SkyspaceLA: A Magic Carpet Ride High Above the City of Angels

So the #SkyspaceLA Skyslide officially opened and we have tickets for a ride this afternoon. When I bought the tickets several months back, it sounded fun and exciting and now today I'm sort of thinking, are we out of our minds? For those of you who may not live here in Los Angeles, the Skyslide is a new attraction in downtown Los Angeles. It's a glass (more like a very thick plexiglass) slide that is attached to the outside of the tallest building in Los Angeles, the U.S. Bank Building (formerly the Library Tower).  The slide starts on the 70th floor and you slide one story to the 69th floor. Did I mention it was mounted on the outside of a skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles?

There were four of us in our party (one is disabled both mentally and physically). He's usually very game for adventure so we bought him a ticket and figured we'd see how his day was going before deciding for sure whether or not he would participate.  He woke up in a good place so off we went to DTLA. 

Our ticket was for 1:30 and we arrived a little bit before that. They have some really cool visuals as you make your way on two sets of elevators up to the 70th floor.

Once there, we got on a line that we were told was roughly a 45 minute wait before it would be our turn to ride the slide. I was a little worried that our disabled friend might not be able to stand in line that long and spoke with one of the attendants. They were so accommodating. They suggested that we could sit on a bench close by and when the line reached our turn, they would come and get us. Turns out, our friend was so excited that he made it through the entire wait without any meltdowns. 

There's a TV mounted on the wall so you can watch it and get instructions on the slide beforehand. They mentioned that they have a special sled for disabled riders so I thought I should inquire.  Again, the team there was so accommodating. They brought out the sled and it was perfect for our young rider. It allowed him to be a little more steady and had handles on the sides. Check it out here:

All in all, it was a wonderful and fun experience largely in part to the professionalism of the staff at #SkyspaceLA! Special shoutout to Blaine and Richard. 

Oh and the view? Spectacular. The ride? For a moment in time, you're on a magic carpet ride - floating high above the city of angels.

Tips on Having Your Home Appraised

Whether you're applying for a new home loan or refinancing the current loan on your home, your lender will more than likely need an appraisal of your property.  Here are some tips to keep in mind regarding your appraisal:

Dishes in the sink will not hurt the value. Neither does an unmade bed. 

 

If the appraiser was hired by a lender (ie bank or mortgage company), the appraiser is not allowed to discuss your value or anything in the report with you or your agent.

If you have an area that isn't permitted, the appraiser may not be able to include that space in their value.

You will get credit for a remodel or major upgrade but it will not likely be dollar for dollar (i.e If you spent $60,000 on your new pool you may not get the full $60,000 added to your value). Same for your bathroom and kitchen.

If your property is on arterial street, a high traffic area or is right next to the freeway, this may negatively affect your value.

An outdoor enclosed patio is typically not considered living space and may not be counted in the square footage of the house being appraised.

Don't fudge when talking square footage, remodelling or permitted areas with the appraiser.  They have access to all that data and if you lie about that, they won't trust anything else you've told them.

If you have a floor plan, share it with your appraiser. They will appreciate it. It helps them confirm the measurements they took of your house.

The time to talk to the appraiser is when they are in your house. If you have a list of upgrades, give it to them when they are there. 

The appraiser needs access to the entire property being appraised. If you don't let them into certain spaces, they need to report that to info to the lender and there is always the possibility that they will need to come back. There is usually an additional charge to you and that will slow down the process of your loan.

If you have pets, please be able to control them. Also, removing their bm's from the yard is appreciated. 

The appraiser does need to measure your house from the outside as well as inside.

Most appraisers will not enter a house unless there is an adult present.  If the property is vacant, you can typically provide a lockbox code.

There's a difference between updating and remodelling.  Think new carpet (updating) vs. new cabinets, counters, walls and floors (remodel).

It really is about location, location, location. The appraiser will find the most recent compatible sales (comps) in your direct neighborhood (i.e. If you live in downtown, they wouldn't typically reach into the suburbs for a comp).  

If you or your agent want to share some recent comps with the appraiser, please do so when they are at your property.

Please don't offer your appraiser anything while they are at your property.  They are not allowed to accept it

Top Brunch Places for Mom on Mother's Day!

Mother’s Day is the second biggest day of the year for brunch! These restaurants are perfect for celebrating MOM! All of these places are so dreamy and make you feel like you’ve escaped to a cottage or countryside! 

 Make reservations now! 

1. Marmalade Café in Sherman Oaks. For Mother’s Day, they will be serving their regular menu. But be sure to try their crab cakes! They are delicious! 
   
2. La Frite in Sherman Oaks. This quaint French restaurant offers a great brunch deal: bottomless mimosas, a croissant, an appetizer, and an entrée for $27! 
   
3. Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon. In the hills of Topanga Canyon, this is a perfect brunch spot as you sit creekside surrounded by beautiful gardens. This is a great place to celebrate MOM! And—vegetarians love this spot! 
   
4. Blu Jam Café in Sherman Oaks. Blu Jam has made it onto our blog before for a reason—their crunchy French toast is to die for! Definitely consider Blu Jam when making your Mother’s Day Brunch reservations. 
   
5. 94^th Aero Squadron in Van Nuys. This place is always a good idea for brunch, but especially for special occasions! With an event for every holiday, Mother’s Day is sure to be a treat as well! Adults: $49.95 Children: $21.95 
   
6. Humble Bee in Northridge. Sunday brunch is in full swing at Humble Bee. With an extensive (and delicious) brunch menu, and a sweet, comfortable environment, the Humble Bee will be a perfect place to celebrate Mom! Tip: Try the Habanero Hot Sauce! ;) 
   
7. Cici’s Café in Tarzana: Cici’s is always worth it, no matter how crowded it is! It’s warm, cozy, local feel keeps customers coming back and lures no customers in! You cannot beat their incredibly fluffy pancakes—nobody else makes them like they do! This family owned place is a great idea for your family on Mother’s Day! 
   
8. The High Tea Cottage in Woodland Hills. Reservations are absolutely required at the tea cottage, and you have to be sure to make those reservations ASAP! Not only does this beautiful cottage host events for shows like Downton Abbey, but they know how to shower moms with love on Mother’s Day! The two-hour seating reservations are accompanied by a menu of scones, desserts, sandwiches, and refreshing teas! A children’s menu is also available. The owners are lovely and the servers are helpful and happy! I can’t imagine a better place for Mom!                    
9. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you have to check out The Tea Elle Garden Cafe in Santa Clarita. This is a staple of the SCV and everyone loves this place! They’re hosting a special for Mother’s Day and will be selling adorable succulents inside of tea cups, courtesy of a local artist! 
   

Happy Mother's Day & have fun celebrating! 

Dining Alfresco

Here at Radio SFV, we are absolutely loving this warm weather. There seems to be a theme going on—last week, we listed off the best outdoor movie spots in the SFV and surrounding areas. This week, we want to talk about dining alfresco: outdoor dining! The San Fernando Valley has hidden gems everywhere. Our job is to uncover them and encourage you to do the same.

Check out our list of hidden patio restaurants in the SFV! 

1. The Stand in Encino. Established in 2003, The Stand has been offering some classic American food “done right!” With the combination of comfort food of early century diners and satisfying prices, The Stand is a perfect place for alfresco dining in an urban country closed off patio! 
2. Firefly in Studio City. Firefly: the restaurant without a sign. The dining is outside and the bar is an area that is essentially designed like a home library with comfy sofas! The side cabanas on the patio are semi-private and sit two to four! With a fireplace anchoring the center, it’s the perfect evening getaway or a night out with friends! 
   
3. River Rock Lounge Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. This legendary hotel boasts its lounge, which is a full service restaurant perfect for dinner or drinks! The outdoor seating is by the pond where John Wayne is said to have taught his son how to fish. (LA is full of history—why not check out a restaurant that is rich in history as well? Sounds pretty cool to me!). 
   
4. The Six in Studio City. Set in the Coldwater Curve, this enclosed patio backs up to the hillside with a modern, rustic feel. This place is known for its banana cream pie, and I can definitely see why! You have to try it! 
   
5. Ca Del Sole in Toluca Lake. This Italian mainstay is just down the street from Universal Studios. The patio is walled with trees, twinkling lights, and cabanas. It’s perfect for a date night, special occasion, or private party! I love how much of a little getaway this restaurant feels like! 
   
6. Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas. This classic institution sits in the Santa Monica Mountains at the canyon edge of Calabasas. It’s known for unique meat dishes, but brunch and happy hour are becoming more popular as well! This restaurant hosts a terrace patio that will make you feel like you’re on a mountain top vacation miles away. You have to check this place out if you want a woodsy feel to your alfresco dining! 
   
7.  The Villa in Woodland Hills. With a new chef and menu, and a complete remodel, The Villa is a place you have to visit if you’re in the valley! This Italian/Californian eatery has a patio that will remind you of a small villa. 
   

Outdoor Events & Movie Showings in LA & the SFV!

Los Angelenos seem to be fans of the outdoors—we all basically love living in California because of the perfect weather and the ability to be outside 360 days of the year. With the warmer weather getting us all excited and ready for summer, here is a list of upcoming outdoor events coming to LA soon! 

1.  College Night at Dodger Stadium—April 26^th is USC night and April 28^th is UCLA night! Get all decked out in UCLA or USC colors and head to Dodger Stadium! No better way to celebrate being a Los Angeles native than supporting your favorite Battle of LA team while watching our favorite baseball team! 

2. Northridge Farmers Market—every Wednesday from 5-9pm. If you’ve never attended the Northridge Farmer’s Market, head over this Wednesday with your family to enjoy live music, jumpers, rock climbing, and the freshest produce from local farmers! 

OUTDOOR MOVIES:

3. “Movies & Chill” an Open Air Festival. Saturday, June 25^th at 6 pm. Spotted presents their first “Movies and Chill” Open Air Festival that will celebrate the launch of the Spotted App. 

4. Blazing Saddles April 25^th at the Electric Dusk Drive-In in DTLA. If you’ve never seen this movie, definitely go to this outdoor event because Blazing Saddles is hilarious! Plus, watching a movie with the DTLA skyline in the background looks incredible.

5. Ghostbusters April 28^th at Bow & Truss. With a purchase of ticket, you get a movie-themed snack and a reserved parking spot! Check out this website for a list of outdoor movies through October!: https://www.thrillist.com/events/los-angeles/la-outdoor-movie-screenings-calendar-things-to-do-in-la-summer-2015 

6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Cinespia. Although Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn’t in the valley, it’s not too far away. This is perfect for adults and teenagers. Check out their website for a list of movies playing through summer! http://cinespia.org/ 

7. Summer Movie Fest at CSUN! Starting June 2016 at the Oviatt Library Lawn. This is fun because all you have to pay for is parking at the student lots, which is $6! The lawn allows pets and is perfect for families! A list of movies that will be playing includes: Finding Nemo, The Wedding Singer, Bring it On, Inside Out, Cinderella, Zootopia, Aladdin, The Shining, Austin Powers, Step Brothers and Star Wars! 

8. Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills will also launch their free summer movie festival, “Movies on the Green.” Starting at the end of July and continuing through the end of August, Movies on the Green will show movies every Saturday.

July 23—Cinderella

July 30—Jurassic World

August 6—Star Wars The Force Awakens

August 13—Inside Out

August 20—Minions

August 27—Hotel Transylvania 2

Earth Day 2016 !

Earth Day 2016 is coming up! Next Friday, April 22, marks the 46^th year of Earth Day and the incredible movement that motivates people into action. 

The San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita both are hosting events or festivals to help us get involved.

1.     April 16^th: Arbor Earth Day Festival in Thousand Oaks. Thousand Oaks Community Park will be hosting this major city-sponsored event that celebrates both Arbor and Earth Day is a fun, family-oriented way. This year’s event will feature environmental exhibitors, animal shows, children’s activities, electric vehicle displays, electric car shows, entertainment, bike rodeo, workshops, food trucks and more! For details on how to sign up to be a volunteer, the entertainment schedule, and to download the Arbor Earth Day map, check out their website: http://www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/environmental/calendar_of_events/arbor_earth_day.asp 

2.     Associated Students Earth Fair at CSUN. Thursday, April 21^st the Associated Students organization of CSUN will be hosting an Earth Fair for free at the Bayramian Lawn. This is an all day outdoor campus event featuring yoga, crafts, music, giveaways, and interactive activities. The event is designed to inform CSUN students of environmental conservation and world issues while also promoting the consumption of organic food and healthy eating! Check out their website here: http://www.csun.edu/as/events/Earth-Fair-2016

3.     Veg Fest Los Angeles on May 1^st. This is a free event from 10:30-6:30 pm at Woodley Park in Lake Balboa. Veg Fest is a day filled with food, fun, and inspiration. The combination of a delicious vegan international food court, live music, empowering speakers, kids’ activities, animal adoptions and more make for an earth-friendly experience! Check out their website for details on the schedule of the day! http://vegfestla.org/home/event-info/ 

4.     April 18-19 is the Topanga Earth Day Festival! The Topanga Earth Day blog releases articles about different ways to become eco-friendly, how to conserve, and health tips! This awesome team will be putting all of their knowledge into a super fun Earth Day event this year paired with music, arts and crafts, and other forms of entertainment!  Check out their website here and look them up on Facebook!: http://topangaearthday.org/ 

5.     Santa Clarita: KHTS Earth Day Cart Art Competition. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, Santa Clarita will also be celebrating Earth Day! April 16^th in Central Park will be the city’s Earth Day event, which includes an art competition where residents will have to redesign city recycling carts into artistic projects! The carts will be on display between 10-5 on Saturday! More info on this event here: http://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-latest-news/city-of-santa-clarita-opens-new-art-contest-for-2016-earth-arbor-day-168727 

Other events in the Los Angeles Area include Santa Monica’s Tree Hugging Day, Beverly Hills Earth Day Festival, Earth Day Celebration at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Healthy Earth Music and Arts Festival, Star Eco Station’s Children’s Earth Day, and more!

Earth Day is such a special day, which is why every single city and suburb hosts an event for it! Be sure to get involved this year or show your support and love for this earth by attending one of the many festivals in our area!