Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Your Weekend Getaway Guide | Out & About

Los Angeles is a city full of life, but sometimes even the most die-hard Angelenos need a break from the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, there are many fantastic road trip destinations within a few hours’ drive. So, pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and get ready to explore our weekend getaway guide Southern California style!

  1. Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway – The American Riviera (Approximately 95 miles) Travel time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Escape the city and head north to Santa Barbara, a picturesque coastal city nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and Spanish-style architecture, Santa Barbara is a perfect weekend getaway.

Top attractions:
  • Visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission
  • Stroll along State Street for shopping and dining
  • Enjoy wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley
  • Relax at East Beach or Butterfly Beach
  • Discover the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

  1. Palm Springs Weekend Getaway– The Desert Oasis (Approximately 107 miles) Travel time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Venture east into the desert to discover Palm Springs, a city famous for its mid-century modern architecture, vintage shops, and natural hot springs. With plenty of sunshine and a laid-back vibe, Palm Springs is an ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation and a bit of retro charm.

Top attractions:
  • Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto
  • Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum
  • Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden
  • Tour mid-century modern homes and neighborhoods
  • Relax at one of the many luxurious spas

  1. Big Bear Lake Weekend Getaway– The Mountain Escape (Approximately 100 miles) Travel time: 2 – 2.5 hours

If you’re craving fresh mountain air and outdoor adventures, Big Bear Lake is the perfect destination. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear offers an array of activities in both summer and winter, making it an ideal year-round getaway.

Top attractions:
  • Ski or snowboard at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain during winter
  • Hike or mountain bike on the many trails around the lake
  • Rent a boat or kayak and explore Big Bear Lake
  • Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
  • Attend seasonal events like Oktoberfest and the Big Bear Lake Fishing Derby

Whether you’re looking for a beach escape, desert retreat, or mountain adventure, these road trips from Los Angeles have something for everyone. So grab your keys, hop in the car, and embark on a memorable weekend getaway that will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the City of Angels once more.

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Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend | Home Tips

With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, you are likely thinking of ways to celebrate. As we gather to honor U.S. military heroes, marking the occasion can happen at home or out and about. From at-home celebrations to around town happenings, we’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy the “unofficial” start of summer!

Activities at Home

Set up classic yard games to enjoy over Memorial Day Weekend, great old-fashioned fun for people of all ages. You could even get some patriotic trinkets — think almost anything decorated with the American flag — as prizes for the winners. Fun garden games include horse shows, ring toss, cornhole, lawn darts, and bocce ball. You could also invest in a large set of Connect 4, chess, or a tumble tower to bring added fun to your outdoor party.

For a group that loves music and singing, karaoke can be a fun activity to get everyone in a celebratory mood. For Memorial Day Weekend, stick to singing patriotic songs over the mic. There’s a long list to choose from, with something to suit most musical tastes, with songs from, for example, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, Alan Jackson, and Faith Hill. Karaoke is a great activity for indoor parties, though you can certainly take the singing outdoors too!

Memorial Day Weekend Recipes

There are many delicious Memorial Day meals to look forward to, from an array of grilled meats with a huge assortment of side salads to veggie kebabs, pizza, dips, and fajitas.

Whether you’re having a sit-down meal indoors, a picnic, or a BBQ bonanza, these two suggested recipes are great for bringing a little more patriotism to the table.

People of all ages love cupcakes. So, what could be better than a red, white, and blue cupcake? The swirl-topped vanilla cupcakes are tasty and look fantastic.

Patriotic sugared cherries are so quick and easy to make, yet look so elegant and tempting set out on a platter. The fun delicious treats need just three ingredients: cherries, white chocolate, and blue sugar.

Memorial Day Home Décor

Add a patriotic American flag banner to your home for Memorial Day Weekend, similar to this one from Pottery Barn. Made from Burlap, it’s strong and sturdy enough to survive the elements outside for some time. Hang from your fence, decorate your porch or take it indoors to adorn a wall, mantel, or staircase. If you’re feeling creative, you could also create your own flag-themed bunting from fabric or card.

It’s quick and easy to add splashes of patriotism to the dinner table with stylish fabric napkins in shades of red, white, and blue. They look especially classy when rolled within a complementary napkin ring. You could purchase napkin rings decorated with the classic stars and stripes to take it up another notch. Alternatively, buy paper flag napkins for outdoor dining.

Local Events around LA

If you want to get out and about over Memorial Day Weekend, there are plenty of terrific options around Los Angeles for the whole family.

Check out the LA County Fair for its final weekend and enjoy classic carnival fun. From terrific eats, to face-painting, rides and more, there is something for everyone! 

For the Westside, Fiesta Hermosa kicks off on Saturday, and keep’s the fun going all the way through Monday, May 26. Explore art, enjoy delicious eats, and listen to live music at this Memorial Day weekend long event.

Topanga Days, between May 24 and 26, features a laid-back vibe, music, food, and crafts, and Happy Face Music Festival, on May 28th, has Cajon-Creole music and food, as well as a large area for kids’ fun.

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Economic Update | Week Ending May 17, 2025

Tariffs dominated the news again this week – Over the weekend, the U.S. and China announced that progress has been made on a trade deal. Both countries agreed on a pause on the most restrictive tariffs and to significantly reduce the restrictive tariffs that they have put in place since April 2, so that they can work on future negotiations to finalize a more permanent tariff deal. Stocks soared on Monday and increased in value through the week. Major stock indexes ended the week down just slightly since the start of the year.

Inflation dropped to a 4-year low in April – The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April was released this week. The annual inflation rate in April dropped to 2.3%, its lowest rate since February 2021. Core CPI, which excludes volatile components like food and energy rose 2.8% year-over-year. The Producer Price Index was also released. Producer prices (wholesale prices) dropped 0.5% month-over-month in April, their largest monthly decline since 2006. Year-over-year producer prices were up 2.4% in April.

The graph below shows the trend of the Consumer Price Index since 2021.

Interest rates – Despite the lowest inflation in 4-years, mortgage rates and bond yields jumped this week. Usually when inflation drops interest rates drop as well. Unfortunately, economists are waiting to see how tariffs will affect future inflation. They believe that even with inflation trending toward acceptable levels, tariffs remain a wild card, and future spikes in inflation are likely.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 42,645.74, up 3.4% from 41,249.38 last week. It is down 4.3% from 44,544.66 on December 31, 2024. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,958.38, up 5.3% from 5,659.91 last week. The S&P is down 1.4% from 6,040.53 on December 31, 2024. The Nasdaq closed the week at 19,211.38, up 6.9% from 17,972.92 last week. It is down 2.1% from 19,627.44 on December 31, 2024.

U.S. Treasury bond yields increased for the third straight week on tariff fears – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.43%, up from 4.37% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.89%, up from 4.83% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates jumped this week – 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 May 15, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.81%, up from 6.76% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.92%, up from 5.89% last week.

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

Have a Great Weekend!
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Mortgage Rate Update | May 15, 2025

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of May 15, 2025, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.81%, up from 6.76% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.92%, slightly up from 5.89% 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 the 2026 BMW iX to the New Airbnb App and More! | Tech News

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news from across the web! This week, we’re rounding up the biggest headlines from the 2026 BMW iX to Airbnb’s new app and more. Read our tech news blog and stay connected!

Apple Tests Eye-Tracking Scroll for Vision Pro Ahead of visionOS 3 Debut

Apple is trialing an eye-tracking scrolling feature for Vision Pro that would let wearers glide through apps by simply looking at screen edges, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports. The tool should work across all native apps and, later, third-party titles, offering a smoother alternative to pinch gestures, Bluetooth mice, and Dwell Control’s slow “gaze-and-hold” method. Gurman says the innovation is part of a “feature-packed” visionOS 3 update likely to be revealed at WWDC 2025, underscoring Apple’s push to make spatial computing more intuitive and fully hands-free for users.

TikTok Boosts Accessibility with AI-Generated Alt Text and High-Contrast Mode

TikTok now auto-generates alt text for photos when creators don’t add descriptions, giving screen-reader users vital context while still letting creators edit or replace the AI captions. A new color-contrast toggle sharpens the foreground color of text, icons, and UI elements, and the app now mirrors a device’s bold-text setting to improve readability. All three features are live in the updated accessibility menu on iOS, Android, and desktop, expanding the platform’s tools for visually impaired users. 

Google Adds “This Week” Deals Section to Restaurant & Bar Profiles in Search

Google is rolling out a “This week” slot in Food & Drink Business Profiles, letting owners post daily specials, happy-hour deals, and event promos that surface right in Search results. Restaurateurs can update the space through Google Posts or auto-sync from Instagram, Facebook, or X, making real-time marketing fast and free. The feature—called “What’s Happening” in the dashboard—debuts for single-location bars and restaurants in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with wider availability promised later. By inserting timely offers directly under a venue’s profile, Google tightens the link between search visibility and foot traffic, while giving diners a one-stop snapshot of current incentives.  

Eight Sleep Pod 5 Adds Temperature-Controlled Blanket and Built-In Sleep Sounds

Eight Sleep’s new Pod 5 smart mattress system debuts a water-powered, dual-zone blanket. The blanket cools or warms from 55 °F to 110 °F, working in sync with the existing temperature-controlled cover. The updated base now hides surround-sound speakers that stream white noise and Andrew Huberman-guided NSDR meditations. Likewise, the speaker auto-stops when you fall asleep (or can play all night). A new Health Check report in the Eight Sleep app tracks heart rate and breathing, using AI to flag anomalies each morning. Pricing starts at $2,849 for the Core (cover + hub), $4,099 with the blanket, and $6,099 for the full package with speakers and base, plus a required subscription from $199 per year.

2026 BMW iX Refresh Debuts Entry-Level xDrive45, Longer Range, and More Power

BMW’s 2026 iX electric SUV gets a three-trim overhaul. The BMW refresh fixes ride stiffness, boosts range, and adds tech flash. All versions ride on refined suspension and an illuminated grille flanked by slimmer LED headlights. The vehicle’s interior features a plush interior that keeps its expansive BMW curved display. With sharper handling and new wheel choices up to 23 inches, the facelifted BMW iX offers a major upgrade. Likewise, this widens BMW’s luxury EV appeal without short-changing entry-level buyers.

Airbnb App Redesign Adds On-Demand Services, Revamps Experiences and Host Tools

Airbnb’s latest app overhaul extends the platform beyond private home rentals by introducing “Airbnb Services.” The new curated marketplace now includes ten on-demand offerings. These options range from personal chefs and catering to massages, personal trainers, and more. Of course, these offerings are available to anyone, even without booking a stay. Each provider is identity-verified, licensed, and averages 10 years of experience, with entry prices starting under $50. The update also “reimagines” Airbnb Experiences, letting travelers book everything from guided city tours to lucha libre wrestling classes. A new Explore tab surfaces personalized home, service, and experience recommendations. The Trips tab helps plan itineraries, and upgraded messaging now supports photo and video sharing. Hosts get a revamped dashboard featuring an improved reservations tab, enhanced listing management tools, and more! Likewise, these updates will help in streamlining operations while expanding Airbnb’s ecosystem for guests and hosts alike.

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Weekend Events | May 16 – May 18

The weekend has arrived, and it’s time to dive into springtime fun happening around town. From art shows to festivals and more, we have you covered with weekend events. Check out the best activities in your neighborhood from May 16 through May 18. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | May 16 – May 18 

Outlaw Music Festival

When: May 16 

Where: Hollywood 

What: Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, and Sierra Hull bring their all-star country tour to the Hollywood Bowl for one unforgettable night of music.

Street Food Cinema

When: Until September 6 

Where: Various Locations

What: Catch a movie under the stars with Street Food Cinema, a seasonal outdoor series featuring fan-favorite films, gourmet food trucks, and live music from local bands. Held at various dog-friendly venues across L.A. through October, each event offers a unique blend of dining and entertainment—just bring a blanket and check the rotating schedule.

The Music Center’s On the Record: Vinyl Fair

When: May 17 

Where: Downtown LA

What: The Vinyl Fair returns to the Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza, transforming it into an open-air record shop with 16 curated vendors, live DJ sets, zine-making, a storytelling lounge, and sound bath sessions. Don’t miss the free mixtape swap—bring your favorites and discover new sounds.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | May 16 – May 18 

Venice Family Clinic Art Walk + Auction

When: Until May 18 

Where: Venice

What: The Venice Art Walk returns May 9–18 for its 46th year, showcasing works from major artists like Ed Ruscha and Larry Bell to benefit the Venice Family Clinic. Held at 910 Abbot Kinney, the free event features an art auction and special exhibits highlighting post-wildfire resilience and Altadena’s Black artist community.

Paul McCartney: Rearview Mirror

When: Until June 21 

Where: Beverly Hills 

What: Step into the height of Beatlemania at Gagosian Beverly Hills, where 36 rediscovered photographs taken by Paul McCartney himself are on display this spring. Captured between December 1963 and February 1964, the exhibit features candid moments of the Beatles and their fans during one of the most iconic eras in music history.

Beverly Hills Art Show

When: May 17 – May 18 

Where: Beverly Hills

What: Since 1973, Beverly Gardens Park has hosted this beloved art festival each spring and fall. This year, 235 artists will display works from paintings to photography along four blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard. Enjoy free kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, and beer and wine gardens in a vibrant outdoor setting.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | May 16 – May 18 

Universal Fan Fest Nights

When: Until May 18 

Where: Universal City

What: Grab your phaser, spellbook, or 20-sided die—Universal Studios Hollywood is throwing an after-hours fandom bash that trades screams for pure geek joy. On select nights through May 18, explore worlds from Star Trek to One Piece, catch Yoshi’s first park appearance, and watch the new “Hogwarts Always” castle show while snagging exclusive merch and bites. Costumes that follow the guidelines are not just welcome—they’re encouraged for this multiverse meet-up.

Silent Films Live IV at Warner Bros. Studios

When: May 17 

Where: Warner Bros. Studios | 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank

What: Step back in time at Warner Bros. Studios for Silent Films Live IV, a one-night-only concert bringing classic silent films to life with a live performance by the Studio Intensive Orchestra, led by conductor Angel Velez. Held on the iconic Eastwood Scoring Stage, this unforgettable evening features music from top composers and benefits Education Through Music–Los Angeles. Hosted by Suzanne Lloyd and Steve Gainer, ASC. Don’t miss this cinematic celebration of Hollywood’s golden age!

Fruit Trees and California Native Plants: Landscaping Together

When: May 17 

Where: Theodore Payne Foundation | 10459 Tuxford St. | Sun Valley

What: Join Joanna Glovinsky, founder of Fruitstitute, for an engaging workshop on how to grow fruit trees in harmony with native landscapes. Learn how grafted fruit trees differ from native plants, what they need to thrive, and how to balance water-wise gardening with fruitful results. From planting tips to long-term care, this class will help you cultivate a sustainable and productive garden that supports both your trees and the local ecosystem. A must for home growers and eco-conscious gardeners alike!

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | May 16 – May 18 

California Strawberry Festival

When: May 17 – May 18 

Where: Ventura

What: Now in its 39th year, the California Strawberry Festival celebrates all things strawberry at its new home, the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Enjoy over 50 food booths serving everything from strawberry funnel cakes to chimichangas and beer, plus a $5 build-your-own shortcake tent, live music, chef demos, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and Strawberry Land for kids. Proceeds benefit more than 20 local charities.

ArtsFest at Rancho Tapo Community Park

When: May 17 

Where: Rancho Tapo Community Park | 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley

What: Celebrate creativity at ArtsFest, presented by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rancho Tapo Community Park. Enjoy a day of art, performances, vendors, hands-on activities, chalk art, storytelling, food, and more. Free admission; some activities may have a fee.

Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival

When: May 18 

Where: King Gillette Ranch | 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas

What: Gather at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on Sunday, May 18, 2025, for the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival. Contests kick off at 9 a.m., with performances at noon—plus jamming sessions, workshops, food trucks, artisan booths, and more.

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The 10 Best Burger Spots in Town | LA Eats

Los Angeles may be the nation’s burger capital, but the city’s sprawl means the perfect patty is never in just one neighborhood. To make your hunt easier, we hand‑picked ten essential burger stops—drawn from Eater LA’s freshly updated burger map and recent coverage—that span the City Core, Westside, and San Fernando Valley. Each delivers a distinctive style, from old‑school griddles to wagyu smash burgers, ensuring your next bite is worth the drive.

Amboy Quality Meats & Burgers — Chinatown

Chef Alvin Cailan’s butcher‑shop counter fires two standouts: the thin‑patty Amboy Classic and the heftier Slim Thicc, both draped in American cheese and griddled onions for maximum umami. Grab a seat in Far East Plaza and order fries cooked to McDonald’s-level crispness.

Goldburger — Highland Park

Owner Allen Yelent’s grass‑fed smash burgers balance a juicy center with lacy‑edge crunch; the signature Goldburger stacks American cheese, mustard‑grilled onions, and house pickles on a soft bun. The covered York Boulevard patio is ideal for casual weeknight bites.

Love Hour — Koreatown

What began as a parking‑lot pop‑up is now a Sunday fixture slinging double‑patty smash burgers, seasoned fries, and occasional guest chef collabs  . Expect a loud patio, cold beer, and burgers that disappear in three bites.

Burger She Wrote — Beverly Grove

This closet‑size shop near The Grove turns out ultra‑crisp smash patties with molten cheese and a tangy house sauce; even Jack Black is a fan  . Lines move fast and seating is limited, so plan to eat curbside.

Heavy Handed — Santa Monica

Short‑rib smash burgers, beef‑tallow fries, and soft‑serve land on Main Street, with Studio City and Silver Lake outposts now open for cross‑town cravings. Order a double with “Heavy Sauce” and watch caramelized onions melt into the patty.

The Apple Pan — West Los Angeles

Since 1947, this U‑shaped counter has served the iconic Hickoryburger, smoky‑sweet and wrapped in wax paper; seats are first‑come, cash‑only. Pair yours with a slice of banana cream pie for the full mid‑century experience.

HiHo Cheeseburger — Santa Monica

HiHo’s wagyu smash burgers showcase New Zealand grass‑fed beef; the Double HiHo comes layered with cheese, onion jam, lettuce, and house sauce. Finish with a tangy key lime pie shake before strolling to the pier.

Bill’s Burgers — Van Nuys

Nonagenarian legend Bill Elwell still tends the griddle at this six‑stool shack, flipping hand‑pressed patties since 1965  . It’s cash‑only, and the wait is part of the charm—chat with regulars while aromas fill the tiny room.

Bob’s Big Boy — Burbank

Home of the original double‑deck burger, this 1949 Googie landmark mixes nostalgia with solid char‑grilled flavor. Cruise‑night car shows on Fridays make it a family‑friendly spectacle.

For The Win — Granada Hills

The smash‑burger specialist’s drive‑thru outpost brings its lacy‑edged patties and house “FTW Sauce” deep into the Valley, joining locations in Highland Park and Chinatown. Add the off‑menu hot‑honey chicken sandwich if you’re extra hungry.

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Spring Art Walks & Gallery Openings | Out & About

Los Angeles is in full creative bloom, and spring 2025 offers more ways than ever to gallery‑hop under perfect skies. Updated with the latest schedules and exhibitions, this guide spotlights five neighborhood art walks that double as street‑level festivals and seven museum‑caliber shows worth building an itinerary around. Map a single Friday stroll or design a month‑long culture crawl—the city’s art scene is ready when you are.

Neighborhood Art Walks to Bookmark

DTLA ArtNight – First Thursdays

Replacing the older second‑Thursday format, Downtown’s DTLA ArtNight now happens on the first Thursday of every month, uniting 25+ galleries along Spring and Main Streets with open studios, DJs, and food trucks until 10 p.m. 

Venice Family Clinic Art Walk & Auction – May 15

The coast’s signature walk returns May 15 with live auctions, pop‑up studios, and a panel on art as community healing, all benefiting Venice Family Clinic’s health programs. 

Leimert Park Art Walk – Fourth Sundays

South L.A.’s cultural heart beats loudest on fourth Sundays, when Degnan Boulevard turns into an open‑air stage for jazz, Afrocentric fashion vendors, and gallery hops celebrating Black art and heritage. 

Culver City Art Walk & Roll Festival – June 7

Kicking off summer but planned during the spring art‑walk season, Culver City’s festival closes Washington and La Cienega Boulevards for mural painting, children’s workshops, and a craft‑beer garden beside blue‑chip spaces. 

DTLB Art + Design Walk – April 5

Long Beach’s quarterly downtown crawl returns April 5 with pop‑up galleries, design showrooms, and live maker demos, all within walking distance from the Metro A‑Line. 

Must‑See Spring & Early‑Summer Exhibitions

Venue

Exhibition & Dates

Why Go
Wilding Cran Gallery Alex Becerra: Paintings from Yucatán (through May 31) Thick impasto canvases channel humid jungle light and family folklore. 
Skirball Cultural Center Marisa J. Futernick: Spring Valley (through Aug 3) Photographs revisit Jewish resort culture in New York’s Catskills. 
Getty Center In the Company of Women: Photobooks by Female Artists (May 20 – Aug 10) Rare volumes chart a century of photographic storytelling. 
MOCA Grand Avenue Olafur Eliasson: OPEN (Apr 12 – Sept 14) Immersive light‑and‑fog rooms transform perception and space. 
Hammer Museum Selections from the Grunwald Center (Feb 9 – Aug 24) Works on paper—from Dürer to Kerry James Marshall—trace 500 years. 
Gagosian Beverly Hills Paul McCartney, Eyes of the Storm (through June 22) Rediscovered Beatles‑era photographs capture 1963’s whirlwind tours. 
L.A. Louver, Venice 50 Years / 50 Artists (through July 26) Anniversary survey pairs L.A. legends with global contemporaries.  

Planning Tips for Los Angeles Spring Art Walks

Layer Your Day

Start with a daylight museum visit (Getty’s hilltop views or MOCA’s skylit atrium) and segue to an evening art walk like DTLA ArtNight. Metro rides between venues keep parking painless.

RSVP or Buy Ahead

Panel talks at Venice Family Clinic’s walk require free RSVP; Olafur Eliasson’s MOCA show is timed‑ticketed on weekends—book early to avoid standby lines.

Support Street Vendors

Culver City and Leimert Park walks spotlight local food stalls and craft artisans. Purchasing a snack or zine directly fuels community art programs.

Mind the Weather

Even May evenings can slip into the low 60s. Bring a light jacket and wear walkable shoes; several districts span multiple blocks of historic sidewalks.

Final Brushstroke

From the high‑gloss galleries of Beverly Hills to the Afro‑futurist rhythms of Leimert Park, Los Angeles spring art walks offer a panorama of creativity no single museum ticket can match. Plot your route, reserve those hot‑ticket exhibitions, and step into a season where every street corner may unveil the city’s next big talent—or simply a perfect sunset framing a pop‑up mural. Either way, your spring culture calendar just filled up.

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Home Safety Advice for Vacation Season | Home Tips

Summer vacation is a time for relaxation, adventure, and escaping everyday routines. However, the joy of going on vacation can quickly be overshadowed by the worry of leaving your home unprotected. This blog post will share home safety tips to keep your home secure during the vacation season. After all, peace of mind is the best travel companion.

1. Don’t Advertise Your Absence

In the age of social media, it’s tempting to post every update of your vacation in real-time, but it can also be an open invitation to potential burglars. Our safety tip: avoid announcing your vacation plans on social media or in public spaces where strangers can overhear.

2. Invest in Timers for Lights

A dark house is an obvious sign that no one is home. Invest in timers for your indoor and outdoor lights and set them to mimic your regular daily activity. This can create an illusion of occupancy.

3. Secure Doors and Windows

Before you leave, ensure all doors and windows are locked securely. Don’t forget to check the garage door, as well as smaller windows in basements and attics. Consider investing in deadbolts for added security on external doors as our safety advice.

4. Hold Your Mail

A stuffed mailbox or a pile of newspapers at the doorstep signals that the house is unoccupied. Ask your postal service to hold your mail, or request a trusted neighbor to collect it for you.

5. Unplug Electronics

Unplug all nonessential electronics. Not only will this save energy, but it will also eliminate the risk of electrical fires.

6. Make Use of a Home Security System

If you have a home security system, ensure it is activated before you leave. This can deter burglars and can notify authorities in the event of a break-in. If you don’t have one, it might be a good time to consider investing in one.

7. Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside

Burglars know all the potential hiding spots for spare keys. Instead of leaving a key under the mat or in a fake rock, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member.

8. Keep Your Lawn Maintained

An overgrown lawn can hint that no one is home. If you’ll be away for an extended period, hire a lawn service or ask a neighbor to keep your yard maintained.

9. Secure Valuables

Don’t leave valuables in obvious places. Use a safe or a secure off-site location to store jewelry, important documents, and other valuable items while you’re away.

10. Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Check In

Having someone periodically check your home can dissuade potential burglars. This person can also help with tasks like watering plants, feeding pets, or taking out the trash.

Preparing your home for your absence can add a few more tasks to your pre-vacation checklist, but the peace of mind you’ll gain is well worth the effort. Implement these safety tips and you can enjoy your vacation knowing your home is secure. Safe travels!

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Economic Update | Week Ending May 9, 2025

Economic news this week – It was a light week for economic news. The Trump administration announced that a trade deal with the United Kingdom was made and that trade negotiations with China will be held this weekend. The Federal Reserve met and left interest rates unchanged. Next week we will get CPI and PPI numbers for April. So far, we have not seen an increase in inflation numbers due to tariffs; however, most tariffs had not begun in March so they would not impact March inflation data. Economists are waiting for those reports to see if inflation is going to begin to increase as tariffs kick in.

Stock markets were mainly flat this week – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 41,249.38, down 0.2% from 41,317.43 last week. It is down 7.4% from 44,544.66 on December 31, 2024. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,659.91, down 0.5% from 5,686.67 last week. The S&P is down 6.3% from 6,040.53 on December 31, 2024. The Nasdaq closed the week at 17,928.92, down 0.3% from 17,977.73 last week. It is down 8.7% from 19,627.44 on December 31, 2024.

U.S. Treasury bond yields increased for the third straight week on tariff fears – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.37%, upfrom 4.33% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.83%, up from 4.79% 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 May 8, 2025, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.76%, unchanged from 6.76% last week. The 15-year fixed rate was 5.89%, down from 5.92% 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.

April home sales numbers will be released by the California Association of Realtors at the end of next week, or the beginning of the following week for California sales and listings. The National Association of Realtors will release national figures the week after next. They post-sales data right around the 21st of each month. You can get April California sales figures for your city or zip code at RodeoRE.com. We posted them this morning.

Have a Great Weekend!

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