Join us for breakfast at Back on the Beach Cafe, then head over to the Beach House Pool or Splash Pad with Forest. We typically like to stay in the pool, since neither Forest or I like sand much, but if others want to jump in the ocean, we’ll definitely join. I think we’ll also go to the cafe for lunch, then depending on Forest’s naps and whether folks are joining us, we may head out. Access to the pool is $10 per adult, kids $4, and parking $12 for the day.

Bring a picnic of snacks, drinks, and whatever you like to share. Outdoor in the park. Free.

Starting off from the Trails Cafe, we’ll walk up to the Griffith Observatory and peer out over the city. I’ve been hiking up to this view from the earliest days when I lived in East Hollywood back in 1997. Now I’m hiking up with Forest on one of those cool backpack things.

Coffee, tea, and baked goods. Their scones are amazing. Let’s meet up for a light breakfast before heading up the hill. Also, if you’ve never been to Fern Dell, we can check it out before or after the hike.

Join me on my actual birthday for dinner at an LA institution. Come gather round the tables ready to share stories with one another. Let me know if you think you’ll be able to make it so we can have the right sized reservation.

The Elysian Valley Arts Collective is back with the amazing 13th Biennial Frogtown Artwalk! Helen’s hometown comes alive with pop-up galleries, artist studio tours, live painting, light installations, musical and spoken word performances, a literary lounge and art exhibits along the Los Angeles River. There will be tons of family-friendly activities including kids crafts, hula hoop dance party, light installation by Light Riders, live painting, poetry and spoken word, music and dance performances at over 30 spots along the LA River.

LA Plaza’s Summer of Salsa is hosting La Verdad is an awesome local salsa band. The West Coast nine-piece group, under the musical direction of Gabriel Gonzalez, is committed to the preservation and expression of Afro-Son. Food and beverages available for sale. 501 N Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

My favorite Descanso Gardens is hosting this “What You Will”, a Shakespearean “un-play” that is the result of the Ensemble’s favorite professional actors, writers, and improvisors creating mini-plays through the lens of their individual and diverse backgrounds, responding to and recontextualizing Shakespeare’s stories and words. The company breaks down the mystique of Shakespeare’s language and creates pieces for all audiences to enjoy. $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Get a ticket now before it sells out! 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Join the Music Center for the final night of their free Dance DTLA summer series: SAMBA! Angelenos of all ages can enjoy dance lessons led by L.A.'s top dance instructors, DJs, and an open dance floor in Jerry Moss Plaza right off Grand. Parking is cheap under the Music Center for this event. 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

After we finish up at The Conrad, let’s walk over to check out Grand Performances. Free music just down the street. They ask for RSVP, but I think we’ll just see how it goes. This week is a tribute to singular musician and spiritual leader Alice Coltrane in celebration of her 85th birthday, presented by dublab. 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The new Frank Gehry designed Conrad Hotel is across from the Disney Concert Hall. This was a project I worked on five years ago and it just opened its doors. It’s an inspiring story for many reasons. Amazing drinks, atmosphere, and views. Let’s meet in the Beaudry Room. 100 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

We haven’t been to Leimert Park in a while and the Jazz Festival is fun. Given the timing of the events later this evening, we’re planning to go around 4. The main act around this is percussionist Pete Escovedo. He is an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz and contemporary music. His new album “Rhythm Of The Night” is a latin jazz take on some of the top r&b songs from back in the day.

Join us for a picnic pitch-in dinner on the lawn with the diversity of LA loving the best jazz around. Ideas for what to bring? Charcuterie, cheese, salad, bread, spreads, more? Feel free to text me to coordinate. Bring your own blankets if you have them. We’ll get there a little early and grab a spot. The show starts at 6:00PM. Let us know if you’re coming, and we’ll make sure there’s room. The concert with Mz Val. More details here. 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. I always manage to find parking on 6th St for free…but I have good parking karma.

Let’s head over to La Cabañita, my favorite Mexican restaurant, nearby for dinner. Feel free to just come to dinner if you can’t join at the garden. If you’re not at the garden, please give me a heads up in case we need to make reservations. Note: This restaurant is indoors, so please take whatever COVID precautions needed. 3445 N. Verdugo Rd. Glendale, CA 91208

It’s my actual birthday. 8/23/1975. 6:48PM. Join me for a walk around Descanso Gardens 47 years later. These gardens have been my favorite getaway over the last year. Oaks. Cedars. Winding pathways. Meditative spots. They have a cool art exhibit curating a path through the garden up to the top of the hill at the Body House called Your (Un)natural Garden. (While the garden is open until 7, the gallery is open until 6, so we’ll head there first). Note: Descanso costs $15 for adults and $5 for kids. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011