September 2026

The Outsiders Breaks Into Pantages September 30

by VNG Desk
September 29, 2026October 1, 2026

Four-time Tony Award winner The Outsiders is coming to the Pantages Theatre September 30 through October 18. Winner of Best Musical, The Outsiders is adapted… Read More »The Outsiders Breaks Into Pantages September 30

Marmalade Cafe Files for Chapter 11

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

Marmalade Cafe, which closed its Commons at Calabasas restaurant in July, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, detailing assets and liabilities between $1 million and… Read More »Marmalade Cafe Files for Chapter 11

City Approves Elderly Residential Facility on Del Moreno

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

On August 27, 2026, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission approved construction of a three-story elderly residential care facility at 5353 Del Moreno Drive in… Read More »City Approves Elderly Residential Facility on Del Moreno

Word on the Street: What Has Trump Done to the First Amendment?

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

By Kathleen Sterling Every journalist that’s gone to jail for not revealing a source did it for me. Every foreign correspondent killed covering a war… Read More »Word on the Street: What Has Trump Done to the First Amendment?

Night of the Jack is Back – And With a Carnival!

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

Night of the Jack returns to King Gilette Ranch with an all-new reimagined one-mile trail unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Step into a cinematic… Read More »Night of the Jack is Back – And With a Carnival!

City of Calabasas Wins Public Safety Award

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

The City of Calabasas has received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Public Safety for its partnership with Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas (EPIC) and… Read More »City of Calabasas Wins Public Safety Award

USC Study Finds Illness Near Santa Susana Field Lab

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

A USC study found that residents living close to the Santa Susana Field Lab, which included the communities of Chatsworth, Canoga Park, West Hills, Hidden… Read More »USC Study Finds Illness Near Santa Susana Field Lab

Leonis Adobe Celebrates 60

by VNG Desk
September 24, 2026

The Leonis Adobe in Calabasas commemorates a very special milestone—the 60th anniversary of being open as Los Angeles’ first Historic-Cultural Monument. To mark this occasion,… Read More »Leonis Adobe Celebrates 60

Marsalis and Reeves to Perform at Soraya

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

This year marks the centennial of late jazz master John Coltrane’s birth. The saxophonist, bandleader, and composer revolutionized jazz and has long been considered one… Read More »Marsalis and Reeves to Perform at Soraya

Calabasas Film Festival Rolls Out September 23

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026September 22, 2026

The 13th annual Calabasas Film Festival (CFF) has announced its complete film lineup, special screenings and events. CFF returns September 23–27, bringing five days of… Read More »Calabasas Film Festival Rolls Out September 23

“Reel” History of the Valley: Are We Done With the Movies?

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

Judging by the headlines, you’d think it was time to pity the poor film industry. The number of motion picture theaters continues to plummet; in… Read More »“Reel” History of the Valley: Are We Done With the Movies?

Word on the Street: Bezos Has Gone Too Far

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

Jeff Bezos has gone too far. He’s lured us into the cult of Amazon by preying on our need for immediate gratification. Order it and… Read More »Word on the Street: Bezos Has Gone Too Far

VICA Announces Ruben Gonzalez as New CEO

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) is pleased to announce the selection of Ruben Gonzalez as its next President and Chief Advocacy Officer, following… Read More »VICA Announces Ruben Gonzalez as New CEO

Valley Home Rose But Prices Fell

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

Sales of existing single-family homes in the San Fernando Valley increased slightly during August, even as interest rates on home loans rose to the highest… Read More »Valley Home Rose But Prices Fell

Tragic Accidents Rattle Valley

by VNG Desk
September 18, 2026

The Valley community was shaken this week as a string of traffic accidents dominated the news. From reckless drivers to unimaginable accidents, it seems as… Read More »Tragic Accidents Rattle Valley

Stabbing Suspect Still at Large in Woodland Hills

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

A man was stabbed Wednesday night at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Fallbrook Avenue in Woodland Hills. The area is a known location for… Read More »Stabbing Suspect Still at Large in Woodland Hills

Rotary Gets Donation in Memory of Clyde Porter

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

This week Rotary Club of Woodland Hills received a $9,900 donation from Pamela Porter in memory of her father, Clyde Porter. She presented the check on… Read More »Rotary Gets Donation in Memory of Clyde Porter

Malibu Creek State Park to Celebrate 50 on September 26

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund and Malibu Creek State Park Docents will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday, September 26.… Read More »Malibu Creek State Park to Celebrate 50 on September 26

Car Collector Collects Second Custom Cadi

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

Boys and their toys!Las Vegas car collector Robert Blonstein recently bought his second custom car from Cadillac of Calabasas. Last year Blonstein purchased the Celestiq, only… Read More »Car Collector Collects Second Custom Cadi

Calabasas Tests Emergency System Ahead of Wildfire Season

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to make sure households, businesses and communities are ready before an emergency happens. This year, the City of… Read More »Calabasas Tests Emergency System Ahead of Wildfire Season

Reseda Mother’s Case Echoes Lindsay Clancy’s; Returns to Court on Psych Issues

by VNG Desk
September 10, 2026

The recent Lindsay Clancy case brought national attention to maternal mental health, and a similar case in the Valley has been brought back to court… Read More »Reseda Mother’s Case Echoes Lindsay Clancy’s; Returns to Court on Psych Issues

Remembering 9/11

by Kathleen Sterling
September 10, 2026

Four planes. 2,977 souls. On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded. First one plane, then another, hit… Read More »Remembering 9/11

Denny’s Chatsworth Celebrates Grand Opening

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

Chatsworth has a new Denny’s! Owner Farooq Ghias has opened his 18th restaurant and another vibrant addition to the Denny’s family. This opening marks an… Read More »Denny’s Chatsworth Celebrates Grand Opening

Watch Chatsworth Grow

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

The Chatsworth Neigh-borhood Council (CNC) received a request from Councilman John Lee’s office to assume the maintenance of the Devonshire BID planters in Chatsworth. Not… Read More »Watch Chatsworth Grow

Topanga’s Manzanita School Still Enrolling for Fall

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

Nestled in the heart of Topanga Canyon, Manzanita School offers a transformative K–12 education for students ages four and up, uniting academic excellence with a… Read More »Topanga’s Manzanita School Still Enrolling for Fall

The Many Health Benefits of Cannabis

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

Weed has come a long way. Since it was legalized for recreational use eight years ago, cannabis has evolved – and is now used in… Read More »The Many Health Benefits of Cannabis

Nighttrek Report: What to See in the September Sky

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

By Neill Simmons The planet Venus shines brightly as a prominent evening star low in the western sky after sunset. On the 14th of September… Read More »Nighttrek Report: What to See in the September Sky

Mayoral Race Escalates With “No Show Nithya” Website

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

The campaign between Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman has seemingly been fraught from the start. Raman shocked the community when she announced her… Read More »Mayoral Race Escalates With “No Show Nithya” Website

Miri Rossitto Receives Champion of Women Award

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

More than 300 Valley business and community leaders were on hand last week when the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) honored Valley News Group contributor and Cowe Communications founder… Read More »Miri Rossitto Receives Champion of Women Award

Calabasas Chamber Hosts Mayor’s Lunch

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian was honored at the annual Calabasas Chamber Mayor’s Lunch on August 27. Bozajian is celebrating 30 years with the city, and… Read More »Calabasas Chamber Hosts Mayor’s Lunch

n response to the presentation to the Woodland Hills Homeowner’s Organization (WHHO) by Councilmember Blumenfield’s Legislative Director Jeff Jacobberger on July 22, 2026, regarding the Reimagine Ventura status. While we appreciate the minimalist presentation regarding the updated status of the center medians, we would appreciate an update regarding the Reimagine Project as a whole including what’s been achieved to date, the project schedule, budget, current expected and desired scope, and the design and community outreach process. The WHHO offers the following comments to the plan and further input by meeting with any involved City representatives as deemed appropriate. PROJECT SCHEDULE What is the schedule for implementation of the remaining scope of work? This project was initiated in 2014. It’s time to finish it. What is realistic? PROJECT BUDGET A budget of over $3 million taxpayer dollars was allocated for the project. It also has been mentioned that a majority of the budget would be allocated to ADA improvements, triggered by certain implementations. I would suggest that a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) consultant be brought in to determine which improvements can be made without triggering ADA issues. Improvements such as the medians, the landscape bump outs and replanting street trees in the existing wells may be possibilities. Additional funding for “improvements” may be available from the 523 Fund since improvements connected to safety and traffic control are justified by the fund. Work categorized as “maintenance” cannot be covered by the fund. Medians and physical barriers that prevent turning and improper entering of the reverse diagonal parking are important safety mitigation measures, not maintenance. The allocation of 523 funds is justified for the bump outs as it significantly improves safety by reducing distances pedestrians must cross in high traffic vehicular pathways like Ventura Boulevard. MONUMENT SIGNS The monument sign renderings, as presented by Mr. Jacobberger, are designed such that they will aesthetically become dated very quickly, and frankly are considered unattractive by many in this organization. We suggest the goal should be for a design concept that reflects quiet elegance, with material of a more permanent nature such as stone or concrete. The requirements for breakaway designs can be mitigated simply by better placement of the signs. WELCOME TO WOODLAND HILLS SIGN A “Welcome to Woodland Hills” type sign should be located close to the area’s borders. A well thought out placement on the east side should be on the Corbin median but placed much further back (midway of the length) to minimize potential vehicle interaction. On the west side of Woodland Hills, placement near the Valley Circle/Mulholland Dr./101 freeway interchange would greet those from the beach communities, the Ventura freeway and Calabasas. MEDIANS The two medians proposed make sense with 2 large scale trees placed 30’ apart on each median. If other planting is also proposed, a maintenance plan needs to be included. Irrigation of the planting needs to consider the water source and costs. If only trees are included, then the contract for watering them can be included in the contract for the watering of the other new street trees. The species should be prudently selected and should be of a size that will not obstruct the roadway during the tree’s lifetime but still provide shade and be visually appealing. Additional opportunities for median locations should be considered. ENHANCED CROSS WALKS Enhanced crosswalks were omitted from the last presentation. The crosswalks would add a strong presence on the boulevard and would help define the updated character. By connecting to the existing ADA curb ramps recently installed on each side of the street, the issue of triggering additional ADA requirements should not occur. The crosswalks should be in as many places as possible, especially where the new traffic light controlled (smart) crosswalk and also the new traffic control light was installed as part of Phase 1. Enhanced crosswalks at the limits of the Reimagine project (each side) would help de-mark the area. LANDSCAPED BUMP OUTS Landscape bump outs have been mentioned many times as being included in the plan for improvements. The new diagonal parking creates many opportunities for inclusion of this improvement. Unfortunately, there are areas where disabled access curb ramps were added by the City already. There may be ways to add the landscape areas around the street level paths beyond the curb ramps. Truncated domes installed on the street level path at the point of vehicular traffic would be a logical work around. EXPANDED PROJECT LIMITS Recently an affordable housing project west of the Reimagine borders was constructed with extremely limited on-site parking. Such planning, albeit extraordinarily shortsighted, will negatively impact the adjoining private properties such as the bowling facility. The extension of the Reimagine concept will mitigate some of the damage that the housing project will cause by adding additional public parking along Ventura Boulevard to the west. Additional diagonal parking in that area is most important, but the improvements associated with the beautification phase of the Reimagine project should also be included. For instance, a planted median, given the width of the street and the need to control left hand turns into any newly added diagonal parking in that area. As the Reimagine project extends west and gets closer to the Woodland Hills boundary, the opportunity for “Welcome to Woodland Hills” signage on that side of our community becomes more appropriate. DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET ADA REQUIREMENTS As previously stated, this issue can be dealt with in the following ways: 1. Continue the project as planned. Allocation of the ADA improvements will take up a major portion of the project budget, diminishing the amount of the other important improvements to the area that were anticipated. The ADA improvements wouldn’t even be noticed. Sidewalk paving enhancements, art, street furniture, humanly scaled street lighting, the planted medians and bump outs, new street trees, appropriate monument signs, and enhanced crosswalks have all been included in images presented to the community on multiple occasions. Compromises to the elements that were presented as included require further communication with the community. 2. Continue the project as planned. Acquire increases in the project budget through pursuit of additional sources such as the 523 Fund. 3. Revise the project definition and carefully select improvements that would not trigger ADA improvements. SIDEWALK STREET TREES Simply replacing existing street trees and planting trees in empty tree wells has occurred in other areas along the Boulevard. This is a simple improvement in which community participation can be sought and minimally affordable tree watering contracts can be contracted out by the City. Tree species should be selected with input from the Urban Forestry Division of the Bureau of Street Services. The issue of retailers illegally cutting the trees down because the trees are blocking their signage must be considered. Perhaps smarter tree species selection or larger trees at the time of planting would mitigate this issue. SIDEWALK PAVING ENHANCEMENTS The options are as follows: 1. Continue the project as planned. Although enhancing the sidewalk paving has been implied in community presentations, no real specifics have been offered. Given the budget issues and the lack of specific designs presented, the impression is that this improvement isn’t really included in the plans. 2. Include selected areas of enhanced paving to minimize cost and provide emphasis at intersections and/or crosswalk terminations. Additionally, repair broken curbs, power wash the existing sidewalks, repair cracked or lifted concrete, etc. CONCLUSION To date, the presentations for the Phase II portion of Reimagine Ventura Boulevard (Beautification) have been vague and fragmented. In January of 2025, one of the well-attended community workshops was held at the Woodland Hills Library and stakeholder input was provided. There was no response to the input gathered at that meeting and communication stopped until the presentation at WHHO on July 22, 2026. The WHHO presentation was limited to showing two monument signs and two planted medians. No response to the stakeholder comments or the larger scope items previously shown to the community were mentioned (except the required ADA improvements.) A budget of over 3 million taxpayer dollars was still reiterated at the WHHO meeting, however. Communications by the council office to the community often mention projects to be completed in Canoga Park and Reseda before the Councilmember’s term is up. In recent times the Reimagine Ventura Boulevard or Woodland Hills is not mentioned. The reimagine project seems to be something of an afterthought in the daily efforts of the City. Twelve years have passed since the community initiated the project and the city began its efforts. As such, local businesses and community leaders consider this project a typical boondoggle and waste of everyone’s valuable time and effort. As a going away gift to the community, we strongly feel that Councilman Blumenfield should actually finish this project in a timely and cohesive manner. Phase I was a success but was only part of the anticipated result. A concise, clear plan illustrating overall intent, budget and schedule is required. If this project or any part of it that was presented is being shelved, the business community and residents need to know. The potential for great improvements to the Boulevard, however, still exist and the need is still there. Submitted: Dennis DiBiase, VP WHHO Scott Silverstein, Board WHHO John Walker, President WHHO

Bass Announces 43% Drop in Valley Burglaries

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026

In a recent press release, Mayor Bass announced that burglaries are down 43% in the San Fernando Valley since last August and 27% citywide, while… Read More »Bass Announces 43% Drop in Valley Burglaries

WHHO Responds to Reimagine Ventura

by VNG Desk
September 4, 2026September 4, 2026

In response to the presentation to the Woodland Hills Homeowner’s Organization (WHHO) by Councilmember Blumenfield’s Legislative Director Jeff Jacobberger on July 22, 2026, regarding the… Read More »WHHO Responds to Reimagine Ventura

September 2026

The Outsiders Breaks Into Pantages September 30

Marmalade Cafe Files for Chapter 11

City Approves Elderly Residential Facility on Del Moreno

Word on the Street: What Has Trump Done to the First Amendment?

Night of the Jack is Back – And With a Carnival!

City of Calabasas Wins Public Safety Award

USC Study Finds Illness Near Santa Susana Field Lab

Leonis Adobe Celebrates 60

Marsalis and Reeves to Perform at Soraya

Calabasas Film Festival Rolls Out September 23

“Reel” History of the Valley: Are We Done With the Movies?

Word on the Street: Bezos Has Gone Too Far

VICA Announces Ruben Gonzalez as New CEO

Valley Home Rose But Prices Fell

Tragic Accidents Rattle Valley

Stabbing Suspect Still at Large in Woodland Hills

Rotary Gets Donation in Memory of Clyde Porter

Malibu Creek State Park to Celebrate 50 on September 26

Car Collector Collects Second Custom Cadi

Calabasas Tests Emergency System Ahead of Wildfire Season

Reseda Mother’s Case Echoes Lindsay Clancy’s; Returns to Court on Psych Issues

Remembering 9/11

Denny’s Chatsworth Celebrates Grand Opening

Watch Chatsworth Grow

Topanga’s Manzanita School Still Enrolling for Fall

The Many Health Benefits of Cannabis

Nighttrek Report: What to See in the September Sky

Mayoral Race Escalates With “No Show Nithya” Website

Miri Rossitto Receives Champion of Women Award

Calabasas Chamber Hosts Mayor’s Lunch

Bass Announces 43% Drop in Valley Burglaries

WHHO Responds to Reimagine Ventura

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