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Residents and Moorpark leaders press Simi Valley to clear Via Del Arroyo encampment; city says vendors under review
Summary
Residents of Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park and Moorpark officials described fire and public‑health risks from a growing encampment near the Arroyo Simi and urged Simi Valley to lead a sustained clearance and monitoring effort. The city manager said vendor proposals to clear the site are being reviewed and the site has not yet been formally noticed.
At the Nov. 17 Simi Valley City Council meeting, residents and elected officials pressed the city to take sustained action on a homeless encampment near the Via Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park that community speakers said is affecting both sides of the city boundary.
Renee Delgado, mayor pro tem of neighboring Moorpark, told the council the encampment began forming after the 2019 Easy Fire and has since grown into “a persistent and serious concern affecting not just one neighborhood but two cities.” She asked Simi Valley to assume “ongoing responsibility for this location,” including weekly monitoring, consistent outreach and “clear ongoing communication with Moorpark.”
Multiple residents and homeowners described tents and semi‑permanent structures, open‑flame cooking and discarded debris in an environmentally sensitive arroyo. One speaker said the encampment contained “well over 150 people,” while another said Simi Valley Police estimated about 60 people at the site; both estimates were reported to the council by community members during public comment.
City Manager told the council staff had convened meetings with Ventura County and Moorpark to coordinate a response and that the Simi Valley Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office were monitoring the site. “Simi Valley Police Department personnel is reviewing proposals from vendors to clear the site following the posting of appropriate notice,” the City Manager said, adding individuals would be offered resources at the time of any clearance and staff would be sensitive to holiday timelines.
Council members acknowledged the public‑safety and fire concerns raised by residents, including the danger of open flames in a high fire‑hazard zone. Council member Rhodes said the matter needs collaboration and more consistent communication across jurisdictions. Council member Litster described outreach and services already offered by police and county workers and said the city is actively soliciting firms to remove debris and hazardous material.
No formal action was taken at the meeting to clear the site; staff said the site had not yet been noticed for clearance and that selection of a vendor and formal notice would precede any sweep. Council members and Moorpark leaders urged continued coordination to ensure individuals are connected to services and the arroyo is restored and monitored to prevent re‑occupation.
Next steps: staff will continue evaluating vendor proposals, coordinate with Moorpark and Ventura County, and return to the council with appropriate notices and timelines before any clearance operation begins.
