As a major foodie and one who LOVES events...this was INCREDIBLE. This was my first time going…read more(6/11/23) and I will be planning on experiencing future events. Los Angeles' Taste of the Nation returned to Culver City/Media Park for its 32nd year. I got to enjoy exceptional eats, curated drinks, entertainment, and more! It featured dozens of the LA area's top tastemakers and renowned chefs who support from across the country and lend their talents/passion to ending childhood hunger in America. I had the Admission + Preview Hour Ticket which allowed: -Ticketholders to enjoy unlimited tastes, sips, and fun with early entry starting at 12pm. So, 4 hours (12pm-4pm) -Unlimited bites from participating chefs and restaurants -Beverage Garden featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic options -Interactive games and prize opportunities -Live entertainment Some of the booths for the 2023 event included: *Angelini Osteria *B Sweet *Beachside Restaurant & Bar *Camphor *Death & Co. *Dog Haus *Durango Cantina *Girl and the Goat *Guerrilla Tacos *Jitlada *Kali *Kinn *Maple Block Meat Co. *Ospi *Pizzana *Playa Provision *Poppy + Rose *Qusqo *Ronan *Salt Restaurant and Bar *Santuari *Socalo *Sugar Palm I was only able to try to try a few of the sets up as they were either showcasing an item that had a meat item I could not eat or by the time I wanted to try something, they were already out. Overall, I ate and drank a lot and loved every minute it!

I attended this event for work (& play) on a Sunday for the first time yesterday and let me say,…read moreworking in the industry I've had the opportunity to attend many different types of events but this one is definitely one of my absolute favorites! Not only is this for a great cause, but the whole event is extremely well put together! The marketing team did a fantastic job by getting attendees to be interactive by posting a photo to donate! Bendors this year included: Beverages: baja brewing co. | bouchaine vineyards | casa magdalena rum | central coast group project | domaine de cala | eagle rock brewery | elijah craig whiskey | deep eddy vodka | fords gin | lord hobo brewing co. | macrostie winery & vineyards | palm bay international | singha beer | tequila partida | the bruery & bruery terreux Food: akasha alexander's steakhouse ar cucina baltaire bazaar by jose andres black market liquor bar border grill bourbon steak la cal mare cassell's hamburgers chichen itza restaurant craft la craig's vegan culver hotel dog haus eagle rock public house ellie's fiveofour hollywood hayden inn of the seventh ray jaffa jitlada original thai cuisine maple block meat co. mcconnell's fine ice creams ms chi cafe ocean prime preux&proper ray's & stark bar salazar salt & straw scopa italian roots south city fried chicken sweetfin poke the arbour the art institute of california - inland empire the upper west triple beam pizza union valerie confections I will most certainly be attending again!

The Culver City Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Veterans Memorial…read moreBuilding in Culver City and is a cool place to come to meet other people interested in gardening/the environment. Members are from a wide age group, diverse backgrounds, and botanical interests. Some are garden newbies while several are master gardeners. You can come and bring your questions or just to listen to the speaker, all are welcome and meetings are free to guests. Membership is only $12 a year for an individual or $18 a year for a couple so you can't beat that! Most meetings also have a raffle for plants and cuttings from the members' gardens and the show has a FABULOUS raffle of prizes donated by local businesses! They are also on Twitter and Facebook! http://twitter.com/CulverCityGardn http://www.facebook.com/mvanessacoto?v=feed&story_fbid=1324100054965#/pages/The-Culver-City-Garden-Club/252982790841?ref=ts Here's the info from their pamphlet: The Culver City Garden Club was founded in 1953 and was incorporated in California as a not-for-profit organization in 1964. It has Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Membership is open to anyone interested in plants, gardening and the environment. The Club has more than 100 members ranging in age from 8 to 94 years old. Members live in a wide geographic area and reflect the area's diversity and varied living arrangements. Members include both novice gardeners and experts. The CCGC is a general interest club and does not focus on just one kind of plant or one aspect of gardening. Activities The Club usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Most meetings include a "Show, Tell & Ask" session, a speaker presentation, and refreshments. The meetings are free and open to the public, and one needn't be a member to attend. The Club prepares and distributes a Monthly Newsletter with timely garden tips for each month, a calendar of gardening and plant events throughout the Southland and information about the scheduled speaker. We also sponsor a Garden Hop where we visit some members' homes. At least since 1953, the Club's primary public event is its Garden Show, held annually in the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium. Last year, the Show attracted an estimated 400 attendees and more than 250 plants were entered. The Show features a Plant and Flower Exhibition, Gardening Education Workshop and a Plant/Gardening Supplies Sale. Admission is free and always has been.

The Garden Club will host its first meeting of 2012 on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7:30PM,…read morein The G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd., @ Millwood Ave., Venice, 90291. This will be our "home" through our March meeting. Our speaker will be Mary Ogren whose topic is "Butterflies in Your Garden". Her garden is a certified Monarch Waystation and Wildlife Habitat. There will be refreshments and a plant "Show, Tell & Ask". The meetings are FREE and all are welcome. See you then and Happy New Year!

I've been volunteering here on Fridays, where over 200 people are served each week. I happily greet…read moreeach person with a smile as they come through the line, and I've even learned some of their favorite desserts. I'm continually amazed by Sheena, Rhonda, Tammy, and Marteen, as well as all the drivers who pick up and deliver food every Friday. Their organization and dedication are truly inspiring. I'm also in awe of all the volunteers--everyone works together so seamlessly. Being able to serve in this capacity and help so many people is incredibly gratifying. Despite the challenges many are facing, there is so much laughter, joy, and a strong sense of community. Love the City creates such a joyful environment, and I genuinely love volunteering every Friday.

Fantastic work this group is doing. I spent some time observing them as a volunteer and what an…read moreawesome amount of food they source. It's well organized but really strict on how much can be given out to each person, based on averaging how many people will show up and how many donations are received. The 2 stars are for personality. Most of the folks in charge are bossy, cross, pushy, stressed, and very terse. They seem to look down on everyone and do not interact with other volunteers. Friendliness is minimal, authoritative control is maximum. They don't seem to realize it's a privilege to even have volunteers sign up. If people aren't getting paid and are offering their precious time then the kindness meter has got to be turned way up. Finally, the prayer. It's pretty discriminatory to assume everyone prays or prays to the christian god. If the religious of the group want to do it they should do it amongst themselves. Making everyone pray, basically disregarding any other belief or non belief system, is really a tough pill to swallow. People need food and kindness. Those in charge of this plentiful food distribution need to stick with that and only that when offering help. And if any of them are unhappy providing strangers with food, as it seemed with some, then it might be best to find another path.

3/11/2026: I am a Senior Citizen. We are raising our grandson, whose mama passed away. (my…read moredaughter). I hurt my dominant right wrist and was in a splint and sling for over a week, and cannot drive. My Wonderful Husand has been a God-send and stepped up.. But he has been called away to help his elderly mother, in Florida. I also had surgery on my right big toe the day before yesterday. I called Meals on Wheels a week ago to get set up to help us, in case I could not drive. Fortunately, the Doctor's released me, and I can drive to the store. Meals on Wheels delivered to us for two days. The food is more bland than I prefer, but my tummy is full and the food is nutritious. There was a little mix up on the first day, but that got straightened out. I thought I would need Meals on Wheels for 11 days but we only used it for two. Cancelling is easy. I can see how this is a great (and needed) service for people homebound and a great opportunity to give back and to Volunteer. Thank you Suzanne for your graciousness to us.

Thank you Mills on wheels for everything that you have done. I would like to congratulate them and…read morethe people that fund them. And so much more that you guys have to offer you have been a great addition to my livelihood. And you have helped me better the quality of my life and my wellness with all the impairments that I have I'm so grateful to you all for what you guys do my hats off too those of you who have received this gift from Meals on Wheels this is my way of giving back to you shouting it out loud thank you Meals on Wheels for being a part of my better quality of life.

Wow, this space is everything I've been looking for. I can't get enough of their amazing programs…read moreand events. I'm back every week for another round and I'm never disappointed.

Amazing community and events! Dr. MagicMike Milane is the best. He brings people together to…read moreinspire hope, connection, peace, love and joy. This is a healing sanctuary with various events such as ecstatic dance, sound baths, acroyoga, Guest speakers, Musical Performances and a very special Sunday service at 11:11am. I love being a part of this sacred community.

Volunteering in the warehouse during summer was hot and a lil uncomfortable to work but other than…read morethat the people were super friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back to help anytime!

I felt truly honored to volunteer with Baby2Baby. This nonprofit does incredible work supporting…read morefamilies--not only providing essentials for babies, but also helping parents in meaningful ways. Seeing the impact they've had on so many families was inspiring. If you're ever looking for a volunteer opportunity, I highly recommend reaching out to them. It's a great option for group volunteering, can count as a tax write-off, and most importantly, it's perfect for anyone with a big heart who wants to give back. An amazing organization doing truly important work.

Every couple months they have a jazz concert and it's excellent. It's free for members and five…read moredollars for non-members. If you want to check it out, look at their website I'm sure they'll have something about their jazz concerts on there. The quality of the music was great and we had a super time. We will definitely be back.

A Hidden Jewel in Santa Monica!…read more We had a great visit today to the Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906, located on Pico and 10th Street in Santa Monica. As longtime Elks, we always enjoy visiting different Lodges, and this one truly stood out. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Jenny, who graciously gave us a tour and shared the history and vibrance of this special place.It's a place that honors tradition while embracing a bright future. Lodge #906 is more than just a meeting space -- it's a sanctuary in the midst of a busy city. It was recently renovated, and the fresh new flooring, new paint, updated carpets, and tasteful décor make the entire space feel both welcoming and refreshed. We loved the nice comfortable Bar, too. The Lodge is beautifully maintained and serves as a vital community hub. In addition to hosting Elks meetings, the space is available for rent by other local organizations and community groups -- including the Kiwanis and Lion's Clubs -- making it an ideal cost-effective venue for gatherings, fundraisers, and celebrations. It's a resource that should remain top of mind for anyone looking for a well-appointed space to rent for parties, meetings and more. There's plenty of parking, which makes hosting events easy and convenient. And one of the standout features is the nice-sized stage, perfect for live entertainment, speakers, ceremonies, and performances. Whether it's a band night, awards event, or community presentation, the Lodge provides a welcoming and functional space for it all. Every Thursday, members gather for dinner at a very reasonable cost, and the calendar is filled with engaging events -- from live band performances to social mixers and more. There's a cozy card room where members enjoy games in good company, and a rising favorite among members is Mahjong -- easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to connect. Throughout the building, you'll find thoughtful displays that honor the history and mission of the Elks. These serve as powerful reminders of the organization's deep roots and lasting impact. The members take great pride not just in their camaraderie, but also in their dedication to service -- regularly supporting and working with other non-profits to lift up the community. At the heart of it all is the Elks' enduring motto: Elks Care. Elks Share. With over 2,200 Lodges across the country and beyond, this isn't just a saying -- it's a way of life. The Elks are a living example of how kindness, generosity, and community spirit can thrive in today's world. They're more than a fraternal organization -- they're a national treasure, providing support, connection, and service in every corner of the country. If you've never visited an Elks Lodge, you're missing out on a slice of Americana where everyone is welcome, and the bonds of community still mean everything. Interested in joining? It's fun for all ages and a great place to meet your friends and family, too! Membership is not only meaningful -- it's incredibly cost-effective. The annual dues are surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider all the fellowship, fun, and opportunities to give back. Be sure to check it out! Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906 1040 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Email: SM.ElksLodge906@gmail.com to learn more or schedule a visit!

Going through my university education I always felt like I didn't belong. I had trouble feeling…read morelike I fit in. After college, and entering the working world, it felt like it was even harder to connect with others. That is why I was so pleased to have found CrashSpace. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. I truly felt like I could be myself and be accepted. CrashSpace has a lot of tools and machines to work on your various projects. But more importantly, CrashSpace is a COMMUNITY of people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences. I think the biggest asset has been the knowledge base that the whole community has and shares with each other. CrashSpace is volunteer run and you can tell that really passionate people invest their heart and soul into keeping this organization alive and thriving. CrashSpace is very active with regularly occurring weekly events, monthly meet-ups, and hands-on workshops. It seems like there is always something fun going on at CrashSpace. If you're an artist, maker, DIYer, designer, techie, programmer, cosplayer, tinkerer, engineer, educator, STEAM fan, I think you'll really like CrashSpace.

I attended events here as a guest and had multiple experiences that raised serious safety concerns…read more At one point, an individual who appeared to be actively using drugs and attempting to steal money from attendees was allowed to remain in the space during an event, despite multiple people being uncomfortable. There was no clear leadership response or removal. Separately, I was invited by a member to an off‑site party connected to this community. After that event, I experienced sudden disorientation and memory loss inconsistent with my alcohol intake. I went to the hospital, was evaluated for head trauma (none found), and the attending physician concluded I was most likely drugged (e.g., roofied). What was most alarming was the response afterward. Rather than concern or accountability, multiple people connected to this group aggressively pushed a narrative that I "just got too drunk" or "hit my head," even after being informed of the medical evaluation stating otherwise. The takeaway was clear: when something serious happens, this community protects itself -- not women who are harmed. There is insufficient leadership, security, or safety protocol to protect members, especially femmes. If your personal safety matters to you at all, I would strongly recommend steering clear.