Celebrating the People Who Keep Simi Valley Moving


This holiday season, the City is proud to recognize the more than 500 dedicated Simi Valley employees who work year-round to keep our community safe, connected, and thriving.

From public safety and public works to environmental services, emergency response, community services, finance, water, and the many teams behind the scenes, each plays a vital role in delivering the services our residents depend on every day. We invite you to enjoy a short video highlighting the outstanding work of our City team.

As we look ahead to the new year, we remain grateful for the commitment and professionalism of our workforce and the impact they make throughout our community.

Happy Holidays from the City of Simi Valley!

Legends of Soul Benefit Concerts to Support the Meals on Wheels Program

The City's Senior Center and Council On Aging (COA) will host Legends of Soul, featuring two unique benefit concerts. Proceeds will support the Senior Center’s Meals On Wheels program, which continues to face critical funding shortfalls affecting meal deliveries to local homebound seniors. 

On Sunday, December 7th, the "QuadraSoul" show stars former members of The Fifth Dimension performing unforgettable renditions of classics such as “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius.”  

There will be a second showing on Sunday, January 4th. The "Every Woman" show stars Freddie Pool of The Three Degrees and former Ladies of The Supremes; Hazel Payne, artist from A Taste of Honey, and Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks of Graham Central Station.

These unforgettable concerts promise a nostalgic journey through the golden eras of funk, Motown, disco, soul, and R&B, while supporting a cause that brings nourishment and joy to seniors in need.  

If you or your company would like to sponsor the event, contact the event coordinator at (760) 905-0898.

Simi Valley Bicycle Master Plan Update

The City is updating its Bicycle Master Plan, a community-focused roadmap for making it easier, safer, and more comfortable to bike around Simi Valley. The revised plan outlines ideas for future bike lanes, paths, and programs that could help people of all ages feel confident riding for school, work, errands, or recreation.

While the plan doesn’t commit funding, it lays the groundwork for potential improvements as grants and other resources become available. It reflects community input, best practices, and Simi Valley’s unique character — all aimed at improving safety, reducing bike-vehicle conflicts, and strengthening connections to schools, parks, trails, shopping areas, and neighborhoods.

This effort is funded through the State of California’s Active Transportation Grant Program, administered by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. It updates the City’s 2008 plan to better align with today’s needs and community priorities.

Coyote Safety 101: Tips for a Safer Neighborhood

Coyotes can be seen around Simi Valley at any time of day. Here are simple steps to help keep your household and neighborhood safe:


• Reduce attractants: Secure trash, pet food, and birdseed. Never feed wildlife.
• Protect pets: Keep small pets indoors at night and supervise them outside. Use leashes under six feet.
• Maintain your yard: Trim dense shrubs and remove potential hiding spots; consider motion-activated lights.
• If you see a coyote: Make noise, wave your arms, and appear larger. Don’t run away.
• If a coyote approaches: Stay calm, keep kids and pets close, make noise, and throw objects if needed.
  

To report coyote incidents, call the Ventura Council Animal Services at (805) 388-4341. For more information on wildlife, visit Ventura County Animal Services or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

If you are interested in learning more and have questions, consider attending any of the Neighborhood Council meetings scheduled in January to hear an informational presentation on coyote safety from Ventura County Animal Services. For dates and times, visit the City's calendar.

City Council recognizes the newest members of the Community Emergency Response Team.

This fall, the Office of Emergency Services hosted the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to help residents prepare for emergencies. After six weeks of hands-on training in fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations, our CERT graduates are now equipped to respond when professional responders aren't available. Congratulations to the newest graduates, who were recognized at the City Council Meeting on Monday, November 3rd.

CERT is a national program designed to empower individuals through education, practical training, and volunteer service. Its mission is to help communities become safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to emergencies. Participants learn essential skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, first aid, disaster psychology, and team organization. Training concludes with a full-scale disaster simulation that allows students to apply their new skills in a realistic environment.

Would you be interested in taking the free CERT training? The next CERT training will run six consecutive Wednesdays beginning on March 4th. To sign up, email cert@simivalley.org with your name, address, and phone number. Space is limited.

2025 Annual Volunteer Fair in the Books

A heartfelt thank you to all the local non-profits and community members who made this year’s Volunteer Fair a tremendous success! Twenty-three non-profit and community organizations came together on November 13th to connect with more than 100 residents, build new partnerships, inspire service, and strengthen the spirit of giving back in Simi Valley.

Thank you to the Simi Valley Public Library for hosting, the Youth Council for coordinating the day's service projects, and the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board for leading the event.

Would you be interested in future volunteer opportunities? Contact the Community Services Coordinator at rfowler@simivalley.org or call (805) 583-6766.

We look forward to seeing you at the 9th Annual Volunteer Fair in 2026!

Shop Simi Valley First and Win

Shop locally and support your business community this holiday season. You could win big as part of the shop Simi Valley Fa La La La Local campaign!

Submit your receipts for any goods or services purchased in Simi Valley between November 28th and December 31st to earn drawing tickets for chances to win up to $1,000 in cash and other prizes.

Bring your receipts to the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce at 40 W. Cochran Street #100, on Sunday, January 4th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Monday, January 5th, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Prize drawings will take place live on Tuesday, January 6th, at 4:30 p.m. on 99.1 The Ranch Radio Station.

Metrolink Holiday Express Festivities rolling into Simi Valley!

The Metrolink Holiday Express Train is arriving in Simi Valley on Sunday, December 21st, with departures scheduled at 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Although both train rides are sold out, community members of all ages are invited to enjoy the event's pre-departure festivities at 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Activities include holiday music, kids’ crafts, photo booths, face painting, and giveaways from local partners. 

Metrolink is also hosting a Toy Drive to support local families this holiday season. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event and place it in the collection bin—Metrolink will thank you with a free ride pass for your donation.

Don't miss stopping by the Youth Council's booth for fun craft projects and holiday treats. Join in festive holiday cheer and celebrate the season with the community!

The Simi Valley Metrolink Station is located at 5050 East Los Angeles Avenue.

Volunteers Needed for the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count

The Ventura County Continuum of Care is looking for volunteers for the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count on Wednesday, January 28th. This annual count provides a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness in Ventura County and helps the region qualify for state and federal funding.   

Volunteer participation is essential to ensuring the count is accurate, compassionate, and reflective of the community's needs.

When you sign up, you’ll receive event updates and details about the upcoming Community Resource Coordination (CRC) training on Tuesday, January 20th, at 1:30 p.m. in the Simi Valley Public Library Community Room. This training covers the online survey tool, safety tips, and day-of procedures.

Volunteer shifts begin at sunrise and usually last two hours, making this a meaningful way to contribute without a full-day commitment. For questions, email VenturaCoC@Ventura.org. 

Free Household Hazardous Waste Event

On Saturday, January 17th, the City will host a free Household Hazardous Waste event from 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. These events are held on the third Saturday of every other month for residents of Simi Valley. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events are a convenient, safe, and environmentally responsible way to prevent hazardous waste from being sent to landfills. 

Appointments are required for Simi Valley residents. To schedule, visit www.simivalley.org/hhwappointments or call (805) 583-6321. 

Spreading Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors

The Simi Valley Chamber’s Senior Services Alliance, in collaboration with the Senior Center and Meals On Wheels Program, is once again hosting its annual Stockings for Seniors drive to bring joy to local seniors this holiday season. The program aims to fill 300 stockings with thoughtful gifts and essentials for the Simi Valley senior community, which will be delivered during the December Meals On Wheels deliveries.  

Community members interested in donating items for Stockings for Seniors can make a meaningful impact by helping brighten the lives of homebound seniors and make them feel remembered, valued, and connected during the holidays.

Drop-off donations by Wednesday, December 10th, at the following locations:

• Simi Valley Chamber office at 40 W. Cochran Street #100;
• Clean Threads Laundry at 5702 E. Los Angeles Avenue; and
• Sunray ADHC at 3203 E. Los Angeles Avenue.

Toy and Pet Supply Drive

There’s still time to participate in the Simi Valley Police Department’s Toy Drive and Pet Supply Drive, continuing this month through Friday, December 12th.

New toys and new pet supplies can be dropped off at the Police Department’s front lobby, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Toy donations will benefit the Samaritan Center and Ventura County Fire Department’s Spark of Love program. Pet supplies will support the Ventura County Animal Services' Simi Valley location. 

For more information, please contact the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950.

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Events

The Heart of Arts in Simi Valley and your local hub for theater, concerts, comedy, art, and community events. From award-winning shows to gallery exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Join us for the fun, or volunteer and be part of the magic! Below are just a few of this month's events:

• Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 21st: The hilarious sisters of Nunsense will spread yuletide laughs, carols, and the gift of mischief in Nuncrackers. Don't miss the holiday musical adventure and family-favorite show!
• Saturday, December 6th: Community members of all ages are invited to a free event, A Season of Giving: SVCAC Holiday Celebration, sponsored by Visit Simi Valley and Sherwin-Williams. Festivities will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., including photos with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa, lively holiday music, and more.
• Saturday, December 6th: Free film screening of Dr. Seuss's The Grinch (2018). Seats must be reserved in advance.
• Sunday, December 14th: Raymond Michael's Blue Christmas with Elvis at 7:30 p.m. One of SVCAC's favorite performers returns once again for his annual Blue Christmas with Elvis Concert.

Simi Valley Senior Center Events

The Simi Valley Senior Center offers a wide variety of programming each month, including workshops on relevant senior topics and concerns. Here's a snapshot of November.

• Monday, December 8th: Council On Aging meeting at 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11th: "A Christmas Carol" live performance at 3:00 p.m. $5 includes a hot beverage and sweet treats.
• Friday, December 12th: AARP Smart Diver Refresher Course at 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 17th: Holiday Flower Arranging Workshop at 1:00 p.m. $15 supply fee.  
• Thursday, December 18th: Winter Wonderland Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Special meal and entertainment.
• Thursday, December 18th & Friday, December 19th: AARP Smart Driver Full Course at 12:30 p.m. Must attend both days for credit.
• Tuesday, December 30th: New Year's Celebration Dance and Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Cost $30, includes dinner and live band. (Note: This event is not held on New Year's Eve.)

Call the Simi Valley Senior Center at (805) 583-6363 or stop by the front desk to reserve a seat for any of the workshops or events listed above.

Friends of the Library Corner

Happy December! Still holiday shopping? Stop by the Friends’ bookstore—we have great gifts, excellent prices, and even puzzles. Not sure what to choose? Our gift certificates make perfect stocking stuffers. Every purchase supports the Simi Valley Library and its programs. To learn more, visit www.simivalleylibrary.org/friends-of-the-library or follow @Simi Valley Friends of the Library on Facebook.

We hope to see you this holiday season, and we wish you a very Happy New Year.

Library Holiday Closures

Library Holiday Closures will include:


• Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve 
• Thursday, December 25th - Christmas Day 
• Wednesday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve 
• Thursday, December 1st - New Year’s Day 

Preventing Stormwater Pollution

If you visited the Environmental Compliance booth at this year’s Street Fair, you learned that the City of Simi Valley is part of the Calleguas Creek Watershed. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants like oil, pet waste, and fertilizers into the Arroyo Simi, Calleguas Creek, and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.

You can help protect water quality this rainy season by following these simple tips:


• Always carry bags to pick up pet waste.
• Choose non-toxic home and garden products.
• Limit pesticides and fertilizers.
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways, don’t hose them down.
• Use minimal water when washing your car at home.
• Use drip pans for oil or fluid leaks.
• Clean spills immediately using dry methods, such as kitty litter.


Learn more about protecting our watershed by visiting Ventura County's Community for a Clean Watershed website at www.cleanwatershed.org.

Stay tuned for next month’s City Focus Newsletter for Part 2: how the City protects the storm drain system.

Free Tree Recycling

Simi Valley residents can enjoy free curbside holiday tree recycling from December 26 through January 9, 2026. Place your tree in the yard waste container or by the curb on your trash collection day by 6:30 a.m. Trees will be recycled into eco-friendly mulch!

Recycling Guidelines:

• Cut trees over 6 feet in half.
• Remove stands, rods, tinsel, ornaments, and lights.
• Flocked or fire-retardant trees should be disposed of as trash or through bulky item pickup.
• Recycle holiday lights separately as electronic waste.

Trees can also be dropped off free at the Simi Valley Landfill (2801 N. Madera Road) between December 26 and January 10, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residents in multifamily complexes should contact their property manager for disposal instructions.

For more information, call (805) 522-9400. Let’s create a greener Simi Valley!  

New Recycling Initiative

Waste Management (WM) is expanding its recycling program to accept paper now and select plastic cups.

Recycling plastic and paper cups helps give materials a second life, turning them into items such as paint cans, building materials, and garden products. This small action helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a more circular economy.

Cups must be empty, clean, and dry to prevent contamination.

Need a recycling refresher? Learn what can and can't be recycled at WM's Recycle Right website.

Free E-Waste Collection Event

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering residents a convenient, free E-Waste Collection Event to safely dispose of unwanted electronics on Saturday, January 3rd, and Sunday, January 4th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Chamber's parking lot at 40 West Cochran Street.

Participation is simple and free for Simi Valley residents. You don't need to make an appointment. Safely dispose of old or broken electronics, such as TVs, computers, printers, phones, and other devices, while protecting the environment and ensuring proper recycling at this event.

For more information, call the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce at (805) 526-3900.

Helpful Resources for Power Shutoffs and Emergency Preparedness

Do you, or someone you know, rely on medical equipment, or live in a high fire-risk area? Southern California Edison (SCE) offers several programs to help residents prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and emergencies, including:

• Free backup battery programs for medical needs
• Rebates for portable power stations and generators
• Hotel and food assistance during outages
• Specialized services for individuals with access and functional needs

SCE customers can receive a $150 rebate on qualifying portable power stations or a $200 rebate on qualifying portable generators. Customers enrolled in CARE, FERA, or the Medical Baseline Allowance program may qualify for an enhanced $600 rebate on eligible portable generators.

To find out what support is available, visit www.sce.com.

City Holiday Closures

All City offices will be closed in observance of National Holidays on the following dates:

• Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th, in observance of Christmas; and
• Thursday, January 1st, in observance of the New Year holiday.