As of next Thursday, the Summer Solstice, it will be a little more than 6-weeks since the Griffith Park fire. What better way than celebrate the longest summer day by hiking into the night with city councilman Tom LaBonge through his district's treasure - Griffith Park.

"I seem to be hiking Griffith Park more than ever now. Every day I see something else surprising," writes LaBonge in his weekly newsletter. "This week, there are very visible signs of life sprouting green in patches all over the hillsides. This is remarkable since not one drop of rain has fallen in months... Like you, my wish is to see as many trails opened as soon as possible so that you can see for yourself this amazing sight. As you know, I defer to Dept. of Recreation and Park officials whose crews continue to remove dead debris and inspect those areas vulnerable to sliding. Erosion is a clear and present danger in some areas. Crews are also clearing 15 catch basins in anticipation of mudslides. If there is an upside, it's that this is as good a reason as any to go exploring trails not in the burn area you've never been on before. I'll join you!

To join him, find the details and RSVP info for Thursday's hike after the jump.

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL SUMMER SOLSTICE HIKE A WEEK FROM TODAY!

SAME GREAT OCCASION...WITH A NEW TWIST.

On Thursday, June 21, we'll be saluting Los Angeles' Sister Cities, all 26 of them, joining with the Los Angeles Consular Corps and others, but this time we're assembling first at 6 p.m. the Fern Dell entrance to the park before our 1.5 mile hike to Mount Hollywood.

Due to the Griffith Park fire, we've only slightly altered the details, but the spirit of the summer solstice hike remains! It's the longest day of the year and the top of Mt. Hollywood is the perfect setting to note this special event.

Everyone is encouraged to bring refreshments and food to share with friends, old and new.

Special transportation will be provided for those who may need it.

Please call Jeanne Hruska at (213) 485-3337 for additional information and/or to RSVP.