• DES Order No. 2 - Permitting Additional Outside Dining in the City of Simi Valley | En Español
  
  
• DES Order No. 1

Is there a current ban on residential evictions in Simi Valley?

Yes. State law currently allows relief to residential tenants due to COVID-19 under certain circumstances. On August 31, 2020, the Governor signed AB3088 into law, which provides relief from eviction for residential tenants affected by COVID-19. Please refer to AB3088 for the specifics regarding how to claim relief from eviction for residential tenants under that law. *On June 25, 2021, the Governor signed AB832, which extended the current residential eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021. Please refer to AB832 for the specifics regarding how to claim relief from eviction for residential tenant under that law.*

Prior to August 31, 2020, when AB3088 passed, were there local protections from evictions due to COVID-19?

Yes. From March 31, 2020, to September 30, 2020, by Order of the City’s Director of Emergency Services (DES), who is the City Manager, both commercial and residential evictions were prohibited in the City of Simi Valley. This only applied to cases in which a tenant’s inability to pay was related to the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic. The Order (DES Order No.1) was issued on March 18, 2020. For residential tenants, the City’s local eviction protections expired on September 30, 2020. (Note: state law preempts DES Order No. 1; thus, residential eviction protections now extend to September 30, 2021. (Please see AB832.) For commercial tenants, the City’s local eviction protections will continue until September 30, 2021, due to the Governor’s executive order N-03-21 (issued March 4, 2021) and executive order N-08-21 (issued June 11, 2021), which extended earlier orders of the Governor permitting the City to adopt local eviction protections for commercial tenants.

What are the eviction protections for residential tenants in AB3088?

AB3088 sets up two rental time periods: a first period from March 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020 (the “Protected Time Period”); and a second period from September 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021 (the “Transition Time Period”). *This time period was extended to June 30, 2021 by Governor Newsom and Legislature on January 25, 2021. Subject to the requirements of AB3088, which include certain written documentation and notices between landlord and tenant, tenants may receive eviction protection for nonpayment of rent in the Protected Time Period (regardless of whether any rent or no rent was paid to a landlord); and tenants may receive eviction protection for the Transition Time Period, provided a tenant pays 25% of the rent due to the landlord by the end of the Transition Time Period. However, there are many exceptions and requirements in AB3088, so please refer to the text of that law for specific guidance and/or seek guidance from your own attorney. The City cannot provide advice on the interpretation of AB3088 in individual matters. *On June 25, 2021, the Governor signed AB832, which also increased reimbursement to 100% for both rent that is past due and prospective payments for both tenants and landlords. Please refer to AB832 for the specifics regarding how to claim reimbursement relief.*

Is there a current ban on commercial evictions in Simi Valley?

Yes. DES Order No. 1, issued March 18, 2020, prohibited certain commercial evictions due to a tenant’s inability to pay because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, is in force and will expire, if not extended, until March 31, 2021. (Note: the Governor’s executive orders supersede DES Order No. 1; thus, per executive order N-08-21, commercial evictions bans now extend to September 30, 2021.)

For the City’s local ban on commercial evictions, what does “related to the epidemic” mean?

“Related to the epidemic” means a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consumer demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do tenants still owe rent?

Yes, nothing in the Order shall relieve a tenant of liability for unpaid rent. This applies to both the City’s ongoing ban on commercial evictions, as well to rent owed during the City’s prior ban on residential evictions (in force from March 18, 2020 to September 30, 2020). For liability for rent for residential tenants on or after September 2020, please consult state law (i.e., AB3088 and AB832).

What was the City’s authority to pass the Order (DES Order No. 1) based on?

On March 16, 2020, the City Council authorized the DES to pass regulations and orders related to the COVID-19 emergency. On the same day (March 16, 2020), the Governor of the State of California waived certain state laws, through Executive Order (E.O.) N-28-20, that would have prevented the City from implementing a moratorium on evictions. On March 18, 2020, the City’s Director of Emergency Services approved DES Order No. 1, putting on evictions on hold, which expired for residential tenants on September 30, 2020. For commercial tenants, the local ban on evictions will last until September 30, 2021. Many, if not all, cities in the County of Ventura, and the County itself, had implemented similar bans on either residential and/or commercial evictions.

What were the specifics of the Governor’s Executive Orders which allowed local eviction bans?

The Governor’s waiver of state law, which allowed local eviction bans, was set forth in E.O. N-28-20 (March 16, 2020), and had an expiration date of May 31, 2020. The waiver was first extended by E.O. N-66-20 issued (5-29-20) (paragraph 21) to (on or about) June 28, 2020, and was then further extended by E.O. N-71-20 (June 31, 2020) (paragraph 3) to September 30, 2020 The Governor’s waiver allowing local bans on residential tenant evictions expired on September 30, 2020. However, the City is pre-empted by state law; thus, the residential tenant eviction moratorium now expires on September 30, 2021. (See AB832.) On September 3, 2020, the Governor issued E.O. N-80-20 (paragraph 2), which extended the ability to maintain local bans on commercial evictions until March 31, 2021. If the Governor further extends the waiver regarding commercial tenancies, the City’s eviction ban will continue automatically until whatever later date may be implemented by the Governor. (Note: such an extension occurred on June 11, 2021. (Please see Governor’s executive order N-08-21 extending the commercial eviction ban to September 30, 2021).

My relative is in assisted living. Will they be evicted?

No, such evictions are prohibited by AB3088, and were previously prohibited under the City’s DES Order No. 1. Under state law, evictions from residential care facilities such as assisted living must proceed according to a number of California laws, including California Code of Civil Procedure 1161 (2); Civil Code Sec. 1940, and others. AB3088 and DES Order No. 1 both prohibit such “unlawful detainer” procedures from taking place, provided a tenant has the appropriate proof of financial hardship due to COVID-19 and provides notice thereof to the landlord. Please consult AB3088 for the specifics of these requirements, as the protections of DES Order No. 1 expired on September 30, 2020.

I am a landlord and my tenant did not pay rent before this all started. Can I evict them? What if an eviction was already in process?

If an eviction is not based on the effects of the COVID-19 emergency, AB3088, AB832, as well as the City’s DES Order No. 1, does not prohibit the eviction. However, as the County Superior Court and the Ventura County Sheriff hear and carry out eviction processes, they may not necessarily provide eviction hearings and services in the same manner as they provided before the COVID-19 pandemic. This may apply even if an eviction was already in process. For questions on specific eviction processes underway or for an interpretation of law, including AB3088 and AB832, please check with the appropriate County agency and/or your own attorney.

Can the City provide advice on my eviction?

No. Any eviction process is a civil dispute between a landlord and a tenant, and the City cannot provide advice to particular parties in dispute. Further, in case of a conflict between this FAQ, AB3088, AB832, or DES Order No. 1, please refer to the text of AB3088, AB832, and DES Order No. 1, which shall govern. This FAQ is being provided for explanatory purposes only.

The City Clerk is happy to respond to requests for public information and records in compliance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor March 4, 2020, and the State of Emergency declared by the Simi Valley City Council on March 16, 2020, both due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, a response to your public records request may be delayed. Unfortunately, City operations are limited at this time.

If at all possible, the City requests that you consider delaying your request in order to allow the City to more readily meet the challenging tasks required during this emergency situation. In compliance with amendments to the Public Records Act under SB 272 (Government Code section 6270.5), the City of Simi Valley's Enterprise System Catalog list can be accessed and may include the information you are seeking. 

Please find our Service Directory and a list of departmental contacts below:

City Manager's Office
(805) 583-6701

City Attorney's Office
(805) 583-6714

Administrative Services
(805) 583-6700

Environmental Services
(805) 583-6769 Planning
(805) 583-6723 Building & Safety

Police Department
(805) 583-6950

Public Works
(805) 583-6786

Simi Valley Public Library
(805) 526-1735

Simi Valley Senior Center
(805) 583-6363

Cultural Arts Center
(805) 583-7900

Ventura County Public Health Officer Order 10.18.2021

State of California Public Health Officer Order Regarding Vaccination Status, Respirator/Mask Requirements, and Testing Requirements - July 26, 2021

On June 15, 2021, the State of California reopened its economy with businesses resuming normal operations, with limited exceptions. Learn about California’s plans to safely reopen the economy: https://covid19.ca.gov/safely-reopening.

Read Beyond the Blueprint FAQs for more information.

Businesses with employees must continue to follow the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). This includes mask-wearing and other preventative measures. 

Sign up for County of Ventura Economic Vitality reopening updates, business resources, and more.

Find a COVID-19 Testing Site Near You

Ventura County Public Health launches email to respond to answer questions about COVID-19 exposure and quarantining. You can find the email here.

Ventura County Public Health Department Issues Car Line Celebration Guidance

Ventura County Office of Education FAQs

Ventura County Animal Services COVID-19 Update

Vaccine Eligibility in Ventura County

The State of California expanded vaccine eligibility on November 3, 2021 to include anyone age 5 and older.  

Please note, only Pfizer is approved for use for those aged 5-17. The Moderna and J&J vaccines are approved for ages 18 and older.

For individuals 5-15 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor to a vaccination site, provide verification of identity and relationship, and give verbal consent for the minor to be vaccinated.

If a parent is unable to accompany them, minors 16 and older are permitted to have written consent or conduct a video call with Public Health Staff whereby the parent/legal guardian provides verification of identity and relationship, and gives verbal consent for the minor to be vaccinated. The consent form can be found at: Ventura County Department of Public Health Consent Form.

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations in Simi Valley and Ventura County

COVID-19 vaccines are now available by walk-in. No appointment is required.

Community members preferring to make an appointment may use the states myturn.ca.gov website. MyTurn requires individuals who sign up for a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) to schedule both appointments together at myturn.ca.gov. They will receive a confirmation via email or text that includes appointment information along with a confirmation code. Instructions are included in these confirmations on how to cancel or change appointments.

Pfizer Booster Dose Eligibility

Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.

People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech who SHOULD receive a booster include:

• Age 65 years and older;
• Long term care residents; and
• Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).

 People who MAY CONSIDER receiving a booster based on their individual benefits and risks include:

• Age 18 through 49 years with underlying medical conditions; and
• Age 18 through 64 who are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation or institutional setting including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, farmworkers and workers in homeless shelters or prisons.

The CDC will soon release more specific definitions for underlying medical conditions and high-risk occupational or institutional settings. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA and CDC review the data and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines.

Eligible residents who completed their two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago can make an appointment for their boosters by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Vaccine locations can be filtered by type of vaccine by visiting www.vaccines.gov or calling 1-800-232-0233. Community members are also encouraged to contact their medical provider, make an appointment at a pharmacy or clinic that offers Pfizer vaccinations, or find a Public Health clinic at www.vcrecovers.org. Whether by appointment or walk-in, residents are required to bring proof that they received two previous Pfizer doses, which can be in the form of the white vaccination card, a photo of the white card, or a digital record of the previous two doses. At some sites, residents may be asked to sign an attestation form indicating they meet the criteria to receive the Pfizer booster.

Boosters offer enhanced protection for those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago who are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 and/or experiencing severe illness from COVID.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging provides no cost transportation to vaccination sites for those in need of support and in-home vaccination for homebound individuals. Services can be requested by calling 805-477-7300.

 Stay informed about COVID-19 at www.vcrecovers.org. 

Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccine Sites in Simi Valley and Ventura County

The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.

Simi Valley Transit Dial-A-Ride also provides transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities (meeting ADA eligibility) to locations in Simi Valley. If you wish to schedule a Dial-A-Ride trip please call (805) 583-6464.

If you are a Simi Valley senior or a resident with a disability (meeting ADA eligibility) and wish to schedule a trip to a location outside of Simi Valley, please call the East County Transit Alliance at (805) 375-5467 to schedule an InterCity Dial-A-Ride Trip.

Ventura County residents who are experiencing mobility issues and are unable to travel to a COVID-19 vaccine site, may call (805) 477-7161 to determine if they are eligible to be vaccinated at home by a health worker.

• California Department of Public Health urges public to report vaccine incentive scammers

• Ventura County residents who are experiencing mobility issues and are unable to travel to a COVID-19 vaccine site, may call (805) 477-7161 to determine if they are eligible to be vaccinated at home by a health worker.

• FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths 
  
  
• Questions or concerns regarding a business's compliance with COVID-19 requirements may be directed to the Covid Compliance hotline at 1 (844) VC-OPENS / (844) 826-7367 or email covidcompliance@ventura.org.

• County of Ventura Resource Information
  
  
• This Week's Food Share/Pop-Up Pantry Locations

• Farmworker Resource Program
  
  
• State of California Coronavirus Website

• Ventura County Behavioral Health Wellness Website
  
  
• Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
  
  
• 805UndocuFund COVID-19

• Helpful Videos on Staying Well During COVID-19 (available in English y en Español)

• Spectrum to Provide Free Wi-Fi for 60 Days for K-12 and College Students Without a Current Broadband Account

• VCTC Transportation Updates

• Metrolink Temporary Schedule

• Simi Valley Transit makes modifications to protect the safety of passengers and drivers during the Coronavirus Emergency

• Request Homebound Vaccine Service by calling the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging at (805) 477-7300 or email covidmobileclinic@ventura.org. There is no cost for the visit.

• Are you a senior who is feeling isolated, anxious or lonely? Call the Institute on Aging's 24-hour "Friendship Line" toll-free at 1 (888) 670-1360 for support. 
  
  
• Supporting Our Seniors: We Are Here For You! 
  
  
• Governor Newsom Launches Campaign to Protect Health and Well-Being of Older Californians During COVID-19 Pandemic 

• Simi Valley Early Service Grocery Hours I En Español

• Meals on Wheels is still actively delivering meals to seniors age 60 and over. Contact the Senior Center at (805) 583-6042 to learn about available food resources in the area.

• For those seniors who are 60 and over and typically enjoy lunches at the Senior Center, participants can drive-thru and pick up their meal at the Senior Center between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Register with the Senior Center today at (805) 583-6042.

• For those seniors that are transit dependent and not able to participate in the drive thru service, contact the Senior Center at (805) 583-6042 so a lunch delivery can be organized.

• If you believe you’ve been a victim of price gouging or have observed a store price gouging for essential products, please report it to the Ventura County District Attorney at (805) 662-1737 or daopricegouging@ventura.org.

• Governor’s Order will restore water for occupied residences whose water was shutoff effective March 4

• Commissioner Lara Orders Insurance Companies to Refund Premiums to Drivers and Businesses Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency

• Resources from Simi Valley Unified School District

• Announcements from Rancho Simi Recreation & Parks District

COVID-19 healing resources including a weekly mental health check-in plan, a guide for self-care planning, an emotional healing map, support group outlines, and fact sheets related to mental health.

Find COVID-19 Testing Locations in Simi Valley

Ventura County Public Health, as well as all health organizations, continue to recommend that the public does the following to protect themselves from all respiratory illnesses, including the Coronavirus:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season. 

• Donate to Ventura County Animal Services

• California Volunteers

• Join United Way of Ventura County's COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign or volunteer.
  
  
• Help Your Community Safely
  

• Volunteer with Food Share Ventura County
  
  
• County Announces Farmworker Resource Program - Donations Being Accepted Now