Los Feliz Ledger [ echo park ]
A Valentine to Elysian Park by Sean Mahoney, Ledger Columnist O n c e upon a time, a former Westsider and his fluffy white dog stumbled onto a dusty path dotted with gopher holes and lined with eucalyptus trees. Far from woodsy, the man decided to follow the smiling power walkers who, unlike himself, seemed to know where they were going. Below the trail was a massive grassy park filled with picnickers munching on sandwiches and children zipping down twisty slides. Although in the middle of the city, the man could not hear blaring car alarms or constant traffic. Confused yet serene, he wondered: “Where am I?” Of course that clueless wandering guy was me and the hidden oasis was Elysian Park. That was nearly a decade ago and since then I’ve truly fallen in love with the place. It’s become the spot where my friends and I hike while trying to sort out our personal lives. It’s become the reward for my patient dog who regularly
has to settle for shorter excursions due to my schedule. But mainly it’s become one of my favorite places in the city. I would later learn that my “secret getaway” had been a Los Angeles staple since the late 1800s and is the city’s oldest public park. Prior to settlement of the city, Yang-Na Indians called the park and it’s surrounding area home. Mov-
ervoir has been threatened with draining due to chemicals. On a near regular basis, it seems that Echo Park residents are informed of some new danger that threatens the park’s very existence. Groups like The Citizens Committee to save Elysian Park are passionate about keeping the park alive. On the day I first discovered Elysian Park, I saw the
I would later learn that my “secret getaway” had been a Los Angeles staple since the late 1800s and is the city’s oldest public park. Prior to settlement of the city, Yang-Na Indians called the park and it’s surrounding area home. ie icons like Laurel & Hardy, Superman and The Terminator had all filmed there over the years. Elysian even houses a Koi pond, a police academy and unique sculptures. Like most the things I love, Elysian Park has a colorful yet troubled past. For decades, activists have fought against development of the park and most recently the Elysian Res-
most breathtaking view of downtown. A pink and gold sky shimmered on the skyscrapers as lush trees swayed in the foreground. As folks who’ve fallen in love often do, I felt like this moment was mine and mine alone. Today, I realize that people have been enjoying views like that for decades. Why not see it for yourself?
WHO ARE WE? WE ARE YOU!
Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council... ...is a board of 19 of your neighbors who have been organized as an advisory body to the City of Los Angeles. The purpose of the GGPNC is to participate as an advisory body on city services of concern to you. The mission of the GGPNC is to promote citizen participation in government at all levels by encouraging citizens to advise City government. Now start advising. That’s how you helped us Save the Derby!!
COMMITTEE COMMENTS Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation
The zoning administrator decided Little Dom’s should be allowed to stay open 'til 11 pm Monday-Thursday and 'til midnight Friday and Saturday. The board declined to approve the committee recommendation of free valet parking to mitigate parking problems in the area; Little Dom’s has worked hard to create off street parking for customers.
Parks, River & Open Space
This committee is working hard to place signs at 18 points leading into the burn area of Griffith Park in order to inform and educate visitors about the Park’s fire-damaged plants and the habitat's fragility. In addition to these signs, an educational brochure about Fire Recovery Zone etiquette will be created for pockets attached to the signs.
Education
Per this committee's recommendation the board approved up to $2,500 for the purchase of microphones for musical theater at Marshall High School. They also approved up to $12,000 to re-sod the King Middle School quad. The board is proud to support the many varied education-related projects in our community.
Neighborhood Improvement Committee
The Vermont Triangle project is set to break ground soon. Why not begin 2008 with a project to improve your neighborhood? We can help make your project a reality. Meetings are on the forth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm, Center for Inquiry, 4773 Hollywood Blvd. Free parking.
Did you know…
...the GGPNC board meets once a month. Meetings are open to the public and the public has been showing up and speaking up on many of the projects in our area. Projects like The Autry expansion, new demolitions and development, educational issues and liquor and zoning issues. It’s better than television!! Come on by!
www.ggpnc.org
February 2008
www.losfelizledger.com
To find out more about any of your Council's activities just go to the website and check out our calendar. And as always all meetings are open to the public… this means you!
COMMUNITY NEWS
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