👋 Welcome to Northridge Now — Issue #0024
Happy Friday Northridge Neighbors 🌤️
And to those celebrating—Happy Easter 🐣 and Happy Passover ✡️ to you and your families this weekend.
Here’s your end-of-week update with a mix of local headlines, campus news, and things to do happening across Northridge and the Valley as we head into the weekend.
Today’s issue carries a strong local focus, with multiple incidents out of Van Nuys raising awareness—from a $1M retail theft bust to a tow truck scam costing residents thousands. We’re also covering a tragic development out of nearby Reseda High School, highlighting serious concerns around bullying and safety in our community.
On campus, CSUN brings both momentum and opportunity. Baseball opens strong in conference play, softball returns home today with a doubleheader, and the NIL space continues to grow with new merch partnerships for student-athletes.
And with the weekend here, there’s no shortage of ways to get out—Easter events across the Valley, Granada Hills Grubfest tonight, and plenty of local spots to relax, explore, and enjoy the community.
Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:
🚨 $1M Retail Theft Bust in Van Nuys
🚗 Tow Truck Scam Costs Local Woman Thousands
🚨 Tragic Bullying Case at Reseda High
⚾ CSUN Baseball Opens Series Strong
🥎 CSUN Softball Doubleheader Today
🏐 CSUN Men’s Volleyball Falls to No. 8 UCSB
👕 CSUN Athlete NIL Merch Partnership
🐣 Easter Events Around the Valley
🌮 Granada Hills Grubfest (Tonight)
🍇 Farmers Market at The Vineyards
🧠 Trivia Nights in Northridge
Let’s get into it 📰
📰 Scam News In The Valley
🛍️ $1M Designer Theft Ring Busted in Van Nuys
A major retail theft operation just got shut down—and it was hitting some of the most popular brands you’ll find in and around Van Nuys.
Here’s what went down:
🚨 Over $1 million in stolen merchandise recovered across the area
🧢 Items included high-demand brands like Alo Yoga and Skims
👮♂️ Two suspects arrested after a large-scale investigation into organized retail theft
📦 Authorities say the goods were likely being resold through secondary markets
This wasn’t random shoplifting—this was a coordinated operation moving serious volume.
Why it matters:
Organized retail theft is rising across the Valley, not just LA hotspots
Local stores—and ultimately customers—feel the impact through higher prices and tighter security
Law enforcement is stepping up efforts to shut these operations down
NNN Take:
This kind of activity isn’t happening “somewhere else”—it’s right around Van Nuys and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Big brands, big money, and a reminder: retail theft has gone from petty to professional.
👉 Full article & video: ABC 7
🚗 Tow Truck Scam Hits Near Van Nuys — Costs Victim Thousands
A local woman got hit with a costly scam after her car was towed—and it wasn’t by a legit company.
Here’s what happened:
⚠️ A tow truck showed up quickly after a crash, appearing official
🧾 The driver took the vehicle to a yard not authorized by insurance
💸 The victim was forced to pay thousands in fees to get her car back
👮 Authorities say these scams are becoming more common across the Valley
These operators often monitor police scanners and arrive before legitimate tow services—then pressure drivers into handing over their vehicle.
Why it matters:
It’s happening in and around Van Nuys—not just isolated areas
In the moment, it’s easy to assume the tow is legit
One wrong decision can turn into a multi-thousand-dollar problem fast
NNN Take:
If you’re ever in an accident, don’t rush. Call your insurance or request a verified tow yourself—because the first truck that shows up isn’t always the right one.
👉 Full article & video: ABC 7
🚨 Tragedy at Reseda High — Minor Arrested in Deadly Bullying Case
A heartbreaking situation out of nearby Reseda has led to an arrest following a fatal incident tied to bullying at Reseda High School.
Here’s what’s known:
🧑⚖️ A minor has been arrested on suspicion of murder
🏫 The incident is connected to an alleged bullying situation involving students
🚑 The victim later died from injuries linked to the confrontation
👮 Authorities are continuing to investigate what led up to the incident
Why it matters:
This hits close to home for families across Van Nuys and surrounding communities
Raises serious concerns around school safety and bullying escalation
A reminder of how quickly situations between students can turn tragic
NNN Take:
This one’s heavy. It’s not just a school issue—it’s a community one. Conversations around bullying, awareness, and intervention matter more than ever right now.
👉 Read full article: LA Daily News
🏐 CSUN Sports
⚾ CSUN Takes Series Opener Behind Hernandez Gem
The CSUN Matadors kicked off their series against Long Beach State Dirtbags with a strong win—powered by a standout performance on the mound.
Here’s what stood out:
🔥 Pitcher Hernandez delivered a dominant outing, setting the tone early
🧤 Defense backed it up with clean, efficient play
💥 Timely hitting helped CSUN build and protect the lead
✅ Matadors secure the series opener with confidence
Why it matters:
A strong start against a Big West rival sets momentum for the series
Pitching like this can be a difference-maker deep into conference play
NNN Take:
When your ace shows up like that, everything else gets easier. If CSUN keeps getting performances like this, they’re going to be tough to beat in the Big West.
👉 Read More: Go Matadors
🥎 CSUN Softball Returns Home for Rival Showdown
The CSUN Matadors return home today for a Big West showdown against rival Cal State Fullerton Titans.
🗓️ Game Schedule (at CSUN):
Friday, April 3 — 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM (Doubleheader)
Saturday, April 4 — 1:00 PM
Here’s what to know:
🔥 Rivalry matchup with real conference implications
🏟️ Two chances today to catch the action live
💪 Matadors looking to make a statement at home
🎟️ Perfect local move—grab tickets, swing by campus, and catch some live softball.
NNN Take:
Doubleheader today = double the energy. If you’ve never been to a CSUN game, this is a great one to start with.
👉 Buy Tickets: Go Matadors
🏐 CSUN Men’s Volleyball Falls at No. 8 UC Santa Barbara
The CSUN Matadors men’s volleyball team came up short on the road, dropping a straight-sets match to UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.
Here’s what happened:
📉 CSUN fell in three sets against a top-10 ranked opponent
🤕 Matadors were short-handed, impacting rotations and depth
🔥 UCSB capitalized early and controlled the pace throughout
Why it matters:
Facing a ranked team while undermanned is a tough spot
Every conference match counts as postseason positioning tightens
NNN Take:
Not the result CSUN wanted, but context matters—playing short-handed against a top-10 team is always an uphill battle. Expect a bounce-back push next match.
👉 Full Story: Go Matadors
👕 CSUN’s Robert Thibiant Lands NIL Merch Partnership
Robert Thibiant is stepping into the NIL space with a new merchandise partnership through Influxer—giving fans a direct way to support him on and off the field.
Here’s what to know:
👕 Thibiant now has his own official merch line available to fans
🤝 Partnership is part of the growing NIL movement in college athletics
💰 Athletes can earn from sales while building their personal brand
📣 Fans get a chance to support CSUN players beyond the game
Why it matters:
NIL deals like this are changing how college athletes earn and connect with fans
Creates new visibility for CSUN athletes within the community
NNN Take:
This is the new era of college sports—local athletes building real brands. If you’re backing CSUN, this is a clean way to support one of their own.
👉 Shop here: Influxermerch.com
📅 Events & Things To Do
🐣 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
🧠 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.
👀 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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