Cheap & Cheerful Night with the Stars - Hollywood

Nobody walks in LA? Don't tell that to the thousands of people who stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Travel west on Hollywood Blvd. from Gower to La Brea, or south on Vine from Yucca to sunset to see how many names you recognize?

Established in 1961, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is expanded monthly to salute luminaries of motion pictures, recordings, radio, television and live theater. 20 individuals are named to join the walk in June, their ceremonies are then scheduled over time.

For an true Hollywood experience, plan on attending on of the bimonthly star dedications. They take place at 11:30 pm on a weekday and run about 45 minutes. The most recent star unveiling was for the Canadian rock bank RUSH on June 25.

For more information about the star ceremonies, the 2011 inductees and history of the Walk of Fame visit:

http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/

Cheap & Cheerful Chuck Jones -Beverly Hills

Who is Chuck Jones you ask?! Why the father of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E Coyote, Elmer Fudd and my personal favorite, Pepé Le Pew!

Now until August 22, the Grand Lobby of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (8949 Wilshire Blvd.) will exhibit 150 drawings, storyboards, cels, dialogue sheets and other materials from one of the all time great animators.

The gallery is open to the public Tuesday – Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 6:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. ( fyi The gallery will also be closed July 3–5.)

Admission is free.

Street and metered parking is available on Wilshire Blvd. and nearby cross streets.

http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/exhibitions/2010/chuckjones.html




http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/exhibitions/2010/chuckjones.html

Cheap & Cheerful Surf Festival - South Bay

While I usually focus on things people can experience any time of the year in LA, The International Surf Festival is crash course on beach culture that just has to be checked out.

Los Angeles is host to many surf competitions, volleyball tournaments and what not. However The International Surf Festival produced by a collection of South Bay Cities' Chamber of Commerce (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance) has it all: surfing,sand soccer,volleyball, paddle boarding, body surfing, pier to pier swim, and a 2 mile run. The fun starts with lifeguard championship on Friday, July 30 and runs through mid-day Sunday, August 1. Don't stay out too late -- or just stay up -- as beach people are early risers. Saturday's Bodysurfing Championship starts at 6:45 am!

There are entry fees to the competitions but no admission charge to watch it all. Metered parking and lots are available, but it wise to be early--
I mean r e a l l y early.

http://www.surffestival.org

Cheap & Cheerful Stroll through History - Arcadia

Visitors to The LA Arboretum (301 North Baldwin Ave.) usually go to enjoy the grounds, but it also is a historic treasure, wildlife refuge, world class library, classroom, concert venue and a gorgeous place to attend a wedding.

Be sure to check out the Queen's Anne Cottage and the Mayberg Waterfall.

Admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students/seniors, $3.00 for children 5-12. A tram is available from 11:00am - 3:00pm and costs $4.00 per person admission is FREE on the Third Tuesday of every month (but no tram service)

Hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm daily (Last admission is 4:30 pm)


http://www.arboretum.org/
626-821-3222

Cheap & Cheerful Contemporary Art - Hollywood

While Hollywood is known for the Walk of Fame, historic theaters and other film industry institutions, it is also the current home of a hotbed of Modern Art.

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (6522 Hollywood Blvd.) or LACE "both champions and challenges the art of our time by fostering artists who innovate, explore, and risk."

Over the past 30 years, LACE has been the the starting ground for some of the biggest names in west coast visual and performance art. Laurie Anderson, John Baldessari, Gronk, Mike Kelley, Ed Ruscha, now legends, all have roots at LACE.

LACE's programming is free or low cost to keep it accessible to the widest audience possible.

Admission to the gallery is free, but the recommended donation is $3.00
Wednesday - Sunday, noon – 6pm Friday, noon – 9pm

http://www.welcometolace.org

323.957.1777

Cheap & Cheerful Disney Hall Tour --Downtown

Love it or hate it, the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall (135 North Grand Avenue) is an icon of modern Los Angeles.

Complimentary 60-minute self guided audio tours are available for groups of 14 or less from 10:00am -2:00pm. A 60-minute docent guided tour is available fro 12 -1pm. If you are interested in the adjoining Music Center buildings as well (Dorothy Chandler, Mark Taper Forum, Ahamanson Theater) a 90 minute Symphonian 4 Theatre Tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30am and 12:30pm


Self Parking at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is $9.00.

for complete walking tour information, visit

http://www.musiccenter.org/visit/tours.html

(213) 972-4399

Cheap & Cheerful Rose Garden - Exposition Park

Created in 1928, the Exposition Rose Garden (701 State Drive) is a favorite spot for Angelinos and tourists alike. The garden is located at the east end of the Natural History Museum and is opened from 9:00am to Sunset. The site of many weddings, family gatherings and wandering museum field trip students, the Exposition Rose Garden is truly an urban oasis.

Metered street parking is available on Exposition Blvd. If you rather not keep an eye on your on your watch, Exposition Park Lot 3 has patrolled parking for $8.00.


FYI from January 1 - March 15 each year the garden is closed for annual pruning and care.



http://www.laparks.org/exporosegarden/rosegarden.htm

(213) 763-0114

Cheap & Cheerful Taste of Japan - Little Tokyo

One of my favorite cities withing the city is Little Tokyo. Occupying roughly four large city blocks. (Los Angeles Street to the west, Alameda to the east 3rd Street on the south, First Street on the north) Little Tokyo is home to not only the Japanese American National Museum and Geffen Contemporary but scads of charming restaurants and shops.

Two beautiful gardens are open to the public. One is the rooftop garden of the Kyoto Grand Hotel (120 South Los Angeles Street) and the other is an 8,500 square foot garden called "Garden of Clear Stream" that is adjacent to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.

Be sure to check out the 1995 art project titled "Ornoide no Shotokyo" (Remember Little Tokyo) by artists Sheila Levrant de Bretteville and Sonya Ishi.Embedded in the sidewalk of Little Tokyo National Historic Landmark is a timeline of the history of Little Tokyo with each decade from the 1890s to the 1940s represented by a light colored band with brass inscriptions. A final band in dark charcoal-black cement recalls the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

Every year Little Tokyo hosts Cherry Blossom Festival in April and Nisei Week in August( complete a large parade, pageant, athletic events, exhibits of Japanese art and culture) a taiko drum festival, the Japanese Festival Street Faire, and a car show.

Any day is a good day to visit little Tokyo.

http://www.visitlittletokyo.com/

Cheap & Cheerful Maritime History Lesson - Long Beach

When talking about ships in Long Beach Harbor, most people think about the Queen Mary. While a wonderful experience, there is a lesser known ship that has a fascinating history.

Built in 1945, the S.S. Lane Victory served with distinction during World War II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War as well as in times of peace as part of the merchant fleet. A nationally recognized historic landmark, the S.S. Lane Victory now serves as a living museum and memorial to the service of Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen.

Open daily: 9 AM - 3 PM

Admission: $3.00 per adult; $1.00 per child
Summer Cruise dates are set each summer, but the price in considerably higher.
Maritime

Phone 310.519.9545

Cheap & Cheerful Muscles - Venice Beach

The current Muscle Beach Venice (1800 Ocean Front Walk)has been in place since 1959.
People come from all over to use the free weights and body building equipment at "The Pit." Our own governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a pit regular.

Events at Muscle Beach are always free. The Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Competition takes place on July 4th. Additional competitions are scheduled throughout the year.

When traveling to the beach, parking is always more plentiful early in the day. To learn more about Muscle Beach, visit:

http://musclebeachvenice.com/home/
Phone: (818) 922-4626

Cheap & Cheerful Night Hike - Griffith Park

It must be summer because I find myself drawn to things to do outdoors at night.

The Sierra Club has organized 2 hour hikes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings through our beloved Griffith Park.Hikers are asked to wear comfortable shoes--I recommend bringing a sweater/hoodie as it can be chilly in the hills.

6:45pm at the upper merry-go round parking lot (4800 Carousel Drive) is the meeting time/place.

FREE is the price.
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith/location.asp

(213)387-4287

Cheap & Cheerful Grunion Run - Cabrillo Beach

The east coast has it's clam digging we have our Grunion Runs! And who wouldn't want to stay up till midnight to chase little fish on a beach?

Kids going with parents don't need a fishing permit, but anyone over 16 does. While an annual fishing permit runs just under $40.00 a one day sport fishing license is $13.40. These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

Cabrillo Beach is Grunion Central for LA, but this phenomenon happens on other beaches. For more than you ever cared to know about this distinctly California way to spend a night visit:


http://www.beachcalifornia.com/grunion-run-annual-schedule.html

Cheap & Cheerful Night in the Garden - Flintridge

Summertime means Jazz at Descanso Gardens every Thursday night from 5:30pm to 7pm. The concerts are free, but you must pay the standard admission fees to the garden. $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors and $3.00 for children age 5-12.

For a Friday night off the beaten path, taking Docents Jim and Joanne Jackson's evening walk through Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Drive). Both Botanical and Historical facts are explored in the midst of the flora and fauna.

Tours start at 7pm.
$10.00 - $15.00


http://www.descansogardens.org/

(818) 949-4200

Cheap & Cheerful Flea Market - Pasadena

A Southern California institution! My hard core flea market fans swear this is the mother of all flea markets.

So mark your calendars -- the second Sunday of each month, from 7am-4:30pm, the Pasadena Rose Bowl (1001 Rose Bowl Drive) is transformed to a one of a kind marketplace.
World Class people watching as well.

$10 - $15 per person, $20 early entrance. Parking as far as the eye can see.

Questions?
call 323=560-2468

http://www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowl.aspx

Cheap & Cheerful Twilight Hikes - Westwood

Don't waste another Friday night in front of the television! Instead head over to the Stoner Recreation Center (1835 Stoner Avenue, Westwood) for a Twilight Hike through Santa Monica mountains. FREE

Hikers are asked to meet at the east end of the center's parking lot.

Hike starts at 6:30pm


for more info call
310-253-9840