Simi Valley history was made the evening of Oct. 19. The Board of Directors for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District showed immense leadership in approving a use agreement for the new park at Big Sky Ranch. A routine government action it was not. It marks the first time in the 40plus year history of girls softball in Simi Valley that girls softball players in this town get their very own, Park District-supported facility. I write to offer three mighty cheers to those responsible for identifying a need in town, and doing whatever necessary to meet it. Cheers to the elected leaders who supported park district staff to pursue options with local volunteers who sought the dream. To park board members Gene Hostetler, Jim Meredith, Elaine Freeman, Kate O'Brien and Mark Johnson: Thank you for such a job well done. It made the evening special that Hostetler and Meredith coached in this league when their daughters were active in it, playing on whatever space the school district so graciously allowed the league to use. And Elaine Freeman also helped secure significant private funding necessary to make it a reality. To Phil and Mary McPherson, and the Amanda McPherson Foundation and its wonderful supporters: Thank you so much for making this such a priority. To many others, including but not limited to Tom Costello of our league, and to Ed Hayduk of the Park District: Your dedication will not be forgotten. Likewise to our league leaders who led the charge before our new president Brent Rollins and I did the easy job and finished the deal: Bill and Debi Bowling, thank you. Thank you park district and Amanda McPherson Foundation, and my fellow Simi Valley Girls Softball governing board members, for all your attention and care.

Opening Day 2007 couldn't arrive soon enough. Keith Jajko Simi Valley