It’s kind of a leisurely weekend in the neighborhood this week (which is not a bad thing!). Our first event doesn’t start until noon today – the monthly John C. Fremont Library Used Book Sale, which runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the library, 6121 Melrose. Be sure to stop by and pick up some great books, movies and music at great prices (and all profits go to the library – win/win!).
Later this afternoon, and as dusk falls, join your fellow Angelenos beneath Chinese lanterns in the vibrance of Downtown L.A. for the 15th Annual Los Angeles Lantern Festival, sponsored by the Chinese American Museum. From 12 to 7 p.m. at the El Pueblo Historical Monument,425 N. Los Angeles Street, the free event culminates the Lunar New Year festivities with engaging community booths, museum tours, live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, and food trucks, celebrating the history, cultural legacy and continuing contributions of Chinese Americans.
On Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Civlavia (and thousands of participants) will head back to the San Fernando Valley for the second time. This time, the car-free-streets event will explore Pacoima, Arleta, North Hills East, and Panorama City. Ciclavia is free, not a race…and you don’t need a bike to participate. You can walk or skate to your heart’s content. There’s also no starting line or finish line. You can hop on the route anywhere and go as far or (or not) as you want. The flow of participants goes both ways, just like regular traffic.
Not in the Valley, although it sounds like it, you could stick closer to home with the ValleyCon model building competition, exhibition, and swap meet at the Petersen Museum on Sunday at 10 a.m. The event is open to modelers of all skill levels and interests, from automobiles to zombies. Admission to the Petersen Automotive Museum entitles you to place up to ten (10) models in the competition. No club association of any kind is needed to enter. Model entry forms available in the museum lobby. Awards and a raffle will also take place after judging. The Best of Automobiles Division winner receives the opportunity to display their winning automotive model in the museum for one year.
If words are more your style, try the LAZinefest on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Majestic Downtown, 650 S. Spring St., and a few nearby locations. A zine is a noncommercial, handmade publication, usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter. The free festival is open to the public and includes panel discussions, readings and lots and lots of zines for sale.
Back in the neighborhood, this would also be a good weekend to check in with a couple of local food favorites: Cafe Gratitude, 639 N. Larchmont Blvd., is celebrating its fifth anniversary at this location…and the 
Salt & Straw ice cream shop, 240 N. Larchmont Blvd., is featuring “Flashback Flavors” this month –old favorites no longer included on the regular menu…including Salted Caramel Cupcake, Pots of Gold and Rainbows, Matcha Matcha Man, Lemon Amaretto Sour Sherbet, and Coconut with Petunia’s Salted Caramel Bars. Enjoy!
