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Meet & Greet with Esther Kim Varet
Meet & Greet with Esther Kim Varet
The Dems only need to flip 3 seats to win back the House and block some of this insanity. That's why I am coming at you early with this. Esther Kim Varet is running against Young Kim down in the OC. Young Kim has been like teflon against us, but she has -- I think -- met her match in Esther.
Here's what I know about Esther. 3 people from totally different parts of my world have reached out to me about her so she is well-connected. This is her first campaign, but she runs a bunch of art galleries in LA -- and now in OC -- so she is a hustler who knows how to get shit done. She's a Korean woman and so nullifies one of the few things Kim had going for her in the district. Oh, and she's a democrat. That's about it. But I want to know more. And I am thinking you might want to know more too.
I explained to Esther and her finance people, that HODG is not about big money fundraising. We need a $25 ticket option, and honestly I don't think anyone should pay anything before meeting a candidate. Especially a newbie. So... just come. If you love her, great, give her some $. If you don't, or if you don't have money to spare these days, great.
Also, I am personally hosting this, rather than HODG. That's because a bunch of folks in HODG thought it was too early to start meeting candidates. Maybe they're right. I don't know. But I wanted to meet her. And I figured you would too.
Meet & Greet with ESTHER KIM VARET
(Dem Candidate, US Congress in CA-40)
TUESDAY, June 10
6pm - 8pm
153 S. Norton Ave, LA 90004
More info about Esther here
RSVP through link below, or email me at jentwelve@gmail.com
HODG Movie Night
HODG Movie Night
HODG has a whole lotta buckets. There’s the lefty politics bucket. The do-goodery bucket. The education bucket. But more and more these days we need to pull out and start filling the Community-Building Bucket.
That’s what this action is. Community Building.
Connecting. Hanging out. No politics. No do-gooding for others. This time we are do-gooding for ourselves!
And we're doing it in Marissa’s backyard – she has a stellar outdoor movie situation – on Friday June 13 at 8pm. Yes, it’s Friday the 13th and we considered showing a scary movie, but reality is scary enough these days, so we decided to go the other way and show the happiest, funniest, sweetest movie we could think of. We hope you agree with our choice. (If you don’t, I don’t know if we can still be friends.)
Popcorn and candy will obviously be served. (If you want real food, eat beforehand.)
HODG MOVIE NIGHT
presents
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Friday, June 13
8:00pm
Marissa’s Backyard
243 N. Lucerne, LA 90004
Bring a friend. But not your dog.
RSVP so we know how many chairs,
and how much popcorn to make!
No Kings Rally
No Kings Rally
June 14th is another NATIONWIDE Day of Defiance. Why? Because it's Trump's bday and he is throwing a $45million military parade for himself. I am not kidding.
Now, I know many of you are wondering "what does this do...?" "does showing up matter..?" I have asked a lot of smart people that question recently -- people who have been studying authoritarianism for a long long time -- people like Tim Snyder, and Eric Ward, and Mark Dunkelman (if you don't know who those guys are, look them up.). -- and they all all all have the same answer. Protests matter. Showing up matters. Pageantry matters. When you are fighting tyranny. But not for the reasons you think.
Does Trump care that we are gathering? Not a bit. But other people on our side do! Elected officials care. They see us out there and it gives them some wind in their sails or more accurately, some spine in their spine. Also, your friends see you out there, and they start thinking, hmmm... maybe I should go out there too. And the movement starts to grow and grow, and the protesters start doing other things like making demands of the people in power.
It is illegal to protest in a lot of place. It's not illegal here. Yet. So get out there. We need you. Before it's too late.
** The protest is happening in DTLA (at least the big one is -- there will be others). A group of us is coming up with a plan to meet beforehand, and take the metro. Please reach out and let us know if you want to join.
No Kings Rally
Saturday, June 14
10am - 2pm PDT
LA City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Downtown Los Angeles
Meeting Place:
153 S. Norton Ave (Larchmont)
at 9:30am on Sat 6/14
We will walk together 5-6 blocks to the metro station and take the metro downtown.
Want to join? Email:
hangoutdogood@gmail.com
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
Bingo Shabbat
Bingo Shabbat
It's been way way too long since we've had HODG Shabbat. I wonder, have you missed it as much as I have? Well, don't worry, cuz it's back.
For those of you who've never been, or for whom Shabbat is something you've just heard about, here's the deal: HODG Shabbat is for everyone. You don't need to be Jewish, or believe in God or whatever. All are welcome. Also, it's totally casual. No one cares if you show up in your pajamas. In fact, they will be jealous.
Usually for Shabbat we have a speaker, but this go around we want to keep things fun and low key so instead we are playing BINGO. I don't know what the prizes will be. But there will definitely be prizes.
Oh, and one last thing, for HODG Shabbat, HODG provides the dinner, you provide the dessert and drinks. So bring either one, and enough to share.
Bingo Shabbat
Friday, June 20
7:00pm
153 S. Norton Ave.
All welcome!
Bring a dessert or drink to share
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
June Grill & Quill
HODG Santa Cruz June Grill & Quill
Join HODG Santa Cruz for a summer BBQ, celebrating community and taking civic action.
Come grill, chill, and get out your quill – we’re writing our representatives on hot topics like illegal deportations, free speech, environmental protection, and equal rights. Potluck style. RSVP here.
Help us grow our group! Share with a friend or two!
HODG Santa Cruz
June Grill & Quill
Sunday, June 22
1:00pm - 3:00pm
in Seabright (RSVP for location)
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
HODG Newcomer Breakfast
HODG Newcomer Breakfast
HODG always has so much stuff going on. It’s easy to be overwhelmed or confused. Especially for folks who are new. That’s why we've put together a “newcomer breakfast,” where we’ll actually explain things. Like what HODG stands for – do you know?! How it got started? All the different actions and teams you can join. We’ll also answer any questions you have. And we'll ask some of our own – like why haven’t you shown up before? And what can we do to make things easier, or more enticing?
Note: This gathering is for folks who have never been to a HODG event before. If you joined HODG yesterday. Or signed up 5 years ago. But for whatever reason – and we want to learn what they are! – you've never found your way to Norton. Now is your chance! Please don't miss it!
HODG’s NEWCOMER BREAKFAST
Saturday, June 2
10am - noon
153 S. Norton Ave
For members who have never been to a HODG event before.
You must RSVP to attend
Bake a Cake for Pride Coffee Hour
Bake a Cake for Pride Coffee Hour
Our pals at The Center in Hollywood have put in a special request for support of their Pride Coffee Hour in June. Any and all baked treats welcome, not limited to cakes/cupcakes, and Pride-themed decorations encouraged!
DELIVERY WINDOW: Wednesday, June 4th, anytime between 8:30am - 4pm (the actual event is the next day, Thursday June 5th from 9-11am)
NEEDED ITEMS: Baked treats can include cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, rainbow rice krispie treats, etc., all welcome!
Bake a Cake for Pride Coffee Hour
Drop-Off: Wednesday, June 4
Between 8:30am - 4:00pm
The Center in Hollywood
6636 Selma Avenue, LA 90028
Learning Series
LEARNING SERIES
Register to join our next HODG Learning Series:
Sarah Jakle, Founder & Exec. Director of DemocraShe
Join us to learn how to take the mental health research for brains going through extreme adversity and use it to help us regulate and take action under authoritarianism.
The Training:
Led by Sarah Jakle, Founder & Executive Director of DemocraShe, a nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers historically underserved high school girls to be our future leaders, voters, civically engaged citizens and elected leaders. Leveraging the pioneering curriculum she developed for DemocraShe, Sarah will share how we, as activists, can use self-compassion as a fierce source of strength, combat our inner critic voices, and self-regulate at key moments of inflection when we most need to stand up to the pushback and use our voices. DemocraShe has a radical premise: that we deserve to protect our inner lives in these unprecedented times, and we can borrow from trauma research to help return to our authentic selves faster when we get triggered. Heather Cox Richardson says "Authoritarianism feeds on anger and despair, and we fight it with communities of joy.” Let’s come together in a community that learns practices of joy drawn from brain research and how we can harness these practices to sustain ourselves and make change in the world. Sarah's Background:
Sarah Jakle is the Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe. Previously, she served as the Get Out The Vote Director for the California National Organization for Women and as the National Outreach Director for Field Team 6, leading efforts in the 2020 election through mobilizing women and innovative voter registration. Prior to politics, Sarah worked in direct service work with the unhoused community dealing with mental illness in Los Angeles. Sarah has a Bachelors from Yale (Phi Beta Kappa), a Masters in Social Work from USC and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA. She was a Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action and a Board Member for Urban Partner Los Angeles. The training will be interactive and last 90 minutes.
HODG Learning Series:
Sarah Jakle, Founder & Exec. Director of DemocraShe
Join us to learn how to take the mental health research for brains going through extreme adversity and use it to help us regulate and take action under authoritarianism.
Monday, June 2, 2025
7pm - 8:30pm
ZOOM
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
Birthday Cakes
BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH
Calling all bakers!
HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.
Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.
You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.
You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.
Thank you so much!
Team HODG
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
Polluters Pay Bill Rally
Polluters Pay Bill Rally
Have you heard of California’s Polluters Pay bill (SB 684 and AB 1243) that’s currently making its way through the gauntlet that is the CA state legislature? It basically aims to hold major fossil fuel companies financially accountable – ie makes them pay! – for all the damage they’ve caused to the environmental and public health due to their role in climate change. All the money collected would be used to help communities recover and prepare for future climate impacts.
A bunch of our elected officials are still on the fence about supporting the bill. One of those officials is Assemblymember Rick Zbur. Which is why HODG’s CLIMATE TEAM is joining Climate Reality Project (Al Gore's org) outside of Zbur's office in West Hollywood to hold a rally and ask him to commit to voting yes on AB 1243.
Look, the truth is more complicated than I make it sound. Zbur actually voted for the bill the first time around. But now, he is apparently getting pressure from labor unions to vote it down. I should also mention that the majority of Zbur’s campaign funding – $672,000! – came from unions. Why are unions against this bill? My very lame understanding is that they’re worried that the increased financial burden on fossil fuel companies could result in job losses for unionized workers. And hey, that is important. But when weighed against all the damage our state’s endured -- and will endure in the future -- because of climate change, I choose our environment over jobs. So Zbur won't commit to a yes. And the reason why we care is that Zbur is on the 10 person Judiciary Committee which is where the bill is sitting right now.
If you feel similarly, if holding fossil fuel companies responsible for the damage – and existential threat – their product causes sounds like an idea worth pursuing, then please join me and Polly and the rest of the team at this rally. The more voices the better!
Oh, and fyi – New York and Vermont already have Polluters Pay bills just like this. (Yes, California’s supposed to be at the forefront of climate and environmental legislature, but clearly we are just catching up!)
Hey RICK ZBUR, SAY YES TO CALIFORNIA'S POLLUTERS PAY BILL:
A RALLY
WEDNESDSAY, MAY 21
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Assembly Member Rick Zbur's Office, 1445 N Stanley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
MORE DETAILS HERE
RSVP to Polly: pollymorf9@gmail.com
(option to meet at Polly's and carpool together: 134 South Van Ness Ave)
Earthjustice Webinar
Earthjustice Webinar
Candice Youngblood, the Earthjustice lawyer who spoke to us at the last HODG Shabbat, is inviting us all to a webinar hosted by the LA County Electric Truck and Bus Coalition to learn how we can use the Olympics to accelerate the overdue transition to electric buses in LA.
Ok, I am sure you are thinking, Electric Truck and Bus Coalition? You have got to be kidding. I am way too cool for that! No, I'm not kidding. And no, you're not too cool.
Electrifying buses is a critical step towards getting rid of unhealthy air pollution. So if you're talking about cool -- nothing's cooler than that. The thing is, LA Metro has not been delivering. The LA 2028 Olympics actually provides us with the opportunity to advocate for public transportation that is cleaner and will create good, local jobs for working families.
Also, when Earthjustice tells me to do something, I do it. So should we all!
ELECTRIC BUSES by 2028!!
A Webinar with Earthjustice &
LA County Electric Truck & Bus Coalition
Tuesday, May 20
6:30pm PT
ONLINE
HODG Climate Team Postcarding
HODG Climate Team Postcarding
Did you know that HODG has a CLIMATE TEAM? Well, we do! And they are putting on their first CLIMATE TEAM EVENT and they want us all to come! They will share what their plans are with the team, to see if any of you want to join! Then we will get started with a hands-on project – something to do with MILKWEED SEEDS!! – and writing postcards to our elected officials about specific Climate related issues and bills.
It should be a delightful, fun and educational morning. But it won’t be half as good if you aren’t there with us!
A MORNING with HODG’s CLIMATE TEAM
Sunday May 18
10am - noon
Polly’s Backyard
134 S. Van Ness
Larchmont VILLAGE, 90004
Home Helpers
Home Helpers
On May 17, HODG is joining My Friends Place (MFP) – a drop-in center for homeless teens in Hollywood – with their WELCOME HOME HELPERS project. Lemme explain.
Recently, MFP has focused more and more on helping young people find and move into permanent housing. When these kids transition off the streets, many are lacking the basic basic necessities to set up a comfortable space to call their own. From sheets and pillows to dish towels and cutlery, Welcome Home Helpers assists the youth in turning their space into a home.
HODG is looking forward to joining My Friends Place in providing these essentials for ONE new home for one of their youth. We would love you to join us. Here’s how:
a. Go to the LINK BELOW and sign up for the items you will be purchasing or donating. Most should be new – like bedding and towels – but if there is something else that is $$ and you have one that is gently used, bring it.
b. Bring your items to my house on Saturday May 17 at 10 am – no, you cannot just amazon the stuff to us. We want to hang with you in person. We will also be hearing about the work MFP is doing.
c. Any questions, reach out to Pegah at hangoutdogood@gmail.com
ITEMS NEEDED:
Cooking Utensil Set (4-5 piece set)
Can opener
Silverware Setting for 4
Knife Set (8-12 piece)
Plates/Bowl/Cups setting for 4
Dish Towels (Pack of 4-6)
Mop (1)
Broom + Dustpan
Vacuum
Kitchen Trash Can
Toaster
Microwave
Toilet Paper (24 pack)
Floor Lamp
2 regular size Pillows (New)
2 Twin size sheet sets (flat/fitted/pilow case) (New).
2 Blankets (New)
Comforter (New)
Hangers (12 pack)
Laundry Detergent
Flat Screen TV
Glass Cleaner
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
All purpose cleaner
Dish Soap
Dish Drying Rack
Sponges
Paper Towel (8 pack)
Toilet Bowl Brush
Cleaning Cloths (6-12)
WELCOME HOME HELPERS PROJECT
with HODG + My Friend’s Place
Saturday, May 17th
10am - noon
153 S. Norton Ave
Bring your items!
Stay to learn more about MFP
All are welcome.
Youth Outreach Snack Bags
WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS
To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com
We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.
Details:
Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags
Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:
Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water
Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze
Bag of chips
Granola Bar
Cookies
Napkin
Pick one of the below for protein:
Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers
If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.
Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004
Backyard Lunchmaking
Mother’s Day Backyard Lunch Making
Looking for the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day morning? This is it! Hanging out in the backyard with friends and family – enjoying coffee and donuts – and making bagged lunches together. This is a perfect event for kids off all ages. (Kids who are too young to make sandwiches etc, can decorate or fill the bags!)
These lunches will be going to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights LA (CHIRLA).
Sign up at the LINK below to bring an item. Note: we are making TURKEY + CHEESE sandwiches ONLY.
(If you aren’t in the position to be supplying food for others, come anyway. We always ned help!)
MOTHER’S DAY with HODG
BACKYARD LUNCH MAKING
SUNDAY, MAY 11
10am - noon
153 S. Norton Ave
Kids welcome. Dogs, not so much.
HODG West LA Kick-Off Event
HODG West Los Angeles Kick-Off Event
It’s only taken 8 years, but it’s finally happening! No more long drives to the east side. No more missing every HODG shabbat because of traffic. Introducing: HODG: WestLA!!
This WED eve – May 7th – is our big KICK-OFF event. If you are on the west side and want to get in on the ground floor, please join us! The amazing Alison Rou is spear-heading, along with Loren Segan, but they need more help! Not for this event – they have that covered – but they need a squad of westsiders to help build this thing.
I know. I know. You all think you are too busy. You are not! None of this takes a lot of time. And you get back so so much more than you put in. Also, for those of you with kids still at home, your kids will take note. They will even start to – gasp – admire you! (Imagine that!) Oh, and one last thing – even if you don’t know Alison and Loren yet, trust me, they are amazing. Also this isn’t the kind of thing you want to do just with the people you know. It’s a great way to widen your circle and meet people who share your values.
So, if you are interested in joining the West LA HODG Squad, please email us at hangoutdogood@gmail.com and we will get you connected.
As far as WED – There will be DINNER, DRINKS and CONVO with State Senator Ben Allen (CA-24) – who is the one who wrote the bill to bring filming back to the state! Also, HODG co-founder Helen Eigenberg will be there to share how we do things on the east side and to answer any questions about how to move forward etc.
If you can’t tell, I am so excited about this, and full of hopes that HODG:West LA will bloom into something beautiful.
HODG: WEST LA'S KICK OFF
with special guests Sen Ben Allen & HODG Co-Founder Helen Eigenberg
Wednesday, May 7
6pm - 8pm
The Griffin Club
3084 Motor Ave
Parking: Valet
Dinner + Drinks!
FREE
Bring a friend!
Questions: contact alison at alisonrou@anchormediastrategy.com
HODG Santa Cruz Lunch Drive
HODG Santa Cruz - Sunday Lunch Drive
Our March 23rd letter writing party was so sweet. Boy, did it feel great to hang out together under a big cypress tree and warm sun! We got steam off our chests and into some letters.
Next up: Our next Sunday Lunch Drive is Sunday, May 4th. We'll make lunches for unhoused folks; the DSA Love Boat (mutual aid group) will distribute them.
Inspiration = HangOutDoGood LA. Check out their huge lunch making party!!
Goal = show some love to people going through a hard time
Logistics!
What? Lunch-making party
When? Sunday, May 4th at 8:45am
What to bring? RSVP to sign-up for an item or two
(Side note: our party is early cuz Love Boat distributes early. We are looking for a partner who distributes later so that we can party later in the future.)
Can't Make the Party?
Make lunches at home! See instructions here.
Donate to cover lunch fixings on Venmo: @CoriLand
In Peace and Community,
Cori (they/them) & Gwen (she/her) Wolfland
National Protest
National Protest
These days of national protests are working. Trumps poll numbers are plummeting, As is Tesla’s stock price. The protests send a message to Democrats to stop asking for money and start fighting for real. They also build community and let us know that we are not alone in our fear, anger and frustration.
And so, on May 1 - a day where we celebrate the labor movement and international workers’ rights – there will be another National Day of Protests. This day is organized by the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states for One Cause – get rid of Trump/Musk and the rest of them.
Currently, when I just looked at their web page I saw that in LA there are currently two 50501 protests plan – in Beverly Hills and Westwood. The organizers encourage all of us to start our own protests as well. So if you are in, oh, say, Silverlake, or Larchmont, or Studio City – how about organizign your own. All it takes is signing up on the website below, and then telling your friends and peeps to show up, on a corner, on a street. Bring signs, and let your neighborhood know how many people are taking to the streets!
Also, the LA County Bar Association is organizing a protest in DTLA that day as well. Any lawyers – or non-lawyers too! – should head there to support the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession.
Here is the info. Oh, and if you do decide to hold your own protest – please let us know. We will make sure to get HODG folks there!
Another NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
with the 50501 Movement
Thursday, May 1
10am - 2pm
UCLA Ronald Regan Hospital
757 Westwood Plaza
LA, 90095
Speaker Series
SPEAKER SERIES
So we've decided to organize another SPEAKER SERIES. We've done this in the past -- like during COVID -- and it was great. The goal of this series is 2 fold: 1. to educate ourselves and 2. to build community.
Of course, we wish we could meet in person, but people are so busy and LA is impossible, so we have chosen to do this -- at least in the beginning online. As far as topics, we have some we are interested in -- why government doesn't work?, what's happening with science? what's the most meaningful way to protect the climate? -- but would love to hear from you. Also, if you know of someone who you think would be a good speaker, please let us know. And finally, if you want to help organize, we would love the help!
So for our first conversation, we are focusing on Higher Education, and how the Federal Government is impacting it. We are just in the process of putting together the speakers for this, so if you have any good ideas, bring 'em on. In the meantime, Mark Your Calendars!
How the Federal Government
is Impacting Higher Education:
a virtual discussion
Monday, April 28
7pm - 8pm
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
HODG Hike with The Center
HODG Hike with The Center
We’re having a fundraiser for The Center in Hollywood, an incredible drop in center for homeless folks in Los Angeles. HODG has set up a team. If you'd like to join and hike with us, email Pegah at hangoutdogood@gmail.com. You will receive an automated email to JOIN OUR HODG TEAM.
Note: to participate you need to pay $35, which goes to supporting The Center’s crucial work.
See you on the trails!
THE TRAIL HOME
A fundraiser for The Center in Hollywood
Saturday, April 26
Registration begins at 7:30 am
Boy Scout Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(Across from Franklin’s Café -
N Vermont Canyon Rd & Vista Del Valle Dr)
Earth Day Night Hike
An Earth Day Night Hike
Earth Day is approaching, (4/22) and we’ve decided that this year we are NOT doing the Eco Fair. [I’m sad too, but it just doesn’t feel right.] Instead we are going on a delightful NIGHT HIKE together, and we want you to come with us!Here’s the deal: we will meet on Sunday, April 20th at 7pm at some TBD location near Griffith Park. Together we’ll hike up to the Observatory where we’ll hang out, maybe have some cheese and crackers, raise a (water) glass to the moon.
An EARTH DAY NIGHT HIKE
Sunday, April 20
7pm
Location TBD [near Griffith Park]
Bring $5 & a flashlight/headlamp
Any questions: email Helen at hm.eigenberg@gmail.com
Clothing Drive
HODG Clothing Drive for Project Ropa
SPREAD THE WORD 📣
We are collecting items for our MEN’S CLOTHING DRIVE for our partner Project Ropa on Friday, April 18 from 10am - noon. They are in need of men’s clothing items and shoes, as well as belts, baseball hats, backpacks, tote bags and travel-size hygiene products.
Please drop off on:
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
Between 10am - noon
153 S. Norton Ave, Los Angeles 90004
Questions? Email us at HangOutDoGood@gmail.com.
Thank you everyone!!! 🩵
Sunday Lunch Drive
WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE
Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.
You make lunches at home.
Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.
Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)
Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.
Lunches should contain at least 7 items:
A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)
Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)
Potato Chips (individually packaged)
Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)
Cookies (individually packaged)
A snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
No Glass
Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.
Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:
Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!
Climate Night Mixer
Climate Night Mixer with HeyClimate
Ok, we admit it. Organization is not a strength of ours. We’re a sort of fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants kind of outfit. We are trying to be better. Mostly so we can include more voices, and get more help in the planning stages. One area we care deeply about, but want more help is CLIMATE. And so we have started a HODG CLIMATE TEAM. And we would love any of you who are climate-focused, to join!
What does being a member of this team mean? That’s up to you. You can meet in person, on zoom. You can do weekly actions, monthly actions or one big action a year. It would be your team to do what you want with. If that sounds like something you’d like to explore, take the leap -- the water is warm! -- and join!
JOIN THE HODG CLIMATE TEAM
When? Where? How?
If you’re a member of the team
YOU GET TO DECIDE!
To join, email hangoutdogood@gmail.com
(put Climate Team in the subject line.)
In the meantime, here's some Climate Stuff -- see we need help! -- for you to get started with.
Climate Night Mixer
A few of us are also joining HeyClimate’s CLIMATE NIGHT MIXER on Friday, April 11 at 6:30pm. Wanna join? Email us at hangoutdogood@gmail.com so we know you’ll be there!
HODG Santa Cruz Lunch Drive
HODG Santa Cruz - First Ever Lunch Drive
Our March 23rd letter writing party was so sweet. Boy, did it feel great to hang out together under a big cypress tree and warm sun! We got steam off our chests and into some letters.
Next up: Our first Sunday Lunch Drive is Sunday, April 6th. We'll make lunches for unhoused folks; the DSA Love Boat (mutual aid group) will distribute them.
Inspiration = HangOutDoGood LA. Check out their huge lunch making party!!
Goal = show some love to people going through a hard time
Logistics!
What? Lunch-making party
When? Sunday, April 6th at 8:45am
What to bring? RSVP to sign-up for an item or two
(Side note: our party is early cuz Love Boat distributes early. We are looking for a partner who distributes later so that we can party later in the future.)
Can't Make the Party?
Make lunches at home! See instructions here.
Donate to cover lunch fixings on Venmo: @CoriLand
In Peace and Community,
Cori (they/them) & Gwen (she/her) Wolfland
Protest
HANDS-OFF PROTEST
This Saturday, April 5, HODG is joining the Hands Off! National Day of Action to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want – our health care, our data, our jobs, our services, our government – – and tell them HANDS OFF!
This mass mobiliation day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government or our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Americans across the country are locking arms. We are marching, rallying, protesting and building an opposition movement against the looting of our country. This is a crisis, so do like Senator CB and act now!
Here’s how:
a. JOIN HODG: LA at the protest in DTLA.
Meet up at Polly's house in Hancock Park around 3:15pm, and drive/walk together to the metro stop. She will have coffee + donuts! For address, etc. email Polly at pollymorf9@gmail.com
b. Don't live in LA, Join another protest -- they are happening all over the country.
c. Spread the word. Tell all your friends, wherever they live, to find and go to the protest nearest them.
HANDS OFF: LOS ANGELES FIGHTS BACK
A mass mobilization day
Saturday, April 5
4-8pm
Pershing Square
532 Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles
If you want to go together, with HODG, email Polly at pollymorf9@gmail.com.
5th Anniversary Potluck
Sunday Lunch Drive's 5th Anniversary Potluck
with HODG + Hollywood Food Coalition
Yep, the Sunday Lunch Drive is turning 5 years old this month. We started in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and have not missed a single Sunday since.
I have loads to say about this action, and about all of you who have worked so hard to keep it going, but right now what I really want to do is make sure you all do these 2 things:
First, mark your calendars. We are celebrating on Sunday, March 30. Don't make other plans. This is too big a deal to miss. And second, sign up to bring some lunch fare to share – yes, this time we are feeding ourselves!!!
Sunday Lunch Drive's 5th Anniversary Potluck
with HODG + Hollywood Food Coalition
Sunday, March 30
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Blessed Sacrament Church
6657 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028
Parking: please enter church parking lot on Selma and park in the EAST corner!
Protesting
TESLA TAKEDOWN
This Saturday -- tomorrow! -- 1pm - 3pm, HODG-er Linda GK is hosting a TESLA TAKEDOWN PROTEST in Culver City. I am going. And I want you to come meet me!
For those of you who are like meh, protests don’t work… nothing is going to change… you are just not right. These protests and ones like them are meaningful in at least 4 ways – off the top of my head – 1. They build community which is an anti-authoritarian act in an of itself. 2 .They open the eyes of people who are not protesting to what is going on, and who knows, maybe they’ll start paying attention. 3. They give the Dems and our reps the support they need to fight back. (Not that they should need support. I mean, get a fricking backbone. Oh yeah, and it is your job.) 4. They taint the Tesla brand. I mean, who wants to drive around in a car built by Elon Musk???
I could go on and on trying to convince you to come and even then I know most of you won’t. So I’ll just say this: Democracy dies if we don’t show up for it.
PS: this is a PEACEFUL protest movement. Violence, vandalism, destruction of property will not be tolerated.
PSS. Bring your signs! Linda says there is going to be a sign contest. Most clever sign wins! And if you don’t have a sign – I don’t – I am going to bring poster board and markers so we can make some.
PSSS. If you can’t make it to the TESLA TAKEDOWN in Culver City, there are protests all across Los Angeles AND the Country. Find one in the link below, call a friend. And show up!
#TESLA TAKEDOWN: A Peaceful Protest
Saturday, March 29
1pm - 3pm
Culver City Tesla Supercharger
6000 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
Bring your friends! Bring a sign!
Birthday Cakes
BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH
Calling all bakers!
HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.
Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.
You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.
You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.
Thank you so much!
Team HODG
Backyard Lunchmaking
HODG Backyard Lunchmaking
We are not just celebrating the lunch drive this month. We are also having another IN-PERSON backyard lunch-making bonanza this coming Sunday. These gatherings are super fun -- a bit chaotic -- and totally FAMILY FRIENDLY. (Sadly they are not dog-friendly -- the pups really seem to like PB&J’s)
Here's how this works:
Sign up on the spread sheet below to bring enough of a lunch item to make 50-100-150-100 (you decide amount) lunches
Bring those items to 153 S. Norton this Sunday, March 23 at 10am
Decorate or Assemble – along with a bunch of other HODG-ers -- around 200 lunches.
Knock these out by 11:30/noon and then enjoy the rest of your Sunday knowing you HUNG OUT and DID GOOD.
BACKYARD SUNDAY LUNCH MAKING
Sunday, March 23
10am - noon
153 S. Norton Ave
All are welcome!
Bring kids!
Bring friends!
Sign up to bring a lunch item for a bunch of lunches!
Protesting
March for our Constitution
This Saturday in West LA -- and all over the country -- there will be a peaceful rally to oppose the Trump Administration. These rallies are being organized by Indivisible and Democracy Action Network – a grassroots organization dedicated to defending democratic institutions, & promoting civic engagement – sounds like HODG!
Now, many of you have emailed, asking do you really think these protests do anything? Yes, I do. But… do I think they’ll affect Trump? No. Do I think they’ll give our Democratic reps the boost they need to get cracking? No. Especially since our craggy-ol-Dems seem to be playing the James-Carville-Do-Nothing-So-People-See-How-Horrific-Trump-Is Plan, which I think is a loser of a plan and they should focus on making blue cities amazing so people start believing in them again. But…
I DO think rallies like this change the way the public/community/citizenry feels and thinks about what’s going on. I mean, look back at all the times you’ve seen people in far away places take to the streets. Doesn’t it affect you? Doesn’t it make you question the people in power? It does me. I think the reason to go to this rally is to feel less alone, and to build the Democratic movement. And those are 2 pretty good reasons!
So with that… I hope you will all take the time/energy to SHOW UP. A bunch of HODG folk are planning to! Here are the deets:
We are meeting at Moira’s house in Hancock Park – 138 N. Gower – at 10:45am on Saturday morning. There will be coffee, OJ, donuts. We will form carpools and head to the Federal Building. First carpool will leave at 11 AM, last at 11:30 AM. (If you want to plan a carpool from your house, please let us know and we will spread the word!)
MARCH FOR OUR CONSTITUTION
SAT, MARCH 22
12-2pm
The FEDERAL BUILDING
11000 Wilshire Blvd
WESTWOOD
Bring a sign! And water!
Wanna carpool? RSVP to Polly at: pollymorf9@gmail.com
For those of you who want to make posters, Polly is hosting a POSTER MAKING PARTY. Come let your artistic or non-artistic juices flow! It's super fun and don't worry -- the bar is very low. (take a gander at some of those posters below! ha!)
POSTER MAKING PARTY
Friday, March 21
5:30 pm
Polly's House
134 S. Van Ness Ave
RSVP -- so Polly knows how much poster board to get! -- by emailing hangoutdogood@gmail.com (put Poster Party in Subject line)