Chapter 18 - Hawaii

Hawaii has a large Asian and Pacific Islander population.  Over 40% of the Hawaiian population is Asian and another 9% is Pacific Islander.  While Simi Valley has slowly become more diverse over the past few decades, it still has a very small Asian/Pacific Islander presence.  In Simi Valley, only 9% of the population Asian and only 0.1% is Pacific Islander.

Sources:
Regional Landscapes of the United States and Canada (p363-365)
Simi Valley Demographics Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simi_Valley,_California#Demographics)

Chapter 16 - North Pacific Coast

The North Pacific Coast region is known for being wet.  The region has the greatest average precipitation in North America.

Unlike the North Pacific Coast, Simi Valley has far less rainfall throughout the year.  On average, the wettest month of the year in Simi Valley is February when around 4.5 inches of rain falls.  On the other hand, Seattle has three months a year (December, January and February) with more average rainfall.  Between May and September in Simi Valley, there is usually less than half an inch of rainfall.  In Seattle, there is never a month with less than a half inch of precipitation.

Sources:
Regions and Landscapes of the United States and Canada (p325-325)
Seattle Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle)
Simi Valley Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simi_Valley,_California#Climate)

Chapter 15 - California

Simi Valley is also a part of the California region.  Many of the most notable aspects of California are visible in Simi Valley.

Simi Valley is often effected by both earthquakes and wildfires.  The 1994 Northridge earthquake was centered just a few miles to the east of Simi Valley and many Simi Valley residents had injuries and property damage.  Simi Valley structures have been threatened many times by wildfires, including the Sesnon fire in 2008.

Just like much of California, Simi Valley residents are dependent on motor vehicles.  Many Simi Valley residents commute to Los Angeles County for work each day.

YouTube Video - Brushfire in Simi Valley, 2003.  

Sources:
Regional Landscapes of the United States and Candade (p294-315)