City Manager's Monthly Report (updated)

MAY 2019

See updated information in the City Clerk section

ADMINISTRATION

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

In case you missed it, the City Council recognized the following organization and individuals at their April 2019 meetings.

SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS WRESTLING TEAM

The San Fernando High School Lady Tigers Wrestling Team was honored for winning the 2019 CIF Girls State Championship. Congratulations Lady Tigers!

HOMELESS CONNECT DAY VOLUNTEERS AND VENDORS

The volunteers and vendors that assisted with the February 21, 2019 Homeless Connect Day were honored for their continued support and contributions to the event.

POLICE CHIEF ANTHONY VAIRO

Police Chief Anthony Vairo was honored for receiving the 2019 Special Olympics Award of Excellence. Chief Vairo received the award in recognition of his continuing support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics of Southern California.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND DENIM DAY

At their April 2, 2019 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution and proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 24, 2019 as Denim Day. In a show of support and to bring awareness to these campaigns, City employees were encouraged to wear jeans on April 24, 2019. Click Here to learn more.

SAN FERNANDO IS HIRING; JOIN OUR TEAM!

Have you thought about a career where you can be involved in serving the community and helping others?

Recruitment for Director of Finance and Director of Public Works has begun. The job flyers have been posted on the CIty's website, as well as several professional publications. The filing deadline for both positions is Friday, June 28, 2019, at 5 pm. Appointment of a new Directors are expected to be made by September 2019.

Applications are currently being accepted for full-time Police Officer, as well as for part-time Junior Cadet, Day Camp Counselor, Recreation Leader I and II, and Finance Intern. Filing for all the positions are open until filled.

Visit the City website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG) to view the job bulletins and download a City Employment Application.

CITY CLERK

GIRL SCOUT AND BOY SCOUT TROOPS VISIT CITY HALL

In April 2019, the following organizations participated in tours of City Hall.

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1096

On April 15, 2019, the Deputy City Clerk guided Girl Scout Troop 1096 on a tour of City Hall and each department. They briefly met with Mayor Joel Fajardo and agreed to stay for the City Council meeting and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

These young ladies are at the Junior Level and completing their “Inside Government” Badge by learning about government fundamentals. Based on the many questions asked during their visit, it’s evident that Daniella, Lori, and Roxanne are certainly on their way to becoming active citizens!

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 10

On April 22, 2019, members of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 10, met with Councilmember Robert C. Gonzales. Their goal is to earn a “Conflict Resolution” patch and the Troop reported that the best part of their visit was an exercise regarding the high-speed rail project. They were divided into work groups (i.e., residents, business owners, City officials, and non-residents) and experienced firsthand how the same issue can look very different from various perspectives.

50th ANNIVERSARY OF MUNICIPAL CLERK WEEK (MAY 5-11, 2019)

This May is the 50th anniversary of Municipal Clerks Week which was initiated in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and endorsed by its 10,000+ members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries. This week is a time of celebration and reflection on the importance of City Clerks and their Deputies and to recognize the essential role they play as key liaisons between local governments and their citizens, keepers of community history and vital records, and their pledge to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality in rendering equal service to all.

NEW 2020 VOTING EXPERIENCE

The City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk recently attended a meeting, in a series hosted by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC), that covered various topics including an update on the Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP).

As previously reported, beginning in 2020, Los Angeles County will transition from polling places to vote centers. During a typical RR/CC election, there are approximately 6,000 polling places, the Vote Center Placement Project (VCPP) is proposing 1,000 vote centers countywide. Vote centers days/hours will vary depending on the site (i.e., libraries, schools, parks, shopping centers, markets, and mobile vote center bus/truck). Click here to see a potential vote center location near you.

The RR/CC created the VCPP and reached out to non-partisan Community Based Organizations, who expressed interest and have experience conducting large-scale outreach capabilities, to assist in identifying vote centers and facilitate community meetings.

The second round of community meetings will begin this month. All are invited to attend, discuss potential vote centers, the VSAP Project, and learn how your voting experience will be improved. Upcoming nearby meetings include:

May 2, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Organized by League of Women Voters Los Angeles

Shepherd Church

19700 Rinaldi St

Porter Ranch, CA 91326

June 19, 6pm-8pm

Organized by South Bay Counseling Center Thrive LA

United Methodist Church

15435 Rayen St

North Hills, CA 91343

June 27, 7pm-9-pm

Organized by Pacoima Beautiful

Pacoima City Hall

13520 Van Nuys Blvd

Pacoima, CA 91331

This meeting will be covering San Fernando

View full list of community meetings here. To view an interactive map of the locations that have been requested, or to check on the status of a proposed location, visit Los Angeles County Vote Center Sites.

New Voting System will feature touch-screen technology with a simple user interface, both audio and visual output and a built-in scanner, printer and ballot box. It will provide voters with options to scan in QR coded ballots from their phone, enter their ballot choices in-person at the polling location or vote-by-mail with printed ballots.

REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC RECORDS

During the last 12 months, the City Clerk Department has received 200+ requests for public records. The majority of the Deputy City Clerk’s time is spent tracking the requests, following up with the requestors, relevant staff members, and, if necessary, the City Attorney’s office. The City Clerk Department's goal is to continue to ensure transparency and that the City is in compliance with the California Public Records Act by fulfilling these requests in a timely fashion. Click here to get more information on how to obtain public records.

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION (JUNE 4, 2019)

County’s Request to Use City Facilities – In preparation for this election, the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has requested to use City facilities for various activities:

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

Inspector Supply Pick-up (7 am to 5 pm): County personnel will be using the parking lot (behind City Hall) to load election supplies onto the vehicles of Inspectors (i.e., poll workers responsible for running their specific polling location). Thirty-five Inspectors will pick up their supplies during this timeframe. City Hall will not be open; the County is only using the parking lot.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019: ELECTION DAY

Regional Distribution Center (6;am to 8 pm): One 16 ft. truck with emergency election supplies will be parked at the corner of First Street and Maclay Avenue. Throughout the day, poll workers may pick up election materials and supplies from the designated supply truck.

Check In Center (6 pm to 12 am): The County will again use the back entrance to City Hall to allow Inspectors to drop off their supplies after the polls close. A 26 ft. truck will arrive and set up for the collection of all election supplies and live ballots. For traffic and safety control purposes, Inspectors are instructed to pull up while County staff unloads their vehicles. Throughout the evening, Los Angeles County Sheriffs will pick up the ballots and have them delivered to the RR/CC headquarters in Norwalk.

For additional election information, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website or contact the City Clerk Department at CityClerk@sfcity.org.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS, THROUGH MARCH 2019

Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 to date (July 2018 to March 2019).

CITATIONS BY TYPE

Illegal Converted/Habitable Garage

Illegal Second Unit

Building Code Violation

Property Maintenance

Commercial/Inoperable Vehicle

Business License/Occupancy

Illegal Signage

Vehicles Parked on Unpaved

NPDES (Unlawful Deposits)

Accessory Dwelling Units

Animal Control

Walls and Fences

Graffiti

Inspection Upon Resale

Other

Total Citations: Month & Year

Valuation of Cites Billed

Graffiti Square Foot Coverage

March 2019

$1,210

1,612

Total FY 2018-2019

124

126

120

509

$12,953

21,886

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

On April 3, 2019, the Commission approved the following projects at their regular meeting:

12940 Foothill Blvd, Unit A: Approved a conditional use permit to allow for the on-site sale and consumption of beer and wine in a sit-down restaurant, Crazy Goody, within the C-2 Commercial Zone.

1203 N. Maclay Ave: Approved a conditional use permit and site plan review for the development of a 2,300 sq. ft. gas station in conjunction with a grocery store with limited sales of beer and wine and an ancillary 920 sq. ft. automatic enclosed carwash within the Maclay District of the San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan Zone (SP-5) on an 18,000 sq. ft. lot.

Citywide: Approved a recommendation to City Council of a proposed Amendment of the San Fernando Municipal Code to update regulations and procedures related to wireless telecommunications facilities, most notably to regulate and institute design standards for small “micro” cell sites.

The Planning and Preservation Commission will be dark for May 2019.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SAN FERNANDO

On March 4, 2019, Ken K. Hira of Kosmont Companies presented his firm’s report to the City Council on a Downtown San Fernando Economic Development and Asset Analysis. After implementing the San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (“SP-5”) in 2018 to guide development in the downtown and surrounding areas, the City Council sought expert help to understand current real estate fundamentals and economic development tools to achieve economic growth and attract qualified developer interest. The City owns property in downtown and hired Kosmont Companies to evaluate the assets, lay out current market conditions, and outline structures for possible public private partnerships. Click here to view the full report.

FINANCE

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 BUDGET PROCESS

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-2020 Budget process officially kicked-off on March 4, 2019, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2017-2018 (a copy of the presentation is available via the City's website WWW.SFCITY.ORG), an update to the FY 2018-2019 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2019-2020 Budget. Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:

May 13, 2019: Proposed Budget Book to be Distributed to City Council and Post to City's website for public review.
May 20, 2019: City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session.
May 28, 2019: City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session (as needed).
June 17, 2019: City Council Meeting; Budget Adoption

SAN FERNANDO RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION

In March 2019, the Finance Department received notification that the City has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget document. This is the fifth year in a row the City has received this prestigious award.

GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting. Budget documents submitted to the Budget Awards Program are reviewed by selected members of the GFOA professional staff and by outside reviewers with experience in public-sector budgeting.

MEASURE A COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

On November 19, 2018, the City Council approved the formation of a Measure "A" Community Advisory Committee to review the Annual Measure "A" Report and provide general recommended budget priorities for the use of Measure "A" funds during the annual budget process.

The committee will be made up of two residents, up to two business owners, up to two labor representatives, and one at large member. The Committee is expected to meet at least twice per year. Anyone interested in serving the community on the Measure "A" Community Advisory Committee is encouraged to apply. Applications can be found on the City website ( http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/commissions-boards/).

Simplify your life and avoid late fees at the same time by signing up for AutoPay and have your Water Bill debited from your account automatically. For more details, contact the Finance Department at 818.898.1245.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and the Measure A Annual Report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG).

POLICE

RESCUE OF MAN TRAPPED IN PACOIMA WASH

On April 2, 2019, at approximately 1:00 pm, the Communications Center received a call of a man trapped in the Pacoima Wash. The caller reported that the male was in the fast-moving water, was not able to stand up, and was last seen at the San Fernando Road underpass. Desk Officer Martinez immediately dispatched all patrol units in addition to contacting the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD). As units got into position, Chief Vairo spotted the male at the gore point in the Wash between Paxton Park and San Fernando High School. Chief Vairo coordinated units and directed LAFD to the location. LAFD was able to hoist the victim to safety and he was transported to an area hospital for observation. Excellent work by all San Fernando personnel!

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

Reminder to STAY AWAY FROM THE PACOIMA WASH during rainstorms and when water is present! The flood control channel can quickly fill with fast-moving water and create a life threatening danger and it is against the law to be inside a flood control channel.

When storms or heavy rain is expected, the San Fernando Police Department encourages residents to take simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.

Click here to visit the City's website for more information on Storm Preparedness.

SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE CHECKS

On April 13, 2018, Detectives conducted a city-wide, sex offender compliance check. A total of 24 locations were checked and all but one were in compliance. The out of compliance issue was due to the registrant being prohibited from having Wi-FI access on any of his electronic devices and he was found to have access through his “PlayStation” gaming equipment. This constituted a violation of his probation and was dealt with accordingly. One location, 937 N. Brand Blvd, required Code Enforcement notification due to a large amount of automotive parts strewn about the property.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT (TEU) APRIL 2019 DETAIL FOCUSES ON DISTRACTED DRIVERS

On April 20, 2019, from 2 pm until 8 pm, the TEU conducted a city wide traffic enforcement detail focusing on distracted driving violations. Sergeant Aguirre and Officers Najera and Licea issued eight citations in total: seven for cell phone use while driving and one for exhibition of speed. Excellent work by the TEU!

PUBLIC WORKS

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS

The Public Works Department has contracted GRBCON Inc. to upgrade sewer mains and water services beginning May 2019 through September 2019. This project also consists of sidewalk, curb and gutter repair, as well as access ramp and street repairs and will occur on the following streets:

Glenoaks Boulevard- West City Limit to N Maclay Avenue
Harding Avenue- Glenoaks Boulevard to Fifth Street

Access through these streets will be limited during construction operations. The City will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience. Your cooperation and assistance during the project construction is appreciated. The City courteously requests the following:

Please do not park your vehicle on the street when "No Parking" signs are posted.
Please do not water your lawn or cause water to drain onto the street during paving operations.
Please do not drive onto newly paved areas until barricades are removed, including but not limited to, driveway approaches, sidewalk, street, etc.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 818.898.1222 or PublicWorks@sfcity.org.

ARBOR DAY 2019 AND TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

Join the City in celebrating Arbor Day with a tree planting and light refreshments.

MAY 21, 2019

9:30 AM

Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave, San Fernando

(adjacent to the Recreation Building)

For more information, call 818.898.1222

NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

National Public Works Week is scheduled for the week of May 19, 2019.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) recognizes the men and women who work hard on various public works assignments including street maintenance, water production, tree maintenance, and engineering among other disciplines that make up Public Works.

Visit the City's social media pages during the week of May 19, 2019, as the San Fernando Public Work Department is highlighted. See links to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at the end of this report.

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

SENIOR EXPO 2019

Celebrate Older American’s Month with us at the annual Senior Expo! Join us for free health screenings, continental breakfast and lunch, presentations on health and wellness, and valuable resources from 20+ agencies.

MAY 17, 2019

9 AM TO 1:30 PM

LAS PALMAS PARK

505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando

FREE

For more information, call 818.898.7340

SPRING PROGRAMS BROCHURE

Quarterly, the Recreation and Community Services Department distributes a brochure that lists all of their exciting new activities and programs, including:

Fitness & Wellness Programs
Arts Classes
Sports Programs & Activities
Senior Programs & Activities
Health Classes
Transit Services
Upcoming Events

Click Here to view the Spring Programs Brochure for April 2019 through June 2019.

SPRING JAMBOREE 2019

This year’s Spring Jamboree was a great success! Approximately 200 families enjoyed a fun filled day of games, arts & crafts, a drum circle, an egg hunt, as well as breakfast and photos with the bunny. Lots of smiling faces were in abundant supply.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES (RCS) DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION

On April 18, 2019, California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 14 presented the City and RCS Department with the Agency Award for their continuous support of CPRS through staff involvement. San Fernando has maintained representation on the Board of Directors for District 14 since 2015. Director of RCS Julian Venegas, and Recreation Supervisor Maribel Perez were present at the CPRS District 14 Installation and Awards Luncheon to receive the recognition.

FAMILY HIKE TO MT. WILSON OBSERVATORY

The RCS Department arranged a Family Hike event to Mt. Wilson Observatory in the Angeles National Forest on April 6, 2019. The free event was sponsored by Nature For All. Approximately 52 participants registered to attend the hike which included transportation, a guided tour and lunch.

Hikers started on the Gabrieleno Trail and learned about the Native Tribes when they visited the Haramokngan American Indian Museum. Families also visited the Mt. Wilson Observatory and all of its breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains and the San Gabriel Valley. Kids were amazed that they got to stand in the same spot as Albert Einstein! The weather was beautiful and all had a wonderful time as illustrated in the following photos.

FAMILY HIKING PROGRAM: NATIONAL PARKS WORKSHOP

Be a voice! Get involved! Learn why it is so important for YOU to be involved in YOUR community and speaking up for parks. This workshop is FREE and open to the public and refreshments will be provided. RSVP is required; sign up at Las Palmas Park. Workshop provided National Parks Conservation Association.

MAY 23, 2019 | 5 PM TO 7:30 PM

LAS PALMAS PARK

505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando

For more information, call 818.898.7340

DRAWING ACTIVITY FOR SENIORS

In partnership with CareMore, seniors were treated to fresh Mexican style bread, delicious coffee, and an exciting free hand drawing activity on April 18, 2019. The winners were rewarded with a lovely prize and the beautiful art work was displaced for all to see.

METRO OLDER ADULT TRANSPORTATION POP-UP

On April 24, 2019, a group of 15 seniors participated in the On the Move Riders Club to Universal Studios City Walk. They learned about how to use public transportation and received information on programs and services geared to the older adult population. Participants enjoyed the trip and commented on how easy it was to travel using public transportation

SENIOR ACTIVITIES CALENDAR AT LAS PALMAS PARK: MAY 2019

Stop by Las Palmas Park for any of the Senior programs and activities. Click here to visit the City website for additional information or call 818.898.7340.

MAY 3, 2019 | 11 AM TO 1 PM | Diabetes Friendly Cooking Demo (Sponsored by Caremore Health)

MAY 6, 2019 | 9 AM TO 11 AM | Blood Pressure Check (Sponsored by Regal, Lakeside & ADOC Medical Groups)

MAY 8, 2019 | 8:45 AM TO 9:30 AM | Heart Healthy Eating

MAY 10, 2019 | 12 PM TO 1 PM | Mother's Day Tea Party

MAY 15, 2019 | 9 AM TO 11 AM | Celebra la Vida con Remita Health

MAY 30, 2019 | 12 PM - 2 PM | Paint and Create

LAS PALMAS CLUB MONTHLY DANCE

The Las Palmas Club will hold their annual Mother's Day Dance on May 18, 2019, from 5 pm to 12 midnight. Attendees will enjoy live Mariachi music, in addition to the usual live band music. Raffles and door prizes will be available at this event held in the Las Palmas Park gym. Ticket Cost: $15 Members (gentlemen); Free for Lady members; and $25 for Non-members. For more information, call 818.898.7340.