NELA Live

Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L a Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 29, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29

Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 28, 2007

Mark Your Calendar

Don't forget to mark for calendar for these upcoming NELA events:

Eagle Rock Music Festival, Saturday, October 9, 5PM - 12AM
Eagle Rock Home Tour Sunday, October 14
Arroyo Arts Discovery Tour Sunday, November 18

Posted by Ricardo Bueno
September 27, 2007

Ribet Academy Football: meet the fighting frogs!

Ribet Academy! Over on 2911 San Fernando Road, just before you hit the (2) two Freeway. That's where I went to High School. I graduated there in 2002 and it was off to UCLA, my first pick AND my school of choice. That's right baby!

I always loved to play sports...well, basketball mainly. When it was off to UCLA I played basketball at the Wooden Center almost every day. It was my getaway from the hectic schedule of college life and a full time job. And guess who played with me? Adam Sandler! Yes it's true, see for yourself.

Ok, enough about me, let's talk Ribet Academy football!

Ribet, 1-0 in San Joaquin League play, and 1-2 overall, ran into a Linfield offense that was efficient in the run game and used the pass sparingly. We lost this one but Linfield, we'll see you again.

The Ribet highlight of the night was when sophomore Quarterback Sam Sulam connected on a 79 yard touchdown pass to sophomore Wide Receiver Nnamdi Armour in the fourth quarter. Senior Foreign Exchange student Alvaro Catalayud converted on his first ever extra-point attempt to complete the Ribet scoring.

The Fighting Frogs will travel to Banning for a week 4 clash against San Joaquin League opponent Twin Pines. Kick-Off is set for Friday September 28 at 3:00PM at Twin Pines High School.

Check back for more Ribet Academy school and sports news!

Posted by Ricardo Bueno
September 26, 2007

Informe De las Tarifas De Hipoteca De Los Ángeles: De el 26 de Septiembre del 2007

¡Las tarifas de hipoteca enormes en Los Ángeles están mejorando! Pero primero...

Aconsejamos a compradores caseros de Los Ángeles flotas cautelosomente sus prestamos la semana pasada; nada sucedió a las tarifas de hipoteca. Todavía hay un miedo irracional en los mercados de las tarifas de hipoteca sobre la inflación que está haciendo a prestamistas seguir siendo obstinados sobre la tasación. Estamos cambiando nuestra postura a un diagonal de fijación. Así pues, si usted no se ha trabado en su préstamo, y usted son menos de 21 días de su cierre del escrow, van a continuación y se traban.

Tarifas que estamos ofreciendo, para los préstamos debajo de $417.000, en fecha de septiembre el 26 de 2007:

Tarifa ABRIL Del Programa

BRAZO Anual 5.625% 5.693%

3/1 BRAZO 6.000% 6.070%

5/1 BRAZO 6.125% 6.217%

30 Años Fijaron 6.125% 6.217%

Tarifas conforme a condiciones de la calificación y de mercado. Prestamista De la Oportunidad Igual.

Ahora, para un ciertas noticias REALMENTE buenas. La tasación para las tarifas enormes en Los Ángeles está mejorando. Las tarifas para los préstamos indicados de la renta en Los Ángeles están consiguiendo más bajo. Si usted ha solicitado un préstamo que es mayor de $417.000 o no está documentando su renta, pensamos que usted puede flotar con seguridad la tarifa. Los inversionistas de Wall Street están sumergiendo su dedo del pie en el area de las tarifas enormes y los mercados indicados del préstamo de la renta y están comenzando a comprar esos préstamos.

Los prestamistas de la lista que nos hicieron mal cuando los inversionistas de Wall Street pararon el comprar de préstamos enormes (prestamistas de la lista no venden a Wall Street; llevan a cabo los préstamos) ahora están tasando agresivamente sus préstamos enormes. Las tarifas de hipoteca enormes todavía no son tan competitivas como eran de julio el 31 de 2007 sino que ESTÁN MEJORANDO. Este movimiento agresivo de los prestamistas de la lista nos dice que los prestamistas del conducto, préstamos enormes de esa venta a Wall Street, estén consiguiendo buenas noticias.

Llámeme al (323)-810-2175 o mande me un E-mail para la tasación enorme de la tarifa de hipoteca.

En resumen, trabe los préstamos debajo de $417.000 y flote los préstamos sobre $417.000. La crisis de la liquidez no es excedente pero el desierto que hemos vivido adentro desde de agosto el 2 de 2007 está comenzando a oler como la lluvia. Ésa es buena noticia!

Posted by Brian Brady
September 25, 2007

Los Angeles Mortgage Rates Report: September 26, 2007

Jumbo mortgage rates in Los Angeles are improving...Yeah, Baby ! But first...

We advised Los Angeles home buyers to cautiously float their loans last week; nothing happened to mortgage rates. There is still an irrational fear in the mortgage rates markets about inflation which is causing the lenders to remain stubborn about pricing. We are changing our stance to a locking bias. So, if you haven't locked in your loan, and you're less than 21 days from your close of escrow, go ahead and lock.

Rates we're offering, for loans under $417,000, as of September 26, 2007:

Program Rate APR

Annual ARM 5.625% 5.693%

3/1 ARM 6.000% 6.070%

5/1 ARM 6.125% 6.217%

30 Year Fixed 6.125% 6.217%

Rates subject to qualification and market conditions. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Now, for some REALLY good news. Pricing for jumbo rates in Los Angeles is improving. Rates for stated income loans in Los Angeles are getting lower. If you have applied for a loan that is greater than $417,000 or are not documenting your income, we think you can safely float the rate. Wall Street investors are dipping their toe in the jumbo and stated income loan markets and starting to buy those loans.

The portfolio lenders that scalped us when the Wall Street investors stopped buying jumbo loans (portfolio lenders don't sell to Wall Street; they hold the loans) are now aggressively pricing their jumbo loans. The jumbo mortgage rates are still not as competitive as they were on July 31, 2007 but THEY ARE IMPROVING. This aggressive move by the portfolio lenders tells us that the conduit lenders, that sell jumbo loans to Wall Street, are getting good news.

Call me at (858)-503-2318 for jumbo mortgage rate pricing or e-mail me.

In summary, lock loans under $417,000 and float loans over $417,000. The liquidity crisis ain't over but the desert we've lived in since August 2, 2007 is starting to smell like rain. That's good news.

Posted by Maggie Lobl
September 25, 2007

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/11/07

What a nice surprise to go to the market last week and finally find it in its new location! There are now two spokes emanating from the corner of Marmion Way and Avenue 58. One leg runs along Marmion Way, alongside the Gold Line tracks. This is the “non-certified” section of the market with crafts and goods such as jewelry, clothing, soaps, etc. The other leg runs from Marmion Way to Figueroa, along Avenue 58. This is the “certified” section of the market, with fresh produce, plants available for sale and prepared foods such as tamales and roasted chickens. The market is now nicely visible from both the Gold Line station and from the main drag of Figueroa Blvd. Maybe this will encourage new visitors to check out the market and become regular shoppers!

Now that the weather is getting cooler – finally – I’m ready to turn on my oven again and make some hearty comfort foods. I stocked up on healthy staples such as fresh broccoli, Peruvian purple potatoes, green beans, various onions – all of these are great for roasting with a little olive oil and sea salt. This time of year, I love a nice roasted vegetable warm salad and can make a meal out of that alone, with a nice Asian pear (from the market, of course) for dessert.

The market will now be found every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. on Avenue 58 and Marmion Way, between the Gold Line station and Figueroa Blvd. In Seth’s words: “Please stop by the market for fresh, field-ripened, high quality produce from local farmers and spend time with your friends, neighbors and other community members.”

Oh, and let’s see if we can avoid any more accidents involving the Gold Line…. Those lights and guard rails are there for a reason. Please be careful!

See you there. ML

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 24, 2007

MARKET STATS 09/17 - 09/23

Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042, 90065 for September 17 through September 23. 2007 as reported in I-Tech MLS

New listings entered

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 23, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 22, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22

Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Brian Brady
September 21, 2007

Los Angeles Mortgage Rates Report: September 21, 2007

Los Angeles mortgage applicants and home buyers have had a roller coaster ride these past ten days. We maintained our advice to lock-in loans at application, prior to and immediately after the Fed decision to cut rates .5%. We felt there was irrational exuberance among the bond traders which artificially lowered yields. Those lower yields led to lower Los Angeles mortgage rates.

Now, we're reversing course. Irrational fear of inflation exists in the bond markets today. Bond traders believe that Bernanke's cut may have overreached, paving the way for higher inflation. We think Bernanke is a whole lot smarter than the bond traders believe him to be; we also think he's judicious in his approach. That irrational fear causes us to advice all Los Angeles mortgage applicants to cautiously float your rate. Cautiously floating means you check in with your mortgage adviser daily. Markets can reverse quickly and we could reverse our recommendation to our locking stance.

Keep checking this report daily for updates.

Posted by Brian Brady
September 19, 2007

Los Angeles Mortgage Rates Report- September 19, 2007

The Federal Reserve cut both the discount rate and federal funds rate a full .5% yesterday. This surprised us because we thought Ben Bernanke would be more judicious in his approach to easing money.

I guess you can't please everybody. Pundits pleaded with Gentle Ben to aggressively cut to avoid a recession. Ben gave them what they wanted and now they think he overreached. Today, in a 180 degree turn, the markets are concerned about the prospect of inflation. Treasury yields rose over .5% this morning while mortgage bonds seem to be flat. It won't be long before the effect of this cut is seen in higher mortgage rates. This conundrum is what we've been concerned about so we are maintaining our recommendation to lock-in all loans at application.

Are you confused? How can the Fed cut rates and mortgage rates rise? Markets are discounting mechanisms, continually taking into account the possibility of future events. Bond traders have turned into riverboat gamblers, constantly trying to outguess the Fed. We believe that the risk of higher rates outweighs the reward of waiting to see if you can get JUST A LITTLE lower rate.

In more positive news, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more loans. This may pave the way for higher lending limits next year. We think that the conforming loan limits may be increased to a level that is closer to the $500,000 mark for 2008. This would be a welcome move in states like California and New York where jumbo loans are the rule rather than the exception.

Rates for Wednesday, September 17, 2007:

Program Rate APR

Annual ARM 5.625% 5.693%

3/1 ARM 6.000% 6.070%

5/1 ARM 6.125% 6.217%

30 Year Fixed 6.125% 6.217%

Rates subject to qualification and market conditions. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Posted by Maggie Lobl
September 17, 2007

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/11/07

I was surprised once again to find the Farmer’s Market in its “old” location last week. I wonder if it had anything to do with the sad collision between the Gold Line and a truck very near that location…..?

The market was very quiet last week, but it was the perfect opportunity to grab some delicious, crisp Gala apples and a jar of sage honey with which to celebrate Rosh Hashanah the following evening. Of course, I couldn’t resist scooping up a few more jujubes – my new favorite late summer fruit and a great companion to the apples to launch a sweet new year!

Is this the week the market will finally be in its new location on Avenue 58? The anticipation is building….Stop by tomorrow afternoon and we’ll find out together.

ML

Posted by Avenue 50
September 17, 2007

Avenue 50 Studio: Artists in Discussion: Reyes Rodriguez

Thursday, September 20, 7 pm

In support of the Avenue 50 Studio’s current exhibition, "Appetite", we will host a conversation with the artist Reyes Rodriguez. Rodriguez’ work -- sometimes jarring, sometimes ethereal -- float on paper fusing the abstract into the figurative. Step close and you see one image. Step back and there appears another.

When: Thursday, September 20, 7 pm
?Where: Avenue 50 Studio, 131 No. Avenue 50, Highland
Park, CA 90042, 323/258-1435

www.avenue50studio.com

Posted by Brian Brady
September 17, 2007

Los Angeles Mortgage Rates Report- September 17, 2007

Los Angeles mortgage rates may rise when the Fed comes out of the Open Market Committee meeting, tomorrow. Lock-in all loans at application. Most pundits believe the Fed will cut rates .5% while a smaller number are looking for a .25% rate cut. (I am in that smaller number). Here's why:

Bernanke recognizes that the economy is slowing. He also recognizes that there is upwards pressure on prices from basic commodities- oil, housing materials, and food. That's called cost-push inflation. Cost-push inflation, simultaneously existing with a declining gross domestic product, is the definition of stagflation. Stagflation is the absolute worst of both worlds; a recession with accelerating prices.

Stagflation is what gentle Ben is concerned about. While the Wall Street traders believe he'll aggressively cut rates to save the economy, I think he's concerned about the potentially devastating effect of stagflation. He'll tale some short-term heat for not cutting rates quickly but he'll make the right long-term decision by showing temperance.

That means that Los Angeles mortgage rates could rise tomorrow. Again, it's all about the risk. We strongly suggest that Los Angeles home buyers lock-in interest rates at application.

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 17, 2007

MARKET STATS 09/10 - 09/16

Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042 and 90065 for September 10 through September 16 as reported in I-Tech MLS

New listings entered

Posted by Anonymous Observer
September 17, 2007

Garvanza ICO: Update

Last week at City Hall, Garvanza residents had another sweep of votes, from the PLUM committee, for approval of the Garvanza ICO. We are now going forward to the city council, which will be scheduled shortly. CM Huizar has championed for our community at a much needed time. We nearly had an illegal demolition just last week over a property still in mitigation with the community. Luckily we were able to stop such an act and work to continue to resolve this issue. We are very happy with our progress so far!

Posted on behalf of: Tina Gulotta-Miller
Garvanza Improvement Association

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 16, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16

Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 15, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15

Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 11, 2007

MARKET STATS 09/03 - 09/09

Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042, 90065 for September 3 through September 9, 2007 as reported in I-Tech MLS

New listings entered

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/dessertsfruit/r/steamedpears.htm

Posted by Brian Brady
September 10, 2007

Los Angeles Mortgage Rates Report: September 10, 2007

The West Coast has a phenomenon called the green flash. It happens at sunset. The density of the air refracts the light... blah... blah... blah ...anyway...it's really cool. While sunsets over the Pacific are gorgeous, you sometimes get a bonus of a green flash. That's what the conforming mortgage markets feel like today.

I advised everybody to lock-in loans at application, before Labor Day, and rates got a little bit better- I'm still advising clients to lock-in their loans at application. We had a little "green flash" last week. While the world believes that the Federal Reserve Bank will cut interest rates next week, optimists are starting the think that the cut may be as much as a half percent rather that the consensus quarter point. That thought is the "green flash" or bonus. Here's how it happened:

1- The sub-prime, Alt-A mortgage fiasco is infecting Europe- Who knew the Germans and French owned Bobby Ray's loan? This may curb foreign in investment in the mortgage-backed securities market.

2- More people are out of work than we expected. The dreaded "R" word, recession, is starting to be bandied about. That can mean much lower interest rates.

3- Barbie and Chairman Mao are doing battle. Higher prices of cheap Chinese goods are threatening to steal Christmas from the kiddies. Now, morally, I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. Deemphasizing the materialistic nature of the holidays may cause us to rediscover the real meanings of Chanukah, Christmas, and Ramadan. While it is ironic that a religion-free country may force that rediscovery on us, it is, apparently, an economic mess. If the Chinese dig in and refuse to trade with us, the R word may move from economic chat rooms to the marquis of CNBC.

There's your "green flash" if you're getting a loan- bad economic news leads to lower rates. Why, then, am I so insistent upon locking loans at application? It's a matter of risk. I believe that the exuberance in the bond markets is irrational. The traders believe the Fed will aggressively cut already. Any cut less than a half a point will be met with disappointment and higher rates. In short, the risk of mortgage rates that are .375% higher on September 20th is greater than the chance they may fall .125% by then.

Locking loans at application is still the prudent call.

Rates for Monday, September 10, 2007:

Program Rate APR

Annual ARM 5.625% 5.693%

3/1 ARM 5.750% 5.866

5/1 ARM 6.000% 6.070%

30 Year Fixed 6.000% 6.040%

Rates subject to qualification and market conditions. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Posted by Maggie Lobl
September 10, 2007

Old L.A. (Highland Park) Farmer's Market Report 9/5/07

I found two surprises at the Old L.A. (HP) Farmers Market when I visited last week:

1) The market was in it’s “old” (usual) location. Apparently, the move to Avenue 58 was delayed until this week, so when I visit tomorrow, the market will most likely be in its new location on Avenue 58, between Figueroa and Marmion Way. Parking will be available in the lot that the market used to occupy.

2) I discovered an amazing new fruit called a “jujube”, otherwise known as a Chinese date. I had never heard of these before. They are small, about the size of a small plum, and similarly round in shape. The ones I bought were bright yellow / green with reddish-brown spots. I was told I could eat them just like that (and the taste and texture would be similar to an apple), and I could also wait and eat them later, when they turned all brown and wrinkly (and the taste and texture would be similar to that of a date)…. Hmmmm………

I bought a handful and took the jujubes home to experiment a little. I ate one right away. Yes, there might be a hint of apple, but I agree with one comment I read on the internet: it tasted like a “sweet, crunchy styrofoam cup.”. Not bad, but not very exciting either. Nevertheless, they are very pretty little fruits, so I put them in a bowl on the counter and waited, until today….. Now they are all solid reddish-brown and wrinkled. I cut one in half and took a bite (skin on) – DELICIOUS. No longer crunchy, the flesh is smooth and slightly chewy. They are very sweet, but with a nicy tangy note of tart, too. The flavor is very intense and concentrated. They remind me a little bit of dried apples (the soft chewy ones, not the crunchy variety). Now I’m glad I bought so many!

Jujubes are thought to be extremely healthy (packed with vitamin C) and also to have medicinal properties. A tea made from them can be used to soothe a sore throat, among many other uses. They are commonly used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments.

I found a recipe for steamed pears, stuffed with jujubes and you may want to get some for yourself and give it a try:

For myself, I think I’ll just finish eating them fresh, out of hand, before the afternoon is over.

See you tomorrow at the markets new location on Avenue 58.
ML

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 9, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 0

Listing of Sunday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 8, 2007

Second Saturday Art Gallery Night September 8

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, September 8, from 7PM - 10 PM, then wrap with drinks and music at Mr. T's Bowl, or La Casa Blue.

More info here: http://www.nelaart.org/

And here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NELAart/

Mr. T's Bowl: http://mrtsbowl.tripod.com/

Highland Perk/La Casa Blue: http://www.lacasablue.com/

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 8, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8

Listing of Saturday's Open Houses from Combined L A Westside MLS

Posted by Misty Iwatsu
September 5, 2007

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

Good Shepherd Lutheran School has limited enrollment for Pre-K & Kindergarten. Find out what everyone is talking about! Check out the newly remodeled PreK classroom. Find out why lots of parents are clammoring to get into Good Shepherd Lutheran School.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School
6338 North Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
323-255-2786
Website: goodshepherdla.org

Posted by Misty Iwatsu
September 5, 2007

Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festival

Haunted Harvest Storytelling Festivall is back for the 2nd year. Join the Old L.A. Farmers Market in Highland Park for a scary night on the town. Teusday, Oct. 30 from 3-8 pm at North Figueroa & Ave. 58.
We Tell Stories will have three performances, Puppets & Players Little Theater will be performing also.

The Haunted House will scare you. definately not for younger kids. Enjoy trick or treating, face painting, a costume contest and a raffle.

Enjoy Hot & Prepared Foods, Fresh Produce and arts & crafts.

Event is free and open to all.

Old L.A. Farmers Market is every Tuesdays from 3-8 pm.

Posted by Avenue 50
September 5, 2007

Second Saturday Art Opening at the Avenue 50 Studio

Appetite: Reyes Rodriguez: New Work

The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present new works by Reyes Rodriguez in a long awaited solo exhibition entitled " Appetite". The exhibit will consist of a series of large charcoal drawings on paper and canvas set in motion by personal and social images evoked by a multiplicity of possible appetites.

Reyes Rodriguez has chosen to work in a medium that is comfortable and familiar to him. “I think that people are drawn to charcoal drawings because of how dramatic they can be, the extreme contrast of black and whites demands immediate attention. I find the medium fascinating because there is a basic primitive element that connects you to the surface you are working on, there is no implement between your hand and the paper.” Whether longing, hunger, thirst, inclination or wish, Rodriguez plays with the notion that one can be full and still have an appetite, exploring the concept of indulgence, excitement, desire and wonder, and “sculpting new spaces outside of time.” With negatives and positives, the chiaroscuro windows are filled with energy, intersecting lines and shapes, commitment and conviction.

For this exhibit the artist drew upon the long years of friendship with Los Angeles artist Diane Gamboa who agreed to co-curate and be available for consultation during the creation of his new body of work. Los Angeles writer Sesshu Foster says about Reyes’ work:

“The quadrangles fall through the room like windows in a dream. We see things in them that aren't there, and the pictures change as we move around them or turn away. It's a magic of moonlight, midnight and twilight. Something emerges and we don't know what it is. Something returns to the dark that was always there, that we missed the first time. Look long enough into the abyss, and the abyss will look into you, according to Nietzsche's famous aphorism. Contemplate these appetites and they'll reveal to you the initial shapes or stirrings of desire in your own.......”

Reyes Rodriguez is a Los Angeles based artist. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University Long Beach in 1982. In the year 2000 his 25-piece solo show that originally opened at Karen Boccalero's Gallery was exhibited in Graz, Austria. His work is also part of the permanent collection of the Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Chicago, Illinois. He is the founder-director of Tropico de Nopal Gallery-Art Space in Los Angeles where he has curated numerous exhibitions of up-and-coming and established artists. This year he was featured as part on the annual LA Weekly, “People 2007” issue which highlighted 100 of the most interesting and influential Angelinos.

Date: Saturday, September 8, 2007, from 7-10 pm

Place: Avenue 50 Studio, 131 No. Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA 90042 (323) 258-1435

www.avenue50studio.com

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 4, 2007

MARKET STATS 08/27 - 09/02

Market activity in zip codes 90031, 90032, 90041, 90042 and 90065 for August 27 through September 2, 2007 as reported in ITech MLS

New lisiting entered

Posted by Cheryl Johnson
September 1, 2007

OPEN HOUSES FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1