🕹️ New Year, Games, and Plastic Bags

Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: January 1–7, 2026.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

• 🛍️ Plastic Bags

• 🎮️ Game Nights

• 💘 Love

• 🕯️ Altadena Fire Anniversary

Someone pooped in my flower pot.

At least, I’m pretty sure it was “someone.” Not “something.”

There was…substantial evidence.

I’m viewing it as a good omen for 2026, like a shooting star or a ladybug!

And I hope I get to share some of that good fortune with you, too.

Happy New Year, and I wish you and your family health, joy, and success.

👾 I recently had the pleasure of talking to Mandie Roman, the owner of GeekyGlamorous (Sherman Oaks).

GeekyGlamorous sells gaming gear and collectibles and hosts community events like game nights and meetups.

Mandie created a place for Valley gamers to gather, shop, and celebrate their fandoms.

"The San Fernando Valley has a pretty large geek audience with tons of nerdy shops, eateries, and the like!” says Roman.

Check out my interview with Mandie →

Learn about GeekyGlamorous and Mandie’s “Top 5” favorite spots in the Valley—including an off-menu drink at Guild Hall and a great tabletop gaming spot.

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Here’s what’s happening:

🚒 0.5% sales tax increase to fund the Fire Department? A petition to get the tax on next year's ballot was approved for signature gathering on Dec. 26. The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City says the LAFD is half the size needed to keep LA safe. (LAist)

🛒 Plastic bags are banned at store checkouts. Starting Jan. 1, shoppers can no longer purchase single-use plastic bags at retailers—including the thicker "reusable" kind. Paper bags will cost 10 cents. (NBC4)

These are my favorite upcoming events:

FYI — This is a relatively quiet week in the Valley. The rain and NYE celebrations affected the calendar.

Ongoing

🌹 Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase (Pasadena): Get up-close views of this year’s Rose Parade floats. A 2-mile showcase of creativity. Free shuttle from Pasadena City College. $26.50 (kids five and under free). Open until January 3 at Sierra Madre and Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

🚗 Antique Car Museum (Sylmar): The Nethercutt Museum has over 130 perfectly restored antique and classic automobiles, all kept in drivable condition. Good for kids. $5. Thursday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM at 15151 Bledsoe St, Sylmar, CA 91342.

Friday, January 2

🌱 Community Gardening Day (Pacoima): “Jardín Pacoima” is the only “edible sidewalk garden” in the Valley. Join their monthly community gardening day on the first Friday of each month. Get your hands in the soil planting, weeding, and watering alongside neighbors. Free. Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9 to 11:30 AM at Jardín Pacoima.

🎨 Adult Coloring (Reseda): Unwind with an adult coloring program at the library. Supplies provided. A calm, creative hour for teens, adults, and seniors. Free. Friday, January 2, at 1 PM at the West Valley Regional Branch Library.

Saturday, January 3

♟️ Let's Play Chess (Northridge): A drop-in session for playing and learning chess at the library. All skill levels welcome. Free. Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12 to 2 PM at the Northridge Branch Library.

🥯 Beginner “Bagel Run” (Burbank): Kick off 2026 with your first mile. Run, walk, or crawl in this untimed, supportive group event. Bagels to celebrate after. Free. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9 AM at Fleet Feet Burbank.

🎲 Board Game Night (Burbank): A biweekly board game meetup with a variety of games. Quick party rounds to complex strategy sessions. Bring your own or play from the store's library. Two resident cats roam the space. $5. Saturday, January 3, from 5:30 to 11:30 PM at Geeky Teas & Games.

🕹️ Fighting Game Night (Burbank): A laid-back fighting game night with no brackets, just casual sets. Bring your own controller and run matches on house setups, or bring your own console. Free. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 5 PM at Game Realms.

🌙 The 818 Night Market (Mission Hills): The Valley's original night market returns with food, art, fashion, music, and games. Free. Every Saturday, from 5 to 9 PM at 14941 Devonshire St, Mission Hills, CA 91345.

🐕 Kids Read to Dogs (Granada Hills): Kids can practice reading aloud to trained therapy dogs at the library. Build confidence and reading skills. Free. Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11 AM to 12 PM at Granada Hills Branch Library (10640 Petit Ave, Granada Hills).

Sunday, January 4

💕 Speed Dating Ages 29-42 (Burbank): A low-key speed dating night with 8-12 mini-dates, 5-7 minutes each. Men are currently sold out, waitlist available. $40. Saturday, January 4, 2026, from 7 to 9 PM at RhuBAR.

🧘 Sexy Couples Yoga (North Hollywood): R-rated couples yoga class with stretching, partner moves, bedroom tricks, meditation, and warm-up games. $150 per couple. Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at AMP Rehearsal.

Happening Soon

🍻 NoHo Locals Meetup (North Hollywood): A monthly gathering to meet neighbors, discuss local politics and current events, and find ways to get involved in the community. Beer and conversation. Free. Monday, January 5, at 7 PM at Lawless Brewing Co.

🎮 Super Smash Bros Tournament (North Hollywood): A monthly casual Smash tourney. Free for alls, items on, all skill levels welcome. Free. Wednesday, January 7, sign-ups at 7 PM, tournament starts at 7:30 PM at Brews Brothers Craft Beer.

🧚 Faery Hunt “Magical Adventure” (West Hills): An interactive, immersive children's theater experience through the park. Kids meet faeries on a gentle musical quest celebrating nature. Costumes encouraged. Wings, wands, and garlands are available for purchase. Best for ages 2-10. $20. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Orcutt Ranch.

🍜 Thai Taim (New—West Hills): A family-owned spot serving authentic Thai cuisine with dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Kha soup, and a signature Spicy Filet Mignon with Green Beans.

🕯️ Eaton Fire First Anniversary (Altadena)

The Coalition for Altadena Recovery hosts a community gathering to reflect, remember, and look ahead one year after the fire.

Music, remembrances, and light refreshments.

Open to all, rain or shine.

Free. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 5 PM in the Grocery Outlet parking lot (2270 Lake Ave, Altadena).

🗺️ The 2026 Pasadena Visitor Guide is out now. Highlighting the best events, restaurants, and shops in the area.

🎤 Brett Goldstein tries out a new hour of comedy (with friends). $50. Tuesday, January 6, at 8 PM at Largo at the Coronet (West Hollywood).

🤑 The California minimum wage is now $16.90/hr.

🏓 Timothée Chalamet refused to use a “butt double” in his new film, Marty Supreme.

🇺🇸 Here’s what Americans in 1998 thought would happen by the year 2025.

❓️ The Burbank Empire Center, a large outdoor shopping center, has an “aviation” theme. Why?

Hint: It’s not just because it’s near the airport.

Last week’s question: What is the median age of a San Fernando Valley resident?

Answer: 39 years old, which is slightly higher than L.A. County.

Thank you for reading. See you next week!

Happy New Year!

PS I’ve seen lots of your requests for more kid-friendly events and activities! I’m working on improving this.

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