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Fake Tax Bills? Here’s What to Watch For + Olympic Firsts in SFV

LA28 Brings Olympic Debuts to the Valley—Here’s What’s Coming

Author

Adam Kruze
July 17, 2025

It’s hard to believe, but LAUSD summer break is already half way through. I hope those of you who have kids are having an enjoyable summer. Look forward to the next edition where I’ll share some info on discounted activities you can take advantage of while there’s still time. For those of you who don’t have kids, I hope this newsletter has been providing you with ideas on things to do and keeping you informed on good things going on around the valley.

Did You Know - The San Fernando Valley is 260 square miles!? That’s roughly 8 times the size of Manhattan.

🕵️‍♂️ SCAM ALERT: Fake Property Tax Bills Targeting LA County Homeowners

Heads up, homeowners—scammers are getting bolder and sneakier.

The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is warning residents about a rise in fake property tax bills making the rounds. These phony notices are designed to look almost exactly like the real thing, and they’re tricking people into sending money to fraudsters.

🚩 Here’s how to spot a fake:

  • It comes at the wrong time: Annual secured property tax bills from LA County are mailed in October. If you get one in July or right after you've already paid, that’s suspicious.

  • The language is aggressive: Scare tactics like “pay immediately or face legal action” are a big red flag.

  • Weird payment methods: If they ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or other non-secure channels—don’t bite.

  • The details don’t match: Your name, address, APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number), or even the tax year may be incorrect. Look for typos, sketchy logos, or missing official wording from the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector.

✅ A real tax bill will:

  • Come from an official government agency

  • Include accurate details like your APN, legal property description, and due dates

  • Offer secure, traceable payment options

  • Use formal (not threatening) language

What to do if you get a suspicious bill:

  1. Don’t pay or respond until you’ve verified it’s legit.

  2. Check directly with the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector:
    📞 888-807-2111 or 213-974-2111
    🌐 ttc.lacounty.gov

  3. Report it to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs:
    📞 800-593-8222
    🌐 dcba.lacounty.gov

  4. Warn your neighbors—especially seniors, who are often targeted by these scams.

If you or someone you know gets a tax bill that feels “off,” take a beat before you pay. A little caution can save a lot of cash.

🎉 3 Years to Go Until LA28—and the San Fernando Valley Is Getting Its Olympic Moment

On July 14th, we officially hit the three-year countdown to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. While the whole city is getting ready to shine on the world stage, the San Fernando Valley is stepping into the Olympic spotlight like never before, hosting seven major events—including three making their Olympic debut right here in the Valley.

🏟️ The Sepulveda Basin Goes for Gold

For the first time, the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area will transform into a premier Olympic venue, hosting:

  • 3x3 Basketball (Olympic debut!)

  • Modern Pentathlon (Olympic debut in this format!)

  • BMX Racing

  • BMX Freestyle

  • Skateboarding – Park

  • Skateboarding – Street

With these action-packed sports all landing in Valley Complexes One through Four, the Basin will become one of the hottest places to be in the city—especially if you’re into backflips, board tricks, or modern-day gladiator training.

📽️ Squash Meets Hollywood on the Universal Lot

Also making its Olympic debut in 2028 is Squash, and LA28 is staging it on one of the most iconic backlots in movie history: Universal Studios.

Yes, that Universal Studios. The same lot where Back to the Future filmed its climactic lightning-strike scene at the courthouse. In 2028, instead of Doc Brown hanging off the clock tower, we’ll see athletes battling it out inside sleek, glass-walled courts set right in front of Courthouse Square. It's giving: “88 miles per hour, but make it Squash.”

🗓️ What’s Next?

  • Tickets will likely go on sale in early to mid 2027, giving you time to save up (and maybe practice your ollie or fencing footwork).

  • Jobs are already available—with 37 open roles listed across areas like data analysis, venue operations, and sustainability. You can explore them now on the LA 28 Careers Page.

As Mayor Karen Bass put it, “this plan brings the Games to all corners of our city like never before”—and for Valley residents, that means it’s finally our time to shine. Whether you're spectating, volunteering, or just geeking out over Olympic Squash where Marty McFly once ran from Biff, the San Fernando Valley is officially an Olympic destination.

🔥 Six Months Later, Fire Survivors Still Need Our Help – Here’s How You Can Show Up

The headlines may have faded, but the reality hasn’t: many Angelenos are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastating wildfires that swept through the region six months ago.

On July 18 and 19, L.A. Works and Global Empowerment Mission are hosting the Rebuild and Rise Job Fair—a powerful two-day event designed to connect wildfire survivors with employment opportunities and critical resources to help them get back on their feet.

But they can’t do it alone. Volunteers are urgently needed to help make this event a success.

🙌 Ways You Can Help

Volunteers are needed across multiple shifts to assist with:

  • Event setup and breakdown

  • Registration

  • Guiding attendees and offering a warm, welcoming environment

Whether you’ve got a full day or just a few hours to spare, your time and compassion can make a real difference for someone trying to restart their life.

📅 Volunteer Shifts

  • Thursday, July 18: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Friday, July 19:

    • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This is more than just a job fair—it’s a chance to show up for our neighbors, offering not just support but dignity, connection, and hope.

Let’s help our community rebuild and rise—together.

🚗 30th Annual Glendale Cruise Night: A Timeless Celebration of Cars & Community

Glendale Cruise Night, a beloved summer tradition in downtown Glendale, returns on Saturday, July 19, 2025, for its 30th consecutive year. Launched in 1994 alongside the Rose Bowl's World Cup festivities, the event has evolved into one of the city’s largest—and coolest—community gatherings.

🚗 A Rolling Showcase of Passion & Design

  • Classic meets exotic: Expect to see 300–400 vehicles spanning pre‑1985 American classics, sleek imports, and exotic rides. Whether you're into muscle cars or modified tuners, there's something for every auto enthusiast.

  • Brand Boulevard revival: The event spans several blocks in the heart of Glendale along Brand Blvd., turning the iconic "Jewel City" strip into a vibrant outdoor automotive gallery.

🌟 The Glendale Effect: Community & Culture Unite

  • Historic roots: What started as a celebration tied to a global sporting event has grown into Glendale’s signature summer event, drawing over 45,000 attendees each year.

  • City-wide synergy: Organized by a dedicated committee of Glendale city staff, local police and fire department members—including MC Brian Beirne—this is an event by the community, for the community.

🎶 Beyond the Cars: Music, Food & Family Fun

  • Live entertainment: Kenny Metcalf as Elton John, Scot Bruce - Elvis The Early Years, The PettyBreakers.

  • Kid-friendly zones: Games and activities keep younger visitors engaged while parents stroll.

  • Food and drinks galore: From food trucks to local eateries lining the boulevard, there’s an appetite for every taste.

🎆 Cap It Off with a Bang

While the full schedule is still to come, past events have featured fireworks over downtown—closing the night on a high note that’s sure to return in 2025 .

📌 Save the Date

When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Where: Brand Boulevard, Downtown Glendale
Who: Open to the public—free entry!

If you do intend to show a vehicle you have the chance to win a trophy, but all registered vehicles will receive a free swag bag and an event t-shirt.

Get ready to be part of an iconic Glendale summer tradition—see you on Brand Blvd! Check out the event page for more info.

🍸 Nevermore… Thirsty: The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Comes to North Hollywood

Grab your ravens and your darkest cloak—Poe is pouring.

This August, the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood is hosting a chilling cocktail experience that’ll have you saying "Quoth the mixologist, one more pour." The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy brings four of his most haunting stories to life, each paired with a deliciously sinister cocktail and narrated by the enigmatic Poe Historians.

What to expect (other than a premature burial in cocktails):

🕯️ A gothic 90-minute experience with moody vibes and vintage flair
🍸 Four themed cocktails that would make even the Tell-Tale Heart skip a beat
🎭 Live performances reimagining tales like The Raven, The Black Cat, and other fan-favorites (no word yet on if the cask of Amontillado is served chilled)

You'll step into a hidden speakeasy setting, surrounded by the flicker of candlelight and probably a few nervous glances over your shoulder. The ambiance alone is enough to make you question if the walls are closing in—or if it’s just that fourth cocktail.

The Not-So-Murky Details:

📍 Location: Wisteria Theater, 7061 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood
📅 Dates: August 14th-16th
⏳ Duration: 90 minutes of spooky sips and storytelling
🔞 Age: 21+ only (leave the youthful narrators of Annabel Lee at home)
💀 Dress Code: Black lace optional, brooding expression encouraged

Whether you’re a die-hard Poe fan or just really into craft cocktails and mildly haunted evenings, this event is the perfect way to toast the master of macabre.

Get your tickets now before they disappear... like your sanity in The Pit and the Pendulum.

😆 Comedy

  • Jay Leno Thu Jul 17th 7:30pm Flappers Comedy Club 102 E. Magnolia Blvd Burbank

  • Don’t Tell Comedy - Friday July 18th 8 p.m. Doors open @ 7:30 p.m., Valley Village, CA - Venue will be announced the morning of the event date.

  • Friday Nite Laughs 8PM Fri, Jul 18 at 08:00 PM PDT at The Nitecap 2200 W Burbank Blvd, Ste B, Burbank

  • FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Headliner: Jimmy Brogan Friday 7/18 7:30 PM, Door Time: 6:30 PM The Comedy Chateau 4615 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

  • Consensual Emu comedy improv and live musical comedy. Saturday July 19th 8pm, Click the link for a 50% off coupon. LA Comedy Connection 3435 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank

  • Jeff Garcia & Friends Sat, Jul 19 at 08:00 PM PDT at Ha Ha Comedy Club 4712 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

  • Orny Adams Saturday, July 19th, 2025 7:30pm Flappers Comedy Club - Main Room 102 E. Magnolia Blvd Burbank

🎭️Theatre and Performing Arts

  • 🛼 XANADU a roller disco musical - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through August 10th, The Wisteria Theatre 7061 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood

  • Summer Playwrights Festival - Still 8 shows out of 24 left to see! The Road Theatre 10747 Magnolia Boulevard North Hollywood

📽️ Film

  • Hobby: Tales from the Tabletop post-screening Q&A hosted by BoardGameGeek podcaster Candice Harris with director Simon Ennis July 17 The Laemmle NoHo 5240 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

  • Guns & Moses actor Mark Feuerstein and producer Lee Broda will participate in a Q&A after the 7:00 P.M. screening on Saturday, July 19. Co-writer/director Salvador Litvak and co-writer Nina Litvak will participate in Q&A's after all screenings on Sunday, July 20. Laemmle Town Center Encino 17200 Ventura Blvd UNIT 121, Encino

  • Encanto: Sing-Along, Saturday, July 19th at 6:00pm Johnny Carson Park 400 Bob Hope Dr. Burbank

  • MOVIE NIGHT "DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE" TUESDAY, JULY 22 Shadow Grove Brewing 1116 2nd St, San Fernando,

🎵 Music

🤷 Other

  • 🍷 💐 Petals & Pours - a floral workshop. Get a flight of wine and leave with a bouquet you made! Sunday July 20th 12:30pm-2:30pm Malibu Wines & Beer Garden 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills

  • The Roguelike Rumbles immersive Dungeons and Dragons game. Thursday, July 17, 2025 8:00 PM 10:30 PM The Roguelike Tavern 259 N Pass Ave, Burbank

  • Weirdos of NoHo Pop Up Art Show (4:30pm on the patio) July 23, 2025 Lawless Brewing Company 275 Craner Ave, North Hollywood

⚠️ BEACH AREA WARNINGS (as of July 16):

  • Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

  • Windward Storm Drain at Venice Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

  • Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

  • Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

  • Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove 100 yards up and down the coast from the paradise cove pier.

  • The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the club border fence.

  • Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey Entire swim area.

  • Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

  • Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.