New Year, New Town: About Town Resolutions for 2013

Procrastination has always been at the top of my annual list of resolutions. But my intentions are always doomed from the start as I mentally scribble my "To Do" list three weeks into January.

In an effort to resolve my long-unresolved problem, I'm counting my resolutions before this year's end. Here’s a preview of what I hope to achieve in 2013: my own grocery list of things I’d like to do, people I’d like to meet and places I want to explore.

Attend more local neighborhood council meetings and speak with my neighbors.

I’d been covering the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council meetings here and there since I've started writing for Patch. But I’ve yet to attend other neighborhood councils' meetings, including my own.  Before moving to Valley Village, I lived in the Arts District for three years and never made time to attend a Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council meeting, which holds its board meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at the Senior Center in NoHo Park. Valley Village holds its own neighborhood council meetings the fourth Wednesday of every month at Colfax Charter Elementary School.

I've met many longtime residents at meetings, all of whom have a thing or two to say about the area's growth. I plan on speaking with my neighbors and profiling some of our community members who love to shair their colorful personalities.

See more exhibits at NoHo’s local art galleries.

I frequently attend art shows in Culver City's growing gallery row, but I've only been to a handful in my own neighborhood. I plan on checking out more exhibits at Cella Gallery, J.E.T. Studios,Gallery 800 and Rico Adair Gallery.

Take a fitness class at a local gym.

As a devotee to Pilates, I’ve been wanting to take a fitness or self-defense class at a local studio. I used to live just around the corner from XMA, North Hollywood’s extreme martial arts headquarters, and I’ve always wanted to give it a shot. Yes, this would be more than your average fitness class. But I’m into putting myself in a ridiculous, possibly painful, situation for the sake of journalism (side note: read my attempt at practicing with the San Fernando Valley Roller Derby team). Another local workout spot, Sweat Shoppe, specializes in spinning classes – another activity that’s been on my exercise list.

Eat local, shop local.

With so many openings (and sadly, closings), there are plenty of reasons to support local shops and restaurants: Bow & Truss, Blastoff Comics, SteamPunk and Harvest Moon are just a few new businesses in the area. I plan on using my spending power on more local mom-and-pop shops and encourage them to keep their doors open.

See more plays and live performances.

There are over 30 theatres and studios in the Arts District, yet I've only made time to see a few plays. In April, Sterling’s Upstairs moved from Vitello’s in Studio City (where it had been for six years) to our very own Federal Bar. For 2013, I’m hoping to check out the Sunday supper club, which features musical theatre and cabaret performances.

Watch more films.

Like About Town's previous writer, I too had been longing for a local indie movie theater. This month, the Laemmle NoHo 7 is coming up on its one-year anniversary of bringing indie, foreign and art-house films to the Arts District. With general admission ticket prices lower than the major chains (and a more relaxing, comfy environment), I resolve to visit its silver screens more often and take advantage of their money-saving Premiere Card.

Visit my local bookstore and library.

After a long hiatus from reading, I've tackled my bookcase in a game of catch-up. My goal is to re-read all the classic literature, and North Hollywood Public Library

Be more green.

Before switching day jobs earlier this year, I was gearing up to ride to work more frequently. Though my new office's location means it would be out of the question to commute solely via bike, there are enough local destinations that provide good reasons to pedal instead of drive. The weekly NoHo Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday on Bakman Avenue off Magnolia Boulevard, and it's a good excuse to get local goods and produce while reducing my carbon footprint.

Volunteer at a local shelter or charity.

Paul Zollo's great series at the end of 2011 about former floral shop owner Kent Willard opened many Patch readers' eyes (including mine) about the hardships the homeless face every day. Paul's dedication to helping Kent out of homelessness has inspired me to donate my own time to helping others.

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About this column: I'll be your adventure guide through the bustling arts district, Toluca Lake and the rest of North Hollywood, surveying theater, film, books, music, politics, places and people for your daily culture intake.