Games: Family Edition

Game night has evolved a lot since the days of checkers and Clue. Board games now range from intricate puzzles requiring the utmost strategic thinking to intense mythologies that draw in players for hours (and hours) to raucous adults-only laugh riots. So to say, in this era of social distancing, games are one way to pass the time is a disservice to their makers and the people who play, regardless of current events. Sit yourself and the kids down and break out any of the following 10 family-friendly games. You might end up having a great time, even stuck indoors.

Jax Sequence

As with life, all this takes to win is some luck and a little strategy. Participants play a card while at the same time placing a chip on the equivalent space on the board. The aim is to assemble five in a row: a winning sequence. Suggested for ages seven and up, the game is ideal for almost any setting since it can be played by as few as two people or as many as 12.

Heist

If you think spending a few days on a road trip with your family is a pressure cooker, what about trying to pull off a heist together? That’s the premise behind this game, which sets your team out to crack a safe. Expect as many twists, turns and close calls as an Ocean Eleven’s sequel as your team works to crack a safe. For ages seven and up.

Hasbro Gaming Monopoly

If you have several hours to wheel and deal, backstab and bankrupt, then the classic board game, which dates back to the Great Depression, offers all the pleasure and pain of Wall Street without leaving your living room. It’s recommended for ages eight and up, but honestly, you’re never too young to learn the value of money – or how to connive and claw to get some.

Not Parent Approved: A Card Game for Families

If you’re in the mood for laughter without having to think about things, you’ll approve. A family-friendly variation on the adults-only Cards Against Humanity, this game challenges mischief makers to match a fill-in-the-blank question with a card from their hand. Silliness ensues.

Throw Throw Burrito Board Game

You don’t go into a game called “Throw Throw Burrito Board Game” expecting a master class in chess. The goal is simple enough: “collect cards and throw things at your friends.” Those things, as you might expect, are the ever-smiling burritos. And you lose points every time one strikes you. Recommended for ages seven and up.

Game Mashups – Candy Land Connect 4

This mashup game takes the architecture of Connect 4 and adds some sweets straight out of Candy Land. Players try to line up plastic candies on the bottom row or vertically from the bottom. Recommended for children ages six and up.

Flying Sushi Kitchen Game

For parents who find retrieving pieces of sushi with chopsticks a challenge, here’s a game to ensure their children develop vastly superior motor skills. The goal: snare levitating pieces of sushi out of the air and be the first player to assemble his or her platter. This one is recommended for children ages eight to 14.

Twister Scrabble Game

Another mashup of two classic games. In this one, for ages eight and up, the twister mat is actually a giant Scrabble board, with players forced to contort, twist and bend themselves into knots in order to spell out words.

Party Bowl Party Game

From What Do You Meme’s line of family-friendly games, this one is perfect for outgoing players who enjoy Charades-like guessing antics. Words and phrases are tossed into a bowl, then guessed upon by others. Since it allows players to decide how racy they want the game if at all, it’s suggested for ages 12 and up.

Family Feud Trivia Box Card Game

No explanation required. This trivia-box version of the enduring game show brings the feud home. Just remember, after the game’s over, you’re still going to be stuck with these people for a while longer. For ages eight and up, so the whole family can get in on what the survey says.

March 17, 2020

Home Tips: Sick-Proofing Your Home

You may not have heard lately, but it’s still cold and flu season. This means as concerned as you are about the coronavirus, there are other germs galore equally intent on making you ill. The good news: most of them, including COVID-19, can be effectively dealt with by simple cleanliness, especially around the home. And while that has predictably created mass shortages of sanitizing products, it also requires more than a simple wipe-down. Here are a few ways to help keep your house a healthier place as you hunker down for the long haul.

WIPE SMART

Possessing the precious sanitizing wipe isn’t enough – you also need to wield it correctly. First, after cleaning, surfaces should stay wet for a few minutes, then be allowed to air dry. Second, the wipe should be discarded (no matter how diminished your supply is) as studies have shown reusing it will only spread germs rather than eliminate them. If you don’t have sanitizing wipes, try mixing five tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water as a make-ready disinfectant. Using a vinegar solution isn’t potent enough, especially against COVID-19.

Wipe your fEET

There’s little point to assiduously scrubbing your house down if you’re tracking in dirt and who-knows-what into the place every time you enter. Slap down a fresh doormat at every entryway and remove your shoes whenever you come inside. Better still, wash the soles frequently because, again, who knows what you stepped in out there.

WASH TOWELS AND LINENS

Linens and towels, which viruses and bacteria cling to, should be washed frequently in hot water. If someone in your home has been sick, a few extra steps are recommended, such as introducing bleach to your laundry – always follow the instructions on the label – and then sterilizing the washing machine itself. This can be done by adding bleach to an empty cycle of hot water, then running it a second time just to make sure the bleach has been drained away.

SANITIZE YOUR CLEANING TOOLS

After you’ve scrubbed and disinfected from one corner to the other, you aren’t finished cleaning until you’ve sanitized the mops, rags and any other items you may have used. Otherwise, you run the risk of having only captured the germs in your home – which you will then distribute around the next time you “clean.” Wash them with hot water and soap as well as a touch of bleach. And if possible, ditch your mops and brooms altogether for disposable cloth refills.

HUMIDIFY YOUR HOME

From cutting down on static electricity to keeping wood from splitting, there are many reasons to keep humidifiers around, especially during winter. But most importantly, a humidifier, like the Vicks mist humidifier pictured here on Amazon, can help eliminate flu viruses. And if you are suffering symptoms, a higher humidity level can soothe sore throats and sinus congestion.

March 16, 2020

Economic Update for the Week Ending March 13, 2020

Stock Markets Entered Bear Market Territory

Its difficult to imagine that all major stock market indexes closed at all time highs on February 19, 2020. In less than a month the longest bull market in history has ended because of a virus that has caused a global pandemic. Investors have concluded that the cruise industry will be decimated. It’s probable that the airline industry will need a bail out. Retail, sports, entertainment, restaurants, private schools, and other business sectors will also suffer devastating losses. Demand for oil with cruise ships halted, flights cancelled, people staying home and not driving has caused a surplus in the supply of oil. OPEC had called for cutting production to keep an already over supply of inventory from increasing and stabilizing prices, but Russia refused, and oil prices saw their largest one day decline since 1991. By weeks end the Fed had announced how they would add liquidity to support the financial system, and help business lending. The House also passed an emergency package. The Fed action, and the prospect of congressional stimulus sparked a 2,000 point rally on Friday to end the week with less devastation to stocks by making up much of Thursday’s losses which was the largest one day percentage drop in the DOW, eclipsing Black Monday’s drop in 1987. To be fair, on the positive side major stock market indexes are still above their levels at the beginning of 2019. We have lost about one year of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 23,185.62, down 10.4% from 25,864.78 last week. It’s down 18.8% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,711.02, down 8.8% from 2,972.37 last week. It’s down 16.1% year to date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,874.88, down 8.2% from 8,575.62 last week. It’s down 12.2% year to date.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields

As stock markets continued to plummet investors moved money from stocks to the safety of bonds. The 10-year treasury bond yield closed the week slightly above last week, but still at their lowest level in 100 years, Monday’s yields dropped to the lowest in the history in America, but worked their way up in the end of the week. The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.94%, up from 0.74% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.56%, up from 1.25%, last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates often follow bond yields.

Mortgage Rates at 40-Year Lows

The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on March 12, 2020 reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.36% up from 3.29% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.77% unchanged from 2.79% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.01%, down from 3.18% last week. Usually, mortgage rates follow bond yields, but lenders have not lowered rates to the extent that bond yields have dropped. This week lenders actually raised rates because they did not have the staff to handle the volume of all the loans in process, as sales have been brisk, and refinancing has surged.

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020

Rodeo in the News: LABJ Ranks 5 Of Our Own Among Top Realtors in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles Business Journal released its annual list that ranks top agents in the Los Angeles Residential Real Estate Market. Five of Rodeo Realty’s own are featured on the list!

“For the agents who drive L.A.’s residential real estate market, the past year was defined by escalating growth, the rising presence of international buyers and record-breaking prices for luxe estates. The features that follow provide an in-depth look at the market’s key players and top sales as well as detailed data on the city’s leading brokers.” – Los Angeles Business Journal

Check out who is featured, below!

Congratulations to all, well deserved! See the rest of the list, HERE!

March 12, 2020March 13, 2020

Valley Events: March 13 – March 15

Conejo Valley

Travel back in time to the reign of the original rock stars, catch up with an original Jersey Boy or spend time dueling the Red Baron. Whether you’re in the mood for comedy or music, there is plenty of entertainment to check out this weekend in the Conejo Valley.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Fred Kavli Theater, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Frankie Valli was the original Jersey Boy. Decades before the smash Broadway musical, Valli was the lead singer of the Four Seasons in 1962. Their journey formed the basis of the show, which now ranks as the 12th longest-running production in Broadway history. The Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. For tickets, go HERE.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

Rockin the Legends

Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Academy Awards musical director Michael Anthony Perna takes audiences through the rock of ages, chronicling modern rock from the early classical composers through the blues – then into the modern era from Ray Charles to Led Zeppelin. With a live band, the show tours the lives and legends of performers including The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, John Lennon and Elton John. For more information, go HERE.

Jim Jefferies

Fred Kavli Theater, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Jim Jefferies first got noticed by American audiences with his debut HBO special I Swear to God. Since then he’s established himself as one of the most popular comics working today – from his FX sitcom Legit to his late-night talk show The Jim Jefferies Show on Comedy Central. This latest tour was announced shortly after his fifth stand-up comedy special Freedumb debuted last summer on Netflix. For details about the show, go HERE.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020

Karla Bonoff

Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff’s career spans four decades, during which time she’s written hits for Bonnie Raitt (Home), Wynonna Judd (Tell Me Why) and Linda Ronstadt, who recorded a number of Bonoff’s songs including Someone To Lay Down Beside Me and Lose Again for the 1976 album Hasten Down the Wind as well as the 1989 duet All My Life. For tickets, go HERE.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

The Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi adapts Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, adapted from Charles Schulz’s legendary comic strip. All your favorites are here – from Lucy and Linus to Snoopy and Charlie Brown, who, in fine form, spends the show veering from defeat to indomitable hope. For more details, go HERE.

San Fernando Valley

From a rising singer-songwriter to a pair of Hollywood comedy veterans – they’re all part of what’s going on this weekend in the San Fernando Valley.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Best in Show 20th Anniversary

Studio Movie Grill, 128 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, CA 91206

The Shore to Shore Film Festival kicks off with a screening of Christopher Guest comedy Best in Show on its 20th anniversary. After the movie, stay for the Q and A with actors Jim Piddock and John Michael Higgins. If you arrive early, you can drop by the happy hour mixer at the bar. A portion of ticket sales will go to Dog Cafe LA, who will be on hand from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. with some of the dogs up for adoption at the rescue organization. For details, go HERE.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Kendra and the Bunnies

Room 41, 4105 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

“Kendra & the Bunnies” is actually singer, songwriter, poet, and author Kendra Muecke, whose first album, Of Vinyl, debuted last July. Her sound fuses singing, spoken word, guitar, percussion, medicine drum, and electronic samples. For more information, go HERE.

Dana Gould

Flappers Comedy Club Burbank – Main Room, 102 East Magnolia Burbank, CA 91502

A prolific comic, actor and writer, Dana Gould’s credits include The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Maron, Seinfeld and Parks, and Recreation. He even played a live-action version of himself on Family Guy. Behind the scenes, he has written for The Simpsons and The Ben Stiller Show, as well as created the series Stan Against Evil. You may also have come across his monthly podcast, The Dana Gould Hour. For tickets, go HERE.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Jeremy Piven

Flappers Comedy Club Burbank, 102 East Magnolia Burbank, CA 91502

Long before he nabbed what would become his signature, Emmy-winning role as uber-agent Ari Gold on HBO’s Entourage, Jeremy Piven had carved out a career for himself as a character actor known for such films as Grosse Pointe Blank and Family Man. Post-Ari, he followed Entourage with the critically acclaimed series Mr. Selfridge and then the CBS drama Wisdom of the Crowd. For information about his show, go HERE.

Atomic Roots Orchestra

1901 W Burbank Boulevard, Burbank, CA

Hosted at the Burbank Moose Lodge, go swing dancing with the Atomic Roots Orchestra. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there is a free dance lesson at 7 p.m. For details, go HERE.

Santa Clarita

Nancy Drew is without a clue and a pair of very different acts promise to transport audiences back to the 1980s. All this and more can be found going on this weekend in Santa Clarita.

Friday, March 13, 2020

The Dickies and D.I.

The Canyon – Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Boulevard No. 1351, Santa Clarita, CA

From 1979’s Banana Splits to (I’m Stuck in a Pagoda with) Tricia Toyota, California punk pioneers The Dickies always infused their Los Angeles lifestyle into their lyrics. Toyota, for example, was about a local TV news personality. D.I. formed in 1983 in Fullerton in the wake of The Adolescents and Social Distortion. For information on this double-bill, go HERE.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

FNR

The Canyon – Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 1351, Santa Clarita, CA. 9135

If you want to know what love is or simply feel cold as ice or you’re into playing head games, FNR is the tribute band for you. Promising more than a simple rock show, they intend on transporting audiences to a time when Foreigner was at the peak of its popularity in the 1980s. For details and how to get tickets, go HERE.

NANCY WHO? The Girl Detective Without a Clue!

The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA

For all the attempts by film and TV adaptations to modernize her, Nancy Drew is still best enjoyed as a period piece, befitting her origins. And sure enough, that is exactly what Crowsnest Productions has done with Nancy Who? The Girl Detective Without A Clue! by Mary Main. Set in the 1930s, it follows Nancy as she tries to – what else? – solve a crime. For information, go HERE.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

40 Oz to Freedom

The Canyon – Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 1351, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Taking its name from the debut album by rock supergroup Sublime (responsible for, among other singles, the Billboard hit What I Got), 40oz to Freedom has emerged as a tribute band with a worldwide fanbase. To see their mix of ska, reggae and punk, go HERE.

A Historic Evening with Anne Frank’s Stepsister: Mrs. Eva Schloss

College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

When she was eight years old, Eva Schloss became friends with Anne Frank. In July of 1942, both of their families went into hiding before being captured and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Eva survived. This is the story of Anne Frank as told by Eva, who will be making her only appearance in L.A. County here. For more information, go HERE.

March 10, 2020

Home Tips: Dealing with an Empty Nest

Whether you’re thrilled to send them off to college and financial self-stability or crestfallen your babies are gone, you’re still left with an empty nest. So what better time to reassess not only your goals – like heading out on that long-belated road trip – but also your surroundings? Here are a few tips to help you adjust after your family has downsized, leaving you – and your home – teenager-free.

DECLUTTER

It’s not just the memories that have been building over time. So have the clothes, the toys, the photographs and every other memento connected to those cherished moments in time. Besides, as people grow older, they tend to cling to items more stubbornly. One place to start: the belongings you acquired that don’t have sentimental value. The toasters you picked up along the way, for example, or that cheap lamp you never liked. If all of this sounds like too much to bear, you can always hire a professional to comb through your closets and shelves.

REDECORATE

After two decades of your living room furniture being spilled on, jumped on, slept on and sprawled on, it might be time for something new. The same could be said of almost everything else in your home, including the walls. Maybe you didn’t want to paint with fingerprint-staining kids around. Or you couldn’t cope with covering over every precious mark they made as they matured. Now, however, it is the perfect opportunity to head to the paint store. Plus, you can make whatever changes you want without a teenager telling you your taste sucks.

DON’T STORE EVERYTHING

For an empty nester, it seems like the best of both worlds: hang onto everything, even if you’re not living with it. But while renting a storage unit can be useful for things you will need again – like holiday decorations or ski equipment – it’s probably not for the decades-old baby chair you fed your now-grown children in. In other words, control your storage habit.

RENT OUT A ROOM

Nothing fills the cold void left by your absent children than a little extra cash. But if you do decide to rent out a room in your home, it doesn’t mean it needs to be a permanent arrangement. Many empty nesters rely on such sharing services as Airbnb to generate some side income (in addition to paying fewer expenses taking care of their kids). Use the money to pay for the trips you always talked about going on – or toward purchasing another house.

THINK ABOUT RIGHT SIZING

The hardest thing to get rid of, of course, is the house itself. After all, this is where you raised your family, watched your children grow, cultivated a lifetime of triumphs and challenges. No surprise then that a lot of empty nesters refuse to leave, choosing instead to renovate their homes with elevators or other ways to make their homes accessible as they age. But try to make choices based on how you envision the next few decades. Downsizing to a condo, for example, may allow for more travel while also eliminating such chores as landscaping. Just because one chapter has ended doesn’t mean it’s too early to plan for the next one.

March 5, 2020March 5, 2020

Valley Weekend Events: March 6 – 8

Conejo Valley

Travel to the chomping, stomping land before time, take in some sleight of hand or settle in for Springtime for Hitler. Whether you’re in the mood for classical music or a trip back in time to the Civil War, there’s no shortage of entertainment and events this weekend in the Conejo Valley.

Friday – March 6, 2020

Dinosaur World Live

Fred Kavli Theater, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

While you wait for the next Jurassic Park sequel – or for scientists to actually breed dinosaurs – this interactive live show should more than satisfy your appetite for prehistoric lizards. Among the beasts audiences of this all-ages show will have the chance to get up and close with: the Triceratops, the Giraffatitan, the Microraptor, the Segnosaurus and, of course, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. For more details, go HERE.

Saturday – March 7, 2020

The Producers

Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA

The Conejo Players Theatre raises the curtain on The Producers, the Oscar-winning, Mel Brooks comedy about a broke, shady Broadway producer and his meek accountant who conspire to stage the biggest flop of all time – in the hopes of conning the show’s investors out of millions. The crux of their plan? A musical called Springtime for Hitler. For details, go HERE.

Eric Buss: Shenanigans

Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA

Expect to be dazzled and delighted at this new show starring award-winning comedian and magician, Eric Buss, award-winning magician Stuart McDonald, Michael Rayner and vinyl spinster, DJ Nel. It promises surprises beyond simply making you marvel: how did they do that? For details, go HERE.

Sunday – March 8, 2020

Civil War Days

137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley, CA

Saturday and Sunday with costumed civilians as well as soldiers relating tales from the conflict. Highlights will include President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the re-enactment of the surrender at Appomattox. Learn about everything going on HERE.

Thousand Oaks Philharmonic Gala

The Gardens at Los Robles, 299 S Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA

Internationally-acclaimed pianist Peter Klimo’s recital is the centerpiece of this evening devoted to benefiting the young musicians of Ventura County. In addition to the performance, there will be cocktails and a gourmet dinner. For more information, go HERE.

San Fernando Valley

Dancing queens, comedians and esports players – they’re all on tap this weekend in the San Fernando Valley.

Friday – March 6, 2020

Friday Night at The Bunker

2200 W Burbank Boulevard, Suite B, Burbank, CA

Start the weekend off with laughter at this speakeasy setting featuring Gaina Rivina, Brooks Wheelan, who has been called a name to watch by the London Times, and Chase Bernstein, who has performed on A Little Late With Lilly Singh as well as written for shows on Netflix. The venue is BYOB. For tickets and details, go HERE.

Saturday – March 7, 2020

Brad Williams

Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant, 102 E Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA

After two highly-rated comedy specials on Showcase and appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Tonight Show and Comedy Underground, Brad Williams has emerged as one of the most in-demand comics working today. In addition to his own podcast with Adam Ray, Williams has contributed to Adam Carolla’s podcast, The Adam Carolla Show. For details, go HERE.

From Keyboards to Dollars

Motion Picture and Television Fund, 23388 Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills, CA

Getting published is one thing. Getting paid is something else altogether. Literary agent and attorney Paul S. Levine, writer of How Authors Go from Fingers to Keyboard to Dollars in Their Bank Accounts: Four Ways Book Authors Make Money from Publishers, promises to have plenty of advice for writers at this event, presented by the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Writers Club. For more information, go HERE.

Sunday – March 8, 2020

Blizzard Arena Esports Competitions

3000 W Alameda Avenue, Burbank, CA

The world’s top esports players are set to clash in such arenas as Overwatch, Starcraft II and Call of Duty. Along with the on-screen battles, attendees can expect free guest wi-fi and plenty of swag. For gamers and esports enthusiasts, this is ground zero. Get the details HERE.

ABBA Mania 2020

El Portal Theater, 5267 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA

Mamma Mia! It’s not much of a chance you’re taking on them. Abba Mania! returns you to the heyday of the Swedish supergroup beloved for such other hits as Dancing Queen and Winner Takes All. The U.S. cast of this show is comprised of performers from the U.S. and Australia who recreate the group’s last concert in 1979. For all the details, go HERE.

Santa Clarita Valley

Michael Bolton can’t live without his symphony and a pair of acts pay tribute to two of the most popular acts in modern music history. All this and more can be found going on this weekend in Santa Clarita.

Friday – March 6, 2020

Michael Bolton: The Symphony Sessions

Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA

The Grammy winner brings his hits to the Saban Theatre, complete with a symphony orchestra. That shouldn’t be a surprise, considering his latest album collected and arranged such favorites as How Am I Supposed to Live Without You with a full orchestra. For details, go HERE.

Saturday – March 7, 2020

Eagles Tribute by The Long Run

The Canyon – Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Boulevard No.1351, Santa Clarita, CA

For nearly two decades, The Long Run – Experience the Eagles has been one of the top tribute acts in North America. What better place to see them than the Hotel California itself? For tickets and information, go HERE.

Trace Adkins

The Forum, Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita, CA

Country star Trace Adkins, who has charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard country music charts, brings his distinctive voice and his decades of hits to the Forum in Santa Clarita. In addition to his music career, he was a finalist in 2008 on The All Star Celebrity Apprentice. He won the reality-TV competition in 2013. For tickets and details, go HERE.

Sunday – March 8, 2020

Santa Clarita Comic and Toy Expo 2020

College of the Canyons, E Road, Santa Clarita, CA

This one-day event will feature a variety of exhibitors from the comics and toys realm. Locally-owned comic shop Kimzar Kollectables is sponsoring the event, which will let enthusiasts interact with industry professionals as well as other liked-minded fans. For details, go HERE.

George Strait Tribute by The Troubadour Experience

The Canyon – Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Boulevard, No. 1351, Santa Clarita, CA

The Troubadour Experience bills itself as the greatest George Strait tribute band, promising all the hits of the “King of County,” who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. For tickets and information, go HERE.

March 5, 2020March 5, 2020

Valley Eats: Soup

Any time of year is soup weather. So while a cold day in Southern California conjures thoughts of staying warm with a piping hot bowl, don’t dismiss the power of ramen or matzo balls or chowder just because temperatures are rising. Armed with bread and an abundance of spices, a single spoonful can make for one satisfying slurp. Here are some of the best around the Valley.

San Fernando Valley

Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant

12224 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604

This classic deli, with its corned beef sandwiches, doesn’t skimp on the soup: from chicken noodle and chicken broth to bean and barley and cabbage to the beef borscht and chili con carne. But, of course, all soups should only be sampled after the mighty matzo ball.

Kai Ramen

15030 Ventura Boulevard, No. 23, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

For ramen lovers in Sherman Oaks, this eatery is the go-to stop for such favorite dishes as the Spicy Chicken (yellow noodles, home-made meat, flavored egg, scallion, baby bakchoi and crispy onion), the signature Kai’s White (skinny noodle with garlic butter and pork belly) and the Popeye Ramen (spinach noodle, with tofu, spring mix, tofu, flavored egg and red onions).

Soup Goddess

4001 W Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505

Have a bowl without the guilt. The vegan and gluten-free selections here include the Broccoli Cheddah (broccoli, carrots, onions and celery with sautéed leeks, garlic and chili flakes), the Mushroom Heaven (with portabella, naturally) and, to underscore its healthiness, the Cabbage Fit Soup (cabbage with green beans, Brussel sprouts, thyme and ginger). In the mood for something that sounds not quite so stern? How about the Watermelon Gazpacho, with seedless watermelon, grape vine tomatoes, English cucumber, green onion, jalapeño, garlic and lime?

Conejo Valley

The Gourmet Soup Kitchen

23229 Saticoy Street, West Hills, CA 91304

This vegetarian eatery boasts a menu of more than 30 soups, aimed at pleasing even the pickiest of palettes. Among those which merit serious consideration: the African Peanut (yams, carrots, onions and other vegetables, along with ginger, garlic, organic lite peanut butter and lite coconut milk), the Carrot Ginger (with a touch of sherry and sea salt) and the Spicy Six Bean (with peppers, spices and garbanzo as well as white, pinto and black beans).

Taiyo Ramen

2310 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

This shop in Thousand Oaks knows its ramen. So why not choose one of their specialty dishes: the Tokyo Tsukemen (soft dry noodles and fish-based dipping sauce with pork, egg, lime, roasted garlic and green onions), the Seafood Paitan Ramen (shrimp and calamari with scallop, fish cake, cabbage and sole fish) or the Yakisoba Noodles (Japanese-style stir fried noodles, vegetables and either chicken or tofu). They also offer a vegan ramen with vegan noodles and broth. If you feel like cooling down afterward, bobas include a matcha green tea.

SoLé SoupS

1772B E Avenida De Los Arboles Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Fusing a modern attitude to old-world recipes, this eatery stresses it wants to make healthy eating fun, swift and convenient. The menu can vary, but featured selections can range from zucchini to turkey meatball in red sauce to chicken and barley to a yellow split pea with curry.

Santa Clarita Valley

Umaichi Ramen

26877 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Declaring that ramen is Japanese soul food, this modern restaurant serves up Japanese noodle soups alongside Asian-style buns, beer and sake. Ramen variations include the Cold Noodle with Creamy Sesame Dressing, the Spicy Shoyu Ramen and the Green Vegetarian Ramen.

Masa Ramen

27051 Mcbean Parkway, Suite 101, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Hoping to introduce ramen feasters to new iterations of the dish, their menu includes the Mabo (a spicy Mabo sauce mixed with beef, green onion and shredded chili peppers), the Miso (chashu pork and white fish cake with green onion, corn, bamboo, nori, egg and bean sprouts) and the Curry (an egg combined with corn or green onion as well as chicken).

Paik’s Noodle

28124 Newhall Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Drop by this eatery if you feel in the mood for do-it-yourself Asian hot pot – from the Jjamppong (Korean noodles swimming with squid, pork and vegetables in spices) to the Jajangmyeon (noodles simmered in black bean sauce) to the Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour sauce with fried pork). The Bokkeummyeon consists of sit-fried noodles with seafood, vegetables and pork.

March 4, 2020March 4, 2020

LA Weekend Events: March 6 – March 8

From a punk legend and a rising county music star to a gospel queen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, there’s a concert, event or conference for you in Los Angeles and the Westside this weekend – whether you’re in the mood to rock out or simply relax with some wine and a paintbrush.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Patti Smith

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Iconic punk, poet and rock pioneer, Patti Smith, has been celebrated as one of music’s most distinctive and influential voices since her debut album, Horses, in 1975. An accomplished author, visual artist, and photographer, she remains a vital voice, echoing the title of her 1988 protest anthem “People Have the Power.” For details on how to see her live, go HERE.

Jordan Davis

El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

Jordan Davis was hailed as Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018, confirming his status as one of country music’s rising stars. His debut album Home State was streamed more than 800 million times worldwide and featured such hits as Slow Dance in A Parking Lot, Singles You Up and Take It From Me. For tickets and information about his L.A. performance, go HERE.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Paint Mingle Drink

Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve always wanted to paint, but never picked up a brush, Paint Mingle Drink hands you all the materials to express yourself. No prior experience needed – only the desire to try. Each painter receives a canvas, paints and brushes. And all Paint Mingle Drink events offer a cash bar. You can find details and ticket information HERE.

Blake Shelton

The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA

The country music superstar and long-running coach on The Voice brings his Friends and Heroes 2020 tour to The Forum with special guest Lauren Alaina. Expect appearances as well by Trace Adkins, John Anderson and the Bellamy Brothers. For tickets, go HERE.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Yolanda Adams with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Described as the “Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music,” Yolanda Adams joins Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil to celebrate how the church supports young aspiring artists – whether by supporting social justice causes or by simply providing hope. Find details HERE.

UC Women’s Leadership Conference 2020

UCLA Ackerman Union, 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

This conference originated with a group of student leaders at UCLA who sought to create a network of UC students, alumni and community members. Last year, the first annual UC Womxn’s Leadership Conference attracted more than 300 students from across all UC campuses, hosting more than 75 speakers, including Kleo Wade and Amy Ziering. For more information about the event, go HERE.

March 4, 2020March 4, 2020

Home Tips: Babyproofing

If winter has almost ended, it means spring and summer babies are in the air. In the United States, most births occur between June and August – nine or so months after the cold, dark days of winter have brought people together indoors. With a few months left before their new addition arrives, it’s about time for expectant parents to figure out how to make their living spaces safer while keeping them functional (and even presentable to visitors). The effort won’t necessarily come cheap as baby-proofing a home can cost as much as $2,000. But to begin with, consider these six tips to prep your house for your family’s new arrival.

Pick furniture that can double as storage

If you’ve ever visited a home with a newborn, you know how cluttered a living room or kitchen can become. To avoid this (or at least not become overwhelmed by it), go shopping for furniture such as ottomans, tables, baskets and cabinets that can also act as storage compartments. That way, you can quickly stash away diaper boxes, clothes, toys, bibs, bottles, towels, and other baby-related paraphernalia, while also keeping them easily within reach.

Resist stains

Short of sealing every wall and piece of furniture in cling wrap, your carpet, sofa, chairs, and even curtains will doubtlessly end up stained by … something. And probably sooner than you expect. So be sure to invest in stain-resistant materials – as well as inexpensive, dark-colored blankets, throw pillows and rugs that can disguise spills and mishaps. Unless, of course, you prefer to look back years from now, fondly remembering where every adorable stain came from.

Keep an eye out for how quickly they grow

Babies are manageable until they can crawl or run. So rather than wait, start putting away anything in your home that might shatter or cause an injury if knocked over. (They will still be there in three, four or five years.) Similarly, be mindful of your child’s age. Things you got for your new baby which were safe, such as play gyms, can become a hazard as they grow.

Ensure a safe sleep

For all the interrupted, exhausting nights parents endure, babies sleep a lot – as much as 16 hours a day, in fact. So nothing is more important than where they sleep. Pick a crib with slats no wider than two inches and preferably one without corner posts. Also, be mindful of where you place the crib since cords from curtains or blinds can create a strangulation risk.

Prevent falls

The leading cause of death and nonfatal injuries in children under the age of one? Falls. Even after you’ve purchased a baby gate for your stairs, make sure it’s secure (use screws or bolts to fasten it to the wall) and does not easily unlatch. Also, remember babies can just as easily tumble from a sofa or bed. In other words: never let them out of your sight.

Guard against shocks

Electrical outlets, like falls, are an obvious danger as soon as your child can move around. You can buy outlets that are child-proof, but you should also use furniture to block access to them – along with power bars and cords – so your little one doesn’t even think about going there.