CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

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

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.

2019 EDUCATION COMMISSION FOURTH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY

On May 21, 2019, the San Fernando Education Commission held its Fourth Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Las Palmas Park. Over $5,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 were presented to 10 students.

Special thanks to those who contributed funding and made this event possible including Mayor Joel Fajardo (Community Investment Funds), Vice Mayor Sylvia Ballin (raised and/or donated funds via the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation, Independent Cities Finance Authority, and Community Investment Funds), Republic Services Inc., Pahola Mascorro (Elias Rodriguez’ mother), and private donors.

NEW 2020 VOTING EXPERIENCE!

As previously reported, beginning March 2020, Los Angeles County will transition from polling places to vote centers. The County 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 VCPP reached out to non-partisan Community Based Organizations to assist in identifying vote centers and facilitate community meetings. Upcoming nearby meetings include:

June 19, 2019 | 6 pm to 8 pm

United Methodist Church

15435 Rayen St

North Hills, CA 91343

Organized by South Bay Counseling Center Thrive LA

June 27, 2019 | 7 pm to 9 pm

Pacoima City Hall

13520 Van Nuys Blvd

Pacoima, CA 91331

This meeting will be covering San Fernando

Organized by Pacoima Beautiful

Click here to view full list of community meetings. 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.

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS, THROUGH APRIL 2019

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

April 2019

2

0

21

21

0

27

8

0

0

0

2

0

1

0

2

84

$935

3,275

Total FY 2018-2019

30

2

145

147

0

147

44

3

2

0

8

1

12

11

41

593

$13,888

25,161

FAREWELL, ALEXANDRA CLINGMAN

The Community Development Department bid farewell to Planning Intern, Alexandra Clingman, on her last day on May 22, 2019.

Alexandra joined the department in February 2019 and aided in processing planning projects and completing special assignments. She served the City on a part-time internship basis and is currently an undergraduate senior at California State University, Northridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning. The City of Los Angeles hired Alexandra as a paid full-time intern in their Planning Department. In her short time here, Alexandra proved to be a highly capable city planner with a bright future. We wish her all the best as she continues her education and sets off into her career in city planning.

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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

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. 

The City Council held Budget Study sessions on May 20, 2019, May 28, 2019, and June 3, 2019 to discuss the City’s operating funds, special funds, and capital funds in detail. Staff received valuable input and the final budget is scheduled to be adopted at the regular City Council meeting on June 17, 2019. 

All of the Proposed Budget presentations are available on the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG).

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/).

SIGN UP FOR AUTOPAY FOR YOUR WATER BILL

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.

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).

SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS SWIM COMPETITION

On May 4, 2019, the San Fernando Police Department hosted the Special Olympics of Southern California Tri Valley Swim Competition at the San Fernando Regional Pool. Under the leadership of Sergeant Irwin Rosenberg, San Fernando Police Personnel welcomed over 180 athletes with Intellectual Disabilities as they competed in aquatic events. Chief Anthony Vairo, Lieutenant Nichole Hanchett, several San Fernando Police Officers, San Fernando Police Explorer Post 521, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) Lieutenant Terrence Bell and other LASD personnel, presented medals and ribbons to the athletes throughout the day.

Many members from the San Fernando community, including Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch, volunteered their time at the event helping to make it a success. Lunch was generously donated by Fresh and Ready Foods and snacks were donated by the San Fernando Swap Meet. Special thanks to Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, and Field deputy Benita Trujillo, for making this event possible at the pool and for waiving a significant portion of the fees towards allowing the athletes to compete in San Fernando.

FELONY HIT AND RUN: 1300 BLOCK OF GLENOAKS BLVD

Defendant Rodriguez pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019, for the fatal hit and run that occurred in April 2018. Defendant Rodriguez will be sentenced to three years in state prison and upon his release he will be placed on formal felony probation for five years.

FELONY BATTERY ON A PERSON

Defendant Diaz pleaded guilty on a single count of felony battery and is awaiting sentencing. Due to his extensive criminal history, Defendant Diaz is looking to serve a state prison term

VIGILANT DESK OFFICERS HELP LOCATE SUICIDAL MAN VIA FACEBOOK

On April 24, 2019, at approximately 11:00 am, the Communications Center received a call from a concerned Facebook user reporting a male on Facebook live was attempting to cut himself and stating that he wanted to end his life. The caller was able to provide the male’s name and Desk Officers Mario Mariscal and Marlene Martinez located his profile page on Facebook. They determined that he might reside in Pacoima or San Fernando so Desk Officer Mariscal used department and state resources to locate a possible address in Pacoima. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was notified of the situation and Desk Officer Mariscal requested a ping on the male's cell phone that indicated that he was at his residence in Pacoima. LAPD was updated, sent officers to the residence, and made contact with the male before he was able to seriously harm himself. Desk Officer Mariscal’s vigilance and creativity, in addition to Desk Officer Martinez’ knowledge of Facebook, were tantamount in saving the life of a person in desperate need of help. Another job well done by the awesome SFPD Desk Officers!

MAY TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT (TEU) COMBATS IMPAIRED DRIVING

On May 5, 2019, the TEU conducted City-wide enforcement to combat impaired drivers, from 6 pm to 2 am, and consisted of Sergeant Peter Aguirre, and Officers Brittney Najera, Adrian Flores and Kevin Wilmont. In total the team made four Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests and one arrest for public intoxication. In addition, the TEU issued three citations: two for unlicensed driver and one for driving on a suspended license. The TEU continues to work hard to make the streets of San Fernando safe.

SFPD RESPONDS TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND SAVES MAN'S LIFE

On April 14, 2019, at 7:44 pm, Officers Frazier Godinez and Daniel Delgado responded to the 600 block of S. Workman Street regarding a male who was unconscious and not breathing. Upon their arrival, Officers located the downed male who had no pulse and they immediately started life saving measures including CPR and the application of the Defibrillator. As the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived to take over, Officers were able to detect a heartbeat and the male subject was transported to the hospital. The attending physician who received the male patient advised the Officers that their application of the Defibrillator, in addition to CPR, saved the male subject’s life. Officers Godinez and Delgado are to be commended for their swift response in addition to maintaining their calm while deploying life saving measures. Outstanding job Officers Godinez and Delgado!

ARBOR DAY 2019 AND TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

On May 21, 2019, the City hosted its annual Arbor Day event at Recreation Park. Three trees were planted adjacent to the exercise equipment and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians were on hand to bless the trees during the event. Approximately 30 community members attended the event which was a success thanks to the collaboration among the Administration, Public Works and Recreation & Community Services Departments.

LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB MOTHER'S DAY DANCE

The Senior Club held the annual Mother's Day Dance on May 18, 2019. Thanks to Vice Mayor Ballin’s generous donation, the crowd enjoyed both live Mariachi music and a band. The dance sold out and all enjoyed the festivities.

OLDER AMERICAN'S MONTH RECOGNITION LUNCHEON

This year, Elderly Nutrition Program volunteer, Maria Zarate, was recognized for her 21 years of service. At 93 years young, she is dedicated, dependable and very much appreciated. The event was held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion Music Center Grand Hall on May 23, 2019.  Honorees were recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. It was a lovely lunch with live music and singing performances.

GENTLE FITNESS: BALANCE, STRENGTH, AND HEALTHY MIND

This class will focus on improving an individual’s confidence in performing activities of daily living. Spring session participants saw an improvement in their overall confidence levels; the highest was at 48% followed by a 19% improvement. Participants were assessed at the beginning and end of the session to determine improvement levels.

Summer Session begins June 7, 2019 and will run through July 26, 2019. Class is held on Friday at Recreation Park following the 3Wins Fitness Program.

CULTURAL ARTS DIVISION

Cultural Arts Supervisor, Virginia Diediker, has been selected to attend the Lewis Prize for Music Institute Gathering that will be held at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Institute will run from June 20, 2019 through June 22, 2019, and will consist of 50 colleagues chosen to collaborate and determine how music focused Creative Youth Development (CYD) can grow in scale. The aim is to advance equitable opportunities for youth to participate in CYD music programs and examine how greater access to music can be achieved through systems change, as well as increased diversity in Teacher Artist training, inclusion of Culture Bearers, and pathways to Pre-College music learning.

MARIACHI MASTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MMAP)

MMAP will be participating in the following special presentations during June 2019:

June 13, 2019 | 7 pm

City of Santa Clarita

Newhall Community Center

June 23, 2019 | 2 pm

PhD Graduation Recognition for

MMAP Dra. Liliana E. Castrellón

American Legion, San Fernando Post 176

June 26, 2019 | 6 pm

La Plaza de Cultura 7 Artes

Tribute to Music Icon

Linda Ronstadt

Celebration

LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE JOB FAIR

The Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department participated in the Second Annual Los Angeles Mission College Job Fair held at the Sylmar campus. The Job Fair provided RCS staff an opportunity to share program information, as well as employment opportunities. Over 30 employment applications for the Recreation Leader I position were distributed that day.

YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYER ASSESSMENTS

On May 21, 2019 and May 22, 2019, the Sports Division conducted player assessments for the Youth Basketball Summer 2019 League. Participants were evaluated by age group and assessed on a scale of one to five to determine their skill level in regards to dribbling, shooting, executing a lay-up and how they perform in a four-on-four scrimmage. These rankings, along with their height, will be used during the league draft later this month to ensure even distribution of skill and height among all the teams for each division.

SUMMER SPORTS HEROES

Summer Sports Heroes is a new six-week sports program that will feature a clinic-style introduction to Soccer, Fitness and Pickle Ball. Each sport and activity will run for two weeks, meeting three times a week, and each will take place at a different park. Participants will receive a program shirt and certificate of completion at the end of the six weeks. Call 818.898.1290 for more information.

REGISTER NOW: ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS

SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATIONS

The following special event applications were received and will take place in June 2019:

EVENT

Saint Ferdinand Church

Annual Fiesta

Northeast Valley Health Corporation

Private Event

DATE/ TIME

June 7, 2019; 6 pm to 12 am

June 8, 2019; 4 pm to 12 am

June 9, 2019; 10 am to 10 pm

June 28, 2019; 6 pm to 8 pm

LOCATION

St Ferdinand Church

1044 Pico St

Northeast Valley Health Corporation

1600 San Fernando Rd

NEW HORIZONS PARTNERSHIP

On May 20, 2019, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with New Horizons Serving People with Special Needs, to provide inclusive programming for the San Fernando community. The goal and vision of this partnership is to provide an experience in which individuals with special needs will be integrated into the public and participate in activities alongside people with or without disabilities.

The proposed programs and classes that will be led by New Horizon instructors are listed below. The Activities will be free, but interested individuals must register with the Recreation and Community Services Department in order to participate. The classes are expected to start in Mid-June 2019. For more information, contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SAHUMADOR AND MESOAMERICAN BALLGAME DAY

The City will present official proclamations acknowledging June 20, 2019 at Sahumador and Mesoamerican Ballgame Day, marking the first Fire Keepers' Ceremony and sahumador initiation in the United States by Lolita Vargas Martinez and the launch of the San Fernando Valley Mesoamerican Ballgame Delegation in California.

June 20, 2019 | 7 pm

Rudy Ortega Sr. Park

2025 Fourth Street, San Fernando, CA 91340