I’ve been seeing “back to school” in more an more places the last few days. Albertsons weekly ad, walking through Target, and incessant calls from LAUSD offering free backpacks (more on that below). It seems like just a few weeks ago Summer break got underway yet here we are, a little over two weeks away. We’ve got a lot of family friendly stuff going on this weekend, so get out there and make the most of what little time is left. And if you don’t have kids, well, I hope the rest of the season is fun and that SFV 101 helps you find some events you wouldn’t have otherwise known about, but get ready for your commute to take a few minutes longer starting August 11th.

Did You Know - Ventura Boulevard’s famous “Sushi Row” in Studio City boasts the highest concentration of sushi restaurants in the entire United States outside of Japan—with over a dozen spots in just one mile? It was also instrumental in making sushi a nationwide phenomenon.

Featured Event: Magnolia Park Food Truck Friday

The last Friday of every month Magnolia Blvd between N. Hollywood Way and N. Catalina St. in Burbank turns into a mecca of food trucks, shopping, and people watching. My wife used to work in a shop called Encore Nouveau a women’s clothing boutique that was located in what is now Bell Cottage, a cute little gift shop. At the time, the shop owners were looking to drum up some business and food trucks were all the rage at the time (2009, 2010-ish), so they created what they called Lady’s Night Out.

I’m not sure when they changed the name, but it’s now known as Food Truck Friday and the name is definitely fitting. About two dozen food trucks line the street, plus some other vendors show up like kettle corn and snow cones. You’ll probably see some folks busking and while you try to decide between a lobster roll and a Korean taco, you can browse the shops that line Magnolia Blvd. If you can’t find anything you like on a truck, there are a couple restaurants on the strip that can sate your hunger. My personal favorite is Pinnochio’s Italian Restaurant. They serve delicious Italian food cafeteria style right next door to the Monte Carlo Italian Deli which sells all kinds of specialty Italian meats, cheeses, wines. I highly recommend the meatball sub from Pinocchio’s.

The street is designed for shopping and has plenty of parking so it doesn’t close down, just take it nice and slow as you get to the event.

I’ll probably be going this week so look for me in a white SFV 101 t-shirt and say hi!

Magnolia Park Food Truck Friday is between 6pm-9pm this Friday, July 25th.

🍽️ Dine LA Restaurant Week Returns: Time to Loosen Your Belt, SFV

Dine LA Restaurant Week is back from July 25 to August 8, 2025, and it’s your excuse—nay, civic duty—to eat your way across the Valley like the hungry little foodie you are.

Twice a year, this glorious two-week(ish) festival spotlights L.A.’s vibrant, diverse, and occasionally confusing culinary scene (looking at you, sushi burrito). Hundreds of local restaurants are rolling out special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner, and this summer, it’s dine-in only—so you’ll have to change out of your pajama pants. (Sorry. We don’t make the rules.)

🍝 So… how does it work?

No tickets. No secret passwords. No reservations required. Just walk into or call ahead to a participating restaurant, ask for the Dine LA menu, and prepare to feast. (Pro tip: make a reservation, unless you enjoy the thrill of rejection.)

🕰️ When?

From Friday, July 25 through Friday, August 8, including weekends. That's 15 glorious days of “Oh my god, I can’t believe this is only $35!” moments.

💸 How much?

Prices range from:

• Lunch: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55, $65 and up

• Dinner: Same deal

"65 and up" can mean $75, $99, $114, or basically whatever fancy number the restaurant dreams up. Always double-check the menu—this is not the time for financial surprises (unless you're a fan of overdraft alerts). Prices don’t include tax, drinks, or gratuity. Be kind to your server—you're eating bougie food on a budget.

🔎 Where can I see the menus?

Head to dineLA.com to browse menus. Going to the website takes you directly to the search tool. You can search by neighborhood, but if you’re a visual learner just go over to the right side of the page and click on Map View. From there, zoom in on the Valley and see what’s on offer. To be expected, there are many locations found along Ventura Blvd, but all corners of the Valley have something on offer. And there’s something for all kinds of budgets. If you can stomach paying north of $185 for a meal (for one), check out Sushi by Scratch Restaurants where for Restaurant Week you can add a special caviar and truffle supplement and/or a sake pairing for $100 each (!). Or if you’re like me, you’ll use Restaurant Week as a chance to try something new for less money than you’d pay otherwise, like Prose Kitchen and Bar in Woodland Hills, or Lure Fish House in Porter Ranch where you can grab a meal for $45.

📞 Final tip

Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for those buzzy spots that only have three tables and a waitlist longer than a Porto’s-on-a-Saturday-morning queue. Walk-ins might be lucky, but remember: the early bird gets the best seat and the last short rib.

So grab your appetite and get ready to eat like you're starring in your own Food Network show. Bon appétit, SFV. May the fork be with you. 🥢🍴

🎯 Roll Call! Boccia Makes Its Burbank Debut—And You’re Invited

If you’ve ever looked at bocce and thought, “This would be even better indoors and with more Olympic-level precision,” then clear your calendar. On Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3–5 PM, the City of Burbank’s Parks and Rec Department is teaming up with the folks at SoCal Adaptive Sports and is throwing a community event to welcome Boccia (pronounced BOCH-uh) to town.

The celebration takes place at the McCambridge Recreation Center Gym (1515 N Glenoaks Blvd), and everyone—and we mean everyone—is welcome to roll on in.

🏅 Wait... What is Boccia?

Boccia is like bocce’s cooler, more inclusive cousin. It’s a precision ball sport designed specifically for athletes with physical disabilities—but it’s also open to anyone who wants to play, from competitive seniors to curious kids to mildly athletic newsletter editors.

Here’s the gist:

• It’s played indoors on a court about the size of a large living room.

• You try to throw or roll six balls as close as possible to a white target ball called the jack.

• It’s part strategy, part finesse, part "I totally meant to do that."

• Played in singles, pairs, or teams, it’s structured so athletes of different abilities can compete fairly.

And yes—Boccia is a Paralympic sport. So don’t be surprised if your neighbor who drops by for fun winds up representing Team USA in 2028.

🧑‍🏫 Meet Your Coaches

The program is led by SoCal Adaptive Sports rockstars:

• Max Grizzell – former Division III quarterback and all-around sports dude.

• Carly Limosnero – former Division I softball standout who brings heat (and heart).

They know how to build athletes, inspire confidence, and most importantly—make it fun.

🤝 Powered by Passion (and USA Boccia)

SoCal Adaptive Sports, founded in 2020, is a nonprofit championing inclusive athletics across Southern California. They run programs in wheelchair basketball, archery, hiking, and now Boccia. With help from USA Boccia (yes, that’s a real thing and they’re awesome), Burbank’s new drop-in program is fully equipped and ready to roll. They’re even training local officials to make sure everything’s legit and top-tier.

🏙️ A Valley-Wide Invitation

Mayor Nikki Perez says it best:

And Marisa Garcia, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, adds:

Translation: this isn’t just a new game—it’s a movement. One that includes Burbank, the entire SFV, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, and anyone with a love of community, competition, or trying something new.

💬 Why You Should Go

Because it’s:

• Free

• Inclusive

• Fun

• And there’s a non-zero chance you'll discover a secret talent for launching leather-like balls with tactical brilliance.

So grab your friends, bring the kids, roll in your neighbors, and help welcome Boccia to Burbank. Let’s roll, SFV. 🥇🎉

More info 👉️ MyBurbank.com 

🎬 Lights, Camera, Hired! Burbank’s Media Industry Expo & Job Fair Returns August 1

Ready to land your next big role—behind the scenes or in the spotlight? The City of Burbank is rolling out the red carpet once again for the Media Industry Expo & Job Fair, returning Friday, August 1, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Woodbury University. Whether you’re a recent grad, a working creative, or just really good at “networking,” this is your moment.

And the best part? It’s free, no registration required, and there will be local food. Yes, we said food.

🎥 What’s in the Script?

Last year’s debut was a hit, and 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger production. Here’s what you can expect on set:

🍿 Meet the Pros
Shake hands (or elbow bump) with real-life industry leaders who’ve been where you are and are ready to dish out advice, opportunities, and maybe even a business card or two.

🎤 Panels & Workshops
Hear from experts on what’s trending in media, what’s changing, and how to stay ahead. Topics include new tech, career paths, and how not to accidentally hit “Reply All.”

📝 Resume & Portfolio Reviews
Get pro feedback to turn your resume from “meh” to “marquee.” Graphic designers, writers, editors—this is your chance to shine.

🤝 Networking That’s Actually Useful
This isn’t your weird uncle’s LinkedIn strategy. Meet real people with real jobs looking for real talent—like you.

🎙️ From the Mayor

Translation: it’s not just a city with movie magic—they’re making sure you get in on the action too.

🎞️ Who Should Go?

• Aspiring producers, editors, animators, designers, and other creative minds

• Seasoned professionals looking for their next scene

• College grads looking to break into the biz

• Anyone who’s ever said “I love movies and also need a job”

Don’t miss your chance to make career magic in the city where it all happens. For updates and more info, visit:
👉 www.cityofburbankjobfair.com

Roll credits—your next gig starts here. 🎬✨

🎒 Backpack Giveaway - Just in Time for Back to School

If you’re on the LAUSD phone list like me, there’s no way you haven’t heard about this event. I think I’ve received at least 8 automated phone calls about this. And if you’re not on the list, well, here you go. But I’ll only tell you about it once. Considering how heavily they’re promoting this, I’d get there early.

🎟️ Free Museum Passes from the Libraries

As mentioned in the last edition, I told you I was going to share how to keep the kids busy and save some money. Well, the truth is, even if you don’t have kids you can still save money. Your LA County Library Card (did you know there’s an LA County Library in San Fernando?), among other benefits, gets you into some of the best museums in LA for free! This includes some free movie screenings at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Take a look at what’s on offer.

Oh, but you don’t have a LA County Public Library Card, you say? Well then whip out your LA Public Library Card (or go get one at one of the many locations in the Valley) and check out even more options. I recommend the Museum of Jurassic Technology (not in the valley, but worth a trip). If the name is confusing, trust me, the exhibits will have the same affect.

😆 Comedy

• Don’t Tell Comedy - specific venue location is announced morning of, but the page indicates it’ll be in a fitness studio. Get ready for some aerobics jokes. You can also BYOB. Friday July 25th 8 p.m. Doors open @ 7:30 p.m. Sherman Oaks

• Saturday Night Comedy, Saturday July 26th, 8pm showtime, Ha Ha Comedy Club 4712 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

• Jimmy Pardo Saturday, July 26th, 2025 7:00pm Flappers Comedy Club 102 East Magnolia, Burbank

• FUR-GETTABOUTIT Comedy Fundraiser for dogs and cats. Sun Jul 27 2025, 6:30 PM The Comedy Chateau 4615 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

• Dead And...An Improvised Murder Mystery Wednesday 7/30, 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM The Nitecap 2200 W Burbank Blvd, Ste B, Burbank

🎭️Theatre and Performing Arts

• Aladdin The Musical, Saturday July 26, shows at 1pm and 5pm. The Colony Theatre 555 North 3rd St, Burbank

• The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals - Plays Fridays thru Sundays through August 2nd, Fridays at 7pm Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm Sundays at 2pm, El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood

📽️ Film

• Despicable Me 4, Free outdoor movie! Friday, July 25, 2025, 6pm, DeGarmo Park 10145 Arminta St. Sun Valley

• Poolside Summer Movie Night - Inside Out 2 - Friday July 25, movie begins at sunset (which will be 8pm). Hansen Dam Aquatic Center 11798 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace

• Classic Films Under The Stars - Double Indemnity – Saturday, July 26, 6pm gates open, show starts 7:30pm Doctors House in Brand Park 1601 West Mountain St. Glendale

• Toy Story (30th Anniversary) - Lots of food trucks (it’s being co-presented by Street Food Cinema) and music before the movie screens. Saturday July 26, Door time: 6:00 pm Movie starts: 8:30 pm, The Autry Museum - 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles

• Shari & Lamb Chop director Lisa D'Apolito will participate in Q&A's on Fri., 7/25 @ the Town Center, 7:10 p.m. show and Sat., 7/26 4:20 p.m. show, Laemmle Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino

• The Sound of Music (1965) ​ Monday, July 28, 2025 7:00pm-9:30pm ​ The Velvet Martini Lounge, 4349 Tujunga Ave, Studio City

• Heightened Scrutiny director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder will participate in Q&A's after all screenings. Parent and podcaster Jesse Thorn and journalist and culture critic Shar Jossell will join them on Tuesday, July 29th, 7:30pm. Laemmle Glendale, 207 N Maryland Ave, Glendale

🏋️ Health and Wellness

• Hansen Dam Nature Hike - Join Urban Ecologist Ryan Kinzel on a hike through the beautiful Hansen Dam on Saturday, July 26 from 8:00AM – 10:00AM, Hansen Dam Ranger Station 10965 Dronefield Ave, Pacoima

🎵 Music

• Ozzy Tribute Night (RIP Ozzy!) Black Sabbath and Ozzy music videos as tribute to the prince of darkness! Thursday 7/24, 6pm-10pm Brewyard Beer Company, 906 Western Avenue, Glendale

• Side Tracs Friday July 25, 8 PM–11 PM Sagebrush Cantina 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas

• JELLY SOUL – The Jelly Roll Experience with Emerging Artist Ashley Felton Saturday, July 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, North Hollywood Recreation Center, behind the Amelia Earhart Library, 11455 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood

• The Baby Goats, with Paradise Vultures, and Goth Soul Saturday, July 26, 2025 8:00 PM Corbin Bowl 19616 Ventura BlvdTarzana

• SURFIN’ – The Beach Boys Tribute with Emerging Artist Millie Oliver & The Missing Pieces, Sunday, July 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Warner Park 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills

🤷 Other

• FoLAR Habitat Restoration Day, Help remove invasive mustard and learn about its impacts on California’s native species. Saturday, July 26, 2025, 8 – 11am, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve 6100 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa

• National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl from 10AM to 6PM on July 26th Line dancing, pony activities, a cookout, live music, and more. The Autry Museum - 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles

• NoHo Market - like a farmers market but for vintage clothes and art (live music, too!). Sunday, July 27. 12-5PM, NoHo Plaza (the green alley) 5223 Lankershim Blvd., NoHo Arts District

• Free Milkweed Giveaway at Tarzana Community & Cultural Center, Sunday, July 27 · 9am - 12pm PDT. Doors at 9am Tarzana Community & Cultural Center

  19130 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana

• Tech That Tastes Different: AI, Restaurants, & the Founder’s Playbook, Wednesday, July 30 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Paperback Brewing Co. 422 Magnolia Ave, Glendale

⚠️ BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove - 100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier.

• 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.

• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach - 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

 These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

🧹 BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove