9 minute read
Vroman’s Live
Bookstore boasts stellar lineup for March
By Arroyo Staff
The renowned bookstore Vroman’s is hosting more top-notch virtual programs throughout March.
The “Vroman’s Live” events are held virtually and in person. Register through vromansbookstore.com. Anyone with questions is asked to email email@vromansbookstore.com.
In-person events
Stephen White, Jonathan Spaulding and Suzanne Lummis: “A Country Called California” 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, on second level of Vroman’s; ticketed
“A Country Called California” traces the development of the Golden State from the 19th century on, through to its emergence as the fifth largest economy in the world — all as seen through the eyes of photographers Ansel Adams, Carleton Watkins, Dorothea Lange, Eadweard Muybridge, Will Connell, Edward Weston, Max Yavno, Mabel Watson and A.C. Vroman. Author Stephen White, a longtime photography gallerist and collector, curated the book.
Cara Black, in conversation with Naomi Hirahara, “Murder at the Porte de Versailles” 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, on second level of Vroman’s, ticketed
For Aimee Leduc, November is bittersweet: the anniversary of her father’s death and her daughter’s third birthday fall on the same day. A gathering for family and friends is disrupted when a bomb goes off at the police laboratory — and Boris Viard, the partner of Aimee’s friend, Michou, is found unconscious at the crime scene with traces of explosives under his fingernails. Aimee doesn’t believe Boris set the bomb. To prove this, she battles the police and his own lab colleagues, collecting conflicting eyewitness reports.
Caroline Frost, in conversation with Ellie Eaton, “Shadows of Pecan Hollow” 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, on second level; ticketed
It was 1970 when 13-year-old runaway Kit Walker was abducted by Manny Romero, a smooth-talking, low-level criminal, who groomed her into his partner-in-crime. Before long, Kit and Manny were infamous for their string of gas station robberies through Texas. Fourteen years later, Kit has scraped together a life for herself and her daughter in the town of Pecan Hollow, far from Manny. But, when he shows up at her doorstep, a new man, fresh out of prison, Kit’s profound and twisted attachment to him compels her to let him in. Immediately, Kit is forced to reckon with the shadows of her past, and her community is sent into a tailspin.
Lizz Huerta, “The Lost Dreamer” 6 p.m. Monday, March 14, on second level; ticketed
Indir is a Dreamer, descended from a long line of seers; able to see beyond reality, she carries the rare gift of Dreaming truth. But when the beloved king dies, his son has no respect for this time-honored tradition. King Alcan wants an opportunity to bring the Dreamers to a permanent end — an opportunity Indir will give him if he discovers the two secrets she is struggling to keep. As violent change shakes Indir’s world, she is forced to make a choice: fight for her home or fight to survive.
Reyna Grande, in conversation with Hector Tobar, “A Ballad of Love & Glory” 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, on second level; ticketed
Ximena Salome is a gifted Mexican healer who dreams of building a family with the man she loves. But when Texas Rangers storm her ranch and kill her husband, she vows to honor his memory and defend her country by using her healing skills as an army nurse on the front lines of the war. Meanwhile, John Riley, an Irish immigrant in the Yankee Army desperate to help his family escape the famine, is sickened by the unjust war.
Gigi Pandian and Naomi Hirahara, “Under Lock and Skeleton Key” and “An Eternal Lei” 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24; on second level; ticketed
“Under Lock and Skeleton Key”: After an accident derails Tempest Raj’s career and life, she returns to her childhood home in California. Every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company, the Secret Staircase Construction. When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead in a wall. “An Eternal Lei”: Leilani Santiago finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation that endangers her family and friends after saving a mysterious woman wearing a lei from drowning in Waimea Bay. She must learn of this woman’s identity and connections to others on the island to save herself and those dearest to her.
Real Estate and Mortgages have become a major hot topic over the last year, with many questions arising from the shifting market conditions. To help provide some expert insight, we have Prominent Financial Group, a mortgage brokerage with over 15 years of experience, answering some of the most buzzing questions on everyone’s minds.
Q and A (accordingly)
What are your thoughts on the recent increase in interest rates?
Yes, interest rates did indeed go up gradually since December 2021 but it’s important to consider the context. Last year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve cut down interest rates significantly to help stimulate our economy. Today - economic improvement, inflation, and other factors, are driving those rates back up. However if you look at previous trends, we are still at historically low interest rates. In fact, the average interest rate in 2020-2021 was 3.7%, which is the lowest it has been over the last four decades. With more rate hikes on the horizon as early as March 2022, our advise is not to wait too long to get into the market.
As someone who’s been in the industry for many years, do you foresee another crash happening?
I started my career in the world of mortgage right before the 2008 recession. There are many observable differences between then and now, but one that stands out most is the mortgage approval process. As direct result of the recession a strict set of rules and guidelines were put in place to ensure that borrowers are qualified and well-positioned to make their mortgage payments. There are also processes that enforce transparency and ethics and ensure that the borrower’s interests are not abused. The programs that caused much of the problems were (*^** With this responsible system in place, we should not see a repeat of what happened back in 08.
At Prominent Financial Group, our main focus is to serve our clients in meeting their long term financial goals versus just closing the transaction at hand. When a client walks into our office, we want to understand their current situation, their future objectives, and guide them towards achieving financial growth through real estate. We pride ourselves on our ability to develop and nurture lasting relationships with our clients, who often times become our great friends.
This takes me to my next question. Why go to a broker vs. a big bank?
What sets us apart as a brokerage is that we have relationships with many different lenders, giving us the ability to match our clients with the best programs for their specific needs. In addition to all of the standard loan products, we have access to programs that are more lenient on past Bankruptcies, bank statement programs, investor programs that allow you to qualify solely on the rental income from the subject property, and many more. We stand by our tailored approach where one mortgage doesn’t fit all.
What advise would you give to someone who is considering purchasing or refinancing?
Don’t wait. As Ray Brown famously said, “The best time to buy a home is always five years ago”. This rings true louder than ever today. If you qualify, real estate is one of the best investments one can get into. With property ownership you can leverage your investment, have a large asset that naturally appreciates overtime, get tax benefits, collect cash flow, and tap into your equity as needed to continue to build your wealth.
Join in on Instagram for free educational material, mortgage tips, and Q&A. Or contact them directly for any additional information.
How do you differentiate yourself from competitors in the field? Prominent Financial Group 535 N. Brand Bvld., Suite 290 Glendale CA 91203 t: 818-476-4133 | www.PFG365.com
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Jet Tila “101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die” 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31; on second level; ticketed
In this collection of dishes, bestseller author Jet Tila opens the world of his Thai heritage for today’s home cooks with recipes that are authentic, accessible and ultra craveable. Jet partners up with Tad Weyland Fukumoto, longtime friend and fellow chef, to channel their years of Southeast Asian culinary prowess into mouthwatering recipes, such as street-style basil pork, glass noodle stir-fry, hung lay northern pork curry, new Thai barbecue chicken, fried tilapia with three-flavor sauce, and so heroes spanning the regions, this cookbook is a one-stop guide to the rich culinary traditions of Thailand.
Virtual events
Jennifer E. Smith, in conversation with Lauren Graham, “The Unsinkable Greta James” 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2
Right after the death of her mother — her first and most devoted fan — and just before the launch of her high-stakes sophomore album, Greta James falls apart on stage. The footage quickly goes viral and she stops playing, her career suddenly in jeopardy. Her father, Conrad, predicted this. Months later, she accompanies Conrad on the Alaskan cruise her parents booked to celebrate their 40th anniversary. It’s the last chance to heal old wounds.
Amanda Pellegrino, in conversation with Katy Colloton and Katie O’Brien, “Smile and Look Pretty” 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10
Best friends Cate, Lauren, Olivia and Max are overworked and underpaid assistants to some of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry. As they are passed over for promotions and the toxic office environments, the women secretly start an anonymous blog detailing their experiences.
Lisa Barr, in conversation with Malina Saval, “Woman on Fire” 6 p.m. Friday, March 11
After talking her way into a job with Dan Mansfield, the leading investigative reporter in Chicago, rising young journalist Jules Roth, is given a secret assignment. Dan needs her to locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier.
A Special Storytime with Avery Monsen “Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme” 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9,
Chester van Chime woke up one day and forgot how to rhyme. Filled with wordplay and whimsically silly illustrations, this readaloud tells the story of a boy who learns not to be stressed if he’s not at his peak performance.
CUSTOM POOLS AND OUTDOOR SPACES
