Eagle Rock Plaza

In the bustling heart of Northeast L.A., Eagle Rock Plaza stands as a testament to changing times. Eagle Rock Plaza wasn’t always the place it is today. It opened in 1973, a beacon of modern shopping with two sunny levels, the only enclosed mall in the Verdugo Valley. Imagine a grand opening with actress Gina Lollobrigida signing autographs, the aroma of roasting nuts from Morrow’s Nut House filling the air, and shoppers clamoring for electric hairsetters at unbelievable prices. Eagle Rock Plaza was the place to be, even drawing crowds away from downtown Glendale. The mall’s early days were marked by celebrity visits. Pop star Leif Garrett welcomed Santa, Zsa Zsa Gabor promoted the auto club, and Olympic gold medalist John Naber signed autographs. There were even Clydesdale horses on the upper level parking lot. Eagle Rock Plaza hosted a vibrant community. It was a place for families, a place for fun, a place for the future. But this bustling hub also holds a darker memory. In 1977, Eagle Rock Plaza became tragically linked to the Hillside Stranglers. Two young girls, Sonja Johnson and Dolores Cepeda, were last seen boarding a bus at the plaza. They were victims of the notorious serial killers. This grim event shook the community and forever etched itself into the plaza’s history. Despite this tragedy and the rise of newer, flashier malls, Eagle Rock Plaza has endured. It remains a vital part of the community, particularly for the Filipino-American population. Eagle Rock Plaza, once the “Mall of Manila”, stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation. It has seen triumphs and tragedies. It has seen trends come and go. It continues to serve the community, evolving with the times.