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Read post online: Podcast: Manly and Sons Barber Co., new barber shop in Echo Park. In this Echo Park Podcast episode we interview Tony Pin, co-founder of Manly and Sons Barber Co., the new barber shop in Echo Park. Manly and Sons is located at 1200 N. Alvarado Street in Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (next to Tierra Mia Coffee, formerly The Fretted Frog). Manly and Sons Barber Co is a traditional barbershop in Echo Park offering haircuts, straight razor shaves, and a selection of classic accessories for gentlemen. Founded by Tony Pin and Mike Hare, the shop recently opened its doors in August 2014 and has announced its official grand opening for October 4, 2014. Echo Park Forums caught up with Tony to discuss his background, experience in the industry, and how Manly and Sons came to be in Echo Park. We discuss the shop’s services, pricing, style, ambiance, and more. Plus learn about the classic accessories and products offered, and about the tattoo parlor in the back. Tony also lets us know what historical figure he’d love to have in his chair, and about the deals you’ll be able to get on their grand opening on October 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy the show! Manly and Sons Barber Co. Manly and Sons Barber Co. Facebook Instagram 213-353-4784 M-F, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Cuts, shaves, accessories, tattoo parlor Grand Opening Press Release Enjoyed the podcast? Help us share it and leave us a review on iTunes!   Photos courtesy of Manlyandsons.com. Copyright Travis Haight Photography. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Manly and Sons Barber Co., new barber shop in Echo Park.

Read post online: Podcast: Interview with local Echo Park artist Monica “Malvi” Dollison. Mermaid study by Monica Dollison (with Echo Park influences). In this episode of the Echo Park Podcast we interview Monica Dollison, long-time resident and artist from Echo Park, Los Angeles. Monica is an Echo Park artist who is originally from Buenos Aires Argentina. She has worked at DreamWorks Feature Animation, Disney, ACME FilmWorks, and Animation WorldNetwork. She has also been a caricature artist at Universal Studios Hollywood. In this podcast, we discuss her works and their close connection to Echo Park. We also discuss various topics about Echo Park the neighborhood, and life in Los Angeles. “Lotus Cries” by Monica Dollison. “Save Echo Park” by Monica Dollison. Photo by @shotbyabel Discussion Topics The following list are things we discussed with Monica during the podcast. Click “play” above to listen to the conversation, or get it on-the-go on your smart phone through iTunes. Who is Monica Dollison? Origins (Argentina, and her family’s migration to Echo Park, Los Angeles) Mixed culture Echo Park Lake Cuban Festival Festivities/events at the park Echo Park Lake make-over/renovation project and impact on neighborhood “Echoes of my Past” by Monica Dollison “Silent Whisper of the Mermaid” by Monica Dollison. Also displayed at the LA Municipal Art Gallery. Topics Cotinued How we came across Monica “Save Echo Park” a.k.a. the girl from the napkin art Arts in Echo Park and Los Angeles Monica’s Art Schooling Work Thoughts on the evolution of art Monica’s type of art Monica’s art collection Monica’s content Portraits Echo Park Lake lotuses “La Llorona” by Monica Dollison. Learn More! These images are only a sampling of Monica’s works in homes, on canvas, and in public. Visit the following links to see more of her work: http://www.monicadollison.com http://malvi.blogspot.com Monica “Malvi” Dollison’s Etsy Shop If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Interview with local Echo Park artist Monica “Malvi” Dollison.

Read post online: Podcast: Locals react to closing of El Batey in Echo Park. At high peak on event day, buy out El Batey. On this Echo Park Podcast episode we interview locals, residents, and business owners of Echo Park who attended the El Batey buy-out event on Saturday, May 31, 2014. The event was as an attempt to alleviate the financial losses of El Batey, which was served an eviction notice by M West Holdings, the landowners of the building. The neighborhood grocery store shut its doors on June 5, 2014 after being unable to negotiate new lease contracts with the landowners. On this episode, days before the closing of the store, 7 people of different ethnicity, age, and social class give their opinions on: The closing of El Batey after 48 years What the store meant to the neighborhood What Evelia and El Batey family meant to the community What could replace El Batey moving forward Thoughts on gentrification in Echo Park Views on what makes businesses in Echo Park successful The interviews were performed on the street with the live sounds of the Echo Park and Morton Avenue intersection, and the live music of The O.G.’s, a classic oldies band that performed live on the day at the event. Intervieews gave their thoughts while shopping for goods at El Batey. Support local media, share the episode, and help us tell the neighborhood stories. Thanks! Pictures of Event Day Live band The O.G.’s preparing setup for event. The O.G.’s live music band accepting donations. A Pitbull rests in the afternoon in front of El Batey. Before the scheduled event. Former El Batey in what is now Grafton Lofts.   Click here for pictures inside El Batey and the products they sold. Thanks for the iTunes Reviews! Enjoyed this episode? Let others know how we’re doing by leaving a review on iTunes. Be on the Show Doing something exciting in Echo Park? Spread the word and be on the Echo Park Podcast. Contact us to schedule a time.   Photo credits: Echo Park Forums. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Locals react to closing of El Batey in Echo Park.

Read post online: Podcast: Echo Park Chamber of Commerce interview with president Kamran. In this Echo Park podcast episode, we interview the Echo Park Chamber of Commerce and its current president, KamranV. The Echo Park Chamber of Commerce was established in Echo Park in 1961 by a group of local businessmen who had operated under a group called the Sunset Business Association. The organization’s original purpose, which remains its goal to this day, was to promote the interests of business and property owners in Echo Park with “goodwill, publicity and advertising”, as well as to arrange “special events and celebrations” that help encourage good community relations. In the past, the Chamber has participated in improving crime, infrastructure, city services, and more. The organization has also been involved in traditional community events such as the Echo Park Community Parade at the end of the year. Who runs the organization nowadays? What are they involved in, and what are some of their plans for 2014 and 2015? Its current president, KamranV, who is also the owner of local recording studios Bedrock LA, joins us on the podcast to discuss all of the details of the organization. If you’ve never really known what the Echo Park Chamber of Commerce is all about, or if you just want to be updated about who is in charge now and what their plans are, this podcast episode is a great listen for you. Business owners, residents, and any interested in Echo Park commerce will benefit from the episode. Interview with EPCC Kamran, current president of the EPCC We discuss: What is EPCC? What are the goals of the organization? What’s the history of EPCC? Who are the members of the board? How are they elected? How long are the terms? What’s the connection with EPCC and the City of Los Angeles, or with the Echo Park Neighborhood Council? What does it mean to have a membership? Who can be a member? How much does it cost? What privileges do members receive? Where are the meetings held, and when are they? What are the events that EPCC is putting on or involved in? What’s with the new website, and how can I keep in touch via social media? Toward the end, we also learn more about the president, KamranV and his other projects and ventures in Echo Park. Bedrock LA–Rehearse, record, rent and relax. What is Bedrock LA? Where is it located, and what services does it offer? What else has Kamran done or been up to? What are some of the future plans for Bedrock LA studios? Bedrock LA is located at 1623 Allesandro St, Los Angeles, CA 90026. (Map it!) Helpful Links about EPCC EPCC.LA On Twitter On Facebook   Who should we interview next? Submit a suggestion through the contact form. Liked this episode of the Echo Park Podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and support us! If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Echo Park Chamber of Commerce interview with president Kamran.

Read post online: Podcast interview with Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel in Echo Park. In this Echo Park Podcast episode we interview Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel in Echo Park and the owner, Denisse Rodarte. Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel is a “mom and pop” vintage and thrift shop located in Echo Park at 1547 and 1549 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90026. The shop is located in the center of Echo Park, right in front of the Gold Room, Bank of America, and in the beautifully famous street intersection of Echo Park Avenue and Sunset Blvd. Interview with Sunday’s Best Who is Sunday’s Best? How long have they been in Echo Park? Who is the owner? How do they prepare their clothes for sale? What kind of experience do they have in the vintage and thrift sale industry? What specials can you expect during the spring and summer? Get to know one of your local Echo Park business owners, Denisse Rodarte, and all that makes Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel in Echo Park special. Learn about how they prepare their clothes for you, how they pick it out, where they find it, and all about the hard work that goes into offering quality vintage and thrift in Echo Park, Los Angeles. As a bonus, you will be surprised to learn the deep history Denisse’s family has in Echo Park and the history the family has in the industry. You might also be interest in a previous interview we had with Denisse on our Echo Park blog. To keep up with Sunday’s Best, please follow them on Facebook and @sundaysbestthrift on Instagram. Thank you for listening to the Echo Park Podcast. Please let us know what you thought of this episode in the comments below. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast interview with Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel in Echo Park.

Read post online: Podcast: Echo Parenting and Education on nonviolence parenting. For this episode of the Echo Park Podcast, we interview Echo Parenting and Education, a non-profit based in Echo Park and serving the community and Los Angeles since 1999. This podcast is brought to you by the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council. Please remember to vote for your candidates on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edendale Branch Public Library (2011 SUNSET BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90026). Echo Parenting and Education Since 1999, Echo Parenting & Education has been helping adults in Los Angeles and around the world to support the rights of children through a compassionate, empathy-led practice of nonviolent parenting. Vision Echo Parenting & Education envisions a world of nonviolence in which adults respect children by ensuring their right to emotional and physical safety. Mission The mission of Echo Parenting & Education is to support and facilitate child raising rooted in connection and empathy. We teach parents, teachers and others who strongly influence children’s lives an approach that integrates current research in human development with the practice of nonviolence. Contact Information Echo Parenting and Education On Facebook  |  Twitter PHONE: (213) 484-6676 In This Episode In this episode of the Echo Park Podcast host Jose Cervantes interviews a panel of staff members from Echo Parenting and Education. The panel conversation includes: Diana Ayala–Co-Executive Director Louise Godbold–Co-Executive Director Gisela Burquet–Parent Educator/Instructor Azucena Ortiz–Program Coordinator Kim Pesenti–Development and Communications Coordinator (Special thanks for setting it up!) In the episode, each person gives an introduction of how they became involved with Echo Parenting and they also discuss their roles and responsibilities with the organization. Some of them are also residents of Echo Park and discuss their opinions about living in the neighborhood. Toward the second half of the podcast, Co-Executive Director Louise Godbold talks about the developing importance that the study of trauma is having in society, and how Echo Parenting is at the forefront of the research and work in the field. Lastly, Azucena Ortiz rounds up important events coming up in the community from Echo Parenting and Education. Of note is one that is scheduled to happen this April 26 from 1-5 p.m. Here are the details: Festival of Childhood Festival of Childhood will be on April 26 1-5 p.m. at Reservoir/Alvarado St. in Echo Park Echo Parenting & Education, located in Echo Park, is preparing for its annual Festival of Childhood–a day of fun and creativity that honors and celebrates the child focusing on the message of empathy for children. It’s a day when families can experience the possibility of nonviolence in the world! The Festival of Childhood is held in conjunction with The Day of the Child, National Child Abuse Prevention Month and International Spank Out Day. This free outdoor event done especially for children offers a variety of creative activities with messages of self care, supporting child development, and nonviolence. April 26 1-5 p.m. Reservoir Street Closure at 1226 N. Alvarado Blvd (one block north of Sunset and Alvarado, in Echo Park) Please contact Azucena Ortiz (aortiz@echoparenting.org) or Jessica LeTarte (jletarte@echoparenting.org), or call (213) 484-6676 if you are interested in volunteering for the event. You can also visit the organization’s website for more information about the Festival of Childhood happening in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Behind the Scenes Here are a couple of pictures “behind the scenes” of the Echo Park Podcast. The location of this podcast was the old Echo Park fire station on Edgeware, near Temple. We give a special thanks to the Central Civil Action Committee and its Executive Director Maryanne Hayashi for giving us a place to host this episode of the Echo Park Podcast. Jose speaking with Gisela during the recording. Recording the podcast with Diana, Louise, Azuzena and Gisela from Echo Parenting and Education. A special thanks also to Menage the Band for allowing us to use their music clips to start and end our podcast for the first ten episodes. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Echo Parenting and Education on nonviolence parenting.

Read post online: Podcast: The state of Echo Park real estate with Urban Hillsides and Darren Hubert. For this Echo Park Podcast episode, we interview Echo Park resident and Realtor Darren Hubert, who is also the founder of Urban Hillsides, a local real estate agency servicing Echo Park and surrounding communities, such as Atwater Village, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Silverlake and more. We discuss Echo Park real estate (commercial, residential) past, present and future. About Darren Hubert Los Angeles native Darren Hubert is a 35-year resident of the Urban Hillsides, also known as Northeast LA. Darren has a unique background in all aspects of architecture. Growing up around his family’s wood tooling business sparked his interest in construction and the restoration of old homes. This led him to a college major in architecture, where he became profoundly aware of the emotional connection we have with properties and how we move, function, and live within a space. For the past decade, Darren has pulled together a team of real estate professionals to support and deliver the higher standards of service he is known for. This talented team includes a full-time marketing consultant, designers, contractors, accountants, escrow staff, lenders, and property stagers. Important Links from Interview Urban Hillsides (includes their social media) Urban Hillsides team, Darren Hubert, Joe Cloninger, Kelly Erickson Interview Part 1: Darren Hubert Who is Darren? How long in Echo Park? When did his family first move to Echo Park and why? What were some of his Echo Park childhood memories? What are some of his favorite things about the neighborhood, back then and now? How has Echo Park changed from the 90s, 2000s, to now? How did Darren first go into Real Estate and why?  Part 2: Urban Hillsides General introduction/location/information about Urban Hillsides. When was it founded? Who’s part of the team? What neighborhoods does it service/focus on? What area of Real Estate does Urban Hillsides work in? Recent accomplishments, exciting news/events. Part 3: Echo Park Real Estate How long has Urban Hillsides been working in real estate in the Echo Park area? How does Echo Park differ from the surrounding communities you work in? If you had to summarize real estate in Echo Park during the 2000’s, what would you say? Darren’s insight into how Echo Park/Los Angeles in general experienced the recession, and how it is going through its come-back. How has the first half of this decade (2010-2014) gone in Echo Park and surrounding areas? What were some observations/important sales/numbers from 2013? Rentals in Echo Park Singles vs.Families in Echo Park The Hispanic/Latino community Commercial real estate in Echo Park (Sunset Blvd., Alvarado, Echo Park Avenue) Bonus: Darren Hubert’s Intro Video [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zawfO4nZSD8&rel=0] Thank you Darren Hubert and Urban Hillsides for coming on the Echo Park Podcast! Have a question for Darren? Have a comment about this episode? Leave us a comment below. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: The state of Echo Park real estate with Urban Hillsides and Darren Hubert.

Read post online: Podcast: Interview with Art Meza and “LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul”. Photo Credit: Broken Sword Publications For this podcast we interview Art Meza, a contributing photographer for the newly published book “LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul” by Broken Sword Publications. Broken Sword Publications is a Florida-based independent publishing company established in 2007 by Santino J. Rivera. About LoWriting (directly from publisher) Take a little trip into the world of Lowriting. Cruise through the streets where sparks on asphalt fly, oldies are forever and tales of love, lust and the law will tempt you. These are the stories behind the cars and people who love them. Lowriting: Shots, Rides & Stories from the Chicano Soul puts the iconic images of Los Angeles based photographer Art Meza with stories from some of the most chingón voices in the literary world today. Lowriting collects over 50 of Meza’s stunning photos and pairs them with stories, artwork and poetry from Luis J. Rodriguez, Luis Alberto Urrea, Lalo Alcaraz, Gustavo Arellano and Alvaro Rodriguez (cowriter of Machete). Lowriting also has contributions from actors Danny De La Paz (Boulevard Nights, American Me) and Daniel Villarreal (Stand and Deliver, American Me) as well as many more from all over Aztlán. These are the shots, rides & stories from the Chicano soul! This is LoWriting. Important Links Discussed in Podcast LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul Broken Sword Publications (BSP) Art Meza on Twitter Art Meza on Instagram Art Meza’s Etsy Page Santino J Rivera on Twitter ¡Ban This! The BSP Anthology of Xican@ Literature (includes Art’s Echo Park poem “My First Love) Podcast Interview with Art Meza (If you haven’t already, click “play” above to listen to the interview, or listen on the go by searching for the Echo Park Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, or various other podcast directories.) Photo Credit: Broken Sword Publications Echo Park Forums first met Art Meza because of a photograph he took of the iconic House of Spirits sign on Echo Park Ave (it is a photograph that is included in the book). Born and raised in Echo Park and Los Angeles, Art Meza shares his early Echo Park childhood experiences and memories. We then discuss his three important hobbies that revolve around the book, including cars (classic, lowriders), photography, and writing. Through our conversation we learn about how the book was composed through the contributions of many. Finally, we learn about how to get a copy and how to contact Art Meza for further details. Interview Outline, Part 1: Art Meza and Echo Park How we met Art (House of Spirits photograph in Echo Park) Art’s early Echo Park history (early housing, schooling, activities) Family history and Mexican descent Art’s Early memories in Echo Park Pioneer Market Echo Park Lake Art’s reading of Echo Park Poem “My First Love” Photo Credit: Broken Sword Publications Part 2: LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul Cars and Photography Art’s interest in cars (and his Father’s influence) How the car hobby led to photography Instagram and casual photography How a new camera turned photography into a more serious hobby How Instagram opened doors for publishing (Broken Sword Publications) How Santino’s book required better photography How LoWriting’s pictures were sought out How does Art find cool low riders? Social media Networking (Twitter, Instagram, events) Car shows Road trips (with friends like Art Beltran) Art’s favorites classics/low riders Custom jobs 1956 Chevy Late 40’s Early 60’s (Buicks, Oldsmobile) Car Photography The photo shoot (10-15 pics, different angles) Editing (Snapseed, Photoshop,other iOS apps) How to choose which photos to post online Using smart phones for editing (PE Photo LR, for watermarks) Protecting your copyright/copyright infringement Photo Credit: Broken Sword Publications Part 3: LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul The stories behind LoWriting Many stories in the book (poems, essays, plays) Emphasis on the title including “Writing” How stories tell experiences, memories, stories related to the lowriding culture LoWriting book includes 30 Writing Contributors How were the contributors found? Call for submissions (artwork included) Reading of “Take a Little Trip with Me” by Robert Flores The Release of LoWriting Released January 8, 2014 (English, Spanish, Callo) by Broken Sword Publications The book’s outreach effort The value of the book/unique independent publishing How the book resonates with different people/contributors/consumers How to purchase LoWriting Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Santino’s Broken Sword Publications Events Reading at Mi Vida Boutique (5159 York Blvd. Feb 22nd, 6:30 pm) 5-10 contributors will show up to read Acting out of a play from LoWriting March 15-16 Art goes to Arizona for Tucson Festival of Books Photo Credit: LA Mayor’s Office Part 4: Social Media How Eric Garcetti came Upon Art’s Work Art’s Interactions on Twitter Arts and Culture Mayor 6th Street Bridge Frame Monster LA The value of Social Media Art’s favorite Network? Wrap-up and thank you’s   Thank you Art Meza for the interview!  Note: Because of schedule difficulties, this podcast episode was published after an event discussed in the interview. For further event and meet-up opportunities, please contact Art Meza and Broken Sword Publications. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Interview with Art Meza and “LoWriting: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul”.

Read post online: Podcast: Echo Park artist Jaime Chavez interview. For this episode of the Echo Park Podcast we had the pleasure to interview local Echo Park artist Jaime Chavez a.k.a. @stormcloud72 about the work that he produces and uploads on his Instagram account. We came across his unique work through Instagram and reached out to him for some talk. Thankfully, we were able to meet at Echo Park Lake to discuss his local artwork. We strongly encourage you to visit his Instagram account @stormcloud72 to get a full sense of his art. He has allowed us to publish some samples on this page. All copyright to the images remain with Jaime Chavez. For inquiries about purchasing his art work or prints, please contact him via Instagram. Things We Discuss + Links Our interview was divided in three parts: 1) About Jaime and his life in Echo Park 2) Jaime’s art, material, and inspiration and 3) how to contact/purchase/trade with Jaime. Part 1: Jaime Chavez and Echo Park Family history, history in Echo Park Best memories growing up in Echo Park LA Riots, Northridge Earthquake memories Thoughts about Pioneer Market and local Echo Park businesses Is Echo Park the Eastside? Part 2: Jaime’s Art, Material, Inspirations Early inspirations, his history with art Art education–Platt College, Pasadena Art Center College of Design Ever tried landscape? Portrait? Objects? How Jaime sets up to work and materials Jaime uses for his art Where does Jaime shop for materials? (Baller Art Ware in Silverlake/Los Feliz) What’s Jaime’s schedule? Inspirations: pre-colombian art, Native America, Gangster/Cholo/LA/Japanese influences Definitions of art, how to define his art, how to define Native American art Discussions about specific art pieces Jaime’s Inspirations Gilbert “Magu” Lujan (Wikipedia) “Mental Menudos” Conversations and collaborations Magu’s art (http://magulandia.com/) Salomon Huerta (Wikipedia) Chaz Bojorquez Ernie Barnes Jaime’s use of current events in his artwork (holidays, technology, sports) Jaime’s thoughts on drawing women, as opposed to men Ancient Aliens–references to pre-colombian art in the series and in Jaime’s work Part 3: Contact, Sales, Marketing Is Jaime’s art for sale? Are there prints? Will he trade? What are people’s reactions to his art? Instagram–when did Jaime join, how’s he liking it? Is he on other networks? How to get a hold of Jaime Follow @stormcloud72 Thank you Jaime Chavez for your time and willingness to be on the Echo Park Podcast! What do you think of Jaime’s art? Let him know in the comments below! If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Echo Park artist Jaime Chavez interview.

Read post online: Hollywood’s Sound Nightclub: Could Echo Park Use a Place like This? Review + Interview. Did you hit play? Heather reads this in its entirety, just for you. This is the Echo Park Podcast episode #6. For All the Guys Who Shop With Their Girls So far I’ve been writing articles for Echo Park Forums on my favorite thrift and vintage shops, and I have one left on the list to conclude that series.  (I can’t wait for that one.  Pure vintage.  Exquisite stuff.) Anyway, I’ve been married long enough to admit when it’s time to take a break from shopping and show some interest (real or not) in my husband’s interests.  Honestly, when I think about how he goes along with me on some of my bargain hunts, or listens to me explain the reason I think Jennifer Aniston hasn’t married Justin yet (curious?), I realize how lucky I really am to have this guy.  So much so that when he asked if I wanted to go with him to hear one of his favorite DJs from the UK, I only hesitated a beat, saved by, “What’s his name?” And as he went into giving not only Adam Freeland’s name but also how the guy has managed to inspire my husband (not once but twice) to continue during times when my husband felt he was done with the scene (serious, right?), I took the opportunity and agreed. We had to go.  And then I slipped in, “I don’t know what to wear though.”  (Got another shopping day out of that one.)  That night as we drove, I have to admit, I was mostly thinking about how I looked (I’m forty-years old—a fashion risk at a club) and how far Hollywood feels from Echo Park, while he was talking about “what kind of set” Freeland would have that night. Didn’t have a clue.  But after all, I am a professional journalist.  I know how to filter and ask the important questions:  Do I have to dance? See, although I’ve been writing for newspapers since they were only available in print on actual paper, while my husband lugged actual records around Scotland and England playing them on real turntables (a couple decades ago), I am first and foremost a poet, at heart, forever.  Long live the famous first line.  (Poets know what I mean.) So I don’t know about “sets” or “building a set” or even what the difference between digital and vinyl involves, but I do know there’s nothing like Leonard Cohen singing the lines, “She broke your throne and she cut your hair, and from your lips she drew the Hallelujah.”  I can dance to that.  Are you kidding me?  Incredible. The night we went to the club there was a blessing already in the air, because we were going to the famous Monday Night Social, a 16-year LA famed night for DJs (apparently).  For me, it meant perfection because it was Monday and we found parking at midnight with no problem. Already in a good mood, I was open and ready to experience this, purely as a spectator.  As we walked up to the club and saw the bouncers, dressed in their sharp suits and looking serious (I covered Al Gore’s run for Presidency and tried joking with the Secret Service, so I didn’t even attempt it with these guys; they looked just as unbreakable), I was distracted immediately by the logo to the front door entrance. A sucker for symbolism (good fashion logos get me every time), Sound Nightclub “had me at hello”. Never could I have guessed: I was about to enter a heart-stopping garden, a poet’s (club) paradise, and that I would leave full, full, so full of Sound… Sound Nightclub Review + Interview I’m not an expert on Electronic Dance Music (EDM), nor could I even begin to tell you the difference between House, Deep House, Techno, or Trance. But as I explained before, when I went along with my husband as a good gesture for all the times he joins me on my escapades, I never expected to be blown away by Sound.  And here’s why: Sound Nightclub is a masterpiece. Sound Interior. photo credit: Sound Nightclub Fine art.  Sculpture.  Framed vision.  Stunning.  Wood.  Wood.  Beautiful wood.  In Hollywood? I mean, the doorway is a giant, gorgeous wooden sculpture, with the Sound logo on it that feels like you’re passing through the secret entrance to a private clubhouse. It’s that smooth, strong kind of wood you just have to take your hand and run it along to touch (yep, I did).  No one noticed.  I was subtle.  photo credit: Heather McTear I walked through that entrance and expected a nightclub.  I’ve been in a few.  Savannah, Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto.  Some other places I can’t recall.  We all have.  They’re clubs.  Hard to miss.  Big and loud.  Or small and loud.  Right? Okay, so some of them are great and slick, and some are dingy and very cool.  I won’t argue and don’t want to actually.  Because this is about a club that is saying something a little different, in my opinion.  And I’m a poet.  So I can grasp. And originally I was going to go into this descriptive detail about the place that took me by surprise.  How I walked in and looked around and saw just…beauty.  All around me. The light fixtures.  The walls, filled with carvings and images.  This was a poem. I could write here, I even thought.  And then questions came to mind as I continued through the place and saw every inch of it is equally as smooth and thoughtful: photo credit: @sound_nightclub Who did this?  Who envisioned this?  Who put this beauty into a nightclub? And I can only tell you that I was so blown away that Tuesday morning, after the Monday Night Social, I began my research on this place and who is behind Sound Nightclub. So if it’s a poet’s challenge to aesthetically describe Sound, it’s a journalist’s challenge to introduce its co-owner, Kobi Danan.  Let me try: I work in entertainment, so I don’t miss many billboards and have noticed that in the past few years more and more I see Vegas billboards filled with one guy standing there alone.  And he’s a DJ.  So in a world where EDM music has exploded and Las Vegas is not only flooded with vanishing magicians and fallen Divas but now overpaid DJs have also joined the ranks and circus, I’d say, there’s one guy holding strong, anchoring Deep House music to its core and depth, Kobi Danan.  And he’s doing it, luckily, right here in LA. If Midas had a Golden Touch, Danan has that touch for sound. He’s been listening to electronic music since he was 13-years old, when he would venture to Amsterdam (farther than Echo Park to Hollywood) to find records, because Israel wasn’t at all rife with the genre yet. Kobi Danan. photo credit: Heather McTear They say it’s the journey that makes a man.  The journey definitely got this 33-year old businessman to where he is today. “I wanted to see the world more,” Danan explains.  He left Israel 10 years ago and says, “A weird chain of events landed me in Avalon.” Danan found the scene here a few years behind, when he began bringing artists to Avalon. “Everything that was happening in New York or Europe was not happening in LA,” he says.  So like a good promoter/producer, Danan made it happen here. A natural from his work with finding talent in Israel, he began to bring some amazing DJs to LA.  Now some of the top names, before anyone knew them.  Kobi only needed to know two things: “They were friends of mine and I knew they were talented.” He went on to buy The Music Box and develop that into a successful spot.  He’s watched the scene grow and explode.  Always looking forward, Danan says, “I decided to go back to basics.” A decade later, opening Sound with co-owner Rob Vinokur, his partner at Muse Lifestyle Group, he and Danan very intentionally created the 8,000 square foot vibe inside of Sound.  A reaction to the glitz and glamour EDM artists now garner, Danan explains Sound was “kind of a suicide mission” that is dedicated to his love of Deep House. He wanted to “put real money behind a genre that usually gets scraps.”  “That was my preferred genre,” he explains.  Playing favorites to this club, Danan pulled out all the stops with Sound. DJ Nicole Moudaber. photo credit: @TroyAcevedo Modeled after the clubs in Europe that became famous for legendary evenings, small spaces and enormous impact, Sound features custom-built tables, crates from the Korean War.  Wood from Howard Hughes’ former company and Frank Sinatra’s house.  Railway pieces from old tracks.  Fencing masks, over a hundred years old.  A rocking horse from a flea market. There is artwork from the 1500’s, The Garden of Earthly Delights.  It’s a writer’s dream to visit. photo credit: Heather McTear “I believe that there is energy in material,” Danan admits. Again, Sound is richly elegant and solid in form.  Yet it’s a risky move to go subtle underground when all the lights are on six-figures talent acts, huge crowds, and festivals. “It was such a big gamble,” Danan admits.  Dedication to the music and maintaining the original atmosphere keeps Danan certain.  When the Monday Night Social moved to Sound in June, it was another well-intended move. DJ Lauren Lane. photo credit: Lauren’s SoundCloud “Monday Night Social was always identified with the underground scene,” Danan says. Keeping up with its legendary success, Monday Night Social hosts mainstays Adam Freeland and Felix da Housecat, as well as week after week, great talent.  Of course, Danan continues to seek and find fresh DJs.  Resident DJ Lauren Lane opened Friday night and set the tone perfectly before the force of nature, guest DJ, Nicole Moudaber. Seth Cohen, DJ Sece, 25, now in Berlin, said, “Kobi’s been one of my greatest supporters.  He’s really got an ear for the sound, which is hard to come by in Los Angeles.” Okay, I have to confess, I’ve been to Sound three times now.  I’m sort of hooked on the place like I used to be to the library.  (LA is historic and stunni

Read post online: Podcast: GroupShower LA: First Live Stream Music Show in Echo Park & Los Angeles. In this episode we interview Jaeger Christian who’s one of the personalities behind GroupShower.LA, a new live-stream music show happening in Echo Park at Echoes Under Sunset.  What is GroupShower LA? GroupShower LA is the first and foremost live music based show coming out of Los Angeles and streaming to the world on Tuesdays nights in 2014. It’s also a live in-person show happening at Echoes Under Sunset in Echo Park–which is how they got our attention. The first live-stream music show in Los Angeles streaming to Earth from Echo Park? Let’s do this. Jaegar Christian–our interviewee–is one of the producers behind the show. In this short, entertaining interview, we learn about Jaegar, his motivations, and about GroupShower LA. What is it? Who’s involved? How is it produced? Who can participate? We answer all of these questions and more. Echoes Under Sunset is located at 1310 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles CA. Important Links Discussed in the Show GroupShower LA GroupShower LA Twitter GroupShower LA Facebook Echoes Under Sunset Bedrock Studios Jaegar Christian’s Website Audio Interview Discussion Outline Brief Introduction to GroupShower LA Who is Jaegar Christian? Musical inspirations Career, Writing, Plays Motivations behind GroupShower LA Who is involved in GroupShower LA? Where does the name come from (GroupShower LA)? Variations “Open Mic” “House Concert” “A Group Show” “.LA” extension for the project’s website Live Streaming: What Is It? Variety show with monologue + Music Podcasting and information Streaming technology and accessibility Jaegar’s experience with podcasting The “Live Experience” MC’ing Risks and rewards of live shows Future opportunities Why Echo Park? BedRock Studios Echoes Under Sunset Echo Park neighborhood and diversity The In-Person Experience Cover charge ($5) Location and address Seating Street viewing The Audio Sample and Clip “Glad I Ran Into You” by Taylor J. Crowell sound clip Taylor J. Crowell What Artists can Participate? “We love songs” Variety, diversity, local Will we see Jaegar perform? Social Media and Contact Information Upcoming shows in January and 2014 Jaegar’s Memorable Quotes Is there a place that represents the diversity of Los Angeles, is there a place that is open to new acts and established acts? We’d like GroupShower LA to be that sort of place where we welcome all music acts that represent Los Angeles and the diversity that is LA, and hopefully with that we’ll stand for good music and stand for the great scene that is Los Angeles today. (Speaking about GroupShower LA) I heard Pearl Jam and I thought, “What is this?” And then you realize this would be an obsession for the rest of your life. When you’re thirteen you don’t realize that. I want to promote all of these singer songwriters that we live next door to, that we ride the bus with and see on the streets, and the fact that they’re here in Los Angeles is fantastic. (Speaking about the type of performers we should expect) Echo Park has a density of artists, and quality too, that makes me feel confident about this project. American music fans are thirsting for music: What’s next? I want to be on the front of this live stream vanguard and be able to see if we can develop an audience and get sponsors to showcase these semi-unknown artists in Los Angeles. Our idea is that if a podcast brings people information that they want on demand and couldn’t get otherwise, then maybe a live stream could do the same thing for music. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the kindness and generosity of Echoes Under Sunset and the people of Echo Park, Los Angeles who are open to so many artistic projects, and we are glad to be a part of it. We want this to be local. We want this to be LA-based. (Speaking about GroupShower LA) We are open to anyone and everything. The thing is we love songs. Who doesn’t love songs? There’s something about us,  no matter where we come from or who we are, everybody loves a good song. That’s why I can go to every country in the world and everybody knows Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. For some reason, people love songs. We’re looking for people who can write a song, on their own, and perform it live with whatever instrument they want. We also want to reflect the diversity of Los Angeles and want people to know we are open and interested in people singing songs in different languages. LA has enough that we can showcase the diversity of LA…songs in Spanish, Korean, Armenian, songs in languages I don’t even know…I want that because a song is a song and we can’t wait to hear them. (Speaking of the type of artists they wish to attract) Echoes Under Sunset is such a free form venue. It really is a labor-intensive club for the people that run it, but what it contributes to Echo Park and Los Angeles in general is punching above its weight. Every night it is open, every night it is contributing something new and creative, and every night it i’s allowing artists to engage with audiences on a personal one on one basis. It’s a great little venue, Christian has done a great effort making it a place worth going to. (Speaking about Echoes Under Sunset) Echo Park has a lot of room and space for this kind of artistic experimentation.  Echo Park is a great place…affordable, still has a very local sense, working class people still live there, go to their jobs, access downtown, and work side by side with interesting artists and up and coming people.   Awesome! Thank you Jaegar Christian! If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: GroupShower LA: First Live Stream Music Show in Echo Park & Los Angeles.

Read post online: Podcast: Echo Park Film Center’s Marvelous Movie Mondays Interview with Simon Tarr. Echo Park Forums interviews Echo Park Film Center’s curator of the month for the Marvelous Movie Mondays series, Simon Tarr. What is the Echo Park Film Center? Since 2002, Echo Park Film Center has provided a dynamic creative meeting place for filmmakers and film lovers of all ages to come together in celebrating the magic of the moving image. Information: 1200 N Alvarado St. (@ Sunset Blvd.) Los Angeles, CA. 90026 (213) 484 – 8846 info@echoparkfilmcenter.org What is the Marvelous Movie Mondays Series? Every month, Echo Park Film Center chooses a curator who chooses weekly films to showcase on the Echo Park Film Center’s Facebook page. The curator brings along with him/her a theme, a collection of films to discuss within that theme, and weekly notes about the films. Who is Simon Tarr? Simon Tarr is an artist, writer, and educator in South Carolina. He made his first movie at the age of eight using a strip of film fashioned from sandwich bags taped together, with spaceships drawn on it. The projector was a shoebox with a lamp in it, the lens was a magnifying glass on the end of a toilet paper tube. The movie premiered on the wall of his bedroom, where the film melted after a few seconds. In addition to his films that have been screened in hundreds of film festivals on every continent (yes, even Antarctica), he creates live video shows and immersive environments that he has performed at Carnegie Hall, LaMaMa and around the world from Tokyo to Cairo. His work is available on DVD from Netflix and Amazon.  Tarr is an associate professor of art at the University of South Carolina. He received the 2010 University Film and Video Association Teaching Award for achievements in pedagogy that contribute to the field of film and video education. Important Links Discussed in the Interview Echo Park Film Center Echo Park Film Center’s Facebook page Simon Tarr’s Quark Nova Simon’s Blog “On The Mountain” by Lauren Cook  “On The Mountain” Film by Lauren Cook Watch Here. Simon’s Field Notes for “On The Mountain”: All the moisture is frozen out of the air. Lips split and lungs turn to jerky. It seemed like a good idea to hole up here and take refuge from everything that is broken. Start with all that is you, all of you that’s left. Now let yourself dry into sinew and salt. More you than ever. The you-est you’ve ever been. You. Watch this film and find something to drink. Audio Interview Discussion Outline Who is Simon Tarr? Teaching in University of Southern Carolina Media Arts Program, teaching Simon’s Experimental Film Endeavors Simon’s short and feature-length films Media performances Live pieces and travels Media designs, plays, experimental video art Simon’s game plan when doing live performances How he chooses clips, sets a theme Simon’s motivations Early years From narrative filmmaking to experimental The benefits of working in the experimental side of film Echo Park Film Center What is it? And early history Simon’s early interactions with Echo Park Film Center His involvement with Marvelous Movie Mondays Marvelous Movie Mondays “The story between the films” December’s theme The movies showcased so far, and what to expect Technicalities of choosing featured films every week “On The Mountain” — December 9th’s Featured Film Audio clip Summary, discussion, analysis Lauren Cook (Director) How It Works on Facebook Keep in Touch with Simon and Moving Forward Simon Tarr’s Memorable Quotes I’m interested in moving images on film that people look at. I make work that thinks about human systems and how we make sense of unfamiliar situations. When I approach live media performances I think of it like presenting a film, but where the film is different every time, where there is an improvisational component. Echo Park Film Center is this dream organization that a lot of independent filmmakers who got moving and got into the field in the 90’s in particular, really needed. What does it mean to be dark and frozen and without direction, and how do we find our past through the dark…I’m trying to tell a story through other people’s stories. (Talking about his theme for December’s Marvelous Movie Mondays.) I’m interested in science and all kinds of things, but from an early age Iv’e wanted to tell stories in some way. There’s an energy that you can’t replicate when you get by working in front of people.   Thank you Simon Tarr for your time, and for letting us in on what you’re doing with film, and with Echo Park Film Center!   Photo/Image credits: Echo Park Film Center Logo is from their website. Picture of Simon Tarr is from QuarkNova.com, his website. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Echo Park Film Center’s Marvelous Movie Mondays Interview with Simon Tarr.

Read post online: Podcast: LA Parking Freedom Initiative Interview with Jay Beeber and Stephen Vincent. The LA Parking Freedom Initiative seeks to shift parking policy in Los Angeles. On this Echo Park Podcast episode we interview the Los Angeles Parking Freedom Initiative and the two neighborhood activists behind it, Jay Beeber and Stephen Vincent. Jay Beeber sits on the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council and is credited with abolishing the red light camera ticket system in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Parking Freedom Initiative is a citizen movement to sponsor a municipal ballot initiative to rectify the abuses of the current parking enforcement regime in Los Angeles. Jay and Stephen, the two main community activists behind the initiative, are currently conducting research and outreach. It is in that spirit that we were able to interview them about the recent history behind the LA Parking Freedom Initiative, the proposed changes, and what people can do to get involved. The LA Parking Freedom Initiative is thus far focusing on three areas that need to be addressed: reorientation of policy from an emphasis on revenue generation to policy driven by public service rectify the administrative abuses of the current parking enforcement regime develop a decentralized, locally based process for setting parking hours, fees and fines so that they reflect the real world needs of our residents, shoppers, merchants and businesses. Below you’ll find the show notes, including links mentioned, a general outline of our conversation, and memorable quotes from Jay Beeber and Stephen Vincent. Links Mentioned in the Interview How to contact the LA Parking Freedom Initiative: Website: http://www.parkinglosangeles.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/parkinglosangeles Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/parkingfreedom Phone: (657)464-7275 Email: LAparkingfreedom@gmail.com How to contact Jay Beeber about the related Red Light Camera issue: Website: http://www.saferstreetsla.org Audio Interview General Discussion Outline What is the LA Parking Freedom Initiative? Early stages Stephen meets Jay (the “Red Light Camera Ticket Guy”) Outreach to neighborhood council meetings Social media and Facebook Timeline of initiative September-December Currently in Research and Outreach Mode Researching issues, outreaching to people, discovering the problems Coming up with possible community-driven alternatives and solutions Shaping the Philosophy of the Freedom Initiative Stephen’s motivations, reasons Explaining the current revenue-motivated system vs. proposed alternatives Specific examples of how certain neighborhoods, businesses, residents are affected by current policy Jay’s motivations, and views on the role of city government and its people How Neighborhood Councils Can Participate Outreach/support Brief history about the influence of neighborhood councils in government Feedback, community input, helping to craft ideas and plans Sharing their views to help state the neighborhood’s needs Establish a volunteer base of support Create community impact statements, relay initiative support to district councils If it becomes a ballot initiative, help with signatures How councils have the mechanism to mobilize and add measures to ballots Detailed Discussion about Past and Present Policy History of parking policies in recent years Relationship between parking and the city’s budget management Abuses of the current parking fines Where current parking revenues go Privatization of parking systems and revenues Proposed Changes Where should we go? Suggested changes that are being proposed so far How to Get Involved Brief Discussion of Red Light Camera Ticket Issue Stephen Vincent’s Memorable Quotes Parking enforcement and policies have been a problem for businesses and customers of businesses in this city for quite a number of years now, and it only seems to be getting worse over time. I was inspired to see what I could do about it, and my first thought was that we could use the legislative initiative process to draft our own legislation and bring it to the people to help us reform the parking system in Los Angeles. There needs to be a reorientation of policy from an emphasis on revenue-generation to policy that is driven by public service. Public enforcement history from 2005-on has been driven by revenue-generation…the city taking measures to scoot money off the street and out of the pockets of citizens. That’s just not a proper approach. The parking system should be driven by public service. It should enhance commerce, enhance mobility, enhance transit of people from one place to another…it should enhance business, and not be primarily driven by the desire of the city to fill the pockets of the general fund. Basic policy orientation needs to change. We need to set up a system that permanently changes the way the parking regime in each neighborhood is designed by implementing a decentralized, locally-based process for setting parking hours, fees, fines, and regulations, so that they reflect the real-world needs of the residents, shoppers, businesses of a given area.   You got to believe this affects our businesses, and small businesses run the economy. This is hurting LA in so many ways. 63 dollars for a parking violation for a lot of people is pretty much a day’s wage…they cannot pay it immediately, and they have to budget for it. It’s either put food on the table or pay the city. Jay Beeber’s Memorable Quotes I ended the red light camera program here in LA, and when I tell people about that, inevitably, they thank me and they say, “You know what you should do next?” and inevitably, that’s parking. It’s in a lot of people’s minds. There’s a disconnect between what the city has been doing and what the people need.  The government should be responsive to the people. That’s the entire purpose of government, especially city government which provides services. You should be telling the city what you want from the city. So when Stephen contacted me, I responded and said, “Yes, I would be interested in jumping on-board.” One of the things that we want to focus on is that the citizens decide what the parking policies should be for their area. Every city in general tries to get a one-size-fits-all policy and you really can’t do that because there’s so many diverse areas in the city. [Our initiative] makes the people who live there and who own businesses there have a direct input on how the city should be run. In general, the city needs to be obligated to be responsive to that.  I’m somebody who feels like I don’t have all of the answers to everything, but I think giving people the voice and the opportunity to weigh-in, and letting the government that serves us know what we want and what we need is the right way to go.  The more localized you make the decision-making process, the better. What city government in general expects to have happen is for people to complain about something and then go away. We’re not going away. People have complained about parking for years and years and years, but the city knows this time that people are involved who want to get something done. If you’re looking at it as a service aspect, no business would do that to their customers, because it would drive customers away…people are going to live elsewhere and shop elsewhere. (Talking about LA’s current parking policy.)   Thank you Jay and Stephen, and thank you LA Parking Freedom Initiative. What are some parking stories you can share about your experience parking in Los Angeles? Main image used is from LA Parking Freedom Initiative website. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: LA Parking Freedom Initiative Interview with Jay Beeber and Stephen Vincent.

Read post online: Podcast: Gobble Gobble Give Interview on 4,000 Thanksgiving Meals in Echo Park. For this episode we had the opportunity to interview Gobble Gobble Give, a non-profit organization that has its roots in the south land, here in Los Angeles, Echo Park and Silverlake. We speak to Barry Walker as he takes us through the journey of how the organization began–with a simple instinct to help others–and how it has developed into a nationwide movement that prepared 10,000 meals for the homeless in 2013. Audio Interview with Gobble Gobble Give You may listen to the audio interview through your web browser, on your tablet, or on a smart phone. Simply click on the “Play” button below, or open the player in a new window. Show Length: 28:37 Key Points and Topics Discussed Here are some bullet points of the topics we discussed regarding Gobble Gobble Give. Gobble Gobble Give origins/Barry’s personal story Echo Park’s The Echo (Echo Park and Los Angeles base/location on Thanksgiving) Expansion into other cities and states and the “We can do more” attitude 4,000 meals served in Echo Park Details of day of the event Recipe contest Food Preparation Meal Delivery (car volunteers) 10,000 meals served nationwide in 2013 Talk of other items, such as canned foods, sweaters, beanies, hoodies Gobble Gobble Give’s future plans/moving forward Keep growing Skid Row Christmas Social Media Campaigns and hashtags #GGG2013, #GobbleGobbleGive How to get involved What You Can Do Visit the Gobble Gobble Give website at http://www.gobblegobblegive.org and sign up for their blog updates and newsletter. Also, like them on social media, and contact them when the time comes to volunteer and/or participate in the holiday potluck. Memorable Quotes from Barry Walker and Gobble Gobble Give “Gobble Gobble Give is a potluck party. You just bring something…whatever your thing is…and we give [the meals] to people who need them.” “We make some of the best meals in all of Echo Park.” “We take pride in our food and the way it goes out into the street.” “We hop in our cars and we go out and find people. We go over the fences, we go under the bridges, down the river beds, we walk the train tracks, we go into skid row, we go down the alley, and we search for people who don’t know and don’t care that it’s Thanksgiving. We give them a meal, hand them some warm clothes and say, we haven’t forgot about you today.” “it’s chaos on Sunset Blvd. in front of The Echo for about four hours during Thanksgiving morning.” “We are a homegrown Echo Park-Silverlake thing.” Pictures from Gobble Gobble Give 2013 Volunteers Prepare Meals for Gobble Gobble Give Photo Credit: Instagram user jlwachtell Boxed Meals Ready To Go to Driver Volunteers Photo credit: Instagram user _denisera_ Cars Line Up in front of The Echo in Echo Park, Los Angeles Photo credit: Instagram user angieakatiki Volunteers Line Up in Echo Park for Gobble Gobble Give  Photo credit: Instagram user Chelslowela   Enjoyed the podcast and article? Please share! Thank you.   This Echo Park Podcast episode features music from Menage the band. Song played in the show is titled “Bury Us Young”. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Gobble Gobble Give Interview on 4,000 Thanksgiving Meals in Echo Park.

Read post online: Podcast: Echo Park Community Parade Interview about History, Planning and Participants. “There are lot of the youth in the program…we’ve got so much talent, but where can they show their talent off? They don’t have a lot of opportunities. The parade is to show the talent of echo park in all of the local elementary schools and high schools. There are no big entries, no floats, it’s just 1,500 kids coming down the street having a good time performing and it’s amazing the talent we have here in Echo park, but who would know about it if we didn’t have a parade?” – Maryanne Hayashi, E.D. Central Civil Action Committee On Wednesday, December 3, 2013 Echo Park Forums had the opportunity to interview Maryanne Hayashi, the Executive Director of Central Civil Action Committee in Echo Park and Los Angeles, CA. Apart from her responsibilities as the director of the non-profit, she has also been involved in organizing the Echo Park Community Parade, something that she has done since the 1980’s. Before discussing the interview, here are the details for this year’s Echo Park Community Parade, 2013: This year’s theme is: “Neighbors Make Echo Park Beautiful” When: Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. Where: Echo Park, CA on Sunset Blvd. from Elysian Park Avenue to Park Avenue. RAIN OR SHINE Parade route: Grand Marshal: Ms. Isa-Kae Meksin Parade Ambassadors: 826LAThe Echo Park Film CenterMr. Bill Garcia (Echo Park DASH driver)The office of Dr. George D. Lim, DMD For complete information about the Echo Park Community Parade, including how to be a participant, a sponsor, and how to contact the planning committee, please visit their website at http://www.echoparkcommunityparade.com. The site also includes a picture and video gallery of past parades. Also, if you still want to be a participant in the parade and are reading this before Dec. 14, contact them! Ms. Hayashi said they are willing to take in last-minute participants to walk through Sunset Blvd. Audio Interview with Ms. Maryanne Hayashi While the interview focused on the Echo Park Community Parade, we began our talk with Ms. Maryanne Hayashi discussing the history of Echo Park and Los Angeles. She tells us about her early career in Echo Park, Chinatown, Downtown Los Angeles, and Pico-Union as she worked with youth gang-prevention programs. Through our conversation we move through her thoughts and experience with the 1970s, 80’s, 90’s and today. The Executive Director of Central Civil Action Committee since 1981, Ms. Hayashi has been involved with the community parade since the 1980’s. Through the interview we get a sense of early periods of the parade, and how the parade is planned today. She reveals the organizations and individuals we can expect this year in 2013 (listed below), and also answers some social media questions that we received for her about the Echo Park Community Parade. Enjoy! Audio Player To listen to the audio interview, simply click play below. You can also open the audio player in a new window. The audio player works on smart phones, tablets, or desktop computers. If you have any questions or issues, please contact us. Show Length: 43:20  Show/Interview Notes: EP Community Parade Art by Esmeralda Fernandez (Winner) Topics We Discussed Some of which are serious and other hilarious! Ms. Maryanne’s early life and career The racial make-up and local history of Los Angeles and Echo Park in the 1950’s and beyond The work of youth-based non-profits in the 1950’s Gangs, drugs, youth, and employment in Echo Park and Los Angeles Belmont High School, Salvation Army Red SHIELD Maryanne’s first involvement with the Echo Park Community Parade (parent, volunteer, organizer) Parade History, Route, Planning (Dept. of Transportation sets the route) Memorable Quotes from Ms. Maryanne Hayashi “People realized [Echo Park] was a very charming community to live in and they moved because they wanted to be closer to the city.”   “A parade is a parade;  I don’t think it matters who you are…black, white…everyone likes a parade.” “You have to be there to see the excitement and the work that the parents go into to make these costumes, and the talent that our kids have in this community. They are glowing. There’s no 1st place or 2nd place, everyone gets a trophy. We’d like a lot of people to come out and support the youth in the neighborhood because they are very talented and they deserve to be seen.” Tentative List of Echo Park Community Parade Participants 60 entries and growing! Schoools, youth groups, non-profits, elected officials, council people… Echo Park Time Bank LA Bike and trains LA Derby Dolls Grand Marshal and Ambassadors Young Artists in Echo Park (the winners from a local art contest for the parade, pre-k-12) Echo Park Film Center Ballet folklorico Taewakndo Gil Cedillo Betty Placencia Drill Team Friends of Echo Park Library Glendale-Silverlake Library Little Sergeant on Wheels Drumline Councilman Mitch O’Farrell Mountains Recreation Conservative Authority United States Congressman Allen Schiff World War II Veteran Ernesto Martinez The Young Marines El Centro Del Pueblo Drill Team Rosemead Drill Team Select Patrol Temple-Westlake Neighborhood Council Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez Alessandro Drill Team Youth Policy Greater Echo Park-Elysian Neighborhood Council Echo Park Parents and Education Ex-LA Dodger Lee Lacy LA Lions Griffith Middle School Echo Park Community Coalition Studio for Southern California History Artistic Chaos Drill Team Police Captain from Rampart Police LAPD Station Cadets North-East Police Department Vickson’s Athletic All-Stars Echo Park Firestation 20 Echo Park Classic Cars Laser After School Program Santa Clause ….plus more groups because the list doesn’t close! Thank you for reading and listening to the interview! — EP Forums   Photo credit: Santa, map route, Echo Park Community Parade Logo, Student Art courtesy of Echo Park Community Parade and their website. If something seemed off, view post online: Podcast: Echo Park Community Parade Interview about History, Planning and Participants.