City Focus Newsletter
Monthly News and Updates From the City of Simi Valley
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Welcome to the June 2021 edition of City Focus, Simi Valley’s monthly e-newsletter designed to keep residents informed about the programs, events, and services offered by the City.
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up on our E-Notify 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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Ventura County Has Entered the State's Yellow Tier! |
The County of Ventura moved to the State’s least restrictive Yellow Tier effective Wednesday, June 2, at 12:01 a.m.
This move means that businesses like restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, and retail establishments can now operate with increased capacity, and will also allow bars to begin providing indoor service at 25% capacity.
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The state has also released guidance for the reopening of the economy on June 15, 2021, with all sectors listed in the state's current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart able to return to usual operations (while adhering to state masking guidelines).
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June 7, 2021 City Council Meeting Recap |
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In case you missed the June 7, 2021 Simi Valley City Council meeting, here is a brief recap of some of the agenda items. You can also watch the entire meeting using the video link above, or view the meeting agenda and corresponding staff reports on the City’s website.
- The month of June 2021 was proclaimed LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Simi Valley in recognition of the contributions of the LGBTQ community. Each June, cities and towns throughout the United States celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month to acknowledge the bravery it takes for LGBTQ people to come out as their true selves, build community, and promote equal rights for all.
- An honorary resolution was also presented in recognition of "Juneteenth", a combination of the words June and 19th, marking the anniversary of the arrival of Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas in 1865. On this date, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, all remaining slave states received word of the end of enslavement. This resolution encourages all citizens to honor June 19 as a day of reflection, education, and commitment to end racism and all forms of dehumanization, and to promote continuous self development and respect for all cultures.
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City Council Adopts FY 2021-22 Annual Budget and Capital Improvement Program |
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The City's Proposed Annual Budget and Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2021-22 was presented to the City Council at the June 7, 2021 meeting, and was adopted by a 4-1 vote. The annual budgets for the Cultural Arts Center and the Simi Valley Council on Aging were incorporated and adopted as well.
A public meeting was held on May 24, 2021 to present the Annual Budget and gather feedback, and the presentation can be viewed in the attached video.
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The FY 2021-22 General Fund Budget is structurally balanced between revenues and expenses, representing a sustainable and fiscally responsible budget which funds programs of value to the community and within available resources while maintaining more than the City’s 17% Prudent Reserve policy.
The staff report and attachments are available for review at the City's website.
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Council Approves Amendments to Beekeeping (Apiculture) Ordinance |
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At the request of the City Council, staff initiated text amendments to the Simi Valley Municipal Code to allow residential beekeeping activities (apiculture) in certain smaller residential lots and open space zones. City Council first heard the amendments at the April 5, 2021 meeting, where it was continued to make modifications. The requested modifications were brought back at the May 17, 2021 meeting and the Council adopted the ordinance at the June 7, 2021 meeting.
The modifications provide additional flexibility for allowing bees on properties within the animal overlay zones and a simplified application process that would be more attainable for prospective beekeepers.
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May 17, 2021 City Council Meeting Recap |
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In case you missed the May 17, 2021 Simi Valley City Council meeting, here is a brief recap of some of the agenda items. You can also view the meeting agenda, corresponding staff reports, or view the meeting in its entirety on the City’s website.
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The month of May 2021 was proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Car and truck drivers are encouraged to use turn signals, check blind spots, and eliminate distracted driving to safely share the road with motorcycle riders. Riders are encouraged to make themselves more visible to others on the road, wear protective safety gear, and remain aware of how to safely operate their motorcycle.
- May 2021 was also proclaimed Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to Simi Valley and the United States. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month commemorates the May 10, 1869 completion of the Transcontinental Railroad built on the labor of Chinese immigrants. During this month, residents are encouraged to celebrate the rich heritage of Asian Pacific Americans and work to combat racism and Xenophobia.
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The week of May 16 -22 was proclaimed Public Works Week to recognize the contribution of Public Works staff make towards the City’s health, safety, and quality of life. Residents were also encouraged to acquaint themselves with the services and facilities the Public Works Department provides. In Simi Valley, the Public Works Department is the largest City department. It is responsible for the water, sewer, roadways, transit, waste, and flood control services of the City.
- May 21, 2021 was proclaimed International Cultural Day to recognize the value of cultural diversity as a source of exchange, innovation, and creativity in the community and to assert that heritage in all forms must be preserved, enhanced and passed on to future generations. In recognition of this day, residents are encouraged to celebrate, preserve, and promote the diversity found in Simi Valley.
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The City Council meets on Monday evenings, typically twice or more per month, at 6:30 p.m. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the public is invited to view City Council meetings through these options:
Spectrum TV- Channel 10
AT&T Uverse- Channel 99
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Upcoming City Council Meetings: |
June 21, 2021
July 26, 2021
You can view agendas, minutes, and recordings of past City Council meetings and upcoming meeting agendas as they are released here.
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Public Statements:
Do you want to provide a public statement at a City Council meeting? Instructions on how to register for public statements are provided on each City Council meeting agenda.
Sign up to receive the agendas and instructions.
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Connecting Employers and Job Seekers |
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There are several resources available to assist people that are looking for employment, and to connect employers with prospective new hires.
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is a resource to help connect those in need of employment with organizations that have vacant positions, and information on the Career Services Program and youth employment resources can be found below. Additional information can be found at the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County website.
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The Career Services Program can help job seekers with employment workshops, job searches, careers assessments and development, and short-term training programs.
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Environmental Services to Resume Code Enforcement Activities as State Prepares to Reopen Economy |
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Code Enforcement Activities Coincide with State Reopening Scheduled for June 15, 2021 |
As the State of California prepares for the full reopening of the economy on June 15, 2021, Code Enforcement staff will begin following up on complaints received over the past 15 months that did not require immediate attention. As Code Enforcement makes contact with property owners and tenants, the goal remains to educate and work with those who have violations in an effort to remedy the concerns as quickly as possible.
If you receive a notice from Code Enforcement staff and are facing a challenge in complying within the time period specified, please contact staff as soon as possible to make arrangements for abatement. Those who do not make contact to request an extension prior to the deadline will be subject to fees and fines related to the failure to abate violations and increased staff time required to gain compliance.
The City appreciates all the residents and businesses who have already responded to requests to abate various issues that required immediate attention. As the State is beginning to return to its normal activities, Code Enforcement is here to assist the community in understanding the various requirements related to the maintenance of properties in order to maintain a safe and healthy Simi Valley!
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Simi Valley Public Library Summer Reading Program - Reading Colors Your World! |
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Summer Reading is Back! Now through July 31, 2021 |
Summer Reading is back at Simi Valley Public Library with the theme “Reading Colors Your World!”.
Now through July 31, 2021, the Library will be offering lots of colorful programs and activities for all ages, including a 10 day pop up art gallery courtesy of the Simi Valley Art Association.
You can expect to see a variety of colors on display this summer as everyone is encouraged to read and color their world! Click the button below to sign up and get started today!
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City Extends Recruitment for the Youth Employment Services Advisory Board |
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The City of Simi Valley is extending the application deadline for positions on the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board. Applications for this recruitment period will now be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021.
The YES Advisory Board promotes the employment of local youth, assists youth in developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of employers, and acts as an advisory board to the City Council on youth employment matters.
The YES is also responsible for two flagship programs: the Job and Career Expo and Interview Skills Workshops at local high schools. The YES Advisory Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month, August through May, at 8:15 a.m.
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Housing Element Draft - 2021-2029 |
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City of Simi Valley Housing Element Draft Available for Review |
The draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element has been posted on the City's website and is available to the public for review.
The published draft incorporates the feedback received from the Simi Valley community, and will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at the upcoming June 9, 2021 meeting.
Click the link to view the Housing Element draft, and all upcoming Planning Commission agendas can be found at the link below.
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Tune In to AM 530 During an Emergency |
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The City operates a low powered Highway Information System radio at 530 KHz on the AM radio dial. Residents should tune to this station in the event of a disaster or significant emergency to receive emergency information such as evacuation orders, evacuation routes, locations of shelters, important telephone numbers, incident updates and other information. When we aren’t experiencing emergencies, the station broadcasts various community information.
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Looking to change jobs or advance in your career? Whether temporary, part-time, or full-time, the City of Simi Valley has a variety of job opportunities. 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. Make sure to check the City’s CalOpps page for the most up-to-date postings.
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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 & Safety 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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Address: 2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Phone: (805) 583-6700
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