Your weekly “wait, that’s happening?” digest
We’re sending this week’s Venice Rising a day early. On Friday, we’ll be recognizing and honoring the nationwide protests, so we wanted to make sure you still have everything you need to plan the days ahead.
Are schools still open?
Yes-Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) says schools are open and operating normally tomorrow. In past situations involving protests or immigration enforcement activity, the district has publicly stated that schools remain open and are safe places for students, and they’ve worked to support families with extra mental health and other services as needed.
Should I keep my kid home?
This is a personal choice — and whatever you decide is valid!
Some families are choosing to keep kids home as an act of solidarity and resistance.
Others will send their kids to school as usual. LAUSD’s stance is that classrooms are safe and open, and children are welcome to attend.
No matter what you choose, it’s okay to do what’s best for your family — emotionally, practically, and logistically.
If you’re keeping kids home but not attending a protest, there are many ways to mark the day with care — beach cleanups, kindness projects, helping neighbors, or simply slowing down together. None of these are about “doing it right.” They’re about choosing compassion in whatever way fits your family.
Jan 31 - Feb 5, 2026
Weekly Picks
Hurry spots are almost gone!
Sat, Jan 31 | 10am–1pm — FREE community joy event 💙
Club Joyful (Lincoln Blvd) is hosting a fun pop-up with:
Signature Hair Bar with tinsel, feathers & hair jewelry (from $15)
Expert kids’ cuts & trims (tweens + moms too)
BONUS: Book a service and get free hair tinsel to keep or gift!
DIY denim patch + gem station
Coffee, pastries, and Cocomelt chocolate tastings
Limited spots — sign up ahead!
👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054DA4AC2BA0FCC52-61780158-thecut
Saturday, Jan 31 from 7 pm to 8:45 pm PST
At Hotel MdR, Marina del Rey — an evening of guided painting for teens & up.
Step-by-step art instruction with local artists
Indoor/outdoor space (dress for weather)
Food & drinks available from Barbianca
Good for teens and adults looking for a creative evening.
Prenatal Yoga & Birth Prep — 4-Week Series
Starts Feb 1 | 12:00–1:30 pm @ Yoga Nest
Support body, breath, and birth prep with experienced instructor Amy Owen — great for expecting parents looking for strength, relaxation, and community.
Toddler Social & Free Play — Club Joyful
Feb 3 | 9:30–11:30 am
Self-guided play + caregiver connection time on Club Joyful’s outdoor greenspace — bring your littles to move, mingle, and play.
Feb 2 | 6:00–8:00 pm
An informative talk on puberty basics, social pressures, product safety, and supporting your child’s changing body with practical guidance (with Kailani, our fave educator!)
Thursday, Feb 5 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Ages 8+ | Studio
A cozy, creative class for kids ready to learn the basics of crochet 🧵
Perfect for beginners — kids will learn how to:
Tie a slip knot
Make chain stitches
Practice single crochet
…and explore more stitches once they get the hang of it!
About the instructor:
Jill Swinford is an avid crafter, mom/granny, and lifelong creative who has taught art classes at El Marino, Farragut, and Linwood E. Howe elementary schools.
$20 per session
Limited to 8 students — advance registration required
Corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice! Not an ad!
If you’ve been meaning to book a haircut but keep putting it off — this is your sign.
The Cut Truck is popping up Fridays through Mondays at Blankspaces Venice, bringing high-quality cuts and styling at prices that are…RARE in our neighbohood. Book now while you can get a haircut under $100!
We’re talking:
$45 dry cuts
$55 long cuts or blowouts
$25 beard trims
$15 braids, hair jewelry, feathers, or tinsel
📍Friday–Monday at Blankspaces Venice
✂️ Book ahead: www.thecuttruck.com
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