SIMI DMV TO CLOSE IN SUMMER FOR UPGRADES.

Byline: Eric Leach Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - The California Department of Motor Vehicles office at the Simi Valley Civic Center will close for about 45 days this summer for upgrades to the building that has been providing local service for 18 years.

While they welcome improvements, Simi Valley and Moorpark residents said the local office is already one of the best in the region and they don't like the idea of going elsewhere for their DMV services, even if it's just temporary.

``It's not as crowded here and it's easy to get to,'' said Sheryll Kidder of Moorpark. ``It will be an inconvenience. I've been to the Thousand Oaks office several times, and this one is much better.''

The work will include painting, new flooring, roof repairs and improving access for the disabled.

The Simi Valley office, at 3855-D Alamo St., has 15 full-time employees and 10 part-timers and processes some 137,000 driver's license, vehicle registration and drive-test transactions each year, DMV spokesman Steve Haskins said.

There is no firm date to start the work, which should cost about $334,000, but it could begin in June or July, Haskins said.

Former Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton, who was instrumental in the city's effort to build the office and lease it to the DMV, said residents have grown to depend on it.

``It's been wonderful,'' he said. ``The lines are relatively short. If you have a reservation, you can walk right in.''

During the closure, customers will be directed to other DMV offices in the area, and employees will be moved to those offices to help serve the extra customers, Haskins said.

Eric Leach, [phone]

eric.leach(at)dailynews.com