(L.A. Cyclista Alex Thompson will go to Bike Week Pasadena and you should too.)
Bike Week Pasadena is May 12 through the 17th. Between me and you, this is the event series to go to. The final event, the Urban Bicycle Commuter Expo, was awesome last year. I helped staff a booth, but in truth, I was useless because I was strolling around checking everything out. There were amazing freak bikes, antique bikes that looked freaky, a custom frame builder displaying a bike with wooden rims, and a variety of activist organizations.
This year's Urban Bike Commuter Expo is Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the One Colorado Courtyard in Pasadena. In my three-and-a-half years participating in underground bike culture in L.A., I've been to five events that knocked my socks off. Two of those were organized by CICLE, and one was last year's Bike Expo. The 40-mile round trip was well worth it. This year, CICLE organizers again have secured the One Colorado shopping district for the expo, so Saturday shoppers will be exposed to a broad array of cycling organizations and vendors.
CICLE still has some room for small cycling vendors, and this year has negotiated to allow limited sales during the event. So if you're an artisan or vendor who produces cycling-related items, be sure to contact CICLE at info@cicle.org.
Here's a fancy old school bike at last year's event:
Hopefully my photography has improved since then!
See you there.
Earth Day came and went, but the green calendar's packed for the rest of the month! Alt Build Expo's already started; but many more festivals and expos are happening all over the L.A. area all weekend:
Earth Weekend at the Aquarium. Sat., April 26 - Sun., April 27, 11 am - 6 pm both days at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica.
The Aquarium's observing Earth Day a few days late with a weekend-long celebration. There'll be educational activities are planned for the whole family, including ocean pollution workshops, arts and crafts, and face painting. Children under 12 get in free with a paying adult ($2 admission; $5 suggested donation), but if you join the beach cleanup and leave Santa Monica a little cleaner than you found it, you can get in free! Just pick up some cleaning supplies from the beach cleanup table outside the Aquarium, clean a bit, then enjoy the Aquarium activities for free.
Greening the Earth Day Event in Pasadena (PDF). Sat. April 26, 10 am - 4 pm at Memorial Park and the Armory Center, 150 N Raymond Ave., Pasadena.
This free family festival will feature 70 or so exhibitors showcasing all things green, including organic food, hybrid and electric vehicles, alternative energy and green building design.
In conjunction with the event, C.I.C.L.E. will lead a bike ride called Birds, Blossoms, and You. Meet at 1:30 pm at the Levitt Pavilion in Memorial Park to take an Earth Day-inspired bicycle tour of Pasadena's favorite trees. Cyclists of all levels and ages can participate in this relaxed bicycle ride, during which they'll learn the history of Southern California's famous trees and streetscapes as well as receive expert info about tree maintenance and protection. The ride departs at 2 pm Sharp.
Green Gardens Tour. Sat., April 26 from 10 am - 4 pm, starting at 1027 Princeton, Santa Monica.
This year’s tour theme's "Gardening With Intent: Water Management" -- and the tour itself will highlight home gardens in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica that demonstrate sustainable designs, practices, and technologies. All tourists will get a copy of the Green Sourcebook, a free compendium of garden information, ideas and suggestions. Tour prices range from $25-$50; proceeds benefit Virginia Avenue Project, a Santa Monica based nonprofit that uses the arts to help kids discover their full potential. Call (310) 264-4224 to reserve tickets, or buy them in person at 1027 Princeton, Santa Monica on Saturday morning.
Universal Studios Hollywood “Eco-Fair." Sat., April 26, 10 am - 4 pm at the Universal Globe Fountain at main entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.
"Days of Our Lives" stars will autograph reusable bags and give out CFL bulbs at this free eco-fair, featuring over 30 interactive exhibits. Attendees are also invited to bring their household hazardous waste or e-waste to the event for free drop-off -- and free parking! Hybrid drivers can also park free.
STAR Eco Station's Children's Earth Day. Sun., April 27 from 10 am - 4 pm at STAR Eco Station, 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd. Culver City. Children will love this free outdoor extravaganza loaded with free stuff, celebrity guests, food, games, shopping, crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and more.
Photo by Pretty Kate Machine via Flickr
Thursday, March 20
AeA Event: “How Going Green Affects The Bottom Line” ($65-85) - UCLA Anderson School of Management, Executive Dining Room B208, 1100 Westwood Pl, Los Angeles. 5:30 pm. This event features a panel of speakers and opportunities for attendees to network and share success stories about Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental stewardship.
King Corn film screening (free) - The California Endowment, 1000 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles. 6 pm. The California Endowment is hosting a screening of King Corn followed by a discussion with Aaron Woolf, the film's director. King Corn is a revealing documentary about "two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation."
East Side Green Drinks -- All Shades of Green, 3038 Rowena Ave , Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Green
Drinks has no agenda or theme. The event is simply composed of the
people who attend. All you have to do is show up ready to hang out and
meet a few like-minded people over drinks.
Friday, March 21
(through Sunday, March 23) The Raw Lifestyle Film Festival ($60-$250) - The Grand Theatre, Los Angeles Trade Tech College, 400 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. The Raw Lifestyle Film Festival features films that center around the benefits of a raw vegan diet. Films that focus on organic, biodynamic and other sustainable farming methods and their impact on the environment will also be featured.
Saturday, March 22: World Water Day
Griffith Park Composting Workshop (free) - Griffith Park Composting Education Facility, 5400 Griffith Park Dr., Los Angeles. 10 am. Residents can learn about backyard composting, worm composting, types of compost bins, grasscycling, and other smart gardening techniques at the City's free backyard composting workshops. In addition to the workshops, special discounted compost bin sales events are held throughout the year.
Here's your guide to an eco-friendly weekend! Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Saturday, March 15
Heal the Bay’s Stream Team event to restore Malibu Creek Watershed (free) - lower parking lot of Malibu Creek State Park. 9 am - 1 pm. Help remove invasive plant species and manmade debris from various sites in the Malibu Creek watershed! During the four-hour program, the team will also plant beneficial native species.
How to Harvest Energy from the Sun: Solar Cooker workshop ($10-$20) - All Shades of Green, 3038 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles. 9:30 am - 12 pm. Learn how to use a Solar Oven at this Workshop With Amanda Bramble from Ampersand Sustainable Learning Center And Sustainability Coach Deborah Tull.
Greenopia book signing and discussion (free) - Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 2 pm - 4 pm. Gay Browne, Greenopia Founder, will be hosting this book signing with a discussion on incorporating simple sustainable choices in everyday activities.
Kombucha Kamp ($20) -
Culver City (e-mail for exact address). 2 p.m. Learn how to make
Kombucha at home. At this small, hourlong workshop, you will sample
flavors, learn how to make the booch and receive a starter kit with
detailed instructions. E-mail kombuchakamp@gmail.com for more
information.
Sunday, March 16
“Sustainable Living in an Urban Environment" discussion (free) - Border’s Bookstore, 1501 N. Vine St., Hollywood. 1 pm - 3 pm. Founder of Greenopia Gay Browne and Greenopia VP of Sustainability Ferris Kawar will discuss “Sustainable Living in an Urban Environment.” They will include tips and resources on how to combat city life’s inevitable environmental impact with some simple daily choices.
 Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Thursday, March 6
West Side Green Drinks ($5) -- Livingreen, 10000 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 7 p.m. Green Drinks has no agenda or theme. The event is simply composed of the people who attend. All you have to do is show up ready to hang out and meet a few like-minded people over drinks.
Friday, March 7
"Exploring New Ways to Finance our Transportation Goals" ($50-$65) - 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles. 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. This Back to Business Transportation Breakfast Forum will feature a panel including L.A. City Council member Wendy Greuel, California Assembly member Michael Feuer, and MTA Chairwoman Pam O’Connor.
From Animal to Person Examines What Separates Man from Beast ($9 adults, $6.50 children) - Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. This month, First Fridays: Discovery in the Age of Mammals examines the evolutionary journey between animal and man. One of the world’s leading mind philosophers, Dr. Daniel C. Dennett, will talk about the revelations on evolutionary biology and cognitive science uncovered in his research.
Santa Monica Critical Mass (free): Top of the Santa Monica Pier, Colorado & Ocean, Santa Monica. 6:30 p.m. This monthly bicycle ride "celebrating the joy and virtues of bicycling" is open to all. Just show up with a bike.
RIDE-Arc bike ride (free): Meet at Heliotrope and Melrose in Los Angeles. 9 p.m. RIDE-Arc is a monthly social bicycle ride with a referenced architectural theme, mixed with some urban anthropology and your own personal sense of adventure and discovery.
Saturday, March 8
"South Central Farm: Oasis in a Concrete Desert" Film Screening at Palisades Film Festival ($10) - Palisades Theater, 941 Temescal Canyon Blvd., Pacific Palisades. 12:30 p.m. This hour-long program of three shorts also includes a film on e-waste and a Sundance film on tolerance, followed by a Q&A.
“Greening Your Home” workshop (free) - Livingreen, 10000 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Greenopia Founder Gay Browne and special guest Monica Gilcrest, Global Green USA’s Resource Center Coordinator will provide simple solutions for a greener home.
Wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen's exhibit opening (free) - G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. 6 p.m. - 9 p,m. Wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen joins forces with G2 Gallery, a new environmentally-conscious art gallery. At least 15% of the proceeds from sales will benefit Friends of Ballona Wetlands and the Environmental Media Association.
Sunday, March 9
Earth Expedition Series: Ocean Exploration and Research in Marine Conservation (free with museum admission) - Jean Delacour Auditorium, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. 2 p.m. Roger McManus, Vice President for Marine Programs, Conservation International will speak as part of The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Earth Expeditions, a new series of Sunday events featuring some of the most renowned conservation scientists and explorers working today.
Natural organic skin care presentation and Greenopia book signing (free) - Whole Foods Market in El Segundo, 760 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo. 2 pm. Desiree Griffin, Whole Body Leader, will share with guests the importance of using personal skincare products with natural and organic ingredients. Greenopia Founder Gay Browne will present the 2nd edition of Greenopia Los Angeles.
Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Friday, Feb. 29
Los Angeles Critical Mass
(free) - Check website for closest location. Start times vary by
location (between 5:30 and 7 pm). This monthly bicycle ride
"celebrating the joy and virtues of bicycling" is open to all. Just
show up with a bike.
Saturday, Mar 1
Santa Monica citywide transportation workshop
(free) - Santa Monica High School Cafeteria, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 9:30 am - 3 pm. This community meeting invites all to talk about how
can we get people to make less trips on their car. Refreshments and
secure bike parking will be provided.
L.A. Bicycle Master Plan meeting
(free) - Banning's Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St., Wilmington. 10 am - 12 pm. The City of L.A. wants you to put your two cents in
at the public workshops for the Bicycle Master Plan, which provides a
guide to develop a citywide bicycle transportation system.
Greenopia book signing (free) - Menemsha, 12524 Ventura Blvd, Studio City. 2 pm. Greenopia Founder Gay Browne sign books at the eco-conscious boutique Menemsha in an event featuring guest designers and a raffle for two promotional gift bags filled with apparel by Del Forte Denim and Loomstate, a pair of Tom’s Shoes, Pacifica Perfume, and designer tees.
C.I.C.L.E./LA Post Carbon Screening: 'What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire' ($5) - Armory Center of the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. 7 pm - 10 pm. L.A. Post Carbon and C.I.C.L.E. host a social and informative evening of film and discussion. Bring some food and drink to share.
 Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Sat. Feb. 23
The Green Resolutions Ride (free) -- At the park next to Silverlake Recreation Center, 1850 W. Silver Lake Dr., Los Angeles. 10 am. Join C.I.C.L.E. and friends to explore the Silver Lake and Los Feliz neighborhoods by bicycle in search of green and sustainable living ideas on our Urban Expeditions "Green Resolutions Ride." Stops includethe Silver Lake Farmers Market, the Eco-Home, and the Bicycle Kitchen.
Passion for the Planet! A Complete Guide to Going Green in LA ($25) -- All Shades of Green, 3038 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles. 10 am. With Sustainability Coach Deborah Tull, learn what you can do today to green your home, business and lifestyle that will make a difference (and fit within your schedule and financial capacity). Call (323) 665-7454 to register.
Resolution in the Bag: Cause for Creativity ($20 per bag; $15 for members) -- Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station G1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eliminate Plastic Bags While Making Your Own Art! The underground collective Hit+Run will conduct a live silk-screening party where participants make one-of-a-kind silk-screened cotton bags to use instead of plastic.
Sun. Feb 24
Thinking Outside the Bike Lane: An Exercise in Communal Co-Designing -- Self-Help Graphics, 3802 East Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Frustrated by L.A.'s bike route signage (or lack thereof)? Then weigh in on a new bike signage system system that will reflect the needs and desires of real L.A. cyclists and will be flexible enough to be modified and expanded over time.
"Golden Age of Hollywood" Ride -- Corner of Coronado and Silverlake, 2522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 1 pm - 4 pm. Dress up as your favorite Hollywood icon and explore the roots of Hollywood in Silverlake. Plan to mingle after the ride, when snacks and light refreshments will be available. Rain cancels the event.
Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Fri. Feb. 15
Farmlab Public Salon: "Is It Possible to Cover the Environment Without Annoying, Scaring, Befuddling, or Depressing People?" (free) - 1745 N. Spring St., No. 4, Los Angeles. 12pm. Bob Sipchen, the editor of "Sierra," the Sierra Club's magazine, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning former editor, columnist and staff writer for the L.A. Times, will lead the discussion.
Sat. Feb. 16
L.A. Bicycle Master Plan meeting (free) - Expo Center Swim Stadium-Community Room, 3980 S. Menlo Ave., Los Angeles. 10 am. The City of L.A. wants you to put your two cents in at the public workshops for the Bicycle Master Plan, which provides a guide to develop a citywide bicycle transportation system.
The Non-Toxic Home ($25) - All Shades of Green, 3038 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles. 10 am. With Sustainability Coach Deborah Tull, learn how to create a safe, healthy, non-toxic home. Call (323) 665-7454 to register.
Bikes in the City: Traffic Basics Workshop ($15 sliding scale) - In Glassell Park, 3700 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles. 10 am. Designed specifically with the bike newbie in mind, this is the class to get you, or someone you love, out on the bike safely and confidently. The workshop's limited to 15 people.
Paul Guillemette’s Solo Exhibition: “Finished Wood” opening reception (free) - Metro Gallery, 1835 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles. 6 pm. Sculptor, ceramicist and painter Paul Guillemette’s new work, made with pieces of discarded packing wood, is a commentary on the process of transformation. The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 16 - March 15.
Image courtesy of C.I.C.L.E
Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Thurs, Feb. 7
Brad Henderson discusses local native gardening. (free) - Environmental Charter High School, 16315 Grevillea Ave, Lawndale. 6 pm. Hear how local Lawndale resident, biologist, and revolutionist Brad Henderson changed his largely barren urban yard into native habitats and sustainable food production in the heart of Los Angeles. This talk is part of Environmental Charter High School's Permaculture Dialogues.
West Side Green Drinks
($5) -- Livingreen, 10000 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 7 p.m. Green
Drinks has no agenda or theme. The event is simply composed of the
people who attend. All you have to do is show up ready to hang out and
meet a few like-minded people over drinks. From the admission fee, a portion will be donated to Sustainable Works.
Saturday, Feb. 9
Pasadena Electronic Waste Collection Event (free) - Brookside Park, Parking Lot, south of the Rose Bowl. 9 am - 3 pm. All Pasadena residents and businesses are invited to drop off their e-waste at this Pasadena Department of Public Works event. For additional information, contact (626) 744-4087 or recycle@cityofpasadena.net.
el·e·men·tal: Tom Servais' art exhibition opening (free) - epOxybOx, 602 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7 pm - 11 pm. Within el e men tal, surf photographer Tom tightly focuses his lens on the subtleties that have surrounded him throughout his adventures, revealing the simplistic and intrinsic beauty of nature. Show tuns: February 9 - March 29.
Sunday, Feb. 10
24th Annual Los Angeles Wild Mushroom Fair (free - $7 for arboretum admission) - Ayres Hall, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. See wild mushrooms in natural habitat settings and enjoy a mushroom Cooking demonstration and mushroom Cultivation demonstration. Experts will be on hand to identify any mushrooms you bring in.
Thinking Outside the Bike Lane: An Exercise in Communal Co-Designing
- Self-Help Graphics, 3802 East Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles. 12 pm
- 4 pm. Frustrated by LA's bike route signage (or lack thereof)? Then
weigh in on a new bike signage system system that will reflect the
needs and desires of real LA cyclists and will be flexible enough to be
modified and expanded over time.
Los Angeles EcoDensity Bicycle Tour (free-$5) - Metro Gold Line Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park Station, 370 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles. 2 pm - 4:30 pm Gordon Price leads this 2-hours, leisurely-paced ride, which, tours ecological and housing sites in Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and Downtown L.A. Arriving by bike or Metro suggested. Suggested donation: $5, no one turned away.
Fair Trade L.A. Meet and Greet - United University Church (UUC) at University of Southern California, University Park Campus, Los Angeles. 3 pm - 5 pm. Fair Trade LA is group of individuals committed to proactive, ideal/realistic solutions in a global movement for social and environmental justice. Come find out about FTLA and meet others who are interested in the Fair Trade movement. Enjoy food and live music. Fair trade products will be available for purchase.
Image by Tom Servais, courtesy of epOxybOx
Like to plan ahead? Check out the Emerald City calendar to find out about all the green events around town.
Friday, Feb 1
3rd Anniversary Santa Monica Critical Mass (free): Top of the Santa Monica Pier, Colorado & Ocean, Santa Monica. 6:30 p.m. This monthly bicycle ride "celebrating the joy and virtues of bicycling" is open to all. Just show up with a bike.
New Year, New Green Energy Discussion ($2): Westwood, Los Angeles (RSVP for more details). Hear from Bill Seavey, who has been experimenting with solar power since the early '90s, when he first installed a small 50-watt system in his motor home.
RIDE-Arc bike ride (free): Meet at the little 'square/plaza' in Chinatown, just steps away from the Mountain Bar. 9 p.m. RIDE-Arc is a monthly social bicycle ride with a referenced architectural theme, mixed with some urban anthropology and your own personal sense of adventure and discovery.
Saturday, Feb. 2
Los Angeles Zero Waste Conference [PDF] (free): Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall, 515 A and B, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The second Zero Waste Citywide Conference invites you to share your ideas and determine the programs, policies and facility options that will be recommended for inclusion in the Zero Waste Plan’s Guiding Principles. Complimentary meals, refreshments and parking.
Environmental Charter Ribbon Cutting Celebration (free): 16315 Grevillea Ave., Lawndale. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Parents, students and the community are all welcome to learn more about the green school, mission and programs.
Sunday, Feb. 3
"Malibu Public Beaches" safari (free): RSVP for location. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Los Angeles Urban Rangers show you how to find, park, walk, picnic and sunbathe on a Malibu beach legally and safely. The safari visits two different beaches. Skills-enhancing activities include a public-private boundary hike, sign watching, a no-kill hunt for accessways, and a public easement potluck.
Earth Expedition Series: Building a Common Agenda between Indigenous People and Conservation (free with museum admission): Jean Delacour Auditorium, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. 2 p.m. Kristen Walker Painemilla and Susan Stone of the Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Initiative at Conservation International will speak about the goal of forging a working alliance between indigenous peoples and conservation scientists, and highlight CI’s work with the Wai-Wai community in Guyana.
Photo courtesy of LA Urban Rangers
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