Park aid and films
Pasadena
More than 115 independent features, documentaries, animated films and more will screen during the Pasadena International Film Festival at Laemmle Playhouse 7. Presentations and panels will be at Vroman’s Bookstore next door. Relax at the evening filmmakers lounge at the Lineage Performing Arts Center one mile west. When: March 7-15 Cost, info: From $14. Most films are intended for adults only. No dogs. (310) 498-7204, pasadena filmfestival.org
Los Olivos
Radian String Quartet will perform in the Santa Ynez Valley Classical Music Series at St. Mark’s Church. The quartet plans to play Mozart’s “The Hunt” Quartet, K. 458, Webern’s 5 Pieces, Opus 5, and Brahms’ C-minor Quartet, Opus 511. When: 7 p.m. March 9 Cost, info: Adults $20, students with ID $10. Family-friendly. Dogs on leash OK. (805) 688-4454, smitv.org/concerts.html
Ojai
The opening reception for the Ojai Studio Artists exhibition featuring works made in response to the massive Thomas fire will be at Ojai Valley Museum. More than 70 artists specializing in various media are in the group. The works reflect the fire and the healing. Many of the artists will donate some proceeds to various local fire-relief organizations. When: 5 p.m. March 10 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. No dogs permitted. (805) 640-1390, Ojai StudioArtists.org, Ojai ValleyMuseum.org
Los Angeles
Park Champions volunteers will learn about habitat restoration from the California State Parks Foundation and will remove invasive plants at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Parking, training, tools and a free lunch will be provided. When the volunteers are finished about 1 p.m., they can walk, run or bike through the 32-acre park. When: 9 a.m. March 10 Cost, info: Free; preregistration required. Children 8 and older with legal guardian welcome. No dogs permitted. (415) 262-4400, lat.ms/park helpers
Redondo Beach
Reach for the sky at the 44th Festival of the Kite on the Redondo Pier. Prizes for various competitions. Past events have included music, dance and a group launch of a 25-by-14-foot kite. When: noon March 11 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. No dogs permitted. (310) 376-6911, lat.ms/ redondokites
Long Beach
Families with adults or children who have autism are invited to Autism Families Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Visitors can “meet” such ocean animals as penguins and sea turtles. (The Lorikeet Forest will be closed.) When: 6-9 p.m. March 11 Cost, info: $7 per person for families with adults or children with autism; children age 3 and younger free. Service dogs permitted. (562) 590-3100, lat.ms/autism familynight