Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock: Hot Rods, Gentrification and an Eagle-Shaped Shadow

Eagle Rock, a distinctive little city bordered by Glendale (N,W), Highland Park (SE), Glassell Park (SW), Pasadena and South Pasadena (E), is identified as “the core of counter-culture.” Known for its medley of ethnic and socioeconomic groups, Eagle Rock, is a cozy and creative outlet for everyday people. After all, Eagle Rock’s only private institution, Occidental College, was home to President Barack Obama for his initial college education as well as the famous film star and writer, Ben Affleck.

Located west of Pasadena and north of central Los Angeles, the Californian neighbourhood of Eagle Rock occupies just over four square miles. Long since associated with the creative class and hot rod culture, the city is becoming increasingly attractive to young urban professionals. It seems the former home of Marlon Brando can add gentrification to its history.

History and Current Demographics

Before displacement by Spanish Settlers in the late 1700s, the area now occupied by Eagle Rock was the home of the indigenous Tongva tribe. A century later and the area was a thriving farming community. The subsequent growth of Los Angeles inspired development of the entire region. Although Eagle Rock was incorporated as a city in 1911, it was annexed into Los Angeles in 1923.

According to estimates provided by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, the population of Eagle Rock is around 35,000 residents. It is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Los Angeles county. The racial makeup is 40.3% Hispanic, 29.8% White, 23.9% Asian and 1.9% African American. Small pockets of other races make up the remaining 4.1%. Eagle Rock is noted for its significant communities of Mexican and Filipino descendent populations.

Main Attractions in Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock takes its name from an enormous limestone boulder of the same name that looms over the valley. Created millions of years ago by hot springs in the area, an indentation in the rock causes an eagle-shaped shadow to appear on the rock at noon. Straddling Eagle Rock View Drive and Patrician Way, the rock is one of Southern California’s natural wonders.

The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center on Colorado Blvd is a fascinating example of Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. Built in 1915 as one of over 2,500 Carnegie libraries, it was originally named Eagle Rock Carnegie Library. The library closed in 1981. The building, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and appearing on the National Register of Historic Places, is now home to the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center.

Colorado Boulevard, one of the main thoroughfares through Eagle Rock, acts as an urban hub and is popular with residents and visitors alike for its numerous restaurants, bars and shopping destinations. The highway is currently the subject of a community initiative named “Take Back The Boulevard.” Aimed at enhancing the natural vibrancy of the street by reducing traffic and improving walking and cycling facilities, it is likely that a successful campaign will make Eagle Rock one of the most sought after zip codes in Los Angeles.

Additional Information

- Eagle Rock has seen its fair share of notable residents: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Doobie Brothers’ musician, Guy Allison. Not to mention Barack Obama.

- A Farmers Market is held on Merton Avenue every Friday night. Visitors enjoy a delicious assortment of cuisines with the rather unusual backdrop of an Elvis impersonator.

- Established in 1887, the Occidental College, or the “Oxy,” is a liberal arts college. Noted for its rigorous programs, students have received 10 Rhodes Scholarships, 55 Watson Fellowships and more.

- Members of the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock meet on Hermosa Avenue. The club was founded in 1903 and members still play an active role in the community. The ladies’ clubhouse was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 1991.

- Younger residents attend school in District 4 of The Los Angeles Unified School District. There are four elementary schools, two middle/high schools and a smattering of private schools.

- Eagle Rock is a star in its own right having featured in some major motion pictures: Top Gun, Reservoir Dogs, Teen Wolf, The Incredible Shrinking Woman and more.

- The Center for the Arts plays host to the weekly meeting of the Eagle Rock Neighbourhood Council. Residents wishing to attend should turn up at 7pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

EAGLE ROCK RESTAURANTS & CAFES:

The Oinkster – 1439 reviews on Yelp!

2005 Colorado Blvd
Eagle Rock, CA 90041

Previously featured on the Food Network, Oinkster has established its name! Their famous pulled pork sandwich is juicy and plentiful on its own, but even better with their signature vinegar based sauce! The highlight of my experience were the Belgian fries. Every single fry was succulent and cooked to a crispy perfection. Additionally, there homemade sauces available at the condominiums section and the plantains as a side dish were just as satisfying to eat with my meal!

POPULAR ITEMS: Belgian Fries, Ube Shake, House Cured Pastrami, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (with the Vinegar Sauce)

Oinksters In Eagle Rock

Casa Bianca Pizza Pie – 570 reviews on Yelp!

1650 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

For fresh and generous toppings, thin crusts, and south-side Chicago style pizza, enjoy some Italian cuisine at Casa Bianca Pizza. It is imperative to try their pizzas along with a pasta dish named Pasta Al Forno. My only warning is that in the midst of popular eating times, you may have to wait patiently. But as many fellow Yelpers have said, “the food is worth the wait.”

POPULAR ITEMS: Pasta Al Forno, Eggplant and Garlic Pizza, Veggie Pizza

Auntie Ems - Eagle Rock, CA

Auntie Em's Red Velvet Cupcake - Eagle Rock, CA
Auntie Em’s Kitchen – 722 reviews on Yelp!
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Auntie Em’s is the cupcake champion of Eagle Rock. Autie Em’s is a cute homey bakery/restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and delectable baked goods. They try to incorporate seasonal, local, and organic ingredients throughout their food.

I have tried their Red Velvet and Chocolate cupcakes. The cream cheese frosting on the Red Velvet cupcake has a sweet velvety consistency that is irresistible.

POPULAR ITEMS: Red Velvet Cupcake, French Toast, Coconut Cupcake, Carrot Cake

Senor Fish – 247 reviews on Yelp!

4803 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

For anyone who loves fresh fish tacos and/or burritos, “Mr.” Fish is the place to be! Senor Fish has indoor and outdoor seating and beach themed ambience. The popular fresh fish selection consists of salmon, halibut, mahi, swordfish, roughy, talapia, and more. Along with their regular soda bar, there is horchata and orange bang available for the same price! Don’t forget to order potato tacos! This delicious item is NOT on the menu, but is one of the more popular meals. Overall, there traditional Mexican flare is prominently shown throughout their quality food and simple approach to cooking.

POPULAR ITEMS: Shrimp & Scallop Burrito, Potato Tacos, Salsa Bar

EAGLE ROCK’S FUN & AMUSING PLACES:

1. Eagle Rock Underground – 12 solid reviews on Yelp!
4690 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Are you interested in Urban style and old school Hip-Hop? This small independent shop sells Urban clothes and hats – the real deal! Along with independent clothing labels to sell, Eagle Rock Underground occasionally has art shows that promote local artists. The artistic influence of funky paintings and stylized drawings gives this mom n’ pop shop a warm vibe. If your interested in DJiing or live music, every week, the owner allows new DJs to reveal their own personal style! As an excited Yelper said Eagle Rock “is truly a breeding ground for new creative talent.”

2. Eagle Rock Music Festival – 14 reviews on Yelp!
Colorado Blvd
Eagle Rock, CA 90041

Similar to the Make Music Pasadena event in Pasadena, the Eagle Rock Music Festival is available to attend every year.

For more information, check out this useful post that PasadenaViews wrote up previously about the annual event: Eagle Rock Music Festival Post!

3. Cactus Gallery & Gifts – 28 reviews on Yelp!
4534 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

“Eclectic,” “affordable,” “handmade,” and “friendly” are some of the words Yelpers are using to describe this well maintained shop and its genuine products. This place is the jewel of art galleries: original artwork by local artists that people can purchase for affordable prices. Sandra, the proprietor, has a visual eye for unique crafts and always has the best intentions of promoting budding artists. Don’t forget to ask about the group art shows! As a neighborhood customer reviewer on Yelp said, “Cactus is more than a location. Cactus is an experience.”

EAGLE ROCK FARMER’S MARKETS:

Eagle Rock Farmers’ Market – 27 reviews on Yelp!

2100 Merton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Come enjoy eating fresh cooked meals while listening to an Elvis impersonator! Every FRIDAY from 5 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., diverse vendors please crowds with affordable and tasty items. Merchants sell everything from organic honey juice, strawberry nutella crepes, blood oranges to Hawaiian BBQ skewers, Peruvian cuisine, and shrimp/shellfish. It never hurts to support our local farmers and receive healthy and affordable food in return.

Eagle Rock n Roll Farmers’ Market - 11 reviews on Yelp!

2700 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Eagle Rock n Roll Farmers’s market is small, but mighty! Every SUNDAY from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M., people unite under food and music. Vendors sell fresh papusas, tamales, Korean BBQ, and even chocolate almond croissants. Bring your friends to grab a bite and dance to live rock bands and/or spinning Djs.

EAGLE ROCK SCHOOLS:

EAGLE ROCK REAL ESTATE AND HOMES FOR SALE

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EAGLE ROCK CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES FOR SALE:

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Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:17:00 +0000: $525,000 :: 1046 Lanark Street, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search

3 beds, 1 full bath
Home size: 940 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,016 sq ft
Added: 04/21/14, Last Updated: 04/22/14
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: DW14081654
Community: Eagle Rock
Status: Active

Gorgeous home in hills of Los Angeles, located in the prestigious neighborhood of Eagle Rock. Over a 5,000 sqft lot that contains a large garden of fruits and vegetables. Witness the enormity of this property, located conveniently nearly Occidental Collage, Eagle Rock Recreation Center and Annandale Golf Club. Very spacious living room, 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. This home has much potential for the right buyer!!!!!

Listed with Veva Gonzalez, Century 21 Realty Masters

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:05:00 +0000: $560,000 :: 1309 HEPNER AVE, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 1,066 sq ft
Lot Size: 4,883 sq ft
Added: 02/05/14, Last Updated: 04/21/14
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 14734993
Community: Eagle Rock
Status: Active

Back on market, new look featuring more upgrades, completely move in ready. Beautifully remodeled 1920''s bungalow style home filled with plenty of charm and character! Highlights include a new kitchen with stainless appliances, brand new A/C and heat, new roof on garage/office building,roof on house has a 2 year cert, updated electrical wiring, master suite, family room, main bathroom with jacuzzi style tub, ceiling fans, new flooring, fresh interior/exterior paint, covered front porch and lovely landscaping! Deep lot has a large parking area big enough to accommodate your RV or boat! The detached guest unit can be a fabulous artist''s retreat or office and is conveniently located next to/opens up to the garage. Gated property with alley access! This home is completely move in ready and priced to sell!

Listed with Cesar Reinoso, Reinoso Properties

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
Mon, 21 Apr 2014 09:27:00 +0000: $735,000 :: 5136 North Windermere Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search

3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 1,348 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,076 sq ft
Added: 02/03/14, Last Updated: 04/21/14
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 214004951
Community: Eagle Rock
Tract: Not Applicable-618 (NA618)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 3/14/2014 by 2%
Status: Active

First time on the market in over ten years. Located in heart of Eagle Rock. This home offers three Bedrooms. 1.75 Bathrooms. New paint inside and out. New laminate flooring in the bedrooms and living room. It also features a 222 SQ foot permitted Den, perfect for entertaining. New Roof. Over sized garage. A long drive way perfect for large vehicles or a storage. Large back yard with fruit trees and play area. Front yard also has new landscaping with sprinkler system. Close proximity to the Eagle Rock mall, and shops.

Listed with Khajak Nazarian, Re/Max Optima

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:43:00 +0000: $775,000 :: 5031 Onteora Way, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search

4 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 2,201 sq ft
Lot Size: 4,650 sq ft
Added: 03/20/14, Last Updated: 04/21/14
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: BB14057781
Community: Eagle Rock
Status: Active

First time on the market in over Forty two years. This home sits on a cul-de-sac. The light and bright kitchen offers generous counter space, spacious cabinets and a nook for your kitchen table. The kitchen opens to generous sized dining room and living room and views of Eagle Rock and Glendale. The master comes with double closets, and another bedroom is on the main floor. Downstairs, you will find two more spacious bedrooms and large den with fireplace. Has a separate entrance to back yard. Could be a private retreat for overnight guests. The back yard has a large deck for dining and spa for relaxing. New roof installed in January 2014. Large back yard with fruit trees, roses and plenty of room to play. Close proximity to the Eagle Rock Plaza and all the eateries and boutiques on Colorado Boulevard. Freeway close to downtown L.A. , Glendale College, Pasadena Art Center, Cal Tech and Pasadena City College.

Listed with Arlene Langdale, Dilbeck Realtors

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
Sun, 20 Apr 2014 15:23:00 +0000: $550,000 :: 5154 Almaden Drive, Eagle Rock CA, 90042 - Eagle Rock Home Search

4 beds, 1 full bath
Home size: 1,064 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,197 sq ft
Added: 12/14/13, Last Updated: 04/20/14
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: IV13247754
Community: Eagle Rock
The price of this listing was last reduced on 1/4/2014 by 12%
Status: Active

Beautiful remolded home. 4 Bedroom, 1 bathroom. Kitchen with granite counter top. New one car garage. Nice patio with a view of the city. New roof, electrical and plumbing. Custom made barbecue for entertainment.

Listed with MARGARITA NATIVIDAD, PREMIERE HOMES

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!