In February 2008, Los Angeles will witness the birth of the first new museum built in LA since the Getty Center made its debut a decade ago with the premiere of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). BCAM will feature works by such contemporary masters as Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra and others. BCAM is the centerpiece of the $156 million transformation of LACMA, whose campus will include new gardens, an entry pavilion, expanded parking facilities and other visitor amenities.

The Orlando (Westside)
This European-style hotel recently completed a two-year, $6 million top-to-bottom renovation and now offers beautifully appointed guest rooms designed in a clean, modern style, and La Terza, a first class Italian restaurant. In the heart of the hip shopping district on West Third Street, the Orlando Hotel borders Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and is a new member of the Preferred Hotel Group’s newest portfolio of hotels: Boutique. The hotel has 98 guest rooms. 8384 W. Third St., Los Angeles, 90048; 323.330.1774, www.theorlando.com.

West Third Street Area: Occasionally confused with Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this Third Street is one of the hottest shopping districts in LA. The entire section of West Third Street from La Cienega to Fairfax is walkable, making it a treat to park the car just once and step in and out of the boutiques that catch your eye. If you prefer to have a solid game plan before you set out, be sure to plan a visit to Milk for women’s clothing; Inago for unusual shoes; Zipper for unique gifts; and OK for home furnishings. Book buffs will enjoy visiting Traveler’s Bookcase and the Cook’s Library.

Everyone knows about the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But there’s another Hollywood walk that’s equally hot - The RockWalk. Located at the site of the famed Oriental Theatre, now the Guitar Center Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, the RockWalk showcases handprints, signatures and priceless memorabilia from Rock ‘n Roll’s greatest musical performers and innovators. Founded on Nov. 13, 1985, honorees include Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, KISS, Johnny Cash, Dick Clark and Melissa Etheridge. Inductees are chosen solely by past honorees, those who are best able to gauge a musician’s contribution to Rock ‘n Roll history. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, fans can put their hands into these rockers famous handprints. They also can view fabulous memorabilia including B.B. King’s guitar, Lucille; Peter Criss’s boots; Zeppelin’s set list; and Ricky Nelson’s handwritten lyrics for “Garden Party.” Hubert Sumlin, Keb’ Mo’ and George Thorogood & The Destroyers were the most recently inducted rock stars. And on Nov. 19, the popular and influential Japanese hard rock band, B’z, will be inducted. They were recommended by guitar legend, Steve Vai. Induction ceremonies are open to the public.
www.rockwalk.com

From reindeer dancing and prancing at the zoo to luxury yachts decked out in their holiday best, LA’s holiday celebrations, parades, festivals, performances and activities offer something for kids of all ages.

Among the highlights: the chance to practice your fancy footwork on an urban ice rink and cozy up to watch twinkling light displays float past in the harbor. Many of LA’s holiday events are offered at little or no cost.

“Downtown on Ice” at Pershing Square (Nov. 15 – Jan. 21). An ice-skating rink becomes the centerpiece of Pershing Square in the heart of Downtown LA. $9 per hour including skate rental. www.laparks.org

Annual “Holiday Light Festival” (Nov. 22 - Dec. 30). 5 – 10 p.m. More than a million lights illuminate displays stretching for a mile through Griffith Park. See the decorations on foot or by car. Free. www.laparks.org

“Reindeer Romp” (Nov. 22 – Jan. 1). The Los Angeles Zoo features live reindeer, holiday crafts, talks with zoo keepers and appearances by Santa. Included with zoo admission. www.lazoo.org

Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade (Dec. 1). 6 p.m. Festively decorated boats sail through the harbor off San Pedro. Free. 310.549.8111 or 800.831.PORT (7678).

Banning Museum Victorian Christmas (Dec.1 and 2). 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations required. 310.548.7777.

Banning Museum Candle Light Tours (Dec. 8 and 9). 6 to 8 p.m. Must call for reservations and tickets: 310.548.7777.

45th Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Dec.8). Brightly lit boats parade through the marina. Fireworks kick off the parade at 5:55 p.m. Free. www.mdrboatparade.org

For the second time in less than a few weeks, Studio City sushi restaurants have served up a healthy portion of celebrity action. It just so happens Justin likes my favorite Sushi joint, Katsuya on Ventura Blvd.