Simi Valley Acorn

08/10/2025

Girl Scout Junior Troop 65436 recently brought homemade blankets they made by hand to Simi Valley's Adventist Hospital, bringing comfort to patients staying there.

The smiles and joy abounded as Girl Scout Juniors Troop 65436 arrived at Adventist Health Simi Valley on the afternoon of July 10 to share their Bronze Award project with several lucky patients at the hospital. The girls made lap blankets by hand to keep patients cozy and comforted during their stay...

08/09/2025

Simi Valley visitors can continue booking short-term rentals after the City Council voted 4-1 against a ban. Instead, staff will prepare for possible changes from pending state legislation and explore adding these rentals to the city’s transient occupancy tax.

At least for the foreseeable future, visitors to Simi Valley will have the option to rent someone else’s private home rather than staying in a traditional hotel. The City Council voted 4-1 this week not to ban short-term rentals, like those found on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Instead, it dire...

08/09/2025

Some are calling for justice and hate crime charges after 18-year-old Michael Robinson, a Black teenager, was brutally attacked and subjected to racial slurs outside the Regal movie theater in Simi Valley on Aug. 1.
“What happened to Michael Robinson has deeply shaken our entire community. We extend our support to Michael, his family, and all in Simi Valley who have been impacted by this hateful and traumatic incident,” Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh said in a statement.
Cavanaugh said the Simi Valley Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation in coordination with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
“Several juveniles have been arrested, and as the investigation continues, additional individuals may be identified, and further charges may be filed,” she said. “While the legal process takes time, it is critical to ensure accuracy and accountability.”

(Note: Simi Valley Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh’s full statement on the incident has been included at the end of the story. It was released after the Acorn’s print deadline.) Some are calling for justice and hate crime charges after 18-year-old Michael Robinson, a Black teenager, was brutally attacke...

08/09/2025

The latest update Friday night on the Canyon Fire from County of Ventura - Government

Acres: 5370
Containment: 28%
Personnel: 400

All evacuation orders in Ventura and LA County have been reduced to warnings. All evacuation warnings in Ventura and LA County have been lifted.

Ventura County residents can visit VCEmergency.com for the latest fire and evacuation updates.

Last Updated: August 7, 2025 @ 9:39 PM Winter weather advisory in effect for 1-5 corridor Wed-Thurs. Second Emergency Alert notification, read below for details. Register Now Go To Map ACTIVE INCIDENT INFORMATION Updated on 8/7/25 at 9:40 PM The Canyon Fire, which began the afternoon of August 7.....

08/08/2025

🚨Canyou Fire Update 🚨
Updated on 8/8/25 at 1:12 PM

From County of Ventura - Government

The Canyon Fire, which began the afternoon of August 7 near Holser Canyon north of the community of Piru, has burned an estimated 5,400 acres and is 25% contained. Today, firefighters are making good progress in suppressing the blaze, aided by favorable weather conditions and the continued use of firefighting aircraft making repeated water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s advance and support crews on the ground. The fire remains active as it spreads east toward the community of Castaic in Los Angeles County.

The Ventura County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department are operating in unified command, in close coordination with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and other cooperating local, state, and federal agencies. Together, they are actively executing a coordinated, long-term strategy to contain and suppress the Canyon Fire.

All current Evacuation Orders will remain in effect through Friday and will be re-evaluated Saturday morning to determine if conditions allow for lifting. Residents are strongly urged to follow official instructions, stay informed through trusted emergency channels, and evacuate immediately when directed.

08/08/2025

🚨 Air Quality Alert Issued for Ventura County 🚨

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert due to smoke from the Canyon Fire, which has pushed pollution levels into the unhealthy range for all in areas including Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula.

Overnight wind shifts worsened conditions across the county. Onshore winds are expected this afternoon (Aug. 9), which may help improve air quality in the Santa Clara River Valley.

Key health recommendations:

Stay indoors, preferably in a clean room with air filtration

Keep windows and doors closed

Use A/C in recirculation mode and replace dirty filters

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity

If working outside, wear a properly fitted N-95 mask

Stay hydrated

Sensitive groups—such as children, older adults, and those with asthma, heart or lung conditions—are especially at risk.

🔥 Smoke from the Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara County is also contributing to poor air quality in parts of Ventura County.

This alert will remain in effect until conditions improve.
📲 Sign up for farmworker smoke alerts: Text SMOKE (English) or HUMO (Spanish/Mixteco/Zapoteco) to 855-522-0034.

More info:

Last Updated: August 7, 2025 @ 9:39 PM Winter weather advisory in effect for 1-5 corridor Wed-Thurs. Second Emergency Alert notification, read below for details. Register Now Go To Map ACTIVE INCIDENT INFORMATION Updated on 8/7/25 at 9:40 PM   The Canyon Fire, which began the afternoon of August 7...

08/08/2025

🚨 Canyon Fire Update – August 8 🚨

The Canyon Fire, which began the afternoon of August 7 near Holser Canyon north of Piru, has burned an estimated 4,856 acres and remains 0% contained.

Firefighters worked through the night as the fire pushed east toward the Castaic area in Los Angeles County. Aircraft made repeated water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s spread and support crews on the ground.

The Ventura County and Los Angeles County Fire Departments are operating under a unified command, coordinating closely with local, state, and federal agencies to develop a long-term containment strategy.

⚠️Evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:

Lake Piru Recreation Area

East of Piru Canyon Road, to the Los Angeles County Line

East of the Community of Piru

East of Center Street / Highway 126 to the Los Angeles County Line

⚠️Evacuation warnings have been issued for:

Northwest and Northeast of Lake Piru

⚠️Road Closures – Piru:

Piru Canyon Road is closed in both directions from Main Street in the Community of Piru

Lake Piru Recreation Area is closed until further notice

Residents are urged to stay alert, follow official instructions, and evacuate immediately if directed.

More info: VCemergency.gov

For more up-to-date info, download the Watch Duty app at watchduty.org

(Map photo from Watch Duty)

08/08/2025

Come join Rock N Roll Burger for happy hour with its “Best Burgers” as voted in the Best of Simi Valley publication! Mention this post and enjoy 10% OFF every day from 3 to 6 p.m. More info at rocknrollburger.com.

08/07/2025

Allwayz on Stage is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the wickedly fun and family-friendly musical “Beetlejuice Jr.”! Based on the hit Broadway show and beloved movie, “Beetlejuice Jr.” promises a spooky and hilarious theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

The show tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager who encounters a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon named Beetlejuice. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, chaos ensues in this zany, high-energy show. Family-friendly nature, spooky themes and catchy songs.

More info at allwayzonstage.com/beetlejuice.

08/07/2025

Learn drip irrigation during a free hands-on workshop this Saturday taught by the UC Master Gardener Program of Ventura County in partnership with Calleguas Municipal Water District.
This class is taught at Calleguas headquarters on Olsen Road just down the street from the Reagan Library.

Learn tips, techniques and participate in a hands-on drip irrigation experience you can use in the home landscape.
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 9-11am
Location: Calleguas MWD 2100 Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks
Link to register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=46202

The terrain may be bumpy, so wear closed toe shoes. Bring your own water and chair. Restroom available.

If you have gardening questions, please email our free Master Gardener Helpline at [email protected]

08/07/2025

Don’t miss this month’s Document Shredding event at the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, located at 40 W. Cochran St., on Friday, August 8 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

08/05/2025

Participate in a workshop to hear from county recruiters! More info at governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura.