Rodeo Realty

October 20, 2017

Rodeo Realty's The Mulwood Team sponsoring In-N-Out truck for Chaparral Elementary's Fall Festival

Chaparral Elementary is having their Fall Festival this Sunday, October 22 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Some new attractions this year: In-N-Out Burger food truck, Camp Keystone slot cars, cookie decorating with the Boys & Girls Club, slime making with Art Camp, yoga with Warrior & Co Yoga, an all-new photo booth, and an In-N-Out Burger food truck!

Rodeo Realty’s The Mulwood Team (David Arcudi and Tina Fanelli Moraccini) is sponsoring the In-N-Out food truck for the festival!

The Mulwood Team’s sponsorship will benefit the Chaparral Parent Faculty Staff.

Admission to the festival is free, so bring the entire family!

The festival will be held at 22601 Liberty Bell Road in Calabasas. For more details and to purchase food/game tickets, click HERE.

October 19, 2017

Weekend Events: October 20 – 22

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend (October 20 – October 22) includes, the P-22 Day Festival, Eastside Food Festival, Pancakes & Booze Art Show, Brewery ArtWalk, Burbank Beer Festival, Long Beach Zombie Fest and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday October 20th, 2017

1. The Pancakes & Booze Art Show returns to Lot 613 in DTLA for an underground art show served up with a stack of pancakes! Highlights include local artisans, live music, DJs, live art, body painting, and more.

2. The Second City’s Diversity in Comedy Festival returns October 20-22 offering a platform for diverse, funny talent inside and outside of L.A. Some issues explored will be race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity through performances, panels, and workshops.

3. It’s Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairplex! Oom-pah music, the Chicken Dance, authentic German brats and brews flown directly from Germany will be on hand to help you party in true Bavarian style. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. The WestEdge Design Fair comes to the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from October 19-22 for a premier contemporary design fair experience. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Multi-sensory, walk-through experience Creep LA returns to the Music Box in DTLA October 5 through November 12. Inspired by the Amazon Prime Exclusive Series Lore the experience is fully engaging, multi-sensory and super-scary, featuring some of pop culture’s most legendary horror myths. Happening Thursdays through Sundays.

6. Wicked Lit is a spooky immersive theatre experience taking horror literature and turning them into plays at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery. It happens every Thursday through Sunday from September 28 through November 9. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. The 5th annual G2 Green Earth Film Festival heads to Loyola Marymount University for three days of eco-conscious films. FREE

8. Eat|See|Hear returns with Front Porch Cinema, a free movie night below the stars every Friday on Santa Monica Pier from September 29 through October 27. The fall film series will also feature music, drinks, and bites before each screening. This week they’ll screen Beauty & the Beast. FREE

9. BlueCollar Working Dog will host a HELLHOUNDS PACK WALK around the Echo Park Lake this Friday. The evening walk will include goodie bags, a piñata filled with dog treats, human snacks, contests and prizes.

10. Checkout The Nightmare Before Christmas with 4-D Effects at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood October 20-31. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. Odd Nights At The Autry feature a collection of over 200 vendors, 20 gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, custom handmade treasures and live local bands.

12. 260 Sample Sale LA returns with a 3.1 Philip Lim sample sale at their Beverly Hills store October 18-22. Offering what they call “far below retail prices” the sale will have women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and the brands shoe collection.

13. Starlight Bowl in Burbank will host NIGHT TERRORS a haunted maze. In addition to the maze there will be face painting, games, food trucks, spooky campfire stories and much more.

14. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. The Long Beach Zombie Fest returns with Zombie Walk on October 20-22 at the Rainbow Lagoon. Event highlights include a scavenger hunt, haunted maze, free make-up services, horror films and the infamous zombie walk. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

16. Climb aboard the 17th Annual Ghost Train in Griffith Park on October 13-31 and ride on their iconic train into a spooky setting of animatronics, projections and pyrotechnic. The ride is family friendly with no blood, gore or actors jumping out to scare you like most Halloween experiences.

17. Head to Torrance for one of the most well-known Oktoberfest celebrations in the L.A. area! Alpine Village Oktoberfest runs September 8 through October 28 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, beer, dancing, and more.

18. The Sivley family is back for their 46th year of hosting the award winning, Beware the Dark Realm a haunted house experience in the city of Santa Clarita. Haunt kicks off this Satruday and will run every Friday and Saturday thorough the month. FREE

19. After multiple sold-out performances in New York, Boston and Los Angeles, Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic will make its debut at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. Feathers of Fire is a dazzling show of shadow puppetry “live animation” of a 10th-century book of Persian poetry played out on a cinema-size screen. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

20. The Queen Mary Ghost presents Ghost & Legends a new year-round experience perfect for thrill seekers and scare enthusiasts. Climb aboard the haunted RMS Queen Mary and test your fears inside the massive interactive and immersive haunted attraction.

21. Get ready to shriek, because Urban Death: Tour of Terror is back at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group in North Hollywood. This haunted theater attraction features a terrifying performance and a maze of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbing spirits that walk among us. Happening every Friday and Saturday this month. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

22. Silent Classic Horror Festival will host a month long fright fest. This week the 1923 film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligri will be screened at Old Town Music Hall located in El Segundo. The festival takes place every Friday through Sunday.

23. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. War For The Planet Of The Ape at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and The Babadook at Montalban in Hollywood.

Saturday October 21st, 2017

24. The Third Annual Burbank Beer Festival & Street Fair returns to the streets of Downtown Burbank for one of the largest celebrations of craft beer in L.A. Entry to the street fair and main stage entertainment is free and open to all ages. Craft beer tasting sessions are ticketed and includes a 3- ounce tasting glass and craft beer samples from 45+ different breweries.

25. Sunland-Tunjunga Open Studios happening October 21-22, is a free guided weekend tour of local art studios and creative venues from over 40 artists in 17 different locations in the San Fernando Valley. FREE

26. The first Clean Food Fest heads to the California Market Center on October 21-22 for a health-centered festival that celebrates clean, sustainable, beyond-organic, allergen-free food.

27. Oktoberfest DTLA returns to Pershing Square on October 21-22 for two days beer tastings, traditional bratwursts and pretzels to fusion eats, live music and plenty of dancing. Admission is free and guests interested in the tastings can purchase packages that range from $15-65.

28. The free Beverly Hills artSHOW happening on October 21-22 will showcase over 245 artists ranging from pantings and sculptures to ceramics and jewelry on display across four blocks. FREE

29. The first-ever Halloween Film Pestival hosted by Western Exterminator at the Los Feliz 3 is all about creepy crawlers. Expect bug themed activities such as a cricket-eating contest, alongside classic film screenings like Bee Movie, The Ant Bully, The Fly, Eight Legged Freaks and more. FREE

30. Experience a sophisticated yet creepy pre-Halloween evening during Night of 1.000 Devils. Billed as an “immersive horror soiree.” Guests will enjoy cocktails, dark burlesque performances, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, a dark disco and more.

31. Esotouric Bus presents Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles Bus Tour. Spend a Saturday afternoon exploring the tough streets of L.A. through the famous crime writers eyes. There’s also a stop for Chandler-themed gelato. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

32. The Skirball Family Sleepover aboard Noah’s Ark will take place this Saturday. Dinner and access to all fall exhibits are included in your ticket.

33. Pop-Up Magazine is a night filled with true, multimedia storytelling with stunning visuals, film, and live music. Listen to writers, filmmakers, photographers and producers share their stories at the Theatre at The Ace.

34. There’s a classic scary movie screening at the Heritage Square Museum this Saturday. Pack a picnic and catch the 1953 flick It Came From Outer Space in 3-D!

35. Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns for a spooktacular season. Highlights include a “Nocturnal Adventure” maze, “Animals and Boo” creepy crawler encounters, pumpkin-carving demos and other family-oriented fun.

36. The Brewery ArtWalk returns for its fall edition on October 21-22 with works from over 100 participating resident artists in mediums including video, painting, performance, ceramics, interior, fashion, multi-media and more. Entry and parking are free. FREE

37. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch at Platform LA happening October 6-30 in DTLA features a fun spooky space for families to celebrate Halloween. Highlights include; an interactive pumpkin village; straw maze; a giant rocking horse ride; Mr. Bones’ Super Slide; a Jumpin’ Pumpkin and more. Happening Thursday and through the weekend.

38. The Native Plant Sale comes to The Autry’s ethnobotanical garden in Griffith Park this Saturday. Get an education on plants from ethnobotanist/educator/plant curator Nicholas Hummingbird (Cahuilla-Apache) and take home a California Native plant yourself.

39. The Strut Your Mutt fundraiser is a chance to enjoy a brisk walk with your furry friend while benefiting those dogs who have yet to find a home. The benefit walk will take place at Exposition Park.

40. There’s a Great Pumpkin Hunt happening at the South Coast Botanic Garden from October 1 through November 30 everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include an imaginative scavenger hunt, light hiking, a pumpkin shop and access to the gorgeous 87-acre grounds. Great for families. Halloween costumes are welcome.

41. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles will host a public opening of ‘Mike Kelley: Kandors 1999 – 2011’ The exhibition is the most comprehensive survey of Kelley’s last body of work. The reception is free to attend, food and drinks will be provided by Manuela and music courtesy of MOON UTERUS. FREE

42. Westfield Topanga will host UNCORKED this Saturday. Enjoy a day of champagne, wine and food tastings benefiting The Foundation for Los Virgenes Schools. In addition on Sunday, they’ll host UNCASKED , a craft beer and food tasting event. Tickets cost $30 per person for admission to one event and $50 per person to attend both events.

43. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned for the Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn like the Iron Master and Graceful Gale. This year they’ll reveal their newest member of the crew, his name is Chef and he’s got a carnivorous kitchen staff with a big appetite. Happening Thursday and through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

44. The 5th annual FandangObon festival returns to Little Tokyo’s Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) on October 21-22. Get ready for a multicultural experience featuring live music, dance performances, art, food, a farmers’ market, environmental workshops, and more. FREE

45. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns to The Old Zoo in Griffith Park from September 29 to October 31. This years theme is “Clown” and features four different freaky zones, a slew of demonic clowns, a corn maze and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)

46. Halloween Horror Nights taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood will immerse guests in a three-dimensional world of terror featuring a new slate of mazes, scare zones and a newly designed “Terror Tram” experience. Themes include American Horror Story, The Shining, SAW, Insidious and more.

Sunday October 22nd, 2017

47. P-22 Day Festival returns to Griffith Park for a day long celebration of the beloved mountain lion. The festival will have a photo booth, a VR experience, nature hikes with park rangers, live music, food and much more. FREE

48. If you love art books, you’ll want to go check out the 2nd Annual A.G. Geiger Art Book Fair, taking place in Chinatown. This free event unites artists, booksellers and fine arts enthusiasts in historic Chung King Plaza for live performances, shopping and exhibitors.

49. Maple Block will throw another Blocktoberfest, an all-you-can-eat barbecue affair where $55 gets you unlimited smoked meats, sausages, hot dogs, brisket chili, and delicous sides. A beer garden, ice cream, fun activities, live music and more will round out the day.

50. The Eastside Food Festival returns to Mack Sennett Studios with some of the best eastside eats in L.A. This year, the fest will include unlimited tastings from over 35 local food and beverage vendors, cooking demonstrations, discussion panels, live music, live podcast and more. Ticket cost $65 for general admission and $95 for VIP.

51. Topanga Vintage Market hits Pierce College in Woodland Hills this Sunday. Expect over 170 of LA’s best vintage, antiques, and collectibles dealers.

52. Roxana Jullapat of Friends & Family will host Bakers Will Bake this Sunday at The Hollywood’s Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now in its fifth year, Jullapat’s annual bake sale fundraiser will benefit The Farm to Face Environmental Program at Thomas Starr King Middle School, specifically Ms. Jones’ gardening and environmental studies program.

53. Throughout the month of October, Westbound will host double-feature screenings of cult classic Halloween flicks on their back patio every Sunday night as well as on Friday the 13th and Halloween. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This Saturday they’ll host screenings of Young Frankenstein and Killer Klowns from Outer Space.

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

October 19, 2017

Expo Park's Natural History Museum Plans For Makeover

At 104 years old, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is due for a new look. That’s exactly what it’s getting from Los Angeles architecture firm Frederick Fisher and Partners, which released concept designs Wednesday to show their vision for updates to the museum’s west and south sides.

The Natural History Museum’s new “West/South Project” is intended to make the space more welcoming and accessible, Frederick Fisher & Partners noted in a Wednesday statement; preliminary concepts include smoothing out stairs and and adding new points of entry from Exposition Park to refashion the museum’s southwester perimeter into a “front porch” complete with a new lobby and Welcome Center.

Additionally, the museum’s existing Jean Delacour Auditorium wing, currently used for storage, will be replaced by a new, three-story rectangular glass structure; the L.A. Times points out that the Natural History Museum already has one glass-cube entry hall, the Otis Booth Pavilion added to the museum’s north side in 2013, but this cube will distinguish itself with large-scale vitrines set into its façade to show off objects from the Museum’s various collections. The museum will also be topped by a brand-new rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views, which L.A. could always use more of. The concepts are all still preliminary.

A projection of the Natural History Museum’s new south façade, which will function as a “front porch” to welcome guests. (Photo courtesy of Frederick Fisher & Partners)

Los Angeles County is pumping $2.5 million into the Natural History Museum’s expansion for further design drawings over the next 6 to 9 months. In a Wednesday statement, L.A. County Board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas Exposition Park called the museum “the anchor” of Exposition Park, which includes the California Science Center and the California African American Museum in addition to a host of other destinations—and will welcome the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art sometime in 2021. The west and south sides of the Natural History Museum being updated are the ones that will directly face the Lucas Museum, because here in L.A., even our county buildings know the importance of kissing up to celebrities.

A projection of the museum’s new lobby, welcome center and theater entrance. (Photo courtesy of Frederick Fisher & Partners)

The “West/South Project” is aimed at improving the aspects of the Exposition Park museum campus that were not addressed by the decade-long “NHM Next” remodeling program that was completed in 2013; to that end, Frederick Fisher & Partners also plans to bring a multi-purpose theater to the complex, intended to serve as a “vital gathering place for the community and neighborhoods around Exposition Park.”

Article by LAist.

October 18, 2017

10 Places You Should Visit This Fall in Los Angeles

No seasons in Los Angeles? Well, it’s complicated.

Sure, we don’t have miles of brown and red leafed treetops like you might see in in New Hamphire. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of the beauty of autumn right here in the city of angels.

In L.A. you can discover gardens with a front row view of bright colored foliage. You can experience traditions like picking your own apples or pumpkins at the farm. You can even partake in cultural holidays and festivals that celebrate the harvest season.

In short, you’ve got options.

That said, here’s a promise about the list below– visiting these 10 places at least once will confirm that L.A. does indeed have Fall.

1. Witness fall foliage season at Descanso Gardens.

From October through November, walk Descanso Gardens for its the beautiful botanical display (or train it on the Enchanted Railroad). Take in beauties such as the light pink Sasanqua camellias, bright red toyon berries, stunning yellow ginkgo trees and the expansive native California tree canopies illustrating the inviting and warm Fall colors of Los Angeles. Plus: Descanso’s Enchanted: Forest of Light is back this fall from November 19 – January 16. -> Plan your garden trip today.

2. Watch trees change color at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Going to the Arboretum this fall? Head straight over to the Grace Kallam Perennial Garden where you will get quite the show. The garden’s blooming perennials and fall foliage features beds and beds of spectacular color including the yellow-leafed gingko trees, and copper foliage of the Sweetgum tree. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife who reside and who migrate annually to the Garden. -> View nature’s show here.

L.A. County Arboretum. Credit to Chris M. Morris via flickr cc

3. Pick Pumpkins at Underwood Farms

Ok, so Moorpark isn’t techinically in L.A. county. But it’s close! And Underwood Family Farms is the right place for picking your own favorite variety of pumpkins, from Magic Lanterns (perfect for carving) to Cinderellas to Luminas. The farm hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival where you’ll catch a tractor ride, a chicken show, and lots of fun activities for the kids. The festival runs on weekends through Oct. 29. -> Pumpkin harvest-time at the farm.

4. Take the Corn Maze Challenge at Tapia Bros. Farmstand

This corn maze challenges all ages to navigate through it while answering trivia questions. The maze is closed on Mondays for watering, and open every weekend through the end of October. While at Tapia Bros. Farmstand don’t miss a taste of the roasted corn, which makes a tasty afternoon snack. -> Find your way here.

5. Roam the Many Gardens of The Huntington

The Huntington Gardens welcomes guests all year long to explore its hundreds of species and beautiful landscape. Ranging from the American Sweetgum tree’s red and auburn leaves to the yellow and golden blooms of the Chinese raintree, have your phone ready to capture all of that and more including the purple salvias shrubs and the burnt orange flower petals of the wild dagga. -> In living color.

Japanese Garden at the Huntington Library. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

6. Take Instagram-worthy photos at Mr. Bones’ Pumpkin Patch

The highly-celebrated (and celebrity kid hot spot) pumpkin patch gives you all the Fall feels with its select pumpkin patch, the spider bouncy house, live music, a Master Carver who will turn your pumpkin into a jack o’ lantern masterpiece, and swanky LA food trucks including The Grilled Cheese and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. VIP tickets are available. -> Snap here.

7. See the Santa Monica Mountains on Horseback

Los Angeles Horseback Riding takes you and a group of friends or with your very special person on a picturesque trail ride in the Santa Monica mountains including part of the Backbone Trail. You’ll see LA’s native landscape including breathtaking geography, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and wildlife such as hawks, deer or even, the rare Mexican Xoloitzcuintli. Sunset rides offer gorgeous Autumn colors like you’ve never seen before in LA. -> Fall on horseback.

8. Experience Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Honoring the living and the dead, this Dia de los Muertos event highlights a traditional procession and altar-making, while hundreds of Aztec ritual dancers and other folklorico performers entertain the crowd. This year includes four stages of music and theatrical performers throughout the day/evening. Be sure to check out and enter to win in the best calaca (skeleton) costume and altar contests. -> Celebrate culture and spirit on Oct. 28.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Credit: Mooshu via flickr cc

9. Go Apple picking at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho

Have an urge to go apple picking? Take a drive out to San Bernadino. Los Rios Rancho is SoCal’s largest apple farm, featuring heirloom fruit trees with well over 32 apple varieties including Granny Smith and Rome Beauty. Riley’s fresh-pressed apple cider tastes deliciously seasonal, which you can take home by the gallon or have a cup at the snack bar. -> U-pick here.

10. Oktoberfest at Alpine Village

Oktoberfest at Alpine Villageis the signature annual Oktobersfest event in the L.A.-area. Now through October 28, you’ll be able to partake in tasting Warsteiner German beers (Oktoberfest, Dunkel, Pilsner, Ace Cider and Konig Ludwig Hefeweisen), and feast on German specialties like Bavarian pretzels, sausages, schnitzel and strudel. German Oom Pah Pah bands inspire dancing and cheering. -> Prost (cheers).

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

October 17, 2017

Jon & Vinny's Expanding To Brentwood

Jon & Vinny’s, the casual Italian spot of interminable wait times and impossible reservations in the heart of Fairfax, is headed to Brentwood.

Eater reports the restaurant will take over Early World Restaurant on San Vicente Boulevard. Early World is still open, so Jon & Vinny’s won’t enter the space for construction and build-out until Early World’s lease agreement ends. Eater predicts this means the new restaurant will open in Summer 2018 at the earliest.

Jon & Vinny’s is the busiest of Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s restaurants, which include the now-iconic Animal, Son of a Gun, and Petit Trois (their partnership with chef Ludo Lefebvre). The menu at Jon and Vinny’s is far more casual than those at Shook and Dotolo’s other restaurants—it consists of pizza, pastas, and a very solid daily brunch— and is located on ever-busy Fairfax. The restaurant has drawn a wide range of local denizens ever since it opened. It’s common to see a dinner meeting of Hollywood executives next to a table of L.A. hip kids.

It’s unclear whether the new location will also be designed by architect Jeff Guga, who is responsible for the restaurant’s angular booths and light wood aesthetic.

Eater reports the restaurant will also bring along another location of Helen’s Wines. The popular wine shop from wine director Helen Johannesen currently occupies the space behind Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax. It offers bottles to purchase on site, as well as a wine-delivery subscription.

Brentwood is slowly turning into a major pizza center for Los Angeles. Pizzana, the recently-opened pizza mecca from chef Daniele Uditi, is located a quarter-mile down the street from the future Jon & Vinny’s location.

Jon & Vinny’s will be located at 11938 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood.

Story courtesy of LAist.

October 16, 2017

Rodeo Realty's 2017 Pumpkin Patch

Rodeo Realty had its Pumpkin Patch this past weekend, October 14.

The annual event was held at the Pacific Palisades office. The community was invited for free In-N-Out lunch and to choose a pumpkin!

Thanks to everyone who came out this weekend! Another successful Pumpkin Patch!

For more photos of the event, visit our Facebook page!

October 14, 2017

Economic update for the week ending October 14, 2017

Stocks continue to rise – Indexes again at new record highs – Stocks rose in the first week of the third quarter’s earnings season. Most of the companies that have released earnings have been from the financial service sector. Of the companies that have reported, 81% had better-than-expected results. The only sector that had a bad week was health insurance stocks, which dropped after President Trump signed an executive order to cut off subsidy payments to insurance companies that provide Obamacare. Economic data from overseas was extremely positive and confirmed that the worldwide economy is continuing to improve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,871.73, up from 22,773.67 last week. It’s up 15.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,553.17, up from its close last week of 2,549.33. The S&P is up 14% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,605.80, up from its last week’s close of 6,590.19. It’s up 22.7% year-to-date.

Bond yields lower this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.28%, down from 2.37% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.81%, down from 2.91% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates continue to creep up, yet the 30-year is still below 4% – The October 12, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.91%, up from 3.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.21%, up from 3.15% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.16%, down slightly from 3.18% last week. Rates were slightly lower at the end of the week.

U.S. Consumer Confidence highest rating in 13 years – The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index hit 101.1, the highest level since 2004. Since consumer confidence is directly related to consumer spending this index is closely watched as consumer spending accounts for approximately two-thirds of the economy. The survey also included data, which showed retail sales increased by 1.6% in September, the highest increase since March 2015.

Unfortunately, The California Association of Realtors and The National Association of Realtors have not released September sales figures. Those will be included in next week’s report.

Have a great weekend!

Syd

October 13, 2017

The Best Art Supply Stores In L.A.

From the overflowing, overwhelming aisles of Moskatel’s downtown craft palace to the carefully curated shelves at Los Feliz’s Blue Rooster Art Supplies, Los Angeles is home to a wealth of great art supply stores. Here are some of our favorites, and their specialties.

Retna/El Mac mural across from Graphaids. (Photo via Graphaids via Facebook)

GRAPHAIDS

You know an art supply store is serious about street art when the side of their building serves as a canvas for El Mac and Retna, as is the case with Culver City’s Graphaids. The art supply mecca has since moved into a new store across the street, but the “Of Our Youth” mural remains at the original location (3030 La Cienega Boulevard). As you might guess, Graphaids has an impeccable and extremely large selection of spray paints. Other highlights include their professional drafting supplies (so many templates!), digital printing supplies and services, and marker selection.

Graphaids is located at 3051 S La Cienega Boulevard, Culver City. (310) 204-1212. They also have locations in Long Beach and Agoura.

Top’s interior. (Photo courtesy of Top’s via Yelp)

TOP’S

This Koreatown mom-and-pop shop is, quite literally, my neighborhood art store, and I’m extremely grateful to have it so close by. They have a wide array of high-quality supplies at reasonable prices. All of the employees at this family-owned store are not just extremely knowledgeable about their wares, but also friendly and helpful. Have a question about which brush would be best for achieving a specific effect? Just ask, and they’ll do their best to explain and point you in the right direction while being mindful of your price restrictions. Top’s is also basically Copic marker heaven—they have a giant and very well-priced selection that can rival any art superstore. Other specialties include their fashion and pattern-making supplies, handmade papers, frequent canvas discounts, and Japanese brushes. And there is a free parking lot in in back, which is basically gold in Koreatown.

Top’s is located at 3447 W 8th Street in Koreatown. (213) 382-8229

(Photos by Blue Rooster via Facebook)

BLUE ROOSTER ART SUPPLIES.

Originally located in a tiny storefront on Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz, Blue Rooster has since moved around the corner to a slightly larger Hollywood Boulevard location. The store is still small, but they pack an impressive amount of stock into their well-curated shelves. They may not carry every possible brand, but the supplies they do choose to carry are very, very good—and often include things you might not otherwise find elsewhere. I’ve discovered some of my favorite paints at Blue Rooster. Paint and pigments are one of their specialties, particularly spray paint and anything graffiti-related. They also have great sketchbooks. Check their calendar for upcoming classes, sales, and cool events held in the courtyard behind the store.

Blue Rooster is located at 4661 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz. (323) 302-5613

Some of the vast selection of faux florals at Moskatel’s. (Photo by Sylvia W. via Yelp).

MOSKATEL’S

Moskatel’s definitely veers more into the crafty side of arts and crafts, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention this warehouse-sized paradise of supplies. Located in downtown’s Flower District and owned by Michael’s, Moskatel’s literally has every possible craft supply you could dream of… and more. Most of the prices are bargain basement, and much is offered in bulk. But be forewarned: it is difficult to walk the teeming aisles without wanting everything in sight (including many things you previously did not even know existed), and also suddenly being quite certain that you should start making candles, or soap, or decorate your entire home in faux florals, or just become someone who has this eight-pack of specialty miniature [insert object here] on hand for your next party. And their Halloween decorations, as you might guess, are nothing short of epic. I want to live here.

Moskatel’s is located at 733 San Julian Street in downtown Los Angeles. (213) 689-4830

Raw Materials exterior and their Handbook Journal Co. notebooks. (Photos by Raw Materials via Facebook)

RAW MATERIALS

Located on Main Street right by the Regent Theatre, downtown’s neighborhood art store is similar in size and scope to Blue Rooster. Raw Materials is relatively small and moderately priced, but they have an excellent supply of paints, art pens and paper. You won’t get lost in here, but you might just find the perfect sketchbook. The selection of mixed-media sketchbooks is particularly good—they even carry my favorite Handbook Journal Co. “trav•e•logue series” watercolor journals in sizes I hadn’t previously seen stocked anywhere else. The well-organized selection makes Raw Materials a perfect place for downtown worker bees to stop in on their lunch breaks. And FYI, they typically get new supplies in on Wednesdays.

Raw Materials is located at 436 S. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. (800) 729-7060

Blick on Beverly Boulevard in Mid-City. (Photo by Mike B. via Yelp).

BLICK

Blick may be a big chain, but their numerous Southern California locations tend to have the personality of much smaller, indie art stores. I’ve made too many Blick visits to count over the years, and never encountered a salesperson who wasn’t knowledgeable about their wares (though they tend to have different specialties, most Blick employees are artists). Their stores carry a giant selection at a range of price points, regardless of your chosen medium.

There are Blick locations in Mid-City, Pasadena, Santa Monica and West L.A.

Article courtesy of LAist.

October 13, 2017

Free Things To Do in Los Angeles Before 2017 is Over

Remember how you made that big list of all the fun things you were going to do for 2017? Remember how busy you got instead?

There’s still time!

Whether you’re looking for cultural festivals, seasonal celebrations, parades, art tours, hikes, or something in between, the end-of-year events calendar in Los Angeles has plenty to offer. And all of it at everyone’s favorite price… FREE!

So circle a date, message a friend, and be sure to follow through this time. You won’t regret it.

1. Late-Night! Música y Arte at Skirball Cultural Center – Live music, food trucks, a cash bar, and free access to Skirball’s current exhibits. (Oct. 13)

2. Front Porch Cinema – Free Friday film screenings at the Santa Monica Pier all throughout October (Oct. 13, 21, & 27 still remaining)

3. Pasadena ArtWalk – Local art, free museum admission, live entertainment, a juried art show & hands-on activities (Oct. 14)

4. Archaeology Day Returns to the Santa Monica Mountains – Learn how to dig like an archaeologist, throw a spear, and watch flintknapping (making stone tools) – Oct. 14)

5. Friends of Griffith Parks Public Hikes (formerly the Ranger Ernie Hikes) – Three ranger-led hikes are on the books for the end of 2017 (Oct. 15, Nov. 23, Dec. 10)

6. 12th-annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar – Archival materials and experts come together to celebrate (and explain) the marvelous diversity and history of Southern California

7. P-22 Festival in Griffith Park – A public party to celebrate L.A.’s favorite big cat (Oct. 21).

8. Sunland-Tujunga Open Studios – A free guided weekend tour of local art studios and creative venues featuring 40+ artists. (Oct. 21-22)

9. Old Pasadena Day of the Dead Altar Tours – Music, activities, and self-guided tours o traditional and contemporary Day of the Dead altars (Oct. 27-29)

10. LA Critical Mass: America’s Largest Community Bike Ride – This year’s ride starts ride at Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave, Los Angeles, California at 6:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged! (Oct. 27)

11. DOPIUM.LA — A FREE Cultural Festival in Chinatown – Celebrating Asian American expression through food, music and never-before-seen art exhibits. (Nov. 4)

12. Grand Ave: All Access – A huge day of free events all taking place along Grand Ave. in DTLA. (Nov. 4)

13. Woofstock 90210 at Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills – 35+ pet-related vendors, food trucks, a pet parade, and more (Nov. 5)

14. Inglewood Open Studios – Inglewood’s only art walk is a two-day affair now in its 11th year. (Nov. 11-12)

15. UCLA Game Art Festival 2017 – A night of games and game art, live performance, music, and refreshments co-resented by the UCLA Game Lab (Nov 14)

16. Great LA Walk comes to Beverly Blvd – Starting at 1st Street in Little Tokyo and trekking all the way to the ocean – (Nov. 18)

17. L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony at Grand Park – You can enjoy the holiday decorations in Grand Park through Dec. 26. (Nov. 27)

18. Venice Christmas Boat Parade – The parade is held annually on the first Saturday of December. Be sure to check the website for updates if that Saturday rains out or if the date is changed. (Dec. 2)

19. Echo Park Community Parade – 50+ entrants celebrate this year’s theme: “Golden Memories of Echo Park” (Dec. 9)

20. 55th Annual Marina Del Rey Boat Parade – An estimated 25,000 people come watch the Boat Parade each year. (Dec. 9)

21. 58th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration – An afternoon of music and dance to celebrate the season (Dec. 24)

Event schedule provided by We Like LA.

October 12, 2017

Weekend Events: October 13 – 15

This weekend (October 13 – October 15) includes the LA Korean Festival, a late-night party at Skriball, the DTLA Oyster Fest, the Sherman Oaks Street Fair, the Pasadena ARTWalk, a Japanese Garden Festival, and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday October 13th, 2017

1. Skirball After Hours presents Late-Night! Música y Arte a late-night gallery party featuring live music by Mark de Clive-Lowe, a DJ set by Chulita Vinyl Club, food trucks, a cash bar, and more. FREE

2. ArtNight Pasadena returns with art, music and entertainment at over 18 local cultural institutions, venues and shops. FREE

3. Multi-sensory, walk-through experience Creep LA returns to the Music Box in DTLA October 5 through November 12. Inspired by the Amazon Prime Exclusive Series Lore the experience is fully engaging, multi-sensory and super-scary, featuring some of pop culture’s most legendary horror myths. Happening Thursdays through Sundays.

4. The 44th annual L.A. Korean Festival on October 12-15 will provide a showcase of Korean culture through food, performances, music, and exhibitions. FREE

5. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned for the Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn like the Iron Master and Graceful Gale. This year they’ll reveal their newest member of the crew, his name is Chef and he’s got a carnivorous kitchen staff with a big appetite. Happening Thursday and through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Eat|See|Hear returns with Front Porch Cinema, a free movie night below the stars every Friday on Santa Monica Pier from September 29 through October 27. The fall film series will also feature music, drinks, and bites before each screening. This week they’ll screen Hidden Figures. FREE

7. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch at Platform LA happening October 6-30 in DTLA features a fun spooky space for families to celebrate Halloween. Highlights include; an interactive pumpkin village; straw maze; a giant rocking horse ride; Mr. Bones’ Super Slide; a Jumpin’ Pumpkin and more. Happening Thursday and through the weekend.

8. Throughout the month of October, Westbound will host double-feature screenings of cult classic Halloween flicks on their back patio on Sunday nights as well as on Friday the 13th and Halloween. Screenings begin at 6 and 8 p.m. This Friday they’ll host a double screening of the 1980’s classic Friday the 13th.

9. Wicked Lit is a spooky immersive theatre experience taking horror literature and turning them into plays at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery. It happens every Thursday through Sunday from September 28 through November 9. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

10. Metro Art presents “L.A. Documentaries at Union Station,” a celebration of the city of Angels through true stories on film. Kicking off the series is “Roller Dreams” this Friday in the Historic Ticketing Hall. FREE

11. The Vista Theatre will fittingly screen Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th.

12. Turn Me Loose, a comedic drama about the life of comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, starts a one-month run at the Wallis this Friday. The production stars Emmy award winner Joe Morton and is directed by John Gould Rubin.

13. Climb aboard the 17th Annual Ghost Train in Griffith Park on October 13-31 and ride on their iconic train into a spooky setting of animatronics, projections and pyrotechnic. The ride is family friendly with no blood, gore or actors jumping out to scare you like most Halloween experiences.

14. L.A.’s legendary Groundlings Theatre troupe presents its latest main stage show, Groundlings of the Corn. Expect an evening of sketches, improv and LOL moments. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Head over to Torrance for one of the most well-known Oktoberfest celebrations in the L.A. area! Alpine Village Oktoberfest runs September 8 through October 28 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, beer, dancing, and more.

16. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns to The Old Zoo in Griffith Park from September 29 to October 31. This years theme is “Clown” and features four different freaky zones, a slew of demonic clowns, a corn maze and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)

17. Silent Classic Horror Festival will host a month long fright fest. This week the 1922 film Nosferatuwill be screened at Old Town Music Hall located in El Segundo. The festival takes place every Friday through Sunday.

18. 260 Sample Sale LA returns with a Rent The Runway sample sale at their Beverly Hills store October 11-15. Offering up to 90% off on gently used designer apparel and accessories, brands on sale include: ML Monique Lhuillier; Marchesa Notte; kate spade new york; Nicholas; Opening Ceremony; Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and more.

19. Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns for a spooktacular season. Highlights include a “Nocturnal Adventure” maze, “Animals and Boo” creepy crawler encounters, pumpkin-carving demos and other family-oriented fun.

20. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Wonder Woman at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Friday 13th at Montalban in Hollywood.

Saturday October 14th, 2017

21. San Antonio Winery in DTLA celebrates 100 Years in Los Angeles this Saturday with a party. Highlights include a grape stomp, live music, a wine & beer garden and a stellar line up of food trucks.

22. The Paley Center for Media will kick off their latest exhibit, Cartoon Network: 25 Years of Drawing on Creativity with a party suitable for kids and adults. The event will feature an augmented reality experience, Powderpuff Girl sculptures, free activities for kids as well as refreshments.

23. Downtown LA Oyster Fest returns to Grand Central Market on October 14-15 for a delicious celebration of LA’s favorite oceanic appetizer. The culinary event will gather oyster farmers from across the country in one place for a day of tastings, workshops and delicous creations like oyster “Po Boy” pizza; fried curry oysters and more.

24. The Japanese Garden Festival returns to Descanso Gardens on October 14-15 for a celebration that includes tours, music, displays, crafting, and more.

25. The Sivley family is back for their 46th year of hosting the award winning, Beware the Dark Realm a haunted house experience in the city of Santa Clarita. Haunt kicks off this Satruday and will run every Friday and Saturday thorough the month. FREE

26. Stroll the streets of Old Pasadena while enjoying local art, free museum admission, live entertainment and more when The 12th Annual Pasadena ARTWalk returns this Saturday. FREE

27. Spend the evening along the Los Angeles River during Noches del Rio a benefit concert supporting FOLAR. Nic Harcourt will host the night and Ozomatli will perform an intimate show.

28. Off the 405 is a free outdoor concert series taking place at the Getty Center, showcasing some of today’s hottest bands while highlighting site specific installations by emerging artist. FREE

29. Climb aboard the Esotouric Bus and dive into a world of bizarre murders and dark history during the Echo Park Book of the Dead bus tour. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

30. The 3rd annual Archaeology Day will take place at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area’s visitor center in Calabasas. Learn how to dig like an archaeologist, throw a spear, watch flintknapping (making stone tools) and more. FREE

31. OFF THE HOOK returns this year to the Santa Monica Pier with a tasty day of seafood centric dishes, live music, a beer garden and more.

32. Pico Block Party: TRANSLATION is a celebratory afternoon taking place at 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica. The family-friendly festival will give tours, offer workshops and feature live music, dance performances, a feminist card reading and more. FREE

33. Visit the Los Angeles Central Library in DTLA for the lecture “Pocho Gastronomy is the Future of Mexican Cuisine in America” with acclaimed food journalist Bill Esparza. He’ll share stories about Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles, with a focus on Boyle Heights, Huntington Park and Pacoima, and the city’s styles of Mexican cookery. FREE

34. Taste of Italy will transform historic DTLA into the streets of Italy highlighting the city’s best Italian restaurant. In addition, guests can enjoy vendors selling specialty products, cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live entertainment and over 100 world-class wines.

35. More than 40 artists will open up their studios for a massive art walk during Santa Fe Art Colony Open Studios on October 14-15. Meet with artists, see them work in their natural habitat and even buy directly from their studios. FREE

36. The 3rd annual Long Beach Oktoberfest will take over The Pike Outlets featuring unlimited beer tastings, a mug-holding competition, traditional German oom-pah music and much more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

37. LA’s Best Vegan Taco Competition comes to Cafe Gratitude in Larchmont Village. The competition will boast eight chefs, two winners, live music, and a whole lot of tacos.

38. Get ready to shriek, because Urban Death: Tour of Terror is back at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group in North Hollywood. This haunted theater attraction features a terrifying performance and a maze of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbing spirits that walk among us. Happening every Friday and Saturday this month. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

40. Street Food Cinema will host two screenings this Saturday: Casper at Syd Kronenthal Park and Wonder Woman at Marriot Golf Course in Manhattan Beach.

41. Halloween Horror Nights taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood will immerse guests in a three-dimensional world of terror featuring a new slate of mazes, scare zones and a newly designed “Terror Tram” experience. Themes include American Horror Story, The Shining, SAW, Insidious and more.

42. The Original Farmers Market located at The Grove will celebrate the fall season with a two day festival on October 14-15. Family fun activities include checking out Alaskan racing pigs, a petting zoo, kid-sized tractor pull competitions, a pie-eating contests and more.

43. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Baby Driver at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Montalban in Hollywood

Sunday October 15th, 2017

44. The 27th annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair returns to the San Fernando Valley for one of the largest-single day events in L.A.!!! Chord Overstreet of Glee fame will headline the music stage and 150 vendors, a carnival, car show, pet expo, rides, food trucks and more will round out the event. FREE

45. Le Salon de Musiques presents a stage free chamber musical experience with champagne and high tea to follow at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

46. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and the good folks over at YesICAN will host a Bowling with Stormtroopers event at Winnetka Bowl in the San Fernando Valley. Come out and donate to the cause. $20 gets you two games, shoes, lunch and a chance to hangout with your favorite Star Wars characters, curtesy of the SoCal Garrison of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion.

47. This Sunday, The San Fernando will pay tribute to the late Tom Petty with a night of cover songs by local musicians.

48. Throughout the month of October, Westbound will host double-feature screenings of cult classic Halloween flicks on their back patio every Sunday night as well as on Friday the 13th and Halloween. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This Saturday they’ll host screenings of The Addams Family and Beetlejuice.

49. LA Weekly’s Brunch at the Races returns for another year of endless signature bites from over 30 of L.A.’s most popular brunch spots. Taking place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, expect over 30 restaurants, live music, cocktail samples and access to the first horse racing of the season. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

50. There’s a Great Pumpkin Hunt happening at the South Coast Botanic Garden from October 1 through November 30 everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include an imaginative scavenger hunt, light hiking, a pumpkin shop and access to the gorgeous 87-acre grounds. Great for families. Halloween costumes are welcome.

Schedule provided by We Like LA.