JANUARY 2020 HOLIDAY HOURS

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City facilities will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2020. All emergency services will remain operational.

CONSIDERATION TO BAN ALL MARIJUANA/CANNABIS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2020 and Measure MJ (consideration to ban all marijuana/cannabis business activities) is on the ballot.

CENSUS 2020 PRESENTATION AT O'MELVENY ELEMENTARY

It’s never too early to learn that You Count!!! On December 11, 2019, Councilmember Sylvia Ballin and City Manager Nick Kimball visited Mrs. Herrera’s Kindergarten Class at O’Melveny Elementary to provide an encouraging and educational presentation on the importance of Census 2020. The class was thrilled to pin their “I Count” buttons to their class t-shirts.

SPEAKING OF CENSUS 2020!

Did you know that, in addition to determining how many representatives each state has in Congress, federal funding for programs such as school nutrition, job training, senior and foster care, and medical insurance programs are all provided based on Census data? That means if you do not complete the Census in April 2020, you will not be counted; San Fernando will not get the full amount of funding that is needed to provide service to everyone that is eligible and California will not get the full representation in Washington, D.C. to ensure an equal voice in national policy.

The Census is completely confidential and individual responses cannot be used by the City or any other Government Agency.

Be sure to complete the Census online or at one of the many Census Action Kiosks throughout the City in March 2020 and April 2020 and show everyone that YOU COUNT!!!

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? Applications are currently being accepted for full-time Police Desk Officer, Director of Public Works, Police Officer positions, as well as for part-time Public Works Maintenance Helper, Junior Cadet, and Recreation Leader I and II positions. Filing deadlines vary for each position. 

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

2020 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The San Fernando Education Commission, in partnership with the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation, the Independent Cities Finance Authority, Republic Services Inc., and private donors, has announced various scholarship opportunities open to high school seniors and full-time students enrolled in community college or a four-year university. The submission deadline is February 21, 2020. 

For additional information and access to the applications, please visit WWW.SFCITY.ORG or email SFEduCom@sfcity.org.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

At their December 30, 2019 special meeting, the Education Commission implemented a Teacher Spotlight Program. The Commission encourages students and families to nominate a teacher who mentors, inspires, motivates, or otherwise impacts, students' lives.

For additional information and access to the nomination form, please click HERE or email sfeducom@sfcity.org .

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS: REQUEST FOR DEVELOPER QUALIFICATIONS

On December 19, 2019, the City invited responses to a Request for Mixed/Blended-Use Developer Qualifications for development of a City-owned 1.44-acre site located in Downtown San Fernando. The site, currently used as Public Parking Lot No. 3, is suited for a blend of retail, restaurant, residential, and entertainment uses. The City desires the development to be a synergistic, experiential destination complementary to Downtown San Fernando. 

Responses to the Request for Developer Qualifications are due Friday, January 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Visit the City's website to view the Request for Developer Qualifications: WWW.SFCITY.ORG.

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The next regular monthly meeting for the Planning and Preservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020.

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS, JULY 2018 TO NOVEMBER 2019

Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 to date and Fiscal Year 2019-2020 to date.

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS

Business license renewals have been mailed to all registered businesses in the City. The due date for submittal is end of business day on March 2, 2020. Please contact the City’s Business Support Center at 818.898.1211 with any questions.

MEASURE A

In February 2020, staff will hold a town hall meeting for Measure A. Please refer to the City's website and social medial, in January 2020, for details on the date and time of the meeting.

On September 16, 2019, staff presented the annual Measure A report that provides a summary on how Measure A revenues were spent in the prior fiscal year. Copies of the current and past reports are available on the City's website ( http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/finance/financial-documents/).

WATER BILLING

Please see the important shut off dates for December 2019 bills and City Hall closures below:

Simplify your life and avoid late fees at the same time by signing up for AutoPay and have your Water Bill debited directly from your account automatically. There is no charge to you from the City, but some financial institutions may charge a fee for electronic fund transfers (ask your bank regarding any possible fees). You may also pay your Water Bill in person at City Hall; acceptable payment methods include cash, check, and debit card ($1.50 processing fee for debit card transactions). For more details, contact the Finance Department at 818.898.1245.

INCREASE IN WATER RATES

Beginning in January 2020, water rates will be increasing. Residents should starting seeing an increase in their billing rates in February 2020 with the November 2019 – January 2020 billing period.

The City has a new low-income bill assistance program for qualified residents. Please check your January 2020 water bill for additional details on eligibility and an application for this program.

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).

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) TRAINING

In December 2019, 11 members of the San Fernando community graduated from CERT training. The new CERT graduates include Sergeant Rosenberg, Officer Simonzad, three residents, and four business members.

CERT members are trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Members will learn how to prepare for emergencies, what supplies you should NOW have in your house, how much food, how much water but most importantly, how to protect your family in an emergency! Click here for more info or to register for an upcoming class.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS PROGRAM

This year marked the San Fernando Police Department and San Fernando Police Advisory Council's 32 ^nd Annual Christmas basket program. On December 18, 2019, the Police Department delivered Christmas baskets and food for over 100 families and seniors throughout the City. Thanks to help from the Police Department civilian staff, Police Officers, Explorer Post 521, Public Works, and Santa Claus, a lot of families and seniors were very happy this Holiday season!

SAN FERNANDO POLICE OFFICERS HELP DELIVER A BABY!

On December 28, 2019, at approximately 2:30 am, Team-4 Officers responded to a medical emergency (female in labor) at a residence in the 100 block of N. Huntington Street. Upon their arrival, Officers assisted the female and helped deliver a healthy baby boy. A few minutes later, the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived and transported mother and child to the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center for standard medical treatment. Mother and Childs are doing well.

TRAFFIC/PARKING CITATION UPDATE

The Police Department's Traffic Division is responsible for enforcing traffic and parking regulations in the City of San Fernando. Data provided below describes efforts in traffic and parking enforcement during December 2019.

ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT

Excel Paving has completed the water works portion of the Annual Street Resurfacing Project. They are continuing to replace sidewalk, curb and gutter, cross gutters, access ramps and driveways on N. Workman Street between Glenoaks Blvd and Seventh St and Lucas St between N. Workman St and Orange Grove Ave. Street repaving is scheduled to commence late January 2020/early February 2020. As a reminder, motorists should expect delays and obey all traffic restrictions during construction.

CITY-OWNED PARKING LOT PROJECT

The City completed the first phase of the parking lot project in November 2019. The first phase consisted of the removal of dying and diseased trees and bushes and repairing of damaged concrete islands within four City-owned parking lots: Lots Nos. 3, 4, 11, and 12. The second phase of the project consists of replanting various species of trees and bushes within each of the four parking lots. Phase two commenced on December 4, 2019, with the planting of seven Palo Verde trees and 18 Date Palms within Parking Lot No. 4. Parking Lot Nos. 3, 11, and 12 are scheduled for replanting of trees and bushes during the first week of the new year. 

Parking Lot Locations:

UPDATE ON GLENOAKS BLVD WATER/SEWER PROJECT

The contractor is currently working on paving the sewer trench on Harding Ave from Glenoaks Blvd to Fifth St. Concrete repairs on Glenoaks Blvd, including sidewalk, driveways, and curb ramps, are tentatively scheduled for early January 2020, pending weather conditions. Approximately 1,880 linear feet of sewer main have been replaced. Construction is tentatively scheduled to be completed January 2020.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

This year’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration was a great success! Approximately 2,000 people enjoyed the holiday festivities which included photos with Santa, great entertainment, face painting, numerous vendors and agencies, and a wonderful Holiday Light Bike Parade. The Master of Ceremonies, Javier Verdin (also known as “La Voz de San Fernando”) did an outstanding job of hosting the event and making sure things ran smoothly. Everyone had a wonderful time. This holiday event gets bigger and better, year after year. We look forward to bringing the community together for another fantastic Tree Lighting Celebration next year!

COMING SOON - NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION PORTAL!

The Recreation and Community Services Department is pleased to announce a new online registration portal is coming soon. Patrons will be able to access the online portal to register for activities, get updates on enrolled classes, and signup for citywide special events. The online portal is scheduled to go live in February 2020.

To get started with the registration process, a primary household account must be created and include all pertinent information such as name, address, age, emergency contacts, etc. This information will automatically be placed on registration forms and receipts when checking out. Family members may be added to the primary account once it has been created.

The site will also allow account holders to view a facility rental availability, submit a request for approval and make a payment. Although the online transactions are a convenient way to register and get the information about programs, the Department will continue to conduct business over the counter in a courteous and professional manner. The City is excited to offer this new and convenient customer experience.

HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

The FitPass program offers a variety of fitness classes at an affordable rate. Choose the class you want to take and the frequency. You can Zumba four days a week, or mix it up with some Cardio or Boxing. Each FitPass offers 10 classes and the flexibility of choice, so start the new year right and get moving! Visit the City's website or contact Recreation Park for additional information: WWW.SFCITY.ORG or 818.898.7340.

NEW! MISSION CITY PONY BASEBALL LEAGUE

Registration is now being accepted for the new Mission City Pony Baseball League! Contact Las Palmas Park for more information: 818.898.7340.

HOMELESS CONNECT DAY

This one day even will be held on January 16, 2020, at Las Palmas Park. A variety of valuable services and resources will be available thanks to the collaboration of the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, State of California and numerous non-profit agencies.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank offers a monthly food package distribution program at Las Palmas Park. On the first Monday of the month, eligible seniors ages 60 and over are provided with a free food kit with specific nutritional needs such as meats, canned fruits and vegetables, dry milk and related products, cereals and other grain products, and much more. Contact Las Palmas Park for additional information: 818.898.7340.

PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

At the November 12, 2019 Parks Wellness and Recreation Commission Meeting, new Commissioner Jason Hayes was administered the Oath of Office by staff. In addition, the Commission reorganized and appointed Sandie Richards as Commission Chair and Joe Ponce as Vice Chair. This Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month and makes recommendations on the development and oversight of the City’s park facilities and recreational programming.

DAY OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE

Seniors gathered on December 12, 2019, to celebrate Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a celebration based on the belief that the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego. Many people shared cultural food they would typically eat on this festive day, such as tamales, atole, and Mexican sweet bread.

SENIOR VOLUNTEER

Park patron, Livier Fregoso, spread the joy of the holidays by decorating the Christmas tree at Las Palmas Park-Banquet Room, where many seniors can enjoy the holiday spirit while attending the meal program in December 2019. Livier’s time and creativity is truly appreciated!

SENIOR TRIVIA

In December 2019, 19 seniors gathered to play a friendly game of Trivia. The theme was World Culture and Food. Prizes to the top winners were provided by Pink Tree Insurance. Next Trivia game will be in sometime in February 2020.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MUSIC

Join in congratulating Violeta Quintero as she celebrates 50 years of teaching music to the senior community. Violeta leads “Los Sueños de Oro” or “Golden Dreams” at Las Palmas Park every Tueday at 9:30 a.m. The group consists of guitars, mandolins, tambourins, and vocalists. They have performed at fairs, senior centers, and many other venues over the years. Seniors rehearse a variety of melodies ranging from Mexican corridos to country-western songs.  All in all, the idea is to bring people together and make them feel good as they clap, dance and sing along to the group’s lively music. Congratulations Violeta!

HEART, MIND, & SOUL HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY FAIR

Stop by this free event to improve your health and well-being! Activities include a pop-up Farmers Market, oral health services, blood pressure and glucose screenings, exercise and fitness demos, and more. Contact Recreation Park for more information.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

10 am to 1 pm

San Fernando Recreation Park

208 Park Avenue, San Fernando