LA LIFE: Holiday Giving, Trains, Holiday Celebrations
Wishing all you Tomatoes a very Happy Holiday and thanks for all your support in 2017. It’s been a rough week in LA but there are ways to help in the wake of the recent damaging wildfires in this season of giving. Despite it all, the holidays are in full swing so take a moment to B-R-E-A-T-H-E and take stock of the blessings in your life. The LA County Arts Holiday Celebration is a wonderful and free way to enjoy Christmas Eve. A Christmas Concert at the iconic and historic Bradbury Building will be magical. You can have fun train experiences while doing good at The Union Station Train Fest and Toy Drive. It’s time to end the year with a big horn-amental cheer with the “Horns a Plenty Christmas”. Enjoy your holidays and we’ll see you right back here in January 2018!
LA Giving
Yes, indeedy ladies, it doesn’t hurt to give to non-profits before the end of the year so you can get a foot up on your 2017 tax returns. But seriously, that’s not the real reason to donate… it sure as heck makes your heart feel good and the hearts of the recipients of your generosity. All are worthy organizations in our Giving Back LA Style Resource page but in the wake of the devastating Southern California Fires I have a few suggestions on how you can help the fire victims this season Tomatoes.
It is still hard to grasp the wrath of the fires that laid waste to so much beautiful land, trees, homes and anything standing in its path of destruction. Lives were lost both human and animal. It was and is still heartbreaking especially this time of year. If you would like to help the victims of these horrific fires I’ve found 4 reliable sources that offer guidance and suggestions as to good places to donate funds, time or goods.
Dec. 24. LA County Arts Holiday Celebration
Not only is the LA County Holiday Celebration Los Angeles’ largest multicultural holiday celebration but it is also its longest running Holiday Tradition! The free 58th annual LA County Holiday Celebration provides Angelenos of all ages an opportunity to come together on December 24 to experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the county. The parking is free too Tomatoes! Woo Hoo!
During the event, many diverse LA based artists and community groups showcase their talent and artistry on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage.
For 58 years, the board of LA County supervisors have hosted this multi-cultural and multi-generational 3-hour concert, produced by The Los Angeles County Arts Commission and PBS SoCal, with a plethora of varied multi=talented performances. It’s first come-first serve so get there early Tomatoes. Can’t make it downtown? Well then, you can watch the program live from the comfort of your sofa on PBS SoCal. Way to roll LA County!
Dec. 16. Union Station Train Fest and Toy Drive
Share some holiday cheer and help those in need by joining the FREE celebration at LA Union Station and don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy or toys and socks to support local charities. Touring vintage train cars and the historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive up close and personal are just a couple of the things to do at this train fest Tomatoes.
You can also explore Amtrak® and Metrolink equipment, visit with Santa Claus,
imbibe holiday refreshments and meet local police and firefighters. And boy oh boy do we owe our firefighters a standing ovation for their bravery fighting the wild fires in the area Tomatoes.
Presented by the Pacific Surfliner, in collaboration with LA Rail, the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, Metrolink, Metro and Amtrak. Toy donations will benefit Toys for Tots, and sock donations are being collected in support of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Dec. 17. Christmas at the Bradbury
Still splendid more than 100 years after its 1893 opening, its magical light-filled Victorian court, open cage elevators, marble stairs, and ornate iron railings make this one of downtown’s most photographed icons and what a magnificent place for the holidays Tomatoes! You must check out the Christmas Concert at The Bradbury Building. It’s a WOW!
The Bradbury’s resonant five-story atrium will ring out with festive carols and holiday favorites performed in the great British choral tradition by a magnificent 30-voice choir with The Choir of Clare College from Cambridge University. I’m sure it will be an enthralling seasonal experience gals!
Dec. 20. Horns a Plenty Holiday Show
The “Horns a Plenty Holiday Show” is back at the California Plaza with a mass horn choir that will blow the holiday spirit your way Tomatoes with a wonderful mixture of both Christmas and Hanukkah songs. I love this area and I love the idea of the glorious sound of horns sounding off in DTLA.
What a treat! There’s plenty of seating so pack up a lunch to bring or stop by one of the local eateries nearby to nosh on while Christmas and Hanukkah music ring in holiday cheer. Music to my ears and yours Tomatoes.
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
