SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS

MOVE YOUR WAY STREET FESTIVAL

September 23, 2023 | 10 am to 2 pm

The Move Your Way (open streets) event is coming to Sylmar, San Fernando, and Pacoima!

Here's what you can expect at the open streets festival:

• Get ready to move and groove! Along route, we've got an array of events lined up, including invigorating yoga sessions, dance extravaganzas, and interactive games that'll have you up and active in no time.

• Local businesses and organizations are coming together too! They're setting up booths to showcase their incredible products and services that support active and sustainable lifestyles. 

• We're all about promoting eco-friendliness! Say goodbye to carbon emissions and hello to biking and walking, as we encourage you to reduce your carbon footprint and embrace a greener way of moving through our city streets.

For more information, visit: MoveYourWayLA.com.

ANNUAL TRANSACTION TAX TOWN HALL MEETING

September 25, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Council Chambers - 117 Macneil Street

The City Council established Measure A & Measure SF Town Hall meetings as an additional avenue for the community to receive important information on the City transaction tax and provide a forum to ask questions to staff and provide feedback to City Councilmembers. 

Please visit the City's website for additional information: SFCITY.ORG/Transaction-Tax

2023 SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

October 3, 2023 | 6pm | Civic Center Parking Lot

Join the San Fernando Police Department, in partnership with Neighborhood Watch and the San Fernando Police Advisory Council, for a night of fun and community awareness!

Avoid the line and register online! For more information and a registration link, visit: SFCITY.ORG/SFPolice/#NNO

TOWN HALL DISCUSSION ON HOMELESSNESS

October 18, 2023 | 6 pm | Council Chambers - 117 Macneil Street

Curious about San Fernando's efforts to address homelessness? All City residents and businesses are invited to join an informative Town Hall Discussion. This event will include a presentation on San Fernando's Homelessness Action Plan, introduce you to the dedicated street outreach team, provide insights into law enforcement's role, and explore County initiatives.

Your participation is invaluable as we place a high value on transparency and community involvement. We encourage your questions and insights. Activities for school-age children will be available. If attending in person is not possible, don't worry! The event will be live-streamed on the City's YouTube page.

For more information and specific details, please reach out to our Housing Coordinator, Kenya Marquez, at kmarquez@sfcity.org or (818) 837-1540. You can also visit SFCITY.ORG/Housing-Community-Resources.

MISSION CITY TRANSIT & TROLLEY

The City of San Fernando’s transit system services are now offered at no cost to the general public. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden felt by many families due to the lingering effects from COVID-19 and various economic challenges in the State.

For more information, please visit:

SFCITY.ORG/Getting-Around

RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The San Fernando City Council established a Recreation Scholarship Program (RSP) to provide financial assistance to families wishing to participate in the fee base programs offered to San Fernando residents. RSP assistance is available to San Fernando residents for all recreational programs offered by the Recreation and Community Services Department, including programs for youth, adults, and seniors. Scholarships cover 50% of the cost of the activity.

To be eligible for RSP assistance you must be a resident of the City of San Fernando. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A brief self-certifying form and a utility bill must be submitted to the Department when registering for any fee base activity. For additional information and eligibility requirements regarding RSP please call (818) 898-1290 or visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Scholarships.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO'S 112^th BIRTHDAY

The City of San Fernando’s 112^th Birthday Celebration drew in a large crowd to this annual event. With the assistance of the outstanding voice of the master of ceremonies, Javier Verdin, guests enjoyed great entertainment courtesy of the Mariachi Master Apprentice Program, Ballet Folklorico Ollin, and performance by the Las Colibrí. The Casa de López Adobe hosted free guided tours of the 1880’s historic landmark, owned by one of the earliest California families in the region. The festivities offered great food, great entertainment, birthday cake for all, and also recognized Senator Caroline Menjivar for her efforts in securing $3 million in federal funding for key water infrastructure projects for the City of San Fernando.

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, the third concert of the Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department’s Summer Concert Series was held in Downtown San Fernando with great music entertainment courtesy of La Rue Sounds. The crowd enjoyed classic pop, rock, R&B, and old school sounds from 7 pm to 8 pm. With plenty of vendors providing food, beverages and a variety of interesting articles, this family-friendly event was a great success to celebrate this year’s summer season.    

SCAM & FRAUD PREVENTION

In partnership with Avanti Insurance Solutions, the City hosted its third Scam and Fraud Prevention Workshop on August 18, 2023. About 20 participants learned about the new techniques scammers are utilizing to target the senior population. A San Fernando Police Department representative shared tips with seniors on how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Be on the look out for more workshops coming soon! 

SENIOR PROGRAMS

• Senior Meals: In partnership with ONEgeneration, Las Palmas Park continues to host the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) for seniors. Stop by and register with the ONEgeneration team, Rene and Hayle, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious hot meal! Folks that are 60+ can qualify for this free program (suggested donation is $3), Mondays through Fridays. If you know of anyone that is 60+ and is homebound, ONEgeneration can deliver hot meals 5 days a week! Please call (818) 898-7340 for more information. 
• National Senior Citizens Day: On Monday, August 28, , 2023, the RCS Department held a celebration in recognition of National Senior Citizens Day at Recreation Park. Seniors enjoyed aguas  frescas, sandwiches, and a couple rounds of bingo. Refreshments were sponsored by Wellcare.
• Coloring Activity: An adult coloring activity was held at Las Palmas in August 2023. Coloring is a great way to relieve stress and keep fine motor skills sharp. Look for more senior programming at Las Palmas Park for those interested in stress relief and in discovering one’s artistic talent.
• Mental Health Workshop: On Thursday, August 24, 2023 Las Palmas Park hosted the bi-weekly mental health workshop called “platicas de la vida cotidiana.” Ten participants had a conversation about life over coffee and bread. This session focused on anxiety and coping techniques.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The Regional Food Bank monthly distribution was held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Las Palmas Park, from 9 am to 11 am. This program continues to serve seniors age 60+ on a monthly basis at Las Palmas Park. This drive-through food program provides a free food kit containing nutritious items such as meats, canned fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains. The program serves an average of 150 seniors monthly. The next distribution will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340.   

TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY

Teens for a Better Community held its kickoff meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. A total of 22 teens from various high schools participated. For more information on this program, contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340. 

POLICE BLOTTER

FOCUSED PATROLS

• On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at approximately 5:20 pm, a Police Officer located an occupied stolen vehicle near the area of Fox St. and San Fernando Rd. The Officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and the vehicle attempted to evade the officer, traveling south on San Fernando Rd. towards Pacoima. The driver of the stolen vehicle abandoned the vehicle on the Metrolink track at the Van Nuys Blvd. crossing and fled the scene. Moments later, the Metrolink train collided with the abandoned vehicle. Officers located the suspected driver of the stolen vehicle and arrested him. There was only one minor injury reported (non-related to vehicle/train collision). The injured person was transported to the hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department. The event was covered by various media outlets. 

• On Friday, August 4, 2023, at approximately 4:30 pm, Police Officers responded to a report of theft at WSS Shoe Store, on San Fernando Mission Blvd. Officers responded to the location and detained the theft suspects. Store management informed the Officers that they did not desire prosecution for the theft and Officers returned the stolen merchandise to the retailer and released the suspects without further incident.

• On Saturday, August 5, 2023, at approximately 2:25 pm, Police Officers responded to the 500 block of Hagar St. on a report of a semi-conscious female at the location. Officers determined that the female was suffering symptoms of an opioid overdose and administered Narcan to the female, which subsequently helped her regain consciousness. The female was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department to a nearby hospital.

• On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 10:00 am, a Police Officer located a parked stolen vehicle in the 500 block of S. Huntington St. (Las Palmas Park). During the vehicle recovery process, a woman approached the Community Service Officer completing the necessary documents to store the vehicle, and claimed to be the owner of the vehicle. After an investigation by Police Officers, it was determined that the woman had stolen the vehicle. She was later arrested for grand theft auto, perjury, forgery, and narcotics-related charges.  

• On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 10:15 am, Police Officers responded to a report of a robbery near the intersection of Fifth St. and Jessie St. The suspect’s home address was learned during the investigation. Officers responded to the suspect’s home address and arrested the suspect for robbery. A resident inside the home was also arrested for having two outstanding warrants.

• On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at approximately 1:50 am, a Police Officer observed at least one suspect attempting to commit a burglary at the Rydell Auto Dealership, on San Fernando Rd. The suspects got inside a nearby vehicle and fled the scene. A short vehicle pursuit ensued, but was terminated as the pursuit reached dangerous speeds. The suspects are still outstanding. 

• On Thursday, August 10, 2023 at approximately 1:10 am, a Police Officer contacted several subjects congregating next to a vehicle in a parking lot in the 100 block of Brand Blvd. The Officer checked the registration of the vehicle and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested for grand theft auto.

• On Sunday, August 13, 2023, at approximately 1:55 pm, Police Officers located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the 500 block of S. Huntington St. (Las Palmas Park). Officers observed a male suspect re-enter the vehicle and later determined that the subject had stolen the vehicle. The suspect was later arrested for vehicle theft.

• On Friday, August 18, 2023, at about 9:45 pm, Police Officers responded to the area of Hubbard St. and San Fernando Rd. on reports of a female subject walking in and out of traffic and throwing objects at vehicles. A passenger inside a vehicle was struck by an object thrown by the female. The female subject was later arrested for battery.

• On Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 12:30 pm, Police Officers responded to a medical call for service in the 800 block of Pico St. Initial reports indicated that three adults were experiencing a possible opioid overdose at the location. The officers found three unconscious subjects at the scene and immediately administered Narcan. Two subjects were transported to the hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department and one subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation is still ongoing. 

JOIN OUR DYNAMIC POLICE FORCE IN SAN FERNANDO!

Are you ready to make an impact in your community? The City of San Fernando is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our esteemed police department. We are looking for people ready to commit and dedicate themselves to serving the residents and stakeholders of San Fernando with honor and integrity.

Qualifications - Lateral and Preservice Candidates: Priority will be given to candidates with existing law enforcement experience or who have completed police academy training. We are also accepting entry-level candidates who will be sponsored through a local POST certified basic peace officer academy.

Process

• For all candidates, successful completion of an oral interview.
• For entry-level candidates, attainment of a minimum score of 42 on the PELLETB written examination or passing the National Testing Network (NTN) test.
• Passing the Physical Agilities Test.
• Passing a background review, polygraph, psychological examination, and medical examination.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey?

For more information and to start your application, visit SFCITY.ORG/Hiring-Now. Please note that we only consider complete applications submitted through the official portal. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications.

ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT: BECOME A RESERVE POLICE OFFICER IN SAN FERNANDO!

The City of San Fernando is seeking passionate individuals to join our team as Reserve Police Officers. As a Reserve Officer, you'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our full-time Police Officers, making a tangible difference in every corner of our city and as part of our police department family.

We are looking for motivated, collaborative, POST-certified individuals who desire to give back and make a lasting impact in the community. As a Reserve Officer, you will contribute to all aspects of Police Operations, respond to emergencies, ensuring public safety, build strong community relationships and uphold Department values.

For a full list of requirements and to start your journey as a Reserve Police Officer, visit SFCITY.ORG/SFPolice/#Applications-Forms.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN SHORT FILM

Timur Bootzin of Los Feliz Films, the creator of “Day in the Life,” produced a short video of the Department’s participation in the June 2023 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in San Fernando. This video was submitted to the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference Committee for consideration to be shown at the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Chicago in late October 2023.

CHAT WITH THE CHIEF

On Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 6 PM, Chief Valdez hosted the monthly Chat-with-the-Chief at Heavenly Pancakes. Several attendees discussed community concerns and Chief Valdez provided attendees updates on upcoming City and Department events.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & BUSINESS WATCH

• On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 6 PM, City Manager Nick Kimball, Chief Fabian Valdez, and City staff hosted a Neighborhood Watch Meeting at Rudy Ortega Sr. Park. The topic of discussion was enhancing safety for Halloween celebrants in the Orange Grove Street and Fourth Street Street neighborhoods.

• Business Watch: On August 23, 2023, at 12 pm, the Police Department held its monthly Business Watch meeting.  

UPCOMING NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & BUSINESS WATCH MEETINGS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 - 12 pm

Council Chambers

117 Macneil Street

San Fernando

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 - 9 am

Bodevi Wine & Espresso Bar

909 San Fernando Rd

San Fernando

AUGUST 23, 2023 - 12 pm

Council Chambers

117 Macneil Street

San Fernando

OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

The City contracted North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) for street outreach for unhoused individuals. The organization is known for their person-centered approach and was awarded “2020 California Non-Profit of the Year’” nominated by California State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (District 46). NVCS has direct experience providing services to communities surrounding San Fernando, such as Sylmar, Pacoima, Van Nuys, Granada Hills and more, which further demonstrates that the organization has a unique understanding of the current needs of the City’s homeless population. 

How to Request Outreach:

To request outreach, please send an email to City staff at homeless@sfcity.org. Please be sure to include pertinent information in the email, such as a description of the location, date last seen, description of the individual, as well as any specific concerns regarding the person’s well-being. Once reported, City staff and/or a regional service provider will connect with the individual within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays, and within 72 hours on weekends.  Call the Police Department at (818) 898-1267 if the individual is trespassing, harassing, or engaging in other illegal activity.

To read more about the City’s Homelessness Action Plan or for resources, please visit the City’s Housing and Community Resources webpage here: SFCITY.ORG/Housing-Community-Resources.

METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT WORKSHOP FOR LANDSCAPING REBATES

Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) BeWaterWise program provides rebates for re-landscaping single-family front yards and backyards (up to 5,000 sq. ft. per year), as well as commercial properties (up to 50,000 per year) and city-owned parkways, medians and open space with non-functional life turf. The current rebate rate is $2 per 1 sq. ft. but it might be increased in the future. The City and MWD conducted a workshop on the rebate program for replacing live turf with drought-tolerant landscaping. The workshop recording is available here: SFCITY.ORG/Community-Development/#Lawn-Replacement

FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT

On August 7, 2023, the City Council voted adopted an ordinance amending the current fence and wall regulations to provide flexibility while ensuring safety and aesthetic attractiveness of the neighborhoods.  The new regulations is effective September 6, 2023.  Below is a short summary of the changes.

Below is a short summary of the proposed changes:

• Increasing the permitted height of the front yard fence from three to four feet.
• Allowing decorative elements and gates to be higher than the fence.
• Allowing side yard fences within a front yard setback to be solid (view-obscuring).
• Allowing tubular iron fences for private schools in residential zones to be up to eight feet.
• Prohibiting barb wires or razor wires.
• Allowing commercial properties adjacent to residential uses to have up to 8 feet high block wall, if a noise study demonstrates the needs for the wall and if the wall complies with the new design standards.
• Requiring two layers of a permanent anti-graffiti coating on all solid walls or fences.

For more information, please contact CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227. 

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

LOAN PROGRAM

San Fernando residents qualify for first-time homebuyer’s loan program through the Los Angeles Development Authority’s (LACDA) Home Ownership Program (HOP). The Home Ownership Program provides a second mortgage loan of up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, with 0% interest. Repayment of the loan is required when the home is sold, transfer of title, or home is longer owner-occupied. Eligible properties are single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums with a maximum purchase price of $700,000. 

If you’re interested in this program, please contact Housing Coordinator, Kenya Marquez at kmarquez@sfcity.org or (818) 837-1540, or visit:

SFCITY.ORG/Housing-Community-Resources/#Housing

SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT

Ortiz Enterprises, Inc., continues to work on the park site by installing decomposed granite, landscape and sod. New trees will also be planted to replace the ones that were removed during construction.

Visit the City's website for additional information on the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project.

UPPER RESERVOIR PROJECT

Pacific Hydrotech Corporation, the City’s contractor, has begun installing rebar for the bottom of the tank. The first concrete pour for the foundation of the new tank was placed on August 15, 2023.

JOIN THE SAN FERNANDO CITY TEAM

Below, please find the current jobs in which the City is recruiting. All positions are open until the vacancy is filled.

FULL-TIME

• Community Preservation Officer
• Police Officer
• Senior Tree Care Specialist
• Senior Sewer Worker
• Water Operations Manager

PART-TIME

• Crossing Guard
• Recreation Leader I & II 



Visit the City website to view the job bulletins and to download a City Employment Application: SFCITY.ORG/Hiring-Now.

WELCOME THE NEWEST CITY TEAM MEMBERS

The City wishes to formally welcome the following San Fernando City Team Members who joined the City or were promoted on the respective dates specified:

• Miguel Camarena, Police Officer – joined the City July 31, 2023;
• Juan Palomo, Senior Maintenance Worker – joined the City August 14, 2023;
• Jenny K. Nguyen, Personnel Office Clerk – joined the City August 15, 2023;
• Soledad Chavez, Office Clerk - promoted August 28, 2023;
• Maria Fajardo, Crossing Guard – joined the City August 28, 2023;
• Thomas Flores, P.W. Maintenance Helper – joined the City August 28, 2023;
• Oskar Guzman, P. W. Maintenance Helper – joined the City August 28, 2023;
• Cristina Moreno, Social Services Coordinator – promoted August 28, 2023; and
• Erika Ramirez, Director of Community Development – joined the City August 28, 2023.

The City Team wishes to express our appreciation and excitement about these new team members. Their skills and talents will be a great addition to the San Fernando Family. Welcome aboard!

FAREWELL TO OUR FORMER CITY TEAM MEMBERS

The City wishes express our appreciation to the following City Team member who recently separated from the City:

• Janet Sandoval, Junior Cadet – effective July 21, 2023; and
• Brianna Villasenor, Day Camp Counselor – effective July 28, 2023.

ALARM PERMIT RENEWALS

The Business License Permits Renewal Applications for calendar year 2024 are being distributed to all businesses required to have an approved Business License Permit. The deadline to submit your permit renewal is September 30, 2023. The City Council will consider approval of the Business License Permits at the December 4, 2023 Council meeting.



Please contact the Finance Department for additional information or questions: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1245

CITY COUNCIL

The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 6 pm.

The City Council meets in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.

EDUCATION COMMISSION

The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 4:30 pm.

The EDU Commission meets in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Education.

PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

The next regular Parks, Wellness and Recreation (PWR) Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

The PWR Commission meets in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Parks-Wellness-Recreation.

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The next regular P&P Commission meeting will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION

The next regular Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 6 pm.

The T&PS Commission meets in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Transportation-Public-Safety.