So here's the plan for summer: we're shifting off our usual Tuesday cadence to bi-weekly-ISH. Basically, we'll only land in your inbox when we've actually got something worth your time. We'll be back to our regular rhythm when school's back.

Before we slow down though, two things we'd love your help with.

Raising kids on the Westside is its own world. What time you've gotta stand in line to snag a swim lesson spot. Where everyone's suddenly doing jiu jitsu. The exact gear you need for VBFC. How to get your kid into a SAMO school when you're not a resident. None of this works like it does anywhere else, and you can't just Google it, you have to know the ins and outs.

So we want to partner with local parents who really know their stuff. Youth sports, language immersion, navigating housing insecurity, special needs + IEPs, college prep…whatever your "thing" is.

No pitch needed, just hit reply and tell us. And if you know the perfect parent for this, forward this their way.

We want to see summer through your kid's eyes. Have them make a short video (phone footage is perfect) answering one question: What makes summer as a Westside local so different?

We want to HEAR your kid. They can voice it over or be on camera, but it should be their words. Beach mornings? The water taxi? VELP at sunset? You tell us.

A few rules:

BARK: Kids Read to a Dog | 10:30am | Sat | 6/13 | Kiddos read aloud to a certified therapy dog at Playa Vista Library. Builds reading confidence, free, total win for early readers.

Green Dog Adoptapalooza | 1–6pm | Sat | 6/13 | Venice's biggest pet adoption fest on Main St. Hundreds of adoptable pups + kitties. Bring the fam, maybe go home with a furry new member.

Teen Bands at the Beach | 2–8pm | Sat | 6/13 | Free 2nd-Sat block party at Nalu Vida. Live teen bands right on the sand — easy, fun, no ticket needed.

Open Studio by Bananas | 10am–1pm | Sun | 6/14 | Drop-in art for ages 1.5–9 on Venice Blvd. Stay-and-make with your littles, hands-on stations galore.

Stories & Crafts at Venice Farmers Market | 9:30am | Fri | 6/12 | Venice librarians bring stories, songs + sensory fun to the farmers market. Sensory-friendly, free.

Kickoff at the Coast: Sand Sculptures | Day | Fri–Sat | 6/12–13 | Giant World Cup sand sculptures at Mother's Beach, MdR. Free soccer-themed family fun on match days.

World Cup Viewing Party @ Burton Chace Park | 12–8pm | Sat | 6/13 | Free big-screen matches (Qatar/Switzerland, Brazil/Morocco, Haiti/Scotland), food trucks + games on the water.

Juneteenth Celebration @ Runway | 10am–2pm | Sat | 6/13 | Live music (Furnace Band), cultural dance, drumming + local vendors on The Turf in Playa Vista. Free, family-friendly.

Sizzling Summer Jazz Nights @ Runway | 6–8pm | Fri | 6/12 | The Jazz Cartel Trio plays The Turf. Easy Friday evening, outdoor lounging, free.