City News: Echo Park Lake Reopening, a New Inclusive Playground in Ventura and More.

From LA to the Valley, the coast to the city, we are breaking down this week’s top local headlines. Stay current on the latest city news for your area and never miss a beat. In this week’s blog, we’re talking about Echo Park Lake reopening, a new inclusive playground in Ventura, and a huge win for a local Woodland Hills school.

Los Angeles – City News

Echo Park Lake to Reopen After Monthslong Closure

Officials announced this week that Echo Park will reopen to the public on May 26 after a two-month closure. As a result, the reopening comes after the city allocated $1.1 million for improvements and repairs to be made to the 29-acre park. For instance, according to a Council District 12 statement, security cameras have been installed in the park “to help ensure that Echo Park remains safe and secure for all park users. In addition, other improvements include upgrading public restrooms and repairing electrical and irrigation systems. District Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell also said in a statement that “When Echo Park Lake reopens, the City will ensure that it remains safe, clean, accessible, and secure for all who wish to use this shared public space. The community can count on that”.

Westside and Beach Communities – City News

The City of Ventura to Open Inclusive Play Area for Children of All Abilities

The city of Ventura announced this week that construction is underway for a fully inclusive play area. Most importantly, plans for the play will allow for enjoyment for children of all abilities. The play area will be located at Arroyo Verde Park. Likewise, the new inclusive play area will have gathering places, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, and more. Community members, families, and medical professionals provided input into the play area’s design. Consequently, it was through these talks that park designers were able to develop an adaptive play space where children of all abilities can play together. “The Arroyo Verde Park play area is the city’s first all-inclusive playground,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava in a statement. “This space will be a place where everyone in the community can come out to have fun and experience the joy of community connection and play, regardless of ability or age.”

Valley – City News

Woodland Hills High School Earns national Academic Decathlon Crown

Students of El Camino Real Charter High School have nabbed their fifth consecutive national title in this year’s Academic Decathlon. The Woodland Hills high school students earned a complete of 55 medals in varied classes of the competition. In addition, this would make for the second honor of the year for the El Camino Real Charter High School students. Similarly, the decathlon participants also received the Southern California Independent Charter Academic Decathlon Regional Competition, held nearly on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.

May 20, 2021

Weekend Events: May 21 – 23, 2021

From cinema under the stars to new exhibits and more, check out the events happening this weekend that will surely provide fun for the whole family!

Los Angeles

Dance at Dusk

When: Until July 18
Where: The Music Center, Downtown
What: Break out your dancing shoes and head to DTLA. Live dance returns to the Music Center with a number of outdoor performances. While you won’t be the one hitting the dance floor, you’ll be able to see a series of ticketed ballet, tap, and modern dance performances on stage. The shows will take place in the Jerry Moss Plaza, with free streaming on Sunday evenings. For more information, visit musiccenter.org.

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

When: Until May 22
Where: Greek Theatre, Griffith Park
What: While the return to L.A.’s favorite cemetery screening has not yet returned to its original form, it will come back to life this weekend for a drive-in. Happening right outside the Greek Theatre, the beloved feature beneath the stars will briefly resurrect for a weekend of fun. Enjoy familiar fixtures like DJs, a concession stand, and tasty meals to go. It may not be as ghoulish but it is sure to be just as enchanting as the Cinespia we know and love.

OFF/ON

When: May 21-May 28, 2021
Where: Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
What: While it is not the kind of shows we are used to seeing at the Music Venue, the Hollywood Palladium’s current exhibit worth a visit. The free show, titled OFF/ON features neon and mixed media works from over a dozen artists. The exhibit is showcased in the venue’s windows and aims to bring a bit of light into the darkness of the past year through art.

Westside
SOAR: Tropical Butterflies

When: Until November 30
Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
What: If you love butterflies and nature, the South Coast Botanic Garden has the perfect exhibit for you. Taking place now through November 20, you can walk through the pavilion, surrounded by fluttering butterflies. The new exhibit will feature tropical butterflies in early spring before transitioning to monarch butterflies in the late summer and early fall. Don’t miss out on this beautiful attraction!

Paws & Pages at Annenberg PetSpace

When: Until June 27
Where: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
What: Calling all animal lovers! Visit Annenberg PetSpace for a socially distanced storytime, Pet Encounter, and take-home craft. Bring your little one to this fun family-friendly event, where they can build communication skills and self-confidence by reading with adoptable pets or listening to a story. Tickets are $3 and must be purchased in advance.

Self-Care Saturdays

When: Sat, May 22, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Where: 3rd Street & Arizona Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90401
What: Take some YOU time this weekend with Downtown Santa Monica. This weekend’s free workout will be all about Plyojam. PlyoJam is a cardio dance mixed with Plyometrics. Modifications included and no equipment needed. Bring your own yoga mat and come prepared to sweat and have fun at this socially distanced weekend workout.

The Valley

Movies on Location

When: Until July 18
Where: Various Locations
What: Location! Location!! Location!!! Movies on Location is taking you to where some of your favorite films shot their most notable scenes. Don’t miss out on this series of movies in the Valley, screening at the locations and landmarks the fit the film’s theme. This fun and immersive experience will be on until July 18. Chairs will be provided to moviegoers so that all you need is your movie fandom and advanced ticket purchase—Head to tickets.myvalleypass.com for more information.

44th Annual Ojai Art in the Park

When: Memorial Weekend | May 29 and May 30, 2021
Where: Libbey Park, 210 S Signal St, Ojai, CA 93023
What: Ojai Art Center kicks off their 44th annual ‘Art in the Park celebration’ with a Memorial Weekend celebration on May 29 and May 30, 2021. Walkthrough downtown Ojai’s Libbey Park and enjoy fine art in a stunning setting. Admission is free. Call 805-646-0117 for further information.

Electric Dusk: Drive-In Summer Series

When: Until May 30
Where: Glendale
What: While the influx of drive-in shows last year may seem like a new thing, that is not the case for Electric Dusk. The drive-n movie event has been bringing outdoor old-fashioned screenings to LA for years, albeit with new venues on occasion. Currently, you can catch a flick at the old Sears parking garage in Glendale. This weekend’s showings feature flicks like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Moana, and Jumanji (the original), with a slew of other titles on schedule. Book your tickets in advance!

Scenes at the Greens: New West Symphony Trio

When: May 28, 2021
Where: Los Robles Greens, Thousand Oaks
What: Even though this event is still a week away, we are adding it to this week’s event list so you can get your tickets ahead of time! The ‘Scenes at the Greens’ concert series is not one to be missed. Taking place outside, you can enjoy live soothing music from world-class artists, all while enjoying the beautiful Thousand Oaks weather. The May 28 show features familiar tangos by Piazzolla, Porgy and Bess by Gershwin, and Russian dance by Tchaikovsky. For more information and to purchase tickets visit Conejo.com.

Westlake Village Farmers Market

When: Sunday, May 23, 2021, at 10:00 am
Where: 2797 Agoura Road, Westlake Village
What: Stock up on delicious fresh produce and organic treats at the Westlake Farmers Market. Buy from local vendors and help to support your community. This weekend’s market opens at 10:00 am.

May 19, 2021May 17, 2021

LA Eats: Our Favorite Places to Eat this Week

With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh-worthy spots throughout L.A., the Westside, and the Valley of this week’s eat of the week.

Area: Los Angeles

Alta

Location: 5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Alta is southern cooking done right. Which makes it no surprise that the restaurant received The MICHELIN Plate: Good cooking honor in this year’s Michelin guide for LA. The comfort food and family-sized portions make Alta perfect for a night in or out. From golden-fried black-eyed pea fritters to fried chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes, you’ll want a family-sized portion all to eat all by yourself.

Sunday Gravy

Location: 1122 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

If you love pasta, as most people do, then you will love Sunday Gravy. The Inglewood spot serves traditional Italian-American pasta dishes with a vintage touch. There is something for everyone to eat and enjoy with choices like fettuccine alfredo, linguini and clams, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Ronan

Location: 7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

A modern pizzeria whipping up suburb eats on Melrose, Ronan is a must. The seasonal share plates restaurant owned and operated by Chef Daniel Cutler and his wife, Caitlin, also received The MICHELIN Plate: Good cooking honor. One bit into one of their hand-tossed Neapolitan pizzas, and it’s easy to see why. We recommend the Sweet Cheeks for a honey-drizzled surprise that will no doubt have you coming back to Ronan for more.

Area: Westside/Beach Communities

Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar

Location: 29575 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Spruzzo serves as a delightful family-friendly restaurant option in Malibu. The inviting Italian eatery offers generous portion sizes and delicious food to eat. Enjoy an evening out on their airy rooftop with stunning views of the ocean that take Al Fresco dining to new heights.

Fishing with Dynamite

Location: 1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

If the name doesn’t pack a punch, the food at Fishing with Dynamite does and in the best possible way. Moreover, as one of the best restaurants in Manhattan Beach, FWD is worth the drive if you’re not local to the area. Enjoy delicious oyster-focused seafood in a trendy setting, with classic and innovative dishes you’ll love.

Lucky’s Malibu

Location: 3835 Cross Creek Rd Suite #18, Malibu, CA 90265

The popular Montecito spot made its debut in Malibu this year and has quickly become a local favorite. The upscale Malibu steakhouse resides in the former Mr. Chow spot, but you wouldn’t know from its revamped appearance. And the menu? It’s superb! In conclusion, from fried calamari, decadent steaks and chops, sautéed sand dabs, and more, Lucky’s delivers.

Area: SFV, Conejo, Santa Clarita

Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine

Location: 367 N Chevy Chase Dr, Glendale, CA 91206

If you find yourself in Glendale, make your way over to Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine. Whether you are searching for lunch to-go or a relaxed dinner setting, Skaf’s can accommodate. From the service to the food, this local eatery offers delicious middle eastern food quickly and seamlessly.

Petit Trois

Location: 13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

An expansion of the original french bistro from the Trois Mec team, Petit Trois offers Parisian delicacies in a cozy setting. Enjoy French classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Chef Ludo at this Sherman Oaks hot spot. Bite into all-day options like the Brittany Wild Sole Meunière or Big Mec ( a delightful French twist on the Big Mac).

Furn Saj Bakery

Location: (3) Locations in Granada Hills, Calabasas, and Glendora

Serving traditional homemade Lebanese food since 2013, Furn Saj Bakery and Restaurant offers delicious meals and baked goods. Using the finest and freshest natural ingredients, it is easy to see why they’re considered one of the top-rated Mediterranean restaurants in the valley. Above all, whether you’re in search of a quick bite or something more filling, you’ll find no shortage of options to eat at Fun Saj.

Carney’s Express Limited

Location: 12601 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Are you really an Angeleno if you haven’t been to Carney’s? The fast-food shack has been serving up tasty hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries since 1975 and is a staple in the city of LA. In short, whether you opt to visit the Sunset or Valley train, add this to your stop on your next lunch outing.

Black Market Liquor Bar

Location: 11915 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Black Market Liquor Bar is far more than the name suggests. Certainly, with American eclectic cuisine skillfully navigated by Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, it is a much-needed upgrade to traditional bar food. Likewise, serving up dinner and brunch in an elevated setting, BMLB offers a refined approach to casual dining. For instance, indulge yourself with their Deviled quail eggs with ahi tuna and dill, for starters. You can do no wrong in entree selections like the Ricotta Gnudi with brown butter or pistachio or their juicy Friend Chicken and fries.

May 14, 2021

Goat Yoga, The BH Art Show and Jurassic Park | Weekend Events May 14-16

Don’t miss out on this weekend’s best events! It’s a jam-packed week in the city of angels, so we’re sharing the best things to do in L.A., the westside, and the valley. From finding your zen with goats at the Gamble House to the bi-annual BH Art Show. Enjoy all that your community has to offer with these family-friendly activities!