City Focus
Monthly News and Updates From
The City of Simi Valley
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Welcome to City Focus, Simi Valley’s new monthly e-newsletter designed to keep residents informed about the programs, events, and services offered by the City. |
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Help Shape the Future of Housing in Simi Valley |
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The City of Simi Valley Wants YOU!
Help shape the future of the City’s housing. The City has begun the process of updating the 2021 Housing Element and now wants its residents to share their priorities for the future of its neighborhoods.
The Housing Element identifies Simi Valley’s housing conditions and needs, establishes the goals, objectives, and policies that are the foundation of the City's housing strategy, and provides an array of programs to create vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods across the City.
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Why should I participate?
Housing is an important part of our community. Ensuring that Simi Valley is planning for housing that is affordable, approachable, and meets the diverse needs of the families of tomorrow is critical to ensuring that our City continues to thrive.
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How do I participate?
It’s easy! Join us during the Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to learn more about the Housing Element Update and give us all of your great ideas.
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City Hall Hours and Services |
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Simi Valley City Hall remains open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch). Please note: Masks and social distancing are required for entry. During these hours, City staff will be able to assist you with:
Waterworks District No. 8 Water bills and sewer billing
Parking citation payments or Administrative Review process
Merchant permits and massage ordinance permits/registration
New and renewal dog licenses
Film or special event permits
Payments or payment arrangements for false alarm fees, wastewater discharge permit fees, damage recovery, or other general billing invoices.
More information on each of the above services is available at the Customer Services Division webpage. Here you will also find links to pay your utility bill online. Want to save a trip down to City Hall? Please call (805) 583-6736 and staff can assist you.
Planning and Building & Services staff are also available at City Hall. It is highly recommended that you contact division staff prior to visiting City Hall.
Building and Safety: (805) 583-6723
(roofing, electrical permits)
Planning: (805) 583-6769
(accessory dwelling units [ADUs], home improvements, temporary use permits),
For the most complete information for both divisions, please visit the Environmental Services webpage.
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Upgrades to the City Council Chambers Broadcast System |
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If you watched a January 2021 City Council meeting, you may have noticed a few changes. Over the holidays, a new audio visual and broadcast system for public meetings was installed which provided critical updates to a system that was over ten years old.
Updates provided a more stable platform, improved video, expanded broadcast capabilities for the public, and improved the experience inside and outside Council Chambers. This project was funded by Public Education and Government (PEG) dollars, at no additional tax payer expense, which are paid to the City by communications providers to support public broadcasting initiatives.
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Public Statements Now on Zoom |
Due to COVID restrictions, the City Council and Planning Commission meetings are held virtually through Zoom. But you can still provide public statements during City Council meetings via Zoom! Instructions on how to register are provided on each City Council and Planning Commission Agenda. Sign up to receive the agendas and instructions.
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Upcoming City Council Meetings: |
A great way to stay in the know is to watch City Council meetings which are held on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. Here are the dates of upcoming City Council Meetings in February and March:
February 8, 2021 6:30 p.m.
February 22, 2021 6:30 p.m.
March 8, 2021 6:30 p.m.
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The SVPD hosted its quarterly Police Community Forum on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Chief Livingstone provided an overview of the SVPD’s Complaint and Disciplinary Process. The forum was broadcast in both English and Spanish.
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If you have driven through the intersection of Madera and Los Angeles Avenue recently you may have noticed a transformation of Simi Valley’s Welcome Corner. It now features drought resistant landscaping, updated lighting design, and a complete refresh of the signs of non-profit organizations. Find out more about the landscaping, view before and after photos, and more on the project's webpage.
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Senior Center Meal Service |
Our Senior Center staff, with support from the Public Works Department, has been busy providing meals to Simi Valley seniors since the onset of COVID. Since April 2020 the Center has distributed over 96,500 meals to seniors. Know someone who would benefit from this service? Visit the Senior Center page for more info.
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Curbside Pickup at the Library |
While the physical library is currently closed to the public, online, phone and curbside service is available. This means that the latest books, e-books, and audio books are all available for you to browse, reserve, and check out. Visit the Simi Valley Public Library's website for a library card or for more information on how to check out materials.
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Tour the Simi Valley Virtual Arts Center |
Have you checked out the Simi Valley Virtual Arts Center? The website offers an online arts experience that includes video performances, art exhibits, cultural events, and virtual craft fairs. Upcoming events include a broadcast of the Cultural Arts Center’s production of Sister Act and a soon to be announced musical designed specifically for the virtual stage.
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The Simi Valley Youth Council Keeps Teens Connected |
The Simi Valley Youth Council is planning several virtual events and activities for 2021. Upcoming happenings include: a video podcast on maintaining your mental health during the college application process; online social activities like escape rooms, game nights, and open mics; and the 3rd Annual Youth Council Talent Show. To stay up to date on all the events, please follow the Youth Council's Instagram
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Home Rehabilitation Loans To Qualified Low-Income Homeowners |
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Is your home in need of repairs to return to it a safe condition, meet building codes, or increase energy efficiency?
The City offers deferred-payment Home Rehabilitation loans up to $50,000 to qualified low-income homeowners. Loans accrue 2% simple interest for a term of 15 years, and are offered to owner-occupied single-family homeowners for needed repairs.
Examples of eligible work include roof repair and replacement; damaged walls, doors, screens, hardware, cabinets, and bathroom fixtures; HVAC replacement and installation; kitchen built-in appliances; floor and floor coverings; connection to sanitary sewer; repair or replacement of deteriorated exterior stucco; deteriorated/hazardous driveway repair; attic insulation; and weather-stripping.
Applicants must meet HUD income limits and other requirements. Repayment of Home Rehabilitation loans are required upon sale, refinance, or title transfer of the property.
Here are the HUD Income Limits:
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Has the New Year inspired you to look for a new job or take that next step in your career? Whether temporary, part-time or full-time, the City of Simi Valley might have the job opening you are looking for. Working for the City is a great way to serve your community while earning competitive pay and excellent benefits.
A list of current openings is below. Don’t see something that’s a good fit? Make sure to check the City’s CalOpps Page for the most up-to-date postings.
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Our primary way we communicate with our residents is via e-notify, the City’s automatic email notification system.
This system allows residents to receive agendas for City Council, Arts Commission, Planning Commission, Youth Council, and all other public meetings as soon as they are published.
You also can receive news releases and updates based on the City activities that interest you and your family. Sign up here.
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Please subscribe, like, or follow to receive important information on public safety, public meetings, economic development and all other community events.
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SimiValley.org is the go-to resource for all information associated with the City of Simi Valley.
Here you can watch City Council and Planning Commission meetings; apply to serve on a commission or board; view job openings; pay your water bill, apply for a business license; and view the City’s calendar.
Stay tuned for a brand new website launching sometime in 2021!
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