The Simi Valley City Council on Monday night heard a prescreening for an application to turn the 123-acre private property near Kuehner Road and Highway 118 into Hummingbird Nest Resort and Spa.

The main components — 42 new casita buildings, a new fitness facility and spa with swimming pools — were more than good enough to move the process along Monday night.

This project became of interest to me personally months ago when campaign funding questions were raised, a controversy that has since fizzled.

David Saperstein, owner of Hummingbird Nest Ranch, donated thousands of dollars to the Miller and Sojka campaigns as “bundled” donations, meaning they exceeded campaign donation limits but were donated under the names of multiple family members, each at the maximum donation rate. For details, see this article on financial filings.  Both Miller and Sojka returned the funds after they were re-elected stating that it would be inappropriate to keep the donations considering Saperstein has a project scheduled to come before the council.

Influence probably wasn’t necessary, as Simi Valley leaders fell in love with the property and its owners almost as soon as it came to life.  And the quotes in The Star by Glen Becerra and former mayor Bill Davis clearly indicate the level of enthusiasm.

“Come back and knock our socks off,” said Councilman Glen Becerra.

Former Simi Valley Mayor Bill Davis spoke out in favor of the project.

“This has the potential of being one of the nicest facilities in the country,” Davis said.

As a believer in making strategic decisions during rough economic times, I can see the positive fiscal impact of the proposed project on Simi Valley and can see this moving forward rapidly.  If you believe otherwise, please share your thoughts here.

Both Miller and Sojka returned the funds after they were re-elected indicating that it would be inappropriate considering Saperstein has a project scheduled to come before the council. Project? What project?

Saperstein’s Hummingbird Nest Ranch, purchased and designed for his now ex-wife, may become a 5 star resort and spa… at least, that’s what Saperstein is hoping for. Dean Kunicki is the consultant who was hired to lead this project. Originally, after Saperstein and his wife divorced, he was hoping to sell the property. However, no offers have been made so the next move is to transform it into a profitable venture.

Yeah… I guess I can see how he’d want some friends in the city for this. And I’m sorry to those who might be against such a project, but it’s going to happen. The Sapersteins and their property are beloved by the Simi Valley highers-up. I can recall its opening several years ago when it became the venue for several of Simi’s long standing and newer events. I remember being bussed to the property to stand in a booth for my Rotary club a few years ago. People are delighted to have Hummingbird Nest Ranch in town and having it transform into a 5-star resort will be like a feather in the city’s cap. It’ll happen. Mark my words!

Kunicki said the resort would include a health spa with tennis complex, a sports facility and a corporate conference area. There would be individual “casitas” — private homes with courtyards, Kunicki said.
- Ventura County Star

You can read more about it here.

I just watched Fletch, the hit 80′s film starring Chevy Chase which includes a classic scene where Fletch enjoys an expensive afternoon at a 5-star resort by charging the account of the Underhill’s, the grumpy guests sitting at the table beside him. I really hope the Underhill’s rent a home at Hummingbird Nest Ranch. I propose we all meet up there, enjoy a late brunch and some champagne and charge it all to the Underhill’s account.