| November 4–10, 2026|Issue #26|Simi Valley, CA |
A Note From Jenn |
The clocks went back an hour this weekend, and somehow it feels like more than just a time change. Halloween decorations are coming down, the evenings are getting darker, and we're shifting from fall festivities to holiday plans.
Around Simi Valley, that means holiday boutiques, opportunities to help our neighbors, and a little preparation for the winter months ahead. There's plenty happening around town, and I've gathered some of the things worth knowing as we head into November.
Thanks for spending a little of your week with The Simi Signal! |
This Week in Simi Valley |
Here's what's worth knowing this week: the YMCA expansion, plans for winter storms, a new opportunity for residents to weigh in on Field Lab groundwater cleanup, school enrollment dates and neighbors helping neighbors. |
The Simi Valley Family YMCA expansion is moving forward with a newly announced $1 million state grant. Demolition is underway, and the $7.5 million project calls for a full-size gymnasium, more fitness space, an expanded Kids' Zone and additional multipurpose rooms. Here's what's planned, where construction stands and what the YMCA says about its projected fall 2027 reopening. Read More... |
Simi Valley is preparing for winter storms, with more than 22 tons of debris removed from drainage systems and additional precautions near areas affected by the Sandy Fire. The city is also hosting six storm preparedness meetings from November 5 through November 19. Our guide includes the dates, locations and practical steps residents can take before heavy rain arrives. Read More... |
The Santa Susana Field Laboratory cleanup is entering another public review stage. State regulators will hold an online meeting November 18 about proposed groundwater cleanup measures in Boeing's areas of responsibility. Our article explains what the documents mean, how this relates to other cleanup work and where residents can get meeting details and review the official materials. Read More... |
Have a child starting Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten next fall? SVUSD has announced November 9 and 16 information nights, and enrollment deadlines vary depending on the program. Our guide explains age eligibility, where to submit TK forms, how Kindergarten School of Choice works and which specialized programs have earlier deadlines. Read More... |
Kiwanis is hosting its Great American Food Drive at the Simi Valley Senior Center on November 11. Donations support local food assistance organizations, with a special shopping list for Thanksgiving for Veterans. Our guide includes the event details and the complete wish list so readers can shop ahead. Read More... |
Saturday November 7
Junk in the Trunk Community Swap Meet 8 am - 12 pm Rancho Santa Susana Community Center Parking Lot
Santa Susana Depot Swap Meet & Open House Swap Meet 8 am - 11 am - Park Pavilion Open House 11 am - 4 pm - Depot & Museum
JR's Comedy - Junkyard Cafe Tony Camin Doors open @ 6:30, Show @ 7
Jesus Christ Superstar Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Catch the last shows – November 6, 7 or 8
Sunday November 8
Ewaste Saturday November 7 and Sunday, November 8 9 am - 3 pm Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce 40 W Cochran St. Check the list of approved items
Paint your Pet FUNdraiser Nectar of the Dogs 11/8 1pm-3pm 791 Chambers Lane, Simi Valley 805-624-7107 Paint Your Pet! Fundraising Event for Outta The Cage — Nectar of the Dogs Wine
Wednesday November 9
Music Through the Years Rancho Tapo Community Park Veterans Plaza 3700 Avenida Simi 11 am Patriotic musical tribute performed by the Simi Valley Community Orchestra
Tuesday November 10
The Story of Valley Forge 1pm Simi Valley Senior Center 3900 Avenida Simi
Thursday November 12
Garden Design Seminar 6 - 7:15 pm virtual |
Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day. Simi Valley residents can attend commemorations at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library or Rancho Tapo Veterans Plaza. Both main programs begin at 11 AM, so choose the event that works best for your plans. |
Wonders of the Night Sky |
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An evening of telescope viewing, observatory tours and presentations with Ventura County Astronomical Society astronomers. Check the organizer's page for updates before attending. |
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Holiday shopping season is underway. For hours, addresses and new additions, check our updated Simi Valley Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair Guide. |
Kiwanis Great American Food Drive |
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Drive through and drop off nonperishable food for local veterans and families. Volunteers will collect donations from vehicles. Questions: 805-433-3411. |
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Want to understand the broader need for local food assistance? Read our article, Hunger Doesn’t Take a Holiday. |
Coming to Simi |
Whole Foods Market Opens November 10 Simi Valley’s first Whole Foods Market is scheduled to open Tuesday, November 10. We’ve been watching the storefront take shape, and opening day is almost here. See what’s planned for the new store. |
Varsity Sports |
All three local varsity football teams are headed to CIF playoffs, while Simi Valley and Royal girls tennis host first-round postseason matches on November 4.
Royal boys water polo won its playoff opener against Chino Hills and faced Redondo Union on November 3, with that final score awaiting confirmation.
Find verified matchups, school calendar links, Royal cross country league finals, Grace Brethren’s November 10 soccer scrimmage, and a look ahead to college signing season. Read More... |
Simi Valley Trivia |
Which flower is Simi Valley's official city flower? A. California Poppy |
Answer: at the bottom of the newsletter 👇 |
Have someone on your holiday shopping list who's impossible to buy for? This week, AI Made Simple shows how to use ChatGPT to brainstorm thoughtful gifts based on someone's interests, personality, and your budget. Whether you have $25 or $100 to spend, we'll walk through a customizable prompt, a realistic example, and a simple follow-up question that makes the suggestions more personal. The goal isn't to buy more. It's to find something meaningful that fits your budget. Read More... |
Tip of the Week |
Add One Extra Item Heading to the grocery store this week? Consider picking up one extra nonperishable item for the Kiwanis Great American Food Drive on November 11. Canned vegetables, soup, pasta, rice and peanut butter are useful pantry staples. Check dates and make sure packages are unopened. It’s a simple way to help stock local pantry shelves ahead of the holidays. |
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Don't Miss Some Important Dates |
Holiday mailing dates: Planning gifts for relatives or friends who live out of town?
Our 2026 Holiday Shipping Guide is a starting point, with direct carrier links for confirming service deadlines. |
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Local Business Spotlight |
Porcellino's is a family-owned Italian deli and market bringing authentic flavors to Simi Valley, CA. Inspired by generations of Italian kitchens and classic New York delis, they serve fresh-baked bread, generously stacked sandwiches, and imported specialties — all rooted in recipes passed down through family. Named after the beloved Porcellino of Florence and a cherished family nickname, this is a place where food brings people together. Whether you're picking up lunch or stocking up on imported Italian goods, the hospitality is as warm as the food. Come hungry, leave full — and eat like nobody's watching. |
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Simi Valley Brewing Co. is a welcoming local brewery built for great beer and good times. Nestled in the heart of Simi Valley, it's the kind of place where you can settle in, raise a pint, and feel right at home. With a full week of service — including a relaxed Sunday morning start at 9:30am — there's always a good excuse to stop by. Whether you're catching up with friends over a craft pour on a weekday or staying late on a Friday or Saturday night, the vibe is consistently warm and inviting. If you're in the Simi Valley area and love supporting local, this is a spot well worth adding to your regular rotation. |
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Layla Threading is a trusted name in professional hair removal, with skilled stylists who deliver precise, artful results every time. Whether you're looking for perfectly sculpted brows, a smooth upper lip, or a full-face treatment, their experienced team uses the ancient technique of cotton threading — no chemicals, no wax, no skin damage. Threading at Layla is gentle enough for sensitive skin and leaves you with a clean, fresh glow that lasts two to five weeks. Walk-ins and appointments are both welcome, making it easy to fit a visit into your schedule. With locations across Southern California and into Montana, there's likely a Layla Threading near you. Gift cards are also available — a great treat for anyone who deserves a little pampering. |
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Community Supporters |
Community Business Feature |
Chase Plumbing Inc. |
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Reliable, top-rated plumbing services for Simi Valley homes and businesses.
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Claw Success Network helps local businesses grow with AI, automation, and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) visibility reports.
From AI-powered workflows to improving how your business appears in ChatGPT and other AI search tools, CSN helps businesses stay ahead in a changing digital world. |
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Trivia Answer
B. California Wild Rose.
The City of Simi Valley identifies the California Wild Rose as its official city flower. The Chumash also used its rosehips as food. Source: City of Simi Valley. |