July 1 • Wednesday

Books: Hollywood Book Fest

Details are still being finalized for the 2009 day festival. Includes author readings, celebrity booksignings, panels on the Hollywood / book publishing connection, live music, clowns doing face painting and balloon animals and all the energy that’s part of a major entertainment event. (323) 665-8080. <HollywoodBKFest@aol.com >. <www.hollywoodbookfestival.com>.

Political Meeting: Military Recruiting

Glendale Education/Social Justice Advocates will meet to plan actions to encourage the Glendale school district to provide more balanced information about military recruiting and other social issues. Students, parents, community members are invited. 6-8 PM. Pacific Park Library, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale. 818-248-4967. <gesja_email@yahoo.com>

July 2 • Thursday

Conference: Socialism 2009

A conference on Socialism, building a new left for a new era. With John Pilger, Jeremy Scahill, Dahr Jamail, Amy Goodman, Brian Jones and many others. July 2-5 The Women’s Building 3543 18th St., San Francisco. (773) 583-7884. <info@socialismconference.org>. <www.socialismconference.org>.

Conference: JAINA Convention

“Ecology - The Jain Way.” In one of the largest Jain Centers outside of India. July 2-5. $150. Late registration only available on-site. Contact them to verify event openings. Jain Center of Southern California, 8072 Commonwealth Ave., Buena Park. (714) 523-5246. <registration2009@jaina.org>. <https://convention.jaina.org>.

Political Action: Haiti Vigil

An ongoing vigil Haitian for human right activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. The two-year anniversary of his kidnapping is 12 Aug 2009. We assume this will be on the Second Thursday of the month. Noon to 1 PM. Brazilian Consulate, 8484 Wilshire Blvd., LA. (323) 276-9833. <www.petitiononline.com/lovinsky/petition.html>.

Political Meeting: Long Beach Greens

The Long Beach Greens hold their regular meetings First Thursdays monthly. The Greens are working for a Fair Economy, a Just Society, and a Sustainable Future. 7 PM. It’s a Grind Coffeehouse, 2162 E. Willow St., (East of Cherry), Long Beach. <longbeach@greens.org>. <www.cagreens.org/longbeach>.

Music: Sing Out for Single Payer

A musical about our broken health care system and how to fix it. Featuring Anne Feeney & Friends. 7:30 PM. Professional Musicians Local 47, 817 Vine St., LA. $10. (213) 251-1351. <anne@annefeeney.com>. <annefeeney.com>.

Films: “The Moon in the Gutter”

A in-person tribute to French film maker Jean-Jacques Beineix with screenings of his films. Tonight is “The Moon in the Gutter” from 1983 starring Gérard Depardieu. Runs to Jul 8. 7:30 PM. Egyptian Theater, 6711 Hollywood Blvd. $10. (323) 466-FILM. <www.egyptiantheatre.com>.

Films: Comedy Fest

American Cinematheque hosting a series of comedy films starting today with a screening of “Dr. Strangelove” and “The Love One,” today. Runs to July 15 with a preview of a new British comedy (“In the Loop”) and a discussion with actress (and progressive) Mimi Kennedy. 7:30 PM. Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. $10. (323) 466-FILM. <www.aerotheatre.com>.

July 3 • Friday

Political Action: Caravan to Cuba

The caravan usually stops in the Southern CA area. See July 11. Also check their website periodically or contact them for more information. July 3-18: Caravan travels through US and Canadian cities. July 18 - Aug. 3: orientation & travel to Cuba via Mexico and back. IFCO/Pastors for Peace. (212) 926-5757. <ifco@igc.org>. <www.ifconews.org>.

Ventura WILD

Week-long nature connection day camps for kids in the Ventura River Watershed (Ojai, Oak View and Ventura). Final term July 13-17. $375/week. 9 AM to 3 PM. <info@venturawild.com>. <www.venturawild.com>.

Political Action: Glendale Peace Vigil

Peace vigil against the war in Iraq. Fridays. 5-7 PM. Broadway & Brand Blvd., Glendale (818) 242-4320.

Political Action: Costa Mesa Peace Vigil

Fridays. They’ve been at it since the US first bombed Afghanistan. 5-7 PM. South Coast Plaza Entrance, Bristol & Anton, Costa Mesa. (714) 956-5037.

Community Event: Friday at the Center

Regular weekly event at the South Bay LGBT Center. Games, conversation and more. 7-9:30 PM. South Bay Center, 16610 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. (310) 328-6550. <southbaycenterpres@southbaycenter.org>. <www.southbaycenter.org>.

Political Action: San Gabriel Valley Vigil

Peace Vigil sponsored by the San Gabriel Neighbors for Peace and Justice. 7-8:30 PM. Alhambra at Main and Garfield. (626) 281-8741.

Performance: “America: You Were There!”

A flamboyant troupe of drag nun activists present their comically twisted version of American history. July 3-4. 8:30 PM. Highways, 1651 Eighteenth St., Santa Monica. $15. (310) 315-1459. <tickets@highwaysperformance.org>. <www.highwaysperformance.org>.

July 4 • Saturday

Films: Movies in the Park

Enjoy movies under the stars at Warner Park. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with all movies beginning at dusk, continuing through September. In addition enjoy affordable food and drinks provided by local organizations. July 4, 11, 18, 25. Dusk to 10 PM. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 704-1358. <www.valleycultural.org>.

Birthday:

Your editors Birthday, among a number of others.  I will be 65 though it doesn’t seem to mean much.  I have to wait some time for any kind of medicare; seems you don’t get credit for 40 years of activism. 

Political Event” A BBQ for Revolution

Stop thinking like Americans and start thinking about humanity is the them for the Jul y 4 BBQ by Libros Revolucion.  12 PM.  Echo Park, at Park Ave..  (21         3) 488-1303.

Community Event: Animal Acres Pignic

The annual 4th of July PIGNIC for farm tours, face-painting, delicious picnic food, old-fashioned field games and traditional “Fourth of July” barbeque! Hope to see you to celebrate Independence Day for the animals, too! Noon - 4 PM. Animal Acres, 5200 Escondido Canyon Road, Acton. $7. (661) 269-5404. <www.animalacres.org>.

Political Meeting: 911 Truth

A regular meeting of 911TruthLA, Exposing the Truth Since 911. With a new documentary, discussion, music by Mother Nature’s Army and more. Call first. Noon - 5 PM. Unurban Café, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. (818) 881-5306.

Music: July Jazz and Blues Festival

7th Annual Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival. With the cultural heritage and diverse sounds of jazz and blues. Also children’s arts and crafts, face painting, delicious food available, and free watermelon. 1-7 PM. Vision Theatre back lot, 3341 W. 43rd Pl., LA. (213) 202-5500. <www.culturela.org>.

Political Meeting: World Can’t Wait

A regular meeting of the anti-war group, The World Can’t Wait, with a potluck. Bring food or drink to share. Call first. 3-6 PM. Peace Center, 8124 W. Third St., LA. (213) 924-8571. <WorldCantWait_LA@yahoo.com>.

Community Event: Fireworks

11th Annual Fourth of July Community Fireworks Festival with music, food, fireworks and a children’s fun zone. Check out the LA Dept of Cultural Affairs for many other firework shows today. <www.culturela.org>. 4:30-9:30 PM. CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City. (818) 655-5916. <www.culturela.org>.

Music: John Lennon of Korea

South Korean pop legend Shin Hae Chul and his band N.EX.T. perform today. He is considered the John Lennon of Korea because of his art and progressive politics. 7:30 PM. Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East Hollywood. $55. (323) 461-3673. <www.fordtheatres.org>.

July 5 • Sunday

Political Meeting: Green Party of Orange County

Regular meeting of the Orange County Greens. 2 PM. Board Room Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine. (949) 559-7336. <s.sayre@cox.net>.

Political Meeting: Coalition for World Peace

Regular meeting. The Coalition will be making plans to keep Congress aware of what the people voted for. Bring snacks. Call to verify date. 3 PM. Korean Resource Center, 900 S. Crenshaw Blvd., LA. <staff@coalitionforworldpeace.org>.

July 6 • Monday

Community Event: South Bay Women’s Group

Regular meeting of the South Bay LGBT Center Women’s Group. Usually on Monday nights. Occasional meetings offsite. Also July 13, 20, 27. 7 PM. South Bay Center, 16610 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. (310) 328-6550. <southbaycenterpres@southbaycenter.org>. <www.southbaycenter.org>.

July 7 • Tuesday

Political Action: The Change We Knead

An action in front of the White House with the theme “The Change We Knead Now - Bake Bread for World Peace.” 2 PM. Lafayette Park, outside the White House, Washington D.C. (575) 770-3377. <thechangewekneadnow.net>.

July 8 • Wednesday

Plays: “The Physicists”

A production of a play by Frederick Durrenmatt starring Richard Dreyfuss, Hector Elizondo and Amy Pietz about a physicist who is locked away in a madhouse with two others who say they are also scientists. Runs to July 12.A LA Theatre Works production. 8 PM. Skirball Cultural Center, 2791 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA. $40. (310) 440-4500. <www.skirball.org>.

July 9 • Thursday

Films: Outfest

The 26th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. With more than 200 films, nine venues, and an attendance of over 40,000 people. July 9 - 20, The Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. (213) 480-7088, <www.outfest.org>.

Community Meeting: Youth Day

An afternoon for LGBT youth, 18-30 to socialize, play, games and more. Also July 13 & 23. 2-4 PM. South Bay Center, 16610 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. (323) 356-3843. <youngadults@southbaycenter.org>. <www.southbaycenter.org>.

Forum: Armageddon?

“What Does Armageddon Look Like?” About CA’s fiscal crisis. 7:30-9 PM. The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda  St., LA. RSVP at <zocalopublicsquare.org/lectureseries.php?event_id=311>.

July 10 •Friday

Conference: SDS

National Convention. July 10-12. Middle TN State Univ., 1301 East Main St., Murfreesboro, TN. <nationalconvention-outreach@riseup.net>. <www.newsds.org>. <www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97222708884>.

Community Event: Lotus Festival

32nd Lotus Festival featuring Indonesia. The Lotus Festival celebrates the people and cultures of the Asian and Pacific Islands. Includes a Friday Night Jazz Series with entertainment, exotic food, boutiques, a community health fair, dragon boat races and a Saturday night fireworks display over the water. July 10-12, Friday 5-9 PM,Saturday Noon – 9 PM, Sunday Noon – 8:30 PM. Echo Park Lake, 1632 Bellevue Ave., Echo Park. (213) 630-3032. <www.laparks.org/calendar/lotus/lotus.htm>.

Performance: Gay Powered: Now & Then

From the streets of Greenwich Village in the late sixties to the streets of West Hollywood in the 21st Century. Created by Michael Kerns. July 10 & 11, Highways, 1651 Eighteenth St., Santa Monica. $15. (310) 315-1459. <tickets@highwaysperformance.org>.

July 11 • Saturday

Conference: Health Care

The Single Payer Solution: an Educational Conference on Health Care in California. Speakers & seminars. Free, nominal charge for boxed lunch. 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Pasadena Presbyterian Church. (626) 798-8361 or (626) 356-0166. <istrantz@charter.net> or <rheerhca@charter.net>.

Political Action: Health Care

March to Rep. Waxman’s office followed by rally, press conference and public outreach across the district at shopping centers, parks, residences, etc. 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. La Cienega & Third St., LA. <julesdubois84@hotmail.com>.

Forum:  So Cal Transit

Auroa Jackson, Director of Transportation of the  City of Montebello, will speaking on her city’s municipal transit operations.  Sponsored by the Southern California Transit Advocates.. 2:15Pm.  Angelus Plaza, downtown LA., 255 S Hill St., Room 422.   (213) 388-2364.

Benefit: Gold for Peace

A fun & easy way to turn old jewelry into money and support the antiwar movement. Sponsored by Code Pink. Call for details. 3-5 PM. Beverly Hills. $25. (310) 827-4320. <audrey@codepinkalert.org>.

Political Action: Cuban Peace Caravan

The US/Cuba Pastors 4 Peace Caravan is in Pasadena today. With music, food, slides, talks and more. 5 PM. Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Also July 11 in Santa Barbara, July 12 & 13 in LA, July 14 in San Diego; details on their website. (213) 736-5742 or (213) 383-9285. <pastorsforpeace.org>.

July 12 • Sunday

Discussion: Graham Green

The Humanist Association of LA discusses the life and work of English author, playwright and literary critic Graham Green with David Hernandez. 11 AM. Yahoo Community Room, 2500 Broadway at 26th Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 479-2236. <larry-a-taylor@att.net>.

Benefit: Ash Grove Summer Event

A fundraising event for the Ash Grove Foundation, with Michelle Shocked, Bernie Pearl, Roy Zimmerman and others. The Ash Grover was a seminal folk music club in the Sixties in LA, run by Ed Pearl. 1:30-5:30 PM. 939 San Vicente, Santa Monica. $40. (310) 391-5794. <AshGroveMusic.com>.

Political Meeting: Comite de Mujeres

Comite de Mujeres Patricia Marin-LA. Meeting. With a screening of “Made in LA.” Meeting 1:30 PM; film 3PM. Centro Cultural Pancho Villa, 2100 Maple Ave., LA.          (323) 219-1164 or (323) 602-3480. <mujeres_revolucionarias@hotmail.com>. <uniondelbarrio.org>. <www.myspace.com/mujeres_revolucionarias>.

Music: Rose Altman

Folksinger and Fighter Ross Altman is featured in a program entitled “The Ballad of Tom Joad,” an evening of song and story adapted from “The Grapes of Wrath” and from Woody Guthrie’s ballads. 7 PM. The Found Theatre, 399 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. $10. (562) 433-3363. <foundtheatre.org>.

July 13 • Monday

Films: Vision-Core

Experimental and documentary short films that seek to reinvent cinema language. “Double Thunder,” “Falling Force,” “Forget Cassettes?” and many others. A Documental Event. 6 PM. Unurban Coffeehouse, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

Political Meeting: S.F. Valley Greens

Second Mondays monthly. 7:30 PM. 9743 Noble Ave North Hills. (818) 380-1252.

July 14 • Tuesday

Forum:  School to Prison Pipeline

A forum on “Is There  A School to Prison  pipe line at Pasadena  Unified School District”.    With Edwin Dias, Superindendent of the Pasadena School Districk.   Also Dr. Miriam Krinksy, of CLA,  Dr. Mikala Rahn, and Saudeka  Shabazz of the Children’s Defense  Fund.  Sponsored the ACLU Pasadena Foothill chapter.    7 PM.  Neighborhood Universalist Church, 301 North Orange Grove  Blvd., Pasadena.  (626( 449-3470.  http://www.aclu-sc.org/pasadena.

Film: “Politics of Food”

Final film in a series; call to verify the event. Screenings are fundraisers for sending young people to a two week Traditional Agriculture / Permaculture Design Course in New Mexico from July 20-31. LA Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance (LAIPA). $5 donation. 7:30 PM. Liliflor Collective Studios (a.k.a. First Street Studios), 2026 E. First St., LA. Venue phone: (323) 268-0005. NM course info: <www.tnafa.org>. <firststreetstudios.com>.

July 15 • Wednesday

Political Action: LA Greens

Regular meeting of the Los Angeles Greens. Third Wednesdays monthly. 7 PM. Peace Center, 8124 W. Third St., LA. (323) 651-5539. <www.losangelesgreens.org>.

Discussion:  We are All Socialist Now?

A critical look at the first six months of the Obama Presidencey  7:30 PM.  Solidarity Hall, 2170 W.Washington Blvd., LA.  $2.  $8 for supper.  (323) 732-6416/  fsplosangles@gmail.com.  www.socialism.com>

Discussion: Monthly Review

Regular free monthly discussion of articles in the magazine “Monthly Review”  Today’s topic will be from the June issue. 7:30 PM. Yahoo Colorado Center Community Room, 2500 Broadway, Santa Monica. (310) 390-0306.

July 16 • Thursday

Conference: Animal Rights

The 2009 Animal Rights National Conference. July 16-20. Westin LAX, 5400 West Century Blvd., just west of I-405, LA. (888) FARM-USA (327-6872). <info@arconference.org>. <www.arconference.org>.

Political Meeting: Atheists United

Regular Third Thursday night meeting of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Atheists United. Call for time and place. (818) 988-2806. <www.atheistsunited.org/calendar>.

Political Meeting: Healthcare for All

The San Fernando Valley chapter meeting, working or single-payer universal healthcare and the passage of SB 840. Come and learn more. 7:30 PM. State Office Bldg., State Office Bldg., 6150 Van Nuys Blvd. (enter on Calvert, to the right of the locked gates), (818) 766-7318.

July 17 • Friday

Conference: Counter-Recruitment

The National Counter-Recruitment and Demilitarization Conference will bring together a broad spectrum of people working on CR issues. July 17-19. Write to NNOMY c/o American Friends Service Committee, 637 S. Dearborn, Third Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60605 or NNOMY, PO Box 3012, S. Pasadena, 91031. Conference at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. (866) 338-2378. <crconf@gmail.com>. <www.nnomy.org>.

July 18 • Saturday

Benefit: Venice Beach Rides

A classic and eco car, truck, motorcycle and bicycle showcase in support of the Venice Community Housing Corp. 10 AM to 4 PM. 720 Rose Ave., Venice. (310) 399-4100. <marlie@vchcorp.org>. <info@vchcorp.org>.

Benefit: Fashion Show

A charity event for the Claude Pepper Sr. Citizens Center. This fashion show with music and other entertainment is an excuse to show the community the work the Center does. RSVP. 1-4 PM. Claude Pepper Senior Center, 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA. (310) 559-9677. <geps222@msn.com>.

Music: Suzy Williams

Suzy’s Williams Fourth Annual Lit Show with songs based on the works of various writers from Vonnegut to Capote. 7:30 PM. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. $10. (310) 306-7330. <pfsuzy@aol.com>. <www.laughtears.com>.

July 19 • Sunday

Films: Freshi Film Festival

Films made by young filmmakers all over the world. A full day of family fun showcasing the talents of the best young filmmakers. Also, stunt workshops, movie-make up demonstrations, acting workshops, etc. 9 AM to 6 PM. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood $15. (661) 257-3131. <www.freshifilmfest.com>.

Political Meeting: ACLU Potluck

Orange County ACLU and KPFK potluck in the park. Noon - 4 PM. Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Drive, Irvine. Shelter #1. (714) 956-5037. <quetzalcoatl38@aol.com>.

Discussion: “Nation” Mar Vista

“Nation” magazine readers’ discussion group. Usually Third Sundays monthly, call first. 2 PM. 4054 Coolidge Ave., Mar Vista, LA. (310) 391-1707.

July 20 • Monday

Books: Torture Photos

Gary S. Winkler and Lyndie England present and sign “Tortured: Lyndie England, Abu Ghraib and the Photographs that Shocked the World.” 7 PM. Booksoup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 659-3110. <info@booksoup.com>. <www.booksoup.com>.

Political Meeting: Westside Progressives

The regular meeting of the Democratic Westside Progressives. Call to verify. 7-9 PM. St. Bede’s Church, 3590 Grandview Blvd., Mar Vista. (310) 490-3858. <www.democracticwestsideprogressives.org>.

Films: “Pocket Full of Soul”

A documentary exploring the mythos surrounding the harmonica and its place between instrument and player. Filmmaker Marc Lempert will speak. 8:30 PM. Talking Stick, 1411c  Lincoln Blvd., Venice. (310) 450-6052 or (310) 306-7330. <myspace.com/sevendudleycinema>.

July 22 • Wednesday

Books: Howard Dean

Howard Dean presents and signs “Howard Dean’s Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform: How We Can Achieve Affordable Medical Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer.” 9:30 PM. Booksoup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. <info@booksoup.com>.

July 25 • Saturday

Political Action: Building Peace in Palestine

Annual Travel to Israel / Palestine Interfaith Peace Builders campaign. July 25 to Aug. 7. (202) 244-0821. <www.ifpb.org>.

Music: Central Avenue Jazz Festival

Two days of jazz performances pay tribute to “The Avenue,” as Central Avenue was known during its renaissance years from the 1920s through the 1950s. July 25-26, 11 AM to 7 PM. Central Ave. between 42nd and 43rd Sts., LA. (213) 202-5500. <www.culturela.org>.

Benefit: OOA

Fundraiser for the Office of The Americas. With guest Blasé & Teresa Bonpane, Mimi Kennedy and music from Ross Altman and others. 7 PM. 3967 Shedd Terrace, Culver City. (310) 838-8131 or (323) 852-9808. <fdorrel@addictedtowar.com>. <www.officeoftheamericas.org>.

Discussion: Alliance for Democracy

Regular meeting with a speaker. 10:15 AM. 9743 Noble Ave., enter through north gate to dance studio, North Hills. (818) 903-4771.

July 26 • Sunday

Political Meeting: LA Atheists United

Regular meeting of the Los Angeles Chapter. Fourth Sundays. 11 AM. Center for Inquiry West, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 666-4258. <www.atheistsunited.org/calendar>.

Memorial: Hugh Manes

A memorial program for Hugh, a local giant and guardian of the rights of the oppressed.  LA Times Obituary <www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-hugh-manes18-2009jun18,0,5540832.story>. 3 PM. Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., LA.

July 29 • Wednesday

Classes: Immigrant Workers’ Rights

9 AM - 3 PM. LA County Federation of Labor, 2130 W. James M. Wood Blvd., LA. (213) 639-3900 x117. <munoz@nilc.org>.

Volunteer Opportunity: Change-Links Meeting

The monthly mailing and discussion meeting for Change-Links, the newspaper you are reading now. Come by to help or pick up some copies to distribute. Noon - 2:30 PM. Peace Center, 8124 W. Third St., LA. (818) 782-1412. <change@pacbell.net>. <change-links.org>.

Support: Activist Support Circle.

The special guest for tonight’s Circle is electric vehicle advocate Paul Scott. 7-9 PM. Friends Meeting Hall, 1440 Harvard St., Santa Monica. (310) 399-1000. <jerrypeaceactivistrubin@earthlink.net>. <activistsupportcircle.org>.

July 30 • Thursday

Political Action: Health Care Now!

Celebrate Medicare’s 44th Birthday by showing Congress and President Obama the unions, doctors, nurses, seniors, faith groups and Americans from every category who support a single-payer system. Washington DC. (800) 453-1305. <info@healthcare-now.org>. <www.healthcare-now.org/campaigns/single-payer-rally>.

Additional and late developing events may be posted to our listserve and on our website as time permits. Additional volunteers could assure that this happens dependably on an ongoing basis.