This is the first weekend of summer vacation for many LAUSD families, so it’s a great time to relax and have fun.
First up, although perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, some may want to check out (or participate in) the World Naked Bike Ride, as it makes its annual trek through downtown L.A. on Saturday.  The exact location will be revealed at the link above, and on the event’s Facebook page this evening. According to the website, the “World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is a global grassroots movement, connected only by our determination to all be naked and ride our bikes on WNBR Day. We ride in celebration and jubilation to deliver a vision of a cleaner, safer, body-positive world to the masses. Feel the wind on your skin and join hundreds of naked friends in a free, non-sexual, fun bike ride! All are welcome. From the shy to the bold. Bikers, skaters, rollerbladers. Every age, shape and color. Bring your family and your co-workers!”  It’s all free, and volunteer helpers are welcome.
A bit more traditional, the Petersen Museum, in partnership with the ArtCenter College of Design, will host “Pete Talk: Shaping the Future” (specifically, the future of the automobile) at 11 a.m. on Saturday.  “The automotive world is undergoing transformation,” says the museum’s website. “New technologies, the emergence of autonomy, and alternative power sources are helping bring about not just evolutionary, but revolutionary, changes in cars and transportation in general. These will have profound effects on how people work, move, and live, and have spillover effects on infrastructure, economies, and urban planning. Automotive design has thus become a focal point for the future.” Tickets are $5 in addition to normal museum admission. Petersen garage paring is $12 for the public and $10 for members. Space is limited, so RSVPs are required. See the link above for tickets and details.
For your lunchtime satisfaction, there are two great options on Saturday.  First, you could explore the L.A. Food Fest at the LA. Coliseum, a food and drink tasting event featuring more than 100 food vendors, award-winning restaurants and more, with all-inclusive tickets including access to six craft cocktail bars, five craft beer gardens, tequila tastings and an iced coffee lounge.
Also, for those who like their food with a bit of history, there will be Living History tours of downtown landmark Clifton’s Republic (the refurbished Clifton’s Cafeteria), 648 S. Broadway, downtown, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Â According to the organizer: “Warning: The Clifton’s Living History Tour contains history (which may be unsuitable for the dull), fantastic stories (which may be unsuitable for those who love to yawn), and escapism (which may be unsuitable for those who adore gloom).” Â The tour is free (though donations are encouraged and appreciated)…and you can enjoy lunch in the enchanted forest afterward.
Later on Saturday afternoon, head back to the John C. Fremont Library, 6121 Melrose Ave., where the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society will help celebrate the library’s 90th anniversary at 2 p.m. with cake and history of the neighborhood and the library.  The event is free and everyone is welcome.
On Sunday, June 11, the big event is the Resist March, which this year takes the place of the annual Pride Parade and will proceed from Hollywood to West Hollywood.  The organizers say that this year, “Instead of a parade celebrating our past progress, we are requesting that our entire LGBTQ+ community and its allies march to ensure our collective futures. Our march will be taking place in solidarity with and on the same day as the National Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington DC. America’s strength is its diversity. This is not a democratic or republican march. It is not a red or blue march. This is a red, white and blue march meant for anyone who cares about human rights. On Sunday, June 11th our unique, diverse, inter-sectional voices will come together in one harmonized voice.”  See the link above for start times, route maps, road closures and other essential details.
If you’re not marching on Sunday morning, consider getting certified in adult and pediatric first aid and CPR.  The Westside Jewish Community Center is joining with Focus Health and the American Red Cross to host a Red Cross CPR Certification Class at 10 a.m. at the WJCC, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd.  The primary purpose of the program is to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. Participants will gain knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. Cost is $110 ($88 with code LEARNCPR) or $90 for WJCC members ($72 with code LEARNCPRWJCC).
On Sunday evening, there are a couple of great entertainment options.  First, the Petersen Museum will screen Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby at 7 p.m.  Will Ferrell stars as NASCAR stock car racing sensation Ricky Bobby, a national hero because of his “win at all costs” approach, who is challenged by a flamboyant French Formula One driver  Tickets are free for members, with each ticket admitting up to three guests.  Non-member tickets are $5 per couple.  See the link above for tickets and other details.
And finally on Sunday, if you’re more in the mood for live comedy, Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., is hosting a fundraiser for the Downtown Women’s Center, which has provided safe, permanent, and supportive housing for homeless women in downtown Los Angeles since 1978. The show features stand-up comedy sets from Patton Oswalt, Cameron Esposity, The Editors of Reductress, Bobcat Goldthwait and will be hosted by Brendon Small, with DJ sets from Georgia O’Kief + Disc Jock Jesspeleta.  Tickets are $35, doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.  There will also be a reception on the back patio after the show.
Last but not least, your weekly Metro construction reminder:  beginning Friday, June 9 at 8 p.m., through Monday, June 12, at 6 a.m. there will be a full closure of Wilshire Blvd. between Fairfax Ave. and Crescent Heights Blvd. for the installation of surface-level concrete decking.  See https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/notice_purpleline_041917/ for details and detour information. Update:  Metro announced on Friday afternoon that there will be no decking work and NO STREET CLOSURES at Wilshire and Fairfax this weekend.  Traffic and buses will follow their usual paths, with no detours.
Have a great weekend!
