👋 Welcome to Northridge Now — Issue #0023
Happy Wednesday Evening Northridge Neighbors 🌙
Here’s your midweek update with a mix of local headlines, campus news, and things to do happening across Northridge and the Valley as we head toward the weekend.
Tonight’s issue carries a heavier local note, with new developments in the Northridge ambush-style shooting case now moving through the courts, while a possible LAUSD teacher strike is drawing closer and raising concern for families across Los Angeles. We’re also looking at major changes in local media, as familiar faces at KTLA have been impacted by a new round of layoffs.
On campus, CSUN is giving us a lot to watch. We’re remembering Rudy Acuña, whose impact on Chicano Studies and CSUN will be felt for generations, while also spotlighting a strong moment for women’s tennis, a bigger conversation around women’s representation in sports, and new NIL merch opportunities featuring athletes like Maleya Miles.
And as the weekend gets closer, there’s no shortage of local options—from Easter events around the Valley, to Granada Hills Grubfest, to a laid-back Sunday at The Vineyards farmers market in Porter Ranch.
Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:
🚨 Northridge Ambush Shooting Case Update
📚 UTLA Rejects LAUSD Report
📺 KTLA Layoffs Hit Familiar Faces
🕊️ Remembering Rudy Acuña
🎾 CSUN Women’s Tennis Gets First Big West Win
🏅 Women in Sports: Why It Matters
👕 CSUN Athlete Merch + Maleya Miles Spotlight
🧠 Trivia Nights in Northridge
🐣 Easter Events Around the Valley
🌮 Granada Hills Grubfest
🍇 Farmers Market at The Vineyards
Let’s get into it 📰
📰 Valley News - Local Update
🚨 2 Plead Not Guilty in Northridge Ambush Shooting Case
Two suspects have officially pleaded not guilty in connection with the killing of a local singer in what authorities are calling an “ambush-style” shooting in Northridge.
🔍 What We Know
The incident involved a targeted shooting that left the victim dead at the scene
Prosecutors allege the attack was planned and deliberate
Both defendants appeared in court and entered not guilty pleas
The case is now moving forward through the legal system
⚖️ What Happens Next
A preliminary hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial
If convicted, the suspects could face serious felony charges, including murder
Investigators are continuing to piece together motive and circumstances
💭 Why It Matters
This case has shaken parts of the local community due to its targeted nature
It highlights ongoing concerns around public safety and violent crime in the Valley
NNN will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more details come out.
👉 Read full article: Patch
📚 UTLA Rejects LAUSD Report as Strike Deadline Approaches
Tensions are rising across Los Angeles schools as the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) has officially rejected a fact-finding report tied to ongoing contract negotiations with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). With an April 14 strike deadline looming, both sides appear to be digging in—leaving students, parents, and staff bracing for potential disruption.
⚖️ What’s Happening
A neutral fact-finding panel released recommendations aimed at resolving contract disputes
UTLA rejected the report, arguing it doesn’t go far enough on key issues
The union is pushing for improvements in teacher pay, class sizes, and staffing levels including counselors and support staff
🗣️ Why UTLA Said No
Union leaders say the report fails to adequately address the real conditions inside classrooms, especially in high-need areas. They believe accepting the recommendations would fall short of delivering the resources and support teachers—and students—need.
🏫 What LAUSD Is Saying
LAUSD officials have indicated the report represents a balanced approach, taking into account budget realities while still offering meaningful improvements. The district has expressed a desire to avoid a strike and continue negotiations.
⏳ What’s Next
April 14 is the key date—if no agreement is reached, a teacher strike could begin
Both sides may still return to the table before then
A strike would impact hundreds of thousands of students across Los Angeles
💭 Why It Matters
A strike would disrupt classroom learning across the region
It highlights ongoing challenges in public education, especially around funding and staffing
The outcome could set the tone for future labor negotiations statewide.
👉 Read full article: LA Daily News
📺 KTLA Layoffs Impact Familiar Faces
A wave of layoffs at KTLA has impacted several well-known on-air personalities, including Mark Kriski, Lu Parker, and Glen Walker—names many Southern California viewers have seen for years.
The cuts are part of broader changes affecting local television news, as stations across the country adjust to shifting viewer habits and financial pressures.
📉 What Happened
Multiple staff members, including veteran anchors, were let go
The move is part of broader restructuring in local TV news
📊 Bigger Picture
Stations are facing pressure from streaming and digital media
Shifting ad revenue is driving cost cuts across the industry
💭 Why It Matters
These are familiar faces in LA households
It reflects the changing landscape of local news
More changes may follow as traditional TV continues to evolve.
👉 Read full article: LA Daily News
🏐 CSUN Community News & Sports
🕊️ Chicano Studies Pioneer Rudy Acuña Dies at 93
Rodolfo "Rudy" Acuña, a trailblazer in Chicano Studies and longtime professor at California State University Northridge (CSUN), has passed away at the age of 93.
📚 A Lasting Legacy
Acuña was a founding figure in Chicano Studies, helping establish the field in the late 1960s
He taught at CSUN for decades, shaping generations of students
His influential book, Occupied America, became a cornerstone text in ethnic studies programs nationwide
🎓 Impact on Education
Acuña was known for challenging traditional narratives and advocating for greater representation of Mexican American history and culture in education. His work helped open doors for broader ethnic studies programs across California and beyond.
💭 Why It Matters
His contributions helped redefine how history is taught in schools
Many of today’s ethnic studies programs trace their roots back to his work
His legacy continues through the students and educators he inspired
Rudy Acuña’s influence on education—especially here in the Valley through CSUN—will be felt for generations to come.
👉 Read More: KPBS
🎾 CSUN Women’s Tennis Earns First Big West Win
The CSUN Matadors women's tennis secured their first Big West Conference victory of the season with a strong win over UC Riverside Highlanders women's tennis.
🎾 Match Highlights
CSUN delivered a complete team performance, contributing in both singles and doubles play
The Matadors built early momentum and carried it through to secure the win
Key individual victories helped seal the match and boost team confidence
🔥 Turning Point
This win marks an important milestone for CSUN as they continue conference play, showing growth and resilience after a challenging start to the season.
📈 What It Means
First conference win gives the Matadors momentum moving forward
Strengthens their position as they face upcoming Big West opponents
Builds confidence for the remainder of the season
💭 Why It Matters
Conference wins are critical for standings and postseason opportunities
It highlights the team’s development and competitiveness within the Big West
A big step forward for CSUN Women’s Tennis as they look to build on this momentum in the matches ahead.
👉 Full Story: Go Matadors
⚾ CSUN Falls on Walk-Off Homer at Pepperdine
While female athletes have gained more recognition in recent years, gaps still exist:
📺 Media coverage remains limited compared to men’s sports
💰 Pay disparities continue across many professional leagues
🧢 Leadership roles—coaches, executives, and officials—are still male-dominated
Representation matters not just on the field, but behind the scenes where decisions are made.
🌍 The impact of visibility
👧 Inspires younger generations to pursue sports
💪 Builds confidence and expands opportunities for women
📈 Drives growth in women’s leagues and fan engagement
When women are seen competing, leading, and succeeding, it reshapes expectations and opens doors.
⚖️ Progress—but not parity
There has been meaningful movement toward equality, but true balance hasn’t been reached. Continued advocacy, investment, and awareness are key to closing the gap.
👉 Full Story: Go Matadors
🏐 CSUN Teams Up with Influxer for Athlete Merch — Spotlight on Maleya Miles
California State University Northridge is stepping further into the NIL era with a new partnership with Influxer—giving student-athletes the ability to launch their own branded merchandise and earn directly from their name and image.
🏐 Athlete Spotlight
Maleya Miles (#14, Beach Volleyball) is among the athletes benefiting from this opportunity
Fans can now support her with personalized gear tied directly to her brand
🔥 Why This Matters
💰 Opens up a new income stream for CSUN athletes through NIL
👕 Gives fans a way to rep specific players, not just the school
📈 Helps athletes like Maleya Miles build a personal brand beyond competition
👀 What to Expect
Custom merch including t-shirts, hoodies, and more
Athlete-specific designs and collections
More CSUN athletes joining the platform over time
This partnership reflects the continued evolution of college sports, where athletes are no longer just competitors—they’re brands.
👉 Shop here: Influxermerch.com
📅 Events & Things To Do
🧠 Trivia Nights in Northridge: Test Your Knowledge This Week
Looking for a fun way to switch up your week? Northridge has a couple of local trivia nights where you can grab a drink, bring some friends, and put your knowledge to the test.
🍻 Thursday Trivia at Paragon Bar and Grill
🗓️ Thursday nights
🧠 Classic pub-style trivia with a laid-back vibe
🍔 Full menu + drinks while you play
👥 Great for groups looking for a casual night out
🎮 Tuesday Trivia at Dave & Buster’s (Hosted by Leaderboard Games)
🗓️ Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
🏆 Competitive format with rankings and leaderboard play
🎯 Mix of trivia + arcade energy
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for groups, date nights, or team competition
💭 Why It’s Worth Checking Out
🧠 Fun way to challenge yourself and learn random facts
🍻 Combines food, drinks, and entertainment
🤝 Easy way to connect with friends or meet new people locally
Whether you’re going for bragging rights or just a good time, these Northridge trivia nights are a solid midweek option to keep things interesting.
🐣 Easter Events Happening Around the Valley
Looking for something fun to do this Easter? Here are some of the top events happening in and around the San Fernando Valley 👇
🐰 Spring Bunny Selfies (The Vineyards – Porter Ranch)
📸 Family-friendly photo ops with spring-themed bunny characters
🌸 Festive outdoor setting at The Vineyards shopping center
👨👩👧👦 Great quick stop for kids + easy weekend activity
🗓️ Perfect add-on if you’re already heading to the farmers market nearby
🐰 Los Angeles Zoo Spring Activities
🎨 Kids crafts and spring-themed activities
📸 Photo ops and interactive exhibits
🦁 A fun twist on Easter with a full zoo experience
🥚 Local Valley Egg Hunts (Multiple Parks)
📍 Events happening across Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth & more
🐣 Age-group egg hunts for kids
🎉 Games, prizes, and community activities
📸 Easter Bunny appearances at select locations
🐰 Westfield Topanga & The Village Easter Bunny Experience
📸 Classic Easter Bunny photo sessions
🛍️ Easy stop while shopping
👨👩👧👦 Great for younger kids and quick family outings
💭 NNN Tip
🕘 Most egg hunts happen early—arrive ahead of time
🧺 Bring your own basket just in case
📍 Check local park pages for exact times and age groups
Plenty of options this week to get out, enjoy the weather, and celebrate Easter right here in the Valley 🐣
🌮 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.
🍇 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
👀 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.