Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Mortgage Rate Update | August 8, 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 August 8th, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.47%, down from 6.73% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.63%, down from 5.99% 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 Palantir AI to NASA and more! | Tech News

From Palantir AI to NASA and more, the tech world is buzzing with new advancements and partnerships. TikTok’s Spotlight hubs enhance engagement with movies and TV shows, while Instagram expands its carousel post capacity. Apple’s iOS 18 update will support Adaptive Lighting for Matter devices, improving smart home functionality. Meanwhile, NASA and SpaceX prepare for astronaut returns amidst ongoing challenges with Boeing’s Starliner. Read on for this week’s tech news round-up!

Apple Home’s Adaptive Lighting to Support Matter Devices with iOS 18

With the upcoming iOS 18, Apple Home will enable Adaptive Lighting for smart lights connected via Matter, the interoperability standard from Apple, Amazon, and Google. This feature, which adjusts the color temperature of smart lights throughout the day, will now work with a broader range of brands. Nanoleaf’s CEO, Gimmy Chu, confirmed extensive testing of this feature on their Essentials Matter lights, making them one of the first to launch Adaptive Lighting on Matter products. Previously limited to HomeKit devices, this update promises a more seamless experience for users with diverse smart light brands, enhancing the functionality and accessibility of smart home lighting.

Palantir Partners with Microsoft for US Defense and Intelligence Services

Palantir and Microsoft have announced a partnership to deliver services for classified networks in US defense and intelligence agencies. This collaboration integrates Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service with Palantir’s AI Platforms in Microsoft’s government cloud environments, enhancing national security missions. Known for data analysis and surveillance, Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has a significant client base including ICE, police departments, and private companies. The partnership aims to operationalize large language models for critical missions, leveraging Palantir’s AI capabilities. Palantir’s commercial business is rapidly growing, with a significant share price increase in 2024.

Instagram Doubles Content Limit for Carousel Posts

Instagram announced an expansion of its carousel posts, allowing up to 20 photos or videos per post, up from the previous limit of 10. This update aims to enhance user experience by enabling more content in a single post, useful for collaborative posts and storytelling. The carousel feature, introduced in 2017, now also supports music pairing and collaborative content. This change aligns Instagram more closely with TikTok, which allows up to 35 photos per post. The new feature is rolling out globally today.

Trek Introduces BellBeats: A Versatile Bluetooth Speaker for Cyclists

Trek’s new BellBeats is a compact Bluetooth speaker for cyclists, featuring eight quick-access alert tones to effectively signal pedestrians and vehicles. Mounted on handlebars, the speaker offers sounds like a metal bell or train horn, triggered via a thumb button. Designed to be more noticeable than traditional bells, BellBeats includes ambient tones for trail riding and can play music, audiobooks, or GPS directions. It boasts a six-hour battery life, built-in volume controls, and an IP67 waterproof rating. Priced at $99.99, BellBeats is currently available through local retailers, with direct purchases from Trek coming soon.

TikTok Introduces Spotlight Hubs for Movies and TV Shows

TikTok’s new feature, TikTok Spotlight, will create in-app hubs for movies and TV shows linked directly from fan-made videos. These links, appearing in the bottom-left corner of relevant videos, lead to pages with information about the title, cast, related content, and where to watch or buy tickets. This feature, initially seen with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Dune: Part Two, is curated through technology and human review based on hashtags, keywords, and clips. While creators aren’t paid for these links, they may receive exclusive incentives. Entertainment companies can use analytics to track trends and manage their content’s use on TikTok.

NASA Prepares Contingency Plan for Astronaut Return from ISS

NASA announced a contingency plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams back from the ISS early next year. If their Boeing Starliner spacecraft remains unsafe, the backup plan involves SpaceX’s delayed Crew-9 mission. Initially, the astronauts were to return shortly after their June 5th launch, but ongoing issues with Starliner have extended their stay. NASA prefers using Starliner, but if necessary, SpaceX will send two astronauts to the ISS in late September, reserving seats for Wilmore and Williams to return in February. A final decision is expected by mid-August.

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Weekend Events | August 9 – 11

Say hello to the weekend! This week’s round-up of local events has arrived right on time to ste your schedule for fun. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood August 9 through August 11. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 9 – August 11 

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

When: August 8 – August 18, 2024

Where: Little Tokyo

What: This two-weekend celebration of Japanese culture features martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and more. The festivities attract crowds of nisei—first-generation Japanese Americans—culminating in a grand parade and the coronation of the Nisei Week Queen.

 

Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo

When: July 13 – September 14, 2024

Where: L.A. Zoo

What: Experience the zoo like never before at this special after-hours exploration series, returning for two nights featuring ’80s cover bands and a silent disco. Exclusively for guests 21 and over, you can explore the zoo at your leisure or gain insights from pop-up zookeeper talks and live animal encounters. Let loose at live performances by local bands and dance the night away at the carousel. Enjoy popular local food trucks and a full bar to keep the festivities lively.

 

World’s 50 Best Bars Showcase

When: Until August 10

Where: Roosevelt Hotel | Hollywood

What: The Roosevelt’s lobby bar will host weekend pop-ups from World’s 50 Best Bars honorees over the next few months. The lineup includes 1930 Cocktail Bar (Milan) in August, Carnaval (Lima) in September, Zapote Bar (Playa del Carmen) in October, and Baba au Rum (Athens) in November. Ticketholders can enjoy each bar’s signature drinks, including nonalcoholic options, and bar bites. In August, 1930’s bar manager, Benjamin Fabio Cavagna, will showcase his passion for rare whiskeys and spirits.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Roll @ Santa Monica

When: Until October 14 

Where: Huntington Beach 

What: Ahead of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenues icy winter transformation, the location will feature a roller rink. From August 10 to October 14, Roll @ Santa Monica invites you to enjoy two-hour skating sessions with rental skates available.

Garden Concerts for Kids

When: August 3 – August 18 

Where: The Getty

What: Enjoy kid-friendly performances in the Getty’s stunning Central Garden during this summertime concert series. Picnic blankets are welcome, but lawn chairs are not permitted.

OC Fair

When: Until August 18 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: Combine fried food, carnival attractions, and the occasional rodeo or demolition derby, and you get the OC Fair. What began as a quaint event in 1889 has evolved into a nearly month-long festival.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party

When: August 9

Where: The MAIN | 24266 Main Street | Santa Clarita

What: Join Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party presented by ME Main Productions, where the famous novelist, struggling to find an ending for her new book, invites Sir Conan Doyle, Houdini, Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, and other guests to dinner, hoping they will solve the mystery for her!

 

Crepe Paper Roses Workshop

When: August 11

Where: Tansy | 2120 West Magnolia Boulevard Burbank

What: Join our Crepe Paper Roses workshop at Tansy and craft lifelike roses from delicate crepe paper! Perfect for all skill levels, this hands-on session, guided by an expert crafter, includes all materials. Enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts as you experiment with vibrant colors and intricate techniques. Create lasting memories and take home a beautiful handmade bouquet! 

 

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: Grab a seat on the rooftop of Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage for this outdoor film series. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy a variety of classic movies like Top Gun, La La Land, The Sandlot, Clueless, and more.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

When: Until August 21 

Where: River Ridge Fields | 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard

What: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, presented by American Airlines, invites fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. All practice sessions open to the public will be held at the River Ridge Playing Fields, adjacent to the Residence Inn at River Ridge, located at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. Fans can watch the Cowboys in action starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th, through the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st.

 

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

What: The City of Moorpark presents Movies in the Park at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Movies start at dusk, with gates opening an hour earlier. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Vendors will be available, or you can bring your own snacks. No animals allowed, except service animals. 

 

Ventura County Fair

When: July 31 – August 11 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard

What: Get ready for a fun-filled day at the fair with arts and crafts, delicious food, exciting exhibits, live demonstrations, adorable farm animals, a petting zoo, thrilling carnival rides, games, and non-stop entertainment!

 

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

When: Until August 21 

Where: River Ridge Fields | 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard

What: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, presented by American Airlines, invites fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. All practice sessions open to the public will be held at the River Ridge Playing Fields, adjacent to the Residence Inn at River Ridge, located at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. Fans can watch the Cowboys in action starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th, through the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st.

 

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Our Favorite Local Chinese Restaurants | LA Eats

From savory broth-filled dumplings to artisanal hand-pulled noodles, we’re spotlighting the finest Chinese eateries in town this week. Dive into our curated list of the top dining spots around the city!

RiceBox

Location: Los Angeles

For a hip and modern approach to Cantonese cuisine, look no further than RiceBox. This LA eatery is the perfect place to enjoy custom rice. Take a bite out of dishes like black soy-poached chicken or crispy seven-spice pork belly. As far as Chinese restaurants go in Los Angeles, you won’t be disappointed with the array of options at RiceBox.

Hui Tou Xiang

Location: Los Angeles & San Gabriel

Known for its namesake hui tou dumpling, Hui Tou Xiang has perfected the pan-fried dumpling. Their rendition is a delectable dumpling stuffed with pork or beef with chile oil that’s scratch-made and available for sale by the jar. In addition, the Hollywood Hui Tou Xiang location offers a full cocktail menu and a speakeasy vibe.

Lan Noodle

Location: Arcadia

If you are looking for Lanzhou-style noodles, make your way to Lan Noodle in Arcadia. This Chinese restaurant bowls are made to order, with customers able to watch the noodle master pull and stretch from scratch. The noodles at Lan Noodle require a special kind of wheat flour to get the perfect ‘QQ’ (chewy) texture. In addition, LAN sources local beef to make a broth that is simmered for 10 hours every day and topped with housemade chile oil.

Bistro Na’s

Location: Temple City

As the only Michelin-starred restaurant in San Gabriel Valley, Bistro Na’sis also the first American restaurant to serve China’s imperial cuisine. The recipes at this Temple City eatery were originally intended for royalty. In addition, all of the recipes have been passed down through generations of chefs who worked in the imperial kitchen. 

Chengdu Taste

Location: Alhambra

For fiery Sichuan cooking, make your way to Chengdu Taste. Enjoy signature dishes like the diced rabbit with “younger sister’s secret recipe.” This Chinese restaurant’s Sichuan-style mung bean jelly noodles with chile sauce are also a must. In addition, there are other great dishes like mapo tofu, and toothpick lamb with cumin. 

Sichuan Impression

Location: Alhambra & West L.A.

When it comes to Chinese restaurants with a wide selection of Sichuan dishes, Sichuan Impression tops the list. From hot-and-numbing wontons to noodles and entrées like kung pao chicken or harder-to-find items like mung bean jelly tossed in chili oil, there are many options to choose from. In addition, Sichuan Impression has tasty desserts, like a brown sugar rice cake and pumpkin mochi wrapped around red bean paste.

Din Tai Fung

Location: Glendale & Century City

We could not have a list of the best Chinese restaurants around town without Ding Tai Fung! The restaurant is always busy and buzzing, and for good reason. The eatery has multiple locations around town with a wide variety of bites to choose from. Enjoy tasty soup dumplings, plates of noodles, rice dishes, stir-fried vegetables, and more.

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Best Design Showrooms in Town | Out & About

Are you a homeowner looking for the perfect interior design for your home? Maybe you are a real estate buyer or seller in need of the most fitting design for your house. Well, you are in luck, as Southern California is home to an array of design showrooms that offer multiple designs and setups for you to choose from. The following is a list of design showrooms to look at:

1. Kreiss – West Hollywood

This family-owned store has been in business for over 75 years. Kreiss offers an exclusive furniture collection with a casually elegant and timeless style. Their design portfolio is known worldwide for giving what is popularly known as “The California look”.

2. Hammer and Spear – Los Angeles

Founded in 2013 by husband and wife Scott Jarrell and Kristan Cunningham, Hammer and Spear is not only a showroom but also a multidisciplinary design studio. It comprises a team of interior designers, architects, and product designers. This design showroom is thoughtfully curated with impressive furniture and accessories that truly depict the couple’s love for creating inspiring and memorable spaces for its clients.

3. Grayson Luxury – Beverly Hills

This showroom in Beverly Hills is well known for its luxuriously crafted home interiors. With its blend of the traditional with the modern, Grayson Luxury is the fitting interior design destination for a traditional, sophisticated homeowner with a modern sensibility.

4. Stansbury Collection – Santa Monica

Founded by Armand Stansbury, this showroom has been in existence for 30 years. Stansbury Collection is known for its locally-made custom furniture that is masterfully built in only seven days with an eye-catching design that adds an elegant feel to the comfort and splendor of your home.

5. Scandinavian Designs -Venice

Boasting over 30 showrooms, Scandinavian Designs is a family business with over 50 years of experience in the design industry. The home furnishings here are of contemporary style. Scandinavian Designs are inspired by Nordic culture, modern style, and quality craftsmanship.

6. Croft House – Los Angeles

Located 1.2 miles away from Mid-Wilshire, Croft House aims to represent the sophisticated and comfortable feel of the California lifestyle through its handmade statement furniture.

7. Nathalie Interior Motives – Tarzana

With its experienced specialists in residential design projects, Nathalie Interior Motives seeks to formulate areas that integrate comfort and elegance with ergonomic expertise and sustainable design.

8. Westside Remodelling – Newbury Park

Having been in existence for over 30 years, Westside Remodelling has built a solid reputation throughout the Conejo Valley. The quality of their work has landed them features in Architectural Digest, L. A Home and Remodelling, and the L.A Times. The design experts here specialize in residential design-build and remodeling.

9. Luxe Interior Design and Drapery – Calabasas

Founded in 2004, Luxe Interior Design and Drapery helps people formulate the home of their dreams. The designers here specialize in blending one’s taste with a balance of accessories to create comfortable and memorable spaces.

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Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Tips | Home Tips

Outdoor furniture maintenance is essential, especially with the ever-changing weather in LA. Your outdoor aesthetic is constantly exposed to the elements, so how do you keep your furniture clean and ready for any time of the year? With helpful outdoor furniture cleaning tips! Read on below for simple advice you can use to maintain your home‘s exterior lounge.

Set a Cleaning Routine for Your Outdoor Furniture

Start with sweeping as a general practice for keeping your outdoor furniture area clean. It is important to clear off surfaces when needed by using a soft-bristle brush and water. Afterward, you can wash the surface using mild soap mixed with a gallon of water and a soft spine. From there, you can use a lint-free cloth to pat the surface dry.

Tips for Deep Cleaning Every Type of Outdoor Furniture

Deep clean your patio furniture at least twice a year: once in the spring before you start using it regularly as temperatures rise, and again in the fall before you put it all away for the winter. 

Wicker Furniture

This pliable weave used to make furniture is traditionally constructed from rattan, split reed, or coated paper and is sometimes reinforced with metal. Coats of clear varnish, paint or a combination of the two are often applied to protect the surface. Sunlight is the primary enemy of wicker. Always cover wicker furniture if you intend to leave it outside for more than two or three weeks.

To remove dirt and debris, vacuum with a dust-brush attachment or use a dry paintbrush. Clean with a mild soap solution. Scrub, and rinse. Avoid using too much water, which can weaken the fibers. Dry as described.

Wood Furniture

Most lumbers used for outdoor furniture naturally resist decay and withstand the elements. Although sealants help preserve color and protect against wear and tear, they aren’t necessary. Left unfinished, the wood acquires a silvery-gray patina and requires little maintenance.

To remove stains or mildew, mix 1 gallon hot water with powdered oxygen bleach according to directions. Scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse. To remove rust stains or bird droppings, or to restore the original color, sand lightly along the grain using fine-grit sandpaper, and rinse. If the area is too large to sand, mix hot water with oxalic acid crystals (also called wood bleach or wood brightener) according to directions. Apply with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse. Don’t use chlorine bleach, which can damage wood fibers.

Metal Furniture

Aluminum, iron, steel, and other metals can be wrought (heated and hammered into shape), cast from molds (often in solid pieces), or formed into hollow tubing. Because most of these, except aluminum, are subject to rust, metal furniture is usually finished with layers of clear varnish, paint, or a durable powder coating.

Use a mild soap solution, scrub, rinse, and dry as described. To remove rust stains or mold, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe it clean, and apply touch-up paint if needed (available through the manufacturer) in several thin layers. Let dry between coats. Humidity may affect the paint, so it’s best to work on a dry day.

Fabric-Covered Furniture

Material for outdoor use often called performance fabric, is designed to resist sun damage, stains, moisture, and mildew. Solution-dyed fabric, woven with pigment-infused fibers, is less prone to fading and can handle more aggressive cleansers than printed or piece-dyed cloth. To determine which you have, check both sides of the fabric. 

Machine wash your removable covers in cold water using mild, bleach-free laundry soap and then air-dried. To hand wash, submerge the fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup of gentle liquid soap, such as Ivory, and 1 gallon of lukewarm water (do not exceed 100 degrees), swishing gently. Rinse and air-dry.

To clean mold from solution-dyed fabrics, mix 1 gallon of warm water with 2 tablespoons of oxygen bleach if the care guide lists it as an approved cleaning agent. Wet the affected area, and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse and air-dry.

Plastic Furniture

Resin or all-weather furniture is generally made from plastic, either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). These plastics are manufactured with a number of chemical additives, including ultraviolet stabilizers and fungicides, and can be shaped to mimic wood, wicker, and items such as woven chair straps and slings.

 

Use a mild soap solution, scrub, rinse, and dry as described. For tough stains or mildew, try a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach if the care guide lists bleach as an approved cleaning agent.

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Economic Update | Week Ending August 3, 2024

U.S. hiring stalled and unemployment jumped in July – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 114,000 new jobs were added in July, well below the 185,000 new jobs forecasted by economists. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in July, its highest level since October 2021, and up from 4.1% in June. The lack of hiring and rise in the unemployment rate shocked investors. Stock markets dropped sharply as the three-month average unemployment rate exceeded a .5% increase from the previous three-month average. Under the Sham Rule Threshold, a .5% increase in the 3-month average unemployment rate for two consecutive 3-month periods often indicates the start of a recession. Average hourly wages increased 3.6% year-over-year in July, down from a 3.9% annual increase in June, and a 4.1% increase in May. This was not a good report. It panicked investors that fear that the Fed has left interest rates at 24-year highs for too long and that even a drop in September may be too late to avoid a recession. On a positive note, bond yields and mortgage rates dropped sharply on Friday after the jobs report was released. Bond yields and mortgage rates are now at their lowest levels in one year.

Stock markets dropped sharply this week on recession fears – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 39,727.26, down 2.1% from 40,589.34 last week. It is up 5.4% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,346.56, down 2.1% from 5,459.10 last week. The S&P is up 12.2% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 16,776.16, down 3.5% from 17,357.88 last week. It is up 11.8% year-to-date

U.S. Treasury bond yields dropped sharply this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.80%, down from 4.20% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.11%, unchanged from 4.45% 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 August 1st, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.73%, down from 6.78% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, down from 6.07% last week. Rates dropped sharply on Thursday and Friday. We were seeing rates closer to 6% after the job’s report was released on Friday.

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 | August 2 – August 4

August has arrived and so has a weekend full of exciting events. Soak up all that summer has to offer locally! From Brew at the Zoo to the Ventura County Fair and more, there is plenty of fun August 2 through August 4.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 2 – August 4 

Brew at The Zoo

When: August 3 

Where: L.A. Zoo

What: Experience the L.A. Zoo like never before at its annual beer bash! From 6:30 to 10 pm, enjoy 35 craft brews, live bands, DJ sets, and pub-style grub. Wander through exhibits, savor a cinnamon churro, and encounter animals up close. This 21+ event promises a night of fun amidst snoozing lions and cackling monkeys.

Bullocks Wilshire Open House

When: August 4  

Where: Koreatown

What: Some of L.A.’s most beautiful buildings, like Bullocks Wilshire, are usually hidden behind gates, hedges, or restricted access. This former Art Deco department store, now part of Southwestern Law School, is generally closed to the public. However, for one weekend each year, the school opens this historic building for public tours.

Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks

When: August 2 – August 3 

Where: Hollywood Bowl

What: Otto Tausk leads the annual tradition with the LA Phil, the USC Trojan Marching Band, and the Bowl’s renowned pyrotechnic display, featuring the iconic “1812 Overture.”

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | August 2 – August 4 

U.S. Open of Surfing

When: August 3 – August 11 

Where: Huntington Beach 

What: America’s largest pro surfing competition draws the world’s top surfers competing for big prizes and impressing thousands with their skill and innovative boards. The event features live bands, a sports expo, and after-parties with friendly locals, making it a must-see spectacle.

Garden Concerts for Kids

When: August 3 – August 18 

Where: The Getty

What: Enjoy kid-friendly performances in the Getty’s stunning Central Garden during this summertime concert series. Picnic blankets are welcome, but lawn chairs are not permitted.

OC Fair

When: Until August 18 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: Combine fried food, carnival attractions, and the occasional rodeo or demolition derby, and you get the OC Fair. What began as a quaint event in 1889 has evolved into a nearly month-long festival.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  | August 2 – August 4 

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: Grab a seat on the rooftop of Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage for this outdoor film series. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy a variety of classic movies like Top Gun, La La Land, The Sandlot, Clueless, and more.

Ceramics of Glendale – Vintage Ceramics Exhibit

When: August 4 

Where: 12265 Ventura Blvd

What: Join the community at the Doctors House for the opening of the new exhibit, “Ceramics of Glendale.” Visitors can unleash their creativity at the playdough sculpture station, capture memories at the photobooth, and enjoy delicious treats. Tours will be available with a suggested donation of $10 per person, and children 12 and under can attend for free.

Right Plant, Right Place with Kat Ospina

When: August 2 

Where: Theodore Payne Foundation | 10459 Tuxford Street

What: Understanding native habitats can help you choose the right plants for your garden. This course covers local plant communities, their growing conditions, and resources to evaluate your garden’s climate, soil, sunlight, and space. This is a valuable class for beginners!

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | August 2 – August 4 

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

What: The City of Moorpark presents Movies in the Park at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Movies start at dusk, with gates opening an hour earlier. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Vendors will be available, or you can bring your own snacks. No animals allowed, except service animals. 

Ventura County Fair

When: July 31 – August 11 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard

What: Get ready for a fun-filled day at the fair with arts and crafts, delicious food, exciting exhibits, live demonstrations, adorable farm animals, a petting zoo, thrilling carnival rides, games, and non-stop entertainment!

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

When: Until August 21 

Where: River Ridge Fields | 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard

What: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, presented by American Airlines, invites fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. All practice sessions open to the public will be held at the River Ridge Playing Fields, adjacent to the Residence Inn at River Ridge, located at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. Fans can watch the Cowboys in action starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th, through the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st.

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From iOS 18.1 to Meta AI Studio and More! | Tech News

As the week winds down, we are wrapping up the top tech stories from across the web. From iOS 18.1 to Meta AI Studio and more, we have you covered with this week’s major headlines. Read on for what’s happening in the world of tech!

Apple Releases Developer Betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1

Apple has launched developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing its first set of AI features. Highlights include an updated Siri that maintains context across requests, smart replies and email summaries in Mail, and natural language search in Photos. While some features will roll out later, requiring devices with Apple Silicon chips, users must join a waitlist to access the updates. Apple also released a second public beta for iOS 18, featuring RCS support, new CarPlay wallpapers, and dark mode widgets. The AI features were first announced at the June Worldwide Developers Conference.

Google Expands “School Time” Feature to More Devices

Google is expanding its “School Time” feature to select Android phones, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches over the next year, allowing parents to limit their child’s device functionality during school hours. Initially launched on the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch, this feature helps reduce classroom distractions by restricting access to certain apps, phone calls, and message notifications. Parents can manage these settings via the Family Link app. Additionally, teens can use Focus mode to block notifications independently. Later this summer, parents will also be able to link their YouTube accounts with their teens’ for activity monitoring. Specific supported devices have not yet been disclosed.

Sony to Develop New Headphones for NFL Coaches

Sony is partnering with the NFL to create new headphones for coaches, set to debut in the 2025 season. These headphones are being developed from scratch to endure various weather conditions and function in loud stadiums, using Verizon’s private 5G networks for communication. Sony’s team is collaborating closely with NFL operations to meet specific needs. Additionally, Sony will be the NFL’s official technology partner, expanding the use of its Hawk-Eye tracking technology for measuring first downs and developing advanced officiating tools.

Intel to Unveil Next-Gen Core Ultra Chips on September 3rd

Intel will reveal its next generation of Core Ultra laptop chips, codenamed Lunar Lake, on a September 3rd livestream. These chips, designed to compete with Qualcomm’s and Apple’s Arm-based chips, promise improved battery life and performance with a redesigned architecture that eliminates swappable memory sticks and triples the NPU for local AI applications. While the full reveal is imminent, availability details will be announced later. Intel’s launch follows AMD’s shipment of Ryzen AI chips, intensifying the competition in the laptop market.

Meta Launches “Layout” App for Quest 3 Headsets

Meta is introducing a new app, “Layout,” for its Quest 3 headsets, available with the v68 update. Layout allows users to measure and visualize changes in their home by measuring furniture and placing virtual objects in real-world environments. The update also includes an experimental AI assistant, currently available in English in the US and Canada, that can answer questions about the user’s environment. Additional features include the ability to download multiple games simultaneously, pair Touch controllers from within the headset, and new audio-level balance tools.

Meta Introduces AI Studio for Creating AI Profiles on Instagram

Meta’s new AI Studio tool allows anyone in the US to create AI versions of themselves for Instagram and the web. Aimed at creators and business owners, these AI profiles can interact with followers, respond to comments, and manage chat threads on their behalf. Users can customize their AI based on their content, set auto-replies, and specify interaction permissions. AI Studio also enables the creation of new AI characters across Meta’s apps.

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