February 13th, 2015 at 9:00 am
Millions of people around the world enjoy the fine wines lovingly crafted throughout Santa Barbara, and tens of thousands more make a special-destination vacation to partake in the bounty of the vines in person. However, what few of those travelers know is that the unique wines of Santa Barbara flourish in a variety of locales.
If you know where to look and where to ask, you’ll discover special tours that highlight the unique topography of the region, and show you how craftsmen and women work with it to create their wonderful wines.
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:30 am
We humans love to watch whales. But did you know whales might be watching us as well? It’s a behavior called skyhopping. Occasionally, a whale will lift its head eight to 10 feet above the surface by thrusting its tail flukes, then rotating slowly for 30 seconds or more before slipping back under the waves. Oceanographers believe whales and dolphins can see reasonably well above water, so don’t be surprised if they seem to be checking you out on your next whale-watching excursion.
A great place to observe skyhopping, breaching, spouting, and other whale behaviors is the waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park. The marine mammals can be viewed year round, but the most common sightings are of gray whales now through April.
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:00 am
Usher in the Year of the Sheep with a number of events throughout Los Angeles’ sizable Chinese community. Chinatown in downtown L.A. is the hub of activities, but other neighborhoods will have their own celebrations and events as well.
The Midnight Temple Ceremony is where thousands gather to make offerings to the deities, set off firecrackers to awaken the spirits, and burn incense to usher in good fortune for the new year. Participants include lion dancers, Buddhist and Taoist monks, heads of family associations, and many others from the Southern California Chinese community. This tradition takes place on the eve of Chinese New Year’s Day and is typically followed by several days of return visits to the temple for blessings and public celebrations.
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February 12th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
When it comes to real estate in Southern California, it isn’t just the local residents who are looking for the best properties and deals. International homebuyers are becoming more prominent in our area, and play an important role in the continued economic growth and stimulation of the housing market.
According to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study, Los Angeles is the top city searched by international consumers. These prospective buyers are flocking to California from all over the globe, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Korea, China, and Ireland, to name a few.
What attracts international homebuyers?
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February 12th, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Author: Aaron Epstein
Photo: Robert Benson
Information provided by: Riviera
Until recently, if you ordered a glass of California wine at a hip Brooklyn restaurant like Roberta’s, it was sure to be from points north of San Diego. But thanks to husband-and-wife winemakers Chris Broomell and Alysha Stehly—and the acclaim that their joint venture, Vesper Vineyards, has garnered in publications from The Wall Street Journal to the San Francisco Chronicle—San Diego’s day in the sun has finally come. You may go to Roberta’s for the artisanal pizza, but you’ll stay for that delicate Vesper rosé.
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