Rodeo Realty

As November kicks into full swing, we are rounding up the best events happening from around town. From film and food festivals to gardening sessions and more, we have you covered. Read this week’s blog for the best local weekend events from November 10 through November 12, 2023.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 10 – November 12, 2023

Vulture Festival

When: November 11 – November 12 

Where: Hollywood

What: Explore Q&As, exclusive previews, and script readings at the star-studded pop culture festival hosted by New York Magazine’s Vulture. This year’s event will take place at Nya Studios in Hollywood and feature various exciting events, including a discussion with Weird Al, a conversation with Billy Porter, an acting workshop led by Henry Winkler, a feminist panel with Amber Tamblyn, an art discourse with Sharon Stone and Jerry Saltz, a performance by T.J. Mack (Brian Jordan Alvarez), a live show by Adam Pally, a talk with Cord Jefferson, and a festive holiday presentation by Matt Rogers.

Ultra Cinematheque 70: Hollywood

When: November 11 – November 21

Where: Hollywood

What: The American Cinematheque returns to the newly renovated Egyptian theater in Hollywood for a festival of classic films presented in 70mm format. From November 10 to 21, cinephiles can enjoy a lineup of iconic movies, including Boogie Nights, West Side Story, Spartacus, The Master, The Wild Bunch, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Nope, and Lawrence of Arabia. Exclusive screenings of Playtime and Aliens are available for members.

Bluey x CAMP: An Immersive Adventure

When: November 6, 2023 – January 15, 2024

Where: Century City

What: Bluey, the captivating animated series that has both you and your toddler hooked, is making its whimsical Brisbane living room come alive at the Century Century pop-up. The toy store and activity hub, CAMP, will bring Bluey’s playroom to life, featuring a towering pillow fort and a cardboard box castle. Plus, dive into some of Bluey’s beloved games, like magic asparagus and keepy-uppy.

 

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | November 10 – November 12, 2023

Astra Lumina

When: November 9, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates

What: Experience the year-end event at South Coast Botanic Garden, where you can take a leisurely walk through a garden adorned with celestial-themed lighting. This one-hour trail in Palos Verdes isn’t Christmas or winter-themed, but it offers nine stunning installations inspired by the cosmos, making it one of the most captivating nighttime botanical garden displays that Los Angeles has to offer at the end of the year.

Selected Shorts on Tour

When: November 11, 2023

Where: Westside

What: The annual short story celebration, part of a public radio series, brings Hollywood actors to the Getty to perform both classic and contemporary literary pieces. Listen to talented actors such as Tony Hale, Judy Greer, Emma Roberts, Randall Park, Ryan O’Connell, Richa Moorjani, Laura Harrier, and others who breathe life into a variety of authors’ written works.

Ice at Santa Monica

When: Until January 15

Where: Santa Monica

What: Just a short distance from the ocean, Ice in downtown Santa Monica introduces a touch of winter to this cozy coastal town. This 8,000-square-foot open-air rink operates daily from November to mid-January, situated at the intersection of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, a mere 10-minute stroll from the E Line. An hour-long skating slot is priced at $22, inclusive of skate rentals. For those seeking a more upscale experience, there are options to reserve private parties and cabanas.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 10 – November 12, 2023

Veggie Gardening and California Native Plants with Sophie Pennes

When: November 11 

Where: Theodore Payne Foundation

What: Learn how to harmoniously combine non-native vegetables and fruit trees with a California native garden in this workshop led by Sophie Pennes from Urban Farms LA. The workshop provides valuable insights into achieving a balanced and diverse edible garden alongside native plants. Participants will gain knowledge about growing food in raised beds or containers, hydrozoning, irrigation methods, and the benefits of companion planting with native species.

Shaping Gravity: Abstract Art Beyond the Picture Plane

When: Until March 10 

Where: Glendale

What: Experience the vibrant interpretations of abstraction by seven artists at this complimentary exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum. Explore diverse artworks ranging from sculptures and paintings to augmented reality pieces and interactive video projections. Featured artists include Jen Stark, Molly Larkey, Shane Guffogg, Michelle Jane Lee, Christine Nguyen, Rema Ghuloum, and Sara Ippolito.

Los Angeles magazine’s The Food Event 2023

When: November 12 

Where: Hummingbird Nest Ranch | Simi Valley

What: Join Los Angeles magazine for The Food Event 2023, their 17th annual culinary extravaganza, hosted at the picturesque Hummingbird Nest Ranch in the Santa Susana Mountains. This gourmet festival offers a diverse array of delectable tastings from some of Los Angeles’ finest restaurants, live cooking demonstrations by acclaimed chefs, craft beer, boutique wine, spirits, and cocktail samplings, along with special experiences presented by sponsors.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 10 – November 12, 2023

Veterans Day Ceremony in Oxnard

When: November 11, 11am – 12pm

Where: Plaza Park, 500 S C St, Oxnard

What: Join the City of Oxnard, Disabled American Veterans, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, Military Officers Association of America, and Boy Scouts of America for a Veterans Day Ceremony at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard, located at 500 South C Street. The event will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. This outdoor ceremony will be conducted adjacent to the Veterans Memorial within Plaza Park. 

Fall Festival at Ojai Raptor Center 

When: November 12, 11am – 3pm

Where: Ojai Raptor Center

What: Join the Ojai Raptor Center at their 2023 Fall Festival on November 12, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with live performances, interactive games, bird walks, and more in Ojai. Admission ranges from $8 to $15, and kids aged 3 and under enter for free.

Conejo Valley Community Concert & Jazz Band Free Concert

When: November 12 

Where: 28545 W Driver Ave, Agoura Hills

What: The City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services and the City of Westlake Village are pleased to announce the Fall performance of the Conejo Valley Community Concert & Jazz Band. The concert is free to the public.

Economic news this week was quite favorable. On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the U.S. would need to sell about $75 billion less than expected in bonds to fund the government debt. She also commented that the Treasury Department would issue mostly short-term bonds rather than long term bonds, signaling that the department expected long-term yields to drop, and the government did not want to be obligated to today’s rates for a long term.  On Wednesday the Fed left their key interest rates unchanged for a second straight month. Fed Chairman Powell’s comments were more optimistic about the future of inflationary pressures than they have been. On Thursday ADP, the largest payroll servicer in the world, forecasted that the jobs market slowed in October. Friday, the Bureau of Labor and Statictics released the official report. It showed that the number of new jobs created was ½ of the number of new jobs created in September and that the unemployment rate was rising, and wage growth was slowing. Additionally, there was a report that showed rental rates had dropped, manufacturing had slowed, unit labor costs had dropped, jobless claims increased, and the EU reported that their economy had slowed, and their inflation rate had dropped significantly. Investors looking for signs that the economy was finally slowing finally got data to support that it is.  Both bond yields and mortgage rates dropped significantly which led to the best one-week stock market rally this year. Mortgage rates hit a 23-year high in October when the 30-year mortgage rate hit 8.25%. Recent data has reversed that trend. On Friday, the 30-year mortgage rate was 7.5%. Treasury bond yields also dropped sharply this week. The 10-year treasury bond yield topped 5% just 10 days ago but closed the week at 4.57%.

Job growth cooled in October – The Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 150,000 new full-time jobs were added in October. That was about ½ of the revised 297,000 created in September.  The unemployment rate increased to 3.9% in October, up from 3.8% in September. Average hourly wages increased 4.1% year-over-year, the smallest year-over-year increase in over a year.

Stock markets surged in their best week of the year – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 34,061.32, up 5.1% from 32,417.59 last week. It is up 2.8% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,338.34, up 5.4% from 4,117.37 last week.  It is up 13% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 13,478.28, up 6.7% from 12,634.01 last week. It is up 28.8% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.57%, down from 4.84% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.77%, down from 5.03% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of November 2, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.76%, up from 7.79% last week. The 15-year fixed was 7.03%, up from 7.03% last week. Rates dropped all week. Next week’s rates should be closer to 7.5% on a 30-year fixed if the mortgage market remains where it was on Friday.

Have a great weekend!

For the discerning homeowner, luxury isn’t simply a matter of aesthetic appeal or expansive spaces. The true essence of luxury lies in the meticulous attention to detail, the quality of craftsmanship, and the preservation of the home’s grandeur over time. As November heralds the approach of colder months, regular maintenance checks become paramount to ensure that the home’s opulence is uncompromised and continues to reflect its original splendor.

Winter-Proofing Your Abode this November

As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preparing your abode for the winter months is crucial not only for comfort but also for the longevity and efficiency of various systems within the home.

Heating System Inspection: Ensure that your heating systems, whether traditional or contemporary, are operating at peak efficiency. This may involve cleaning vents, replacing filters, or scheduling professional maintenance checks.

Protection of Outdoor Furniture: The unique and exquisite nature of high-end outdoor furniture demands protection from the elements. Consider weather-resistant covers or, if space permits, storage in a climate-controlled area.

Smart Home System Updates: With technological advancements, it’s prudent to ensure that all smart home systems are updated for winter efficiency. This includes optimizing heating schedules, ensuring security systems are calibrated for shorter days, and ensuring outdoor sensors are clear of fall debris.

 

Art Care in Colder Months

Art pieces, often central to a luxury home’s decor, are susceptible to the fluctuating conditions of indoor environments during winter.

Temperature Consistency: It’s vital to maintain a stable indoor temperature, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C), to prevent any potential damage to artworks.

Humidity Control: Too much humidity can lead to mold growth, while too little can cause materials to dry out and become brittle. Invest in a high-quality humidifier or dehumidifier and aim to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40-60%.

Avoid Direct Heat: Never position artwork directly above radiators or heating vents. The constant change in temperature can adversely affect the materials, leading to warping or other forms of degradation.

Ensuring Spa and Pool Preparedness this November

Water features, especially luxury pools and spas, are havens of relaxation and deserve special attention as winter approaches.

Outdoor Pool Care: If you’re closing your pool for the winter, ensure all equipment is cleaned and stored appropriately. Likewise, this means you should balance the water chemistry and secure a tight-fitting pool cover to keep out debris.

Indoor Spa Maintenance: For indoor facilities, consider a professional maintenance check. Ensure that water heaters are functioning optimally, inspect for any leaks, and clean or replace filters as necessary.

 

The grandeur of a luxury home isn’t simply in its initial design and furnishings. It is in its continued elegance and functionality year after year. By committing to regular maintenance checks, homeowners not only uphold the value of their property but also guarantee their comfort. After all, true luxury lies in both beauty and enduring quality.

Stock markets dropped again this week – Concerns about high interest rates continued to cause panic for investors again this week after another round of positive data was released. The third quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the broadest measure about the strength of the economy, unexpectedly jumped. The reading showed that the economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.9% in the third quarter of 2023, up from 2.1% in the second quarter. Surging consumer spending was attributed to much of the increase. This left investors feeling that the Fed has lost control over the economy. The economy, jobs market, and consumer spending have continued to expand despite all of the interest rate hikes and other tightening measures that were supposed to slow the economy. Another report showed that while savings are dropping, there is still $1.2 trillion in Covid stimulus in savings. The PCE, another gauge of inflation that was released on Friday, showed inflation rose in September by the largest month-over-month percentage rate since May. Other news had tech stocks declining early in the week when Alphabet released weaker earnings than expected, but that reversed on Friday when Amazon and Intel beat expectations. Auto stocks also took a hit after Ford announced that they were pulling their future guidance due to the auto worker strike. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 32,417.59, down 2.1% from 33,127.29 last week. It is down 2.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,117.37, down 2.6% from 4,224.16 last week. It is up 7.2% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 12,634.01.81, down 2.7% from 12,983.81 last week. It is up 20.7% year-to-date. U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.84%, down from 4.93% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 5.03%, down from 4.78% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields. Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 26, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.79%, up from 7.63% last week. The 15-year fixed was 7.03%, up from 6.92% last week. Have a great weekend!