A NEW WAY OF SAYING WELCOME-When constructed, the new Welcome to Simi Valley sign will be much more grandiose than its predecessor, as seen here in the above sketch. Just this past week, structural plans for the new Welcome to Simi Valley sign were submitted to the city's planning department as part of the required process to obtain a building permit.

The new sign, which is being reconstructed thanks to a joint effort between the Simi Sunrise Rotary Club and the city, will be much larger than the original, according to Sean Gibson, associate city planner.

The original Welcome to Simi Valley sign was burned down during the 2005 Topanga Fire. New plans call for the sign to be 15.5by-52 feet and made mostly from fireproof stone, Gibson said.

It has been designed to fit comfortably into the signature rock formations that line the eastern entrance of the city.

Once the design is given its required plan check, the city can begin seeking out a contractor to build the sign.

"The sign is going to be there for the community to enjoy very, very soon," said Michelle Foster, council member as well as a member of Simi Sunrise Rotary.

-Kyle Jorrey