EDITORIAL SAFER CITIES SIMI VALLEY AND THOUSAND OAKS SET THE STANDARD.

THERE'S a reason why so many middle-class Angelenos flee to the surrounding suburbs, and it has nothing to do with racism.

But it does have a lot to do with crime.

The latest FBI statistics bear out that Simi Valley is, once again, the safest American city with a population over 100,000. Thousand Oaks isn't far behind, with a third-place ranking.

Given the lower crime rates in the suburbs, as well as better-performing schools and an overall higher level of public service, it's no surprise that so many Angelenos of all races have chosen to relocate.

That's why more than 80 percent of L.A.'s cops have set up homes outside Los Angeles' city limits.

Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks are to be congratulated for their ability to curb crime. They're the envy of the neighborhood, especially here in Los Angeles, America's murder capital.

Our neighbors have given us something to aspire to.