Hello Northridge Neighbors! ☀️

Here’s your quick midweek update with a mix of local news, public safety alerts, campus highlights, and upcoming community events happening across the San Fernando Valley.

From an attempted kidnapping in North Hills that has families on alert, to a major groundwater cleanup expansion proposal that could impact the Valley’s long-term water supply — there’s a lot unfolding close to home. We’re also covering new housing protections for wildfire survivors, along with strong momentum at CSUN, including student support efforts and national recognition for Matadors basketball.

Plus, a look ahead at meaningful and high-energy events, from a Vietnam veterans memorial coming to Woodland Hills to world-class performances at The Soraya.

Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:

• 🚨 Attempted Kidnapping in North Hills — Suspect Still on the Run
• 💧 Groundwater Cleanup Expansion Proposed in the San Fernando Valley
• 🏠 LA County Extends Protections to Keep Fire Survivors Housed
• 🥫 New Gift Helps Stock CSUN Food Pantry for Students in Need
• 🏀 CSUN Duo Earns Historic All-District Honors
• 🇺🇸 The Wall That Heals Vietnam Memorial Coming to Woodland Hills (April 2026)
• 🎶 Quinteto Astor Piazzolla Coming to The Soraya
• 🎪 Cirque Kalabante Bringing High-Energy African Circus to Northridge

Let’s get into it. 📰

A disturbing incident in North Hills has local families on edge after police say a man tried to kidnap two teenage girls in broad daylight.

Here’s what we know so far 👇

📍 The Incident
• The attempted kidnapping happened as two teen girls were walking in a residential neighborhood
• A man reportedly approached them and tried to force them into his vehicle
• Thankfully, the girls were able to break free and escape safely

🚔 Suspect Details
• Described as a man driving a dark-colored vehicle
• Police have released images and are actively searching for him
• He remains at large as of now

⚠️ Why This Matters
• This happened in the middle of the day — not late at night
• It’s a reminder that even “quiet” neighborhoods aren’t immune
• Parents and teens are being urged to stay alert and aware of surroundings

🛡️ Safety Reminder
• Avoid walking alone when possible
• Stay aware of vehicles slowing down or following
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, act fast

LAPD is asking anyone with information to come forward as they continue the search.

👉 Stay alert, check in with your family, and keep an eye out — this is one of those moments where community awareness really matters.

A major environmental cleanup effort in the San Fernando Valley could soon expand, as federal officials move forward with a plan to tackle long-standing groundwater contamination in the region.

Here’s what’s happening 👇

📍 The Proposal
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing an expansion of an existing groundwater cleanup project
• The plan focuses on increasing treatment capacity to remove harmful chemicals from underground water sources
• Contamination in parts of the Valley dates back decades, tied to industrial activity

🧪 What’s in the Water
• Pollutants include industrial solvents like TCE (trichloroethylene), which can pose health risks
• These chemicals have been detected in groundwater basins that supply drinking water across the Valley

🏗️ What the Expansion Would Do
• Add new treatment systems to pump and clean contaminated groundwater
• Prevent further spread of pollutants underground
• Strengthen long-term water quality for surrounding communities

⚠️ Why It Matters Locally
• Groundwater is a key drinking water source for millions across Los Angeles
• Cleanup efforts help protect public health and future water supply
• The expansion signals continued federal attention on Valley environmental issues

🗣️ What’s Next
• The EPA is opening the proposal for public review and input
• Community members will have a chance to weigh in before plans are finalized

👉 This is a long-term investment in the Valley’s water safety — and a reminder of how past industrial activity still impacts the region today.

In a move aimed at preventing displacement, Los Angeles County officials have approved new measures to help wildfire survivors remain in their homes as recovery continues.

Here’s what you need to know 👇

📍 What Changed
• The County is extending temporary rent protections for residents impacted by recent wildfires
• Limits on rent increases will remain in place for affected tenants
• The threshold for evictions has been raised, making it harder for tenants to be removed

🔥 Who This Helps
• Residents displaced or financially impacted by recent fires across Los Angeles County
• Families still rebuilding or dealing with insurance and recovery delays
• Renters at risk of sudden housing instability during recovery

💸 Why It Matters
• Prevents sharp rent hikes during a vulnerable time
• Gives families more breathing room to stabilize financially
• Helps avoid a secondary housing crisis following natural disasters

⚖️ Bigger Picture
• Housing affordability remains a major issue across the region
• These protections are part of a broader effort to balance landlord rights with tenant stability during emergencies

🗣️ What’s Next
• The protections are temporary but could be extended again depending on recovery timelines
• Officials will continue monitoring housing conditions and fire recovery progress

👉 For many families, this decision provides critical time — not just to rebuild homes, but to regain stability after crisis.

A generous new donation is making a real impact at California State University, Northridge, helping ensure students have reliable access to food and basic essentials.

Here’s what’s happening 👇

🎁 The Gift
• A new contribution has been made to support the university’s on-campus food pantry
• The funding will go toward purchasing and stocking essential food items for students
• It strengthens ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity within the campus community

🍎 Supporting Students
• The CSUN Food Pantry provides free groceries and supplies to students in need
• Many students rely on the pantry to stay focused on school while managing financial challenges
• Demand has remained high as cost-of-living pressures continue

💡 Why It Matters
• Food insecurity affects a significant number of college students nationwide
• Access to basic needs like food directly impacts academic success and well-being
• Donations like this help remove barriers so students can stay on track

🤝 Community Impact
• The gift reflects growing awareness and support for student needs beyond the classroom
• It also highlights the role of donors and community partners in supporting local education

🗣️ Looking Ahead
• CSUN continues to expand resources aimed at student wellness and stability
• Additional support and partnerships are expected to further strengthen these programs

👉 It’s a simple but powerful reminder — when students are supported, they’re better positioned to succeed both in school and beyond.

Big recognition for CSUN Men’s Basketball as two standout players just made program history.

Here’s what happened 👇

🌟 Record-Setting Recognition
• Larry Hughes II and Josiah Davis were both named NABC All-District Second Team
• This marks the most All-District honorees in CSUN Division I history
• The honor comes from the National Association of Basketball Coaches

🔥 Season Performance
• Both players were key contributors all season long
• Consistent scoring, leadership, and impact on both ends of the floor
• Helped drive the Matadors’ competitive push throughout the year

📈 Why It Matters
• National recognition puts CSUN talent on a bigger stage
• Signals growth and momentum within the program
• Sets a new benchmark for future Matador players

🙌 Community Reaction
• Fans and teammates flooded social media with support
• The moment reflects pride not just for the players—but for the entire Matador program

👉 A strong finish for CSUN Men’s Basketball—and a sign that this program is building something worth watching.

A globally acclaimed tango group is bringing the music of legendary composer Astor Piazzolla to Northridge this month.

The Quinteto Astor Piazzolla will perform at The Soraya as part of their “Oblivion Tour.”

The group is recognized worldwide for performing Piazzolla’s revolutionary “nuevo tango” style — a fusion of traditional Argentine tango with jazz and classical influences.

📍 Event Details

• Event: Quinteto Astor Piazzolla — Oblivion Tour
• Location: The Soraya at California State University Northridge
• What to expect: Virtuosic tango, bandoneón-driven melodies, and a tribute to one of the most influential composers in Latin music history

🎼 Why It Matters Locally

The Soraya regularly hosts international artists, bringing world-class performances to the Northridge community without needing to travel into downtown Los Angeles.

For music lovers across the San Fernando Valley, the concert offers a rare chance to experience authentic Argentine tango performed by the ensemble dedicated to preserving Piazzolla’s musical legacy.

👉 See the full event details and ticket information at The Soraya

An electrifying circus experience is heading to Northridge as Cirque Kalabante brings its high-energy acrobatic show to The Soraya.

The internationally touring troupe blends African music, dance, and gravity-defying acrobatics into a colorful performance inspired by life in West Africa.

📍 What to Expect

• Powerful acrobatics and human pyramids
• Live percussion and traditional African rhythms
• Fast-paced choreography and storytelling through movement

🎭 Why It Matters Locally

Events like this are part of California State University Northridge’s effort to bring world-class cultural performances directly to the San Fernando Valley.

For local families, students, and performing arts fans, the show offers a rare chance to experience an international circus production right here in Northridge.

👉 See full event details and ticket information at The Soraya

• 📅 A local event coming up
• 🏪 A new or longtime local business
• 📣 Something happening others should know

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