Griffith Park was host to much of this progressive spirit. In 1900, the City constructed in the Park the first municipally-operated golf course in the nation, called Riverside. In the next decades, the concept of golf for the ordinary citizen spread throughout the U.S., and throughout Griffith Park itself, as other major courses, such as Wilson and Harding, were constructed. Today, the Park retains four municipal courses. In contrast to Leisure was Rehabilitation. Griffith Park, which had long been the site of alfalfa farms, became the laboratory for a favorite issue of the Progressives: prison reform. Inmates from the City Jail in Lincoln Heights were transported to the “Prison Farm” in the Park to earn their keep by farming alfalfa while benefitting physically and mentally from the hard work and fresh air. Meanwhile, the respite of the 19th century Ostrich Farm was brought to life again by an animal menagerie in the Park Center area, below Bee Rock, known as the Griffith Park Zoo.

Griffith Park is the largest urban municipal park in the nation. It boasts an impressive roster of special facilities, amenities, and recreational opportunities that, by conservative estimates, are enjoyed by upwards of 10 million visitors annually. This visitor base is drawn from both tourists and from the City of Los Angeles and surrounding communities themselves, which is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. As they approach the 100th anniversary of this grand gesture of philanthropy, the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, the City Council, the Recreation and Parks Commission, and the staff of the Department of Recreation and Parks, have joined in planning a Griffith Park Centennial that will honor the gift, the giver, and the preceding 100 years in the life of their city. Please join us in this celebration. Come visit the Park and participate in their year round events.

They seek to be progressive and innovative. They want to attract the greatest number of individuals and businesses into membership, thereby creating a pool of resources from which can be drawn ideas, energy and finances for the betterment of their community. They also exist to promote their area so many are encouraged to shop, dine and become familiar with the many resources and attractions of the Silverlake community. They wish to support programs to assist and inform businesses and residents of issues that include crime prevention, city ordinances, small business management issues as well as organize a network of professional and business contacts in Silverlake.

All seniors purchasing books at Skylight will receive a discount on any Tuesday before 4 pm. They love special orders and will locate that hard to find book you have been trying to lay your hands on. They also offer a Frequent Buyer Program. Skylight is open every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Send us an email or come by and see us to sign up for their printed newsletter Skylight Booknotes. Their mailing list and customer information is strictly confidential, and they never sell, rent or give away information about Their customers. They believe that what you read should be no one’s business but your own.

Previously, there had been no mechanism in place to deal with preservation or history-related concerns in Echo Park. EPHS filled that void, and was instrumental in bringing the Jensen’s Recreation Center sign to the attention of the Department of Cultural Affairs. This resulted in the re-lighting of this unique Echo Park landmark on August 20 1997, after five decades of darkness.

EPHS sponsored Echo Park History Day at Barlow Sanitorium (built in 1902 – Historic Cultural Monument #504). This open house event featured guest speakers, tours, and an exhibit of vintage photographs and memorabilia from our archives. “Old-timers” in attendance were encouraged to be interviewed as part of our ongoing oral history outreach.

They publish a quarterly newsletter and hold general meetings three times per year featuring guest speakers on topics ranging from architectural preservation to historic education overviews of our community.

They are a grassroots, non-profit organization completely staffed by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to participate in our activities, including non-residents of Echo Park. Their operating costs are covered solely by membership dues and donations. The general public is welcome at all of their  functions free of charge.

More than 20 artists have signed up to be included on the studio tour. Three shuttle buses will transport festival participants between the studios and galleries or visitors can pick up a map and tour on their own. Call NancyLissaman at 481-0142 for more tour details

Artists who want to be included in the professional exhibition have until Sept. 10 to submit their slides or photos to Echo Park Artists Festival, 1539 Parmer Ave., LA, CA 90026. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of materials. The show, which will run on Oct. 10 & 11, will be curated by artist OliviaSanchez Brown.

KatrinaAlexy and her crew are busy spreading the word at local schools about the student art exhibition and art workshops. The exhibition is open to students in k-12. The student exhibition group is approaching local arts stores and business who would like to contribute art supplies or services that will be give away as prizes. If you would like to volunteer, call Katrina at 662-6083.

Master muralist ErnestoDe La Loza has identified a wall on Mohawk Street and Sunset Boulevard that will serve as the site for the festival mural. Call Ernesto at 484-1272 to get involved in mural project.

They still need a lot of help on the day of the festival. You can serve as neighborhood tour guide on a shuttle bus or gallery sit. Please call (213) 250-4155 to find out how you can get involved.