Rethink Simi Development

Are you tired of the traffic in Simi Valley? Do you feel Simi Valley has begun to become much like “The Valley?” Are you concerned with urban encroachment in our surrounding mountains and rural areas? Have you become disenchanted with the local government, the planning of the city past, present and future?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, please read the following: On Feb. 10, the Simi Valley City Council approved a massive development proposal for Tapo Canyon, Dry Canyon and Sand Canyon, titled “White Face Development Project.” In Sand Canyon they plan to build 1,128 single-family homes and a private golf course on 1,009 acres. In Dry Canyon they want to build 80 estate homes and a private golf course on 577 acres. And in Tapo Canyon, 284 estate homes and a public golf course are planned for 1,100 acres.

Much of the land in the proposed project is under the jurisdiction of Ventura County. Therefore, the city of Simi Valley has applied to the county Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to annex the county lands into the city of Simi Valley. In June, 1992, LAFCO voted 3 to 1 in favor of annexing the land into the Simi Valley boundaries.

The Environmental Coalition, Moorpark branch, a local organization that supports environmental actions through citizen involvement, has challenged this decision and has successfully requested a rehearing. This public event will take place in mid-September or October. This is the last chance for the public to voice its opinions and raise concerns regarding this project.

We need to organize to combat the special-interest groups that are controlling the process. Government can work for us only if we decide to get involved and make changes.

JANET MURPHY, President, Environmental Coalition, Moorpark