Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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LA Fires Emergency Shelters and Support | Out & About

As wildfires continue to impact communities across Los Angeles, many residents are facing evacuation and loss of essential resources. For those affected, access to shelter, food, clothing, and support is critical. Below is a comprehensive guide to resources available for victims of the LA fires, offering everything from temporary housing to emotional support.

Emergency Shelters and Temporary Housing

If you or your loved ones have been displaced, the following organizations and facilities are offering temporary housing and emergency accommodations:

  • 211 LA and Airbnb Partnership: Free temporary shelter is available for displaced individuals. Start by filling out this form.
  • Red Cross Los Angeles: Use their platform to locate nearby shelters.
  • Local Hotel Association: Find hotels in and around L.A. offering discounts to evacuees. Check availability here.
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: Open for temporary shelter, showers, and childcare. Register on their website.
  • Planet Fitness Locations: Offering free access to showers, locker rooms, and WiFi for evacuees and first responders. Find a location.
  • Mariners Village Apartment Homes (Marina del Rey): Contact (310) 821-4916 for availability.

Food and Basic Necessities

Many organizations and businesses are stepping up to provide meals, groceries, and other essentials:

  • World Central Kitchen: Serving meals to first responders and evacuees. Learn more.
  • South LA Cafe: Offering free groceries, water, and masks. Visit their Western location (1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062).
  • Sweetgreen: Providing meals to fire victims. Contact your local location or call (310) 660-7471.
  • Calico Fish House (Orange County): Offering meals and a parking space for evacuees. Contact (562) 357-4012.

Transportation Support

  • Uber and Lyft: Offering free rides to evacuation sites. Use the following codes:
    • Lyft: CAFIRERELIEF25 (two free rides up to $25 each).
    • Uber: WILDFIRE25 (two free rides up to $40 each).
  • Metro Los Angeles: Free rides on all transit services.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support.
  • CalHOPE: Disaster counseling available at (833) 317-HOPE or CalHOPE.org.

Animal Evacuation Assistance

  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: Offering boarding for animals. Contact them here.
  • Pasadena Humane Society: Accepting pets from displaced families. Learn more.

Donations and How to Help

If you want to support those affected, consider donating to organizations actively aiding wildfire victims:

  • California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: Donate here.
  • World Central Kitchen: Support their mission here.
  • California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: Donate to long-term recovery efforts here.

Stay Safe and Informed

These resources are vital during this challenging time. Stay informed, take precautions, and know that help is available. Whether you need immediate assistance or want to contribute to relief efforts, these organizations are here to support the community.

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CA Wildfires Emergency Preparedness Guide | Home Tips

The Los Angeles wildfires have been devastating for the community. As we work together to recover from the ongoing fires, safety remains of the utmost importance. Preparation and swift action are crucial to ensuring safety of you, your loved ones, and your property. Below are essential tips to help you stay safe during wildfires and effectively handle an evacuation if necessary.

Before a Wildfire: Prepare in Advance

Preparation is key to minimizing risks. Follow these steps to safeguard your home and ensure you’re ready to act if a wildfire approaches:

1. Create a Defensible Space

  • Clear vegetation, dry leaves, and debris within 30 feet of your home.
  • Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from your roof and chimney.
  • Use fire-resistant materials for roofs, fences, and decks when possible.

2. Assemble an Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit ready that includes:

  • Important documents (insurance papers, IDs, etc.)
  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable phone charger
  • First-aid supplies and necessary medications
  • N95 masks to filter out smoke particles

3. Create a Family Evacuation Plan

  • Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and community.
  • Designate a meeting point in case family members are separated.
  • Plan for pets by packing their food, water, and carriers.

4. Sign Up for Alerts

Enroll in local emergency alert systems to receive real-time updates on wildfires in your area.

During a Wildfire: Stay Informed and Take Action

When a wildfire is nearby, every moment counts. Take these steps to stay safe:

1. Monitor Updates

  • Stay tuned to local news, weather apps, or emergency alerts for evacuation orders and wildfire progression.
  • If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately.

2. Keep Smoke at Bay

  • Close all windows, doors, and vents to reduce smoke entering your home.
  • Run air purifiers if available and avoid using anything that increases indoor smoke, such as candles or fireplaces.

3. Have Your Car Ready

  • Park your vehicle in an accessible location with the tank full.
  • Load your emergency kit, valuables, and evacuation essentials beforehand.

When You Need to Evacuate

If evacuation becomes necessary, acting quickly and efficiently can save lives.

1. Follow Evacuation Orders

  • Never ignore an evacuation order; leave as soon as possible to avoid traffic delays and exposure to fire.
  • Use designated evacuation routes to avoid blocked or unsafe roads.

2. Protect Your Home (If Time Permits)

  • Shut off gas and propane lines.
  • Close all windows, doors, and interior doors to reduce airflow.
  • Leave exterior lights on to help first responders locate your home in smoke-filled conditions.

3. Stay Calm and Alert

  • Keep your emergency kit and essentials in the car.
  • Contact family or friends to let them know you are evacuating and your planned destination.

After the Wildfire: Returning Home Safely

Once the fire is contained and authorities declare it safe to return, follow these guidelines:

1. Inspect Your Home

  • Look for structural damage, lingering smoke, or hot spots.
  • Avoid using utilities until professionals have inspected them.

2. Wear Protective Gear

  • Use gloves, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes when handling debris.
  • Wear an N95 mask to prevent inhaling residual smoke and ash.

3. Document Damage

  • Take photos of your property for insurance claims.
  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report damage.

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe

Wildfires can escalate rapidly, but proactive planning can make a significant difference. By creating a defensible space around your home, assembling an emergency kit, and having an evacuation plan in place, you can protect yourself and your family during wildfire season. Remember, your safety is the top priority—when in doubt, evacuate early.

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Economic Update | Week Ending January 11, 2025

Weekly Economic Update Banner
Before I begin this week’s update, I want to express my sympathies to everyone living through the fires. I am devastated by the destruction, pain and sorrow these fires have caused. I have lived in Los Angeles my entire life. I have never seen anything like this before and hope I never will again. The loss of homes, businesses, schools, markets, restaurants, stores, etc. is horrific. At present there are over 10,000 homes lost just in Los Angeles County, and tens of thousands more people are displaced waiting in limbo wondering about the status of their homes and when and how they will ever return. Our prayers are with the victims and residents of The Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, Altadena, Sylmar, and other communities. Everyone here at Rodeo Realty and myself have you all in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Our Rodeo Realty family and I have been extremely fortunate to have assisted the community with their housing needs since 1986. Our clients have enriched our lives in so many ways. There are really no words strong enough to express how grateful we are to you for your support. We understand our role in your lives, and it is an obligation we take seriously and will always be here for you to help you in every way possible. We have spent the week scrambling to find housing for those affected and helping people understand their insurance coverage, the process of what is to come and other housing needs. This will be our role for quite some time, so do not hesitate to reach out to us.

I also want to acknowledge our Realtors and staff that have lost their homes, the Rodeo Realty office that they work in, and nearly everything they own and have still shown up to our other offices every day to take care of their friends, relatives, clients, and anyone in need.

                                • Syd Leibovitch, President Rodeo Realty Inc.

U.S. Hiring Surge in December – Employers add a quarter million new jobs in December -The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 256,000 new jobs were added in December. It blew away economists who were surveyed by Dow Jones who forecasted 155,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. Average hourly wages increased 3.9% year-over-year in December, over one percent above the current rate of inflation.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 41,938.45, down 1.8% from 42,722.13 last week. It is down 1.4% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,827.04, down 1.9% from 5,942.47 last week. The S&P is down 0.9% year-to-date. Nasdaq closed the week at 19,161.63, down 2.3% from 19,622.05 last week. It is down 0.8% year-to-date.

Why are mortgage rates rising? In this environment where higher inflation leads to higher interest rates, good news becomes bad news for mortgage rates and bond yields. Mortgage rates and long-term bond yields increased to their highest levels in over a year this week. The better the economy, the more consumers spend. More people spending pushes prices higher and creates inflation. Inflation had dropped steadily and last September it was at its lowest levels since 2021 and the unemployment rate had risen to its highest levels in many years, but the inflation rate has increased for three straight months and the unemployment rate has dropped from where it was in September. It is good news that the economy is gaining strength and growing, but more people working, and wages rising is causing inflation to tick up.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.77%, up from 4.60% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.96%, up from 4.82% 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 January 9, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.93%, up slightly from 6.91% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.14%, up from 6.13% last week.

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

Please stay safe! 
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California Wildfire Resources and Support

A Message from Syd Leibovitch, President of Rodeo Realty:

“The devastation caused by these fires is unimaginable. The loss of homes, businesses, and cherished spaces is a tragedy that impacts us all deeply. Many of our agents and employees, particularly in the Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, and surrounding areas, have been directly affected. Our hearts are with all the victims and communities facing this crisis. At Rodeo Realty, we stand with you, offering our support and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.”

– Syd Leibovitch, President Rodeo Realty Inc.

 

Emergency Contacts:

  • 911 for life-threatening emergencies
  • Call 211 or go to 211la.org for shelter information
  • Go to lacounty.gov/recovery for shelter information
  • Mental Health Support: LA County Department of Mental Health 1-800-854-7771
  • Mental Health 1-800-854-7771 Financial Aid: Go to disasterassistance.gov or caloes.ca.gov

 

Stay Safe from Poor Air Quality:

  • Use N95 masks outdoors
  • Avoid outdoor activities; keep windows closed
  • Be ready to comply with any emergency orders or alerts

 

Ways you can Help:

  • Donate to: Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation https://supportlafd.kindful.com
  • Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation
  • California Fire Foundation https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html

 

Together, We Will Overcome:

As we begin the journey to rebuild together, we want to remind you that help is always within reach. Please share this post with anyone who may need additional resources or information. Our Rodeo Realty agents have been fully informed and are here to answer any questions or provide guidance during this difficult time. At Rodeo Realty, we are committed to supporting our communities in every way we can. Together, we will overcome this challenge with strength and resilience.

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Mortgage Rate Update | January 9, 2025

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 January 9, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.93%, up from 6.91% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.14%, up from 6.13% 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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What is Transitional Style | Home Tips

Transitional style is a popular interior design style that combines traditional and contemporary elements. It’s characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and a mix of textures and materials. This style is ideal for those who want a sophisticated and elegant look in their home while still maintaining a modern feel.

Here are a few key elements of transitional style interior decorating:

Neutral color palette: 

Transitional style is known for its neutral color palette, which usually consists of whites, beiges, grays, and taupes. This provides a blank canvas for accent pieces and helps create a calm and serene atmosphere.

Clean lines: 

Transitional design features clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal ornamentation. This gives the room a sophisticated and modern feel while also allowing the accent pieces to shine.

Mix of materials: 

Transitional style is all about mixing materials and textures. Wood, glass, metal, and stone are all common elements in this design style. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of materials that complement each other.

Accent pieces: 

Transitional style is meant to be a canvas for accent pieces, such as artwork, rugs, and lighting. These pieces can add a pop of color, texture, and interest to the space.

Functional furniture: 

Transitional style is about practicality and functionality. Furniture pieces should serve a purpose and be comfortable while also fitting in with the overall aesthetic.

How to use Transitional Style in your home design:

  • Start with a neutral palette: Use a neutral color scheme as the base for your interior design and add pops of color through accent pieces.
  • Mix materials: Mix and match materials such as wood, glass, metal, and stone to create texture and interest in the space.
  • Emphasize clean lines: Focus on clean lines and minimal ornamentation to create a modern feel.
  • Balance traditional and modern elements: Mix traditional pieces, such as a leather sofa, with modern accents, such as a contemporary rug.
  • Add accent pieces: Use accent pieces like artwork, rugs, and lighting to add color, texture, and interest to the space.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture pieces that are functional and comfortable while also fitting in with the overall aesthetic.
  • Keep the space clutter-free: Transitional style emphasizes clean lines and minimalism, so keep the space free of clutter for a sophisticated and elegant look.
  • Play with scale: Incorporate pieces of varying scales, such as large art or a statement light fixture, to add visual interest.
  • Experiment with patterns: Use patterns, such as stripes or chevron, in small doses to add texture and interest.

In conclusion, Transitional style is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a sophisticated and timeless look in your home. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to update your current space, incorporating these elements into your design can result in a stylish and functional space.

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Economic Update | Week Ending January 4, 2025

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It was a quiet holiday-shortened week. Jobless claims fell to their lowest levels since March, another sign that the economy is heating up. Next Friday the Labor Department will release the December jobs report. Investors are waiting for that in hopes that hiring was not as strong in December as it was in November. More jobs available than workers looking for jobs pushes wages up which fuels consumer spending and increases the rate of inflation.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 42,722.13, down 0.6% from 42,992.21 last week. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,942.47, down 0.5% from 5,970.84 last week. The Nasdaq closed the week at 19,622.05, down 0.5% from 19,722.02 last week.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.60%, almost unchanged from 4.62% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.82%, unchanged from 4.82% 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 January 2, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.91%, up from 6.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.13%, up from 6% last week.

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

 

Economic Update for the Year Ending
December 31, 2024

Stocks surged, inflation moderated, and mortgage rates remained high in 2024

The Fed dropped their key interest rates by 1% in 2024 – The Fed began raising their key interest rates in 2022. They had increased rates to a 24-year high to combat inflation before a ½% drop in September, a ¼% drop in November, and a ¼% drop in December. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell said at the end of the year that he only expects two additional rate drops in 2025 and that rates would remain above “neutral levels” for the foreseeable future because inflation has picked up since hitting a 3-year low in September. He also said that the economy and job market were stronger than expected and that the Fed does not expect inflation to drop to its 2% annual rate target until 2026. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that consumer prices increased 2.7% year-over-year in November, up from a 2.6% year-over-year increase in October. The CPI peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 and has worked its way down to a 2.4% year-over-year increase in September but has ticked up the last two months. We are well below the CPI rate of 3.4% in December 2023, so we have moved in the right direction. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs rose 3.3% year-over-year in November for the fourth consecutive month. That is down from 3.9% in December 2023. The Personal Consumption Expenditures Index (PCE), the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, showed that consumer prices rose 2.4% in November from one year ago. Excluding food and energy Core PCE increased 2.8% year-over-year.

 

The graph below shows the CPI rate since 2021

 

Stocks surged and Stock markets hit record highs in 2024 – All three indexes hit record highs in 2024 but closed the year off their record highs after the Fed announced that they were concerned that inflation had heated up and they were going to stall rate drops in 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the year at 42,544.72, up 12.9% from 37,689.40 on December 31, 2023. The S&P 500 closed the year at 5,881.63, up 23.3% from 4,769.89 on December 31, 2023. The NASDAQ closed at 19,310.79, up 28.6% from 15,011.35 at the end of 2023.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields increased in 2024 – Bond yields increased in the first six months of the year. As the inflation rates dropped to their lowest levels since 2021 in September bond yields also dropped to their lowest levels of the year but increased in November and December to end the year higher than where they began the year. While the inflation rate is lower than it was a year ago the amount of the national debt has made treasury bonds less attractive and has pushed up rates. The 10-year U.S. treasury bond yield closed the year at 4.58%, up from 3.88% On December 31, 2023. The 30-year treasury yield ended the year at 4.78%, up from 4.03% on Dec. 31, 2023. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Mortgage rates began the year with the 30-year at 6.61%, by September it dropped to 6% but increased to end the year to 6.85%. Many people have asked, “Why have mortgage rates increased if the Fed has lowered rates by 1%?” That is an interesting question. The Fed controls overnight rates that banks pay to borrow money overnight from the Federal Reserve. That is the shortest-term rate. When overnight rates drop, banks drop their “prime” lending rate which is offered to their best customers. The prime rate is a common index for lines of credit. Those did drop 1%. Mortgages are long-term rates. Investors try to forecast inflation over a long period when purchasing mortgages. They need a spread over the inflation rate that they forecast. With the economy picking up steam, more jobs available than workers looking for work, and consumer spending higher long-term risk of inflation is higher. 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 December 26th, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.85%, up from 6.61% on December 28, 2023. The 15-year fixed was 6%, up from 5.93% on December 28, 2023.

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

Home sales data is released on the third week of the month for the previous month by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. These are November’s home sales figures.

U.S. existing-home sales November 2024 – National home prices rose about 5% in 2024 – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 4.15 million units on a seasonally annualized rate in November, up 4.8% from 3.96 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in October, and up 6.1% from an annualized rate of 3.91-million units last November. The median price for a home sold in the U.S. in November was $406,100, up 4.7% from $387,800 one year ago. There was a 3.8-month supply of homes for sale in November, down from a 4.2-month supply in October, and up from a 3.5-month supply one year ago. First-time buyers accounted for 30% of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 13% of all sales. All cash purchases accounted for 25% of all sales. Foreclosures and short sales accounted for 2% of all sales.

California existing-home sales – Housing prices rose about 4% in 2024 – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 267,800 on an annualized basis in November, up 1.1% from 264,870 on an annualized basis in October, and up 19.5% from a revised 224,140 homes sold on an annualized basis last November. The statewide median price paid for a home was $852,880 in November, down 4% from $888,740 in October, and up 3.8% from $821,710 one year ago. There was a 3.3-month supply of homes for sale in November, up from a 2.9-month supply in November 2023.

The graph below lists home sales data by county in Southern California. 
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From Solar Probe Records to YouTube Updates and More! | Tech News

The first week of January is coming to a close and your weekly round-up of tech news has arrived. From solar probe records to YouTube updates and more, we have you covered. Check out what you missed this week in the world of technology!

Parker Solar Probe Makes Historic Flyby of the Sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has set a record as the closest human-made object to the Sun. The solar probe came within 3.8 million miles of its surface on December 24th. Traveling at 430,000 mph, the solar probe survived extreme conditions thanks to its advanced heat shield, maintaining its internal temperature at just 85°F despite external temperatures of 2,500°F. Designed to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind, the solar probe transmitted a signal confirming its health and success on December 26th, with detailed data expected on January 1st.

Samsung Brings Budget-Friendly Galaxy Fit 3 and Galaxy A16 5G to the US

Samsung is launching the Galaxy Fit 3 fitness tracker and Galaxy A16 5G phone in the US on January 9, 2025. Priced at $59.99, the Galaxy Fit 3 features a 1.6-inch aluminum display, 13-day battery life, and advanced health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and over 100 workout modes. The Galaxy A16 5G, available for $199.99, offers a 6.7-inch FHD Plus OLED display, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a versatile triple-camera system, making both devices accessible and feature-packed options.

Classic Works from 1929 Enter the Public Domain

Thousands of iconic works from 1929 are now in the public domain, including early versions of Popeye and Tintin, William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, and Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. This year also marks the public domain release of groundbreaking films like Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail and Disney’s The Skeleton Dance. As copyright protections lapse, these works are free to reuse, repurpose, and inspire new creations, with even more beloved characters like Betty Boop entering the public domain in 2026.

YouTube Tests New “Play Something” Button for Random Video Picks

YouTube is experimenting with a floating “Play Something” button in its Android app, designed to randomly select a video for users to watch. The button, located above the bottom bar, plays videos using the YouTube Shorts player, regardless of format. This follows earlier tests of similar features, echoing Netflix’s now-retired “Surprise Me” video picker.

HHS Proposes New Cybersecurity Rules for Healthcare Data Protection

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing stricter cybersecurity requirements for healthcare organizations to safeguard patient data from cyberattacks. The rules include mandatory multifactor authentication, network segmentation, and encryption of patient information, along with enhanced risk analysis and compliance measures. Set to update the HIPAA Security Rule, these changes aim to address rising cyber threats, with implementation costs estimated at $9 billion in the first year. The proposal will open for public comment starting January 6, 2025.

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Weekend Events | January 3 – January 5

It’s a new year and there is still plenty of festive cheer to be had. From the last days of the holidays to the hottest shows from Broadway and more, we have you covered! Check out this weekend’s bounty of fun local events happening January 3 through January 5.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | January 3 – January 5

Once Upon a Mattress

When: Until January 5

Where: Downtown L.A.

What: From Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino comes a fresh adaptation of Once Upon a Mattress, the musical reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea. The production boasts an all-star cast, including Tony Award winner Sutton Foster, Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), and Ana Gasteyer (Saturday Night Live). Elevate your theater night with a “dinner and a show” package, starting your evening at the acclaimed Italian eatery Rossoblu before heading to this must-see performance.

Wicked

When: Until February 2, 2025

Where: Pantages | Hollywood

What: Step off Dorothy’s path and into the magical world of Wicked, where the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda unfolds. This stunning tale of friendship, love, and bravery takes audiences down a new yellow brick road, offering a fresh perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Just weeks after the feature film’s release, Wicked returns to the Pantages Theatre, bringing its spellbinding songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” to life. No need to paint yourself green—simply sit back and let this “Wonderful” production enchant you, leaving your heart forever changed “For Good.”

Miracle – Downtown LA

When: Until January 5, 2025

Where: DTLA, Hermosa, Long Beach

What: The festive pop-up bar Miracle brings its whimsical Christmas cocktails and over-the-top decor to three L.A. locations: Downtown, Hermosa Beach, and Long Beach. Sip themed drinks like Jingle Balls Nog in novelty mugs, with dates running through New Year’s Eve or January 5, depending on the spot. Reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended.

Westside & Communities Weekend Events | January 3 – January 5

Winter Fest OC

When: Until January 5

Where: Santa Monica

What: Celebrate a decade of holiday magic at this Christmas-themed event in Costa Mesa, transforming Orange County into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through the enchanting North Pole walk-through, enjoy snow play and ice tubing, and capture festive memories with picture-perfect photo ops. This year, a brand-new holiday light show featuring over 2 million twinkling lights will take center stage. For an elevated experience, indulge in the expanded carnival, glide across the ice skating rink, or relax in VIP Arctic cabanas. Try your hand at “Polar

Miracle – Hermosa

When: Until January 5

Where: DTLA, Hermosa, Long Beach

What: The festive pop-up bar Miracle brings its whimsical Christmas cocktails and over-the-top decor to three L.A. locations: Downtown, Hermosa Beach, and Long Beach. Sip themed drinks like Jingle Balls Nog in novelty mugs, with dates running through New Year’s Eve or January 5, depending on the spot. Reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended.

Ice at Santa Monica

When: Until January 20

Where: Downtown Santa Monica

What: Just a few blocks from the beach, Ice in downtown Santa Monica brings a touch of winter to this coastal city. The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink is open daily from November to mid-January at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, a short walk from the E Line. Tickets are $24 for an hour, including skate rentals, and options for private parties and cabanas are available for a more exclusive experience. Enjoy treats for sale and special themed nights throughout the season.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | January 3 – January 5

Holidays Made Here

When: Until January 5

Where: Burbank

What: Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! This holiday season, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank is bringing Stars Hollow to life with its festive Holidays Made Here experience. From December 18, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the backlot will transform with holiday decor, featuring iconic spots like the gazebo and Luke’s Diner—where you can sip coffee from Scott Patterson’s (Luke himself) own brand. This seasonal addition is included in all studio tours, starting with the three-hour option. Get ready for a holiday trip straight out of your favorite show!

Holidays on the Hill

When: Until January 5

Where: Universal City

What: Located just below Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hilton hotel offers an ice skating rink with stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. Kids can enjoy Santa’s Workshop and face painting, while adults can opt for the “date & skate” package, featuring two tickets and festive cocktails from the Jingle Bell Tavern holiday pop-up bar. Theme nights include “Wicked Wednesdays,” starting December 4, with green lighting and music from Wicked, celebrating the musical’s return to the Pantages and its upcoming film release. Don’t miss opening night on November 30, with free skating from 6–8 PM following performances by a Wicked cast member and the Los Angeles Ice Theater.

Country Music Skate Night

When: January 4

Where: Moonlight Rollerway

What: Head to Moonlight Rollerway on Saturday, January 4 for country music roller skating bash! Wear your best denim and cowboy hats for an evening of skating and fun!

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | January 3 – January 5

Oxnard New Year’s Resolution Run 5K

When: Saturday, January 4·8:00 – 11:00am
Where: 3052 N Ventura Rd, Oxnard, CA 93036, USA
What: Kick off 2025 with by setting your wellness resolutions in motion! Don’t miss this Saturday’s New Year’s Resolution 5K in Oxnard.
CPC Pickleball Pro Exhibition

When: January 4

Where: Calabasas Pickleball Club | 5155 Old Scandia Lane

What: Get ready for an action-packed afternoon as pickleball stars Roscoe Bellamy, Wes Burrows, Kaanu Patel, and Gabe Joseph take the court from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy thrilling matches, exciting prizes like lessons with the pros and premium gear, plus delicious food and drinks in an exclusive viewing gallery. Don’t miss the ultimate pickleball experience!

Hatha Yoga with Horses

When: January 4

Where: Chesebro Canyon Ranch | 6500 Chesebro Road Agoura Hills

What: Find Your Zen at the Ranch! Step into serenity with Horses and Gentle Hatha Yoga classes at a stunning, historic ranch in Agoura Hills.

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Mortgage Rate Update | January 2, 2025

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 January 2, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.91%, up from 6.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.13%, up from 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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