The LAPD is investigating the homicides of two Israeli men found dead in their residences on Saturday in what appear to be unrelated incidents Police were called to a home on the 22200 block of De La Osa Street in Woodland Hills just before 1 a.m they discovered the body of 47-year-old Alexander Modebadze had been living in the house for the past couple of years According to the Los Angeles Police Department the attack was premeditated and staged to look like a robbery Eyewitnesses told police they saw a group of people entering the house before fleeing the scene Officers collected evidence and reviewed surveillance footage in an attempt to identify the suspects and determine the motive “We found very unusual signs at the scene that indicate murder,” said detectives from the Valley Police “We believe that the fact that there were people in the house who fled shortly before the body was found suggests that the incident was criminal and we are working to locate the suspects involved.” Three suspects were arrested a few hours later and identified as Georgian nationals: Pata Kochiashvili (38) The arrests were made with the assistance of the FBI Kochiashvili was apprehended in the Van Nuys neighborhood while Outarashvili and Kutsishvili were arrested together in nearby Glendale Witnesses reported seeing several suspicious individuals enter the home late at night and leave shortly after Neighbors described Modebadze as a sociable man with no known public disputes police were called to an apartment on the 12600 block of Riverside Drive in Valley Village to conduct a welfare check after relatives were unable to reach the resident they found the body of businessman Menashe “Manny” Hidra the brother of Nitzan Prison Warden Moshe Hidhra in Israel Police have not disclosed the nature of his injuries and it is not yet confirmed whether a firearm or knife was used There is no apparent connection between the two incidents elections in the 39th World Zionist Congress nears conclusion—voting closes May 4—American Zionist Movement (AZM) Executive Director Herbert Block said there were few barriers of entry to voting in what Jewish leaders are describing as a consequential election We are here today because Jewish fathers and mothers wanted more than happiness from their children The bipartisan group includes Los Angeles representatives Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Ted Lieu (D-West LA) Speaking ill of someone once most likely leads to a second time Cowboy Carter cocktails for Beyonce’s SoFi concert run Borekas, the San Fernando Valley Sephardic pastry shop that started as a Sherman Oaks takeout window in 2022 opened a new Woodland Hills location in early April This is the third outlet for the expanding business that added a Van Nuys outpost in May 2024 Though people file in for borekas (a flaky Borekas Woodland Hills also offers outdoor seating plus a retail shelf for diners to take home like clarified butter Owners Gal and chef Uzi Waizman also expanded the drinks menu with more than Turkish coffee Chef Uzi tells Eater that they will add special borekas including a current variety with carrots from his home garden Borekas Woodland Hills is open daily from 7 a.m Time Out Los Angeles editor Patricia Kelly Yeo dined at Somni “LA’s most expensive restaurant is (unfortunately) worth it.” Papa Cristo’s owner Chrys Chrys opened up to FOX-11 this week Chrys talks about what the restaurant means to him and the surrounding community The longtime restaurant closes this weekend on May 4 SoFi Stadium is getting in the mood for Beyoncé’s tour for her album The popular recording artist and producer performed at SoFi on April 28 With cocktail names like Sweet Honey Bey and Texas Hold ‘Em A post shared by SoFi Stadium (@sofistadium) The West San Fernando Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair brings together families and community leaders for a day of hands-on activities and critical information to help everyone stay safe in an emergency Whether you're building your first emergency kit or want to improve your family's plan This event is made possible by the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce the West Valley Warner Center Community Benefit Foundation It is hosted on the campus of Pierce College A prepared community is a quick-to-recover community This fair offers the chance to learn practical steps that make a real difference during an emergency Bring the whole family and spend the day learning, preparing, and connecting with local experts. For more information, visit www.woodlandhillscc.net or call 818-347-4737 Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some of the first visible signs of work on a light rail line in the median of Van Nuys Boulevard are starting to appear Metro announced last week that advanced utility work is occurring for the East San Fernando Valley light rail line along the stretch of Van Nuys Boulevard between Nordhoff Street and Woodman Avenue K-rail barriers will be installed along a portion of Van Nuys Boulevard through the Fall leaving two lanes of traffic open in each direction The initial phase of the East San Fernando Valley line which secured nearly $900 million in federal funding in September 2024 will include 6.7 miles of right-of-way within median of Van Nuys Boulevard between the G Line's Van Nuys Station and the Metrolink right-of-way in Pacoima including connections to the G Line Busway Completion of the $3.6-billion light rail line is expected in 2031 A second phase of the project calls for extending services additional 2.5 miles to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. Metro is considering building a new station to connect with Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line at Van Nuys Boulevard and San Fernando Road as an alternative to extending light rail service Work on Van Nuys Boulevard will coincide with a three-year closure of the G Line's Van Nuys Station that commenced on February 21 to facilitate the construction of a $668-million project that will speed up travel times on the east-west busway Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram / Bluesky PRIVACY POLICY | PRIVACY SETTINGS | | ADVERTISE | ACCESSIBILITY Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Caltrans and the city of Glendale announced the completion of Phase 1 of the San Fernando Road Beautification and Multimodal Improvements Project a 1.6-mile stretch from Elk Avenue and Grandview The $13.2 million project was funded in part by a $4.9 million local grant through Gov Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash create thousands of jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces The project also received local and state funds The project includes new ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks 7,000 square feet of art-inspired crosswalks nearly 18,000 square feet of new landscaped medians Welcome, Mickeymickey@disney.comManage MyDisney AccountLog OutSparks fly from suspect's car during wild chase across San Fernando ValleyWednesday 2025Sparks were flying during a wild pursuit in which LAPD units chased a shooting suspect who refused to stop.LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Sparks were flying during a wild pursuit in which LAPD units chased a shooting suspect who refused to stop hit several vehicles Tuesday night across the San Fernando Valley Video shows sparks flying from underneath the truck as officers chased with their sirens on The driver eventually stopped near the intersection of Laurel Canyon and San Fernando Mission boulevards Additional details about how the pursuit started were not available “We are proud to support this landmark project which will meet growing demands for public transit in the region,” said AECOM U.S our transportation experts have played a critical role in delivering Southern California’s ambitious transit objectives That experience prepares our teams to provide innovative engineering solutions that boost connectivity and improve the quality of life for the communities we serve.” AECOM will provide services to manage the design integration for multiple facilities AECOM says all project elements will be designed in 3D using building information modeling (BIM) to increase efficiency enable clash and design constructability detection AECOM’s BIM practice will promote better decision-making by leveraging current BIM design practice supported by its digital delivery and practice leaders the transit line will create connections with regional transit services Metro’s G and B lines and other planned L.A “We are excited to partner with San Fernando Transit Constructors and [L.A.] Metro on this important project to provide new transportation options for communities across the San Fernando Valley,” said AECOM Regional Business Line Leader for U.S “As the industry’s top rail and mass transit firm our teams have delivered some of the world’s most ambitious urban mobility projects and we look forward to deploying that global experience to enhance one of the valley’s busiest travel corridors.” AECOM says Phase 2 of the project will also include comprehensive street improvements to enhance accessibility and safety and a new 22-acre maintenance and storage facility several buildings within the facility are planned with a solar-powered system equipped with excess power storage capabilities The project will be built on Van Nuys Boulevard one of the valley’s busiest corridors and will provide a new light-rail alternative for the residents of Van Nuys The project is currently forecast to open in 2031 En Español 한국어 “In the middle of an excessive heat warning we brought more Angelenos inside and removed RVs,” said Mayor Karen Bass “We’ve brought more than 3,000 Angelenos inside through over 60 Inside Safe operations and we will continue this work with our partners as we break the cycle of homelessness in L.A.” “Addressing homelessness in Sun Valley’s industrial corridor where people go to work everyday is a top priority for our office It is important to us to provide a safe environment where RV encampments have created dangerous conditions for the community,” said Councilmember Imelda Padilla “We are grateful to partner with Mayor Karen Bass along with city and state departments to ensure that our unhoused neighbors receive immediate support and access to housing Our goal is to move people into interim housing quickly offering them safety and the resources needed to regain stability This approach not only enhances community safety but also provides a path to lasting change for those in need.” Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2525 which is sponsored by Mayor Karen Bass to move RVs out of neighborhoods and bring more unhoused Angelenos inside It will reduce homelessness by allowing the City to lease property from the California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) at a reduced rate to store recreational vehicles (RVs) while the unhoused Angelenos receive housing and services through the Inside Safe program. Since her first day in office when she declared an unprecedented emergency on the homelessness crisis Mayor Karen Bass has driven change in how we address homelessness with new initiatives to bring people living in encampments inside She has also worked to prevent people from losing their homes and to lock arms across all levels of government to move people inside and save lives and restore neighborhoods Key results from the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count: Homelessness in the City of Los Angeles is down for the first time in six years Unprecedented drop in street homelessness (10% decrease in the City of Los Angeles – the first double digit decrease in the last at least 9 years) A decrease in makeshift shelters (38% decrease in the City of Los Angeles) The number of people who moved into permanent housing is at an all time high En Español 한국어 “We know that ending homelessness in Los Angeles requires urgency and commitment from many partners,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Today’s Inside Safe operation brought Angelenos experiencing homelessness from the San Fernando Valley inside with supportive services and resolved recreational vehicles at this encampment. Thank you Councilwoman Rodriguez and partners for working with us to save lives.” "I share the frustration over the homelessness crisis that jeopardizes the well-being of our community,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “City resources must be dedicated equitably and efficiently to address this crisis and to ensure that all communities are getting the attention they deserve. RV encampments pose health and safety concerns and today’s effort helped to alleviate some of those concerns." Since her first day in office when she declared an unprecedented emergency on the homelessness crisis, Mayor Karen Bass has driven change in how we address homelessness with new initiatives to bring people living in encampments inside. She has also worked to prevent people from losing their homes and to lock arms across all levels of government to move people inside and save lives and restore neighborhoods. Homelessness in the City of Los Angeles is down for the first time in six years. Unprecedented drop in street homelessness (10% decrease in the City of Los Angeles – the first double digit decrease in the last at least 9 years). A decrease in makeshift shelters (38% decrease in the City of Los Angeles). The number of people who moved into permanent housing is at an all time high. © Copyright 2025 City of Los Angeles. All rights reserved. LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network. The San Fernando Valley is a quintessential Los Angeles suburb. So could this slice of suburbia, with more than 1.8 million people living across 260 square miles, be home to the next farming revolution? Elliott Kuhn, owner of Cottonwood Urban Farm in the San Fernando Valley, told LAist you might not make a living selling boutique microgreens from your front lawn, but it absolutely can work on a smaller scale to help feed your family and build a community with your neighbors. “I think the opportunity here for L.A. specifically … is the idea that we have one of the largest stages in the world,” Kuhn said. “If we can lay out a pathway that's replicable here for transforming underutilized space to valuable green space that can be used and important to people, holy smokes, man. Holy smokes.” The Cottonwood Urban Farm sits on a half acre of land right off Roscoe Boulevard, near the border of Panorama City and Arleta. It used to be an empty lot that looked like the pavement landscape around it, but Kuhn said it’s become a “collective organism” of nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, and government entities since he took over 13 years ago. “It's really just community creation and building,” he said. “And leveraging agriculture and horticulture as the vehicle.” Cottonwood Urban Farm, named after the century-old cottonwood tree that casts much-needed shade over parts of the property, grows stone fruit, figs, bananas, white sapotes, and Pakistan mulberries, to name a few. People in the neighborhood are welcome to drop off food waste or wood chips at the front gate for free through LA Compost, an organization that shares some of the space, which is then used for the farm’s ground and garden beds. There are mounds of mulch, about a dozen birds keeping the beetles in check, and a trio of beehives that help pollinate the plants. Kuhn said the food and waste that is generated in the San Fernando Valley is finding its way back into the soil in the same general area. “I feel like, at least for me, urban farming is sharing the story and trying to activate people to learn about the systems and maybe grow stuff themselves,” he said. “I think the opportunity for ‘suburban farming’ is to build community, show connection.” There are several challenges associated with converting a yard into a suburban farm in the San Fernando Valley, including water. Haven Kiers, an associate professor in landscape architecture at UC Davis who primarily focuses on small-scale suburban designs, agreed that water is a factor — especially in the West. She told LAist that lawns are a “waste” in this way, and the benefits of having your own vegetation far outweigh the initial costs. “You're really going to be sensing when do these trees need it, how much do they need, so that it's not like that crazy waste of water,” Kiers said. “And, you know, there is something to be said, too, about using water that is going to help cool that surrounding environment, and also help cool areas within the house, and so you're not going to necessarily need to use air conditioning as much.” Plus, if you’re producing flowers and food locally, Kiers said, you’re helping cut down on transportation emissions. And growing crops in the space and seasons you do have, rather than a year-round greenhouse, can reduce the amount of energy and fertilizers being used, she noted. Transforming and maintaining a front yard farm can seem incredibly daunting to some, but Kiers said it’s become an opportunity for capitalism, community, and companies to step-in, especially as “urban farming is so hot right now.” “There's definitely, definitely a market for it, definitely a space for anyone to come in with that knowledge to design, install, and maintain these front yard gardens as urban farms,” she said. And Urban Farms LA has been doing exactly that since 2012. Sophie Pennes, founder and owner, told LAist the organization specializes in California native landscaping and edible vegetable gardens, with clients including an urban farm near LAX and more than 40 residential gardens. “We can grow potatoes, onions, you know, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, squash, everything,” she said, including about 130 pounds of onions from a 210-square-foot space. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Solis Gardens (@solis_gardens) Pennes used to have to convince people to get rid of their lawns Urban Farms LA’s four-person team visits some clients a couple times a year “What's really cool to me about gardening and urban farming is the way that we can use produce for ourselves to also rewild and heal our cities and reduce the carbon footprint of traditional agricultural farming,” she said “It is truly astounding how much food you can grow on what used to be a front lawn.” who lives a few blocks away from the farms in Panorama City at three different farmer’s markets around the city She told LAist she has more than 30 trees in her yard at this point but it all started as a way to thank the doctors and nurses caring for her mother hence the word “mom” in the middle of her jujube logo She soon had more fruits than she knew what to do with why you have to do all of this,” Chau said which offers hands-on programs for young people in farming and gardening In July — which was also the hottest on record across California according to the National Centers for Environmental Information — they were able to harvest 256 pounds of food and divert 246 pounds of green waste to the LA Compost site up front the organization’s executive director and farm hands coordinator Romo noted they could scale up to produce even more but they’re focused on teaching others how to experiment and grow food That means there've been some casualties along the way such as this past summer when they turned half of the farm into flowers or when they tried to grow mushrooms for three months “Everybody doesn't need to do everything,” she said It's great for you to be a jack of many trades but there's also a lot of jacks around here.” LAist takes the climate emergency seriously And our coverage is unique because we took the time to listen to Southern Californians about their concerns With more climate coverage than ever before we are here for you every single day with stories that provide actionable information so you can make your everyday life better But we cannot do this essential work without your help We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you At a time when the need for local journalism has never been greater Member support – your support – is what will sustain a free press in Southern California so please be here for us now with a donation to power our trusted local reporting Step up right now and make the choice to give Because that’s exactly what it is - a choice But it is not a choice without consequences If readers do not choose to step up and donate the future of fact-based news in Southern California will not be as strong LAist will remain a voice you know and trust LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio A San Fernando Valley Superfund site will be cleaned up and help boost Los Angeles’ local water supply the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that industrial manufacturing conglomerate Honeywell International Inc has agreed to pay to clean up contaminated underground aquifers and build water treatment plants in North Hollywood The effort is expected to cost Honeywell around $57 million plus $8 million to $12 million per year to maintain and operate the water treatment facilities The company expects to start delivering water from the treatment plants by late 2027 the EPA said Honeywell’s aerospace and chemical manufacturing predecessors leaked dangerous chemicals into San Fernando Valley groundwater Those chemicals include cancer-causing trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene The agreement adds to ongoing efforts to clean up Cold War-era contamination of the city of L.A.’s largest groundwater basin officials say cleaning up the groundwater basin will more than double L.A.'s local water supply during average wet years and help the city store more water for use during dry years only about 10% of L.A.’s drinking water is sourced from local underground basins The vast majority is piped in from the eastern and northern Sierra Nevada and the overstretched Colorado River Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal News Avery Everett Matthew Craig SAN ANTONIO – Jesusita Rios said her stomach dropped as she walked up to her father’s grave Multiple tire tracks stretch around his final resting place But dozens of other stones had been driven over at San Fernando Cemetery II on Castroville Road A video sent to the KSAT newsroom multiple times this week showed a car driving over graves in the cemetery It’s been seen hundreds of times on social media platforms The Archdiocese of San Antonio manages the cemetery a spokesperson confirmed they were made aware of the video by calls from the community this week The cemetery forwarded KSAT a San Antonio Police Department incident report number the department said that at the time of the report the management said that no gravesites were damaged “Nobody has been held accountable,” Alexandra Gonzalez “Nobody has taken accountability for what has been done.” Rios and Gonzalez said they don’t think this was an isolated incident The tread of the tire tracks on these graves are not the same Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved Email Newsletters KSAT RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us KSAT Internships Careers at KSAT Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group The project will include at-grade light rail tracks to connect with regional transit services like Metrolink Aecom has been appointed lead designer for Phase II of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $3.57bn East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project As part of the San Fernando Transit Constructors joint venture Aecom will oversee the final design of the 6.7-mile light rail line The East San Fernando Valley LRT Project is an infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing public transit in the San Fernando Valley area in California The light rail line will run along Van Nuys Boulevard one of the busiest corridors in the Valley providing a new transit option for the residents of Van Nuys The project will feature at-grade light rail tracks creating vital new connections with regional transit services such as Metrolink Aecom’s role will involve managing the design integration for multiple facilities using 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) to optimise design efficiency and constructability Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Aecom US West region chief executive Matt Crane said: “We are proud to support this landmark project which will meet growing demands for public transit in the region our transportation experts have played a critical role in delivering Southern California’s ambitious transit objectives.” The East San Fernando Valley LRT Project is set to bring comprehensive street improvements to enhance accessibility and safety along with a new 22-acre maintenance and storage facility The facility is planned to include solar-powered systems with excess power storage capabilities reflecting a commitment to sustainable infrastructure In December 2024, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) in Texas chose Aecom as the delivery partner for Austin’s first light rail transit system This project is a key component of the city’s Austin Strategic Mobility Plan aimed at enhancing the connectivity of Austin’s transportation infrastructure Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.-29) joined the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) Acting Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Veronica Vanterpool and a host of state and local officials at the Van Nuys Civic Center to celebrate the U.S Department of Transportation’s (DOT) $893 million grant to LA Metro that will help build the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project bringing rail transit to the east side of the San Fernando Valley has been a priority of mine for decades,” said Senator Padilla. “Underserved Angelenos deserve more access to reliable affordable transit to create opportunities for work and for a better life This nearly $900 million federal investment that Representative Cárdenas and I pushed for will bring more customers and business to the San Fernando Valley connect overlooked communities to the rest of Los Angeles County “The $893 million federal investment in the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will be transformational for my district,” said Representative Cárdenas. “This project has been decades in the making and it’s more than just transportation — it’s a commitment to uplift our community by connecting families to better jobs we’re ensuring that every resident has a fair shot at a brighter future.” rapid transit connection to our growing Metro system is going to make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of residents across our East San Fernando Valley communities and it would not be possible without the federal support that Senator Padilla and Congressman Tony Cárdenas have worked so hard to secure,” said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn “I am thankful for their years of hard work to secure this critical funding for Metro.” “I want to thank the Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation for uniting behind this project and ensuring this federal grant moved forward and for the support of the Biden-Harris Administration,” said LA Mayor and Metro Board Member Karen Bass the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail is taking another important step toward a reality that connects East San Fernando Valley communities to our growing transit network which means access to more opportunities “This $893 million grant will enable us to finally bring light rail back to the Valley and we thank the Biden-Harris Administration and the LA County Congressional Delegation for making this critical investment in our region’s future,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins “Thirty-five percent of households in the East San Fernando Valley depend on Metro for their transportation and the East San Fernando Valley Line will give them faster and more efficient service than ever before we look forward to breaking ground on this line in the coming months.” LA Metro’s new 6.7-mile light rail line will travel along Van Nuys Boulevard It will connect the communities of Van Nuys and Pacoima and create new transit connections to local and regional bus and rail services including the Metro G Line (which connects with the Metro B Line in North Hollywood) This transformational light rail project will bring new transit connectivity to the East San Fernando Valley by reintroducing rail service to the Valley The last Pacific Electric “San Fernando Valley Line” urban electric railway rolled down Van Nuys Boulevard in 1952 The grant will be delivered through a Full Funding Grant Agreement through the FTA’s Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program which seeks to accelerate new fixed guideway capital projects The program was reauthorized thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law KGET 17 News Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish a new wildfire that erupted near Hansen Canyon Dam in the northeast San Fernando Valley Tuesday evening Bakersfield hit-and-run suspect turned himself in after crash Lakeside Union School District Grand Jury Report flags concerns Looking at the behind-the-scenes technology behind 911 calls States with the most strict DUI laws - info from Nolo 1 dead at construction site in west Bakersfield Digital Addiction: The time spent in front of cellphone screens has 'rewired' modern childhood The 38 Best Tacos in Los Angeles The Best Barbecue Restaurants in Los Angeles, According to Eater Editors The Hottest New Restaurants in Los Angeles Eater editors recommend the tightly wrapped Lebanese bread at Furnsaj the Valley’s diverse and growing culinary scene celebrates a variety of tastes The vastness can be intimidating — and has far too much to offer for one single map — so here are just some of the San Fernando Valley’s many great places to eat Rebecca Roland grew up in the San Fernando Valley native and has spent countless hours dining in the neighborhoods that make up the region her favorite neighborhood spot will always be Poquito Mas Matthew Kang grew up in nearby Glendale but continues to trek to the San Fernando Valley regularly to visit his dentist which means a pastrami sandwich from Brent’s or a shawarma wrap from Furn Saj will usually follow a teeth cleaning Mona Holmes eventually ventured further away from her Altadena childhood home to explore Los Angeles She stumbled into the now-closed Four ‘N 20 in Sherman Oaks for a slice of classic apple pie and bought an album on cassette from Licorice Pizza She’ll always wait for a table at the Burbank Bob’s Big Boy Chef Aviad Yalin’s spit-roasted wagyu beef shawarma pop-up now has a permanent home in Studio City The wagyu shawarma sandwich is the main attraction Avi Cue’s small but impressive menu also offers loaded shawarma fries and ground wagyu-filled arayes Any gluten-intolerant diners can order shawarma over a a bed of refreshing Reservations are encouraged at this supper club where food, music, and libations come together for a fully immersive evening Chef Oscar Torres blends Latin influences and flavors with Los Angeles’s local produce and ingredients Complement the meal with a “smokin’ Old Fashioned” or a glass of wine from the exceptionally curated wine list Nightly live music is mixed by 18-time Grammy winner Manny Marroquin It’s Manhattan Season - Here’s Where to Drink One in LA This February 19 Award-Worthy Cocktail Spots in Los Angeles With over 68 years of continuous operation this family-owned Mexican restaurant is now run by third-generation restaurateur Christy Vega who has added an extensive patio to the iconic dining room with red leather booths and dim lighting Pair one of the restaurant’s many margarita options with favorites like albondigas Fun fact: Casa Vega was immortalized in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time in Hollywood The 20 Best LA Restaurants That Are Open on Monday Nights 18 Restaurants to Spot Celebrities in Los Angeles a fire broke out in the kitchen at Augustine Wine Bar leaving Sherman Oaks locals to wonder if the celebrated wine bar would return Augustine finally did in late December 2024 and it’s as great as ever with the same rustic neighborhood charm and a still outstanding by-the-glass and bottle list This year marks the 10th anniversary of Augustine’s opening Order a Chenin blanc and raise a glass to the return of this beloved local wine bar A post shared by Augustine Wine Bar (@augustinewinebar) San Fernando Valley's Essential Restaurants for those who aren’t able to go over the Hollywood Hills 14 Essential Omakase Feasts in Los Angeles Order any of the classic flavors or specialty offerings like rosemary sea salt and everything jalapeño cheddar and be on the lookout for any test batch flavors or daily specials Enjoy bagels simply with cream cheese or make into a custom sandwich Washing it all down with a glass of orange juice never hurts 15 Destinations for Supreme Bagel Satisfaction in Los Angeles Jeff Strauss of Highland Park sandwich shop Jeff’s Table revamped the Bar at Oyster House into a food and drink destination for locals and industry folks alike Strauss’s playful menu blends Japanese flavors and Los Angeles staples with his Jewish heritage; staple dishes on the ever-changing menu include the matzo ball ramen A post shared by OyBar (@oybarla) Osteria La Buca opened a second outlet in 2020 with a modern touch that distinguishes it from its Larchmont sister spot with slightly more room and day-to-night hours without interruption The time-tested menu still has the favorites of cacio e pepe arancini 20 Restaurants for Big Groups and Parties in Los Angeles Anajak Thai has been the object of tremendous media attention for good reason. Chef (and conceptual artist) Justin Pichetrungsi took over his father’s decades-old Sherman Oaks restaurant; kept its quirky weathered interior adorned with artwork; and installed one of the best wine lists on the West Coast The younger Pichetrunsgi adjusted the menu with top-quality seafood and dry-aged fish fillets dressed with nam jim sauce and kept popular dishes like the pad kee mao The results are one of the most popular San Fernando Valley restaurants especially on its Thai Taco Tuesdays when lines can extend to the dozens Stop by this Sherman Oaks takeout window run by husband-and-wife duo chef Uzi Wizman and Gal Ben-Goya to experience bourekas: flaky Sephardic pastries stuffed with savory or sweet fillings Regulars know to call ahead to pre-order and avoid waiting in line Don’t miss grabbing secret menu items like the pinukim and za’atar bourekas stuffed with truffle egg salad The Best Affordable Restaurants in Los Angeles Given that Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian population outside of Iran, it’s no surprise that the city is rich with superlative Persian restaurants. With another location in Thousand Oaks, Sadaf in Encino is arguably the best Iranian spot the Valley has to offer serving an immense kebab plates filled with fluffy basmati rice or “eggplant delight,” as it’s called on the menu 13 Los Angeles Restaurants and Bars With Live Music Where to Eat Around Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village Bypass the bevy of sushi restaurants on Ventura Boulevard and drive further west to this Woodland Hills gem for an omakase from chef-owner Mark Okuda The $200 omakase menu is worth the splurge and includes seasonal Japanese fish which pair nicely with any of the restaurant’s high-end sakes and Champagnes Those craving Brothers Sushi but unable to make it to the Valley can find new expansions in Santa Monica and Culver City Longtime Valley residents will remember the Villa an expansive restaurant and events space on the corner of Ventura and San Feliciano the children of the original owners have taken over the restaurant transforming it into the Mediterranean-inspired Casaléna complete with a statement chandelier overhead and oversized art on the walls is complemented by a verdant outdoor patio The menu blends Mediterranean and Italian influences with dishes like stracciatella with spicy honey and pistachio A separate menu is available at the bar with casual bites like a crispy chicken sandwich The Best Restaurants to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Los Angeles The 97-year-old burger cook and namesake man behind this Van Nuys beef and bun legend first opened this restaurant in 1965 Though Elwell no longer operates the griddle regularly the kitchen still turns out some of the tastiest and most modestly priced burger meals in the Valley Elwell’s age and the ongoing mystery of how he manages to keep this busy roadside stand going are reasons enough to make the trip out 16 Great Places to Order Takeout and Delivery in the San Fernando Valley Finding a great taco spot accommodating those who don’t eat meat can be difficult This vegan Mexican restaurant offers all the standard taqueria options including tacos Order a massive burrito stuffed with jackfruit carnitas or vegan chicharron The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles Gluten-free baking often has a reputation for not being able to stand up to its gluten-filled counterparts but that’s not the case at Modern Bread and Bagel: The entirely gluten-free shop offers cafe classics including bagel sandwiches (try the loaded pastrami-crusted salmon sandwich on a superseed bagel) The latke tots are a side not to be missed Modern Bread has a second location in Santa Monica A post shared by Modern Bread & Bagel (@modernbreadandbagel) It’s all about the retro vibes at Cupid’s in Winnetka roller-skating carhops deliver hot dogs (the classic Cupid chili dogs and Reuben-style hot dogs are popular) from a small kitchen to waiting fans diners can settle for the few round tables outside the stand to eat their dogs on the spot or grab a few to take home Cupid’s offers a plant-based sausage as well 15 Great LA Chili Dogs For Those Comfort Food Needs this family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Thai cuisine for 30 years (The crispy rice salad is an absolute must-order on every visit.) An unfussy dining room and friendly A post shared by Sri Siam Café (@srisiamcafe) Cavaretta’s has been known for its excellent Italian sandwiches since opening in 1959 The deli and market serve a full menu of subs Expect the crew to spread plenty of extra mustard and mayo on every sandwich 10 No-Reservation-Required Spots in the West Valley North Hollywood’s Cilantro Mexican Grill makes what may be the best meat burrito in the entire city Tucked into a quiet corner of a busy gas station this place draws dozens upon dozens of lunchtime diners eager to enjoy the craftsmanship of chef Adolfo Perez a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with a corporate cheffing background who is now making his dream come true Burritos come packed with meats like carne asada or barbacoa Chef Danny Ly’s contemporary Vietnamese restaurant in Panorama City is home to one of the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the Valley. The bánh mì đặc biệt is made wonderfully rich with a generous swipe of pate and an abundant layer of mayonnaise on top wood-paneled dining room makes for a homey dine-in experience A post shared by MD Signs & Printing (@mdsigns_printing) Brent’s has been a staple in the Northridge neighborhood since opening in 1967 The celebrated black pastrami Reuben is reason enough to make the drive but don’t stop ordering there: Try the latke and blintz sampler for traditional deli fare or add in an order of knishes for a filling side The place — marked by a charmingly vintage dining room — has become popular enough that mornings can result in long waits 20 Iconic LA Dishes Still Available For Delivery and Takeout part hidden restaurant located in a Northridge strip mall this Sri Lankan specialist turns out some of the Valley’s most flavorful food Premil and Koshalie Jayasinghe took over a Mexican restaurant that had been open for the prior 15 years the Jayasinghes introduced Sri Lankan favorites like roti and lamprais — a banana leaf-wrapped sampler of “takeout food” that includes meat curry Longtime regulars can be comforted in knowing that Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros and carne asada remain on the menu making this Sri Lankan-Mexican restaurant one of the most unique places to eat in the Valley The 21 Best Indian and South Asian Restaurants in Los Angeles outstanding Cajun food can be found in the Valley at Les Sisters the restaurant is known for its Southern-style cooking and don’t forget to add in orders of biscuits The no-frills dining room has several tables flanking its walls A post shared by Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen (@lessisters2014) The Best Creole and Cajun Restaurants in Los Angeles Chatsworth may just be home to one of LA’s best wine bars right now the former wine director at Michelin-starred Mélisse he hoped to bring the neighborhood a bar that would feel at home in a fine dining restaurant with a curated wine list and bites to pair offering a weekly list of about 10 bottles by the glass plus six more on a constantly changing chalk menu Canto VI offers a select menu of classic cocktails and spirits A focus of Canto VI is its personalized service so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or a half glass of wine instead of the full Head to Furnsaj for the freshly baked mana’ish a Lebanese flatbread available with toppings including za’atar The kitchen also features a set of shawarma towers featuring highly-seasoned beef and chicken perfect for piling onto plates and enjoying with the restaurant’s tangy saj bread — a thin unleavened bread baked on a domed oven or metal griddle Those who want to skip the building can just get shawarma or ground luleh beef in saj wraps stuffed with garlic and fresh tomatoes for an easy meal on the go 19 Essential Meat Dishes to Try in Los Angeles Los Angeles Tourism invites you to soak up the sun-drenched lifestyle iconic eats and hidden gems of the LA’s Valley neighborhoods LOS ANGELES, CA (September 30, 2024) From an 18th century Spanish mission to theme parks and movie sets, the San Fernando Valley offers a unique window into local history pop culture and that sun-drenched LA lifestyle made famous in music “Whether you’re shopping on Ventura Boulevard, pub-crawling in North Hollywood, taking a selfie at the fountain from ‘Friends’ on the Warner Bros. tour or thrilling to the rides at Universal, there’s nothing like visiting the Valley,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board This is the celebrated dreamscape where Valley girls got their name, where Kardashians preen and pout, where skateboarders sail into the blue sky in Tom Petty’s iconic “Free Fallin’” music video. And it’s where countless blockbuster movies have been filmed or set from “Encino Man” and “E.T.” to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” to the 1983 rom-com “Valley Girl.” Even classics like “Casablanca” were filmed in the Valley The Valley is a great destination for shopping whether you’re treasure-hunting for vintage or heading to the mall offering a variety of international flavors old-school classics and high-end dining with stunning views Read on for LA Tourism’s detailed guide and tips for exploring LA’s San Fernando Valley LA’S SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AT A GLANCE Universal Studios Hollywood theme park is one of LA’s greatest attractions and has something for every visitor The park’s world-famous Studio Tour takes guests on a tram to see backlots including the Bates Motel from “Psycho” and Jupiter’s Claim from Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” plus encounters with King Kong and the shark from “Jaws.” where guests are transformed into adoptable puppies a gorgeous first-run movie theater with an upscale bar Check the Universal Hollywood app for wait times for rides advice on kid-friendly attractions and more Note: Solo guests can skip long waits on single rider lines the coffee shop from “Friends”; take a photo with Harry Potter’s broomstick or a Bat-Pod from “The Dark Knight”; learn about sound production or teach a computer-generated image to move like a human vintage clothes and even props and costumes from movies and TV shows where multi-level seating ensures that every table looks out over the Valley The menu is seasonally inspired and steak-forward NORTH HOLLYWOOD & THE NOHO ARTS DISTRICT (NOHO) is an arthouse featuring indie flicks and events with industry creatives just announced it’s opening a second location in the neighborhood In nearby Valley Glen, The Great Wall of Los Angeles a half-mile-long mural celebrating social justice and diversity stretches along the Tujunga Wash flood control channel near Coldwater Canyon Boulevard between Oxnard Street and Burbank Boulevard a knitting guru to stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Debra Messing Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks is home to Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and nearly 100 more stores. Westfield also hosts Movies on the Roof an outdoor evening experience where you can relax in a comfy beanbag chair while enjoying timeless fun and classic films Sportsmen’s Lodge also offers a number of wellness services like Next Health, Myodetox and Equinox, while spas in Sherman Oaks include Burke Williams or Blue Medi Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park puts the fun back in shopping with a gorgeous mall from affordable fashion at H&M and Uniqlo to luxury brands like Gucci and Hermes While you’re there, explore Topanga Social a new food hall with 23 of LA’s most buzz-worthy bars and food purveyors If you’re a Kardashian fan, take a drive through Calabasas and get a salad at Health Nut in Woodland Hills Also in Woodland Hills: Gasolina Cafe is a Spanish cafe and market serving breakfast plus paella nights one Friday and Saturday per month For outdoor recreation, visit Chatsworth’s Garden of the Gods, named for its massive sandstone rock formations; look for some of the 200 species of birds found in Chatsworth Nature Preserve; or take a hike in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Head north for culture, local history and museums. In Mission Hills, the Mission San Fernando Rey de España is one of 21 historic California missions built by Spanish colonizers The mission is known for its long Convento building Actor Bob Hope is buried in a memorial garden behind the onsite church; Ritchie Valens whose 1958 Top 40 hit “La Bamba” was based on a Mexican folk song is buried in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery In Sylmar, enjoy a self-guided tour of the Nethercutt Museum’s collection of antique, classic and specialty cars. For family fun, head to the Discovery Cube science center which is getting ready for a makeover that will include a new outdoor amphitheater Renovations are expected to be complete in 2026 In Van Nuys, the Valley Relics Museum is a window into 20th century Valley pop culture, featuring old neon signs from beloved local businesses, arcade games that you can play for free, the VW bus from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and other ephemera. The same team offers guided tours of the area’s many film locations through My Valley Pass Have breakfast or lunch at James Family Restaurant in San Fernando, a 1950s diner (try posole, a meaty hominy stew). For dinner, hit The Bear Pit serving up barbecue in Mission Hills since the 1940s For outdoor recreation, go birdwatching in Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, rent a swan boat on Lake Balboa, and visit the picturesque Japanese garden at Woodley Park where “Star Trek” fans will recognize a building that’s been used as Starfleet Academy Ride some of the country’s fastest roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia Visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley By air: The Valley is served by three airports: By Metro: The Metro B (Red) Line stops in North Hollywood and Universal City/Studio City making those parts of the Valley (including Universal Studios Hollywood theme park) easy to reach by train from Hollywood or Downtown LA and the B line from there to NoHo or Universal By rideshare: Uber and Lyft are also efficient ways to navigate the Valley without a rental car and the hassles and expense of parking cheywood@latourism.org myunk@latourism.org ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the LA area Brant Cox & Sylvio Martins CA 91403">.css-56eu0z{width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;line-height:1em;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray100);vertical-align:middle;fill:currentColor;}14704 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks How to get into Anajak Thai.css-a52oel{min-height:auto;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-4);}.css-orc1vi{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-standard);font-weight:400;margin:var(--chakra-space-0);padding:var(--chakra-space-0);font-size:0.9375rem;line-height:1.6;font-style:normal;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Aside from early-bird slots at 4pm Anajak's dinner service is often booked weeks in advance Getting a seat at the 14-course omakase is even harder so sign up for notifications or try calling PlayUnmute8.1Vinh Loi Tofu Vietnamese Reseda Vinh Loi Tofu maxes out on flavor with its vegan Vietnamese cooking The menu at this strip mall spot in Reseda covers a lot of ground from giant bowls of sweet-spicy peanut soup with rice noodles and tofu “shrimp,” lemongrass “beef” banh mis made with wonderfully crunchy baguettes and oriental “duck” spring rolls filled with warm fried egg rolls and tons of nearly caramelized teriyaki mushrooms We’re yet to try something at Vinh Loi that disappoints the owner will point to the mural behind the counter that reads PlayUnmute8.5Birrieria Apatzingan 10040 Laurel Canyon Blvd Los Angeles Mexican Pacoima You’ll find one of LA’s best Mexican restaurants between a convenience store and a recycling center We’re not sending you on a scavenger hunt—that’s genuinely where Birrieria Apatzingan is located six-table restaurant in Pacoima serves big steaming bowls of Michoacan-style birria de chivo (a.k.a some of the finest slow-cooked goat you’ll come across) The chivo is juicy and tender after bubbling in the flavorful broth for hours and tastes even better with their fluffy handmade tortillas on the side but we can vouch that everything here is great fatty pork spare ribs coated in queso cotija and served over rice PlayUnmute8.1BLVD Steak 13817 Ventura Blvd Los Angeles Steakhouse Sherman Oaks This upscale spot in Sherman Oaks isn’t doing anything wildly different than other classic steakhouses in LA Plushy green banquettes and black paneled walls give the dining room a sleek Martinis arrive icy and smooth (with a shaker for additional pours) and thick cuts of red meat are cooked perfectly medium rare The gigantic bar area buzzes with the energy of a studio social mixer BLVD is the kind of all-purpose Valley gathering spot where you can take the family for a wholesome midweek meal and then sneak back a few days later for a Vesper and filet mignon at the bar Soul Food San Fernando Located in the far northwest corner of the San Fernando Valley Chatsworth isn’t the most convenient place for many Angelenos but as long as your destination is Les Sisters’ This Valley institution has been around since the '80s and is home to some of the best soul food in the city smoky chicken jambalaya is the focus of the meal we like to round things out with some gooey mac and cheese and black-eyed peas PlayUnmute9.1Brent's Deli American Northridge This old-school deli is one of our favorite restaurants in all of LA There are always large groups of neighbors swapping gossip and regulars who haven’t cracked open the menu in three decades so you’ll need to come in with a game plan—or just borrow ours: The black pastrami Reuben (swap in curly fries) PlayUnmute9.2Baja Subs Market & Deli Sri Lankan Another one of our all-time favorites. You could come to this tiny convenience store in Northridge for a pack of cigarettes and a turkey sandwich from behind the counter But that’d also be missing the point entirely it’s all about the secret menu on the wall filled with exceptional Sri Lankan food You’ll find dishes like biryani topped with caramelized onion relish a popular Sri Lankan street food made with flaky roti sauteed with vegetables and though you can certainly order at the counter we recommend calling in your order before you head over PlayUnmute9.0Go's Mart 22330 Sherman Way #C12 Canoga Park Sushi Canoga Park Getting to Go’s Mart is probably a journey no matter where you’re coming from, but trust us when we say this sushi bar next to a dance studio in Canoga Park is always worth driving the few extra miles eating here feels a bit like you’ve stepped into a janitor’s closet but one that happens to serve some of the highest-grade sushi in town just a daily specials board hanging in the back but the real move is to ask for the omakase so Go’s certainly isn’t your once-a-week sushi stop but if you’re looking to experience one of LA’s great meals 8.0Tun Lahmajo 2202 N Glenoaks Blvd Burbank Armenian Burbank This family-owned Armenian restaurant in Burbank bakes all of its bread dishes to order in two blazing ovens commanded by a person in a white hat The adjarian with orange yolks peeking through salty cheese is good to share but meat-heavy lahmajo is so light that tearing into one solo with a tiny but potent Armenian coffee is the perfect snack The menu doesn’t provide any dish descriptions so if you aren’t as familiar with Armenian food just trust us when we say everything that leaves their twin kilns is delicious PlayUnmute8.1The Brothers Sushi 21418 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills Japanese Woodland Hills 8.3Tel Aviv Fish Grill Israeli Tarzana If you’re in the mood for a light brunch, ideally one that involves lemon-drenched seafood, head to Tel Aviv Fish Grill in Tarzana. This fish-leaning Israeli restaurant (related to this popular shawarma spot) gets packed most mornings with families splitting hummus dunked into a garlicky lemon-parsley sauce but the delicately fried whole white bass with flaky tender meat belongs on the table for groups PlayUnmute8.3Sri Siam Cafe 12843 Vanowen St North Hollywood Thai North Hollywood Sri Siam has been serving dishes like papaya salad and khao soi long before you could easily find them outside of Thai Town this North Hollywood Thai restaurant also makes incredible food Then sit with your feast and watch Wheel of Fortune on the TV in the corner and don’t be surprised if your server (i.e the owner) pulls up a chair next to you and starts chatting—that’s just how things are done here PlayUnmute8.3Borekas Sephardic Pastries 15030 Ventura Blvd Suite 25 Sherman Oaks in Sherman Oaks serves nothing but decadent bourekas You might wait as long as a half-hour for your order (though you can call and pre-order) Four different filling options are available: feta and spinach and share the leftovers with a deserving friend 8.2 Oy Bar Bar Food Studio City but we also like ordering the pastrami quesadilla and cured salmon onigiri sprinkled with everything spice And don’t think for a second that you’ll be the only one eating—everybody inside has food on the way PlayUnmute8.0Sushi Note Cemitas Don Adrian Van Nuys Cemitas Don Adrian in Van Nuys has been around for nearly a quarter-century and their Puebla-style tortas only continue to get better Their menu of 20-something tortas can definitely lead to some sandwich-induced stress so we’ll make things easier on you: order the milanesa de lomo de puerco your choice of jalapeños or chipotle salsa and stringy Oaxacan cheese—all sandwiched between a toasted The only thing that could possibly go wrong with your Don Adrian order is that you like your torta too much and forget to try the other two dozen options on the menu PlayUnmute8.0Bamboo Bistro 8516 Van Nuys Blvd Panorama City Filipino Panorama City Eating the food from this Panorama City restaurant is kind of like finding $20 in a jacket you haven’t worn since last winter It will always change the trajectory of your day From extra crispy pork pata to a rich and thick kare-kare that goes heavy on peanuts the food here is inspired by potlucks in Filipino home cooking just for a cup of bulalo soup with beef shank PlayUnmute8.1Daichan Furn Saj Bakery Lebanese Granada Hills Furn Saj is located on the far northern edge of The Valley in Granada Hills but if you’re within even a 20-minute drive you need to be eating at this Lebanese restaurant/bakery A meal at this family-run strip mall spot can be overwhelming—the menu features more than 70 dishes—so we recommend starting with either chicken or beef shawarma (both are among the best we’ve eaten in LA) and ending it with a visit to their baked goods case and you can chase it down with some rice pudding at the end 8.4Shin Sushi Encino A meal at Shin Sushi costs around $240 a head but if you’re in the market for a once-a-year omakase experience more unique fish than at this Encino institution will chat with you the whole time you’re there probably ask you about your favorite football team and offer his own predictions for the upcoming season even if you aren’t totally sure what football is Then he’ll get to work making sushi standouts that include oysters with firefly shrimp PlayUnmute8.0Porto's Bakery Cuban The family-run Cuban bakery has been serving guava pastries and everything else under the Valley sun for decades and built a rabid following in the process Come here at noon on a Tuesday and be greeted by 100 other people who had the same idea as you Porto’s is a well-oiled machine and will have you in 8.2Sincerely Syria Middle Eastern Its name might sound like a potential Best Picture nominee, but we’re ready to award this order-at-the-counter shop a separate trophy for truly excellent shawarma. Sincerely Syria is run by the people behind the formerly named Hollywood Shawarma We're fans of both the chicken and beef-lamb shawarma wrapa which come tightly bound in a thin cylindrical pita that’s slightly crunchy and perfectly golden on the outside They're an ideal treat to eat while you walk around and run errands on Ventura 8.3Swinging Door BBQ 11018 Vanowen St North Hollywood BBQ Something about finding amazing barbecue in the parking lot of a gas station is peak Valley Ignore the aroma of gasoline and follow the smoked meat smell to Swinging Door BBQ Texas-style spot that runs a double-barreled smoker in the back alley and perfumes the block with oak and apple wood Combo plates are the move here: prioritize the fatty brisket that falls apart with one chomp crisp-skinned ribs that slide off the bone onion-y collard greens plus mac and cheese and it’ll be the best money you’ll ever spend near a gas pump 8.1Lum-Ka-Naad Baba Sweets Indian Everywhere to eat in the city of studios. 15 places for a great meal in North Hollywood. The 16 best places to eat in Studio City. Great places to eat in LA’s most suburban neighborhood. Sylvio moved to LA over a decade ago and still misses his exit on the 10. He came to us as a freelancer and wrote so many guides that we gave him a job. Print Soon a large swath of the San Fernando Valley will be under the watchful eye of 100 license plate-reading cameras that Los Angeles officials hope will help police crack down on burglaries Councilman John Lee announced the Los Angeles Police Department and other city departments are already working toward installing the cameras by the end of the year The cameras will be at or near intersections in Chatsworth These communities “have been asking for change and pleading with their government representatives to address issues of crime” in their neighborhoods “While I know there is always more we can do it brings me immense hope to know that we’ve been able to deliver this project for the Northwest San Fernando Valley,” he said An automated license plate reader camera takes a photo or a video of a vehicle’s license plate information. With optical character recognition the plate number is compared to one or more law enforcement crime databases of vehicles of interests or “hot lists,” according to the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police The reader technology can also detect the vehicle type and color, GPS location data and date and time of an incident, according to the Congressional Research Service buildings or bridges and mobile cameras are frequently mounted on police cars In January, Lee introduced a motion to set aside $500,000 to fund and purchase the automated cameras for the Valley and tasked the police department the Bureau of Street Lighting and the city’s Department of Transportation to begin researching locations and methods for the installation of the cameras to best assist police Installation of the cameras began in September and has already resulted in two arrests officers were able to identify a stolen vehicle after suspects allegedly assaulted and attempted to rob a victim who successfully captured the vehicle’s license plate The victim shared the license plate number with police officers who were able to use the plate number to locate the vehicle via one of its new cameras and make an arrest officers were able to use a larger network of reader cameras to locate a suspect who allegedly forcibly removed a Rolex watch from a victim’s wrist Officers tracked the suspect’s vehicle to a motel room and arrested the suspect The decision to install reader cameras in the Valley came after the LAPD’s Devonshire Division reported a 23% increase in burglaries across the entire service area in 2023 and a 103% increase in burglaries in neighborhoods north of Rinaldi Street The department did not share the crime statistics for 2022 Automated license plate reader camera technology is already used by the Los Angeles Police Department the implementation of this technology at fixed locations in residential and business areas is the first of its kind in the city According to a 2020 survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics nearly 90% of sheriffs’ offices with 500 or more sworn deputies reported using the technology while 100% of policing departments serving more than 1 million residents used reader cameras Opponents of the technology, including the American Civil Liberties Union, complain that the technology and its database have few or no restrictions to protect privacy rights In 2020 the state auditor found that the LAPD and three other California law enforcement agencies did not provide sufficient privacy protections of hundreds of millions of images collected by automated license plate readers and shared them with other jurisdictions. The audit found that 99.9% of the 320 million images the LAPD stored came from vehicles that were not on a list of those involved in criminal investigations when the image was made by the automated license plate readers, or ALPR. “When it comes to license plate readers and privacy, a consumer’s best option to retain their privacy is to ride a bike,” said Gregory Nojeim, senior counsel for the Center for Democracy and Technology. “I say that because all vehicles that are required to have license plates are subject to the new surveillance system.” Nojeim said residents in the seven neighborhoods that will have reader cameras should understand that when they travel on roads, law enforcement will have a record of where everybody was, who was the subject, and who passed the camera based on license plate information. The collected information stored as an ALPR record is maintained “for a set period within California that ranges by jurisdiction from 60 days to 5 years,” unless it is reasonably believed it will become evidence in a criminal or civil action, the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center states. “It’s like having your own Wayback Machine where you can look at where people were in the past,” he said. What’s concerning is law enforcement officials don’t need a warrant to assess the data collected by the reader camera and they don’t need a judge’s approval to assess the data either, Nojeim said. “This ... surveillance [will] occur 24 hours a day at 100 locations [in the Valley] once cameras are installed and it doesn’t matter whether you’re going about your life, shopping for groceries or picking up your kids from the soccer game,” he said. “What matters is whether you’re near a camera and whether the camera can spot your license plate.” You become a target of surveillance, he said. Karen Garcia is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the team that has a pulse on breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. She was previously a reporter on the Utility Journalism Team, which focused on service journalism. Her previous stints include reporting for the San Luis Obispo New Times and KCBX Central Coast Public Radio. World & Nation California Subscribe for unlimited access Site Map