Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
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19 theater companies from 12 cities across 8 states and Puerto Rico in residence at the multi-venue The Los Angeles Theatre Center, with performances running simultaneously in six different spaces over the course of three weeks.
October 24 through November 10
Find the complete performance schedule here.
The Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Los Angeles City Council is set to declare October 11th ‘National Coming Out Day’ in the City of Los Angeles, making the California city the first major US city to officially recognize the holiday. In partnership with LA-based non-profit, BabyGay, and local LGBTQ+ landmark, The Black Cat, Councilmember Nithya Raman will host a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11 to officially mark the city holiday.
‘National Coming Out Day’ was first inaugurated in 1988 by LGBTQ+ activists Jean O’Leary and Robert Eichberg, who believed that homophobia thrives in silence and ignorance. For the last 36 years, the day has been observed annually and serves as a celebration of coming out to loved ones as well as a campaign to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ civil rights issues still prevalent across the country.
As of this month, a record 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state houses around the U.S., more than in the last five years combined. In the face of these harmful actions - including LGBTQ+ erasure bills that strip away legal protections and rights - the City of Los Angeles will reaffirm its commitment to fully recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring people feel seen and safe no matter who they choose to love.
The Los Angeles City Council will vote to adopt a resolution declaring the city holiday with a presentation at City Hall on Friday, October 11th at 10am, and is thrilled to do so with two important partners, The Black Cat and BabyGay.
The Black Cat first opened its doors in October of 1966 to cater to a gay clientele at a time when same sex relations were criminalized in California. Just two months later, the venue was targeted in the notorious 1967 New Year’s Eve police raid that exposed brutal violence against patrons and widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In the wake of these unjust events, hundreds congregated in protest outside the venue, marking The Black Cat as a rallying point for activism. This pivotal establishment, predating Stonewall, remains a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2022, was designated by the state of California as a Historical Landmark.
BabyGay, founded in 2023 by PJ Brescia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a queer and ally community that celebrates the coming out process through storytelling and community building. Since its launch at the LA LGBT Center, BabyGay has evolved into a larger platform, partnering with organizations like the LA City Council, The Black Cat, and the AT Center to create impactful events. The organization has also participated in numerous Pride Festivals, including LA Pride, SD Pride, SaMo Pride, Venice Pride, and more, amplifying queer voices and creating spaces for connection and celebration.
At the heart of BabyGay's mission is the belief that while coming out is tough, it doesn't need to be so lonely. The organization curates community events featuring performances from queer artists, storytellers, and comedians, all aimed at helping newly out individuals, or "BabyGays," find acceptance and healing through levity and shared experiences. One of BabyGay's most innovative initiatives is the Welcome-Wagon Box, an essential kit for those just coming out, which includes handwritten postcards of support from community members. Through these efforts, BabyGay continues to provide vital support and connection for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout their coming out journey and beyond.

Los Angeles, CA – October 3, 2024 – The Dolores Huerta Foundation is excited to announce its Seeds of Change Gala, taking place on October 10th, 2024, at Candela La Brea in Los Angeles. The evening will include a special surprise musical performance and will honor three outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the arts, social justice, and community activism.
This year’s honorees are:
Dennis Leoni – Award-winning executive producer, writer, and director who created Resurrection Blvd., the first and longest-running Latino dramatic series in U.S. television history. Leoni continues to develop series projects, film scripts, and web series for major networks, studios, and the internet.
Cristela Alonzo – Comedian, actress, writer, and producer. Alonzo made history as the first Latina woman to create, write, and star in her own network TV show, Cristela. She is a passionate advocate for immigration, citizenship, and economic opportunity, and continues to use her platform to address social issues.
Salvador Contreras – A student activist at Bakersfield College, Contreras is a first-generation Mexican-American and advocate for education equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and environmental justice.
The gala will bring together community leaders, supporters, and change-makers for a night of celebration and empowerment in support of the Foundation’s vital work in organizing communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice
“We are thrilled to celebrate these extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to uplifting others and creating lasting change,” said Camila Chavez Executive Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “With their contributions, along with the support of our community, we continue our work to fight for justice and equity.”
Event Details:
Date: October 10th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Candela La Brea, 831 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tickets and Sponsorships: https://doloreshuerta.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/SeedsofChangeBenefitingDoloresHuertaFoundation/tabid/1493680/Default.aspx
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit our event webpage or contact Christian Baer at (661) 310-0527 or [email protected].
About the Dolores Huerta Foundation
The Dolores Huerta Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to inspire and organize communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice. Through education and advocacy, the Foundation engages in efforts to improve education, health, and civic participation in historically marginalized communities.

Event: 25th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Council System - Congress of Neighborhoods 2024
Theme: "Neighborhood Power, Citywide Impact: The Next 25 Years Start Now"
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Los Angeles City Hall
Join Amy Homma (Director, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures), Hal Bastian ("Mr. Downtown"), and Mayor Karen Bass for keynote addresses at this year's Congress of Neighborhoods. The 14th edition will feature a day of workshops, panel discussions, networking, and community empowerment.
Highlights:
Chair: Dorsay Dujon, Congress of Neighborhoods Planning Committee
Attendance: Free and open to the public, registration required. More details on workshops and presenters will be available soon.
Website: https://www.neighborhoodcongress.la/

Thelmy AlvarezDirector of Climate ServicesWatts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC)10950 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90059Phone: (323) 563-5610

Presented by Metro
7.5-Miles along CicLAvia’s Signature Open Streets Route to explore Historic Downtown LA, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, Arts District, Echo Park, and the ever-popular 6th Street Viaduct
Sunday, October 13, 2024; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
On Sunday, October 13; between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., CicLAvia – Heart of LA, presented by Metro, and also known as CicLAvia’s popular signature route, welcomes everyone of all ages and abilities to its 56th car-free open streets event connecting several of the most important and historic Los Angeles neighborhoods which include Boyle Heights; Chinatown; Downtown LA; Echo Park; the Arts District and Little Tokyo. Highlights include the 6th Street Viaduct, Echo Park Lake, and the Historic Core of DTLA, for participants to jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, play, and enjoy the 7.5-mile route. Always free, CicLAvia participants just show up anywhere along the route at any time to enjoy the open streets and to take the time to explore the ‘Heart of LA.’
With five Hubs filled with plenty of activities and programs along the route, CicLAvia – Heart of LA will be both fun and engaging for all to enjoy. Hubs are walking zones (bike dismounts) and meeting points along the route with the Echo Park Hub located on the south side of Echo Park Lake on Bellevue Ave at Glendale Blvd; the Chinatown Hub located on North Broadway near Chinatown’s historic Central Plaza; the Little Tokyo Hub located on Central Ave between 1st and 2nd streets; the Mariachi Plaza Hub located on 1st St east of Boyle Ave, and the Evergreen Hub located on E Cesar Chavez Ave, west of Evergreen Ave. Hubs offer family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refilling stations, free basic bike repair, bike parking, and first aid. Free pedicab rides are also available at each information booth.
“Heart of LA is CicLAvia’s anchor route,” says CicLAvia Executive Director Romel Pascual. “It’s where the inaugural CicLAvia took place in October 2010, and the route we return to every fall. Each year the route varies slightly to see more of our beautiful city from outside the confines of a car. For 2024 we’ll be going back over the spectacular 6th Street Viaduct, one of LA’s most celebrated and iconic landmarks. We will also travel a bit farther into Boyle Heights along E Cesar Chavez Ave. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Metro and LADOT for this 56th CicLAvia, the 14th Heart of LA (HOLA) route.LA.”
Inspired by Bogotá’s weekly ciclovía, CicLAvia has been temporarily closing streets to car traffic and opening them as public parks in Los Angeles since 2010. Now, with more than 319 miles of open streets, these beloved, always free to attend events are a celebration of L.A.’s diverse and vibrant communities. CicLAvia car-free streets connect all of us to the neighborhoods where we live, work, shop, learn, and play. Active participants at CicLAvia use people-powered mobility to navigate public streets in a safe and joyful way. Along the way there is shopping at local businesses, access to cultural and architectural gems, using open streets as spaces to connect with each other, and making a positive impact on the environment by creating a more sustainable and climate resilient city and region. Over the past 14 years CicLAvia has helped communities re-imagine a greener and cleaner Los Angeles, while also promoting equitable transportation options, healthier lifestyles, and closer connections to community.
Only people-powered vehicles are allowed. No electric scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, electric unicycles, motorcycles and other non-people-powered vehicles are allowed at CicLAvia. Class 1 e-bike pedal-assist allowed. Class 2 e-bikes are allowed when the throttle is powered off. Class 3 e-bikes are allowed when pedal-assist is powered off. Motorized wheelchairs are allowed. Learn more here.
Participants assume all known and unknown risks of participation in CicLAvia. More information regarding participants rights can be found here: https://www.ciclavia.org/ciclavia-safety
The last CicLAvia event for 2024 will take place on December 8: CicLAvia–The Valley (West Valley).
Free for all, CicLAvia is a nonprofit organization committed to introducing Angelenos to the vibrant civic and cultural treasures throughout Los Angeles. CicLAvia highlights important issues to all Angelenos - from environmental health and air quality improvement to access to safe and open parks, physical and mental well-being. CicLAvia has captured the imagination of more than 2-million people who have traveled together along more than 319 miles of streets. CicLAvia builds a unifying social fabric, joyously connecting culturally diverse neighborhoods and neighbors to each other through open streets. CicLAvia is not just about cycling, it’s also about multiple modes of people-powered transportation. Whether one walks, strolls, skates, jogs, scooters, or bikes, CicLAvia creates so many incredible moments and experiences enjoying our city streets together.
• Visit https://www.ciclavia.org/ciclavia_heart_of_la_24
• https://www.ciclavia.org/; [email protected]; 213-355-8500
• Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciclavia
• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ciclavia; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciclavia/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CicLAviaLA
• Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/laciclavia/sets/with/72157656013962875
• Videos: https://vimeo.com/762450848

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Teens and cops unite for Fountain Theatre’s ‘Walking the Beat’ in new
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FoLAR’s annual CleanUp is a popular annual event for Angelenos of all ages and backgrounds, attracting families, students, community members, and elected officials to the River. From the group of 10 people who brought the first CleanUp to life in 1989, today it draws thousands of volunteers and a vast range of volunteer groups including scout troops, entertainment companies, Indigenous groups, religious organizations, labor unions, and a bevy of nonprofits—reflecting the growing interest in and passion for the LA River among Angelenos of all backgrounds. It is also, for many, a place to learn about and take a hands-on approach to addressing climate change.Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6p-7p
What: Water conservation workshop for LA homeowners, hosted by LA Waterkeeper and LA Dept. of Water and Power. This workshop will dive into the importance of water-wise landscaping—a holistic approach that integrates water conservation, rainwater capture, and ecosystem health right in your own backyard.
When & Where: Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 7 pm. Online. Region: Los Angeles.
Cost: Free
Event link: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/rethink-your-yard
Description:
As we navigate the extremes of drought and heavy rainfall, it's crucial to rethink how we manage water in our communities. Join experts from LA Waterkeeper, Green Gardens Group, LADWP, and Climate Reality Project LA as they discuss why shifting from traditional lawns to water-wise landscapes is key to LA's climate resilience; how LADWP's resources and rebates can help you transform your yard; and community perspectives on water conservation and the barriers to making sustainable changes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your yard can be a vital part of LA’s water future. Let's turn our landscapes into lifescapes that sustain us all!
Sign up: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/events/rethink-your-yard
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The DWP Committee will be meeting virtually on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 am. Please be on time.
The meeting link on NC-DWP meetings web page (meetings and links will always be here) is:
https://www.ladwpnews.com/dwp-nc-mou-and-advocacy-committee-meetings/
Topics include (subject to change):
Ratepayer Advocate Fred Pickel will also be available able to answer questions.
Bring your own conspiracy theories and coffee.
The meeting concludes at 10 am.

Coastal Cleanup Day with LA Waterkeeper: Junipero Beach in Long Beach
Saturday, Sept. 21, 9a-12p
What: Community beach cleanup and celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Coastal Cleanup Day
When & Where: 9:00a at Junipero Beach, 1 Junipero Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803. Region: Los Angeles County.
Cost: Free
Event link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2024/event/coastalcleanupday2024/
Description: Join LA Waterkeeper on Junipero Beach in Long Beach for the 40th anniversary of Coastal Cleanup Day, California’s largest annual volunteer event. Together, we can make a significant difference for the planet by removing trash and debris from Junipero Beach. Your participation is a vital step toward safeguarding our oceans, wildlife, and local communities.
*PLEASE NOTE: In order to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, you must both register here AND complete the California Coastal Commission's Waiver linked here for English, and here for Spanish.
Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/
The HDSA Run Long Beach 5K Half & Full Marathon - Long Beach, California Takes Place Saturday October 5 through Sunday October 6
Long Beach, California (August 20, 2024) – The Los Angeles Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Run Long Beach 5K Half & Full Marathon starting on Saturday October 5th at 7:00 AM with the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K and concluding on Sunday October 6th with the Long Beach Marathon at 6:00 AM, and the Half Marathon at 7:30 AM. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.
For more information about the event, please contact ([email protected]).
Online registration and donation information can be found HERE
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA.
Event: Public Hearing and Deadline to Protest Proposed Sewer Rate Increase
Date: Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM (Public Hearing)
Protest Deadline: 5:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring Street, Room 340, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Description:
The City of Los Angeles is proposing a significant increase in sewer service charges, which would double the current rates over the next four years. This proposed rate hike, beginning with a 22% increase in October 2024, will impact residents and businesses across the city. The proposed increase totals $700 million over four years, doubling the average monthly cost for many ratepayers.
Concerns:
What You Can Do:
Submit a Written Protest:
Attend the Public Hearing:
Additional Information:
The Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council (GTLNC) has passed a resolution opposing the proposed sewer rate increase. You can view their resolution [HERE].
Make your voice heard—submit your protest in writing and consider attending the public hearing to stand with your neighbors against this rate increase.
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WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF ORANGE COUNTY (WACOC) AND CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY present “From Aid to Advocacy: Poland’s Impact on Russia’s War in Ukraine” on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
We are honored to have the Deputy Director of the Kennan Institute, Dr. Jennifer S. Wistrand, join us in leading a discussion on Poland’s crucial role in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Her expertise encompasses migration and forced displacement in the former USSR will offer valuable context for understanding Poland’s strategic contributions to Ukraine, including military aid, humanitarian support, and diplomatic initiatives in the war against Russia. With over 2.5 million refugees from Ukraine having crossed the Polish border as of January 2024, Poland plays a crucial role in assisting Ukraine in its effort to combat Russia’s determined offensive. The Kennan Institute is considered a premier US center for advanced research on Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center. Moderating the talk will be Dr. Mateo Jarquin, Director of the War, Diplomacy, and Society program at Chapman University. Originally from Nicaragua, Dr. Jarquin specializes in the study of Latin American politics and earned his Ph.D. in Latin American History from Harvard University in 2019. He is also an Assistant Professor of History at the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Jennifer S. Wistrand is the Deputy Director of the Kennan Institute. She holds a BA in Anthropology and French from Northwestern University and an MA and PhD in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis.
Her areas of expertise are migration and forced displacement in the Caucasus and Central Asia and humanitarian and development approaches to managing migration and forced displacement.
Prior to joining the Kennan Institute Dr. Wistrand was an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Prior to that she was a consultant to the World Bank for projects concerning internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth in Azerbaijan, Sudan, and Morocco.
She was a term appointee and a Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies’ Fellow in the US Department of State’s Secretary of State’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
Dr. Wistrand had held a number of fellowships, including a Fulbright Fellowship in Azerbaijan and a Title VIII Kennan Institute Fellowship. She was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkmenistan.
EVENT:
TOPIC: “From Aid to Advocacy: Poland’s Impact on Russia’s War in Ukraine”
TIME: Thursday, September 12, 2024
Reception: 6:00-6:30 pm
Dinner: 6:30-7:00 pm
Moderated Discussion: 7:00-7:30 pm
Q&A: 7:30-8:00 pm
LOCATION: Sandhu Conference Center, 571 N Grand St, Orange, CA 92867
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CITY OF HOPE BLOODMOBILE COMES TO THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET FOR A SPECIAL BLOOD DRIVE EVENT
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WHAT: |
The Original Farmers Market is excited to announce their first-ever blood drive event with City of Hope on Tuesday, August 13th. From 9 AM to 2 PM, the City of Hope bloodmobile will be parked near the Farmers Market Plaza Clock Tower, welcoming donors to contribute to this vital cause. Every donation collected will directly support City of Hope cancer patients, offering them much-needed resources and hope.
Donors must bring a valid photo ID, be in good health with no COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, and have a healthy meal/snack and drink plenty of water before donating. Vaccination is not required to donate.
As a thank you for their generosity, all donors will receive complimentary parking for the day at Farmers Market parking lots and a $10 Farmers Market Gift Certificate that can be used at nearly every Market merchant. While walk-ins are welcome, donors are encouraged to make appointments to ensure a seamless experience. To schedule your donation, please clickHERE or call 626-218-7171. Your support can make a profound impact in the fight against cancer.
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Blood Drive: Tuesday, August 13th 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
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The Original Farmers Market Market Plaza 6333 W. Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90036
View the event flyer HERE Link to register HERE or call 626-218-7171 to make an appointment
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ELIGIBILITY AND FINE PRINT:
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Blood Donations are encouraged for anyone 17 and older; 16-year-olds may also donate blood with parental consent. Candidates must weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good general health. (Minimum required weight for 16-year-olds is 135 lbs.) |
SPIKE IN CRIME IN ENCINO: CALL TO ACTION AND YOUR ATTENDANCE
Note: The meeting on 8/6 at Lanai Road School has been changed as per the below
LOCATION:
West Valley Community Police Station
19020 Vanowen Street, Reseda
West Valley Community Police Station - LAPD Online
DATE:
August 8, 2024
TIME:
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Speaker:
LAPD Captain Brian Wendling
Rank: Captain III
Division: West Valley Division
Dear Neighbors,
For the past several days, LAPD Captain Brian Wendling and I have had detailed conversations about the recent home invasions and robberies in Encino. We have studied the targeted areas and identified the points of entry and exit used by these criminals.
In response, the Homeowners of Encino will hold an in-person meeting at our Local Police Department Conference Room due to the importance of the subject: the SAFETY of our FAMILIES. This critical topic surpasses the limitations of a Zoom call, where issues such as muted participants and restricted speaking time hinder effective communication.
Goals and Objectives of the Meeting:
Your attendance and participation are crucial. Let's work together to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Homeowners of Encino
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