APRIL 2023
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! 
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!
SAN FERNANDO SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS
PACOIMA WASH BIKEWAY AND PEDESTRIAN PATH GROUNDBREAKING
After nearly 20 years of planning and community visioning, the Pacoima Wash Bike Path is officially under construction. On Friday, March 24, 2023, the City hosted a groundbreaking event in partnership with Assemblymember Luz Rivas, the Mountains Recreation Conservancy Agency, Pacoima Beautiful, TreePeople, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Cesar Chavez Learning Academies, and other community partners.

Overall, the project will consist of constructing a new 12–foot wide, 1.4-mile long bikeway and pedestrian path, a prefabricated pedestrian bridge, bioswales, new fencing, at-grade crossings, signage, striping, bollards, and solar lighting. The project’s main focus is to connect students and residents to a trail that offers recreational activities, such as walking, jogging, or bicycling to neighboring parks and schools. In addition, the bioswales will capture and infiltrate the rainwater along the bikeway. Construction was funded by Caltrans, LA Metro, AQMD, Measure R, Measure M, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) grant, State funds from Assemblymember Luz Rivas, and local funds. The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by September 2024.  
AND THE OSCAR GOES TO....
If you watched the 95th Academy Awards Ceremony on March 12, 2023, you'd know that the Best Picture award went to Everything Everywhere All At Once. BUT, did you know that the "laundromat" scenes were shot at Majers Coin Laundry here in the City of San Fernando? The film permit for this shoot was processed by our City team that reviews and approves film production permits, as well as assisting with traffic, signage, security, etc.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET PROCESS
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Budget process officially kicked-off on February 21, 2023, when staff gave a presentation reviewing the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 2021-2022 and an update to the FY 2022-2023 Budget. 

Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:

  • Monday, May 1, 2023: Proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget Book Distributed to City Council and Posted to City’s website.
  • Week of May 8, 2023: Proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget Town Hall Meeting
  • Monday, May 15, 2023: Budget Study Session (Budget Overview and Review of Department Budgets: Administration, City Clerk, Finance, Community Development, Recreation and Community Services Departments)
  • Monday, May 22, 2023: Special Budget Study Session (Review of Department Budgets: Police, Public Works – Operations and Capital Improvement Plan)
  • Tuesday, May 30, 2023: Special Budget Study Session (if necessary)
  • Monday, June 5, 2023: Budget Study Session (if necessary)
  • Tuesday, June 20, 2023: Budget Adoption

See the City Council agenda for each date for additional information on how to participate (virtual or in person) in the Budget Study Sessions: SFCITY.ORG/City-Council/#Agenda-Minutes-Audio.

Should you have comments or questions regarding the budget, please email Finance@sfcity.org.
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.
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. 

If you're interested in this program, please contact the Community Development Department at (818) 898-1227, CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or visit:
NOTICE: San Fernando Recreation Park will be closed from May 2022 through September 2023, due to construction. Visit the City's website for more information: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project
SPRING JAMBOREE
The annual Spring Jamboree will be held on April 8, 2023, at Las Palmas Park. The event will be loaded with fun activities for the entire family, such as Arts & Crafts, Games, a Rock Climbing Wall, Photo with the Bunny, Food Sales and of course, the ever popular Egg Hunt. The first 200 kids will receive a complimentary hotdog-on-a- stick.  Mark your calendar for this great way to kick-off the spring season and enjoy the great outdoors!
TEENS FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY
Teens for a Better Community (TBC) is a youth leadership program that cultivates a safe space for high school students to explore their personal potential. Students participate in leadership and character building community service activities, summer camp, city-wide events and various recreational projects that promote a passion for learning and discovering greater achievement in school, work and life.
 
On March 22, 2023, City staff lead the TBC Kickoff Meeting at Las Palmas Park. Despite the rainy weather, seven students (representing the following High Schools: Cesar Chávez Learning Academies, Alliance Marine Innovation & Technology 6-12 Complex, Arleta High School, and James Monroe High) participated.
 
Teens held brainstorm sessions and discussed important topics such as homelessness, gangs, drug addiction, mental health, mindfulness, supporting unions, higher education and more. 
 
What started off as a quiet, shy group, slowly blossomed into a more social, open group of students. The teens walked away excited to volunteer at the upcoming Spring Jamboree and are eager to invite their peers to join the next meeting on April 20, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Students will learn about the Counselors in Training Summer Camp Leadership Program. High school students are welcome to join TBC Youth Leadership Program (CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION LINK). All hours spent with the program will be recorded as community service hours and a certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the semester.
 
For more information please email, Cristina Moreno at cmoreno@sfcity.org or Juan Salas jsalas@sfcity.org.
MARIACHI MASTER APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MMAP)
MMAP, the nationally recognized arts-in-education program, has been invited to perform with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at their YOLA Cross-Site Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on April 30, 2023. YOLA is the LA Phil's music education program currently serving close to 1,700 young musicians, including MMAP students, across five sites. Students are provided with free instruments, intensive music instruction (up to 18 hours per week), academic support, and leadership training.
ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM (ENP)
  • On March 22, 2023, ENP participants attended a workshop on Emergency Preparedness hosted by Dignity Health. 45 participants learned how to receive alerts during an emergency, planning for disasters, and preparing a “go-bag” and “stay-box.”

  • On April 6, 2023, from 12 pm to 3 pm, One Generation will hold free vaccine clinic for COVID-19 boosters and flu shots, at Las Palmas Park. Participants will receive a $25 card (two gift cards provided to those getting the booster and flu shot).
PICKLEBALL IS BACK!
Looking for a fun way to stay fit and meet new friends? Come to Las Palmas Park and learn the sport of pickleball, a paddle sport for all ages and skill levels. Open gym hours for this activity are held at Las Palmas Park on Mondays, from 10 am to 11 am. Feel free to stop by and play or spectate to get the hang of it.

PACOIMA WASH RESCUE
On March 7, 2023, at approximately 10:14 am, the Communications Center received a 911 call of a man floating down the Pacoima Wash at Fourth Street. Several Patrol units responded to the Pacoima Wash at San Fernando Road, Laurel Canyon, and at Paxton Park. The man had passed San Fernando Road and stopped under the Laurel Canyon overpass where he stood under the overpass on the flat concrete shelf and yelled for help. 

San Fernando Police Officers requested assistance from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and descended into the wash, where they advised the man to hold still, while reassuring him the fire department was en route. To prevent the man from losing his footing, Officers deployed their life rings and secured the rope to a stationary pole. Approximately 10 minutes later, LAFD arrived on scene with two helicopters and four rescue vehicles. LAFD’s Swift Water Rescue Team secured the man, and paramedics treated him for hypothermia.
VIOLENT ROBBERY AND ATTACK SUSPECT ARRESTED
On March 17, 2023, at 10:19 am, Police Officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Maclay Ave to investigate a violent robbery and attack on an elderly person. The suspect approached the victim from behind and stole a bag from the victim’s hands. When the victim resisted the theft of his property, the suspect struck the victim, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect then kicked the victim in the face at least once. A Good Samaritan stepped in to stop the attack and the suspect left the scene. Video footage of the robbery was posted on social media and aired on local media outlets. A few days later, a community member who recognized the suspect notified the Police Department of the suspect’s whereabouts. The suspect was later arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and being in violation of his parole.
COMMUNITY ACADEMY
The Community Academy continued its series of sessions during March 2023. Topics covered included an introduction to police officer safety and patrol tactics, building searches, Detective operations, and introduction to the City’s Community Development and Finance Departments. The Community Academy sessions will continue during April 2023 (Tuesdays, at 6 pm, in the Council Chambers).
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) DETAIL
On March 11, 2023, Detectives conducted an ABC Shoulder Tap Decoy Operation. During this operation, Detectives issued a misdemeanor citation to an individual who purchased alcoholic beverages for a minor decoy.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The Special Olympics are returning to the City of San Fernando. On May 13, 2023, Special Olympics athletes will take part in aquatics competitions at the San Fernando Regional Pool Facility. Police Department personnel will serve as volunteers during the competition.
CHAT WITH THE CHIEF
Chief Valdez will host the next Chat with the Chief at Bodevi Wine and Espresso Bar, located at 909 San Fernando Rd., at 6 pm, on April 12, 2023.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AND BUSINESS WATCH
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.
APRIL 19, 2023 - 6 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
APRIL 26, 2023 - 12 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando
Visit the City website for more information and updates:
SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL PARK INFILTRATION PROJECT
The field at Recreation Park is currently closed as the project enters its final phases. Due to rain delays, the new irrigation system is scheduled to be completed in April 2023 and the new sod will be installed in May 2023, weather conditions permitting. The park will remain closed until late Summer/Fall 2023 when the sod is fully established and ready for foot traffic. Additionally, the contractor will be removing and replacing portions of the walkway that were in need of repair.

Visit the City's website for additional information on the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project: SFCITY.ORG/SF-Regional-Park-Infiltration-Project.
ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT
  • PHASE 1 - Due to the weather delays, Toro Enterprises continues to install pavement markers and striping on the streets that were recently slurry sealed. House numbers on the curb will also be refreshed as part of this work.
  • PHASE 2 - Work began in mid-March 2023 with repairs to curb and gutters and micromilling, a type of pavement preservation technique used to smooth the surface when roads are in poor condition. An Asphalt Rubber Aggregate Membrane (ARAM) will be applied on top to help limit cracks from showing. Finally, a slurry seal will be applied after the ARAM application to cover the surface. Street closures may be expected on the affected streets.
Visit the City's website for a up-to-date information and a full list of streets to be paved as part of Phase 2: SFCITY.ORG/Street-Repairs.
WELL NO. 7 IX WATER TREATMENT UNIT UPGRADES
In March 2023, Envirogen completed the needed electrical and control panel upgrades to the active IX water treatment unit. These upgrades will ensure efficient operation of the treatment equipment with limited interruptions in the future. This work was coordinated to be completed before the new IX treatment unit is tested, permitted and brought online.
ARBOR DAY
The City will be presenting a proclamation at the April 17, 2023 City Council Meeting to commemorate Arbor Day 2023, which is observed on April 28, 2023. 
SAN FERNANDO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City is close to completing the first of four phases of its Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) Project. The first phase consists of assessing an estimated 9,800 tree sites to confirm the health, species, etc. The assessment will be completed by mid-April 2023.

The UMFP will be the City’s guiding document for planting 2,000 more trees by the Year 2027. The planting of 2,000 additional trees will increase the City’s tree canopy by 33 percent and provide benefits such as removing pollution from the air, energy savings, and lower ambient temperatures; just to name a few.
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:
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). 

On April 3, 2023, the City Council unanimously approved an Urgency Ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass for a period of 45 days with a possibility of extension. The temporary moratorium is in place to provide time for the City to develop regulations and design standards for the use of artificial turf and synthetic grass while minimizing the threat to the health and safety of our residents and enhancing our community character. 

For more information on the Turf Replacement Program, please visit BeWaterWise.com/Turf-Replacement-Program or call (888) 376-3314.

To explore native plants and landscaping tips, review the Los Angeles County handbook on drought tolerant gardening.

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.

Please visit SFCITY.ORG/SFPublicWorks/#Water-Conservation for more information.
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.
CALL
(818) 898-1293

Regular Business Hours:
  • Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm
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
EMAIL

24 Hours Per Day
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON ARTIFICIAL TURF
On April 3, 2023, the City Council approved a temporary moratorium on the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass. Numerous studies identified that artificial turf and synthetic grass contain a wide range of chemicals, including chemicals that are known to be toxic. There are unknown health impacts that artificial turf and synthetic grass pose to residents, especially children. The temporary moratorium will be in place for 45 days with a possibility of extension will provide staff with necessary time to research and prepare recommendations on the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass.

The City encourages public participation as the City explores regulations for the use of artificial turf. Please submit suggestions or comments to the Community Development Department at: CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227.
FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT
On March 13, 2023, the Planning and Preservation Commission discussed an update to the design standards for walls and fences in residential zones. The Commission was in favor of updating the regulations for increasing the height for front yard fence from three (3) feet to four (4) feet, and providing a variety of designs and materials for front yard fences. The Commission continued this discussion to April 10, 2023. 

The City encourages community members to email suggestions, comments, or photographs of desirable fences and walls that you would like to see in San Fernando to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227
HOW TO REQUEST OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
If you ever come across an individual experiencing homelessness in the City and would like to request outreach, please follow these two steps:
 
  1. Send an email to City staff at homeless@sfcity.org.
  2. Submit a request to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority through LA-HOP at LA-HOP.ORG.
 
In both the email and request, please be sure to include pertinent information, such as a description of the location, date last seen, description of the individual, as well as any specific concerns regarding the person’s well-being. Once both steps have been competed, City staff and/or a regional service provider will connect with the individual within 24 to 48 hours. By reporting through LA-HOP, staff can ensure that they receive the necessary assistance to transition into housing.
 
Call the Police Department at (818) 898-1267 if the individual is trespassing, harassing, or engaging in other illegal activity. To read more about the City’s Homelessness Action Plan or for resources, please visit the City’s Housing and Community Resources webpage here: SFCITY.ORG/Housing-Community-Resources.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
  • NEW DEPUTY CITY MANAGER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The City of San Fernando is pleased to announce that Kanika Kith has been promoted to the position of Deputy City Manager for Economic Development, effective March 27, 2023. Ms. Kith will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance the City's economic vitality and quality of life. She will work closely with the City Manager, City Council, staff, and stakeholders to foster a business-friendly environment, promote tourism and cultural events, leverage regional partnerships, and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation. Ms. Kith has been serving as the Director of Community Development since December 2021, overseeing the Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Community Preservation, and Economic Development divisions of the City and brings over 20 years of experience in local government and community development to her new role.

  • NEW HOUSING COORDINATOR: We are excited to announce that Kenya Marquez has been promoted to Housing Coordinator. Kenya has been a part of the Community Development team for four months and has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and creativity in her work. Kenya has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and previously work at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, where she helped individuals and families experiencing homelessness find shelter and support. Kenya will support the Housing Division in the Community Development Department in providing housing programs and resources to support affordable housing and homeless prevention efforts in the City. Please join in congratulating Kenya on her well-deserved promotion! For information on available housing resources and programs, please contact Kenya at KMarquez@sfcity.org or call (818) 837-1540.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The City is thilled to announce that El Abuelo Restaurant, a hidden gem in the City of San Fernando, has been featured in the Valley Economic Alliance Newsletter as one of the best places to eat in the San Fernando Valley, a “Valley Hot Spot”!
 
El Abuelo Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving delicious dishes for over 20 years and has loyal following of customers who can’t get enough of their delicious tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a catering service for your next event, El Abuelo Restaurant has you covered. Bring your appetite to El Abuelo Restaurant located at 452 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340.
 
To read the Valley Economic Alliance Newsletter, visit: TheValley.net/March-2023-Newsletter-Highlights.
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.
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. 
 
Visit the City's website to view the full Coyote Management and co-Existence Plan: SFCITY.ORG/Animal-Insect-Control/#Coyotes.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 2023
Data provided below describes efforts in code enforcement for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 to date.
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.
If you encounter any technical issues accessing the Online Zoning Portal, please email to CommunityDevelopment@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-1227. 
LAWN GONE!
The City is working with Cal Poly Pomona’s Masters of Landscape Architecture Students and artist James Rojas to develop a drought tolerant residential yard program called Lawn Gone!

On March 27, 2023, the team hosted an interactive pop-up model with artist James Rojas near UCrave restaurant to engage with residents on how they envision their front or rear yards becoming more drought tolerant, beautiful, and resilient.

The Lawn Gone! program will kick-off this summer. Click here to sign-up for notifications to receive more information on how the City is supporting drought-tolerant yards.
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.
  • Director of Community Development: Filing is open until vacancy is filled
  • Management Intern (Admin/City Clerk; Part-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled
  • Personnel Assistant (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is filled.
  • Police Officer (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancies are filled.
  • Property Control Officer (Full-time): Filing is open until vacancy is 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.
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:

  • Jesus Sahagun, Temporary Water System Supervisor - Promoted March 8, 2023;
  • Kenya Marquez, Housing Coordinator – Promoted March 13, 2023;
  • Katelyn Morales, Management Intern (Personnel) – Joined the City March 13, 2023;
  • Freddy Tapia, Program Specialist – Promoted March 13, 2023;
  • Jose Villegas, Community Preservation Officer – Joined the City March 13, 2023;
  • Mason Hill – Police Officer – Joined the City March 15, 2023; and
  • Kanika Kith – Deputy City Manager/Economic Development – Promoted March 27, 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!
FAREWELL TO OUR FORMER CITY TEAM MEMBERS
The City wishes express our appreciation to the following City Team member who recently separated from the City:

  • Trevor Tauber, Property Control Officer (voluntary separation March 17, 2023).
LOCAL TRANSACTION TAX TOWN HALL
On Monday, March 27, 2023, the City hosted its Local Transaction Tax Town Hall Meeting in conjunction with the City Council Strategic Goals & Engagement Ad Hoc Committee. During the meeting, staff presented the history and outlook of local transaction tax revenues and the Ad Hoc Committee solicited community feedback on upcoming budget year priorities.
 
Copies of past Town Hall Meeting reports and meeting footage are available on the City's website: SFCITY.ORG/Transaction-Tax. A Frequently Asked Questions section is also available on the City's website that provides additional detail on the background and use of Local Transaction Tax revenue.
GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION (GFOA) BUDGET AWARD
The City of San Fernando has received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Adopted Budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well a City's budget serves as:

  • a policy document;
  • a financial plan;
  • an operations guide; and
  • a communications device.

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. This is the 10th year in a row that the City has received this award.
 
The FY 2022-2023 Adopted Budget along with other City financial reports, including audited financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, and annual local transaction tax reports can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website at SFCITY.ORG/Finance/#Financial-Documents.
WATER BILLS
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:

  • 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:
  • 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.​ ​
  • 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.

The City offers a variety of payment options as follows:

  1. By Mail: Payments can sent via mail to: City of San Fernando, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. In Person: Customers are welcome to pay at the Finance Counter at City Hall (117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340).
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.

CLICK HERE to access the Online Records Counter.
CITY COUNCIL
The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 6 pm.

The City Council meets 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.
EDUCATION COMMISSION
The next regular meeting of the Education (EDU) Commission will be held on April 25, 2023, at 4:30 pm.

The EDU Commission meets 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.
PARKS, WELLNESS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The next regular Parks, Wellness and Recreation (PWR) Commission meeting will be held on April 11, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

The PWR Commission meets 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/#Parks-Wellness-Recreation.
PLANNING AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The next regular Planning and Preservation (P&P) Commission meeting will be held on April 10, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
The P&P Commission meets 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/#Planning-Preservation.
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
The next regular Transportation and Public Safety (T&PS) Commission meeting will be held on April 5, 2023, at 6 pm.

The T&PS Commission meets 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/#Transportation-Public-Safety.