Here’s your week-end update with a mix of local news, community moments, campus highlights, and things to do happening across the San Fernando Valley.

From the removal of the César Chávez statue in San Fernando—a decision that’s sparked emotion and reflection across the community—to a burst of record-breaking heat that reminded us just how quickly the Valley can shift seasons… there’s a lot unfolding close to home.

We’re also highlighting some strong wins across local schools, with statewide recognition bringing a well-earned spotlight to students, teachers, and families throughout the Valley. And over at CSUN, momentum continues to build—with both Men’s Volleyball and Women’s Tennis stacking impressive performances and giving fans something to rally behind.

Plus, we’re looking ahead at ways to get out and enjoy the community, from Dodgers Opening Day watch spots to local markets, nature events, and meaningful gatherings that bring people together.

Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:

• 🚨 Attempted Kidnapping in North Hills — Suspect Still on the Run
• 🌡️ Record Heat Hits SoCal — Cooler Weather Ahead
• 🎓 SFV Schools Earn Statewide Honors
• 🏐 CSUN Men’s Volleyball Secures Statement Win
• 🎾 CSUN Women’s Tennis Extends Win Streak
• ⚾ Where to Watch Dodgers Opening Day in the Valley
• 🇺🇸 The Wall That Heals Coming to Woodland Hills
• 🍇 Weekly Farmers Market at The Vineyards
• 🌿 Spring Equinox Celebration at Chatsworth Nature Preserve

Let’s get into it. 📰

A powerful and emotional moment unfolded in San Fernando this week as a statue honoring César Chávez was taken down — leaving many in the community shocked and searching for answers.

Here’s what we know 👇

📍 What Happened

• City officials removed the Chávez statue following new allegations tied to his legacy
• The decision happened quickly, catching many residents off guard
• The statue had long stood as a symbol of pride and cultural identity

💬 Community Response

• Many residents expressed sadness and disbelief
• Some are calling for more transparency and community input
• There’s a shared feeling that something meaningful was removed too abruptly

🕊️ Why This Hits Deep

For many in the Valley, César Chávez represents perseverance, dignity, and advocacy for working families. His legacy is woven into local culture, making this moment feel personal for many.

⚖️ What Comes Next

As more details emerge, the community is navigating a difficult balance — honoring a legacy that has inspired generations while also taking new information seriously.

This isn’t just about a statue — it’s about identity, history, and how a community moves forward together.

👉 Read more: LA Daily News

Southern California just experienced a burst of summer-like heat — but relief is finally on the way.

Here’s what to know 👇

📍 What Happened

• Temperatures surged into the 90s and triple digits in some areas
• Several records were tied or broken across the region
• The heat arrived earlier than typical for this time of year

🔥 Why It Felt So Intense

• A strong high-pressure system trapped heat over the region
• Limited ocean breeze kept conditions hot and dry
• Increased fire risk in some areas

🌬️ What’s Next

• Temperatures expected to drop heading into the weekend
• Cooler ocean air returning
• More typical seasonal weather ahead

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Early heat can catch people off guard
• Hydration and heat safety still important
• Sudden spikes increase energy use and strain

A quick reminder — even in early spring, the Valley can heat up fast… but this time, it’s cooling down just as quickly.

👉 Read more: LA Daily News

There’s some well-earned good news across the Valley — several San Fernando Valley schools have received statewide recognition for their performance and student support.

Here’s what to know 👇

📍 What Happened

• Multiple SFV schools were honored by the California Department of Education
• Recognition highlights academic achievement and student support programs
• Awards reflect both student performance and staff dedication

🏫 Why It Matters

• 👩‍🏫 Strong teaching and leadership in local classrooms
• 📚 Continued focus on student growth and well-being
• 🎓 Builds pride and confidence for families and students

💬 Local Impact

• Parents gain reassurance in local schools
• Students feel recognized for their efforts
• Educators receive acknowledgment for their work

🌟 Looking Ahead

• Continued investment in programs that are working
• Focus on maintaining and building on this success
• Ongoing collaboration between schools and the community

In a time when education faces challenges, this is a strong reminder — great things are happening in SFV schools.

👉 Read more: The San Fernando Sun

There’s some strong momentum building on the court for CSUN Men’s Volleyball — and this latest match showed exactly why.

Here’s what went down 👇

📍 Match Recap

The Matadors didn’t start easy — dropping the first set — but quickly turned things around in dominant fashion.

• Lost the opening set
• Responded with three straight set wins
• Closed out the match with confidence and control

Final result: CSUN wins 3–1

🔥 What Stood Out

• 💪 Strong resilience after a slow start
• 🧱 Improved blocking and defensive pressure at the net
• ⚡ Offensive rhythm picked up as the match progressed

Once they found their groove, the Matadors looked tough to stop.

🏆 Why It Matters

This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement.

• Shows the team’s ability to adjust mid-match
• Builds confidence heading into tougher competition
• Keeps momentum rolling in non-conference play

Beating a ranked opponent (No. 17 CSU Northridge Men’s VB opponent reference) adds even more weight to the result.

📣 Local Take

CSUN continues to be one of those teams that can flip a switch quickly — and when they do, they’re dangerous.

For fans and students, it’s a great time to tap in and catch a match. The energy is building.

More Matadors updates coming — this team is starting to heat up 🔥

Another strong showing from the Matadors — and this time it’s the women’s tennis team keeping the momentum alive.

Here’s what happened 👇

📍 Match Recap

CSUN continued its winning streak with a decisive victory over Omaha.

• Final Score: CSUN 4 – Omaha 1
• Marks five straight wins for the Matadors
• Strong performances across singles play secured the win

🔥 Who Delivered

The Matadors leaned on key singles victories to close it out:

• West
• Moratalla
• Ishikawa
• Dermenjyan

Each stepped up when it mattered, helping seal another team win.

💪 Why It Matters

• 🎾 Five-match win streak shows consistency and growth
• 📈 Strong individual performances translating into team success
• 🔥 Builds momentum as the season progresses

This team is finding its rhythm — and it’s showing.

📣 Local Take

CSUN athletics continues to put together a solid run across multiple sports right now. The women’s tennis team is quietly stacking wins and building something worth paying attention to.

If you haven’t been following — now’s a good time to start. The Matadors are rolling.

If you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed way to spend your Sunday, this one checks all the boxes — fresh food, open air, and a great local setting.

Here’s what to know 👇

📍 What’s Happening

Weekly Farmers Market at The Vineyards
📅 Every Sunday
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Vineyards at Porter Ranch

Set in one of the Valley’s newer and more upscale outdoor centers, this market blends fresh produce with a clean, walkable, community-focused environment.

🥬 What You’ll Find

• Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables
• Artisan foods and specialty vendors
• Ready-to-eat bites and snacks
• Local goods from small businesses

It’s a mix of practical shopping and casual weekend exploring.

🌞 Why It’s Worth Your Time

• 🛍️ Great excuse to get out on a Sunday morning
• 🍓 Fresh, high-quality options in a beautiful setting
• ☕ Grab coffee or brunch nearby and make a morning of it
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and easy to walk

You can shop, eat, and hang out — all without feeling rushed.

🏞️ Local Vibe

The Vineyards adds a different feel compared to a traditional street market — it’s cleaner, more polished, and surrounded by restaurants and shops. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, meet up with friends, or just enjoy being out in the community.

If you’re in or around Porter Ranch, this is one of the easiest ways to turn a Sunday morning into something enjoyable.

👉 More Info: The Vineyards

Looking for something a little different this weekend? This is one of those rare local experiences that blends nature, education, and community — right here in the Valley.

Here’s what’s happening 👇

Spring Equinox Celebration — Chatsworth Nature Preserve
📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
⏰ (Event times vary throughout the day)
📍 Chatsworth Nature Preserve

Hosted by LADWP, this special event offers rare public access to the preserve — something that doesn’t happen often.

🌸 What to Expect

• Guided nature walks through the preserve
• Educational exhibits and environmental displays
• Wildlife and habitat insights
• Family-friendly activities and hands-on learning

It’s a chance to experience a protected natural space that’s usually closed to the public.

🌞 Why It Matters

• 🌿 Celebrates the arrival of spring and seasonal change
• 🐦 Highlights local wildlife and conservation efforts
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for families, kids, and nature lovers
• 📍 Rare opportunity to explore a normally restricted area

Events like this don’t come around often — especially in a place like the Chatsworth Nature Preserve.

🌄 Local Take

In a city that moves fast, this is a chance to slow things down for a few hours. Walk the trails, learn something new, and reconnect with a part of the Valley that most people never get to see up close.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend your Saturday, this one’s worth putting on your list.

📍 Event Details

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

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