El Sereno

Hi
I was raised in El Sereno from birth in 1949 to 1970 when my parents moved to Temple City.I loved all the articles here, but no one mentioned the beautiful fresh water creek that ran under Edna street near Dorchester ave,A deep gorge tree lined where street were dead ended,just south of Edna street. It was closed to cars and walkers had a nice wooden walk bridge there,we crossed it to go to sierra park school (the old building before they tore it down),
The creek ran all year long, spring fed,we`d catch polywags in the creek.North of Edna street was a swampy part where snunks and other critters
lived.
People complained about the open ravine next to there house were people could dumped things and the city promised to cover the creek.They did it was probably early sixty`s,big cement pipes were used and they buried all the life out the the natural El Sereno resourse.Back then people did not want to save nature things,most people were from the mid west and wanted city life.
The creek ran under Oakalnd street,Navarro St.and somerset dead ended on the creek,there was also another branch that ran into the creek, it ran in back of Copeland came from the hills where there was a lake,lots of water,beautiful place, my favorite memorie where i played as a child,now its covered,and only a great memorie.

John Boyko

Once again I am pleased to see so many residents recalling what this town once was like. We have a chance to renew our community by participating in the community. I have filed to be a candidate for the upcoming elections of the Neighborhood Council. If you have not heard of the Neighborhood Council, we are residents of the community that promote the best City services for the rest of the neighbors.
Come out and vote on Thursday April 29, 2010 and make a positive change. I will continue to do the best I can to make where we live a better place. For information purposes, I live in Rose Hills, and things have improved.
Rose Hills Review,
Anthony Manzano

El Sereno.. Has Changed so Much its Sad.. What Most of you don't Understand, That El Sereno was Called Little Town back in the Late 40's and 50's the Streets were Clean and Gangs almost didn't Exist in this area. The Community was mostly Italian's which made their way from North Broadway, then to Alhambra. On Huntington Dr. There Was the El Sereno Club which was Nice at one time.. Eastern Ave.. Look like a Post Card. Wilson High was on Eastern, now its the Jr. High. During the 60's Wilson had One of the best Football Teams in LA. Kuesha was Coach. and his son the Quarter Back. Which then he went on to Norte Dame, Where he didn't do to well because of his Height. Then after the 60' then 70's Little by Little the Braceros starting Moving in, and the Rest is History.. it looks like a Dump Now!! Then you Wonder why ? the Mexican People Get Stereotype :( Take Pride in Yourself and your Neighborhood and Stop the Stereotype.. Take it for what its worth. Im a Los Angeles Native,from all the way Down to My Great Grand Parents.. Los Angeles Has Changed and believe Me its not for the Better.

We came here from Mexico City. The Romeros. Open up shop in South Central. Iron works & Car repair shop.It was my Granfather & Dad.We moved to El Sereno in the 70's. I went to Huntington Drive,El Sereno Jr high,became a product of my enviroment at 15, and did not graduate Wilson High School,Instead I got a job at Vans Tennis shoes in Alhambra. Living in a place called the Highlands was a living hell to most, However to us it was scary and fun at the same time.Yes there was cholos in our neighborhood but they were our friends and protectors from the outsiders. My father taught us to have fun in other ways. We would buy records from a small record shop on Eastern, 45's for a dollar 12" for about $3 or $4 and that's how we got into music, before you knew it we were going out to a club called The Copacabana on S.Huntington Dr. My brother started DJing all over El Sereno,Highland Park,East LA. I loved growing up in El Sereno,going to the pool in the summer,buying chips and a coke with a dollar at Nates.Most people think of El Sereno as a bad place to live..but that's only cause they are the outsiders who did not live there. To me is a fond memory of my chilhood. Yes I have moved on, however I still go back to buy Pan from El Aguila or we stop by at different taco trucks or El Taquito, I take my kids to the New McDonalds and run into a lot of people from my chilhood there... I LOVE EL SERENO & miss it too...it's part of who I'am Today. A Survivor,Loving Wife & Mother of 2.One day I will take my kids to show them where their father & I grew up. The Highlands were we had lot's of house parties for the kids in the nieghborhood and try to keep them out of trouble.

i was told about this site by my tia who now lives in Chicago. i was so xcited untill i read more, i see that alot of ppl write & complaine about the trashy bus stops, the crackheads & hypes. i know this will upset many but oh well...those gangsters with there graffitti & addicts are the product of a los city. those are the children of your old nieghbors. most of us grew up & moved on & have forgotten about the struggles there. or maybe you really only resided in El Sereno? theres a difference 2 being a true nattive of el serenoas to being someone who lived there for a while. you see i was one of those addicts. society & politicians forgot about Sereno a long time ago. Our schools, parks etc. have fallen 2 nothing because of lack of concern. Of cours we weren't taken care of like s. pasadena & our other neighbors. think about the differences of population or are most of you that blind? i wonder? well i am no longer that addict & am a responsible mother, wife, sister & member of society, i pay my taxes & do what i am able to and help the youth and the addicts that still suffer in their addiction find help. maybe instead of complaing you shuld ask youself, "what can i do to help?" stop complaining about what other don't do, get up & do sumthing yourself. or you can keep your noses up to the air and remember that if you ever come back to try to get some of that great yo mamas pizza or a tamale from the tamale man or need to stop for a red bull at El cafetine, lock you car doors. because it will all still be there unless we do something about it. Absolutely no didrespect inteneded to anyone.

WOW...SERENO..I LIVED ON EASTERN & TEMPLETON, RAN AROUND BALLARD ST. GAMBIER ST. WENT TO SIERRA PRK ELEM. ANY WHERE YOU GO ONCE YOU'VE LIVED SO LONG IN EL SERENO IS JUST NEVER THE SAME. I WENT BACK LAST YR 2 FILM A SHORT DOCUMENTRY ON MY LIFE &THE CHANGES I'VE MADE WE FILMED ON LYNFIELD CIRCLE AND I SWEAR IT WAS LIKE GOING BACK IN TIME. I REMEMBER WE WOULD CLEAN HOUSES, BABYSIT AND MOW LAWNS ALL SUMMER 2 BE ABLE 2 GO 2 THE CAMEO ON FRIDAY RIDE OUR BIKES 2 THE PLUNGE ON SATURDAY & GO ALL THE WAY AROUND TO THE WEBBERS PLACE ON OUR WAY HOME. THOSE WHER DAYS WHEN WE COULD JUST GET A BUNCH OF KIDS ON BIKES & BE SAFE. I MISS IT. LIL RHONDA R.I.P. SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE WE LOST OVER THE YRS.

i do remember the helms man back in 1971 or 72 when he opend his back door of that 1950"s van on harrimen ave and i remember gordons gas station and al's liqur store

Jan, I do remember the Helms Truck for El Sereno, It was Gil, the Helms Man

JD

Does anyone have any stories about Hollister Ave? My family moved here in 2001 and I am very curious about how my neighborhood used to be. Thanks.

watching E.T. At El Cameo, grabbing a snow cone at Foster Freeze, an awsome burger at Jims burger or a slice of heaven at Yo Mammas Pizza and get to watch as a scene of the movie "the Rookie" be filmed at the old dry cleaners, thank god El Taquito is still standing !

what do I rememeber about El Sereno...okay here it goes, the plunge,Sierra Park Elementary burning down when I was in the 6th grade, Wilson High School grades 7-12, the walkouts in 68, Axtell St(where I lived from 3-8 grade, Market Basket, Arthur who lived in a brown shack on Navarro Ave. Basically, it's my childhood. So many memories not enough time. My parents moved from there to Chino, it was like moving to another world. The memories are all good!

I remember when this happened it took half my roof ...I came out on tv cause i saved my dogs LOL..

Where was the Alamo Market located, street name and stores that were right near to it, can't seem to remember where it was. Johnnie's Market over by Valley Blvd, yes I remember that. The "Kings" club with the bright pink and black long jackets, what kind of club were they?? The Skylighters Band, they played at everyone of the dances Wilson had as I remember. The first drive-by shooting was in El Sereno Park in about 1958 late on a Wednesday evening.

el sereno, my childhood backyard, im 37 but still got a chance to see a movie at el cameo.

Ah, that fresh urine in the "pee" tunnel under Huntington Dr, to Huntington Dr school, the memories!

Amasing; this site has become much more than a simple compendium of memories through the years. I have been re-united with a long lost son feared dead. A long-time friend searching for me; & now, asking about a child-hood neighbour & friend, a positive response. This has truly been a wonderful Christmas. Pushing the envelope, &, your patience, does anyone recall a Joyce Farrar who attended El Sereno Lutheran school on Eastern AV? She always helped me through my studies in a one room classroom containing many different grades under one teacher.

Blessings, Frank DeCleve

Frank DeCleve. I know your old neighbor. I am at munhoven72@gmail.com.

What a wonderful site for us to share memories. Thank you for arranging it. I lived in a little hollow in the hills right off Monterey Dr. on Oakhill AV. I have been searching for my neighbour for many years. His name is Chuck Marsh. Does anyone know him, recall him?

Frank DeCleve

What a Christmas gift. I was viewng this web-site again when I ran across a message from my long lost son who disappeared in Mexico over 5 yrs ago. He was assumed dead as his last contact with me stated he was going into Guatemala. This makes two people who have located me because of this forum. Thank you for being so kind as to print a message not about El Sereno.

Frank DeCleve

Great memories of good 'ol El Sereno. What about highlights of what's good today? The community garden on Huntington, the new library, the Barrio Action facility, the indoor pool and skate park at El Sereno Park, and great business people like Kim and Winnie at Johnnie's Market.
Ascot Hills Park is oficially open, we're working on getting its improvememnts finished asap.

Con permiso senior loco, I am glad to see everything turned out for the better for you. You know with a computer and internet access , you also seem to have very good reading and writing skills. Know all we have to do is pass it on to all our little pollito's. Stay up big pollo!

I WAS the Pollo Loco chicken guy! Standing there, doing my job. Trying to raise a little feria. I know who it was. It was a notorious gang that goes by the moniker KFC.

Hey Paul,
I remember that tornado! That was crazy, I was at Sierra Park. Please email me any old El Sereno photos to: julio@ourtownelsereno.com

Thanks!

Wow, what great stories! El Sereno has many memories for many people and as we get older we seem to reflect about our childhood and how we grew up. There will be a new publication in El Sereno starting January 1st called "Our Town El Sereno" and will focus on positive articles on residents, local youth, and local businesses from El Sereno. Please pick up a copy from one of the many businesses, churches, and library in El Sereno. There will be a section devoted to old photos of past businesses and people from back in the day. What I need are photos that you might have sent to me via email so I can share it with the community. Thank you

Remember When someone shot the pollo loco chicken in his chicken suit on Huntington drive and eastern, on the little Island . He was O.k, good thing he had his super chicken outfit on huh. How about the tornado that ran through El sereno,yup it happend . How about metal shop or wood shop?the heads remember. Lots of memories and still going. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See ya, Touch back in a couple months.

Mr. Frank Decleve: I am a friend of your son Eric. He is trying to get a hold of you so u can meet his daughter. U can contact me at jpvallenilla@yahoo.com. To the mods for the site: please don't erase this post. It's christmas.

If any of you have a facebook account, this is a great fan page to join. "I survived growing up in El Sereno" Over 800 members and plenty of memories. Enjoy!

Copy and past the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146128506216&ref=search&sid=691432228.3443097667..1

I want to give many thanks to the local neighbors that have brought back many memories. At ths moment I wish to share a Holiday Activity that will take place on December 19 along Huntington Drive and say Happy Holidays to you all.
I have noticed a couple of postings indicating that our community of 'Rose Hills' has no "s" in the Communities Title. I have done ample research over the years and have found that Rose Hills originated years before Los Angeles was a City. As far back as 1769 and it caried a spanish sense of the current name our community carries. Meaning Rose Hills is older than our Country.(Also much bigger...... once included-Alhambra, South Pasadena, Monterey Park, City Terrace and parts of Lincoln Heights and Highland Park.)
I will once again add my name to the ballot for the upcoming elections to continue to serve the neighbors that depend on my abilities and capacities. Happy Holidays to all Los Angeles Residents.

Rose Hills Review @Yahoo.com
Anthony Manzano

Frank DeCleve: please contact Lawerence Kalfayan, he has my email adress. I hope your well. I am better than ever. My daughter wants to meet you, and so does my wife. Are you still at the beach house?

Please call 3-1-1 to report graffiti, illegal dumping of trash and old furniture. Also, you can call 3-1-1 to report all sorts of other public eyesores and non-emergency disturbances. Give 'em a try! Send a message! In my experience, they're very good at responding.

Tell this to ten El Sereno residents who are tired of apathy and watch your property values increase!

I lived in Hillside Village in the early 50s till I married in 1960. It was a very nice little neighborhood back them, of course we had those certain neighbors that just did not get it, like barking dogs all nite long, and foreign type loud parties, but all in all it was fun. The hills in the spring time, the sheep and trying to find them after school was so much fun. Digging for crystal looking rocks and sliding through the high weeds on big cardboard pices was fun also. That is where the old Ascot Speedway was located before closing it down to build all these track homes from Indiana Ave to Jones Ave, Ditman, Rome Dr. Yellowstone, Hatfield, the Excelant Tamale Factory down the street from Almadale and Indiana Ave. Multnomah grammer school, Helms man, the best cream puffs, the good humorman, great ice cream, the milkman, Hillside Village Market who delivered groceries to our home. Imagine going from 6th grade to big old Wilson Hi grades 7th thru 12th, my kids look at my annuals and say those girls in the 12th grade look like old woman. It is true. I remember the Besh's Store, Leon's Italian Mkt. Legion Statium where Art Laboe put on a show once. The Cameo where the seats where all ripped up. The best was the La Totaca (spelled wrong) best tacos and then the restaurant opened in later years and would all go after a wedding reception. The laundry mat where they actually washed and folded your clothes for a price. on Huntington Dr. and Eastern at Bus Stop. The huge train crash down on Valley Blvd sometime in the mid 50's close to Alhambra, but you could hear it from our home. Many people killed and injured. The big explosion around late 50's in the middle of the night up by Mariana St. in ELA but you could see the flames from the front yard as all the neighbors were out also. The little library on Huntington Dr., I used to take the bus downtown after school to go shopping all by myself see the street people and just keep on walking, would never let my daughters do such a thing back when they were in teenage years. Said too much already as I could go on and on.
Former Hillside Village Resident as a child. By the way the "Whitehouse" up in the middle of the hills by El Sereno was originally going to be a great county club built by a very wealthy person. The pool was already ready to be filled as I hear because I was afraid to go up there, he ran out of money and it was just left there as it stood empty for many, many years.

I posted memories on Nov. 11. Returning to share a few more about growing up in El Sereno in the late 40's, 50's. In the hills bordered by Collis AV on one side, Monterey RD on the other, there was a mysterious cave called 'Iron-Door Cave.' It had a dark opening that seemed to lead downward. Visiting daily with my dog beside me, I never summoned the courage to enter. Does anyone know about this mysterious cavern? In 1962, a fellow was discovered digging in these hills for 'Geronimos gold;' He was interviewed by the LA Times & his story was told. I knew this fellow; he was also feeling presence of ghosts. Does anyone recall this? Needless to say, one did not lock their doors in the 50's; there was no reason to.

Thanks for the opportunity to share memories. Frank DeCleve

I lived in El Sereno 1945-47. Remember the Helms truck? The ice truck, where we'd grab chips that tasted like frozen burlap. The tar truck, good for globs you could chew on all day. The bonfire at Halloween and costume parade. The Mayday pageant at Farmdale - my class wore poppy hats and sang California Here I come. And a 6 yr old could run the grass hills all day, as long as you came home just before dark. I wonder if any of our dirt caves remain.
The Red Car cost a nickel, and went right into LA, to the Pig n Whistle. We didn't have much, a Victory garden for veg and our own rabbits for meat, but we could always scrape up a penny for candy.

Mr. Manzano, Years back my wife and I purchased burial property in Rose Hills (Memorial Park), Now it seems Rose Hills is coming to me...will my plot be included?

To Mr Jeff Z. get real...this is L.A. We are on our own. Why waste your time calling for city "services" Now that's an oxymoron!..get it? "City Services" lol

I too live in El Sereno and love our proximity to Alhambra, and South Pasadena as well as easy freeway access to travel to and shop in communities which are safer, cleaner, and tend to attract better businesses not just taco trucks. It is nice to know I need only drive a short distance to leave this "jewel of a community" behind.

To BOYD ZUMWALT.....Are you related to Janet and did you guys live on La Calandria? If you did, Do you remember the Zavalas who had about 25 kids?

Sorry, I meant Anthony Marrano, not David Marrano. Wanna be politician who wants to change community names. What an azzle.

What the previous poster added rings true. El Sereno has declined, you can tell by all the furniture left out in the streets for months. Maybe residents feel sorry for all the addics who hang @ Huntington Dr & Guardia, so kind of them to put couches & old stained oxidized toilets at bus stops for them to utilize. So compassionate to lay out old stained "colchones" so that hypes can catch some warm rays of sunshine with a quick nap until their next fix. One can call the district to complain, but the "Wanna-be" politicians like David Marrano are too busy trying to rename communities like Rose Hill to Rose HillS. It's disgusting to see where there was once an immaculate Huntington Drive, you now see abandoned shopping carts & strewn used pampers up & down "The Drive", oh and corn cobs too! I think the crack addics use the corn cobs as TP. There are still some lovely residential "pockets" in El Sereno on and around Monterey Rd, Hillside Village, Collis Ave, & the nice clean homes that intersect with Cudahy Ave. These areas are still clean and lovely, My guess is, the residents of these areas have retained their sense of pride in community.

Please call 3-1-1 to report graffiti, illegal dumping of trash and old furniture. Also, you can call 3-1-1 to report all sorts of other public eyesores and non-emergency disturbances. Give 'em a try! Send a message! In my experience, they're very good at responding.

Tell this to ten El Sereno residents who are tired of apathy and watch your property values increase!

Why do people now furnish busstops in El Sereno with sofa's , toilets, and matresses? I remember walking the streets as a child (when it was safe) and looking down at the sidewalks. They glistened as if they had gold flakes embedded in them. My mom used to tell me fairytales of the gold in the sidewalks. Such a shame that a different class of folks moved in, and really trashed the place. I grew up in the Disco Era...used to party at the Great Gatsby (until they opened them on every corner) and the Copacabana...located by the Food Bargain Market. University Hills and Rose Hill were considered El Sereno. Phone numbers started with CA as in Capitol CA1-8228, etc.

For DAVID SOLIS who attended HUNTINGTON DRIVE SCHOOL....Did you live on Lomitas Drive? As far as the school goes, it is STILL THERE, But as you can imagine, THE DEMOGRAPHICS HAVE CHANGED. Most of the children in that school speak SPANISH as their primary and in some cases ONLY language. As for the spelling of the small community enclave known as ROSEHILL, NO "S" in that name. Just goes to show that small time wanna be politicians have no interest in learning the history of the community nor it's constiuents. IF ONLY THEY WOULD DO THEIR HOMEWORK, They would realize that ROSEHILLS is a CEMETERY in WHITTER,CALIF. Wake up, it's ROSEHILL and NOT ROSEHILLS!

I grew up in El Sereno, lived there from 1962 to 1990. We lived next door to the Aversain family, the owners of Dick's TV on Eastern Ave. I remember going to their store with my parents to pick out first color TV. The old black & white TV went upstairs for us kids. Those were the days, rabbit ear attennas, watching TV until it went off the air. El Sereno was a family community then. I remember walking through Jack in the Box while it was under construction, no fences or security at the property. The fireman barbque on Sundays at the Fire station across from Market Basket.

I saw a posting on 11/11/09 at 7:04 pm from a 70 year old Frank Decleve. If you are the same 70 year old Frank Decleve that I worked with at Champion International, please contact me. I am still at the same place as when we last spoke.

CONTINUED... On the corner of Huntington Drive and Collis was the "Seaside" gas station, owned by Gordon Spencer. It was a cute little Art-Deco building and should have been declared a historical building, but too many immigrants started moving in and never appreciated the history of El Sereno. Across from the Seaside Gas station was an old structure that resembled a boat, I think it actually a boat at one time. It always reminded me of Noah's Ark. Down the street from there was the Akron, where one could get drapes, kitchen and bathroom, and bedroom decor. I remember the old Nate's Liqour store. Nate did home delivery until one night, on a delivery his son was murdered during a home delivery. It was then we knew the community was starting to decline. I remember the old saloon like building on the corner of Huntington Drive and Monterey Rd, it actually still had the tie-ups for horses, it was where the Fire Station stands now. There was a Hot Dog stand across from that old saloon building, it is now a gas station. I remember the Cameo, which later became "El Cameo" (such a stupid name), I remember the little brick fire station which reminded me of Norman Rockwell, that building too, should have been declared historical. I remember the Alamo Market, which is now "El Taquito". I remember the old 4th of July Parades, man those were the days! Those parades were so "mom and apple pie", now they are soo "Menudo Y Pupusas". I remember the Dillingham Ticket Company which is now a mecca for welfare recipients to buy get their WIC and EBT cards. I remember Curry's Ice Cream, which later became Hi's coffee shop, then later, a series of fast asian food restaurants. I remember Manny's Drive-In and Hank's Cocktail Bar next door. I lived on Lomitas Drive off of Monterey Rd, respectively Lomitas Drive and Carnegie. That neighborhood was very rural. We had Coyotes, Skunks, Horses, Goats and Roadrunners. I think the Roadrunners died out in those hills 40 years ago when the city "developed" the canyon there. I remember Gloria's Top House which was rumored to have been a house of Ill rupute. I remember National Dollar STore and Besh's and the little mom and pop store nestled there in. That little mom and pop store is now a mexican store that always smells like stinky feet. I remember when the sidewalks were squeeky clean, now they are so filthy with gum and gosh knows what else, one could probably get stuck to them like a mouse would to a "humane" sticky trap, LOL! I remember when all of us kids spoke English as our first and only language, these days most of the kids do not speak English. Oh how long for the good ol days when El Sereno was a jewel.

CONTINUED...... They were never caught. Believe it or not, she only sustained a nick which left a permanent scar on her forehead. Needless to say, they sold out soon after and the little building with it's little castle-like turrets stood vacant for many years until a flower shop made the effort to start a business. Needless to say, their business never FLORISHED, NO PUN INTENDED. Just up the street was another little mom and pop store, it was called PATTERSON'S MARKET, it was on the corner of Reser Drive and Monterey Road. On the corner of Monterey and McKenzie used to be an old fashioned gas station with the antique gasoline pumps.

BEFORE IT WAS CORTEZ' MARKET, The little mom and pop store on Monterey Road was actually NORM'S MARKET, on the corner of Cassatt and Monterey Road. Norm had to sell his business after Capital Market opened up which was the second SUPERMARKET in El Sereno, Market Basket was the first. After NORM'S MARKET closed, a MEXICAN COUPLE bought out the store, their last name was CORTEZ, and they did not speak English, they seemed very distrustful of the predominantly "CHICANO" community, being that they were from Mexico. Mrs. CORTEZ was held up at gunpoint but REFUSED to give up the $12 in cash she had in the register, so the robbers shot her POINT BLANK in the forehead and ran off with the $12 and change.

I was born and raised in El Sereno. El Sereno, as we knew it, covered areas from Monterey Road to Eastern and Valley...and more. Rose Hill (not Rose Hills..do your research) was the official name. I guess it took unaware folks to decide to change the name. Take Our Lady of Guadalupe for example, it is located in Rose Hill...never was it Rose Hills, some people just like to add the S , I guess. My fond memories are of the 4th of July parade starting my Shop Wise and ending at the Park...followed by a carnival with fireworks. I remember Hy's Coffee Shop and later E&J Burgers. I worked at Fosters Freeze. I remember Mario, the manager of McDonalds offering me a job because I would visit every day when they first opened. I recall Gordon's gas station at the corner of Collis & Huntington Dr. I remember Capitol Market and the Wong Family. I remember Al's liquor store, the Saratoga Bar on Monterey Road and Club Royal. I recall Besh's, National Dollar, Market Basket, the Alamo, The Cameo (not El Cameo). I remember Duran's...was it a fabric shop?Boy, I recall the old Wilson High School, when they had Summer and Winter graduating classes. I loved the outdoor swimming pool at El Sereno Park. I remember Halloween at Rose Hill park...and the grease pole. I think they used to place a $20 bill up there. Our parades were the best, our community was clean, nary a couch on the side walk, or tagging. I remember Nate's liquor store and the day his son was murdered. I love El Sereno and will take the good with the bad. Thank you for this trip down memory lane.

My uncle, Wayne Smith, used to work as a short order cook at Hy's Coffee Shop at the corner of Huntington Dr. and Eastern Ave. right before he was drafted and sent to Vietnam. He died in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne near hill 882, west of Hue.

I see tht Hillside Village is part of El Sereno, that's pretty funy since most of the people who lived there when I did during the 60's were trying really hard to show they were better than the people who lived in El Sereno.

I grew up on Gateside Dr before Wilson was built- it was the last street that backed up to huge open spaces- green fields, great for exploring as kids.

The streets were narrow and some of the houses had huge backyards (or at least it seemed like it when I was a little girl) and a couple of neighbors even had swimming pools.

We would grab our carboard boxes and slide down the hillsides, especially after the grass was wet.

The Helms man and ice cream man came almost everyday-some of the boys terrorized the poor drivers-

We would go to El Sereno park for the fireworks and carnival. It seemed like Rose Hills would catch on fire every year.

Most people kept their yards clean, or everyone would talk about you.

Halloween was the best. Every house would decorate, the streets were full of kids carrying paper bags or pillowcases-- families would show movies or cartoons in their garage, another had a haunted house, a lady gave out popcorn balls and another - my favorite-gave out pomegranits--When our bags were full, we 'd go home and get another one-we had enough candy to last all year, or until mama took it away to fill the pinata for somebody's birthday. We didn't check the candy, or only eat things in wrappers, we knew everybody and they knew us. If you stepped out of line, someone would call your mom to tell on you.

In the summer we rollerskated for hours at Multnomah ES-- we had a talent show-it was a lot of fun.

We would sneak out of mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe to go to the hall to get something to eat. I think tacos were 10 cents. On Sundays we all went to the Cameo and watched two movies and cartoons and news clips-- my older brothers would leave a seat empty between them so they could pickup a girl. Someone would always throw popcorn down from the balconey--

As for the gangs, yes they were around-- but they were different back then. They fought with eachother and left the rest of us alone. They wouldn't push around or bully the older people or the little kids-- the played baseball and football (we didn't play soccer) with us--we knew people who drank too much, took drugs, and went to jail-- they were the losers, not the heroes. their families were ashamed. Today, a lot of families look the other way because they want the money they bring in. Almost everyone spoke English-at least all the kids did--
and if you didn't know it, you learned it fast--not like today when kids spends years in school and barely know English and have a strong accent-

I loved growing up in Hillside Village- we really were a village- where everyone knew everyone -we played in our front yards and the streets instead of hiding away in the backyard or inside because we were afraid.

Those were the good old days.

Mr. DeCleve's post brought back a lot of old memories. One in particular: That Shell station at the corner of Eastern and Gambier (or was it Templeton?) was called "Gene's." He used to hire about a half dozen high school kids to work part time evenings and weekends. They would swarm all over the customer's car, cleaning the windows, checking tires, oil, wiper blades etc. I used to drive my old '35 Ford in there, buy 25 cents worth of gas and get the full treatment. When they were in school, Gene would do all that himself.

I moved to El Sereno in 1949; lived on Oakhill AV. just off off Monterey Rd. moved in 1960. There was a Cortez Mkt. just off Huntington a block down Monterey Rd. I read all of the memories posted, but, have not seen 'Manny's pastrami stand' mentioned; it was the hang-out for good food & visiting with friends. His son had been killed in Korea in 1952. A Dick's Mkt on Huntington close to Collis AV. Richard Chung was the owner. How may I post these memories along with the rest? There were open air square dances on certain nights across from Mkt Basket. Many times rode the red street-car to down-town L.A. There was a pool Hall (El Sereno club) above the Cameo theater. Friend Russ Salazars grand-father owned it. I remember sheep grazing on the hills overlooking Monterey RD. Would sic my dog on the sheep dogs (Border Collies) until the Basque sheep-herder scared me with dire threats. Highland Park was my hang-out. Later, it became unsafe to visit (at least I thought so) Us kids would have Roman Candle fights each 4th. BB-gun fights daily. (We were latch-keys) Jr High was a little Lutheran church-school on Eastern before Wilson High. Last time visited was in the early 80's. Two groups were aproaching one another in hostile fashion. One fellow had a pistol in his back pocket; this, on Huntington Dr. where Lou's shoe store would have been. Lou, of Lou's shoe store had been in the RAF during WW2. He flew in Lancaster bombers. Beshe's was the only place in town for nice clothing; he kept up with the latest styles. The Shell station on Eastern close to Wilson High was owned by a fellow who did not like kids buying cigarettes from his machine. We had a plan; one of us would drop a quarter into it & keep walking; another would pull the handle & get the pack. Cigarette dangling from the mouth (James Dean style) was our entry into cool. We all listened to Hunter Hancock playing black R&B. (Very cool)

Thanks for the web-site, the memories of so long ago; I am 70 now. It has been a journey of nostalgia.

Frank DeCleve

i lived in el sereno in the 80s....me and my friends use to work at yo mommas pizza...the owner would have us assemble the boxes in the back patio.....after we were done, he would give us $5.oo in quaters..a large pizza and all you can drink sodas!!!!!!!i use to love it.....until they caught him selling drugs from the pizza joint....thats why they shut him down!!!!!does anyone remember the ditch behind shopwise???? thats use to be my click!!!!sereno the ditch lokos!!!!!!lets not blame the gangsters only....their was alot of crooked people to.....remember texas video on huntington drive.....he use to steal the empty cases from another store in alhambra!!!!!!!or the glass store on huntington.....they use to hire people to break windows!!!!!!!so remember....everyone is guilty of something.........but in the end......el sereno will always be el serewno!!!!

Hello, fellow El Sereno residents. Please remember to call 3-1-1 to report graffiti on public spaces such as electrical boxes, bridge underpasses, etc. Also, they can pick up such public nuisances as couches and other furniture that have simply been left curb side for weeks on end. If we show our pride and call in such things, we're more likely to keep up the quality of living in our neighborhood for all. Let them know at the city government that we care about our neighborhood and want our due share of city services. I think it also sends a message to those individuals who would deface our public spaces.

The hot dog stand at the corner of Eastern and Gambier was originally known as Sam's Hot Dogs. I believe it was built by Sam in the late 1940's and he sold it sometime in the 1950s (I never did know Sam's last name). It was a thriving business because Sam was good company; very witty with a huge supply of jokes. He was very popular with Wilson High students and knew very many of them by name.

I remember Lalo's Hot Dog stand. It was one block from my house. I was maybe 4 years old,but I remember the two swinging doors to walk in. What a flash back! As I remember it was very small with just a counter and stools.

I went to 1st grade at huntington dr.elementary,anyone know what it is called now? i attended around '71

I grew up in El Sereno. We moved there in 1957 and lived on Gambier St. We briefly moved to La Puente then moved back. We lived at 4839 Gambier St and rented from Mr. Russo. We then moved to 4823 Gambier St. In 1965 we moved to 4631 Twining St, in the El Sereno Highlands. We lived there until 1973. Living in El Sereno was like living in Idaho. I remember Kaz Cameras, Besh's, Rasco, Market Basket, Dick's TV, the Richfield Station, the American Legion Hall on Eastern by Val's later Hy's coffee shop. Do you remember Good Joes, Saldana's bakery, the library, Millie's Pizza, the record shop. How about Lalo's Hot Dogs at Eastern and Gambier? I marched as a cub scout in the 4th of July Parade. What ever happened to that town? It seemed like in the early 70's it became overrun with gang bangers. Back in those days if LAPD saw 2 cholos together the braced them. Today you can have a crowd and they just drive by. I take my kids there all of the time.

We moved to El Sereno as newly weds and we are still here as senior citizens. We live in what must have been Aurant. It was news to me.
Yes, I remember Beshes, Rascos, Carrolls Fabrics, Lou's Shoes. All the Italian Deli's. Market Basket, Portolla Drugstore with the fancy gift department. Trick or Treating on Collis . The Christmas Party at the park, with Santa and candy for all the children.
There was the Bi-Centennial Committee. The Co-ordinating Council. The 4th of July Parade. The queens contest and the Honorary Mayors Contest. Willies Los Pochos. Mrs. Ruth Swiggett and Art Snyder. Mr. Phil Breskin of El Sereno Junior High and Mr. Hahn of the new Wilson. Dr. Donald Newman. And the fiesta at All Saints. We read The El Sereno Star and delivering the paper was my sons first job.
There are a lot of old pictures of this area at the old Farmdale one room school house on the campus of ES Middle School. At least they were there several years ago.
All four of our children have been successful and two have returned to El Sereno to raise their families here. They have always been proud of being from El Sereno, and no matter where they go, they are happy to return home. As a Puerto Rican," El Sereno" means night fall and the dew that comes with it. It has always sounded magical to me.
FYI: Charlies Trio is in El Sereno.

Wow! I just came across this posting about El Sereno. I lived on the corner on Eastern and Templeton in the big white house across from Estrada's barber shop. I lived there untill I was 29. Does anyone remember the mexican restaurant La Torteca? How about The Cameo Show? The Hot dog stand the other person was talking about was named Johnnie's Hot Dogs on Huntington Drive. I remember Lou's shoe stores alson on Huntiington Dr, right next to Major G's store. There was Bob's drug store right by El Sereno liquor store. I can go on and on with this.If anyone wants to chat about the old El Sereno add your post. Take Care!

I PRACTICALLY HAVE LIVED IN EL SERENO ALL MY LIFE I AM 32 YEARS OLD AND MY PARENTS MOVED HERE WHEN I WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. I HAVE MANY MEMORIES OF EL SERENO. I REMEMBER GOING TO THE HIGHLAND MARKET ON THE CORNER OF EASTERN AND GAMBIER AND BUYING LOADS OF CANDY WITH 50 CENTS. AND GOING TO THE OTHER STORE ON EASTERN. WE USED TO CALL THE VACA STORE (THE COW STORE) RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET OF EL SERENO MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND GOING TO SEE E.T. AND BAMBI AT THE CAMEO THEATRE WITH MY GRANDMA. WAKING UP EARLY FOR THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND THE HALLOWEEN PARADES AT FAMDALE. AHHH, THOSE WERE THE GOOD OL' DAYS!!!!

I just stumbled upon this comment site while trying to find out the status of Ascot Hill Park, and greatly enjoyed all the comments, epecially the historical ones! I have lived here for 9 years, in an 80+ year old house with view of Ascot Hill, and wonderful neighbors. Along with being adjacent to downtown and Alhambra/Pasadena areas, the area is a hidden gem, with rolling hills, some dirt roads still(!), trees, interesting independent folks, and on some weekends, you can hear people partying down! (Don't think that would fly in some snobbier areas.) Where I am, can hear the trains pulling through, and love hearing them. I am hoping that E.S. does not get "discovered" and yuppi-fied like so many other places have. I will continue to try and find out about Ascot Park. Thanks for this site.

What a pleasure it is reading many of the stories from past and present residents. I have a small collection of photos of the area and would like to have more. If you own or know how to aquire any archived photos, can you please help me out. Send me an e-mail to RoseHillsReview@yahoo.com so we may be able to continue keeping this great history.
I would like to thank all the neighbors for the input provided here and it makes great reading. I hope the times collects the information and does the best with it, including proper community identification.

Rose Hills Review,
Anthony Manzano

If you remember the Pacific Electric streetcars that used to travel in the median between North and South Huntington Drive, then you probably remember the little Pacific Electric Bus that made a continuous circuit through the neighborhoods south of Huntington Drive. It was painted in the same red&orange motif as the P.E. streetcars. It waited at a little canopy at Eastern Ave. and Huntington Drive, where it picked up passengers coming from downtown L.A. on the Sierra Vista streetcar, and carried them to within a block or two of their homes, free of charge. I don't recall the exact route but they went south on Eastern Ave., East on Templeton, then made their way through lots of turns back to Huntington Drive somewhere near the Alamo Market.

I'm really enjoying the comments. My mother-in-law and her sisters grew up on a dairy farm in El Sereno. They moved to Alhambra in 1942, so this quite a while ago. I have lots of old photos of the dairy farm which was located in the hills near Collis and Pullman - which are still undeveloped. Wish I could go for a walk up there and see it for myself.

EL Sereno is my ancestral homeland! We moved from "Rose Hills" to El Sereno in Spring 1964, when I was 13. We lived up in the hills practically on the highest street right above the DWP Ascot Reservior. What a magnificent view we had of the San Gabriel Valley back in 1964. It felt like country living with all the rolling hills surrounding us. The grass would grow at least three feet high during the months of Oct., Nov. and Dec. (no global warming back then) and the hills were awash in bright green colors. The hills were our playground. We would make sleds out of cardboard boxes and slide down the slippery slops. In the early 60's, El Sererno was like living in "Leave It To Beaverland". My sister, friends and I would walk down the "Drive" to the Library at night without a care of worry about our safety. We all went to Wilson - my sister and I to the "old" Wilson; my younger siblings to the "new" Wilson. For my 8th birthday my parents took me to the "Kress Five and Dime" Store on Huntington Drive and I got to pick two birthday presents! We did our grocery shopping at "Market Basket". We would get our gas at "Don Shell's" on Eastern Ave. I even remember when Huntington Drive had a wide center dirt divider - left over from the old Red Railroad tracks. Later Huntington Drive was widen and a sign was placed over the intersection of Huntington Dr. and Eastern saying "Watch El Sereno Grow". The annual 4th of July parade, carnival and fireworks show (at El Sereno playground - even though we called it "park") was the big main event during summer. And, yes - there was Art Synder in the parade every year. It seemed that El Sereno loved him. The Camero Theater on Eastern had seen its best days by the early 1960's. But it was still open and we went there a couple of times. Later it was closed and re-opened during my high school years. Going to Hy's Coffee Shop (on Eastern and Huntington Drive) was also a big deal. There was a hot dog place about 50 feet from Huntington Drive and Easter - can't remember the name - but they made the best hot dogs. They snapped when you bit into them. Everyone used to take good care of their homes and yards. Today, it's sad to see how people just don't care about that anymore. My parents still live in their hill top home and we make sure their front/back yards stay neat, trim and pretty. El Sereno is a reminder of the warm, happy childhood I had. Sure, things weren't perfect back then. But there was a big sense of community, safeness and pride. You were proud to say - "I live in El Sereno". And today, I'm still proud to say "I grew up in El Sereno".

I am a mother of 7 children, I have been in this neighborhood all my life, i was born here, lived in rose hills, my family played a big part in this community. I went to Our Lady of Guadalupe, when i was in kinder, then my parents divorced. We moved to, alhambra, and in my teen years, we ended up, back here, but this time in university hills. I love this place, I got married, and then lived near lombardy. I had my first 2 children. I then divorced, and lived on van horne. I am now married with 5 more kids, and moved back to university hills. This neighborhood is filled with generations, everyone knows everyone, my kids plays with old friends kids, and I enjoy the wonderful veiws we have up here. The only negetives is gang members and taggers, that ruin it. Back in our days, it was not this bad. I hope for the best, for my children and am against them being any part of that rif-raf. I have 2 girls and 5 boys, my youngest was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago, and we need awareness and services for this mind-boggling, disorder. So if you see me in my hood, with my, angel of autism, and we annoy, bother, or simply, catch an eye, please excuse, and If you are ever hit with this in your family, being aware will help. But as for Autism and were it comes from, i am still looking for answers. Live, Love, and Laugh, always my community

Also, nobody mentions the El Sereno Theater on Eastern Ave. at Huntington Drive. We used to go to Saturday Matinees...two cowboy features, five cartoons plus a serial.

We moved to El Sereno in 1949 when I was 7 years old & I lived there until 1964. I went to All Saints. Lots of places have been mentioned, but no one has mentioned Curries on the corner of Eastern & Huntington. There also used to be some sort of pottery place just before Market Basket. I loved going to the library close to Portola, it was small & intimate.

I grew up in El Sereno in the 70's & 80's and moved back last year after being away for most of the 90's and00's.
I remember Yol Mama's Pizza, the Alamo (me and my brother used to sell Kool-Aid and Lemonade in front of it during the summer), Foster's Freeze, the Lark, El Copa de Oro, Model Liquors, Market Basket, Capitol Market, the Cameo, Franco's etc......
Me and my brother went to McDonald's the day it opened to meet Ronald McDonald......Jack in the Box soon followed....
There are a lot of dummies that live in El Sereno w/no common sense and a thuggish mentality.. That's the biggest downside to the place......
Other than that it's a great place w/the best views in L.A. and a lot of long time residents that are good people. It could really use some new businesses and restaurants though...........like a diner, a decent Chinese place and a Mom & Pop neighborhood Italian place would be a good start on the food front.....
And perhaps a gallery or two. And please, someone open a decent bar that serves food and shows games like Charlie's Trio or something comparable....
Anybody remember gangs that faded away over time like the Gambier Locos or MNC (midnight cruisers)?
Or that crazy fad in the 80's where groups of guys formed football teams and played against each other and they were named after metal bands or street names.......JP (judas priest) boys, Haven Boys, Maiden (Iron Maiden) Boys etc........??
I love El Sereno but the business corridor needs a serious face lift.
Oh, El Taquito is a stone cold favorite...it has the greatest hidden lazy Saturday afternoon patio hangout.....grab some food and have some beers there and relax...........I remember when they first opened and it was a 1/4 of the size of what it is today. I think when they first opened the Alamo was still in business.

to P. Sanchez - Please update when/if you hear more info. on Antigua in the old Franco's Mechanic spot. Thanks.

To Alberto V. and anyone who's interested in the Antigua Coffee Shop. Don't quote me on this, but I heard that the owner of Antigua will be opening a coffee shop at the Cal State LA Credit Union that recently opened on Huntington Dr. and Pueblo.

I grew up in the housing tract that was Legion Ascot from 1946 until 1976 and would like to share a few memories. One activity I always enjoyed during the early 50's was watching the sheep herds that were brought in to control the vegetation on the hillsides in the spring time. As kids we use to hear the popping of gunshots that came from an LAPD pistol range that was located at the base of Ascot Reservoir, after it was closed off sometime in the late 50's the neighborhood kids would go and dig the slugs out of the impact area. There was an abandoned concrete building that overlooked Eastern Ave. where the 'new' Wilson High School is located. That building with its unfinished swimming pool served as a kind of playground for the adventurous kids of the neighborhood. We called it the 'White House' or the 'Castle', I never got a definitive answer about its origins from my parents. They would mutter something about a country club or golf course. Many the times I would ride my bike down Multnomah Drive, Indiana St. and Yellowstone Drive never realizing it was part of a world famous race track!
We attended All Saints catholic school and would take a bus to get there, sometimes though we would ride our bikes or even walk the whole distance. The hills were a kind of wild life preserve for us at that time. We would see hawks, meadow larks, trapdoor spiders, tarantulas, lizards, rabbits and one of the neighbors even saw a deer early one morning in the early 60s. A different neighbor taught us boys how to flush rabbits from the brush while he waited with his bow and arrows, great fun! Over the hill on Cyril street there used to be an open creek that we would visit to catch tadpoles and toads in the summertime.
I met a Dr. Newman in the mid 70s who was compiling a book about the history of El Sereno. He had a lot of interesting information about it but I don't know if he ever got the book published, perhaps his family could be contacted about whether it ever made it to print.

I grew up in El Sereno and lived there up until my mid 20's. My grandparents purchased their first home in 1954. I really appreciate the posts on the history of El Sereno and would enjoy reading more. It is refreshing to know that residents are interested in discussing the hidden treasures and landmarks. Hopefully, a book or website can come out of this discussion. Like other local areas, El Sereno does have an important history. I have shed a few tears on the wonderful childhood memories. Although, there have been problems with drugs and gang activity, there are still positive aspects to the community.

Growing up in El Sereno in the 80's, I remember the Market Basket, the Capital Market and the Newland's Hardware store.

There seems to be a strong trend in Los Angeles to recognize its historical significance and restore historical homes and landmarks. I am hoping that there is more discussion on El Sereno and that a movement will occur to beautify the area. El Sereno is in a prime location and close to affluent areas. There is major potential for the area to be a prospective place to live if people are able to see the positive aspects in the community. With this, property values will go up and those long time home owners would benefit.

Sadly, my grandparents have passed and I am unable to ask them how it was when they moved in. So, I appreciate the posts.

I have a three year old and want to be able to show her the hope that her great-grandparents had when they moved into the area in 1954.

I really wish our community would use spell check more often.
It is especially discouraging when elected officials (Mr. Manzano) fail to use this most efficient tool...how can we take someone seriously when they cannot even spell simple words such as barely, traveled, please, truly...maybe there is a problem with the "e" key on his computer??!!
Also, I agree with Edgar, El Sereno means night watchman...not everything translates "literally" in any language!

Naybody know where I could find old vintage pictures of El Sereno? I would love to see old pics and remember the good ole days.

I remember the Alamo..I grew up in El Sereno from late 70's to late 80's till I got married and moved. My mom and dad still live there on good ole Oakland St..remember going to Yo Mamma's pizza and getting paid .25 cents per pizza box made..the we would go across to the alamo and play video games..Still love going there and hanging out at my parents with my friends..as a kid loved to wake up early 4th of July and see the horses and bands in our block..Anyone remember when the Dodgers came to Big Savor Markets and signed autographs..Mota, Duncan, Revino, Stubbs..

There is a prominent concrete structure on a hilltop on the west side of El sereno, which we used to refer to as the "White House." I first moved to El Sereno as a child, in 1942, and it was there at that time. Nobody was ever able to tell me who put it there or what is was for. Does anyone know?

Anyone remember "Yol Mama's Pizza" on Huntington Drive at Portola Ave?
How about the Alamo Market on Huntington Drive?

i just read your comments on el sereno. my family lived there in the 60s to n'71 and it brought back some good memories, it actually brought a smile to my face. remembering the cameo, market basket, roscoes, leeds,etc,etc. unfortunately for me the last time i went to el sereno it left little to be desired. nevertheless the good memories live on

Im surprised to find el sereno on the map!.. It makes me glad to see people speaking of the place. It does hold its respective position amongst the other n.e.la towns. its naturaly nice with its hills and naturally uggly because of the graffiti so common in all major cities. All of north east los angeles is beutiful and in your mind if you collect all the high school students with in it we recognize there is so much potential for these kids to succede.but how do you cultivate them when they are doing things they are not supposed to and when they grow up around ghetto tire shops;taggers hanging out probably on something and people who mind their own bussiness driving all fast and loud in our back streets not carring for nothing. aside from that the beuty of el serene is in the peaceful opportunity you have to live, with no real gang prescence, great hill top views and a great park to skate in or throw a baseball around, it even has a pool. the streets are ok and the filipino lady that works in the liquor store on el sereno and hunting ton is realy nice and so are the librarians further down hunting town. my little brother thinks its ghetto but i like it just as much as highland park where i grew up near occidental college and i like it better than eagle rock because its home. thank God for North East Los Angeles.

I grew up in El Sereno,My Mom & Dad moved here back in early 60's if i can remember.Grew up on Guardia Ave,Where ElSereno north park is now,Everyday there was something to do,play football,baseball or "hide & seek for those who remember,Like normal neighborhood's there was always something to do,never a dull moment growing up there,with all of your friends.Since I been back there a couple of years ago "El Sereno had changed over the years since i left,but never forgotten.My good times in Sereno going to house party's,friday football games at Wilson,,And just hanging out with friends something like I'll never forget.

I lived in El Sereno, off and on, from 1942 to 1952. If I picked one memory above all others, it would be August 15, 1945, the day World War II ended: The air raid sirens sounded continuously and, with some trepidation, we turned on the radio to see what was going on -- there had been talk of a last minute effort by Japan in the form of bombing the west coast-- and learned that Japan had surrendered.

We went over to "the Drive" and saw the streets full of people hooping and hollering. Businesses along Eastern Avenue and Huntington Drive had closed and put previously prepared signs on their doors: "Closed -VJ Day."

People were using rolls of toilet paper as streamers, throwing them over the big red streetcars as they speeded down the middle of Huntington Drive blowing their air horns and trailing reams of toilet paper.

And then the tremendous realization that for the first time we could leave our window blinds open and our porch lights on as much as we liked.

Everyone interested in participating in a Brain Storm unofficial concerned citizens meeting on the best approach to maintain and improve Ascot Hills is encouraged to meet at the main entrance parking lot of the property on Sunday September 20, 2009 at 5pm. Other proposals accepted. grunt11b00@hotmail
Your actions are your value.

I've lived in El Sereno about nine years and there are many things I enjoy about it, such as its proximity to downtown, South Pasadena, Alhambra. I love that we have rolling hills, many nice people, several Mexican and Asian places to eat and Food 4 Less for shopping. The negatives about this area is that it seems to be a drop off area for ex-cons, that many of the youth here decide to be gang members generation after generation simply because there parents were or are. In regards to improving the neighborhood I think we should strive to bring inn the artsy fartsy crowd because this is a great place for them and they tend to make a neighborhood more chic and desirable. I also feel we should strive for more ethnic diversity and stop building multi-unit dwellings and build some higher end housing that will bring residents with more purchasing power. We should not be satisfied with the status quo because El Sereno has so much potential.

Yes, I am also concerned about what's happening or more importantly not happening in Ascot Hills. Someone announce the neighborhood meetings around this issue.

I have a special interest in maintaining Ascot Hills as natural as possible, it is my back yard. It is important for El Sereno residents to maintain and improve this gift of nature for self mental sanity. It is a great place for a work out or an afternoon or early morning family walk.
Anyone else willing to join? lets meet and discuss the best approach to improve and preserve it.

Hello everyone, I am young resident of El Sereno only 25. I experienced this strange Los Angeles community to only find it stranger. There are many mentally ill people that walk along Eastern avenue as well as many drug dealers near the middle school. This place couldn't be more random.

The main feature of El Sereno I would like to talk about is the large piece of property that is currently be taken care of by the LA department of water and power. This land is called Ascott hills. Half of this large chunk of land was recently turned into a park in 2006, and since then has recieved little to no attention. It was part of Villaraigosa's political achievements for the environment. This park is significant because it is home to some of the last California native plants and wildlife that reside with the city. The LADWP has destroyed much of native vegetation that grows along a NATURAL creek that runs through the center. They have mismanged it to the point where you can't barely recognize that there is anything even there. I want the residents of Los Angeles to know that there is a hidden jem of nature waiting to be rediscovered in those hills. They should be protected for future LA residents, especially for kids who never seen how LA should really look like. Some examples of animals found there are redtailed hawks, California towhees, aubudon's cottentail, coyotes, and ground squirrels. Also this hills are intensly disturbed from exotic species and in in need of native restoration. Currently no one cares about the state of Ascott hills except for me, Vincent Nieto.

Take back Ascott Hills from the DWP! Pressure city hall. We owe it to ourselves and nature!

******* NO 710 FREEWAY TUNNEL *******

A 710 -Coalition Meeting will be held on

Saturday, August 29th at 10:30a.m. at 3750 N. Verdugo Road, Glassel Park CA 90065 (Glassel Park Community Center)

The community is concerned with the effects the proposed 710 freeway extension will have on the comunities of North-East Los Angeles- (El Sereno , Cypress Park, Mt Washington, Glasell Park, Montecito Heights, Lincoln Heights, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Eoch Park) and the adjacent cities- Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Pasadena

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stopthe710/ for more information and upcoming events.

I moved to El Sereno in 2003 and love it. It's a very friendly, tolerant, supportive community with neighbors who look out for each other.

I moved into El Sereno just over a year ago in May 2008. My wife and I are enjoying the proximity of the neighborhood to our jobs in downtown and Boyle Heights. Can't beat that awesome commute. We are enjoying a lot of the neighborhood businesses and take strolls around the neighborhood on occasion. We are disturbed by the acts of violence that have occured and when the occasional police chase rolls through the neighborhood with a helicopter and once it was even on the news! The 4th of July fireworks shows in the neighborhood numbered about twenty from our count and ran from about 8 p.m. to well past midnight. It's like the largest cache of fireworks I've ever seen in one neighborhood. All our neighbors are pleasant, hard-working, and usually private citizens who aren't above saying hello or chismiando a little. I miss the speed bumps that were taken out when they repaved the streets on Gambier and Bowman. Cars drive by way too fast there and there's a lot of kids that play on that street. Son of a Vet is one of our favorite stores. They've got some good stuff there though we tend to donate all our used items to Victory Outreach which does some noble work. I can go on. El Sereno obviously has its ups and downs. More ups than downs for us, with the exception of our home value, but who wasn't affected by that? Almost no one in L.A. Oh, and I miss, miss, miss Antigua Coffee Shop. I heard the lease was not renewed. Shame on them. It was a highlight of the neighborhood. Another cool coffee house, please or even better, bring them back!So long as they got King Torta operational and good recreational facilities for kids, I think I'll stick around a while.

The Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel, a Spanish speaking church affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, has been doing ministry in El Sereno since 1926. This church has been part of El Sereno history for eighty three years. The church has been in its current location on Huntington Drive South, since 1954. Every Sunday many families from El Sereno attend the lively services at the church. Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel is a landmark of El Sereno.

Hey, my mistake...there is no Santa Fe railroad museum! I had'nt been in there in years....it is actually the Sierra Pacific Lines - Pasadena Model Railroad Club....located in the Aurant area of El Sereno!

Go to www.pmrrc.org for more info.

El Sereno means "The Nightwatchmen." It ain't El Sewer-no either Mr. Manzano.

Thanks to Jimmy 'D' by the way for posting that link...I took the old route and had a blast!

Remembering the 4th of July parades, Mayor Tom Bradley as Grand Marshall, Councilman Art Snyder from the 14th district, The musical groups War, Tierra, Malo Playing at the Carnival at El Sereno Park. The final concert at The Cameo Theatre with Armored Saint as one of the Artists who performed.

LEGION ASCOT SPEEDWAY-1924-1936
Technically not in Lincoln Heights, Rosehill, or El Sereno. However, it should be noted for its proximity and historical importance.

Opened 1924 and closed in 1936.

See Aerial pictures from www.lapl.org or at this Source: http://www.lincolnheightsla.com/ascot/

The racetrack was located along Soto Street from Valley Blvd. to Multnomah St. The five-eighths mile Ascot Speedway began life as the New Ascot Speedway on January 20, 1924. The banked oval that was originally dirt but constant applications of road oil soon produced a surface that was similar to pavement. The cars that raced at Ascot throughout the years were the ancestors of what we today call "sprint cars".

In 1928 the Glendale American Legion Post took over the promotion and brought in the cars and drivers of the American Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA was the leading racing organization in the country and controlled all the major speedways including Indianapolis. The hard working Legionnaires did an excellent job of race promotion and soon crowds of 10,000 and more were flocking to races held on Sundays in the winter and under the lights on Wednesday nights.

During the days drivers would travel around on what is now known as South Huntington Drive and go over the hill at Gambier, right at Eastern Ave left on Lynnfield to Chadwick Circle and race in circles, same with La Calandria Drive at Lombardy.

The big crowds brought big purses and torrid competition, so the drivers were daring and attracted the best drivers in the country and Legion Ascot was creating its own stars. Men like Bill Cummings, Al Gordon, Ernie Triplett, Kelly Petillo, Wilbur Shaw and Rex Mays tangled in hard fought and crowd pleasing races.

Winning a feature race at Legion Ascot could pay up to $800---a figure that would come close to buying a house in Los Angeles in the 1920s and '30s.

Legion Ascot, was popular for top movie celebrities to have their pictures taken with their favorite racing heroes. Movie stars rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and
served in honorary capacities.....they sought the honor.

The speed and competition came with a price. From 1924 to 1936 some two dozen drivers lost their lives in spectacular crashes. The death toll was one reason the Glendale American Legion bowed out of race promotion in early 1935---the other reason was that the emergence of midget auto racing that was cutting into the crowds at Ascot.
The track became Ascot Motor Speedway and racing continued. On January 25, 1936 the final tragedy struck during a race for two man Indianapolis cars as Al Gordon and riding mechanic Spider Matlock were both killed in a crash. This ended racing at Ascot.

Eight months later the grandstands of the abandoned speedway burned down. Ascot was gone 1936.

It is GREAT to read about those neighbors that remember Market Basket or the Cameo Theater which I remember as well. Pease disregard what the Times has put together as it is not truelly reflective of where we live. I am a well recognized community member and Neighborhood Council Representative. If you are not aware of LA-32 Neighborhood Council, please stop by our next meeting on the first Wednesday of every Month @ 6:00pm at the El Sereno Senior Citizen Center.
As a matter of fact I have performed and been Honored in the 4th of July parade which will host it's 50th year anniversary in a couple of weeks.
University Hills IS NOT in El Sereno. Hillside Village IS NOT in El Sereno. I live in Rose Hills, and IT IS ALSO NOT in El Sereno. The true name in English, translates to...... 'the Serene Place'.
I have traced the archives extremly well and have asked the Times to reach me for clarification, which they have not. Archives indicate that this entire area dating back to 1769 was all called... 'Rancho Rosa de Castillo' - Rose of Castile Ranch', later called Rose Hills.
For research purposes and for those that have interest in history reach me or visit the Library. Huntington Drive used to have a train running down the center of the corridor, before that it was a dirt road traveld mostly by horses called Roses Road.
El Sereno got it's name shortly after annexation to the City of Los Angeles on June 10, 1915. Check out the records. I wish the Times did actual research rather than just guess at it's home work. They barelly get a passing grade of "D" for the work presented so far.
I am capable of remarking in such a fashion because I am an Elected Official on the Neighborhood Council and I have done my home work.

Rose Hills Review,
Anthony Manzano

I grew up in El Sereno in the 1960s and 1970s. It was like living in a small town. At that time, there was one coffee shop, Hy's Coffee Shop on the corner of Huntington Drive and Eastern Avenue. There were two supermarkets, Shop Wise and Market Basket. We had one movie theater called El Cameo. The American Legion on Eastern Avenue was very prominent in the community. There were two dry cleaners, Sloan's and BB Cleaners. There was a five and dime store where my mom bought me toys. Besh's Department Store was the place where everyone bought their Levi's. The best part of living in this community was the 4th of July parade that started on Eastern Avenue, turned onto Huntington Drive, and ended at Shop Wise Market. El Sereno Parks and Recreation had baseball every summer for the kids. Pop Warner football was also offered for the kids. My brothers played baseball and football and I was a cheerleader. It was a good place to live at that time. Everyone knew everyone.

Whats the deal with Aurant? How did they get their name? Their on the map, but I have not found the street sign for it as University Hills and Hillside Village do (whom for some people are their very own small neighborhoods apart from El sereno). Ironically, these two neighborhood are not on the map.

You can tell were Aurant might begin down Alhambra Ave. with the cool looking old green street lamps. Why dont they give them a more visible sign already?! Its looks like an old neighborhood wedged at the very edge a city's official limits.

And, as for hidden treasures, there is a Santa Fe railroad musuem that has an impressive large room-sized model train/miniature town display in this section.

Also, Ive seen another street sign for a small neighborhood in the hills right across from Happy Valley. Its exact name escapes me, but its something like "Olympus Heights" or "Olympian Heights".
Anybody got any info on this?

El Sereno literally means "The Nightwatchmen" in English. It also used to be the mascot and logo of El Sereno Middle School. Why they changed it I dont know.

El Sereno aka South Pasadena adjacent!