The Watts Village Theater Co. will perform a short play titled "U.S. Census: It's In Our Hands" on March 20, noon and 2 p.m., and March 27, 11 a.m., at the Watts Farmers Market in Ted Watkins Park, 1335 E. 103rd St., Los Angeles. The play, written by Damion Teeko Parran and directed by the theater's director Guillermo Avilés-Rodríguez, encourages residents of underserved communities to participate in the 2010 U.S. Census. The project is part of a season that is dedicated to site-specific or found-space performance. Pay-if-you-can tickets are available at http://census.eventbrite.com.
A traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial, known as "The Wall," will appear March 23 to 30, at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier. Standing 8 feet high and 240 feet long, the memorial contains the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or went missing in Vietnam. This replica of the memorial is dedicated to Vietnam veterans and honors all U.S. service men and women.
The Theatre at Boston Court will present "Oedipus El Rey," written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, through March 28. The production has been described as a reimagining of Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," in which the setting is the barrio of East L.A. rather than ancient Greece. Oedipus, just released from prison, faces off with a wounded queen, a three-headed born-again serpent, and a king with road rage. Is this young homeboy doomed to suffer his destiny? On March 21, after the 2 p.m. performance, there will be a discussion called "Oedipus, It's Complex," about why this character has served as inspiration for countless works of art. Tickets are $32, but discounts apply.
A Noise Within will present the Clifford Odets classic "Awake and Sing!" March 20 through May 23. "Awake and Sing!" is set among the economic ravages of 1930s New York that threaten to destroy the tenuous ties that bind the Berger family. In order to keep the struggling clan intact, matriarch Besse Berger is willing to crush her children's dreams, but the irrepressible spirit of youth refuses to be extinguished in social dramatist Odets' ode to what is good and true in the American character. A Noise Within is at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets range from $16 to $44.
The West Coast premiere of The Ballad of Emmett Till by Ifa Bayeza will extend at The Fountain Theatre through April 25. Part history, part mystery and part ghost story, Bayeza's integration of past, present, fact and legend turns the story of the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till into a work of music, poetic language and theatricality. The show will run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $28, with discounts for seniors and students.
Stella Adler Los Angeles Theatre Collective will present the new play "The Charm of Making" by Timothy McNeil, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m., through April 25 at 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Set in present-day Mississippi, "The Charm of Making" examines the conflict of religion versus human nature through the eyes of the last living members of an old Southern family, as they struggle with the past of their dead relatives and their present as individuals and a family. Tickets are $20.
The University of Manners, where kids learn how to behave properly, takes place Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at 6560 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. Admission is $20.
Afro-Caribbean dance classes with dance ethnologist Kimberly Miguel Mullen are held on Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. There is live drumming, and the class is for all levels.
The Inglewood Improv features sketch improvisation shows, stand-up comedians and improv performer open-mic showcases with audience participation Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The Improv also provides weekly acting classes for youths ages 12 through 17, as well as adults. The Improv is at 2519 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood.
Registration is under way for the 2010 season of weekend excursions to Camp Seely in the San Bernardino mountains. The trips give families and other residents an opportunity to experience two days of outdoor activities, including hiking and other exploring, spending time with nature, or just relaxing. Indoor activities will also be available. Outings will be offered in 2010 on the weekends of March 13 to 14; April 17 to 18; May 15 to 16; June 5 to 6; Sept. 11 to 12; and Oct. 16 to 17. There are fees involved that cover the cost of meals as well as a heated sleeping cabin for each group and many activities.
"Master Your Mind for Success in 2010" is the theme of the Goal Achiever's Workshops that will be held Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at the House of RA, 7823 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
KRST Unity Center of Spirituality will sponsor African-centered activities and programs including empowerment sessions, black gnostic studies, and more, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The center is at 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
Free classes on writing business plans and entrepreneurial training will be available Jan. 9 to Mar. 27, 2010, through the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corp. Classes start the first Saturday of each month and are scheduled to run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Classes will be held at the Business Enterprise Center, 6109 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
The Pan African Film & Arts Festival will feature "41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers" for one week beginning March 26 at the Culver Plaza Theatres, 9919 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. The documentary series follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its Black Power beginnings through to its demise.
The Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership and Innovation will present the "I've Known Rivers" film fundraiser March 26 to 28, noon to 11 p.m., at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 2521 W. View Blvd., Los Angeles. The event will have several features, including live entertainment, film screenings and a Lakers/ Clippers ticket raffle, among other things. Attendees will have to pay $10 for raffle tickets. If they go to film screenings, attendees must pay $10 per film or $25 for an all-day pass.
The Orchestra Unleashed will present "Mirrors of the Soul" March 26 to 27, 8 p.m., at the historic El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. "Mirrors" features live orchestra; dramatic literary, poetry and scriptural readings; projected fine art; and the performances of violinist Lindsay Deutsch. General seating is $18, and VIP seating (which includes special seating plus a wine and cheese reception with attending artists, composers and musicians) is $40.
The Annenberg Foundation and National Geographic magazine has announced the March 27 opening of the exhibit "Water: Our Thirsty World." The exhibit coincides with the release of National Geographic's April 2010 issue on the state of the world's fresh water. Imagery by a selection of National Geographic photographers will examine the local and global challenges of our planet's dwindling fresh water resources. The exhibit will run until June 13. Free general admission.
Dee Wallace of "E.T." fame will be the featured speaker at Reflections, Write at the Speed of Change Writer's Seminar March 27 at the LAX Radisson, 6225 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles. Wallace will lecture on "Staying True to the Spirit of Your Writing." She is the author of, "Conscious Creation," "The Big E," and "The Spiritual Lessons of an Actor's Journey." Admission is $20.
On March 27, the First Greater Los Angeles Neighborhood Stabilization Council will host the Foreclosure Stabilization Summit at the Los Angeles Convention Center. "Operation Nextstep" will feature an array of county and state agencies assisting homeowners victimized by loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams in obtaining monetary compensation. According to Nextstep director of Operations Osar Bey, millions of dollars for financial crime victims sit idle in state agencies such as the State Bar of California and the Attorney General's Office. Admission is free.
Souls of Noble Character will present the Health Fitness and Wholeness Conference March 27, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd., Compton. Host and featured speaker Taryn Simpson will present a talk called "Training You in the Divine Health Plan."
PACE Business Development Center will present a free Business Growth workshop March 27, 9 to 11 a.m. at PACE Business Development Center (BDC), 1055 Wilshire Blvd., suite 900B, L.A. José Juan Vega of Americas United Bank will present the workshop.
Safety Harbor Kids' fourth annual Geoffrey's Etiquette, Manners Brunch & Beach Party will take place March 27. First, a brunch will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Geoffrey's, 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Then, from noon to 3 p.m., a beach party will take place at Paradise Cove, 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. During the brunch, children will be given an opportunity to fine dine and learn etiquette and manners, assertiveness coaching, happiness counseling and career development. Then, at the beach, children will learn music, art and environmental awareness.
All Peoples Christian Center will host its 13th Annual Community Health, Resource & Book Fair March 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of All Peoples Christian Center's efforts to inform and educate the community on ways of adapting healthier behaviors and providing preventive services. The fair will include free health screenings, college information, and activities for the entire family. All Peoples Christian Center is at 822 E. 20th St., Los Angeles. Admission and services are free.
Willow Walk will present Homefest 2010 on March 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Willow Walk Sales Center, 500 N. Willowbrook Ave., Compton. Willow Walk has developed new townhomes priced from $245,990 in Compton, in a gated community near shopping, dining and transportation, with floor plans that include up to four bedrooms and four baths, two-car garages and more. The Homefest event will include a free credit report, lunch by Hot Dog on a Stick, music by 93.5 KDAY FM, as well as prizes, raffles and entertainment.
If you are concerned that our democracy is being usurped by today's media, communities are being harmed by the absence of local issues covered by mainstream media, and diverse groups lack access to the media, now is the time to act!
Join us for this informative half-day summit.
When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Where: Occidental College
Schedule: 10:30am to 5:00pm with reception to follow
Free parking for all, and free admission for Occidental students, faculty and staff.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Discount tickets available for students, seniors and youth (18 and under) with valid ID.
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites has announced a new wine and culinary event taking place at hotel restaurant LA Prime, winner of Wine Spectator magazine's 2009 Best of Award of Excellence. The event, taking place March 27 at noon, will begin with a two-hour wine tasting and food pairing, led by the Westin Bonaventure's Managing Director Michael Czarcinski and Chef Andreas Nieto. Afterward, guests will participate in a "Meet the Winemaker" lunch at LA Prime, featuring a special "Taste of LA Prime" menu with new spring seasonal offerings. LA Prime restaurant is on the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Admission is $40. RSVP to claudia.lambaren@westin.com. Seating is limited and participants must be 21 years old or over.
Pasadena residents can get their U.S. Census questions answered while attending either of two community festivals March 27. The free family fairs are from noon to 3 p.m. at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., and 3 to 7 p.m. at Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. The events are sponsored by the Pasadena Census Complete Count Committee, an organization of community leaders and city of Pasadena officials aiming to help the U.S. Census Bureau collect accurate population data for use over the next 10 years. Residents who bring their completed Census questionnaires or get assistance in completing them will be eligible for free gifts at either event.
The American Indian Music Festival takes place March 27, noon to 5 p.m., at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1243 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. There will be arts, crafts, food, vendors, free entertainment and performances by Native Americans. Sponsored by the U.S. Census Bureau, the event also is a reminder to make sure everyone is counted during the 2010 U.S. Census.
A panel of women writers will discuss and sign their books on March 27, 2 p.m., at AC Bilbrew Library, 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles. The panel will be facilitated by award-winning writer Martha Tucker, author of "The Mayor's Wife Wore Sapphires." Other panelists will include Janice Lauderdale, "Wealth of the Wicked: An American Tragedy of Elderly Abuse;" Sheilah Brooks, "Beneath the Ashes;" and Pamela Samuels Young, "Buying Time." This event is free and open to the public.
One Man, Twelve Disciples, One Faith — The Concert" will take place March 27, 3 and 8 p.m., at Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. The concert is a stylized and post-modern portrayal of the apostles Peter and Paul's last days in Christian-hating Emperor Nero's Rome and Peter's memory of his last days with Christ. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
The Friends of the Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Library will host a comedy "LAFF-O-THON" fundraiser March 27, 4 and 7 p.m., at the Love Lifted Me Ministry Church, 6501 S. Crenshaw Blvd. (cross street is Hyde Park Boulevard) in the Hyde Park community. The event will feature four comedians: Corlotta Adams (the host), Vince D., Edwonda White and McClinton Neal. Tickets are $10 for seniors (must be 62 or older) and teenagers. All others will be charged $12. Tickets at the door will be $15.
Dawnn Lewis and Tommy Ford will host the 11th annual Celebrity Spring Toast/Roast of Marla Gibbs and Hal Williams March 27, 6 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel L.A. Westside, 6161 W. Centinela Ave., Culver City. Cast members from classic television shows such as "227," "The Jeffersons" and "Sanford & Son" are scheduled to be on hand.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), along with other entities, has initiated a study identifying ways to improve traffic flow on La Cienega Boulevard and lessen the impact of regional traffic on local residents. The project study area includes the La Cienega Boulevard corridor between the San Diego (I-405) and Santa Monica (I-10) freeways, and incorporates Fairfax Avenue from Venice to La Cienega boulevards. The study will identify potential locations for improvement strategies to improve traffic flow, such as medians, additional turn lanes, and enhanced traffic signal coordination. The study will also look at potential intersections that could benefit from the construction of an overpass or underpass for through traffic on La Cienega Boulevard. Meetings on this issue will take place March 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at Inglewood City Hall, Community Room A, One Manchester Blvd., Inglewood; and March 30, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles.
Radical Women will present "Revolution, She Wrote," writings on the leadership of women of color, multi-issue organizing, gender insurgency, etc., by socialist feminist pioneer Clara Fraser. The work will be featured in a five-week study group on Mondays from March 29 through April 26, 7:30 to 9 p.m. The donation is $2 per session. After-work snacks will be served at 7 p.m. for a $5 donation. The event takes place at Solidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles.
Actress and author Denise Nicholas, along with Sandra Roussell, will host "The Spirit of Jazz and Gospel Violin" featuring Lesa Terry and her ensemble in the lounge of the Wilshire Ebell March 31. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a happy hour, followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert. This event will be the second in a series of happy-hour concerts held at the venue in upcoming months. The historic Wilshire Ebell is at 4400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. General admission is $30 and includes free hors d'oeuvres and the concert.
The Galaxy Foundation and The Home Depot Center Charitable Foundation will present their fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt April 2, featuring an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny and LA Galaxy mascot Cozmo, plus Galaxy players. Online registration is required and admission is $3 per child, with a portion of the fees donated to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts. Also, applications for Phase I of the sixth Battle of the High School Marching Bands will be accepted from April 1 to 21. For this phase, high schools may mail in tape submissions with one video and audio "Southern Show Style" band performance. After a one-year hiatus, the event returns to Carson, in which eight high school marching bands will battle it out on the stadium field Nov. 20.
April 9-10, 2010 -- Hosted by Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism at the University of Southern California
Join us for an exciting program funded by the McCormick Foundation and in collaboration with New America Media and the Knight Chair in Investigative Reporting at the University of Illinois. This workshop will be presented by Investigative Reporters and Editors.
Schedule and Expected Speakers
Ethnic media watchdog workshops help journalists sharpen their skills, learn new approaches and add depth to their reporting. Award-winning journalists from around the country volunteer their time to provide training on topics such as the 2010 census, criminal justice, the economy, education, health care, immigration and local government. Hands-on spreadsheet software training also will be offered.
Journalists leave the workshops armed with information about documents, databases and sources that they can begin using immediately to produce high-impact enterprise and investigative stories. Participants also receive a complimentary one-year IRE membership, which enables them to access thousands of journalism tipsheets and other training materials for continuing professional development.
Participants will be better equipped to provide enhanced coverage of their communities, benefiting audiences that are growing in size and influence across the United States.
The workshop will include the Selden Ring Award Luncheon. The Selden Ring Award underscores the critical importance of investigative journalism in today's society. The $35,000 prize recognizes published investigative reporting that has brought results. The keynote speaker at this year's luncheon is Seymour Hersh, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist.
Registration
Professional journalists: $10; Students $10. Fees include a 1-year IRE membership.
Online registration closes at 5 p.m., April 1. After this date, pending space availability, registrants may print out a copy of the pdf registration form and bring it to on-site registration.
Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be sent via e-mail to Amy Johnston, amy@ire.org. There is a $10 processing fee for professionals and $5 for students for cancellations until the day before the event. Refunds will not be given for cancellations on the day of, or after, the event.
Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training
Attend this hands-on workshop and learn how to use Excel spreadsheets for deadline and beat reporting on budgets, salaries, and Census data. Also learn how to dig deeper using the Internet and find valuable datasets for your stories.
This optional session is Saturday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required.
University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Friday: Davidson Conference Center, 3415 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles in the Board Room, Second Floor
Saturday: Salvatori Computer Science Center, 941 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles in Room SAL 126
Parking: Parking Structure X (PSX), enter at Gate 3, Figueroa St. and McCarthy Way. Parking is $8.
Hotel Recommentations
Radisson Midtown Los Angeles Hotel (across the street from USC)
3540 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-748-4141 (phone)
Vagabond Inn
3101 S. Figueroa
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-746-1531(phone)
Weekly meeting by non-profit organization dedicated to helping people improve their public-speaking skills. Free.
Event Scheduled on April 25 to Support Children's Cancer Research Fund
WHAT: Benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund, the Kids 4 Kids 5k RUN/WALK and All-Star Carnival was created in response to the incredible generosity of children wanting to help other children with cancer. The Kids 4 Kids RUN/WALKempowers them to take immediate action to help find a cure while bringing together friends and family for a fun day of activity and entertainment.
The All-Star Carnival includes a finish line entertainment, rides and game booths staffed by celebrities and athletes.
WHO: National Spokespersons Team for the 5th Annual Kids 4 Kids RUN/WALKinclude: Emma Roberts, "Valentine's Day;" Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers; Luc Robitaille, President, Business Operations for Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club; Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy; Michael Cooper, Head Coach, USC Women's Basketball, Former Head Coach, Los Angeles Sparks, Former NBA Player, Los Angeles Lakers; Noelle Quinn, Los Angeles Sparks Guard and Former UCLA All-American; and Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers.
WHEN: Sunday, April 25, 2010. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Radio Disney warm-up takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Run/Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
All-Star Carnival takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Yum 4 My Tum Food Court opens at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: LA LIVE (across from STAPLES Center) at corner of Olympic Blvd. and Figueroa
COST: Advance registration fee: $10 (under 18) and $25 (18 and over)
On-site registration fee: $20 (under 18) and $35 (18 and over)
Online registration available at www.ccrf-kids.org.
ABOUT CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND:
Established in 1987, CCRF is dedicated to providing national support for clinical research in pediatric cancer, while improving the medical environment for all children. A Healthier and Happiertomorrow is the mission and promise of Children's Cancer Research Fund to children and their parents everywhere.
