Rodeo Realty’s Emily Shaffer turned cold calls into success and a $2.9 Million Listing.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (May 3, 2019)- Rodeo Realty’s newest agent locked down a listing in a uniquely unconventional way. After four days and over 300 cold calls, Emily Shaffer of Rodeo Realty Calabasas made an appointment with a possible seller. Cut to mere days later and Emily acquired the $2.9 Million Dollar listing.
With the Calabasas home market being a competitive field, this is truly a real estate win. The year is just hitting the mid mark and we can already see an impressive line-up of listings and sales all around. With Emily being a new addition to the team, her dedication and drive are what makes her a valuable member of the Rodeo Realty family.
Rodeo Realty is a residential real estate firm that has more than 1,200 licensed agents and brokers and 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Rodeo Realty services various markets in Southern California, including luxury real estate markets. The company’s celebrity and other multi-million dollar listings are regularly featured in the news through several television networks, online sites and publications.
Operated under the direction and vision of a single owner, Rodeo Realty stands today as one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, while still maintaining the friendly approach of the neighborhood REALTOR®. As the largest independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Beverly Hills and operating throughout the Los Angeles area, with the highest sales volume, Rodeo Realty has the resources to provide the best tools in the industry to deliver the very best results.
MySpace Co-Founder Tom Anderson finds Weho Home with Rodeo Realty’s Ben Bacal as the Buying Agent.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif(April 26, 2019 )-We all know Tom from Myspace (well anyone born before the year 2000). Ben Bacal of Rodeo realty recently closed sale with Tom Anderson on his new West Hollywood abode. Mr. Anderson purchased the home from the Chainsmokers Drew Taggart last week and the deal has already garnered press attention.
The home was built in 2016 and stuns architecturally with slick features, open spaces and 4,758 square feet of living space. The LA Times picked up the story and described the home as an “open-concept space, awash in shades of gray”. The main floor features modern fixtures with a floating staircase leading to the top level living quarters. While the outside boast a second story fountain feeding into an infinity pool of the covered patio.
The home is located in the Melrose District which is an ideal location for trendy shops and restaurants.
Those familiar with the Chainsmokers will know of the Grammy winner Drew Taggart and their hit singles like “Don’t Let me Down” which was number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And those that grew up at the start of Social Media will know well of everyone’s friend Tom. The MySpace Co-Founder established the social networking site in 2003, serving as the company president after it was acquired by News Corp in 2005.
The home was purchased for $3.8 Million.
About Ben Bacal:
Ben has paved the road with over 2 billion dollars in sales and catapulted to the highest echelon in Southern California real estate within his ten years of selling. Ben is best known for his role in catapulting the median home sales prices and median home sale price per square foot over the past five years in The Bird Streets and Trousdale Estates – arguably two of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Ben was the first person ever to sell a property for $20 million in Trousdale in 2009, subsequently causing the price per square foot in the neighborhood to double from $1500 to $3000 per square foot. Today, Bacal continues to drive pricing with record-breaking sales in not only Trousdale Estates and The Bird Streets, but also Bel Air, Beverly Hills Proper, Beverly Hills Post Office and other parts of the Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Brentwood and Malibu and he has recently entered Hidden Hills and the exclusive Westlake real estate market with notoriety
Ben has built his real estate marketing prowess from the ground up after relocating from Toronto to Los Angeles at the young age of 17.
Ben has significantly contributed to driving up prices in the Los Angeles’ luxury residential landscape.
About Rodeo Realty:
Rodeo Realty is a residential real estate firm that has more than 1,200 licensed agents and brokers and 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Rodeo Realty services various markets in Southern California, including luxury real estate markets. The company’s celebrity and other multi-million dollar listings are regularly featured in the news through several television networks, online sites and publications.
Operated under the direction and vision of a single owner, Rodeo Realty stands today as one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, while still maintaining the friendly approach of the neighborhood REALTOR®. As the largest independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Beverly Hills and operating throughout the Los Angeles area, with the highest sales volume, Rodeo Realty has the resources to provide the best tools in the industry to deliver the very best results.
The days of Macaroni necklaces and handwritten cards have come and gone(except for the kids, they get a free pass). With so many tech gadgets and gift options, figuring out what to buy Mom can be tricky. That’s why we scoured the world wide web for options, because it’s 2019 so why not? Read on for a Mother’s Day round-up of suitable shows of appreciation for mom(shipping and handling not included).
This five-year journal helps to capture those moments that seem to fly by. With a page dedicated to every day of the year, it prompts parents to answer questions like, “What was the best hug you had this week?” and “What interests your child lately?” Moms don’t have to do much, just write down one simple sentence every day, and at the end they’ll have a journal full of half a decade worth of memories.
If you were planning on sending Mom a greeting card this year, why not try one of these beautiful 3D creations? Inspired by the Asian art of sliceform kirigami, these intricate pop-up cards are nice enough to display in the home, and they come in creative designs like a family of koalas or the “mother of dragons.”
Not only is the Alidia Ring BaubleBar’s best-selling ring, but it’s also a celebrity favorite. Julia Roberts was recently spotted wearing the rings in multiple colors, stacked on top of each other for an effortlessly cool effect. When it launched on the site last spring, it sold out in three days and racked up a waiting list of over 10,000 people. It was so popular the brand decided to release it in a ton of new colors, for a total of nine possible designs.
Delicate and personalized jewelry are among some of the most popular trends when it comes to accessories. This necklace is both. Each piece is handmade in La Conner, Washington, so it’s a totally unique gift for Mom. You can choose between gold, rose gold and silver, and we love the idea of layering a few necklaces emblazoned with each kiddo’s name. We’re sure Mom will love keeping them close to her heart.
Create a memento of the most important days in her life — like her wedding anniversary and the birthdates of her children. This Etsy shop makes beautiful artwork of them all.
You know all those treasured photos trapped on Mom’s phone? Give her a place to show them off, along with new photos sent by friends and family. That’s the beauty of a digital photo frame, which I rank among the all-time best Mother’s Day gifts you can give.
At $199, the Apple Watch Series 3 still isn’t what I’d call cheap — but it’s $80 off the regular price and without question the best iPhone-compatible smartwatch.
The white sport-band goes with everything, but you can make this gift even more fun with some colorful replacements, like this three-pack for $14. While you’re at it, look at all the other inexpensive Apple Watch accessories you can get.
The BW-FYE1 features a compact charging case, auto-pairing the moment you open that case and a comfy stay-put fit. I find the sound quality to be quite good overall, though a bit lacking in bass because these don’t really seal inside the ear (same as AirPods). But for Mom, simplicity and comfort are key, right? These deliver.
You’ve probably seen the Neil Patrick Harris commercials by now. If you haven’t we are here to update you on this era’s version of a home phone. Don’t just call Mom to say hi — video-call her! It’s the 21st century, after all. That option has rarely been cheaper now that the Facebook Portal is on sale for $99. It’s not only a dedicated video-call machine, but also a voice-powered smart assistant, able to play music, show videos, even run a slideshow of family photos. Even if you don’t have a Portal of your own, you can call Mom (and vice versa) via Facebook Messenger.
The Wonderboom is compact, fully waterproof speaker that plays very loud for its size, with a good amount of bass. It also floats in water and has decent battery life. Just one thing to note: Although it’s new, and available in your choice of colors, it ships in brown-box, rather than retail, packaging.
Here in Los Angeles we know how to celebrate when it comes to International holidays. For Cinco de Mayo this is no different. And since the odds are in our favor of May 5th falling on the weekend, there’s no excuse not to partake in city-wide revelry.
Atwater Village
Unlike other bars and restaurants that celebrate Cinco with specials for one, two, or even three days, The Morrison’s celebrating from RIGHT NOW WHENEVER YOU’RE READING THIS until the end of the big day, with offers like the $12 Mi Chimichanga and $7 Tres Leches Cake and drinks like $5 Corona and Modelo.
DTLA
Mid-city’s Petty Cash Taqueria is taking over the counter at Sari Sari Store in Grand Central Market on Cinco Proper, serving up guac, chips, tacos, and flan at the normally Filipino stand.
Mid-city
As part of the LA Times Food Bowl series of events, Petty Cash proper’s going to be dropping a one-day-only brunch on May 5, from 9am to 3pm. Said brunch will include mushroom sopes with jack cheese, black beans, avocado, and a fried egg, and steak and eggs with poblano rice; walk-ins are welcome, but you’d probably do well to get yourself a reservation.
Sherman Oaks
The Valley’s ultra-casual Mexican spot is gonna have an all-day happy hour on Sunday, with $6 shots of Patron Silver, margs for $6, and bacon-wrapped street dogs for $6, among a ton of other specials.
Culver City
Ricardo Zarate’s newest Peruvian-meets-Angeleno restaurant is going big for Cinco. They’ll be serving a $28 massive carafe of margarita that can serve up to six people. If you prefer your specials on a smaller scale, they’re also doing the Peru-inspired Chica Morada Margarita (with purple corn, apple, pineapple, lemon, tequila, and spices) for only $7.
Sunday, May 5 Exposition Park
The Coliseum’s hosting a totally-free shindig on Cinco proper — the festivities kick off at noon, including live traditional music, a beer garden, food trucks, and games with prizes. There’ll even be a pepper-eating contest, in case you’re looking for a non-hangover medical excuse to call out sick on Monday.
Saturday, May 4 La Plaza De Cultural Y Artes (Downtown)
It’s actually happening on cuatro de mayo, but this tortilla-wrapped food festival/taco-domination tournament is back for its 10th year. Celebrate the decade by feasting on a total smorgasbord of tacos, including offerings from the top four bracket picks: Sonoratown, Bierriea Gonzalez, Tacos La Unica, and Macheen.
Mexican wrestlers, or luchadores, compete during the ‘Lucha VaVoom Cinco de Mayan’ at The Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The event is a colorful show of costumed luchadores intertwined with sexy burlesque dancers.
Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5 The Mayan Theater (Downtown)
It’s hard to picture Cinco de Mayo in LA without Lucha VaVoom, and thankfully you don’t have to. Lucha’s running its tenth annual Cinco spectacular over three days this year, which means three days of chicken-cloaked dwarf wrestling — and that’s not even the best stuff. In other words, buy tickets now.
Saturday, May 4 Rolling Greens (Downtown)
The tequila band’s throwing its sombrero into the Cinco celebration with this RSVP-necessary party, which actually happens on the 4th. Not only will there be free beverages, but you’ll also get food from Tacos Delta. See a performance from an all-female mariachi band — just make sure to note that guests must be 21+ to attend.
N’Sync memes aside, it is finally May. As we speed through spring and get ever closer to summertime, the selection of city fun is as bountiful as your home garden. Don’t settle for the usual weekend routine! With Cinco De Mayo this Sunday, the elections are sure to be fiery. Spend some time in the city of stars with our round-up of the best events happening this May 3-5.
Friday, May 3rd
Union Station 80th Anniversary Celebration
Union Station is marking its 80th Anniversary with a two-day (May 3-4) community celebration. There will be live music in the the regal Waiting Room, a Living Gallery highlighting the past, a market place with local vendors, food and drink plus a special 80th anniversary menu.
Friday Night Block Party at L.A. LIVE presented by Absolut features 20+ pop-up shops, live art and street performers and select $5 food and drink menus at participating L.A. LIVE restaurants.
Effervescence: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Festival
Effervescence: Champagne & Sparkling Wine Festival returns to Los Angeles May 3 – 5 for its premier sparking wine event featuring an array of grape-worthy activities over the course of three days. Highlights include exclusive collector dinners, grand tastings, chef-lead dinners, and galas with celebrity chefs such as Nancy Silverton (La Brea Bakery, Mozza).
L.A. TACO and I LOVE MICHELADAS presents the 10th annual Taco Madness celebration at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles. Savor the city’s best tacos, listen to great music and drink micheladas all day long. Admission into the event is free.
Explore a hidden historic neighborhood on foot during Walk On Washington an event that highlights art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and more along the Washington Blvd business corridor of Arlington Heights, Angelus Vista and Western Heights between Bronson Ave. and Wilton Pl.
May 4 is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You!), a worldwide celebration that various businesses take part in. A few local businesses in Los Angeles are holding events too. For example, Kidspace will host a Spirit Day for families who love the series and The VOID award winning VR experience will offer a buy three get one person in for free to their Secrets of the Empire experience.
Sunday, May 5th
Concert in the Dome
Mount Wilson Observatory launches its third season of Concert in the Dome special concerts inside its historic 100-inch telescope dome. There will be two musical performances: one at 3 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m. A reception for the artists will follow each performance.
LA celebrates Cinco De Mayo like Boston and Savannah celebrate St. Patricks Day. This year the celebration happens to fall on the weekend so of course as Angeleno’s the revelry will be on point. Skip scouring the internet for what to do on Sunday and read our Out and About:Cinco De Mayo Edition for the cites best food specials and events this weekend only.
With Spring in full bloom it’s the perfect time to give you home garden an upgrade. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best flowers to plant in your yard for the most colorful season. So grab your sheers and all those other gardening tools(we’ll leave the precise names to the pros) and add some flair to your outdoor abode!
Pansy
Cool weather is just what pansy prefers. It’s an annual that gardeners flock to because it’s one of the best flowers to plant in spring for early-season containers and window boxes, relishing the variety in petal color as much as the cheery uplifted blooms.
Name:Viola x wittrockiana
Growing conditions: Sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide
Hellebore
Also known as a Lenten rose or Christmas rose, hellebores produce spring flowers of delicate beauty and surprising resilience. In warmer climates, it may even tolerate light frosts, making it one of the best flowers to plant in spring. For unusual flowers, ask at your nursery about double-bloom varieties.
Name:Helleborus niger
Growing conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide
Snowdrop Anemone
Anemone Sylvestris
Fragrant and festive, the bright clusters of snowdrop anemone work well even in a spring garden that’s slightly shaded. Bonus: Once the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, the plant may put on a second bloom show in the garden.
Name:Anemone nemorosa
Growing conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide
Lilac
There’s no sweeter spring fragrance than the blooms of this cottage-garden favorite. Lilac varieties, one of the best flowers to plant in spring, come in all shapes and sizes, from dwarf shrubs to taller trees.
Spring flower tip: The lilac blooms on old wood, so hold off on pruning until right after the same year’s flowering is finished.
Name:Syringa vulgaris
Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: To 20 feet tall and wide
‘Acoma’ Iris
Pick your favorite color, and there’s likely an iris to fill your spring garden need. Most put on their bloom show toward the end of spring, but the plants’ tall growth and delectable petal variations make them pretty additions to a variety of garden styles.
Name:Iris ‘Acoma’
Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: To 34 inches tall and 12 inches wide
Grape Hyacinth
As much as any other spring bulbs, grape hyacinths trumpet the arrival of spring. Clustered flowers hang lusciously from sturdy stalks, resembling bundles of grapes; they are one of the most beautiful and best flowers to plant in spring.
Name:Muscari armeniacum
Growing conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil
Size: To 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide
Daffodil
If it is spring, it’s time for a show of daffodils. The bright, jovial spring flower has a range of shapes and sizes, from trumpet to small- and large-cupped to double. Deer find them less palatable than other spring plants, but the foliage should be left to die back on its own to rejuvenate the plants for the following year.
Name:Narcissus selections
Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: To 1 foot tall and wide
Tulip
With innate cheerfulness and beauty, a tulip, one of the best flowers to plant in spring, lends itself to a variety of garden settings—from formal border gardens to naturalistic, casual settings. And there’s a tulip for every gardener, from diminutive 4-inch-tall specimens to extravagant multi-foot-high blooms.
Name:Tulipa selections
Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: To 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide
Puschkinia
Inside the blooms of snowdrift is an exquisite surprise: striped flowers that offer surprising color variation. Tall foliage stalks make these a good companion to lower spring growers such as crocus and one of the best flowers to plant in spring.
Name:Puschkinia scilloides
Growing conditions: Sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide
‘Pink Discovery’ Azalea
Its bright color burst is short-lived, but ‘Pink Discovery’ azalea’s solid mass of flamboyant flowers provides a just-right transition from spring to summer bloomers. Pair the shrubs with hellebores, as in this sidewalk border, for an early-season showstopper.
Name:Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanensis ‘Pink Discovery’
Growing conditions: Part shade and moist but well-drained acidic soil
Mother’s Day is a week away, meaning by now you are either well prepared or not… For the sake of all mother’s we hope you have 1-800-Flowers on Speed Dial. To take away the dreaded where to go question, we have you covered. We have put together the best Mom-approved brunch options throughout L.A. so you don’t have. Spend less time stressing on where to eat and more time on whether Mom really needs another Pandora charm. Read on for our round-up!
This hidden creekside gem in Topanga is humbly ideal. Book ahead as you likely won’t be the only one planning to visit this nature spot. Enjoy the fresh air alongside healthy food, relaxing music and renewing ambience.
Driving down the PCH, you’ve likely passed by or visited this seaside spot. With perfect views of the pacific and gourmet dining options, Mother’s Day at Geoffreys is a no brainer. Make the coastal trek and treat mom to brunch with a side of ocean views.
While this may not come to mind as your first choice for Mom, it should be if your a “Mom-osa” fan. The glam-bar setting and menu created by Wolfgang Puck protege Sherry Yard are rightfully indulgent. Enjoy Keto-friendly delicacies and perhaps a movie after since it’s next to the luxurious iPic theaters. The best part is you don’t have to rush on the drinks as they’re allowed inside the theater. Need we say mom-more?
While this hip Hermosa Beach Gastro-pub gives off the urban vibes, it’s rooftop brunch seeks to shake up that notion. Indulge in a meal that doesn’t require you to call in the babysitter with a laidback bite by the sea.
This Long Beach staple is also a staple on our holiday list. No matter the celebration, the Queen Mary always succeeds. With a decadent Mother’s Day brunch, Mom wont mind this champagne infused soiree.
The Silverlake eatery is a woodsy combination of relaxing ambience and delicious food. While the drive to East LA seems far for those not in East LA, it is more than worth it for a trip through the hipster locale.
Another favorite on the hipster list also happens to be a celeb hangout, if you’re into that sort of thing. Aside from the star studded patrons, is a family friendly and affordable spot in Los Feliz. Their brunch is a treat of comfort foods, healthy foods with a twist.
Getting in for Brunch here is tougher without a reservation so we recommend planning ahead.Those familiar with the Descanso Gardens will understand why the botanical setting is so ideal. Allow Mom to be serenaded with live entertainment while enjoying Patina’s culinary treats in the Rose Garden. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained
Another Garden setting worth visiting on Mother’s Day is the famed Huntington Library. This Pasadena gem will host a harp-infused English Tea in the Rose Garden celebration along with a jazz brunch on the lawn. With acres of different botanical scenes, there is no shortage of sites and sips.
An obvious choice for luxury pampering is the Pelican Hill Resort. Mom will ave a choice between not one but five dining options ranging from Cali fresh to Italian style as well as a poolside buffet. And since your already there, you have the option to take it up a notch by treating the lady of the day to some well-deserved Spa time.
Rodeo Realty celebrates its Top Producers for 2018 in luxury style.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (April 22, 2019)-Rodeo Realty celebrated it’s Top Producing agents last week at the Luxe Hotel in Brentwood. The annual event brought together agents and branch managers from all 12 Rodeo Realty Offices.
Rodeo agents work diligently throughout the year to achieve recognition at the years Top Producer Awards. The categories for each award are based on total production for the year and are as follows: Chairman’s Ward, Founder’s Circle, President’s Elite Platinum Circle, President’s Elite Circle, President’s Circle, Director’s Club and Executive Club.
Stunning Beverly Hills Mega-Mansion sells for $35 Million
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (April 24, 2019)- Rodeo Realty’s Jimmy Heckenberg recently closed sale on a stunning Gala Asher designed $35 Million Beverly Hills Mansion. A meticulously designed abode, the massive sale has already gone on to receive press. The striking 14,279-square-foot manor is considered the largest Real Estate sale for the City of Beverly Hills in 2019.
Asher, an Israeli mega-mansion developer had built the home in conjunction with the abodes prior owners, Dallas-based eyewear entrepreneur Dr. Doug Barnes. Completed in 2014, the estate was initially listed for a whopping $55 million.
Prior to the Barneses breaking ground on the lavish estate, stood a modest ranch-style residence, home to the late Dinah Shore until her passing. Then in 2005, Jodie Foster acquired the property, calling it home for six years before selling to the Dr. Barnes in 2011 for $8.3 Million.
Aside from the past and present owners is the grandeur design of this luxury residence. As Variety describes “Any NBA star will feel comfortable under the 25-foot ceilings, and the dazzling 80-foot-long computerized waterfall will leave guests’ jaws a-hangin’.”
Lest we not forget to mention the 7-bedroom abodes’ 3,200 square foot master suite. If one is wondering how vast that is, the average Americans living quarters in total are half that size.
This should come as no surprise for those familiar with Gala Asher’s portfolio of work, having built luxury homes for the likes of Kris Jenner, Billionaire Tom Gores and more. While we are unable to disclose any information regarding the buyer that Rodeo Realty’s Jimmy Heckenberg helped in securing the home for, we can acknowledge this as a sale that is truly astounding.
Jimmy Heckenberg is well recognized in Beverly Hills and the entire Westside for his top producing Heckenberg Realty Group Sales Team. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, existing home buyer or investor, Jimmy Heckenberg will make the buying and selling of real estate as cost effective as possible while maintaining the highest level of service. He will provide you with accurate and up-to-date real estate market information, skilled analysis and sound real estate advice. He continually explores new ideas and technology in order to make the selling and buying of real estate faster, less costly, stress free and simple.
For every single client, Jimmy Heckenberg promises to work diligently to help you achieve your real estate goals. The best interests of his clients will always come first, and he will place your concerns ahead of his own in each and every transaction, as he is dedicated to the development of long-term relationships! Jimmy Heckenberg is grateful and inspired to be working with a select team of professionals whom he believes are the most capable, honest and hard-working in the country. He believes that working hard at something you love to do, with people you trust, is one of the greatest experiences in life. He is devoted to his clients, family, colleagues and his community.
Jimmy Heckenberg and his team at Heckenberg Realty Group look forward to working with you and answering any questions you may have!
Now that Angeleno’s are returning to their normal schedules post Coachella, the spring weekend fun is just ramping up! With so many activities to chose from throughout LA, why limit your days off to just one outing. Check out our weekend round-up and discover the best of Los Angeles all weekend long!
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Friday April 26, 2019
Photoville LA
Location: Outside of the Annenberg Space for Photography
This New York export heads to Los Angeles for the first time and features exhibitions in repurposed shipping containers, photo cubes and light-boxes. Over two consecutive weekends in Century Park (that’s right next to the Annenberg Space for Photography), expect a mix of nighttime projections, talks, workshops, family-friendly activities, Smorgasburg vendors and a community beer garden.
MLB FoodFest comes to Los Angeles for the first time on April 26 – 28. Angelenos can dine on an array of food from the MLB world including Mariners Toasted Grasshoppers, the D-Backs Churro Dogs, Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas from London, the Japanese Curry from Tokyo, and many more.
The famous Montreal based theatrical company will be performing Amaluna kicking off this week through May 26. The story is loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro. The island you’ll visit is ruled by goddesses, and the athletic acts and circus-cool expertise will include teeterboards, aerial acrobatics and more.
Feeling guilty for not doing anything for Earth Day? Well it’s not too late to take part in the Friend’s of the Los Angeles River’s annual cleanup. Every Saturday of the month of April, volunteers have been organizing cleanups with multiple meet-up locations at each and instead of focusing on one spot, the cleanup tackles a different branch. This Saturday is the last chance to take part in your civic duty but to make it more enjoyable there will be live music performances, gift giveaways, family activities and refreshments.
Grand Park’s “Our L.A. Voices” takes over for a weekend-long spring arts gathering on April 27 – 28 that showcases diverse and important artistic work from Los Angeles county. This free festival features both visual arts exhibits, as well as dance, musical, and theatrical performances. This year’s theme is “Origin Stories”, and explores and questions Los Angeles perspectives and culture.
Wanderlust 108—the world’s only mindful triathlon—brings the community together for a 5K run/walk, DJ-powered yoga session, and guided meditation in your local park. Wanderlust has joined (RED) in the fight to end AIDS. For every Wanderlust 108 ticket purchased, Wanderlust will donate $1.08 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS with (RED).
This food enthusiast event returns to Los Angeles River Center and Gardens this weekend. Stop by for a day of celebrating food and drink from Eastside neighborhoods including Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village and beyond.
The Thai New Year Festival returns to Hollywood’s Thai Town neighborhood on April 28 for one of the largest, free festivals in the area. This vibrant festival features a Sidewalk Cafe with many Thai food choices for purchase and the Singha Beer Garden with live jazz music. Additionally, there will be a variety of entertainment choices, including a Beauty Pageant, Folk Dancing, a Tribal Costume Show, Muay Thai Face-off, Thai Cooking Demonstration, Fruit Carving Demonstration, Ice Sculpture Demonstration , Lei Making Demonstration and a Thai Wedding Ceremony.
Enjoy a celebration for the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling at the museum’s eighth annual Puppet Festival. This massive affair features both new and old tales, presented by a variety of puppets, in addition to live music and art making. 2019’s program showcases animals (both real and imaginary), including performances and creations by North Carolina–based puppeteer and designer Hobey Ford, as well as local artists Yulya Dukhovny, the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry, and the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Attendees can also design a puppet and join the storytellers and puppeteers for the festival finale with funk band Delta Nove.
