City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
J
une 8, 2026
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Office of the City Manager
Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
Subj
ect: Consideration of additional financial support for Simi 250 Celebration Sta
ff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the City Council consider additional financial support for the Simi 250 events celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Ba
ckground
D
uring the December 1, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council appointed Mayor Cavanaugh and Council Member Ayala to serve on the planning committee for the 2026 July 4 event, which has become a two-day celebration known as Simi 250. The Simi 250 Committee is comprised of representatives from Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Simi Valley Unified School District, Ventura County Supervisor Parvin’s Office, and local non-profit organizations.
F
ollowing a verbal discussion with the City Manager, as one of the City’s representatives on the Simi 250 Planning Committee, Council Member Ayala, submitted a written request on behalf of the Committee for additional financial support for the celebration (Attachment A).
Di
scussion
I
n addition to the Annual Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Extravaganza hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley on July 4, the Simi 250 Committee has created a two- day program in honor of the Nation’s 250th Birthday that includes the following events on July 3:
• 5k
Fun Run
• Car Cruise
• Movie in the Park following the Car Cruise
• Partnering with local businesses to provide experiences for $2.50 (July 3 and July 4)
As
detailed in the request, the Simi 250 Committee is requesting $21,700 in additional funding support for event enhancements and activities associated with the celebration. If Agenda Item No.
9D
the City Council approves all requested funding, the City’s total contribution to the Simi 250 Celebration could increase to $91,700.
The City Council may vote to support any or none of the options provided:
• $7,500 – Live 50-Person Orchestra for Fireworks Performance:
The Simi Valley Symphony would perform original, synchronized music during the fireworks show, rather than recorded music as used in past years.
• $7,500 – Speaker and Sound System Rental:
Adequate speaker coverage would ensure attendees can hear the music during the fireworks show. Without professional sound support, the organizers believe much of the audience would not be able to hear the Orchestra’s performance.
• $5,200 – 5K Run Operational Support:
Funding for the 5K would help cover critical event infrastructure, including water stations, medical personnel, snacks, timing chips, and participant support services.
All individuals who register for the 5k are required to pay a $48.70 registration fee.
• $1,200 – Concession Rental for Movie Night:
To provide concessions such as popcorn and snow cones.
• $300 - Movie License:
A movie screening in a park is considered a “public performance” because it is accessible to members of the public. Federal copyright law requires organizations, businesses, municipalities, and community groups to secure the appropriate licensing rights before publicly displaying copyrighted films.
The Simi 250 Committee reportedly has had limited success in soliciting monetary sponsors, as organizations such as WM, Mid- Valley Properties, 99.1 The Ranch, Elks Lodge 2492, and Tarzana Treatment Centers have already committed to financially support the Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Extravaganza hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley on July 4.
The Simi 250 events have received the following in-kind support:
• Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is waiving all fees associated with the use of the Rancho Simi Community Park for the 5K Run, and Corriganville Park for the Car Parade;
• The Boy Scouts are donating services for a clean-up crew for the July 3 rd Movie in
the Park; and
• Community member, Scott Juceam, is donating a movie screen and sound for the Movie in the Park on July 3.
2 The Council previously indicated its support for enhanced support of the fireworks show for the celebration of the Nation’s 250th Birthday. As a result, the City Manager included an additional $20,000 for fireworks in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, bringing the City’s total contribution to $50,000 for fireworks for the 250th Celebration.
Additionally, the City provides in-kind Police Department services for the Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Extravaganza , with estimated costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.
Therefore, prior to any additional financial support that the City Council may vote to provide, the City’s total contribution is anticipated to range from $65,000 to $70,000 for the 250
th Celebration. If the City Council approves all requested funding, the City’s contribution could increase to $91,700.
If the City Council votes to provide additional financial support for the 250 th Celebration,
the City Manager recommends using one- time General Fund surplus savings identified within the current fiscal year budget.
Financial Impact
Up to $91,700. Funding for the additional financial contribution to the 250 th Celebration
will be identified within the FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget. No additional appropriation is required.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Thriving Community Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
No suggested motion.
Summary
During the December 1, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council appointed Mayor Cavanaugh and Council Member Ayala to serve on the planning committee for the 2026 July 4 event, for what has become a two- day celebration known as Simi 250. The Simi 250 Committee is comprised of representatives from Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Simi Valley Unified School District, Ventura County Supervisor Parvin’s Office, and local non-profit organizations. On May 21, 2026, Council Member Ayala, one of the City’s representatives on the Simi 250 Planning Committee, submitted a written request on behalf of the Committee for additional financial support for the celebration (Attachment A). T he Committee is requesting $21,700 in additional funding support for event enhancements and activities associated with the Simi 250 Celebration. If the City Council approves all requested funding, the City's total contribution could increase to $91,700. It is recommended that the City Council consider additional financial support for the Simi 250 events celebrating America’s 250
th birthday.
Prepared by: Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
3 Attachments:
Attachment A – Simi 250 request letter for additional City funding
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Samantha Argabrite
From: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Simi 250 - 4th of July
From: Council Member Ayala <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2026 8:23 AM
To: Samantha Argabrite <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Simi 250 - 4th of July
Sam:
In terms of sponsors, the team has tried to solicit monetary sponsors, and it has been very difficult especially because groups are already sponsoring the actual 4 th of July event hosted by Kiwanis. Here is some additional information and you can decide what to include
1. Simi Valley Recreation and Park District is waiving all fees associated with the use of the Rancho Simi Community Park for the 5K Run, and Corriganville Park for the Car Parade.
2. Boys Scouts are donating services for clean-up crew for the July 3 rd Movie in the Park
3. Scott Juceam is donating movie screen and sound for Movie in the Park And there is one final ask the team asked if I could include 덞덛 덟덜 덝 $300 - Movie License
A movie screening in a park is considered a “public performance” because it is being shown outside of a private residence and is accessible to members of the public. Federal copyright law requires organizations, businesses, municipalities, and community groups to secure the appropriate licensing rights before publicly displaying copyrighted films.
Thank you
Joseph
From: Samantha Argabrite <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 2:58 PM
To: Council Member Ayala <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Simi 250 - 4th of July
Thank you, Council Member. Are you aware of any other sponsorships that Simi 250 has received that I can include in the staff report?
Attachment A
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From: Council Member Ayala <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 8:27 PM
To: Samantha Argabrite <[email protected]>
Subject: Simi 250 - 4th of July
Sam:
As you suggested, I requested the committee create a list of items with costs and this is what we came up with for consideration. They know the City and/or Council could choose 1, 2 3, all, or even none:
$7,500 – Live 50-Person Orchestra for Fireworks Performance This would allow Simi Valley to offer a truly unique experience by having a live orchestra perform synchronized music during the fireworks show for the first time ever. A performance of this scale would elevate the event into a regional attraction, create a memorable patriotic celebration for families, and distinguish Simi Valley’s celebration from surrounding cities. $7,500 – Speaker and Sound System Rental
To fully realize the impact of the live orchestra performance, adequate speaker coverage is essential so the hundreds of attendees throughout the viewing area can clearly hear the music during the fireworks show. Without professional sound support, much of the audience would miss the experience the orchestra is intended to create. This investment ensures the performance is accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.
$5,200 – 5K Run Operational Support
Funding for the 5K would help cover critical event infrastructure including water stations, medical personnel, snacks, timing chips, and participant support services. These items are important not only for participant safety and comfort, but also for creating a professionally organized event that encourages strong community participation and reflects positively on the City. $1,200 – Concession Rental for Movie Night
Providing concession equipment for the community movie night would help create a welcoming, family- friendly atmosphere and enhance attendance and engagement. We are thinking popcorn, snow cones, etc. Concessions contribute significantly to the overall event experience and help make the evening feel like a true community celebration.
Thank you for your consideration, and I would be happy to discuss any of these items further.
Joseph Ayala
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Simi Valley City Council
District 1
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