Rotary clubs chip in for freeway sign beautification
By Michelle Knight
knight@theacorn.com

In observance of Rotary International’s 100th anniversary next year, the three Simi Valley Rotary clubs announced they are involved in a fundraising campaign to beautify the sign along Highway 118 welcoming west-bound drivers to the city.

The Rotary Club of Simi Valley, the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset will restore and paint the Welcome To Simi Valley sign that the groups put up eight years ago near the Rocky Peak exit. Rotary also plans to erect two flagpoles—one to hold the American flag and another to be determined later—and add permanent lighting to illuminate the three structures.

Craig Foster, a Rotary Club past president and 10-year member, said his group chose to restore the Welcome sign because of the positive feedback they heard from commuters returning home from work. And the American flag will be added, he said, because it signifies patriotism, the involvement of the community and Rotary’s dedication toward helping others.

The Rotary clubs—known for their sponsorship of local community service projects such as the youth camp at Corriganville and other service organizations—began raising funds last November for the project. The work is expected to cost $30,000 to $35,000, Foster said. He anticipates raising several thousand dollars in a Caribbean cruise drawing that Rotary is currently hosting.

The cost of the project may seem high, Foster said, but the special equipment needed to bore through the rocky hills to bring power to the area is expensive.

"It’s actually a lot more involved than meets than meets the eye," he said.

Rotary International will celebrate a century of service next February. All 31,000 nationwide clubs are expected to commemorate the event by spearheading different community service projects.

The restoration and flagpole construction could begin as early as May, Foster said.