I recently attended a formal dinner at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for Valentine’s Day.

To my understanding, this was supposed to be a black tie affair.

As such, I showed the lady I was with, my wife, as well as the event itself respect by wearing a tuxedo. I fully expected to find men who would not be wearing tuxedos but rather would be wearing suits.

However, I was quite surprised to find men wearing shirts without ties, jeans and other attire that was simply inappropriate for an affair of this nature.

Having been born and raised in California, at the age of 47 I more than understand the entire concept behind California Casual.

But there are occasions which require that we Californians dress appropriately.

I’ve become accustomed to seeing people attend live theater performances in the evening looking like they are attending a matinee at their local Regal Cinema, showing no respect whatsoever for the actors onstage giving the performance.

I guess I just had higher expectations for this event. I thought that the gentlemen of Simi Valley were a cut above.

For whatever reason, I believed that the gentlemen of this valley understood that a formal event calls for formal attire. Sadly, I was mistaken, and I feel as though I owe my wife an apology for the behavior of the others in attendance.

Come on, gentlemen of Simi Valley, class it up a bit.

Your ladies deserve better, you deserve better, and the reputation of our fine valley deserves better.
Ray Miller
Simi Valley