The City Manager’s Monthly Report includes important information related to the City's major projects 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!
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Subscribe to all 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! |
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SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS |
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2023 COMMUNITY SURVEY
The City's annual community survey is now live! Please complete this short 10-minute survey (also available in Spanish) to assess how the City can improve overall quality of life and prioritize programs and projects this year. Complete the survey by February 28, 2023, to be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card.
Visit the City website for a link to complete the survey:
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FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
LOAN PROGRAM
San Fernando residents qualify for first-time homebuyers loan program through the Los Angeles Development Authority’s (LACDA) Home Ownership Program (HOP). The Home Ownership Program provides a second mortgage loan of up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, with 0% interest. Repayment of the loan is required when the home is sold, transfer of title, or home is longer owner-occupied. Eligible properties are single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums with a maximum purchase price of $700,000.
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SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM - ROUND 2
Applications for Round 2 of the “Legacy Business Grant Program” offered by the Los Angeles Conservancy will be open on February 8, 2023! The Legacy Business Grant Program offers funding of $5,000 grant to five small businesses. Application will be due on March 8, 2023.
For more information, visit the City's website:
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RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The San Fernando City Council established a Recreation Scholarship Program (RSP) to provide financial assistance to families wishing to participate in the fee base programs offered to San Fernando residents. RSP assistance is available to San Fernando residents for all recreational programs offered by the Recreation and Community Services Department, including programs for youth, adults, and seniors. Scholarships cover 50% of the cost of the activity.
To be eligible for RSP assistance you must be a resident of the City of San Fernando. Assistance will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A brief self-certifying form and a utility bill must be submitted to the Department when registering for any fee base activity. For additional information and eligibility requirements regarding RSP please call (818) 898-1290 or visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Scholarships.
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HELP KEEP SAN FERNANDO BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE
A “Help Keep San Fernando Beautiful & Safe” postcard was sent to all residents in the City asking everyone to help keep our residential properties beautiful and safe for their family and the community. The postcard encourages all residents to keep trash cans, large household items, portable canopies, abandoned or wrecked vehicles, and other unattractive items out-of-sight from the street to keep the San Fernando community beautiful. The postcard also encourages everyone to fix or remove broken fences or walls to keep the community safe. Please see postcard for more information.
If you did not receive the postcard or have question, please contact the Community Development Department at CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1227.
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STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The San Fernando Education Commission administers the City’s Student Scholarship Program that awards grants to students seeking a postsecondary education. The scholarship awards range between $250 and $1,000, which are contingent upon the number of qualifying essays selected by the Education Commission. To qualify for the Scholarship Program, students must live in the City of San Fernando and/or have a parent/guardian that resides in the City; or attend or have graduated from a high school in the City of San Fernando.
For more information: (818) 898-1290 or
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LAYNE PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
The Recreation and Community Services Department will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Layne Park Revitalization Project on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Ceremony kicks off the construction of the Layne Park project, located at 120 Huntington Street, San Fernando, CA 91340. The Ceremony starts at 10:00 AM. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information: (818) 898-1290 or
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HAPPENINGS AT THE LOPEZ ADOBE
The tours offered as part of the Holiday Tree Lighting event generated a lot of interest in the house with over 50 visitors passing through. Visitors enjoyed a some champurrado with pan dulce and found some unique items in the rummage sale while they waited for their tour. Once inside, they were given a brief history of the Lopez family and tour of the 1st floor. All were welcomed to come back in January for the full tour.
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PARK SIGNAGE
New signs will be posted at City parks to help guide patrons regarding field usage and pet control. This action comes as a response to an increase of unauthorized facility use by organized groups as well as patrons walking their pets off leashes and not cleaning up after them. The Recreation and Community Services Department hopes the new signs will help deter the above-mentioned actions and behavior and make it easier for City staff to enforce policy.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS AND RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
The San Fernando Police Advisory Council hosted the first awards and recognition luncheon under Chief Fabian Valdez's leadership. The luncheon was held at Casa Torres on January 11, 2023. During the event, numerous Police Department employees were recognized for their years of service, life-saving efforts, and individual awards for exceptional work and character.
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EXPLORER COMPETITION IN CHANDLER, ARIZONA
Since 1999, the Chandler Police Department and their Explorer Post have hosted the BEST Law Enforcement Explorer tactical competition in the nation. This year, 50 Explorer Posts from as far away as Kentucky traveled to Chandler, AZ to compete against one another and be part of this incredible event. This year marked the 25th annual Chandler Explorer Competition, which took place January 13-15, 2023.
The San Fernando Explorer Post participated in this year’s event, competing in different challenges ranging from vertical assault, pistol shooting, sniper shooting and other police related activities. The Department is proud that the San Fernando Police Explorers did well in some of these events including placing “First” in Male Pistol Shoot competition, placing “Second” in Female Pistol Shooting competition, and placing “Third” in the Sniper competition.
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PARENT ACADEMY: SANTA ROSA DE LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH
On January 18, 2023, Chief Fabian Valdez facilitated the first in a series of meetings hosted by the Police Department titled “The Parent Academy” at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic School. The purpose of the Parent Academy is to provide parents information and support as they navigate parenthood. The topic of Wednesday night’s meeting was “Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities” of parents. A subsequent Parent Academy was held on January 25, 2023, and that meeting’s topic was “Maintaining a Positive Home Environment for Children.”
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CHAT WITH THE CHIEF
Police Chief Valdez continues his new community outreach program “Chat with the Chief”. This program provides members of the community the opportunity to have a casual conversation with him and members of the Police Department. This purpose of this outreach effort is to strengthen trust and increases transparency between the community and the Police Department. January’s meeting was hosted at Heavenly Pancakes on N. Maclay Avenue.
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AND BUSINESS WATCH
Join the San Fernando Police Department at the monthly Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch meetings for an opportunity to share your concerns and engage in discussion with Police, community members, and fellow business leaders/merchants.
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FEBRUARY 15, 2023 - 6 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
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FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - 12 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
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Visit the City website for more information and updates:
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SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
Ortiz Enterprises, Inc., has completed backfilling the field at Recreation Park. Preparation work for the installation of new stadium lighting in the baseball field at San Fernando Recreation Park will be taking place in February 2023. Other work taking place at the park are site improvements, such as sidewalk repair, and landscaping.
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ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT
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PHASE 1 - After a four-week weather delay, work on the slurry project resumed during the week of January 23, 2023. The City’s contractor, Toro Enterprises, will be completing slurry seal February 2023, followed by the installation of pavement markings into March 2023. Phase 1 of the project focuses on preserving approximately 18 miles of streets that are in fair condition and extending their useful life.
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PHASE 2 - The City awarded a contract to American Asphalt South for the second phase of the Annual Street Resurfacing Project. This project primarily consists of improving streets with a “two-step” and “three-step” process. The two-step process consist of constructing an Asphalt Rubber and Aggregate Membrane (ARAM) followed by a slurry seal on top. The three-step process consists of applying Microsurfacing, followed by ARAM, and covered by a slurry seal on top. A total of 12 miles will be resurfaced as part of this project. The project also includes localized concrete replacement and pavement dig-outs.
Visit the City's website for a up-to-date information and a full list of streets to be paved as part of Phase 1: SFCITY.ORG/Street-Repairs.
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FREE SAND BAGS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY
As a reminder, the City provides sand and sand bags for free at the City Yard located at 501 First Street.
Call the Public Works Department at (818) 898-1293 or visit the City website for more information:
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WATERING RESTRICTIONS FOR LAWNS & LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
To learn more about transforming your front yard landscape to beautiful climate appropriate landscape, please register for free on-line classes hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: GreenGardensGroup.com/g3-events.
As the City explores modification to front yard landscape regulations, we encourage community members to email suggestions or photographs of desirable front yard landscapes that you would like to see in San Fernando CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.
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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.
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CALL
(818) 898-1293
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
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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
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SAN FERNANDO'S 2022 HIGHLIGHTS
Several new businesses opened in 2022 and more to come in 2023! To learn more about the City’s economic development efforts and business growth in 2022, and efforts moving forward in 2023, watch the City of San Fernando’s 2022 Year in Review video, available here: SFCITY.ORG/economic-development/
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2023 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT COMPLETED
On January 24, 2023, the City participated in the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count (Point-In-Time Count) conducted annually by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The results of this count will help the City advocate for vital services to support the needs of our unhoused neighbors. Staff would like to extend a special thank you to community members who took time out of their night to volunteer for the Count; your time and commitment put into helping count the City's neighbors in need is valued. All volunteers are invited to attend our City Council meeting on February 6, 2023, at 6 pm, for a special recognition. Please come support these wonderful volunteers!
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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.
An Interim Urgency Ordinance was adopted on January 18, 2022, that includes a set of restrictive temporary regulations to minimize the initial impact of SB 9 and to help preserve the character of single-family residential neighborhoods, while allowing the City to establish permanent regulations.
A new Ordinance was introduced for adoption on January 17, 2023, to replace the Interim Urgency Ordinance. The new Ordinance maintains a majority of the regulations in the Interim Urgency Ordinance and proposed additional objective zoning, subdivision, and design review standards for ensuring that SB 9 projects in the City is properly managed in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare. The new Ordinance will be considered for final adoption on February 6, 2023, and will be in effect on March 9, 2023.
If you have questions about SB 9, please call the Community Development Department at (818) 898-1227, or email your questions to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.
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COYOTE MANAGEMENT AND CO-EXISTENCE PLAN AND FENCE AND WALL REGULATIONS
A mailer providing valuable information related to coexisting with coyotes was sent to all residents in September 2022. The Coyote Management and Co-Existence Plan also includes a recommendation to consider revising the height limits for fences and walls on residential properties.
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CITY'S ONLINE ZONING PORTAL
Try the City’s Online Zoning Portal to find the zoning for your property. Simply enter a street address to interactively view and investigate zoning, permitted uses, and other land use regulations for a specific site. Access the Online Zoning Portal on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/Community-Development/#Planning.
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GRANTS AWARDED
The City was awarded the following grants to support staff and the broader San Fernando Community:
- The US Department of Justice awarded the Law Enforcement Health and Mental Wellness (LEHWA) grant in the amount of $108,218 to support the San Fernando Police Department with health and mental wellness programs.
- Congressman Tony Cardenas secured $800,000 for the Mental Health Clinicians project. This funding will provide support services to San Fernando residents and compliment the national 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis hotline.
- The National Endowment for the Arts awarded a $55,000 grant for the Mariachi Masters Apprentice Program, which provides traditional mariachi instruction on the violin, guitar, guitarrón, vihuela, trumpets, and folk harp.
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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:
- Community Preservation Officer(Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Community Preservation Officer (Part-time): Selected candidate is undergoing background.
- Crossing Guard: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Deputy City Manager/Economic Development: Interview of top candidates took place on February 1, 2023, and selection will be made soon.
- Housing Coordinator: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Information Technology Systems Administrator: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Management Intern (Administration/City Clerk/Personnel): Interview of top candidates took place on January 31, 2023, and selection will be made soon.
- Personnel Assistant: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Police Department Management Analyst: Selected candidate is undergoing background.
- Police Officer: Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
- Police Records Specialist: Interview of candidates will take place on February 7, 2023, and selection will be made soon thereafter.
- Public Works Maintenance Helper (Part-time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
- Recreation Leader I & II (Part-time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
- Recreation Program Specialist: Selected candidate is undergoing the pre-employment physical exam.
Visit the City website to view the job bulletins and to download a City Employment Application: SFCITY.ORG/Hiring-Now.
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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:
- Luis Arias, Management Intern (Community Development Department; joined the City January 9, 2023);
- Gema Espinoza, Police Desk Officer (joined the City January 9, 2023);
- Marina Khrustaleva, Associate Planner (joined the City January 9, 2023);
- Jeanette Guillen, Recreation Leader I (joined the City January 24, 2023);
- Jiyoon Kim, Management Intern (Community Development Department; joined the City January 24, 2023);
- Samantha Morales, Recreation Leader I (joined the City January 24, 2023);
- Adrian Segura, Jr., Recreation Leader I (joined the City January 24, 2023); and Sergio Venegas, Public Works Maintenance Helper (joined the City January 24, 2023).
The City Team wishes to express our appreciation and excitement about these new team 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!
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FAREWELL TO OUR FORMER CITY TEAM MEMBERS
The City wishes express our appreciation to the following City Team member who recently separated from the City:
- Graziella Jensen, Recreation Leader I (voluntary separation December 23, 2022); and
- Hermineh Davidian, Housing Coordinator (voluntary separation January 6, 2023).
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BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWALS
Business license renewals have been mailed to all registered businesses in the City. The due date for submittal is by end of business on February 28, 2023. Penalties will be assessed for all late applicants. To renew your business license, visit the City’s Business Support page at http://SanFernando.hdlgov.com/ or call (818) 898-1211
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SWAP MEET LICENSE RENEWALS
The renewal period is now open for Swap Meet vendors to obtain their 2023 Swap Meet license. A copy of the Occupancy Permit and State Seller Permit is required to obtain a license. The due date for submittal is by end of business on February 28, 2023. For more information, contact the Finance Department at (818) 898-1211 or Finance@sfcity.org.
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RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS
Residential 2023 Parking permits are now available at City Hall in the Finance Department. A copy of vehicle registration and driver’s license is required to obtain a permit. Residents have until January 23, 2023, to avoid a Parking Citation. For more information, contact the Finance Department at (818) 898-1211 or Finance@sfcity.org.
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INCREASE IN WATER RATES
Beginning in January 2023, water rates will be increasing. The increase will take effect in the February 2023 Billing, which covers the November 2022 – January 2023. This bill will be prorated.
The City of San Fernando WILL NOT be disconnecting any customers’ water and WILL BE waiving all late fees. If you are behind on your account, the City encourages you to set up a payment plan, if possible. If your water bill is due, there are four payment options:
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By Mail: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
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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.
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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.
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In Person: Customers are welcome to pay at the Finance Counter at City Hall, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
If you are having issues paying your utility bill, assistance programs are available for qualified residents:
STATE PROGRAMS:
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Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): LIHWAP is a federally funded program that offers a one-time payment to help you pay your past due water or wastewater bills. LIHWAP helps pay overdue bills which accrued during any timeframe. There is no date restriction for when the overdue amount occurred. To learn more about the LIHWAP program, visit the LIHWAP program overview.
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 awarded California additional funding to help households struggling to make ends meet, and many Californians in need may qualify. LIHEAP can offer a one-time payment to help pay your heating or cooling bills, even if you use wood, propane, or oil. In addition to help with paying your energy bill, LIHEAP can also provide in-home weatherization services. To learn more about the LIHEAP program, visit the LIHEAP program overview.
CITY PROGRAM:
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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/Finance/#Financial-Documents.
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ONLINE RECORDS COUNTER
The City Clerk Department has launched a new feature to provide the ability to search for records through the Online Records Counter. The portal below provides instant access to public record documents that are available for instant viewing.
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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.
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CITY COUNCIL
The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 6 pm.
The City Council 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/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.
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EDUCATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on February 28, 2023, at 4:30 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.
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PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The next regular Parks, Wellness and Recreation (PWR) Commission meeting will be held on February 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
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PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The next regular Planning and Preservation (P&P) Commission meeting will be held on February 13, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
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TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
The next regular Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meeting will be held on March 1, 2023, at 6 pm.
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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
Outdoor recreation programming and services have resumed at City parks with the condition that the current County of Los Angeles Health Officer Order and Protocols are observed.
All visitors to City facilities must adhere to the current County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines 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:
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ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 5 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED |
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VACCINATION AND TESTING CLINICS
Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website for COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics:
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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.
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