🇺🇸 Memorial Day, Aliens, and Comic Con

Welcome to your weekly San Fernando Valley update: May 22—28, 2025.

In this week’s NoHo Nick:

• 📽️ Film incentives

• 🇺🇸 Memorial Day

• 🎸 Music fest

• 🛍️ Markets

Working from home is cool.

But some of you are getting too comfortable with where you take your conference calls.

These are places I’ve recently heard people taking Zoom calls on speakerphone.

These are not OK:

• Restaurant patios

• Ralphs

• Public restroom stalls

What even is your job?

Is anyone else like this right now?

Here’s what’s happening this week.

💰 $30 Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers: The LA City Council approved a plan to raise the minimum wage to $30/hr for hotel and airport workers before the 2028 Olympics. Supporters say it addresses pay equity. Critics argue it could lead to job losses or reduced hiring (Newsweek)

🎬 LA Eases Film Shoot Rules: Mayor Karen Bass issued a new directive to make filming in LA cheaper and simpler. It includes lower fees at places like Griffith Observatory and fewer city staff required on set. This comes as on-location filming has dropped 22% in early 2025. (LAist)

🎰 Underground Casino Busted in Van Nuys: LAPD responding to a burglary alarm found a hidden gambling den. Dozens were detained; one woman claimed the games were like Chuck E. Cheese for adults. (NBC4)

Brothers Coffee is a new coffeehouse in Burbank known for its unique mango, strawberry, and banana matchas.

Until May 25, they’ve also got a limited-edition orange boba.

These are my Top 10 favorite events happening this week:

☯️ Tai Chi Fridays at Woodbridge Park (Studio City): A weekly Yang-style Tai Chi meetup for all ages and levels, held outdoors under the trees. Bring water and come ready to move gently. Donation-based. Friday, May 23, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Woodbridge Park.

🛸 UFO & Aliens Meetup (North Hollywood): Dive into alien tech, sightings, and UFO history with like-minded enthusiasts. Enjoy food trucks and beers while pondering the cosmos. Free. Friday, May 23, from 6 to 10 PM at Lawless Brewing.

🌑 New Moon Reiki Sound Bath (Studio City): Rejuvenate with a Reiki healing session paired with crystal singing bowls and sound bath instruments under the new moon. Held in a Himalayan salt room for relaxation. $49. Friday, May 23 at 8:30 PM at Fred Parker Wellness.

🎉 Pasadena Comic Con (Pasadena): One-day fan event brings together actors, artists, and pop culture legends for panels, autographs, toys, and cosplay. Guests include Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Kel Mitchell (Kenan & Kel, Good Burger), Morgan Fairchild (Dallas), and more. $15 to $25. Saturday, May 24, from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Pasadena Convention Center.

🎛️ LA Audio Production Flea Market (Burbank): Browse used gear or sell your own at this community marketplace for sound pros at Filmtools. Buyers enter for free; seller and volunteer table spots are limited. RSVP required. Free to $23. Saturday, May 24, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Filmtools.

📷️ “UNTAMED” Photo Gallery Opening (Sherman Oaks): Celebrate women film photographers at this new gallery show. Music, desserts, raffles, and artist talks on the theme of “Untamed.” Free. Saturday, May 24th, from 6 to 9 PM at 35m Pro.

🔮 Witchy Trivia Night (Burbank): Prove your mystical knowledge with trivia on folklore, crystals, spells, and more. Costumes and covens are welcome. $35. Saturday, May 24, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Green Man Store.

🎸 Topanga Music Festival (Topanga): Topanga Days features live performances across two stages. Rock, funk, folk, and blues. The festival includes family-friendly activities like races, pie-eating contests, and a dedicated Kid Zone. A festival highlight is the Memorial Day Parade on Monday. $30 to $75. May 24 to May 26 at Topanga Community Center.

🛍️ NoHo Market (North Hollywood): Explore handmade gifts, vintage goods, clothing, and art at this curated neighborhood market. Free. Sunday, May 25, from 12 PM to 5 PM at NoHo Plaza, 5223 Lankershim Blvd.

🇺🇸 Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade (Canoga Park): The annual Memorial Day parade along Sherman Way honors local heroes with music and classic cars. Free. Monday, May 26 at 10 AM at Canoga Park Community Center.

🥋 Senior Self-Defense Clinic (North Hollywood): Councilmember Adrin Nazarian and Bright Star Martial Arts host a self-defense workshop for seniors. Learn simple techniques to stay safe and confident. Free. Friday, May 30, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Bright Star Martial Arts - North Hollywood.

Reminder: 🎉 Beer Prom Night (North Hollywood): Nostalgic adult prom night with dancing, photos, raffle prizes, and plenty of craft beer. Dress in your fanciest clothes and enjoy all the fun of prom without the teenage drama. 21+. Free. Saturday, May 24 at 5 PM at Hop Merchants.

🍨 New Gelato Shop (Studio City): Italian gelato brand Bacio di Latte has opened a new scoop shop on Ventura Place. Stop by for fresh, daily-made gelato. Made with organic milk and cream.

🇮🇹 Italian Deli (Chatsworth): Shout-out to subscriber Adam for mentioning San Carlo Deli, an authentic Italian deli that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. They offer cold and hot sandwiches, fresh bread (loaves, garlic bread, focaccia), Italian snacks, and wine.

🎡 LA County Fair (Pomona): The 2025 LA County Fair runs until Monday, May 26. Rides, food, farm animals, art installations, and concerts. Final weekend concerts include Cheap Trick (May 23), Chris Janson & Conner Smith (May 24), and Los Huracanes del Norte (May 25). $15 to $30. May 22 to 26.

🎷 Jazz Nights at LACMA (Mid-Wilshire): Enjoy live jazz performances every Friday evening at the Smidt Welcome Plaza from LA’s finest musicians. Bring a picnic and arrive early—seating is first come, first served. Free. Fridays from May through October, 6 PM to 8 PM.

🍸️ Soon, you can use a stir stick to detect dangerous substances in your drinks at the bar. (CBC)

🐊 A Florida man was arrested for having three wives in three different counties. (ABC)

❓️Built in 1909 by banker Rollin Lane, this iconic Hollywood mansion became a hotspot for psychics, séances, and the supernatural in 1963 when it opened to the public. Which home is this?

Hint: The home was initially called the “Holly Chateau.”

Last week’s question: How many times larger is Griffith Park than Central Park in New York?

Answer: Griffith Park is 5x larger than Central Park.

Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

PS Am I too late for mustache season? I just shaved my beard.

PPS Are you seeing Mission: Impossible this weekend?

PPPS Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

📩 Was this forwarded to you? Sign up to get it.

📣 Want your event featured? Submit it.

🛍️ Promote your business to Valley locals. Advertise in NoHo Nick.