Rodeo Realty

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.

October 12, 2017

64-Story Condo Tower Next to FIGat7th could get underway by 2019

In June—on the very same day the 73-story Wilshire Grand opened to the public—developer Brookfield Properties filed plans to construct a new 64-story skyscraper right across the street.

Now, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning has released an initial study that offers new details about the project and gives an idea of when we can expect to see it rise. According to preliminary plans, construction on the tower would get underway in 2019 and wrap up in 2023.

The huge new development would be built at 945 West Eight Street, immediately west of the FIGat7th shopping center. It’s set to include 781 residential condos, plus 6,700 square feet of retail space. The tower would sit atop an 11-floor podium, which would be partially underground and would include commercial space and parking for 831 cars and 867 bikes.

Marmol-Radziner and Large Architecture are designing the project, which would have a neatly contemporary design with walls of glass and plenty of balcony space for residents. Planned amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness room, “indoor and outdoor recreational space,” and a community room.

In addition to these private amenities, the project would also incorporate publicly accessible open space, including an outdoor plaza that could include seating for a possible restaurant.

The development may not be the only new tower popping up in the area. On the other side of Figueroa Street, developer Mitsui Fudosan America plans to construct a 43-story high-rise with 436 rental units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

Rendering courtesy Brookfield

Story by Curbed.

October 11, 2017

Joseph ‘Bud’ Mauro & Neal Adler elected for the SRAR 2018 Board of Directors

Congratulations to Joseph ‘Bud’ Mauro and Neal Adler! The two Rodeo Realty agents have been elected for the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® 2018 Board of Directors.

The election started September 25 and ended October 10. Members were able to go online and vote for the candidate of their choice.

During the voting process, Syd Leibovitch, president of Rodeo Realty, recommended both candidates.

“It would be good for us to have them representing us,” said Syd Leibovitch.

Congrats again to Bud and Neal! It’s great to have two of our own on the leadership team of Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®!

The following is a brief explanation of their qualifications:

Joseph Bud Mauro has served Rodeo Realty at just about every level. He has been president of the association, he has been on the board of directors, and has also served at just about every other level at the Association. He also served at The California Association of Realtors.

Neal has served on various committees, including MLS, Government Affairs, Grievance, and Professional Standards. He was a CAR director and a CAR Professional Standards trainer.

October 10, 2017

Paint & Sip & Help This Thursday At The Grove

On Thursday, October 12, enjoy an unforgettable night with Derek Hough and his mom, Marriann, to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The painting party, ‘Paint & Sip & Help,’ will take place at The Grove in the park and begins at 6 p.m. Canvas, paint, and brushes will provided.

Guests will receive instruction from Mariann on how to paint a beautiful landscape while also enjoying small bites, wine and cocktails.

Tickets are on sale and begin at $50. VIP Admission is $150. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite, HERE.

100% of ticket proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

October 7, 2017

Economic update for the week ending October 7, 2017

U.S economy loses 33,000 jobs in September – Unemployment rate drops to 4.2% – Wages rise – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy lost 33,000 jobs in September, which marked the first month in seven years that the U.S. lost jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2%, from 4.4% in August. Wages grew 2.9% from one year earlier. Analysts discounted the report, and it had little effect on the markets, because they felt that September’s hurricanes and storms skewed the numbers. According to experts, jobs lost due to hurricanes were lower paying jobs, so unfortunately, wages up nearly 3% was not a reliable figure. They expect wage growth to be closer to 2.5% next month. They also expect the number of new jobs to rebound next month, as employers resume hiring, which they delayed due to weather concerns. Workers also had temporarily stopped their job search, which made the unemployment figure appear lower.

Markets hit record highs again this week – Stocks were up this week as encouraging economic data showed upward trends in the manufacturing and services sectors. Auto sales were also higher. While Friday’s September employment report was weak, experts felt that the impact from recent hurricanes skewed the numbers. They expect the economy to remain healthy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,773.67, up from 22,405.09 last week. It’s up 15.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,549.33, up from its close last week of 2,519.36. The S&P is up 13.9% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,590.19, up from its last week’s close of 6,495.96. It’s up 22.4% year-to-date.

Bond yields rise – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.37%, up from 2.33% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.91%, up from 2.86% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates just slightly higher this week – The October 5, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.85%, almost unchanged from 3.83% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.15%, almost unchanged from 3.13% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.18%, almost unchanged from 3.20% last week.

Home sales figures for September should be available next week.

Have a great weekend!

Syd