Not only are there great classic spots all over the Valley, but the past few years have brought a food renaissance to the SFV, which is why Thrillist has updated their list of the best restaurants on Ventura. Of course, there are also great cuts deeper north, but the Boulevard’s where much of the action happens, and is also way easier for any friends coming from over the hill to get to. BLACK MARKET LIQUOR BAR STUDIO CITY Strong cocktails and killer brunch from a Top Chef alum The just-off-Cahuenga section of Ventura is one of LA’s trendiest gastropub havens, but one of the first to set up shop on the block was Black Market, which combines the efforts of Top Chef alum Antonia Lofaso with lauded barmen Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. It’s jam-packed on weekend nights, thanks to the tremendously tasty drinks (the spicy/grapefruity Chilero is a favorite) and some of the city’s best wings, as well as an egg-laden brunch. BLUE DOG BEER TAVERN SHERMAN OAKS Divey spot with pub fare and 60+ taps Not only does this (yes, again) gastropub have one of the best burgers in town that you’ve never heard of, but it’s also got an insane beer list, and is walking distance from the Galleria, where you’ll smirk at the people waiting in line at The Cheesecake Factory… right before you stumble up to the ArcLight. CASA VEGA SHERMAN OAKS Late-night Valley institution with terrific margaritas Is this the best Mexican food you’ll ever eat? No, it is not. Still, it’s been a Valley classic for over 50 years, due in one part to amazing margaritas, and in another part to incredible chips-and-guac, and, in yet another part, to that old-school charm-y Mexican restaurant decor that falls flat when anyone tries to modernize it. And the oven-style burritos — wet with sauce and covered with drippy cheese — are pretty excellent too, all told. BAMBOO SHERMAN OAKS Classic, family-style Chinese food If you’ve got friends who grew up in the Valley, it’s likely that their taste for Chinese food started at this mid-Boulevard staple. But it’s not just nostalgia that keeps the lights on here: Bamboo’s a Zagat-rated favorite, with reliably delicious takes on classic dishes like well-salted wonton soup and sizzling hot beef & scallops. SUGARFISH STUDIO CITY Reliable reincarnation of a sushi classic The transformation from Sushi Nozawa to Sugarfish — the most consistent chain of any kind we’ve ever eaten at, with some of the best sub-$50 sushi you’ll find anywhere — has not gone unnoticed. Sugarfish is great, and unequivocally so. SADAF ENCINO Middle Eastern spot with excellent kebabs Sure, it’s as far west as you’re likely to go, but it’s worth heading under the 405 for this Persian treasure. In addition to melt-in-your-mouth skewers of beef and chicken, you’ll also want to try the rice boiled with sour cherries and chicken, and the juicy, thick savory stews of veal and eggplant. As an added bonus, there’s plentiful, under-the-405, shopping cart parking nearby! BONEYARD BISTRO SHERMAN OAKS Barebones space with barbecue and a massive beer selection This long-standing BBQ spot is a classic for a whole host of reasons. It serves up tender, drool-inducing ribs, features a wide-ranging and ever-changing craft beer list (42 taps long), offers a half-priced wine special every Tuesday and Wednesday, and has a daily happy hour. Oh, and the Kobe beef & chili-filled donuts here are life-affirmingly good. IROHA SUSHI OF TOKYO SHERMAN OAKS Longtime sushi spot serving both trendy & traditional takes OK, props to one more sushi joint: this unassuming, tucked-away spot serves not only hearty helpings of salmon nigiri and crazy-good uni, but also has the best blackened cod on the Boulevard. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a man throw a 13-foot python at you while you eat your dinner. THE BELLWETHER STUDIO CITY Bistro emphasizing farm-fresh ingredients This New American spot got a rave review from Jonathan Gold and has become one of the surest bets for great food in the Valley. The dinner menu’s got tempura cauliflower and a patty melt that’s become a local favorite, and chef/owner Ted Hopson’s also got a poached-egg-topped grain bowl and a hot chicken sandwich for brunch on the weekends. FIREFLY STUDIO CITY Romantic spot for a sit-down dinner This longstanding nice-dinner favorite has an indoor/outdoor vibe, and a pedigreed chef who’s now doing a three-course tasting menu as well as a la carte options like an osso buco and lamb-rib duo. Try to get a seat outside by the fireplace: this is the rare Valley restaurant that feels romantic without being hokey, and the patio vibe goes a long way in establishing that atmosphere. JOE’S FALAFEL STUDIO CITY Counter service standby for lunch or dinner There is tons of great Middle Eastern food in the Valley, but for the East Valley, Joe’s reigns supreme: their falafel is a lunchtime staple, thanks to a perfectly crisp exterior and a chickpea mixture that’s surprisingly spiced (is that… cinnamon I’m tasting??). Their bowl specials are also exceedingly affordable and always delicious. THE FRANKLAND LEE EMPIRE ENCINO Acclaimed restaurant group by a husband/wife duo Vaunted Scratch|Bar chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his pastry chef wife Margarita have single-handedly (or is that double-handedly? How does that work?) changed the dining scene in the West Valley with a quartet of restaurants, all located in the Woodley Plaza center. There’s the gastropub-y Woodley Proper, the seafood-centric Frankland’s Crab & Co, Sushi|Bar (which trounces the Valley’s raw-fish mainstays), and of course the flagship Scratch|Bar, all of which have become destination restaurants in a part of LA that had never really been on the culinary map before. VERSAILLES ENCINO LA landmark serving traditional Cuban dishes This LA Cuban mini-chain is responsible for one of the city’s most iconic dishes (garlic chicken, yes please), but is also great for sandwiches, casual/inexpensive group dinners, and other events that don’t involve making out afterwards. Plus, you can tell your over-the-hill-friends that you ate at a bona fide LA institution, and then argue over why the hell they don’t believe you when you say the Valley’s every bit as good as the city is. THE LOCAL PEASANT
WOODLAND HILLS & SHERMAN OAKS Well-made comfort food in a pub-style atmosphere Gastropubs started trending in the East Valley nearly a decade ago, and the trend’s welcome crawl westward is exemplified by The Local Peasant’s two locations on Ventura — one in Sherman Oaks, and one all the way west in Woodland Hills. Does that mean Woodland Hills is the next Studio City? Maybe, but until we know for sure, order some chocolate chunk bread pudding and make yourself comfortable. HUMMUS BAR & GRILL TARZANA Addictive Middle Eastern fare inside a shopping center Worthy of a Tarzana trip all by itself, the bubbly, doughy flatbread at this Middle Eastern mainstay has the perfect consistency to sop up any of the 12+ all-you-can-eat “salads” served with every dish, which include multiple deconstructions of eggplant, a chopped liver pate, and a slew of spiced vegetables. Here’s your go-to move: order one of the skewer dishes for every two or three people at your table, and then go HAM on the salads — and the bread. Oh, and also order the hummus (duh). Article courtesy of Thrillist.
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Need stuff to do this month in Los Angeles?
January 2018 event highlights include a No Pants Metro Ride, a Rick and Morty Pub Crawl, Night on Broadway, a SoCal Museum Free-For-All, and MUCH more. 1. LA Phil’s Rooftop Music Series ‘The Garden’ (starts Jan. 5)‘The Garden’ is a new series by the LA Phil offering complimentary pre-concert drinks and views of the DTLA Skyline followed by masterful performances. Taking place on select Fridays starting January 5 through June 1. -> More information – Discount tickets 2. Comedy Workshops & Shows at Second City Hollywood’s Open House (Jan. 6)Open House at Second City Hollywood returns January 6 for a fun-filled day of free comedy workshops and shows. -> More information 3. LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show (Jan. 6)The LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show comes to the Omni Hotel in DTLA on January 6. Some of the best chocolatiers and pastry chefs in Los Angeles will offer confectionery treats to be paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines and spirits. -> More information – Discount tickets 4. Bricks LA 2018 at Pasadena Convention Center (Jan. 6-7)Highlights include over 13,000 square feet of custom made models, a play area for kids of all ages (adults included) & vendors selling new, used and vintage LEGO sets. -> More information 5. No Pants Metro Ride (Jan. 7)Ready to join hundreds of fellow angelenos in annual excursion to ride our city’s public transit system… sans pants? Your Sunday afternoon Expo Line trip suddenly got a lot more interesting. -> More information 6. 2018 Oshogatsu Family Festival (Jan. 7)Ring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on January 7, with art, food, dance and more. -> More information 7. The LA Art Show (Jan. 10-14)The LA Art Show comes to Los Angeles Convention Center January 10 – 14 for the West Coast’s most comprehensive art experience of the year. -> More information – Discount tickets 8. ‘Tijuana’ at the Skirball Cultural Center (Jan. 11-12)Tijuana is a multimedia solo show straddling the line between fiction and reality which stars Gabino Rodríguez. Playing at the Skirball Cultural Center on January 11-12. -> More information 9. dineL.A. (Jan. 12-26)L.A.’s restaurant week (it’s actually two weeks) kicks of 2018 with another round of exclusive lunch and dinner menus (and deals!) at a laundry list of the city’s finest eateries. -> More information 10. Burger & Beerfest at Santa Anita Park (Jan. 13)The Burger & Beerfest comes to Santa Anita Park on January 13 with the perfect combination for your taste buds! -> More information – Discount tickets 11. Anime Impluse (Jan. 13-14)Fusing the world of anime and video games, Anime Impulse will feature celebrity appearances, esports, artist alleys, Kawaii fashion, and cosplay, all at the Fairple in Pomona. -> More information 12. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at The California African American Museum (Jan. 15)Celebrate MLK Day by making quote-filled dream catchers, listening to a marathon reading of Dr. King’s speeches and spending time with the community. -> More information 13. Winter Snow Fest Hosted by the City of Diamond Bar (Jan. 20)Enjoy a snow day in Diamond Bar at the annual Winter Snow Fest on January 20! Over 100 tons of snow will provide hours of sledding on four hills. -> More information 14. Art Los Angeles Contemporary in Santa Monica (Jan. 25-28)The Art Los Angeles Contemporary (ALAC), the International Contemporary Art fair of the West Coast will be held January 25-28 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. -> More information 15. stARTup Art Fair in Venice Beach (Jan. 26-28)The Kinney Venice Beach will house work from 55 independent artists within over 50 hotel rooms, hallways and outdoor spaces during this immersive art fair! -> More information – Discount tickets 16. Night on Broadway (Jan. 27)The annual community event is back with another year of live performances hosted at some of L.A.’s most historic theatres. Music guests include the B-52s, WAR and more. -> More information 17. Uncorked: Los Angeles Wine Festival at Union StationUncorked Wine Festivals is coming back to LA for the third annual Uncorked: LA Wine Fest at iconic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles on January 27. Sip more than 150 wines! -> More information 18. Rick and Morty Pub Crawl in Long Beach (Jan. 27)Hundreds of Ricks and Mortys parading around the streets of downtown Long Beach? Count us in! -> More information 19. DTLA PROUD Block Party 2018The DTLA PROUD Block Party 2018 comes to the Broadway Theater District January 27 for its second annual celebration in front of Precinct at 4th and Broadway. -> More information 20. SoCal Museum Free-For-All (Jan. 28)On the last Sunday in January over 30 museums will offer free admission at locations spread throughout the greater Southern California area. Participants for this year include many locations that are not normally free such as the Natural History Museum, LACMA, and the GRAMMY Museum, along with museums that regularly offer free admission such as both Getty campuses and The Broad. -> More information 21. Pickwick Vintage Show in Burbank January 28 (Jan. 28)The Pickwick Vintage Show comes to Pickwick Gardens in Burbank January 28 for an array of vintage collections spanning all eras. -> More information Article courtesy of We Like LA. Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.
Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for everyweekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!). This weekend in L.A. (January 5-7) includes Second City’s Annual Open House, All Space Considered, a No Pants Metro Ride, the LA Chocolate Festival, Al Gore at The Hammer, and MUCH more. Enjoy! Friday January 5th, 20181. ‘The Garden’ is a new series by the LA Phil offering complimentary pre-concert drinks and views of the DTLA Skyline followed by masterful performances. Taking place on select Fridays starting January 5 through June 1. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase to the actual concert. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 2. Greenbar Distillery will host their popular cocktail class this Friday. The theme is “Fresh Produce,” guests will get to experiment with seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs along with a variety of Greenbar organic liquors. Must be a member to sign up for classes, membership is free. 3. The Griffith Observatory hosts a monthly forum where some of the most amazing phenomena in the known universe are explained and discussed. It’s called All Space Considered and it takes place on the first Friday of every month. FREE 4. The Smell is having a weekend-long celebration for their 20th anniversary. Shows start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with $15 tickets available online (or $20 at the door, unless it’s sold out). 5. Take an afternoon yoga class in beautiful Grand Park. The 45 minute workout is complimentary to the public every Wednesday and Friday. After yoga, checkout the many food trucks lining the park and grab lunch al fresco style. 6. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 7. Winter Fest continues at the OC Fairgrounds (Dec. 21 to Jan. 7) offering an all-new festival of lights, snow summit, winter bounce houses, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, snowfall and the man of the season, Santa Claus. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 8. Discover the best in foreign-language cinema during the Golden Globe Nominees Series a week of special screenings from January 1–6 at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres. In addition there will be free panel discussion with the filmmakers, at the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday. 9. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) Starting December 24, 2017 all Firefighters can show their badge at the ticketing booth for a free Grand Expedition pass, and up to 50% off Grand Expedition passes for their families as well. 10. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. Happening this week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 11. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018. 12. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 13. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 14. Since its the first Friday of the month check out all the cool events happening around town including block parties and art walks for First Fridays. 15. Free admission at: Long Beach Museum of Art. FREE Saturday January 6th, 201816. Open House at Second City Hollywood returns on Saturday for a fun-filled day of free comedy workshops and shows. FREE 17. The LA Chocolate Festival & Pastry Show comes to the Omni Hotel in DTLA with some of the best chocolatiers and pastry chefs in Los Angeles. Confectionery treats will be paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines and spirits. Check for discount tickets while supples last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 18. The Yoga Expo heads to the Pasadena Convention Center for a full day of workshops, yoga experiences and namaste. Check for discount tickets while supples last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 19. Bricks LA 2018 at Pasadena Convention Center (Jan. 6-7) will include over 13,000 square feet of custom made models, a play area for kids of all ages (adults included) and vendors selling new, used and vintage LEGO sets. 20. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 21. Old Pasadena Historical District is offering a walking excursion this Saturday. Sunday January 7th, 201822. There’s a No Pants Metro Ride happening this Sunday. Get ready to join hundreds of fellow angelenos in this annual ride in our city’s public transit system… sans pants. 23. See former Vice President Al Gore engage in a Q&A about global warming after a screening of his latest film, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, at The Hammer this Sunday. 24. Ring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles during the Oshogatsu Family Festival a day of art, food, dance and more. 25. Spend the first Sunday of 2018 challenging your body and fitness during the New Year’s Race. Starting in Grand Park, the race features a 5K and a 10K race with a pre- and post-race festival. Highlights include vendor and sponsor booths, music, live art, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. 26. 7th Annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week returns with over 40 restaurants and bars offering special cheeseburger items from January 7-12. 27. The 41st Annual Los Angeles Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention will take place at The Reef in DTLA and will feature stars from The Walking Dead, Riverdale and more. Schedule by We Like LA. This 2017 year end is preliminary. I will prepare a more detailed year end report on the third week of January when we have final housing sales figures for 2017, employment figures, and GDP numbers.
Stocks had a banner year – U.S. stock markets closed the year with 2017 achieving the highest percentage gains since 2013. The big difference is that in 2013 stocks were recovering from huge drops during the recession, while in 2017 stock markets gained from record highs reached in 2016, which makes the 2017 gains even more remarkable. As the worldwide economy improved, international stocks fared even better, outperformed U.S. stock market gains for the first time since 2012. U.S. markets were helped by hopes of a massive corporate tax rate cut, which was finalized at the end of the year, loosening regulation, and a turnaround in the worldwide economy, which was sluggish in 2015 and 2016. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the year at 24,719.22, up 25.1% from 19,762.60 at the close of 2016. The Dow closed at 17,425.03 in 2015. The S&P 500 closed the year at 2,673.51, up 19.4% from 2,238.83 at the end of 2016. It was 2,043.94 at the end of 2015. The NASDAQ closed at 6,903.39, up 28.2% from 5,383.12 on December 31, 2016. It was 5,007.41 at the end of 2015. The 10-year Treasury bond closed the year at 2.40%, down from 2.45% December 31, 2016. It was 2.27% at the end of 2015. The 30-year treasury yield ended the year at 2.74%, down from 3.08% on Dec. 31, 2016. It was 3.01% on December 31, 2015. Mortgage Rates mixed in 2017 – The 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages were lower this year than at the end of 2016. The short them ARM rates were higher. The Federal Reserve raises overnight rates banks pay three times in 2017, a .75% increase. That caused short term rates to rise, but did not cause long term rates to rise. That is because long term rates are tied to inflation, not short term rates. In fact, higher short term rates lower the risk of inflation. The December 28, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.99%, down from 4.32% on December 29, 2016. It was 4.01% at the end of 2015. The 15-year fixed was 3.44%, down from last December 28’s 3.55%. It was 3.24% at the end of 2015. The 5-year ARM was 3.47%, up from 3.30% at the close of 2016. It was 3.08% at end of 2015. U.S. Retail Holiday sales up 4.9% – MasterCard reported that holiday retail sales, which compares retail sales from November 1 to December 24, increased 4.9% from the same period last year. Online retail shopping similarly increased 18.1%, while overall consumer buying during the holiday period set a record for dollars spent, according to the sales report issued by Mastercard SpendingPulse. The number of California home sales and prices increase in November – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 440,340 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked an increase of 2.1% from October, yet down down 0.8% from November 2016. Year to date sales are 1.1% higher than the same period last year. The median price paid for a home in California was $546,820, in November, up 8.8% from last November. Housing inventory which had been at historically low levels dropped even further. The unsold inventory index revealed that there was just a 2.9 month supply of homes in the market in November. The number of homes for sale in November was 11.5% below last November’s number. My predictions for 2018. Tax reform – Many people have contacted me about how I feel about the new tax reform and how will it affect the real estate market. Most of the concern is over the $10,000 deduction cap on SALT, which stands for state and local taxes. These state and local taxes include: state income tax, property tax, sales tax, DMV fees, etc. Many fear what this limit will do to the real estate market, especially the upper end of the market. I think we were all blindsided by this. Nobody would have expected state and local tax deductions, which were unlimited before, to be capped. It is something that has never been proposed before. As a real estate broker, I’m against anything that takes away benefits of home ownership, but I think the housing market has so much momentum that prices and sales numbers will continue to rise. The reduction in the mortgage interest deduction from the interest on a $750,000 from a $1,000,000 loan also is unfortunate, but I don’t expect that to have much affect either. (Interest deduction on mortgages up to $1,000,000 originated before December 14, 2017, and the refinance of those loans will still remain deductible). I do expect the $10,000 combined limit on state and local taxes, and the reduction in the mortgage interest deduction to affect us in times of real estate recessions. It could make those periods more severe. Home prices – I expect home prices to increase in 2018. Conservatively, I expect prices to increase 5%-10%. Homes near median price range in each area will move up more than homes above the median price range. As we get to the higher priced homes in each area I’d expect prices to move up more slightly. Since 2012 the higher price ranges have moved up more than the median priced and lower homes, that’s beginning to change. We see some homes sitting in the very highest price ranges in each area. On those high priced homes we are seeing an oversupply due to lots of new construction. I would expect those homes to increase in prices at a very low percentage. Many of those homes are triple where they would have been at the 2006 peak near the end of the last cycle, while homes at the median price are just now about 15% above their 2006 peak. Mortgage rates – I would expect the 30-year fixed interest rate to remain between the 4% and 4.75%. Tame inflation should keep these rates near historic lows. I would not be surprised to see an inverted yield where short term adjustable rate mortgages rise to almost the same rate as a 30-year fixed. Number of sales – We don’t have final figures for 2017 yet, but the total California resales will be above 440,000 units. 2017 will be the the second highest number of sales in the state ever. Only below 2006 when subprime made everyone qualified to buy. I’d expect 2018 sales to be about the same number, possibly a little more. Home inventory levels – 2016 marked the lowest inventory levels since The California Association of Realtors began keeping records. 2017 was even lower and averaged about 11% fewer homes for sale each month compared to the same month in 2016. Most months saw under a 3 month supply of housing for sale. That’s an unheard of number. It gave the appearance that there was nothing to buy, but that is just not the case. There were enough homes listed for 2017 to be almost the highest number of sales ever. Buyers just had no time because homes were selling so quickly. I think inventory levels will tick up a little. Perhaps more sellers will begin to think we are closer to the top of the market and put their home up for sale. A normal market has a 6-7 month supply. In a normal market prices are stable. I don’t expect to get to a 6-7 month supply anytime soon. That’s why I fully expect prices to continue to rise. Easier to qualify – Loans in 2017 were easier to qualify for than they have been since anytime after the financial crisis. Loans required lower down-payments and lower credit scores than anytime since 2007. With a new head of The Consumer Financial Protection Board, who has promised to roll back some regulations and loosen up requirements, qualifying for a mortgage will get even easier. Author, Syd Leibovitch A few last minute changes to tax reform were added to the final bill that will benefit some real estate investors, homeowners and small business owners
These are the main areas of concern people have about tax reform as it relates to the real estate industry. These changes begin in the 2018 tax year. 1. The capital gains exclusion on a primary residence which allows $250,000 per individual, or $500,000 per married couple tax free capital gain exclusion on a primary residence sale will remain as it is currently. It requires that you live in the home for 2 out of the last 5 years. This was proposed to go to 5 years out of 8 years. That would have made this exclusion available only after 5 years not 2. 2. The mortgage interest deduction will be capped on the interest paid on a $750,000 loan. Previously the mortgage interest deduction was for the interest paid on up to $1,000,000 in mortgage loan, plus an equity line of $100,000. $1,100,000). The interest deduction on a loan up to $1,000,000 originated before October 31, 2017 will still be deductible. The interest paid on a $100,000 home equity line will no longer be deductible. 3. The deduction on state and local tax paid, which includes property tax will be capped at $10,000 a year. This has been unlimited since congress approved an income tax in 1909. 4. Real estate investors- A last minute change will allow most real estate investors to deduct 20% of their taxable (net) rental income. These small businesses would be a pass through, but would not be subject to the limits of a service industry business. 5. Service industry pass through rate - A last minute change to help small business will help Realtors. Until Friday a service industry business would not qualify for the lower pass through rate given to S-corps, LLC’s, partnerships, and sole proprietors. Monday a provision was added that will allow small service industry businesses to be able to the deduct 20% of their net taxable income from the total. Unfortunately , for some reason, this would begin to phase out for those small businesses that earn more than $315,000 for married tax filers and $157,500 for individual filers. For example if you make $250,000 net and are married you would get a $50,000 deduction (20%) and you would be taxed in $200,000 at your normal rate. If you make $315,000 or more this deduction won’t be available to you. 6. Many agents have contacted me concerned that they will no longer be able to write off business expenses. That is a rumor. Employees will not be able to write off business expenses, not independent contractors which are small businesses. Small businesses which include sole proprietors (you do not need to incorporate), corporations, LLC’s and partnerships can write off business expenses. There is also changes in depreciation that will be more beneficial. Author, Syd Leibovitch Stocks up as corporate tax cut becomes official – On Friday, President Trump signed a tax reform bill. Key to that bill was a reduction in the corporate income tax rate, which lowers rates corporations pay from 35% to 21%. The hope is that lower corporate rates will encourage businesses to remain in the U.S., and perhaps it will encourage companies to return the the U.S. Stocks have had a record year as investors have speculated that this massive corporate tax cut would happen. Now it officially has. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,754.06, up from 24,651.74 last week. It’s up 25.3% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,683.34, up from its close last week of 2,675.81. The S&P is up 19.9% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,959.26, up from its last week’s close of 6,936.58. It is up 29.3% year-to-date.
Bond yields rise – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.48%, up from 2.35% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.83%, up from 2.68% last week. Home mortgage rates increased proportionally to bond rates. Mortgage Rates rise to end the week near the highest levels of the year- The December 21, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey, which gathered information from December 13-20, reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.94%, unchanged from 3.93% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.38%, unchanged from 3.36% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.39%, unchanged from last week’s 3.36%. Unfortunately, rates rose Thursday and Friday. Rates are over 1/8% higher now than the survey rates. The 30-year fixed is now over 4%. It’s about as high as we have seen this year. Next week’s survey will reflect this. The number of California home sales and prices increase again in November – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single-family home sales totaled 440,340 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That marked an increase of 2.1% from October, yet down 0.8% from November 2016. Year-to-date sales are 1.1% higher than the same period last year. The median price paid for a home in California was $546,820 in November, up 8.8% from last November. Housing inventory, which had been at historically low levels, dropped even further. The unsold inventory index revealed that there was just a 2.9 month supply of homes in the market in November. The number of homes for sale in November was 11.5% below last November’s number. California’s unemployment rate drops to 40 year low in November – The Employment Development Department reported that California employer’s added 47,400 new jobs in November. The unemployment rate fell from 4.9% in October to 4.6% in November. That marked the lowest unemployment rate since the state changed the way it calculates the rate in 1976. Author, Syd Leibovitch Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.
Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!). This weekend in L.A. (December 22-24) includes Deck The Halls Concert, Little Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, CHILL Adventure Park, Winter Fest, The 58th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration and MUCH more. Enjoy! Friday December 22nd, 20171. Looking to literally step into the Christmas spirit? Check out out round up of where you can walk into life-size gingerbread houses in and around Los Angeles. 2. The LA Master Chorale will host a Deck The Halls holiday concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 3. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets for this weekend while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 4. Come dressed in an ugly sweater and get a free mini martini or mini Manhattan from 5:30 p.m. to close during Little Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. 5. Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker is accompanied by a full symphony orchestra along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s stunning white Arabian horse. Happening Friday through Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 6. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the pubic for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!). 7. Union Station concludes its holiday season of Cocoa Concert with La Picante’s “A Very Salsa Christmas” in the historic south patio this Friday. FREE 8. There’s an ALL NIGHT Holiday Party happening at The Reserve in DTLA this Friday with a tribute room dedicated to Mariah Carey and the main room spinning old school hip hop and RnB. 9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. Happening all weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 10. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 11. 260LA will host a Stila Sample Sale at their Beverly Hills location from December 19-23. Score premium deals on a full spectrum of the makeup brands products. 12. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 13. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 14. Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat. 15. Head to the New Beverly for a Christmas-themed double feature this Friday. They’ll be screening It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story in 35mm. Happening Friday and Saturday. 16. Rooftop Cinema Club Ultimate Holiday Movie Series will host a month-long schedule of Christmas inspired movie screenings from December 1-23. The series concludes this weekend with screenings of Elf, Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life. 17. See the merriest Christmas light show in the city at City Blessing Church in Walnut during Lights on Miracle Hill: 12 Days of Christmas every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-24. 18. Free admission at: Long Beach Museum of Art and Museum of Latin American Art (5 to 9 p.m.) Saturday, December 23rd, 201719. Winter Fest Returns to OC Fairgrounds (Dec. 21 to Jan. 7) will offer an all-new festival of lights, snow summit, winter bounce houses, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, snowfall and the man of the season, Santa Claus. Check for discount tickets this weekend before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 20. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. Happening all weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 21. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 22. RuPaul’s Drag Race divas are taking over the Orpheum Theatre for one epic holiday spectacular. Hosted by Trinity “The Body” Taylor with appearances by fan-fave contestants, guests will see them perform and participate in a rare audience Q&A. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 23. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 24. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE 25. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018. Be sure to check for discounts before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) Happy Place has been temporarily closed down due to permitting issues. December tickets are currently being refunded. You can read the latest ticketing update via their Instagram. 26. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30. 27. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018. 28. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) Sunday, December 24th, 201729. The 58th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a free Christmas Eve celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion featuring Los Angeles-based musicians and dancers, including the Gay Men’s Chorus, City Ballet of Los Angeles, M-Pact and more. FREE 30. The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is host to the MatzoBall an annual Jewish singles networking event. Though most attendees are Jewish, more singles of all backgrounds are now showing up for this hugely popular party. 31. Need a little Christmas Eve refreshment? Grab a seasonal drink of one of 15 Places in L.A. to Get an Amazing Holiday Cocktail, including Westbound, Big Bar, and Casa Vega. Schedule by We Like LA. With New Year’s Eve fast approaching the time to make plans is exactly RIGHT NOW! Thankfully, Los Angeles has options.
NYE 2018 in L.A. promises something for everyone. This year includes free bashes at Grand Park and Angel City Brewery, a black tie gala in Beverly Hills, swing dancing at Knott’s Berry Farm, Sir-Mix-a-Lot at the Queen Mary, fireworks in Marina Del Rey, a daytime NYE event for kids, and MUCH more. New Year’s Eve To-Dos 2017 -> 2018Price noted in parenthesis. Numbered for reference only, listed in no particular order. 1. N.Y.E.L.A. at Grand Park (free) 2. Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala Show at the Ace Hotel ($49.50-225) 3. Prohibition NYE at Union Station ($175) 4. The Raymond’s/1886 New Year’s Eve Bash ($100) 5. New Year’s Eve on The Queen Mary with Sir Mix-a-Lot, with discount tickets available through Goldstar ($119/$72 while supplies last) 6. Angel City Brewery Presents No Cover New Year’s Eve (free) 7. Bootie LA: New YEARS EVE 2018 at Resident DTLA ($30) 8. Hermosa Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration With Ball Drop & Live Music (free) 9. Dave Chappelle & John Meyer at The Forum ($80-395) 10. Hudson House’s New Year’s Eve ’70s Disco Party ($40) 11. Classic Hollywood Roosevelt New Year’s Eve ($155-185) 12. New Year’s Eve Ball at The Edison ($100) 13. Havana Nights NYE Celebration at the Shade Hotel ($95) 14. New Year’s Eve Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific ($25-30) 15. Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve at The LA Zoo ($40-69) 16. Brighter Future NYE Party ($20-95) 17. Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party (Free) 18. Insomniac’s Countdown NYE ($99-319) 19. New Year’s Eve with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at Walt Disney Hall ($75-175) 20. Magicopolis’ Magical NYE, with discount tickets available through Goldstar ($75/$37.50 while supplies last) 21. Speakeasy Fireworks Long Beach New Year’s Eve Cruise ($70-129) 22. New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala at Montage Beverly Hills ($395) 23. NYE 2018 Cleopatra’s Ball at Hollywood Egyptian Theatre ($109-149) 24. Minimal Effort NYE at The MacArthur ($59-149) 25. New Year’s Eve Ball at the Continental Club ($40) 26. Dollface Dames Burlesque Bash at Bareburger ($40, or $20 discount tickets available through Goldstar while supplies last) 27. Kidspace Noon Year’s Eve at the Rose Bowl (free) 28. Knott’s Berry Farm NYE with Swing Dance, Salsa & Fireworks (Included in admission price of $49-79) 29. New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront in Downtown Long Beach (free) 30. BOOM! Drug and Alcohol-free New Year’s Eve at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium (free) Article by We Like LA. As a tax reform deal gets closer, stocks continue to skyrocket –Stock markets continued to rise this week as Congress announced that they have finalized a deal on tax reform. Friday they said they had the votes to approve it and would vote next week. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rates for the third time this year citing the strength of the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,651.74, up from 24,326.16 last week. It’s up 24.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,675.81, up from its close last week of 2,651.50. The S&P is up 19.5% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,936.58, up from its last week’s close of 6,840.08. It is up 28.9% year-to-date.
Bond yields end week almost the same as last Friday – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.35%, down from 2.38% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.68%, downfrom 2.77% last week Mortgage Rates slightly higher – The December 14, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.93%, unchanged from 3.94% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.36%, unchanged from 3.36% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.36%, unchanged from last week’s 3.35%. Tax reform clears another hurdle as the Senate and House reconcile their bills and agree on a compromise bill – There still needs a final vote in the Senate and House, followed by a signature by President Trump, but both chambers announced Friday that they had the votes and would vote next week. The final bill has a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. It also reduces all individual tax bracket rates with the top rate capping out at 37%, a 2.7% reduction. It doubles the exempt amount for estate tax and it lowers the amount of AMT (alternative minimum tax). The standard deduction for people that don’t itemize has been almost doubled to $12,000 for individuals, and $24,000 for married couples. To pay for the tax cuts many deductions have been cut back or eliminated. As it relates to real estate some are: a reduction in the mortgage interest deduction from the interest paid on up to $1,100,000 in mortgage loan amount to the interest paid on up to a $750,000 loan. (This applies to new loans. An existing loan up to $1,000,000 is grandfathered in). The deduction on state and local tax paid, which includes property tax will be capped at $10,000 a year. This has been unlimited since congress approved an income tax in 1909. Currently the ability to get a $250,000 per individual, or $500,000 per married couple tax free gain forgiveness on a primary residence sale requires that you live in the home for 2 out of the last 5 years. This is proposed to go to 5 years out of 8 years. Realtor organizations are still trying to get this change eliminated before a final vote. Unfortunately, many in high tax rate states like California will actually pay more in federal income tax according to experts, because of the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction. Federal Reserve raises overnight rates – The Fed announced that it has raised their key interest rates for a third time this year, citing that a healthy economy called for another rate increase. The Fed dropped rates quickly beginning in 2007 to try to stimulate the economy before and during the Great Recession. By 2009 they had dropped the rate so many times it got to 0% for the first time in the history of the Fed. It remained at 0% until 2015 when the economy had picked up and it was raised 1/4%. It was raised 1/4% two more times in 2016, and three more times this year as the economy has rebounded. The Federal Funds and Discount Rate now stand at 1.5%, still a historic low. The 10-year and 30-year treasury bond yield and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate actually dropped after the announcement, as raising short term rates lowers the risk of inflation, which affects long term rates. Author, Syd Leibovitch Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.
Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for everyweekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!). This weekend in L.A. (December 15-17) includes Saber Battle L.A., a Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall, a CHILL Adventure Park at the Queen Mary, a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up, a Christmas Concert at The Bradbury and MUCH more. Enjoy! Friday December 15, 20171. Saber Battle L.A. is a massive showdown at Pershing Square in DTLA. Hundreds of participants will come out to ‘battle’ one another using toy lightsabers. The event itself is free to attend but lightsabers are available to purchase online for delivery or to pickup on site. Be sure to check for discounts on lightsaber packages while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 2. Candytopia is the latest pop-up experience taking over L.A. featuring various candy-inspired rooms and installations like a marshmallow tsunamis and other edible surprises. Taking place at the LA Hangar Studios in Boyle Heights, Candytopia will run until March 15, 2018. 3. For one day only, Jon and Vinny’s will host a secret backyard party to welcome Milk Bar to L.A. Guests can get their hands on Milk Bars epic cookies, cake truffles, crack pie™ and more from 3-9 p.m. or until the treats run out. It’s a party so expect crafts, games, Milk Bar souvenirs and other surprises. The first 50 guests will receive a Milk Bar tote bag. 4. It’s hard not to make fun of the holidays, laugh about the “most wonderful time of the year” when the Groundlings troupe returns with their beloved Groundlings Holiday Show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 5. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 7. The Battleship IOWA will host a Holiday Movie Screening of “Frozen” on the fantail of their historic ship. Seating is first come first served. FREE 8. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 9. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the pubic for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!). 10. Rooftop Cinema Club Ultimate Holiday Movie Series will host a month-long schedule of Christmas inspired movie screenings from December 1-23. The series continues this weekend with screenings of A Christmas Story, Elf, Edward Scissorhands and more. 11. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 12. A Taste of the Holidays Christmas Market taking place at Crafted at The Port of Los Angeles December 15-17 is a festive european-style shopping event with live music, dancing, DIY holiday crafts, a Christmas tree lot, Brouwerij West’s Holiday Brew and photos with Santa. 13. National Geographic Live returns to the Broad Stage in Santa Monica with Cristina Mittermeier, marine biologist/photographer on December 14-15. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 14. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 15. The Artisanal LA x Bunker Hill Holiday Pop-Up returns to the Bank of America Plaza in DTLA from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with 20+ makers of handcrafted goods and treats plus a live DJ and a festive photo booth. Admission is free to the public. 16. Something Rotten!, a hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers playwrights overshadowed by the great Will Shakespeare. Follow them as they try to steal the spotlight and end up unexpectedly end up writing the world’s very first musical. The show runs November 21 through December 30. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 17. See the twinkling lights taking over our city during the Holiday Lights tour of Downtown Los Angeles. The tour is two hours long and starts at Union Station in the evening and ends at Pershing Square. Happening throughout the weekend. 18. 260LA will host a J Brand Sample Sale at their Beverly Hills location from December 13-17. Score premium denim items for men and women at steep discounted prices of up to 70% off. 19. The Sorting Room winter session is in full swing with eclectic performances spread over two weeks (through December 21). Each show includes special happy hour drink deals beforehand, with featured talent ranging from poets to composers, jazz singers, Tony Award winners and cabaret singers. This weekend features Clint Holmes on Friday and Love Actually Live on Saturday. 20. See the merriest Christmas light show in the city at City Blessing Church in Walnut during Lights on Miracle Hill: 12 Days of Christmas every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-24. Saturday, December 16th, 201721. Get into the holiday season with a Holiday Sing-Along at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There will be hot cocoa, coffee and pictures with Santa for an extra dose of cheer. 22. There’s a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up happening at Annenberg Space for Photography in conjunction with Cuba Is, the Annenberg’s current photography exhibit. The balls will be sold in packs of six this Saturday and the current exhibit is free and open to the public. 23. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 24. Bergamot Station will host their Holiday Open House featuring work, creations and products designed by the creative community and businesses in the complex. Admission is free and open to the public. 25. The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks show will take over the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for a Big Band take on Christmas classics. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 26. Saban Theatre will be transformed into a full on holiday party featuring carolers, DJ’s, a Christmas card photo photo booth, food trucks, holiday cocktails and a Drunk Santa followed by a screening of the Will Ferrell Christmas classic Elf. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 27. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. Happening Saturday and Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 28. Visit Dockweiler Youth Center for Beach Winter Wonderland, fun for the entire family this free event features bounce houses, winter activities, rides, and authentic snow at the beach. FREE 29. The 9th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will take place at numerous locations of Santa Monica’s best bars and restaurants. Dress in Santa or holiday attire is strongly encouraged for this festive pub crawl. 30. Holly Jolly Day at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE will include access to the L.A. LIVE ice skating rink and several over the top culinary and dessert stations. Enjoy the customizable hot chocolate bar, towering chocolate fountain, eggnog panna cotta, yule logs a cookie decoration station and much more. 31. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more. 32. Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive at the Los Angeles Union Station in Downtown L.A. is a free and family-friendly event featuring vintage rail cars decked out in festive attire, live music, refreshments and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. FREE 33. Enchanted: Forest of Light is in full swing at Descanso Gardens offering guests a colorful one-mile path walk through 10 distinct light displays at unique points within the garden including the Oak Grove and the Japanese Garden. The event runs until January 6, 2018. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 34. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 35. The 35th Annual Parade of 1000 Lights Christmas Boat Parade returns to Shoreline Village in Long Beach this Saturday. 36. Hear pitch perfect holiday tunes belted out by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles during their annual Holiday Spectacular show happening at Alex Theatre in Glendale this Satruday. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar) 37. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018. Be sure to check for discounts before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 38. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 39. Do a little holiday shopping along the L.A. River during the Frogtown Flea Market. The two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) will feature food, drinks, music, art, plants, apothecary, zines, vintage finds, crafts, and more. A $5 donation is suggested. 40. Feastown at Eastown, a new, bimonthly popup night marketplace featuring food vendors and live music, debuted in Hollywood October and now returns for two Saturdays in December with a holiday theme. There is no cover to attend. Part of the proceeds from food purchases will go to help locals in need. 41. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30. Sunday, December 17th, 201742. Five holiday-themed concerts will be performed by the LA Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall between December 2 and 18. Expect Handel, Bach and more. 43. The popular Christmas Concert at The Bradbury will feature a 30-voice choir singing all the holiday favorites in one of the most beautiful interiors of all of Los Angeles. 44. Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat. 45. Sunday is the final Smorgasburg of the year before they go on a hiatus till January 14, 2018. It’s also the last day of their Holiday Market, so you’ll be able to shop and eat all in one place. 46. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018. 47. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE Schedule provided by We Like LA. |
AuthorGenna Walsh Archives
February 2020
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