Much of the arroyo is kind of a neglected backyard to strip malls and housing developments. The arroyo also tends to attract the homeless. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District thinks the arroyo deserves better and is working with a consultant to bring landscaping and parks to the area.

Jeff Ferber, a landscape architect and principal with the RRM Design Group, hired by the city to work on the project, is gathering ideas. Some greenery and color here is first on the list. He also proposes pedestrian bridges, walkways from the arroyo to Simi Valley Historic Park and along Tapo Canyon Creek, stairs, overlooks, a waterfall near Pioneer Cemetery and expanding Rancho Simi Community Park to the arroyo. Public meetings are of course on the docket.