City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
To:
From:
Subject:
September 28, 2026
City Council
Public Works Department
Jay Spurgin, Interim Public Works Director
Sandy Fire Recovery Grant Funding – Approve Emergency
Mitigation Improvements and related funding
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-50 (Attachment A), finding that conditions continue to exist to warrant continuation of the local emergency proclaimed on May 21, 2026, in response to the Sandy Fire.
2. Approve the Damage Survey Report (DSR) prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) outlining recommended mitigation improvements in response to the 2026 Sandy Fire (Attachment B).
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City and NRCS for financial reimbursement of DSR-recommended improvements, up to a total of $1,821,910, with a City cost share of up to $552,094 from General Fund Capital Reserves, subject to final approval as to form by the City Attorney.
4. Waive the normal Public Works project bidding procedures, in accordance with the declaration of local emergency and pursuant to Simi Valley Municipal Code section 2-9.202; and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney, necessary to procure services, materials, and work required to complete all related safety mitigation projects identified in the DSR, within the approved total expenditure budget, in response to the Sandy Fire.
5. Approve a supplemental budget request to appropriate $1,821,910 in NRCS grant funds to the Disaster Fund (Fund 298), appropriate $752,094 in the General Fund (Fund 100) and authorize an interfund transfer in the same amount to the Disaster Fund (Fund 298), and authorize a total project expenditure budget of $2,574,004 for the Sandy Fire Recovery Grant Project Expense Budget, to fund mitigation costs under the grant and support flood response and cleanup efforts.
Agenda Item No.
9B
Background
On May 18, 2026, the Sandy Fire ignited in Simi Valley at approximately 10:18 a.m. and burned about 2,200 acres before reaching full containment on May 27, 2026.
Due to the threat posed to life, property, and infrastructure, the City Manager, acting as the City’s Emergency Services Director, proclaimed a local emergency on May 21, 2026. The City Council subsequently ratified the proclamation in accordance with Government Code Section 8630 on May 26, 2026, and continued the local emergency through the adoption of resolutions on June 22, 2026, and August 10, 2026.
In response to the significant damage to private and public properties in Simi Valley, the NRCS, a division of the US Department of Agriculture, was requested to review the damaged areas and prepare a DSR under the Federal Emergency Watershed Protection program. NRCS staff conducted several site visits, accompanied by City and Ventura County Watershed Protection District (VCWPD) staff, and provided a DSR to the City (Attachment B). The DSR provides specific mitigation recommendations for various properties affected by the Sandy Fire, and at risk of post-fire flooding and debris flows. Recommendations include debris barriers, krailing, runoff control fiber rolls, and sandbag diversion structures. Once the DSR is approved by the City, NRCS will finalize the reimbursement agreement for execution.
Discussion
Under the California Emergency Services Act (Government Code Section 8550 et seq.), a proclamation of local emergency grants the City certain emergency powers and authorities and supports coordination of response and recovery activities.
Government Code Section 8630(c) requires the City Council to review the need for continuing a local emergency at least once every 60 days until the local emergency is terminated by the City Council. Additionally, once a local emergency has been declared, the City is afforded certain immunities under Government Code Section 8655 for discretionary actions taken in carrying out duties under the Emergency Services Act. Accordingly, staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-50, finding that conditions continue to exist to warrant continuation of the local emergency.
Although the Sandy Fire has been fully contained, recovery efforts, preparation for flood and debris flow mitigation, and related emergency management activities remain ongoing. Maintaining the local emergency declaration allows the City to continue coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies, pursue available disaster assistance and reimbursement opportunities, and address any remaining impacts associated with the fire and affected areas. The DSR includes details and estimated costs for flood and debris flow mitigation measures.
Staff recommends that City Council approve the DSR (Attachment B) prepared by the NRCS for partial reimbursement of costs to construct the recommended mitigation improvements, with the project scope and costs in accordance with the DSR. The agreement requires a 25 percent local funding contribution for construction 2 costs. As part of the local funding cost share, the City will be contacting impacted property owners, including the Ventura County Watershed Protection District, to request reimbursement of a portion of the costs related to their properties or facilities.
Any funds received will offset the City’s required 25 percent local funding contribution for construction costs.
In addition to 75 percent of the construction costs, NRCS will also provide funding for technical assistance in the amount of 7.5% of total eligible construction costs ($165,628). This can be used for contract administration and construction management costs, including pending contracts for right of entry, construction easements ($35,000), and public outreach/marketing ($25,000). As part of the City’s flood preparedness efforts, City staff will conduct targeted public outreach and education to residents in areas that may be impacted by post-fire flooding and debris flows. Outreach will include educational materials, a direct mailer to potentially impacted households, website and social media content, informational videos, and materials for community and HOA meetings.
In addition to the mitigation efforts identified in the DSR, staff estimates up to $200,000 in additional costs may be incurred to support flood response and cleanup efforts associated with anticipated storm events, including K-rail, sandbags, and other necessary materials, supplies, and outside contractors.
Given the time-sensitive nature of the work identified in the DSR and the need to implement the recommended measures before storm events and other conditions create further risks to life or property in the affected area, staff will need to promptly procure the necessary services, materials, and construction work. To avoid administrative delays associated with the City’s normal competitive procurement requirements that could impede the City’s ability to complete the required mitigation measures within the established timeframe, Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 2-
9.202 allows City Council to waive the normal bidding requirements for Public Works type projects in cases where a local emergency exists so work may proceed to avoid danger to life or property without adopting plans and specifications or giving notice for bids.
In accordance with the May 26, 2026 Emergency Proclamation, Section 4, “to the extent permitted by law, City goods and services procurement requirements are stayed during this Local Emergency, as necessary to procure and respond to the Local Emergency, and the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to exercise all powers granted by any local, state or federal emergency laws, rules and regulations.” Accordingly, staff requests that the City Council waive the normal Public Works project bidding procedures, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute necessary agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney, to allow the City to promptly procure the funding, services, materials, and construction work needed to complete the recommended safety mitigation improvements within the limited period available under the NRCS reimbursement agreement. 3 Financial Impact
The cost of this action is $2,574,004 for the Sandy Fire Recovery Grant Project Expense Budget . The NRCS reimbursement grant will provide $1,821,910 to the Disaster Fund (Fund 298), while the General Fund will transfer $752,094 to Fund 298 for the City’s required matching contribution and other anticipated flood response and cleanup costs.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Public Safety, Excellent City Government, and Reliable Infrastructure Pillars of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-50, finding that conditions continue to exist to warrant continuation of the local emergency proclaimed on May 21, 2026, in response to the Sandy Fire.
2. Approve the Damage Survey Report (DSR) prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) outlining recommended mitigation improvements in response to the 2026 Sandy Fire.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City and NRCS for financial reimbursement of DSR-recommended improvements, up to a total of $1,821,910, with a City cost share of up to $552,094 from General Fund Reserves, subject to final approval as to form by the City Attorney.
4. Waive the normal Public Works project bidding procedures, in accordance with the declaration of local emergency and pursuant to Simi Valley Municipal Code section 2-9.202; and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney, necessary to procure services, materials, and work required to complete all related safety mitigation projects, within the approved total expenditure budget , in response to the Sandy Fire.
5. Approve a supplemental budget request to appropriate $1,821,910 in NRCS grant funds to the Disaster Fund (Fund 298), appropriate $752,094 in the General Fund (Fund 100) and authorize an interfund transfer to the Disaster Fund (Fund 298), and authorize a total project expenditure budget of $2,574,004 for the Sandy Fire Recovery Grant Project Expense Budget, to fund mitigation costs under the grant.
4 Summary
On May 18, 2026, the Sandy Fire ignited in Simi Valley and burned almost 2,200 acres before reaching full containment on May 27, 2026. Due to the threat posed to life, property, and infrastructure, the City Manager, acting as the City’s Emergency Services Director, proclaimed a local emergency on May 21, 2026. The City Council subsequently ratified the proclamation in accordance with Government Code Section 8630 on May 26, 2026, and continued the local emergency through the adoption of resolutions on June 22, 2026, and August 10, 2026. The NRCS prepared a DSR outlining recommended mitigation improvements in response to the Sandy Fire and has approved the City for a reimbursement grant to complete DSR improvements of up to $1,821,910, with a City-required cost share of $552,094.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-50 continuing the local emergency proclaimed for the Sandy Fire, approve the DSR prepared by the NRCS, authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City and NRCS for financial reimbursement, waive normal public bidding procedures and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute necessary agreements, and approve a supplemental budget request in Fund 298 of $1,821,910, a reimbursement from Fund 100 to Fund 298 in the amount of $752,094 for the City’s cost share and other costs, for a total expenditure $2,574,004 for the Sandy Fire Recovery Project Budget.
Prepared by: Samantha Shapiro, Management Analyst
Attachments
Attachment A – Resolution No. 2026-50
Attachment B – Damage Survey Report (DSR)
5 Attachment A
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-50
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY CONFIRMING AND RENEWING THE
PROCLAMATION OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Pursuant to California Government Code a Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley was properly noticed and convened; and, WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 8630 empowers the City Council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a Local Emergency when the City is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity; and, WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8634 empowers the City Council to promulgate orders and regulations to provide for the protection of life and property; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4-5.01 et seq. of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, on May 21, 2026 at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Director of Emergency Services (DES) declared the existence of a Local Emergency, and requested that the City Council ratify and proclaim the same; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council on May 26, 2026, in a Special Meeting, ratified the DES’s declaration of a Local Emergency and further proclaimed the same, finding that conditions of extreme peril and a crippling disaster which severely impairs the safety of persons or property have arisen within the City caused by the Sandy Fire; and, WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8630 and Resolution 2026-19 require the City Council to review the need for continuing a proclamation of local emergency to be renewed every 60 days until the local emergency is terminated by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the aforesaid conditions of extreme peril warrant and necessitate the confirmation and renewal of the proclamation of the existence of a Local Emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Simi Valley hereby proclaims the existence of a ocal state of emergency in the City of Simi Valley, pursuant to California Government Code Section 8630 and all other applicable law.
SECTION 2. The Proclamation and Order of a Local Emergency made on May 21, 2026, by the Director of Emergency Services is hereby ratified. (Exhibit 1) SECTION 3. During the existence of this Local Emergency, the powers, functions and duties of the Director of Emergency Services shall be those prescribed by state law, by the existing ordinances and resolutions of the City of Simi Valley, this resolution and any subsequent emergency orders of the City Council, and any other local, state or federal laws providing powers, immunities or duties in such emergency. 6 Res. No. 2026-50
SECTION 4. During the existence of said Local Emergency, City shall follow and impose all directives, mandates, Executive Orders and any other emergency related restrictions issued by the State of California and/or the County of Ventura.
SECTION 5. To the extent permitted by law, City goods and services procurement requirements are stayed during this Local Emergency, as necessary to procure and respond to the Local Emergency, and the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to exercise all powers granted by any local, state or federal emergency laws, rules and regulations, and such procurements made by the DES are hereby ratified.
SECTION 6. To the extent permitted by law, this declaration of a Local Emergency is intended to satisfy any local, state or federal law or regulation requiring such a declaration as a prerequisite or requirement for mutual assistance, reimbursement or other cooperation with any other local, state or federal entity.
SECTION 7. The Director of Emergency Services, if delegated by the City Council, may promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property, including orders or regulations imposing a curfew within designated boundaries when necessary to preserve the public order and safety, per Government Code Sec. 8634.
SECTION 8. This Local Emergency shall continue until it is terminated by proclamation of the City Council. Pursuant to Section 8630 of the Government Code, the City Council shall proclaim the termination of a local emergency at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant. The need for continuing this local emergency shall be reviewed every sixty (60) days by the City Council.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 28th day of September 2026.
Attest:
Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of the City City of Simi Valley, California
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Content:
Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager 7 PROCLAMATION AND ORDER BY DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES OFTHECITY OFSIMIVALLEY DECLARING ASTATE OFA
LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4-5.06 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, the Director of Emergency Services may proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a Local Emergency when the City of Simi Valley ("City") is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council is not in session, subject to ratification by the City Council; and, WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services of the City does hereby find that:
(a) The Sandy Fire ignited on Monday, May 18, 2026, at or about 10:18 a.m. on Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley; and
(b) As of May 21, 2026, over 2,114 acres have burned and the conditions of the Sandy Fire created extreme peril to the health and safety of persons and property within the City and are, or are likely to be, beyond the control and capacity of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the City; and (c) That the City Council of the City of Simi Valley is not in session and cannot immediately be called in to session; and
WHEREAS, the aforesaid conditions of extreme peril warrant and necessitate the proclamation of the existence of a Local Emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED AND DECLARED by the Director of Emergency Services that:
1. A Local Emergency now exists throughout the City; and
2. During the existence of said Local Emergency the powers, functions and duties of the emergency organization of the City shall be those prescribed by state law, by ordinances and resolutions of the City, and the Director of Emergency Services is designated as the City Manager under Section 4-5.05 of the Municipal Code; and
3. During the existence of said Local Emergency, City shall follow and impose all directives, mandates, Executive Orders and any other emergency related restrictions issued by the State of California and/or the County of Ventura, including evacuation orders; and
4. To the extent permitted by law, City goods and services procurement requirements are stayed during this Local Emergency, as necessary to procure and respond to the Local Emergency, and the Director of Emergency Services is empowered to exercise all powers granted by any local, state or federal emergency laws, rules and regulations; and
Docusign Envelope ID: 350F44FB-8D66-8CE1-83B1-98628D9B1915 Exhibit 1
8 Res.No. 2026-50
5. To the extent permitted by law, this declaration of a Local Emergency is intended to satisfy any local, state or federal law or regulation requiring such a declaration as a prerequisite or requirement for mutual assistance, reimbursement or other cooperation with any other local, state or federal entity; and
6. This Local Emergency shall continue for no more than seven (7) days unless this proclamation is ratified by the City Council pursuant to Section 8630 of the Government Code.
Attest: Approved as to Content:
_____________________________
Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Samantha C. Argabrite,
Director of Emergency Services
City of Simi Valley, California
Approved as to Form:
Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: 350F44FB-8D66-8CE1-83B1-98628D9B1915 9 Res.No. 2026-50
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Damage Survey Report for
06-26-26-5237-001 (City of Simi Valley)
State: CA Disaster Event: Sandy Fire 2026
DSR Name: 06-26-26-5237-001 Local Name: City of Simi Valley Congressional District: CA-26
FEMA Declaration Number: FM-5635-CA
Buyout? No
Federal Contract for Construction? No
Sponsor Name: City of Simi Valley Tribal Sponsor? No
Date of Sponsor Request: 6/16/2026 Site Access Date: 7/1/2026 Estimated Number of People Benefitted: 1,200
Cost Share Percentage: 75
LRA Community? No
Approved Cost Share Waiver? No
Ranking Priority: 2
Damaged Sites
Number Name Description Lat Long Counties Site
Eligibility
Measures
Eligibility
1 Runkle
Canyon
Work needed
to protect
lives and
property
from the
imminent
hazard of
rainfallinduced mud
and debris
flows from
the burned
watershed
upstream.
34.25695588 -118.74453696
Ventura
County,
CA
Eligible Eligible
10 Attachment B
2 Comet
Ave,
Sandy
Ave
Work needed
to protect
lives and
property
from the
imminent
hazard of
rainfallinduced mud
and debris
flows from
the burned
watershed
upstream.
34.2502553 -118.7443553
Ventura
County,
CA
Eligible Eligible
3 Camden
Vista
Work needed
to protect
lives and
property
from the
imminent
hazard of
rainfallinduced mud
and debris
flows from
the burned
watershed
upstream.
34.45216 -119.0561
Ventura
County,
CA
Eligible Eligible
4 Max
Court,
Peter
Place
Work needed
to protect
lives and
property
from the
imminent
hazard of
rainfallinduced mud
and debris
flows from
the burned
watershed
upstream.
34.45216 -119.0561
Ventura
County,
CA
Eligible Eligible
5 Sunnydale
Avenue
Work needed
to protect
lives and
property
from the
imminent
hazard of
rainfallinduced mud
34.245172 -118.762063 Ventura
County,
CA
Eligible Eligible
11 and debris
flows from
the burned
watershed
upstream.
Planned Emergency Measure Costs
Planned Emergency Measures Quantity Units Unit Costs Measure Costs Site: 1 - Runkle Canyon
Dike and Levee 980 FT $ 225 $ 220,500
Stormwater Runoff Control 39 AC $ 11,250 $ 438,750
Site: 2 - Comet Ave, Sandy Ave
Dike and Levee 70 FT $ 225 $ 15,750
Diversion 707 FT $ 45 $ 31,815
Diversion 192 FT $ 108 $ 20,736
Stormwater Runoff Control 9.10 AC $ 58,811 $ 535,180
Site: 3 - Camden Vista
Diversion 246 FT $ 108 $ 26,568
Stormwater Runoff Control 33.84 AC $ 14,287 $ 483,472
Site: 4 - Max Court, Peter Place
Diversion 144 FT $ 108 $ 15,552
Stormwater Runoff Control 4.85 AC $ 79,650 $ 386,303
Site: 5 - Sunnydale Avenue
Dike and Levee 150 FT $ 225 $ 33,750
Benefits
Benefit Type Description Future
Damages
Damage
Factor
Near Term Damage
Reduction
Site: 1 - Runkle Canyon
Private Properties
Protected
115 - Private/residential
homes $ 95,202,080 8.7 $ 8,282,581
12 Site: 2 - Comet Ave, Sandy Ave
Private Properties
Protected
42 private property
protected $ 29,064,618 8.2 $ 2,383,299
Site: 3 - Camden Vista
Private Properties
Protected 49 - Residential homes $ 48,913,944 8.3 $ 4,059,857 Site: 4 - Max Court, Peter Place
Private Properties
Protected 70 - residential homes $ 69,333,630 9.2 $ 6,378,694 Site: 5 - Sunnydale Avenue
Private Properties
Protected
47 Private residential
homes $ 41,109,839 9.976 $ 4,101,118
Total Costs: $2,208,376 Total Benefit: $25,205,548 Net Benefit: $22,997,173 Documents
Type Name
Sponsor Request Letter 2026-06-16 Simi Valley EWP Request for Assistance.pdf Location Map W/ Measure
Extents General map_Sandy Fire EWP_Aerial
Site Plan or Sketch Sandy Fire EWPP Drawings
CPA 52 CPA-52_City of Simi Valley_08262026
Cost Estimate Details Sandy Fire Asset List and Cost Estimate Other Documents Sandy Fire Handout
Other Documents Sandy Fire_Economic Considerations_0727_2026 NHQ Uploaded Documents RE_ Email_DSR 5237-001 Coordinates Areas 3 & 4 - Corrected Coordinates
Photos
Name
13 Site: 1 - Runkle Canyon
Area 1 Photos_Runkle Cyn_07
Site: 2 - Comet Ave, Sandy Ave
Area 2B_Sandy Ave
Site: 3 - Camden Vista
20260716_084757
20260716_084754
Site: 4 - Max Court, Peter Place
4_ Max Court _02
4_Max court _01
Site: 5 - Sunnydale Avenue
20260715_092632
Routing
Completed By
Name: Juan Alejandre Role: Acting SPM Submitted Date: 8/28/2026 Submitted to NHQ By
Name: 8tofu Bates Role: Acting STC
Review Outcome: Approved Review Date: 8/28/2026
NHQ Acknowledgement
Name: Marcus Miller
Review Outcome: Accepted Review Date: 9/2/2026
14