Media Relations

July 11, 2017

DMV kiosks now in L.A. supermarkets

You can now do your grocery shopping and renew your vehicle registration in one location.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has installed self-service kiosks at several grocery chains around Los Angeles.

The “DMV Now” kiosks helps you avoid trips to the DMV and allows you to renew your vehicle registration in less than two minutes.

The touch-screens are located at 12 selected Albertsons, Superior Grocers, and Vons supermarkets, and are accessible in Spanish and English.

The California DMV plans to add 40 more kiosks by the end of 2017. For now, they also have “DMV Now” kiosks in Tarzana, Lancaster, Palmdale, Simi Valley, and Canoga Park, among others.

Below is a map of the existing “DMV Now” kiosks in Southern California:

July 8, 2017

Economic update for the week ending July 7, 2017

Employers add 222,000 jobs in June – Hiring rebounded in June, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, as employers added 222,000 new jobs. Although the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4% in June from 4.3% in May, a 16-year low, this was a solid report which beat expectations after a disappointing three months of job growth. The labor-force participation rate grew from 67.7% in May to 67.8% in June as more people entered the work force. Wages grew 0.2% in June from May and are up just 2.5% over the last 12 months. That’s well below average wage growth and still stumping experts. It’s highly unusual to have low unemployment without healthy wage growth.

Stocks higher this week – Stocks rallied after Friday’s jobs report. After a lackluster week in which disappointing auto sales, weakness in “brick and mortar” retail, and pressure on tech firms, stocks rebounded as more workers than expected were hired in June. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 21,414.34, up from 21,349.63 last week. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,425.18, unchanged from its close last week of 2,423.41. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,153.08, up from last week’s close of 6,140.42.

Bond yields higher again this week– The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.39%, up from 2.31% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.93%, up from 2.84% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates higher this week– The July 6, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.96%, up from 3.88% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.22%, up from 3.18% last week. The 5–year ARM was 3.21%, up from 3.18% last week. Unfortunately, rates rose late in the week so next weeks rates will be higher.

Have a great weekend!
Syd

July 7, 2017

Home listed by Jordan Johnson and Simon Pozi of Rodeo Realty Brentwood featured in Curbed

Featured in Curbed this week, is a charming 1930s Spanish in Glendale. The home is highlighted for retaining many character-building vintage features. Jordan Johnson and Simon Pozirekides of Rodeo Realty Brentwood have the listing.

The Spanish art deco is located in historic El Miradero and is offered at $1,349,990. The home has gone through an immaculate and classic restoration and includes original tile in certain areas.

The 2,665-square-foot house comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a classic living room, a chef’s kitchen, and a formal dining area. Additional features include a landscaped front yard, arched entryways, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, a balcony with wrought-iron railings, tile flooring, and a fireplace.

For more info on this property, click HERE.
To read the Curbed feature on this home, click HERE.

July 7, 2017

Weekend Events: July 7 – 9, 2017

Have any plans for this weekend? There’s so much to do in Los Angeles!

To help you out, below is a list of things going on this Friday – Saturday. From a salsa festival to a movie picnic night, there’s plenty of things to do!

Friday July 7th, 2017

1. Metro Art presents Salsa at Downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station.

2. The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse presented by Grand Performances.

3. Summer Supper + Show Series on the rooftop of the Ritz-Carlton DTLA.

4. Dance DTLA at Grand Park.

5. Shakespeare By The Sea at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.

6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

7. Cocktail classes hosted by Greenbar Distillery in DTLA.

8. Shakespeare at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park.

9. Summer Movie Nights in Monterey Park.

10. Free concert series hosted by The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.

11. Old Pasadena Summer Cinema.

12. The Griffith Observatory hosts forum called All Space Considered.

13. Wine Tasting Nights at The Barnsdall Art Park.

14. Outfest. Check for discounted tickets

Saturday July 8th, 2017

15. 2017 Salsa Festival at Pershing Square.

16. Our Life Festival hosted by The Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. Check for discounted tickets

17. The Renegade Craft Fair at L.A. State Historic Park.

18. Pasadena Confidential presented by Esotouric Bus Adventures. Check for discount tickets

19. Curse of the Jungle Drums presented by Drunken Devil.

20. Quidditch tournament at the Westwood Recreation Center.

21. The Long Beach Vegan Festival at the Rainbow Lagoon Park.

22. Old Pasadena Summer Cinema.

23. Taste of Paleo 5.0 at the Montecillo de Leo Politi Park in L.A.

24. Tiki Night at the Egyptian Theatre.

25. Eat|See|Hear in Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall. Check for discount tickets

26. Movie Picnic Night at Alhambra Park.

27. Rahim AlHaj and Asher Shasho Levy presented by Grand Performances.

28. Shakespeare By The Sea at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.

29. Summer of Music at Redondo Pier.

30. Street Food Cinema at Exposition Park Los Angeles.

31. Unscene Fest at The Hi Hat.

32. Cocktail classes hosted by Greenbar Distillery in Downtown Los Angeles.

33. Free concert series at The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.

34. The Frogtown Show, hosted in the backyard of Left Bank in Frogtown.

35. Cliftons Living History Tour.

Sunday July 9th, 2017

36. Swingin’ Summer. Check for discounted tickets

37. Shakespeare By The Sea at Hesse Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

38. Free concert series at The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.

39. Topanga Canyon’s Theatricum Botanicum.

40. Tiny Porch Concerts at the Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills.

41. Cornerstone Theater Company – Magic Fruit presented by Grand Performances.

42. Support homeless and low-income men and women with Chef Curtis Stone and Chrysalis. The annual Stone Fruit Festival is also this day.

43. Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour.

July 6, 2017

Summer Volunteer Programs In L.A.

Summer time is a great time to give back to the community and spend time volunteering.

With that being said, below are just a few volunteering options for you to check out and see which one is right for you!

1. Children’s Hospital LA

Children’s Hospital LA has a volunteer program that allows you to spend time with patients. Volunteers must be 18 years old and older and must pass a health clearance, go through orientation, an interview process, and training. A volunteer program is also available for teens 15 to 17 years of age. More info here

2. L.A. Kitchen

Create healthy meals for disadvantaged communities at L.A. Kitchen. Volunteering here consists of 3-hour shifts where you will help prepare the food: washing, peeling, chopping. Sign up here

3. 826LA

Make a difference in a child’s life and help students ages 6 – 18 with their writing skills. Volunteers have to take a 101 orientation and can then begin working with students through workshops and after-school tutoring. Orientation is July 8, 15 and 29 and August 12. -> Start here

4. Project Angel Food

Many who face poverty and life-threatening illnesses rely on Project Angel Food to receive home-cooked meals. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare and package meals in the kitchen. Orientation is offered throughout July and August for new volunteers. Make a difference here.

5. The Trevor Project

Help young individuals who may be struggling with issues such as suicide, depression and LGBTQ identity. Through The Trevor Project, TrevorChat/TrevorText volunteers help answer instant messages and online texts. Trevor Lifeline volunteers help by answering calls in the L.A. call center. To volunteer here, orientation must be completed as well as an interview, background check, and training. Support here.

6. Los Angeles Mission

Every year in August, Los Angeles Mission helps hundreds of families gear up for going back to school. Their annual End of Summer Arts and Education Fair helps students with school supplies. Volunteers needed here.

7. LA Animal Services

Make a difference in a four-legged furry friends life. Volunteers are needed at the LA Animal Services (LAAS) to help at one of the six shelters in L.A. Orientations are currently being offered. Visit LAAS Facebook page for orientation dates. More info here.

8. Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks

Volunteering through the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks is a great way of giving back. Volunteer jobs include coaching, helping with senior programs, special events, and much more. Learn more here.

9. Friends of Griffith Park

Help preserve Griffith Park’s 4,310 acres of land. Volunteers help with clean-ups, tree planting and other projects. Preserve here.

10. Santa Monica Mountains Fund

Help the Santa Monica Mountains Fund restore native plant life, build hiking trails, and much more. -> All ages welcome here.

11. Reading to Kids

Volunteer on Saturdays at one of the local elementary schools throughout Los Angeles and help students become better readers. To volunteer to help Reading to Kids go to their website and complete an online application and RSVP to read at a specific school. Training and reading strategies are provided by teachers. -> Read this.

12. Food on Foot

Help Food on Foot distribute meals and clothes to homeless families and individuals on Sundays. You can help by registering online, making a $20 donation (used to purchase food to distribute) and show up on Sundays from 3:15 – 5 p.m. at the Food on Foot Hollywood location. Learn more here.

13. Swan Center Outreach

Swan Center Outreach is always welcoming volunteers ages 9+ to help with its farm and horses. To volunteer, all you need is a kind heart and a gentle hand. If you want to work with the horses, you must sign up in Swan Center’s training class. Volunteer here.

14. The Music Center

Surround yourself around great culture and art. Volunteering for The Music Center allows you to work in various positions, whether it’s assisting at Center events or helping out with technology and social media. “Symphonians” volunteer in conducting public and private tours of the center. (email symphonians@musiccenter.org to learn more about volunteering opportunities). -> Sign up here.

July 5, 2017

Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles During July

Have anything planned for the month of July?

Below are just a few events going on in July that we think you should keep on your radar.

Enjoy and make sure to get your tickets in advance!

1. Old Pasadena Summer Cinema -> Details

2. KCRW’s Summer Nights -> More information

3. The 2017 Salsa Festival at Pershing Square -> More information

4. Hollywood & Highland Presents Summer Jazz Nights -> Additional Information

5. Los Angeles Times Ideas Exchange with Bill Nye at Theatre at Ace Hotel -> Details

6. DT Stage Concert Series at Pershing Square -> Event Info

7. Show-Your-Spirit-Animal Quiet Clubbing Party at FIGat7th -> More Information

8. The Los Angeles Soul Music Festival at Exposition Park -> More information

9. Port of Los Angeles Lobster Fest in San Pedro -> Event Details

10. Summer Nights in the Garden at Natural History Museum -> Details

11. Explore Vintage Trains at Union Station’s Summer Train Fest -> Info

12. The 37th Annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake -> More information

13. 9th Annual Taste of Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax -> More information

14. FYF Fest 2017 Returns -> More information

15. 2nd Annual Delicious Little Tokyo -> Details

16. Sondheim on Sondheim at the Hollywood Bowl -> Information

17. Long Beach Crawfish Festival at Rainbow Lagoon Park -> Details – Discount tickets

18. Politicon 2017 -> More information

19. Midsummer Scream Halloween Festival at Long Beach Convention Center -> Details – Discount tickets

July 1, 2017

Economic update for the week ending June 30, 2017

For the week ending June 31, 2017 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 21,349.63, down slightly from 21,394.76 last week. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,423.41, down from its close last week of 2,438.30. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,140.42, down from last week’s close of 6,265.25.

Bond yields up in last week of month – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.31%, up from 2.15% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.84%, up from 2.71% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates almost unchanged this week – The June 29, 2017, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.88%, almost unchanged from 3.90% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.18%, almost unchanged from 3.17% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.18%, also unchanged from 3.14% last week. Unfortunately, rates rose late in the week so next week’s rates will be higher.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Syd

June 29, 2017

Weekend Events: June 30 – July 2, 2017

Not sure what to do for this 4th of July weekend? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

June 30 – July 2 includes an annual car show, the Anime Expo, a SoCal Corgi Beach Day, and plenty more!

Take a look at the list below and go out and do something fun this weekend!

Friday June 30th, 2017

Free Shakespeare at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park.
Dance DTLA at Grand Park.
Shakespeare By The Sea at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.
Outdoor Movies at the Skirball.
The Last Book Review at The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles.
Modo Yoga hosting Karma Classes every Friday at their Echo Park and La Brea locations.
Free concert series at The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.
8. Tom Gun LIVE: A Maverick’s Homage.
9th Annual Cars & Stripes Forever, a free pre-Independence Day celebration.
Constitution Happy Hour at AMMO at The Hammer.
The Barnsdall Art Park’s annual Wine Tasting Nights.
The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show.
Greenbar Distillery cocktail classes in Downtown LA.
Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris at The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.
626 Night Market.
Metro Art Presents a showcase at the historic Union Station.
Cinema Under The Stars.

Saturday July 1st, 2017

SoCal Corgi Beach Day at Long Beach’s Alamitos Beach.
19. Eat|See|Hear screening Top Gun at The Autry Museum.
Old Pasadena Summer Cinema.
KCRW’s Summer Nights.
Red, White and BBQ.
Beer Fest for Beer Geeks’ The Rarest Experience.
Street Food Cinema featuring The Sandlot at Brand Library Park Glendale. and Napoleon Dynamite at Will Rogers State Historic Park Pacific Palisades on Saturday.
Shakespeare By The Sea at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.
Hauser & Wirth hosting two opening shows on Saturday. One by American artist Paul McCarthy’s and the other by Takesada Matsutani.
28th Annual Mariachi USA Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
Pirate Invasion of Long Beach.
The Anime Expo.
ShipKicker.
Free concert series at The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.
Summer of Music at Redondo Pier.
International Printing Museum’s annual Independence Day Celebration.
The Lincoln’s Dog Day Afternoon party at the Venice watering hole.

Sunday July 2nd, 2017

Street Food Cinema at LA State Historic Park Los Angeles.
Culver City Centennial Westside Food & Wine Festival.
Angel City Brewery’s Merica Fest.
Clifton’s full scale U.S.O. star studded bash.
Free concert series at The Levitt Pavilion in McArthur Park.
Boot Camp Boxing and Yoga at Iron Triangle Brewery in DTLA.
3rd Annual Venice Block Party.
The Great Rock and Roll Flea Market.

June 29, 2017

Rodeo Realty's Northridge agent Betty Galvan hosting annual blood drive

Rodeo Realty’s Northridge office has once again partnered up with the City of Hope Blood Donor Center to host another blood drive.

The drive is put together by real estate agent Betty Galvan, who lost a brother to Leukemia four years ago. In honor of her brother, Felipe Ramirez, Galvan has made the drive an annual event.

This year, the drive is scheduled for Sunday, July 30. Drive hours are from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event is open to the public and will be held in the parking lot of Rodeo Realtly’s Northridge office located at 9338 Reseda Blvd.

Walk-ins are welcomed until 30 minutes before closing. You can also schedule an appointment through the City of Hope website, www.idonateblood4hope.org. Use sponsor code: RNN when searching for the blood drive online.