Simi Valley Acorn

11/27/2025

Motorcyclist killed in early-morning crash

A 61-year-old Los Angeles County man died early Nov. 27 after crashing his motorcycle on Los Angeles Avenue east of Runway Street, Simi Valley police said.

Officers responded around 2:10 a.m. and found the rider in a field south of the roadway. Ventura County Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of family.

Police said the man was traveling eastbound on Los Angeles Avenue near Angus Avenue when he lost control and crashed. Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors. The motorcycle sustained major damage.

The collision is being investigated by Officers Cameron Schroeck and Frank Cohen. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Schroeck at 805-583-6248 or [email protected]
, or Cohen at 805-583-6185 or [email protected]

As the holiday season begins, police urged motorists to slow down, stay alert and plan a sober ride home.

11/25/2025

A message from the mayor:

Please be aware that the procession for Officer Alec Sanders, the Alhambra police officer killed in the line of duty, will be arriving in Simi Valley at approximately 2:00 pm. They will exit the 118 at Tapo Canyon, make a left and then another left onto Cochran Street on their way to Rose Family Funeral Home.

Alec was a Simi Valley Police Explorer as well as a graduate of Simi Valley High School.

Please keep his friends, family and Department in your thoughts and prayers.

11/25/2025

Simi Valley police detective Kellyn King was recently recognized by both the city and a local nonprofit for her commitment to protecting vulnerable youth and combating human trafficking.

A Simi Valley police detective was recognized by both the city and a local nonprofit for her commitment to protecting vulnerable youth and combating human trafficking. Detective Kellyn King of the Simi Valley Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit received the Forever Found Pillar of Freedom Award ...

11/25/2025

All are welcome for an early Thanksgiving tonight at the Simi Valley Interfaith Council's annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1636 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley.
More information:
https://www.simivalleyacorn.com/articles/thanksgiving-for-all-faiths-nov-25/

Free Community Event! All are welcome.

11/25/2025

The Simi Valley City Council voted 5-0 on Nov. 17 to raise water rates by 3.5% a year for the next five years to offset rising costs and help fund nearly $52 million in infrastructure work.
The increase applies to Waterworks District No. 8.

The Simi Valley City Council unanimously approved a proposal Nov. 17 to raise water rates by 3.5% annually over the next five years, a move city officials say is needed to cover rising costs and fund almost $52 million in critical infrastructure projects. The 5-0 vote follows two public hearings in....

11/22/2025

The powerful storm system that swept through Ventura County beginning Nov. 14 brought lightning, thunder and downpours, dumping more than 5 1/2 inches of rain on Simi Valley over the ensuing days and bringing the seasonal rainfall total to approximately three times the normal amount.

The powerful storm system that swept through Ventura County beginning Nov. 14 brought lightning, thunder and downpours, dumping more than 5 1/2 inches of rain on Simi Valley over the ensuing days and bringing the seasonal rainfall total to approximately three times the normal amount. As of Tuesday m...

11/22/2025

The Zarbab Ali case is just one of several Simi Valley homicides moving through Ventura County courts.
Another case involves Raymond Rivas, who is scheduled in court next month for his alleged involvement in the death of Jessica Tinoco, a 34-year-old Simi Valley mother of five who was fatally stabbed during a domestic incident in 2024.

The Zarbab Ali case is just one of several Simi Valley homicides moving through Ventura County courts. Raymond Rivas, 35, is scheduled for an early disposition conference on Dec. 9 following a request by the defense to continue the case. The conference offers attorneys a chance to discuss a possible...

11/22/2025

Responding to growing concerns by the community, Simi Valley City Manager Samantha Argabrite has outlined ongoing efforts to address a sprawling homeless encampment along the Arroyo Simi, a site near the border of Simi Valley and Moorpark.
This announcement came as community members, including Moorpark city officials and residents, spoke at the Simi Valley City Council on Nov. 17 about the issue.

Responding to growing concerns by the community, Simi Valley City Manager Samantha Argabrite has outlined ongoing efforts to address a sprawling homeless encampment along the Arroyo Simi, a site near the border of Simi Valley and Moorpark. Speaking at the Nov. 17 Simi Valley City Council meeting, Ar...

11/21/2025

Tomorrow's paper will include an update on the Zarbab Ali murder trial, including Ali's on-stand confession this week of killing his estranged wife, Rachel Castillo; however, since press time, the case was handed over to the jury who has already returned with a verdict. Read about it here:

 A tragic and gruesome three-year Simi Valley murder case concluded Fri., Nov. 21 with a Ventura County jury finding a man guilty of killing his estranged wife—and lying in wait to do so. At issue was not whether Zarbab Ali killed Rachel Castillo, the mother of his children—he’d admitted to s...

11/21/2025

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that all three juveniles charged with hate crime allegations in connection with the August 1, 2025, assault at the Simi Valley Regal Cinema have now been sentenced.

The final minor charged with a hate crime was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to serve 270 days, consisting of 240 days in the locked Juvenile Facility and 30 days on electronic monitoring. On November 13, the other two minors charged with a hate crime were each sentenced to serve 240 days, consisting of 210 days in the Juvenile Facility and 30 days on electronic monitoring. All three minors were ordered to participate in the Harm to Healing Restorative Justice Program and the Anti-Defamation League Program.

“Hate crimes will not be tolerated in Ventura County,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We sought justice for our victims and accountability for the offenders that reflected the seriousness of these crimes. Multiple months of custody in a locked Juvenile Facility underscores the seriousness of their crimes.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4oZvPIA

11/21/2025

BREAKING NEWS:
Murder defendant Zarbab Ali has been found guilty of first degree murder with a special allegations of lying in wait. He was accused of murdering his estranged wife 25-year-old Rachel Castillo in 2022 in Simi Valley.
Rachel's father Chris Castillo told the Acorn after the verdict that justice was served.
(Zarbab Ali pictured)

11/21/2025

Gold Coast Concert Chorus presents: “A Holiday to Remember”

Come see a memorable concert featuring old favorites and new classics in celebration of Elizabeth Helms’ final season as artistic director. Enjoy the holiday magic as they hold their Gold Coast family close across the years and honor their holiday traditions.

Tickets available at goldcoastchorus.org/box-office.