JUNE 2021
The City Manager’s Monthly Report includes important information related to COVID-19 response efforts and programs, opportunities for public participation in steering the future of the City, and key updates from each City Department to keep community members informed about your City government. 

Please take the time to read through this entire Report so you can stay connected to your community! 
Subscribe to both of the City's notification methods to ensure you receive current information and connect with the official City of San Fernando social media channels through your computer or mobile device!
SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOURTH OF JULY
The RCS Department is hosting a “Pokemon Go-style” Fourth of July Treasure Hunt via the Agents of Discovery App. Participants will need to download the app to a smart phone. The treasure hunt will take place at Pioneer Park beginning on July 4, 2021. Residents will have access to the Hunt the entire month of July 2021. Light-up and glow-in-the-dark prizes will be given to participants who find the hidden “treasures.”

Be sure to check the City’s website and social media for updates and more information: 
SUMMER DAY CAMP
The City is offering a limited Summer Day Camp this summer. SPACE IS LIMITED and will be on a first come, first served basis.

DATES: June 21, 2021 - July 30, 2021
DAYS: Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
REGISTRATION BEGAN: May 24, 2021
COST: $125 Per Child Per Week

Visit the City's website for more information and registration link:
ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 12 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED
VACCINATION CLINICS IN SAN FERNANDO

  • San Fernando Park (208 Park Ave., San Fernando): Moderna, Pfizer, and Janssen J&J vaccinations are offered Mondays through Saturdays, from 8 am to 8 pm. No appointment required. Residents may register online at CarbonHealth.com/COVID-19-Vaccines/Los-Angeles.
  • Pukuu Cultural Community Center (1019 Second St, San Fernando): On June 16, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering the Moderna vaccine. No appointment is required. Residents may register online at Vaccine.fulgentgenetics.com/vaccination/screen/landing.
  • Santa Rosa Catholic Church: On May 26, 2021 and May 27, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering the Pfizer vaccine. Residents may register online at Curative.com/sites/27735.
  • San Fernando Masonic Lodge (1112 N. Maclay Ave, San Fernando): On July 1, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccine. Residents may call (833) 540-0473 to schedule an appointment.
  • Kidneys Quest Foundation: On July 3, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering the Pfizer vaccine. Residents may register online at Remediacare.md-hq.com/schedule_unregistered or call (818) 521-6348. Walk-ups are welcome.
  • Providence Community Health Vaccination Clinic at Vaughn International Studies Academy: There will be a mobile vaccination clinic every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Residents may call (818) 847-3860 to schedule an appointment.
  • San Fernando Community Health Center and Northeast Valley Health Corporation: Both of these federally qualified health centers receive a limited supply of vaccine. Residents may contact the following vaccination hotlines for additional information:
  • San Fernando Community Health Center: Call (818) 963-5690.
  • Northeast Valley Health Corp: Call (818) 792-4949 to check availability.
This information is also available on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus/#COVID-19-Vaccine.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITE AT RECREATION PARK
A free testing site for COVID-19 is available at San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Avenue) Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm. Pre-registration is recommended, but San Fernando residents may also register on site.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER & MASKING GUIDANCE HAVE CHANGED!
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Masking Guidance.
SAN FERNANDO RESIDENTIAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
The San Fernando Residential Food Program began in October 2020 as part of the City’s COVID-19 relief efforts. The purpose of the program was to provide San Fernando residents with food assistance during the pandemic. Since October 2020, the program received over 300 qualified applicants and distributed over 1,200 boxes of food and personal protective equipment.
 
The final San Fernando Residential Food Distribution (Round 7) was conducted on May 22, 2021, at Las Palmas Park. A total of 88 families participated and received boxes of food containing cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, pasta and canned goods.
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
The Regional Food Bank distribution was held on June 7, 2021, at Las Palmas Park. This monthly drive-through Food Bank distribution continues to serve seniors age 60+ on the first Monday of every month at Las Palmas Park. The program provides a free food kit containing nutritious items such as meats, canned fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains and serves an average of 150 seniors each month.

For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340. 
SUMMER SPORTS CLINICS
The Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department will host a series of Summer Sports Clinics during July and August, to reintroduce the community to formal in-person programming. Baseball, Basketball and Soccer clinics will be offered for children ages 3 1/2 to 13 at Las Palmas and Pioneer Parks. The RCS Department will be contracting with Youth Evolution Activities and Game Speed Athletics to provide quality programming to the community. Online registration began on June 7, 2021.

For more details and a registration link, visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Youth-Sports.
3 WINS FITNESS: JOURNEY TO HEALTH 365 | EL CAMINO PROGRAM
The 3 Wins Fitness 365 Journey to Heath | El Camino Program is a great resource to help the community get started on their journey to health, and it's FREE! The virtual program was developed by 3 Wins Fitness as a response to the pandemic and offers a support system enhanced by professionals in the field providing nutritional information, access to physical therapists and exercise physiologist. The program currently meets virtually twice a week, with English and Spanish sessions, and offers a variety of activities through Zoom, Facebook Live and other social media outlets. 

Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#365-Journey-To-Health.
VETERANS RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The City's Veteran Recognition Program was created to honor and recognize local U.S. Military Veterans that reside (current or previously) or have a family member that resides in the City of San Fernando. Beginning in May 2021, the Veteran Banners will be displayed on Maclay Avenue, as well as San Fernando Boulevard. Keep an eye out for them!

Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/Veterans-Recognition-Program.
VIRTUAL SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Below is a list of virtual activities that were held in May 2021 including data on senior participation. The May Craft for Seniors Activity was a project creating a lovely picture frame. The group had a great time exploring their creative side. Visit the City's website for upcoming Senior programs: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Las-Palmas-Golden-Fun-Leauge.
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, RCS offered a series of activities on each Wednesday in May 2021, at Las Palmas Park. Participants took part in the following four activities: Walking and Stretching, the Art of Journaling, Painting in the Park, and Meditation and Breathing.

Classes were offered outdoors and in-person, following safety protocols such as social distancing, wearing a face covering and limiting the number of participants.

Visit the City's website for additional activities: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Las-Palmas-Golden-Fun-League
MOTHER'S DAY DRIVE-THRU FLOWER DISTRIBUTION
Las Palmas Park hosted a Mother’s Day Flower distribution on May 10, 2021. With the assistance of Las Palmas Senior Club Chair, Maritza Duarte, Senior Club Decorating Committee Member, Rosa Ruiz, and volunteers, the event served approximately 60 participants who were also provided with a lovely Mother’s Day picture as a momento.
MARIACHI MASTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MMAP)
MMAP has been hard at work the last couple of months to complete a very special project, the Mother’s Day Virtual Concert, “Serenata A Las Madres.” The virtual concert features members from the advanced, intermediate and beginner group and is currently live on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/MMAP.
TUTČINT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Emotions and Mental Wellness is the theme that the Tutčint Youth Empowerment Program focused on during the month of May 2021, featuring a presentation on realizing self-wellness and workshops on cultural expression.

“The Medicine is Inside You,” by local Author/Activist Luis J. Rodriguez, along with a four-week series on “Mask Making Adventures in Creativity” led by renowned artist, Judy Leventhal, was featured. Youth participants learned techniques on drawing and creating sculptural masks reflecting various mask making traditions around the world. Teens also took part in a trip to Malibu Lagoon Museum and State Beach with lunch on the Pier.

This free online program is open to youth ages 13-17, living the Northeast San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities. Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Tutcint-Youth-Empowerment.
GERRY'S KIDS SCHOLARSHIP
Geraldine “Gerry” Hou was a young adult librarian for over 20 years with the LA Public Library and encouraged countless young people of color in the neighborhoods of Exposition Park, Crenshaw/Baldwin Hills, and Wilmington/Harbor City to pursue college education and a lifelong passion for learning.
 
This $1,250 essay scholarship awarded annually is funded by Timothy Hou, a former Deputy City Manager and Director of Community Development at City of San Fernando, and his family in memory of Gerry and her work with students. The scholarship proceeds target students pursuing higher education at colleges and universities outside of Southern California with the aim of easing some of the financial challenges for young adults in being away from their support system at home, in many instances for the first time in their lives.
 
This opportunity is open to any San Fernando resident or a graduating college-bound high school senior or or current full-time enrolled four-year university student who attends or graduated from Cesar Chavez Learning Academies, Vaughn International Studies Academy, San Fernando High School or Sylmar High Schools.
 
The submission deadline is June 25, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. CLICK HERE to apply online. For additional information or questions, please call (818) 898-1204 or email [email protected].
PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission met on June 8, 2021, via Zoom. Items discussed included RCS Program updates.

Meetings are live streamed via Youtube and the next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6:30 pm. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Parks-Wellness-Recreation.
ROBBERY INCIDENT
On May 14, 2021, at approximately 10:30 am, the Police Department received a call regarding a robbery by physical force at the 7-Eleven located in the 100 block of Hubbard Ave. The store clerk received minor injuries and was able to provide the Communications Center with a detailed description of the male suspect. Responding officers located the suspect in possession of the stolen property, in the Layne Park area. The suspect was taken into custody, positively identified by the clerk, and charged with Robbery.
SAN FERNANDO POLICE CONDUCT OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION
On May 19, 2021, Field Training Officer Pak, Police Officer Cleveland and Desk Officer Ruvalcaba conducted an Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant funded traffic enforcement operation that focused on occupant protection. The Officers patrolled the City from 12:00 pm through 5:00 pm and issued a total of 26 citations.  
HOMELESS OUTREACH SERVICE TEAM (HOST) PROGRAM DETAIL
Led by Sergeant Chiasson, a trained Homeless Liaison Officer, the Police Department conducted two homeless outreach details on May 11, 2021 and May 19, 2021. On both of these occasions, San Fernando Police Officers were joined by Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) Outreach Specialists and made a total of 21 contacts with persons experiencing homelessness. As a result of these efforts, two individuals recently agreed to transition to temporary housing, if available. LAHSA is working to assist one to receive shelter through the Project Room Key program and the other at a Tiny Homes location. The Police Department, in partnership with LAHSA and funded by monies received from Los Angeles County’s Measure H through the San Gabriel Valley Police Chief Association, will continue these outreach events over the next few months and hopefully into to the future based on funding availability.
FIELD MAINTENANCE
The season for field repair is here again and the Facilities Division has started the process at Las Palmas Park. Public Works staff hope once again to return the fields to a safe and great looking condition.  This year Louie Lopez, the caretaker at Las Palmas Park, started the field repairs in April 2021 with fencing, aerating, seeding and compost fertilizing. Staff tries to start as early as possible in order to allow as much time for the grass to recover, not only in filling in, but in order to become stronger and healthier.  

Pioneer Park field maintenance started in late March 2021, once the Facilities Division was notified that the San Fernando Little League was getting ready to return, following the loosening of the COVID restrictions. Brandon Rivera, who took over the park after Miguel Flores retired after nearly 30 of service, is the primary park caretaker and has begun the field repairs with thatch mowing and removing the lip formed around the edges. Once this process is finished, Brandon will fertilize the infields in order to make them stronger for the long season. 

Thanks to all our Facilities staff who assist with this task every year: Octavio (Okkie), David, Richard and Pedro!
SAFE AND ACTIVE STREETS
Thank you to the community for strong participation in the walk and bike audits through the City over the last couple of weeks. With the help of community feedback during these audits, staff is gathering important information that will help the City and its design team put together thoughtful conceptual plans to share later in the year. Staff is looking forward to continue to work with the many experts that live, walk, and bike in the City and want to make San Fernando streets and sidewalks safe and easy to use for walking and biking.
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

  • At its regular meeting on May 10, 2021, the Planning and Preservation Commission had a number of presentations that ranged from updates on the housing element update effort, pending development projects, as well as discussions from the Commission.

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: JULY 2020 - APRIL 2021
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to date.
JOIN THE SAN FERNANDO CITY TEAM
Below, please find the current jobs that the City is recruiting for with their filing deadlines and/or status:

  • Public Works Maintenance Helper (part-time): Filing deadline is July 5, 2021.
  • Police Desk Officer: Filing deadline is July 12, 2021.
  • City Electrician: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Police Officer: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Recreation Leader I: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.

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

  • Crystal Solis, Deputy City Clerk/Management Analyst (joined the City May 17, 2021);
  • Benny Simonzad, Police Sergeant (Promoted May 22, 2021);
  • Adelia Mora, Recreation Leader (part-time) (Joined the City June 1, 2021);
  • Ken Munoz, Recreation Leader (part-time) (Joined the City June 1, 2021);
  • Koby Munoz, Recreation Leader (part-time) (Joined the City June 1, 2021); and
  • Christopher Salazar, Recreation Leader (part-time) (Joined the City June 1, 2021).

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, especially at this critical time, as we navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcome aboard!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 BUDGET PROCESS
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 Budget process officially kicked-off on March 3, 2021, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2019-2020, an update to the FY 2020-2021 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2021-2022 Budget. Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:
 
  • June 21, 2021: Budget Study Session 6 pm during the at Regular City Council Meeting - Adoption of FY 2021-2022 Budget.
  • July 1, 2021: Start of FY 2021-2022.

The Proposed City Budget for the FY 2021-2022 is available for review via the City website: SFCITY.ORG/Financial-Documents.

See the City Council agenda for each date for additional information on how to participate (virtual or in person) in the Budget Study Sessions: SFCITY.ORG/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.

Should you have comments or questions regarding the budget, please email [email protected].
WATER BILLS
The City of San Fernando WILL NOT be disconnecting any customers’ water and WILL BE waiving all late fees due to limited access to City Hall. If you are behind in your account, the City encourages you to set-up a payment plan, if possible. If your water bill is due, currently, there are three payment options:

  1. By Mail: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
  2. Night Dropbox: Located outside City Hall’s main entrance on the right-hand side. Place your payment in an envelope and put it in the drop box. NO CASH PLEASE. Payments received in the drop-box will be processed by 9:00 am the next business day.
  3. AutoPay: Available to all City of San Fernando water customers. It is a direct debit program that works with your bank for a quick and simple way to pay your utility bill electronically. Click Here to download an AutoPay Application.

Please contact the Finance Department with questions or to set-up payment plans: [email protected] or (818) 898-1212.
PUBLIC MEETINGS LIVE STREAM VIA YOUTUBE
Pursuant to Executive N-29-20 and given the current health concerns, members of the public can access meetings live on-line, with audio and video, via the City's YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE to subscribe.

CLICK HERE to view the City Council agendas.

CLICK HERE to view Commission agendas.
SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL: Effective April 19, 2021, San Fernando City Hall will reopen to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. City Hall will remain closed on Fridays and certain services will be by appointment only until Los Angeles County enters the Yellow Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy plan.

SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT:
  1. Records Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm;
  2. Detective Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and
  3. Livescan Services continue have resumed: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
  4. Court Commitment Services has resumed: Call the Police Department to schedule.

RECREATION FACILITIES: Both recreational facilities (Las Palmas Park, located at 505 S. Huntington St., San Fernando; and Recreation Park, located at 208 Park Ave., San Fernando) remain closed to the public and all in-person programming. Outdoor Fitness classes, including Zumba and Total Body Conditioning, began at Las Palmas Park. Contact the Recreation and Community Services Department or visit their website for a detailed listing: (818) 898-7340, [email protected] or SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation.

All visitors to City facilities must adhere to the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines for physical distancing and wear a cloth face covering to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our community.

We strongly encourage the public to continue to conduct business with City Hall via telephone and email.

Planning & Zoning Permits; Building Permits & Inspections; Graffiti Removal
(818) 898-1227 | [email protected]

Water & Sewer Utilities
(818) 898-1212 | [email protected]

Police (non-emergency)
(818) 898-1267 | [email protected]

Tree & Street Services
(818) 898-1293 | [email protected]

Right-of-Way Permits, Projects & Inspections
(818) 898-1222 | [email protected]

Adult, Youth & Senior Programs
(818) 898-1290 | [email protected]

General Information
(818) 898-1200 | [email protected]

ONLINE PERMIT COUNTER
For additional convenience, the public may use the Online Permit Counter to submit building permit applications, track progress, and schedule inspections online: