Get Involved: Ample Opportunities For Civic Engagement This Week

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

From participating in planning for La Tropicana Market's Monte Vista St. block party, to monitoring business developments on York Blvd., to staying up to date with the developments within Luther Burbank Middle School, here are a handful of ways you can get get civically active this week.

1. Monte Vista Block Party Planning Committee

Where: Arroyo Seco Library

When: Tuesday, May 3, 6 p.m.

What's Happening:  The second annual Monte Vista Block Party is scheduled for Saturday, June 4.  With that in mind, four planning meetings have been set up to give the community a chance to help plan the party. The planning effort is being steered by Rana Redfield, owner of, and Lynelle Scaduto, a field deputy for Councilmember Ed Reyes' office.  Those interested in attending the meeting should contact Amy Williams to RSVP.

2. Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee Meets

Where:

When: Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m.

What's Happening? Among the topics of discussion is a proposal by Elsa's Bakery to create a bistro in the space adjacent to their 5102 York Blvd. location.

3. Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council General Meeting

Where: Highland Park Senior Citizens Center

When: Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m.

What's Happening? The neighborhood council has dedicated its entire agenda to discussing issues at . At a recent meeting, the neighborhood council heard numerous complaints from community members about the school's continuing struggles with academic achievement and gang violence. Community members are encouraged to attend and express their own concerns. 

4. Arroyo Arts Collective Art Auction

Where: Audubon Center at Debs Park, 4700 North Griffin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90031

When: Saturday, May 7, 2 p.m until 5 p.m.

What's Happening? The Arroyo Arts Collective and The Audubon Center at Debs Park will celebrate the closing of their For the Birds exhibit with an art auction. According to the Arroyo Arts Collective, "These works explore a number of bird related themes, including vanishing habitat, and the representation of birds in popular culture." There will be refreshments available in the Audubon's discovery room and live music provided by local indie rockers Artichocke. The auction begins at 4 p.m.

5. Lummis Day Fundraiser

Where: The Lummis House, 200 E Avenue 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031

When: Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

What's Happening? The annual fundraising party to benefit the Lummis Day Festival will be held Saturday evening inside the courtyard of the historic Lummis House. Music, dance and refreshments are all scheduled for the evening.  A silent auction of collectibles, wines and art will also be part of the event. All funds raised by the event will help support the 6th Annual Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast L.A, scheduled for Sunday June 5.

6. PEACE Inc.'s Prayer Vigil for Local Victims of Gang Violence

Where: 236 S. Ave. 64, Los Angeles CA, 90042

When: Saturday, May 7, 5 p.m.

What's Happening? PEACE Inc. will be holding a prayer service for those in the community who have lost a loved one as a result of gang violence. "We welcome anybody in our community that is grieving for a lost child or because of incarceration," said Jose Carmona. "Please feel free to bring a photo of your loved one so that we can put the picture on the bulletin board that will be placed in front of the room."