Monthly News and Updates From the City of Simi Valley |
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Welcome to the November 2022 issue of the 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:
- City Council Reorganization Meeting
- City Council Meeting Updates
- Holiday Themed Events
- City's November Employee of the Month
- Cultural Arts Center, Library, and Senior Center Programs
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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City Council Reorganization Meeting |
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Following the the City’s General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, the community elected a Mayor and two City Council Members, one from District 2 and one from District 4.
Following certification of the election results by the Ventura County Elections Division, the new Mayor and Council Members will be sworn in during the Monday, December 12 City Council meeting, otherwise known as a Reorganization Meeting. During this same meeting, the City Council will recognize Mayor Keith Mashburn and Council Member Ruth Luevanos for their service to the community and wish them well as they end their service to the City. As with all City Council meetings, the community is encouraged to participate in the reorganization of its City Council.
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October 24, 2022 Meeting
During this meeting, the City Council approved a Homebuyer Assistance Program to serve income levels up to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) with preference provided to households up to 60% AMI. The Council also approved COVID-19 Recovery Grants for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley and Sewa. The Free Clinic was allocated $105,795 to be used to create an open-air counseling space, outdoor natural play therapy area and replace a deteriorating block wall. Sewa was allocated $100,000 to provide food pantry reinforcement support.
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November 7, 2022 Meeting
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During this meeting, the City Council presented Certificates of Completion to the CERT class, approved a COVID-19 Recovery Grant for Interface Children & Family Services in the amount of $250,555 to enhance its domestic violence safe house and to assist with vulnerable population case management.
The City Council also received the Simi Valley Public Library Annual Report and adopted the Library's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
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November 14, 2022 Meeting
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During this meeting, the City Council recognized the month of November as Native American Heritage month and Saturday, November 26 as Small Business Saturday to encourage the community to shop small to kick off the holiday season.
The Council also approved changes to the Ventura County Fire Code the International Building Code.
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Pre-Order Your Rain Barrel |
Calleguas Municipal Water District is hosting a Rain Barrel pick-up event on Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at its headquarters located at 2100 Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks. Rain Barrels must be pre-ordered. Pricing is as follows: 50 gallons - $65.00, 58 gallons - $75.
A $35 per barrel rebate is also available, with a limit of two per household. Details are available at SoCalWaterSmart.com
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Metropolitan Water District Offers Free Water Efficiency Surveys
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Metropolitan Water District offers free virtual indoor/outdoor residential water use surveys and in person surveys for commercial large landscapes. The surveys are available on a first come, first served basis and provide customers with recommendations to improve landscape and indoor water use efficiency.
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The City of Simi Valley is pleased to announce our upcoming customer portal, Dropcountr.
Dropcountr will allow customers of Waterworks District No. 8 to monitor their water usage and set water usage goals, saving water and money. Dropcountr users in other communities typically reduce their water consumption by an average of nearly 10%.
Invitations will be sent to Waterworks District No. 8 customers to sign up soon.
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Boards and Commissions Recruitment |
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Council on Aging Recruitment |
The Simi Valley Council On Aging (COA) is looking for eligible seniors to serve on the Executive Board and help manage and develop senior services, fundraisers and programs sponsored by the COA. The COA Executive Board is an all-volunteer board which acts as an advisor to the City Council on senior issues.
All applicants must be 60 years of age or older and reside in Simi Valley. Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 18, 2022.
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A Christmas Variety Show! |
The Simi Valley Senior Center Performing Arts Group is pleased to present “A Christmas Variety Show!” on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Friday, December 2, 2022, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi. |
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The Simi Valley Police Foundation invites you to a Touch a Truck event on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall Parking Lot. Fun for the whole family! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. |
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The Council on Aging (COA) is clearing out its closets before the holidays! The Jewelry and More sale will be held at the Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, on December 7 through December 9, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Funds raised will be used to support senior services. |
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Cultural Arts Center Corner |
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CAC Comedy Night
Simi native comedian Jason Love returns to the Cultural Arts Center for another night of great family comedy on Sunday, November 27 at 7:00 pm. Joining Jason this time around will be comedians Don Friesen and Stephanie Blum. All seats are $15.
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Elf the Musical
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center presents Elf the Musical from November 19 through December 23. The hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts, is transported to the North Pole and doesn't realize he's human until his enormous size and poor toy making abilities make him face the truth. Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Fun for the whole family! Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 60 and above and students, and $20 for children.
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Cultural Arts Center Craft Fair |
Visit the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, December 3, for its Annual Craft Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to get your holiday gift shopping done early while “shopping local” at the same time. Bring the kids and grandkids for a meet and greet with Santa and Buddy the Elf from the upcoming Elf the Musical! between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
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Young Artists Playground Holiday Open House
Join the Young Artists Playground for a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature arts and crafts, fun improv theatre games, a Backstage Tour with the Elves and a Meet and Greet with Santa and Buddy the Elf!
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The Long Run Holiday Concert
The Long Run will return on Wednesday, December 7 to help welcome the holiday season with their special acoustic Christmas show.
In addition to beloved Eagles hits, the group will play unique holiday mash-ups; blending Eagles songs with classic, Christmas favorites.
Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for Adults, $32 for Seniors & Students, and $30 for Children.
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Blue Christmas
Raymond Michael is back as the King of Rock and Roll for his "Blue Christmas with Elvis" concert. Sunday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for Adults, $32 for Seniors & Students, and $30 for Children.
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Nominations Now Being Accepted Through Friday for the Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award
The Simi Valley Council On Aging (COA) is seeking nominations for its 2022 Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award. The nomination period has begun and completed nominations must be received no later than Friday, November 18, 2022. The nomination form can be found on the City of Simi Valley’s website at www.simivalley.org/COA or by calling Assistant Community Services Manager Robert Martin at (805) 583-6364.
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Special Event Support Grant Funding |
The City of Simi Valley is now accepting applications for Special Event Support Grant funding. The program provides funding support to local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations for community events anticipated to be held in 2023. There is up to $25,000 of funding available for distribution to qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed by the Special Event Support Review Committee and recommendations will be made to the City Council for final funding determination. |
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Thanksgiving Eve Dinner at the Senior Center |
The Simi Sunrise Rotary Club and Simi Valley Council on Aging are sponsoring a free Thanksgiving Eve dinner on Wednesday, November 23. Three seating times are available, 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Free tickets are now available at the main desk. |
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Learn About the Fiber Network Coming to Simi Valley and Score a Free Taco! |
Curious about the new fiber network coming to Simi Valley Do you have questions for the local internet service providers (ISP) on the network?
Sifi Networks is hosting a FiberCity Eat and Greet Taco Truck every Monday (excluding holidays) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where the community can meet the FiberCity Team and ISP reps. All while you enjoy a free taco!
Follow Simi Valley FiberCity on Facebook and Twitter, to learn where Sifi and the taco truck will be each week. |
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November Employee of the Month |
Join us in congratulating Anne Sorensen, the City's Employee of the Month for November 2022. Anne, a Permit Services Coordinator, provided stellar support and communication to the Planning Division staff during the months of July and August 2022.
Anne helped integrate procedures for permitting software (EnerGov) to gain efficiencies in the permitting process, including assisting with the implementation of the new parcel split feature. Anne also helped update the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) handout after following up with outside agencies such as Ventura County Watershed regarding their updated procedures. She also assisted the project applicant for Tapo/Alamo (a mixed-use project) that resulted in expediting building permit issuance.
Anne inspires us with her devoted work ethic and great attitude. She is patient, courteous and kind, and always happy to help.
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Simi Valley Public Library Happenings |
The Simi Valley Public Library has a variety of events and activities in November you won't want to miss, including NANOWRIMO, a local author event, and more.
The READ Adult Literacy Program, a partnership between the Simi Valley Public Library and the Ventura County Library, provides free instruction for adults, helping with reading, writing, math, GED / HSE and citizenship. Instruction is based on the individual's career and personal goals. This program is available weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.
The Library has expanded its hours:
Mon.- Thurs. 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Meet Local Author Michele Neff Hernandez |
The community is invited to a Featured Author Event with Simi Valley nonprofit leader and author, Michele Neff Hernandez tonight, Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. Her book, Different After You, will be available for purchase for those who would like to have a copy signed by the author. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Soroptimist International of Simi Valley.
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Mental Health and the Holidays |
The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also be stressful, especially for those coping with mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness, coupled with the never-ending "to do list" can be overwhelming at this time of year. The City of Simi Valley encourages anyone who finds themselves struggling, to please seek help.
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.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.
Please take care of yourself and reach out for support.
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Help shape a Community Vision for the Los Angeles and Tapo Street Corridors. Provide your input on the Envision website before the next Community Workshop.
Your feedback will help envision the future of Simi Valley!
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Youth Ride Free on Ventura County Buses |
The Youth Ride Free Promotional Program allows youth 18 and under and those over 18 enrolled in high school to ride any public transit bus in Ventura County for free, anytime, anywhere.
High school-aged youth should be prepared to show ID to board for free. The program will run through the 2022-23 academic year.
More information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the Ventura County Transportation Commission's webpage.
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Proposed North Canyon Ranch Project |
The North Canyon Ranch project is a 160-acre proposed residential development, located in the northwestern portion of Simi Valley, north of the 118 Freeway and the Simi Valley Town Center. The proposed project would include a residential development of 159 single-family homes and 50 multi-family units, along with open space, roadways, landscaping and slope areas.
The City has created a dedicated webpage for the project, which will be updated with reports, public meeting dates, and other related information.
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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:
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Upcoming Holiday Closures |
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City offices, including the Simi Valley Library and Simi Valley Senior Center, will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Happy Thanksgiving! |
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