Category: feature

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10 Tips to Limit Screen Time

You’re probably reading this on your phone right now [aside from the few opting for a desktop version]. Smartphones have replaced most house phones and practically serve as the majority source of information. While screen time is necessary and pretty unavoidable in our modern world, one question remains. How do you limit your time spent on the phone without becoming a digital hermit? Luckily for you, we’re somewhat of a whiz when it comes to this stuff. Thats why we’ve rounded up 10 tips for you to cut your screen time in half, so you can get back to the outside world…our weekend events is a good place to start!

 1. Turn on Screen Time on your iPhone (and actually check it)

When Apple launched its iOS 12 operating system, it introduced Screen Time – a function which tracks exactly how much time you spend engaging with your phone. Accessible via ‘Settings’, you have to turn Screen Time on for it to start recording your data. When you do, it’ll record how long you spend each day on your phone, breaking it down into different categories including ‘social networking’, ‘productivity’, ‘entertainment’ and more.

2. Download the Digital Wellbeing app on Android

On Google’s Pixel phones, you can utilize the Digital Wellbeing app in Settings, which is similar in function to Apple’s Screen Time. The dashboard helps users understand how they’re using their phones, with a graphic of how frequently different apps are used, how many times the phone is unlocked, and how many notifications it receives. There’s also an App Timers function, which lets you limit the time spent on them, and a Wind Down feature which puts your device into Do Not Disturb mode and fades the screen to grayscale to help you disconnect at night.

3. Download Flipd

If you can’t be trusted to enforce your own limits on screen time, download an app that’ll do it for you. Flipd lets you lock your phone for a set period of time – with no option to go back once you’ve done the deed – not even if you restart your phone. Bravery required, but you’ll thank yourself for it. (Plus, it’s free if you want to use it at a basic level.)

4. Switch off iPhone’s ‘Raise To Wake’ feature

iPhone owners will be aware that whenever they pick up their phone, the lock screen will appear, displaying any notifications waiting for you. You’ll probably also be aware how distracting this can be; you only picked up your phone to check the time, and now you’re down a Whatsapp hole, replying to the 45 messages your friends (who clearly don’t have jobs to go to) have been busy sending you over the past half hour. But there’s a way to reduce that distraction, and the accumulating screen time that goes with it: switch off the ‘Raise To Wake’ setting that enables your iPhone to turn on every time you pick it up. Here’s how to do it: Settings > Display > Brightness > switch Raise to Wake toggle off.

5. Install Teeny Breaks in your browser

Remember limiting screen time isn’t just cutting down on your smartphone use – it can also be about stepping away from your computer more often. Teeny Breaks is an app built by an ex-Googler, which you install on your computer to remind you to get away from your computer screen, even if only for a short time. The app reminds you to take breaks at work by offering tips backed by research – like ‘take a walk’ or ‘take a musical break’ – about how to distance yourself.

6. Disable autoplay on streaming services

Binging TV shows takes up a lot of our time these days, but there’s a simple way you could reduce your temptation to devour episode after episode each night. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are automatically set to have autoplay on, meaning when you reach the end of one episode, it’ll give you a short countdown before playing the next one. By disabling this, you’ll have to make the conscious decision to click ‘play’ and watch the next episode, increasing the likelihood you might decide you actually have more productive (non-screen-related things) you could be doing instead.

How to disable autoplay on Netflix:

Sign in and click on ‘Your Account’

In the ‘My Profile’ section, click on ‘Playback settings’

Untick the box that says ‘Play next episode automatically’ in ‘Preferences’

How to disable autoplay on Amazon Prime:

Sign in and go to ‘Settings’

Find ‘Player Preferences’ and look for the ‘Autoplay’ toggle

Switch it to off

7. Set Whatsapp to Vacation Mode

We all know you can mute Whatsapp groups to stop being notified of all the incessant chat going on in your groups, but Whatsapp is reportedly introducing a setting that helps people go one step further when they want to switch off (without actually switching the phone off – we wouldn’t go that far). Currently, it’s still in development, but when Vacation Mode (will they call it Holiday Mode for us in the UK?) launches, it’ll mean you get no notifications about messages even when you open the app – they get immediately archived. Only when you switch Vacation Mode back off will your missed messages come flooding through.

8. Download Freedom

If you’re not quite prepared to go the whole hog of locking your phone entirely, there’s another app that might work better for you. Freedom works across multiple devices (so you can use it on your phone, tablet and computer) to block certain sites or apps for a set amount of time, ensuring you aren’t distracted by them. Freedom’s function to enforce blocks across more than one device means you can’t cheat the system by logging on to TopShop’s website on your phone when you’ve already blocked it on your laptop.

The app’s free trial lasts for 7 blocking sessions (length determined by you), but after that you’ll have to cough up for your self-imposed tech restraining order.

9. Get free counseling for high levels of screen time

After discovering that more than a quarter of people use their phones for four or more hours a day, online local services marketplace Bark.com decided to offer a free counseling session to people on the more… intense end of a smartphone addiction.

iPhone users who spend more than 6 hours a day on their phones – and pick it up 300 or more times a day – can apply to be given a free counseling session by someone in their local area here. If that doesn’t curb your usage, we don’t know what will…

10. Download Siempo

We’re simple creatures, really, and that means part of the reason we get so captured by our phone home screens is because of how ~colorful~ they are. Siempo, an app currently only available on Android phones, changes that.

Siempo transforms your smartphone home screen into a more intentional and less distracting digital experience by literally simplifying it with a black and white display minus all the distracting app icons that represent your apps. As well as that, it enables you to select ‘batch notifications’, so you’ll get them all in one go at specified intervals. It can randomize the location of your distracting apps, making it hard to find and open them, and it also offers the opportunity to include an ‘intention’ – a personalized you’ll see every time you unlock your phone – that would be helpful to read dozens of times each day. Nothing short of genius.

Content Sourced from: Consumer Reports and Cosmopolitan
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Weekend Events: May 31-June 2

The weekend is upon us, in what was already a short week for the majority of us. With the summer season drawing ever so near, the options for fun in L.A. are ramping up at full speed. And since most of our favorite binge worthy shows are also reaching their summer hiatus, you’ll need something more to do than Netflix and take-out. So ditch the usual routine and read on for our round-up of the city’s best activities happening this Friday through Sunday!!

Friday May 31
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall park

Location: Barnsdall Art Park, Los Angeles

Join the Barnsdall Art Park as they kick off Friday Night Wine Tastings on the Hill this Friday May 31-September 6. The signature fundraising event, is considered one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions. Sip wine and picnic as you watch the sunset with 360-degree views.

Click here for more info.

Hola Mexico Film Festival

Location: The Montalban Theatre

The Hola Mexico Film festival will take place this Friday May 31 through June 8. The week long film festival starts off with an Opening Night Gala screening the LA premiere of LAS NINAS BIEN/THE GOOD GIRLS. The Gala will also include an opening night party with VIP ticket options available.

Click here for more info.

Late Night! Pride in Fashion

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Kick off Pride Month at this late-night celebration of fashion. The Skirball Cultural Center will play host to two new exhibits, Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich and Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite. Come during their after hours of 6:00-10:00pm and enjoy access to the galleries, a DJ set, food trucks, cash bar and much more. Just don’t forget to EXPRESS yourself in daringly appropriate attire!

Click here for more info.

Saturday June 1
Soundpedro

Location: Angels Gate Cultural Center, San Pedro

For the second year in a row Soundpedro returns to Angels Gate Cultural Center. This signature event featuring single and multi-media sound artists takes place atop Native American Land overlooking the Port of L.A. A sanctuary for the arts, the purpose of Soundpedro is the aural equivalent of cinema, painting, theater, sculpture and literature.

Click here for more info.

LAWineFest 2019

Location: Pike Outlets, Long Beach

An event that needs very little explanation is the LA Wine Fest. The 14th annual festival brings wines and brews from around the world  as a ‘Celebration of All Things Wine’.  Besides adult beverages the event also features boutiques to browse, gourmet nibbles live music and artisan merchandise for sale.

Click here for more info.

Gilmore Heritage Auto Show

Location: The Original Farmers Market

Don’t miss the annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show as it returns for its 25th anniversary. The cherished event is held annually on the first Saturday of June featuring more than 100 classic cars on display. Free to the public, the event is known for its up-close-and-personal access granted to spectators.

Click here for more info.

Sunday June 2
Charles Phoenix: Catalinaland

Location: Avalon Casino Theatre, Avalon

Presented by the Catalina Island Museum, Charles Phoenix will be taking guest on a time traveling storytelling show adventure. The show will take the stage at the iconic Casino’s spectacular 1929 Art Deco Movie Palace. There will also be an after show party as a true celebration of the island and its hidden gems.

Click here for more info.

17th Annual LA OC Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma

Location: La Mirada Community Regional Park

Be part of the tradition in bringing awareness and raising funds for the Scleroderma Foundations annual walk-a-thon. The event will also feature a health fair, mission booths, raffles live music and a kidzone. Bring the entire family and share your story as you help the foundations SoCal chapter take a STEP towards a CURE.

Click here for more info.

9th Annual Pedal on the Pier Spin-a-thon

Location: Santa Monica Pier

We Spin, Kids Win! Come join us for the 9th Annual Pedal on the Pier Spin – a – thon in benefit of the Harold Robinson Foundation. This fitness fundraiser transforms Santa Monica Pier into a high energy outdoor cycling studio to raise money for the foundation’s Camp Ubuntu, which provides LA’s underprivileged children with a unique camp experience. The 5-hour spin-a-thon features teams riding stationary spin bikes, live musical performances, DJs, spin instructors from Revolution Fitness Santa Monica, celebrities, athletes, food and drinks from local restaurants, influential brands and fun festivities in the sun.

Click here for more info.

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10 Best Summer Travel Spots

While summer brings many things, one of the most notable highlights is where you’ll travel to. Although not all of us can be so lucky to vacay in all of these spots, setting aside a week to relax seems almost mandatory. So read through our 10 best travel destinations this summer and treat yourself to some time abroad!

Fiji

Contrary to belief, Fiji is a relatively cheap place to visit unlike its expensive island neighbors. Enjoy tasty seafood, pristine beaches, world-class dining without breaking the bank!

Montreal, Canada

With its strong French influence, Montreal is home of one of the most ambitious public art works ever created! Without the long and expensive flight, this city offers a European fix that is nothing short of spectacular.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona – Park Guell, Spain

This Catalan city offers some of the best architecture and museums in the world. Barcelona is still among the more affordable cities in Europe compared to last year.

Curacao

Unlike some of the other islands, Curacao has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. The dip in hotel prices gives travelers a few extra dollars to spend on water activities.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

This East African island consists of colorful coral reeds, pristine white sand beaches, varied culture and endless spices. Despite an pricey plane ticket, your dollars will definitely go far once you’re there.

Dakar, Senegal

If you’re looking for a modern alternative to travel possibilities in Africa, Senegal is the place to go! Among the top three recommended African countries, this city is easy to navigate; especially if you speak some French.

Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Herceg Novi is famous for mud spas, hot springs and hidden beaches that are only accessible by boat. Travelers are able to learn European history and view architectural styles in addition to traveling the more affordable parts of Europe.

Morocco

Splurge and enjoy fancy meals and hammams without breaking your pockets! Morocco is filled with colors, tastes and smells that will make you feel as if you’re in another world.

Santiago, Chile

This up-and-coming city is starting to get the recognition it deserves. Santiago contains hip restaurants, start-ups, co-working spaces and incredible nightlife experiences for a very affordable cost.

Bastimentos Island, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

This large island is a bustling backpacker’s dream, leaving much to discover. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, travel between cities is cheap and simple to explore new areas.

Content Sourced from: Forbes Travel Guide
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Josh Flagg and Syd Leibovitch Named One of LABJ’s 500 Most Influential

The Los Angeles Business Journals 500 Most Influential list is out! Rodeo Realty Owner and President Syd Leibovitch along with top producing agent Josh Flagg are among those listed.

“The people who comprise this year’s LA500 are featured players in the city’s development. Their vision, energy and resourcefulness are on full display as they bring about changes to Los Angeles that run from the subtle to the seismic.”-Anna Magzanyan Publisher & CEO LABJ

The annual publication profiles those that have contributed to the city of Los Angeles across varying industries. This is the second year Syd Leibovitch has landed on the list and the first year for Josh Flagg.

With the contributions Rodeo Realty has made to the real estate industry, it is no wonder its leader lands among those considered influential to LA.

Read below for the LABJ’s Profile on Syd and Josh or head to labusinessjournal.com to get your copy of the publication today!

President, Rodeo Realty Inc.

THE LATEST: Leibovitch has guided Rodeo Realty, the Beverly Hills-based residential real estate firm, for more than three decades. The agency has 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties and more than 1,000 licensed realtors focusing on the luxury market, while its Paramount Properties Division handles more mid-priced properties.

BACKGROUND: Leibovitch began selling real estate in Los Angeles in his early 20s and opened Paramount Properties in 1986 at the age of 25. Paramount later acquired the Rodeo Realty brand. Today it’s one of the largest single-owner residential real estate companies in California.

WORTH NOTING: Leibovitch was a track and field athlete during his time at UCLA.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 2

Realtor, Rodeo Realty Inc.

THE LATEST: Last year was a banner year for Flagg, who sold 10 properties in the $10 million to $25 million range. He was No. 12 on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s list of residential real estate agents ranked by 2018 L.A. County sales volume, with 56 properties sold for a total of $237 million.

BACKGROUND: The agent with the longest run on Bravo’s real estate reality show “Million Dollar Listing,” Flagg has sold more than $2 billion worth of property, including many homes in tony neighborhoods such as Brentwood and Beverly Hills. Flagg’s clients are a who’s who of the entertainment industry, including Shonda Rhimes, Adam Levine and Steve Aoki. Flagg and his husband Bobby Boyd hosted the Rock for Research fundraiser for Cedars-Sinai in 2017 and are on the organizing committee from this year’s event. He also serves on the board of the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.

WORTH NOTING: Flagg is the grandson of designer Edith Flagg, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States and built a sportswear brand in Los Angeles under her name. Before her death in 2014, she frequently appeared with her grandson on episodes of “Million Dollar Listing.”

YEARS ON THE LA500: 1

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Get Your Home Summer Ready

Yes, summer is the time to vacation and break out the pool floats but it’s also that time to spruce up the house. As the seasons change, making sure your home is ready for the Summer heat come June means putting in a little elbow grease. Read below for what to do to get your abode Summer Ready!

Clean the walkway
Pressure-wash the walkway, then replace damaged pavers or bricks, or just flip them over. If any pavers are sticking up too high, raise them, remove a little dirt, and drop them back in place. On concrete walkways fill in cracks with a masonry crack filler that matches the color of your concrete.

Spruce up the front door
Probe the weather stripping around the door with a screwdriver and caulk any post-winter gaps before tightening hinges that may have come loose due to shifts in temperature.

Prep the windows
Caulk any gaps in the framing and check that the mechanics are working by opening and closing each window a few times. Fill up two buckets: one with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of ammonia, and 1 gallon of hot water; the other with warm water. Wash windows with the vinegar-ammonia solution first, then with water only. Dry with a squeegee.
Quick tip: Wash windows on a cloudy day. The sun may dry the solution too soon, leaving streaks.

Tidy up the flower beds
Clear out weeds and use a spade to redefine bed edges. Till the top inch or two of soil if it’s tightly packed, being careful not to disturb any bulbs below. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Fill in the grass
Remove leaves and twigs and de-thatch dead grass with a metal rake. Ask for help choosing the right seed at a garden center, then apply it to bald patches or anywhere you want a thicker lawn.
Quick tip: Weed-killing fertilizer will work fastest if applied right before it rains.

Fix the sprinkler
Check for any winter damage, including broken heads and cracked pipes, by running your sprinkler one zone at a time. Any bubbling or geyser-like area needs a new head.

Hose down the air-conditioning condenser
Shut down the power on the electric panel, then clear away any leaves or branches lodged in the unit. Wash down all the coils with a garden hose. If you find any chewed wires, call a pro to repair them.

Clear out the gutters
Clean leaves and debris from your gutters. The next time it rains, stand outside and look for breaks or leaks in your gutters and downspouts.

Repair the siding
If your house has wood siding or shingles, inspect for post-winter rot, repair the damaged areas, then touch up any faded stain or chipped paint. A nylon scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner should eliminate dirt and mold on engineered wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding.

Inspect the roof
Grab a pair of binoculars and look at your roof from across the street. Locate curling, cracked, or missing shingles. Also look out for damaged metal flashing around the chimney, pipes, and skylights. Get in touch with a roofer for fixes.

Clean the deck
Use a deck brush or power washer plus a deck-cleaning solution (like Cabot Ready to Use wood cleaner pump spray, $12 a gallon, acehardware.com) to remove mold, dirt, and mildew. If the finish is worn, let the wood dry for a few days, then reseal it.

Wash the cushions
Most outdoor fabrics are safe to throw in a warm wash. Air-dry, then put the cover back on the insert while it’s still slightly damp to keep it smooth. If the fabric isn’t removable, clean it using a soft scrub brush, dish detergent, and warm water.

Scrub down the gas grill
Heat the grill for 10 minutes at a high temperature so it’s easier to scrape off gunk inside the cook box. Disconnect the gas line and let the grill cool before removing and washing the grates, burners, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the grill’s exterior before putting everything back together.
Quick tip: To check the grill’s propane level, feel the outside of the tank. The area with fuel will be cooler than the empty portion.

Content Curated from HGTV
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Out and About: Memorial Day Edition

Looking for something to do this Memorial Day? Look no further. Read our list below for a round-up of free events to kick off summer and Memorial Day weekend! Here are the top 10 events this holiday weekend happening in and around the city of stars! Spend some time Out and About with our Memorial Day Edition!!

Social Sunday’s Day Party Brunch

Location: Table 301-The Promenade N. #1, Long Beach, CA 90802

Come check out this free event hosted by DJ Y-Not at The Table’s patio with tv’s, a bar and fire pit. You won’t want to miss out on their bottomless mimosas, dominoes and board games!

2nd Annual Memorial Day MindFullness Fest

Location: 4329 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008

Come experience the 2nd annual Wellness Fest in Leimert Park for a day of fun, mental wealth awareness, great vibes, food, and entertainment. Collaborating partners include; We Can Foundation, Transmedia 360, Let’s Be Whole, Leimert Park Village Merchants Association, Black Excellence, P.E.A.C.E., Womb Warrior, AHF, NCBW 100, Barbara, CORE CA, & the Kingdom Day Parade.

1 OAK LA Memorial Day Sunday

Location: 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Enjoy this New York nightlife experience at 1 OAK LA this Memorial Day weekend. Come dress up, turn up and dance all night with your friends for free Sunday night.

Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show

Location: 7065 ½ Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

Chocolate Sundae’s is hosting a comedy show this Sunday and every Sunday at the infamous Laugh Factory in Hollywood. RSVP to their complimentary Guest List to ensure free entry to this event!

Memorial Day Weekend Party

Location: 225 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Join DJ Who’s next and MC Bryan D this Memorial Day weekend party hosted by Power106. Take advantage of their free admission all night, this will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Mimosa Mondays LA-Memorial Day Edition

Location: 555 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Celebrate this holiday with The Alumni Group this Monday with drinks, brunch and good vibes. Enjoy an hour and a half of bottomless mimosas for $20 with purchase of your brunch entrée.

Memorial Day Pool Party

Location: The W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024

Kick off the summer poolside at the W Los Angeles-Beverly Hills. Indulge in barbecue and bottomless mimosas while listening to the pulsating sounds from the DJ.

Memorial Day Cookout

Location: 151 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Join PRIMUS for a free camping cookout event this Sunday! Come prepared to eat tasty cooked camp meals, free drinks as well as surprises and promotions will be provided.

Memorial Day Party at Above SIXTY

Location: 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Above Sixty is throwing a pool party this Monday hosted by some of the top DJ’s in around the world! This location has amazing rooftop views, food and drink specials and prizes and free giveaways!

ApreeFit Memorial Day Workout

Location:  6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City, CA 90232

Char Apree is hosting a small, beginner-friendly workout this Memorial Day! This event is free however, RSVP to ensure your spot before it fills up.

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Kevin Tidwell Reps Buyers Who Pick Up Cheers’ Writer Rob Longs Venice Home

Cheers writer, Rob Long, recent sold his Venice abode in a transaction with buyers represented by Rodeo Realty agent, Kevin Tidwell.

 

The writers home was featured in the Los Angeles Times, along with other news outlets. The home, which sold for $3.7 million is a 110-year old Transitional Craftsman dating back to 1909.

As the Los Angeles Times points out, that was also the year former President William Howard Taft began his term.  An interesting fact for an interesting home.

The four bedroom home brims with charm. From the built-in cherry wood bookshelves in the library to the antique chandeliers in the dining room. In the recently updated kitchen is a bluestone island and La Cornue range. The abode also features a maturely landscaped yard that fills out the urban space and patio. Lest we not for get the Pizza Oven out back.

Long, whose TV credits include sitcoms “Cheers” and “Kevin Can Wait” bought the home in 1998, living there for more than two decades before deciding to sell. He has won six Golden Globes and is also the co-creator of such hits like “Sullivan & Son. “Love & Money” and “George & Leo”.

About Kevin Tidwell

Kevin Tidwell’s experience in real estate started at a young age when he built a business that served LA’s top luxury real estate agents. He went on to become a successful serial entrepreneur and an International Tax Lawyer before launching his real estate career with Rodeo Realty.

Kevin’s diverse experience, unique skill set, and wealth of market knowledge make him an elite real estate agent who provides clients with exceptional value and a superior level of service. If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, request a private appointment with Kevin to learn more about how he can help you exceed your real estate goals in less time with less frustration.

To learn more about Kevin and his current listings click here!

About Rodeo Realty

Rodeo Realty is a residential real estate firm that has more than 1,200 licensed agents and brokers and 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Rodeo Realty services various markets in Southern California, including luxury real estate markets. The company’s celebrity and other multi-million dollar listings are regularly featured in the news through several television networks, online sites and publications.

Operated under the direction and vision of a single owner, Rodeo Realty stands today as one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, while still maintaining the friendly approach of the neighborhood REALTOR®. As the largest independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Beverly Hills and operating throughout the Los Angeles area, with the highest sales volume, Rodeo Realty has the resources to provide the best tools in the industry to deliver the very best results.

For more information on Rodeo Realty regarding our agents and listings, click here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Samira Murphy

Public Relations-Rodeo Realty

(310472-2600

mediarelations@rodeore.com

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A Wish Granted: Bobby Karami’s Clients Receive Grant Checks towards New Home

CAR and SRAR continue dedicated efforts towards affordable housing.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (May 17, 2019)- This past April, Bobby Karami of Rodeo Realty Calabasas helped his most recent buyers secure their dream home. How was this accomplished you might ask?

Through the CAR and SRAR Grant Fund. Karami applied for the grant on behalf of his buyers and both in turn received a check for $2,000 towards their HOA dues.

He went on to share with us that additional details of the overall process. Stating “They offered this grant for my buyers who bought after February and worked with a realtor”.

In the Golden State, the primary sources of home funding include downpayment loans and grants, mortgage credit certificates, sleeping seconds and bond-rate financing, In addition, many local, state and national housing assistance agencies offer programs to help first-time and low-income homebuyers obtain affordable housing.

Federal and state governments, local communities, and non-profit organizations offer homeownership assistance in the form of grants or gifts. These gifts don’t have to be repaid as long as borrowers meet the individual program’s requirements.

Southland Regional Association of Realtors®, in partnership with the California Association of Realtors® Housing Affordability Fund, is providing grants to qualified first-time home buyers up to six month of HOA dues, not to exceed $2000. Applicants must meet certain requirements, including income limitations

In addition to these grants on November, 2002, CALIFORNIA REALTORS® unveiled the Housing Affordability Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to addressing California’s growing housing affordability crisis. In the midst of skyrocketing housing costs, REALTORS® were bearing witness to more working families getting pushed away from the American dream of homeownership. The Housing Affordability Fund was established to provide more options for first time homebuyers’ entry into homeownership.

With numerous resources for first time homebuyers, finding your dream home is even more seamless with dedicated agents like Bobby Karami.

About Bobby Karami

My path to the real estate industry was anything but direct.  While the journey here has not been quick nor easy, it has made me the father, husband, and REALTOR® that I am today. I would love nothing more than to lend my knowledge and experience toward helping you with your real estate endeavors, but I don’t expect your business simply because of our relationship—I only ask that you take the time to interview me and see if I might be the best agent for you. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. When you or someone you know is in need of a real estate agent, I hope you give me the opportunity to demonstrate my services and interview for the job.

Learn more about Bobby here.

About CAR

C.A.R. Mission Statement
The purpose of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is to serve its membership in developing and promoting programs and services that will enhance the members’ freedom and ability to conduct their individual businesses successfully with integrity and competency, and through collective action, to promote real property ownership and the preservation of real property rights.

C.A.R. Vision Statement
The REALTOR® organization will be the pre-eminent source of essential business services and the association of choice for real estate professionals committed to excellence.

For more information regarding Homeowners Association Grants and C.A.R’s additional services click here.

About SRAR

VISION 

To be the association of choice for real estate professionals.

MISSION
The Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® is the “Voice For Real Estate” in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. Our mission is to provide products and services to our members so that they may successfully pursue the real estate profession with fairness, competency and high ethical standards, and, through collective action, promote the preservation of real property rights.

Founded in 1920, SRAR represents approximately 10,300 members and is one of the largest local REALTOR® associations in the country. All members of SRAR are members of the California Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics.

For more information on S.R.A.R. click here.

About Rodeo Realty

Rodeo Realty is a residential real estate firm that has more than 1,200 licensed agents and brokers and 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Rodeo Realty services various markets in Southern California, including luxury real estate markets. The company’s celebrity and other multi-million dollar listings are regularly featured in the news through several television networks, online sites and publications.

Operated under the direction and vision of a single owner, Rodeo Realty stands today as one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, while still maintaining the friendly approach of the neighborhood REALTOR®. As the largest independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Beverly Hills and operating throughout the Los Angeles area, with the highest sales volume, Rodeo Realty has the resources to provide the best tools in the industry to deliver the very best results.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Samira Murphy

Public Relations

(310)471-2600

mediarelations@rodeore.com

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LA Eats of the Week

With so many news eateries popping up throughout the year in LA, it can cause a bit of restaurant whiplash. Thats why we decided to narrow down your options with our weekly pick of the best places in town, so you can spend time enjoying and less time reading Yelp reviews. Read on to see whose serving up the best cuisine in this edition of LA Eats of the week!

 

Dudley Market

Location: Venice, CA 90291

Conner Mitchell, who previous opened the first rendition of Dudley Market a few years ago with Jesse Barber, has taken over this space again with a seafood and wine-focused menu that caters to the beachside neighborhood. The menu is reasonably priced, expansive (there’s meat and veggies too), and a fantastic list of wines that span the globe. Think of this as Dudley Market 2.0 in all the best ways.

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Teddy’s Red Tacos Venice

Location: Venice, CA 90291

This popular East LA birria de res eatery has expanded to a prime street location in Venice’s Boardwalk, which is amazing news for taco fans on the Westside. With freshly chopped, slow-cooked beef served in warm tortillas and covered in a red-tinted consomme broth, this Tijuana dish is quickly taking over every corner of Los Angeles — even the sunny enclave of Venice.

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Yours Truly

Location: Venice, CA

71Above chef Vartan Abgaryan ventures over to the Westside to work a completely different kind of restaurant: an a la carte menu with a neighborhood vibe. The menu spans a lot of Californian seasonality with LA’s international flavors, but expect polished, cheeky dishes from one of the city’s most capable culinary minds. Think hot shrimp on toast, a seafood take on the Nashville classic.

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Audrey at the Hammer


Location: Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 443-7037

The Hammer Museum’s new ground floor restaurant is a stylish, lovely place to enjoy a buttoned up meal from restaurateur Soa Davis Forrest and former Maison Premiere (Brooklyn) chef Lisa Giffen, who combine gorgeous seasonal produce with a suave, every day menu of American fare. The razor clams and pork porterhouse are two highlights, and are strong proof that Westwood has long needed a restaurant like this.

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Alta


Location: Los Angeles, CA

Highly-regarded San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson brings his Alta restaurant to West Adams, installing Watts native Keith Corbin as the chef. The fare and vibe is spot-on for what the neighborhood needs, a well composed dining room that doesn’t feel fussy with some “California soul food” to match on the menu. Corbin takes comfortable classics like fried chicken, oxtails and rice, and collard greens and puts a bit of finesse on them.

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Spoon By H


Location: Los Angeles, CA

This beloved neighborhood dessert cafe has now been discovered as one of LA’s most creative Korean restaurants. Yoonjin Hwang plates delicious, and gorgeous, plates of new school Korean comfort dishes. Everyone should order the drinks and desserts too, because they’re just begging to show up on Instagram.

Kass


Location: Los Angeles, CA 90036

Former Ortolan chef Christophe Eme is back cooking elegant wine-friendly French cuisine along La Brea Avenue in a sleek little dining room. Grown-up restaurants like this aren’t as common, so it’s great to come in, sip excellent wine, and take in a few beautifully plated courses of Eme’s fine dining-level food.

Auburn


Location: Los Angeles, CA 90038

Talented chef Eric Bost has put together one of LA’s most refined new restaurants in Auburn, into the totally remade former Hatfield’s space on Melrose. The dining room boasts a Nordic minimalist look with subtle birch-style wood, lightly plastered gray walls, an open ceiling. and ample greenery. The menu is clever and creative, with twelve courses — nine savory and three sweet — with diners picking a choice of any four, six, or nine. Meals start at $75 and go up to $150 depending on the number of courses, plus more for wine pairings, but one could see this elegant but relatively approachable experience is clearly reaching for Michelin status.

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The Arthur J


Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

For midcentury vibes and classic service, The Arthur J fits the bill in Manhattan Beach. Offering a wide menu of comfort food, grilled steaks, and fantastic seafood, the crowded dining room is one of the South Bay’s most popular restaurants. Don’t skip dessert either from talented pastry chef Uyen Nguyen, like the persimmon upside-down cake.

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Somni


Location: Los Angeles, CA

LA’s having a bit of a fine dining moment, and Somni is certainly up there with one of the most ambitious tasting menus. Aitor Zabala brings experience from José Andrés’s restaurants as well as the famed El Bulli to put together a Spanish and globally-inspired journey through some of LA’s top avant-garde cooking. The price is high, but the experience is special enough to make it worth it.

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