Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley Has Brought Smiles to 118 Freeway Drivers Since 1998
Perhaps the most visible cultural icon in Simi Valley is "Happy Face Hill" seen by westbound drivers on the 118 freeway just west of Kuehner Drive.
Although Northridge gardener Sonny Klamerus does not own the land used to display his creation that has been there since 1998, apparently it is here to stay, even with 66 townhomes in development at the base of the hill.
They say the Happy Face is 150 feet wide, which is half the length of a football field!
I've driven by it dozens of times and was impressed at how nice it looked after the recent rains. The smiley face becomes a bit brown and barren looking, though still visible, for large stretches of the year.
According to this LA Times article, others in the community, including the Rotary Club and other citizens have made adjustments to the smiley face to tidy it up. Others have installed solar light
Perhaps every city needs a Happy Face Hill.