Category: feature

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South Park creator repped by Oren Barkan nabs Adi Livyatan’s Brentwood listing

It has been an outstanding month for our agents! In what is a double feat for the company, as many outlets reported Rodeo Realty agents repped the seller and buyer for the $6.2 million purchase by South Park creator, Trey Parker.

Los Angeles Times was one of the first publications to report on the sale of the 4-bedroom and 4.5 bathroom estate.

The luxurious listing held by Adi Livyatan of Rodeo Realty Encino was picked up this month by Trey Parker.

Oren Barkan of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills was the buying agent for Parker on his purchase of the Brentwood Estate.

The stunning pad is a modern masterpiece with 5,322 square feet of interior living space. Parker will have plenty of zen space as the home also boast a vast outdoor area with swimming pool, detached yoga studio and private courtyard.

The abode also comes equipped with a wine cellar, indoor-outdoor family room and designer kitchen.

Every detail was thoughtfully considered in this stunning contemporary style home.

Trey Parker is most notable for his hit satirical animated series South Park, co-created in 1997 with Matt Stone. The show has run for 22 seasons and remains a pop-culture fixture. Parker has also gone on to create other hits like the Tony Awarded Broadway comedy “The Book of Mormon.

Read the full LA Times Feature here

About Adi Livyatan:

A Luxury Home Specialist, Adi is a top producing real estate professional and is the Number One agent in Rodeo Realty’s Sherman Oaks office. Recognized by “Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate”, she is one of the country’s top Realtors and one of the most accomplished and respected agents in Southern California. With sales over $100 million per year, Adi is in the top 1% of all agents nationwide. In 2018, she was recognized for her sales volume and ranked #184 in the nation by REAL Trends The Thousand as advertised in The Wall Street Journal. She has been a consistent award-winning associate for several years, winning the President’s Circle Elite award for a number of years, and is one of a very select group who won the Chairman’s Award, the highest award possible, for her production in 2017, with closed sales of over $100 million. In 2018, Rodeo Realty recognized Adi for her significant sales in 2017, as she had the most transactions recognized as ‘Significant Sales in San Fernando Valley’ by Rodeo Realty. Exceptionally well respected, Adi has represented hundreds of buyers and sellers in various price ranges, and is one of the very top agents specializing in development and new construction in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities. Known for her integrity, honesty, and knowledge, Adi is committed to providing the highest level of service to all of her clients.

About Oren Barakan:

Providing Fantastic Real Estate Service throughout the San Fernando Valley, I am “”Your Family’s Realtor.”” My Philosophy of one-on-one communication allows me the opportunity to find the perfect real estate match for my valued clients. I understand that exactly what a family needs is vital. Once they share their vision with me, the home buying and selling process is extremely successful and smooth. I offer the finest services, technology tools, marketing and concierge programs. My service has proven results!

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Weekend Events: April 19-21

The holidays this weekend are underway, meaning the options of fun things to do in LA are endless. And with another Coachella ramping up, a traffic free weekend also approaches. From the Egg Bowl to Pawsapalooza we have you covered on the best places to spend you free time this Friday-Sunday. Read on and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, April 19

For a Limited Time Only

Location: The Nomad, DTLA

The NoMad Los Angeles recently launched a new food series titled  A Limited Time Only. The foodie-centric event transforms the hotel’s coffee shop into a variety of themed pop-ups every Friday and Saturday evening. The first iteration, Mamma Guidara’s, takes inspiration from NoMad New York’s dinner series of the same name, which itself is inspired by old-school Italian-American red sauce restaurants.

Click here for more info.

Lebowski Fest

Location: The Wiltern

Lebowski Fest returns to Los Angeles with a live concert by the dude himself, Jeff Bridges at The Wiltern. A screening of the The Big Lebowski plus special guests will also be part of the night. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase.

Click here for more info.

Knotts Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival

Location: Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park

The festival will expand to run everyday for a full month from March 29 to April 28, every day. The festival is going to have over 75 boysenberry inspired dishes with a mix of savory dishes that weave in some boysenberry flavors and special desserts and drinks. There will be lots of live entertainment, boysenberry products from local crafters, and various boysenberry foods to take home. All the details about this year’s food and entertainment can be found at the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival website.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 20

PAWSAPALOOZA Festival & Marketplace

Location: West Hollywood, CA

This family-friendly event is FREE ADMISSION and will open from 10:00am to 3:00pm. It will include a myriad of exhibitors featuring dog-friendly products and services, and activities for kids including carnival games, face painting, balloon art and more. A selection of food trucks will serve up a delectable variety of food choices and drinks. Other fun activities include a Canine Easter Costume Contest and Raffle.  But please remember to always pick up after your pets.

Click here for more info.

32nd Annual Chinese Dance Festival

Location: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

The American Chinese Dance Association presents their 32nd Annual Chinese Dance Festival, Saturday evening, April 20th at 7:00pm. For over 30 years, the American Chinese Dance Association has beautifully brought to life the regions of China through their dazzling costumes and captivating music. The minimum age requirement for attending the performance is 5 years old.

Click here for more info.

Egg Bowl

Location: Rose Bowl

Celebrate spring by hopping your way through Pasadena’s 5th Annual Egg Bowl and Festival. Admission to the Egg Bowl and egg hunts is FREE. Come have an EGG-CELLENT time at the spring festival and enjoy fun for the whole family with fun games and activities. The Egg hunts and festival are scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 21

Eggstravagent Easter Celebration

Location: The Queen Mary Long Beach

The Queen Mary Eggstravagant Easter Celebration returns on April 21 for a special afternoon that includes a Royal Easter Sunday Brunch, three egg hunts, a Bunny Bounce House, and much more. This is a family-friendly day with Easter Petting Zoo (with bunnies, ducks, guinea pigs, sheep and a mini pig!) as well as Easter Bunny Face Painting for kids. The champagne brunch takes place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m and tickets are $69 and $79 with sparkling wine for adults and $24 for children.

Click here for more info.

Easter Fest 2019

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Head to DTLA for the  11th Annual EasterFest 2019 at Grand Hope Park.
They will have Easter Egg Hunts (several based on age groups and with 20,000 eggs ready to be found), multiple Bounce Houses, Face-painting, Arts and Crafts, Games, Food and drinks, Popcorn, Music and more. A portion of the proceeds goes to help ministries in Skid Row helping homeless families and children.

Click here for more info.

LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

Location: Staple Center

Head to the Staples center for Round 1 of the Playoffs where the Clippers will take on the Golden State Warriors. This will be the Clippers forth Home Game as they attempt to dethrone the returning champions.

Click here for more info.

 

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LA Eats: Plant Based Treats in LA

As Angeleno’s it’s safe to say we are health fanatics (for the most part). From the Celery Juice cleanse to a new vegan spot popping up every month, options are endless. Instead of sifting through your plant-based options, we’ve narrowed down the top choices throughout LA. Whether you reside in the 90210 or 91604, we’ve got you covered. Celebrate this earth day with 100% plant-based bites courtesy of Mother Earth (*suitable for herbivores and carnivores alike).

 Sun Cafe

Location: 10820 Ventura Blvd., Studio City

Not only is the menu 100-percent plant-based and dairy-free, but nearly everything is made from scratch including the cheeses, chorizo, mayonnaise, and butter. Everyone raves about the nachos.

Orean’s The Health Express

Location: 817 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena

Located on Pasadena’s fast-food restaurant row, Orean’s The Health Express has been around since the late ‘80s. The 100-percent vegan menu boasts a shockingly good Philly cheese “steak” sandwich and chili cheeseburger. Wash it all down with a strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, cappuccino, chai, or peanut butter milkshake.

Au Lac

Location: 710 W. 1st St., Los Angeles

Head here for Vietnamese vegetarian fare by chef Mai Nguyen. Regulars sing high praises for the restaurant’s salt and pepper yam “shrimp” and garlic basil noodles. As a bonus, the restaurant is a short walk from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and perfect for a pre-show meal.

Doomie’s Home Cookin’

Location: 1253 Vine St. #9, Los Angeles

Vegan food doesn’t always have to be healthy. Consider Doomie’s menu of nachos, animal-style fries, bacon cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, and the Big D, the restaurant’s version of a Big Mac. Open since 2010, Doomie’s is a charming place to bring carnivores and herbivores alike.

Crossroads

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

At Crossroads on Melrose, chef Tal Ronnen is elevating vegan fare to an art form. The team has been turning out some of the most inventive and thoughtful meat-free food in Los Angeles since opening in 2013. Crossroads it not only a haven for vegetarian fine-diners, but for anyone curious about how delicious vegan food can be. Get the Artichoke Oysters and thank us later!

Gratitude

Location: 419 N. Canon Drive., Beverly Hills

The newest addition to the Café Gratitude family of restaurants is the upscale offshoot Gratitude Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant boats a breezy indoor/outdoor space and a crowd-pleasing menu. The best seat in the house is at the bar, where beverage director Jason Eisner makes cocktails using ingredients like turmeric and ginger.

Equelecua Cuban Cafe

Location: 1120 W. Florence Ave., Inglewood

Owner Caro Lafaurie and head chef Julito Ortega launched Equelecuá Cuban Cafe with the idea of bringing a plant-based approach to traditional Cuban food. For anyone that’s eaten Cuban food, this might seem impossible, but try the ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, or Cubano sandwich for a pleasant surprise.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro

Location: 4130 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City

This size-able eatery in Culver City has a wide menu of vegan comfort fare, from bowls and wraps to salads and burgers. The chainlet boasts Echo Park and Pasadena outlets for anyone on the Eastside who needs their vegan fix.

Plant Food and Wine

Location: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Los Angeles

Matthew Kenney’s vegan restaurant is a stunner with one hell of a back patio. Good looking diners flock to the Abbot Kinney address regularly whether they’re refraining from meat or not.

Seabirds Kitchen

Location: 975 E. 4th Str., Long Beach

Seabirds Kitchen in Long Beach — or the original Costa Mesa outpost — produces fresh and hearty dishes like purple potato taquitos, grilled mushroom tacos, and a Korean-inspired jackfruit bibimbap bowl. It’s all served in Seabirds’ beachy dining room, which is less than a mile away from the ocean.

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Home Tips of the Week: The Mulch Must-Knows

The best mulch can make all the difference in your yard. With so many types of mulch available, it can be difficult to choose one. From shredded bark to compost, we cover the mulch basics to help you select which one will work best in your landscape.

While mulching may seem like a basic part of gardening, there is so much to learn about the different types of garden mulch and what benefits each type provides. We’ll show you how to compare and contrast the different types of mulch and what situations to use them in.

Mulch Benefits

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch in your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water your garden as often. In the hot sun, soil also tends to dry out faster and harden. Mulch will help with this by protecting the soil from direct sunlight.

Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding mulch to your planting bed will block light from openings in the soil, therefore inhibiting weed germination. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you’ll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day!

Types of Garden Mulch
Shredded Bark

Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It comes from a variety of sources, including cedar trees. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they’re considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information.

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Earth Day in LA

California leads the way in clean initiatives, so of course when it comes to Earth Day, we know a thing or two. With so many ways to give back to the planet this month, there no excuse not to help mother nature. Whether you’re planting a tree or keeping it solar, the round up of earth day events below gets the green thumb of approval.

Discover your Eco-Friendly Angeleno!

Earth Day by One Tree Planted

Location: Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park

When: Sat. April 20, 9:00am-12:00pm

Get your hands dirty and do something good for nature this Earth Day! Join One Tree Planted, Friends of the LA River and North East Trees on this beautiful weekend day to help clean up the Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park! Friends of the LA River will be doing a giveaway of items items including tote bags, t-shirts and stickers for those who come help us restore this wonderful park!

Click here for more info.

The Great East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-Up

Location: Los Angeles

When: Sat. April 21, 9:00am-12:00pm

The GREAT East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-Up Help take care of the planet right here at home.   Breakfast • Free T-Shirts • Refreshments All are welcome to help! Don’t just post about Earth Day.  Presented by the Volunteer Ministers of Southern California. Following the GREAT East Hollywood Earth Day Clean-up will be an exciting and free Easter Festival & Egg Hunt! Stick around for an Easter celebration that the whole family will enjoy!

Click here for more info.

Our Voice, Our County: Earth Day Fair + Expo

Location: Armory Center for the Arts

When: Sat. April 20, 9:00am-12:00pm

Learn about local efforts to be more water wise, reduce waste, support clean energy, travel green & more! Engage with community groups, organizations and eco-friendly businesses. Enjoy art, music, food trucks, and take action! Family & kid-friendly.

Click here for more info.

Kids & Kites-Earth Day Celebration

Location: Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park

When: Sat. April 20, 11:00am-3:00pm

Spend the day flying kites with your family and friends at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. Stop by and enjoy a mobile aquarium, arts, crafts, games, vendors and food trucks. Along with all of those fun activities will also be a sidewalk chalk art contest and tons of other fun giveaways. Don’t let this day of fun fly away!!

Click here for more info.

Earth Day by City Plants

Location: Sun Valley Rec Center

When: Sat. April 27, 8:30am-1:30pm

Come on down to Sun Valley Recreation Center and join Council member Nury Martinez, Cal Fire, the Department of Recreation and Parks, City Plants, and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps for a fun and family-friendly day of climate and community action! Come for the tree planting, stay for the environmental education resource fair and free yard tree give-away.

Click here for more info.

LASAN’s Earth Day

Location: Woodley Park

When: Sat. April 27, 10:00am-3:00pm

Join LASAN for a day of earth-friendly fun as they celebrate their 4th Annual Citywide EARTH DAY LA! LA Sanitation & Environment will again bring their trucks for kids to explore, and they’ll have over 50 educational (and fun!) exhibits for the whole family to learn about sustainability. Food and beverage are free all day in their Food Tent, while supplies last. The Kids Zone has games, activities, and prizes for children as well as an Envirorazzi Photo Op!

Click here for more info.

Monterey Park Earth Day Festival

Location: Barnes Park Amphitheater

When: Sat. April 27, 11:00am-1:00pm

The Earth Day Festival features various environmental exhibits, displays, speakers, and presentations alongside the Eco-Summit festivities which bring fun and entertaining environmentally-educative activities for parents & children and the public. The Earth Day Festival raises awareness on the many fronts of environmental issues related to the San Gabriel Valley and most particularly to the Monterey Park community. The theme for Monterey Park Earth Day Festival 2019 is focused on Energy Efficiency.

Click here for more info.

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Out and About: Botanic Gardens to Visit this Earth Day!

Monday is Earth Day and what better way to celebrate our planet than with a stroll through LA’s nature scene? With a bounty of botanical gardens to visit, spend some time exploring our city’s best gardens. Not just on Earth Day but every day, any day of the year!

Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Location: San Marino

You’ll find cultural glories inside the library’s impressive book collection—the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington—but the Huntington’s true highlights are outdoors in its vast jigsaw of botanical gardens, arguably the most glorious in the entire Los Angeles region. The acres and acres of public gardens are divided into a variety of themes, including a prickly desert garden, a serene Japanese garden and bamboo forest, as well as an ever-expanding assembly of Chinese pagodas, pavilions and bridges.

Descanso Gardens

Location: La Cañada Flintridge
This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (these are best seen between the middle of February and early May, when there are around 34,000 of the plants in bloom) and some five acres of roses. There are also lilac, orchid, fern and California native plant areas, as well as a tea house—flanked by seasonal cherry blossoms—donated by the Japanese-American community.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Location: Arcadia
These gorgeous grounds in Arcadia have been designed as an educational facility (the plants are mostly arranged by region, and tours are available), but many people simply come here for a little peace and quiet. You could wander these gardens for hours, taking in tropical forests and waterfalls, trees and fish. Plus, be on the lookout for wild peacocks.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Location: Griffith Park
The L.A. Zoo’s greatest asset is its location in the isolated hills of Griffith Park. It’s a pretty popular place, but the zoo’s size—80 acres, plus a huge parking lot—means that, like the park itself, it rarely feels busy. There’s not a separate botanical garden here, but you will find over 800 different plant species, from native succulents to prehistoric cycads, labeled and catalogued throughout the zoo’s continentally-themed habitats.

South Coast Botanic Garden

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
This South Bay botanical garden covers 87 acres on the northeast side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You’ll find a mix of Southern California flora, from fuchsia to the tangled roots of Moreton Bay Fig trees, alongside more specialized areas like small Japanese and desert gardens. It may not be as grandiose as some other gardens, but it’s well worth the reasonable price of admission.

James Irvine Japanese Garden

Location: Downtown
This small, tranquil garden is one of Little Tokyo’s best-kept secrets as the urban oasis isn’t accessible from the street. According to the adjoining community center, gardens carry great importance in Japanese culture. Caring for the grounds is a form of art and spending time among the flora encourages harmony with nature. So walk the outer path for a complete view of the garden’s foliage, babbling stream and cascading waterfall.

The Japanese Garden

Location: Van Nuys
This appropriately titled Japanese garden sits just across from the Sepulveda Basin on the border of Van Nuys. The stony bridges and footpaths wind along a central pond, flanked by by rock work, manicured trees and tea houses. Of course, this wouldn’t be the Valley without a bit of an industrial edge—the garden is irrigated by the adjacent Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.
Courtesy of : TimeOut LA
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LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition

No matter which day you celebrate, LA has a bounty of dining options to chose from. From luxurious brunches to decadent dinners, we’ve rounded up the city’s best. With only a week away to book, time is of the essence. Spring is in the air and you cookware can stay in the cupboard next weekend. Read below for our LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition.

Passover Seder in LA 2019

Akasha

In the historic Hull Building in downtown Culver City, Akasha will offer Passover Seder on Saturday, April 20. Author and spiritual leader Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T’Shuvah will preside. A reception (6:15 p.m.) precedes Seder and dinner (7 p.m.), which will include dishes such as Akasha’s matzoh ball soup, red wine-braised brisket, and dessert presented family-style. Cost is $110 for adults (includes wine or juice, coffee or tea) and $55 for children under 10 (includes juice).

AR Cucina

Celebrate Passover at AR Cucina in Culver City. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, the restaurant will complement its regular dinner menu with holiday specials such as matzoh lasagna with spinach and ricotta; grilled lamb chops paired with vegetables and Sardinian olive oil smashed potatoes; and Passover.

Jar

Chef-owner Suzanne Tracht’s California chophouse offers Passover Seder on Friday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. Officiating the Seder service will be Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, with the four-course dinner to follow. Guests will encounter tray-passed items, then choices such as butter lettuce salad with asparagus, radish and egg; and sautéed Alaskan halibut. The meal ends with lemon cheesecake, chocolate covered matzah and ice cream sandwiches. Cost is $120 for the menu, coffee, tea and Passover wines; $55 for children 12 and under.

Kali

Larchmont’s Kali will offer Passover dinner on April 19-20. The family-style meal starts with matzoh ball soup and moves on to ancient grains and shaved radish, shawarma spiced lamb shanks, chocolate macaroon cake and more. Cost is $70; à la carte is available, too.

Spago

Saturday, April 20, will bring Spago Beverly Hills’ annual Seder dinner (5:30 p.m.; $195 per adult, $80 per child under age nine). The evening will go on for about three hours with a plated dinner in communal tables.The event will feature the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir.

Click here to book online or call in to make a reservation.

To view the full menu click here.

Easter Brunch and Dinner in LA 2019

Brunch at The Biltmore

Celebrate Easter Sunday amid the historic glamour of the Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore, which is serving a special Easter Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet highlights include Eggs & Pancakes live station, Breakfast Favorites, Small Plates, Chilled Antipasti, Seafood Selections, Carving Stations, Dessert Display, and Kids Easter Buffet. There’s also an Egg & Cookie Decoration Station with attendant. Pricing is $69 per person and half-price for kids ages 5-11. Free for children 4 and under. Reservations are highly recommended.

Sunday Supper at Lucques

The flagship restaurant opened in 1998 by Suzanne Goin (named Outstanding Chef at the 2016 James Beard Awards) and James Beard nominee Caroline Styne offers a warm and inviting setting for a special Easter Sunday Supper. Featuring an ever-changing menu that showcases the best seasonal ingredients, the legendary Sunday Suppers are the inspiration for Goin’s cookbook of the same name. The weekly Sunday Suppers are served from 5-9:30 p.m. and priced at $52 per guest.

Jean-Georges Beverly Hills 

New York mega-star Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his globally informed French cuisine to his eponymous restaurant at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills hotel. Available starting at noon, the Easter Brunch Menu starts with grilled baby artichoke, Thai spiced broccoli soup, ahi tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. Entrees include ora king salmon, seared black cod, parmesan crusted organic chicken, roasted wagyu beef tenderloin, and Veal Milanese. Brunch also features family style sides and a decadent dessert buffet. Pricing is $155 per guest and $75 for children.

Spago Sunday Brunch

One of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants, Spago Beverly Hills is the flagship restaurant of legendary chef Wolfgang Puck’s culinary empire. On Easter Sunday, Spago is hosting the inaugural Easter Brunch with a three-course, prix fixe menu from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Easter Dinner will likewise be served in a three-course, prix fixe format from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Brunch and Dinner will both welcome the Easter Bunny for a special visit! Pricing for Brunch or Dinner is $145 per person and $65 for children age 12 and under.

Catch

Enjoy a coastal Easter Brunch or Dinner from Catch at the Hotel Casa del Mar, which serves fresh local fare from land and sea along with panoramic ocean views. Catch is featuring a three-course, prix fixe Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m and Dinner 5-10 p.m. Pricing is $110 per person for brunch or dinner. A Kids Brunch Menu is also available 11 a.m. – 4 p.m for $45.

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Out and About: LA’s Best Scenic Drives

 In this traffic consumed metropolis, one redeeming factor about having a car is the plethora of beautiful scenic drives, you can take in almost any direction to escape the frustrations of Los Angeles. There’s much to enjoy from the majestic coastlines to the awe-inspiring mountain ranges. So take some time this Earth day to appreciate the many scenic routes that meander through this wonderful state of ours. Below are some suggested ways you can take.

Palos Verdes Drive

A unique coastal experience, along the Palos Verdes Peninsula with beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches and tide-pools. The route is short but also easier to enjoy because it’s at a slower pace than the other scenic drives. Some suggested picturesque stops are Pointe Vicente Lighthouse, Wayfarer’s Chapel, the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Korean Bell of Friendship at Angel’s Gate Park in San Pedro.

Pacific Coast Highway

The quintessential scenic route along the California coastline, spans the entire West Coast of the US, with nearly 650 miles of coastal views. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches from California’s northern border with Oregon all the way down to San Diego making it the longest road in California but is also considered one of the most scenic drives in the US. With non-stop coastal views, beach towns and piers, and panoramic vantage points from the various mountain ranges there are so many wonderful spots to pullover at and explore it just comes down to whatever tickles your curiosity. Beware California’s coast has led to portions of Highway 1 being closed for long periods of time. To avoid being re-routed further inland, be sure to check the current conditions before departing.

Angeles Crest Scenic Byway

An often-overlooked scenic drive because it is inland is the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway which runs through the San Gabriel mountain range all the way through the Angeles National Forest. Climbing up to almost 8,000 feet, the drive will take you through spectacular views of the Pomona Valley and the Mojave Desert. Be sure to pack a picnic, as there are plenty of areas to stop and enjoy lunch with your view, as well as several trailheads for running, hiking or climbing. The most popular is the San Gabriel Peak, an easy hike with views you’ll never forget. At the top of the summit, you can enjoy a 360 view of the surrounding area and neighborhoods of Pasadena or Glendale.

Link to check road conditions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=sr1
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Weekend Events: April 12-14

While half of LA will be making the trek to Coachella Weekend 1, the rest of us are looking forward to…less traffic. But also our own weekend fun outside of Indio. While we don’t have Ariana to headline our city events, this round-up is Angeleno approved. So read on for the top things to do this April 12-14!

Friday, April 12

Game of Thrones Party

Location: Alcove, 1929 Hillhurst Avenue., Los Angeles

Brace yourselves GOT fans, an epic themed party is coming! Hosted by Alcove and Big Bar is a fete fit for the Dragon Queen. The venue will be transforming into Westeros for the evening. Enjoy a night filled with immersive experiences, entertainment, cocktails and food.

Click here for more info.

For an extra special GOT treat check out Wanderlust Creamery and their Game of Cones Ice Cream line-up. Click here to learn more.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night

Location: Universal Studios

Ready your wands for Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night. Universal Studios will be putting on quite the spectacle this weekend to celebrate the brand-new Dark Arts light show. The celebration will be two days of festivities that include photo-ops, a catered dinner and wizardly entertainment.

Click here for more info.

The Toyota Grand Prix

Location: Long Beach

Speed over to Long Beach for the Toyota Grand Prix this weekend. The annual event will feature live street racing, music, a lifestyle expo, contest, food and more! The event is sponsored by Acura and takes place over 4 days.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 13

Los Angeles Dance Festival

Location: 5151 State University Drive., Los Angeles

Don’t miss out on an exciting showcase of talent! The LA Dance Festival brings attention to the best contemporary dance in the city. In partnership with the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and Cal State University-LA, the event features a wide range of concert dance.

Click here for more info.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Wildflower Week

Location: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Wildflower Week kicks off this Saturday through April 21st. Enjoy a nine-day celebration of California’s wildflowers at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens. Along with a display of california poppies and lupines will be an art exhibit, cocktail party and guided tours.

Click here for more info.

L.A. Times Festival of Books

Location: USC, University Park Campus

Let your inner bookworm roam free at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. The annual event will feature over 500 authors, celebrities, chefs, musicians and artists. Among the literary stars and celebs scheduled to appear are Ali Abbas, Stephanie Abraham, Kwame Alexander and many more.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 14

Gelateria Uli 5th Anniversary Party

Location: Spring Arcade, DTLA

In celebration of their 5th Anniversary, the Gelateria Uli at DTLA Spring Arcade will host a bubbly party from 2-5 p.m. Stop by for drinks, music and tours of the gelato kitchen along with gelato and sorbet of course.

Click here for more info.

Dodgers Vs. Brewers

Location: Dodger Stadium

As Dodger season continues to ramp up towards our hopefully inevitable victory, the boys in blue take on the Milwaukee Brewers this Sunday. Enjoy a good ol’ day at the old ball game and be sure to bring the little ones for the Dodgers ‘Kids Run The Bases’ day. Kids AGE 14 and under will get the chance to run the famed field after the game alongside a silent auction put on by the Dodgers Foundation.

Click here for more info.

Silent Sundays at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Location: San Gabriel Playhouse

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse welcomes back the Silent Sundays series. This Sunday will feature Alfred Hitchcocks 1929 thriller Blackmail alongside a Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. This film is considered one of his earliest masterpieces. Quoted by TCM as a “beautifully crafted early exercise in nail biting suspense from Hitchcock’s pre-Hollywood canon”.

Click here for more info.

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A Tax Day Guide

Filing your taxes can be…taxing. Whether you opt for the DIY way online or a quick trip to HR Block, there’s no shortage of options. Make sure you prepared for Tax day by reading below for your go to resources straight from the IRS. We can’t say we wish everyday was Tax Day but we certainly are counting down until refund season!

Discover your Tax guide below!

Find a Tax Professional

Tax professionals have varying levels of skills, education and expertise. And, not all tax professionals have the right to represent taxpayers before the IRS, such as during an audit. You should know the credentials, qualifications and extent of service each prospective professional provides before obtaining their service.

Free Resources

  • Free Tax Return Preparation: Find out if you are eligible to get free help preparing your tax return from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs listed here.
  • Free Help To Resolve Tax Disputes (not tax return preparation): Find out if you are eligible to get free help resolving tax disputes with the IRS from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Paid Preparers and e-File Providers

Prepare Your Own Return

Electronic filing is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. You can use Free File or commercial tax prep software and file your taxes electronically. You can pay electronically, too.

Free Resources

  • Free File: Find out if you are eligible for free file software or if you can file your return using free fillable forms.
  • Pay Electronically:  Find options to pay your taxes electronically.

Commercial Software

  • E-file Option: This page explains your options for e-filing, including commercial software.
Courtesy of IRS.Gov
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