Moorpark Acorn

For nearly two decades, children climbed aboard the rocket ship at Tierra Rejada Park and imagined journeys into outer space. Las t we ek, the playground’s most recognizable feature made its final departure. Const ruct ion crews removed the aging rocket July 10, along with the rest of the playground equipment, to make way for the city’s long-planned inclusive playground, known as the Enchanted Playground. Chain-link fencing now surrounds the former play area as construction gets underway.

SOAR AMAZING—Ethan Pimstone became king of the vertical jumping community with his record-setting leap of more than 52 inches. He’s a“freak athlete,” his brother says. In his freshman year at Oak Park High,Ethan Pimstone quit basketball. At 5 feet 4 inches, he was undersized and falling behind his peers athletically. “So I gave up,” he recalled. “I stopped playing anything, any sports.” Pimstone eventually caught up growthwise, and then some, topping out just shy of 6 feet 2 inches.

In 1984, Ventura County attracted countless visitors while hosting Olympic canoeing and rowing events at Lake Casitas near Ojai. Unlike the last Los Angeles Games, however, the region will not be home to any of the 2028 Summer Games’ 351 medal events. Still, that doesn’t mean c ities in Acorn country won’t be doing their best to attract the world’s tourists—and their spending cash—to the region.

June 28 Battery was reported in the 400 block of Harry Street. Theft occurred in the 14000 block of Avenida Colonia. Vandalism was reported in the 6100 block of Condor Drive. Juvenile problems occurred in the 500 block of W. Los Angeles Avenue and the 100 block of Casey Road. Fireworks were reported in the 300 block of Harry Street. A party disturbance occurred at Virginia Colony Place. June 27 At E.

FRI., JULY 17 Sound Bath Ever relish the idea of being bathed in a frequency of love? A sound bath is just that—an immersive, fully horizontal concert experience where Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, and soothing tones and frequencies wash over you in waves, melting away stress and carrying you into a place of deep peace and presence. 7 p.m. No belief system required. Just you, the music, and a little stillness and gratitude to take with you as you head into your weekend.

UNDER THE SEA—”SpongeBob SquarePants” as it appears on Broadway, top, and above at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. There have been a number of Broadway musicals based on or inspired by cartoons, comic strips and animated films, including such hits as “The Lion King,” “Shrek” and “Frozen,” but only a handful originated as episodic television series. Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” is among the most successful children’s series of the past 50 years.

SUMMIT—During his visit to Washington, D.C., Yash Oruganti toured historic sites nd met with a congressional delegation that included Rep. Julia Brownley. A high school student from VenturaCounty has earned one of the nation’s highest honors for youth, recently recognized as part of the 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal Class. Yash Oruganti, who will be a junior at Moorpark High in the fall, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the 2026 Gold Medal Summit.

CELEBRATION—The Rev. Constantine Trumpower, clockwise from top, shows off Byzantine music performed at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church during the 47th annual Ventura County Greek Festival on June 27 in Camarillo. Members of the Thavmatakia, or Little Miracles, perform a Greek dance, while Vasily Papadopolos, left, and Charlie Scholler prepare lamb chops for the barbecue. Festival goers from throughout the region browse various food booths.

It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our Board President, Andy Ortega, who we lost this weekend due to complications related to a stroke. We are heartbroken and in shock. Andy was an exemplary leader, but even more than that he was an extraordinary person. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was someone who believed in people.

DUST BUSTERS—At top, Idea Squaaaaaaad!!!! team members pose in front of a display featuring their Archaeological Instruments Reimagined (AIR) air pump, which blows dirt off of artifacts without damaging them. Left, the team demonstrates their creation. A Westlake Village-based after-school program is teaching science, engineering and technology with toys—and so far, it appears to be working.