News and Updates from the City of Simi Valley | |
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Greetings, Simi Valley! As we embrace the height of summer, we invite you to explore the plethora of community events and happenings that promise to enrich our lives. In this edition, we invite you to discover the latest events and programs, and insightful stories that celebrate our vibrant community spirit.
City Focus, the City's e-newsletter, is designed to keep residents informed about the programs, events, and services happening in the City. This issue includes the latest information on:
- National Night Out
- Bingo Bonanza
- Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Coastal Cleanup Day
- Events and activities at the Simi Valley Library and Cultural Arts Center
- And More!
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up on our GovDelivery system to receive the latest City of Simi Valley news directly to your email. You can also sign up to receive agendas for public meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission meetings as soon as they are released.
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National Night Out
Join the Simi Valley Police Department for its annual National Night Out event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 3901 Alamo St. National Night Out is a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It’s a chance for neighbors to come together, get to know one another, and learn how we can work together to keep neighborhoods safe and vibrant.
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Bingo Bonanza
The Simi Valley Council On Aging (COA), in partnership with the Rancho Simi Senior Club, will host its biannual Bingo Bonanza at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Admission tickets are available now at the Senior Center and are $40.00, lunch included. Paid admission includes 22 games and a chance at over $2,000 in cash prizes, an opportunity to win door prizes, and a bundle of fun and excitement! Additional game packets will be available at the door. If available, tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event, and all attendees must be 18 years or older.
This volunteer-led event raises funds that directly benefit senior programs, which aids the COA in fulfilling its mission of identifying and serving the needs of Simi Valley seniors. Join the fun while helping seniors in our community at the same time!
For more information, please call (805) 583-6363.
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Free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Simi Valley residents can take advantage of a free household hazardous waste disposal day on Saturday, September 21, 2024, by appointment only. Each vehicle may dispose of up to 15 gallons of liquids or 125 lbs. of solid material in no more than 5 gallon containers. Participant is responsible for the safe transport of materials.
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Coastal Cleanup Day
The Environmental Compliance Division invites you to make a positive contribution and protect your environment by helping keep your neighborhood and waterways clean and beautiful by participating in Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave. Meet at the northeast corner of the park near Arroyo Simi at Erringer Road.
Volunteers should prepare by wearing long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, a hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Cleanup supplies, safety vests, gloves, buckets, and grabbers will be provided. Complete your participation waiver online and please bring your confirmation email on the day of the event. Community service hours are available. For questions, email environmentalcompliance@simivalley.org or call (805) 583-6420.
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July Employee of the Month
Please join us in congratulating Theo Mordey, Transit Coach Operator, as July's Employee of the Month. Theo always greets his bus riders with a positive attitude and a smile, and diligently observes activity on his bus. Recently, Theo demonstrated exceptional vigilance and quick thinking when he identified and intervened in a situation that could have resulted in significant harm. He observed an older male passenger conversing with a young female rider. When they both exited the bus, Theo noticed that the male rider was following the female passenger. Theo approached the man and advised him to walk away, to which he did. Theo’s courage and judgement in this situation made a difference, and for that, we are very grateful. Theo’s dedication and commitment in getting riders to their destination safely is valued. Theo is just one example of the exemplary employees that work for our City.
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Congratulations to All Incoming
Advisory Board Members
The start of the Fiscal Year for the City also brings with it 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 volunteers on their appointments.
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Draft Envision Simi Valley Specific Plan
The City is seeking public comments on the draft Envision Simi Valley Specific Plan at the Planning Commission Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The goal of the Specific Plan is to create a community vision for the development of areas of Los Angeles Avenue and Tapo Street, including the provision of new housing, commercial, and recreational opportunities that will help address some of the gaps and weaknesses identified in the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Key dates to note:
August 30, 2024 - The staff report for the draft Specific Plan presentation will be available for public review at:
www.simivalley.org/PlanningCommissionMeetings.
September 4, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. - Written comments about the draft Specific Plan can be submitted to the Planning Commission via email to planningcomments@simivalley.org and include "Envision
Simi Valley Comments" in the Subject Line of the email.
September 4, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. - The Planning Commission Public Hearing to take place at the Simi Valley City Hall located at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. An opportunity for public comment on the draft Specific Plan will be provided during the meeting.
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Cultural Arts Center Mainstage Rental
Established and emerging professional theater companies and performing arts groups are invited to apply for Mainstage rentals at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center for the 2025 season. We welcome musicals, plays, concerts, and special events that align with our commitment to high-quality family entertainment. Productions can range from one to five consecutive weekends, with concerts and special events being single nights or series.
Submit your application by August 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for priority consideration. Late applications will still be accepted.
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General Municipal Election Nomination Period
The Simi Valley City Council voted during its May 20, 2024, meeting to consolidate the City’s General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election on November 5, 2024. This joint election will determine the Mayor for a two-year term and two City Council Members: one from District 1 and one from District 3, each serving four-year terms. Candidates for City Council must be residents and registered voters of their respective districts. Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk and must be filed by August 9. If an incumbent opts not to seek re-election, the nomination period for that seat only extends to August 14. The Mayor's position is citywide, while Council Member candidates must reside in their districts. Persons interested in running for an elected position are encourage to schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office by calling (805) 583-6813.
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Major Streets Rehabilitation
Each year, the City evaluates the conditions of major and minor roadways to determine the priority for resurfacing and paving projects. Beginning in mid-August, repaving of Los Angeles Avenue, between Ralston St. and Yosemite Ave. will commence, with an estimated completion by early October. To learn more about the areas being addressed and the timing of the work, visit the City's website.
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Garden Landscapes for Ventura County
If you’re frustrated by a high-maintenance or lackluster yard, the Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD) has a guide that can help. To learn more about how you can create your own garden landscape, use less water outdoors, and pick the right plant for your yard, the CMWD created the "Garden Landscapes for Ventura County" guide to inspire climate-appropriate, water-wise garden landscapes that are beautiful, low maintenance, and contribute to a healthy and balanced environment.
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Make Your Yard Drought Friendly
Each month, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offers free educational webinars on how to make your yard drought tolerant. Registration is required to participate and is available on the City's Events Calendar.
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Turf Rebates Available
Create beautiful, sustainable, water-saving landscapes with the help of Metropolitan’s Turf Replacement Program at www.bewaterwise.com. The rebate starts at $3 per square foot for residential customers and $2 per square foot for commercial customers who remove their grass and replace it with water-efficient California Friendly® and native plants. Plus, get an extra $100 per tree added to your project for a maximum of five trees.
Rebate Requirements
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Plant three California Friendly® plants per 100 square feet.
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Include a storm-water retention feature to help keep water in your yard when it rains. Rock gardens and rain barrels are among several sustainable landscaping approaches you can take.
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Add permeable hardscapes that allow water to flow through the surface and slowly filter into the ground.
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Replace or modify overhead spray sprinklers with a more water-efficient irrigation system.
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Water Efficiency Rebates
Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD) continues to make water conservation a priority and has long offered water-saving rebate programs. CMWD participates in a Regional Conservation Rebate Program through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Please visit www.bewaterwise.com for information on rebates, turf removal, plants, landscape design, and more.
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Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center | |
Environments: Night of the Arts
Environments: A Night of the Arts opens with a live acoustic set by Simi Valley’s own local band, Liquid Indigo. Next a showcase of spoken word poetry will be performed by three generations of Ventura County Poets: Luzmaria Espinosa, Vincent Trevino Jimenez, and Youth County Poet Laureate, Sofia Noriega. The evening continues as the artwork of 20 artists from Moorpark Community College’s Photography Department is displayed in both the Upper and DownStage Galleries. The evening concludes with a panel discussion with the artists.
Thursday, August 8th at 6:00 p.m.
FREE and open to the public.
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The Everly Brothers Experience
Since 2016, brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed along with their partner and drummer Burleigh Drummond, have celebrated the music and history of The Everly Brothers legacy with enthusiastic crowds all across the US and overseas in prestigious venues. Experience the Zmed Brothers as they pay homage to the Everly's contribution to music and to their personal roots by infusing an instinctual blend of entertainment (a la Smothers Brothers) and contextual education in their performance.
Wednesday, August 21st at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $38 Adults, $34 Seniors 60 & Above and Students, $32 Children 12 & Under. Please Note: There is an additional $2 per ticket surcharge on all ticket sales both online or in person.
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Broadway and Beyond: Hits & Misses
Broadway and Beyond Cabaret: Hits & Misses celebrates the Biggest Hits and the Box Office Busts of Broadway, film and Off-Broadway mixed in with little known musical theater gems. This production will feature Broadway music from some of your favorite shows - The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Gypsy, Wicked, The Sound of Music and much more! You'll also discover catchy tunes from lesser known shows such as The Frogs, Side Show, Carrie The Musical, The Bakers Wife, Wildcat and other hidden gems! As always, along with the songs will be fun bits of Broadway trivia including a section about Tony Award Winners and surprising Tony Award Losers! Seating is "Cabaret Style" at tables so that you can enjoy tasty desserts or a beverage of your choice during the show! Make plans now to join us for Broadway and Beyond Cabaret: Hits & Misses on the DownStage Cabaret Theater at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center!
August 23rd to September 22nd (showtimes vary)
(No performances September 13-15)
Tickets are $25 All Seats Reserved. Please note there is an additional $2 per ticket surcharge on all ticket sales both online or in person.
Dessert and beverages sold separately and not included in the price of admission.
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Sunday Night Comedy
Join our continuing series of Sunday Night Comedy as producer Jason Love brings us some of the funniest comedians on the circuit today. All comedy is family-friendly humor. Comedians appearing in the series may include Frank Lucero - Latin Kings of Comedy; Mike Siegel - Last Comic Standing; and Andy Fernandez - Las Vegas Comedy Circuit.
Sunday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $15 All Seats Reserved. Please note there is an additional $2 per ticket surcharge on all ticket sales both online or in person.
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Teen Advisory Group
New school year, new opportunities! We're on the lookout for enthusiastic teens to help design programs for teens by teens, and tell us what you want at your library by joining the Teen Advisory Group! Applications can be dropped off at the library or sent to our Teen Librarian at:
David.Rosenberg@simivalleylibrary.org.
Minimum age: going into 7th grade;
Maximum age: going into 12th grade.
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YES Teen Workshop:
Navigating the Workplace
Thursday, August 8th, 3:00 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Calling all teens! Join us for our YES Summer Teen Workshop. This interactive session will offer essential skills that will focus on employer expectations, how to avoid mistakes, and learning important soft skills such as workplace etiquette. This workshop will provide the tools and tips you need to succeed.
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Staff Development Closure
Friday, August 16th
The Library will be closed on Friday, August 16th, for our annual staff development day. Thank you for your patience while staff attend training in our ongoing efforts to serve you better.
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Adult Writer's Group
Tuesday, August 20th, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Community Room
Bring your notebook or laptop and do some writing in the company of other writers! The session will conclude with the opportunity to share or talk about your writing for the day. Or feel free to bring a couple pages of a finished piece to share with the group
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Milkweed for Monarchs Program
Saturday, August 31st, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Civic Center & Library Discovery Garden
Help your local butterflies! Grab your free milkweed plant in the Civic Center to put in your garden. Then come into the Library’s Discovery Garden to enjoy activities around butterflies. This program is in partnership with Ventura County supervisor Janice Parvin.
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Simi Valley Library Foundation
Casino Night Fundraiser!
Saturday, October 5th
Save the date for a night of casino fun while supporting Simi Valley Public Library. Enjoy entertainment, food, and friends after-hours at the Simi Valley Public Library. Keep an eye on the Simi Valley Library Foundation's social media for upcoming details and how to purchase tickets. (Event is for ages 21 and older.)
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Friends of the Library
Get out of the heat and into the Friends' bookstore! Everyday prices for books are exceptional and you can’t beat the monthly specials. Check out the Friends' Facebook page or the SVFOL website for specific details on specials. Don't miss out on the Big Blowout Sale on Saturday, August 10th in the library’s Community Room. It starts at 10:00 am, but members can have early access at 9 am! Not a member yet? Sign up. It's a great time to stock up on back to school books or find your next great read
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The Library has something for everyone. Visit simivalleylibrary.org for a complete list of the events and activities at the Library.
Regular Library Hours:
Mon.- Thurs. 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Ventura County 211
Interface 211 Ventura County (211VC) is the most comprehensive information and referral service for local residents. Each year, 211VC responds to more than 25,000 Ventura County callers, providing information and resources related to shelter, health care, food, utilities, mental health, legal, consumer and public safety, disaster/emergency services, transportation, and more. Resources are available by phone by dialing 211, texting 211, and visiting the website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is provided in 150 languages through phone interpretation services.
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Mental Health Matters
If you're experiencing depression, anxiety, and loneliness, the City of Simi Valley encourages you to seek help.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988 for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ventura County (namiventura.org) - 1-800-500-6264 - Emotional support, education and resources for families affected by mental illness, and Children’s Intensive Response Team (CIRT) for mental health emergencies.
Please take care of yourself and reach out for support.
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New Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance
The City of Simi Valley is accepting application for its Homebuyer Assistance Program, which provides up to 20% down payment assistance to households with incomes up to 150% of the Area Median Income with credit scores above 620, debt to income ratios below 45%, and housing cost ratio below 35%. For more information about the program or to download an application, click the button below.
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City Council Meeting Recap | |
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In the City Council meeting held in July, several important topics were covered, including;
- The City Council approved COVID Recovery Grant contracts between the City of Simi Valley and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District and the Simi Valley Free Clinic.
- The City Council approved a contract with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the administration of the Simi Valley Tourism Marketing District.
- The City Council authorized the acceptance of a California Department of Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Grant for officer trainings and certifications.
Learn more by watching the meeting using the link below.
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Simi Valley Unified School District | |
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Thursday, August 15th is the start of the school year. Students are back in school and this is a reminder to be patient with the traffic, new drivers, and pedestrians around schools, and observe the 25 mph speed limit.
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Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District | |
Music in the Park
August 17th - Queen Nation (Tribute to Queen) @
Rancho Simi Community Park
Concerts start at 6:30 pm and are free to attend. Bring a blanket or chairs. Spaces cannot be roped off. Food vendors available on-site or enjoy a picnic in the park.
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Movies in the Park
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District invites you and your friends to watch a movie under the stars. Thematic pre-movie activities start at 6:30 pm, with movie the starting at dusk. Additional activities and popcorn provided by Simi Valley Toyota.
August 9th @ 556 Lake Park Drive, Simi Valley
Movie: Trolls Band Together
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End of Summer Pool Party
Join an unforgettable End-of-Summer Pool Party and say goodbye to summer before the kids head back to school! Participate in a variety of activities, including the AquaTrack obstacle course, diving boards, water slides, slip and slides, and various games. There's something for everyone to enjoy! Grab your swimsuits, towels, and smiles for a memorable farewell to summer by the poolside!
August 10th @ Rancho Simi Community Pool
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ($5 per person)
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Wheels in Motion
An event for all ages! Enjoy a a touch-a-truck exhibit, a classic car show and a Power Wheels race. The touch-a-truck exhibit will consist of vehicles from the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, RSRPD, and Ventura County Aviation Unit. A local car club will also be showcasing some "classic" vehicles.
Children 12 years of age and under are encouraged to participate in the Power Wheels race event. Racers will be divided into categories and trophies will be awarded to the winners of each race. Registration is required and is open until August 22nd. Helmets are required for all participants and modified power wheels vehicles are permitted.
August 25th @ Rancho Santa Susana Community Park
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Careers with the City of Simi Valley | |
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Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or are more advanced in your career, the City of Simi Valley has a wide variety of career opportunities. The City offers full and part-time positions, competitive pay, and excellent benefits.
Current City of Simi Valley employment opportunities include:
- 911 Police Dispatcher Trainee
- Waterworks Operator Trainee I/II/III
- Public Works Inspector
- Investigative Assistant
- Crossing Guard
- Plant Operator III
- Community Services Manager (Senior Center)
- Bus Driver (Transit Coach Operator) (Regular/PT)
- 911 Police Dispatcher (Lateral)
- Police Officer Trainee
- Police Officer (Lateral)
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