DECEMBER 2017
ADMINISTRATION
DECEMBER 2017  HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of the Holiday Season, City Hall will be closed on December 25, 2017 and January 1, 2018. Other than the two holiday closures, City facilities will remain open during regular business hours.  Additionally (due to the holiday), water bills will be due January 2, 2018.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff met with a food and beverage business that is considering locating in the City of San Fernando. Updates will be provided as they become available.
ACTIVE SHOOTER SAFETY PRESENTATION
To ensure the safety of all City employees, an Active Shooter presentation was provided on November 16, 2017. The presentation was provided by Lieutenant Chris Colelli and Detectives Evelyn Diaz and Jorge Cervantes. 

During the presentation, participants viewed a view that was prepared by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Click here for more information on what you should do to survive an active shooter situation.
HEPATITIS A VACCINATION PROGRAM
Hepatitis A vaccinations were provided to a select number of employees by the City through Pro-Health Medical Group.
EVENT PLANNING
The City Manager participated in the following events:
  • Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Planning Meeting;
  • PRIDE March Planning Meeting;
  • Calles Verdes Community Meeting and Walking Tour;
  • Foster Care Fun Day (2018) Planning Meeting;
  • Councilmember Robert Gonzales' San Fernando Beautification Project.
STAY CONNECTED!
Stay connected and up-to-date on all City events. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vimeo!
RECRUITMENT - HIRING NOW
Applications are currently being accepted for Director of Public Works, Associate Planner, Police Officer,  Recreation Leader I and II (part-time), Criminology Intern, Finance Intern, and Planning Intern.  Filing for all the positions vary.

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

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SAN FERNANDO CORRIDORS SPECIFIC PLAN
The City Council considered an update to the San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan at its November 20, 2017 meeting. The proposed San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan SP-5 contains land use policies and economic strategies to revitalize the City's downtown area and neighborhood towards the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. 

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the Corridors Specific Plan at its December 4, 2017 regular meeting.  Adoption of the Corridors Specific Plan also requires amendments to the General Plan text, Zoning Ordinance text and related maps and accompanying Environmental Impact Report (EIR). On November 7, 2017, the Planning and Preservation Commission approved a resolution, recommending that the City Council adopt the Corridors Specific Plan SP-5 at its upcoming meeting. 

Information on this project is posted on the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG) and is available for review at City Hall and the San Fernando Library. For further information, please call Jack Wong, Interim Director of Community Development at 818.898.7316.
NEW BUSINESSES OPENING SOON!
  • Truman House Tavern: The vacant space at 911 San Fernando Road will soon be the home for Truman Tavern House. The tavern owner is an experienced restaurant operator and is excited to add this business to the San Fernando Mall.  The Tavern will serve food and on-sale service of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. A conditional use permit allowing the on-sale service of alcohol was previously granted by the City Council, pursuant to Resolution No. 574, and the applicants are seeking a liquor license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
  • Crab Hub: The applicants are proposing to operate a seafood restaurant with the on-sale service of beer and wine at 110 N. Maclay Avenue as soon as this December 2017, pending procurement of a liquor license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. A conditional use permit allowing the on-sale service of alcohol was previously granted by the Planning and Preservation Commission, pursuant to Resolution 2006-10.  The vacant shopfront was formerly a coffee house.
GRANT WRITING
Staff prepared a grant application to the Strategic Growth Council for $250,000 which would be used to facilitate community engagement. The  proceeds of the grant would be used to engage the residents and businesses in a comprehensive community engagement process at the grass root level, by going to the neighborhoods, shopping districts, places of employment and other gathering spots to discuss a wide spectrum of topics: health and wellness, academic and vocational education, skill development, environmental justice, poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, climate change, GHG emission reduction, sustainable development, safety and security, public infrastructure, job creation, and business growth. The engagement process engages at micro- and macro-levels in the community and concludes with the completion of a Community Engagement Report that identifies community values and potential strategies, action steps, and funding sources. The Community Engagement Report will be a reference source from which future City programs can be developed.
FINANCE
BUSINESS LICENSE DISCOVERY AND VERIFICATION 
AUDIT  PROGRAM
The City is currently conducting a discovery and verification audit of businesses operating in the City.  Any businesses or individuals found to be operating without a license at that time will be subject to back fees and penalties.  

If you have any questions please contact Sandra Soto at 818.898.1245, [email protected], or download an application from the City's website  ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG ).
WATER BILLS
Due to the holidays, water bills will be due on January 2, 2018.

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
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS BEAUTY DAY
On November 14, 2017, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the San Fernando Police Department hosted a "Beauty Day" for victims of domestic violence. All products were donated by business owner and hairstylist Blanca Gonzalez of Hair Style for U, located in the City. Ms. Gonzalez, along with four other hairstylists, completed services for approximately 15 woman and four children.

Donations for the event included: appetizers throughout the day from Magaly Colelli of Magaly's Tamales; flower arrangements for the work stations from Selva Magana of Heavenly Pancake; gift cards for the children from the San Fernando Police Civilian Association; coloring books and crayons from Dermology Wellness Spa; and gift bags containing hair styling products and beauty supplies from several other businesses.

The Police Department would like to thank Detective Evelyn Diaz for organizing this amazing event, as well as Lieutenant Nichole Hanchet, Coroner Investigator Trini Godoy, and all other volunteers who donated their time and helped to make this event successful.
HOMELESS CONNECT EVENT
On November 16, 2017, a Homeless Connect event was hosted by  Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl's Office, Los Angeles County Mental Department, California Department of Motor Vehicle, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Los Angeles Housing Authority, and the San Fernando Police Department. The event took place at Recreation Park and provided a variety of resources to the homeless community in hopes of improving their quality of life and to assist them in finding future housing.

Free meals, showers, Hepatitis A and flue shots, and other resources were provided to 73 event participants. This well-attended event was made possible due to the generosity of some of the CIty's local businesses, including: Chas Basra of Subway Sandwiches who donated 200 sandwiches for event participants and volunteers; La Roch Chruch donated hygiene supplies and water; and Sergeant Irwin Rosenberg donated chips, coffee, condiments, and paper supplies.
CALIFORNIA ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) 
SHOULDER TAP DETAIL
On November 17, 2017, San Fernando Police Detectives, along with Agents from ABC conducted a Minor Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation, focusing on adults who purchase alcoholic beverages for people under the age of 21.  

Under this program, a minor (under the direct supervision of a peace officer) stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to purchase them alcohol; the minor indicates he/she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.  If the adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the minor, the officers then arrest or issue a misdemeanor citation for furnishing alcohol to a minor.  

The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum of $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service. The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.  Four violators were apprehended during this detail; three citations were issued and one arrest.
SAN FERNANDO CLERGY COUNCIL 
THANKSGIVING MEAL OUTREACH GIVEAWAY
On November 18, 2017, the San Fernando Police Clergy Council sponsored a Thanksgiving Meal Outreach Giveaway. Representatives from several local churches, including Santa Rosa Catholic Church, San Fernando Life Center, North Hollywood Foursquare Church, and First United Methodist Church partnered with the Police Department to provide free meals to 100 needy family in the community. 

The Police Department is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community in this manner and thankful for the volunteers who helped make this endeavor a success. The Police Department remains committed to meeting the needs of the San Fernando community with courtesy and compassion.

PROBATION COMPLIANCE CHECKS
On November 21, 2017, SFPD, along with Burbank Police and Glendale Police AB109 Team, conducted probation compliance checks throughout the City of San Fernando. The team conducted compliance checks at six locations and arrested three violators for various felony charges, including probation violation.  This was a great team effort to ensure the San Fernando community stays safe.
PUBLIC WORKS
BULKY ITEM DROP-OFF
Republic Services, the official refuse vendor for the City, hosted their quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off on November 18, 2017. A total of 160 loads were dropped off by San Fernando residents; equaling 10 - 40 cubic yard roll off boxes, including one green waste roll off. Republic Services also collected 40 mattresses and Goodwill collected two truckloads of E-waste, clothing, and other donations. 

The next Bulky Item Drop-off is scheduled for February 2018. 
SPEED LIMIT INCREASE: DOWNTOWN SAN FERNANDO
The speed limit along San Fernando Road (between Kitteridge St. and San Fernando Mission Blvd.) has increased from 15 mph to 20 mph.  New advance warning signs and updated speed limit signs are in place. This increase is a result of a Traffic Study conducted by the City in 2015 and is supported by the City's Police Department.
ILLEGAL DUMPING
On November 8, 2017, Public Works received notification of large dumped items in the 1100 block of Newton Place.  Public Works Field Supervisor II Dale Warren responded and observed four trash bags full of unknown debris, but a fibrous substance could be seen through holes in one of the bags.  Suspecting asbestos, Mr. Warren called Los Angeles County Health Hazardous Materials (HazMat) to respond.  Upon their arrival, HazMat representative found disposable jumpsuits and dust masks inside one of the bags. 

A notice inside a bag led them to a local business operating out of a home on De Haven Street. HazMat summoned their Enforcement Division and the Air Quality Management District (AQMD).  The HazMat Enforcement unit visited the address right away and located the individual who confessed to dumping the material in the street. AQMD analyzed a sample of the contents to determine if it was asbestos and determining that it was not, they provided clearance to safely dispose of the items. 

The individual was cited by both HazMat Enforcement and the Police Department for illegal dumping.  Staff will follow up to seek cost recovery from the individual who dumped these items.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS & TREE
  • Holiday decorations were installed in the San Fernando Mall by the Street Maintenance Division, and the holiday decorations along the Maclay Ave. corridor were installed by a contractor.  The City looks very festive and inviting for the season.
  • The Facilities Division has begun the installation of the South Brand Blvd. island Holiday tree and holiday decorations in preparation for the Holiday Tree Lighting .
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Join us as we light the official holiday tree and enjoy free entertainment, face painting, and photos with Santa.
DATE: December 7, 2017
WHERE: Brand Blvd. and Celis St.
TIME: 6 pm to 9 pm
INFO: 818.898.1290

FALL PROGRAMS BROCHURE
Quarterly, the Recreation and Community Services Department distributes a brochure that lists all of their exciting new activities and programs, including:
  • Fitness & Wellness Programs
  • Arts Classes
  • Sports Programs & Activities
  • Senior Programs & Activities
  • Health Classes
  • Transit Services
  • Upcoming Events
CLICK HERE to view the Fall Programs Brochure for October 2017 through December 2017.
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.
DATE TIME AGENCY
December 1, 2017 10 am to 12 pm Citizen Care
December 6, 2017 9 am to 11 am
Ojeda Insurance (Insurance Broker)
December 13, 2017 9 am to 12 pm
Partners In Care
December 20, 2017 9 am to 12 pm Partners In Care
PARK CLEAN-UP
Volunteer your time and make a difference in your community! 
WHERE: 8th Street Park, San Fernando
WHEN: December 9, 2017
TIME: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
BRING: Gloves, rakes, broom, water, sunscreen, appropriate clothing
INFO:
818.898.7340
LOPEZ ADOBE
The historic Lopez Adobe will be closed or the holidays (December 2017 and January 2018). We hope to see you in February 2018! Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.
WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL 
The Youth Basketball Winter League begins December 18, 2017. Register now!  
REGISTER AT: Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave.,
San Fernando
AGES: 7 - 17
COST: $85 for Residents | $95 for Non-Residents
INFO:
818.898.7340
WINTER YOUTH CHEER
The Youth Cheer Winter League begins December 18, 2017. Register now!  
REGISTER AT: Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave.,
San Fernando
AGES: 5 to 12
COST: $80 for Residents | $90 for Non-Residents
INFO:
818.898.7340
FREE YOUTH CHEER CLINIC
Register now, it's FREE!
WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington St., San Fernando
AGES: 5 to 12
COST: Free
INFO:
818.898.7340
TINY TYKES BASKETBALL CLINIC
This clinic is designed to prepare your child to participate in the Youth Basketball League. Participants will learn the basic skills of basketball, including: dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. Register now!  
REGISTER AT: Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave.,
San Fernando
WHEN: January 16, 2018 to February 22, 2018
AGES: 4 to 6
COST: $70 for Residents | $80 for Non-Residents
INFO:
818.898.7340
 
Click Here to view a full listing of 
Public Meetings, City Hall Hours, and Events

CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY REPORT
City of San Fernando  | 818.898.1202  |   www.sfcity.org