👋 Welcome to Northridge Now — Issue #0020
Hello Northridge Neighbors! 🌞
Here’s your mid-week update with a mix of local news, public safety alerts, campus updates, and things to do happening across the San Fernando Valley.
It’s been a heavier news cycle locally, with a fatal Metrolink accident in Northridge and DUI checkpoints rolling out across the Valley—both serving as reminders to stay alert and look out for one another.
At the same time, there’s some forward momentum: Los Angeles is moving ahead with a plan to install 60,000 solar-powered streetlights, aiming to improve safety and reliability citywide.
On the positive side, CSUN continues to build momentum, with a new partnership giving student-athletes the ability to launch their own merch and grow their personal brands.
And as we head into the week, there’s no shortage of ways to get out—Dodgers Opening Day watch spots, the Porter Ranch farmers market, and a rare chance to explore the Chatsworth Nature Preserve.
Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:
🚆 Fatal Metrolink Accident in Northridge
🚨 DUI Checkpoints Across the Valley
🌆 LA Plans 60,000 Solar Streetlights
👕 CSUN Launches Athlete Merch Program
⚾ Where to Watch Dodgers Opening Day
🍇 Weekly Farmers Market at The Vineyards
🌿 Spring Equinox at Chatsworth Nature Preserve
Let’s get into it 📰
📰 Valley News
⚠️ Fatal Train Accident in Northridge
A deadly incident occurred in Northridge where a man, identified as Hani Haddad, was struck and killed by a Metrolink train near Chase Street.
Authorities say the collision happened along the tracks in a residential area, with emergency crews responding quickly—but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
🚨 What We Know
🚆 Metrolink train involved in the collision
📍 Incident occurred near Chase Street
👤 Victim identified as Hani Haddad
🚑 Emergency responders arrived, but fatality confirmed on site
The exact circumstances of how the incident occurred are still under investigation.
🧠 Safety Reminder
Rail incidents like this are rare—but often devastating. Officials continue to stress:
🚷 Never walk on or near train tracks
🎧 Avoid distractions (headphones, phones) near crossings
🚦 Always obey signals and crossing gates
👉 Read full article: Here
🚨 DUI Checkpoints Across SFV This Week
Drivers in Northridge and across the San Fernando Valley should be prepared for increased DUI enforcement this week, with checkpoints set up at various locations.
Law enforcement agencies are focusing on evening and late-night hours, when impaired driving incidents are more likely. These checkpoints are part of a broader effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities tied to alcohol and drug use.
👀 What to Expect
🚓 Random stops at checkpoints (locations not announced in advance)
🍺 Strict enforcement for alcohol and drug impairment
⏱️ Short delays as officers screen drivers
👍 Smart Moves
🚗 Use a designated driver or rideshare if you’re going out
📄 Have your license, registration, and insurance ready
🕒 Build in extra travel time, especially at night
👉 Read full article: Patch
🌆 LA Plans 60,000 Solar Streetlights Citywide
Karen Bass has announced a major initiative to install 60,000 solar-powered streetlights across Los Angeles—one of the largest upgrades of its kind in the country.
The goal: improve public safety, reduce energy costs, and bring more reliable lighting to neighborhoods that need it most.
⚡ Why This Matters
💡 Better lighting = safer streets for pedestrians and drivers
🌞 Solar-powered = lower energy costs and less strain on the grid
🔧 Faster deployment in areas lacking infrastructure
Many of these lights will be installed in underserved communities, where poor lighting has been an ongoing concern.
👀 What to Expect
Thousands of new lights rolled out in phases across the city
Focus on high-need and high-traffic areas first
Reduced outages thanks to independent solar power systems
👉 Read full article: LA Daily News
🏐 CSUN News & Sports
🏀 CSUN Partners with Influxer for Athlete Merch
California State University Northridge has officially partnered with Influxer to launch athlete-branded merchandise, giving student-athletes a new way to build their personal brands and earn income.
Through the platform, fans can purchase custom gear featuring CSUN athletes’ names, logos, and designs—all while directly supporting the players.
🔥 Why This Matters
💰 New NIL revenue stream for CSUN athletes
👕 Fans can rep their favorite players with personalized merch
📈 Helps athletes build their brand beyond the game
This move aligns with the growing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, where college athletes can monetize their identity in ways that weren’t possible just a few years ago.
👀 What to Expect
Branded t-shirts, hoodies, and more
Designs tied to individual athletes and teams
A growing catalog as more players join the platform
👉 Shop here: Influxermerch.com
📅 Events & Things To Do
⚾ Where to Watch Dodgers Opening Day (2026)
Opening Day is here—and one of the closest Valley spots to catch the game is 👇
🔥 Featured Spot: Game Changer Brewhouse
• Wall-to-wall TVs
• Full game audio
• Food + drinks ready for game day
Best for: Classic sports bar vibe with a local crowd
👉 More details: Game Changer Brewhouse
📣 Know a Spot in the Valley?
We’re keeping this guide community-driven.
If you know a bar, restaurant, or local hangout in Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch—or anywhere in the Valley— that’s hosting a Dodgers Opening Day event…
👉 Reply to this email and we’ll feature them in an upcoming issue.
⚾ However you watch it—at a bar, at home, or at the stadium—Opening Day always hits different.
Let’s go Dodgers. 💙
🍇 Weekly Farmers Market at The Vineyards
A simple, easy Sunday plan in The Vineyards at Porter Ranch — fresh food, open air, and a great local vibe.
📍 Details
• 📅 Every Sunday
• ⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 📍 Porter Ranch
🥬 What You’ll Find
• Fresh produce
• Artisan foods & local vendors
• Ready-to-eat bites
🌞 Why Go
• Relaxed Sunday outing
• Great setting with nearby coffee & restaurants
• Easy, family-friendly walkable spot
A clean, laid-back alternative to the typical street market — perfect for a slow Sunday morning.
👉 More Info: The Vineyards
🌿 Spring Equinox Celebration — Chatsworth Nature Preserve
A rare chance to explore Chatsworth Nature Preserve — open to the public for one day only.
📍 Details
• 📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
• ⏰ Times vary throughout the day
• Hosted by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
🌸 What to Expect
• Guided nature walks
• Wildlife + conservation exhibits
• Family-friendly activities
🌞 Why Go
• Rare access to a normally closed preserve
• Great for families and nature lovers
• Unique way to experience the Valley outdoors
A simple way to slow down and enjoy a side of the Valley most people never see.
👀 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
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