The City Manager’s Monthly Report includes important information related to COVID-19 response efforts and programs, opportunities for public participation in steering the future of the City, and key updates from each City Department to keep community members informed about your City government.
Please take the time to read through this entire Report so you can stay connected to your community!
|
|
Subscribe to both of the City's notification methods to ensure you receive current information and connect with the official City of San Fernando social media channels through your computer or mobile device! |
|
SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS |
|
COMMUNITY SURVEY
The City Council is seeking input from the community to assist with San Fernando’s economic recovery in 2022. Your feedback will help determine which programs the City offers to residents over the next year.
Please complete this survey, which should take less than 10 minutes, by January 16, 2022, to be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card that can be used at participating San Fernando businesses. Your responses will be kept confidential.
|
|
HOUSING ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
The City encourages public participation on finalizing the City’s Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element. The Housing Element and Safety Element are two chapters in the City General Plan that guides the future growth of the City. This update process serves as an opportunity for the City to update housing and land-use strategies to reflect changing needs, resources, and conditions.
|
|
A Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared for the updated Draft Housing Element and Safety Element. The Draft IS/MND analyzed and identified potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures that would reduce potential impacts to less-than-significant levels.
To meet the State’s deadline for adoption of the Housing Element, please submit comments by 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2022, to:
or mail to:
City of San Fernando
Community Development Department
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340-2993
|
|
SAFE AND ACTIVE STREETS PROJECT
The City is wrapping up its Safe and Active Streets Project over the next month. The project began in March 2021 and included six walking audits and two bike audits with members of the community to examine and discuss ways to improve and promote pedestrian and bike movement through the City. Additional engagement with the community included pop-up events during the downtown street events, where residents were able to look over proposed designs, ask questions, and fill out comment cards to share more of their ideas. From all of these efforts, a draft plan was developed by the consultant, Toole Design, to build a biking and pedestrian network through town that creates safe opportunities to get out and walk and bike to major locations such as: schools, shopping, bus stops, and parks.
As part of this process and through the end of January 2022, a draft of the plan is available to the public for comments on the City's website:
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
The City and its consultant team will be hosting a one-hour virtual workshop on January 20, 2022, from 6 pm to 7pm, to discuss the project and provide the community more opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Following the review period in January 2022, the consultant team will finalize the report and return to City Council at its February 22, 2022 meeting for adoption of the plan. The City will then pursue grant funding opportunities to construct the improvements discussed in the final plan.
|
|
ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 5 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED |
|
VACCINATION AND TESTING CLINICS IN SAN FERNANDO
-
San Fernando Park (208 Park Ave., San Fernando):
|
|
-
Providence Community Health Vaccination Clinic at Vaughn International Studies Academy: There will be a mobile vaccination clinic every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Residents may call (818) 847-3860 to schedule an appointment.
-
San Fernando Community Health Center and Northeast Valley Health Corporation: Both of these federally qualified health centers receive a limited supply of vaccine. Residents may contact the following vaccination hotlines for additional information:
- San Fernando Community Health Center: Call (818) 963-5690.
- Northeast Valley Health Corp: Call (818) 792-4949 to check availability.
|
|
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER & MASKING GUIDANCE
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Masking Guidance.
|
|
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
The Regional Food Bank distribution was held on January 7, 2022, at Las Palmas Park. This monthly drive-through Food Bank distribution continues to serve seniors age 60+ on the first Monday of every month at Las Palmas Park. The program provides a free food kit containing nutritious items such as meats, canned fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains and serves an average of 150 seniors each month.
The next Food bank distribution will be held on February 7, 2022. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340.
|
|
UPCOMING SPORTS CLINICS
Registration for the Youth Basketball Winter Showdown and the Mission City Baseball Spring League are ongoing. Tennis classes, Soccer and Basketball clinics will resume mid-January 2022 and Karate will restart at the beginning of the month and feature a new instructor and style called Shotokan Karate. All programs will continue to adhere to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Protocols for Organized Youth Sports until further notice.
|
|
EARLY SPRING ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL
Due to the Water Infiltration Project set to kick-off at Recreation Park in April 2022, the Department will offer a short-early spring league of Adult Coed Softball at a reduced price. The nine-week program will run from February 1, 2022 through March 29, 2022, with no make-up dates.
For more information and a registration link, visit:
|
|
|
Congratulations to the Fall 2021 Champions, the San Fernando Dirtbags! |
|
3 WINS FITNESS
The nationally recognized program, formally known as 100 Citizens, has returned to Recreation Park and will resume on January 19, 2022. In an effort to maintain the safety of participants, CSUN interns and 3 Wins instructors will continue to conduct classes outdoors and will incorporate non-equipment exercise routines.
Program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:15 am to 9:15am, on the outdoor basketball courts at Recreation Park.
Interested individuals can register online at 3winsfitness.com. Additional RCS waiver is required.
|
|
TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC)
Teens for a Better Community (TBC) Youth Leadership Program offers youth the opportunity to work side by side with Recreation staff to obtain valuable work experience and earn service hours. It is a great opportunity for current high school students to develop leadership skills and be a role model for our community. During the Fall semester, TBC volunteered and participated at various community events. The teens participated at the City of San Fernando Movies at the Park, the Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting, Las Palmas Golden Fun League Bingo Night and at the LAPD San Fernando Gardens first annual haunted house and costume drive. Collectively, they have volunteered over 100 hours.
TBC would like to thank everyone who donated to the Annual Canned Food Drive. All canned food was donated to MEND for their Christmas Program. This year the drive collected over 860 pounds of food.
If you would like to join the TBC Youth Leadership Program, please complete the online application that can be found on the City website. All hours spent with the program will be recorded as community service hours and a certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the program.
|
|
TUTČINT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The Tutčint Youth Empowerment program will return from a winter break and resume Academic Support/Tutoring on January 12, 2022. The six-week program will focus on the theme of Spirit and Community which ties into the first Cultural Program of the new year: “Finding Your Medicine”.
Upcoming Activities:
- January 13, 2022 - Presentation by Avril Cordova, AC and Associates
-
January 29, 2022 - Recreational outing to Los Angeles Historic State Park, as part of the Route to Parks grant.
|
|
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
A variety of programs and activities are offered at Las Palmas Park for older adults. Programs include educational, social, creative, musical, and physical activities in group settings that encourage personal interactions, regular attendance, and community involvement. Activity programs are a potential means to reduce social isolation among older adults. There is strong evidence that participating in these types of programs improve mental and physical health, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve overall well being and quality of life. Please note: all indoor classes will require temperature checks at the door and masks to be worn at all times while in the facility.
Visit the City's website for a list of upcoming activities:
|
|
CHIEF ANTHONY VAIRO RETIRES AFTER 39 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY
On December 30, 2021, after 39 years of unwavering and distinguished service, Chief Anthony Vairo retired. His commitment to the people of San Fernando and passionate, ethical leadership will be missed by the City's leaders and the men and women of the SFPD. Thank you Chief Vairo for your dedication to assuring the highest standard of service and quality of life for all who lived in, worked in and visited the San Fernando community for the past four decades. You will be missed and we salute you. Enjoy your retirement...you earned it!
|
|
THREE GRANT-FUNDED OPERATIONS CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER 2021
The San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) conducted three California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) funded grant operations in December 2021: a Minor Decoy operation, a Shoulder Tap operation, and a Driving Under the Influence Saturation Patrol. These operations resulted in the issuance of a citation to one retailer for selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor and one arrest of a person for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
Through June 30, 2022, the SFPD will continue these grant-funded operations including additional Minor Decoy operations, Teen Age Party Prevention involving alcoholic beverages, Retail and Restaurant compliance inspections, Shoulder Tap operations and saturation patrols to prevent driving under the influence.
|
|
ATTEMPT MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ARIZONA
Thanks to the efforts of multiple agencies led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and supported by SFPD Detectives, the suspect in the attempt murder of a SFPD officer was apprehended in Buckeye, Arizona. The SFPD is extremely grateful the officer was not injured and this dangerous wanted person is now in custody.
|
|
34th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BASKET PROGRAM
The SFPD received over $13,000 in generous donations to purchase gift cards and other essentials for 125 families during the 34th Annual Christmas Basket Program! Generous donations were received from many including Harry Parsamyan, Askenazy Development, Bernards Brothers, Gelb Enterprises, and J&M Products to name a few. SFPD Patrol Officers made the multiple deliveries over a two-day time span because Santa Claus and all of his elves had the sniffles! Special recognition goes to Lieutenant Irwin Rosenberg for this tireless fundraising efforts which made this special program possible.
|
|
SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
On September 21, 2021, the City Clerk received 11 bids for the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project. Staff will be analyzing the bids and expect to award a contract in November 2021. The project consists of a regional stormwater infiltration project within Recreation Park (located at 208 Park Ave) that will divert up to 130 million gallons of runoff from entering the Pacoima Wash. This water will be redirected to Recreation Park and infiltrated into the ground to recharge the groundwater basin. Sections of Jessie Street and Park Avenue will also be repaved as part of this project to start construction in April 2022.
Visit the City website for more information and updates:
|
|
TREE PLANTING EVENT
Please come to the first tree planting of the year at this NFL-sponsored event on January 22, 2022. Approximately 30 native trees will be planted on N. Huntington Street, between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. Another tree planting event is scheduled for January 29, 2022, on Fifth Street between Orange Grove Avenue and Hubbard Avenue. These plantings are part of our continuing project, “Calles Verdes.” These trees will add much needed shade to these beautiful streets.
To register for these tree planting events, please contact Pam Gibson : (310) 228-8430 or pgibson@treepeople.org.
|
|
SAN FERNANDO MALL BOLLARDS INSTALLATION PROJECT
The City recently installed bollards within the San Fernando Mall area as a traffic control safety measure for use during events involving street closures. A total of 41 bollards were installed by the City’s contractor, FS Contractors, Inc., at the intersections of San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue, Brand Boulevard and San Fernando Mission Boulevard, as well as on Maclay Avenue on at the alleys north and south of San Fernando Road. The bollards were first used during the Tree Lighting event which was held on December 6, 2021.
|
|
HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR SERVICES
Submit a Request for Services to report Public Works-related items such as raised sidewalks, excessive water run-off, dumped items, potholes, or to request services such as City-owned tree trimming/removal.
|
|
CALL
(818) 898-1293
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
|
|
VISIT
Public Works Operations Center
120 Macneil Street
San Fernando, CA 91340
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
|
|
|
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: DECEMBER 2021
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and Fiscal Year 2021-2022 to date.
|
|
SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9)
Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) allows a single-family lot to be subdivided into two lots and development of two-residential units per lot. Draft regulations for implementation of SB 9 will be presented to the Planning and Preservation Commission for review in February/March of 2022. If you are interested in this process, please email Gerardo Marquez at GMarquez@sfcity.org or call at (818) 837-1540.
|
|
JOIN THE SAN FERNANDO CITY TEAM
Below, please find the current jobs that the City is recruiting for with their filing deadlines and/or status:
-
Assistant to the City Manager (full time): Interviews have been completed and the selected candidate is undergoing background.
-
Cross Connection Specialist (full time): Interviews have been completed and the selected candidate is undergoing background.
-
Crossing Guard (part time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Director of Finance (full time): Filing closed on January 7, 2022.
-
Management Intern Positions (part time): Positions in the Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, and Recreation and Community Services departments have been filled. Interviews for openings in the Administration/City Clerk/Personnel and Finance departments will be scheduled soon.
-
Police Chief (full time): Interviews have been completed and the selected candidate is undergoing background.
-
Police Officer (full time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
-
Public Works Maintenance Helper (part time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
-
Recreation Leader I & II (part time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
-
Water Worker I/II (full time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
Visit the City website (SFCITY.ORG/Personnel) to view the job bulletins and to download a City Employment Application.
|
|
WELCOME THE NEWEST CITY TEAM MEMBERS
The City wishes to formally welcome the following San Fernando City Team Members who joined the City or were promoted on the respective dates specified:
- Richard De La Peña, Public Works Superintendent (promoted November 1, 2021);
- Marcos Herrera, Junior Cadet (joined the City November 10, 2021);
- Daisy Arista, Recreation Leader I (joined the City November 15, 2021);
- Graziella Jensen, Recreation Leader I (joined the City November 15, 2021);
- Robert Sahagun, Management Intern - Public Works/Engineering (joined the City November 15, 2021);
- Tiffany Hernandez, Office Clerk – Recreation & Community Services (joined the City November 15, 2021);
- David Garcia, Senior Maintenance Worker (promoted November 30, 2021);
- Regina Adame, Recreation Leader I (joined the City December 6, 2021);
- Melissa Avelar, Police Desk Officer (joined the City December 6, 2021);
- Kayla Urbina, Management Intern - Public Works/Engineering (joined the City December 6, 2021);
- Kanika Kith, Director of Community Development (joined the City December 20, 2021);
- Andrew Gutierrez, Senior Maintenance Worker (promoted December 20, 2021);
- Robert Davidson, Public Works Supervisor (promoted January 3, 2022); and
- Jesus Gonzalez, Public Works Maintenance Worker (promoted January 4, 2021).
The City Team wishes to express our appreciation and excitement about these new team members, as well as returning members. Their skills and talents will be a great addition to the San Fernando Family, especially at this critical time, as we navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcome aboard!
|
|
FAREWELL TO THE FOLLWOING CITY TEAM MEMBERS
The following members left the City Team, either voluntarily or by way of retirement. They will be truly missed!
- Anthony Vairo, Police Chief (retired effective December 31, 2021, after almost 40 years of invaluable service to the City);
- Hilda O'donnell, Recreation Leader I (resigned effective December 3, 2021);
- Johnathan Zibli, Police Officer (resigned effective December 5, 2021); and
- Rafael Castillo, City Electrician (resigned effective December 23, 2021).
|
|
BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL
Business license renewals have been mailed to registered businesses in the City. The due date for submittal is end of business day on February 28, 2022. The easiest and fastest way to renew your current license is using the online filing method at https://sanfernando.hdlgov.com/Renew/Renew1/BusinessLicense.
If you need assistance filing your renewal, please contact the City’s Business Support Center at SanFernando@hdlgov.com or by phone at (818) 898-1211.
|
|
SWAP MEET LICENSE RENEWAL
The renewal period is now open for Swap Meet vendors to obtain their 2022 Swap Meet license. A copy of your Occupancy Permit and State Seller Permit is required to obtain a license.
Please contact the Finance Department with questions or: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS
2022 Residential Parking permits are now available at City Hall in the Finance Department. A copy of your vehicle registration and driver’s license is required to obtain a permit. Residents have until January 31, 2022, to avoid a Parking Citation.
Please contact the Finance Department with questions or: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
WATER BILLS
The City of San Fernando WILL NOT be disconnecting any customers’ water and WILL BE waiving all late fees due to limited access to City Hall. If you are behind in your account, the City encourages you to set-up a payment plan, if possible. If your water bill is due, currently, there are three payment options:
- By Mail: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
- Night Dropbox: Located outside City Hall’s main entrance on the right-hand side. Place your payment in an envelope and put it in the drop box. NO CASH PLEASE. Payments received in the drop-box will be processed by 9:00 am the next business day.
-
AutoPay: Available to all City of San Fernando water customers. It is a direct debit program that works with your bank for a quick and simple way to pay your utility bill electronically. Click Here to download an AutoPay Application.
Please contact the Finance Department with questions or to set-up payment plans: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
INCREASE IN WATER RATES
Beginning in January 2022, water rates will be increasing. The increase will take effect in the February 2022 Billing, which covers the months of November 2021 – January 2022. This bill will be prorated.
The City has a low-income bill assistance program for qualified residents. For additional details on eligibility and an application for this program, please contact the Finance Department at Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
|
|
FINANCIAL REPORTS
As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and annual local transaction tax report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website SFCITY.ORG/Financial-Documents.
|
|
IN PERSON MEETINGS ARE BACK!
Conducting City Council and Commission meetings in-person in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street, San Fernando) have resumed. Meeting attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in the Council Chambers. Members of the public may still access meetings live on-line, with audio and video, via the City's YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
|
|
|
EDUCATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on January 25, 2022, at 6 pm.
The EDU Commission has resumed meeting in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Education.
|
|
PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The next regular Parks, Wellness and Recreation (PWR) Commission meeting will be held on January 11, 2022, at 6:30 pm.
|
|
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The regular Planning and Preservation (P&P) Commission meeting scheduled for January 10, 2022 was cancelled.
The next regular meeting of the P&P Commission will be held on February 14, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The P&P Commission has resumed meeting in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Planning-Preservation.
|
|
TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER
The regular Transportation and Safety (T&S) Commission meeting scheduled for January 5, 2022 was cancelled.
The next regular meeting of the T&S Commission will be held on February 2, 2022, at 6 p.m. The T&S Commission has resumed meeting in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Transportation-Safety.
|
|
SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL
Effective January 3, 2022, San Fernando City Hall reopened to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Fridays, from 8 am to 5 pm.
SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Records Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm;
- Detective Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and
- Livescan Services continue have resumed: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
- Court Commitment Services has resumed: Call the Police Department to schedule.
RECREATION FACILITIES
Limited outdoor recreation programming and services have resumed at most of the City parks with the condition that the County of Los Angeles Protocols for Organized Activities are implemented. Las Palmas Park and Recreation Park are currently offering limited indoor recreational programs and services.
All visitors to City facilities must adhere to the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines for physical distancing and wear a cloth face covering to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our community.
We strongly encourage the public to continue to conduct business with City Hall via telephone and email.
Planning & Zoning Permits; Building Permits & Inspections; Graffiti Removal
Water & Sewer Utilities
Police (non-emergency)
Tree & Street Services
Right-of-Way Permits, Projects & Inspections
Adult, Youth & Senior Programs
General Information
ONLINE PERMIT COUNTER
For additional convenience, the public may use the Online Permit Counter to submit building permit applications, track progress, and schedule inspections online:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
