On May 23, 2017, the San Fernando Education Commission held its Second Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Las Palmas Park.  Nearly $13,000 in scholarship monies were awarded to middle school students, college-bound high school seniors, and full-time college students.  Special thanks to Mayor Sylvia Ballin (who raised and/or donated funds via the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation, the Independent Cities Finance Authority, and her Community Investment Fund), Republic Services Inc., and private donors.  In addition to the Gabriel Fernandez Memorial Scholarship, this year, scholarships were given to honor the memory of Elias Rodriguez. 

On June 6, 2017, the Planning and Preservation Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider a request for the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 2016-006) to allow for the operation of a moving and storage facility with ancillary offices at the property located at 503 Jessie Street.  The proposed project will occupy an existing 12,750-square foot industrial building located on an approximate 23,606-square foot lot.  The subject site is located along the west side of the 500 block of Jessie Street, between Fourth Street and Fifth Street, within the M-1 (Limited Industrial) Zone.

For the last several years, the International Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run committee have requested nominations of a dedicated officer from law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, to attend this once a year conference.

As a result of her commitment to several fundraising efforts which have raised over $8,000 in support of local Special Olympics programs and her other efforts in support of Special Olympics, Detective Evelyn Diaz was nominated and selected to attend the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Nashvill, TN. Detective Diaz will be a guest of the Special Olympics Committee at no cost to the Police Department.

Join the Police Department in congratulating Detective Diaz in receiving this honor for her continued efforts and commitment to making a difference in our community.

On Sunday, May 28, 2017, at approximately 6:30 pm, Police Officers responded to a business robbery in progress in the 100 block of N. Maclay Avenue.  Upon their arrival, Officers located the suspect fleeing the area in a vehicle and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  After several miles, the suspect crashed his vehicle in the area of the 118 Freeway and Sepulveda Boulevard and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended and arrested for robbery. 

All stolen items were recovered and returned to the business.  Great response from San Fernando Police Officers in arresting the suspect with no injuries to the victims or the suspect.

On May 23, 2017, the City celebrated Arbor Day at Las Palmas Park and planted a Comfort Maple Tree adjacent to the picnic area. Approximately 25 people were in attendance and participated with the planting.

All American Asphalt will be completing the resurfacing of Alexander Street in June 2017. Work included removal and replacement of sidewalk, cross gutters and curb and gutter, installation of ADA ramps, repaving of Alexander Street from First Street to Library Street, and striping and pavement markings.

On May 15, 2017, the City Council declared its intention to levy and collect assessments within the City's LLAD and set the Public Hearing date for June 19, 2017.  All the street lights in the City comprise the LLAD. The main function behind district's apparatus is designed to collect funds from each assessible parcel in the City.  These funds will eventually cover the costs to operate street lights throughout the City as noted in the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 LLAD prepared by Willdan Financial Services (the landscaping component is not collected).  The Public Hearing notice was posted on May 18, 2017, outside City Hall and will be published in the San Fernando Valley Sun on May 25, 2017 and June 8, 2017.

The City of San Fernando Annual Water Quality Reports for water testing performed in 2016 will be mailed to all customers in June 2017.  Both the English and Spanish versions will be posted on the City's website by July 2017.

The tree contractor, West Coast Arborists, is making continued progress on Grid E with the trimming of approximately 750 trees and removal of 86 stumps to be completed by the end of June 2017.

Republic Services conducted the Quarter Bulky Item Drop Off event on Saturday, May 20, 2017.  Residents diverted 3,085 lbs. of e-waste, 936 lbs of paper, and 138 lbs of raw material from local landfill through Goodwill. Additionally, 23 mattresses were recycled and a total of 108 loads were received through out the day that filled five 40-cubic yard roll offs and one 30-cubic yard roll off.

Through a collaborative effort, the Public Works Department and Police Department are working with IPS Group on a Pilot Program to install 30 smart parking meters in the Civic Center.  The meters are solar powered and web-based, enabling customers to use credit cards or coin.  The parking meters also have sensors to track when a vehicle exits a parking stall. The program is scheduled to run from June 2017 through September 2017.

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 Spring Programs Brochure for April 2017 through June 2017.

In honor of Older American's Month 2017, the Recreation and Community Services Department held the 22nd Annual Senior Expo on Friday, May 19, 2017.  The event took place at Las Palmas Park and was a great success. Various agencies such as Care 1st Health Plan, Facey Medical, San Fernando Medical Center and many others participated by offering valuable information and free health screenings to the seniors. There was also an opportunity to join in a Fitness Demo lead by 3 Wins Fitness. Participants also enjoyed live entertainment, lunch, a dance and raffles.