Picks, kicks and plugs for December 8-14

SAT | DECEMBER 8

(BALLET)
” target=”_blank”>www.alextheatre.org.

(BOOKS)
Jewish Journal columnist and author Bill Boyarsky will discuss his new book, “Big Daddy: Jesse Unruh and the Art of Power Politics,” about the fascinating life of one of California’s most influential and charismatic politicians after World War II. Unruh is famous for saying, “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” 3-5 p.m. Free. Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library, 2920 S. Overland Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 840-2142. ” target=”_blank”>www.chavurahbythesea.org.

(CHANUKAH)
In this town, there are enough Chanukah parties to keep you party-hopping all eight nights. However, Temple Beth Israel’s Chanukah Party has a special feature: a Latke Fry-Off. So bring your (secret) recipes to spread all over town. The host will supply potatoes, onions, oil and frying pans — unless, of course, your kosher secret is organic potatoes. Everyone is invited to bring canned food for the SOVA food pantry, and it’s worth noting there are some pretty fabulous menorahs being raffled off, so buy a ticket … or five. 5:30 p.m. $5 (per raffle ticket). Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock, 5711 Monte Vista St., Los Angeles. (323) 255-5416. “>Community Calendar. 6:30-11:30 p.m. $5. Private home in Granada Hills. Hanukkah07@yahoo.com.

SUN | DECEMBER 9

(THEATER)
” target=”_blank”>www.kidfrombrooklynthemusical.com.

(CHANUKAH)

Light the menorah and dance the horah at one of the many Chabad Chanukah festivals all over town. “Chanukah at Fashion Island” will have a huge canned-food menorah that will then be dismantled and distributed to families in need, face painting and a collection of unwrapped gifts for needy children. The Klezundheit group will be lending a hand and their voices to the celebration. 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Fashion Island, Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 721-9800. ” target=”_blank”> www.chabadofwesthills.com.

(CHANUKAH)
Join Fairfax-district dwellers and tourists at the Farmers Market Chanukah festivities, held all afternoon today. Children can make dreidels and a menorah out of LEGOs, families can enjoy the traditional music of Alula, and everyone can light the sixth candle together. Co-hosted by Temple Israel of Hollywood and Chabad of Miracle Mile. 2:30-7 p.m. Free. Farmer’s Market, corner of Third Street and Fairfax Avenue. (323) 933-9211.