SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS

SAVE THE DATE! HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

The Holiday Tree Lighting is coming to town! Mark your calendars for this year's family friendly event.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

5 pm to 9 pm

Downtown San Fernando

(San Fernando Rd., between Brand Blvd. & SF Mission Blvd.)

For more information, please visit:

SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Holiday-Tree-Lighting

NEW BUSINESS & COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER AT CITY HALL

Please join us in celebrating the opening of a new Business &Community Resource Center (Resource Center). 

The Resource Center has been established as a hub to provide diverse services, essential resources, and collaborative opportunities, serving both businesses and the wider community. For more information about available resources, please contact Kanika Kith at kkith@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-76316.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

10 am to 12 pm

City Hall

117 Macneil Street, San Fernando

For more information about available resources, please contact Kanika Kith at KKith@sfcity.org or 818) 898-7316.

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.

NOTICE: San Fernando Recreation Park will be closed from May 2022 through November 2023, due to construction. Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project

VETERAN BANNER PARTICIPANT RECOGNITION

On November 4, 2023, the City, along with the VFW, honored this year’s Veteran Banner Recognition participants with a social event held at the VFW’s gathering hall. Veterans and their guests were treated to a meal, entertainment and special visit by State Senator Menjivar, Mayor Rodriguez, and Vice Mayor Mendoza.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MILE AND DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL

On October 28, 2023, the City hosted the Second Annual San Fernando Valley Mile and Dia de los Muertos Festival along Maclay Ave. and the courthouse parking lot. Over 400 race participants showed up bright and early for their chance to race down Maclay Ave. and hundreds more stopped by the festival. Attendees enjoyed walking the rows of altars and vendors, got creative with a variety of crafts, checked out the car show altar display by Records and Rides, and sat back and enjoyed the entertainment procured by KROJ Radio Ollin.

LAYNE PARK GRAND RE-OPENING

The Layne Park Grand Re-Opening was held on Saturday, October 21, 2023. City staff, Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, Parks, Wellness, and Recreation Commissioner Robert Gonzales, and Education Commissioner David Govea were in attendance. Families and children received free soccer balls, basketballs and jerseys and light snacks and refreshments. Families enjoyed the upgraded playground, soccer field and other newly installed amenities.

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. 
• Senior Zumba Class: The Senior Zumba class held on Tuesday’s at Las Palmas Park celebrated Halloween with creative costumes, delicious potluck goodies, and a great Zumba workout to kick off the morning. This is a free class held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am at Las Palmas Park. For more details call (818) 898-7340.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The Regional Food Bank monthly distribution was held on Monday, November 6, 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, December 4, 2023. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340.   

HAPPENING AT THE LOPEZ ADOBE

On October 21, 2023, the Recreation and Community Services Department kicked off Spooky Season Recreation Week at the Lopez Adobe with tours and Halloween goodies. Staff was out in full force promoting the SFV Mile and Dia de los Muertos event.

POLICE BLOTTER

FOCUSED PATROLS

• On Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 am, Officers responded to a report of a female adult brandishing a knife in the 1600 block of Celis St. The woman was arrested for brandishing a weapon and an outstanding warrant and was later transported to Olive View Medical Center for a psychiatric evaluation. 

• On Friday, October 6, 2023, at 4:10 pm, Officers responded to a report of a male subject urinating in public and exposing himself to a child in the 100 block of Hubbard St. The subject was subsequently arrested for indecent exposure and outstanding warrants.

• On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at about 1:50 am, an Officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Hewitt St. and S. Maclay Ave. The driver was issued a citation for driving without a license. The passenger in the vehicle was found to have an outstanding warrant for a robbery issued by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The passenger was subsequently released to LAPD Mission Division.

• On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at approximately 9:11 pm, an Officer was flagged down by a pedestrian near the area of Paxton St. and Laurel Canyon Blvd. who was reporting a man brandishing a machete in the area. The Officer was checking the area when his police vehicle was suddenly – and purposely – struck by a vehicle driven by the suspect. A vehicle pursuit of the suspect ensued onto the 5 Freeway and, during the pursuit, the suspect stopped the vehicle in the middle of the freeway. The suspect exited the vehicle and Officers attempted to take the suspect into custody. The K9 Unit was deployed to subdue the suspect. The subject re-entered the vehicle before the K9 could reach him and then the suspect proceeded to ram two more San Fernando Police vehicles. The K9, for unknown reasons, was returning the K9 handler when he bit a nearby Officer in the arm and upper leg. The pursuit continued on the 5 Freeway and stopped again near the 170/5 Freeway split. The suspect rammed his vehicle into an unrelated motorist, exited his vehicle, and was eventually subdued by the San Fernando Police K9, San Fernando Police Officers, and California Highway Patrol Officers. This incident was broadcasted live on TV. In total, one San Fernando Police Officer was injured and three San Fernando Police Vehicles were damage during this incident. LAPD was notified of the incident at its onset and took a separate crime report for at least two vehicles that were rammed by the suspect at the beginning of this incident.

• On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at approximately 2:59 am, an Officer made contact with a bicyclist at N. Maclay Ave. and the MIssion City Trail. The male suspect was subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

• On Friday, October 13, 2023, at 9:30 am, Officers responded to a report of a possible burglary suspect in the area of Arroyo Ave. and De Garmo St. The reporting party had recognized the suspect from surveillance camera footage and notified the Police Department. Upon their arrival, Officers detained the suspect who was on felony probation for burglary. The suspect was later arrested for burglary, possession of ammunition, and violating his parole.

• On Friday, October 13, 2023, at 3:15 pm, Officers responded to a call of a known theft suspect in the 400 block of San Fernando Mission Blvd. (Warehouse Shoe Sale). Officers contacted the suspect and conducted a warrant inquiry, which revealed a felony warrant for grand theft from LAPD. The suspect was subsequently arrested for the felony warrant. 

• On Saturday, October 14, 2023, at about 1:11 am, an Officer conducted a traffic stop at Fourth St. and N. Maclay Ave. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

• On Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 7:10 am, Officers responded to a report of a felony hit and run collision in the area of N. Maclay Ave. and Glenoaks Blvd. The suspect was located in the 400 block of Newton St. and was positively identified by a witness. The suspect admitted to driving the vehicle and was subsequently arrested for a felony hit and run with injury and driving without a license. The victim was transported to Providence Holy Cross Hospital for her injuries.

• On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at approximately 12:30 am, Officers responded to a report of a male and female arguing in the 600 block of Griswold St. The male subject had pushed the female during the altercation. He was later arrested for domestic violence.

• On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at approximately 9:15 pm, an Officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving erratically. The Officer followed the vehicle, which collided with another vehicle in the area of Brand Blvd. and Truman St. The Officer contacted the driver who was in possession of a firearm, mushrooms, Oxycodone pills and cocaine. The driver was subsequently arrested for multiple charges, including gun and narcotics felonies.

• On Friday, October 20, 2023, at approximately 12:54 am, an Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop at Foothill Blvd. and Maclay St. The driver was later arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at about 2:20 am, Officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the 600 block of Workman St. A female adult subject was contacted and subsequently arrested for bodily injury to a spouse or cohabitant.

• On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 11 am, Officers provided crowd control during a protest in the 200 block of Maclay Ave. The crowd was estimated to be around 75 people at its peak and Officers detained two protestors during the incident for battery. The protestors were subsequently released after further investigation. No injuries to Officers or protestors were reported. 

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.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Police Department hosted its Annual National Night Out. The event was well-attended by approximately 600 community members, who had the opportunity to interact with each other, listen to live music, and meet local dignitaries.

COMMUNITY ACADEMY

On October 17, 2023 and October 24, 2023, the Police Department held its weekly Community Academy sessions in the Council Chambers. 

• On October 17, 2023, Detectives discussed their roles and responsibilities, and provided examples of their caseload assignments.

• On October 24, 2023, Community Development/Code Enforcement provided attendees with a presentation on their roles and responsibilities. The City's Housing Coordinator also provided a presentation on the City's plan to address people experiencing homelessness. 

PARENT ACADEMY

• On October 12, 17, and 24, 2023, the Police Department held its weekly Parent Academy sessions at Santa Rosa De Lima School. Topics of discussion included Social Media Safety, Helping Children Cope with Divorce or Separation, and Teen Dating, Violence, and Drug and Gang prevention.

• On October 10, 17, and 24, 2023, the Police Department held its weekly Parent Academy session at San Fernando Middle School. Topics of discussion included Establishing Healthy Boundaries for Children and Teen, Discipline as a Form of Learning, and Social Media Safety.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & BUSINESS WATCH

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 - 6 pm

Council Chambers

117 Macneil Street

San Fernando

NOVEMBER 22, 2023 - 12 pm

Council Chambers

117 Macneil Street

San Fernando

TOWN HALL DISCUSSION ON HOMELESSNESS

Missed the Town Hall Discussion on Homelessness? No problem! You can catch up by viewing the recording and accessing the slide deck on the City's website: SFCITY.ORG/Housing-Community-Resources/#Homeless.

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

OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

To request outreach, please send an email to City staff at homeless@sfcity.org or call the Outreach Line at (818) 898-1210. 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.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR'S HOMEWONER RESOURCE FAIR

The City participated in the Los Angeles County Assessor's Homeowners’ Resource Fair that was held on October 14, 2023, at San Fernando Recreation Park. The Director of Community Development presented on applying and permitting ADUs in the City and the Planning and Housing Divisions answered questions and shared materials at a City table. This informative event also delved into the topics like Parent-Child Transfers (Prop. 19), Property Tax Savings Programs, Death of a Property Owner, ADUs, and more.

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

The City of San Fernando is currently developing the Downtown Master Plan. Identified as one of the priorities in the City’s 2022-2027 Strategic Goals, the Downtown Master Plan will help guide the future development and revitalization of the City’s historic downtown area, which encompasses approximately 60 city blocks or 185 acres around San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue. 

While the City’s ultimate goal is to facilitate the long-term success of Downtown San Fernando as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient destination for both locals and visitors, the objectives of this planning effort will be to:

• Study Downtown San Fernando;
• Engage the San Fernando community;
• Develop a community-driven vision for Downtown San Fernando; and
• Recommend strategies for how to implement the community’s vision.  

For more information and to sign up for project updates, visit the project’s website at SFDowntownMasterPlan.com.

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

PACOIMA WASH BIKEWAY AND PEDESTRIAN PATH PHASE I

The Pacoima Wash Bikeway and Pedestrian Path is currently under construction. To date, three retaining walls by Fifth Street have been formed, poured and backfilled. In addition, the bridge footings and abutments by Eighth Street have also been formed and poured. The contractor, Toro Enterprises Inc., is currently working on the bioswales. The bikeway will add much needed open space by creating linear greenways that will beautify and enhance an underutilized area of the City and reduce environmental and health risks to the community. Overall, the project will construct a 12-foot wide, 1.34-mile Class I asphalt concrete bikeway along the Pacoima Wash through the City from Fourth Street (Bradley Avenue) to Cindy Montañez Natural Park located on Eighth Street. The construction of a prefabricated pedestrian bridge at Eighth Street will connect the bikeway from the east bank of the Pacoima Wash to Cindy Montañez Natural Park on the west bank. Lastly, the project will install bioretention swales along the bikeway that will improve water quality through stormwater capture, treatment, and infiltration. Construction is tentatively scheduled to be completed September 2024.

UPPER RESERVOIR PROJECT

Pacific Hydrotech Corporation, the city’s contractor, continues forming and pouring the walls of the new reservoir. The installation of the walls will be completed in November 2023. The walls include a formliner which resemble mountains along the perimeter of the new tank. Additionally, the contractor has begun forming and pouring the columns inside the tank.

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
• Director of Recreation and Community Services
• Personnel Manger
• Police Desk Officer
• Police Officer
• Senior Tree Care Specialist
• Senior Sewer Worker
• Water Operations Manager

PART-TIME

• Community Service Officer
• 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:

• Olga Delgado, Recreation Leader I - joined the City October 9, 2023;
• Alexis Rodriguez, Recreation Leader I - joined the City October 9,2023; and
• Elias Mendoza, Public Works Maintenance Helper - joined the City October 23, 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!

SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

At their November 6, 2023 meeting, the City Council approved a Special Municipal Election on March 5, 2024 to fill a Councilmember unscheduled vacancy seat for the remaining balance of a four-year term, which will expire at the next City Regular Municipal Election in November 2024.

For additional information, contact the City Clerk's Office at (818) 898-1204 or CityClerk@sfcity.org.

CITY COUNCIL

The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 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, November 28, 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, December 14, 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, November 13, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION

Effective November 2023, the regular Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meetings will be held on the first Thursday of the month at 6 pm. The next regular T&PS Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 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.