city, Ventura county, southern California, U.S. It is adjacent to the northwestern boundary of the San Fernando Valley, 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Los Angeles. The area was founded on the site of a Chumash Indian village and designated a Spanish rancho in 1795. The settlement developed as a supply and transport centre for a large agricultural district (citrus and vegetables). With the growth of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the subsequent decline of agriculture, Simi Valley has become chiefly residential, with some manufacturing (clothing, electronic equipment, and furniture). The city's attractions include the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (1995) and the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Los Padres and Angeles national forests are north of the city. Inc. 1969. Pop. (1990) 100,217; (2000) 111,351.