Park district recipient of new firefighting tools


The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District was awarded grant funds for two new Bobcat skid-steer loaders, which were were unveiled prior to the Jan. 18 board of directors meeting.

Aptly named Digger and Scoop, the new equipment was funded by grants from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in 2022 in support of the district’s wildfire protection and resiliency projects.

Park board director Brian Dennert suggested the district host a naming contest to bring personality to the Bobcats, stating, “This is a fun way to share with our community the grant we received from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to increase fire resiliency. Digger and Scoop will improve our trails and help us better prepare for wildfires.”

The district hosted a monthlong naming contest and challenged residents to submit their favorite Bobcat names through Facebook or email.

Fifty names were received and reviewed by staff. Digger and Scoop emerged as the favorites.

The winning submissions were provided by Simi Valley resident Tera Burton. She and her family were on hand to help the district introduce the new Bobcats to the community.

Digger and Scoop will be used to create and repair trails and clear brush to improve fire resiliency within Simi Valley and Oak Park.

For more information about the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, go to rsrpd.org, call (805) 584-4400 or email info@rsrpd.us.