"Exterior view of the first Kaspare Cohn Hospital at one thousand four hundred forty Carroll Avenue"
It was originally spelled with an E and a tilde over the second N. That is the original (Spanish language) spelling of the word. The sign just down the street from me at Sunset and Douglas reads “Angeleno Heights.” Somewhere along the way, some people began to spell it “Angelino”, but no one knows when or why although there are different theories. But the two different spellings do not connote any sort of difference in meaning. That’s just what happens over a period of 120 years.
Angelino Heights (see what I did there?) is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles second only to Bunker Hill. It was founded in 1886 by William W. Stilson and Everett E. Hall when they filed for the creation of a subdivision in this elevated part of Los Angeles. In the same year, the Temple Street Cable Railway was built. It ran from Angeleno Heights to downtown and allowed those living in this newly formed suburb to commute from home to work. This line was later electrified making transportation to and from home even easier for Angeleno Heights’ residents.
The first big building boom occurred when the neighborhood was first created which is where all the Victorian homes come from. Then, beginning in 1888, a banking recession stopped all new construction. Another big wave of construction happened in the early 1900s resulting in Craftsman and California bungalow-style homes. Just after World War II, many older homes were split up into multiple apartments to accommodate more people.
In 1983, Angeleno Heights became Los Angeles’ first historic district. Several homes in the neighborhood are Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments and the entire 1300 block of Carroll Avenue is registered as a United States Historic District (and Michael Jackson’s video for “Thriller” was filmed there).
Unfortunately, I could only find one photo of old Angeleno Heights (see above) in our beloved USC Digital Library. But they do have a huge collection of filled-out census forms from 1939! One just has to search by street name to find them. Check out the census forms for Carroll Avenue, W. Edgeware Road and Calumet Ave. It seems there were a fair number of renters living in Angeleno Heights in the 1930s, and rent could cost anywhere from $25 to a whopping $35 per month.
Mooi is offering quite a few treats for us in the month of September, including a raw food seminar, speaking events, and a guest chef night. Here’s the low-down:
Tonight is the first night for a free raw food seminar by Lou Corona to be held every Thursday of September from 7-10:30 pm (we’ve heard food will be served!). Lou’s seminar is about raw food and his 38-year experience as a “raw living foodist.” He’ll be teachin the “4 principles” that have helped transformed his life. You don’t need to RSVP, and it’s free!
On Saturday, September 11, Mooi will host a guest chef with BeLive (“gourmet raw living culinary artist and visionary”).
On Friday, September 17, Mooi will host an event called “Farm of Life,” where guest speakers Brian and Jody Calvi talk about healing sickness and disease through a raw food diet, as well as their experiences on a raw vegan organic farm in Costa Rica. There will be two showings, one at 7:00 pm and one at 9:00 pm. The event is free! Go to www.farmoflifecr.com to learn more.
And, of course, every Tuesday from 3-5:00 pm Mooi is the pickup location for CSA subscribers.
Keep your eyes peeled, Mooi is also planning some film nights art shows, and more!
Don’t party too hard – Friday night (September 3) is another Sobriety/DUI checkpoint in Echo Park and all over Los Angeles, reports LAist. You’ll find it on Sunset Boulevard and Sutherland Street by the Short Stop (a pretty typical spot for these things) from 8:00 pm to 1:30 am.
Support Echo Park’s own Delilah Bakery and enjoy some of LA’s best pies at the KCRW’s 2nd Annual Good Food Pie Contest this weekend!
Delilah Bakery owner Genevieve Ostrander will be submitting some of the bakery’s delicious pies to be judged at the Pie Contest during the Taste of Beverly Hills event this weekend. She’ll be submitting three pies for the competition: peanut butter with chocolate cookie crust, pumpkin bourbon, and key lime. There are five categories for the pies: Fruit, nut, cream/chiffon/mousse, savory, and interpretive. Winners of the first, second, and third place ribbons for each category, as well as a Best in Show pie and a Best Crust award, will be announced at 5:30 pm.
Plus if you’re a pie and baked goods lover, bring your favorite apron to show off for the apron fashion show. Chris Douridas will DJ the event. After the pies are judged, everyone will be invited to taste all the pies.
The event is free and takes place on Sunday, September 5 starting at 4:00 pm. Click here for more information about the event (including parking and directions).
KCRW’s 2nd Annual Good Food Pie Contest
Sunday, September 5, 4-6:00 pm
Pie contest begins at 4:00 pm Taste of Beverly Hills event space behind the Beverly Hilton 9900 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills 90210
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!
For Thursday’s town hall meeting, the EPIA has invited officers from the Rampart Division to talk about the swap meet since the sweep, and, according to the website, to “appreciate our local law enforcement officers for the Echo Park flea market clean up. Show up and give thanks!”
Here’s the agenda for the meeting on Thursday, September 2 at 7:00 pm (in Williams Hall at Barlow Hospital).
Welcome and Introduction
Council District 1 & 13 reports
Dodgers report
Northeast & Rampart Police Reports
Select Patrol
Recognition & appreciation to Rampart officers for EP flea market
Update on Echo Park Lake rehabilitation project
Treasurer report
Fundraiser – EPIA Dodger night – October 2nd – Sat. 7:10pm
REPORTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS:
To make an announcement, sign a card when you come in, giving your name and topic. Cards are collected and given to the moderator.
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.
It’s been an exciting few days in Dodgertown: Manny was traded to the White Sox, the McCourts are battling it out in court, and we won 3-0 against the Phillies last night (take that!). We might be nine games behind in the NL West, but that’s not going to stop a fireworks show on Friday night!
The Dodgers will be up against the San Francisco Giants (commence the usual rivalry bickering) in a three-game series starting Friday night. To commemorate Labor Day and Labor Day weekend, the Stadium will be hosting a fly-over by an LAPD helicopter, as well as a 15-20 minutes fireworks show at the end of the game on Friday night.
Assuming the LAFD doesn’t request the Dodgers cancel the fireworks due to weather concerns, the show will go on. They have set aside some tickets for residents of the Echo/Elysian Park and Solano Canyon areas who are interested in attending the game – email Noel Pallais at noelp@ladodgers.com with your address and telephone number no later than 9:00 am on Thursday.
The Stadium Neighborhood Focus phone number is (323) 224-2636 if you have any questions.
What makes a good margarita? How should you order one? Where in Echo Park has the best margaritas?
As a self-proclaimed margarita specialist, I have been touring the Echo Park bars for the strongest and most delicious margaritas our little community has to offer. Hopefully I’ll find my way home after drinking all that tequila and publish my finds later this week!
In the meantime, share your thoughts in the comments section below! What’s your favorite kind of margarita I should be sampling?
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own jewelry (that didn’t involve your little cousin’s plastic beading kit)?
Artist Gordon Wainwright has been making and repairing jewelry for a long time, and has called Echo Park his home and his studio since 1987. In addition to creating his custom jewelry (he is strongly influenced by 1960s designs, but also creates his own modern looks and classical styles), he does jewelry repair and even teaches aspiring jewelers, jewelry designers and silversmiths.
This year, Gordon is also teaching classes at his Echo Park studio through Los Angeles City College (LACC) for the Fall semester. To make sure each student gets individual attention, classes are limited to 9 students, and registration for LACC is now open (classes start September 25).
To register for Gordon’s jewelry and silversmithing classes, register by calling (323) 953-4000 ext. 2650, 2651, 2652, or 2653. The registration fee is $135, and a materials fee of $60 is due to the instructor (cash or check only) at the first class.
Class descriptions and class numbers are as follows:
Silversmithing: Learn to create jewelry from silver and other precious and non-precious metals. During the 5 week class students will create a simple jewelry project of their own design.
Class #99524A: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Class #99524B: Saturdays, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Class #99524C: Mondays, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Metal Casting: Learn the technique of metal gravity casting using cuttle bone, French sand, clay, centrifugal and vacuum casting using the lost wax process. Class #99523A Tuesdays, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For the week of Monday, August 30 through Sunday, September 5
Monday
Monday night residency: Fol Chen, Sister Crayon, Evan Voytas @ Echo
Ilo Mar, Emily Lacy, Sleepwalkers Local, Team Andrew (free) @ Echo Curio
Hypercolors (debut of new Mae Shi Band), Nicole Kidman, Generation, Dimples, So Many Wizards @ Pehrspace
Tuesday
Bobby Bare Jr., Blue Giant, Stephen Brower and the Silent Majority @ Echo
Drop for Version Mary Prepare the Ones You Love! @ Echo Curio
Open mic night at 7:30 Pm @ Tribal Cafe
The Submarines, Obi Best, Sea Of Bees @ Bootleg Theater
Wednesday
The Spring Standards @ Echo
Dub Club @ Echoplex & Echo
Open mic night at 7:00 Pm @ Tribal Cafe
Seven Saturdays Record Release, Helen Stellar Tape Deck Mountain @ Bootleg Theater
Live Jazz every Wednesday night at 7:00 Pm @ Downbeat Cafe
Thursday
Marijuana Deathsquads (Featuring P.O.S., Ryan Olson Of Gayngs, Har Mar Superstar, Isaac Gale, and former members of Cows), Holloys, Woah Hunx @ Echo
Katherine Sheehan Art Opening @ Origami Vinyl
Friday
Southern Culture on the Skids, Lynda Kay, Jeremiah and The Red Eyes @ Echo
Version Mary Prepare the Ones You Love Opening @ Echo Curio
Stereo Total, Hawnay Troof, Kisses (Live), Allister Izenberg @ Echoplex
Media Blitz, Summer Vacation, Imperial Can, Roman Candles @ Pehrspace
Education, Other Bands TBA @ Tribal Cafe
Sky Parade, The Quarter After, The Dolly Rocker Movement, DJ Tami @ Bootleg Theater
Digital Aspergers Presents Echopulco #4: Poly Wave Experiment (PWE), Horse Thieves, HEP/Horse Intermediary Fukkk Orchestra, Hepa/Titus @ Sancho & DIY Gallery
Saturday
Bootie LA with DJ Tripp, DJ Paul V., R.A.I.D. @ Echoplex
Funky Sole @ Echo
Heather Woodbury’s As the Globe Warms, Kris Special, Barrie Rose, Worker Bees, Ugly Winner @ Echo Curio
George Glass, Off Campus, Geisha Boys @ Pehrspace
The Elite Entropy Hive Mind Night @ Tribal Cafe
Sunday
Part Time Punks – Smiths/Morrissey Nite with Guest DJ Jose Maldonado @ Echo
Cobalt Cranes, Night Beats, Boom Chick, The Myonics @ Echo Curio
Trestles – Electronic Music @ Tribal Cafe
Monday
Monday night residency: Fol Chen, Sister Crayon, Evan Voytas @ Echo
Ilo Mar, Emily Lacy, Sleepwalkers Local, Team Andrew (free) @ Echo Curio
Hypercolors (debut of new Mae Shi Band), Nicole Kidman, Generation, Dimples, So Many Wizards @ Pehrspace
Tuesday
Bobby Bare Jr., Blue Giant, Stephen Brower and the Silent Majority @ Echo
Drop for Version Mary Prepare the Ones You Love! @ Echo Curio
Open mic night at 7:30 Pm @ Tribal Cafe
The Submarines, Obi Best, Sea Of Bees @ Bootleg Theater
Wednesday
The Spring Standards @ Echo
Dub Club @ Echoplex & Echo
Open mic night at 7:00 Pm @ Tribal Cafe
Seven Saturdays Record Release, Helen Stellar Tape Deck Mountain @ Bootleg Theater
Live Jazz every Wednesday night at 7:00 Pm @ Downbeat Cafe
Thursday
Marijuana Deathsquads (Featuring P.O.S., Ryan Olson Of Gayngs, Har Mar Superstar, Isaac Gale, and former members of Cows), Holloys, Woah Hunx @ Echo
Katherine Sheehan Art Opening @ Origami Vinyl
Friday
Southern Culture on the Skids, Lynda Kay, Jeremiah and The Red Eyes @ Echo
Version Mary Prepare the Ones You Love Opening @ Echo Curio
Stereo Total, Hawnay Troof, Kisses (Live), Allister Izenberg @ Echoplex
Media Blitz, Summer Vacation, Imperial Can, Roman Candles @ Pehrspace
Education, Other Bands TBA @ Tribal Cafe
Sky Parade, The Quarter After, The Dolly Rocker Movement, DJ Tami @ Bootleg Theater
Saturday
Bootie LA with DJ Tripp, DJ Paul V., R.A.I.D. @ Echoplex
Funky Sole @ Echo
Heather Woodbury’s As the Globe Warms, Kris Special, Barrie Rose, Worker Bees, Ugly Winner @ Echo Curio
George Glass, Off Campus, Geisha Boys @ Pehrspace
The Elite Entropy Hive Mind Night @ Tribal Cafe
Sunday
Part Time Punks – Smiths/Morrissey Nite with Guest DJ Jose Maldonado @ Echo
Cobalt Cranes, Night Beats, Boom Chick, The Myonics @ Echo Curio
Trestles – Electronic Music @ Tribal Cafe
Just to prove to you that I can spot an Echo Park street from a mile away, here’s a video of a recent Diet Coke commercial with a brief shot of Academy Road (near Morton Ave. and Sargent Pl.) in Echo Park. Take a look at about 17 seconds:
There actually used to be a huge mural painted along each side of the corridor on Academy, but has been painted white for some time now.
I sure hope you guys like photo posts, because I can not get enough of the photos of Echo Park in the USC Digital Library. The collection is full of awesome old photos, and I highly suggest you check it out.
Today, we are going to take a little photographic tour of Chavez Ravine and the early years of Dodger Stadium.
"They're playing ball in Chavez Ravine, 1957"
The text that goes with this photo reads, “Some day the Los Angeles Dodgers hope to be playing ball where Mrs. Barden Scott is playing with her three children, Richmond, 5; Matthew, 3, and Valerie, 18 months. She figures that when the Dodgers build their fancy new ball park in Chavez Ravine home plate will be just about where her home is. But first the Dodgers will have to buy up her place and a few others scattered through the area. Mrs. Scott is willing to sell, but some other owners aren’t.”
"Aerial shot of Chavez Ravine and surrounding area, 1959"
An aerial view of Chavez Ravine just before construction began on Dodgers Stadium.
“Dodger stadium (Chavez Ravine), 1961″
“Chavez Ravine Dodgers ball park, 1961″
Photos of Dodgers Stadium being built.
“Dodgers plant first tree in Chavez Ravine, 1961″
The text that goes with this photo reads: “The Dodgers will plant the first tree in the Chavez Ravine ball-park landscaping on Thursday morning March 9 at 9:30 am. The tree will be an ash — baseball bats are made from ash. Present will be Dick Walsh, Dodger Vice President, a bat boy in a Dodger uniform with a ball bat and Mrs. Carolyn Patterson, Chairman of Plant a Tree Week.” I want to know where this tree is!
“Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine at night, June 1, 1962″
A night game at Dodgers Stadium less than two months after it opened on April 10, 1962.
It’s that time again! Fix Coffee in Echo Park is hosting another Local Artisan Bazaar (LAB) Sunday (August 29).
Local artisans and crafters will be selling their wares, sidewalk chalk artists will be coloring up the area, and band African Cowboy will be playing starting at 4:00 pm. Bring your families, friends, and even dogs are welcome. For the kids, they have sidewalk chalk and a face painter.
The monthly bazaar is free, goes from 2:00 – 8:00 pm.
Fix is also holding a raffle for each bazaar, and are looking for a local and meaningful group to donate proceeds to. For more info, please contact Veronica screamingchica@mac.com
For more information, please contact Veronica Hunt at
It seems like yesterday we had just moved into the neighborhood and Masa had just opened its doors. It’s already be six whole years, and a lot of great stuff has happened: They serve awesome beer and wine, are very involved in the community, and recently introduced vegan pizza options to the menu. Happy birthday Masa!
As part of their traditional celebration, stop by Masa and grab a piece of Devil’s food cake with buttercream frosting tomorrow (Saturday, August 28)!
This actually happened earlier this month, but I’m finally getting caught up on my TV-watching and I am very stoked for the winner of Last Comic Standing. Felipe Esparza was born and raised in Boyle Heights, but he now calls Echo Park his home. He’s hilarious and we look forward to seeing him around Echo Park!
Felipe is also a former Homeboy, and will be donating a portion of his winnings to Homeboy Industries!
Speaking of seeing him around Echo Park… Felipe, if you’re out there, tell us your favorite places you eat and drink in Echo Park so that we can stalk you for an interview, and get drunk together at the same time (wink, wink).
Felipe performs tonight in Los Angeles at the Ricardo Montalban Theater, but you can click here for other tour dates and places.
If you’re like us and don’t leave Echo Park much, you can check out some stand-up comedy at nearby Taix restaurant in the Lounge on Sunday nights. French Toast takes place every Sunday at 8:30 pm, and features comedians from Los Angeles, New York City, Comedy Central, HBO, and more. The best part? It’s FREE!
It’s Labor Day weekend!
It’s been an exciting few days in Dodgertown: Manny was traded to the White Sox, the McCourts are battling it out in court, and we won 3-0 against the Phillies last night (take that!). We might be nine games behind in the NL West, but that’s not going to stop a fireworks show on Friday night!
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own jewelry (that didn’t involve your little cousin’s plastic beading kit)?
This actually happened earlier this month, but I’m finally getting caught up on my TV-watching and I am very stoked for the winner of Last Comic Standing. Felipe Esparza was born and raised in Boyle Heights, but he now calls Echo Park his home. He’s hilarious and we look forward to seeing him around Echo Park!
