Five Reasons to Stop Playing Angry Birds and Get Involved in Your Community

Those looking to lend a hand, or brain, to their neighborhood's prosperity have ample opportunities to do so this week.

1.

Where: You can find out where to vote here. 

When: Today (Tuesday, May 17) Polls close at 8 p.m.

What's Happening: After running to a near stalemate in March, LAUSD District Five candidates Luis Sanchez and Bennett Kayser will today (Tuesday, May 17) square-off in a run off election. You can learn more about the candidates .

2. Relighting of the Highland Theatre Sign

Where: , from N. Figueroa St. to Marmion Way between Ave. 57 and Ave. 58

When: The Famers Market begins at 3 p.m. today (Tuesday, May 17) and the lights go on at 7 p.m.

What's Happening: Through the coordinating efforts of the Highland Park Heritage Trust and Amy Inouye of Future Studio and the generosity of the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, neighborhood residents and local organizaitons like the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, the lights above the Historic Highland Theatre will be relit. Read more about the effort .

3.

Where:

When: Today (Tuesday, May 17) from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

What's Happening: Gourment Food Trucks from across Southern California will be dishing out their fare in the parking lot of Figueroa Produce.

4. Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council Bi-Weekly Meeting

Where: Highland Park Senior Citizens Center, 6152 N. Figueroa St. 

When: Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

What's Happening: The neighborhood council will work though a 17 item agenda, which includes discussion on the parameters for future funding allocations for community projects, the renewal of the council's bylaws and participation in the Summer Night Lights program.

5. Senior Citizen Town Hall With Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-California, 31st)

Where: Highland Park Senior Citizens Center, 6152 N. Figueroa St.

When: Friday, May 20, 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

What's Happening: The town hall will include speakers addressing issues like Medicare and Medi-Cal, living on a social security budget and consumer protection. There will also be a resource fair featuring organizations which will be providing further information on cost saving programs designed to help seniors save money in day to day life.