Mission Local · Valencia, CA
A local S.F. theater that's survived and thrived in a difficult climate. How The Marsh, Valencia Street theater for more than 30 years, breeds creativity
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CACOMING SOON—The above map depicts the site of a newly approved 207-home, 167-acre housing project near the end of First Street and Erringer and Falcon roads. Courtesy City of Simi Valley A 207-home development in Simi Valley’s northern hills won approval Nov. 9 in keeping with the city council’s plans to bring seven unincorporated neighborhoods into city limits. The council voted 4-1 to approve the North Canyon Ranch development, with Councilmember Joseph Ayala dissenting. The decision drew opposition from residents concerned about wildfire danger, environmental impacts, overdevelopment and how annexation could affect their rural way of life, including their ability to keep animals. The 160-acre project proposed by SVJV Partners LLC would include 157 single-family homes, 50 multifamily units and about 70 acres of open space. The site is outside city limits but within Simi Valley’s sphere of influence, near the northern end of First Street and Erringer and Falcon roads.
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CAJoseph Ayala Joseph Ayala has taken the lead over Jill Abele in Simi Valley City Council District 1, turning one of the election’s closest races into an even tighter contest as Ventura County continues counting ballots two weeks after the election. Abele held a narrow lead on Election Day, but in the latest results released Nov. 9 by the Ventura County Elections Division, Ayala showed 3,545 votes, or nearly 38%, compared with Abele’s 3,481 votes, or 37%. The margin is just 64 votes. The District 1 race is for the final two years of the council term formerly held by Dee Dee Cavanaugh, who was appointed mayor following the death of Fred Thomas. The 52-year-old Ayala, the director of a multibillion-dollar data analytics company and a university communications professor, was appointed to the council 2025 for the first two years. The District 1 seat will be restored to its regular four-year cycle in 2028.
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CATwo Palmdale men were arrested Nov. 3 after allegedly stealing power tools from a Simi Valley Walmart and threatening store employees with a baton before leading police to a nearby gas station, where one man barricaded himself inside a travel trailer. Simi Valley police were called to Walmart at 255 E. Cochran St. at about 7:40 p.m. after a witness reported seeing two men break open a display case and steal several power tools. When loss prevention employees tried to stop the men, they allegedly threatened the employees and displayed a baton before fleeing in a vehicle towing a travel trailer. Officers later found the vehicle at the ARCO gas station at Madera Road and Los Angeles Avenue. One man was taken into custody without incident, while the second refused to leave the trailer and barricaded himself inside. Police temporarily closed nearby roads while officers worked to persuade the man to surrender. He exited the trailer just after 9 p.m. and was arrested.
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CACHANGES AHEAD?—Library Director StephanieWronka talks about the improvements made to the Teen Lounge during a grand re-opening ceremony at the Simi Valley Library on Sept. 1. The city could soon have autonomy in making similar additions. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers Simi Valley is one step closer to owning its public library, a move that could unlock millions of dollars in renovations and give the city greater control over the building it has operated for more than a decade. The City Council voted unanimously Oct. 26 to advance a property exchange with Ventura County, transferring the Simi Valley Public Library to the city and the Ventura County Animal Shelter property on West Los Angeles Avenue to the county. The city would receive the 6.74-acre library property at 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, including the building and parking lot. The county would receive the 2.25-acre shelter property at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., including its building and an adjacent vacant site.
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CAMAKING CHOICES—Voter’s reflection is seen in the window Nov. 3 at Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District headquarters in Simi Valley. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers Voters in Simi Valley have weighed in on contested races for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and Simi Valley Unified School District, with apparent winners holding comfortable leads in the latest returns before press time. RSRPD results There may be plenty of fun and games in the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, but campaigning for a seat on its board is serious business. After months of campaigning, the results are in. In the race for the district’s Division 2 seat, Dawn Smollen held a sizable lead over challenger Mary Northrup as of press time, with 3,320 votes to Northrup’s 2,452. The 5,772 votes cast in the race gave Smollen a 15-percentage-point advantage. Division 2 covers northeastern Simi Valley, including the Rancho Santa Susana Knolls area.
Simi Valley Acorn · Simi Valley, CA
Nearby: Simi Valley, CANote: This story is based on initial election results available by Nov. 4 for this week’s print deadline. As of Nov. 5, more than 161,115 ballots remained unprocessed, and results could change, according to the county Elections Division. Follow the Simi Valley Acorn on Facebook for the latest results. Updated totals will also appear in our Nov. 14 edition. Longtime councilmember Mike Judge is headed for the mayor’s office, while three newcomers are poised to join the Simi Valley City Council following Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results released Nov. 4 by the Ventura County Elections Division. Judge, who has served on the council for 16 years, defeated his closest challenger, Kareem Jubran, by 10 percentage points in the citywide race for a two-year term as mayor. Judge, 63, received 42% of the vote, with 12,661 votes, compared with Jubran’s 32%, or 9,600 votes. Current Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh received nearly 21%, with 6,246 votes.
Moorpark Acorn · Moorpark, CA
Nearby: Moorpark, CAHONORING THE BEST—Recipients of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce 2026 Community Awards gather for a group photo Oct. 20 at M on High. The annual event celebrates contributions to the community. Isabel Lawrence Photographers The Moorpark Chamber of Commerce recognized 20 individuals, businesses and organizations for their contributions to the community during its annual Community Awards luncheon Oct. 20 at M on High. The 2026 awards honored people making a difference in Moorpark through business, education, public service, volunteer work, athletics and community involvement. This year’s winners included David Pollock, Local Legend; Michelle Barrett, Woman of the Year; and Scott Mosher, Man of the Year. Other honorees included Hearth Restaurant & Coffee, Business of the Year; Moorpark Pantry Plus, Nonprofit of the Year; Golden Plumbing, Professional Business of the Year; and the 100 Group, Best Place to Work.
Sentinel Colorado · North Hollywood, CA
Nearby: North Hollywood, CALOS ANGELES | The driver of a minivan that crashed outside a Los Angeles metro station, killing three women and critically injuring two more, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of murder, police said Wednesday. Authorities said the driver was able to talk but appeared to be in shock after Tuesday’s crash, which hit pedestrians and food vendors at a busy intersection in the North Hollywood neighborhood during the height of the evening commute. Police identified the driver as Ihor Demianenko, 61, who lives in the Valley Village neighborhood. Demianenko was booked early Wednesday and his bail was set at a little over $6 million, records show. He was treated for minor injuries at a hospital, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if Demianenko had a lawyer who might speak on his behalf. In California, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be charged with murder under certain circumstances.
California · North Hollywood, CA
Nearby: North Hollywood, CAThree women were killed and two others were injured when a van plowed into a crowd of pedestrians in North Hollywood on Tuesday evening, authorities said.
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAThe Burbank Police Department’s Nov. 3 warning about phone number spoofing deserves attention throughout our community. Scammers are making calls appear to come from official police numbers, then threatening arrest unless the recipient pays immediately.
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAThe Burbank Police Department said it has received reports of scam calls going to residents in which police phone numbers are being used.
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAThe Burbank Police Department has been awarded a $213,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAThrough the artist's eye, the majestic fins of an angelfish can be transformed into bold colors and delicate shapes that produce a visual burst of lyrical harmony. With the application of the artist's craft, an assortment of plant life —…
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAOn the heels of the veritable Blue Wave that swept the country on Election Day, Democratic Socialists of America have planted a flag in Burbank. The nonprofit organization, which has endorsed candidates around the country, made history with its first…
Burbank Leader · Burbank, CA
Nearby: Burbank, CAElection Day saw a reflection of national trends in Burbank, with preliminary numbers showing the country's first municipal majority of members of the Democratic Socialist of America party on a city council. Newcomers Mike Van Gorder and Nolan Southerland join…
