Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, 3-Litster, 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
Emergency Preparedness Month Proclamation
- The Emergency Services Manager presented a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Emergency Preparedness Month.
- Volunteers from Tech Reserve, Disaster Service Worker, and CERT programs accepted the proclamation.
- The council accepted the proclamation.
Neighborhood Council Appointments
- Staff recommended the appointment of five nominees to fill vacancies on the Executive Board of Neighborhood Council District 3.
- The appointed terms are partial, beginning October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.
- The council approved the appointment of the five nominees.
Museum of Ventura County Presentation
- The museum’s CEO presented on the organization’s history, operations, and community partnerships.
- The presentation highlighted services such as free school tours and exhibits.
- The council received the presentation and community input regarding oral history projects.
Ventura County Fire Department Update
- The department reported handling over 3,000 calls for service in Simi Valley during the second quarter of 2026.
- An El Niño task force was established to coordinate with county and state agencies for weather preparedness.
- Sand pits will be installed at fire stations by November to improve public access to sandbags.
- New safety initiatives include decontamination procedures and standardized "Mayday" training for firefighters.
Economic Development Update
- Staff reported that Simi Valley’s unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in June, remaining lower than state and county averages.
- Industrial real estate vacancy declined from 8.8% to 6.2% between the first and second quarters.
- First-quarter sales tax receipts increased 7.9% year-over-year, outpacing regional growth rates.
- Staff discussed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Hockey League regarding a potential permanent home.
Street Renaming Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to rename the segment of Flower Glen Street west of First Street to Innovators Way.
- The change was requested by the sole property owner to eliminate confusion from the street having two names.
- Police and Fire departments approved the change, and the council adopted the resolution.
Sandy Fire Recovery Funding
- The council extended the local emergency declaration for 60 days and waived normal bidding procedures for emergency works.
- A $2.5 million project funded by federal and city sources will mitigate debris flow and flooding risks.
- Targeted outreach to affected homeowners regarding runoff risks is scheduled to begin in October.
- The waiver allows for expedited proposals to complete work ahead of the El Niño wet season.
Military Banner Distribution Program
- Staff proposed a program to distribute mini-replica banners and certificates when physical banners are removed.
- The program includes connecting families with the Ventura County Veterans Services Office.
- The council approved the ceremonial distribution program to honor service members and their families.
Simi Valley Film Forward Program
- Staff presented a supplemental budget request to establish a strategy enhancing the city’s appeal to the film industry.
- The program includes improving permitting, marketing locations, and connecting productions with local businesses.
- The council approved an investment of $185,000 to establish and implement the program.
Other Council Motions
- The council waived further readings for all resolutions and ordinances presented that evening.
- The council approved utilizing the Park District’s Veterans Day event to connect veterans with service providers.
- Council members clarified that the Sandy Fire investigation is conducted in partnership with state and CAL FIRE agencies.
Closed Session
- No closed-session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Public Comment
- Residents and representatives addressed several topics, including infrastructure maintenance, telecommunications, public safety, and community issues.
- Infrastructure: A business owner reported on recent repairs in the Indian Hills area and suggested pulling forward funding to mitigate rising material costs associated with expected El Niño weather conditions.
- Telecommunications: A resident noted the installation of fiber optic internet and the entry of a new provider, which ended a previous duopoly.
- Public Safety: Speakers encouraged participation in the CERT program and the use of the VC Alert app. Concerns were raised regarding visibility hazards from vehicles parked on corners, with requests to paint curbs red and install reflective markers in bike lanes.
- Immigration: Speakers discussed interactions with federal agents and provided statistics regarding detentions in Simi Valley and Ventura County. Economic impacts on local businesses, including employee absences and fear of retaliation, were cited. A youth statement expressing fear regarding ICE presence was read.
- Waste Management: A resident clarified that concerns were directed at the city’s adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Waste Management, rather than the company itself.
- Fireworks and Fire Safety: A resident criticized the rejection of new firework penalties recommended by the Ventura County Grand Jury and requested public disclosure of no-bid mitigation contracts related to the Sandy Fire recovery.
- Film Industry: A resident objected to the proposed "Simi Valley Film Forward" budget, suggesting funds be redirected to vouchers for film crew members to support local businesses.
- Museum of Ventura County: A representative presented the organization’s mission, budget, and services, including free school tours and exhibits, and requested community input on oral history projects.
- Strathern Historical Park: A resident invited the council to an upcoming event at the park.
Agenda Item 1D.1: Proclamation for Emergency Preparedness Month
- Discussion: The Emergency Services Manager presented a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Emergency Preparedness Month. Volunteers from Tech Reserve, Disaster Service Worker, and CERT accepted the proclamation.
- Decision: The proclamation was accepted.
Agenda Item 3A.1: Appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members
- Discussion: Staff recommended the appointment of five nominees to fill vacancies on the Executive Board of Neighborhood Council District 3: Natalie Boutrego, Stephanie Ferguson, Michelle McMurtry, Frederick Peterson, and Terry Rensler. The terms are partial, beginning October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the appointment of the five nominees.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 3C.1: Museum of Ventura County Presentation
- Discussion: The Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Ventura County presented on the history, operations, and partnership of the museum.
- Public Comment: A speaker thanked the museum for its focus on Simi Valley history and its exhibit at the Spanish Heritage Festival.
Agenda Item 3C.2: Ventura County Fire Department Update
- Discussion: The Ventura County Fire Department Division Chief provided a second-quarter 2026 update.
- Operations: The department operates six fire stations in Simi Valley. The county fleet includes three Blackhawk helicopters and four hand crews, one assigned to Simi Valley.
- Call Volume: Over 3,000 calls for service were handled in Simi Valley during the second quarter. The rolling 12-month average is between 11,900 and 13,000 calls. Simi Valley ranks second in call volume within the county, behind Thousand Oaks.
- Incidents: During the second quarter, there were seven wildfires, 11 structure fires, and 25 miscellaneous fires.
- El Niño Preparedness: An El Niño task force has been established, coordinating with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, and the National Weather Service.
- Sandbag Distribution: Sand pits containing 1 to 3 yards of sand will be installed at the front of every fire station to improve public access and reduce congestion. Installation is planned by November.
- Training: A new firefighter academy will begin in January with 37 recruits, approximately a quarter of whom will be assigned to Simi Valley. The academy will utilize new burn buildings for residential and commercial fire simulations.
- Safety Initiatives: New decontamination procedures were implemented to address increased cancer rates among firefighters. Standard Operating Guidelines for lithium-ion battery fires were developed. A standardized "Mayday" process was trained countywide.
- Emergency Alerts: The representative emphasized the importance of signing up for VC Alert and VC Emergency apps for real-time evacuation notices.
- Incident Update: A firefighter struck by a vehicle on the 118 freeway was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is maintaining stable vitals.
- Q&A: Council members inquired about sand pit logistics, call volume disparities with Thousand Oaks, and the distinction between VC Alert and Watch Duty apps. The representative clarified that VC Alert is the primary tool for civilian evacuation awareness, while Watch Duty is an intelligence-driven tool. Regarding an ongoing arson investigation, the representative stated that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, and the state are involved, and no further details were provided due to the active investigation.
- Motions and Votes: No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item 3C.3: Economic Development Update
- Discussion: Staff presented a recap of recent economic activity, including the unveiling of a new brand identity for the Office of Economic Development.
- Business Activity: Recent openings and relocations included Schatzi’s, Grocery Outlet, Kids and Things, Krusty Krapes, Jewel Time, Simi Valley Brewing Company, Culturas Latin Kitchen, Rolling Oaks Radiology, The Paw Spa, Smoking Gun Bar Staffing, and Lucky Dog Coffee. Whole Foods, Nothing But Cakes, Dutch Brothers Coffee, Penny Mac, and Billie Plaza are in permitting or improvement phases.
- Unemployment: Simi Valley’s rate rose to 4.3% in June, remaining lower than Ventura County (4.5%), California (5.2%), and Los Angeles County (5.3%).
- Industrial Real Estate: The vacancy rate declined from 8.8% in Q1 to 6.2% in Q2. New construction includes a 200,000 sq. ft. building on Kamisa Drive and a 179,000 sq. ft. project on Guardian Street.
- Sales Tax: Q1 2026 receipts increased 7.9% year-over-year (9.9% adjusted for anomalies), outpacing Ventura County (5%) and the state (4%). Growth was driven by the business and industrial sectors.
- Retail: The vacancy rate remained stable at 8.8% in Q2 2026, higher than the 5.6% average in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
- Entertainment: Staff discussed ongoing discussions with the U.S. Hockey League regarding a potential permanent home and a new sports/entertainment facility.
- Public Comment: A speaker suggested implementing a permitting roundtable similar to Moorpark’s to assist businesses with complex code requirements. Another speaker commented on the film industry’s history in the area.
- Council Questions: Council members inquired about the drivers behind the significant drop in industrial vacancy rates. Staff attributed it to natural absorption rather than a single new business.
Agenda Item 7: Consent Calendar
- Discussion: The Council considered Resolution No. 2026-48, authorizing the execution of recipient certifications and assurances for the California Department of Transportation State of Good Repair Program funded by Senate Bill 1 for fiscal year 2026-27.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar item.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9A: Resolution Renaming Flower Glen Street to Innovators Way
- Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to rename the segment of Flower Glen Street west of First Street to Innovators Way. The request was made by Taron Tactical Innovations, the sole property owner on that segment. Staff noted that the street name change was previously approved for the western portion in 2015, and this action would eliminate confusion caused by the street having two names. Police and Fire departments approved the change.
- Public Comment: A speaker confirmed the location was not Simi Town Center Way and expressed support for the change.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9B: Sandy Fire Recovery Grant Funding and Emergency Mitigation Improvements
- Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to extend the local emergency declaration for another 60 days and to waive normal bidding procedures for emergency public works projects. The Sandy Fire burned approximately 2,200 acres in May 2026. Staff detailed a partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Federal Emergency Watershed Protection Program to mitigate debris flow and flooding risks.
- Funding: The project budget is approximately $2.5 million, funded by a $1.8 million NRCS reimbursement (75% federal match) and $700,000 from City General Fund reserves. The NRCS will also provide technical assistance. The city is pursuing additional reimbursement from the Ventura County Watershed Protection District.
- Outreach: Targeted outreach to affected Homeowners Associations (Bridal Path, Woodlands, Simi Hills, and others) and residents regarding runoff risks is scheduled to begin in October.
- Bidding Waiver: Staff explained that the waiver of bidding is necessary due to the time-sensitive nature of the work ahead of the El Niño wet season. The city will still solicit proposals but on an expedited timeline.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution extending the local emergency and waiving bidding procedures for the mitigation improvements.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9C: Ceremonial Distribution Program for Simi Valley Military Banners
- Discussion: Staff proposed a program to honor military service members and their families by distributing mini-replica banners and certificates of recognition when physical banners are removed from the city. The program would also include distributing veteran resources and connecting families with the Ventura County Veterans Services Office. Approximately 200 banners are currently installed, and about 22 were removed in 2026.
- Coordination: Council members inquired about coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department for their annual veterans event. Staff clarified that the Park District’s event focuses on recognizing veterans personally, whereas Council meetings would accommodate family members.
- Recognition Options: The program allows for recognition in council settings and potentially at other events, permitting veterans or families to choose their preferred method of recognition.
- Public Comment: A speaker suggested limiting recognition to the veterans themselves at the Park District’s Veterans Day event, while allowing family members to participate in Council meetings.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the ceremonial distribution program.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9D: Simi Valley Film Forward Program
- Discussion: Staff presented a supplemental budget request to establish the "Simi Valley Film Forward" program, a strategy to enhance Simi Valley’s appeal to the film industry.
- Economic Impact: Past impact included 482 production days and an estimated $8.6 million.
- Key Areas: The proposal includes "Setting the Stage" (improving permitting and providing a single point of contact), "In the Spotlight" (marketing locations and building a professional database), "Beyond the Set" (connecting productions with local businesses), and "The Supporting Cast" (partnering with existing entities like the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Simi Valley).
- Committee Efforts: An ad hoc committee reported on previous efforts to review the film overlay zone model from Santa Clarita and the current permit process.
- Partnership: Staff mentioned meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and their filming arm to ensure partnership and alignment.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed investment of $185,000 to establish and implement the Film Forward Program.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Other Council Discussion and Motions
- Resolutions and Ordinances: A motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances presented that evening in title only and to waive all further readings.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- Sandy Fire Investigation: Council members discussed the oversight of the Sandy Fire investigation, clarifying that it is conducted in partnership with the state and CAL FIRE, rather than solely by local jurisdiction.
- Veterans Resources: Council members discussed the provision of resources for veterans. A motion was made and seconded to approve the request to utilize the Veterans Day event at the Park District to connect veterans with service providers, rather than creating a separate city council meeting for this purpose.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Public Reports and Updates
- Library Foundation: Jennifer Frank, board member of the Simi Valley Library Foundation, presented plans to renovate the library’s community room using community project grants and fundraising. The renovation includes new carpet, paint, furniture, and a smartboard.
- City Manager’s Report: The City Manager shared takeaways from the League of California Cities annual conference, including insights on infrastructure financing (CSCDA), economic development models from Dublin, CA, and road repair techniques (Asphalt Zipper). The report also mentioned the City Manager’s participation in a session on governing under scrutiny.
- Community Events: Councilmembers reported on their attendance at the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Cops and Cruisers event.
- Vision 2050: The Mayor mentioned a potential review of a "Vision 2050" type program, referencing a 1991 document created by Mayor Stratton, and suggested the council review it to determine if it should be pursued.
- Disaster Service Workers: The Mayor thanked DSW volunteers for their service. Councilmembers encouraged the public to take CERT classes to improve self-sufficiency during disasters.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.