By T.A. Hendrickson, Editor of the Boulevard Sentinel
Two things jumped out at me as I compiled the following list of the top 20 most-read stories in the Sentinel in 2021.
First, Northeast Los Angeles had its share of change, controversy and tragedy in 2021, punctuated by bright moments in art, food – and vaccines.
Second, the list reflects the Sentinel’s hard work in 2021 to bring you the local news. If you value local news for NELA, please contribute to the Sentinel.
The top 20 stories for 2021, as measured by views, are:
Please give to help the Boulevard Sentinel bring you the local news in 2022
Number one on the list should be the destruction and take over of Eagle Rock by B R T.
B R T ‘s Plans to destroy our beautiful community for ever and change it into a crowded
place to live, is unforgivable . Those people who are responsible for the change obviously don’t live in Eagle Rock . Such as HILDA SOLIS , KEVIN DE LEON , AND OTHERS… .It’s an attempt to gentrify Eagle Rock by letting existing businesses go out of business .
The community has overwhelmingly voiced their opinion against this attempt to convert Colorado Blvd into a MASS TRANSIT CORRIDOR. . . Eagle Rock Residents continue to be ignored by B R T. AND THE REST…. i wonder if their is something illegal going on here that we don’t know about ?
Believe me Robert. What you said echos the sentiments of alot of us. These politicians drop in, grab money, and leave. They use our community as a testing lab and then ditch us for higher office, federal prison, or obscurity. Please run for De Leon’s seat Robert…
I’m sorry Robert, but it’s a false notion that increasing transit and reducing unnecessary parking spaces (such as the BRT project) will have any sort of harmful effect on the businesses. I think you are a little misunderstood on the goals of the BRT. Colorado BLVD is already a dangerous mass transit corridor, with two lanes of traffic traveling at freeway speeds, presenting a challenge for anyone who rides a bike or walks.
Have you taken a look at the updated plan? In the outline, more vegetation and tree cover will be added, providing a more pleasant and beautiful experience for travel. A dedicated bus lane moves more foot traffic and reduces overall emissions in the neighborhood. Less cars on the road means slower speeds and encourages more foot traffic and discourages travel from out-of-town. It will be quieter, more peaceful, and the businesses will continue to thrive.
There are plenty of Eagle Rock residents who support better urban planning that doesn’t rely on car-dependency. None of this plan is “destructive” or “mass transit” or “gentrified” or “crowded”. I’m not sure where you are getting that information from. Why should you be forced to get into a car for every trip outside the house? Can’t we encourage healthy growth in our town by making it safer to travel by foot, bus, or bike? Our neighborhood is beautiful, and we should treat it with care. Cheers.
I feel sorry for you and those who have been misinformed, and wish there was a way I could wave a magic wand and put some since into you…
For your information we already have Trees along Colorado Blvd, that haven’t been watered in years. They have intentionally been ignored , to make way for BRT . You will notice that Colorado Blvd has Trees, but there are a few bald spots were beautiful Magnolia Trees use to be….
I understand that slowing traffic is a concern , and there are other ways of slowing traffic. They can put speed bumps, or signal lights for example…and there are other ways to slow down the traffic… Already Our beautiful GRAND BOULEVARD the envy of Los Angeles has been reduced from three lane to two lanes , for a bicycle lane that is rarely used .
BRT proposes that the dedicated buses pick up and exit people along the median, which is much more dangerous than using the existing bus stops located conveniently along Colorado Blvd.
The notion that it will increase foot traffic is NOT REALISTIC. I own a business on Colorado Blvd. I’ve been in business for over 38 years , I also Own a home in Eagle Rock, and I can tell you this will drive out many businesses from the area. It will force many of them to go under. Many of the owners I’ve spoken to are trying to decide whether they should sell there buildings, because the business they rent to might not be around for too long and two year constructions won’t allow them to pay the rent.
This brings me to my next point …. GENTRIFICATION OF THE BOULEVARD , is another reason many appointed people are backing this. It will allow for those building that are sold to be torn down and allow for Multi Story Buildings on Colorado Blvd., with apartments on top and small business on the bottom….
Lets talk about the parking problem in Eagle Rock …. As it is there is on ONE Public Parking area , near the library . There are a few parking spots in front of the businesses on Colorado Blvd. , but they must ALL SHARE THE EXISTING PARKING SPACES, that already aren’t enough…. People already are FORCED TO PARK ON THE SIDE RESIDENTIAL STREETS. That is not good for the home owners and residents of those streets which also experience a SHORTAGE OF PARKING SPACE….
The 2 New BRT PROPOSALS are both designed in a way that MORE ELIMINATION OF PARKING IN INEVITABLE …..HOW DO YOU THINK THE RESIDENTS FEEL ABOUT THAT ?
Well SADLY most residents , have no clue as to what is planned. It has been my personal pleasure along with a few other TRUE Eagle Rocker’s to try and spread the word….
We’ve collected THOUSANDS OF NAMES THAT ARE AGAINST BRT’ s PLANS FOR A DEDICATED BUS LANE. We’ve demonstrated in more than several times in the past three years that we don’t want the BRT’S DEDICATED BUS LANE HERE …( find out what happened at the open house held at the Eagle Rock Plaza, or how about the open the time BRT held an open house at Occidental College. These and all the other attempts to convince the community were a disaster for them….. They thought they would be under represented, because THEY FAILED AND CONTINUE TO FAIL IN BEING HONEST AND TRANSPARENT with the businesses and residents of Eagle Rock…
I don’t know of anyone who goes grocery shopping on the bus. I don’t know of anyone that takes the bus to go do their laundry, and as I look out my window on to Colorado Blvd and watch the buses go but with less than 10 people in side , PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAKE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. You really ought to take off your rose colored glasses and see the reality of what this TAKE OVER OF THE BOULEVARD means to the businesses and residents of EAGLE ROCK.
Warm Regards / Stay Safe ! / BE KIND to everyone .
The BRT project is an expensive attempt at social engineering that’s destined to fail. Few people in L.A. would prefer to use buses or trains over private transportation, and Metro’s Facebook page is full of complaints from unfortunate riders about how dirty and dangerous public transport is here.
Robert. Trust me Your voice echos what most Eagle Rockers feel. Man brother you have to consider running against De Leon. Let’s keep the Rock intact for years to come. Build on what we know is best for the 90041 not just some folks we know will sell their homes, cancel their rent agreements, or leave once this brt thing makes us as congested as the west side.
Robert. Trust me Your voice echos what most Eagle Rockers feel. Man brother you have to consider running against De Leon. Let’s keep the Rock intact for years to come. Build on what we know is best for the 90041 not just some folks we know will sell their homes, cancel their rent agreements, or leave once this brt thing makes us as congested as the west side.
Robert. Trust me Your voice echos what most Eagle Rockers feel. Man brother you have to consider running against De Leon. Let’s keep the Rock intact for years to come. Build on what we know is best for the 90041 not just some folks we know will sell their homes, cancel their rent agreements, or leave once this brt thing makes us as congested as the west side.