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👋 Welcome to Northridge Now - Issue #0061
Good Afternoon, Neighbors!
As we kick off July and celebrate 250 years of America, there's no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy everything happening around the San Fernando Valley. From Fourth of July fireworks and family celebrations to World Cup knockout action and inspiring local stories, this week's issue is packed with ways to make the most of the holiday weekend while staying connected to what's happening right here at home.
🔹 In Today's Issue:
• 🎆 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with the San Fernando Valley's biggest Fourth of July events and fireworks guide.
• 🚒 Pacoima's elite rescue team deploys to Venezuela to assist after devastating earthquakes.
• ⚽ Mexico's historic World Cup victory sparks celebrations across Los Angeles, including the San Fernando Valley.
• 🏛️ Take a trip through Valley history with a visit to the incredible Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys.
• 🇺🇸 The USMNT enters the knockout stage with growing momentum as World Cup excitement reaches a new level.
• 🇲🇽 Mexico sends a statement to the world while Paraguay's stunning upset reminds fans why the World Cup always delivers surprises.
• 📅 Plus: This week's World Cup schedule, the best places to watch around the Valley, farmers markets, food events, networking opportunities, and more.
Whether you're planning your Fourth of July weekend, searching for the perfect fireworks show, or simply catching up on what's happening around the Valley, we've got everything you need in one place.
Let’s get into it 👇
🎆 Find Fireworks Near You
Still looking for the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth? We've got you covered. The Canoga Park NC has put together a comprehensive guide to fireworks and drone shows happening across the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a short drive, it's a handy resource with dozens of options to help you celebrate Independence Day.
📰 Valley News
⚽ Mexico's World Cup Victory Sparks Celebrations Across LA
Thousands of fans filled streets across Los Angeles Tuesday night after Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. While many celebrations remained festive, authorities also responded to fireworks, intersection takeovers, and crowd-control incidents in several neighborhoods, including Pacoima.
🔹 Key Details:
Mexico advanced with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
Fans celebrated throughout East LA, Boyle Heights, Huntington Park, and the San Fernando Valley.
Fireworks and street gatherings were reported across multiple communities.
Mexico will now play in the World Cup Round of 16 this weekend.
The victory marked Mexico's first World Cup knockout-stage win in 40 years, sending fans across Southern California into celebration mode.
👉 Full Story: ABC7
🚒 LA County Rescue Team Deploys to Quake-Ravaged Venezuela
Los Angeles County's elite USA-2 Urban Search and Rescue Team, based in Pacoima, has deployed to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country. The 71-member team specializes in locating survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and is joining the international emergency response.
🔹 Key Details:
LA County's internationally certified USA-2 team departed from Pacoima.
The deployment follows Venezuela's strongest earthquakes in more than a century.
Rescue crews are searching for survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
The mission is coordinated through the U.S. Department of State alongside international responders.
The deployment highlights the San Fernando Valley's role in global disaster response, with local firefighters once again answering the call during a major humanitarian crisis.
👉 Full Story: San Fernando Sun
🏛️ Valley Relics Museum Preserves the Valley's History
Hidden inside the Van Nuys Airport, the Valley Relics Museum continues preserving thousands of artifacts that tell the story of the San Fernando Valley's unique history. From vintage neon signs to classic television memorabilia, the museum celebrates the region's cultural impact.
🔹 Key Details:
The museum houses thousands of San Fernando Valley artifacts.
Exhibits feature classic signs, pop culture, and local history.
Founder Tommy Gelinas has spent more than two decades building the collection.
The museum is located at Van Nuys Airport.
The museum offers visitors a chance to experience how the Valley helped shape Southern California—and American pop culture—through decades of preserved history.
👉 Full Story: ABC7
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🎆 Firework News
✨ Shepherd Church Invites Community to Annual 4th of July Spectacular
One of the San Fernando Valley's biggest Independence Day traditions returns this Saturday as Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch hosts its annual 4th of July Spectacular. The free, family-friendly celebration honors America's 250th anniversary with food vendors, children's activities, and a fireworks show to cap off the evening.
🔹 Key Details:
Food vendors and jumpers open at 5:00 p.m.
Fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Admission is free for all attendees.
The celebration takes place at Shepherd Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early as parking is limited and tailgating is not permitted.
The annual event has become a Fourth of July favorite for Valley families, offering an evening of community, patriotic celebration, and one of the area's largest fireworks displays.
👉 Full Details: Shepherd Church
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
🍺 5 LA County Spots Worth Trying for a Michelada
Looking to cool off this summer? The Daily News highlighted five standout locations across Los Angeles County known for serving memorable micheladas, featuring creative twists on the classic beer cocktail.
🔹 Key Details:
The list showcases five highly recommended michelada destinations.
Each location offers its own unique recipe and presentation.
The roundup includes well-known neighborhood favorites across LA County.
It's a great guide for anyone looking to explore local food and drink spots.
Whether you're a longtime michelada fan or trying one for the first time, the roundup offers several local destinations worth adding to your weekend plans.
👉 Full Story: LA Daily News
📍 Local Events
🍅 Weekly Farmers Markets & Food Events
🌻 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
🥕 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
The Wild World of the Van Gogh Truthers
A small but vocal crew of amateur sleuths are intent on exposing what they describe as “the art world’s biggest cover-up”: the murder of Vincent van Gogh. Read the article for free today.
🎖️ Top World Cup Stories
🇺🇸 Home Soil, High Expectations
The U.S. Men's National Team heads into the World Cup knockout stage with growing confidence after an impressive start on home soil. With a favorable path and passionate home crowds behind them, expectations have shifted from simply advancing to making a legitimate deep tournament run. Their next challenge comes against Bosnia & Herzegovina, a physical side known for dangerous set pieces, as the Americans look to keep their dream alive.
👉 Full Story: ESPN
🇲🇽 Fortress Azteca Delivers Again
Mexico is riding a wave of momentum after defeating Ecuador 2-0 in front of more than 80,000 fans at Estadio Azteca. Head coach Javier Aguirre credited the electric atmosphere and connection with supporters as a major factor, while the victory ended El Tri's 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win. Mexico now advances to face England in what promises to be one of the marquee Round of 16 matchups.
👉 Full Story: ESPN
😲 Why World Cup Upsets Never Get Old
Paraguay's stunning penalty shootout victory over Germany instantly joined the list of the World Cup's greatest upsets. ESPN compared the result to unforgettable shockers like Ireland's famous win over Italy in 1994 and Cape Verde's surprise run in this year's tournament, proving that every World Cup creates moments that rewrite history. With several underdogs still alive, fans are wondering which Cinderella story could be next.
👉 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
⚽ FIFA World Cup Schedule: July 1-5 ⚽
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
Saturday, July 4
🇨🇦 Canada vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco — 10:00 AM
🇵🇾 Paraguay vs. 🇫🇷 France — 2:00 PM
Sunday, July 5
🇧🇷 Brazil vs. 🇳🇴 Norway — 1:00 PM
🇲🇽 Mexico vs. 🏴 England — 5:00 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.
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