July 15, 2011 RSS feed / Front Page

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One person’s trash, another’s treasure

ONE- STOP SHOPPING— More than 100 homes in the Texas Tract bordered by Alamo and Tapo streets and Texas and Hempstead avenues take part in a July 9 neighborhood garage sale. More...

Think twice about beaches and canyons this weekend

Another freeway closure will occur next year as road improvements continue
By John Loesing
newstip@theacorn.com

Plan way ahead, avoid the area, or stay home. More...

Health & Wellness

In-home services jeopardized by state cuts

By Jessica Chadbourn
Special to the Acorn

The recently passed state budget might be counting its chickens before they’re hatched, according to some in the healthcare industry who are worried about the $4 billion in additional revenue projected by lawmakers. More...

Mosquito season really bites

With summer bringing about more outdoor and evening activities, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division advises the public to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites. More...

Free lecture will focus on making healthy choices

As part of the Simi Valley Hospital lecture series, Dr. Tannaz Zahirpour, doctor of osteopathic medicine, will give a presentation titled “Don’t Let Your Weight Weigh You Down” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. More...

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Schools

Breaking down cultural barriers

Simi families host foreign exchange students
By Darleen Principe
darleen@theacorn.com

From her home halfway around the world, Teresa Revuelta used to watch American movies and wonder what life was really like in the United States. The 16-year-old from Madrid, Spain once visited New York with her family. More...

Realtors reward students with college scholarships

17 honorees receive $1,000

The Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors Scholarship Committee recently hosted a celebratory dinner to honor this year’s high school student scholarship recipients and their families, and to award each of the 17 recipients with a $1,000 More...

Talent scouts will be at Simi Town Center

Youths and young adults with aspirations in modeling, acting, dance or vocals can take part in the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts Talent Search from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More...

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Faith

Couple teaches congregation in tandem

By Anna Bitong
annab@theacorn.com

When death is near, the Rev. Jan White will sit bedside and sing a spiritual song. “Sometimes hymns are very soothing,” she said. When someone is sick with cancer or anxious about an upcoming surgery, she will pray. More...

Church to celebrate Egyptian culture

Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church will host the fourth annual Egyptian Festival at the church, 1122 Appleton Road, Simi Valley. More...

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Dining & Entertainment

Tribute show summons nostalgia for Neil Diamond’s glory days

‘Hot August Nights’ charms audiences with iconic hits
By Cary Ginell
originjazz@aol.com

On the surface, “Hot August Nights: A Tribute to Neil Diamond,” staged last week at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, appeared to be just another in the myriad of tributes propagating like rabbits lately. More...

Pirates drop anchor in Ventura this weekend

Live-action shows, treasure hunts to be featured

There be pirates blowin’ into the Ventura Haaarghbor Village for the sixth annual Pirate Days from 1 to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun., July 16 and 17. More...

Simi actors to stage award-winning ‘Ragtime’

Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi will present the musical “Ragtime” from July 23 through Aug. 28 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees Sunday. More...

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Columns

The Acorn Epicurean

Charitable cupcakes

St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley added a cupcake contest to the list of festivities at its annual Summer Festival and Carnival, which took place this past weekend. The festival raises money to support local charities. More...

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Neighbors

Boy, 2, keeps smiling despite battle with rare neurological disease

By Carissa Marsh
cmarsh@theacorn.com

Sitting behind the wheel of a cherry-red plastic toy car, adorable Jack Pierce seems like a normal 2-year-old boy. Sporting his usual grin, one would never guess the browneyed, curly-headed tyke is fighting a rare and frightening disease. More...

Neighborhood councils seek new members

All Simi Valley residents 18 years of age and older are invited to apply for vacancies on the Simi Valley Neighborhood Council executive boards. The neighborhood councils advise the City Council on development projects and other community issues. More...

‘Jungleland’ author to sign books

Jeffrey Maulhardt will sign copies of his new pictorial history book, “Jungleland,” from 1 to 4 p.m. Sat., July 16 at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. More...

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Members of Congress side with Metrolink train crash victims

$200 million in payments not enough, politicians say
By Carissa Marsh
cmarsh@theacorn.com

This week, a cadre of Congress members called for “fair and full compensation” for the more than 100 victims of the 2008 Metrolink crash, saying $200 million is not enough. More...

Embezzlement case brings ‘not guilty’ plea from Takasugi

By Carissa Marsh
cmarsh@theacorn.com

Local attorney Russell Takasugi has pleaded not guilty on all charges filed against him in a 34-count complaint. More...

Community

L.A. man arrested in fatal Simi crash

Alcohol said to be primary cause of collision
By Carissa Marsh
cmarsh@theacorn.com

A Los Angeles man was arrested last week on a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of a Simi Valley man last December. More...

Supervisors set to make final landfill decision at July 19 hearing

Surcharge for out-of-county trash has been a sticking point
By Carissa Marsh
cmarsh@theacorn.com

A final decision on the proposed expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill may be just days away—at least, that’s what local officials hope. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear the issue at 1:30 p.m. Tues., July 19. More...

Man caught with child pornography at work gets 270 days in jail

Keith Hunt, 50, of Camarillo has been sentenced to serve 270 days in jail for possessing child pornography. Last month Hunt pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of child pornography. Hunt was the co-owner of a company in Simi Valley. More...

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Business

What’s next for housing?

Business commentary
By Felix Masci
Special to the Acorn

With the economy, stock market and housing prices down, America’s financial picture remains cloudy. Could it get worse? Yes. Although housing prices have dropped several times over the past few years, we may be in for yet another surprise. More...

Appeal property tax estimates now

By Debra C. Cohen
Special to the Acorn

The filing period to appeal what could be incorrect property tax assessments opened July 2. More...

Mixer offers Taste of Simi

Event showcases businesses, restaurants

The Taste of Simi and Mega Mixer, hosted by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wed., July 20 at The Vineyards in Simi Valley. Last year’s event drew more than 1,700 people. More...

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Sports

In Simi Valley, kickball isn’t just for kids

Adult league’s summer playoffs wrap up Tuesday
By Eliav Appelbaum
eliav@theacorn.com

It’s a Tuesday night in Simi Valley and Bartolo Colon winds up for a pitch. There he was, the unflappable Colon, a world-class kickball maestro, making plays all over the diamond. More...

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Police

Police Blotter

July 4 At N. Emory and E. Los Angeles avenues, a 26-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A man, 24, was arrested for driving on a suspended license at Erringer Road and Patricia Avenue. More...

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Family

Sailors show off skills at annual Seabee Days

The 24th annual Naval Base Ventura County Seabee Days 2011 will be Sat. and Sun., July 23 and 24 at Port Hueneme. Admission and parking are free. More...

County soccer squad takes on Argentine champions

Match set for July 22 in Oxnard

The Ventura County Fusion, the region’s only world-class, championshipcaliber soccer franchise, will play an international exhibition match against worldrenowned club and 14-time Argentine First Division champions Club Atlético Independiente at More...

Giggles and games

CARNIVAL TIME—Above, Simi Valley residents Lupita Lanuza, 4, and Julisa Ernandes, 3, enjoy the mini Ferris wheel during the St. Rose of Lima Carnival in Simi Valley July 10. More...

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Motoring

Late budget causes DMV gaffe

Motorists with vehicle registration due in July should wait until they receive a billing notice in the mail to pay it, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced. More...

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Letters

A sickly smell

After eating dinner at Souplantation my husband and I took a late-night stroll around the Simi Valley Town Center mall. More...

We need to get tough on fireworks

I, too, enjoy the fireworks show put on by Simi parks and rec. However, what I don’t enjoy are the neighborhood fireworks shows. This is more than just celebrating Independence Day for some people. More...

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Editorials

We’re with our city on this one

Late last month, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that will require more than 400 redevelopment agencies across the state to disband unless their respective cities agree to pay millions in future fees. More...

Cartoon

Full Story

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Datebook

Calendar

The Acorn’s guide to what’s going on

FRI., JULY 15 Food Truck Fundraiser 5 to 8 p.m. at Sumac school playground, 6050 Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills. Benefits Sumac L-STEM Academy enrichment programs. $5 donation per family allows access to LA food trucks. More...

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