Simi Refuses to Name Center After Lucy

America may love Lucy, but Simi Valley wants to keep it a distant affair.

The City Council has unanimously rejected a suggestion from one of Lucille Ball’s fans to name its yet-to-be-built cultural center after the comedienne. Ball, who died April 26 at age 77 in Los Angeles, starred in the popular TV series “I Love Lucy.”

“To our knowledge, she’s neither filmed nor visited here,” Councilwoman Ann Rock said. “There’s just no connection.”

The council’s action Monday followed the proposal’s defeat earlier this month by the Cultural Arts Assn. The group soon will begin raising about $15 million for a performing arts complex, including two theaters, at the Civic Center on Tapo Canyon Road.

“To honor Lucy would preclude us from naming the center after a large donor,” said Judy Michaels, association president.

Katherine Flook, the 82-year-old fan who campaigned vigorously for the appellation, said she was disappointed by the city’s decision and vowed Wednesday to find another way to honor her idol, such as establishing a museum.

Asked if she had any Lucy memorabilia herself, Flook said that mementos were not necessary because “I have her in my heart.”