GPIA Achievements - Page 2
1982, 1983 - John Gabel elected GPIA president for two terms. Council areas are redistricted and Joel Wachs represents a portion of
Glassell Park. Dignitaries attend the dedication of the new Glassell Park Recreation Center facility opening on July 16, 1982. New stop
signs installed at W. Ave. 42 and Scandia Way. GPIA member Gino Dal Ponte creates and donates the GPIA Lectern used at all meetings
(and still in use today). Residents of Glassell Park and GPIA members obtain a signed document from developers of the Scandia
Way-Kite Hill project, that the roof lines of new homes will be no higher than the Street level above.
Glassell Park. Dignitaries attend the dedication of the new Glassell Park Recreation Center facility opening on July 16, 1982. New stop
signs installed at W. Ave. 42 and Scandia Way. GPIA member Gino Dal Ponte creates and donates the GPIA Lectern used at all meetings
(and still in use today). Residents of Glassell Park and GPIA members obtain a signed document from developers of the Scandia
Way-Kite Hill project, that the roof lines of new homes will be no higher than the Street level above.
1984, 1985 - Richard Ferraro returns as GPIA president for two more years. A 16-page petition containing 347 neighbors protesting
the existence of the NITE LITE Bar on Eagle Rock Blvd. forwarded to Councilman Joel Wach's office. New Northeast LAPD division
headquarters formally dedicated on March 21, 1984 in its new Glassell Park location. GPIA lobbies for street repairs on Division St. Past
president, Dominick Bachiero passes away at age 71. Two crepe myrtle trees are planted in his memory in Elysian Park. Another Council
area redistricting takes place. Glassell Park residents in a quandary as to in which district they now reside: the 2nd?; the 13th?; the 14?
the existence of the NITE LITE Bar on Eagle Rock Blvd. forwarded to Councilman Joel Wach's office. New Northeast LAPD division
headquarters formally dedicated on March 21, 1984 in its new Glassell Park location. GPIA lobbies for street repairs on Division St. Past
president, Dominick Bachiero passes away at age 71. Two crepe myrtle trees are planted in his memory in Elysian Park. Another Council
area redistricting takes place. Glassell Park residents in a quandary as to in which district they now reside: the 2nd?; the 13th?; the 14?
1986,1987 - Ruby DeVera assumes the presidency for two years. GPIA opposes the granting of a liquor license to a convenience
store in a mini-mall on the corner of Eagle Rock Blvd. and York. GPIA strongly opposes granting of a license to Los Candiles Bar at
Division and Cypress for a topless bikini bar. Developer Elliott Megdahl presents his proposed development for a new shopping center at
Ave. 40 and Eagle Rock Blvd. (now site of Rite Aid shopping center). Thrifty drug store opens at the center on February 26, 1987.
store in a mini-mall on the corner of Eagle Rock Blvd. and York. GPIA strongly opposes granting of a license to Los Candiles Bar at
Division and Cypress for a topless bikini bar. Developer Elliott Megdahl presents his proposed development for a new shopping center at
Ave. 40 and Eagle Rock Blvd. (now site of Rite Aid shopping center). Thrifty drug store opens at the center on February 26, 1987.
1988, 1989 - John Balaoing, a city building inspector, becomes president for two years. The NITE LITE bar is refused a permit to
reopen. Division Street finally repaved. Elyria Canyon developers downsize their proposal for 45 new homes due to efforts of the GPIA
and the Mt. Washington Association. City Council allocates $25,000 for gates to the Ackerman Canyon Area with support from the GPIA
and local residents. GPIA participates in a huge graffiti paint-out in the neighborhood, cleaning up 17 sites, using 70 gallons of paint.
GPIA petitions L.A. Department of Transportation for better traffic signals at W. Ave 40 and Eagle Rock Blvd. GPIA lobbies for and wins a
reduction in the size of a proposed apartment building on Carlyle Place from 63 units to 25.
reopen. Division Street finally repaved. Elyria Canyon developers downsize their proposal for 45 new homes due to efforts of the GPIA
and the Mt. Washington Association. City Council allocates $25,000 for gates to the Ackerman Canyon Area with support from the GPIA
and local residents. GPIA participates in a huge graffiti paint-out in the neighborhood, cleaning up 17 sites, using 70 gallons of paint.
GPIA petitions L.A. Department of Transportation for better traffic signals at W. Ave 40 and Eagle Rock Blvd. GPIA lobbies for and wins a
reduction in the size of a proposed apartment building on Carlyle Place from 63 units to 25.
1990 - Tony Mascitti again becomes president of the GPIA. The now 24-year old "Community Christmas Tree" is decorated for the
holidays. GPIA petitions for street lighting and obtains lights at three locations. Councilwoman Gloria Molina awards the GPIA with a
$2000 grant to be spent on community enhancement. The GPIA-proposed widening of W. Ave 33 is included in the capital improvement
list for 1990; construction to begin in 1993.
holidays. GPIA petitions for street lighting and obtains lights at three locations. Councilwoman Gloria Molina awards the GPIA with a
$2000 grant to be spent on community enhancement. The GPIA-proposed widening of W. Ave 33 is included in the capital improvement
list for 1990; construction to begin in 1993.
1991, 1992 - Richard Ferraro returns as president for two more years. Verdugo Vista Terrace and surrounding streets resurfaced at
the urging of past president, Elizabeth Cherichetti. Councilman Alatorre petitions the city to immediately upgrade street lighting on the
troublesome Drew St. in Glassell Park. GPIA holds its first yard sale and nets $495.00 for the association.
the urging of past president, Elizabeth Cherichetti. Councilman Alatorre petitions the city to immediately upgrade street lighting on the
troublesome Drew St. in Glassell Park. GPIA holds its first yard sale and nets $495.00 for the association.
1993 - During GPIA's silver anniversary year, Linda Herbert becomes president. Free packets of flower seeds distributed to members
to beautify our area. Linda Herbert named to Councilman Hernandez's ad hoc committee to evaluate the best use of land left vacant by
the Southern Pacific railroad at Taylor Yard. Steve Bloodworth and GPIA members plant trees in the Eagle Rock Blvd. median and in other
locations. Anthony Chierichetti adopts the Glassell Park monuments and keeps them graffiti-free.
to beautify our area. Linda Herbert named to Councilman Hernandez's ad hoc committee to evaluate the best use of land left vacant by
the Southern Pacific railroad at Taylor Yard. Steve Bloodworth and GPIA members plant trees in the Eagle Rock Blvd. median and in other
locations. Anthony Chierichetti adopts the Glassell Park monuments and keeps them graffiti-free.
1994 - Linda Herbert, more to come.
1995, 1996 - President Bob Toscano dies and Charles Farmer takes over for Bob. And is re-elected president in 1996.
1997 - Joan Lundy, more to come.
1998 -Joan Lundy, more to come.
1999 - Joan Lundy, more to come.
2001 - Betsy Mines is elected President. GPIA forms a committee that ultimately establishes the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council.
2002 - Mitch O'Farrell becomes GPIA President. GPIA website is created for the first time ever, with the help of member Marino
Pascal. Membership nearly doubles under Mitch's leadership. A successful walk-through is held with Bureau of Street Services to pave
hillside roads badly in need of repair. GPIA continues to support the Neighborhood Council organizing committee. The Council is the third
to be certified in the City of Los Angeles.
GPIA board successfully lobbies City Attorney's office and LAPD to close down a drug-dealing house on Verdugo Road. GPIA surveys its
membership to find it overwhelmingly opposes a McDonald's restaurant with a drive-through window at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd. GPIA
launches, "Friends to Preserve Walnut Canyon," in an effort to preserve the canyon above Division Street and below Loveland Drive as
a nature park. Several clean ups in neglected areas of Glassell Park are held. Ruby DeVera wins grant to have mural painted on the
side of store at Fletcher and Estara supplanting an empty wall which was a magnet for graffiti. Susie Wilkinson wins grant to plant a
garden on the concrete triangle Median in front of the Public Storage Building.
Mitch leads efforts to beautify Ackerman Drive, formerly a dumping ground for bulky items and unseemly night time behavior. 15
Jacarandas were planted on either side of the street and large rocks are lined along the roadway to prevent dumping and beautify this
stretch of the street.
Pascal. Membership nearly doubles under Mitch's leadership. A successful walk-through is held with Bureau of Street Services to pave
hillside roads badly in need of repair. GPIA continues to support the Neighborhood Council organizing committee. The Council is the third
to be certified in the City of Los Angeles.
GPIA board successfully lobbies City Attorney's office and LAPD to close down a drug-dealing house on Verdugo Road. GPIA surveys its
membership to find it overwhelmingly opposes a McDonald's restaurant with a drive-through window at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd. GPIA
launches, "Friends to Preserve Walnut Canyon," in an effort to preserve the canyon above Division Street and below Loveland Drive as
a nature park. Several clean ups in neglected areas of Glassell Park are held. Ruby DeVera wins grant to have mural painted on the
side of store at Fletcher and Estara supplanting an empty wall which was a magnet for graffiti. Susie Wilkinson wins grant to plant a
garden on the concrete triangle Median in front of the Public Storage Building.
Mitch leads efforts to beautify Ackerman Drive, formerly a dumping ground for bulky items and unseemly night time behavior. 15
Jacarandas were planted on either side of the street and large rocks are lined along the roadway to prevent dumping and beautify this
stretch of the street.
2003, 2004 - Tony Scudellari serves for two years as GPIA President. Under Tony's leadership, GPIA organizes opposition to a
McDonald's Restaurant at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd., since our area is already over-saturated with unhealthy fast-food restaurants.
McDonald's is denied a conditional use permit for the drive-through window thanks to compelling testimony from concerned residents
before the East L.A. Area Planning Commission. McDonald's sells its property to another developer (at a $2 million profit) making way for
a mixed-use development of a variety of retail and housing.
Tony takes advantage of email by instituting GPIA Action Alerts, updating our membership via electronic mail about GPIA actions and
events going on in the community. Glassell Park Child Care Center opens on Crestmoore Place after years of vigilant oversight by GPIA
past president Joan Lundy to keep this project on track.
GPIA organizes a media event at Walnut Canyon attended by then Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. Ultimately, the Santa Monica
Conservancy adds Walnut Canyon to its list of properties to acquire for a nature preserve within our neighborhood.
Improvement Chair, Alonso Calderon, organizes a tree-planting day with Helene Schpak of the GPNC, and plants nearly 200 trees,
primarily around Division and Cazador Streets near San Fernando Road. Beautification Chair, George Brauckman, wins a $10,000 grant
from the City to refurbish the Crestmoore Place Steps. The sides of the landings are covered with river rock and a graffiti-resistant
coating applied to the rocks. To support the good works of the GPIA, outgoing Councilmember Nick Pacheco of CD 14 awards GPIA a
$10,000 grant.
GPIA becomes a charter member of the Southwest Museum Coalition, a grassroots effort to make sure the significance of the Southwest
Museum is preserved after it had been purchased by the Gene Autry Museum.
McDonald's Restaurant at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd., since our area is already over-saturated with unhealthy fast-food restaurants.
McDonald's is denied a conditional use permit for the drive-through window thanks to compelling testimony from concerned residents
before the East L.A. Area Planning Commission. McDonald's sells its property to another developer (at a $2 million profit) making way for
a mixed-use development of a variety of retail and housing.
Tony takes advantage of email by instituting GPIA Action Alerts, updating our membership via electronic mail about GPIA actions and
events going on in the community. Glassell Park Child Care Center opens on Crestmoore Place after years of vigilant oversight by GPIA
past president Joan Lundy to keep this project on track.
GPIA organizes a media event at Walnut Canyon attended by then Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. Ultimately, the Santa Monica
Conservancy adds Walnut Canyon to its list of properties to acquire for a nature preserve within our neighborhood.
Improvement Chair, Alonso Calderon, organizes a tree-planting day with Helene Schpak of the GPNC, and plants nearly 200 trees,
primarily around Division and Cazador Streets near San Fernando Road. Beautification Chair, George Brauckman, wins a $10,000 grant
from the City to refurbish the Crestmoore Place Steps. The sides of the landings are covered with river rock and a graffiti-resistant
coating applied to the rocks. To support the good works of the GPIA, outgoing Councilmember Nick Pacheco of CD 14 awards GPIA a
$10,000 grant.
GPIA becomes a charter member of the Southwest Museum Coalition, a grassroots effort to make sure the significance of the Southwest
Museum is preserved after it had been purchased by the Gene Autry Museum.
2005, 2006 - George Brauckman serves for two years as GPIA President. George prepares and submits the paperwork necessary
to establish the GPIA as a 501(c)3 charitable, tax-exempt organization. Our Tax Exempt Status letter arrives in the fall of 2005, GPIA
Website is redesigned and given a new look. GPIA newsletter is redesigned, print quality is upgraded and more advertising is sold to help
defray costs. First annual Glassell Park Community Festival takes place under the leadership of Festival Chairperson, Laura Gutierrez.
Local bands, eateries and artisans featured at this family-friendly event at the GP Recreation Center Park.
GPIA along with the Friends of Atwater Village and other community organizations throughout Northeast LA launch the No Home Depot
Coalition - Northeast Los Angeles, . The Coalition calls for a mixed-use development offering good restaurants, retail chains, coffee
shops, book stores and a gym at the former Kmart site instead of another Home Depot. GPIA works with City Planning to pass a
Community Design Overlay for this area that encourages pedestrian-friendly development compatible with the new LACC Campus being
built nearby.
Council President Eric Garcetti, through the tireless efforts and ingenuity of District Director, Mitch O'Farrell, brokers a deal for a million-
dollar Glassell Park Community and Senior Center -- dedicated in the summer of 2005. The nearly 7,000 square feet of space donated
and built by Public Storage, offers a separate Seniors room for the Glassell Park Senior Club, a kitchen, Assembly Room, conference
rooms, storage, and offices for the GPIA and the GPNC. Council District 13 opens a satellite field office here as well, staffed to serve CD
13 constituents in Northeast L.A.
GPIA joins the Neighborhood Council and others in testifying against developer Richard Meruelo's attempt to wrest ownership of Parcel F
at Taylor Yard away from the Los Angeles Unified School District. LAUSD begins Eminent Domain process to regain possession in order
to build a new high school in Glassell Park that will ease overcrowding at other existing High Schools in Northeast Los Angeles.
GPIA appeals to City Council and Bureau of Street Services to fast track repairs to hillside roads damaged during 2004's disastrous rains.
BSS moves the repair dates up by several months. Rose and Tony Alvarado's house on Mimosa St. is destroyed by landslides during
these rains. GPIA arranges free storage at Saf Keep Storage in Glassell Park for the Alvarados. After years of residents' complaints
about the poor condition of Lavell Drive, GPIA organizes a walk-through with Bureau of Street Services and gets south section of Lavell
Drive resurfaced within 2 months. North Glassell Park Monument garden on Eagle Rock Blvd. is refurbished and updated with beautiful,
colorful plants. Sprinkler system is repaired and modified to water the garden by Bureau of Street Services at GPIA's request. GPIA
partners with the GPNC to plant 19 trees on parkways on York Blvd. and surrounding side streets as you approach the Glendale border.
GPIA and GPNC sponsor several bulky-item drop offs including the "Great Garage Clean Out" day.
GPIA welcomes Super King Market to Glassell Park at the abandoned Ralph's market on San Fernando Road. Super King is an instant
and unqualified business success. The owners -- the Fermanian Family -- are wonderfully supportive of the community and the GPIA,
GPNC, and GPCC. GPIA also welcomes Tesco's "Fresh and Easy" market to the shuttered Albertson's, meeting with company executives
to establish a good working relationship between Tesco and the GPIA. The mixed-use development at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd. (where the
McDonald's was NOT built) breaks ground and the Masonry Builder's sign --an eyesore of a decade-- is torn down.
to establish the GPIA as a 501(c)3 charitable, tax-exempt organization. Our Tax Exempt Status letter arrives in the fall of 2005, GPIA
Website is redesigned and given a new look. GPIA newsletter is redesigned, print quality is upgraded and more advertising is sold to help
defray costs. First annual Glassell Park Community Festival takes place under the leadership of Festival Chairperson, Laura Gutierrez.
Local bands, eateries and artisans featured at this family-friendly event at the GP Recreation Center Park.
GPIA along with the Friends of Atwater Village and other community organizations throughout Northeast LA launch the No Home Depot
Coalition - Northeast Los Angeles, . The Coalition calls for a mixed-use development offering good restaurants, retail chains, coffee
shops, book stores and a gym at the former Kmart site instead of another Home Depot. GPIA works with City Planning to pass a
Community Design Overlay for this area that encourages pedestrian-friendly development compatible with the new LACC Campus being
built nearby.
Council President Eric Garcetti, through the tireless efforts and ingenuity of District Director, Mitch O'Farrell, brokers a deal for a million-
dollar Glassell Park Community and Senior Center -- dedicated in the summer of 2005. The nearly 7,000 square feet of space donated
and built by Public Storage, offers a separate Seniors room for the Glassell Park Senior Club, a kitchen, Assembly Room, conference
rooms, storage, and offices for the GPIA and the GPNC. Council District 13 opens a satellite field office here as well, staffed to serve CD
13 constituents in Northeast L.A.
GPIA joins the Neighborhood Council and others in testifying against developer Richard Meruelo's attempt to wrest ownership of Parcel F
at Taylor Yard away from the Los Angeles Unified School District. LAUSD begins Eminent Domain process to regain possession in order
to build a new high school in Glassell Park that will ease overcrowding at other existing High Schools in Northeast Los Angeles.
GPIA appeals to City Council and Bureau of Street Services to fast track repairs to hillside roads damaged during 2004's disastrous rains.
BSS moves the repair dates up by several months. Rose and Tony Alvarado's house on Mimosa St. is destroyed by landslides during
these rains. GPIA arranges free storage at Saf Keep Storage in Glassell Park for the Alvarados. After years of residents' complaints
about the poor condition of Lavell Drive, GPIA organizes a walk-through with Bureau of Street Services and gets south section of Lavell
Drive resurfaced within 2 months. North Glassell Park Monument garden on Eagle Rock Blvd. is refurbished and updated with beautiful,
colorful plants. Sprinkler system is repaired and modified to water the garden by Bureau of Street Services at GPIA's request. GPIA
partners with the GPNC to plant 19 trees on parkways on York Blvd. and surrounding side streets as you approach the Glendale border.
GPIA and GPNC sponsor several bulky-item drop offs including the "Great Garage Clean Out" day.
GPIA welcomes Super King Market to Glassell Park at the abandoned Ralph's market on San Fernando Road. Super King is an instant
and unqualified business success. The owners -- the Fermanian Family -- are wonderfully supportive of the community and the GPIA,
GPNC, and GPCC. GPIA also welcomes Tesco's "Fresh and Easy" market to the shuttered Albertson's, meeting with company executives
to establish a good working relationship between Tesco and the GPIA. The mixed-use development at 3901 Eagle Rock Blvd. (where the
McDonald's was NOT built) breaks ground and the Masonry Builder's sign --an eyesore of a decade-- is torn down.
2007 - Laura Gutierrez is elected GPIA President. This year, Laura has already helped organize a major clean up/volunteer event at
Washington Irving Middle School, which GPIA has officially adopted. Crestmoore Place Steps clean up/volunteer day is organized
following a very popular tree giveaway with help from our old friend, Alonso Calderon. About 300 free trees and mulch were given away
to local residents. A very successful job fair was held at the Community and Senior Center co-sponsored by the GPIA. The Glassell
Park South Monument is being refurbished and the garden underneath replanted to match the beautiful, colorful garden underneath the
North Monument. GPIA establishes an Ad Hoc Land Use Committee and a Historical Resources Committee to preserve the history of
Glassell Park.
Washington Irving Middle School, which GPIA has officially adopted. Crestmoore Place Steps clean up/volunteer day is organized
following a very popular tree giveaway with help from our old friend, Alonso Calderon. About 300 free trees and mulch were given away
to local residents. A very successful job fair was held at the Community and Senior Center co-sponsored by the GPIA. The Glassell
Park South Monument is being refurbished and the garden underneath replanted to match the beautiful, colorful garden underneath the
North Monument. GPIA establishes an Ad Hoc Land Use Committee and a Historical Resources Committee to preserve the history of
Glassell Park.
| Glassell Park Improvement Association P.O. Box 65881 Glassell Park, CA 90065 gpia.alert@sbcglobal.net |
2000 - Linda Herbert and Ruby DeVera return to the GPIA as co-presidents. Both are Field Deputies for Councilmembers
representing Glassell Park, Linda for CD 14's Nick Pacheco, and Ruby for CD 13's Jackie Goldberg. More to come.
representing Glassell Park, Linda for CD 14's Nick Pacheco, and Ruby for CD 13's Jackie Goldberg. More to come.