MARCH 2016
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of Cesar Chavez' birthday, City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 1, 2016.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

PLANNING & PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING (MARCH 1, 2016)
  • The Planning and Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a request for the approval of Conditional Use Permit 2015-009 (to allow for the on-site consumption of beer and wine (On-Sale General for Bona Fide Public Eating Place license, Type 41 License) in conjunction with the operation of El Camaron Campeon Restaurant at the property located at 1161 N. Maclay Avenue. The location was previously operated as El Oso Restaurant and was recently rehabilitated to accommodate the new eatery.
  • The Planning and Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a Resolution recommending City Council adoption of a Code Amendment amending Chapter 22 (Businesses) and Chapter 106 (Zoning) to expressly prohibit medical cannabis dispensaries, medical cannabis cultivation, medical cannabis deliveries, and all commercial cannabis activities in all areas of the City of San Fernando and finding such code amendment to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
FINANCE DEPARTMENT

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 BUDGET PROCESS
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-2017 Budget process officially kicked-off on February 16, 2016, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the final financials for FY 2014-2015, an update to the FY 2015-2016 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2016-2017 Budget (a copy of the presentations are available via the City's website www.sfcity.org, in the Finance Department section). Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:
  • April 18, 2016 - City Council Meeting; Agenda Item to Discuss City Council Priorities for FY 2016-2017
  • May 12, 2016 - FY 2016-2017 Proposed Budget Book to be Distributed to City Council
  • May 16, 2016 - City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session
  • May 23, 2016 - City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session (if necessary)
  • June 20, 2016 - City Council Meeting; Budget Adoption
AVOID LATE FEES ON YOUR WATER BILL
Have you ever received late fees because you forgot to pay your Water Bill? Avoid late fees by signing up for AutoPay and have your Water Bill debited from your account automatically. 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, and the Measure A Annual Report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG).
POLICE DEPARTMENT

LOST ELDERLY WOMAN
On February 4, 2016, at approximately 12:55 pm, Officers received a call of a lost elderly woman in the area of the Santa Rosa Church. 

PUBLIC MEETINGS 

AND

CITY HALL HOURS
MARCH 1
Planning & Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:30 pm | 818.898.1227
MARCH 2
Transportation & Safety Commission
Special Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1222
MARCH 4
CITY HALL CLOSED
MARCH 7
City Council & 
Successor Agency
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1204
MARCH 8
Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:30 pm | 818.898.1290
MARCH 10
Oversight Board 
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
10 am | 818.898.7307
MARCH 18
CITY HALL CLOSED
MARCH 21 
City Council & 
Successor Agency
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1204
MARCH 24
Senior Citizens Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Las Palmas Park
505 S. Huntington Street
San Fernando
1 pm | 818.898.7340
MARCH 31
CITY HALL CLOSED
APRIL 1
CITY HALL CLOSED
(In Observance of 
Cesar Chavez' Birthday)
Upon their arrival, Officers observed that the elderly woman was confused and appeared to be suffering from dementia.  The elderly woman's residence near Las Palmas Park was located; however, her daughter refused to take custody. Officers transported the woman to the Police Station, contacted APS, and provided her with food, water, and great conversation until APS was able to find suitable temporary housing.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
On February 8, 2016, at approximately 12 noon, Officers responded to the 1900 block of Knox Street regarding a residential burglary in progress.  The suspects were seen at the side of the residence with a gun, breaking a window.  Upon their arrival, Officers setup a brief perimeter and located the suspects in the area of N. Workman and Warren Streets.  The juvenile suspects were arrested and booked accordingly.

BUSINESS BURGLARY
On February 11, 2016, at approximately 1:20 am, Officers responded to a silent burglary alarm at a business located in the 1100 block of San Fernando Road.  Upon their arrival, Officers met with an employee who gave them access to the business.  Officers observed that the business was ransacked and shortly after entering the location they located a suspect and arrested him for burglary. Responding Officers also located a backpack filled with property and guns from the business.

NARCOTICS ARREST
On February 16, 2016, at approximately 12:35 pm, while conducting surveillance on a known narcotics location in the 2000 block of Warren Street, Canine Officer Dominguez stopped a vehicle that left the location for a traffic violation. The driver was arrested for a misdemeanor violation and an inventory search was conducted prior to the vehicle being impounded.  The search revealed a large amount of illegal drugs, scales, and cash. The suspect was later booked for possession for sale of drugs and transportation.

SEX REGISTRANT COMPLIANCE CHECK
On February 16, 2016,  the Police Department conducted a Compliance Check Operation at 21 sex registrant locations throughout the City. The purpose of the Compliance Check was to ensure that all sex registrants that reside within the City are complying with the regulations of California Penal Code Section 290. The detail lasted approximately four hours and all registrants were found to be in compliance.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

BUS PAD REPAIRS - TRUMAN STREET AND SEVENTH STREET
The Public Works Department has been working hard to repair dangerous road/sidewalk conditions that have developed over the past several years and serve as safety hazards to the public.  These repairs help to reduce the City's liability exposure to claims/lawsuits and improve accessibility conditions for the general public.  In February 2016, the Public Works team successfully finished the reconstruction of a deteriorated concrete bus pad on Truman Street, just east of Maclay Avenue.  The new bus pad is now open and included the repair of concrete at this busy location.  Another damaged bus stop in the vicinity of Seventh Street and Maclay Avenue will also be repaired to improve current traffic and pedestrian safety hazards.  This location has been the source of numerous service requests from the public and from Metro. 

In an effort to preserve an existing tree at the location, the Public Works team carefully removed existing damaged concrete in this area.  After observing the existing root structure of the tree, a third-party assessment of the location was obtained from the City's arborist regarding the tree's stability.  The arborist has advised that in order to install an ADA-compliant sidewalk and complete bus pad repairs, tree roots will need to be removed. Unfortunately, with the removal of these roots, it appears that tree will be rendered unstable and if preserved, could be the subject of future safety hazards for vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area.  Based on this assessment, the arborist has advised that the existing tree be removed in order to complete the necessary sidewalk/bus pad repairs.  The Public Works team has reviewed this assessment and concurs with the recommendation.  It is expected that work at this location will get underway in early March 2016.

BRAND BOULEVARD MEDIAN LOOKING GREAT!
Landscaping work on Brand Boulevard is now complete and looking great!  In late February 2016, a "punch list walk" was conducted with the contractor and City staff to point out repairs/deficiencies.  As a result, some plant materials and irrigation components must be replaced before the project is given the final approval.  Once the final approval is issued, the contractor will enter into a 90-day maintenance and plant establishment phase.

BRUSH CLEARANCE NEAR CITY YARD/PACOIMA WASH
In late February 2016, Public Works staff were hard at work clearing brush and other debris along the City Yard and Pacoima Wash.  This work will help to reduce the potential for brush fire hazards and improve visibility of the area.  The end result is a dramatic improvement in this area and improved safety adjacent to the City Yard.

FENCE REPLACEMENT AT LAS PALMAS PARK
In late February 2016, Public Works staff coordinated the repair of existing baseball backstops at Las Palmas Park.  These repairs are a major improvement from the old backstops and will help to improve aesthetics and safety at the baseball fields.




FIELD PREPARATIONS AT PIONEER PARK
In late February 2016, Public Works and Recreation staff completed baseball field preparations for the Opening Day ceremonies and events at Pioneer Park.  The fields were groomed and brick dust was added to dirt areas to ensure excellent field conditions for the start of the new baseball season.

NEW EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AT RECREATION PARK
As you're aware, the City was awarded roughly $200,000 to complete improvements at Recreation Park, including HVAC system upgrades, door/window improvements, gymnasium floor refinishing, and tot lot/play equipment improvements.  Work is complete on HVAC improvements and floor refinishing.  Recently, the installation of new exercise equipment and tot lot improvements got underway and are expected to be completed in March 2016.  These improvements will help to bring a new look to Recreation Park!




PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS - SPRING 2016
Project plans are being finalized for several City capital improvement projects.  These projects are expected to get underway in April 2016 and will include the rehabilitation of six local streets, a traffic safety and sidewalk improvement project, and traffic signal improvements. In addition, staff has compiled a list of locations for minor pavement/pothole maintenance and striping maintenance.  This work is expected to start in March 2016 and will help to reduce safety hazards in the community.  We'll be sure to keep the community updated as these improvements move forward.
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MUSIC INSTRUCTION
A new music class for adults and senior is now being offered and will focus on guitar and mandolin instruction in a student music group setting known as an "estidiantina."

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

WHEN: Tuesdays

TIME: 9:30 am to 11:30 am

COST: $20 per Month

AGE: 18 and Older

INFO: 818.898.1290

ALL ABILITIES ART CLASSES
A fun shapes approach class that is highly successful with individual learning styles! Differently abled children are welcome together with children with no special needs. Classes are taught by Art Coach Diane Bernstein.

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

WHEN: Thursdays 

TIME: 3 pm to 4 pm

COST: $35 for Residents / $40 for Non-Residents

DURATION:
4-Week Session

AGE: Kindergarten through 5th Grade

INFO: 818.898.1290

BALLET FOLKLORICO
Based in the classical style of Mexican Culture, experience the regional dances of Mexico through movement and music. Class meets ONCE a week. 

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

WHEN: Wednesday (Intermediate/Advanced)
Friday (Beginner/Intermediate)

TIME: 7 to 8 pm

COST: $45 per Session

DURATION: 12-Week Session (Session 2: April 2016 through June 2016)

AGE: 5 and older

INFO: 818.898.1290

AZTEC DANCE
Explore the music, choreography and poetry of this ancient dance tradition while understanding the history behind Danza. Class meets ONCE a week. Registration is on-going. Sessions are eight weeks long.

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

WHEN: Thursdays 

TIME: 7 pm to 9 pm

COST: $10 Per Session

DURATION:
8-Week Session (Session 3: March 2016 through April 2016)

AGE: Kindergarten through 5th Grade

INFO: 818.898.1290

LINE DANCE
For the last 20 years, a group of fun-loving dancers have been found warming up, learning, and practicing a different series of line dances at Recreation Park in the City of San Fernando. All ages are welcome and no partner is required. Each dance is broken down step-by-step, whereby participants increase their balance, coordination, and endurance. These Western American Line dancers also perform at least twice a year in the community and keep American traditions alive.

WHERE: Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

WHEN: Friday

TIME: 10:30 am to 11:30 am

COST: $10 Per Session

DURATION:
8-Week Session (Session 2: March 2016 through April 2016)

AGE: All Ages

INFO: 818.898.1290

LOPEZ ADOBE
Visit this historic San Fernando jewel! The Lopez Adobe historical landmark offers free guided tours from 1 pm to 4 pm, on the fourth Sunday of each month are now available! Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.

ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE
Register now! 

WHERE: Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

WHEN: Tuesday Night (Advanced League)
Thursday Night (Amateur League)

TIME: 7 pm

COST: $30 Participation Fee

REGISTER: Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando
WWW.SFRCS.COM

AGE: 18 and Older

INFO: 818.898.1290

YOUTH BASKETBALL
Season is in full swing! Fee includes practice, games, jersey, and trophy. Coaches needed; if interested, please contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290. 

WHERE: Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

COST: Ages 5 - 8: $80 for Residents / $90 for Non-Residents
Ages 9 - 17: $85 for Residents / $95 for Non-Residents

INFO: 818.898.1290

NEW! YOUTH CHEERLEADING
Register now! Fee includes  uniform, practice, games, and trophy.

WHERE: Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave, San Fernando

COST: $75 for Residents / $85 for Non-Residents

AGE: 5 to 17

INFO: 818.898.1290

SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Register now! The Spring Season runs through June 2016. Currently, basketball, bocce ball, and the Young Athlete program are scheduled.  

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando

WHEN: Saturdays

TIME: 8:15 am to 9:45 am (Basketball)
9 am to 9:45 am (Young Athletes - ages 2 to 7)
10 am to 11:30 am (Bocce)

INFO: 661.253.2121 /scv.tv@sosc.org / www.sosc.org/scvtv

Track and Field is also offered at Crescenta Valley High School and Los Angeles Valley College.

Interested in Volunteering? Volunteers (ages 14 and up) are being recruited as coaches, event volunteers, and sports officials. Officials must be at least 16 years of age and complete a certification course. Please contact Kim Villa via email at KVilla@sosc.org for more information. 

AFTERSCHOOL TENNIS PROGRAM
Register Now! 

WHERE: Pioneer Park, 828 Harding Street, San Fernando

COST: $10 Per Session

AGES: 8 to 18

DURATION:
6-Week Session

INFO: 818.898.1290

TEEN PROGRAM
Youth Speak! Collective continues with their afterschool programming at both Las Palmas Park and Recreation park. Now enrolling co-ed youth for the soccer program "Club Futbolito". Fee includes uniform. Limited scholarships are available; contact Recreation Park for more information.

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando
Recreation Park, 208 Park Avenue, San Fernando

COST: $25 Per Person

INFO: 818.898.1290

AFTER SCHOOL COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (ASCEP)
The ASCEP will be closed for Spring Break during the week of March 21, 2016. Additionally, the ASCEP will be closed on March 28, 2016, in observance of Cesar Chavez' birthday.



FITNESS CLASSES
Join one of the many on-going fitness classes! The new session will begin on January 11, 2016. Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for further details on classes and workshops.

CLASS DAY TIME

Total Body Conditioning Monday 6:30 pm

Cycling Wednesday 6:30 am

Yoga Thursday 8:15 am

Pilates Tuesday 8:15 pm

Zumba Wednesday
Tuesday/Thursday
5:20 pm
6:30 pm

Latin Jam Workout Monday 5:20 pm

Outdoor Fitness Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:15 am

Senior Fitness Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:15 am

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)
The next Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distribution date is scheduled for March 7, 2016. The program serves low income senior citizens over the age of 60 that are in need of food assistance.  In order to qualify for the program, interested participants brought proof of income and proof of age (identification). CSFP intake workers and agency volunteers registered participants and the truck driver will conduct the physical distribution.  Clients received one free food kit that contained meats, canned fruit, vegetables, dry milk and related products, cereals and other grain products. Usually, the CSFP distributions are conducted once a month on the first Monday of the month.

DIABETES WORKSHOP IN SPANISH
Join us and learn about hot to take control of your diabetes. Attend all six workshops at no cost! Get tips on exercise, diet, medication, and much more. Participants must have diabetes type 1 or 2. 

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando

WHEN: Tuesdays (March 8, 2016 through April 12, 2016)

TIME: 9:30 am to 11:30 am

COST: Free

INFO: 818.898.7340

MEDICARE INFORMATION DATES
Representatives from various Medicare programs are routinely available to answer questions and provide information regarding healthcare plans. This month the following agencies have been scheduled at Las Palmas Park:


3/7/16 9 am to 12 pm Humana

3/8/16 10:30 am to 11:30 am ABA (Presentation: Medicare 101)

3/16/16 9:30 am to 11 am First Care

3/17/16 9 am to 11 am Lincoln Heritage (Life Insurance/Funeral Planning)

3/25/16 9:30 am to 11 am First Care

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM
The Recreation and Community Services Department, in collaboration with AARP, will offer a Driver Safety course at Las Palmas Park. The AARP Driver Safety Program covers defensive driving techniques and the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging. The course also provides practical techniques for adjusting to these changes to ensure the driver's own safety and that of others on the road. During the course, participants learn about current rules of the road and how to operate their vehicles more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. Course participants may be eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums, contact your insurance company for more details.

You may register at Las Palmas Park, Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, or online at  www.aarp.org/drive . Cost is $15 for AARP members (card number is required) and $20 for non-members. 

For more information, please call (818) 898-7340 or contact AARP at (888) 687-2277.

INITIAL COURSE  - First time students must complete the Initial 8-Hour Course.

DATES: March 3, 2016 and March 10, 2016

TIME: 12 pm to 4 pm

SENIOR FITNESS
There are several Senior classes available now. The instructors for the classes are Los Angeles Unified School District Adult School Educators with years of experience teaching older adults. Classes run for six-week sessions. New class sessions began February 22, 2016 and lasts through April 1, 2016. Registration is per session; no pro-rating for late sign-ups and refunds may be provided at the City's discretion. No class on March 15, 2016 and March 25, 2016; Instructors will announce make up classes. Sign-up for two classes in the same session and get $10 off!

STRETCH TO THE MUSIC - Move to the beat of the music. Low impact class with emphasis on strength training, flexibility, balance and endurance. 

INSTRUCTOR:
Deborah Rothschild

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

DAYS: Monday and Wednesday

TIME: 9 am to 10 am

COST: $30 for the 6-week Session*

INFO: 818.898.7340

CARDIO & STRENGTH (AEROBICS) - Looking for a cardio workout? This class will focus on cardio-vascular exercise followed by alternating strength building with hand weights and Tai-Chi.

INSTRUCTOR:
Steve Steinberg

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

DAYS: Monday and Wednesday

TIME: 10:30 am to 11:45 am

COST: $30 for the 6-week Session*

INFO: 818.898.7340

MOVIN' & GROOVIN' TO ZEN - Groove to a healthier you - mind, body, and soul! Help manage arthritis pains, improve flexibility, and strengthen the heart. This class will combine standing yoga positions with Tai-Chi movements that will focus on balance, stretching and meditation with a cardio twist.

INSTRUCTOR:
Steve Zwicker

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

DAYS: Tuesday and Thursday

TIME: 8:30 am to 9:30 am

COST: $30 for the 6-week Session*

INFO: 818.898.7340
MARCH 13

SAN DIEGO DAY TRIP
Enjoy a fun-filled day with the Las Palmas Senior Club at the Birch Aquarium and Old Town San Diego.


DEPARTURE:
Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

TIME: 8 am 

COST: $10 for Club Members / $15 for Non-Members

INFO: 818.898.7340

MARCH 19

ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE
Pull out your green outfits, hats, shoes, and wigs and join the Las Palmas Senior Club as they dance the night away. Enjoy live music, door prizes, raffles, and much more. 


WHERE:
Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

TIME: 7 pm to 12 midnight

COST: $10 for Club Members / $15 for Non-Members

INFO: 818.898.7340 (Monday/Wednesday/Friday; 9 am to 11 am)

MARCH 26

PECHANGA CASINO
Join the Las Palmas Senior Club for a fun-filled day at California's biggest resort and casino nestled in Temecula's picturesque Southern California Wine Country.


DEPARTURE:
Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

TIME: 8 am

COST: $10 for Club Members / $15 for Non-Members

INFO: Maribel Perez @ 818.898.7341

MARCH 26

EGG-STRAVAGANZA & JAM SESSION
This annual community event is free for all to enjoy! Join us for an egg hunt, arts and crafts, face painting, and games. Don't forget to take part in the JAM Session! Experience a rhythmic and interactive journey. JAM Sessions are participatory and centered around movement and music. We hope to see you there!


WHERE:
Las Palmas Park 
505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

TIME: 11 am to 2 pm

COST: Free

INFO: 818.898.1290