Quality of Life

Steve Sojka understands that while the role of a City Councilmember officially is to govern the City of Simi Valley, a public corporation, unofficially it means fighting for the betterment of the entire community – whether that involves the city or not.

Steve Sojka will continue working to provide first-class amenities to Simi Valley and its residents, by working closely with the Park District and School District to improve all aspects of our community as he did with Simi Youth Baseball, Vikings Football, and the Simi Valley Girls Softball Complex at Big Sky Park.

For Simi Youth Baseball, the results are evident by driving by the complex off Madera Road and Irvine Drive.  Steve Sojka was involved with working with local government agencies to eliminate an access road that required parents to drive atop an earthen dam, causing dust and dangerous driving conditions.  Today, the facility has its own stoplight entrance and paved access road leading safely around the dam.  Steve Sojka also was involved with helping the league grow to a point where its teams didn’t just win Pony League World Series titles – it hosts World Series.

For Vikings Football, Steve Sojka has been involved with locating and securing property to give the league a permanent home.  For too many years the league has been limited to a small single facility in the back of the Adult School.  With land now secured, Steve continues to work with government agencies and private companies to raise funds for the new facility.

For Simi Valley Girls Softball, Steve Sojka was directly involved with the Amanda McPherson Foundation and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District in finding and securing a suitable site for Girls Softball to also have as its home – which exists today in Big Sky Park.  He and Councilman Glen Becerra were among the first officials Phil McPherson approached to explore the concept.  Steve remained committed through the process and appreciates visiting the facility today.

The commitment of Steve Sojka to local causes is not limited to local sports.  For example, working through the Police Foundation, he was a leader in raising thousands of dollars to allow the Simi Valley Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics team to compete in the U.S. National SWAT Championships in Colorado in May 2008.  Steve was directly involved with a fund-raising effort centered around a “SWAT Day” at Simi Valley Town Center where funds were raised by percentages of meals at restaurants, donations, and T-shirts sales.

As president of the Police Foundation in 2002, Steve Sojka spearheaded a drive so the Foundation could contribute $8,600 in initial funding for the city’s first Citizens on Patrol program.  The volunteer citizens’ patrol keeps a watchful eye on Simi Valley streets, helping police defend the title of one of America’s safest cities.  The program started with six specially trained volunteers who do not carry weapons, but serve as extra eyes and ears for police officers in keeping the community safe.