Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, Blitzer, Cavanaugh
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Neighborhood Council District 3 Vacancies
- Staff reported five vacancies on the District 3 Executive Board requiring a quorum.
- A subcommittee was formed to interview and nominate candidates from the remaining applicants.
- Mayor Cavanagh and Council Member Ayala were appointed to the selection subcommittee.
2025 State of the Region Report
- The presentation highlighted population decline in Ventura County and an aging demographic in Simi Valley.
- Economic data showed a shift from high-paying industries to lower-paying sectors.
- Key challenges identified included housing costs, education, public safety, and remote work trends.
Lost Canyons Development Project Modifications
- Staff proposed relocating 178 lots to eliminate a golf course and increase open space to 89%.
- The plan includes infrastructure changes such as road width reductions and new traffic signals.
- The Council unanimously approved the zone change, general plan amendment, and related permits.
Preferential Parking Zone Fee Resolution
- Staff presented a fee structure for the Brandon Avenue preferential parking zone.
- The Council waived sign installation costs for the current project due to lack of prior disclosure.
- Future applications will require full cost recovery including clear outlines of sign expenses.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported no items were discussed in closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. The City Attorney reported no items from closed session. A flag salute was conducted, and roll call confirmed the presence of all Council members and the Mayor. A supplemental agenda item was noted for Item 7 on the consent calendar. A motion was made to read all resolutions and ordinances in title only and waive further reading; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. No conflicts of interest were declared.
Item 1-D1: Presentation of Certificates of Commendation to the Simi Valley Girls Softball 10U Gold Champions
- Deputy City Manager Heather Semagaysay presented certificates to the 10U Girls Softball team, recognizing their 2025-26 season achievements, including an 119-9-1 record, second place in the district, fourth place at the state championship, and first place in the inaugural USA Softball Pacific Coast Tournament of Champions. The 12 players and coaches were recognized and photographed with the Council. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 2: Public Comments on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Informational Reports
- No public comments were received for this item. A phone participant attempted to speak but disconnected before being recognized.
Item 3A.1: Designation of City Council Members to Interview and Nominate Prospective Neighborhood Council District 3 Executive Board Members
- Staff reported five vacancies on the Neighborhood Council District 3 Executive Board, noting a minimum of seven members is required for a quorum. A special recruitment period yielded six applications, one of which was withdrawn. Staff recommended appointing a subcommittee of two council members to interview and nominate candidates. Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer recused themselves from the selection committee. Council Member Ayala volunteered to serve. A motion was made to appoint Mayor Cavanagh and Council Member Ayala to the subcommittee. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 3C.1: Presentation of the 2025 State of the Region by David Marin
- David Marin of the Civic Alliance presented the 2025 State of the Region report. The presentation covered population decline in Ventura County, specifically among the 0-18 age group, and an aging median age in Simi Valley. Economic data indicated a decline in high-paying industries and growth in lower-paying sectors. Voter registration trends showed growth in "no party preference" voters countywide, while Simi Valley retained a plurality of Republican registrants. The report highlighted challenges in education, housing costs, childcare costs, cancer rates, public safety, food distribution, and the increase in remote work. No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational item.
Item 4: Public Statements
- Public statements were received on the following topics:
- Housing and Tiny Homes: Discussion regarding the housing crisis, the cost of ADUs versus movable tiny homes, and a request to place the issue on a future agenda.
- Film Industry Locations: Promotion of local businesses and properties available for film production.
- Racial Incidents and Waste Management: A call for a commission to investigate racial issues in schools and the community, and concerns regarding toxic waste disposal at the local landfill.
- Tree Preservation and Development: Criticism of the Tree Advisory Board and Planning Commission regarding the approval of development requiring the destruction of native oak trees and alleged loopholes in the Hillside Preservation Ordinance.
- Street Signs and Public Notices: Advocacy for a proactive street sign replacement strategy and a request to publish public hearing notices in the Simi Valley Acorn in addition to the Ventura County Star.
- Veterans Support: Presentation of a concept for a veteran-centric sign program and community event to support homeless and transitioning veterans.
- Homelessness and Food Insecurity: Announcement of an upcoming fundraiser hike and a Rotary Club pancake breakfast.
- Coyote Management: Concerns regarding the growing coyote problem in the ABC Tract, citing pet attacks and public safety issues, with a call for active intervention including trapping and removal.
- Immigration and Police Data: Report on ICE detentions and a request for access to unredacted user ID data in the Simi Valley Police Department's FLOC search audit logs.
- No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item 4A: City Council Comments Regarding Public Statements
- Council members addressed public comments received earlier. Regarding waste management, the City Manager clarified that Waste Management accepted food from a warehouse in Boyle Heights at risk of melting, while burnt food and building materials were sent to other landfills. Regarding coyote management, the Mayor noted her role as a commissioner on the Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) and stated she would reach out for potential solutions. The City Manager noted that Environmental Services is working to provide updates on the Coyote Management Plan, though enforcement is limited by Fish & Game and BCAS regulations. Council members acknowledged and encouraged participation in upcoming community events, including the "13 Souls Run" and a hike to Mount McCoy, with the Mayor offering sponsorship for the hike. No formal motions were made.
Agenda Item 5A: Public Hearing on Lost Canyons Development Project Modifications
- A public hearing was held to consider modifications to the Lost Canyons Development Project, including a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan Amendment, Plan Development Permit, and Tentative Map. Staff presented a proposal to relocate 178 to 180 approved single-family lots from the south side of Lost Canyons Drive to the north side on the site of a former golf course. This modification would eliminate the golf course, consolidate infrastructure, and preserve additional open space, maintaining a total unit count of 364. The area formerly designated for the golf course would be rezoned from commercial recreation to low and medium-density residential, while the area south of Lost Canyons Drive would be redesignated as open space with two estate lots remaining. Design standards included reduced setbacks and new architectural styles. Infrastructure modifications included reducing the width of Tapo Canyon Road in a specific section due to geotechnical issues, installing shear pins for soil stabilization, and adding a traffic signal. An addendum to the 2011 Environmental Impact Report concluded no new significant impacts. The Neighborhood Council and Planning Commission recommended approval.
- The applicant presented details on dedicating trailheads to the Rancho Simi Park District, constructing public trails, and confirming that the two estate lots would utilize septic tanks while the main development would be all-electric. Council members inquired about impacts on Anderson Road and Ditch Road, public access to trails, and the Madera Road connection. The applicant confirmed water lines would tap existing easements with minimal encroachment, clarified public access via dedicated trailheads, and staff confirmed the Madera Road connection and the dual drainage/aesthetic function of a proposed water feature. The public hearing concluded with no further questions. No motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon during the hearing segment.
Item 5A: Lost Hills Development Project (Phase II) – Specific Plan and General Plan Amendments
- Discussion focused on the modification to the Lost Hills Development Project (also referred to as Lost Canyons in previous segments), involving the relocation of 178 lots to consolidate the development footprint. Staff data indicated the revised plan increases open space from approximately 43% to 89%, resulting in roughly 1,500 acres of open space and a 200-acre development footprint. It was clarified that the Homeowners Association would maintain roads, landscaping, and community trails, but the city would retain ownership of the open space property. Public comment was received from six speakers regarding tax revenue, stormwater retention ponds, groundwater usage, lot relocation significance, open space permanence, solar panels, and noise from nearby quarries. Staff responded that the proposed pond would not use groundwater from the Gillibrand Groundwater Basin. Council members confirmed that solar panels would be standard on all homes. A motion was made to introduce Ordinance No. 1374, approving the Zone Change, General Plan Amendment, Plan Development Permit Modification, Tentative Map, and Environmental Impact Report addendum. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 5B: Preferential Parking Zone Fee Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to establish fees for the preferential parking zone program. A cost analysis for the Brandon Avenue zone was detailed, outlining options for full cost recovery (including application and sign installation fees) or partial cost recovery. A resident speaker noted the neighborhood had already raised the application fee without prior knowledge of sign costs. Council members debated waiving sign installation costs for the current project due to the lack of prior disclosure. It was agreed that future applications would include a clear outline of potential sign costs. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 2026-40, establishing the fee schedule, directing full cost recovery for future zones, and waiving sign installation costs for the current Brandon Avenue project while maintaining application and permit fees. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar (Items 6, 7, and 8)
- The consent calendar included four resolutions: 1. Resolution No. 2026-41: Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with OVIVO USA LLC and Coombs Service Group for the B&R East Basin aerator replacement project for $495,093.51 without competitive bidding. 2. Resolution No. 2026-37: Approving an updated citywide publicly available pay schedule effective June 29, 2026. 3. Resolution No. 2026-38: Approving an updated citywide publicly available pay schedule effective July 13, 2026. 4. Resolution No. 2026-42: Confirming and renewing the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 10A and 10B: City Council Member Reports and Requests for Future Agenda Items
- Council members provided reports on recent activities, including attendance at police promotion ceremonies, scholarship award ceremonies, National Night Out events, meetings with the Park District and Ventura County Community Foundation, Youth Council Orientation, a data center webinar, and the Rancho Simi Recreation Park District Board meeting. Additional activities included a "Shoes for Little Souls" event, attendance at the Ventura County Fair, meetings regarding a potential hockey league, the State of the College Address at Moorpark College, and a meeting with the Governor's office regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs. One member reported on a meeting with the Simi Youth Baseball 16-and-under all-star team, a future recognition event, a meeting with the Governor's office, a National Night Out event, a Board of Directors meeting to welcome a new District Manager, and a Tri-Agency meeting regarding e-bikes and homeless cleanup. The chair solicited requests for future agenda items; none were made.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Richard L. Strayer.