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Apache is functioning normally

July 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

Would readers take a gondola to Dodger Stadium from Union Station?

Several hundred people weighed in on a potential new way to reach Dodgers games, first proposed by then-owner Frank McCourt in 2018 and still alive, now shepherded by an environmental organization that hopes to take cars off the streets and keep pollutants out of the air. We asked readers if they would or would not use the gondola, or if they were not sure.

By just a few votes, “yes” received the most responses. Here are the areas that readers cited the most as factors in their decisions:

Is Union Station easier than Dodger Stadium lots?

A common theme among respondents: Is the Union Station-to-Dodger Stadium route more convenient? Does it save time? For many, the answer was a resounding no. But many people said they’d use it for a variety of reasons.

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If I arrive at the boarding station at a reasonable time before first pitch, what guarantee do I have that I will not be stuck in line rather than in the stadium 30 minutes later? And, after the game, the last of those fans won’t be boarding their ride back until 60-plus minutes postgame … standing in line. And that’s just to get back to the station.

The Stadium needs better access — I can afford to go to games, in decent seats, but I choose not to because the traffic is ludicrous. The stadium desperately needs multiple accesses.

And … today’s environment also demands better security. Good luck to them in resolving their dilemma.

Answer: No

Chip Ossman, Altadena

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If improvements in total commute time and total price were a net positive I would definitely take it. If I have to Uber to the Expo Line to take it to Union Station and then get on the gondola, that sounds like a lot of work and the costs add up. Especially if we have a group.

Answer: Not sure

Patrick Pennel, Los Angeles

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I already park blocks away from the stadium and walk there because I detest the lot so much. It’s easy to get into but a nightmare after the games are over. A gondola would make going and leaving much easier and take less time.

Answer: Yes

Joe Kornbrodt, Los Angeles

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How long is the line going to be? The line for the current Union Station buses makes them impractical.

By my math and the numbers in the article (24 people every 23 seconds), it would take almost three hours to move the 10,000 fans the article talks about. Something doesn’t add up.

Fwiw, I’ve shared season tickets with others since 1992 and go to about 15 games a year.

Answer: Not sure

Wesley Monroe, Pasadena

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We need more public transportation in Los Angeles. How fun and easy. Train to gondola to stadium. I would go see a concert there if it were that easy.

Answer: Yes

Tamra Davis, Malibu

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I could take the train to L.A. from Ventura and not worry about traffic. I would definitely come to more games.

Answer: Yes

Anita Guerrini, Ventura

More Frank McCourt?

Frank McCourt did not sell the Dodger Stadium parking lots when he sold the Dodgers for a billion-dollar profit in 2012. Instead, winning bidder Guggenheim Baseball Management formed a joint venture with a McCourt entity to control the parking lots. Though Mark Walter, the Dodgers’ chairman and controlling owner, said McCourt can’t develop anything on the property without Guggenheim’s consent, McCourt’s name was a cause for concern for readers who offered their thoughts.

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I drink beer before getting into the stadium, my bladder couldn’t hold it in for the seven minute (estimated ride time) and that’s including the wait times lol ….besides, I hate that McCourt would somehow be involved with this …can’t stand the dude, for the way he treated our Dodgers….anyway just my opinion ✌️

Answer: Not sure

Tony Perez, Los Angeles

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It would be an adventure and add to the excitement of game day, like going to Philippe’s before the game. I’m not thrilled about a ton of development there. I also can’t think of a single person who likes the idea of giving so much as a penny to Frank McCourt.

Answer: Yes

Dan McCarrel, Diamond Bar

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Parking is not a pleasant experience at Dodger Stadium. I go to 20-plus games a year and park in Chinatown to avoid the hassle. It’s a walk of slightly more than a mile each way and after the game it’s downhill! A side bonus is not paying McCourt any money for parking. I would hate to support anything that benefits the guy who tried to destroy the home team.

Answer: Not sure

Deborah Vogel, South Pasadena

Is it really better for the area?

It is repulsive to me to have a gondola rising above the people and houses of the community who are near Dodger Stadium. That community has had to endure traffic through the streets and now a gondola above them is horrible. The cons outweighs the pros. This is another example of the rich exploiting the poor.

Answer: No

Susie Chow, Monterey Park

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I’m a resident in the community and NO, I would not set foot on the gondola. Residents like me would boycott and protest the gondola if it were built. This is not an iconic tourist attraction or innovative green transit solution. This is an ill-conceived boondoggle that is being pushed on us with a bunch of lies. If built, this gondola would be a monument to the exploitation and marginalization of our communities.

Besides, what good is a seven-minute ride if you have to stand in line for an hour to board the gondola? And where would everyone who drives to the gondola park? What good is it if the traffic is just redirected into our neighborhoods instead of into Dodger Stadium? This gondola will be a toy for a select few. Does anyone really believe that the tickets will remain free, that they won’t eventually jack up prices or charge an exorbitant membership fee for people to jump the long lines at the gondola stations? Nothing about this project adds up.

Answer: No

Phyllis Ling, Los Angeles

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People will either keep driving to the Dodger Stadium parking lots, or they will drive to Chinatown in order to hop on the gondola. This will turn the neighborhood of Chinatown into the Dodger Stadium parking lot, which means Chinatown will take on even more of the automobile traffic, noise, trash and public urination from beer-imbibing Dodger fans, and its residents will find all of their street parking disappear on game days. Meanwhile, these gondola cabins are proposed to be flying overhead (and not very high overhead either) every 30 seconds or so all year long? In service fewer than 100 game days and concert days? At a ticket price which remains unknown?

The stakeholders of Chinatown/Olvera Street were never asked if we wanted this — instead, we were told that this was already in the works and then asked if we thought the renderings were pretty. People assume that the gondola cabins will soar high in the sky over Los Angeles, but they will mostly be barely 30-40 feet above the pavement and above homes in some instances. They will cut down a swath of mature trees at the L.A. State Historic Park in order to make room for the new station and the flight path. This is information you can only access if you read through the thousands of pages of the DEIR (Draft Environmental Impact Report).

Answer: No

Tany Ling, Los Angeles

A matter of trust

Would need to park and ride, easier and faster to just drive to Dodger Stadium.

Also, many leave the stadium drunk or amped up, I would not like to share a small gondola, especially when with family.

Answer: No

Russ Randall, Santa Clarita

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My concerns about the gondola include earthquakes and power outages. What would happen to passengers in either case? Also how many homes or businesses would displaced? Dodger Stadium already has a tainted history in that regard.

Answer: Not sure

Lisa Babilonia, Nev.

More development?

I could take Metro and skip the traffic completely. It’s the only way I’d consider going to see a game — especially if there are bars and restaurants making it more of an entertainment destination all year. It’s well past time for residents and visitors to the area to be able to visit major destinations without needing to drive in the (world famous!) bad traffic.

Answer: Yes

David Swift, Pasadena

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The gondola would be a world-class attraction for L.A.!! Quit worrying about who may profit. I don’t like Frank any more than you do, but having shopping, dining, and apartments near the ballpark makes sense. Look at how Anaheim has created an entire apartment village around their ballpark. It’s attracted thousands of young people who never would have considered Anaheim. We need more housing. Everyone opposes urban sprawl and building in fire-prone areas outside the city … everyone opposes building inside the city … that’s why there is so much corruption for getting buildings approved through city hall. Is it any surprise we have a housing shortage?!!! Include some affordable housing so some of the stadium workers live nearby.

Answer: Yes

Dave Schafer, Torrance
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Parking is expensive and difficult. Plus, the gondola also serves Cornfields Park and the restaurants in that neighborhood for before/after game fun.

I also support redeveloping these parking lots into something far more useful than black asphalt. It’s a disgraceful waste of land when there’s an opportunity for the city to broker a win-win-win scenario (more parkland, less surface parking, centrally located housing, and more attractive shops/businesses/restaurants). There’s also a chance to build an entire community from a clean slate that incorporates today’s best practices for sustainability, walkability, etc.

Answer: Yes

Jeff Farrington, Echo Park

Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

Some say there is nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy day. I say there is nothing like sitting down and putting on a rainy movie on a rainy day. Thanks to a popular internet forum, here is a list of their favorite films for a perfect rainy day.

1. Shutter Island (2010)

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) find themselves at Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane asylum on a remote, windswept island in Shutter Island. They are there to investigate the disappearance of a woman who drowned her three children.

It mainly occurs during a massive, devastating storm when the power is knocked out. Throughout the story, it progressively worsens, only adding to the intensity and suspense of the film.

2. Se7en (1995)

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema.

Se7en follows detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his new partner, the recently transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they attempt to stop a serial killer before he can complete a series of murders based on the seven deadly sins.

One of the most well-known things about the film is it was always raining. Director David Fincher has since said this was his idea. He wanted the appearance of an oppressive, heavy rain that continues to fall with no end.

3. The Perfect Storm (2000)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Based on a true story, The Perfect Storm follows the courageous men and women who risk their lives daily working on fishing boats and rescue vessels. Their worst fears are realized when confronted by three raging weather fronts that unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history.

4. Identity (2003)

Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

The phrase “on a dark and stormy night” is the perfect way to describe this film. Identity occurs during a vicious storm that causes a group of strangers to hole up at a run-down motel. At the same time, a serial killer awaits execution for murdering a group of motel guests. Eventually, the weary travelers begin to be killed off one by one.

5. Twister (1996)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Twister is an epic disaster film that follows a group of amateur but spirited storm chasers trying to deploy a tornado research device during a severe outbreak in Oklahoma. While there is undoubtedly a lot of rain, there is a lot of devastation too. Maybe not be the best choice for anyone who has been through a natural disaster such as a tornado, but still a great watch.

6. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The Day After Tomorrow doesn’t just feature rain; it depicts several catastrophic climatic effects following the disruption of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation. First, a series of extreme weather events usher in global cooling and lead to a new ice age.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Photo Credit: Alcon Entertainment.

In Blade Runner 2049, 30 years following the events of Blade Runner, bioengineered humans known as replicants are enslaved. It rains for most of the film, and while it might seem like there is no meaning behind it, there is.

Blade Runner 2049 has a glib view of the future in which corporations wreak untold damage to the lives of civilians. This recurring theme is reflected in its constant rain, intended to illustrate the effects of LA’s dangerously high pollution levels.

8. Jurassic Park (1993)

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Jurassic Park is set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar. Wealthy businessman John Hammond and a team of genetic scientists have created a wildlife park of de-extinct dinosaurs. As can be expected, this does not go well. During the most intense moments of the film, it is pouring rain.

9. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Bad Times at the El Royale centers on six strangers and an employee at the El Royale, a hotel located along the California–Nevada border, who arrive with dark personal secrets that eventually intersect on a fateful night in the late 1960s. One of the most memorable moments features Chris Hemsworth, who plays Billy Lee, approaching the hotel during an evening rain storm.

10. The Goonies (1985)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

In The Goonies, a group of kids who live in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, attempt to save their homes from foreclosure.

In doing so, they discover an old treasure map that takes them on an adventure to unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate. While they end up soaking wet as they run from thieves with bad intentions, they still find the time to be kids.

This thread inspired this post.

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites

About the Author

Tessa Smith

Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

You’ve pulled yourself out of debt, are saving a reasonable amount of income for your retirement, have built an emergency fund, and your daily needs are easily met with your income. Congratulations! Now what?

That’s exactly where I was in 2007. I sold my business and generated a huge windfall — over a million dollars. I paid off all my debt. And then I looked around and said, “Oh, crap.”

I had absolutely no idea what to do with my money. Previously, any extra money I’d earned was immediately stuffed back into my business, and I had been running deficits nearly everywhere. This was the first time in my adult life I’d ever had my head above water, financially speaking.

Over the next three months, I proceeded to blow over $50,000. Oh, don’t get me wrong — it was fun! I bought a new car (that I still drive), some really beautiful artwork from artists I loved (that looks great on my walls), and thousands of dollars in clothes, new furniture, and other indulgences, such as $4,000 custom hand-made stereo speakers (that I’m listening to right now.)

It was fun…for a couple months. Then it got boring.

My Spiral Into Depression

Like many lottery winners, I spiraled into depression. The business I had spent six years of my life building was gone. I felt adrift — like I had no purpose. Despite having been “successful”, no one knew who I was. I had marginalized most of my personal relationships in favor of growing my business and working myself to death. And money wasn’t going to buy me out of the situation.

Slowly, I pulled myself out of my depression. I realized I had the opportunity to make myself into anyone I wanted to be. I could do anything I wanted. I had complete freedom. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.

I bought a shelf full of self-help books and read them all, relentlessly seeking to answer the many questions I had. Some of them were philosophical, like “What made me successful when so many others have failed?” Some were practical, like “How do I invest my money?” But all of them led back to one deeper question: “What should I do to be happy?” I soon realized the latter question was incorrect. The better question was, “Who should I be to be happy?”

In December 2007, I started blogging. I exposed a significant amount of my business life and thoughts. I wrote about my successes and my mistakes and failures. I enjoyed writing, doing videos, and interacting with my readers. Helping others figure out their purpose, their businesses, and their websites and blogs was a fantastic experience.

Spending With a Purpose

I made a point of trying to achieve greater states of happiness on a daily basis. Instead of being merely content — or even apathetic — with my current state of being, I realized I could be happier daily. And suddenly it hit me: I understood what I wanted to do with my money. I wanted to outsource pretty much everything I hated doing.

In order to live a simpler, calmer, but more effective life, I had to drop the shackles of wanting to do everything myself. To allow time to meditate, think, write, and create, I had to get rid of the drudgery of daily tasks. I realized my money could serve a fantastic dual purpose: To allow others, whose passion is cooking, cleaning, or assisting in various ways to help me — while I supported them by giving them income to do what they loved.

My life fundamentally changed that day. I started hiring people to do everything I didn’t want to do. The first step was to hire a cleaning service. Then I hired a personal assistant to work out of my house, filing papers, doing laundry, and organizing. I hired virtual assistants to do all the menial tasks I hated doing: bookkeeping; video editing; audio editing; even setting up my Facebook fan page. (Lisa, my VA who set up the Facebook page for me, said happily: “I can’t believe I get paid to do this!” And I realized…we’re both lucky.)

My Daily Routine

I wake up in the morning and my VAs have sent me their updates. I am building a business where I create how-to videos for small business owners and bloggers who want to drive more traffic to their sites and get more customers.

I learned meditation, and currently spend about 40 minutes a day relaxing. I also spend a few hours a day doing the parts of my business I love, from creating videos to writing to programming. When I walk down to the kitchen, it’s clean; Elia, my housekeeper, comes in every week to make sure it’s spotless. She spends 2 hours cleaning our kitchen; total cost to me: $30.

My VA in the Philippines edits my videos and does a fantastic job for $3.33/hour.

Whenever I do an interview with another entrepreneur, I send it to another VA in the Philippines, who, for $9/hour, edits it perfectly, getting rid of all the strange pauses and “um”s. I send the edited interview off to a transcriptionist. For less than $30, I get back an excellent transcription, often 12-16 pages long.

Lisa, my VA here in the U.S., has set up an entire website and integrated it with a shopping cart for my customers to order products and access them once they have ordered. She charges $30/hour (my most expensive staff member) and she’s worth every penny.

I treat my staff members well, and they love the fact that they can work from home and get paid great wages ($3/hour in in the Philippines is equal to about a $65,000/year wage here in the U.S.) They are happy — I can see it in their emails and text chat messages.

My partner Richard and I fight less. There’s no scrapping over who will do a certain task. If no one wants to do it, we work together to figure out how to hire someone.

A Disease Opens My Eyes

I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. The management of the disease may sound simple, but it’s not: eliminate wheat, oats, barley and rye from your diet. Most restaurants have very
few gluten-free items; I’m lucky if I can order one non-salad item from a typical menu. Some restaurants are impossible to eat at; soy sauce, for instance, has wheat in it. I’ve gotten sick from things as odd as bacon, cake frosting, and ranch dressing.

After a few weeks of eating mostly hot dogs and tuna fish, I grew tired of my limited options. I thought about learning to cook, but it wasn’t something that excited me. So we hired a personal chef to cook our meals — one who understands the challenge of cooking gluten-free. We pay her $10/hour, including travel time to deliver the food to us, and she gets a fun side job.

In a randomly-chosen week before I hired a personal chef, I ate out four times and went to the grocery store twice. I spent a total of $179.91 on restaurants and groceries. Last week, I spent $215.49, including groceries, for eating out and paying my personal chef. My “eating out” expenses dropped from $86.14 to just $32.28 — over 60% less! My total spent was $35.58 more, but to me, that’s a small price to pay for gourmet food of my choice delivered to my door. Another remarkable and unexpected side effect was that I no longer have an urge to go out and spend money at fancy restaurants — I simply ask my chef to make what I want and deliver it to me.

It has been more than two years since I sold my business, and I am happier than I have ever been. I made different choices than most: We rent a house instead of owning (a savings of nearly $4,000/month in our neighborhood — more than our monthly rent payment!); we only have basic cable; we don’t have a landline, credit card debt, car payments, or student loans.

I chose, instead of buying more Stuff, to live a more fulfilled life. For me, even more important than holding onto my money tightly was to learn to let it go — to give it to others in exchange for work well done, and to trust that they could do tasks well. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

July 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

Classical Hollywood shaped modern filmmaking in almost every way, so it’s no wonder that burgeoning film fans would want to dive into the era. Like any era, the period from the advent of sound through the 1960s offers a wide variety of films, from comedies and melodramas to noir films and westerns.

That variety makes it difficult to narrow down what movies from the era are essential viewing, which is probably why one film fan creates an online discussion about which films can be called Classical Hollywood essentials. Other cinephiles are more than happy to chime in, and here I’ve collected ten of the most agreed-upon answers that I just so happen also to have some feelings about.

1. The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Photo Credit: MGM.

The only film ever directed by actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter is iconic for its visual style, dark fairytale atmosphere, and mesmerizing Robert Mitchum performance. The film centers on Mitchum’s villainous preacher, who attempts to force two children to tell him where their father hid the money he stole.

2. His Girl Friday (1940)

Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Howard Hawks directed several masterpieces in several genres, many of which were suggested as essential by different respondents. But His Girl Friday is the most widely agreed upon essential film in his lengthy filmography. The screwball comedy classic stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russel as reporters and exes who fall back in love as they cover an increasingly wild story.

3. Citizen Kane (1941)

Photo Credit: RKO Radio Pictures.

Another filmmaker who made many films people love, Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane is still the most widely loved of his movies. The film tells the story of the titular Charles Foster Kane’s life through various interviews with the people who knew him, offering different perspectives on the man. It’s a remarkable film that some may say is overrated, but it got that way for a reason.

4. Double Indemnity (1944)

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Like Howard Hawks, Billy Wilder’s career spans multiple genres, all of which are well represented by film fans’ suggestions. But his noir classic Double Indemnity is the most essential. It’s quintessential noir, with a story told in flashback with voiceover, effective use of shadow, and a beautiful femme fatale played by the always great Barbara Stanwyck.

5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

The most beloved of the three notable films starring James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause is also one of director Nicholas Ray’s best films. The story follows three teens who each struggle with their families as they begin to develop bonds that form them into a chosen family. It’s a powerful melodrama that’s also visually beautiful.

6. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Photo Credit: MGM.

Another film starring Cary Grant as an ex-husband who may be rekindling things with his ex-wife, George Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story, also stars Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart as Grant’s romantic interest and rival, respectively. It’s a delightful comedy full of quick wit and incredible chemistry between its three leads.

7. The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

John Huston, who many may know as Faye Dunaway’s father in Chinatown, is yet another fantastic Classical Hollywood filmmaker whose films split votes. Movie lovers had difficulty picking between The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Maltese Falcon, but ultimately more went with the latter.

The film, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammet, tells the story of private eye Sam Spade who gets caught between multiple parties on the hunt for a precious statuette.

8. Rear Window (1954)

Photo Credit: Alfred J Hitchcock Productions.

While there are many filmmakers of the Classical Hollywood era that made multiple films movie lovers recommend, no one made more than Alfred Hitchcock. From my personal favorites, Psycho and Rebecca, to the mistaken identity thriller North by Northwest and even his lighter romantic film To Catch a Thief, and more, the master of suspense is all over the recommendations for essential Classical Hollywood films.

But the one film that most people vote for is his neighborhood thriller Rear Window, which centers on a man stuck in his apartment after an injury who begins to suspect that his neighbor has committed murder.

9. The Searchers (1956)

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Westerns were a staple of the Classical Hollywood period, so it’s somewhat surprising that there are fewer votes for western films. Among the many suggestions, Shane and Red River get some attention, but The Searchers is the western that receives the most agreement. The film, by legendary western filmmaker John Ford, follows an aging Civil War veteran (John Wayne) as he searches Texas for his abducted niece.

10. All About Eve (1950)

Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios.

Many film fans agree that All About Eve, which still holds the record for most actresses nominated for Oscars from the same film, is an essential Classical Hollywood film.

The movie follows actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis) and the titular Eve (Anne Baxter), who begins forcing herself into Margo’s life, upending her idyllic life and successful career. But if that doesn’t sound interesting enough, the film also includes Marilyn Monroe in a supporting role.

This thread inspired this post.

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites

About the Author

Kyle Logan

Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

Founded in 1981, the Kimpton brand quickly became one of the largest boutique hotel chains in the United States.

Inspired by the artistic flair of small European hotels, founder Bill Kimpton was an early adopter of a locally focused hotel experience, creating a brand known for its eclectic style tied to the culture and vibe of the surrounding neighborhood.

Today, there are Kimpton properties in 52 cities across the world, with over 20 new properties slated to debut over the coming years.

When IHG acquired the Kimpton brand in 2014, the hotel’s portfolio grew in value, too. IHG loyalists were finally able to earn and redeem points for boutique hotel stays, which had been historically a tricky proposition, not only within IHG but with any of the major hotel points programs.

With so many appealing hotels to pick from in some of TPG’s top travel destinations, choosing favorites is never easy. But, from Asheville, North Carolina, to London, England, here are some of TPG’s most loved Kimpton Hotels.

Kimpton Fitzroy London

Bloomsbury, London, England, United Kingdom

KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers who want a hotel with the personality of a grande dame without any stuffiness.

Why stay here: This stunning building inspired by a 16th-century chateau delivers all the modern amenities you could need — and you can even book it with points.

Located in the leafy, residential enclave of Bloomsbury, home to the British Museum and multiple universities, the Kimpton Fitzroy London is widely considered to be one of London’s finest hotels — and something of a local institution.

From the jaw-dropping marble lobby filled with life-size statues of British monarchs to the impeccable service from the gracious staff, this century-old property is steeped in history and tradition.

Architect Charles Fitzroy Doll is said to have used the property’s dining room as inspiration for another of his famous design projects, the ill-fated Titanic’s first-class dining room.

Related: The complete guide to flying to London on points and miles

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The 334 accommodations range from standard guest rooms to specialty suites and pay homage to the hotel’s glamorous 1920s heyday without sacrificing modern amenities. Expect a soothing neutral color scheme and elegant styling with occasional dashes of British whimsy (pillows detailing “Lucky George,” the hotel’s so-called resident dragon, for instance), a Nespresso coffee machine, luxurious Azzi Glasser toiletries, rainfall showers and heated bathroom floors.

Make time for a delightful afternoon tea in the Palm Court, and for a perfect preamble to a night on the tiles, slink into a velour sofa at Fitz’s and order a Burnt Ice cocktail.

Rates at the Kimpton Fitzroy London start at $261 or 55,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Canary

Santa Barbara, California, USA

KIMPTON CANARY HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Bringing your dog along to explore this city and its surroundings without sacrificing luxury.

Why stay here: For a heart-of-town location with Spanish Colonial-inspired rooms, friendly service and a sweet little rooftop pool, not to mention Kimpton hallmarks like nightly wine hour.

The 97-key Kimpton Canary Hotel is in downtown Santa Barbara, a 6-minute drive from West Beach. Recently renovated, the property’s charming Mediterranean design runs through the public spaces with original terra cotta floors, exposed wooden beams, wrought-iron fittings and brass fixtures.

Up in the guest rooms (which start at 300 square feet), the Spanish theme continues with luxe touches, including romantic four-poster canopy beds dressed with Italian linens, dark wood floors, and beautifully tiled bathrooms with Atelier Bloem bath amenities. Yogis will also appreciate Kimpton’s complimentary yoga mat for practicing their sun salutations.

Related: The best hotels in Santa Barbara

Besides the prime location, thoughtful amenities and warm design, the Kimpton Canary’s main calling card is its rooftop pool — the only one in the city. The hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, Finch & Fork, is also a relaxed spot for dinner after spending a day out on the Urban Wine Trail.

While there is no spa directly on the property, the hotel partners with Float Luxury Spa, which offers experiences ranging from massages to a multitude of body treatments.

Rates at the Kimpton Canary Hotel start at $360 or 60,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton St Honoré Paris

Second Arrondissement, Paris, France

JEROME GALLAND/KIMPTON ST. HONORE/FACEBOOK

Best for: IHG One Rewards members who want to earn or redeem points for a unique stay in Paris.

Why stay here: Take advantage of Kimpton’s quick European expansion to book this luxury-adjacent property near many of Paris’ most exciting sights.

Located in the central Second Arrondissement, Kimpton’s flagship Paris property, the St Honoré, is the definition of chic. A francophile’s dream, the 149 guest rooms range between 200 and 300 square feet (typical dimensions in this neighborhood) and are designed to resemble stylish Parisian apartments, with high ceilings, hardwood floors, art deco accents, plush cream-colored drapes, and a soothing white and beige color palette with pops of pink and red.

Related: The best hotels in Paris

After a day exploring the city, unwind at the on-site spa, which offers custom massages and treatments that incorporate products from French skincare brand Codage. The spa also has a small indoor heated pool and sauna, and there’s a fitness center with treadmills, ellipticals and free weights.

Guests can also make use of complimentary bespoke Infine Cycles bicycles to explore the neighborhood. Kimpton brand devotees will be pleased to know that its customary drinks reception and social hour is hosted in the lobby daily.

Don’t miss a ride in the wrought-iron elevator up to the California-inspired Sequoia Rooftop bar, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the City of Light while sipping on a glass of rose.

Rates at the Kimpton St Honoré Paris start at $509 or 74,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach

South Beach, Miami, USA

KIMPTON ANGLER’S SOUTH BEACH MIAMI

Best for: Travelers looking for a carefree stay in South Beach.

Why stay here: An art deco-inspired resort on the beach with a rooftop pool and sun deck — what more could you ask for from a South Beach hotel?

There are a few things that aren’t negotiable if you want to be considered one of the best hotels in Miami: a rooftop pool, beach access and an effortless mix of relaxation and upbeat vibes. Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach checks off all three in a setting fit for everything from a quick weekend getaway to a posh stay with a side of soaking up the rays.

Redesigned in 2019 with a Mediterranean inspiration, this South Beach hideaway has a plethora of amenities that give any stay a glow-up. The rooftop pool and bar area is strictly adults-only, and venues like Minnow Bar and Seawell Fish N’ Oyster feature locally sourced seafood and refreshing cocktails.

If you want to step things up for a truly memorable stay, there are a few private villas and bungalows that come with secluded rooftop terraces or private outdoor hot tubs. You don’t have to worry about missing out on cardio while here, as the hotel offers guests complimentary bicycles to pedal around the beach. You’ll even find yoga mats in every guest room and suite for morning or sundown stretching.

Not ready to check out? We love how the hotel offers complimentary 2 p.m. late checkout to anyone who is a member of the IHG One Rewards program.

Rates at the Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach start at $130 or 28,500 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton DeWitt

Amsterdam, Netherlands

KIMPTON DEWITT, AMSTERDAM/IHG.COM

Best for: Solo travelers or vacations with friends for a quick weekend getaway.

Why stay here: Take advantage of this hotel’s location — close to the Anne Frank House and Royal Palace.

Do being the first and being the best go hand in hand? The Kimpton De Witt Hotel certainly has a strong case. The hotel was Kimpton’s first foray into the European boutique hotel market after opening its doors in 2017.

This 274-room hotel in Amsterdam’s City Centre manages to feel like a more intimate boutique hotel thanks to its attention to detail and amenities like Frette bathrobes, an evening wine reception and blue-and-white-tiled bathrooms with rainfall shower heads. Don’t forget to say hello to Max, the hotel’s adorable four-legged director of pets, but be careful if you’re carrying food: He’s a fan of cheese and always welcomes a shared nibble with guests!

With minimalist modern decor throughout the hotel, including tiles inspired by Dutch florals and brass finishings, there’s a refined elegance and sophistication that pervades the public spaces.

When checking in, you really can’t miss the neon-lit Super Lyan cocktail bar, which is a concept by noted nightlife maven Ryan Chetiyawardana. For those looking for a more laid-back night out, Celia, the hotel’s California-inspired restaurant, is an inviting space with special events like Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday.

Rates at the Kimpton De Witt Hotel start at $300 or 59,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

KIMPTON SEAFIRE GRAND CAYMAN/DON RIDDLE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Families, thanks to a kids club with lots of programming, an action-packed water park and special family suites complete with bunk beds.

Why stay here: The cuisine is farm-to-table at all three of the resort’s restaurants — and kids younger than 5 eat for free.

The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa was Kimpton’s first true Caribbean resort property, and it remains one of our favorites in the entire brand portfolio thanks to its personalized service and postcard-worthy beachfront location. Complete with two pools, a host of restaurants and the Spa at Seafire, there is a wide array of ways to unwind and relax during your stay.

From the minute they step on the property, guests are enveloped in tranquil blue Caribbean waters. If the warm weather and beckoning sea aren’t inviting enough, your guest room or suite will surely do the trick. Every accommodation has its own private balcony, and almost all come with a beachfront view. With all it has to offer, the Kimpton Seafire is ideal for anything from family vacations to romantic honeymoons or solo spa trips.

For those looking for the ultimate decadence, some suites are far larger than the average home: The more-than-4,200-square-foot 2-Bedroom Presidential Suite Oceanfront comes with a private wraparound balcony and an outdoor kitchen to dine alfresco from your top-of-the-hotel perch.

Downstairs, combine a love of books with a love of a great cocktail at Library by the Sea. We especially appreciate the Agatha Christie-inspired, Champagne-based Murder in the Afternoon, a sultry sip fit for the Orient Express (just hold the murder, please). Coccoloba is the hub of beachfront dining with plenty of delicacies to dabble in after splashing in the waves: chips and salsa, ceviche and a healthy lineup of tacos (the charred octopus ones are scrumptious) amid a wide range of Mexican street food.

Avecita is the hotel’s formal Spanish tapas-style restaurant and is great for date night with dishes like grilled branzino and crab claws.

Rates at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa start at $522 or 70,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Margot Sydney

Sydney, Australia

ANDREW J LOITERTON/KIMPTON MARGOT SYDNEY/IHG.COM

Best for: Kimpton devotees looking for classy lodgings Down Under.

Why stay here: One of Sydney’s newest hotels is actually in a historic building with all kinds of art deco flourishes, not to mention one of the city’s best cocktail bars.

The only Kimpton Down Under, and a rather new one to boot, the Kimpton Margot Sydney takes up space in a 1939 art deco building that used to be the Sydney Water Head Office in the Central Business District (often referred to as the CBD).

There’s lot to enjoy at this CBD Kimpton, like a stunning lobby full of seating vignettes and soaring columns, and an eclectic mix of art, knickknacks, patterns and designs.

One major highlight is the hotel’s food and beverage scene, which is especially exciting due to the presence of Luke’s Kitchen from celebrated Australian chef Luke Mangan. Throw in a chic art deco lobby bar and a rooftop pool bar, and it’s guaranteed you won’t go hungry or thirsty.

Related: The best ways to use points and miles to fly from the US to Australia

In the rooms, guests will find large accommodations with high ceilings, big windows, touchscreen buttons to control the lights, USB chargers, Nespresso machines and minibars stocked with Australian favorites. And though this hotel might not be near the waters of Bondi Beach, a quick trip from the guest room to the rooftop pool is surely the next best thing.

Rates at the Kimpton Margot Sydney start at $190 or 32,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Hotel Arras

Asheville, North Carolina, USA

KIMPTON HOTEL ARRAS/FACEBOOK

Best for: Art aficionados who love high-end design touches.

Why stay here: You can’t beat this hotel’s proximity to Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene and the arts district.

In bohemian, craft-beer-loving Asheville, no hotel stands taller, literally, than the Kimpton Hotel Arras, which happens to be the highest building in town and all of Western North Carolina. It’s also one of the city’s most popular hotels thanks to gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a downtown location near great restaurants, bars, breweries and shopping, not to mention its own North Carolina-infused Mediterranean restaurant, Bargello.

In the rooms, guests will find art from local artist Catherine Murphy, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, large desks and Kimpton’s signature yoga mats. In the accommodations and throughout the hotel, more local artworks abound, and the reception desk can even provide a detailed brochure about all of the pieces.

After an art crawl through the property, be sure to stop by District 42 for a craft cocktail like the Sage of 6 Paths ($18) that’s made up of sage-infused Altos Reposado, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Licor 43, lime juice, simple syrup and egg whites, plus a hearth-fired pizza to round it out.

Rates at the Kimpton Hotel Arras start at $275 or 42,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi

Chelsea, New York City, New York, USA

KIMPTON HOTEL EVENTI/FACEBOOK

Best for: IHG loyalists who want great value thanks to Kimpton’s cool amenities.

Why stay here: Kimpton’s complimentary wine hour is just one more way a stay here can help you save on a pricey New York City trip.

With a handful of Kimpton hotels in New York City, it’s tricky to know which one to pick, but our top choice is the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in Chelsea, near major attractions like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. Its central location also makes it a breeze to get across the city.

Inside the hotel, which takes up an entire city block, guests will find calming neutral colors and inviting velvet furniture, which is only enhanced by the natural sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, in addition to a small fitness center, bikes to explore the city and a daily happy hour in the lobby.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

Dining is an event at Eventi thanks to a slew of bars and restaurants, including the all-new steakhouse Skirt Steak, an Italian restaurant from Laurent Tourondel and American food with international influences at The Vine. Combine that with all the dining options that make up New York City and, no matter what you eat, your head will hit the pillow with a full stomach.

Rates at Kimpton Hotel Eventi start at $206 or 40,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

KIMPTON CLOCKTOWER, MANCHESTER, UK/IHG.COM

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a hotel filled with history.

Why stay here: Get fantastic value from this historic hotel with Victorian-inspired rooms in central Manchester.

Housed in a magnificent Victorian-era building in the heart of Manchester, this welcoming Kimpton retains a down-to-earth vibe despite its imposing public spaces.

The property’s thoughtfully designed rooms and ornate spaces stay true to Manchester’s industrial roots while reflecting the city’s two-decade-long evolution from gritty industrial center into a cutting-edge hub of art, culture and music.

The 281 loft-style guest rooms (including 11 suites) channel a warehouse-chic aesthetic and are stylishly appointed with soaring ceilings, cushy headboards, embroidered throw pillows, exposed tiles and gleaming bathrooms with white subway-style tiles and deep soaking tubs.

There’s a surfeit of excellent bars a short walk away on Canal Street, as well as myriad dining options nearby, but the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, Refuge, is one of the best in town, serving a crowd-pleasing menu of light bites and entrees that take inspiration from the culinary heritage of Manchester’s multicultural denizens.

Amenities include a fitness center equipped with a range of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment, a yoga mat in every guest room, complimentary bikes to explore the city and, best of all, a new tailor-made Music Concierge service: Guests choose their own soundtrack in advance of their stay, and a record player and selection of vinyl will be delivered to their room on arrival.

Rates at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel start at $196 or 36,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

While the views in Nashville may be one reason that attracts you to certain apartments, you really need a full list of ‘must have’ amenities to ensure you find the right place. This can include features like stunning pools, a clubhouse or a high-end fitness center.

What’s also important for that list is a good outdoor space or on-site garden area. Nashville apartments that provide you with a space to hang out with friends, or just take a moment to yourself, are essential. They make it easy to be outside, enjoying life, without having to leave home.

To find some of the best courtyards and gardens in Nashville, look no further. We hand-selected 10 of the best for this article.

Source: Rent / MAA Bellevue

Living in the busy city makes it necessary to have a small garden or green area to retreat to when in need of a break. At MAA Bellevue, you’ve got a tranquil spot that’s perfect. Giving off zen vibes, this tiny garden has a Japanese maple at its center with shapely bushes and bright flowers on the fringes. A curved pergola provides a little shade and completes this garden escape.

Minutes from Warner Park Nature Center, you can keep the chill vibes going by visiting this starting point into the 2,684 acres of Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks. This massive space features picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain bike routes, an equestrian center and golf courses. It’s truly a catch-all for outdoor fun.

Source: Rent. / Station 40

Fun, funky and modern furniture twist and turn in the outdoor lounge of the courtyard at Station 40. While a few more traditional pieces of patio furniture also sit in this grassy spot, the closer you get to the see-through fireplace, the cooler things get. Separated by a low brick wall, this gathering space lets you hang out casually while staying close to the action in the rest of the courtyard.

Within arms reach of upscale retail, dining and entertainment, this West Nashville community sits within a peaceful spot of the city, that’s still full of character. You’ll find grand estates and Antebellum architecture among plenty of malls and independent shops. For outdoor recreation, of which there’s plenty, you’ll find more than just rolling hills and trails. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, for example, contains 55 acres of botanical garden in addition to a Georgian mansion.

Source: Rent. / MAA Acklen

This cool courtyard is for gamers. Alongside a funky lounge space, with wall-mounted flat screens, you’ll find all the best outdoor games at MAA Acklen. A long, gravel bocce court awaits the fiercest competitors, while a rectangular patch of lawn stays reserved for corn hole players. Combined, this is an ideal spot for playing and hanging with friends.

It’s easy to enjoy the outdoors when you call any community in West End Park home. That’s thanks to Centennial Park being less than a mile away. Centennial Park is a special gem in the city, hosting the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in the summer as well as offering free concerts in the park. At 132 acres, there’s also a one-mile walking trail, a replica of the Parthenon and a lake.

Source: Rent. / Pine Street Flats

Having a courtyard with a fountain makes it that much better of a find as you apartment hunt in Nashville. At Pine Street Flats, this expansive space has a double-ringed fountain with water shooting up and trickling from the top tier to the bottom. This is quite a statement piece, setting a tranquil tone throughout.

Situated within The Gulch, a dynamic Nashville neighborhood that’s right on the edge of the city’s busy business district, this area is a lot of fun. It’s an eclectic mix of big shops, lively music venues and locally owned businesses, with no shortage of places to eat and entertain.

Source: Rent. / Village Green Hills

There are a variety of outdoor spaces that shine throughout Village Green Hills. From excellent picnic spaces to woodsy spots full of mature trees. Taking a little of all the good pieces from nature, the courtyard lounge gives you the very best of the area. You get a nice view into the park-like portion of the community, along with shapely pine trees that line the space in raised beds. A neutral color palette keeps things earthy even as you grab a seat on one of the oversized couches.

More upscale, Green Hills is one of the most popular areas in town to call home. With a suburban feel, you’ll find great shops and boutiques among restaurants and cafes, the most famous of which is Bluebird Cafe. This particular eatery has attracted songwriters of all levels of fame for years.

Source: Rent. / Abberly Foundry

Another courtyard with a top-notch gaming area, Abberly Foundry puts its corn hole game on a tidy patch of green. Set among a more rustic area, there’s a lot of brick decor here. From the ground to the fire pit to the bar near the grilling area, it’s a rustic mix of brickwork and chic outdoor furniture.

A smaller neighborhood overall, the entirety of Watkins Park only takes up about one square mile. This makes for a cozy little spot, right in the center of Nashville. Living here, you’re not far from Vanderbilt University, either.

Source: Rent. / The Lakes Bellevue

At The Lakes Bellevue, it’s easy to settle into this little lounge that overlooks the extensive garden. A cluster of tightly packed trees hides the outside world so you can truly take a break from it all. Sit in one of the cozy chairs or along the bench connected to the raised planter and just relax.

Although The Lakes Bellevue is about 20 minutes from Nashville’s busy city center, living in this quieter neighborhood doesn’t detract from all the fun. You’re still close to restaurants, entertainment and shopping. On-property, you’ve also got three pools, picnic areas, a lake and a walking trail to keep you busy.

Source: Rent. / Hickory Creek

More than a garden, you’ve got a whole park to enjoy at Hickory Creek. This wide swath of green is expertly maintained with close-clipped grass and shapely shrubbery. The mature trees send limbs of leafy green out in all directions. The bridge that extends into the apartment buildings adds a little character to the space as well.

Only minutes into the city, you’re never far from a Nashville adventure when living here, but you’re also close to plenty of natural beauty. Long Hunter State Parkis closest. Composed of 2,600 acres, this park is home to J. Percy Priest Lake, campsites and more than 20 miles of pristine hiking trails.

Source: Rent. / Olympus Midtown

With so many buildings making up Olympus Midtown, the courtyard stretches and bends into a funky, eye-catching shape. One part houses the outdoor lounge, with a cool tabletop fire pit lit up by blue fire rocks. A little hardscape and some bursts of greenery border the space as well.

A significant center for Nashville’s nightlife, the Green Hills – Midtown neighborhood is full of honky-tonks, clubs, bars and even late-night cafes, making it easy to bounce around all night long. During the day, you’ll find the area full of some of the city’s best historical and cultural landmarks, including the infamous Music Row.

Source: Rent. / One Metrocenter

Stroll through the intimate zen garden at One Metrocenter and allow the space to let you detox from a long day. The pergola-covered bridge is the perfect place to pause and soak in the scenery. The assortment of grasses, trees and bushes helps seal you into this tranquil place without having to wander away from home.

Cool and hip are the two best words to describe the North Nashville area whether you’re shopping or grabbing a craft beer and a slice of pizza. Metrocenter specifically is within walking distance of boutiques and restaurants, while a quick bike ride will get you over to Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks and concert venues.

Find a great garden in Nashville

There’s so much to know about Nashville, it could take a lifetime of living here to discover all its secrets. Best to find a perfect apartment as your home base, which means a Nashville spot that checks all the boxes on your amenity list. Does that include a fab outdoor space? It certainly should.

Featured Image Source: Rent. / Village Green Hills

Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.

Source: rent.com

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July 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

Find yourself a Boston apartment that takes its outside space as seriously as Bostonians take their sports.

There are so many cool neighborhoods in Boston that it’s sometimes hard to narrow your search down. Once you pick a few spots that look good though, you have to start thinking about amenities. Do you want a pool? Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly?

As you think about what features make up the perfect Boston apartment, don’t forget to explore the outdoor space. Having a great spot to hang with friends or just relax, that’s not inside your apartment, is a huge bonus for all renters.

To ease the strain of your search, check out these apartments with some of the best courtyards and gardens in Boston. They’ll keep you headed in the right direction toward finding a gorgeous apartment with a stunning green space.

Source: Rent. / West Square

‘Courtyard perfection’ is the phrase that immediately comes to mind at West Square. This neat and tidy space combines succinct landscaping with umbrella-covered seating. The small lawn space is ideal for picnics or games, while the choices in flowers and greenery really make this space feel calm and complete.

Situated in South Boston, within the D Street – West Broadway neighborhood, this thriving spot has it all. You’re within walking distance of the Red Line, so it’s easy to hop on the subway and explore the entire city, but there’s also plenty to entice you right outside your door. This neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, a popping nightlife and a diverse assortment of recreational activities. Needless to say, you won’t have a problem keeping busy when you call West Square home.

Source: Rent. / Alcott Apartments

A true gathering place for all, the courtyard at Alcott Apartments is lush and green and full of comfortable seating. Walk across the lawn to grab a seat at the two-top tables beside the rows of mature trees. Settle into one of the rockers, or let your kids sway back and forth on the modern rocking horses. There are umbrella-clad tables for those who need shade and additional seating under the cabanas, which sit beside the state-of-the-art gas grills.

Another jam-packed Boson neighborhood, living in the West End puts you close to so much of the city’s activity. You’re near the Charles River for casual walks as well as boating or rowing. There’s also the TD Garden within walking distance, home to the Bruins, Celtics and plenty of concerts. All around this area are lively pubs, bars and so many delicious pizzerias to boot.

Source: Rent. / Garrison Square

A garden and a courtyard all in one; you’ll find a hidden gem in the center of Garrison Square. This space includes an appealing combination of landscaping and hardscaping, with lots of seating. You can pick what part of the courtyard to enjoy, whether it’s a green space or one that features rocks and slender shrubs. There are even a few fountains adding a relaxing soundtrack to the space and upping the overall calming ambiance.

A more refined section of Boston, the Back Bay neighborhood is home to most of the city’s boutiques, art galleries and designer shops. Cafes dot the area as well. Smack dab in the middle is Copley Square, a nice place to sit on a bench and people-watch. You’ve got also the Boston Public Library right here, which is an absolute treasure to explore.

Source: Rent. / Avalon at Newton Highlands

Surrounded by a stunning garden space, the Avalon at Newtown Highlands makes landscaping a top priority. You’ll find carefully designed beds of greenery everywhere you turn. With a combination of mature trees, cropped bushes and flowers blooming here and there, there’s natural beauty to greet you at every turn. Benches spaced throughout make it easy to enjoy the view.

Set within Newton, living here requires a commute if you want to head into Boston proper, but you’re only about 10 miles away. Public transportation does extend out to some areas, so it’s easy to get in via train if you can’t hop on the highway. A quieter place to live, there’s also a good chance you’ll see a lot of students in this area as Newton is home to quite a few colleges and universities, including UMass Amherst and Boston College.

Source: Rent. / Piano Craft Guild

The aged brick facade and cobblestone path give the garden at Piano Craft Guild an old-world feel. It’s the history of the city seeping through among the leafy bushes and healthy trees in the raised beds throughout this area. There’s a definite character here, making it an ideal spot to seek out a little peace and relaxation.

Another perfectly walkable slice of Boston, the South End is a diverse and family-friendly neighborhood that combines all the pieces that make this city so great. There are unique restaurants and bars, trendy spots and low-key hangouts and a funky art scene. While it’s easy to head closer to the center of Boston on foot, you’re also near the Orange and Green subway lines.

Source: Rent. / Third Square

Across the Charles River, in Cambridge, you’ll find Third Square. This apartment community has a massive ground-floor green space and courtyard. You’ll also find a sweet gardening area complete with raised soil beds for planting flowers, herbs and veggies. The whole area has close-cropped grass and a few trees and bushes to enhance the space.

Located in Kendall Square, this area is near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is also home to many tech companies. There’s a great food and drink scene and an underlying indie vibe throughout the area as well.

Source: Rent. / Christopher Columbus Plaza

With a courtyard that’s more focused on water than greenery, you’ll get something a little different at Christopher Columbus Plaza. This centrally-located community uses the local style to create a beautiful courtyard with soothing pools of water and sprouting fountains. This is also where you’ll find the community grills for some outdoor cooking. A few mature trees also offer up some shade and light landscaping gives the suggestion of nature.

Living in the North End of Boston is quite a treat. This is the city’s Little Italy, so there’s no shortage of wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood and amazing homemade pasta. What’s also great about this area is its proximity to the waterfront and its ever-present local history. Along the cobblestone streets, you’ll find Paul Revere’s house as well as Old North Church.

Source: Rent. / Prism Apartments

It’s a jam-packed courtyard at Prism Apartments in Cambridge. This large space has it all, including a modern fire pit surrounded by tons of seating. Strings of lights help keep this spot bright even as the sun sets and a wood panel separator breaks it off from the rest of the courtyard for a more intimate feel.

Within this area, you’ll also find plenty of tables for dining alfresco and a dual grill cooking station. There are also additional pockets of seating and plenty of string lights overhead.

Source: Rent. / Lofts at Kendall Square

An industrial overhead framework gives this garden space at the Lofts at Kendall Square a little something special. With curvy beds of bright green line the walkway below, bushes, small plants and large rocks combine to create a welcoming and calming spot.

Situated between the Charles River and Harvard Square, living here puts you in an excellent spot to enjoy the beauty of the city while easily getting around. Whether you need to head deeper into Cambridge or shoot across the river to Boston, you can see it all from right here.

Find an apartment with one of the best gardens in Boston

Boston is a busy and beautiful city and living here may prompt you to want an apartment that gives you a quieter spot to retreat to. Finding awesome courtyards or gardens in Boston that provide a little escape from the city’s bustle can prove essential, so keep an eye out. This is one feature you’ll definitely want in your next Boston apartment.

Featured Image Source: Rent. / Alcott Apartments

Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

You’ll find the best apartments in Philly in some of the best neighborhoods throughout the city. The hard part is narrowing down the search. That’s where your ‘must have’ list comes into play.

Asking yourself what amenities are important to you — a pool, a fitness center, a rooftop with a great view, etc. — can really help make your Philadelphia apartment hunt easier.

As you create your list of desired features though, don’t forget to add in the need for a usable outdoor space. You need somewhere functional and fun, where you can hang with friends or grab a moment of peace on your own under the sun.

For some of the best options on the market today, check out these 10 apartment complexes with great courtyards and gardens in Philadelphia.

Source: Rent. / Anova at uCity Square

Not exactly at ground level, but also not up on the roof, the courtyard at Anova at uCity Square packs in the amenities. The grills, pool and outdoor eating area are all contained in this space. There’s also a great lounge set up, with dual tabletop fire pits and a ton of seating.

Living in University City puts you at the academic heart of Philadelphia. This is the neighborhood that’s home to Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania and many other colleges. As a result, the area is full of affordable and casual places to eat and drink along with a crowd that’s culturally diverse, hip and active.

Source: Rent. / The Pepper Building

Sleek lines and pops of greenery give the courtyard at The Pepper Building seriously modern vibes. It’s a minimalist approach to a functional outdoor space with a two-color palette, a few overflowing planters and a variety of seating choices. Grab a spot on the couch, sit under an umbrella at the table or get comfortable in a lounger.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s a bit more posh and high-end, Rittenhouse Square is the place for you. With its namesake park serving as the area’s anchor, you’re surrounded by chic bars and classy restaurants in addition to boutique shops, art galleries and day spas.

Source: Rent. / The Poplar

Without the space to create a traditional courtyard, The Poplar takes the mood of the space and moves it up onto the roof. This massive area holds a variety of amenities. Beyond the pup park, playground, splash pad and pool though, you’ll find this perfect hangout spot. By day or night, there’s nothing like congregating around a fire pit, especially when you have great views to keep you company.

Home to a lot of local artists, the East Poplar neighborhood is culturally diverse and creative. You’ll find a variety of international cuisines to enjoy as well as some unconventional art galleries. For some extra green space, head to East Poplar Playground. This 4.8-acre park has a spray ground, pool, sports fields, basketball courts and tennis courts along with a classic playground.

Source: Rent. / One Ardmore

It’s a double-decker courtyard that knocks your socks off at One Ardmore. Start by snagging a seat on the green grass of the top level and look down into the lower courtyard. While this garden-like area sits up high, below you’ll find places to kick back and hang, warm up around a fire and enjoy a meal with friends.

Located about 12 miles from Philadelphia, in Ardmore, you’ll find this community in the Main Line neighborhood. It’s not far from a variety of colleges, including Bryn Mawr and Villanova, while also being within walking distance of great shopping and fine dining. For those who commute into the city, you’re also able to walk to the SEPTA Ardmore train station for an easy ride into Philadelphia.

Source: Rent. / The View at Old City

The courtyard at The View at Old City is quite a sight to see. This tranquil space has it all, including the pool and grilling area with great prep space and a bar-height table long enough for a huge gathering. There’s also the perfect outdoor lounge space, with a coffee table fire pit, oversized couch and lots of chairs. You can swim, eat and lounge all within steps of each other.

If living beside history is important to you, then you need a community like Old City. This neighborhood is truly the birthplace of American independence which means there are all kinds of museums and historical points of interest throughout the area. In fact, the view at The View at Old City is of Ben Franklin Bridge, named for one of the city’s most famous residents. This is where you’ll find the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as well.

Source: Rent. / The Enclaves

A funky art display companies the little garden at The Enclaves. With a series of sculptures on the wall, and incorporated into the garden’s awning, this is definitely a unique space. Flowers and a variety of bushes intermingle and a bricked walkway cuts through this tranquil space. There’s even a bench if you want to take a little break here.

To the south of the city, close to a golf course and sports arenas, you’ll find Packer Park. This is a smaller neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere. Highly walkable, and with plenty of green space, the relaxing vibes are easy to access.

Source: Rent. / Apex Manayunk

Imagine how nice it would be to sit down to dine al fresco surrounded by fantastic greenery. Then, imagine how this space gets even better at night thanks to some excellent mood lighting. The garden/dining area at Apex Manayunk has all this. The raised plant beds actually form the booths where you can grab a meal with friends, surrounding you in greenery on three sides as you sit.

Set along the Schuylkill River, and its waterside walking trail, calling the Lower Northwest home gives you easy access to some of the area’s natural beauty as well as great shopping and dining. Nearby suburbs broaden your options when you want to head out, yet you’re not far from the hubbub of Philadelphia’s city center either.

Source: Rent. / Mansion at Bala

A gazebo and a little island of a garden are all you really need to get the essence of a relaxing spot, right? It works for Mansion at Bala. Placed within a much larger lawn, the oversized, wooden gazebo sits alongside meticulous landscaping. Essentially an island of flowers, plants and bushes among the green grass, this is a great spot to take a break.

To the west, Wynnefield is another ideal area of Philadelphia for those who want an urban neighborhood with proximity to outdoor activity. This spot is where you’ll find Fairmount Park. With over 2,000 acres spanning across the Schyulkill River, this amazing green space has hills, trails, waterfront and woodlands. You can fish off the pier, go off-road biking and horseback riding or tour historic mansions around the property. Outdoor concerts take place here, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art sits on edge of the park. This is also where you’ll find the oldest zoo in the country

Source: Rent. / Tower Place

Secluded from the noise of the city with a row of pruned bushes and greenery, and a wood-paneled divider, the cool lounge at Tower Place does not disappoint. This outdoor gem is the perfect piece of a larger courtyard. An extra long, curvy couch is the ideal spot for relaxing, and the large umbrella overhead keeps you cool in the shade. Other seating areas nearby provide more opportunities to sit down and connect with a friend or two.

When you call the Avenue of the Arts North neighborhood home, you’re living in the center of Philadelphia’s arts and entertainment scene. This strip of Broad Street, in the city’s center, focuses on arts and cultural institutions. It’s where you’ll find Opera Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. There are a variety of galleries and theaters as well.

Source: Rent. / Brookview Elkins Park

There are a lot of wooded areas around Brookview Elkins Park, as well as great landscaping and plant beds full of flowers. The true community gem in all this greenery though is the wooden gazebo. With built-in seating and plenty of architectural detail, this is a beautiful spot to commune with nature.

About a 20-minute train ride or a 9.4-mile drive, Elkins Park lets you live in a quieter, more laidback Philadelphia neighborhood without being too far from the city center. While near Philadelphia’s most popular historical and cultural sites, Elkins Park has its own bit of history. You can tour Lynnewood Hall, the largest surviving Gilded Age mansion in the area, or visit local museums. There are plenty of parks, including a bird sanctuary and so much more.

Pick an apartment with one of the best gardens in Philadelphia

When living in a city with so much to offer on every level, narrowing down the best Philadelphia apartment for you may not be so easy. That’s why you’ve got to think about amenities, and what’s most important to you. It’s also why you need a great outdoor space to effectively take it all in. Find your dream apartment garden and schedule your tour today.

Featured Image Source: Rent./ The Enclaves

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

A 20-year battle over the fate of a rugged, verdant hillside in Los Angeles is barreling toward an epic conclusion as developers move forward with plans to construct a luxury housing project in the Verdugo Mountains, above the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood.

The Canyon Hills development project, approved by the Los Angeles City Council in 2005, is awaiting one final rubber stamp before crews can begin clearing hundreds of acres to make way for 221 homes.

Nevada-based developer Whitebird Inc. says it is within its rights to proceed with the project, which was granted a 20-year window of completion when it was initially approved nearly two decades ago.

But community members, neighborhood officials and other opponents say a lot has changed since then, and insist the development will harm wildlife in the area and put residents in the path of worsening wildfires. They’re calling for the project to be halted — or at least delayed — until a new environmental impact report can be conducted.

“I just think 20 years is a long time in terms of climate conversations and environmental concerns,” said Emma Kemp, a Tujunga resident and co-founder of the group No Canyon Hills, which began a campaign opposing the project. A petition it started in February has more than 165,000 signatures.

“Before you start chopping down this mountain based on a report that was conducted in 2003, can we just reassess so we can make sure that we are taking really responsible precautions?” she asked. “You know, once you cut it up, you can’t go back.”

The project site runs north of the 210 Freeway and offers sweeping vistas of Los Angeles. On a recent hike around the area, the landscape was alive and buzzing with insects and green vegetation fueled by this year’s wet winter.

Adam Gelbart and Devon Christian, two amateur naturalists who regularly comb the hills there, have spotted a number of plants and critters they say would be threatened by the project, including live oak trees, rare bumble bees and lizards, and the critically imperiled Davidson’s bush mallow plant, which grows only along the Central Coast and in the hills around Tujunga.

“These are the last crumbs of a much larger ecosystem,” Christian said as he swished through chaparral and knee-high brush. “These ecosystems support a myriad of life — not only insects but also birds, larger carnivores. It’s all tied together, and if you see it within the larger context of biodiversity loss across the planet, we really need to fight to protect any last scrap of biodiversity that’s out there.”

Fire-damaged California lilac located inside the area of a proposed luxury housing development in Tujunga.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Residents have also spotted mountain lions in the area, which alone should be enough to warrant a new environmental impact report, opponents say. Southern California’s mountain lions have reached a critical threshold in recent years as human development squeezes the landscape and leaves lions in the path of speeding cars.

The environmental impact report, finalized in 2004, found no evidence of mountain lions or bobcats at the time. And while the city’s development agreement acknowledges that “significant and unavoidable impacts will result from implementation of the project,” it concludes that “the benefits outweigh and override” such impacts.

Cited benefits include providing a substantial amount of high-quality housing to accommodate population growth in the area, as well as the creation of hundreds of construction jobs. The agreement also states that the project will replace old oak trees with new plantings that will benefit the habitat, and will decrease fire risk in the area by introducing fuel modification zones.

But in the nearly two decades since that agreement was approved, at least three wildfires have seared the area, including the La Tuna fire of 2017, which burned about 7,200 acres and destroyed five homes. The remnants of charred trees and structures can still be seen in the hills today.

The community was also threatened by the Station fire of 2009 and the Sand fire of 2016, both of which prompted the evacuations of thousands of people. Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council President Lydia Grant said she fears the project will leave more residents in harm’s way.

“Our community is a high fire danger area, and we do everything we can to keep the building off the hillsides because it’s just not safe,” she said. The Los Angeles Fire Department ranks the area as a very high fire hazard severity zone.

Views from the Verdugo Mountains, above the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood, where the proposed Canyon Hills luxury housing development would be built.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Grant said adding more homes and people to the wildland-urban interface could also put pressure on the community during an evacuation. The two major arteries in the area, Foothill Boulevard and La Tuna Canyon Road, have both been “road-dieted” from two lanes to one in recent years, she said.

“Now you’re adding that onto one lane in a high fire danger area. … This is just adding gasoline to a fire,” Grant said.

Such conditions are not unlike those that spurred a judge to pause a luxury development project in Lake County last year until further assessments of wildfire evacuation routes could be completed. Judges in recent years have also halted developments in a fire-prone part of San Diego County and the Tehachapi Mountains in Los Angeles County due to fire risk.

Grant said she has not heard from any community members in favor of the development. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who represents the area, declined to speak with The Times about the project.

Jack Rubens, an attorney for the developer, rejected the claims about fire danger, saying the project will in fact reduce the wildfire risk for existing residents to the north and east of the site by providing a new southern evacuation route to La Tuna Canyon Road and the freeway.

Amateur naturalist Devon Christian observes the Davidson’s bush mallow, a critically imperiled plant.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The project will also include a new million-gallon water tank close to the existing neighborhoods, which can be used by firefighters “who will have far superior access to the hillside after the project’s road system is constructed,” Rubens said. He added that future residents of the development will also be protected by a 200-foot-wide fuel modification zone that includes about 100 acres of land.

Rubens said concerns about mountain lions are similarly unfounded and noted that the original environmental impact report determined that the project would not interfere with local or regional movement of the animal. Should such movement occur, it would be outside of the development area, he said.

He added that in the wake of the initial approval, Whitebird and developer Rick Percell agreed to eliminate a portion of the project site south of the 210 Freeway, donating about 600 acres of land to an affiliate of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for permanent preservation, so “the public has therefore already received an enormous public benefit,” he said.

Paul Edelman, deputy director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, said developing the remaining acres would still amount to a considerable ecological loss.

“As a mountain range, [the Verdugos] are big enough to sustain subpopulations of all the animals we’re concerned about, and that is the key, because they’re just big enough to do that,” he said.

“As you start to take big chunks out of it, it degrades the whole system — you don’t have enough critical mass for one or two mountain lions or a healthy bobcat population,” he said. “It’s already so small that taking a big chunk out of it hurts a lot more than, say, if the equivalent-sized development happened in the Santa Monica Mountains.”

He and other opponents of the project acknowledged that the city’s hands are probably tied by the agreement, especially in this eleventh hour.

Whitebird recently pulled a grading permit that would allow it to begin leveling the pads for properties as soon as it’s approved. City officials could face a lawsuit from the developer should they try to intervene.

Under the agreement, additional environmental clearance could be required under the California Environmental Quality Act if there are substantial changes in the project, including new information showing that the project will have “new or more severe significant effects” than those described in the original environmental impact report.

Rubens said that’s a moot point. A second report cannot be lawfully required as the project is “fully entitled and doesn’t require any further discretionary approval simply because its development has been delayed,” he said.

“The project was approved after a five-year administrative process with significant community involvement and, by the way, those approvals were not challenged in court,” he added.

Dean Wallraff, an attorney who has been fighting the development for decades, said the city probably will agree. But it’s possible some elements of the grading permit could contain enough modifications to trigger a new report.

“Twenty years ago, they approved this project that has now all kinds of extra environmental effects, and it’s in this kind of sensitive area in the middle of the city, and if this goes forward now without anybody looking at it again — that doesn’t make sense,” said Wallraff, executive director of Advocates for the Environment.

The Verdugo Mountains and surrounding areas were originally home to the Chumash, Gabrielino/Tongva and Fernandeño Tataviam tribes, and some members have spoken against the project.

“We believe in protecting the last remaining open spaces of L.A. County,” said Nathan Nuñez, Gabrielino Indigenous cultural keeper. “These places are important to our people, but they’re also important to the broader community. We have to do the work that we can do now to protect these places before they get lost to development.”

He worried about the potential presence of archaeological artifacts in the area because the hills and nearby areas once served as transportation corridors, campsites and places for gathering, hunting and ceremonies for the tribe.

His father, cultural bearer Kevin Nuñez, said he understands that the situation is complicated, but hoped politicians and decision makers would “pump the brakes.”

“I think there are options, but it takes some diligence, it takes some intestinal fortitude, to step up and say hold on, we’re going to vet this well,” he said.

Tujunga resident Emma Kemp, co-founder of the No Canyon Hills” campaign opposing the project. A petition started in February has garnered more than 165,000 signatures.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Kemp, of the No Canyon Hills group, said the average lot size for the planned homes is about 17,000 square feet, with some as large as 100,000 square feet. It’s an equity issue as much as it is an environmental one, she said.

“Tujunga is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in and around urban L.A., and it is more rural and it’s definitely more working class … so how can you justify putting in a gated community of luxury mansions in this area?” she said. “What is the benefit to our community?”

However, she said she does not see the group expressing NIMBYism, an anti-development stance that stands for “not in my backyard.”

“I do understand that this developer has his project approved, and he wants to proceed with his plan. I do understand that,” she said. “It just feels that we have this very slim opportunity to do better by the environment, by current community members, by plants, animals and other species, and just to ensure that this is a viable and responsible and worthy project.

“And if things need to change about it,” she added, “then we can make those changes and find a position that works for everyone.”

Hiking through the brush, Gelbart and Christian, the naturalists, said California’s climate conditions are changing so rapidly that it’s difficult for even ecological experts to keep up — much less developers. The pair recently found a massive hollyleaf cherry tree growing in the hills that they hadn’t seen before.

“The land has value beyond what humans use it for,” Gelbart said as he surveyed the view. “And once this is gone, you can never put it back together.”

Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

Late last week, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a decades-old Minnesota property tax law was unlawful when it allowed the government to seize wealth from an elderly Black homeowner. The decision in Tyler vs. Hennepin County serves as a warning about legal defects in other property tax laws that unfairly harm communities of color, including California’s own Proposition 13.

The Minnesota case began when Geraldine Tyler failed to pay the taxes on her longtime Minneapolis home. Over several years, the tax debt accumulated to $2,300, exploding to $15,000 when penalties and fines were added. The county seized her condominium and sold it, keeping the entire proceeds — $40,000 — not just the $15,000 she owed.

The Supreme Court proclaimed that this money grab was unjust and unconstitutional under the 5th Amendment’s takings clause. It rejected Hennepin County’s legal reliance on the 13^thcentury Statute of Gloucester, a law that Justice Neil M. Gorsuch characterized during oral arguments as being “about lands owned by the feudal lord and what happens when a vassal fails to provide enough wheat to his lord.”

The court’s determination that what happened to Tyler didn’t meet constitutional standards echoes and revives a concern raised in the 1990s about Proposition 13.

California’s tax-assessment limits demand radically different property taxes from owners of similar properties, based only on their time of purchase. Thirty years ago, Stephanie Nordlinger balked at paying nearly five times in property taxes for her Los Angeles home as longer-settled neighbors. An unmoved Supreme Court majority held that the differential treatment had a rational basis, but Justice John Paul Stevens disagreed.

In his dissent, Stevens concluded that Proposition 13 created “a privilege of a medieval character: Two families with equal needs and equal resources are treated differently solely because of their different heritage.”

The Supreme Court’s blessing in Nordlinger vs. Hahn upheld Proposition 13’s legality and established its feudal — and unfair — nature.

Proposition 13 raises race discrimination concerns. Assessment caps benefit long-standing homeowners — who are often white — at the expense of their more diverse neighbors who arrive later. The effects of such property taxes on homeownership’s demography suggest violations of the 1968 federal Fair Housing Act. Recent estimates show that Proposition 13 gives the average homeowner in a white neighborhood of Oakland, for example, a tax break of nearly $10,000 each year — more than triple the break provided to average homeowners in Latino neighborhoods, and about double those in Black and Asian neighborhoods in Oakland.

Ironically, people just like Tyler were the original faces of the battle to enact Proposition 13 in California and similar measures around the country. Activists in the 1970s and 1980s invoked stories of elderly widows losing their homes to convince voters that property taxes should be based on a home’s purchase price and allowed to rise just 2% a year from there, regardless of market value.

But such assessment limits have not lived up to their promise to protect homeowners. Michigan also limits the amount that an owner’s assessment can rise. Yet as real estate values declined in Detroit, those limits did not ensure that assessments fell to match, leaving low-income Black homeowners with inflated, unaffordable taxes. Like Tyler in Minnesota, many residents were forced out of their homes through tax foreclosures.

In California, Proposition 13’s overbroad system protects the propertied at a high cost to more diverse, first-time buyers. People may stay put to hold on to a tax advantage, limiting inventory and driving up home costs. Parents can also pass low tax assessments on to their children, exacerbating the problem.

The California Housing Finance Agency notes that “for the entire 2010s, California’s Black homeownership rate has been lower than it was in the 1960s, when it was completely legal to discriminate against Black homebuyers.”

While Proposition 13’s precise inequitable effects are complicated, more inclusive and less legally tenuous alternatives exist.

There are other tax reforms that could protect low-income and elderly homeowners without hamstringing cities’ tax bases and enriching wealthy owners.

Philadelphia allows low-income senior citizens to freeze their property taxes, and low-income families to spread rapid assessment increases over several years. In Massachusetts and some Connecticut towns, low-income homeowners can defer part of their property tax bill, which is paid off upon the home’s sale. California has its own property tax postponement program, which it should expand, instead of relying on Proposition 13.

The Supreme Court’s rejection of Minnesota’s greediness reminds us that the courts are watching as states tighten the vise of property tax systems on the poor and racially diverse. To be sure, Proposition 13 does not result in unconstitutional “takings.” But the concerns that motivated the court in Tyler vs. Hennepin County also apply here. And given the court’s willingness to reverse long-held constitutional precedent, perhaps the Nordlinger decision itself will be due for reconsideration.

California’s admirable protection of struggling, older homeowners can occur through less discriminatory and irrational means. Tax injustice shows up not only in the foreclosure of an elderly Black woman’s $40,000 Midwest condominium but also in the inability of diverse, immigrant families to purchase a $400,000 condominium in Mid-City.

Shayak Sarkar is a professor of law and an economist at UC Davis. Josh Rosenthal is legal director of the Public Rights Project, a civil rights and economic rights nonprofit.

Source: latimes.com