For newcomers to Echo Park, the Echo Park Improvement Association (EPIA) could be viewed as a just another of the many community organized groups that meets in the neighborhood. What many do not know is that most of the other community groups that now exist in this neighborhood got their start from the EPIA. To name a few: the EPSA (Echo Park Security Association), EPHS (Echo Park Historic Society), EPAA (Echo Park Animal Alliance), and the Echo Park Community Garden (no longer in existence). EPIA members were responsible for the creation of the steering committee that formed the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council.

The group was the idea of a few local residents who were tired of crime and graffiti in our neighborhood. Its inception was about 22 years ago when the group met at Barlow Hospital in a town hall format. A few of the original founding members were Ron Emler, Susan Borden, Suzanne Kimbrough and Dirk Dehner.

In its 20 year history, it worked with council members Jackie Goldberg and now Eric Garcetti, among others, to improve our community.  Working with the Central City Action Committee, the EPIA was a major force in helping remove graffiti in our neighborhood. Its efforts in graffiti removal inspired the UNTAG program that was adopted city-wide. The EPIA organized the planting of over 600 trees with one event utilizing almost 800 volunteers. They worked to remove the blight and create a sense of security within the community. They started the Echo Park community garden with a goal of feeding 30 local families. They have also distributed a community news letter, the EPIAn Way for over 18 years.

The EPIA has had two long standing presidents in its history. The first, Dirk Dehner, for 10 years; and Lynn Barbe for the same period of time.  Lynn and past board secretary, Susan Borden, one of the original members have both stepped down but remain active members. The board’s current president, Darren Hubert is a 33-year resident of the community.

This is a grassroots organization, and a great opportunity to connect with active people in the neighborhood. It is an opportunity to meet and communicate with representatives in one location from two council offices and two police stations, as well as other pertinent community organizations. At most meetings there are updates from  Council District 1 and 13, Northeast and Rampart Police updates, Dodger updates, and a featured speaker on a topic of choice.