Out and About: The Best Public Beaches

What could be a better way to spend your weekend than seaside? Thats a no-brainer here in L.A. With the beach a short drive away, why not hit the coast this summer. And don’t worry, we’re sparing you the trouble of searching for the best spots. We’ve rounded up the best public beaches around SoCal so you can have a proper oceanic reprieve. Read below for an Out and About edition of your next seaside escape!

  1. Paradise Cove Beach

Malibu, CA – 10am-Sunset

This beach was made famous by the local café that attracts all types of visitors due to its unique and popular location. Find yourself near clean sand, sandstone cliffs and majestic palm trees at Paradise Cove.

https://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/contact-us/

  1. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, CA – 8am-9pm

The Pier is a state historical landmark and is the oldest of its kind! A popular spot for fishing, swimming, volleyball and sunset viewings.

https://www.citymb.info/visitors/maps-and-directions

  1. Zuma Beach Country Park30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA – 6am-10pm

This beach area is famous for its onsite surf lessons, swing sets, dolphin and whale spotting and massive parking area. During the summer, Zuma Beach is filled with crowds of visitors catches some waves and soaking up the sun!

https://www.zuma-beach.com/opening-hours.html

  1. El Matador State Beach32215 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA – 8:00 am-8:00 pm

This beach is popular for photographers and wedding planners because of the secret sea caves to explore. Situated on a bluff, El Matador provides a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean you can enjoy!

https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/el-matador-state-beach/

  1. Malibu Lagoon State BeachCross Creek Rd., off Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA – 8:00 am-Sunset

This beach offers guided tours around the area as well as the Malibu Lagoon Museum for visitors interested in history. Birdwatchers can study over 200 species of birds in their natural habitat on dirt pathways along the wetlands.

https://www.californiasbestbeaches.com/malibu_lagoon/malibu_lagoon_beach_mob.html

  1. Abalone Cove Shoreline5970 Palos Verdes Dr. S, Rancho Palos Verdes – 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Well-known for its outstanding views, Abalone Cove is located along the rugged Palos Verde coastline. This rare gem is best visited during low tide where seas creatures like hermit crabs, small octopi and sea hares reside.

https://www.rpvca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Abalone-Cove-Shoreline-Park-1

  1. Leo Carrillo State Beach
35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA – 8:00 am-3:00 pm

Also known as the “movie beach” among filmmakers, Leo Carrillo State Beach boasts a wide range of caves, reefs and tide pools. Windsurfing, surfing, sunbathing and swimming are a few common enjoyed activities.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32676-d129305-Reviews-Leo_Carrillo_State_Park_and_Beach-Malibu_California.html

  1. Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA, 90402– 8:30am-8:30pm

The Beach House combines elements of the historic Marion Davies Estate with new amenities to create a truly unique community destination that’s open to all – no membership required. With spectacular views, splash pad, children’s play area, gallery, historic pool, and Marion Davies Guest House there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Beach House!

https://www.annenbergbeachhouse.com/

  1. Topanga State Beach18700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA – 8:00 am-Sunset

One of the most significant locations for beach enthusiasts is Topanga State Beach. A great spot for picnics or dining at Malibu Chart House to enjoy a meal by the beach.

https://beaches.lacounty.gov/topanga-beach/

  1. Nicholas Canyon County Beach33850 CA-1, Malibu, CA – 6:30am-8:00 pm

Many windsurfers, divers and swimmers enjoy the beautiful waters at this beach’s point break. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Nicholas Canyon County Beach this summer or indulge in foods from the food trucks along the beach.

https://beaches.lacounty.gov/nicholas-canyon-beach/

Ben Bacal Launches Real Estate App ‘Rila’

The mobile app will allow agents to upload their listings and market properties for free.

 

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif (June 28, 2019)- Ben Bacal recently launched his new mobile application, Rila. The app aims to bring “real estate and technology on step closer together” as quoted in Real Deal.  The app went live on Monday and is already gaining traction.

Similar to the style of Instagram, agents and consumers can browse properties in their neighborhood through a feed. Agents that are verified will have access to post their own listings. While consumers will be able to add to a property’s profile by posting photos and comments. Consumers will also have the option to click on a listing and have access to the listing agent’s contact information.

Ben described the purpose of the app to Real Deal by saying “We’re trying to empower agents to get leads for themselves without having to pay exorbitant fees on these big tech companies that are costing millions of dollars”.

Rila will also allow for crowdsourced, “visceral” content allowing any user to comment on a listing in the app. Currently, the app is being promoted in California, with market nationally in the near future.

To read the rest of Ben Bacals app Rila and its featured article in The Real Deal click here.

 

About Rila

Discover cool properties with the first ever community-powered real estate tool. Instead of wading through the same content on every listing site, check out unique, true-to-life, authentic content you won’t see anywhere else.

Just follow your favorite neighborhoods and cities to fill your feed with the latest real estate listings continuously updated with fresh content posted by users.

Rila is designed to put the power of real estate info in your hands, while also being purpose-built to offer access to pocket listings before they’re made public.

And, unlike every other listing site, Rila is not dependent on the MLS for content and listing data.

Discover amazing homes in desirable neighborhoods. Connect with agents who consistently post the most helpful content that aligns with your wants and needs.

And, for all of those agents out there, marketing your listings is fast, simple and 100% free. You can list properties in less than 3 minutes, keep them updated and current by posting new content, and generate solid leads even if you don’t have a listing—all for free. So, start posting and saving time and money, today!

Download it in the App Store.

About Ben Bacal

Ben’s ambitious and industrious nature have enabled him access to properties that others could not.  This has provided a great sense of market value and amenities of key comparable sales.  Ben is differentiated from a typical real estate agent in that no assignment is too big, and no goal is too lofty. This clearly shows in the trajectory of his career. His vision for success, artistic abilities, out of the box thinking, and in depth hands-on knowledge of the Los Angeles real estate market makes him the perfect fit in working with developers and homeowners to market the most amazing properties in the world. His team is an expert in LA’s famous Platinum Triangle and the entire westside and we would be honored to help market your properties and achieve your business goals.

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.


For media inquiries, please contact:

Samira Murphy

Publicist

mediarelations@rodeore.com

Rodeo Realty

The Best Paint Color for Your Mood

You feel it when you walk into a room. The colors on the wall almost instantly evoke a certain feeling. So when it comes to your abode why not paint your home to fit your mood? Make your house a true sanctuary. Read below for a list of colors to match every emotion!

Mood: Warm and Cozy

Reds, yellows, and oranges are considered warm colors and draw inspiration from elements in nature like fire and the sun. Layering warm tones—think: terra cotta or coral—with a honey-hued wood creates an inviting and cozy feel in any room.

Mood: Relaxed

A color palette of beige, warm whites and green mixed with natural wood feels relaxed and grounded. Bringing the outdoors in is a popular design mantra for a reason—we crave nature’s lush hues. Greens, in particular, remind us of spring and enliven us with a feeling of renewal.

Mood: Refreshed

There’s no more refreshing color than soft blue-green. Expansive and boundless, like the sky and the ocean, this hue gives us room to breathe.

Clean Air Solutions for Your Home

Nothings better than a breath of fresh air. So why not make sure it stays that way inside your home. Alleviate those pesky dust mites and household allergens. Read below for a list of clean air solutions to use throughout your abode!

Every Day

Geri Berger Reps Buyer of Guitarist Nicky Panicci’s A-Frame Home

Guitarist Nicky Panicci sells his Eagle Rock abode to buyer repped by Geri Berger.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif (June 21, 2019)- Geri Berger buyers’ recently purchased the home of musician Nicky Panicci’s hill perched home. The buyers, which have not been disclosed at this time purchased the dome shaped estate for $2.262 million.

Restored by Panicci himself, the residence features his own one of kind decorating style. Described by the LA Times, “the estate features custom record crates and a lava rock wall”. This is in addition to the homes burl wood and midcentury decor.

The one of two structures on the property, the dome features panoramic views of the city and San Gabriel Mountains. Inside the structure is comprised of arched ceilings, star shaped windows, one-bedroom and bath, plus a music room.

Across the way to the main residence is three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living room sits under beamed ceilings with a remodeled gallery style kitchen nearby. Outside, palms top the grounds that boast three decks as well as a patio.

The Los Angeles Times continues on to note Panicci’s career highlights. This includes his most well known gig as the guitarist on Ben Harper’s 2003 “Diamonds on the Inside” album.

Read the original Los Angeles Times article here.

About Geri Berger

Over the past 25 years I have helped clients buy and sell hundreds of homes. This includes income properties and parcels of land in the greater Los Angeles area.  A native of L.A., I have particular expertise in communities such as the Hollywood Hills, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Atwater Village. My clientele includes buyers and sellers of properties ranging from condominiums to multi-million dollar estates. I began my career in 1986 by helping launch the boutique real estate firm DBL Realtors. I quickly became a top producer at DBL and was part of its transition from a small Beverly Hills shop to a multi-office company with thousands of agents. In today’s market, I believe it’s more important than ever to work with an agent who knows all facets of the business!

My creed:  To be available to you and follow through on all aspects of the transaction -even after escrow has closed. Many years in the real estate industry have given me the expertise to guide clients through transactions with care and the least amount of stress as possible.

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.

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

Publicist and Social Media Manager

Rodeo Realty

mediarelations@rodeore.com

LA Eats: Best Cool Desserts for Summer

Los Angeles is home to a multitude of cool dessert destinations. These sweet shops are innovating and reinventing ordinary tasty treats. These creative concoctions have people traveling far and wide! It’s no wonder they top our list of the best uniquely flavored combinations in and around LA. Enjoy choices from extravagant donuts to revamped macarons. Our selection will help you uncover your newest craving and keep you cool all summer long.

Humphry Slocombe

Location: Venice, CA

Inspired by the owners love of British comedy, Humphry Slocombe is named after the two lead characters (Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe) from the fabulous 1970’s sitcom “Are You Being Served?”. With unlimited samples, you are welcome to try all the bizarre and delicious flavors they offer.

Wanderlust Creamery

Location: Various L.A. Locations

If the name doesn’t say it all, the reason behind it and the flavors they offer seal the deal. Try flavors like Thai Tea, pretzel and rye crumbs (Iceland) or their signature purple flavor, Ube malted crunch (Philippines). With Four locations within Los Angeles there’s no reason not to stop by!

Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Ginger’s is a relatively new addition to the LA ice cream scene, but this corner shop in Mar Vista has become a local favorite. This is thanks to the huge number of flavors, flexible tasting policy, and super creamy and smooth ice cream. They’ve got everything from raspberry panna cotta to Vietnamese coffee, but you’ll probably find it hard to go past the Billionaire Brownie. You can get your ice cream in sandwich form, or you could go the ice cream pop route. Live your truth.

AFTERS ICE CREAM

Location: Sherman Oaks

Afters is a truly unique ice cream experience to the streets of Los Angeles. Through a creation of a bevy of uniquely inspired flavors of ice cream, made in small batches to deliver a rich and creamy flavor profile from first bite to last, the only “After”s thought we have is “Can we have more”? Their flavors are a unique palate-pleasing experience. From milk and cereal and jasmine milk tea to Vietnamese coffee, s’mores and acai blueberry, it’s a sweet treat for all to enjoy. The star of the menu is their trademarked Milky Bun, a glazed bun stuffed with your choice of ice cream, sealed and heated back up for a hot/cold sensation you won’t find anywhere else!

Pops Artisanal Creamery

Location: San Fernando

Pops Artisanal Creamery is located in San Fernando, CA which, according to our ice cream GPS, is about 15 minutes north of Burbank. A small trek for a big reward. The ice cream coming out of this place is good enough to drive twice that distance. The family running Helados is from Belize, and they’ve integrated Latin American flavors into the majority of their ice cream – and the result is out of this world. There’s the insanely sweet zapote, the nut-flavored lucuma, and a coconut ice cream we want to fall asleep next to every night. Skip the cone and cup, and put it all in a hollowed out half-coconut husk to make your friends even more jealous they still haven’t come here.

MILK

Location: Los Angeles

MILK is well known for its signature macaron ice cream sandwiches that combine rich ice cream flavors with handmade macarons. Patrons have the option to have their delicious macaron sandwich half dipped in white chocolate and extra toppings like Fruity Pebbles as a sugary finishing touch. The macaron ice cream sandwiches come in flavors like grasshopper, dulce de leche, salted caramel, and Thai tea flavors. In addition, MILK serves strawberry shortcake bars, cupcakes in a cone, and a spin on a household favorite cake: Blue Velvet Cake. This popular dessert destination has both indoor and outdoor seating.

B Sweet Dessert Bar

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Be on the lookout for the Halo Halo at this confectionary shop. Translating to “mix-mix”, Halo Halo is a classic Filipino dessert. The sweet treat consist of shaved ice with 13 layers of flavor, including leche flan and decadent Ube ice cream on top. Another favorite among guests is the signature Ube Halo, a delicious pressed ice cream sandwich with purple ice cream goodness at its core. This fun dessert destination offers classic baked goods like hot bread pudding, floats, nitro coffee, and brownies.

SOMISOMI

Location: Koreatown

Located in the heart of Koreatown, this modest little shop focuses on perfecting the matcha soft serve. You can get matcha on its own or in a milk swirl. Each “cone” is expertly put together by placing the soft serve on a mochi fish shell called taiyaki filled with your choice of nutella, custard or red bean. The chewy texture of the taiyaki and the sweetness of the filling is perfectly balanced by the subtle flavors of the matcha ice cream. Definitely a Los Angeles must try!

Mashti Malone

Location: Los Angeles, CA

This nearly 40-year-old Iranian ice cream shop inside a two-story strip-mall on La Brea is an LA institution and home to some of our favorite ice cream in the city. They serve flavors like saffron, rosewater, and roasted pistachio, and they taste like you are licking potpourri. But once you get over that surprise, you’ll realize this stuff is incredible.

Grilling Safety Tips

Summer is officially here! Well, come Friday it is. With that in mind one of the joys of summer is firing up your outdoor grill. And although you may be a grilling pro, cooking safety should still be a top priority. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments visit an average of 9,600 homes per year due to barbecue-related fires. So throw on your cliche chefs apron and  grab your grilling gear. It’s time to fire up the barbie ( that’s Aussie for barbecue of course) with these grilling safety tips!

1. If you’re using a propane grill, check for gas leaks first. Here’s the deal: Propane is highly flammable, which is why gas grills are responsible for significantly more fires than ones that use charcoal. Always check for gas leaks before cooking. You can do this by applying a mixture of soap and water onto the hoses and connections. Next, turn on the gas, making sure the grill lid is open. If the soap forms bubbles, that’s a sign that the hose is leaking or the connections are not tight enough. In this case, you should turn off the tank and have it serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department.

2. Be careful when lighting and relighting propane. When lighting a propane grill, make sure the cover is open. If the flame goes out while you’re cooking, turn off the grill and the gas, and wait at least five minutes before relighting it.

3. If you have a charcoal grill, prepare the charcoal properly. There are several ways to prepare charcoal for grilling. If you use starter fluid to get your flame going, make sure the liquid is made specifically for charcoal and not, say, car engines. Make sure to keep the container away from heat and flame. Electric charcoal starters do not use fire, but if you use an electric starter, make sure that your extension cord is designed specifically for outdoor use, which will be equipped with better insulation to protect against the sun, moisture, and temperature changes.

4. Place the grill in the right location. No matter what type of grill you use, place it as far away as possible from your house, deck railings, and any overhanging plants or branches, since a fire can flare up into these.

5. Keep kids and pets away from the grill area. Children under 5 account for 35 percent of non-fire grill burns, which typically happen when they bump into or touch grills. As a rule of thumb, keep a 3-foot safety zone around the grill area. This goes for pets, too, as you could easily trip over your dog begging for scraps next to the barbecue.

6. Never leave the grill unattended. Fires grow quickly, so make sure an adult is always at the grill when you’re using it. Prep and bring out as much as you can beforehand; i.e., if you’re making cheeseburgers, bring out the meat, cheese, tools, and a clean plate before you get cooking. If you forget the buns, deputize someone else to go get them for you.

7. Clean your grill after each use. You don’t just leave your pots and pans without cleaning them after use, right? Treat your grill the same way. Allowing grease and fat to build up on your grill provides more fuel for a fire. Remove buildup from both the grill and the trays below following each use. Side note: Overloading your grill can cause the same problem, as an abundance of fat from meat can drip onto the flames at once, causing a fire. And if you use a charcoal grill, put the coals in a metal can with a lid once they’ve cooled.

Weekend Events: June 14-16

The weekend is finally here and so is our list of the best things to do throughout L.A.! While there’s plenty of binge-worthy shows on your streaming apps, why not press pause for some city fun? Check out our round-up below of activities to enjoy whether it’s just you or the whole family! And be sure to read our Out and About: Father’s Day Edition for all the fun things to do with dad this weekend!!

Discover your inner Angeleno!!

Friday, June 14
K-Town Night Market

Location: Koreatown

For the 5th year in a row, the KTOWN Night Market is returning to Koreatown June 14-15. Enjoy a weekend of live music performances, delicious food offerings and trendy Korean-beauty shopping.

Click here for more info.

Shakespeare By The Sea

Location: Point Fermin Park, San Pedro

Shakespeare By The Sea will once again offer a ten-week program of admission-free performances. The event will feature two productions: The Comedy of Errors and Henry V at a variety of venues across Los Angeles. Kicking off the series is The Comedy of Errors at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Click here for more info.

Hollywood Fringe Festival

Location: Various venues, Hollywood

Over three dozen venues such as 2nd Stage, Hudson Theatres, The Broadwater and the Underground Annex Theater host comedy, ensemble theatre, dance and immersive performances during the annual Hollywood Fringe Festival taking place June 13-30.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, June 15
Taqueando

Location: Skylight Row, DTLA

Bill Esparaza, the James Beard award-winning author and taco expert who formerly curated LA Weekly’s Tacolandia, is back with a brand new all-you-can-eat taco festival of his own: Taqueando.  The list of participants includes Amor y Tacos, B.S. Taqueria , Carnitas El Momo, Guerrilla Tacos, Tacos Kokopelli (Tijuana), and MORE!

Click here for more info.

Bread Festival

Location: Grand Central Market, DTLA

Grand Central Market’s annual Bread Festival returns for a day of celebrating SoCal’s artisanal bread movement. The event is free and open to the public showcasing local bread bakers, as well as bread workshops and demonstrations.

Click here for more info.

Petersen Automotive Museum Block Party

Location: Petersen Automotive Musem, Los Angeles

Peterson Automotive Museum is hosting a family-friendly block party this Saturday to celebrate the museum’s 25th anniversary. Activities include exclusive Petersen vehicle display, historical video projection, live music by KCRW DJ, Anthony Valadez, and more.

Click here for more info

Sunday, June 16
KCRW’s World Festival

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

Chromeo, Toro y Moi, Noname and Ian Isiah will take the stage of the Hollywood Bowl when KCRW’s World Festival returns for the 21st year at the popular outdoor concert venue.

Click here for more info.

Bloomsday 2019

Location: The Hammer Museum, Westwood

The Hammer will honor James Joyce by hosting Bloomsday 2019. The event features a dramatic reading by veteran actors Síle Bermingham, James Gallo, James Lancaster, John Lee, Johnny O’Callaghan, and Sonya Macari. Guinness and live music by Rattle the Knee will keep the party going in the courtyard.

Click here for more info.

DAD: A Paternal Immersive Experience

Location: SJU Theatre Group, NoHo

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group will take participants through the trials and tribulations of being a DAD raising a child. In this immersive-theater production the audience will interact with a wild cast of coming-of-age characters. The show is directed by Brandon Slezak and produced by Zombie Joe. Running Sundays and Mondays through July 1.

Click here for more info.