Simi Valley is a city in the southeast corner of Ventura County, California. It has a population of 126,902 people and is considered one of the safest cities in America. The name is based on the Chumash Indians' title of the village before Spanish settlement: "Shimiji." In the late 19th century the area was predominantly Spanish speaking. It wasn't until the 1900s that Anglo-Americans began settling here.
The availability of land led to the building of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, opened in 1948. In 1959, an incident with a sodium reactor released radioactive gas into the atmosphere. A lawsuit was brought against the Boeing Company who owned the laboratory. It was eventually settled with a payment from Boeing. Another famous incident to take place in Simi Valley was the Rodney King Trial. The acquittal of the police officers involved led to the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and protests. In June 2004 Ronald Regan was interred in Simi Valley at the Ronald Regan Public Library.
Simi Valley's location at the bottom of the Simi Hills puts the city at a greater risk for wildfires. Summer temperatures can reach into the 100s and high winds increase fire risk. Throughout the years many residents have been evacuated during fires in the region. Damage to homes is usually minimal, as the fires are contained in the mountains. Another risk factor in Simi Valley is earthquakes. The valley is almost entirely surrounded by earthquake faults. During the 1994 Northridge earthquakes, Simi Valley sustained a lot of damage.
The city has a large number of parks and trails. The nearby Kanan Ranch has nature trails. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can participate in activities here. The city is also home to six golf courses, and many charity games are held here each year. The surrounding Santa Susana Mountains allow hikers to enjoy breath taking views of the city.
When visiting Simi Valley, be sure to see the Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments. Considered a California Historical Landmark, Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a must see for any tourist. This collection of sculptures, shrines, and walkways was built by Tressa Prisbrey almost entirely from items found at the local dump.
With its rich history and culture, Simi Valley is a great city to visit. If you are thinking about moving here, then you have made the right choice, as it is the 17th safest city in the country.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
