueblo here in Echo Park is helping people get registered to vote by holding a voter registration event specifically for Latino voters on Saturday, October 2 at 9:00 am.

If you’re interested in helping out, Barragan’s is providing your free lunch! The drive is located at 1157 Lemoyne Street. Make sure you are registered to vote!

Leran more and RSVP by visiting the El Centro event Facebook page.

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Photo: Rainbow over Echo Park

It's a double rainbow!

Another beautiful evening in Echo Park – you’d almost forget it’s 85 degrees outside!

There are rumors of lightning as well – anyone else see it?

Read more

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Zooming in on Echo Park: The racial mapping project

Photographer Eric Fischer was inspired by a Chicago map created by Bill Rankin that displayed the city’s racial and ethnic divides. He created maps of other cities like New York City, Houston, and Los Angeles using the same techniques Rankin did, applying date from the 2000 census. I took the Los Angeles map and zoomed in on the  Echo Park area. Red is White, Blue is Black, Green is Asian, Orange is Hispanic, Gray is Other, and each dot equals a total of 25 people. For some perspective, the little empty round area near the middle of the above graphic is Dodger Stadium.

You can check out the rest of the Los Angeles map by clicking here or on the image below. You’ll notice… there are a lot of white people on the west side!

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Submit your dog photos for a charity exhibit

1650 Gallery in Echo Park will be hosting a charity event in October called “DOGS, DOGS, DOGS!” I have hundreds of photos of my cats, so I’m sure you have them of your dogs – this is your chance to submit those lovable photos to the gallery for the exhibit and help support Dogs Without Borders.

Make sure you submit your photos by Thursday, September 30, 2010. It costs $25 for up to five images, with $5 each for additional entries. 25-30 works will be chosen for the exhibit, with additional works for an online gallery. Opening Night Gala is October 23, 2010, 7:00 pm (exhibit ends November 27).

Dogs Without Borders is a 501(c) non-profit dog rescue that is dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters in the Los Angeles area and to find them permanent and loving homes.

Click here for more info, submission guidelines, etc. 1650 Gallery is located at 1650 Echo Park Avenue.

If you’re interested about Echo Park pets, click here for our past story about Sonia Paulino’s photos of Echo Park’s dogs and their owners/walkers.

Oh yes, and if you’re an animal lover, discount days are going on now at the animal shelter through September 26. Dog adoption fees are only $78.50, cats are $50.50. The closest animal shelter for us is the North Central Animal Shelter at 3201 Lacy St.

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Echo Park’s Hidden gem: Spiraling Orchard park

Spiraling Orchard is one of those hidden secrets you never knew existed. Its colorful entryway stands out amongst the compact residential homes along Court Street in Echo Park, but what is it?

What used to be a big empty lot is a park once owned by LASUD, it was taken over and in 1996 made it into an outdoor classroom, and generally a place where kids can go to do homework, arts and crafts, and other programs through ACLA (Arts… Community… Land… Activism…). According to its website, “ARTScorpsLA (ACLA) projects teach people to care for their places: by actively engaging the parks – making them and then using them – people attain a genuine connection with these urban places.”

Some residents might remember Spiraling Orchard as the site where four-year-old Roberto Lopez was shot and killed while standing in front of the park in January of 2009. But things are still going on at the park, and we thought we’d update you on a few things to keep your eye out for.

Every Tuesday from 2-5:00 pm, kids can stop by for the graffiti club or homework help. This fall, ACLA started hosting art and drawing workshops led by Ayumi “SANO” Chisolm. Though the first workshop started in September and ends in November, the second section of the workshop starts in January and ends in the beginning of May. The workshop “utilizes elements of classical drawing methods with contemporary elements of Hiphop style graffiti art for at-risk youth and young adults.”

Fall 2010 will see the return of Lisa Nuñez’s “Food Justice & Culture” workshops for elementary school-aged kids. They also have an annual Dia de los Muertos dinner and celebration in October, but no date has been scheduled yet. This fall they also hope to dedicate the mural that Spiraling kids along with families from all over California have been painting for almost a year under lead artist Wenceslao Quiroz, located on Court and Bixel.

And of course, anyone can always use the space for youth bands to practice, or to host your workshops.

I really recommend going and checking it out, it’s a really interesting part of town and the park itself is just an incredible gift to Echo Park.

For more information about anything I mentioned above, you can contact the ACLA at ACLA213@gmail.com or (323) 474-6905.

Spiraling Orchard is located at 1246 Court Street.

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Get inspired: Novel writing class in Echo Park

Flickr photo by Menetnashté

Echo Park resident and novelist Tempany Deckert is offering a Beginner’s Novel Writing Class on Wednesdays, starting October 6. While the class isn’t free, you will get to:

Learn to write your very own novel in this fun, informative and inspiring class. Taught by eighteen time novelist, T. Deckert, you’ll learn how to develop characters, plot, structure and most important of all, have the discipline to complete your very own work of art. Anyone can write, but not many people can navigate their way through the entire novel writing process. In this class you’ll not only learn the tricks of the trade, but you’ll complete your very own book over the course of 8 weeks.

Cost of the class is $260, and class size is restricted to so sign up fast!

To reserve your spot, email tempanydeckert@gmail.com

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Echo Park Night at Dodger Stadium – Get your tickets now!

Support the EPIA and the Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a Dodgers game with your neighbors!

The annual Echo Park Night at Dodger Stadium is coming up on Saturday, October 2 at 7:10 pm, the Dodgers play the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tickets are ONLY $11 each (for $18 seats!)

Get your tickets today! Email the EPIA at epiamail@yahoo.com with your name and the number of tickets you are committing to purchase, and instructions about delivery/pickup and payment will be emailed back to you. If you see the above flyer in the window of a business (like Masa!), inquire there as well! You might be able to buy tickets with your dinner.

Go to www.epia-echopark.org for more info or to download the event flyer.

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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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The Best Margaritas of Echo Park

As mentioned in my sneak peak the other week, I am in love… with Echo Park’s margaritas! A little disclaimer: I did not go to margarita school, I am just a self-proclaimed aficionado because I have had and created a lot of margaritas. There are several spots in Echo Park you can sit and enjoy my favorite mixed drink, but these are the best ways to enjoy margaritas in our small neighborhood:

Barragan's Margarita

#3: Barragan’s made the top three, but isn’t really my favorite. It’s a very, very popular spot and the best deal in town with the $2.50 margaritas served up every Wednesday night. The back patio is cozy and service is great, but the margarita snob in me keeps it from taking a number one spot. They have the necessary variety of tequila options, but the margarita mix was a stock margarita mix from a plastic, labeled bottle, so the margaritas end up being a lot sweeter while I’m more partial to enjoy a more tart mix.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go for a margarita at Barragan’s, as one of our readers pointed out in the comments section of my first post agrees with a commenter who doesn’t like a high price tag: “I agree, $8 and waaay west of Alvarado doesn’t count. I’m all for Barrigan’s very LARGE and VERY TASTY margarita on the rocks WITH SALT at a decent price. And I can walk there…!” It’s completely true – margaritas can certainly get expensive! But it seems Wednesdays are the time to go to Barragan’s – we spent $9-10 for each margarita plus tip for mid-shelf tequila.

#2: Allston Yacht Club serves up a lot of delicious mixed drinks, wines, and recently added a couple of taps for craft beers. As an ex-bartender myself, I always sit at the bar and chat with the always friendly and well-versed bartenders.

AYC's Spicy Margarita

At AYC, order the Spicy Margarita. It’s mid-shelf tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and muddled jalapeños – but not too much. The jalapeño leaves a little heat in the back of your throat, and gets a tiny bit stronger and you drink it down. Overall, it’s refreshing and delicious, and worth the $9. But with happy hour prices Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30-7:00 pm, the $5 you’ll spend is more than worth it! Did I mention they also have a cozy back patio?

#1: El Compadre. I’m pretty sure you knew this was coming – El Compadre is a given. The ambiance is well-matched for margarita drinking, Dodger games are always on, and the bartenders are the best. At a dining table, margaritas come in their famous style (flaming), while at the bar they come sans flame (which is fine with me!). I always order a Cazadores Reposado margarita on the rocks with salt, knowing the good tequila will be more expensive, but boy is it worth every penny.

El Compadre

Cazadores Reposado is my favorite margarita tequila. Aged in oak casks, it’s certainly not a tame tequila and becomes well-balanced in margaritas. It’s particularly delicious when you have a good margarita mix, which El Compadre definitely does. They’ve had the recipe for 30 years, and try as I might I could not coax any ingredients out of the bartender.

Why pay more than a few bucks for a good margarita? Well, let’s put it this way: one margarita and you’re feeling good, two and you’re set (plus no hangover)! Why drink the several of the cheap stuff when you can have just a couple good margaritas, and enjoy it in the process?

Hopefully this helps your margarita choices in Echo Park. Remember, the bottom line is this: Good margarita mix, good margarita! And I don’t want to leave out the other guys, so the other spots you can get margaritas include the Short Stop, and, once the license goes through, even Rodeo Grill. Enjoy, and remember to walk home if you can!

Note: I pay for all of my drinks to ensure there’s no favoritism involved.

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Half off wine at City Sip

Today’s Los Angeles Groupon deal comes back to Echo Park, this time you get half off wine at our friendly neighborhood wine bar, City Sip.

This means you spend $20 and you get $40 worth of delicious wine. Great deal! Here’s a little description of the featured wines (and beers!) to tempt you to try few of their 40 wine bottle selections:

Swirl, sniff, and sip your way through potable pleasures such as an Alsatian gewürztraminer from Klipfel ($11/glass), a Felino malbec ($12/glass), or another pick from the encyclopedic selection of bubblies, whites, reds, roses, and other vine-based beauties. Like the three-fisted men who harvest the grapes, wine flights provide a one-two-three palate punch, while dessert wines such as a Landskroon morio muscat ($11/glass) gently slap tongues with sweetness. A selection of craft beers including Allagash Curieux ($8) and Eagle Rock Brewery Solidarity ($7), plus a handful of nonalcoholic options, round out the liquid luxuries.

The fine print: Limit 2 per person. Limit 1 per table. Not valid toward retail or classes. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers, including happy hour.

Click here to visit Groupon.com and purchase today’s deal. Get it soon – you have until midnight tonight!

CitySip is located at 2150 W. Sunset Blvd, click here for the website.

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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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Menu Mondays: Xoia Vietnamese

Xoia
1801 West Sunset Blvd.
(213) 413-3232
Website

Hours (starting Tuesday, September 7):
Tuesday-Thursday: 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 noon to midnight
Saturday: 12:30 pm to midnight
Friday: 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Cash only!

Starters

Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls w/ shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs served w/ peanut sauce. $5.75
Vegetarian Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls w/ sautéed mushrooms, tofu, rice noodles, fresh herbs served w/ peanut sauce. $5.50
Pho Beef Tacos: Pho infused beef served on corn tortillas w/ cilantro, onions and house made red salsa. $5.75
Mi Quang Pork Tacos: Paprika and shallot spiced pork on corn tortillas w/ cilantro, onions and house made red salsa. $5.75

Read more

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New parking meters coming to a street near you!

Looks like the City of LA will be updating the parking meters along a few Echo Park streets as soon as September 13 or 14. No word on if there will be any price increases, but according to the announcement:

The new meters are being installed as part of an initiative launched last month by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and LADOT General Manager Rita L. Robinson to install 10,000 new Card & Coin Meters this summer in high-demand parking spaces throughout the City. When the installation is complete at the end of August, a total of 33% of the City’s 40,000 metered spaces will accept credit card payments, and Los Angeles will boast the largest number of solar-powered parking meters in the country.

Gone are the days of failed meters (and free parking)? The meters will communicate using wireless and send instant text messages to parking meter technicians when the meters become jammed.

The map below highlights the areas of Echo Park that can expect to have updated meters:

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Long-awaited Cookbook grocery opens in Echo Park

Cookbook, the grocery store spearheaded by our fellow Echo Park residents, opened its doors for the first time yesterday. Located along the same block of Chicken Corner and next to Mishka, the small shop is offering residents a daily selection of organic and locally grown fruits and veggies, dairy, and prepared foods that will put Whole Foods to shame.

You’ll find owners Marta Teegan, a chef, master gardener and owner of Homegrown, and Robert Stelzner behind the counter to answer your questions and ring up your goodies. Martha told us earlier this summer about what to expect behind the doors at Cookbook: “Not only will we offer delicious ingredients to cook with, but we will also have a great selection of cookbooks to choose from, along with a beautiful selection of fresh cut flowers each day… Organic herb and vegetable starts will be available each spring and fall. We will further offer a variety of events at cookbook, including classes, readings, and tastings throughout the year.”

While the cooking classes are still on the table, they aren’t offering those just yet. But we’ll let you know as soon as they do!

Farmers’ market veggies (sustainably grown and local) and fruit like hericot verts, carrots, herbs, incredible-looking heirloom tomatoes, avocados, melons and other fruit. From the gourmet pantry: Honey from California bees, teas, organic sugars, Fermin Jamon Iberico, Sightglass Coffee (from San Francisco), Cafe Fanny granola, Rustic Bakery sweets, Morning Glory Confections’ artisan brittles, and more!

In the freezer you’ll find Dr. Bob’s ice cream in a variety of flavors, along with a selection of Heirloom LA lasagnas, pasta sauces, and other fresh pastas. They looked really, really delicious – but I have to admit a little bit of sticker shock, though probably totally worth it!

It will be great to grab some free-range eggs (from Mill Road Orchard in Paso Robles) for those days I’ve skipped the Farmers’ Market, along with a really great selection of cheese that will make your mouth water.

In addition to some fresh breads behind the counter (get your fresh baguettes before they all get snatched!), they offer prepared foods by Heirloom LA to take home on those days you just don’t want to cook. When I arrived late yesterday, they had a limited selection after the day’s sales (it’s probably best to go earlier, but don’t let it stop you if you get off work late), but everything was mouth-watering. Among other dishes, I was eying the grilled corn, roasted asparagus and potatoes, and pints of tomato soup. I took home some roasted asparagus and a delicious grilled flatbread with eggplant, tomato and parmesan cheese for under $10!

Cookbook is open daily from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, and is located at 1549 Echo Park Avenue

Related articles:

  1. “Echo Park’s New Greengrocer: Cookbook.” Reservation for Three, August 30, 2010
  2. “Cookbook opens a new chapter in Echo Park food shopping.” Eastsider LA, August 21, 2010.
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September Programs at our Libraries

Both the Echo Park and Edendale Libraries have some FREE special programs for kids, teens, and even some for adults all summer long. Here are the September events for both libraries:

For Kids

  • Knight Time Reading at Echo Park Branch: Every Wednesday from 3 – 4:00 pm. Stories of dragons and other magical creatures. Create a fire-breathing dragon to take home.
  • Knight Time Reading at Edendale: Stories, jokes, crafts and snacks. Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 pm.
  • Summer Film Fest at Edendale: Mostly family-friendly films, plus popcorn! Tuesdays from 5-7:00 pm.

Other great activities:

  • Family Playtime at Echo Park Branch: Mondays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Bilingual Baby & Toddler Storytime at Echo Park Branch: Tuesdays from 12:30 pm
  • Making Books Fun at Edendale: Bilingual. Every Tuesday at 2:30 pm
  • ELFS Used Book Sale at Edendale: every Wednesday at 2:00 pm
  • Book Buddies at Echo Park Branch: Thursdays from 3 – 5:00 pm
  • Infant & Toddler Storytime at Edendale: Nursery rhymes, songs, and finger plays, for children 1-3 and their special grown-ups.  Wednesdays from 10-10:45 am.
  • Life Story Writing at Edendale: A writing class on memoir writing and fiction. Saturday, September 11 at 10:00 am.

For Teens

  • Teen Council: Make your voice heard at the Teen Council meeting on Thursday, September 2 at 5:00 pm at Edendale Branch.
  • Teen Book Club: Thursday, September 16 at 5:00 pm at Edendale Branch.
  • PSAT Practice Test at Echo Park Branch: Practice for the SATs as early as 8th grade. Call or sign up at the Reference Desk to reserve your spot. Saturday, September 18 at 11:00 am.
  • PSAT Practice Test Results & Feedback at Echo Park Branch: Follow-up session for those who took the test on September 18. Saturday, September 25 at 11:00 am.
  • Fall Film Fest: Thursday, September 30 at 5:00 pm at Edendale Branch.
  • Reading Club Book Buddies: Buddy up with kids to help them practice reading. Every Thursday at 1:00 pm at the Echo Park Branch.

For more information, Edendale Teens has a website! There’s a book club, film screenings, and teens get library bucks when they sign up and write book reviews (which they can use to bid on prizes at the Carnival). Click here to visit the website. Teens can sign up at the Library or by visiting the LAPL Teen Web page.

For Adults

  • Introduction to Computers at Edendale: Friday, September 10 at 2:00 pm.
  • Introduction to the Internet at Edendale: Friday, September 17 at 2:00 pm.
  • Introduction to Email at Edendale: Friday, September 24 at 2:00 pm.
  • ELFS Monthly Meetings: Join the Edendale Library Friends Society and support the Edendale Branch Library. ELFS meets once a month on the second Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Click here for the website.

Edendale Library is located at 2011 West Sunset Blvd. Click here to visit the LAPL website.

Echo Park Library is located at 1410 West Temple Street. Click here to visit the LAPL website.

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