Giving Back: Your L.A. roundup of Charitable Organization

Already synonymous with the Holiday season is the urge to give back.  With November being the start of our season of giving, we present to you some of L.A’s charitable organizations to lend a helping hand to.

Rodeo Realty’s Betty Galvan Host Blood Drive

OPEN HEARTS FOUNDATION

MALIBU, CA – May 6 – Luna Simon, Willa Simon, Katie Flynn and Jane Seymour attend Open Hearts Foundation 2018 Young Hearts Spring Event on May 6th 2018 at Private Residence in Malibu, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer Photography)


Jane Seymour and daughter Katie Flynn carry on a legacy of community giving.

“If you can find a way to help somebody else, it’ll take you out of your own cycle of challenges, so you can find a purpose and impact others,” says Jane Seymour, OBE, and Emmy Award-winning actress, of her Open Hearts Foundation, a social impact accelerator providing resources and tools to nonprofits. Seymour passed along the legacy of giving to her daughter, Katie Flynn, who co-founded Young Hearts with friends Ella Freyinger and Adee Zach. An auxiliary branch of Open Hearts, Young Hearts aims to support young philanthropists.

HOLA

HOLA-Hearts of Los Angeles

Quinn Ezralow is committed to improving quality of life for all Angelenos.

Co-chair of LACMA’s Director’s Circle, third-generation Angeleno Quinn Ezralow is passionate about giving back to L.A. “I hope to improve lifestyle, health and education for anybody and everyone in the Los Angeles area,” she says of her work with a variety of charities, from the Junior League of Los Angeles to USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to Heart of Los Angeles, the latter of which provides over 3,500 underserved youth with nurturing programs in academics, arts and athletics. HOLA is currently partnering with the Department of Recreation and Parks to build the environmentally friendly HOLA Arts and Recreation Center, where the Ezralow Family Pavilion will boast an indoor-outdoor multifunctional performance space.

EARTHECHO

Earth Echo International

Conservationists Philippe Cousteau and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau raise environmental awareness.

Grandson of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau grew up with adventure in his bones. “My grandfather pioneered the environmental movement of the 20th century,” says Philippe. In addition to their conservation work and a forthcoming documentary on the future of Earth’s oceans, Philippe works with EarthEcho, founded in honor of his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr. The group seeks to bring youth awareness and activism to the conservation movement.

CAM

CAM-Community Academic Mentoring

CBS executive Catrice Monson is passionate about community outreach, helping others and… candy.

As senior vice president of corporate diversity and inclusion at CBS, Catrice Monson holds a critical role: helping attract a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment. “It allows me to combine community outreach and my passion for working with people,” she says. That passion was instilled in Monson by her family. “Community, public service and caring for others was part of my DNA from the beginning,” she explains. Today, her nonprofit, Community Academics Mentoring emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy and outreach for the underrepresented. “My dad originally started a nonprofit called NEED, which focused on low-income housing and education,” she explains.

EIF

EIF-Entertainment Industry Foundation


New EIF CEO Nicole Sexton brings fresh ideas to a charitable Hollywood powerhouse.

Marking its 75th anniversary this year, Entertainment Industry Foundation has raised over $1 billion for health, educational and social issues by harnessing the power of celebrity to raise awareness and funds. EIF’s VP of development and corporate relations, Tracy Paul—whose company Tracy Paul & Company Inc. is a strategic alliance partner with EIF—adds, “EIF serves as a gateway to giving for the entertainment industry.” The depth and breadth of EIF’s reach means they’re behind powerhouse programs like Stand Up to Cancer, Hunger Is, and Revlon Run/Walk for Women. Their newest initiative finds the group partnering with Linkin Park on Music for Relief.

 

COURTESY OF: Modern Luxury's Angeleno Magazine

Weekend Events:Nov. 2nd-4th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Okay, so haunting season is officially over and now begins the most frightening time of the year. Thanksgiving with your in-laws is around the corner!!!!(Insert Jaws Theme song). Just kidding. But it is still a month of daunting task from choosing to cook your turkey or order in(thank you Whole Foods) and all the home prep in between. Even with this task at hand, you should take some time to explore your neck of the woods. Check out our event round up for the most #thankful time of the year and…..

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 2nd-4th

Friday Nov. 2nd

First Fridays-Long Beach
First Fridays: Long Beach

Long Beach’s First Fridays returns this fall with one goal: to bring you the best in local artists and musicians all in one night. Every first Friday of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will come together to promote local artists and musicians  with extended operating hours. In offering this monthly gathering they hope tp encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community. Click here for more information. 

First Fridays-Abbott Kinney
First Fridays: Abbott Kinney

With the same vision in mind as the Long Beach edition, Abbott Kinney’s First Friday aims to unite the best of the best in art, music, and products in the Venice hotspot area. The trendy thoroughfare of AK runs diagonally through Venice. With local charities benefiting as art junkies and the neighborhood patrons descending upon the always funky beach community, its sure to be an ideal evening. Oh, and theres adult beverages too! Click here for more information. 

Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Pantages Theatre

 

Seinfeld Live at The Pantages

The famed comedian, producer, and household name-Jerry Seinfeld-descends upon the Pantages Theatre this weekend only. With his return to the Pantages stage, is his signature stand-up routine along with new quips and jabs one could expect from the legendary comedian. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally. Click here for more information.

Sat Nov. 3rd

Smorgasborg at Santa Anita
Smorgasburg at Santa Anita Park

Also the location of Rodeo Realty’s annual Day at the Races, Santa Anita turns into a “Smorgasburg Meltdown” this Saturday only. The foodie favorite event returns with all things cheesy, offering the best in food vendors and fun that Santa Anita has to offer. Don’t miss out on this showcase of ooey-gooey goodness while you enjoy your own Day at the Races! Various packages available, click here for more details. Click here for more information.

Grand Ave. Arts All Access
Grand Ave. Arts: All Access

This diverse program of family friendly fun returns for its 4th annual, one-day only free community event. The Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a showcase of activities, interactive workshops and tours highlighting the world class arts and cultural programs of DTLA.  Established to celebrate their commitment to the cultural landscape of LA, is a range of events. All the while showcasing the world-class architecture and programming that define the Grand Avenue corridor and LA’s cultural center. From The Broad to LA Phil, don’t miss out on this day of artful entertainment.  Click here for more information.

Dan Guerrero Artist & Icons Event
Artists & Icons: Dan Guerrero

The City of West Hollywood Arts Division presents the return of their Artists & Icons session: A Conversation with Dan Guerrero. The Artists, Educator and Activists sits down for a Q & A moderated by Tony Estrada. Dan Guerrero-and award winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable Television has been part of the West Hollywood community since 1982. The eclectic artists brings his worldly experiences to this one-time sit down put on by the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. Click here for more information.

Sun Nov. 4th

10th Annual Malibu Half Marathon
Malibu Half Marathon and 5k

The Malibu 5k and Half Marathon returns to the beach city this Saturday and Sunday. A phenomenal beach course that starts and ends at Zuma Beach in Malibu brings together nearly 4000 patrons. Saturday event will feature a Health & Fitness expo while Sunday will kick-off the storied run down PCH(horrible traffic not included). Along the way, participants will see some of Californias most scenic views and stunning homes. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu are the beneficiary’s of the weekend event aiming to significantly enhance the lives of Malibu youth through  new programming. Click here for more information.

Griffith Harvest Festival
Griffith Harvest Festival

 

There is no better way to celebrate autumn then at L.A’s ;argued urban park! The Griffith Harvest festival will play host to a slew of live music, local craft beers and a Kid Zone. The entire event is presented by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. Sure to be fun for the entire family, don’t miss this fall fest in L.A.’s most famed park location. Click here for more information.

Bowies Piano Man-San Pedro
Able Arts Work Presents: Bowie’s Piano Man

Presented by Able ARTS Work is Bowie’s Piano Man + Symphonic Suite for Healing 2. The inaugural benefit concert will feature world renowned pianist Mike Garson and some of his newest work while also highlighting the artistry of David Bowie and his belief in betterment for mankind.  The first alf of the matinee will showcase work by Garson from his newest Symphonic suite, with the second half featuring hits by Bowie like “Life on Mars”, Five Years”, and Garson and Bowies most famous collaboration “Aladdin Sane. . Garson will be join don stage by world-class musicians  like Gaby Moreno, Denny Seiwell and Brett Hook to name a few. Click here for more information.

The best things to do in L.A. after Dark

Congratulations: You picked the right time to live in Los Angeles. LA currently has what might just be the best food scene in the whole country, not to mention a killer cocktail scene, so it’s understandable if most evenings out are dedicated to working your way down your list of new openings, hotspots, and old favorites to revisit.

But if you want to shake up your after-dark agenda a bit and are in search of something new and unexpected, LA’s got a whole world of other interesting nightlife options to explore. From studio tours and storytelling sessions to magic and Mexican wrestling, here’s a solid selection of alternative activities to consider for your next night out.

Best new Brunches to Try in L.A.

Before the madness of the holiday season starts, take a minute for yourself—and maybe a minute (or 90) for bottomless mimosas, porchetta-and-egg sandwiches and some time to lounge in a rooftop greenhouse, cold brew in one hand and a pastry in the other. Here are five new brunches to check out this month, relaxation (probably) included.

Bacari W. 3rd

Bacari W. 3rd

Location: W. 3rd Street, W.LA

Not only does the newest Bacari sport one of the best new patios in L.A., but it also has a solid brunch menu. There’s the requisite Bacari cicchetti, or plates meant for sharing, and you can expect the Mediterranean-inspired offerings to include shakshouka with bell peppers and sous vide egg; smoked salmon with capers, pickled red onions, cucumber, a dill-garlic crème fraîche and fresh-baked pita; and goat cheese polenta with lamb ragu and a fried egg. What goes with brunch better than a patio? Bottomless drinks, obviously, and you can find unlimited mimosas, sangria and bellinis for $25, running until you tap out or the clock reaches 90 minutes.

Sat, Sun 10:30am-3pm

Easy’s

Easy’s

Location: W.LA

The Beverly Center’s newcomer is like a child’s dream come to life: Jeremy Fall’s insane, decadent creations run the sweet-savory gamut, with options like massive burgers, gloopy grilled cheese sandwiches, and funnel cake topped with Thrifty ice cream. The brunch menu is no exception, offering up dishes such as the Tower of Cinnamon Toast (topped with cinnamon sugar and red velvet icing, no less); rotating flavors of “Not” Pockets, an allusion to, you guessed it, Hot Pockets; and French toast dipped in doughnut crumbs. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more, er, adult, there’s pork belly eggs Benedict; corned beef hash; brunch enchiladas; and a classic diner breakfast combo. More adult still are the spiked milkshakes and the tableside beer taps, plus cocktails such as the Cold Fashioned: vanilla-infused bourbon with cold brew, bitters and maple.

Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

Hail Mary Pizza

Hail Mary Pizza

Location: Atwater Village

There’s no question that the new Hail Mary Pizza is already one of Atwater’s top neighborhood restaurants—and now, it just might offer one of the top brunches, too. Weekend daytime-exclusive items include a crispy porchetta sandwich on brioche (with option to add a runny egg—always add a runny egg); a blue cheese burger; French toast with walnuts and salted caramel ice cream; and frittata with caramelized onions and goat cheese, among others. Still looking for a pizza fix? Hail Mary’s is some of the best in L.A., and at brunch, you can find it both in whole-pie form and by the slice.

Sat, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm

Openaire

Openaire

Location: Koreatown

Josiah Citrin’s new restaurant in the Line’s gorgeous greenhouse—formerly home to Commissary—brings playful California cuisine to the table in one of K-town’s prettiest spaces. During brunch, the Michelin-starred chef is plating Cornflake-crusted French toast; chia seed pudding with roasted pineapple and spiced cashew; tuna katsu sandwiches with black garlic and cabbage; burrata with persimmons and Asian pear; and eggs in a slew of omelets, huevos rancheros and a breakfast burrito. Openaire is poolside, after all, and you can make use of those summery vibes and our unseasonably warm fall weather with fresh pressed juice, California-fruit plates, matcha affogato and fun daytime cocktails. We’re not just checking in—we’re moving in.

Sat, Sun 7am–2:30pm

The Pan

The Pan

Location: Pasadena

This Pasadena newcomer serves hearty portions, and there’s even better news for hungover/late-day brunchers: This spot serves breakfast items all day long. There are blueberry-purée–filled pancake stacks topped with lemon-vanilla butter, cinnamon roll pancakes, raspberry pancakes, chocolate peanut butter pancakes and pineapple pancakes. And if you hate pancakes, there are crêpes and waffles. There’s a breakfast burger—topped with bacon and a fried egg, naturally—as well as breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, scrambles and French toast. You want biscuits with gravy? They’ve got that, too, and all day long—because sometimes you go a little too hard and don’t roll out of bed until 3pm. The Pan does not judge.

Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 8am–7pm

Courtesy of: Time Out

Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty

“From my laboratory in the castle east, To the master bedroom where the vampires feast, The ghouls all came from their humble abodes, To get a jolt from my electrodes, They did the mash, They did the monster mash.”

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Halloween Luncheon 2018

Once upon a time on Canon Drive…

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held their own Monster Mash for All Hallows Eve yesterday.

Donned in their most ghoulish attire all came out to a friendly office feast where agents turned witches and ghosts mingled with tennis stars and aristocrates alike.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018

Their Branch Manager John Gould was nowhere to be seen but a curious Captain Hook had assumed his place. How strange that they appeared to be the same at a glance.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-Branch Manager John Gould(Capt. Hook)

Wandering the halls of the office abode, what a site to see was Phantom”James Richmond”of the Opera arising from his lair,  mingling with Groovy”Barabra Stover”Gal and Red”Heather Witt”Riding Hood.

 

 

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-James Richmond
A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018: Reds On Rodeo Duo from left: Martine Zoller and Heather Witt

As the middy fete came to a close Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette descended upon affair. Before the revelers could return to their crypt, the pumpkin throne must be claimed.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween-from left: John Gould and Suzette Kitselman

With Captain “John Gould” Hook having the declared thrice the worthy guest, it twas Mario and Luigi at 3rd rank with the Wicked Witch of the West as a second hand. And who do you ask would assume the thrown? Well of course none other than the Royal herself. HRH Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette.

A Rodeo Halloween 2018-Costume Contest Winners

Continue reading “Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty”

Out and About: Pasadena Edition

While Pasadena may not come to mind as your Mecca of Hollywood hustle and bustle, the picturesque city in San Gabriel Valley is every bit as delightful. Especially in the fall.

Pasadena

Nestled amongst the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena provides its locals as well as visitors with plenty to do from shopping, to shows and all the small town tourist vibes in-between. Tour turn of the century mansions or hike the Echo Mountain trail, spend a little time exploring an area outside your usual neck of the woods. Read below for our guide of a perfect day in Pasadena!

Old Town Pasadena

At Dawn…

Start your morning off strolling through Old Town Pasadena where you will find Southern California most walkable downtown district. Along Colorado Boulevard is historic Route 66 and a bounty of shops, restaurants and bars hosted in turn of the century brick buildings. Stop by Miller Alley to wander the courtyard at One Colorado or pop into Indiana Colony for a perfect morning pick me up from Russells or a famed breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy.

Midday delight…

Once your AM is filled up with food and a bit of light fun(or shopping), an afternoon in Eaton Canyon Falls-Pasadena’s most easygoing nature trail is the perfect next stop. Follow the sound of running water to find your Kodak moment at its waterfall.

Afterwards head to Gamble House, originally built for one of the heirs of the Procter & Gamble fortune. The home is one of the best examples of the Arts and Crafts movement. Tours through the house range from the art glass to minute details of the homes construction. They even have Brown Bag Tuesday where visitors can bring their own lunch  for a picnic on the grounds followed by a 20 minute guided tour.

If you prefer to have your nature and art all in one, Pasadena has that too at Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens. I know what your thinking. Why would I spend my afternoon at a library of all places? Huntington is anything but just a library. The grounds include a 120 acres of over a dozen different types of gardens from Tropical to Japanese. Have afternoon tea in the Rose Garden. Stroll past the Greek statues that line the precisely manicured courtyard. Spend the midday trailing through as much of the outdoor scene as your phone battery can take. One will likely not tackle all of the famed destination in one day. But that being said, you can find art and nature equally placed throughout.

Before your day reaches the evening portion, be sure to make a stop at Bungalow Heaven. The singular, leafy and quit neighborhood is comprised of over 800 homes from the Arts and Crafts movement. Bordered along Orange grove and Washington Blvd, the mostly intact bungalows are a true showcase. Bungalow Heaven is full of astonishing craftsmanship that flowed through Pasadena during the early point of the 20th century.

The Pasadena Playhouse

Evening Soiree…

So night has befallen and depending on the day of the week or the time of the year, you have a few options to properly conclude your time in Pasadena. If time slots you, it is most recommend to take in a show at the 20’s built Pasadena Playhouse. Revived during the 80’s, the Playhouse has a profound line-up of new plays and musicals. While outdoors, the Spanish Colonial courtyard plays home to neighborhood events. Other show options in the home of the Rose Parade including taking in laughs at the famed Ice House. A comedy mainstay since 1960, the Ice House provides it patrons an intimate no-frills room with big name comics and evening debauchery(comical debacuhery to be exact).

After you’ve entertained, you certainly should feast. So much in one day leaves one quite famished, Im sure. We recommend dining at the Fried Chicken Dinner at Colette(one of their more famed entrees) or the tagliatelle with pork ragout and gremolata at Union restaurant. Either establishment is the perfect send off to what we hope was the ideal Pasadena day!

Don’t Get Tricked by Halloween Candy!

This is a guest post written by author of “The Piccolo Chef Cookbook: Healthy Cooking with Your Kids” and Rodeo Realty agent, Tina Fanelli Moraccini. 

I used to love Halloween. I loved the chance to dress up, be someone else for a day, trick or treat. Now, I still love it, but it comes with its own set of problems. Namely, the blatant doling out of candy filled with GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial coloring – and the list only gets worse from there.

So how do we, as parents, protect our children from this garbage while still allowing them to have fun and participate in the festivities?

Well, thankfully, we are not in the 1970s, when it was almost impossible for my mom to find me decent natural candy. We live in a day where you can find the natural or organic version of any of your favorite treats, cereals and desserts! Just think of it: Fruit Loops without the artificial color!

We have a ritual in our family. We do all the Halloween fun just like anyone else – including the trick-or-treating. My kids fill up the bags with tons of what I call contraband. I mean pounds of the stuff. We have a wonderful time with all our friends, walking the neighborhood, seeing the costumes, decorations and partying. But once we’re home, those bags get dumped into a box that is being shipped straight to Operation Shoebox.

Yes folks, off to the troops.

I had a hard time reconciling sending them something so harmful until I had a conversation with a marine on leave from Afghanistan. He assured me that they really do look forward to the Halloween candy that is shipped to them from OS (as well as other items, especially personal hygiene products such as soap and wipes), and that it really makes their day.

After the candy gets boxed up, and my kids are staring at me wide-eyed, I break out the good stuff. Yes, I have the organic “Almond Joy”, the organic “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups”, jelly beans and “M&Ms” of all colors (made with vegetable dyes), gummy candy, hard candy and even bubble gum!

They still get all the candy fun without the horrible side effects!

See, my problem is not with sugar. Sugar is not the enemy. It’s all that other stuff that little kids’ bodies can do without. You will enjoy the benefit of better behavior (if your children are affected by artificial colors and flavors, the way I was as a child) and less chemicals in their bodies, which can only be a good thing.

For more information on Operation Shoebox, visit www.OperationShoebox.com

Economic update for the week ending October 27, 2018

Stocks suffer a turbulent week:

A positive GDP report showing that the economy grew at 3.5% in the third quarter, inflation was tame, and consumer spending was up, could not keep the markets from continuing to slide. This week. third quarter profits were reported that were below expectations. Those were mostly in the technology sector. Even Amazon did not hit their numbers. On the other hand, some companies like Ford and Tesla exceeded expectations. All in all, fears in the technology sector hit the NASDAQ hard. It lost 3.8% for the week and is now up just  3.8% for the year after being up 20% for the year just one month ago. The Dow and S&P also got hit hard down 3% and 3.9% respectively for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 24,688.31, down from 25,444.34 last week. It is down 0.1% year-to-date.  The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,658.69, down from 2,767.78 last week.  It’s down 0.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,167.21, down from 7,449.03 last week.  It’s up 3.8% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields lower this week:

The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.08%, down from 3.20% last week. The 30-year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.32%, down from 3.38% last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates almost unchanged this week:

The October 25, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.86%, almost unchanged from 4.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.29%, slightly up from 4.26% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.14%, up from 4.10% last week.

GDP up 3.5% in third quarter:

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that the first reading of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.5% in the third quarter of 2018.  That beat expectations of a 3.4% rise, but was well below the 4.2% increase registered in the second quarter of 2018. The report also said that The PCE price index, a key indicator of inflation, rose at a 1.6% annual rate in the quarter. That was well below the 2.2% annual increase analysts forecasted. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two thirds of the U.S. economy, grew by 4% in the third quarter. That marked the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 2014.

September Nationwide Existing Home Sales:

Data released this week from The National Association of Realtors showed that total existing home sales fell again in September. The number of existing homes sold in September fell 3.4% from August, and are down  4.1%  from one year ago. The median price paid for a home in the U.S. was up 4.2% from last September. That marked the 79th straight month of year over increases. The unsold inventory index is at a 4.4 month supply, up slightly from a 4.2 month supply one year ago. 

September California Existing Home Sales:

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single family home sales totaled 382,550 in September on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That was down 4.3% from August and down a staggering 12.4% from last September, when sales totaled 436,920 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. The median price paid for a home in California was $587,850, up 4.2% from September 2017. On a more regional level, the median price increased 4.7% in Los Angeles County, 10.6% in Ventura County, and 3.3% in Orange County from one year ago. Inventory levels continued to rise after hitting historic lows in 2017. The unsold inventory index in California stood at a 4.2 month supply in September, up from a 3.3 month supply in September 2017. Inventory levels have now increased for 6 straight months and are up 20.4% from one year ago. Listings are at the highest level in 31 months. Los Angeles County has a 4.4 month supply, up from a 3.1 month supply last September. Orange County has a 4.3 month supply,  up from 3.1 months last September. Ventura County had a 6.3 month supply of homes, up from a 4.7 month supply one year ago. 

Have a great weekend!
Syd