Keeping crime rate low takes work

Simply blaming Simi for the decrease in rank on the safest city list isn't enough.

It is not easy, with so many new things in our city, such as the town center, the increasing amount of homes and new community members, to keep crime rates low.

The only way that we are going to be able to climb back up the chart is if every community member makes a difference.

Police enforcement can only do so much; community members can make a difference by raising their awareness and reporting crimes. With the combined effort of the police and the community members, we can increase safety and earn a better rank.

Although there are many solutions to reducing crime in Simi, this will be a gradual process. Being that we once were considered the safest city, we can use that as an incentive to try and regain that position.

Also, just because we are no longer the safest city doesn't mean that we are unsafe.

Many cities are competing for that spot, and even a minor change can hand the title to another city.

We have to work together as a community if we want to increase our safety and if we want to see Simi Valley shine even brighter. Diane Ponticelli Simi Valley