Heading into Memorial Day weekend, today’s issue is packed with major Valley news, local events, graduation season updates, and important stories making headlines across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.

🔹 Inside today’s issue:

Have a safe holiday weekend, support local when you can, and thanks for being part of the Northridge Now community 🙌

Let’s get into it 👇

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A fast-moving apartment fire in Sherman Oaks left two people hospitalized Thursday morning while firefighters worked to rescue multiple dogs and evacuate residents from the building.

According to reports, crews arrived to heavy smoke and flames coming from the apartment complex as residents rushed outside. Firefighters were able to rescue several dogs from inside the building while paramedics treated victims at the scene.

🔹 What Happened:

🚒 Why It Matters:
Apartment fires can spread quickly in dense Valley neighborhoods, and this incident created a major emergency response during morning hours in Sherman Oaks. Residents nearby reported seeing thick smoke visible from surrounding streets.

👉 Full story: ABC7

An 80-year-old owner of a longtime Van Nuys car wash business has filed a $50 million lawsuit claiming he suffered severe injuries during a recent ICE enforcement raid at his property.

The lawsuit alleges federal agents caused the elderly owner serious physical harm during the operation. Attorneys representing the business owner say the incident left lasting injuries and emotional distress.

🔹 Key Details:

⚖️ Why It Matters:
The case is already drawing major attention across Los Angeles due to the owner’s age, the size of the lawsuit, and ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement tactics affecting local businesses and workers.

👉 Full story: LA Daily News

Los Angeles County officials are launching a new public awareness campaign called “Street Racing Kills,” aimed at discouraging illegal street racing and dangerous takeover activity among young drivers.

The campaign focuses heavily on education, social media outreach, and highlighting the deadly consequences tied to reckless driving incidents throughout Southern California.

🔹 Campaign Focus:

🚨 Why It Matters:
Illegal street racing and intersection takeovers continue to impact many San Fernando Valley neighborhoods, often leading to dangerous late-night gatherings, crashes, injuries, and major traffic disruptions.

👉 Full story: LA Daily News

A new report highlighted the most polluted beaches in Southern California — along with several surprisingly clean spots where water quality remains strong heading into summer.

According to the findings, some well-known Los Angeles County beaches ranked among the dirtiest due to ongoing runoff and bacteria concerns, while other coastal areas earned top marks for cleaner water conditions.

🔹 Report Highlights:

🌴 Why It Matters:
With Memorial Day weekend and summer beach season approaching, many Valley residents will be heading to the coast — making water quality reports especially important for families planning beach trips.

👉 Full story: LAIST

Last week's commencement week was one for the books. Over 11,000 CSUN graduates—plus thousands of families—filled the Library Lawn for seven ceremonies across May 15-18. The week honored achievement, resilience, and the power of perseverance.

NNN Take: From honors to doctoral degrees, CSUN produced graduates ready to change the world. And having a peacemaker like Aqeela Sherrills on campus reminds us why that mission matters.

👉 Full coverage: CSUN Newsroom

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

WEDNESDAY · MAY 27

🥬 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

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:

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

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

Grow your business through real referrals - not just networking.

🗓 Thursdays · 7:00 AM
📍 The Vineyards, Porter Ranch

👉 Register to Visit or send this to someone who should: LeTip - Valley Referral Network

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