City Council — May 5, 2026

Good evening, I'd like to call this meeting to order. Good evening we're calling this meeting to order thank you. Ms. City Attorney are there any reports from closed session?

There are no reports tonight Madam Mayor.

Are there any items for agenda review?

Madam Mayor we have one supplemental on Agenda Item 5A Annual Position Vacancy Report. Thank You

I move that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only, and all further reading be waived. Second.

Call for the vote.

The motion passes unanimously.

Thank you. If any member of the City Council may have a conflict of interest or any reason why that member must abstain from consideration of any matter on this agenda he or she should so declare at this time. Seeing none, we're free to move on Madam Clerk.

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 1D4 presentation every proclamation declaring May 7th 2026 as day of prayer and management analyst Kristen Miller is presenting this item as well and accepting the proclamation is Pastor Clifton Clark New Beginnings Church

I knew you looked familiar, I've met you before.

Good evening Mayor Kavanaugh and members of the City Council. I have the honor of recognizing May 7th, 2026 as a day of prayer in the city of Simi Valley. Established in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S Truman. In 1988 President Ronald Reagan designated the observance on the first Thursday of May creating a day dedicated to reflection and unity.

On this day, the Simi Valley Faith Community comes together in prayer for the well-being of our community which includes city leaders, school board members, local businesses, schools and residents while also encouraging collaboration among churches and faith based nonprofit organizations as a resource for the city. May 7th 2026 is hereby proclaimed a day of prayer in the city of Simi Valley presented on this fourth day of May, offering all residents an opportunity to give thanks and recognize those who serve that community and observe the day in ways meaningful to its significance.

Thank you so much. Our faith-based community here is so awesome, they do so much for us. So I just want to thank you, your church and every other synagogue, church, temple for all the help that they give to our community overall and I'm so happy you're able to accept this for the day of prayer would you like to say something?

Well indeed, yes. Don't give me the mic. But are you aware that it's the 75th year of the National Day of Prayer? And it's particularly important because often people think about the National Day of Prayer as a particular spiritual ethereal act but it's really an embodied act because people from all over the city, particularly pastors and leaders come together not just to pray but as a sign of physical solidarity. So I'm going to invite you all to come out particularly on the 250th year of the birth of our nation come out and support God bless you

thank you very much Thank you so much.

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is item 1D5 presentation of a proclamation declaring May 15th 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Chief Shorts is presenting this item and accepting the proclamation is Sergeant Rick Morton

Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Today we pause to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities with courage and dedication often at personal risk. The city of Simi Valley has issued a proclamation declaring May 15th, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and Sergeant Rick Morton will accept it on behalf of the department.

Sergeant Morton Began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department before joining the Simi Valley Police Department in 1996. He served in patrol, became a canine officer in 1998 working with his canine partner Rex and was a detective in the Special Investigations Unit. In 2006 Rick was promoted to senior officer and then to sergeant in 2022.

He now supervises the Detective Bureau's Major Crimes Unit and is the department's public information officer. Rick also served as a range master, honor guard member, SWAT team member and the team leader and was on the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. He also contributes as part of the recruiting resource group and was part of the recognition committee. Rick continues to have a lasting impact on the department and the community.

Excuse me. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who have been disabled or made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of public safety and a time to show support for those who continue to wear the badge. For our community, we remember Officer Michael Clark who made the ultimate sacrifice on August 4th 1995. His service and the service of so many others like him will never be forgotten.

As we recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day in the City of Simi Valley, we invite all residents to reflect on the dedication of these officers and to honor their sacrifices. Flags at city facilities will be flown at half-staff in their memory as a visible symbol of our gratitude and respect. Thank you.

This is coming from a law enforcement family. It means a little bit more. I've been to the National Memorial in Washington, D.C., you know, penciled in the name. So it's just really important. I'm so glad you're here to see or to accept this for us and thank you Chief. And he forgot to say he's also a great softball coach. Right? Would you like to say anything?

I was just going to say I'm honored to accept this on behalf of the men and women As the Chief said, we want to honor Michael Clark's memory. So I accept this on his behalf so that we can continue his legacy and remember his honor.

Thank you so much Sergeant.

Madam Mayor, if I could request the City Council join me in having the city manager illuminate our Civic Center sign in blue lights from May 11th until May 15th, Police Memorial Day.

I'll second that. Thank you, Councilmember Judge.

No problem.

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 2, Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations and Informational Reports. We have no speakers for this item this evening. Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 3A1, Selection of one city council member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for returning youth council members. And Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler is here to present this item.

Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. The Youth Council is comprised of 21 members and three alternates in grades 7 through 12 who advise the City Council on issues of concern to local youth. The next regular term of appointments is scheduled to commence on July 1st, 2026. Up to nine of the current 24 Youth Council members may be selected for reappointment 18 current youth council members are eligible for reappointment, therefore it is estimated that approximately two and a half hours will be needed to conduct the interviews.

Councilmember Judge most recently served on the interview and nomination panel in May of 2025. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. It is recommended that the City Council select one City Council member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for prospective returning Youth Council members to fill up to nine positions on the Youth Council.

The panel will also include the youth council coordinator, that's me. And up to two non-returning youth council members. This concludes the report and staff is available to answer any questions at this time.

Thank you Mr. Fowler. Mayor Pro Tem Litzter

Thank you. And this is, I can tell will be very difficult job because we're talking half of those eligible would are would be selected possibly the date that you've tentatively selected may 26 Councilmember Rhodes and I have both already scheduled to be doing interviews for neighborhood council. And I understand that it's a lot of working moving parts, but my suggestion is possibly either councilmember Ayala. I realize councilmember judge did last year Maybe you're the mayor would like to do it, but I but maybe one of the three would Would if there's one that would like to volunteer?

I'll nominate council member Ayala I did speak with him about his availability and willingness, he did suggest that he would be willing. It's one of the hardest

interviewing things that we do, it really is.

The hardest. Yeah, I don't mind doing it. I'm interacting with the Youth Council as their liaison so I've seen them participate in the different events and know who they are, so I would accept that.

I think you'd be the perfect person. So we have a first and second call for the vote?

The motion passes unanimously.

Thank you.

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is item four public statements. During this agenda item for the city council will hear public statements from all persons who have submitted speaker cards. I apologize I skipped one item here Madam Mayor and members of the City Council,

Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh and council members. This evening we are pleased to present the city's first electric zero emission transit bus. The purchase represents an important step towards meeting California's Innovative Clean Transit Regulation or ICT for short which requires a gradual transition to 100% zero emission bus fleet. The bus is a 2026, 35-foot New Flyer Excelsior charge model.

The estimated range is up to 270 miles. The capacity is 32 seated passengers and the bus can be charged with curbside or overhead charging systems. Staff is available to answer any questions that you may have and hopefully not too technical enough to be dangerous but not.

Thank you. Are there any questions? Mayor Pro Tem Lister

Just a question, thank you for that concise report. And I think I've seen them out on the street. We have how many? One, two... How many are actually operating right now?

Zero in operation and we just took delivery this past Friday.

So we just received it?

Right so we have the first one which is outside display in front of flagpole. So we have one of six will be arriving in the next three weeks.

Got it. 32 seats versus how many currently on the non-electric?

They about the same.

Similar capacity,

less seats at most but the same amount of seating capacity.

Very good and right now charging occurs where?

Right now charging will occur at the Transit Maintenance Facility or PSC. The overall goal is to once the transit center is built here just outside the library we'll do overhead charging as well so they'll be able to charge every hour once they come through the Civic Center.

Thank you. Council Member Ayala.

With the buses that we're replacing, are we able to get any money for those? Like what happens with those current buses?

Those buses go to auction, US Auction I think is the name and it could vary depending on the highest bidder anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 per bus.

Yes. And that money we recoup here?

Yes and then that goes back into replacement purchase of new vehicles

So it's gonna be just a immediate crossover. All those, these come in everything else goes out? Right, right. Very good thank you.

Any other questions? Since there are not we're going to take a 10 minute recess and go out and view the bus. We'll be adjourned for ten minutes.

That means everyone else can go view the bus too just to be very clear

Thank you. We're back from recess now, we'd like to reopen the meeting. Madam Clerk please proceed.

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 4, Public Statements. During this Agenda Item 4, the City Council will hear all public statements from persons who have submitted speaker cards. Agenda Item 4 is a time allotted for public statements on all items other than public hearings, appointments and informational reports. Speakers will be called in the order in which their card was submitted to speak for this Public Statement Item 4 for a period of no more than three minutes each. Persons addressing the City Council are requested to state their name and community residence for the record.

We have 16 speaker cards. I will call three at a time. At once, you'll know who you follow. Ben Davis, David Masso and Robert Lickins.

Mayor, council members and city staff. My name is Ben Davis, president of Picolet Tiny Homes here in Simi Valley. I'm also a veteran and I had the honor of serving as a captain in the United States Air Force. That experience taught me a lot about service responsibility and the importance of taking thoughtful action when real needs exist. And that's why I am here again tonight.

The people of Simi Valley are ready now! Peak of the Tiny Homes already has a list of over 100 people in Simi Valley who want a tiny home in their backyard as soon as they are allowed. And when we were recently out in the community, dozens more people came up to us asking the same question, can we buy one yet? I had multiple people tell me they were ready to buy immediately and that should tell us something. The need is not coming, it's already here. There are families paying exorbitant amounts of money for assisted living for their parents because they need a solution now. Not two years from now after a traditional ADU might finally be finished. They don't have the luxury of waiting. Every month we delay is more time lost that families don't get back.

There are also young adults still living in their parents' homes because they can't afford to move out, but they are ready for independence, privacy and a place of their own. They do not need another speech about the problem. They need a path forward. The groundwork has already been done. Other cities have already shown that movable tiny homes can be clearly defined and regulated responsibly. And a memo has already been drafted. So tonight, I'm asking again plainly and respectfully bring the memo into public view. Let this council see it. Let the people see it. Let this conversation move forward in the open because Simi Valley families are ready now and they should not have to keep waiting. Thank you for your consideration.

David Mosso?

Good evening Simi Valley, Madam Mayor, Councilmembers and City staff. My name is David Masso and I have lived in Simi Valley since 1980. I previously served on one of our city neighborhood councils and I care deeply about the safety and community. I want to speak about the tragic death of 13-year-old Reece Beck, who was struck and killed by a train at Sequoia Avenue in Los Angeles Avenue Railroad Crossing.

Although I did not know Reece or his family, I want to express my sincere sympathy for their loss. His passing has affected many of us and it has compelled me to speak up. The crossing where the tragedy occurred has clear and dangerous safety deficiencies. On the east side of Sequoia, the sidewalk allows bicyclists, e-bike riders and pedestrians to bypass the vehicle gate entirely. There is no pedestrian gate, no swing gate, no fencing, no channelization and no forced stopping point. A young rider traveling south on that sidewalk is not required to stop.

and is not physically guided to stop before entering the tracks. Visibility is also extremely limited. A bicyclist riding southbound on the east sidewalk can only see the approaching train at the moment it is already crossing the road. There is no meaningful opportunity to see the train in advance or to understand the danger before entering the crossing. This is not a rare or unpredictable situation, it is a known hazard And it is preventable.

In the days after this tragedy, I began researching the history of this crossing that led me to the Metrolinx Simi Valley Double Track project which includes safety upgrades to this exact location including new track panels and upgraded warning devices at the Sequoia Avenue crossing I also noticed something important. Several Metrolink crossings west of Sequoia Avenue have already received upgraded safety protections, while Sequoia Avenue and some crossings east of it have fallen behind.

I located a timeline image shown Environmental review completed in 2021. Design schedule to finish in summer of 2025, construction scheduled to begin in summer 2026. It appears this project is in a kind of pause, a limbo between phases where design is nearing completion but construction has not moved forward. Sadly these planned safety upgrades were not in place in time to prevent the tragedy that occurred.

Because of this pause, there is an urgent need to protect our crossings right now not only years from now when the Metrolink project is complete. I respectfully ask the city to explore temporary safety measures at this and other crossings such as temporary pedestrian... Mr. Marcello, I'm

sorry your time is up.

I have just one page left and it's all other protections to reduce risk while we wait for the long-term project to move forward. I respectfully ask the city to seek out and publicly present the current status of the Metrolink Simi Valley double track project so our community can clearly understand where the project stands in what steps are being taken to move it forward In addition, I'm asking the city to take three actions. I do

need to cut you off now Mr. Marcell. I'm sorry it's a very important issue. I understand but we've gone 30 almost 40 seconds over our time but it's an important issue. I completely agree. Thank you.

Respect thank you and look into that. I emailed you folks as well. I appreciate thank you.

Hi, I'm Robert Likens. Normally I go after Matthew Abbey and just say ditto but unfortunately my car got in before him but in four STRs we operate and own STRs in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Simi Valley and I think we've been here before all the benefits sounds like you guys are on the right track where we're gonna put some regulations in place and that would be my recommendation thank you

Matthew Abbey, James McGillis and Dina Shovanec.

All right, good evening City Council. My name is Matthew Abbey. As I've shared in the past, I strongly support responsible short-term rentals because of the real positive impact they have on our community. To remind you over the years, I've hosted personally more than 20,000 nights with only one single issue during that entire time. Tonight I'd like to speak to the heart What does short-term rentals mean to guests?

I recently went back through all of our guest reviews. These stories show why guests choose our homes, it's not just a place to sleep. It becomes part of life's most meaningful chapters, celebrations, healings, reunions, farewells and homecomings. The emotional weight behind some of these bookings is genuinely touching. Families come to us during life's most tender moments A mother with recurrent ovarian cancer seeking one last visit with her sister before chemo.

A wife returning after heart surgery for critical follow-up. A family displaced by a devastating home flood, parents supporting their child through surgery And loved ones gathering for funerals or weddings. Many return with deep emotion to Simi Valley, the hometown they grew up in or once called home. Bringing children and grandchildren celebrate holidays, milestones and reunions where their roots still run strong.

Others stayed so they could be near loved ones receiving trauma care. Many simply needed a quiet peaceful place to get away and recharge. Families came so their children could stay close while their parents were going through difficult divorce One guest in particular stayed while his wife was receiving level one care at Cedars-Sinai. I heard back from him later that she sadly lost her battle, but he told me how deeply he cherished the precious time they were able to spend together in our home during her final days.

What does this mean to me? To me, this work means everything. It's how I provide for my family. It is how I provide for the homeowners we serve. It is how we support the hardworking people in our community, the cleaners, maintenance teams, handymen and others who earn a living through this. I care deeply about this the same way I cared for my students for 23 years as a teacher.

And some of you guys at the street fair saw DMS, that was mine and Mr. Nevin's project until recently for me. Our goal should be to create opportunity not take it away. Thank you guys.

Mayor Cavanaugh, members of the City Council. I'm James McGillis and unlike some speakers tonight, I'm proud to say I live in Simi Valley. While the city council has equivocated over short-term rentals my street has changed forever. Next door to me is the Honey House STR which is owned by an LLC down the street at 3377 Corpus Christi is an abomination of an illegal STR although landscaping and facade are beautiful What lurks behind that towering wooden gate is a little bit scary. A canvas canopy stretches the full length of the driveway attaching to the garage. To stabilize it, someone has welded steel struts to the cinder block wall next door. Is it a fire trap? A seismic disaster waiting to happen or both? You do not have to trespass to see the obvious building and safety issues on that property.

Do an independent survey of the neighbors behind it on Travis Avenue, you will find it's a party house. As you know, the Supreme Court has made after-the-fact bribery of politicians legal. For instance, a council member could vote in favor of legalizing STRs and then after the vote accept campaign donations from Airbnb VRBO and dark money facilitators. Since Mr. Rhodes, you addressed me at the last meeting I will address you.

You've been the chief advocate for regulating short-term rentals and legalizing them. Have you ever accepted campaign money from Airbnb, VRBO or other facilitators of SDRs? For the record will you do so in the future since you and one other council member required the Simi Valley City Manager to spend $30,000 on an independent survey. Do you still think that was wise or could the money have been better spent at the Sequoia Avenue Railroad crossing.

Do you live in a neighborhood controlled by a homeowners association? Will you and your family vote to have STRs in your own neighborhood? To each member of the City Council, change up here. The 500-year old heritage oak tree on Oak Road is scheduled for development into a parking lot. Thank you, Joni Mitchell. If that issue comes before the city council, will you vote in favor of removal of the tree?

Thank you.

Good evening Madam Mayor and Council Members. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Dina Shavonic, and I spoke several times in support of SDRs. As I have shared before my father of a 87 year old owns the SDR. The income from the property helps him support helps to support the care and assisted living that is deeply important to our family.

Equally important to us has been understanding the concerns around STRs in Simi Valley. When we chose this path, we did not ignore the potential impact on his neighbors or the bordering communities. It matters to us that we remain a positive presence not just in his neighborhood, but in Simi Valley as a whole. In attending City Council meetings I was hoping to gain an understanding of what specific issues STRs are causing so we addressed So we could address them or improve where needed however Over the past several meetings, I've mainly heard from a small number of residents who oppose STRs for personal reasons. I have yet to hear substantiated evidence showing that STRs are creating problems or nuisances in our neighborhoods.

In fact, I've heard the opposite. STRs bring respectful gas additional revenue to our city. There are already regulations in place that help prevent or that help preserve neighborhood character, including parking rules, maintaining property maintenance and operational standards that are well above long-term regulations. All of which contribute positively to neighborhood appearance and value.

I am sure you are as ready as we are to bring this issue to a close, and I appreciate your continued Attention and patience as it is discussed in closing I encourage the council to consider maintaining The current approach to STRS from what? I'm hearing they are not causing the kinds of problems that would justify restrictions as The saying goes if it's not broken don't fix it. Thank you again for your time and for the effort You've dedicated to this issue.

Thank you. I

The next three cards, Ivana Christman, Sana Joshi and Angela Tuazon and Kathy Wagenbach.

Oh this is so tall. Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh City Council. I'm here tonight to talk to you about different organizations and ways to give back to our community this coming weekend. Our Rotary Club, I actually wrote down mine and it was like there's a couple of us. Our rotary club has our annual fundraiser, which is a softball tournament. And if you haven't signed up, please still come and join us. It's on Saturday at the Estern Park and we will have fun. We'll have burgers and beverages and cheer our teams on If you missed on that, I'm also fundraising for the Samaritan Center. They have their second chance prom event and there are so many wonderful nominees for that. It's May 14th. So it's not about titles and being king and queen. It's about supporting our communities and giving back.

We're really not competing against each other. We're actually doing stuff together to fundraise for this wonderful organization that supports others. For whoever you want, donate, share if you can't attend and I hope I'll see you there. Thank you.

Good evening, Madam Mayor and City Council members. My name is Angela Twasun and I am here with my friend Sana Joshi. We are students of Simi Valley Unified who are interested in improving the health care system and are here to speak about safety regarding assistive mobility.

We firmly believe in improving the safety of patients through knowledge and access about different types of crutches. The issue at hand is that most patients essentially have no say in the type of crutch that they're given, rather they're routinely provided with an auxiliary or underarm crutch. They aren't informed of any alternative options.

Using crutches improperly and to the point where it feels like forever can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, potential nerve compression, soft tissue irritation and other big fancy words compiled in a seemingly never-ending list. On the other hand forearm crutches can pose as a solution to these problems by improving comfort posture and functional movement for patients.

Despite this, access and awareness of forearm crutches are extremely limited in many clinical settings.

As we've explained the issue and pointed out the differences between the crutches, research in numerous articles can substantiate our claims. Crutches aren't perfect and will always have imperfections no matter what type of crutch it is. The National Library of Medicine acknowledges that even forearm crutches have issues, implying that crutches aren't universally effective.

This means that patients should have knowledge of alternate options when being prescribed them. Yet an article from the Millennial Medical states that hospitals stock bulks of underarm crutches.

We are very appreciative of your time in listening to us spread awareness about the hazards regarding assistive mobility We strive to garner the support of both the City Council and residents of Simi Valley as we try to bring justice to this issue. Hopefully one day, we will live in a state that requires explanations of forearm and underarm crutches coupled with options for them both.

Thank you.

Good evening City Council members. My name is Kathy Wagenbach and I'm a resident of Big Sky, the Big Sky area here in Simi Valley. I'm here tonight to speak about the growing safety concern involving children riding motorized electric bikes in our community. Over the past two years there's been a noticeable increase in accidents involving e-bikes across Southern California. One tragic example was in Huntington Beach where a 14 year old Child riding an e-bike struck an 81 year old man who died later from his injuries.

The situation had devastating consequences for both families. Closer to home, my own family has experienced near misses. My son who lives in Westminster was nearly hit by two children riding e-bikes at high speed while he was jogging and crossing the street and they didn't slow down to check to see if there was any traffic. What brought me here tonight was the most recent one right here in Simi.

When I heard about this terrible accident, I couldn't help but think these children should not be riding around on the streets with these motorized bikes. However, it was more than just another sad story about e-bikes. It directly touched my son and his family. My 13 year old granddaughter was in his youth group at church and my nine year old grandson is good friends with his brother.

They should not have had this kind of experience and tragedy at such a young age. This not only affects a family but a school, in a church community, friends, teammates and Simi as a whole. Here in Simi I personally witnessed young riders speeding down Erringer Road and Lost Canyon performing wheelies extended stretches often without helmets. These bikes may be classified as class one and class two But many are modified to exceed safe speed limits.

At that point they function like small motorcycles. This is just not about reckless behavior, it's about safety and responsibility. Children under 15, actually it goes to 21 are still developing judgment and decision-making skills. When combined with high speeds, motorized bikes the risk to themselves and others becomes significant. I respectfully urge the City Council to consider stronger local regulations including prohibiting children under 15 from riding e-bikes on city streets and sidewalks, establishing enforceable penalties for violations including fines for parents and guardians.