Park district’s Ed Abele retiring
Simi Valley Acorn
July 31, 2026
After nearly a decade of steady leadership, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Director Ed Abele is calling it a career. Abele announced July 28 that he won’t seek another term, wrapping up a tenure that began with his appointment in 2017 from a pool of 15 applicants and was cemented by voters in 2018. He served as board chair in 2019 and again in 2023, helping guide the district through major park improvements and community programming that make Simi Valley such a great place to live.
Abele’s retirement marks the end of an era for local parks. Whether it was advocating for new playgrounds, preserving open space, or just making sure the neighborhood fields were ready for weekend games, his work touched nearly every family in town. As the district prepares for a transition, residents can thank Abele for his dedication — and start paying attention to who steps up next. The Simi Valley Acorn first reported the news, and it’s a reminder that local service matters long after the headlines fade.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Simi Valley Acorn.
City
Simi ValleySource
Simi Valley AcornPublished
July 31, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Simi ValleyAll Simi Valley NewsMore News from Simi Valley
Simi ValleyCity builds game plan for hockey, entertainment center
Simi Valley is skating toward something big. The City Council just greenlit a two-member Arena Ad Hoc Committee—Councilmembers Rocky Rhodes and Elaine Litster—to explore bringing a United States Hockey League franchise to town, along with a full sports and entertainment district. It’s early days, but the idea of a real arena in our backyard has folks buzzing. Imagine Friday night hockey games, concerts, and community events all within a few miles of home. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about what a venue like this could mean for local businesses, restaurants, and the overall energy of Simi Valley. The Simi Valley Acorn first reported the move, and it’s clear the council is serious about playing long game. We’ll be watching closely as this work team digs into feasibility, funding, and location. For now, it’s a promising puck drop for a city that’s ready for its own spotlight.
Simi ValleySimi Valley’s history keeper dies at 96
Pat Havens was more than a historian—she was the heartbeat of Simi Valley’s memory. For over six decades, she collected the stories, faces, and moments that made our city feel like home. Whether she was archiving old photographs at the library or sharing tales of the valley’s ranching roots at community events, Pat made sure no one forgot where we came from. Her passing at 96 leaves a quiet hole in our town’s soul, but her work lives on in every exhibit, every local history talk, and every neighbor who now knows the name of the street they live on. This loss, first reported by the Simi Valley Acorn, reminds us that local history isn’t just in books—it’s in the people who care enough to save it. Pat Havens was one of those rare souls who turned a passion into a gift for the whole community. If you ever wandered through the Simi Valley Historical Society or paused at a plaque downtown, you felt her touch. Let’s honor her by keeping our stories alive, one conversation at a time.
Simi ValleyNew park district manager hired
Big news for Simi Valley: the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has a new leader, and he’s coming home. Steve Wright, a veteran parks and recreation executive and former Simi Valley resident who raised his daughters here, was selected as district manager after a nationwide search that drew over 100 applicants. Currently living in Houston, Texas, Wright is set to return to the community he once called home, bringing decades of experience and a deep personal connection to the area. This hire matters because our parks and rec district shapes so much of daily life—from local sports leagues and community events to trail maintenance and open space preservation. Wright’s local roots suggest he understands what makes Simi Valley special. The Simi Valley Acorn first reported the news, and it’s a story that feels like a homecoming for both Wright and the community. Welcome back, Steve!