Street closures for New Year’s Eve in Grand Park

It’s that time again, Los Angeles: New Year’s Eve in Grand Park. The relatively new annual tradition is in its fifth year, and as always, promises to be a free, family-friendly spectacle of light and live music, including a 3D projection on City Hall.

The party in Grand Park means that some streets around the park will be shuttered starting this weekend to make space for revelers.

Street and freeway off-ramp closures

Starting 10 a.m. December 30, the following streets will close. All streets will re-open by noon January 1.

Spring Street between Temple and Second streets
North Broadway between Temple and Second streets
Hill Street between Temple and Second streets
Olive between First and Second streets
First Street between Grand Avenue and Main Street

How to get there

Metro

Feeling like driving isn’t the way to get to this party? Hop on the train. The Red and Purple lines offer easy access to the park via the Civic Center/Grand Park station. It’s also a short walk to the park from the Gold Line’s Little Tokyo/Arts District station.

Those traveling via the subway should note that the Temple Street access point into the Civic Center/Grand Park station will be closed until midnight January 31. After midnight, the portal will re-open for exits only, to help people clear out from the park festivities. (The First Street portal to the station will remain open for the whole event.)

Metro will once again offer 24-hour service on New Year’s Eve. Fares will be free from 9 p.m. December 31 to 2 a.m. January 1.

Bike

There will also be free bike valet at Second Street and Broadway. Drop your bike off in a secure, attended parking area and pick it up in 2018.

Rideshare

People taking an Uber or Lyft to Grand Park on New Year’s Eve are asked to use 111 Los Angeles Street as the endpoint. That address will have riders dropped off a block away from the event’s First and Main entrance.

Grand Park is usually the brightest show in Downtown on New Year’s, but this year, there will be the added draw of a second light show to welcome 2018. The Financial District’s Wilshire Grand is counting down to 2018 with a light show and a special display on its crown. It should be visible from 15 miles away, light show creators say.

Story by Curbed.

December 28, 2017

Weekend Events: December 29 – 31

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

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

This New Year’s Eve weekend in L.A.(December 29-31) includes the annual public NYE celebration in Grand Park, fireworks in Marina del Rey, Cleopatra’s Ball at the Egyptian Theatre, a Minimal Effort New Year’s Eve party, ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ for kids, Postmodern Jukebox at the Disney Concert Hall, and MUCH more.

As a special reminder, Metro will be offering free rides for New Year’s Eve. Whatever you decide to do for the evening, be sure to celebrate safely!

Enjoy!

Friday December 29th, 2017

1. 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.

2. Snow Days at Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena continue through this Saturday. Bring the kiddos and enjoy real snow, a winter art installation, cookie decorating, a world dance performance from the group Arte Flamenco and learn about the science of snow.

3. Winter Fest Returns to OC Fairgrounds (Dec. 21 to Jan. 7) will offer 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)

4. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Arturo Sandoval and the LA All Stars come to the Catalina Bar & Grill for a special performance this Friday at 8:30 p.m. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. This week Primus comes to The Wiltern for their The Ambushing The Storm Tour. They will play two shows: Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

7. 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)

8. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

9. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE

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. For NYE enjoy a dinner buffet, have a carousel ride, dance to DJ-spun tunes and watch a live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. 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)

Saturday, December 30th, 2017

12. Insomniac returns to the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino December 30- 31 for its annual Countdown NYE music festival. Now in its fourth year, it has become the largest NYE gathering on the West Coast with over 40 dance-music artists performing, including deadmau5, Porter Robinson, Diplo and Flosstradamus.

13. Pasadena Architectural Legacy Tours is offering two walking excursions this Saturday one in the Pasadena Hillcrest Neighborhood Tour and the other in the Pasadena Playhouse District Tour.

14. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. 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)

16. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

17. 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

Sunday, December 31st, 2017

18. Grand Park + The Music Center’s 2018 NYE celebration is one of the largest, most festive (and free!) ways to ring in the new year. Just you and a couple thousand of your fellow angelenos counting down the end of 2017 with music, dancing, large-scale art installations, fireworks in one of the city’s best public spaces. FREE

19. New Year’s Eve on The Queen Mary with Sir Mix-a-Lot will be accompanied by a casino, fireworks and plenty of dancing, drinks and food. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

20. Those strapped for cash can head over to Angel City Brewery for their 4th annual New Years celebration where there is no cover charge. Doors open at noon and live music will begin at 8 p.m. with food and specially beers being served all night. Complimentary Bir Royales will be passed out at midnight to toast the new year.

21. Prohibition NYE transforms Union Station into the glamorous and roaring 1920s. Guests will enjoy theatrical burlesque, live jazz ensembles, DJ spun tunes, a ball drop and a premium open bar featuring champagne and specialty cocktails.

22. “Everyone’s Annual NYE Morning Hike to The Wisdom Tree” returns December 31 for the last hike of the year! Hikers are encouraged to wear black and gold, party hats, and poppers in honor of the New Year’s Eve theme. FREE

23. Spend a festive New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the musical stylings of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox! Renowned for their throwback renditions of current and contemporary hits by the likes of Macklemore, Beyonce, Sia the night one to remember. Dress up in your 1920s best and arrive early to enjoy 10-cent cocktails from the retro speakeasy. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

24. Big Bar will ring in 2018 ten times! That’s right, the Los Feliz bar is going all out celebrating each timezone on Sunday through special themed cocktails and playlists inspired by each region.

25. Kidspace Noon Years Eve allows kiddos to ring in 2018 at a reasonable hour. The party begins at 10 a.m. and includes a ginormous balloon drop at noon, sparkling cider for toasting, noisemakers, DJ tunes and more.

26. New Year’s Eve Ball at The Edison in Downtown Los Angeles features Parlor Social performing old-time Harlem Renaissance Jazz, stilters gliding through venue and aerialists performing live air stunts. There will also be a DJ, old-timey cocktails and food, alongside Absinthe fairies.

27. Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party at Burton Chase Park will ring in the new year twice! One to celebrate the East Coast at 9 p.m. with a broadcast of the 30-second countdown during the Times Square ball drop followed by a ten-minute fireworks display. Round two will include a count down and another ten-minute fireworks display. The entire evening will also include live DJs, dancers, a circuit breaker robot, kids activities, food trucks and more. FREE

28. Plant-based restaurant Crossroads will host a special tasting menu on New Years Eve featuring a six course menu with Champagne and party favors (when the clock strikes midnight.) They’ll also be televising the iconic Time Square ball drop.

29. The 9th Annual Cleopatra New Year’s Eve Ball happening at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre’s Courtyard will include two indoor themed venues, open bars all night, light shows and DJs spinning a wide range of music. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

30. Minimal Effort is throwing a music fueled party at the historic MacArthur in Downtown Los Angeles.Ring in the New Year with performances by Justin Martin, DJ Tennis, Jimmy Edgar, J.Phlip, DJ Three, Ardalan, Human Resources and more.

31. 80’s themed bar Break Room 86 presents a New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Flash back to the past and enjoy a five-hour premium open bar, and rock out to a live DJ spinning your favorite tunes. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

32. Classic Hollywood Roosevelt New Year’s Eve will have five top DJs, an open bar (five hours), multiple rooms and party favors to ring in the new year in style.

33. Tiki No’s Sunday karaoke night will get a New Year’s Eve theme this weekend. There will be party favors and a champagne toast for the big moment at midnight.

34. Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala Show at the Ace Hotel will bring some serious heat to New Years Eve with some new performances and special guests like Jonny McGovern, Violet Chachki, Dirty Martini and Dita’s high-stepping Vontourage Alek Palinski and Elio Martinez.

35. The Brighter Future NYE Party comes to Culver City featuring an open bar, DJs, local artist showcases, and an interactive photo booth experience.

36. Wolf will host a black-tie bash that includes a six course menu (vegetarian options are available.) Guests will be welcomed with bellinis and move onto oysters, white truffle risotto and much more.

37. Midnight Along The Riviera happening at the Sofitel will feature DJs spinning top tune in four different rooms, a five hour open bar and more. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

38. Stop by the Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach for a Cuban-style New Year Eve celebration with live entertainment, a Mojito bar, complimentary fedoras, live Cigar Rollers and much more.

39. New Year’s Eve Night Dive at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific will feature live bands in the Great Hall, DJs spinning in the galleries, contortionists, acrobatics and a confetti countdown.

40. There’s a Rock Horror Picture Show parody happening at the Rockwell: Table & Stage. In A Rocky New Year’s Eve, you’ll enjoy a special New Year’s dinner as Dr. Frank N. Furter and friends dazzle on the stage. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

41. The Raymond & 1886 Bar will host a dance party with cocktails by 1886, food by Chef Tim Guiltinan and music by Heat Maxwell. There will also be a midnight champagne toast, party favors and other entertainment.

Schedule by We Like LA.

December 27, 2017

Metro Offering Free Rides on New Year’s Eve

How’s this for a holiday gift from the city of Los Angeles: Enjoy a few drinks this New Year’s Eve without worry about finding a designated driver or dealing with Uber and Lyft surge pricing.

As in years past Metro will be offering fare-free rides late into the night on New Year’s Eve. Ride Metro rail and bus lines free of charge from 9 p.m. December 31 until 2 a.m. on January 1, 2018. All rail lines will run every 20 minutes. All Metro Rail Line Stations with fare gates will be unlatched and fare boxes and validators will not deduct fare.

On NYE, in addition to the free hours from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., Metro will operate 24-hour, overnight service on Metro Rail, plus the Orange line (the rapid bus line that makes its way across the Valley from North Hollywood to Woodland Hills or Chatsworth) and the Silver line (a limited-stop bus line which travels from El Monte and Downtown L.A. all the way to San Pedro). Get more details on riding Metro on New Year’s Eve here.

If your New Year’s Eve plans include attending the N.Y.E.L.A. celebration at Grand Park, you’ll be happy to know that there will be enhanced Metro rail service to accommodate the thousands attending the free DTLA festivities. In addition, show your TAP card at a Grand Park information booth and get a free pair of 2018 party glasses.

As always stay safe, and enjoy the holiday festivities as we mark the turn to 2018.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

December 23, 2017

Economic update for the week ending December 23, 2017

Stocks up as corporate tax cut becomes official – On Friday, President Trump signed a tax reform bill. Key to that bill was a reduction in the corporate income tax rate, which lowers rates corporations pay from 35% to 21%. The hope is that lower corporate rates will encourage businesses to remain in the U.S., and perhaps it will encourage companies to return the the U.S. Stocks have had a record year as investors have speculated that this massive corporate tax cut would happen. Now it officially has. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,754.06, up from 24,651.74 last week. It’s up 25.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,683.34, up from its close last week of 2,675.81. The S&P is up 19.9% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,959.26, up from its last week’s close of 6,936.58. It is up 29.3% year-to-date.

Bond yields rise – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.48%, up from 2.35% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.83%, up from 2.68% last week. Home mortgage rates increased proportionally to bond rates.

Mortgage Rates rise to end the week near the highest levels of the year- The December 21, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey, which gathered information from December 13-20, reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.94%, unchanged from 3.93% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.38%, unchanged from 3.36% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.39%, unchanged from last week’s 3.36%. Unfortunately, rates rose Thursday and Friday. Rates are over 1/8% higher now than the survey rates. The 30-year fixed is now over 4%. It’s about as high as we have seen this year. Next week’s survey will reflect this.

The number of California home sales and prices increase again 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 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.

California’s unemployment rate drops to 40 year low in November – The Employment Development Department reported that California employer’s added 47,400 new jobs in November. The unemployment rate fell from 4.9% in October to 4.6% in November. That marked the lowest unemployment rate since the state changed the way it calculates the rate in 1976.

Have a great weekend and I wish you happy holidays!

Syd

December 22, 2017

Rodeo Realty's Beverly Hills agent Bruce Walker sells home to ‘Property Brothers’ Drew Scott

Drew Scott, Canadian actor, realtor, and entrepreneur— best known as the co-host of the HGTV series ‘Property Brothers’ has purchased a home in the Hancock Park vicinity.

Bruce Walker of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills had the listing, which made headlines in Variety, Curbed, Realtor.com, and many other sites.

According to Bruce, Drew plans to make this his home with his fiancé Linda Phan. Drew started making renovations to the home—which aired in the new series Property Brothers at Home: Drew’s Honeymoon House. The four-part series premiered in November.

Drew purchased the home for $2,300,000.

To read the Curbed story on this sale, click HERE.
Variety, HERE.
Realtor.com, HERE.

December 22, 2017

Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinners to Book

1. Current Top Chef contender, Bruce Kalman of Union Pasadena will host his annual Feast of Seven Fishes dinner on Christmas Eve. Now in it’s third year, the feast will feature olive oil poached abalone, uni risotto, halibut steamed in fig leaves and more. Reservations can be made by calling Union at 626-795-5841 or via email at reservations@unionpasadena.com. Advanced ticket sales only and all reservations will be confirmed via email. The meal cost $125 per person with a $40 wine pairing option.

2. Tintorera will host a special brunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Both will be served family-style with brunch available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a selection of classic Tintorera dishes complemented by signature drinks like Michelada and house mezcal. Both meals cost $60 per person.

3. Downtown CHAYA’s Amuse & Four-Course Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe Menu is a Japanese style meal that starts with Kumamoto Oyster with caviar and gold flake, and Kinmedai and Wagyu Nigiri to cleanse the palate. Courses to follow include Grilled Spanish Octopus; Hudson Valley Duck Breast; Togarashi Ora King Salmon; Angus Filet Mignon served with a wasabi au jus and Macha Opera Cake served with yuzu anglaise and fresh raspberries. The dinner cost $75.00 per person and service is held between 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.

4. Executive Chef Tony Esnault will prepare a Three-Course Christmas Eve Menu de Noel at Spring. The meal begins with hors d’oeuvres and moves onto your choice of Salmon, prepared with beets Hawaiian heart of palm, scallions and crostini or Magret de Canard, a maple leaf duck breast with sweet potato, pomegranate and kale, or the Flat Iron Steak, a Strauss Farm grass fed beef with forest mushrooms, pee wee potatoes and celery. Finish your evening with desserts like the Buche de Noel Traditionnelle made with a Valrhona chocolate log, orange marmalade and kumquats, and the Vacherin, with meringue, mango, passion fruit, and coconut sorbet. The dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. and cost $76.00 per person with the option of wine pairing for $38 per person.

5. Plant based restaurant Beelman’s in DTLA will be open on Christmas Eve. Chef Caroline Concha will host a Tiki Themed Christmas with specials throughout entire day starting at noon till the late hours of 2 a.m.

6. Christmas Eve at Craft Los Angeles will offer a festive prix-fixe dinner menu served part family-style with main course choices that include apple tortelli with pine nuts; sage and roasted quail; parmesan risotto topped with truffles and more. Pastry chef Shannon Swindle will provide dessert options for the table to end the meal. Sweets include a spiced persimmon pudding, seasonal ice cream and sorbets, as well as a hazelnut, cranberry and pear tart. Reservations can be made between 5-8:30 p.m. The prix-fixe cost $135 per person.

7. Have a cozy meal inside a historic Craftsman cottage when The Raymond 1886 hosts a delectable Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner. The feast begins with a choice of Wildhead Stealhead Roe with Lemoncello sorbet, and pickled lemon, or the Micro-Farmed Massachusetts Oyster with Yuzu-jalapeno, and Hungarian carrot. What comes next are choices of Wild Albacore from Fiji; Hand Harvested Scallops; Prime Iowa Beef; Roasted Duck Breast; Wild Caught Salmon and more. End the evening on a sweet note with a Chocolate “Blackout Cake” with chocolate malt balls, and Bailey’s Cremeux. The Raymond 1886 will be open for Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for Christmas Eve Dinner from 4-7 p.m. the Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner cost $120 per person.

8. The Restaurant at Mr. C will host a “feast of the seven fishes” theme Christmas Eve menu featuring a four-course meal of coastal inspired dishes. Choose from a Trio of Marinated Scottish Salmon; Tuna Tartare; Lobster Risotto; Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut and more. Dinner service begins at 6 p.m. On Christmas Day the restaurant will continue the seafood inspired menu starting at noon. The four-course menu includes King Crab Salad with soft avocado and citrus dressing; Baked Cipriani Mezze Maniche pasta; Pan Roasted Chilean Seabass with white wine sauce served with artichokes alla Romana; and a holiday favorite, a Panettone with mascarpone cream and chocolate fondant. Both meals cost $95 per person with an option for wine pairing at $35.

9. The Mar Vista will offer a three course prix-fixe Christmas dinner with two seatings available at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Inspired by California’s seasonal ingredients the menu will include Mushroom Fundido; Kurobuta Pork Chop with corn bread dressing; Duck Confit with lime-spiked sweet potatoes and Persimmon Bread Pudding and horchata ice cream. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at (310) 751-6773. The prix-fixe cost $50 for adults and $20 for kids.

10. Live large this holiday. Mastro’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas from 2-9 p.m. serving all their fan favorites like mouth watering steaks, seafood towers and decadent sides like the Alaskan King Crab Black Truffle Gnocchi Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese and Lobster Mashed Potatoes. Treat yourself to a Winter Whisper seasonal cocktail and the popular Warm Butter Cake as well.

11. Lost at Sea in Pasadena will be open for Christmas dinner featuring prime rib as a main course this Monday.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

December 21, 2017

Weekend Events: December 22 – 24

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

This weekend in L.A. (December 22-24) includes Deck The Halls Concert, Little Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, CHILL Adventure Park, Winter Fest, The 58th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday December 22nd, 2017

1. Looking to literally step into the Christmas spirit? Check out out round up of where you can walk into life-size gingerbread houses in and around Los Angeles.

2. The LA Master Chorale will host a Deck The Halls holiday concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

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

4. Come dressed in an ugly sweater and get a free mini martini or mini Manhattan from 5:30 p.m. to close during Little Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

5. Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker is accompanied by a full symphony orchestra along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s stunning white Arabian horse. Happening Friday through Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the pubic for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!).

7. Union Station concludes its holiday season of Cocoa Concert with La Picante’s “A Very Salsa Christmas” in the historic south patio this Friday. FREE

8. There’s an ALL NIGHT Holiday Party happening at The Reserve in DTLA this Friday with a tribute room dedicated to Mariah Carey and the main room spinning old school hip hop and RnB.

9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. Happening all weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

10. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. 260LA will host a Stila Sample Sale at their Beverly Hills location from December 19-23. Score premium deals on a full spectrum of the makeup brands products.

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 weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat.

15. Head to the New Beverly for a Christmas-themed double feature this Friday. They’ll be screening It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story in 35mm. Happening Friday and Saturday.

16. Rooftop Cinema Club Ultimate Holiday Movie Series will host a month-long schedule of Christmas inspired movie screenings from December 1-23. The series concludes this weekend with screenings of Elf, Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life.

17. See the merriest Christmas light show in the city at City Blessing Church in Walnut during Lights on Miracle Hill: 12 Days of Christmas every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-24.

18. Free admission at: Long Beach Museum of Art and Museum of Latin American Art (5 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday, December 23rd, 2017

19. Winter Fest Returns to OC Fairgrounds (Dec. 21 to Jan. 7) will offer 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 this weekend before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

20. 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 weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

21. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

22. RuPaul’s Drag Race divas are taking over the Orpheum Theatre for one epic holiday spectacular. Hosted by Trinity “The Body” Taylor with appearances by fan-fave contestants, guests will see them perform and participate in a rare audience Q&A. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

23. 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. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

24. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE

25. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018. Be sure to check for discounts before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) Happy Place has been temporarily closed down due to permitting issues. December tickets are currently being refunded. You can read the latest ticketing update via their Instagram.

26. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

27. 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.

28. 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)

Sunday, December 24th, 2017

29. The 58th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a free Christmas Eve celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion featuring Los Angeles-based musicians and dancers, including the Gay Men’s Chorus, City Ballet of Los Angeles, M-Pact and more. FREE

30. The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is host to the MatzoBall an annual Jewish singles networking event. Though most attendees are Jewish, more singles of all backgrounds are now showing up for this hugely popular party.

31. Need a little Christmas Eve refreshment? Grab a seasonal drink of one of 15 Places in L.A. to Get an Amazing Holiday Cocktail, including Westbound, Big Bar, and Casa Vega.

Schedule by We Like LA.

December 20, 2017

Things To Do for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles

With New Year’s Eve fast approaching the time to make plans is exactly RIGHT NOW! Thankfully, Los Angeles has options.

NYE 2018 in L.A. promises something for everyone. This year includes free bashes at Grand Park and Angel City Brewery, a black tie gala in Beverly Hills, swing dancing at Knott’s Berry Farm, Sir-Mix-a-Lot at the Queen Mary, fireworks in Marina Del Rey, a daytime NYE event for kids, and MUCH more.

New Year’s Eve To-Dos 2017 -> 2018

Price noted in parenthesis. Numbered for reference only, listed in no particular order.

1. N.Y.E.L.A. at Grand Park (free)

2. Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala Show at the Ace Hotel ($49.50-225)

3. Prohibition NYE at Union Station ($175)

4. The Raymond’s/1886 New Year’s Eve Bash ($100)

5. New Year’s Eve on The Queen Mary with Sir Mix-a-Lot, with discount tickets available through Goldstar ($119/$72 while supplies last)

6. Angel City Brewery Presents No Cover New Year’s Eve (free)

7. Bootie LA: New YEARS EVE 2018 at Resident DTLA ($30)

8. Hermosa Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration With Ball Drop & Live Music (free)

9. Dave Chappelle & John Meyer at The Forum ($80-395)

10. Hudson House’s New Year’s Eve ’70s Disco Party ($40)

11. Classic Hollywood Roosevelt New Year’s Eve ($155-185)

12. New Year’s Eve Ball at The Edison ($100)

13. Havana Nights NYE Celebration at the Shade Hotel ($95)

14. New Year’s Eve Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific ($25-30)

15. Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve at The LA Zoo ($40-69)

16. Brighter Future NYE Party ($20-95)

17. Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party (Free)

18. Insomniac’s Countdown NYE ($99-319)

19. New Year’s Eve with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at Walt Disney Hall ($75-175)

20. Magicopolis’ Magical NYE, with discount tickets available through Goldstar ($75/$37.50 while supplies last)

21. Speakeasy Fireworks Long Beach New Year’s Eve Cruise ($70-129)

22. New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala at Montage Beverly Hills ($395)

23. NYE 2018 Cleopatra’s Ball at Hollywood Egyptian Theatre ($109-149)

24. Minimal Effort NYE at The MacArthur ($59-149)

25. New Year’s Eve Ball at the Continental Club ($40)

26. Dollface Dames Burlesque Bash at Bareburger ($40, or $20 discount tickets available through Goldstar while supplies last)

27. Kidspace Noon Year’s Eve at the Rose Bowl (free)

28. Knott’s Berry Farm NYE with Swing Dance, Salsa & Fireworks (Included in admission price of $49-79)

29. New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront in Downtown Long Beach (free)

30. BOOM! Drug and Alcohol-free New Year’s Eve at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium (free)

Article by We Like LA.

December 19, 2017

Where to See Life-Size Gingerbread Houses in Los Angeles

In 1812 Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published one of their most famous stories. Hansel and Gretel are left to stave in the woods by their cruel mother as their woodcutter father is unable to provide for the family. The children search for home and come upon a house built cakes, candy and gingerbread. The proprietor turns out to be an evil witch who lures them inside with the intention of eating them. Ultimately the children trick the witch, trap her in the oven she’d warmed for them, make off with her fortune, and return to their loving father. The mother, who died a mysterious death in the children’s absence, is now out of the picture for good. The surviving trio lives happily ever after.

Now you might think that the popularity of this macabre tale is what solidified the gingerbread house as a cultural symbol of Christmas, but that’s just a part of the origin. Gingerbread itself had been around for centuries preceding Hansel & Gretel. Europeans had long used the spiced bread to create artistically shaped cookies, elaborately decorated with icing. In Germany, bakers had been constructing little houses out of gingerbread since at least the 16th century, according to food historian Tori Avey, particularly around the holidays. The 19th century fairytale only enhanced the gingerbread house’s existing popularity and today they’re a ubiquitous harbinger of Christmas cheer.

As hotels and malls have worked to outshine their rivals in gingerbread house construction, some houses have gotten larger and larger to the point where the average adult can comfortably stroll inside. Contained within you’ll find no evil witches, just delicious, seasonal cheer. And you don’t have wander through the woods of Germany to find life-size gingerbread creations. In fact there are a few you can check out right here in Southern California.

Let’s a take a look.

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

At the Beverly Wilshire a life-size, 8-by-12-foot gingerbread house can be found in the lobby. The house’s skeleton is made from wood, but the entire structure is covered in gingerbread made at the hotel, all cut and rolled by hand. To make this much gingerbread, Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford and company started baking in August. Construction of the house took another three weeks. The house is brushed with gold dust, and the doors and windows are painted with chocolate. Over 1,000 gingerbread cookies have been fixed to the walls—some brightened with red, green, or white fondant. The roof is made out of 40 gallons marshmallow, which presents the illusion of a snow-topped cabin. As one might imagine, it smells pretty good inside. Its purpose throughout the holidays is a gift shop, open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here, one will find a variety of confectionary treats including chocolate trees filled with fillings, chocolate truffles, and emoji gingerbread men. -> More information

Photo via Eclat Public Relations

JW Marriott L.A. LIVE

Over at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE, another gingerbread house stands to rival the Beverly Wilshire’s. The open-faced “Santa’s Tavern” smells equally delicious and has a bar where cocktail tastings occur daily from 4 to 5 p.m. (I had a gingerbread mule, and can report it is tasty.) Pastry Chef Alex Vacher has used some 1,300 pounds of dough to create this holiday oasis, bedazzled with dozens of cookies and icing piping. A small lounge adjacent to the bar has an electric fireplace, hung with stockings. A TV behind the bar plays holiday classics. It’s so adorable, even the Scroogiest of Scrooges will find themselves impressed by the 1,200 hours of work that went into this festive lodge. Santa’s Tavern is open through January 2. -> More information

Photo by Juliet Bennett Rylah

The Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim also has a life-size gingerbread house, up until December 31. The house is comprised of 663 pounds of dough, 50 pounds of icing, and 135 pounds of candy. It also sits up to 10 guests at a time for a sit-down meal. Reservations are currently sold out, though day-of cancellations may open up new spots. They require a $10 fee, which will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, plus the cost of food. -> Great Wolf Lodge

Beyond Southern California

Outside of L.A., there’s also a life-size gingerbread houses in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, while Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco boasts the largest in the state with their two-story house, complete with a dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The record for the largest gingerbread house, however, was set in 2013 in Bryan, Texas, where it seems like I’ve heard everything is bigger. This house, which came in at 39,202 cubic feet, broke the previous record held by the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Story by We Like LA.

December 16, 2017

Economic update for the week ending December 16, 2017

As a tax reform deal gets closer, stocks continue to skyrocket – Stock markets continued to rise this week as Congress announced that they have finalized a deal on tax reform. Friday they said they had the votes to approve it and would vote next week. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rates for the third time this year citing the strength of the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,651.74, up from 24,326.16 last week. It’s up 24.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,675.81, up from its close last week of 2,651.50. The S&P is up 19.5% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,936.58, up from its last week’s close of 6,840.08. It is up 28.9% year-to-date.

Bond yields end week almost the same as last Friday – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.35%, down from 2.38% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.68%, down from 2.77% last week

Mortgage Rates slightly higher – The December 14, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.93%, unchanged from 3.94% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.36%, unchanged from 3.36% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.36%, unchanged from last week’s 3.35%.

Tax reform clears another hurdle as the Senate and House reconcile their bills and agree on a compromise bill – There still needs a final vote in the Senate and House, followed by a signature by President Trump, but both chambers announced Friday that they had the votes and would vote next week. The final bill has a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. It also reduces all individual tax bracket rates with the top rate capping out at 37%, a 2.7% reduction. It doubles the exempt amount for estate tax and it lowers the amount of AMT (alternative minimum tax). The standard deduction for people that don’t itemize has been almost doubled to $12,000 for individuals, and $24,000 for married couples. To pay for the tax cuts many deductions have been cut back or eliminated. As it relates to real estate some are: a reduction in the mortgage interest deduction from the interest paid on up to $1,100,000 in mortgage loan amount to the interest paid on up to a $750,000 loan. (This applies to new loans. An existing loan up to $1,000,000 is grandfathered in). The deduction on state and local tax paid, which includes property tax will be capped at $10,000 a year. This has been unlimited since congress approved an income tax in 1909. Currently the ability to get a $250,000 per individual, or $500,000 per married couple tax free gain forgiveness on a primary residence sale requires that you live in the home for 2 out of the last 5 years. This is proposed to go to 5 years out of 8 years. Realtor organizations are still trying to get this change eliminated before a final vote. Unfortunately, many in high tax rate states like California will actually pay more in federal income tax according to experts, because of the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction.

Federal Reserve raises overnight rates – The Fed announced that it has raised their key interest rates for a third time this year, citing that a healthy economy called for another rate increase. The Fed dropped rates quickly beginning in 2007 to try to stimulate the economy before and during the Great Recession. By 2009 they had dropped the rate so many times it got to 0% for the first time in the history of the Fed. It remained at 0% until 2015 when the economy had picked up and it was raised 1/4%. It was raised 1/4% two more times in 2016, and three more times this year as the economy has rebounded. The Federal Funds and Discount Rate now stand at 1.5%, still a historic low. The 10-year and 30-year treasury bond yield and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate actually dropped after the announcement, as raising short term rates lowers the risk of inflation, which affects long term rates.