Simi Valley Acorn

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! 🤍

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.

_________________________________________________________________

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.”