Guest Contributor

The Seed Library of Los Angeles - an exciting new addition to the Los Angeles food community - embarks on its second year in lending its seeds to the community. Seed libraries hold seeds in trust for the community, much like literary libraries. Members "borrow" seeds to grow plants in their garden, and at the end of the growing season save some seeds from this stock to return to the library.

If you happened to ride the Metro rail system in Los Angeles on Sunday, you might have noticed many of your fellow passengers were missing something important—the bottom portion of their wardrobe.

Disneyland: the most magical place on Earth—and in one woman's case, inspiration for cutting-edge ideas. This week's Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on texting while dating, Spanx and what taking a bath has to do with anything.

If you only take one hiking trip in 2012, make your destination Sandstone Peak, the highest summit in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you are a veteran hiker, Sandstone Peak is likely to rank among your favorite trips, and if you’ve never been on a hike, this is one that’s worth training for.

Bethania Palma Markus, a former staff reporter for the San Gabriel Valley News Group, talks about why she decided to join Occupy L.A. and what her experience getting arrested this Saturday taught her about the politics of our criminal justice system.

It could be the excess eggnog or frenzied shopping centers, but some people's careful judgment can be absent during the holidays. This week's Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on sailing, office holiday parties and Momento.

No matter what your New Year's Resolution is for 2012, there's an excellent chance that hiking can help you achieve it. Hiking has obvious benefits when it comes to health-oriented goals, such as losing weight, but it can play a role in many different kinds of resolutions.

This Saturday, LACMA will present the RODARTE: Fra Angelico Collection, a 10-gown installation that will be displayed alongside classic artwork from the Italian Renaissance. Rodarte designers, sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, have drawn inspiration from Italian painter Fra Angelico among others for their Spring/Summer 2012 couture designs, using their signature dressmaking techniques, sculptural details and a soft fresco color palette to round out the refined collection.

Tailing on the impending release of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,” composer Trent Reznor (as well as corporate giant Sony Pictures) have decided to team up with L.A.’s own Gary Richards (LAist Interview) to sponsor a series of free electronic concerts all around the globe.

We've reached the time of year when ugly Christmas sweater parties are as ubiquitous as faux-snow and festive wreaths. This week's Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on mustaches, Dave Matthews and Siri.