I use foam earplugs every night and sleep through basically anything and everything now. It’s been incredible

Cabs via the RideYellow app - schedule in advance, lock your fare, and in my experience they always arrive on time

Here’s a good list https://www.laparks.org/skateparks

The Transit App has real time bus tracking iOS link here

He can also take the metro from Union station to Pasadena - no driving for you!

We just did this yesterday for the Chargers game (also coming from West LA); I'd recommend just parking in downtown Inglewood and walking to the stadium. No traffic, $0 to park, and at worst a 20 minute walk to the stadium. Street parking is free on Sundays

You could get your own 1 bedroom in Palms for about $2200 / month, so if you were making around $80k you’d have plenty of money for rent, savings, and going out a good amount. Easy commute to SM by train or 4-5 mile bike ride, if you wanna save on driving and parking. Great neighborhood for restaurants and bars too, so you’re pretty well set up.

HOA president in LA here - this is legitimate for Board to do, and unfortunately while you could try to fight or delay it, in the end that just makes everything more difficult before resulting in you paying anyway. And remember - any costs the HOA incurs to deal with lawyers or managers costs YOU money too.

Also - if your dues really are that low, there will be more assessments ahead. No matter what the HOA covers each month, that amount is not enough for the HOA to meaningfully build its reserves. If there aren’t reserves, there are going to be assessments. I’d raise the topic of dues increases at your next meeting.

$100 / month seems right - my 3BR condo uses about $50 in gas per month, and LADWP is about $100 every 2 months. You won't use the AC very much by MDR either

Try Goldstar as well - I see they’ve got the Tuna Turner musical playing at the Pantages listed currently

A couple nice bars and restaurants along Pico over there, and of course you’re close to Sawtelle and the metro, which is nice too

I'll take the other side as a condo owner in LA who also runs his board. I don't think it's uncommon in CA for HOAs to hover around 10% reserve funding; it's what I've seen in many buildings on the west side (not good or bad, it just is).

We're in a 9-unit building, and our HOA was similarly underfunded. However, a few things will have to happen to make things manageable (and fair - special assessments means previous owners got a free roof, etc.).

• Your dues are going to need to go up, probably to something like $650 or so/month to build up the reserves while still handling the odd repair and monthly expenses.
• If something big breaks, you'll have an assessment. The two big ones are painting the building and replacing the roof. If either of these have recently been done, then you're probably alright for now and can save on the side for any upcoming expected assessment.
• Elevator cab modernization is the other big ticket item - depending on your HOA's elevator maintenance contract, most of this may already be covered by your monthly contract, and so you won't ever have to spend this large amount, meaning your reserves aren't as underfunded.
• In an older building, you'll also want to check on earthquake retrofitting - has it been done? Will it be? How much will that cost?

​

I'd ask the Board for the following:

• Copy of the reserve study - most of the expenses are things that you can realistically put off/save for/etc.
• Most recent dates (likely in reserve study) of major repairs (painting, roof, elevator)
• Any planned upkeep/maintenance projects in the next 2 years that would require an assessment

Once you have all that, you'll be able to make a more informed decision. But it's not as bad as everyone's saying; just make sure if you proceed, you've got some cash saved for a potential assessment.

​

EDIT: If there are big projects coming up, then ask for more off (50-75k). I don't know how much the reserve SHOULD be, but divided by 20, it can't be more than 50k/unit or so.

Irish Times Pub in Palms had a real life Irish owner who bought me a drink the last time I was there!

Was there this weekend for our anniversary - everything was so delicious and sitting at the counter watching everything being prepared was super fun!

This place might be a good option - https://bgauto.wixsite.com/auto

I’ve used Flat Rate Moving for 3 cross-country moves (NY-SF), and have been really happy with the rates and experience each time!

I saw her a few months back in a smaller venue as she prepped for the album release, and it was amazing. All of her songs were more grungy than I expected - in a good way- and that makes sense now with her affinity for metal and rock.

You’re gonna have a blast!

Wasn’t worth it in my opinion. Chill Since 1993 in the Grove is a much better pizza option

Sam First is just what you’re looking for - it’s by LAX, but totally worth the trip.

Egg Tuck in Westwood is great!

Same goes for our libraries - so often they're just acting as day shelters for the homeless, and it's a rare day I go into a library and see a family or kids spending any amount of time in one.

Loved living here

There’s a Red Cross location in culver, and if you go on their site they usually have pop ups in local churches

Thanks - I sealed the crack above with caulk, but the damage runs all along the top molding on the inside and out - stucco molding damage looks like water splitting it, and the top door jamb looks like termite tunnel that gets waterlogged.