Here is a video I made last 4th of July with my ‘lil point and shoot. Enjoy!

4th of July in Venice Beach California from Yo Venice on Vimeo.

Friday July 3rd:

1st Fridays on Abbot Kinney 5-10pm. It may be a lot more sedate than last month, as local businesses have agreed not to sling free booze this week.

C.A.V.E. Gallery Venice opening. 7-11pm 507 Rose Avenue Live painting, beer and wine bar, all female artists, all female DJs.

Club WATER at Sidewalk Cafe. 9:30-Closing. 1401 Ocean Front Walk. After hours party with DJ Sweat.

Peace Frog Doors Tribute at Rush Street. 10pm. 9546 Washington Blvd.

Saturday July 4th:

Venice Beach Wines open all day. Fresh Hot Dogs from European Deluxe Sausage, All American Potato Salad, Red White and Blueberry Shortcakes!

Sangria Beach Party @ 26th.  11am- closing. Hosted by Nik Roybal. BYOB, Yo!

MARINAPALOOZAFESTIVAL  10am-10pm. The lineup of bands can be found here.

Venice Canals Rubber Ducky Race. 1:30pm

Muscle Beach. 1pm. 75th Anniversary Competition. Free admission to the public, registration starts at 7:30 am and the finals are at 1pm.

Baja Cantina Bikini Competition. 12pm-2am. Bands. Bikinis. Booze.

Marina Fireworks. 9pm. Info can be found here.

Sunday, July 5th:

Sleep IN

Venice Basketball League. 10am

Venice Beach Wines. 1pm Live music and vino!

Venice Rocks at the Garter. 10PM with Stevie Starlight.

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About a month ago, a kitty was brought to the animal hospital where I work - Doakes had survived an apartment fire and was missing for 24 hours before neighbors found him and rushed him to us. He was severely burned - 3rd and 4th degree burns on his feet, legs, and face. His owners came immediately - I can’t imagine what they were going through - to lose everything in a fire, think your cat has died (their other cat did die in the fire), learn he’s alive, and rush to the hospital to see him in such an awful condition and in need of immediate and advanced medical care.

During his 3 week hospitalization, Doakes needed surgery for a ruptured bladder which he sustained after jumping off the burning 2nd floor balcony, he went into respiratory & cardiac arrest and was resuscitated with CPR, and he underwent daily painful bandage changes on all 4 legs and wound care for his burned face & eyes. In veterinary medicine, we all have certain cases that hit us in the heart and cause us to become very attached to a patient - Doakes hit everyone that way - he was so brave, so sweet, and very patient during his long healing process.

I am happy to report that Doakes is doing remarkably well at home - he still has bandages on his feet but they are healing nicely. His fur is growing back on his feet and face, his beautiful bright green eyes are healed, we weren’t sure if he’d grow his whiskers back, but they are coming in too.

When Doakes’ was discharged from the hospital, I started going to his new home to do house-calls and take care of his still-healing burns. I got to know his owners, Kyle and Jess (they also visited Doakes at the hospital every day) - and their story just breaks my heart. When I asked Kyle if they were able to salvage anything from their apartment fire, he just pointed to Doakes. These guys lost everything, including their other cat, Doakes’ buddy Riggs. When I say they had nothing left - I went to the first housecall at their new apartment, it was empty except for a new dog play-pen for Doakes to stay in and an air mattress. They didn’t have a bowl for me mix Doakes’ food in (he had a feeding tube).

Friends made a Facebook for Doakes and started asking for donations for his medical bills to be made directly to our animal hospital - the simple generosity of even small donations really helped relieve some of the enormous toll this fire has taken on such lovely and sweet people. (but the outstanding bill is still daunting to say the least).

Their friends will also be hosting a fundraising event for Kyle, Jess, and Doakes on July 14th in Studio City.

I know that in this current economy, job market, housing market, etc…most of us have become more conservative with our budgets - but when someone needs help, any small gesture means a great deal. If you’d like to donate anything to help Jess, Kyle, and Doakes - whether it’s money or household stuff or pet supplies - it would be such a nice way to welcome them to their new home in our ‘hood. (btw - they have not asked for donations themselves or even asked the hospital for a discount on services - they are so humble and grateful that anyone would help them.)

Donations for Doakes’ hospital bills can be made to: VCA West LA Animal Hospital. 1818 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90025; 310-473-2951.

If you’d like make any non-monetary donations, email me and I’ll arrange it with them: keri@yovenice.com

July 14th Fundraiser:

Join us Tuesday July 14th starting at 7 p.m., for a fun night of and a good cause at Clear Lounge in Studio City. The evening will be packed full of great raffle prizes, a silent auction featuring a Simpsons script signed by the whole cast, beautiful photo prints of your favorite stars and musicians, voucher for haircut and color among many other things.

Performances by Hollywoods top comedians and a DJ spinning all night will be sure to keep you entertained.

Cover is $10 at the door and all door, raffle and auction proceeds go will go to Jessica and Kyle to help them rebuild and pay Doakes’ vet bill. Visit: www.kylejessrebuild.com for more information.

Where:
Clear lounge
11916 ventura blvd studio city ca 91604

When:
July 14 tues
Doors open @ 7

What:
Opportunity for Kyle and Jess to say thanks to everyone for all of their support, and to raise money to help get them back on their feet and pay for Doakes’ vet bills.

Activities:
Silent auction, raffle, music, dj, and comedy acts.
Valet parking @ laural tavern, wine bistro or st parking.

7-10PM. It is free .. no excuses, show some love to our neighbors in the north.

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Click here for the evenings menu.

From la.eater:

AK abruptly shuttered a week and a half ago to many diners’ surprise. Conny Andersson claimed to be taking the AK concept elsewhere due to “creative differences” with financiers, but back on Abbott Kinney a new chef plus restaurant concept has taken over. The Tasting Kitchen, headed by Chef Casey Lane, will feature an experimental dining concept over the next eight weeks. Starting tomorrow, the restaurant will open for dinner amidst interior and exterior modifications, and serve a paired down local, market-driven menu with 8-12 dishes. During the two month period Chef Casey will take diners’ feedback and continually tweak the menu, and the kitchen and dining room will emerge with a new menu, new look, and new name this Fall.

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Presented by the famed Zambelli Pyrotechnics, which originated more than 100 years ago in Italy, the display will follow the Italian tradition of huge finales. The event is sponsored by Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors.

The street closures around Venice (which everyone should be aware of) are after the jump!

Where to Watch the Fireworks
Fireworks are launched from a floating barge located in the waters of the main channel between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater (the ocean entrance to the harbor). Depending upon weather and cloud cover on the night of the show, the fireworks can usually be seen throughout the marina, and from the waterfront side of most hotels, restaurants, beaches, apartments and anchorages. You may be able to glimpse the fireworks from afar from Playa del Rey and Venice Beach Pier. Popular locations include:

• Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way (2 blocks west of Lincoln Blvd.)
• Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way (1 block west of Admiralty Way)
• Marina Beach (Mother’s Beach), 4101 Admiralty Way (1 block south of Washington Blvd.)

Parking
Come early! Parking lots fill up early on July 4th. There is no on-street parking inside Marina del Rey. Parking is available in 14 self-pay public lots. Most parking lots are full by 6 p.m.

Fisherman’s Village Area Parking
• Lot #1 - 13737 Fiji Way (423 spaces)
• Dock 52, 13501 Fiji Way (232 spaces)
• Lot #2 – 13465 Fiji Way (225 spaces)

Burton Chace Park Area Parking
• Lot #2 – 13465 Fiji Way (225 spaces)
• Lot #4 – 13500 Mindanao Way (145 spaces)
• Lot #5 – 4545 Admiralty Way (at Bali Way) (219 spaces)
• Lot EE – 13650 Mindanao Way (60 spaces)

Marina Beach Area Parking
• Lot #8 – 4220 Admiralty Way (next to Marina International Hotel) (177 spaces)
• Lot #9 - 14110 Palawan Way (181 spaces)
• Lot #10 – 4101 Admiralty Way (across from Marina del Rey Marriott Hotel) (206 spaces)
• Lot #11 – 14101 Panay Way (at Via Marina near Cheesecake Factory) (255 spaces)
• Lot #12 – 14151 Marquesas Way (at Via Marina) (199 spaces)

Street closures:

“Soft closure” at 1 p.m., open to local access only:
southbound Strongs Drive at Washington Boulevard;
southbound Pacific Avenue at Washington Boulevard;
southbound Via Dolce at Washington Boulevard;
westbound Washington Boulevard at Pacific Avenue
northbound Pacific Avenue at Convoy Street.

Closed at 6 p.m.:
connector from northbound Lincoln Boulevard to Culver Boulevard;
connector from southbound Culver Boulevard to Lincoln Boulevard;
southbound Culver Boulevard at Route 90 (Marina Freeway)
northbound Culver Boulevard at Jefferson Boulevard.

Closed at 7:30 p.m.:
westbound Jefferson Boulevard at Lincoln Boulevard.
Closed when Marina parking lots are filled (at approximately 8:30 p.m.)
southbound Via Marina at Washington Boulevard
southbound Palawan Way at Washington Boulevard
westbound Bali Way at Lincoln Boulevard
westbound Mindanao Way at Lincoln Boulevard
westbound Fiji Way at Lincoln Boulevard
southbound Alla Road at Short Avenue, Bonaparte Avenue, Panama Street and Route 90 (Marina Freeway).

Closed at 8:50 p.m.:
southbound Mindanao Way at Glencoe Avenue
southbound Lincoln Boulevard at Venice Boulevard
southbound Culver Boulevard at Centinela Avenue
northbound Lincoln Boulevard at Jefferson Boulevard.

Closed at 9 p.m.:
northbound La Villa Marina at Mindanao Way
southbound Mindanao Way at Route 90 (Marina Freeway)
southbound Lincoln Boulevard at Route 90
southbound Lincoln Boulevard at Washington Boulevard
southbound Culver Boulevard at Route 90
northbound Vista del Mar at Imperial Highway
northbound Pershing Drive at Imperial Highway

Restrictions in effect from approximately 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.:

Traffic northbound on Via Marina will not be allowed to turn right (eastbound) onto Admiralty Way. Traffic will be directed to Washington Boulevard.

Traffic northbound on Palawan Way will not be allowed to turn left (westbound) or right (eastbound) onto Admiralty Way. Traffic will be directed to Washington Boulevard.

Traffic eastbound on Bali Way will not be allowed to turn left (northbound) or right (southbound) onto Admiralty Way. Traffic will be directed to Lincoln Boulevard and then allowed to turn south or north.

Traffic eastbound on Mindanao Way will not be allowed to turn left (northbound) or right (southbound) onto Admiralty Way. Traffic will be directed to Lincoln Boulevard and allowed to turn right (southbound) onto Lincoln Boulevard or continue east on Mindanao Way to Route 90 (Marina Freeway).

Traffic eastbound on Fiji Way will not be allowed to turn left and will not be open to through traffic, must turn right.

Bike path closure:
from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., the bike path from the UCLA boat ramp to the east side of the La Ballona Creek bridge will be closed.

Parking restriction:
On Vista del Mar, between Culver Boulevard and Imperial Highway, there will be “No Stopping Anytime” signs posted all day.

Playa Vista Beach Shuttle
The Playa Vista – Marina del Rey – Venice Pier Beach Ground Shuttle will operate from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. The last shuttle will depart Playa Vista at 7:15 p.m. There will be no service after 8 p.m. to return to your starting point, so plan your trip accordingly.

WaterBus
Marina del Rey WaterBus is an on-the-water shuttle system, and links seven locations within the marina by boat. It operates from 11 a.m. – midnight on July 4th.

Bike Trail Closure
The bike path in the area of the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center boat ramp to the east side of La Ballona Creek Bridge is closed from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th.

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VCA Events:

5th Annual Rubber Ducky Race at 1:30, but Ducky sales close at 1:15. Rubber Ducky(s) are 5 bucks from the VCA. The race begins at the Dell Bridge over Linnie Canal and finishes at Linnie and Eastern Canal.

Downwind Regatta: Kids division starts at 1:45 and the Adult Division at 2pm. All entries must be wind-powered only. Kids must wear life vests and have their parents sign a release.

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Classical Concert Dates
• Thursday, July 9
• Thursday, July 23
• Thursday, August 6
• Thursday, August 20

Pop Concert Dates
• Saturday, July 18
• Saturday, August 1
• Saturday, August 15
• Saturday, August 29

Performance Schedule after the jump:

Thursday, July 9
Frank Fetta and the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony present the Southern California Master Chorale in works by Francis Poulenc, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, and the reprise of Carl Orff’s masterpiece “Carmina Burana.”

Saturday, July 18
Tony Award-winning singer Christine Andreas sings the music of Broadway, with piano accompaniment.

Thursday, July 23
Four brilliant young winners and finalists from the Loren Zachary Vocal Competition are soloists with Frank Fetta and the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony in arias and ensembles from much loved operas.

Saturday, August 1
One of America’s most celebrated singing groups, the Four Aces, appear in concert, performing some of their many Grammy winning songs, accompanied by their band.

Thursday, August 6
Frank Fetta and the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony perform works by Debussy and Copland. Winner of the 2008 Jose Iturbi Competition, pianist Rufus Choi, is soloist with the orchestra in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

Saturday, August 15
John Davidson, award winning star of Broadway musicals and feature films, recording artist, and well-known host and star of numerous TV series, makes his debut appearance at these concerts.

Thursday, August 20
Frank Fetta and The Marina del Rey Summer Symphony welcome musical legends Cleo Laine and John Dankworth for a never-to-be-forgotten concert of jazz and pop classics.

Saturday, August 29
The “Singer’s Singer” Sue Raney appears with her band in concert, featuring some of the songs from her new album paying tribute to Doris Day.

Public Parking
• Public Lot #4 –13500 Mindanao Way; one block from Chace Park (370 spaces) $5
• Public Lot #5 – 4545 Admiralty Way; three blocks from Chace Park (219 spaces) $5
• Dock 52 – 13501 Fiji Way; between Admiralty Way and Fisherman’s Village (232 spaces) Free

Limited disabled parking is available in all public lots. Concert parking is not allowed in Waterside Shopping Center.

Transportation
In support of the four Thursday evening classical concerts, the Marina del Rey Summer WaterBus will operate from 5 p.m. – Midnight those evenings. It will also be operating as scheduled (11 a.m. – Midnight), for each Saturday performance.

Also supporting the Thursday evening classical concerts, the Marina del Rey Summer Weekend Beach Shuttle will operate from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. those evenings. It will also be operating as scheduled (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.), for each Saturday performance.
Printed Schedules
Printed performance schedules are available in most local hotels, on public information boards, and in the Marina del Rey Visitors Center at 4701 Admiralty Way.

Driving to Marina del Rey
From the north, drive south on San Diego Freeway (405–S), past the junction with Santa Monica Freeway (10). Exit at Marina Freeway (90) West and continue approximately 2.5 miles. As the freeway ends, turn left onto Mindanao Way. Continue on Mindanao Way for approximately 1.5 miles to Chace Park.

From the south, drive north on San Diego Freeway (405-N), past Los Angeles International Airport. Exit at Marina Freeway (90) West and continue approximately 2.5 miles. Before the freeway ends, turn left onto Mindanao Way. Continue on Mindanao Way for approximately 1.5 miles to Chace Park.

From the east, drive west on Santa Monica Freeway (10-W) to San Diego Freeway South (405-S). Exit at Marina Freeway (90) West and continue approximately 2.5 miles. Before the freeway ends, turn left onto Mindanao Way. Continue on Mindanao Way for approximately 1.5 miles to Chace Park.

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The Venice Neighborhood Council Board funded eleven Community Improvement Projects at its June Board meeting. This marks the second year that the VNC’s innovative system of competitive funding for Community Improvement Projects has been used. Mike Newhouse, President of the VNC said: “Our Neighborhood Committee’s Community Improvement Project track record last year was amazing - we were able to provide over $39,000 to 19 projects. In this year of shrinking budgets I think it is remarkable that we were able to distribute $20,000, over 30% of our total funding, to 11 projects dedicated to improving the quality of life in Venice.”

The projects and the amount of funding they will receive are:

For more information, contact Marc Saltzberg at Outreach@VeniceNC.org.

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Geri Lewis gets interviewed by our friends at Venice Paparazzi

A lot more pictures after the jump, click on them to make them full size!

TONAN making some cool art while keeping kooks out

Tony C from SMA and Geri Lewis

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Erwin Hotel Venice Beach
Address: 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice 90291
Telephone: (310) 452-1111

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Nicole LaFave and Cherise Anglle

Omelle

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American Apparel
701 Ocean Front Walk
Venice

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C.A.V.E. Gallery
529 Rose Ave
Venice
310-606-2529

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Three Wines from South America:

It was the Spaniards who brought wine to the Americas. In 1521 vines were planted by conquistadors in Mexico, and in1523 Vinifera vines were introduced to Chile by the Spanish explorer Cortése. In the past few decades, political stability (for Argentina), a new focus on fine wine exports and a growing interest and appreciation from wine lovers to the north and in Europe have created a revitalized industry in South America.
This Weekend we’ll pour a sparkling wine made in Argentina’s emerging wine region of Patagonia, and two French expats that have flourished south of the equator, Carmenère and Tannat. Chile, considered the quality leader of South America delivers the Carmenère, a grape the countries winemakers have had much success with after so much was earlier thought to be Merlot. Tannat has also found hospitable conditions in Uruguay, where more of the varietal is grown now than in its longtime homes of France and Spain.
Step on up and enjoy!

Fresh baked breads provided by 3 Square Café + Bakery & gourmet items from Market Gourmet

Taste All Three Wines/ $12 - No Reservations Required

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As part of an on-going remodel at Rose, DEX designed the back patio around an old-growth Coral tree that has been a part of restaurant’s history since it opened in 1979. It includes a series of decks with custom-designed redwood benches built into a vertical screen of magaris wood slats that wrap up the structural framework. The space is perfect for a morning coffee or grabbing a snack on a breezy night alongside the newly-installed fire-pit. DEX also designed the Café’s parking-side façade with new landscaping, an updated color palette, soon-to-be installed signage, and innovative bike racks.

The Rose Café
220 Rose Ave.
Venice, CA
310.399.0711

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Band lineup and schedule:

SCHEDULE BY TIME

Noon: Stevie Starlight, Pier Ave.
Noon: Heartless, Kinney Ave.
Noon: Luminaries, 2219 lot
12:30pm: Circus show, First Federal lot
12:30pm: Cubensis, American Apparel lot
1pm: Ena Vie, 2219 lot
1:30pm: Summer of Love Show, First Federal lot
1:45pm: The Shore, Pier Ave.
1:45pm: Southbound, Kinney Ave.
2pm-7pm: DJ Steve Prior, Bay Ave.
2pm: Sunshine Brothers, 2219 lot
2:15pm: Highway 61 Revisited, Edgemar Courtyard
2:30pm: Helios Jive, American Apparel lot
3pm: Aras, 2219 lot
3:30pm: Minibar, Pier Ave.
3:30pm: Neil Deal, Kinney Ave.
3:30pm: Circus show, First Federal lot
4pm: To Be Announced, 2219 lot
4:25pm: Ara, First Federal Lot
4:30pm: BLVD, American Apparel lot
4:30pm: Dr. Wu, Edgemar Courtyard
5pm: The Bonedaddys, First Federal lot
5pm: The Golden West, 2219 lot
5:15pm: The Paul Chesne Band, Pier Ave.
5:15pm: Petty Theft, Kinney Ave.
6pm: Killing Cassanova, 2219 lot

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SPARC ANNOUNCES THE CLOSING RECEPTION FOR THE CURRENT EXHIBITION AND AN OPEN HOUSE FOR THE UCLA/SPARC CESAR CHAVEZ DIGITAL/MURAL LAB

“Current Public Art Productions of the UCLA/SPARC Cesar Chavez Digital Mural Lab” exhibition closing reception will take place on Sunday, June 28th from 2pm-5pm.

The Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) will hold a closing reception/celebration for its exhibition, “Current Public Art Productions of the UCLA/SPARC Cesar Chavez Digital Mural Lab”. The exhibit features artwork by world-renowned muralist and UCLA Professor Judy Baca and includes monuments to Cesar Chavez and Robert F. Kennedy. Simultaneously, the UCLA/SPARC Cesar Chavez Digital Mural Lab will open its doors during the reception to highlight its current projects and production facilities.

Judy Baca, a national leader in collaborative murals, has been a strong advocate for community inclusion in public art that is culturally relevant. Most recently, she initiated the Save LA Murals campaign (saveLAmurals.org) to bring attention to the deteriorating condition of hundreds of L.A. murals and was one of the few community organizers invited to the White House by the Obama administration to seek advice on national arts priorities.

During the reception, there will also be a special performance by The Lefteous Sisters who wrote a special song for the Save LA Murals campaign.

About SPARC:
Founded in 1976 by muralist Judy Baca, filmmaker Donna Deitch and artist Christina Schlesinger. SPARC is dedicated to creating, producing, presenting and preserving public artworks in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles and ensuring that indigenous voices are heard through a collaborative art making process.

About DML:
Established in 1996 as a partnership/sponsorship between SPARC and UCLA, the Cesar Chavez Digital Mural lab was created as a research, teaching and production facility. Its purpose: to address innovative technological advances in digital mural making and has since become one of the country’s only digital mural lab to feature socially relevant and significant digital public art productions.

SPARC
685 Venice Blvd. (one block west of Oakwood)
Venice, CA 90291
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2009
Time: 2pm-5pm

http://www.sparcmurals.org

Come show your ride or check out the best cars and bikes by the beach on July 18, 2009, from 10am to 4pm on Rose Ave. (between Lincoln Blvd. and Hampton Dr.) Live entertainment, food, raffle prizes, the hottest car & bike industry exhibitors and fun for the whole family in the heart of Venice Beach! The event is free to the public!

All proceeds from the event benefit Venice Community Housing Corporation’s affordable housing and supportive services for homeless or low income youth and adults in Venice and the surrounding area.

You can find the event on facebook here, and Yo Venice facebook here!

Piccolo is having their monthly Cena al Contrario this Wednesday, June 24th.

This is not your typical wine dinner

Why reversal dinner? To us it means, backward, “au contraire”, “al contrario”, because instead of you first choosing the food and then picking wine to complement your choice, you’ll choose the wine first and we will pare it with the food!

One night a month, we will propose an incomparable wine list in the place of our exquisite food menu.  You will choose either three or five wines from a list of about 30 new labels, which have been hand picked exclusively for the evening by our sommelier Pietro Biondi. Your wine selection will determine the dish chef Roberto Ivan will prepare specifically to pair with your wine choices.

$70 the “mongolfiera” menu: three wines and three plates
$110 the “crociera” menu: five wines, and five plates
(taxes and gratuity are not included)

We have confirmed that there will be plenty of vegetarian food pairing options (hopefully at least 5!)

Reservations Required for Cena al Contrario and their host was noticeably thrilled to take ours.  And we didn’t even mention Yo! Venice.  (but by all means, mention Yo! Venice when you make yours!)

Piccolo
5 Dudley Avenue
Venice, CA
310.314.3222
piccolovenice.com