Guest column: Keep voting to show city of Simi Valley is involved and engaged
As we embark on 2022, I thank my colleagues on the Simi Valley City Council. We’re a five-member body, and while our votes are not always unanimous, it takes all of us to move Simi Valley forward.
The state continues to seize local control in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach to housing. Effective Jan. 1, single-family lots can be split into two, and each lot can have two homes built. This will undoubtedly change the character of our community. The City Council has modified the Municipal Code to preserve as much local control as permissible. To learn more, visit the city’s website.
This is why I call on you to vote. Engage in the process and vote in every election you can. Not only do you support the issues important to you, but you distinguish Simi Valley as a community that is involved and engaged. This is critical to lawmakers. If they know a community votes, lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are more likely to listen to the voice of our residents.
2021 brought a structurally balanced budget, Spanish closed-captioned City Council meetings; a Safe Park Pilot Program; a Strategic Plan for the Cultural Arts Center; revised rules for rear yard parking; and the reopening of the Cultural Arts Center, Senior Center, and Library. It also marked the City Council’s ongoing fight for a timely cleanup at that the Santa Susana Field Lab that protects the best interests of our community.
The Simi Valley Police Department marked its 50th anniversary in 2021. SVPD opened its doors for a community Open House and attendees even got to dunk the chief. I’m grateful to all of the men and women who have served the department during its 50 years of service.
In 2021, the council approved wineries and breweries in industrial spaces, and during the pandemic, outdoor dining was a hit. To help businesses maintain the momentum, the council adopted new rules to make outdoor dining permanent.
The city will receive over $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds over the next two years. The City Council adopted guidelines for how to allocate the funds, and soon we’ll be seeking the public’s input. I hope you’ll weigh in.
Two new industrial projects are moving right along: Tapo Canyon Road between Royal Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue, and Madera Road at Easy Street. It’s estimated these new projects can add up to 1,500 new jobs to the community. The Enclave at Cochran Street and Galena will provide a variety of housing options and will provide 530 new shoppers to the neighboring businesses. The city also adopted a new Housing Element to plan for the diverse housing future of Simi Valley.
Simi Valley joined cities across the state and testified before the CPUC about the safety impacts PSPS have on Simi Valley and we urged them to hold Edison accountable. Since then, PSPS events have decreased, Edison has improved its infrastructure, and removed several circuits from PSPS consideration. I will not stop fighting until Edison keeps the lights on.
Providing water to 65% of Simi Valley, the city continues to provide a majority of imported water from the State Water Project in Northern California to our residents. The water supply consistently meets all U.S. EPA and state drinking water health standards and is safe to drink straight from the tap.
Faster internet connectivity is on its way to every home and business in the city through a partnership with SiFi Networks to lay fiber at no cost to the taxpayers. The project is underway and will take about two years to complete.
Following a nationwide search, the City Council appointed David Caceres as City Attorney. Please join me in congratulating him.
Finally, I’d like to recognize the residents of Simi Valley for their commitment to this community and city staff for their dedication and perseverance over the last two years.
Keith Mashburn is the mayor of Simi Valley.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Keep voting to show city of Simi Valley is involved and engaged
