Summer’s back this weekend (doesn’t feel a bit like fall!), but we can help keep your mind off the heat.
First of all, if you’re having a problem with a DWP bill (does your AC really use that much electricity?), have a service request, or any other questions for our local utility company, you can knock them off your “to do” list with a quick trip to LADWP’s Customer Service Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Crenshaw Customer Service Center, 4030 Crenshaw Boulevard.  At the event, held regularly on the second Saturday of each month at several DWP locations around the metro area, department staff can take payments, process service order requests, answer billing questions and resolve billing issues. There will also be tables and displays with helpful information on LADWP programs and services, along with sign-up materials.  And finally, at this location, there will also be free tree giveaways by City Plants, while supplies last.
Speaking of plants, the Theodore Payne Foundation, the area’s premier source for wildflowers and California native plants, is starting its annual Fall Plant Sale this weekend, with members-only preview days on Friday and Saturday.  Don’t worry if you’re not a member yet – you can join at the door.  The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 10459 Tuxford Street, in Sun Valley, 91352.  (Yes, we know it’s a long way out…but it’s worth the drive if you’re looking for great drought-tolerant plants.)
If you’d prefer something closer to home, you can put in a few volunteer hours with the Natural Ivy Foundation and Midtown Homeless Coalition, as they feed and help canvass the homeless in the West Adams area.  The event begins at 10:00 a.m. with training and food assembly until 11:30, and then food distribution and interviews until 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Natural Ivy Foundation Shelter, 1564 S. Hobart Blvd.
Later, get out of the sun and into a dark, cool theater with the American Cinematheque screening of the original 1925 Phantom of the Opera, with the original score performed live for one of the few times in the last 90 years. There will be an in-person discussion after the film with Ron Chaney, grandson of the film’s star, Lon Chaney. Showtime is 4 p.m. at the Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Also from 4:00 to 5:30 on Saturday afternoon, Memorial Branch Library, 4625 Olympic Blvd., will be holding a Saturday Book Sale. Â Pick up some great used books at just pennies on the dollar…and every penny you spend will go directly to support the library.
Then, for a special dinner experience, The Edible Apartment (TEA), the edible front-yard garden we profiled recently, is hosting a six-course Farm-to-Table dinner, at 6:00 p.m. Saturday.  Enjoy an abundant meal and a tour of this unique urban farm.
And after dinner, you can take in another film at the New Urbanism Film Festival, as previewed a few weeks ago. Â It runs from Thursday-Sunday at the Acme Theater, 135 N. La Brea. Â The schedule for the Festival, which “celebrates urban planning from the pedestrian perspective,” includes both short films and features, as well as events exploring the theme of “new urbanism” (walkable neighborhoods, easily accessible mass transit, etc.) in city planning and living.
On Sunday, it’s time to gear up for the annual AIDS Walk LA – the 31-year-old 10K walk through West Hollywood, where hundreds of thousands of participants have raised more than $79 million to combat HIV and AIDS. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with some street closures as early as 6 a.m.) .  This one is good to know about, even if you’re not walking (though please do if you can!), because traffic, crowds and street closures can wreak havoc with other Sunday plans if you don’t plan for a few detours.  For registration, route and other information, see http://la.aidswalk.net/Day-of-Event-Info
If you’d like to avoid the mid-town crowds, you could choose to head northeast instead, to the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) annual open house.  The event takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, 91109.  This is always a fun family event, with highlights including a life-size model of the Mars Science Laboratory, demonstrations from numerous space missions, JPL’s machine shop, where robotic spacecraft parts are built, and the Microdevices Lab, where engineers and scientists use tiny technology to revolutionize space exploration.  (Note that if you can’t make it out to Pasadena, but still want in on the fun, photos and video clips will be posted after the event on the JPL website.)
On Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-3:00, Kip’s Toyland, the venerable Farmer’s Market institution, known for its retro and classic toys, celebrates it 70th Anniversary with a party in the plaza outside the store.  Activities will include a photo booth, giveaways, special guest appearances.  Also, if you buy a toy to donate the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase and a complimentary goodie bag.
Later, stop by the Sycamore Square Neighborhood Association Block Party and Annual Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Sunday, at 835 S. Orange Dr.  The Association represents people who live, work and own property in the area bounded by Wilshire Blvd., Citrus Ave., Olympic Blvd. and La Brea Ave.  The event will feature special guests including Sycamore Square’s LAPD Senior Lead Officers and representatives from City Council District 4 Member David Ryu’s office, elections of three SSNA board members, a raffle with prizes from local merchants including Rascal, Blind Weasel Gastropub, Starbucks, Urban Florist, Apollonia’s Pizzeria, Doggie Goddess Pet Services and more…a potluck supper…and a chili cook-off judged by chefs from the local restaurants listed above.  Click on the image of the event flier for more information.
And finally, for a smooth finish to your busy weekend, try the Fleurie Fest, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at wine store Domaine LA, 6801 Melrose Ave.  The event will feature tastings of taste cru wines from the Fleurie area of France’s Beaujolais wine region. Tickets are $15 for wine and cheese.
