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100 flock to cooling center as Simi heat hits triple digits
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Bobb Niedbla, clockwise from left, Laura Werthem, Edith Flack and Tommie Ranstrom escape the heat by playing pinochle in the Simi Valley Senior Center on Tuesday. The facility also serves as a cooling center.
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More from Local NewsSimi Valley recorded the highest temperatures in Ventura County over the long weekend, with the sun propelling about 100 people to the city's cooling center.
Temperatures peaked at 111 degrees Sunday and Monday, and the Simi Valley Senior Center kept people cool.
Ojai came close to Simi Valley, with temperatures reaching 108 and 109 degrees.
"Normally, Ojai is a little warmer, " said Stuart Seto, weather specialist with the National Weather Service. "It's not unusual to get high temperatures like this, but it is unusual to get a string of several hot days in a row."
The heat was painfully obvious to seniors who used the cooling center, which provided air-conditioned rooms, reading materials and TV areas.
"This was a godsend. If I didn't get any help, I think I could have collapsed," said Marie Pandolfi, 80, who was sitting in the rotunda of the center Tuesday afternoon. "I don't think I've ever been this hot. It was unbearable."
Since the cooling center became available last summer, the word is getting out that anyone can go to the center to cool down, not just seniors, City Manager Mike Sedell said.
Some small pets were placed in air-conditioned rooms and given water. There was a large classroom that could seat 60 people.
"Obviously, there was a need. Most of them were seniors, but not all," said Laurie Dickinson, Senior Center services manager. "If someone came in with heat exhaustion, we would know what to do."
She said people basically sat around and did minimal activities, like reading the paper.
The Senior Center remained open until 7 p.m. Tuesday. The cooling center will be open as needed, Dickinson said. The Senior Center is at 3900 Avenida Simi. For more information, call 583-6363.
Dial-A-Ride service is available to transport Americans with Disabilities-eligible participants and seniors over 60. Requests can be made by calling Simi Valley Transit at 583-6464.
— Staff writer Adam Foxman contributed to this report.
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