(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — In a city built on community spirit, two longtime residents have quietly spent thousands of hours helping their neighbors, keeping events running, and stepping in wherever help is needed. On April 7, the Simi Valley City Council honored Al Brown and Peter Carrube as the city’s 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh thanked both men during the council meeting. “Each year, thousands of Simi Valley residents give their time and talents to make our community a better place, and this year, Al Brown and Peter Carrube truly stood out for their extraordinary dedication and impact,” she said.
Al Brown: 2025 City Volunteer of the Year
Al Brown gave nearly 1,000 hours of service last year. He serves on Neighborhood Council No. 2 and the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee. He also represents the Council On Aging on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
Brown runs the “Sit ‘n’ Click” computer lab, helping seniors with technology, and regularly supports other programs through the Council On Aging. He also volunteers on the Youth Employment Services Advisory Board, where he works to help teens gain skills and find jobs.
“I accept this award not just for myself but for literally hundreds of volunteers in the city,” Brown said during the ceremony. He praised the Council on Aging board as “hard working, magnificent people.”
Brown also thanked his mentors at the senior center and fellow members of Neighborhood Council No. 2. “It was mentioned I worked with the kids. They are our future,” he said, pointing to a recent youth talent show at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
“There’s a group of people right here,” he said, motioning to the council. “I’ll see you at various committee and council meetings.”
He ended by recognizing his wife, Linda, of 59 years. “Thank you all,” Brown said.
“You do a great job at everything we assign you to,” Cavanaugh said. “You’re a gem for us.”
Peter Carrube: 2025 Community Volunteer of the Year
Peter Carrube was chosen by a committee of past honorees. In 2024, he logged more than 800 hours of volunteer work, continuing more than 20 years of service to the city.
He currently serves on the executive boards of the Simi Valley Police Foundation, Neighborhood Council No. 3, and the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. He’s also active on the Simi Chamber of Commerce Leadership Steering Committee.
Carrube is often called on to help at local events. Most recently, he worked security at the Round-Up Country Music Festival. His other volunteer work includes helping with the PADS shelter program, maintaining Happy Face Hill, and building bikes for kids through Rotary.
At the council meeting, Carrube thanked his wife, Sandra, who nominated him for the award. “I want to thank the City of Simi Valley for having so many volunteer opportunities,” he said.
Reflecting on what the award meant to him, he said, “When I look at this audience, even on the dais, and all these people . . . that’s how I met most of you—where I’m volunteering, you are volunteering.”
“I strongly believe that each and every one of you also deserves to be right where I’m at,” Carrube said. “Join a service club, it will change your life, I guarantee it.”
Volunteering doesn’t just support the community—it brings people together, builds trust, and gives residents a way to make a lasting difference. Brown and Carrube’s stories are reminders that local service—quiet, steady, and consistent—holds real power in shaping Simi Valley.
For those interested in getting involved, the Simi Valley Senior Center offers ways to help through Meals On Wheels, special events, and front desk assistance (simivalley.org/seniorvolunteers). The Volunteers in Policing program supports community patrols and city events (simivalley.org/policevolunteers). Residents can also assist during emergencies through the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer program (simivalley.org/disastervolunteers), or mentor teens by volunteering with the Youth Employment Service program (simivalley.org/YES).
To watch the full presentation, visit the City of Simi Valley’s website at www.simivalley.org or view the April 7 council meeting on the City’s YouTube channel.
