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!
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PEOPLE 65 YEARS AND OLDER ARE NOW ELIGIBLIE FOR FREE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Los Angeles County residents who are 65 years old and older can now register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Vaccinations are free, and available to all, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage. For those who have insurance, coverage information may be requested as part of the appointment scheduling process.
To ensure that people at higher risk of transmission and illness are vaccinated first, Los Angeles County has established a tier system. In addition to those 65+, priority for current vaccination is going to frontline health care workers and residents and staff at skilled nursing and long-term care facilities.
Residents in these high-priority age groups should visit VaccinateLACounty.com to schedule their appointments. Residents who don’t have computer access may call (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. for assistance with reservations.
The vaccine supply is still extremely limited, and Los Angeles County continues to urge patience as we work urgently with our federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead.
Los Angeles County has established five large capacity sites located at:
- Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
- The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305
- California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330
- L.A. County Office of Education, 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242
- Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 91355
Los Angeles City has also established vaccination sites located at:
- San Fernando Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340
- Hansen Dam, 10965 Dronfield Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
- Dodger Stadium, Academy Rd, Golden State Gate, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90031
- Crenshaw, 1261 W. 79th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90044
In addition to the LA County and LA City operated sites, residents have other options for making an appointment for a vaccine. Currently, more than 75 pharmacies have registered to provide vaccinations, and we will continue to add more as more vaccines are available. Vaccine allocations are also going to large healthcare provider organizations like Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health and Services. Residents are encouraged to call their healthcare provider, as well, who may direct them to a preferred location for the vaccine.
For up-to-date information on LA County’s vaccine program:
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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.
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STATE LIFTS REGIONAL "STAY AT HOME" RESTRICTIONS
On January 25, 2021 and January 29, 2021, the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order was revised to reopen some additional businesses with updated protocols.
The following activities are now allowed with adherence to all of the sector specific protocols to ensure distancing, wearing of face coverings, and infection control:
- Miniature golf, go karts, batting cage: Outdoor operations is allowed at 50% occupancy.
- Outdoor recreational activities are open (competitive sports remains prohibited).
- Hotels & motels for tourism and individual travel: allowed.
- Personal care services: Indoor services allowed at 25% capacity.
- Indoor mall, shopping center, lower-risk retail: allowed at 25% indoor capacity; food courts and common areas closed.
- Fitness Facilities: Outdoor occupancy at gyms and fitness facilities is limited to 50% of outdoor occupancy.
- Museums, Zoos, Aquariums: Outdoor occupancy is limited to 50%.
- Schools (K-12) and School Districts: Schools may continue to offer day care for school-aged children so that essential members of the workforce continue to have available childcare. Schools offering day care for school-aged children must adhere to all provisions in the protocol for programs providing day care for school-aged children.
- Grocery Stores, Certified Farmers’ Markets: Stand-alone grocery stores where the principal business activity is the sale of food may operate at 35% of capacity (must be strictly metered to ensure compliance); the sale of food, beverages, and alcohol for in-store consumption is prohibited.
- Restaurants and Breweries: Outdoor dining permitted.
- Private gatherings outdoors up to 3 households and up to a total of 15 people.
Residents are advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when they are outside their household and around others.
Should you observe a business not complying with the proper protocols, violations may be reported to:
Community Development Department
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Opening Protocols: WWW.SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus.
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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.
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Social Distancing Protocols:
The 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: WWW.SFCITY.ORG/Coronavirus.
Should you observe a business not complying with the proper protocols, violations may be reported to:
Community Development Department
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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.
For City Council meetings, members of the public can submit comments electronically for City Council consideration by sending them to CityClerk@sfcity.org. To ensure distribution to the City Council prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit comments prior to 5:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Those comments will be distributed to the City Council, limited to three minutes, and made part of the official public record of the meeting. Callers interested in providing a live public comment, may call Telephone Number: (669) 900-6833; Meeting ID: 833 6022 0211; and Passcode: 924965, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., on the day of the meeting callers will be heard in the order received and limited to three minutes. The call-in period may be extended by the Mayor.
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PUBLIC ACCESS TO CITY FACILITIES
City Hall and indoor City recreation centers remain closed to the public. City staff continues to be available to answer calls and respond to emails Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For information related to the re-opening of City Hall and/or Recreation facilities, please visit the City’s website and social media for updates (see the “Stay Connected San Fernando” section in this report).
Planning & Zoning Permits; Building Permits & Inspections; Graffiti Removal
Water & Sewer Utilities
Police (non-emergency)
Tree & Street Services
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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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! |
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ALERT SAN FERNANDO
The City of San Fernando's local emergency alert system that uses both text and voice messages.
EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS
Constant Contact, the City of San Fernando’s email notification platform, uses email messages to send meeting and programming information.
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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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:
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Public Works Operations Manager: Filing closed December 21, 2020. Interview of top candidates is scheduled for February 2021.
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Deputy City Clerk/Management Analyst: Filing closed February 1, 2021. Interview of the top candidates will be scheduled shortly.
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Community Preservation Officer: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
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City Electrician: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
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Police Officer: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
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Planning Intern: Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
Visit the City website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG/Personnel) to view the job bulletins and to download a City Employment Application.
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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 on the respective dates specified:
- Matthew Baumgardner, Director of Public Works (joined the City June 29, 2020).
- Ailita Torosyan, Junior Cadet (joined the City September 14, 2020).
- Jason D. Silva, Reserve Police Officer (joined the City September 24, 2020).
- Christopher Rodriguez, Police Officer (joined the City November 9, 2020).
- Christopher Lopez, Police Officer (joined the City December 14, 2020).
- Tadeo Gonzalez-Garcia, Police Officer (joined the City December 21, 2020).
- Janet Sandoval, Junior Cadet (joined the City December 28, 2020).
- Travis Hardy, Reserve Police Officer(joined the City January 19, 2021).
- Ivan Moran, Police Desk Officer (joined the City January 19, 2021).
- Pedro Espinoza, Jr., Public Works Maintenance Worker (joined the City February 1, 2021).
- Erik Flores, Public Works Maintenance Worker (joined the City February 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!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CITY'S RECENT RETIREES
The City wishes to formally congratulate the following employees who retired after many great years of service to the City:
- Lauren Guerra, Public Works Administrative Coordinator (retired on October 10, 2020, after 20 years of service).
- Michael Walker, Electrical Supervisor (retired October 10, 2020, after 21 years of service).
- Frank Avila, Equipment and Materials Supervisor (retired October 16, 2020, after 25 years of service).
- Miguel Flores, Public Works Maintenance Worker (retired October 16, 2020, after 30 years of service).
- Margarita Solis, Treasury Manager (retired October 16, 2020, after 23 years of service).
- Dale Warren, Public Works Field Supervisor II (retired October 24, 2020, after 34 years of service).
- Virginia Diediker, Cultural Arts Supervisor (retired November 7, 2020, after 27 years of service).
- Steve Watts, Senior Maintenance Worker (retired November 11, 2020, after 25 years of service).
- James Davis, Senior Maintenance Worker (retired November 20, 2020, after 31 years of service).
- Marcos Llamas-Rivera, Public Works Maintenance Worker (retired November 20, 2020, after 25 years of service).
- Francisco Villalva, Building and Safety Supervisor (retired November 20, 2020, after 26 years of service).
- Frank Villalpando, Public Works Maintenance Worker (retired November 20, 2020, after 18 years of service).
- Rosa Guzman, Community Preservation Officer (retired December 18, 2020, after 33 years of service).
- Armando Patino, Police Officer (retired December 18, 2020, after 18 years of service).
Join the City in wishing them a long, safe, healthy and enjoyable retirement!
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2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The application deadline is February 19, 2021 for the Education Commissions Annual Scholarships Program. Submitted applications are currently being reviewed by the Commissioners and the announcement of scholarship winners will be announced in the near feature. Information is available on the Education Commission website page at:
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CITYWIDE PARKING MANAGEMENT
MASTER PLAN
Help us make parking more convenient! The City of San Fernando is launching a Citywide Parking Management Master Plan. The parking management plan will help comprehensively address both the location and amount of parking in specified locations. The project area includes all on-street parking areas within the City of San Fernando as well as off-street parking lots in major corridors.
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PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Planning and Preservation Commission will be held on February 8, 2021, at 6:30 pm. No public hearings are scheduled for that day.
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COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: JULY 2019 - DECEMBER 2020
Data provided below describes efforts in Code Enforcement and Graffiti Abatement for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to date.
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SERVICES IMPACTED DUE TO COVID-19
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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.
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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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SWAP MEET LICENSE RENEWAL: The City has extended the deadline for Swap Meet License Renewal to February 28, 2021.
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RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS: The City will not enforces residential parking permits at this time. Residents will have 30 days to renew their parking permits once City Hall re-opens.
Please contact the Finance Department with questions or to set-up payment plans: Finance@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1212.
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY BASKET PROGRAM
The annual Holiday Basket program was another success in December 2020. Because of COVID-19 and with the restrictions imposed through-out the State, the Police Department gave out gift cards for food and gifts to approximately 100 families and individuals in the City of San Fernando.
A special thank you to the San Fernando Police Advisory Council (SFPAC) and Bernard Brothers Construction Company for donating over $10,000 to make the event possible.
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DONATIONS TO THE SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
In December 2020, Anthony (Tony) Romero, a past resident and supporter of the Police Department, donated $15,000; Officer Maurizio Cascapera and his wife Judy, who works for Nestles USA donated $2,500; and SFPAC Board member Walt Mosher Jr. donated $2,500 to the San Fernando Police Advisory Council.
The San Fernando Police Advisory Council (SFPAC) supports the Police Department by purchasing equipment and other items that are not funded through the annual City Budget.
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GLENOAKS BOULEVARD UPDATE
The Glenoaks Boulevard Street Resurfacing and Highway Safety Improvement project is nearing completion. The contractor is currently working on some final modifications to the new traffic signals. Overall the project consisted of new sidewalk, driveway approaches, curb ramps, medians, street pavement, traffic signal upgrades, and striping and signage. Work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by February 2021.
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HIGH WINDS
Public Works staff has responded to a number of reported fallen trees during recent high wind events. Unfortunately, several large trees were lost at Recreation Park when they became uprooted or experienced significant damage. These trees had to be removed as they become a danger to the public. The City will be looking to replace these trees in the near future. Our gratitude goes out to the community for reporting any fallen tree incidents so that we can respond quickly to clear these obstructions from the streets, sidewalks, parks, and all public facilities.
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SAFE AND ACTIVE STREETS
The City is ready to begin the next phase of the Safe and Active Streets plan. Toole Design Group, LLC was recently awarded a contract to study active transportation (pedestrian and bicycle) in the City and provide conceptual designs and project estimates for high priority areas that need safety improvements. There will extensive community outreach and opportunities for input so that the community can help shape how we can safely walk and bike through the City. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2021 and the City will then be able to pursue grant opportunities to take projects into construction.
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COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS
On January 21, 2021, the Recreation and Community Services (RCS) Department hosted its third virtual Community Input Meeting where the public was informed of grants the department is applying for and the potential renovations to existing parks. A total of 17 participants attended and provided great feedback as to how to better serve the community’s park needs.
If you missed the first meetings, there are two upcoming meetings in February 2021 for the community to provide their input! Email JSalas@sfcity.org to receive the Zoom link to the February 3, 2021 or February 13, 2021 meetings.
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SAN FERNANDO RESIDENTIAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
In October 2020, the City started the San Fernando Food Distribution Program to assist families living in the City of San Fernando. This program is made possible through CDBG/CARES Act funding and targets families who have been impacted by COVID-19. The first drive-through distribution was held on October 17, 2020, and additional drive-through food distributions were hosted in November 2020 and December 2020, serving an average of 170 families. Registered families received a box of non-perishable food items and personal protective equipment.
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LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK
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 Monday, March 1, 2021, from 9am to 11am. For more information on food assistance programs please contact Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7340.
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PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission met on January 12, 2021, via Zoom. Items discussed included the Senior Citizens Advisory Board recruitment, approval of art murals on private property, and several other Continued Business items including the Community Theatre Program, the Department’s response to COVID-19 and the Layne Park Revitalization Project.
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VIRTUAL FITNESS
Social distancing, self-quarantining, and the closure of many gyms and classes have made it harder to exercise. The City offers various virtual fitness classes to keep you active during these unprecedented times. The community may access four fitness videos, led by RCS contracted instructors, via the City website. The videos feature Zumba, Total Body Conditioning, and Strength & Energy Training. Take control of your health and set your own pace from the safety and comfort of your own home.
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TUTCINT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
On Saturday, February 27, 2021, Tutčint Youth Empowerment Program, a partnership between Pukuu Cultural Community Services and the City of San Fernando, will host its third Virtual Culmination/Rite of Passage Ceremony for participants who have completed a six-month cohort. This is a special event conducted when youth are recognized and welcomed into a caring community that supports them on their path to becoming Social Justice Leaders.
Case managers Carrie Castro and Jorge Salazar keep participants connected by delivering art supplies for virtual workshops and continue to keep teens engaged with regular virtual meetings. Tutčint is a free six-month program for youth ages 13-17 that live in the Northeast San Fernando Valley with a goal to increase academic achievement, provide positive diversion, and cultural/community engagement. CLICK HERE for additional information.
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SENIOR TECH WEDNESDAY
Las Palmas Park is inviting seniors interested in learning how to use smart devices to participate in a virtual workshop. Seniors can learn how to download applications, use Zoom, email, and much more. For more information call Las Palmas Park at (818) 898-7430.
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MARIACHI MASTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MMAP)
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted MMAP’s educational model in 2020 and 2021. Perhaps the most unfortunate reality was missing out on the summer educational workshops and performances. Interstate and intrastate mariachi conferences have always been an integral part of the student’s educational-musical development so having had them cancelled left a substantial void in MMAP’s teaching-learning processes. In lieu of summer workshops, MMAP was forced to reimagine and redesign its educational model, but far from falling into “survival mode,” MMAP created opportunity out of challenge. Distance learning has provided an avenue that allowed students to rise to that challenge.
MMAP's 2020 recording project celebrates the 20th anniversary of the City of San Fernando Mariachi Master Apprentice Program in the form of a virtual concert. Through the participation of MMAP’s advanced, intermediate, and beginning students, the virtual concert celebrates the cultural landscape of the San Fernando community.
The 20th Anniversary Concert has been, by far, the most ambitious project in the history of the program. This has proven to be a tremendously complex endeavor given that all facets of the project have been conducted entirely through distance learning. You can now view the concert on the City’s website at WWW.SFCITY.ORG/MMAP.
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FAMILY BOARD GAME DAY
NEV Best Start Community is co-sponsoring a monthly Saturday morning “family board game day.” The first event was held virtually via Zoom on December 19, 2021. While playing Holiday Jingo, families listened to clues and tried to find out the correct answer as they filled their playing cards. A total of 11 families participated (including 17 children) and all participants won various board games to encourage families to play games together. The next virtual event, Parent and Me Painting, is scheduled for February 27, 2021. For more information, visit the City website: WWW.SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Activities.
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TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY (TBC)
The TBC Program has been hosting virtual meetings averaging 17 participants from eight different high schools throughout the San Fernando Valley. While the group did not meet physically, participants still managed to stay connected and bring about a bit of change in the community. TBC's biggest project was the annual canned food drive with this year collecting a total of 636 lbs of food (an all-time record)! The food items were donated to Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND and were distributed to families most in need during the holiday season. Visit the City's website for more information: WWW.SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#TBC.
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SENIOR SERVICES
The Community Services Division is at work with keeping seniors 55+ connected and active during the Safer at Home Order. Below is a list of virtual activities that were held in December 2020 and January 2021 including data on senior participation. Visit the City's website for upcoming Senior programs: WWW.SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Las-Palmas-Golden-Fun-Leauge.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person special events have been cancelled and public meetings will be conducted virtually or cancelled. Visit our website for a current listing of public meetings and other events/programs. |
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