CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
De
cember 1, 2025
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Office of the City Manager
Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
Subj
ect: Appointment of C ity Council Member (s) to the 2026 July 4th Planning Committee
Staff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, up to two City Council Members to the 2026 July 4th Planning Committee.
Background
V
arious community organizations in Simi Valley have hosted a free fireworks display each year since 1970, with the exception of 2020. In 2022, t he Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley assumed responsibility for organizing the annual July 4th festivities. The City contributes $30,000 annually for the cost of the fireworks display and provides police services i n support of this annual community event. In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and in direct response to growing community interest , event organizers are exploring ways to expand and enhance the celebration for the community.
Discussion
To
coordinate planning efforts, the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley is planning to form a joint planning committee to explore opportunities for expanding the celebration with additional events and activities throughout the July 4th weekend. The Kiwanis Club would like the committee to include representatives from the Simi Valley City Council, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, the Simi Valley Unified School District, the Ventura County Supervisor’s Office, and local non-profit organizations.
O
n November 6, 2025, the Kiwanis Club leadership sent an official request for the appointment of up to two City Council Members to serve on th e 2026 July 4 th Planning Committee.
Financial Impact
Ther
e is no financial impact associated with the appointment of City Council Member (s) to the Committee.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
3A(2)
City Council Priority
Thi
s item supports the Thriving Community Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I mo
ve that [Council Member(s)] be appointed to the 2026 July 4th Planning Committee.
Summary
Sim
i Valley has hosted a free community fireworks show each year since 1970. In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, and in response to growing community interest, the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley, which serves as the event organizer, is exploring opportunities to expand the July 4th celebration. To support these efforts, the Kiwanis Club has requested the appointment of up to two City Council Members to a joint planning committee that will coordinate with partner agencies and local nonprofit organizations.
Pr
epared by: Kristin Miller, Management Analyst
Attachment
Atta
chment A - Email from Kiwanis Club
2 Kristin Miller
Subject: July 4th Planning and the request for City Staff and City Council appointment From: Kathi Van Etten
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2025 3:47 PM
To: Kristin Miller ; Heidi DiNardo
Cc: Samantha Argabrite , Donna Smith, Steve Smith · Steve Trocino
Subject: July 4th Planning and the request for City Staff and City Council appointment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If you suspect a phishing attempt please report it as phishing. Learn how.
Dear Heidi and Kristin,
How are you? I know that July 4, 2026 may seem a ways off, but it will be here before we know it! As in the past, the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley will once again be leading the festivities on Saturday, July 4th - and as we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, there has already been discussion out there about ways to make this milestone weekend even more spectacular for our city.
The idea is to bring together representatives from the City of Simi Valley, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Simi Valley Unified School District, the Ventura County Supervisor's Office, and key non profit organizations for a brainstorming meeting to explore opportunities for expanding the celebration with additional events and activities throughout the weekend.
We would like to request the appointment of a City Council member (or members) to serve on the planning committee..
We're planning to meet on Wednesday, November 19, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at 99.1 llhe Ranch .
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you.
Kathi Van Etten
3 Attachment A