>> Laugh about green living at comedian Kristina Wong’s Going Green the Wong Way. The FREE show begins Tue., Sep. 14 at 8 pm at LA’s Comedy Central Workspace, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. RSVP required to 323.960.5519.

>> The next Green Business Networking happens Tue., Sep. 14 from 6 pm – 9 pm at Berkeley Mills, 1330 4th St., Santa Monica. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Earlier: About GBN.

>> Attend a Los Angeles Power Plan workshop to find out and weigh in on the plans to power our city for the next 20 years (or put more wonkily, to find out about the LA DWP’s draft Integrated Resources Plan). Find a workshop near you:

* West L.A. Regional Workshop – Mon., Sep. 13, 6 pm
* South L.A. Regional Workshop – Tue., Sep. 14, 6 pm
* East L.A. Regional Workshop – Wed., Sep. 15, 6 pm
* Harbor Regional Workshop – Mon., Sep. 20, 6 pm
* West Valley Regional Workshop – Wed., Sep. 22, 6 pm

Check the LA Power Plan website for locations and more details.

>> Help stop two ballot measures that could devastate the environment by attending the Green LA Prop 23 & Prop 26 meeting. Learn how you can join the fight against dirty energy at a local level. The meeting begins Thu., Sep. 16 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at the 1st Fl. auditorium of SEIU Local 721, 500 S. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles. RSVP online.

>> Don’t miss the 2010 Sustainable Works Fundraiser, where you’ll get to enjoy great food and drinks, bid on eco auction items, hear funny stuff from the comedian host Jake Johanssen, and support Sustainable Work’s great programs. Cost: $60 online until Mon., 9/13; $75 at the door. Earlier: 2009 Sustainable Works Fundraiser.

>> Enjoy the temporary parks that’ll be popping up all over the city as part of Park(ing) Day LA 2010, when parking spaces are turned into mini parks by community members. Visit the Park(ing) Day LA website to see where a park will be popping up near you — then visit the park itself on Fri., Sep. 17.

>> Take part in a Free Sustainability Summit (PDF) hosted by the Silver Lake Chamber Of Commerce. Attendees will get to choose from 6 different green workshops on a variety of topics. According to the press release, “The workshops, while geared toward small business owners, will also be relevant to city residents and are open to all.” The summit happens Sun., Sep. 19 from 10 am to 1 pm at three locations in walking distance from Sunset Junction.

>> Treehuggers should stop by the Trees R’ Us exhibit opening. The FREE art and event is put together by Vision with a Mission, a group of Hollywood artists concerned about environmental issues. Mix and mingle with fellow treehuggers on Sun., Sep. 19 from 1 pm to 5 pm at Neon Venus Art Theatre, 7023 Melrose Ave., Hollywood.

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As a regular volunteer at KCRW’s pledge drives, I’ve learned an important lesson about fundraising: People are much more likely to part with their money if they get free stuff in exchange. Which is to say that if you’re the type of person who wont take less than a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, a free subscription to Los Angeles magazine, AND entry to at least 3 different sweepstakes for your $50 KCRW pledge, I’ve got a fun do-gooder event you won’t want to miss — The Streetsblog LA Party Re-Launch Fundraiser and Party.

I won’t argue that a lively blog dedicated to complete streets, livable communities, and alternative transportation is essential to L.A. — because you already know that. Instead, I’ll appeal to your selfish side!

In addition to a fun party with delicious food, free drinks, and a chance to hang out with local eco-celebs like Sierra Club leader Darrell Clarke and Move L.A.’s Denny Zane, you’ll get a chance to win a lot of great goods and services from eco-friendly companies at the silent auction! Some goodies you’ll be able to bid on:

>> Two “Start Car-Sharing Today!” packs form LAXCarShare, Los Angeles’ local car-sharing service with locations all over the city.

The two lucky winners will each receive a free application, a free 1-year membership to LAXCarShare, and five hours of free driving. Each pack has an $85 value — and could save you a whole lot more if it gets you to get rid of your car altogether. Plus, LAXCarShare will provide coupons to all attendees! (more about LAXCarShare)

>> A Santa Monica Museum of Art Family Membership Gift Pack, so you and your friends can enjoy this bike-friendly museum’s many cultural events for free all year long.

Combine cycling with art by winning this $300 family membership, which gives you and three friends entry to Members’ Previews, lets you take 4 Emerging Artists Family Workshops free, and gives you a 15% discount at the museum shop, GRACIE. This membership also gives you reciprocal membership at over 270 North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM) museums. Plus, the lucky winner will also take home a Tour da Arts T-shirt, jute reusable tote, and SMMoA ♥ Bikes stickers.

>> A 30-Day Big Blue Bus pass, along with a pass holder lanyard and a 75th anniversary toy Big Blue Bus.

Be one of the first to try out the brand new 30-Day pass from Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus! The passes are so new they won’t actually work until Aug. 29, a few days after the party. A $60 value, this pass will let you ride the Big Blue Bus free as many times as you like for a 30-day period — beginning the first day you use the pass. Avoid the downtown SaMo traffic for the rest of this summer!

>> A Pair of Kigo Shoes, eco-friendly footwear designed for the walker and public transit-taker!

These comfortable, lightweight, foldable shoes keep your feet looking stylish while you’re getting around town car-free. The winner will get to choose between the Kigo Curv or Kigo Edge (right), then pick the size and color of his or her choice. The shoes have a $69.99 value. (a review of Kigo shoes)

>> An eco-friendly haircut or color from SHADES, a green hair boutique in Beverly Hills.

Get your hair did without damaging it with noxious and dangerous chemicals at this inviting, chic boutique. Sip complimentary organic coffee while getting your service at this upscale spot, kept sunny and airy with large skylights. (a review of SHADES; thanks to Ellen Lutwak for coordinating this auction item)

>> Two Bike Design T-shirts from FluffyCo, an eco-friendly lifestyle company in San Francisco.

Whether you’re a group rider who thinks birds of a feather bike together — or lone wolf bike activist who prefers to pedal solo, FluffyCo’s got a comfy, California-made T-shirt for you. Pick between the Bike Flight Tee in asphalt or the Bike Wolf Tee in Teal. Both T-shirts are made of 100 percent cotton, and retail for $30 – $34 each.

>> A Back-to-School Kit from ReBinder, maker of eco-friendly office products.

The kit has a $39.99 value — and contains all the office supplies you need for your next eco-friendly project: two 3 ring binders, two binder replacement covers, six pocket dividers, six pocket folders, six notebooks, six CD sleeves, and three CD cases. (more about ReBinder’s kit)

>> A Bike Mini Wallet from FluffyCo, an eco-friendly lifestyle company in San Francisco.

Go minimalist for the next Midnight Ridazz with this Bike Mini Wallet, which has two interior pockets (one clear to make for easy ID-flashing) and an outside pocket. The essentials-holder was screen-printed on Naugahyde in sunny California and retails for $20.

>> Signed copies of Banana and To See Every Bird on Earth, books by Dan Koeppel, author, local bicycle activist, and founder of Big Parade LA.

Two lucky winners will each get copies of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World and To See Every Bird on Earth: A Father, a Son, and a Lifelong Obsession — perfect books for fruit and bird lovers, or anyone with an interest in reading riveting tales of massacres, suicides, corporate conspiracies, government corruption, and bribery (in the case of Banana) or obsession, personal turmoil, drug abuse, and the search for life’s meaning (in the case of To See). Get a chance to read both, and meet Dan himself at the fundraiser. (a review of Banana)

>> Fresh roasted artisan coffee from Cafecito Organico, so you can get caffeinated with delicious organic, fair trade, locally-roasted coffee.

This coffee’s about as eco-friendly as it gets. In addition to being fairly traded and organic certified, Cafecito Organico coffee’s roasted in small batches by Angel Orozco, long-time supporter of the Bicycle Kitchen and resident of L.A. Eco-Village. Visit the coffee shop in Silver Lake for more.

>> A C.I.C.L.E. “Look Ma… No Gas!” T-shirt, a whimsical top in a medium unisex size.

Show your support for a local pro-bicycle non-profit by wearing this comfortable, silver-gray cotton shirt with its Dr. Seuss-esque illustration — and convince the not-yet-bike-riders to opt for two wheels. The shirt has a $20 value. (more about C.I.C.L.E.)

>> Two Streetsblog LA grab bags, so you can proudly announce to the world that you’ve done your part to create a less car-dependent future for Los Angeles.

Streetsblog fans will have a chance to win two different grab bags. The first, for the fiercely independent, includes a Streetsblog-logo’d T-shirt, water bottle, DVD, ride cards, stickers, and a few more little surprises. The second is for those who prefer to ride as part of a pair — and will include two of everything just mentioned.

More silent auction items to be announced soon! The Streetsblog LA Party Re-Launch Fundraiser and Party happens Wed., Aug. 25 from 7 pm to 11:30 pm at 11555 National Blvd., Los Angeles. Cost: $20 donation online or at the door.

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When trees are replanted in the fire-damaged Angeles National Forest, they will grow to an ethereal moody tune in E-flat minor. That’s an odd way of saying that fans of Imogen Heap can buy a lot with just $1 today: A brand new unique track from the Grammy-winning British musician — along with the happy knowledge that your money’s going towards mountain restoration efforts in the Angeles National Forest.

That track was created live on June 12 at the Greek Theather in Los Angeles, where Imogen Heap put her improvisational skills towards helping out local nonprofit TreePeople. Fans decided — by the loudness of their cheers — the key, meter, and tempo for Imogen Heap’s latest piece. Then the artist put the votes to sound — creating a track in E-flat minor — in 4/4 at 152.55 bpm.

Listen to the track free online — then pay a buck to download it before Sep. 8. The dollar gets you both the edited 3:49 track and the longer unedited version that lets you hear how Imogen Heap and her audience went about setting the track’s musical parameters. For music nerds, it is really kind of exciting hear people get excited enough to scream in support of their favorite musical meter! TreePeople will use your money to restore the Angeles National Forest, burned badly during our “annual wildfire tradition.”

Imogen Heap’s charity efforts aren’t limited to L.A. She did this improvisation thing throughout her Ellipse World Tour, pairing each new track with a local charity. The fundraising goal for the tour is $54,353, but each track-location has its own goal too. Currently, L.A.’s only raised $890 of its $5,870 goal — so start downloading now!

Photo via charity.imogenheap.com

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>> Enjoy free treats from local eco-cooks at Menu Minuet! Part of the Farmers Market Quarterly Panel Series at the Santa Monica library, this event will feature a panel with the chefs and foodies behind Akasha, Campanile, Coleman Family Farm, and Weiser Faimly Farms — moderated by LA Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold. Yummies will be served post panel. Be there tonight, Thurs., May 6 from 7 pm – 9 pm at the MLK, Jr. Auditorium of the Santa Monica Main Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.

>> Go to West Side Green Drinks to mingle with fellow environmentalist over organic Frey wine tonight, Thurs., May 6, from 7 pm – 10 pm at The Green Life, 2409 Main St., Santa Monica.

>> The 7th Annual Alt Build Expo invites all to check out more than 150 exhibitors featuring green building materials, water conservation products, energy efficient gadgets, and a whole lot more. There’ll be speakers, demos, mini classes, and more on topics ranging from green gardens to government rebates. Yes, a free bike valet will take care of your bike; drive, and you’ll be out $8. The FREE event happens Fri., May 7 and Sat., May 8 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica.

>> Long Beach Bicycle Festival happens all weekend, featuring everything from Fixed Gear Fest contests to a CYCLESTYLE Fashion Show to a bike film festival and a lot more. Check the schedule to seen when the events you’re interested in are happening, then head to downtown Long Beach Fri., May 7 to Sun., May 9 to ride and enjoy.

>> Start your day with fair trade coffee, tea, or bloody mary, because May 8 is World Fair Trade Day!

>> The Great L.A. River Cleanup happens this Sat., May 8 from 9 am to noon at 14 locations around the city! Get up early to get cleaning with your fellow Angelenos (via LA Creek Freak). Earlier: A Pictorial ode to the L.A. River.

>> The Santa Monica Festival. With the theme “Engaging Culture – Renewing Community” this year, the FREE zero-waste festival will feature musical and dance performances on two stages, hands-on upcycling workshops, an “Eco Zone” featuring green organizations, a global cafe with international food, and my favorite — a Human Library where you can check out “living books” — a.k.a. knowledgeable humans — to learn from. Yes, there will be free bike valet. The fun happens Sat., May 8 from 11 am – 6 pm at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica.

>> Celebrate National Train Day at Union Station by checking out a National Park Service Trails & Rails Exhibit, an AmtraKids Depot Go-Green Express: Eco Exhibit, model train displays, culinary demos, and more. The free festivities happen Sat., May 8, from 11 am to 4 pm at Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles.

>> Kali Klub, which bills itself as LA’s first “Conscious Nightclub,” combines everything from electronic and hip hop to “ecstatic chant” to raw organic food and drinks. There’ll be music, art, and clothing and jewelry vendors at the next event happening May 8 at Out of Asia, 3249 La Cienega, Culver City. The event sounds a little out there for me, but if you’re into it, tickets cost $20 each.

Image via AltBuild Expo

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When environmentalists talk bicycle friendly cities, Amsterdam always comes up as the city to be envied. Well, Long Beach wants to become the most bicycle friendly city in America — the Amsterdam of California, so to speak, and is working hard to follow Holland’s footsteps. In fact, the Southern California will celebrate the Long Beach Bicycle Festival from May 7 to May 9 — complete with a film festival featuring a documentary that connects Long Beach to Amsterdam: Riding Bikes with the Dutch.

The headlining film of the festival, Riding Bikes with the Dutch — the brainchild of Long Beach resident and filmmaker Michael Bauch — highlights not high-speed bike racing or flashy bike maneuvers, but everyday cycling as a convenient, healthy, and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

In addition to the film fest, the Long Beach Bike Festival will feature everything from Fixed Gear Fest contests to a CYCLESTYLE Fashion Show. Bicyclists and the bike-curious will get to race in a Bike Push/Pull event, play bicycle polo, take a 30 mile “see cruise” ride around Long Beach, bid on bike-centric art works created by artists at the Plein Air Bicycle Painting event — and enjoy general festivities and merrymaking with food, music, bike-friendly vendors, and more.

The Long Beach Bicycle Festival celebrates and reinforces all the cyclist-friendly initiatives happening in the city, which has been making news with its recent bike-friendly initiatives. Earlier this year, the L.A. Times reported on how city’s “raised $17 million in state and federal grants to improve its bike system through traffic improvements, education and bike share programs.” The city even celebrated Earth Day by creating 2 additional miles of bike lanes.

Jealous that Long Beach gets its own bike film festival? Don’t despair — The next international Bicycle Film Festival will be in Los Angeles again before you know it.

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