Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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LA Eats: Soups

Any time of year is soup weather. So while a cold day in Southern California often conjures thoughts of battling back chills with a piping hot bowl of soup, don’t dismiss the appeal of ramen, matzo balls or chowder just because the mercury is on the rise. Armed with bread and a range of flavors, a spoonful of soup can make for one satisfying slurp. If you’re inclined, here are some of the best bowls of goodness around Los Angeles and the Westside.

Hangari Kalguksu

3470 W 6th Street Suite 9 10, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Kal-guk-su – or hand-cut noodle soup – is the order of the day at this well-liked Korean restaurant. Try it plain or with clam or with kimchi, clam and bean sprout. If that’s not to your liking, consider the oyster soup with rice and seaweed.

 

Factor’s Famous Deli

9420 W Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Factor’s has been at the same location on Pico Boulevard since 1948. Expect a welcoming, family atmosphere – after all the Markowitz family has owned and operated this delicatessen since 1969. While we’ll always show up for the matzo ball when we’re in the mood for heartiness, don’t discount the deliciousness of the tortilla soup or homemade turkey chili.

Silverlake Ramen

2927 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This Japanese noodle bar declares they are “obsessed with ramen.” But there’s also no rush. Start with the seaweed salad, for example, before moving onto the classic tonkatsu, with your pick of protein (pork, chicken or tofu) in succulent broth thickened with bean sprouts, spinach, green onion, black garlic oil and egg. For non-meat-eaters, they offer a vegetable broth with bean sprouts, mushroom and tofu.

Connie & Ted’s

8171 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046

No matter what style of clam chowder you prefer, you won’t be disappointed by Jo’s Wicked Good Chowda’ at this seafood restaurant. That’s because they offer all three popular kinds of chowda’: the Rhode Island (a light broth that’s heavy on vegetables like celery and carrots), the New England (thick and creamy with potatoes, onion and clams) and the Manhattan (tomatoes with clams, pork and herbs). All three are made with salt pork.

Petit Trois

718 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

This French bistro cuisine offers plenty of Parisian delights, but even up against the steak tartare and escargots, the French onion soup is an exquisite destination all its own, thanks to the fusion of caramelized onions with melted gruyère and emmental cheeses.

Ramen Hood

317 S Broadway, Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Despite the animal-free menu – including a jaw-droppingly realistic vegan egg that will have you wondering how they made the chicken, it came from – Top Chef season two winner Ilan Hall’s ramen stand has no shortage of carnivorous fans. How do they do it? According to the eatery, the broth is kelp and shiitake mushrooms, combined with roasted sunflower seeds and white miso. As for the egg, it’s pure alchemy: GMO-free soy milk, gelled with the seaweed extract agar with a yolk that consists of nutritional yeast, back salt and sodium alginate. That hardly describes the process, but when the result is this convincing, does it matter?

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Home Tips: Babyproofing

If winter has almost ended, it means spring and summer babies are in the air. In the United States, most births occur between June and August – nine or so months after the cold, dark days of winter have brought people together indoors. With a few months left before their new addition arrives, it’s about time for expectant parents to figure out how to make their living spaces safer while keeping them functional (and even presentable to visitors). The effort won’t necessarily come cheap as baby-proofing a home can cost as much as $2,000. But to begin with, consider these six tips to prep your house for your family’s new arrival.

Pick furniture that can double as storage

If you’ve ever visited a home with a newborn, you know how cluttered a living room or kitchen can become. To avoid this (or at least not become overwhelmed by it), go shopping for furniture such as ottomans, tables, baskets and cabinets that can also act as storage compartments. That way, you can quickly stash away diaper boxes, clothes, toys, bibs, bottles, towels, and other baby-related paraphernalia, while also keeping them easily within reach.

Resist stains

Short of sealing every wall and piece of furniture in cling wrap, your carpet, sofa, chairs, and even curtains will doubtlessly end up stained by … something. And probably sooner than you expect. So be sure to invest in stain-resistant materials – as well as inexpensive, dark-colored blankets, throw pillows and rugs that can disguise spills and mishaps. Unless, of course, you prefer to look back years from now, fondly remembering where every adorable stain came from.

Keep an eye out for how quickly they grow

Babies are manageable until they can crawl or run. So rather than wait, start putting away anything in your home that might shatter or cause an injury if knocked over. (They will still be there in three, four or five years.) Similarly, be mindful of your child’s age. Things you got for your new baby which were safe, such as play gyms, can become a hazard as they grow.

Ensure a safe sleep

For all the interrupted, exhausting nights parents endure, babies sleep a lot – as much as 16 hours a day, in fact. So nothing is more important than where they sleep. Pick a crib with slats no wider than two inches and preferably one without corner posts. Also, be mindful of where you place the crib since cords from curtains or blinds can create a strangulation risk.

Prevent falls

The leading cause of death and nonfatal injuries in children under the age of one? Falls. Even after you’ve purchased a baby gate for your stairs, make sure it’s secure (use screws or bolts to fasten it to the wall) and does not easily unlatch. Also, remember babies can just as easily tumble from a sofa or bed. In other words: never let them out of your sight.

Guard against shocks

Electrical outlets, like falls, are an obvious danger as soon as your child can move around. You can buy outlets that are child-proof, but you should also use furniture to block access to them – along with power bars and cords – so your little one doesn’t even think about going there.

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Economic update for the week ending February 29, 2020

Stock markets had their worst week since the 2008 financial crisis – Fears of how the coronavirus will impact the economy sent stocks plummeting this week as new cases of the virus have emerged throughout the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,409.36, down 12.4% from 28,992.41 last week. It’s down 10% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week a t 2,954.22, down 11.2% from 3,327.41 last week. It’s down 8.4% year to date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 8,567.37, down 10.5%from 9,576.59 last week. It’s down 6.4% year to date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – As stock markets plummeted, investors moved money from stocks to the safety of bonds. The 10-year treasury bond closed the week at its lowest level in 100 years. The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 1.13% down from 1.46% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.65%, down from 1.90% last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates often follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates remain at the lowest levels in 3 years – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on February 27, 2020, reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.45%, down from 3.49% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.95%, down from 2.99% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.20%, down from 3.25% last week. Usually, mortgage rates follow bond yields, but lenders chose to leave rates mostly unchanged this week because they believe that these historic low bond yield levels this week would be temporary.

Preliminary February 2020 month-end update

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the month on February 28 at 25,409.36, down 10.1% from 28,256.03 on January 31. The S&P 500 closed the month at 2,954.22, down 8.4% from 3,225.52 at the end of January. The NASDAQ closed the month at 8,566.37, down 6.4% from 9,150.94 on January 31, 2020.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields dropped in February – The 10-year U.S. treasury bond yield closed the month at 1.13%, down from 1.51% on January 31. The 30-year Treasury yield ended the month at 1.65%, down from 1.99% on January 31.

Mortgage Rates dropped in February – The February 27, 2020, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.45%, down from 3.51% on January 30, 2020. The 15-year fixed was 2.95%, down from 3.0% on January 30. The 5-year ARM was 3.20%, down from 3.24% on January 30, 2020.

Home sales figures run one month behind. These are January’s results:

January 2020 California home sales report – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 396,550 in January on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked a 10.3% increase from the number of homes sold last January. It should be noted that January 2019 marked the fewest sales in a month in over a decade. The number of sales has rebounded over the last several months. The statewide median price was $575,160, down 6.5% from December, and up 7.1% from last January. The median price is the point at which ½ the homes sell for more and ½ the homes sell for less. Perhaps there was an unusual number of sales at the lower end in January, as we have seen prices increasing rapidly due to multiple offers and low inventory. The unsold inventory index in January was 3.4 months, down from 4.6 months in January 2019. On a regional level the number of sales, median price, and supply of housing were as follows: In Los Angeles County the number of sales increased by 16.7% from last January. The median price paid for a home in Los Angeles County was $617,520, up 9.1% from January 2019. There was a 3.2-month supply, down from a 4.9-month supply one year ago. In Orange County, the number of homes sold increased by 22.1% from one year ago. The median price paid for a home in Orange County was $855,000, up 7.3% from last January. There was a 3.4-month supply, down from a 5.4-month supply one year ago. In Ventura County, the number of sales rose 13.9% from January 2019. The median price in Ventura County was $660,000, up 7.3%from January 2019. There was a 4.8-month supply of homes for sale, down from a 7.2-month supply last January.

California housing affordability increases in the fourth quarter of 2019 – The California Association of Realtors reported that 31% of California households could afford to purchase a $607,040 median-priced home in the fourth quarter of 2019. That was up from 28% in the fourth quarter of 2018, as substantially lower interest rates offset price gains. A minimum annual income of $119,600 was needed to purchase a $607,400 median-priced single-family home with a monthly payment of $2,990. That payment included principal, interest, property tax and insurance with a 20% down payment, and a 30-year fixed loan. Affordability also increased for condominiums and townhomes from one year ago. The report revealed that41% of California households could afford a $480,000 median-priced condominium or townhouse, up from 37% one year ago. An income of $94,400 was needed to qualify for a monthly payment of $2,360 on a median-priced condominium or townhome. Single-family home affordability in Los Angeles County was 27% in the fourth quarter of 2019, up from 24% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The median price in Los Angeles County in the fourth quarter of 2019 was $617,310, and the monthly payment was $3,040. Single-family home affordability in Orange County was 26% in the fourth quarter of 2019, up from 20% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The median price in Orange County in the fourth quarter of 2019 was $828,000, and the monthly payment was $4,070. Single-family home affordability in Ventura County was 31% in the fourth quarter of 2019, up from 29% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The median price in Ventura County in the fourth quarter of 2019 was $660,000, and the monthly payment was $3,250.

January 2020 U.S. existing-home sales report – The National Association of Realtors reported that Total existing-home sales which include completed transactions for single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and co-ops increased 9.6% year over year from the number of home sales last January. The nationwide median price increased by 6.8% from January 2019. Total housing inventory for sale dropped 10.7% from the number of homes for sale in January 2019. There was a 3.1-month supply of homes for sale in January, down from a 3.8-month supply one year ago.
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Valley Weekend Events: February 29 – March 1

Conejo

Travel to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, listen to a symphony of dreams or explore our changing world with award-winning filmmaker Andy Mann. Whether you’re in the mood for the classics or a hike into nature, there’s plenty going on this weekend in the Conejo Valley.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Nat Geo Live – Andy Mann: From Summit to Sea

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andy Mann has documented our planet for more than a decade. A diver, arctic explorer and rock climber, Mann’s captivating images of our world and its wildlife as they experience rapid, disturbing upheavals have amassed him a following of more than 400,000 on Instagram. For ticket information, go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

New West Symphony presents: Dreams  

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Dreams is part of a two-concert series remembering the Holocaust, showcasing music that acted as a beacon of hope during one of humanity’s darkest periods. Originally written for a children’s opera competition in 1938, Brundibár (Czech for “bumblebee”) was composed by Hans Krása in a concentration camp. The program also features Felix Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For more details, go HERE.

STEAM Expo

Santa Susana High School, 3570 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA

STEAM stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics” – all of which are ready to be explored at this fifth annual event. Expect more than 40 booths, which this year also includes a health fair. The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, go HERE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Starring Daniel Tiger, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat and Prince Wednesday, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: Neighbor Day carries audience members of all ages along on an interactive journey to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe in this live production. Expect new songs as well as favorites from the animated series, which was inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood. For ticket information, go HERE.

Sunday Hike in Malibu

The Ranch at Solstice Canyon, 26025 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Pack a power bar and head for the hills. For professionals seeking a retreat from their urban lifestyle – if only for a few hours – this could prove a welcome escape to nature. This hike is led by fitness pros, so along with a little exercise, you might also pick up a tip or two for improved health and nutrition. For details, go HERE.

San Fernando Valley

Celebrate the life and legacy of Billie Holiday, take a little off the top for a good cause or check out a taping with Roseanne’s former sitcom family. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter or a new stage production, there’s plenty going on this weekend in the San Fernando Valley.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

The Conners: Live Taping

 

Warner Brothers Studios, Gate 3 Visitor’s Center, 4301 W Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA

Roseanne may no longer be around, but her TV family endures. And if you feel like dropping in on the working-class Conners, check out this live taping of the popular ABC comedy, starring John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert. For details on how to attend, go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

L.A. Connection’s 2001: An Improv Odyssey

LA Connection Comedy Theatre, 3435 W Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505

L.A. Connection, which has been throwing a spotlight on the art of improv since 1977, presents 2001: An Improv Odyssey, where veteran comics tackle various improv scenes a la Whose Line Is It Anyway? If you do attend, be prepared: audience members have been known to wind up pulled on stage, participating in the show itself. For tickets, go HERE.

Billie! Backstage with Lady Day

Whitefire Theatre – 13500 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA

This emotional one-woman show recounts the life of jazz-blues legend Billie Holiday. Expect to hear such classics as I’ll Be Seeing You, Embraceable You and Strange Fruit as Holiday’s journey sees her become one of the most influential voices in music. For details, go HERE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020

The Early Bird gets the Laughs 

Flappers Comedy Club – Yoo Hoo Room – 102 E Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA

The hook of this recurring comedy showcase is simple enough: we’ll make you laugh – and let you get home in time for Matlock. (Hence the 5 p.m. start time.) This week’s featured performer is Greg Benevent with other acts including Andrew Moncayo, Brad LaCour and Courtney Bang Rice. For details, go HERE.

California’s Finest Barber Battle and Artistry Expo

Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks, 15301 Ventura Boulevard P2, Sherman Oaks, CA

This annual hair-raiser features vendors, raffles, live music and, of course, scissors. In the professional category, the first-place winner will receive $500 while the victor in the student category will claim $250. Notably, 100% of the proceeds go to different charities, such as the Andrew Gomez Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For details, go HERE.

Santa Clarita Valley

Have your breathtaking away all over again, take in a cabaret (or maybe some cabernet) or drop by the Gentle Barn for an animal experience like no other. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter or a new stage production, there’s plenty going on this weekend in Santa Clarita.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Berlin

The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA

She can still take your breath away. And what better time to see Terri Nunn and Berlin in concert than as the sequel to Top Gun, which catapulted Berlin to Oscar-winning fame with the 1986 ballad Take My Breath Away, prepares to launch? For details, go HERE.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Cabaret and Cabernet

Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, CA

For its annual benefit event, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale is inviting you to come for the music, the food, the silent auction, but of course, for the cabernet. For information, go HERE.

Bird Walk

Castaic Lake Recreation Area – Park Headquarters, 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, CA

Join the flock as bird watchers and nature lovers alike head out for this guided excursion around the Castaic Lake Recreation Area. It happens the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. from the main office. For details, go HERE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020

The Gentle Barn

The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA

The Gentle Barn saves animals from abuse, providing sanctuary to creatures ranging from pigs and sheep to peacocks and turkeys. Drop by the barn on Sunday for the chance to meet the animals in their care (belly rubs for the pigs!) and learn their stories. For details, go HERE.

Love Learn Sing

The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Newhall, CA

This musical cabaret directed by local theater veteran Colin Sickafoose features music from such shows as Dear Even Hansen, Rent and Waitress the Musical, performed by some of Santa Clarita’s most gifted singers. Tickets are limited. For information, go HERE.

 

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Carol Wolfe Featured in Ventura Boulevard Magazine

One of our top producing agents, Carol Wolfe, was highlighted in the February issue of the Ventura Boulevard Magazine. In 2019, Carol had another record breaking year in the Encino office. She was also recognized by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2019 as one of the Top 200 Influential Business Leaders in the San Fernando Valley.

Carol is an active member of the Encino Chamber of Commerce and supports the local community. Providence Tarzana Medical Center is investing $540 million to build a new state-of-the-art hospital, and Carol serves on the committee of real estate industry experts for what will be the largest health care construction project ever in the San Fernando Valley.

For the full Q&A with Carol, click HERE.

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Valley Eats: Dessert

Whether you’re craving a sugar rush or merely seeking a side hustle from your diet, the Valley has plenty of baked, iced, swirled and poured gooey, crumbling goodness to tempt and treat you. From truffles and pastries to hot bubble waffles and some of the most inspired artisanal ice cream flavors anywhere, here are some of the best dessert joints in the area to dip a spoon or straw in when you’re in the mood for a sweet diversion.

Conejo Valley

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato

28888 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

What started as an online chocolate company now has numerous locations around the Valley, including this one in Agoura Hills. In addition to offering artisan chocolate bars from around the globe, they craft their own truffles, bon-bons, caramels and nut clusters. Chocolate not for you? Bite into one of their pastries and wash it down with an espresso or cold brew.

The Raspado House

540 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

This Thousand Oaks juice bar serves up shaved ice, smoothies and classic Mexican snacks. The shaved ice is best enjoyed during the forthcoming sweltering summer months, but in the meantime, they offer funnel churros, Latin ice cream, agua frescas and flavorful fruit desserts.

Carrara Pastries

28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 107 Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Traditional Italian desserts are the order of the day at this pastry shop. Try the Tiramisu (sponge cake soaked in Italian espresso), the Velina (maraschino-soaked sponge cake with chocolate mousse, hazelnut brittle center, hazelnut mousse covered in a chocolate glaze) or the Yogurt Wildberry (wildberry-soaked sponge cake, with yogurt and wildberry mousse and berries).

San Fernando Valley

Happy Days 

14552 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91403

If you hadn’t guessed from the name of the place, this café likes to keep things upbeat. So what better dessert to put a smile on your face then the churro waffle – which arrives on a stick, drizzled in chocolate – or the ice cream doughnut, stuffed with Nutella, glazed with chocolate and sprinkles, and served with strawberry and whipped cream?

Wanderlust Creamery

18511 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356

This ice cream spot’s flavors are the creations of co-founder Adrienne Borlongan, a former mixologist who designs the desserts herself, drawing upon a variety of international inspirations, some autobiographical. The Sticky Rice Mango, for example, is a nod to Thailand. You can probably guess which country the Earl Grey is a tip of the hat to.

Republic of Pie

11118 W Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Located in the NoHo Arts District, this eatery specializes in fresh baked goods – pies, scones and shortbreads – and gourmet coffees. As if there was any doubt you were in a coffee shop, they feature performances by local singers and songwriters from the area and invite you to settle in with some apple pie to write that best-selling novel you’ve always had in you.

Santa Clarita Valley

Wafflecomb 

26240 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

The owners of this Santa Clarita shop were inspired by their upbringing in Toronto, Canada, where bubble waffles were a favorite dessert. (Unlike the ones from Belgium, these waffles, which form bubbles when they are made, originated in Hong Kong.) Try one wrapped around scoops of café cream or mango ice cream, then topped off with gummy bears or Oreo crumbs.

Lady Di’s Cookies

26882 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91381

Lady Di’s Cookies, which started in 1994 delivering their goodies as gifts, opened a retail spot in 2003. They now have two locations: one in Westridge Shopping Center and the other in Westfield Valencia Town center mall. They pride themselves on their always-fresh cookies, of course, but also serve brownies, gluten-free cupcakes, caramel apples, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Their all-natural ingredients include whole oats, dark chocolate, and brown sugar.

Rita’s Italian Ice

26773 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Another refreshing stop to keep in mind as the days grow hotter, this counter-serve chain features a variety of cold treats, but the focus is clearly on the Italian ices and frozen custards. The frosty former currently comes in such fruitful flavors as strawberry, pineapple, and coconut.

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Los Angeles and Westside Eats: Dessert

Whether you’re craving a sugar rush or merely seeking a side hustle from your diet, Los Angeles and the Westside have plenty of baked, iced, swirled and poured gooey, crumbling goodness to tempt and treat you. From matcha drinks and Parisian pastries to slices of cheesecake and some of the smoothest soft serve anywhere, here are some of the best dessert joints in the city to dip a spoon or straw in when you’re in the mood for a sweet diversion.

Birdie G’s

2421 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

This industrial-chic eatery hasn’t been open a year and already the menu has declared the rose-petal pie “world-famous.” Anywhere else, that kind of self-congratulation would merit some heavy eye-rolling. But this dessert – rapturous rosy mousse married to a bed of savory pretzel crust – has rightfully earned kudos from coast to coast. We might also mention the honey date bundt cake or the matzo bark, with its chocolate and toffee, but really, order those only after you’ve finished every candied bite of their signature petal-smacked creation.

Matcha Village

2202 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064

If you’re familiar with Japanese-style matcha desserts (matcha being powdered green tea leaves), this chain specializes in Chinese-style matcha. Standouts in the menu – which features cookies, ice creams and beverages – include such classics as soufflé and tiramisu as well as their signature Peking duck crepe. Vegan alternatives are also available at this Sawtelle spot.

Rocco’s Cheesecake

1701 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405

You don’t need dinner when you have cheesecake. As evidence of this, drop by this Santa Monica bakery to indulge in any of its endless eclectic flavors. Among the slices on hand: the White Chocolate Rose Petal Mango Lime, the S’Mores Some More and the Middle Eastern Baklava. Rocco’s is also both vegan and keto-friendly, so along with your espresso, cappuccino or cup of gourmet coffee, dive into a piece of their vegan cookies n’ cream.

Le Mervetty

319 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

This Beverly Hills bakery specializes in authentically Parisian desserts. But if you’re not feeling like the Le Canelé (caramelized crust surrounding a custard center), the Le Grand Merveilleux (layered with meringue and cream) or even a macaroon (is there ever a bad time for a macaroon?), they offer custom-made milkshakes, too, made with French vanilla ice cream and hand-designed with meringue, cookies, candy and other delicious, decorative toppings.

Bae

369 E 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Swoon over the soft serve in this Little Tokyo ice cream cafe. Their signature dessert is called Mixed Feelings: stark black and white swirled into a colorful sugar cone. The dramatic dark color is derived from charcoal, which is known to offer plenty of toxin-cleansing health benefits. If soft serve ice cream isn’t your style, they also offer pastries, a churro doughnut and a range of coffee drinks, including a charcoal latte.

Bae Bumsan Organic Milk Bar

534 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020

This buzzed-about Koreatown ice cream shop uses milk from Bumsan Farm Co., the leading organic dairy producer in Korea, to make its soft serve. Flavors are true milk, taro milk tea, matcha, chocolate, French latte and the vegan option hazelnut cacao. (Swirl flavors are select combinations: true milk and matcha, chocolate and French latte or taro milk tea and hazelnut cacao.) Once you’ve decided on a cup or custom cone, finish it off with sprinkles or cookies.

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LA Weekend Events: February 28 – March 1

Whether it’s the final rose being handed out live, Pee-wee Herman going for a ride down memory lane or Oprah sitting across from Jennifer Lopez, there’s no need to escape to Margaritaville just yet – it’s all happening here in Los Angeles and the Westside this weekend.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

The Bachelor Live on Stage

The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 29 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 

Former stars of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette Ben Higgins and Becca Kufrin bring the drama, the revelations, the tears, the scandal (well, probably not) of an entire season and cram it into one rose-filled night. Promising to be the “ultimate fan experience,” the show will take a local bachelor and introduce him to local women from the audience. From there … well, do we really need to explain? For details on how you can attend, go HERE.

Escape to Margaritaville

Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

This musical inspired by flip-flop-wearing crooner Jimmy Buffett has earned raves since its debut in 2007. The plot involves a part-time bartender in a tropical paradise who falls for a tourist best-described as having an A-type personality. The songs, naturally, are all from Buffett, based on a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley. To join the party, go HERE.

saturDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

WW Presents: Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus

The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305

As part of her first U.S. tour in five years, the global icon seeks to inspire event-goers with discussions of health, well-being and personal transformation. For this event, she will be chatting with Jennifer Lopez for an intimate one-on-one conversation. For details, go HERE.

The Book of Mormon

Ahmanson Theater, 135 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

From the creators of South Park comes what the New York Times hailed as “the best musical of this century.” But you probably knew that already. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a musical that has broken into the pop culture lexicon quite like The Book of Mormon, which won nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. Yet the word continues to spread about the production, concerning a pair of mismatched missionaries. For more information, go HERE.

sunDAY, march 1, 2020

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour with Paul Reubens

The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010

For the 35th anniversary of the cult classic that launched the careers of both Pee-wee himself, Paul Reubens, as well as future Batman and Beetlejuice director Tim Burton, Reubens is taking his prized red bicycle on the road, so to speak. He will be attending this screening at the Wiltern, after which he will take to the stage himself. For tickets, go HERE.

The Chieftains

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

After five decades and six Grammys, the Irish folk group are embarking on their last tour to the U.S. Long acclaimed for introducing traditional Irish music to international audiences, the Irish government even awarded them the honorary title of “Ireland’s Musical Ambassadors” in the 1980s. Expect much dancing and strumming for their send-off. For more details, go HERE.

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Economic Update for the Week Ending February 21, 2020

Stock Markets Lost Ground This Week

Stocks retreated this week after the number of new coronavirus cases increased, fueling fears of a global economic slowdown. China, the number one exporter of products and the number two economy, has entire regions where people are quarantined in their homes. They cannot go to work, or shop. It is widely believed that China’s moves to add stimulus to their economy will help. Yet the economic impact to China will still spill over to the rest of the world. Investors in the U.S. feel safe with the economy so strong, allowing markets to stay quite solid. Major U.S. stock market indexes hit all-time highs just one week ago but dropped off those highs this week as analysts forecasted a softening in corporate profits in the next quarter due to the impact of the coronavirus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 28,992.41, down 0.4% from 29,108.51 last week. It’s up 2.6% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,327.75, down 1.6% from 3,380.16 last week. It’s up 3.0% year to date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 9,576.59, down 1.6% from 9,731.18 last week. It’s up 6.9% year to date.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields 

The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 1.46%, down from 1.59% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.90%, down from 2.04% last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates often follow bond yields.

Mortgage Rates Remain at Lowest Levels in Three Years 

The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on February 20, 2020 reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.49%, almost unchanged from 3.47% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.99%, almost unchanged from 2.97% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.25%, down slightly from 3.28% last week. Rates were even lower on Friday. Expect next week’s rates to be about 1/8% lower if they remain at Friday’s levels.

January 2020 California Home Sales Report 

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 396,550 in January on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked a 10.3% increase from the number of homes sold last January. It should be noted that January 2019 marked the fewest sales in a month in over a decade. The number of sales has rebounded over the last several months. The statewide median price was $575,160, down 6.5% from December, and up 7.1% from last January. The median price is the point at which ½ the homes sell for more and ½ the homes sell for less. Perhaps there were an unusual number of sales at the lower end in January, as we have seen prices increasing rapidly due to multiple offers and low inventory. The unsold inventory index in January was 3.4 months, down from 4.6 months in January 2019. On a regional level the number of sales, median price, and supply of housing were as follows: In Los Angeles County the number of sales increased 16.7% from last January. The median price paid for a home in Los Angeles County was $617,520, up 9.1% from January 2019. There was a 3.2-month supply, down from a 4.9-month supply one year ago. In Orange County the number of homes sold increased 22.1% from one year ago.  The median price paid for a home in Orange County was $855,000, up 7.3% from last January. There was a 3.4-month supply, down from a 5.4-month supply one year ago. In Ventura County the number of sales rose 13.9% from January 2019. The median price in Ventura County was $660,000, up 7.3% from January 2019. There was a 4.8-month supply of homes for sale, down from a 7.2 month supply last January.

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Out and About: Catalina Island

Escaping Los Angeles for a weekend or day trip is simple. Doing so without driving? Not so much. Which may make Catalina Island, located “26 miles across the sea,” the ideal getaway for the asphalt-fatigued. About an hour by ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro or Newport Beach, Catalina Island is nestled among California’s Channel Islands. For more than a century, this idyllic destination has been renowned among Angelinos for its wildlife, pristine beaches and isolated coves. What do the towns of Avalon, located to the south with its coastal cabanas, and Two Harbors, on the north end of the island, have in common? They’re both surrounded by rapturous ocean – without a freeway, traffic jam or flashing road construction placard in sight.

Morning

Catalina Island Conservancy

One of the oldest private land trusts in Southern California, the Catalina Island Conservancy offers more than 60 miles of unspoiled wilderness to explore – whether you’re on a hike or taking one of the conservancy’s eco-tours through lush, protected territory. Once you decide to relax to soak in the magnificent views, stop by the 37-acre hillside Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden (named for the chewing-gum tycoon who snapped up most of Catalina in 1919).

Catalina Island Museum

If you want to explore the history of Catalina Island and not only its natural beauty, this museum offers a window to its storied past. Current exhibitions include Esther Williams: The Swimming Queen of the Silver Screen, underscoring the island’s connection to Hollywood’s golden age. The museum’s permanent collection showcases artifacts, including Catalina pottery dating back to the 1920s, as well as photography detailing local life from the 1880s to the present.

Ride the waves or shore

Throttle up, either on earth or water. If you want to leave the land altogether, head out for open ocean riding off Catalina Island’s spectacular shorelines. You might even encounter one of the area’s dolphins. If you’re feeling like keeping the ground beneath your feet (or wheels, anyway), you can jump on an electric bike and go exploring on a two-hour, 10-mile tour, sans bottlenoses.

Descanso Beach Club

As Descanso Beach Club is pleased to point out, here you can actually imbibe with your feet in the sand without breaking the law. Descanso is also a restaurant and bar, so settle back in your cabana or at your ocean-side table with a margarita or a cobb salad while enjoying what is one of the last remaining private beaches in the state that is also open to the public.

 

Afternoon

Take a zip around

If all this sea-side serenity is proving a bit dull, get your pulse pounding by zip-lining above it all. The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour promises to propel you as high as 300 feet over the canyon floor on a zipline that can run more than 1,000 feet. As the guides ensure you remain safe for your high-speed adventure, they will also regale you with tales of island history.

Go spotting the sea life

While there’s an abundance of wildlife on the shore, including bison, why stop there? This tour promises to carry you out into open waters where you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. During the migration season, the tour also cruises local spots known for playing host to whales as the gentle giants make their journey through the area waters.

Fly above it all

If you would rather stay above it all, why not by helicopter? Boasting heart-stopping views, helicopter tours are available to send you soaring above Catalina’s highest peak, Mount Orizaba. This type of transportation may also suit you if you want to skip going out by ferry altogether. Private tours to the island depart from Los Angeles, Burbank, and Long Beach.

Get a taste around town

Hungry for a chance to explore local culture while sampling all that Avalon’s cuisine has to offer? This three-hour tasting tour should hit the spot. The food tour, we should note, is an all-ages affair. If you are over the age of 21, however, feel free to sign up for the Catalina Happy Hour Tour, which will allow you to take a sip of Avalon’s best bars.

Catalina Casino

Catalina Casino opened in 1929, a decade after William Wrigley Jr. purchased the bulk of Catalina Island. The Art Deco landmark now features walking tours of such areas as the theater, which was created for non-silent “talkies.” The ballroom, which has been completely restored to its former glory, continues to host events, including New Year’s Eve festivities, as well as private affairs, such as corporate retreats and weddings.

 

Evening

Bluewater Grill

Located in the historic terminal building, this restaurant offers prime waterfront vistas and, appropriately for the occasion, sustainable seafood – from steamed mussels to pappardelle with shrimp and scallops. If you’re interested in more than just a quick bite, however, Bluewater also hosts such culinary activities as oyster tastings.

Tour the Stars

After a day exploring the sea and land of Catalina Island, turn your attention to the stars above. “The Astronomy Experience” is an educational excursion in which participants can make the most of the pristine night sky. The tour starts at dusk and carries on to Buena Vista Point, near Wrigley mansion, where you’ll be offered insight into the heavens, complete with telescope.

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