Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Hidden Gems in Malibu | Out & About

There is no shortage of hidden gems in Los Angeles County’s local neighborhoods. From DTLA to Malibu, there are sure to be sites you’ve yet to see. We are sharing our favorite hidden gems in Malibu for this week’s edition of Out & About!

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

Tucked into the sprawling hillsides of Malibu is a hidden gem worth making a visit to. Whether you are in need of a staycation or simply want brunch, Calamigos Ranch is worth a visit. The property has endless things to see and do, an ideal venue for special occasions. Bonus: They also have a beach club where you can enjoy a sunny day in Malibu.

Topanga Lookout Trail

The Santa Monica Mountains have no shortage of ideal spots for scenic views. The same can be said for the Topanga Lookout Trail, a two-mile round trip hike. Once the site of a fire tower, the trail stands above the Red Rock Canyon Park and provides great views of the mountainscape. In addition, you will also get stellar views of Calabasas and the Santa Susana Mountains.

Pirates Cove

Another hidden gem in Malibu is the sand beach cove referred to as Pirates Cove. This secluded area is a must-visit on the west side of Point Dume. In addition to being a scenic spot, it’s been featured in films like the 1968 film Planet of the Apes. Access to Pirates Cove is from the southern end of Westward Beach. Once you have enjoyed your time in the cove, you can venture to the nearby nature preserve in Point Dume State Beach.

Paramount Ranch

As the name suggests, Paramount Ranch has been the home to a number of film productions. The ranch began being leased by Paramount Pictures in 1927 and has been featured in productions like Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and Westworld, among others. This hidden gem offers several miles of scenic hikes through chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. You can choose to walk, bike, or ride a horse through the ranches’ trail offerings and scenic environment.

Little Dume

Popular amongst surfers, Little Dume Beach is a small east-facing cove near Point Dume in Malibu. The scenic beach area is great for a walk along the shore or a quiet beach day. Visitors will need to walk from Paradise Cove Beach or Big Dume Beach in order to access this hidden gem in Malibu. 

 

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Beat the Heat Energy-Efficient Tips | Home Tips

When July hits, the heat often comes in full force. Keeping our homes cool and comfortable becomes a priority. But cranking up the air conditioning can lead to skyrocketing energy bills. So, what’s the solution? With some simple DIY strategies and energy-efficient practices, you can create a cooler home without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat this July:

1. Optimize Your Insulation

Proper insulation is critical in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home. It acts as a barrier, keeping the cool air inside and the hot air outside. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you may be losing a significant amount of cool air. Check your attic, walls, and floors for any insulation gaps and fix them with spray foam or fiberglass batt insulation.

2. Make the Most of Window Treatments

Window treatments aren’t just for decoration; they can significantly affect the temperature inside your home. In the summer, about 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters in the form of heat. Consider investing in thermal curtains, cellular shades, or reflective window films that can help block heat from entering your home.

3. Maintain Your Cooling System

Your air conditioner works hard during the hot summer months. Regular maintenance can keep it running efficiently, which in turn can save energy and money. Replace filters monthly during the summer and consider a professional tune-up once a year.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans can be a great way to supplement air conditioning, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort, according to Energy.gov. Just make sure your fans are rotating counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downwards.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature in your home at different times of the day. For example, you can set it to a higher temperature when you’re away from home and lower it shortly before you return. This can help save energy without sacrificing comfort.

6. Cook Smart

Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day. Consider using a microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill instead. You can also try making no-cook meals like salads and sandwiches.

Remember, every bit of energy you save helps to reduce your home’s overall demand. Not only are these tips cost-effective, but they’re also better for the environment. Stay cool and enjoy the summer months in your comfortable, energy-efficient home.

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Economic Update | Week Ending July 13, 2024

Economic news this week – As Real Estate Brokers we are focused on inflation. Higher inflation drives mortgage interest rates higher. Higher mortgage rates make homes less affordable. This week there was more evidence that inflation is cooling. On Thursday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released for June. Month-over-month the CPI dropped 0.1%, its first month-over-month decrease since May 2020, at the peak of the pandemic. Year-over-year the CPI rate was 3%, its lowest in three years, and down from a 3.3% increase in May. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs was up 3.3% year-over-year, its smallest increase since April 2021. These readings were well below economists’ expectations. Friday the Producer Price Index (PPI) was released. Unfortunately, it climbed 0.2% month-over-month in June. That was above the 1% rise economists expected. Year-over-year wholesale prices are up 2.6%, also above expectations. The Michigan survey of consumer sentiment hit an 8-month low. In this bad news is good news for a rate cut environment, that brought rates down further. Next week we will get retail sales figures. If those follow consumer sentiment, we will see rates continue to drop. Several Fed officials also spoke this week and even the most hawkish ones expressed their satisfaction with the direction of inflation and inflationary pressures. The Fed has left its key rates at the highest levels in 25 years for almost a year. They have stated that a cycle of cuts will begin as soon as they feel inflation is under control. Experts gave a 97% chance of a Fed rate cut in September.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 40,000.90, up 1.6% from 39,375.87 last week. It is up 6.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,615.35, up 0.9% from 5,567.19 last week. The S&P is up 17.7% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 18,398.45, up 0.3% from 18,352.67 last week. It is up 22.6% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.18%, down from 4.28% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.39% down from 4.47% 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 July 11, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.89%, down from 6.95% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.17%, down from 6.25% last week.

The graph below shows the trend 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.

June home sales figures will be released next week by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. You can get that data now for your county, city, or zip code at RodeoRE.com.

Have a great weekend!

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Mortgage Rate Update | July 11, 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 July 11, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.89%, down from 6.95% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.17%, down from 6.25% 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 YouTube Shorts to Gemini AI and More! | Tech News

Never miss a beat in the world of tech! Check out what’s happening from across the web with our weekly tech news write-up. From YouTube Shorts to Gemini AI and more, we have the news you want to know below!

Tesla Delays Fully Autonomous Robotaxi Reveal

Tesla has postponed the unveiling of its fully autonomous robotaxi to October to allow more time for engineering and testing, Bloomberg reports. Originally scheduled for August 8th, the delay was communicated internally but has not been publicly announced. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has emphasized Tesla’s identity as an AI and robotics company over a traditional automaker, has long teased the robotaxi concept, envisioning revenue opportunities for Tesla owners through autonomous ride-hailing. Despite previous ambitious timelines, Tesla’s current Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems still require active driver supervision. Meanwhile, competitors like Waymo are already operating fully autonomous robotaxis in several US cities. Tesla describes the upcoming robotaxi as “purpose built,” designed from the ground up for self-driving, often without traditional controls. For more details and updates, visit Tesla’s official website.

YouTube Introduces New Features for YouTube Shorts

YouTube has rolled out new features for YouTube Shorts, including text-to-speech narration and auto-generated captions, mimicking TikTok’s popular functionalities. The text-to-speech feature allows users to add an artificial voiceover by tapping the “add voice” icon, with four voices currently available. Auto-generated captions can now be added directly within Shorts, offering customizable fonts and colors. Additionally, YouTube has introduced Minecraft-themed effects, including a green screen background and a minigame called Minecraft Rush. These updates reflect the ongoing trend of video platforms adopting each other’s features, with YouTube’s strategy to enhance Shorts proving successful.

Google Enhances Robot Navigation and Task Completion with Gemini AI

Google is enhancing its robots’ navigation and task completion abilities using Gemini AI, specifically the Gemini 1.5 Pro model. According to a new research paper by the DeepMind robotics team, Gemini’s long context window allows RT-2 robots to understand natural language instructions better. By “watching” video tours of environments like homes or offices, the robots learn to execute commands, such as locating a power outlet for charging a phone. In tests, these robots achieved a 90 percent success rate across over 50 instructions within a 9,000-square-foot area. Gemini 1.5 Pro also enables the robots to plan tasks beyond navigation, such as checking for a favorite drink in the fridge. While processing instructions can take 10–30 seconds, these advancements suggest future robots could assist with everyday tasks like finding keys or wallets.

280 Earth’s Carbon Capture Technology Aims to Mitigate Data Center Emissions

Data centers significantly contribute to carbon emissions, exacerbated by the energy demands of training AI models. A startup, 280 Earth, spun out of Google’s X, proposes a solution by developing technology that captures carbon dioxide from the air, utilizes servers’ waste heat, and generates water for cooling. The company secured a $40 million agreement through the Frontier initiative, supported by Stripe, Alphabet, Meta, Shopify, and McKinsey, among others. 280 Earth’s continuous sorbent technology enhances efficiency, avoiding the energy losses of batch processing. Besides capturing CO2, it also extracts water vapor for cooling needs, addressing both emissions and resource consumption. While promising, these carbon capture technologies face challenges related to cost, scalability, and safety, and are not substitutes for reducing fossil fuel dependence.

SpaceX’s Starlink Mini Dish Now Available to All in the US

SpaceX’s new Starlink Mini dish, touted by Elon Musk as a world-changing innovation, is now available to anyone in the US. The compact internet-from-space kit integrates a dish and Wi-Fi router into a weatherproof, laptop-sized package that consumes less power than previous models and can be powered by a 100W USB-PD source. Initially offered only to current Residential subscribers, the Starlink Mini is now accessible to vanlifers and digital nomads. Priced at $599, it comes with two service options: Regional and Mini Roam. Both plans can be paused between uses.

Paramount Global and Skydance Media Merge in $28 Billion Deal

Paramount Global and Skydance Media have agreed to merge. The merger creates a new joint venture temporarily dubbed “New Paramount,” valued at approximately $28 billion. As part of the deal, Paramount Chair Shari Redstone will sell National Amusements for $2.4 billion. Likewise, Skydance will invest $8 billion to merge with Paramount, purchasing shares and addressing debt. This merger aims to fortify Paramount amid industry changes and sustain its success. Skydance founder David Ellison will become the new chairman and CEO of Paramount. Former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell will serve as president. The agreement, subject to closing conditions, is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025.

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Weekend Events | July 12 – July 14

Take a dive into all the fun happening locally in July. From boozy nights at the L.A. Zoo to movies in the park and more. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood this July 12 through July 14, 2024.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | July 12 – July 14

Lotus Festival

When: July 13 – July 14

Where: Echo Park

What: Celebrate the anticipated bloom of Echo Park Lake’s cherished floating flowers at the annual Lotus Festival. Enjoy an array of food, music, dragon boat races, lantern launches, and—if we’re fortunate—the lotus flower beds in full bloom. This historic event honors the contributions of Asian-Americans to Los Angeles, and this year, the 43rd festival will celebrate the Filipino community.

 

Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams and More

When: July 12 – July 14

Where: Hollywood Bowl

What: No one’s film credits rival those of John Williams: Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and countless others. David Newman will conduct the LA Phil as they perform some of Williams’ iconic film scores, accompanied by selected movie clips. Although Williams was initially scheduled to appear, the LA Phil announced that he will not conduct this year “due to a recent health concern, from which he is expected to make a full recovery.”

 

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.

 

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

Ever Present

When: July 13 – July 14

Where: The Getty Museum

What: Ride the tram to the Getty on select days for an innovative series of fleeting performances and listening sessions, formerly known as Friday Flights. In July, witness Joan Jonas’s 1960s performance piece, Mirror Piece I & II, with 15 dancers moving mirrors in synchronization at the museum’s tram arrival plaza.

 

Swirl Fest

When: July 13

Where: Venice

What: Skate around a pop-up track and ramp, and join a group paddle at this Venice event hosted by the inclusive, women-founded skate community GRLSWIRL. Alongside surf and surfskate competitions, enjoy music and DJ sets under the iconic Venice sign.

 

Poolside Cinema at the Fairmont Miramar

When: Until September 1

Where: Fairmont Miramar | Santa Monica

What: Every Sunday during the summer at sunset, both hotel guests and visitors at the Fairmont Miramar can enjoy a movie by the luxurious pool. The Hulu-curated schedule features a mix of nostalgic favorites and recent releases. Food and drinks can be purchased from the FIG Restaurant menu, and while seating is free for hotel guests, visitors need a reservation. Tickets cost about $60 with tax, tip, and fees, but include a $45 food and drink credit plus complimentary popcorn.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | July 12 – July 14

Outlaws N Rangers | Rope N’ Run

When: July 13

Where: Gibson Ranch

What: Join Outlaws N Rangers for Rope N’ Run at Gibson Ranch on July 13th, 2024, from 6:30-9:30 PM. Enjoy a day inspired by the Old West, featuring food, live country music, barrel racing, and team roping demonstrations. The event includes free drinks from Good Sunday, Easy Rider Beer, and Seaborn Cocktails, a taco dinner, and thrilling performances.

 

Valley Vibes Market

When: July 14

Where: Autry Museum of the American West

What: Elevate your shopping experience at Valley Vibes Market, hosted at the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. Explore over 60 vendors showcasing unique and handcrafted goods perfect for every taste and style.

 

Court&Core

When: July 14

Where: Club Osa | 18122 Erwin Street

What: Attendees can elevate their game and style at the exclusive Tennis & Pilates Experience. They will enjoy expert-led clinics, dynamic Pilates sessions, refreshing drinks, and the opportunity to shop the latest in high-end sportswear. It promises to be a day of athletic excellence and luxury.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | July 12 – July 14 

 

Camarillo Old Town Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party

When: July 12, 4pm – 10pm

Where: Old Town, Camarillo

What: The Camarillo Old Town Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party is happening from July 10 to 14, 2024, with free admission. Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, live music, local craft vendors, live art, a beer and wine zone, a car show on Saturday, and more. Event hours are 4-9 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 4-10 PM on Friday, 10 AM-10 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM-8 PM on Sunday.

 

Movies in the Park in Moorpark – Shrek

When: July 13, 7pm – 9pm

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

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

 

Music Under the Stars at the Olivas Adobe Ventura

When: July 13, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura

What: The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division presents the popular Music Under the Stars series on Saturday nights from July 13 to August 31, 2024, at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive. Enjoy dining, dancing, and great performances from 7:30 to 9:30 PM, with gates opening at 6:30 PM. Bring your own dinner or purchase from a gourmet food truck, and enjoy full beverage service on site. 

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West LA Hidden Gems | Out & About

West LA is a mixed residential and commercial district between Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The area is especially known for its abundance of Japanese restaurants and stores, with ramen shops, sushi joints, karaoke spots, and shops filled with kawaii, kitsch, and traditional goods. Nearby attractions include The Getty, Beverly Gardens Park, the Playboy Mansion, Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, and the Museum of Jurassic Technology. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different from the norm, West LA and its surroundings have plenty of hidden gems, too. Step away from the tried-and-trodden trail and explore these lesser-known jewels around West LA:

The Wende Museum

Located in nearby Culver City, the free-to-enter Wende Museum houses art and artifacts related to the Cold War era. If you’ve ever wanted to see a wooden statuette of Lenin, a paint-splattered Lenin bust, household effects from East Germany, diplomatic gifts, and evidence of communist propaganda, this is the place to come. The museum offers an interesting peek into the past as it works to promote change.

Spadena House

Located in Beverly Hills, Spadena House is a creepy sight. Also known as the Witch’s House, the storybook house was deliberately designed to look run down, eerie, abandoned, and whimsical. In the work of a Hollywood art director, the unusual dwelling features an uneven pointy roof, tiny shuttered windows, and a wild garden. You can’t go inside as it’s now a private residence, but it’s well worth a photo stop to ogle the curious exterior.

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Sitting in the southeast of UCLA’s campus, the peaceful Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden stretches across more than 7 lovely acres. Escape the city buzz and stroll through this tranquil West LA garden to reconnect with nature. Divided into several distinct zones, the botanical garden features an ancient forest, woodlands, a stream, and a desert garden and showcases flora native to California, Hawaii, and other regions.

Hammer Museum

Also housed within UCLA’s grounds, the Hammer Museum is a top spot for art lovers. Collections include works from artists typically overlooked in the past and hip pieces from contemporary creatives. There’s no charge to browse the diverse exhibits. The museum also operates the interesting Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, which contains dozens of thought-provoking sculptures in diverse artistic styles.

UCLA Meteorite Gallery

Another offbeat attraction on UCLA’s campus, the Meteorite Gallery, boasts the biggest collection of space rocks on the West Coast. Educational and free to visit, the gallery has all kinds of meteorites discovered from all around the globe. Some rocks are even older than the solar system!

The Fowler Museum

Also operated by UCLA, the Fowler Museum showcases art and cultural artifacts from across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific region. You can view exhibits from times gone by as well as those from the present day, with pieces such as Guatemalan clothing, Day of the Dead figures, Inuit art, Ghanaian textiles, a Nigerian beaded throne, Tanzanian urban arts, Indonesian sculptures, Chinese puppets, and Maori cloaks. The museum offers free admission.

Virginia Robinson Gardens

You’ll find the elegant Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills. A great place for nature lowers, the lush botanical gardens surround one of the area’s first luxury estates. The mansion itself is especially photogenic, with a striking pool pavilion, organized gardens, and a wealth of flora to enhance its beauty. From the Rose Garden and Italian Terrace Garden to the Great Lawn and Kitchen Garden, the site offers plenty of natural diversity. Note: Visitors must pre-arrange docent-led tours.

As well as the above eight attractions, other hidden gems in and around West LA include:

  • Holmby Park, once a popular celebrity hangout in the past, with play areas, BBQs, and picnic areas
  • Greystone Mansion, an impressive and imposing historic estate in Beverly Hills
  • Mosaic Tile House, a bright, whimsical mosaic-adorned home from the 1940s, located in Venice
  • Museum of Tolerance, where you can examine global racism and prejudice, is situated close to Beverlywood
  • Beverly Canon Gardens, home to water features, public gardens, and elegant walkways
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Top Luxury Cocktail Bars | LA Eats

Besides being one of the best places to invest in residential properties and live, Southern California also has some of the best cocktail bars in all of California. The following is a compilation of several fancy cocktail bars and restaurants around the area where you can have a good time with friends, family, or colleagues.

1. Dante BH

Dante, a beloved New York City institution, will now have a presence on the top floor of the Maybourne Beverly Hills. Opening on July 4, the new location will provide stunning views of the city and Hollywood Hills, along with its renowned aperitivo-style cocktails and a fresh Italian-Mediterranean menu. The extensive drink list features signature drinks such as the Garibaldi and a variety of Negronis, spritzes, and martinis while also embracing California’s cocktail culture with mezcal and tequila-based drinks. Additionally, guests can enjoy a daily $10 martini hour from 3 to 5 p.m.

2. Thunderbolt, DTLA

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

Thunderbolt offers Georgia peaches and the finest barbeques in all of Echo Park.

3. Death and Co., DTLA, Arts District

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

This bar has been listed as one of North America’s Best Bars, serving the most finely made cocktail with quality spirits and fresh ingredients. You will need a reservation to enjoy the fine drinks offered in this location.

4. The Spare Room, Hollywood

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

Launched in 2011 and located inside the charming Roosevelt hotel, this bar is famous for its classics and tiki-style cocktails, which come highly recommended by its regulars.

5. Little Bar, Mid-Wilshire

This bar is one of the best locations to wind down with a group of friends and enjoy heartfelt banter over the variety of liquor and cocktails.

6. Employees Only, West Hollywood

Featuring a sleek interior, this bar offers impressive classic cocktails and is best known for its unique espresso martini. This cool spot is also renowned as the outdoor hub for some of L.A.’s coolest up-and-coming chefs and pop-ups.

7. The Rendition Room, Beverly Hills

A nice atmosphere to catch a beer with friends at the end of a long day and try the Bloody Mary or the Spicy Mule cocktails.

8. The Lincoln, Santa Monica

They offer a variety of hand-crafted cocktails like the Picante Passion, Moscow Mule, and Whiskey Sour in an intimate and ambient atmosphere.

9. The Famous, Glendale

This hippy bar serves up a variety of cocktails, such as the Whiskey Sour, Moscow Mule, and Cherry Lime Rickey, meant to be sipped and savored after a long day of work or over a happy hour meeting.

10. Residuals Tavern, Studio City

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

With immaculately attired staff, this bar serves classic cocktails and several other drinks, such as craft beer and wine.

11. The Sherman, Sherman Oaks

This restaurant and bar offers a variety of foods and features craft cocktails that you will enjoy.

12. The Tipsy Cow, Sherman Oaks

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

This bar also offers craft cocktails and a selection of thirty-two draft beers, which you and your friends ought to love on a chilled evening.

13. VenTiki Lounge, Ventura

Enjoy a variety of modern Tiki drinks and select traditional drinks such as Mai Tai.

14. Herzog Wine Cellars, Thousand Oaks

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

This spot is easily one of the best places to hang with your colleagues after work over great wine and delicious food.

15. Oak and Iron, Thousand Oaks

You can enjoy various handmade crafted drinks like Daiquiri, Penicillin, and the gorgeous strawberry fields.

16. Alamo Bar and Grill, Newbury Park

The Best Luxury Cocktail Bars Around Town

Enjoy the variety of Mexican foods, such as salsa and the wide array of wine and fancy cocktails.

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Summer Home Maintenance Projects | Home Tips

Summer is the ideal time to tackle home maintenance projects that can enhance your home’s beauty, safety, and efficiency. The warm weather provides optimal conditions for outdoor work, making it easier to complete tasks that might be difficult during other seasons. Here are some essential summer home maintenance projects to consider, including painting the exterior, sealing windows and doors, and checking the roof for damage.

Painting the Exterior

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint improves its curb appeal and provides a protective layer against the elements. Summer’s dry and warm weather is perfect for exterior painting and home maintenance. Here’s how to get started:

  • Preparation: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the exterior surfaces. Use a power washer to remove dirt, mold, and mildew. Scrape off any peeling or flaking paint and sand the surface smooth.

  • Repair: Inspect the exterior for any damage, such as cracks or holes. Fill these with caulk or wood filler and sand them once they’re dry. Repair any damaged siding or trim.
  • Priming and Painting: Apply a high-quality primer to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts longer. Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of exterior paint in your chosen color. Use weather-resistant paint to protect your home from UV rays, rain, and temperature changes.

Sealing Windows and Doors

Sealing windows and doors is crucial in improving your home’s energy efficiency. Proper sealing prevents cool air from escaping during summer and warm air from leaking out during winter, reducing your energy bills. Here’s what home maintenance to do:

  • Inspection: Check for drafts around windows and doors. On a windy day, hold a lit candle near the edges to see if the flame flickers. Look for visible gaps or cracks.

  • Weatherstripping: Replace old or worn weatherstripping around doors and windows. There are various types available, including adhesive-backed foam tape, V-strip, and door sweeps. Choose the type that best fits your needs.
  • Caulking: Use exterior-grade caulk to seal gaps and cracks around window and door frames. Apply a continuous bead of caulk along the edges and smooth it out with a caulk smoothing tool or your finger.

Checking the Roof for Damage

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Summer is an excellent time to inspect and repair any damage to ensure it remains in good condition. Here’s a home maintenance checklist for your roof inspection:

  • Visual Inspection: Start with a visual inspection from the ground. Look for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Check for any sagging areas or signs of moss and algae growth.
  • Up-Close Inspection: If you’re comfortable doing so, climb onto the roof for a closer look. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Look for any cracks or damage to the flashing.

  • Gutter Maintenance: Clean out your gutters to prevent water damage. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris, and ensure the downspouts are clear. Check for any loose or damaged gutter sections and repair as needed.
  • Professional Help: If you spot significant damage or are unsure about the condition of your roof, hire a professional roofer for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

By tackling these home maintenance projects during the summer, you can ensure your home remains in excellent condition, protecting your investment and enhancing your living environment. With a bit of effort and the right approach, you’ll keep your home looking great and functioning efficiently all year round.

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