Simi Valley Council to Weigh Parking Rules, Housing Appointment, and Water Rates
Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Simi Valley residents will have a chance tonight to celebrate local success stories and weigh in on issues that touch daily life—from youth sports victories and community awareness proclamations to neighborhood parking rules, housing appointments, and the future of water rates.
Celebrations and Awareness
The meeting will begin on a high note as the City honors the Simi Youth Baseball 9U team, fresh off their World Series championship. Players and coaches will receive certificates recognizing their hard work and the pride they’ve brought to the city.
Two proclamations will also be read into the record: one designating September as Suicide Prevention Month, a reminder of the importance of mental health resources and community support, and another declaring September 21 as the Day of Peace, echoing a global call for nonviolence and unity.
Housing Authority Appointment
The Council will decide whether to reappoint Joseph J. Piechowski to the Ventura County Area Housing Authority Board. This board sets policy for affordable housing across the county, shaping programs that affect local renters, seniors, and families who rely on housing support.
Neighborhood Council Interviews
Sixteen seats are opening on Simi Valley’s four Neighborhood Councils, which serve as grassroots advisory groups on traffic, parks, safety, and development. Twenty-six residents applied, and the Council will assign two of its members to conduct interviews and bring recommendations back for appointment in October.
Preferential Parking Zones
Council members will also consider final approval of Ordinance 1365, which would allow neighborhoods to petition for permit-only parking zones. The goal is to help residents find parking on their own blocks when areas are overrun by school traffic, events, or spillover from nearby businesses.
Each household could buy up to three annual permits and two visitor passes, with exceptions for those who own more cars. Violations could bring fines of up to $250.
Water Rate Proposal
As the meeting shifts into its role as the board of Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8, directors will take up a five-year water rate plan averaging 3.5% increases through 2030.
Staff say the boost is needed to keep up with rising operating costs and to fund $51 million in system improvements—from seismic upgrades on tanks to new emergency generators. Without steady increases, officials warn the district could run deficits, cut maintenance, or delay critical projects.
If advanced tonight, the plan would launch the Proposition 218 process, which requires mailing notices to property owners and allows them to file written protests. A public hearing is tentatively set for November 17. If a majority of property owners protest, the increase cannot take effect.
Why Tonight Matters
For residents, tonight’s meeting is a chance to celebrate a national youth sports victory, show support for mental health awareness and a call for peace, and weigh in on neighborhood parking rules, housing leadership, and water rates that affect household budgets.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, and will also be streamed live on the City of Simi Valley’s YouTube channel.
