| October 28, 2026|Issue #25|Simi Valley, California |
Halloween week always seems to bring out a different side of Simi Valley. There are neighborhood decorations to discover, community events to enjoy and plenty of stories to share.
This week, we're looking back at a few local ghost stories, sharing a scholarship opportunity worth checking for your family, and catching up on plans that could change a familiar part of town. I've also pulled together some ideas for the final Halloween weekend and a first look at holiday boutiques.
Hope you find something useful, interesting or just a little fun this week. Jenn |
Trivia Question❓Which Simi Valley folk-art landmark was created by Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey using discarded bottles and found objects? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
This Week in Simi Valley |
Three stories worth a closer look this week: Simi Valley's ghostly local lore, an education scholarship families may not know about, and plans for a new transit center that affect part of our citrus-growing history. |
Simi Valley has its share of stories that sound perfect for Halloween: historic characters returning for ghost tours, an extraordinary village made of bottles, a remote canyon with a tragic past, an infamous outlaw and the graves of early settlers. In this special Halloween feature, we explore five fascinating local stories, separating what’s documented from folklore. Sometimes the history itself is more intriguing than any ghost story. Read More... |
Some California families may have education money waiting for their children without realizing it. CalKIDS automatically establishes scholarship accounts for eligible students and children born in California since July 2022. Awards for qualifying school-age students can range from $500 to $1,500, while younger children have separate smaller awards. Here's how to check eligibility, locate your student's ID number and claim an account through the official state program. Read More... |
A new transit center is planned near Simi Valley's Civic Center, with electric bus charging, a solar canopy and a safer place for buses to stop. But the project also means removing many of the longtime orange and sycamore trees near Tapo Canyon Road. The grove connects the site to Simi Valley's citrus-growing history. Here's what the city approved, what could change and why residents are paying attention. Read More... |
Halloween's Final Weekend |
Still making Halloween plans? There is plenty happening around Simi Valley this Friday and Saturday, from family activities to neighborhood decorations and a few spooky surprises. |
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For more activities, decorated houses, pet-friendly celebrations and event details, see our Simi Valley Halloween Events Guide. Check organizer details before heading out, especially for ticketed events. |
Holiday Boutiques & Local Events |
Boo at the Zoo |
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Get ready for a howling good time at Boo at the Zoo, the beloved annual Halloween celebration at the Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College! Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy six themed trick-or-treat stations, pumpkin bingo, festive games, photo opportunities, and wildlife meet-and-greets with some truly amazing animals. Meet Clarence, a 103-year-old Galápagos tortoise, visit the ZAA Award-Winning tiger exhibit Rajah's Retreat, and keep your eyes peeled for wild animal encounters throughout the zoo. It's a perfect outing for the whole family! Tickets are available online at discounted prices or at the gate. Members get in for just $5, and kids 2 and under are always free. Don't miss this magical Halloween tradition! |
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Holiday shopping is already getting underway. Local boutiques and craft fairs are a chance to discover handmade gifts and support community vendors. Here's an early look at what's coming up. |
Our Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair Guide has the event hours, locations and latest additions. Upcoming dates include the November 1 Holiday Boutique Crawl, November 4 and 5 Anna's Christmas Wonderland, and November 7 and 8 St. Peter Claver Holiday Boutique.
Also coming up: SnowFest at Rancho Madera Community Park on Sunday, November 1. See the event organizer for current activities and details. |
SnowFest 2026 |
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Get ready for a frosty family adventure at SnowFest 2026! Head to Rancho Madera Community Park for a full day of sledding, snow play areas, kids' attractions, a vendor expo, and delicious food vendors. Wristbands are just $20 per person, and pre-ordering means you can skip the line and jump straight into the fun. It's the perfect way to kick off the season with the whole family. Mark your calendars and join the community for a wonderful winter celebration right here in Simi Valley! |
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Varsity Sports |
Playoff season is here! Royal boys water polo hosts Chino Hills in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 first round on October 29, while Simi Valley, Royal and Grace Brethren prepare for their final scheduled regular-season football games on October 30.
Last week's highlights include three football wins, a CIF volleyball victory for both Royal and Grace Brethren, and Simi Valley girls flag football's postseason appearance.
Find confirmed matchups, kickoff times and school calendar links, plus what to watch as football and girls tennis playoff brackets are announced. Read More... |
Simi Valley Weather |
Here's a look at the next seven days around Simi Valley. Check the latest forecast before planning outdoor activities, especially heading into Halloween weekend. |
AI Made Simple |
We've all received an unexpected package-delivery text, suspicious bank alert, or email insisting we act immediately. Sometimes these messages look surprisingly legitimate. This week, AI Made Simple explores how ChatGPT can help recognize common red flags, including urgent demands, payment requests, and requests for personal information. You'll find a copy-and-paste prompt, a fictional example, and practical guidance on verifying messages safely. AI can help you ask better questions, but it should never make the final decision for you. Read More... |
Tip of the Week |
Give your Halloween decorations a second life. Before throwing away pumpkins, costumes and decorations, check whether items can be reused, donated or disposed of through your local waste service. Keep painted, glittered and artificially decorated pumpkins out of compost. |
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Local Business Spotlight |
Porcellino's is a family-owned Italian deli and market bringing authentic flavors to Simi Valley, CA. Inspired by generations of Italian kitchens and classic New York delis, they serve fresh-baked bread, generously stacked sandwiches, and imported specialties — all rooted in recipes passed down through family. Named after the beloved Porcellino of Florence and a cherished family nickname, this is a place where food brings people together. Whether you're picking up lunch or stocking up on imported Italian goods, the hospitality is as warm as the food. Come hungry, leave full — and eat like nobody's watching. |
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Simi Valley Brewing Co. is a welcoming local brewery built for great beer and good times. Nestled in the heart of Simi Valley, it's the kind of place where you can settle in, raise a pint, and feel right at home. With a full week of service — including a relaxed Sunday morning start at 9:30am — there's always a good excuse to stop by. Whether you're catching up with friends over a craft pour on a weekday or staying late on a Friday or Saturday night, the vibe is consistently warm and inviting. If you're in the Simi Valley area and love supporting local, this is a spot well worth adding to your regular rotation. |
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| ★★★★★ |
Layla Threading is a trusted name in professional hair removal, with skilled stylists who deliver precise, artful results every time. Whether you're looking for perfectly sculpted brows, a smooth upper lip, or a full-face treatment, their experienced team uses the ancient technique of cotton threading — no chemicals, no wax, no skin damage. Threading at Layla is gentle enough for sensitive skin and leaves you with a clean, fresh glow that lasts two to five weeks. Walk-ins and appointments are both welcome, making it easy to fit a visit into your schedule. With locations across Southern California and into Montana, there's likely a Layla Threading near you. Gift cards are also available — a great treat for anyone who deserves a little pampering. |
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Community Supporters |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Chase Plumbing Inc. |
| ★★★★☆ |
Reliable, top-rated plumbing services for Simi Valley homes and businesses.
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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. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, the remarkable folk-art environment she began building in 1956 in Simi Valley. |