APRIL 2018
ADMINISTRATION


SAN FERNANDO STREET FESTIVAL
On March 31, 2018, the City of San Fernando hosted the San Fernando Street Festival. Three miles of city streets were closed to motorized vehicles for part of the day in a celebration of mobility. 

The Street Festival route on Maclay Avenue, San Fernando Road, San Fernando Mission Boulevard, and Brand Boulevard were completely closed to vehicular traffic (with the exception of monitored car crossing points) to allow the public to explore businesses, neighborhoods and historic and cultural points of interest while walking, jogging, biking, skating, and strolling. All forms of non-motorized transit were welcome, including scooters, bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, wagons, strollers, and rollerblades. 

During this event, participants had access to "Activity Hubs" with live music and entertainment, bicycle and pedestrian safety training, physical activity challenges, children's art workshops, nutrition education discussions, healthy food and beverage demos, vendors, games and more. 

The festival included an Art Walk, food trucks, a health and fitness zone, a pet zone, and an opportunity for San Fernando business to shine. Over 50 vendors participated in the event. A wide range of cultural performances included multiple stages at the Lopez Adobe and Gleoaks/Maclay intersection with the Ford Theater Bollywood Dance JAM, Lilly Flor y Los Compas, Taiko drummers and La Sonora Dinamita con Vilma Diaz. 

The San Fernando Street Festival was funded by Metro's Open Streets Grant Program, which seeks to increase opportunities for walking, biking, and public transit to help create a more mobile and sustainable transportation system in the Los Angeles region. The San Fernando Street Festival was the first of Metro's planned Open Streets events this year. 

Preliminary estimates indicate that several thousand people attended the event.  Needless to say, a great time was had by all!
SAN FERNANDO IS HIRING; JOIN OUR TEAM
Have you thought about a career where you can be involved in serving the community and helping others? Applications are currently being accepted for Associate Planner, Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer, Junior Cadet (part-time), Day Camp Counselor (part-time),  Recreation Leader I and II (part-time), Criminology Intern, Finance Intern, and Planning Intern.  Filing for all the positions vary, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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

TREE CITY USA
Please join TreePeople and the City of San Fernando as 34 Pink Trumpet trees are planted on Truman Street. These trees will add much needed shade to this beautiful street.
DATE: Saturday, April 14, 2018
TIME: 9 am to 12 pm
LOCATION: Meet at Pep Boys Parking Lot
1231 San Fernando Rd. San Fernando
BRING: Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; closed-toe shoes; hat; sunscreen; work gloves (if you have them); refillable water bottle
INFO: Pam Gibson @ 310.228.8430 
STAY CONNECTED!
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CITY CLERK
ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 39 SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 3, 2018
In preparation for this special election, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) requested to use City facilities for various activities:
  • Polling Locations (6 am to 9 pm): Las Palmas, Recreation Park, and Rudy Ortega Sr. Parks
  • Check In Center (6 pm to 12 am): The County used the back entrance to City Hall to allow Inspectors to drop-off their supplies after the polls closed.  Three 24-ft. trucks arrived and set up for the collection of all election supplies and live ballots.  For traffic and safety control purposes, Inspectors were instructed to pull-up while County staff unloaded their vehicles.  Throughout the evening, Los Angeles County Sheriffs picked-up and delivered the ballots to the Registrar Recorder/County Clerk headquarters in Norwalk.
Click Here for more information regarding this election.
EDUCATION COMMISSION THIRD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
On May 22, 2018, the San Fernando Education Commission will hold its Third Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Las Palmas Park.  Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 will be presented to 14 students who live or attend school in San Fernando or are currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university.  

Special thanks to Mayor Sylvia Ballin (who raised and/or donated funds via the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation and the Independent Cities Finance Authority), Republic Services Inc., Pahola Mascorro, SEIU Local 721, Olivarez Madruga Lemieux O'Neill, LLP and private donors.  Scholarships are given to honor the memory of Elias Rodriguez and Gabriel Fernandez.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SPOTLIGHT ON: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
The City's three Community Preservation Officers help keep San Fernando beautiful by enforcing the City's zoning code, housing code and property maintenance regulations. Community Preservation Officers generate violation cases that get tracked from notice of violation to when the property owners make corrective actions. This process helps ensure that homes and businesses are maintained in a safe and legal manner. A recent report found that more than 2,800 active code enforcement cases are pending citywide. Staff is using this active case report as a roadmap for ongoing code enforcement efforts and anticipates closing the vast majority of the active cases within six months.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: 
JULY 2017 - FEBRUARY 2018
Data provided below illustrates efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement.

TOTAL CITATIONS 
ISSUED
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
TOTAL
     Illegal Converted/
     Habitable Garage
1 3 1 3 1 1 2 5 17
     Illegal Second Unit 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5
     Building Code
     Violation
2 9 5 12 5 1 8 14 56
     Property
     Maintenance
10 11 11 13 11 6 9 21 92
     Commercial/
     Inoperable Vehicle
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
     Business License/
     Occupancy
47 21 7 16 10 13 12 18 144
     Illegal Signage 0 0 1 6 4 5 7 16 39
      Vehicles Parked on
     Unpaved
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
     NPDES
     (Unlawful Deposits)
0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 4
     Accessory Dwelling
     Units
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
     Animal Control 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 5
     Walls and Fences 3 5 3 7 9 0 1 0 28
     Graffiti 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 5
     Inspection Upon
     Resale
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
     Other 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 6 4
TOTAL
(MONTH & YEAR)
65 52 30 60 43 32 46 81 400










GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
(SQ. FT. COVERAGE)
6,680
6,680 5,438 9,955 13,110 11,230 26,190 2,438

81,721










VALUATION OF
CITATIONS BILLED
$4,235 $6,160 $6,820 $5,665 $3,080 $82,500
$1,430 $6,820
$35,035

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  • Truman House Tavern: On March 6, 2018, the Commission made a determination of public convenience or necessity, which helps the future gastro pub obtain its alcohol license from the State of California. Truman House Tavern will open soon at 911 San Fernando Road and serve microbrews, crafted beverages and a fresh, modern food menu.
  • Zone Text Amendment: The Commission recommended to the City Council adoption of a zoning text amendment to provide added clarification regarding the methodology for calculating lot area within R-1 residential zones. The amendment is intended to provide greater clarity and efficiency to the City's land use entitlement process.
  • Upcoming Public Hearing: The Commission will hold a Public Hearing on April 3, 2018 to consider a site plan review and modification to an existing conditional use permit for rehabilitation work at St. George Church at 925 Harding Avenue. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing on April 3, 2018, at 6:30 pm, in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street.
FINANCE
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 BUDGET PROCESS
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019 Budget process officially kicked-off on March 5, 2018 when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2016-2017 (a copy of the presentation is available via the City's website  WWW.SFCITY.ORG), an update to the FY 2017-2018 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2018-2019 Budget.  Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:
  • May 17, 2018: Proposed Budget Book Available on the City's website for public review.
  • May 21, 2018: City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session No. 1
  • May 29, 2018: City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session No. 2 (as needed)
  • June 18, 2018: City Council Meeting; Budget Adoption
WELCOME NEW TEAM MEMBER
After 35 years of service, Payroll Technician Monica Miramontes will be retiring from the City in June 2018.  The City started the recruitment effort to replace this key position in December 2017 by opening a competitive recruitment process.  The City received 17 applications and invited eight applicants to interview with a rating panel of payroll and benefits professionals representing the cities of Monterey Park, Santa Clarita, and West Hollywood. The top three candidates (two of which were current City staff members) were interviewed by the Director of Finance and Director of Community Development.  

After the comprehensive and exhaustive recruitment process, Adriana Alaniz has been selected to fill the position. Adriana has been a member of the City team for 10 years and currently serves the City as a Personnel Assistant. She will begin her training in mid-April 2018 and transition to the position full-time in June 2018. Please join us in congratulating Adriana on her successful appointment to the position!
WATER BILLS
Simplify your life and avoid late fees at the same time 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).
POLICE
2018 BAKER TO VEGAS CHALLENGE CUP RELAY RACE
On March 17 and 18, 2018, the San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) partnered with South Pasadena Police, San Marino Police and USC Department of Public Safety in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race. After 10 years of participating in the 120 mile grueling race, the SFPD team is honored to announce they placed 11th out of 30 teams. Their official time was 17 hours and 6 minutes. 

With the dedication of current and past runners and support staff, they realized this huge accomplishment and officially "Mugged".

NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT
On March 28, 2018, SFPD Officers and Canine Unit, assisted by the Burbank Police Department (BPD), served a search warrant at the residence of a known drug dealer in Sylmar. During the search, Officers and Canine Loki located 17.25 lbs of methamphetamine, two  lbs. of marijuana, 0.5 lbs of cocaine, one oz. of heroin, one bucket of liquid methamphetamine and $36,918.00 in US currency. 

BPD arrested the drug dealer for various felony violations relating to drug sale and possession.  This is a great example of multi-agency team work!


PUBLIC WORKS
REFUSE SERVICES IN THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
All business owners are required to have solid waste/recycling services established with the City's authorized collector, Republic Services. 

Pursuant to Section 70-71(c) of the San Fernando City Code, each commercial/industrial business owner shall utilize Republic Services for the collection of solid waste.  Effective May 1 2018, any business without an active account will be set up for services based on a waste assessment performed.  Failure to pay for services will result in the City placing a lien for unpaid refuse collection charges on your property.

Please contact Republic Services at 818.683.1631 immediately to arrange for services.
YOUR MEASURE A DOLLARS AT WORK: 
ANNUAL RESURFACING PROJECT
During the week of March 6, 2018, the following streets were paved with Asphalt Rubber Hot Mix (ARHM):
  • Harding Ave. (First St. to Fifth St.)
  • Second St (Alexander St. to Harding Ave.)
  • Third St. (Alexander St. to Harding Ave.)
  • Harps St. (First St. to Fourth St.)
  • Library St. (Orange Grove Ave. to N. Maclay Ave.)
  • Fermoore St. (Fourth St. to Fifth St.)
  • N. Workman St. (Fourth St. to Fifths St.
  • N. Huntington St. (Fourth St. to Library St.)
  • Newton St. (Fourth St. to DeGarmo St.)
One benefit of using ARHM was that approximately 10,353 tires were diverted from the waste stream and used in the pavements of these streets.  Another benefit of using ARHM on streets consists of reducing noise level typically generated by vehicles moving on a street paved with conventional asphalt. In addition, ARHM streets have greater longevity than those paved with conventional asphalt.  A portion of the project was funded through CalRecycle Funds. Traffic loops and speed bumps have been replaced.  Utility manholes and water valves have been adjusted.  Due to recent the storms, completion of street and striping has been delayed. The Project is tentatively scheduled to be completed in April 2018. Approximately 2.4 centerline miles were paved during this project.

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING ON BRAND BLVD.
Did you know??? In 2015 and prior to the Water Efficient Landscape Project, Brand Blvd landscape used 11,990 cubic feet (87,000 gallons) of water. In 2017 and since the project was completed, the same area only used 5,684 cubic feet (42,000 gallons) of water. This is an annual savings of 0.15 acre-feet (45,000 gallons) or one-acre foot (325,851 gallons) every six years! 

As some of the plant life was still getting established in 2017, the City is hopeful that additional water savings will be realized in the years to come.
SAN FERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD TRIP
In March 2018, Judy Hernandez, teacher at San Fernando Middle School, took her 6th through 8th grade students on a field trip  to help develop their functional, social, and life skills.  The field trip consisted of having the students, who have intellectual disabilities, navigate their community and educating themselves on what resources the City offers and how to access them.  

What made this field trip extra fun for the students was that their method for navigating through the City was by way of Trolley.  The students learned how to access City's Trolley system, how much it cost to ride, and where all the Trolley stops were located. Ms. Hernandez stated, "when we go out into the community they practice walking on the street safely, being aware of their surroundings, using good manners when interacting with others, following rules when using public transportation and locating businesses."


SAN FERNANDO RECREATION PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
The City is in the process of selecting a consultant for the San Fernando Recreation Park Infiltration Project. The design project is funded in part by the State Water Resources Control Board's Proposition 1, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and City match funds. The design for this project is expected to start in April 2018.

YOUR MEASURE A DOLLARS AT WORK:
SAN FERNANDO ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS
The award of contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc. was approved by the City Council at their April 2, 2018 regular meeting. Construction is expected to begin in mid-April 2018 and be completed in late May 2018. Work includes repaving San Fernando Road between West City Limits (Hubbard Ave.) to South Huntington St., repair to sidewalk and installation of curb ramps. This project is fully funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

YOUR MEASURE A DOLLARS AT WORK:
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATION UPDATE
The City is one step closer to opening up its 
EV Charging Stations to the public.  Currently, staff is in the process of having parking spaces at each station designated for  EV Fueling Only.  Designation includes: marking each space "EV Charge Only;" painting curbs to identify special parking; re-striping parking spaces; installing appropriate signage.  Once this task has been completed, the next and final step is to receive City Council's guidance and approval regarding appropriate price for fueling vehicles. 
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
SPRING  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 Spring Programs Brochure for April 2018 through June 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, through April 14, 2018
TIME: 10 am to 2 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.898.7340
FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS
Axianta Financial Partners will be offering workshops to families about the importance of financial literacy. Topics will include: debt management, increasing cash flow, protecting assets, building emergency funds, smart investing and estate planning.
DATES: Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
TIME: 6 pm to 8 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.898.7340
MARCH STREET CLEAN-UP
On March 24, 2018, San Fernando community members participated at the Casa de Lopez Adobe Park Cleanup. The volunteers swept, raked, pruned rose bushes, picked-up trash, and dusted the windows and walls. Fun was had by all!  Join us for the next clean up at the Pacoima Wash Natural Park!
DATE: Saturday, April 14, 2018
TIME: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
LOCATION: Pacoima Wash Natural Park, 801 Eighth St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.898.7340
  
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS (NEA)
The NEA requires agencies to proactively disclose records on program implementation and will often times provide examples of reports on their website. The City of San Fernando's Mariachi Master Apprentice Program- "Details of Project Narrative for Art Works" has been selected as an example to be placed on the NEA's website. The City's report was selected because it represents a diversity of project types submitted to the Folk and Traditional Arts Division and is well written. It will serve as a great example for other agencies to follow.
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.  Tours will also be available on March 31, 2018, from 10 am to 2 pm, as part of the San Fernando Street Festival. Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.
SUMMER YOUTH BASKETBALL AND CHEER REGISTRATION
Summer Basketball, Tiny Tykes and Cheer registration is now open. The Summer league runs June 2018 through September 2018, culminating with an end of the season Trophy Day at Recreation Park. Fee includes jersey, practice, games and trophy.

PROGRAM FEE SEASON DATES
Basketball (ages 7-17) $85 Residents
$95 Non-Residents
June 2018 - September 2018
TinyTykes Basketball
Clinic (ages 4-6)
$70 Residents
$80 Non-Residents
July 10, 2018 - August 23, 2018
Cheer (ages 5-12) $80 Residents
$90 Non-Residents
June 2018 - September 2018
Returning Cheer* $60 Reidents
$70 Non-Resident
*Doesn't include new uniform

SPRING ADULT SPORTS
Register now for one of the Adult Sports Leagues at Recreation Park.

PROGRAM FEE DAYS; TIMES
Coed Softball $325 Returning Team
$350 New Team
Tuesday; 7 pm - 10 pm
Men's Wooden Bat $325 Returning Team
$350 New Team
Wednesday; 7 pm - 10 pm
Coed Volleyball
Intermediate League
$30 Per Player Thursday; 7 pm - 10 pm

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION AT LAS PALMAS PARK
Staff and community members had a blast at this year's St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Donning green and pearly white smiles, everyone enjoyed the day's festivities. It was a great precursor to the following day's Senior Dance.


LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB MARCH DANCE
Las Palmas Senior Club held their monthly dance at the Gym. Over 150 guests participated and danced through the night as if they had found gold at the end of the rainbow. The Senior Club Advisory Board as well as the Decoration Committee did an outstanding job in helping everyone have a wonderful time. Upcoming dance info is below.


LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB APRIL DANCE
DATE: Saturday, April 21, 2018
TIME: 6 pm to 11 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.898.7340
TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC) 
SENIOR DANCE FUNDRAISER
Teens for a Better Community (TBC), a youth group led by former member Desiree Rodriguez, held a fundraiser at the March 17, 2018 Senior Club Dance. Selling conchitas, coffee, tea and hot chocolate with marshmallows, the group earned a profit which they will be saving for a future project. The teens had a firsthand experience on planning for an event, outreach, budge, public speaking, and running an event. 


TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC) APRIL MEETING
Meets first Thursday of the month. Must be a high school student to participate .
DATE: Thursday, April 5, 2018
TIME: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
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