BIRD MIGRATION?— Resident Kathy Korkmaz woke up Tuesday morning to discover a flock of flamingos had taken up residence in the front yard of her home on Casual Court—plastic lawn flamingos, that is. As it turned out, the pretty pink birds were the result of an ongoing fundraising campaign by the Royal High School baseball team. Residents are left a note with a number to call to have the flock relocated and asked to make a donation if they can. Photos by IRIS SMOOT Acorn Newspapers More...

During cool weather, many families look forward to the warmth and ambience of crackling fires in their home fireplace. But before lighting a fire, there are some tips to consider. Get the fireplace ready. Past fires may have left soot deposits inside the chimney, so it is always a good idea to have it swept before use. Also, take a look up the flue. More...

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce has appointed Larry Hibbler as chairman of the board of directors for 2009. "We are so fortunate to have Larry Hibbler as our new chair. He brings his years of business experience to the table, as well as enthusiasm and innovative ideas for growing the Chamber," said Leigh Nixon, Chamber CEO. More...

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Seven teams still have a chance to win a Marmonte League title in girls' water polo, but, according to many league coaches, the reality is the race for the top spot will once again come down to just two teams—Agoura and Royal. More...

ALL LEGS—Star is a 5-month-old Jack Russell terrier mix. Since Star is still a puppy, she will need some training, but she is energetic, sweet and very friendly. Star can be adopted at the Camarillo Animal Shelter; ask for ID #A458027. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so call (805) 388-4341 or visit www.vcar.us before going to the shelter. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers More...

On the corner of E. Los Angeles Avenue and Sinaloa Road, a 25year-old man was arrested Dec. 29 for possession of marijuana while driving. In the 2200 block of Sequoia Avenue, a 23-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance Dec. 29. More...

"Integrity simply means not violating one's own identity." —Erich Fromm Your self is watching Late one night an old and very wise master teacher took his students into the village and said to them, "I am old and helpless and have no money. More...

MIRACLE OF LIFE—Lisa White, 33, holds her new baby boy, Kaiden, the first child born in Simi Valley in 2009. Kaiden was born at Simi Valley Hospital at 12:58 a.m. Jan. 1, weighing a healthy 7 pounds, 4 ounces. In celebration, parents Lisa and Bryan White of Simi Valley received a gift basket courtesy of the women's and children's services staff at the hospital. More...

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War films have tanked lately (too much of the real thing?) and some of the smarter pseudo-war flicks ("The Kingdom," "Charlie Wilson's War") have sought to replace combat carnage with political intrigue. "Valkyrie" is one such film, more thriller than bloodbath and less Tom Cruise, superstar, than Tom Cruise, working actor in a solid role. More...

DON'T NEEDLE US—Gayle, Don and D'Arci Parker of Simi Valley celebrate the New Year with their favorite community newspaper at Gas Works Park in Seattle. The Space Needle can be seen in the distant background. More...

Kraft's blue box has nothing on Rick Massa. The 58-year-old Simi resident proved that Sunday night when his five-cheese mac and cheese took the top prize in the comfort food round of Food Network's "Ultimate Recipe Showdown. More...

FRI., JAN. 9 Moorpark Women's Fortnightly Club Meets for luncheon at Moorpark Country Club, 11800 Championship Drive. Social time 9:45 a.m., meeting 10 a.m. Representative from Children's Special Advocates gives program. Club presents check to First 5 of Ventura County. $20, RSVP required. More...