Universal City NBC Universal expanded its online presence with the debut this month of an original soap opera series airing only on the Internet. Two new chapters of “Coastal Dreams” will air Tuesdays and Thursdays over a 12-week period at the NBC website. Previous aired chapters are available in the site archives. Executive producer Robert Angelo called the show a pioneering effort by NBC to put original content online and draw more viewers to the website and network brand. “With success comes more dedication from the network to put more budget behind something like ‘Coastal Dreams,'” Angelo said in a conference call with the media. The show began airing at the website Oct. 2 and was expected to be available on mobile devices several days later. Presented in chapters ranging from 2 to 5 minutes in length, “Coastal Dreams” follows Zoe Charles (played by Danica Stewart) and her friend Stacy as the pair leaves Texas for the sunshine and surf of fictional Pacific Shores. Stay Free is the sole sponsor and airs a 15-second commercial before each chapter. San Fernando Valley resident Rick Draughon is the series creator and executive producer and Mark Cole was brought on as director. Finding a director who understood the vision for the series was among the challenges Angelo said he faced. Cole’s background in feature films gives the series a unique look. “If you watch it from episode one to 24 you’ll definitely get that flair that it was shot and produced and directed as more of a feature than a soap opera,” Angelo said. Getting a new show onto network television is a hard task, so having an online show allows the producers to use the Internet as a testing ground and as a way to build up an audience base, Angelo said. In his opinion, there is the possibility that online shows could eventually gravitate to network or cable television, Angelo said. “I think it’s a great way for the networks to use this medium to test out new shows,” Angelo said. “I think you’re going to see it a lot more in the future.” Mark R. Madler SAN FERNANDO VALLEY Calabasas Buyer: Wicked Smart Marketing has been named the online media buyer for BSH Home Appliances Corp. As part of the media campaign, Wicked Smart will create and oversee a content-based eco-oriented blog for Bosch home appliances and the manufacturing of environmentally- friendly home appliances. Content-based, online marketing allows advertisers to build deeper relationships with their target audiences by providing valuable information of interest, wrapped in the advertiser’s environment. “Wicked Smart has proven their ability to meet our objectives and their efforts are a key part of our integrated online communication strategy,” said Anderson Crosby, Interactive Marketing Manager for BSH Home Appliance. Canoga Park Mixer: “We Love Canoga Park” will feature food and entertainment on Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m., at 7124 Owensmouth Ave. The event is sponsored by the Canoga Park Neighborhood Council, the Canoga Park Improvement Association, Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles and the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce. For more information call (818) 887-2229 or (818) 884-4222. Chatsworth Pioneer: The 17th annual Pioneer Day took place in Chatsworth on Oct. 7. The event featured demonstrations and displays of pioneer activities, gold panning, blacksmithing, woodcarving, spinning and weaving, quilting, American Indian artifacts, and origami. There were also children’s activities and a bake sale, live music and more. Situated on the grounds of Chatsworth Park South, the Homestead Acre is operated by the Chatsworth Historical Society, which uses proceeds from Pioneer Day to benefit the facility. Encino Honor: Motion Picture Association of America Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman was honored as the 2007 Man of Achievement by the Anti-Defamation League. Glickman accepted the award Oct. 2 at the ADL’s annual tribute dinner in Washington, D.C. “ADL’s mission is to secure justice and fair treatment for all people, so this recognition means a great deal to me,” Glickman said. “Throughout my career, I’ve tried to build bridges between nations, cultures and religions and across partisan political divides. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had throughout my life to bring diverse people and interests together.” Prior to being head of Encino-based MPAA, Glickman served as a congressman from Kansas and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Burbank Hiring: Employers are needed to participate in the “Hire a Hero, Hire a Veteran” event sponsored by the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley. The event is Oct. 25 at the Burbank Airport Marriot Hotel Convention Center at 2500 Hollywood Way. Employers who want to have a booth at the event should call Emma at (818) 890-9428. Hangar: Avjet Corp. began construction on a new hangar incorporating green design elements, including solar power, recycled-content material and resource efficient systems. The 63,000-square-foot structure will be the first LEED Green Building Rating System-certified private hangar in the nation. Another first for the project is the use of a water-mist fire suppression system that uses substantially less water than a conventional system and puts out fires without using the hazardous chemicals found in foam systems. Downtown Party: Thousands of people hit the streets of downtown Burbank Sept. 27 to taste the international specialties of more than 35 restaurants at the Taste the Taste of Downtown Burbank. The event has grown rapidly in the last few years and is now one of the biggest outdoor festivals in the Valley. Downtown Burbank was transformed into a giant outdoor banquet hall as thousands gathered to enjoy the offering such eateries as Porto’s Bakery, Picanha Brazilian Grill, Chadaka Thai and Granville Caf & #233;. Two bands supplied live music at the event. Restore: DTS Digital Images recently restored prints of “Drums Along the Mohawk” and “Leave Her to Heaven” that will premiere Oct. 12 at the New York Film Festival. With the original three-strip negatives no longer available, DTS Digital Images worked from color reversal protection copies and black and white separations to reconstruct the films. Those elements were scanned and converted to digital files. “Restoring classics like ‘Along the Mohawk’ and ‘Leave Her to Heaven’ is a tremendous responsibility that we take seriously,” said Mike Inchalik, vice president of marketing and strategy. “The breathtaking rate of technological change helps us recover and recreate the amazing experience of seeing these cinematic treasures as they were originally meant to be seen, and that’s exciting.” North Hollywood Tax: Online retailer Brett Dewey testified before the House Small Business Committee on Oct. 3 on the hardships small businesses face if the moratorium on Internet taxes expires as scheduled in November. Congress voted to prevent local governments from imposing taxes on Internet access or transactions in 1998 and has twice extended it. A bi-partisan coalition of senators and congressmen have been working to extend the moratorium or even make it permanent. Dewey owns and operates WickedCoolStuff.com, an online gift and novelty site. “My wife and I have a small company with five employees and we are being hit by the same forces that are hitting every other sector of the economy,” Dewey said. “A new tax could force us to eliminate health insurance, lay off employees, or even potentially close our doors.” Northridge Fundraiser: The Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society Fundraiser will be Oct. 29, 11a.m. to 10 p.m., at El Torito Restaurant, 8855 Tampa Ave., Northridge. For kore information call (818) 349-1607. Pacoima Opening: Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND) celebrates the grand opening of its new and expanded Health Services Center with health screenings, medical consultations, health workshops and tours on Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the new facility located at 10641 N. San Fernando Road in Pacoima. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (818) 897-2443 or visit www.mendpoverty.org. Van Nuys New Park: On Sept. 26, Councilman Tony Cardenas inaugurated the Valley’s first Anna Bing Pocket Park in Van Nuys. The Van Nuys recreational area was planned and designed by community members. Funding for the park was made possible by the late Anna Bing, who set up a $4 million trust fund to help provide parks in underprivileged areas. The grand opening included live music, free raffles and free food for the first 250 people who attended. Many community organizations, nonprofits and city officials were there to talk about how to better serve underprivileged neighborhoods. Woodland Hills Gem Show: The ninth annual Woodland Hills Rock Chippers Gem Show will be Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church at 22700 Sherman Way. There will be crafts, food, jewelry, dealers, gems, minerals, rocks, fossils, displays, a silent auction and hands-on activities throughout the day. Admission and parking are free. For more information visit [email protected]. Grateful Hearts: The Los Angeles Fire Department will hold its third annual Food Faire & Fundraiser Oct. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oxnard Street between Owensmouth and AMC Place. Participating in the event will be eateries such as Kate Mantilini, PF Chang’s and Baja Bud’s. There will also be a dunk tank and fire truck displays, as well as barbecue made by firefighters. Proceeds benefit Valley fire stations. For more information call (818) 593-6266. Launch: The PRstore recently opened at 21728 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. The franchise specializes in providing marketing services to small businesses. PRstore’s services include providing press releases, media placement, logo development, radio and TV commercials and specialty advertising products for logo imprinting. The writing and production of printed materials range from brochures to newsletters, websites, mailers and newsletters. Conoga Park Breakfast: The Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce Network Breakfast will be held Oct. 18. Expect a lively discussion of relevant business topics. The event is at Hometown Buffet, 6705 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills. Cost for members is $12 and for nonmembers is $17. More info: (818) 884-4222. ANTELOPE VALLEY Palmdale Pumpkin Contest: The City of Palmdale will host an underwater pumpkin-carving contest Oct. 27, 10 a.m., at the Marie Kerr Park pool, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd. The contest is open to all. Participants wishing to carve their pumpkin underwater may do so with scuba gear (a valid ‘C’ card is required) or by simply holding their breath underwater. Younger participants may also opt to carve their pumpkins at poolside. Admission is $5. For contest guidelines and information, contact [email protected] or call (661) 267-5611. Poster Contest: The City of Palmdale will celebrate Crime Prevention Month by hosting a poster contest for youth ages 6 to 17. Youths who wish to participate may create posters at home or visit the city’s Neighborhood House at 503 East Ave.Q-3 on Oct. 15, 16 and 18 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and work on their posters there. Information about the contest can be found at the city’s public safety and community relations office, 38306 Ninth St. East; the Neighborhood House; and the Youth Library, 38510 Sierra Highway. Completed posters will be collected at the Neighborhood House on Oct. 18 by 5:30 p.m., or they may be dropped off at the public safety and community relations office no later than Nov. 2, at 4 p.m. For contest guidelines and information, please call (661) 267-5170. Literacy Nights: McDonald’s of Palmdale will be participating with McDonald’s Family Mealtime Literacy Nights during October and November. The program will take place at the restaurant, 2427 E. Ave. S, Palmdale. Confirmed dates are: Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5, from 6 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m.. SANTA CLARITA VALLEY Santa Clarita Ribbon Cutting: Office Depot celebrated its first store in Santa Clarita Oct. 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Centre Point Commons, 26536 Carl Boyer Drive. During the ceremony, the Office Depot Foundation made $500 contributions and donated a number of new children’s backpacks to three local non-profit organizations: Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project, Santa Clarita Shelter and Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley. The 18,500-square-foot store employs approximately 20 full- and part-time associates.