April 22, 1970: Sixth-grader Brad Frank, 11, wearing a gas mask, joins about 100 classmates during an Earth Day march on Wilshire Boulevard. (George Fry / Los Angeles Times)

Sunday April 22 is the official Earth Day Tomatoes and I thought you would enjoy this photo from the original Earth Day in Los Angeles in 1970.  Groovy! The City of LA Sanitation is throwing an “Earth Day LA” free and fun bash.  THE Head Tomato, Cheryl Benton, will be in Los Angeles for her book tour.  I’m giving a big shout out to an absolutely MARVELOUS non-profit, “Critical Mass Dance Company.”  And head to Pasadena for the “Bungalow Heaven Tour.”  Lots to love happening in our LA Tomatoes!

April 21. EARTH Day Celebration

The 3rd annual “Earth Day LA” at Highland Park is FREE, Fun and all about City services (government or nonprofit) and Sustainability. The City of LA Sanitation throws this earth friendly rockin’ party which boasts more than 50 exhibitors with, games to play for the kids (Tomatoes included), all kinds of city vehicles for the kids to explore, prizes to win, seeds to plant and entertainment.  And they’ll be cooking up a storm with FREE FOOD! You won’t want to miss this! You heard me tomatoes!

Truly there will be FREE FOOD (while the supplies last)! Wow! And it is a completely guilt free event because no one will be selling you anything that you might feel compelled to buy.  Only Giveaways ladies! In the spirit of environmental awareness and to avoid parking problems, please consider taking public transportation to the event. It will only add to the joy of your experience gals.

May 20. Hats & Flats Garden Book Signing Party

The Head Tomato is heading to Los Angeles to celebrate her novel, Can You See Us Now?  And you can enjoy a lovely afternoon in Lady Deborah’s (aka Debbie Zipp) Chatsworth Garden with music, tasty bites, delish refreshments, good company, a “Best Hat Contest” and a program of selected excerpts from Cheryl’s booked l performed by esteemed actresses. If you’d like an invite to Lady Deborah’s private event, email tomato@thethreetomatoes.com.

It will be a fun and entertaining celebration of women and their enduring friendships.  According to Lady Deborah’s hand maiden, hats and flats are best suited for ladies in this home garden. A copy of “CAN YOU SEE US NOW”, signed by Cheryl, will be available for purchase for just $10! If you have already purchased a copy, bring it and Cheryl will sign it.   Read an excerpt.

April 29. Bungalow Heaven Tour

The “Bungalow Heaven Tour” is just that…Heaven…Historic and…Pasadena’s first landmark district.  This dreamy neighborhood is perfect for strolling and you can stroll to your hearts delight experiencing one of the largest collections of Craftsman homes built anywhere in the country.  During your self-guided tour tomatoes, you will also get the opportunity to visit the interiors of several homes with the help of docents and docent led commentaries. I love that Tomatoes!

I’m worried it might sell out so get your tickets now ladies.  You’ll also be treated to refreshments, food trucks for lunch and demonstrations of restoration work.  If you tire of strolling ladies or want to know more, simply hop on the Bungalow Heaven Trolley for a narrated bus tour of the area. Enjoying a piece of paradise is a lovely way to spend a Sunday Tomatoes. Remember it’s Heaven but you get to come back.

Critical Mass Dance Company

Dance, Music, the Arts have the profound ability to transform lives and that is exactly what Critical Mass Dance Company (CMDC) does Tomatoes.  CMDC offers not one but THREE community programs for low-income girls, survivors of sexual or domestic violence, and young mothers.  CMDC’s genius Director, E. Sophia Kozak, developed a healing movement practice called “Dance from the Heart”, which is the cornerstone of all CMDC’s work in the community. And Tomatoes it works!

“Dance from the Heart” helps people to move through the places they feel stuck to manifest their dreams and goals with grace, ease and support. CMDC’s “Survivors’ Empowerment Program” just received a $1000 grant from Nancy Mills’ “Spirited Woman Foundation” to offer a 6-week class at “Peace over Violence” in Los Angeles which just launched on April 10^th and is assisting 10-15 survivors of sexual violence, DV and/or childhood molestation. Bravo Nancy Mills and The Spirited Woman Foundation (a super non-profit as well) and Bravo to the Creative Director, E. Sophia Kozak.

And that’s not all Tomatoes…  CMDC just started a “Girls Empowerment” program at “Sisters of South Los Angeles” to help young women develop confidence, positive body image, and a supportive community of peers. One of the girls shared after a class, “At first, I felt shy moving my body in front of people. But then I saw all the other girls dancing and it gave me confidence to be free and to be myself.” All CMDC’s community programs are offered at no-cost to participants. Dance, Dance, Dance Tomatoes and help this wonderful non-profit continue to make a positive difference in our world.