Monday, 6/23/97 Entertainment beyond UCLA RECREATION: Westwood,
surrounding cities boast of several fun attractions
By Marilyn King Daily Bruin Contributor Although Los Angeles may
seem to be nothing more than movie theaters and clubs, it is
actually home to fun and interesting places to spend the relaxing
days of summer. Students new to UCLA are often unaware of the
different attractions available to them, but fun and exciting
places are plentiful right here in Westwood and the surrounding
communities. For starters, everyone has the benefit of having
Westwood Village to enjoy. Because it is within walking distance of
UCLA, students do not have to be concerned with the dilemma of
transportation. The village is a four-by-four-block stretch of
clothing, speciality and novelty stores, restaurants and movie
theaters. Westwood bookstores are popular hang-outs for students to
study, relax and engage in book discussions. Located down Westwood
Boulevard at the corner of Pico, Barnes and Noble is holding
various book readings in July. For students interested in
filmmaking, Alexis Krasilovsky, a pioneering camerawoman, will hold
a book signing and discussion of her book, "Women Behind the
Camera,"on July 13. Barnes and Noble will also hold an event called
"Creating the Internet" on July 12 at 2:30 p.m. For museum lovers,
there are museums in the area that broaden and stimulate the mind.
The Armand Hammer Museum on the corner of Wilshire and Westwood
boulevards contains varying art exhibits. Showing through June 29
is an exhibit called "Picturing Childhood." It contains more than
300 illustrated books from 1550 to 1990. The books include pop-ups,
fantasies and childhood depictions. A candid exhibit called "Pun
Intended" features 48 lithographs from different photographers.
Every Friday night at the Armand Hammer Courtyard is the Jazz
Series for those interested in jazz music and dance. In addition to
the various attractions in Westwood Village, neighboring areas are
also abundant with places to relax, shop and enjoy shows and
exhibits. Westside Pavilion is an elaborate mall which contains
famous department, retail and specialty stores. Unlike nearby
Westwood Village, a trip to the Pavilion requires a ride on the
Santa Monica Bus Line. Santa Monica is a lively place as well with
its famous beach, stores and shops. The 3rd Street Promenade is an
outdoor plaza composed of different stores and shops, which
stretches out for about four blocks. The Promenade is a pedestrian
walkway, a rarity in Los Angeles. It has beach stores, novelty
shops, street vendors, restaurants and movies. Adjacent to the
parking structure on the corner of 4th Street is a traditional
indoor mall called Santa Monica Place. Containing stores, retailers
and a food court, it is a great hangout near the beach. It is also
accessible through the Santa Monica Blue Bus Line. Lastly, since
summertime is a hot season and everyone likes to "get wet," Santa
Monica is the place to go for a fabulous beach. Adjacent to 3rd
Street Promenade is the Santa Monica Pier. The pier offers
amusement rides and arcade games, surrounded by the sway of the
tide throughout the day. For fresh produce and flowers, the popular
Farmer’s Market will be open every Wednesday from 9:30 to 3 p.m.
and Saturday from 8:30 to 2 p.m. on Main St. and Ocean Park. For
those interested in comedy, Santa Monica Pier will host two weekly
events. Upfront Comedy features writers from "The Second City,"
"Saturday Night Live," and "Comedy Central." There is an age limit,
though – attendees have to be 21 or over. Comedy Jam, which uses
improvisation from the audience, will be held on the pier every
Wednesday at 8 p.m. Pacific Park in Santa Monica also will hold
events during the summer. The Twilight Dance Series will be held
every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Also in the park, Santa Monica will
host theme days, with daily events. Fiesta Friday, which will
include Mexican food and a Mariachi band, is among the themes
celebrated. Previous Daily Bruin Story ‘Renaissance’ transforms
Village, March 2, 1995