This week’s local rundown is a mix of serious and seasonal: a Simi Valley murder case concluded with a life-without-parole sentence, while police investigate a smash-and-grab at a local card shop tied to a broader wave of Pokémon and sports card thefts across SoCal.

Erin discusses her Walmart woes and Dubai chocolate ignorance.

On the lighter side, community and civic events continue around town, and Aldi is officially in Valentine’s mode — hearts everywhere, cute home décor, cozy candles, kitchen extras, and a fresh drop of affordable apparel that makes a quick Aisle-of-Shame detour very justified.