APRIL 2021
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 PROGRAM
VETERANS RECOGNITION PROGRAM - APPLY NOW, APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 4/15/21
The City's Veteran Recognition Program was created to honor and recognize local U.S. Military Veterans that reside (current or previously) or have a family member that resides in the City of San Fernando. Each year, the newly designed Veteran Banners will be displayed on Maclay Avenue beginning in May 2021 through November 2021. At the conclusion of each cycle, banners are returned to the applicant.

Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/Veterans-Recognition-Program.
ADDITIONAL SECTORS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR FREE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

  • Effective April 1, 2021 - All individuals age 50 and older became eligible to be vaccinated.
  • Effective April 15, 2021 - All individuals age 16 and older become eligible to be vaccinated.

The vaccine supply is still extremely limited, and Los Angeles County continues to urge patience as they work urgently with federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead.

POP-UP VACCINATION CLINICS IN SAN FERNANDO

  • San Fernando Park: Vaccination appointments are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays (subject to vaccine availability). Residents may register online at CarbonHealth.com/COVID-19-Vaccines/Los-Angeles.
  • Kidneys Quest Foundation: On April 11, 2021 and April 12, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering the Moderna vaccine. Residents may register online at Remediacare.md-hq.com/schedule_unregistered or call (818) 521-6348. Walk-ups are welcome.
  • San Fernando Swap Meet: On April 14, 2021 and April 28, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic offering approximately 1,000 doses of the Janssen vaccine each date. Residents may register online at BIT.LY/LACBSPVaccine1.
  • Santa Rosa Catholic Church: On April 28, 2021 and April 29, 2021, there will be a mobile vaccination clinic with approximately 500 appointments available (250 each day). More information regarding this event will be provided as the event approaches.
  • Vaughn International Studies Academy Vaccination Clinic for Seniors Age 65+: There will be a mobile vaccination clinic every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Residents may call (818) 847-3860 to schedule an appointment.
  • Curative Vaccination Clinic for Seniors Age 65+: Curative is partnering with LACDPH to vaccinate residents who are age 65 and older. By appointment only: Curative.com
  • 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.
OTHER VACCINATION APPOINTMENT OPTIONS


This information is also available on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus/#COVID-19-Vaccine.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITE AT RECREATION PARK
A free testing site for COVID-19 is available at San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Avenue) Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm. Pre-registration is recommended, but San Fernando residents may also register on site.

RECENT REVISIONS TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER

Los Angeles County has met the state's threshold to reopen key sectors in line with the ORANGE TIER, allowing sectors to reopen or expand operations, effective April 5, 2021, at 12:01 am.
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Opening Protocols: SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus.
FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING IS REQUIRED

Face Coverings:
Los Angeles County’s Health Officer Order requires face coverings when you are in public or private spaces, including while working at or visiting businesses, and in contact with people that are not part of your household or living unit.
Social Distancing Protocols:
The Health Order indicates that individuals should remain in their residences whenever practicable, but when leaving your residence, social (physical) distancing must be practiced: maintain a minimum six-foot distance from each other; avoid going into businesses if you are sick; businesses may refuse service to customers not observing social distancing protocols. 

Please visit the City’s website for the full Social Distancing Protocol, as well as other business opening protocols: SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus.

Should you observe a business not complying with the proper protocols, violations may be reported to:
Community Development Department
(818) 898-1227 or CodeEnforcement@sfcity.org
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:

  • Director of Community Development: Filing closes on April 23, 2021; ads are posted in Jobs Available, Western Cities online, American Planning Association (APA), Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC) website, International City Managers Association (ICMA) website, Women Leading Government (WLG) website, and other sites that have job posts for executive management postings.
  • Police Sergeant (In-house Promotional): Filing closed in March; testing will take place in April 2021.
  • Community Preservation Officer: Interview of the top eligible candidates will be scheduled in April 2021.
  • City Electrician: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Police Officer: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Planning Intern: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Recreation Leader I: 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:

  • Jeffrey King, Police Officer (joined the City March 15, 2021); and
  • Rodrigo Mora, Public Works Operations Manager (promoted March 8, 2021).

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!
EDUCATION COMMISSION

  • 2021 Scholarship Program: At their regular monthly meeting on March 30, 2021, the Education Commission awarded 13 scholarships ranging from $250-$1000 and will be focusing on how to honor and award the recipients while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. The Education Commission also approved a new $1,250 annual scholarship, Gerry's Kids Scholarship, funded by former Deputy City Manager/ Director of Community Development Timothy Hou, in honor of his late mother. Applications for the Gerry's Kids Scholarship will open in early May 2021, with a deadline of June 25, 2021. The scholarship will support local students who choose to attend school outside of Southern California.

  • Student of the Month Program: Congratulations to two students who received the “Student of the Month” award for March 2021. These students will be recognized at the April 19, 2021 City Council Meeting.  
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

  • At its regular meeting on March 8, 2021, the Planning and Preservation Commission approved a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance updating the Floodplain Management section of the City Code.

  • The next regular meeting of the Planning and Preservation Commission will be held on April 12, 2021. Items presented will include swearing in three new Planning Commissioners, as well as selecting a new Chairperson. View agenda: SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Boards/#Planning-Preservation.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: JULY 2019 - FEBRUARY 2021
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to date.
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
On March 25, 2021, the City held the first Virtual town Hall Meeting regarding the Housing Element Update. Staff is currently acquiring feedback from the community via an online interactive map that allows residents to choose where they believe additional housing is adequate.

Visit the City's website for more information and a link to the interactive map: SFCITY.ORG/Community-Development.
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
On March 9, 2021, construction was completed of the Shell Gas Station and Circle K Convenience Store located at 1203 N. Maclay Ave. the project included a 2,300 square foot, 24 hour gasoline refueling service station in conjunction with a grocery store with limited sales of beer and wine, and an ancillary 920 square foot automatic carwash.
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:

  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.

Please contact the Finance Department with questions or to set-up payment plans: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) ENFORCEMENT
During February 2021 and March 2021, San Fernando Police Detectives teamed with ABC to conduct several Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendencies Inspections (IMPACT) of retail markets, restaurant/bars and small convenient/liquor stores in the City of San Fernando. The inspections resulted in several warnings being issued to educate the store managers and owners on compliance with ABC regulations and laws. Citations were not issued and no fines will be levied as a result of these inspections as they were intended to provide guidance to local businesses and prepare these local businesses for enforcement details in the future. Upon re-inspection of the locations with violations, all made corrections and were very appreciative of the cooperative spirit of these special operations.
PUBLIC WORKS
This month the Public Works Department is highlighting its efforts to increase the urban tree canopy throughout the City. The City was recently designated as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 13th year in a row by demonstrating and fulfilling its commitment to urban forestry management. The projects that staff are undertaking this month are part of a concerted effort on part of the City Council and its Green City/Street and Parkway Tree Ad Hoc Committee to continue to make the City green for our community. Tree projects in the upcoming month include the following:

  • Tree Planting on Glenoaks Blvd: The City has partnered with TreePeople to plant 72 new trees along both sides of Glenoaks Blvd on March 31, 2021 and April 1, 2021. This is the first phase of planting to take place along this street and will extend between Harding Ave and Hubbard Ave. The City will continue to work with TreePeople to identify other locations to plant trees on Glenoaks Blvd between Harding Ave and Arroyo Ave later in the year.
  • Arbor Day: In May 2021, the City will plant trees as part of its annual Arbor Day celebration at a location to be determined. Please keep an eye out on our social media pages for more information.
FREE OIL FILTER IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR USED OIL FILTER
Recycle your used motor oil filter and get one for free at the San Fernando Filter Exchange Drive. All those who bring their used oil filter along with a coupon will receive one FREE new Oil Filter. Visit FreeFilterLA.com to download a coupon for redemption. The coupon is valid on April 10, 2021, 7:30 am to 9 pm, at AutoZone (55 N. Maclay Ave, San Fernando).

Recycling motor oil and filters help save the environment and keep water clean. Don’t miss out!
SAN FERNANDO RESIDENTIAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
The San Fernando Food Distribution Program (Round 5) was conducted on March 20, 2021, at Las Palmas Park. Approximately 122 families residing in the City of San Fernando were approved to receive a supply of non-perishable food items, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and shower curtains to aid as social distancing barriers for households with limited space to self-isolate. In addition, families were provided with referral listings for other food resources, mental health services, and COVID-19 vaccination information.

The next distribution is scheduled for April 17, 2021. Visit the City website for more information or to apply: SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus/#Resident-Resources.  
LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
The Regional Food Bank distribution was held on April 5, 2021, at Las Palmas Park. This monthly drive-through Food Bank distribution continues to serve seniors age 60 and over on the first Monday of every month at Las Palmas Park. This 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 event will be held on May 3, 2021, from 9 am to 11 am. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340. 
FREE! FAMILY WELLNESS CHALLENGE
Do you want to create a healthier lifestyle for the whole family? Join and participate in the Family Wellness Challenge (FWC) as part of the Healthy San Fernando Campaign. Register now for this FREE 5-week program full of family-friendly activities designed to promote physical activity and community wellness. Classes include a Healthy Bites food demo and a vision board workshop. Classes are offered on Saturdays during April 2021 at various park locations or virtually via ZOOM. 

Contact Recreation Park at (818) 898-1290 or visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Family-Wellness-Challenge/.
OUTDOOR FITNESS
The Recreation and Community Services Departments began a six-week outdoor fitness program in March 2021 at Las Palmas Park.

The Physically Distanced & Fit - Park Fitness Program is a leisurely reintroduction to in-person fitness classes offering Zumba and Total Body Conditioning al fresco! The session will continue through April 15, 2021. The following chart illustrates the number of participants registered in the outdoor fitness classes:
For more details, visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Outdoor-Fitness.
3 WINS FITNESS: JOURNEY TO HEALTH 365 | EL CAMINO PROGRAM
The 3 Wins Fitness 365 Journey to Heath | El Camino Program is a great resource to help the community get started on their journey to health, and it's FREE! The virtual program was developed by 3 Wins Fitness as a response to the pandemic and offers a support system enhanced by professionals in the field providing nutritional information, access to physical therapists and exercise physiologist. The program currently meets virtually twice a week, with English and Spanish sessions, and offers a variety of activities through Zoom, Facebook Live and other social media outlets. 

Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#365-Journey-To-Health.
CRAFT FOR SENIORS
As part of the Golden Fun League program, seniors had the opportunity for an Arts and Craft activity (via zoom) on March 11, 2021. Staff member, Jenniffer Moreno, led the group of 12 seniors in a step-by-step fun activity to create a beautiful work of art. More craft activities are projected in the future. Please contact Las Palmas Park for more information at (818)898-7340

Contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340 or visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Las-Palmas-Golden-Fun-League.
PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission met on March 9, 2021, via Zoom. Items discussed included the Veteran Banner design, approval of art murals on private property, and several other Continued Business items, including the the Department’s response to COVID-19.

Meetings are live streamed via Youtube and the next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 6:30 pm. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Parks-Wellness-Recreation.
VIRTUAL SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Below is a list of virtual activities that were held in March 2021 including data on senior participation. Visit the City's website for upcoming Senior programs: SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Las-Palmas-Golden-Fun-Leauge.
PUBLIC MEETINGS LIVE STREAM VIA YOUTUBE
Pursuant to Executive N-29-20 and given the current health concerns, members of the public can 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.
  • SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL: Effective April 19, 2021, San Fernando City Hall will reopen to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. City Hall will remain closed on Fridays and certain services will be by appointment only until Los Angeles County enters the Yellow Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy plan.

  • 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: Both recreational facilities (Las Palmas Park, located at 505 S. Huntington St., San Fernando; and Recreation Park, located at 208 Park Ave., San Fernando) remain closed to the public and all in-person programming. Outdoor Fitness classes, including Zumba and Total Body Conditioning, began at Las Palmas Park. Contact the Recreation and Community Services Department or visit their website for a detailed listing: (818) 898-7340, Recreation@sfcity.org or SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation.

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
(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: