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How far can an Echo Park palm tree bend without breaking?

It's windy today but nothing like this 2007 windstorm that sent fronds flying from the Mexican fan palms that line Laveta Terrace in Echo Park. (Sorry, there is no audio.)

There's no turning back on the Fargo Street Hill Climb

Nearly a century ago early automakers would drive their most recent models up and down the steep streets of Echo Park to draw publicity and prove that these new contraptions could survive the terrain. The modern-day equivalent of those early auto endurance demonstrations is the annual Fargo Street Hill Climb. About sixty riders signed up for this year's event, sponsored by the Los Angeles Wheelman club. But only 46 riders made it up Fargo between Allesandro Street on the bottom and Alvarado Street at the top.

It would seem that one time up the hill would be enough. But rider Doug Kubler rode the hill 30 times. He would have ridden 31 times but his chain broke.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy sings and strolls down Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park

Huff & Puff up the Baxter Steps

The Baxter Steps in Echo Park are among the tallest in the City of Los Angeles. Find out how long it takes to climb the more 232 steps.

Ladies of the LAPD

A friend of The Eastsider who has been obsessed with old Dragnet shows can't get enough of watching Epsisode 9, Season 3. The 1968 episode focuses on the training of women recruits at the LAPD's Police Academy in Elysian Park. Most of the scenes were shot on a stage but there are a few outdoor shots of the academy grounds. Perhaps this episode paved the way for Police Woman and Charlie's Angels in the decade to come.

Practice makes perfect

It's Sunday afternoon and Sara Leon and her friends and family are practicing quinceaňera dance moves on an oil-stained parking lot off Echo Park Avenue. The kids practice under the direction of Evelin Munoz, who for $700 provides seven dance classes tailored for quinceaňeras. The name of her company is Flash Dance. This is the fifth class for Sara and company before her quinceaňera on Nov 22. Looking good.