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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 ValleyDOJ takes over fatal officer-involved shooting investigation
Simi Valley is in mourning this week after a fatal officer-involved shooting on Dusan Street, and the California Department of Justice has stepped in to lead the investigation. Under a state law requiring independent review when an unarmed civilian is killed by police, the California Police Shooting Investigation Team (CaPSIT) arrived on scene July 21. As reported by the Simi Valley Acorn, this move aims to ensure transparency and accountability for our community. For neighbors in the 805, this isn't just a headline — it's a moment that touches our shared sense of safety and trust. While details remain limited, the DOJ's involvement signals a serious, impartial look at what happened. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected, and we'll keep you updated as more information comes to light.
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!
Simi ValleyOfficer fatally shoots man after chase through Simi Valley
A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon in Simi Valley when a police officer fatally shot a 37-year-old man following a vehicle pursuit. According to the Simi Valley Acorn, the man had allegedly told others he would “shoot it out” with police if they were called, leading to the chase and eventual deadly encounter. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with administrative details released later that evening. This is a heavy story for our community, one that raises questions about safety, mental health, and policing. As neighbors, we all hope for transparency and healing in the days ahead. Stay tuned to the Simi Valley Acorn for updates as more information becomes available.
Simi ValleySimi Valley Unified approves $255 million budget, shelves November facilities bond
Simi Valley Unified School District has officially adopted a $255 million balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, ensuring day-to-day operations remain stable. But if you were hoping to vote on a facilities bond this November, that plan has been shelved—trustees decided not to move forward with the measure during their June 16 meeting. As reported by the Simi Valley Acorn, the decision leaves aging school infrastructure without a new funding source for now. For Simi Valley families, this means no new bond on the ballot, but also no budget deficit to worry about. The district is keeping its finances steady, though the conversation about upgrading classrooms and facilities is far from over. It's a classic local balancing act—fiscal responsibility versus long-term needs—and one worth watching as the school year approaches.
Simi ValleyCaltrans completes long-awaited fencing project on 118 bridge
A long-awaited safety improvement project has been completed on the Arroyo Simi Overhead Bridge along State Route 118 in Moorpark. Caltrans installed more than 6,400 linear feet of fencing on both sides of the half-mile bridge, a project aimed at preventing suicides. The work finished on July 15, bringing peace of mind to residents who have long advocated for this barrier. This project is a vital step for community safety, addressing a concern that has weighed on many in Simi Valley and Moorpark. The Simi Valley Acorn first reported the completion, highlighting how local advocacy helped push this through. It’s a reminder that infrastructure can serve a deeper purpose—protecting lives and supporting mental health awareness in our region.
Simi ValleyGoing for the gold . . . and the green
Remember when the world came to Ventura County for the 1984 Olympics? Lake Casitas was buzzing with canoeing and rowing events, drawing visitors from across the globe. That Olympic spirit might be returning in 2028, but this time, our region won't host any medal events. Still, don't count Simi Valley out. Local leaders are already brainstorming ways to attract tourists heading to Los Angeles for the Summer Games, hoping to turn those Olympic crowds into a local economic win. It's a smart play: with LA just over the hill, Simi Valley could become a prime base for visitors seeking quieter lodging and dining before heading to the big venues. The Simi Valley Acorn reports that cities in Acorn country are actively planning their pitches. Whether it's promoting our hiking trails, local eateries, or family-friendly atmosphere, there's a real opportunity to capture some of that Olympic gold — both in spirit and in green. It's a reminder that even without the spotlight, our community knows how to shine.
Simi ValleyAttempted murder suspect shot at Los Robles remains hospitalized
A Simi Valley man remains hospitalized after being shot by police at Los Robles Regional Medical Center earlier this month. According to the Simi Valley Acorn, 46-year-old Luis Santiago Ramirez-Macias was in stable condition this week following the July 2 incident. The officer involved was guarding Ramirez-Macias after an earlier incident that same day. This story hits close to home for Simi Valley residents, reminding us how quickly events can escalate and how our local officers and hospitals are often on the front lines of public safety. As the case develops, neighbors are left with questions about the circumstances leading up to the shooting at our community hospital.
Simi ValleyRancho Simi board advances budget amid Oak Park funding gap
The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board has given a preliminary green light to a $68 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, but Oak Park residents and local leaders are keeping a close eye on a funding gap tied to declining recreation and rental revenue in that area. The board unanimously approved the preliminary operating and capital improvement budget on June 17, setting the stage for public hearings on July 15 in Simi Valley and another date to be announced. The final budget will need to address how to keep Oak Park’s programs and facilities running smoothly without shortchanging other parts of the district. This story, first reported by the Simi Valley Acorn, matters because the budget directly affects parks, classes, sports leagues, and community centers that many of us rely on. If you live in Oak Park, you might notice changes in what’s offered or how much you pay. The July hearings are your chance to speak up—so mark your calendar and let the board know what you value most. After all, our parks and rec programs are what make Simi Valley and Oak Park such great places to live, play, and connect.
Simi ValleyWoman pleads guilty to murder in county’s first fentanyl overdose homicide case
A sobering moment for Ventura County: Charity Faith Wiley, 40, of Reseda, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for selling a fatal mix of fentanyl and xylazine to a Simi Valley man, marking the county’s first murder conviction in a fentanyl overdose case. District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced the plea on July 8, underscoring a shift in how our community is confronting the opioid crisis. This isn’t just a legal milestone—it’s a stark reminder that the drugs crossing our county lines carry deadly consequences. For Simi Valley families, this case hits close to home. The victim was one of our own, and the verdict signals that dealers who peddle poison will face the full weight of the law. As reported by the Simi Valley Acorn, this conviction opens a new chapter in local efforts to hold suppliers accountable. It’s a story that should make us all pause, talk to our kids, and stay vigilant—because this fight isn’t over.
Simi ValleyCouncil advances 60-unit condo project requiring removal of 52 trees
A quiet stretch of Oak Road in Simi Valley, where valley oaks have stood for generations, is at the center of a tough trade-off between housing and heritage. The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously this month to advance a 60-unit condo project that would require removing 52 trees, including some centuries-old oaks that have become a neighborhood landmark. As red-tailed hawks circle above, the decision has stirred conversations about how we balance growth with preserving the natural character that makes our community special. According to the Simi Valley Acorn, the project aims to address local housing needs, but the loss of mature oaks—especially in a region where fire safety and shade are part of daily life—hits close to home for many residents. For those who walk or drive past that field of morning glories, it feels like the last wild pocket of the neighborhood is slipping away. This story is a reminder that every development decision shapes not just our skyline, but the trees and wildlife that have been here long before us.
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