MAY 2015

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT 


Recruitment:     
  • Senior Maintenance Worker - Interviews of all qualified candidates for the in-house, promotional Senior Maintenance Worker position were conducted on April 29, 2015. The current opening is in the Pubic Works Department's Water Division.  
  • City Maintenance Helper - New employee orientation has been completed for the new part-time City Maintenance Helper, who started work on March 24, 2015. The City Maintenance Helper is primarily responsible for working closely with the Community Preservation Officers, with respect to graffiti abatement activities in the City.
  • Applications - Currently, applications are being accepted for Police Officer; After School Program Counselor; Recreation Leader I, II, and III; and Junior Police Cadet positions. Filing for all the positions are open until filled.
Employment Relations Consortium Workshop (ERC): Personnel Division staff are coordinating the following ERC workshops, on May 21, 2015, from 9 am to 4 pm, with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore:
  • Performance Management Evaluation, Documentation and Discipline
  • Workplace Bullying: A Growing Concern
The workshops, which will be presented by labor law attorneys from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW), will take place at Almansor Court (Training Facility), in Alhambra. The City is part of a consortium of cities that have a special services agreement with LCW to provide City staff with training in relevant areas of employment relations and related topics on a year-round basis, at a minimal fee. 


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT


On-Sale Alcohol Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Request for 1245 San Fernando Road:  On May 5, 2015, the Planning and Preservation Commission shall review a request to modify an existing CUP in order to: 1) allow a stage area for the use of live entertainment; 2) modify the hours of daily operation by extending business hours from 10 am to 10 pm to 11 am to 2 am; and 3) to allow a maximum of four outdoor special events that includes the sale of alcoholic beverages per calendar year. The existing establishment is currently operating under CUP 2005-01, which allows for the on-site sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages as an ancillary use to a restaurant. The subject site is located at 1245 San Fernando Road within the Mixed-Use Transition Sub-District of the SP-4 zone.  This item was continued by the Commission from their April 7, 2015 meeting in order to allow the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Control (ABC) sufficient time to determine whether the subject business' food sales are 50% or more of total gross sales for the reporting period from September 2014 through February 2015.


Wireless Telecommunications Facility Proposal at 510 Park Avenue:  City staff is currently reviewing a proposal to construct a new unmanned wireless telecommunications facility for Verizon Wireless including 12 panel antennas, one microwave antenna and supporting equipment on 45 foot high monopine with faux pine needles and associated ground-mounted equipment enclosed within a 600 square foot lease area for the property at 510 Park Avenue. The subject property is located along the southeast side of the 500 block of Fifth Street, between Park Avenue and the Pacoima Wash, within the M-1 (Limited Industrial) Zone. New wireless telecommunications facilities in the M-1 zone require City approval of a Conditional Use Permit application. A draft Initial Study has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to review whether any potential environmental impacts could be associated with the proposed project.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & CITY HALL HOURS

MAY 1
City Hall Closed

MAY 4
Successor Agency 
& City Council 
Regular Meeting
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm
(818) 898-1204

MAY 5
Planning & Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:30 pm
(818) 898-1227
  Agenda

MAY 12
Parks, Wellness, and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:30 pm
(818) 898-7340
  Agenda

MAY 14
Oversight Board
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
10 am
(818) 898-1204
  Agenda

MAY 15
City Hall Closed
 
MAY 18
Successor Agency 
& City Council 
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street 
San Fernando
6 pm
(818) 898-1204

MAY 20
Transportation & 
Safety Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
7 pm
(818) 898-1222

MAY 25
City Hall Closed
(Memorial Day)

MAY 28
Senior Citizen  
Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Las Palmas Park
505 S. Huntington Street
San Fernando
1 pm
(818) 898-7340

MAY 29
City Hall Closed
East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project Update :  City staff continues working with City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority (Metro) staff in reviewing and providing feedback on Metro's draft technical reports that will be incorporated into the future Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project (the Project).  Work is currently underway to complete these technical reports in order to move forward into the next steps of the EIR/EIS report preparation process before the document is made available for public review and comment.  The alternatives being studied in-depth in the Draft EIR/EIS include the following:
  1. No Build:  No new projects beyond what has already been funded through 2040;
  2. Transportation Systems Management (TSM):  Lower cost street improvements including bus operation and supporting infrastructure enhancements; 
  3. Curb:  Running, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT);
  4. Median:  Running, BRT;
  5. Median:  Running Tram or Street Car - similar to surface running systems in San Diego, San Francisco, and Portland; and
  6. Median:  Running Light Rail Transit. (Click Here for Source)
It is anticipated that a draft EIR/EIS document for the Project will be completed in late summer of 2015 and made available for public review soon thereafter and completion of the Final EIR/EIS a year later in 2016.


FINANCE DEPARTMENT

 

Upcoming Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Budget Events:  City Council priorities for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 will be discussed at the May 4, 2015 City Council meeting, and the first Budget Study Session is tentatively scheduled for May 18, 2015, at 4 pm (subject to change, please check the City Council agenda reports on the City's website for final dates).

  

Avoid Late Fees on Your Water Bill:  Have you ever received late fees because you forgot to pay your Water Bill? Avoid lat 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) 898-1211.


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


Robbery Suspect Apprehended:
 On April 2, 2015, at approximately 12:30 pm, a robbery occurred at a clothing store located in the 100 block of N. Maclay Avenue.  A male suspect stole a pair of pants and brandished a knife during the incident.  The victim immediately called the Police Department and Officers, along with Detectives, searched the area looking for the male suspect.  The suspect was located in the area of Griswold Avenue and Fifth Street, still armed with a knife, and refused to comply with the Officers' orders.  During the confrontation, the suspect threatened the Officers with a knife and attempted to cut himself. The Officers utilized their training techniques and great restraint and attempted to verbally direct the suspect to comply, but he refused.  As the incident escalated and realizing the armed suspect was not going to comply with verbal commands, the Officers deployed a less than lethal weapon (Taser).  Once the Taser was deployed and the suspect was under control, he was taken into custody without further incident.  LAFD was immediately notified (which is standard procedure when the Taser is deployed) later transported the suspect to Olive View Medical Center for medical treatment of minor injuries.  The suspect was later transported to the Police Department and booked for armed robbery.

 

Officer Involved Traffic Accident:  On April 11, 2015, at approximately 11:50 pm, Officer Garside was involved in a traffic accident on the northbound I-5 freeway, near the Van Nuys Boulevard off-ramp.  Officer Garside was returning from LA County Jail on a prisoner transport, when a vehicle in front of him lost control.  The Officer was unable to avoid the other vehicle and a collision occurred between the two vehicles, causing the police vehicle to ultimately crash into the center divider.  None of the parties involved sustained any noticeable injuries but Officer Garside did complain of neck pain and was treated at a local medical facility.  CHP responded to the scene and is currently investigating this traffic accident.  The Police Vehicle, a 2014 Ford Interceptor, sustained major damage and is currently at the City Yard for evaluation.


Commercial Burglary Suspect Apprehended:
  On April 13, 2015, at approximately 3:00 am, Officers responded to a commercial burglary that just occurred in the 300 block of S. Brand Boulevard. Upon their arrival, Officers located two possible suspects in the area and detained them pending further investigation.  After a review of the business surveillance video and other evidence located at the scene, one of the detained males was arrested for commercial burglary.  The Officers located the victims stolen cash box, which contained $15,000 cash.  All items recovered were returned to the business owner, who was extremely happy with the Police Department's response and apprehension of the suspect and recovery of their stolen property


Indoor Marijuana Grow Located and Suspects Arrested:
 On April 18, 2015, at approximately 10:10 pm, Officers located suspicious activity in the 1400 block of San Fernando Road and detained three people.  During their investigation, Officers located an indoor marijuana grow, with approximately 300 plants at various stages of growth, along with related equipment. Three people, two males and one female, were arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana.

 



Convicted Extortion Suspect:  One of the suspects that was apprehended last month for extortion of a local business, has been convicted and will be sentenced to 10 years in State prison.  The other suspect's court case is ongoing and should be resolved shortly.


   

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


Statewide Drought Conditions:
 In light of the Statewide drought conditions, State Water Resources Control Board officials are currently calling for a mandatory reduction in water consumption by 25% across the State.  Here locally, we've conserved approximately 7% over the past year, so additional actions are needed to reduce water consumption.  In accordance with the State's mandate, the City will be forced to turn off water that is used to irrigate turf on median islands (locations such as Brand Boulevard and at the San Fernando Road Gateway).  In addition, in May 2015 the City Council will consider adopting mandatory water conservation provisions where the community will be required to water outdoor areas only on specific days and times.

 

California HERO Program Update:  Great news!  Since launching on March 24t, 2015, there have been 22 applications for funding under the HERO Program to finance energy efficiency improvements.  Of this amount, 15 applications have been approved in just four short weeks.  Of note, HERO Program staff has indicated that most cities don't fund their first project until 30 days after the program launches.  We'll keep you informed as the program continues to take shape.

Sidewalk/Tree Repairs - Lazard Street:  In response to resident requests, concrete repairs were completed by Public Works staff members along Lazard Street (from Fourth Street to Fifth Street).  These locations were impacted as a result of tree roots uplifting sidewalk, curb and gutter locations.  Great job by our team!

 


Drainage Improvements - Orange Grove Avenue/Bikeway:  Recently, Public Works staff members completed drainage improvements adjacent to Orange Grove Avenue and the Bikeway Trail.  This area was prone to drainage problems due to damaged drain pipes and an under-designed drainage system.  Crews excavated these areas and added new concrete drainage culverts to allow for proper drainage.

 


Drainage Improvements - Orange Grove Avenue/Bikeway:   Recently, Public Works staff members completed drainage improvements adjacent to Orange Grove Avenue and the Bikeway Trail.  This area was prone to drainage problems due to damaged drain pipes and an under-designed drainage system.  Crews excavated these areas and added new concrete drainage culverts to allow for proper drainage.

Lighting Improvements - Bikeway and Recreation Park:  Staff has initiated lighting improvements at Recreation Park and along the Bikeway.  At Recreation Park, it was reported that several lights had recently shorted out, making the lights non-operational.  Repairs got underway this week, including the installation of new wiring and fixtures.  These repairs should be completed by the end of April 2015. Along the Bikeway, lighting components were vandalized, including the removal and theft of wiring and other electrical components.  As a result, Public Works staff purchased new solar lighting units to replace the existing lights. These lights utilize LED fixtures and do not need an electrical source for power - helping to prevent any further vandalism. Great work by our team to improve the safety of walkers/bicyclists along the trail.


 
 

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT


Fitness Classes:
 Spring into a new you! Join one of the many fitness classes available now at Recreation Park. Call (818) 898-1290 for additional details.

 


CLASS

DAY

TIME

Body Sculpt

Monday

6:30 pm

Cycling

Saturday

9:30 am

Yoga

Tuesday / Thursday

8:15 am

Core Strength

Wednesday

6:30 pm

Latin Jam Workout

Monday

5:20 pm

Core strength

Wednesday

6:30 pm

Outdoor Fitness

Monday / Wednesday / Friday

8:15 am

Walking Club

Tuesday

8:15 am

Senior Fitness

Monday / Wednesday / Friday

8:15 am

Sports Programs:  

  • Adult Co-Ed Volleyball - Registration is now open and runs through May 15, 2015, at Recreation Park. Cost is $260. Game nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at Recreation Park. For more information, please contact Recreation Park at (818) 898-1290.
  • Special Olympics - City staff has tentatively entered into a multi-year agreement with the Southern California Special Olympics. 
  • Tennis Programming - City staff continue to work with several local organizations to solidify tennis programming at Pioneer Park.
  • Youth and Adult Sports Programs - City staff has received City Council approval and will begin to reinstate both youth and adult sports programs.

Internal Disaster Preparedness:  Department Heads have identified key staff to assist in revisiting the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Designated staff are currently completing required FEMA Certification Courses.

Special Event Applications:

  • Wilmer Valdez, on behalf of Pep Boys, has submitted a Special Events Application to host the 2nd Saturday of the Month Cruise. The event is scheduled for May 9, 2015, from 4 pm to 10 pm, at 1231 San Fernando Road.
  • St. Ferdinand Church has submitted a Special Event Application for their annual Fiesta in June. The event is scheduled for June 12, 2015 through June 14, 2015, with a well-expected attendance of community members.

California Arts Council:  The California Arts Council will conduct a site visit during May 2015. The visit will include the Mariachi Master Apprentice Program (MMAP) classroom experience, as well as, a meeting with City staff and instructors.

Summer Day Camp:  Registration for this summer's Day Camp Program will begin May 18, 2015. Registration hours are 9 am through 1 pm and 3 pm through 6 pm, at Recreation Park. The Summer Day Camp will begin June 15, 2015 and will end on August 7, 2015. Camp hours are from 7 am to 6 pm. For more information, please contact Recreation Park at (818) 898-1290.

Afterschool Community Enrichment Program (ASCEP):  

  • Beyond The Bell Branch (BTB) Quarterly Meetings - On May 21, 2015, BTB will conduct an Agency Executive Director's Meeting at the Middle School Unit, in Los Angeles. 
  • Risk Management Training (Child Abuse Reporting - On May 16, 2015, a Risk Management Training will be conducted for recently hired staff. This training is required for all persons working in the ASCEP.
  • Spring Showcase Presentation and Mad Science - The students of Morningside Elementary and Gridley Elementary will present a Spring Showcase for parents and families. Morningside Elementary's Spring Showcase will be held on May 27, 2015, at 5 pm. Gridley Elementary's Spring Showcase will be held on May 28, 2015, at 5 pm.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP):  On May 4, 2015, Las Palmas Park will host the CSFP.  This program is conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and it 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 will need to bring proof of income and proof of age (identification). CSFP intake workers and agency volunteers will set up a table to register participants and the truck driver will conduct the physical distribution.  Clients will receive one free food kit that contains meats, canned fruit, vegetables, dry milk and related products, cereals and other grain products. CSFP distributions will be conducted once a month on the first Monday of the month.

Medicare Information Dates:   Representatives from various Medicare programs will be a Las Palmas Park to answer questions and provide information regarding healthcare programs:
  • May 4, 2015, 9 am to 11 am - Health Net
  • May 6, 2015, 10:30 am to 11:30 am - AGA
  • May 12, 2015, 9 am to 11 am - Kaiser
  • May 13, 2015, 9 am to 11 am - Humana
  • May 18, 2015, 10:30 am am to 11:30 am - AGA
  • May 19, 2015, 10 am to 11 am - LA Care (Presentation)
Elderly Nutrition Program:  There will be no meal service on May 25, 2015, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Los Angeles County Older American's Month Recognition Day:  On May 21, 2015, the Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services Department will honor senior volunteers throughout the County for their dedication and service to the community. This year's City of San Fernando honoree is long-time City resident Dolores Akemon.  The recognition will be conducted at a luncheon that will take place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, in Los Angeles.

Senior Fitness:
  • Senior Physical Fitness - This class is designed for older adults and offers instruction in movement to maintain and increase range of motion, build muscular strength and enhance coordination and balance through aerobic and cardio-vascular training. This class is offered through the Kennedy/San Fernando Community Adult School. Registration is taken on-site by the instructor.

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

Days: Monday and Wednesday

Time: 8:30 am to 10 am

Cost: $30 per Semester (January through June)

Info: (818) 898-7340
  • Principles of Yoga - This class is designed for older adults and offers instruction in the principles of yoga to maintain and increase flexibility, muscle tone, breathing capacity, and enhance coordination and balance. This class provides exercises that are modified yoga asanas that contribute to sound physical, mental and emotional well-being. The class is offered through the Kennedy/San Fernando Community Adult School. Registration is taken on-site by the instructor.

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

Days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

Time: 9 am to 11:30 am

Cost: $30 per Semester (January through June)

Info: (818) 898-7340

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 saely 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 Friday, 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.  

REFRESHER COURSE

Once you have completed the 

Initial 8-hour Course, you can take the

4-hour Refresher Course

DATE

TIME

May 21, 2015

12 pm - 4 pm


 



CITY CALENDAR
Through May 31

MAY 8

Elderly Nutrition Program Monthly Celebration:
 The Elderly Nutrition Program will host a Mother's Day Celebration with music, dancing, treats, and raffle prizes. Join us a we honor all the beautiful mothers on their special day.


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

Time: 10 am - 1 pm

Cost:
Free

Info: (818) 898-7340 

MAY  14

Las Palmas Senior Club Excursion:  San Manuel Casino. 


 

Departure:

Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando 


Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Cost:
$15 Per Person

Info:
Maribel Perez @ (818) 898-7341

MAY 16

Las Palmas Senior Club Monthly Celebration:   Mother's Day Dance.


 

Where:

Las Palmsa Park, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando


Time: 7 pm to 12 Midnight

Cost:
$20 for Club Members / $30 for Non-Members

Info: Tulio Escobar, Senior Club Treasurer
(818) 898-7340 (Monday - Friday; 9 am - 11 am)

MAY 29

Senior Expo 2015 - "Get into the Act":   In honor of Older American's Month 2015, the Recreation and Community Services Department will host the 20th Annual Senior Expo. It is estimated that over 300 seniors will attend this year's event. Various agencies have participated in the past and are expected to once again be on-site to offer valuable information and free health screenings to the seniors. Participating agencies include: Alzheimer's Association, California Public Utilities Commission, Center for Health Care Rights and the National Organization for Renal Disease. Participants will also enjoy stage entertainment, lunch, a dance, and raffles.  


 

Where:

Las Palmsa Park, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando


Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Cost:
Free

Info: (818) 898-7340