The Week in Livable Streets Events: Charity Rides, Alternative Critical Mass, and the Assembly Meets Downtown

After a somewhat slow week last week, maybe it had something to do with the holiday at the end, the Livable Streets Calendar is back with a vengeance.  The week after Critical Mass in Downtown L.A. is traditionally home to two alternative masses.  For the less political rider, there's a charity toy ride to kick off a series of rides where cyclists donate time and toys to the needy.  And of course, there's those Assembly meetings in the Metro Board Room starting this afternoon and continuing throughout the week.

Today - The Assembly Select Committee on Rail will meet in the Metro Board Room to discuss Rail Safety in L.A. County at 1:00 P.M. today.  For more information, check out Dana Gabbard's post from earlier today.

Tuesday - The first Tuesday of every month is San Fernando Valley Critical Mass.  It's considered the most laid-back of the Critical Mass' in the area, and I had a great time riding it in the summer of 2008.  The ride meets at the bike racks of the Woodley Orange Line station at 7:30 P.M. and leaves at approximately 8 P.M.  For more information, check out their page at Midnight Ridazz.

Wednesday - The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee will meet to discuss the future of congestion pricing in L.A. County at 1:00 P.M. in the Metro Board Room.  For more information, check out Dana Gabbard's post from earlier today.

Wednesday - Every four years, the regional planning organization at SCAG undergoes a federal review.  Part of that review is a public hearing, which will be held at 5:30 today.  Dana Gabbard, again, has written a great review of the hearing, what it means, and how you can participate which is available in the Streetsblog calendar post.

Wednesday - The last installment of the presentations that accompany the "World Without a Car" exhibit in Santa Monica will feature comedian Kristina Wong.  For more information, check out the Streetsblog calendar section.

Thursday is "Bike Night" at the Griffith Park Festival of Lights.  For one night only, the Griffith Park Festival of Lights is officially opened to cyclists.  Of course, the "Festival of Rights" will re-open the festival unofficially a little later this month.  However, if you like your holiday lights without your politics, head over to Griffith Park tonight.

Friday - Assembylman Mike Eng heads an Assembly Transportation Committee Hearing on the "Status of Transit in California" at 9:30 A.M. in the Metro Board Room.  For more information, check out Dana Gabbard's post from earlier today.  Incidentally, it's been over six months since the Chairman pledged to hold a series of hearings on motorist safety and speed limits after deep-sixing Assemblyman Krekorian's "Safe Streets" legislation.  So far, none have been scheduled. (Editor's note: Eng and his Senate counterpart, Alan Lowenthal did indeed hold such a hearing in October, during my paternity leave.  I'll have a full mea culpa article coming soon.)

Friday - It's Santa Monica Critical Mass!  Meet at the Cannon at 6:30.  For more information, click here.

Sunday - The Greensters host what will be the first of many holiday rides where cyclists donate time and toys to needy children before the holidays.  The ride meets at 1:00 P.M. at the Santa Monica and Vermont Red Line Station.  Ted Rogers makes an impassioned plea for support for this ride at Biking In L.A.