In partnership with
The New Trick to Reducing Stress Without Losing Focus
Trapped in the cycle of workplace burnout making it hard to focus, leading to more stress? You need CBDistillery’s new Daytime Calm gummies. With 50mg of CBG, shown to increase focus and reduce stress, each gummy is formulated for daytime focus and stress support – and code COOL saves you 25%.
👋 Welcome to Northridge Now - Issue #0060
Good Evening, Northridge! 🌆⚽
The workday may be winding down, but there's still plenty happening across the Valley. World Cup excitement continues to build with record-breaking crowds and growing optimism for Team USA, while closer to home, a deadly Northridge shooting is under investigation, Fourth of July safety reminders are rolling out, and one local teenager is being praised for helping prevent a neighborhood disaster.
🔹 In Today's Issue:
🚨 A 28-year-old man is killed after a fight outside a Northridge party turns deadly
🇺🇸 Why soccer insiders believe the USMNT could make a surprising World Cup run
⚽ FIFA announces the 2026 World Cup is already setting all-time attendance records
🔥 A Sherman Oaks teenager helps stop a brush fire before it reaches nearby homes
🎆 Here's where fireworks are actually legal across Southern California this Fourth of July
🎓 CSUN celebrates donors after surpassing a historic philanthropic milestone
⚖️ The Silver Lake Trader Joe's hostage case returns to court for a second murder trial
📅 Plus: This week's World Cup schedule, the best places to watch around the Valley, farmers markets, Grubfest, and local networking events.
Whether you're heading to a watch party, planning your Fourth of July week, or catching up on today's biggest local stories, we've got everything you need to stay connected around the Valley.
Humanize 214 words
Let’s get into it 👇
📰 Valley News
🚨 Fight Before Party Ends in Fatal Northridge Shooting
A late-night party in Northridge turned deadly after an argument escalated into gunfire, leaving one man dead and another injured. Detectives continue searching for the suspect involved.
🔹 Key Details:
A fight reportedly broke out before shots were fired outside the gathering.
A 28-year-old man died at the scene, while another victim was hospitalized.
The shooter fled before officers arrived.
LAPD homicide detectives are investigating what led to the violence.
The shooting shocked neighbors and marks another high-profile homicide investigation in the Northridge community as detectives work to identify those responsible.
👉 Full Story: KTLA
🚔 Woman Stabbed After Ex Allegedly Breaks Into Arleta Home
Police say a woman was critically injured after her ex-boyfriend allegedly forced his way into an Arleta home and attacked her before fleeing. Officers later located the suspect, who died after an apparent self-inflicted injury.
🔹 Key Details:
The suspect allegedly broke into the victim's residence.
The woman suffered multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized.
Police located the suspect a short time later.
Detectives continue investigating the domestic violence incident.
Authorities say the case serves as another reminder of the dangers surrounding domestic violence situations and encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek help immediately.
👉 Full Story: ABC7
🔥 Sherman Oaks Teen Helps Stop Brush Fire From Reaching Homes
Quick thinking by a Sherman Oaks teenager is being credited with helping firefighters keep a small brush fire from spreading toward nearby homes after spotting the flames early.
🔹 Key Details:
The teen quickly noticed the fire and alerted others.
Firefighters responded before the flames reached nearby homes.
Officials say the fire may have been sparked by a shopping cart being dragged through dry brush.
No homes were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Fire officials praised the teen's fast actions, saying the early response likely prevented a much larger neighborhood fire.
👉 Full Story: KTLA
📅 Local Business
🤝 Valley Referral Network - LeTip in Porter Ranch
Grow your business through real referrals - not just networking.
🤝 Weekly, structured meetings
🚫 One business per category
📈 Built to generate results
🗓 Thursdays · 7:00 AM
📍 The Vineyards, Porter Ranch
👉 Register to Visit or send this to someone who should: LeTip - Valley Referral Network
🎆 Where Fireworks Are Actually Legal This Fourth of July
As Independence Day approaches, officials are reminding Southern Californians that fireworks remain illegal in most cities across Los Angeles County, with only a limited number of communities allowing "Safe and Sane" fireworks.
🔹 Key Details:
Most LA County cities prohibit all consumer fireworks.
Only designated cities allow State Fire Marshal-approved "Safe and Sane" fireworks.
Illegal fireworks can result in significant fines and criminal penalties.
Officials encourage residents to attend professional fireworks shows instead.
Authorities continue urging residents to celebrate responsibly as fire danger remains elevated throughout Southern California.
👉 Full Story: KTLA
Little Known RMD Strategy Allowed by the IRS
For investors with $1M+ in retirement accounts, the tax code allows specific strategies that can reduce your tax exposure once RMDs begin—but only if used before then.
The window is open for anyone within ten years of 73. A fiduciary advisor can review which may apply, at no cost.
⚖️ Silver Lake Trader Joe's Hostage Case Returns to Court
Prosecutors will retry the man accused in the 2018 Silver Lake Trader Joe's hostage standoff after an earlier jury failed to reach a verdict on a second-degree murder charge.
🔹 Key Details:
The retrial centers on the death of store employee Melyda Corado.
Jurors previously deadlocked on the murder charge.
Other convictions related to the incident remain in place.
Prosecutors say they will again pursue a second-degree murder conviction.
The highly publicized case continues nearly eight years after the hostage standoff that shocked Los Angeles and drew national attention.
👉 Full Story: LA Daily News
📍 Local Events
🍅 Weekly Farmers Markets & Food Events
🥕 TUESDAYS | Sherman Oaks Farmers Market
🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Westfield Sherman Oaks Parking Lot
Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods, and neighborhood vendors with relaxed community vibes. Rain or shine.
🔗 More Info: Facebook
🌻 WEDNESDAYS | Northridge Fashion Center Farmers Market
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Northridge Fashion Center
Enjoy fresh produce, artisan foods, desserts, flowers, and local vendors for a perfect midweek outing.
🔗 More Info: Northridge Fashion Center Events
🍅 FRIDAYS | Olive View Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 14445 Olive View Dr., Sylmar (Parking Lot A)
Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally grown goods every Friday. EBT accepted.
🔗 More Info: Sylmar Neighborhood Council
🌮 FRIDAYS | Granada Hills Grubfest
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Chatsworth St. between White Oak & Zelzah
Over 30 rotating food trucks, casual outdoor dining, and one of the San Fernando Valley’s favorite weekly traditions.
🔗 More Info: Facebook
🥬 SUNDAYS | The Vineyards Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Vineyards at Porter Ranch
Browse fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, and local makers while enjoying one of the Valley’s premier weekend destinations.
🔗 More Info: The Vineyards at Porter Ranch
🌿 SUNDAYS | Toluca Lake Certified Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 4501 Talofa Ave., Toluca Lake
A lively market featuring farm-fresh produce, artisan vendors, prepared foods, live music, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
🔗 More Info: TL Farmers Market
📚 CSUN News
🎓 CSUN Celebrates Donors Who Help Change Student Lives
CSUN welcomed alumni, donors, students, and campus leaders to The Soraya for its annual President's Donor Appreciation Celebration, recognizing the generosity that continues to expand scholarships, academic programs, and student opportunities across campus.
🔹 Key Details:
The celebration honored donors whose gifts help fund scholarships and student success.
President Erika D. Beck announced CSUN is on track to surpass $100 million in philanthropic commitments for the first time in university history.
Donor support helped provide more than $4.25 million in scholarships benefiting 1,763 students.
Student performances from the Theatre, Dance, and Jazz programs showcased the impact donor generosity has on arts and educational opportunities.
The evening highlighted how community support continues to strengthen CSUN, creating new opportunities for students while investing in the university's future.
👉 Full Story: CSUN Newsroom
Trade What BTC Does Next — Not Just Whether You Own It
Crypto never sleeps, and neither does Kalshi. Trade whether BTC ends the day above $100K, whether ETH pumps in the next hour, or whether the market closes green this week. No wallets, no gas fees, no exchange risk — just your read on the market. Institutional volume is up 800% in six months. There's a reason the smart money is here.
Trade $10, get $10 free to start.
Trade responsibly.
🎖️ Top World Cup Stories
⚽ World Cup Smashes Attendance Records Across North America
FIFA says the 2026 World Cup is already making history, with fans turning out in record numbers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico during the tournament's opening stages.
🔹 Key Details:
FIFA announced the tournament has set new all-time World Cup attendance records.
Millions of fans have packed stadiums across the three host nations.
Several matches have drawn crowds exceeding 80,000 spectators.
Organizers say the tournament's expanded format and North American venues have fueled unprecedented demand.
The record-breaking crowds continue to showcase the massive excitement surrounding the first 48-team FIFA World Cup, with Southern California set to remain one of the tournament's biggest stages throughout the competition.
👉 Full Story: KTLA
🇺🇸 Why Some Believe the USMNT Can Make a Deep World Cup Run
Despite entering the tournament without being considered among the favorites, several international coaches, analysts, and opponents believe the U.S. Men's National Team has the talent and depth to surprise the field during the knockout stage.
🔹 Key Details:
ESPN highlighted growing confidence from soccer insiders that the U.S. can make a deep tournament run.
The Americans are being praised for their athleticism, depth, and ability to pressure opponents.
Several players have gained valuable experience competing in Europe's top professional leagues.
Success in the knockout rounds will likely depend on staying disciplined defensively while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
While the U.S. isn't viewed as a traditional World Cup powerhouse, many around the sport believe this squad has the pieces to challenge some of the tournament's biggest favorites if it continues its strong form.
👉 Full Story: ESPN
⚽ World Cup Watch Parties Pop Up Across SoCal
Celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026™ at Los Angeles Union Station – match viewing, music & activations. FREE, family-friendly; tickets required.
👉 Events: LA World Cup Fun Zones
⭐ Which World Cup Teams Rely Most on Their Superstars?
ESPN broke down which countries are most dependent on their biggest names, looking at how much players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland influence their team's success.
🔹 Key Details:
ESPN analyzed national team stats since the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina, Portugal, France, Brazil, England, and Norway all lean heavily on their marquee forwards.
Haaland's role with Norway stands out because his team has less overall depth than traditional powers.
Messi and Ronaldo remain major factors for Argentina and Portugal, even late in their careers.
Mbappé, Vinícius, and Harry Kane give their countries elite attacking options, but their teams also have stronger supporting casts.
The big takeaway: superstar talent can still carry a country deep into the tournament—but once the knockout rounds tighten up, the teams with more than one answer usually have the better shot.
👉 Full Story: ESPN
⚽ FIFA World Cup Schedule: June 26–27 ⚽
Monday, June 29
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco — 6:00 PM
Tuesday, June 30
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs. 🇳🇴 Norway — 10:00 AM
🇫🇷 France vs. 🇸🇪 Sweden — 2:00 PM
🇲🇽 Mexico vs. 🇪🇨 Ecuador — 6:00 PM
Wednesday, July 1
🏴 England vs. 🇨🇩 DR Congo — 9:00 AM
🇧🇪 Belgium vs. 🇸🇳 Senegal — 1:00 PM
🇺🇸 United States vs. 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina — 5:00 PM
Thursday, July 2
🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇦🇹 Austria — 12:00 PM
🇵🇹 Portugal vs. 🇭🇷 Croatia — 4:00 PM
🇨🇭 Switzerland vs. 🇩🇿 Algeria — 8:00 PM
Friday, July 3
🇦🇺 Australia vs. 🇪🇬 Egypt — 11:00 AM
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇨🇻 Cape Verde — 3:00 PM
🇨🇴 Colombia vs. 🇬🇭 Ghana — 6:30 PM
👉 Full Schedule and Scores: ESPN
⚽ Top 10 Places to Watch the World Cup in the SFV
Looking for the perfect spot to catch the match? From dedicated soccer pubs to neighborhood favorites, here are 10 San Fernando Valley locations worth checking out during the World Cup.
🍻 Game Changer Brewhouse – Sherman Oaks
One of the Valley's best game-day destinations, featuring plenty of screens, craft beer, and an energetic sports crowd.
🏆 Best Ball | Food Drinks Sports – Van Nuys
A modern sports bar built for watching big games, with excellent viewing angles and a lively atmosphere.
🍔 Taps Valley Gastropub – Northridge
A reliable local favorite with great food, drinks, and plenty of TVs for catching every minute.
🍺 HQ Gastropub – Woodland Hills
Popular for major sporting events thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and elevated pub menu.
⚽ Springbok Bar & Grill – Van Nuys
A longtime soccer hotspot known for attracting passionate fans and showing international matches.
🌮 The Local Peasant – Sherman Oaks
A relaxed neighborhood gastropub offering quality food, drinks, and a comfortable place to watch with friends.
🍕 Rocco’s Tavern – Studio City
Big screens, pizza, cold drinks, and a high-energy sports environment make this a tournament favorite.
📺 Brewz Sports Cafe & Grill – Canoga Park
A casual West Valley staple with plenty of TVs, beer on tap, and a laid-back game-day vibe.
🍻 The Thirsty Merchant – Valley Village
Craft beer, good food, and a neighborhood atmosphere perfect for settling in for a match.
🏟️ Yard House – Northridge
While not soccer-specific, its extensive TV setup, huge beer selection, and central location make it a dependable choice.
💡 NNN Tip: Popular matches can fill up quickly, so call ahead to confirm the game will be on and whether reservations are recommended.
💡 Know something we should feature?
💡 Got a tip? A neighborhood story? A weird thing you saw at Costco?
Hit reply - we read every email. Northridge Now is powered by tips from neighbors like you.
📬 Know someone who'd love NNN?
Forward this issue, or send them to northridgenow.com to subscribe.👉 Next issue drops Wednesday, June 29th.
If someone forwarded you this issue, you can subscribe free and get Northridge updates delivered straight to your inbox.