MARCH 2017
ADMINISTRATION
MARCH 2017 HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of Cesar Chavez' Birthday, City Hall will be closed on Thursday, March 30, 2017 and Friday, March 31, 2017. (City Hall is closed every other Friday, when a holiday falls on that Friday, the regular closure day moves to Thursday.)
RECRUITMENT

City Maintenance Helper (Part-time)
The job bulletin for City Maintenance Helper (Part-time) was posted on January 31, 2017, and closed on February 24, 2017. A total of 25 applications have been received and will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements. Qualified applicants will be invited back for interviews. 

Hiring Now
Applications are currently being accepted for Police Officer,  Recreation Leader I and II (part-time), Criminology Intern, and Finance Intern.  Filing for all the positions are open until filled.

Visit the City website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG) to view the job bulletins and download a City Employment Application.

CITY CLERK
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (MARCH 7, 2017)

Election Night/ Norwalk
The County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) will tally county-wide election results at their headquarters in Norwalk. C ity officials, candidates, and the public are welcome to visit and observe the process.

To obtain election results remotely, the RR/CC's website (WWW.LAVOTE.NET) will display a splash pop-up.  Between 8 pm and 8:15 pm, the first results, vote by mail ballots/votes, will be posted.  At about 9:30 pm (and every 20 minutes thereafter), polling place ballot/vote results will be posted as ballots come in.  Note:  San Fernando has only three polling places (i.e., Las Palmas Park, Rudy Ortega Sr. Park and the United Methodist Church).

Keep in mind that the election night tally will not include vote by mail ballots that will be dropped off at polling places nor provisional ballots; these are handled during the canvass. 

Election Night/ San Fernando City Hall
City Hall will not be open to the general public.  The RR/CC will be using City Hall as a check in center for 63 precincts.  From about 6 pm to midnight, the County will use the back entrance to City Hall so that local precincts can drop off their supplies.  County workers will then load election supplies onto their trucks and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will pick up the ballots to deliver to them to Norwalk . 

Certification of Election Results
Certification of election results by the RR/CC is tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 31, 2017. Depending how the canvass progresses, there is a possibility that results could be finalized and the election certified earlier that week but we will have to wait to hear from the RR/CC.

The County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to declare the election results on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.  Our City Council may declare the results sooner, again, depending on when we receive certification documents by Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Dean Logan.

For additional election information, please refer to the City's Elections page. 
2017 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The City of San Fernando and the San Fernando Education Commission, in partnership with the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation, the Independent Cities Finance Authority, Republic Services Inc., and private donors, have announced various scholarship opportunities.  

At their February 2017 meeting, the Education Commission agreed to extend the submission deadline to March 20, 2017. 

If you have any questions, call 818.898.1204 or email SFEduCom@sfcity.org.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
WEED ABATEMENT COURTESY NOTICE
In an effort to keep our neighborhoods neat and clean, and in light of the recent rains, the City of San Fernando will be implementing the Spring Property Maintenance Program for 2017. Throughout the months of March 2017 and May 2017, staff will conduct property inspections focusing on the following items that may be encountered along fences, property lines, building structures, under shrubbery and trees, in parkways, on sidewalks, curbs and gutters, in private properties and vacant lots:
  • Over grown vegetation (i.e., shrubs, bushes, trees, etc.);
  • Unkempt landscape and other ground covers; and
  • Accumulation of trash/debris or outdoor storage visible from the public right-of-way.
You can help beautify our City and your neighborhood by providing regular upkeep and maintenance of your property. Courtesy notices will be sent to those property owners who do not voluntarily cooperate with the maintenance of their property.

Let's work together to keep our City Beautiful!
FINANCE
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 BUDGET PROCESS
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2018 Budget process officially kicked-off on February 21, 2017, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY 2015-2016 (a copy of the presentation is available via the City's website  WWW.SFCITY.ORG , in the Finance Department section), an update to the FY 2016-2017 Budget, and a preliminary outlook for the FY 2017-2018 Budget.  Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:
  • April 17, 2017 - City Council Meeting; Agenda Item to Discuss City Council Priorities for FY 2017-2018
  • May 11, 2017 - FY 2017-2018 Proposed Budget Book to be Distributed to City Council
  • May 15, 2017 - City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session
  • May 22, 2017 - City Council Meeting; Budget Study Session (if necessary)
  • June 19, 2017 - City Council Meeting; Budget Adoption
AVOID LATE FEES ON YOUR WATER BILL
Have you ever received late fees because you forgot to pay your Water Bill? Avoid late fees by signing up for AutoPay and have your Water Bill debited from your account automatically. For more details, contact the Finance Department at 818.898.1245. 
FINANCIAL REPORTS
As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, and the Measure A Annual Report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG).
POLICE
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF ELIAS RODRIGUEZ
On Friday evening, our community came together with the family and friends of young Elias Rodriguez to mourn his tragic loss and hold a candlelight vigil to honor his memory and life.
 
Over 3,500 people attended the vigil including his family, friends, dignitaries, law enforcement officials, community members and people from many surrounding communities touched by Elias' tragic loss.  The vigil started at the Cesar Chavez Learning Academies and then included a walking procession of all attendees to the Glenoaks Wash Bridge for a concluding memorial gathering.  The large numbers and dynamics required significant planning and resources to assure the safety for such a large gathering.
 
The San Fernando Police Department is thankful to all who made this vigil safe for the over 3,500 people who attended.  This would have not been possible without the cooperation and collaborative efforts of the following Police and Public Works personnel:
 
Police Personnel:
  • Sgt Irwin Rosenberg
  • FTO Adrian Flores
  • Detective Evelyn Diaz
  • Officer Dave Tesh
  • Officer Michael Colato
  • Officer Abilio Lopez
  • CSO Anthony Belden
  • CSO Elizabeth Padilla
Public Works Personnel:
  • Dale Warren
  • Frank Villalpanda
  • Steve Watts
  • Jim Davis
  • Robert Davidson
  • Jess Sahagun
  • Bert Hernandez
  • Miguel Flores
  • David Garcia
Additional thanks to Lieutenant Nichole Hanchett and Public Works Superintendent Tony Salazar for their efforts in arranging for resources as well as planning prior to this vigil.
ROBBERY
On Sunday, February 26, 2017, at approximately 10:37 am, Police Officers responded to the Smart & Final, located on Glenoaks Boulevard, to conduct a robbery investigation.  A male subject was seen taking items from the store and physically battered the clerk when she confronted him. Responding Officers gathered information and obtained store video, which showed the suspect.  Using the video, the Officers obtained a clear photo of the suspect and showed it to various local businesses. An employee of Abbey Road Villa recognized the suspect as one of their residents. Contact was made with the suspect and, after some questioning, the suspect admitted to the crime.  He was then arrested and booked accordingly.  The case was successfully filed at the District Attorney's Office on Monday, March 1, 2017 .
KIDNAP SUSPECT ARRESTED AND HANDGUN RECOVERED
On Monday, February 20, 2017, at approximately 9 am, a female came to the San Fernando Police Department lobby to report that she had been kidnapped by her boyfriend and that he threatened to kill her with a gun.  

The victim said that the night prior her boyfriend became angry with her after she received a text message from a friend. The boyfriend forced her into his vehicle and drove to his business in San Fernando where he retrieved a gun. The suspect drove the victim to various locations within Los Angeles county, often times exceeding 100 MPH, and pointing the gun at the victim throughout. The suspect drove the victim to a parking lot in Newhall and exited the vehicle for a brief period. A female passer-by saw that the victim was in distress and the victim was able to flee with the passer-by.  The suspect followed the victim and the passer-by until she reached her residence and was able to call 9-1-1. Based on the information provided, Police Officers responded to the suspect's place of work and his vehicle was impounded as evidence used in a crime.  A search warrant was obtained and a gun was recovered. On February 23, 2017, the District Attorney Office filed charges of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, felony possession of a firearm, and terrorist threats against the defendant.
PUBLIC WORKS
WINTER STORM RESPONSE ACTIVITIES
With the continuing winter storms in February 2017, Public Works team members remained busy responding to several local storm-related issues throughout the community, including:
  • Providing a sand bag filling station for residents at 501 First Street;
  • Filling and delivering sand bags throughout the community;
  • Clearing blocked storm drains and catch basins in various locations;
  • Adjusting traffic signal heads that were turned due to strong winds;
  • With the Police Department, securing public right-of-way areas in the vicinity of Pico St./Workman St. due to a downed power line;
  • Addressing minor leaks in City facilities;
  • Clearing downed tree limbs and telecommunications wires from the public right-of-way;
  • Patching potholes along several local streets
We appreciate the hard work and quick response from our team members. Altogether, 33 service requests were addressed during the heavy rainstorm days and during the months of January 2017 and February 2017, the Street Maintenance Division filled a total of 281 potholes. 
STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM UPDATE
As you'll recall, the City has three street improvement projects included in this year's Capital Improvement Program budget.  Work continues to move forward on these projects as follows:
  • Annual Street Resurfacing Project (Street/utility repairs to seven residential streets): Design work is underway with an anticipated construction start in late Spring 2017.
  • Glenoaks Improvement Project (Street/utility repairs on Glenoaks Blvd): City Council approved grant funding for improvements on February 21, 2017. RFP for engineering/design services has been finalized and will be sent to on-call engineering firms for proposals.
  • CDBG Improvement Project (Street repairs on one residential street): Design work is nearing completion with an anticipated construction start in Spring 2017. 
CNG STATION PROJECT UPDATE
Over the last month, work has continued to progress on the City's CNG Design/Build Improvement Project. The City's contractor, Clean Energy, continues to meet weekly with the City to finalize site plans for the project.  Once this process is finished, Clean Energy will initiate full construction designs.  In addition, the Gas Company is nearly complete with the installation of a new gas main that will serve the new CNG station.  Staff will be sure to keep you informed as this project moves forward and will also be sure to provide adequate notice to the public prior to starting construction.
SUCCESSFUL BULKY ITEM EVENT COLLECTION
On Saturday, Febraury 25, 2017, the City and Republic Services hosted a free quarterly bulk item collection event.  The event was a great success, with residents dropping off 75 loads that went into 2.5 - 40 yard containers. Additionally, within those loads Goodwill hauled a little more than one ton and Blue Marble Materials hauled 29 mattresses. The next collection event will be held at Parking Lot 6N (Maclay/First) on Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 8 am until 1 pm. Visit the City's website for more information (WWW.SFCITY.ORG). 
SUCCESSFUL RESTORATION EVENT AT EIGHTH STREET PARK
On February 4, 2017, the City, Tree People and MRCA partnered to conduct a park restoration and cleanup event at the Eighth Street Park.  The event was a great success with over 100 volunteers that helped to beautify this public open space!  This is the second successful restoration event for the park space and we'll plan to schedule future events during spring. Click Here to view photos taken at this event.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT
Following a competitive, in-house recruitment process that included the use of outside interview panelists, Rodrigo Mora has been selected as the new Public Works Superintendent for the Facilities Division.  Rodrigo has been with the City for 15 years and most recently served as a Public Works Supervisor II overseeing the Facilities Division. In his new role, Rodrigo will be responsible for City facilities/parks, fleet maintenance/procurement, and the City's electrical system (street lights, traffic signals).  Rodrigo demonstrates a positive can-do attitude, has a strong understanding of Public Works functions and excellent leadership skills.  In addition, the City extends its sincere appreciation to Frank Avila (Equipment Maintenance Supervisor), Michael Walker (Electrical Supervisor) and Rodrigo for serving in Acting Superintendent assignments over the last few months.
PROUD PARENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Public Works Office Specialist Angela Otremba enthusiastically announced that her son, Stephen E. Otremba, Jr., received an early admission offer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as, a (almost) full scholarship.
 
This year, 8,394 students applied for early admission to MIT, and they offered early admission to 657, including Stephen! These students hail from more than 500 high schools scattered across the globe, from New England to New Zealand.

Stephen's academic achievements include: scoring 35 (out of 36) on his ACT test; a perfect 5 on his AP tests including Chemistry, World History, US History and English; and recently, he received the Gold Medal for having the highest score (8300) in the Academic Decathlon - a competition between 30 schools and 300 students. In total, Stephen received five Gold Medals (Math, Science, Interview, Economics, and Essay), two Silver Medals (Art and History), and one Bronze Medal (Speech), in addition to two Team Silver Medals that Bishop Alemany High School earned (Team Division and Team Overall).

Stephen isn't only an academic achiever, as a senior at Bishop Alemany High School he is also on the Boys' Varsity Cross Country Team and he is also a Confirmation Peer Leader at St. Didacus Church.

"He's made his family so proud and I'm sure will continue to in the future," Angela, his proud mom exclaimed.

Join the City of San Fernando Family in congratulating Stephen and his proud mom, Angela, on this momentous accomplishment! 
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATIONS

DATE & TIME GROUP LOCATION
3/4/17 @ 8 am 

 Guardian Angel Walkathon Recreation Park
3/4/17 @ 10 am  SF Little League Opening Day Procession begins at
Recreation Park
3/11/17 @ 8 am  Santa Rosa Baseball Opening Day Procession begins at
Las Palmas Park
3/17/17 @ 5 pm
 San Fernando Brewing Company St. Patrick's Day Celebration 425 Park Avenue 
3/18/17 @ 9 am
 Lions Eyes Across America Recreation Park
LOPEZ ADOBE
Visit this historic San Fernando jewel! The Lopez Adobe historical landmark offers free guided tours from 1 pm to 4 pm on the fourth Sunday of each month. Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.


WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMMING
Quarterly, the Recreation and Community Services Department distributes a brochure that lists all of their exciting new activities and programs, including:
  • Fitness & Wellness Programs
  • Arts Classes
  • Sports Programs & Activities
  • Senior Programs & Activities
  • Health Classes
  • Transit Services
  • Upcoming Events
CLICK HERE to view the Winter Programs Brochure for January 2017 through March 2017.
SUMMER LEAGUE PROGRAMS

 

Tiny Tykes Basketball Clinic

This six-week clinic is designed to prepare your child to participate in our Youth Basketball League. Participants will learn the basic skills of basketball including dribbling, passing, shooting and defense.

WHEN: July 11, 2017 - August 17, 2017
AGES: 4 to 6
COST: $70 for Residents | $80 for Non-Residents
INFO: 818.898.1290

 

Youth Basketball League

Register now for the summer league! Participants must attend player assessments in May 2017.

WHEN: Begins June 12, 2017
AGES: 7 to 17
COST: $85 for Residents | $95 for Non-Residents
INFO: 818.898.1290

 

Youth Cheer Program

Register now for the summer program! 

WHEN: Begins June 12, 2017
AGES: 5 to 12
COST: $80 for Residents | $90 for Non-Residents
Returning Cheerleaders*:
$60 for Residents | $70 for Non-Residents
(does not include uniform)
INFO: 818.898.1290
ADULT SPORTS

Adult Volleyball
Registration begins March 20, 2017. 11 players maximum per team. Games are played at Recreation Park, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7 pm to 10 pm.
WHEN: Advanced League (Tuesdays) Begins April 11, 2017
Beginner/Intermediate League (Thursdays) Begins April 13, 2017
COST: $25 Per Person (before April 7, 2017)
$30 Per Person (after April 7, 2017)
INFO: 818.898.1290

Open Gym Volleyball
Drop by for open gym volleyball.
WHEN: Tuesdays through March 28, 2017
TIME: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
COST: Free
INFO: 818.898.1290

Adult Softball
Register now for the spring league! 16 players maximum per team. Games are played at Recreation Park, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 7 pm to 10 pm.
WHEN: Men's Wooden Bat League (Wednesdays) Began March 1, 2017
Coed League (Tuesdays) Begins March 7, 2017
COST: $350 Per Team | $325 Per Returning Team
INFO: 818.898.1290

SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES AT LAS PALMAS PARK
Improve confidence, flexibility and strength. Six-week session begin March 6, 2017 and April 17, 2017. Call 818.898.1290 for more information.

Stretch to the Music
WHEN: Monday and Wednesday
TIME: 9:30 am 
COST: $30 for Six-week Session

Yoga for Seniors
WHEN: Tuesday
TIME: 9:30 am
COST: $20 for Six-week Session

Lifting and Energy
WHEN: Tuesday
TIME: 8 am
COST: $15 for Six-week Session

Zumba for Seniors
WHEN: Thursday Starting April 6, 2017
TIME: 10 am
COST: Free

CITY CALENDAR
Public Meetings | City Hall Hours | Events
MARCH 1 
TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY COMMISSION Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.1222
6 pm | Agenda
MARCH 3 
CITY HALL CLOSED
MARCH 6 
CITY COUNCIL & SUCCESSOR AGENCY Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.1204
Cancelled | Agenda
MARCH 7 
PLANNING & PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.1227
Cancelled | Cancellation Notice
MARCH 9 
OVERSIGHT BOARD Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.7307
Cancelled | Agenda
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: PARK & FACILITIES ASSESSMENT
Help make a difference in our community!  Be sure to attend the Community Workshop designed to assess the condition and utilization of our City's parks and facilities. 
Las Palmas Park | 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1290
MARCH 14 
PARKS, WELLNESS & RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.7340
6 pm | Agenda
MARCH 17 
CITY HALL CLOSED
ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION 
Join us for a morning of treats, music, dancing and raffles as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Las Palmas Park | 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando | 818.898.1290
9 am to 1 pm | $2 Suggested Donation for Lunch (Registration is Required)
If you do not wish to receive a meal you may still participate in the festivities and socialize with others.
MARCH 18
LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE 
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Las Palmas Senior Club as they dance the night away. Enjoy live music, door prizes, raffles, and much more.
Las Palmas Park | 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando | 818.898.7340
7 pm to 12 Midnight | $15 for Club Members | $20 for Non-Members
MARCH 20 
CITY COUNCIL & SUCCESSOR AGENCY Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.1204
6 pm | Agenda
MARCH 23 
SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting
Las Palmas Park | 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando | 818.898.1290
1 pm | Agenda
MARCH 28 
EDUCATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting
Council Chambers | 117 Macneil St, San Fernando | 818.898.1204
6 pm | Agenda
MARCH 30 
CITY HALL CLOSED
(City Hall is closed every other Friday, when a holiday falls on that Friday, the regular closure day moves to Thursday.)
MARCH 31 
CITY HALL CLOSED
(Holiday - In Observance of Cesar Chavez' Birthday)
SAVE THE DATE
APRIL 15 
SPRING JAMBOREE
Join us for a day of fun for the entire family at our annual Spring Jamboree! Free activities include arts and crafts, face painting, games, and JAM Session featuring a Freedom Drum Circle with Christopher Ramirez! JAM Session provided by the Ford Theatre Foundation.
Las Palmas Park | 505 S. Huntington St., San Fernando
11 am to 2 pm | Free
CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY REPORT
City of San Fernando  | 818.898.1202  |   www.sfcity.org