👋 Welcome to Northridge Now — Issue #0012
Happy Friday, Northridge! ☀️
It’s been a busy week across the Valley — from a student protest outside Reseda Charter High School that’s sparked conversations about school safety, to new housing data showing Northridge and Granada Hills officially joining the million-dollar home value club.
There’s also plenty happening around town this weekend. BaFang Dumpling is celebrating its grand opening in Northridge, world-renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan is performing at The Soraya, and the Granada Hills Grubfest is back Friday night with dozens of food trucks and a packed street scene.
Let’s get you caught up on the biggest local stories and what’s happening around Northridge this weekend.
In today’s edition:
🚨 Students Protest Outside Reseda Charter High School Following Student Death
🚨 Police Seek Driver in North Hills Hit-and-Run That Left Pedestrian Seriously Injured
🏡 Northridge and Granada Hills Join the “Million-Dollar Neighborhood” Club
🏆 Matt Warshaw Sets Record for Most CSUN Water Polo Coaching Wins
🏃 CSUN Runner Walter Pierce Making Strides for the Matadors
🥟 BaFang Dumpling Celebrates Northridge Grand Opening
🎹 Tigran Hamasyan Live at The Soraya
🌮 Granada Hills Grubfest — Friday Night Tradition & more
Let’s get into it 👇
📰 Developing Story
🎓 Students Protest Outside Reseda Charter High School Following Student Death
Students gathered outside Reseda Charter High School this week to call for stronger action against bullying following the death of a 12-year-old student.
Family members say Khimberly Zavaleta suffered a brain hemorrhage after reportedly being struck with a metal water bottle during an altercation on campus.
About 100 students participated in the demonstration, holding signs and calling for greater accountability and improved safety measures in schools.
A memorial has formed outside the school where classmates and community members have left flowers and messages honoring the young student.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion in the community about bullying prevention and student safety in local schools.
🚨 Police Seek Driver in North Hills Hit-and-Run That Left Pedestrian Seriously Injured
Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a hit-and-run crash in North Hills left a pedestrian with serious injuries earlier this week.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred near Sepulveda Boulevard and Nordhoff Street when a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.
Investigators believe the driver was operating an older dark-colored Toyota Camry. Instead of stopping to help, the driver fled the scene.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and remains in serious condition.
Detectives say a reward of up to $25,000 may be available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash — or who may have dash-cam or nearby security footage — to come forward.
📣 Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
👉 Full Story: LAPDonline.org
📈 Local Economy
🏠 Northridge and Granada Hills Join the “Million-Dollar Neighborhood” Club
🏡 San Fernando Valley Home Prices Top $1 Million in Several Neighborhoods
Home prices across the San Fernando Valley continue to climb, with several local communities now officially reaching million-dollar median home values.
Recent housing data shows that Northridge, Granada Hills, and Chatsworth have all crossed the $1 million mark for typical home prices.
💰 Approximate median values:
• 🏡 Northridge: around $1.1 million
• 🏡 Granada Hills: around $1.02 million
• 🏡 Chatsworth: around $1.02 million
While home prices in Los Angeles have been high for years, the San Fernando Valley was traditionally considered a more affordable alternative compared to neighborhoods over the hill.
📊 Real estate experts say the continued rise reflects strong buyer demand, limited housing inventory, and more families looking for larger homes and quieter neighborhoods.
For current homeowners, the trend represents growing equity and rising property values. For new buyers, however, entering the housing market is becoming increasingly difficult as prices continue to climb.
🤝 CSUN SPORTS
🏆 Matt Warshaw Sets Record for Most CSUN Water Polo Coaching Wins
History was made for CSUN Matadors water polo this week as head coach Matt Warshaw officially became the winningest head coach in program history.
With the latest Matadors victory, Warshaw surpassed the previous record to claim the most career coaching wins in CSUN men’s water polo history — a major milestone for the longtime leader of the program.
Warshaw has been a central figure in building the Matadors into a competitive force in collegiate water polo, guiding the team through multiple successful seasons and developing standout athletes along the way.
Players and fans celebrated the moment as the record was announced, recognizing Warshaw’s years of leadership, consistency, and dedication to the program.
For CSUN athletics, the milestone represents more than just a number — it reflects years of hard work, team development, and a culture of excellence inside the Matadors water polo program.
👏 Congratulations to Coach Warshaw and the entire Matadors program on the historic achievement.
📸 More info: See the announcement and celebration from CSUN Water Polo here: Instagram
🏃 CSUN Runner Walter Pierce Making Strides for the Matadors
Student-athlete Walter Pierce has been gaining attention as a standout runner for the Cal State Northridge Matadors track and field team.
Competing for California State University, Northridge, Pierce represents the strong tradition of distance and middle-distance running within the Matadors program. Known for his endurance and disciplined training, he has contributed to CSUN’s competitive presence in conference track meets and cross-country events.
CSUN athletics continues to develop student-athletes who balance academics with high-level competition, and Pierce is part of the next generation helping to carry that legacy forward.
For local sports fans in the San Fernando Valley, it’s always exciting to watch homegrown talent compete on the collegiate stage — especially when they’re wearing the Matador uniform. 🏁
📅 Events & Things To Do
🥟🎉 BaFang Dumpling - Grand Opening
Dumpling lovers in the Valley have something new to celebrate! 🎉 BaFang Dumpling, the globally popular Taiwanese dumpling chain, is officially opening its doors on March 6 with several special giveaways and prizes for early customers.
Known for its crispy pan-fried dumplings, flavorful potstickers, and authentic Taiwanese comfort food, BaFang has built a strong following worldwide. 🌏 Guests can enjoy juicy pork dumplings, chicken dumplings, vegetable options, noodles, soups, and other classic Taiwanese dishes. 🍜🥢
To celebrate the opening, the restaurant is offering several limited-time promotions and prizes:
🎁 FREE Bafang x Northridge T-Shirt
📅 March 6 & March 7
• First 100 paying customers
• Limit 1 per customer
• While supplies last
🎟 FREE Combo Voucher
📅 March 6–7
• First 100 paying customers
• Valid for redemption March 9 – April 9, 2026
• Limit 1 per customer
👜 FREE Cooler Bag
📅 March 6–8
• With $35+ purchase
• Limit 1 per transaction
• While supplies last
🎊 RAFFLE PRIZES (March 6–8)
• 🏆 Grand Prize: Flatscreen TV & Apple Watch
• 🍜 “Lucky 20” Prize: Eat BaFang FREE for a YEAR
• 🎟 One raffle ticket per transaction
With giveaways, prizes, and plenty of dumplings, the grand opening is expected to draw a big crowd. If you’ve been curious about BaFang, this week might be the perfect time to try it. 🥟🔥
🎹 Tigran Hamasyan Live at The Soraya
World-renowned Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan is bringing his genre-blending sound to The Soraya in Northridge.
Known for fusing Armenian folk traditions with jazz, classical, and progressive influences, his performances are powerful, intricate, and deeply emotional.
A rare opportunity to experience innovative live music — right here in our backyard.
Saturday March 7th
🌮 Granada Hills Grubfest — Friday Night Tradition
Granada Hills’ favorite weekly food tradition lights up Chatsworth Street every Friday night.
Granada Hills Grubfest brings together neighbors, families, and food lovers for an open-air evening packed with flavor, energy, and community connection.
📍 What’s Happening
Granada Hills Grubfest — Weekly Food Truck Night
📅 Every Friday
⏰ 5:00–10:00 PM
📍 Chatsworth St — Between White Oak Ave & Zelzah Ave
Expect 30+ rotating food trucks serving everything from tacos and BBQ to specialty fusion bites and sweet treats. It’s casual, dog-friendly, and built for a relaxed Friday night vibe.
🔧 Why It Matters Locally
• 🌮 30+ food trucks weekly — endless variety without leaving the neighborhood
• 🏘️ Community connection — neighbors meeting neighbors
• 🐶 Family & dog friendly — easy night out for everyone
• 🍔 Supports local vendors — small businesses serving the Valley
Grubfest isn’t just dinner — it’s a weekly reminder of how strong and social this community really is.
👀 What’s Coming Next
More local business spotlights
Short, relevant Northridge news
Events, deals, and community updates worth paying attention to
💡 Know something we should feature?
• 📅 A local event coming up
• 🏪 A new or longtime local business
• 📣 Something happening others should know
If someone forwarded you this issue, you can subscribe free and get Northridge updates delivered straight to your inbox.