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Residents raise concerns about planning transparency and power outages; council pledges follow-up
Summary
Public commenters told the council that posted planning documents for a proposed industrial project were illegible and that a planner dismissed easement concerns as "a civil issue"; another resident urged action after repeated lengthy power outages affecting elderly mobile-home residents. Councilmembers pledged to investigate both matters.
At the public statements portion of the Simi Valley council meeting, property owner Doug Feldinger told the council that plans for an industrial project at 861 East Cochran Street were posted to the planning agenda in illegible form and that the plans appeared to violate his encroachment easement. He said that when he raised the issue with a planner (referred to as "Zarui" in public comment), he was told the matter was civil and was effectively advised to pursue judicial remedies.
Feldinger said he owns the trees, landscaping and parking adjacent to the proposed project and asked the council to ensure the planning department does not ignore property rights. "Posting illegible plans is not uploading the plans," he told the council. His remarks were recorded during public comment and councilmembers said they would look into the planning-department handling and provide a report.
Resident Joe Cosentino described repeated power outages in the West End and at Friendly Village mobile home park that lasted up to 26 hours and caused hardship for elderly residents on fixed incomes and those reliant on medical devices such as oxygen. Cosentino said food was spoiled and residents lack means to replace supplies; councilmembers said they would review the pattern of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and consider elevating the issue with Southern California Edison and the California Public Utilities Commission.
Councilmember Judge and others pledged to follow up and requested staff prepare a report on both issues. No formal staff remedies or city actions beyond follow-up investigation were adopted during the meeting.
