#1 AGENT
IN #1 OFFICE GLOBALLY
#1 PRODUCING OFFICE
IN THE U.S.A.
TOP 1%
OF ALL AGENTS, WORLDWIDE
BEN LEE’S BLOG
Getting to a Galaxy Far Away via the Streets of Hollywood
What’s that flying down Hollywood Boulevard? Well, if you’re in the vicinity that runs between Ivar Avenue and Argyle Avenue, it could very well be a Star Wars drone that you see zipping by. That’s because, similar to last year around this same time frame, during the premier of The Force Awakens, several streets in the Hollywood area will be closed off later this week due to the premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
In fact, there are several streets in the immediate area that are slated to be roped off at various time frames through mid-month. So, for those who live or work in the area, you may need to plan your coming and going to beat or avoid the detours.
That being said, if you’re an avid fan of the Jedi, you may have an incentive to head this way on a regular basis. That’s because, since Disney has taken over the Star Wars empire, there will be a new addition to the saga that premiers every year.
And, while the 2015 premiere of Force Awakens occurred at three different theaters, it is thought by some that, even though the location hasn’t been officially announced, it could take place in or around the Pantages Theatre.
Just like last year’s event, security will be out in force, with the entire area being patrolled by a detail that makes even the Academy Awards pale in comparison. So, don your light-saber and head over to Hollywood Boulevard – or, alternatively, if you want to avoid all the fan fare, consider slipping out of town for several days.
‘Tis the Season
What a month it has been. It feels like the world has been turned upside down since the elections. No matter how you voted, it’s plain to see that the country is divided and this leaves me wondering what can be done about it. Unfortunately, I don’t have easy answers which is also somewhat troubling. I am someone who likes having action plans and goals and linear paths towards achievement. Indecision and lack of direction are two states of consciousness that don’t sit well with me. So, when I see protests on the news or hate crimes creeping out of the shadows, my first instinct is to wonder: what can I do to help my fellow Americans? How do I get involved to assuage the anger?
But then, selfishly, my second thought quickly follows and that is to feel grateful that I live in this community I share with you. Maybe it’s naïve to believe, but it feels like Cheviot Hills, Rancho Park, Beverlywood and West Los Angeles exist in its own bubble, immune to many of the troubles facing the bigger, more volatile, sometimes scarier world. We have great schools, jobs, opportunities, a thriving economy, open minded and educated people of all races and religions, all stuck in traffic on the same congested freeways.
My mind drifts back again to the issues at large because that cozy, safe feeling of security; me being grateful living ‘here’ instead of ‘there’ doesn’t really help much toward healing the rest of the country.
Perhaps the upcoming holiday season will help lighten the mood and soften the edges a bit. Families lucky enough to find support in one another will ideally come together and eat and laugh and find unity. Hopefully elders will influence the youngsters to take an active role in the kind of world in which they want to live. Ideally, we will mesh as a fractured nation and realize that our diversity is one crucial part of what makes our country great. We’ll recognize that our shared hope for a positive future can bond us together, not tear us apart.
The holiday season always inspires me to appreciate what I usually take for granted by helping those who may not be as fortunate. I recognize that there are others who might not have it as great as we do and so I try to give something back, to hopefully make someone’s day a bit brighter. But just as important as doing something for others, it’s just as critical to do something nice for yourself, too. As parents, spouses and professionals, we’re often caught devoting the majority of our energy to the wants and needs of others. I’m just as guilty of this as anyone and truthfully, it’s exhausting. So, each December I try to make an effort to recharge my batteries a bit. Work usually slows down and I can often find moments of quiet to take a break and mentally prepare for what will likely be a busy year ahead.
2016 wasn’t an easy one for my family. We lost my mom after a long and painful illness and though it’s been seven months, we’re still mourning her loss each day. But, on the bright side, we experienced our fair share of delight this year, too. My wife and I take great pride in our boys becoming thoughtful members of society and dignified young men. We were also thrilled to welcome a new nephew into our family… a baby who illuminates our lives with joy every time he is near.
Perhaps a parallel can be made regarding the current state of affairs in our country. Like with most things, there is some bad but also good, too. So how do we navigate going forward? Maybe by coming together as best as we are able; by being kind and patient and open to one another’s ideas; by listening to each other; by finding the good in our friends, neighbors, family members and even strangers; by standing up for what we believe are the moral truths that make our community and country great; by doing our part to be positive members of society.
Doing all of that may be the closest I come to an action plan and no one said the path to unity would be linear or even easy. But I am willing to work toward the goal of achieving a sense of peace and harmony during the holidays, in the new year and the months beyond. I hope the rest of the country can work towards this, too.
From my family to yours, I wish you and your loved ones the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons.
Plenty of Space to Live and Play in the San Gabriel Valley Home from Boogie Nights
If you’re at all familiar with the late-90s film classic Boogie Nights – the one where “Marky Mark” Wahlberg is discovered by an adult-movie director played by Burt Reynolds – then a recent home listing in the Covina / San Gabriel Valley vicinity may also spark some recognition.
This 4,000-square-foot home, built in the late 1950s era, still holds it fair share of groovy charm, while at the same time offering space, functionality, and plenty of room for newly updated amenities.
The living room is extremely spacious, which features a stunning vault and beam ceiling, as well as a large stone fireplace. While the walls are adorned with wooden paneling, the oversized living room windows allow for an ample amount of light to keep the space bright.
In the spacious kitchen you will find darker wood cabinetry, along with a green tiled floor. The white appliances have been updated since the home’s Boogie Nights days, however, the somewhat busy, flower-patterned wall paper may set the room back a few years.
A mix of carpet and tile adorn the floors throughout the remainder of the house, as well as several other wallpapered rooms. But, even though the home’s new owner may consider making some upgrades, there is a substantial amount of potential here.
This famous property, which includes a lush, green 1.35-acre lot and a three car garage, as well as an oversized pool, is currently listed at just below $1.5 million. A private tour of this home can be arranged for potential purchasers.
Breathtaking LA Spots for Impressing Visitors
While you may have just now come out of your Thanksgiving food coma, the overall holiday season has just begun – which could mean that you will have more out-of-town guests heading your way over the next several weeks. And, because there is only so much eating that one can do, taking your visitors on a tour of some of the top spots in Los Angeles is sure to entertain and impress.
If you’re looking for ideas, here are just a few of the best areas that can provide breathtaking views, along with some seasonal memories with loved ones:
Mount Wilson Observatory
Just off the Angeles Crest, you will find the Mount Wilson Observatory. Here, in addition to the surrounding forest, you will be able to take in some absolutely incredible views of the city below. Guided tours are offered in season, which ends in November. But you can embark on a self-guided walk of the area. Note that due to the altitude, you could come across some snow, so be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly.
Griffith Park
If you and your guests are more into picnicking in the park, be sure to check out Griffith Park. Here you can also enjoy a nice hike along a variety of beautiful, wooded trails. For kids both young and old, there is a merry-go-round on site.
Secret Stairs in the Beachwood Canyon
If your guests want an alternate view of the famed Hollywood sign, they can do so, while at the same time being “wowed” by some awesome views, by way of the “secret stairs” in Beachwood. This network of unique stairways dates back to the old days of LA. If you want to plan out your route, be sure to check out the book and / or the affiliated website to show you the way.
Rare Opportunity to Own an Updated La Brea Terrace Farmhouse
While it may not have cows and goats roaming out in the pasture, this updated La Brea Terrace farmhouse does offer the opportunity to sit on the front porch and enjoy the view. This historic abode, built in 1908, provides old world charm, yet has been updated throughout, in order to offer the ideal mix of historical beauty with today’s modern conveniences.
Well secluded in the Runyon Canyon foothills, this nearly 4,300 square foot gem offers four bedrooms and four full baths. The interior is accented with both hardwood and tile flooring, along with high-end finishes. The chef’s kitchen offers butcher block counters, black and white checkerboard floor tiles, and an array of shelving and storage throughout.
Plenty of light enters in via the multitude of newer windows, which, when combined with the home’s light wall colors, enhances every room. While offering ample living space, the home’s several fireplaces can turn any of its rooms into a cozy spot for reading or relaxation.
French doors throughout the main level open out to a 1/2-acre plus yard that features a pool, as well as a quaint guest house, surrounded by beautiful fruit trees, that includes a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bath.
Current and former neighbors include the likes of Diane Keaton, Charles Laughton, and Helen Mirren. And, with only about a dozen properties that are located on this Hollywood Hills gated street, this is truly a rare find – and one that won’t likely present itself again at any time soon. Private tours can be arranged for interested purchasers. The home is currently listed at $5 million.
image credits: Barry Dane