Calendar Picks and Clicks for June 20–26, 2009

SAT | JUNE 20

(WINE TASTING)
Valley Ruach Young Professionals, a grass-roots community in the Valley, is hosting its first evening of wine tasting, “Ruach and Riesling.” The party will feature a variety of wines and light food pairings in the casual setting of a Northridge home. Sat. 8:30 p.m. $10 (prepaid), $12 (at the door). Address provided with R.S.V.P. {encode=”info@valleyruach.org” title=”info@valleyruach.org”}. ” title=”www.moadonisraelim.com” target=”_blank”>www.moadonisraelim.com.

(HIKE)
Spend the first day of summer hiking up the Hollywood Hills with JconnectLA. The strenuous, 5-mile hike leads to an overlook just above the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park. Sun. 9 a.m. (carpool), 10 a.m. (trail). Free. Coffee Bean, 9541 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Or, Bronson Canyon entrance, Griffith Park, 2800 Canyon Drive, Hollywood. (310) 277-5544. ” title=”www.starlight.org/california/standupforstarlight” target=”_blank”>www.starlight.org/california/standupforstarlight.

WED | JUNE 24

(BUSINESS MIXER)
The Los Angeles Jewish Chamber of Commerce holds monthly mixers where business owners can network, promote their businesses and make friends. This month’s mixer includes a hosted bar and food, along with a plethora of opportunities to play — billiards, ping-pong, darts, bumper pool, foosball, basketball toss and more — at Busby’s West. Wed. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $20 (prepaid), $25 (at the door). Busby’s West, 3110 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (866) 257-6117. ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(PHILANTHROPY)
The Citizens’ Empowerment Center in Israel (CECI) works to educate Israelis about their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic nation and encourages them to be active in their communities. The American Friends of CECI helps raise funds for these efforts; their newest initiative, the Young Leaders division, kicks off tonight with its first fundraising event featuring the Lakers’ Jordan Farmar, Journal columnist David Suissa, cocktails, tapas and music. Proceeds will benefit CECI’s Youth Education Programs in Israel. 21 and over. Thu. 7:30 p.m. $45 (presale), $60 (after June 19). Private Beverly Hills residence.  (310) 300-4120. ” title=”www.norristheatre.org” target=”_blank”>www.norristheatre.org.

(SPECIAL NEEDS)
A martial arts program geared toward Jewish girls between the ages of 5-16 with special needs starts today with a free trial class. The aim of the program is to improve young girls’ self-discipline, self-esteem and physical fitness, as well as encourage participants to forge friendships with one another. Classes begin June 25. Friendship Circle of Los Angeles, 9581 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-3252. {encode=”gail@fcla.org” title=”gail@fcla.org”}.