💘 Labor day, speed dating, and a new wine bar.

Welcome to your weekly Valley update! Today is Thursday, August 29, 2024.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

• 💘 Queer-friendly speed dating

• 🍷 A new Burbank wine bar

• 🎥 Rooftop retro movies

• 🍔 Plans for a new In-N-Out

Did you know that 336 million people live in America?

Of them,

• 1.8 million people live in the San Fernando Valley.

• 10 million people live in LA County.

• And 18.4 million people live in Greater Los Angeles.

That's a lot of people! And it's hard to comprehend. Here's another crazy way to think about it:

• 1 in 184 Americans lives in the San Fernando Valley.

• 1 in 34 Americans lives in LA County.

• 1 in 18 Americans lives in Greater LA.

• And 1 in 13 Americans lives in Southern California.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

🍔 In-N-Out is trying to build a new drive-thru at the old Bank of America on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills. Plans were submitted in 2022 to demolish the bank and build a restaurant. The timeline for opening remains uncertain. In-N-Out has not confirmed how the project will proceed. [Valley News Group] Allegedly, people are already waiting in line.

📱 Fake QR codes on parking meters in Redondo Beach were designed to scam drivers. Police found 150 parking meters with fake QR codes along the Esplanade. When drivers tried to pay, they were redirected to poybyphone.online, a scam website. [LA Times] 

🏡 Pacoima Middle School is transforming its campus. They’re replacing blacktop with gardens and green spaces. Designed to improve the school environment and set a new standard in LAUSD. They’re adding new trees and peaceful reading gardens for students. [San Fernando Sun]

🚆 LA Metro just secured federal funding for a 14.5-mile rail extension. The $7B project will connect Downtown’s Union Station with Artesia, a town in southeast LA. The project will reduce congestion, improve air quality, and bring thousands of local jobs and transit to under-served communities. [Westside Current]

🚗 Driverless cars are taking over LA with a major Waymo expansion. Santa Monica was the testing ground, and now Waymo's self-driving service covers 79 square miles, from Downtown to Hollywood to Playa Vista. Demand is sky-high, with a waitlist jumping from 50,000 to 150,000. Do we still have to sit in the backseat like an Uber?

🔥 Insurance companies in California could be forced to offer more coverage in high-risk fire areas if a new law passes. The law aims to address the state's insurance crisis. Insurers are leaving the state, and outdated regulations make it hard to keep up with climate change. Have thoughts about the proposal? Submit your comments and thoughts on September 17. [LAist] Somewhere, Billy Joel is singing.

Food and Drinks

🍷 An elegant wine bar just opened (Burbank). Wax Poetic is a brand new, laid-back wine bar with a few beers on tap too. Speakeasy vibes. A player piano plays modern and jazz standards. Enjoy a cheese plate, fresh baguettes with butter, and sip on some of California’s best local wines.

🍞 A toast-centered restaurant recently opened (Studio City). Oh What a Peach specializes in toast. Sweet and savory toppings from banana and almond butter to tuna, deviled eggs, or avocado and mushroom. They also have açaí bowls and smoothies. Actual footage of me eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

🥙 Food hall and live music at the Topanga Social (Topanga). 25+ local restaurants and bars offer their best dishes in a large food hall. Free live music every weekend. And daily happy hour starting at 4 PM. Drink, eat, and chill.

Things to Do

🎥 Movies on the Roof at Westfield Mall (Sherman Oaks). Watch Freaky Friday on the roof of the mall in big bean bag chairs. Movie events hosted by My Valley Pass. $20. August 30 at 8:30 PM.

💘 Speed dating and friending at a local brewery (North Hollywood). Queer-friendly speed dating, polyamorous dating, and friending sessions. Alongside a makers market of 25+ art and jewelry vendors. Hosted at Lawless Brewing. Make friends or find a partner! The market is free. $10 to date. August 30 from 5 PM to 10 PM.

⚾️ Los Angeles Baseball League is an adult baseball league offering competitive play on high-quality fields with professional umpires. Two seasons per year—spring (March-September) and fall (October-January). Games held on weekends. Play based on age and ability. Fees cover field rentals, insurance, and equipment. The league also donates to youth programs.

🏊️ Labor Day Pool Party at the Intercontinental Hotel (Downtown). Sunshine, a big pool, DJ sets, drink specials, and tequila. Don’t have a friend with a pool? Cool off on Sunday and hang out all day. $28. September 1.

🎮 Smash Bros Tourney (North Hollywood). Join the Super Trashed crew for a fun, laid-back Smash Bros Ultimate tournament. Beginners welcome. Drink when you lose. Win $25 off your tab if you’re the last one standing. Free. September 4 at 7 PM.

🖼️ Drink and draw at The Roguelike Tavern (Burbank). Join a Witcher-themed figure drawing night, led by professional illustrator Sketch by Sketh. For seasoned artists and beginners. Sketch while guided through a series of timed poses in a unique setting. Bring a pencil and paper. $12. September 5.

👕 Charity donations support housing and services for the homeless. Schedule a free at-home pickup of clothes, DVDs, and any unwanted furniture. Donations provide immediate and long-term relief to those experiencing chronic homelessness.

Cute Home Alert

🏠️ Cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Panorama City. This 1948 home is 1,056 square feet and has a well-maintained interior with laminate floors, granite countertops, and natural light. Big backyard is perfect for gatherings and offers comfort and privacy with trees and hedges. Includes central air and an attached garage. $749,900

LA By the Numbers

🤔 51% of Orange County residents say they’ve thought about leaving the county. And 33% are actively considering it. Increased housing costs are the primary driver of this feeling.

Random

🤘 The singer of LA-based punk band, Cancer Christ, took a wild ride through Yosemite. Car crashes, a knife-waving spree, and other antics. The front man led police on a car chase, stole a bike, and tried to kidnap a store manager, all in his underwear. He’s now facing multiple charges of vandalism, kidnapping, and reckless driving. No mosh pit?

See you next week!

NoHo Nick

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