Tomorrow promises to be a yummy Saturday. Plan now to take advantage of the fruit tree giveaway and FungiFest!

First, the fruity news: Echo Park residents (yes, you must be an Echo Park resident) get free fruit trees tomorrow! According to Eric Garcetti’s blog, apple, peach, plum, apricot, nectarine and orange trees will be given out between 2 pm – 5 pm at Delilah Bakery, 1665 Echo Park Ave.

Reserve a tree now by emailing  EPIAmail@yahoo.com or by calling 323.882.4835 with your name, phone number, and desired tree type — or just show up and hope unreserved trees are left for your taking.

Second: Fungi news! Mushroom lovers can head over to the Machine Project for the kickoff event for FungiFest 2010, whose fun activities and yummies include:

Mushroom collecting tutorial, screening of mushroom-themed short films, mushroom flavored gelato from Scoops, chanterelle schnapps, slime mold racing and more!

The event begins at 8 pm at the Machine Project, 1200 D N. Alvarado, Los Angeles. I just called the Machine Project to confirm that reservations aren’t necessary, though would-be fungi eaters are advised to arrive early as seats will very likely run out.

FungiFest events will continue all week, with mushroom dancing, mushroom music, mushroom films, mushroom walks, mushroom mystery guests, and more happening across the city. At all events you’re welcome, but not required, to bring foraged mushrooms. Get more details at the Machine Project’s FungiFest page.

And don’t forget about all the other fun green events happening this weekend!

Photo via the Machine Project

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>> Free the staircase! Dan Koeppel, author of Banana and Big Parade LA founder, reports that the Effie/Mohawk stairs in Echo Park have been suddenly gated:

There are over 20 closed stairways in Los Angeles; a few may have been legitimately shuttered, but others have clearly been appropriated by private individuals….

I’ve been asked – several times – why simply going up to one of these stairways and opening it DIY-style isn’t an option. The answer is simple: legally, stairs are public streets in Los Angeles. They should be maintained and respected the same as any street. The city has a responsibility to keep these thoroughfares open, and prevent them from being taken private, just as it does any residential street that happens – by quirk of fate and history – to also accommodate non-pedestrian traffic.

L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti’s office is investigating this gate issue; contact his office to press the case to free the staircase for the public.

>> Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s taking on the draft L.A. Bicycle Master Plan, discussing a motion to ask for a more bike-friendly bike plan. Get the details at LAist, then get to the meeting TONIGHT at 7 pm at the Micheltorena School Auditorium, 1511 Micheltorena St., Los Angeles. Earlier: L.A. Bicycle Master Plan.

>> You now have until January to submit your comments about the L.A. Bicycle Plan, BTW. Not sure where to start? Here’s what the L.A. County Bicycle Coalition had to say about the plan.

Photo by Dan Koeppel

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