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👋 Welcome to Northridge Now - Issue #0044
Hello Northridge 👋
Good evening, Valley neighbors — hope your Wednesday is winding down smoothly. 🌆
Tonight’s NNN update covers a heartbreaking story out of Valley Village, major wildfire and air quality concerns impacting Southern California, fresh CSUN recognition, Memorial Day events, local graduations, and a full lineup of things happening around the Valley heading into the weekend.
🔹 In Tonight’s Issue:
🚨 LAPD investigating the death of a 4-year-old found inside a vehicle in Valley Village
🔥 Sandy Fire update as crews battle flames near Simi Valley
🌫️ Wildfire smoke prompts air quality advisories across SoCal
🎓 CSUN honors graduates through Black Scholars Matter program
🏆 CSUN water polo trio earns All-American honors
🇺🇸 Memorial Day events happening across LA County
🎓 Graduation season officially ramps up across the Valley
🥬 Farmers markets, Grubfest, local events & more
Stay safe, stay aware, and thank you again for being part of the Northridge Now community. ❤️
Let’s get into it 👇
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📰 Valley News
🚨 4-Year-Old Child Found Dead Inside Vehicle In Valley Village
A heartbreaking investigation is underway after a 4-year-old boy was found unresponsive inside a vehicle Tuesday afternoon in Valley Village, according to LAPD officials.
🔹 What We Know:
Emergency crews responded near McCormick Street and Bluebell Avenue
The child was pronounced dead at the scene
Investigators are working to determine how long the child may have been inside the vehicle
Valley temperatures reached the upper 80s Tuesday afternoon
LAPD’s Abused Child Section is handling the investigation
Neighbors say the tragedy has deeply shaken the community as investigators continue gathering details surrounding the incident.
❤️ NNN Reminder:
With Valley temperatures rising heading into summer, officials continue urging residents to always double-check vehicles and back seats before walking away.
👉 Full story: ABC7
🔥 Crews Gain Ground On Sandy Fire In Simi Valley As Winds Remain A Concern
Firefighters continued making progress overnight on the fast-moving Sandy Fire burning near Simi Valley, though officials say changing wind conditions could still create challenges heading into the week.
🔹 What We Know:
The Sandy Fire has burned roughly 1,700 acres near Simi Valley and Bell Canyon
Fire crews used cooler overnight conditions to strengthen containment lines
Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders and warnings
At least one home has reportedly been destroyed
Officials say dry vegetation, steep terrain, and possible wind gusts remain major concerns
More than 800 firefighters continue battling the blaze with both ground crews and air support as Ventura County officials monitor weather conditions closely.
👉 Full story: LA Daily News
🌫️ Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Advisory Across Southern California
Smoke from several active wildfires prompted air quality advisories across parts of Southern California this week as fire crews continue battling multiple blazes across the region.
🔹 What We Know:
Officials issued an air quality advisory due to smoke drifting from several fires, including the Sandy Fire near Simi Valley
Areas across Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties could see unhealthy air conditions
Sensitive groups including children, seniors, and those with respiratory issues are being urged to limit outdoor activity
Winds are expected to continue pushing smoke across parts of the Southland
Health officials recommend keeping windows closed and using air conditioning on recirculate when possible.
Officials say smoke conditions may change quickly depending on wind patterns and fire activity as firefighters continue working to contain several ongoing wildfires across California.
👉 Full story: LA Daily News
🏅 CSUN News
🎓 CSUN Honors Graduates Through Black Scholars Matter Program
California State University, Northridge celebrated a new class of graduates through its Black Scholars Matter program, recognizing students for their leadership, resilience, and academic success.
The event brought together students, families, and faculty to honor graduates who helped build community and support Black student success on campus.
Organizers say the program continues to serve as an important space for mentorship, encouragement, and celebrating future leaders at CSUN.
👉 Full coverage: CSUN Newsroom
🏅 CSUN Athletics
🏆 CSUN Water Polo Trio Earns All-American Honors
CSUN women’s water polo added more national recognition this week after three Matadors were officially named All-Americans following another strong season in the pool.
The honors highlight the continued growth of the program and recognize several standout performances throughout the 2026 campaign against some of the nation’s top competition.
The Matadors continue building momentum as one of the stronger water polo programs in the Big West while adding another major accomplishment to the season’s résumé.
👉 Full coverage: GoMatadors.com
📅 Events & Things To Do
🇺🇸 Looking For Memorial Day Events Around LA County?
From patriotic parades and remembrance ceremonies to community gatherings and veteran tributes, Memorial Day events are happening all across Los Angeles County this Monday.
🔹 Inside The List:
Memorial Day ceremonies honoring fallen service members
Local parades and community gatherings
Events happening across the San Fernando Valley and LA County
Family-friendly ways to honor the holiday weekend
Times, locations, and details for dozens of local events
If you’re looking for something meaningful to attend this Memorial Day, this roundup has a huge list of events happening throughout the region. 🇺🇸
👉 Full story: LA Daily News
👉 Volunteer Link: bit.ly/MemorialDayWLACC
🎓 Graduation Season Is Here Across the San Fernando Valley
Caps and gowns are about to take over the Valley as high schools, colleges, and universities across Los Angeles prepare for graduation ceremonies throughout the coming weeks.
The Daily News released its full 2026 graduation schedule, including dates and times for campuses across the San Fernando Valley and greater L.A. area — from local high schools to major universities like CSUN, UCLA, and USC.
Families are encouraged to plan ahead for parking, traffic, and large crowds around campuses during ceremony dates, especially during peak evening and weekend events.
For many Valley families, graduation season marks one of the biggest community milestones of the year — celebrating years of hard work, late nights, and proud moments finally paying off.
👉 LAUSD Schools: LA Daily News
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👉 Register to Visit or send this to someone who should: LeTip - Valley Referral Network
WEDNESDAY · MAY 20
🥬 Weekly Farmers Market at Northridge Fashion Center
⏰ 5 PM – 9 PM
Fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, desserts, and local vendors with relaxed midweek Valley vibes.
📍 Northridge Fashion Center
🔗 More info: Northridge Fashion Center Events
FRIDAY · MAY 22
🥬 Olive View Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Every Friday
📍 14445 Olive View Dr, Sylmar / Parking Lot A · Corner of Eisenhower Ave & Reagan Rd
Perfect stop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and local shopping heading into the weekend. Accepting EBT
🔗 More info: Sylmar NC
FRIDAY · MAY 22
🌮 Granada Hills Grubfest
5:00 – 10:00 PM · Chatsworth St between White Oak & Zelzah · 30+ rotating food trucks. Casual, dog-friendly. The standing Valley food event.
🔗 More info: Facebook
SUNDAY · MAY 24
🥬 Weekly Farmers Market at The Vineyards
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM · The Vineyards at Porter Ranch · Fresh produce, artisan foods, local vendors. Mother's-Day-meets-fresh-flowers energy — perfect plus-one for Mom.
🔗More info: More info
TUESDAY · MAY 26
🥕 Sherman Oaks Farmers Market
🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Every Tuesday · Rain or Shine
Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods, and local vendors with laid-back neighborhood market vibes in the heart of Sherman Oaks.
📍 Sherman Oaks / Parking lot of the Westfield Mall
🔗 More info: Facebook Page
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