Community Comes Together During Sandy Fire Response

The Sandy Fire burned 2,183 acres and prompted an extraordinary response from firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and community members who worked together to help protect lives, property, and animals throughout the incident.

In recognition of those efforts, Mayor Cavanaugh and the City Council recently shared a message of appreciation for the Ventura County Fire Department, the more than 1,400 firefighters from across California, the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, regional public safety agencies, community partners, non-profits, and volunteers who supported emergency response operations.

The City Council also expressed gratitude to residents for their cooperation with evacuation orders, assistance provided to neighbors, and support for local equestrian communities. Throughout the incident, community members demonstrated compassion, resilience, and a willingness to help others.

The City remains thankful for the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork displayed by first responders and the community throughout the emergency response.

New Businesses Opening

The City is excited to welcome these new additions and investments to the community. Together, they contribute to Simi Valley’s continued growth by creating opportunities for residents to dine, connect, learn, and enjoy new services close to home.

Pozoleria Doña Ana: Bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to Simi Valley, Pozoleria Doña Ana recently opened its newest location on Tapo Canyon Road. Known for its traditional pozole, quesatacos, and family-style atmosphere, the restaurant has already generated strong community excitement and positive local reviews. 

Boys & Girls Club Teen Center: The newly renovated Teen Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley was recently unveiled following a community service project led by the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026. The improvements created a modern space where local teens can learn, connect, and grow through mentorship, recreation, and leadership development programs. The Boys & Girls Club serves more than 1,500 youth throughout the region, providing opportunities focused on education, healthy lifestyles, leadership, athletics, and the arts.

City Council Meeting Highlights


The Simi Valley City Council addressed several important initiatives this past month. Here are a few highlights focused on community services, infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents:

• Arts and Culture Master Plan: The City Council authorized staff to move forward with an Arts and Culture Master Plan to guide future arts, cultural, and public art initiatives throughout the community. View the May 4th Staff Report.
• Investing in Local Streets: The Council approved more than $3 million in Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding to support roadway improvements throughout the community. View the May 11th Staff Report to see which streets are in the upcoming project list.
• Establishing Short-Term Rental Regulations: To provide clear operating standards and oversight, the Council adopted an ordinance that allows and regulates short-term rentals within residential zones. Read the May 11th Staff Report.
• Supporting Community Programs and Services: The Council awarded $151,300 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support programs and projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and strengthen neighborhoods throughout the community. View the grant recipients in the May 11th Staff Report.
• Expanding Transportation and Mobility Options: The Council also received updates on transit and mobility initiatives, including the introduction of new electric buses and ongoing efforts to improve transportation accessibility for residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Watch the May 4th Presentation on new electric buses.

Visit www.simivalley.org/citycouncilmeetings to watch City Council meetings, review staff reports, or view agendas.

Simi Valley featured in Small Business Discussion

The City of Simi Valley was recently featured in a Small Business Roundtable published by the Los Angeles Business Journal, where economic development leaders, financial institutions, legal professionals, and business experts shared insights on the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses in today's economy.

The discussion highlighted resources available to help businesses access capital, connect with workforce development programs, navigate permitting requirements, and identify opportunities for long-term growth. It also emphasized the importance of early collaboration with City staff to help businesses successfully start, relocate, or expand their operations.

The feature reflects Simi Valley's ongoing commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a business-friendly environment. Through economic development programs, business assistance services, workforce partnerships, and access to financing resources, the City continues to help businesses start, grow, invest, and succeed in the community.

Representing the City in the discussion was Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay, who shared Simi Valley's approach to supporting business success and economic opportunity.

Simi Valley Police Promote E-Bike Safety Education

As e-bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity, the Simi Valley Police Department is expanding its efforts to educate riders and promote safe travel throughout the community.

In May, the Department hosted a free E-Bike Safety Education event at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, where attendees of all ages learned about safe riding practices, e-bike classifications, helmet safety, and current traffic laws. Officers also answered questions and displayed various e-bikes, e-scooters, and helmets, providing educational materials for home discussions.

Additionally, officers visited all three Simi Valley middle schools to speak with students about responsible riding, helmet requirements, traffic laws, and the importance of sharing the road safely with pedestrians and vehicles.

These ongoing educational efforts are part of a collaborative partnership between the Simi Valley Police Department, Simi Valley Unified School District, and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District to help keep riders informed, prevent accidents, and promote safe transportation choices throughout the community.

For more information about e-bike safety and community programs, call (805) 583-6950.

Your Voice Matters: Help Us Improve Traffic Safety at Sycamore and Cochran

On Wednesday, May 27th, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the City hosted a traffic calming pop-up demonstration at the intersection of Sycamore Drive and Cochran Street. Safety cones were used to simulate curb and median extensions designed to shorten crossing distances and reduce vehicle speeds.

Now, the City is asking residents to complete a short survey and share feedback about safety concerns and potential improvements at this intersection.

This location was identified by the VCTC as one of the top three highest-risk intersections in the county due to excessive speeds and other site-specific safety factors, including crashes caused by unsafe driver speeds.

Community input plays a crucial role in this process. Data collected from the demonstration, including survey responses, will be presented to Neighborhood Councils #1, #2, and #3 in July. For more information about the meetings, visit the City's calendar.

Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape future safety improvements for the community. For more information, please email SimiPSP@goventura.org.

CERT Graduates Step Up to Strengthen Community Emergency Preparedness

This spring, a new group of community members completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy, gaining hands-on training in disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, and light search-and-rescue. Graduates were recognized at the Monday, May 11th City Council meeting for their commitment to building a safer, more resilient community.

CERT volunteers serve an important role during emergencies by assisting neighbors and supporting community response efforts when professional emergency resources may be stretched thin or delayed. Through their training, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively and help others during times of crisis.

The City congratulates the newest CERT graduates and thanks them for stepping forward to serve their community. Their dedication helps strengthen Simi Valley's preparedness and resilience for future emergencies.

Interested in becoming a CERT volunteer? The next free six-week academy hosted by the City's Office of Emergency Services begins Wednesday, September 9th, and runs through Wednesday, October 14th. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Police Station.

Interested in joining CERT? The next free six-week academy hosted by the City's Office of Emergency Services begins All classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley Police Station.

To register, email CERT@simivalley.org with your name, address, and phone number.

Now Hiring: Instrumentation Technician

Looking for a meaningful career? The City is hiring an Instrumentation Technician. This position installs, troubleshoots, and maintains the instrumentation and control systems that support the City's wastewater treatment operations. The position helps ensure safe and reliable service for the community.

This job may be a good fit if you:

• Want to work with advanced equipment
• Enjoy hands-on, problem-solving work
• Take pride in keeping essential services running

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $36.88 to $47.07 per hour ($76,710.40 to $97,905.60 annually), along with an excellent benefits package. Note: A 3% Cost-of-Living adjustment will take effect on July 13, 2026.

If you’re interested, you can learn more and apply at www.simivalley.org/careers 

3rd Annual Informational Fire Workshop

Residents are invited to attend Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin's 3rd Annual Informational Fire Workshop on Tuesday, June 30th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This free event, to be held at Moorpark City Hall, will provide important information on home hardening, Zone 0 regulations, wildfire preparedness, and current fire insurance issues.

Attendees will hear from Ventura County Fire and insurance professionals, learn how to better protect their homes, and have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A panel.

Don't miss this valuable opportunity to stay informed and help make your home and community more resilient to wildfire threats.

Celebrating America's 250th Birthday

Simi Valley is preparing for a once-in-a-generation celebration as our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4th. Through the Simi250 initiative, residents and visitors can enjoy a full lineup of patriotic events celebrating our history, community spirit, and shared future.

Festivities include the official Simi250 5K run/walk on Friday, July 3rd, a family movie night under the stars, the All American Cruise through the city, and special community activities throughout the holiday weekend. The celebration culminates on Saturday, July 4th, with a pre-fireworks festival featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, family activities, and a tribute to our veterans. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show accompanied by a live performance from the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Residents can also enjoy free family-friendly activities at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, including live entertainment, historical reenactors, games, crafts, and special America250 programming. In addition, local businesses will participate in the "Simi $2.50" program, offering special promotions throughout the community.

Don't miss this historic opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate 250 years of American independence.

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Events

The heart of the arts in Simi Valley is your local hub for theater, concerts, comedy, art, and community events. From award-winning shows to gallery exhibits, there’s something for everyone.

• Now through Sunday, June 28th: Fiddler on the Roof musical. Purchase tickets for Fiddler on the Roof.
• Now through Monday, June 15th: Registration is now open for the Young Artist Playground (YAP) Summer Theater Camp, a 7-week theater camp for ages 6-14, running June 15th to August 1st. The summer camp will culminate with a performance of Finding Nemo Jr. Register for YAP theater camp.
• Saturday, June 6th: Annual CraftFest, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, local food, line dancing, and interactive community art activities.
• Thursday, June 18th: TAKE CARE Art Exhibit opening reception presented by the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center and Vibewell Ventura County, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free to attend.

Visit the Cultural Arts Center website for a list of upcoming shows, events, and volunteer opportunities.

What’s Happening at the Senior Center

The Simi Valley Senior Center offers a variety of programs, workshops, and activities each month for seniors. Here's a look at a few upcoming events:

• Sunday, June 14th: Harmony4Hunger Concert, Country Queens raising money for the Meals On Wheels program. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/Harmony4Hunger.
• Tuesday, June 16th: America's Founding Fathers presentation at 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 17th: Scam Talk at 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 18th: Father's Day Succulent Arranging class at 2:00 p.m. (registration and fee required)
• Friday, June 19th: Friday Night Dance at 6:00 p.m. Live music, refreshments, and Cowboy Cha Cha dance lesson for $10 per person.
• Tuesday, June 23rd: Corriganville Movie Ranch History presentation at 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, June 30th: A Closer Look into the Declaration of Independence at 1:00 p.m.

For more information or to reserve a spot for upcoming activities, call the Senior Center at (805) 583-6363 or visit the front desk.

Save the Date - National Night Out 2026

Join the Simi Valley Police Department on Tuesday, August 4th, for National Night Out from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Simi Valley Town Center. This nationwide event brings together neighbors, local organizations, and public safety personnel to promote community safety and connection.

Bring the whole family for a night of fun, featuring:

• Meet local law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders
• Family-friendly activities
• Games and entertainment
• Community resource booths
• Vendor booths and food trucks

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your community! For more information or to register as a vendor or for a food booth, visit the SVPD National Night Out website.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event

On Saturday, July 18th, the City will host the next free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Event. These events are held on the third Saturday of every other month. Appointments are required.

HHW events are a convenient, safe, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of residential hazardous materials properly. These events aim to eliminate hazardous waste sent to the landfill.

Accepted HHW items include aerosols, automotive products (such as vehicle batteries, antifreeze, motor oil, motor oil filters, and gasoline), up to 15 gallons of flammable liquids and solvents, and mercury-containing devices (including light-up shoes, thermometers, musical greeting cards, gauges, switches, and counterweights). For a full list of accepted and not accepted items, visit the City's household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off program website.

To schedule an appointment, please visit simivalley.org/hhwappointments or call (805) 583-6321. 

Online Waterwise Landscape Workshops

Looking to create a beautiful, water-efficient landscape? Simi Valley residents are invited to attend free Waterwise Landscape Workshops offered by Calleguas Municipal Water District and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

These workshops cover a variety of topics designed to help residents save water and improve their outdoor spaces, including:

• California Friendly and Native Plant Landscaping 
• Irrigation and Water Use Efficiency 
• Keeping Rain in the Garden 
• Garden Design 
• Drip Irrigation  
• Turf Transformation and Rebates 
• Fire-Wise Landscaping 

Visit the California Friendly & Native Plant Landscape Training Program website to view upcoming workshop dates and registration information.

June Events Hosted by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) has announced its lineup of free summer events for 2026. 

Community members are invited to enjoy the following family-friendly events in June:

• Movies in the Park: On Friday, June 12th, there will be a screening of A Minecraft Movie. Pre-movie activities will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk. Please bring blankets and chairs! The event will take place at 556 Lake Park Drive in Wood Ranch.

• Music in the Park: On Saturday, June 20th, join us for a performance by Wallen Outlaws, a tribute band to Morgan Wallen. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Rancho Simi Community Park, located at 1765 Royal Avenue. 

For event-related questions, call (805) 584-4400 or email info@rsrpd.us.

Upcoming City Holiday Closures

City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

City buses will not operate on Saturday, July 4th.