Poké So Fresh It’s Made At Home
Fresh Poké Bowls and Sushi Burritos • CSUN students receive 10% discount
Open 7 days 11am - 11pm
18110 Nordhoff St, Northridge CA 91325 Corner of Nordhoff and Lindley, across the street from CSUN
www.pokehomela.com
Free Large Fountain drink with this coupon
Welcome to the Neighborhood! The Neighborhood is a personal guide, for students by students, to the local community. Seasoned Matadors know how scary it is being an incoming student here at CSUN, so this guide is here to help. Everything you need to know the survive those first few weeks of the semester can be found in The Neighborhood. A lot of your questions are probably answered in the guide. If you want to know where are the best places to shop or eat around the city of Northridge, The Neighborhood has great suggestions to start with. It’s a short read, but it covers the essentials. — The Sundial Staff
2 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
Enjoy a full day of campus activities MARJA ZEIMER THE SUNDIAL
It’s a weekday and you don’t have class, but you’re tethered to campus because you live in the dorms. How can you spend a full day on campus without busting your wallet or going bored? This itinerary can serve as a general guide to a day around campus. Sunrise - Go for a run around campus or on the outdoor track. This is the best time to be jogging down Matador Walk as few students will be headed to class and the temperature will remain moderately cool. Need motivation? Imagine yourself running to that one class where the professor always takes role when class begins. 8 a.m. - Grab a coffee, pastry, a blanket and sprawl yourself out under a shady tree at the Sierra Quad. Sip your drink with satisfaction and use it as fuel. 9 a.m. - Find your peace and quiet out of the hustle and bustle of weekday mornings by making an appointment at the Oasis Wellness Center, located in the USU, for a massage, or drop in for meditation.
The cinematheque screens classic films every Thursday night.
LUIS GARCIA/ THE SUNDIAL
11 a.m. - Bring your own bag to the weekly Farmers Market and check items off your grocery list such as fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts or sweet honey. The Farmers Market is held every Tuesday at East University Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Noon - Prepare a healthy salad using the fresh ingredients bought from local vendors. Protect your meal from persistent squirrels as you enjoy it under the palms on the Oviatt Lawn. 2 p.m. - Head over the Art and Design Center to view the work created by CSUN students, alumni, faculty and other notable and famous artists in the Main Gallery. 3 p.m. - Get your game on in the Games Room at the USU with video games from a number of popular consoles, or challenge your friends to games like pool or table tennis. Sunset - The best spot on campus to watch the sunset is at the the duck pond. Take a stroll through the Orange Grove, or sit and watch the light reflect upon the water.
Oasis offers several ways for students to unwind
7 p.m. - Catch a quality film at the Cinematheque, located in Manzanita Hall 100. The curated screenings of classic and/or art films are held every Thursday at 7 p.m.
ASHLEY DU/ THE SUNDIAL
Late Night - Get a better night’s rest by getting in one last workout at the SRC. Facilities are open as late as midnight from Mondays through Thursdays.
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Finding fresh air on campus
There are several places to see nature and unwind on campus MARJA ZEIMER
THE SUNDIAL
The campus can be stressful at times, but whenever you feel overwhelmed, there area few places to get a breath of fresh air, a little sun and a mini break from urban life without having to leave campus. Botanic Garden - Originally dedicated in 1959, the garden is rich in biodiversity as it is home to over 1,200 species of plants. Duck pond and Orange Grove - The orange trees that encompass the grove stand as a reminder of the San Fernando Valley’s agricultural history. Wildlife such as ducks and turtles can be found in and around the pond nestled within the grove. Urban Forest Tour - This tour around campus highlights the various species of trees on campus and exemplifies CSUN’s prestigious position as “Tree Campus USA.” Man-made rainforest - This thick and colorful 13,000 square foot forest is filled with subtropical plants. Located just east of the Botanic Garden off Lindley Ave.
The duck pond is a very serene area of campus.
FILE PHOTO
Stop and smell the roses - Rose bushes along Jacaranda Walk and outside Sierra Hall provide the opportunity for students to take a moment to appreciate the plant life around campus before going into class.
4 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
Tips to shopping on a budget Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission: (18167 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA 91344) If you love thrift stores but Goodwill might get too expensive for you, Hope of the Valley is the perfect thrift store to visit. You could walk out with a handful of stuff for under $10.
BREANNA BURNETTE THE SUNDIAL
There are many places to shop in Northridge but some of the more popular places are: CSUN Campus Store: (18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330) The campus bookstore offers apparel and accessories to fit all budgets. From hats and hoodies, to sweatpants and sandals, people are bound to find the perfect item to show off some school spirit. The bookstore also announces flash sales on social media so people can be notified throughout the semester. The store receives new styles constantly so be sure to pop in and take advantage of markdowns and clearance as well. Northridge Fashion Center: (9301 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324) The Fashion Center is probably the most common place CSUN students go to find the latest fashions. There are more than 180 stores within the two store complex. With stores from Cotton On and H&M to stores like Hot Topic and Zumiez, there’s a store for everyone. Collective Lifestyle: (8906 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324) This smaller business on Reseda has trendy clothes like an Urban Outfitters but at a more decent price. You’ll definitely find some great deals on clothes you can’t get anywhere else. If you want to look fresh while supporting local artists, Collective Lifestyle is the place to go. T.J. Maxx: (18045 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA 91344) Located in the Granada
If you’re not really into shopping, maybe try creating your own fashions.
FILE PHOTO
Hills area, not too far from CSUN, T.J. Maxx is the home of discounted designer wear. The store has a huge variety of clothing for both men and women. They also have Women’s shoes, Home Decor, Beauty, and Infant and Children clothes. Not to mention there’s always a bargain in their clearance sections. Ross Dress for Less: (19330 Plummer St, Northridge, CA 91324) Ross is a similar department store to TJ Maxx. This store has so much, it always seems like there’s not enough time to stop and look at everything. Compared to other stores, Ross has 20-60% off department store prices. No matter what the weather, Ross has you looking good from season to season.
labels mingle with throwaway brands in a sea of colorful racks at the many thrift shops in the Northridge area. Searching for a unique find is half the fun! Goodwill : (10170 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91326) This classic thrift store, also on Reseda, always has good finds. With a new rack coming out almost every hour, there’s no way you’ll be able to walk out empty handed. The best part is that every week there’s a color of the week discount.
DIY style: Get some friends together and have a tie-dye party. This is a fun way to experiment with your style and express your personality, all while recycling clothes that may have ended up in the donate pile. Make your own cut off’s or revamp an old pair of jeans by adding bleach splatters and tears. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors, lots of confidence and a Youtube tutorial to walk you through the process. Workout tops come in all kinds of fancy fabrics and styles these days, but nothing beats a classic cotton muscle tank for showing off your ‘guns.’ Spend exactly $0 on your workout tops by cutting the sleeves off old tee shirts and you’re ready to hit those bicep curls in style.
If you want to save even more and get more bang for you buck you should try: Thrift Stores: Hit the thrift store for an experience that’s half clothes shopping and half treasure hunt. Designer
Thrift stores are a great way to find affordable clothes
FILE PHOTO
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Ways to make art on campus MARJA ZEIMER THE SUNDIAL
You don’t have to be an art major to be creative, and if you’re an art major you don’t have to limit yourself to using only the tools that are offered in class. Here are some opportunities and resources on campus in which anyone can utilize for creative expression.
JAMES FIKE/ THE SUNDIAL
Film & Photography: Check out DSLR cameras, lenses and other accessories for free from the Creative Media Studio (CMS) located on the Main Floor in the West Wing of the Oviatt Library. If you’re ditching digital and going old school, find film from the Matador Bookstore. Music: Pick up microphones, headphones and audio equipment from the CMS and potential band members from Cyprus Hall. Step up to the stage at a Hip Hop-inspired open mic hosted by Vocal Artillery every second Thursday of the month in the acoustically impressive Santa Susana Hall. Illustration & Paint: Head to the CMS to create digital art using a pen and tablet on site. Travel three floors up and find any book on drawing technique by Andrew Loomis, a famous American illustrator and popular name on many artists’ bookshelves. Have a peaceful session at an Art Workshop in the Oasis, materials provided for.
ZANE FOSTER/ CONTRIBUTOR
JAMES FIKE/ THE SUNDIAL
6 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
5 places to eat cultural foods off campus STORY & PHOTOS BY IVAN SALINAS THE SUNDIAL
CSUN’s diverse campus community is also reflected in its surrounding food restaurants. From middle eastern food to Korean dishes, people may even find themselves overwhelmed with how many options there are off campus. Here are five suggestions to get you going: 1. Waffle Love 9411 Reseda Blvd. Start the day with a delicious breakfast from Waffle Love, a restaurant dedicated to the craft of Belgian-style waffles.
Try some of their signature dishes, such as The Churro Waffle or Nutella Love. Coffee is complementary! 2. Falafel Palace 9255 Reseda Blvd. For lunch, some people may want to head down to this place, also known as Gyro. Choose from a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, Shawarma Pita or Chicken Kabob. They also offer vegan options. 3. Get Shaved 9255 Reseda Blvd. To battle the summer heat, stay cool with some shaved ice. However, this small outdoor lounge also offers ice cream, cookie sandwiches, and shakes. Perfect for a small fresh snack. 4. A&W Seafood Restaurant 9306 Reseda Blvd. For dinner, some people may be in the mood for lobster, shrimp or crab. They also serve dishes such as chow mein, noodles, and chicken egg rolls if your friends are not seafood fans.
IVAN SALINAS/ THE SUNDIAL
IVAN SALINAS/ THE SUNDIAL
5. Barclay’s Coffee & Tea 8976 Tampa Ave. After a long day, it’s time for a peaceful study session and if people are looking for a local coffee shop, then this place is the perfect fit. It’s the furthest place from campus in this list, but it’s worth the extra traveling for their signature drinks like the mocha borgia or the lavender vanilla latte. The place offers free wi-fi.
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How to stay active when you aren’t on campus
RYAN BASULTO
The Sundial
Many people who have participated in sports or other extracurricular competitive activities understand that winning is not just a goal, but a lifestyle as well. CSUN has sports clubs ranging from baseball to
the unique archery club, along with karate and rugby. During the summer, however, most of these clubs are not available for people to join. Fortunately, there sports surrounding the community of CSUN that are easy to come by.
new trails such as: Griffith Park, Balboa Park, Townsley Canyon, along with others. More information about times and locations can be found on the club’s website. If walking and running do not sound exciting, paintball at Critical Paintball can be another way to satisfy that competitive edge. Not only does this paintball store help you purchase the necessary items to participate in an official paintball match, but it also provides private matches for KIV BUI/ ILLUSTRATOR you and your friends. You If you are not looking for will have your own private a competitive sport, but referee for the day and can still want to exercise to book events for birthdays, keep fit, there is the New bachelor parties and funBasin Blues Running Club draisers. Critical Paintball predominately in the San is located nearby on 19450 Fernando Valley that is Business Center Dr., Northfree. There is no need to ridge, CA 91324. sign in advance, and peoFor more those craving ple can walk, as well as run,
an intense strength training and martial arts workout, there is the UFC Gym located on Reseda right next to the CSUN campus. The gym offers boxing conditioning, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more mixed martial arts classes. These classes are great stress relievers from the life of a college student. The UFC Gym can be found at 9150 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325. An alternative form of exercise and physical fitness that has proved to be transformative is Yoga. LoveTree Yoga offers yoga classes to students of all levels of experience. They offer several different price packages but if you want to try it out, just one single class is $15. Lovetree Yoga is located at 19301 Halsted St. Northridge, CA 91324.
8 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
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Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to eat healthy in college Restaurant Hours The Marketplace Monday-Thursday:7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Shake Smart Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday:10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sierra Center
L/
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED
Panda Express Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-7:30pm Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30pm Saturday: 10 a.m.-2:30pm Sunday: CLOSED
Freudian sip serves coffee as well as pastries and other refreshments.
FILE PHOTO/ THE SUNDIAL
Subway
There are several healthy food options available on campus AMERICA GARZA THE SUNDIAL
Don’t let your busy college schedule keep you from making the time to eat healthy. Eating nutritious food while on campus will help you sustain your energy level so you can focus on your studies. Skip the drive-thru and check out the healthy food options available on campus throughout the day. Tame those morning munchies with a made-to-order Spinach omelette and whole wheat toast from The Marketplace. Not a fan of spinach? Choose your own veggies and let the chef prep you a breakfast that will help your day get off to a nutritious start. Save time and calories by ordering a simple bowl of oatmeal with your morning coffee at the Freudian Sip. While you’re there, order a vegan muffin or veggies and hummus to stash in your backpack for a healthy snack later on in the day. A variety of healthy food options avail-
able at Shake Smart will keep you satisfied through your first block of classes and beyond. Have a breakfast wrap, loaded oatmeal or açai bowl while you catch up on your emails. If you prefer a light breakfast, order a protein shake to sip on through your morning class and help curb unhealthy cravings. Keep it going at lunch time by choosing salads and wraps that will fill you up but won’t weigh you down. Stop by the Arbor Grill and try the Southwest Salad made with fresh organic greens, black beans, corn, tortilla strips and a refreshing house-made mint-vinaigrette. Pop into the Marketplace in Sierra Center and make your own salad. Plenty of veggies, toppings, and dressings to choose from means that you can try something different every day. If you need more than a salad to keep you going but don’t want to slip into a midday food coma, consider that Subway, El Pollo Loco and Panda Express orders can be personalized for a healthconscious take on classic fast food fare.
Cut carbs by ordering your sandwich on flatbread and choose nutritious veggies like spinach instead of lettuce. Ditch the cheese and sour cream and load up your burrito bowl with fresh pico de gallo salsa instead. Substitute brown rice and steamed veggies for chow mien and fried rice next time you get that Panda craving. If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, make your way over to the Bamboo Terrace and explore a variety of pan-Asian fare that changes daily. Choose grilled meats and steamed veggies, or have as many sushi rolls as you want at CSUN’s only all-you-care-to-eat dining hall. Open for lunch and dinner. If you live in student housing, Geronimo’s will deliver a specialty pizza right to your dorm. Ask for a thin crust topped with bell peppers, onions and olives for a satisfying dinner that will fuel even the most intense late night study session.
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW DELGADO/ THE SUNDIAL
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED
El Pollo Loco Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Bamboo Terrace Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
Shake Smart is located in the USU next to the student recreation center
LAUREN GATES/ THE SUNDIAL
10 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
Best of CSUN Winners As voted by the CSUN campus in the Sundial’s 2017 Best of CSUN poll
Food & Drink BEST BURGER: WINNER In-N-Out www.in-n-out.com
FAVORITES The Habit www.habitburger.com Jack In The Box www.jackinthebox.com
BEST CAMPUS DINING:
WINNER Arbor Grill www.csun.edu/csundining/arbor-grill FAVORITES The Pub www.csun.edu/csundining/pub-sportsgrill Sierra Center www.csun.edu/csundining/marketplace
BEST COFFEE SHOP: WINNER Starbucks www.starbucks.com
FAVORITES The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf www.coffeebean.com Freudian Sip Various Locations www.freudiansip.com
BEST DATE DINING:
BEST FOOD TRUCK: WINNER Kogi BBQ www.kogibbq.com
FAVORITES Grilled Cheese Truck www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com Jogasaki Sushi Burrito www.jogasakiburrito.com
BEST GLUTEN FREE: WINNER PizzaRev www.pizzarev.com
FAVORITES Fresh Potato Factory www.freshpotatofactory.com Pizza Cookery www.pizzacookery.com
BEST LATE-NIGHT FOOD: WINNER In-N-Out www.in-n-out.com
FAVORITES Jack In The Box www.jackinthebox.com Yard House www.yardhouse.com
BEST MEXICAN FOOD:
WINNER Salsa & Beer www.salsaandbeervannuys.com
WINNER Yard House www.yardhouse.com
FAVORITES Señor Sol www.senorsolrestaurante.com
FAVORITES Joe’s Café www.joescafegh.com
Chipotle www.chipotle.com
Orange Grove Bistro www.csun.edu/orangegrovebistro
BEST PIZZA:
WINNER PizzaRev www.pizzarev.com
FAVORITES Pieology www.pieology.com Pizzazz at the Marketplace The Marketplace www.csun.edu/tuc/marketplace
BEST SUSHI:
WINNER Shogun Sushi 10174 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, CA 91324 FAVORITES Hana Sushi www.hanasushibar.kitchen Sun Sushi Bar 8920 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, CA 91324
BEST SWEET TREATS: WINNER Yogurtland www.yogurt-land.com
FAVORITES Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt www.menchies.com Sweet Snow http://sweetsnowcream.com
BEST VEGETARIAN: WINNER Chipotle www.chipotle.com
FAVORITES Fresh Potato Factory www.freshpotatofactory.com Follow Your Heart www.followyourheart.com
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Services BEST ART SUPPLIES: WINNER Michaels www.michaels.com
FAVORITES JoAnn Fabric & Craft www.joann.com Continental Art Supply www.continentalart.com
Nathan’s www.nathanstattoos.com
FAVORITES Avalon Hollywood www.avalonhollywood.com
BEST MANIPEDI:
Belasco http://belascous.com
WINNER Ciel Nail Spa www.cielnailspa.com
FAVORITES Elegance Nails 8513 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, 91324 Sydnee Rose Foot Spa & Nail Salon 9647 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, 91324
BEST AUTO REPAIR: WINNER AutoZone www.autozone.com
BEST TEXTBOOK STORE:
FAVORITES Jiffy Lube www.jiffylube.com
FAVORITES Chegg.com
PepBoys www.pepboys.com
BEST BARBERSHOP: WINNER Great Clips www.greatclips.com
FAVORITES Floyd’s 99 www.floydsbarbershop.com
WINNER Amazon.com
Matador Bookstore bkstr.com/csunorthridgestore/home
Entertaiment BEST MOVIE THEATER:
WINNER Pacific Northridge Fashion Center 10 www.pacifictheatres.com
Angelo’s www.angelosbarbershop.com
FAVORITES Pacific Winnetka 21 www.pacifictheatres.com
BEST SALON:
Regency Theatres Granada Hills 9 www.regencymovies.com
WINNER SuperCuts www.supercuts.com FAVORITE Dry Bar www.thedrybar.com
BEST TATTOO SHOP:
WINNER Kathouse www.kathouseinctattoo.com FAVORITES MD Tattoo Studio www.mdtattoostudio.com
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL: WINNER Coachella www.coachella.com
Campus Life BEST BATHROOM: WINNER Oasis Center FAVORITES SRC Sierra Hall
BEST CSUN CLASS: WINNER UNIV 100 FAVORITE COMS 151 SOC 101
BEST CSUN CLUB:
WINNER Women’s Lacrosse Team FAVORITES Health Administration Student Association Geology Club
BEST FRATERNITY: WINNER Sigma Chi
FAVORITES Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Phi
FAVORITES EDC www.electricdaisycarnival.com
BEST SORORITY:
Stagecoach www.stagecoachfestival.com
FAVORITES Alpha Xi Delta
BEST NIGHT CLUB
Alpha Phi
WINNER Rage www.theragenightclub.com
WINNER Phi Mu
12 | The Neighborhood • Presented by the Sundial
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