Category: Echo Park

Echo Park Gangs

The Echo Park Locos were once a force to be reckoned with in the neighborhood of Echo Park within Los Angeles, California, and were known by the graffiti sign “ExP.” However, that has all changed as the gang is shrinking. Members have been killed, jailed or have moved out of the area to escape gang violence against their families. Some members have also left due to rising cost of living. Crime rates in Echo Park are falling and the recent gentrification of the area has changed the climate.

echo park gangs

Photo Credit: Standing Together Advocating for Our Youth

As Echo Park becomes a wealthier area, many former gang members can no longer afford to live there. Police refer to these gangs as “commuter gangs” or “weekend gangs,” as many gang members will return to their old neighborhoods on the weekend. This may sound troublesome on the surface, but many of these people just enjoy returning to their old stomping grounds to visit old friends and see familiar places.

Meanwhile, the gentrification in Echo Park has brought an increase in the real estate values and new businesses to the neighborhood. Millennials like living in Echo Park and are opening eateries, shops, restaurants and more.

In February of 2014, the Los Angeles Superior Court approved a gang injunction that went into effect in Echo Park, Elysian Valley and Silver Lake. The injunction included the names of Echo Park Locos members and those of five other gangs in the Los Angeles area. The injunction forbids known gang members from being seen together in pubic, carrying guns in public or being in possession of alcohol and/or narcotics in public places; 3.8 square miles of Los Angeles are included in the injunction. The goal is to prevent gang crime from happening, since members are not supposed to associate with one another on the streets. The gang injunction will expire in the next five years.

once a force to be reckoned with in the neighborhood of Echo Park within Los Angeles, California, and were known by the graffiti sign “ExP.” However, that has all changed as the gang is shrinking. Members have been killed, jailed or have moved out of the area to escape gang violence against their families. Some members have also left due to rising cost of living. Crime rates in Echo Park are falling and the recent gentrification of the area has changed the climate.

gangs in echo park

Photo Credit: The Eastsider

Some citizens of Echo Park are still afraid of gang violence and Echo Park Locos graffiti still exists in some parts of the neighborhood. However, just because gang members are present in the area does not mean that they are perpetuating gang violence in Echo Park. Many former gang members come back to watch sports events with their friends, attend BBQs, visit with one another, etc. Echo Park is still home to many of these people who grew up there and have roots there.

If you are interested in real estate in Echo Park, where gentrification has brought businesses, nightlife and has improved the value of homes, feel free to contact our team at Los Angeles Real Estate Unlimited. We are happy to help you find a home in the city of Los Angeles.

Echo Park Neighborhood Council

When moving to a new city or buying a new home in an unfamiliar neighborhood, it can be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood council. The goal of a neighborhood council is to help residents of the town be involved in government and in dealing with issues that impact the people who live there.

echo-park-elysian-neighborhood-council

In Echo Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council (GEPENC) performs these duties in service to the town of Echo Park. The Echo Park Neighborhood Council advises on local issues and communicates with the government of Los Angeles.

The Echo Park Neighborhood Council is made up of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Information Officer who meet to discuss issues. The council also includes a Board of Governors; Budget & Finance Committee; Outreach Committee; Parks, Public Works and Environment Committee; Public Safety; and the Schools, Libraries & Community Organizations Committee.

If you would like to be involved in the Echo Park community, go to a council meeting. You may also want to consider becoming a member of a committee on the council or running as a candidate. open seats Districts 3, 4 and 5 and three open seats on the Board of Governors. In order to apply, you must be at least 16-years-old and you have to live, work and own property in these Districts. Fill out an application and attend a meeting to volunteer in order to be considered.

The GEPENC has resources online for residents where you can look up projects the Board of Governors is reviewing (including both the Lakeshore Development and the 330 Union Development at the time of this blog posting). On the GEPENC website, you can also submit questions and comments, as well as sign up for the newsletter.

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You can also use the neighborhood council to reference events going on in the community in Echo Park. For example, check out the Echo Park Film Series. The last film screened was Chinatown at the Echo Park Lake. On August 31, 2015, The Echo Park NC and Empower LA will present a Technology & User eXperience (TUX) Bootcamp. Additionally, in September this year, there will be a free workshop by the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department on “‘Ellis’ Evictions and Requirements to Remove a Rental Unit from the Housing Market.”

Ultimately, the goal of a neighborhood council is to assist in creating a great place to live and keeping the neighborhood a great place to live. If Echo Park sounds like a place where you’d like to live, feel free to contact our team at Los Angeles Real Estate Unlimited; we would be happy to help you search for a new home, as well as sell your home in the Los Angeles area.

Echo Park Fishing

Imagine being able to fish in the middle of Los Angeles and get a taste of nature and/or an escape without traveling too far. You can appreciate the beauty of natural elements while practicing a fun hobby in the city you call home through fishing in Echo Park.

Echo Park Lake                        

Fishing in Echo Park is available at Echo Park Lake; you can also fish in nearby lakes, including MacArthur Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Belvedere Park Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, etc. Just make sure you have a California fishing license and that you check the Fishing and Hunting Regulations of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

echo-park-fishing

Echo Park Lake via Splash of Pretty

Echo Park Lake contains trout during the winter and catfish during all the other times of the year. Additionally, you may come across carp, bluegill and largemouth bass in the lake.

There are photos of people fishing at the lake since the late 1940s. Today, the city allows fishing at Echo Park Lake between the months of June and September. See the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and the Parks and Echo Park Recreation Center for more information.

Fishing in the City

Since 1993, the CDFW has provided a city program named Fishing in the City. If you can find an opportunity near you, it includes free fishing day clinics for people who want to fish for the first time. The clinics go over fishing methods, like how to catch fish and how to get it ready for dinner.

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Girl fishing at Echo Park Lake in 1958 via Echo Park Forums

Free Fishing Days

Consider getting a California fishing license, because without one you could be fined for fishing at Echo Park Lake or other bodies of water in the state of California. Licenses are required for people who are 16-years-old and older. The city offers a couple days a year during which people can try fishing for free to see if it’s something they enjoy. If so, the person can think about getting the license without paying for it upfront.

The Free Fishing Days always fall in July and September. The first one of the year was on July 4, 2015, and the next one will take place on September 5, 2015. The next Free Fishing Day is coming up very quickly, so get ready if you want to take advantage of it and try fishing this year.

While you’re fishing in Echo Park Lake, check out the other things you can enjoy there. At Echo Park Lake, you can take out a pedal boat and take in the view from within the lake, walk on the trails surrounding the water and/or visit the famous lotus flower beds. Also, consider the real estate available to you in Echo Park.

 

Vegan Restaurants Near Echo Park

Earlier on the blog, we covered New Eateries in Echo Park. Today, we’d like to explore some of the vegan options in the neighborhood. If you’re vegan and living in Echo Park, or thinking of moving to Echo Park, this is the post for you!

Veganism & Benefits A vegan diet excludes dairy, meat and eggs from food, as well as anything that comes from animals. Many people choose a vegan lifestyle because of the maltreatment of animals in the food industry and/or because of the negative impact the meat industry has on the environment.

A vegan diet is mostly compromised of vegetables and can contain fruit, beans, soy, tempeh and satay. Many people on a vegan diet will experience weight loss and benefit from the natural vitamins and minerals (protein, iron, calcium, etc.) in the produce they eat.

The Vegan Scene in Echo Park These vegan restaurants support local farmers, and thus support local businesses. They support the concept that we should know where our food comes from and we should eat high quality, organic produce.

Sage Vegan Bistro This restaurant believes in the “from the field to the table” mentality and supports the “farm to table movement.” Sage Vegan Bistro, on W Sunset Blvd in Echo Park, carries menu items created with produce that is in season from local farms. Sage offers a brunch menu, lunch menu and dinner menu. There’s also locations in Culver City and Pasadena, a mobile food truck, and the same owner runs Kindkreme (a vegan ice cream store). Stop by Sage Vegan Bistro for lunches like the buffalo chicken wing salad or the tempeh avocado pesto burger.

Vegan Restaurants in Echo Park

Bowl of Soul via Yelp

Elf Cafe El Cafe is another farm to table establishment. This restaurant features Eastern Mediterranean food and has been open since 2006. The original chef was Lebanese and the owners were inspired by Greek influences. The current chef, Dave Martinez, brings elegance and creativity to the menu. Some dishes to enjoy at Elf Cafe include the baked tarte with mushroom, caramelized onions and mozzarella; the chickpea flour crepes with truffle cream, and the kofta with saffron cous cous.

echo park vegan Food

Fromage Rigatoni with Charred Cauliflower via Yelp

Vegan House Vegan House offers vegan Thai cuisine in an environment that feels like home. The Thai menu offers favorites, such as pad thai, orange soy chicken, satay chicken and spring rolls. Also stop by for their creative sushi items, including grilled veggie sushi. Don’t forget dessert; try the coconut ice cream. This is Thai food done right with healthy cooking as the priority. Tip: there’s free parking towards the back of the building.

vegan echo park restaurant

Green Curry via Yelp

Tribal Cafe Tribal Cafe calls itself the “the Eat Good Do Good Cafe.” This vegan restaurant definitely has flair with its colorful and attention-grabbing decor. Patrons of the Tribal Cafe enjoy deli sandwiches, espresso, fruit juice, green smoothies and a variety of dishes. The veggie mushroom burger, spinach and mushroom tamale, Reuben tempeh sandwich, spicy Filipino chicken adobo panini and the Asian veggie wrap all look equally tempting and appealing. In addition to the healthy and delicious menu, Tribal Cafe offers open mic nights, which are recorded for YouTube, and also hosts local cultural events (such as art shows).

echo park vegan restaurant food

Tempeh Tacos via Yelp

Bon appetit!

The Best Food Delivery Services in Echo Park

Food delivery services are becoming more commonplace as people want more convenience at an affordable cost. There are many services to choose from and each has its own specialty or way of doing things. If you’re new to the food options in Echo Park, and would like an idea of the food delivery services available, read on to learn more.

Some food delivery services in Echo Park offer readymade food brought to your door, while others deliver boxes of food that need to be cooked for the meal. These options are perfect for those of us who don’t have the time to shop for food and prepare it. It’s also a great idea for those who want to learn how to cook gourmet dishes without the hassle of grocery shopping.

echo park food delivery

Blue Apron Food Service                                                                                                      

Oftentimes, having the exact amount of food delivered to you that you need to cook a meal is economical because you won’t have any leftover ingredients in your fridge that will go to waste. For example, some ingredients only come in bulk sizes, but you may only need a small portion of a specific ingredient for a recipe you’re only going to make one time.

Other times, you may be craving take out but don’t want to stop the movie you’re watching or leave the party you’re at to pick up the food. In those cases, you can use a delivery service that brings you food from restaurants in Echo Park.

The following are some of the food delivery services available:

Blue Apron – The service from Blue Apron will deliver three boxes of food to your home each week. Each box contains everything you need to cook one meal using locally grown ingredients. The cost is $9.99 per person.

Yummy – Forget about driving to the store and waiting in line; Go to Yummy.com to order groceries and other items that will be delivered to your home or workplace within 30 minutes.

 

food delivery echo park

LAbite – LAbite offers delivery from a network of1757 restaurants in Southern California brought to you by teams of LAbite drivers. You can order dinner to someone’s home or cater lunch for the entire office. LAbite also offers personal assistance via the phone and order tracking online.

Amazon Fresh – Amazon Fresh, whose offices are located in downtown L.A., offers free delivery on orders over $50. You can order groceries, premade meals and products from local stores via your phone or computer. The membership also comes with other Amazon Prime benefits.

Drizly – This delivery service specializes in delivering alcoholic beverages to your door within half an hour. You order from the app, and you don’t have to worry about sending the designated driver to pick up more drinks.

Farmbox L.A. – With Farmbox L.A., you’ll receive a box of fresh produce and groceries from local farms. You’re in control of how many deliveries you want, whether that’s every week or once a month. You can also customize the contents of the box based on what’s being harvested at that time and your personal preferences.

food delivery in echo park

DoorDash ­- Have goods and food delivered from local businesses with DoorDash. DoorDash was founded by college students at Stanford back in 2013 to connect consumers with local business. Expect your order to arrive in 45 minutes or less.

Test out food delivery services in Echo Park to see which one best fits your needs. Are you planning on moving to Echo Park? Don’t forget to check out Echo Park real estate with Los Angeles Real Estate Unlimited.

New Eateries In Echo Park

Echo Park New Restaurants

Once you’ve checked out the New Eateries in Silverlake, head over to Echo Park to discover more places to grab a bite to eat in Los Angeles, California. (In case you’re wondering, Echo Park is located near Downtown L.A. and Santa Monica Boulevard.)

Browse through these successfully new eateries in the Echo Park area to learn more:

Ostrich Farm – Located near Sunset Boulevard, Ostrich Farm is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday while brunch is offered on the weekends. There are many different types of items on the menu, ranging from flatbreads to small plates of pork rillettes, mussels and chicken liver to a variety of salads. For dessert, try a dark chocolate tart with sea salt or a vanilla bean creme brulee. The large brunch menu covers tartines; poached eggs with chickpeas; blueberry lemon, ricotta pancakes; and thick cut bricoche French toast (to name a few of the choices).

The Park Restaurant – The Park is self-described as, “a place to relax and get nourished.” This establishment showcases simple food for a great price and provides options for vegetarians and vegans. The Park runs an impressive deal on Tuesdays that includes a 3 course dinner for the great value of $20. Plus, on Wednesdays, the eatery advertises a burger for $6. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at The Park for a casual atmosphere with great food. The food served includes a wide variety of cuisine, including American, Greek and Italian. Keep an eye out for the Happy Hour, which takes place from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on weekdays.

The Park’s Finest BBQ – This isn’t just your average BBQ place; The Park’s Finest serves none other than Filipino barbeque. This location is close to Downtown. Visit The Park’s Finest for delicious BBQ in a casual dining environment. The menu was perfected by different families in L.A. who designed recipes and sauces like the ones enjoyed at family barbeques. At this eatery, you can try dishes like spicy sausages, longanisa, roasted chicken, pork ribs and riblets, pulled pork, tri tip and coconut beef. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers and a side of elote (corn flavored with mayo, cheese and cayenne pepper). Don’t forget that you don’t have to wait for those holiday parties to start to enjoy good, family barbeque.

As you can see, there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to dining in Echo Park. In addition to trendy homes and trendy nightlife, Echo Park has a lot to offer in terms of where to eat and where to try new dishes. If you are looking for real estate in Echo Park, be sure to check out our website Los Angeles Real Estate Unlimited for more information on home listings and property in Los Angeles, CA.