🍪 License Plates, Cookies, and Hikes

Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: May 1–7, 2025.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

• 🌠 Star Wars

• 🚗 License Plates

• 🍪 Cookies

• 😱 Goosebumps

My clothes smell like beef and cheese.

I accidentally did a batch of laundry with dog treats still in my pockets.

Now, I’m finding tiny pieces of kibble in my socks.

On one hand, I’ve made friends with neighborhood dogs!

On the other hand, I have to sit at my own table at WeWork.

Actually … maybe that’s a win-win.

Here’s what’s happening this week.

🛫 Real ID Deadline Looms. Starting this week, you'll need a Real ID or a valid passport to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Californians must visit a DMV office with proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security number to get a Real ID. Standard driver's licenses won’t work for TSA anymore.​ (LAist)

🚗 New License Plates in 2026. California’s DMV will soon run out of license plate combinations after 45 years using the current format (1AAA000). In 2026, new plates will flip the sequence to 000AAA1. The countdown is on to see who scores the last original plate: 9ZZZ999. (KTLA)

🐾 LA May Close Half of Its Animal Shelters. LA’s proposed budget cuts could close three of the city's six animal shelters, eliminating 62 jobs and pushing already overburdened facilities toward the risk of increased euthanasia. City officials claim some cuts may be restored, but animal advocates remain skeptical. (FOX LA)

✊ LA County Workers End 48-Hour Strike: 55k+ LA County employees led a two-day strike to address labor law violations and unfair contract terms. Services like clinics and trash pickup were disrupted. Negotiations are ongoing amid the budget strain. (ABC7)

🚲 Bike Month 2025 Kicks Off (Pasadena): Pasadena Bike Month is from May 3 to 31. Free group rides, workshops, and bike-to-work incentives. The city of Pasadena sponsors it.

🐈 Cat-Friendly Vintage Shop (Burbank, Atwater Village): Catnip Coalition is opening a second location called Catnip Too in Atwater Village with more vintage vendors, artists, and rescue cats. Go and meet Wendall, the shop cat. Opens Thursday, May 1.

🎬 Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” in 70mm (Toluca Lake): Catch Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed new film Sinners in rare 70mm and IMAX 70mm at three SoCal theaters, including Universal City Walk. Only 15 theaters nationwide are screening it.

🇺🇸 VFW Day of Service (Granada Hills): Join veterans and neighbors for a community clean-up and BBQ celebration at Veterans Park. Start the day with coffee and pastries, lend a hand in beautifying the space, and stay for hot dogs. Free. Saturday, May 3 at 8 AM.

🍪 Famous Amos 50th Anniversary Block Party (Hollywood): Celebrate a half-century of cookies, community, and culture. Music, dancing, murals, a roller rink, and cookies. Free. Saturday, May 3, from 12 PM to 5 PM.

🌿 Native Plant Hike with Tyler Peters (La Cañada-Flintridge): Explore local flora with a landscape expert on this relaxed hike hosted by Valley Girl Hiking Club. Free. Sunday, May 4 at 10 AM.

🥾 Fryman Canyon Hike (Studio City): Easy 3-mile hike through shaded trails and scenic views of the Valley. Perfect for new hikers or anyone looking to enjoy nature and meet new friends. Meet in the parking lot. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Free. Sunday, May 4, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM.

🍻 Star Wars Trilogy Marathon (San Fernando): Celebrate May the 4th with a Star Wars movie marathon at San Fernando Brewing Co. Come in costume for 20% off your bar tab, snag exclusive stickers, and enjoy free popcorn and food from Soledad Sopes. Free. Sunday, May 4, at 12:30 PM.

⚽ Co-Ed Pickup Soccer (Canoga Park): Friendly co-ed pickup soccer game. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced players welcome. No team required. Sign up solo or with friends. $10.99 per player. Tuesday, May 6, 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM​.

📚 Meet Author R.L. Stine (Laguna Beach): Celebrate Comic Orange with an evening featuring beloved children's horror author R.L. Stine, known for Goosebumps and Fear Street. No registration is needed, but early arrival is recommended. Books will be available for purchase. Free. Wednesday, May 7 at 6 PM.

🎮 Super Smash Bros. Tournament (North Hollywood): Doubles-format Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament at Brews Brothers. Expect low-stakes gameplay, drinking games, audience antics, and prizes. $25 bar tabs and an Amiibo for the best hype squad. Free. Wednesday, May 7 at 7 PM.

🏕️ Adult Summer Camp Party (Santa Monica): Bodega’s 19th Anniversary bash promises beer pong, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and a BBQ cookout. It’s like summer camp, but with cocktails. Free. Thursday, May 15, at 6 PM.

🪁 Kite Festival (Downtown LA): Fly kites, make art, and join a celebration of community and culture. Hosted by Clockshop, this joyful, family-friendly day includes live music, workshops, and a massive kite competition. Free. Saturday, May 17, from 2 PM to 6 PM.

🎨 Downtown Burbank Summer Arts Festival (Burbank): During this two-day event, San Fernando Blvd will become a colorful hub with 180+ vendors, live music, food, and indie goods. Free. Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, 11 AM–6 PM.

🌮 Taco Festival (Downtown LA): Celebrate the 16th Annual Taco Madness with a day filled with some of L.A.'s best tacos and music. This 21+ event will take place at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. 12+ taquerias, beers, tequilas, and micheladas. It’s a showdown for the “best tacos in L.A.” $22. Saturday, May 3, from 4 PM to 12 AM.

🌮 Cinco de Mayo Party (Burbank): Celebrate with fish tacos, cocktails, and a special DJ set at Republik Coffee. Free. Monday, May 5, from 7 PM to 10 PM.

🌯 Toasty Burrito Project (New—Burbank): Global breakfast burritos served from a low-key Valley gem all day.

🥕 Food Festival (Santa Monica): EEEEEATSCON, The Infatuation’s two-day annual food festival returns: 25+ top local restaurants, special chef guests, and live music. Tickets are available only to Chase cardholders. Saturday–Sunday, June 28–29.

🎸 Blues Jam Night (Glendale): A rotating cast of talented blues musicians. Sip drinks and listen at this neighborhood bar. Therapy at the Roar Room. $5. Wednesdays at 8 PM.

🎶 Summer Vibe Series (Canoga Park): 818 Brewing launches its new weekly live music series with performances by Christie Huff, My Sistine Chapel, and Tar & Flowers. Free. Saturday, May 3 at 8 PM.

🎤 Saaneah Live at La Rochelle Bakery (North Hollywood): Nashville-based singer Saaneah brings Country, R&B, Soul, and Funk to NoHo. A former American Idol finalist, she’s performed alongside stars like Chris Stapleton and Ledisi. Free. Sunday, May 4 at 4 PM.

🎸 Beachside Music Night (Malibu): Second Saturdays of the month. Beachside performances from Ben Matin and Will Ash at Malibu Music’s monthly music night. All ages welcome, RSVP required. Free. Saturday, May 10 at 6:30 PM.

🎷 Jazz & Draw: God of Wine (North Hollywood): Sketch, sip, and sway at this lively figure drawing night with live jazz at Moby’s. Art supplies included. 20% off tickets if you purchase before April 30. 18+. $25. Saturday, May 10 at 9 PM.

🥁 John Stamos listens to Papa Roach for the first time.

🚢 Shipping imports to the Port of Los Angeles will fall 35% next week.

👁️ UC Berkeley researchers unlocked a new color. Using a laser, they force the eye’s receptors to interpret more information than usual, revealing a “blue-green of unprecedented saturation.”

💰️ $800,000 in dimes fell onto a Texas highway.

❓️According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Los Angeles’ section of I-405 is the busiest interstate in any American city. Approximately how many cars drive on it daily?

Last week’s question: What’s farther north? Santa Monica Pier or the Crypto.com Arena (Staples Center)?

Answer: Crypto.com Arena is about 2 miles farther north than the Pier.

Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

PS I started a TikTok.

PPS I’m trying to restart my Events calendar page with a Google Calendar embed—some readers were asking! Feedback welcome.

PPPS My father-in-law suggested a trivia question. ”How many people has John Wick killed in the movie franchise?”

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