The Guy Hanks and Marvin Miller Screenwriting Program at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts is accepting applications until Sept. 15. The goal of the program is to develop a pool of qualified African American writers in the entertainment industry. The program meets twice a week for 15 weeks, beginning in February 2010. It is designed to assist writers in completing a television or feature script, while giving them the opportunity to examine African American history, culture and iconography. Tuition is free to those selected. And the program is not designed for beginning-level writers.
More info: www.CosbyProgram.com, CosbyProgram@ yahoo.com.
Cricket kicks off day one of a five-day celebration of Jamaica's 47th independence.
More info: leogilling@thegillingagency.com
Day two of the celebration of Jamaica's 47th independence.
More info: Patrick Williams (310) 674-7700
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium invites 1st and 2nd graders to discover the wonders of slime — and much more — during the weeklong Science at the Seashore program, "Galloping Snails and Other Fishy Tales." Participants will get close-up views of sea snails "galloping" and other seashore animals in the laboratory, aquarium and along the surrounding shoreline. Children will create their own storybooks, go crab fishing, and make records of their daily discoveries. The program takes place Aug. 3 through Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $85 and includes a Science at the Seashore T-shirt. The museum is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.
More info: (310) 548-7562, www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Day three celebration of Jamaica's 47th independence — dialogue with Dian Holland, JTB Business Development Manager-Western USA
More info: Don and Audrey Coley (310) 672-7474, www.coleyscuisine.com
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium invites the public to join them to search for the great whales that visit the West Coast during the summer. Researchers believe there are only about 10,000 blue whales in the world and about 2,000 of them congregate each summer off the California coast to feed in nutrient-rich waters. Guests will board a 90-foot yacht Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $30 and reservations are required. The museum is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.
More info: (310) 548-7562, www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Day four celebration of Jamaica's 47th independence. Live entertainment and food.
More info: Don and Audrey Coley (310) 761-4944, www.coleyscuisine.com
Day five celebration of Jamaica's 47th independence. Bring your entire family for a fun day in the park. Festivities include soccer match, games for kids, food and entertainment.
More info: Lyndon Johnson (Carib Press) (323) 508-2626, lyndon.johnson@caribpress.com
Click here to download PDF flyer.
Free medical, dental and vision care will be available during RAM-Los Angeles (Remote Area Medical), sponsored by Faithful Central Bible Church and the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps.
All of our services are free and are provided by volunteers. The doctor is free; the dentist is free; the eye doctor is free. Please arrive early, bring a snack, and be prepared to wait. Your wait may be long; chairs will be provided for your comfort.
Services:
DENTAL: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals. Everyone receives a free dental exam. Pediatric dentistry is available.
VISION: Vision exam and free prescription glasses made onsite. (NOTE: May not be able to make glasses for everyone.) Cataract surgery.
MEDICAL & WOMEN'S HEALTH: Mammograms and Pap smears; pediatric exams; adult physicals & medical consults (including diabetes and hypertension); chiropractors; acupuncture; blood lab work; chest X-rays; medication assistance; and many other medical specialties available.
Services are provided by Remote Area Medical for the uninsured, underinsured, unemployed, and those who cannot afford to pay. Services are provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygeinists, dental assistants, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and other trained health professionals from the State of California.
More info:
* www.ramusa.org
* RAM LA 2009 at The Forum in Inglewood
The Arthur Ashe Tennis Center of L.A. began its latest eight-week Wednesday night sessions on Aug. 12, but people interested in joining can still do so. The adult group classes will run through Sept. 30, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Adults of all levels can enjoy the sport with instruction from Le George Mauldin. The classes are one hour and rackets are provided. All classes will take place at the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles. The sessions cost $88 and payments can be made in person or online at www.tenniswithlegeorge.com.
More info: (323) 392-6864, info@tenniswithlegeorge.com.
The Eastside Boys will have their annual reunion Aug. 15, 1 to 6 p.m., at 2558 Santa Anita Ave., Altadena. The group originated in 1900 and was composed of black men and boys whose families settled primarily along Central Avenue in east Los Angeles, and are alumni of Jefferson, Manual Arts, Jordan and Polytechnic high schools. All former members are encouraged to attend.
More info: (310) 673-1101.
The spcaLA's fostering program is in need of volunteers to assist with the care of pets of all ages. The class will take place Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to noon, at 12910 Yukon Ave., Hawthorne.
More info: (310) 676-1149, ext. 222, www.spcala.com.
Human Rights Advocacy will present this workshop on "police encounters and what persons of African descent should know and do" as part of their Black August activities.
More info: (424) 200-4968.
Brotherhood Sound will present "A Journey Into Sound," the official afterparty of the Zap Mama concert, Aug. 15, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., at Industry Ultra Lounge, 6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City. There is no cover charge and DJs Kaleem, Omoade and Son Zoo will be spinning.
More info: (323) 863-5434, fela2dela@gmail.com.
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center will hold its fifth annual triathlon for youth and adults Aug. 16, 7 a.m., at 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. The event will have a 500-yard open-water swim, an 11-mile bicycle ride on a road course, and a three-mile trail run. The competition is open to anyone age 9 or older, and people with all ability levels are invited to participate in one of eight age divisions. The entry fee is $35 for youth and $65 for adults. The registration deadline is Aug. 8 (to be received or postmarked by); there will be no registration on event day.
More info: (818) 899-3779, www.hansendamtri.org.
A celebration of Caribbean heritage with a summer pool party.
More info: Lyndon Johnson (Carib Press) (323) 508-2626, lyndon.johnson@caribpress.com
Click here to download PDF flyer.
Complimentary cocktails and "grown folks" conversation are the cornerstone of Sip and Shop affairs. This week, Nosizwe Chimurenga will offer an overview of ways to align your finances and spending habits with your lifestyle endeavors. This event will take place Aug. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Lucy Florence Image, 5671 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission to this event is free but you should RSVP.
More info: (323) 747-5364, rhonda@wellnessuprising.com
The Rancho Tennis Club will sponsor a free summer night community mixer and book signing at the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex's Arthur Ashe Tennis Courts Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to midnight. Tennis enthusiasts of all levels will enjoy a summer night of singles and doubles in Baldwin Hills. Additionally, Yvonne Profit, mother of African American tennis players Elizabeth and Mary Profit, will sign copies of her new book "Never Give Up," based on the true story of raising her two daughters. Music, food, games and rackets will be available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. The Arthur Ashe Tennis Courts are at 5001 Rodeo Blvd., Los Angeles.
More info: (323) 392-6864, tayloyp660@sbcglobal.net
The City of Los Angeles Human Services Department will sponsor a free Women's Resource and Job Fair Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Los Angeles Derby Doll Arena, 1910 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Construction, green industries, tech trades and many more will be represented. Information on low- and no-cost career training, as well as career advice, will be available. Interested persons must RSVP in advance.
More info: (213) 978-0300, hsd.fair@lacity.org
The Black Women's Network is seeking past members to attend its 30th Year Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 22 at the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. Past members are asked to contact the network at (323) 964-4003 or visit www.blackwomensnetwork.net.
More info: (323) 964-4003 or visit www.blackwomensnetwork.net.
The spcaLA aims to keep people's pets safe and healthy by having them vaccinated and micro chipped. A clinic will be available for pets on Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach.
More info: (562) 570-7722, www.spcaLA.com.
A 2-part training on how to use Flip Camera to get your message out — The LA Media Reform Group, a project of California Common Cause, and the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College are pleased to present a hands-on workshop to teach community organizations and non-profits (in teams of 2 or 3 members each) how to make and distribute video shorts for social justice and progressive social change. The training will take place on two Saturdays in August, at Occidental College, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California.
Day 1: Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Getting Started (Pre-production and planning for filming)
Day 2: Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Putting It Together (Editing and distribution)
More info: http://commoncause.org/lamediareform / video: http://is.gd/1HMGi
Cost: $65.00. Cost is per team (2-3 individuals) and does not include the camera. Register by August 15.
"Big Business: Financiers of the Storm Trooper Movement" is the topic of discussion at this week's Freedom Socialist Party study group on fascism, its origins and how to fight it. This event will be held Aug. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Solidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. A door donation of $2 is requested and light snacks will be served at 6:30 p.m. for a $5 donation.
More info: (323) 732-6416, fsplosangeles@gmail.com, www.socialism.com
MarketMakeovers.ORG is a dynamic, user-friendly online toolkit about the process of making over small corner stores to carry healthier food choices. It's designed to serve a national community of public health practitioners, advocates, community activists, educators and policymakers. It features the work of the South L.A. Healthy Eating Active Community Initiative (HEAC), local high school students, and Public Matters, using the conversions of three corner stores in South L.A. as case studies. As an initiative of Public Matters, Mike Blockstein and Reanne Estrada will speak about this and other projects they are doing with youth and technology.
Every month, the NetSquared community comes together offline at Net Tuesday events to mix, swap stories and ideas, build new relationships, and collaborate. These gatherings provide a chance for all those interested in the intersection of social technologies and social change, whether you're part of a nonprofit organization or a for-profit organization, a funder or a consultant, a developer or an entrepreneur.
More info: Join our MeetUp group:
* Eastside LA Netsquared Group
* Eastside LA Netsquared August meeting
Preschool children are invited to discover the wonders along the shore at Cabrillo Beach with hands-on exploration, stories and puppets in the "Tales Between the Tides" workshops. Session three will be offered Aug. 25 and 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., and session four on Aug. 26 and 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children may attend the class by themselves but are encouraged to bring their favorite adult with them. The fee for this event is $26 for the two-day sessions and preregistration is required. The Cabrillo Marine Museum is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.
More info: (310) 548-7562, www.cabrilloaq.org
Sikivu Hutchinson, author and commentator, will speak on "Beyond Religiosity: Black Atheists and 'Moral' Combat" and the tensions that exist in African American culture around living a moral life beyond the boundaries of organized religion. The talk will take place Aug. 26, 8 p.m., at the Center for Inquiry, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.
More info: (323) 666-9797
Mothers for Africa will sponsor an organizing meeting to develop a "Congo United Front" in Southern California. The meeting will take place Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m., at Leimert Park's Kaos Network, 4343 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles. The community is invited to attend and become part of the strategic blueprint that will bring peace to the Congo.
More info: (626) 710-6676, mothersforafrica@yahoo.com.
California State University will sponsor a college fair as part of its African American Initiative. The event will be held Aug. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Sculpture Garden of California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. Free parking is available in Lots 3 and 6.
More info: (562) 951-4804, www.calstate.edu/supersaturday
There will be an African Warrior Arts Demonstration as part of Black August Resistance activities. This event will be held Aug. 30, 2 p.m., in front of Leimert Park's Vision Theater, 3314 W. 43rd Place, Los Angeles. At 3 p.m. there will be an open Capoeira Roda hosted by Capoeira Angola de Sao Bento Grande.
More info: (424) 200-4968, blackaugust.la@gmail.com
The Foundation for the Junior Blind will sponsor a "Back-to-School Inclusion and Resource Fair" Aug. 30, 2 to 6 p.m., at its View Park headquarters, 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles. Free backpacks, shoes and school supplies will be available, and vendors with food, music, arts/crafts and games will be in attendance.
More info: (213) 389-7100, www.specialneedsnetwork.net
KRST Unity Center is sponsoring a free workshop for senior homeowners (ages 62 and older) to increase their cash flow for life and eliminate mortgage payments. The workshop will provide information from this federally regulated program on how to increase monthly cash flow to pay for medical expenses, receive home care home improvements, and pay for long-term care insurance. The workshop will be held every Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the Hall of Maat, 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. Participants should register because seating is limited. Speakers will be the Rev. E. Jay Pierce and "Mr. Happy" Howard Eley.
More info: (310) 770-7104
"A Black Women's Radio Program," airs Thursdays at 2 p.m. on KPFK, 90.7 FM, in Los Angeles and online at www.kpfk.org. The voices, views and experiences of black women in particular are highlighted.
More info: someofusarebrave@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/souab
Longtime community activist Lita Herron hosts "Gang Talk with Sister Herron," Thursdays, 6 to 6:30 p.m., on KTYM-AM 1460. The show will address the impact of gangs and violence on families and communities.
More info: (323) 383-6145
Leimert Park's Eso Won Bookstore presents this program every third Saturday of the month, 2 to 3 p.m. Children of all ages are welcomed. The bookstore is at 4331 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles.
More info: (323) 290-1048, Eso Won Bookstore
