Picks and clicks for March 15-21

SAT | MARCH 15

(CANCER AWARENESS)
” target=”_blank”>http://www.komenlacounty.org.

(COMEDY)
Sometimes it helps to laugh away the pain. Political smarts and cunning wits come together in Stand Up for Peace, a comedy group that humorously unites Jewish and Arab portrayals of an age-old conflict. Scott Blakeman and Dean Obeidallah will bandy jokes, politics and storytelling as the headliners tonight at The J’s “Comedy Cabaret.” 8 p.m. $30-$36 (includes two drinks). Merage JCC, One Federation Way, Irvine. (949) 435-3400. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.ipcri.org.

(ENVIRONMENT)
Calling all eco-warriors to battle in Malibu Creek! Heal the Bay will be commander-in-chief for dozens of volunteers who will help restore the Malibu Creek State Park watershed by removing harmful plants and manmade litter, as well as planting beneficial native species during a four-hour eco-program. All volunteers are welcome (14+); no previous restoration experience is required. The knowledgeable Heal the Bay folks will teach you everything you need to know, and will also provide the tools and refreshments needed to aid you in the mildly strenuous activity. No R.S.V.P. required — just show up! 9 a.m. Lower parking lot of Malibu Creek State Park, 1924 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas. (310) 451-1500. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’alt=”chinese dragon”>

Celebrate Purim with the Friendship Circle, an organization dedicated to providing Jewish children with special needs social, recreational and Judaic programs. The Friendship Circle of Los Angeles is hosting a Purim concert and festival with Rabbi Michy and friends. The theme is Chinese, so dress your kids up as dragons, warriors or egg rolls (Queen Esther is fine, too!) and come partake in the arts and crafts, Chinese buffet, games and activities. Volunteers from Sinai Akiba Academy will be assisting the children if necessary. 1-3 p.m. $5. Friendship Circle of L.A., 9581 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-3252; “>Prayers for Women, by a Woman.” ). Berland will discuss the history of these prayers and how she adapted them into poems in “Hours of Devotion: Fanny Neuda’s Book of Prayers for Jewish Women.” 2 p.m. Free. Santa Monica Public Library, Main Library’s Multipurpose Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 458-8600. “>” target=”_blank”>http://museumoftolerance.com.

(PURIM CARNIVAL)
Along with the usual festivities — pony rides, face painting, clowns, raffle contest — Temple Beth Haverim’s cool carnival boasts a loyal yearly crowd of 1,000 people and raises $10,000 for temple programs. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Red Oak Elementary, 4857 Rockfield St., Oak Park. (818) 991-7111.

(PURIM CARNIVAL)
Join the communitywide Long Beach fifth annual Community Purim Celebration, which will include performances by local youth jazz bands and a unique mezuzah auction in which the highest bidder will snag one designed by Bette Midler. Noon-3 p.m. Free admission; activity tickets available for purchase on site. Alpert JCC, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (562) 426-7601. ” target=”_blank”>http://www.eretzsiamak.org/.

(PURIM CARNIVAL)
Friends of Valley Cities JCC is throwing a fun-filled Purim festival in honor of this frolicsome holiday. Stock up on plenty of raffle tickets because your kids will be itching to win the grand prize Nintendo Wii with “Guitar Hero.” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. $1 activity tickets. Friends of Valley Cities JCC, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 786-6310.