A New Deli Is Open on Abbot Kinney and VNC Holds Neighborhood Watch Event

There's a new deli in Venice on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, GTA. But the real news is that it is reasonably priced, so that  those of us not on Lindsay Lohan's budget can enjoy this one. GTA (Gjelina Take-Away) opened in recent weeks and there was a line going out the door Sunday of people waiting for pizzas, sandwiches and salads, all in the $11 to $12 price range.  GTA was also offering samples of its bread with olive oil. If the bread can be done right, so can the rest of the sandwich! The daily menu is written in marker on brown paper on the counter with regular items and specials. 1437 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For even cheaper eats on the boulevard, head west from GTA and cross California over to Casa Linda. Opened about a year ago, it seems to be the best kept and most affordable secret on the boulevard. It's a Mexican grill operated by the same owners as Venice staple Hal's. The tamales are fabulous, especially the chicken one with Amarillo sauce for only $2.50. 1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Another deli is opening soon at the opposite end of Abbot Kinney Boulevard in the former Equator Bookstore space. Stay tuned for news on that.

The incomparable Gerry Fialka presents a diverse variety of cultural events to the community every week of the month. Fialka started 7 Dudley Cinema, which kicked off its new location last week at and is slated for the first Thursday of each month, in addition to Subversive Cinema on the last Friday of each month. Find out more about those events here. Getting to this week, on the first Tuesday of each month is McLuhan-Finnegan's Wake Reading Club from 6 p.m.  to 8 p.m., with at least two pages of Finnegan's Wake at each meeting. Free. Lloyd Taber Marina del Rey Library, 4533 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey.

On Thursday, join the from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., sponsored by  the Venice Neighborhood Council and Mar Vista Community Council. Meet block captains  and learn how to become one to make your block, and our communities safer, plus meet local police officers, including Capt. Jon Peters. Free. .