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| Birney car #1031, Edgeware near Kellam Ave., c. 1944 |
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Victorian Open House Tour fund-raiser is a Huge Success! We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who helped us put on this event. They worked very hard and we appreciate their support! In spite of the record heat that we had on the weekend of May 17 and 18, our Open House Tour fund-raiser was a huge success. It went off smoothly and again shows that the public supports our effort to bring back vintage trolley car transportation to Los Angeles. The large crowd of tour goers enjoyed themselves as they were treated to interior viewings of several historic homes in Angeleno Heights, including the house that was used on the “Charmed” television series and also the home of the noted architect, Arthur Benton, who designed the Riverside Inn. They shopped with the many vendors who set up on Carroll Ave. and refreshed themselves with grilled hot dogs, chips, ice cold sodas and water. They also treated themselves with “paletas”, delicious frozen fruit bars made with whole fruit, while listening to the great live music of our V.P., Chris Wabich, and his friends, who entertained the crowd with light jazz selections. At other times they soothed us with live steel drum music that made you yearn for a beach so that you could slip your toes into that cool ocean water. What a treat!
Our neighbor, Harvey Shield, also performed with his amazing “Doo-Wop” group, the Mighty Echoes who took us right back to those wonderful days of the 1950's and early 1960's when you knew the words to the songs and you could sing right along. Sensational! Posted by AHTROLLEY on June 14, 2008 IRS Acknowledges Our Official "Non-Profit Charity" Status We are proud to announce that Angeleno Heights Trolley Line has received an official notification letter from the IRS, dated January 25, 2008, stating that we have officially qualified for continued status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.This is the result of our hard work, and the generous support of our neighbors and the public who believe in our project, over the past 5 years of our “probationary” period. We extend our sincere thanks to all of you who have supported our efforts in the past and to all who continue to support us. Posted by AHTROLLEY on January 30, 2008 Angeleno Heights Historic Homes Tour Angeleno Heights Trolley Line proudly announces preparations for an open house tour of historic Victorian and Craftsman homes in Angeleno Heights, the first suburb of Los Angeles, dating to 1886. The house tour will also be a part of the nationwide celebration of the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial with over 4 dozen events being planned so far. This major fund-raising event will take place on the weekend of May 17th and 18th, 2008. Ticket holders will not only see these 120 year old architectural wonders from the outside, but they will see how the upper middle class of the late 1800's lived inside their homes, too. Among the houses featured will be several restored Victorian houses on famous Carroll Avenue. These homes, and many others in our neighborhood, have been featured in scores of Hollywood motion pictures, television productions and in commercials for television and print. Houses have been featured in the productions of “Chinatown”, “Lady Sings the Blues”, “East of Eden” (remake), “The Thornbirds”, “Charmed”, “Helltown”, Michael Jackson's “Thriller” music video, and “The Color Purple” with Oprah Winfrey just to name a few! When attending our event, you will also see many pieces of original artwork by the artist, author and champion of preservation, Leo Politi. His career spanned over 60 years and included many children's books, paintings of the Victorian mansions on Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles, the mansions of Redlands and Angeleno Heights, several library murals, and countless portraits of the children of our city. Leo captured the charm that forms when the mixture of historic houses and the people who interact with them come together. He was a noted and beloved resident of our neighborhood for many years. Among other surprises, you will see the house where Leo and his family lived in Angeleno Heights and you will be able to meet his son and daughter. For more information about the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial celebration, see our “Links” page. For ticket information you may contact us through our “Events” or “Contact” page. Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 19, 2007 Rummage Sale Fund-raiser Huge Success! Our 4th annual Rummage Sale fund-raiser on June 8th and 9th, 2007 was a huge success. We were given donations from dozens of neighbors, and the general public, who all believe in our project. A car was even donated by a very enthusiastic supporter. (Thanks Eduardo!) And, our thanks to all of the other donors and buyers who helped to make this fund-raiser worth all of the hard work. Posted by AHTROLLEY on June 14, 2007 Vintage Trolley at 1/20th Cost of Metro Rail Our proposed Trolley Line would cost about 1/20th of the estimated $1 billion being spent on a Metro Rail extention currently under construction in our city. The tracks are of similar length, 5 to 6 miles. They are of course two different transportation systems. The Metro Rail line would move people. That is its function. Ours on the other hand will not only move people, but as an added bonus it could bring in 20 times its cost in private investment to the area. In an article from “USA Today”, dated January 9, 2007, the vice president of the Tampa (Florida) Historic Streetcar (line), Michael English, is quoted as saying that they spent $55 million on their project and attracted $1 billion in private investment. Talking about “bang” for your buck ! Our Trolley Line would also bring a huge influx of tourist dollars to the area that it serves and to the City of Los Angeles in general. Any vintage trolley line will attract tourists from outside and from within our city. Given a choice, the general public would much rather ride on a trolley car than ride on a bus or a brand new Metro train. Other cities have had the sense to use this asset for over a hundred years. Take for instance the trolley line in New Orleans. It has been running for over 150 years. And, what about those cable cars in the city north of us? They are synonymous with that city's name. It's something called “charm”. We have it and we want to bring it to Los Angeles. Watch out San Francisco ! We would appreciate your support of our project. Go to our “LINKS” page to contact our Mayor or City Council Members. Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 16, 2007 Yellow Trolley Will Run "Green" In these days of the awakening realization that mankind is over-polluting his environment, Angeleno Heights Trolley Line intends to run its trolley cars using as much “green” power as possible. At least part of the electricity used to power these quiet and non-polluting transportation vehicles will be purchased from wind, solar and water generated sources. At Angeleno Heights Trolley Line we care about our environment and yours. That is why we are offering an alternative transportation to the car or bus. We are looking to the past in bringing you the transportation of the future! Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 15, 2007 4th Annual Rummage Sale Fund-raiser Set for June 8th-9th, 2007 Hi Trolley Fans- If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Posted by AHTROLLEY on March 18, 2007 Time To Move Again ! Help needed ! December 2006 Posted by AHTROLLEY on December 11, 2006 David Cutler Elected Vice President February 17, 2006 The Officers of Angeleno Heights Trolley Line have unanimously elected David Cutler, an architect and resident of Angeleno Heights, to the office of Vice President for Urban Design and Planning. Mr. Cutler brings with him a well-rounded knowledge base for solving the problems that arise in establishing our project. Posted by AHTROLLEY on April 16, 2006 Chris Wabich Elected Chairman of the Board February 10, 2006 At the annual Board Meeting, Chris Wabich our Senior Vice President, was elected to the position of Chairman of the Board. Chris has been with the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line from the beginning and is counted on for his hard work and sound ideas. Posted by AHTROLLEY on April 16, 2006 Echo Park Improvement Association Supports Trolley Project! January 10,2006 Dear Mr. Lash, Following your presentation at our meeting on January 5, 2006, the members of Echo Park Improvement Association enthusiastically endorsed the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line. Thank you for the very comprehensive look at the value of electric trolley mass transit in general, and the restoration of the historic trolley line in Angeleno Heights in particular. We are impressed by your approach, emphasizing the combination of the pracitical benefits of inexpensive mass transit with the historic charm of the old-fashioned trolley cars. Restoration of the trolley line would complement this area's unique architecture very well. The Echo Park Improvement Association is happy to support the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line. Sincerely, Lynn Barbe Posted by AHTROLLEY on April 16, 2006 El Pueblo de Los Angeles Commissioners Give Enthusiastic Support The El Pueblo Historical Monument, Board of Commissioners, who oversee the Olvera Street area where our City was founded in 1781, unanimously voted to support our project. We have received the following letter: October 20, 2004 Subject: SUPPORT OF THE ANGELENO HEIGHTS TROLLEY LINE On September 23, 2004, the El Pueblo Historical Monument, Board of Commissioners, voted unanimously to support the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line Project. On behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank you for your presentation of the project to the Commission on September 9, 2004 and for your commitment to preserving the rich culture and history of Los Angeles. The Commission is enthusiastic at the potential of an authentic trolley car providing convenient connections to historical, pedestrian oriented areas such as El Pueblo Historical Monument, Echo Park Business District and Lake, Chinatown, and Union Station. The El Pueblo Historical Monument Commisssion and Authority Department share your vision and are pleased to support the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line Project. Sincerely, (signed) RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES cc: El Pueblo Historical Monument, Board of Commissioners Posted by AHTROLLEY on January 31, 2005 Trolley Needs Indoor Housing to Begin Restoration Our Birney Safety Car #1030 needs an indoor location where we can protect it from the weather and begin at least some of the lighter restoration work. We need an area approximately 30 ft. by 50 ft. that is secure and that is as reasonably close to downtown Los Angeles (Angeleno Heights) as possible. If you have a suitable location and would like to donate its use for this important phase in our project, please contact us. If you have a larger area, that is good too. We can use the space to work on our small fleet of trolleys that we will be acquiring in the future. We are a 501( c )3 nonprofit organization and you may be eligible for a tax write off, not to mention the good feelings that you will have by being a part of this historic adventure in our city! Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 29, 2004 Councilman Eric Garcetti States Many Benefits of Trolley in Strong Letter of Suport! The following letter of support was received from Councilman Eric Garcetti: June 21, 2004 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing in support of Angeleno Heights Trolley Line, Inc. and their effort to revive an electric streetcar line that will serve the community of Angeleno Heights by running through Echo Park into Union Station by way of Olvera Street and Chinatown. Once, these lines ran through many parts of Los Angeles, and the Angeleno Heights program would seek to use these same rails to provide another form of public transportation. This proposal would additionally give residents additional freedom to use other forms of transportation, as the rail line would connect to several Metro Lines and Metro Link trains. As well, these electric cars would be an environmentally friendly way in which community members would be able to explore new areas of Los Angeles and commute to work and other functions. In addition to the transportation services that this streetcar would provide, the cultural contribution it would make is an important aspect of the revival of this rail line. Decades ago, Los Angeles was crisscrossed with streetcars that ran to all different parts of the city. By bringing back a small portion of this once massive public utility, Angeleno Heights Trolley Line, Inc. would be embracing Los Angeles' cultural heritage. By fusing the need for public transportation and the modern concept of electrically run vehicles with this cultural icon, this proposal would simultaneously remind Los Angeles of is roots while serving the needs of its citizens. I strongly encourage you to support the proposal that has been presented by the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line, Inc. Programs such as these serve to help our communties grow stronger. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at my field office at (323) 913-4693. Sincerely, (signed) Eric Garcetti Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 26, 2004 Full Support Offered in Letter From Councilman LaBonge The following is a transcript of the letter that we received from Councilman Tom LaBonge of the 4th District: June 21, 2004 Mr. Bruce Lash, President Dear Mr. Lash: I am very excited to learn of your plan to revitalize the Angeleno Heights Trolley Line to run from one of Los Angeles' most historic and charming neighborhoods to nearby Echo Park, Chinatown, Olvera Street, Union Station and downtown Los Angeles. It will be a day to celebrate when we see the restored “Birney Safety Car” roll down the tracks carrying patrons again - a development that is sure to renew interest in our City”s historic trolley system as well as reveal our older neighborhoods in the Central City to those who have yet to know and love them. A light rail will only enhance Angeleno Heights the more, already the City's first Historic Preservation Overlay Zone and amazingly, considered the City's first suburb. You are fortunate to have assembled a group of committed activists and volunteers who are willing to spend the energy to see this project become a reality. Please know that you have my full support and my willingness to promote your project to my colleagues on the City Council and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). I look forward to working with you and others involved in this wonderful project. Sincerely, (signed) TOM LABONGE Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 06, 2004 Councilman Reyes Offers Letter of Encouragement and Praise The following letter was sent to us by Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes: CITY OF LOS ANGELES March 17, 2004 To whom it may concern: As Councilman of the First District of Los Angeles, I would like to express my strong encouragement to the ANGELENO HEIGHTS TROLLEY LINE, INC. in their efforts to renew a local trolley for the Angelino Heights community. This mode of travel made Angeleno Heights, the City's “First Suburb”, possible back in 1886 and could be a fitting addition to the City's first Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. Angeleno Heights Trolley Line, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded by volunteer neighbors in order to facilitate the restoration of the trolley line. It is also the caretaker of an original streetcar that once ran from Angeleno Heights to downtown from 1920 to 1946. The possible reestablishment of this vintage trolley line is worth examining if for no other reason but to remind our city's residents of our wonderful transportation and cultural history. Clearly the ANGELENO HEIGHTS TROLLEY LINE, INC. should be commended for their willingness to delve into this ambitious endeavor. Sincerely, (signed) ED P. REYES, Councilman Posted by AHTROLLEY on April 07, 2004 Generous Neighbors Rescue Trolley with New Location! With a deadline to move our Birney Safety Car set at March 31, 2004, we were within days of having no new location set, when a small group of neighborhood preservationists came to our rescue. They had recently headed a coalition in a successful effort to prevent the construction of a large condominium project in the heart of historic Angeleno Heights. As a result, they were able to offer us a site on a prime undeveloped lot, on E. Edgeware Rd., within feet of the tracks that our trolley actually used between 1920 and 1946. It is located just around the corner from Carroll Ave., known for its spectacular Victorian residences, countless movie scene “shoots” and the core of our Historic Preservation Zone. After some frantic last minute preparation we were able to purchase some railroad ties on which to set the trolley and secure the services of a tilt-bed tow truck to move it. The move made on March 30th was a lot of hard work, but it went well. We now have the trolley at the new site. Our special thanks goes to Hank Ford for providing our last site. Also, to Jim and Susan Prager, Murray Burns and Planaria Price for providing our new location. See our Photos page for pictures of the move. Posted by AHTROLLEY on April 07, 2004 Trolley Photographed for "Los Angeles Magazine" Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004: Posted by AHTROLLEY on February 12, 2004 Portfolio Completed We spent the last few months of 2003 putting together a portfolio of our project. It includes basic information along with answers to frequent questions, vintage trolley pictures, our proposed route map and photos of the points of interest along our route. This information package will be used to familiarize public officials and governmental agencies with our endeavor and to solicit support and donations from corporations and businesses. Posted by AHTROLLEY on February 12, 2004 Trolley Information Booth at MTA Gold Line Opening Signs up Hundreds More Supporters The Angeleno Heights Trolley Line offered information about our special project to the public at the MTA Gold Line opening ceremonies and festivities held on the weekend of July 26 and 27. It was another exciting event in the ongoing transportation history of Los Angeles. We were futher encouraged by the hundreds of people who took time out to find out about our proposed trolley line and sign our membership cards showing their support. Posted by AHTROLLEY on September 25, 2003 Information Booth at Echo Park Lotus Festival Gets Overwhelming Show of Support for our Trolley Line There was an incredible outpouring of public support for our Angeleno Heights Trolley Line project at the Echo Park Lotus Festival this past weekend of July 12 and 13, 2003. We were inundated with requests for membership cards at our information booth. Over 1000 people took the time to fill out our form and receive their card because they wanted our trolley line to be brought back. In the 12 to 14 hours that our booth was open, we signed up well over one person every minute! Many supporters volunteered to help with various aspects of our endeavor and we made some very important contacts. Please see our PHOTOS page for pictures. On top of all this good news, we received some very helpful monetary donations that are much appreciated. Our thanks to those donors. We are continually encouraged by the support that we get at every turn! Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 15, 2003 Our Route in Pictures Check out our PHOTOS page to see pictures of the highlights on our route. Posted by AHTROLLEY on July 15, 2003 Donations for Next Fundraiser We are now taking donations for our next Rummage Sale Fundraiser. Please save up your things and when you get them together let us know. We can use anything that is sellable. Just keep us in mind before you throw anything away, give anything away or sell anything. If you aren't sure or have any questions, email us. Click on the “Contact” page of our website. Remember, all donations are tax-deductible. Posted by AHTROLLEY on June 12, 2003 Angeleno Heights Trolley Line gets Tax-Exempt Approval Angeleno Heights Trolley Line, Inc. has just received our tax-exempt approval from the IRS, and we now officially have 501©(3) status. (We have already been approved for State tax-exempt status.) This will allow us to begin seeking grant money in order to fund our project and it allows all donations made to us to be tax deductible. Posted by AHTROLLEY on June 12, 2003 Trolley Officers Tour San Pedro Red Car Line On June 3, 2003 the Officers of Angeleno Heights Trolley Line were invited to take a tour of the San Pedro Red Car Line and take a test ride the length of their tracks. We were very impressed, to say the least, with the outstanding quality and craftsmanship shown in these streetcars. The first one that we had the opportunity to view, #501, was a replica of a 1908 streetcar, although most riders will be hard pressed to tell. It was like going back in time. The attention to details, the woodwork, the advertising signs all made you feel privilaged just to be on board. We were then able to take a ride on #1058, a restored vintage car, that is equally magnificent. What a thrill! Take the time to go see and ride these streetcars. You won't be disappointed. San Pedro is only a short drive south of Los Angeles. They should be operating for the general public in mid-July. Be sure to check out some of our pictures on our “Photo” page. Posted by AHTROLLEY on June 12, 2003 Board plans booth for Lotus Festival. The annual Echo Park Lotus Festival, to be held this Summer on July 12th and 13th, will include a booth for The Angeleno Heights Trolley Line not-for-profit group to help inform Los Angeles residents about the trolley project and restoration efforts. Maps and displays will show the proposed route and the history of the trolley line. Literature on the project will be handed out and committee members will be on hand to answer questions. Promotional buttons will also be available. Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 23, 2003 May 17th reception & trolley viewing. Drinks and desserts were served at an unveiling of the trolley that is graciously being stored on a residential property in the neighborhood. Interested parties from all over the greater Los Angeles area were invited to tour the Birney streetcar and to marvel at all of the amazing features that will be restored to operating condition. Trolley Board members were on hand to host the event and answer questions. Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 23, 2003 Firehouse garage sale a success. Area residents donated vintage & modern treasures for a garage sale held on April 11th, 12th & 13th, 2003 at the historic neighborhood firehouse. Proceeds collected from the steady stream of shoppers was added to the Trolley restoration fund. Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 23, 2003 Original Birney Car comes home. The #1030 trolley car was protectively stored in Glassell Park after the Los Angeles Light Rail system lost its battle with the motor industry. Thanks to the Electric Railway Historical Association of Southern California, it was returned to its original home in Angeleno Heights on September 13th, 2002. See the photos page for pictures of the trolley's arrival in the neighborhood. Posted by AHTROLLEY on May 23, 2003 |
