Ed Abele (JD ’86) Appointed Chair of Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of Directors

Pepperdine Caruso Law alumnus Ed Abele (JD ’86) has been appointed the 2025 Chair of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) Board of Directors. The district serves over 140,000 residents in Simi Valley and Oak Park. Abele has been a board member since January 2017 and previously served as Chair during the pandemic (2020), when RSRPD led the region in safely opening parks and trails for its appreciative communities.

Abele’s primary focus in 2025 is an emphasis on mental health. He has encouraged staff to incorporate components of metal health and wellness in classes, programs and events throughout the year.

Abele was instrumental in bringing the AV Memorial Wall back to Simi Valley before it is permanently decommissioned. The half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall can be viewed from 3:00 PM, May 23 through 8:00 AM, May 27 at Rancho Tapo Community Park, Veterans Plaza. It is one of only five travelling replicas of the Memorial Wall, and the only one on the west coast. As part of the event, Abele will be delivering a keynote address at a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 11:00 AM. Additional information may be found at Simi Valley Acorn

Abele spent over 31 years as a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles before retiring in 2019. During his career, Abele represented the People in 85 felony jury trials. He received commendations for his legal knowledge,
compassion, and assistance to crime victims, including an award for Deputy District Attorney of the Month, and a Certificate of Recognition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.