With the Fourth of July approaching, authorities in Simi Valley are cracking down on the use of illegal fireworks. The Simi Valley Police Department, in cooperation with the Ventura County Fire Department, has begun a zerotolerance policy, promising to cite anyone found using or in possession of illegal fireworks. More...

Twenty-four years ago I met my very first client, an elderly man who showed symptoms of depression and the beginnings of pulmonary disease. He had a long-standing marriage but not a happy one. He had been a force in the business realm but had been retired for many years, sometimes doing consulting to add income and feel useful. More...

The graduating seniors of Royal High School walked in pairs as they approached center stage from both sides of the football stadium. Across the track and past the ivy chains, members of the Class of 2008, wearing green and gold, marched toward their seats to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" while family and friends clapped and cheered from the packed bleachers. More...

Paper beats rock. Rock beats scissors. Scissors beats paper. Camarillo High's Kevin Ball apparently beats them all. At the 11th annual Jim Parker Ventura County Baseball All-Star Game last Sunday, Westlake High's Zach Miller, coach of the East, decided to determine his starting lineup by games of paperrock-scissors among his players. More...

CHIP OFF THE BLOCK- Chip is a 3-year-old male Chihuahua mix. He loves to give kisses when held, but once on the ground he leaps and bounds around. He can also be calm and well-behaved when asked. He would be great for a family with children. If you would like to adopt Chip, ask for animal ID No. A441659 at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo. Occasionally, pets have already been adopted, so call (805) 388-4341 or visit www.vcar.us before visiting the shelter. IRIS SMOOT Acorn Newspapers More...

The following were arrested and charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance on June 11: a 44-year-old man on the corner of Tapo Canyon Road and the 118 Freeway, and a 49year-old woman on the corner of Winifred and Carlotta streets. More...

The Simi Church of Christ will host a weeklong children's summer program titled "Power Lab: Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power" from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 23 to 27 at the church, 1554 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley. More...

When traveling, a little preparation can offer big benefits. Experts say keeping an eye on the bottom line doesn't have to mean less enjoyment when it comes to leisure-time travel. More...

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, Ashlyn Sanchez MPAA rating: R (for violence, disturbing images) Running time: 92 minutes Best suited for: More...

Following the printing of my letter expressing my concerns about the no-flier ordinance in the Acorn last month, I was both surprised and impressed the following Friday morning when I received a message on my voice mail from City Councilmember Barbra Williamson. More...

The high school graduation season concludes this week, and from the small, alternative high schools where challenged teens have been molded into respectable students, to the large, blue ribbon campuses where many will graduate with glowing honors, the class of 2008 is moving on. More...

As Yvonne Neumann was wheeled through the corridors of Simi Valley Hospital on Tuesday, she couldn't help asking the nurses the ageold arewethereyet-question. "Are we in the new area yet?" Almost, the nurses assured her. More...

FRI., JUNE 20 'Pippin' Camarillo Community Theatre presents musical "Pippin," 8 p.m., 330 Skyway Drive (inside airport). Through July 27. 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays. 2 p.m. Sundays. For ages 12 and up. $17 adults, $13 seniors, students, military. (805) 388-5716. More...

This estate in Agoura Hills has been upgraded with dark wood floors, faux-finished Tuscan wash throughout interior, remodeled bathrooms with handmade cabinets, five bedrooms featuring smart-system closets matched to the theme, age/ gender of each room. The kitchen includes a dining area to compliment the formal dining room. More...