PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Greetings

It is all ready February and this new year is well on its way. At our January meeting we discussed the possibility of a Business Expo. Denise Miller, Manager of GAMC Wellness and Therapy facility in Eagle Rock and a new ERCC Board member is graciously looking into this major undertaking. We welcome aboard each of our new Directors, already eager to participate in upcoming events.

The Chamber’s annual installation dinner was a big success.. I want to thank Ann Wolf and her committee - Linda Herbert, Lani Stapp, Lucy Spurgeon, and my wife Eugenie Nogueira for putting together a memorable evening..

A big warm thank you to the 2004 Board for nominating and unanimously voting for my placement on the Chamber Wall of Honor at the Eagle Rock City Hall. The unveiling and reception held January 26^th was very special for me. It was quite an honor and I enjoyed sharing such an important event with family, friends and of course our political representatives.

Our 2005 looks real good for new businesses opening up. Jollibee, a delicious Asian food restaurant, is becoming quite popular throughout the Los Angeles area. We are fortunate to have one hosting a grand opening March 1^st at Westfield Shopping Town, stop by and say hello. In the last few months we welcomed Walgreens, Starbucks Coffee, Quiznos Sub and Panda Inn. We look forward to Jamba Juice opening soon.

Goals for this year include possibly running electrical lines along the median strip for lights over the holiday season and purchasing boulevard trash cans with the “Eagle Rock” logo. Business growth and revitalization brings new ideas for improvement, giving our community a much needed face lift.

See You Around Eagle Rock

Michael Nogueira, Jr.

MIXERS

February 22: R.K.Chetty DDS, 2525 Colorado Boulevard Ste. A. Our hosts Dr. Chetty and his son

Dr. Chethan Chetty, DDS.

March 22: Pilates Eagle Rock, 2121 Colorado Boulevard, host Jennifer Mathews.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ERCC Farmers Market on the corner of Caspar and Merton will continue winter months

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

March 12 - Women’s Twentieth Century Club will hold its annual Camellia Fashion Show “The

Mad Hatter Tea Party.” For information and ticket purchase please call Elda Ulmer. 323 - 216-1959.

March 13 - Trees for Eagle Rock, a Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful fundraiser to raise money for planting of Community trees. Sunday Champagne Brunch 10:a.m. - 2: p.m. at the Eagles Club. Advance tickets are $10.00 - at the door $12.00. Call Ursula Brown for information and ticket sale locations 323 255-9400.

March 12: Route 66 Art Auction. Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock. Members Only Preview 6 pm-7 pm, Silent Auction opens to the public 7 pm, Live Auction 9:30 pm. Appetizers and No-Host Wine and Martini Bar. Admission $15.00

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

2005 new members

Joe Barrios, the M Shop, BMW & Mini auto repair, 5041 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, 90041

323 257-5773

Kevin Conn, General Ideas, professional promotional items 5902 Monterey Rd. #188, Los Angeles, 90042 323 258-1552

Shannon Bedell, Blue Heeler Imports, retail shop offering lifestyle brands from Australia. 5058 Eagle Rock Blvd. 90041 323 982-9111

Eric Ekstrand, The Eric Ekstrand Ensemble, swing/jazz trio, performing in the So. Cal. Area

4902 Onteora Way, Eagle Rock, 90041 323 376-3575

Tanis Rhines, the Garden Spa’T, facial and body care treatments and products 2513 Colorado Blvd.

Eagle Rock, 90041 323 823-3965

IN AND AROUND EAGLE ROCK

CHAMBER INSTALLATION

At our Annual Installation Dinner held January 22 at the Women’s Twentieth Century Club, Michael Nogueira was sworn in by Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa for his fifth term as Chamber President. Taking the oath along with him were Alan Yap, 1st. V.P., George Shapiro, 2^nd. V.P., Erica Grubert, Treasurer, Ursula Brown Recording Secretary, Kaye Beckham, Corresponding Secretary and new Directors Denise Miller, Glendale Adventist Medical Center Therapy and Wellness Center, Paul Pagnone, ArtRock Lofts, Shirley Pascual, Universal Bank, Kim Villalobos, GMAC/Dilbeck Realtors. Presentations and thank you’s for community service were given by President Michael Nogueira, U.S. Congressman Xavier Bacerra, Councilman Antonio Villiaraigosa, Teresa Acosta for State Senator Jack Scott, and Terry Valdez, representing L. A. City Mayor James Hahn. Guests enjoyed the music provided by Director Greg Samuels and the Eagle Rock High School Jazz Band. Linda Nogueira, on the piano, played Happy Birthday to our Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa. Dinner was catered by Colombo’s

Restaurant.

WELCOME MONUMENT [photo] Sav-On sign relocated

Our long awaited “Welcome to Eagle Rock monument, on the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Figueroa Street, is moving along. Save-On has moved their sign to Colorado and La Loma. The avo0on definitely in the process, and hopefully will be installed shortly after the first of the year. We thank the Save-On administration for honoring the community request and fulfilling their part of the agreement made prior to construction. We also want to thank the City for the funds, under past City Council member Nick Pacheco and our current Council member Antionio Villiarigosa and staff for following through. A second monument, which will be of the same design, is also in the process for the intersection of Eagle Rock and York Boulevards. This monument is being paid for with matching grant funds between the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council and Occidental College.

ERCPR NEWS

From Vic Parrino, ERCPR Board Member

ERCPR is winding down the initial grant program. It is anticipated that within a few months the facade storefront improvement program will be closed. The parking study part of the grant is still in the works. The parking study process includes sharing of parking sites [not utilized at certain hours, a valet service, specialized construction with commercial/retail uses above parking] and the discussion goes on.

It is my personal feeling the work that ERCPR has done thus far and continues to do has been nothing but positive. There have been many who have questioned and continue to question ERCPR’s work, time line, etc. However, these people have not come forward with their own efforts to do anything better. It is easy to sit back and find fault, share your criticisms and take no action except to look for the next criticism to be offered.

I say, stop criticizing and put your work where your mouth, pen, keyboard or whatever, is!

FYI

Paramedic Ambulance

The long over due paramedic ambulance approved for Station 42 a few years back arrived this year. For a short time it will be manned for a 12 hour daily shift, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Starting this summer, there will be 24 hour service. This is a great plus for the community of Eagle Rock and surrounding areas. This new paramedic ambulance means faster medical assistance in an emergency which plays a major role in life or death situations.

Northeast Directory

Ben Brunk, ERHS Alum is bringing back the Eagle Rock/York Valley Directory, the only Eagle Rock Directory the community has had for decades. Last year the directory was not printed. Ben is in hope with a little bit of luck and our support there will be a 2005 directory. It is not too

late, so, business owners and managers, do not hesitate, he needs your ads now. This is for our local phone book, you don’t want to miss out. You can reach Ben at 323 - 221-0500 or at ben@joyink.com, You will be glad you did.

Telemarketing

County Supervisors advise residents they can block telemarketing calls on cell phones. Residents who do not want to be bothered by telemarketers on their cell phones may block such calls. People who want their numbers blocked may call 888-383-1222 or complete an online form at www.donotcall.gov to have their cell numbers added to the national “do not call list.” The action is effective for five years.

Prayers & Thoughts

Our Prayers and Thoughts are sent to Bob Muzingo who is receiving treatment through City of Hope. Also to Lucy Spurgeon who is recovering from minor surgery and to Max Vasquez who had a recent hospitalization.

Our deepest sympathies to Victor Griego and family for the loss of his mother last month. Also Sue Ann and John Miller for the loss of her brother.

WALL OF HONOR [photo]

The Eagle Rock Chamber Board of Directors unanimously voted to recognize Michael Nogueira for his many extraordinary accomplishments within the community through the Chamber of Commerce by placing his name, photo and accomplishments on the Chamber Wall of Honor in our Eagle Rock City Hall. The recognition and unveiling took place January 25, 2005 followed by a reception with Michael’s family, friends, and representatives from local elected officials which included Mayor James Hahn.

The plaque under his photo reads; Michael was born and raised in the area. A graduate of Eagle Rock High School, he opened his business, Sir Michael’s Enterprises - Party Rentals and Limousine Service, in 1983.

Community and service oriented, his volunteer work with the Chamber started in the mid 80's. He is currently serving his fifth non-consecutive term as President. Michael has been instrumental in starting the Summer Concerts in the Park series and the weekly Farmer’s Market. He initiated the boulevard Christmas banners and has taken responsibility for the annul installation, maintenance and storage.

A member of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, he served as Vice President from 2003-2004. He is affiliated with several other community service organizations and is a Los Angeles City Commissioner with the Housing Authority. Michael is married to Eugenie, they have two sons, Danny and Douglas.

The Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce Wall of Honor was established in 1985. A placement on the Wall of Honor is a very special tribute. This honor is not done on an annual basis, but

rather when an outstanding person warrants top recognition. This recognition is of the highest tribute for outstanding community service and leadership through the Chamber of Commerce, above and beyond the norm of volunteerism and community service. Congratulations Michael !

The Northeast area covers the communities of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Elysion Valley, Franklin Hills, Highland Park, Glassell Park, os Feliz, Silver Lake, and Mt. Washington. Northeast Community Crime Stats for the period January 9-February 5, a four week period.

Year to date

Homicide 2 0

Robbery 40 up 56.4 %

Burglary 71 0

Burglary from vehicle 146 down 27.6 %

Grand Theft Auto 123 down 8.7 %

Agg. Assaults 81 down 14.8 %

Rape 1 down 80 %

Personal Theft 110 up 4.4 %

Decrease in crime 96 %

Total Arrests up 13 %

A verbal report given by our Sr. Lead Officer Joe Galindo at the January 24^th C-Pab meeting: There has been an increase of business burglaries [which included ERCC members Dilbeck Realtors]. The suspect is using a torch tool to gain entry. We have had three bank robberies in a little over 10 days [which included Cal-Fed] and a homicide on Toland Way which was the result of gang violence. We are still having problems with the homeless, who are usually responsible for the low end crimes in the area.

Please make our Police Officers job a little easier by taking a few simple steps to deter and assure your vehicle’s security. *Lock your car * Do not leave valuables in plain sight *Do not leave car phones and accessories visible * Do not rely on your vehicle trunk to secure valuable items * Park only in well-lighted areas

* Conduct occasional exterior checks on your vehicle * Remove old registration tags before putting on the new tag * Make 2-3 small cuts on your registration tab with a razor blade to make it harder to remove * If you see any suspicious activity, PLEASE call Northeast Police Station at 213 - 485-2563 or 877 - ASK-LAPD. .

BEWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS - DON’T BE A VICTIM!!!!

Call the front desk at Northeast 213 485- 2563 if you are not sure of a situation and call 911 in a true emergency. For non emergency situations or for General questions try the City access number 311 someone will assist you 24/7.

The 14^th Council District has begun to benefit from the CLARTS Communities Amenities Fund. This fund will allow our Councilman to financially support projects throughout the entire Council District. During CLARTS first quarter of operation ( July 2004 - September 2004 ) this fund received $226,000.00 and it will continue to be funded. What is CLARTS? Well here is CLARTS background from a recent motion in Council.

The City of Los Angeles recently purchased an existing transfer station and has begun operating the Central Los Angeles Recycling and Transfer Station (CLARTS), located in Council District Fourteen (14). This facility handles recycled materials and waste collected by City Sanitation forces, as well as private haulers. Private haulers must pay a “Tip Fee” to the City for use of this facility. CLARTS separates and prepares waste for transport to recycling facilities or disposal at landfills.

The City recognizes the need for facilities such as CLARTS, but also recognizes that the environmental effects on the surrounding community, which are a by-product of the type of services provided by CLARTS, cannot be fully eliminated. Therefore on April 23, 2004, the Council adopted an Ordinance establishing a CLARTS Community Amenities Trust Fund for the purpose of financing community amenities within Council District Fourteen with a portion of the “Tip Fee” revenue paid by private haulers using the CLARTS facility. For the first quarter of the fiscal year (FY) 2004-2005, the “Tip Fee” revenue obligation owed to the CLARTS Community Amenities Trust Fund was $226,000, with the deposit of this amount included in the City Administrative Officer’s (CAO’s) First Financial Status Report, scheduled for Council consideration on October 27, 2004 (Council File 04-0600-S32; Agenda Item No. 8)

The Council Office will now be able to move forward on the many requests it receives for financial support from community groups. Rest assured the Chamber will be submitting its requests for support of many of our community events.

BUSINESS NOTES

LONGEVITY IN BUSINESS

From the Editor....Dr. George Shapiro

Earlier this month as I was planning my year calendar, I was thinking about how long I have been in business and how the business trends seem to shape businesses large and small, mine included. My business is dependant on the insurance companys’ willingness to continue to pay for chiropractic care. Sometimes I wonder how long I can survive dealing with insurance adjusters and their unwillingness to pay my submitted claims. My first year in practice I never had to worry about this. I ran strictly a cash practice. Then one day I had an idiotic idea, why

don’t I purchase a computer and try my hand in submitting my bills to an insurance company? Somewhere down the line this must have worked, because I now solely rely on insurance reimbursement for the care I “sell.” You see, in every business there is a product that one sells, be it hamburgers and hot dogs, shoes or flowers. My product happens to be health through chiropractic adjustments. I never got in the practice of selling vitamins or supplements. I always focused on the idea of selling the “perfect adjustment”, being so specific that the patient would heal. What a concept! I learned this idea from Henry Ford. He always said that his goal was to sell one perfect car, then maybe one million people a year would want to buy this perfect car. The more I think about insurance companies and the ever so popular battle we face in my office to collect payments, the more I think about selling hamburgers and hot dogs. At least their customers are willing to pull money out of their pockets to pay for their product. Then I catch myself with a reminder that I must keep focusing on the “perfect adjustment”. I sometimes wonder how close to one million spines have I adjusted? I don’t believe I can ever really retire from selling this product. It is just tons of fun, as long as I have someone else dealing with all those insurance adjusters!

Despite some minor delays because of the wet weather, the new campus expansion project of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center is going as planned.

“They’re going quite well,” said Val Devitt, master plan coordinator for the hospital. “We’ve had some delays because of the rain, but we’ve only lost days when it’s just been pouring very hard.” The high quality of the soil has allowed the work to resume immediately, he said.

Besides the rain, some other construction-related delays set them about six weeks behind schedule, Devitt said. “We really have nothing of concern,” he said.

The first phase of the project, which began last summer, is expected to be completed by summer 2006, Devitt said.

The new campus expansion is part of an effort by the hospital to address the growing need for health care in the community, said Kirk MacDonald, marketing coordinator for Glendale Adventist. “As the baby boomers get older, seniors need more health care than other people,” MacDonald said.

Phase I of the project includes a new patient care tower. The tower will be seven stories tall with three additional underground floors and will be adding 33% more beds in the emergency department.

The tower will also add six operating suites, including two specially equipped for cardiovascular surgery and two for orthopedic procedures, according to the hospital. The campus expansion project will also include a new medical office building, an ambulatory surgery center and a new parking structure.

The construction will also create a new boulevard, which will connect the Wilson Terrace and Chevy Chase entrances, providing easier access to the campus, according to the hospital.

The entire project is expected to be completed by 2009 and will cost more than $100 million,

Devitt said.