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iHow this transcript is madeUnGovr transcribes the official recording with automated speech-to-text, separates speakers by voice, and matches voices to the seated roster. Names and attributions are AI estimates and may contain errors.Verify any quote yourself: click anywhere in the transcript and the official video jumps to that exact moment, so you can check any quote against the recording.0:09 – 0:092 turns
Good evening everyone, I'd like to call this meeting to order. We apologize for being a couple minutes late we had a good discussion going on so Mr. City Attorney are there any reports from closed session?
Thank you Madam Mayor nothing to report out of closed session.
Roll call — called by Unidentified speaker 4 · 1 under review
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Agenda Discussionitems moved / continued / pulled — click to expand
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, the first item on the agenda is Item 1D1, Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Outgoing 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. This evening we are recognizing 15 outstanding Youth Council members. These individuals have contributed their time and exemplary service on the advisory board to the City Council on youth-related matters. I'm excited to announce that our graduating seniors have plans to attend the following colleges this fall.
Moorpark, UC Irvine, UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania. The rest will be continuing at their middle and high schools poised to be remarkable student leaders this coming year. I request that those individuals present this evening come forward as I call your name. Brian Agok, Mahi Daga Not present tonight, Ashlyn is not here. Jasleen Kangura. Nandeeha Krishnamoorthi.
Not present at the moment, Keeshan Mehta. Rithmika Naveen. Also not able to be in attendance tonight, Vedika Gupta, Diya Prabhiram, Surya Ravikumar, Amin Shrijath, Daniel Tsai, Lauren Weitzman and Flora Yuan. You can still clap for them it's okay. They're here in spirit, so it's good. Thank
you. As you can tell we have a wonderful youth council they are so active involved in everything within our community and Mr. Fowler you do a great job with them we really want to recognize you for that too.
Thank you I have a little
bit more being president this year you've done a great job we're so proud of you so would you like to say anything?
I would like to say something.
Sorry,
I moved on. She moved on quick. I do have a little bit of a report about the youth council. During this past year the Youth Council completed the following held the 21st Youth Summit which invited 100 middle school and high school students to identify and discuss issues facing youth in our community and share ideas and solutions with community leaders Review and organize the printing of teen crisis resource numbers on the back of all Simi Valley Unified School District middle school and high school identification cards issued for the 26-27 school year.
Brought the Youth Impact Forum back to the Reagan Library which featured an innovative speaker series, workshops on youth safety and advocacy in the creation of student action plans. Co-hosted multiple awareness events with the Simi Valley Public Library, including Rock Painting Night attended by more than 300 community members and a youth safety workshop featuring Simi Valley Police Department Detective Kellen King.
Received grant funding from the California Department of Public Health to address youth problem gambling which included receiving over 100 responses to a youth gambling survey and hosting a Youth Problem Gambling webinar that had almost 50 participants. presented workshops, led breakout sessions and participated in student panels for several organizations including the Ventura County Office of Education, Friday Night Live Youth Summit, Young & Gifted Conference, the California School Health and Behavioral Health Conference, and Constitution Day in partnership with Reagan Education, Ventura County Office of Education and Teach Democracy.
Additionally, Youth Council members promoted the programs and distributed resources at many local events including the Street Fair and City Expo, the city's annual YES Volunteer Fair, the YES Job & Career Fair, the Simi Valley Family YMCA's Fall Festival, and the Metrolink Holiday Train. They also held phenomenal fundraising events to help cover costs of all the activities they coordinate. One such event was their annual talent show, again extended to two nights with an almost sold out crowd, spectacular performances and generous sponsors. The event was an overwhelming success.
Each of these members brought unique skill sets that bolstered the success of the Youth Council program. I would like to thank all of them for their contributions to the community and I wish them the best of all things during the years to come. I would also like to especially thank Jasleen Kangura, our Youth Council Chair, for her four years of service with the Youth Council. She has been an exemplary youth leader coordinating many new initiatives overseeing our most active year to date and helping lead the largest Youth Council fundraising drive ever.
She did all of this while also achieving the highest GPA in Royal High School history. Yeah, so for the record that is higher than myself and you Mayor Kavanaugh She has set a high bar for the future youth council chairs and I know she will continue to have many great accomplishments as she continues on to the University of Pennsylvania this fall. It has been a true honor to work with her and each of these council members this term.
Thank you. See, I just said they did a lot and he told you everything they did so thank you very much we really appreciate that. Jeslene would you like to say anything?
I'll give an informational report in just a bit where I cover this a little bit, but thank you Ryan. That was very sweet and I just wanted to briefly say thank you to this year's Youth Council and the incoming Youth Council members for all the work that they did. It truly is incredible and like this group is absolutely amazing so yeah thank you to all of you.
Are there pictures? We have to pose for pictures now. She likes the logo on the back Thank you, thank you all very much.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 1D2 presentation of certificates of appreciation to outgoing Youth Employment Service Advisory Board members and Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler is presenting this item.
We're keeping Ryan busy tonight.
I am gonna be busy, I forgot I was next. Okay. Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. This evening we are recognizing three outstanding outgoing Youth Employment Service Advisory Board members. These individuals have contributed their time and effort to serve on the advisory board to the city council on all matters related to youth employment.
I request that those individuals present this evening come forward as I call your name. Serena Kangura, Outgoing Youth Council Representative Rithmika Naveen, outgoing youth representative. And Michael Shaw, outgoing neighborhood council representative. I just saw him here. He was here earlier. Perfect timing. During this past year, the YES Advisory Board accomplished the following. Led interview skills workshops for more than 1400 high school students.
Successfully hosted the 38th annual YES Job and Career Fair in partnership with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Simi Valley Public Library Co-hosted multiple YES workshops including a financial literacy workshop in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, summer workshops with the Simi Valley Unified School District and Simi Valley Public Library and an upcoming employer workshop with the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the board hosted the city's annual volunteer fair in November. I would like to thank each of them for their contributions it has been a privilege working with them.
Come on down Mr. Shaw Thank you very much. Thank you all for your services and I hope you had a great time doing it, and best of luck in the future. Does anyone want to say anything except for Mike? Okay alright thank you ladies very much appreciate it and gentlemen
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is item 1D3. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members and Community Services Coordinator Kelly Duffy is here to present this item.
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. The Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members serve as a vital link between residents and city government They serve as trusted representatives of their communities, offering thoughtful input on issues that shape the character and future of our neighborhoods. Throughout their terms these dedicated individuals have carefully reviewed and evaluated a wide range of complex development proposals
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providing valuable recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council. In addition to their advisory roles, they have actively communicated important updates to their neighborhoods and brought forward key issues that matter most to the community ensuring the residents' voices are heard at the highest levels of local government. This evening we are honored to recognize 15 outgoing members of the Neighborhood Council Executive Boards for their outstanding service. As I read each name, I invite those present to come forward and receive a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their time, leadership and unwavering commitment to the community.
Representing Neighborhood Council 1, Moses Amigolian, Sparky Cohen, Loa Heard, Jeff Pliam and Masako Yeager. Representing Neighborhood Council 2, Carl Birch Representing Neighborhood Council 3, Steve Buscoe, Andy Gautia, David Kritzer, Robert Martins, Nick Pahlke, Donald Wismar. And representing Neighborhood Council 4, Stephanie Bunker, Alessandro Neri and Art Samiri. Please join me in congratulating these individuals on a job well done!
And for the record, the presenter was Cynthia McCullough.
Come on over this way so she can take pictures. Thank you all for your service on the Neighborhood Council. I hope you enjoyed yourself and learned a lot about our communities. I remember interviewing you, so I'm glad you were able to get involved in such. So thank you for all your time and effort. And I think you can reapply in 18 months? Eight months! So keep that on your calendars, OK? All right, thank you.
I'm sorry, she wants to take a picture. Thank you all very much for your service.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 1D4, Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Outgoing Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board Members. And Assistant Community Services Manager Sandy McGee is here to present this item.
Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. This evening we are recognizing individuals within our community who have served terms on the Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board of Directors and contributed their time and efforts to bring diverse high quality cultural programs to the citizens of Simi Valley. There are two outgoing foundation board of directors being recognized tonight. As I call your name please come forward to be recognized.
Sanchita Karthnik Ms. Karthik has served on the Cultural Arts Center Foundation for four years. She was instrumental in developing and launching an Indian cultural night, a successful cultural celebration presented for two consecutive years that showcased traditional Indian dance and artwork by local Indian artists. Ms. Karthik played a key role in coordinating and facilitating these events helping to strengthen community engagement and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our region.
Next is Salwa Scarpone. Ms. Scarpone. Ms. Scarpone has served on the Cultural Arts Center Foundation for four years. During her tenure, she has held the position of Vice President of Resource Development helping to advance the foundation's fundraising and outreach efforts. Ms. Scarpone has created marketing materials for numerous foundation events and has been instrumental in event coordination, donor engagement, and fundraising initiatives. Her leadership and dedication have contributed significantly to the foundation's growth and community impact. These individuals are to be commended for their dedication to the arts and their exceptional community service.
Thank you both for everything you've done for the foundation. It has grown and gotten better and bigger, and more and more different types of cultural things that we're having. We have the Indian night, and we have the Hispanic heritage which is done very well. So it's very nice to see our community have different cultures come in and become acquainted with them. And I love Indian food so next year you need to include the food there.
But would you like to say anything? I think we should just keep moving along because there's a lot of people in here. It's a happy evening though, it's a happy evening. So Gina? Okay, Gina wants to take a picture.
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Sanchita did you want to say something?
Thank you so much for this recognition, it truly does mean a lot. Serving on the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation for the past four years has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my high school journey. What started as an opportunity to get involved in the community more had quickly become an experience that had taught me leadership service and the importance of preserving and celebrating the arts Throughout my time on the Foundation, I've had the privilege of helping support events, artists and programs that bring people together.
I've seen firsthand how the arts create connection, inspire creativity and make our community stronger. As a student, I am especially grateful to have been welcomed into this space and trusted with a voice at the table. The mentorship, responsibility and experiences I've gained over these four years have shaped me in ways that I will carry with me even after high school. Thank you to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation, my fellow board members, the city council and the mayor for your support and dedication for the arts in our community. It's been an incredible honor to serve the city that I've grown up in and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Thank you.
She can do my job better than I can. Now, did you graduate? And where are you going to college?
I will be going to the University of California Riverside this
fall. Very cool! Congratulations! Thank you both very much for all
that you do.
Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is item 1D5. Presentation of an Honorary Resolution to the 2026 City Volunteer of the Year. And Acting Management Assistant Candice Gray is here to present this item.
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Each year, staff from the city nominate dedicated volunteers for the City Volunteer of the Year. And tonight, the City Council recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact over the past year. At this time I would like to ask Chaplain Bill Martin to come forward to accept the 2026 City Volunteers of the Year award.
Oh, this is exciting. Through his work with the Simi Valley Police Department, Chaplain Martin has dedicated 11 years as a volunteer and has continued his service as a police chaplain since 2022. Over the past year alone he has contributed more than 500 volunteer hours as an extraordinary testament to his compassion and selfless commitment to others. Chaplain Martin is a steady and compassionate presence at police briefings, DUI checkpoints and during difficult moments when comfort is most needed. His service extends into the broader community as well, volunteering weekly with the Knights of Columbus at St. Rose of Lima Church to help feed unhoused individuals with dignity and kindness.
At 89 years young, his energy, warmth and unwavering dedication continue to inspire everyone he meets. His integrity and lifelong commitment to service make him an extraordinary and deserving honoree. Chaplain Martin's steadfast service, empathy and humility reflect the highest ideals of our community and we are deeply appreciative of the many lives he continues to uplift. On behalf of the City Council, we thank you for your commitment and service to the residents, the police department and the city of Simi Valley. Thank you.
You are just an inspiration. I've known this man for many, many, many years and you just get sweeter and better every day. Your wife might not say that but I will. So all your dedication to our community, to the Police Foundation Board when we served on that. You and your wife are so involved in your church. I was able to help serve last night dinner. I enjoyed meeting all of your cohorts on that and thank you for all that you guys do too. And you're just so deserving of this. I'm so happy that I get to be the one to give it to you. Thank you very much. Would you like to say anything? Please. Okay.
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Always, there's a microphone I like to be able to grab a hold of it and say something. Anyway thank members of Knights of Columbus for all they do for the city. Last night Dee was one of our guests of honors at our dinner that we had and we served 135 People who are disenfranchised, or who are homeless at the Knights of Columbus Hall. That takes a lot of dedication and a lot of people. We do that every Sunday from five till six.
And it's really an honor to be able to help people that have nothing, to be able to feed them and see a smile on their face. Thank you very much.
Thank you. All right, thank you very much. I think my service down here is done?
Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is item two Public Statements on Appointments Special Presentations and Informational Reports. We have no speakers for this item this evening. Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is item 3A1 Ratification of the appointment of a representative to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and Acting Management Assistant Candice Gray is presenting this item.
Good evening again, Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging VCAAA Advisory Council represents the concerns of senior citizens countywide. It provides leadership advocacy and visibility for persons age 60 and over within Ventura County and serves to advise the VCAAA on matters related to older adults. Each city's council on aging COA Executive board selects two representatives to serve staggered two-year terms on the 39 member advisory council. These appointments are then ratified by the respective city councils.
Nancy Garcia, will you please come forward? On April 6th 2026, the COA initiated a recruitment to fill an upcoming vacancy. The application period closed on May 8th, 2026 and four applications were received. The COA Executive Board met on May 11th, 2026 and voted to recommend the appointment of Nancy Garcia for a term commencing on July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2028.
It is the recommendation of the City Council The recommendation of the Council on Aging that the City Council approves and the Mayor appoints Nancy Garcia as a representative to the VCAAA Advisory Council. This concludes the report, and staff is available to answer any questions.
Thank you. Call for the vote?
I'll move COA's recommendation.
Oh thank you. Call for the vote?
The motion passes unanimously.
Congratulations
and thank you
very much for volunteering, we really appreciate it.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 3A2 appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members to the four neighborhood councils and Community Services Coordinator Kelly Duffy is presenting this item.
Good evening Mayor Cavanagh and members of city council Since 1970, the neighborhood councils have played a vital role in the city's government structure. They foster civic engagement by encouraging public awareness and participation in local decision-making. In addition they serve as advisory bodies to both the City Council and the Planning Commission on development projects and community concerns.
Currently there are 17 vacancies across the executive boards of the four neighborhood councils This evening, 13 applicants are being nominated to fill these positions for terms beginning on July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2028. As I read your name, will the nominees present this evening please come forward? Neighborhood Council One, Alan Mann, Julie Kurian, David Lewis, Mahmoud Bolat, David Maso, Jamuna Ramnath.
Neighborhood Council 2, David Gearing. Neighborhood Council 3, Evelyn Gatewood, John Gatewood. Neighborhood Council for Stephen Baird, Sasha Butts, Kevin Ko and Susan Dirkens. It is recommended that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint all 13 nominees to serve on the Executive Boards of the four Neighborhood Councils for the stated term.
Madam Mayor, I move to approve the Mayor appoint 13 nominees to the Neighborhood Council Executive Boards with terms commencing on July 1st 2026 and concluding June 30th 2028. Second.
Call for the vote. Vote yes from me please The motion passes unanimously. Thank you. I wanted to make sure she voted yes, just in case. Thank you all for taking the time to interview and to volunteer and be part of our neighborhood councils. If you have not done it yet, I think you're really going to learn a lot and enjoy it. And you meet a lot of nice new people too. So thank you all. We appreciate your time and service.
Thank you all.
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Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is item 3A3 appointment of Simi Valley Arts Commissioners and Assistant Community Services Manager Sandy McGee is presenting this item
Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. The Arts Commission is responsible for promoting greater public participation in and access to arts and culture, exploring alternate sources of arts and culture funding, planning arts programs and events, developing a master cultural plan, applying for grants, reviewing the annual financial and operational plans for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, and reinforcing the arts as a vital integral and necessary component of life for all members of the community.
Membership on the Arts Commission is comprised of eight members, including two City Council members, five City Council appointed public members and one Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board of Director. All public members serve staggered two-year terms of office. Arts Commission members may serve two consecutive terms and may serve additional terms provided 12 months have lapsed between appointments beyond two consecutive terms.
The terms of service for three City Council appointed public members will conclude on June 30th, 2026. On May 7th, 2026 Mayor Pro Tem Lidster and Arts Commissioner D'Antona interviewed the applicants and nominated three for appointment to two-year terms on the Arts Commission. These terms begin July 1st, 2026 and conclude on June 30th, 2028. The nominees are as follows. As I call your name please come forward Lauren Hammersley is not able to be with us tonight. Francesca Trincali Adams.
Burton Weinstein. It is recommended that the city council approve and the mayor appoint the three applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission. This concludes the report, and staff is available to answer any questions at this time. May I have a motion please?
To motion that we approve all three arts commissioner members please as stated.
Call for the vote, please vote yes for me. So you can't get out of it yet. The motion passes unanimously. Thank you both for volunteering and we appreciate your service to our community. So I expect great things from you guys, thank you.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 3A4 appointment of Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board Members and Assistant Community Services Manager Sandy McGee is presenting this item
Good evening Mayor Kavanaugh and members of the City Council. The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization that provides endowment and annual financial support for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. The foundation board is comprised of up to 21 voting members, including seven city council appointed public members All members serve staggered four-year terms.
On May 21st, 2026 Mayor Pro Tem Litzter and Council Member Rhodes interviewed the applicants three of which are recommended for appointment this evening. The following Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board applicants have been nominated for appointment as I call your name please come forward. Tanisha Coley Tanisha couldn't be with us tonight. Rhonda De Los Reyes.
Vivian Translator. It is recommended that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint the applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board for a term commencing July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2030. This concludes the report and staff is available to answer any questions at this time.
I'm happy to move the approval of these candidates. Second.
Call for the vote? Vote yes from me please. You'll see your litany. No. Sometimes the vote gets stuck, so it takes a minute if we don't do it right.
Yes. We had to enter it again. Thank you. The motion passes unanimously. There you go. Thank you very much.
Thank you both for your service. We appreciate it. Enjoy yourself.
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Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 3A.5 Appointment of Youth Employment Service Advisory Board Members and Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler is presenting this item.
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Since 1982, the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board has advised the City Council on matters related to youth employment. The board is comprised of 18 members. A total of nine positions are currently vacant, three regular, four designated and two alternate member positions. On May 20th, 2026, the YES advisory board reviewed the eligible applicants and nominated seven for appointment.
The Youth Council representative position is scheduled to be nominated in September after the new youth council term begins. No applications were received for the youth representative position, however a new recruitment period will open in the fall. Additionally, the Neighborhood Council has nominated a representative for their vacant position on the YES Advisory Board.
If appointed, the applicants will serve terms commencing on July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2028 with the exception of the Neighborhood Council representative position whose term will conclude on June 30, 2027. The following individuals are being nominated this evening for appointment and if present please come forward as I say your name. Chamber of Commerce Representative Anthony Angelini, Director of Tourism & Government Affairs Local Business Representative Chris Turner, Executive Director Simi Valley Family YMCA.
And not able to be present tonight, Local Government Representative Eric Lundstrom, Director Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. Alternate Member Stacey Roth, Coordinator Vista Real Charter School. Neighborhood Council Representative Natalia Santistibon. Simi Valley Unified School District Representative Sylvan Tauber, Work Experience Royal High School. Alternate Member Eric Veerway, Retired Los Angeles Fire Department.
The Youth Employment Service Advisory Board recommends that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint applicants nominated to the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board. This concludes the report, and staff is available to answer any questions.
I'm happy to make the motion that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint the applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board. Second.
Call for the vote please. Will you vote yes for me? These two gentlemen do a lot for our community already, you see? The motion passes unanimously. We know them so that's why they were worried.
Madam Mayor and members of City Council next on the agenda is item 3A6 appointment of Youth Council Members Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler is presenting this item.
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Again, the Simi Valley Youth Council was established in 1970 as an advisory board to the city council on issues of concern to local youth and consists of 21 members and up to three alternates in grades 7 through 12. Youth council members terms of office expire on June 30th of each year A recruitment to fill the 24 Youth Council positions was opened on March 9, 2026 and concluded on April 22nd, 2026.
A total of 88 applications were received. Interview panels met on May 26th, June 9th, June 10th and June 11th to interview the applicants. The interview panels nominated 21 applicants for Youth Council membership and three alternates. The following Youth Council applicants have been nominated for appointment. As I call your name, please come forward. Representing Royal High School, Elizabeth Rutkowski.
Representing Santa Susana High School, Gia Bott. Representing Simi Valley High School, Sanvi Daga. Sadie Rowe. Representing the community at large, Andre Balakian. Brayden Barkley. Ethan Bott. Serena Kangura. Claire Krier. Alexa Leon. Arwin Narla. Eileen Parnami. Kushy Patel. Ryan Peter. Adalina Woodward. Rony Yurashilami. And as alternates, Chase Campagna and Angela Tuason.
Not able to be present tonight, Royal High School Representative Rylan Downey, Santa Susana High School Representative Nishtha Cubsad, Hillside Middle School Representative Dia Banthu, Sinaloa Middle School Representative Natalie Mann, Valley View Representative Landon Lopez and alternate member Taksh Shah. It is recommended that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint the 24 applicants nominated to serve one-year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council commencing on July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2027. This concludes the report and staff is available to answer questions at this time.
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Joseph's trying to make the motion. Go ahead, Joseph. While he's getting ready to make a motion I just want to say congratulations out of 88 applications how does it feel to be the cream of the crop? But I know that they were all amazing so thank you, thank you for being willing to serve.
We are all part of different committees and the Youth Council members who are present know that being the liaison for the City Council and the Youth Council is one of my favorite things as a city council member And so I want to move that the City Council approve and the Mayor appoint the 24 applicants nominated to serve one-year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council commencing on July 1st, 2026 and concluding on June 30th, 2027. Second.
Call for the vote. Vote yes from me please. The motion passes unanimously Congratulations to each and every one of you. We look forward to hearing what you're going to be doing in this coming year, and we hope to see you back here soon. Thank y'all very much!
Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is item 3B.1 an informational presentation by Youth Council member Jasleen Kangura.
Good evening, Mayor Kavanaugh and members of the City Council. My name is Jasleen Kangura and I recently graduated from Royal High School. This fall, I'll be studying biology, bioethics and urban studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Tonight, I'll be updating you on Youth Council's recent activities and recapping the 2025 to 2026 term. First, I hope everyone stayed safe during the Sandy Fire. As a result of the emergency, the Youth Council rescheduled our annual Teen Wellness Night and combined it with the first-ever Teen Wellness Field Day. This event aimed at educating the community on the dangers of drinking and driving and providing a space for students and families to de-stress at the end of the school year.
The Teen Wellness Field Day was held at Royal High School Stadium on May 30th and featured obstacle courses, water activities and more than 20 informational and service-oriented booths. We're excited to see this event grow in future years. On June 2nd the Youth Council met to discuss and approve the crisis resource numbers that appear on the back of every Simi Valley Unified School District student ID card and beginning next year administrator ID cards as well.
On June 18th and 19th, the Youth Council hosted our fourth annual escape room at the Burlwood Teen Center. This year's theme was Midnight Heist, Crack the Code! We raised $300 all of which will be donated to the Ventura County Diversity Collective, an organization that supports LGBTQ plus wellness and inclusion in our community. I'd like to thank all of the Youth Council members who dedicated their summer and their creativity to making this event possible.
Reflecting on this term, the Youth Council had an incredibly ambitious and impactful year. While detailing every event and initiative would take far longer than the time that I have tonight, I'd like to briefly highlight the breadth of what the Youth Council members achieved. This year, Youth Council hosted 11 major events bringing together hundreds of community members.
Five of these events were first-time initiatives. During the first semester, we held our annual rock painting night for suicide prevention awareness. The youth summit that brought together students and local leaders and the Youth Impact Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in March. We partnered with Santa Susana High School to host the annual multicultural night in April. We celebrated local talent at our talent show at the Cultural Arts Center.
As for our new events, we held the first ever district wide final study session hosted a human trafficking education presentation Led by Simi Valley Police Department Detective King. Organized a gambling prevention webinar given by Michael Liao, Director of Programs for Nikos Chinese Health Coalition. Piloted our annual Teen Wellness Field Day and provided a leadership training to students at Hollow Hills Elementary School.
As a chapter of Friday Night Live, Youth Council also received a highly competitive statewide grant to pursue youth problem gambling prevention education efforts. We encourage Ventura County youth to bet on their futures and make informed decisions about gambling and sports betting. Additionally, Youth Council raised more funds than ever before that will help support future projects. A special thank you to our entire fundraising team for their dedication to making that possible.
Beyond our own initiatives, Youth Council members presented at conferences from Oxnard to Anaheim, represented Simi Valley in regional and statewide leadership spaces, connected with the Ventura County Office of Education and consistently volunteered within the Simi Valley community. I've mentioned quite a number of initiatives tonight. To stay up-to-date with the Youth Council's ever growing happenings follow us at Simi Valley Youth Council on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube and at SVYC2929 on TikTok On behalf of the Youth Council, thank you Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council for your continued and unwavering support.
On a personal note I'd like to express my gratitude to the current Youth Council for their exceptional dedication to making this youth council term as successful as it was. Furthermore, I'd like to congratulate all of the incoming Youth Council members for the 2026-2027 term. I have every confidence that you will help this organization reach new heights. I want to thank Ryan Fowler for being an absolutely outstanding Youth Council Coordinator and for the tremendous amount of work, support, and trust that he has invested in allowing the Youth Council and its members to flourish.
Likewise, I'd like to thank Kristen Miller for her support as Youth Council's coordinator during my first two terms. I can very confidently say that Youth Council is where I've grown the most as a person, met my closest and lifelong friends, and truly understood how beautiful our city's community can be. I'm so grateful to have had this experience, and I'm genuinely excited to see how Youth Council will continue to show up for the community in future years.
Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight, and at this time I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
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We hear all the time. Let me say it a different way, we never hear anything bad about the Youth Council and that's because the community just sees everything that you guys do. The only thing I'm going to say is last year's president went to Yale You're going to Penn. So whichever one of you is gonna be decided to run for president for this coming year, you have big shoes to fill but we are so proud of you in advance it was very tough to choose the new group but Mr. Fowler you do an amazing job and I always say that one of the best things he does is he allows the youth to lead if you ever go to any of their meetings if you ever go to any of their programs He takes a step back and allows them to really flourish as leaders. And that's really what the success of the program has been.
So congratulations to you, congratulations to you and congratulations to all of you as well. Thank you.
Council Member Rhodes.
Thank you Madam Mayor. The list which I know is an abbreviated list was fatiguing even to listen to it so long. And so for all of you can take the summer off You probably won't, but you can if you want to. And then I just want to say you've presented to us multiple times. You have set the bar for all that come after you and you've done a great job and I hope you have much success as you go on in your future.
Thank you.
Thank you. Amir Pro Tem Litzter?
Actually as you were speaking, I was unfinished. I wanted to stand up and give you a standing ovation but we'll do that at the end. Bravo! Hard to believe it's been four years that you have been serving and being part of this group and how appropriate that you would end as the chair and going off to do fabulous things Now did I hear it heard correctly earlier in the evening that you have the highest Royal High School GPA through all of this as well, which means like you're the super valedictorian. Is that was that what that meant?
Truly thank you for your efforts your leadership your guidance and Thank you for all of you who have made this successful. I know the time commitment is big, it's not... It's the success of events, it's the regular monthly meetings, it hours and hours of work online, et cetera. Thank you for your commitment to our community because what it does is just make Simi Valley that much better and our youth that much stronger and really truly you see the leaders that'll be up here in a few years so watch out guys.
But anyway, thank you Jasmine beautiful. Thank You councilmember judge
Thank You madam mayor I just wanted to say from the council we're very proud of you We hope we wish you the best in all of your future educational endeavors She did a great job as president this year and I want to thank all the rest of the Youth Council for participating In part and being part of this because I know you're gonna find it very rewarding. Thank you very much doing that again
Thank you
And Jasleen, I also want to give my thanks to you. You've done a fantastic job getting to know you over these four years has really been great opportunity for me and you're at my alma mater so of course go Royal! Had to throw that in and I've been to Penn State to visit so I'm looking forward to seeing you there seeing pictures of you there and I know you're going to do fantastic and represent Simi Valley wonderfully and to all of you new and returning council members You guys are going to have such a great time. I already know that we'll look forward to hearing your reports and seeing new things that you can come up with, too. So overall, our youth council is the best. It's good to say the best in the West, but I'm just going to say the best in the world.
So we are just also proud of everything that you guys do and you make us look good. And we hope we support you with everything that you need. So thank you. And Ryan, you do a great job. So we really, really are appreciative to you also. So thank you all.
Thank you.
We'll give them just a moment to exit. Thank you. When all the good stuff, well we still have one more good staff. I think we can move forward now Madam Clerk?
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council. Next on the agenda is item 3C1, presentation of the 2026 Ventura County Fair poster by Ventura County Fairgrounds Director Dr. Shante Morgan Carter.
Welcome Dr. Carter.
Hello, good evening. Wow what a hard act to follow. I mean my goodness that was empowering such eloquent speakers and so forth hopefully I won't stumble. It's always a joy to come at this time of the year on behalf of the Ventura County Fair. I'd like to welcome you and everyone in the community can please join us this year at the Ventura County Fair July 29th through August 9th There is something for everyone. In addition to what we always want, the delicious fair food, the deep fried Oreos, the turkey legs and the funnel cakes. We've already started out the year just in case you didn't know, we had our youth poster contest and Simi Valley's own Simon Shapiro-Sythgrader from Simi Valley won third place for our poster contest so It's always important we try to be economical and make sure that everyone can come to the fair.
So, we have special promotion and discounted days starting opening day. We have a $5 before 5 p.m on July 31st. We have Youth Day Friday July 31st, Dia La Familia Sunday August 2nd is discount seniors and persons with disabilities. Ventura County Credit Union members, we offer discounts. Community Heroes Day for our teachers, military, police, fire and EMS personnel and then of course food share if you donate five non-perishable food items and receive you buy one get one free admission for that day so where we try to be affordable and open and welcoming to all. We also of course have our concert series I know everybody's waiting on that So on the 31st, we have Iration. The August 1st, we have Jake Owen.
August 2nd, DLA Familia. We have Banda on the 3rd. We have Ashanti featuring Bow Wow. On August 4th we have Switchfoot featuring Haba Stank and then August 5th we have Nate Smith all right? So coming back we had the Flying U Rodeo which is always exciting right? The rodeo and then we have a new policy and I just want to make sure everyone knows we have Which will prohibit non-clear tinted pattern mesh bags.
This is just what everyone's doing now, so please of course if you arrive we can work with you. We have some special accommodations we can make but please bring your clear bags. And if you want more, know more about our fair or about this new clear bag policy please visit bcfair.org and we look forward to seeing at the fair and now have a presentation mind.
Thank you. I saw that we look forward to it.
Okay. Oh,
I'm sorry.
One more time.
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Thank you so much. We
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 3C.2 Quarterly Economic Development Update by Assistant to the City Manager Angel Sierra and Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay.
Good evening Mayor and City Council. Tonight Angel and I have the privilege of providing the economic development update as you all know over the past few months there's been a lot of exciting news and activity around new development, new businesses, and new business and development prospects that are very much interested in investing here in Simi Valley all of which align with the council's goal of supporting new business growth, job creation, tourism and workforce development to strengthen the local economy. With that I'll hand it over to Angel.
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Tonight as part of our economic update, I'd like to start with recent business activity in the community. Since our last report we've welcomed Froyo and Fido in the Wood Ranch area offering a blend of frozen yogurt with a dog accessory shop We've also welcomed Premier America, who expanded its presence here in Simi Valley now offering a second location.
PC's Bar and Grill, a longtime local favorite recently opened up under new ownership and with a refreshed look. Pozoleria Doña Ana recently opened its new location on Tapo Canyon Road, offering authentic Mexican food. And the Boys and Girls Club unveiled their new teen room designed to provide local youth with an updated space for learning, recreation, leadership development.
The highly anticipated Pickle and Play had their official grand opening this past weekend, bringing a new indoor recreation and entertainment destination to the community. The Bunker Clubhouse received their temporary certificate of occupancy and will offer a new entertainment option that combines indoor golf simulators, sports viewing, and social gathering spaces.
Nectar of the Dogs relocated and opened their expanded space last month, offering handcrafted California wines, live music, private events and a dog-friendly atmosphere. See Me Vibe, offering a welcoming space for music, wellness events, workshops and community experiences will be hosting their grand opening later this week. And lastly White Sands Wellness Club, a membership based wellness center that features advanced wellness and recovery services designed to promote health and well-being will host their ground opening next week as well.
I'd also like to highlight a few businesses that continue to move through the permitting process. Simi Valley Brewing Company is advancing toward a third quarter opening, aiming towards an early July opening while Whole Foods Market continues on interior improvements and it's targeting a fourth quarter opening. Raising Cane's and Schatzi's Bakery also continue moving through the permit process, reflecting continued growth throughout the community.
In addition to supporting new businesses opening, City staff continue to provide concierge-level assistance to local business owners helping them navigate the permit process. Current efforts include assisting with the relocation of Billiards Plaza A proposed escape room and renovations to an existing laundromat under new ownership reflecting the city's commitment to business retention, reinvestment, and expansion.
And lastly we're very excited to finally be able to formally announce that PennyMac is going to be relocating from its Moore Park facility to Simi Valley as a leading national mortgage lender and servicer. PennyMac's investment Reflects Simi Valley's strong business environment. Now normally a business relocation wouldn't be touted this much, however in this case the company was actually exploring areas outside of the region so it's a huge win not just for the city of Simi Valley but for Ventura County to be able to keep over 1,000 jobs here locally and in having the ability to continue to expand and grow as a company.
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So Penny Mac's relocation further reflects the strength of Simi Valley's workforce and business environment, which continues to be demonstrated by the city's strong labor market performance. Based on quarter one data regional unemployment rates continued to show overall improvement Simi Valley continued to stand out with unemployment decreasing from 4.1% in February to 3.9% in March, maintaining the lowest rate among the jurisdictions and outperforming both the county and the state.
Industrial vacancy rates in Simi Valley remain higher than those of surrounding region. Currently, Simi Valley's industrial vacancy rate stands at 8.8% compared to 4.4 in Ventura County and 5.9% in Los Angeles County. A variety of market factors may be contributing to the higher local vacancy rate including shifts in supply and demand dynamics, changing tenant space needs business relocations or consolidations, and delayed leasing decisions amid broader economic uncertainty.
So we continue to grow a reputation around, not just here in Ventura County but in the greater LA region. In terms of Simi Valley being associated with being pro-business and being business friendly. So based on this reputation I was actually had the honor of being asked by the LA Business Journal to participate in this small business roundtable discussion that was aimed at sharing insights on what small businesses need in order to succeed The Los Angeles Business Journal reaches over 70,000 readers on a per weekly issue basis. So it was a great opportunity to again help align Simi Valley with being business friendly.
Simi Valley continued to demonstrate positive sales tax performance in the fourth quarter of 2025, with receipts from October through December increasing 5.4% compared to the same period in 2024. Actual taxable sales were up 7.4%, outperforming Ventura County's 1.7% growth and the Southern California region's 1% increase. Growth was driven primarily by the business and industry sector, which increased 165% due to the opening of new businesses and strong performance from existing companies.
Several sectors experienced challenges from inflationary pressures, higher financing costs and cautious consumer spending. Building and construction activity slowed as higher material and contractor costs continued to impact projects. Elevated vehicle prices and financing costs decreased demand in the autos and transportation sector. And fuel and service stations saw reduced Sales due to fluctuating gas prices and restaurants and hotels experienced slower growth as consumers remained cautious about discretionary spending.
Simi Valley's broad economic base, however supported by strong business-to-business activity contributed to the overall sales tax growth during this quarter. In the retail market, Simi Valley's quarter four vacancy rate of 8.9% remains higher than Ventura County at 5.6%, and Los Angeles County at 5.7%. City staff continue to be proactive with business outreach and strengthening engagement with brokers to better understand market conditions, identify tenant opportunities, and promote available spaces.
In addition to what Angel just mentioned, the city continues to invest in our retail attraction efforts by partnering with Retail Strategies to host a retail academy here at the city for staff and some of the council members. The training provided a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape, consumer demographics and retails recruitment strategies. Now we use all this information and new knowledge and some of the new marketing materials that were able to develop to help us at the ICSC event in May. This conference and trade show is the largest commercial real estate event, the largest real estate event. So during the event we actually had an opportunity to meet with potential retailers, property owners and brokers as well as to check in.
And this is important, as well as to check in on some of the existing projects going through the entitlement process. These check-in meetings help provide, as Angel mentioned earlier, kind of that concierge level service to show our commitment as a city to helping them open and helping them get through that process quickly, as quickly as possible. One of the meetings that we had while we were there included meeting with the owners of the Simi Valley Town Center. As Council knows, over the past few months staff has been working closely with the town center to help attract new retailers and to establish a framework for the greater revitalization project that's going to be happening here very soon. We're excited because very soon we'll be able to make some long-awaited announcements about some new retailers that are coming to the area, including a brand new full service restaurant that currently doesn't exist in Ventura County.
I think even in Southern California that will be opening here in Simi Valley. So along with other fun and exciting things that hopefully we'll be able to be announcing very soon.
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Move on to filming. In quarter one and two of 2026, Simi Valley hosted 73 production days with an estimated economic impact of approximately $1.3 million. This figure represents the total impact to the community including money being spent at local businesses like restaurants hotels and gas stations. This level of activity continues to reflect interest from the film industry and highlights the city's growing role as a production-friendly location.
Some of the notable film projects include the Netflix production of The Lincoln Lawyer, Apple TV's For All Mankind, House Hunters and the upcoming Jackass movie. Simi Valley also hosted commercial shoots for major retailers like Kohl's and The Children's Place.
So under the leadership and direction of the City Council, staff has been retooling our existing film program to help attract more filming and to make the permitting process more streamlined. The city's internal Film Committee led by Heidi DiNardo have done a ton of research and have helped put together A series of new film initiatives that include enhanced marketing efforts, expanded filming locations, streamlining film permitting process and then adding greater flexibility to new and existing film studios and backlogs. Staff will be presenting this new and improved film program for Council's consideration later this year.
On the tourism front, as some of you may have already heard, the Grand Vista Hotel was sold back in May for a reported $11.23 million. Staff has met with representatives of the new owners to discuss future plans for the hotel which we know will include a significant facelift. This is gonna be great from our tourism standpoint and we'll be able to share some additional information publicly hopefully later this year.
Lastly, the staff continues to make progress on the old Sheriff Station property there on Maduro Road just south of the Reagan Library. Some of the initial engineering-related studies have been completed thanks in part to our Public Works team as well as we work through kind of the demo and grading plans. Now to be clear nothing has been determined yet for this property or this site. The goal of some of this initial work is to determine the cost to demo and grade And then to really determine how much of the 5.2 acre site can actually be developed as we move forward.
With that, like I said, lots of exciting things happening in Simi Valley thanks to the City Council and our city manager for their leadership and direction to allow us the flexibility to be aggressive, to go out and to try some new things from a staff standpoint. We truly do appreciate that And you see we're making a lot of great progress that not only is going to help improve the economic vitality of the city, which we know is a council goal established earlier this year.
But it's also really helped see kind of the future of Simi Valley and what we're going to see for the rest of this year. With that Angel and I are happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Thank you. Council Member Rhodes, you're up.
Thank you, Madam Mayor. I wanted to talk about the ICSC and that event. I know that there was a lot of preparation going into it. And I also know that we hadn't gone for a few years and at least not in an organized way. Was it worth it? What was your best get out of it? And what do we do next year to attract even
more? Okay, so first I'll be honest. A lot of the groundwork was actually laid by Angel, so I'd love to take credit for that but Angel did a lot of the heavy lifting kind of leading into that. We did have a lot of productive meetings. I think not having been there for some time it took a little kind of dust off the cobwebs as you say but very productive in terms of the meetings that we did have. Would love to tell you which what our most productive and the ones I'm most excited about But I can't yeah, but I will say Most of the means in councilman council member Lister can attest that very productive a very positive And I think the one that we will say is We did get a chance to meet with Raising Cane's again. It's a project That's already kind of been the works But I think they saw the commitment from the City Council that we are serious about helping you through the process.
And our goal as staff is not to create hurdles, we want to make this as easy as possible because we understand The quicker you open, the more jobs you create, the better off the whole city is. Is that all three of your things or no?
It is and I just wanted to give a compliment to you and Councilman Lister who had to call audibles because the arrival day was also the breakout day of the Sandy Fire so I know a lot of meetings got shuffled around and you guys did yeoman's work representing us so thank you guys.
Yes, the city manager and I had to return ASAP. So they did a great job covering for us so we really appreciate that. Mayor Pro Tem Litzter
And I had a couple questions, but I will add to just the discussion that was being had. I thought it was very worthwhile and thought it should be something encouraged annually even if we don't have big projects in the tube. I think the opportunity to have discussions face-to-face with some of ownership and to head off potential problems There was one meeting in particular I appreciated that we were able to really direct, this is what we don't want. This is what we do want early in the stage which I felt was very helpful. A couple questions first you mentioned Penny Mac saving a thousand jobs will remind me where exactly is the location that's taking place?
Thank you.
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That graphic that showed you speaking with the business journal, et cetera. There was a quote I was trying to read the fine print. What were you quoted as saying? Do you want to pull that slide back up? Is it worthwhile looking at?
Probably not but... But again, I think. Isn't
that you up there in the corner being quoted?
Yeah. So I was
trying to read that.
So again and I think less less me more the city logo there. And again this is this is a publication that reaches a lot of decision makers including business owners brokers property owners people that want to invest and when they see a positive story and that we're telling our story on how We can and have helped businesses. Again, it helps building that business friendly reputation which maybe not won't pay off right away but again long term it's definitely going to help us in attracting new business and creating more jobs in the city.
Very good well thank you for both for all of your efforts much appreciated
any other questions or comments from council? Well thank you gentlemen for a very informative report even though you can't tell us a lot of stuff We tease them all the time. You tell us this and then you can't tell us.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is item 3C3, quarterly update by representative of Runcle Canyon LLC Jordan Ferguson.
Welcome Mr. Ferguson
Happy to be back. Thank you for having me. I know you guys have a package on it tonight, so I'll try to be quick but I am of course happy to answer any questions that you may have. So to give you a quick update on where we are, let me see if I know how to work this. Ah! I'm pressing back instead of forward, so we're starting off well. So these are the phase one estate lots up on Redwood Grove Court. These are lots we're gonna be talking about a bit this evening, you'll see on the left here we have lots 244 through 248. The first phase of construction is actually going to be 244, 245, 246 and 247. 248 will become part of phase two but it's right there alongside and it's in this visual on the right so we wanted to make sure that you were aware of which lots we're talking about And as you may or may not know, there was a sandy fire recently here.
So that did have some impacts on these lots in particular we wanted to give you some visual idea of what we're talking about when we say the lots themselves were impacted. They were used as staging area for a lot of the fire crews. And we actually learned quite a bit about fire access as it exists currently and as it will need to exist on these lots, as a result of the fire. So not to create a silver lining out of what was obviously a horrible situation but we have learned some things from that and we are making some changes particularly to lot 244 which is going to have a new fire access easement created to make sure that there's plenty of room for the larger firefighting apparatus to get turned around I believe it's the dozer specifically, but there are some firefighting equipment that we're having issues turning around.
We're going to fix that problem as part of the development a lot and we're working with Ventura County Fire and with city staff on that. So the phase one is state lots. Again, it's 244 through 247 up on Redwood Grove Court. We have a grading permit issued there. We're working on recertification of the grading for those four lots. The grading there was completed back in March right before the March quarterly update.
We still have building permits pending. We had a target date here that target date has been moved to as you'll see TBD and that's ultimately as a result of the fire we're working with staff. We want to make sure that we have Fully reviewed all the grading and surface stability issues with these sites, especially with the removal of some of the foliage around the sites to make sure that all the slopes are stable before we go into construction. So I can tell you we're committed at Bunkle Canyon and staff is committed to getting construction started here as quickly as possible but we're all more committed to making sure that we're building homes safely and so we are working to make sure that that all of the gridding is complete and that all these homes are going to be safe, and all the lots are going to be stable during construction.
And obviously once construction's completed. So that's what we're working on, and we will have more of a timeline there as to when permits will be issued. Hopefully they're going to be issued before you see me again. But we'll have more information certainly when I speak to you next in September. And you'll see here on the right Lots 244 and 245's rendering. These are roughly what the homes are gonna look like on those lots.
And here we have lots 246 and 247 for you so you can get a sense of what those are roughly going to look like. This is the senior community, here on the left we have a visual of what it will look like with all the buildings completed and on the right we have what we're looking at currently. Where we are with respect to the development of the senior community and the rec center.
The planning department issued comments on June 2nd, 2026. We are still waiting for some building and safety comments but we anticipate a third and we are very much hopeful final submittal on these plans by July 31st. And you'll see it's the same essential information here for the Recreation Center. Those are on the same timeline and we're hoping that those plans will have a final submission by July 31st.
The plan development application for the remainder of the estate lots. That's the 21 lots we have not been talking about, lot 248 and 20 others that will be being constructed over the next few years. We have a detailed timeline here but the headlines for you are we met with the Neighborhood Council back in April, we met with the Planning Commission in May, we were deemed approved on May 13th, 2026 by the Planning Commission and so the discretionary approval for the remaining estate lots is now complete.
Showing you just so you can get a sense here again, phase two of the estate lots. I mentioned 248 earlier which was in the prior visual but that phase will also include lots 321, 322 and 323 which you can see here before and after. So we do expect we're gonna have some grading and geotechnical evaluation to do on these lots as well. We're already working on that but that work will continue until we're sure they are going to be safe and stable to build And here we have the outline of phases three and four in the visual, and phases five and six. So this gives you a sense of where the remaining estate lots will be as they begin going up. Although, as you can imagine based on the numbers here, three, four, five, and six are gonna come several months after we finish phases one and two.
So we're talking about construction on these lots sometime in 2027 or 2028. So to give you a sense of where we are globally on the project schedule, the Senior Site Administrative Review was completed back in December. The estate lot PD was approved as I said back in May. It was approved right before the Sandy Fire occurred and that fire is causing a slight delay in the construction beginning on the first phase of the estate lots.
The first building inspection on the estate lots, we were hoping to come to you tonight and say, we've got that done. We don't because we're still working on the grading. So we are working with city staff very closely on that. We're hoping to get it done soon but like I said earlier, we really want to make sure we're getting it done safely and so we're taking our time to make sure that everybody has all of the studies that need to be done on our side, on the city's side, and there's now even a third-party consultant involved to make sure that everything is buttoned up.
Senior site construction, we anticipate to begin in September. So hopefully we have broken ground on the senior site before I come back to speak to you in September. Similarly, the rec center will start at the same time and now we are anticipating that those phase one lots I've been talking about a lot with the delay will be completed by January of 2027. So we are still working on getting those done this year.
And finally, the community updates. There's work to be done in areas where construction has already been completed. We recognize that and we're working on that with staff. Sort of the big one I want to talk about tonight is the final lift paving at Buckbrush, Purple Sage and Talbert. There have been some complaints and some issues with those streets. We are fully evaluating what it's going to take to get those where they need to be. And we will then have a schedule as to when that work is going to be done.
I've told the HOA Neighborhood Council already, but I'll tell you tonight we will be having meetings with the residents of each street before any work starts so we can let them know what the exact schedule is going to be and what the impacts are going to be. Those meetings are not scheduled yet but they will come up at a future update once they've occurred or once they're scheduled.
So just to give you a sense of where we are, we have a third party review with the pavement sections going on currently. We anticipate sending those reports in very soon or hoping within the next few weeks after review is complete, we're gonna have a full scope of work and a full schedule that will be reviewed by the city and approved at which point the work will begin.
That's all I have for you but I'm happy to of course answer any questions.
Thank you does anyone on have any questions? Council Member Rhodes
Thank you, Mayor. Thank you for the update and normally if one these updates came before us and it was like oh but we're delayed I would be foaming at the mouth but the Sandy Fire is absolutely...I can see how that puts things back and it's not just like oh it was another week that everything's halted and then you have to retest and thank you for going through the diligence doing that The updated timeline that you gave, great. And obviously for everybody involved we want you to accelerate as safely as possible but I appreciate these quarterly updates and thank you for bringing them up.
Yeah, I can tell you Council Member, we really hoped to stand up here tonight and say building permits were issued on those lots. We just couldn't get there and like I said, we wanna make sure we're doing it all safely. Yep, thank you.
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Council Member Ayala?
Just for staff, can we get now an updated matrix that has the new dates in there? Sure.
No
problem. Just so that we can track it. I'll make sure that's included in the next quarterly update as well. That'd be great. Thank you.
And for clarification those should only be for the estate lots correct?
Yes, that's correct.
All right thank you Mr. Ferguson. We appreciate your report tonight.
Thank you so much good to see you all.
Madam Mayor and members of City Council, next on the agenda is Item 4, Public Statements. During this agenda item four, the council will hear public statements from persons who have submitted speaker cards. Agenda item four is a time allotted for public statements on all items other than public hearings, appointments and informational reports. Speakers will be called on in the order in which their card was submitted to speak for this public statement's item four 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 nine speaker cards we can begin unless you have any comments. Thank you,
we may begin thank you.
I will call three names at a time so you know who you follow Ben Davis Doug Robertson and James McGillis
Good evening, Mayor, Councilmembers and city staff. My name is Ben Davis, President of PICOLA Tiny Homes, and I'm back. This is now my eighth time at this podium, and tonight I'm going to do something a little different. I'm not going to make the case for tiny homes again. I've made it. You've heard the cost, the timelines, safety standards, and the 23 California cities that have already done this. The case is made, and I don't think that anyone in this room still believes the problem is lack of information.
In my conversations with many of you, I've been met with encouragement and I'm grateful for that. I take you at your word that you see the need which means the question in front of this council is no longer whether this is a good idea. The question is whether that support shows up on a public agenda. There's a staff report on this has been worked on and I am hopeful it's close and that it would come forward this summer That's good news, but soon has a way of becoming later and later has a way of becoming yet another year. So I'm asking for one specific thing and it's something this council can set in motion tonight.
A scheduled date for the report. A date where the report is actually brought forward to the City Council and all it takes is to ask to calendar it. Every month we wait, this door stays closed for those who need this. And I don't believe anyone up here wants to be the reason it stays closed. I'd much rather we stand here together celebrating that Simi Valley led than have me come back to ask why another month came and went. So please give us a date, let the people counting on this watch it move and thank you for your time and your service and happy 4th of July!
Good evening, thank you for your time. My name is Doug Robertson I am the SEIU president for the Simi Valley. We are here again we were this close to getting our agreement all settled and at the very last minute the city manager's assistant and the city managers hire or the lawyer for the city informed us that they would be using the three 3% COLA raises against us in the comp said they would add that to their numbers to bring our numbers down We have looked in the book. It is not in there.
Those sections, the comp study and the 3% COLA raises are six pages apart and do not mention each other at all in there at all. There are some engineers where it is mentioned in there, and I feel that if it was going to be mentioned, it would be written in our book. So I just wanted to point that out. That's our last sticking point to get this thing done, and it will be out of your hair. January and February the union asked to see the corrected version of the comp study with the cities not in the MOA removed. The city asked for a 10-day extension. The union tried to set multiple meetings which were denied until seven days after the City Council approved it on April 20th, 2026. But the union never saw the comp study.
The union asked the city manager's assistant why we were not sent the results of the comp study. The city manager's assistant assured us that he did, I asked him to flip his laptop around and just show me who he sent it to and on what date it was. He could not produce that, we were met with a oops sorry about that our mistake. That seems very deceptive to me, I'm just that's my opinion.
The union also noticed that the city manager and eight other Executive managers positions were getting an increase of 22.5% on average the general unit is 5.8 percent on average So the executive managers are getting twenty two point five percent on average increase, which is fifty thousand dollars Or more per employee the nine positions The nine positions, annual increase is over $480,000 for those nine employees.
If you do the math that's a $50,000 each all 94 general unit position annual increases is just over $380,00. So basically 100 employees make $100,000 less than 10 employees. We asked in our beginning that we wanted to have our be a one lump sum that we get paid. They said there was a budget problem to me, I don't see how you can say there's a budget problem when they're going to get their raises 50% upfront and then the rest of it added in to the top out pay. I just don't understand how you could say there is a budget problem when 10 employees are gonna make half a million dollars annual increase.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you Mr. Robertson
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Madam Mayor, members of the City Council. I'm James McGillis, a resident of Simi Valley. Recently you voted to legalize motels throughout the city. This week, the Airbnb Honey House next door to me there were two cars parked in the driveway, two parked in front of my house and a truck in front of the Airbnb. Consider this the first formal complaint against your new law. I had to put out traffic cones to redirect parking on Corpus Christi Street. You also voted unanimously to destroy the Simi Valley Heritage Oak and its brethren One council member said, according to the acorn, it's an amazing tree. Acorn? Isn't that interesting? It's an amazing tree but not a healthy tree even though I really wish we could keep the tree. I'm going to support the project.
Sounds like the Vietnam War to me. We had to destroy the village to save it. Our mayor who recently accepted the city's 26th annual Tree City USA Award said that she got her start in local politics as a member of the Tree Preservation Committee. After the vote to destroy our natural heritage, I hope no future mayor Mayor chooses to accept the 27th annual award. Tonight you will vote on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, including sections on climate resilience and dry year scenario. The Lost Canyons Development Project will be coming to you soon for final approval. The plan includes a relocation of a storm water retention pond to create a water feature for homeowners pleasure. It is justified because helicopters could dip into the tank into the pond for future wildfires.
At a recent Planning Commission meeting, the entire Lost Hills plan was considered a done deal and approved. The fake lake as I call it will be filled with potable water at the hearing that issue was ignored by the developer staff and the commissioners. The UWMP makes no mention of a fake lake and its impact on water management in Simi Valley. This city uses 20 million gallons of potable water daily. The Colorado River is running dry, Lake Mead approaches a dead pool, Lake Oroville our water source is 400 miles away and we're served by exactly one pipe If the Fake Lake were to be replaced by a helicopter dip tank at the Lost Canyon Storage Tank, it would put no additional burden on the tenuous water supply for Simi Valley. It would also avoid the danger of helicopters orbiting around adjacent new homes in the Recreation Center.
I challenge you to defer action on the UWMP until such time as the Lost Canyon Fake Lake is considered as a potentially detrimental item in our city's best interests. The residents of Simi Valley did not want short-term rentals in their neighborhoods. We do not want the heritage oak destroyed. We do not want a fake lake sucking up our precious water supply. The elections still matter. June 2nd was a harbinger of what to expect on November 3rd. My prediction is that anyone on this dais who supports all three of these highly unpopular projects will be remembered in November, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Regulus.
Michael Shaw, Dale Steiner and Heather Moss.
All right. Good evening Mayor, Council glad to see everybody here I want to thank you all for the lovely award. That was really nice, it was an honor to serve on the YES Advisory Board. I want to remind everybody that we're lucky as a city that we have Ryan Fowler. He does a great job, as evident by all the wonderful kids that we saw here today. It was great! It just warms our hearts.
You could tell the last time I spoke, I was a little upset. I was emotional and when I was waiting for a comment not one of you, not one of you, not one mentioned one word of anything that I said and when I look at my leaders Not only do they need a brain to think and eyes for vision and good ears, but they have to have a heart so they know compassion and empathy.
So we can feel you have heart for the decisions that you're going to make. And I didn't see any of that in display two weeks ago. None of it. Not one of you could even say, Michael we're sorry you're upset. We don't know what to say but at least we're sorry you're upset. Now some might look at me as a cranky old complaining old man. Some might say oh he's a community activist that tries to educate people on diversity and inclusion. Horrible words I know they just sound bad nowadays.
Clean environment good schools So what I would hope I could see from this council is we try and keep in mind to remember to have a little compassion and empathy when we make our decisions. It's not much to ask. Now, with what remaining time I've got left? I'm not even going to quiz you guys but I'm going to tell you one. We've got a 4th of July coming up And week one, if you go on memberday.com Those of you that don't have booths, everybody can volunteer. Please come and help us. It's going to be a great fun event. So I welcome everybody. I'd like to see you there.
And last but not least, and it'll be really quick, could I ask this council? You guys are good with putting commissions together. I would like to assemble a commission to address the racism in our public schools. Let's try and get that commission together before the school steelyards. So if any of you would like to comment on that, be my guest. Thanks for listening and thanks for talking.
Thanks Mr. Shaw.
1:47 – 1:546 turns
Hello Mayor Cavanagh and the rest of you on City Council. I'm Dale Steinig, owner of Ultimate Locations and author of My House is a Great Location. What you have before you is a flyer to the residents and businesses in Simi Valley that I've been passing out. As the City Council has said, Simi Valley wants more filming. I want to teach how to market homes and businesses here in Simi Valley for filming I am not trying to just promote my company. However, I am probably the only location company promoting just Simi Valley. Simi Valley residents and property owners need to be taught the steps in the process of Simi Valley if it is to succeed in the quest for more filming. Please help me spread the word. I welcome other film location companies to come to Simi Valley and be willing to teach how this is done I would like to teach this at the public library.
I was told no, since I am promoting ultimate locations and yes, I do have a company but I am promoting marketing of properties. Please help me do this. Thank you.
Thanks Mrs. Steinick
Good evening Madam Mayor, Council Members, Ms. Albright and Mr. Ford. My name is Heather Moss I'm a long time Simi Valley resident member of the business community and somebody who cares deeply about preserving our natural resources. The Oak Road trees contribute to the beauty history and environmental character of our city Before any further action is taken regarding the destruction of these century-old trees, I respectfully urge the City to commission and fund a comprehensive independent multidisciplinary review.
That review should include evaluations by qualified arborists With no financial ties to the developer, an independent legal assessment of the protections afforded to these trees under Simi Valley's Tree Preservation Ordinance and applicable environmental laws, and an analysis of the long-term environmental impacts of potentially removing these indigenous members of our community.
I also urge the City to refer these trees to the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board for review, a referral that must be initiated by City Council. These majestic mature oaks qualify for consideration under this preservation program and I am requesting City Council initiate this action right away. The Heritage Board's criteria includes scenic and aesthetic significance, and these trees clearly contribute to the character and identity of our community. Tree T41 together with its companion oaks serves as a prominent visual landmark and welcoming presence.
Given their age and community value, these trees warrant preservation review under the county program before any irreversible action is taken. Let me reiterate that there is no requirement of prior designation for a mature oak tree to qualify for protection under Simi Valley's Tree Preservation Ordinance. That mischaracterization continues to circulate in the developer's narrative. These mature oak trees are already entitled to protection under the city's ordinance based on their status. I request that Mr. Ford please provide the council with an explanation of the protections these trees have under applicable city codes and definitions. The developer's paid arborist, Richard Campbell was also retained by the neighboring development City Ventures and is not an independent evaluator.
His report deliberately omits critical issues including the age of trees and their protected legal status under the city's tree preservation codes 938 and 980. The lives of these mature indigenous trees hangs in the balance I respectfully ask for your assistance to save their lives Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you, Ms. Moss.
Todd Taylor, Anthony Angelini and Jamie Sanchez.
All these short people here. Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh and Council Members. My name is Todd Taylor and I've been a Simi Valley resident for 18 years and I'm a candidate for District 1. I'm here tonight because I believe we have a growing public safety issue that requires immediate attention involving homeless encampments in a segment of our homeless population. We need leadership that is willing to address a difficult problem before they become an out-of-control problem.
While I appreciate the Council's recent support for the Samaritan Center, I believe we should have addressed this issue long ago rather than playing catch up today. As a private investigator for nearly 28 years and a bounty hunter for 22 years, I have spent time in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley while searching for fugitives. I've seen firsthand the challenges associated with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, criminal and criminal activity. And that experience is why I'm concerned by what I am seeing in Simi Valley.
Recently I visited multiple homeless encampments in our city and observed unsanitary conditions, large amounts of trash, stolen shopping carts and violent behavior that should concern any resident. Some of these encampments have evolved beyond temporary shelter and have become established communities Operating with little regard for surrounding businesses, residents or the law. We cannot allow public and private property to become someone's personal campground. In multiple spots no trespassing signs are visible just feet away from them.
Some homeless individuals genuinely need help and we should continue providing resources to those willing to accept it. However, there is a segment that repeatedly ignores the law, refuses assistance and creates serious public safety concerns. Residents should not have to worry about their safety when shopping, visiting parks, walking trails or enjoying public spaces with their families. Our residents deserve safe streets, safe parks, safe businesses and a city willing to tackle difficult problems head on.
The recent violent incident at Target is a reminder that these concerns are real. Compassion and accountability are not mutually exclusive. We should help those who want help, but we also must enforce our laws against those who refuse to follow them. If we want businesses to continue investing in Simi Valley and families to feel safe in our neighborhoods, addressing these encampments must become a priority. The question is no longer whether we have a problem, but how much worse we are willing to let it become before we act? Thank you for your time.
1:54 – 2:013 turns
Good evening, Mayor, City Council and city staff. Thank you for having me. My name is Anthony Angelini. I'm the Director of Tourism and Government Affairs for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. And I am here today representing the Simi 250 Committee. This is a truly grassroots committee. We're not an incorporated nonprofit but we're made up of representatives from a lot of the major service clubs, the chamber, the city council, the park district, and several other community members.
The effort to do the See Me 250 event this year sprang up from the ground up and it was truly, truly a collaborative effort from all of these local groups. On behalf of the committee I would like to thank you all for the generous grant and support financially that you gave us at the most recent City Council meeting. That grant will go a long way towards our efforts Success of the event that we are planning. A little about the event, if you haven't heard it will be a two day event this year starts 730 AM on Friday July 3rd with the See Me Run 5K that'll be at Rancho Simi Park. SeeMe250.run is where you can look up that one and register if you want to join At immediately following the run, there'll be a patriotic car cruise free to join. All are invited and that will be at Corriganville and the route of the cruise will go directly to Rancho Santa Susana Community Park where at 8 p.m., there will be a showing of the movie The Sandlot which is of course everyone's favorite classic American film and you can watch it right from the baseball field.
Then, on the 4th of July, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has their celebration. They are also going all out with their celebration. Free admission for all the 4th of July events and then if you have a ticket to the museum you can go into the Museum too which has a special exhibit on America 250. Incredible event. We'll have a flyover and different celebrations, different bands playing music. Then of course the Kiwanis Club has their Rock & Country Jam at the Rancho Santa Susana Park from 3 p.m to 9 p. m. That is a free admission community event open to everybody and that event will end at 9 p m with a fireworks spectacular which for the first time ever and I'm not even sure I've heard of any other community doing this But we are actually, we have a live community orchestra that plays music that's been specially conducted and composed specifically for our own firework show live in front of everybody.
So those events are incredible events and check out all the local businesses doing $2.50 deals as well. And again I just want to thank the council for all their support for this free community event making it open to the public. Thank you.
Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional lands of the Chumash people. I honor their enduring connection to this land and pay my respects to their elders past and present. Good evening in case you forgot my name is Jamie Sanchez. Congrats everyone who was awarded especially our youth it's never easy stepping up here in any capacity. To be honest I've always had a fear Public speaking, but I continue to work on that fierce and put it aside and show up show up for those who are unable to June is a significant month in my household. My son just turned 19 and six days. My daughter will turn 10 June is also Pride Month see me pride as this weekend men's awareness month in PTSD Awareness Month Also just celebrated Father's Day to the three well four of you I hope you guys enjoyed your day Whether we agree or disagree on the issues before this council, I hope you are active, present fathers in your children's lives.
Children need their guidance and support and love. Every year I get a text from a friend or two wishing me Happy Father's Day because I am a solo parent in my household. It's just me! It's up to me to guide, support, and love my children. And with PTSD it's not always easy. There are good days and there are bad days. This year, it made me think about the many parents who are missing time with their children.
I watched a video recently of detained fathers from a detention center sending messages to their wives and children, and it's heartbreaking because separation from their families was not a choice they made. Although I have not spoken here in awhile, I remain as active as I can in our community, and I've crossed paths with some of you through that time. You each have your own opinion and assumptions about what community volunteers do when they monitor neighborhoods and share information about what comes with immigration and ICE activity. Just as many elected officials participate in police ride-alongs to better understand law enforcement work, I wonder if any of you would be open to spending time with community volunteers to better understand what they do and why they do it?
Not to agree not to disagree simply to observe and learn. As of today, latest abduction numbers are in Simi Valley 42. Those numbers represent more than statistics. They represent people. Regardless of where we stand politically, I hope we can all agree that family matters, that children matter and the understanding one another matters. Come see the work for yourself, meet the people involved, listen to the stories being told in our community. Sometimes understanding begins not with agreement but with a willingness to witness I know we may never all see these issues the same way, but if we can listen to one another with curiosity, compassion and a shared commitment to our community then perhaps we can begin to build an understanding that so many families are hoping for.
Thank you.
Thank You Ms. Sanchez
2:01 – 2:1321 turns
Madam Mayor that was the last speaker next on the agenda is item 4a City Council comments regarding public statements
Council Member Judge.
Wow, first that's a first. Anyways thank you Madam Mayor I always wanted to say thank y'all for coming out and having your opinions heard we're hearing them and we will listen and when we can do something about it we will. I just want to point out Miss Sanchez specifically because I saw her at a veterans event the other day and I want to thank you for your support of all the veterans. Thank you.
Thank You council member Ayala.
Miss Sanchez before you go You know, I am always open to observe and learn. So reach out to me so that we can schedule some time so that I can do that with you. Mr. Davis, good to see you again. I have a meeting with the city manager tomorrow, so we'll put that on our little agenda and see where we're at with that, okay? And then Mr. Shaw, we know that you care And so thank you for continuing to care about the community and also for the work on the Kiwanis. I know it's a lot of work putting on that event, so thank you for doing that. And if anyone is able to volunteer for that, I know they need a lot of help, so make sure and take care of that.
Mr. Taylor, thank you for bringing the homeless situation up. If you have any possible solutions, reach out to me, and so then maybe we can talk about that instead of just talking about that there's a problem. You know where to find me. And Mr. Angelini, thank you for all the work that you've done with the... Fourth of July, he went on the radio to talk about it. And I didn't tell you this but at the chili cook-off two people came up to me and said we already registered for the 5K run because we heard about it on the radio. And so just, I just wanted to let you know people did listen to your segment.
So, and again thank you to the fellow council members for giving the grant for that a two day event. It really did ease a lot of And uncertainty that we had about putting on the event and it really did help a lot. Thank you.
Thank
you Mayor Pro Tem Lister. I'm trying to decide what order to discuss my comments, but I think I'm going to start with the fact that you may notice I'm wearing red white and blue tonight. That was intentional Anthony, I want you to know that we're not meeting again before the 4th of July it's coming up CME 250 is spectacular is wonderful and I was very proud to discuss it even at a recent Channel Islands event because it really is unique. And one correction to Anthony that you shared, it's all right. You mentioned that it was a community orchestra performing the track. It's actually the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra. There are two different groups which is a professional orchestra and the reason I share that with you is that the music has been composed specifically to time with the fireworks and they're literally rehearsing with click track so that those explosions happen exactly...and they will be performing Thank you.
Actually, Jamie I appreciate you referencing what July's what June's about. Thank you many things we celebrate and you are correct every man that I'm aware of on this dais is a father and so happy Father's Day to all four of you and thank you for your efforts in parenting. Actually, thank you Todd for your comments. It is a and thank you for your conversation about solutions because that's the tough part We are we have I just wanted to say we have discussed a shopping cart ordinance Which I know is coming forward that we need to have that discussion And so look forward to that I'm sorry that you didn't feel heard two weeks ago.
Clearly my comments didn't resonate, so I apologize it didn't. Specifically you spoke about your concern about everyone feeling safe to attend the Fourth of July and I think as a body we cannot guarantee that but it is our desire and we certainly have the police in full force and our desire is certainly that everyone feels safe and apart and able to be in attendance at that. And again thank you for your volunteer Your last thing you said to us was you would like us to form a commission to address racism in schools. I will tell you that we as a body represent the city, there's an elected body that represents the schools, another elected by their absence parks I think personally it would not be appropriate for us to step into another body that governs a group.
And so, I encourage you to feel free to take that to the school board and make those comments there as well. And Ben? Since you're, I want you to know that he showed up at 5.30 today just to be sure he was the first one on the list to speak tonight so thank you Ben for being here we are discussing ADUs this evening an ordinance for that once this gets resolved then we can go forward maybe have a discussion later that includes.
He's
got two out of three memos that i owed you and Mr Davis' memo is the last one so it's on its way
okay
You'll get it before I go on vacation at the end of this week.
Very good. Actually, I know my time's up. Dale thank you for your work in our community and for your desires and we appreciate all of your comments. Thank you very very much.
Thank you. Council Member
Rhodes?
Thank you Madam Mayor. I'm not going to address everybody's comments as other council members have but just a couple. Mr. McGillis, you made a comment of saying this is I read the same report. I'm satisfied with the multiple arborists that looked at the report and the heritage report that came with it. But thank you for bringing those up and making sure we checked those boxes.
And Ms. Sanchez, happy Father's Day. My mother, I often called her and wished her Happy Father's Day on this day as well so I appreciate And that's the end of my comments.
Thank you, I'd like to ask Commander Denny Fradies to come out here he is our in charge of our homeless issue or not in charge of it. He handles the unit that works with our homeless so Danny excuse me Commander Fradies can you please share some information or thoughts that you have on this?
Absolutely. Thank you for calling me up I Obviously as you know, I'm in charge of our homeless unit as well as our mental health population and schools and we are obviously aware of The homeless population in the town the issues that it's causing Specifically one of the ones we've been focusing on and are aware of is under the Madera overpass right now. We know that You know a lot of Unhoused have moved over into that area because they were displaced from the dice which we had cleaned up recently.
Unfortunately, as you guys know, we can't just arrest. the problem away. Arresting them over and over again is not going to solve the homeless problem, we do have a mental health population within that drug problems. We are working on that, we are working on trying to clean up that area as well. We have two neighborhood resource officers that are dedicated to the problem. We're constantly trying to increase that as well and get more out there but You know, we do hear the problems we do know they're there. We do try to respond to them quickly when when we know that there's any crimes being committed any dangerous activities taking place but on that same note.
We understand, and I'm sure everybody understands that merely being homeless is not a crime. So when there are issues we encourage people to call us. We will respond. We'll make callbacks. We'll go out there see what the issues are, see what we can do to help solve the problem. Again with the Madera issue under the overpass, we're actually in the process of moving them again but As you know the one problem that comes from that is they do have somewhere. They do need to go somewhere And currently we don't really have places for them, so they're not there they will be somewhere But yeah, that's any specific questions on that you'd like me to
answer Thank you sorry for calling you out on that without a lot of time for that but I thought you might want to address it the Councilmember Rhodes has a question
Not a question but a comment and because of the public speaker who came up and brought this topic up. One of the most frustrating things as we, as a city work on dealing with the homeless problem it's not that we aren't doing anything there are restrictions I'm incredibly proud of our resource officers that know our homeless population by name know the services that they need and yet we cannot force them into services. And you said you can't arrest the thing, matter of fact our hands are tied on even what arrests we can make so the rules of engagement for dealing with a homeless population often seem to be compassionate rules and yet might not be resulting in a compassionate outcome and I look forward future conversations where we might be able to expand some of the services within Simi Valley, but that still doesn't address the root of the problem.
And until I think Sacramento laws change, we're going to have a tough time playing compassionate whack-a-mole. If you move them from under the Madera Bridge they are going to show up somewhere else and then where they show up Someone's going to be upset that they are now living there and until we have different tools, that's
Absolutely. And just to echo your sentiments I agree with you and the officers that we do have that Handle these problems are very compassionate. They knew do know all of them by name. They know their dogs names their first stance their first You know solution to any of the problems is resources, looking for help. Can we offer them giving them into programs getting them into temporary housing outside whatever might be available as you know most of them refuse to take them they don't want it, A lot of them choose to live that lifestyle and really the arrest is our last resort.
I just want to add Councilwoman Lister and I on the point in time count got to witness one of the successes which is someone going, I'm ready for services and they were immediately picked up we got you and off We go because as soon as they say we're ready, we have the resources at the county and different areas for them.
Absolutely yes, we do have them. We go out once a month. We offer them backpack medicine. We offer them every time we go out. We do offer them the resources in it like you said if If they're willing to accept it right then and there will give it to them that moment
2:13 – 2:2820 turns
Thank You commander appreciate it thank you As far as other public statements, everyone I think has covered pretty much everything. Jamie, I really enjoy you coming out. You always have something important to say, I feel and you do a great job so and thank you for being a father. I was a single mom from the time my daughter was four so I completely understand. So thank you for being a good father too and mother.
Mr. Shah, you know I have compassion. I'm sorry we did not respond to you enough last time but Mayor Pro Tem mentioned the schools. We do have a tri-agency meeting with them and I will definitely bring it up that and let them know it was a concern here at City Council. That we can do okay so that I can do So and everyone else, thank you for your time and commitment. Ben we're finally going to get to you so that'll be good. And I really hope this CME 250 comes off well. Thank you Mr. Angelini.
You know our firework show is always a great event and i think doing stuff on the 3rd as a precursor is a good idea. I don't have the third off they gave us a float day so I thought that was kind of odd but a lot of people hopefully will have the time off and be able to do something but I want to do the car parade I do want to do that, so that'll be a lot of fun. But everyone else thank you so much for your time for coming out and for caring and taking the time to do it. So thank you.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is public hearings. This is a time for testimony on public hearings on the consideration of matters as presented on this agenda. Let the record show that due notice was given as required by law and affidavit to this effect is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. All comments submitted by email have already been provided to the City Council and will be made part of the record however they will not be read by the city clerk this evening This meeting is being recorded.
and may be ruled out of order if comments are unrelated to the item. The reports of city staff relating to these matters shall be made part of the record at this meeting. If you challenge in court any of the City Council decisions made here tonight, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at this public hearing. Time within which judicial review must be sought is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6 Item, public hearing item 5A. A public hearing to consider amendments to the Simi Valley Municipal Code Title IX Z-S-2026-0002 to update density bonus and incentives regulations a determination that these amendments are exempt from the California Environment Quality Act and introduction of an ordinance.
The reading of the ordinance is as follows Ordinance number 1372, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley for city-initiated municipal code text amendment Z-S-2026-0002 to amend portions of Title IX of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to update regulations in the Simi Valley Municipal Code governing density bonus and incentives provisions and determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Equality Act.
And Senior Planner Eric Chen and Deputy Environmental Service Director City Planner Sean Gibson are here to present this item.
Thank you, before we begin are there any ex parte communications
to report?
Seeing none Mr. Gibson you may start thank you or is Mr. Chen starting
Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh, members of the City Council. Yes tonight is our first public hearing regarding one of our implementation measures of the general plan housing element to update our density bonus language in the municipal code as required by the state of California and our housing element implementation senior planner Eric Chan will proceed
Good evening, Mayor Cavanaugh and members of the City Council. Tonight we will review changes to the Density Bonus and Incentives Provisions Ordinance to align the city's municipal code with current California state law. As a preface, city staff has directly applied the state law and its changes when processing certain residential development applications to comply with the city's certified housing element Therefore, our review process for density bonus requests would generally remain the same.
Government Code Section 65915 or the Density Bonus Law generally requires local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance that allows housing developers to increase housing density above local zoning regulations in exchange for creating affordable housing To determine the number of bonus received over affordability offered by the developer, each bonus density adjustment is set on a sliding scale aligned with the number of affordable units. For example, as illustrated on this table, a developer could propose 10% off affordable housing units in exchange for a 20% density bonus This sliding scale is different with each level of affordability including low, very low and moderate income units.
These income categories and tables are listed in the government code section 65-915 The city's existing density bonus ordinance was last updated in 2010. In 2023, City Council adopted the city's housing element and its programs 12, 13 and 18 that required an ordinance update. On April 8th, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended that the City Council adopt the updates to the density bonus ordinance.
Regulating density bonus within the city will require changes to Title IX of the Municipal Code. Through code cleanup, the proposed ordinance will align with the state law as it may be amended from time-to-time. The ordinance would observe the following. Increase density bonus cap from 35% to the current 50%. Two tiers of density bonuses where qualifying projects may invoke a supplemental 20 to 50% bonus in addition to the standard 50% bonus subject to various conditions including additional affordability at various income levels.
Ultimately, a qualified project could have a density that is double the zoning limits Up to five concessions. Incentives including concessions and waivers could help accommodate site constraints and cost reductions through easing of development standards. Similar to density bonus, each concession adjustment is set on a sliding scale from one to five aligned with the percentage of affordability offered by the developer as illustrated in the table.
On the other hand, there are no limits on the numbers of waivers can be granted. And finally, housing element program number 12 requires the city to provide a supplemental menu of incentives. Since incentives in the state law are generally narrow, limited to density affordability and parking, the draft ordinance would offer a menu of incentives beyond what is offered by the state law to be granted at the discretion of the City Council on a case-by-case basis.
They include additional density in designed areas, excuse me. Additional density in designated areas, some flexibility on development and design standards, some reductions in required common areas and open spaces, and further ease of parking requirements through arrangement like shared parking, configuration like tandem parking, et cetera. Therefore the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council amend the Density Bonus Ordinance as prescribed.
This concludes staff presentation, we are available for questions.
Thank you Mr. Chen does council have any questions for staff? Council Member Rhodes.
Could you go back one slide please? Council reserves the right to grant these supplemental bonuses. So there's certain bonuses we don't have any discretion on, so if we got to a 50% bonus level is this saying that gee we could if we wanted to go above 50%? Is that what an additional density bonus would be?
Yes, generally speaking it is. What it is that most of these would require us to meet the base requirement and this will be on top of what the base requirements are through the state.
Is there a situation where we as the City Council at our discretion must approve something from the menu or is this just simply things they can ask for and we can choose to do or not?
This particular list will only address options that city council can consider. Great, thank you.
Mayor Pro Tem Lipster Thank you. I just want to understand a few things and basically we are updating the code so that it conforms with what the state is requiring, to be very clear. That's basically what this is. Is that an accurate statement? Okay. So one of the comments in the report says Additional density in designated areas beyond state law. Is that what we're talking about just now? That was what Councilmember Rhodes just brought up?
Yes, that is one of the menu of incentives. The supplemental incentives, yes.
Okay let me go back as I understand there There, if they qualify there has to be an unlimited number of waivers. Is that an accurate statement?
That is correct however that also requires the developer to justify the means to get to those waivers say for example most waivers are development constraints as opposed to concessions are financial constraints
OK, and so I guess that brings up my question. How vigorously do we investigate that? When the developer makes a statement you need to do these things because it will allow me to get to these numbers for say of affordable, do we question? Do you send out a planner or an architect to say wait a minute if you change those units to one bedroom or two bedroom and they're still affordable no longer do we, is it necessary for these design changes that you're asking? Am I making any sense at all? Go ahead Sean.
We do look at them vigorously might be a stretch they are very difficult to not to overrule so to speak the burden is on the city to prove that They aren't viable waivers. However, there's one section in there which deals with health and safety. It cannot violate written health and safety regulations so that is a hard stop as far as some of these waivers being requested. We do look at that but the developer does not have to I guess what makes me ask this question is, I believe this is taken from what goes into our code or the changes. Quote, the developer must demonstrate that
not providing these waivers will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of housing development, meaning the criteria for density bonus or with a concession or incentives permitted under the Simi Valley Municipal Code. So they have to demonstrate that if we don't give them these waivers it can't be built. That's the way I read this. And do we, I guess do we press that to make sure that?
Don't get me wrong. I certainly want affordable housing but I don't want a limited... I guess it bothers me when I see going up two or three extra stories and huge massing and so I just wanna know are we just accepting things or are we able to really look at this to make sure that they truly can't build if we don't grant these?
Waivers are looked at in the review process. Now, there's certain procedures as far as what the Planning Commission and City Council look for in terms of these types of waivers but we take a close look at them But not necessarily an exhaustive look at them. You could spend a lot of time on it, there was a prior instance, a similar project, not similar project but a previous project where certain waivers were really grilled down to seeing how just...
How is it necessary? And you know the, you can always take a harder look at them but it's very legally very difficult to overturn that waiver request. It's quite, beyond that health and safety requirement it's quite difficult to counterbalance that and it's probably up to, you know, it could result in litigation also if you come up with a faulty recommendation.
2:28 – 2:3517 turns
Okay.
And just for what it's worth, it's not like the standard is low for them either. I mean you mentioned that the standard is physical and feasibility right? And they've got to include documentation that essentially establishes that and so there is I would say a higher burden for them to meet at first which is the documentation that the city gets to review as part of their process
okay Thank you. I appreciate your reviewing and reviewing vigorously, so thank you. I think that's it for now. Thank you. Thank
you. Council
Member Ayala?
Thank you my question is also on this slide. It was similar to Council Member Rhodes but when we provide the menu of incentives since they're optional can the city based upon where the development is going to take place and so forth can we say these are the ones that we are The housing element program is trying to prod developers
Choose from a list that the city provides as possible incentives you could proceed with. These are four incentives that staff came up with based on research from other jurisdictions. Since these are optional incentives, they could be something desirable in a certain case or maybe a particular project that the city may want to work with someone on. So they may offer additional density or an open space reduction in cooperation.
Or a applicant may take the traditional concession waiver route just do that traditional way where he's got to submit evidence on why it qualifies for a concessional waiver. This is more of Many of them seem to prod or encourage development in the city.
Yeah, where I see it maybe helping is that those additional incentives there could be used as a incentive for developers to build things for our low and low income levels which are arena numbers are really low on that And maybe that's when we would say yes as a condition because they're providing those very low and low income units, for example.
That's correct. It's an outlet if adopted in this manner The writing is right in the ordinance, so it does show that the city may be willing to offer these overt incentives rather than them coming up with their own. These could be an option.
Thank you. If there are no more questions? All right at this time I would like to open this hearing for anyone in the City Council Chambers wishing to be heard on this matter.
Madam Mayor we have no speakers for this item.
Are there any further comments of questions from City Council members? This hearing is now closed. I will now entertain a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Litzer.
Actually, I pushed my button before not to make a motion but to push my button just to make one more comment or just one more quick question. I have to reopen the hearing. That's right, no I reopened the hearing. Sorry, I'm sorry. Those are also drastic those particular areas of offering can we offer things for instance maybe concessions on paying tree fees or side setback reductions etc it just feels like this menu of incentives are all talk about massing and I don't know making no place for people to barbecue Forcing them to take mass transit instead of owning a car. I don't know, I guess but just as I'm looking at this list, I'm just wondering am I maybe misunderstanding? Can we offer other incentives in this menu of incentives or you, I believe what Mr.
Chen said that these are what's most attractive. I heard that but I donno is that...
The written list is not exhaustive. You could add a lot of items to that Go on and on with a bunch of lists, I think. And those additional things like setback reductions and other barbecues or whatever the things you mentioned, those are typically chosen already just because they already could be done. I think in one way this was checking the box to comply with the housing element implementation Just throw something out there. It could always be added to in the future.
We have our housing element update coming up in 2029, it could be more or less generally surprisingly the state they almost a lot of concessions and waivers for almost anything, anything in the code so it's almost like rewriting the whole code to get a list of incentives you can ask for. So this is kind of merely just some language to prod development If Council wants additional items we can certainly
explore. No, it's okay I understand this is yeah okay. I just go back to my comment that i want to be sure we're closely questioning as they come forward so okay
All right, thank you. So this hearing is now closed. I will now entertain a message. Madam
Mayor, I move to introduce Ordinance 1372 amending the Simi Valley Municipal Code Title IX Z-S-2026-0002 to update density bonus and incentives regulations and a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environment Quality Act.
2:35 – 2:4513 turns
May I have a second?
I second.
Thank you. Call for the vote.
The motion passes unanimously.
Thank you, we can proceed.
Public hearing item 5B, a public hearing to consider Simi Valley Municipal Code Amendment Z-S-2026-0001 to update regulations for accessory dwelling units, a determination that these amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and the introduction of an ordinance. The reading of the ordinance is as follows Ordinance number 1373, an ordinance of the City Council of the city of Simi Valley for Simi Valley Municipal Code Amendments Z-S-2026-0001 to update regulations for the accessory dwelling units and a determination that these amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
And Assistant Planner Mark Nason and Deputy Environmental Services Director Sean Gibson are presenting this item.
Thank you. Before we begin, are there any ex parte communications to report? Seeing none please proceed.
Yes thank you Mayor Cavanaugh, members of the City Council. Yes tonight's public hearing on the ADU ordinance is similar to our last public hearing. We have an existing ordinance in our development code. We received a letter from the State Department of Housing and Community The ordinance was not up to date with the latest state of California revision to ADU law. They've asked us to update the ordinance and make things more clear to comply with their interpretations of the state law, in addition staff took the opportunity Clean up the proposed ordinance to address the city allowed requirements.
And tonight's presentation will be by associate planner Alex Klingman and our presenter is Mark Nason, assistant planner.
Good evening Mayor Cavanagh and City Council. Tonight we will be reviewing changes to the city's accessory dwelling unit ordinance To provide some background, the state introduced Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs in 2016 to address the statewide housing crisis. Since then, the state has periodically updated the laws to streamline ADU approvals. The city adopted its ADU ordinance in 2017 with the last update in 2023 and since then, state law has changed numerous times.
In October 2025, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, HCD, informed the city that the ADU ordinance needed to be updated to comply with state law as detailed on page 40 of the staff report. HCD's letter identified 19 points of revision all of which staff and the City Attorney's Office have since reviewed. In response, staff has agreed to codify the updated ordinance by August 2026 pending City Council approval tonight.
To address HCD's 19 points, the proposed ordinance updated the language and terminology to comply with state law and clarified the distinctions between state exempt and non-state exempt ADUs while maintaining local control where possible. These changes do not amend the content of the ordinance rather they amend the format. As a refresher, the state-exempt ADU options for single family homes are Junior Accessory Dwelling Units or JADUs which are dwelling units contained entirely within a house and are limited to 500 square feet.
Next are Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. This is a newly constructed dwelling unit that is a separate freestanding structure from the house and is limited to 800 square feet. and Conversion Accessory Dwelling Unit, which is a dwelling unit created entirely within the floor area of either a portion of the house or from an accessory structure. It's important to note that all state-exempt ADUs are exempt from the City's development and design standards with some exceptions—a 4 foot side and rear setback and a maximum height of 18 feet.
The city has also clarified the classes of ADUs on multifamily lots. The state-exempt ADU options are conversion accessory dwelling unit, which is a dwelling unit created within portions of an existing multifamily structure that are not used as livable space. The city must allow at least one unit and up to 25% of the existing primary units. The City must also allow detached Accessory Dwelling Units, which is a new freestanding dwelling unit located on a lot developed with an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling.
On lots with an existing multifamily dwelling the City must allow 1 to 8 units not exceeding the number of existing primary units. On lots with a proposed multifamily dwelling, the city must allow not more than two detached accessory dwelling units. Once again please note that all state-exempt ADUs are exempt from the City's development and design standards with some exceptions. Again a four foot side and rear setback at a maximum height of 18 feet.
The city also clarified the two classes of ADUs which are not state-exempt A non-state exempt detached accessory dwelling unit is a newly constructed dwelling unit that is a separate freestanding structure from the house and is larger than 800 square feet and up to 1,200 square feet. And an attached accessory dwelling unit which is a newly constructed dwelling unit that is attached to the house. They are limited to 850 square feet or 50% of the square footage of the home up to a maximum of 1,000 square feet whichever is larger.
Unlike state exempt ADUs these non-state exempt ADUs remain subject to the city's existing development and design standards including a 20 foot front yard setback 10 foot window placement height no front facing entrances matching colors and materials Maximum rear yard coverage and off-street parking requirements where applicable. These standards have not changed.
To reiterate, the changes presented to you tonight involve a cleanup and clarification in the City's existing ADU ordinance to comply with state law. This ordinance reflects the status quo. The City is already approving ADUs consistent with the state law and adoption of this ordinance will not change our current operating procedure. The new format clearly distinguishes between state-exempt and nonstate-exempt ADUs, which directly addresses state laws requirements. Importantly, this ordinance does not change any of the existing development or design standards for any ADUs. Those standards remain exactly as they are today.
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the city-initiated Simi Valley Municipal Code amendments to update regulations for accessory dwelling units and a determination that these amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. This concludes staff presentation, and we are available for questions.
Thank you. Does council have any questions for staff? Mayor Pro Tem Lister.
First want to say that was quite the extensive eight page letter that you had to go through with HCD to come up with those 19 points and I thought your response was excellent, whoever wrote that. Just several quick questions. Do HOA requirements in any way affect this body of, I mean if an HOA says you can't have an ADU does that in any way affect this regulation or the code as it is written?
And I'll jump in on this one. The public entity in the HOA are obviously separate sort of entities and so, I've always advised that we don't get involved in what the HOA does because the law is directly towards the public entity and what the public entity can do. While the state law doesn't expressly address HOAs, I think that the Davis-Sterling Act does and there are requirements in there. Although some of those are being challenged depending on the type of unit you're talking about so the requirements essentially for us are going to be different than requirements for the HOA
Okay, fair enough. Thank you and I'm not trying to open a can of worms. I just trying to understand General provisions item 9 talked it mentioned code violations Unpermitted buildings already in place all that cannot stop the approval process Why is that? I should give you a page numbers for reference But isn't thank you. Thank you. I Okay, so this question's for Rocky.
2:45 – 2:5325 turns
So due to government code section 66322 it ties the city's hands with respect to that. So we can't use a code violation or say a non-conforming zoning standard in order to hold up an ADU So for example, let's suppose we have an unpermitted patio structure. The state sees that as unrelated to the ADU and we must still go through the regular procedure.
So the only exception is if it is deemed a threat to public health and safety? Is that...
That is correct. Got it.
Even if they've been bad actors and have all sorts of code violations, nonetheless. Okay got it.
Just to clarify also just because we can't hold up the ADU permit that doesn't mean that the violation is not a violation and we can still take action on that after the fact just can't hold up the permit process for that.
Got it okay thank you It was an education to read that there are now six different classes of ADUs in that document. Must all classes be approved then? I mean, basically we can't deny any of those—I mean those classes are all allowed.
Provided that they meet the standards set forth in the state, they must be ministerially approved.
Got it. And one final question, just we hear of homes that have been chopped up into separate rooms, dwelling places et cetera. If that has been done without inspection approval et cetera, is that violation of this code in any way? Do they have to if they're found out do they have to comply in some way to this body or what?
Typically, for ADUs when building inspectors go out to inspect the ADU they're very good about catching other violations on the property. So at that point yes if they catch anything they would have to bring it up to
code. So if there's a home that is believed has been turned into multiple ADUs without going through proper channels, just then that would be someone would call and code would inspect or building inspectors would go. I mean how is that? Is that a reason for code enforcement I guess if there's that concern?
Yeah, the public is welcome to make a complaint, a code complaint on anything that they observe. And that would result in code enforcement or building and safety inspectors to go out but with in relation to ADUs that it wouldn't get caught at the permit review process, it would be after the fact when inspector's already there so it could be a code issue that someone complains about or it could be when building inspectors are taking a look at the property.
Thank you for entertaining my bizarre questions. Appreciate it.
Council Member Judge.
Thank you Madam Mayor. Piggybacking on Mayor Pro Tem Lister's last question, when somebody comes to the desk and asks they want to build one of these ADUs and they don't want us bothering them, they want us just go with the state rules, do we warn them that the property better be up to code if they're going to build
I'll take that. As council member, we usually do a spot check of what's going on there. We'd notice things are going on the site. We look at often look at the permit history or look at the existing structures onsite so we give them the idea whether it's a warning they're certainly advised and let's say you know it was a patio cover of some sort We would still say you got to get that taken care of.
It will be on a separate ticket than the ADU application, but yes we do give them a laundry list of things that have to be looked at.
Okay thanks also I just want the public to understand this isn't a question more of a comment but um you see the council members up here and the mayor probably showing faces of disgust when we're doing one with this stuff because these are things that reinforced upon us by the state of California forced upon you Sacramento is determining the way your city will look from Sacramento. Understand that this is not something we take lightly and it's not something we like to do, but there's not too much other choice we have just everybody I want everybody understand
thank you any other council councilmember Rhodes
Thank You madam mayor great questions To the extent that there is a house that is converting rooms into rental units, rental rooms. How many junior ADUs are allowed in a single family home? One junior ADU inside so anything else that would be then designated as like They block it off and try to make an apartment. That's going to be a non-permitted use in that space.
Mark, do you want to pull up that scenario with the multiple ADUs on the property? So you could also do an ADU conversion if you look at this slide theoretically. These are the types of ADUs that could be constructed, one JADU. You can convert a portion of your house to an ADU on the right-hand side there. There's also an attached ADU and a detached ADU so those are options that depending on sequential approvals and permits this could be an outcome.
That's crazy but it could be an outcome I was reading this thing and I went, wow. I have a barn at my house that is larger than my house. I could convert the entire thing into an ADU. Is that correct?
Under state law, that is correct.
Yeah. So just—and this is almost rhetorical but In the code amendment we're doing, the state laws are changing so quickly. Do we have a possibility of just like skipping this round and waiting for the next one because we're going to have to keep doing this every time the assembly is in session?
So interestingly, we did send our last ordinance in 2023 to HCD and we got our letter in 2025. So it was already changed since we last updated our ADU. In an effort to cooperate with the HCD compliance team, we're taking a hard effort It's kind of a revolving ordinance. At the same time, we are trying to maintain some of those design standards the Planning Commission and City Council previously adopted the past eight years to have some control over the non-state exempt ADUs.
And that's the last comment that I wanted to make as I was going to congratulate staff on Thinking about being creative and finding all of the ways that we can hold on to those last little bits of local control that we can hold onto, up to and including the list of other exemptions. Thank you guys for the hard work. It's another one of those frustrating things from Sacramento, not only do they tell us how to run the city, they make us jump through hoops to comply just in the spirit of the law, much less the letter. But thank you.
I did want to make one other statement and staff has already mentioned it that even if the code isn't up to speed because staff has to be familiar with the state law in practice, they're still following the state law when needed.
2:53 – 3:0621 turns
Thank you. No other questions? At this time I would like to open up this hearing for anyone in the City Council Chambers wishing to be heard on this matter.
Madam Mayor we have no public testimony on this item.
Thank you, are there any further comments or questions from City Council members before...I'm looking thank you in that case this hearing is now closed and I will now entertain a motion
Mayor Pro Tem Lister. I move to introduce ordinance number 1373 amending the Simi Valley Municipal Code to update regulations related to accessory dwelling units and a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
I will second.
Thank you,
call for the vote please.
The motion passes unanimously. Next public hearing item 5 C, a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution adopting the 2025 urban water management plan and 2025 water shortage contingency plan. The reading of the resolution is as follows Resolution number WWD-307, a resolution of the Board of Directors of Ventura County Water Works District Number 8 adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
And Principal Planner Mitchell Kadaw and Interim Public Works Director Jay Spurgeon are here to present this item.
Thank you before we begin are there any ex parte communications? Seeing none, we may proceed. Thank you.
Thank you Mayor and Council Members. It's actually Principal Engineer Mitchell Caddall so he's not quite moved over to the Planning Department yet. We won't let him. Waterworks District 8 serves 68% of the City of Simi Valley and delivers about 18,000 acre-feet of water per year to more than 26,000 customers. The remaining 32% is served by Golden State Water Company.
Urban water management plans have been a requirement of the California Water Code since 1983. They are updated every five years to ensure water supplies are available to meet existing and future water needs and for water shortage planning. The urban water management plan helps guide policy investment decisions and is needed to maintain eligibility for state water resources funding.
Agencies serving more than 3,000 customers or 3,00 acre feet per year of water must prepare and submit an urban water management plan. So the district, Golden State Water and the imported water agencies, Cuyahoga Municipal Water District and Metropolitan Water District must all prepare and submit urban water management plans Components of the District's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan include a water supply assessment, population and water demand projections, water conservation strategies and drought and water shortage planning. The urban water management plan was coordinated with plans prepared by CAGIS and Metropolitan Water.
Over 99% of the district's water supply is imported state water. And then, the remaining is groundwater from the Gillibrand Groundwater Subbasin just right up the road here at Tapal Canyon Road and recycled water from the Simi Valley Water Quality Control Plant. So population projections are based on the city's 2030 General Plan Projected to grow at an average annual rate of about .6%. So that's it for population growth.
The district's projected water supplies are adequate to meet expected demands into the future. The same is true even for short duration, maybe single year or so dry conditions. Interestingly, note that during droughts water demands actually increase by up to 10% due to more frequent outdoor irrigation. I guess that makes sense. The Water Code requires agencies to evaluate a potential extended drought covering five years.
Under this scenario, the district's water supplies can meet demands through four years of those dry conditions. This is because over time Metropolitan and Cayagas have updated their drought management plans, water storage, conveyance and water supply infrastructure to improve overall water supply resiliency. However, in year five a water supply shortage of 15% is still expected and the district would need to declare a level two water shortage condition and take appropriate response actions.
It's similar to recent drought that we've all been through. A change to the urban water planning process is a requirement for water purveyors to meet use objective starting in 2027. The overall objective for the district includes a calculation that includes both indoor and outdoor residential water use, commercial industrial use, anti-water loss budget, local weather and other patterns are incorporated into this calculated urban water use objective The district's water use had dropped by over 20% since the last drought, and that was in response to drought mandates and conservation measures. And many of those have held since then.
And as of 2025, the district has met its urban water use objective and is projected to do so for the next 10 years. So that's good news. A new state law in 2018 made another change to the urban water planning process. Previously, drought contingency planning was covered by a separate chapter in the Urban Water Management Plan. Now, a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, WSCP, is prepared as a separate document and included as an appendix to the Urban Water Management Plan.
Go figure. Well, this new plan focuses on planning for water shortages from drought or other emergencies including setting water shortage levels and corresponding response actions. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan includes estimates of water supply shortages and sets forth response actions by water shortage level. These really have already been included in the District's Water Conservation Ordinance, which includes four shortage levels. Notice that the State Department of Water Resources has six shortage levels.
Other local agencies have updated their water conservation ordinances to match DWR, including some of the local cities in the county as well as Cayagas and Metropolitan. That's something perhaps the district can consider in the future. Recall from a previous slide that a water supply shortage of 15% is expected in year five of a multi-year drought which would correspond to a water shortage level two.
And the typical response actions that the district could take would be stepping up conservation outreach, limiting irrigation watering days, other measures in addition to the district's permanent water conservation measures and again our recent drought of the city saw those kind of actions. So the district's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan process has met the state's public review and agency coordination requirements, culminating with tonight's public hearing.
The draft of these plans were posted on the city's website in May, and to date we've received no comments In summary, the district has sufficient water supplies and system reliability to meet projected customer demands into the future. The district is in compliance with the urban water use objective as of 2025 and demand reductions of about 15% would be required if a extended drought, say five consecutive dry years were to occur.
Recommendations for this agenda item are shown here and in the staff report. And we would be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem Litster.
So thank you, Josh. I appreciate the report. I noticed that Mr. Ron Fujiwaki is sitting in the... I want to know how you got out of making the final report at your...
Oh he's got two coming.
Oh you've got one coming? Okay, I'm so sorry. I was afraid that you were not going to get to speak. Never mind back back to the water issue then.
We
were gonna
withhold the chat we were gonna withhold the final paycheck.
Okay but back to the water issue So basically the report shows that water supplies are projected to increase from 19,200 in 2030 to 23,000. Basically the water supply is going to increase. We can make that statement? I mean we get all of our water from Cayagas who gets it from Metropolitan. We are making that statement based on what they have told us? Is that how we can make that statement?
That's correct there They've done their own urban water management planning. Just like we've just gone through and they can commit to You know, our increase in demand over time that they can supply that water to us.
Okay beautiful I assumed it had to be that but wanted to hear that okay um I guess my question we just went through this drought situation where we had to cut back what year what a couple years how long has it been but but I don't believe it was a five-year drought obviously it was after a couple of years of severe drought and then we were cut back to 20 30 percent whatever it was this plan suggests that we have enough water We wouldn't have to make the cuts until the fifth year.
Is this plan then superseded by Metropolitan Water or someone else who comes in and says, we're cutting back your supply X, Y, Z, this amount so you must cut? I'm just trying to understand does this plan get to overrule what Metropolitan or someone else tells us?
Yeah it's a good question. One thing I can say is that both Metropolitan and Cayagas have implemented improvements in their systems since this most recent drought. In some ways, the cutback that was required was a result of just not being able to move water from one side of Southern California to the other. In terms of when state water is low then you get water I would like
3:06 – 3:1219 turns
Yeah, the 15% reductions came from Caigas. They told us their water supply in year five will be projected to be reduced by 15%.
That came from Casitas?
Which is you know during severe drought impact Lower reservoir will be impacted, all reservoir supplying water to the State Water Project and Colorado River. And typically most agency or wholesaler they have strategic cutbacks but 15-20% to make sure that reservoir will not reach a tip point so keep the balance and priorities.
Thank you. Any other questions of staff? Seeing none, at this time I would like to open the hearing for anyone in the City Council Chambers wishing to be heard on this matter.
Madam Mayor we have no public testimony for this item.
Thank you. Any other further questions from staff? At this time I will now close this hearing and I will entertain a motion.
Madam Mayor I move to accept the motion as written in the Staff Report. Second.
Thank you call for the vote.
The motion passes unanimously.
Thank you.
Next item public hearing 5D. A public hearing to consider the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 assessment for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 and adoption of a resolution approving the assessments. The reading of the resolution is as follows, Resolution No. 2026-31, a resolution of the City Council of the city of Simi Valley confirming the diagram and assessment for those lots and parcels included within the Simi Valley Landscape District No.
Levying the assessments for the fiscal year 2026-27 and ordering improvements specified in the engineer's report. And Public Works Director Ron Fucciwaki is here to present this item.
And before we start, do we have any ex parte communications to report? For the final time Mr. Fucciwaki you may now
start. Actually I have one more.
Okay never mind. The next or last time. Let's
pull all the consent items that he's connected to.
Okay, never mind. It was just a thought. We can now begin this report. Thank
you. Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and council members. On May 4th the City Council adopted the necessary resolutions and set a public hearing for June 22nd 2026 to consider the proposed FY 26-27 assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 No changes to the existing assessments are being recommended. The district operates under the authority of the State Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. There are a total of 99 landscape zones in the district, including 48 active zones one of which encompasses all city controlled areas and 51 contingency fallback zones Active zones are maintained by the city and funded through assessments to the property owners, which within each active zone and a contribution from the general fund.
Fallback zones are maintained by homeowners associations or property owners. For FY26-27, the estimated cost to maintain the assessment zone areas is approximately $1.75 million which would be funded by approximately $800,000 from assessments and almost $950,000 from the Landscape Augmentation Fund which is funded by the general fund. As indicated in the report, the city continues to subsidize the landscape district with general fund monies totaling almost $950,000.
If the council were interested in increasing assessments, the city would be required to follow the Proposition 218 or Prop 218 process. The Prop 218 process requires an investment by the city to complete the engineer's report, provide public education, conduct an election in which property owners would be required to vote and conduct a public hearing. A resolution to establish the FY26-27 assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1, a map of the landscape zones, the engineer's report and a summary of the proposed assessments by zone are included in this evening's report. It is recommended that at the close of the public hearing City Council approve the FY 26-27 assessments for Landscape District No.1 which will remain at their current levels and we're available for questions.
Thank you. Does council have any questions for staff? Council Member Rhodes.
Thank you Madam Mayor and I'm not just doing this to ask you questions on your last meeting. Okay. I've had a problem with this landscape district since seeing it four years ago that it was originally set up that the people who are abutting these landscape districts, those property owners would be assessed to maintain them And that early on happening, great. It didn't cost the city much if anything to maintain it. Now we're at $1.75 million and we're only recovering $800,000 and having the rest of the citizens of Simi Valley are having to make up the rest.
Is there a public benefit to the rest of the citizens of Simi Valley for these landscape districts?
3:12 – 3:1719 turns
The possible public benefit is the appearance of the landscaping throughout these landscape zone areas, particularly in parkways. So they're well maintained by our contractors.
Right so the parkways and where you see it from driving, they're enjoying it, so okay there's some public good. I do believe that we need to go through the process to reassess the funding of this. The 218 process, do you have an estimated total cost of what the engineer's report and putting it on the ballot would be?
Well, we looked at this several years back and I think the as I recall the engineers report was $250 to $300,000 which is probably 50% more now. Public education you know you would be hiring two or three different consultants to conduct much of this work especially public outreach and education And also ultimately the voting and tabulation of the vote. So 500,000.
So I'm going to round up and say a million.
Okay,
okay. And by my count that's about a one year return on investment if we are taking $950,000 from the general fund to augment the cost of these landscape districts so I'm going to Not for this process because we need to get this done. This is baked, but for the future assessment of these I think that we should be seriously looking at putting this actually on the ballot and getting the work done to reassess this.
But thank you for your report. I don't have any further questions.
I just have a quick comment. I believe the voting is done by only those people that live in the assessment areas. Is that correct?
That's correct. Those being assessed
Yes, thank you.
Who knows, who knows. I guess my question is are the... And actually I was going to make a statement about how I think city beautification is important to all the residents and so I think that they are grateful that we spend funds to keep this city beautiful but so my question is in these landscape districts does it contain all of the street medians? The reason I ask, if we see a median with weeds growing out or trash or something is that the landscaper's responsibility to maintain?
Not all of them. And I don't know what exactly the locations but some of their regular medians and parkways are the jurisdiction of the city in other areas those medians and parkways may have been included in the track development and could be a condition of the development Not all of them are maintained by the Landscape Maintenance District, it's city included.
OK, thank you. That's that's instructive. So if someone sees something that they're not happy with what they wanted, the call is made to Public Works and then someone on your team decides up, we better talk to landscape or oops, we better send our own team or wait. We need to contact the actual the property owner. Is that so? Those are those three choices to get something cleaned up kind of
That's correct. Whenever we get a request for cleanup or maintenance, our staff knows exactly who it belongs to or whose responsibility so they will contact the appropriate HOA or whoever is in charge.
Got it okay thank you appreciate it. We're going to miss your answering questions just for the record
any other questions of staff? At this time I would like to open the hearing for anyone in the City Council Chambers wishing to be heard on this matter.
Madam Mayor, we have no public testimony for this item.
Thank you. Are there any further questions from Council for Mr. Fuchiwaki? If not, this hearing is now closed and I will now entertain a motion.
Madam Mayor, I move to adopt Resolution 2026-31 approving the fiscal year 2627 assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 pursuant to Streets and Highways Code 22624. Second.
Thank you. Call for the vote please.
3:17 – 3:2318 turns
The motion passes unanimously.
Thank you.
Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 7, the consent calendar. And there are four resolutions for your consideration this evening. Consent Item 9 resolution number WWD-38308 a resolution of the Board of Directors of Ventura County Water Works District Number 8 establishing a water service standby charge for fiscal year 2026-2027 Consent item 10, resolution number 2026-32. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley approving the 2026 Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Service Fees Schedule.
Consent Item 11, Resolution Number 2026–33. A resolution of the City Council Of the City of Simi Valley, California adopting a disruption telephonic or internet service policy pursuant to government code section 54953.4 and consent item 12 resolution number 2026-34, a resolution of the city council of the city of Simi Valley confirming and renewing the proclamation of the existence of local emergency.
Does anyone wish to pull any item or may I have a motion?
Oh, I'd like to pull Item 10 please.
Anyone else? Any others? We have a motion to approve all the others.
I'll move to approve all the other items under consent. Second.
Call for the vote.
Mayor Pro Tem D'Souza The motion passes unanimously.
Thank you, Council Member Rhodes. Item
10? So I'm conflicted with this request and I'm glad that as a representative of WM here tonight and maybe we can talk this through a little bit to start off my comments is WM's a great partner with the city and appreciate everything that we do in coordination together as company But this particular request, we know that WM is getting an increase in service fees regardless of us passing the ordinance because they get that.
They're getting required by the state to change their business practice, to do something they probably should have done on their own to make bins less of a hazard. Or certainly businesses are required by the state and the city to do things that make their business models more safe or at least the body thinks that they are presenting something that makes them more safe.
And at a certain point, businesses need to absorb the cost for doing the right thing. Otherwise companies will just wait until the state tells them to do it and then request it to pass that on to the customers. And the reason I'm mostly conflicted with this is because as a small businessman if I was required by the state to do something, I would inevitably have to pass that on to our customers.
This is a slightly different scenario with the contract with the city because For the bins that need to be upgraded, it's a monopoly. We've already negotiated the right for WM to be the only provider of those bins and if there is now a further requirement by the state of California I don't think our business owners should be absorbing the cost so I just wanted to express those thoughts
And let me just ask a question. Basically, they're being asked to put reflective tape on their bins and so for this reason they're asking for a higher rate increase beyond what was negotiated initially? That's correct
and I will say that the increases Minuscule and it'll be a nothing on the line item of the business that's having to absorb it I just have a principled question on whether they should be asked to absorb it or not
Who are you asking that too
And that's a great question. And then just to... Just
conversation?
To clarify too, it's the $66,000 that we're talking about right? Correct. And then it will be divided over eight years. That's correct. Is that right? Yes. So
again in the end its pennies to the individual consumer or business owner user of those bins but I would encourage us to perhaps if we can do it in this or the past, the rate increase as is negotiated with our contract but not pass the additional increase.
3:23 – 3:2826 turns
Any discussion? City Manager?
I need to look at the terms of our agreement and Wes I don't know if If you have insight into that off the top of your head, but I know that the terms of our agreement do allow for Obviously the annual increases but also if there are extraordinary circumstances that are extraordinary expenses that come up Waste management is allowed to submit for a rate increase to allow for that.
I don't know if you wanted to add anything. Mr. Yates
Correct, yes. So the current franchise agreement as it was negotiated in 2022 is before this law and design standard was enacted by the state and it became operative on January 1st of this year so this is the first time that these costs to retrofit all these commercial containers could be recouped. So like we said it's being divided over eight years so it's a very very small impact to the business community But it's just standard procedure as outlined in the current franchise agreement to pass forward.
To pass that forward?
Okay. Any other discussion? I have a motion.
I move to approve consent 10. Second.
Thank you, call for the vote.
The motion passes unanimously. Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 8A, second reading of Ordinance Numbers 1371 Approving a Change of Zone Classification Z-S-2024-0003 for Residential Moderate Density RMOD and Residential Medium Density RM to Residential High Density RH for property located at 1761 1801 and 1807 Oak Road.
And a determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The reading of the ordinance is as follows. Ordinance number 1371, an ordinance of the City Council of the city of Simi Valley approving a change of zone classification Z-S-2024-0003 From residential moderate density RMOD and residential medium density RM to residential high-density RH for property located at 1761, 1801, 1807 Oak Road.
Any determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Council members have any questions concerns? Mayor Pro Tem Lister.
One quick question By reason, obviously this is second reading. The question is by rezoning this area which is what we're asking you to do? This is really a RHNA question. This might be a question for Mr. Stratus possibly. My question is tonight I pass this does these units count towards our RHNA numbers that are coming up or does this just get dropped into what we're doing currently?
Because obviously it wasn't part of the general plan that we allowed, when we set the arena numbers five years ago. I'm just trying to understand do we get to count this towards our next allotment?
We don't know what the next allotment is going to be yet.
Correct but we know there's going to be one.
I don't think we can.
So the units will be counted as projected units when As of tonight, should this be adopted? However they don't officially count the units that are actually built. So it could fall in either cycle. They will kind of play either way.
And the next re-allocation may or may not because it hasn't been determined yet. Fair
enough.
Be decided on projected or permitted or anything.
That makes sense okay
thank you
thank you
Thank you, John. Anything else?
I'm happy to move to adopt ordinance 1371 with modifications. 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 9A. Introduction of first reading of ordinance number 1368 updating municipal code chapter 5 title 4 and approval resolution number 2026-10 adopting the updated emergency operations plan. The reading of the ordinance is as follows Ordinance number 1368, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley repealing and replacing Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Services.
Manager Eileen Connors is here to present this item.
3:28 – 3:4211 turns
Hello Mayor Cavanaugh, council members, city staff. I'm Eileen Connors the Emergency Services Manager for the City. I lead this city to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in large-scale emergencies. Joining me is Shannon Johnson, Emergency Services Coordinator who leads the Disaster Service Worker Volunteers and the CERT Team.
Pardon me can you hear me better now? Apologize for my cold I am presenting about the city's updated emergency operations plan. First, I would like to introduce a key partner who reviewed the draft plan, provided feedback and will sign off on the final version for their agency. From the Ventura County Fire Department we have Assistant Fire Chief Dan Horton.
Thank you to Ventura County Fire for their outstanding work containing and extinguishing the Sandy fire last month. Thank you chief for your contributions to the city's emergency operations plan. As you see in the agenda, I will start with the phases of an emergency. Then I will explain how the city's Emergency Management Organization is interoperable with the other levels of government.
I'll cover the purpose of the emergency operations plan, what materials are in the appendices and annexes, and an overview of the differences between this 2026 update in the city's initial EOP. Next, I will briefly explain how the Emergency Operations Center follows the Incident Command System. I'll touch on how training and exercising city staff and key partners on the plan will be used to capture lessons learned and improve the plan.
I will explain how input was gathered from the whole community. Then, I will review the City Council's role in the city's disaster response and important timelines using the Sandy incident as an example. I will end on how this EOP fits with the city's hazard mitigation plan. Basis for emergency management are the phases of an emergency. Both this California State Emergency Management System and FEMA's National Incident Management System define the four phases of an emergency as mitigation, which is taking actions to prevent or lessen the damage of a potential disaster, preparedness, which is being ready to respond to a potential disaster Response, which is performing actions to protect life, property and the environment when the city is impacted by a disaster.
And then recovery is trying to return to normal after disaster, which may be a new normal if the disaster is impactful enough. The city is always in one of these stages for each natural disaster that could impact Simi Valley. The National Incident Management System defines the emergency management organizational structure and interoperability between levels.
If the city needs more resources during a disaster, the City's Emergency Operations Center or EOC will request them through the Ventura County Operational Areas EOC. If the incident expands, the County EEOC can request resources from the State via Cal OES and roll up to FEMA if necessary. The City's Emergency Operation Plan defines how the City prepares for, responds to and recovers from major emergencies and disasters.
Also called an EOP for short, this plan identifies the roles, responsibilities and lines of successions of the city's emergency organization in the conditions under which the EOP is activated. The EOP is made up of a base plan, appendices and annexes. Having a current EOP enables the city to respond efficiently and effectively to major emergencies and disasters.
And as you can see, this is a picture from the May 18th fire, Sandy Fire. During an emergency, the city manager serves as the Emergency Services Director and leads the city's emergency management organization. The seat of the EOC, the city's response is the Emergency Operations Center or EOC which is structured following the Incident Command System. The appendices are sample proclamations Emergency notifications, messages and forms to be used during a disaster.
These will be published in the emergency operations plan. Annexes are emergency action plans for city departments and special districts, standard operating procedures, checklists and contact lists that will be used during a disaster. Some examples of annexes include responding to disasters like a dam failure A hazardous material spill, an earthquake and a wildfire.
Annexes will also be written for procedures such as activating the emergency operation center and operating an evacuation shelter. These are security sensitive information that will not be published. This updated EOP meets the standards of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services State Emergency Management System FEMA's National Incident Management System and incorporates FEMA's Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101 standards.
For example, having an alert warning system is a standard that the city meets with the VC Alert Emergency Notification System which was used during the Sandy Fire to evacuate some areas. The City's original EOP was adopted in 2001 and was required to cite FEMA's Comprehensive preparedness guide elements throughout the plan in order to be approved by Cal OES and FEMA.
Currently, both FEMA and Cal OES require each city to have a current EOP in order to be eligible for disaster reimbursement but the agencies no longer review each plan. Instead, Cal OEs relies on their respective county office of emergency services to review and approve each city's plan in their area. This change in requirements has enabled Simi Valley to streamline the EOP to focus on operations.
Ventura County Sheriff's Emergency Services has reviewed and approved Simi Valley's updated EOP. Simi Valley's Office of Emergency Services aims to conduct trainings and exercises for the EOC staff and agency partners every six months, The staff captures lessons learned and uses these to improve the EOP. Each year, emergency services manager will review the annexes with respective city departments and partner agencies to ensure that the procedures policies and information are current If the EOP needs revisions that require City Council approval, the Emergency Services Manager will bring a new EOP before the City Council for approval.
The current best practice is for the Emergency Services Manager to update the City Council on the EOP every three to five years. California, pardon me, Excuse me. Emergency services gathered input about the city's preparedness from agency partners and the whole community via workshops at a public survey for the Tri-Cities Evacuation Awareness Plan in 2024. This information was incorporated into the EOP update.
The City Council's role before an emergency is to adopt emergency powers and continuity ordinances to ensure readiness, like this Emergency Operations Plan. During Blue Sky, the City should invest in preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts. The City Council can encourage all segments of the community to do their part and prepare, which the City Council does at every CERT graduation.
Under the Gray Sky Emergency, the City Council should trust an empowered professional staff and support the proclamation of a local emergency policy decision. During the Sandy incident, the City Council amplified the unified messaging from the Incident Command Post and Emergency Operations Center leadership. The City Council should set appropriate expectations for the community.
During an emergency that might require evacuations, the City Council could encourage residents with access and functional needs to consider leaving during the evacuation warning stage or earlier. As the city recovers after the emergency, the City Council should ratify review and terminate proclamations per local ordinance and state law. The City Council can adopt recovery priorities in hazard mitigation projects to prevent future problems.
These are some important timelines for the City Council to know and are defined within the EOP. Within hours of the incident start, as a response grows, the City Council should consider the need for a local emergency proclamation. Within 10 days of the incident start, if necessary, the City Council must proclaim a local emergency. If the City Council is not in session and the emergency is proclaimed by the city manager, assistant city manager or their designee.
The City Council must ratify that proclamation within seven days of the proclamation of the emergency. Within 60 days of the local emergency proclamation, the City Council must review the local emergency proclamation and formally vote to continue or terminate that local emergency. The Sandy Fire was an excellent example of that. The fire began about 1018 AM on Monday, May 18th, 2026. The fire quickly spread due to the winds and the topography.
Three days later on May 21st, the city manager as a director of emergency services declared a local emergency pursuant to Section 4-5.06 of Simi Valley's Municipal Code This unlocked emergency powers and state procurement requirements in case the city needed to use them. On Tuesday, May 26th, the City Council held a special session to proclaim a local emergency and ratify the City Manager's earlier proclamation of a local emergency.
The City Council's emergency proclamation will expire 60 days later unless terminated sooner or extended by the City Council. The City has joined with nine other cities in Ventura County and several special districts in writing the 2027 Ventura County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This hazard mitigation plan will improve interoperability across the county.
The city's annex will identify and rank natural disasters that are most likely to impact the city, which helps the city strategize for mitigation and response. Having a hazard mitigation plan will also make the city eligible for hazard mitigation grants from FEMA and Cal OES. The city will soon share the county survey to collect input from the Simi Valley community about preparedness in natural disasters.
The Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services expects to bring the county-wide basic plan in the Simi Valley Annex for the Hazard Mitigation Plan before the City Council in April 2027. With the hazard mitigation plan and emergency operations plan in tact, the city is better prepared for disasters. Thank you for your time. May I staff report is finished? May I answer any questions?
Thank you Ms. Connors. Council Member Ayala
Madam Mayor, I apologize. Before City Council makes a motion, I'd like to read resolution number 26-10 which is included in the recommended motion for this item.
Yes
please. Resolution number 2026-10. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley approving and adopting the 2026 City of Simi Valley Emergency Operations Plan. Thank you
Thank you, Council Member Vailla.
I don't have any questions but Ms. Connors we have not been able to have a chance to thank you for the work you did during the Sandy Fire from the work you did in the Emergency Operations Center to being at the base camp and court helping to coordinate efforts there. I know you did not get much sleep that entire week but we really appreciate you being there and We hope that we don't have to use you that often when these happen, but it's good to know that when that emergency did happen that you were there to take care of it. So we just want on behalf of us thank you for what you did during that time.
Thank you sir. May I also shout out Shannon Johnson again her team of volunteers the disaster service worker volunteers were heroes with the evacuation shelters and anything that was needed and that was her leadership. And thank you for the kind words.
Thank you both. And Mayor
Pro
Tem Blitzer?
3:42 – 3:5430 turns
Actually, I didn't push a button but that being said since you gave me that opportunity as I read through the report and beautifully written a lot of work just in it's interesting this been 25 years that this is now coming forward and there's we have a new report or a new plan which is great I thought it was interesting, and I quote from it. In every phase and throughout emergency operations the city will consider the needs and limitations of those with disabilities and access and functional needs.
While it is recognized that limits on the availability of resources may compromise services to these populations a good faith effort is expected of every responder and manager. And it was interesting to me as I read that and then you in the report gave logistics statistics in terms of what that represents in our population of Simi Valley and it's sizable, I thought. That was my takeaway. It just magnified to me that they were very mindful of populations that have greater accessible needs and there is a requirement that they be top-of-mind. So anyway, as I read the report, I just found it very informative so thank you. Not really a question but thank you.
Thank you. Any other questions? If not, I'll entertain a motion.
Madam Mayor, I move that the City Council introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance Number 1368 which updates Chapter 5 Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code and adopt Resolution 2026-10 approving the city's updated Emergency Operations Plan. Second.
Call for the vote.
The motion passes unanimously.
Thank you, Ms. Connors.
Thank you ma'am. Madam Mayor and members of the City Council next on the agenda is item 9b adoption of a resolution establishing a preferential parking zone for Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road. The reading of the resolution is as follows. Resolution number 2026-35 A resolution of the City Council of the city of Simi Valley establishing preferential parking zone on Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road and Public Works Director Ron Fujiwaki is presenting this item.
This is for the final time you're not going to, you're going to watch every meeting at home though on channel 10 right?
I'll consider that
all right please proceed
Good evening again Mayor Cavanaugh and council members. As indicated by the city clerk this evening, we are requesting that the City Council adopt a resolution establishing a preferential parking zone for Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road. The preferential parking program for the city was established on September 8th 2025 by ordinance 1365 Preferential parking is a program that restricts on-street parking along residential streets to residents of that designated area and their guests. Typically, preferential parking zones are established along residential streets where parking is impacted by nonresident parkers such as over for parking from adjacent businesses or streets that may be impacted by nonresident parkers from neighborhood schools or parks.
A petition requesting preferential parking was received from residents along Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road. Brandon Avenue is a short cul-de-sac street with 11 homes on the west side and one home on the east side. The petition was signed by 11 of the 12 property owners, homeowners along the street therefore the petition satisfies the requirements to establish preferential parking.
At a meeting with the residents on April 22nd, 2026 their concerns centered on the student drop-off and pickup activity that occurs on Brandon Avenue from the adjacent Hillside Middle School. Several vehicles park or wait on Brandon Avenue to drop off or pick up students. It was suggested that no stopping preferential parking zone could be recommended A no-stopping zone prohibits nonresidents from parking or stopping to drop off or pick up students.
The proposed parking restrictions for Brandon Avenue are no stopping 630 a.m. to 4 p.m school days except by permit. The residents were cautioned that there is no guarantee that preferential parking will solve the traffic situation on Brabant Avenue. It was also mentioned that enforcement of the parking restrictions will be limited to the available resources of the police department.
If approved, each dwelling will be eligible to obtain up to three residential permits and two visitor permits. The ordinance authorizes City Council to establish permit fees by resolution so staff will return at a future meeting with the proposed permit fee after completion of the required notice and hearing process in preparation and preparation of additional information regarding the city's anticipated cost of administering the preferential parking program.
It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution establishing a preferential parking zone for Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road, and that concludes my very last staff report and we are available for questions. I would like to note that There are some residents of Brandon Avenue in the audience that have come in support of their preferential parking zone.
And I'd like to thank you for sticking it out this long. Are there any comments or questions from Council? Council Member Ayala.
Yes, the basic question did they follow all of the procedures that we had laid out in terms of the process to get the permit? And I drove down that road by your houses. They're nice houses there. It's a very narrow road, right? So even when I was driving in if one car is coming it's pretty dangerous in there, right? So it makes sense that people are not ‑‑ I can see it could be very dangerous if people are parking I just wanted to clarify that in the ordinance itself that we had passed, it did say that cars are able to park there for school-related activities throughout the year.
So it may be that even with the signs up, as long as you are notified in advance, cars will be able to park there. So I think that's in the ordinance, correct?
Like for graduation or
different events,
right special
events. So I just wanted you all the residents to know that because there may be times where you are notified that even though the signs are their cars are going to be parking there for certain types of events throughout the school year just so everyone's No, aligned. And then I think I talked with the city manager today and I think you said that if we were to pass this that staff would be in communication with the school so they can notify the parents correct?
Correct and I know that the school has already been reaching out to the parents to notify them that they should not be using Brandon as a drop-off and pickup area but the expectation is that will be reconnecting with the schools to ensure that information is shared before the beginning of the new school year. Very good
thank you. Council Member Rhodes
Thank you Madam Mayor, I did have a first question. At the end of that cul-de-sac and maybe this residents will know is there a gate then that goes into the school when they drop them off at the end of the cul de sac do they go through so they're just dropping off and they're walking back around the front okay thank
you? That's correct i'm not aware of any gator access from the cul-De-Sac
So it's just unless they jump
a fence
or so they're just using the cul-de-sac because it's easier than trying to get into the school. Into or on
a street?
Okay, I love that we have the ability for residents to solve these kind of problems on a neighborhood level and this is exactly why we put this ordinance in place What do you think is the possibility of completing this signs installed and or permits issued by the beginning of the next school year?
That is our goal, to implement this by August 20th. One of the things we need to do is have a fee consultant on On working on the overall citywide fees and we hope to be able to get him or her to do a quick study and what the fee should be so that can be brought back in Well, late July or early August so it could be implemented. And then the signs and the permits will be working on that while they're working on the fee calculation.
Excellent. And for City Manager in terms of enforcement you and I have discussed setting a an expectation of enforcement of these. It's not like we're going to live in the cul-de-sac Hand out parking citations anytime someone violates this code. What should an expectation level of enforcement be for the residents?
When I was in communication with the police department today, You know, the police department obviously does want to support whatever ordinance goes into place. However we only have one PSO and they are typically the one person that would be providing them citations so there's one PSO that'll be working during school days. So PD will do the best that they can to ensure that there is education and enforcement out there but certainly if I can't guarantee that we're gonna have someone in the cul-de-sac every day
So I wanted to take that and sort of set expectations as I see them, and that is this. If you put this in place, it makes it very clear what the rules and regulations on drop-off are. And then a few days here and there of enforcement word spreads and it becomes very clear as to what the expectations are. Parents talk and so there's not going to be a need for that daily presence But certainly, just like with any other school when we have traffic issues we need to mitigate.
We send people for a little while and pretty soon it mitigates and people know what the expectations are so I would expect at the end of this that your problem is going to be solved but just don't expect someone to be there every morning too for that one bad actor that didn't get the memo.
3:54 – 3:5917 turns
Mayor Pro Tem Litster?
Thank you. As I recall when we did this ordinance, ultimately the City Council has discretion over approving it or... Obviously the residents have placed this petition but ultimately we have the authority to approve or disapprove, correct? Okay, I just wanted to make sure that was... In my understanding, were the homes that are there and I will say it's a beautiful community. It was lovely to drive and I did drive there and anyway so it's a lovely cul-de-sac road with all...
Were the homes built there before or after Hillside? Where they look newer, they look like Hillside was there first and then the homes were built is that... Do we know that? Hillside
opened in 1974, I think. Okay
so Hillside was built first. And we're right in there. And then that beautiful community was built next to it okay. The reason I'm asking and maybe this comes from being a mother of five children who drove kids to school for 20-30 years as I looked as I drove that community and saw what a busy road As a mother, I would not want my kids crossing that road to try to pick them up.
And so I could see why they would want to go into your neighborhood to pick up a child and As I looked at it, it looked to me like there was ample turnaround room at the end if a car went down. They didn't have to even go into your driveways to make the turn but I'm sure that they do anyway but that's what it looks like. The other thing and um... But also I also noticed that there's a no stopping sign It looks like there are only allowed currently to stop Theoretically, if they're not in front of a driveway et cetera but not on the east side where it's narrow.
I'm sure that they don't always obey that but I'm guessing and then we need to make comments later anyway. Just as I drove it and I can assure there are times when it's just horrific in the morning and afternoon I'm sure as people are there. I will go on the record right now is that I'm going to vote against it because I see it as just as next to the school, that it was there when the homes were built. To me, it looks like a relatively safe place and they're not gonna end but I don't...I would have a problem if people are there parking for hours ad nauseum and in my mind, that was why we put this to start with to help tenants who had big apartment complexes coming in. We didn't want them always not having a place to park At night, etc. But so I understand and I'm not saying it's not deserving.
I'm sure it's a problem I just want to go on the record and I suspect it'll get passed And the mayor can decide whether she would like you do I think some people liked me anyway but so I guess I'm going on record right now saying that I'm probably gonna because of my experience vote against it, but Those are just my thoughts on
this. Thank
you
And I understand where you're coming from, but that's usually my thing. The school was there first, you built afterwards. But life has changed and with the district now being a school of choice, the driving at every school is heavier than it was expected to be when housing was built. When parking lots were built. You know everyone drives their kids to school now there's no, there's no neighborhood school. So the majority of those kids normally that go to Hillside should have be coming from the neighborhoods, but they're not they're coming from all over the city. And so that is creating Car backups. Even worse than when I was dropping my daughter off, you know in elementary school but so I understand your concerns and I'm in favor of it at this point.
It's a no stopping. It is just during the work hour or the school hours and this is our first one. So this is our first request for an exception to parking and this is one of the reasons we put it into play. So I just wanted to make those comments. So anyone else have any other further comments?
Just real quick, is it true that every year we have to renew this?
Every year the residents have to yes renew their permit or buy another permit for the next 12 months.
Okay
thank you do I have a motion?
Move to adopt resolution number 2026-35 establishing preferential parking zone for Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road and direct staff to establish an annual fee for parking permits.
I need a second?
Second, but before we vote can we thank Ron for this?
I was going to wait till after the vote. Okay
all right then we can vote. I just wanted to make sure we don't miss it.
I would like to let the people go home if they want to So I have a motion and a second, call for the vote please.
3:59 – 4:0536 turns
The motion passes with Mayor Pro Tem Lister voting no.
Thank you for your patience out there. Mr. Fuchiwaki! Don't go so far Ron. No, come back please. Come back. Mr. Fujiwaki is retiring at the end of this month after how many years of service with the city? 30 years of service?
With the City of Simi Valley, 25 years.
Oh I thought it was 30. Huh? I thought it was 30.
While I also have 30 or 13 and a half with the city of Santa Monica, seven with the county of Ventura. And a couple years of consulting so I've been at it for over 50 years. I was
going to say a whole lot of years.
Yeah it's time
Well,
I'm too old for this.
I think each of us want to take a moment just to say how much we've enjoyed working with you and your retirement is very well deserved. You will be missed. I know you've left us with some great people and we have a great interim right now so we really appreciate that but thank you for all your years of service to Simi Valley and the care and concern you have had for our community members. We really thank you. Who's next?
Mayor Pro Tem Lister.
Ron, you have answered I don't know how many agnostic questions of mine. So thank you very much and you have always done it in a pleasant manner even when they were stupid questions which they never are but...
No stupid
questions. It's in all seriousness though Ron you've always even when it's been I'm sure frustrating to have some of the questions you've always had such an affable respectful demeanor so but again thank you for all your work with us appreciate it.
Thank you
Councilmember Rhodes.
Ron, you'd think after 50 some years you would have figured it out by now.
That's true slow
learner I guess but councils come and go but cities run on the consistency of the people that are behind the scenes and in the trenches and doing the work and in your case maybe the literal trenches Council members have the benefit of looking good when things are going great. And because of you and your team and your service, you made a whole bunch of council members look great over the years. I've only been honored to serve with you for three-and-a-half but for three-and-a half years I've looked pretty good we fixed the dang potholes so You're going to be missed.
And if you don't look at another city council meeting, I will completely understand. So bon voyage, good work. Thank you.
Thank you. Council Member Ayala?
Very jealous that you get to not... Not about the council,
but
he gets to go home and just sit in a hammock and read a book. When I think about you, Sam, our city manager when we chat a little bit she says just the institutional knowledge that she said that we're really going to miss out on. But what I always appreciate it is we would ask you questions. Like have we ever done this and you would just say, you know I think a few years ago what's so funny is we just believed it.
You could have just been telling us anything and we're just like yep he's been around he must be telling us the truth right but now we will find out once you leave how much you were telling us the truth and how much the people who follow behind you said you know what Maybe that wasn't so much, but I'm sure that's not the case. But I just want to really hope that and I think this is the case with you because you've mentioned this, that when you retire it truly is retirement. Yes. And that is something that I wish for you is the chance to truly just retire and enjoy your family and the rest of wherever you want to go whatever you want to see. So thank you for everything you've done.
Thank you. Council Member Judge.
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Ron, thank you for your dedication to our city and our community. Welcome to the club. It's a great
club.
Thanks.
And City Manager Argybright?
I'm going to miss Ron. I've worked with Ron as long as I've been at the city because he's been here for 25. I'been here for almost 20. And Ron has always been responsive and respectful and always very willing to help. And as soon as I send an email or up the phone, Ron we need to get this done. It's done you know maybe give it an afternoon but it's always done and always just such a joy to work with so and you've done a lot of different things while you've been at the city also you oversaw community services for a minute I think
yes
yeah so
however you notice that there's no more community services
way to go but Ron has been great and I'm very much gonna miss Ron
thank you very much
Thank you. We appreciate
everything you've done.
Thank you all.
4:05 – 4:2018 turns
Also retiring at the end of this month is our Deputy Director of Community Programs and Facilities, Anna Medina. And Anna is not here this evening or we would have given her the same going away concerns but Anna has done a great job in working on our Cultural Arts Center and all the various areas some of the library and she's gonna definitely be missed also
And Councilman Rocky Rhodes and I will be sending her a big farewell. She's coming to the retreat in it.
On her last day of service to the city, she's doing the Arts Commission
Retreat.
Is
she really? She is so we will send her off at that time.
Oh thank you make sure you give her best wishes from all of us. Will do. Thank you.
Madam Mayor, members of City Council next on the agenda is item 10a council member reports
Council
Member Ayala. I will make this quick it is very late so Wednesday June 10th, I had a meeting with the city manager to catch up on a few items on Thursday June 11th. I attended the 4th of July committee which you guys continuously hear about so I want to talk much more about that June 13, I attended the community breakfast and so congratulations to all of the volunteers of the year that were chosen by their nonprofits. On June 18th at the regional defense partnership meeting where we adopted the budget for the next year.
June 18 another Fourth of July committee meeting. On June 20th, the Pickle and Play Grand Opening. And also I volunteered at the Chili Cook-Off once again for CME 250 on the 4th of July that's coming up. And then the last thing for me which I will say is we have my guest here is Isaiah and his mom Vida. Just a quick story is that Mayor Kavanaugh and I met him at the Reagan Library last year during the holiday season And he came up to us and he said that he wanted to be President of the United States.
And that he really was a fan of Ronald Reagan, and that even for his bar mitzvah they had the seal of the President of the United States displayed on the floor where his ceremony was at. So he joined me here today with his mom. He went to the Reagan Library today to join the museum And then he came early today with me to have a tour of City Hall and take some pictures up here, and so forth. And so for some reason, he wants to enter this political world. So I told him...I reviewed the agenda with him and said you can leave whenever you want to leave. You don't have to stay the entire time. And yet they stayed the entire time. So welcome! I'm glad that you...I hope you enjoyed it. And that's the end of my report.
Thank you. Council Member Rhoads?
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Isaiah, I'm sure you're completely out of the idea of running for council at this point. Thursday June 11th and 12th, Council Member Judge and I attended this GAG EAC board retreat. We were planning the year's activities on Sunday, June 14th. I attended the Flag Day ceremony at the town center On Wednesday, June 17th, I loved coming by and seeing the city summer employee luncheon here. It was so well organized, got everybody in and out with the food so you could just socialize and enjoy the day and perfect weather.
Saturday June 20th, I also attended the opening of Pickle and Play. And on Sunday the 21st, I got to cash in a certificate that I purchased at the Boys & Girls Club auction and we went up to the polo grounds in Santa Barbara and watched polo which is still...I don't understand the rules but it was really fun!
Thank you, Councilmember Judge.
On Sunday, June 14th I attended three different Flag Day events. One at the Oaks, one at Town Center and I can't remember what the other one was but there was three. Also that was the Army's birthday so it was a big day for me. I hope everybody enjoyed the COA fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels at the San Jose Performing Arts Center. If you weren't able to go they do accept donations online and remember that money goes to support our Meals on Wheels On Wednesday, June 17 I attended the employee luncheon out here in the city Civic Center and was glad to see all the employees having a good time it was a very well done event.
It was lots of shade and there were games, it was great. On Friday June 19th I attended the Steve Boy's dedication ceremony of Cayagas Water District over in Moore Park this is their emergency generator well field building basically they have huge generators there that make sure that they can pump water out of their wells if there's any kind of power outage which you know we get a lot especially during fire season.
That later that night on Friday I attended the channel channel counties division dinner for the League of Cities in Ventura with Councilmember Rhodes and Mayor Pro Tem Lister. We're going to On Saturday, June 20th I did not only attend but I participated in the Knights of Columbus chili cook-off and I think my wife said we came in sixth or seventh. I'm not sure but anyways we have a great time and that's for fun only on Sunday June 24th. I hope everybody had a great Father's Day. I did and I celebrated over the Elks Lodge and that's end of my report thank you
Shout out to Heather who was also at
the
dinner. Thank you on Wednesday June 10th I met with some residents who are concerned about vacant property in their neighborhood Thursday June 11th I attended the tri-agency meeting that was held here at City Hall. We have now met three times in the last several months, which has got to be a record because it's been years but there is definitely some tri-agency work happening and so it's been some good discussions about a variety of topics I appreciated that opportunity to get together with our school district and our park district.
On Friday, June 12th attended the Kaneho-Simi Mount Moore Park Association of Realtors Mayor's Roundtable where Mayor Cavanaugh represented us well and it was a good conversation there. That evening I actually attended Pickle & Play's Soft Opening where I was invited as a guest of the owner It was actually delightful to put on socks and jump on the trampolines and actually partake of the festivities there.
On Saturday, June 13th I attended the Community Council Presence Breakfast where I had the privilege to install the officers for the next coming year. Then I was off for several days to help my parents who are having some medical issues since I was in Idaho and missed all the flag dams so sorry But June 14th through the 17th, however remotely I was able to attend an AWA water issues committee meeting. I mentioned that this week was kind of my water week because I had three different water meetings that I attended but on Tuesday that meeting was to discuss the reservoirs in Ventura County. And I don't ever really think of Bard Lake as a reservoir, but it is. It is absolutely the Wood Ranch Reservoir and what I learned is that that reservoir is probably one of the best reinforced in terms of earthquake preparedness et cetera and so I think we should be...
That was good to learn but it was interesting that others are having to do some retrofitting to get to certain levels, but we're in pretty good shape. On Thursday, after I returned late Wednesday night and Thursday that morning, I attended actually AWAs. They had a meeting out at Cayagas where they discussed the coordination that they had experienced during the Sandy Fire And it was interesting some of the statistics that came out of that meeting. I thought you might be interested in knowing that during the fire, of course it was 2100 plus acres that were burned but they implement there was eight aircraft that did a total of 808 Water dips out of Bard Lake taking 787,440 gallons of water which represents 2.42 acre feet of water and some of the things that they had to do in preparation because of the fire they had actually increased their supply because they recognized that residents and firemen were accessing fire They had increased their supply of filling tanks.
They saw an immediate demand spike where the Simi Reservoir level dropped about 650,000 gallons. They were immediately drawn from hydrants, et cetera. And they estimate that Golden State had a demand spike of about 550,000 gallons. What I thought was interesting though was that with all this water taken the question was asked how much did it cost? Who pays for it, et cetera? Basically the cost of the water they estimate was just under about $5,000.
And that they were just going to subsume caigas is paying for it, basically. And grateful and happy to do so. But anyway, it was a very interesting presentation. Also attended several of the things that I might reference that I attended. Again, the Tri-Agency Samaritan Center Planning meeting where we met again at the Samaritan Center, the Samaritan Center has not spoken with the parks in park or Park Agency and so it was really their time to become familiar with what They're trying to do in terms of transitional housing.
And then also, let's see what else was on that day? I'm sorry. Anyway, there's a couple other things. On Friday, actually VCOG meeting, Friday June 19th, I too attended the Steve Bloss dedication ceremony that Council Member Judge referenced. I might add that those five backup generators, they estimate that is the largest backup generation It was nice to attend that event.
Yes, went to the Pickle and Play Grand Opening. It was a lovely event and attended as just as a chili eater the Knights of Columbus. I wasn't working like the rest of you but I will say that you all had lovely chili and yes, I voted for Mike's chili. I'm sorry Mayor but he got my vote on the chili and that concludes my report.
Thank you. On Thursday, June 11th I also attended the tri-agency meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Litster where we meet with the Park District and the School District along with our City Manager. Friday, June 12th I was a speaker at the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association Realtors Roundtable. They had some good questions and there were five city mayors there so it was Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark so that was nice. That's always a good event And Sunday, June 14th I attended the Flag Day celebration at the Elk's Hodge because Mike was at the other flag day celebration so kind of split that up.
And on Wednesday, June 17th I also was able to enjoy visiting with our employees during their summer employee luncheon. It was a great time everyone was really enjoying themselves it was perfect that the team or the group that put up the employee activities team they did a great job it was really well done On Saturday, June 20th I was also participating at the Knights of Columbus chili cook-off and that was a lot of fun. Great turnout they do a great job there.
And then on that Sunday, June 21st, I went over and helped the Knights of Columbus with their free meal that they serve to those who need it so that was something I really enjoyed doing. And finally, tonight we are going to be adjourning in memory of Pastor Dr. Willie M. Gray. I'm skipping over things, I'm sorry. Item 10B, are there any future agenda items from the council?
Thank you. Hearing none, I'll move along. Thank you. We are going to be adjourning this meeting in memory of Pastor Dr. Willie M. Gray. I have a few words here from his family. His life was one of commitment, faith, service and love for the people of Simi Valley. As the pastor of Simi Valley Second Baptist Church he served as a spiritual leader, mentor and pillar of the community. Beyond his pastoral role, he also worked for the city of Simi Valley for our transit from 1984 to 1988 and he was also a business owner. He served as a community counselor to many for decades, he's been a source of guidance and support to countless individuals and families is united people through faith officiated weddings throughout the community provided leadership and encouragement to ministers pastors and churches throughout Simi Valley, Ventura County in Los Angeles County His impact reaches far beyond one congregation.
His influence has helped shape the lives of many, so we will be adjourning in memory of Pastor Dr. Willie M. Gray. Thank you.