Project Ropa Clothing Drive

Yes, it's Project Ropa time again!  Project Ropa is the amazing org that brings clothes and other personal items TO homeless folks in need.  They literally drive up to encampments or shelters, open up their van and let folks "shop" for what they need. 

We have been collaborating with Project Ropa for years.  It's a great partnership because so many of us live in a consumption society where we buy and have more than we need or can ever wear.  Project Ropa takes that excess and shares it with folks who really need it.

This go around the MOBILE COLLECTION VAN (which is really just my sister's big car, will be in Sherman Oaks.) All you need to do is bring your stuff during the hours below, put them in the van, and we take them to Project Ropa.

Please make sure that all the clothes are CLEAN and GENTLE USED.  That means no stains, no rips, nothing you wouldn't give your own kid to wear.  They also really need NEW underwear and socks.

Oh, and no kids stuff.  LARGE sizes are preferable.  

ITEMS NEEDED:

Men's pants

Men's sneakers

Men's hoodies

Men's shorts

Men's belts

Men's t-shirts

Men's underwear (new)

Women's t-shirts

Travel-size hygiene products

Granola bars

Water bottles

Individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper

Baseball hats

 Project Ropa Clothing Drive
** New or gently used clothes only **

Wednesday, July 9

10:00 am - noon

Peggy's House

4627 Worster Ave, Sherman Oaks

Questions? Email hangoutdogood@gmail.com

Backyard Lunch Making

We just did one of these -- and made 200 lunches! -- but HoFoCo has asked us to do it again.  With so many people traveling for the 4th of July weekend, the Coalition is worried they won’t have enough lunches for everyone. So…

 … Sunday, July 6th at 10am, we are meeting at my house to make another 200.  If you are in town, please come and help.  [I can totally see me and Pegah doing 200 by ourselves – and it being fine, but not that fun.]   

Here’s how it works: sign up below to bring a bunch of one item.  On Sunday, July 6th bring yourself and your item to our backyard and help decorate and make lunches.  It takes us about 1.5 hours.

Is it just me, or does making lunch for strangers seems like the ultimate in patriotism?  Come be a true patriot. 

BACKYARD LUNCH MAKING
SUNDAY, JULY 6
10am
153 S. Norton Ave


All welcome -- KID Friendly (But not dogs)
Sign up, Bring Something for lunches,
Make and Decorate together!

GROCERY GANG DROP-OFF

Come participate in our monthly grocery drop-off!

The HODG Grocery Gang buys groceries from a list of non perishable items and drops them off to one of our homes by the 10th of every month. Groceries are then delivered to formerly unhoused folks living in PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) run by a non-profit called A Community of Friends. The groceries go to two of their buildings: one on Gower and the other on Hudson — where clients live and make their own meals.

If you’d like to participate - please email Pegah at: hangoutdogood@gmail.com

FYI for newcomers: You do NOT need to buy everything on this list.

You can purchase whatever you’d like for either 1 person = 1 bag or as many as you’d like.

Drop off/Instacart is by the 10th of every month before noon.

THE GROCERY GANG SHOPPING LIST

Chicken/Tuna Creations (ready to eat package-starkist)

Canned fruit/cups

Canned beans

Canned vegetables

Bag of rice

Breakfast Cereal

Crackers

Oatmeal- instant pouches 

Grits- pouches

Jam/Jelly

Peanut Butter

Hamburger Helper

Pasta

Granola Bars

Apple Sauce

Juice Boxes (eg: Capri Sun)

Milk (Boxed, shelf)

HODG Learning Series: Rudy Espinoza and Doug Smith from Inclusive Action

I have been a fan of Inclusive Action since 2017 when I heard its ED, Rudy Espinoza on KPCC talking about the mission, which is to provide financial capital and support to micro-businesses in underserved communities.  That's my phrasing, not theirs. 

All you need to know is that in the last 5 years or so, Inclusive Action has deployed over $5 million dollars in microgrants and microloans to street vendors and and small businesses in LA.  They are the ones who raised money for gardeners and nannies and pool cleaners during the wildfires.  They are now the ones raising money for street vendors and other immigrant laborers who can't work because of ICE attacks.

Inclusive Action is also part of a lawsuit against the Federal Gov't having to do with I-10 forms, which are tax forms for folks who are not eligible for a social security number but need a a US tax payer number to pay taxes because YES, NON-CITIZENS PAY TAXES --to the tune of $95 BILLION in 2022.  Up until now those I-10 forms have been private but now ICE and Trump want those forms to be released so they can get the addresses of these folks and terrorize them in their homes.  Like they are doing all over LA right now.  Inclusive Action is fighting this in the courts. 

The ED of Inclusive Action Rudy Espinoza and the Policy and Legislative Strategist Doug Smith are joining HODG on Monday night to share their work and see if there are ways HODG can collaborate.  

Please come.  This is an organization that does incredible work.  I love them and really want to introduce them to you.  

** This is part of HODG's Educational Series, where we invite people who are doing great work in the community to teach us about the issues they are focused on.  If there are people or orgs who you want to introduce to HODG, please let us know by emailing hangoutdogood@gmail.com 

-Jen

HODG Learning Zoom with Rudy Espinoza
and Doug Smith from Inclusive Action

Monday, June 30

7:00pm

Zoom

Marissa Roy Meet & Greet

As I've written before, I'm not a fan of our current City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein Soto, who killed a homeless housing development in Venice (the Venice Dell) after people had been working on it for almost a decade, and the city council had okayed it.  That's why I am excited to get to know Marissa Roy, who's running against Hydee in 2026.   

Marissa was at last week's Newcomer's breakfast -- which was amazing!  if you are a newcomer which means you've never been to a HODG event, email Pegah at hangoutdogood@gmail.com and tell her you want to come to the next one -- Marissa was there to hear about HODG, not talk policy, so I don't know a ton about where she stands on the issues.  But I will tell you that she is delightful.  She is also a Deputy Attorney General, and has been a Deputy City Attorney.  Also, as outside counsel for LA County she's beaten Trump as part of legal actions to protect sanctuary cities, defend DACA recipients, and fight the inhumane treatment of immigrants seeking asylum.  

Look, I know there are sexier races than City Attorney, but this is as important as the rest of them.  It's one that affects the every day lives of Angelenos. So please, come over and meet Marissa.  She could be the answer we've been waiting for.  

Meet & Greet
with
MARISSA ROY
(candidate for LA City Atty)

Sunday, June 29
4:00pm

153 S. Norton Ave.

FREE
All are welcome!

HODG Santa Cruz June Grill & Quill

Join HODG Santa Cruz for a summer BBQ, celebrating community and taking civic action.

Come grill, chill, and get out your quill – we’re writing our representatives on hot topics like illegal deportations, free speech, environmental protection, and equal rights. Potluck style. RSVP here.

Help us grow our group! Share with a friend or two! 

HODG Santa Cruz

June Grill & Quill

Sunday, June 29

1:00pm - 3:00pm

in Seabright (RSVP for location)

Backyard Lunch Making

Whether you are a member of the LA Giving Circle (which is our giving circle that is associated with The States Project, and raises money for state legislators) or not, please join HODG and The State Project this weekend as we gather in the backyard and make Lunches together.

We’ve done this many times before.  In fact, it’s out of similar events that our Lunch Drive developed.  It’s super fun, and family friendly.  All you have to do is sign up to bring a bunch of one item (20 mandarins or 50 bags of chips… etc.) then show up on Sunday morning and join our assembly line as we decorate bags, make sandwiches and put together 200+ Lunches.

These lunches will be taken to the Hollywood Food Coalition, where they will be distributed to 20 - 40 organizations who feed food insecure folks.

As far as The State Project, you won’t be asked to do anything except maybe listen to what we are up to, and how you can participate now, or next year.

BACKYARD LUNCH-MAKING with THE STATE PROJECT 

Sunday, June 19

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave 

Bring friends, family – kids are welcome – but no dogs (sorry, they eat the food!)

LA River Field Trip

LA never ceases to surprise.  Right there, winding through the ugly sprawl is a fricking river!  Full of ducks and pelicans, and herons – yes, I’ve become a bird person in my old age – and also lined with delightful parks and restaurants (Spokes, anyone?!)  This weekend FOLAR – the Friends of The LA RIVER – is offering a guided walk along this weirdly beautiful ecosystem.

Studies show that being in nature is good for us.  Reduces stress.  Improves our mood and sex life, and is a powerful tool for healing.  Ok, I may have added the part about sex, but you get the point, and I bet it's true. 

I've been talking to my peeps and they are all feeling the intense stress of the world.  I bet you and yours are too.  An LA RIVER WALK is a fun, family-friendly way to counter that.  Orgy to follow.  Kidding!  It was just a stupid call back... nevermind.

LA RIVER FIELD TRIP with FOLAR 

Saturday, June 21

10am - 11:30am

Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park

2944 Gleneden St, LA CA 90039

$10 for non-members to register

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

No Kings Rally

June 14th is another NATIONWIDE Day of Defiance. Why? Because it's Trump's bday and he is throwing a $45million military parade for himself. I am not kidding.  

Now, I know many of you are wondering "what does this do...?"  "does showing up matter..?" I have asked a lot of smart people that question recently -- people who have been studying authoritarianism for a long long time -- people like Tim Snyder, and Eric Ward, and Mark Dunkelman (if you don't know who those guys are, look them up.).  -- and they all all all have the same answer.  Protests matter.  Showing up matters.  Pageantry matters.  When you are fighting tyranny.  But not for the reasons you think.  

Does Trump care that we are gathering?  Not a bit.  But other people on our side do!  Elected officials care.  They see us out there and it gives them some wind in their sails or more accurately, some spine in their spine.  Also, your friends see you out there, and they start thinking, hmmm...  maybe I should go out there too.  And the movement starts to grow and grow, and the protesters start doing other things like making demands of the people in power. 

It is illegal to protest in a lot of place.  It's not illegal here.  Yet.  So get out there.  We need you.  Before it's too late.  

** The protest is happening in DTLA (at least the big one is -- there will be others). A group of us is coming up with a plan to meet beforehand, and take the metro.  Please reach out and let us know if you want to join. 

No Kings Rally

Saturday, June 14
10am - 2pm PDT

LA City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Downtown Los Angeles

Meeting Place:

153 S. Norton Ave (Larchmont)

at 9:30am on Sat 6/14

We will walk together 5-6 blocks to the metro station and take the metro downtown.

Want to join? Email:
hangoutdogood@gmail.com

HODG Movie Night

HODG has a whole lotta buckets.  There’s the lefty politics bucket.  The do-goodery bucket.  The education bucket.  But more and more these days we need to pull out and start filling the Community-Building Bucket.  

That’s what this action is. Community Building. 

Connecting. Hanging out.  No politics.  No do-gooding for others.  This time we are do-gooding for ourselves!

And we're doing it in Marissa’s backyard – she has a stellar outdoor movie situation – on Friday June 13 at 8pm.  Yes, it’s Friday the 13th and we considered showing a scary movie, but reality is scary enough these days, so we decided to go the other way and show the happiest, funniest, sweetest movie we could think of.  We hope you agree with our choice.  (If you don’t, I don’t know if we can still be friends.)

Popcorn and candy will obviously be served.  (If you want real food, eat beforehand.)

HODG MOVIE NIGHT

presents

THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Friday, June 13

8:00pm

Marissa’s Backyard
243 N. Lucerne, LA 90004

Bring a friend. But not your dog.

RSVP so we know how many chairs,
and how much popcorn to make! 

Meet & Greet with Esther Kim Varet

The Dems only need to flip 3 seats to win back the House and block some of this insanity. That's why I am coming at you early with this. Esther Kim Varet is running against Young Kim down in the OC.  Young Kim has been like teflon against us, but she has -- I think -- met her match in Esther. 

Here's what I know about Esther.  3 people from totally different parts of my world have reached out to me about her so she is well-connected.  This is her first campaign, but she runs a bunch of art galleries in LA -- and now in OC -- so she is a hustler who knows how to get shit done.  She's a Korean woman and so nullifies one of the few things Kim had going for her in the district.  Oh, and she's a democrat.  That's about it.  But I want to know more.  And I am thinking you might want to know more too. 

I explained to Esther and her finance people, that HODG is not about big money fundraising.  We need a $25 ticket option, and honestly I don't think anyone should pay anything before meeting a candidate.  Especially a newbie.  So...  just come.  If you love her, great, give her some $.  If you don't, or if you don't have money to spare these days, great.   

Also, I am personally hosting this, rather than HODG.  That's because a bunch of folks in HODG thought it was too early to start meeting candidates.  Maybe they're right.  I don't know.  But I wanted to meet her. And I figured you would too.   

Meet & Greet with ESTHER KIM VARET
(Dem Candidate, US Congress in CA-40)

TUESDAY, June 10
6pm - 8pm
153 S. Norton Ave, LA 90004

More info about Esther here

RSVP through link below, or email me at jentwelve@gmail.com

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

HODG Newcomer Breakfast

HODG always has so much stuff going on. It’s easy to be overwhelmed or confused.  Especially for folks who are new.  That’s why we've put together a “newcomer breakfast,”  where we’ll actually explain things. Like what HODG stands for – do you know?!  How it got started? All the different actions and teams you can join. We’ll also answer any questions you have.  And we'll  ask some of our own – like why haven’t you shown up before? And what can we do to make things easier, or more enticing? 

Note: This gathering is for folks who have never been to a HODG event before.  If you joined HODG yesterday.  Or signed up 5 years ago.  But for whatever reason – and we want to learn what they are! – you've never found your way to Norton.  Now is your chance!  Please don't miss it!
 

HODG’s NEWCOMER BREAKFAST

Saturday, June 2

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave

For members who have never been to a HODG event before.

You must RSVP to attend

Bake a Cake for Pride Coffee Hour

Our pals at The Center in Hollywood have put in a special request for support of their Pride Coffee Hour in June. Any and all baked treats welcome, not limited to cakes/cupcakes, and Pride-themed decorations encouraged! 

DELIVERY WINDOW: Wednesday, June 4th, anytime between 8:30am - 4pm (the actual event is the next day, Thursday June 5th from 9-11am)

NEEDED ITEMS: Baked treats can include cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, rainbow rice krispie treats, etc., all welcome!   

Bake a Cake for Pride Coffee Hour

Drop-Off: Wednesday, June 4

Between 8:30am - 4:00pm

The Center in Hollywood 
6636 Selma Avenue, LA 90028 

LEARNING SERIES

Register to join our next HODG Learning Series:

Sarah Jakle, Founder & Exec. Director of DemocraShe

Join us to learn how to take the mental health research for brains going through extreme adversity and use it to help us regulate and take action under authoritarianism.

The Training:

Led by Sarah Jakle, Founder & Executive Director of DemocraShe, a nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers historically underserved high school girls to be our future leaders, voters, civically engaged citizens and elected leaders. Leveraging the pioneering curriculum she developed for DemocraShe, Sarah will share how we, as activists, can use self-compassion as a fierce source of strength, combat our inner critic voices, and self-regulate at key moments of inflection when we most need to stand up to the pushback and use our voices. DemocraShe has a radical premise: that we deserve to protect our inner lives in these unprecedented times, and we can borrow from trauma research to help return to our authentic selves faster when we get triggered. Heather Cox Richardson says "Authoritarianism feeds on anger and despair, and we fight it with communities of joy.” Let’s come together in a community that learns practices of joy drawn from brain research and how we can harness these practices to sustain ourselves and make change in the world. Sarah's Background:

Sarah Jakle is the Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe. Previously, she served as the Get Out The Vote Director for the California National Organization for Women and as the National Outreach Director for Field Team 6, leading efforts in the 2020 election through mobilizing women and innovative voter registration. Prior to politics, Sarah worked in direct service work with the unhoused community dealing with mental illness in Los Angeles. Sarah has a Bachelors from Yale (Phi Beta Kappa), a Masters in Social Work from USC and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA. She was a Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action and a Board Member for Urban Partner Los Angeles. The training will be interactive and last 90 minutes.
 

HODG Learning Series:

Sarah Jakle, Founder & Exec. Director of DemocraShe

Join us to learn how to take the mental health research for brains going through extreme adversity and use it to help us regulate and take action under authoritarianism.

Monday, June 2, 2025

7pm - 8:30pm

ZOOM

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR OUR YOUTH

Calling all bakers!

HODG is teaming up with My Friend’s Place and The Center in Hollywood to provide cakes for their monthly birthday celebrations. MFP and The Center help youth and adults who are experiencing homelessness move toward wellness, stability and self-sufficiency— and birthday cakes are a little “slice” of joy we can help provide.

Please sign up here if you’re interested in participating.

You don’t need to be an expert baker to join in! Whether from scratch or from a box or even from the bakery down the street, we just need seven or eight cakes (or cupcakes equivalent) to offer 60-100 servings for the guests of My Friend’s Place and The Center each month.

You can email lorettaramos@gmail.com for more info.

Thank you so much!

Team HODG

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!

Polluters Pay Bill Rally

Have you heard of California’s Polluters Pay bill (SB 684 and AB 1243) that’s currently making its way through the gauntlet that is the CA state legislature? It basically aims to hold major fossil fuel companies financially accountable – ie makes them pay! – for all the damage they’ve caused to the environmental and public health due to their role in climate change. All the money collected would be used to help communities recover and prepare for future climate impacts. 

A bunch of our elected officials are still on the fence about supporting the bill. One of those officials is Assemblymember Rick Zbur. Which is why HODG’s CLIMATE TEAM is joining Climate Reality Project (Al Gore's org)  outside of Zbur's office in West Hollywood to hold a rally and ask him to commit to voting yes on AB 1243.

Look, the truth is more complicated than I make it sound.  Zbur actually voted for the bill the first time around. But now, he is apparently getting pressure from labor unions to vote it down. I should also mention that the majority of Zbur’s campaign funding – $672,000! – came from unions. Why are unions against this bill? My very lame understanding is that they’re worried that the increased financial burden on fossil fuel companies could result in job losses for unionized workers. And hey, that is important. But when weighed against all the damage our state’s endured -- and will endure in the future --  because of climate change, I choose our environment over jobs. So Zbur won't commit to a yes. And the reason why we care is that Zbur is on the 10 person Judiciary Committee which is where the bill is sitting right now.

If you feel similarly, if holding fossil fuel companies responsible for the damage – and existential threat –  their product causes sounds like an idea worth pursuing, then please join me and Polly and the rest of the team at this rally.  The more voices the better! 

Oh, and fyi – New York and Vermont already have Polluters Pay bills just like this.  (Yes, California’s supposed to be at the forefront of climate and environmental legislature, but clearly we are just catching up!) 

Hey RICK ZBUR, SAY YES TO CALIFORNIA'S POLLUTERS PAY BILL: 
A RALLY

WEDNESDSAY, MAY 21

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Assembly Member Rick Zbur's Office, 1445 N Stanley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA

MORE DETAILS HERE

RSVP to Polly: pollymorf9@gmail.com 

(option to meet at Polly's and carpool together: 134 South Van Ness Ave)  

Earthjustice Webinar

Candice Youngblood, the Earthjustice lawyer who spoke to us at the last HODG Shabbat, is inviting us all to a webinar hosted by the LA County Electric Truck and Bus Coalition to learn how we can use the Olympics to accelerate the overdue transition to electric buses in LA. 

Ok, I am sure you are thinking, Electric Truck and Bus Coalition? You have got to be kidding. I am way too cool for that!  No, I'm not kidding.  And no, you're not too cool. 

Electrifying buses is a critical step towards getting rid of unhealthy air pollution.  So if you're talking about cool -- nothing's cooler than that.  The thing is, LA Metro has not been delivering.  The LA 2028 Olympics actually provides us with the opportunity to advocate for public transportation that is cleaner and will create good, local jobs for working families.  

Also, when Earthjustice tells me to do something, I do it.  So should we all! 

ELECTRIC BUSES by 2028!!

A Webinar with Earthjustice & 

LA County Electric Truck & Bus Coalition

Tuesday, May 20

6:30pm PT
ONLINE

HODG Climate Team Postcarding

Did you know that HODG has a CLIMATE TEAM?  Well, we do!  And they are putting on their first CLIMATE TEAM EVENT and they want us all to come!  They will share what their plans are with the team, to see if any of you want to join!  Then we will get started with a  hands-on project – something to do with MILKWEED SEEDS!! – and writing postcards to our elected officials about specific Climate related issues and bills.  

It should be a delightful, fun and educational morning.  But it won’t be half as good if you aren’t there with us!

A MORNING with HODG’s CLIMATE TEAM

Sunday May 18

10am - noon

Polly’s Backyard

134 S. Van Ness 

Larchmont VILLAGE, 90004

Home Helpers

On May 17, HODG is joining My Friends Place (MFP) – a drop-in center for homeless teens in Hollywood – with their WELCOME HOME HELPERS project. Lemme explain.

Recently, MFP has focused more and more on helping young people find and move into permanent housing.  When these kids transition off the streets, many are lacking the basic basic necessities to set up a comfortable space to call their own. From sheets and pillows to dish towels and cutlery, Welcome Home Helpers assists the youth in turning their space into a home. 

HODG is looking forward to joining My Friends Place in providing these essentials for ONE new home for one of their youth.  We would love you to join us.  Here’s how:
 

a. Go to the LINK BELOW and sign up for the items you will be purchasing or donating.  Most should be new – like bedding and towels – but if there is something else that is $$ and you have one that is gently used, bring it.

b. Bring your items to my house on Saturday May 17 at 10 am – no, you cannot just amazon the stuff to us.  We want to hang with you in person.  We will also be hearing about the work MFP is doing.  

c. Any questions, reach out to Pegah at hangoutdogood@gmail.com

ITEMS NEEDED:

Cooking Utensil Set (4-5 piece set)
Can opener
Silverware Setting for 4
Knife Set (8-12 piece)
Plates/Bowl/Cups setting for 4
Dish Towels (Pack of 4-6)
Mop (1)
Broom + Dustpan
Vacuum 
Kitchen Trash Can
Toaster
Microwave
Toilet Paper (24 pack)
Floor Lamp
2 regular size Pillows (New)
2 Twin size sheet sets (flat/fitted/pilow case) (New). 
2 Blankets (New)
Comforter (New)
Hangers (12 pack)
Laundry Detergent
Flat Screen TV
Glass Cleaner
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
All purpose cleaner
Dish Soap
Dish Drying Rack
Sponges
Paper Towel (8 pack)
Toilet Bowl Brush
Cleaning Cloths (6-12)

WELCOME HOME HELPERS PROJECT

with HODG + My Friend’s Place

Saturday, May 17th

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave

Bring your items!

Stay to learn more about MFP

All are welcome.

WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH OUTREACH SNACK BAGS

To sign up, please reach out to Melissa: mel7valencia@gmail.com

We have 2 teams, so each person will be doing dinner bags twice a month (every other Wednesday.) Dinner bags will be given to Covenant House and My Friend’s Place.

Details:

• Please provide 10 Youth Outreach Bags

• Shelf stable items to pack in each bag and examples of the protein items to include:

• Beverage: Juice Box or bottle of water

• Fruit cup (include spoon) or Apple Sauce squeeze

• Bag of chips

• Granola Bar

• Cookies

• Napkin

• Pick one of the below for protein:

• Tuna/Chicken Lunch to-go kit OR Beef Jerky+ Crackers

If you’d like to include anything else (masks, chapsticks, etc.) you are more than welcome to, but the list is the essentials that we’d like included in each bag. Please no cash (this actually endangers folks and makes them targets.) Each bag should contain one of each item listed, except the protein items - include either tuna or chicken kit or jerky+crackers.

Please DROP OFF BY 12 PM to Helen’s House: 611 Lilian Way, 90004

Mother’s Day Backyard Lunch Making

Looking for the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day morning? This is it!  Hanging out in the backyard with friends and family – enjoying coffee and donuts – and making bagged lunches together.  This is a perfect event for kids off all ages. (Kids who are too young to make sandwiches etc, can decorate or fill the bags!)

 These lunches will be going to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights LA (CHIRLA).  

 Sign up at the LINK below to bring an item.  Note: we are making TURKEY + CHEESE sandwiches ONLY.  

 (If you aren’t in the position to be supplying food for others, come anyway.  We always ned help!)

MOTHER’S DAY with HODG 

BACKYARD LUNCH MAKING 

SUNDAY, MAY 11

10am - noon

153 S. Norton Ave 

Kids welcome.  Dogs, not so much.

HODG West Los Angeles Kick-Off Event

It’s only taken 8 years, but it’s finally happening!  No more long drives to the east side.  No more missing every HODG shabbat because of traffic.  Introducing: HODG: WestLA!!

 This WED eve – May 7th – is our big KICK-OFF event.  If you are on the west side and want to get in on the ground floor, please join us!  The amazing Alison Rou is spear-heading, along with Loren Segan, but they need more help!  Not for this event – they have that covered – but they need a squad of westsiders to help build this thing.  

 I know. I know.  You all think you are too busy.  You are not!  None of this takes a lot of time.  And you get back so so much more than you put in.   Also, for those of you with kids still at home, your kids will take note.  They will even start to – gasp – admire you!  (Imagine that!)  Oh, and one last thing – even if you don’t know Alison and Loren yet, trust me, they are amazing.  Also this isn’t the kind of thing you want to do just with the people you know.  It’s a great way to widen your circle and meet people who share your values.  

So, if you are interested in joining the West LA HODG Squad, please email us at hangoutdogood@gmail.com and we will get you connected.

 As far as WED – There will be DINNER, DRINKS and CONVO with State Senator Ben Allen (CA-24) – who is the one who wrote the bill to bring filming back to the state!  Also, HODG co-founder Helen Eigenberg will be there to share how we do things on the east side and to answer any questions about how to move forward etc. 

 If you can’t tell, I am so excited about this, and full of hopes that HODG:West LA will bloom into something beautiful.  

HODG: WEST LA'S KICK OFF

with special guests Sen Ben Allen & HODG Co-Founder Helen Eigenberg

Wednesday, May 7

6pm - 8pm

The Griffin Club

3084 Motor Ave

Parking: Valet

Dinner + Drinks!

FREE

Bring a friend!

Questions: contact alison at alisonrou@anchormediastrategy.com

HODG Santa Cruz - Sunday Lunch Drive

Our March 23rd letter writing party was so sweet. Boy, did it feel great to hang out together under a big cypress tree and warm sun! We got steam off our chests and into some letters.

Next up: Our next Sunday Lunch Drive is Sunday, May 4th. We'll make lunches for unhoused folks; the DSA Love Boat (mutual aid group) will distribute them. 

• Inspiration = HangOutDoGood LA. Check out their huge lunch making party!!

• Goal = show some love to people going through a hard time

Logistics!

• What? Lunch-making party 

• When? Sunday, May 4th at 8:45am

• What to bring? RSVP to sign-up for an item or two

(Side note: our party is early cuz Love Boat distributes early. We are looking for a partner who distributes later so that we can party later in the future.)

Can't Make the Party?

1. Make lunches at home! See instructions here.

2. Donate to cover lunch fixings on Venmo: @CoriLand

In Peace and Community,

Cori (they/them) & Gwen (she/her) Wolfland

National Protest

These days of national protests are working. Trumps poll numbers are plummeting, As is Tesla’s stock price.  The protests send a message to Democrats to stop asking for money and start fighting for real.  They also build community and let us know that we are not alone in our fear, anger and frustration.

And so, on May 1 - a day where we celebrate the labor movement and international workers’ rights – there will be another National Day of Protests. This day is organized  by the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states for One Cause – get rid of Trump/Musk and the rest of them.  

Currently, when I just looked at their web page I saw that in LA there are currently two 50501 protests plan – in Beverly Hills and Westwood.  The organizers encourage all of us to start our own protests as well.  So if you are in, oh, say, Silverlake, or Larchmont, or Studio City – how about organizign your own.  All it takes is signing up on the website below, and then telling your friends and peeps to show up, on a corner, on a street.  Bring signs, and let your neighborhood know how many people are taking to the streets!

Also, the LA County Bar Association is organizing a protest in DTLA that day as well.  Any lawyers – or non-lawyers too! – should head there to support the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession.

Here is the info.  Oh, and if you do decide to hold your own protest – please let us know.  We will make sure to get HODG folks there!

Another NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
with the 50501 Movement

Thursday, May 1

10am - 2pm

 UCLA Ronald Regan Hospital

757 Westwood Plaza

LA, 90095

SPEAKER SERIES

So we've decided to organize another SPEAKER SERIES.  We've done this in the past -- like during COVID -- and it was great.  The goal of this series is 2 fold: 1. to educate ourselves and 2. to build community.

Of course, we wish we could meet in person, but people are so busy and LA is impossible, so we have chosen to do this -- at least in the beginning online.  As far as topics, we have some we are interested in -- why government doesn't work?, what's happening with science? what's the most meaningful way to protect the climate? --   but would love to hear from you.   Also, if you know of someone who you think would be a good speaker, please let us know.  And finally, if you want to help organize, we would love the help!

So for our first conversation, we are focusing on Higher Education, and how the Federal Government is impacting it.  We are just in the process of putting together the speakers for this, so if you have any good ideas, bring 'em on.  In the meantime, Mark Your Calendars! 
 

How the Federal Government
is Impacting Higher Education:
a virtual discussion

Monday, April 28
7pm - 8pm

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY LUNCH DRIVE

Thank you so much for joining us in helping feed our neighbors.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The lunch drive happens every Sunday morning. Rain or shine.

2. You make lunches at home.

3. Most folks make about 10 lunches, but you can make as many or as few as you like.

4. Label the bag with the type of sandwich (this is important and gives the recipients a choice.)

5. Be generous. This is the only meal these folks get all day.

6. Lunches should contain at least 7 items:

   • A drink (water, Capri sun, soda)

   • Sandwich (PB+J, Turkey, Ham + Cheese are most common)

   • Potato Chips (individually packaged)

   • Fruit (oranges, apple sauce, bananas. No apples: too hard on teeth)

   • Cookies (individually packaged)

   • A  snack (beef jerky, granola bar, nuts, etc.)

7. No Glass

8. Some people decorate their bags. Not required but much appreciated.

9. Drop your lunches off at one of the locations:

Visit the HODG Lunch Drive page for more info!