Simi Valley’s 13 Souls Run Returns for a Morning of Remembrance

Before most of Simi Valley is awake on Saturday, August 22, runners, walkers, cyclists, veterans and local families will gather along the Arroyo for the fifth annual 13 Souls Memorial Run/Walk/Ride.

The event honors the 13 American service members—11 Marines, one Navy corpsman and one Army soldier—who were killed in the bombing at Abbey Gate during the evacuation from Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021.

Participants can choose from a 1K, 5K, 10K or half-marathon route beginning at the Simi Valley Metrolink Station, located at 5050 E. Los Angeles Avenue. The course follows the Arroyo west toward Madera Road, with each mile of the 13.1-mile route dedicated to one of the fallen service members.

This is not a timed race, and there are no placement awards. Instead, the morning is designed to bring the community together for reflection, gratitude and remembrance.

Check-in begins at approximately 5:30 a.m., followed by a memorial ceremony at 6:15 a.m. Participants will be released onto the course at about 7 a.m., with the community event continuing until approximately 11 a.m. Breakfast will also be served by the Y’s Men of the Simi Valley YMCA.

Proceeds will help support memorial and scholarship funds established by families of the fallen, along with programs assisting military veterans. Local service organizations, volunteers, veterans and Gold Star and Silver Star families are expected to take part.

Registration starts at just $20, making the event accessible to participants of different ages and fitness levels.

Attendance is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged.

Whether you complete one kilometer, walk alongside a neighbor, volunteer or simply attend the ceremony, the 13 Souls Run offers Simi Valley an opportunity to pause together—and make sure 13 lives and their sacrifice are never forgotten.

Event Details
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Check-in: 5:30 a.m.
Memorial ceremony: 6:15 a.m.
Run, walk and ride: Approximately 7 a.m.

Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave.

Registration and information: 13soulsrun.org

Your weekly roundup of local high school varsity sports. Featuring upcoming games, standout performances from the previous week and alumni making news beyond Simi Valley.

New single-family homes are coming soon to Simi Valley as the much-discussed Cochran Street development earns unanimous approval from city planners.

This major project will introduce 58 detached homes across nearly 20 acres in central Simi, each designed in a choice of Spanish, farmhouse, or Craftsman architecture for a total of 18 distinctive layouts.

Approval did not come without debate.

Neighbors raised heartfelt concerns about the removal of mature native oaks, with local arborist Loren Klick urging that at least two be saved for their unique community value.

Yet, Colton Lee Communities stated their assessments found the trees declining, making preservation impossible.

Despite worries over privacy, traffic, and trails, many welcomed this plan as a better fit than a previously proposed medical complex.

With abundant open space, parks, and thoughtful design, the project promises fresh opportunities for Simi Valley families.

National Nonprofit Day on August 17 is a chance to recognize the organizations quietly making a difference in our community. From animal rescue and veterans services to youth sports, scholarships, disability support, seniors and families, these 17 nonprofits are doing important work in Simi Valley and throughout the surrounding area.

As the 2026–27 school year kicks off in Simi Valley, two Simi Valley Police Department officers are heading back to campus alongside students.

Officer Amanda Torres returns as the School Resource Officer for east-side campuses, while Officer Silvano Gonzalez takes on the west side.

Gonzalez brings experience from both the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Oxnard Police Department before joining SVPD in 2025.

The School Resource Officer program is a 30-year partnership between the City of Simi Valley, SVPD, and the Simi Valley Unified School District.

These sworn officers receive specialized training to work within school environments, supporting administrators, responding to safety concerns, conducting threat assessments, and serving as approachable resources for students and families.

If you spot Torres or Gonzalez on campus this year, the City has one simple message — say hello.

For the first time since 2017, Ventura County has confirmed a case of measles, prompting local health officials to remind residents what symptoms to watch for and what to do if they believe they may have been exposed.

Ventura County Public Health announced the case on August 5, saying it was associated with international travel. Health officials have been working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed and to limit any further spread. (Ventura County HCA)

Several possible exposure locations were identified in Oxnard and Ventura between July 26 and August 2, including a Subway restaurant, Hacienda Furniture and Mattress, Cinemark Century Riverpark, Walgreens and Kaiser Permanente.

You can read the original reporting and complete exposure information in the Simi Valley Acorn article.

Why Measles Gets Public Health Attention

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person has left an area. (CDC)

The good news is that vaccination provides strong protection. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against measles. Two doses are estimated to be about 97% effective at preventing the disease. (CDC)

Residents who are unsure whether they or their children are fully vaccinated should check their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Measles symptoms typically begin about 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, although public health officials may recommend monitoring for as long as 21 days following a possible exposure.

Early symptoms often include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red or watery eyes

• Small white spots inside the mouth

• A red, blotchy rash that generally begins around the face or hairline before spreading downward across the body

The rash often appears a few days after the initial fever and respiratory symptoms begin. (CDC)

Think You Were Exposed? Call Before You Go In

One of the most important things residents should know is not to simply walk into a doctor's office, urgent care or hospital waiting room if measles is suspected.

If you believe you or your child may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately and explain the possible exposure. A provider can review your vaccination history, assess your risk and advise you about the next steps. (CDC)

If symptoms develop, call the healthcare facility before arriving. Because measles spreads so easily through the air, advance notice allows medical staff to make arrangements to evaluate a patient while reducing the possibility of exposing other patients and employees. (CDC)

Anyone who is sick should also stay home and avoid close contact with others while awaiting medical guidance, particularly contact with infants, pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems and people who are not immune to measles.

Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms become severe, particularly with difficulty breathing, dehydration, confusion or rapidly worsening illness.

A Good Time to Check Your Records

While one confirmed case does not mean everyone in Ventura County is at immediate risk, it is a useful reminder to know your family's vaccination status and to take a possible exposure seriously.

Measles can spread before an infected person realizes they have it, which is why early communication with healthcare providers and public health officials is particularly important. (CDC)

For residents concerned about a possible exposure, Ventura County Public Health has established a Measles Information Line at 805-652-7599.

The key takeaway: If you think you may have been exposed, don't panic—but don't ignore it either. Check your vaccination status, watch for symptoms and call your healthcare provider before showing up for medical care.

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