Latest posts from our Los Angeles expert:
In Celebration of Books (yes, they still exist)
Books, author panels, stage attractions, hundreds of exhibitors, and approximately 140,000 people are scheduled to take part in the prestigious 13th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held on the UCLA campus, April 25-27. Kicking off the event on Friday evening will be the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, a tribute to some of the most acclaimed books of 2007. Thereafter, for the next two days, the festival is in full force both indoors and outdoors. A phenomenal range of author panels include discussions on scintillating topics as well as conversations with well-known authors such as Maxine Hong Kinston, Gay Talese, Joseph Wambaugh, and Ray Bradbury. Panelists are available to sign their books at several signing areas where fans line up to breathe the same rarified air as their favorite authors. Presented on the outdoor stages are culinary whizzes, poets, and storytellers. One stage is devoted entirely to children's tales. And, there's even an Etc. Stage, a catchall for other categories such as eclectic musical performances, and readings by emerging voices. Browse booths brimming with books in many genres and languages, and book-related merchandise. Also exhibiting and providing information are cultural and literacy organizations. Indoor panel and speaker sessions are ticketed events, while all outdoor activities are free. For more information: http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks.
Learning Living Green
It's time to ink Earth Day into the calendar slots. Originally a grassroots movement begun in 1970, this increasingly important occasion to spark environmental awareness is now celebrated by approximately one billion people throughout the world. Within Greater Los Angeles you can participate in festivities, increase your knowledge of global warming and carbon footprints, and become "green-ified" at a variety of sites. Traditionally recognized on April 22nd, L.A.--always thinking outside the recycled box--has events spread events throughout April and even extending into May and beyond.
On April 12, 10 AM-7 PM, "Earth Day on the Promenade" sets up shop on Santa Monica's trendy Third Street Promenade pedestrian mall. In addition to exhibits that educate the public about energy conservation, this free and family-friendly event includes live music and animals.
Another large bring-the-family fest is "Wilshire Center Earth Day," April 22, 10 AM-5 PM. Also free, this celebration features eco-information, a children's interactive area, live performances by local and professional musicians, and environmental speakers. Also designated "car-free" day, ride your bike or take public transportation. Bus and metro stops are close to the festivities.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts "Earth Day Expo 2008," on the weekend of April 19-20. Exhibits include tips on transforming your own backyard into a welcoming place for birds and wildlife. Radio personality, Charlie Tuna, will be broadcasting live. Events are free with zoo admission.
Support Your Favorite Earth
It's time to ink Earth Day into the calendar slots. Originally a grassroots movement begun in 1970, this increasingly important occasion to spark environmental awareness is now celebrated by approximately one billion people throughout the world. Within Greater Los Angeles you can participate in festivities, increase your knowledge of global warming and carbon footprints, and become "green-ified" at a variety of sites. Traditionally recognized on April 22nd, L.A.--always thinking outside the recycled box--has events spread events throughout April and even extending into May and beyond.
On April 12, 10 AM-7 PM, "Earth Day on the Promenade" sets up shop on Santa Monica's trendy Third Street Promenade pedestrian mall. In addition to exhibits that educate the public about energy conservation, this free and family-friendly event includes live music and animals.
Another large bring-the-family fest is "Wilshire Center Earth Day," April 22, 10 AM-5 PM. Also free, this celebration features eco-information, a children's interactive area, live performances by local and professional musicians, and environmental speakers. Also designated "car-free" day, ride your bike or take public transportation. Bus and metro stops are close to the festivities.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts "Earth Day Expo 2008," on the weekend of April 19-20. Exhibits include tips on transforming your own backyard into a welcoming place for birds and wildlife. Radio personality, Charlie Tuna, will be broadcasting live. Events are free with zoo admission.
Five Decades of Dodgers
Spring is here, which translates into not only pretty blossoms and outdoor pursuits, but heralds the beginning of baseball season. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2008 is extra-exciting since it marks the team's fiftieth anniversary--pretty astounding in a city that tends to reinvent itself about every five minutes. Plans for this achievement include all of the fun and excitement (and hot dogs and peanuts) associated with the game in addition to a specific celebration for each decade of the team's career and a season finish that will reunite many of the top players. On the historical timeline are such memorable occasions as the team's 1958 metamorphosis from Brooklyn to L.A.; multiple World Series wins; the inductions of Jackie Robinson, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, and many other players into the National Baseball Hall of Fame; Willie Davis's 31-game hitting streak; the "Fernandomania" created by Fernando Valenzuela's stellar achievements; and Mike Piazza's awesome 473-foot homer hit that blasted right out of Dodger Stadium. This year also marks the beginning of Joe Torre's tenure as team manager. Opened in 1962 and completely renovated in 2006, Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park is a much-beloved city landmark. However, this year's inaugural celebration--an exhibition game with the Boston Red Sox--will be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Family oriented, the event will include an autograph alley with team legends, photo opportunities, children's activities, a beer plaza for adults, and plenty of Golden Anniversary souvenirs available for purchase.
Los Angeles Dodgers
1000 Elysian Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Web Site
Celebrating Cherry Blossoms in Tinseltown
Who says that you have to go to Japan or Washington D.C. to celebrate the famous cherry blossoms? L.A.'s Little Tokyo district pays tribute to the delicate blooms at its seventh annual festival, held the weekend of 4-6 April. Thousands of visitors descend upon this free, family friendly event to enjoy live entertainment, food and crafts, and to otherwise pay homage to the cherry blossoms. The main stage is the setting for opening ceremonies and the bestowment of numerous awards as well as for live entertainment. At the cultural pavilion you can view exhibits of traditional Japanese crafts such as elaborate sashiko stitching and shibori textiles.
Back on the streets, shift your focus from demonstrations of distinctive ondo folk-style dancing to mesmerizing kick-up-the-action martial arts that include judo, kung fu, aikido, and sumo wrestling. Other diverse enjoyments consist of kimono and runway fashion shows, Polynesian dance, Hawaiian slack-key guitar music, and a children's craft area and fun zone. Vendors will be offering everything from sushi-making equipment and bonsai plants to handmade clothing and finely honed crafts. In addition to the surrounding restaurants of Little Tokyo, festivalgoers can enjoy Japanese, Thai, Hawaiian, and Mexican fare--even freshly squeezed lemonade and cotton candy. And, indeed, there are actual cherry trees. Many can be viewed at Pasadena's Victory Park (2575 Paloma St., Pasadena).
For information: http://www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org
Free Your Inner Gas-Price Hostage
Yes, it is really possible to get around this sprawling land of strangeness and seduction without spending a fortune on transportation. Although many an identity in this city is forged upon its wheels--limited-edition Bugatti, vintage 'vette, chauffeur-driven limo, hot-off-the-boat Ducati motorcycle, ubiquitous price-of-gas-is-no-option SUVs, or conscience-driven hybrid--there are other ways to transverse (or altogether avoid) the famously congested highways and by-ways.
Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy miles and miles of designated bike paths throughout the city. A perennial favorite is the famed Venice boardwalk where cyclists, skateboarders, and skimpily clad rollerbladers wheel along or barrel by on a special lane parallel to the broad sandy beach. Paths can also be found along many other beaches, through neighborhoods, and--for less nervous types--plying among the frenzied boulevards. Cycling is viable year-round, thanks to Southern California's mild climate and lack of rain.
Shock!--there is public transportation. Okay, the bus system is slow and it doesn't hit every spot in town, but it provides an inexpensive option for reaching many popular areas. And, not only are buses wheelchair accessible, but many have exterior bike racks. Another relatively unknown but often-used option is the (shock, again!) subway system--cheap, efficient, and an easy ride. Again, routes are limited, but they do cover the highlights (Universal Studios, Pasadena, Long Beach, Olvera Street, and the prominent corners of Hollywood). An escalator ride from the stop below L.A.'s Union Station gives access to commuter-rail and Amtrak trains.
More information: http://metro.net
My Fluffy Kitty is Prettier Than Your Old Goat
Olvera Street (El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument), the city's famed tourist attraction, isn't just a popular spot for eating Mexican food and buying novelty souvenirs. Numerous festivals are held here year-round. Perhaps none captures the spirit of L.A. more perfectly than the "Blessing of the Animals." Held in its present location since the 1930s, this annual event takes place on the Saturday prior to Easter (this year on 22 March). The colorful procession includes the usual cats, dogs, and birds, but all creatures are invited. Past participants have included donkeys, horses, hamsters, monkeys, chickens, tortoises, snakes, goats, and pigs--most donned in their baptismal best (a nicely decorated hat or gaily printed scarf are wardrobe basics). Simply watching this spectacle is a hoot, but the actual "service" is proper and pious. As each animal approaches the attending priest, it will be sprinkled with a few drops of holy water while a prayer is bestowed, blessing the creature for benefiting humankind. The blessing begins at 2 P.M. and lasts approximately three hours, but the "red-carpet" rollout begins much earlier. All pets are welcome, and admission is free. And you won't have to fight the paparazzi for a good view.
Olvera Street
845 North Alameda Street, (El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historic Park), Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United S
Web Site