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 all 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
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM
The City of San Fernando Small Business Grant (SBG) is offered to local businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Los Angeles County Development Authority, the City is providing grants of $10,000 to businesses that provide goods or services to local residents in the San Fernando community.
|
|
Eligible business include small businesses located in the City of San Fernando with less than 500 employees that have been impacted by COVID-19; restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, cafés, gastropubs, salons, barbers and other grooming businesses, gyms, day spas, and fitness studios; retail and commercial stores such as local markets, consumer goods, electronics, appliances, health and sporting goods, furniture, clothing and shoes, books, and music stores.
Businesses must have an active San Fernando business license, as applicable; no unresolved City, municipal, or health code violations; and in continuous operation in the City of San Fernando for at least two years.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit an intake form during the five-day open application period (February 28, 2022 through March 4, 2022). After the intake period closes, a lottery will be conducted and selected businesses will be requested to complete an application.
|
|
COMMUNITY SURVEY
The City Council is seeking input from the community to assist with San Fernando’s economic recovery in 2022. Your feedback will help determine which programs the City offers to residents over the next year.
Please complete this survey, which should take less than 10 minutes. Your responses will be kept confidential.
|
|
TRANSACTION TAX TOWN HALL MEETING
The City Council established Transaction Tax (Measure A/SF) Town Hall meetings as an additional avenue for the community to receive important Transaction Tax related information and provide a forum to ask questions to staff and provide feedback to City Councilmembers.
At the Town Hall Meeting, you will:
- Receive a presentation of the FY 2020-2021 Transaction Tax (Measure A/SF) Annual report of revenues and uses,
- Be advised of planned FY 2021-2022 Transaction Tax (Measure A/SF) revenues and uses, and
- Have an opportunity to provide feedback to City Council regarding future uses for Transaction Tax (Measure A/SF) funds.
THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
- In Person (Council Chambers – 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando): Attend in person and provide your feedback.
-
Facebook Live (@TheCityOfSanFernando): Watch live and leave your feedback in the comments.
-
Email (CityClerk@sfcity.org): Email your feedback by 4 pm on the day of the meeting.
|
|
FABIAN VALDEZ SELECTED TO SERVE AS SAN FERNANDO'S NEXT POLICE CHIEF
Following an exhaustive search, San Fernando City Manager Nick Kimball has selected Fabian Valdez to succeed Chief Anthony Vairo, who retired in December 2021. Fabian Valdez is currently a Police Captain for the City of San Gabriel Police Department.
|
|
Captain Valdez has been in law enforcement for more than 23 years and has spent his entire career with the San Gabriel Police Department. Captain Valdez has served at every rank within the San Gabriel Police Department, including Police Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Throughout the recruitment process, Captain Valdez demonstrated himself to be an experienced, enlightened, community centric police leader who combines a global perspective with a collaborative approach to community policing strategies.
In addition to possessing Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration Degrees from the University of La Verne, Captain Valdez is bi-lingual, an instructor at the Rio Hondo Police Academy, and adjunct professor at National University.
Captain Valdez is excited to begin the assignment to lead the San Fernando Police Department. “I am looking forward to strengthening the well-established relationship between the San Fernando Police Department and our community stakeholders through progressive policing strategies and community input.”
According to City Manager Nick Kimball, “Captain Valdez demonstrated a high level of excitement and breadth of fresh ideas for community policing that I believe will be of great value to the Department. He also expressed his eagerness for connecting directly with our Spanish speaking residents and business owners.”
Captain Valdez’s first day as San Fernando Police Chief is tentatively slated for Tuesday, February 22, 2022. The City engaged executive search firm, Ralph Andersen & Associates, to assist with the recruitment of the Police Chief and held a virtual Town Hall on September 21, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on the desired qualities and characteristics of San Fernando’s next Police Chief.
|
|
ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 5 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED
|
|
VACCINATION AND TESTING CLINICS IN SAN FERNANDO
-
San Fernando Park (208 Park Ave., San Fernando):
|
|
-
Las Palmas Park (505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando):
|
|
-
First United Methodist Church Clubhouse (1525 Glenoaks Blvd., San Fernando): On February 22, 2022, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, there will be a mobile vaccination offering the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson vaccine, including booster doses. No appointment is necessary, but recommended. Residents may call (818) 365-1513 to schedule an appointment.
-
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.
|
|
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER & MASKING GUIDANCE
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Masking Guidance.
|
|
STATEWIDE PARK PROGRAM (ROUND 4) GRANT AWARD
The Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department is pleased to announce that Las Palmas Park Revitalization Project was selected to receive a grant award in the amount of $4,234,980. This award is part of the “Outdoors for All” initiative to provide access to parks and open space, regardless of zip code or income.
The City will use the grant funds to improve Las Palmas Park for the use and enjoyment of San Fernando residents and the surrounding community. Planned improvements include construction of a new multipurpose athletic field with lighting, splash pad, tennis/pickle ball court with lighting, and new landscaping throughout the park. Additional plans include renovating the recreation center/learning center, including two patio restrooms, playground with shade structure, outdoor exercise equipment, and the restroom and concession stand located inbetween the baseball fields. Lastly, the project will focus on renovation of the basketball court, three baseball fields, walking path, and three picnic shelters featuring dedicated lighting.
The City looks forward to the exciting improvements that are coming to Las Palmas Park. Providing more opportunities to access parks and open space in our own neighborhoods will undoubtedly improve the community’s overall wellbeing.
|
|
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
The Regional Food Bank distribution was held on February 7, 2022, 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.
The next Food bank distribution will be held on March 7, 2022. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340.
|
|
FITNESS & COMMUNITY CLASSES
Fitness and Community Classes have resumed. All participants, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask to enter the facility and while participating in any class or activity. Anyone that has been in contact with or is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 are asked to stay home until cleared.
|
|
UPCOMING SPORTS CLINICS
Registration for the Mission City Baseball Spring League are ongoing. Tennis classes, Soccer and Basketball clinics will resumed in mid-January 2022 and Karate resumed in February 2022 and feature a new instructor and style called Shotokan Karate. All programs will continue to adhere to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Protocols for Organized Youth Sports until further notice.
|
|
EARLY SPRING ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL
Due to the Water Infiltration Project set to kick-off at Recreation Park in April 2022, the Department will offer a short-early spring league of Adult Coed Softball at a reduced price. The nine-week program will run from February 1, 2022 through March 29, 2022, with no make-up dates.
For more information and a registration link, visit:
|
|
|
3 WINS FITNESS
The nationally recognized program, formally known as 100 Citizens, has returned to Recreation Park and will resume on February 14, 2022. In an effort to maintain the safety of participants, CSUN interns and 3 Wins instructors will continue to conduct classes outdoors and will incorporate non-equipment exercise routines.
Program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:15 am to 9:15am, on the outdoor basketball courts at Recreation Park.
Interested individuals can register online at 3winsfitness.com. Additional RCS waiver is required.
|
|
TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC)
Teens for a Better Community (TBC) Youth Leadership Program offers youth the opportunity to work side by side with Recreation staff to obtain valuable work experience and earn service hours. It is a great opportunity for current high school students to develop leadership skills and be a role model for our community.
If you would like to join the TBC Youth Leadership Program, please complete the online application that can be found on the City website. All hours spent with the program will be recorded as community service hours and a certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the program.
|
|
TUTČINT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The Tutčint Youth Empowerment program returned from a winter break and resumed Academic Support/Tutoring on January 12, 2022. The six-week program will focus on the theme of Spirit and Community which ties into the first Cultural Program of the new year: “Finding Your Medicine”.
The group also enjoyed an outing to Los Angeles Historic State Park, as part of the Route to Parks grant, on January 29, 2022. It was a great opportunity to enjoy and learn more about nature. The Tutčint Youth Empowerment program is open to youth ages 12-17 years in the northern San Fernando Valley, and all services are FREE. Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Tutcint-Youth-Empowerment.
|
|
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
A variety of programs and activities are offered at Las Palmas Park for older adults. Programs include educational, social, creative, musical, and physical activities in group settings that encourage personal interactions, regular attendance, and community involvement. Activity programs are a potential means to reduce social isolation among older adults. There is strong evidence that participating in these types of programs improve mental and physical health, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve overall well being and quality of life. Please note: all indoor classes will require temperature checks at the door and masks to be worn at all times while in the facility.
Visit the City's website for a list of upcoming activities:
|
|
JOINT OPERATION WITH ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC)
On January 12, 2022, San Fernando Police conducted a joint operation with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Agents at local retail stores. The operation, known as a “Shoulder Tap,” included underage minor decoys who asked local adult customers at retail stores to purchase alcoholic beverages for them. As a result, two purchases were made by adult customers. These individuals were cited for purchasing and furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor, a violation of the 25658(a) of the Business and Professions Code.
This operation was made possible due to a grant provided by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Alcohol Policing Partnership Program. These minor decoy and shoulder tap operations will continue through the next several months and assure increased enforcement of alcoholic beverage control laws for the protection of the community’s youth.
|
|
SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
The San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project at Recreation Park will start construction in May 2022 and continue through September 2023. During this time, you will see fencing around the baseball field where excavation will be occurring to install the infiltration system. This system will capture up to 130 million gallons of stormwater each year that would normally just end up in the Pacoima Wash. This water will replenish groundwater reserves and help the region become more water resilient during the drought. The project will also repave sections of Park Avenue and Jessie Street up to Glenoaks Boulevard. Overall, this project is the first of a series of projects that looks to divert stormwater runoff, reduce drainage issues, and rebuild groundwater supplies during the drought.
Visit the City website for more information and updates:
|
|
SAFE AND ACTIVE STREETS
The City is moving closer to wrapping up its Safe and Active Streets Implementation Plan. Thank you to the strong participation from the Community throughout the project. Over the last year, San Fernando residents and business owners have participated in six walking audits, two biking audits, two community pop-up events in the downtown mall, and an online workshop. Through this process, staff has received hundreds of comments providing input and feedback on conceptual designs that build a walking and biking network through the City to connect the community to better ways for getting to schools, parks, shopping, and public transportation. Toole Design, the City's consultant, will finalize the conceptual plans based on all of the community feedback and bring them forward to the City Council for adoption on February 22, 2022.
|
|
SLURRY AND PAVING PROJECTS
The City is working with its pavement engineer to develop plans and hire a contractor to start paving streets in June 2022. Look for a schedule in the coming months of streets to be addressed throughout 2022 and 2023. The City's Pico Street Resurfacing Project will begin in April 2022 and will continue through June 2022. Street, curb, gutter, and sidewalk will be repaired along a 0.4-mile stretch between Brand Boulevard and Kalisher Street.
|
|
HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR SERVICES
Submit a Request for Services to report Public Works-related items such as raised sidewalks, excessive water run-off, dumped items, potholes, or to request services such as City-owned tree trimming/removal.
|
|
CALL
(818) 898-1293
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
|
|
VISIT
Public Works Operations Center
120 Macneil Street
San Fernando, CA 91340
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
|
|
|
HOUSING ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
The City is wrapping up its 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element update over the next couple of months. The Draft Housing Element is being revised to address comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and will be presented for adoption by City Council and for certification by HCD this spring.
Public comments may be emailed to Gerardo Marquez at GMarquez@sfcity.org or mail to: City of San Fernando, Community Development Department, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
|
|
CITY'S NEW ONLINE ZONING PORTAL
Try the City’s Online Zoning Portal to find the zoning for your property. Simply put in a street address to interactively view and investigate zoning, permitted uses, and other land use regulations for a specific site. Access the Online Zoning Portal on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/Community-Development/#Planning.
|
|
SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9)
On January 18, 2022, the City Council adopted an Interim Urgency Ordinance for implementing Senate Bill 9 (SB 9). SB 9 allows a single-family lot to be subdivided into two lots and development of two-residential units per lot. The Interim Urgency Ordinance includes a set of restrictive regulations to minimize the initial impact of SB 9 and to help preserve the character of single-family residential neighborhoods, while allowing the City to establish permanent regulations.
A proposed permanent ordinance for implementation of SB 9 will be presented to the Planning and Preservation Commission for review in February 2022. Public participation is encouraged on drafting the proposed permanent ordinance. Please email your comments or suggestions to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.
|
|
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: JANUARY 2022
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and Fiscal Year 2021-2022 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:
-
Director of Finance (full time): Oral panel interview of qualified candidates were completed on January 31, 2022, and a selection will be made shortly.
-
Management Intern Positions (part time): Interviews for openings in the Administration/City Clerk/Personnel and Finance departments have been completed and the selected candidates are undergoing the pre-employment physical exams.
-
Police Officer (full time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
-
Community Preservation Officer (part time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
-
Crossing Guard (part time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
-
Public Works Maintenance Helper (part time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
-
Recreation Leader I & II (part time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
-
Water Worker I/II (full time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
Visit the City website (SFCITY.ORG/Hiring-Now) 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:
- Robert Davidson, Public Works Supervisor (promoted January 3, 2022;
- Juan M. Velasco, Public Works Maintenance Worker (promoted January 3, 2022); Jesus A. Gonzalez, Public Works Maintenance Worker (promoted January 4, 2022);
- Jeremy Talbot, Police Officer (joined the City January 18, 2022); and
- Jesus Sahagun, Cross Connection Specialist (promoted January 24, 2022).
The City Team wishes to express our appreciation and excitement about these new team members, as well as returning 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!
|
|
BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL
Business license renewals have been mailed to registered businesses in the City. The due date for submittal is end of business day on February 28, 2022. The easiest and fastest way to renew your current license is using the online filing method at https://sanfernando.hdlgov.com/Renew/Renew1/BusinessLicense.
If you need assistance filing your renewal, please contact the City’s Business Support Center at SanFernando@hdlgov.com or by phone at (818) 898-1211.
|
|
SWAP MEET LICENSE RENEWAL
The renewal period is now open for Swap Meet vendors to obtain their 2022 Swap Meet license. A copy of your Occupancy Permit and State Seller Permit is required to obtain a license.
Please contact the Finance Department with questions or: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
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:
- By Mail: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
- 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.
-
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: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
The City has a low-income bill assistance program for qualified residents. For additional details on eligibility and an application for this program, please contact the Finance Department at Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
FINANCIAL REPORTS
As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and annual local transaction tax report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website SFCITY.ORG/Financial-Documents.
|
|
IN PERSON MEETINGS ARE BACK!
Conducting City Council and Commission meetings in-person in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street, San Fernando) have resumed. Meeting attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in the Council Chambers. Members of the public may still access meetings live on-line, with audio and video, via the City's YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
|
|
|
EDUCATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on February 23, 2022, at 6 pm.
The EDU Commission has resumed meeting 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 February 8, 2022, at 6:30 pm.
|
|
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the P&P Commission will be held on February 14, 2022, at 6:30 pm.
|
|
TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER
The regular Transportation and Safety (T&S) Commission was held on February 2, 2022.
The next regular meeting of the T&S Commission will be held on March 2, 2022, at 6 p.m. The T&S Commission has resumed meeting 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-Safety.
|
|
SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL
Effective January 3, 2022, San Fernando City Hall reopened to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Fridays, from 8 am to 5 pm.
SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Records Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm;
- Detective Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and
- Livescan Services continue have resumed: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
- Court Commitment Services has resumed: Call the Police Department to schedule.
RECREATION FACILITIES
Limited outdoor recreation programming and services have resumed at most of the City parks with the condition that the County of Los Angeles Protocols for Organized Activities are implemented. Las Palmas Park and Recreation Park are currently offering limited indoor recreational programs and services.
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
Water & Sewer Utilities
Police (non-emergency)
Tree & Street Services
Right-of-Way Permits, Projects & Inspections
Adult, Youth & Senior Programs
General Information
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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|