The City Manager’s Monthly Report includes important information related to the City's major projects and programs, opportunities for public participation in steering the future of the City, and key updates from each City Department to keep community members informed about your City government.
Please take the time to read through this entire Report so you can stay connected to your community!
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Subscribe to all of the City's notification methods to ensure you receive current information and connect with the official City of San Fernando social media channels through your computer or mobile device! |
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SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS |
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LOCAL TRANSACTION TAX TOWN HALL MEETING
The City will be hosting its biannual Local Transaction Tax Town Meeting on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 6:30 pm, in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Three ways to participate:
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In Person (Council Chambers – 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando): Attend in person and provide your feedback.
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Facebook Live (@TheCityOfSanFernando): Watch live and leave your feedback in the comments.
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Email (CityClerk@sfcity.org): Email your feedback by 4 pm on the day of the meeting.
The City Council established Measure A & Measure SF Town Hall meetings as an additional avenue for the community to receive important information on the City transaction tax and provide a forum to ask questions to staff and provide feedback to City Councilmembers. A "Frequently Asked Questions" area is also available on the City's website that provides additional detail on the background and use of Local Transaction Tax revenue.
Copies of past reports and details for participating at the upcoming Town Hall Meeting are available by visiting SFCITY.ORG/Transaction-Tax.
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RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The San Fernando City Council established a Recreation Scholarship Program (RSP) to provide financial assistance to families wishing to participate in the fee base programs offered to San Fernando residents. RSP assistance is available to San Fernando residents for all recreational programs offered by the Recreation and Community Services Department, including programs for youth, adults, and seniors. Scholarships cover 50% of the cost of the activity.
To be eligible for RSP assistance you must be a resident of the City of San Fernando. Assistance will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A brief self-certifying form and a utility bill must be submitted to the Department when registering for any fee base activity. For additional information and eligibility requirements regarding RSP please call (818) 898-1290 or visit SFCITY.ORG/SFRecreation/#Scholarships.
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CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
The City of San Fernando celebrates March as Women’s History Month, honoring the past, present, and future women leaders that make our City a great place to live. To learn more about the contributions and specific achievements women have made over the course of American history, visit WomensHistoryMonth.gov.
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Pictured Left to Right: City Clerk Julia Fritz, Councilmember Mary Solorio, Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, Councilmember Cindy Montañez, Vice Mayor Mary Mendoza, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Erica Melton, and Director of Community Development Kanika Kith. |
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FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
LOAN PROGRAM
San Fernando residents qualify for first-time homebuyers loan program through the Los Angeles Development Authority’s (LACDA) Home Ownership Program (HOP). The Home Ownership Program provides a second mortgage loan of up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, with 0% interest. Repayment of the loan is required when the home is sold, transfer of title, or home is longer owner-occupied. Eligible properties are single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums with a maximum purchase price of $700,000.
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HELP KEEP SAN FERNANDO BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE
A “Help Keep San Fernando Beautiful & Safe” postcard was sent to all residents in the City asking everyone to help keep our residential properties beautiful and safe for their family and the community. The postcard encourages all residents to keep trash cans, large household items, portable canopies, abandoned or wrecked vehicles, and other unattractive items out-of-sight from the street to keep the San Fernando community beautiful. The postcard also encourages everyone to fix or remove broken fences or walls to keep the community safe. Please see postcard for more information.
If you did not receive the postcard or have question, please contact the Community Development Department at CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or (818) 898-1227.
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LAYNE PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
The Recreation and Community Services Department held a ground Breaking Ceremony for the Layne Park Revitalization Project on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the Layne family for bestowing the property on which the park sits on today. Ms. Linda Layne, Ph.D., granddaughter of Floyd Benjamin Layne, guarantor of the land for Layne Park, shared her childhood memories growing up in the neighborhood. The revitalization of Layne Park transforms the Park into a focal point where neighborhood children can learn to play soccer and basketball, where residents can take an afternoon stroll for exercise, and where families can picnic while enjoying the splendor of the outdoors. The new park amenities being built for the residents to enjoy include:
- New Soccer Filed with goals and fencing;
- Basketball Half-Court;
- Playground Equipment Upgrades;
- New Picnic Tables Area;
- Walking Path around the park;
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping, with a Bioswale and Green Alleyway;
- Restroom Facility; and
- Perimeter Fencing.
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MISSION CITY BASEBALL (MCB) SPRING LEAGUE
Opening Day was held on March 4, 2023, at Las Palmas Park. The day’s celebration began with a police-escorted team procession through the neighborhood and San Fernando Mall and continued with opening ceremonies and activities and games for the youth. The Spring Season serves youth ages 3 to 14, with the following team breakdown by division: Foal - 3, Shetland - 2, Pinto - 2, Mustang - 3, Bronco - 1, Pony - 1. MCB will interlock with North Valley, East Valley and SIBL this season to provide appropriate game experience for the Shetland through Pony divisions.
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PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH EFFORTS
The Police Department conducted Homeless Outreach Operations on February 1, 2023 and February 15, 2023. During these operations, 12 individuals experiencing homelessness were contacted and referred to Los Angeles Family Housing for various services. Combatting homelessness remains a priority of the Police Department and outreach efforts will continue every two weeks for the foreseeable future.
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ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) DETAIL
On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, an Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant Detail was conducted in conjunction with ABC Agents. Minor decoys were deployed for “Shoulder Tap” operations. Decoys made contact with 10 persons at the front of several locations that conduct licensed retail sales for alcoholic beverages. One person was cited for purchasing and furnishing an alcoholic beverage to a minor.
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COMMUNITY ACADEMY
The Community Academy concluded three of its 11 sessions in February 2023. Topics covered in the Community Academy this month included providing attendees an overview and functions of the Federal, State, and Local Government, Constitutional Law, and Judicial Procedures. The Community Academy will continue its sequential sessions during March 2023. Topics to be covered in March 2023 include an introduction to Public Works, Use of Force, Building Searches, and an introduction into Detective Operations.
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PARENT UNIVERSITY
The Police Department hosted its weekly Parent University in February 2023, at Santa Rosa Catholic School. The parents discussed a variety of helpful tips and information during their weekly meetings for the purpose of enhancing their parenting skills and providing their children a more supportive home environment. The Parent University will conclude its six-week series in early March 2023. The Police Department is looking to host another Parent University later this year at another location, still to be determined.
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AND BUSINESS WATCH
The February 2023 Neighborhood and Business Watch meetings were general discussion meetings and an opportunity for attendees to meet Detective Cervantes who will be responsible for handling the Police Department's public outreach, community engagement, and addressing quality of life matters. Sergeant Chiasson will be transitioning into his new role as the Detective Sergeant, but will remain involved with the Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch Programs.
Join the San Fernando Police Department at the monthly Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch meetings for an opportunity to share your concerns and engage in discussion with Police, community members, and fellow business leaders/merchants.
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MARCH 15, 2023 - 6 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
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MARCH 22, 2023 - 12 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
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Visit the City website for more information and updates:
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SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
Ortiz Enterprises, Inc., continues to work on the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project as they prepare to install a brand new irrigation system at San Fernando Recreation Park. Upon completion of the irrigation system, new sod will be placed for the new baseball field.
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ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT
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PHASE 1 - Toro Enterprises have completed the slurry work for the Phase 1 Annual Street Resurfacing Project. The project included digouts of areas that were failing, curb repairs, and application of Type 1 and Type 2 slurry. Pavement markings and striping, including repainting house numbers on the curb within the project area, will be completed during March 2023. A total of 18 miles were repaved as part of Phase 1.
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PHASE 2 - American Asphalt South, Inc. has begun work for the Phase 2 Annual Street Resurfacing Project including digouts in areas where the subgrade is failing and concrete repairs. Repaving of 12 miles of streets will be completed with Phase 2. Phase 2 areas require a more robust two- and three-step slurry seal process for streets that are moderately-to-significantly deteriorated with cracks and potholes. These are streets that typically require an overlay treatment. This two- and three-step process involves multiple layers of asphalt slurry that help to fill, level, and create a more acceptable travel surface to the road at a significant reduction in price, when compared to traditional overlays. The Project is being funded through a combination of State and County funding sources including SB 1 and Gas Tax from the State, as well as Measure M, Measure R, and Proposition C from Los Angeles County.
Visit the City's website for a up-to-date information and a full list of streets to be paved as part of Phase 1: SFCITY.ORG/Street-Repairs.
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WELL NO. 3 REHABILITATION
The rehabilitation of Well No. 3 was completed in February 2023. This rehabilitation will extend the longevity and performance of the well. All of the clogging material has been cleaned from the screened sections, as well as the built-up material located from the bottom of the well. In addition to the rehabilitation, a new pump and motor was installed to ensure resiliency of the water system from future shutdowns.
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UPPER RESERVOIR PROJECT
Traffic control has been setup for the contractor to begin work at the Upper Reservoir located at 13655 Foothill Boulevard, in Sylmar. Due to the limited space at the property, temporary traffic control had to be set up in the right-of-way to allow the contractor to place their equipment and material during the project. The project consists of the replacement of City of San Fernando Reservoir No. 4. The existing reservoir will be demolished and a new 1.1 million gallon potable water storage reservoir will be installed.
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FREE SAND BAGS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY
As a reminder, the City provides sand and sand bags for free at the City Yard located at 501 First Street.
Call the Public Works Department at (818) 898-1293 or visit the City website for more information:
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WATERING RESTRICTIONS FOR LAWNS & LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
The City is exploring modification to front yard landscape standards to address the challenges of the changing climate and ensure visual attractiveness of front yards in residential areas. Modification to the landscape standards will provide flexibility for homeowners to replace lawns with drought-tolerant landscape and take advantage of the Turf Replacement Program currently offered by Metropolitan Water District (MWD).
To learn more about transforming your front yard landscape to beautiful climate appropriate landscape, please register for free on-line classes hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: GreenGardensGroup.com/g3-events.
As the City explores modification to front yard landscape regulations, we encourage community members to email suggestions or photographs of desirable front yard landscapes that you would like to see in San Fernando CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org.
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HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR SERVICES
Submit a Request for Services to report Public Works-related items such as raised sidewalks, excessive water run-off, dumped items, potholes, or to request services such as City-owned tree trimming/removal.
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CALL
(818) 898-1293
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
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VISIT
Public Works Operations Center
120 Macneil Street
San Fernando, CA 91340
Regular Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
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TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON ARTIFICIAL TURF
The City Code does not contain standards or specifications regulating the use of artificial turf in the City. Preliminary research indicates that artificial turf appears to decrease biodiversity and pose certain health hazards. It can prevent natural filtration and surface cooling. During summer months, synthetic materials can get hot and reach 150°F generating excess heat. Although homeowners may save water on irrigation, large amount of water is needed to cool these “heat islands” regularly. Some brands of artificial turf contain toxic chemicals that can leak to the surrounding environment and cause further damage to people and natural habitat. For these reasons, the City is considering a temporary moratorium on the use of artificial turf to allow time for staff to research potential benefits and disadvantages of using these materials, and prepare recommendations to regulate artificial turf.
The proposed moratorium will be presented to the Planning and Preservation Commission on March 13, 2023, for recommendation to the City Council. The City encourages public participation as the City explores regulations for the use of artificial turf. Please submit suggestions or comments to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.
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FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT
Homes in San Fernando are allowed to install a fences in the front yards to a height of no taller than three feet. Recently, the City has been receiving multiple requests from residents to build taller fences in the front yards to prevent young children, elderly relatives, or dogs from leaving the property. Field investigation shows that many homes have existing four to five feet high fences in the front yards which maybe the prevailing neighborhood character.
A proposed amendment to the City Code for modifying the maximum height and permitted materials for walls and fences will be presented to the Planning and Preservation Commission on March 13, 2023. The City encourages community members to email suggestions, comments, or photographs of desirable fences and wall that you would like to see in San Fernando to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.
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COYOTE MANAGEMENT AND CO-EXISTENCE PLAN AND FENCE AND WALL REGULATIONS
A mailer providing valuable information related to coexisting with coyotes was sent to all residents in September 2022. The Coyote Management and Co-Existence Plan also includes a recommendation to consider revising the height limits for fences and walls on residential properties.
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COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 2023
Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 to date.
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CITY'S ONLINE ZONING PORTAL
Try the City’s Online Zoning Portal to find the zoning for your property. Simply enter a street address to interactively view and investigate zoning, permitted uses, and other land use regulations for a specific site. Access the Online Zoning Portal on the City’s website: SFCITY.ORG/Community-Development/#Planning.
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2023 COMMUNITY SURVEY
The City's annual community survey is now live! Please complete this short 10-minute survey (also available in Spanish) to assess how the City can improve overall quality of life and prioritize programs and projects this year.
Visit the City website for a link to complete the survey:
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JOIN THE SAN FERNANDO CITY TEAM
Below, please find the current jobs that the City is recruiting for with their filing deadlines and/or status:
- Community Preservation Officer (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Crossing Guard (Part-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Housing Coordinator (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Information Technology Systems Administrator (Full-time): Interview of top candidates took place on February 15, 2023, and selection will be made soon.
- Personnel Assistant (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
- Police Officer (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
- Public Works Maintenance Helper (Part-time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
- Public Works Senior Maintenance Worker (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is 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.
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WELCOME THE NEWEST CITY TEAM MEMBERS
The City wishes to formally welcome the following San Fernando City Team Members who joined the City or were promoted on the respective dates specified:
- Brian Woodward, Police Sergeant - Rejoined the City January 30, 2023;
- Ivan Moran, Police Officer – Promoted February 13, 2023;
- Cristina Moreno, Recreation Leader II – Joined the City February 21, 2023;
- Frank Zavala, Public Works Maintenance Helper – Joined the City February 27, 2023;
- Isabell Rodriguez, Police Records Specialist – Promoted February 27, 2023; and
- Jennifer Spatig – Police Management Analyst – Joined the City February 28, 2023.
The City Team wishes to express our appreciation and excitement about these new team members. Their skills and talents will be a great addition to the San Fernando Family, especially at this critical time, as we navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Welcome aboard!
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INCREASE IN WATER RATES
Effective January 2023, water and sewer rates were increased with prorated rates reflected in February 2023 Billing Statements.
The City offers a variety of payment options as follows:
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By Mail: Payments can sent via mail to: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
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Night Dropbox: A drop box is available outside the City Hall’s main entrance. We request that all payments be placed in an envelope and that no cash is enclosed. Payments received in the drop-box will be processed by 9:00 am the next business day.
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AutoPay: AutoPay is available to all City of San Fernando water customers. It is a direct debit program that works with your bank for a quick and simple way to pay your utility bill electronically. Click Here to download an AutoPay Application.
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In Person: Customers are welcome to pay at the Finance Counter at City Hall (117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340).
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 having issues paying your utility bill, significant resources are available via assistance programs for qualified residents:
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STATE PROGRAMS: Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): provides financial assistance to low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. Established by Congress in December 2020, this federally funded program helps low-income households pay down their outstanding residential water or wastewater bills. California has been allocated $116 million in one-time funding to provide LIHWAP assistance. For more information about how LIHWAP can help your household pay down your past due water or wastewater bills and how to apply visit LIHWAP Find Assistance.
- OTHER UTILITY PROGRAMS:
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (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.
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SoCalGas recently announced $10 million in funding to support low-income families, seniors and small restaurant owners with bill assistance and to bolster community resources for those who may be struggling financially. More information on eligibility and how to apply is available on the SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund website.
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FINANCIAL REPORTS
A presentation was made on the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Mid-Year Report at the February 21, 2023 City Council Meeting. All City Council Meetings are available for viewing on the SFCITY.ORG/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.
As a reminder, all of the City's financial reports, including annual budgets, audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and annual local transaction tax report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website SFCITY.ORG/Finance/#Financial-Documents.
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ONLINE RECORDS COUNTER
The City Clerk Department has launched a new feature to provide the ability to search for records through the Online Records Counter. The portal below provides instant access to public record documents that are available for instant viewing.
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IN PERSON MEETINGS ARE BACK!
Conducting City Council and Commission meetings in-person in the Council Chambers (117 Macneil Street, San Fernando) have resumed. Meeting attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in the Council Chambers. Members of the public may still access meetings live on-line, with audio and video, via the City's YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
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CITY COUNCIL
The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 6 pm.
The City Council has resumed meeting in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.
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EDUCATION COMMISSION
On January 31, 2023, during the regular Education (EDU) Commission meeting, new commissioner, David Govea, was sworn in. Commissioner Govea was appointed as the representative for Councilmember Mary Solorio.
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on March 28, 2023, at 4:30 pm.
The EDU Commission has resumed meeting in person in the Council Chambers, located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando. Meetings are also live streamed via Youtube. Meeting agendas and audio/video is available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/Commissions-Board/#Education.
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PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The next regular Parks, Wellness and Recreation (PWR) Commission meeting will be held on March 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm. During the regular meeting, new commissioners, Patty Lopez and Eric Friend, will be sworn in. Commissioners Lopez and Friend were appointed as the representatives for Vice Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmember Mary Solorio, respectively.
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PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
On February 13, 2023, during the regular Planning and Preservation (P&P) Commission meeting, new commissioners, Hector A. Pacheco and Francisco Solorio were sworn in. Commissioners Pacheco and Solorio were appointed as the representatives for Councilmembers Joel Fajardo and Mary Solorio, respectively.
The next regular P&P Commission meeting will be held on March 13, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
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TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
On February 1, 2023, during the regular Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meeting, new commissioner, Ivan Gonzalez, was sworn in. Commissioner Gonzalez was appointed as the representative for Councilmember Mary Solorio. On March 1, 2023, during the regular T&PS Commission Meeting, new commissioner, Victoria Garcia, was sworn in. Commissioner Garcia was appointed as the representative for Vice Mayor Mary Mendoza.
The next regular T&PS Commission meeting will be held on April 5, 2023, at 6 pm.
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SAN FERNANDO CITY HALL
Effective January 3, 2022, San Fernando City Hall reopened to the public Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Fridays, from 8 am to 5 pm.
SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Records Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm;
- Detective Bureau: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and
- Livescan Services continue have resumed: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
- Court Commitment Services has resumed: Call the Police Department to schedule.
RECREATION FACILITIES
Outdoor recreation programming and services have resumed at City parks with the condition that the current County of Los Angeles Health Officer Order and Protocols are observed.
All visitors to City facilities must adhere to the current County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our community.
We strongly encourage the public to continue to conduct business with City Hall via telephone and email.
Planning & Zoning Permits; Building Permits & Inspections; Graffiti Removal
Water & Sewer Utilities
Police (non-emergency)
Tree & Street Services
Right-of-Way Permits, Projects & Inspections
Adult, Youth & Senior Programs
General Information
ONLINE PERMIT COUNTER
For additional convenience, the public may use the Online Permit Counter to submit building permit applications, track progress, and schedule inspections online:
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ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 5 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE VACCINATED |
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VACCINATION AND TESTING CLINICS
Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website for COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics:
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LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER & MASKING GUIDANCE
Please visit the City’s website for additional information and to download the current Health Order and Masking Guidance.
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