Rodeo Realty

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Streaming: September 2020 New Releases

Every month, subscription streaming services release new content for viewers to watch and enjoy. September traditionally marks the start of the new television season, and the return of some of our favorite shows. However, fall’s TV slate will look a lot different because many series that shut down production in the spring are just resuming, now. Check out our picks of September 2020 from the big subscription services!

Away

Streaming: Sept 4th on Netflix

Science fiction meets family drama — with a heavier emphasis on the drama — in the slick and involving “Away,” an outer-space adventure about people whose feet are firmly planted on Earth. Hilary Swank plays Emma Green, the commander of an international mission to Mars who is dealing with a skeptical crew and her anxiety over leaving her husband, Matt (Josh Charles), and their teenage daughter, Alexis (Talitha Eliana Bateman), back home for three years. The series’ creator, Andrew Hinderaker, works some realistic concerns and crises that might befall astronauts into the plot, but the show is primarily about the conflicting personalities of the characters and how their ordinary human weaknesses might jeopardize a potentially grand achievement for all humankind.

‘Pen15’ Season 2

Streaming: Sept. 18 on Hulu

The extreme emotional swings and the tawdry romantic crises of junior high school provided for some charmingly awkward comedy in Season 1 of “Pen15.” The co-stars Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle (who also created the show with Sam Zvibleman) put themselves back into their 13-year-old selves, circa the year 2000, remembering what it was like to obsess over every casual interaction with the opposite sex. The second season picks up where the first left off, with the girls struggling to act more mature than they actually are, in the aftermath of a big party that stirred up a lot of gossip among their classmates. The series is as funny, bittersweet and keenly observed as ever — and highly recommended for anyone who doesn’t mind cringing at their own icky memories of adolescence.

‘The Boys’ Season 2

Streaming: Sept. 4 on Amazon

The writer-producer Eric Kripke’s satirical action series, “The Boys,” is an adults-only takedown of the superhero genre, adapting the gleefully vulgar comic book, by the writer Garth Ennis and the artist Darick Robertson, into a surprisingly pointed critique of goody-goody caped crusaders. As Season 1 of “The Boys” made clear, this is a nuanced and all-too-relevant examination of the many faces of authoritarianism: from the telegenic heroes worshiped by the masses to the sketchy vigilantes who defy the law to achieve what they believe is a righteous outcome. Season 2 doubles down on the social commentary, making this not just an incredibly entertaining superpowered fantasy, but also one with something to say about how charismatic people can sometimes warp the public perception of right and wrong

‘Raised by Wolves’

Streaming: Sept. 3 on HBO Max

Though the science fiction series “Raised by Wolves” was created by the writer Aaron Guzikowski, the vision for the show is recognizable as the work of its executive producer, Ridley Scott, who directed the first two episodes. The stark appearance and the at times gory narrative recall Scott’s “Alien” movies, depicting a perilous future for humanity. An android named Mother (Amanda Collin) tends to a small group of children in hopes of starting a new civilization on a distant planet. But the mission runs into trouble; much of the story that follows is about the difficulties a high-functioning mechanical being has in understanding and controlling the fragile bodies, unpredictable emotions and wild superstitions of humans.

**Sourced by the NY Times.

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020

Home Tips: Earthquake Preparedness Checklist

Earthquakes strike suddenly and without warning. An earthquake can happen at any time. Beyond prepping an emergency backpack, make sure you have the below items ready to go in any emergency. The below 10 items could be the difference between being unharmed or serious injury or worse. Check them out!

Sturdy Shoes

A large earthquake causes debris which may include glass. You may need sturdy shoes to exit to safety, or to clean up.

First Aid Kit

It is not unusual to suffer cuts and bruises from debris. Emergency rooms can fill up quickly and may even be damaged in an earthquake. Make sure you have a good first aid kit on hand.

Gas in Your Car

Don’t ever allow your car to be low on gas. After a large earthquake you may not have power. Gas stations ,ay be closed for several days. Your car may be a place where you could seek shelter, charge devices, and possibly use to leave the area.

Water

Water is the most important part of any survival kit. It’s possible that water to your home will be shut off or unsafe to drink after a major earthquake.

Food

A major earthquake will cause everything to be shut down near you. Have food stored. You could lose power, so food that will last without refrigeration is a must. Make sure you have a can opener that does not require electricity.

Flashlight with Fresh Batteries

If a major earthquake You are sure to lose power. There could be no power for several days. Having flashlights with fresh batteries can make the difference between serious injury or worse, and escaping unharmed.

Battery Powered Radio

In an emergency being able to access news and emergency information could prove vital. Make sure you have a battery powered radio. You may not be able to access your car, especially if it’s in a garage.

Cell Phone Cords and Chargers

Being able to communicate with loved ones or call for help can be critical. Phones don’t stay charged long. With no electricity portable fully charged battery pack chargers, and having having charging cords ready if you can access your car is a must.

Cash and Credit Cards

ATM machines may not be working. Credit card processing machines may not work. Make sure you always have emergency cast for essentials, and credit cards with you just in case you need to leave the area.

Medications

Have essential medications in a spot where you can easily get to them. Don’t forget to grab them if you are forced to leave.

August 31, 2020

Economic update for the week ending August 29, 2020

Stocks up for a fifth straight week – Stock markets rallied on vaccine trial results, and testimony by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Chairman Powell committed to leave the Fed’s interest rates near zero percent even if inflation began to exceed the target 2% annual rate. The S&P 500, and the NASDAQ closed at record highs again this week. The DOW is also rapidly approaching its record high set in February. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 28,653.87, up 2.6% from 27,930.33 last week. It’s down 0.4% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,508.01, up 3.3% from 3,397.16 last week. It’s up 8.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,695.63, up 3.4% from 11,311.81 last week. It’s up 30.3% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.74%, up from 0.64% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.52%, up from 1.35% last week.

Mortgage rates – The August 27, 2020 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 2.91%, down from 2.99% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.46%, down from 2.54% last week. The 5-year ARM was 2.91%, unchanged from 2.91% last week.

Additional refinance fee postponed until December 1, 2020 – Two weeks ago the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that they were enacting an additional fee of 1/2% on all refinance loans funded on or after September 1, 2020. That additional fee would be charged on all government sponsored loans which include, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA loans. The reason for this fee was to offset loses caused by the coronavirus crisis, which include forbearance, and delayed foreclosures. The Mortgage Bankers Association, and the National Association of Realtors are among the many groups fighting against the implementation of this fee.

August 27, 2020

Streaming: HBO Max

What is HBO Max? Another streaming platform? Yes. It is now in place of HBO GO! HBO Max is a platform offered by WarnerMedia that features 10,000 hours of premium content bundling all of HBO together with even more movies, shows and Max Originals for the whole family. Check out what they are streaming! Who knows, you may already have the subscription included in your cable.

Friends

One of the most iconic coming-of-age shows around is Friends. Binge the entire show as it is exclusively on HBO Max.

South Park

Did you know that South Park is one of the fasted animated shows around? Usually, it takes months to create an animated show episode. Southpark has gotten it down to weeks.

The Big Bang Theory

One of the longest-running shows in the 2000’s. Mensa-fied best friends and roommates Leonard and Sheldon, physicists who work at the California Institute of Technology, may be able to tell everybody more than they want to know about quantum physics, but getting through most basic social situations, especially ones involving women, totally baffles them. How lucky, then, that waitress/aspiring actress Penny moves in next door.

Wonder Woman

One of DC’s films that broke box office records with a powerful female lead. Watch this one to prep for Wonder Woman 1984 coming out soon!

Studio Ghibli Collection

Studio Ghibli is well-known worldwide for its iconic films like Spirited Away, Totoro, and Ponyo. The pace of their films helps young children develop and understand the world while keeping the adults also entertained!

August 27, 2020

Valley Eats: Breakfast Burritos

Southern California is known for some of the best breakfast burritos in the world. Other states may make great breakfast burritos, but you could argue that the best ones are made in Southern California. From a perfectly grilled tortilla to the ideal ratio of ingredients, we have got you covered. Check out some of the most popular breakfast burrito spots in town.

Athenian Grill

Located at: 7042 Reseda Blvd – Reseda

This Reseda specialist feels like an East Coast Greek diner throwback, but with one of the most balanced breakfast burritos in town. No overwhelming potato here, just thin strips of fully griddled hashbrown goodness.

Magnolia Grille

Located at: 10530 Magnolia Blvd – North Hollywood

Get an early start at this place (they open at 6 a.m.) because lines often form for the oversized breakfasts, including the griddled $9 burrito.

Coffee Commissary

Located at: 3121 W Olive Ave – Burbank

Does adding egg to a hearty brisket burrito count? It does when it’s from Coffee Commissary in Burbank, which keeps early hours and slow smokes their brisket for half a day.

Jinky’s Cafe

Located at: 14120 Ventura Blvd – Sherman Oaks

Jinky’s is synonymous with breakfast, especially in Sherman Oaks. Don’t be fooled by the healthy-ish options; the Desperado burrito packs a morning punch.

Lily’s Cafe & Pastries

Located at: 29211 Heathercliff Rd – Malibu

As everyone in Malibu knows: Lily’s breakfast burritos are phenomenal. Order one up to go and then pull over in full view of the ocean for the full experience.

August 27, 2020

LA Eats: Breakfast Burritos

The Rooster

Located at: 8809 W. Pico Blvd – Pico-Robertson.

The Rooster rose in the breakfast burrito ranks before it even had a restaurant. Operating a food truck for three years, chef Rouha Sadighi developed a cult following, particularly for her signature offering, the Rico Suave (eggs, cheddar and cotija cheeses, tots, avocado, cilantro crema, bacon, and molcajete salsa). This June the Rooster opened a brick-and-mortar, but the truck is still making its rounds.

Wake & Late

Located at: 105 E. 6th St – Downtown LA.

The menu at Wake & Late is succinct—just four signature breakfast burritos, one juice, one coffee—because this eatery subscribes to the ethos of “do one thing and do it well.” For those who want a slightly lighter breakfast, the Happy Greens includes organic eggs, quinoa, turkey sausage, avocado, and spinach; the O.G. is ready with tater tots, bacon, and cheese when you want to indulge.

Cofax Coffee

Located at: 440 N. Fairfax Ave – Fairfax District.

Cofax packs fans in for great coffee—and exceptional breakfast burritos. Options include Impossible “chorizo,” classic bacon, a version made with hot links and smoked potatoes from sister restaurant Bludso’s, and–if you’re lucky–the limited-availability pastrami.

Homestate

Locations: 4624 Hollywood Blvd – Los Feliz; 5611 N. Figueroa St. – Highland Park; 12105 W. Waterfront Dr. – Playa Vista.

What HomeState serves are, technically, breakfast tacos, but we would be remiss to not salute them. After all, they contain the same essential components as the other breakfast burritos on this list—in mini form—and do so very, very deliciously.

Tacos Por Favor

Located at: 1408 Olympic Blvd – Santa Monica

A longtime Santa Monica taco tradition, the breakfast burrito here is worthy of its own mention. Tightly wound with fresh ingredients, it’s a simple pick-me-up that won’t lay you down for an entire day.

August 27, 2020

Out and About: Malibu Creek State Park Hiking

Californians have long enjoyed spending time in nature and taking in the views and sounds while hiking through the mountains. Since COVID19 most residents are heading to the great outdoors for exercise and fresh air. Los Angeles and Ventura County have many hiking trails with one of the most visited parks being Malibu Creek State Park.

The park holds a historical connection to Hollywood as many movies and television shows were filmed here dating back to 1919 when the park was then owned by 20th Century Fox. The park is located four miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road. (1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas)

If you’re a classic movie fan then you’ll get a kick out of the fact that The earliest known film shot in what is the park today was a scene from “Daddy Long Legs” (1919) starring Mary Pickford. Also, From 1951 to 1966, Ronald Reagan and his family spent many weekends at their 357-acre ranch, a thoroughbred horse farm dubbed “Yearling Row” (hence “Yearling Trail” there now). The park was also the location to productions such as M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes. In 1976 the park opened up to the public and millions of visitors have been stomping through ever since.

Hiking, biking, climbing, and exploring await you but it can become daunting if you’ve never been and don’t know where to start. A local favorite is visiting the MASH filming site, there are a few different trails to get you to the location and all are relatively easy. Check them out below!

Cistern Trail

This trail is an easy hike over a mile long with views of the mountains and Malibu Lake

Lost Cabin Trail

The hike leads you to an empty lot where a cabin from the TV show M*A*S*H once stood.

Grasslands Trail

The most popular trail in the park and the one often used and associated with getting to the M*A*S*H filming site. Its a five-mile hike and easy to complete

Bulldog Trail

If 2020 has sparked an interest in outdoor activities for you then exploring this park should be on your list of places to visit if it isn’t by now. It is easy for the family but remember to bring plenty of water with you. From these easy trails, you can work your way up to the more difficult trails like Bulldog.

Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting

August 25, 2020

Home Tips: Indoor Plant Care

A huge trend during the pandemic is buying houseplants! Some of us already had numerous “plant children” while others are just discovering the beauty that is an indoor plant. Indoor plants can elevate the mood and look of any room in the interior of your home along with naturally purifying the air. Check out our basic tips on how to maintain your new indoor houseplants!

MODERATION

Our most crucial tip before jumping into plant parenthood would be– everything in moderation. All plants require water, light, and food, but the trick to success is to practice moderation! Additionally, let’s think about the native climate for the majority of our houseplants. Your goal is to imitate that environment as closely as possible without going overboard.

SOIL

Contrary to popular belief, there is not a one size fits all soil for plants. Most plants do thrive in an organic soil, while orchids are incredibly picky when it comes to soil. Make sure you do research on the most ideal soil specific to your houseplant breed.

WATERING

Most of the time, people are concerned they aren’t watering enough, when in fact they are watering far too much! Unless noted otherwise, most houseplants would prefer being slightly dry than soaking wet. That means a watering schedule of once or twice a week is suitable for most plants, where you water the plant thoroughly but infrequently. It is best to pour water onto the soil at a slow, deliberate pace, until the water starts escaping from the drainage holes of the container. That’s your signal to stop watering!

LIGHTING

Light is just as important as water. All plants need light to carry out their necessary biological processes. It is a process called– photosynthesis. Although all plants need some light to grow, some plants require a lot less than others. Think again of their native habitat and imagine the dark undergrowth where these plants thrive. They receive heavily filtered light but still keep on kicking.

FERTILIZING

Although plants carry out photosynthesis to process the sugars they need to survive, they also need a more direct form of food to carry out growing processes. Providing fertilizers to your houseplants helps ensure they will remain happy and healthy. The food can be delivered via a granule that breaks down over time, or it can be added more directly via a water soluble fertilizer. Granules generally need to be applied once every few months, while water soluble fertilizers should be applied every two weeks or so. Read the directions on a specific fertilizer to see what is recommended.

TEMPERATURE, AIR FLOW, & ROTATING

Aim to keep the plant in a warm environment with some air circulation, and rotate its face. Almost all houseplants need a minimum temperature of 55ºF to survive. Keep plants away from areas of cold drafts in the winter. The warmer it gets for houseplants, the happier they are! Rotate your plant every few days to keep everything in balance.

August 24, 2020

Economic update for the week ending August 22, 2020

Stocks had another strong week – This week the S&P 500 reached a record high. The NASDAQ is also at a record high. Markets have seen a tremendous recovery from their low levels in March. Real estate sales in July showed their highest month-over-month increase in history, and corporations are reporting strong results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 27,930.33, unchanged from 27,931.02 last week. It’s down 2.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,397.16, up 0.7% from 3,372.85 last week. It’s up 5.1% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,311.81, up 2.7% from 11,017.12 last week. It’s up 26.1% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.64%, down from 0.71% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.35%, down from 1.45% last week.

Mortgage rates – The August 20, 2020 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 2.99%, almost unchanged from 2.96% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.54%, up from 2.48% last week. The 5-year ARM was 2.91%, unchanged from 2.90% last week.

California existing-housing sales recorded record results in July! – The California Association of Realtors announced that existing, single-family home sales in July totaled 437,890 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked a staggering month-over-month increase of 28.8% from the number of sales in June. Year-over-year sales were up 6.6% from July 2019. July 2019 had a pretty healthy sales rate, so a 6.6% increase is remarkable considering that we are in the middle of a pandemic. Existing-home sales are recorded sales. These represent homes that went under contract mostly in May and June. The state-wide median price also hit a record high. It was $666,320. That marked a 6.4% increase month-over-month from June, and a 9.6% increase year-over-year from July 2019. The median price is the point at which one half the homes sell for more and one half sell for less. Historic low-interest rates with 30-year fixed at or under 3% combined with tight inventory levels have pushed prices up. The unsold inventory index in July dropped to a 2.1-month supply of housing from a 3.2-month supply one year ago. The index indicates the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales. The graph below indicates the number of sales and median prices for counties in Southern California.

August 20, 2020

Valley Eats: Local Donut Shops

In the mood for something satisfying and sweet this weekend? Donuts are socially acceptable to eat at any time of day. Breakfast, with lunch, after dinner, and anytime in between. We have rounded up a list of local donut shops that are open for takeout!

Blinkie’s Donut Emporium

Located at: 4884 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

This far-flung shop is a worthy destination for anyone seeking creative doughnuts in the West Valley. It’s best to go early, and with cash, as Blinkie’s closes up by noon every day.

The Donut Hut

Located at: 2025 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506

Burbank’s Donut Hut is open for takeout. Place orders online and pick-up at the designated time. The orange-glazed cake doughnut is the shop’s sleeper hit.

The Donut Man

Located at: 915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740

Strawberry season is here and so is the Donut Man. The protocol is a bit different these days — show up, leave your name and phone number, then wait for a text before coming up to the window. The strawberry doughnuts and tiger tails are rightfully famous.

Mama’s Donuts

Located at: 16844 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA

Known for their special Unicorn meets Z-Gallerie donuts, these will always be a show stopper at any breakfast table.

Fonuts

Located at: 12065 Ventura Place, Studio City, CA

These donuts are baked or steamed and NEVER fried. They taste just as good as the deep-fried donuts. Check them out if you haven’t had a Fonut yet!