CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 5:00 P.M.
Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: Interim City Manager Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton, Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson, Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo, Interim Director of Community Development Ron Garcia, and City Clerk Julia Fritz
Absent: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE None
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda.
The motion carried, unanimously, with Vice Mayor Solorio.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Fernandez Diaz spoke regarding concerns on housing issues in the community.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1) RECEIVE AND FILE A PRESENTATION ON THE UPDATE TO THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON HOUSING AND ZONING
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
Interim Director of Community Development Ron Garcia and Representatives from Rincon Consultants presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council provided general feedback regarding their opposition to increased density bonus, supports expanding commercial retail uses on Maclay as allowed in the Downtown with clear objective design standards.
2) RECEIVE AND FILE A PRESENTATION REGARDING THE CITY’S CLIMATE ACTION RESILIENCE
PLAN AND ASSOCIATED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TO THE OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION,
PARKS, AND RECREATION ELEMENT AND MOBILITY ELEMENT
Interim Director of Community Development Garcia and Representative from Rincon representatives presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council provided general feedback in support of increased tree canopy’s and increase trees throughout the city in general, consider additional trolley use, continue public safety maintenance of the bike path with the potential of improvements to the bike path, evaluate green space areas, continue park maintenance and potentially explore creating monarch butterfly conservatory at the Cindy Montanez Natural Park and supports potential pet friendly parks.
ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
The Special meeting was adjourned at 6:01 p.m. to the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the regular meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: Interim City Manager Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton, Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo, Interim Director of Community Development Ron Garcia, and City Clerk Julia Fritz
Absent: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE
None
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda.
The motion carried, unanimously, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
PRESENTATIONS
A. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION FROM STATE SENATOR CAROLINE MENJIVAR TO PROVIDE
A LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
B. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BY MIRIAM L. ANDINO
AND LAURA BAZ
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Linda Soo Hoo spoke regarding a city tree located at 2026 Lucas Street regarding sidewalk safety concerns.
Lupita Gonzalez spoke regarding a recent social media video made of regarding San Fernando Mall stores and was disappointed on the content of the video.
John David Rivera spoke in opposition to the city’s decision regarding the metro light rail project.
Paulina Torres Northeast Field Deputy for LA County Supervisor Horvath’s office extended thanks to the City Council for their recent partnership.
Gladys Diaz spoke regarding concerns about parking enforcement activities and public safety issues.
Irene Valencia Wheelan spoke regarding the lack of parking on Huntington Avenue and concerns with public safety on the bike paths.
Councilmember Fajardo asked that staff contact Ms. Wheeler regarding the regarding her public safety concerns.
Fernando Diaz spoke regarding safety issues along the bike path and the lack of City communication informing its residents about certain issues.
The City Council recessed its meeting at 7:30 p.m. and reconvened at 7:46 p.m. with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Mendoza requested to pull Item No. 1 for discussion.
Councilmember Garcia requested to pull Item No. 5 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve Item Nos 2, 3, 4 and 6:
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECTS, AND CITY COUNCIL
PRIORITIES
4) RECEIVE AND FILE THE 2025 LOCAL TRANSACTION TAX ANNUAL REPORT FOR MEASURES “A” AND “SF” AS REQUIRED BY CITY CODE
6) CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT PROJECT COMPLETION AND AUTHORIZE THE RECORDATION
OF A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR FOG SEAL COATING OF CITY PARKING LOTS The motion carried, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. June 16, 2025 – Special & Regular CC
Meeting
b. June 30, 2025 – Special CC Meeting
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve Item No. 1 as amended to correct the spelling of the name of to reflect Rudy F. Herrera Jr. The motion carried, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
5) CONSIDERATION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO CIVILTEC ENGINEERING INC. FOR WATER MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Fajardo to award Contract No 2428, as amended to explore the potential of adding an information regarding reclaimed water line in the Water Master Plan. The motion carried, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING COLLABORATION WITH THE MEXICAN CONSULATE TO HOST CONSULATE ON WHEELS PROGRAM SERVICES, AND APPROVE COSPONSORSHIP AND USE OF THE CITY SEAL
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mary Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve co‐sponsorship with LA County Supervisor Horvath's Office and the Mexican Consulate to host Consulate Services in the month of October at the SF Pool Aquatic Center Conference Room; with the potential of the County waiving facility rental fees, including consideration of the San Fernando Pool Facility Conference Room or the Santa Rosa de Lima Church; and approve the use of the City seal on the print material and social media pursuant to City Council Ordinance No. 1724. The motion carried, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent. 7) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1736 AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES) OF THE SAN
FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT A RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM Director of Public Works Wendell Johnson presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to adopt Ordinance No. 1736 that was introduced for first reading at the City Council meeting of September 2, 2025, in title only, and waive all further readings titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City Of San Fernando, California, amending Chapter 90 (Traffic And Vehicles) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to implement a Residential Parking Permit Program”. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Garcia, Fajardo, Mendoza - 3
NAYES: None
ABSENT: Solorio - 1
ABSTAIN: Lopez - 1
8) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO DESIGNATE A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE 2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO FOR THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
City Clerk Julia Fritz presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to designate Mayor Mary Mendoza as voting Delegate for the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference and Expo for the General Assembly meeting; and Councilmember Joel Fajardo as Alternate Voting Delegate(s) who may vote in the event that the designated Delegate is unable to serve in that capacity; and authorize the City Clerk to notify the League of the City Council appointed Voting Delegate/Alternate(s). The motion carried, with Vice Mayor Solorio absent.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
10) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REQUESTING AN OVERVIEW AND DESCRIPTION ON THE
CITY GRAFFITI PROGRAM
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Interim City Manager Kith provided an update on the City’s graffiti program and noted that moving forward the updates will be included on Agenda Item No. 3 of the Council Enhancement list of projects to provide regular updates to graffiti abatement. 11) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING CROSSWALK SAFETY NEAR SAN FERNANDO
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THE BIKE PATH
Councilmember Victoria Garcia presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to partner with LAUSD to explore grant funding and discuss options for crosswalk safety for the area in front of San Fernando Middle School; and continue discussion regarding increased traffic enforcement; coordinate safety initiatives for the area of San Fernando Middle School & Glenoaks that can be implemented quickly; and add this item to the Council Priorities staff report to include regular status updates.
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
The Interim City Manager provided an update on the following: San Fernando Together initiative; Las Palmas roof replacement; homeless cleanup at the City of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Road Bridge; the City’s first Financial Summit; El Grito event, Parent Academy at San Rosa Church; Water and Sewer Rate public engagement meeting; and the Executive Staff Retreat.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Fajardo spoke regarding the November special election and suggested that the November 3 meeting be rescheduled for the following week after the election; supports bringing Metro back to the Council for further discussion; thanked staff for the El Grito event and recommended that children’s seats be provided; noted that the sign at the mall on San Fernando Road and San Fernando Mission Boulevard is damaged; stated that he would be bringing back several items to be placed on the next agenda; and requested that the meeting be closed in memory of Charlie Kirk
Councilmember Garcia attended the SCAG Community Economic Development Committee meeting and the UNKEP Fellowship in Bakersfield at the César Chávez National Monument; and expressed concern about the violence in the nation and spoke about Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chávez.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting September 15, 2025
Councilmember Lopez thanked Julie Duarte for the photos of elected officials in the Council Chambers lobby. She addressed the comments made by Lupita and noted that she does not support those comments made in the video; stated she attended the El Grito event, suggested that the City flag be included in future events, encouraged greater student involvement in City activities and thanked staff for their work.
Mayor Mendoza attended the El Grito and Discover San Fernando events, thanked staff for making El Grito successful, and looks forward to celebrating this annually and finding a permanent site for the Liberty Bell; she also noted she attended the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, the VICA Extraordinary Women in Leadership 2025 event, and the National Summit/GAIN Financial Summit.
ADJOURNMENT (9:00 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the regular meeting to the regular meeting of October 6, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the September 15, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the Adjourned Regular meeting of
November 10, 2025.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk