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Simi ValleyA morning that changed everything: Local residents remember 9/11 25 years later
Twenty-five years ago this morning, our corner of the 805 woke up to the same blue sky as everyone else — and then watched it change. Neighbors here remember gathering around TVs in Simi Valley living rooms, quiet classrooms, and offices, trying to make sense of what was unfolding in New York, at the Pentagon, and in that Pennsylvania field. Some locals even witnessed it from the skies themselves. The Simi Valley Acorn's piece reminds us that 9/11 wasn't just a national story — it was a morning etched into our own community's memory. As we mark this solemn anniversary, take a moment to check in with the people who lived through it beside you. Whether you lost someone, knew a first responder, or simply remember where you stood that day, your story matters here. If you have a memory to share, we'd love to hear it.
Simi ValleySimi Valley Police release footage of second officer-involved shooting
Neighbors, this one's heavy. Simi Valley police have released body-camera footage from the July 21 shooting on Dusan Street that took the life of a 37-year-old man. It started, according to the department, with a domestic violence call around 8:15 that morning — a reminder that these calls are among the most volatile officers respond to. I know transparency around officer-involved shootings is something our community has been asking for, and releasing footage is one step in a long, painful process. Whatever your feelings about what happened, a family in our city is grieving, and officers involved are living with it too. The Simi Valley Acorn has the full details, and I'd encourage you to read their coverage rather than rely on snippets. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, local resources are available — you don't have to handle it alone.
Simi ValleyWoman gets 15 to life in first county fentanyl murder case
This week, Ventura County saw a legal first that hits close to home. Charity Faith Wiley, 40, of Reseda, was sentenced to 15 years to life for selling the fentanyl-laced pills that killed a county resident. It’s the first fentanyl murder conviction in our county, and it sends a clear message: dealing this poison here won’t be treated as just another drug offense. For Simi Valley families, this case is a stark reminder of how fentanyl has crept into our communities—often disguised as prescription pills. Our local news partners at the Simi Valley Acorn reported Wiley also pleaded guilty to five other felonies tied to a trafficking operation. As we head into fall, let this be a moment to talk to our kids, check in on loved ones, and remember that every pill purchased on the street could be a death sentence. This conviction won’t bring back the victim, but it’s a step toward accountability.
Simi Valley‘Putrid odor” descends on Simi neighborhood
If you've lived in Simi Valley long enough, you know our hills and open spaces are usually a blessing—until they're not. This week, folks in the Big Sky neighborhood got a rude awakening when a rotten smell, strong enough to make some think wildlife had perished nearby, settled over the area. The culprit? A shipment of decomposing food waste trucked in from a fire-damaged Los Angeles warehouse, dumped at a local facility, and left to stew in the heat. It's a strange and unsettling reminder that even our quiet corner of the 805 isn't immune to the ripple effects of disasters elsewhere. For those affected, the stench is more than an inconvenience—it's a quality-of-life issue that raises questions about how waste from outside our community is handled here. As the Simi Valley Acorn first reported, residents are understandably frustrated, and they deserve answers. Let's hope the responsible parties address this quickly, before the next hot day makes things even harder to stomach.
Simi ValleySimi Valley man killed in hit-and-run
A Simi Valley family is grieving after a loved one was killed in a hit-and-run outside a 7-Eleven parking lot last month, and the man accused in the crash is now facing felony charges. Alvaro Abel Has Gomez, 40, appeared in Ventura County Superior Court on Sept. 2 and pleaded not guilty to felony hit-and-run resulting in death, according to the Simi Valley Acorn. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change on our own streets—and how important it is for drivers to stop and take responsibility. For neighbors in Simi Valley, this isn’t just a court date—it’s a loss that ripples through our community. The victim was someone’s family member, someone’s friend, someone who was just going about their day. As this case moves forward, we’ll be following it closely and hoping for justice. If you have any information about the incident, please reach out to the Simi Valley Police Department. Let’s look out for one another out there, especially near busy shopping centers like that 7-Eleven.
Simi ValleyDefense contractor exchanges one East County city for another
Big news for Moorpark and Simi Valley: AeroVironment, the drone and defense tech company that's been a fixture in Simi for decades, is packing up and heading east to a new 20-acre campus in Moorpark. The company just announced a $100 million investment in a state-of-the-art facility designed to support their rapid growth. For those of us who've watched their presence in Simi, it's a bittersweet shift — but it's also a sign of the thriving tech economy right here in the 805. For Moorpark, this is a major win. A project of this scale means good-paying jobs, new construction, and a boost to the local economy. It also puts Moorpark on the map as a hub for cutting-edge drone technology. While Simi will feel the loss of a longtime corporate neighbor, it's reassuring to know that the company isn't leaving the region — just moving a few miles down the road. The Simi Valley Acorn first reported the news, and it's a story worth keeping an eye on as construction gets underway.
Simi ValleyRoyal’s big opener marred by football coach’s firing
Simi Valley, we need to talk about Friday night. Our Royal High football team took the field in Carpinteria for its second game of the season, and the players showed up with heart—but still no permanent head coach. The news broke earlier this week that Adam Brubaker was let go after a surveillance video showed him kicking a ball that struck a student-athlete. That's a tough shadow to play under, especially for the kids who just want to focus on the game. As a community, we're left with mixed feelings. We want our coaches to be role models, and when something like this happens, it stings. But let's also remember the real story here: a group of young athletes who showed resilience under a cloud of uncertainty. The Simi Valley Acorn has been on top of this from the start, and we'll keep you updated as the district works to name a new coach. For now, let's support our Royals—they deserve it.
Simi ValleyRebecca Grossman files for divorce
Well, this is a story that just keeps unfolding. Rebecca Grossman, the former Hidden Hills socialite now serving time for the 2020 double-fatal crash that killed two young brothers, has filed for divorce from her husband, Peter. The news broke via the Simi Valley Acorn, and it lands just weeks after a jury ordered the Grossmans to pay nearly $200 million in a wrongful-death civil case. For our community, this feels less like celebrity gossip and more like a lingering shadow over the West San Fernando Valley and the 805 corridor — a reminder that the ripple effects of that tragic night in Westlake Village are still being felt. For Simi Valley readers, this development is a footnote in a much larger, painful chapter. The families of Mark and Jacob Iskander have been through years of legal battles, and this divorce filing suggests the personal and financial fallout is far from over. It's a heavy topic, but it's one that touches on accountability, loss, and how a single moment can unravel so many lives. We'll keep following the Acorn's reporting on this, and our hearts remain with the Iskander family as they continue to heal.
Simi ValleyThe Rams Open Down Under: What Simi Valley Fans Should Watch Before Kickoff
Rams fans in Simi Valley, get your jerseys ready — the season opener is happening on the other side of the world. Wednesday night football feels like a playoff game in September, and with the reigning MVP back, there's a real buzz around town. Whether you're catching the game at a local spot on Cochran Street or hosting a watch party at home, this is the kind of season that brings neighbors together. We've got a special connection to the Rams here in the 805, from the days at the Coliseum to the Super Bowl run. The Simi Valley Acorn has been tracking every offseason move, and it's clear this team is all-in. So mark your calendars, stock up on snacks, and enjoy the rare midweek kickoff — it's a great excuse to talk football at the water cooler on Thursday.
Simi ValleySandy fire and field lab a dangerous combination
When the Sandy fire tore through the Simi Valley hills back in May, our first responders weren't just battling the flames—they were also protecting a piece of land that's been a source of local debate for decades. The Santa Susana Field Laboratory, with its history and lingering questions, sat right in the fire's path. Firefighters knew from that first night that keeping the blaze from crossing onto the property was just as critical as defending homes. Thankfully, the fire never reached the lab, but this close call is a stark reminder of the unique challenges our community faces. It's not just about fire safety; it's about the ongoing conversation around that site and what it means for our future. As we head into another dry season, it's worth reflecting on the work our firefighters do every day—and the layers of complexity they handle to keep us safe. Stay informed and stay prepared, Simi Valley.
Simi ValleyComplicated field lab cleanup plods ahead
The Santa Susana Field Laboratory cleanup has been a long, winding road, and it’s good to see progress—even if it feels slow to those of us who’ve been watching for decades. As a Simi Valley neighbor, I know this isn’t just about soil and groundwater; it’s about our air, our water, and the peace of mind of families living right next to this historic site. The Simi Valley Acorn’s reporting reminds us that the work is moving forward, but the community’s voice is still crucial. Let’s keep pushing for a thorough cleanup—no shortcuts, no loopholes—because this is our home, and we deserve the highest standards. Here’s hoping the next phase brings more transparency and real, measurable results.
Simi ValleySimi Valley election field takes shape
Simi Valley, the election season is officially here, and this year’s ballot is packed. With five candidates vying for mayor and 14 more spread across City Council, school board, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, there’s no shortage of choices—or conversations to have around the dinner table. It’s a reminder that local races shape everything from the parks our kids play in to the way our city grows, so it’s worth paying attention. The filing window closing on Aug. 12 means the field is set, and now it’s our turn to dig in. The Simi Valley Acorn has been covering these races closely, and their breakdown is a great starting point for sorting through the names and issues. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to make your voice heard. Let’s get informed, talk to your neighbors, and show up on Nov. 3—because these decisions start right here at home.
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