JANUARY 2017
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

JANUARY 2017 HOLIDAY HOURS
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY EVENT AND BOOK DRIVE
Mayor Robert Gonzales will be hosting a "Little Free Library" event on January 21, 2017, from 10 am to 12 noon in Parking Lot 6N where students from local schools will be painting "Little Free Libraries." Additionally, there will be booths accepting book donations and representatives from the local library that will provide information and sign people up for library cards.  Mayor Gonzales is also sponsoring a book drive.  Donation boxes will be set out at various locations in City facilities to collect donated books to put in the "Little Libraries."  All are welcome to attend and donate!

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO SOCIAL MEDIA
The City of San Fernando, the San Fernando Police Department, and the Recreation and Community Services Department is on various social media platforms. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Vimeo. Stay up-to-date on whats going on in San Fernando, including:
  • Public Meetings
  • Recreation Programming
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • News Releases
  • Special Events
  • And SO MUCH MORE!
Don't forget to friend us, follow us, and like us! Here's how:

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (MARCH 7, 2017)
At their December 2016 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution requesting that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors consolidate the City's General Municipal Election with the Los Angeles County Special Countywide Election to be held on the same day.  The City Council also voted to submit a ballot measure question (i.e., Measure SF) to San Fernando voters whether to convert the City Treasurer position into an appointive position.

Therefore, the County will administer the election and canvass the results (more information will follow).  On the ballot for consideration will be two City Council seats and one City Treasurer seat.

For City Council:
1 Gilbert Berriozabal 811 San Fernando Rd., #204
(Day) 818.675.6069  
(Evening) 818.669.0687
gberrioz@gmail.com  
segurosconbalta@yahoo.com

2 Joel Fajardo 229 N. Meyer St.
818.336.1350
joel@joelforsanfernando.com


PUBLIC MEETINGS 

AND

CITY HALL HOURS
JANUARY 2
CITY HALL CLOSED
(Holiday - In Observance of New Year's Day)
JANUARY 3
City Council & 
Successor Agency
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1204
JANUARY 3
Planning & Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:30 pm | 818.898.1227
JANUARY 4
Transportation & Safety Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1222
JANUARY 6
CITY HALL CLOSED
JANUARY 10
Parks, Wellness & Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6:00 pm | 818.898.1227
JANUARY 12
Oversight Board 
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
10 am | 818.898.7307
JANUARY 16
CITY HALL CLOSED
(Holiday - In Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
JANUARY 20
CITY HALL CLOSED
JANUARY 26
Senior Citizens Advisory Board
Regular Meeting
Las Palmas Park
505 South Huntington Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1290
JANUARY 31
Education Commission
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
6 pm | 818.898.1204
3 Robert C. Gonzales 1327 ½ Hewitt St.
818.639.2013
Robert4sanfernando@gmail.com

4 David E. Govea 818.584.6832
Govea4sanfernando@gmail.com

5 Jason Hayes 727 DeHaven St.
818.451.6400
ElectJasonHayes@gmail.com

6 Marvin R. Perez 2011 8th St.
818.963.3446
MarvinPerez@ucla.edu

For City Treasurer:
1 Margarita Solis 1502 Pico St.
818.336.6261
msolis4city@gmail.com

In early February 2017, San Fernando voters will receive their Voter Information Guide and permanent vote by mail voters will receive their ballots (i.e., no sooner than February 6, 2017).

In order to participate in this election, you must registered to vote at least 15 days before (i.e., no later than February 21, 2017).   To register, or check your registration status, you may go to:   http://RegisterToVote.ca.gov/
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
2017 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT COMING SOON (JANUARY 24, 2017)
The City is currently preparing staff and volunteers for the upcoming 2017 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Street Count that will take place on the evening of January 24, 2017. Community Development Department personnel will lead the one-day count of the homeless within the City.  If you are interested in being a volunteer please contact Community Preservation Officer Rosa Guzman at 818.898.1227 to see if there are still any possible slots for new volunteers.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBPAGES COMING SOON!
The Economic Development webpages were completed on December 30, 2016!  The Economic Development webpages are intended to help with the City's efforts to retain and attract new businesses to the community. Take a look at the new website at: http://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/our-city/community-development/economic-development/ and let us know what you think. This webpage will continue to evolve, so your input is appreciated!

LOPEZ VILLEGAS HOUSE UPDATE
Staff will be presenting a Purchase and Sale Agreement for consideration by the City Council at their January 17, 2017 meeting. This agreement will allow the sale of the Lopez Villegas House to the property owner at 613 O'Melveny and facilitate the City-designated historic resource's relocation and rehabilitation from its current storage site at 1320 San Fernando to its future permanent home on O'Melveny Street.

CVS PHARMACY APPROVED TO BE A NEW TENANT IN THE DOWNTOWN
On January 3, 2017, the Planning and Preservation Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2016-008 to allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and distilled spirits, for consumption off the premises ("off-sale general alcohol license"), in conjunction with a pharmacy drive-up window for the planned occupancy and operation of CVS Pharmacy, a retail drug store at 1204 San Fernando Road.  The new retail drug store will occupy an approximate 13,275 square-foot proposed commercial building at the corner of San Fernando Road and San Fernando Mission Boulevard. The CVS Pharmacy is currently slated for opening in April of 2018.



2017 SAN FERNANDO BIZ FAIR EVENT
The 2017 San Fernando BIZ Fair Event is scheduled for January 24, 2017, and will be held at the Mission City Church located at 777 N. Maclay Avenue (corner of Glenoaks Boulevard and Maclay Avenue). The event will be held by the Chamber of Commerce and includes co-sponsorship by the San Fernando business merchants, the City of San Fernando, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl's Office, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, and the Valley Economic Alliance. The event will focus on the following topics: internet marketing, building a "cool" website, access to capital, business coaching, making a connection with Chamber representatives, and learning how to do business with the City of San Fernando. It is estimated that there will be between 80 to 100 people in attendance. It is the intent of the event organizers to facilitate greater discussion of many of the topics being discussed a future events being developed by the Chamber.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
WATER BILLS

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.

BUSINESS LICENSE AMNESTY PROGRAM
The City Council has approved a Business License Amnesty Program to waive all penalties for businesses that are currently operating without a license, or with an expired license, if they self-report by June 30, 2017.  After June 30, 2017, the City will conduct a discovery and verification audit of businesses operating in the City.  Any businesses or individuals found to be operating without a license at that time will be subject to back fees and penalties.  If interested in participating in the Business License Amnesty Program, please contact Sandra Soto at 818.898.1245 or SSoto@sfcity.org , or download an application from the City's website ( WWW.SFCITY.ORG).
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The City's final audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 is now available on the City's website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG).

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 DEPARTMENT

29th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BASKETS APPEAL
On December 22, 2016, the San Fernando Police Department, along with Public Works, Senator Robert Hertzberg and the San Fernando Police Advisory Council, delivered over 120 baskets to needy families and senior citizens of our community.  This year's Program marks the 29th year that the Police Department has been committed to providing this community event. 


Basket Prep Day

Basket Delivery Day

SHOOTING/HOMICIDE INCIDENT
On December 23, 2016, at approximately 2 pm, a shooting occurred in the 400 block of Harps Street.  Upon their arrival, Officers located three victims of a shooting, two were transported to local hospitals and one died at the scene.  During the investigation, a large perimeter was set up in an attempt to locate the suspect, who was seen in the area.  After several hours, with multiple agencies assisting the Police Department, it was determined that the suspect had fled the area.  Los Angeles Sheriff Department Homicide Division responded to assist San Fernando Police Detectives in this incident that is currently ongoing.  The suspect has been identified and the Department is actively attempting to locate the suspect at this time.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

HOLIDAY TREE DISPOSAL
As a reminder, holiday tree disposal services are available to the community.  Curbside collection will take place through January 7, 2017 and tree drop-offs may be made at Parking Lot 6N (Maclay Avenue/First Street) through January 14, 2017.  Please be sure to remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, garland, and stands prior to disposal.  If you have any questions, please contact Republic Services at (800) 299-4898. CLICK HERE for more earth friendly holiday clean up ideas. 

DELIVERY OF NEW PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE VEHICLES
This month, the City took delivery of 3 new service vehicles to replace aging trucks in the City's fleet.  These vehicles were approved for purchase by the City Council in June 2016 and include the following:
  • A new Water Division Valve truck that will be used for regular maintenance of the City's water and valve system. This truck was funded through the City's Water Fund.

  • Two new alternative fuel service vehicles that will be used in day-to-day operational activities, including street maintenance and electrical maintenance. Both trucks are powered using compressed natural gas and were funded through the Air Quality Management District.

 

CNG IMPROVEMENT PROJECT STATUS UPDATE
Work is progressing well on the City's CNG Station design/build project.  As you'll recall, the City Council approved an agreement with Clean Energy to include both the design and construction of the renovated fueling station.  Work is progressing on the site plan and you may notice some construction activity being completed by the Gas Company, which is installing a new gas main along First Street and Macneil Street to accommodate the station. Design work will continue over the next few months and then proceed to equipment procurement and construction.  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 DECEMBER RESTORATION EVENT AT EIGHTH STREET PARK
On December 10, 2016, 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 70 volunteers that helped to beautify this important space! CLICK HERE to view photos from the cleanup event.

GIS PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTHER CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) AND CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE (CSUN)
As you're aware, the City has been working with representatives from SCAG and CSUN to help enhance the City's geographic information systems ("GIS") system.  This innovative approach is one of the first of its kind - including grant funding from SCAG and the involvement of both students/faculty from CSUN.  Thanks to both Vice Mayor Fajardo and Councilmember Lopez for their involvement and assistance with this effort.

Once completed, the updated GIS system will include access to planning maps, City infrastructure, aerial maps, and demographic data.  A key component of the updated system will also provide an interface on the City's website to allow the community to access this data. At the January 17, 2017 City Council meeting, representatives from SCAG and CSUN will be on hand to update the City Council on this effort and discuss upcoming steps in the project.
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
The Holiday Tree Lighting held on December 8, 2016 was very well attended. This holiday tradition was held on Brand Boulevard and Celis Street. Participants enjoyed entertainment, face painting, crafts, and photos with Santa.

Teens for a Better Community at the Tree Lighting Celebration

WINTER DAY CAMP
This year's Winter Day Camp at Recreation Park provided a great way for children to spend the winter recess.  This three-week long program included arts and crafts, creative activities and fun-filled experiences for children ages 5 to 13.  Look for the upcoming Summer Day Camp progr am for a great way for your child to spend summer vacation!





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 are now available! Contact Recreation Park at 818.898.1290 for more information.



VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
CSUN School of Business provides FREE income tax assistance to low income individuals, senior citizens and the disabled. 

WHEN: Saturdays from January 28, 2017 to April 15, 2017

WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando

TIME: 10 am to 2 pm

INFO: 818.898.7340

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.

JANUARY 19

ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Join us for a morning of music, treats, and prizes as we celebrate the New Year. Free event!  


WHERE:
Las Palmas Park, 505 S. Huntington Street, San Fernando

TIME: 9 am to 1 pm

COST: $2 Suggested Donation
If you do not wish to receive a meal you can still participate in the festivities and socialize with others.

INFO: 818.898.7340