A west-side, Los Angeles native, climate activist Lauren Bash credits her mom with sparking her passion for the environment. “My mom is my climate role model,” explains Bash. “She raised my sisters and me to have a strong respect for the land through gardening and cooking. Read on for some of her favorite west side things to see and do and listen to her playlist here!
Southern California, California
Favorite place to eat in SoCal: Honestly, probably a picnic on the beach or in a park. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing farmers markets here, you can’t go wrong.
Best kept SoCal secret: The weather is perfect in October and November, after all of the tourists leave.
I love SoCal because... I freaking love the pride of Angelenos. Like don’t mess with a Dodgers Fan. And when Kobe passed away it was dark in LA for MONTHS. No size fits all here. It’s our diversity that makes us so unique, but we all have pride for this city.
Follow Lauren on Instagram at @relauren
Listen to Lauren's playlist on Spotify.
Check out her Tour on Apple Guides!
Sabiduría antigua para una ecología futura: árboles, tiempo y tecnología
START THE DAY AT THE SKIRBALL.
Bash might recognize a younger version of herself in the young climate activists involved in the PST ART event Unscorching the Earth at the Skirball Cultural Center. In January 2025, the Skirball will host a series of talks and poetry readings, bringing together different generations to explore ideas and possible solutions for our changing climate.
Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas
Meditate on the event’s messages as you head up into the nearby Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. “They have really cool programs where you can participate in nature restoration,” explains Bash, “helping plant native species and weeding out invasive or non-native ones.” Bash also likes the Kenter Trail hike not far from UCLA. “It’s dog friendly, so a lot of doggie daycare places take their dogs there. You might see a walker with, like, 40 dogs.”
Atmósfera de sonido: arte sonoro en la era de la alteración climática
In the Atmosphere of Sound exhibit at CAP UCLA, a mix of contemporary artists interpret climate change through the medium of sound. The immersive experiences include sound sculptures, sound walks, videos, and live performances. Next, head over to the Hammer Museum where you’ll find PST ART’s Breath(e).
Respira(ción): hacia la justicia climática y social
“This exhibit is right up my alley,” says Bash. Breath(e) considers the connections between climate change and environmental and social justice through the lens of contemporary art. Visitors can check out a sculpture built by honey bees by Garrett Pruitt, an installation by contemporary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, and Ron Finley, aka the Gangsta Gardener, will be rebuilding his South Central community garden in one of the galleries. “You have to watch Ron Finley’s TED Talks if you haven’t,” encourages Bash. “He knows my mom. He’ll say things like, ‘ I don't want to sit down in a comfy armchair with you. Bring your shovel and let's get to work.’ That’s what the city needs.”
1814 Berkeley Street, Santa Monica
BIKE OR TAKE METRO MICRO TO BLUEYS FOR LUNCH.
“Metro Micro is like a city-sponsored version of Uber,” explains Bash. “You order on your phone and you only pay, like, bus ticket-level fares. It’s amazing.” Catch a ride to Blueys Kitchen for lunch, a restaurant that’s part of the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly program. “We consult with restaurants to make them as close to zero waste as possible,” explains Bash. “So things like offering reusables on site, reducing plastics in takeaway bags, sourcing certified-sustainable fish. One of Surfrider’s big missions is to cut down on plastic pollution in our ocean waterways and on beaches, so the Ocean Friendly program helps to limit plastic at the source.” On Blueys menu, “I dream about the green falafel,” says Bash.
Chris McCaw: Marking Time
GALLERY HOP.
Not far from Blueys is the art complex Bergamot Station, host to another PST ART exhibit, this one featuring innovative photographer Chris McCaw at Marshall Gallery.
McCaw first started taking photos as a Northern Californian skateboarder in the 80s; he was involved with zines and the punk scene. McCaw’s striking images feature dots and lines burned onto the page by sunlight concentrated through the camera’s lens.
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles
SURF AND SKATE.
“The surfing and skate culture are obviously part of the west side,” says Bash. “That's why people live here.” First timers who’d like to test out the waves can head from Bergamot Station to nearby Santa Monica beach. Kapowui Surf School teaches lessons near lifeguard tower 29. “They’re my old neighbors!” laughs Bash.
In honor of Chris McCaw’s skater roots, take the opportunity to visit Venice Skate Park. “It’s so iconic,” says Bash. “It’s in movies; they had a scene from Barbie there. And it’s fun for people watching and to check out some of the local artisans selling their things.”
320 East Sunset Avenue, Los Angeles
GET A SNACK AND TAKE A BREAK AT GJUSTA.
“The best loaf of bread you can get in LA is from Gjusta,” raves Bash. “And their location in Venice has a huge outdoor patio, very Parisian vibes. They have this olive tapenade and my partner and I will get a big loaf of sourdough, eat olive tapenade, and play cards.”
Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Los Angeles
WANDER FIRST FRIDAYS AT ABBOT KINNEY.
On the first Friday of every month starting at 5 p.m., the chic Venice street Abbot Kinney gives itself over to a festival of food trucks and merchant events. “There's always live music,” says Bash. “The stores might have special sales or they'll be jewelry makers or artists who will have a pop up. It’s cool, it’s a vibe.”
Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Manhattan Beach
RIDE BIKES BACK UP TO SANTA MONICA
When you’ve shopped and sampled to your heart’s content, hop on a bike and pedal back to Santa Monica along the Marvin Braude bike path. The 22-mile, paved oceanside path stretches from Torrance County Beach up to Will Rogers State Beach near the Pacific Palisades. “We used the bike path all the time when we were kids,” reminisces Bash. “My mom would drop us off and we’d ride around the South Bay up to Venice, and, like, get a henna tattoo and buy incense.”
1332 2nd Street, Santa Monica
MON-THU:10AM-12AM
FRI-SAT:9AM-1AM
SUN: 9AM-12AM
WATCH THE SUN SET OVER THE OCEAN
The rooftop bar and restaurant Élephante in Santa Monica serves up coastal Italian fare—grilled octopus, pastas, pizzas with artichokes and roasted mushrooms. “They have this eggplant dip that is divine,” says Bash. “And they have an amazing view of the ocean. If you go at sunset, it's the absolute best.”
