Simi Valley Acorn

12/03/2025

Get ready to groove for a great cause! 🎶

The Simi Valley Senior Center and Council on Aging present Legends of Soul on Sunday, Dec. 7, a fundraising concert supporting the Senior Center’s Meals On Wheels program.

Taking the stage at 2 p.m. at the Santa Susana Performing Arts Center (3570 Cochran St.) is Quadrasoul, a powerhouse group featuring longtime members of the legendary Fifth Dimension — Patrice Morris, Sydney Jacobs, Floyd Smith Armstrong, and Shane Lawrence. They’ll bring classic hits like “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius,” and more to life.

The show will also include a heartfelt tribute to Ventura County first responders for their dedicated service.

🎟 Tickets:
• VIP Experience – $75: premium seating + meet & greet + photo opportunities
• Orchestra – $55
• General Admission – $45

All proceeds help keep nutritious meals reaching homebound seniors.
Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/legendsofsoulPrices include service charges; credit card processing fees may apply.
A second Legends of Soul concert is planned for January.
For more information, call the Simi Valley Senior Center at (805) 583-6363.

12/03/2025

🚨 At-Risk Missing Person Alert 🚨
The Simi Valley Police Department has issued an alert for Chau Tran, who was last seen on Dec. 2 at around 10:00 AM in Simi Valley. Tran was driving a White 2005 Toyota Camry, California license plate 5NXV798.
If you see Chau Tran or the vehicle, please call 911 immediately.

12/01/2025

UPDATE: Simi Valley Police Dept. detectives have determined the Keith Cordes, the 37-year-old son of Dr. Eric Cordes, was responsible for shooting the couple at their Wood Ranch home. Keith Cordes set a car of fire before fatally shooting himself in Chino.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive behind this tragic incident.

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Adventist Health Simi Valley has confirmed that the victims of a shooting in Wood Ranch on Sunday were Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki.

Adventist Health Simi Valley released this statement to the Simi Valley Acorn:
“The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki. Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss.”

12/01/2025

Only one week until the Camarillo Old Town Glow Pop-Up Holiday Village! On Saturday, Dec. 13, enjoy real snow, Santa, train rides, vendors, live music and MORE! ❄️🎄✨

For tickets visit CamarilloMerchant.org 🎟️

12/01/2025

A husband and wife died Sunday after being shot outside their home in the Wood Ranch neighborhood, Simi Valley police said.

Officers responded around 12:04 p.m. Nov. 30 to the 500 block of Hawks Bill Place after a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing a man walk into an open garage and hearing several gunshots, Sgt. Rick Morton told reporters Sunday evening.

Police found a man and woman in the driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a hospital, where they later died.

“We do believe the victims were targeted,” he said, adding that while detectives are following active leads, “right now we do know there’s no danger to the public.”

According to ABC7, the shooter fled in a vehicle. The station also reported that neighbors speculated the suspect may be the stepson of one of the victims, but police have not confirmed that. Authorities are also investigating whether a su***de in Chino earlier Sunday is connected to the killings.

11/29/2025

Simi Valley friends — where are the must-shop local spots this season? 🛍️✨
From hidden-gem boutiques to your favorite go-to shops, drop your recommendations below and help us build the ultimate Simi shopping list!

11/29/2025

After a year behind locked gates, a Ventura County holiday tradition is coming back to life. 🌲✨

Christmas Ranch Tree Farm—first opened in Simi Valley in 1974 and later expanded to Thousand Oaks—reopened on Black Friday thanks to former manager and T.O. resident Andy Zepeda and his family.

The farm, once run by Donald and Marilyn Cameron, was a staple for families who came to cut their own tree. Last year’s unexpected closure left many disappointed, but Zepeda says he couldn’t let the beloved spot fade away.

“I worked there for 10 years… I always saw how much joy it brought to everybody,” he said. “I was like, ‘Man, let’s try to keep this thing going.’”

A one-time Simi Valley Christmas tree farm has found new life in Thousand Oaks. Christmas Ranch Tree Farm’s original owners, Donald and Marilyn Cameron, opened their first Christmas tree farm in Simi Valley in 1974 and expanded to Thousand Oaks four years later. After nearly 40 years, they sold th...

11/29/2025

Senior Deputy DA David Russell said his office is grateful for the work of law enforcement and the jury after Zarbab Ali was found guilty of killing Rachel Castillo, noting the conviction ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Rachel’s father, Chris Castillo, said the family is relieved justice has been served, though they are still struggling to forgive. He called Ali “a monster” and thanked the jury for its verdict.

Loved ones remembered Rachel as a compassionate daughter, straight-A student and devoted mother whose children “will deeply miss her.”

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 sta...

11/29/2025

Simi Valley Unified wants to know whether residents would back a new school bond to pay for campus upgrades and classroom improvements. The district plans to survey likely voters ahead of a potential measure for the November 2026 ballot. The measure would still need approval by the school board before going on the ballot.

The Simi Valley Unified School District is ready to explore voter support—or lack thereof—for a new school bond measure for the November 2026 ballot. On Nov. 18, the school board unanimously approved hiring the company Isom Advisors to conduct a feasibility study to assess community support befo...

11/29/2025

It was all smiles at Knolls Elementary on Nov. 20 as students dug into a full Thanksgiving feast—turkey, all the sides, and pumpkin pie to finish it off. 🍂🦃
Acorn photographer Michael C***s was there to catch the action.

GRATEFUL GATHERING—Knolls Elementary School second-grader Johnny, above, carries two plates of dessert to a table during the school's annual Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 20. The school provided a Thanksgiving spread of turkey and sides for all students, with pumpkin pie to top it off. Photos by MICH...

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.