DOT Drug Testing Locations Simi Valley, CA
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Simi Valley, CA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes that are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Simi Valley, CA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same-day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
1350 E LOS ANGELES AVE 0.2 miles
SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065
2655 FIRST ST. SUITE 340 1.0 miles
SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065
2650 JONES WAY STE 24 2.4 miles
SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065
2876 Sycamore Dr Ste 200, 2.5 miles
Simi Valley, CA 93065
2975 SYCAMORE DR 2.5 miles
SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065
1980 SEQUOIA AVE 2.9 miles
SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063
620 E JANSS RD 6.9 miles
THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360
3180 WILLOW LN STE 102 7.9 miles
WEST LAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361
401 ROLLING OAKS DR 8.1 miles
THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91361
1220 LA VENTA RD STE 201 8.6 miles
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361
1220 LA VENTA DR, STE 201 8.7 miles
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361
2080 NEWBURY RD STE B 10.1 miles
NEWBURY PARK, CA 91320
1240 S WESTLAKE BLVD STE 227 11.1 miles
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361
9700 DE SOTO AVE 11.1 miles
CHATSWORTH, CA 91311
575 EVERGREEN AVE 11.5 miles
NEWBURY, CA 91320
6325 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD #501 11.6 miles
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
852 W Ventura St 11.7 miles
Fillmore, CA 93015
5601 DE SOTO AVE BLDG 1 12.5 miles
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367
4934 VERDUGO WAY 13.3 miles
CAMARILLO, CA 93012
20301 VENTURA BLVD STE 105 13.7 miles
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
24355 LYONS AVE STE 130 14.7 miles
SANTA CLARITA, CA 91321
18250 Roscoe Blvd Ste 120, 14.7 miles
Northridge, CA 91325
23845 MCBEAN PKWY 14.8 miles
VALENCIA, CA 91355
18646 OXNARD ST 15.0 miles
TARZANA, CA 91356
422 ARNEILL RD STE B 15.1 miles
CAMARILLO, CA 93010
25733 RYE CANYON RD 15.8 miles
VALENCIA, CA 91355
23206 LYONS AVE STE 109 15.8 miles
NEWHALL, CA 91321
500 Paseo Camarillo Suite 103, 16.4 miles
Camarillo, CA 93010
23823 VALENCIA BLVD STE 160 16.6 miles
VALENCIA, CA 91355
16300 ROSCOE BLVD STE 1A 16.7 miles
VAN NUYS, CA 91406
242 E Harvard Blvd 17.3 miles
Santa Paula, CA 93060
22840 SOLEDAD CANYON RD 17.5 miles
SAUGUS, CA 91350
16135 LEADWELL ST 17.6 miles
VAN NUYS, CA 91406
10630 Sepulveda Blvd STE 100 18.0 miles
Mission Hills, CA 91345
15031 RINALDI ST 18.4 miles
MISSION HILLS, CA 91345
14901 RINALDI ST STE 204 18.5 miles
MISSION HILLS, CA 91345
15211 VANOWEN ST STE 319 18.8 miles
VAN NUYS, CA 91405
14850 ROSCOE BLVD 18.9 miles
PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402
15211 VANOWEN ST STE 105 18.9 miles
VAN NUYS, CA 91405
9561 VAN NUYS BLVD 19.0 miles
PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402
8780 VAN NUYS BLVD BLDG C 19.1 miles
PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402
6410 VAN NUYS BLVD STE B 19.9 miles
VAN NUYS, CA 91401
13466 OSBORNE ST 20.4 miles
PACOIMA, CA 91331
13652 CANTARA ST 20.4 miles
PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402
13920 BREGER AVE 20.4 miles
SYLMAR, CA 91342
19042 SOLEDAD CANYON RD 20.5 miles
SANTA CLARITA, CA 91351
27558 SIERRA HWY 20.5 miles
SANTA CLARITA, CA 91351
1200 ARROYO ST 20.8 miles
SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340
1901 OUTLET CENTER DR STE 100 21.2 miles
OXNARD, CA 93036
2360 EASTMAN AVE STE 114 21.2 miles
OXNARD, CA 93030
1851 LOMBARD ST STE 100 21.3 miles
OXNARD, CA 93030
1901 HOLSER WALK STE 315 21.6 miles
OXNARD, CA 93036
4312 Woodman Ave Ste 102 21.7 miles
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
1600 N ROSE AVE 21.8 miles
OXNARD, CA 93030
200 S WELLS RD STE 100 21.9 miles
VENTURA, CA 93004
6405 WILKINSON AVE 22.3 miles
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91606
1300 N C ST 23.1 miles
OXNARD, CA 93030
11631 VICTORY BLVD STE 101 23.3 miles
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91606
209-1 Takashiho Yomitan Village 23.4 miles
SANTA MONICA, CA 90403
11611 SAN VICENTE BLVD 23.5 miles
LOS ANGELES, CA 90049
11432 VANOWEN ST 23.5 miles
N HOLLYWOOD, CA 91605
2921 SAVIERS RD 23.6 miles
OXNARD, CA 93033
1250 16TH ST 23.8 miles
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
11645 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 830 23.8 miles
LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
971 W 7TH ST SUITE A 23.8 miles
OXNARD, CA 93030
757 WESTWOOD PLZ 23.8 miles
LOS ANGELES, CA 90095
2121 SANTA MONICA BLVD 23.9 miles
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
1908 SANTA MONICA BLVD STE 5 24.0 miles
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
5725 RALSTON ST STE 101 24.6 miles
VENTURA, CA 93003
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Simi Valley, CA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Simi Valley, CA
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Simi Valley, CA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center that performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smartphone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA-certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Simi Valley, CA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
DOT Changes to Part 40
On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation published its final rule in the Federal Register to include oral fluid testing in the DOT drug testing program. This final rule became effective June 1, 2023.
Please note that DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented as of yet until the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories. One as a primary lab and a second lab to serve as split specimen testing.
Changes to DOT-regulated employees?
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees can now be subject to an oral fluid collection or urine drug testing collection for ANY DOT-regulated test and this choice is up to the employer. DOT has also authorized that Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) evaluations may continue to be conducted remotely.
How do these changes affect DOT employers?
Employers must select what methodology they would like to use for their drug testing program (randoms' oral fluid, pre-employment urine, etc). Ensure you have a business relationship/agreement with any collections site for the services you wish to use for your drug testing program. As an employer, you must also have your Designated Employer representative available 24-7 in the event any problem collections or situations arise or to discuss any standing orders that may arise for problem collections.
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?.
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as Part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regard to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take effect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real-time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in Simi Valley, CA
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in Simi Valley, CA ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in Simi Valley, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in Simi Valley, CA ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in Simi Valley, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Simi Valley, CA ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Simi Valley, CA ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing Simi Valley, CA ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing Simi Valley, CA ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Simi Valley, CA simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Simi Valley, CA
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Overview of Drug Testing Collection Locations
Drug testing collection locations are designated sites where individuals provide samples for drug testing. These facilities are crucial in supporting compliance with workplace, legal, and health standards. They serve a variety of sectors, including employment, law enforcement, sports, and healthcare. This overview explores the features, types of locations, and the role they play in drug testing processes.
Types of Drug Testing Collection Locations
- Occupational Health Clinics: Many clinics offer drug testing services as part of broader occupational health support.
- Hospital-Based Laboratories: Some hospitals have specific departments dedicated to drug testing, particularly for medical or legal purposes.
- Third-Party Laboratory Facilities: Independent labs that specialize in toxicology may also conduct drug testing, often used by employers for employment screening.
- Mobile Collection Units: These are portable facilities that can travel to workplaces or institutions, providing convenient access to drug testing services.
Role of Collection Locations in Drug Testing
Collection locations are integral to the drug testing process, ensuring that samples are collected in a controlled and secure environment. The main responsibilities include:
- Ensuring Sample Integrity: Implementing procedures that prevent tampering or contamination of samples.
- Maintaining Privacy: Providing a private space for individuals to give samples while respecting their confidentiality.
- Compliance with Standards: Adhering to regulatory and legal standards for drug testing, which may vary by jurisdiction and industry.
Choosing the Right Collection Location
When selecting a drug testing collection location, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the facility is accredited by relevant health and safety organizations.
- Proximity: Choose a location that is conveniently accessible, reducing the time and disruption associated with the testing process.
- Services Offered: Some locations may offer rapid results or additional screening services, which can be beneficial depending on the testing needs.
Drug testing collection locations are essential for conducting effective and reliable drug screenings. They support the enforcement of drug-free policies in various settings by providing professional and standardized testing services. For consumers and organizations alike, understanding the role and choosing the appropriate collection location is key to achieving accurate drug testing outcomes.
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Local Area Info: Simi Valley, California
The city of Simi Valley (from the Chumash word, Shimiyi), in the eponymous valley, is in the southeast corner of Ventura County, California, United States, 40 miles (64 km) from downtown Los Angeles, making it part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. The city sits next to Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Los Angeles. The city's 2014 population has been estimated at 126,871, up from 111,351 in 2000. The city of Simi Valley is surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountain range and the Simi Hills, west of the San Fernando Valley, and northeast of the Conejo Valley. It is largely a commuter bedroom community, feeding the cities in the Los Angeles area and the San Fernando Valley to the east, and cities in Ventura County to the west.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where the former president was buried in 2004, is in Simi Valley. Simi Valley has been ranked twice as the 18th most conservative city in the United States; once by The Bay Area Center for Voting Research and also by GovPro.com. The Reagan Library has hosted Republican primary debates, last in 2012, and the first primary debates in 2016. A study done by the University of Vermont ranked Simi Valley as the fifth-happiest city in the United States. According to crime statistics by the FBI in 2013, Simi Valley is the seventh-safest city in the U.S. with a population of 100,000 or more. The U.S. Census Bureau of 2012 reported a median household income of $87,894, which is higher than the California median of $70,231 and the national average of $62,527.
Simi Valley was once inhabited by the Chumash people, who also settled much of the region from the Salinas Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains, with their presence dating back 10,000–12,000 years. Around 5,000 years ago these tribes began processing acorns, and harvesting local marshland plants. Roughly 2,000 years later, as hunting and fishing techniques improved, the population increased significantly. Shortly after this sharp increase a precious stone money system arose, increasing the viability of the region by offsetting fluctuations in available resources relating to climate changes. The native people who inhabited Simi Valley spoke an interior dialect of the Chumash language, called Ventureño.