News & Media
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 April 9, 2026, were as follows:
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.37%, down from 6.46% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.74%, down slightly from 5.77% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Wrap up the week with the latest tech news. From Meta’s Muse to the Moto Pad and more, we have you covered on the major headlines this week. Check in and stay connected with our round-up below!
A tiny magnetic display from Insta360 turns your phone’s best rear cameras into a front-facing selfie rig, letting you preview shots without flipping the device. The Snap connects over USB-C and relies on the host phone for power, so it stays lightweight and never needs its own battery. Touch controls let you operate camera apps and switch lenses, while an optional ring light aids low-light portrait shots. If you often want better rear-camera selfies, this accessory is a clever way to get pro-grade framing without replacing your phone.
Meta’s new Muse Spark model focuses on efficient multimodal generation and aims to speed up creative and assistant tasks across the company’s products. The rollout highlights improvements in reasoning and image-to-text capabilities while Meta positions Muse Spark as a foundational model for both research and consumer features. Early access is being staged so partners and developers can test integrations before wider availability. Overall, the launch signals Meta’s push to compete on model quality and tooling for real-world use cases.
Tractive expanded its lineup with the Dog 6 XL and Cat Mini, trackers that combine location tracking with more detailed health and activity insights for pets. The new devices offer longer battery life and refined sensors so owners can monitor sleep, activity, and potential health anomalies. Tractive’s app surfaces trends and alerts, which help caretakers spot slow changes before they become problems. For busy pet parents, this is a helpful upgrade that pairs GPS safety with wellness data in one platform.
Motorola is bringing the Moto Pad to the US as a modestly priced Android tablet with stylus support. The Moto Pad shifts focus to media consumption and light productivity. Additionally, the slate pairs a large display with a bundled G Stylus option on some Moto Pad models. Of course, these features aim to bridge casual tablet use and creativity on a budget. Motorola emphasized polish in software and pricing for the Moto Pad that undercuts many premium competitors while still offering key tablet features. If you want a simple tablet for reading, sketching, and streaming, the Moto Pad looks like a practical choice.
Pebblebee’s new Halo Safe Haven doubles as a location tracker and a personal safety alarm with a loud siren and strobe to draw attention in emergencies. The device integrates with location services so contacts can be notified and responders can get a live position if the user triggers an alert. Pebblebee pitches the Halo at runners, hikers, and caregivers who want low-effort situational protection without a monthly fee. For users who value both tracking and active deterrence, the Halo combines features that previously required multiple gadgets.
Reddit is deprecating r/all as traditionally known, shifting how platform-wide discovery will work, and giving communities more control over visibility and content flow. The change reflects ongoing efforts to reduce overexposure of controversial or low-quality posts while bolstering localized and interest-based discovery paths. Moderators and power users should expect adjustments in traffic patterns and new curation tools from the company. For creators and advertisers, it means rethinking how to reach broad Reddit audiences as the platform prioritizes community relevance.
Flipboard launched Surf to let users build social sites that mix Bluesky, Mastodon, RSS, and other federated sources into curated pages. The feature is aimed at readers and independent publishers who want a unified, magazine-style view of decentralized content without hopping across apps. Surf emphasizes editorial control, letting curators highlight posts, add commentary, and shape a narrative from many federated feeds. For anyone exploring the Fediverse, Flipboard Surf offers a friendly on-ramp that blends discovery with familiar magazine layout.
Spring is in the air, and your weekly round-up of weekend fun has arrived. From BagelFest West to Ventura County Farm Day, and more, there is something for everyone. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood with our weekend events round-up for April 10 through April 12.
When: Until May 1
Where: Natural History Museum | Los Angeles
What: Spend your Friday night among dinosaurs and DJs at the Natural History Museum’s beloved First Fridays series. Now in its 20th season, the KCRW-presented event brings live music, DJ sets, and dancing back to the museum’s iconic diorama halls from February through May. A new discussion series, Life, From Our Guts to the Galaxy, explores big ideas about the natural world each month. Guests can also wander the exhibits, sip cocktails, and enjoy bites from rotating local food trucks.
When: April 12
Where: Koreatown
What: BagelFest West is making its Los Angeles debut this Sunday, bringing its cult-favorite New York energy to the West Coast. The public session offers unlimited tastings from standout bagel spots like Belle’s, Boichik, and Hank’s, alongside the chance to vote for “Best Bagel” and “Schmear of the Year.” Beyond the bites, guests can dive into expert panels on dough-making, catch live demos, and enjoy a family-friendly kids zone. It’s equal parts food festival, carb celebration, and deliciously good time.
When: April 11 – April 12
Where: Various Locations Across LA
What: Discover a more local kind of wildflower magic during this self-guided garden tour hosted by the Theodore Payne Foundation. Across 42 private gardens throughout Greater Los Angeles, you’ll find vibrant blooms like poppies, morning glories, and desert marigolds—all rooted in native, drought-friendly landscaping. Each garden features at least 50 percent native plants, offering both inspiration and a peek into thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces. Your ticket grants access to all locations, with 20 gardens open on Saturday and the remaining 22 on Sunday.
When: Until August 23
Where: Westwood
What: Explore the sensory side of contemporary art in this immersive exhibition featuring works made with living and organic materials like cacao, clay, and cochineal. Showcasing over 20 artists from across the Americas, the installations invite visitors to engage through touch, sound, and scent. On April 4, an after-hours preview adds DJ sets, hands-on art-making, and courtyard festivities, all free to attend.
When: April 11
Where: West LA
What: The Sierra Club debuts its inaugural Earth Day concert, Sierra Sessions, an intimate evening of music and storytelling hosted by Novena Carmel. Set at Village Studios, the lineup features eco-conscious artists like Hurray for the Riff Raff, Irene Diaz, Dr. Lyla June, Rising Appalachia, and Rozzi, each sharing songs and reflections on the planet. Can’t attend in person? The concert will stream on YouTube on Earth Day, with Sierra Club chapters hosting watch parties nationwide. Guests who attend live can also stay for a post-show after-party to keep the celebration going.
When: April 12
Where: The Getty | Westside
What: Spend a spring afternoon where art, sound, and nature beautifully collide at the Getty Center’s Central Garden. On April 12, the museum hosts its latest Poetry in the Garden event in collaboration with Dublab, drawing inspiration from experimental icons like Yvonne Rainer, John Cage, and Benjamin Patterson. Expect a dreamy blend of live poetry, music, and DJ sets unfolding throughout the garden’s lush landscape. Reserve your free spot, bring a blanket, and settle in for an afternoon that feels equal parts cultural escape and sonic meditation.
When: April 12
Where: Glendale
What: Raise a glass at the 11th Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest on April 12 along Honolulu Avenue, presented by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. This lively 21+ event brings together top local breweries for unlimited tastings, alongside food samples from Montrose restaurants for perfect pairings. Expect a festive atmosphere with live music, lawn games, contests, and a one-block street fair feel that keeps the energy high all afternoon. Early check-in begins at 11:30 a.m., with tastings running from 12 to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Accent Dance Studios | 940 West Alameda Avenue, Burbank
What: Move, sweat, and step into your power with this high-energy, music-driven workout. Blending cardio, mat Pilates, and uplifting affirmation chants, the class focuses on how you feel, not how you look, while fostering a supportive, body-positive community. Expect a fun, feel-good session that leaves you energized, connected, and confident in your own skin.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Burbank Town Center | 201 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank
What: Shop handmade and support local creators at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market, held the first weekend of every month at Burbank Town Center. This indoor three-day event features Southern California artisans, live art, DIY activities, giveaways, and a wide mix of art, vintage finds, original designs, and artisanal foods. With free parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fun way to spend the weekend browsing unique goods and meeting local makers.
When: April 11
Where: Various Locations Around Ventura
What: Spend a day reconnecting with where your food comes from at the 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day on April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), this free, countywide event invites visitors to explore 15 local farms, ranches, and agricultural sites through behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, tractor rides, and hands-on activities for all ages. It’s a rare chance to meet the farmers behind the food and experience the region’s agricultural roots up close. Be sure to check the official trail map in advance, as some locations require reservations.
When: April 11
Where: 5550 Medea Valley Dr, Agoura Hills
What: A longtime favorite since 1986, the Nature Made Great Race returns to Agoura Hills on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for a high-energy, family-friendly day of running. Participants can choose from a variety of race options, including the Cheseboro Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor 5K, and a 1-Mile Fun Run for all ages. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for the vibes, it’s a scenic, community-driven event that welcomes runners of every level.
When: April 12
Where: Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks
What: Celebrate the power of storytelling at the Thousand Oaks Library’s One City, One Book event, featuring this year’s selection, The Fox Wife. This community-wide program invites residents to connect through a shared reading experience, sparking conversation and bringing people together through literature. This Sunday’s special event includes a cultural experience with kimono instructor Akane Mashimo, who will share insights into traditional styles and significance, along with a hands-on obi-tying demonstration. Attendees can even bring their own yukata to participate, making it an immersive and meaningful celebration of both story and culture.
Los Angeles never stays still, especially when it comes to food. This season, a fresh wave of openings is redefining the dining landscape, bringing bold global flavors, chef-driven concepts, and design-forward spaces across the city. From Santa Monica to West Hollywood and beyond, the new local restaurants Los Angeles diners are flocking to right now reflect the city’s signature mix of creativity and cultural influence.
Here are ten standout new spots worth adding to your list.
Location: 2828 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90404, United States
Holy Basil has officially landed on the Westside, bringing its vibrant Thai flavors to local Santa Monica after months of anticipation. The menu balances bold, modern dishes like chile chicken and tom yum risotto with favorites such as wagyu gra pow and fried rice. A thoughtful beverage program featuring inventive non-alcoholic drinks alongside beer and wine rounds out the experience, making it a standout among new openings.
Location: 11677 West San Vicente Boulevard, STE 315, Los Angeles, California 90049, United States
Perse elevates Persian cuisine in Brentwood with a refined, memory-driven menu from siblings Farinaz and Farbod Pirshirazi. The restaurant blends tradition with luxury, offering dishes like saffron-scented rice with sour cherries, lamb chops with yogurt, and deeply flavored stews. Elegant touches, from the bread service to caviar-topped bites, make Perse a polished destination for evening dining.
Location: 1600 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, California 90291, United States
Badmaash brings its modern Indian edge to Abbot Kinney with a lively new Venice outpost. The menu mixes signature comfort dishes like chicken tikka poutine with newer additions such as steak frites and crudo, all layered with bold spices. A strong cocktail and natural wine program, paired with a moody, design-forward space, makes it an easy go-to for a stylish night out.
Location: 1108 Gayley Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
Liu’s Cafe expands into Westwood with its signature Hong Kong cafe charm and comforting menu. Standouts include Chiayi chicken rice, chile oil wontons, and indulgent French toast filled with custard. The vintage-inspired interior, with its soft colors and tiled floors, creates a cozy escape in the middle of a bustling neighborhood.
Location: 110250 Santa Monica Boulevard, STE 2800, Los Angeles, California 90067, United States
Very Thai makes its U.S. debut at Westfield Century City, offering a wide-ranging menu of traditional and modern Thai dishes. From rich Massaman curry to inventive takes like green curry pad Thai, the flavors are bold and approachable. With an expansive space and all-day service, it’s an easy choice for everything from casual lunches to evening meals.
Location: 9575 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90035, United States
Lielle introduces a refined, seasonal tasting menu experience to Pico-Robertson. Helmed by chef Marcus Jernmark, the restaurant focuses on a rotating four-course format that highlights California ingredients with European technique. The intimate setting and ever-changing dishes create a thoughtful, elevated dining experience.
Location: 639 North La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, California 90069, United States
Sushi Samba brings high-energy dining to local West Hollywood with its signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. The menu spans sushi, ceviche, and robata-grilled dishes, all served in a lively space with sweeping views. Live entertainment throughout the night adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Location: 788 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90036, United States
The Night We Met expands a popular restaurant group’s footprint with a sleek, modern space in Mid-Wilshire. The menu pulls from across the Asian diaspora, featuring dishes like soft shell crab curry and rib-eye alongside creative cocktails. It’s a stylish, energetic spot that feels built for a night out.
Location: 4336 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, US
Harun Coffee returns to Leimert Park with a refreshed local concept that shifts from daytime cafe to evening lounge. During the day, expect biscuit sandwiches and specialty drinks like coconut cappuccinos. At night, the space transforms with music, small bites, and a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.
Location: 558 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90020, United States
Lapaba offers a creative fusion of Italian and Korean cuisines in Koreatown. Handmade pastas take center stage, with dishes like jjajang Amatriciana and galbi-inspired garganelli showcasing the kitchen’s inventive approach. The result is a menu that feels both unexpected and deeply comforting.
From polished tasting menus to vibrant neighborhood hangouts, the latest wave of new local restaurants in Los Angeles continues to push boundaries and celebrate global flavors. Whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood or planning your next night out, these openings offer a fresh taste of the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
April in Los Angeles feels like a gentle reset. The air softens, the sun lingers just a little longer, and weekends start to revolve around being outside again. It’s the perfect time to rediscover one of the city’s most beloved rituals: wandering through outdoor farmers’ markets in Los Angeles. Equal parts errand and experience, these markets offer fresh produce, seasonal blooms, and thoughtfully crafted goods that make everyday living feel just a bit more elevated.
From iconic neighborhood staples to coastal favorites, here are some of the best farmers’ markets to explore this spring.
A cornerstone among outdoor farmers’ markets in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Farmers Market is as vibrant as it is expansive. Stretching along several blocks, it brings together local farmers, chefs, and artisans in a lively, community-driven setting.
In April, expect an abundance of strawberries, citrus, avocados, and early stone fruits, alongside fresh flowers that feel like they were arranged for the season itself. It’s also a destination for ready-to-eat bites, from breakfast burritos to small-batch pastries, making it just as much about indulgence as it is about ingredients.
Known for supplying some of the city’s top restaurants, the Santa Monica Farmers Market delivers a refined take on outdoor farmers markets in Los Angeles. The Wednesday and Saturday markets are especially popular, offering an impressive selection of organic produce and specialty items.
Spring brings delicate greens, sweet peas, herbs, and vibrant floral bouquets that reflect the season’s lighter mood. Located just blocks from the beach, it’s easy to turn your market visit into a full morning outing, complete with a coastal walk or coffee by the ocean.
For a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, the Studio City Farmers Market offers a charming take on outdoor farmers markets in Los Angeles. Smaller in scale but rich in personality, it blends fresh produce with handcrafted goods and a strong neighborhood feel.
In April, you’ll find seasonal fruits, local honey, fresh breads, and an array of artisanal vendors. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, browse thoughtfully, and leave with both ingredients and inspiration for the week ahead.
Creative and community-focused, the Mar Vista Farmers Market has become a favorite for those seeking a more curated experience. This Sunday market highlights sustainable practices and local makers, making it one of the more intentional outdoor farmers’ markets in Los Angeles.
Expect everything from organic produce to small-batch skincare, handmade ceramics, and unique prepared foods. The atmosphere leans effortlessly cool, with a mix of longtime locals and new visitors drawn to its thoughtful selection.
Tucked into a quieter corner of the Westside, the Brentwood Farmers Market offers a refined and easygoing experience. It’s one of the more relaxed outdoor farmers’ markets in Los Angeles, perfect for a slower-paced Saturday morning.
Spring produce shines here, with crisp vegetables, ripe berries, and seasonal herbs taking center stage. The market also features a curated selection of baked goods, flowers, and specialty items that feel both indulgent and elevated.
As the city moves into spring, outdoor farmers’ markets in Los Angeles become more than just a place to shop. They offer a way to reconnect with the season and support local growers. Overall, these markets are a reminder that sometimes the best plans are the simplest ones.
There is a moment, just after the windows open and the air shifts, when spring quietly announces itself. In Los Angeles, that moment is layered with citrus blossoms, ocean breeze, and sun-warmed greenery. For luxury homeowners, capturing that feeling indoors is not just about décor. It is about atmosphere. It is about scent.
The right fragrance transforms a space instantly, creating an emotional connection that lingers long after guests have left. Thoughtfully chosen spring fragrances for luxury homes elevate everyday living, turning interiors into experiences that feel both personal and unforgettable.
In luxury homes, candles are more than decorative accents. They are mood-setters, often chosen as carefully as art or furniture.
For spring, look toward fragrances that feel fresh yet grounded. Notes like neroli, bergamot, jasmine, and white tea offer brightness without overwhelming the senses. A beautifully crafted candle placed on a coffee table, console, or bedside instantly adds warmth and intention to a space.
Presentation matters just as much as scent. Opt for vessels in glass, ceramic, or stone that complement your home’s aesthetic. When styled thoughtfully, candles become part of the visual story while quietly shaping the atmosphere.
While candles create moments, diffusers provide consistency. They allow fragrance to move subtly through a space, maintaining a continuous sense of calm and refinement.
Reed diffusers are ideal for entryways, bathrooms, and smaller rooms where a gentle scent can welcome guests without being overpowering. For larger, open-concept living areas, consider ultrasonic or HVAC-integrated diffusers that distribute fragrance evenly throughout the home.
Spring is the perfect time to introduce scents that mirror the outdoors. Think soft florals layered with green notes, or citrus balanced with light woods. The goal is to create a scent profile that feels natural, as though it belongs to the space rather than competing with it.
Perhaps the most defining element of luxury living is consistency. Just as high-end hotels are known for their signature scents, your home can carry its own olfactory identity.
Developing a signature fragrance begins with understanding the mood you want to create. Do you want your home to feel serene and spa-like, vibrant and energizing, or warm and inviting?
Layering is key. Combine candles, diffusers, and even linen sprays within the same fragrance family to build depth. For example, a base of sandalwood or amber can be lifted with notes of citrus or soft florals for a spring-ready balance.
Over time, this scent becomes synonymous with your home, creating a sensory memory for both you and your guests.
In the world of spring fragrances for luxury homes, scent is often the final, invisible layer of design. It completes a space in a way that no visual element can.
As you transition your Los Angeles home into spring, consider how fragrance can enhance the experience. Open the windows, let the natural air move through your rooms, and complement it with carefully curated scents that reflect the season.
Because in the end, luxury is not just what you see. It is what you feel the moment you walk through the door.
The real estate market has remained very active. We are continuing to see sales at a solid pace-certainly much stronger than what we experienced in the second half of 2025. The year started off with good momentum and has stayed active despite rising interest rates. Mortgage rates are currently around 6⅜% for a 30-year fixed, which is down from where they were at the end of last week, when rates pushed well above 6.5% and even approached 6¾%. The Freddie Mac survey rates tend to lag a bit, but they reflect the same general trend.
Looking ahead, we’re set to receive key inflation data, including CPI and PCE. Inflation had been trending in the right direction, with CPI falling to 2.4% from a peak of 9.1% in 2022, which had investors optimistic and helped push mortgage rates below 6% earlier this year-the lowest levels since 2022. However, the recent conflict involving Iran has caused oil prices to spike from roughly $70 per barrel to around $110, leading to a noticeable increase in gas prices-about $1 per gallon nationwide. This introduces renewed inflationary pressure and is something the market will be watching closely.
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 April 2, 2026, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.46%, up from 6.38% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.77%, up slightly from 5.75% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
U.S. Jobs Report – Hiring picked up in March – The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that 178,000 new jobs were created in March, far surpassing analyst’s expectation of 59,000 jobs. That was welcome news following a net loss of 133,000 in February. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3%, from 4.4% in February. Average hourly wages increased 0.2% month-over-month from February, and up 3.5% from one year ago. That marked the lowest year-over-year increase since 2021. Strong hiring is inflationary, but softer wages are deflationary, so the Fed will likely view this as neutral.
Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 45,504.67, up 0.7% from 45,166.64 last week. It is down 5.3% year-to-date from 48,063.29 on December 31, 2025. The S&P 500 closed the week at 6,582.69, up 3.4% from 6,368.85 last week. The S&P is down 3.8% year-to-date from 6,845.50 on December 31, 2025. The Nasdaq closed the week at 21,879.18, up 4.4% from 20,948.85 last week. It is down 5.9% year-to-date from 23,241.99 on December 31, 2025.
U.S. Treasury Bonds – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.35%, down from 4.44% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.91%, down from 4.98% 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 April 2, 2026, were as follows:
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.46%, up from 6.38% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.77%, up slightly from 5.75% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Kick off April with what’s new in the world of tech. From Alexa+ to ChatGPT on CarPlay and more, we have you covered! Stay connected and don’t miss a beat in this week’s tech blog.
With iOS 26.4 and the latest ChatGPT app, you can now talk to ChatGPT through your CarPlay dashboard, using voice to ask questions, draft messages, or get quick answers while driving. The experience hides text and focuses on spoken replies so conversations stay hands-free, though you must tap the app to start a session rather than use a wake word. Apple’s developer rules also limit on-screen text, so the integration leans into audio first and glanceable controls for muting or ending chats. This setup lowers friction for using a general AI assistant on the road but keeps final control with the driver to avoid accidental actions.
Now available from Samsung is an app that uses audio techniques to reduce motion sickness symptoms for people using headsets or earbuds in transit. The software plays tailored sound cues and movement-synchronous audio to help the brain re-sync with visual motion, and Samsung pairs the experience with Galaxy Buds for better timing and spatial cues. Early tests show promise for some users, though effectiveness can vary based on individual susceptibility and the exact travel environment. If it scales, this could be a practical wellness feature for commuters and travelers who struggle with in-vehicle nausea.
This Matter update brings improved camera streaming, HEIC image support, and new doorbell and chime behaviors that make smart video devices work more smoothly across ecosystems. The spec clarifies how cameras stream video to controllers and how snapshots are handled, which should make cross-brand doorbells and security cameras more reliable for consumers. Vendors will now be able to implement consistent streaming and low-latency previews while preserving privacy controls set by the hub or controller. Over time, these changes could simplify smart home setup and reduce the number of platform-specific features users must juggle.
After regulatory and optical bumps, Meta is introducing new Ray-Ban–branded models optimized for prescription lenses with improved capture and livestreaming features. The hardware refinements include charging case tweaks and antenna work that should improve connectivity for real-time sharing and shorter upload delays. Meta frames these devices as everyday wearables that blend fashion and utility, while also emphasizing clearer options for people who need corrective lenses. Adoption will hinge on price, battery life, and how comfortable users feel about wearing cameras in public.
Following an agreement, TCL will take operational control of Sony’s TV and home theater business under a joint venture called Bravia Inc., which aims to combine Sony’s design and brand with TCL’s manufacturing scale. The deal promises faster product cycles and broadened distribution while leaving Sony’s high-end engineering and image processing expertise in place. For consumers, this could mean more competitive pricing and wider availability of Bravia models alongside continued premium tiers. Observers will watch how the companies balance branding, software updates, and service commitments under the new structure.
Finally, Gmail offers a way to swap an embarrassing or outdated username for a cleaner address without losing your account, easing a longtime pain point for people who grew out of old handles. The feature preserves your inbox, settings, and subscriptions while routing mail from the old address to the new one for a transition period. It is aimed at users who want a fresher personal or professional identity without starting over with a brand-new account. Security and verification steps are in place to prevent abuse and accidental takeovers during the change.
Starting now, Alexa+ subscribers can place conversational food orders through their device. The Alexa+ new feature works with services like Grubhub and Uber Eats by speaking to Alexa. The app then walks through menu choices and confirms orders before checkout. This new Alexa+ integration aims to make hands-free ordering simple while keeping users in control with confirmations and payment prompts. Restaurants and delivery platforms gain another low-friction channel to reach customers who prefer voice interactions at home. Privacy and data-sharing details vary by partner, so users should review permissions when enabling the skill or linking accounts on their Alexa+ App.
Spring in LA means there are plenty of ways to enjoy your weekend all around town. From Corgi Beach Day to LA Beer Fest, and more, there is something for everyone. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood with our weekend events round-up for April 3 through April 5.
When: Until May 1
Where: Natural History Museum | Los Angeles
What: Spend your Friday night among dinosaurs and DJs at the Natural History Museum’s beloved First Fridays series. Now in its 20th season, the KCRW-presented event brings live music, DJ sets, and dancing back to the museum’s iconic diorama halls from February through May. A new discussion series, Life, From Our Guts to the Galaxy, explores big ideas about the natural world each month. Guests can also wander the exhibits, sip cocktails, and enjoy bites from rotating local food trucks.
When: April 4
Where: Westlake
What: Raise a glass at the LA Beer Fest as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with a full day of brews, bites, and music at LA Center Studios. Guests can sample from 200 pours across more than 80 breweries while enjoying food trucks and live entertainment. Tickets include unlimited tastings, with VIP options offering access to a lounge, exclusive beers, and added perks.
When: April 4 – May 17
Where: San Gabriel Valley
What: Step into another era at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, the nation’s oldest Ren Faire, returning to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area this spring. Spanning 20 acres, the immersive event features jousting tournaments, theatrical performances, games, rides, artisan goods, and plenty of food and ale. Held each weekend, it’s a lively celebration of Elizabethan culture where costumes are encouraged, and adventure awaits around every corner.
When: April 5 – August 23
Where: Westwood
What: Explore the sensory side of contemporary art in this immersive exhibition featuring works made with living and organic materials like cacao, clay, and cochineal. Showcasing over 20 artists from across the Americas, the installations invite visitors to engage through touch, sound, and scent. On April 4, an after-hours preview adds DJ sets, hands-on art-making, and courtyard festivities, all free to attend.
When: April 4
Where: Culver City
What: Spend the day and night immersed in art and ideas at this all-day cultural marathon at the Wende Museum. The free program features hands-on workshops, performances, panels, screenings, and a mix of family-friendly activities alongside thought-provoking discussions. Evening highlights include live music, curator tours, VR experiences, and talks exploring everything from AI to journalism and the arts.
When: April 4
Where: Huntington Beach
What: Is it the stumpy legs? The size-too-big ears? The woolly rump? Whatever the cause, we love corgis, and so do the devoted dog owners at So Cal Corgi Nation. This free, semiannual meetup invades the Huntington Dog Beach (two blocks south of the Huntington Beach Pier). The “Tiki Beach Pawty” welcomes all dogs and their humans for a day of corgi contests, shopping at a pet-centric marketplace, food trucks, photo ops, goodie bags, and even a corgi kissing booth.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Burbank
What: Explore your city in a whole new way with the Self-Care City Scavenger Hunt, a self-guided wellness adventure inspired by the Hot Habits series. Participants can complete interactive challenges across seven areas of well-being, from physical and emotional to social and spiritual, all at their own pace. Blending movement, mindfulness, and creativity, this flexible experience turns everyday exploration into a fun and meaningful journey of personal growth.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Accent Dance Studios | 940 West Alameda Avenue, Burbank
What: Move, sweat, and boost your confidence at this empowering workout set to Beyoncé’s biggest hits. Blending cardio, mat Pilates, and uplifting affirmation chants, the class focuses on how you feel—not how you look—while fostering a supportive, body-positive community. Expect a fun, feel-good session that leaves you energized, connected, and confident in your own skin.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Burbank Town Center | 201 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank
What: Shop handmade and support local creators at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market, held the first weekend of every month at Burbank Town Center. This indoor three-day event features Southern California artisans, live art, DIY activities, giveaways, and a wide mix of art, vintage finds, original designs, and artisanal foods. With free parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fun way to spend the weekend browsing unique goods and meeting local makers.
When: April 4
Where: 130 Kanan Rd, Oak Park
What: Celebrate spring at the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District Egg Scramble on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park. This free, family-friendly event runs from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. and features age-grouped egg hunts for children 10 and under—just bring your own basket. Hunt times are staggered by age, starting with little ones at 9:30 a.m. and continuing through 10:40 a.m. for older kids. Be sure to arrive early, as the event moves quickly and will be canceled in the event of rain.
When: April 4
Where: Stagecoach Inn Museum | 51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park
What: Celebrate the season at the Stagecoach Inn Museum’s “Bunnies & Baskets” event on April 4, a charming outdoor experience for all ages. Families can explore the historic grounds while hunting for handcrafted metal “conejos,” spotting spring baby animals, and completing a map for a prize. The day also features photos with the Easter Bunny, festive crafts, sack races, and live music to round out the fun. Admission is $10 for adults, seniors, and teens, $5 for children ages 5–12, and free for kids 4 and under.
When: April 5
Where: Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, 800 East Santa Maria Street, Santa Paula
What: Step into aviation history at the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, located at the historic Santa Paula Airport, a charming 1930s-era airfield still in active use today. Open the first Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum invites visitors to explore a collection of privately owned hangars filled with vintage aircraft, restoration projects, and unique memorabilia. Guests can chat with passionate owners and docents while watching planes take off and land just steps away. Admission is free (donations welcomed), and a complimentary tram is available to help you explore the grounds.