Simi Valley Acorn

City researching options to fix water shortage at Knolls

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

Officials from the local Waterworks District No. 8 are currently conducting studies of the water shortage in the Santa Susana Knolls and plan to discuss their findings at a meeting of the Simi Valley City Council in mid-June.

Snow cone conundrum

05/16/2008

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SIGNS OF COMING SUMMER- One-year-old Tyler Boen tries to figure out how he will devour his giant cone of shaved ice during the annual Simi Valley Street Fair on Saturday. Perfect weather greeted scores of shoppers who came to peruse more than 350 booths. See more pictures from the event on page 16.

Lyons named head of environmental services

05/16/2008

City Planner Peter Lyons will take over as the city of Simi Valley's new director of environmental services, City Manager Mike Sedell announced Thursday.

No-fliers ordinance adopted without opposition

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

The Simi Valley City Council unanimously approved an anti-litter ordinance Monday night prohibiting the placement of fliers and other printed materials on vehicles throughout the city. According to City Attorney David Hirsch, similar ordinances have been upheld by a federal appellate court in the city of Cattlesburg, Ky.

Signal planned for Tapo Canyon-Township corner

05/16/2008

The Simi Valley Department of Public Works awarded a $173,062 construction contract last week to build a new traffic signal at the intersection of Tapo Canyon Road and Township Avenue. Los Angelesbased contractor Steiny and Co., Inc. will begin construction of the signal in mid-June. The firm anticipates completion of the project by early August.

Live to ride- safely that is

05/16/2008

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of drivers and motorcyclists sharing the road, the California Highway Patrol will release the video "Thrill of Buzz Kill?" at the Motorcycle Safety Summit.

Snakes alives, it's rattler season again

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

An abundance of rattlesnakes is keeping rattlesnake wrangler Bo Slyapich and local veterinarians busy this spring. "I thought last year was real bad with lots of rattlesnakes, but this year is a whole lot worse," said Slyapich.

Police use decoy vehicle to catch suspected car burglar

05/16/2008

Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the parking lot of Corriganville Park at 7001 Smith Road, Simi Valley on May 4 and 5. The side windows of the vehicles had been smashed to allow the removal of property which had been left visible inside the vehicles.

City wants input on General Plan

05/16/2008

The city of Simi Valley will host a community workshop to present the Simi Valley General Plan update from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the City Hall Council Chamber, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley.

Holiday means early deadlines at the Acorn

05/16/2008

The May 29 and 30 editions of the Acorn Newspapers will have early deadlines because of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Editorial items, including letters to the editor for the May 29 and 30 editions must be received by 11 a.m.

Mormon Church will 'salute' veterans at Memorial Day event

05/16/2008

All Simi Valley veterans and their spouses are invited to the third annual "Salute to Arms" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Memorial Day, Sunday, May 26, in the Sinaloa Building at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley.

March of Dimes fundraising walk is tomorrow

05/16/2008

March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 17 at Rancho Tapo Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the walk starts at 8 a.m. The event is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

Simi SWAT will participate in national competition

05/16/2008

The Simi Valley Police Department's Special Weapons and Tactics team will leave home this weekend to compete in the U.S. National SWAT Championships in Castle Rock, Colo. from May 19 to 23.

Artist will demonstrate oil painting at library

05/16/2008

The Simi Valley Art Association will meet at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 16, at the Simi Valley Library Community Room, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. Anne Cannata will demonstrate an oil painting. There is a $7 donation at the door and students are free with paying adult.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

05/16/2008

Residents are invited to participate in any of the following volunteer opportunities in the area. For more information or to sign up, call the phone number listed for the event. •Haven Hills Inc. will begin volunteer training in June and applications are being accepted.

Simi shows what it has to offer

Photos by Iris Smoot — 05/16/2008

BUBBLES IN THE SUN- Back to front, Cory Fromm, his son Gregory, 7, and Natalia Enriquez, 7, watch as Noelle Enriquez, 5, makes huge bubbles from her wand at the NewHeart Foursquare Church booth during the annual Simi Valley Street Fair on Saturday.

T.O. Acorn celebrates its 10th anniversary

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

The Thousand Oaks Acorn - part of a weekly newspaper chain that covers community news from Calabasas to Camarillo- celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.

California-based volunteer group helps foster children

05/16/2008

In California thousands of children are removed from their homes because of alleged abuse. Many of these children don't have parents who contest the allegations or express an interest in their children. As dependents of the court, the children are part of a legal system, which often leaves them feeling confused and alone.

Take Your Simi Valley Acorn on Vacation

05/16/2008

NO WAY TO GO BUT DOWN- Simi Valley residents Sarah Britton, David Cherrier, Danny Cherrier and Briana Alamia-Chase, on a recent trip to New Mexico to visit relatives, enjoy a trip to the top of Sandia Peak, which is 10,378 feet high. Mail entries to Take Your Acorn on Vacation, Simi Valley Acorn, 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Photos will be published randomly and/or entered in our annual contest that's coming up in September. Please be patient waiting for your photo to appear; we receive a high volume of vacation photographs.

Muscle cars will be on display in Chatsworth

05/16/2008

California Car Cover Company will host its 13th Annual National Street Rod Association Appreciation Day Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at the company's site, 9525 DeSoto Ave., Chatsworth. This year's event will honor Galpin Auto Sports, one of Southern California's leading custom shops and the force behind the MTV show "Pimp My Ride.

Mother's milk protects child's health

05/16/2008

One way mothers can enhance their child's health is with the nutritional benefits of breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms breastfeed exclusively for at least the first six months of a baby's life.

Conejo hospice now offers young adult grief support

05/16/2008

Hospice of the Conejo is sponsoring grief support for young adults ages 18 to 26. The group meets Wednesdays in the human services building, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Ste. 204, Thousand Oaks.

State dietary guide is available online

05/16/2008

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released the 2008 California Food Guide, a nutrition resource designed to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity for Californians. DHCS director Sandra Shewry called the online guide an important tool to help address health and nutritional issues facing Californians today.

We're all in this together

05/16/2008

I vividly recall an incident in my family when I was about 9 years old. It was a beautiful summer morning and I had just sat down on a swing seat in our backyard. I was dreamily watching a butterfly flit across some roses when my younger sister came flying around the corner of the house. Soon after, red-faced and in hot pursuit, came my father.

Bowling for Alzheimer's

05/16/2008

The Alzheimer's Association, California Central Coast Chapter will have a Forget-Me-Not bowling tournament from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Harley's Camarillo Bowl, 305 Arneill Road, Camarillo. Admission is $20, which includes bowling and shoe rentals.

Datebook

05/16/2008

FRI., MAY 16 'Pure Goldwater' Moorpark City Library presents former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr. discussing and signing his new book "Pure Goldwater," about his father, Sen. Goldwater. 7 p.m. Apricot Room, Moorpark Civic Center, 699 Moorpark Ave. Free admission. Books available for purchase on site. (805) 517-6370.

Local print shop recognized by assemblyman

05/16/2008

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers MAKING MORE THAN COPIES- The staff of PrintMasters in Simi Valley, which was selected by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth as his "Small Business of the Year" for the 38th District, which encompasses parts of north Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Glendale and Simi Valley. In back, Ray Hamilton, front from left, owner/operator Michelle Foster, Bernice Antczak and Dee Aman. Said Smyth: "This award gives me an opportunity to acknowledge, at the state level, all the wonderful things (PrintMasters) have done for the community." PrintMasters, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, was recognized for its generosity and support of numerous causes. "It is my belief that giving back to the community is an obligation," said Foster, a Simi Valley City Councilmember. "It is part of what we should do as responsible citizens and it is how I was raised."

Send us your business brief

05/16/2008

If you have business news to announce regarding your operation, such as an award, a promotion or a new location, please write to us at the Simi Valley Acorn , Attention: Business Briefs, 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. You may also send an email to simi@theacorn.com.

Vandals slay Knolls Elementary dragon

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

Puff, the Magic Dragon would have been breathing fire if he heard what happened to one of the dragons at Knolls Elementary School. One of the seven wooden dragons on the Knolls campus had its head cut off by vandals on May 7 or 8. Almost two weeks earlier, the same dragon's leg was broken. It was discovered in nearby bushes on April 28.

Students show appreciation for the military

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

Friends Ashley Cooke and Heather Tomaszewski baked snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies on Monday and delivered them to the Simi Valley Police. So went a typical day for students in leadership class at Sinaloa Middle School.

Simi student makes dean's list at DePaul

05/16/2008

Rebecca Heteniak of Simi Valley has been named to the dean's list for the 2008 winter quarter at DePaul University in Chicago. To earn this commendation, full-time students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above on a four-point scale.

Happy Mother's Day 2008

05/16/2008

My mom is the most amazing woman I have ever known. She inspires me to work hard for my goals and to not let others bring me down. I can always talk to her about anything. She has helped me through the good times and the bad and has never left my side. Even through I might not show it, I will always love my mom.

Superstitious Simi prepping for a perfect finish

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

If there's any team that's familiar with the pressure the New England Patriots felt last January, it's the Simi Valley High School softball team. Like the AFC champions, Simi Valley was perfect throughout the regular season, going 270 overall and 14-0 in the Marmonte League. The Pioneers scored a leaguehigh 179 runs while allowing a league-low 27 runs.

Multidimensional man

By Steve Ames Special to the Simi Valley Acorn — 05/16/2008

His goal was to attend an Ivy League school and, after making visits to Harvard, Yale and Princeton universities, the decision for Chance Cross of Simi Valley High was an easy one: Princeton University. The 6foot1, 190pound senior two-sport athlete will head east to the New Jerseybased campus to play football this fall.

Pet of the Week

05/16/2008

FRIENDLY- Ricky, a 7-year-old black Lab, above, was surrendered by his owners because they were moving and couldn't take him with them. He is housebroken, leash-trained and good with other pets and children. Henry, a male baby Nubian goat, right, was picked up in a rural part of Simi Valley as a stray. He's very friendly and gentle and ready for new owners after a brief home inspection. For Henry, ask for ID No. A440503 Both animals can be adopted from the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Drive. Occasionally, pets have already been adopted, so please visit www.vcar.us or call (805) 388-4341 before going to the shelter.

Blotter

05/16/2008

A 19-year-old man was arrested May 8 on the corner of Ashford Street and College Street, and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. On May 8, a 30-year-old man was arrested on the corner of Santa Susana Pass Road and Clear Springs Road and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Thieves target catalyic converters

05/16/2008

During the last three months, cities in Los Angeles, Ventura and Riverside counties have experienced an increase of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles. Ten thefts of catalytic converters have been reported in Simi Valley. The thefts occurred at locations throughout the city in residential neighborhoods with no discernible pattern.

Mirror, Mirror . . .

05/16/2008

The tendency to judge others seems to find a home in most of us, and at those times when we encounter an individual whom we see as objectionable- in appearance or personality, or both- our first reaction may be to want to get away from that person's energy as quickly as possible.

Holocaust commemoration

05/16/2008

Congregation B'nai Emet will observe Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Commemoration Day, at 8 p.m. Fri., May 16 at the synagogue, 4645 Industrial St., Simi Valley. Rabbi Michele Paskow will conduct the service. Holocaust survivor Martin Glade will share the story of his family's plight with the Nazis.

Simi Valley girl's essay chosen as runner-up in national contest

05/16/2008

Erica Dion of Simi Valley, a sixth-grader at St. Rose of Lima School, is a runner-up in BIC Corp.'s national essay contest, the "Quality Comes in Writing" program. She will receive a $100 cash prize. Winners were chosen out of nearly 11,000 essay entries from around the country by Lifetime Learning Systems, an independent judging organization.

Strawberry Fest is this weekend

05/16/2008

The 25th annual California Strawberry Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 in Oxnard. Free on-site parking is available at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave.

Cops get serious about buckling up

05/16/2008

The Simi Valley Police Department will be aggressively enforcing the state's seat belt laws as part of California's 2008 Click It or Ticket mobilization, taking place through June 1. The campaign relies on enforcement and public education as a means to help California achieve the highest seat belt use rate in the nation.

Ocean safety info now offered at beaches

05/16/2008

Visitors to California's beaches are about to receive new and critical safety information to help them protect themselves and their families from dangerous ocean conditions.

Italian eatery offers romantic setting

By Carissa Marsh Special to the Acorn — 05/16/2008

Alessio Ristorante Italiano Tucked away in the oftoverlooked Sycamore Plaza lies Alessio Ristorante Italiano, where authentic house-made recipes are served in a welcoming and elegant environment. From the outside, Alessio appears modest, with a simple green trellis and potted trees framing the small patio, perfect for al fresco dining.

Hagmans hosting KCLU event

05/16/2008

Larry and Maj Hagman will host a celebration in honor of KCLU from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at their Heaven Ranch in Ojai. The gathering will allow guests to roam the grounds and meet other KCLU supporters. Larry Hagman played J.R. Ewing on "Dallas" and Capt. Tony Nelson on "I Dream of Jeannie.

To Church of Christ protesters: Enough is enough

05/16/2008

The protesters at Simi Valley's United Church of Christ have made their point about illegal immigration- and for about eight long months. I agree we must do something about our borders.

Why can't Cornerstone just build in city limits?

05/16/2008

Ray Miller clearly missed the entire point of my April 18 letter. All he had to do was read the headline, "Speak Out Against Plans to Build in the Greenbelt." In very simple, hopefully understandable terms, the issue is not Cornerstone Church. The issue is building on protected land and violating the terms of SOAR (Save our Open spaces and Agricultural Resources).

Honor local history and contribute to the General Plan

05/16/2008

During the recent National Volunteer Week, the media was filled with information about how we can all contribute to making our county and cities a better place to live. Slogans such as "Find your passion and help your community" kept reminding us that volunteers play a tremendous role in enriching the quality of life in our communities.

Why 'illegal alien' is the only term that truly fits

05/16/2008

I read Joy Lomenick's letter May 9 in your online edition and agree wholly with her opinion. I'd add these paragraphs. I'm trying to eliminate some of the confusion regarding illegal aliens and the use of two terms. As a 40-year resident of north Texas, I've become accustomed to the following definition of the term "Hispanic.

Protect yourself: Buy distilled water

05/16/2008

Concerning water, there is much evidence to show our water supplies could be contaminated with minute particles of all kinds of things. We have chosen to get our water at the Environmental Store found at the base of the Santa Susana Mountains where Kuehner turns into the Santa Susana Pass Road.

Pro-Tenenbaum signs go missing

05/16/2008

This is outrageous. Why are Elton Gallegly and his followers so disrespectful of the democratic process? Two of my friends in Fillmore are supporters of Michael Tenenbaum, Gallegly's opponent in this year's Republican congressional race, and put "Tenenbaum for Congress" signs up on their front lawns last week.

Find your perfect pet at the shelter

05/16/2008

Ask Kathy Jenks, director of the Ventura County Department of Animal Regulations, the most unusual animal that's come through the doors of the Camarillo Animal Shelter, and she's likely to answer: "A roller-skating elephant." No joke.

Adopted!

05/16/2008

Power of friendship helps return injured runner to marathon form

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com — 05/16/2008

After Harry Staples ran his first Los Angeles Marathon in 1987, he was hooked. For the next 19 consecutive years, 60-year-old Staples of Simi Valley would run the marathon alongside his longtime friend, 64-year-old Rich Ringwald, also of Simi, and finish the 26.2-mile trek through L.A. in just about five hours.

Dos Vientos Retreat

05/16/2008

This is a one-story home in Dos Vientos. The backyard has an Infinity edge pool with Hydrazzo crushed marble surface. There is a guest suite with a separate living area, bathroom and kitchenette.

These Lots Are Available For Purchase

05/16/2008

Ten acres zoned 30,000 square foot lots are available for purchase. The lots are in an area with $1.5 million home sites and are horse zoned. Utilities are nearby. For more information on this property, listed at $1,798,000, contact The Reznick Group.

Patty Cappucino

05/16/2008

Patty Cappucino was welcomed to Prudential California Realty's Moorpark office by broker/owner Bob Majorino and manager Dave Ward. A resident of Moorpark for more than 20 years, Cappuccino is one of the top real estate agents in the area, with more than 15 years' experience.