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. More...

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. More...

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." More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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. More...