Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending September 16, 2023

Stock markets were roughly unchanged this week – Investors weighed another week of data that showed renewed strength in the economy. Key data included: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.7% in August from one year ago. That’s up from a 3.2% year-over-year increase in July and a 3% increase in June, marking a second consecutive monthly increase after dropping every month from July 2022 to June 2023. Oil prices hit their highest point since last November. Retail sales were also better than expected, up 2.5% from last August. Retail sales were up 2.2% in June and July from a year earlier. The economy is just not cooling the way the Fed expected when they began their tightening measures over a year ago. Investors, who felt that the Fed was done or nearly done raising rates, now feel that there will be at least one more increase in the coming months. They also feel that rates will remain high for longer than previously expected. Bond yields and mortgage rates are now at their highest levels in 20 years. Experts expect mortgage rates to drop significantly once we see some signs of slowing in the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,618.24, up 0.1% from 34,576.59 last week. It is up 4.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,450.32, down 0.2%from 4,457.59 last week. It is up 15.9% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,704.34, down 0.4% from 13,761.53 last week. It is up 30.9% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.33% up from 4.26% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.42%, up from 4.33% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of September 14, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18%, up slightly from 7.12% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.51%, almost unchanged from 6.52% last week.

Home sales data from the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors will be released next week.

Have a great weekend!

September 8, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending September 9, 2023

Stock markets closed lower this week – Stocks lost ground based on fears that interest rates will remain high for a longer period than previously expected. This is due to another round of strong economic news. New data suggests there is renewed strength in the labor market as jobless claims dropped to their lowest levels since February. Worker productivity increased by 3.5% last quarter, it’s highest level since 2017. The value of the dollar grew stronger, it is up 5.6% from July of this year. Oil prices rose to a 9-month high, placing pressure on inflation. Sales and inflation data for the month of August will be released next week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,576.59, down 0.8% from 34,837.71 last week. It is up 4.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,457.59, down 1.3% from 4,515.77 last week. It is up 16.1% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,761.53, down 1.9% from 14,031.81 last week. It is up 31.5% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.26% up from 4.18% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.33%, up from 4.29% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that as of September 7, 2023, mortgage rates for the most popular loan products were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.12%, down slightly from 7.18% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.52% up from 6.11% last week.

Home sales data for August will be released in the coming week by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Local data by city or zip code is available now on our website RodeoRe.com.

Have a great weekend!

September 1, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending September 2, 2023

Stock markets posted their best week since June – Stock markets ended the week with solid gains as economic data pointed to a potential slowdown in the economy. Investors are in the “bad news is good news” mode. After weeks of solid economic data that sent bond yields and mortgage rates to 20-year high levels, this week’s data pointed to some slowing. The second quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the broadest indicator of economic growth, was revised downward from its initial reading of 2.4% annual growth to 2.1% annual growth. While the number of new jobs created in August was slightly above expectations, the unemployment rate increased, and consumer confidence dropped unexpectedly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,837.71, up 1.4% from 34,346.90 last week. It is up 5.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,515.77, up 2.5% from 4,405.71 last week. It is up 17.6% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 14,031.81, up 3.3% from 13,590.65 last week. It is up 34.1% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.18% almost unchanged from 4.25% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.29%, almost unchanged from 4.30% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 31, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18%, down from 7.25% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.11% down from 6.55% last week.

Job growth was strong in August, but the unemployment rate increased – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 187,000 new full-time jobs were added in August. That was in line with economists’ expectations. While roughly the same number of new jobs were created as reported in July, July was revised downward by 30,000 to 157,000 today. The unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August, up from 3.5% in July, its lowest level in almost 60 years, as more workers entered the workforce. Average hourly wages increased 4.4% from one year ago, unchanged from the previous month. The labor-force participation rate (the share of workers with a job or actively looking for a job) was 62.8%, up from 62.6% in July. Experts feel that perhaps people’s COVID stimulus savings are running out to explain more workers entering the workforce. The labor force is still well below its 63.4% level before the pandemic.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

Monthly Economic Update | Month Ending August 31, 2023

Stock markets dropped in August – Although it has been an incredible year of stock market gains, August marked a challenging month. Stock markets dropped due to fears of higher interest rates. Bond yields and mortgage rates rose to the highest levels in 20 years as economic data suggested that the economy was showing no signs of slowing. The Fed increased interest rates and gave hawkish comments suggesting that high rates would remain at these levels for longer than many experts expected. In the last week of the month there was news which suggested the economy may finally be reacting to the Fed’s tightening campaign. Some inflation gauges showed moderation, second quarter GDP was revised downward to 2.1% growth, from its initial reading of 2.4%, and consumer confidence took a sudden drop. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the month at 34,721.91, down 2.4% from 35,559.53 on July 31st. It is up 4.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the month at 4,507.66, down 1.8% from 4,588.96 last month. It is up 17.4% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the month at 14,034.97, down 2.2% from 14,346.02 last month. It is up 34.1% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the month yielding 4.09%, up from 3.97% last month. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the month at 4.20%, from 4.02% last month. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields. Both the 10-year and 30-year closed the month about .25% below their highest levels for the month after dropping in the last week of the month.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates as of August 31, 2023, for the most popular loan products were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18%, up from 6.81% at the end of July. The 15-year fixed was 6.55%, up from 6.11% at the end of July.

Job growth was strong in August, but the unemployment rate increased – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 187,000 new full-time jobs were added in August. That was in line with economists’ expectations. While roughly the same number of new jobs were created as reported in July, July was revised downward by 30,000 to 157,000 today. The unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August, up from 3.5% in July, its lowest level in almost 60 years, as more workers entered the workforce. Average hourly wages increased 4.4% from one year ago, unchanged from the previous month. The labor-force participation rate (the share of workers with a job or actively looking for a job) was 62.8%, up from 62.6% in July. Experts feel that perhaps people’s COVID stimulus savings are running out to explain more workers entering the workforce. The labor-force is still well below its 63.4% level before the pandemic.

Home sales figures are released on the third week of the month by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. This is the July home sales data.

U.S. existing-home sales – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 4.07 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in July, down 16.6% from an annualized rate of 4.88 million in July 2022. The median price for a home in the U.S. in July was $406,700, up 1.9% from $399,000 one year ago. There was a 3.3-month supply of homes for sale in July, up from a 3.2-month supply last July. First-time buyers accounted for 30% of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 16% of all sales. All-cash purchases accounted for 26% of all sales. Foreclosures and short sales accounted for 1% of all sales.

California existing-home sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 269,180 on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis in July. That marked the tenth straight month on sales dropping under 300,000 on an annualized basis. The number of sales is down approximately 40% from July 2021. Year-to-date the number of homes sold was down 30.3% from the first seven months of 2022. The statewide median price paid for a home in July was $832,390, up 0.2% from $830,870 last July. There was a 2.5-month supply of single-family homes for sale in July, down from a 3.1-month supply one year ago.

The graph below has sales data for Southern California by region. This was compiled by the California Association of Real Estate.

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

From Taylor Swift on the Big Screen to LG’s TV Briefcase and More! | Tech News

Stay connected in the world of technology and media with our weekly round-up with leading stories from Taylor Swift on the Big Screen to LG’s TV Briefcase and more. Read on for what’s happening around the globe.

Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” Hits Theaters

Although some Taylor Swift fans might still be disappointed with Ticketmaster for missing the live Eras Tour, AMC is offering a silver lining by showcasing the tour in its theaters nationwide. Starting this October, AMC plans to broadcast the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” — a filmed version of Swift’s latest concert — with multiple daily screenings from Thursday to Sunday. The screenings aren’t just limited to regular theaters; premium IMAX and Dolby locations will join the lineup, and other chains like Regal and Cinemark are also considering showings. Taylor Swift took to Instagram to invite fans to these cinematic events, encouraging them to dress in Eras gear and actively sing and dance along. Addressing the Taylor Swift Eras tour’s immense popularity, AMC promises enhanced ticketing systems to accommodate demand and aims to make these viewings widely accessible and affordable.

LG Debuts Suitcase TV

Unveiled in the US earlier this month, LG’s unique 27-inch suitcase TV, the StanbyME Go, priced at $999.99, is now being showcased at IFA 2023 in Berlin. While we couldn’t find the touchscreen-optimized games on the demo, the TV’s flexible articulating design, allowing for easy swivel from portrait to landscape, was notably robust. The TV also boasts a sturdy stand mechanism, a single HDMI port, USB input, and a built-in battery promising three hours of runtime. Its 1080p LCD display seemed standard when compared to LG’s 4K OLEDs. Those interested can currently preorder the TV on LG’s US website, with deliveries expected around October 16th.

Nintendo Unveils Vibrant Red Switch OLED for “Mario Wonder”

In the latest Nintendo Direct, not only did we glimpse the gameplay of the forthcoming “Super Mario Bros. Wonder”, but we were also introduced to a vibrant red OLED Nintendo Switch designed specifically for the game. Sporting a sleek Mario theme, including a silhouette of the character and concealed coins, this special edition console drops on October 6th, a fortnight before “Wonder” launches on October 20th. Such exclusive console designs aren’t new for Nintendo; past releases include a Mario-themed Switch for “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” and a Zelda-inspired one for “Tears of the Kingdom”. This October’s release accentuates a landmark year for Mario, also marked by a theme park and a movie.

Soon, Threads will introduce a feature to search within posts

Threads is set to introduce a keyword-based search feature for posts, as revealed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. An embedded image gives a sneak peek into its functionality. When users search for a keyword, it currently shows usernames. With the new update, hitting “search” will also display all posts with that keyword. As of now, the keyword search feature is under testing in Australia and New Zealand. There are plans to roll it out in more English-speaking regions soon. Christine Pai from Instagram states that based on community feedback, they are enhancing the search experience. Likewise, Threads has continued to expand its features since its significant launch in July.

VanMoof e-bikes find a buyer

Lavoie, the e-mobility branch of McLaren Applied, is set to purchase the innovative e-bike manufacturer VanMoof. This acquisition promises a resurgence for the pioneering brand. Likewise, this reassures the approximately 200,000 customers who invested in their advanced e-bikes crafted from unique components. The collaboration aims to stabilize VanMoof’s operations and amalgamate their collective expertise to shape the future of e-mobility. In 2022, Lavoie unveiled its inaugural electric scooter with the Series 1 foldable. Priced at $2,000, the Series 1 is scheduled for distribution in the US, UK, and Europe from November.

Jabra Unveils Its Most Luxurious and Durable Earbuds to Date

To make its mark, Jabra has introduced two high-end earbuds, each designed for distinct purposes. The Elite 10, priced at $249, aims to provide unparalleled sound and comfort. Simultaneously, the $199 Elite 8 Active is tailored for fitness enthusiasts, boasting unmatched durability. Both models highlight Jabra’s move towards spatial audio. The Elite 10 showcases a semi-open design for comfort and is integrated with cutting-edge noise cancellation. Enhanced with 10-millimeter drivers and a collaboration with Dolby for head-tracking spatial audio, these earbuds promise rich sound quality. The six-mic system ensures clear calls and reduces wind interference. With a battery life of six hours, the Elite 10 offers robust sound and advanced noise cancellation.

August 25, 2023September 1, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending August 26, 2023

Economic news this week focused around the Fed’s annual international symposium. Central banks from around the world as well as U.S. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated their intent to do whatever it takes to bring inflation down to their 1% target. Powell pretty much stated that further increases would be necessary, as growth has exceeded expectations. He spoke about the tight labor market being a major cause of inflation. He said that we won’t reach the target at the current unemployment level, and the need to get the unemployment rate higher. It is currently at the lowest level in over 50 years. That appears to be a target that the Fed will be focusing on when they set monetary policy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,346.90 down 0.5% from34,500.66 last week. It is up 3.6% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,405.71, up 0.8% from 4,369.71 last week. It is up 14.7% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,590.65, up 2.3% from 13,290.78 last week. It is up 29.8% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.25% almost unchanged from 4.26% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.30%, down slightly from 4.38% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 24, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.24%, up from 7.09% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.55% up from 6.46% last week.

U.S. existing-home sales – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 4.07 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in July, down 16.6% from an annualized rate of 4.88 million in July 2022. The median price for a home in the U.S. in July was $406,700, up 1.9 from $413,800 one year ago. There was a 3.3-month supply of homes for sale in July, up from a 3.2-month supply last July. First-time buyers accounted for 30%of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 16% of all sales. All-cash purchases accounted for 26% of all sales. Foreclosures and short sales accounted for 1% of all sales.

August 19, 2023September 1, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending August 19, 2023

Stock markets dropped again this week – Stock markets, after posting historic gains in the first seven months of the year, stalled in August. While some of the selling is simply investors that feel stocks have become overvalued and are taking profits, there may be other structural problems in the economy emerging. Bond yields and mortgage rates, which were dropping on positive inflation news, have risen since the U.S. credit rating was downgraded by Fitch three weeks ago. They cited the ballooning national debt, an unwillingness to cut spending, and political uncertainty. This led to less demand for U.S. treasury bonds. Bond yields hit a 16 -year high on Thursday. Mortgage rates have hit their highest rates since 2002 this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,500.66, down 2.2% from 35,281.40 last week. It is up 4.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,369.71, down 2.1% from 4,464.05 last week. It is up 13.8% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,290.78, down 2.6% from 13,644.85 last week. It is up 27% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.26%, up from 4.16% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.38%, up from 4.27% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 17, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.09%, up from 6.91% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.46%, up from 6.34% last week.

California existing-home sales – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing–home sales totaled 269,180 on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis in July. That marked the tenth straight month on sales dropping under 300,000 on an annualized basis. The number of sales is down approximately 40% from July 2021. Year-to-date the number of homes sold was down 30.3% from the first seven months of 2022. The statewide median price paid for a home in July was $832,390, up 0.2% from $830,870 last July. There was a 2.5-month supply of single-family homes for sale in July, down from a 3.1-month supply one year ago.

The graph below has sales data for Southern California by region. This was compiled by the California Association of Real Estate

August 11, 2023September 1, 2023

Weekly Economic Update | Week Ending August 12, 2023

Stock markets – Stock markets ended the week with mixed results. The Nasdaq’s incredible 2023 rally may be stalling as it posted its second consecutive week of losses, up 30% for the year. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI), the broadest gauge of inflation, was released on Thursday. It showed that consumer prices rose 3.2% in July from one year ago. While higher than June’s 3%, it marketed the second lowest inflation level in two years. The monthly increase in the inflation level was attributed to rising housing costs. The CPI peaked at 9.1% in June of 2022. The Core CPI, which excludes food and energy was 4.7% in July, its lowest year-over-year inflation level since October 2021. On Friday the Producer Price Index, which tracks wholesale prices ticked up more than expected. We also saw bond and mortgage rates increase further this week. Mortgage rates follow U.S. Treasury yields which have spiked over the last two weeks following the downgrade of U.S. debt by rating company Fitch. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 35,281.40, up 6.4% from 35,065.62 last week. It is up 5.8% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,464.05, down 0.3% from 4,478.03 last week. It is up 16.3% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,644.85, down 1.9% from 13,909.24 last week. It is up 30.4% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.16%, up from 4.05% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.27%, up from 4.21% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 10, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.96%, up from 6.90% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.34%, up from 6.25% last week.

Real estate sales figures for July should be released at the end of next week by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. You can get the July home sale data now at RodeoRE.com.

August 10, 2023August 11, 2023

Transforming Real Estate: A Glimpse into the Future

The real estate industry is undergoing a seismic shift, thanks to the integration of cutting-edge technologies. From automation to AI, virtual reality to big data analytics, the way we buy, sell, and manage properties is changing at a rapid pace. Here’s a closer look at how technology is reshaping the real estate landscape:

Automation

Technology is simplifying the home buying process by automating tasks such as property searches, mortgage approvals, and transaction management. This has led to a more streamlined process and faster closing times, enhancing the overall experience for both buyers and sellers.

AI Home Buyer’s Assistant

AI-powered home buyer’s assistants are revolutionizing the way people search for homes. By providing tailored recommendations based on individual preferences, these intelligent assistants are making the home buying journey more personalized and efficient.

Virtual Reality Real Estate Tours

Virtual reality technology is taking property viewing to a new level. Potential buyers can now explore properties from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and money by reducing the need for physical showings.

Augmented Reality Property Showrooms

Augmented reality is adding a new dimension to property viewing. By overlaying digital images on real-world views, buyers can visualize how a space can be customized to fit their needs, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.

Big Data Analytics Property Valuation

Big data analytics is providing real estate professionals with unprecedented insights into market trends and property valuations. This technology is empowering both buyers and sellers to make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Predictive Analytics Property Market

Predictive analytics is helping real estate professionals forecast future market trends. By anticipating market changes, they can adjust their strategies accordingly, staying ahead of the curve.

Digitalization

The move towards digitalization is streamlining real estate transactions. Electronic signatures, online forms, and digital transaction management are improving efficiency and reducing costs for all parties involved.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize real estate by enabling secure and transparent transactions. By eliminating intermediaries, it’s reducing costs and time for property transactions, making the process more accessible and trustworthy.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is transforming homes into smart and efficient living spaces. Connected devices are enabling homeowners to monitor and control their homes remotely, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.

Real Estate Management Software

Real estate management software is simplifying property management. By automating tasks and providing real-time insights, it’s helping property owners and managers optimize their operations.

3D Printing

3D printing is set to disrupt the construction industry. By enabling faster and more efficient construction processes, it’s reducing waste and cost and allowing for unprecedented customization.

Drones

Drones are adding a new perspective to real estate. From property inspections to aerial marketing footage, they’re providing faster and more accurate data, enhancing the way properties are assessed and presented.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like Zillow and Redfin are democratizing real estate. By providing real-time information on listings and market trends, they’re making it easier for buyers and sellers to navigate the market and make informed decisions.

Conclusion

The integration of technology into real estate is more than a trend; it’s a transformation. From AI to drones, virtual reality to blockchain, the industry is becoming more efficient, transparent, and personalized. These technological advancements are undoubtedly reshaping the way we buy, sell, and manage properties.

However, it’s essential to recognize that technology is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. While these innovations offer incredible benefits, having a good real estate agent remains incredibly important. No one knows the market better than a local expert who understands the nuances, trends, and unique characteristics of a community. An experienced agent can provide personalized guidance, negotiate effectively, and navigate the complexities of a real estate transaction in ways that technology alone cannot.

In the end, the fusion of technology with the human touch of a skilled real estate agent creates a powerful combination that enhances the overall experience for buyers, sellers, investors, and professionals alike. As technology continues to evolve, the role of the real estate agent will undoubtedly adapt, but their expertise, empathy, and local knowledge will remain invaluable in the ever-changing landscape of real estate.

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023

Weekend Events | August 11 – August 13

Get ready for a weekend full of fun! Check out our round-up of the top events happening locally from August 11 through August 13 in your neighborhood!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 11 – August 13

Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome

When: Until October 8

Where: Mount Wilson Observatory

What: Experience classical and jazz music in a dome situated over a mile above Los Angeles at this unique mountaintop concert series. This summer, the Mount Wilson Observatory is presenting monthly musical events within the dome of its famed 100-inch Hooker telescope — a marvel that stood as the world’s largest telescope for a significant portion of the 20th century.

I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) at GRAMMY Museum

When: Until Sept 18

Where: The GRAMMY Museum

What: Capitalizing on the hype of the “Eras Tour”, the GRAMMY Museum is showcasing authentic Taylor Swift artifacts. Until September 18, visitors can view 11 outfits and two instruments from Swift’s “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” video. The exhibit, including items from the Speak Now era sans the Joey King and Taylor Lautner heist, is housed in the fourth-floor theater gallery and is accessible with standard museum entry.

LA Art Book Fair

When: August 10 – August 13

Where: Little Tokyo

What: Returning in-person for the first time since 2019, Printed Matter’s L.A. Art Book Fair at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA displays a plethora of artists’ books and unique publications from over 300 global presses. Attendees can explore a vast collection ranging from edgy paperbacks to elegant art catalogs. The event also features workshops and music in the plaza.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | August 11 – August 13

The Actors’ Gang Free Shakespeare in the Park

When: Until August 27

Where: Palms

What: The Actors’ Gang in Culver City revitalizes Shakespeare each summer with a lively, family-friendly production, often integrating playful themes. This year, “Much Ado About Nothing” transforms into a 45-minute “Winnie the Pooh” influenced play called “Much Ado About Pooh”, featuring A.A. Milne’s beloved characters. Catch the performance every weekend in August at Culver City’s Media Park.

Garden Concerts for Kids

When: Until August 20

Where: The Getty Center

What: Listen to kid-friendly performances during this summertime concert series in the Getty’s beautiful Central Garden. Picnic blankets are welcome, but note that lawn chairs are not.

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare

When: May 4 – September 3

Where: Skirball Cultural Center

What: Today’s claims of censorship may seem dramatic, but years ago, the government truly enforced blacklisting in the entertainment industry due to perceived beliefs. This Skirball exhibit examines the 1947 House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, Hollywood’s response, and the blacklist’s impact, particularly on Jewish creatives and executives

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | August 11 – August 13

NoHo Summer Nights

When: August 12

Where: North Hollywood

What: Check out this free screening of the Disney hit Encanto at NoHo Summer Nights Festival. This is a FREE, family-friendly event located at the North Hollywood Recreational Center.

Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas

When: Glendale

Where: Until September 10

What: Experience the enchanting union of L.A.’s unique Velaslavasay Panorama and Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum as they present an exhibition of striking large-scale paintings. This immersive display is categorized into three sections: the early history of panoramas, crucifixion panoramas, and panoramas representing Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Street Food Cinema

When: Until August 26

Where: Glendale

What: Combine dinner and a movie into one delightful package by trailing the food trucks. In the spring, summer, and fall, Street Food Cinema organizes a sequence of alfresco events featuring screenings of popular movies, an array of gourmet food trucks, and live performances from local bands. Some of these outdoor locales are dog-friendly, making it possible for your furry film fan to join the fun.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | August 11 – August 13

Music Under the Stars

When: August 12

Where: Olivas Adobe Ventura

What: Dine, dance & delight to great performances at Ventura’s most historic party site! Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy nine Saturday nights of summer magi, “dancing with the stars,” on a majestic wooden ballroom floor. Bring your own dinner or purchase it from a gourmet food truck on site.

Ventura County Fair

When: Until August 13

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds

What: The Ventura County Fair is scheduled for August 2-13, 2023, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard in Ventura. The fair offers a variety of attractions, including arts, crafts, food stalls, exhibits, interactive demonstrations, farm animals, a petting zoo, thrilling carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.

Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise Night

When: Until September 22

Where: Old Town Camarillo

What: The Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise is back for 2023 on the 4th Friday of the month from April through September from 4-7 p.m. Drive down Ventura Boulevard with your classic car between 4 pm -7 pm. Try some local takeout by supporting the Camarillo Old Town eateries with their pre-order and/or take-out options.