City Manager's Monthly Report

SEPTEMBER 2018

ADMINISTRATION

NEW BUSINESS GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING

In August 2018, the City of San Fernando was honored to join three new businesses in celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Join the City in welcoming three new businesses to the City of San Fernando:

The Wild Plum Holistic Spa & Yoga Center (1031 N. Maclay Ave.): An inclusive wellness center and a warm, open space where everyone is welcome to experience the benefits of yoga and meditation in a relaxing and rejuvenating holistic spa.

Law Offices of Rivera & Associates (451 S. Brand Blvd.): A professional corporation specializing in estate planning, civil litigation, intellectual property and business law.

Children's Dental Funzone (500 San Fernando Mission Blvd.): A children's dentistry and orthodontics office that believes each child is special and deserves the highest quality care and provides an experience that will decrease anxiety and ensure that children enjoy going to the dentist.

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.

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CITY CLERK

GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 6, 2018

Registered voters in the City of San Fernando will have the opportunity to elect three councilmembers of the five-member City Council for a term of four years each. These seats are presently occupied by incumbents Sylvia Ballin, Antonio Lopez, and Jaime Soto.

The following is a list of City Council candidates that have been nominated and their ballot designations:

	Sylvia Ballin	Mayor
	David C. Bernal	Technician/Union steward
	Antonio G. Lopez	Vice-Mayor/Executive Director
	Hector A. Pacheco	Attorney/Business Owner
	Yvonne Mejia Pena	Planning Commissioner
	Jaime Soto	College Professor

The following is Measure A to be voted on as well:

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk reports a total of 60 measures appearing on the November ballot in Los Angeles County: 11 statewide, 1 county, and 48 local.

Upcoming election events/deadlines include:

September 27, 2018 through October 16, 2018	Official Sample Ballot Booklet and State Ballot Pamphlet - Between these dates, both shall be mailed to all registered voters
October 9, 2018 through October 30, 2018	Vote By Mail - First and Last Day to Apply
October 22, 2018	Last Day to Register to Vote

Additional election information:

For more information, please contact the City Clerk Department at [email protected] or call 818.898.1204.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS:

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

GRAFFITI ABATEMENT (SQ. FT. COVERAGE)	120,814	1,848	1,848

VALUATION OF CITATIONS BILLED	$40,150	$495	$495

CITY HOSTS URBAN PLANNERS FROM ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR SUMMER IN THE CITY TOUR

The Community Development Department hosted the American Planning Association - Los Angeles (APA Los Angeles) Chapter for its Summer in the City events series on August 23, 2018. Approximately 25 urban planners from across the Southern California region descended upon San Fernando for a day-long tour of the city, featuring dignitaries and local businesses as speakers.

The theme of the tour was, "San Fernando: Past, Present, and Future." Mayor Sylvia Ballin provided a hearty introductory welcome to the tour, which then disembarked with a walk along San Fernando Rd., the historic downtown and heart of the central business district. The tour then stopped at Casa de Lopez for a docent-led tour of the City's first and only building on the National Historic Register. Next, the tour stopped at the Civic Center for a discussion about the transit oriented development vision of the recently adopted San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan, and the planned transit improvements and planned light rail transit stations resulting from the East San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan.

The discussion of San Fernando's present day continued with a walk up Maclay Avenue to Library Plaza, where Adriana Gomez from Aszkenazy Development, Inc., shared stories about the company's efforts in retail, affordable housing and commercial development. Next, the tour boarded San Fernando shuttle buses to head northeast to the City edge and continued the discussion regarding housing and economic development, stopping briefly at the vacant former Sam's Club store to discuss the impacts of the transforming retail industry locally. The tour then visited the San Fernando Swap Meet where its representatives lead attendees through a discussion about the history and operations of this large local marketplace.

Continuing the tour with a discussion of San Fernando's future, the next stop landed at San Fernando Brewing Co., where co-owner Joe Chouchanian and his staff led a tour of the brewery while also sharing both the significance of incorporating San Fernando into the name of the enterprise, and the growth of the business during its first three years. Finally, the tour concluded back on the San Fernando Mall at San Fernando's newest gastropub, Truman House Tavern, where co-owner Miguel Medina warmly welcomed the group.

According to APA Los Angeles, Summer in the City gives everyone an opportunity to explore new places while sharing thoughts and ideas with like-minded planners from all over Southern California. San Fernando proudly hosted the third tour of the 2018 Summer in the City series, representing a focal point for new urban planning concepts while looking to maintain its small town charm.

Staff would like to thank all the participants and speakers on the tour for their contributions in bringing the event to life.

CITY HOSTS "DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY" WORKSHOP

The City presented a workshop on Doing Business with the City on August 21, 2018, as part of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce workshop series.

Representatives from each division of the Community Development Department (Building and Safety, Community Preservation, Planning and Administration), as well as the Police Department and City Manager, along with representatives from Republic Services (the City's waste and recycling provider), and Southern California Edison (the local electric utility), attended the workshop alongside dozens of local business people.

The purpose of the event was for new and current entrepreneurs to meet City staff and find out the advantages of establishing a business in San Fernando. These advantages include strong local consumer spending and lower costs to establish a business. Timothy Hou, Director of Community Development, presented data about San Fernando's advantages. For instance, did you know that per capita sales in San Fernando far outpace that of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and the greater Southern California region? Additionally, did you know that there are significant lower costs of doing business in San Fernando than in many neighboring cities in regards to business gross receipts tax, development impact fees, and conditional use permits? Attendees brought questions about zoning, business recycling, public parking, and major economic benefits of light rail public transit.

PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Conditional Use Permit for Flor De Lima Farms at 1431 Truman Street: On September 5, 2018, the Planning and Preservation Commission approved a conditional use permit for expansion of a restaurant use, including the development of an outdoor dining patio at Flor De Lima Farms, a local organic juice manufacturer and delicatessen. With the expansion of a restaurant and the development of pedestrian oriented improvements with the outdoor dining area, the project represents many of the neighborhood improvements encouraged by the San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5).

FINANCE

MEASURE A

On September 17, 2018, staff will present the annual Measure A report that provides a summary on how Measure A revenues were spent in the prior fiscal year. Copies of past reports are available on the City's website (http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/finance/financial-documents/).

A "Frequently Asked Questions" pamphlet is also available on the City's website that provides additional detail on the background and use of Measure A revenue.

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

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT

On August 7, 2018, the Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out event in the Civic Center Parking Lot. Over 1,400 community members attended this annual event, including: the host of ceremonies, David Bugenske (Go-Country radio); Dani Rosner (lead singer for Honey County) sang the National Anthem; special guest star Emilio Rivera (Mayans M.C. on the FX Network); California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas; San Fernando City Councilmembers; City Manager; and all City Department heads.

This was truly another community event where all City resources were available to our community.

HIT AND RUN TRAFFIC COLLISION

On August 13, 2018, at approximately 4:35 pm, Officer Flores was conducting a Community Resource Management (CRM) detail in the area of North Maclay Ave. and DeHaven St. for the purpose of conducting speed enforcement.

Officer Flores heard a loud impact consistent with that of a vehicle collision and then observed a vehicle travel past his location that had obvious front end damage. Upon making eye contact with female driver, she made an abrupt right hand turn off of Maclay Avenue. Believing that the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision, Officer Flores conducted an enforcement stop. Upon contacting the driver, she immediately admitted that she had just been involved in a traffic collision at Fifth St. and Maclay Ave. and had fled the scene. Further investigation revealed that she caused the traffic collision by failing to stop at the red light. The other driver was not injured but his vehicle was damaged. The driver was arrested for misdemeanor hit and run and is scheduled to return to court on September 27, 2018. Excellent observation by Officer Flores!

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

In April, 2018, the Police Department reinstated its traffic program, with Sergeant Aguirre supervising the detail. Since the reinstatement of this program, reorganizing and training personnel in various aspects of traffic enforcement, the Police Department has conducted two enforcement details.

July 21, 2018 (4 pm to 10 pm): This detail was focused in problem areas of Fourth St., Fifth St. (between Maclay Ave. and Hubbard St.), Glenoaks Blvd. (between Arroyo Ave. and Hubbard St.), Maclay Ave., and Brand Blvd.

August 17, 2018 (2 pm to 8 pm): This detail yielded great results; 28 citations, two vehicle impounds, and two day time drunk driving arrests.

In addition to everyday enforcement, the Police Department will be conducting special traffic enforcement at least once each month.

PUBLIC WORKS

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECTS

The City is currently finalizing the design for two Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Projects. The purpose of these projects is to construct improvements that will enhance pedestrian safety around the vicinities of San Fernando schools and encourage students to either walk or ride their bicycles to school.

Construction components will consist of new bulb-outs, parkways, perpendicular curb ramps, chicanes, pedestrian refuge islands, medians, drop-off/pick-up loading zones, high visibility crosswalks, bicycle lanes, advanced stop bars and legends, solar flashers, audible pedestrian signals, countdown signals and signage. Bulb-outs are sidewalk extensions that not only assist pedestrians and motorists to see each other prior to pedestrian crossing street, but also provide the pedestrian a shorter crossing distance and minimize contact with vehicles on the street. Chicanes will create narrower traffic lanes for the motorist and assist with traffic calming.

These projects will be constructed with a combined estimate of $2,000,000 of Federal SRTS funds and $400,000 of Local City funds. The City tentatively anticipates commencement of construction in late Fall 2018 with estimated completion date of June 2019.

Below is an example of a landscaped median for Mott Street:

REGIONAL INFILTRATION SYSTEM

The City is in the preliminary stages of design of the infiltration system which will be constructed under the ball field at Recreation Park. As part of the preliminary design, staff has done a Hydrology and Hydraulics Study and a Geotechnical Report. The information in these documents will help in providing the City with a design to capture storm water in the most efficient and effective way.

STREET LIGHT POLE REPLACEMENT

Southern California Edison contractors have commenced replacing existing steel poles with new concrete poles.

Work commenced on August 13, 2018 in the northwest part of the city and is scheduled to last until mid-September replacing approximately 450 poles citywide.

NITRATE REMOVAL PROJECT

The City is completing a comprehensive project for removal of nitrates from one of San Fernando's drinking wells. Nitrate is a compound that is formed naturally when nitrogen combines with oxygen or ozone. Nitrogen is essential for all living things, but high levels of nitrate in drinking water can be dangerous to human health. Nitrate can occur naturally in surface and groundwater at a level that does not generally cause health problems. High levels of nitrate in well water often can come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal feedlots, industrial waste, and food processing waste. This project will reduce nitrates to acceptable levels as mandated by the EPA and State of California Water Quality Control Board.

Currently, the City is going through testing and commissioning of the new system. The commissioning process entails conducting an official start-up of nitrate system in the presence of representatives from the State of California Water Quality Control Board and collecting mandatory samples for lab analysis. If the results from the samples show that the nitrate removal system is functioning properly, a final report with lab results will be submitted to the State for approval and issuance of final permits. Once completed, Well 7A will be back online creating a much needed boost to the overall supply of safe and clean water available within the City's water system, and in turn making it easier to meet any future increases in water demand.

WATER DIVISION SERVICE ORDERS

During August 2018, the Public Works Water Division responded to the following service orders:

23 Water Meter Turn On/Unlock;
20 Water Meter Turn Off/Lock;
44 Meter Exchanges;
10 Meter Inspections;
2 Meter Leaks;
3 Water Quality Inspections;
204 Shut Off Notices Delivered; and
30 Total Accounts Turn Off/Locked for Non-Payment.

Please contact the Water Division to report any issues: 818.898.1293.

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

SUMMER SLIM DOWN CHALLENGE

The Healthy San Fernando Campaign kicked off this year at the first Movie Night event with a Zumba Dance Party in the Park. The event showcased one of the various classes that are offered to the community to help keep them healthy and active. The kickoff was followed by a week of free demo classes; participants had the opportunity to try out fitness classes for free and, as an incentive, could purchase a Zumba or FitPass for 20% off during the month of August 2018. As a result of the kickoff event and free demo week staff has seen an increase in participation in all of the fitness classes.

SUMMER DAY CAMP WINDS DOWN

The Summer Day Camp Program has come to a close as school is back in session. The total registration number for this Summer was 184, of which 117 were City residents and 67 resided in surrounding areas.

Number of Participants by Age Group: 59 children aged five to six years old; 50 children aged seven to eight years old; 40 children aged nine to 10 years old; and 35 children aged 11 to 13 years old.

Staff consisted of three Senior Camp Counselors, two Senior Counselor-In-Training Counselors, 15 group staff members, and two activity staff members.

LAYNE PARK SOCCER FIELD DEBUT

On August 25, 2018, the Layne Park reopening and soccer field debut was held. The weather was beautiful and the community had an opportunity to enjoy the new soccer field and playground renovations. Mayor Sylvia Ballin, staff and various community partners hosted the event with DJ entertainment, raffles, free children's activities and giveaways.

Over 50 children were registered in attendance at this event.

HEALTHY SNACK DAY

Healthy Snack Day is a Statewide day of action led by the Champions for Change Program at the California Department of Public Health. Events took place across California on August 29, 2018, to educate individuals on the benefits of eating foods that are nutritious and healthy. Las Palmas Park staff hosted a Healthy Snack Day offering free samples of healthy and delicious snack options and an opportunity to win free raffle prizes. Literature and information was provided to the public on easy ways to practice healthy habits for themselves and their families.

WESTERN DAY

Seniors at Las Palmas Park put on their cowboy best and had some Wild West fun at the Elderly Nutrition Program "Saloon". They learned basic line dance steps and showed off their do-si-do skills. Approximately 80 participants enjoyed the festivities and refreshments were provided courtesy of Blue Shield of California.

SUMMER 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 Summer Programs Brochure for July 2018 through September 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.

FREE FAMILY HIKE

Take a trek through cinematic history on this easy 2.5 mile loop trail through the historic Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, CA.

Since 1923, thousands of feature films and television shows have been shot here with the rugged peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains serving as backdrops. Today the site is administered by the National Park Service and features an old western town bordered by a valley oak savanna to the north and the imposing summit of Sugarloaf Peak rising 1,515' to the south.

For more information or to sign-up, call 818.898.7340.

YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM

The Youth Basketball Summer Season is coming to an end. Championship games are scheduled for September 8, 2018, as well as the annual end of the season Coach's Game.

This season, a total of 196 children participated in the Summer Season: 154 children in Youth Basketball (ages seven to 15 years old); 20 children in Tiny Tykes Basketball Clinic (ages four to six years old); and 22 children in the Youth Cheer Program (ages five to 12 years old).

The Trophy Ceremony is scheduled for September 12, at Recreation Park.

Registration is now open for the Winter 2019 league.

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 and will take place at both Recreation Park and Las Palmas Park.

CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE SENIOR FITNESS

Low- impact exercise class that focuses on fall prevention and improving muscular strength. For adults 55 years and older.

DAYS:	Monday/ Wednesday / Friday
TIME:	8:15 am to 9:15 am
LOCATION:	Recreation Park
COST:	Free
INFO:	818.898.1290

NEW SENIOR ACTIVITY: PICKLEBALL

This sport utilizes a paddle that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Come practice during Open Play hours. Fee includes equipment rental. Ask about the next introductory Class!

DAYS:	Tuesday/ Thursday
TIME:	11:30 am to 2 pm
LOCATION:	Las Palmas Park
COST:	$10 per month
INFO:	818.898.7340

SENIOR GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

This group focuses on coming to terms with reality of loss, working with and through the pain of grieving and life transitions. If you are dealing with grief join in on this bilingual support group to help you get through difficult times.

WHEN:	September 12, 2018
TIME:	9:30 am
LOCATION:	Las Palmas Park
COST:	Free
INFO:	818.898.7340

SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATIONS

Low- impact exercise class that focuses on fall prevention and improving muscular strength. For adults 55 years and older.

DATE	GROUP & EVENT	LOCATION
September 7 - 9, 2018	Santa Rosa Church; Annual Fiesta	Santa Rosa Church; 668 S. Workman St.
October 20, 2018	Light House Christian Center; Autumn Apple Festival	Light House Christian Center 1231 First St.

SAVE THE DATE

2018 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 5K

The Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to announce this year's Providence Holy Cross Healthy San Fernando 5K Relay Walk or Run will again be combined with the Dia de los Muertos event as part of the six-month Healthy San Fernando! Campaign. The goal is to improve the health of the community. Registration is available online via the CIty's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG). This fun and healthy event includes: