On January 29, Hale Middle School in Woodland Hills hosted "Stand Tall Day" - a day dedicated to educating students and their parents about bullying and what can be done about it. This event was the first of its kind in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

There were different presentations about bullying, ranging from martial arts demonstrations, workshops, discussions, and films.

Got Foodtrucks provided food trucks as a special treat for the students after completing their workshops.

Here is a photo album of the day:

Here are some links about bullying:

US Department of Health - Stop Bullying Now

LA Unified School District - School Safety and Bullying

Kid's Health Org - Dealing with Bullies

Education.com - Bullying at School and Online

I was excited about the LA Food Fest but my procrastination skills made me miss the boat. The event was sold out. Luckily for me, the Long Beach Street Food Festival was happening on the same day.

It was a perfect day in Long Beach near the shoreline. The fest took place inside a park by a lagoon, which was a nice setting for eating and mingling.

My wife and I first walked the circle of trucks checking out each menu and deciding what we were in the mood for. Today we tried GourmetGenie2Go, KOTacoTruck, and TheSweetsTruck.

What can I say? Great variety of food trucks, check. Large grassy area, check. Beautiful day, check. Music, check. Booths selling alcohol, check. Great atmosphere for mingling, check. Parking right next to the venue, check. Was anything amiss? Oh yeah, proceeds go to a children's organization. Double check.

All in all, the event was well organized and everyone definitely walked away fat and happy. I know I did and I will definitely be back next year!!

My wife didn't even mind taking my picture with the girls from the KO Taco Truck....quadruple check!

Good: Great variety of food trucks in a beautiful setting.

Bad: Not enough room in my belly to try all the trucks.

I dragged my wife and a buddy to the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest at Grand Hope Park on July 10.

I gotta tell you. It was pretty cool.

We paid our $8 entrance fee, found a spot on the main lawn, and spread out on our blankets, taking in the scene. There was a swing band (in honor of the night's movie: Swingers) to kick things off. So while it was still daylight outside, the band played as guests streamed in. We got there in plenty of time to check out the food trucks.

There were 5 trucks that night (Frysmith, Komodo, Munchie Machine, BarbiesQ, and CoolHaus), with notice that more trucks will be at future screenings.  While there were long lines at all the trucks, things moved quickly. We ordered our food and carried it back to our blanket where we noshed and listened to the band.

I made sure to use the restroom before the movie started and am happy to report that the portable potties were clean with hardly any line.

Things got started once it was dark enough. Elvis Mitchell from KCRW's "The Treatment" gave a brief intro to the movie. After that, there was a commercial about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and then the main feature. There was some adjustment for sound level but everything else went smoothly. It was really neat to sit on the grass and watch a movie outdoors under the stars with a bunch of other people. It felt organic and grassroots, enjoyable in part because everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves. It helped that we all were happy with full bellies thanks to the food trucks. It also helped that most of the audience has seen the movie and were in the appropriate mood too. I'm pretty sure I overheard "You're so money and you don't even know it!" at least 20 times before the movie started.

Parking was only $4 at the lot on the NE corner of Hope and 9th - right across the street (9th) from the main entrance.

Screenings of other movies will be held every Saturday during the rest of the summer at various parks around our city. I'm definitely planning on going to many more.

Good: Food trucks and movies!

Bad: The cool weather - make sure to bring blankets/warm clothing as it may get pretty chilly (unless the weather warms up)

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest