Discover Westlake Village | Out & About

Nestled near the majestic Pacific Ocean, Westlake Village offers families a unique combination of vast outdoor spaces and tranquil amenities. From picturesque hiking trails to pampering spas and world-class golf courses – it’s no surprise that this charming city is now recognized as one of the premier places to raise a family in America!

Things to do in Westlake Village

Venture through the Santa Monica Mountains

The Santa Monica Mountains constitute a majestic, Mediterranean ecosystem that thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike can enjoy. The most popular attraction is the 67-mile (107-kilometer) Backbone trail, which has been designated a National Recreation Trail due to its beauty and variety of activities – from rock climbing to horseback riding, camping, or taking in stunning views. Whatever your passion may be, venturing into this picturesque environment will leave you feeling inspired!

Hit the green at Westlake Golf Course

Experience golfing like never before at the Westlake Golf Course! Constructed in 1967 by esteemed architect Ted Robinson, this course has plenty of offerings for every type of golfer – from a night-light driving range and pro shop to nine teaching professionals. Plus, enjoy dining options onsite with their friendly bar and snack bar. Step up your game amidst lakeside views and tree-lined fairways – make it an unforgettable day out today!

Wander through one of the city’s six parks

If you’re looking for a fun and safe place to bring your kids, Westlake Village’s parks are the perfect spots! With six wonderful playgrounds – Berniece Bennett, Canyon Oaks, Foxfield Russell Ranch, Three Springs Park, and Westlake Community Park – there is sure to be something that will excite every child. Hours vary, but most of these lovely locations can be enjoyed from dawn until dusk.

Where to Stay in Westlake Village

Staycation at the Westlake Village Inn

Enjoy a luxurious getaway at the Westlake Village Inn, where enchanting greenery and crystal-clear waters transport you to your own serene world. From Tuscan-inspired gardens to an idyllic lake that will take your breath away – plus premier amenities including a boutique bar & winery, spa, restaurant & lounge as well as Mediterranean style pool – it’s no wonder this is one of Southern California’s favorite spots for relaxation or celebration!

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

Escape the hustle and bustle of LA at the luxurious Four Seasons, Westlake Village. Relax with a round of golf or in-resort activities like wine tastings, an arcade room, a yoga class on grassy knolls, or just take a nap in one of many hammocks. Recharge your batteries even more with massage treatments followed by Champagne brunch to top off this perfect getaway!

Dine & Sip in Westlake Village

Coin & Condor

Let your taste buds travel to California with Coin & Candor’s forward-thinking menu found at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. Feast on locally sourced favorites like Chicken and Waffles for brunch. For any time of day, indulge in classic dishes such as Baja California red Snapper. You won’t be disappointed!

Spend the day touring a winery

There are several wine shops in Westlake that do tastings which are Nabu Winery and Wade’s Wines. However, if you don’t like viewing a vineyard, you can check out the Epona Estate. Both a ranch and vineyard, the Epona Estate contains 40 acres.

Top Tips for Refreshing Your Home Office | Home Tips

Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. With that comes the need to create a comfortable, productive workspace. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home office look and feel inviting. Kick off the new year with a new look for your home office. Here are some tips for redecorating:

Focus on Color and Lighting 

The color of your walls can have an incredible impact on how you feel while you’re working. Natural colors like blues and greens tend to be calming, while oranges, yellows, and purples invigorate. Consider spending a little bit of money on paint or wallpaper in order to give your home office the atmosphere you crave. 

Lighting is also key when it comes to creating an inviting space. Natural light is best, so if possible, try to move your desk next to a window or choose light colors for the walls that will reflect natural light back into the room. If needed, supplement with additional lighting from lamps or overhead fixtures that provide a warm glow without being too harsh or overly bright. It’s also important to make sure any screens you use in the office are not too bright—you want your eyes to stay relaxed during long hours at the computer! 

Find Inspiration in Artwork 

Artwork can go a long way toward giving personality and character to an office space—and it doesn’t need to be expensive! Look around at thrift stores or online marketplaces for affordable artwork that speaks to you and makes you feel inspired when you look at it throughout your workday. Consider photographs, abstract art prints, vintage pieces, or even framed clippings from magazines—anything that adds character and personalizes your space will do!   

Organize Your Desk Space 

Nothing kills productivity like clutter on the desk! Investing in organizational supplies such as filing cabinets and drawers is one way of ensuring everything has its place while keeping surfaces clean and uncluttered (not only does this help keep things organized, but it looks better, too!). You can also get creative with DIY solutions like using mason jars for pens and pencils or hanging shelves over the desktop for extra storage options without taking up valuable real estate on the actual desk surface itself. 

Redecorating a home office doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg—with some simple changes such as painting walls, finding inspiring artwork, and organizing your space with budget-friendly solutions, you can create an inviting workspace that helps promote productivity without breaking the bank! With these tips in mind, sprucing up your home office has never been easier – all that’s left is getting started!

Weekend Events: NYE 2023 Edition

It’s time to ring in the new year! Celebrate the arrival of 2023 in style by enjoying a night out on the town. From prohibition-era revelry to intimate gala’s, there is plenty of fun to be had this NYE 2023!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | NYE 2023 

N.Y.E.L.A.

When: December 31 

Where: Grand Park | Downtown

What: This New Year’s Eve, DTLA’s Grand Park is the place to be for a family-friendly celebration of culture and fun. Not only will this three-block greenspace transform into an enchanting atmosphere with its festivities, but guests can also count down under City Hall—which itself stands 22 stories high–as it becomes an eye-catching canvas of projection mapping. A perfect way to ring in 2023!

 

Prohibition NYE

When: December 31 

Where: Union Station | Downtown

What: Usher in the New Year with a one-of-a-kind experience – a Prohibition-era celebration set against an iconic Downtown landmark. Step into Union Station’s magnificent Art Deco grandeur for music provided by Neil Frances, a jazz ensemble, and burlesque dancers, along with custom cocktails and champagne to amplify the glamour of this celebratory evening! Gather among fellow sophisticated revelers all dressed up in Roaring Twenties fashion – flapper dresses, feathered headbands, tuxedos & top hats as we count down to midnight under dazzling lights while ringing out 2023!

 

L.A. Noir NYE

When: December 31 

Where: The Biltmore | Downtown Financial District

What: It doesn’t get more exciting than toasting in the New Year at this historic downtown LA hotel’s centennial celebration. Get your Charleston on with a roster of over 40 performers, including live swing music and dancers, as well as themed cocktails for purchase—all against an opulent backdrop inside the Crystal Ballroom! As if that wasn’t enough adventure for one night, take a peek into history by touring some of its century-old speakeasy tunnels from days gone by; included general admission tickets come with just one welcome cocktail so remember to bring extra funds along too.

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | NYE 2023 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks 

When: December 31 

Where: Long Beach Waterfront

What: Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over dazzling Long Beach on December 31st. You can start your celebrations early at 9 pm, and an encore performance will light up the sky just after midnight! With unbeatable views from Shoreline Park or Village and exciting dinner specials around town, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night – celebrating waterfront style!

 

Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks

When: December 31 

Where: Marina del Rey

What: Marina del Rey is ready to ring in the new year with a dazzling pyrotechnic display. At 9pm and right before midnight, enjoy spectacular fireworks launched from Burton Chace Park while taking advantage of gorgeous harbor views at nearby restaurants – many are offering pricey ticket dinners, but it’s easy to find free waterfront spots for an unbeatable view!

 

New Year’s Eve at Disneyland

When: December 31 

Where: Disneyland | Anaheim 

What: Make the most magical night of the year even more special by spending it at Disneyland! The park is open late to 2am on New Year’s Eve and offers an exclusive fireworks display, as well as exciting events or menus in some restaurants. Don’t miss out – book your reservation now for a chance to experience two showings of fireworks: one at 9pm and another spectacular performance when 2023 rolls around. Get ready for a truly unforgettable celebration!

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | NYE 2023 

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood

When: December 31 

Where: Universal City

What: Experience the thrills of Universal Studios Hollywood at its lively New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy rides during the day, and indulge in a variety of themed party areas after nightfall. From stylish desserts to beer, wine and champagne – don’t miss out on all that this electrifying event has to offer!

 

L.A. Zoo Lights

When: Until January 22, 2023

Where: Griffith Park

What: Ring in the new year with an inspiring family-friendly celebration offered by our local zoo. Enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert as you are taken away to wild, animal-inspired holiday light displays that honor these special creatures like elephants, giraffes, koalas, and condors. The perfect way to start 2023!

 

New Year’s Eve at The Roguelike Tavern

When: December 31 

Where: The Roguelike Tavern | 259 North Pass Avenue | Burbank

What: Usher in NYE 2023 and celebrate with Vita DeVoid at Roguelike Tavern! Enjoy a night of live music, burlesque performances, open bar access*, and delectable food dishes, and cap it off with a champagne toast at midnight. Don’t miss out on this momentous evening – get your tickets today!

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | NYE 2023 

New Years’ Eve Gala

When: December 31, 2022

Where: The Manhattan 

What: Celebrate the start of a new year with an unforgettable evening at The Manhattan! Toast to 2023 over a delectable 3-course Prix Fixe dinner, superb live music from Jeanne Tatum, festive dancing & party favors – all culminating in a Champagne toast as midnight strikes. Don’t miss out and join us on this special night for only $110/per person plus tax/gratuity.

 

New Years’ Eve Dinner & Masquerade 

When: December 31, 2022

Where: Decker Kitchen | Westlake Village

What: Start your New Year’s Eve on the right foot – literally! Join us at Decker Kitchen for a prix fixe dinner, served from 4 pm to 8:30. Your reservations will be rewarded with discounted tickets to our NYE Masquerade Ball afterward (hosted by TNO Events). What can you expect? An unforgettable night of entertainment and celebration, complete with a champagne toast and photo booth fun – all as we welcome 2023 in style!

 

New Years’ Eve Celebration

When: December 31, 2022,

Where: Reagan Presidential Library | Simi Valley 

What: Make your New Year’s Eve celebration sparks fly at the Reagan Library this year! Join us for a fabulous evening of food, drinks, and fun under Air Force One’s wings. Receive a warm welcome as you ring in 2023 with all the classic party essentials – hats, horns streamers, and more- before watching that very momentous ball drop countdown to midnight. Plus, take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to tour Air Force One from 8:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

From Amazon Drones to LG at CES and more! | Tech News

Dive into the week’s tech news as we get ready to close out 2022! From Amazon Drones to LG at CES and more, we have you covered! Read on for the major headlines happening in the world of tech, media, and science. 

Amazon Begins Delivering Packages Via Drone in California and Texas

Prime Air, aka Amazon, is revolutionizing the delivery service industry with a new drones-only system for getting your parcels to you in record time. Already implemented in California and Texas, selected customers have benefited from having orders dropped off quickly within their backyards. All of this has been made possible by Amazon’s commitment to safe aerial navigation – both now and as they gradually expand services across more locations nationwide! In 2020, Amazon achieved a major milestone in drone delivery when its application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was approved. The company filed Final Environmental Assessment documents for two different rural and suburban locations: Lockeford, California – 50 miles southeast of Sacramento with an estimated population of 3,500; and College Station, Texas –100 miles northwest of Houston, known best as home to renowned Texas A&M University. Residents can sign up now, while other customers will soon have access via notice.

New Samsung Fridge features 32-Inch Touch Screen Display

Samsung has unveiled its latest refrigerator addition to the Bespoke Refrigerator Family Hub Plus range. Featuring a massive 32-inch touchscreen display, this model allows users to control SmartThings compatible devices and view Google Photos images or watch videos in high-definition clarity. The Samsung TV Plus service enables access to 190 US channels or 80 South Korean ones for endless entertainment options at no additional cost – making it truly an ideal appliance for modern homes! Likewise, with its vertical orientation, this display is perfect for catching up on social media videos – from TikTok to YouTube Shorts. Plus, you can multitask with convenience thanks to its picture-in-picture (PIP) mode that will play the video in an always visible floating window while leaving your screen free and clear.

iPad Mini Potentially A Year Away from Consumer Market

Apple is giving its beloved iPad Mini a processor upgrade, according to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Scheduled for release within the next two years, this 8.3-inch features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip with optional 5G connectivity! Thanks to the power of its unique updated processor, users can enjoy enhanced performance on this classic tablet device. It is likely the iPad Mini will receive a chip upgrade in two years. Additionally, Apple may look to unveil new hardware as soon as fall 2023. Potential upgrades range from an A16 to an M-series processor similar to those used by other iPads. Of course, this makes for exciting advances within the model line!

Flat Smartphone Camera Module by LG to be Unveiled at CES

LG Innotek is set to debut an innovative camera module at CES that could revolutionize the photo capabilities of smartphones. This micro component merges optical-zoom technology seen in DSLR cameras. It does so through a sleek and slim design, granting zoom magnifications without relying on digital zooms. LG is making an ambitious move to create space within smartphones. In addition, they are also seeking to improve battery efficiency by combining multiple optical-zoom options into a single module. The thickness of the module has been reduced in order to remove any camera bumps. Additionally, LG is partnering up with Qualcomm for optimal software designs as well as joint marketing strategies!

Where to Dine for NYE 2023 | L.A. Eats

Still unsure of where to dinner as you ring in 2023? We have you covered! From Hollywood to the Valley, there are plenty of places to enjoy a gourmet meal for the new year. Read on below for the top choices to enjoy this New Year’s Eve!

LOS ANGELES NYE 2023 RESTAURANTS 

Redbird

Location: DTLA

Celebrate the New Year in style at downtown Los Angeles’s Neal Fraser restaurant! Enjoy a luxurious three-course prix-fixe dinner with options like fresh oysters, grass-fed beef tartare, and dayboat scallops – all accompanied by an optional $95 wine pairing for added indulgence. Top off your evening on a sweet note with delectable desserts such as milk chocolate custard or cheddar cheesecake. With gourmet cuisine and atmosphere to match, Neal Fraser is sure to provide you the perfect start to 2023!

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant

Location: Hollywood

Immerse yourself in a luxurious New Year’s Eve dining experience this year courtesy of celebrity chef Curtis Stone. His newly Michelin-starred steakhouse, Gwen, will provide an eight-course meal with delectable dishes such as oysters, chicken, and duck liver terrine; burrata; pappardelle with black truffles and seafood bouillabaisse medley – all topped off by Wagyu main course. End the night sweetly with blood orange & Prosecco granita or white chocolate & pistachio bombe to bid farewell to 2023!

République

Location: La Brea

On New Year’s Eve, experience a taste of the extraordinary at République – Walter and Margarita Manzke’s Michelin-starred Californian French restaurant. Savor multi-course flavors featuring seasonal ingredients such as high-quality meat and seafood, which may include winter truffles for an added dose of deliciousness. Unfortunately, vegan options are not currently available, so make sure to plan accordingly!

WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES NYE 2023 RESTAURANTS 

Merois

Location: West Hollywood

Ring in the New Year with a luxurious dining experience! Enjoy delicious cuisine and stunning city views while grooving to live music from our DJ. Those booking for later seatings also receive complimentary champagne at midnight as part of a four-course tasting menu – perfect for an unforgettable night out.

Pasjoli

Location: Santa Monica

Welcome the New Year with an unforgettable culinary experience at Pasjoli’s! Featuring a decadent prix-fixe menu, guests will be treated to delights such as caviar amuse-bouche, crab gnocchi, and dry-aged ribeye – or opt for their signature pressed duck dish complimentary of Chef Dave Beran. Those looking for something more vegetarian can replace steak with mushroom risotto. Seats are available both early on and later throughout the night, including midnight champagne toast & extra foie gras brioche – you won’t want to miss it!

Mélisse

Location: Santa Monica

Experience the ultimate luxury this New Year’s Eve with a two-and-a-half-hour gastronomic adventure crafted by acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin of Santa Monica’s two Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy delightful hors d’oeuvres paired perfectly with succulent gourmet meats and delectable seafood – all for an exquisite price of $595 per person. Embark in culinary brilliance at one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining institutions!

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NYE 2023 RESTAURANTS 

Firefly

Location: Studio City

Celebrate the New Year in style at Firefly, a secluded hideaway draped with ivy. Chef Perry Pollaci has crafted exquisite menus for two seatings of deliciousness – three courses prepared to perfection for $125 and four courses including Périgord black truffle risotto plus a Champagne toast at midnight, all yours from just $150! To get you dancing is none other than DJ CA playing an unforgettable set between 10am-2am!

Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar

Location: Sherman Oaks

This New Year’s Eve, bid adieu to 2022 and hello to 2023 in style at Valley Inn Restaurant & Bar – a beloved staple of the Sherman Oaks community since 1959! Enjoy classic American fare paired with expertly mixed drinks for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Taisho’s

Location: Sherman Oaks

Welcome in 2023 at Taisho’s “Studio 22” New Year’s Eve extravaganza with a blast from the past – disco-era ’70s style and fare! Delectable dishes such as Osetra Caviar, Hokkaido sea scallops, and fresh truffles, plus their signature main menu, will be available for guests to enjoy. Round out your evening by staying until 1:30 am for drinks after dinner is served up until 11:30 pm. Don’t forget that Champagne toast when you hit midnight – party favors included!

 

CONEJO VALLEY NYE 2023 RESTAURANTS 

Moonshadows Malibu

Location: Malibu

Make this New Year’s Eve truly special with an unforgettable night at Moonshadows in Malibu. Enjoy a delicious dinner, toast to the coming year, and dance the night away while counting down to midnight! Don’t miss out on premium cuisine for only $100 per person.

Pasta | Bar

Location: Encino

Celebrate the New Year in style at Award-winning Pasta | Bar! Located right here in Encino, this restaurant is a spectacular blend of Cali’s freshest flavors and Italy’s most traditional recipes. Buy tickets to their exclusive event featuring premier dishes with tantalizing tastes – plus you’ll get an indulgent welcome drink on arrival, as well as opportunities throughout the night for extra drinks to add that special touch, including bottles of exquisite Italian wine – perfect for ringing in 2023!

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

Location: Ventura Beach

Celebrate the start of a new year with breathtaking views and live music! Spend your evening partying like royalty at Club 12, located in the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel’s Top of the Harbor Ballroom. Dance Invasion provides an upbeat soundtrack while you admire 280-degree panoramic sights from city skylines to coastal horizons – what better way is there to ring in 2023?

From Free WiFi on Delta to NFL Sunday Ticket Changes and More! | Tech News

Another week has gone by, and it’s time to round up the latest tech news headlines. From free wifi on Delta to NFL Sunday Ticket changes and more, we have you covered. Read on for the latest headlines in the world of technology, media, and science. 

Delta Considers Offering Free Wifi to Passengers in the New Year

While airline tickets may be priced higher these days, one airline is giving passengers something to look forward to. Delta Air Lines is planning to offer free Wi-Fi service on its flights beginning in 2023. As first reported by WSJ, the company is testing out the service. The company announced that by the end of this year, it would equip all its domestic aircraft with the level of Wi-Fi connectivity that customers would find at home. Likewise, the company has enlisted help by tapping Viasat as its Wi-Fi provider. Viasat — one of two Wi-Fi providers for Delta — is currently available on more than 400 of the company’s planes. If the airline eliminates the fee, it could become an appealing perk for passengers.

NFL Sunday Ticket Lands on Youtube 

The NFL Sunday Ticket has a new home on Youtube. The announcement was made by Google and the NFL this week. Previously, the service was available in the US exclusively on DirecTV. Likewise, the satellite provider will no longer have the NFL Sunday Ticket beginning with the 2023 season. Fans can see their favorite teams play on the streaming platform either as an add-on for YouTube TV subscribers or à la carte via YouTube Primetime Channels, which launched last month to “bring shows and movies from more than 30 services directly into the YouTube interface.” The cost of the service on Youtube has not yet been disclosed. 

NASA Insight Lander Retires on Mars

The NASA Marsquake-detecting InSight lander has completed its final mission. The lander has retired to the place where it began its career on the Martian surface. The news was as InSight’s solar panels have been generating dust, leading to them being inoperable. The panels generate electricity for the lander and have recently become unfurled. The mission was expected to run out of power this summer, but a spate of good weather bought it a few additional months of work on Mars. NASA has been monitoring the lander’s status, and it became clear that it wasn’t going to make it. The official Twitter account for the lander told followers in October that it was “staying calm” as a dust storm darkened the skies. Its team thanked fans for sending virtual postcards and assured the millions of people who sent their names along on the rover that “we’re together here on Mars, my forever home.”

Netflix to Stream Nike Training Club Classes Beginning this Month

There is another place you can get your fitness on, and it’s the same place you can catch hit shows like Stranger Things. Netflix will begin streaming Nike Training Club classes starting December 30. The platform will let Netflix subscribers have access to 30 hours of content in multiple languages and with varying exercise options. Nike Training Club is a popular fitness app where users can take strength, yoga, and high-intensity interval training led by Nike trainers. It’s geared toward improving your strength, endurance, and mobility across all fitness levels. While some classes require equipment, many don’t. The offerings are similar to that of Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton, albeit without any Nike-branded hardware.

Weekend Events: Holidays 2022 Edition

The holidays are here, and so is our weekend round-up of fun local events. From yuletide screenings to hitting the ice, we have you covered on merry holiday cheer. Read on below!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

L.A. County Holiday Celebration

When: December 24

Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion | DTLA

What: Gather your loved ones and make your way to DTLA for the biggest holiday show of the year. Enjoy more than 20 choirs, music ensembles, and dance troupes from all over the city. The free three-hour show celebrates L.A.’s multicultural observation of the holidays with everything from an all-women soul ensemble to Hawaiian music to Indian dance.

Yuletide Cinemaland

When: December 23 

Where: Heritage Square | San Pedro

What: The holidays are not complete without a fair share of timeless holiday film classics. Street Food Cinema invites you to Heritage Square for Yuletide Cinemaland. Enjoy Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, strolls through a light tunnel, and sips on hot chocolate, mulled wine, and craft beer. Likewise, you can catch screenings of flicks (showing twice each night, typically at 6 and 8 pm) like Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

When: Until January 8, 2023 

Where: Pershing Square | DTLA

What: If you are in search of a winter wonderland, then make your way to DTLA’s Pershing Square. The downtown park has been transformed into a holiday wonder with a skating rink amongst the city’s skyscrapers. Skate rentals are included in admission, though lockers and skating aids cost a few dollars extra.

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Long Beach Nutcracker

When: December 23

Where: Long Beach

What: Venture to Long Beach for a stunning performance of The Nutcracker. The holiday classic production will feature a live full orchestra, a flying sleigh, and pyrotechnics.

Astra Lumina

When: Until January 15, 2023

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes

What: Stroll through a garden illuminated by celestial-inspired lights during this year-end event at South Coast Botanic Garden. Astra Lumina will set up about an hour-long nighttime trail through the Palos Verdes garden, with eight starry installations along the way.

Ice at Santa Monica

When: Until January 16

Where: Santa Monica

What: Hit the ice in Santa Monica! The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink runs daily on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. All-day admission ($20) includes skate rentals, and you can book private parties and cabanas if you’re looking for something a bit more premium.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

When: Until January 1 

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Add some sorcery and magic to your holidays! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter invites all muggles, witches, and wizards to Universal Studios Hollywood for a proper Potter-themed celebration. Catch the evening showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts” (Nov 25–Jan 1) and pick up some tasty holiday treats that you can only find in Hogsmeade.

Holidays Made Here

When: Until January 1

Where: Warner Bros. Studio | Burbank

What: Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! Warner Bros. Studio Tour switches things up from its regular tour for something a bit more festive. The Holidays Made Here tour decks out the Stars Hollow section in festive decor, among other cheerful additions. 

Christmas Night Skate

When: December 25 

Where: Moonlight Rollerway | Glendale

What: If you prefer to ditch the ice but keep the skates, you’ll love Christmas Night Skate at Moonlight Rollerway. The Saturday skate night goes for full festive fun at the Glendale skating rink. 

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Wild Lights and Jungle Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo 

When December 23 and December 26-30

Where: Moorpark College

What: America’s Teaching Zoo shines bright this holiday season during the holiday light event – WILD LIGHTS & JUNGLE NIGHTS. Take a self-guided 45-minute stroll throughout the zoo, which will be filled with dynamic lights, immersive interactive experiences, photo ops, and seasonal magic. 

“A Christmas Carol” Hosted by Tim Conway on KVTA 1590

When: December 24-25

Where: On the Radio

What: For those staying in and bundled up this holiday weekend, you can opt for a retro way to celebrate. Tune into KTVA 1590 for the 3x award-winning 2003 revised radio theatre broadcast of “A Christmas Carol.” Hosted by Tim Conway, the late legendary master of mirth will guide you through a spirited, fast-paced, commercial-free 57min ghost story. The broadcast will air nationwide on KTVA 1590 and online via www.kvta.com.

Holiday Road

When: Until December 30 

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch as the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway is illuminated during Holiday Road. Enjoy festive decor like a treetop canopy of icicle lights, a small Christmas village, and more! There are also food trucks and a holiday bar for bites and beverages.

Pantone Color Trends for 2023 | Home Tips

With a new year on the horizon, there is one tradition you can always expect at this time. The Pantone Color Trends for the new year have been announced. Likewise, the predicted on-trend color scheme announcement also brings a fresh spark of creativity to your inner interior designer…or actual interior designer.  “Colors for Spring/Summer 2023 are recalibrated for the new era we are entering,” said Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release. “Blending escapism with reality, wholesomeness, and joy, we embrace the exploration of extreme contrast in mood and color.” Start off 2023 with a new shade or hue in your abode, and read below for the forecasted Pantone Spring/Summer Color Trends. 

It’s the New Classics

The team decided to start with five “neutral” colors as the foundation and build the contrast from there; the grounding shades are tranquil and represent a “quiet presence.” Anchored by Pantone 12-4604 Skylight, a pure, water-inspired color, which mirrors cleansing aqua, and Pantone 13-3804 Gray Lilac, a “dreamy and ethereal lilac infused gray,” this part of the color trend report represents its “utility and basic-ness.”

  • PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse
  • PANTONE 14-6011 Grayed Jade
  • PANTONE 12-0912 Tender Peach
  • PANTONE 19-3954 Bluing
  • PANTONE 13-4201 Oyster Mushroom

Vibrant Brilliant Brights

The remaining 10 shades, however, signal the “uplifting, vital sense of play that comes through” the color scheme. These vibrant hues were all meant to boost experimentation and expression: Pantone 18-1664 Fiery Red signals energetic intensity, while Pantone 14-0756 Empire Yellow is a representation of joy.

  • PANTONE 16-0229 Titanite
  • PANTONE 16-1544 Persimmon
  • PANTONE 14-1140 Iced Mango
  • PANTONE 12-0643 Blazing Yellow
  • PANTONE 14-4122 Airy Blue
  • PANTONE Electric Blue Lemonade
  • PANTONE 17-1563 Cherry Tomato
  • PANTONE 17-3020 Spring Crocus
  • PANTONE 16-6230 Andean Toucan
  • PANTONE 16-2122 Pink Cosmos

Ultimately, pairing these shades together via your wardrobe or throughout your home imparts the sense of freedom that comes with trying something new. This “quirky contrast” highlights our desire for individualism, notes the release—and “encourages us to express ourselves in unexpected ways.”

 

From Breakthroughs in Fusion to Starlink News and more! | Tech News

Stay connected with the world of tech, science, and media! We have you covered with a bit-sized breakdown of the latest headlines sweeping the world wide web. From Breakthrough in Fusion to Starlink News and more, read on for this week’s tech news roundup. 

U.S. Fusion Achieves Major Breakthrough

As many have heard by now, this week brought a significant breakthrough in the world of fusion. This past week scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced that they have achieved net energy gain in a controlled fusion experiment. The breakthrough happened here in California at the National Ignition Facility at LLNL in San Francisco. “We have taken the first tentative steps toward a clean energy source that could revolutionize the world,” Jill Hruby, administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, said in a press conference Tuesday. Likewise, a fully operational platform connected to the grid and used to power homes and businesses likely remains a few decades away.

Uber to Roll Out Sidewalk Robots for Food Delivery

Get ready to see more robot delivery machines on a local sidewalk near you. Uber has announced a new partnership with Cartken that will bring food to you via sidewalk robots. The new venture will only be rolling out in Miami at this time, but the move is major for robot delivery. This will be the first major partnership for Cartken, a California-based company that creates self-driving sidewalk robots. The company’s fleet of AI-powered robots has been used in a number of other places, including parts of California, Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, and a handful of US college campuses. Cartken and Uber will begin working with select merchants to roll out the robot delivery system. Likewise, there are plans to expand to other parts of Miami-Dade County and additional cities in 2023. 

SpaceX Seeks to Connect Your Smartphone to Starlink

The green light has been given to SpaceX to grow its Starlink broadband network. Starlink will expand its constellation to more than 10,000 small satellites in low-Earth orbit over the next several years. In addition, it hopes to offer service for smartphones via T-Mobile by the time just half of those flying routers are operating. The application to equip some of its second-generation Starlink satellites with “direct-to-cellular” hardware was filed with the FCC this month. Of course, SpaceX must clear this regulatory hurdle in order to deliver on the August announcement with T-Mobile to connect the two data networks in the name of eradicating mobile dead zones, at least in much of the US. The application is also a key follow-on to an FCC approval announced Dec. 1 that authorizes SpaceX to launch 7,500 “Gen2” Starlink satellites before the decade is out.

Google Tech Announces AR Concert with Gorillaz

AR Concerts are continuing to be on the rise as the virtual world, and its capabilities expand. While Google has not released a consumer pair of AR glasses, the company continues experimenting with AR tools on phones. Google announced a virtual Gorillaz performance in New York City, and London will be its latest location-based AR experiment. The Gorillaz single Skinny Ape will get its own concert via the band’s Gorillaz Presents app. The app was developed along with Google, to showcase an AR concert performance over the weekend. The experience will be “live performed”  in Times Square at 2:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 17 and in Piccadilly Circus at 2:00 p.m. GMT on Dec. 18, using Google’s own map-connected AR technology (called ARCore Geospatial API). The performance will also be viewable after the concert in the app.

Super Nintendo World to Open in Hollywood this February

Gamers can rejoice as the long-anticipated Super Nintendo World will finally open at Universal Studios Hollywood. The latest addition to the Hollywood location will open its gates in February of this upcoming year. This will mark as the Mario-inspired immersive theme park’s US debut, after its Japanese counterpart opened in 2021. The theme park will have a variety of entertainment options, including an augmented reality experience. Additionally, park patrons can buy Power Up bands — similar to Disney Parks’ MagicBands. The bands will allow visitors — to keep track of their score and unlock character interactions.

Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18

Holiday fun is in full swing this weekend, and we’re ready for festive fun. From performances of The Nutcracker to holiday parades around town, we have you covered for local fun. Read on for all the happenings in your neighborhood this December 16 through December 18.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18 

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

When: Until December 18

Where: DTLA

What: is there anything more timeless during the holiday season than catching a performance of The Nutcracker? See the American Ballet Theatre as they return to SoCal for their production of this Christmas classic. The show will feature larger-than-life scenery, a Christmas tree, and sets and costumes designed by Tony Award-winner Richard Hudson.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

When: Until January 8, 2023 

Where: Pershing Square | DTLA

What: If you are in search of a winter wonderland, then make your way to DTLA’s Pershing Square. The downtown park has been transformed into a holiday wonder with a skating rink amongst the city’s skyscrapers. Skate rentals are included in admission, though lockers and skating aids cost a few dollars extra.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Experience

When: Until December 23 

Where: Melrose

What: Get in on the mystery that’s afoot in Knives Out second installment Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. This escape room-like experience inspired by the new Rian Johnson film is full of fun and games. Try your hand at solving a series of challenges and put your detective skills to the task. The experience (held at 8175 Melrose Avenue) is free, but you’ll need to book a coveted reservation.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18

‘The Nutcracker’

When: December 26 

Where: Westwood 

What: If you don’t feel like heading downtown for a performance of ‘The Nutcracker’, the L.A. Ballet will be taking the stage in Westwood. See this beloved show as it tours from Glendale to Hollywood and now the Westside, backed by an orchestra.

Astra Lumina

When: Until January 15, 2023

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes

What: Stroll through a garden illuminated by celestial-inspired lights during this year-end event at South Coast Botanic Garden. Astra Lumina will set up about an hour-long nighttime trail through the Palos Verdes garden, with eight starry installations along the way.

Justin Roiland: Debut

When: Until January 21, 2023,

Where: Beverly Hills

What: Rick and Morty co-creator (and titular voice actor) Justin Roiland debuts his stellar work for all to see. View stunning acrylic-on-canvas paintings of his colorful, familiar characters during this UTA Artist Space exhibition.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18 

35th Annual Los Angeles Toy Run

When: December 17 

Where: Harley-Davidson® of Glendale

What: Roll up to Harley-Davidson of Glendale and ride out to the iconic Plaza De La Raza in Lincoln Heights for our 35th annual LA Toy Run.

Electric Dusk Drive-In Presents: Home Alone

When: December 18 

Where: 236 N Central Ave | Glendale, CA 91203

What: See the holiday cult classic ‘Home Alone’ this Sunday at LA’s longest-running Pop-Up Drive-In now in Glendale! Enjoy this festive outdoor movie inside or outside your car, along with delicious food and great times.

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.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18 

Holiday Road

When: Until December 30 

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch as the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway is illuminated during Holiday Road. Enjoy festive decor like a treetop canopy of icicle lights, a small Christmas village, and more! There are also food trucks and a holiday bar for bites and beverages.

Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights

When: December 17 

Where: 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura

What: Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 46th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights.

The two-day fun-filled event includes a carnival, seaside shopping, and dining, followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. 

20th Annual Chanukah Celebration and Chocolate Gelt Menorah Lighting

When: December 18 

Where: Constitution Park | Camarillo

What: Chabad of Camarillo hosts its 20th Annual Chanukah Celebration this Sunday. Enjoy a chocolate gelt menorah, Juggler Obediah, free donuts and latkes, music, a Chanukah gelt for the kids, and a raffle!