NOVEMBER 2018
CITY CLERK
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION:
NOVEMBER 6, 2018
  • Election Night/ San Fernando City Hall: City Hall will not be open to the general public. The County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk (RR/CC) will be using City Hall as a check in center for 65 precincts*.  From 6 pm to (approximately) midnight, the County will use the back entrance to City Hall so that local precincts can drop off their supplies. County workers will be loading election supplies onto their trucks and, throughout the evening, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will pick up the ballots to deliver them to Norwalk.
    *San Fernando has five polling places (i.e., Las Palmas Park, San Fernando Recreation Park, Rudy Ortega Sr. Park, American Legion Post 176, and the United Methodist Church)
  • Election Night/ Semi-Final Official Results: The RR/CC will tally county-wide election results at their headquarters in Norwalk.  City officials, candidates, and the public are welcome to visit and observe the process.  Ballots will begin arriving after polls close at 8 pm. Semi-final results will be continuously updated and displayed on the RR/CC's website throughout Election Night and during the Official Canvass.  A live Election Night video stream is available here: https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections/current-elections/live-feed 
Keep in mind that the Election Night tally will not include Vote by Mail ballots dropped off at polling places nor provisional ballots; these are handled during the Official Canvass.
  • Certification of Election Results: Certification of election results by the RR/CC is tentatively scheduled for November 30, 2018. Depending how the Official Canvass progresses, there is a possibility that results could be finalized and certified earlier that week. 
  • Installation of Newly Elected Councilmembers: If the results are certified by the RR/CC no later than November 30, 2018, the City Council may adopt a resolution reciting the results of the election and install the newly elected Councilmembers as early as December 3, 2018.  Again, the City of San Fernando will have to wait to hear from the RR/CC. 
  • City Council Reorganization: Adoption of election results will be followed by the City Clerk administering the oath of office to the newly elected officials and the City Council's annual reorganization to select a Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2018-2019.
For more information, please contact the City Clerk Department at 818.898.1204 or [email protected]
ADMINISTRATION
NOVEMBER 2018 HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of the below holidays, City Hall will be closed on the following days:
  • Monday, November 12, 2018 - Veteran's Day (observed)
  • Thursday, November 22, 2018 - Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday, November 23, 2018 - Day After Thanksgiving
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: 
JULY 2017 - SEPTEMBER 2018
Data provided below illustrates efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement. Note that summary statistics are rolled up for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 (July 2017 to June 2018).

TOTAL CITATIONS 
ISSUED
TOTAL
FY 2017-2018
JULY
AUG
SEP
TOTAL
FY 2018-2019
     Illegal Converted/
     Habitable Garage
39 4 1 9 14
     Illegal Second Unit 6 0 0 0 0
     Building Code
     Violation
106 15 21 16 52
     Property
     Maintenance
158 18 21 12 51
     Commercial/
     Inoperable Vehicle
1 0 0 0 0
     Business License/
     Occupancy
163 10 5 6 21
     Illegal Signage 61 4 3 3 10
      Vehicles Parked on
     Unpaved
1 0 0 0 0
     NPDES
     (Unlawful Deposits)
6 0 0 0 0
     Accessory Dwelling
     Units
0 0 0 0 0
     Animal Control 6 0 1 1 2
     Walls and Fences 28 0 0 0 0
     Graffiti 6 0 0 0 0
     Inspection Upon
     Resale
7 0 0 11 11
     Other 43 3 2 6 11
TOTAL
(MONTH & YEAR)
634 54 54 64 172






GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
(SQ. FT. COVERAGE)
120,814
1,848 1,778 2,038 5,664






VALUATION OF
CITATIONS BILLED
$40,150 $495 $0 $385 $880
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION: CANNABIS ORDINANCE

On October 2, 2018, the Planning and Preservation Commission opened and continued a public hearing for their first opportunity to hear a presentation about the proposed Cannabis Ordinance. This would require a Code Amendment that would continue to prohibit medicinal and adult use commercial cannabis retail (both storefront dispensaries and non-storefront delivery services) and microbusinesses. It would also establish both regulations and a discretionary review process for the allowance of medicinal and adult use commercial cannabis cultivation, distribution, manufacturing and laboratory testing within select zones. Siting of such businesses would be subject to a 450-foot buffer from day cares, youth centers, and K-12 public and private schools.


On November 7, 2018, the Commission will resume the public hearing and consider action on a recommendation to City Council, which will make the ultimate decision on the proposed Cannabis Ordinance.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TEAM RUNS
A team of three staff members from Community Development participated in the 5k relay run at the Providence Holy Cross Dia de Los Muertos Healthy San Fernando 5K Relay Walk or Run on October 27, 2018. 


Pictured (from L to R): Gerardo Marquez, Associate  Planner, Timothy Hou, Director of Community Development, and Jose Luis Raygoza, Community Preservation Officer. 
FINANCE
WATER BILLING DATES
Due to the holidays, please see the important water billing dates and City Hall closure days below:
  • City Hall Closed: Monday, November 12, 2018 - Veteran's Day (observed)
  • Water Shut Off Day: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 (for bills due 10/31/18)
  • City Hall Closed: Thursday, November 22, 2018 - Thanksgiving Day
  • City Hall Closed: Friday, November 23, 2018 - Day After Thanksgiving
  • Water Bill Due Date: Friday, November 30, 2018
  • Water Shut Off Day: Tuesday, December 18, 2018 (for bills due 11/30/18)
  • City Hall Closed: Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - Christmas Day
  • Water Bill Due Date: Monday, December 31, 2018
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 (http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/finance/financial-documents/).
TRAINING ON PREVENTING HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
In partnership with ICRMA, the City provided mandatory online training on "Preventing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation" to all employees from August 2018 through October 2018. So far, 116 employees have successfully completed the training.
FIRST-AID/CPR/AED TRAINING
On October 3, 2018 and October 4, 2018, a total of 44 City employees were successfully trained and certified in First-Aid/CPR/AED. The 5-hour training, which was coordinated by the Personnel Division, conducted by the American Red Cross, and covered the following: general first-aid principles, how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives, standard CPR practices and how to use the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) during injury, medical and environmental emergencies.
RECRUITMENT
Filing for full-time Building Maintenance Worker/Electrical Helper and Public Works Maintenance Worker positions in the Public Works Department closed on October 26, 2018. A total of 23 and 52 applications were received, respectively, for the two positions. All applications are currently being screened, and qualified candidates will be invited for testing and interviews.
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 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.

POLICE
COP ON A ROOF FUNDRAISER
Join the Police Department as they stake out Dunkin' Donuts rooftop to heighten awareness and raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California.

WHEN: November 2, 2018
WHERE: Dunkin' Donuts
10432 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills
TIME: 6 am to 10 am
INFO: Gerri McCorkle
661.618.2629 or [email protected]
SAN FERNANDO POLICE HOST ANNUAL MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
On October 8, 2018, the Police Department, in conjunction with the San Fernando Police Officers Association, San Fernando Police Civilians' Association and the San Fernando Police Advisory Council, hosted their annual memorial golf tournament at Braemar Country Club.  The tournament was a huge success with all golf spots sold out!  Award winning author and friend of the department, Michael Connelly, was presented with the Chief's Sponsorship Award alongside Chief Anthony Vairo and Retired Chief Robert Ordelheide.  

The tournament raised over $30,000 for the department which will help to fund community outreach in addition to support families of officers seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.  Click here to view photos from the event.

VEHICLE TRAFFIC STOP FOR RED LIGHT VIOLATION YIELDS TWO FIREARMS; TWO JUVENILE SUSPECTS ARRESTED
On October 12, 2018, at 8 pm, Officers Colato and Lopez conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for failing to stop at a solid red light. The juvenile driver admitted that he did not have a driver's license and was on probation for weapons violations.  Officers escorted all four occupants from the vehicle and conducted a vehicle inventory pursuant to an impound for unlicensed driver. 

During the vehicle inventory, Officer Colato discovered a hand gun in the center console and an additional hand gun in the glove box. While attempting to arrest the front right juvenile passenger, he fled and a foot pursuit ensued.  During the foot pursuit, an officer was injured and the subject was taken into custody. The juvenile driver was arrested and booked for unlicensed driver, possession of a loaded firearm, and possession of a firearm within a school safety zone.  The juvenile passenger was arrested and booked for possession of a loaded firearm,  obstructing and resisting an officer in the course of an investigation, and battery of an executive officer.  The diligent work of Officers Colato and Lopez most likely prevented a serious crime involving a forearm from occurring.  Two more firearms taken off the streets by your San Fernando Police Officers.
SHOOTING INVESTIGATION
On October 14, 2018, at about 8:30 pm, Officers responded to the 400 block of Alexander St regarding shots fired in the area. Upon their arrival, Officers located several empty shell casings in the driveway of a residence. While the Officers and Detectives were investigating this incident, it was determined that the shooting was sparked by a jealous rage from a resident at that house.  

Detectives executed a search warrant of the surveillance video at the residence and interviewed several witnesses, when they finally obtained the true story of what occurred. Once the truth was obtained from the witnesses and occupants of the residence, the Officers located a loaded firearm that was used in this shooting. The suspect was arrested and transported to the police station, where he confessed to his crimes. The suspect was later booked for felony negligence discharging of a firearm. This incident was unfortunate but no injuries occurred and with the excellent investigation by Patrol Officers and Detectives, the suspect was identified, located and arrested. Additionally, a loaded weapon was recovered ensuring that it will never be used on the streets again.
FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT UPDATE
On October 25, 2018, a court preliminary hearing was held for the defendant involved in the fatal hit and run traffic accident that occurred on April 6, 2018, on Glenoaks Blvd, near the intersection of Harps Street.  The Defendant, Raul Jesus Rodriguez, was held to answer to one count of felony hit and run and trial is set to start over the next few months.  
PUBLIC WORKS
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATION
On October 1, 2018, the City shifted from peak-hour rates ($0.40 per kWh) to off peak-hour rates ($0.30 per kWh) at all five EV charging stations throughout the City. The off-peak fueling rate runs from October 1st of any given year to September 30th of the following year and is available seven days per week, 24 hours per day.

From the day the EV stations were open to the public up to the writing of this article, the City has avoided emitting 3,664 kilograms of greenhouse gas into the environment; this is like planting 94 trees and letting them grow for 10 years. This detail reinforces the City's commitment to creating a "greener" environment and reducing its carbon footprint.

It should be noted: without grant funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, the Installation of the Five Level II Dual-Port EV Charging Station would not have been possible.
SAN FERNANDO PACOIMA WASH BIKE PED PATH, PHASE I
The Pacoima Wash, a channelized tributary of the Los Angeles River, currently divides neighborhoods, inviting unsafe trespassing by youngsters across the 65-foot channel, or forcing bikers/walkers into highly trafficked roadways with Class II, III or no bike/pedestrian facilities. 

The 'San Fernando Pacoima Wash Bike Path' project will construct a 12-foot wide, 1.34-mile long Class I Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, along the northwest side of Pacoima Wash from Foothill Blvd to Eighth St; crossing to parallel the southeast side of Wash from Eighth St to just north of Fourth St/Bradley Ave.  Crossing will be enabled through a prefabricated bike-pedestrian bridge at Eighth St. The project will include at grade crossings at Fifth St and Glenoaks Blvd intersections, six community access points, lighting, fencing, signing, and striping.  The Path will create important new non-motorized connections to the downtown civic center, shopping, industrial employment, multiple parks, schools and community facilities.  The project is Phase 1 of a larger vision to connect along Pacoima Wash from the Angeles National Forest, under the 210 Freeway, link to the existing San Fernando bike path, and terminate at the existing Haddon Ave pedestrian bridge in the City of Los Angeles. Project construction is tentatively anticipated to begin late 2019 and be completed by 2021.
SPEED HUMP INSTALLATION
On October 29, 2018, the City Council approved the installation of speed humps in the alley North of San Fernando Rd, between Maclay Ave and Brand Blvd. A total of three pairs of humps will be installed to help address traffic concerns in the alley. 
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
PROVIDENCE HOLY CROSS HEALTHY SAN FERNANDO DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 5K RELAY WALK/RUN
The City, in collaboration with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, hosted the annual Dia de Los Muertos 5k Relay Walk or Run event. As part of the City's Healthy San Fernando campaign, the 5K Relay Walk or Run began early on October 27, 2018.  Approximately 1,200 registered to participate.

Once the Dia de Los Muertos celebration got under way, families enjoyed a unique public art display consisting of large scale "Chalk Art" on the sidewalks outside of the recreational center.  Family altars were displayed throughout the park area and performances by Ballet Folklorico Ollin, MMAP, and Aztec dancers delighted spectators.  The festivities were enjoyed by all and it was a great opportunity to bring families together. This event was made possible due to the City's ongoing relationship with the Ford Theater.


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 2018 through December 2018.
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.  Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.
ALL INCLUSIVE ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS
A new Zumba class will be introduced soon as part of the Zumba Pass. The new class will focus on individuals with limited mobility and special needs.  Zumba instructor Leilani Ayson will lead the class and has several years of experience working as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher with LAUSD. 

Free demo classes will be offered on the following days:
  • November 28, 2018
  • December 5, 2018
  • December 12, 2018
YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM: WINTER 2018
Player evaluations will be held on November 28, 2018. The evaluations will consist of a skills test that allows coaches to rank potential players ability to dribble, pass and shoot. Following the evaluations the coaches will gather, by division, for the Winter 2019 draft. During the draft, the coaches select their players and formulate their teams for the season.

Practices will begin the week of December 17, 2018, and games will begin after the New Year holiday.

Registration is ongoing for the Winter 2019 League. Click here for more information.
YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAM FALL 2018
Two new Soccer Leagues will begin this fall! 
  • Kidz Love Soccer will provide instructional clinics for participants between the ages of two and 10 years old. 
  • The Youth Soccer program will target participants between the ages of 11 and 14 years old.  Practices are scheduled at Recreation Park and Las Palmas Park, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and games are played on Saturdays. The program focuses on youth health and fitness. All youth are encouraged to participate with no restriction on prior experience in soccer. 
FAMILY HIKE UPDATE
A total of 46 residents joined the Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department for a trek through the historic Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills. 

Ranging from ages four to 84, everyone hiked the 2.5 mile loop enjoying the beautiful rolling hills with the Santa Monica Mountains in the background. Participants saw red tailed hawks, foxes, majestic oak trees and various types of native flowers. Laura Torres, from National Parks Conservation Association, guided the tour and also provided a free lunch and raffle. Ms. Torres also answered questions from participants and educated attendees about the "Leave No Trace" principles. The event ended with a walking tour of the western buildings frequently featured in film and TV shows.



HIKING WORKSHOP
Join the RCS Department for a hiking workshop and learn why it's so important for you to be involved in your community and to speak up for parks. You can also reserve a spot for you and your family for the upcoming 2019 hikes!

WHEN: November 15, 2018
WHERE: Las Palmas Park
505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando
TIME: 5 pm
INFO: 818.898.7340
COMMUNITY PARK CLEAN-UP
The RCS Department invited the community to participate in two clean-up days to beautify the Mission City Trail. Over 20 volunteers participated in the October 13, 2018 and October 20, 2018 cleanups. Volunteers consisted of residents and high school students and they did a great job removing trash, debris and dry brush.

If you have a group of volunteers that would like to help, please contact Alejandra Ahumada at [email protected]. These City-sponsored clean-ups count towards community service hours for students and parents looking to fulfill service hour requirements. Contact the RCS Department for additional details: 818.898.1290.

COMMUNITY PARK CLEAN-UP
Join the RCS Department for the next Community Park clean up!

WHEN: December 8, 2018
WHERE: Pacoima Wash Natural Park
801 Eighth St, San Fernando
TIME: 8 am to 10:30 am
INFO: 818.898.7340
TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC) LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Crafty Ladies and Senior Club members, Maxine Perez and Angie Alvarado, dedicated their Saturday morning (October 20, 2018) to several TBC program members interested in learning Arts and Crafts. The teens learned how to make various types of paper flowers and decorated picture frames which were sold at the 5k/ Dia de Los Muertos event to fund raise for the teen group. The teens and Senior Club members look forward to working together in future intergenerational workshops.

TRICK OR TREAT AND MOVE YOUR FEET!
The Senior Zumba Class wore their spookiest Halloween costumes and then enjoyed an hour of dancing thrills, including seasonal favorites like Thriller and Ghostbusters!

AT A GLANCE
The chart below offers a snapshot of the number of participants in each of the programs offered at Las Palmas Park.

Program/Activity Name Number of Participants
Family Excursion: Paramount Ranch Hike 46
Community Clean Ups 20
Cardio and Pump Class 20
Senior Zumba 69
Lifting and Energy Class 6
Music Class 19
Stretch Aerobics 19
Senior Club Dance 203
Teens for a Better Community Club 27
SAVE THE DATE

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Join us as we light the official holiday tree and enjoy free entertainment, face painting, and photos with Santa.

WHEN: December 6, 2018
WHERE: Brand Blvd and Celis Street,
San Fernando
TIME: 6 pm to 9 pm
INFO: 818.898.1290
 
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