Pathetic attempt at streetscaping in Eagle Rock

I first noticed these pots in the middle of Eagle Rock Boulevard in Eagle Rock last winter. At the time there didn't appear to be any plants in them, but I figured, hey, it's winter.

I noticed them again in the spring. There still didn't appear to be much going on photosynthesis-wise, but I figured again, well, it's kind of early to say anything.

Well, now we're in the throes of summer and I was pleased to see this morning that the pots actually do have plants in them and they appear to be drought tolerant. Although the photo doesn't show it -- in fact it's kind of a phantom street-scape project -- this median also has three trees, with a total of seven pots and another plant that could be a weed, brush or tree.

Of course, it's not easy mitigating an intersection that should be labeled an urban planning disaster area. The corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado boasts two gas stations, a Blockbuster in front of a strip mall and a nice little business district on the southeast corner. I guess city planners and elected officials way-back-when didn't like the business district idea. Job well done!

The other fun part of this is that both Eagle Rock and Colorado boulevards have considerably better attempts at street-scaping on them. I wouldn't say the medians look as sharp as the ones you'll find in Santa Monica, Culver City or Claremont, but at least there's some green there.

And who shall we assign the task of improving this little median. Hmm. Tough one. But I couldn't help but notice that if you turn the corner on Colorado Boulevard, it's just 170 paces or so to the field office of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar.

Councilman: If you have a green thumb, now is the time to show it.

-- Steve Hymon

Photo credits: Steve Hymon / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Darryl Medeen]

Steve Hymon, in your assessment of the median on Eagle Rock Blvd. below Colorado is unfortunately accurate. 99% of the medians from south of Colorado to Glassell Park / Highland Park are covered with asphalt or cement ! Eagle Rock is in dire need of help to develop the medians.

The good news is, a concerted effort is underway by The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful, CERB, (a nonprofit volunteer group), the Neighborhood Council, and Councilman Huizar's office. The master plan is to plant drought resistant and Calfornia natives throughout ER.

CERB is working hand in hand with these partners to ensure the beautification of Eagle Rock.

Thanks to Jim Omahen, Eagle Rock Field Deputy, who is always available to help in anyway, including the medians, we should be ultimately successful with a well designed and aesthetically pleasing execution of the beautification plan.

Steve Hymon, we need your help in anyway to bring a better image of our community through the medians.

As regards to your observation of the Colorado "green belt" from Eagle Rock Blvd to Townsend Ave. One of CERB's past efforts have raised funds to plant 20 Magnolia trees on the Colorado green belt, 12 Magnolias have been planted, 2 in the median across from Huizar's Eagle Rock District Office and 8 will be planted in the near future.

CERB volunteers work the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month.

Sincerely, John Stillion, Director, CERB

[Michelle]

As a new Eagle Rock resident, I applaud any street improvement, especially since street improvements are great for economic development. In fact, I would love to see a green median added to the stretch of Colorado between the 2 (or rather the Target) and Eagle Rock Blvd. This median would go a long way towards slowing traffic sufficiently to give the small businesses that align the West expanse of Colorado a fighting chance. It would also save the Target-going pedestrians (and there are many) from crossing 7 lanes of traffic, filled with autos fresh off the highway and still using highway speeds. Further, such street improvements provide jobs– which is ideal in this economy where so many jobs are being lost. As Steve noted, there’s a nice little business district on the East expanse of Colorado. Wouldn’t it be great to see an expanded Eagle Rock business district along more of Colorado!

[M]

How about turning the care of these plants over to people that live there as a community garden?

[Paul]

We're nearly in a recession and you want city officials to spend my tax money on plants? Please find something more worthwhile to worry about.

[Damon]

Come on guys, Home Depot was having a sale. Give them a break. BTW, are these things even attached to the street or are they free for somebody to jack them? My garden needs some sprucing up.

[Timothy Blake]

Yeah, I take note of the weak attempt every time I drive by, which is EVERYDAY. Perhaps the neighborhood council could use their discretionary funds to have professionals beautify the main drags.

Don't be too suprised about the council office's proximity. There was a jarring pothole right in front of the office that lasted for at least a week or more.