Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Mortgage Rate Update | August 29, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 29th, 2024, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.35%, down from 6.46% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.51%, down from 5.62% 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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Weekend Events | Labor Day Weekend Edition

Labor Day weekend is here and so is the unofficial end of summer. Wrap things up this season in style with local events happening around town. From the Cinecon Classic Film Festival to the Malibu Chili Cook-Off and more, there is plenty of fun this weekend! 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | Labor Day Weekend

Friday Night Wine Tastings

When: Until August 30

Where: Hollyhock House

What: End summer with an L.A. tradition! Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings have made a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus. Located atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House, these Friday evening fundraisers offer attendees the chance to enjoy fine boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine. For an additional $25, you can also tour the iconic Hollyhock House during the event. The experience is enhanced by a spectacular sunset and stunning 360-degree views of the city, making it a perfect summer evening outing.

ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN

When: Until October 6, 2024 

Where: Miracle Mile

What: This comprehensive retrospective of Ed Ruscha showcases his detailed photographs of Los Angeles streets alongside a recreated Chocolate Room. The unique installation is composed entirely of layered chocolate sheets.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience

When: Until October 6 

Where: Hollywood 

What: Tim Burton fans are in for a treat: Warner Bros. and Fever have joined forces to present Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience, an immersive activation launching on August 23. This unique experience celebrates the upcoming September release of the highly anticipated sequel to the classic 1988 horror-comedy. Set to take over suite 201 of Ovation Hollywood, the 70-minute event is designed to be fun for all ages.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | Labor Day Weekend

Cinecon Classic Film Festival

When: August 29 – September 2 

Where: Writers Guild of America Headquarters | Beverly Hills

What: Attention film enthusiasts! This hidden gem of a festival has been delighting cinephiles for over fifty years with its classic film showcase. Over five days, immerse yourself in a curated selection of rare and obscure silent films and shorts, all screened at the Writers Guild of America Theatre in Beverly Hills.

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.

Roll @ Santa Monica

When: Until October 14 

Where: Huntington Beach 

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

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  |  Labor Day Weekend

Eco-Friendly Foraging – Plants Walk / Wild Food Tasting & Drinks

When: September 1 

Where: Ventura County Credit Union | 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive Ventura

What: The session includes a leisurely 1 1/2-hour walk through a private property in the Angeles Forest, where attendees will identify and discuss the culinary and medicinal uses of these plants. The walk features frequent stops to collect and examine plants, with additional insights into native species and suggestions on which ones to cultivate at home.

Intro to California Native Plant Garden Design with Tim Becker

When: August 30 

Where: Liberate Yourself | 13323 Ventura Boulevard

What: Prepare to landscape with native plants in this special introductory class! This session offers a foundation for assessing, mapping, and designing your home or community garden, with a focus on factors like light, irrigation, and space. It’s the perfect class for anyone eager to get started with native plant landscaping.

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

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

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | Labor Day Weekend

 

Malibu Chili Cook-Off and Carnival

When: August 30 

Where: Civic Center Way | Malibu

What: The 2024 Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, will take place on Labor Day weekend, August 30 to September 2, at 23575 Civic Center Way. This family-friendly event features a chili contest, carnival, skate contest, live entertainment, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance at malibuchilicookoff.org, as they will not be sold onsite.

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

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

Aloha Beach Festival 

When: August 31 

Where: Promenade Park | Ventura 

What: The Aloha Beach Festival is BACK after a year off in 2023 at Promenade Park/Surfer’s Point, west of the Ventura Pier, the weekend of August 31 and September 1, 2024.   The festival features frisbee dogs, C Street Surf Contest, Hawaiian dancing, live bands, vendors, food, beer garden and more. Event proceeds to benefit Ventura-based non-profit Merito Foundation.

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From LG’s ThinQ ON to Plaud AI Pin and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of tech with the latest headlines. From LG’s ThinQ ON to Plaud AI Pin and more, we have you covered on the top tech news. Read on for this week’s wrap-up!

Tumblr Blogs to Migrate to WordPress Backend

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com and Tumblr, has announced that all Tumblr blogs will soon be hosted on WordPress’s infrastructure. This migration aims to enhance stability and streamline feature updates across both platforms. While users are unlikely to notice any changes, Automattic acknowledges that the transition will be challenging and has not provided a timeline for completion. Since acquiring Tumblr in 2019, Automattic has been working to revitalize the platform with varying success, now focusing on running it more efficiently.

LG Unveils ThinQ ON: It’s First Dedicated Smart Home Hub

LG has announced the ThinQ ON, its first dedicated smart home hub, set to debut at IFA 2024 in Berlin. This AI-powered hub connects and controls LG appliances and other smart devices via Thread, Matter, and Wi-Fi, operating on LG’s ThinQ platform. With voice control capabilities and natural language processing, the ThinQ ON is designed to learn user preferences and automate smart home routines. This move marks LG’s expansion into a more comprehensive smart home ecosystem, although pricing and availability details are yet to be revealed.

 

Plaud Launches NotePin: A Wearable AI Device for Productivity

Plaud, known for its AI-powered voice recorder, has introduced the NotePin. The Plaud NotePin is a wearable gadget designed to help users capture notes and meetings on the go. Resembling early Fitbits, the Plaud NotePin can be worn as a pendant, pinned to clothing, or strapped to the wrist. Positioned as a productivity tool, it transcribes, summarizes, and extracts action items from recorded content. With a 20-hour battery life and manual recording activation for privacy, the Plaud NotePin is priced at $169, with advanced AI features available for an annual subscription of $79.

Apple Music Playlists Can Now Be Transferred to YouTube Music

Apple Music subscribers can now transfer their playlists to YouTube Music. This update marks the first time Apple has allowed native playlist migration to a rival service. However, only songs available on YouTube Music can be transferred. Likewise, this excludes podcasts, audiobooks, and curated or non-collaborative playlists. Users need active subscriptions to both Apple Music and YouTube Music to initiate the transfer via Apple’s Data and Privacy page. Despite this update, Apple still requires third-party tools for playlist transfers to other services like Spotify or Amazon Music.

Meta Developing Lightweight Mixed-Reality Glasses for 2027

Meta is reportedly working on a smaller mixed-reality device, codenamed Puffin, that resembles a large pair of glasses. According to The Information, these glasses could weigh around 110 grams. In addition, the device might feature an external battery and processor pack, similar to the Apple Vision Pro. Expected to arrive by 2027, if the project proceeds, the glasses may include pancake lenses for a slimmer design. Likewise, they will offer video passthrough with hand- and eye-tracking controls. This development suggests Meta is aiming to create more user-friendly alternatives to bulkier headsets.

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Best Boba Tea Shops Around Town | L.A. Eats

The era of Boba Tea has arrived in SoCal. With the tasty iced tea and tapioca pearl beverages gaining more popularity as of late, the options are endless. With so many great Boba tea shops to choose from, the question is, where to begin? We’re sharing our top choices for Boba tea shops below!

Boba Cha Cha – Hollywood

With a four-and-a-half-star rating on yelp, this boba shop in Hollywood is known for its friendly staff and generous yet reasonably priced boba portions. In addition, you can enjoy their fan favorite classic milk tea, passion fruit green tea, and jasmine milk tea with a side of crushed Oreos.

Omomo – Irvine

Featuring a sleek ambiance with Scandinavian aesthetics, you can enjoy refined detail-oriented drinks like the blended strawberry tornado and Camo Thai at this Irvine boba shop. The queues can be long, but the drinks served here are worth the wait.

Bopomofo Café – San Gabriel

Serving drinks prepared using just fresh milk, real fruit, pressed juice, and loose-leaf teas, the baristas here are known for their unique take on boba drinks. In addition to the use of non-dairy products, the drinks here do not contain any artificial toppings, syrups, or flavors. This way, you are assured of getting healthy boba alternatives but with the same great taste.

ComeBuy Tea – Huntington Beach

This fancy boba shop in Huntington Beach offers tasty drinks prepared using cocktail shakers (bar style) and served with various toppings like grass jelly, boba, and aloe vera. The intensely flavored tea made using an espresso brew method sports a caffeine kick that most customers love.

BenGong’s Tea – Arcadia

With more than 700 locations globally featuring a modern Chinese-inspired ambiance complemented by a vast menu of drinks and a wide selection of toppings, BenGong serves the best organic teas in town. From passion fruit sparkling teas to cheesy fruit slushes, milk teas, and the classic mango-pomelo sago, BenGong is a must-try if you love unique drinks.

Boba Tea & Me – Wilshire Boulevard

Offering a plethora of Asian ice tea and coffee from their vast menu. Boba Tea & Me is a relatively average-sized restaurant is definitely one to check out. You can try the popular creamy Jasmine drink and the exquisite matcha milk tea.

Paradis – Sherman Oaks

Samer, the shop’s owner, delights in making milkshakes, iced tea, coffees, and ice cream for his customers. This is a great place to enjoy the perfect drinks made with passion. Stop by to try their great desserts and boba flavors.

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SoCal’s Top Nature Reserves | Out & About

Los Angeles is renowned for its movie stars, historic theaters, and sun-soaked beaches. However, many are unaware that LA is also encircled by a diverse array of nature reserves, offering a perfect retreat from the city’s hustle. These reserves provide an ideal setting to enjoy the beauty of the fall season. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, consider taking a day to explore these natural havens, all within an hour’s drive of Los Angeles County.

Topanga State Park:

Nestled in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park boasts 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks, and views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, and during the fall, the golden hues of the grasslands contrast beautifully with the deep blue of the ocean.

Malibu Creek State Park:

Once a filming location for classics like MASH*, this park transforms in the fall. The sycamore and oak woodlands turn shades of gold and rust, while the serene Malibu Creek offers a calm backdrop for picnics and relaxation.

El Matador Beach:

It is not a traditional nature reserve, but this secluded pocket beach has sea caves and tide pools teeming with marine life. As summer fades, the beach becomes quieter, and the sunsets, with their golden autumn light, are truly something to behold.

Palos Verdes Peninsula:

Offering various reserves like the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and the George F Canyon Preserve, this area is a mosaic of coastal sage scrub habitat, native plants, and wildlife. The cooler fall months are perfect for hiking and enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Whittier Narrows Nature Center:

This 400-acre sanctuary in South El Monte is a delightful mix of woodlands, meadows, and lakes. Fall brings with it migratory birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatching.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center:

Located in Newhall, this park houses California Sycamores that turn a lovely shade of gold during the fall. The park’s history is rich, and there’s even a trail leading to the Oak of the Golden Dream, the site where gold was first discovered in California.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve:

Near Huntington Beach, this saltwater marsh is teeming with plant and animal life. Fall is especially captivating as it marks the beginning of the waterfowl migration season, with several species of birds taking up temporary residence here.

San Dimas Experimental Forest:

It is an area mainly for research, but there are public areas for hiking. The fall transforms this forest into a carpet of yellows, oranges, and browns, reflecting the season’s true essence.

Eaton Canyon Natural Area:

Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Eaton Canyon offers numerous trails. In addition, this Pasadena location also features a botanical garden, and even a waterfall. In the fall, the cottonwoods and willows don their autumn colors, and the cooler weather makes for a pleasant hiking experience.

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Designing the Perfect Luxury Home Garden Retreat | Home Tips

Gardens have always served as peaceful sanctuaries, offering a retreat from the fast pace of life and a chance to reconnect with nature. In luxury estates, a garden becomes more than just a green space—it transforms into a refined extension of the home’s elegance. Creating the perfect luxury garden retreat involves meticulous attention to detail, a spark of creativity, and a deep appreciation for serenity. Here’s a guide to help you design your own idyllic oasis.

1. Define the Purpose:

Before embarking on design, identify the primary purpose of your garden retreat. Is it for solitary meditation, hosting elegant outdoor soirees, or perhaps a serene place to read?

2. Incorporate Water Features:

There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of flowing water. Consider adding a koi pond, a cascading waterfall, or a modern, geometric fountain. The reflective quality of water also adds dimension and depth.

3. Select Luxurious Flora:

Choose plants that not only complement the aesthetic of your estate but also evoke luxury. Think ornamental trees, exotic flowers, and beautifully manicured topiaries.

4. Embrace Outdoor Art:

Just as you would decorate your interior, consider incorporating sculptures, stone art, or bespoke garden installations. These pieces can become focal points or conversation starters.

5. Create Intimate Seating Areas:

Luxury is as much about comfort as it is about aesthetics. Invest in high-quality outdoor furniture, keeping in mind both durability and design. Create cozy nooks with plush seating adorned with weather-resistant cushions.

6. Light It Up:

As the sun sets, your garden should glow. Integrate soft lighting—like lanterns, pathway lights, and even chandeliers hung from pergolas—to set a dreamy ambiance.

7. Think Vertically:

Utilize the vertical space with green walls or trellises adorned with climbers and creepers. This can add depth to your garden and also serve as a privacy screen.

8. Install a Luxe Gazebo or Pergola:

A beautifully designed gazebo or pergola can serve as the centerpiece of your garden retreat. Consider ones with drapes for added elegance or ones fitted with heaters for chillier evenings.

9. Consider Wildlife:

The gentle hum of bees or the fluttering of butterflies can enhance the natural feel. Incorporate plants that attract such benign creatures. For larger estates, consider adding a small bird aviary.

10. Add a Fire Feature:

There’s a primal allure to fire. Be it a grand fireplace, a modern fire pit, or simply torches, the warmth and light can elevate your garden’s coziness.

11. Prioritize Privacy:

Ensure your retreat remains a sanctuary by incorporating tall plants, privacy screens, or even sound barriers to keep out unwanted noises.

12. Maintain Regularly:

A luxury garden retreat demands regular maintenance to preserve its beauty. Employ professional gardeners or landscaping services to keep your sanctuary in pristine condition.

13. Personal Touches:

Lastly, make the space truly yours. Whether it’s a hammock from your last beach vacation, a garden gnome with a story, or a special fragrance through scented flowers, your personal touch will make the retreat genuinely unique.

A luxury garden retreat is more than just a space—it’s an experience. It’s where elegance meets nature, and tranquility meets opulence. By incorporating the right elements, prioritizing comfort, and maintaining the space with care, you can transform a part of your estate into a heavenly getaway right in your backyard.

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Economic Update | Week Ending August 24, 2024

Economic news this week – The big news this week was Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell’s comments at the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole Conference. In his speech he said, “The time has come to cut interest rates.” He further stated that inflation had moderated and was heading toward the Fed’s 2% annual target. Stocks rallied on the news. Many experts feel that there will be a .25% drop in September, perhaps a .50% in November, and a 25% drop in December. That’s a 1% drop by year’s end. Others feel that there will be three 25% drops, totaling a .75% drop by year’s end. Either way, it’s great news for loans tied to short-term rates. HLOC line of credit loans are often tied to prime. Prime rates normally follow Fed rate movements. While HLOC loans will come down the same amount that Fed rates do, long-term mortgage rates will not. Mortgage rates typically follow long-term bond rates. We expect mortgage rates to drop, but not anywhere near the amount that Fed rates drop. In other news, the number of new jobs created over the past year was revised downward by 818,000 jobs, therefore U.S. job growth has been far weaker than initially reported. This was another consideration in the Fed’s decision to announce a shift to rate cuts.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 41,175.08 up 1.3% from 40,656.79 last week. It is up 9.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,634.61, up 3.9% from 5,554.25 last week. The S&P is up 18.1% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 17,877.79 up 1.4% from 17,631.72 last week. It is up 19.1% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields dropped sharply this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.81%, down from 3.89% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.10%, down from 4.15% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 22nd, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.46%, down from 6.49%, last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.62%, down from 5.66% 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.

July California existing-home sales report – Prices down slightly from June, but up 6.5% from one year ago – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 278,810 on an annualized rate in July, up 4.7% from a revised 268,840 homes sold on an annualized basis last July. There was a 2.9-month supply of homes for sale, up from a 2.5-month supply one year ago. The statewide median price paid for a home in July was $886,560, down 1.6% from $900,720 in June and, up 6.5% from $832,530 one year ago.

Have a great weekend!
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Weekend Events | August 23 – August 25

Check out what’s happening from August 23 through August 25 in your neighborhood! From a Beetlejuice pop-up to Outdoor Movies and more, we have you covered with this week’s events. Read on below for our weekly round-up.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 23 – August 25 

Sabrina Carpenter “Short N’ Sweet” pop-up

When: August 23 through August 25 

Where: Fairfax District

What: Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short N’ Sweet, is about to make its debut this Friday, and Angelenos have a unique opportunity to celebrate. Complex L.A. is hosting an exclusive pop-up event at 433 North Fairfax Avenue, running from Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fans can shop a variety of exclusive merchandise inspired by the 25-year-old singer and actress, including T-shirts, tanks, hats, totes, CDs, and vinyl records. Each item in the collection reflects the style and spirit of the artist behind the hit “Espresso.”

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.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience

When: August 23 through October 6 

Where: Hollywood 

What: Tim Burton fans are in for a treat: Warner Bros. and Fever have joined forces to present Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience, an immersive activation launching on August 23. This unique experience celebrates the upcoming September release of the highly anticipated sequel to the classic 1988 horror-comedy. Set to take over suite 201 of Ovation Hollywood, the 70-minute event is designed to be fun for all ages.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | August 23 – August 25  

Off the 405

When: Until August 24

Where: The Getty

What: Hilltop sunset views and emerging bands make this Getty tradition a must-visit for Angelenos from both sides of the 405. This year’s lineup of free Saturday night shows includes Hailu Mergia (June 1), Slauson Malone 1 (June 15), Helado Negro (July 20), Julia Holter (July 27), and Woods (August 24). Tip: To avoid traffic and crowds, arrive early, preferably after 3pm when the parking fee drops to $15 (or $10 if you wait until the show starts). This way, you can explore the exhibits, which remain open until 8pm on Saturdays, and avoid the dinner rush.

Dog Walking Hours at South Coast Botanic Garden

When: August 24  

Where: South Coast Botanical Garden | Palos Verdes

What: If you and your four-legged friend are inseparable, this dog-friendly series at Palos Verdes’ South Coast Botanic Garden is the perfect outing. Once a month, typically on the last Sunday, you can explore the garden’s expansive 87 acres together. Most of the paths are open to pups, with only a few exceptions like the rose garden and a couple of smaller areas. Water stations are conveniently placed throughout the grounds, and you can even opt for an obedience class if you’d like. Just remember, you’ll need to make a reservation, and your furry companion must stay on a leash at all times, including in the parking lot.

Roll @ Santa Monica

When: Until October 14 

Where: Huntington Beach 

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

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  | August 23 – August 25 

2024 Wild & Scenic Film Festival

When: August 24 

Where: Ventura County Credit Union | 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive Ventura

What: Wild & Scenic delivers a powerful call to action, urging festival-goers to discover how they can help protect our endangered planet. This Film Festival is Ventura Land Trust’s most significant annual fundraiser, dedicated to preserving and conserving the open spaces of Ventura County.

Paws & Relax Sound Bath for You and Your Dog

When: August 25 

Where: Liberate Yourself | 13323 Ventura Boulevard

What: Paws & Relax events offer a unique and calming experience that strengthens the bond between you and your dog while connecting with fellow dog parents. Kirsten, a Vibrational Sound Healing Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, leads a special sound bath designed for both pets and their humans. Known for her work with animals, Kirsten’s expertise has been featured on KTLA 5 and Netflix’s “Pet Stars.”

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

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

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | August 23 – August 25  

Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise Night

When: August 23, 4pm – 7pm

Where: Old Town Camarillo

What: The Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise returns for 2024, taking place on the 4th Friday of each month from April through October, from 4-7 p.m. Classic car enthusiasts can cruise down Ventura Boulevard while enjoying craft vendors, face painting, and delicious local takeout from Camarillo Old Town eateries. 2024 dates include April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, and October 25.

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

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

Timber School 100th Anniversary Event

When: August 24, 1pm – 4pm

Where: Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S Ventu Park Rd, Newbury Park

What: On August 24, the Stagecoach Inn Museum will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic 1924 Timber School from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature a special conversation with former Timber School student Larry Janss, who will share his childhood memories of the school. Attendees can view a miniature replica of the 1924 school, as well as informational panels about the school and life in the Conejo Valley during the 1920s. Kids can participate in games and activities from the era, offering something for the entire family.

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From a Black Hole App to Google Gemini and More! | Tech News

From a Black Hole App to Google Gemini and more, the tech world is buzzing with new developments. Apple, Google, and Microsoft are rolling out innovative tools and apps to enhance everyday digital experiences. Waymo is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving with its latest robotaxis. Surprisingly, even Chick-fil-A is entering the streaming arena. On another front, citizen science apps are empowering people to help discover new black holes. This blog covers the latest tech news and highlights the innovations shaping our digital future.

Apple Splits App Store Division to Tackle EU Regulations

Apple is restructuring its App Store division in response to new European Union regulations that require the company to support alternative app stores and payment methods. The division will be split into two groups: one focused on managing the App Store and the other on navigating alternative marketplaces in the EU. This change coincides with the departure of Matt Fischer, the long-time vice president of the App Store, who will be succeeded by senior director Carson Oliver. Ann Thai, a product director, will lead the new group addressing alternative distribution. Both divisions will report to App Store chief Phil Schiller.

Chick-fil-A Ventures into Streaming with Family-Friendly Content

In a surprising move, Chick-fil-A is planning to launch its own streaming platform later this year, focusing initially on family-friendly, unscripted programming, including a game show produced by Glassman Media and Sugar23. While the fast-food chain’s foray into entertainment may seem unexpected, its ties to the entertainment industry—through the Cathy family’s involvement in Trilith Studios—suggest this could be part of a broader strategy. Although Chick-fil-A has yet to comment, this new venture might echo similar moves by companies like Disney and Walmart, potentially blending content creation with advertising and customer engagement.

Google Enhances Gemini Writing Tools in Gmail

Google is upgrading its Gemini-powered writing tools in Gmail, introducing a “Polish” option to help users refine their drafts. Alongside existing features like “Formalize” and “Elaborate,” this new option makes it easier to perfect emails. The update also includes shortcuts in the email body on Android and iOS, highlighting available AI writing tools. These enhancements are accessible to those with Google One AI Premium accounts or who have purchased the Gemini add-on for Workspace, offering a streamlined way to draft, refine, and improve emails directly within Gmail.

Microsoft Launches Unified Teams App for Seamless Account Switching

Microsoft is rolling out a unified Microsoft Teams app that allows users to switch seamlessly between personal, work, and education accounts. After months of testing, the new app is now available for Windows and Mac, simplifying the previously confusing experience of managing multiple Teams accounts. The update also enhances the ability to switch between different Teams tenants and allows users to join meetings as guests without signing in. This streamlined approach replaces the need for separate apps, making it easier to manage notifications and access all accounts in one place. Existing users will receive the update automatically, while new users can download it from Microsoft’s site.

Waymo Unveils New Sixth-Generation Robotaxi Amid Tariff Concerns

Waymo has introduced its sixth-generation robotaxi, an electric minivan made by Chinese automaker Zeekr, which boasts advanced technology and reduced sensor costs. The new vehicle integrates learnings from previous models, potentially reducing the need for extensive real-world testing. However, the rollout faces uncertainty due to impending U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, which could significantly impact production costs. The robotaxi features a streamlined sensor suite for enhanced safety and performance, but Waymo has yet to disclose when or where these vehicles will be deployed. The company is closely monitoring the tariff situation as it prepares to expand its operations.

Apple Launches Web App for Podcasts, Now Accessible Across Browsers

Apple has introduced a web app for its Podcasts platform, available at podcasts.apple.com and compatible with major browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. The web app mirrors the familiar layout of the Mac and iOS versions, featuring sections like Browse, Home, and Top Charts. Users can sign in to access their followed shows, though playback speed controls are currently absent. This launch follows Apple’s recent rollout of web apps for Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple TV, expanding its web-based offerings.

Citizen Scientists Invited to Help Find New Black Holes with Black Hole Finder App

The Dutch Black Hole Consortium is enlisting the public’s help to discover novel black holes using an app called Black Hole Finder. This app allows users to analyze images captured by BlackGEM telescopes in Chile, which scan the sky for fleeting light from kilonovas—bright flashes produced when two neutron stars merge into a black hole. Due to the brief duration of this light, quick identification is crucial. The app presents users with images to determine if a potential black hole is real or a false positive, aiding scientists in where to focus their telescopes. The public’s participation also helps improve the app’s AI, and experienced users can even contribute to scientific publications. The app is available on iOS, Android, and the web.

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