Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: February 19–February 25, 2026.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

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📱 LAUSD's cellphone ban turns one year old. Students have had a "bell-to-bell" ban on phones and social media for the last year. Teachers and students report mixed feelings. A statewide deadline for all districts to adopt cellphone policies is set for July 2026. (LAist)

♟️ Weekly Chess Social (North Hollywood): Casual games open to all skill levels. Boards and pieces provided. Free. Every Tuesday from 7 to 10 PM at Brews Brothers (5140 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601).

🧶 Knitting and Crochet Meetup (Canoga Park): The Cozy Nook club gathers every Thursday. Beginners are encouraged to bring size #4 yarn, size 8 knitting needles, or a size H crochet hook. Free. Every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM at Westfield Topanga.

🐕 Pit Bull Pack Walk (Valley Village): Join a pack walk for pit bull owners through the park. Reflective or light-up gear is recommended. Free. Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:15 to 7:15 PM at Valley Village Park.

🍻 Armenian Networking (North Hollywood): The Armenian Professional Society kicks off 2026 with a casual mixer. Tickets include one drink. Proceeds benefit the APS scholarship fund. $45. Friday, February 20, 2026, from 7 to 11 PM at Lawless Brewing.

🤠 Country Night Karaoke (Sherman Oaks): Sing country hits at this themed karaoke night. All-night happy hour. 21+. Free. Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9 PM to 2 AM at The Aftermath Bar.

🎬 Outdoor Documentary Screening and Potluck (Panorama City): Short films by emerging filmmakers screen alongside a full showing of Baraka (1992) at this community movie night on an urban farm. Bring a dish to share and a blanket or chair. Donation-based. Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM at Cottonwood Urban Farm.

💆 Self-Care Slumber Party (Granada Hills): Wear your PJs and bring a blanket to this wellness hangout with face masks, group games like Family Feud, and wellness product samples. Free. Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM at Row House Fitness.

📝 Beekeeper Poetry Night (Chatsworth): An evening of poetry and short stories read by beekeepers sharing their perspectives on the craft. Free. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 6 PM at The Valley Hive (10538 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Chatsworth, CA 91311).

🧙‍♀️ The Witch’s Cottage (Opening—North Hollywood): The new fantasy and witch-themed cafe, bakery, bar, restaurant, and performance venue opens its doors. Saturday, February 21, 2026.

✍️ Creative Writing Workshop (Lake View Terrace): Share your short story, zine, or poetry at this writing workshop at the library. Listeners welcome too. Free. Saturday, February 21, from 12 to 1:30 PM at Lake View Terrace Library.

🌙 Night Market (Tarzana): A night market packed with food vendors, goods vendors, a DJ, and giveaways. Free. Saturday, February 21, from 5 to 9 PM at 5619 Lindley Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356.

💃 West Coast Swing Beginner Class (Sherman Oaks): Learn the basic patterns and steps of West Coast swing dancing. No partner necessary. Free. Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8 to 9 PM at SOHO Studios (14261 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423).

🧘 Tai Chi in the Garden (Chatsworth): A beginner-friendly Tai Chi class in the peaceful gardens of Topanga Nursery. $35. Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 10 to 11 AM at Topanga Nursery.

🎤 Fresh Faces Comedy Showcase (Burbank): See emerging comedic talent live at Flappers, hosted by Lesley Wolff with special celebrity drop-ins. $35. Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 PM at Flappers Comedy Club (102 E Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502).

🏃 Charity Run (Lake Balboa): Cancer support race. 5K and 10K courses. Kids’ fun run, too. Stroller- and dog-friendly. Includes a t-shirt and a medal. $50. Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM at Woodley Park, Lake Balboa.

🎬 IKEA Movie Night (Burbank): A screening of Disney & Pixar's Elemental in the IKEA Burbank restaurant. Meals are available for purchase, and complimentary popcorn is provided during the film. Space is limited. Free. Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 PM at IKEA Burbank.

🪄 Magic at the Brewery (Burbank): Michael Rangel brings mind-blowing magic. Illusions alongside craft beer and food. $30. Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 PM at Brews Brothers in Burbank.

🎲 Card Game & Lunch (Chatsworth): Valley Gal's 50+ Social Club hosts a card game day over lunch. Free. Lunch not included. Monday, February 23, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Stonefire Grill.

🎙️ Literary Open Mic (North Hollywood): Bring a five-minute original reading to share with a community of writers. Poetry, short stories, songs, and monologues. Free. Monday, February 23, 2026, from 7 to 9 PM at Lawless Brewing.

💻 AI Agent Workshop (Woodland Hills): Hands-on coding lab walking through how to build a distributed multi-agent system. Laptop required. Free. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM at Total Wine & More.

🔥 DIY Matchbox Night (Burbank): Create your own custom matchbox at this hands-on craft night. Pick your supplies, decorate your box, and fill it with colorful matches. Limited space. $18. Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7 PM. Yes Baby! Vintage.

🎬 Filmmaker Networking Party (North Hollywood): A curated mixer for filmmakers featuring a matchmaking-style networking hour. $30. Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 7 to 11 PM at Lawless Brewing.

🍵 Vietnamese Tea House (New—Woodland Hills): Alley District is a milk tea shop serving fruit teas, signature milk teas, Vietnamese coffee, matcha drinks, and desserts, including puddings and crepes. 19936 1/2 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

🍢 Filipino Street Food Cart (New—Sherman Oaks): BBQ Baon offers made-to-order Filipino BBQ, including chicken bowls, skewer combos, and turon, from a food cart. 13700 Riverside Dr, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

🏠 Ventura Home Show (Ventura): Explore the latest in home improvement, remodeling, tiny homes, cabins, and casitas. Free. Friday–Sunday, February 20–22, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Ventura County Fairgrounds.

💋 Live Band Burlesque (Hollywood): Flirting is encouraged, and the audience is part of the experience. Come solo or bring a date. $20. Friday, February 20, 2026, from 8 to 11 PM at The Three Clubs (1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA).

👮 A Burbank police officer went viral for his good looks and French bulldog.

🏖 LA beaches could become national parks.

🎬 "LA in a Minute" hits 2,000 episodes. Evan Lovett’s popular local news series continues to highlight stories across LA and SFV.

❓ The San Fernando Valley is the birthplace of IHOP. The very first IHOP opened on July 7, 1958. Where?

Last week’s question: You've seen it on Guy Fieri’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." What Burbank restaurant has been serving chili since 1946?

Answer: Chili John’s

Thank you for reading. See you next week!

40 people are running for mayor of Los Angeles. Elections are on June 2, 2026.

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