State budget, storm drains local causes for concern in '08
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

As 2007 comes to a close, officials say the city of Simi Valley is in good shape, despite some concern for potential challenges in 2008.

"We've had a good year," asserted Mayor Paul Miller. "We haven't had any major fires, floods or earthquakes. Overall, it's just been a good year, although I think next year might be a concern because of the state budget and housing crisis."

Miller said the city would be monitoring closely the $10 billion shortfall projected for the state budget in 2008, which financial experts and legislative analysts have attributed to a faltering housing market.

Historically, budget crises have caused the state to raid the treasuries of financially healthy cities in order to help balance state expenditures- an action that cost Simi Valley more than $4 million several years ago, the mayor said.

While Miller said the city didn't have to cut back on any programs last time, he is unsure what effect it would have on Simi if it happens again.

"We always try to anticipate for emergencies but we don't know how much it could cost us," he said. "It's all unknown right now. We're basically just watching very carefully."

Along with the state budget, Miller said the City Council and staff would continue to pay close attention to a handful of other issues that could have significant impacts on Simi residents in the near future.

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, which also regulates Ventura County, is considering the implementation of an environmental program that would require the entire county to clean rainwater before it is pumped into the Arroyo Simi corridor.

For Simi Valley, the program could potentially translate into an annual $16 million expense- of which the city is not currently prepared to pay, Miller said.

Councilmember Barbra Williamson said that if the program is implemented, families in Simi could pay an additional $440 per year for water services to cover the cost.

Williamson also called attention to Waste Management's current proposal to expand the Simi Valley Landfill- a project that would double the landfill area to 371 acres if approved by the county.

The waste hauler's applica tion was recently deemed complete and the proposal is scheduled to go before neighborhood councils in January.

Soon after, the City Council will have the opportunity to review the application and submit a recommendation to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors- who will then make the final decision.

"We're glad we're getting a new (Environmental Impact Report) but we've got to stay on top of it," Williamson said. "We're going to make sure that the city of Simi Valley gets its fair share."

Other issues of interest on the city's list for 2008 include the analysis of soil testing in Runkle Canyon, Larwin Co.'s planned landscaping of the hill off the 118 Freeway at Keuhner Avenue, and Casden Properties' proposal to build 266 residential units on the corner of Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road.

City officials are also keeping track of the ongoing cleanup of the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory- which the United States Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month recommended for superfund designation. If

G o v . Arnold Schwarzengger approves the EPA recommendation, it would ensure the federal government's involvement in the cleanup of the 2,850-acre site in the hills two miles south of Simi.

Still, despite the potential worries of the city, both Miller and Williamson expressed excitement about the coming General Plan update, especially as the city nears its complete buildout.

"We'll be charting the city's future for the next several years and we're looking forward to getting that going," Miller said. "The goal basically is to make the best use for what land remains for development.

"The ideal would be that everybody who lives here could work here. It would help the environment, save fuel and increase air quality. What we have to do is try to find a balance between housing and jobs, and figure out how we can best use what's left," he added.

Williamson said she's also looking forward to finalizing a site for a new public cemetery and making progress on the Arroyo Greenway concept- the idea to turn the Arroyo Simi Corridor into recreational parkland.

"I'm very proud of living here," she said. "I love what we do and people love living here. I really think the City Council does a good job of listening to the citizens and working with them to make Simi Valley a great city."