Under the warm glow of the Simi Valley City Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with purpose as city officials gathered for a pivotal meeting on September 16, 2025. The evening's agenda was rich with proclamations that not only honored the past but also prepared the community for future challenges.

The meeting commenced with a heartfelt proclamation declaring September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week. City Manager Angel Sierra took the floor, emphasizing the significance of this week as a time to reflect on the United States Constitution, the oldest working constitution in the world. He recounted the historical journey from the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to the ratification in 1788, highlighting the freedoms that the Constitution has safeguarded for generations. This year marks the 237th anniversary of its signing, a milestone that the city aims to celebrate through educational initiatives and community engagement.

Following this, the council turned its attention to another crucial topic: the declaration of September as Emergency Preparedness Month. Emergency Manager Eileen Connors presented the proclamation, underscoring the city's commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness among its residents. She detailed collaborative efforts with neighboring cities to enhance evacuation awareness and preparedness outreach, particularly in light of recent wildfires that have threatened the region.

Connors urged community members to take proactive steps in their emergency planning, such as signing up for VC Alert notifications and familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes. The importance of personal preparedness was echoed by volunteers from the Disaster Service Workers program, who were present to support the initiative. Their message was clear: a well-prepared community is a resilient community.

The meeting also featured a public statement from Brian Schumacher, Advocacy and Community Impact Manager for the Autism Society of Ventura County. He expressed strong support for the emergency preparedness proclamation, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during disasters. Schumacher announced upcoming workshops aimed at equipping families and caregivers with essential emergency planning tools, reinforcing the idea that preparedness is a shared responsibility.

As the meeting drew to a close, the city council's commitment to both honoring the Constitution and enhancing community resilience stood out as a testament to Simi Valley's dedication to its residents. The proclamations not only celebrated historical milestones but also laid the groundwork for a safer, more prepared future.