Rodeo Realty

July 30, 2020

Summer Vacation By Car: San Diego

San Diego is that part of Southern California you think of when thinking about that quintessential beach summer day. Even Los Angeles and Orange County natives will find themselves heading south past Camp Pendleton on the 5 freeway for a weekend getaway to the beaches in San Diego and surrounding areas. We have gathered a list of our favorite hotels down south!

Cal-a-Vie

At Cal-a-Vie, you could mistakenly believe you were somewhere in the bucolic French countryside. Suites are simple and rustic and feature washed-out wooden floors, fresh flowers, and comfy, bounce-worthy beds. This is a place that offers much to do—you can wake to a sunrise hike and follow it up with any combination of spinning, or water volleyball. After a day out, head over for a massage at their world-class spa. Pair these deliciously pampering treatments with an on-site nutritionist, and you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar is grand, indeed; the majestic 400-acre property, operated by the team behind The Plaza in New York City, and The Savoy, has a luxurious Mediterranean vibe thanks to a rose-colored facade, intricate ironwork, roof tiles, copper accents, and towering cypress and palm trees. The property feels a little like a palace in Spain or France —with California burritos and great surf just a few miles away.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

What used to be a celebrity retreat in the ‘60s has morphed into an expansive Mission-style resort spread out across 400 hilly acres in Carlsbad, an upscale coastal city with a surfer vibe 30 miles north of the airport. This place is all about the activities, and you can go as sweaty or as serene as you choose. The landscaping is immaculate, with palm trees, bougainvillea, and fountains. With 17 clay and hard tennis courts, a championship golf course, restaurants, and its own shopping complex, Omni La Costa feels more like a little city than a resort.

Hotel Del Coronado

The beachfront Victorian-style hotel is grand, a San Diego icon featured in the Marilyn Monroe flick Some Like It Hot. It feels less like a traditional resort and more like a retail complex open to the public, with shops, restaurants, walking paths, and an ice skating rink during the holidays (in addition to its guest rooms). The hotel offers old-school vibes with new-school luxury—and dogs are welcome, too.

Pendry

When Montage decided to open a line of trendy, design-centric hotels geared toward the millennial traveler, the company looked to San Diego for its inaugural outpost. This bright, 12-story hotel opened in early 2017 and brought some much-needed modernity to the Gaslamp Quarter, a downtown neighborhood that veers on the kitschy, touristy side. The lobby is spacious and sophisticated with hip twists, like staffers in plaid outfits—a nod to the hotel brand’s signature print.

July 30, 2020

Valley Eats: Sushi

We have reached the point of quarantine where we are missing the restaurants to eat that aren’t as easily made at home. Sushi, being the top contender of these restaurant categories. We have gathered a list of some of the best sushi spots for takeout!

Banzai Sushi

Location: 23508 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

Located in Old Town Calabasas is this locally owned sushi shop with some of the freshest fish in the valley. Bright and beautiful take-out done by some of the best chefs in Southern California!

Kazunori

Locations: All throughout Los Angeles and the Valleys

The cousin to Sugarfish, is Kazunori. Offering only cut rolls in an on-brand bento box as well. With a focus on fresh fish, sweet rice, and crispy seaweed, this takeaway will not disappoint.

Sushi Iki

Location: 18663 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356

Long considered the place to ball out on sushi in the Valley, this highly regarded, if a bit difficult to get into, omakase establishment features a savant chef and plenty of luxury ingredients. Because it has always been hard to get into, their takeout is the perfect excuse to indulge.

Sugarfish

Locations: All throughout Los Angeles, the Valleys, and the Westside.

A cult classic to locals and tourists alike is the takeaway sushi from Sugarfish. They have bento boxes with fresh Nigiri, Sashimi, and Cut Rolls. There is no fuss or frill on these rolls as the chefs at Sugarfish like to focus on the fresh fish with their sweet rice.

Sushi Note

Location: 13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

One of the Valley’s best new sushi entrants, Sushi Note takes the mastery of chef Kiminobu Saito’s excellent omakase and combines it with a fantastic wine pairing menu. They have a very good reasonably priced sushi takeaway experience with pristine fish, moderately seasoned rice, and great service.

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020

LA Eats: Sushi

Sushi Ginza Onodera

609 La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Head here for the ultimate high-end sushi experience not named Urasawa. This Tokyo import serves one ultra-expensive omakase menu featuring imported wares that are flown in daily. Their take out is surrounded by beautiful banana leaves in a beautiful bento box that compliment the bright colors of the fresh fish.

Sugarfish

Locations: All throughout Los Angeles, the Valleys, and the Westside.

Sushi Gen

Location: 422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located in Downtown Los Angeles since 1980, this long-standing sushi restaurant has not skipped a beat during this quarantine. Locals love this authentic sushi experience, and they have made sure to deliver on their take out orders.

Sushi Enya

Location: 123 Washington Blvd, Venice CA 90292

One of the highest-rated sushi places on the westside that is not Nobu, you will find this gem that is steps away from the beach. Sourcing some of the freshest fish, this place will not disappoint.

Kazunori

Locations: All throughout Los Angeles and the Valleys

The cousin to Sugarfish, is Kazunori. Offering only cut rolls in an on-brand bento box as well. With a focus on fresh fish, sweet rice, and crispy seaweed, this takeaway will not disappoint.

July 30, 2020

Streaming: Lighthearted Netflix Series

Sometimes when you turn on the TV, you are not in the mood to watch something intense or nail-biting. When watching TV, you invest in these stories, and join the TV-verse— some would say it is an escape from the realities of the world. When you are in the mood for something that is easy to follow and filled with laughs, we have gathered a few series that are light and bright to watch!

Schitt’s Creek

This Canadian import took a season to find its rhythm, but it’s basically brilliant from season two on. Created by Daniel Levy and his father, Eugene Levy, it tells the story of a rich family forced to relocate to a small town after losing their fortune. Both Levys are hysterical, and the show really became something special when it started sketching in the eccentric characters who make up the small town that gives it a title. It’s one of the funniest shows of the decade.

Never Have I Ever

Mindy Kaling wrote this clever coming-of-age comedy that sounds totally generic on paper – a 15-year-old, played by the incredibly likable Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, navigates the treacherous world of being a teen girl. However, a show like this elevated by two things: a great cast and funny writing. This one has both.

Dead To Me

Christina Applegate does the best work of her career and Linda Cardellini nearly matches her in this mystery-comedy about grief, forgiveness, and murder. Applegate plays Jen, a Californian whose husband was recently killed in a hit-and-run. Jen meets Cardellini’s Judy in a grief support group and comes to learn that Judy has a connection to her husband’s murder. Funny, moving, and clever, this is one of Netflix’s best new shows in a long time.

The Good Place

The best comedy currently on network TV is this existential laugher about a woman who dies and goes to the titular location, but not everything is exactly as it seems. This is a show that works better in binge format than it does week to week as it’s incredibly difficult to watch just one and it’s really structured like one long film with the end of one episode often opening on the same scene in the next. The less you know about this great show’s twists and turns, the better. Just trust us.

New Girl

Doesn’t it feel like if New Girl had aired a decade or two earlier, it would have been a massive hit? It was still popular enough to produce 146 episodes, and this is some of the best sitcom comfort food you can find on Netflix. Zooey Deschanel is great, but this show really became better when it developed into a true ensemble piece, including great supporting work by Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone, and, especially, Jake Johnson.

Santa Clarita Diet

Victor Fresco’s pitch-black comedy just launched its third season, and the show’s increasingly vocal and loyal fans were flabbergasted to learn it would be the last. Drew Barrymore stars as a California Realtor who, well, dies. She wakes up, though, and finds out that she has a craving for human flesh. Timothy Olyphant nearly steals the show as her put-upon-but-supportive husband. Somebody better pick this show up while Barrymore and Olyphant still have room in their schedules to do it.

July 27, 2020

Economic update for the week ending July 25, 2020

Stock markets dropped slightly this week – Following three straight weeks of gains, stocks retreated at the end of the week. The drop for the week was not significant, but stocks were up all week before retreating more sharply on Thursday and Friday. Key developments that caused investors to pull back were: U.S. China tensions are increasing over the accusations of China’s start, disclosure and response of the coronavirus. Chinese hacking and theft of intellectual property, including technology, business data, and coronavirus vaccine research. This led to an arrest of two Chinese Hackers and the U.S. ordering the Houston Chinese Consulate to shut down, which was followed by China closing a U.S. consulate in Chendgu. Jobless claims rose reversing eight weeks of steady employment gains gains. The senate failed to get a stimulus package passed. It is feared that a package may not pass before many provisions, including pandemic unemployment benefits expire next week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 26,469.89, down 0.8% from 26,671.95 last week. It’s down 7.3% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,215.63 0.3% from 3,224.73 last week. It’s down 0.5% year to date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 10,363.18, down 1.3% from 10,503.19 last week. It’s up 15.5% year to date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.59%, down from 0.64% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.23%, down from 1.33% last week.

Mortgage rates – The July 23, 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 3.01%, almost unchanged from 2.98% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.54%, up from 2.48% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.09%, up from 3.06% last week.

U.S. existing home sales rebounded at a record pace in June – The National Association of Realtors announced that total existing home sales, which include single family, condominium, townhomes, and co-ops, increased 20.7% in June from the number of sales in May. This reversed three months of sales declines caused by the pandemic. Real estate sales in all regions of the country reported record month over month increases in sales. The number of sales were still down 11.4% from the number of sales last June, but pending sales have increased and the N.A.R. and associations around the country expect sales to be back up to last years levels in the next two months. The median price paid for a home was up 3.5% from the price paid last June. Inventory levels dropped to a 4 month supply, down from 4.3 months one year ago.

July 27, 2020

Home Tips: Easy Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

Unplug Unused Devices

Did you know that 23% of all household electricity usage can be saved if you eliminate what is referred to as a “vampire load” — A vampire load applies to something that is plugged in while not in use. If you notice the device may be warm, buzz, or exhibit signs of use even when not in use, that is a vampire load. Unplugging devices while not in use will create big savings on energy and money. If you have trouble with that, plugging multiple devices into a power strip and turning off the strip while not in use may be simpler than having to unplug and plugin multiple devices. Even a phone charger uses electricity when not in use!

Change Your Lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs to save energy, yet many people have not switched from traditional bulbs. LED bulbs cost about the same upfront, but last 10-20 times longer. They generate less heat than traditional bulbs which can save as much as 20% of air conditioning costs. LED bulbs are also more efficient and use 5-10% less electricity. All in all, replacing all your bulbs with LEDs can save you up to 10% of your yearly electrical costs.

Smart Thermostats

Using heating or cooling when you don’t need it can cost a significant amount. Do you ever turn down the temperature and forget to turn it back up when you leave the home in the summer, or the opposite in the winter? A smart thermostat is not only programmable to revert back automatically, but it can also be accessed by you remotely if you want to change the temperature from outside the home. If you went on vacation and don’t need to cool or heat your home, but forgot these smart thermostats can be reprogrammed from your phone. A programmable thermostat can save you 10-20% of your AC costs, and a smart thermostat can save you an additional 10-12% according to Nest, a manufacturer of smart thermostats.

Timing Your Energy Use

Did you know that utility companies often charge different rates at different times of the day? Basically, costs are higher during peak times. Your electrical bill should detail rates and times, if not it’s readily available from your utility company. Try to do laundry and other tasks when the costs are lower.

Do Full Loads

When washing clothes or dishes, do full loads. It doesn’t cost any more to run a cycle with a full load of dishes or clothes than a small load. If you wait for a full load you can cut down the number of loads you do. Doing 25% fewer loads will save you 25%! Just waiting for a full load can do that.

July 23, 2020

Valley Eats: Local Sandwich Shops

If there were a food item dubbed a summer essential, it would be a sandwich. Easy to transport to eat on the go and extremely satisfying. We have rounded up a few of our favorite local coffee shops that are open for business and could benefit from your support! Check them out!

Pickle’s Deli – Newbury Park

A classic carving board sandwich with fresh meats and veggies, Pickles will never disappoint. Pair your sandwich with chips for the perfect combo.

Caravetta’s Italian Deli – Canoga Park

Caravetta’s Italian Deli has had the same owners, David and Paul, since 1983. Specializing in sandwiches in a true Italian way, these sandwiches are sure not to disappoint.

Coffee Fix – Studio City

Craving that warm grilled panini? Coffee Fix has you covered with its delicious and flavor dynamic sandwiches!

Sweet Butter Kitchen – Sherman Oaks

Not necessarily a sandwich shop, but has some of the best sandwiches in the valley. From the fried chicken sandwich to the guacamole and turkey sandwich, their high-quality ingredients will not disappoint.

Stone Oven – Valencia

Stone Oven is growing and they are opening more and more locations over time. A once local shop is now franchising, and we could not be more excited for them!

July 23, 2020July 23, 2020

LA Eats: Local Sandwich Shops

Potato Chips Deli – West Hollywood

A classic sandwich with some of the best bread in Los Angeles. Metal tables, red chairs, and a bottle Coca Cola make for this quintessential summer stop for sandwiches in West Hollywood. Make sure to grab one of their famous Chocolate Chip Cookies with your sandwich!

Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese – Larchmont Village

A hidden gem in Larchmont, you will find some of the best quality ingredients that make up their delicious sandwiches. Be sure to grab a sandwich and some wine and spirits for the evening!

Bay Cities Deli – Santa Monica

A classic in Santa Monica that is nationally known. If you haven’t had the Godmother sandwich from Bay Cities Deli, what are you doing!? Head on over and get your sandwich fix!

Trencher – Echo Park

Hidden in a side street of Echo Park is Trencher LA. They create classic sandwiches with a twist! Find a delicious banh mi or a brisket sandwich to get your sandwich fix!

All About The Bread – Hollywood

The poofy bread says it all. All about the bread is really… all about the bread. Build your own sandwich and take it to the beach to enjoy with the family!

July 23, 2020July 23, 2020

Streaming: Best New Movies

For your quarantine streaming purposes, we have gathered some of the best movies available to stream on one of the big streaming networks. These movies below have been discussed in regards to the Oscars and are full-on theatrical projects that bring up great topics for discussion. Check them out below!

The Old Guard – Netflix

Netflix dips into superhero storytelling with this original film starring Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Based on Greg Rucka’s comic book of the same name, The Old Guard follows four centuries-old immortal mercenaries who have secretly protected the world from peril for their entire existence. But when they discover another immortal has “awakened” and identified them, they’ll have to fight for their freedom and their lives.

Uncut Gems – Netflix

Many consider Uncut Gems a significant Oscar snub; many think those people are wrong. The Safdie brothers’ stressful, pulse-pounding story about a gambling-addicted jeweler (Adam Sandler) in New York City is very much a love-it-or-hate-it kind of movie. Adam Sandler turns in one of his best performances ever as the jeweler Howard Ratner, who despite his charisma and savvy, just can’t seem to get out of his own way. When Boston Celtic Kevin Garnett (playing himself) takes an interest in one of Howard’s highest-ticket items, believing it to be a good luck charm, Ratner plans to make a killing. However, he can’t resist also gambling on Garnett and the Celtics to make the windfall that much greater, putting off mounting debts and obligations to do so.

The Assistant – Hulu

The Assistant is an ode to the account of working for a Hollywood executive in the vein of Harvey Weinstein. Jane (Julia Garner) is a recent college graduate and aspiring film producer. When she lands her dream job as a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment mogul, she believes she’s on the fast track. As she follows her banal daily routine of making coffee, ordering lunch, and taking messages, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious pattern of abuse that constantly threatens her position. Working as a Hollywood assistant is unrewarding enough, and the constant degradation goes too far.

Parasite – Hulu

If not for Parasite, Portrait of a Lady on Fire may very well have won the Palme d’Or. Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece, however, was the belle of awards season, winning the Palme d’Or and countless other awards on its way to four Oscar wins, including Best Picture and Best Director. Parasite is truly a masterful film, simultaneously a slow burn and constant car crash of conflict, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The destitute Kim family develops a symbiotic relationship with the wealthy Park family. As greed, discrimination, and manipulation seep into the arrangement, lines are blurred and lives are threatened.

The Lighthouse – Amazon Prime

Robert Eggers follows up his surprising horror hit The Witch with this equally haunting, atmospheric film about isolation and torment. Set on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s, the film follows two lighthouse keepers (Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson) as they try to maintain a lighthouse and their sanity before they’re relieved of duty. Dafoe and Pattinson make the most of the opportunity to carry the entire script while Eggers’ eerie, intentional direction makes this one alternately batty and unnerving.

July 23, 2020

Summer Vacation By Car: Santa Monica

When thinking about summer vacation, it is natural to think about a far getaway from home. However, staycations are some of the most refreshing ways to recharge, and they are physically close to home. Whether you already live in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, or the Valley, a staycation in Santa Monica by the beach is sometimes all you need! Check out our list of classic Santa Monica hotels to consider staying at this summer!

Shutters on the Beach

Shutters Hotel Santa Monica sits right above the boardwalk on the Santa Monica Beach. Opened in 1993 this classic five-star hotel still looks brand new. It is both comfortable and luxuriously appointed. The architecture is similar to that of a Hampton’s style beach resort. Enjoy first-class luxury, miles of white sandy beach, and bike paths just a short walk to the Santa Monica Pier.

Hotel Casa Del Mar

Inspired by a grand Mediterranean villa, Hotel Casa Del Mar sits directly above the beautiful Santa Monica beach. This totally refurbished five-star hotel first opened as the private Casa Del Mar Beach Club in 1926. It was a gathering place for The Who’s Who in Hollywood during its glory days. It was taken over by the US Navy in World War II and closed in 1960. In 1967 it was reopened as a high-end rehab center and closed and repurposed as the Nathan Pritikin Longevity Center from 1978 to 1997. In 1999 it was reopened as the Casa Del Mar Hotel after a $50 million remodel. It was refurbished again over the last few years. It is next door to Shutters on the Beach and guests can enjoy the amenities at both hotels.

JW Marriott Le Marigot

This luxury hotel features upgraded large pet-friendly guest rooms with large balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s perfectly located within steps of the beach. It’s just a short walk to the Santa Monica pier or to the Third Street Promenade. This hotel boasts a day spa, sparkling pool, gymnasium, restaurants, and more. It has it all!

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows Santa Monica

This historic five-star hotel was originally built as a private estate in 1889 and converted to a hotel in 1931. This legendary resort has long been the go-to spot for the rich and famous. Featured in many movies, TV shows the Miramar is a timeless classic. Located across the street from the beach this luxury hotel is more of a resort than the beachfront hotels. The property has multiple restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and even a barbershop! They have all been expanded to operate outdoors and are open for guests to use!

Loews Santa Monica

The Loews Santa Monica is one of the local favorites in Santa Monica just steps away from the beach. From the pool, you can enjoy a view of the Santa Monica Pier, the ocean, and all of the food and drinks of your desire. A luxury hotel that offers all you would need for the entire family!