LAaLALand Alert::: Valentine’s Edition
LAaLALanders,
This weekend’s events include the: Downtown LA Art Walk, Pan African Film Festival, Hawaii @ The Grove, a Marc Ecko Store party, free chai @ Coffee Bean, LA Street Food Fest, free Pilates and Spinning classes, the LA Times Travel & Adventure Show & more!
Have a great time.
EnJOY…
LAaLA
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11th
DOWNTOWN LA ART WALK 
This monthly event is held on every second Thursday in and around the Historic Core’s Gallery Row neighborhood.
12-9pm
http://www.downtownartwalk.org
“PATTERNS OF PASSION” @ THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL 
Directed by auteur Patrick Coleman and based on a true story, this film takes us on an honest self-analyzing journey into the tumultuous upbringing of a young woman. The main character Passion, played by Olinda Fonseca, struggles to control her volatile disposition and as a result is forced into therapy where she discovers the connection between her unconquered demons and her co-dependent mother Vera, her mentally ill father Charlie, and her drug addict boyfriend Butter. When Passion reaches her limit she takes to nearly fatal measures to change the course of her life. A must-see!
$10
12:45pm, Tuesday 2/16 @ 7:30pm
Culver Plaza Theaters
9919 Washington Blvd
Culver City 90232
http://www.paff.org/2010/01/patterns-of-passion/
SASCHA ROTHCHILD BOOK READING 
Rothchild will be reading from her new book “How To Get Divorced By 30: My Misguided Attempt At A Starter Marriage”. It’s a great observation on the benefits of being single AND married. Great subject for this Valentine’s weekend.
Free
7pm
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles
“BIKE” @ THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL 
Written and Directed by TV Writer Vanz Chapman, this film is an elegant coming-of-age story about crime and friendship set in Bermuda. The story follows Jason, 16, whose desire for freedom and independence center on getting a motorbike to traipse around the tiny island. Sounds exquisite.
$10
7:45pm; Sat @ 3pm; Sun @ 5:15pm
Culver Plaza Theaters
9919 Washington Blvd
Culver City 90232
http://www.paff.org/2010/01/bike/
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12th
FREE 12oz CHAI @ COFFEE BEAN 
Enjoy a gratis 12oz. Chai Mate, Chai Rooibos or Chai Tea Latte only. No substitutions. Limit one complimentary drink per customer. Check your local store for details.
Free
4-7pm
Participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store locations
http://coffeebean.com/Chai-Lover-Open-House-W485C125.aspx
FRIDAY NIGHT SESSIONS @ CALIFORNIA PLAZA
This free jam session is held on the 2nd Friday of every month. Performing tonight on the plaza are Arrica Rose, John Gold and Divisible.
Free
7:30pm
300-350 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles
MARRIOT’S SPIRIT OF ALOHA BUS PRESENTS ALOHA FRIDAY @ THE GROVE
Marriott Resorts Hawaii and Polynesian Cultural Center starts off this Valentine’s weekend with the Spirit of Aloha bus on Gillman Lane. This is part of a month-long Spirit of Aloha Tour promoting Hawai’i to leisure travelers.
Free
2-8pm
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles 90036
http://www.gohawaii.com/perfect/index_blitz.php
MARC ECKO STORE PARTY 
Marc Ecko Cut & Sew is their only location in Southern California and they’re throwing a party for the launch of their Spring collection. There will be food and a live DJ. Winter styles and merchandise are being reduced up to 70% off for the party.
Free
6-9pm
2148 Glendale Galleria
Glendale 91210
818.500.8292
9TH HOUR HAPPY HOUR @ KATSUYA
This weekday event features cocktails and small bites for $9.
Brentwood, Hollywood and Glendale Katsuya locales
Mondays-Fridays: 5-7pm
702 Americana Way
Glendale 91204
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th
VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE FEST
Reek in the spirit of amour with live entertainment, fun store events, specials & sales, and $500 in raffles! Say HEART for FREE valet parking to the valet attendants.
Free
12-6pm
West 3rd Street between La Cienega Blvd & Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood 90046
http://www.westthirdstreet.com/news
FREE PILATES & SPINNING CLASSES!
Pilates Plus HBV is giving away free pilates hybrid reformer and spinning sessions! Try the first class is free ALL MONTH LONG! First you will need to create an on-line account. Credit card information will be needed in accordance with our 8 hour late cancel/no show policy.
Locations are:
Hollywood studio: 1258 N. Highland Ave, Suite 100, Los Angeles
Brentwood studio: 11755 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 60, Los Angeles
Venice beach studio: 1653A Abbott Kinney Blvd. Venice
http://www.pilatesplushbv.com/
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY FLASH MOB
The Flash Mob will jump in front of the seismograph in the basement. Now the only clock in the room is on the far wall and if you’re standing anywhere in the room it’s usually hidden by the model of Saturn. Jump up and wave! Bring your still and video cameras, and yourself.
Free
9pm
Griffith Park Observatory/Planetarium
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles
LA STREET FOOD FEST 
Sample from over 70 international food vendors and designers with about 10,000 other patrons! There will be special Food Fest prices of $1-5 ($2-3 average) with all budgets in mind. Grub grub grub!
$1-30
All day long!
1037 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles
MY SECRET VALENTINE PARTY
Bring your “secret valentine” (your one on the side), your best friends, or make it one last chance to find that special someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with… Music by: DJ Vicious Lee and DJ Mark Luv
Women are free before 10:30; Guys are $10 – after 10:30, everyone is paying!
Life on Wilshire
6311 Wilshire Blvd.
LA 90048
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th
DOUBLE FEATURE of CASABLANCA and DOUBLE INDEMNITY 
Catch these two classics on the big screen once again!
$12
7:30pm
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood
http://www.americancinematheque.com/archive1999/2010/Egyptian/Valentine_
FOREVER HOLLYWOOD & BEHIND THE SCENES EGYPTIAN THEATRE TOURS
Enjoy this docent-led tour of the legendary 1922 Egyptian Theatre and learn more about the recent restoration work and the marriage of modern technology with a landmark of Hollywood history. Rain or shine.
Tour & movie $10
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood
http://www.americancinematheque.com
AMOEBA MUSIC’S PET ADOPTION DAY
On behalf of the Animal Advocates Alliance, Amoeba’s helping people find foster dogs and cats for adoption. All pets will be microchipped, vaccinated, current on all shots, and spayed/neutered.
11am-3pm
6400 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood
WEST SIDE SCOOT CLUB MONTHLY RIDE
Get your scooting on with this monthly ride.
Free
Every 2nd Sunday of the month @ 1pm
2947 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica 90405
http://www.westsidescootclub.com
TENDER GREENS POT ROAST SUNDAYS
Enjoy a Coleman Farms beef short rib “roast” braised in red-wine sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and a salad or vegetable for pennies on the dollar.
$10
9523 Culver Blvd.
Culver City 90232
MELROSE TRADING POST
Check out 200 eclectic vendors with bric-a-brac, food, music, records, furniture, and arts and crafts and more in the Fairfax High parking lot.
$2, $1/students and seniors
9am-5pm
Fairfax & Beverly
Los Angeles
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15th
TARGET FREE HOLIDAYS @ LACMA
Enter LACMA all day for free and hear the Goin’ South Band’s performances of diverse American folk music at 12:30 and 2:45pm. All ages welcome.
Free
All Day
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
ALL WEEKEND
LA TIMES TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW
500+ exhibitors will offer trip giveaways, international cultural entertainment and more. Travel experts Rick Steves, Arthur and Pauline Frommer will be participating. Discover amazing travel destinations, attractions, activities, resorts, products, luxury goods and services.
$10
Saturday & Sunday, all day
1201 S. Figueroa St. Concourse Hall
Los Angeles
BEVERLY HILLS TROLLEY TOURS
Take a 40-minute docent-led tour through the city’s avenues and past buildings of architectural interest on an old-fashioned trolley.
$5, kids under 13 – $1
11am-4pm – tours hourly, on the hour
Beverly Hills Trolley
Rodeo Dr. and Dayton Way
Beverly Hills 90210
HAWAI’I AT THE GROVE
Aloha! Saturdays thru February, enjoy island warmth as The Grove becomes a remote version of Hawai’I featuring live Hawaiian music and hula lessons and performances presented by the Polynesian Cultural Center. Make your own flower lei, create unique palm frond crafts, get a temporary Hawai’i-inspired tattoo, and sample flavors of the Islands while entering to win a trip for two to Hawai’i.
Free
Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles
COMPIMENTARY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ADMISSION FOR SCHOOL WORKERS
K-12 teachers and school employees of California public, private and/or charter schools with required credentials (school and state ID presented to the box office) get in for free while their guests (up to 3) get in for half price.
Thru March 31st
Universal Studios
1000 Universal Center Dr
Universal City 91608
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
MICHAEL JACKSON: HIStyle EXHIBIT
In homage to the immortal King of Pop Michael Jackson, this iconic exhibit has been extended. It features some of Jackson’s seminal wardrobe pieces like the Thriller album cover suit, seven elaborately embellished jackets, two gloves and more. Also check out the 44-minute video of some of his most exciting GRAMMY performances.
$14.95, general; $11.95, students $ seniors; $10.95, military & youth 6-17 years old
800 W. Olympic Blvd., #A-245
Los Angeles 90015
213.765.6800
HELP WITH HAITIAN RELIEF
The people of Haiti are suffering after the 7.4 earthquake that crushed the beautiful island nation. Support Doctors Without Borders as they provide much needed medical care via volunteer nurses and doctors and they were in Haiti prior to the disaster. I heard that the money donated is used within 5 minutes of processing in the country. Let’s help revive this very relevant nation!
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
“IT’S A NUMBERS GAME” EXHIBIT
This Loft at Liz’s presents an exhibit exploring the overwhelming presence of numbers. Cell phones, credit cards, passports, time, money, distance – numbers are everywhere! However, this group show features artists Anthony Hansen, Alvaro Valenzuela, Bendow, Doni Silver Simons, Daniela Arbizzi, Anna Dusi, Joan Tucker, Mary Larsen, Michael Babyak, Mike Saijo, Robert Morgan, Savva and RetiMade Jewelry. Sounds very numerological.
Free
Exhibit thru February 16th
453 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles 90036
http://theloftatlizs.com/blog2/its-a-numbers-game/
FREE BOWLING
Join the AMF’s Bowling E-Club and bowl for free. They’ll even send you a birthday gift and other incentives.
http://www.amf.com/corporate/inquiries/e_club_inquiry.amfx
FREE SKI LIFT TICKET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Caps, Aquarians and Pisces: with a valid ID, go to the resort ticket office of the resorts listed below and enjoy free skiing, snowboarding, rides, ski-lift ticket, night skiing and more
GIVE A DAY (VOLUNTEERING), GET A (FREE) DISNEY DAY
Contribute to the community AND get something material back in return. How rare is that?! Give a day to a Disney approved charity and you’ll get a pass to get into Disneyland or Disney World. They hope to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service with this incentive. There will only be tickets given to the first million volunteers who participate so don’t procrastinate if interested. Get your friends, family, organizations and others to participate so you can all attend together for free.
http://handsonnetwork.org
GRATIS HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Something you may have always wanted to try but never did – a hot air balloon ride! This time around, it’s green too. Check out the OC skyline from 500 feet up. There will be thirty people on each ride, it’s handicap accessible, registration is 15 minutes before flights and sign a waiver to participate. http://www.ocgp.org/visit/hours-directions/
DOWNLOAD THE NEW COLDPLAY ALBUM FOR FREE
Wow! I love Coldplay. They’re offering 14 songs from their “Left Right Left Right Left” album for free at the link below.
http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html
FOOD BANK RESOURCES
If you or anyone you know needs free food due to a lack of funds, check out the links below. There’s no reason anyone should be homeless or starving anywhere, nevertheless in a wealthy country like the US!
http://www.lafightshunger.org/
http://www.lafightshunger.org/agencies_serving_daily_meals.htm
http://www.jfsla.org/sova/LocationsServices.php
http://www.laokay.com/FoodBanks.htm#LosAngeles
http://02bcd4a.netsolhost.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=94
RESTAURANT.COM GIFT CERTIFICATES
Every few days this unique site does an amazing sale. Here’s how their site benefits over 5 million customers: find the restaurant you want to eat at and gift certificates of multiple denominations. Normally a $25 gift certificate that requires a minimum $35 purchase (+ 18% gratuity on the total bill) for 2 people sells for $10. Well, if they’re having an 80% off sale that voucher comes out to only $2! Spend $2 and get $25 off of your $35 check. This is totally legitimate and restaurants are usually quite appreciative for the new business.
ICEKATING AT THE W HOTEL Check out to the rink at the W Hotel, on the faux-ice under the sunshine. Taste the spiked pumpkin lattes, spiked hot chocolates, smores or grilled cheese panninis. Monday-Friday, 3-10pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-10pm W Hotel – Westwood 930 Hilgard Ave. Los Angeles 90024 http://www.whotels.com/losangeles
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!
