City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
September 28, 2026
To: City Council
From: Public Works Department
Jay Spurgin, Interim Public Works Director
Subject: Consideration and approval of a ceremonial distribution program for Simi Valley Military Banners to service members and their families Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council consider and approve a ceremonial distribution program for Simi Valley Military Banners to service members and their families.
Background
Many Simi Valley residents serve in the United States Armed Forces. These individuals sacrifice their time and safety for the country. To honor local military personnel, the City Council established the Armed Forces Banner Program (AFBP) on August 30, 2010. As part of the AFBP, the City installs military banners throughout the City to help recognize individuals' service, build community pride, and support military families.
To qualify, honorees must be current or past residents of Simi Valley in addition to any one of the following requirements:
• Active duty military personnel in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including active Reserves and active National Guard; or • A fallen service member in any United States conflict; or • A Purple Heart recipient in any conflict since September 2001; or • Inactive duty military personnel who served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces from September 2001 to deactivation.
The banner program is deeply appreciated by military families and the community at large and has become a visual staple in the City.
Discussion
To further recognize the commitment and service of the City’s military honorees and their families, during the July 27, 2026 City Council meeting, the City Council requested that options be provided for the Council’s consideration to publicly present the retired military banners to the individuals recognized on the banner and further, to incorporate the distribution of Veteran resources to these service members.
Agenda Item No.
9C
Staff proposes inviting honorees, or a representative from their family, to attend a City Council meeting prior to Veterans Day to receive a mini replica of their banner (Attachment A). Additionally, when a banner is removed, the honoree or a family representative would also be invited to receive a certificate of recognition (Attachment B).
The physical retired banner would continue to be made available to the honoree upon removal, as is the current practice. Military banners are typically updated prior to Veterans Day, therefore this timing is recommended.
A representative from the Ventura County Veterans Services Office visits the Senior Center monthly and will meet with all retired service members to connect them with the services and resources they are eligible for. As part of the City Council presentation, staff can provide the service member and/or their family with the next date the representative will be at the Senior Center, as well as the list of resources that staff compiled for distribution with the banners (Attachment C).
Staff has contacted the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) to determine if there may be an opportunity for a City Council representative to present the retired banner, mini replica or certificate to the service member at RSRPD’s annual Veterans Day Celebration. Historically, as part of the event, organizations that provide services and programs to veterans participate and host informational booths. This alternative would provide for public recognition of the City’s veterans and connect them with service providers simultaneously.
Financial Impact
The costs associated with the distribution of military banners is anticipated to be minimal for the printing of certificates and mini replica banners and would be absorbed within the City’s adopted budget. No additional appropriation is required.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Thriving Community Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move that the City Council approve a ceremonial distribution program for Simi Valley Military Banners to service members and their families.
Summary
Many local residents serve in the United States Armed Forces. These individuals sacrifice their time and safety for the country. Currently, the City honors military personnel by installing military banners throughout the City. To further recognize the commitment and service of our military honorees, staff recommends that the City Council approve the Ceremonial Distribution Program for Simi Valley Military Banners. The program will recognize honorees by inviting them, or family representatives, to a City Council meeting to receive a mini replica of their banner or certificate recognizing their service after their 2 service ends. The physical banner would continue to be made available to the banner applicant upon removal, as is the current practice.
Prepared by: Laurie Vollmer, Deputy Public Works Director (Administration) Attachments
Attachment A – Mini Banner Replica
Attachment B – Certificate of Recognition
Attachment C – Veteran Resources List
3 SIMI VALLEY
THANKS YOU FOR
YOUR SERVICE
John
Smith
Attachment A 4
SIMI VALLEY
THANKS YOU FOR
YOUR SERVICE
John
Smith
Certificate of Recognition
The City of Simi Valley
would like to Thank
for your service in the
United States Military
John Smith
City Manager Department Head
Date
August 26, 2026
Attachment B
5 Update June 30, 2026
VETERAN RESOURCES
To assist with providing available resources to veterans, a list of contacts may be found below.
Federal Benefits:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Website: https://www.va.gov/
MyVA411 main information line 800-698-2411
State Benefits:
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
Website: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/
The Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC) for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties is:
Anthony Rodriquez at Anthony.rodriguez@[email protected] or 213-342-7741 Ventura County Resources:
County of Ventura Human Services Agency (Veteran Services) Website: https://venturacounty.gov/human-services-agency/veteran-services/ Main Office
2000 Outlet Center Drive, Suite C-220, Oxnard
805-477-5155
Simi Valley Office
County of Ventura Human Services Agency (Veteran Services) 2900 N. Madera Road, Simi Valley
Walk-in hours are available on Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Other Sources:
Vets and Valor
Website: https://vetsvalorusa.com/
1555 Simi Town Center Way #640, Simi Valley
Available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For the Troops
Website: https://www.forthetroops.org/
2960 Cochran St, Simi Valley
805-306-0830
Team Veteran
Website: https://thevmpi.org/
6 Attachment C