Welcome New Businesses to Simi Valley

Simi Valley continues to welcome new businesses while celebrating the growth and expansion of existing businesses that strengthen the community's vibrant economy. Don't forget to shop local and support our growing business community!

Jewel Time: With more than 20 years of serving the Simi Valley community, Jewel Time has relocated to a new location, where it continues to offer fine jewelry, timepieces, custom jewelry design, and expert jewelry and watch repair services. 

Lucky Dog Coffee: At the grand reopening of its renovated café, Lucky Dog Coffee welcomed customers into an updated space while continuing to serve handcrafted coffee, specialty beverages, breakfast and lunch offerings, and fresh baked goods. The refreshed café provides an inviting gathering place for residents to connect, work, and enjoy locally roasted coffee. 

Schatzi's Bakery: They are bringing authentic German and European-style breads, pastries, cakes, and desserts to the community. Family-owned Schatzi's Bakery is known for its traditional recipes and artisan baking. The bakery offers residents a unique destination for freshly made baked goods and specialty treats. 

City Council Meeting Highlights

Here is a summary of a few actions taken by the Simi Valley City Council during its meeting on Monday, July 27th, which supported public safety, housing, infrastructure, and community services.

• Arena Ad Hoc Committee: The City Council formed an Arena Ad Hoc Committee to explore and provide direction on a proposed US Hockey League arena project. View the July 27th Staff Report (PDF).
• Cannabis Tax Grant for Public Safety: Accepted a $184,384 California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant to support local law enforcement efforts in addressing illegal cannabis activity. View the July 27th Staff Report (PDF).
• Traffic Safety Improvements: A construction contract was awarded for the Retroreflective Backplate Project, which aims to enhance the visibility of traffic signals at intersections to improve roadway safety for drivers. View the July 27th Staff Report (PDF).
• Housing Regulations: Approved ordinances updating the City's Density Bonus and Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations to align with changes in state law and local development standards. Watch the July 27th City Council Meeting (Video).

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10th. Visit www.simivalley.org/citycouncilmeetings to watch public meetings, read staff reports, or view agendas.

Traffic Calming Demonstration Helps Shape Safer Streets

The City of Simi Valley recently partnered with the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to evaluate temporary traffic calming improvements at the intersection of Sycamore Drive and Cochran Street. Demonstration projects like this allow the City to test potential safety enhancements in real-world conditions before making permanent investments.

The temporary improvements were designed to slow turning vehicles and improve pedestrian safety at the intersection. Results showed that turning speeds decreased by up to five miles per hour, and conflicts with pedestrians using the crosswalk were reduced.

Community feedback was also collected to help evaluate the demonstration. While opinions varied, 62 percent of survey participants supported testing more traffic calming projects throughout the community.

The City will use the engineering analysis and community feedback to determine next steps, including whether to pursue grant funding for permanent improvements. The findings will be presented to the Ventura County Transportation Commission Board on Friday, October 9th, after which the City will determine whether to seek funding for full implementation.

By testing improvements before construction, the City can make informed decisions, pursue outside funding opportunities, and continue investing in safer streets for residents, pedestrians, and motorists.

Volunteer for NC D3

The City is seeking to fill five vacancies on the Neighborhood Council District 3 Executive Board. Residents aged 18 and older living in Neighborhood Council District 3 are encouraged to apply for a partial term beginning Thursday, October 1st, and ending Friday, June 30th, 2028.

Successful applicants will be appointed by the City Council to serve in an advisory role on development projects and community issues.

Not sure which District you live in? Visit the City's home page and enter your address

Applications are due by Friday, August 14th.  

For more information, contact the Community Services Coordinator at (805) 583-6756 or neighborhoodcouncils@simivalley.org.  

School Resource Officers Return for the New School Year

For more than 30 years, School Resource Officers (SROs) from the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) have served local schools as part of the longstanding partnership between the City of Simi Valley, SVPD, and the Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). The partnership continues for the 2026-27 school year, with two SROs serving local campuses.

SROs are specially trained, sworn officers who work closely with school administrators and staff to support campus safety, respond to safety concerns, conduct threat assessments and investigations, and serve as a resource for the school community.

Officer Amanda Torres will return to serve schools on the east end of Simi Valley, while Officer Silvano Gonzalez will serve schools on the west end of Simi Valley. Officer Gonzalez joined SVPD in 2025 as a lateral transfer, bringing prior law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Oxnard Police Department.

SVPD looks forward to continuing its work with SVUSD to support students, staff, and families throughout the school year. If you see Officer Torres or Officer Gonzalez around campus, be sure to say hi!

Volunteers Needed for Coastal Cleanup Day  

The Environmental Compliance Division is hosting Coastal Cleanup Day at Rancho Simi Community Park on Saturday, September 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the northeast corner of the park near Arroyo Simi at Erringer Road.

Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A digital waiver can be completed ahead of time and shown to staff upon arrival. Cleanup supplies, safety vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, and on‑site waivers will be provided, and community service hours are available.

For questions, email environmentalcompliance@simivalley.org or call the Environmental Compliance Hotline at (805) 583‑6420.

Can’t make it on Saturday, September 19th? You can still make a difference by sweeping through your own neighborhood, local park, or trail any day in September on a self-guided cleanup.

To learn more, visit the Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day website. 

Registrations Open for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

The Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services will offer a free six-week CERT training beginning on Wednesday, September 9th to help residents prepare for emergencies like the recent Sandy Fire. Participants will learn essential skills including small fire suppression, light search and rescue, team organization, and basic disaster medical care.

Advanced registration is required. Anyone age 12 or older who lives or works in Simi Valley may join, and youth ages 12–17 must attend with a parent or guardian. All participants receive a student workbook, starter kit, and a certificate. The full course qualifies for 24 volunteer hours.

Classes take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, with a final disaster simulation in Camarillo. To register, email cert@simivalley.org, or call (805) 583‑6116 for more information.

Fundraiser Supports Meals On Wheels Program

Enjoy an afternoon of Broadway's greatest hits while supporting a great cause benefiting the Simi Valley Meals On Wheels program.

Harmony for Hunger presents Broadway Here We Come, a benefit concert for the City's Meals On Wheels program, on Sunday, August 23rd, at 2:00 p.m.

This inspiring musical showcase features talented Broadway performers singing favorites from Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and more. The concert will be held at the Santa Susana Performing Arts Center. 



Tickets are on sale now, and all proceeds will benefit the Simi Valley Meals On Wheels program, helping provide nutritious meals and wellness checks to local seniors. 



For more information, contact the Simi Valley Senior Center at (805) 583-6363

Simi Valley Senior Center August Happenings

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 August events.  



• Wednesday, August 12th: Intro to AI 4-week class at 2:00 p.m. (registration required) 
• Thursday, August 13th: Simi Transit Travel Training at 1:00 p.m. 
• Friday, August 14th: Advanced AI 4-week class at 10:00 a.m. (registration required) 
• Tuesday, August 18th: AI Scams at 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, August 19th: Beaded Eyeglass Necklace craft at 9:30 a.m. (registration and fee required)
• Wednesday, August 19th: Senior Scams at 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, August 20th: E-Bike Awareness and Rules at 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, August 20th:  Sunflower Floral Arranging at 2:00 p.m. (registration and fee required) 
• Friday, August 21st: “Hawaiian-themed” Dance at 6:00 p.m. ($10) 
• Tuesday, August 25th: AARP Smart Driver Refresher Class at 12:30 p.m. (registration and fee required) 

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.  

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Events in August

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center offers year‑round theater, concerts, comedy shows, art exhibits, and community events. Get involved as a volunteer and enjoy our diverse entertainment.

Take Care Exhibit (Now – Sunday, September 6th):

• Free group art exhibit featuring 46 regional artists, including Simi Valley’s Vanessa Morrow.
• Theme: mental health and community care.
• Gallery hours: By appointment only (Wed–Fri, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Call (805) 583‑7900 to schedule.

Mean Girls: The Musical (Saturday, August 22nd – Sunday, September 20th):

• Broadway musical based on Tina Fey’s film.
• Tickets: $37 adults, $32 seniors/students, $27 children. Group rates for 10+.
• $3 processing fee per ticket.

Support arts & culture at www.svcac.org and follow us on social media for updates! 

Interested in Working with the City of Simi Valley?

Stay informed about new career opportunities with the City by signing up for weekly job notifications through CalOpps. This feature provides early access to newly posted positions and helps candidates stay current on openings that match their skills and interests. 

How to create a CalOpps account and sign up for notifications:

1. Visit the CalOpps Website. 
2. Select “Create an Account.” 
3. Enter your contact information and set up your login credentials. 
4. Once your account is created, navigate to the Job Alerts section. 
5. Choose weekly notifications and select the job categories you would like to follow. 
6. Save your preferences. 



After completing these steps, you will begin receiving weekly email updates with newly posted positions from the City of Simi Valley and other participating agencies. 

Simi Valley Mega Job Fair Connects Local Employers and Job Seekers 

Looking for a new career opportunity or your next great employee? Don't miss the Simi Valley Mega Job Fair on Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, West Hall.

Hosted by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Simi Valley, this free community event brings together employers and job seekers in one convenient location. Attendees can explore career opportunities across a variety of industries, meet directly with hiring managers, and even participate in on-site interviews.

Local businesses are also invited to participate. Complimentary employer booths are available, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with qualified candidates and showcase your organization.

To register or learn more, visit SimiChamber.org or contact the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce at (805) 526-3900 or email info@simichamber.org.

Buses Will Be Getting a Fresh New Look! 



Simi Valley Transit is rolling out a new look this fall. The new fixed‑route buses will feature updated logos, bright colors, and community‑focused designs to make them easier to recognize and reflect our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The new branding will debut on a new fleet of all‑electric buses, which offer a quieter ride and help reduce emissions for cleaner air.

Even with the fresh design, the City's priority remains the same: providing safe, reliable, and convenient public transportation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard later this year.

A New, Easier Way to Pay Your Bus Fare

Starting Monday, August 10th, Simi Valley Transit is introducing Tap2Ride, a fast and convenient new way to pay your fare on all Fixed Route Transit buses. 

With Tap2Ride, riders can simply tap a contactless bank card, credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch to pay their fare - no cash, coins, or paper pass required. 



When boarding, look for the yellow Tap2Ride payment reader. Tap your contactless payment method on the tap symbol, and a green checkmark on the screen will let you know you're ready to ride. 



This simple, convenient, and accessible payment option makes it easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Prepare for Rainy Weather with Monthly Street Sweeping

As Simi Valley approaches the rainy season in the coming months, it's essential to support monthly street sweeping to keep neighborhoods clean and protect waterways. Please clear leaves and debris from curbs to prevent drainage blockages and local flooding.

Street sweeping occurs monthly, so be sure to move your vehicles on your designated sweeping day. Sweeping will not take place during rain or on major holidays. For schedule updates or to find out your street sweeping day, visit the City's home page and enter your address. 

Help Identify Hazards in Our Community

The Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services wants your feedback. Take a short survey to help update the County's Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan helps identify local risks and ways to reduce damage from hazards such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, storms, drought, and winter weather.

Your feedback will help City leaders understand community concerns, plan future projects, and improve emergency preparedness. Updating the plan also helps the City qualify for state and federal hazard mitigation grants.

The survey takes just a few minutes. Please complete it by Tuesday, September 15th, and share it with others.

A Safe Start to the School Year

The first day of school is almost here. As most Simi Valley students return to campus on Wednesday, August 12th, our streets, sidewalks, and neighborhoods will be busier with families walking, biking, and driving to school.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution in and around school zones. Remember, reduced school zone speed limits are back in effect.

A few extra minutes on your morning commute can help keep our students, crossing guards, and school communities safe. By driving patiently and watching for children at crosswalks and intersections, we can all help make the start of the school year safe and successful. 

Let's work together to keep Simi Valley's students safe on the first day of school and every day after!

Saving Water - Are You Covered?

Spending more time in the pool as temperatures rise?



Covering your pool when it’s not in use is one of the easiest ways to conserve water. A pool cover can reduce evaporation by up to 95%, saving thousands of gallons each year and reducing the need for refills.



Pool covers also:

• Reduce chemical use
• Retain heat and lower energy costs
• Keep out debris and lessen maintenance
• Improve safety by limiting access

For the best results, use your pool cover consistently and ensure it fits properly.

Save Money on Home Energy Upgrades

Simi Valley homeowners and property owners with up to four units may qualify for rebates through the Tri County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN). Rebates are available for eligible energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pump water heaters, heating and cooling systems, insulation, lighting, and more.

To get started, contact a participating 3C-REN contractor to learn which rebates are available for your home. Some households may qualify for higher rebate amounts, and eligible projects may also qualify for federal tax incentives.

Visit the 3C-REN Residential Incentives website to learn more and submit an interest form. 

Clean Power Alliance Programs for Residents and Businesses

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is the locally controlled electricity provider for communities across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. CPA offers many programs that help residents and businesses save money while improving their energy footprint. Check out some of the options below: 

1) Instant AC Savings (Residents) 

• Earn up to $300 for income-qualified CARE/FERA customers. 
• Helps buy ENERGY STAR window AC units. 
• Easy application and the coupon can be used online at Lowe’s or Home Depot. 

 2) Sun Storage Rebate (Residents) 

• Up to $2,250 for installing a home solar‑battery system. 
• CPA has over $1 million available in funding this year. 
• Applications open now. 

3) Power Response – Commercial Leader (Businesses) 

• For businesses using energy from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
• Businesses earn incentives by reducing energy during high‑demand events. 
• CPA helps each business create a custom saving plan. 

Simi Valley Public Library August Happenings

The Simi Valley Public Library is offering a variety of events for patrons of all ages. Join us for one of our monthly programs or special events for August.  

• 1st & 3rd Mondays: Want to help make the library a great place for teens and gain volunteer hours? Then join the Teen Advisory Group!

• Sunday, August 16th: Join your friends in the crafting community for a craft supply swap. Register for a table, bring your unwanted supplies to share with others, and check out what others have to offer!

• Tuesday, August 18th: Powered by Fiero, learn the basics of game design, web design, or various code languages at Coding Club! This program is designed for ages 10 to 17.

Children's Programming Break

Children's Programming will be on a break from Saturday, August 8th to Saturday, August 22nd.

This is to allow the Children's Department to plan programs and events for the fall. Regular programming will resume on Sunday, August 23rd.  

Save the Date!

Beginning Thursday, September 3rd, join the Library's free Computer Basics Workshop Series.

The weekly workshops are designed for adults who want to build essential computer skills! This series offers guided instruction, with opportunities to practice using laptops and accessing the internet.

Simi Valley Public Library “Friends Corner”  

Follow us on Facebook for bookstore sales and save the date for the Family Book Festival on Saturday, September 19th. We have plenty of fun planned!