Simi Valley At A Glance

The City of Simi Valley, with an estimated population of 126,329 (as of March 2011) is the third largest of Ventura County's ten cities.  Occupying an area of approximately 42 square miles, it is located in Southeast Ventura County, adjacent to the northwestern perimeter of the San Fernando Valley, approximately 37 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The City was incorporated in 1969 under the general laws of the State of California and operates under a General-Law/council-manager form of government.

It is believed that the name of the Chumash Indian Village "Shimiji" is the origin of the City's name.  The valley was originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians in two villages named Simi and Tapo.  The official City tree is the Coast Live Oak, whose acorns were used by the Chumash Indians for food.  The official City flower is the California Wild Rose, from which the Chumash Indians ate vitamin-rich rosehips.  In 1795, El Rancho San Jose de Garcia de Simi was granted to Santiago Pico and Luis Pena by Governor Diego de Borica of Spanish California.  This land grant, approximately 100,000 acres, was one of the largest ever made.

Transportation to and from the City is provided through the following means:

Highway:  Highway 118 runs through the City and connects with State Highways 23 and 101, Interstates 5, 405, and 210.

Air:  Los Angeles International Airport, 42 miles; Burbank Airport, 26 miles; Camarillo Airport, 25 miles.

Rail:  Union Pacific Railroad for freight service; Amtrak and Metrolink for passenger service.

Bus:  The City operates a local bus system, with connections to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and Ventura Intercity Service Transit Authority (VISTA).  Taxi services are also available.

Water:  Port facilities are located in Port Hueneme, 34 miles.