MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SIMI VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California March 23, 2026
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no ·public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of Matters: Five (5)
Facts and circumstances exist that might result in litigation against the local agency but which the local agency believes are not yet known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs.
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Ford stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held on March 23, 2026, at 5:32 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Glen Becerra
ROLL CALL: Present:
Remote:
Absent:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala,
Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President
Litster, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
Rhodes,
Pro Tern
Note: If this is a joint meeting of the City Council and Boards of Directors, the applicable entity is identified at the end of each agenda item.
CC - City Council
VWVD - Waterworks District No. 8
IDA - Industrial Development Authority
PFFA- Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing Authority PFA - Public Financing Authority
SA - Successor Agency
LB - Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the CC, WNO, IDA, PFFA, PFA, SA, and/or LB after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA during normal business hours.
Minutes 2 March 23, 2026
1. AGENDA REVIEW: None
1A. ACTION: Council Member/Directorrrrustee Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
1 B. It is the policy of the City Council that upon reaching 11 :30 p.m., the City Council will not address any new agenda items. Should the City Council continue to address agenda items past 12:00 midnight, the following motion is in order:
MOTION: Move that the City Council meeting tonight may extend beyond the midnight deadline to conclude the agenda (Section 2-1.106 SVMC). 1C. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: Mayor Cavanaugh announced a potential conflict on Item 5.A., noting her employer does business with the applicant, and she will recuse herself from the proceeding.
1D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (CC)
Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring the month of March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Jasleen Khangura, Nandhiha Krishnamoorthi, Saydee Ro, Surya Ravikumar, and Sarina Khangura accepted the Proclamation.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS: None
Minutes 3 March 23, 2026
38. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Saydee Ro (CC) Youth Council Member Saydee Ro provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council.
3C. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Quarterly Economic Development Update (Garibay) (CC) Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay and Assistant to the City Manager, Angel Sierra, provided the City Council with a presentation on Economic Development Updates. (2) Quarterly Runkle Canyon Update (Garibay) (CC)
Jim Vaughn, Partner at Procopio Law Firm, presented the Runkle Canyon Quarterly Update to the City Council.
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS.
APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Ben Davis, no address given, President of Piccola Tiny Homes, spoke about moveable tiny homes.
2. Dena Chovanec, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
3. Steve Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
4. Jim Lester, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of placing "In God We Trust" in the council chambers.
5. Bevin Abbe, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
6. Bingian Quin Prisk, Simi Valley, CA, owner of Herbal Wellness Center, statement read by Paul Saleh, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
Minutes
4A.
5. 5A.
4 March 23, 2026
7. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
8. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the Code of Ethics and the conduct of council members.
9. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
10. Rosa Gomez, Simi Valley, CA, an Airbnb housekeeper, spoke in support of short term rentals in Simi Valley.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A Public Hearing to consider adoption of a resolution approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction. improvement, and equipping of a multifamily rental housing project located at 2267 & 2295 Tapo Street. Simi Valley, California (Garibay) (CC)
Resolution No. 2026-06 - RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF EXEMPT
FACILITY BONDS FOR A QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROJECT BY THE
AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR REFINANCING THE
ACQUISITION, REHABILITATION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN FACILITIES
FOR THE BENEFIT OF SIMI VALLEY PACIFIC ASSOCIATES II, LP Mayor Cavanaugh recused herself from consideration of Agenda Item 5A at 7:32 p.m. due to conflicts of interest and returned to the dais at 7:47 p.m.
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster opened the public portion of the hearing at 7:43 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. James Greenfield, (no address given), spoke in opposition to the project.
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Minutes
6. 5 March 23, 2026
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to adopt that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-06 approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000 for the benefit of Simi Valley Pacific Associates II, LP, to provide for the financing or refinancing of the acquisition, construction, improvement, and equipping of the Tapo Street Apartments. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, Council Members Rhodes and Judge
Council Members Ayala
None
None
Mayor Cavanaugh
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke (continued from Agenda Item 4)
11. Jayes Mistry, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
12. Robert Lykins, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
13. Matthew Abbe, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
14. Martin Erickson, no address given, Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, shared an annual community impact report booklet and acknowledged Council Member Judge for his service in the commission.
15. Heather Moss, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
16. Sarah Wilczewski, no address given, acknowledged the lives lost in detention centers.
17. Linda Bosley, no address given, thanked the City for efforts to clean the homeless encampment, raised concerns regarding trash on sidewalks, and requested consideration of fencing to prevent dumping.
Minutes 6 March 23, 2026
18. Gregory Gonzales, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
19. Michael Shaw, no address given, stated to the public that people are needed for the neighborhood council and urged the council to address racism in the City schools.
20. James Greenfield, no address given, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley and supported including "In God We Trust" in the council chambers.
21. Roop Maan, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns about ICE activity in Simi Valley.
22. Karla, no address given, expressed concerns regarding national issues and recent ICE activity in the City.
23. Todd Taylor, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
24.Aleyah Ewing, no address given, expressed concerns with recent ICE activity in the City.
25. Dale Steinek, no address given, spoke about filming locations in the Simi Valley.
26. Corrine Lightfoot, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
27. Nathan Evenson, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
28. Gary Hartman, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
29. Juliana Caiazzo, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns over council leadership and concerns about the ICE detention centers.
30.Austin Aesell, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
31. Karen Hoyle and Scott Juceam, no address given, invited the council and public to the Round Up Festival.
Minutes 7 March 23, 2026
32. Chris, no address given, expressed concerns with ICE activity in the City and his concerns about SVPD response.
33.Ariana Czedang, no address given, expressed concerns with ICE activity in schools and urged the council for a change.
34. Jamie Sanchez, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns with recent ICE activity in the City.
35.Alexandra Villegas, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns with recent ICE activity.
36. David Benjamin, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
37.Amanda, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
38. Pauline Santos, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns with recent ICE Activity in Simi Valley.
39. Natalie Kaufman, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley and spoke about her concerns with ICE activity in the City.
40.Ashley, no address given, spoke about concerns with recent ICE activity in the City.
41. Demi Fox, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
The following submitted a speaker card but was not present when called:
1. Ellen Schned, Simi Valley, CA.
2. Alex Villegas (no address given).
The following submitted a speaker card, but did not wish to speak:
1. Richard Holloman, Simi Valley, CA, in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
2. Marian Giron (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
3. Lilly Giron, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
Minutes
6A.
8 March 23, 2026
4. Savannah Lester, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
5. Marlo Giron, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
6. Dave Grove, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
7. David Riddick, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
8. Thom Vandenberg, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
9. Chris Skinner, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
10. Daniel Porter, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
11. Gina Rains, (no address given), in support of "In God We Trust" display.
12. Dana Greenfield, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
13. Kerwyn Schimke, (no address given) in support of "In God We Trust" display.
14.Melissa Lester, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
15. Faith Lester, Simi Valley, CA, in support of "In God We Trust" display.
The City Council recessed at 9:06 p.m. and reconvened at 9:13 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council member Rhodes thanked all attendees for coming to the meeting, including those who spoke about short-term rentals. He emphasized the importance of hearing all perspectives, stating that both sides of an issue should be heard. He also referenced a recommendation to place "In God We Trust" on a future agenda.
Council member Ayala thanked everyone for attending and recognized everyone's passion and engagement. He expressed appreciation for those who spoke and shared their concerns about issues affecting the community. He acknowledged supporters and opponents of short-term rentals and emphasized that he and the Council have conducted thorough research on the topic.
Mayor Pro-Tern Litster thanked all attendees for their participation in the meeting. She thanked community members for organizing a memorial honoring those whose lives have been lost. She also acknowledged the announcement of the Round Up Festival.
Minutes 9 March 23, 2026
Appreciation was expressed for those who spoke about "In God We Trust" and thanked individuals on both sides of the STR issue for their input, and she also noted the importance of tiny homes in the City. She also stated that discussions regarding the film commission would continue.
Mayor Cavanaugh expressed her commitment to compassion and humanity, stating that her role is to listen and serve all members of the community. She also stated that the current short-term rental ordinance will be reviewed, as she understands both supporters and opponents. She also acknowledged the positive economic impact of filming in Simi Valley and thanked first-time speakers for their participation.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meetings of August 18 and September
8. 2025 (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended February 28. 2026 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approval of the General Plan Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2025 for submission to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and to California's Department of Housing and Community Development (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Approved report.
(4) Award a contract to Cannon Corporation for Professional Design Services for the Digesters 3 and 4 Mixer Retrofit Project. CP70200055, RFP No. PW 26-02 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Cannon Corporation.
(5) Award a contract for the construction of FY 2025-26 Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program Phase I (Concrete). SB1, CP60000023. Specification No. SV 26-04 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to All American Building Services.
Minutes
8. BA.
10 March 23, 2026
(6) Adoption of a resolution to approve a policy establishing the procedures and criteria for indigent status determination pursuant to California Elections Code Section 13309 (Blanco) (CC)
Resolution No. 2026-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A POLICY
ESTABLISHING THE PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR INDIGENT
STATUS DETERMINATION AS IT PERTAINS TO CANDIDATES DURING
GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 13309
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-07
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Progress Update on City Council Focus Area Goals for Fiscal Year 2025-26 (Argabrite) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to receive and file the progress update on the City Council Focus Area Goals. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Judge, Mayor, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice
Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and Council
Member/Director/Trustee Ayala
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Minutes
9. 9A.
10. 10A.
11 March 23, 2026
NEW BUSINESS:
Approve the Simi Valley Traffic Signal Conditions Assessment Report, establish a new Capital Improvement Project for traffic signal upgrades, approve a Supplemental Budget Request, and amend contracts with Econolite (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved that the City Council approve the City of Simi Valley Traffic Signal Conditions Assessment report, establish a new Capital Improvement Project to complete the Phase 0 recommend~tions of the Traffic Signal Conditions Assessment report, approve a Supplemental Budget Request in the amount of $250,000 from the General Fund and authorize an interfund transfer to the new CIP project; amend the contract with Econolite Control Products, Inc. to extend the contract for one year, until October 6, 2027; and increase the not-to-exceed budget by $175,000 for a total contract not to exceed amount of $375,000, amend the contract with Econolite Services, Inc. to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $75,000, for a total contract not-to-exceed amount of $1,200,000. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Judge, Mayor, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice
Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and Council
Member/Director/Trustee Ayala
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
REPORTS:
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported attending theEvery 15 Minutes Program, the Neighborhood Council #3 meeting, the Lake Bard Pump Station Project at Calleguas, the 250th Celebration Planning Committee meeting, and a meeting with the City Manager. He attended the Youth Employment Services Committee meeting and met with a For the Future community group. He attended the 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards, the Elks Lodge First Responder of the Year Awards, the YES Job and Career Fair, and the Soroptimist Brick Laying Ceremony for Fred and Debbie Thomas.
Council Member Rhodes reported meeting with Glen Becerra and meeting with City Staff for a financial report. He participated in CPG Review Committee Interviews and attended the Every 15 Minutes Program and the SCAG Sacramento Summit.
Council Member Judge reported attending a meeting with Glen Becerra and a meeting with the City Attorney. He participated in CPG Review Committee Interviews, attended Minutes 12 March 23, 2026
the SCAG Sacramento Summit, the 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards, the Elks Lodge First Responder of the Year Awards, and the Brick Laying Ceremony for Fred and Debbie Thomas.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported attending a meeting with Moorpark College Director of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations, Deborah Klein, participating in an Amgen Growth discussion, attending the Every 15 Minutes Program, the VCOG Board Meeting, and the In The Heights Production at Moorpark College. She attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation's Teacher of the Month Presentation, the Lake Bard Pump Station Project at Calleguas, and Royal High School's Mamma Mia Production. She attended the AWA Water Issues Briefing, the Youth Council Meeting, the SCE/CAP Gap Quarterly Meeting, the VCOG Administrative Meeting, the 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards, and the Elks Lodge First Responder of the Year Awards.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending a meeting with Amgen at the Simi Valley Unified School District (SVUSD), attending the SVPD Citizens Academy Opening Night, meeting with SVUSD board members and the superintendent about the Amgen expansion project, and attending the 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards. She attended the Elks Lodge First Responder of the Year Awards, the YES Job Fair, and the Brick Laying Ceremony for Fred and Debbie Thomas at Strathearn Park. 1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster stated that she had been approached by a community members regarding the possibility of placing a commemorative plaque on the oak tree located near Yosemite, around Cottonwood Drive and Evening Sky Drive. The plaque would honor former Planning Commissioner Larry Fried, who was instrumental in preserving the tree. Mayor Cavanaugh seconded the discussion regarding the potential placement of a plaque in that area.
Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes also discussed requests from community members to display the City's national motto in City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m. in memory of John Sunia and Robert Johnson to the meeting of April 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Minutes 13 March 23, 2026
Dee Dee Cavanaugh , Mayor o he City of
Simi Valley , California, C air of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees
'-'<.-l.-rf'T'y Blanco CMC, City Clerk/Distri ecretary/ Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary