This week has been one of those weeks where I got various reminders not to take things for granted. The major thunderstorm and the ‘chilly’ 68 degree weather has certainly got me promising not to complain when we get our next heatwave. And although the Golden State has long been considered a paradise it seems it’s finally dawning on Californians that running water is a luxury and the phrase ‘on tap’ may soon have different connotations! Word on the street is that we may not have it so easy in as little as 20 years time! Which makes it all the more shocking when I see sprinklers on during the rain or (even worse) when they are aimed incorrectly and end up just giving the sidewalks a good rinsing.
Sadly, I think it is time for us to start snitching – Los Angeles County has set up a Conservation Hotline where you can report your sightings of water wastage. Call (626) 614-2536 or you can go online and fill out a form via this link www.amwater.com/caaw/page24265.html
With Memorial Day almost upon us it is a good time to reflect and remember those who died whilst serving in the armed forces, many fighting to protect our liberty – I’ve noticed that the majority of Angelenos are sometimes less aware of what is going on politically in the rest of the world. I am not quite sure why this is, but I do wonder if it is due to us being on the West Coast, making us slightly disconnected, which enables us to dip in and out of ‘real’ news as and when we choose. It might explain the lack of worry lines – botox gets the credit but perhaps it is just less stressful here?
One of the best ways to celebrate living in a free society is to make sure to do something fun and liberating this weekend – the possibilities in this town are endless. BBQs are still the number one choice for Bank Holidays, although outdoor movie screenings and beach days/pool parties are a close second. If you are looking for something a little different how about MAINOPOLY? This Sunday, May 24th, Main Street in Santa Monica will transform into a kind of Monopoly board. All the restaurants and bars are participating and currency is Mainopoly dollars plus GO TO JAIL beer gardens. This great event benefits Summer Soulstice and Heal the Bay. Visit MainopolySM.com for further details.
Lastly remember to enjoy those around us – I know it sounds a bit clichéd, but Los Angeles is such a transient city. In my 18 years here I have seen people come and go (then occasionally come back for another try) several times – but recently it seems that a lot of mainstays in the British community have packed their bags permanently for Blighty (more water for us!). At this week’s Brits in LA Pub Quiz we bid farewell to LA veteran Michael Legge – quizmasters Sandro and Emilie introduced an honorary round called “Good Bye Michael”- it turned into a really lovely sing-along and a fitting send off, a real ‘knees up in the local’ . It’s moments like that which make me so proud of the community we have all built and I think Michael appreciated our singing efforts too!
Visit us on facebook.com/BritsinLA for info on all our upcoming events or things to do over the long weekend. Lots of great giveaways coming up over the next few weeks, including tickets for Embrace/Starsailor, Russell Howard and the comedy show One Man Breaking Bad, so don’t miss out!
Cheers!
Eileen
