It was Sunday night when a friend of LAist texted us an invite to a small ad hoc fundraiser at Handmade Galleries in Sherman Oaks. "Come by," he wrote, "vegan sri lanka food." Having enjoyed Tara's Himalayan Cuisine on Venice Boulevard in the past, this opportunity for a new food couldn't be passed. more ›

LA has a diverse cast of characters. Whether it's the characters with stirring stories or interesting occupations or the people who are just simply characters, this town has them all. In an effort to get to know some of those characters a little better, we've created "Seven Questions with..." more ›

In remembrance of the many lives lost in the 2004 South Asian tsunami, the public is invited to gather at a candlelight vigil with representatives of Sri Lankan organizations on Dec. 26, 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Pier. Prayers will be offered by several religious denominations (Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim), followed by a moment of silence. Participants will release flowers into the ocean as the memorial service comes to an end. more ›

It’s been over two and a half years since the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami killed an estimated 200,000 people. Apart from updates commemorating the anniversary in the mainstream media, new stories of rebuilding and the long-term aftermath have been a challenge to find. This Sunday, a sample sale open to the public for Suba Ude, a cooperative of tsunami-affected seamstresses in Matara, Sri Lanka, will take place at a private residence in Venice. Hosted by Suba Ude co-founder Heather Goodwin, the sale will celebrate the rural livelihood program for 25 tsunami-affected women who have created an amazing collection of bags, pants, tops, dresses and gowns. These items are not made in factories, but individually handcrafted by each woman in her own home. A local seamstress will be at the sale to do minor alterations free of charge. Proceeds raised will go towards sustaining the cooperative back in Sri Lanka and supporting these women who continue to struggle with rebuilding their lives. more ›

The Ceremony of Worshiping the Messenger Monk's Ship continues tonight at the Wat Mon Buddhist Temple in Panorama City. The Wat Mon Temple is unique from other Buddhist temples in LA County in that it prescribes Tipitaka (Pali canon) teachings. These scriptures are believed to be the oldest set of teachings of Buddha recorded. more ›

Tonight at the Standard (Hollywood), you can support The Displacements project all while enjoying good music and some fine alcoholic beverages. Displacements and Suba Ude both are working with displaced peoples still living in the post-tsunami destruction of Sri Lanka. This project and benefit is specifically focused on Sri Lankan youth programs. KCRW's Liza Richardson and The Postal Services' Jimmy Tamborello (also of LA's own dublab.com) will be on the decks spinning records while a silent auction featuring some very nice goodies will be going on. Entry is $20 and the party runs from 8 PM to 2 AM. more ›