Rodeo Realty Welcomes Four New Agents!
Mortgage Rate Update | March 28, 2024
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of March 28, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.79%, down from 6.87% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.11%, down from 6.21% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.
From the Polestar 4 to MLB on Hulu and More! | Tech News
Stay connected with what’s going on in the world of technology and media! This week we’re rounding up the biggest headlines from across the web. From the Polestar 4 to MLB on Hulu and more, we have you covered! Read on for this week’s round-up!
Hulu with Live TV Introduces MLB Network as Baseball Season Begins
Hulu’s live TV streaming service has introduced MLB Network to its channel lineup just in time for the start of the 2024 baseball season, offering subscribers access to over 100 nationally broadcast MLB games along with original programming and studio shows. This addition comes as a boon for Hulu with Live TV users, especially given that competitors like YouTube TV dropped MLB Network last year. While YouTube TV remains without the network, Hulu’s move underscores the ongoing competition among streaming services for sports content. Additionally, Hulu’s bundled offering with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus provides viewers with a comprehensive entertainment package.
Amazon’s palm-scanning tech now enables users to enroll directly from their smartphones
Amazon has introduced a new Amazon One app for iOS and Android, allowing users to enroll in its palm recognition service directly from their smartphones. This feature eliminates the need to visit physical locations for enrollment, enabling users to set up their accounts and start scanning their palms at supported locations for purchases and age verification. The technology, which uses generative AI to analyze palm vein structure, has raised privacy concerns, but Amazon assures that palm images are encrypted and securely stored. Users can also link payment methods, loyalty programs, and other memberships to the app. However, some users may still be hesitant due to the irreplaceable nature of palm prints.
The Disney Plus-Hulu merger extends far beyond a simple streaming bundle
Hulu has become integrated into Disney Plus, with both services now accessible through a single app. This move offers customers a streamlined experience, where Hulu shows and movies are seamlessly incorporated into Disney’s vast content library. While Hulu retains its own branding and app, it now exists within Disney Plus as a tile alongside other content categories. Behind the scenes, Disney has undertaken significant efforts to unify its streaming platforms, including migrating thousands of assets from Hulu to Disney Plus and standardizing metadata formats and content delivery specifications. This integration marks the beginning of Disney’s broader strategy to consolidate its streaming services into a cohesive ecosystem, leveraging data and machine learning to enhance personalization and recommendation systems across its platforms. While users may not immediately notice these changes, they represent a significant shift in how Disney approaches content creation and distribution in the streaming era.
Next month, Meta will introduce AI capabilities to its Ray-Ban smart glasses
Meta plans to introduce AI capabilities to its Ray-Ban smart glasses in the coming month, offering features such as translation and object recognition. The glasses’ smart assistant, activated with the phrase “Hey Meta,” can identify objects, animals, and monuments, though it may not always be accurate, as observed by The New York Times during testing. While the glasses support multiple languages for translations, the AI features are currently only available to users in the US through an early access waitlist.
Ahead of its debut, the Polestar 4 receives an official price announcement
The Polestar 4, set to launch next month, will arrive with a slightly adjusted price compared to its initial announcement. Originally slated to start around $60,000, the long-range single-motor rear-wheel drive version will now begin at $56,300. This pricing includes destination charges, while the dual-motor model with the standard Pilot pack will start at $63,400. Production for the Polestar 4 is scheduled to commence in late April. This price adjustment follows Polestar’s recent announcement of the Polestar 3 SUV’s pricing. The Polestar 4, a coupe-style SUV, marks an acceleration of the company’s expansion efforts. With a focus on innovation and performance, the Polestar 4 aims to offer an immersive driving experience. In addition, the Polestar 4 offers impressive specs, including a zero to 62mph time of 3.8 seconds and support for fast charging up to 200kW DC.
Weekend Events | March 29 – March 31
It’s Easter weekend and there are plenty of hoppenings all around town! From eggstravagant art shows to egg hunts and more, we have you covered. Check out what’s happening in your neck of the woods March 29 through March 31.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | March 29 – March 31
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy
When: Through Spring 2024
Where: Boyle Heights
What: In the summer of 1987, Germany hosted a unique carnival where traditional rides were embellished with art from Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Sonia Delaunay, and many others. After that summer, this distinctive carnival disappeared, tucked away in storage for years. Recently, however, Luna Luna has been resurrected in Los Angeles. Thanks to the efforts of several art world collaborators and Drake, the carnival has been meticulously restored and reassembled. It is now open for visitors in a Boyle Heights soundstage until the spring of 2024.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Made on Market Street
When: March 7 – June 1, 2024
Where: Beverly Hills
What: Were you captivated by last year’s Basquiat exhibition in Downtown Los Angeles and left craving for more? Make your way to Beverly Hills, where Gagosian is set to showcase 50 seldom-seen pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat. These works, created in Los Angeles, hail from the artist’s prolific period at his Venice studio from 1982 to 1984.
John Williams Spotlight
When: Until May 19, 2024
Where: DTLA
What: In the ongoing multi-year tribute to John Williams by the LA Phil, attendees can experience “A Century of Film” from February 2 to 4. This event, conducted by David Newman, will feature a selection of pieces from several of Williams’ scores, including Indiana Jones and Close Encounters, alongside music from Batman, The Godfather, Back to the Future, Lawrence of Arabia, and other iconic films.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | March 29 – March 31
Stand Up for Pups
When: March 29
Where: Playa Vista
What: Bring your dog along to a pet-friendly comedy night at Annenberg PetSpace featuring performances by Greg Fitzsimmons, Craig Conant, Ahmed Al-kadri, Andrea Vicunia, Martin Morrow, and Ashwin Jacob. Hosted by Caitlin Benson and with DJ VFRESH providing music, the event offers attendees two complimentary drinks. A part of the proceeds will go to the PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund.
WonderCon
When: March 29 – March 31
Where: Anaheim
What: Comic-Con International takes its distinctive celebration of super-fandom to Orange County with its yearly event. Fans of comics, anime, gaming, movies, and TV are invited to the Anaheim Convention Center for three action-packed days featuring exclusive sneak peeks, Q&A sessions, premiere screenings, and appearances by special guests.
The Mean Girls Experience L.A.
When: Until April 21, 2024
Where: Santa Monica
What: Get ready to immerse yourself in a Mean Girls-inspired adventure in Santa Monica where you might just hear some “you can’t sit with us!” exclamations. With each ticket, you’ll enjoy a meal consisting of an entree and side (such as the “Stab” Caesar salad and cheese fries) in a cafeteria-style atmosphere. Additionally, you’ll have access to the Cool Mom Bar and numerous photo opportunities, including Regina’s bedroom mirror, the Burn Book, and the talent show stage.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | March 29 – March 31
Nature Walk
When: March 29
Where: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
What: Embark on a journey of tranquil discovery with FoLAR at this month’s guided Nature Walk through the lush landscapes of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve!
Vegan Easter Hunt at Love Always Sanctuary
When: March 31
Where: Sun Valley
What: Join us for a fun-filled day at Love Always Sanctuary, a beautiful Farmed Animal Sanctuary in California! Our Vegan Easter Hunt is the perfect event for all ages. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of excitement, laughter, and of course, delicious vegan treats!
All-Age Skate Night
When: March 30
Where: Moonlight Rollerways Glendale
What: Join Moonlight Rollerway for All-Age Skate Night on Saturday night, 8 PM to 11 PM. Entry is ticket-only, with skate rentals available at the door for $7.00.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | March 29 – March 31
Vegetable Garden Tips – Get Ready for Spring
When: March 30
Where: Topanga Nursery
What: One can kickstart their spring vegetable garden with insights and techniques from the resident garden specialist. This session will cover soil preparation, planting methods, companion planting, fertilizer use, pest control, and more. After the lecture, the knowledgeable staff will be available to answer questions and assist attendees in cultivating a thriving vegetable garden, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest. The class also includes one 4-inch vegetable seedling of the attendee’s choice.
Egg Scramble Event at Rancho Santa Susana Park
When: March 30, 9am – 10am
Where: 5005 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley
What: Celebrate the eggcitement of the coming of spring at the Egg Scramble for ages 10 and under on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley starting at 9 a.m. Bring your cameras for Easter Bunny photos between 8:15-9 and 9:15-9:45 Call 805.584.4456 for more information. www.rsrpd.org
Easter Eggstravaganza Event in Camarillo
When: March 30
Where: 1605 Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010, USA
What: Join the Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 10am to 1pm at Community Center Park, Camarillo, for a free celebration with crafts, the Easter Bunny, food trucks, live music, and more. Don’t miss this festive day of fun for the whole family!
The Best Korean BBQ Spots Around Town | L.A. Eats
In Southern California, you’ll find a vast array of dining options. With a large Korean community, there are also some superb Korean BBQ options. In this week’s blog, we are sharing our favorite spots you’ll love. Read on and try out one of these delicious bites in Southern California.
Los Angeles Korean BBQ
Jeong Yuk Jeom
Location: 621 S Western Ave #100 | Los Angeles
You can always find a table at this huge, two-story Korean BBQ joint, even on the weekend during peak hours. It has a great selection of prime-grade short rib and dry-aged cuts.
Daedo Sikdang
Location: 4001 W 6th St | Los Angeles
Located on a massive, sleek building on W. 3rd Street, this is the only US location of the illustrious Seoul steakhouse. The primary focus of its short menu is premium cuts such as the rib eye roll, dry-aged strips, and marinated Angus beef.
Parks BBQ
Location: 955 S Vermont Ave G | Los Angeles
Parks BBQ offers high-quality Korean BBQ. It has an extensive menu with several combo platters that include a magnificent parade of meats like banchan, short rib, bulgogi, and rib eye. The quality of meat in Parks BBQ is unmatched.
Westside and Beach Communities Korean BBQ
Galbi King
Location: 11267 National Blvd | West Los Angeles
You’ll find all your favorite cuts there, including flavorful and tender beef belly as well as some fantastic pork jowl. This local spot is also easily accessible and has plenty of parking.
Mom & Bop
Location: 1707 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s Mom & Bop is the perfect spot for a quick bite and delicious Korean BBQ. It serves top-tier cuts of meat, making it ideal for an important business meeting and date night.
Wharo
Location: 4029 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey
At Wharo in Marina del Rey, you are likely to find some fantastic eats. The dining spot is a great choice for well-to-do professionals to casual friend outings or anyone looking to enjoy some awesome Korean BBQ.
San Fernando Valley Korean BBQ
House of Galbi
Location: 15927 Ventura Blvd | Encino
This neighborhood spot menu focuses on relaxed, simple bites. At this Encino spot, you can expect large portions and excellent customer service.
TaeKwon 92
Location: 250 W Valley Blvd ste p | San Gabriel
Located on the San Gabriel Valley, Taekwon 92 offers three tiers of All You Can Eat deals, none of which compromises on quality. Devour as much prime short rib or dry-aged rib eye as you can stuff your face with.
Musse
Location: 8456 Reseda Blvd | Northridge
Offering authentic Ban Chan, Musse is a must-try spot in Northridge. Enjoy the finest meat cuts in town, including must-orders like marinated short rib and skirt steak.
Conejo Valley Korean BBQ
Janchi Korean BBQ
Location: 165 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks
Here you’ll find an All You Can Eat, “Self-Grill” set-up, so one should ensure they come hungry. Likewise, we recommend spicy pork bulgogi, beef bulgogi, and marinated short ribs. Good options include pork dishes and marinated beef.
Heat KBBQ By MGD Hollywood
Location: 1714 Newbury Rd, Thousand Oaks
Enjoy premium all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, especially for a casual evening out. The restaurant offers a number of delicious options to choose from to meet every taste.
TJ Korean BBQ
Location: 17623 Sherman Way, Van Nuys
For a premium selection of meats, look no further than TJ Korean BBQ. Likewise, TJ takes pride in its wet-aged meat so you can expect a memorable dining experience.
Local Bookstores Around Town | Out & About
Finding the perfect book to read is about more than just grabbing the first thing off the shelf at your local location of a chain bookstore. Rather, you want to find a book that really speaks to you, something that fits your idea of a perfect day, something unique, something special. That’s why finding local bookstores is so important because they can provide you all of that and more.
The Last Bookstore
Location: DTLA
One of LA’s most famed local bookstores, the Last Bookstore has a collection of the latest books by the top authors. In addition, they also have a collection of over 500,000 used and collectible books. If you’re looking for a particular book, whether new, used, or collectible, chances are you’ll be able to find it here. After all, it is almost an entire block in size.
Book Monster
Location: Santa Monica
For local bookstores on the wetside, visit Book Monster. The shop offers old and new books with the added convenience close to the beach. You can pop in and find a great read before a relaxing seaside day. Open every day of the week, you’ll never run out of new things to check out, including CDS and DVDs.
The Illiad
Location: San Fernando Valley
As far as epic names and cool local bookstores, The Illiad has it all. At this small shop, you get the experience of going to the library, except you get to keep the books, and there are cats. You’ll find this cute shop with its beautiful murals and giant books outside to be more than ready for a few photos. And you may even get the opportunity to cuddle up with a cat or two while you’re selecting your next read of the packed shelves.
Skylight Books
Location: Los Angeles,
As far as local bookstores in LA Skylight Books offers a selection of great reads related to the arts and literary fiction. In addition, they have a fantastic primary focus on LA history. You’ll also find plenty to do in this shop if you’re looking for a place to hang out because they offer special artist and author events frequently.
Village Well Books & Coffee
Location: Culver City
A freshly brewed coffee and a great book? Yes, please! For local bookstores in Culver City, you’ll love Village Well Books & Coffee. They offer plenty of great book options and a place to meet fellow book lovers. In fact, they have a book club available for those who are interested in reading something new with some new friends.
Once Upon a Time
Location: Montrose
If the name doesn’t say it all, Once Upon Time is perfect for a family bookstore visit. This little shop is focused on children’s books so it’s a great place to take the little ones to foster a love of reading and get something new to read together.
If you’re looking for your next great read you can’t go wrong with any of these local bookstores, and while you’re there, you just might find a new favorite.
What Your Bedroom Paint Says About You | Home Tips
Nothing speaks more profoundly of your personality than the paint colors that you choose for your home. Likewise, the color scheme you choose for your personal haven, i.e. your bedroom, says volumes about who you really are.
A Colorful Personality
Architects have long known that paint colors can affect your mood. For example, orange and yellow tones will make you feel hungry, making them a good choice for dining areas. On the other hand, blue invokes feelings of calmness like still water. This is partially why, when choosing a bedroom paint color, you must think of the mood you are looking to create.
What to Consider in Choosing a Bedroom Paint Color…
Keep in mind that you want your personal space to be soothing and relaxing, a place that allows you to take a comfortable break from your day-to-day activities and not an area that will make you feel desperately hungry, no matter how much you like the combination of orange and yellow paint colors. So, let’s take a look at bedroom paint colors that stand out and will help you make the statement you want.
Green as Bedroom Paint Color
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- With a very wide range of green shades available today, green will always be one of the most relaxing bedroom paint colors on the market. It is reminiscent of nature and the tranquility it inspires. But, as with anything, it’s best to stay away from the brighter shades, unless you really love pistachio, in order to achieve a sense of calm elegance in your personal oasis. On the darker part of the scale, a toned-down olive color can blend well with very light gray accents and white ceilings, which will not only provide a restful and comfortable environment but also one that embellishes the elegance of your character.
Browns as a Bedroom Paint Color
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- Earthen tones, when used as main bedroom colors in combination with creamy neutrals, can lend a sense of well-being and warmth to any area. Keep in mind that these colors can make your bedroom seem less luminous so make sure your ceilings are done in lighter paint colors, preferably cream color or off-white.
Lilacs as a Bedroom Paint Color
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- Washed lilac tones can add a touch of luminous relaxation to your bedroom paint. When used in combination with light green accents and pale grey, you will wake up every morning to a refreshing sensation filled with light and fresh air.
Neutrals as a Bedroom Paint Color
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- These classic colors never seem to go out of style and go well with almost any type of bright accent, giving you a sense of restfulness when you need it the most.
Blues as a Bedroom Paint Color
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- Just as with the green palette, blues are a way to add a touch of nature to your personal space, except in this case, instead of getting the sensation of relaxing in the midst of a silent forest, you will create the feeling of being in a breezy ocean paradise. Blues are available in a myriad of tones, so choose the one you like best and let your imagination fly as you combine it with almost any other color you like, although your best effect will certainly be achieved with gray, white, cream, or pale violet accents.
Choosing bedroom paint colors doesn’t have to follow any fixed set of rules. It is your personal paradise and, as such, it should reflect your tastes and style. The only thing you should make sure of when you are looking for a new bedroom paint scheme is that you fall in love with it.
Economic Update | Week Ending March 23, 2024
This week the Fed left interest rates unchanged. In their remarks, they said that they still expect to make three rate drops in 2024 despite inflation remaining above their target rate. They also commented on the strength of the labor market and that they expect unemployment to remain low. They also made reference to easing of other quantitative policies designed to slow the economy. Investors took the news well and stocks surged while bond yields and mortgage rates dropped on expectations of lower rates soon.
Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 39,475.90, up 2% from 38,714.77 last week. It is up 4.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,234.18, up 2.3% from 5,117.09 last week. The S&P is up 9.8% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 16,428.82 up 2.8% from 15,973.17 last week. It is up 9.4% year-to-date.
U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.22%, down from 4.31% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.39%, down from 4.43%last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of March 21, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.87%, up from 6.74% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.21%, up from 6.16% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Year-over-year home prices jumped almost 10% in California – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 290,020 in February, up 12.8% from 257,040 closed sales in January and up 1.3% from a revised 286,290 homes sold on an annualized basis last January.There was a 3-month supply of homes on the market in February, down up from a 3.2-month month supply of homes in January and down from a 3.1-month supply one year ago. The statewide median price paid for a home in February was $809,460, up 9.7% from a revised median price of $789,480 last February.
The graph below shows home sales figures by county in Southern California.
Mortgage Rate Update | March 21, 2024
Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of March 21, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.87%, up from 6.74% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.21%, up from 6.16% last week.
The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.
From Microsoft AI to Segway and More! | Tech News
It’s time for our weekly wrap-up of the top tech news from across the web! From Microsoft AI to Segway and more, we have you covered. Read on below and stay connected with the major tech news headlines of the week.
Microsoft introduces its initial AI-powered PCs
Microsoft is preparing for its “year of the AI PC” with the introduction of two new Surface devices, the Surface Pro 10 for Business and the Surface Laptop 6 for Business. Both feature Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors and Microsoft’s new Copilot key, alongside a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance AI-powered features in Windows 11. The devices, slated for commercial release on April 9th, maintain a familiar design externally but boast significant upgrades internally. The Surface Pro 10 for Business offers a choice between Core Ultra 5 135U and Core Ultra 7 165U options, while the Surface Laptop 6 for Business is equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra H-series chips for enhanced performance. Both devices include various improvements such as upgraded displays, improved cameras, NFC readers, and optional 5G connectivity. Microsoft plans to unveil consumer versions of these devices at a later date, coinciding with the introduction of new AI features for Windows 11.
Threads opens beta for Fediverse, enabling post sharing on Mastodon
Threads introduces beta testing for its fediverse integration in the US, Canada, and Japan, allowing users to cross-post and view likes from federated platforms such as Mastodon. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature’s rollout, which requires users to have a public account to activate. While the integration enables interaction with content across platforms, there are limitations, including the inability to view replies and follows from the fediverse. Nonetheless, this move marks Threads’ expansion into the fediverse after initially testing its ActivityPub integration last year, offering users more options for sharing and interacting with content.
Google Introduces Satellite Messaging to Android 15
Google has released the second developer preview for Android 15, featuring long-awaited satellite messaging support alongside enhancements to contactless payments, multi-language recognition, volume consistency, and PDF interaction within apps. Scheduled for public release later this year, the beta addresses user concerns, such as apps understanding service unavailability during satellite connection use, and introduces screen recording detection and improved contactless payment reliability. Additionally, developers gain expanded access to flip phone small cover screens, adherence to a new loudness standard, and enhanced PDF features like password protection and annotation.
YouTube TV introduces multiview for iPhones and iPads, just in time for March Madness
YouTube TV has expanded its multiview feature to iOS and iPadOS devices. The update allows subscribers to watch multiple programs simultaneously, just in time for March Madness. While Android users will have to wait for the feature, iOS users can now enjoy watching up to four different streams at once. However, the feature remains focused on sports content, limiting its flexibility for other types of programming. Users can access multiview streams through the YouTube TV app, provided they have updated to version 8.11 or later.
Segway Introduces Sub-$1,000 Smart Robot Mower to the US Market
Segway’s Navimow i series robot lawn mower is now available in the US. The news marks one of the first robotic mowers priced under $1,000 with autonomous navigation capabilities. The series includes the i105N and the i110N covering 0.125 acres and 0.25 acres. Utilizing Segway’s Exact Fusion Locating System 2.0 the mower promises efficient lawn care. With AI-powered mapping, the Navimow i series offers advanced features previously available only in pricier models. The release signifies a step towards the mainstream adoption of robotic mowers.
Former co-founder of Google DeepMind appointed as CEO of Microsoft’s newly formed AI division
Microsoft appoints Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of Google DeepMind, as CEO of its new consumer-facing AI division. As such, Suleyman will oversee products like Copilot, Bing, and Edge. Suleyman, also named executive vice president of Microsoft AI, brings a wealth of experience in AI leadership. Alongside Suleyman, Microsoft hires talent from his startup Inflection AI, including co-founder Karén Simonyan. This move signifies Microsoft’s commitment to advancing AI technologies.