CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
November 30, 1996 | MACK REED, TIMES STAFF WRITER
An earthquake, an arsonist and an underdog business district may prove to be the catalysts that kick this city into the 21st century--designwise. The beleaguered Tapo Street district is fighting hard to redesign its image and regain its clientele. At the same time, government planners hope to use Simi Valley's oldest business district as its newest showcase for urban design--and as an opportunity to consider tightening design standards citywide.