Research Briefs

At last week's Orange County Executive Forum, hosted by the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and Allen Matkins, panelists said new technology—which commercial real estate hasn't always been keen to adopt—is one of the industry's most important assets. Panelists included: Allen Matkins' Gary McKitterick, Standard Pacific Homes Scott Stowell, IBA Realty's Phillip Belling, Western National Group's Michael Hayde, and Donahue Schriber's Patrick Donahue.

LOS ANGELES — Many educators are calling Tuesday's court decision – striking down five, key teacher protections as unconstitutional – a historic turning point that will vastly improve American education.

Teachers unions say the decision will result in a revolving door of teachers that will irreparably harm schools, and promise a years long legal fight.

LOS ANGELES — Many educators are calling Tuesday's court decision – striking down five, key teacher protections as unconstitutional – a historic turning point that will vastly improve American education.

Teachers unions say the decision will result in a revolving door of teachers that will irreparably harm schools, and promise a years long legal fight.

LOS ANGELES — Many educators are calling Tuesday's court decision – striking down five, key teacher protections as unconstitutional – a historic turning point that will vastly improve American education.

Teachers unions say the decision will result in a revolving door of teachers that will irreparably harm schools, and promise a years long legal fight.

Now don't get too excited, potential SoCal homebuyers, but April's housing prices saw the smallest increases since September 2012, according to the latest numbers from DataQuick. The median price only increased 13.2 percent (to $404,000), also the smallest jump since September 2012. Economists seem mostly excited because this could be an indicator that the incredibly-difficult-to-enter housing market might be leveling out.

Richard Green, director of USC's Lusk Center for Real Estate, said he also doesn't expect a downturn, but neither does he see much price appreciation.

"Prices now are about where they should be — given how high rents are in Los Angeles," he said.