Community Corner

Pre-Valentine's Day Activities Abound

The weekend isn't totally dominated by hearts and chocolate – although those things are around if you want to find them.

Some years, Valentine's Day falls on the weekend, and restaurants and bars are filled with doe-eyed lovebirds, comfortable married, and awkward new couples. Not so, this year, when those who have to go out have to do so on Monday.

That won't stop every establishment from adorning itself with pink and red, but it does take some of the pressure off the weekend, and it gives all of us a chance to pick up that perfect, albeit last-minute, gift for our loved ones.

This second weekend of February is predicted to be warm and sunny, with highs in the low 70s out here by the beach.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Friday morning, start your weekend off right with some healthy veggies and fresh air at the . Corporate types, don't despair, the market opens bright and early at 7 a.m.

If you're an – or you want to be – is offering a retreat for you Friday night. From 7:45 to 10 p.m., join other urban priestesses for mediation, yoga and discussion to help release that feminine archetype of stillness, silence and centered presence within you.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

C.A.V.E. gallery is hosting an ,' from 7 to 10 p.m. at their Abbot Kinney location. Two of the show artists, live painting, and three DJs. 

On Saturday, celebrate our local Tree Care Day at Westminster Avenue Elementary. The to "prune, weed, water, mulch and stake our 49+ trees." There will also be a special class on how to get the most production out of your fruit trees. 

Did you know that this is Cat Guy Week? Yep! Celebrate the man-feline bond in your life, and stop by at the corner of Venice and Abbot Kinney boulevards.

And don't forget to swing by the , held monthly on the second Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission goes to support the school's booster club.

Then hit up Whole Foods for the ingredients for the perfect dinner you're planning on Monday, and, for $10, make your own raw chocolate in an hour-long class starting at noon.

Sunday, get your last-minute Valentine's Day gifts, take a walk on the beach, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Got a better idea? Add it to our events listings page here.

Getting a little bit ahead of ourselves and into next week, don't forget that the special election to fill State Senator Jenny Oropeza's seat is Tuesday, Feb. 15. Get thee to a polling station!

The Venice Neighborhood Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday will be held at the Oakwood Rec Center, because Westminster Avenue Elementary is one of the places you can go vote. (See how that all came together?)

Have a great weekend, Venice! As always, you can check out our entire calendar here.


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