calendar

Sunday, April 30th

10 am- 4 pm [LA]
event: 'LACMA Art & Architecture Tour'
various locations(_; LA)
info: 323-857-6287 [LACMA ]; publicinfo@lacma.org
detail: Five extraordinary estates will be featured on this tour, including a French-style manse built for Paul J. getty, a cutting-edge contemporary, and a Mediterranean villa replete with a speakeasy. Highlights include a picnic lunch and boutique of unique art works. General entry $135.

10 am- 4 pm [San Diego]
event: 'Showcase Home 2006'
Showcase Home 2006 (14333 San Dieguito Road; East Del Mar)
info: 619-232-6203 [SDHS-1]; events1@sandiegohistory.org
detail: The house will be showcased through May 29th. Admission: $20; SDHS members: $15.

11 am- 4 pm [San Diego]
event: 'Castle to Cottage'
Castle to Cottage (various locations; Coronado)
info: 619-522-8969 [CoSA]
detail: 'Castle to Cottage” is the theme of this year's Spring Village Home Tour in Coronado. Tourgoers will visit: A 1928 Richard Requa-designed Moorish “castle” that's 4,900 square feet on a 12,375-foot lot. The home's decor echoes the Moorish influence with colorful tiles, rustic beams and woodworking. A contemporary home built in 2000 with sleek lines set off by a Spanish tile roof. The 5,230-square-foot house is situated on an 8,500-foot lot, and features ocean views from several spots. A 1918 cottage described as a “charming Spanish hideaway, tucked back on 11,325 feet of land.” Inside, it's decorated with unique memorabilia and antiques. Outside, there are several gardens and patios. CoSA students will perform musical theater “vignettes” at the three stops. Prices are $30 for one; $50 for two. Day-of-the-event tickets are $35 and are available at Star Park, off Park Place in Coronado.

10 am- 4 pm [LA]
construction: 'Bird Sanctuary'
Bird Sanctuary (end of Davis Avenue; Next to Jackie Robinson baseball field; Veterans Administration; West LA)
info: 310-430 8466 [Rouben Mohiuddin]; rmohiuddin@la.aiuniv.edu
detail: Note: This is an 'alternative' work day (held only if volunteers express interest), so please be sure to call ahead of time. Join us in the finishing touches of a peaceful bird sanctuary adjacent the botanical gardens of the Veterans Administration (next to the LA National Cemetery and UCLA). Clean, modernist cages will house various nearly-extinct species of parrots, surrounding a 'courtyard of contemplation' that will contain a water feature and fluid concrete benches (see images on-line). You don't need to bring a hat or sun tan lotion, since the site is well sheltered under old eucalyptus trees. wear durable and comfortable clothes - you will get dirty!!! We will need help with site clean-up, carving/shaping of concrete benches, development of a central fountain, and placement of an elevated mesh to help the site remain clear of tree leaves, as well as construction of exterior walls at the front of the site. Thank youfor helping create an environment in which birds and garden will provide an environment of tremendous beauty and serenity, and offer significant therapeutic value to the veterans working at and visiting the facility. Directions: 405 Freeway to Wilshire Boulevard; Sepulveda Boulevard north; Constitution Avenue west; Davis Avenue north to parking lot at end of street; walk west on walkway adjacent sports field. If you would like to make a donation to the involved organizations ('Association for Parrot C.A.R.E.' and 'Friends of the Garden'; both 501(C)3 tax-exempt), please contact Serenity Park at 310-553-0048.