[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY'S 40TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2009

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the City of 
Simi Valley's 40th birthday.
  On September 20, 1969, the people who lived in the unincorporated 
Ventura County, California, communities of Simi Valley and Santa Susana 
voted 6,454 to 3,685 to incorporate. On October 10, 1969, the combined 
communities officially incorporated into the city of Simi Valley.
  Simi Valley lies on the far eastern end of Ventura County. Ventura, 
the county seat, lies on the far western end. It is a long drive to 
obtain governmental approval, and the quest for local control is what 
drove incorporation.
  Since incorporation, the people of the city have worked tirelessly to 
structure a safe, balanced, family-friendly and business-friendly 
community. It was done by embracing citizen involvement. Neighborhood 
Councils, the Youth Council and the Council On Aging were established 
as part of the government infrastructure, ensuring that residents of 
all ages have an opportunity to be heard and to be involved in 
government decisions at a grassroots level.
  Today, Simi Valley maintains more than 20 citizen advisory boards and 
commissions that advise the City Council on a variety of community 
issues.
  Obviously, in any city differences of opinion arise. But unlike in 
some cities, Simi Valley's elected leaders have a well-earned 
reputation for discussing issues vigorously and then, once a vote is 
taken and the decision is made, having all sides come together behind 
that decision. I believe that is very much the result of empowering the 
community to shape the issues before they come to the City Council.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud of my role in helping to shape Simi Valley. 
I served on the City Council as a member and appointed mayor, and as 
the city's first elected mayor, from 1979 to 1986. During that time, we 
began bringing jobs into what was then primarily a bedroom community, 
and there was much debate on how to accomplish that.
  One of the issues that came from that debate was the creation of the 
city's first hillside ordinances, which we passed while I was mayor. 
The issue was framed by many as preservation vs. development. I was 
seen as being on the side of development. Then-Councilwoman Ann Rock 
was seen as being on the side of preservation.
  Either side could have dug in their heels and accomplished nothing. 
Instead, working together, and with the help of many other 
conscientious people, Ann and I crafted an ordinance that worked for 
both sides. In the process, Ann and I also became dear friends. Ann has 
since passed away, but her handiwork can still be seen in much of Simi 
Valley.
  Simi Valley shows the handiwork of many, many others, too. From the 
burgeoning farming community that incorporated in 1969, Simi Valley has 
grown into a balanced city of about 120,000 people with homes, schools 
and churches alongside upscale retail centers and clean industry. Since 
1993, it has been among the top 10 safest cities in America, and topped 
the list several times. It is the home of the Ronald Reagan 
Presidential Library and Museum and the gateway to Ventura County. I am 
proud of the city I have called home since before it was a city.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me wishing Simi Valley, 
California, a happy 40th birthday and congratulate its citizens on a 
job well done.

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