Griffith Observatory Reopens Nov 3, 2006

Griffith Observatory Reopens November 3, 2006 --BY RESERVATION ONLY-- After a four-year renovation and expansion project. Successful public-private partnership spearheads highly anticipated improvements to beloved and revered Los Angeles icon.

LOS ANGELES: (October 3, 2006) Griffith Observatory officially reopens its doors to the public Friday, November 3, 2006, after completing a comprehensive and ambitious $93 million renovation and expansion project, it was announced today by Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. The Observatory has been closed since January 6, 2002, to carry out the project that has been enabled by a singularly successful public-private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, which owns and operates the facility, and Friends Of The Observatory (FOTO), the Observatory's non-profit support organization.The reopening of the Los Angeles cultural landmark, located on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, will generate an unprecedented public demand for access. To address this, City and Observatory officials also outlined details of the temporary "By Reservation Only" visitor access program, which will ensure a high quality visitor experience through a timed-entry reservation and shuttle system."It is with great pride that we announce the November 3rd reopening date for Griffith Observatory, which has been an icon in Los Angeles for over 70 years," says Mayor Villaraigosa. "At this world-class Observatory, Angelenos, young and old, can learn about the stars and planets, and begin to comprehend the limitless nature of the universe--truly symbolic of the limitless possibilities of this great City."Adds 4th District Councilmember Tom LaBonge: "Griffith Observatory is one of the best public spaces in the world if not the universe. What's so special about this renovation and expansion is the extraordinary public private partnership formed from supporters in Washington D.C., Sacramento, County of Los Angeles and the great City of Los Angeles and from local foundations and individuals. This is a very proud moment for Angelenos as we unveil one of our city's best loved landmarks as well as mark one of the greatest renewals of a civic building in the city's, if not the country's, history."Griffith Observatory is a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's most popular attractions. After nearly 67 years of public use by roughly 70 million visitors, this is its first major capital improvement since opening in 1935. Over the last four years, the project has added 40,000 square feet and includes a large, multi-level exhibit gallery (Richard and Lois Gunther Depths of Space), a 200-seat presentation theater (Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon) and a new exhibit program featuring more than 60 new exhibits, plus a classroom, café, bookstore, and new entrances, elevators and ramps to improve access to/in the building.To enhance the Observatory's ability to pursue its public astronomy mission, the project has developed a state-of the-art, immersive planetarium environment. The 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium will feature a new "seamless" dome, new star projector, new digital laser projectors, and upgraded sound system and lighting."We live in an expanding universe, and Griffith Observatory has come up-to-date in the twenty-first century with new components that allow people to feel a little bit more at home in the universe than they did back in 1935," says Dr. E. C. Krupp, Director, Griffith Observatory."One of the fundamental principles of our effort was improving the quality of the experience for the visitors so it's more satisfying and complete," Krupp explains. "That meant improving the building, restoring it to its 1935 grandeur, expanding its technological horizons, and more than doubling the amount of public space so that people could spread out more. We wanted visitors to have features that would allow them to explore astronomy and to relax a few moments on this splendid piece of Los Angeles real estate, the junction of earth and sky."
Visitor Access Program

In response to the overwhelming number of projected visitors to the Observatory, a temporary visitor access program has been implemented, featuring a timed-entry and shuttle reservation system that will prevent long waits and overcrowding. In addition, 48 hours in advance, a limited number of timed-entry reservations will become available for hikers and cyclists who want to visit the Observatory."We know the reopening of Griffith Observatory will be of huge interest to the public, and so we've taken temporary steps to accommodate the demand in a way that will ensure a tremendous visitor experience yet still maintain normal traffic flows in and out of surrounding neighborhoods," says Jon Kirk Mukri, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Recreations and Parks. "This effort includes a significant advertising campaign that is already underway throughout the Southland to inform potential visitors that now they must plan their visit in advance because entrance to the Observatory will be 'By Reservation Only.'"During the months after reopening, there will be absolutely no drive-up access to the Observatory permitted. Everyone must have a timed-entry reservation to be admitted to the Observatory. Reservations guarantee entry to Griffith Observatory and seats on a shuttle to and from the Observatory. Two points of departure with adequate parking have been established: the parking lot at the Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex in Hollywood and the current Griffith Observatory Satellite, adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in Griffith Park. At Hollywood & Highland, visitors will find their shuttle bus at Orange Court, the tour bus departure on Orange Dr. near Hollywood Blvd.Reservations may be made through one of the following convenient options:1) via the Observatory Web site at www.GriffithObservatory.org;2) by calling the toll-free call center at 1-888-695-0888 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. As a third option, reservations also may be made in-person at a reservation center at the Griffith Observatory Satellite (4800 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027) which will be opening no later than October 30, 2006.

The charges for timed-entry and shuttle reservations are: General reservations: $8.00 each; Children 5-12 years: $4.00 each; Children 4 years and under: Free; Seniors 60 years and over: $4.00 each.
Timed-entry reservations only: Hikers and cyclists: Free 48 hours in advance. Griffith Observatory's hours of operation are from noon to 10 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The Observatory is closed Mondays."It's easy to distinguish Griffith Observatory from other facilities dedicated to public astronomy because, first of all, it occupies the best piece of public observatory real estate in the world," concludes Dr. Krupp. "It's not at any kind of ordinary location, rather it's at an extraordinary location. Of course, it also requires a pilgrimage. People have to make an effort to get there. While the process for this pilgrimage may be a little more complex with the reopening, we are certain it will be worth it."

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory is one of the best-known and most visited public observatories in the world. Operated by the City of Los Angeles's Department of Recreation and Parks, the Observatory welcomed nearly 70 million visitors into the building prior to closing for renovation in January 2002. Construction on the renovation and expansion project began in October 2002. Pfeiffer Partners, Inc., in association with Levin & Associates Architects, are the architects for the project, working together with the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, and Friends Of The Observatory. Amoroso is the renovation construction contractor. Exhibits were designed by C&G Partners LLC and fabricated and installed by Maltbie, Inc. Griffith Observatory is located in the southern part of Griffith Park, just below the summit of Mt. Hollywood. For more information regarding Griffith Observatory, visit the Observatory's website at http://www.griffithobs.org/index.html.

Taste of Soul on Crenshaw, Oct 21st

On Saturday October 21st, from 10am to 6pm, 100.3 The Beat, The Los Angeles Sentinel, Mother’s in Action, and council members Bernard Parks and Herb Wesson Jr. offices’ present Taste Of Soul on Crenshaw Blvd (between MLK and Coliseum).

An event for the entire family, come out and enjoy live R&B music, a variety of food vendors, arts and craft vendors, a health pavilion, children’s area, and a cooking demonstration stage featuring TV One’s celebrity Chef G. Garvin.

Main Music Stage featuring live performances from Wylde Bunch, Kontroversy featuring Sue Ann Carwell, Slapbak, Polyester Players, Leon Ware, Lenny Williams, N'dambi, Loose Ends, Boney James, Rahsaan Patterson, Vesta, Lalah Hathaway, Howard Hewitt, Angie Stone and many more!

Location: Crenshaw Blvd (between MLK and Coliseum)

10th Annual KTLA Kids Day LA Festival

WHAT: KTLA Kids Day L.A. is a free family festival dedicated to the children of Los Angeles. This event is produced by the Department of Recreation & Parks. The festival mixes fun attractions for children with practical advice and resources for parents and other caregivers. About 100 service providers specializing in arts, education, safety, recreation, health, and social services will participate. More than 10,000 kids and adults are expected to attend.

WHERE: Exposition Park Intergenerational Community Center, 3980 S. Menlo Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037, (213) 763-0114 or (213) 485-1310

WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2006, from 10am-5pm

FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS:
Sports clinics in soccer, basketball and more!
Swimming at the John C. Argue Swim Stadium
Fitness Center Tours and Self Evaluation
Live performances featuring children and other talented performers
Rock Climbing Wall
Activity Center specific for Teenagers
Children Make and Take Arts & Crafts
Food Booths
Health Education Booths
Service Booths highlighting City & County Services
Partnering with California Science Center and the California African American Museum

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
For more information please contact: Veronica Rodriguez, Chairperson or Elisa Lam, Co-Chair,(213) 485-1310, fax-(213) 485-8746

Kidspace Rosebud Parade 2006

Join in the fun of the 19th Annual Kidspace Rosebud Parade, a colorful "pint-sized" version of the annual Tournament of Roses Parade ™, organized by Kidspace Children's Museum, Saturday, December 2, 2006. Decorations will start at 8:00 a.m., and the Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Using the fresh flowers, ribbons, pennants, and other goodies provided, children can decorate their favorite set of wheels, from scooters to wagons, and strollers to bicycles. This colorful gaggle of vehicles then parades up and down South Lake Avenue in Pasadena to the delight and amusement of participants and onlookers. The parade will begin at the intersection of South Lake Avenue and San Pasqual Street, where this year's Grand Marshals, ABC Playhouse Disney’s Little Einstein characters, will greet parade participants and sign autographs.

Pre-registration is available for $6 per child ($5 for Members). Pre-register online today!
Members Registration Non-members Registration
Day-of-parade registration will be $9 per child ($8 for Members).

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival

Join us for the 2nd Annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival, October 6-15, 2006 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art! We will screen more than 100 films - including 19 world premieres - from 30 countries during two weekends. The movie menu includes full-length features, documentaries, live-action shorts and animated shorts. Also, animation workshops for all ages, and numerous special guests.Films are clustered for different age groups, with packaged programs for preschool age, ages 5 and older, 8 and older and teens.

To see the list of scheduled films and workshops, click on the schedule page. To see a detailed description of the films, click on the films page .Tickets are on sale now at the LACMA box office, or online at http://lacma.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=cwAJAAACMwAAyaM Click on "Film," then scroll down to the festival programs in the "I" section. The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday Oct. 6 with the FREE 20th Anniversary Screening of the classic coming-of-age film Stand By Me. The 1986 film, directed by Rob Reiner, is the story of a group of boys who experience an unforgettable summer as they move toward adolescence. Based on a story by Stephen King, the film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland. Rob Reiner will introduce the film and answer questions following the screening! This event is free to the public, with first-come, first-served seating in the 600-seat Bing Theatre. Arrive early!

Starting the next morning, Saturday, Oct. 7, the festival will feature animated, live-action and documentary short films and full-length features, clustered for different age groups over two weekends. Programs for younger children ages 1 and older in the mornings will be followed by films for older children and teens in the afternoons. The festival will also offer themed animation workshops for all ages, taught by UCLA animation grad Maija Burnett, whose work has appeared in our past festivals, and who helped animate the film version of Curious George. Click on schedules and events at the top or bottom of this page for more information. Tickets for the workshops are on sale now.The festival features filmmaker appearances and special guests, with filmmakers taking questions from the audience after each program. Films will be presented in the beautiful Bing and Brown theaters. Highlights of the festival are many, including the new films from animation legend Bill Plympton and from famed Japanese animator Uruma Delvi. On Oct. 7, see the filmmaking debut of young Matthew Grillo Russell, whose father, professional filmmaker David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees) helped produce, and will be in attendance. Other celebrity guests to be announced soon.

On Oct. 14, the festival and KIDS FIRST! presents a special screening of the new 20th Century Fox family film Flicka, a remake of the classic story! Following the screening, KIDS FIRST! presents its annual awards show, honoring the best in children's film festival programs. In person, Keke Palmer, star of the film Akeelah and the Bee! Join us for the What Makes Me Happy films in the fest, short films featuring children from different countries. Also, the acclaimed Going to School in India programs, with children from India describing their daily school routines - more exciting and adventurous than most! In addition, the Beyond Borders: Personal Stories from a Small Planet films, written, shot and edited by teens from around the world. The festival is proud to present City of Angels: An EPFC Youth Documentary Project, with 20 students from the Echo Park Film Center exploring personal, family and community history, unique examinations celebrating 21st century life in Los Angeles. Back by popular demand, The Eva Saks Films: From Sesame Street to New York City, delightful short children's films directed by Sesame Street Workshop filmmaker Eva Saks. Also, plenty of short, entertaining films for the little ones! With films from USC to South Africa, from Iraq to Florida, from Egypt to Singapore, the festival is destined to entertain and inform.

Creativity Lab for Families

Offered on Sundays throughout each month from 2-4 p.m. Visit the Calendar page for specific dates and programs. Free and open to the public. Drop in, create art, and share Sundays with your family at the museum's hands-on, artist-led workshops for families with children ages 4-15. Reservations are not required. These workshops are held in the Boeing Classroom and are designed around current exhibitions. Check the Calendar for a schedule of dates and projects.

Sunday, October 8th, 2-4pm: The Self Portrait. What do you want people to know about you? With collage, you can create your selp portrait.
Sunday, October 22nd, 2-4pm: Dr. Hansonia Caldwell and the Jubilee Boys Choir
"The Spiritual - The Foundation of African American Cultural Expression"
Sunday, November 5th, 2-4pm: Dr. Ray Briggs and the CSULB Jazz Quartet, "The History of Jazz"
These are free events, seating is limited. For more information, please contact the Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803, (562) 439-2119, www.lbma.org

Art in the Afternoon

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Long Beach Chapter
Invites you to gather for“Art in the Afternoon”, A Guided Tour of “Portraits of a People: Picturing African Americans in the Nineteenth Century”
Long Beach Museum of Art Sunday October 8, 2006, 1– 4 p.m.
Admission: $7 Adults, $6 Students, Children 12 and under Free
Please RSVP to Edi Hicks at 562.595.8092 by October 5th
Meet on the lawn next to the Museum