The Happiest town in California just got Happier

Updated Simi Valley Smiley Face, now with yellow and blue flowers March 2024Photo byTracy Carbone

This article is compiled from several online sources and all attributions are linked within.

Recently some of you have noticed, as you drive the 118 West from the San Fernando Valley, that Simi Valley’s famous Happy Face has gotten a “facelift.”

Now sporting a yellow flowerface and blue flower eyes, it’s making ever more people smile. Recently, partially crowded out due to the building of residential homes, the new bright colors restore the face to prominence.

The Conejo Valley Guide, and others linked below provide plenty of data on the origins of this landmark. They are summarized within.

Simi Valley, California, is the first town in Ventura County you will encounter as you head west on the 118 freeway. The forty-two square mile city of 126,000 residents is nestled in grassy, green hills in winter and spring, and flowing, sun-dried amber grass, and bright green, drought-resistant cacti in summer and fall. As you travel away from the hustle and bustle of the San Fernando Valley, expect to witness the wonder of nature as the hills, mountains, and cliffs that surround Simi Valley draw you in.

Besides the Welcome to Simi Valley mountainside sign and flag on the left, there’s something Simi Valley has that no other town can boast: the giant smiley face on the hill by the Kuehner street exit.

First built in 1998 by a Northridge gardener, aptly named Sonny Klamerus, it’s become a foundational sense of pride in the town. Although Sonny "does not own the land used to display his creation that has been there since 1998, apparently it is here to stay.” The happy face is 150 feet wide, half the length of a football field.

This face has been featured in many publications including the LA Times and on Fox LA.

Sonny Klamerus created the hillside personification of the town’s pride and joy as a prank. Though he fashioned it in 2018, in a widespread Mandela effect, many residents swear it was there before. Sonny is amused by this. Perhaps the insistence of the prior existence of this creation can be attributed to the magical feel of this ever-present T.J. Eckleberg-esque face of the town.

Over the years, other residents, including Simi Valley’s Rotary Club, have worked to maintain and improve the face, including installing solar lights so the face can welcome newcomers or residents home at night.