Check out these events happening in Los Angeles this weekend!

 

Festival of Books, Stories, and Ideas

For the second straight year, the typically in-person book fair will now be held virtually. So while you won’t be able to roam stalls from booksellers, you’ll still be able to catch a week of streaming readings and panels with the likes of Zooey Deschanel, Don Lemon, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Meena Harris and more. Most panels are totally free to watch, though you’ll have the option of purchasing each book from a local bookstore.

Saturday April 17 – Friday April 23, 2021

Location: Virtual

https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

 

Outfest Fusion

A more slimmed-down version of its summer fest, the inclusive Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival is providing a platform for 10 feature-length films and 41 shorts from a diversity of filmmakers. You can watch all of them online from April 16 to 20, or head to Exposition Park for a pair of drive-in galas.

Friday April 16 – Tuesday April 20, 2021

Location: 

700 Exposition Park Dr

Los Angeles

https://outfest.org/fusion2021/

 

Brave Robot x Alfred’s Free Earth Day Vegan Affogatos

The only thing better than free coffee or ice cream? Free coffee and ice cream. On Saturday, April 17, vegan-but-creamy brand Brave Robot is teaming up with Alfred’s Melrose outpost for free plant-based affogatos on Earth Day. The affogatos are only available while supplies last, so hopefully you’re down for dessert for breakfast.

Saturday April 17, 2021

Location: 8428 Melrose Pl

Los Angeles 90069

alfred.la/pages/locations

 

CatCon

The self-dubbed Comic-Con for cat people, typically held at the Pasadena Convention Center, heads online with speakers and virtual exhibitors and adoptions. 

Saturday April 17 – Sunday April 18, 2021

Location: Virtual

https://catconworldwide.com/

 

 

Cinespia Cemetery Screening of Hairspray

Are you ready for a Divine drive-in dream come true? A bubbly Baltimore teen sparks a revolution as she dances her way past small-town small-mindedness with big hair and an even bigger heart! Enjoy the blast from the past from king of crass John Waters, starring Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Jerry Stiller, Ruth Brown, and Sonny Bono. The Corny Collins Show comes to life with DJ sets that’ll turn your car into a dance-a-thon.

Saturday April 17, 2021

Location: Greek Theatre

Address:2700 N Vermont Ave

Los Angeles 90027

http://cinespia.org/event/hairspray-drive-in/

The weekend is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than a delicious brunch at your favorite local restaurant! Check out these delectable staples that are sure to make your mouth water.

 

Cici’s Cafe

18912 Ventura Blvd

Tarzana, CA 91356

Cici’s Cafe is a 14-year-old San Fernando Valley staple, turning out platter after platter of pancakes, eggs, and breakfast meats for hungry local diners. Open for takeout, catering, and outside dining.

 

Huckleberry Cafe

1014 Wilshire Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90401

For a satisfying brunch by the beach, head to Huckleberry where the cooking is seasonal and just-rich-enough. For those seeking serious comfort, the $16 country breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, and a buttermilk biscuit with jam. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

 

A.O.C.

8700 W 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Selecting a suitable brunch in Mid-City West is as easy as A.O.C., especially when there’s Spanish fried chicken served atop a cornmeal waffle with jamon butter. Open for takeout and delivery.

 

Court Cafe

5496 W Centinela Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Court Cafe is a collaboration between Taco Mell’s Jermelle Henderson, Bleu Kitchen’s Calvin Johnson, and Keith Garett of All Flavor No Grease. The brunch menu aims to please with original dishes like Garret’s ocho burrito with lobster, chicken sausage, shrimp, bell peppers, spinach, eggs, etouffee sauce, and smoked gouda cheese sauce. Open for takeout.

 

Manuela

907 E 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Manuela’s Southern-inflected brunch from chef Kris Tominaga includes shrimp and grits with hen of the woods mushroom and bacon, a poblano and goat cheese quiche, and seriously great cream biscuits with jam and butter. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

 

Watts Coffee House

1827 E 103rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90002

Desiree Edwards of Watts Coffee House has been fueling the neighborhood with soul food comforts like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and buttermilk biscuits since 1997. Call ahead to place an order before swinging by for pick-up.

Check out these moving and inspirational films that bring more life to the screen and are new to streaming platforms this spring!

Fly Like A Girl 

Where to Watch: Hulu

From a Lego-loving girl who includes female pilots in her toy airplanes to a woman who helped lead shuttle missions to space, this documentary shows that women are in charge of their own destiny.

 

Beloved

Where to Watch: Hulu

Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover star in this 1998 movie adaptation of Toni Morrison’s macabre post-Civil War novel.

 

Life in Color with David Attenborough

Where to Watch: Netflix

In a new three-part series, the legendary David Attenborough travels the world from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the snowy Scottish Highlands to reveal the extraordinary and never-before-seen ways animals use color.

See this handy April Home Improvement Checklist to plan for a safe and enjoyable Spring and Summer.

 

Tip #1: Check safety devices

Check that your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are functioning and add new batteries to them. Check for recalls of your home safety products as well –  you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.

 

Tip #2: Inspect driveway, paths, and walkways

Check your driveway and paths for cracks and damage from winter freezing and thawing.  Schedule repairs as needed.

 

Tip #3: Inspect the property for standing water

Eliminate mosquitoes and inspect breeding grounds by inspecting your property for standing water. Also, inspect any flower pots that have been left out since they can fill with water too. Eliminate any puddles you may find in your yard and gardens.

 

Tip #4: Clean garbage cans and recycling bins

Take all garbage cans and recycling bins outside and give them a thorough cleaning with a brush and detergent. Let dry and bring back indoors.

 

Tip #5: Wash siding

Use a pressure washer to wash the siding of your home. Mold and dirt can build up with time. Remove it to keep your siding in tip-top shape and maintain your home’s curb appeal!

 

Tip # 6: Test sprinklers, hoses, hose reels, and irrigation system

Test all of your water sprinklers, hoses, and irrigation system if you have one to make sure they are ready to go once the weather warms up enough to water your gardens. Replace any damaged water sprinklers, hoses, and hose reels.

 

Tip #7: Schedule air conditioning inspection

Now is the time to make sure your air conducting system is functioning! Schedule an inspection and order any parts required.

Stock market indexes closed the week at record highs – As the economy is recovering quickly from the effects of the pandemic, investors have pushed up stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 33,800.60, up 2.0% from 33,153.21 last week. It is up 10.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,128.80, up 2.7% from 4019.87 last week. It is up 9.7% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 13,900.19, up 2.6% from 13,480.10 last week. It is up 7.2% year-to-date. U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 1.67%, down from 1.72% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 2.34, unchanged from 2.35% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields. Mortgage rates – The April 08, 2021, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.13%, down from 3.18% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.42%, down slightly from 2.45% last week. The 5-year ARM was 2.93%, up from 2.84% last week. The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index strengthened in March – Americans are more upbeat about the idea of buying and selling a home according to Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index which rose to a reading of 81.78 in March. That marked a 5.2 point increase from the February reading. The index is done from a tabulation of responses from consumers surveyed by Fannie Mae. Some of the results were: 61% of consumers said it was a good time to sell, up from 55% in February. 53% of consumers said it was a good time to buy, up from 48% in February. 50% of consumers said that home prices will go up over the next 12 months, up from 47% in February. 82% of consumers said they are not concerned about losing their jobs. 25% of consumers said their household income is significantly higher than it was 12 months ago, up from 17% in February. Have a great weekend!

With so much constantly coming out on all of the streaming platforms, we are tracking the top picks this month to help you decide what to watch (and avoiding any scrolling fatigue). Check them out below!

Amy Schumer Learns to Cook” Season 1

Where to Watch: Hulu

The actress/comedian and her husband, Chef Chris Fischer, spend their quarantine time in Martha’s Vineyard attempting to help her learn how to cook.

Life in Color with David Attenborough

Where to Watch: Netflix

In a new three-part series, the legendary David Attenborough travels the world from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the snowy Scottish Highlands to reveal the extraordinary and never-before-seen ways animals use color.

Luther

Where to Watch: Starz

Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther in this popular British crime drama.

This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist

Where to Watch: Netflix

In 1990, two men dressed as police officers conned their way into a Boston museum and stole a fortune in art. This doc takes a deep dive into that daring and notorious crime.

Looking to venture out this weekend? Check out these fun virtual and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family!

 

 

LA Dodgers Home Opener

The Dodgers are excited to welcome you back to Dodger Stadium! They are committed to providing you with a safe, comfortable, and fun experience. Seating will be in socially distanced pods in groups of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

 

LA Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals (HOME OPENER)

Friday April 9, 2021 | 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Location: Dodger Stadium

1000 Vin Scully Ave, , Los Angeles 90012

 

 

Alice in Wonderland at Cinespia Drive-In

Experience one of the most magical nightlife entertainment experiences in greater Los Angeles at the Cinespia Drive-In. Showing the Disney Original, Alice in Wonderland, this will be an activity perfect for all ages.

 

Alice In Wonderland Drive-In

Friday April 9, 2021 | 8:00 PM PDT Doors at 7:00 PM

Location: Cinespia at The Greek Theater

2700 N Vermont Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Limit 4 customers per car.

Patrons must remain in their car, masks must be worn when using the restroom.

Bring food and drink, no alcohol permitted.

Occupants of your car must be members of your household.

 

USC Comedy Festival

Tune in to free streaming panels with Bill Hader, Aidy Bryant, Demetri Martin, Lisa Kudrow, Lindy West, Matt Besser, Patton Oswalt and Ramy Youssef during this annual USC comedy fest.

 

USC Virtual Comedy Festival

Friday April 9, 2021 – Sunday April 11, 2021

Streaming for free

https://cinema.usc.edu/events/event.cfm?id=59723

 

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Perhaps the Los Angeles area’s most iconic flea market, this event around the exterior of the Rose Bowl is staggeringly colossal—and returns for the first time in a year.

 

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Sunday April 11, 2021

Opens at 9:00am

Location: Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Dr

Los Angeles

$10.00 per person walk-up, no credit cards. (cash only) The exact admission price only, no change. (Because of Covid 19 mandates) Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.

 

 

Poolside Dinner and Aquaman Screening at L.A. Live

Eat dinner and watch a movie during this poolside screening of Aquaman at Downtown’s JW Marriott. Each $45 reservation includes one appetizer or snack, one entrée and unlimited popcorn.

 

Poolside Aquaman Screening

Saturday April 10, 2021

Doors Open at 6:30 PM, Showtime 7:30 PM

Location: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

900 West Olympic Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Facial coverings or masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking while seated.

Hand sanitizer station available

Seating is pre-arranged for party size (groupings of 2, 3 or 4) to ensure social distancing. Tickets must be purchased together. Chairs may not be moved around. Maximum grouping size is four guests.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Outside food and beverage is not permitted.

There isn’t any easier or faster way to brighten my mood than by adding a few touches of spring to your home! Spring is a time of renewal, so it’s no wonder that many of us feel an urge to spruce up our homes this time of year. But it can be difficult to know where to begin to give your spaces a fresh feeling. If you’d love to update your home without spending a lot of money or making drastic changes, follow these spring home decor ideas.

Tip #1: Liven things up with plants and flowers.

Using fresh flowers to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside is one of the easiest ways to decorate your home for spring.

 

Tip #2: Refresh your spring styling.

Lightening up the look of your home for the new season can be as simple as making little styling tweaks to coffee and accent tables, shelves, mantels, and countertops. Even something as simple as a pretty dishtowel draped over the sink can add a fresh touch of spring decor to the kitchen.

 

Tip #3: Update your bedding.

Spring is all about awakening, so now’s the perfect time to freshen up your bedroom for the warmer months with some new bedding. Or, simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions.

 

Tip #4: Rearrange the furniture.

One of the easiest ways to update your home for spring is to rearrange your furniture. Not only does moving the furniture change the look of your home, but it can also change the way you live! Rearranging the furniture only costs a few minutes of time (and maybe a few sore muscles), but it can return dividends in satisfaction, making you fall in love with your home again.

 

Tip #5: Welcome the sun.

As the hours of sunshine increase each day, this is the perfect time to maximize the amount of light in your home by replacing heavy or dark curtains with white or lighter-colored versions–or even remove them altogether!

 

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the month at 33,066.96, up 6.9% from 30,932.37 at the end of January. It is up 8.0% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the month at 3,958.55, up 3.9% from 3,811.15 last month. It is up 5.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the month at 13,045.29, down 1.2%from 13,192.35 last month It is up 1.9% year-to-date. U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the month yielding 1.74%, up from 1.44% last month. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the month at 2.41, up from 2.17% last month. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields. Mortgage rates – The April 01, 2021, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.18%, up from 2.97% last month. The 15-year fixed was 2.45%, up from 2.34% last month. The 5-year ARM was 2.84%, down from 2.99% last month. U.S. employers added 379,000 jobs in February – The Department of Labor and Statics reported that 379,000 net new jobs were added in January. That’s a healthy turnaround from January when the economy gained just 49,000 jobs. The figure also stunned analysts who expected 210,000 new jobs due to a rapid drop in COVID cases that has allowed more of the economy to re-open. Most of the gains came from the hospitality and leisure sector which saw an increase of 355,000 jobs as employers re-hired workers upon re-opening. Of those 355,000 hospitality and leisure workers, 286,000 work in bars and restaurants, 36,000 in hotels, and 33,000 in gambling and recreation businesses. Despite the gains, the hospitality and leisure sector still has 3.5 million fewer workers than before the pandemic. The unemployment rate in February was 6.2%, down from 6.3% in January. The March jobs report will be released tomorrow and included in the report this weekend. Home sales statistics are compiled and reported around the third week of the month for the previous month. These are February’s results. U.S. existing-home sales -The National Association of Realtors announced that the number of existing-home sales in February was 6.22 million on a seasonally-adjusted annualized rate. That marked a drop of 6.6% from January’s sales rate, but a 9.1% increase from February 2020, when sales totaled 5.70 million on a seasonally-adjusted annualized basis. One reason is that February has three fewer days (10% fewer days) than January and that the majority of February closings went under contract in December and January which has fewer openings due to the holidays. The median existing-home sales price in February was 15.8% higher than one year ago. That marked 108 straight months of year-over-year increases in the median price. Existing-home sales include all single-family, condominium, townhouse, and co-op sales. California existing home sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing, single-family home sales totaled 462,720 on an annualized basis in February. That represented a year-over-year increase of 9.7% from the 421,670 annualized rate of homes sold in January 2020. The median price paid for a home in California was $699,000, up 20.6% from the median price of $579,770 last February. Inventory levels were lower than one year ago. There was just a 2.0-month supply of homes for sale in February, down from a 3.6-month supply one year ago. Below please find a graph of regional statistics for Southern California.

Sports are coming back into full swing! Check out some fun (and mighty competitive) games to check out!

Dodger’s Opening Day

When: April 1, 2021  Location: Coors Field — Denver, Colorado
Live stream: fuboTV | TV: ESPN

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies will kick off their 2021 seasons at Coors Field on April 1. The reigning World Series champion Dodgers enter the year looking for their ninth consecutive NL West title, while the Rockies are looking to avoid falling into their third straight losing season.

Check out the rest of the opening day schedule, here!

 

NCAA Basketball Tournament: UCLA v Gonzaga Bulldogs

When: April 3, 2021 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Live stream: fuboTV | TV: ESPN

In the final four, UCLA will take on the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs who are favored by 15 points. Grab some popcorn and sit at the edge of your seat as you watch this game on Saturday!

 

LA Kings Season In Full Swing

When: April 16, 2021 Location: Denver, Colorado

Live stream: fuboTV | TV: ESPN

The hockey season is in full swing and next up is LA Kings versus the Colorado Avalanche teams in Denver, Colorado! Watch the games live on TV or stream through fuboTV!