As the Simi Valley Acorn grows, all news is (still) local

March 4, 2004. That's the date the Simi Valley Acorn first planted its roots in Simi Valley, hoping to fill the void left in the mid 1990s when the Simi Valley Enterprise, the city's original source for local news, was swallowed up by the Ventura County Star.

The formula for success was there- all local, all-the-time- but no one knew for sure if the fourth addition to the Acorn family (after Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the original Acorn) would flourish or founder in this close-knit community insulated by mountain ranges. What we did know was we had to be faithful to Simi.

Our goals were clear: 1) Put out a paper we could be proud of, 2) Give people a good reason to take the Simi Valley Acorn off the lawn and into their homes each week, 3) Get businesses to advertise (That's how we pay the bills).

Well, it's been three years and the paper that started its publishing life with 12 pages of local news, features and events has grown to an average of 32 pages. The count is rising.

And while we at the Simi Valley Acorn would love to take all the credit for the paper's growth, we know it's our loyal readership that has made this press run possible.

Why? Because the citizens of Simi Valley want a paper to call their own.

Not to be provincial- - residents everywhere want a newspaper that's all about their town. A paper that can be easily digested and yet provide balanced, interesting and accurate coverage of city government, police and schools, along with great photos and youth sports news. And hey, it doesn't hurt that you can get your beloved family vacation pictures published.

As one of our more popular "house ads" reads: "You called. We answered."

Here's to many more years as Simi Valley's community newspaper.

Please don't hesitate to call our offices at (805) 367-8232 with news, questions, tips, concerns or complaints. You can reach Editor Kyle Jorrey at ext. 305 or e-mail him at simi@theacorn.com.

The Simi Valley Acorn. It's a movement. Have you joined up yet?