Simi Valley Acorn

12/10/2025

They make Simi Valley shine—literally.
Most residents never see these hard-working custodians on the job, but their impact reaches every corner of the city.
On Nov. 17, the City Council honored Public Works employees Georgia Davidson, Steve Brusie and Ricardo “Rick” Rivera for 30 years of service.
The trio received well-earned applause as their decades of dedication were celebrated.

Most residents never see these important workers on the job, yet their work touches nearly every corner of the city. On Nov. 17, three longtime Simi Valley custodians got their chance to step into the spotlight as the City Council honored each for 30 years of service. Public Works employees Georgia....

12/10/2025

🎄 A new holiday tradition is coming to Ventura County!

The Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra is launching its first-ever Spirit of Christmas Concert on Sun., Dec. 21, at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo.
Enjoy classic Christmas music plus favorites from Frozen, Home Alone, The Polar Express and The Grinch.

Families can sip free hot chocolate during intermission and snap photos at a complimentary red-carpet station.

🎶 All ages welcome.
🎟️ Reserved seating (with senior, youth & family discounts): thesvso.com

Experience the magic of the holidays with the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra at The Spirit of Christmas Concert — December 21 in Camarillo!

12/08/2025

Simi Valley mourns the loss of one of its own.

Officer Alec Sanders, 28, a Simi Valley High School graduate and former SVPD Explorer, was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 20 while serving with the Alhambra Police Department.

A candlelight vigil will be held at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Simi Valley Town Center (1555 Simi Town Center Way).
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch.

Simi Valley is mourning one of its own. Officer Alec Sanders was killed in the line of duty Nov. 20. A member of the Alhambra Police Department, Sanders graduated from Simi Valley High School, where, Acorn records show, he played receiver for the Pioneer football team and was a member of the school....

12/05/2025

Manzanita challenges educational paradigms and nurtures each child through its unique K-12th grade indoor-outdoor curriculum blending rigorous academics, land stewardship and the study of local ecology on its 21-acre campus. Go to https://manzanitaschool.org/inquiry-application.

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...