Simi Valley Acorn

12/21/2025

Simi Valley has had its own Santa (aka Robert Tatangelo) for more than 40 years.

For more than four decades, Robert Tatangelo has slipped on a red suit, pulled on black boots and become Santa Claus for generations of Simi Valley families. Tatangelo has portrayed the jolly guy for 43 of his 55 years as a Simi Valley resident. It’s a journey that began on Christmas Eve 1983. Now...

12/20/2025

A walk through American history— from quill pens to game controllers—greets visitors this holiday season at the Reagan Library’s “An American Christmas,” a festive exhibit featuring 26 themed trees that trace nearly 250 years of the nation’s story and runs through Jan. 4.

A walk through American history— from quill pens to game controllers—greets visitors this holiday season at the Reagan Library’s “An American Christmas,” a festive exhibit featuring 26 themed trees that trace nearly 250 years of the nation’s story and runs through Jan. 4. The exhibit ope...

12/20/2025

Supervisor Jeff Gorell said California still needs oil production, primarily onshore, because transporting oil across oceans poses significant environmental risks. He said producing more oil in the state of California can offset some of those transportation and logistics that get oil to the state.

“We just can’t say goodbye to oil right now. Our economy runs off of it,” Gorell said.

However, Gorell agreed that expanding offshore drilling off California’s coast could threaten Ventura County’s economy, environment and military operations.

“That ship has sailed,” he said. “Offshore to me doesn’t make sense unless extraordinary reasons are put forward.”

Ventura County could soon find itself at odds with the federal government. With concerns ranging from tourism and fishing to military operations and fragile marine ecosystems, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Dec. 16 to oppose new and expanded offshore oil and gas leasing an...

12/20/2025

The Simi Valley City Council this week agreed to pursue an ordinance regulating short-term vacation rentals, a move aimed at allowing their use while addressing concerns raised over the past year.

The Simi Valley City Council this week agreed to pursue an ordinance regulating short-term vacation rentals, a move aimed at allowing their use while addressing concerns raised over the past year. The direction came during the council’s Dec. 15 meeting, which was held to gather input on a prelimin...

12/20/2025

ELECTRIC WONDERLAND—Moorpark and Simi Valley residents have been preparing to dazzle nighttime passersby with their outdoor holiday light displays, as shown in these photos by Acorn photographer Michael C***s.

12/19/2025

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District marked the completion of long-awaited renovations at the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 11 in Simi Valley.

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District marked the completion of long-awaited renovations at the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 11 in Simi Valley. District officials, equestrian groups and community members gathered at the 81/2-acre facility to celebrate upgra...

12/19/2025

Chaminade is closer than you think. No matter where you live, getting to Chaminade is a breeze. Private bus service makes the daily commute safe, simple, and stress free. Learn more at chaminade.org/admissions/transportation-carpool.

12/17/2025

Local author Irma Hersel introduces her new children’s book “Where Chocolate Grows,” a heartwarming story celebrating curiosity, culture, and the special bond between generations. Go to irmawrites.com.

12/13/2025

In response to community concerns following recent federal immigration enforcement activity, two informational presentations will be provided to the public during Monday’s City Council meeting, including an overview of immigration resources available to community members. The Simi Valley Police Department will also give a presentation on its public safety practices.

Residents and community activists have packed city council meetings in the area recently to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and to call for local government action. Concerns were voiced by many speakers at the Simi Valley City Council meetings on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1. Simi....

12/13/2025

People living in a long-standing homeless encampment along the Arroyo Simi began packing up this week, gathering what belongings they could carry as Simi Valley officials prepare to clear the site amid growing safety concerns.

People living in a long-standing homeless encampment along the Arroyo Simi began packing up this week, gathering what belongings they could carry as Simi Valley officials prepare to clear the site amid growing safety concerns. Among those moving out was 48-year-old Charles Ray, who walked slowly dow...

12/11/2025

Just announced: Man cleared of 1982 r**e conviction, thanks to DNA testing

  Ventura County prosecutors announced Dec. 11 that new DNA testing has cleared a man convicted more than four decades ago of a r**e in an unincorporated area of Simi Valley.   The review, conducted by the Ventura County District Attorny and the county’s sexual assault kit initiative, determined...

12/11/2025

Step into the magic of the season at Whizin Winter Walk 2025! ❄️🎶

🎤 Live music on the main stage
🍕 Seasonal samples from Two Doughs, TifaChocolateAndGelato and more
🎈 Bounce houses and kids activities
📸 A festive photo booth

📍 Whizin Market Square
🕚 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. main stage performances
🎟 FREE and family friendly

Bring the whole family for a full day of fun, food and community! 🤍