Resident arrested and charged with passing bad checks in Simi
      Donald Plehn, 25, of Simi Valley was arrested Dec. 1 and charged with passing fraudulent checks to businesses throughout Simi Valley. He was arrested after police set up a property purchase sting.
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City attorney says he's looking into Williamson's campaign contributions
By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com
      The Simi Valley city attorney's office is looking into claims that Councilmember Barbra Williamson may have violated campaign finance rules during the 2008 election season, city officials said last week. "We are looking into it," City Attorney David Hirsch said.
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Meeting to address public transit
      The Ventura County Transportation Commission will host a public hearing in Moorpark on Jan. 7 to get local input concerning transportation and to identify transit service needs for residents throughout Ventura County. Comments from senior citizens, people with disabilities and individuals with low income are especially needed, according to county transportation leaders.
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Directory of CLU experts available
      California Lutheran University's latest Speaker's Bureau/Experts Directory is available for local clubs, businesses and organizations in need of speakers for meetings and special events. The speakers guide lists more than 250 speeches that CLU faculty and administrators are available to present.
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Prize-winning poodle competing in national competition
     HIGH FASHION HOUND— Simi Valley resident Charlene Smutny and her miniature poodle, DKL's Dulcet Moody Blues, aka Dusty, will be among the contenders in this weekend's AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach Dec. 13 and 14. Smutny and Dusty will compete against not only the top show dogs in the country but also a slate of the finest specimens from around the world. The invitation-only event is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, with cash and prizes awarded totaling more than $225,000. The show will air on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Jan. 31. Check local listings for air times. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
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Sharing smiles around the globe
LDS member well-prepared for upcoming mission in Brazil
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn
      Jamie Lee Pinkston appears to have the spirit of goodwill in her DNA. At just 21, she's already done a lifetime's worth of volunteer work, often in support of those outside the borders of the United States.
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Habitat families move in
      Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County said this week that the three Simi Valley single mothers who were waiting to take possession of their new houses at Royal and Sequoia avenues have officially moved in. Each family received the key to their new home on Dec. 5.
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Spark of Love toy drive starts tomorrow with kickoff event
      The Simi Valley Family YMCA Adventure Guides and the Ventura County Fire Department will kick off the 12th annual Spark of Love toy drive from 1 to 4 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 13 at the Y, 3200 Cochran St., Simi Valley.
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Foundation names this year's Lew Roth winners
      The Simi Valley Education Foundation will honor the Lew Roth Award recipients of 2008 at the annual dinner at 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 6 at the Grand Vista Hotel in Simi Valley. The foundation was formed in 1989 by Lew Roth, a Simi Valley school board trustee for 23 years.
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Highlander voices heard on high
      Royal High School Vocal Music Department will present "Glad Tidings We Bring," a concert of traditional carols, at 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 17 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1305 Royal Ave., Simi Valley. Doors open at 7 p.m. The concert will include major works sung by the various choirs with brass and organ accompaniments.
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Baseball league tryouts tomorrow
      Grace Brethren Youth Sports Baseball's first tryout day for the 23rd season will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Dec. 13, at Grace Breth ren Elementary School, 1717 Arcane St., Simi Valley.
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Marines collecting toys at the mall
      The annual Marines' Toys for Tots Toy Drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Dec 14 at the center courtyard of the Simi Valley Town Center. Participants may bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The toys are distributed to local children in need.
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Winter classes for seniors offered
      The Simi Valley Senior Center will begin winter classes on Dec. 18 for seniors age 50 and up. Topics include games, clubs, sports, arts, crafts, hobbies, educational, dance, music, fitness and computers.
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A little work can save a home a lot of water
      Area residents can significantly save on their finances by taking a few extra steps in their day to conserve water. The following are some easy steps residents can take to promote a better environment and save on their household expenses.
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