Scott Steepleton
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Editor of the Camarillo and Moorpark Acorn newspapers. Opinions are mine. Email story tips to scott@theacorn.com.
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Articles by Scott Steepleton
Weekend brings Halloween and fall fun to Acorn country
FRIGHT LIGHT—A large pirate ship lantern display is part of the Night of the Jack event at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. The Halloween experience runs through Nov. 1. This year’s event features a redesigned trail, new pumpkin art and a carnival .
Families behind the fire lines carry sacrifices of their own
When a firefighter responds to an emergency, the dangers of the job are readily apparent. Less visible are the sacrifices made by the family waiting at home. Missed birthdays, interrupted holidays, long shifts and the uncertainty of whether a loved one will return safely are familiar parts of life for many firefighting families. And while firefighters receive public recognition for their service, the experiences of their spouses and children often receive considerably less attention.
Flu clinics offer CSUCI nursing students hands-on experience
TEAM APPROACH–Nursing students are honing practical skills while keeping the community safe through a program focused on flu prevention. Courtesy CSUCI Nursing students at Cal State Channel Islands are getting hands-on clinical experience while helping protect the campus from the flu.
Stories in a nutshell
The art of writing is alive and well at Camarillo High School. Students in Jamison Demorest’s English class were asked to write 100-word original stories—and they shared their creations with the Acorn. Here we present some of those submissions. They prove you can say a lot with just a few words. The Night Tortoise A layer coated my eyes, making the freckled sky appear blurry and painted. As the film cleared, punctures in the fluffy darkness became visible.
Frightful fun!
From Hollywood haunted houses to the restless spirits in our own backyard, how well do you really know your monsters? Put your horror IQ to the test across 35 questions covering classic chills, spooky TV, theme park frights and local legend. But proceed with caution—and no cheating, or we’ll send the boogeyman after you. Questions 1. In John Carpenter’s 1978 classic “Halloween,” what is the name of the masked killer who terrorizes Haddonfield? 2.
Frightful fun!
From Hollywood haunted houses to the restless spirits in our own backyard, how well do you really know your monsters? Put your horror IQ to the test across 35 questions covering classic chills, spooky TV, theme park frights and local legend. But proceed with caution—and no cheating, or we’ll send the boogeyman after you. Questions 1. In John Carpenter’s 1978 classic “Halloween,” what is the name of the masked killer who terrorizes Haddonfield? 2.
Eat, drink and be scary
SEASONAL DELIGHTS– Not only does a Halloweenthemed charcutier board look amazing, the bites you put on it will also dazzle the soul. SCOTT STEEPLETON/ Acorn Newspapers Whether you’re feeding two or 22, a Halloween-inspired charcuterie board can put a little extra boo in your Oct. 31 party. And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef, a food stylist or a wizard in the kitchen to pull it off.
Night of the Jack lights up Halloween
BOO TO YOU TOO—Attendees walk by a large talking skeleton during the Night of the Jack event Oct. 18 at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. The Halloween experience runs through Nov. 1. Organizers have added a carnival for 2026 along with a redesigned trail and new pumpkin and lantern art displays. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers The clock is ticking, the pumpkins are glowing and Halloween is almost here.
October brings Halloween and fall fun across Acorn country
FRIGHT LIGHT—A large lantern art display of a pirate ship is part of the Night of the Jack event at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. The Halloween experience runs through Nov. 1. Organizers have added a carnival for 2026 along with a redesigned trail and new pumpkin and lantern art displays.
Ghosts and goblins on the prowl: What to watch out for
GOOFY BUT CREATIVE COMMUNITY DISPLAY—Decorated pumpkins adorn a wall positioned between Highway 101 and Camino Ruiz in Camarillo. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers October means family friendly activities across Acorn country, and whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day in the crisp fall air or an after dark tour with a bone-chilling scare, there’s something for just about everyone. Here are some of this month’s happenings across Ventura and western Los Angeles counties.
When ‘GTFO’ means survival
BE PREPARED—The great Woolsey fire of 2018 reinforced the importance of evacuation plans for canyon residents and others with limited ways in and out of their neighborhoods. Acorn file photo When the last drink is a distant memory and the remaining customers linger, some bars blast Red Peters’ “The Closing Song,” a musical hint that uses coarse lyrics to say it’s time to leave.
A day off for the dogs
For a dog waiting to be adopted, a few hours away from the shelter can mean a world of difference. A car ride. A walk along a shady trail. An afternoon stretched out on somebody’s couch. Maybe even a stop for a pup cup. Simple pleasures for most dogs. A welcome escape for one whose days are spent waiting behind kennel doors.
When ‘GTFO’ is not a joke
When the last drink is a distant memory and the remaining customers linger, some bars blast Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” a musical hint that uses coarse lyrics to say it’s time to leave. CAL FIRE has its own version of that message: GTFO, short for “Get the Family Out.” The agency is using the phrase to remind Californians to make an evacuation plan before a wildfire threatens their homes.
Moorpark’s Little League miracle headed to big screen
ANGELS—Players from the 1996 Little League World Series team from Moorpark will be on hand for an event in memory of fallen teammate Joel Burchfield. Courtesy photo Thirty years after a Moorpark Little League team made an improbable run to the World Series, the story of its triumph— and the heartbreaking loss that accompanied it—is headed to the big screen.
A day off for the dogs
GOOD FOR ALL—Walking has benefits for humans—and dogs. Humane Society of Ventura County officials say prolonged stays in shelters, which may include 23 hours or more each day in kennels, can contribute to stress-related behaviors in dogs. Photos courtesy Humane Society of Ventura County For a dog waiting to be adopted, a few hours away from the shelter can mean a world of difference. A car ride. A walk along a shady trail. An afternoon stretched out on somebody’s couch.
Hybrid microgrid resiliency project receives federal infusion
The City of Camarillo has secured a $1.1 million federal appropriation to support its Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project, a major investment designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure continuity of government operations during disasters and extended power outages. The funding is aimed at expanding the city’s long-term energy resilience strategy by transitioning City Hall into a fully functioning, self-sustaining emergency operations center.
Moorpark’s Little League miracle headed to big screen
Thirty years after a Moorpark Little League team made an improbable run to the World Series, the story of its triumph— and the heartbreaking loss that accompanied it—is headed to the big screen. A new film, “My Journey With Joel,” will recount the events of 1996, when coach Dan Burchfield and his family endured the sudden death of their 11-year-old son, Joel, even as Moorpark’s young baseball players captured the community’s imagination with their journey to Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Pleasant Valley Road to close for construction
SIGN O’ THE TIMES—Electronic message boards warn motorists of the upcoming four-month, round-the-clock closure of a stretch of Pleasant Valley Road. SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newspapers Pleasant Valley Road will be closed to through traffic in both directions between Las Posas Road and Fifth Street Oct. 19 as work gets underway on a project to improve bicycle safety and drainage along the roadway.
Camarillo man charged with illegally filming Mugu activities
A Camarillo man faces 14 federal misdemeanor charges for allegedly using his credentials as a civilian contractor at Naval Base Ventura County to enter restricted areas, photograph and film military aircraft, and improperly escort other people onto the installation. Todd Jeremy Senff, 46, was scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 14, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Camarillo prepares for gonzo El Niño nearly three decades after devastating floods
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLING WATERS—The bridge on Adohr Lane marks the spot where Conejo Creek can flood farmland during heavy rains. SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newpapers Nearly three decades ago, a powerful winter storm sent torrents of muddy water through Camarillo streets, flooded homes and businesses, stranded motorists and overwhelmed a drainage channel near City Hall. On Feb.
Fall and farm fresh
CANDY CRUSH—Wrapped candy goes flying during the first pumpkin drop of Underwood Family Farms’ 2026 Fall Harvest Festival in Moorpark on Oct. 3. Alex Ruiz of Sun Valley stands atop the giant hay-bale pyramid with his daughter, Amelia, during opening day of the Underwood festival. In an agricultural spin on the piñata, Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark kicked off its 2026 Fall Harvest Festival with a pumpkin drop.
Art without boundaries
HAUNTING NOTES—Custom-painted guitars created by artist Craig Fraser and guitar maker Marc Minarik for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary in 2019. Fraser is now working with Minarik on a series of guitars marking the 60th anniversary of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in 2027. Below left, an unfinished guitar body—cut and shaped but not painted. SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newspapers Craig Fraser’s canvas has rarely been limited by four corners.
Art without boundaries
HAUNTING NOTES—Custom-painted guitars created by artist Craig Fraser and guitar maker Marc Minarik for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary in 2019. Fraser, who will appear Oct. 10 at Lewis Galleries in Simi Valley, is now working with Minarik on a series of guitars marking the 60th anniversary of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in 2027. SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newspapers Craig Fraser’s canvas has rarely been limited by four corners.
Plug-in solar gets green light, but consumers will have to wait
PLUG-IN READY—For less than $2,500 Jackery’s portable solar array can power a refrigerator for two weeks. The system is not yet legal to use in California homes. California has given the green light to plug-in solar, but residents across Acorn country eager to start generating electricity from a panel connected to a household outlet may want to hold off on shopping. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, on Sept.
October brings Halloween and fall fun across Acorn country
October means family friendly activities across Acorn country, and whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day in the crisp fall air or an after dark tour with a bone-chilling scare, there’s something for just about everyone. Here are some of this month’s happenings across Ventura and western Los Angeles counties. Boccali Ranch Pumpkin Patch, Ojai — Open through Oct.
Art without boundaries
HAUNTING NOTES—Custom-painted guitars created by artist Craig Fraser and guitar maker Marc Minarik for the Disneyland Haunted Mansion 50th anniversary in 2019. Fraser, who will appear Oct. 10 at Lewis Galleries in Simi Valley, is now working with Minarik on a series of guitars marking the 60th anniversary of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in 2027. SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newspapers Craig Fraser’s canvas has rarely been limited by four corners.
Two elected officials face off in District 5 City Council race
Two elected officials are competing for the District 5 seat on the Camarillo City Council, with incumbent Martita Martinez-Bravo facing Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District board member David Schlangen. Martinez-Bravo, 48, is seeking a second four-year term. Schlangen, 53, was elected to the park district board two years ago. The nonpartisan council race will be decided Nov. 3.
Plug-in solar gets green light, but consumers will have to wait
PLUG-IN READY—For less than $2,500 Jackery’s portable solar array can power a refrigerator for two weeks. The system is not yet legal to use in California homes. California has given the green light to plug-in solar, but residents across Acorn country eager to start generating electricity from a panel connected to a household outlet may want to hold off on shopping. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, on Sept.
Three vie for District 2 council seat
Three candidates with different professional and political backgrounds are competing for the District 2 seat on the Camarillo City Council, where incumbent Susan Santangelo is seeking another term against challengers Dan Gober and Sylvia Garcia. The nonpartisan council race will be decided Nov. 3. Ballots began going out Oct. 5, and secure drop boxes are now open through Election Day. Santangelo, a nurse, is seeking what would be her final term.
Familiar faces meet again in District 1 council race
Four years after facing each other for a seat on the Camarillo City Council, David Tennessen and Vishnu Patel are doing it again. This time, however, the circumstances are different. Tennessen enters the Nov. 3 election as the District 1 incumbent and current mayor, with a record of votes and policy positions behind him.
When “GTFO” means survival
BE PREPARED—The Woolsey fire of 2018 reinforced the importance of canyon residents and others with limited ways in and out of their neighborhoods to make sure they have an evacuation in place. Acorn file photo When the last drink is served and the remaining customers linger, some bars blast Red Peters’ “The Closing Song,” a musical hint that uses coarse lyrics to say it is time to leave.
Daylong festival puts filmmakers in spotlight
THE BIG SCREEN—A slapstick fishing trip, left, and a wacky tale of an out-of-herelement billionaire are among the offerings at the Central Coast International Film Festival. Courtesy images A billionaire who has never had to worry about catching a bus will open a day devoted to independent film in Camarillo. “The Heiress,” a comedy filmed in Ventura, kicks off the Central Coast International Film Festival at 10 a.m. Oct. 25, at Regal Edwards Camarillo Palace.
Goodwill hauntings
STRANGER THINGS–A corpse DJ dominates a wall of Josh and Jordan Jurgess’ living room in Camarillo. Once he’s served his purpose for the couple’s annual Halloween romp, the installation, made from Goodwill discards, will be tossed aside like so many before him. Photos by SCOTT STEEPLETON/Acorn Newspapers Josh and Jordan Jurgess have a monster in their Camarillo living room. His skull has been cracked open to expose his brain. Tubes, wires and assorted mad-scientist apparatus keep him functioning.
When “GTFO” means survival
BE PREPARED—The Woolsey fire of 2018 reinforced the importance of evacuation plans for canyon residents and others with limited ways in and out of their neighborhods. Acorn file photo When the last drink is a distant memory and the remaining customers linger, some bars blast Red Peters’ “The Closing Song,” a musical hint that uses coarse lyrics to say it’s time to leave.
Moorpark College sets the stage for diamond anniversary
AMBITIONS–Moorpark College is gearing up for the day its new 4,000-seat amphitheater opens, with a fundraising effort underway. Courtesy Moorpark College Moorpark College will launch a yearlong celebration of its 60th anniversary with music—and a new place to hear it. The college and Moorpark College Foundation will present Moorpark College Serenades: The Premiere 4 to 6 p.m. Oct.
Four arrested in Ulta theft investigation
Four Nevada residents were arrested Sept. 25 after detectives recovered nearly 100 bottles of cologne and perfume allegedly stolen from Ulta Beauty stores throughout Ventura County, according to Sgt. Todd Welty of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. An Ulta representative valued the recovered merchandise at more than $16,000, Welty said. The investigation began Sept.
CSUCI exhibition explores Rafael Perea de la Cabada’s constantly evolving creative terrain
FROM THE SHOW–Among the works in Rafael Perea de la Cabada’s solo show“Double Landing” at Cal State Channel Islands are, clockwise from top right, “Numa Series I,” “Glitch Series II” and clay sculptures. Courtesy Rafael Perea de la Cabada An exhibition now on view at Cal State Channel Islands brings together dozens of works by artist Rafael Perea de la Cabada– pieces that can blur the boundaries between painting, drawing and sculpture and resist settling into a single form.
Stocking the Cal State CI’s Dolphin Pantry
DONATION DROP-OFF—A community member unloads items for the CSUCI Dolphin Pantry during a previous donation drive. The university is hosting a similar event on Oct. 14. Courtesy CSUCI Cal State Channel Islands will host a community donation drive and public seminar on Oct. 14, to benefit the campus Dolphin Pantry and address what organizers call growing challenges surrounding student basic- needs security.
Daylong festival puts filmmakers in spotlight
OPENING ACT— The Central Coast International Film Festival kicks off with “The Heiress,” about an out-of-her-element billionaire, a movie that was shot in Ventura. Courtesy image A billionaire who has never had to worry about catching a bus will open a day devoted to independent film in Camarillo. “The Heiress,” a comedy filmed in Ventura, kicks off the Central Coast International Film Festival at 10 a.m. Oct. at Regal Edwards Camarillo Palace.
kidSTREAM recognizes Sunrise Rotary’s support
WITH GRATITUDE—Members of the kidSTREAM board of directors and the Rotary Club of Camarillo Sunrise pose for a picture at kidSTREAM on Sept. 29 in Camarillo. At right, Rotarians take in the “Gears of Gratitude” fixture honoring donors. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers The Rotary Club of Camarillo Sunrise has a place on kidSTREAM Children’s Museum’s “Gears of Gratitude” donor wall, recognizing its support for the hands-on learning destination that opened earlier this year.
When “GTFO” means survival
BE PREPARED—The Woolsey fire of 2018 showed how important having an evacuation plan is for canyon residents. Acorn file photo When the last drink is a distant memory and the remaining customers linger, some bars blast Red Peters’ “The Closing Song,” a musical hint that uses coarse lyrics to say it’s time to leave.
Students ‘Come Together’ in creative college concert collection
JAMMING—Eliot Lorenzo, left, and Payton Mead take the stage in a previous show. Photo courtesy Heidi Martin Twenty-four student musicians will take the stage as part of eight bands when Moorpark College’s “Come Together” concert series returns for two nights of rock, pop and other popular music. “Come Together” Fall 2026 will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road.
Lawsuit over La Reina school closing can proceed
STILL FIGHTING—Students, parents and alumnae of La Reina High School gathered in front of the Thousand Oaks school to protest the closing on Feb. 4, 2024. More than two years after La Reina High School and Middle School closed, a lawsuit challenging the circumstances surrounding the closure can move forward after clearing a key legal hurdle.
After Bruce, county seeks a safer path for other dogs
FACE OF CHANGE—While it won’t bring back Bruce, a dog euthanized earlier this year after being deemed agressive, legislation backed by Ventura County could change the fate of similar animals in the future. Courtesy Eric Krasnoff Bruce could not be saved. But barely a month after Ventura County euthanized the 100-pound Great Pyrenees/German shepherd mix at the center of a months-long legal battle, his case could help change what happens to other potentially dangerous dogs.
County responds to grand jury with arundo plan
SPREADING—The black arrows on the California Invasive Plant Council’s Weedmapper show Arundo growth trending upward in Ventura County. California Invasive Plant Council Ventura County officials agree a coordinated plan is needed to combat the invasive giant reed threatening Camarillo and other communities, but they are rejecting half of the recommendations made by the Civil Grand Jury to get there. The Board of Supervisors on Sept.
One legend, three tribute concerts
DOLLY’S CAUSE— Songs made popular by the late Dolly Parton will be performed, with some of the proceeds helping get books into the hands of kids—an effort near and dear to her heart. Courtesy photo Fans of Dolly Parton will have three opportunities in October to celebrate the singer-songwriter’s music while supporting one of her signature charitable causes.
Lawsuit over La Reina school closing can proceed
More than two years after La Reina High School and Middle School closed, a lawsuit challenging the circumstances surrounding the closure can move forward after clearing a key legal hurdle.
Thinking outside the theme park
When is a chair not a chair? When it comes from the mind of Joe Rohde. For more than four decades, Rohde made a career out of looking at things differently. The longtime Walt Disney Imagineer was one of the creative forces behind the company’s Animal Kingdom in Florida and Aulani resort in Hawaii, building elaborate worlds by drawing on everything from art and architecture to anthropology and the natural environment.
Illegal fireworks could put hosts on the hook
Ventura County could take a page from Oxnard’s playbook in its continuing battle against illegal fireworks. The Board of Supervisors adopted a civil grand jury recommendation that the county study adopting a host-liability ordinance for unincorporated areas, making property owners or others responsible for illegal fireworks used on their property. Ventura County would hardly be breaking new ground.
After Bruce, county seeks a safer path for other dogs
CHANGES—The life and death of a dog named Bruce may pave the way for a better future for other animals deemed too dangerous for shelters to adopt out.. Courtesy Eric Krasnoff Bruce could not be saved. But barely a month after Ventura County euthanized the 100-pound Great Pyrenees/German shepherd mix at the center of a months-long legal battle, his case could help change what happens to other potentially dangerous dogs.
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