After three years, we're back with CicLAvia—The Valley! Join us on Sunday, February 26th, from 9am - 3pm to celebrate 5 miles of open streets connecting Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda. In case you need a refresher, enjoy this local gems blog of things to eat, see, and do in the area.
Linking the three neighbors together is the 15+ mile long street known as Sherman Way. This road is named after Moses Hazeltine Sherman, a successful land developer who helped construct the Pacific Electric Railway streetcar system in Los Angeles. Although there are no longer active streetcars in the area, his name and legacy live on throughout the Valley.
The Valley thrives with food from all across the globe! Along the route you will find good eats from Cavaretta’s Italian Deli, Guatepan Bakery, Ginger Thai Cuisine, Restaurant Limeño, and Vinh Loi Tofu just to name a few. There will be food truck options at the Winnetka Hub as well. Remember to always double check with businesses to see if they’re open on CicLAvia Sunday.
Alongside Sherman Way you’ll see the Madrid Theatre, which is currently under renovation. The Madrid Theatre was constructed in 1926 and has a longstanding history in the city of Canoga Park. After undergoing heavy damages in 1994 due to the Northridge earthquake and being reopened in 1998, the theatre is slated to reopen once again within the next two years. The new makeover consists of new lighting, stage improvement, and interior developments. The Madrid Theatre and its staff eagerly await the reopening to showcase movies, plays, and many other forms of performing arts to the city, all for an affordable price.
Nearby you will notice a Queen Anne style house that Dennis Platt, a professional carpenter, constructed from salvaged pieces of Victorian houses. He spent many years salvaging pieces from a rest home located in Boyle Heights to construct this historic building which has served as office space since 1981.
Further west on Sherman Way you will find Antique Row, a place to shop for timeless antiques in stores built in the 1920s/30s. Swing by Alabama Antiques and Collectibles and Retro Relics Etcetera for some classic collectables and vintage finds!
Want to get more miles in before or after the event? Take a ride along the 17+ mile long Orange Line Busway Bike Path. This path begins in North Hollywood and runs along the Metro Orange Line Busway all the way to Chatsworth and can be accessed via the CicLAvia route at the intersection of Sherman Way and Canoga Ave.
Connecting to the bike path in Encino is the 2,000+ acre Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. This open area offers plenty of outdoor activities such as: kayaking, biking, and swan boat rides.
Approximately 2 miles southeast of Lake Balboa, nestled between where the 101 and the 405 FWY intersect, is the Sepulveda Dam. Built in 1942 the dam was originally made to retain water during the flood season, the dam is now often used as a filming location and can be seen in the music video “ON” by BTS and 1997 film Gattaca featuring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
We are beyond excited to kick off the 2023 CicLAvia season with you all on February 26 in the Valley. We have a lot in store for 2023 and appreciate all of the love and support you have been showing us.
Be sure to join our email list for more event updates, future route maps, and other details – see you out there!
We’re working hard to bring open streets to local businesses, the community, and you! To show your support please consider donating to us here.
