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A Cleaner Simi Valley

“Simi Valley historically has known how to take care of itself, and not have to rely on others to take care of us or to make decisions for us. Now is a great time to become a leader and show the region and even the state how to become truly self-sufficient in terms of the environment and the resources we have, and leave a legacy for future generations.”

- Glen Becerra

Environmental Sustainability – is essential to maintaining the great quality of life we enjoy in Simi Valley.

Acknowledging this, Glen co-chaired the City’s Sustainable Simi Valley Committee, which resulted in the passage in December 2009 of the first green building ordinance in Ventura County. The ordinance will save energy, water and space in our landfill, among many other benefits.

The ordinance applies to new commercial and residential buildings and exceeds the state’s requirements for energy efficiency for such buildings by 10 to 15 percent. Builders must preserve the use of natural resources of sites, and include the preservation of slopes, and manage storm water drainage and erosion.

The Sustainable Simi Valley Committee soon will be considering open space and water conservation issues.

Aesthetics – remaining vigilant about local visual rules can make a big difference between beautiful City streets and the garbage we see in neighboring cities.

- "This is what our residents wanted – a clutter-free, clean community – and that's what we're providing them," Glen told the Simi Valley Acorn in its July 14, 2006 article, “City wastes no time enforcing new sign ordinance,” after the City Council approved a new law which Glen voted to support.

Open Space – buffers and trails, both around our City and within our city limits, are very important to Simi Valley residents and should be protected as well as pursued.

- From the Ventura County Star, Nov. 28, 2007: “Councilman Glen Becerra wants the city to work as an ‘environmentally functional community’ and consider new energy and water conservation ideas in the plan. He also wants the city to improve recreation and park facilities, as well as educational opportunities. ‘It's not what we should just expect in the community, we should demand it,’ Becerra said.