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Melrose Rooftop Theatre Coming to E.P. & L.P.

E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood is one of the prettiest patios if you’re looking for a cocktail and a view, so it’s only fitting that they host a rooftop cinema series. Melrose Rooftop Theatre comes to E.P. & L.P.  starting on May 1 with a screening of Pretty Woman.

MRT will take place every Sunday through Thursday from May 1 through November 15, screening over 100 different films, with a mix of genres, including cult classics and new-ish releases. There’s comedy (10 Things I Hate About You), horror (IT), drama (Moonlight), sci-fi (Blade Runner 2049), and romance (The Notebook). You can catch something like Coming to America or Pulp Fiction, or a more modern film like Black Panther or Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And if you missed the most recent Academy Award contenders, they’ll be screening some of those too. For instance, Best Picture She Shape of Water is on June 25.

Guests will head up to the rooftop, where they’ll grab a cushy bean bag seat and a pair of wireless, noise-canceling headsets. Differing this year from previous iterations is that all 100 seats are “VIP” bean bag chairs.

Tickets for just the film are $27.50. Or, for $65, guests will receive not only a ticket to the film, but a three-course, Southeast Asian meal at E.P. beforehand. (That price also includes tax and tip.) Dinner starts at 6 p.m., while the films start at sundown. Concession-style snacks, including popcorn and candy, and cocktails are available during every screening. Check out the full schedule and tickets here.

Also, if rooftop movies are your jam, you may consider Rooftop Cinema Club, which is back for its fourth season in Los Angeles starting in April.

Story by We Like LA.

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Fun Things to do this Spring in Los Angeles

The first day of spring is here, and there’s no better time to start making plans in the city of angels! This season you’ll have the chance to visit a mermaid museum, put yourself in the shoes of a drug kingpin or a CIA recruit, sketch like Degas, watch classic films outdoors or in 1920s Hollywood movie palaces, or steer a swan boat. Also on the docket: Attend a food festival inside the Rose Bowl, see Flying Lotus at the Hollywood Bowl, or participate in a hyper-reality Star Wars experience.

This list of some of the best spring events in Los Angeles will remind you of why this city is such a great place to live.

1. Visit the Mermaid Museum – The interactive, Insta-worthy pop-up Mermaid Museum is coming to Hollywood from March 22-25 as part of a promotion of Freeform’s new series, Siren. -> More information

2. Suit Up for The VOID’s Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire – This hyper-reality experience combines virtual reality with physical environments to simulate a rebel mission to infiltrate a secret Imperial base. Now at the Glendale Galleria. -> More information

3. See What’s it Like to Work for a Drug Kingpin – Los Angeles’ newest escape room, Stash House, will allow you and your friends to get actively involved in a crime drama — with zero chance of going to prison. -> More information

4. Learn Degas’ Artistic Technique – During the Norton Simon Museum’s Night in Focus: Degas on March 24, view Taking Shape: Degas as Sculptor, sketch dancers in the style of Degas while surrounded by his work, and more.  -> More information

5. Drink a Bunch of Beer – During the 9th Annual LA Beer Fest on April 7, sip a variety of unlimited samples of 200 beers from 80 different breweries. -> More information

6. Savor Delectable Food While Helping to Fight Homelessness – At Masters of Taste, taking place on the field of the Rose Bowl on May 7, some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, wineries and more will offer up handcrafted cocktails, exquisite bites, decadent desserts, fine wines and more, with 100% of the proceeds helping the homeless. -> More information

7. Take to the Streets – The latest CicLAvia event, Heart of the Foothills, will close certain streets to traffic on April 22, allowing Angelenos to bike, walk, and explore the off-the-beaten-path streets of San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, and Claremont. -> More information

8. Spend Time with Grunions – Go to Cabrillo Beach to watch a grunion run, attend the Grunion Fish-tival, or go to a Meet the Grunions event on various dates during spring 2018. -> More information

9. Improve Your Health – Check out Clean Made L.A. on April 21-22 for a vast marketplace, numerous speakers, yoga, a meditation hut and much more to help you create a healthier lifestyle. -> More information

10. Celebrate Bach’s 333rd Birthday – Visit Union Station on March 24 for a ten-hour marathon celebrating the music of the German baroque master — and enjoy free Starbuck’s coffee if you arrive early enough. -> More information

11. Fill up on Pancakes, Booze, & Art – When the Los Angeles Pancakes & Booze Art Show returns on April 28, check out the work of over 150 artists, listen to music, dine at the pancake bar, and sip some hooch. -> More information

12. Check out Art in Grand Park – At the Our L.A. Voices Arts Festival in DTLA, enjoy dance, music, theater, and visual art during a free public event April 27-29. -> More information

13. Celebrate The Dude – Watch a The Big Lebowski screening at the Wiltern or attend a Lebowski-inspired Bowling Party in Fountain Valley during Lebowskifest on May 25-26. -> More information

14. Party Like It’s 1977 – At the new immersive theater show Safehouse ’77, taking place at a Los Feliz bungalow until April 1, attend a “party” that’s actually a CIA recruitment. -> More information

15. Watch a Movie From a Rooftop – Rooftop Cinema Club is back in April, with screenings of both recent releases (Get Out, The Shape of Water) and enduring classics (Casablanca, All About Eve) atop the Montalban in Hollywood or LEVEL in DTLA. -> More information

16. Listen to Stories From a Secret Society of Women – Every month on the night of the full moon, the Secret Society of the Sisterhood (whose members include Pamela Des Barres and Mara Wilson) comes to the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery to share their most personal stories. -> More information 

17. Watch Classic Films at Hollywood Movie Palaces – The TCM Classic Film Festival returns to the Chinese Theater, the Egyptian Theater, the Cinerama Dome, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel April 26-29 for four days of classic films, talks with the likes of Martin Scorcese and Mel Brooks, rare nitrate film screenings, and other events perfect for the classic film nerd. -> More information

18. See Neil Young, Jack White, Belle & Sebastian, Pretenders & More in Pasadena – Arroyo Seco Weekend returns to Pasadena June 23-24 for two days of live performances from some of the greatest bands of the past few decades. -> More information

19. Save the World (Virtually) – Visit Virtual Room in Hollywood for a group VR adventure in which you’ll go back in time to ensure a better future. -> More information

20. Ride a Swan in Echo Park – Savor the simple charm of steering a swan-shaped paddle boat around Echo Park Lake. -> More information

21. Enjoy the Return of Street Food Cinema – Listen to live music, dine from food trucks, and watch a movie screening outdoors when Street Food Cinema returns to parks all across the city. -> More information 

22. (Finally) Visit Candytopia – After a months-long delay, Candytopia finally brought its immersive, oh-so-sweet Insta-friendly experience to Santa Monica, where it will remain till July 4. -> More information

23. View Cherry Blossoms – Celebrate spring’s fragrant beauty during Los Angeles’ various cherry festivals. -> More information

24. Shop at an Immersive Pop-Up – Get stimulated during Na-Kel Smith’s multi-sensory adidas shopping experience in Downtown Los Angeles on March 24. -> More information 

25. Watch a Vintage Fashion Show as You Genteelly Sip Tea – Heritage Square Museum in Montecito Heights will host a Victorian tea and fashion show spotlighting 300 years of fashion history on April 14. -> More information

26. Decompress at a Sound Bath – Get bathed in healing sounds at Mystic Journey Crystals in Venice. -> More information

27. Purchase Limited-Edition Vinyl at Record Store Day – Buy limited-edition vinyl and more created especially for Record Store Day, an annual “holiday” for lovers of vinyl and indie record stores. -> More information

28. Visit a Shrine to Epic Fails – The Museum of Failure enjoyed a successful run in Downtown L.A. and has now made its way to Hollywood & Highland, where it will continue to celebrate such flops as Trump: The Game, Colgate brand lasagna, and Google Glass. -> More information

29. Step Back in Time to the Vaudeville Era – Watch a show featuring burlesque, snake charming, comedy, and aerial acrobatics, follow by a Speakeasy After Party, during The Return of Vaudeville at The Wiltern. -> More information

30. Stand up for Science – Support the environment, healthcare and scientific facts during The March for Science, returning to Downtown Los Angeles on April 14. -> More information

31. Listen to World Music at the Hollywood Bowl – KCRW is hosting six events making up the World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl this spring (and summer). The first event, on June 17, will feature Flying Lotus, Little Dragon, and another act to be announced. -> More information

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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Economic update for the week ending March 17, 2018

Stocks down in another volatile week – Uncertainty led to another volatile week in U.S. stock markets. Volatility has caused the S&P 500 to lose or gain 1% or more in 9 out of the first 11 weeks of 2018. In comparison, the S&P 500 lost or gained 1% or more in just 13 weeks in all of 2017. Along with political uncertainty, fears of consequences from tariffs, and possible retaliation from other countries against our exports, led to the drops this week. For example, Boeing’s stock dropped nearly 10% this week based on increased steel and aluminum costs, and a possiblity of tariffs being place on Boeing jets by other governments. 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 24,946.51, down from last week’s close of 25,335.74.  It is up 0.9% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,752.01, down from 2,786.57 last week.  It’s up 2.9% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed at 7,484.99, down from 7,596.81 last week. It is up 8.4% year-to-date.

 

Treasury Bond Yields –  Bond yields lower this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.85%, down from 2.90% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.08%, down from 3.16% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates.

 

Mortgage Rates slightly lower this week – The March 15, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.44%, down slightly from last week’s 4.46%. The 15-year fixed was 3.90%, down  from 3.94% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.67%, up from 3.63% last week.

Next week’s report will include both housing sales data for February and the results of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting, where it is expecting that The Fed will increase short term interest rates.

 

Have a great weekend,
Syd
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Rodeo Realty's Josh Flagg and Ben Bacal among Variety's 'Showbiz Real Estate Elite 2018'

Variety’s annual ‘Showbiz Real Estate Elite 2018’ has been announced! Every year the magazine names some of the entertainment industry’s go-to agents, not just in Hollywood, but also on the East Coast, in Miami and event in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

This year, two Rodeo Realty agents made the elite list: Josh Flagg and Ben Bacal.

“Their clients come from all over the glove,” said Variety. “Not surprisingly, however, these high-flying negotiators mostly work the properties in the Beverly Hills and Bel-Air hot zone.”

As a star of Bravo’s popular show “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, ” there’s no doubt that Josh Flagg is one of the entertainment industry’s go-to agents.

His recent Beverly Hills sales range in the $10 million-$16 million range. Some of his current listings mentioned by Variety include 815 N. Whittier Dr. for $11.49 million and 811 Hillcrest for $8.49 million. He also recently closed escrow on $20 million property.

“The market is “very, very strong,” said Josh to Variety. “High-end properties will continue to stay steady. I don’t see a massive increase in prices, but I also don’t see a tremendous potential of property value going down.”

Significant sales mentioned for Ben Bacal: 1006 Lexington Dr. for $26.75 million, 1218 Benedict Canyon for $11.995 million and 1895 Rising Glen Road for $15.95 million. His current listings included 830 Birchwood Dr. at $15.9 million and 6250 Hollywood Blvd. at $9.75 million.

“The high-end market is on fire in L.A,” said Ben to Variety. “Almost everything that has class and style is trading. L.A. isn’t built vertically, there is limited land and some of the most incredible luxury estates are being born here every month. I think L.A. is extremely undervalued.”

Congratulations to both agents for making Variety’s Showbiz Real Estate Elite 2018!

To read more on this, click HERE.

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Disneyland's Pixar Pier Will Have Revamped Coaster, Carousel and Eateries

A lot of changes are coming to Disneyland, including the transition of California Adventure’s Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier. This is on top of alterations to the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride as well as the forthcoming Star Wars land.

Let’s start with Pixar Pier. The attraction officially opens June 23, coating the long-standing pier in a warm Pixar veneer. According to Disney Parks Blog, this includes the addition of the Monsters, Inc.-inspired Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats stand, where, most importantly, you can get lemon dole whip. Elsewhere, the Toy Story Toon: Small Fry-inspired eatery Poultry Palace will serve turkey legs, while Señor Buzz Churro Stand will offer, well, churros. Fittingly, Poultry Palace renderings depict some of that California-classic programmatic architecture in the form of a building that looks like a takeout container with an attached juice box. Meanwhile, Angry Dogs—themed for Inside Out—will serve hot dogs.

Poultry Palace. Photo: Disney Parks

Also opening on June 23 is the The Incredicoaster, a refresh of the existing California Screamin’ coaster. According to the OC Register, the revamp includes minor engineering upgrades, but more significantly, will incorporate a story and characters from The Incredibles. As the narrative goes, the family is being honored for their good deeds with this very roller coaster. However, the family’s youngest child, Jack-Jack, is not tall enough to ride. Jack-Jack finds his way onto the coaster anyhow, and the rest of the family spends the ride trying to catch up to him.

Pixar Pier is also getting a new gastropub, Lamplight Lounge, where guests can enjoy a plate of lobster nachos—a holdover from the restaurant’s former identity, Cove Bar—and a cocktail with a view of the park. Guests who wish to say goodbye to Cove Bar will have a window between March 16 and May 28.

Coming to Pixar Pier in 2019 is Jessie’s Critter Carousel, which will replace King Triton’s Carousel. The ride features Toy Story 2‘s cowgirl Jessie and swaps out sea creatures for 56 woodland and desert friends.

Renderings for Jessie’s Critter Carousel, opening 2019. Photo: Disney Parks

Over at Disneyland, the much-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is slowly coming together. Drone footage released on Disney Parks’ social media channels gives a glimpse of the sprawling attraction, albeit covered in scaffolding.

Additionally, the long-standing Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland will close on April 23 for a brief makeover, the OC Register reports. The changes will see the removal of the controversial ‘bride auction,’ in which a group of pirates auction a line of bound women off to the highest bidder, including a redhead in a scarlet dress posing for potential buyers. In this new version of the ride, the same redhead will be a pirate herself and will instead be auctioning off loot.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

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Weekend Events: March 16 – 18

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 in L.A. (March 16-18) includes The Other Art Fair, The Los Angeles Zine And Art Book Bazaar, Arcade Expo, St. Patrick’s Day, L.A. Nature Fest, Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival, Cherry Blossom Festivals, L.A. Marathons and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday March 16th, 2018

1. The Other Art Fair is coming the Majestic Downtown March 15-18. The one-of-a-kind art fair, will feature artwork by emerging local and international artists. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. The Los Angeles Zine And Art Book Bazaar taking place March 16-18 hosts over 50 indie publishers to be discovered by Angelenos as well as workshops, live performances, psychic readings and astrology charting.

3. PAC-MAN and Donkey Kong fans rejoice because the Arcade Expo is returning the Museum of Pinball in Banning from March 16-18 with some 1,100 retro and modern arcade games and pinball machines.

4. Premiere TV festival PaleyFest LA returns to Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre March 16-25 for another year of cutting-edge programs and panels connecting television fans with the stars of their favorite shows. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Kick off St. Patrick’s Day with a midnight screening of Leprechaun at the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz.

6. National Geographic Live returns to The Broad Stage in Santa Monica on March 15-16 with the live talk Between River & Rim: Hiking the Grand Canyon. In case you’re unfamiliar, Nat Geo Live is an international show that brings real-life nature experiences to local communities.

7. 8th Annual Beyond Wonderland Festival happening March 16-17 in San Bernardino will feature over 70 performances, Alice and Wonderland themed immersive experiences, art, pyrotechnics and other expressive art forms.

8. ‘The Garden’ is a new series by the LA Phil offering complimentary pre-concert drinks and views of the DTLA Skyline followed by masterful performances. Taking place on select Fridays starting January 5 through June 1. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase to the actual concert.  DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 

9. Miista will host a major sample sale March 15-18 with current season, past favorites and samples of their highly sought after shoes with steep discounts.

10. Girls Nite Out For Laughs, brings together the funniest female comics to The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes the show features sets from Adele Givens, Loni Love, Melanie Comarcho, Sherri Shepherd and Jess Hilarious. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. Kick off St. Patricks day weekend with a Santa Monica pub crawl (March 16 and 17) the crawl includes drink specials at around a dozen venues along Main Street.

12. The Museum of Failure returns is back at a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. There’s a Blade 20th anniversary screening in 35mm at Vista Theatre this Friday.

14. Head to Hollywood for an epic St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl. Join hundreds of partygoers as you roam Hollywood for the best drink specials in town. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Westsiders put on your best green and partake in the annual Santa Monica Luck of the Irish bar crawl March 16-17. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

16. 260LA will host an epic beauty event March 13-18 in Beverly Hills with Korean beauty skincare line Dr. Jart+, hair tool by ghd, and makeup brushes from Artis Brush all at a steep discount.

17. Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here  and make a difference while you sip on a cocktail!

Saturday March 17th, 2018

18. Check out this list of  24 Fun Things To Do for St. Patricks Day we’ve curated! It’s an eclectic list of events that will satisfy any green wearing partygoer.

19. L.A. Nature Fest comes to The Natural History Museum L.A. (NHMLA) March 17-18 for two days of getting to know the local animals of our city. Say “hello” to an opossum, have lunch with a rattlesnake, and take a walk with a desert tortoise! Museum scientists will be on hand to answer all questions regarding the city’s nature. Both days will be filled with performances, hands-on activities, presentations, exhibitor booths, live animal presentations, stage performances and nature walks.

20. This year’s Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival features two days of fun . On Saturday, March 17 there will be a green living expo, beer garden, and music. Sunday, March 18 features the vine tours (free to enter, but a shuttle ticket is extra). Note that Sunday is the only day you’ll actually be able to view the vine.

21. Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival will shut down four blocks in downtown featuring DJs, dancing, Irish whiskey and beer, and more. The street fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

22. The 2018 West Covina Cherry Blossom Festival will feature a free festival with Japanese focused demonstrations, cuisine and more. FREE

23. The Cahuenga Block Party will feature live music, around a dozen DJs, two music areas, outdoor lounge areas, two bars, and food trucks in a 6000 square-foot venue. Hear live music from all-girl Guns N’ Roses tribute band Paradise Kitty, Pogues tribute Dirty Old Town, Satellite Sky, Peacock  & The Feathers, Go-Go Riot and Bear Squared.

24. The N’owt but Stout Festival comes to Torrance’s Yorkshire Square Brewery for a St. Patty’s Day craft beer celebration featuring exceptional dark beers, on cask and keg, from breweries hand-selected by Yorkshire Square’s head brewer, Andy Black.

25. Angel City Brewery will also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef tacos, delicious stout, Irish music, and more. At 5 p.m. Opera on Tap Los Angeles will take over Angel City Brewery with opera singers!

26. This 15-hour party at The Irish Times Pub in Palms starts with an Irish breakfast and then hours of live music (including Celtic tunes from Red Wing Social Club), Irish food, games and other festivities.

27. MiniBar Hollywood will host the second Hollywood Crawl of Fame, a St. Patrick’s Day Parade/bar crawl making its way through Hollywood. The event will include live Irish music, along with a party at the end of the crawl.

28. Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at The Original Farmers Market is a free family friendley Irish-themed day featuring Irish fare, drinks and traditional music like a strolling bagpiper.

29. Checkout a St. Patricks Day block party and pub crawl in the heart of Hollywood. Guest will receive a St. Patrick’s Day kit with drink coupons, a map and free welcome shot vouchers. Other highlights include DJs, dancing and drink specials.

30. Harvelle’s in Long Beach is hosting a Gettin’ Lucky Burlesque show in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Taking place on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., each performance will feature sultry burlesque alongside fun comedy.

31. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an epic pub crawl throughout Downtown Los Angeles, partygoers will have a chance to visit ten or more bars with music, hundreds of beers on tap and photo booths. Each attendee will receive a wristband, map of the crawl, free welcome shots, drink discounts and free entry at participating venues.

32. One Colorado in Old Town Pasadena will host a fun filled day of Irish dance lessons, family crafting and a Pasadena Scots March & Drum performance.

33. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a whiskey tasting and education at Vertical Wine Bistro in Old Town Pasadena. The class features an introduction to whiskey basics, interactive tasting of four different whiskeys and includes appetizers served throughout the class.

34. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will host a special screening of DOLORES a documentary featuring the story of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the first farm workers union with Cesar Chavez. The outdoor event includes a program with Dolores Huerta and a musical performance by Louie Cruz Beltran. FREE

35. The Music Center presents Shakespeare’s timeless classic Romeo & Juliet performed by The Joffrey Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

36. On Deck Comedy Show at the Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics will feature six comedians and all guests are free to BYOB!

Sunday March 18th, 2018

37. The Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival returns for another year of flower appreciation, Japanese cultural activities and community fun. Highlights include a tea ceremony, live music from the River Academy of Music, classical Japanese dance, calligraphy, origami, face painting and craft booths. FREE

38. The Los Angeles Marathon is back for another year of racing from “the stadium to the sea” across our magical city. Thousands of runners will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Dodger Stadium. From there, participants will run along the course to Downtown L.A. all the way to Santa Monica. In addition, Angel City Brewery will host a free morning dance party at Hollywood and Highland to help cheer on the runners with DJ Michael Rockstar.

39. Head to the westside for the closing reception of L.A. Femme at Santa Monica’s Merchant Modern Gallery. The show features all-female artists and guests will enjoy wine tastings poured by certified sommelier and Vinovore owner, Coly Den Haan and local bites from Lori Stern and coffee from Canyon Coffee. FREE

40. Pedal in swan-shaped boats at Echo Park Lake! The upgraded fleet of swan-shaped pedal boats are available for rental and cost $11 per hour for adults and $6 per hour for children (ages 2-17).

41. Smorgasburg LA returns this Sunday to DTLA for another round of awesome eats from some of the best local chefs without a brick and mortar. It’s free to get into the open air food and shopping market.

42. Heavy Heavy Low Low Comedy returns to Bar Lubitsch this Sunday. FREE

43. The Shaolin Festival in Rosemead will feature martial arts demonstrations by the SoCal Shaolin Kung Fu Schools, meditation sessions, wellness exhibits, Kung Fu lessons, a tea ceremony and tasting, gift bags and more. FREE

Schedule provided by We Like LA. 

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Places to Volunteer in Los Angeles for Spring 2018

2018 resolutions may have come and gone but a fresh new season (that would be spring) makes it the perfect time to reconsider, especially when it comes to giving back to the community.

There are many organizations that tirelessly provide and serve hot meals to homeless and low-income families and individuals on a daily basis, find safe and loving homes for animals, tutor and encourage young female students in STEM, and work the land to protect our natural habitats, native wildlife and environment. Now is a great time to help!

The need for volunteers is great and simply helping out to make a PB&J sandwich, donate diapers and baby gear, clean out your closet, plant seedlings, trees and edible gardens — all of this is vastly appreciated more than you could ever know. These charities make it easy to volunteer – visit their websites to fill out applications, or just sign up for a project. Check out a list of volunteer ideas below!

Spring 2018 Volunteer Ideas

1. Dress for Success is a gratifying way to volunteer locally. Women who are just getting back on their feet and entering the workplace are in need of work attire and suits. This one is an easy way to help. Do you have work clothes and shoes that don’t fit or you don’t wear anymore? Dress for Success could really use the donations for its boutique. This amazing org helps unemployed women pull together all of the pertinent elements needed to secure a job. Volunteers who have skills as a personal stylist, who can prepare clients for job interviews and coach on overall careers, makeup artists to train clients on makeup application, are welcome. -> More info

2. Girls, Inc. is such a feel good volunteering gig. Supporting at-risk students from South LA, Compton and Watts, Girls, Inc. volunteers have the opportunity to work with these girls via educational enrichment programs focusing on STEM education, literacy and math. The program participants come from diverse backgrounds ranging from family poverty, gang surroundings and homelessness. Sign up to become a mentor, an instructor, a guest presenter, a homework helper, and a positive role model. -> More info

3. Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is in need of volunteers to help improve and protect 1,600 acres of preserved land areas, 60 different plant species and 23,000 seedlings in Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling HIlls, Rolling Hills Estates and San Pedro. PVPLC works to improve the natural habitat to support wildlife and native species, maintain trails and signage, and educate students and the public. Sign up to volunteer on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and help to transport seedlings and prepare native plants to be planted in the designated areas. -> More info

4. The Big Sunday End of the Month Club is an on-going volunteer and help to fill food pantries, put food on the table and feed the homeless and undernourished folks of LA. Big Sunday has a lot of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year, but this particular project collects more than 700 food items each month. -> More info

5. To eat and be satisfied – this is the English translation of the Hebrew word “sova.” This is also the mission of SOVA food pantry, which takes care of over 9,000 individuals each month. These are people who cannot afford groceries, as well as homeless families, people with disabilities and senior citizens. Volunteers can participate in a few ways from stocking shelves or packing custom grocery orders, sort and box canned and packaged food donations. -> More info

6. Each year Baby2Baby provides basic necessities to more than 180,000 children (0-12 years) in LA. Whether it’s a supply of diapers, formula, onsies and pjs, clothes to grow into, bath time care, car seats and furniture, these items are super appreciated by a variety of homeless, low-income, foster care and hospitalized children. Volunteers are invited to help sort items and put together gift bags for the children. -> More info

7. Each week Food Forward rescues 300,000 pounds of leftover produce from LA Wholesale Produce Market, farmers markets and local farms to donate to hunger relief programs throughout Southern California. But after the devastating Thomas Fire in Ventura County, Food Forward found themselves in need of support. Many of the farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that Food Forward relies on have been impacted. Today FF needs extra help to fulfill its goal. Join in its efforts by making donations, reaching out to vendors with excess produce and collect fresh produce. -> More info

8. While an average of 475 pets euthanized each day in our city of Angels, Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue works its tails off to help find these animals a second chance home. So, how can you help? Help out by driving Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue dogs to and from weekly adoption events, to the vet and to doggie daycare. This charity also needs help transporting food and medicine to foster dog parents who many not have cars. And, how awesome is it that volunteers can also sign up to take pups on walks and hikes. -> More info

9. Under the Bridges and On the Streets is a program that literally provides and delivers food to homeless individuals and families who live under bridges, on the streets, in alleys and on the sides of local freeways. Under the Bridges accepts in-kind donations: mustard packets, tubs of butter, latex-free gloves,wrapping foil, packs of turkey meat, cheese blocks, and bottles of water. Additionally Under the Bridges’ monthly shopping list includes toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, new cotton tube socks, sweat pants and clean blankets, athletic shoes and reading glasses. Every last Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. -> More info

10. Hollywoof to the Rescue fights the pet overpopulation fight in LA. And, they need help to do this. Supported by volunteers (Hollywood artists, actors, musicians and celebrities), Hollywoof is known for its outreach and education via responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter, adoption, fostering and rescue. If you love animals, there are many ways to contribute. Email Hollywoof to volunteer:  info@hollywooftotherescue.org.

11. St. Francis Center is a hub for providing and serving food to homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families. In need of help all week long, St. Francis Center encourages both students and adults to serve hot breakfast meals and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before school or getting to the office. Relying on its strong network of volunteers, St. Francis Center welcomes anyone interested. Volunteers need to complete an application and speak with a volunteer coordinator before participating. Early birds are invited to serve breakfast Monday – Friday at 7:15 a.m. -> More info

12. LA Works is a unique way you can offer your time in a variety of ways. From preparing meals and emergency food for the city’s homeless and low-income community to working with disadvantaged kids through education activities to cleaning and restoring LA’s most precious natural environments, there are projects for every kind of volunteer. Check the website – there are more than 50 projects alone in the month of March to sign up for: beautify White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro or Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes and create edible gardens in schools throughout Los Angeles with Enrich LA. -> More info

13. As the earth’s atmosphere and climate continue to dramatically change, the mission behind TreePeople is more important than ever to the future of LA’s natural habitat. TreePeople engages Angelenos to take care of their environment by volunteering. Help by creating strong and resilient landscapes, by planting and caring for trees in urban areas and tending to overgrowth and watering native plants in the mountains. Volunteer events are open to all ages – just sign up online to participate in Urban or Mountain Forestry on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. -> More info

14. The 29th annual Great LA River CleanUp will take places over three weekends (at three different river areas) during the month of April. Last year the CleanUp attracted some 10,000 volunteers who removed over 100 tons of trash from the LA River at more than a dozen sites. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds, along with any community service-based organizations, are invited to participate. -> More info

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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Southern California Gets Its First LOVE Sculpture

Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture is iconic, in part because the artist neglected to copyright it, opening it up to countless imitations. You know the one: four red block letters spell out the word “love,” the L and O stacked atop the V and E, with the O tipped at a 45-degree angle. Indiana first completed this work in the 1960s, with installations in Manhattan and, famously, in Philadelphia’s Love Park.

Southern Californians no longer have to travel far see one of Indiana’s sculpture for themselves. We’ve now got our own in Rosemead, installed by Panda Restaurant group founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who donated the sculpture to their restaurant and community as a gift, Pasadena Star News reports.

The Cherngs hope that visitors will see the sculpture as a symbol of kindness and love.

“The LOVE Sculpture reminds us to take a stand for ourselves, so that we can stand for others,” the Cherngs said via a statement. “At Panda Express, our mission is to inspire better lives. In order for us to do this, we have to be the best versions of ourselves and we get to this by embracing love. With love, the possibilities are enormous. Love is about working harder, being more accepting and growing personally, so that you can be the best version of yourself and in turn become a role model to help others.”

To see the sculpture for yourself, visit the Panda Restaurant Group Support Center in Rosemead (map here). Visitors are encouraged to view and photograph the art. Some parking is available.

See the assemblage of the sculpture in the video below:

Manhattan Beach will get its own LOVE sculpture in the near future, donated by Steel Partners Holdings founder Warren Lichtenstein.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

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Fun Things to do in LA for St. Patrick’s Day

Have you made your St. Patrick’s Day plans in Los Angeles yet? March 17 falls on a Saturday this year, making St. Paddy’s an even more carefree holiday than usual. Get the party started early with a Leprechaun 25th anniversary screening in Los Feliz, or begin your day the healthy way and engage in a 5K in Redondo Beach. Or, check out a pub crawl — they’re happening in Hollywood, Downtown L.A., Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Elsewhere you can swing dance in Orange, visit DTLA’s art deco jewel, the Cicada Club, for a show that includes ’30-style tap-dancing chorus girls, enjoy corned beef, four different stouts and horse-racing at Santa Anita, chow on corned beef tacos at Angel City Brewery, or sip green beer in Marina del Rey.

Check out our rundown below for some of Los Angeles’ best St. Patrick’s Day events!

1. St. Paddy’s with a Tiki Twist

What’s even better than $5 Guinness and Jameson specials? Change things up at Tiki No in North Hollywood on St. Patrick’s Day, where you can sip those enduring Irish potations, along with tiki classics like the Scorpion Bowl, Navy Grog, and the Suffering Bastard.

2. Listen to Pogues & Guns N’ Roses Tribute Bands in Hollywood

Proclaiming itself “the biggest party in Hollywood,” the Cahuenga Block Party at Hollywood and Cahuenga will feature live music all day (including Dirty Old Town, a Pogues tribute, and all-girl GNR tribute band Paradise Ktty), along with outdoor lounges, about a dozen DJs, an outdoor stage and a free drink with your early-bird ticket purchase.

3. Swing Dance While Surrounded by Art Deco Splendor

Downtown’s gorgeous Cicada Club, an art deco restaurant/nightclub built in the ’20s (it began as a posh haberdashery) is hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day show led by Johnny Holiday. A singer who performs in the style of Bing Crosby (Holiday’s uncle), this modern-day crooner will perform with his 11-piece dance orchestra. The show also features The Honey Taps, a charming troupe of ‘30s-style chorus girls.

4. Stout Tasting & Horse Racing at Santa Anita Park

The SGV’s landmark horse-racing track will celebrate the luck of the Irish in style with their Trackside Celebration. Your ticket gets you four 3 oz. stout tastings, a full craft beer, clubhouse admission, and access to trackside seating. Get more info and access to Goldstar (affiliate) discount tickets here. The day will also feature a special Irish trackside menu.

5. Run a 5K in the South Bay

Work up a sweat instead of (or before) carousing during the St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Redondo Beach. The course winds its way through Redondo’s scenic waterfront area.

6. Nosh on Corned Beef Tacos & Listen to Irish Music in a Downtown Brewery

St. Patrick’s Day at Angel City Brewery in Downtown Los Angeles will feature corned beef tacos, Irish coffee stout, Irish music from Opera on Tap Los Angeles, Americana rock band The Sound of Ghost… and NO COVER CHARGE!

7. Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival

Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival will shut down four blocks in downtown featuring DJs, dancing, Irish whiskey and beer, and more. The street fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

8. Party at a Westside Irish Pub

This 15-hour party at The Irish Times Pub in Palms begins at 9 a.m., allowing customers time to savor a hearty Irish breakfast. In addition, listen to hours of live music (including Celtic tunes from Red Wing Social Club), partake of Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage, play games and enjoy other festivities.

9. Vegan Food, Green Beer & Live Music in Marina del Rey

The St. Paddy’s bash at Brennan’s in Marina del Rey will feature both vegan and non-vegan food specials, along with green beer and live music from five bands.

10. 7th Annual Rock & Reilly’s St. Paddy’s Day Block Party

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while benefiting a good cause (MVP: Merging Vets & Players) at this Sunset Strip pub’s back lot shindig, back for a seventh year, which will offer partygoers 100 kegs of green beer, DJs, food, and lots of games.

11. Imbibe at Seven of Hollywood’s Coolest Bars

Visit seven of Hollywood’s coolest Bars during MiniBar’s “Hollywood Crawl of Fame.” Attendees will enjoy cocktail specials at this well-curated selection of Hollywood’s finest bars, with live Irish music and a party at the finish line. Buy a ticket for $25 — participating venues include MiniBar Hollywood, Ever Bar, The Parker Room, Sassafras, Sunset & Vinyl, Lost Property and Three Clubs.

12. Bagpipes, Guinness, Pac Man & More in DTLA

Brack Shop Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day will include live bagpipes from 3-6pm, corned beef sliders, $7 Guinness pints, $5 green Budweiser, $10 Irish car bombs and $8 Jameson shots, along with Brack Shop’s usual game room fun: Pac Man, ping pong, darts and more.

13. Get Terrorized by a Leprechaun in Los Feliz

Start St. Patrick’s Day bright and early with a midnight screening of Leprechaun at the Vista Theatre — a beautiful 95-year-old vintage cinema in Los Feliz — in honor of the cult classic’s 25th anniversary.

14. Ten-Venue Hollywood Block Party & Pub Crawl

This pub crawl starts at St. Felix in Hollywood, then continues on to The Outpost, The Room, Pig ‘n’ Whistle and much more. Tickets are $18 and earn you some free welcome shots, amazing drink specials and access to the St. Pat’s photo booth.

15. Watch Burlesque in Long Beach

Enjoy the art of the tease when the Dirty Little Secrets burlesque troupe titillates and tantalizes guests at their “Getting’ Lucky” St. Paddy’s-themed show at Harvelle’s in Long Beach.

16. Engage in a Pub Crawl Through Downtown Los Angeles

Enjoy welcome shots with drink purchases, along with other tempting bargains, during this DTLA crawlthat includes Library Bar, Broadway Bar, Crocker Club, Beelman’s, Golden Road Brewing, The Association, Sixth Street Tavern, Los Angeles Biergarten and other watering holes.

17. Ten-Venue Hollywood Block Party & Pub Crawl

Happening both the day before St. Patrick’s Day and on the day itself, you can sip drink specials like $2 beers, $3 well drinks, and $4 shots during this crawl that begins at either the classic Pig ‘n’ Whistle or The Outpost. Goldstar is offering a limited number of discount tickets to this crawl, so grab ’em while they last.

18. Swing & Latin & Ballroom Dance Party in Orange

Phil’s Ballroom Dance Studio in Orange is hosting a festive St. Patrick’s Day dance with live music. Don’t know how to dance? No worries — a pre-party swing dance lesson is part of the fun. In addition, this celebration at the oldest dance school in the O.C. will include giveaways, light refreshments and punch. Goldstar is offering discounted tickets while supplies last.

19. Bar Hop in Newport Beach

Engage in a day and night of Newport Beach bar hopping this St. Paddy’s. Your pub crawl map will guide you to numerous area clubs and bars where you’ll encounter specials on Irish whiskey and more, along with plenty of music. Our friends at Goldstar are offering some discounted tickets to this Luck of the Irish crawl.

20. Waterfront Patio Party at Whiskey Reds in Marina del Rey

Breathe in the ocean air and enjoy the views of MDR and the Pacific Ocean during the 5th Annual St. Patty’s Patio Party at Whiskey Red’s. For $20, you’ll enjoy small bites, dancing, DJs, party favors and drink special access: $4 green beer, $5 Jameson Shots, $7 Guinness, and $8 Irish Car Bombs

21. Feast on Dark Beers at the Stout Festival in Torrance

Are you bored with IPAs? At the N’owt but Stout Festival, taking place at Yorkshire Square Brewery in Torrance, enjoy exceptional dark beers, on cask and keg, from breweries hand-selected by the venue’s head brewer, Andy Black. You’ll sip pour after pour and get a stout beer education along the way.

22. Imbibe at Golden Road Brewing

Beginning at 10 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day and continuing until 2 a.m., Golden Road Brewing will offer $5 pints of Irish Red Ale and Nitro Stout or $15 select pitchers. Live music begins at 2 p.m. with the band Green With Envy.

23. Party at One of L.A.’s Oldest Restaurants

One of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles — a longtime favorite of Walt Disney — the Tam O’Shanter will be home to an epic St. Patrick’s Day party. The party and live music begin at noon in a special tented area in the parking lot, with entry to the music tent is just $5. Or spring for VIP entry — it’s $175, but that gets you exclusive seating on the newly restored patio, five drink tickets, two hours of buffet access, VIP-only drink specials, and special VIP-only raffles with prizes from Tullamore Dew Whiskey, Carlsberg Brewery and Lawry’s Restaurants.

24. Pub Crawl Along Main Street in Santa Monica

This famed Santa Monica pub crawl happens on both March 16 and 17 includes drink specials at around a dozen venues along Main Street. The crawl will feature $3 beers, $4 well drinks and $5 shots.

 

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Economic update for the week ending March 10, 2018

313,000 new jobs added in February – Wage growth moderates – The Department of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers added 313,000 new jobs in February. It was the economy’s largest monthly gain in jobs since July 2016. This crushed analysts’ expectations of 203,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1% for the fifth straight month. Wage growth moderated and rose by just 2.6% from last February. Wages, which have been pretty stagnant for several years, rose by an unexpected 2.9% year-over-year in January. Experts have been puzzled as to why wages are not growing at a faster pace. Higher wage growth would be expected in an economy that has reached what is considered full employment. January’s 2.9% led investors to believe that wages were finally on the rise at more healthy levels, which The Fed targets at around 3%. Rising wages gives people more money to spend which leads to more inflation. Higher inflation drives interest rates up. Inflation has also been below The Fed’s target rate. After the January wage growth of 2.9% was announced, interest rates rose as investors felt inflation was about to pick up to more normal levels. Wages were the most anticipated part of the jobs report this month, as investors wanted to see if January’s wage growth was an outlier, or the start of a trend. Today‘s report suggests that January’s 2.9% may have just been an outlier, not a trend. Everybody will now have to wait until March’s jobs numbers, which will be released the first Friday of April to see if wages are finally rising at more normal levels.

Stock markets end week up 3.5% – Stocks rose this week making up the losses suffered last week after President Trump announced that he was going to place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to help American metal manufacturers. Thursday, President Trump excluded Canada and Mexico from steel and aluminum tariffs. This was a deviation from last week’s pledge of tariffs on all steel and metal  imports. With almost all companies reported, 75% of companies reported that their fourth quarter profits beat expectations. 313,000 new non-farm jobs were added to the economy in February. That exceed expectations by over 100,000! Wage gains, which scared the markets in January, moderated in February reducing the risk of inflation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,335.74, up from last week’s close of 24,538.06. It is up 2.5% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,786.57, up from 2,692.25 last week. It’s up 4.2% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed at 7,569.81, up from 7,257.87 last week. It is up 9.5% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields –  The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.90%, up slightly from 2.86% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.16%, up slightly from 3.14% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates.

Mortgage Rates slightly higher this week – The March 8, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.46%, up slightly from last week’s 4.43%. The 15-year fixed was 3.94%, up from 3.90% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.63%, down from 3.62% last week.

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