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Top Members Only Clubs | Out & About

Southern California is popular for its beautiful weather and booming entertainment business. Similarly, it boasts of several top members-only clubs, perfect for individuals who prefer socializing with friends and making business connections in a private, elegant, laid-back setting. Listed below are some of the premier members only clubs in southern California, providing the perfect balance of exclusivity, sophistication, and class.

1. Aster- Hollywood

Set to launch in August 2022, this new private club offers the most luxury amenities such as high-end bars, a pool, sleek workspaces, a screening studio, and even health and wellness spaces. The online application for Aster includes a form with your picture, bio, and important skill sets.

2. Soho House – West Hollywood

Located in West Hollywood, this clubhouse is famous for occasional celebrity sightings. The club hosts popular brick events and stunning views enjoyed from its living room or patio.

3. NeueHouse – Hollywood

This club brings members together to socialize together in workspace-like environments, only much more relaxed. Other member amenities provided include unlimited access to the bar and restaurants, private telephone booths, podcast recording studios, and conference rooms. In addition, $3200 in membership fees paid annually give the Salon members access to communal workspaces and the gallery floors for eight business days each month.

4. Soho Warehouse – DTLA

With a rooftop pool and a unique creative space called the warehouse studio, this club is ideal for hosting events. Applications are carried out online with a mandatory requirement of at least two referrals.

5. Spring Place – Beverly Hills

Spring place is home to creative and collaborative minds in SoCal’s entertainment, fashion and art industries. Featuring executive suites, a boardroom, an exquisite art gallery, a screening studio, and a top-tier restaurant, this three-story spot is one of the most exclusive and luxurious clubs to check out in Beverly Hills. In addition, you can also include current club members as referrals in your application.

6. City Club – LA

Located in a high-rise building with great views, this club offers spaces to relax and engage in social mingling with other members. Online applications are made on their website.

7. Jonathan Club – LA and Santa Monica beach

Founded over a century ago, this club continues to provide members with fine dining amenities, wellness and spa services, social events, and award shows. To join, you can contact Johannes Masserer, whose contact is on their online website.

8. Fashion Mamas – Silver Lake

Fashion Mamas was founded in 2014 by local fashion editor Natalie Alcala. Created for ambitious mothers in the creative industry to further their connections and their community, Fashion mamas have, over time managed to secure members from across the globe.

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From TikTok’s Ticketmaster Partnership, SoulCycle and More! | Tech News

It’s time for another week of the latest in tech news! We have you covered with the leading headlines from around the world wide web. Read on major tech news from TikTok’s Ticketmaster Partnership, SoulCycle, and More!

Microsoft Teams now allows users to send short video clip messages

Microsoft has announced this week a new asynchronous video chat tool from Inspire, including collaborative annotations and the Excel Live app in Teams meetings. When text messages and emojis don’t cut it, Microsoft has given Teams users another option for communicating: the ability to send short video clips using the chat function. The video clip feature can be accessed by clicking on a small video camera icon in the Teams text chat box. A pop-up screen lets a user record a short clip and edits the length before posting it into the Teams chat.  Excel Live will be available in public preview at the end of August.

iPhone Users should Clear Your Cache Regularly

Over time, if you don’t clear your cache, the data stored in your web browsers get cluttered and might slow the phone. Whether you browse in Chrome, Safari, or any other browser, your phone gets digitally cluttered over time. Clearing your cache, reset the browser, thereby speeding up your web browsing. You can also manage your iPhone’s storage to help get it running fast again. Clearing your cache removes the website data the phone stored locally to prevent having to download that data with each new visit. Mostly, the cache requires clearing once every month or two. You should clear your cache more often if you frequent many sites.

Seattle nonprofit works to expose underrepresented youth to space industry careers

iUrban Teen, a Seattle-based nonprofit, hosted a Space Summit (iSpace) featuring the leading space industry partners such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, NASA, and Starfish Space. The nonprofit wants to help expose underrepresented youth to the industry and potential careers. The program had an intentional reach to BIPOC students but was open to all middle and high school students. iUrban Teens wants the iSpace Summit to become part of an annual program and plans to expand to other cities like Portland and Dallas. 

SoulCycle Launches New Campaign to Give Free Classes to Peloton Users

Popular cycling studio Soul Cycle has launched a new campaign to bring back its former riders. The SoulCycle ‘Souls Reunited’ campaign will give up to 47 classes free for clients that trade in their Peloton bike. “We’re dead set on seeing you back with your pack, so we’re giving you the opportunity to trade in your bike for the equivalent value of in-studio classes at SoulCycle,” reads SoulCycle Souls Reunited campaign site. Likewise, the offer is only valid for the first 100 people within the United States. The offer launched this week and with winners to be announced on August 12th. 

TikTok Launches Ticketmaster Feature to Bring Big Shows to App

With its ongoing popularity and usage, TikTok has launched a new integration focused on music. This latest feature partners with Ticketmaster to allow performers to sell concert tickets directly on the app. The integration will take advantage of TikTok’s recommendation feed by helping artists to reach more fans. With music playing such a big part of the app, this latest move from TikTok makes sense. According to reports, the company also recently filed a trademark for “TikTok Music.” The filing states that the platform would allow users to download, purchase, play and share music all from the app.

Amazon Brings Mall Favorites to Same Day Delivery Offering

E-commerce giant Amazon will be partnering with select stores to bring mall favorite shops direct to consumers. The new initiative will allow for same-day delivery from places like PacSun, GNC, Superdry, and Diesel. The service is also limited to certain cities, like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Seattle, and Washington, DC.  “The expansion of Amazon’s Same-Day Delivery to include beloved brands delivered directly from nearby retail locations is just another way we are offering customers even greater selection, at faster speeds,” Sarah Mathew, Amazon’s director of delivery experience, said in a statement.

 

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Weekend Events | August 5 – August 7, 2022

The weekend has arrived, and so has your list of fun things to do locally. Enjoy all that this August 5 through August 7 has to offer with our roundup of community entertainment. Read on for this weekend’s most exciting events!

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | August 5 – August 7

The Allyson Felix Race for Change

 

When: August 7 

Where: DTLA

What: Join the most decorated U.S. track athlete in history, Allyson Felix for her retirement sprint this weekend. Felix invites you to the Arts District for an Athleta-presented event at ROW DTLA. The August 7 event will also feature a community street race to raise awareness for accessible child care and live music.

House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty

When: August 5 – August 7 

Where: USC/Exposition Park

What: Westeros comes to the Natural History Museum for a Game of Thrones-inspired dragon-filled exhibit. The in-person promo for the upcoming release of the prequel series House of Dragon invites you to view props and customs from the HBO show. The exhibit will also include tutorials on the Valyrian language, dragon eggs, and a replica of the House of Dragon version of the Iron Throne.

Back to the Future screening with the LA Phil

When: August 5 – August 6 

Where: The Hollywood Bowl

What: ‘Great, Scott!’ Join Marty McFly and travel back in time this weekend only for the LA Phil’s screening of ‘Back to the Future’. The Steven Spielberg-produced hit will be accompanied by the LA Phil’s orchestra and David Newman.

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS | August 5 – August 7 

The Actors’ Gang Free Shakespeare in the Park

When: August 5 – August 28 

Where: Culver City Media Park

What: The Actors Gang brings a fresh take on the Bard’s greatest works. Join the Culver City theatre for its unique take on Shakespeare at this family-friendly, high-energy production. This summer will feature a Halloween-inspired adaption of ‘As You Like It’, dubbed ‘As BOO like it’, so you get the jest.

KCRW Summer Nights

When: Until September 29 

Where: Westwood

What: Summer is better with KCRW Summer Nights. Enjoy open-air tunes on select nights from July through September at various locations. Some of the spots for sounds include the Hammer Museum, CAAM, and more!

US Open of Surfing

When: July 30 – August 7

Where: Huntington Beach

What: The US Open of Surfing rides the waves into Huntington Beach this weekend for a week-long competition. Bringing together the world’s elite surfers, thousands of competitors will face off for the big prize. The event will also feature live bands, a sports expo, and after-parties.

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | August 5 – August 7 

145th Annual Ventura County Fair

When: August 3 – August 14 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | Ventura

What: It’s time for the 145th annual Ventura County Fair, “A County Fair with Ocean Air.” This year’s fair takes place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds for two weeks of fun! Enjoy arts, crafts, food, exhibits, displays, demonstrations, farm animals, petting zoo, carnival rides, games, and entertainment. 

Free Movies on the Green Featuring ‘Encanto’

When: August 6 

Where: Warner Ranch Park | Woodland Hills

What: Enjoy the instant Disney classic ‘Encanto’ on the Green at Warner Ranch Park. Spend your Saturday evenings with family-friendly flicks in Woodland hills for a night of fun and film. Make sure to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to settle down comfortably.

Heritage Square Concert Series

When: through August 19 

Where: Oxnard

What: With the arrival of summer you can always expect one thing…summer concert series! Heritage Square invites you to join them for the return of their 10-week music series run. Enjoy musical styles ranging from Reggae to Latin, Jazz, and rock. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | August 5 – August 7 

Movies on the Roof

When: until August 27

Where: Fashion Square Mall | Sherman Oaks

What: Westfield Fashion Square invites you to a joy-filled alfresco film series this summer. Catch flicks like Austin Powers and Shrek, and with ticket sales, support Hope of the Valley.

Moonlit Saturdays

When: August 6 

Where: The Nitecap | Burbank

What: Treat yourself to some comedy and laughs this weekend. Head to The Nitecap for Moonlit Saturdays. The comedy show features LA’s best comedians, many of whom have appeared on HBO, Netflix, and Showtime. Don’t miss out!

Valley Relics Museum Experience

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum features neon signs, classic cars, a playable retro arcade, and more! Tickets for Valley Relics Museum can be purchased on Eventbrite.

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The Best Neutral Decor Ideas For Your Home | Home Tips

When people think about neutral decor ideas, they usually picture boring tones of beige, but with the right combination of colors, contrasts, and textures, you can end up with absolutely fantastic results. When you start considering a palette of neutral colors, try not to stick to the most obvious ones. Neutral colors include shades like browns, grays, whites, and even metallic hues! So, with this in mind, let’s move forward with our favorite decorating ideas for awesome neutral decor.

1. Getting Started on Neutral Decor : Choose The Color For The Walls

One of the best ways to get started on neutral decor is to remember that “neutral” doesn’t mean you must use a single color. When you go for a neutral look, simply choose a range of colors that “go” with everything else. You’ll want to achieve a down-to-earth, relaxing space. With this in mind, the first step should be to work on your room’s background. By background, we are referring to the walls of the room you want to decorate. Choosing a pale ivory color can create the illusion of a room that is airy, fresh, and filled with light. Likewise, and in many cases, a few well-placed mirrors can help to make your room look larger.

2. Up Next: Your Windows And Floors

The most important part of neutral decor is your flooring and the color of your window treatments. These two will set the stage for everything else you place in that room. In addition, they are flexible enough to allow you to stray from the color of the walls. In the case of flooring, a nice earth tone will help your room look clean and fresh. Make sure your window treatments provide a contrast to your floors in order to make your room feel warm and welcoming.

3. Furniture: The Icing On The Cake

When you are looking to achieve the perfect neutral decor, you should consider using colors that contrast with your flooring. A great look is achieved by using a darker brown color for your furniture. Additionally, you should keep in mind that you can add throw pillows in a variety of tones to add an even more welcoming sense of warmth to the room.

4. Wrap It Up With Awesome Seasonal Neutral Decor 

While it is understandable that seasonal decorations will add a bit of color to your neutral decor, it is possible to maintain a wonderfully classical look all year round by selecting decorations that are crafted out of natural materials, such as wreaths made out of twigs or dry branches, and even a beautiful ceramic vase with colorful flowers that will give a touch of life to your space. It is at this point you can highlight a certain accessory by using brighter colors in a neutral room. Remember that a neutral decor doesn’t require overloading but can achieve a perfect look with a few great accessories in the right places.

5. Playing With Pastels

One of the most beautiful things about neutral decor colors is that they can be paired with certain shades of pastel to create a welcoming environment you will always love coming home to. Adding pastel-colored accents to your neutral setting will result in a sophisticated look that is hard to achieve any other way, especially if you have chosen the earthen range of neutral colors for your decor.

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From Spotify’s Friends Mix to Google Nest and More! | Tech News

For this week in tech news, we’re dishing out the details on Spotify’s Friends Mix, Google Nest updates, and more! Read on for our weekly round-up of the latest headlines in the world of tech.

Nimbus pod-like EV offers urban commuters a scooter-car hybrid solution

Nimbus One, a pod-like electric vehicle (EV) of the future from the Michigan-based Nimbus company, has been created to tackle the two problems of urban parking and high gas prices as well as help the environment. It’s a three-wheeled EV; part car, part scooter, and its compact design make maneuvering around urban areas much easier.  The vehicle features two removable batteries that can be charged with an at-home plug or by using a traditional EV charger that is situated in the front of the pod. The Nimbus One can hold up to two people. It has a luggage rack on the back that offers additional storage. The Pod gets about 93 miles on a full charge and can go up to 50 miles per hour. The cost is just under $10,000 to buy or $200 a month to rent.  The company hopes to offer Nimbus Ones as daily rentals in some cities and is targeting 2023 for mass production.

You can finally see a live feed of your Google Nest cameras on your TV

Starting this week, Google is bringing an old feature to its new Nest cameras. Google will allow you to stream the video feed from all your Nest cameras and video doorbells to your TV using a Chromecast with Google TV.  All Nest Cams and Nest Doorbells will be supported by this new feature, including our latest devices that were released in 2021: the Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery), Nest Cam (indoor, wired), and Nest Cam; with floodlight and Nest Doorbell (battery).” According to Google, nothing needs to be enabled to activate the new feature. Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your cameras. You can either use the Google TV voice remote by pressing the Assistant button and saying, “show me the front door camera,” or ask your Nest speaker or smart display to show you the front door camera on my TV.”

How to Change the Name of Your Mac

Do you know your Mac automatically assigns a name to it when you set it up for the first time? Changing that name to anything you want is possible, though you might not realize it. It’s easy to do. Let’s take a closer look at where it is and how to change it.  To change the name of your Mac, follow the simple step-by-step instructions below:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the desktop and choose System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
  2. Locate the Sharing icon and click on it.
  3. At the top of the window, click on your Mac’s current name and press the Delete key to remove it.
  4. Now, enter your new name and then close the Sharing window to apply your changes.

Additionally, you will need to update the local network address that any external devices use to connect to your Mac. This is also a straightforward procedure. Likewise, you can effortlessly change the name of your other Apple devices, whether it’s your AirPods, iPad, or iPhone.

JetBlue to acquire Spirit, creating the fifth-largest airline in the US

With the Frontier Airlines and Spirit merger falling apart this week, Jet Blue stepped in with a $3.8 billion dollar offer. The newly merged airline will now become the fight largest in the US. Likewise, this deal will create a potential challenge to the dominance if the “Big Four” carriers. Spirit airlines shareholders choose not to move forward with Frontier Airlines after receiving a more generous offer from JetBlue. Both airlines have been pursuing a purchase of Spirit Airlines for months in hopes of helping to reduce airline ticket prices. 

Spotify introduces Friends Mix playlists, an auto-generated mixtape from your pals

The modern mixtape has arrived. To Spotify, that is. This week the music streaming app announced its new Friends Mix feature. With Friends Mix creates a new big mixtape full of recommendations that all of your friends would give you. The new Friends Mix feature is now available globally for premium Spotify subscribers and free accounts. At this time, the feature only works on iOS and desktop apps. Android users will need to wait before the feature arrives on their device. Users looking for the Friends Mix feature can access it through the Made for You hub.

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Weekend Events | July 29 – July 31, 2022

Summer is going by fast, and the last weekend in July is here. Enjoy all of the fun happening in your neighborhood this July 29 through July 31. Read on for our weekend roundup of fun events happening around town!

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 29 – JULY 31

The Little Literary Fair

When: July 30 – July 31

Where: Downtown Arts District

What: Calling all literary enthusiasts! Don’t miss this weekend’s free literary fair of indie booksellers and creators in DTLA. LITLIT will take place at Hauser & Wirth and give attendees the chance to interact with over 40 publishers. 

Dog Adoption Event at Dodger Stadium

When: July 30

Where: Dodger Stadium | Los Angeles

What: If you are looking for a furry friend, then this weekend’s Dog Adoption event at Dodger Stadium is your destination.  L.A. Animal Services will have more than 100 adorable dogs available at its center field plaza this Saturday. Fees to adopt are $51 for dogs and $75 for puppies (excluding licensing fees), and only cash or check will be accepted.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

When: July 31 

Where: Inglewood 

What: It’s time for some “Californication” courtesy of the one and only Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Enjoy the funk rock group that weekend at SoFi Stadium. The band will be playing a homecoming show with support from two other local bands.

 

WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS| JULY 29 – JULY 31

Midsummer Scream

When: July 29 – July 31 

Where: Long Beach Convention Center

What: Hey there, horror fans! You won’t want to miss this weekend’s horror convention. The country’s biggest horror convention returns to LB to deliver scares and the biggest names in the genre. Enjoy panel discussions from horror film greats, along with autograph signing and photo ops. 

KCRW Summer Nights

When: Until September 29 

Where: Westwood

What: Summer is better with KCRW Summer Nights. Enjoy open-air tunes on select nights from July through September at various locations. Some of the spots for sounds include the Hammer Museum, CAAM, and more!

US Open of Surfing

When: July 30 – August 7

Where: Huntington Beach

What: The US Open of Surfing rides the waves into Huntington Beach this weekend for a week-long competition. Bringing together the world’s elite surfers, thousands of competitors will face off for the big prize. The event will also feature live bands, a sports expo, and after-parties.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 29 – JULY 31

Movies on the Roof

When: until August 27

Where: Fashion Square Mall | Sherman Oaks

What: Westfield Fashion Square invites you to a joy-filled alfresco film series this summer. Catch flicks like Guardians of The Galaxy and Spaceballs, with ticket sales in support of Hope of the Valley.

Valley Relics Museum Experience

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum features neon signs, classic cars, a playable retro arcade, and more! Tickets for Valley Relics Museum can be purchased on Eventbrite.

1st Annual ASMAC Summer Concert: String Quartet, Harp, Piano, and Voice

When: July 31 

Where: Evergreen Stage | 4403 W. Magnolia Blvd. | Burbank

What: In tribute to the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros., the 1st Annual ASMAC Summer Concert will celebrate through sound. Featuring studio ensemble, arrangement will include new and exciting arrangements from the likes of Jonathan Allentoff, Chris Boardman, Dan Redfeld, Nan Schwartz, and more. In addition, there will also be appearances by special guest pianists.

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 29 – JULY 31

Free Summer Movies in the Park Presents ‘Hairspray’

When: July 29

Where: Constitution Park | Camarillo

What: The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District film series continues this weekend with a showing of ‘Hairspray.’ Catch this family-friendly flick at Constitution Park starting at 8:15 PM. In addition, there will be food trucks and pre-movie live music, and lawn games. 

“Down the Rabbit Hole” Music and Brewery Fest

When: July 30 

Where: Thousand Oaks

What: Don’t miss the inaugural Down the Rabbit Hole Festival of Music and Beer! The event features a packed lineup of great music happening simultaneously at both breweries. 

Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival

When: July 31 

Where: 201 Camarillo Ranch Road | Camarillo

What: A Taste of Camarillo – Wine, Brew & Food Festival kicks off this Sunday. As one of the longest-running wine and food festivals in Ventura County, this festival is not one to miss. Enjoy an afternoon of sampling fine wines, craft beers, and gourmet foods on the grounds of the historic Camarillo Ranch. In addition, there will be live music and dancing, boutique shopping, and more. Children and pets are not allowed.

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Top Paint Color Trends of 2022 | Home Tips

Just because we are midway through the year doesn’t mean you can’t switch up the paint color in your abode. For the top color trends of 2022, read one below and give your home a fresh new look!

Pantone’s Very Peri

Of course, the color to kick off our top paint colors of 2022 list would be Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year ‘Very Peri’. The hue made history as the first ever to be created specifically for the Color of the Year. Very Peri (17-3938) is a brand-new blue — mixing vivifying violet with electric red undertones to create the ultimate chic shade. This hue can be ideal for an entire room or accent wall. 

 

Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog

Reminiscent of nature, the soft green tones of Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) have made it a popular paint color for 2022. The color itself gives feelings of both revitalization and growth with a natural emblem of newness. As Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, explains, “From a color psychology standpoint, Evergreen Fog signals growth, emergence, and new beginnings.” All the more reason to give the right space in your home it’s a new beginning as well.

Sherwin-Williams’ Aleutian

As a stunning light-washed shade of indigo, Aleutian (HGSW 3355) promotes balance and wellbeing through its gentle hues. Aleutian is part of the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams collection and provides a crystalline calm that can easily complement any setting. This paint color works well with natural wood and rooms with rich sunlight. 

Behr’s Breezeway

Say hello to Breezeway (MQ3-21), a soft, silvery-green shade with cool undertones. The paint color brings to mind the thought of sea glass, making it ideal for an ocean-side abode. This color embodies both outdoors and nostalgia that one can find inspiration from. From casual to coastal and modern to vintage, this paint color works great for home offices and living rooms.

Valspar’s Gilded Linen

 For a more organic paint color of 2022, consider Gilden Linen from Valspar. This hue offers a warm natural white that works in multiple spaces. Valspar color marketing manager Sue Kim notes the following: “A simple neutral like Gilded Linen emphasizes our desire to have a clean and organized home. It is a great transitional color and is perfect for entries and hallways connecting spaces throughout our home.” Make your home extra cozy with Gilded Linen.

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Economic update for the week ending July 23, 2022

Stock markets ended the week higher – Most companies that have reported second-quarter profits beat earnings estimates. That gave a boost to stocks this week. Even tech stocks, which have been beaten down significantly, had a great week. The news was not all good for tech stocks. Tesla beat expectations but Snap did not. Snap dropped 39% on Friday which spilled over to other sectors and stock markets ended lower on Friday, ending a three-day rally. Investors were also feeling optimistic that dropping gas prices, some settling in food prices, easing of supply-chain shortages, and some economic data indicating that businesses may be pulling back on spending may keep the Fed from being as aggressive with interest rate hikes as thought just a week ago when the CPI report was released. Some feared a full point rate hike at the next meeting. That seems very unlikely now. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 31,899.29, up 1.9% from 31,288.26 last week. It is down 12.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,961.63, up 2.5% from 3,863.19 last week. The S&P is down 16.9% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,834.11, up 3.3%from 11,452.42 last week. It is down 24.6%, year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields higher this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.00% down from 2.93% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.10%, down from 3.10% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates as of July 21, 2022, for the most popular loan products were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.54%, up slightly from 5..51% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.75%, up from 4.67% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.31%, down from 4.35% last week.

U.S. existing-home sales – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 5.4 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in June, down 5.4% month-over-month from the annualized number of sales in May. Year-over-year sales were down 14.3%from the annualized rate of 5.97 million in June 2021. The median price of a home in the U.S. in June was $416,000 up 13.4% from $366,900 one year ago. June marked a record 124 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in the median price. There was a 3-month supply of homes for sale in June, up from a 2.5-month supply last June. First-time buyers accounted for 30% of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 14% of all sales. All-cash purchases accounted for 25% of all sales. Foreclosure and short sales accounted for less than 1% of all sales remaining at a historic low.

California existing-home sales – The number of single-family homes sold in June declined 21% year-over-year -The California Association of Realtors reported that existing- home sales totaled 344,970 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in June, down 8.4% from May, and down 20.9% from last June. Excluding two months during the pandemic shutdown, this marked the fewest number of homes closed escrow in a month since April 2008. Existing-home sales through June are down 10.9% from the number of homes sold in the first half of 2021.

The statewide median price paid for a home in June was $863,790, up 5.4% from $819,630 in June 2021.

There was a 2.5-month supply of homes for sale in June, up from a 2.1-month supply of homes for sale in May, and a 1.7-month supply in June 2021. While up slightly, a 2.5-month supply is still a low level. A normal market has a 5-6 month supply of homes on the market.

We have seen more homes come on the market in the past few weeks. Perhaps sellers feel that prices have topped out. Those listings are selling quickly if they are priced correctly. The vast majority of the homes sold are still receiving multiple offers, but they are not receiving the number of offers that they would have received a couple of months ago. We are seeing two to four offers, not twenty! The homes priced too high are sitting. Once reduced to the correct price those are selling as well, but not with the excitement and urgency a new listing gets. These new listings will begin to close in August. I expect that the number of sales will increase in August from the anemic number of sales we saw in June and that I expect in July, which seems to also be shaping up as a month with a low number of sales. June and July should be the fewest number of sales we see in a month for a long time. That’s what I am seeing on the street.

The graph below shows regional figures by county in Southern California.

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Weekend Events: July 22 – July 24

Enjoy all that the weekend has to offer with fun events happening around town this July 22 through July 24.

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – JULY 24

Zoo Friday Nights

When: July 8 – July 29 

Where: Griffith Park

What: On select Fridays, the L.A. Zoo invites you to spend the evening enjoying music, dancing, and more under the stars. This twilight animal viewing opportunity will also include educational talks and a cash bar for those 21 and over.

KCRW Summer Nights

When: Until September 29 

Where: Various locations

What: Summer is better with KCRW Summer Nights. Enjoy open-air tunes on select nights from July through September at various locations. Some of the spots for sounds include the Hammer Museum, CAAM, and more!

Outfest Los Angeles

When: July 14 – July 24 

Where: Various Locations 

What: The world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival returns for two weeks this summer. Take part in a slew of parties, screenings, and galas happening in varying locations around town. This year’s event brings dozens of screenings from outdoor to indoor and, of course, online!

 

WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – JULY 24

Off the 405 

When: until August 27 

Where: The Getty | Westside

What: One of the westside’s best summer traditions returns to The Getty! Enjoy stunning hilltop sunset views and music at Off the 405. The annual event returns for the first time since 2019 for a lineup of delightful free Saturday night concerts. In addition, you’ll get to visit the exhibits, which stay open late for the music series. 

Cutwater Classic: Pickleball Tourney

When: July 23 

Where: Venice

What: The pickleball craze is making its way to Venice! Don’t miss this weekend’s Pickleball Tourney presented by Cutwater Spirits. Enjoy Yeastie Boys, music from DJ Sean Patrick, and some Cutwater Spirits beverages. Admission is free (with proof of GoPuff app on your phone) and for 21+ with proceeds going towards the Labelle Foundation.

Love Long Beach

When: July 23 – July 24

Where: Long Beach

What: If you love Long Beach, then you will love this weekend’s art, wellness and dance music fest. Love Long Beach will feature sounds from Ardalan, Öona Dahl, Kevin Knapp, and more at Shoreline Aquatic Park this Saturday and Sunday only.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – 24

Movies on the Roof

When: until August 27

Where: Fashion Square Mall | Sherman Oaks

What: Westfield Fashion Square invites you to a joy-filled alfresco film series this summer. Catch flicks like Back to the Future and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, with ticket sales in support of Hope of the Valley.

Valley Relics Museum Experience

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum features neon signs, classic cars, a playable retro arcade, and more! Tickets for Valley Relics Museum can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman: Daniel Silva Interviewed by Henry Winkler

When: July 24 

Where: American Jewish University, Gindi Auditorium

What: Live and in person in AJU’s Gindi Auditorium, #1 New York Times Bestselling author Daniel Silva shares his spellbinding new masterpiece. Portrait of an Unknown Woman is Daniel Silva’s latest thrilling crime mystery combining art and high finance.

 

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | July 22 – July 24

Heritage Square Concert Series

When: through August 19 

Where: Oxnard

What: With the arrival of summer you can always expect one thing…summer concert series! Heritage Square invites you to join them for the return of their 10-week music series run. Enjoy musical styles ranging from Reggae to Latin, Jazz, and rock. This weekend features the musical stylings of Los Cool Arrows (Cumbias, Rock en Espanol). 

Free Screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2 

When: July 23

Where: Westlake Village

What: Enjoy a free screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2, presented by the City of Westlake Village, on Saturday, July 23. For bites, there will be food trucks will be on hand at 6pm. Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome. In addition, attendees can also bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

Seaside DJ Saturdays

When: July 23

Where: Ventura Harbor Village

What: Music, fun, and more! Ventura Harbor Village will be hosting Seaside DJ sets all summer long. Enjoy the outdoors accompanied by great sounds this Saturday.

 

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From big AI news to Amazon Acquiring One Medical and More! | Tech News

Another week, another tech news round-up! Read on and stay connected with all of the latest tech news happening around the world. From big AI news to Amazon Acquiring One Medical and more, we have you covered with the week’s major headlines!

Zoom has an unlikely new competitor — Snapchat

For over a decade, Snapchat, unlike many other social media platforms, has been only available, on mobile, since its launch. Recently, however, the company launched a web-based version of the very popular messaging application. Though not its most popular feature, Snapchat said its app hosts more than 100 million video calls each month with up to 15 participants each. The company reports that its goal is to give users the freedom to switch between their phones and computers, allowing continuing conversations while on the platform. The new web-based version could help Snapchat take on Zoom.

AI image generator lets you type in words and get weird pictures back

A 19-year-old from the United Kingdom hit a million followers on Twitter in about a month. All it took was sharing a steady stream of the most outlandish computer-generated images. A freely available artificial intelligence (AI) system called Craiyon made the stunning images. Craiyon is popularizing a growing trend in AI. Computers are becoming at taking in words and producing generating realistic-looking images in response.

Meet andobil MagStick, the world’s first MagSafe tripod

There’s a new way to take selfies. The company, andobil, has just released the world’s first MagSafe tripod/ selfie stick – andobil MagStick. According to the company, the MagStick allows a quick snap of your smartphone onto the mount of the tripod. No need for clamps or screws. The magnetic visual positions your device eliminating the worry of it falling off or getting damaged. The company has designed additional security, the one-touch clamping mechanism, to ensure optimal protection against falling, according to andobil. Furthermore, the tripod is made of aviation-grade aluminum alloy and PC material.

TikTok Expands Closed Caption Feature

Popular video sharing app TikTok is making its closed caption offering more encompassing for all users. The app will now auto-generate captions for videos with audio instead of leaving it up to the creator of the video to do. Prior to this update, creators had to select to enable closed caption before posting. If the creator failed to include closed captions, they would not be able to add them afterward. The new update brings the option for both users and creators to turn on closed captions. In addition, TikTok will also be launching a translation tool. Likewise, this feature will do as it sounds, which is to translate video captions and descriptions to the user’s preferred language.

Amazon to Acquire One Medical for $3.9 Billion

According to reports, Amazon will soon make its third largest acquisition in its history. The company is set to close on a deal to purchase One Medical for $3.9 billion. The company, which is a $199 subscription primary care provider, has been billed as “healthcare for Millenials”. Currently, the company is backed by Alphabet’s GV unit (formerly Google Ventures). One Medical includes an app and 24/7 access to on-demand telehealth services vide video. In addition, One Medical also offers same or next-day appointments for subscribers across 125 offices. This latest acquisition will give Amazon another avenue into the medical sector. “We think health care is high on the list of experiences that need reinvention,” senior vice president of Amazon Health Services Neil Lindsay said in a statement.

Google Wallet Now Available for All Users

It’s official; Google Wallet is now available for all customers. The app, which began rolling out earlier this week, can be found in the Google Play store. The news comes as Google expands on its payment app variations. In 2018, Google combined Google Wallet and Andriod Pay to create Google Pay. This merger allowed created a single app that included tap-to-pay, tickets, and loyalty programs all in one. The Google Wallet comeback was announced in May at the Google I/O event. The move will allow the company to create a dedicated home for payment cards, airplane tickets, government ids, and more.

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