The PST ART exhibition Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time, and Technology at the Skirball Cultural Center helps us find inspiration from one of nature’s most noble sources: trees. The exhibition honors the symbolic importance of trees across cultures and history. It also, via a variety of artwork including tree-ring sculptures and interactive AI software, considers LA’s complex past and how together we might build a sustainable, inclusive future.

Meditate on the event’s messages as you head up into the nearby Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. “They have really cool programs where you can participate in nature restoration,” explains Bash, “helping plant native species and weeding out invasive or non-native ones.” Bash also likes the Kenter Trail hike not far from UCLA. “It’s dog friendly, so a lot of doggie daycare places take their dogs there. You might see a walker with, like, 40 dogs.” Now you're ready to check out some exhibitions.

In the Atmosphere of Sound exhibit at CAP UCLA, a mix of contemporary artists interpret climate change through the medium of sound. The immersive experiences include sound sculptures, sound walks, videos, and live performances. Next, head over to the Hammer Museum where you’ll find PST ART’s Breath(e).

“This exhibit is right up my alley,” says Bash. Breath(e) considers the connections between climate change and environmental and social justice through the lens of contemporary art. Visitors can check out a sculpture built by honey bees by Garrett Pruitt, an installation by contemporary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, and Ron Finley, aka the Gangsta Gardener, will be rebuilding his South Central community garden in one of the galleries.

“Metro Micro is like a city-sponsored version of Uber,” explains Bash. “You order on your phone and you only pay, like, bus ticket-level fares. It’s amazing.” Catch a ride to Blueys Kitchen for lunch, a restaurant that’s part of the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly program. “We consult with restaurants to make them as close to zero waste as possible,” explains Bash. “So things like offering reusables on site, reducing plastics in takeaway bags, sourcing certified-sustainable fish."

Not far from Blueys is the art complex Bergamot Station, host to another PST ART exhibit, this one featuring innovative photographer Chris McCaw at Marshall Gallery. McCaw first started taking photos as a Northern Californian skateboarder in the 80s; he was involved with zines and the punk scene. McCaw’s striking images feature dots and lines burned onto the page by sunlight concentrated through the camera’s lens.

“The surfing and skate culture are obviously part of the west side,” says Bash. “That's why people live here.” First timers who’d like to test out the waves can head from Bergamot Station to nearby Santa Monica beach. Kapowui Surf School teaches lessons near lifeguard tower 29. “They’re my old neighbors!” laughs Bash. In honor of Chris McCaw’s skater roots, take the opportunity to visit Venice Skate Park. “It’s so iconic,” says Bash.

“The best loaf of bread you can get in LA is from Gjusta,” raves Bash. “And their location in Venice has a huge outdoor patio, very Parisian vibes. They have this olive tapenade and my partner and I will get a big loaf of sourdough, eat olive tapenade, and play cards.”

On the first Friday of every month starting at 5 p.m., the chic Venice street Abbot Kinney gives itself over to a festival of food trucks and merchant events. “There's always live music,” says Bash. “The stores might have special sales or they'll be jewelry makers or artists who will have a pop up. It’s cool, it’s a vibe.”

When you’ve shopped and sampled to your heart’s content, hop on a bike and pedal back to Santa Monica along the Marvin Braude bike path. The 22-mile, paved oceanside path stretches from Torrance County Beach up to Will Rogers State Beach near the Pacific Palisades. “We used the bike path all the time when we were kids,” reminisces Bash. “My mom would drop us off and we’d ride around the South Bay up to Venice, and, like, get a henna tattoo and buy incense.”