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August 29, 2008 / Front Page

Simi Valley's students return to school

BACK TO BUSINESS— Above, teacher Gary Reinstein introduces his students to the world of AP Economics on Wednesday, the first day of classes at Santa Susana High School and all other schools in Simi Unified School District. More...

Health & Wellness

Local restaurants offer gluten-free options

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

For the first time since he was diagnosed with celiac disease five years ago, 11-year-old Benjamin Brook can go out for pizza. The recently opened PizzaSalad, a Thousand Oaks restaurant, offers pizza that is safe for Benjamin to eat. More...

Survival of the sensitive

These days the world is a place of hard knocks. Very few of us are shielded from daily adversity. It can come in very subtle forms: A passing neighbor fails to wave at us or someone cuts in front of us in line. More...

Hospital foundation has new director

Susan Myers, director of Adventist Health/Homecare Services of Simi Valley Hospital, has been recently appointed as the executive director of the Simi Valley Hospital Foundation. More...

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Sports

Aiming for No. 1

Marmonte League preview: Boys' water polo

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

The Royal High boys' water polo team wants what Agoura has, and, no, it's not just a Marmonte League title. More...

Fall sports preview schedule

The Acorn has begun previewing fall sports in the Marmonte League. If you've missed anything, Web users can read archived stories at www.simivalleyacorn.com. Here's the ongoing schedule: • Aug. More...

Injury at Royal opens things up in league title chase

Marmonte League preview: Boys' cross country

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

An injury to Royal High's top cross country runner, junior Travis Edwards, has left the race for the top spot in the Marmonte League wide open. More...

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Faith

National ecumenical gathering coming to Denver

Event slated for November

Plans are underway for the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service in Denver from November 11 to 13. The theme of the 2008 General Assembly is, "Jesus Said . . . More...

Back to Shul Night at synagogue

Congregation B'nai Emet will sponsor a "Back To Shul Night" on Fri., Sept. 5 at the synagogue, 4645 Industrial St., No. 2C, Simi Valley. A dairy potluck Shabbat dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by a brief family service at 7 p.m. More...

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On The Town

Aspiring actress makes her leading lady debut on Tinseltown stage

Hometown girl starring in Thai cultural art show at Hollywood's Ford Amphitheatre

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

Simi Valley resident Duan Mackenzie will take the stage tomorrow for a onenightonly performance at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood as a lead in the Thai cultural arts show "Legend of the Chao Phraya—Siamese River of Life. More...

Wine auction in Westlake to benefit New West Symphony

Symphony of Wine VIII, a fundraiser for New West Symphony's children's youth programs, will be held at 3 p.m. Sun., Sept. 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel, 2 Dole Drive, Westlake Village. More...

Square dance club offers weekly classes

Buckles & Bows Square Dance Club will present weekly beginner square dance classes every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 2 at Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. More...

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Editorials

The formula for higher density is a volatile one

If Acorn reporter Carissa Marsh's seven-part series "RethinkingSimi Valley" has taught us anything, it's that density matters. More...

Cartoon

Full Story

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Datebook

FRI., AUG. 29 Open Studio Tour Santa Barbara Studio Artists hosts Opening Gala Exhibition for annual Studio Tour, 6 to 9 p.m., Arts Fund Santa Barbara Gallery, 205 Santa Barbara St. Visit artists in studios, 11 a.m. More...

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Target store hits bulls-eye

Council okays new west end shopping center New store should open by early 2010

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the construction of a Target store on the northwest corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads, the site of a closed Kmart store, bringing to an end months of discussion over contested condi More...

Habitat for Humanity in talks with city about 10-home build on Patricia

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is seeking to develop a townhome project on the corner of Patricia Avenue and Duncan Street comprising 10 affordable units to house low-income families. More...

Woman arrested in connection with 'hot prowl' incidents

By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Simi Valley authorities arrested a local woman last week in connection with several burglaries that occurred in Moorpark and Simi Valley. More...

Community

Cruz says issues of gangs, drug abuse are not addressed by current school board

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

It was a passion for issues affecting education that drove Ray Cruz when he first ran for the Simi Valley school board in 2006. Two years later, Cruz said he feels stronger than ever about those same issues. More...

Public invited to get rare look inside Simi police headquarters

Cops celebrating 10 years at Alamo Street facility

The Simi Valley Police Department will host a community open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Sept. 20 at 3901 Alamo St. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the police facility in October 1998. More...

Search for schools chief ends where it began

Board of education picks associate superintendent to replace Weis

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Stan Mantooth is the new Ventura County superintendent of schools. The county board of education appointed Mantooth on Aug. 16. He takes office Sept. 1. "I'm looking forward to it. More...

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Schools

New faces in new places

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

Freshmen students weren't the only new faces on campus when the new school year began on Wednesday. Many new teachers, administrators and coaches graced campuses throughout Simi Valley Unified School District. More...

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Pets

Be prepared when adopting a dog

There's good news, bad news and better news about pets. The good news: A recent report by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that about 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. More...

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Police

Blotter

A 38-year-old man was arrested August 20 in the 1500 block of Rory Lane on charges of being in contempt of court. On August 20, a 21-year-old man was arrested on the corner of Sequoia Avenue and E. More...

Neighbors' tips lead to arrests for meth possession

The Simi Valley Police Department's Narcotic Unit recently arrested three Simi Valley residents on narcotic charges. More...

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Family

Curbside appeal

Two brothers paint the town for a summer job

By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

Pulling a red Radio Flyer wagon with their supplies, two enterprising brothers, Caleb, 15, and Nathan, 13, set out to earn some extra money this school vacation. The boys worked painting house numbers on curbs. More...

Library to hold 9-11 Freedom Walk

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library together will present the third annual Simi Valley Freedom Walk from 5 to 6 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 11 at the library's courtyard, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. More...

The Oaks hosts opening gala for new Nordstrom

A grand opening gala will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Wed., Sept. 3 at the new Nordstrom at The Oaks mall, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. More...

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Letters

Kadota-Fig resident in support of zone change

I was shocked to read a letter in the Aug. 15 Simi Valley Acorn where an author arrogantly attacks the character of those with a different view than his own. More...

Higher density can affects one's quality of life

I'm writing in response to a letter in the Aug. 22 Simi Valley Acorn by Sandy Capaldi. Bravo! Her reference to the opening up of areas really hit home. I live on Muirfield Avenue. More...

Incumbent Sojka is 'Mr. Simi Valley'

It was great to read recently that Steve Sojka has decided to seek another term on the Simi Valley City Council. I can't think of a better person for the job. Steve is "Mr. More...

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Neighbors

Couple's work to save marriages earns them invite to see the Pope

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

Simi couple Tony and Tina Ruiz will board a long flight to Italy at the end of September to meet with Pope Benedict XVI—not exactly an everyday occurrence for a typical suburban husband and wife. Then again, the Ruizes aren't typical. More...

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