If you are a lover of both history and art, take some time to go over to Burbank Blvd. and…read moreColdwater Canyon in Van Nuys and walk the length of the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Told in a series of murals, the Great Wall of LA tours you through time. The Dust Bowl...The Zoot Suit Riots...World War II...Rosie the Riveter...the Japanese internment camps...the Baby Boomer era...the era of covered wagons...The Gold Rush... all are depicted in beauty and tragedy alike. There is so much history here told in art that I cannot write it all out. Go for yourself and see how much you know -- how much you learn.

The great wall of LA spans, many yards. I don't know how long distances really, but it goes on for…read morea long time and has a lot of different paintings murals in pitchers in the school to check out.

If you live in the center to west San Fernando valley and you'd like to see a decent concentration…read moreof Christmas decorations I think this is still worth it. Not every house is decorated, but from the 2 mile stretch that I walked around (tracked it on my gps watch) it was totally worth coming over to check out. I got over here on Oxnard St. from Winnetka Ave. I headed east on Oxnard and saw the signs for Candy Cane Lane. There are a lot of cars checking out the decorations, so we found a side street to park on and just walked around the neighborhood which was a must better experience to me because you got to take better picture of the decorations. The 3 streets I saw with decoration in the neighborhood were Luboa Ave, Oakdale Ave, & Jumilla Ave. There's also a little pop up stand somewhere on Hatteras St. where they're selling hot coco, coffee, and some snacks.

I grew up in this area during the 60s and 70s, and what I remember from "back in the day" to what I…read moresaw in 2025, well, it's a world of difference. Not as many homes were lit up in 2025, whereas ALL homes were not only lit up but super decorated back then. Plus, I noticed a fair amount of homes either have walls or shrubs blocking the street views, and it just wasn't amazing as I recall from my youth. There were a few really cool homes, but only a few. There was one that I REALLY liked, but I couldn't capture a good picture of it, but that's on me. The rest were just okay.

This dojo is always changing especial senseis and even though they push you to beyond your limit,…read moreyou definitely learn some valuable lessons here and when to walk away. The mantra to show "No Mercy" is to treat someone with extreme harshness which echoes outside of martial arts, that leaves a stain on the soul. John Krease is truly unhinged, but sensei-Lawrence has fight and heart and brought balance to the dojo in a powerful way - but his struggles as a former student turned karate master definitely lead him on a better path. Mixing a splash of Miyagi-Do (the rival dojo)... "when the fight comes to you, you have to be ready to fight back..."... Johnny Lawrence cares and wants you to excel to the best of your ability in all areas of life which is what a true sensei should be and demonstrate, because karate isn't just a form of self defense it's a way of life. And while I've walked away after the All Valley incident pre-2020 as have others... I will never forget Cobra Kai never dies.

Great little spot. I learned how to defend myself here but more importantly- I made some friends…read more Sensei Kreese sometimes drinks when he is teaching me, but I don't mind because I get it #Vietnam. I wear my cooler fanny pack to keep his beers cold and in return he tells me gruesome stories. Sometimes I wish I had something to be depressed about. Until then - I'll just keep on doing happy karate. I just get so happy throwing punches. Thank you

Great parks, walkable sidewalks, parking manageable, pocket neighborhoods, good vibes and lavish…read morespots... Don't mind if I do Mr. Oaks. Bordering the LA Valley's cities of Encino, Van Nuys and Studio City with a sprinkle of Valley Glen and Valley Village.... Sherman Oaks is a melting spot of culture, cuisine, comics and cocktails. The Oaks Tavern is an amazing dive bar, On the Thirty is a fun mid-upscale step in the opposite direction, Mr Furley's is a solid modern sports bar, Anejo Cantina has the best happy hour hands down (Taisho is a close runner-up), Elevation bar changes it's aesthetic often and the One Up is a barcade/throwback spot you'll fall head over heel for with it's cool nom noms, signature cocktails, spot on beers or wines (try the Playtime Red and White), free arcade play or all the great movies of the 80s, 90s and everything before (as well as after and in-between) it offers. The Sherman Oaks library just up the street from probably one of the best Ralph's Fresh Fare grocery stores you'll find off Hazeltine Ave and Ventura Blvd... is also one of the best public libraries in Los Angeles County. Sherman Oaks is always improving and thriving, hosting a ton of seasonal and annual events including the Sherman Oaks street fair. Like a lot of cities this side of the hill, the Oaks is a big filming location for tv shows, movies and even music videos including a few from the musical stylings of Haim. "I'll take the fall and the fault in us. I'll give you all the love I never gave I never gave before I left you. " S. Oaks is a city and place I'm proud to know and explore more of... as a hub for the SFV life... Housing the Sherman Oaks Galleria, a bevy of some of my favorite places like O'cado (my all plant based vegan food & wine bar), Pineapple Saloon (dive bar cousin to Maui Sugar Mill in Tarzana), MidiCi (primo quality pizza), more than one Whole Foods Market (newer location on Ventura Blvd is amazing), a vintage Cadillac dealer, Sugar Taco (try everything), Standard Design Group #LetsGetPlanty... 2nd Street Wear #VintageIsIn... 24hr Fitness... I appreciate you, though not my gym I have been a few times... Yelp as my witness. As far as getting around... Streets are super drivable with solid public transportation (more frequency would be better) and excellent housing off many side/residential streets you never knew were there... Dickens Street is a hidden gem for apartments. My biggest hope is for them to do something with the old Pacific Theater across from Best Buy on Van Nuys Blvd & Milbank Street since I can walk there lol... However you can enjoy films at the local Regal at the Galleria that seems to still be thriving... Like the rest of this little big city along the 101 and 405 freeways. I dig you Sherman Oaks! Go Knights!

I've enjoyed my drives out here as a LA Native/Local tourist lately on current job's super long…read moretransfer case time off. But, I've utilized my time off to the Max. Having taken mini road trips as such to the 'City of Sherman Oaks,' I've loved sight-seeing the super upscale neighborhoods aka condos, apartment complexes, and houses alike. This is another upscale city within the vicinities of 'Los Angeles,' CA. I also love watching how all tree lights switch and shine into the dark of the night as I have taken some fun pics to go along with this review. A couple of local businesses I supported were: 'Tamashii Ramen House,' on Ventura Blvd. and 'Panda Express,' also on Ventura Blvd. I'll be back to explore more in this area soon. Thanks for give generous on providing meter parking. That makes visiting this city super convenient.

Molhulland Drive, California…read more If you're looking for a chill, romantic drive, Mulholland Drive is a great pick!!! The views are beautiful, especially in the spring and fall when everything is green and wildflowers are blooming. The road winds through the hills, so you get nonstop scenic views. Driving with the top down and the wind in your hair makes it even better ~ super relaxing and enjoyable. It's the kind of drive where you just take it slow and enjoy the ride. There are several lookout spots where you can pull over, catch an amazing sunset, and later see Hollywood and San Fernando Valley city lights at night. Plus, there are plenty of spots perfect for Instagram ~ worthy photos. Definitely worth the drive.

Mulholland Drive is one of those famous roads built a hundred years ago just to show off the…read moreamazing views of the city and the valley. I first drove up there way back in the early 90s, and I remember being totally blown away by how big Los Angeles looked from up high. I have been back plenty of times since then, and that twisty drive along the top of the hills honestly never gets old. It is a great place to just cruise around, especially when you pull over at the dirt patches to look down at the city lights. Even though the world down below has changed a lot, driving that road still feels exactly the same as it did on my first trip.

Van Nuys High School is the home of the Wolves, which is most appropriate as you kind of need to be…read morea wolf to live in Van Nuys. Wolves are resourceful, adaptable, intelligent, playful and fiercely loyal/protective of family. Van Nuys has a strong sense of community and looking out for one another. Hot heads might prevail sometimes, but for the most part everyone tends to avoid any fighting/aggression. Don't make the colossal mistake of thinking we're weak though - when push comes to shove, the inner animals come out to display hierarchy in the most primal of ways. Basic rule of the jungle - don't start none, there won't be none! The ground sparkles like a concrete beach filled with broken glass, debris, trash and homeless people. The streets are lined up with traffic in every direction you go. Smoke permeates the air from countless people and businesses grilling various meats. Street vendors are set up on most streets from people hustling flowers and food. Sepulveda Blvd has other types of people on the street selling things late at night so keep your windows up (if you know, you know). Van Nuys Blvd has cruise nights for car enthusiasts. There's always something happening somewhere so keep your eyes peeled. Overall, Van Nuys is just like any other city in the Valley, just a little rougher around the edges. It's centrally located so pretty much everything is reasonably drivable. Keep your head on a swivel, be aware of your surroundings, have fun and don't act a fool!

The City of Van Nuys is a magical place. After relaxing in a hot soup of skin and bandaids, I…read morecleaned off my body and made some friends. I will always come back because friends are forever I think Thank you

I've always wanted to come here and check out the decorations as it is the Candy Cane Lane during…read moreHalloween. The residents here go all out with decorations and I felt the sense of community here. It was very crowded and can be difficult to find parking, but a great place to take children for trick or treating and to look at the decorated homes. For larger candy bars, I recommend up the hill on Louise Ave in Granada Hills. When I was younger, I remember get full-sized candy bars there!

Hattas Studios did such beautiful work for us. It was a deeply personal job of finishing the work…read morein a church that my husband had created but his health kept him from finishing. The care they took to finish his vision was beyond anything we could have hoped for. I can't imagine anyone else could have given us what they did. I can't recommend them enough.

This is an excellent company and I'm so happy with my decision…read more Let me start by saying this is the first time I've hired a muralist and I am also a first time father. This was important to me. Jeanine took the time to listen to what I was looking for and suggested a few things to help grow my idea. I loved that. She came over and was so kind and really took time to understand this was more than just a job; this was something my kid is going to grow up with. She took measurements, and even took color swatches of the carpet and furniture to make sure we matched the color palette! She quickly mocked something up and a few days later I had a photoshopped mockup for approval. Once we approved it we setup a date and I paid the deposit. Marcus was the artist that was assigned to this project. He was so kind and wonderful in my home. He let my wife and I peek and see progress, and would check in with me if he had any questions. He's a really talented artist and executed my vision faithfully. At the end of the day my wife cried (with joy), we have our incredible mural and I couldn't recommend this company enough. Really pleased with how it turned out and I will be calling them again for my next mural or art project.

I'm a ride or die! One thing about the people in the Valley is that we've got that 818 PRIDE!…read more As kid (and young adult even) I got a lot of smack for living in the Valley but NOW, everyone who was once talking smack is moving here. Neighborhoods where you know your neighbors, parks galore, readily available parking, community events and boatloads of wonderful hidden gems. I also love to ride my bike around the Valley and there are plenty of hiking spots to explore! Great for families. People are generally more friendly than on the other side of the hill in my opinion. Yes, it gets hot, but we've got movie theatres and malls and community pools and more to cool down. The Valley will always have my heart!

It's the SFV! The…read more818 great... The valley Alicia Silverstone references as the iconic Cher Horowitz in the 90s must, Clueless! And Sun Valley (where the party was) has quite a bit Kohl's, the second location for 786 degree (super pizza) and a solid Grocery Outlet... among other hidden gems. The San Fernando Valley has got heart, charm, grit and gold... Full of kind souls... Young, beautiful, and bold and is the place I call home! I was born in Los Angeles near LAX in the city of Gardena and attended grade and some middle school all over Los Angeles county. Aside from the 1993 Northridge earthquake some of my early valley experiences were visiting friends who lived here back in the day. Venturing through Tarzana, Reseda, Van Nuys and Canoga Park (home of the famous Follow Your Heart cafe & health food store/grocer) which are also cities I've lived in since returning to LA close to 13 years ago and setting up home in one of the most laidback and still very adventurous parts of the Greater Los Angeles. There is so much history/herstory/therestory in these SFValley streets from Ventura Blvd to Rinaldi (Street)... Agoura Hills to the edge of Burbank... North Hollywood, Studio City, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Shadow Hills, Pacoima, Arleta, Valley Village, Valley Glen... Encino, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch... the cities go on!! Cinema & television studios, gorgeous murals, unique museums, a melting pot of food + beverages whether, strolling around, sitting down or pushing a grocery cart about... Markets are good and plenty. Major brands covered... Target, Del Taco, CVS, Macy's, Starbucks, AMC Theaters, 2 Bob's Big Boy, loads of gyms. Family friendly, education is plenty, lgbtq+ inclusive + lqbtq+ spaces, vegan options for days, parking pretty okay on most days... You quickly learn to navigate. We've got the 5, 118, 170, 134, 101, 210, and 405 as our major freeways. Housing of all kinds and finding something affordable is a well worth find. Apartments, Townhomes, Condos, Houses, Studios, Guest houses, Hotels, Inns, Motels, you name it... We got it! Public transportation has been improving, but definitely needs more and more tlc. The metro G (Orange) as well as B (Red) Lines run the main show, but the city busses, metro micro and LADOT Dash go beyond. Scooters and Bikes are here, just not in as many accessible places as the main city. Have a nice dinner at a great restaurant, get take out, pop into a dive bar, find that speakeasy, swirl at one of the many wine bars or wineries... Laser tag, escape an escape room, see a magic show, explore parks, gardens and trails... Ride the outdoor carousel... Plenty to do and fun people to do it with! Grateful I have so many friends who live here, with a few new ones in the area as well. Cool places to visit, but an even cooler to live in my opinion.... Then again after 13 years I'm a little bias.

I have been living here for more than 6 years now. And I would say, I am pretty much acquainted…read morewith the city. Almost everything is just about a mile or two away from where I live. From restaurants, recreation center, to shopping ~ it's just a walking distance. Hospitals and Urgent Care are within the area like 2-5 miles away. Except for the freeways (3 of them) which is a drive before reaching them. Other than that, living in the area is pretty much good.

Soooo many different cuisines and markets ! I absolutely love it! My friend invited me for a girls…read morefoodie day. Within a mile .. I saw so many restaurants we don't have back home. Cheap beauty stores for threading brows ! 7 bucks !!!! Like what ? It is much warmer than I am used it. I was melting LoL. We already have a plan to came back and explore a bit more. So happy my foodie friends are down to travel for good food!