Sanctuary sewage pathway: schematic sketches (Background Report)

WHAT IS THE ROLE of the sewage pit and its vestigial plumbing? I’m glad you asked! Until this past month, I had only the vaguest idea. But now I can clue you in.

The covered sewage ejection pit

Below the jump are three schematic diagrams, along with brief annotations, that quickly explain the basics of our sanctuary building’s sewage system. Finally, it shows a detail from a revealing City diagram—as interpreted by the late Phil Raider (z"l) some 20 years ago—that provides a key clue.

Effusive effluent: adventures in sewage management (Activity Report)

DURING ONE INTENSE WEEK last month, Fleming and I narrowly managed to avoid two near-catastrophes—namely a flood of sewage in the basement, not only during our main Hanukkah party, but also two days later during the big Hanukkah Happy Hour & Young Professionals Mingle. 

On 12/11, a normally empty 600-gallon sewage pit
in the basement was found to be nearly full.

If things had gone just a little differently, the results would not have been pretty! 😬 Below the jump, I outline the harrowing story, day by day.…

L.A.’s potential funds for shade-tree root pruning and hardscape repair (Background)

THE CITY OF L.A. runs a rebate program for sidewalk repairs that sounds great in principle. In practice, taking advantage of the offer is somewhat challenging. 

Sidewalk damage caused by “our” street tree

Below the jump, I outline how the program would work in our case, if we applied for a rebate.…

“To find Mishkon, look for the big shade tree!” (Speculation)

THE MOST PROMINENT LANDMARK for directing people to our historic sanctuary is usually overlooked. Yet it is literally right in front of our eyes! It is the big shade tree. This tree stands out, because it is the largest and best-looking one for 1½ blocks in every direction.

Furthermore, it stands out far more than Mishkon’s building, which is set back from the street.

Below the jump, this post shows the relative prominence of this tree when viewed from the north and south. Then it addresses how turn that prominence to our advantage.…

The shade tree’s roots are burgeoning (Condition Record)

OFTEN IT’S HARD to notice the changes in Mishkon’s circumstances over time. Occasionally, however, it’s easier. In the case of the shade tree in front of our sanctuary building, I happen to have snapshots over a 3½-year period. Taken together, they show a noticeable progression.

December 9, 2024
(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

Below the jump, this post documents the changes during the period of monitoring. It also briefly discusses the implications.…

Mishkon serves its community in many ways

THIS POST is the 3rd in a series of 4 excerpts from our application last week for consideration for a grant award from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a non-profit organization. 

Below the jump, this post lists some of the ways that Mishkon Tephilo contributes to our local community — and in return deserves support from that community. 

Tree pruning completed on schedule (restorative maintenance)

YESTERDAY, our arborist, Al Gwilliam of Al’s Landscaping, pruned the street tree on Main Street that shades our front steps. 

Almost done!
(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

Below the jump, this post displays the two “before” and “after” photos that Al was kind enough to take.

Tree at Last!

THE STREET TREE was pruned today. Okay, it got done a little later than the June 9 date announced in my discussion of tree care HERE. 

Giving fair warning to our neighbor who parks next to the tree.

What happened in the meantime? This post updates you on this modest maintenance project.…

Our Street Tree

THE TREE that stands in front of Mishkon’s sanctuary belongs to the City of Los Angeles. Like our sanctuary’s own façade, it is something of a landmark: it’s the largest shade tree for 1½ blocks in any direction — and the least-mutilated one.

February 2022

It needs pruning approximately every 2 years. Although the City is responsible for tending it in theory, in practice that’s not practical, due to the strained City budget: “The current tree pruning cycle is approximately 15 years,” says the website of the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division. Hence during the past decade, Mishkon has several times arranged for the pruning of this particular tree. 

It is now slated to be pruned by a certified arborist on Thursday, June 9. This post discusses the maintenance needs of “our” street tree.…

The Most Urgent Maintenance and Capital Improvement Expenditures

OUR LIST OF SPECIAL PROJECTS is growing: non-routine maintenance-related or restoration-related expenses that are warranted in the near term. This post is intended to inform the board, the membership, and prospective donors about those needs, so that we can now work together to raise the necessary funds. (These tasks are not among the restoration projects that the board has previously approved, conditional on the availability of funds.)