400 Storm GiGi's 5K & Parks Go Digital—Is Your Spot Already Gone?!

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400 runners unite for GiGi's 5K, parks go digital & don't miss your must-know essentials! 🎉

Jenn Rodriguez

Jul 15, 2026

Trivia Question❓

Before suburban development, Simi Valley was home to one of the largest ranches in California. What was it called?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

QUICK, EASY SUMMER MEALS that WON'T HEAT UP THE KITCHEN // WHAT TO EAT when it's TOO HOT TO COOK!

Heat Advisory:

Expect Triple Digits This Week!!!!

When the triple-digit temperatures roll into town, finding sanctuary in a strong air conditioner or a refreshing body of water is essential.

Here are the top 10 places in Simi Valley to escape next week’s intense heat wave, broken down by how you want to cool off:

💦 Water Escapes & Outdoor Cooling

Rancho Tapo Community Park (Lemon Park)

If you have kids needing to burn off energy without overheating, the award-winning splash pad here is a lifesaver.
The 2026 season is in full swing, operating daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (with a brief pause from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM for daily maintenance).
Rancho Simi Community Pool

Located right in the heart of town, this public aquatic gem features an Olympic-sized pool perfect for serious lap swimming or just floating the afternoon away.
Entry is incredibly affordable (typically around $5 for adults).
Sinaloa Middle School Pool

Don't let the name fool you—this pool opens to the general public during the summer months. It offers generous afternoon and weekend recreation swim hours, making it an ideal, budget-friendly spot for families to splash around.
Entry is generally around $3
601 Royal Ave.

❄️ Designated Public Cooling Centers & Free AC

Simi Valley Senior Center

When regional heat advisories hit triple digits, the city traditionally activates this community hub as an official public cooling center. It offers a safe, air-conditioned space for seniors and any residents at risk from extreme temperatures.
Tip: During official activations, Simi Valley Transit often provides Dial-A-Ride transportation directly to the center.
Simi Valley Public Library
Always a classic refuge on a scorching afternoon. You can browse the stacks, log onto the Wi-Fi, or settle into a quiet corner with a book completely free of charge while enjoying maximum climate control.

🍿 Indoor Entertainment & Shopping Oasis

Studio Movie Grill (Simi Valley)
or
Regal Simi Valley Civic Center
Combine powerful theater air conditioning with a cold drink and a movie. Sinking into a plush seat for a two-hour blockbuster is one of the most effortless ways to skip the hottest peak hours of the day.
Rockin' Kids Play Center

If you're managing younger kids who are bouncing off the walls but it’s entirely too hot for a standard playground, this indoor play space provides a fully air-conditioned environment where they can safely run wild.
Iceoplex Simi Valley

Literally the coldest room in town. If standard AC isn't cutting it, head to the public skating sessions at the local ice rink. Standing next to a giant sheet of ice is a guaranteed way to drop your internal thermostat instantly.
Share your favorite place to stay cool.

⚠️ Quick Heat Wave Reminder: Be sure to limit strenuous outdoor activities—like hiking Rocky Peak or local trails—to the very early morning hours. Keep a close eye on neighbors, and don't forget to keep your pets indoors with plenty of fresh water!

Skip the Heat

Head to the Beach!

Don't forget the essentials....

The days are starting to heat up!

Heading to the waterpark?

A few smart add-ons can make the day more comfortable—from a quick-dry towel and water socks to easy sunscreen, bug-repellent bracelets, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Thigh rescue

Brush-on SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

Mosqiuto Repellent Bracelets

Sand Removal Bag

Water Proof Phone Pouch

GiGi's Playhouse 5K Draws 400 Participants in Show of Community Support

Simi Valley came together in a big way for GiGi's Playhouse's annual 5K fundraiser, with 400 participants turning out at Civic Center Park on a bright April morning.

The event — the organization's largest of the year — drew runners, walkers, families with strollers, and seniors, all united by a shared commitment to inclusion and support.

GiGi's Playhouse is the world's only network of Down syndrome achievement centers, and the Simi Valley location provides free programs ranging from literacy tutoring and speech therapy to career development and social activities.

Volunteers lined the course cheering on every participant, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a race and more like a community celebration.

Funds raised directly support local families at no cost, reinforcing what makes this annual event so meaningful — everyone belongs, and everyone can thrive.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Simi Valley

National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19, and Simi Valley has plenty of delicious ways to celebrate.

From freshly rolled ice cream and liquid-nitrogen creations to Mexican paletas and self-serve frozen yogurt, these local sweet stops offer something beyond the ordinary scoop.

YES! Rolled Ice Cream

At YES! Rolled Ice Cream, dessert is made right before your eyes. The ice cream mixture is spread across a freezing plate, blended with your selected flavors and toppings, and scraped into picture-perfect rolls.

The Simi Valley shop is the company’s flagship brick-and-mortar location, serving freshly made rolled ice cream in a fun, colorful setting. It is a particularly good stop for families, teens and anyone who enjoys watching their dessert come together.

2468 Stearns Street, Simi Valley
Visit the YES! Rolled Ice Cream website (Yes Rolled Ice Cream)

Froyo & Fido

Froyo & Fido combines two things many Simi Valley residents love: frozen treats and pets.

The neighborhood shop offers self-serve frozen yogurt alongside dog accessories and other pet-friendly finds. Its emphasis on community, kindness and “swirls, smiles and wag-worthy finds” makes it a natural fit for local families and animal lovers.

Fill a cup with your favorite frozen-yogurt flavors and toppings, then take a look around for something special for your four-legged family member.

599B Country Club Drive, Simi Valley
Visit the Froyo & Fido website (froyoandfido.com)

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero turns an ice cream run into a small science show.

Customers choose their cream base, flavor and mix-ins before watching the combination freeze almost instantly with liquid nitrogen. The rolling fog and made-to-order process are part of the fun, while the result is a dense and creamy frozen treat customized to your preferences.

The menu also includes a variety of bases and customization options, making this a good destination for groups with different tastes.

875 E. Cochran Street, Suite 6, Simi Valley
Explore Sub Zero Ice Cream (Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream)

La Michoacana Plus

La Michoacana Plus offers far more than a traditional cone.

The shop serves Mexican-style ice cream, fruit-filled paletas, milkshakes, mangonadas, aguas frescas and snacks such as elotes and esquites.

Visitors can stick with a familiar flavor or try something different, including tamarind, soursop, mazapán and other Mexican favorites.

It is a colorful stop for anyone looking to turn National Ice Cream Day into a new flavor adventure.

1407 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley
Visit the La Michoacana Plus website (La Michoacana Plus)

More Places to Grab a Cool Treat

Simi Valley also has several familiar national favorites:

Cold Stone Creamery serves made-fresh ice cream blended with candy, fruit, nuts, cake and other mix-ins on a frozen granite stone.

2916 Tapo Canyon Road, Suite C
Visit the Simi Valley Cold Stone Creamery page (Cold Stone Creamery)

Baskin-Robbins is a classic choice for scoops, sundaes, shakes and ice cream cakes.

5145 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Suite A2
Visit the Simi Valley Baskin-Robbins page (locations.baskinrobbins.com)

Yogurtland offers self-serve frozen yogurt with rotating flavors and a wide selection of fruit, candy, cookie and crunchy toppings.

2679 Tapo Canyon Road
Visit the Simi Valley Yogurtland page (Yogurtland)

Whether your favorite is a rolled creation, a fruit-filled paleta, a cloud of liquid-nitrogen ice cream or a classic scoop, Sunday is a good excuse to support a Simi Valley business and enjoy something sweet.

Ventura County Parks

New Reservation System

Ventura County Parks is rolling out a new reservation system that will affect bookings at county facilities, including Oak Park in Simi Valley. The change applies only to reservations for stays beginning December 1 or later, so current plans remain unaffected.

The shift comes as local parks have stayed in the spotlight — from safety concerns following violent incidents at area parks to ongoing conversations about water conservation and community resources.

For anyone planning a future outdoor getaway in Ventura County, it's worth checking the updated booking process before locking in your dates.

New Business Spotlight:

The Bunker Clubhouse

Simi Valley has a new place to play, practice and catch the big game. The Bunker Clubhouse combines indoor golf with the atmosphere of a casual sports lounge—no dress code or country club experience required.

Guests can play more than 200 well-known courses using Foresight-powered golf simulators, sharpen their skills with data-driven lessons or simply gather with friends to watch sports on dozens of 4K televisions and a massive 180-inch projector screen. The clubhouse also offers shuffleboard, cornhole, pop-a-shot, vintage arcade games and craft drinks.

The Bunker is designed for experienced golfers and complete beginners alike. Simulator sessions, memberships and private lessons are available, and the space can also host birthday parties, company outings, tournaments, fundraisers and other private events.

📍 4180 Guardian Street, Suite 109, Simi Valley
🔗 Learn more or book a session

Click here to visit Welcome The Bunker Clubhouse

This newsletter sponsored by

Claw Success Network

Claw Success Network helps local businesses grow with AI, automation, and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) visibility reports.

From AI-powered workflows to improving how your business appears in ChatGPT and other AI search tools, CSN helps businesses stay ahead in a changing digital world.

AI Prompt of the Week

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Not sure what changes would make the biggest difference to the front of your home?

This week, use AI as your personal curb appeal designer.

Upload a few photos of your front yard and ask for one simple, budget-friendly idea and one more significant transformation.

Step 1: Take a Few Photos

Take clear photos of your home and front yard from several angles.

Try to include:

The full front of the house

The walkway and entry

Existing landscaping

The lawn and planting beds

Any fences, gates, porch areas, or problem spots

Daytime photos with good lighting work best.

Step 2: Upload the Photos to ChatGPT

Add the photos to your message before pasting the prompt below.

Step 3: Copy and Paste This Prompt

“Act as a professional landscape and curb appeal designer.

I am uploading photos of the front of my house and yard. Please study the existing structure carefully and do not change the shape, size, windows, doors, roofline, porch, or architectural layout of my home unless I specifically request it.

Please give me two curb appeal options:

A simple, budget-friendly improvement plan that does not cost much.
A more significant transformation plan with a bigger visual impact.

For each option, include:

A description of the overall look and feel

A list of recommended changes

Plant suggestions that work well in my local climate

Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant ideas where possible

Color suggestions for the front door, trim, pots, and accents

Lighting, walkway, and entry recommendations

An estimated budget range

Which projects I could complete myself

Which projects may require a professional

An explanation of why the changes would improve curb appeal

Keep all recommendations realistic for the property shown in the photos.”

Step 4: Ask AI to Prioritize the Ideas

After you receive the recommendations, ask:

“Rank the suggested improvements from the biggest visual impact to the smallest. Also tell me which three projects would give me the best return for the least amount of money.”

Step 5: Request a Realistic Visualization

Use this follow-up prompt:

“Create a photorealistic visualization of the budget-friendly curb appeal plan using my uploaded photos as the reference.

Keep the existing house structure exactly the same. Do not add, remove, relocate, or resize doors, windows, porch posts, rooflines, walls, or walkways unless the recommendation specifically calls for a walkway change.

Only update landscaping, paint colors, lighting, planters, mulch, edging, house numbers, hardware, and other realistic curb appeal details.”

Step 6: Create the Bigger Transformation

Then ask:

“Now create a second photorealistic visualization showing the more significant transformation.

Preserve the home’s actual architecture and proportions. Make the changes realistic, buildable, and appropriate for the property.”

The Simi Signal Bonus Prompt

“Create a phased curb appeal plan that I can complete over 12 months.

Break it into four stages based on season, budget, and project difficulty.

Start with the least expensive improvements and finish with the largest transformation.”

Helpful Tip

AI-generated images are best used for inspiration and planning. Before making major changes, confirm property lines, drainage, irrigation, utility locations, permit requirements, and plant suitability with qualified local professionals.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

El Rancho Simi, a 113,000‑acre Spanish land grant — one of the state’s earliest and biggest.

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