[{"_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",6584328,"mediaKeyId","5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3","parentId",5784152,"title","Simi Valley approves joining Ventura County regional radio system; staff to return with implementation costs","audioSeconds",2041,"startMs",3633000,"endMs",5674000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3&start=3633&end=5674","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3/thumbnail_3633000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6584328/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Simi-Valley-approves-joining-Ventura-County-regional-radio-system-staff-to-return-with-implementation-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584328-a6767763ac687ad553bc445c749c48d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169269&Signature=Ip690daeIbVbOWMJvpl7RWffL0RM4IpafGVxaSlwGJFuoZcJ5BipsRClWmKmHKvS6GyoYqbyVuffEAU5DyQB0misvrItA1bWt2WQoUEVXPrhkHGVNR5T0g8i5bN0xykdsfCAkK5jABx~sl~gQeQ6KqGPCpfanokXfih1zLkIhQIpiOHTs2R7HEzNyl61GOn9JqC8jMIKH~L7WRtdtem9bWuSqmXVDaUas~6fRhxjCeSZtPeEBohFEK~ppBWabjgLyh8t504n4-JmPheSu0yKLoa1d7OBCyju-XrT~lHX2cdvGmSjVVFcJKg5slrx4bcpj7uguyyOaNORh8xC5f8SmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Simi Valley","date","2025-09-16T16:50:08Z","article","The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to authorize city staff to participate in the Ventura County regional radio system and execute a use agreement, with staff returning later with finalized budget requests and contracts to implement the system.

City staff said Simi Valley’s current radio system, installed in 2006, has exceeded its expected lifespan, suffers increasing failures and is difficult to support because manufacturer parts and support are limited. Gary Boswell, deputy administrative services director, told the council the existing system supports more than 500 radios used across departments and that recent outages required sourcing retired equipment from another jurisdiction.

Staff presented a multi-criteria evaluation including coverage, interoperability, support and cost. The city conducted real-world drive tests at more than 900 locations and reported coverage for key sites — including the shooting range, public service center and water-treatment plant — was comparable or improved on the regional system. The regional system provides 24/7/365 support with service-level agreements and planned interoperability with other county partners and Los Angeles systems on day one.

Boswell said the regional system’s five-year estimated cost is about $7.9 million; a stand-alone replacement was estimated at $9 million–$13 million over five years. Staff estimated an initial hardware/integration investment near $5.6 million for radios, dispatch consoles and infrastructure, with ongoing years two through five costs in the $430,000–$530,000 range. The regional system also offers a subscription model; staff said the city’s anticipated tier would be roughly $20 per user per month, similar to other participating cities such as Ventura and Oxnard. By contrast, maintaining a stand-alone system would require larger capital and ongoing maintenance staff and costs.

Chief of Police Chris Schwartz and Mark (consultant, Client First) participated in the briefing; Schwartz said he supported the regional approach for operational interoperability and officer safety. Boswell and consultant Mark said there is no financial obligation to sign the use agreement; staff will return to council later this year with precise contract terms and any related budget requests.

Councilmember Rocky Rhodes moved the recommendation and the council approved it unanimously. Staff said the steering and oversight committees that evaluated the options included police, IT and administrative staff from participating jurisdictions and that the city’s internal steering committee unanimously recommended regional participation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously Sept. 15 to participate in Ventura County’s regional radio system and to execute a use agreement; staff will return with a full budget and contracts for implementation.","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},6584332,"Simi Valley reports new businesses, industrial shifts and film growth; council approves amendment to consolidated plan",598,2944000,3542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3&start=2944&end=3542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3/thumbnail_2944000.jpg","/articles/6584332/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Simi-Valley-reports-new-businesses-industrial-shifts-and-film-growth-council-approves-amendment-to-consolidated-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584332-77c876ec8e6499bf1ed5fa5d72bb009a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169269&Signature=fivLqrAIWOWo9hf1NgtjVEDIZBiAiocZMI7xEb2RHRifYS4xizo9VNfBoHC8fky68hYo1CqPfyRT7up8IxpzN144D4yj-OTnpjJX7RIjvw7MK87Pj83cuHP1T7wDXeHakOY8QuPSUW68omlj26MvtVY8aaBkgg2A80e-W20UaEdjuh07x2iM81MdthUknK8UdQNoFG-enTjan-tf3kOnmCGXJWKVdqsyBn2OsQqaG4c1joJiSNFwbs870NEyKduuzT6wAhFKTFlHN3esZj12XBlbyBG4Oj0w0z1P6IvcxruRDaGcn6MjOBqd1oJbaXqpdfRVw~-2iHJv3EdHegMjhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Luis Garabari reported to the council on Sept. 15 that Simi Valley has recently attracted new retail and industrial tenants, is pursuing proactive outreach to help businesses through permit processes, and continues to expand the city’s film and marketing efforts.

Garabari listed recent and incoming businesses, including Misfits Pilates in Wood Ranch Village Center, High Bar and Lounge at the Tapo Canyon plaza, an Italian deli/market he referred to as \"Porcelinos/\u0000Porcelinos\" and the planned Simi Valley Brewing Company, which he said is targeting a first-quarter 2026 opening after work to convert the former Marie Callender's site. He praised building inspection staff for working with developers to keep projects moving.

On the industrial side, Garabari said vacancy statistics showed an anomaly after the Milgard Windows building (about 237,000 square feet) reached the market and increased total inventory, though completion of recent projects such as Easy Street industrial buildings and the Tapo Canyon Commerce Center also adds leasable space. He said two recent lease wins illustrate demand: SpaceVector, a Chatsworth-based aerospace and defense hardware maker and prime contractor for U.S. Space Force, is bringing about 60 higher-wage jobs; and Western States Packaging, a poly-bag manufacturer, has located operations in Simi Valley.

Garabari said the city is working closer with Southern California Edison to identify long-lead issues, particularly power reliability and approvals, by convening a roundtable with SCE planning and development staff and plans to hold those discussions at least twice a year. He also said the city is shifting marketing strategy from static advertising to partnerships, citing a sponsorship and partnership with the LA Business Journal’s Women in Leadership Symposium as an example.

On film, Garabari said Simi Valley has hosted about 175 production days year-to-date with an estimated $2,600,000 impact and noted the city’s role in reviving the Ventura County film roundtable and supporting the Simi Valley Film Festival.

Separately, the council held a public hearing and approved a substantial amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025–29 regional consolidated plan to incorporate a \"promote economic development\" goal for Simi Valley. Staff said the goal had been omitted from a prior regional consolidated plan record and that the amendment corrects that omission. The 30-day public review period ran Aug. 15–Sept. 15; the council adopted the amendment unanimously.

Council members used the discussion to urge continued support for small businesses, to encourage early contact with planning staff before signing leases, and to consider neighborhood transition planning for businesses displaced by future development of the town center.

No votes were required on the economic development presentation itself beyond the consolidated-plan amendment, which the council approved.","Assistant City Manager Luis Garabari told the council Simi Valley has seen multiple new and incoming businesses, industrial leasing activity and growth in film production. The council approved a technical amendment to the FY2025–29 regional consolidated plan to include a \"promote economic development\" goal for Simi Valley.",{"_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},6584337,"Southern California Edison warns Simi Valley could face longer, more frequent public-safety power shutoffs",1360,1457000,2817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3&start=1457&end=2817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3/thumbnail_1457000.jpg","/articles/6584337/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Southern-California-Edison-warns-Simi-Valley-could-face-longer-more-frequent-public-safety-power-shutoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584337-59d3dbcffaa142a1eb78b06191deaaef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169269&Signature=bmtwBM95V~3ZHJQsY75Cl1ZxQDELrS8zZu4agaAn5TcbEwSjYbQL56zwKu8W9~xrzAA6PJfOXj7KLyur6xzNOEzJ11WUIyFzIq6jHupg3NEXT4w~9mm1iL9BXHLqmQc5zur5rfopMh6~V4-cz9rIDgwNCXsy1BCNh2FY2TA9oJFn4clFoOSnh8Cw2NIF2RBFrsKeOwOIN3rGq5QpASyjXhREziUMpq5R5ScvFNJRKaOWQuXfci51MV0mfsrW7-zDi2bS5tf6lu1TvyG17m61GlmsVCNb3obX-oR5DVMq8EdsNOTNsl3rDBGE5g~0ZL6aO7k1fikfPQ1HWw0xSRVc9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ian Anderson, government relations manager for Southern California Edison, told the Simi Valley City Council on Sept. 15 that the utility’s updated decision thresholds and a changing wildfire environment mean customers in the area could face more frequent and longer public-safety power shutoffs (PSPS).

“It’s when an electrical utility temporarily shuts off power to reduce the risk of a fire,” Anderson said, distinguishing PSPS from unplanned outages. He told the council SCE aims to provide three days’ advance notice for PSPS events and that the company has updated wind-speed thresholds used in de-energization decisions.

Anderson said SCE’s back-cast of January’s large events against the company’s new criteria indicates “customers could potentially experience longer and more extensive PSPS events this year.” He described new wind thresholds for decision-making — roughly 30–45 mph gusts for bare wire and 45–55 mph for covered conductor — and said those thresholds, combined with more localized weather stations, change PSPS frequency and duration estimates.

The presentation outlined SCE’s layered approach to reducing PSPS risk: vegetation management, covered conductor where feasible, targeted undergrounding for the highest-risk overhead lines, and ongoing segmentation and system investments. Anderson said SCE requested funding in its general rate case for targeted undergrounding but that the California Public Utilities Commission approved a smaller amount and shifted some funds toward covered conductor because it can be implemented more quickly.

Anderson used the TAPO circuit as a local example. He said the TAPO circuit is about 42.2 miles long, with roughly 14 miles overhead, 12.5 miles of covered conductor and the remainder underground. He noted that changes to circuit assignments can place neighborhoods, such as the Big Sky community, in different PSPS footprints and warned that even undergrounded areas can be affected if conditions meet de-energization thresholds.

On customer preparedness, Anderson urged residents to sign up for VC Alert and Ventura County 2-1-1, and pointed to SCE resources including marketplace.sce.com and SCE’s outage page for estimated restoration times. “The easiest, the easiest way for a customer to harden themselves is with a transfer switch and a generator,” he said, and also urged customers to consider battery backups and the Self-Generation Incentive Program.

Anderson described operational improvements: expanded advance-notice targets (three days), more granular weather station data, enhancements to call-center access and dashboards, and a new Public Safety Partner Portal for city staff. He also offered to brief the council on circuit-level details if the city wanted more information.

Council members pressed SCE on business resiliency and options for major employers. Council member Rocky Rhodes asked what business customers should do; Anderson said SCE would connect businesses with account managers and engineering teams to evaluate hardening options case by case.

The presentation is advisory; no council action was required. Anderson left contact and resource information for residents and city staff to use in outreach and emergency planning.","Ian Anderson of Southern California Edison told the Simi Valley City Council that new decision thresholds, climate-driven fire conditions and updated grid planning mean PSPS events could be longer and happen more often. He urged residents and businesses to prepare, outlined hardening work and pointed to customer programs and county alert systems.",{"_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},6584319,"Residents press council on short-term rentals and immigrant safety; council to add immigration item to next agenda",3566,3424000,6990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3&start=3424&end=6990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3/thumbnail_3424000.jpg","/articles/6584319/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Residents-press-council-on-short-term-rentals-and-immigrant-safety-council-to-add-immigration-item-to-next-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584319-6b7401ba6337e644346221bd6e762f99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169269&Signature=eRmaFPcXT3tbYoAkHtBfV9IbyZf1dKc~QN31~1Bg3G8QpyIUx3~gSiqASRKZPakUISw0np~1fRa5OB7ajBZU8ngFW18hHarrHzSIlE0WZfcgZQtJSp5kcutvvvQVSGUFKXjnp7pbSho0bOnbp58sd4AnGEpPC38KEXwHIq0NPsa2ULrAcN2~AiHanuy2Y24kW0N9QqTnvW0LuEYcJQ3VhgJUG68GgaxGtgjokc0gYDHn1SecSVMPjkx~XPHCuL6uSjuVrB0gAjFovm6ZCuwbr0pjfYIXjqJs6rs8K78PlO3Fc9oIP9OHUnhU6AhDaNgfQOi4SRs1uqcwHFDDLjCuJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-statements period on Sept. 15 several residents raised two recurring concerns: growing short-term rental activity in residential neighborhoods and perceived threats to immigrant residents from federal immigration enforcement.

Jim McGillis, a longtime resident, criticized what he described as lax code enforcement and warned that allowing STRs without local controls invites \"chaos in our residential neighborhoods.\" He told the council that complaints have been limited to reactive, complaint-driven enforcement and asked whether the city can adopt proactive enforcement practices.

Alen Eason and Anthony Eason urged a full ban on STRs, noting other Southern California cities have implemented bans. Anthony Eason proposed a compromise: allow an STR permitting program but require either homeowner petitions for no-STR streets or a requirement that STR operators secure 66% neighborhood consent before obtaining permits; he also proposed a graduated transient-occupancy tax tied to number of guests to equalize competition with hotels.

Several speakers urged immediate council action to protect immigrants. Joseph Dubzynski Jr. described a recent ICE operation in the area and said perceived collaboration or inaction by law enforcement undermines trust and community safety. A volunteer with the 805 UndocuFund and others urged the council to create an immigration committee, host \"know your rights\" trainings, and work with local nonprofits. One speaker cited the recent federal court developments affecting ICE enforcement and asked the council to consider legal and community-based responses.

Council members responded: Rocky Rhodes said the council has planned a review and is watching state legislation related to STRs that reached the governor’s desk on Sept. 9 and questioned a premature local ban before the state decision. Councilmember Ayala said an agenda item addressing immigration-related community concerns will appear on the next council meeting; city manager staff confirmed that item will be placed on the next agenda because staff could not process it in time for the current meeting packet.

No formal council action on STRs or immigration was taken at the Sept. 15 meeting. Council members encouraged continued public comment; staff and council indicated follow-up items will appear on upcoming agendas for detailed consideration.","Multiple residents urged the council to ban short-term rentals (STRs) or adopt neighborhood-level controls and to take steps to protect immigrant communities from ICE activity. Speakers said enforcement has been lax; council members said they are monitoring state legislation on STRs and that an immigration item will appear on the next agenda.",{"_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},6584324,"Simi Valley water district introduces cross-connection control plan and ordinance to tighten backflow prevention rules",461,4533000,4994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3&start=4533&end=4994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784152-0c85025f805c38eacdc0764b3ea021c3/thumbnail_4533000.jpg","/articles/6584324/Simi-Valley/Ventura-County/California/Simi-Valley-water-district-introduces-cross-connection-control-plan-and-ordinance-to-tighten-backflow-prevention-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584324-b388e38e240c16c62a043402ce38412c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169269&Signature=IxFDkfeVIkA6l-QjipgbfV9aPa4Z4z-h~F9p-FRXK6gvzbCOO7jL6mHzOQPLxMtRBvdj2hnKx~sBwN3riWOwjR3vr5d-DKLJ9~t1b5ruqJJ8dYYBnslDmtF~DMipjNSksiL0-f8U0cszO3tb-s3yWh-~i4ULwbhlF7hyOGg7Uf9u0z1jucAc0kR7Sli70yjKk1XRWqj5Jpnv86ekURSNEm4Gwed9Ym3eRPBxpnnCzUDh5lWh7HqW37xbrZHz2XBdfCpzbQwSlmYOdFXF2kkFA2K-5l6JQq8kWdU3d6Q5wC44boQnYMGbAuIZsvITbuzf0xMwT7RM8JXh357kqFG86A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board of directors of Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (the city council serving in that capacity) held a public hearing Sept. 15 and introduced Ordinance WWD-19 to implement a cross-connection control plan aimed at preventing backflow contamination of the potable water distribution system.

Public works director Ron Fichiwaki explained that a “cross connection” is an interconnection between a potable water source and any nonpotable source that could allow contaminants to enter the public system if pressure reverses. “Backflow is [a] contaminant or pollutant introduced through a cross connection that occurs when the non-potable contaminant source is at a greater pressure than the potable water distribution system,” Fichiwaki said. He told the board the State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted regulations requiring public water systems to implement plans and legal authority to protect drinking-water distribution systems.

The proposed WWD-19 would replace Ordinance WWD-18 and requires hazard assessments, use of certified testers and specialists, designation of a program coordinator, incident reporting for backflow events, public outreach and education, and legal authority to deny or discontinue service for noncompliance. Fichiwaki said the plan also requires annual reporting to the state and coordination with local partners. He told the board that device maintenance and testing are the responsibility of property owners and businesses and that annual AWWA-certified testing will be required.

Councilmember Ruth Litster asked about the cost and staffing implications; staff said the program could be supported by contracting with certified specialists or by building in-house capacity, with implementation timing and staffing to be addressed through midyear or next-year budget processes. Staff also said there are civil remedies and the authority to discontinue service if required under the new plan.

There were no public speakers on the item. Following the hearing, the board voted to approve the cross-connection control plan and introduce Ordinance WWD-19; the hearing was closed and the item advanced. The ordinance replaces WWD-18 and establishes the legal authority needed to implement the state-required program.

The motion to approve the plan and introduce the ordinance passed unanimously.","Following new State Water Board regulations, staff presented a cross-connection control plan and introduced Ordinance WWD-19 to require hazard assessments, certified testing, annual reporting and legal authority to enforce backflow prevention; the board moved to approve the plan and introduce the ordinance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Simi Valley approves joining Ventura County regional radio system; staff to return with implementation costs

Simi Valley reports new businesses, industrial shifts and film growth; council approves amendment to consolidated plan

Southern California Edison warns Simi Valley could face longer, more frequent public-safety power shutoffs

Residents press council on short-term rentals and immigrant safety; council to add immigration item to next agenda

Simi Valley water district introduces cross-connection control plan and ordinance to tighten backflow prevention rules