Community Corner
Free Fraps and Live Valley Traffic Updates
Patch's quick take on the essential things to know, the most interesting things to do and best places to be on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Here's a handful of things to keep in mind for today.
- Wondering about traffic? Check your commute before work!
- The Valley Beth Shalom summer lecture series topic is "If I am NOT for Myself - Who Will Be for Me:  The Different Ways We Define Ourselves." The lecture runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino.
- The 26th Taste of Encino isn't until Oct. 13, but the application process for business sponsorship is already open. Find out about the various sponsorship opportunities on the event's website.
- Want to score a free Frappuccino? When you're out and about in the Southland, take this free coupon into a Barnes & Noble bookstore where you can get a free Starbucks Frappuccino when you buy another. This coupon is good through Aug. 3 at Calabasas, Valencia, Thousand Oaks, Media City Center in Burbank, 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, or The Grove at Farmers Market.
- Today is Vegetarian Day, according to http://www.daysoftheyear.com. Where do you find the best vegetarian food in the area?
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