JANUARY 2023
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! 
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!
SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS
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. 

If you're interested in this program, please contact Housing Coordinator, Hermineh Davidian (hdavidian@sfcity.org or (818) 837-1540) or visit:
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:
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 water 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.
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.
NOTICE: San Fernando Recreation Park will be closed from May 2022 through September 2023, due to construction. Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT RECOGNITION DINNER
The Police Department hosted its National Night Out Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, December 16, 2022, at the at the IBEW located at 400 Chatsworth Drive. As part of this recognition dinner, all volunteers and sponsors for National Night Out 2022 were given certificates of appreciation for their contribution to the event’s success. Attendees were treated to the debut of “A Day in the Life,” featuring one of San Fernando’s own police officers, Field Training Officer Robles.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS PROGRAM
The Police Department continued its long tradition of distributing Christmas Baskets through its Christmas Basket Program this Holiday Season. The Department helped over 120 low-income families and seniors in the community by providing them gift cards and children’s toys. This program continues to be important to members of the Police Department and is something that staff looks forward participating in every year.
SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
Street repaving was completed in December 2022 along Jessie Street (between Fifth Street and Glenoaks Boulevard) and Park Avenue (between Fourth Street and Library Street). The subsurface infiltration system has been backfilled and the contractor will now focus on restoring the baseball field. As part of the field restoration there will be new lights installed, new sod and a new irrigation system. The project is currently on schedule to be completed by April 2023.

Visit the City's website for additional information on the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project.
PARK AVENUE BEFORE
PARK AVENUE AFTER
ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT
Paving operations began in December 2022 with the reconstruction of Meyer Street, between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. The work also includes slurry seal application on 18 miles of streets throughout the City. Toro Enterprises and All American Asphalt will be passing out notification to the affected areas. Street closures will be in effect on streets that will be slurry sealed. Once slurry seal is completed, new striping and pavement markings will be installed in February and March 2023.

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.
MEYER STREET BEFORE
MEYER STREET AFTER
NITRATE REMOVAL SYSTEM
The City received the second Nitrate Removal System for groundwater Well No. 3 from Envirogen during December 2022. This well has been offline since 2009 and the new treatment system will allow the City to produce all of the water needed by business and residents. The City and the City’s Contractor, FS Contactors, are currently making the final connections before testing begins.
WATERING RESTRICTIONS FOR LAWNS & LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
Due to the current drought conditions, the City of San Fernando implemented a restricted watering schedule. Effective October 16, 2022, all homes that end in an odd number may water their lawns (10 minutes per station) on Mondays. All homes that end in an even number may water their lawns on Tuesdays. Watering of plants, gardens, and trees can continue using hand-watering methods and drip irrigation systems.

The City is also exploring modification to front yard landscape standards to encourage replacement of lawns with drought-tolerant landscape. Modification to the landscape standards will provide flexibility for property owners to change their front yard landscape and to take advantage of the Turf Replacement Program currently offered by Metropolitan Water District (MWD). 

For more information on the Turf Replacement Program, please visit BeWaterWise.com/Turf-Replacement-Program or call (888) 376-3314.

As the City explores modification to front yard landscape regulations, the City encourages community members to email suggestions or photographs of desirable front yard landscapes that you would like to see in San Fernando to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.

Please visit SFCITY.ORG/SFPublicWorks/#Water-Conservation for more information.
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
EMAIL

24 Hours Per Day
SAN FERNANDO'S 2022 HIGHLIGHTS
At the Valley Economic Alliance annual meeting on December 15, 2022, the City shared a video highlighting the City’s economic development efforts and business growth in 2022, and efforts moving forward. Several new businesses have opened in 2022 and more to come in 2023.  

Watch the video below for more information on the City’s economic efforts and growth, or visit: SFCITY.ORG/economic-development/
SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9)
SB 9 allows a single-family lot to be subdivided into two lots and development of two-residential units per lot. The City is studying whether there are other standards that better balance the limitations of Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) with the City’s objectives for ensuring that residential development in the City is properly managed in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare. 

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. The Interim Urgency Ordinance No. U-1706 is due to expire on January 19, 2023.

On December 19. 2022, the Planning and Preservation Commission recommended approval of proposed regulations to replace the Interim Urgency Ordinance for implementation of SB 9 to City Council.

On January 3, 2023, the City Council considered the proposed regulations recommended by the Planning and Preservation Commission and continued the discussion of recommended regulations to January 17, 2023. At the January 17, 2023 City Council meeting, the City Council considered extension of the Interim Urgency Ordinance.

The City encourages public participation on the proposed regulations. Please submit your comments to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.
DONATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Thank you to a San Fernando resident, Margie, for donation of snacks for individuals experiencing homeless. The City is grateful to have such residents that help keep the spirit of the Holidays high and contribute to the City’s overall effort to combat homelessness.
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. 
 
Visit the City's website to view the full Coyote Management and co-Existence Plan: SFCITY.ORG/Animal-Insect-Control/#Coyotes.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: DECEMBER 2022
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to date.
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.
If you encounter any technical issues accessing the Online Zoning Portal, please email to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227. 
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): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Crossing Guard: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Deputy City Manager/Economic Development: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Information Technology Systems Administrator: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Management Intern (Administration/City Clerk/Personnel): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Police Department Management Analyst: Written test has been completed and interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible.
  • Police Officer: Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
  • Police Records Specialist: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • 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.

Visit the City website to view the job bulletins and to download a City Employment Application: SFCITY.ORG/Hiring-Now.
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:

  • Kenya Marquez, Administrative Assistant (joined the City December 19, 2022).

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!
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:

  • Koby Munoz, Recreation Leader I (voluntary separation December 21, 2022).
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
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.
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.
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:

  1. By Mail: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:
  • 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.​ ​
  • 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:
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.
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 ELECTION RESULTS
The City Council certified results of the November 8, 2022 City General Election during the December 12, 2022 special meeting where incumbent Mary Mendoza was re-elected, new Councilmembers-elect Joel Fajardo and Mary Solorio where sworn into office to begin their full term of four years.

The City Council proceeded with the annual reorganization for the selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor to serve for one year until the next annual reorganization in December 2023. Congratulations to Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Mary Mendoza, incumbent Councilmember Cindy Montañez and newly elected Councilmembers Joel Fajardo and Mary Solorio.
2022 CITY-WIDE EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The City Clerk Department planned and managed the 2022 City-wide Employee Holiday Luncheon that was held on December 15, 2022, at the Recreation Park Multi-Purpose room. Thank you to all the employees that came to the luncheon, sponsored by all of the Department Heads. 

A big shout out to Kenneth Jones, Public Works Management Analyst, for securing so many contributions towards raffle prizes that every employee was entered into the raffle and most employees that attended the luncheon won at least one of the great raffle prizes. Many employees that were not able to attend the luncheon still won a raffle prize!

This event took the collaboration of many staff members across several departments to help put together a great holiday luncheon and that each employee who attended enjoyed great food, desserts and most importantly, each other’s company!  
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.

CLICK HERE to access the Online Records Counter.
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.

CLICK HERE to view the City Council agendas.

CLICK HERE to view Commission agendas.
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.
EDUCATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on January 31, 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.
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.

The PWR 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/#Parks-Wellness-Recreation.
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The Planning & Preservation (P&P) Commission meeting scheduled for January 9, 2023, was cancelled. The next regular P&P Commission meeting will be held on February 13, 2023, 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 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
The Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meeting scheduled for January 4, 2023, has been cancelled. The next regular T&PS Commission meeting will be held on February 1, 2023, at 6 pm.

The T&PS 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-Public-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
  1. Records Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm;
  2. Detective Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and
  3. Livescan Services continue have resumed: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
  4. 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. 

Contact the Recreation and Community Services Department or visit their website for a detailed listing of programs and services: (818) 898-7340, Recreation@sfcity.org or SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation.

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
(818) 898-1212 | Finance@sfcity.org

Police (non-emergency)
(818) 898-1267 | Police@sfcity.org

Tree & Street Services
(818) 898-1293 | PWDispatch@sfcity.org

Right-of-Way Permits, Projects & Inspections
(818) 898-1222 | PublicWorks@sfcity.org

Adult, Youth & Senior Programs
(818) 898-1290 | Recreation@sfcity.org

General Information
(818) 898-1200 | Info@sfcity.org

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:
ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 5 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED
VACCINATION AND TESTING CLINICS
Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website for COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics:

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.