JUNE 2018
ADMINISTRATION
CELEBRATION OF LIFE BLOOD DRIVE  BENEFITING CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL  LOS ANGELES (CHLA)
Thank you San Fernando! With your help, the City's Celebration of Life Blood Drive benefiting CHLA received 59 donations! All donations will be provided to patients at CHLA and each donation can help save the life of three children.

If you missed the Blood Drive and are still interested in donating, Click Here for a listing of CHLA's upcoming Blood Drives.

STAY CONNECTED!
Stay connected and up-to-date on all City events. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo and now NEXTDOOR!

SAN FERNANDO IS HIRING; JOIN OUR TEAM
Have you thought about a career where you can be involved in serving the community and helping others? Applications are currently being accepted for Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer, Junior Cadet (part-time), Day Camp Counselor (part-time),  Recreation Leader I and II (part-time), Criminology Intern, Finance Intern, and Planning Intern.  Filing for all the positions vary, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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

CITY CLERK
2018 EDUCATION COMMISSION THIRD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY
On May 22, 2018, the San Fernando Education Commission held its Third Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Las Palmas Park.  A total of $10,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 were presented to 13 students who live, or attend school, in San Fernando or are currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university.

Special thanks to Mayor Sylvia Ballin (who raised and/or donated funds via the California Latino Water Coalition Foundation and the Independent Cities Finance Authority), Republic Services Inc., Pahola Mascorro, SEIU Local 721, Olivarez Madruga Lemieux O'Neill, LLP and private donors.  Scholarships are given to honor the memory of Elias Rodriguez and Gabriel Fernandez.



STATEWIDE DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION
In preparation for this election, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) has identified the following polling locations within the City:
  • American Legion Post 176 - 602 Pico Street
  • Las Palmas Park - 505 S. Huntington Street
  • San Fernando Recreation Park - 208 Park Avenue
  • Rudy Ortega Sr. Park - 2025 Fourth Street
  • First United Methodist Church - 1525 Glenoaks Boulevard
Polling places are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
  • Vote by Mail Drop Off: Locations are also available at various city and county libraries.  One important factor considered in selecting these locations was the number of days a site is open to the public and their hours of operations. This will ensure that voters will have the maximum opportunity to drop off their voted ballots prior to and on Election Day.
  • Early Voting: Is offered to allow registered voters to vote early the weekend before the election (i.e., June 2-3).  These locations are open to any County voter and are also Vote by Mail Drop-off locations.
  • Use of City Hall Facilities: The RR/CC requested to use City Hall on Election Day from 6:30 pm to midnight or close, the County will again use the back entrance to City Hall so that local precincts (approximately 80) can drop off their supplies.  City Hall will be closed to the general public.  County workers will be using the facility to load up election supplies and deliver them back to Norwalk.
  • Additional Election Information: Click Here to find your election information (i.e., check voter registration status, find your polling place, look up your sample ballot booklet, and provisional ballot status).
You may also contact the City Clerk Department if you have questions: 818.898.1204 or CityClerk@sfcity.org. 
LOS ANGELES COUNTY'S VOTING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL PEOPLE (VSAP)
In 2020, Los Angeles County will transition from polling places to vote centers. This new model will allow voters to cast a ballot at any vote center location in the County over an 11-day period. Take a look here: Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP): 2020 Vote Centers.

Vote Center Placement Project's (VCPP) core mission is to identify and place accessible and convenient vote center locations throughout Los Angeles County. The new VCPP website  includes a link to the Vote Center Placement Portal, where members of the public can suggest vote center locations across the County using this interactive site. 
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STATISTICS: 
JULY 2017 - APRIL 2018
Data provided below illustrates efforts in code enforcement and graffiti abatement.

TOTAL CITATIONS 
ISSUED
JUL
thru
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
TOTAL
     Illegal Converted/
     Habitable Garage
10 2 5 5 5
27
     Illegal Second Unit 5 0 0 1 0
6
     Building Code
     Violation		 34 8 14 9 13
78
     Property
     Maintenance		 62 9 21 16 15
123
     Commercial/
     Inoperable Vehicle		 1 0 0 0 0
1
     Business License/
     Occupancy		 114 12 18 5 3
152
     Illegal Signage 16 7 16 5 7
51
      Vehicles Parked on
     Unpaved		 0 0 0 0 1
1
     NPDES
     (Unlawful Deposits)		 3 0 1 1 0
5
     Accessory Dwelling
     Units		 0 0 0 0 0
0
     Animal Control 5 0 0 0 0
5
     Walls and Fences 27 1 0 0 0
28
     Graffiti 1 4 0 0 1
6
     Inspection Upon
     Resale		 0 0 0 7 0
7
     Other 4 3 6 18 1
32
TOTAL
(MONTH & YEAR)		 282 46 81 67 37
522









GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
(SQ. FT. COVERAGE)
53,093
26,190
 2,438 6,435 5,787
112,885









VALUATION OF
CITATIONS BILLED		 $26,785

 $1,430 $6,820 $770 $1,320

$37,125
 
CITY PLANNERS TEACH AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION (APA) AMBASSADORS PROGRAM AT SAN FERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL
City Planners engaged with seventh grade students at San Fernando Middle School this month to introduce them to careers in urban planning. The project is part of the APA Ambassador Program, a volunteer activity led by members of the APA with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the power and value that the planning profession brings to communities, with particular emphasis placed on reaching audiences of diverse racial, and economic backgrounds.

Samuel Dominguez, Planning Intern, and Tim Hou, Director of Community Development, joined the seventh grade Makers Education class on May 7, 2018, to introduce the students to urban planning theory, to encourage them to pursue college education, and to assign the students a group project to create their own development project in San Fernando. Students were required to complete a development application, draw both a site plan and an elevation, and receive a stamp of approval from city planners.

On May 30, 2018, the student groups presented their development projects before the class and an esteemed panel of judges which included Mayor Sylvia Ballin, Planning, Preservation Commission Vice-Chair Alvin Durham, and City Manager Alexander Meyerhoff. Special recognition was presented to the group that produced the winning project, which proposed a mixed-use development project containing elements of sustainable design and transit-oriented development.


WELCOME NEW TEAM MEMBER
Please welcome Gerardo Marquez, who the City has hired to fill the vacant Associate Planner position. Gerardo is a Southern California native and speaks both fluent English and Spanish. He has previously worked in city planning in the Cities of Artesia, Baldwin Park, and Irwindale, respectively. He graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning. Gerardo joined Team San Fernando on May 21, 2018. With Gerardo's appointment, the Planning Division is now fully staffed for the first time in more than a year.
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT
On May 7, 2018, the City Council approved the second and final reading of a zoning text amendment to provide added clarification regarding the methodology for calculating lot area within R-1 residential zones. The amendment, which goes into effect 30 days thereafter, is intended to provide greater clarity and efficiency to the City's land use entitlement process.
SWAP MEET AMENDMENT APPROVAL GRANTS FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION
On May 29, 2018, the City Council approved the Sixth Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the owners of the San Fernando Swap Meet. This allows the Swap Meet to continue operating for another five years, until June 1, 2023, while still maintaining progress milestones for the City to monitor progress towards a viable redevelopment plan for the site. 
WATCH NOW: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) VIDEO HONORS CITY OF SAN FERNANDO CORRIDORS SPECIFIC PLAN
The City of San Fernando was honored on May 3, 2018, as winner of the SCAG 2018 Sustainability Award in the category of, "Against All Odds," for the Corridors Specific Plan. 

The SCAG Sustainability Awards are the Southern California region's highest honors for projects that promote and improve mobility, livability, prosperity and sustainability in Southern California. As a result, SCAG produced an outstanding short video describing the Corridors Specific Plan and highlighting the energy and excitement stirring here in San Fernando. Click Here to watch the video.
FINANCE
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 BUDGET PROCESS
Below are key dates for those community members interested in providing input to the City's Budget process:
  • June 18, 2018: City Council Meeting; Budget Adoption
A copy of the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Proposed Budget will be available for review on the City's website ( www.sfcity.org/finance/financial-documents/).
LOCAL SALES TAX MEASURE (MEASURE A) INFORMATION KIOSK
More information regarding the City's current local Sales Tax and proposed November ballot Measure to extend the Tax will be available on the City's website by the end of June 2018 (WWW.SFCITY.ORG). 
WATER BILLS
Simplify your life and avoid late fees at the same time 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, quarterly sales tax reports, and the Measure A Annual Report can be found under the Finance Department page on the City's website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG).
POLICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
On June 6, 2018, beginning at approximately 9:20 am, the Police Department will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Games. The team of Police Officers and City personnel will run side-by-side with Special Olympic Athletes and Los Angeles School Police to accept the "Flame of Hope" Torch from the Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division Team. 

The torch will be carried throughout the City of San Fernando along a 1.8 mile route starting at approximately 9:20 am. Click Here for a point-by-point map.

The Flame of Hope symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity that represents the spirit of the Special Olympics and will be used to light the cauldron at the Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games at Cal State University of Long Beach. The San Fernando Police Department Team will be led by Field Training Officer/Canine Officer Walter Dominguez. "We are so excited to again be a part of this run. Over the past three years when the torch has been run through our city, we have seen hundreds of people line the streets and this has inspired us to continue to be a part of this great cause," said Dominguez. 

The public is encouraged to come out and support the San Fernando Police Department Team along the route on June 6, 2018, starting at 9:20 am. 

For more information on the run or to donate to the running team, you may visit the Special Olympics Santa Clarita & Tri-Valley website at www.sosc.org/finalleg/scvtv.
FLAG PLACEMENT AT THE LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY
On Saturday May 26, 2018, the San Fernando Police Explorer Post 521, along with the Western Los Angeles County Council Boy Scouts of America, participated in this year's flag placement event at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. This event honors our nation's fallen service men and woman and their families.  Over the course of a few hours Saturday morning, more than 6,000 Scouts, families, and other community members help place more than 88,000 flags over their graves preparing the Los Angeles National Cemetery for its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor these veterans. San Fernando Police Explorer Scouts were chosen to place a special flag for Seward, Griffin, who received the congressional medal of valor for Gallantry in action (Service: U.S. Army; Rank: Wagoner; Division: Company G, 8th U.S. Cavalry; Conflict: Indian Campaigns; Year of Honor: 1869; Born: Dover, Kent County, Delaware).

That same afternoon San Fernando Police Explorers placed a flag for a former San Fernando Police Explorer and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julio Vargas. Cpl. Vargas died July 20, 2010, from wounds sustained by a roadside bomb during combat operations Afghanistan. Cpl. Vargas was on his first tour overseas and his second day of patrolling when the bomb detonated. Cpl. Vargas was 23 years old from Sylmar, California. Vargas' personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Vargas' twin brother, Augustine, and their younger brother, Ulises, were also in the San Fernando Police Explorer Program. While at Forest Lawn, Julio's father showed up to place flowers and pinwheels (Julio's Favorite) and thanked the Explorers for remembering his son.

In July 2018, the Police Department will conduct a special ceremony for U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Julio Vargas. A portrait of Julio was created for the American Fallen Soldiers Project by artist Phil Taylor in Texas. An original framed portrait was presented to the family on November 14, 2014, during a special event aboard the Queen Mary Museum. The Police Department will be obtaining a copy of the portrait to be placed in the station lobby along with some of his personal affects.

PUBLIC WORKS
CDBG SAN FERNANDO ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The San Fernando Road Street Improvement Project began on May 7, 2018. As part of the project new access ramps have been installed, deteriorated curb and gutter has been replaced and sidewalk repairs have been made.  Currently, the contractor is cold-milling and paved the street during the week of May 27, 2018. The project is scheduled to be completed on June 15, 2018.

ARBOR DAY AND TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
On May 22, 2018, the City hosted a tree planting ceremony at Recreation Park. Members of the community witnessed a blessing of the trees by the Tataviam Tribe and the planting of three oak trees by Public Works personnel.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION NOTICE
While the City is in the process of codifying the rules and regulations related to the operation of its network of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, residents owning electrical vehicles will be allowed to charge their vehicle free-of-charge until Monday, July 16, 2018.  After this date there will be an on-going cost for fueling a vehicle ($.040 per Kilowatt Hour during On-Peak Period (June 1 through September 30); $0.30 per Kilowatt Hour during Off-Peak Period (all other times)).

The five stations will be available for use any time of the day and every day of the week.  Each station is fixed with dual nozzles so two vehicles can charge simultaneously.  The stations are located at the following locations:
  • City Hall Parking Lot (behind City Hall): 117 Macneil Street
  • Downtown Parking Lot No. 2 (Bank of America parking structure): 800 Truman Street
  • Downtown Parking Lot No. 4: 1000 Truman Street
  • Downtown Parking Lot No. 5: 1130 Truman Street
  • Downtown Parking Lot No. 8: 1010 Celis Street
Click Here to visit the City's website for additional information and rates.

LAS PALMAS PARK RENOVATION PROJECT
In May 2018, the Public Works Department renovated the building at Las Palmas Park, including:
  • Painting inside and outside of all windows and doors;
  • Painting all dark colored walls inside the gym;
  • Painting the stairs and handrails of the elevator area;
  • Painting all exterior planters, walls, and pillars;
  • Trimming all hedges, bushes, and roses along the building; and
  • Adding 15 yards of forest floor ground cover mulch to the planters surrounding the building.
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
SENIOR EXPO 2018: ENGAGE AT EVERY AGE
The Annual Senior Expo held on May 18, 2018 was a great success! The event was well attended with over 200 participants. Seniors took advantage of free health screenings and valuable information provided by over 30 agencies. The participants enjoyed live entertainment, lunch, a dance, fitness demonstrations and raffles. Everyone is looking forward to next year's Expo!

LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB MOTHER'S DAY DANCE
The Las Palmas Senior Club held their annual Mother's Day Dance on May 19, 2018. The queen and her court dance the night away to live music. All enjoyed the dance honoring all moms at this well-attended event.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The Recreation and Community Services Department partnered with the American Red Cross to host two disaster preparedness events designed to aid the San Fernando community in the event of a natural disaster such as a major earthquake.  The first event was a full scale shelter mobilization exercise held at Recreation Park on May 19, 2018.  The shelter exercise ran from 8 am to 2 pm and provided training to Red Cross volunteers form the Los Angeles region and was also part of a county-wide sheltering exercise to assess the capabilities of activating 10 shelters for clients displaced by a disaster. 

The shelter workers opened facilities, mobilized resources, and served clients in need.  This exercise provided partners an insight of Red Cross workers in action and seeing how they problem solve in various scenarios that may present in the shelter.  City staff were observers to the exercise and had the opportunity to ask questions to the Disaster Program Manager for a better understanding of how a shelter operates during an emergency. 

The second event was the Prepare LA Seminar - City of San Fernando. The event invited the community to discuss creating a coalition to increase preparedness and resiliency in the City of San Fernando. The seminar was held on May 31, 2018, at Las Palms Park, from 5 pm to 7 pm.  Approximately 35 people participated in the American Red Cross's community briefing on agency preparedness and readiness for a major disaster.  

SPRING  PROGRAMS BROCHURE
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 Spring Programs Brochure for April 2018 through June 2018.
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.
NEW FITNESS CLASS!
We're combining three great classes into a one-hour cardio-filled session. The combo class offers cardio and strength training workout all in one by incorporating cycling, crossfit and TRX. 

Offered through the FitPass program at Recreation Park- $20 for 10 classes.




SUMMER DAY CAMP
Register now for Summer Day Camp! 
DATES: June 11, 2018 through August 10, 2018
(Closed on trip days)
DAYS/
TIME:		 Monday through Friday
7 am to 6 pm 
AGE: 5 to 13
COST: $95 for Residents per child per week
$125 for Non-Residents per child per week
(Fee does not include trips)
INFO: 818.898.1290
ALL ABILITIES ART CLASSES
A fun shapes approach class that is highly successful with individual learning styles! Differently abled children are welcome together with children with no special needs. Classes are taught by Art Coach Diane Bernstein. 
WHERE: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St.
San Fernando
WHEN: Thursday
TIME: 4 pm to 5 pm
COST: $35 for Residents | $40 for Non-Residents
Plus $5 Monthly Supply Fee
INFO: 818.898.7340
SUMMER YOUTH BASKETBALL AND CHEER 
Summer Basketball, Tiny Tykes and Cheer registration is now open. The Summer league runs June - September, culminating with an end of the season Trophy Day at Recreation Park. Fee includes jersey, practice, games and trophy.

PROGRAM FEE SEASON DATES
Basketball (ages 7-17) $85 Residents
$95 Non-Residents		 June 2018 - September 2018
TinyTykes Basketball
Clinic (ages 4-6)		 $70 Residents
$80 Non-Residents		 July 10, 2018 - August 23, 2018
Cheer (ages 5-12) $80 Residents
$90 Non-Residents		 June 2018 - September 2018
Returning Cheer* $60 Reidents
$70 Non-Resident		 *Doesn't include new uniform

BASKETBALL SKILLS EVALUATION AND DRAFT
During the week of May 21, 2018, registered participants are evaluated on a series of skills sets from dribbling, shooting and passing. Ranking is based on skill and height to assist the coaches in selecting players during the team draft. Participants that do not attend the evaluation are randomly placed on teams using the "hat pick" process.

SUMMER ADULT SPORTS
Register now for one of the Adult Sports Leagues at Recreation Park.

PROGRAM FEE DAYS; TIMES
Coed Softball $325 Returning Team
$350 New Team		 Tuesday; 7 pm - 10 pm
Men's Wooden Bat $325 Returning Team
$350 New Team
 Wednesday; 7 pm - 10 pm
Volleyball Open Gym
 Free Thursday; 6 pm - 9 pm

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION WALK AND EASE PROGRAM
This program teaches older adults to manage discomfort as they learn to walk safely. This activity will improves muscle strength, joint stability and balance. Best of all it builds confidence in walking and becoming more physically active.
WHEN: May 14, 2018 through June 27, 2018
Monday/ Wednesday / Friday
TIME: 8 am to 9 am
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
COST:  Free
INFO: 818.898.7340
LAS PALMAS SENIOR CLUB JUNE DANCE
Las Palmas Senior Club will hold their annual Father's Day Dance with over 150 guests expected to attend and dance the night away. Tickets sell quickly as this is one of the most popular Senior Dance.
DATE: Saturday, June 16, 2018
TIME: 6 pm to 11 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park, 505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.898.7340
 
CITY CALENDAR
Click Here to view a full listing of 
Public Meetings, City Hall Hours, and Events

SAVE THE DATE
VETERAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Jump-start your transition at a Veteran Workforce Development Workshop. Free resources include: professional attire, resume workshops, mock interviews, VA claim assistance, VA benefits, Linked-In tutorial 
DATE: July 7, 2018
TIME: 10 am to 2 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park
505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.221.3718
RSVP.Cardenas@mail.house.gov
HOMELESS CONNECT DAY
The City, along with Senator Hertzberg and Supervisor Kuehl's offices, will host a Homeless Connect Day. This event is a collaboration that will provide free services to homeless individuals in need of assistance. Veterans are welcome and encouraged to participate.
DATE: July 19, 2018
TIME: 10 am to 1 pm
LOCATION: Las Palmas Park
505 South Huntington St., San Fernando
INFO: 818.901.5588 or 
Anthony.Garcia@sen.ca.gov
CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY REPORT
City of San Fernando  | 818.898.1202  |   www.sfcity.org