APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO CITY COUNCIL VACANCY

On August 19, 2019, Councilmember Antonio Lopez submitted his resignation from City Council, effective September 30, 2019. As a General Law City, the California Government Code sets basic parameters and deadlines for filling a City Council vacancy and the City Council Procedural Manual provides additional guidance for filling a City Council vacancy.

Government Code section 36512 governs the process for filling the vacancy in an elective office. Within 60 days from the date of the vacancy, the City Council must either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy. The effective date of the anticipated vacancy is September 30, 2019, therefore, City Council must appoint someone to fill the vacancy or call a special election by November 29, 2019.

At their September 16, 2019 regular meeting, the City Council elected to fill the vacancy by appointment.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter in the City of San Fernando, and a resident in the City of San Fernando.

Application Filing Requirements: Completed applications will be accepted by the City Clerk’s Office until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications should be completed thoroughly; including a Candidate Statement is highly recommended. Applications must be signed and include current registered voter information, which will be verified. Applications may be sent to the City Clerk at [email protected] or delivered to City Hall, Attn: City Clerk, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340. Applications that are submitted via email may be signed at the City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Interview Process: Eligible applications will be posted to the City’s website by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019 ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG). Applicant names and applications will be kept by the City Clerk’s Office and will not be released to the public prior to being posted on the City’s website. Each eligible candidate will get three minutes to make a presentation of their qualifications at the City Council meeting, which will be held in the City Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019. Applicants will then be asked to surrender their electronic devices and be sequestered in a meeting room in City Hall. Applicants will be called upon individually to respond to questions from City Council. Once City Council has completed questions to the applicant, their electronic device(s) will be returned and they may take a seat in the Council Chambers. Once all applicants have been interviewed, the Mayor may entertain a motion to vote to appoint a candidate, defer the vote to a future meeting, or extend the application period.

Term of Office:  The term of office will be from the day of appointment and will expire upon certification of the November 3, 2020 election results.

Application: Click Here to download an application and to learn more about the process and position.

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? Applications are currently being accepted for full-time Deputy City Clerk/Management Analyst, Police Officer, as well as for part-time Police Records Specialist, Public Works Maintenance Helper, Junior Cadet, and Recreation Leader I and II. Filing deadlines vary for each position. 

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

CITY HOSTS VISION FOR DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MEETING

On September 24, 2019, more than 40 community members gathered at San Fernando Library to share their ideas and vision for Downtown San Fernando. The City and Ken Hira, from Kosmont Companies, who is the City’s economic development advisor, gave a short presentation and then facilitated as the community shared what uses would be needed and desired in San Fernando’s downtown. Community input was provided via a question and answer segment, via comment card, via Facebook Live comments, and via online survey. 

Earlier this summer, the City Council designated Parking Lot No. 3, located on San Fernando Mission Blvd., between Celis St. and Pico St., as a current opportunity site. This 62,000 sq. ft. site has strong development potential for a blend of uses, furthering the robust retail market in San Fernando. The community’s input will be compiled, analyzed, and incorporated into the marketing strategy and request for proposals for the current opportunity site and overall vision for development in San Fernando.

It’s not too late to provide comments! You can read the presentation and, most importantly, submit your comments online at the City’s website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG). You can also view the recording of the community meeting via Facebook Live ( @TheCityOfSanFernando).

Next steps include the City preparing a request for proposals, reviewing proposal responses and conducting future community input meetings to vet proposals. Stay tuned for more.

RECOGNIZING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK

The State of California has proclaimed the 2 ^nd week of October as Code Enforcement Appreciation Week. The San Fernando community has the benefit of four community preservation officers that help provide for safety, health, and welfare through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances dealing with various issues of building, zoning, housing, animal control, environmental, health, and life safety. 

While San Fernando's code enforcement professionals often do not receive recognition for the job they do, they are dedicated public servants that help lead the way to improved quality of life in San Fernando.

OCTOBER IS COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH

The American Planning Association endorses National Community Planning Month as an opportunity to highlight the contributions that sound planning and plan implementation make to the quality of our environment. The celebration of National Community Planning Month gives the opportunity to publicly recognize the participation and dedication of the members of planning commissions, professional community planners, and other citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of San Fernando. 

This year’s theme is Planning for Infrastructure That Benefits All. To commemorate Community Planning Month, fun and interactive engagement that dives into local topics in city planning will be hosted by planning staff at the planning counter at City Hall throughout the month.

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS, JULY 2018 TO JULY 2019

Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 to date and Fiscal Year 2019-2020 to date.

MEASURE A

On September 16, 2019, staff presented the annual Measure A report that provides a summary on how Measure A revenues were spent in the prior fiscal year. Copies of the current and past reports are available on the City's website ( http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/finance/financial-documents/).

A "Frequently Asked Questions" pamphlet is also available on the City's website that provides additional detail on the background and use of Measure A revenue. 

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).

SPECIAL OLYMPICS COP ON A ROOFTOP EVENT

On September 12, 2019, the San Fernando Police Department (SFPD), along with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Mission Division, participated in the Special Olympics Cop on a Rooftop event at Dunkin Donuts in Mission Hills. This was a great partnership with fellow Officers from LAPD Mission Division. Sergeant Irwin Rosenberg coordinated this successful event that with the San Fernando and Mission Hills communities, raised $1,000.

SFPD continues to lead the way in raising awareness and being guardians of the Flame of Hope for all persons with intellectual disabilities.

HOMELESS OUTREACH

On September 18, 2019, the SFPD, under the supervision of Sergeants Irwin Rosenberg and Brian Woodward, teamed with members of the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, Los Angeles County Mental Health Department, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, Salvation Army Veteran Outreach Services, and Los Angeles Police HOPE Homeless Outreach Team to conduct homeless outreach within the City of San Fernando. This field operation involved SFPD Officers Alex Licea and Benny Simonzad, and along with the outreach specialists, made contact with several homeless individuals to connect them with services focused on public health, mental health, and housing. The Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority also provided the contacted individuals hygiene supplies and water while the Public Health Outreach Nurse provided Hepatitis A vaccines in the field.

The outreach effort was funded by a grant from Measure H funds administered by the San Gabriel Valley Chief’s Association through the Pomona Police Department. The SFPD intends to conduct additional outreach efforts on a monthly basis, provided funding remains available.

NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY

On October 2, 2019, from 7 am to 9 am, please join Police Chief Anthony Vairo and the members of the SFPD at the Starbucks, located at 1135 Truman Street, San Fernando, for National Coffee with a Cop Day. The Department extends a special thank you to Starbucks and their manager, Carmen Guerra, who will be providing free hot coffee to all guests courtesy of Starbucks.

TRAFFIC/PARKING CITATION UPDATE

The Police Department's Traffic Division enforces the City's street traffic regulations and all state vehicle laws applicable to street traffic in the City; make arrests for traffic violations; investigate traffic accidents; cooperate with the City Engineer and other City officers in the administration of the traffic laws and in developing ways and means to improve traffic conditions; and carry out those duties specifically imposed upon such division by the City traffic ordinances.

Data provided below describes efforts in traffic and parking enforcement during August 2019.

ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT

The City’s contractor, Excel Paving, began water service replacements as part of the Annual Street Resurfacing Project during the week of September 23, 2019. During October 2019, N. Lazard St. (between Fourth St. and Glenoaks Blvd.) and Alexander St. (between Fifth St. and Glenoaks Blvd.) may experience road closures while crews work in those areas. Residents may access their driveways, however, through traffic will not be allowed. Parking may also be limited and “No Parking” signs will be posted to advise residents of parking restrictions.

Water improvements are scheduled to be completed in January 2020, pending weather conditions.

UPDATE ON GENOAKS BLVD. WATER/SEWER PROJECT

The contractor is currently working on replacing sewer main on Glenoaks Blvd., from Harding Ave. to Orange Grove Ave. Approximately 910 linear feet of sewer main has been replaced and 30 sewer laterals have been reconnected. Traffic delays on Glenoaks Blvd. during the hours of construction operation may be expected. Alternate routes such as Foothill Blvd., Seventh St., Fifth St., Fourth St., or San Fernando Rd. are recommended. Construction is tentatively scheduled to be completed in November 2019. 

2019 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS HEALTHY SAN FERNANDO 5K

The Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to announce this year's Providence Holy Cross Healthy San Fernando 5K Relay Walk or Run will again be combined with the Dia de los Muertos event. The goal is to improve the health of the community. Registration is available online via the CIty's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG ).

This fun and healthy event includes:

November 2, 2019 | 6 pm to 11 pm

Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

818.898.1290

ADULT SPORTS

September marks the end of the 2019 Summer Sports Leagues. This season, the league hosted six teams for Coed Softball on Tuesday nights and four teams for the Men’s Wooden Bat league on Wednesday nights. Congratulations to this season’s champions:

Coed Softball League: "I'd Hit That"

Men's Wooden Bat League: "Dirty Dawgs"

YOUTH BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME DAY

On September 14, 2019, the Youth Basketball Summer League showcased the best of the best for a day of nail-biting championship games. This season the league had a special treat for the lower division teams, ages 7-8, as they got the opportunity to play on the big court at Recreation Park. The day’s events included a DJ, Halftime Shootout Contest, Trophy Presentation and Annual Coach’s Game. This summer the program served over 140 children and was successfully executed by a team of 13 dedicated volunteer coaches. Congratulations to the Summer 2019 Champions:

Mystics 9-10 Division: Coach Jorge, Team Nets

Magic 11-13 Division: Coach Edwin, Team Migos

Legends 14-16 Division: Coaches Jimmy & David, Team Xtreme Family

YOUTH SPORTS FALL LEAGUE

Fall Youth Sports are scheduled to begin the last week of October 2019. Youth Soccer will operate out of Recreation Park and the Tiny Tykes Soccer will be an indoor program at Las Palmas Park. For more information please contact Recreation Park at (818) 898-1290.

FEARLESS BOXING CLASS

Learn to box like a pro at any level of fitness through coordination, technique, strength, and power! Develop confidence and discipline while relieving stress. Contact Recreation Park for more information: 818.898.1290.

Monday & Wednesday

7 pm to 8 pm

Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue

$30 for 10 Classes

HEALTHY SNACK DAY

On September 12, 2019, Las Palmas Recreation Center participated in the annual “Healthy Snack Day.” Over 70 park patrons were served a healthy version of a banana split consisting of bananas with non-fat plain yogurt and a choice of dark chocolate chips, flax seeds, chopped pineapples and chopped peaches. All participants received various recipes on other healthy snacks as well. Brenda Castillo from Health Net attend and helped sponsor the event.

KING GILLETTE RANCH HIKE

ICYMI, on June 8, 2019, over 50 San Fernando residents participated in the hike to King Gillette Ranch located in the heart of Malibu Creek. Participants enjoyed some of the most beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Natural Parks Conservation Association led the hike and discussed the importance of conserving our parks. They even held an art activity where hikers drew the mountain ranges. Why are we showing you this hike again, you ask? Because we just received a promotional video of the hike! Click the image to view the video.

FAMILY HIKE

Sign up now for the next hike to Malibu Creek (10/12/19) and National Parks Workshop (11/13/19)!

Contact Las Palmas Park for more information: 818.898.7340.

COASTAL CLEAN UP DAY 2019

On September 21, 2019, City staff partnered with Heal the Bay and the Office of Senate Majority Leader Bob Herzberg in a Coastal Cleanup Day event at the Pacoima Wash Natural Park. The event was an international day of action to protect oceans, watersheds and wildlife from trash. The crew consisting of over 80 volunteers who worked hard to clean trash, foliage and other debris making this event a great success!

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

Help clean up the bike path! Tools will be provided, but bringing your own tools is encouraged. Please wear gardening appropriate clothing. Release waiver is required by all participants. Community service hours will be signed.

VIVA LA TRADICIÓN! - VIVA LA MUJER

Approximately 40 members of the Las Palmas Senior Club enjoyed some of Southern California’s most iconic female mariachi groups at the Ford Theater on September 7, 2019. The performance was both a tribute to women and a celebration of anniversary milestones. 

America's First All-Female Mariachi, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, is celebrating 25 years of performing and Las Colibrí are celebrating 10 years of performing. Special guest, Mexican singer/songwriter Lupita Infante, and Ballet Folklorico Ollín entertained with their vibrant dances and colorful costumes. It was a night to remember.

MARIACHI MASTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MMAP) VIVIA LA INDEPENDENCIA!

MMAP was very busy during September 2019 celebrating “El Grito”