JANUARY 2018
ADMINISTRATION

CVS PHARMACY GROUND BREAKING
The vacant dirt lot at the corner of San Fernando Road and San Fernando Mission Boulevard was the site for a ground breaking ceremony. On December 20, 2017, representatives from CVS Pharmacy, Fulcrum Construction, Boos Development, and City of San Fernando attended the event to mark the construction of a new 13,275 square foot CVS Pharmacy with drive-up window operation. The project will result in the creation of 20 new full-time jobs. The Pharmacy is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2018.
CANNABIS OUTREACH AND WORKSHOPS
In 2016, California voters passed Prop 64, also known as the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana (AUMA).

Prop 64 legalized the non-medical use of cannabis by persons 21 years of age and over, with certain restrictions, and provides for industry licensing and establishes standards for marijuana products. It allows for state and local regulation and taxation of marijuana businesses. Most of the revenue from such taxes would support youth programs, environmental protection, and law enforcement.

On September 18, 2017, the San Fernando City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance to expressly prohibit all medicinal and adult-use commercial cannabis activities throughout the City, excluding medicinal-only cannabis deliveries originating from qualified licensed retailers located outside of the City. See below for complete text of the Ordinance.

The City of San Fernando is hosting a series of workshops to listen to residents' concerns about cannabis:

DATE TIME LOCATION
Thursday, January 18, 2018 6:30 pm Recreation Park
Saturday, January 27, 2018 2 pm Las Palmas Park
Thursday, February 1, 2018 6:30 pm Council Chambers
Saturday, February 10, 2018 2 pm Council Chambers

In addition to hosting the workshops, the City has added a Cannabis section to the website that includes cannabis related information that pertains to the City of San Fernando (http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/cannabis-industry/). 
JANUARY 2018  HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2018. All emergency services will remain operational .
WELCOME NEW DEPARTMENT HEADS
Please join the City in welcoming the three newest employees:
  • Julian J. Venegas, Director of Recreation and Community Services
  • Yazdan T. Emrani, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
  • Timothy T. Hou, Director of Community Development
All three Directors will begin their employment with the City in January 2018.
RECRUITMENT - SAN FERNANDO IS HIRING NOW
Begin our career with the City, or make a career change. Applications are currently being accepted for Payroll Technician, Associate Planner, Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer, Public Works Maintenance Helper (part-time),  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.

STAY CONNECTED!
Stay connected and up-to-date on all City events. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vimeo!
CITY CLERK
EDUCATION COMMISSION PRINCIPALS' BRUNCH
The Education Commission is hosting a Principals' Brunch on January 26, 2018 (9:30 am to 11:00 am), at the San Fernando Regional Pool Facility.  Twenty-three principals from local schools have been invited to attend as well as Mayor Sylvia Ballin and City Councilmembers, and Department Heads (or their representative). 

The goal is to provide a session of networking, present services available from the City, and discuss how to support families as students transition from school to school. The Education Commission is hoping that this effort will enhance and strengthen community schools and provide their leaders with valuable information.  As it has been said, "communities are as strong as their schools", and the Education Commission embraces this belief.
2018 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The City of San Fernando and the San Fernando Education Commission, in partnership with the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation, the Independent Cities Finance Authority, Republic Services Inc., and private donors, have announced various scholarship opportunities. The submission deadline is February 28, 2018. CLICK HERE to apply online. 

For additional information or questions, please call 818.898.1204 or email SFEduCom@sfcity.org.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SAN FERNANDO CORRIDORS SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE
On December 20, 2017, the City Council adopted the San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5), containing land use policies and economic strategies to revitalize the City's downtown area and neighborhood towards the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. Following several rounds of public engagement and three City Council meetings, staff was directed to incorporate as many of the comments into the new SP-5 Plan to the greatest extent possible. The Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5) will become effective on January 20, 2018.  

The plan focuses on economic development by reducing red tape and streamlining the permit and approval process for new commercial developments.

Information on this project is posted on the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG) and for further information, please call Jack Wong, Interim Director of Community Development at 818.898.7316.
FINANCE
THE CITY CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS TO ELIMINATE THE DEFICIT THANKS TO MEASURE A AND PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
When Measure A was approved by San Fernando voters in 2013, the City was on the verge of bankruptcy and the General Fund had a deficit $5.7 million.  The City has just completed the audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2016-2017, and as of June 2017, that deficit has been reduced to less than $1.5 million and is projected to be eliminated by June 2020. Unfortunately, Measure A will sunset in October 2020. If Measure A is not extended or replaced with another on-going revenue source, the City will continue to be on tenuous fiscal ground.

The audited financial statements and annual Measure A Reports (identifying how Measure A funds were spent in the prior fiscal year) are available on the City's website ( http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/finance/financial-documents/).
WATER BILLS
Due to the City hall closure for the New Year's holiday (January 1, 2018), water bills will be due on January 2, 2018.

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, 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).
DISCOUNTED MTA TAP CARDS
San Fernando residents are eligible to receive discounted MTA TAP Cards (proof of residency is required). 
  • $10/month for Seniors (over 62 years of age); regular cost is $20/month
  • $18/month for Students (through 12th Grade); regular cost is $24/month
  • $33/month for College Students; regular cost is $43/month
Eligible individuals may obtain an application from the City or download it from the MTA website. Completed applications must be submitted directly to MTA. Once the TAP card is received, it may be loaded at City Hall. For additional information or to receive an application, please contact the Treasurer Division at 818.898.1207.
POLICE
ARSON ARREST
On December 15, 2017, at 10:15 pm, San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) Officers responded to a structure fire located at 777 N. Maclay Avenue.  Upon their arrival, officers observed that a juniper tree was actually on fire. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived shortly thereafter to extinguish the fire.  While the Officers conducted their investigation, a witness notified the them that a female started that fire and was starting other fires on N. Maclay Avenue near Lucas Street.  SFPD Officers responded to that area and located the female suspect and immediately placed her under arrest for arson.  The fire was extinguished before any structures sustained any damage. SFPD Detectives and LAFD Arson Unit collaboratively filed a felony arson charge against the suspect.
ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON (AWD) ARREST
On December 16, 2017, at approximately 7:30 am, SFPD Officers received a 9-1-1 call and responded to the 900 block of Truman Street regarding an ADW investigation.  Upon their arrival, Officers found a 60-year old male suffering from a head injury that he sustained from a male suspect with a rock.  During the investigation, Officers were able to identify the suspect and located him at his residence in Mission Hills. The suspect was arrested for AWD. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is recovering from his injuries.
CANINE NARCOTICS SEIZURE
On December 20, 2017, at approximately 8:30 am, SFPD received a request from a Federal DEA task force for the assistance of the SFPD Canine Unit.  Canine Officer Dominguez and his partner Loki responded to Van Nuys Airport and searched a suitcase and a suspect vehicle. Canine Loki located 39 kilos of marijuana and cocaine, which is the largest seizure for the SFPD Canine unit.  As demonstrated in the photo, Loki is very proud of his find.  Two suspects from New Jersey were arrested for narcotic related charges. 
29TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BASKETS PROGRAM
On December 20, 2017, starting at approximately 8:00 am, the SFPD delivered over 120 food baskets and gifts to local families and seniors in need. A special thank you to SFPD civilian employees, Elena Gonzalez and Connie Negrete, for organizing this event and to everyone that helped in the process, including SFPD sworn and civilian employees, Cadets, Explorers, Public Works employees, Senator Robert Hertzberg, City Manager Alex Meyerhoff, and former State Assemblymember Richard Katz.  

TEDDY BEAR DRIVE
On December 21, 2017, the SFPD participated in the Fourth Annual Teddy Bear Drive, benefiting the USC County Pediatric Ward. S ergeant Brian Woodward organized SFPD's participation with short notice, and both sworn and civilian employees stepped up to the challenge and donated a total of 12 boxes of stuffed animals, amounting to over 700 bears. 

A procession, lead by Santa's sleigh and immediately followed by the SFPD 1956 Chevy Patrol Car, presented the teddy bears at USC County Pediatric Ward.  The '56 Chevy was a huge hit amongst officers from other departments, hospital staff, school staff and of course the children that were fortunate enough to meet us outside the hospital.  

Due to everyone's generous hearts, this donation set the precedent for the most bears donated by a police department this year. Thank you to Detective Evelyn Diaz who secured several donations; Cadet Amanda Alvarez for helping to deliver the Teddy Bears; the San Fernando Police Civilian Association for donating three boxes; and to individual donors: Lieutenant Nichole Hanchett, Sergeant Irwin Rosenberg, Desk Officer James Vanicek, Officer Maurizio Cascapera, Detective Evelyn Diaz, Field Training Officer Walter Dominguez, Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Trini Godoy, Chaz Basra (Subway), and Gene (Earl's Performance Automotive). 

Sergeant Woodward and the SFPD wish to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone that donated and convey how rewarding it was to bring holiday cheer to those in need, and more so, those confined to a hospital for the holidays.



PUBLIC WORKS
SAN FERNANDO DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT
Public Works will be working on the following street starting January 8, 2018:
  • Truman Street from Brand Boulevard to San Fernando Mission Boulevard
Work is tentatively scheduled to be completed on or about April 2018.

Overall, the project consists of the purchase and installation of new bus shelter, bench and other related amenities, the purchase and installation of pedestrian lighting on existing street lights, the removal of sidewalk for the purpose of creating a planted area adjacent to the sidewalk with new irrigation and landscaping, the removal and replacement of concrete such as curb and gutter, sidewalk, and curb ramps. FS Contractors, Inc. will be the contractor and Civil Engineering Assistant II Patsy Orozco will be the Project Manager for this project. 

Such improvements will be at no expense to the property owners.  The project is fully funded with federal funds provided by Caltrans and Measure R.  Trees will generously be donated by Tree People and planted by the community volunteers. Total estimated construction cost for this project is $298,212. 

Every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences.  During construction the City appreciates your cooperation and assistance and courteously request the following:
  • Please do not park any vehicles on the street when "No Parking" signs are posted.
  • Please do not water outside your business or cause water to drain onto the street during paving operations.
  • Please do not drive onto newly poured concrete for three days until it has dried. Driving over fresh concrete will result in cracks.
  • Please do not drive onto newly paved areas until barricades are removed.
We ask that you take pride in our community and don't allow people to vandalize the concrete. Something as harmless as writing your name in wet concrete is a crime. If you see this occur, please call the San Fernando Police Department at 818.898.1267.

ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT
Public Works will be working on the following streets starting January 8, 2018:
  • Harps Street - First Street to Fourth Street
  • Library Street - Orange Grove Avenue to Harding Avenue
  • Fermoore Street - Fourth Street to Fifth Street
  • N. Workman Street - Fourth Street to Library Street
  • N. Huntington Street - Fourth Street to Library Street
  • Newton Street, Fourth Street to Fifth Street
Work is tenatively scheduled to be completed on or about April 2018.

Overall the project consists of roadway pavement improvements, as well as concrete replacements such as curbs, gutters, sidewalk, driveways, cross gutters, spandrels, access ramps, coldmilling of asphalt, overlay of asphalt, utility adjustments to grade and installation of traffic striping and pavement markings. Toro Enterprises, Inc. will be the contractor and Civil Engineering Assistant II Patsy Orozco will be the Project Manager for this project.

Such improvements will be at no expense to the property owners.  The project is fully funded with the Measure R funds and CalRecycle grant. Total estimated construction cost for this project is $716,594. If funds become available, the City may consider extending the work on Library Street from Harding Avenue to N. Maclay Avenue and Newton Street from Fifth Street to DeGarmo Street.

Every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. During construction the City appreciates your cooperation and assistance and courteously request the following:
  • Please do not park any vehicles on the street when "No Parking" signs are posted.
  • Please do not water lawns or cause water to drain onto the street during paving operations.
  • Please do not drive onto newly poured concrete for three days until it has dried. Driving over fresh concrete will result in cracks.
  • Please do not drive onto newly paved areas until barricades are removed. 
We ask that you take pride in our community and don't allow people to vandalize the concrete. Something as harmless as writing your name in wet concrete is a crime. If you see this occur, please call the San Fernando Police Department 818.898.1267.
FACILITIES DIVISION
  • Field Maintenance: The Facilities Division continues to work on baseball field maintenance at Las Palmas Park with Louie Lopez leading the task.
  • Rudy Ortega Sr. Park: Five diseased and dying trees that were leaning on the Tea House and a few that fell over during the most recent wind storms were removed. The wall and plaque that features local indigenous people was vandalized and, currently, the Facilities Division is seeking a repair solution.
  • Police Facility: An extension to the Police Facility perimeter wall was installed in order to better secure the back parking lot. A new gate operating system which included a new motor, new safety loops and controllers was also installed. 
MECHANICAL DIVISION
The Mechanical Division just finished repairing and improving a Facilities Division truck; the steel damaged service bed was removed and a new wood stake bed was fabricated and installed, making the vehicle a better functioning vehicle.  Well done Frank and James!

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
The Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration was a huge success! The community celebrated the annual event with Santa photos, entertainment, and activities for the young attendees.


WINTER 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 Winter Programs Brochure for January 2018 through March 2018.
FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE CLINIC
CSUN VITA Clinic offers FREE Income Tax Assistance service to low-income individuals, senior citizens, and disabled individuals.
DATES: Saturdays, beginning January 27, 2018 through April 14, 2018
TIME: 10 am to 2 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
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.
DATE TIME AGENCY
January 10, 2018 9 am to 11 am Ojeda Insurance (Broker)
January 31, 2018 9 am to 11 am
Ojeda Insurance (Broker)
WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL 
The Youth Basketball Winter League last day to register is January 26, 2018.  
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 began 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
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