Simi Valley Acorn

Crowds flock to mall for annual tree lighting

11/21/2008

SPARKLE IN HIS EYE— Above, Simi Valley resident Brandi Campos holds her 2-year-old son Charlie as the Simi Valley Town Center Christmas tree comes to life last Friday at the Tree Lighting Spectacular. Santa Claus, at left, made a surprise appearance to the delight of hundreds of children in the audience.

Murder strikes Heavenly Court

By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

An apparent domestic dispute turned fatal this week outside a home on Heavenly Court in Simi Valley�leaving a 31-year-old man dead and his girlfriend's father in jail for the murder. Bryan Sean Wall, 31, was shot in the neck in the early hours of Nov. 16. Harry Scribner, 65, was arrested on murder charges and is being held on $540,000 bail.

DTSC says it will have final say on Runkle next summer

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

The city of Simi Valley got another step closer Monday to getting an answer about whether or not it's safe to build in Runkle Canyon.

Falling revenues force city to revisit budget sooner than expected

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

Due to the national economic downturn, Simi Valley's coffers have experienced a larger than expected drop in revenues compared to the same time last year, leading officials to prepare for cutbacks in programs and services citywide.

Strickland appears poised for victory over Jackson

By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

Republican Tony Strickland continues to build on his lead over Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson for the 19th District State Senate seat.

Simi High Homecoming king and queen

11/21/2008

Courtesy Ashlie Munoz PIONEER ROYALTY—Simi Valley High School seniors Evan Green and Samantha Castagna are honored as the school's Homecoming King and Queen last month at halftime of the Simi Valley-Calabasas football game.

Annual drive benefits Native Americans

11/21/2008

Redbird will host a blanket, toy and school supplies drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, in the Simi Valley Library Community Room, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. The event will include a potluck and drumming.

Residents weigh ideas for train wreck memorial

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

A small group of 11 met Wednesday at the senior center in Simi Valley to share ideas on establishing a memorial to honor the victims of the Sept. 12 Metrolink crash.

Temple to host Hanukkah Boutique

11/21/2008

Congregation B'nai Emet will host a Hanukkah Boutique from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 23 at the synagogue, 9 W. Bonita, Simi Valley. Vendors will be selling Judaica, jewelry, books, toys, clothing, food, housewares and more.

Serving in Uniform

11/21/2008

Army Pvt. Jared A. Burchfield has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is a graduate of the Simi Valley Unified Adult School and the son of Cindy Burchfield and Dan Burchfield, both of Simi Valley.

Connecting

11/21/2008

Thoughts on Marriage My husband and I are coming up on 25 years of marriage. My parents have been together more than 50 years. Surprisingly, according to statistics, it isn't highly probable that children of parents who remained married will have successful marriages.

County hires CERT coordinator

11/21/2008

The Ventura County Fire Department announced recently that Ramona Armijo has joined the department to serve as the countywide coordinator for its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program.

Time for seniors to sign up or switch Medicare drug plans

11/21/2008

From now until Dec. 31, seniors who are eligible for Medicare can sign up for prescription drug coverage or change their existing plan. "Qualified seniors should not delay," said Peter Pitts, president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

Art show produces big smiles at Big Springs

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

Kimberley O'Toole already has a wall in her home covered with her three daughters' artwork. But last Thursday, her daughters—triplets Ashley, Allison and Amber—and their classmates got to share their artwork with a much wider audience thanks to the Big Springs Elementary School student art show. The third-graders made paintings of bridges over lily pads.

Little guys lay the lumber

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

Eight-year-old Corey Pool woke up early Saturday morning, but it wasn't to watch cartoons. Instead of sitting in front of the television, Pool put on his football pads and helmet because he was ready to "score some touchdowns, hit someone hard and make someone cry.

Cross country teams heading back to Mt. SAC

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

After running countless miles this fall, many local high school cross country teams are now only one step away from a trip to the CIF State Championships.

Highlanders run through Pioneers

11/21/2008

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers SAME OLD STORY—Royal High ball-carrier Matt Rulon gets a block from Scott Holty, right, and heads straight at Simi Valley defender Jens Jeters during last week's rivalry game at RHS. The Highlanders prevailed 24-0. RHS has now beaten the Pioneers in 14 of the last 15 games.

SVHS alumni hoops game on tap next week

11/21/2008

Before the Simi Valley High boys' basketball team attempts to defend its Marmonte League title this season, the program will be holding its seventh annual alumni legends game and event on Wed., Nov. 26.

Police Blotter

11/21/2008

A 21-year-old woman was arrested Nov. 13 in the 5100 block of Hidden Vista Court for knowingly or maliciously preventing or dissuading a witness or victim from giving testimony at a trial. On Nov. 13, a 26-year-old man was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance in an alley on Second Street.

A lot's going on at Lighthouse

11/21/2008

Lighthouse Bible Church will have a Thanksgiving Day service at 10 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 27 at the church, 4910 Cochran St., Simi Valley. The public is invited. "The Simplicity of Christmas" program will be presented at 7 p.m. Fri. and Sun., Dec. 12 and 14. Admission is free.

Nativity scenes coming soon to Simi United Methodist

11/21/2008

Various nativity scenes will be on display from 1 to 5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 7 in Witman Hall at Simi Valley United Methodist Church, 2394 Erringer Road, Simi Valley.

Event celebrates new adoptions

11/21/2008

The Ventura Superior Court will celebrate Court Adoption and Permanency Month with a special adoption calendar at 1:30 p.m. today, Nov. 21 in Courtroom J6 at the Juvenile Courthouse, Judge Steven Z. Perren Juvenile Justice Complex, 4353 E. Vineyard Avenue, El Rio.

Learning mixes with fun at library's Family Nigh

11/21/2008

Photos by WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers SHARING A GIGGLE—Coleen Hester and her 6-year-old daughter Brianna enjoy a humorous tale during the Simi Valley Library's Superheroes and Cool Cats LOVE Books Family Night held Nov. 13 at the library. The event was sponsored by Simi Valley Friends of the Library, and included stories, crafts, book signings, a coloring station and a book sale.

Male chorus presenting holiday show

11/21/2008

The San Fernando Valley Male Chorus will present its annual holiday show "Season of Love" at 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 11 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. The show provides holiday songs ranging from contemporary to traditional and from secular to religious.

The Movie Nut

11/21/2008

Hollywood's always been a place larger than life. Even Hollywood's mythology is far more grandiose than whatever mundane mythology you'll find about Topeka or Dayton or anywhere else.

Drama club will present Christmas performance

11/21/2008

The Simi Valley Senior Center Drama Club will present "A Special Christmas Gift" from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4 at the senior center, 3900 Avenida Simi. Nancy Wright wrote and directed the show, which features song and dance.

Jazz show tonighat Simi Harley

11/21/2008

Davey Miller and Friends will present free live jazz from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, Nov. 21 at Simi Valley HarleyDavidson, 6190 Condor Drive, Moorpark. For more information, call (805) 552-9555.

Bazaar will be young vendor's first

By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn — 11/21/2008

Jamie Iverson has been hard at work gluing sparkles on picture frames, painting wooden Christmas ornaments and making beaded necklaces. "When I'm done with my homework and chores I work on the crafts," said Jamie, a sixthgrader at Big Springs Elementary School. "I've been working on them every day and night.

Those bailed out should pay back every cent

11/21/2008

I have been a registered Republican since before I was drafted during the Vietnam War in 1967 and I am so fed up with being taken advantage of as a taxpayer.

School district needs to get its house in order

11/21/2008

This is in response to a letter from Jim Jarrad, an employee of the Simi Valley Unified School District and published in the Nov. 7 issue of the Simi Valley Acorn. Mr. Jarrad suggests that every household in Simi Valley could find a way to contribute $100 to SVUSD. I ask why? The first thing the SVUSD should do is get its own house in order.

SCE should listen to its customers

11/21/2008

I want to thank you for your article regarding the underground wiring of the proposed Presidential Substation ( Acorn , Nov. 14).

Thanks for the Veterans Day coverage

11/21/2008

On behalf of The Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 55 of Simi Valley I want to thank both Carissa Marsh and Iris Smoot for the wonderful coverage presented in the Acorn dated Nov. 14, 2008. Veterans Plaza brought the community together to thank the veterans.

Help Hospice help the suffering

11/21/2008

Most of us remember someone who helped us during difficult times—a grandparent, a special teacher, even a stranger who became a friend. Recollections of these caring people who supported us in the midst of crisis are important sources of strength and calm throughout our lives.

Let's keep Prop 8 in place

11/21/2008

The Proposition 8 vote must be respected. It is nearly unfathomable that within days of California voters again determining that marriage is between a man and a woman, our governor encourages a different outcome by judicial means. How dare he do so.

Hunger happens, even in Simi Valley, and the food pantry needs your help

11/21/2008

Californians have long looked at the economic struggles experienced in other parts of the country—places like Ohio and Michigan—as not affecting them. But in this current economic downturn, even The "Golden" State is feeling it—even in areas generally considered affluent.

Cartoon

11/21/2008

For the record

11/21/2008

A listing in last week's Datebook incorrectly stated that the Baby Boomer's Night Out event scheduled for Fri., Nov. 21 was sponsored by the Simi Valley Elks. The event is being held at the Elks Lodge, but is not affiliated with the Elks.

Take Your Simi Valley Acorn on Vacation

11/21/2008

WELL-DESERVED REST—Janice Somple of Simi Valley, right, and Denny Poplawski visit San Marcos Square in Venezia, Italy, to celebrate Janice's retirement after 33 years of teaching high school English. Venezia was a stop on a Mediterranean Sea cruise the pair took in July.

Trip to Africa inspires local photographer into action

By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com — 11/21/2008

Disembarking from a 20-hour plane ride to the Republic of Zambia in Africa, Tony Maddox took a moment to take in his surroundings: the blue skies, massive clouds and vast, green expanse.

Datebook

11/21/2008

FRI., NOV. 21 Economic Outlook Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview, Camarillo. Mini expo 11 a.m. Lunch, program 11:30 a.m. Dr. Bill Watkins, executive director UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast, delivers 2009 economic forecast for city, county, state, country. Chamber of Commerce presents 2008 business survey.

J.D. Power And Associates Ranks Prudential Real Estate

11/21/2008

Prudential Real Estate ranked "Highest in satisfaction for home sellers among national fullservice real estate firms," in J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 Home Buyer/ Seller Study. The study measures customer satisfaction of home sellers with major national real estate companies.