Simi Valley Acorn

01/14/2025

The Simi Valley Police Department is urging drivers to exercise extra caution on the roads due to numerous traffic signals currently out of service. The SVPD shared this important message:

Drivers, when approaching an intersection with inoperable traffic signals or flashing red lights, please follow these safety rules.

A flashing red light must be treated like a stop sign: stop at the marked limit line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk or the point nearest the intersection where you can see oncoming traffic. After stopping, proceed only when it is safe, yielding to others as required.

Similarly, at intersections with inoperative signals, come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to the vehicle or pedestrian that arrived first. If two or more vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the driver on your right. Always proceed cautiously and remain alert for drivers who may not follow these rules. Your patience and adherence to these rules help ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

The Simi Valley Police Department is aware of the inoperable traffic signals and is actively addressing the situation. Members of the Traffic Bureau are conducting increased enforcement in these areas to ensure drivers adhere to traffic laws and to enhance public safety.

Let's work together to prevent accidents and protect lives! Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

If you have any questions please contact the SVPD Traffic Unit:
Sgt. Josh McAlister
(805) 583-6940

01/13/2025

Simi Valley is in the area of most concern for fire risk, so be on alert and exercise caution out there.
Some tips from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to follow during this Red Flag Warning lasting through Wednesday, Jan. 15:

-No Outdoor Wood-Burning Fires: Refrain from lighting any wood-burning fires outdoors as they can easily spread in windy conditions.
Smoldering Coals: After you finish cooking, make certain that all coals are completely extinguished and are cold to the touch.

-Avoid Mowing or Trimming Dry Grass When Windy: Operating machinery in these conditions can create sparks, potentially igniting a fire.

-Never Pull Your Vehicle Over in Dry Grass: Hot vehicle parts can ignite dry vegetation.

-Dispose of ci******es appropriately.

-Report Suspicious Activities: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could lead to arson. Remember, if you see something, say something!

-Be Prepared for Evacuation: Ensure that you and your family are ready to evacuate if necessary.

-Keep Your Vehicle Ready: Maintain at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times.

-Prepare to Transport Pets: Ensure you have a plan and the necessary supplies to safely transport your pets.

Map of SW California and the current Red Flag Warnings in effect. All areas in red have a high risk for rapid fire growth if a fire starts. Areas outlined in purple are of most concern and are in a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS).

Please note: If you cannot tell whether your specific community inside a Red Flag or PDS shaded area or not, assume that it is. The fire risk areas do not start/end as sharply as our geographic boundaries do. Stay safe neighbors.

01/13/2025

A message tonight from Southern California Edison states that a new wave of strong Santa Ana winds has arrived and is expected to peak Tuesday, with conditions lasting into Wednesday.
SCE officials said that as of Sunday night, about 63,000 customers are currently without power. They said in the coming days, customers may experience outages due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or damage caused by wind, fire or other circumstances.
To learn more about SCE's PSPS, the latest power outages, and how to prepare, go to

Extreme Weather Restoration Update Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the extreme weather event. As of Sun. 1/12, 8 a.m., 62,850 customers are without power. PSPS numbers will continually change as field reports and system updates are completed. For the latest outage updates, including your....

01/13/2025

Nearly two months have passed since 6-year-old Bane Ortiz was reportedly taken by his noncustodial parent, and a Simi Valley family is worried. They are calling on the community for help in locating the child and praying for his safe return.

Nearly two months have passed since a 6-year-old boy was reportedly taken by his noncustodial parent, and a Simi Valley family is worried. They are calling on t

01/13/2025

Ventura County officials are pursuing state funding to address a critical shortage of mental health facilities, with plans to establish a psychiatric facility in Simi Valley and a rehabilitation center in unincorporated Camarillo.

Ventura County officials are pursuing state funding to address a critical shortage of mental health facilities, with plans to establish a psychiatric facility i

01/11/2025

Simi Valley is mulling the ban of all electric vehicles, including e-scooters and e-boards.

The Simi Valley City Council is beginning to mull the possibility of banning all-electric vehicles on sidewalks, including e-scooters and e-boards. The idea

01/10/2025

Simi Valley is so far spared from devastation as catastrophic fires bring death, destruction to neighboring LA County.

While a firestorm raged in Los Angeles County, firefighters in Simi Valley made quick work of a blaze that broke out in the 2800 block of Madera Road on Wednesd

01/10/2025

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01/09/2025

All Simi Valley Unified School District schools and offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 9.

01/08/2025

Notice: The Reagan Library is closed today due to the fires and power outages.

01/08/2025

A good chart shared by Ventura County Animal Services on preparing for potential fires when you have pets.

In the midst of a high wind event and rampant wildfires in our neighboring county, now is an extremely important time to have a plan for yourself and your animals in the case of a fire or other emergency. These tips from AKC Reunite can make all the difference.

More resources for disaster preparedness can be found on our website at vcas.us/disaster.

01/08/2025

Due to power outages, several park facilities in both Simi and Oak Park are closed today until further notice.

01/08/2025

As fires continue to be a risk in the region, Ventura County and surrounding areas have a Chinook CH-47 helitanker helping out.
This advanced aircraft, the largest firefighting helicopter on the planet, is on standby at the Camarillo Airport and is capable of dropping 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant during both daytime and nighttime operations. It can also refill the tanks in under 90 seconds.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 10 unanimously approved an agreement with Coulson Aviation Inc. to provide aerial firefighting services througho

01/07/2025

The National Weather Service forecasts damaging winds and extreme fire weather for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from Tuesday, January 7, through Friday, January 10, 2025. North-Northeast gusts from 50 – 80 MPH are expected. Isolated gusts could reach 80 – 100 MPH. The greatest area of concern is for the Highway 118 to 210 corridor from Simi Valley to Claremont. The peak time period of concern is 12 PM Tuesday to 12 PM Wednesday. This is forecast to be a Dangerous Fire Weather Situation with a high probability of fire ignition sources and rapid spread, due to the strong winds and critically dry fuels.

Plan now for downed trees and power outages. These winds could knock over big rigs, motorhomes and trailers. Expect hazardous road conditions and swerving vehicles.

Take these precautions now:
Secure any loose objects
Adjust your travel plans to avoid driving from 12 PM Tuesday to 12 PM Wednesday
Charge necessary electronic and light devices
Fill up generators
Park cars away from trees
When the winds start, stay away from trees and windows

01/04/2025

Residents having trouble finding a place to park on their own street may find relief under a new residential preferential parking permit program.

Residents having trouble finding a place to park on their own street may find relief under a new residential preferential parking permit program. The Simi Va

01/03/2025

The Simi Valley Acorn celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, reaffirming it's commitment to creating a sense of place for the people and the businesses it serves. Join us as we take a look back at the stories we covered in Simi Valley in 2024, from milestones to profound tragedies and everything in between.
Thank you, our readers, for supporting us in 2024, and we look forward to covering all the stories important to you in 2025!

The Simi Valley Acorn celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, reaffirming its commitment to creating a sense of place for the people and businesses it serves

12/30/2024

Discover why so many families choose Chaminade’s values-based education! Learn how the college preparatory helps students position themselves for success. Visit chaminade.org/acorn.

12/28/2024

Simi Valley quarterback Tagg Harrison is Comeback Player of the Year, and Grace Brethren quarterback Ethan LaSecla snares offensive award in Acorn's latest All Stars.

Welcome to the Thunderdome. Oh, wait. That’s next year. The Acorn All-Star football awards show continues—including anointing the Player of the Year—an