Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 11, 2008
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 10, 2008
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 10, 2008
Need to clear a few items out of your pantry? Do it early Saturday morning, May 10th, and place the items in a bag outside by your mailbox.
Postal carriers will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items as part of their national "Stamp Out Hunger" campaign.
The 16th annual food collection put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers is the largest one-day food drive in the nation, organizers said. Last year postal service employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands collected more than 70 million pounds.
Letter carriers will take the donations to pantries, food banks and shelters for distribution to the estimated 35 million Americans who face hunger each day, organizers said.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 9, 2008
The second Saturday of every month is Gallery Night in Northeast Los Angeles: Your opportunity to explore the Galleries, Shops, Restaurants and Nightlife in the historic and eclectic neighborhoods of Northeast Los Angeles. Maybe even purchase art for your home or office.
Tour participating galleries this Saturday, May 10, from 7PM - 10 PM. Wrap up the evening with food and drinks at La Casa Blue or Mr. T's Bowl.
More info here: http://www.nelaart.com/
And here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NELAart/
Mr. T's Bowl: http://mrtsbowl.tripod.com/
La Casa Blue: http://www.lacasablue.com/
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 9, 2008
Republished from "The House, An Episode in the Lives of Reuben Baker, Astronomer, and of his Wife Alice" written by Eugene Field, published in 1896, and now in public domain.
I recall that one of the first wishes I heard Alice express during our honeymoon was that we should sometime be rich enough to be able to build a dear little house for ourselves. We were poor, of course; otherwise our air castle would not have been a "dear little house"; it would have been a palatial residence with a dance-hall at the top and a wine-cellar at the bottom thereof. I have always observed that when the money comes in, the poetry flies out. Bread and cheese and kisses are all well enough for poverty-stricken romance, but if ever a poor man receives a windfall, his thoughts turn inevitably to a contemplation of the probability of terrapin and canvasbacks.
Posted by Avenue 50
May 7, 2008
Drawing The Line: The Los de Abajo Printmaking Collective
Kay Brown • Judith Durán • Antonio Escalante • Emelda Gutierrez • Chie Izuma • Sojin Kim • José
Lozano • Poli Marichal • Don Newton • Marianne Sadowski • Victor Rosas
Opening night reception: Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 7-10 pm
The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present the Los de Abajo Printmaking Collective in an exhibition of
experimental prints. In Drawing the Line, the Collective merges the centuries-old medium of printmaking with non-traditional media. Their groundbreaking techniques challenge traditional conceptions of printmaking.
Each of our artists is enamored of line. At times playful, the lines Kay Brown and Imelda Gutierrez utilize takes the edge off misfortune, drawing us into a whimsical world. While Judith Durán juxtaposes the celestial with the emotional, questioning our capacity to admire or feel, José Lozano discusses hidden demarcations, uncomfortable feelings, unease, and desconfiansa. Chie Izuma finds the natural formation of line in our bodies to be of utmost interest. Her imaginative combination of clay with paper identifies the organic lines surrounding us. Antonio Escalante, Poli Marichal, Don Newton and Mariana Sadowsky look at line through political eyes, speaking, respectively, to the US/Mexican border; the environment; political line; and line as an absurd division in landscape. Sojin Kim speaks metaphorically about drawing lines to distinguish us from others. Victor Rojas is concerned with how divisions in our mind create social divisions.
Drawing the Line is indicative of this group's determination to experiment and take printmaking towards a more provocative direction. Please join us.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 7-10 pm
Where: Avenue 50 Studio, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery,
131 No. Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042
Duration: May 10 through June 8, 2008
Contact: Kathy Gallegos, 323/258-1435
Posted by ArroyoSeco Art
May 7, 2008
Each year, thousands of Angelinos have experienced the diverse mix of art, architecture and history of the Arroyo Seco area during the Annual Museums of the Arroyo Day.
Hosted by six premier and unique history-based museums that preserve and perpetuate early Los Angeles life, Museums of the Arroyo Day has been a popular family event for nearly 20 years.
On Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the public may visit the six MOTA museums (Heritage Square Museum, the Gamble House, Lummis Home and Gardens, The Southwest Museum of the American Indian, and the Los Angeles Police Historical Society) during the day for free.
Heritage Square will be one of the best locations for families to visit. Included in this year's list of participants are a large encampment from Western Educators, Shooters and Troopers, the woodworking skills of the California Carvers Guild, Patty Sue Jones and Doug Larner of the Rose Bowl Riders will be here for children to see, sketch and paint images of horses Cody and Magi, period music from Peter Breed and his unique and fun sounding monkey organ player, tall tales and fanciful stories from the San Gabriel Valley Story Tellers, an area of children's period crafts, a variety of kids games and dancing (at scheduled times) at the "Rootin' Tootin' Games and Dance Saloon" from our very own volunteers, Cowboy Mike and his high kicking sidekick, Cowboy Steve, the unveiling of our new 1918 Ford Truck (history to come next quarter), and much more.
Events at other MOTA museum's during the day include: the music styling of Ian Whitcomb and his Bungalow Boys at the Gamble House; climb into a retired police helicopter, try on police gear and get "locked" in a real jail at the Los Angeles Police Historical Society: tour the gardens at the Lummis Home; visit the museum's 100 year old Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum at the Pasadena Historical Museum; and view the restoration work and more at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian.
This year promises to bring bigger crowds, so visitors are advised to arrive early. Additional parking has been added at certain locations and visitors are encouraged to use the Gold Line to get to most of the MOTA museums. Guest are also encouraged to walk to the MOTA Museums. The three Highland Park/Southern Arroyo museums (Heritage Square, Lummis Home and Southwest Museum) are within a
mile or less of each other. Likewise, the Pasadena museums (The Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History) are virtually situated across the street from each other.
For more information about the annual community program, each of the MOTA museums, further announcements about activities and participants, and directions to each, visit www.museumsofthearroyo.com. We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, May 18, at the 19th Annual Museums of the Arroyo Day.
Posted by Maggie Lobl
May 5, 2008
One thing we tend to take for granted, those of us who live in Southern California, is the abundance of delicious, fresh and healthy produce that is available to us all year 'round. This was brought home to me when we had family in town from the midwest last week.
They had come here for a birthday celebration and were able to spend a couple of extra days hanging out in our fantastic weather. On one of the hottest days we've had so far this year in NE LA, we piled into the car and headed out to Malibu. But being at the beach makes me hungry, so I packed up some sandwiches and fresh fruit to take along with us.
You cannot imagine the impact a cucumber can have on someone! I had picked up some fresh cucumbers at the farmers market a few days earlier. Without giving it too much thought, I sliced them up and popped them on some bagels with a smear of cream cheese and some smoked salmon. Delish! But the cucumbers were the talk of the trip from that point on..... How fresh, how delicious, how sweet and crunchy... Nothing else our relatives ate on their entire trip inspired as much conversation or compliments. Of course, I basked in the attention and got all the credit for the making the most amazing sandwich (which really just boils down to having the good sense to buy a few cucumbers at the market - who would've thought?).
Now, I have to say that I myself do love these cukes. They are small, have few seeds and a thin skin that is NOT waxed, so they are yummy unpeeled. I find myself putting them on everything (they are especially good with egg salad).
The other big impression on our out-of-town family was made by juicy, ripe strawberries on homemade waffles for breakfast one morning. They add color and vitamins, as well as flavor and sweetness to an otherwise only marginally healthy breakfast. Fresh squeezed juice (from citrus from the market, of course) is the prefect compliment.
It is easy to overlook how lucky we are to have such a variety of fresh, healthy and delicious produce available to us at any time of the year. To see this bounty through the eyes of visitors really brings it home and makes me grateful to live in CA and also to have a great farmers market to shop at within just a few blocks of home.
The market is found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. There is FREE PARKING after 4 p.m. in the lot adjacent to the market.
See you there. ML
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 5, 2008
Real Estate Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042, 90065 for April 28, 2008, through May 4, 2008 as reported in I-Tech MLS:
These zip codes include the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by ArroyoSeco Art
May 5, 2008
Cinco de Mayo marks the date of the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Althought the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.
With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves of any foreign intervention.
More here:
http://www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm
And here:
Posted by Lummis Day
May 5, 2008
A separate new "Family Stage" will be featured at the Lummis Day Festival this year to add top kid-friendly puppet theater, storytelling and music to the kaleidoscope of music, dance and art that will fill Sycamore Grove Park from 12:30-7:00pm on Sunday, June 1.
The Puppets and Players Little Theater and the We Tell Stories performing group will be featured on the new stage. Other performers will be announced soon. MC's for the Family Stage will include KPFK's Fidel Rodriguez and personalities from KMEX, Univision 34.
We Tell Stories is a multi-ethnic community of artists who educate and nurture young audiences by reconnecting them with the ancient powers and wisdom of storytelling and theater. Performances by the We Tell Stories group blend storytelling and audience-participatory theater to bring world folklore, fairy
tales, literature, legends, and mythology to life.
Puppets and Players Little Theatre creatively re-invents the ancient art of marionette theater with masterful marionettes, colorful stage sets, exquisite lighting and state of the art sound that all combine to leave a lasting impression of puppetry at its best. Their performances, which combine classical marionettes, hand puppets and live performers, are presented on a beautifully crafted European-style marionette theater-on-wheels.
The third annual Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast Los Angeles, will be presented by the Annenberg Foundation and the Autry National Center and will celebrate the diverse cultures and history of the L.A.'s Arroyo neighborhoods with June 1 events--free and open to the public--at Lummis Home
and Sycamore Grove Park. Performers--all with roots in Northeast Los Angeles--will include nationally and regionally celebrated artists performing in Spanish, English and Tagalog.
Information on the Festival and its programs is available at http://www.LummisDay.org
Lummis Day takes its name from Charles Fletcher Lummis, who joined the L.A. Times as the newspaper's first city editor in 1876. A prolific writer and photographer, Lummis was also one of the city's first librarians, founded the Southwest Museum and helped introduce the concept of multi-culturalism to Southern California.
Lummis Day: The Festival of Northeast Los Angeles is presented by the Annenberg Foundation and the Autry National Center. Festival sponsors include the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Arroyo Seco, Eagle Rock, Greater Cypress Park and Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Councils, KMEX Univision 34, public radio station KPFK 90.7, the Arroyo Seco Journal, Poets & Writers, Inc, the North Figueroa Association, Los Angeles City Council Districts 1 and 14, the Highland Park Heritage Trust, the Mount Washington Association, the L.A. Poetry Festival, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and other community organizations.
####
Contact: Eliot Sekuler 818-535-9178
Posted by Rock Rose
May 4, 2008
Rock Rose Art Gallery will be hosting a Pre-Mother’s Day Party for Mothers, Mother’s To Be, their families and friends on Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. Special guest for the event is artist Irma Montelongo, who will introduce her new series of ceramic statues “Las Madres” (Mothers) celebrating motherhood in her own whimsical, feminine fashion. Joining her will be Sigrid Soto, a local artist known for her unique style of jewelry design. Included in her display will be other creations certain to be a hit with mom. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested by calling (323) 635-9125
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 4, 2008
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 3, 2008
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Brian Brady
May 2, 2008
Let's lock all mortgages rates at application, regardless of when its closing. I think this is about as good as it gets for a while. I still see 30 year fixed rates a tad under 6% (5.875%) but the good economic data, released today, could drive Los Angeles mortgage rates up next week.
I recommend a 7/1 ARM today. Rates offered for a 7/1 ARM, for loans under $417,000, are OVER a half a percentage point less than the 30 year fixed (5.25%). Most borrowers will feel comfortable with a seven year time frame. This means that 5.25% rate is locked in for 7 years- that's until 2015.
(all loans offered to the consumer at the wholesale or "par" rate. We are paid 1% by the consumer.)
To give you an idea of how long 7 years is, Disneyland's California Adventure opened in early 2001. You probably thought it was around forever.
The bond traders won't be merciful next week unless recessionary data are overwhelming. Jump on these low rates now.
Posted by Rock Rose
May 2, 2008
Rock Rose Art Gallery will be hosting a Pre-Mother’s Day Party for Mothers, Mother’s To Be, their families and friends on Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. Special guest for the event is artist Irma Montelongo, who will introduce her new series of ceramic statues “Las Madres” (Mothers) celebrating motherhood in her own whimsical, feminine fashion. Joining her will be Sigrid Soto, a local artist known for her unique style of jewelry design. Included in her display will be other creations certain to be a hit with mom. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested by calling (323) 635-9125.
Ms. Montelongo, has been a potter for 24 years. She first became interested in working with clay in 1980. She attend East Los Angeles College, taking ceramics classes, but had to postpone her studies due to the birth of her last child. She continued her education at Rio Hondo College as an Art Major taking drawing, painting and ceramic classes. It wasn’t until she attended Baldwin Park Adult School that she was introduced to new throwing techniques and glazing methods that enabled her to be more creative and free with her designs. She has exhibited her work in several galleries around Southern California. She sells her pottery under the business name Playklay. Irma received her Vocational Education Teaching Credential for art and painting in 2000 and is currently teaching at Baldwin Park Adult School.
Artist Sigrid Soto was born in Monterey Park, California and raised by her Costa Rican parents in Long Beach, California. Her interest in color, texture, and nature led to the creation of her original jewelry. The result is a timeless piece, unique yet versatile for everyday and special occasions.
Since opening it’s door in Historic Highland Park in 2000, Rock Rose Art Gallery’s mission has been to present and nurture visual and performing artists of all ages in an environment that also bridges communities through the arts. Located in the historic Arroyo Section of Northeast Los Angeles at 4108 N. Figueroa Street in Highland Park, the gallery can be reached by the metro Gold Line exiting at the Southwest Museum stop. For more information regarding all arts programs and events offered or produced by Rock Rose, please call (323) 635-9125, email rockroseart@yahoo.com or visit www.rockroseproductions.com.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
May 2, 2008
Republished from "A Southern California Paradise" written Clniton B. Ripley, and included in a collection of essays compiled by R. W. C. Farnsworth, published in 1883, and now in public domain.
A house, to be comfortable, need not be constructed with such precautions against the extremes of heat and cold as in other places, but that every family should have a house of some description, costing as it may from $250 to $25,000, according to the means and tastes of the owner, is a fact that cannot be denied.
Houses of every style of architecture, and of all sizes, are found in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Wood is used almost universally as a building material. Very few brick structures are found outside of the larger cities. Each man builds a house of just such a style as he may fancy, there being no attempt at uniformity of design. Yet, if there be one kind of a house more popular than nother in this locality, as well as in all parts of California, it is a one-story cottage with all the rooms on one floor and massed around an entrance hall as a common center.
Such houses are very convenient, as they obviate the necessity of climbing stairs, which is a strong plea in their favor. They present an exterior cozy and comfortable in appearance, and really deserve the popularity which they has aquired. Verandas are frequently buiult on two or more sides of a house, if the owner's means will alow. "The pleasantest part of a house is its veranda", is a common expression in California.
Posted by Brian Brady
April 29, 2008
No real change in my posture. I still believe that Los Angeles mortgage rates have room to go lower in the next 30-90 days but I'm advising clients who are closing in less than 17 days to lock. All others can float.
Mortgage-backed securities traders have "baked in" a .25% rate cut from the Fed when they meet tomorrow. If Bernanke doesn't cut, mortgage rates will jump quickly. This week is filled with economic data. If the data are reported weaker than the estimates, we could see lower mortgage rates in the next week. The risk of that not happening, in this volatile market, is real so I'm sticking to the recommendation of locking your loans if you are closing before May 15.
Countrywide Financial reported a a big loss from foreclosures while MasterCard reported huge profits. While MasterCard doesn't actually issue the cards (they just make money from transactions), it shows that people are walking away from their mortgages and using credit cards more frequently. Traders think that Bernanke is fixing the financial crisis in this country but those two events should give you reason to deliberate. We're still bouncing around on choppy seas and should be through the end of the year. I just don't see Los Angeles mortgage rates above the 6.5% level at all this year.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 28, 2008
Real Estate Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042, 90065 for April 21, 2008, through April 27, 2008 as reported in I-Tech MLS:
These zip codes include the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 27, 2008
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 26, 2008
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from I-Tech MLS
Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L.A. Westside MLS
Featuring Open Houses in the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 24, 2008
Republished from "A Southern California Paradise" written Clniton B. Ripley, and included in a collection of essays compiled by R. W. C. Farnsworth, published in 1883, and now in public domain.
To live under one's one vine and fig-tree in a neat, comfortable home, fitted with all the conveniences of modern times, is a possibility in Los Angeles and its environs. Houses of all kinds, from the humblest cottage to the stately mansion, are to be seen, some peeping out from luxuriant foliage, half concealed by shubbery, which is perhaps, not yet two years old; others rising grandly from soem eminence, and comparing favorably with the homes of wealth in older places.
To those seeking homes in this locality, the statement that "houses are built and homes are made"; homes made which meet the wants, real and fancied, of all who come, is not enough. The careful man who proposes to invest his money in a home wants to know the cost of building, the kinds of building materials, where they are obtained, and many other important items, which this writer, having practical knowledge of the subject, will endeavor to furnish.
I would first attempt to correct the erroneous impression which seems to have gone out over the many States from which we derive our population, that any kind of a shelter is sufficient for a house in Southern California. It is true that from April to October rains rarely ever fall, and the shade of a tree many suffice for a shelter; but this is not a home. It may do for a brief period while a house is being erected, but will not prove satisfactory for a very long time, unless the gypsy yearning develops faster than usual.
Posted by Brian Brady
April 21, 2008
What a wild week this past one was for Los Angeles mortgage rates. On April 14, 2008, I advised folks who were closing in the month of April to lock rates; mortgage bonds plummeted from 101 to 99.5. If you were closing in April and didn't lock your mortgage rate, it would have cost you about 1.5% in discount points to get that same mortgage rate, on Thursday- that's $7,500 extra in closing costs for a $500,000 loan!
I also advised that all May closings float. Mortgage bond prices rebounded to 100.5 today; I still think there's room for upside in the mortgage bond market which means lower mortgage rates. I don't have high hopes for the American economy through the summer. The foreclosures, weak housing prices, and credit crunch have closed the consumer's "virtual ATM ". Higher food and fuel prices are starting to take a bite out of the consumers' budget. A gallon of gas and a gallon of milk both cost in excess of $4. In past years, a homeowner would suck it up and throw the money on his HELOC. Now, with HELOCs frozen, the consumer has to tighten his belt.
The consumer drives much of the American economy so his tightened belt means less spending. That should hurt this economy until we see the banks loosen up a bit.
Will we see lower mortgage rates in May? I think so but the volatility of the mortgage bonds market still compels me to advise Los Angeles home buyers to lock their mortgage rates for transactions closing within 14 days. All longer closings should float...for now.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 21, 2008
Real Estate Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042, 90065 for April 14, 2008, through April 20, 2008 as reported in I-Tech MLS:
These zip codes include the Los Angeles communities of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Sycamore Grove, Garvanza, Montecito Heights, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Monterey Hills, and Hermon.
Posted by Cheryl Johnson
April 20, 2008
Useful Research Links from the US Government:
And more...
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