Common Grains' New Year Japanese Rice Festival

Common Grains is teaming up with the Japanese American National Museum for a free day of Japanese premium rice tasting, demonstrations and onigiri-making contest, hosted by Japanese food writer and home cooking teacher Sonoko Sakai.

WHAT: Common Grains' New Year Japanese Rice Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHERE: Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo

COST: Free

Homemade Food Act Educational Meeting

With the California Homemade Food Act set to go into effect in 2013, home baker Mark Stambler and L.A. County representatives will host an informational community meeting outlining the implications of the new law to current or aspiring home cooks.

WHAT: Homemade Food Act Educational Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 1 p.m.

WHERE: Silver Lake Library, 2411 Glendale Blvd.

COST: Free

Edible and Useful Plant Hike

Forage for local edible and medicinal plants during this educational, moderate hike along a 2-mile stretch of Laguna Canyon, led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Karin Klein (author of 50 Hikes in Orange County).

WHAT: Edible and Useful Plant Hike

WHERE: Willow Canyon Staging Area, Willow Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 8 a.m.

COST: $2 per person; parking $3

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