[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6498819,"mediaKeyId","5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f","parentId",5598207,"title","Residents urge accountability after August assault on teenager; council pledges meetings and outreach","audioSeconds",1629,"startMs",2067000,"endMs",3696000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f&start=2067&end=3696","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f/thumbnail_2067000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6498819/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Residents-urge-accountability-after-August-assault-on-teenager-council-pledges-meetings-and-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498819-e5421dabff6a1f8364edb1f90678bfdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521042&Signature=odsqQRoAgygAfrYOpQbb~Yoo9PIY0qlyiqDKfHXkZvEpCoNAKbNfMnk0Sku8iSAgeaUjz0r21aj~Zc2PWKQR~CSJD2Lr6npD09inRM6O0cmJuEo4sheKxPfUZdTDMIVz~OG9RS7B1nzB40eRSHk0xzplqenRd5HZHgeKlJpcBNZEAMHqex3E-zWTzO1U7fp3zHYMYMowliF17~bJPOHNJxTzWH1IiRnWZWMM6-juk4SbmQ4WNoOsVl1syyEHvbsTclI4CxqQdzfKPQBDgFGvdJW5W8I8~31qkejR9buer17dZ9c8yFLW5u5EKlWBDnPpuCKyQvXSZ-kfar64O3C~XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Simi Valley","date","2025-08-18T15:15:31Z","article","Dozens of Simi Valley residents pressed the City Council on Aug. 18 for stronger police accountability, clearer communication and protections against immigration enforcement after an Aug. 1 attack on 18‑year‑old Michael Robinson.

At the meeting, multiple residents, students and faith leaders described the episode as racially motivated and said the initial police response and the handling of suspects fell short. Speakers also demanded that the Simi Valley Police Department clarify its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and asked the school district to outline steps to protect students and families.

Why it matters: speakers said the incident exposed long‑standing problems in Simi Valley — including a legacy of racial tension — and urged the council to act to restore public trust and protect children and vulnerable residents.

Residents and community leaders repeatedly asked the city for three responses: transparent updates on the criminal investigation; clearer explanations of why suspects received citations rather than arrests; and formal policies limiting local law enforcement’s participation in civil immigration enforcement.

“I make these claims on the premise that we as civilians in mass are known to portray similar ideologies to our authority,” said Savannah Downs, a Royal High School senior who called the assault a hate crime and urged the council to “hold our cops accountable.”

Vartrice “Patrice” Perry, Michael Robinson’s mother, addressed the council and offered a short prayer, thanking the community for its support. “I thank you, father, that my son is alive,” she said.

Other speakers recounted personal experiences of racial harassment in schools and neighborhoods. Gianna Carpenter, a Simi Valley High School sophomore, said she reported an attack four years ago and that “nothing was done with the same thing that happened to Michael.” Ruth Vaughn, a local law‑student and founder of Rise Simi Valley, called for systemic change in schools and policing.

Several speakers asked the council to pass a city resolution stating that SVPD will not participate in civil immigration enforcement or will limit information sharing with ICE. Jacqueline Snow and others explicitly urged the city to adopt non‑cooperation policies and to publicly condemn ICE raids around schools.

Council response and next steps: Council members said they heard the speakers and outlined immediate follow‑ups. Council member Joseph Ayala said he planned to contact the Simi Valley Unified School District to ask what programs the district has in place to address students’ safety and bias. “One of the things I’m committing to you is people talked about the schools… I will make a phone call tomorrow to ask the school district what are they doing in light of this,” Ayala said.

Mayor Didi Kavanaugh and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Judge described earlier outreach to Michael’s family and their attendance at a church gathering as a start to longer engagement. Judge encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to provide it to SVPD, saying a full investigation will be compiled and forwarded to the district attorney. “If you do have that information, please relay it to our police department so they could use it in their investigation,” Judge said.

Calls for specific actions: speakers and several council members asked for tangible items including: a public statement from the school district on protections for students; public reporting from SVPD about investigative steps and outcomes; meetings between council, faith leaders and student groups (including high‑school Black Student Unions); and community gatherings to discuss healing and anti‑bias education.

Public safety and immigration enforcement: multiple speakers tied concerns about the assault to broader community safety issues, including fears about impersonation by fake ICE agents, and asked the city to pursue policies limiting civil immigration enforcement in Simi Valley. Several residents asked the council to publicly support legal actions or resolutions opposing federal immigration enforcement practices that they described as harmful to families and students.

What the council said it would do next: members said they will (1) continue to meet with Michael Robinson and his family and local faith leaders, (2) pursue follow‑up meetings with student groups and school district staff, and (3) encourage residents with tips to contact SVPD so investigators can evaluate possible adult involvement and complete the investigative packet for the district attorney. Council members also described plans for additional community forums and involvement by youth and faith groups.

The council did not announce formal policy changes or new resolutions at the meeting. Several speakers demanded legal and criminal accountability, and the council directed residents to SVPD for evidence submission and indicated it would work with community partners to plan further gatherings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of Simi Valley residents pressed the City Council on Aug. 18 for stronger police accountability, clearer communication and protections against immigration enforcement after an Aug. 1 attack on 18‑year‑old Michael Robinson.","taxTitle","Simi Valley, Ventura County, California","taxId",3724,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498800,"Council authorizes city manager to execute Runkel Canyon agreements; staff to return with engineering report",2403,1977000,4380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f&start=1977&end=4380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f/thumbnail_1977000.jpg","/articles/6498800/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Council-authorizes-city-manager-to-execute-Runkel-Canyon-agreements-staff-to-return-with-engineering-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498800-4ee8ed9984f12f937290c52c04241ac7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521042&Signature=RKVSP3alQ~eZFdqHL1PXINIHp1xVD09-2mruYWWp891QyByYpM1eHb8Uqushv8BjuV05muH-J1ZAJaKzmwcbR7u6kymPLXO1xVbhNncDgtoqFwAc58e2fkDI5Fj-BUgzHECMnA~gvZ03Ylvgipl5JVk09dP5AguDo1tytYi-MPz9Po5ta5wqxISnvzdI3HgdJ3wDitlUYbQ22iO44XmZ8qWcDxKQLj0L317p4M-xo0eV048UfBDMyDiavdt55doL54gYLh7Ikl-xcC0rONgaqirB8EI~u-A73~SIFU-TIggi4URXuVTCmtQMPSRSCrSUfyNBdXyy75Nqbsn-gQ0d5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved on consent on Aug. 18 an authorization allowing the city manager to enter into agreements related to the Runkel Canyon development, while council members and staff said they expect to return with engineer reports and amended subdivision improvement agreements.

Why it matters: Runkel Canyon is a private development under active review by city staff. The authorization gives the city manager limited administrative authority to execute agreements needed to keep the project moving, but council members emphasized that substantive changes and final acceptance of infrastructure will return to council.

What was discussed: Ivana Christman, a planning commissioner and resident, spoke in favor of the item but asked that council ensure that any future extensions or changes receive due diligence and transparency. City attorney and planning staff said the city expects an engineer’s report that will shape which infrastructure can be accepted and what bonding will be required.

Action taken: Council member Rocky Rhodes moved approval of the consent items that included the Runkel Canyon item; the motion passed unanimously. City staff said they intend to return to the council, at least on consent, to report the results of engineering evaluations and any proposed changes to subdivision improvement agreements so the council can review them and inform constituents.

What happens next: staff and the developer said they will continue coordination; any amendments or acceptance of improvements will be brought back to council for review and formal approval.","The council approved a consent‑calendar authorization allowing the city manager to execute subdivision improvement agreements for the Runkel Canyon project and said future amendments and engineer reports will come back to the council for review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498805,"Council advances application for $1.4 million emergency generator grant for community center",294,6623000,6917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f&start=6623&end=6917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f/thumbnail_6623000.jpg","/articles/6498805/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Council-advances-application-for-14-million-emergency-generator-grant-for-community-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498805-d4f2f9d1e00661bc24f8a1d079a05f4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521042&Signature=nErMMGC2tTE35F9XgOPgfgf-IEG-rCmpmWLEFxB2gsEDQhl8EFju9yhFeLGXFOT13~1KMcH3Eh1ci5~p8WVXP712sa-~7JiAKlFKdtDhkI1Jscgox-7ApySV04sa~1NKWBpM~aYU6X4OC9KWfX~VDU4Scn4tBUaNwIL8kjzmETPebwJ3Av5nUVSLJC9L4qOot9K7hopWrRMXE0pUkTza1bbjAbjqBG~vQOzL29Mh-8dEMYmfLlm1L054A1PyRNjlyZ-ax5hJmeib6GJyYZST1~wRJAFQDezVZ2oEnNs-Gty16iMlpeR9akWiG9jQ~k-OXtM1am0008OtMFxR7TuepQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Simi Valley staff told the City Council on Aug. 18 that the community center is identified as the city’s evacuation center and staff recommended applying for a grant to install emergency generators and supporting equipment, with an estimated project cost of $1,400,000.

Why it matters: council members said a reliable emergency‑power site is essential for evacuations and for county agencies that would use the site during disasters.

What was proposed: staff said the park district prepared a cost estimate of $1,400,000 for generators and associated work at the community center. The application would request federal or state grant funds and — if awarded — the city and the park district would finalize an agreement and determine any required local match during the budget process.

Council discussion: Council member Joseph Ayala asked staff about the likelihood of receiving the grant and alternative funding if the application is unsuccessful. City staff said the process is competitive but that staff believed the project had a viable chance, and that the city could consider funding the work in a future budget if necessary. Ayala also asked whether neighboring county agencies that would use the site during emergencies might contribute to costs; staff said they have not yet approached the county but could do so if council directs.

Action taken: Council approved the consent item authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with the park district and proceed with the grant process; councilmembers said they would return to council with the final grant acceptance and any local funding commitments if the award is received.

Financial detail and next steps: staff noted the $1.4 million was an engineer’s estimate prepared by the park district; an RFP would be required and final bids could be higher or lower. If awarded, staff said they would return to council to accept the grant and to confirm any local funding obligations.","Council authorized the city manager to proceed with a grant application and an agreement with the park district to install emergency generators and related infrastructure at the community center; the project estimate is $1.4 million and staff said a local share would be determined if the grant is awarded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498810,"Council introduces preferential parking ordinance, approves amendments to let neighborhoods petition for zones",1532,3697000,5229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f&start=3697&end=5229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f/thumbnail_3697000.jpg","/articles/6498810/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Council-introduces-preferential-parking-ordinance-approves-amendments-to-let-neighborhoods-petition-for-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498810-c58f6557a4d90f3bf469ac910146ff34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521042&Signature=ipE2sl-zhokCTl6Mwum01cRJrtgiJHXRJRCoS0DNojOTX1bh3vD7AJX2ZjoOJAhPP8SlMwo2NztMSUNP-VH3cUcdbYzmAdpQQ870YW7UCjivtJAui9TdxIAW~W8UzeLCIYAWpfTAtkt3JKi6aZHDkuty9WLyKVfCWbWy9YsKTdY1S67BMdGzcNfhLEpQiD52rvDjJzj6N8VUHM2VDYmXJ4xGoR7C40HlSdKWRCCTgmpj1d-HRFKJt2O2wxmmEvQxlNKkZ7OqC9-yA77a~3ABW5rihuUsJxAFT7rCnglMLXph98bFdjAcUpzFSSNAAWCHoii9rp~xrW3XcFztrNzRvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Simi Valley City Council introduced Ordinance 1365 on Aug. 18 to create a preferential parking permit program that would allow neighborhoods to restrict on‑street spaces to local residents and guests where nonresident parking substantially affects availability.

Why it matters: the ordinance provides a formal procedure for neighborhoods to petition for preferential parking zones if overflow parking from businesses, schools or other nonresident parkers impairs residential parking. Council members said the measure also can be used preemptively where new nearby development threatens to displace on‑street parking.

What the ordinance does: the proposed code addition would let residents initiate a zone by petition and sets permitting rules, visitor permits and enforcement to be defined by council resolution. The ordinance defines a resident as someone living in a dwelling unit within a preferential parking zone and sets rules for sign installation and permit issuance. Staff said technical details such as permit fees, guest permits and enforcement schedules will be established later by resolution.

Council changes before adoption: Council member Rocky Rhodes moved to introduce the ordinance with several amendments. Rhodes’ motion struck a section that would have required staff to conduct formal parking studies as a precondition for council consideration, allowing more flexibility for residents to request zones. The council also amended the ordinance to exempt vehicles displaying a valid handicapped placard from permit fees and to establish a minimum zone size defined as area between two intersections (interpreted as a full block).

Council member Rhodes said he wanted the ordinance to empower neighborhoods to act proactively rather than waiting for a parking problem to become severe. “If a group of residents came and said, ‘we want this preemptively because we're scared,’… with a majority of council we can make that happen,” Rhodes said.

Implementation and timing: staff said the ordinance takes effect 30 days after the second reading. Once a petition is validated, staff will notice residents, order signs and install them; staff estimated sign ordering and installation could take roughly four to six weeks after approval of a specific zone. The resolution that will set permit costs and operational details will follow the ordinance.

Vote: Council introduced Ordinance 1365 with the amendments and the motion passed unanimously on the first reading.","The City Council introduced Ordinance 1365 on Aug. 18 to establish a preferential parking program, removed some study requirements and added a minimum zone size; council approved amendments and passed the motion unanimously on first reading.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498814,"Sci Fi reports citywide fiber network will be nearly complete by year‑end; 10Gb service coming",213,856000,1069000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f&start=856&end=1069","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598207-a66c852f1bee57a6e4147626913b774f/thumbnail_856000.jpg","/articles/6498814/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Sci-Fi-reports-citywide-fiber-network-will-be-nearly-complete-by-yearend-10Gb-service-coming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498814-ce1d564b7713fcc22cee2dd1d3e1f2e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521042&Signature=jzje0khdZLj79VPahvYJBpSL9Aft8ConfidgMxWcLcbIanx2rQSa16qQ~oLLB4HEnuhWV-k-fQd5R85Tn8pcONbGS-s6VmJhD9vKcwJ0qHItlOSa3tX1JVShqNqI6vK6oHBGelSD9eABpvQOaGbxW9wzg~Odq2ArjxUuGDRIAFX4~7LuYbmvOMzrPkv6pcNq7t-p3Kmg6XWMXMvGXLCIluTSbnWG3msCJbnvp8au4R~RRCUsHLSFeQCZFf7ipwJpl7q366VD2Ox~a1~IIqz~LqRi-ioAlIe9N0KAZql3zlhWaVKoy~Ap1HdqgGiqc53TcCvkbehqGbpVVLn2hLuQRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sci Fi, the private company building a citywide fiber optic network in Simi Valley, told the City Council on Aug. 18 that it expects to complete mainline microtrenching in September 2025 and have 99% of the city serviceable by the end of 2025.

The project, which Sci Fi officials said began construction in 2021, will provide fiber‑to‑the‑home service capable of speeds up to 10,000 megabits per second (10 gigabits per second), the company told the council during an informational presentation.

Why it matters: the company said the network was installed at no cost to taxpayers, and residents and businesses will be able to choose among internet service providers that operate on the fiber system.

Project status and timeline: Jeff Kiser, Sci Fi project manager, told the council the company has completed coordination on railroad crossings that previously limited service and that crews have installed fiber to serve a growing share of addresses. As of the Aug. 18 presentation, Sci Fi was serving “a little over 30% of the city,” Kiser said, and projected an increase of live addresses in the coming months: roughly 11% in August, 21% in September, 27% in October and the remaining 11% split across November and December.

“Kiser said mainline microtrenching will be 100% complete in September 2025,” the presentation summary said. Microtrenching — a minimally invasive method to place fiber — was described as nearly finished.

Customer installations and providers: Sci Fi said installations from the street to the home are performed by a contractor, Aspire Communications, and that the two authorized internet service providers at launch will be Flume and GigabitNow. Sci Fi said it has doubled its installation crews to meet demand and reported 100% installation success to date for customer appointments.

Company commitment and city support: Kiser credited Deputy Public Works Director Brent Seymour and city staff for coordination. \"We have a long term commitment to the city,\" Kiser said, noting Sci Fi’s 25‑year presence in the market.

How residents sign up: Sci Fi said residents and businesses can sign up on the company website; Sci Fi will coordinate installation timing and assess the path to connect each property before work begins.

What the council did: the item was presented as an informational report; no action or vote was required.","Sci Fi told the Simi Valley City Council on Aug. 18 that its 100% fiber optic network will reach 99% of the city by the end of 2025, with microtrenching finished in September and a phased ramp‑up of live addresses through the fall.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge accountability after August assault on teenager; council pledges meetings and outreach

Council authorizes city manager to execute Runkel Canyon agreements; staff to return with engineering report

Council advances application for $1.4 million emergency generator grant for community center

Council introduces preferential parking ordinance, approves amendments to let neighborhoods petition for zones

Sci Fi reports citywide fiber network will be nearly complete by year‑end; 10Gb service coming