Stocks markets close at record levels for 7th straight week – Stocks were higher again this week, reaching record levels for the seventh week in a row. These gains came in what was the busiest week for third quarter earnings. Several technology companies reported solid earnings, pushing the NASDAQ up 2.2% on Friday. Some other factors that bolstered stocks were: Congress appeared to be close to passing tax cuts, which include reducing the corporate tax rate substantially. Some congress people said it could be passed by thanksgiving. The first release of the third quarter GDP showed the economy grew at a 3% rate in the third quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 23,434.19, up from 23,328.64 last week. It’s up 18.6% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,581.07, up from its close last week of 2,575.21. The S&P is up 15.3% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,701.26, up from its last week’s close of 6,629.05. It’s up 24.5% year-to-date. 
Bond yields higher this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.43%, up from 2.39% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.93%, up from 2.89% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.
Mortgage Rates higher this week – The October 26, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.94%, up from 3.88% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.25%, up from 3.19% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.21%,up from 3.17% last week. 
Third quarter GDP beats expectations – The Commerce Department reported that the Gross Domestic Product, the broadest measure of growth in the economy, unexpectedly rose 3% in the third quarter after a 3,1% increase in the second quarter. Analysts expected that the rate of growth would be 2.5%, due to some slowing caused by hurricane damaged areas. 
September U.S. Existing Home Sales and Prices – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales increased 0.7% in September from August sales levels. Year-over-year closed escrows on existing homes were 1.5% below last September’s pace. Most of that decline was attributed to hurricane damaged areas which showed large declines in sales. Existing home sales include re-sales of one to four unit homes, town-homes, condominiums, and Co-ops. The median price nationwide for an existing home increased 4.2% from September 2016, the 67th straight month of year-over-year increases. Total housing inventory was 1.6% higher in September than in August, but 6.4% below last September, representing its 28th straight month of year-over-year decreases in the amount of homes for sale. The unsold inventory index fell to a 4.2 month supply of homes for sale, down from a 4.5 month supply one year ago. 
Author, 
Syd Leibovitch

Shoutout to all the early nineties kids out there!
Saved by the Max, a Saved by the Bell pop-up diner experience, is headed to Los Angeles in the very near future. But we knew that already.
The new news? A location has just been revealed, and if you live in WeHo (and you’re a fan of the classic Saturday morning staple) then this might make you very happy.
Yesterday the new diner confirmed the address of their soon-to-be home: 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard at the West Hollywood Gateway Shopping Center. Actor Dennis Haskins (aka Mr. Belding) announced the news in a video posted to the Saved By The Max YouTube channel.

Saved By the Max first came to the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago in June of 2016 and closed after a one-year run with plans in place to take the operation to the west coast.
The menu features typical American fare named after Saved by the Bell characters including Tori’s fried chicken, A.C. sliders, Mac & Screech, and the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo.
If the first iteration of the pop-up is any indicator, then visitors of the L.A. version can expect a high level of detail to sell the throwback vibe, from bright neon booths and formica countertops to vintage arcade games and a jukebox, all modeled after the set of the original series.

Tickets are not yet on sale for L.A.’s Saved by the Max but there is a waitlist via the official website.
There’s still no word on an official opening date, but stay tuned.
Story 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 every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This pre-Halloween weekend in L.A. (October 27 – October 29) includes Dia de los Muertos celebrations, ‘Romance Resurrected at MOBR’, a Zombie Crawl, a Halloween block party, SoCal corgi beach day, and MUCH more.
Enjoy!
Friday October 27th, 20171. ‘Romance Resurrected’ at the Museum of Broken Relationships is a fun, festive, and (just a little) frightful way to kick off your Halloween weekend in Los Angeles. Co-hosted by the fine folks at We Like L.A. (hey, that’s us!), the shindig will feature drinks, dancing, and plenty of ways to explore the terrifying mysteries of this thing called love.
2. Old Pasadena Day of the Dead Weekend starts this Friday. The event features three days of music, activities, and a self-guided Tour of Altars, featuring both traditional and contemporary Day of the Dead altars (Oct. 27-29)
3. Way back on October 27, 1917, Grand Central Market opened its doors to Angelenos. Still in operation and more vital than ever, the Market now celebrates 100 years in business on Friday with a daylong celebration. The 100th Birthday Bash will feature vendors serving items inspired by the food hall’s history. Hear live music inspired by different times in the Market’s history, along with a vintage photo booth, costume contest and more.
4. Visit Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills when it’s transformed into Scare-amount Ranch, a free family-friendly evening combining nature with film history. FREE
5. LA Critical Mass: America’s Largest Community Bike Ride – This year’s ride starts ride at Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave, Los Angeles, California at 6:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged!
6. The undisputed king of comics, Stan Lee is returning to L.A. for his 6th annual Comic Con at the L.A. Convention Center. Hosted on October 27-29, this annual event is a pop culture haven for comic, video game, fantasy and multi-media fans.
7. Kick off Día de los Muertos at FIGat7th in DTLA with free tequila tastings, music and face painting this Friday. FREE
8. The Redondo Beach Pier Association and King Harbor Association invite guests to a free Halloween 80s Dance Party hosted by Richard Blade. FREE
9. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Arts and Crafts movement during the 26th Annual Craftsman Weekend, taking place in Pasadena on October 26-29.
10. Eat|See|Hear returns with Front Porch Cinema, a free movie night below the stars every Friday on Santa Monica Pier from September 29 through October 27. The fall film series will also feature music, drinks, and bites before each screening. This week they’ll conclude with a screening of “Rogue Elements” presented by REI. FREE
11. After multiple sold-out performances in New York, Boston and Los Angeles, Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic will make its debut at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. Feathers of Fire is a dazzling show of shadow puppetry “live animation” of a 10th-century book of Persian poetry played out on a cinema-size screen. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
12. Head over to Torrance for one of the most well-known Oktoberfest celebrations in the L.A. area! Alpine Village Oktoberfest runs September 8 through October 28 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, beer, dancing, and more.
13. The Sivley family is back for their 46th year of hosting the award winning, Beware the Dark Realm a haunted house experience in the city of Santa Clarita. Haunt kicks off this Satruday and will run every Friday and Saturday thorough the month. FREE
14. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
15. California Market Center in Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, will open its doors to the public for a big sample sale this Friday. Score fantastic bargains on current styles for women, men and kids. Keep in mind that most showrooms accept cash only, and that you’ll want to bring your own bags.
16. Get ready to shriek, because Urban Death: Tour of Terror is back at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group in North Hollywood. This haunted theater attraction features a terrifying performance and a maze of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbing spirits that walk among us. Happening every Friday and Saturday this month. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
17. Silent Classic Horror Festival will host a month long fright fest. This week the 1925 film Phantom of the Opera will be screened at Old Town Music Hall located in El Segundo. The festival takes place every Friday through Sunday.
18. Climb aboard the 17th Annual Ghost Train in Griffith Park on October 13-31 and ride on their iconic train into a spooky setting of animatronics, projections and pyrotechnic. The ride is family friendly with no blood, gore or actors jumping out to scare you like most Halloween experiences.
19. 260 Sample Sale LA returns with a Paul Smith sample sale at their Beverly Hills store October 25-29. Offering up to %75 off of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and shoes.
20. The Queen Mary Ghost presents Ghost & Legends a new year-round experience perfect for thrill seekers and scare enthusiasts. Climb aboard the haunted RMS Queen Mary and test your fears inside the massive interactive and immersive haunted attraction.
21. Checkout The Nightmare Before Christmas with 4-D Effects at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood October 20-31. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. Happening all weekend long. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
Saturday October 28th, 201722. The First-Ever Growlers Six Music Festival happening on October 28-29 at the Port of Los Angeles will feature acts like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, The Growlers, The B-52s, Girl Talk and more.
23. L.A.’s Day of The Dead at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the largest Dia de Los Muertos celebration in L.A. featuring four music stages, live entertainment, 100+ altars, traditional dancing and delicious Mexican cuisine.
24. KCRW’S Masquerade Ball is back from the dead and headed for The MacArthur! Lucent Dossier, Lucha Vavoom, and belly-dancing flappers Les Petites Bonbons are just a few of the high-profile acts performing at the ball.
25. This Saturday enjoy free admission to a dozen exhibits across Los Angeles County during PST: LA/LA West LA & Valley Free Day. FREE
26. The Ace’s annual Halloween party, the Beastly Ball, features DJ sets by special guests Thee Mike B, DJ Franc, and the Restless Nites DJs, with dark arts provided by Super Deluxe and special cocktails. Dweller-of-the-night attire encouraged.
27. Celebrate Halloween at Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park on October 28–29 during the Marina SPOOKTACULAR. Offering a family-friendly harvest celebration during the day and spine-tingling thrills at night, guests can enjoy haunted pirate ships, scavenger hunts, a hay maze, carnival games, a “Thriller” dance flash mob and much more. FREE
28. Honor the dead at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles during its Día de los Muertos ceremony on Saturday, followed by eight days of viewing Dia de los Muertos altars. Saturday will feature a traditional Noche de Ofrenda ceremony, art installations, L.A.-based poets and musicians as well as Aztecan, Oaxacan and Michoacán dancers. FREE
29. In honor of Halloween, visit the Huntington in San Marino for Drama After Dark: A Night of the Macabre with Poe & Gorey this Saturday. Watch an enactment of creepy works on the moonlit grounds of the Huntington like “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Gashlycrumb Tinies,” and more.
30. The 14th Annual Halloween and Mourning Tours at Heritage Square Museum returns for two days of all things mourning such as a tour of the Undertaker’s home, a seance, coffin making, a Victorian mummy unwrapping party to name a few.
31. Theatricum Botanicum will transform itself into a haunted Halloween extravaganza with various activities and entertainment. Highlights include ghost stories, game booths, themed food and libations, live music and performances by zombie thespians and improv groups.
32. TAO Group’s CARNAL CARNIVAL is a fully immersive Halloween extravaganza with circus characters, an exotic zoo, a neon fun house, DJ’s and Snoop Dogg. Guests will have access to several locations including The Highlight Room atop DREAM Hollywood and Avenue Los Angeles.
33. The 5th Annual Santa Monica Zombie Crawl will bring hundreds of wannabe zombies to the heart of the west side for a night of terror, partying, dancing and drink specials from many city establishments. The night will end with a party at 1212 on the promenade.
34. Idle Hour in North Hollywood will host a Disney Villain Costume Party. Dressed as a Disney villain character!
35. Halloween weekend at Clifton’s Republic in Downtown Los Angeles welcome ghost, goblins and gauls to The Neverlands, an immersive haunted forest experience. Featuring live and dead entertainment, rare concoctions of alchemy and mayhem, including fiery cocktails and devilishly delicious food items by Executive Chef Andrew Pastore.
36. Long Beach Zombie Walk heads to Shoreline Village for zombie movies, beer gardens, live music, mazes, games, a Thriller flash mob and a massive zombie walk. FREE
37. Grab your pooch and head to Angel City Brewery in DTLA this Saturday for the brewery’s Howl-O-Ween event. The dog-friendly afternoon will feature a dog costume contest, adoptions, dog treats and much more.
38. Chicas Tacos and Boomtown Brewery are teaming up for a deadly 1920’s Hollywood soiree. The night will feature Cocktails from the Crypt, Bewitching Burlesque, DJs of the Damned, an immersive crime solving game and more.
39. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride continues at The Old Zoo in Griffith Park through October 31. This years theme is “Clown” and features four different freaky zones, a slew of demonic clowns, a corn maze and more.
40. Hundreds of Corgis will gather this Saturday for SoCal Corgi Beach Day at Huntington Beach. All dogs are allowed to come to the fall beach day!
41. Wicked Lit  is a spooky immersive theatre experience taking horror literature and turning them into plays at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery. It happens every Thursday through Sunday from September 28 through November 9. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
42. Multi-sensory, walk-through experience Creep LA returns to the Music Box in DTLA October 5 through November 12. Inspired by the Amazon Prime Exclusive Series Lore the experience is fully engaging, multi-sensory and super-scary, featuring some of pop culture’s most legendary horror myths. Happening Thursdays through Sundays.
43. The 36th Annual Village Venture Arts & Crafts Faire comes to Claremont Village featuring local artists and craftsmen selling goods, live music, international foods and a children’s costume parade. FREE
44. Halloween Horror Nights taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood will immerse guests in a three-dimensional world of terror featuring a new slate of mazes, scare zones and a newly designed “Terror Tram” experience. Themes include American Horror Story, The Shining, SAW, Insidious and more.
45. Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns for a spooktacular season. Highlights include a “Nocturnal Adventure” maze,  “Animals and Boo” creepy crawler encounters, pumpkin-carving demos and other family-oriented fun.
Sunday October 29th, 201746. LAVA (the Los Angeles Visionaries Association) will host a free tour of civic art in Los Angeles’ civic center. There will be an illustrated lecture focused on the rich architectural legacy of Downtown L.A.‘s civic center and a group walk to visit a number of historic and more recent civic artworks. FREE
47. The Eagle Rock Bark Halloween Block Party and Kittie and Doggie Rescue Adoption comes to Eagle Rock City Hall on Sunday for the cutest Halloween-themed event all for a furry cause. FREE
48. There’s an All-Star Cookout happening at Mack Sennet Studios in Silver Lake this Sunday. Expect chefs like Jonathan Yao of Kato, Erwin Tjahyadi of Bone Kettle and Avner Levi of Cento Pasta Bar to grill up some good eats right before your very eyes.
49. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will present a Dia de los Muertos inspired concert of mostly Latin American composers, themed around “death” and “celebration.” The concert will take place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
50. Enjoy a bit of spooky family fun at  Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch. The patch is open daily with an additional “Boo-tique” pop-up near by at Platform LA in Culver City.
51. Check out Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s renowned Historic Walking Tour this Sunday. The popular, fact-filled tour are led by film historian Karie Bible.
52. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned for the Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn like the Iron Master and Graceful Gale. This year they’ll reveal their newest member of the crew, his name is Chef and he’s got a carnivorous kitchen staff with a big appetite. Happening Thursdays and through Sundays. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
53. Do you think your dog has the best Halloween costume? Enter your for legged friend in the 17th Annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade at Marina Vista Park in Long Beach! Expect over 500 pups during this popular annual parade through Belmont Shore.
54. There’s a Great Pumpkin Hunt happening at the South Coast Botanic Garden from October 1 through November 30 everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include an imaginative scavenger hunt, light hiking, a pumpkin shop and access to the gorgeous 87-acre grounds. Great for families. Halloween costumes are welcome.
Article courtesy of We Like LA.

Stocks markets continue to rise – Indexes reach record highs for sixth straight week – U.S. stocks rose again this week, reaching record highs for the sixth week in a row. Market gains were attributed to additional third quarter company earnings that beat expectations. 20% of companies in the S&P 500, that have reported earnings for the third quarter, reported earnings growth of nearly 2%, and 76% of the companies have reported results above expectations. Disappointing earnings from GE, whose stock dropped sharply, were offset by across the board gains. Stocks also rallied after the Senate passed a 2018 budget resolution. We expect earnings to continue to rise at a solid pace through the remainder of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 23,328.63, up from 22,871.73 last week. It’s up 18% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,575.21, up from its close last week of 2,563.17 The S&P is up 15% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,629.05, up from its last week’s close of 6,605.80 It’s up 23.1% year-to-date. 
Bond yields higher this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.39%, up from 2.28% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.89%, up from 2.81% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.
Mortgage Rates almost unchanged – The October 19, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.88%, down from 3.91% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.19%, down from 3.21% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.17%, down slightly from 3.16% last week. Rates rose late in the week so next week’s rates will be slightly higher. 
U.S. new housing starts drop 4.7% in September – Hurricane damaged region accounts for the drop – The Commerce Department reported that permits for new residential construction dropped 4.7% in September. Single-family housing starts dropped 4.6% from August. The September decline was attributed to hurricane damaged areas. Year-to-date housing starts are up 9.1% from the same period last year. Breaking out single-family housing, the hurricane damaged South posted a 15.3% decline in single-family housing starts in September. All other regions in the U.S. posted month-over-month gains in new single-family housing starts.Month-over-month housing starts are up 15.7% in the western region. Multi-family housing starts were down in almost every region. 
California existing home sales and prices continue to creep up in September – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing, single-family home sales totaled 436,920 in September on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That’s up 2.2 percent from August and 1.7 percent from last September. The statewide median home price was $555,410, down 1.8 percent from August and up 7.5 percent from September 2016. Statewide active listingscontinued to decline in September, dropping 11.2 percent from a year ago. The unsold inventory index in September represented a 3.2 month supply of homes for sale, down from a 3.5 month supply in September of 2017, yet up from 2.9 months in August. 
Author, 
Syd Leibovitch

1. Witness fall foliage season at Descanso Gardens.From October through November, walk Descanso Gardens for its the beautiful botanical display (or train it on the Enchanted Railroad). Take in beauties such as the light pink Sasanqua camellias, bright red toyon berries, stunning yellow ginkgo trees and the expansive native California tree canopies illustrating the inviting and warm Fall colors of Los Angeles. Plus: Descanso’s Enchanted: Forest of Light is back this fall from November 19 – January 16. -> Plan your garden trip today.
2. Watch trees change color at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.Going to the Arboretum this fall? Head straight over to the Grace Kallam Perennial Garden where you will get quite the show. The garden’s blooming perennials and fall foliage features beds and beds of spectacular color including the yellow-leafed gingko trees, and copper foliage of the Sweetgum tree. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife who reside and who migrate annually to the Garden. -> View nature’s show here.

3. Pick Pumpkins at Underwood FarmsOk, so Moorpark isn’t techinically in L.A. county. But it’s close! And Underwood Family Farms is the right place for picking your own favorite variety of pumpkins, from Magic Lanterns (perfect for carving) to Cinderellas to Luminas. The farm hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival where you’ll catch a tractor ride, a chicken show, and lots of fun activities for the kids. The festival runs on weekends through Oct. 29. -> Pumpkin harvest-time at the farm.
4. Take the Corn Maze Challenge at Tapia Bros. FarmstandThis corn maze challenges all ages to navigate through it while answering trivia questions. The maze is closed on Mondays for watering, and open every weekend through the end of October. While at Tapia Bros. Farmstand don’t miss a taste of the roasted corn, which makes a tasty afternoon snack. -> Find your way here.
5. Roam the Many Gardens of The HuntingtonThe Huntington Gardens welcomes guests all year long to explore its hundreds of species and beautiful landscape. Ranging from the American Sweetgum tree’s red and auburn leaves to the yellow and golden blooms of the Chinese raintree, have your phone ready to capture all of that and more including the purple salvias shrubs and the burnt orange flower petals of the wild dagga. -> In living color.

6. Take Instagram-worthy photos at Mr. Bones’ Pumpkin PatchThe highly-celebrated (and celebrity kid hot spot) pumpkin patch gives you all the Fall feels with its select pumpkin patch, the spider bouncy house, live music, a Master Carver who will turn your pumpkin into a jack o’ lantern masterpiece, and swanky LA food trucks including The Grilled Cheese and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. VIP tickets are available. -> Snap here.
7. See the Santa Monica Mountains on HorsebackLos Angeles Horseback Riding takes you and a group of friends or with your very special person on a picturesque trail ride in the Santa Monica mountains including part of the Backbone Trail. You’ll see LA’s native landscape including breathtaking geography, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and wildlife such as hawks, deer or even, the rare Mexican Xoloitzcuintli. Sunset rides offer gorgeous Autumn colors like you’ve never seen before in LA. -> Fall on horseback.
8. Experience Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever CemeteryHonoring the living and the dead, this Dia de los Muertos event highlights a traditional procession and altar-making, while hundreds of Aztec ritual dancers and other folklorico performers entertain the crowd. This year includes four stages of music and theatrical performers throughout the day/evening. Be sure to check out and enter to win in the best calaca (skeleton) costume and altar contests. -> Celebrate culture and spirit on Oct. 28.

9. Go Apple picking at Riley’s at Los Rios RanchoHave an urge to go apple picking? Take a drive out to San Bernadino. Los Rios Rancho is SoCal’s largest apple farm, featuring heirloom fruit trees with well over 32 apple varieties including Granny Smith and Rome Beauty. Riley’s fresh-pressed apple cider tastes deliciously seasonal, which you can take home by the gallon or have a cup at the snack bar. -> U-pick here.
10. Oktoberfest at Alpine VillageOktoberfest at Alpine Villageis the signature annual Oktobersfest event in the L.A.-area. Now through October 28, you’ll be able to partake in tasting Warsteiner German beers (Oktoberfest, Dunkel, Pilsner, Ace Cider and Konig Ludwig Hefeweisen), and feast on German specialties like Bavarian pretzels, sausages, schnitzel and strudel. German Oom Pah Pah bands inspire dancing and cheering. -> Prost (cheers).
Article courtesy of We Like LA.

Stocks continue to rise – Indexes again at new record highs – Stocks rose in the first week of the third quarter’s earnings season. Most of the companies that have released earnings have been from the financial service sector. Of the companies that have reported, 81% had better-than-expected results. The only sector that had a bad week was health insurance stocks, which dropped after President Trump signed an executive order to cut off subsidy payments to insurance companies that provide Obamacare. Economic data from overseas was extremely positive and confirmed that the worldwide economy is continuing to improve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,871.73, up from 22,773.67 last week. It’s up 15.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,553.17, up from its close last week of 2,549.33. The S&P is up 14% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,605.80, up from its last week’s close of 6,590.19. It’s up 22.7% year-to-date.
Bond yields lower this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.28%, down from 2.37% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.81%, down from 2.91% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.
Mortgage Rates continue to creep up, yet the 30-year is still below 4% – The October 12, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Surveyreported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.91%, up from 3.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.21%, up from 3.15% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.16%, down slightly from 3.18% last week. Rates were slightly lower at the end of the week.
U.S. Consumer Confidence highest rating in 13 years – TheUniversity of Michigan consumer sentiment index hit 101.1, the highest level since 2004. Since consumer confidence is directly related to consumer spending this index is closely watched as consumer spending accounts for approximately two-thirds of the economy. The survey also included data, which showed retail sales increased by 1.6% in September, the highest increase since March 2015.
Unfortunately, The California Association of Realtors and The National Association of Realtors have not released September sales figures. Those will be included in next week’s report.
​
Author,
Syd Leibovitch

This weekend (October 13 – October 15) includes the LA Korean Festival, a late-night party at Skriball, the DTLA Oyster Fest, the Sherman Oaks Street Fair, the Pasadena ARTWalk, a Japanese Garden Festival,  and MUCH more.
Enjoy!
​

Friday October 13th, 20171. Skirball After Hours presents Late-Night! Música y Arte a late-night gallery party featuring live music by Mark de Clive-Lowe, a DJ set by Chulita Vinyl Club, food trucks, a cash bar, and more. FREE
2. ArtNight Pasadena returns with art, music and entertainment at over 18 local cultural institutions, venues and shops. FREE
3. Multi-sensory, walk-through experience Creep LA returns to the Music Box in DTLA October 5 through November 12. Inspired by the Amazon Prime Exclusive Series Lore the experience is fully engaging, multi-sensory and super-scary, featuring some of pop culture’s most legendary horror myths. Happening Thursdays through Sundays.
4. The 44th annual L.A. Korean Festival on October 12-15 will provide a showcase of Korean culture through food, performances, music, and exhibitions. FREE
5. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned for the Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn like the Iron Master and Graceful Gale. This year they’ll reveal their newest member of the crew, his name is Chef and he’s got a carnivorous kitchen staff with a big appetite. Happening Thursday and through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
6. Eat|See|Hear returns with Front Porch Cinema, a free movie night below the stars every Friday on Santa Monica Pier from September 29 through October 27. The fall film series will also feature music, drinks, and bites before each screening. This week they’ll screen Hidden Figures. FREE
7. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch at Platform LA happening October 6-30 in DTLA features a fun spooky space for families to celebrate Halloween. Highlights include; an interactive pumpkin village; straw maze; a giant rocking horse ride; Mr. Bones’ Super Slide; a Jumpin’ Pumpkin and more. Happening Thursday and through the weekend.
8. Throughout the month of October, Westbound will host double-feature screenings of cult classic Halloween flicks on their back patio on Sunday nights as well as on Friday the 13th and Halloween. Screenings begin at 6 and 8 p.m. This Friday they’ll host a double screening of the 1980’s classic Friday the 13th.
9. Wicked Lit  is a spooky immersive theatre experience taking horror literature and turning them into plays at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery. It happens every Thursday through Sunday from September 28 through November 9. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
10. Metro Art presents “L.A. Documentaries at Union Station,” a celebration of the city of Angels through true stories on film. Kicking off the series is “Roller Dreams” this Friday in the Historic Ticketing Hall. FREE
11. The Vista Theatre will fittingly screen Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th.
12. Turn Me Loose, a comedic drama about the life of comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, starts a one-month run at the Wallis this Friday. The production stars Emmy award winner Joe Morton and is directed by John Gould Rubin.
13. Climb aboard the 17th Annual Ghost Train in Griffith Park on October 13-31 and ride on their iconic train into a spooky setting of animatronics, projections and pyrotechnic. The ride is family friendly with no blood, gore or actors jumping out to scare you like most Halloween experiences.
14. L.A.’s legendary Groundlings Theatre troupe presents its latest main stage show, Groundlings of the Corn. Expect an evening of sketches, improv and LOL moments. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
15. Head over to Torrance for one of the most well-known Oktoberfest celebrations in the L.A. area! Alpine Village Oktoberfest runs September 8 through October 28 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, beer, dancing, and more.
16. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns to The Old Zoo in Griffith Park from September 29 to October 31. This years theme is “Clown” and features four different freaky zones, a slew of demonic clowns, a corn maze and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)
17. Silent Classic Horror Festival will host a month long fright fest. This week the 1922 film Nosferatuwill be screened at Old Town Music Hall located in El Segundo. The festival takes place every Friday through Sunday.
18. 260 Sample Sale LA returns with a Rent The Runway sample sale at their Beverly Hills store October 11-15. Offering up to 90% off on gently used designer apparel and accessories, brands on sale include: ML Monique Lhuillier; Marchesa Notte; kate spade new york; Nicholas; Opening Ceremony; Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and more.
19. Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns for a spooktacular season. Highlights include a “Nocturnal Adventure” maze,  “Animals and Boo” creepy crawler encounters, pumpkin-carving demos and other family-oriented fun.
20. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Wonder Woman at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Friday 13th at Montalban in Hollywood.


Saturday October 14th, 201721. San Antonio Winery in DTLA celebrates 100 Years in Los Angeles this Saturday with a party. Highlights include a grape stomp, live music, a wine & beer garden and a stellar line up of food trucks.
22. The Paley Center for Media will kick off their latest exhibit, Cartoon Network: 25 Years of Drawing on Creativity with a party suitable for kids and adults. The event will feature an augmented reality experience, Powderpuff Girl sculptures, free activities for kids as well as refreshments.
23. Downtown LA Oyster Fest returns to Grand Central Market on October 14-15 for a delicious celebration of LA’s favorite oceanic appetizer. The culinary event will gather oyster farmers from across the country in one place for a day of tastings, workshops and delicous creations like oyster “Po Boy” pizza; fried curry oysters and more.
24. The Japanese Garden Festival returns to Descanso Gardens on October 14-15 for a celebration that includes tours, music, displays, crafting, and more.
25. The Sivley family is back for their 46th year of hosting the award winning, Beware the Dark Realm a haunted house experience in the city of Santa Clarita. Haunt kicks off this Satruday and will run every Friday and Saturday thorough the month. FREE
26. Stroll the streets of Old Pasadena while enjoying local art, free museum admission, live entertainment and more when The 12th Annual Pasadena ARTWalk returns this Saturday. FREE
27. Spend the evening along the Los Angeles River during Noches del Rio a benefit concert supporting FOLAR. Nic Harcourt will host the night and Ozomatli will perform an intimate show.
28. Off the 405 is a free outdoor concert series taking place at the Getty Center, showcasing some of today’s hottest bands while highlighting site specific installations by emerging artist. FREE
29. Climb aboard the Esotouric Bus and dive into a world of bizarre murders and dark history during the Echo Park Book of the Dead bus tour. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
30. The 3rd annual Archaeology Day will take place at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area’s visitor center in Calabasas. Learn how to dig like an archaeologist, throw a spear, watch flintknapping (making stone tools) and more. FREE
31. OFF THE HOOK returns this year to the Santa Monica Pier with a tasty day of seafood centric dishes, live music, a beer garden and more.
32. Pico Block Party: TRANSLATION is a celebratory afternoon taking place at 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica. The family-friendly festival will give tours, offer workshops and feature live music, dance performances, a feminist card reading and more. FREE
33. Visit the Los Angeles Central Library in DTLA for the lecture “Pocho Gastronomy is the Future of Mexican Cuisine in America” with acclaimed food journalist Bill Esparza. He’ll share stories about Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles, with a focus on Boyle Heights, Huntington Park and Pacoima, and the city’s styles of Mexican cookery. FREE
34. Taste of Italy will transform historic DTLA into the streets of Italy highlighting the city’s best Italian restaurant. In addition, guests can enjoy vendors selling specialty products, cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live entertainment and over 100 world-class wines.
35. More than 40 artists will open up their studios for a massive art walk during Santa Fe Art Colony Open Studios on October 14-15. Meet with artists, see them work in their natural habitat and even buy directly from their studios. FREE
36. The 3rd annual Long Beach Oktoberfest will take over The Pike Outlets featuring unlimited beer tastings, a mug-holding competition, traditional German oom-pah music and much more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
37. LA’s Best Vegan Taco Competition comes to Cafe Gratitude in Larchmont Village. The competition will boast eight chefs, two winners, live music, and a whole lot of tacos.
38. Get ready to shriek, because Urban Death: Tour of Terror is back at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group in North Hollywood. This haunted theater attraction features a terrifying performance and a maze of inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities, and the disturbing spirits that walk among us. Happening every Friday and Saturday this month. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
39. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
40. Street Food Cinema will host two screenings this Saturday: Casper at Syd Kronenthal Park and Wonder Woman at Marriot Golf Course in Manhattan Beach.
41. Halloween Horror Nights taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood will immerse guests in a three-dimensional world of terror featuring a new slate of mazes, scare zones and a newly designed “Terror Tram” experience. Themes include American Horror Story, The Shining, SAW, Insidious and more.
42. The Original Farmers Market located at The Grove will celebrate the fall season with a two day festival on October 14-15. Family fun activities include checking out Alaskan racing pigs, a petting zoo, kid-sized tractor pull competitions, a pie-eating contests and more.
43. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Baby Driver at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Montalban in Hollywood


Sunday October 15th, 201744. The  27th annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair returns to the San Fernando Valley for one of the largest-single day events in L.A.!!! Chord Overstreet of Glee fame will headline the music stage and 150 vendors, a carnival, car show, pet expo, rides, food trucks and more will round out the event. FREE
45. Le Salon de Musiques presents a stage free chamber musical experience with champagne and high tea to follow at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
46. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and the good folks over at YesICAN will host a Bowling with Stormtroopers event at Winnetka Bowl in the San Fernando Valley. Come out and donate to the cause. $20 gets you two games, shoes, lunch and a chance to hangout with your favorite Star Wars characters, curtesy of the SoCal Garrison of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion.
47. This Sunday, The San Fernando will pay tribute to the late Tom Petty with a night of cover songs by local musicians.
48. Throughout the month of October, Westbound will host double-feature screenings of cult classic Halloween flicks on their back patio every Sunday night as well as on Friday the 13th and Halloween. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This Saturday they’ll host screenings of The Addams Family and Beetlejuice.
49. LA Weekly’s Brunch at the Races returns for another year of endless signature bites from over 30 of L.A.’s most popular brunch spots. Taking place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, expect over 30 restaurants, live music, cocktail samples and access to the first horse racing of the season. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
50. There’s a Great Pumpkin Hunt happening at the South Coast Botanic Garden from October 1 through November 30 everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include an imaginative scavenger hunt, light hiking, a pumpkin shop and access to the gorgeous 87-acre grounds. Great for families. Halloween costumes are welcome.
Schedule provided by We Like LA.

U.S economy loses 33,000 jobs in September – Unemployment rate drops to 4.2% – Wages rise – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy lost 33,000 jobs in September, which marked the first month in seven years that the U.S. lost jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2%, from 4.4% in August. Wages grew 2.9% from one year earlier. Analysts discounted the report, and it had little effect on the markets, because they felt that September’s hurricanes and storms skewed the numbers. According to experts, jobs lost due to hurricanes were lower paying jobs, so unfortunately, wages up nearly 3% was not a reliable figure. They expect wage growth to be closer to 2.5% next month. They also expect the number of new jobs to rebound next month, as employers resume hiring, which they delayed due to weather concerns. Workers also had temporarily stopped their job search, which made the unemployment figure appear lower. 
Markets hit record highs again this week – Stocks were up this week as encouraging economic data showed upward trends in the manufacturing and services sectors. Auto sales were also higher. While Friday’s September employment report was weak, experts felt that the impact from recent hurricanes skewed the numbers. They expect the economy to remain healthy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,773.67, up from 22,405.09 last week. It’s up 15.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,549.33, up from its close last week of 2,519.36. The S&P is up 13.9% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,590.19, up from its last week’s close of 6,495.96. It’s up 22.4% year-to-date. 
Bond yields rise – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.37%, up from 2.33% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.91%, up from 2.86% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.
Mortgage Rates just slightly higher this week – The October 5, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.85%, almost unchanged from 3.83% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.15%, almost unchanged from 3.13% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.18%, almost unchanged from 3.20% last week. 
Home sales figures for September should be available next week. 
Author, 
​Syd Leibovitch