“Venice Days” follows a widowed dad in recovery with 24 hours to try to secure custody of his son… all from his van. It’s about parenting, second chances, and figuring it out as you go.

The film is being made by Venice people, about Venice people, in actual Venice locations we all walk by on the daily. Beyond just making a movie, the team is using the project to spark conversations around recovery and parenting on the Westside.

They’re currently raising finishing funds to bring the film out into the world. And what’s really cool is that the project is also tied to local impact, with proceeds supporting organizations working with unhoused neighbors and families affected by recent fires.

So supporting this isn’t just backing a film, it’s helping a Venice story get told and giving back locally at the same time.

Did you know The Cook’s Garden will need to relocate its animal sanctuary in the coming years? With the Abbot Kinney hotel project expected to break ground nearby, the team is already planning a move to Westminster Elementary across the street, and they’re starting to raise funds now to make it happen.

Soooo…do you like bunnies, pizza and wine? Starting TOMORROW, April 22, Bunny Hoppy Hour is officially your new Wednesday plan. Weekly after school farm hangs at The Cook’s Garden to help fund that future move.

Expect bunnies, chickens, and ducks you can feed, lawn games + coloring for kids, and wood-fired pizza + drinks (including a complimentary glass of wine with each adult ticket thanks to Only the Wild Ones!). Ticketed entry supports building the new sanctuary.

Buy tickets here (adults required, no dogs)

Read the full story of what’s happening at The Cook’s Garden below.

Venice Rising classifieds are here…a local, low-key board for Westside parents. Selling something, need a hand, found a random thing? Post it in a minute, reach hundreds of neighborhood families, and skip the FB marketplace chaos. Post with your name or anonymously. Listings get featured in our weekly newsletter. FREEEEE!

Try it: https://board.venicerising.com/

Keeping the Farm in Venice – Family Fundraiser at The Cook’s Garden | 3:30 pm–5:30 pm | Friday | upcoming April date | After-school farm time with animals, snacks, and hands-on garden fun to help fund a new small animal sanctuary at Westminster Elementary when nearby hotel construction starts.

Toddler Storytime at West LA Regional Library | 10:30 am–11:00 am | Monday | weekly | Cozy, interactive stories and songs for ages 18 months–3 years at the West LA Regional Branch — easy win to start the week.

Toddler Social & Free Play – Club Joyful | Late Morning | Tuesday | weekly | Free, self-guided toddler hang on the outdoor lawn; no program, just toys, shade, and other tired parents with coffee.

Creative Kids: Art + Sensory (Club Joyful) | 10:30 am–11:15 am | Wednesday | weekly | Art-based sensory class for ages 2–4 — paint, textures, and messy fun without trashing your own kitchen.

BANANAS Junior Creators Art Class! | Thursdays 3:30 pm | Explore different mediums and techniques such as painting, clay sculpting, and uniques crafts. Projects are thoughtfully planned to be age-appropriate for 3-5 year olds.

Summer Support for Neurodiverse Kids (Virtual) | 6:30 pm–7:30 pm | Monday, April 27 | Free online panel for K–5 parents and caregivers covering summer resources, support strategies, and programs for neurodiverse kids, featuring experts and local organizations including LAUSD, Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center, and Rockwell Psychological Services.