Los Angeles Living

Los Angeles has been hit hard by the economic downturn and Animal Services is one of the many departments whose financial resources have been severely cut.  Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping L.A.’s city animal shelters raises funds to provide veterinary care and innovative adoption programs for which the city shelters do not have funding. Their goal is to increase the live save rate of L.A.’s  city animal shelters.

L.A. Love & Leashes is the first pet store that’s 100% dedicated to saving the lives of orphaned animals in Los Angeles city shelters. L.A. Love & Leashes is located in Westside Pavilion mall.

The Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2012, but since they wanted to be able to help find homes for animals before the holidays, they decided to open the store for adoptions during December even though it is not fully operating right now. Volunteers will be at the store most days from now until Christmas from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Dogs and cats from the city’s shelters are on-site and available for on-the-spot adoption.

When the store is officially open the will also have pet supplies and merchandise so that visitors can shop for unique gift items for animal lovers. The proceeds will help this worthy cause.

During their first open weekend  L.A. Love and Leashes found homes for 8 shelter animals.

Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters’ new pet store “L.A. Love & Leashes” is an innovative way to increase adoptions.

Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters is a volunteer-run nonprofit that receives no federal, state or local funding. All funding comes from the public who love L.A. and want to make a difference in the lives of the animals who need you the most. Please consider giving generously today.

The mission statement:  Together, we can strive to fulfill the L.A. Animal Services’ vision of a day when every pet born is ensured a good home and care.

How You Can Help:

• The number one way you can help is by donating to help the animals who need you the most. You can mail us a check or pay online. Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
• Shop and adopt at the store. Feel good knowing that every dollar you spend helps further their mission to support the city’s shelters.
• Tell a friend about this new nonprofit and their need to help to raise awareness.
• Connect with FriendsofLAAS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

With your help, we can make L.A. a better place for the kitties, dogs and critters who love us unconditionally.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you’re new to L.A. Town. You’ll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you’ll need someone to handle all the details that you can’t handle remotely. That’s where I come in – I’m there when you can’t be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate - Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums
• Brentwood Real Estate - Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums
• Santa Monica Real Estate - Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums
• Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums
• Culver City Real Estate - Culver City homes
• Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes
  
• Echo Park Real Estate - Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Read more: http://www.homejane.com/love-and-leashes-helping-los-angeles-homeless-pets.html#ixzz1gXRkLbIY

The holiday season is fast approaching and there are plenty of Los Angeles holiday events from which to choose.

Let’s take a look at some of them:

52nd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 24th, 2011 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

There will be a mix of choirs, dance troupes, from many Los Angeles cultures.  Watch the website for an updated list of participants.

This is a free program.

44th Annual Look In Home Tour and Boutique

This highly popular annual event gives you a chance to view four exclusive homes in Pasadena decorated for the holiday season by top floral designers.

You will also be able to shop at the holiday boutique for jewelry, clothing and much more to meet your holiday shopping needs.

The home tour takes place December 3rd and 4th from 9:30 to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The boutique hours are also 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is no charge for entry.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra.

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The traditional favorite, the Nutcracker will be at UCLA’s Royce Hall for two performances each on December 7th and 8th – 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Check ticket information

3rd Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl

Last year over 3,000 attendees crawled their way around 20 bars raising money for the Westside Food Bank.

Join them this year to make it bigger and better.  Saturday, December 17th at 5:00 p.m. in Santa Monica.

You will receive a wristband which will entitle you to food, drink and specials at participating establishments and entrance to the Official Pub Crawl After-Party where there will be a raffle with lots of prizes.  Please dress in holiday attire.

You can sign up and choose a route here.

L.A. Downtown on Ice

Outdoor holiday skating in Pershing Square,  532 South Olive, Downtown Los Angeles

Enjoy the 14th season of L.A.’s biggest outdoor skating rink which includes more than just skating.  There is the 12 Nights of Christmas Music Series, the Winter Holiday Festival where Santa will make an appearance with his reindeer and “snow”.  There will even be a Hannukah  menorah lighting ceremony and Kwanzaa celebrations.  And much more….

The rink is open every day through January 16th.  Admission is $6 with $2 for skate rental.

Hours of Operation:  Monday-Thursday:  12:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Friday-Sunday:  10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Check site for special holiday hours.

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live

This is the 3rd annual event growing every year and attracting hundreds of skaters to the vibrant L.A. Live arena.

Open through January 5th, hours are Mon-Fri:  5:00 to 11:00 p.m.  Sat-Sun:  3:00 to 11:00 p.m. and from December 17th Noon to 11:00 p.m.

Tickets $12 including skate rental.

And, if you don’t want to go all the way Downtown….

Chill Ice Rink at W Westwood

The pool at the W in Westwood is converted into an ice rink where you can skate by candlelight with snowfall every hour.  You can get cocktails, cocoa and warm food at the bar, watch skating performances, children can decorate gingerbread cookies, and much more.

Open through January 1st, hours are Mon-Fri  3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Sat-Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  $10 includes rental skates.

Ice at Santa Monica

At the corner of 5th and Arizona you will find the 8,000 square foot rink, there for its 5th year.

You can hold private events and take skate lessons.

Open until January 16th regular hours of operation are Mon-Thurs:  2:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Fri:  2:00 to Midnight.  Sat:  10:00 to Midnight.  Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Check out the site for holiday hours.

Admission and skate rental is $12.

Hollywood Wonderland at the Hollywood Museum

The Hollywood Museum, 1660 N Highland Ave.,  will be transformed into a winter wonderland with 18 trees decorated in the spirit of the greatest holiday movies, eg “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “The Christmas Story”, “White Christmas”, etc.

Open through January 23rd from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Book tickets here.

Marina del Rey 2011 Holiday Boat Parade

The 49th Annual Marina del Rey Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10th just before 6:00 p.m.  with fireworks being launched from the south jetty at 5:55 p.m.

Judges will watch the boats circle the marina several times and with the results coming later that evening.  Entry fee for the boats is $25.

Check out the site for the best viewing spots, parking, prizes, etc.

Celebrate Christmas at Farmer’s Market

Los Angeles Farmers Market , 6333 W. Third St., has been celebrating the holidays for the past 77 years and this year is no exception.  There will be seasonal music, a menorah lighting ceremony, and plenty of fun for kids, including ornament  and reindeer puppet-making.

And of course, there is always the christmas tree at The Grove, one of the tallest in the country.

Check out events and times here.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you’re new to L.A. Town. You’ll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you’ll need someone to handle all the details that you can’t handle remotely. That’s where I come in – I’m there when you can’t be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate – Westwood single family homes, Silver Lake single family homes, Silver Lake condominiums
  
• Echo Park Real Estate – Echo Park single family homes, Echo Park condominiums

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, please fill out the online contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

 

O.K. you Los Angeles dog lovers.  Love them but don't allow them to bark incessantly.

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously yesterday to impose fines on owners of dogs who bark excessively.  What is excessively?  More than 10 minutes at a time or on and off for a 30-minute period.  This also applies to dogs not licensed by the City.

Previously unlicensed dogs did not fall under the ordinance and this was considered unfair to the law-abiding owners who licensed theirs.

How much are the fines?  $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 if a Los Angeles Department of Animal Services hearing decides that the barking is excessive.  Kaching!

This amended ordinance is being sent to the Mayor who is expected to sign it.  If so, it will take effect before the end of the year.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you're new to L.A. Town. You'll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you'll need someone to handle all the details that you can't handle remotely. That's where I come in - I'm there when you can't be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate - Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums
• Brentwood Real Estate - Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums
• Santa Monica Real Estate - Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums
• Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums
• Culver City Real Estate - Culver City homes
• Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes
  
• Echo Park Real Estate - Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don't hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Los Angeles has long lost its reputation as a cultural desert.  It is taking its place with other Californian cities from San Diego to Santa Barbara to host the Pacific Standard Time Art Show 2011.

Close to 170 exhibitions in 130 museums will make it the area’s largest cultural event ever.  Funded with $10 million from the Getty Pacific Standard Time:  Art in L.A. 1945-1980 will tell the tale of Los Angeles’ rise in the art world to rival New York, London and Berlin.

The Art Show opened with Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers bonding with artist Ed Ruscha, only in L.A., kind of the theme of this Show which includes everything from L.A. pop to pottery.  Ten years in the making, the Pacific Standard Time Art Show is offering something for everyone and show that anything is possible when it comes to L.A.

From January 19-29, 2012 there will be a Performance and Public Art Festival with performances and outdoor sculptures.

Check out some of the exhibitions.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you’re new to L.A. Town. You’ll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you’ll need someone to handle all the details that you can’t handle remotely. That’s where I come in – I’m there when you can’t be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate – Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums
• Brentwood Real Estate – Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums
• Santa Monica Real Estate – Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums
• Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums
• Culver City Real Estate – Culver City homes
• Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes
  
• Echo Park Real Estate – Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Read more: http://www.homejane.com/pacific-standard-time-art-show-2011.html#ixzz1bLB8rkyR

With Carmageddon over for this year, the next inconvenience to hit Los Angeles motorists is The Rampture.

Sometime soon two  Wilshire Westwood on  and off ramps to the 405 will be closed for 90 days.  These will be followed by the closure of the other two Wilshire ramps which will last from 14 to 90 days.

Originally scheduled for this month the closures have been pushed back right now to November.  The first ramps affected will be the westbound on ramp to the 405 north and the northbound 405 off ramp to westbound Wilshire.

The Westwood area is already congested and this is not going to help and area residents, including UCLA are worried about traffic cutting through their streets especially as Sepulveda Blvd., the designated detour route, is going to be seeing some utility relocation work at the same time.

All this work is part of a $1.034 billion project to add a 10 mile carpool lane on the 405 and flyover ramps, which are intended to ease the notorious congestion in the area.

However, if you can find an alternative route around Westwood,  it would be strongly advised.  Carmageddon will have had nothing on The Rampture.

View Wilshire 405 On and Off Ramp Closures in a larger map

 

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you’re new to L.A. Town. You’ll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you’ll need someone to handle all the details that you can’t handle remotely. That’s where I come in – I’m there when you can’t be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate – Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums
• Brentwood Real Estate – Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums
• Santa Monica Real Estate – Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums
• Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums
• Culver City Real Estate – Culver City homes
• Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes
  
• Echo Park Real Estate – Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Read more: http://www.homejane.com/carmageddon-part-one-is-over-next-the-rampture.html#ixzz1aEW9MkxA

The date is fast approaching and if you are wondering where to find Halloween events in Los Angeles, then here are some ideas:

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval: touted as “the largest Halloween street party in the world”.  It is indeed something you need to attend once as you will see by scenes from last year’s Carnaval.  This is not for the shy and retiring.  An area of West Hollywood is closed off from La Cienega to Doheny, with hundreds of thousands of people crammed together looking at the amazing costumes of the participants.  Parking is a problem.  I would say arrive early, but thins really get going after 10:00 p.m.  As I said before, you must attend the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval,  at least once in your life.

Halloween Haunted Hayride (Through the Eyes of a Child): located at Griffith Park Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Ave. This is no longer an East Coast tradition. Los Angeles is going all out to give your kids the most horrifying experience of their lives, with the hayride, maze and human menagerie.  Reading the full description scares me…..  The Hayride experience starts on October to 31st, on Thursdays through Sundays.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.  This runs from September 23 to October 31. Take a ride on the new Terror Tram:  Scream for your Life, and Scare Zones.  Visit Rob Zombie’s House of 1,000 Corpses in 3D Zombievision, Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare, The Wolfman:  The Curse of Talbot Hall to name a few of the scares you will “enjoy”.  Check the schedule for dates and times.

Heritage Square Halloween and Mourning Tour: October 29 & 30th.  Perfect for the whole family.  Learn about early Victorian
 mourning practices and learn about how other cultures remember their loved ones.

PAL-oween Carnival, Santa Monica:  a carnival for youths and their families, sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Activities League, will take place on October 31st in the Barker Hangar of Santa Monica Airport, 3021 Airport Ave.  Admission is free although there will be charges for some activities.

KCRW’s Halloween Costume Ball:  California’s leading National Public Radio station presents its 3rd annual benefit bash.  You will be entertained by DJs live bands, ghost stories, food trucks and more.  October 29th from 9:00 p.m.

Dia de Los Muertos,  will be held on October 22nd at Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles’ oldest cemetary from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.  Witness ancient ceremonial tributes in this spiritual celebration.  Featured performers will be cabaret diva, Astrid Haddad, and Ruben Albarran, lead singer of Cafe Tacuba.

14th Annual Monster Massive Halloween Weekend:  advertised as the largest Halloween event in North America, this takes place October 29th at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. (Check out the site for more details - coming soon)

Boo at the Zoo:  The L.A. Zoo transforms areas for trick or treaters with some creepy activities.  (Check out the site for more details - coming soon).

Looking for the best pumpkin patches in Los Angeles?

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, located at 702 N. Doheny Drive, West Hollywood.  It offers entertainment for the kids, including face painting, rocking horses, a straw maze, petting zoo, and more.  Mr. Bones is open from October 8  to 31 (closed  October 12-13 and at 3:00 p.m. on Halloween).

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch,  located at 5748 Mesmer Avenue in Culver City, and 2300 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica.  Entertainment for the kids includes Thomas the Train ride, pony rides, ball house bouncer and much more.  Open October 8 – 31 (closes at 3:00 on Halloween).

The Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles was started in 2002 by some Italian-Americans and at  the time called Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles.

Like its 80+ year-old New York cousin the Los Angeles Feast of San Gennaro  celebrates Italian food, music and culture.  The festival spans 3 days from September 23-25 and will include wine sampling, food from some of Los Angeles' best Italian restaurants, entertainment, live music and an appearance by some of Hollywood's Italian-American celebrities.

The Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles  is produced by a non profit organization which helps Los Angeles children and families in need.  Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla will host the opening star-studded gala

For tickets and more information on the weekend events visit the Feast of L.A. site.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you're new to L.A. Town. You'll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you'll need someone to handle all the details that you can't handle remotely. That's where I come in - I'm there when you can't be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

• Westwood Real Estate - Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums
• Brentwood Real Estate - Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums
• Santa Monica Real Estate - Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums
• Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums
• Culver City Real Estate - Culver City homes
• Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes
  
• Echo Park Real Estate - Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don't hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.