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Council recognizes CERT graduates, detective award and Big Brothers Big Sisters work
Summary
Ceremonies included CERT graduation certificates, a police recognition for Detective Kellen King, and a presentation by Big Brothers Big Sisters highlighting the Simi Valley Youth Room and youth-mentor programs.
The council opened with community recognitions that highlighted local volunteerism and nonprofit programming.
Emergency services coordinator Shannon Johnson presented certificates to members of the fall CERT training class and noted the CERT program’s 30th year, a partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, and that more than 1,600 residents and employees have completed the training. Detective Kellen King was presented a certificate for receiving Forever Found’s Pillars of Freedom Award for work combating child trafficking; Police Chief Schwartz and Mayor Kavanaugh joined in the recognition.
Danica Salvaggio, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County and a Simi Valley native, described the Simi Valley Youth Room — a free community space supported by the Simi Valley Free Clinic — and said the program now has 14 active community-based traditional matches, 22 high-school mentors and roughly 45 youth participating monthly; she announced a goal to recruit 100 new “big brothers” across Ventura County in 2026.
Council members thanked volunteers and staff and encouraged residents to consider CERT training and mentoring roles.
