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Out & About: Enjoy a Staycation in Coronado

Hidden in the heart of San Diego Bay, Coronado is a true Southern California treasure — sun-drenched beaches, sweeping bay views, and a relaxed island vibe. It’s the perfect staycation escape for Angelenos and nearby residents looking for a quick, picturesque getaway. Read our Staycation in Coronado guide for how you can spend your time in this resort town.

What to Do During Your Staycation in Coronado

If you want to have an exciting staycation, Coronado is an excellent place to be. There is a lot you can do in the town, and there is no room for boredom. Some examples of the fun things you can do in Coronado include;

Boating

Do you enjoy boating? Well then, make your way to Glorietta Bay Marina. The destination offers paddleboats, kayaks, sailboats, and more that you can rent for the day! All in all, enjoy some water playtime!

Visit the Museum

If you enjoy art and history, The Coronado Museum of History and Art is an excellent place to visit. The museum offers dynamic displays and permanent exhibits. Take a closer look at the architecture, art and, other historical resources of the town’s past.

Hit the Beach

As mentioned above, Coronado is best known for its beautiful beaches. Some popular sand havens in Coronado include the Ferry Landing Marketplace, Coronado Central Beach, and Coronado Dog Beach, among others. Each of them has a unique personality, and going there will allow you to experience the magnificent beauty and weather of Coronado.

Likewise, activities you can enjoy in Coronado include taking a bike tour of the town, taking a tree tour, and exploring the town on a Segway.

Where to Eat during your Staycation Coronado

As a popular resort town, Coronado has a lot of options for visitors and locals looking for nice places to have their meals. If you are looking for a restaurant with an elevated menu and located in a serene environment, some great restaurants you can consider visiting include Serẽa, The Henry, Stake Chophouse and Bar, and ENO Artisan Pizzeria at the Hotel Del, among others.

Where to Staycation in Coronado

Coronado provides a haven of luxurious resorts. Some great places to stay during your staycation in Coronado include Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Hotel del Coronado, Beach Village at The Del, 1906 Lodge Coronado, Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, Hotel Marisol Coronado, and Glorietta Bay Inn, among others.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that if you live in or around Los Angeles and you are looking for an excellent staycation spot near you, Coronado is an excellent place to go. Likewise, the town has a lot for you to enjoy in the town, and you can be sure that you will have an enjoyable and relaxing vacation in Coronado.

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The Best Neutral Decor Ideas For Your Home | Home Tips

When people think about neutral decor ideas, they usually picture boring tones of beige, but with the right combination of colors, contrasts, and textures, you can end up with absolutely fantastic results. When you start considering a palette of neutral colors, try not to stick to the most obvious ones. Neutral colors include shades like browns, grays, whites, and even metallic hues! So, with this in mind, let’s move forward with our favorite decorating ideas for awesome neutral decor.

1. Getting Started on Neutral Decor : Choose The Color For The Walls

One of the best ways to get started on neutral decor is to remember that “neutral” doesn’t mean you must use a single color. When you go for a neutral look, simply choose a range of colors that “go” with everything else. You’ll want to achieve a down-to-earth, relaxing space. With this in mind, the first step should be to work on your room’s background. By background, we are referring to the walls of the room you want to decorate. Choosing a pale ivory color can create the illusion of a room that is airy, fresh, and filled with light. Likewise, and in many cases, a few well-placed mirrors can help to make your room look larger.

2. Up Next: Your Windows And Floors

The most important part of neutral decor is your flooring and the color of your window treatments. These two will set the stage for everything else you place in that room. In addition, they are flexible enough to allow you to stray from the color of the walls. In the case of flooring, a nice earth tone will help your room look clean and fresh. Make sure your window treatments provide a contrast to your floors in order to make your room feel warm and welcoming.

3. Furniture: The Icing On The Cake

When you are looking to achieve the perfect neutral decor, you should consider using colors that contrast with your flooring. A great look is achieved by using a darker brown color for your furniture. Additionally, you should keep in mind that you can add throw pillows in a variety of tones to add an even more welcoming sense of warmth to the room.

4. Wrap It Up With Awesome Seasonal Neutral Decor 

While it is understandable that seasonal decorations will add a bit of color to your neutral decor, it is possible to maintain a wonderfully classical look all year round by selecting decorations that are crafted out of natural materials, such as wreaths made out of twigs or dry branches, and even a beautiful ceramic vase with colorful flowers that will give a touch of life to your space. It is at this point you can highlight a certain accessory by using brighter colors in a neutral room. Remember that a neutral decor doesn’t require overloading but can achieve a perfect look with a few great accessories in the right places.

5. Playing With Pastels

One of the most beautiful things about neutral decor colors is that they can be paired with certain shades of pastel to create a welcoming environment you will always love coming home to. Adding pastel-colored accents to your neutral setting will result in a sophisticated look that is hard to achieve any other way, especially if you have chosen the earthen range of neutral colors for your decor.

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Economic Update | Week Ending September 13, 2025

Weekly Economic Update; WEU
Inflation indexes showed mixed results this week – On Thursday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August was released. It showed that consumer prices rose 2.9% from one year ago, up from a 2.7% annual increase in July, but in line with analysts’ expectations. The CPI rate bottomed out at 2.3% in April but has risen steadily. This rise has been attributed to tariffs by both the Fed and economists. The core CPI rate, which excludes food and energy, rose 3.1% from one year ago, unchanged from July’s 12-month increase. Investors tend to look at Core CPI more than headline CPI because food and energy prices fluctuate in a more volatile manner, so remaining flat was viewed positively. The Producer Price Index (PPI) was released on Wednesday. Wholesale prices declined 0.1% for the month in August. This was a big relief to the markets after July’s 0.7% month-over-month increase. Year-over-year headline PPI was up 2.6% in August, down from an annual 3.3% increase in July. Core PPI showed wholesale prices were up 2.8% from one year ago, down from an annualized 3.7% in July. Wholesale inflation is usually a precursor to consumer inflation, as the increase in costs is later passed on to the consumer.

Stock Markets – Stock markets continued to rise – Expectations of lower interest rates fueled another rally in stock markets this week – The Nasdaq ended another week at record highs, and the Dow and S&P ended the week just below Thursday’s record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 45,844.32, up 1% from 45,400.86 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 2.9% from 44,544.66 on December 31, 2024. The S&P 500 closed the week at 6,584.29, up 1.6% from 6,481.50 last week. Year-to-date, the S&P is up 9% from 6,040.53 on December 31, 2024. The Nasdaq closed the week at 22,147.10, up 2.1% from 21,700.39 last week. Year-to-date, it is up 12.8% from 19,627.44 on December 31, 2024.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.06%, down from 4.10% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.68%, down from 4.78% 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 September 11, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.35%, down from 6.5% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.5%, down from 5.6% 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.

Have a Great Weekend!
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Weekend Events | September 12 – September 14

As fall quickly approaches, autumnal fun around town is ramping up! From harvest festivals to DTLA dog days of summer and more, we have you covered. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood September 12 through September 14.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | September 12 – September 14 

Jaws: The Exhibition

When: September 14, 2025 – July 26, 2026

Where: Academy Museum | Midcity

What: Celebrate 50 years of Jaws at the Academy Museum with the largest exhibition ever dedicated to Spielberg’s iconic thriller. Explore behind-the-scenes stories, see over 200 original props and artifacts, and come face-to-face with the last surviving model shark from the film. Don’t miss the re-created beach cabanas and the original lens used for the legendary dolly-zoom shot.

Chicago

When: September 12 – September 14 

Where: Hollywood Bowl

What: Chicago returns to the Hollywood Bowl to headline the venue’s fireworks finale with a set full of ‘70s soft rock classics like “If You Leave Me Now” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” Expect their signature horn-driven sound and plenty of nostalgia, plus a sparkling fireworks display to close out the night. Five-time Grammy winner Christopher Cross will open the show.

DTLA Dog Day

When: September 12 

Where: Downtown LA

What: Celebrate your furry friend at this pup-friendly party in Downtown L.A.’s Maguire Gardens, hosted by the Los Angeles Central Library. The event features dog-friendly vendors offering gourmet treats, CBD products, and handmade accessories, plus activities like community dog walks, pet portraits, photo ops, and live music. Enjoy a drink from on-site Italian spot Settecento, with a portion of sales benefiting the Vanderpump Dog Foundation.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | September 12 – September 14 

Oedipus the King, Mama!

When: Until September 27

Where: The Getty Villa | Pacific Palisades

What: The Getty Villa’s Outdoor Classical Theater series returns with a bold new twist: a musical mashup of Sophocles’s tragic Oedipus and the music of Elvis Presley. Staged in the Villa’s open-air amphitheater, this inventive production is brought to life by the L.A.-based Troubadour Theater Company, known for its genre-blending takes on classical works. Arrive early to enjoy seaside breezes and themed concessions like Memphis-style ribs and the decadent “Elvis” sandwich (peanut butter, banana, and Nutella) before the show begins.

Americana in the Park

When: September 14

Where: Santa Monica

What: Santa Monica’s free Americana in the Park concert series returns with a special one-day celebration in honor of the city’s 150th anniversary. Co-hosted by McCabe’s Guitar Shop and KCRW, the event showcases a diverse lineup of roots, blues, jazz, and folk acts, including El Rayo X, Alice Howe & Freebo, the Gumbo Brothers, and Babilonia featuring Celia Chavez. Head to Gandara Park for a Sunday afternoon of live music, food trucks, and picnicking fun.

Zuma Beach Triathlon

When: September 14 

Where: Malibu 

What: Push your limits—or simply soak up the scenery—at the Malibu Triathlon, where participants swim, bike, and run along the iconic Pacific coastline. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sand, the event supports a meaningful cause, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Emergency Relief Fund and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Distances range from a sprint (½-mile swim, 18-mile bike, 4-mile run) to a more challenging Olympic race.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | September 12 – September 14 

Halloween Horror Nights

When: September 4 – November 2, 2025

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off Halloween Horror Nights on September 4, transforming the park into a scream-filled spectacle with themed haunted houses and mazes. Highlights include a Fallout-inspired post-apocalyptic wasteland, the chilling Jason Universe celebrating 45 years of Friday the 13th, and a terrifying Five Nights at Freddy’s maze. Plus, the Terror Tram returns with creepy encounters featuring Blumhouse villains like M3GAN.

Rooted In Us Summer Series San Fernando Valley

When: September 13

Where: El Cariso Community Regional Park | Sylmar

What: Celebrate community and youth empowerment at the Rooted In Us Summer Series in the San Fernando Valley, hosted by the L.A. County Department of Youth Development. This free, family-friendly event features youth-led entertainment, interactive activities, community dialogues, local resources, and free food (while supplies last). Enjoy live music from DJ GeriFree and help build momentum leading up to the Annual Countywide Youth Summit on November 14.

Lululemon Valencia Free Functional Sculpt Class

When: September 13

Where: lululemon Valencia | 24201 Valencia Boulevard | Santa Clarita

What: Bring your yoga mat and get ready to move! Functional Fitness Sculpt is a strength-based class focused on enhancing your body’s ability to perform everyday movements with ease and efficiency. Designed for all fitness levels, this intentional and dynamic workout builds foundational strength and endurance through functional movement patterns. Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced athlete, this class offers a challenging yet approachable full-body sculpt.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | September 12 – September 14 

Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show

When: September 12 – September 14 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard

What: Celebrate creativity at the 53rd Annual Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds from September 12–14. This family-friendly event features over 24,000 handmade creations from hundreds of artists and crafters, plus live entertainment, specialty foods, a KidZone, and more. With one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal décor, and artisan goods under one roof, it’s the West Coast’s largest indoor showcase of its kind.

Summer Season at Theatricum Botanicum

When: Until October 12 

Where: Topanga 

What: For over 50 years, this open-air amphitheater in Topanga Canyon has enchanted audiences with its intimate, nature-filled setting and diverse productions. This season, themed “A Season of Resilience,” features Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Malibu-inspired take on The Seagull, and Strife by Nobel laureate John Galsworthy. Perfect for theater lovers of all ages.

Ventura County Astronomical Society STAR PARTY

When: September 13 

Where: Paramount Ranch | 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills

What: Join the Ventura County Astronomical Society for a free Star Party at Paramount Ranch on Saturday, September 13, starting at 8pm. Stargaze under dark skies with telescopes provided by VCAS members, and enjoy a family-friendly evening of celestial discovery. Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and remember—only red lights allowed to protect night vision.

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Mortgage Rate Update | September 11, 2025

MRU

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 September 11, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.35%, down from 6.5% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.5%, down from 5.6% 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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From iPhone 17 to an Optimus Rival Robot and More! | Tech News

Plug into this week’s essential tech headlines from across the web. We’re breaking down the stories you won’t want to miss, from iPhone 17 to an Optimus rival robot and more. Check out this week’s tech news blog!

Gmail Adds a Purchases Tab to Track Orders and Shipments

Google is rolling out a new Purchases tab in Gmail that gathers order confirmations, shipping estimates, and package-tracking cards into one place so users can see their online orders at a glance. The tab lives in the Gmail sidebar on web and mobile, and Google is also tweaking the Promotions filters to surface timely deals from brands you engage with most. This aims to reduce inbox clutter and make order management faster without hunting through search results or filters. If you rely on email for receipts and tracking, the Purchases tab should simplify post-checkout chaos. 

Apple’s Fall Event Rumors Point to iPhone 17, Air Pro, and an Ultra Watch

Rumors about Apple’s fall showcase suggest a big lineup: iPhone 17 family updates, a new Air Pro Max-like audio product. In addition, an updated Watch Series and an Ultra model, as well as refreshed AirPods, were also announced. Leaks on the iPhone 17 point to iterative camera and performance improvements alongside tighter integration of on-device AI features. Of course, these iPhone 17 features will be central to Apple’s messaging this year. Accessory makers and app developers for the iPhone 17 should watch for new hardware specs and APIs. Likewise, such iPhone 17 news could affect cases, batteries, and feature parity. If you’re planning upgrades or product launches, Apple’s event is likely to set the tone for the holiday buying season and eager iPhone 17 fans. 

Ant Group Shows Off R1, a Humanoid Robot Aimed at Tesla’s Optimus

Chinese conglomerate Ant Group revealed R1, a humanoid robot prototype positioned as a competitor to Tesla’s Optimus, showcasing walking, manipulation, and general-purpose robotics ambitions. R1 combines legged mobility with articulated hands and aims to tackle logistics and light-industrial tasks, signaling that more Big Tech players are entering humanoid robotics. The prototype underscores rapid progress in mechatronics and on-device reasoning, but commercial viability still hinges on cost, reliability, and developer ecosystems. If scaled, R1 could accelerate automation in warehouses and service roles across the region. 

Reddit Tests Publisher Tools: Read Articles and See Analytics In-App

Reddit is piloting a publisher’s beta that lets readers open full news articles inside the app and gives publishers analytics on engagement and referral traffic. The move aims to keep users on Reddit longer and offers publishers native metrics that clarify how discussions convert into readership. For newsrooms, it means another distribution channel with Reddit-specific audience insights; for users, it reduces context-switching between apps. Expect careful rollout and opt-in publisher partnerships as Reddit balances engagement with ad and subscription models. 

Vimeo Agrees to Be Acquired by Bending Spoons for $1.38B

Vimeo accepted a takeover bid from European app studio Bending Spoons in a deal valued at about $1.38 billion, creating a privately held video-creation and hosting company focused on growth and product investment. The acquisition promises more product-focused iteration—potentially faster feature development—outside the pressures of public markets. Creators should monitor roadmap signals for editing, hosting, and monetization tools; Bending Spoons has a history of building consumer apps and may push Vimeo toward more integrated creator services. The sale also reshuffles competition in the creator-platform space, where scale and developer velocity matter. 

Ferrari Revives the Testarossa as a 1,035 hp Plug-In Hybrid

Ferrari reintroduced the Testarossa nameplate as a plug-in hybrid hypercar packing roughly 1,035 horsepower, blending a V-engine with electric drive for blistering performance and a modern retro aesthetic. The car balances dramatic straight-line speed with hybrid efficiency, showing Ferrari’s path for pairing exhilarating dynamics with electrified powertrains. Pricing lands in the hypercar stratosphere, and production will be limited, keeping it firmly in the collector and enthusiast realm. It’s a statement that legacy supercars can embrace electrification without losing their soul. 

Grammarly Expands Its AI Writing Support to Five New Languages

Grammarly used its AI stack to add support for five new languages, broadening grammar, clarity, and tone suggestions for a wider global audience across writing platforms. The expansion extends Grammarly’s utility beyond English-dominant workflows and helps non-English creators produce polished content with AI-assisted suggestions. Businesses and multilingual teams will likely see improved internal communications and localized content capabilities. As Grammarly scales language coverage, expect continual improvement in contextual nuance and style guidance for international users.

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The Top Pasta Spots | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles is home to some of the best Italian dining spots, offering authentic pasta dishes that transport you straight to Italy. Whether you crave classic spaghetti or something more adventurous, these restaurants deliver delicious, memorable meals. Explore this guide to find your next favorite pasta eatery in LA.

Sirena

Location: 1415 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401

Nestled on a bougainvillea-draped terrace just steps from the shimmering Pacific, Sirena offers a memorable dining experience with some of LA’s finest pasta dishes, crafted under the expertise of former Mozza chef David Almany. Indulge in dishes like linguine vongole, bucatini all’amatriciana, or pappardelle ragu Bolognese. Enhance your meal with pastry chef Thessa Diadem’s hot focaccia, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Be sure to leave room for an array of delectable desserts.

La Dolce Vita

Location: 9785 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Though LA isn’t typically known for its red sauce joints, the revived La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills is here to challenge that notion. The menu showcases five distinct pastas, including a classic spaghetti and meatballs, a delightful tagliatelle vongole bursting with clams and parsley, and a creamy bucatini al limoni. Complement your pasta with a chilled seafood salad and a crisp martini for an unforgettable dining experience.

Funke

Location: 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Chef Evan Funke’s namesake restaurant in Beverly Hills has quickly become the epicenter of pasta in Los Angeles. This two-story glass-and-steel establishment churns out a dozen different pasta shapes, with six formed by hand and six extruded. Alongside beloved dishes from Funke’s other ventures (Mother Wolf and Felix), the restaurant introduces new favorites like the Piemontese classic, agnolotti del plin, ensuring every pasta lover leaves satisfied.

Pasta Sisters

Location: 3280 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

Pasta Sisters is a haven for pasta aficionados, offering both freshly made pasta to take home and composed plates ready to enjoy. Choose from an array of options like spaghetti, tagliatelle, pappardelle, and lasagna sheets. The menu also features specialty dishes, including pasta with bottarga or porcini mushrooms, satisfying every craving for authentic Italian flavors.

Crossroads

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | 4776 Commons Way Suite A, Calabasas, CA 91302

Chef Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads continues to impress a decade after opening in WeHo, offering a refined dining experience without overt vegan cues. Settle into a cozy, candle-lit booth, sip on a carefully crafted cocktail, and savor the restaurant’s signature pastas. Highlights include the Impossible “meat” Bolognese with house-made tagliatelle and a seasonal ravioli filled with summer corn, all complemented by a slightly spicy tomato “butter” sauce.

Angelini Osteria

Location: 7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Angelini Osteria on Beverly Boulevard is a legendary destination for pasta lovers, thanks to chef Gino Angelini’s masterful creations. The menu features standout dishes like the signature lemon cream pasta, linguine with sea urchin, and lasagna topped with fried basil. This cozy osteria is a must-visit for those seeking authentic, expertly crafted Italian cuisine.

Antico Nuovo

Location: 4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

At chef Chad Colby’s Antico Nuovo, an ideal meal begins with piping hot focaccia and continues with as many pasta dishes as your table can manage. The menu, which changes with the seasons, features delicate rabbit-filled parcels (plin dell’ alta langa) and the classic pappardelle with beef cheek and veal tongue ragu. For a truly immersive experience, snag a seat along the open kitchen and watch the magic unfold.

Spina

Location: 3193 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90039

Spina in Atwater Village is a pasta lover’s paradise, with chef Pablo Cruz crafting dishes using noodles from Mani In Pasta, a renowned handmade pasta company. The menu includes a half-dozen primi, ranging from classics like cacio e pepe to ricotta-stuffed ravioli with butter and sage. For those seeking indulgence, the tonnarelli al tartufo e salsiccia, priced at nearly $40, is a must-try.

La Cava

Location: 13565 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

La Cava is celebrated for its impeccable Italian cuisine, making it one of the top Italian restaurants not just in the San Fernando Valley, but in all of Southern California. The pasta, described as “better than homemade,” and the delicately flavored pizza receive high praise from patrons. With its authentic Tuscan atmosphere, enhanced by warm, crispy bread drizzled with olive oil and herbs, La Cava offers an experience that transports diners straight to Italy. The owner’s Italian heritage and commitment to excellence ensure that every dish is prepared with the utmost care.

Gravina Malibu

Location: 28925 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Gravina Malibu is a culinary gem offering authentic Italian cuisine in a picturesque setting near Point Dume. This family-run restaurant is lauded for its flavorful, homemade pastas and expertly prepared dishes like sea bass and lobster ravioli. The intimate ambiance, coupled with outstanding service, makes it a favorite for date nights and post-beach dinners alike. Patrons frequently return for the delicious food and the genuine Italian hospitality.

Spruzzo

Location: 538 Palisades Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90272-2844

Spruzzo in Pacific Palisades stands out in a neighborhood filled with Italian eateries, going beyond traditional fare. The menu features highly praised dishes like Vodka Rigatoni and seafood pasta. With its comfortable patio and well-crafted cocktails, Spruzzo, owned by the team behind the successful Malibu location, offers a high standard of dining at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

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Apple Picking Fun in SoCal | Out & About

There’s a particular kind of magic that arrives with crisp afternoons and a bag full of fruit. Of course, we are talking about the slow ritual of apple picking and the inevitable cider-doughnut coma that follows. If you’re angling for a quick day trip or a longer weekend escape from LA, the nearest, most dependable pockets of fall live in Oak Glen and Julian — where apple picking runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving and the orchards stage full-on autumn theater. 

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho 

Location: Oak Glen

Think 32 apple varieties, tractor rides, a petting zoo, and an orchard that practically begs for a cozy sweater selfie. Riley’s is the classic family-friendly fall experience. Make sure to bring a basket, and follow the staff’s guidance on what’s ripe. Likewise, you should save room for freshly pressed cider and farm-made treats. It’s as photogenic as it is delicious. 

Snow-Line Orchard 

Location: Oak Glen

Centuries-old trees meet tiny cider doughnuts that’ll make you rethink pastry priorities. Snow-Line pairs a winery and artisan pantry items with wide picnic lawns. Of course, this means it’s the perfect setting for a slow lunch between rounds of apple picking. Pro tip: this is a top spot for fall photos, so bring your camera and a blanket. 

Willowbrook Apple Farm 

Location: Oak Glen 

One of Oak Glen’s originals, Willowbrook traditionally offers apple picking and a mini-donkey who moonlights as the cutest greeter. Time Out flags that Willowbrook’s U-pick has been intermittent recently, so double-check hours or reservation policies before you drive up. Even on a hiatus, it’s worth bookmarking for the season. 

Julian Farm & Orchard 

Location: Julian (San Diego County)

If you’re up for a longer drive, Julian’s mountain air turns apple picking into a proper autumn pilgrimage. Julian Farm & Orchard is an activity-packed destination: apple tours, hayrides, a petting zoo, and — yes — pies that have become local legend. Reserve ahead for weekend apple tours to secure your slice of crunchy-pink heaven. 

Volcan Valley Apple Farm & Peacefield Orchard 

Location: Julian area

Volcan Valley brings thousands of apple trees and a no-frills, family-forward picking experience (think picnic tables and fruit-picker baskets). Peacefield is smaller, old-school, and refreshingly low-tech — cash or Zelle only — with staggered pick dates for Golden, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith varieties. Both are quintessential choices for serious apple picking and homemade pie procurement. 

Practical notes for your apple-picking day: arrive earlier in the season for the best selection, check orchard websites or social feeds for varietal updates and hours, bring water and sun protection (SoCal sun gives no mercy), and consider a cooler if you plan to stash your haul for the drive home. Whether you’re after a stately Red Delicious, a tart Granny Smith for baking, or just the ritual of apple picking with friends, these orchards make the short escape from city life feel timeless. Happy apple picking.  

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Getting Your Home Fall-Ready this Season | Home Tips

Fall is right around the corner. Is your home fall-ready for this transition from summer to autumn? Well, there are lots of steps you can take to keep your home cozy and efficient in the fall season. These are easy and affordable everyday activities you can do as part of your annual home inspection. They include:

1. Clean, Organize, and De-clutter to get it Fall-Ready

Cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering your home gives it a tranquil and simplified ambiance into fall. To get fall-ready, start by scrubbing all surfaces, including windows, doors, floors, and home appliances. Next, empty and organize your fridge, pantry, and storage areas. Here, check the expiration dates of your food supplies. Throw expired food, and donate the foodstuffs that won’t make it to the fall season. Third, de-clutter and donate your summer clothes and shoes. Also, clean and replace your bedding, towels, and linens.

2. Decorate Your Home

Did you know that installing cozy wallpaper or adding a vintage runner to your entryways can warm up your home for fall? And you can use your pottery and glassware to accessorize and create a fun centerpiece as a focal point in your living room. Donate your unused items in the store and turn the extra space into a hideaway room complete with accented lighting, a reading table, a lamp, a bed, and cozy pillows and blankets. Hang your woven baskets and add some fresh fall flowers for a tasteful look.

3. Make Sure Your Installations are Fall-Ready

Not only should your home be clean and attractive, but it should also be functional. That’s why you should inspect your installations to confirm that they are in tip-top shape and fall-ready. Now is the best time to scrutinize and clean the filter furnace and change the humidifier filter too. Next, check the air quality in the attic. Here, you want to confirm that the insulation is working; all the air vents are clean, dry, and mold-free. Seal any air leakages into the attic to prevent ice dams from forming in winter. Finally, check for cracks in and outside your home. Call a professional to assess and repair any rift at least an eighth of an inch wide.

4. Carry Out Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance will save you unnecessary utility bills and repair costs when getting fall-ready. Have the gutters clean, and debris-free, with water flowing freely through them. Add a drain spout extension to divert water away from the foundation. Ideally, you want water to drain 4 to 6 feet away from your home. Next, inspect and repair any visible damage on your windows, door frames, and surrounding drywall. The weather-stripping should be secure to prevent drafts responsible for escalating heating bills. Test and replace fire alarms and carbon monoxide detector batteries. And reverse the ceiling fan to push the heat down from the ceiling to the floor.

5. Work With a Professional

Some areas around your home require professional handling only to get fall-ready. For example, ask a professional to clean your chimney. And contact an HVAC professional to check the ductwork and tune up your heating system. Then, as a rule of thumb, call an expert to address any concerns you have after inspecting your home.

A savvy homeowner is proactive in preparing their home for fall. Then, use the tips above to enjoy a comfortable, safe, and cost-efficient transition into the cooler season ahead.

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