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How to Give Back this November | Out & About

November is a time of giving thanks and giving back. With a number of charities in the community looking for volunteers ahead of the holidays, it’s time to give a helping hand. We’ve put together a list of local charities you can volunteer your time with this November.

The Midnight Mission

Location: DTLA

Offering counseling, education, training, and job placement to the city’s homeless population, The Midnight Mission serves as a great place to give back. Along with regular meal services and food donation drives, the Mission holds special Thanksgiving and Christmas events. To volunteer for a special event, it’s recommended to start with regular volunteer hours and fill out the online form.

Heal the Bay

Location: Venice Beach/South Bay Area

Our coastal areas deserve some TLC in November as well. Join the environmental group, Heal the Bay on their commitment to keeping SoCal’s coastal waters and watersheds as safe, healthy, and clean as possible. The monthly beach cleanups are the easiest way in, but you can also pledge a bit more time and organize cleanups for your own favorite stretch of coastline.

L.A. Regional Food Bank

Location: Los Angeles

You can give back this November with the L.A. Regional Food Bank. The organization will need volunteers to help with food sorting, special events, and food drives. In addition, the yearly Operation Gobble returns to help deliver food for the holidays.

Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission

Location: San Fernando Valley

As one of the organizations that Rodeo Realty frequently volunteers with, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission offers a host of services. The organization provides hot meals, health services, and housing to the needy population in San Fernando Valley. Volunteers are welcome to help assist in handing out meals, clothing, medicine, and more throughout the week. 

SOVA Community Food and Resource Program

Location: West L.A. and Van Nuys

SOVA’s two service centers (West L.A. and Van Nuys) provide a free five-day supply of groceries and hygiene products for each family member in need. You can give back this November by becoming a volunteer. The organization needs help with everything from packaging and inventory to registering clients and entering data. SOVA offers opportunities for both “occasional” and “core” volunteers.

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Rodeo Realty Sure Start – November ’24 Schedule

**All Classes are taught at the Encino Office 17501 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316 except for Thursday November 7th which will be held at the Corporate Office 9171 Wilshire Blvd, Suite #321 in Beverly Hills**

Monday, November 4th
9:30 – 11:00: Real Estate Laws, Ethics, Responsibilities. MLS rules, NAR code of ethics
John Gould

11:15 – 12:45: Disclosure Requirements, Agent inspection duties, Risk management
John Gould

1:45 – 3:15: Listing paperwork, Seller Disclosures, TDS, SPQ, AVID, Lead Paint Disclosure, Water Heater Smoke Detector Statement of Compliance, Toxic Mold Disclosure, Earthquake Booklet, Carbon Monoxide Disclosure, etc.
Part 1
Wendy Cox

3:30 – 5:00: Continuation of Seller Disclosures –
Part 2
Wendy Cox

Tuesday, November 5th
9:30 – 4:30: Prospecting Boot Camp

Wednesday, November 6th
9:30 – 11:00: Unleashing the power of the mind. How to create your Real Estate Success!
Buddy Gordon

11:15 – 12:45: It’s all about habit. Practical day-to-day applications to make it all work.
Buddy Gordon

1:45 – 3:15: Anatomy of the transaction. What to do after the receipt for deposit is signed. Getting the escrow closed. Time frames. Keeping your clients informed. What to expect during Escrow? We’ll go over an entire transaction from start to close.
Part 1
Oren Barkan

3:30 – 5:00: Anatomy of the transaction – Continued
Part 2
Oren Barkan

Thursday, November 7th
**This will take place at the corporate office 9171 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 321 in Beverly Hills, CA 90210**

10:00 – 12:00: Corporate tour/Rodeo Tools
Corporate Staff

12:30 – 2:00: Digital Marketing – Social Marketing – One-on-One Technology Training
Corporate Staff

2:30 – 4:00: Geographical Farming plus Open House Techniques
John Gould

Friday, November 8th
9:30 – 11:00: Finding Homes to Show, Showing Property, Presenting Offers, Counter Offers, Multiple Offers
Marc Chorin

11:15 – 12:45: ZipForms and the forms library
Simon Pozi

1:45 – 3:15: Leases – Paperwork required. How to complete them. What are your responsibilities?
Kristy Fields

3:30 – 5:00: Home Inspection. What does the Seller have to do? Handling Requests for Repairs
Kristy Fields

Monday, November 11th

9:30 – 11:00: Listing Presentation, Part 1
John Gould

11:15 – 12:45: Listing Presentation, Part 2
John Gould

1:45 – 3:00: Residential Purchase Agreement
Part 1
Mark Shepard

3:15 – 4:30: Purchase Agreement
Part 2
Mark Shepard

Tuesday, November 12th
9:30 – 11:00: Escrow duties and process. Reviewing a buyer and seller closing statement. What the costs are for?
Encore Escrow

11:15 – 12:45: Loan products, down payment requirements, credit scores, how buyers are qualified, buyer’s closing costs
LA Mortgage

1:45 – 3:15: Title Insurance – reading a Preliminary Title Report
Progressive Title

Wednesday, November 13th
9:30 – 11:00: Psychology of Sales. Helping buyers and sellers make decisions.
Kyle Leibovitch

11:15 – 12:45: Psychology of Sales, Part 2
Kyle Leibovitch

1:45 – 3:15: Difference between Counteroffer forms – when is the acceptance – COP form – Other forms
Buddy Gordon

3:30 – 5:00: Disclosures included with RPA, Agency, Fair Housing & Discrimination Advisory, Possible Representation of More Than one Buyer or Seller – Disclosure and Consent, Wire Fraud & Electronic Funds Transfer Advisory, Buyer’s Investigation Advisory, Fair Appraisal Act Addendum, Consumer Privacy Act Advisory, Disclosure & Notice
Buddy Gordon

Thursday, November 14th
10:00 – 12:00: Texting Techniques with Scripts
Buddy Gordon and Mike Weaver

1:15 – 3:15: Go Door Knocking with Buddy and Mike
Buddy Gordon and Mike Weaver

4:00 – 5:00: Back to the office to make some cold calls together
Buddy Gordon and Mike Weaver

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5 Great Outdoor Fire Pits for Your Yard | Home Tips

As the weather begins to cool down, the ideal addition to your yard this fall is an outdoor fire pit! From social gatherings to fall nights shared with family and friends, it’s perfect for a cozy evening. Read below for outdoor fire pits that will make a stunning addition to your yard.

Horwich Stone Propane Fire Pit by Loon Peak

outdoor fire pit

This sophisticated gas-powered fire pit by Loon Peak would look great in your backyard entertainment area with its timeless design and easy operation over a bed of lava rocks.

This propane-powered pit is made with concrete to prevent cracks or tipping no matter the weather. It is a sturdy construction made with a ceramic polish finish in a classic wood style.

Riverside Concrete Propane Fire Pit by Real Flame

This long-lasting, fiber-cast concrete fire pit by Real Flame takes little space. It also provides an attractive addition to yards, decks, and porches of all kinds.

Belle Concrete Propane Outdoor Gas Fire Pit Table by Orren Ellis

outdoor fire pit

Orren Ellis’ sleek and elegant design includes crisp lines and precise angles. It’s perfect for easy placement on any patio. This fire pit also provides ample seating room for everyone to enjoy cozy warmth.

Merser Outdoor Concrete Propane Gas Fire Pit by Sand & Stable

Seeking a sleek and polished piece to add to the entertainment space of your yard? Sand & Stable’s outdoor fire pit might be the one for you. Made of fiberglass-reinforced concrete, this long-lasting pit is durable and stylish.

Concrete Propane Fire Pit by Ebern Designs

Ebern Designs’ outdoor fire pit brings style and comfort with its classic, circular design.

Made with durable, lightweight concrete, it is easy to place and rearrange in your outdoor space, all while providing ample warmth within its built-in tank holder.

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Economic Update | Week Ending November 1, 2024

Weekly Economic Update WEU econ

U.S. Hiring Stalled in October – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that only 12,000 new jobs were added in October, down from a revised 223,000 new jobs added in September, and well below what economists expected. The two hurricanes and the Boeing and other related strikes were cited as the reason for the drastic drop. It is not possible to put a number on what hiring would have occurred in southern states that are still assessing damage from two devastating hurricanes in October, or how many strike-related job losses there were. Normally a drop in hiring like this would cause the stock market to drop sharply and bond yields and mortgage rates to drop as well, but it was exactly the opposite on Friday after the report was digested, as investors accepted the hurricane and strike excuse for the low jobs number. The unemployment rate was 4.1%, unchanged from September and down from 4.2% in August. Average hourly wages increased 4% year-over-year in October, down from a 4.2% annual increase in September, but still higher than the 3.8% annual increase in July and August.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 42,052.19, down 1.15% from 42,114.40 last week. It is up 11.6% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,718.80, down 1.5% from 5,808.12 last week. The S&P is up 19.9% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 18,239.92, down 1.5% from 18,518.61 last week. It is up 21.5% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.37%, up from 4.25% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.57%, up from 4.51% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 31, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.72%, up from 6.54% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, up from 5.71% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Image

Have a great weekend!

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Mortgage Rate Update | October 31, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 31, 2024, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.72%, up from 6.54% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, up from 5.71% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

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Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

October has come to an end but there is still some spooky fun to be had. Enjoy the last weeks of fall with this weeks round up of things to do! From haunts to galas, concerts and more, there are plenty of happenings November 1 through November 3.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Two Faced Ceramics classes at Hotel Figueroa

When: Until November 16

Where: Hotel Figueroa | DTLA

What: Two Faced Ceramics is bringing its home studio poolside to DTLA’s Hotel Figueroa for a series of beginner-friendly classes. For $75, each session includes all materials and equipment, plus mimosas and a hotel tote bag. Every class explores a unique theme, with this weekend’s session focusing on an election-inspired design.

Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema

When: October 6 – July 13, 2024

Where: Academy Museum | Museum Row

What: “Color in Motion” showcases nearly 150 objects, including technology, costumes, props, and film posters, spanning from the 1890s to the present. Divided into six thematic sections, the exhibition explores the relationship between color, music, and movement, as seen in early dance performances and animated shorts. It delves into the evolution of color technologies, from Technicolor and Disney’s women-led Ink & Paint Department to modern digital techniques. The exhibition also highlights monochrome silent films, the narrative significance of color, and experimental art. The final gallery, the Color Arcade, is an interactive, neon-lit space featuring a corridor inspired by the stargate sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos

When: October 19 – November 2

Where: DTLA

What: Grand Park’s two-week display of 20 altars, created by local artists and community organizations, kicks off with Grand Ave Arts: All Access. For the first time, the opening festivities will span two days, starting on October 19 with face painting, live music, and poetry, followed by a festival and inaugural parade on October 20. The celebration concludes with an outdoor film screening on November 2, presented by the GuadaLAjara Film Festival.

Westside and Beach Communites Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Maggie Rogers 

When: November 2

Where: Forum | Inglewood

What: The YouTube sensation has officially transformed into a pop star, shifting from gentle folk tunes to rich, soulful dance pop. Catch her headlining the Forum for two unforgettable nights.

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion

When: October 17 – August 2025

Where: The Skirball Museum | Westside

What: Explore over 50 garments from Diane von Furstenberg, including her iconic wrap dress, in this career-spanning exhibition at the Skirball. The show also highlights her philanthropic work and the impact of her upbringing as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, alongside artwork and fabric swatches.

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

When: October 19 – December 1

Where: Downtown Santa Monica

What: Cirque du Soleil brings its high-flying show KOOZA to the beach, leaving DTLA for Santa Monica. This marks the troupe’s first performance under the big top by the Santa Monica Pier since 2014.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Blended Worlds: Experiments In Interplanetary Imagination

When: Until January 4, 2025

Where: Glendale

What: In this collaborative exhibition in Glendale, artists and JPL scientists unite as 11 creatives across various mediums showcase their interpretations of how nature and the night sky spark wonder within us.

House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

When: Until November 2

Where: Glendale

What: Step into a Glendale theater (324 N Orange St, Glendale) for a supernatural soirée filled with magic, hauntings, and mystery that will send shivers down your spine. House of Spirits offers a two-hour immersive experience where you can explore eerie performances and macabre pop-ups, all while sipping on themed drinks. Each ticket includes four mini cocktails to accompany your chilling adventure.

Halloween Horror Nights

When: Until November 3

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Spooky season is creeping up, and the first sign is here: haunted houses have begun to take over Universal Studios. The theme park’s Halloween Horror Nights, just outside of Hollywood, features terrifying experiences inspired by A Quiet Place, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Insidious, and The Purge, along with a chilling maze created by The Weeknd.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Nights of the Jack

When: September 27 – November 2

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll through the picturesque King Gillette Ranch as it transforms into a glowing wonderland, with thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lighting up the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway. This year, Nights of the Jack features a mile-long walking trail, complete with food trucks and a festive “Spookeasy” to enhance the experience.

Bags, Bling & Bubbly Champagne Luncheon Fundraiser

When: November 2

Where: Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo

What: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is hosting its Annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo on November 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early bird tickets are available for $100 until September 1 at bbsvc.org/bubbly. For over 45 years, BBSVC has supported local youth through mentoring, relying on private donors for 75% of its funding.

Simi Valley SnowFest

When: November 3

Where: Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Dr. Simi Valley

What: Join Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for its annual SnowFest on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rancho Madera Community Park in Simi Valley. The event features sledding, snow lots, kids’ activities, a vendor expo, and food stalls. Admission is free for the snow lot, with $10 all-day wristbands available for snow slides and kids’ attractions.

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From Meta AI to a Nintendo Music App and More! | Tech News

Stay connected to the latest tech news headlines! From Meta AI to a Nintendo Music App and more, we have you covered. Check out our weekly round-up below!

Meta’s Llama AI Expands into Public Sector for Positive Impact

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company is collaborating with the U.S. government to use Llama AI for impactful public sector projects. Initial partnerships with the State Department focus on improving access to essential resources like safe water and electricity and supporting small businesses, while discussions with the Department of Education aim to simplify the financial aid process for students. Meta’s ambitious AI expansion includes a powerful Llama model in development, set to bring advanced reasoning and faster performance in 2025. Meanwhile, Meta continues to grow, reporting $40.5 billion in Q3 revenue and a 5% increase in daily app users, underscoring its commitment to innovation and public benefit.

Nothing Launches Glow-in-the-Dark Phone 2A Plus Community Edition

Nothing has announced the Phone 2A Plus Community Edition, a limited-edition smartphone featuring a glow-in-the-dark design created through a community-driven contest. Developed by designers Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, the phone’s phosphorescent green tint requires only daylight to emit a soft glow for hours. Its custom packaging, crafted by Ian Henry Simmonds, mirrors the glow-in-the-dark theme. This first co-creation effort from Nothing drew over 900 design submissions, with only 1,000 units available for purchase starting November 12 for $399. The phone also includes six new wallpapers, the “Connected Collection,” and is marketed with the campaign “Find your light. Capture your light.”

Nintendo Launches Nostalgic Music App for Switch Online Subscribers

While fans await Nintendo’s next console, the company has surprised us with Nintendo Music. The Nintendo mobile app for Switch Online subscribers features classic tunes from iconic games like Splatoon, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda. Available on iOS and Android, the app offers curated playlists by game, character, and mood, plus options to create custom playlists, stream, or download tracks for offline enjoyment. The Unique features include a spoiler filter and loop settings for extended listening. Likewise, this allows Nintendo users to enjoy anything from Hyrule ambiance to full game soundtracks uninterrupted.

Google’s Pixel 9 Debuts Smart Weather App for Real-Time Summaries

The new standalone Google Weather app on the Pixel 9 uses AI to give clear, concise summaries of daily weather, helping users know at a glance if they’ll need an umbrella. The app syncs with saved locations on Pixel devices, letting users track multiple spots, view weather data on maps, and customize information blocks. Available on Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 models, this feature-rich app is a fresh choice for users seeking an alternative since Dark Sky’s closure in 2020.

Google Wallet Expands to Kids with Parental Controls for In-Store Purchases

Google will soon allow kids to use Google Wallet on Android phones, enabling in-store purchases through tap-to-pay, with parental controls via the Google Family Link app. Parents can approve new cards, monitor transactions, and control access, while kids can use fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or passwords for secure payments. The feature, set to roll out in the US and other countries next year, limits online purchases and excludes health or ID cards, offering a safe, parent-supervised way for kids to manage funds—catching up with Apple’s Apple Cash Family service.

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New Restaurants – Week of October 31 | L.A. Eats

In Los Angeles, culinary innovation continues to thrive with new restaurants offering diverse flavors and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re craving smoky wood-fired meats, Caribbean-infused rotis, or delicate Japanese sashimi, the latest arrivals in LA’s dining scene promise something for everyone. Here’s a look at some standout spots redefining the city’s food culture.

MXO

Location: 826 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069

Wes Avila’s MXO, a West Hollywood steakhouse, brings a bit of Monterrey, Mexico to LA with an enticing focus on wood-fired cooking. Created in collaboration with Giancarlo Pagani and SBE’s Sam Nazarian, MXO is all about bold, communal dining experiences. The birria beef martillo, crafted from premium wagyu beef, served with marrow and consomé, and perfect for groups of up to 12, is a centerpiece at $275. Alongside large-format meats, find playful dishes like Okinawa sweet potato tacos, queso fundido, and a grilled cabbage Caesar.

The Benjamin

Location: 7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90046

Bringing Art Deco elegance to Melrose Avenue, The Benjamin is Ben Shenassafar’s stylish debut into the restaurant world. This American-inspired bistro offers comfort foods diners crave on any given night. Classics like a well-executed cheeseburger, crispy crab beignets, and cocktails like ice-cold martinis make it a hot reservation. Shenassafar’s background with the Hundreds and Family Style shines in a space where trendy, well-traveled patrons feel right at home.

Udatsu

Location: 6634 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028

Udatsu, the acclaimed Michelin-starred new omakase spot from Tokyo led by chef Hisashi Udatsu, brings a refined sushi experience to Los Angeles. Located above Rokusho, this intimate establishment serves an exquisite 17-course omakase highlighting seasonal sashimi and nigiri. Guests are treated to specialties like Hokkaido and Santa Barbara sea urchin, aged tuna, and a beautifully crafted sardine roll — all in a calm, modern space designed for an immersive sushi journey.

Norikaya

Location: 554 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90020

Norikaya is Chef Akira Back’s latest venture, an energetic temaki bar nestled in the heart of Koreatown. Partnering with Robert Kim, Back brings hand rolls and small bites inspired by his Korean-Japanese roots and honed in his global ventures. Here, simple hand rolls are elevated with top-quality ingredients, served at an elegant counter where guests can unwind and savor elevated sushi culture.

Bridgetown Roti

Location: 858 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Finally grounded in a permanent space, Bridgetown Roti, an Eater 2021 Best New Restaurant, offers East Hollywood a taste of Caribbean-inflected dishes. Chef Rashisa Holmes showcases traditional roti made with Grist & Toll flours, filled with everything from chicken curry to green curry shrimp. Other highlights include weekend-only doubles, oxtail patties, and cod fish cakes. Be ready for a wait — these creations have made Bridgetown an instant hit.

Barr Seco

Location: 3820 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026

Sister to the Silver Lake hotspot Santo, Barr Seco operates as a cafe by day and a cozy bar by night. Chef David Potes’ menu complements the natural wine selection curated by former Kismet sommelier Kae Whalen, with dishes like scallop crudo and adobo-marinated pork tostadas. This dual-purpose spot provides a comfortable yet refined environment for casual dining or a night out.

Komal Molino

Location: 3655 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90007

New restaurant Komal Molino is the brainchild of Chef Fátima Juárez, a veteran of the celebrated Holbox. With partner Conrado Rivera, Juárez serves Mexican dishes rooted in her upbringing and prepared with heirloom corn masa made by hand. Each item, from the Taco Sonia to family-recipe squash bread, tells a story of heritage and culinary passion.

Bar Sinizki

Location: 3147 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Chef Scott Zwiezen’s Bar Sinizki is inspired by the all-day cafes he encountered across Eastern Europe in the ’90s. Located in Atwater Village, the new cafe features a checkered floor and marble bar reminiscent of Vienna and Berlin’s laid-back charm. Offering pierogi, steak frites, and tartines from breakfast to dinner, this no-reservation spot welcomes guests with familiar flavors and relaxed vibes.

Butchr Bar

Location: 301 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026

Tyson and Bridgette Blackney’s Butchr Bar serves Westlake a selection of small plates, charcuterie, and Australian-imported wagyu. This new restaurant combines butchery expertise with a love of wine. Additionally, the family-owned bar provides a cozy setting for wine and meat lovers alike, with options for solo diners or larger cuts like tomahawks for groups.

Camélia

Location: 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, California 90021

The former Caboco space now houses Camélia, a French-Japanese bistro from the team behind Tsubaki and Ototo. Chef Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan elevate French fare with Japanese ingredients. Endulge in aioli with pickled turnips or beef cheeks paired with crispy burdock root. Creative cocktails round out this stylish experience in LA’s Arts District.

Mala Class

Location: 5816 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90042

Mala Class, a modern Sichuan eatery in Highland Park, offers revamped Chinese favorites in a relaxed setting. Helmed by two New York City dining veterans, the menu includes dan dan noodles, chile oil dumplings, and sesame noodles. With affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a refreshing addition for fans of Sichuan cuisine outside the SGV.

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