City Focus Newsletter
Monthly News and Updates from the City of Simi Valley
August 2022
Welcome to the August 2022 issue of City Focus. This is the City of Simi Valley's e-newsletter designed to keep residents informed about the programs, events, and services happening in the City. This issue includes the latest information on the:
 
  • Water Shortage Emergency Updates
  • SVPD Etch and Catch Catalytic Converter Program
  • Envision Simi Valley Project
  • 2023 Rental Application for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
  • Return of the Arts & Crafts Fair at the Senior Center
  • And More!

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Water Shortage Emergency
A section of Lake Oroville showing an extremely receding waterline
Despite the recent water conservation efforts, the City/Waterworks District No. 8 water usage is still 50% over the conservation target set by the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and Callegaus Municipal Water District (Calleguas), the City's primary water suppliers.

Current Water Shortage Emergency restrictions require that both City of Simi Valley/Waterworks District No. 8 and Golden State Water customers follow a one day per week watering schedule (with no irrigation between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.):

  • Odd number addresses can water on Saturday
  • Even number addresses can water on Sunday

All irrigation is now limited to 10 minutes per station (including high efficiency and drip irrigation systems). This was reduced from 15 minutes at the August 8, 2022 City Council meeting per MWD and Calleguas requirements.
Visit the Water Conservation Webpage for the Latest Water Shortage Emergency Requirements and Resources
Property owners that are not in compliance with the water shortage emergency restrictions will be subject to the following penalty structure:

  •  First Violation – Notice of Violation (no monetary fine)
  • Second Violation - $100 fine
  • Third Violation - $250 fine
  • Fourth Violation - $500 fine
  • Subsequent Violation – additional $500 fines and possible installation of a flow restrictor

The City anticipates that the MWD and Calleguas will implement further restrictions, including the enactment of a Zero-Days-Per-Week watering restriction if the water supply worsens.
The City's Water Conservation webpage serves as the most up-to-date resource for the latest Water Shortage Emergency information. Resources include a Fact Sheet, a form to report water waste, and a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions page that answers questions like why water restrictions may vary between cities, how to keep trees alive, and the use of reclaimed water in Simi Valley. If you are a Golden State Water customer, please visit their website for their conservation requirements.

The community needs to remain vigilant in following all Water Shortage Emergency requirements to preserve our future drinking water supply.
a red circle slash over an image of sprinklers actively watering an area of non functional turf.
Watering of Non-Functional Turf Prohibited

There is a statewide ban of the watering of non-functional turf for all commercial, institutional, industrial, HOA, & multi-family properties.

"Non-Functional" means the turf is solely ornamental and is not regularly used for recreation, sports, or civic or community events.
Build A Drought Tolerant Garden With These Waterwise Workshops
The Metropolitan Water District hosts virtual landscaping and irrigation workshops on an almost weekly basis to help inform residents about turf removal, drought-tolerant plants, and irrigation systems. Here are a few upcoming workshops:

Wed., Aug. 10 - Native Plant Landscaping
Thurs., Aug. 11 - Drip Irrigation
Wed., Aug. 17 - Rain Water Harvesting

All workshops are offered at no cost and are listed on the Calendar page of the City's website.
City Council Update
July 25, 2022 Meeting
The City Council returned from their summer break on July 25, 2022.

During this meeting the City Council recognized the outgoing Youth Council members and appointed Youth Council and Youth Employment Service Advisory Board Members for the 2022-2023 term.
August 8, 2022 Meeting

In addition to the changes to the Water Shortage Emergency restrictions adopted at this meeting, the City Council received a two presentations.

The first presentation was from the Free Clinic of Simi Valley on the Multi-Services Center, funded in part by the City of Simi Valley Community Projects Grant from Fiscal Year 2019-20 to Fiscal Year 2021-22.

The second was an Economic Development update from City staff. The presentation included a review of local economic indicators, including information on commercial real estate and the labor market.
Congratulations To All Incoming Advisory Board Members

The start of the Fiscal Year for the City also brings with it new appointments to a variety of City boards, commissions, and councils, each serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The City would like to congratulate all of the new advisory board members on their appointments.

The list below reflects only a few of the volunteer positions with the City. The City thanks all of our volunteers currently serving on boards, including the Council on Aging, Friends of the Library, and the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation.
Simi Valley Transit Logo
Five members of the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee were appointed at the June 13, 2022 meeting, reviewing public transit issues for people with disabilities.
Three members were appointed to the Arts Commission at the June 13, 2022 meeting. The Arts Commission reviews the Cultural Arts Center budget and operations plan, and other arts initiatives.
Simi Valley Neighborhood Councils Logo
20 residents were appointed to the Neighborhood Councils at the June 27 meeting, advising the City Council on development projects and other areas of community concern.
The 2022-23 Youth Council Members were Appointed at the July 25, 2022 City Council meeting, and will advise the City Council on youth related issues in the community.
Five members were appointed to the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board at the July 25, 2022 meeting meeting, advising the City Council on youth employment matters.
A complete list of City Advisory Boards is available on the City's website.
Apply to Serve on the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation

The City of Simi Valley is recruiting individuals interested in serving as City Council-appointed members on the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation (Foundation) Board. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and provides vital operational and program support.

Applications are being accepted through August 26, 2022.
Nomination Period For Nov. 8, 2022 Election Is Now Open
Simi Valley residents that are interested in running for City Council or Mayor may submit Nomination Papers during the official nomination period, which closes on Friday, August 12, 2022.

The November 8, 2022 election will determine the City Council Members from District 2 and District 4 (one for each district) and the office of Mayor. For the Office of Mayor, if the incumbent does not file to run, the nomination period will be extended until Wednesday, August 17, 2022. More information is available on the Elections page of the City's website.
Simi Valley Police Department News
Selective focus on a stainless steel catalytic converter with an oxygen sensor or O2 sensor installed on an exhaust system under a vehicle.
'Etch and Catch' Program to Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

During the last year, catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise. With the help of the Simi Valley Police Foundation, the Simi Valley Police Department is teaming up with several local businesses to deter these thefts. Vehicle owners should be aware that the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Excursion, Ford F250 and F350 tend to be targeted at higher rates.
  
In an effort to combat this trend, the Simi Valley Police Department has teamed up with several local auto repair, oil change, and tire shops. The businesses listed have agreed to etch the vehicle license plate and paint a “SVPD” logo on your catalytic converter, free of charge.  
National Night Out
On August 2, 2022, the SVPD and other first responder agencies, community groups, and businesses came together to celebrate National Night Out at the Civic Center.
 
The event began with the SVPD Explorers' Honor Guard teaming up with the SVPD's Honor Guard to present colors while Mike Thompson sang the National Anthem. Attendees were able to visit information booths and food trucks, listen to music, and watch live demonstrations, including a K9 demonstration featuring K9s Zeus and Maxx.
 
The SVPD would like to thank all of the allied agencies, elected officials, businesses and, of course, the public who participated in the event. And a thank you to Jordan Beltchev for taking photos of the event. To see a quick video recap, please visit the SVPD's Instagram page.
Next Community Forum: City Parking Regulations

The SVPD will host its next online Community Forum on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The topic for this forum will cover parking regulations in Simi Valley. The forum will include a presentation from SVPD Officers and a live question and answer period. Spanish language interpretation will be available. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.
Envision Simi Valley Project
Project Goals:
  • Create a sense of place
  • Implement focused growth
  • Re-purpose underutilized properties
  • Foster transit use
  • Incentivize production of housing
  • Improve connectivity to key destinations
  • Accommodate all transportation modes
  • Create outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Enhance public areas and streetscapes
  • Adopt innovative parking strategies 
The Envision Simi Valley Workshop at the Simi Valley Public Library
The Envision Simi Valley Project is developing a community vision for two key parts of the City: the Los Angeles Avenue Corridor and the Tapo Street Area.
 
The goal is to harness community input to identify how future mixed-use development can integrate commercial, entertainment, and residential uses, increased walkability, and transportation options to create a neighborhood identity for these areas.
This information will help the City create zoning and policy measures to encourage housing construction, attract new businesses, and increase the quality of life in Simi Valley. It will not require property owners to make changes to their property.

Community engagement is vital for the success of this project and residents are encouraged to visit the project website to provide comments on project boards and learn about upcoming outreach events.

The project is funded by two State grants from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Gruen Associates is supporting the City on this project.
News Briefs
Seeking Local Artisans For Craft Fair
The Simi Valley Council On Aging (COA) will resume its annual Arts and Crafts Fair on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Simi Valley Senior Center.

The COA is looking for vendors to sell a variety of unique handmade items. This is a handmade, non-food crafts fair, so no massed-produced items or food is permitted.
2023 Cultural Arts Center Rentals
The Cultural Arts Center has opened up the application period to rent the facility for performances during the 2023 season. Applications are being accepted for theatrical productions, concerts, recitals, comedy shows, and other performing arts events.

Applicants may also be eligible for the Performing Arts Recovery Grant, which can assist with facility rental fees.
Household Hazardous Waste
Drop-Off Event
Residents may bring up to 15 gallons of liquid or 125 lbs. of solid material to the next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event, scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2022. Please note this is for residential customers only and appointments are required.

For information on accepted items and to make an appointment, please click on the button below or call (805) 583-6321.
Entrepreneurship Event Covers
Simi Valley Based Ed-Tech Firm
Are you a local entrepreneur looking to grow and expand your business? Learn how STS Education went from a garage startup to a $40 million business in Simi Valley from Marc Netka, Co-Founder. Hosted by Startup Simi, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Youth Employment Service.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. It is free to register and attend.
Apply Now for the City's CERT Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) teaches the community about disasters and how to safely and responsibly respond to them. The next CERT Academy in Simi Valley is scheduled for six Wednesdays, from September 7 to October 12, 2022, taught by the Ventura County Fire Department.

Contact our Emergency Services Office at (805) 583-6982 for more information.
Audition for the Simi Stars Showcase
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation is proud to present the first annual Simi Stars event! This is a one-night event on Saturday, September 24, 2022, where you can share your unique talents on the stage of the Cultural Arts Center.

Please visit the Simi Stars website to learn how to submit an audition video. Auditions close Friday, August 26, 2022.
Waterline Project Extended
The Golden State Water - Water Line Project at Sycamore Dr. and Los Angeles Avenue has been extended through August 12, 2022. Motorists are encouraged to take alternative routes to avoid traffic delays.

Please note that this project is being completed by Golden State Water. If you have concerns, please contact the Golden State Water Project Engineer at (805) 354-4625.
988 Provides 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support
Call, Text, or Chat for Help
988 is the new three-digit dialing code connecting people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) where compassionate, accessible care and support is available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

If you need support or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, dial 988.
Careers with the City of Simi Valley
Three business people in suits around a desk.  Two are shaking hands, and one is holding a clipboard.   Computers, pens and notepads are on the desk.
2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063 | 805-583-6700 | info@simivalley.org