In its own unprecious way, Echo Park has a village square at Chicken Corner -- this is comprised of the shops, salon and coffeehouse at the base of the Del Mor Apartments, along with the triangle where Magic Gas, our favorite femme service station (which is for sale). They support the neighborhood, bring people together on the street, represent creative efforts of many residents, All of the establishment are now threatened, as the company that has owned Del Mor for the last four years wants to raise rents significantly. Positive Investments of Arcadia -- what a name! -- has been measuring floor space and informing tenants that they wil be paying more, depending on when their leases permit -- from Lucas to Show Pony to El Batey, Chango and everything in between. According to a source, Positive has asked tenants to drive out to Arcadia to receive the bad news. CD 13 reportedly has said it will not get involved in rent-increase issues, when the increases are not prohibited by law.