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Weekend Events: January 12 – 14

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, here is 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. (January 12-14) includes the 2018 start to dineL.A., Anime Impulse, the LA Art Show, Fiesta Perpetua at Echo Park Lake, free vinyl record days, the Hello Kitty Food Truck, and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday January 12th, 2018

1. dineL.A. the city’s restaurant week (January 12-26) kicks of this Friday with another round of exclusive lunch and dinner menus (and deals!) at a laundry list of the city’s finest eateries. Want to know where to eat among the huge list of choices? Start here, with our picks for 20 can’t-miss menus.

2. The LA Art Show continues at the Los Angeles Convention Center January 10 – 14 for the West Coast’s most comprehensive art experience of the year. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

3. Lula Washington Dance Theatre celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at The Wallis with three different programs of dance over the holiday weekend (January 11 – January 13.)

4. Greenbar Distillery will open up their facility for a tour of their organic distillery. The tour is one hour long and guests will have a chance to learn about the process of spirit making and taste some of the Greenbar portfolio.

5. Tijuana is a multimedia solo show straddling the line between fiction and reality which stars Gabino Rodríguez. Playing at the Skirball Cultural Center on January 11-12. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Redondo Beach Restaurant Week is back from January 12 to 26. Dozen of eateries from the beach city’s growing food scene will be participating by offering either specially priced prix-fixe lunches and/or dinners, or other Restaurant Week-only special offers.

7. 7th Annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week  returns with over 40 restaurants and bars offering special cheeseburger items from January 7-12.

8. Enjoy a double feature and see Willem Dafoe in person at The Egyptian Theatre. The Florida Projectand one of his most memorable performances Shadow of The Vampire. A discussion will be held between films with Willem Dafoe.

9. Check out the brand new Batman ’66 retrospective at the Hollywood Museum. Highlights include original costumes and props from the 60’s T.V. Show, plus four distinct exhibit sections to check out: Wayne Manor, The Batcave, Gallery of Guest Super Villains, and The Collectibles of Batman ‘66. The retrospective continues through March 17.

10. Take an afternoon yoga class in beautiful Grand Park. The 45 minute workout is complimentary to the public every Wednesday and Friday. After yoga, checkout the many food trucks lining the park and grab lunch al fresco style.

11. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

Saturday January 13th, 2018

12. Head to Echo Park Lake for Fiesta Perpetua! Acclaimed experimental Mexican vocalist Carmina Escobar will lead a 40-member Oaxacan youth brass band in a performance on floating rafts and at spots surrounding the picturesque lake. FREE

13. The Burger & Beerfest comes to Santa Anita Park this Saturday with mouth-watering gourmet burgers from some of the best burger joints in Southern California, accompanied by frosty brews. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. A fun, creative show for kids, Story Pirates Live Radio Show returns to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills this Saturday.

15. L.A.’s only live animated comedy show Picture This! is back with another free show at The Virgil. This time they’ll also showcase live animated improv for the first time. FREE

16. The Hello Kitty Cafe will pop-up in Culver City this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with super adorable treats for kids and adults.

17. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a service and community event at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. In honor of the beloved civil rights figure, Baldwin Hills will host a day of giving back with a variety of free services for individuals and families. FREE

18. Fusing the world of anime and video games, Anime Impulse happening January 13-14 will feature celebrity appearances, esports, artist alleys, Kawaii fashion, and cosplay, all at the Fairplex in Pomona.

19. Boomtown Brewery is throwing a release party for their specialty canned beer Double IPA called Ignorant this Saturday. International graffiti and tattoo artist Fuzi, whose mural adorns the wall of the brewery will be on hand doing flash tattoos for $100. There will also be a DJ spinning tunes and food by CA Burger Shop. Admission to the party is free.

20. The 37th Annual Asian American Expo will takeover the Fairplex in Pomona from January 13-14 with vendors, performances, food and much more.

21. Looking for a little free comedy this weekend in NELA? The Frogtown Show is a free monthly comedy show that takes place at Spoke Bicycle Cafe along the L.A. River. Light bites, wine and beer specials will be available for the evening. FREE

22. This weekend The Record Parlor is hosting  free vinyl days on both Saturday and Sunday. Spend $20 and you get to take home 100 records for free. Bringing your own box or bag is recommended!

Sunday January 14th, 2018

23. Enjoy unlimited tastings of specialty and limited-edition beers during DTLA Breweries United Fest ’18. Taking place at Triangle Lot the brew-centric event proceeds will go directly to non-profit Keep A Breast.

24. The Wallis in Beverly Hills will host “Dance Sundays” with famed actress/dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen. Suitable for the whole family, each month will feature a special dance theme, this month it’s Flamenco. FREE

25. The annual Happy Birthday Marion! event returns to celebrate the popular silent-era film actress with a fabulous vintage style party at the Annenberg Community Beach House. FREE

26. Friendship Buddies is a weekly stand-up comedy show at the Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park. Come hangout in the back patio, enjoy a cocktail, and LOL to outstanding stand-up comedians in Los Angeles. FREE

27. Free admission at: Museum of Latin American Art, USC Pacific Asian Museum (11 am. to 5 p.m.) and Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can).

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

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All The TV Premieres You Need To Know About In 2018

There’s a lot of good stuff on the schedule in 2018! So if you’re curious about when Roseanne returns or when that weird Brit hit Rellik makes its way stateside, bookmark this ridiculously comprehensive, passionately curated, and always updated guide to fill out your own premiere-date calendar.

**denotes new show

January 1

The 2018 Rose Parade (various networks)
Start the year with this SoCal celebration of floral floats — if you want a new kind of coverage, catch Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon as “cheesy local TV hosts” on Amazon.

The Bachelor (ABC)
Previously seen getting dumped by Bachelorette Emily Maynard, real estate agent Arie Luyendyk Jr. tries for love and redemption in this popular reality show about transactional relationships.

Glacé** (Netflix)
Also known as The Frozen Dead, a grisly but promising French serial killer thriller about mysterious killings that seem to be masterminded by an incarcerated psychopath.

Kids Baking Championship (Food)
Season 4 of those kids who can already bake better than you.

Love & Hip Hop: Miami** (VH1)
The popular rap reality show moves to South Beach and features TRICK DADDY!!!! Remember him???

Lovesick (Netflix)
A third dose of this British hidden gem, which used to be called Scrotal Recall, and now mercifully is not. Lovesick is far better wordplay for a show about a man who must notify all his past sexual partners that he has an STI.

January 2

Ellen’s Game of Games** (NBC)
Players vie for $100,000 on this thing that looks like a Nickelodeon game show for grownups, hosted by the increasingly ubiquitous Ellen DeGeneres.

LA to Vegas** (FOX)
Imagine Airplane!, but with episodes, more idiots, and Dylan McDermott.

January 3

9-1-1** (FOX)
Ryan Murphy and all your favorite American Horror Story cast members put a fresh spin on… every classic procedural ever?

grown-ish** (Freeform)
The black-ish spin-off follows Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) as she starts at Southern California University.

The X-Files (FOX)
Eleven seasons deep, still trying to find the truth, which is definitely out there.

January 4

The Four: Battle for Stardom** (FOX)
Fergie presents this new singing competition, and ummmmm, you can audition!

Nashville (CMT)
The country melodrama’s final season begins.

COMEDIANS IN CARS GETTING COFFEE | NETFLIX

January 5

Child Support** (ABC)
Kind of like Kids Say the Darndest Things, but with Ricky Gervais and Fred Savage goading on the children.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (Netflix)
Jerry Seinfeld brings new guests to a different streaming service.

DEVILMAN crybaby** (Netflix)
A stunning, ambitious anime adaptation of Go Nagai’s legendary manga.

January 7

75th annual Golden Globes (NBC)
Seth Meyers hosts the fun awards show, the one where all the celebrities drink a lot and comedies can win awards.

The Chi** (Showtime)
Created by Lena Waithe, a look at life on the South Side of Chicago — watch the first episode here.

January 9

Undercover High** (A&E)
A (creepy?) docuseries about young adults posing as high schoolers to investigate student life.

January 10

Alone Together** (Freeform)
Executive produced by the Lonely Island gang, a sitcom about two (strictly) BFFs trying to survive and thrive in LA.

The Magicians (Syfy)
Felicia Day joins for Season 3 of this show about — wait for it — magicians.

January 11

Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story (ABC)
In case I, Tonya wasn’t enough for you, ABC gives you another look at the controversial figure skating icon.

January 12

Disjointed (Netflix)
Part 2 of the Kathy Bates pot-com, from the mind of Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men).

Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams** (Amazon)
Kind of like Amazon’s version of Black Mirror, but less heavy-handed with its warnings.

Somebody Feed Phil** (Netflix)
A six-episode docuseries in which the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond eats and makes you watch!

Taken (NBC)
What happens when you make a show about a man with a “very particular set of skills”? You get a second season.

January 14

Crashing (HBO)
Season 2 of comedian Pete Holmes semi-autobiographical comedy (never heard that before, have you?) about his time couch surfing and trying to make it. Hopefully with less barking this season.

Hot Streets** (Adult Swim)
Fans of Rick and Morty will be excited to see (read: hear) Justin Roiland in this funny, supernatural FBI spoof — watch the pilot here.

Victoria (PBS)
The baby drama‘s second season will either make you want kids or birth control.

THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY | FX

January 15

49th NAACP Image Awards (TV One)
Anthony Anderson continues his serious hosting streak.

January 16

Black Lightning** (CW)
The electrifying DC Comics superhero gets his own standalone series, starring Cress Williams.

The Paynes** (OWN)
A House of Payne spin-off that has the original stars trying to enjoy retirement in Florida.

January 17

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story** (FX)
Self-explanatory, but this is the prolific Ryan Murphy’s follow-up to last year’s smash hit. Remember how much you liked the OJ one?

Corporate** (Comedy Central)
Exactly what’d happen if 300 and Office Space had a kid and everyone’s hero, Aparna Nancherla, volunteered to tame it — four episodes available here.

The Path (Hulu)
Season 3 of Hulu’s cult drama (as in, it’s about cults, though perhaps it also has a cult following) starts with an episode titled “The Beginning,” so prepare to get fucked up.

January 18

Portlandia (IFC)
One last hurrah for Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s offbeat sketch show, which enters its final season.

January 19

Grace and Frankie (Netflix)
Season 4, because these hilarious ladies can’t stop, won’t stop. (Also: Lisa Kudrow shows up.)

High Maintenance (HBO)
Everyone’s favorite weed dealer keeps biking around NYC, unluckier than ever for Season 2.

January 20

Planet Earth: Blue Planet II** (BBC America)
A sequel to the popular (and thorough) docuseries about the world’s oceans, narrated, of course, by Sir David Attenborough.

January 21

The Resident** (FOX)
The Good Wife‘s Matt Czuchry stars as a psychotic but inspiring resident — think the Nike “Just Do It” slogan, but a doctor.

January 22

The Alienist** (TNT)
Cary Fukunaga, the director behind every episode of True Detective’s first (and good) season, steers this adaptation of Caleb Carr’s critically acclaimed crime novel.

Mosaic** (HBO)
A linear cut of director Steven Soderbergh’s (The Oceans Trilogy, Erin Brockovich) innovative whodunit, featuring extra material that didn’t make it into the app.

ALTERED CARBON | NETFLIX

January 23

Another Period (Comedy Central)
For Season 3, your favorite comedians venture to the past and tackle women’s equality, opioid addiction, and #MAGA — sound familiar? Same shit, different (time) period.

Baskets (FX)
How would you describe Season 3 of Zach Galifianakis’ bizarro clown comedy in three words? “Baskets. Family. Rodeo.” Also: Yippie Kie Yay!

January 25

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 (VH1)
Another one, featuring Aja, BenDeLaCreme, Chi Chi DeVayne, Kennedy Davenport, Milk, Morgan McMichaels, Shangela, Thorgy Thor, and Trixie Mattel.

January 26

Dirty Money** (Netflix)
From Alex Gibney (Going Clear), a docuseries that promises to investigate the world’s biggest and baddest businesses — including Donald Trump’s.

One Day at a Time (Netflix)
If you still haven’t watched this rebooted, updated version of the Norman Lear classic, binge before this Season 2 premiere.

January 28

60th annual Grammy Awards
James Corden: The Sequel.

January 31

Step Up: High Water** (YouTube Red)
This YouTube original series takes the dance, romance, and social drama of the movie franchise to a contemporary (and very competitive) performing arts school in Atlanta.

February 1

A.P. Bio** (NBC)
Created by Saturday Night Live forces Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, and Mike O’Brien, a comedy about an award-winning philosopher forced to teach high school biology.

February 2

2 Dope Queens** (HBO)
Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson’s hit podcast gets the TV treatment with four themed episodes and as many big-name special guests — hey, Jon Stewart!

Altered Carbon** (Netflix)
A murder mystery that takes place in a future where death is impermanent, like if you mixed Black Mirror with True Detective .

February 4

Super Bowl LII (NBC)
Justin Timberlake has been tasked with following Lady Gaga’s wild 2017 halftime performance. No one invited Janet Jackson, though.

February 11

Here and Now** (HBO)
Created by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under), this is the story of a multiracial family whose bonds are tested when “when one of the children begins seeing things which the rest cannot.”

Our Cartoon President** (Showtime)
Need more Trump satire? Animated Trump satire, executive produced by Stephen Colbert.

February 16

Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon)
Season 4, if you can believe it. (If you can’t, the name is a good reminder to watch The Lost City of Z, one of 2017’s better movies!)

JODI BALFOUR IN RELLIK | CINEMAX

February 23

Seven Seconds** (Netflix)
Mirroring today’s controversial relationship with police, race, and media, an anthological thriller that “gives viewers a glimpse into the human stories behind the headlines.”

March 2

B: The Beginning** (Netflix)
A future-set anime in which a serial killer runs rampant and “new humans” are kidnapped for evil purposes.

March 4

90th annual Academy Awards (ABC)
America’s newfound public conscience, who is somehow Jimmy Kimmel, hosts cinema’s most prestigious night, which will yield at least one cringeworthy joke and several unintentional memes.

March 7

Hard Sun** (Hulu)
From the creator of Idris Elba’s detective drama Luther, an insane thriller that has two polar-opposite cops pair up to prevent an “extinction-level event.”

March 8

The Oath** (Crackle)
Sean Bean looks stereotypically grumpy in this gritty crime drama — executive produced by 50 Cent — full of corrupt police gangs and impenetrable secret societies.

March 11

American Idol (ABC)
The show rises from the dead on a new network because, like a phoenix, it’s destined to outlive us all.

March 27

Roseanne (ABC)
The very self-aware revival plans to bring back all your faves.

April 1

Jesus Christ Superstar Live! (NBC)
Starring John Legend and Alice Cooper, TV’s next big broadcast musical comes to the world on April Fool’s Day.

April 13

Rellik** (Cinemax)
A gruesome Brit thriller that chronicles in reverse the hunt for a serial killer, co-starring Game of Thrones‘ Richard Dormer and The Crown‘s secret weapon, Jodi Balfour.

Article by Thrillist. 

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20 dineL.A. Menus You Need to Know About for This Month

Now back for its 10th anniversary, dineL.A. highlights our city’s finest restaurants through special lunch and dinner menus offered over a two-week period from January 12 through January 26.

The winter edition includes 300+ eateries with menu deals that are affordable for all budgets. Lunch menus run $15, $20, or $25 depending on the restaurant and $29, $39, or $49 apply to dinner menus. The only exception is a small set of experiential menus from the Exclusive Series which are priced at $95 and up. Even that is a small price to pay when you can dine at Michael Cimarusti’s award winning Providence or Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Spago in Beverly Hills. Now the only question is, where to begin?

Below you will find all recommended menus organized into sections for lunch, dinner and exclusives with details on what’s being offered and what to order.

One other quick note: American Airlines will help commemorate the 10th anniversary with a contest, “dineL.A. Golden Dish” will award one lucky winner with 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles. Simply participate in dineL.A. this year and if you get served a dish on a gold commemorative plate you’ll be deemed the winner. Obviously the more dineL.A. restaurants you visit, the more chances you’ll have to win. Good luck!

dine la 2018

Photo Credit: Discover Los Angeles

Top Lunch Deal Picks

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcYNdDJA7ER/

1. Redbird ($25)
Chef Neal Fraser has created a two course brunch/lunch menu for dineL.A. Guests can dine on creations that any curious eater would want to try including Salmon Pastrami, Bacon Wrapped Trout and Rabbit Tinga. Other options include: Liberty Farms Duck with gochujang friend rice, Salmon Pastrami, Bacon Wrapped Trout and Rabbit Tinga. –> Full Menu Here

2. spring ($25)
Elevate your lunch without compromising your wallet during spring’s dineL.A. lunch menu. The three course prix fixe opens with a salad or soup and moves onto main courses like Branzino with lemon confit and pickled grapes. Your choice between a Louis XV or an Apple and Tea Crumble Panna Cotta will end the meal on a sweet note. Other options include: Branzino, Pasture Raised Flat Iron Steak and Panna Cotta. –> Full Menu Here

3. Cosa Buona ($20)
Zach Pollack’s Echo Park pizzeria is as good as it gets if you like a nicely burnt, chewy crust with a just-sweet-enough red sauce to top it off. Diners can get a two-course meal plus marinated olives to snack on for $20. Other options include: Pasta Salad, Broccolini, Margherita Pizza and Sausage Pizza. –> Full Menu Here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaX815wACZf/

4. Badmaash ($20)
Hip Indian mash up eatery Badmaash will offer a dineL.A. lunch menu on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose an appetizer of Bean Sprout “Bhel” Salad or a Punjabi Style Onion Fritter and your choice from four main courses served with a side of daily pickles, yogurt raita and basmati pilaf. Other options include: Classic Butter Chicken, Goan Pork Curry, Good Ol’Saag Paneer and Punjabi Style Chickpeas. –> Full Menu Here

5. Kali ($25)
Chef Kevin Meehan creates a hyper seasonal and local dineL.A. menu this winter. The three course meal will have diners choose between a Charred Avocado Salad or a Black Barley Risotto made with black garlic and local cheese for starters. As for the main course it’s a tough choice when Mary’s Chicken and Uni Pasta is involved. Lastly, there are two options for dessert, a Meringue Gelato with sugar cured egg yolks or a Chocolate Cremeux. Other options include: Charred Avocado Salad, Black Barley Risotto, Uni Pasta and Meringue Gelato –> Full Menu Here

nick-stefs-dine-la

Photo Credit: Nick + Stef’s

6. Nick + Stef’s ($25)
Patina owned steakhouse Nick + Stef’s will offer a decadent lunch where you get a starter and a main course like a hanger steak with your choice of a side (there are four to choose from.) Guests will also have the option to make an entree “Oscar Style” where jumbo lump crab is topped on your dish for $10. Other options include: Oak Grilled Salmon, Hanger Steak and Jidori Chicken. –> Full Menu Here

7. The Stalking Horse ($15)
New to dineL.A. the British pub inspired restaurant will serve a two course lunch that’s fitted for vegans or carnivores. Options like their American Burger and Chicken Pot Pie can be made sans meat. Other options include: Chicken Pot Pie, American Burger, Welsh Rarebit and French Onion Soup. –> Full Menu Here

8. Gratitude Beverly Hills ($25)
Elevated plant-based eatery Gratitude’s special lunch menu starts with a small bite of chips & gauc and moves onto a starter then an entrée and ends with dessert. Other options include: Kelp Thai Noodles, Gratitude Blue Plate Special and Key Lime Pie. –> Full Menu Here

Top Dinner Deal Picks

9. Rossoblu ($39)
An Authentic Italian meal can be found at Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu. His Downtown eatery has become one of the most popular places to dine in the last year, landing at #10 on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Resturants. For dineL.A. diners get a three course meal that include comforting Chopped Winter Vegetable Soup, Lasagne Bolognese, Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Zuppa Inglese an Italian dessert layering custard and sponge cake. Other options include: Warm Calamari & Clam Salad, Chopped Winter Vegetable Soup, Lasagne Bolognese, Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Zuppa Inglese. –> Full Menu Here

the-bellwether-grilled-skirt-steak

Photo Credit: Marie Buck for The Bellwether

10. The Bellwether ($29)
Dinner at Ted Hopson’s Studio City restaurant will usually run over $30 but during dineL.A. The Bellwether will let diners choose three items from a list of ten tasty choices. Other options include:  Tempura Cauliflower, Saffron-Mushroom Ragu, Cheese Platter and Jameson Bread Pudding. –> Full Menu Here

11. Petrossian ($59)
If you enjoy caviar you can get it in three courses and even have dessert in the end for a shocking $59 at Petrossian. The three course menu featuring decadent dishes like Crème Brulée made with Foie Gras will also offer a Tsar Imperial Caviar Flight for a $50 supplement. Other options include: Caviar Flight, Foie Gras Crème Brulée and Caviar Risotto. –> Full Menu Here

12. Manhattan Beach Post ($39)
Michelin-starred Chef David LeFevre’s much beloved M.B. Post will offer a four course meal sectioned by vegetables, seafood, meat and sweets. Simply choose from each section of the dineL.A. menu and expect to be surprised by his flavor combinations like lamb belly with plum sauce and trout with Fuji apple chimichurri. Other options include: Weiser Farm Roasted Sunchokes, Japanese Hamachi Sashimi, Milk Braised Pork and The “Elvis” a chocolate pudding with peanut butter mousse and bacon brittle. –> Full Menu Here

rays-stark-bar-pizza

Photo Credit: Ray’s Stark Bar

13. Ray’s & Stark Bar ($29)
Create a full day event around dineL.A. by heading to LACMA for a museum day and having dinner on campus at Ray’s and Stark Bar. The special set menu includes a Black Kale Salad, a Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza and a signature cocktail of your choice. –> Full Menu Here

14. Herringbone Santa Monica ($49)
Find Big Eyed Tuna Carpaccio, Buffalo Octopus, Whole Roasted Branzino and other seafood options on the special three course dinner menu during dineL.A. at Brian Malarkey’s Herringbone. –> Full Menu Here

15. Same Same ($29)
The prix fixe menu at Silver Lake’s Thai eatery Same Same includes your choice of two courses that include Thai Dim Sum, Beef Panang Red Curry and desserts like Sweet & Spicy Pineapple and a cooling Coconut Flan to combat the heat from some of the deliciously spicy dishes. Other options include: Sidewalk Pad Thai and Chicken Katieam. –> Full Menu Here

16. Westbound ($29)
Speakeasy bar and restaurant Westbound will offer market pickles to cleanse the palate, a vegetable forward snack choice and a protein as the main course. Other options include: Chickpea Artichoke Fritters, Boneless Short Rib and Mary’s Chicken with Spatzle. –> Full Menu Here

dineL.A. Exclusive Series ($95 per person)

17. Providence ($100)
Dining at a two Michelin star restaurant for $100 is rare. Take full advantage to try one of the most decorated American seafood restaurants in the city when they roll out a tasting menu designed just for dineL.A. Also important to note, for a $40 supplement you can get a taste of the rare a5 Wagyu, the highest grade given to beef in world. Other options include: Amuses, Sea Scallop, Liberty Farms Duck and Salmon. –> Full Menu Here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcoDsNJhNuX/

18. The Arthur J ($95)
The Manhattan Beach neighborhood steakhouse will feature a three-course menu where diners will start with something chilled like a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail or Beef Sirloin Tartare and move onto warm starters like Swedish Meatballs or a Farro Risotto with Black Truffles. As for the main course, guests can choose from a Petit Filet, Ribeye, Tuna Loin or Braised Lamb Shank. Steak entrées come with a choice of topping from a classic mushroom to a decadent seared foie gras or buttered crab. There’s also three different desserts to choose from. You’ll probably leave with leftovers as portions here are generous. –> Full Menu Here

19. Union ($100)
Current Top Chef contender Bruce Kalman’s California/Italian inspired eatery will take diners on a five course journey that starts with his popular bread service and moves onto cured fish, little gem salad, Agnolotti, a Flannery Holstein Beef Ribeye and Olive Oil Cake with a salted honeycomb gelato to end. Other options include: Citrus Cured Pacific Yellowtail. –> Full Menu Here

20. Spago Beverly Hills ($125+)
A special California Tasting Menu will be offered during dineL.A. Normally $145, the menu will be priced at $125 for a limited time. Guests will feast on 13 courses that include Hand Made Agnolotti with the option to add French Black Truffles for a $20 supplement. Other options include:  Snake River Wagyu Beef, Ikejime Black Cod and Slow Braised Pork Belly in Korean Gamjatang Soup. –> Full Menu Here

Article by We Like LA. 

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Economic update for the week ending January 6, 2018

Employers add 148,000 new jobs in December – The Department of Labor Statistics reported that 148,000 new jobs were added in December. That fell short of the 190,000 that economists expected. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1%, a 17-year low. With such low unemployment, investors were not at all concerned with fewer jobs added than expected, as so many jobs have been added over the past 5 years. Average hourly wages grew a modest 2.5% year-over-year in December, which was the same as in November. Although not the wage gains expected in an economy with such a low unemployment rate, 2.5% is higher than we have seen for several years. This was seen as a bright spot in the jobs report.

Stocks begin 2018 higher as rally continues –  Stock markets all climbed again to record highs with the Dow breaking 25,000 for the first time and then rising almost another 300 points. The Dow rose 577 points this week, a 2% increase. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,295.87, up from last week’s close of 24,719.22. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,743.15, up from 2,673.51 last week. The NASDAQ closed at 7,136.56, up from 6,903.39 last week.

Treasury Bond Yields – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.47%, up from 2.40% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.81%, up from 2.74% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates. We expect mortgage rates to be slightly higher next week.

Mortgage Rates – The January 4, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.95%, about the same as last week’s 3.99%. The 15-year fixed was 3.38%, down from 3.44% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.45%, also almost unchanged from 3.47% last week.

Have a great weekend!

Syd

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The Best Places To Eat On Ventura Boulevard

Not only are there great classic spots all over the Valley, but the past few years have brought a food renaissance to the SFV, which is why Thrillist has updated their list of the best restaurants on Ventura. Of course, there are also great cuts deeper north, but the Boulevard’s where much of the action happens, and is also way easier for any friends coming from over the hill to get to.

BLACK MARKET LIQUOR BAR

STUDIO CITY

Strong cocktails and killer brunch from a Top Chef alum
The just-off-Cahuenga section of Ventura is one of LA’s trendiest gastropub havens, but one of the first to set up shop on the block was Black Market, which combines the efforts of Top Chef alum Antonia Lofaso with lauded barmen Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. It’s jam-packed on weekend nights, thanks to the tremendously tasty drinks (the spicy/grapefruity Chilero is a favorite) and some of the city’s best wings, as well as an egg-laden brunch.

BLUE DOG BEER TAVERN

SHERMAN OAKS

Divey spot with pub fare and 60+ taps
Not only does this (yes, again) gastropub have one of the best burgers in town that you’ve never heard of, but it’s also got an insane beer list, and is walking distance from the Galleria, where you’ll smirk at the people waiting in line at The Cheesecake Factory… right before you stumble up to the ArcLight.

CASA VEGA

SHERMAN OAKS

Late-night Valley institution with terrific margaritas
Is this the best Mexican food you’ll ever eat? No, it is not. Still, it’s been a Valley classic for over 50 years, due in one part to amazing margaritas, and in another part to incredible chips-and-guac, and, in yet another part, to that old-school charm-y Mexican restaurant decor that falls flat when anyone tries to modernize it. And the oven-style burritos — wet with sauce and covered with drippy cheese — are pretty excellent too, all told.

BAMBOO

SHERMAN OAKS

Classic, family-style Chinese food
If you’ve got friends who grew up in the Valley, it’s likely that their taste for Chinese food started at this mid-Boulevard staple. But it’s not just nostalgia that keeps the lights on here: Bamboo’s a Zagat-rated favorite, with reliably delicious takes on classic dishes like well-salted wonton soup and sizzling hot beef & scallops.

SUGARFISH

STUDIO CITY

Reliable reincarnation of a sushi classic
The transformation from Sushi Nozawa to Sugarfish — the most consistent chain of any kind we’ve ever eaten at, with some of the best sub-$50 sushi you’ll find anywhere — has not gone unnoticed. Sugarfish is great, and unequivocally so.

SADAF

ENCINO

Middle Eastern spot with excellent kebabs
Sure, it’s as far west as you’re likely to go, but it’s worth heading under the 405 for this Persian treasure. In addition to melt-in-your-mouth skewers of beef and chicken, you’ll also want to try the rice boiled with sour cherries and chicken, and the juicy, thick savory stews of veal and eggplant. As an added bonus, there’s plentiful, under-the-405, shopping cart parking nearby!

BONEYARD BISTRO

SHERMAN OAKS

Barebones space with barbecue and a massive beer selection
This long-standing BBQ spot is a classic for a whole host of reasons. It serves up tender, drool-inducing ribs, features a wide-ranging and ever-changing craft beer list (42 taps long), offers a half-priced wine special every Tuesday and Wednesday, and has a daily happy hour. Oh, and the Kobe beef & chili-filled donuts here are life-affirmingly good.

IROHA SUSHI OF TOKYO

SHERMAN OAKS

Longtime sushi spot serving both trendy & traditional takes
OK, props to one more sushi joint: this unassuming, tucked-away spot serves not only hearty helpings of salmon nigiri and crazy-good uni, but also has the best blackened cod on the Boulevard. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a man throw a 13-foot python at you while you eat your dinner.

THE BELLWETHER

STUDIO CITY

Bistro emphasizing farm-fresh ingredients
This New American spot got a rave review from Jonathan Gold and has become one of the surest bets for great food in the Valley. The dinner menu’s got tempura cauliflower and a patty melt that’s become a local favorite, and chef/owner Ted Hopson’s also got a poached-egg-topped grain bowl and a hot chicken sandwich for brunch on the weekends.

FIREFLY

STUDIO CITY

Romantic spot for a sit-down dinner
This longstanding nice-dinner favorite has an indoor/outdoor vibe, and a pedigreed chef who’s now doing a three-course tasting menu as well as a la carte options like an osso buco and lamb-rib duo. Try to get a seat outside by the fireplace: this is the rare Valley restaurant that feels romantic without being hokey, and the patio vibe goes a long way in establishing that atmosphere.

JOE’S FALAFEL

STUDIO CITY

Counter service standby for lunch or dinner
There is tons of great Middle Eastern food in the Valley, but for the East Valley, Joe’s reigns supreme: their falafel is a lunchtime staple, thanks to a perfectly crisp exterior and a chickpea mixture that’s surprisingly spiced (is that… cinnamon I’m tasting??). Their bowl specials are also exceedingly affordable and always delicious.

THE FRANKLAND LEE EMPIRE

ENCINO

Acclaimed restaurant group by a husband/wife duo
Vaunted Scratch|Bar chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his pastry chef wife Margarita have single-handedly (or is that double-handedly? How does that work?) changed the dining scene in the West Valley with a quartet of restaurants, all located in the Woodley Plaza center. There’s the gastropub-y Woodley Proper, the seafood-centric Frankland’s Crab & Co, Sushi|Bar (which trounces the Valley’s raw-fish mainstays), and of course the flagship Scratch|Bar, all of which have become destination restaurants in a part of LA that had never really been on the culinary map before.

VERSAILLES

ENCINO

LA landmark serving traditional Cuban dishes
This LA Cuban mini-chain is responsible for one of the city’s most iconic dishes (garlic chicken, yes please), but is also great for sandwiches, casual/inexpensive group dinners, and other events that don’t involve making out afterwards. Plus, you can tell your over-the-hill-friends that you ate at a bona fide LA institution, and then argue over why the hell they don’t believe you when you say the Valley’s every bit as good as the city is.

THE LOCAL PEASANT

WOODLAND HILLS & SHERMAN OAKS

Well-made comfort food in a pub-style atmosphere
Gastropubs started trending in the East Valley nearly a decade ago, and the trend’s welcome crawl westward is exemplified by The Local Peasant’s two locations on Ventura — one in Sherman Oaks, and one all the way west in Woodland Hills. Does that mean Woodland Hills is the next Studio City? Maybe, but until we know for sure, order some chocolate chunk bread pudding and make yourself comfortable.

HUMMUS BAR & GRILL

TARZANA

Addictive Middle Eastern fare inside a shopping center
Worthy of a Tarzana trip all by itself, the bubbly, doughy flatbread at this Middle Eastern mainstay has the perfect consistency to sop up any of the 12+ all-you-can-eat “salads” served with every dish, which include multiple deconstructions of eggplant, a chopped liver pate, and a slew of spiced vegetables. Here’s your go-to move: order one of the skewer dishes for every two or three people at your table, and then go HAM on the salads — and the bread. Oh, and also order the hummus (duh).

Article courtesy of Thrillist. 

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Rodeo Realty’s Sunset agent Alexander Tarigo reps buyer of $41 million Bel-Air home

Michael Bay’s former mansion in Bel-Air has sold again for nearly four times the amount it was previously sold for.

Making news in the Los Angeles Times is a contemporary home, which used to belong to blockbuster filmmaker, “Transformers” producer, Michael Bay, before he sold the property in 2014 for $11.45 million.

The now renovated and expanded home has sold for $41 million. Rodeo Realty’s Alexander Tarigo represented the buyer. The sale was one of L.A. County’s biggest sales of 2017.

The five-bedroom, nine-bathroom property—up from its original four bedrooms and four bathrooms—features a designer-done kitchen, a wine room and a home theater. The 15,000-square-foot home also comes with a gym, massage room, wellness center, and a sauna.

Disappearing glass walls take you outdoors where there’s a dining area, and an infinity-edge swimming pool with an attached spa.

The home was originally built by late architect Jack Warner in 1976. The redesign was completed by Saota Architecture.

To read the LA Times article on this sale, click HERE.
Curbed story, HERE.
The Real Deal, click HERE.
Observer, HERE.

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Fun Things to do This January in Los Angeles

Need stuff to do this month in Los Angeles?

January 2018 event highlights include a No Pants Metro Ride, a Rick and Morty Pub Crawl, Night on Broadway, a SoCal Museum Free-For-All, and MUCH more.

1. LA Phil’s Rooftop Music Series ‘The Garden’ (starts Jan. 5)

‘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. -> More information – Discount tickets

2. Comedy Workshops & Shows at Second City Hollywood’s Open House (Jan. 6)

Open House at Second City Hollywood returns January 6 for a fun-filled day of free comedy workshops and shows. -> More information

3. LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show (Jan. 6)

The LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show comes to the Omni Hotel in DTLA on January 6. Some of the best chocolatiers and pastry chefs in Los Angeles will offer confectionery treats to be paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines and spirits. -> More information – Discount tickets

4. Bricks LA 2018 at Pasadena Convention Center (Jan. 6-7)

Highlights include over 13,000 square feet of custom made models, a play area for kids of all ages (adults included) & vendors selling new, used and vintage LEGO sets. -> More information

5. No Pants Metro Ride (Jan. 7)

Ready to join hundreds of fellow angelenos in annual excursion to ride our city’s public transit system… sans pants? Your Sunday afternoon Expo Line trip suddenly got a lot more interesting. -> More information

6. 2018 Oshogatsu Family Festival (Jan. 7)

Ring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on January 7, with art, food, dance and more. -> More information

7. The LA Art Show (Jan. 10-14)

The LA Art Show comes to Los Angeles Convention Center January 10 – 14 for the West Coast’s most comprehensive art experience of the year. -> More information – Discount tickets

8. ‘Tijuana’ at the Skirball Cultural Center (Jan. 11-12)

Tijuana is a multimedia solo show straddling the line between fiction and reality which stars Gabino Rodríguez. Playing at the Skirball Cultural Center on January 11-12. -> More information

9. dineL.A. (Jan. 12-26)

L.A.’s restaurant week (it’s actually two weeks) kicks of 2018 with another round of exclusive lunch and dinner menus (and deals!) at a laundry list of the city’s finest eateries. -> More information

10. Burger & Beerfest at Santa Anita Park (Jan. 13)

The Burger & Beerfest comes to Santa Anita Park on January 13 with the perfect combination for your taste buds! -> More information – Discount tickets

11. Anime Impluse (Jan. 13-14)

Fusing the world of anime and video games, Anime Impulse will feature celebrity appearances, esports, artist alleys, Kawaii fashion, and cosplay, all at the Fairple in Pomona. -> More information

12. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at The California African American Museum (Jan. 15)

Celebrate MLK Day by making quote-filled dream catchers, listening to a marathon reading of Dr. King’s speeches and spending time with the community. -> More information

13. Winter Snow Fest Hosted by the City of Diamond Bar (Jan. 20)

Enjoy a snow day in Diamond Bar at the annual Winter Snow Fest on January 20! Over 100 tons of snow will provide hours of sledding on four hills. -> More information

14. Art Los Angeles Contemporary in Santa Monica (Jan. 25-28)

The Art Los Angeles Contemporary (ALAC), the International Contemporary Art fair of the West Coast will be held January 25-28 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. -> More information

15. stARTup Art Fair in Venice Beach (Jan. 26-28)

The Kinney Venice Beach will house work from 55 independent artists within over 50 hotel rooms, hallways and outdoor spaces during this immersive art fair! -> More information – Discount tickets

16. Night on Broadway (Jan. 27)

The annual community event is back with another year of live performances hosted at some of L.A.’s most historic theatres. Music guests include the B-52s, WAR and more. -> More information

17. Uncorked: Los Angeles Wine Festival at Union Station

Uncorked Wine Festivals is coming back to LA for the third annual Uncorked: LA Wine Fest at iconic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles on January 27. Sip more than 150 wines! -> More information

18. Rick and Morty Pub Crawl in Long Beach (Jan. 27)

Hundreds of Ricks and Mortys parading around the streets of downtown Long Beach? Count us in!  -> More information

19. DTLA PROUD Block Party 2018

The DTLA PROUD Block Party 2018 comes to the Broadway Theater District January 27 for its second annual celebration in front of Precinct at 4th and Broadway. -> More information

20. SoCal Museum Free-For-All (Jan. 28)

On the last Sunday in January over 30 museums will offer free admission at locations spread throughout the greater Southern California area. Participants for this year include many locations that are not normally free such as the Natural History Museum, LACMA, and the GRAMMY Museum, along with museums that regularly offer free admission such as both Getty campuses and The Broad. -> More information

21. Pickwick Vintage Show in Burbank January 28 (Jan. 28)

The Pickwick Vintage Show comes to Pickwick Gardens in Burbank January 28 for an array of vintage collections spanning all eras. -> More information

Article courtesy of We Like LA. 

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Weekend Events: January 5 – 7

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 everyweekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend in L.A. (January 5-7) includes Second City’s Annual Open House, All Space Considered, a No Pants Metro Ride, the LA Chocolate Festival, Al Gore at The Hammer, and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday January 5th, 2018

1. ‘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) 

2. Greenbar Distillery will host their popular cocktail class this Friday. The theme is “Fresh Produce,” guests will get to experiment with seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs along with a variety of Greenbar organic liquors. Must be a member to sign up for classes, membership is free.

3. The Griffith Observatory hosts a monthly forum where some of the most amazing phenomena in the known universe are explained and discussed. It’s called All Space Considered and it takes place on the first Friday of every month. FREE

4. The Smell is having a weekend-long celebration for their 20th anniversary. Shows start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with $15 tickets available online (or $20 at the door, unless it’s sold out).

5. Take an afternoon yoga class in beautiful Grand Park. The 45 minute workout is complimentary to the public every Wednesday and Friday. After yoga, checkout the many food trucks lining the park and grab lunch al fresco style.

6. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. Winter Fest continues at the OC Fairgrounds (Dec. 21 to Jan. 7) offering an all-new festival of lights, snow summit, winter bounce houses, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, snowfall and the man of the season, Santa Claus. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 

8. Discover the best in foreign-language cinema during the Golden Globe Nominees Series a week of special screenings from January 1–6 at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres. In addition there will be free panel discussion with the filmmakers, at the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday.

9. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) Starting December 24, 2017 all Firefighters can show their badge at the ticketing booth for a free Grand Expedition pass, and up to 50% off Grand Expedition passes for their families as well.

10. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. Happening this week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

12. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. Since its the first Friday of the month check out all the cool events happening around town including block parties and art walks for First Fridays.

15. Free admission at: Long Beach Museum of Art. FREE

Saturday January 6th, 2018

16. Open House at Second City Hollywood returns on Saturday for a fun-filled day of free comedy workshops and shows. FREE

17. The LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show comes to the Omni Hotel in DTLA with some of the best chocolatiers and pastry chefs in Los Angeles. Confectionery treats will be paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines and spirits. Check for discount tickets while supples last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

18. The Yoga Expo heads to the Pasadena Convention Center for a full day of workshops, yoga experiences and namaste. Check for discount tickets while supples last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

19. Bricks LA 2018 at Pasadena Convention Center (Jan. 6-7) will include over 13,000 square feet of custom made models, a play area for kids of all ages (adults included) and vendors selling new, used and vintage LEGO sets.

20. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

21. Old Pasadena Historical District is offering a walking excursion this Saturday.

Sunday January 7th, 2018

22. There’s a No Pants Metro Ride happening this Sunday. Get ready to join hundreds of fellow angelenos in this annual ride in our city’s public transit system… sans pants.

23. See former Vice President Al Gore engage in a Q&A about global warming after a screening of his latest film, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, at The Hammer this Sunday.

24. Ring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles during the Oshogatsu Family Festival a day of art, food, dance and more.

25. Spend the first Sunday of 2018 challenging your body and fitness during the New Year’s Race. Starting in Grand Park, the race features a 5K and a 10K race with a pre- and post-race festival. Highlights include vendor and sponsor booths, music, live art, food trucks and a beer and wine garden.

26. 7th Annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week  returns with over 40 restaurants and bars offering special cheeseburger items from January 7-12.

27. The 41st Annual Los Angeles Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention will take place at The Reef in DTLA and will feature stars from The Walking Dead, Riverdale and more.

Schedule by We Like LA. 

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2017 year-end economic update and predictions for 2018

This 2017 year end is preliminary. I will prepare a more detailed year end report on the third week of January when we have final housing sales figures for 2017, employment figures, and GDP numbers. 

Stocks had a banner year –  U.S. stock markets closed the year with 2017 achieving the highest percentage gains since 2013. The big difference is that in 2013 stocks were recovering from huge drops during the recession, while in 2017 stock markets gained from record highs reached in 2016, which makes the 2017 gains even more remarkable. As the worldwide economy improved, international stocks fared even better, outperformed U.S. stock market gains for the first time since 2012. U.S. markets were helped by hopes of a massive corporate tax rate cut, which was finalized at the end of the year, loosening regulation, and a turnaround in the worldwide economy, which was sluggish in 2015 and 2016. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the year at 24,719.22, up 25.1% from 19,762.60 at the close of 2016. The Dow closed at 17,425.03 in 2015. The S&P 500 closed the year at 2,673.51, up 19.4% from  2,238.83 at the end of 2016. It was 2,043.94 at the end of 2015.  The NASDAQ closed at 6,903.39, up 28.2% from 5,383.12 on December 31, 2016. It was 5,007.41 at the end of 2015. 

The 10-year Treasury bond closed the year at 2.40%, down from 2.45% December 31, 2016. It was 2.27% at the end of 2015. The 30-year treasury yield ended the year at 2.74%, down from 3.08% on Dec. 31, 2016. It was 3.01% on December 31, 2015.

Mortgage Rates mixed in 2017 – The 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages were lower this year than at the end of 2016. The short them ARM rates were higher. The Federal Reserve raises overnight rates banks pay three times in 2017, a .75% increase. That caused short term rates to rise, but did not cause long term rates to rise. That is because long term rates are tied to inflation, not short term rates. In fact, higher short term rates lower the risk of inflation. The December 28, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.99%, down from 4.32% on December 29, 2016. It was 4.01% at the end of 2015. The 15-year fixed was 3.44%, down from last December 28’s 3.55%. It was 3.24% at the end of 2015. The 5-year ARM was 3.47%, up from 3.30% at the close of 2016. It was 3.08% at end of 2015. 

U.S. Retail Holiday sales up 4.9% – MasterCard reported that holiday retail sales, which compares retail sales from November 1 to December 24, increased 4.9% from the same period last year. Online retail shopping similarly increased 18.1%, while overall consumer buying during the holiday period set a record for dollars spent, according to the sales report issued by Mastercard SpendingPulse.

The number of California home sales and prices increase in November – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 440,340 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked an increase of 2.1%  from October, yet down down 0.8% from November 2016. Year to date sales are 1.1% higher than the same period last year.  The median price paid for a home in California was $546,820, in November, up 8.8% from last November. Housing inventory which had been at historically low levels dropped even further. The unsold inventory index revealed that there was just a 2.9 month supply of homes in the market in November.  The number of homes for sale in November was 11.5% below last November’s number.

My predictions for 2018.

Tax reform – Many people have contacted me about how I feel about the new tax reform and how will it affect the real estate market.

Most of the concern is over the $10,000 deduction cap on SALT, which stands for state and local taxes. These state and local taxes include: state income tax, property tax, sales tax, DMV fees, etc. Many fear what this limit will do to the real estate market, especially the upper end of the market. I think we were all blindsided by this. Nobody would have expected state and local tax deductions, which were unlimited before, to be capped. It is something that has never been proposed before. As a real estate broker, I’m against anything that takes away benefits of home ownership, but I think the housing market has so much momentum that prices and sales numbers will continue to rise. The reduction in the mortgage interest deduction from the interest on a $750,000 from a $1,000,000 loan also is unfortunate, but I don’t expect that to have much affect either. (Interest deduction on mortgages up to $1,000,000 originated before December 14, 2017, and the refinance of those loans will still remain deductible). I do expect the $10,000 combined limit on state and local taxes, and the reduction in the mortgage interest deduction to affect us in times of real estate recessions. It could make those periods more severe.

Home prices – I expect home prices to increase in 2018. Conservatively, I expect prices to increase 5%-10%.  Homes near median price range in each area will move up more than homes above the median price range.  As we get to the higher priced homes in each area I’d expect prices to move up more slightly.  Since 2012 the higher price ranges have moved up more than the median priced and lower homes, that’s beginning to change. We see some homes sitting in the very highest price ranges in each area. On those high priced homes we are seeing an oversupply due to lots of new construction.  I would expect those homes to increase in prices at a very low percentage. Many of those homes are triple where they would have been at the 2006 peak near the end of the last cycle, while homes at the median price are just now about 15% above their 2006 peak.

Mortgage rates – I would expect the 30-year fixed interest rate to remain between the 4% and 4.75%. Tame inflation should keep these rates near historic lows. I would not be surprised to see an inverted yield where short term adjustable rate mortgages rise to almost the same rate as a 30-year fixed.

Number of sales – We don’t have final figures for 2017 yet, but the total California resales will be above 440,000 units.  2017 will be the the second highest number of sales in the state ever. Only below 2006 when subprime made everyone qualified to buy. I’d expect 2018 sales to be about the same number, possibly a little more. 

Home inventory levels – 2016 marked the lowest inventory levels since The California Association of Realtors began keeping records. 2017 was even lower and averaged about 11% fewer homes for sale each month compared to the same month in 2016. Most months saw under a 3 month supply of housing for sale. That’s an unheard of number. It gave the appearance that there was nothing to buy, but that is just not the case. There were enough homes listed for 2017 to be almost the highest number of sales ever. Buyers just had no time because homes were selling so quickly. I think inventory levels will tick up a little. Perhaps more sellers will begin to think we are closer to the top of the market and put their home up for sale. A normal market has a 6-7 month supply. In a normal market prices are stable. I don’t expect to get to a 6-7 month supply anytime soon. That’s why I fully expect prices to continue to rise.

Easier to qualify – Loans in 2017 were easier to qualify for than they have been since anytime after the financial crisis. Loans required lower down-payments and lower credit scores than anytime since 2007.  With a new head of The Consumer Financial Protection Board, who has promised to roll back some regulations and loosen up requirements, qualifying for a mortgage will get even easier.

I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Syd

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Home listed by Rodeo Realty's Calabasas agent Ron Tanzman featured in Curbed

Featured in Curbed this week is a Long Beach bungalow listed by Rodeo Realty’s Ron Tanzman.

In ‘Curbed Comparison,’ five homes and condos within $10,000 of $450k are featured—the four-bedroom home in Long Beach is one of the highlighted properties.

The 1,920-square-foot home, built in 1907, was featured for its four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, new laminate and tile flooring, and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

Other properties featured are a Hollywood condo, a Pacoima residence, a home in Topanga, and a Koreatown condo.

An online poll created by Curbed is found at the end of the comparisons. Which home or condo would you buy? So far, out of more than 800 votes, readers pick the Long Beach bungalow!

Read the Curbed article, HERE.

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