Retox in LA

The next few items on my "to-do list" include ending homelessness and poverty and improving the education system. Yes, a small undertaking, I know. I don't know much, but I do know that education is at the core of bringing about improvement and change.

Still relatively new to LA, I am in the process of seeking out the numerous organizations that are doing wonderful things in this fine city. I discovered Reading to Kids (which I previously wrote about) few weeks after moving here. I have really enjoyed attending their monthly reading clubs where you spend about 2 hours reading to elementary school kids. It's a great organization and definitely worth checking out. Their growth over the last few years us quite impressive.
readingtokids.org

I heard about School on Wheels from Good Magazine's Skid Row Video series that I posted about earlier. They have a new volunteer orientation tomorrow, April 24th...I think I have to wait until the next one.
schoolonwheels.org

826LA is one of the seven not-for-profits that makes up the 826 family. Co-founded by author Dave Eggers, the goal of 826 "is to assist students ages six to eighteen with their writing skills, and to help teachers get their classes excited about writing". There are two locations in LA, one in Venice and the newest in Echo Park. New volunteer orientation sessions are always taking place and they host a bunch of cool events...such as the champagne and shopping fundraiser at alice+olivia taking place this Saturday, April 26th.
826la.org

Homeboy Industries was brought to my attention by a partner at work. I'm hoping to check it out more, but I wanted to include it here, none the less. Their mission is "to assist at-risk and former gang involved youth to become contributing members of our community through a variety of services in response to their multiple needs. Free programs -- including counseling, education, tattoo removal, job training and job placement -- enable young people to redirect their lives and provide them with hope for their futures." Check out their restaurant, Homegirl Cafe while you're at it.

Obviously, this is a very short list...like I said before, LA is a big city, with a LOT going on, and I'm still figuring stuff out. I'm always eager to hear about new things...

SIGUR ROS (my favorite band ever) will be playing 3 shows in Mexico before hitting Bonnaroo in June. This is their first time playing in Mexico. The third show is on June 8th in Tijuana. Ticket information is forthcoming. According to my mathematical calculations, Tijuana is about 2.5 hours from LA. Um, yes, I must be there.

The last time I saw the band was at the charming little Vista Theatre in November when they played a short acoustic set before screening their film, Heima. A very special experience, to say the least.