There are lots of activities in different locations involving birds this weekend like Bird Walks, a Bird Fest and even a Celebration of Turkeys. If you need a breath of fresh air and a hike the Santa Susanna Trail Days is back. Self-Defense, protecting yourself and your loved ones is the focus of Marcy Cole’s upcoming “First Tuesday” event. Did someone say Woof? Well I’m sure there will be a lot of Woofing & Arfing going on at “Woofstock” this weekend. Yes, you heard correctly Tomatoes. Ain’t LA Life grand?!  And win free tickets to see Sonidos Gitanos.

Nov. 4 & 5. BIRD Walks, Fest and Celebrations

You don’t have to be a birder to enjoy birds Tomatoes. Just loving nature and the outdoors is good enough to enjoy 4 birdie events this weekend. The Audubon Society will host their “Open Wetlands Birdwalk” and  the “Topanga State Park Birdlwalk”. “Bird Fest” is happening in the Santa Monica Mountains, again hosted by the Audubon Society.  And if you are up for a 45 min. drive gals, join vegetarians at The Farm Sanctuary for the “Celebration of Turkeys”! Birds Rule Tomatoes!

 At the “Open Wetlands Birdwalk” at the Ballona Salt Marsh you’ll be able to view aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and view birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. The “Topanga State Park Bird Walk” will lead through this beautiful and diverse coastal mountain area.  This one is geared more for the beginning birder.  All the Audubon Bird Walks are for the beginner or intermediate birder and usually binoculars are provided.

“Bird Fest” is a Free EVENT day in the Santa Monica Mountains to celebrate the bird! See live birds, listen to talks from local experts, take a guided bird walk, meet representatives from bird-friendly agencies, and more! Bring the kids for special family-friendly activities. Food vendors will be on-site.

And OMG!  I cannot forget something very close to this vegetarians heart, “The Celebrations of the Turkey” at the beloved “Farm Sanctuary” It’s jam packed with fun things to do like spend quality time interacting with the cows, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, and pigs and watching our turkeys indulge in a delicious feast of pumpkin pie, cranberries, and salad while knowing they will never end up on a dinner table.  And that’s just the beginning of activities to enjoy.  The Farm Sanctuary’s 26-acre Southern California Shelter is located on a beautiful hacienda ranch in Acton, just 45 minutes from Hollywood. In addition to providing shelter for approximately 100 animals, our Southern California Shelter offers one-hour guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays and group tours are available by appointment.

Nov. 5. WOOFSTOCK 90210

You just gotta love the name Tomatoes.  Certainly, an attention getter and better yet it’s a FREE and exciting, day-long festival for dogs and their owners. This annual pet extravaganza features pet adoptions, pet parade, contests, pet-related goods and services, entertainment, food trucks and fun for the whole family. I don’t think it gets any more adorbs or family friendly than that Tomatoes.

There will be over 40 pet-related vendors and specialty booths, including the Pet Parade Costume Contest; Pet Talent Show; Zoom Room Agility Demonstrations and Disc Dogs Pet Show. The Pet Care Foundation will have pets available for adoption. Food Trucks, activities and so much for everyone! More details here.  

Nov. 7. First Tuesdays 

I have been meaning to do this so the timing of the next First Tuesday event is great.  You will get the skinny on self-dense strategies, First Aid, Hands on CPR and Emergency preparedness training with Sandy KU and Stephanie Cornthwaite.  If you get your tickets in advance it is only $25 for the whole evening of valuable education.

November 11. Santa Susanna Trail Days 

Call me partial but Chatsworth’s (my home) Santa Susana Mountains and Santa Susana State Historic Park are unique from any others in LA.  There is a real feel of the Old West here and the foundation’s “Trail Days” hikes (started in 2012) are a wonderful way to experience that history. You will never see rock formations like these and this park is also so rich in archaeological, historical and cultural significance. So, time to get out those hiking boots and hats ladies because I highly recommend checking out the Santa Susana Historic Park and their guided moderate level hikes by park Interpretive hike leaders  who are chock full of the historical and environmental knowledge of this area. 

Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is a California State Park on the National Register of Historic Places consisting of historic features and sites such as Tongva, Chumash, and Tataviam Native American people’s trading routes and remains of village sites.  The land is dominated by high, narrow ridges and deep canyons covered with an abundant variety of plant life. The park offers panoramic views of the rugged natural land scape also includes portions of the Old Santa Susana Stage Road. This Stagecoach road was the main route for mail and travelers between Los Angeles and the rest of Southern California northwest to Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, and the San Francisco Bay Area from 1861 until 1876, The stage road was declared City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #92 (designated 01/05/1972) and Ventura County Historical Landmark #104 (designated 10/21/1986).