WHY ARE INCREASES/ADJUSTMENTS TO WATER AND SEWER FEES AND CHARGES NEEDED? As a public agency, the revenues collected from rates must adequately fund water and sewer operations, maintenance, capital improvement projects, and compliance with existing or new State of California regulations; mitigate droughts; and meet environmental standards. The immediate needs over the next five years include:
• Ensure Safe Drinking Water – The City needs to continue investing in water treatment and testing techniques to ensure drinking water remains safe for current and future customers. • Modernize Aging Infrastructure – The City plans to upgrade operational efficiencies with numerous projects, such as modernizing heavy machinery, vehicles, wells, water and sewer main lines, and booster pumps.
City staff provided a five-year history of financial information to demonstrate the need to increase rates to support the continued delivery of safe, clean and reliable water to customers. The Water and Sewer Rate Study was conducted by Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. Using economic trends in California and the City’s detailed financial history, RDN recommended the revenue increases to ensure the water and sewer utilities meet reserve target goals while having the funds to upgrade its aging systems and equipment, extend the life of existing equipment, minimize water system and sewer leakage, and increase water-use efficiency. As a public agency, all rates, fees and charges are calculated to cover only the actual cost of providing safe and reliable water and sewer service that meet State and Federal requirements. The City does not make a profit from utility rates.
HOW THE WATER RATES WERE CALCULATED
The Fixed Charge pays for the City’s fixed costs of operating and maintaining the water system. These costs do not change based on the amount of water used by customers. More fixed costs are applied to customers with larger meters to reflect the additional capacity needs of those meters. The Variable Charge pays for the amount of water actually used by a customer. In developing its rates, the City carefully projected changes in costs as part of its LongRange Financial Plan; however, there are significant uncertainties about the future availability and cost of water supplies involved. To ensure that there are sufficient revenues to provide safe water to our customers, the City proposes the implementation of a pass-through charge, pursuant to California Government Code Section 53756. If the City must purchase water from the Metropolitan Water District, a pass-through adjustment will apply to the Variable Charges set forth in the tables included in this notice. Variable charges are billed per hundred cubic foot of water used.
The proposed rate structure changes are as follows:
• The City will bill meters larger than 6” based on their increased flow capacity. • The City will introduce a passthrough rate for Metropolitan Water District (MWD) water if there is a need to use that source.
Table 1. Current and Proposed Fixed Charges
Meter Size Current FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 3/4" $55.94 $56.63 $59.46 $62.44 $65.56 $68.84
1" $113.66 $112.55 $118.18 $124.09 $130.29 $136.81
1 1/2" $209.86 $205.75 $216.04 $226.84 $238.19 $250.10
2" $325.30 $317.60 $333.48 $350.15 $367.66 $386.04
3" $633.14 $671.76 $705.35 $740.62 $777.65 $816.53
4" $979.46 $1,193.69 $1,253.38 $1,316.04 $1,381.85 $1,450.94 6" $1,941.46 $3,001.80 $3,151.89 $3,309.49 $3,474.96 $3,648.71 8" $5,238.64 $5,500.57 $5,775.60 $6,064.38 $6,367.60
10” $7,848.29 $8,240.70 $8,652.74 $9,085.37 $9,539.64
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 407 of 520
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and Changes to the City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
Table 2. Current and Proposed Variable Charges
HOW THE SEWER RATES WERE CALCULATED
The Fixed Charge pays for the City’s fixed costs of operating and maintaining the sewer system. These costs do not change based on the amount of sewer flow customers produce. The fixed charge for residential customers also includes the cost associated with an average of indoor water use at residential strength. The Variable Charge is billed to non-residential customers and pays the cost for the amount of sewer flow by a customer at the sewer strength of their customer class. Increased sewer strength leads to additional costs for system maintenance. Variable charges are billed per hundred cubic foot of water used.
The proposed rate structure changes are as follows:
• The City will bill educational customers under the same billing structure as other non-residential customers.
Table 3. Current and Proposed Fixed Charges
Table 4. Current and Proposed Variable Charges
Tier Current FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030
Groundwater $3.10 $3.28 $3.45 $3.62 $3.80 $3.99
MWD $3.10 $4.98 $5.23 $5.49 $5.76 $6.05
Customer Class Current FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 Residential (Flat Rate) $84.82 $82.43 $84.91 $87.45 $90.08 $92.78 Residential (Multi Unit) $62.11 $68.39 $70.45 $72.56 $74.74 $76.98 Commercial Group II $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Commercial Group III $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Commercial Industrial $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Commercial Group IV $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Commercial Group V $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Schools $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38
Higher Education $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 City Property $35.59 $34.99 $36.04 $37.12 $38.23 $39.38 Tier Current FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030
Commercial Group II $2.89 $3.28 $3.38 $3.48 $3.58 $3.69 Commercial Group III $4.79 $5.00 $5.15 $5.31 $5.47 $5.63 Commercial Industrial $2.58 $2.98 $3.07 $3.16 $3.26 $3.36 Commercial Group IV $7.08 $7.08 $7.29 $7.51 $7.73 $7.97 Commercial Group V $2.89 $3.28 $3.38 $3.48 $3.58 $3.69
Schools $1.86 $2.34 $2.41 $2.48 $2.55 $2.63
Higher Education $1.86 $2.34 $2.41 $2.48 $2.55 $2.63
City Property $2.51 $2.93 $3.02 $3.11 $3.20 $3.30
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 408 of 520
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and Changes to the City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I OPPOSE THE PROPOSED INCREASES OR WISH TO CHALLENGE SOME OTHER
ASPECT OF THE PROPOSED INCREASE
Under Proposition 218, there are multiple ways that property owners who are subject to the proposed rates increases can voice their opposition and/or challenge other aspects of the City’s proposal. As described below, specific comments in the form of legal protests or objections must be adequately stated in writing and timely submitted in order to be given consideration. Refer to City Resolution No. 8401 for more detailed information about the Proposition 218 Procedures, also available online at: SFCITY.ORG/WaterSewerStudy.
HOW TO PROTEST PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE CHANGES AND INCREASES You have the right to protest proposed water and sewer rate adjustments. Protests will only be considered valid if they meet the following procedural and substantive requirements:
• Protests must be submitted in writing by the property owner. By law, the City cannot accept email, fax, or photocopied protests. Written protests may only be submitted as follows:
a. By Mail or Courier sent to the City of San Fernando, ATTN: City Clerk, 117 N Macneil St, San Fernando, CA 91340.
b. In Person delivered to the City of San Fernando, Office of the City Clerk, 117 N Macneil St, San Fernando, CA 91340 between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, OR during the majority protest public hearing starting at 6 pm, Monday, October 6, 2025. • All protests must be received by the City Council before the conclusion of the public comment portion of the Public Hearing. Any protest received after the conclusion of the majority protest public hearing will not be accepted or considered. Only one written protest per affected parcel will be counted. Note that a written protest is not the same as a legal objection, as described below. Protests must include the following information:
a. Eligible property owner’s name, and the parcel number (APN) and address. b. A statement to the effect of “I protest the proposed water and sewer rate adjustments,” and an original signature.
c. Indicate on the envelope, “Water/Sewer Service Charge Protest Enclosed.” At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council will. consider adopting the proposed changes as follows:
1. If written protests are submitted for 50% or less of the total number of affected parcels, the City may adopt the proposed schedule of increased/adjusted water and sewer service fees and charges.
2. Alternatively, if written protests are submitted for a majority of the total number of affected parcels (50%+1) then the City will be prohibited from adopting the proposed schedule of increased/adjusted water and sewer service fees and charges.
HOW TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION IN ORDER TO EXHAUST ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 2257
Notice is hereby given that any affected real property parcel owner who wishes to object to the proposed water and sewer rates and charges must first submit a timely-received written legal objection so that the City can duly consider those objections prior to making its decision. Written objections will only be considered valid if they meet the following procedural and substantive requirements and are submitted as follows:
a. By Mail or Courier sent to the City of San Fernando, Office of the City Clerk, 117 N Macneil St, San Fernando, CA 91340.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 409 of 520
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and Changes to the City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
b. In person by or before 5 pm on September 26, 2025, delivered to the City of San Fernando, Office of the City Clerk, 117 N Macneil St, San Fernando, CA 91340.
Legal objections must be submitted in writing by the parcel owner and include the following information:
• Objector’s name, parcel number, and/or service address. • A statement that your communication constitutes a legal objection. • A description of the nature of the legal objection, with sufficient specificity to allow City staff to respond in writing.
• A statement that the proposed water and sewer rates and charges violate Proposition 218. Without an explanation as to the basis of your claim will not be sufficient to constitute a legal objection.
Failure to submit a legal objection or to meet the requirements set forth above will bar any right to challenge the proposed adoption of a schedule of increased/adjusted water and sewer charges service fees and charges through a legal proceeding.
At the majority protest public hearing of October 6, 2025, the City Council will accept and consider all written protests, written objections, and hear all oral comments on the proposed water and sewer rate increases/adjustments. Oral comments will not be counted as protests or objections unless accompanied by a written protest or a written objection as outlined above. Oral comments will, however, be considered by the City Council prior to rendering a decision and taking action on the proposed changes to water and sewer fees and charges.
If adopted, the proposed water and sewer rates will take effect beginning January 1, 2026. The reasons for the rate adjustments, the basis upon which they were calculated, and the amount of the proposed water and sewer rates are described in more detail in the “City of San Fernando 2025 Water and Sewer Rate Study” (the “2025 Rate Study”) that is on file with the City Clerk and available on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/WaterSewerStudy. To request a copy of this Notice, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (818) 898-1204 and/or [email protected]. A copy of the “Guidelines for the Submission and Tabulation of Protests and Objections” can also be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office and can be found on the City website at SFCITY.ORG/WaterSewerStudy.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CHALLENGING PROPOSED RATE INCREASE IMPORTANT: Please note that pursuant to California Government Code section 53759, there is a 120-day statute of limitations for judicially challenging all rates set forth in this Notice that runs from the effective date of or the date of the final passage, adoption, or approval of the resolution or motion approving the rates, whichever is later.
PROTEST FORM
To protest the proposed Water or Sewer Rate Increases, you may complete a Protest Form and mail, or hand deliver to: City of San Fernando, 117 N Macneil St, San Fernando, CA 91340. For your convenience, please see the attached Protest Form.
To be counted, the Protest Form must include:
• The Parcel APN
• The Parcel Address
• That you protest the proposed Water rate increase to fund operation, maintenance and replacement costs related to providing Water service to properties within the City of San Fernando Service Area. • That you protest the proposed Sewer rate increase to fund operation, maintenance and replacement costs related to providing Sewer service to properties within the City of San Fernando Service Area.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 410 of 520
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and Changes to the City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
• That you declare under penalty of perjury that you are the owner of the above-listed property or the authorized representative of the owner of the above listed property. • The property owner name(s).
• The property owner signature(s).
• Any additional comments.
The City must receive a mailed written protest no later than 6:00 pm on October 6, 2025. Protests may be handdelivered up until the end of the Public Hearing. Only one protest is allowed per property.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 411 of 520
WATER & SEWER
RATE ADJUSTMENTS
WATER & SEWER
RATE ADJUSTMENTS
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
Monday
October 6, 2025
6:00 pm
Council Chambers
117 Macneil Street
San Fernando, CA
91340
Why am I receiving this notice?
The City of San Fernando is proposing adjustments to water and sewer rates starting in 2026. A public hearing will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, beginning at 6 pm, in the Council Chambers located at 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando.
Why are rates going up?
The City hasn’t raised rates since 2019. Costs have increased and new state regulations require upgrades. The rate increases will help:
• Maintain safe and clean drinking water.
• Upgrade aging water and sewer pipes, pumps, and other infrastructure. • Ensure reliable service now and into the future.
• Comply with state environmental and health laws.
What will change?
• Water bills will increase based on your meter size and water usage. • A pass-through charge may be added if the City needs to buy water from an outside agency.
• Sewer rates will also be updated, especially for businesses and schools. • Affected properties will see changes gradually each year from 2026 to 2030.
SFCITY.ORG/WaterSewerStudy | (818) 898-1293 | [email protected] Notice of Proposed Adjustments and Changes to the
City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
Notice of Proposed Adjustments and Changes to the
City’s Water and Sewer Rate Calculation Methodology
Can I say no?
Yes. If you are a property owner and oppose the increases, you can submit a written protest. Here’s how:
Mail or hand-deliver a signed protest (see Protest Form included in this notice) to:
City Clerk, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
Deadline: By the end of the public hearing on October 6, 2025.
See full notice for guidelines on completing your written protest.
Only one protest per property will be counted.
Public Outreach Workshops - Join the Conversation!
As part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement, the City will host two public engagement workshops to provide residents with the opportunity to learn more and help shape the future of the community.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
6 PM - 7 PM
LAS PALMAS PARK
505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
6 PM - 7 PM
LAS PALMAS PARK
505 S. Huntington St, San Fernando
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT MEETING #1 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT MEETING #2 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 412 of 520 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 413 of 520 This Page
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October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 414 of 520
AGENDA REPORT
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1204 WWW.SFCITY.ORG REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Kanika Kith, Interim City Manager
By: Julia Fritz, City Clerk
Richard Padilla, City Attorney
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-Numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-Numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026 RECOMMENDATION:
If the City Council wishes to change the date of the City’s General Municipal Election, it is recommended that the City Council:
a. Conduct a Public Hearing;
b. Pending public testimony, approve first reading in title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 1737 (Attachment “A”), titled: “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, repealing prior Ordinance No. 1668 and amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to change the date of the City’s General Municipal Elections from the Statewide Election date in November of even-numbered years to the Statewide Election date that alternates between March and June of even-numbered years beginning June 2, 2026.”
c. Provide direction, as applicable.
BACKGROUND:
1. On September 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 415 (“SB 415”) (Attachment “B”) into law. Starting January 1, 2018, it requires cities to hold their General Municipal Elections on the same date as statewide elections if their voter turnout was at least 25% lower than the average turnout in the last four statewide general elections.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 415 of 520 A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026
2. On June 6, 2016, the City Council directed staff to report back with a resolution for a plan to consolidate with the statewide general election cycle no later than November 8, 2022.
3. On July 18, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 7754 (Attachment “C”) which approved the City’s plan to hold its elections on the November statewide election date, starting no later than November 8, 2022. The Council also directed staff to bring back a proposed ordinance to move the General Municipal Election date to the November statewide election date.
4. On July 17, 2017, the City Council considered Ordinance No. 1667 to start holding elections on the November statewide election date beginning on November 8, 2022. The motion did not pass, and staff was directed to bring back a revised ordinance that would accelerate the election date change to begin sooner, on November 6, 2018.
5. On August 21, 2017, the City Council, approved Ordinance No. 1668 (Attachment “D”) which changed the date of the City’s General Municipal Election from March of odd-numbered years to the statewide November election in even-numbered years, starting November 6, 2018.
6. On September 2, 2025, the City Council voted 3 to 2 to direct staff to draft an ordinance moving the City’s regular General Municipal Elections to align with the Statewide Primary Election that alternate between March and June of even-numbered years. The first election under this change would take place on June 2, 2026. Staff was directed to present the draft ordinance to the City Council at the earliest City Council meeting, hence October 6, 2025.
ANALYSIS
Municipal Elections are a fundamental component of democracy, enabling residents to select representatives and influence decisions on issues such as the municipal budget, public policies, and community programs. These elections ensure that local governments remain accountable to the community being served, providing a mechanism for residents to express their preferences and priorities. By participating in city elections, residents play an active role in shaping the direction of their community, ensuring that local governance reflects the collective will and addresses the overall needs of the community.
San Fernando’s Election History
As a general law city, San Fernando must follow the California Elections Code (Elections Code §§ 10101–10312). In 2017, in response to Senate Bill (SB) 415, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1668 to move the City’s General Municipal Elections from March of odd-numbered years to the November statewide election in even-numbered years, starting November 6, 2018.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 416 of 520 A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026
Since then, the City has held four General Municipal Elections in November with the following voter turnout:
• November 6, 2018: 50.8%
• November 3, 2020: 73.1%
• November 8, 2022: 33.2%
• November 5, 2024: 57.9%
Before this change, when elections were held in March of odd-numbered years, voter turnout was:
• March 8, 2011: 10.1%
• March 5, 2013: Election cancelled (not enough candidates) • March 3, 2015: 12.7%
• March 7, 2017: 16.8%
From 2010 to 2024:
• Average turnout for statewide November general elections in San Fernando: 57.36% • Average turnout for statewide primary elections (March/June): 21.27% The table showing voter turnout percentages for all City General Municipal Elections since 2010 is provided as Attachment “E”.
Law and Procedures Governing the Setting of General Municipal Election Dates.
State law (California Elections Code §§ 10101–10312) requires general law cities, such as the City of San Fernando, to hold elections on “established election dates”:
a. In March of each even-numbered year that is evenly divisible by four; b. In June in each even-numbered year that is not evenly divisible by four; and c. In November of each year.
Per Elections Code Section 1301(b)(1), a city may enact an ordinance requiring its general municipal election to be held on the day of the statewide direct primary election or the day of the statewide general election.
The City’s current General Municipal Election date falls under option (c) above which qualifies as an “established election date” within the meaning of Elections Code Sections 1000 and 1301(b) and as a “statewide election date” within the meaning of SB 415 and Elections Code Section 1001.
SB 415 (2015) requires cities to align with statewide election dates if holding elections on other dates results in a “significant decrease in voter turnout” (defined as at least 25% lower than the October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 417 of 520 A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026
average turnout of the past four statewide general elections). Assume for example that a city’s most recent non-Statewide election date general election had a 30% voter turnout. Next, assume the average voter turnout the last four Statewide general elections in the same city is 48%. Next, multiply the 50% average turnout by 75% which produces 36%, the threshold below which turnout is deemed to decrease significantly. In this scenario because the 30% turnout of the city’s last election is lower than 36%, SB 415 requires the city move its election to either the Statewide general election (November of even years) or the Statewide primary election (March/June of even years). The steps for calculating a “significant decrease in voter turnout” are provided in Attachment “F”.
Proposed Election Change (2025)
On September 2, 2025, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to move the City’s elections from the November statewide general election to the statewide primary election cycle, starting in 2026. If approved, elections would follow this alternating schedule:
• June of even-numbered years not divisible by four (e.g., June 2, 2026; June 8, 2030) • March of even-numbered years divisible by four (e.g., March 3, 2028; March 7, 2032) Of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County:
• About 70 cities (79.5%) hold their elections with the statewide November general election.
• About 18 cities (20.5%) hold their elections with the statewide primary election (March/June of even-numbered years).
The proposed ordinance must be approved by both the San Fernando City Council and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. If approved, San Fernando’s General Municipal Elections would shift to the Statewide primary election cycle, with the first election to be held on June 2, 2026, followed by March 2028, then June 2030 and so on. Both dates fall within the official statewide election calendar under California law.
In accordance with Elections Code Section 10403.5(e), within 30 days of the ordinance taking effect, the City Clerk must notify all registered voters of the new election date and explain how the change affect the terms of office for current Councilmembers.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 418 of 520 A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026
Effect on Councilmember Terms
Under Elections Code Section 10403.5(b), changing the election date cannot lengthen or shorten a Councilmember’s term by more than 12 months. Adoption of the ordinance would shorten the current terms as follows:
• Councilmembers elected in November 2022: terms reduced by approximately five months
• Councilmembers elected in November 2024: terms reduced by approximately eight months
The following table outlines the adjusted terms of office:
Councilmember Election Date Original End of
Term*
New End of Term
Due to Change*
Approximate
Reduction in
Term
Mendoza, M. November 8, 2022 December 1, 2026 July 1, 2026 -5 Months Solorio, M. November 8, 2022 December 1, 2026 July 1, 2026 -5 Months Fajardo, J. November 8, 2022 December 1, 2026 July 1, 2026 -5 Months Garcia, V. November 5, 2024 December 1, 2028 April 1, 2028 -8 Months Lopez, P. November 5, 2024 December 1, 2028 April 1, 2028 -8 Months *City Council terms technically end when the results of election are approved by the outgoing City Council, and newly elected or re-elected members are sworn in. This date can vary depending on the time taken by the Los Angeles County Registrar (“Registrar”) to complete its vote count which can, notwithstanding statutory time frames, take up to a month. The precise date also depends on the City Council’s meeting schedule following the Registrar’s completion of its vote count.
If the City Council proceeds with changing the City’s election date to align with the statewide primary cycle beginning June 2, 2026, a seperate Resolution must still be adopted by or before February 2, 2026 at a regular City Council meeting. This Resolution would:
1. Call and give notice of the City’s General Municipal Election on June 2, 2026.
2. Request consolidation with Los Angeles County’s statewide election.
3. Authorize the Los Angeles County Elections Official to administer election services on behalf of the City.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 419 of 520 A Public Hearing to Consider Approving for First Reading Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to Change the City’s General Municipal Election Date from the Statewide Election in November of Even-numbered Years to the Statewide Election Dates that Alternates Between March and June of Even-numbered Years Beginning June 2, 2026
BUDGET IMPACT:
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office provides an online tool to estimate election costs. If the proposed Ordinance is adopted, the City’s next regular election would occur on June 2, 2026. Based on the County’s online estimator, the projected cost for consolidated election services is $74,953 (Attachment “G”). Since the City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget did not include funding for a General Election in June 2026, staff would return in February 2026 during the mid-year budget review with a proposed amendment to cover the expense.
The average cost for recent statewide general elections held in November (2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024) was approximately $36,421.
CONCLUSION:
If the City Council wishes to change the date of the City’s General Municipal Election, it is recommended that the City Council conduct a Public Hearing; receive public testimony, consider approving for first reading in title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 1737 (Attachment “A”), titled: “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, repealing prior Ordinance No. 1668 and amending Division 3 (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code to change the date of the City’s General Municipal Elections from the Statewide Election date in November of evennumbered years to the Statewide Election date that alternates between March and June of evennumbered years beginning June 2, 2026;” and provide direction, as applicable.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Ordinance No. 1737
B. Senate Bill 415
C. Resolution No. 7754
D. Ordinance No. 1668
E. City’s Voter Turnout Percentages Since 2010
F. Calculating Voter Turnout Percentages
G. Los Angeles County Election Cost Estimate
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 420 of 520 ORDINANCE NO. 1737
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING PRIOR ORDINANCE NO. 1668 AND AMENDING DIVISION 3 (GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS) OF ARTICLE II (CITY COUNCIL) OF CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE DATE OF CITY’S GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS FROM THE STATEWIDE ELECTION DATE IN NOVEMBER OF
EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE STATEWIDE ELCTION DATE THAT
ALTERNATES BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS BEGINNING JUNE 2, 2026
WHEREAS, general law cities, such as the City of San Fernando (the “City”), are obligated to conduct general and special municipal elections in accordance with the California Elections Code (the “Elections Code”), per Elections Code Section 10101, et seq.; and WHEREAS, per Elections Code Section 1301(a), a city’s General Municipal Election must be held on an “established election date” as that term is defined under Elections Code Section 1000; and
WHEREAS, the following election dates fall within definition of “established election dates” under Elections Code Section 1000: (i) the Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each even-numbered year that is evenly divisible by four; (ii) the Tuesday after the first Monday in June in each even-numbered year that is not evenly divisible by four; and (iii) the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each year; and
WHEREAS, per Elections Code Section 1301(b)(1), a city may enact an ordinance requiring its general municipal election to be held on the day of the statewide direct primary election and the day of the statewide general election and such an ordinance shall become operative upon approval by the County Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 415 (“SB 415”) into law which, as of January 1, 2018, prohibits cities from holding their General Municipal Elections on any date other than a statewide election date when it can be shown that voter turnout for the city’s last General Municipal Election is at least 25% or less than the average voter turnout within the city for the previous four statewide general elections; and WHEREAS, under Elections Code Section 1001, a “statewide election date” is defined to mean: (a) an election held in November of even-number years, as is currently the case, or (b) an election held in June of an even-numbered year that is not evenly divisible by four and March of even-number years that is evenly divisible by four; and ATTACHMENT “A”
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 421 of 520 WHEREAS, on August 21, 2017,the San Fernando City Council (“City Council”), in response to SB 415, approved Ordinance No. 1668 which changed the date of the City’s General Municipal Election from the first Monday in March of odd-numbers years to the statewide election in November of even-numbered years commencing November 6, 2018; and WHEREAS, the City’s current General Municipal Election date also qualifies as an “established election date” within the meaning of Elections Code Sections 1000 and 1301(b) and a “statewide election date” within the meaning of SB 415 and Elections Code Section 1001; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to again change the date of the City’s General Municipal Election from the statewide election date held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even years to the statewide election date held on an alternating basis on the Tuesday after the first Monday of June of even-numbered year that are not evenly divisible by four and on the Tuesday after the first Monday in March of even-numbered years that are evenly divisible by four; and
WHEREAS, the new alternating General Municipal Election dates approved by this ordinance also qualify as “established election dates” within the meaning of Elections Code Sections 1000 and 1301(b) and “statewide election dates” within the meaning of SB 415 and Elections Code Section 1001.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
The facts set forth in the recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 1. Ordinance No. 1668 is hereby repealed and rescinded in its entirety and superseded by this Ordinance No. 1737.
SECTION 2. Subject to approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (“Board of Supervisors”), Section 2-91 (Date of general municipal elections; consolidation with county) of Division (General Municipal Elections) of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to state the following:
Sec. 2-91. Date of general municipal elections; consolidation with county. (a) The city shall hold its general municipal elections on the alternating statewide election dates set forth under subsection (b) of Section 1001 of the California Elections Code which are as follows:
1. On the first Tuesday following the first Monday of June in even years that are not evenly divisible by the number four; and
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 422 of 520
2. On the first Tuesday following the first Monday in March of even years that are evenly divisible by the number four.
The first such general municipal election to be held pursuant to this section, shall be on the statewide election date of June 2, 2026.
(b) As required by Elections Code Section 10402.5, each City Council resolution calling the City’s general municipal election shall be consolidated with the concurrent statewide election of the same date administered by the registrar-recorder for the County of Los Angeles unless the county board of supervisors denies such consolidation.
SECTION 3. In order to accommodate the new election schedule, the terms for City Council members elected to the City Council at the November 2022 and the November 2024 General Municipal Elections shall subject to the following reductions as permitted by law:
*City Council terms technically end when the results of election are approved by the outgoing City Council, and newly elected or re-elected members are sworn in. This date can vary depending on the time taken by the Los Angeles County Registrar (“Registrar”) to complete its vote count which can, notwithstanding statutory time frames, take up to a month. The precise date also depends on the City Council’s meeting schedule following the Registrar’s complete of its vote count.
In compliance with Elections Code Section 10403.5(b), this Ordinance shall cause no elected city terms of office to be increased or decreased by more than twelve (12) months.
SECTION 4. Inconsistent Provisions. Any provision of the San Fernando City Code or appendices thereto that conflicts with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such conflict and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.
Council
Member
Election
Date
Original
End of Term*
New End of Term
Due Change*
Approximate
Reduction in Term
Mendoza November 8, 2022 December 2026 July 2026 (~5 months) Solorio November 8, 2022 December 2026 July 2026 (~5 months) Fajardo November 8, 2022 December 2026 July 2026 (~5 months) Garcia November 5, 2024 December 2028 April 2028 (~8 months) Lopez November 5, 2024 December 2028 April 2028 (~8 months) October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 423 of 520 SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. Publication. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.
SECTION 7. Effective Date/Operative Date. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after a second reading and adoption. This Ordinance shall become operative upon approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, per Elections Code Section 1301(b).
SECTION 8. The City Clerk is directed to forward without delay to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and to the County of Los Angeles Registrar/Recorder/ County Clerk, each a certified copy of this Ordinance along with a request to approve the City Council’s proposed change of General Municipal Election dates.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of San Fernando at its regular meeting on this _____ day of October 2025.
______________________________
Mary Mendoza, Mayor
City of San Fernando, California
ATTEST:
____________________________
Julia Fritz, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________________
Richard Padilla, City Attorney
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 424 of 520
CERTIFICATION
I, City Clerk of the City of San Fernando, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Ordinance No. 1737 which was introduced on October 6, 2025, and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California at a regular meeting thereof held on the ____ day of ________, ____, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Fernando, California, this _____ day of _________, ____.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 425 of 520 Bill Text - SB-415 Voter participation. 10/1/25, 2:30 PM https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB415 Page 1 of 2 SHARE THIS:
SB-415 Voter participation. (2015-2016)
Senate Bill No. 415
CHAPTER 235
An act to add Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 14050) to Division 14 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.
[ Approved by Governor September 01, 2015. Filed with Secretary of State September 01, 2015. ]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 415, Hueso. Voter participation.
Existing law generally requires all state, county, municipal, district, and school district elections be held on an established election date. Existing law also establishes certain dates for statewide elections. Existing law requires any state, county, municipal, district, and school district election held on a statewide election date to be consolidated with a statewide election, except as provided.
This bill, commencing January 1, 2018, would prohibit a political subdivision, as defined, from holding an election other than on a statewide election date if holding an election on a nonconcurrent date has previously resulted in voter turnout for a regularly scheduled election in that political subdivision being at least 25% less than the average voter turnout within the political subdivision for the previous 4 statewide general elections, except as specified.
This bill would require a court to implement appropriate remedies upon a violation of this prohibition. The bill would authorize a voter who resides in a political subdivision where a violation is alleged to file an action in superior court to enforce this prohibition, and it would allow a prevailing plaintiff other than the state or political subdivision to collect a reasonable attorney’s fee and litigation expenses, as provided.
Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: no Local Program: no THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 14050) is added to Division 14 of the Elections Code, to read:
Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "B"
Bill Text - SB-415 Voter participation. 10/1/25, 2:30 PM https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB415 Page 2 of 2 CHAPTER 1.7. Voter Participation
14050. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the California Voter Participation Rights Act. 14051. As used in this chapter:
(a) “Political subdivision” means a geographic area of representation created for the provision of government services, including, but not limited to, a city, a school district, a community college district, or other district organized pursuant to state law.
(b) “Significant decrease in voter turnout” means the voter turnout for a regularly scheduled election in a political subdivision is at least 25 percent less than the average voter turnout within that political subdivision for the previous four statewide general elections.
(c) “Voter turnout” means the percentage of voters who are eligible to cast ballots within a given political subdivision who voted.
14052. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a political subdivision shall not hold an election other than on a statewide election date if holding an election on a nonconcurrent date has previously resulted in a significant decrease in voter turnout.
(b) A political subdivision may hold an election other than on a statewide election date if, by January 1, 2018, the political subdivision has adopted a plan to consolidate a future election with a statewide election not later than the November 8, 2022, statewide general election.
14053. Upon a finding of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 14052, the court shall implement appropriate remedies, including the imposition of concurrent election dates for future elections and the upgrade of voting equipment or systems to do so. In imposing remedies pursuant to this section, a court may also require a county board of supervisors to approve consolidation pursuant to Section 10402.5. 14054. In an action to enforce subdivision (a) of Section 14052, the court shall allow the prevailing plaintiff other than the state or political subdivision of the state, a reasonable attorney’s fee consistent with the standards established in Serrano v. Priest (1977) 20 Cal.3d 25, 48-49, and litigation expenses including, but not limited to, expert witness fees and expenses as part of the costs. A prevailing defendant shall not recover any costs, unless the court finds the action to be frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation. 14055. A voter who resides in a political subdivision where a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 14052 is alleged may file an action pursuant to that section in the superior court of the county in which the political subdivision is located.
14056. This chapter does not apply to special elections. 14057. This chapter shall become operative on January 1, 2018.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 427 of 520 RESOLUTION NO. 7754
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING
A PLAN TO CONSOLIDATE FUTURE ELECTIONS
WITH A STATEWIDE ELECTION NO LATER THAN
THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 STATEWIDE GENERAL
ELECTION
WHEREAS, general law cities, such as the City of San Fernando (the "City"), are obligated to conduct general and special municipal elections in accordance with the California Elections Code (the "Elections Code"), per Elections Code Section 10101, et seq.; and WHEREAS, the City currently conducts its elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March in each odd-numbered year, pursuant to City Council Ordinance No. 1452 and Elections Code Section 1301; and
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 415 ("SB 415") into law; and
WHEREAS, commencing January 1, 2018, SB 415 prohibits the City from holding an election on any date other than a statewide election date, as doing so in the past has resulted in turnout that is at least twenty-five percent (25%) below the average turnout in that jmisdiction in the last four statewide general elections; and
WHEREAS, Section 14052(b) of the Elections Code allows the City to hold elections on dates other than statewide election dates, after January 1, 2018, if it adopts a plan to consolidate a future election with a statewide election not later than the November 8, 2022 statewide general election; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to memorialize, in this Resolution, its plan to consolidate a future election with a statewide election not later than the November 8, 2022 statewide general election; and
WHEREAS, as of the date of this Resolution, Section 10402.5 of the Elections Code allows the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to deny consolidation based on incompatible ballot style, voting equipment, or computer capacity.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA DOES RESOLVE, FIND, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Elections Code Section 14052(b), the City plans to move its election date and consolidate its general municipal elections with the November statewide general election cycle by the November 8, 2022 statewide general election.
ATTACHMENT "C"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 428 of 520 SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 1301 of the Elections Code, the City shall continue to hold its election date on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each odd-numbered year until such time as the City moves its election date and the County approves the consolidation of future general municipal elections.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 10403.5(b) of the Elections Code, no elected city office term affected by a subsequent adjustment to City election dates by ordinance shall be increased or decreased by more than twelve (12) months.
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk is directed to forward without delay to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, each a certified copy of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of July, 2016.
ATTEST:
Elena G. Chavez, City Clerk:
ST ATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 18th day of July, 2016 by the following vote, to-wit:
AYES: Ballin, Fajardo, Gonzales, Lopez, Soto - 5
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
~ .,d .~uJ~
Elena G. Chavez, City Clerk
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 429 of 520 ATTACHMENT "D"
ORDINANCE NO. 1668
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO.
1452 AND MOVING THE DATE OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTIONS FROM THE FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST
MONDAY IN MARCH OF ODD-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE
FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER
OF EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 6, 2018
WHEREAS, general law cities, such as the City of San Fernando (the "City"), are obligated to conduct general and special municipal elections in accordance with the California Elections Code (the "Elections Code"), per Elections Code Section 10101, et seq.; WHEREAS, the City currently conducts its general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March in each odd-numbered year, pursuant to City Council Ordinance No. 1452 and Elections Code Section 1301;
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 415 ("SB 415") into law;
WHEREAS, commencing January 1, 2018, SB 415 prohibits the City from holding an election on any date other than a statewide election date, as doing so in the past has resulted in turnout that is at least twenty-five percent (25%) below the average turnout in that jurisdiction in the last four statewide general elections;
WHEREAS, Section 14052(b) of the Elections Code allows the City to hold elections on dates other than statewide election dates, after January 1, 2018, if it adopts a plan to consolidate futures elections with statewide elections no later than the November 8, 2022 statewide general election;
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2016, the City adopted Resolution No. 7754, which set forth the City's intention and plan to begin holding its elections on the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November no later than November 8, 2022; and
WHEREAS, on July 17, 2017, the City Council conducted a public hearing and considered approval of an ordinance to begin holding its elections on the November statewide election date beginning on November 8, 2022. After discussion, the City Council directed staff to accelerate the switch to statewide election dates and to prepare an ordinance for City Council consideration to switch to statewide election dates beginning with the November 6, 2018 election.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 430 of 520 SECTION 1. The facts set forth m the recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Ordinance No. 1452 is hereby repealed and rescinded in its entirety and superseded by this Ordinance No. 1668.
SECTION 3. Resolution No. 7754 is hereby repealed and rescinded in its entirety.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 1301 and in compliance with SB 415, general municipal elections for the City of San Fernando are hereby moved from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of odd-numbered years to the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November of even-numbered years, commencing November 6, 2018. In recognition of the foregoing and subject to approval of this ordinance and the proposed change of election date contemplated herein by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Division 3 of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the San Fernando Municipal Code, which is currently designated as "Reserved" is hereby amended in its entirety to now state the following, Division 3. - General Municipal Elections.
2.91 Date of General Municipal Elections; Consolidation with County. (a) The city shall hold its general municipal elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year, commencing with a general municipal election to be held on November 6, 2018. (b) General municipal elections held pursuant to this Section be consolidated with the concurrent statewide election of the same date administered by the Registrar-Recorder for the County of Los Angeles unless the County Board of Supervisors denies such consolidation pursuant to Elections Code Section 10402.5. In the event the County Board of Supervisors denies consolidation in any given year, the City reserves the right to administer the election on its own, through the office of the City Clerk, or in cooperation with any other public agency to the extent authorized by law.
SECTION 5. In order to accommodate the new election schedule, the terms for City elected officials who were victorious at elections in 2015 and 201 7 shall be subject to a reduction of approximately four months from terms of office as follows:
2 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 431 of 520 Elected (by Original End New End of
standard odd-year of Term Term Due to
municipal election) SB 415
Councilmember 1 March 2015 March 2019 November 2018
Councilmember 2 March 2015 March 2019 November 2018
Councilmember 3 March 2015 March 2019 November 2018
Councilmember 4 March 2017 March 2021 November 2020
Councilmember 5 March 2017 March 2021 November 2020
SECTION 6. In accordance with Elections Code Section 10403 .5(b ), this Ordinance shall cause no elected city terms of office to be increased or decreased by more than twelve (12) months.
SECTION 7. Inconsistent Provisions. Any provision of the San Fernando City Code or appendices thereto that conflicts with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such conflict and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 9. Publication. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation within fifteen ( 15) days after its adoption.
SECTION 10. Effective Date/Operative Date. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after a second reading and adoption. This Ordinance shall become operative upon approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, per Elections Code Section 1301(b).
SECTION 11. The City Clerk is directed to forward without delay to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors and to the County of Los Angeles Registrar/Recorder/ County Clerk, each a certified copy of this Ordinance.
3 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 432 of 520 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of San Fernando at its regular meeting on this 21 st day of August, 2017.
ATTEST:
~Ji~
Elena G. Chavez, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO F
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO )
I, ELENA G. CHAVEZ, City Clerk of the City of San Fernando, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Ordinance No. 1668 was introduced at the regular meeting of the City Council held on the ih day of August 2017, and thereafter at the regular meeting of said City Council, duly held on the 21st day of August 2017, was passed and adopted by the following votes to wit:
A YES: Gonzales, Ballin, Lopez - 3
NOES: Fajardo, Soto - 2
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Elena G. Chavez, City Clerk
4 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 433 of 520 ATTACHMENT “E”
The table below shows voter turnout percentages for all City General Municipal Elections since 2010, as well as for statewide primary and general elections in which San Fernando voters participated.
= Signifies San Fernando General Municipal Election.
*Based on summary election results date from the City website at https://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/elections/#pastelections and from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder website at https://www.lavote.gov/home/votingelections/current-elections/election-results/past-election-results.) **First General Municipal Election consolidated with the County and last election held in March of odd years.
SAN FERNANDO VOTER TURNOUT SINCE 2010
Election Date Registered
Voters
Ballots
Cast
Percentage
Turnout
June 2010 7867 1353 17.2%
November 2010 13218 8830 66.8%
MARCH 2011 Unknown 899 11.1%*
June 2012 8397 1565 18.64%
November 2012 8709 6004 68.94%
MARCH 2013 N/A Election Cancelled –
Insufficient Candidates
N/A
June 2014 9204 1108 12.4%
November 2014 9316 2493 26.76%
MARCH 2015 9435 1198 12.7%
June 2016 13482 6515 48.32%
November 2016 14007 11398 81.37%
MARCH 2017** 10772 1807 16.73%
June 2018 10771 2338 21.71%
NOVEMBER 2018 11015 5598 50.8%
March 2020 11720 3840 32.76%
NOVEMBER 2020 12119 8865 73.1%
June 2022 12311 2349 19.09%
NOVEMBER 2022 12216 4064 33.2%
March 2024 12380 2690 21.73%
NOVEMBER 2024 12495 7244 57.9%
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 434 of 520 ATTACHMENT “F”
SB 415 Voter Turnout Formula
Step #1 Calculate the average statewide general election turnout:
o Find the voter turnout for the city for each of the last four statewide general elections (held in November of even-numbered years).
o Sum these four turnout percentages and divide the total by four to find the average.
Step #2 Calculate the 25% threshold:
o Multiply the average statewide general election turnout (from Step #1) by 0.75. This gives you the number that is 25% less than the average.
Step #3 Calculate the voter election turnout for the city’s most recent general election:
o Determine the voter turnout for the local election in question.
Step #4 Compare the turnout figures:
o If the voter turnout for the city’s most recent general election (Step #3) is less than the 25% threshold number (Step #2), it constitutes a "significant decrease in voter turnout" under SB 415.
Example calculation - A city wants to determine if its off-cycle March 2025 local election experienced a "significant decrease" in turnout.
Step 1: Calculate city’s average election turnout for prior 4 statewide general elections. • Previous four statewide general elections: 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. • Voter turnout in the city: 2018: 55%. 2020: 68%. 2022: 52%. 2024: 60%. (55+68+52+60=235) • Average statewide general election turnout: 235%÷4=58.75% Step 2: Calculate the 25% threshold. 58.75%×0.75=44.06% Step 3: For purposes of scenario assume at 38% voter turnout at March 2025 election.
Step 4: Compare the numbers: March 2025 turnout (38%) is less than the 25% threshold (44.06%).
Conclusion: This would be considered a "significant decrease in voter turnout" under SB 415, and the city would be required to move its future elections to a statewide election date.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 435 of 520 Select Estimate Type
Select Jurisdiction(s)
Estimated Result
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
2026 June Primary Election
$9,658.83
$74,952.59
The estimated cost is based on the cost factors below. Any changes to the election cost factors will impact the final costs for your jurisdiction.
If you need cost estimates for other elections or further assistance in using the cost estimate calculator, please contact our Election Billing team at [email protected].
Voter Count Rate Breakdown Estimated Cost
Registered Voters (RV) 12,709
Election Operations (rate * RV) $3.4082 * 12709 $43,314.81 Vote By Mail Processing (rate * RV) $1.0731 * 12709 $13,638.03 Sample Ballot Processing and Printing
Office(s)/Seat(s) (rate * No. of Offices * RV) $0.0211 * 3 * 12709 $804.48 Measures(s) (rate * No. of Measures * RV) $0.0211 * 0 * 12709 $0.00 Measure Text (rate * No. of Text Pages for all measures * RV) $0.0634 * 0 *
12709 $0.00
Voting Information (rate * RV) $0.5930 * 12709 $7,536.44 Candidate Filing and Campaign Finance (rate * No. of Candidates) $1076.8350 * 0 $0.00 Election Preparation Cost (Flat rate per jurisdiction)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO TOTAL ESTIMATE
DISCLAIMER: Please note that calculating an estimate using the Election Cost Estimate Calculator is not consent or agreement to hold, consolidate or provide support services for an election. Requests from jurisdictions for any election scenario must be received in the form of an adopted resolution or other official document and considered by the Board of Supervisors and Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at the appropriate time. For more information, please contact the Election Information and Preparation Division at [email protected].
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https://www.lavote.gov/apps/ElectionBillingCalculator/EstimatedResult 1/1 ATTACHMENT "G"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 436 of 520 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 437 of 520 This Page
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October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 438 of 520
AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion and Consideration to Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Election Rigging Response Act (Proposition 50 and Related Legislation) RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this item on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion and consideration to adopt the proposed draft Resolution No. 8409 (Attachment “B”) establishing the City’s support for the Election Rigging Response Act.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025 City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration B. Draft Resolution No. 8409
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 439 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
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✔ ✔ ✔
WHEREAS, any official position of the City of San Fernando with respect to legislation, rules, regulations or policies proposed to or pending before a local, state or federal governmental body or agency must have first been adopted in the form of a Resolution by the City Council; andWHEREAS, President Trump has called on Republican-led states to undertake mid-decade redistricting to redraw congressional district maps in a manner that would favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 United States midterm elections; andWHEREAS, the State of Texas has adopted redrawn congressional district maps that could flip five Democratic seats and unfairly advantage Republicans ahead of the 2026 elections; andWHEREAS, Republican officials in the states of Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South Carolina are also considering efforts to engage in mid-decade redistricting of congressional seats; andWHEREAS, in response to these redistricting efforts, the California Legislature approved a legislative package— which included ACA 8 (Rivas – McGuire), SB 280 (Cervantes – Pellerin), and AB 604 (Aguiar-Curry – Gonzalez)—known collectively as the Election Rigging Response Act, that would call for a special election on November 4, 2025, and place Proposition 50 on the ballot to give voters the opportunity to adopt new, temporary congressional maps; andWHEREAS, Proposition 50, if approved by the voters, would require the state to temporarily use the congressional district maps reflected in AB 604 (Aguiar-Curry – Gonzalez) for every congressional election until new congressional district maps are drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2031; andWHEREAS, the new congressional district maps, as proposed in AB 604, are intended to neutralize the partisan gerrymandering being threatened by Republican-led states; now, therefore, be itRESOLVED, that by the adoption of this R It is recommended that the City of San Fernando formally adopt a resolution entitled “Resolution Supporting the Election Rigging Response Act (Proposition 50 and Related Legislation)”, ✔
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 440 of 520 ATTACHMENT “B”
RESOLUTION NO. 8409
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 50 – THE ELECTION RIGGING
RESPONSE ACT
WHEREAS, President Trump, fearful of the loss of an already slim Republican majority in the United States House of Representatives, has called upon Republican-led states to undertake mid-decade redistricting to redraw congressional district maps in a manner designed to favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 United States midterm elections; and WHEREAS, the State of Texas has adopted redrawn, significantly gerrymandered congressional district maps that will likely flip five Democratic seats and unfairly advantage Republicans ahead of the 2026 elections; and
WHEREAS, Republican officials in the states of Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South Carolina have either started, or are strongly considering, similar mid-decade redistricting of congressional seats designed to unfairly favor Republicans; and WHEREAS, California Proposition 50 (“Prop 50”), officially known as the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment and also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment that will appear on the special election ballot in California on November 4, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Prop 50 was crafted in direct response to the Republican-led redistricting effort in Texas and elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, the legislative pathway for Prop 50 to be placed on the November 4, 2025, ballot began with the introduction of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 Congressional Redistricting, (Chapter 156, Statutes of 2025), authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, DHollister. ACA 8, notwithstanding the authority of the Citizens Redistricting Commission, requires the state to temporarily use the congressional districts reflected in Assembly Bill (AB) 604 (AguiarCurry) Redistricting: congressional districts, (Chapter 96, Statutes of 2025), for every congressional election until the new congressional boundary lines are drawn by the commission in 2031; and
WHEREAS, at the time of considering and approving ACA 8, legislators found the following: (a) President Donald Trump has called on Republican-led states to undertake an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting of congressional seats to rig the 2026 United States midterm elections before voting begins, (b) the State of Texas has convened a special session of its Legislature to redraw congressional district maps to unfairly advantage Republicans, (c) the Legislature of the State of Florida has established a select committee to advance an extraordinary mid-decade redistricting to unfairly advantage Republicans, (d) Republicans have urged the State of Ohio to conduct its mid-decade redistricting to unfairly produce more Republican seats in Congress, (e) Republican officials in the States of Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 441 of 520 RES. NO. 8409
2 and South Carolina are also considering President Trump’s call for the mid-decade redistricting of congressional seats to unfairly advantage Republicans; and WHEREAS, AB 604, as amended in the Senate on August 18, 2025, stipulates the following: a) add legal descriptions of the boundaries of 52 congressional districts, b) provide that the district boundaries in this bill become operative only if ACA 8 (Rivas and McGuire) is approved by the voters, takes effect, and becomes operative because another state voluntarily puts a new congressional map into effect, c) provide that if any ambiguity or dispute arises regarding the location of a boundary line for the districts contained in this bill, the Secretary of State (SOS) and the elections official of each county shall rely on detailed maps posted by the Assembly Elections Committee and the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments of the congressional districts’ boundaries proposed by this bill, d) Sunset the provisions of this bill once a new congressional map is certified by the Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) pursuant to the California Constitution, e) add a severability clause, and f) add an urgency clause, allowing this bill to take effect immediately upon enactment; and WHEREAS, related bill is Senate Bill (SB) 280, Elections, authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside which was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, calls a special statewide election for November 4, 2025, requires the Secretary of State (SOS) to submit ACA 8 to the voters for their consideration, and provides for the conduct of the election; and
WHEREAS, SB 280 also provides modifications for the June 2, 2026, statewide primary election if ACA 8 is approved by voters; and
WHEREAS, according to Senator Cervantes’ statement included in the Senate Floor Analysis, “California cannot stand idly by while Republicans rig the rules in Texas and other GOP states undermine fair representation in Congress, effectively silencing our state’s voters. The bill provides the necessary steps and funding to conduct a statewide special election on November 4 to allow the Legislature to redraw California’s Congressional districts if Texas and other GOP states pursue partisan gerrymanders to eliminate seats now held by Democrats. Following the 2030 Census, as already scheduled, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission would then redraw new congressional maps. SB 280 also makes changes to the June 2026 statewide primary that will go into effect if ACA 8 is approved by California voters and AB 604 becomes operative”; and
WHEREAS, the California State Assembly released the proposed draft maps of Congressional districts 1, 3, 9, 13, 22, 27, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and at least 5 of these districts are held today by Republicans; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 50 is an attempt to counterbalance the congressional redistricting efforts by President Trump and Republican states in order to support the democratic process and protect Californians; and
WHEREAS, Taking a position on a ballot measure in an open and public meeting where all perspectives may be shared is permissible (Vargas v. City of Salinas, 46 Cal.4th 1, 35-37 (2009).
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 442 of 520 RES. NO. 8409
3 See also Choice-In Education League vs. Los Angeles Unified Sch. District, 17 Cal.App.4th 415, 429- 430 (1993)).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, FIND, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. City Council finds that the foregoing Recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The San Fernando City Council supports ACA 8 (Rivas – McGuire), AB 604 (Aguiar-Curry – Gonzalez), SB 280 (Cervantes – Pellerin), and Proposition 50, collectively known as the Election Rigging Response Act, which would require the State of California to temporarily use new congressional district maps for the elections held from 2026 through 2030.
SECTION 3. The Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof. This Resolution shall take effect immediately up its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 6th day of October, 2025.
Mary Mendoza, Mayor of the City of San
Fernando, California
ATTEST:
Julia Fritz, City Clerk
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 443 of 520 RES. NO. 8409
4 CERTIFICATION
I, City Clerk of the City of San Fernando, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution No. 8409 which was regularly introduced and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 6th day of October, 2025, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Fernando, California, this _____ day of October, 2025.
Julia Fritz, City Clerk
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 444 of 520 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 445 of 520 This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 446 of 520
AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers
From: Mayor Mary Mendoza
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion and Consideration to Co-Sponsor the Parents/Educators/Teachers & Students in Action Community Expungement Fall Event, Approve Use of the City Seal, and Request to Waive Facility Use Fees
RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda for discussion (Attachment “A”) to recommend that the City Council:
a. Approve Co-Sponsorship of the Parents/Educators/Teachers & Students in Action Community Expungement Fall Event to provide information and resources to the community; b. Approve the use of the City seal on the printed material and social media; pursuant to City Council Ordinance No. 1724 (Attachment “B”); and
c. Waive fees for use of City facilities (Attachment “C”) for the co-sponsored event.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no budget impact associated with co-sponsoring the event. The City’s sponsorship will be limited to in-kind use of social media outlets for marketing purposes and posting the event on the City website. If approved, the City will waive the facility use fee of $439.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration B. Ordinance No. 1724
C. Facility Fee Waiver Request Form
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 447 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
Mary Mendoza
City Co-Sponsorship of the Community Expungement Fall Event – October 11, 2025 ✔ ✔ ✔
Parents/Educators/Teachers & Students in Action (PESA), a community-based organization, is planning a Community Expungement Fall Event on October 11, 2025, in the City of San Fernando.
The purpose of this event is to provide expungement services to residents, offer educational presentations, and share important resources with the public.
By co-sponsoring the event, the City of San Fernando can demonstrate its commitment to second chances, educational access, and community empowerment. City support will help expand outreach, increase participation, and ensure residents are aware of opportunities to clear records, learn about their rights, and access supportive services.
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve City of San Fernando co-sponsorship of the Community Expungement Fall Event on October 11, 2025, in partnership with Parents/Educators/Teachers & Students in Action ((PESA).
2. Waive facility fees for the event.
3. Authorize use of the City of San Fernando logo for promotional materials.
4. Direct staff to promote the event through the City’s official social media platforms. ✔
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "A"
ORDINANCE NO. 1724
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO AMENDING ARTICLE 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF CHAPTER 1 (GENERAL
PROVISIONS AND PENALTIES) OF THE SAN FERNANDO MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ESTABLISH RESTRICTIONS AND PROTECTIONS AGAINST THE
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE CITY SEAL AND OTHER CITY LOGOS AND
INSIGNIAS
WHEREAS, the City of San Fernando has a City Seal and certain other logos and insignia that are not protected from unauthorized use by ordinance or copyright law; and WHEREAS, California Government Code § 34501.5 and Elections Code § 18304 solely protect city seals by prohibiting the use of a city seal in campaign literature or mass mailing with the intent to deceive voters; and
WHEREAS, the unauthorized use, reproduction or facsimile of a city seal for any purpose may create a misleading, erroneous or false impression that the document, item, statement, event, and/or organization is authorized, supported, and/or sponsored by the City or a public official; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to protect its official seal from all unauthorized uses to prevent fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and/or abuse; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to ensure that the City Seal, the City logo, and other City insignia are used only for purposes directly related to the official business of the City of San Fernando, or as expressly authorized.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Section 1-14 (Custodian of city seal) set forth under Article I (General Provisions) of Chapter 1 (General Provisions and Penalties) of the San Fernando Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety. Section 1-14 shall hereafter appear as follows:
Sec. 1-14. Reserved
SECTION 3. Section 1-13 (Description of the city seal) of Article I (General Provisions) of Chapter 1 (General Provisions and Penalties) of the San Fernando Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and replaced and superseded by the following net title and text:
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "B"
ORD. NO. 1724
2 Sec. 1-13. Custody and Use of the City Seal and City Logos and Insignias (a) Definitions.
“City Seal” means the official seal of the City of San Fernando as adopted by Ordinance No. 2. The common seal of the City of San Fernando described as consisting of a circular disc, 1⅞ inches in diameter, having a design cut thereon showing the San Fernando Mission with a rising sun, surrounded by the words "City of San Fernando, California, Incorporated Aug. 31, 1911.” The City Seal is depicted in color and in monochrome as follows:
“City Logo” means an illustrative logo depicting the City Seal in monochrome with the words “The City of San Fernando” overlay on top and with the letters “D” and “O” in the word “Fernando” interlocking.
“City Insignia” means in addition to the City Seal and City Logo as designated by the City Council, any other logos, website banners, letterhead, business cards, or emblems depicting or including the City of San Fernando, as approved by the City Manager.
(b) Use of City Seal, City Logo and City Insignia.
(1) The City Clerk or designee, acting as the custodian of the City Seal, City Logo and any City Insignia, is authorized to use or affix the City Seal, City Logo and any City Insignia to all certificates and documents as may be required by law, by this Municipal Code, or by City ordinance or resolution, to authenticate official City documents or to indicate institutional sanction for official, legal and ceremonial purposes.
(2) The City Seal, City Logo and any City Insignia shall only be used for purposes directly connected with the official business of the City of San Fernando, its City Council, boards and commissions, committees, officers or departments or for such other purposes as the City Council may specify by policy adopted by resolution.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 450 of 520 ORD. NO. 1724
3 (3) In the manner specified by City Council policy adopted by resolution, City officers, employees, members of the City Council and members of City boards, commissions and committees may use stationery, printed materials and other articles with the City Seal, City Logo or City Insignia while acting within the scope of their office or employment.
(4) The City Council retains the right to create variations of the City Seal and City Logo, and to adopt and establish other official City Seals and City Logos. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, centennial or other seals or logos which mark anniversaries, events, and/or any other City occasion the City Council wishes to commemorate. The City Seal and City Logo may only be altered pursuant to ordinance or resolution of the City Council. (5) The City Manager or designee is authorized to determine the appropriate use of City Insignia. The City Manager shall not approve any use of the City Insignia in such a manner as to suggest City endorsement of events, political issues, products, and other uses that are prohibited by law, or in a discriminatory manner or manner inconsistent with this chapter. (c) Prohibited Uses of City Seal, City Logo and City Insignia. (1) It is unlawful for any person or entity to make use of the City Seal, City Logo, and/or City Insignia or any portion, facsimile, mock-up, or reproduction thereof, or make or use of any design, symbol, emblem, insignia or similar device that is an imitation of said City Seal, City Logo, or City Insignia, or that may be mistaken therefor, that is designed, intended or likely to confuse, deceive or mislead the public, for private or commercial purposes or for any purpose other than the official business of the City without the express written consent of the City Council or as otherwise authorized by any policies and procedures adopted by City Council resolution.
(2) No person, firm, association, or corporation shall use the City Seal, City Logo, and/or City Insignia, or any facsimile thereof for purposes of supporting or opposing the nomination or election to any City or other public office of him or herself or any other person, or for purposes of supporting or opposing any ballot measure, nor include such City Seal, City Logo, and/or City Insignia on any writing distributed for purposes of influencing the action of the electorate, or any part thereof, in any election. This section shall not be applicable to writings issued by the City of San Fernando or the City Council as a whole pursuant to law.
(3) Unauthorized use of the City Seal, City Logo, and/or City Insignia for commercial, malicious, deceptive, fraudulent, or other unauthorized purposes without the express written authorization of the City of San Fernando is declared to be a public nuisance and the City can abate or enjoin such use pursuant to this Municipal Code.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 451 of 520 ORD. NO. 1724
4 (d) Penalties.
Violation of this section shall be an infraction or misdemeanor and punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Nothing herein prevents the City from using any other available civil and/or criminal remedies allowed by law to protect the City Seal, City Logo, and City Insignia from improper or illegal use.
SECTION 4. CEQA. The City Council has determined that the proposed Ordinance is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. Inconsistent Provisions. Any provision of the San Fernando Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to implement the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. Construction. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. To the extent the provisions of the San Fernando Municipal Code as amended by this Ordinance are substantially the same as the provisions of that Code as it read prior to the adoption of this Ordinance, those amended provisions shall be construed as continuations of the earlier provisions and not as new enactments.
SECTION 8. Authority and Publication. The City Clerk shall cause this ordinance or a summary hereof to be published in a newspaper of general circulation, published in the County of Los Angeles and circulated in the City, and if applicable, to be posted, in accordance with Section 36933 of the California Government Code; shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause a certified copy of this ordinance, together with proof of publication, to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.
SECTION 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force effective at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-first (31st) day after its passage.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 452 of 520 ORD. NO. 1724
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of San Fernando at a regular meeting held on the 2"^ day of April, 2024.
CelestelT'RofcJiezTIviayoT'arSe^city^
San Fernando, California
ATTEST:
n
Juli^Fritz, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/
Pilchard Padilla, Assistant City Attorney
5 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 453 of 520 ORD. NO. 1724
CERTIFICATION
I, City Clerk of the City of San Fernando, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Ordinance No. 1724 which was introduced on March 18, 2024, and adopted by the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California at a regular meeting duly held on the 2"^* day of April, 2024 by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES: Solorio, Fajardo, Mendoza, Rodriguez - 4
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
IN WITNESS WHERE OF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Fernando, California, this ! 6^"^^tiav of April, 2024.
J Fritz, City Clerk
6 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 454 of 520 THI CII Y O f r,
SAN hERNANID
FACILITY FEE WAIVER REQUEST FORM
ORGANIZATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION
ORGANIZATION NAME
Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action
CONTACT NAME EMAIL ADDRESS
Seymour Amster [email protected]
ADDRESS CITY STATE & ZIP CODE
14500 Roscoe Blvd. Fourth Floor Panorama City Ca. 91402 PHONE NO. FAX NO.
818-943-0613
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION Check only one
Ci! Non-Profit ID No: 46-2694430 D City Partner D Governmental Agency D Other Describe:
TYPE OF REQUEST
Iii Special Events Facility Fee Waiver D Facility Rental Fee Waiver HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION SOUGHT OUT ALL REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE FACILITIES PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF THE FEE WAIVER REQUEST? @ YES D NO Ifno, please list reason below
EVENT INFORMATION
DATE START TIME liZI AM END TIME AM SET-UP START @ AM CLEAN UP END O AM 10/11/25 9:00 a.m. M 12:00 G2J PM 7:00 PM 1:30 G2J PM
NAME OF EVENT
City of San Fernando - Community Expungement Fall Event
FACILITY REQUESTED (PARK NAME AND ROOM)
WHAT IS THE EVENT'S GENERAL CONTENT FOCUS? Check all that apply 121 Educat ion D Entertainment D Recreational D Screenings/ Vaccinations 121 Other
PLEASE PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF THE EVENT
Community Based Organizations will provide expungement services to the community, as well as have education presentations, and provide information to the public.
ANTICIPATED ATTENDANCE I
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE SAN FERNANDO RESIDENTS? 50 95%
TARGETED DEMOGRAPHICS Check all that apply
121 Children 121 Teens 121 Adult s D Seniors
ARE YOU COLLECTING A FEE OR DONATION FOR THE EVENT?
ES 121 NO If yes, please explain
Recreation & Community Services Department I 208 Park Avenue I San Fernando, CA 91340 I (818) 898-1290 I Form U RCS-013.l (05/2015) I Page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT "C"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 455 of 520 sAN F ERNANro FACILITY FEE WAIVER REQUEST FORM
EVENT INFORMATION Continued
PROJECTED REVENUES FROM EVENT Include: fees, donations external funding, etc. $ 0
PROJECTED EXPENSES FROM EVENT Minus: in-kind/volunteer support,gifts, etc. $ 3500.00
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, the undersigned, understand and agree to the following:
• I have read the City of San Fernando's Facility Fee Waiver Policy . • I am applying for a fee waiver based on the belief t hat my organization meets fill of the qualifying criteria in Section Ill of the Facility Fee Waiver Policy.
• I certify that all of the information on the request form is accurate to the best of my knowledge . • I understand and am willing to provide the City any additional documents upon request to expedite the approval process, which may include t he organization's financial statement, event financial state ment, and/or a letter from the IRS proving active non-profit status.
• I understand that submission of this request does not guarantee approval of fee waivers . • I understand that all faci lity requirements and policies must be followed regardless of the fee waiver/reduction . • I understand t hat all decisions are final.
PRINT NAME SIGNA~ DATE
Seymour Amster o t I --z. </ 1 ?__yOFFICE USE ONLY- DO NOT WRITE BELOW T_J:HSLINE FACILITY USE/ SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION (INCLUDl~AYMENT) RECEIVED BY DATE
REVIEWED BY DATE TOTAL FEE WAIVER REQUEST
$
APPROVED DATE TOTAL FEE WAIVER APPROVED
YES O $
Recreation & Commun•ly S!!!rv1ces Departmenl 208 Park Avenue I San Fernando, CA 91340 I (818) 898 1290 I form II RCS-013.l (05/2015) I Page 2 of 2 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 456 of 520 Please initial on each line to show that you have read and understand each statement
1. L / ___ This is only an application. No application will be received in advance of six months prior to the date requested. Permits are on a first come first serve basis. The person requesting any public facility certifies that all information herein is complete and factual to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. There is a $10 application fee, a $165 conditionally, refundable security deposit and 20% of total payment due at time of pa~ent Security deposits will be returned as a check or credit card refund 30 days after the event.
2. _;_/_ t.----__,/ ___ I understand that any fees charged MUST BE PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS (10 business days) PRIOR to the requested date of use. All payments must be made at the San Fernando Recreation and Community Services Department office during business hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. The office is closed Sa.Jafrday and Sunday.
3. ~/_ ,____ _ __,/ ___ I and/or we understand and hereby agree that I and/or we shall be personally and financially responsible for all destruction of, damage to, or unnecessary abuse of City buildings, grounds or equipment in any ~y arising out of the use of occupancy thereof by me (the agent) or by our organization.
4. ..;/ _ __, 't ___ The undersigned further states that, to the best ofhisfher knowledge, the City property, for use of which application is hereby made, will not be used for the commission of any act intended to further any program or movement the purpose of which is to accomplish the overthrow of the Government of the United Sjl" b~ force, violence or other unlawful means.
5. ___ The use and/or advertising of drugs, alcohol (Permit Required) or tobacco products are NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME on or in City facilities. NO SMOKING is allowed on or in City facilities. Betting arn)/or other forms of gambling is NOT ALLOWED.
6. _/_ <-----,__,/ ___ Responsible adults (21 years or older) must be present AT ALL TIMES when a group of minors are using the facilities.
7. /2--j ___ There will be no added chairs and/or tables than the said number ( #) on the contract. All final changes to the contract MUST BE MADE 2 WEEKS (10 business days) PRIOR to the requested date of use.
8. Pt Supplies or equipment such as tables, chairs, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, etc. shall not be removed.from the facility to which assigned. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of security deposit.
9. /1---- I Arrival of set party shall not be earlier or later than set time on contract. Departure of set party shall not exceed set time on contract. Set-up/Clean-up time MUST be accounted for in the set time of the Contract. A penalty charge will be assessed if departure is later than set time.
10. /1:: I Persons in attendance shall restrict their activities to those facilities, or portions thereof, th!1r_::pplication entitles them. Failure to comply may result in the termination of the event.
11. _/_~__, 't ___ There will be no storage provided. Items/articles CAN NOT BE LEFT PRIOR to the event nor AFTER the event ( ex. food, decorations, etc ... ). The City of San Fernando is not responsible for any personal itpjllsjarticles lost, stolen, or misplaced.
12. _(_ v__,I ___ I understand, that no cooking is allowed inside nor outside the facility. Use ofanypropane or charcoal burning grills, as well as taqueros is not allowed. All food must be prepared off site. Use of chaffing dishes is allowed to keep food items warm.
13. /1---"" / ___ Fog Machines are NOT ALLOWED. No materials will be attached to ceilings, doors, walls or curtains. All balloons and decorations must be taken down during clean-up of event Failure to comply will r~n forfeiture of security deposit.
14. __ _,/ ___ Upon conclusion of the event, the agent and/or the organization must leave the facilities in the same condition as found. CLEANING OF THE FACILITIES IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE SET CONTRACT TIME. This includes sweeping and mopping of the facilities. Such condition to be determined by an authorized representative. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of security deposit and may result in a penalty fee if time exceeds contract time.
15. ~ / ___ .Staff has the authority to stop the event if rules are not followed as agreed on set contract.
16. __ _,/ ___ Prior to the approval of the application, all promotional materials intended to be used must be approved by the Department. Exceptions to any of the terms and conditions of this policy must have the approval of the Director of Recreation and Community Services.
I have read, understood and hereby agree to all items and conditions listed above. 08/26/25
Signature of Other Responsible Party Date
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AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Councilmember Patty Lopez
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion on Repair Status of Damaged Mall Entrance Sign RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 461 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
THE CITY Of """"f
SAN ~ERNANill -
Patty Lopez Councilwoman
Repair Status of Damaged Mall Entrance Sign
□ □ □ □
Mall Entrance Sign (Mission Blvd and San Fernando Rd )
It has been two months since a car collided with the sign located at one of the entrances to the mall, and the damajge has yet to be repaired. I would like to know what actions we, as a council, are planning to take and how much longer the repairs will take to be completed.
The image of our city must be maintained in the best possible condition, and by leaving this damage unrepairable for so long, we are sending a message that we are not paying attention to the upkeep of our public spaces.
I recommend that the City Council initiate or expedite the repair process for the damaged mall entrance sign.
This may include assigning a contractor, setting a timeline for completion, and allocating necessary funds if not already done. Additionally, I suggest we establish a policy or timeline for addressing similar public damages to ensure timely repairs in the future.
Monday, Octobe 6, 2025
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "A"
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AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Councilmember Patty Lopez
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion on Current Condition of Green Spaces in San Fernando Parks and Cindy Montañez Park
RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 465 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
THE CITY Of """"f
SAN ~ERNANill -
Patty Lopez Councilwoman
Current Condition of Green Spaces in
San Fernando Parks and Cindy Montanez Park
□ □ □ □ □
The maintenance and health of green spaces in city parks are vital for the well-being of our community, especially for residents without access to private outdoor areas.
This item proposes a discussion to:
Assess the current condition of green spaces across all city parks.Identify the underlying causes of vegetation decline (e.g., irrigation issues, maintenance schedules, funding).Explore sustainable solutions, such as improved irrigation systems, replanting initiatives, and potential community involvement.
Coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department to develop an action plan for restoration and long-term upkeep.This discussion aims to ensure that all residents have continued access to clean, green, and welcoming public spaces.
Recently, there has been noticeable deterioration in the grass and vegetation at several city parks, impacting their usability and appearance.
Proposed Solutions:
Upgrade and repair irrigation systems to ensure efficient watering.
Establish a regular maintenance schedule with monthly inspections.
Replant drought-resistant native vegetation to reduce water use.
Allocate specific budget funds for park restoration and upkeep Engage the community through volunteer clean-up and planting days.
Monday,October 6, 2025.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "A"
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AGENDA REPORT
CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Councilmember Joel Fajardo
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion Regarding Potential Improvements at Cindy Montañez Natural Park RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENT:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 469 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending. dd,D
EdΗΗ
Joel Fajardo Councilmember
Discussion of Cindy Montañez Natural Park
✔ ✔ ✔ TBD
City Council will discuss topics related to Cindy Montañez Natural Park, including potential park improvements, cleanups, grants, neighborhood outreach, and the possibility of designating the park as a monarch butterfly reserve.
Provide staff with direction regarding Cindy Montañez Natural Park. ✔
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AGENDA REPORT
CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager To: Mayor Mary Mendoza and Councilmembers
From: Councilmember Joel Fajardo
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion Regarding Updates to the San Fernando City Council Procedural Manual RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENT:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration, with Exhibit “A” – San Fernando City Council Procedural Manual October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 473 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending. dd,D
EdΗΗ
Joel Fajardo Councilmember
Updates to San Fernando City Council Procedural Manual
✔ ✔ ✔
City Council will discuss the San Fernando City Council Procedural Manual and suggest any revisions to improve clarity or operations.
Provide staff with recommended changes so an update can be prepared for adoption at the next City Council meeting.
✔
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 474 of 520
PROCEDURAL MANUAL
Adopted: July 3, 1995 Resolution No. 6434
Amended: March 16, 1998 Resolution No. 6604
August 7, 2000 Resolution No. 6743
July 21, 2003 Ordinance No. 1543
July 20, 2009 Resolution No. 7328
December 7, 2009 Resolution No. 7346
May 3, 2010 Resolution No. 7376
September 19, 2011 Resolution No. 7454
May 4, 2015 Resolution No. 7664
October 19, 2015 Resolution No. 7704
May 7, 2018 Resolution No. 7850
August 20, 2018 Resolution No. 7883
March 18, 2019 Resolution No. 7907
August 19, 2019 Resolution No. 7916
ATTACHMENT "A"
EXHIBIT "A"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 475 of 520 ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. MEETINGS........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Regular Meetings.................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Adjourned Meetings............................................................................................... 1
1.3 Special Meetings..................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Meeting Notices (Regular, Special and Adjourned)................................................ 2
1.5 Meetings to be Public ............................................................................................. 2
1.6 Closed Sessions - Matters of Discussion................................................................. 2
1.7 Closed Sessions Confidentiality .............................................................................. 3
1.8 Quorum; Vote Requirements ................................................................................. 3
1.9 Unexcused Absences .............................................................................................. 4
2. AGENDA PROCEDURES AND ORDER OF BUSINESS ........................................................... 4
2.1 Agenda .................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Agenda Deadline..................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Posting of Notice and Agenda................................................................................. 6
2.4 Roll Call.................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Approval of Agenda ................................................................................................ 6
2.6 Approval of Consent Calendar................................................................................ 7
2.7 Approval of Minutes............................................................................................... 7
2.8 Public Hearings........................................................................................................ 7
2.9 Public Hearing Items............................................................................................... 8
2.10 Non-Agenda Items.................................................................................................. 9
2.11 Adjournment........................................................................................................... 9
3. PRESIDING OFFICER............................................................................................................ 9
3.1 Presiding Officer...................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Call to Order............................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Participation of Presiding Officer.......................................................................... 10
3.4 Question or Motion to be Stated.......................................................................... 10
3.5 Signing of Documents........................................................................................... 10
3.6 Maintenance of Order .......................................................................................... 10
3.7 Duration of Meeting ............................................................................................. 10
4. RULES, DECORUM, AND ORDER ...................................................................................... 11
4.1 Points of Order...................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Decorum and Order – Councilmember ................................................................ 11
4.3 Decorum and Order – Employees......................................................................... 11
4.4 Decorum and Order – Public................................................................................. 12 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 476 of 520 iii
4.5 Enforcement of Decorum ..................................................................................... 12
4.6 Personal Interest .................................................................................................. 12
4.7 Limitations of Debate............................................................................................ 12
4.8 Dissents and Protests............................................................................................ 13
4.9 Procedures in Absence of Rules............................................................................ 13
5. ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL ..................................................................................... 13
5.1 Manner of Addressing the City Council ................................................................ 13
5.2 Time Limitation ..................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Addressing the City Council After Motion is Made .............................................. 14
5.4 Written Correspondence ...................................................................................... 14
6. MOTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 14
6.1 Processing of Motions........................................................................................... 14
6.2 Motions Out of Order ........................................................................................... 14
6.3 Division of Motion................................................................................................. 15
6.4 Precedence of Motions......................................................................................... 15
6.5 Motion to Adjourn (Not Debatable) ..................................................................... 15
6.6 Motion to Fix Hour of Adjournment..................................................................... 15
6.7 Motion to Table .................................................................................................... 16
6.8 Motion to Call for the Previous Question............................................................. 16
6.9 Motion to Amend.................................................................................................. 16
6.10 Motion to Continue .............................................................................................. 16
6.11 General Consent ................................................................................................... 16
7. VOTING ............................................................................................................................. 16
7.1 Voting Procedure .................................................................................................. 16
7.2 Voting.................................................................................................................... 17
7.3 Failure to Vote ...................................................................................................... 17
7.4 Reconsideration .................................................................................................... 17
8. RESOLUTIONS ................................................................................................................... 17
8.1 Resolutions Prepared in Advance......................................................................... 17
8.2 Resolutions Not Prepared in Advance .................................................................. 18
8.3 Urgency Resolutions............................................................................................. 18
9. ORDINANCES .................................................................................................................... 18
9.1 Introduction (First Reading).................................................................................. 18
9.2 Adoption (Second Reading) .................................................................................. 18
9.3 Amendment Following Introduction .................................................................... 19
9.4 Effective Date........................................................................................................ 19 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 477 of 520 iv
9.5 Publishing.............................................................................................................. 19
9.6 Urgency Ordinances.............................................................................................. 19
10. MINUTES........................................................................................................................... 20
10.1 Preparation of Minutes......................................................................................... 20
10.2 Absence of City Clerk ............................................................................................ 20
11. REORGANIZATION............................................................................................................ 20
11.1 Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor ..................................................................... 20
11.2 Selection of City Council Liaison and Delegates................................................... 21
12. COMMITTEES.................................................................................................................... 21
12.1 General.................................................................................................................. 21
12.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................. 21
12.3 Limitations on Authority ....................................................................................... 22
12.4 Applicable Laws and Regulations.......................................................................... 22
12.5 Meeting Date and Time ........................................................................................ 22
12.6 Quorum................................................................................................................. 22
12.7 Staffing .................................................................................................................. 22
12.8 Agendas................................................................................................................. 23
12.9 Report on Activities of Standing Committees....................................................... 23
13. PROCEDURE FOR FILLING CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES ..................................................... 23
14. PRIORITY GOAL SETTING MEETING ................................................................................. 24
15. OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD AND OTHER STATIONERY USE POLICIES .................................... 25
15.1 Authorized Use of Letterhead............................................................................... 25
15.2 Unauthorized Use of Official Letterhead or Other Official Stationery ................. 25
15.3 Preparation of Communications Using Official Letterhead or Other Official Stationery.............................................................................................................. 26
15.4 Counterfeit Letterhead or Stationery ................................................................... 26
15.5 Definitions............................................................................................................. 27
16. STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST........................................................................... 27
16.1 Form 700 Overview............................................................................................... 27
16.2 Timely Submission of Annual Statements of Economic Interest.......................... 27
16.3 Review by City Clerk and City Attorney ................................................................ 28 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 478 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 1
PREAMBLE
These rules are enacted pursuant to Government Code Section 36813 to provide decorum and order at City Council meetings and to promote the efficient conduct of those meetings. The rules govern the procedures of the City Council itself and the conduct of individual Councilmembers. It is also intended that the rules govern the conduct of City staff and members of the public who attend City Council meetings. In the event of a conflict between these rules of procedures and any provision of State or Federal law, including but not limited to the Ralph M. Brown Act codified at Section 54950 et seq. of the California Government Code, the State or Federal law controls.
The source for many guidelines is set forth beneath the text of the section.
Because circumstances may differ from one meeting to the next, these rules are intended as guidelines, and are not inflexible rules. Accordingly, they may be waived at any meeting, by Motion, in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
1. MEETINGS
1.1 REGULAR MEETINGS
Consistent with Section 2-61 (regular meetings) of the San Fernando Municipal Code, regular meetings of the City Council of the City of San Fernando are held in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, California, on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. When the day of the regular Council meeting falls on a legal holiday, the meeting will be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day that is not a holiday. The foregoing notwithstanding, the City Council will not convene for regular City Council meetings that would otherwise occur on the third Monday in December, unless the City Council, by majority vote of the body, determines in any given year that such meeting should be held. Nothing in this section shall prevent the City Council from calling any special meeting, adjourned special meeting, adjourned regular meeting or emergency meeting in the month of December that may be deemed necessary for the conduct of City business.
1.2 ADJOURNED MEETINGS
Any meeting may be adjourned to a time, place and date certain, but not beyond the next regular meeting.
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1.3 SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings may be called at any time by the Mayor or three members of the City Council by a written notice as outlined in Section 1.4 below. Only matters contained in the notice may be considered.
1.4 MEETING NOTICES (REGULAR, SPECIAL AND ADJOURNED)
Notices for regular meetings are to be posted with the regular meeting in the manner prescribed under Section 2.3 and in accordance with State law. As prescribed by Government Code Sections 54955 and 54956, notices for special meeting or meetings that have been adjourned by the City Clerk shall be delivered to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation and radio or television station requesting such notice in writing. The notice shall be delivered personally via electronic delivery and shall be received at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting as specified in the notice. The City Clerk shall also comply with all other noticing and posting requirements set forth under Government Code Sections 54955 and 54956 as applicable.
1.5 MEETINGS TO BE PUBLIC
All regular, adjourned, and special meetings of the City Council shall be open to the public; provided, however, the City Council may hold closed sessions for purposes outlined in the following section. (Government Code Section 54953)
1.6 CLOSED SESSIONS - MATTERS OF DISCUSSION
The City Council may hold closed sessions, from which the public may be excluded, for consideration of any item for which closed sessions are permitted by State law. The following subjects are typically conducted in closed session:
a. LICENSE/PERMIT DETERMINATION (Government Code Section 54956.7) b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54956.8)
c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9, Subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9) d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9)
e. LIABILITY CLAIMS (Government Code Section 54956.95)
f. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICE OR FACILITIES (Government Code Section 54957) October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 480 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 3 g. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Government Code Sections 54957 and 54957.6)
i. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
ii. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
iii. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
iv. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Government Code
Section 54957.6)
h. CASE REVIEW/PLANNING (Government Code Section 54957.8) i. REPORT INVOLVING TRADE SECRET (Sections 1461, 32106, and 32155 of the Health and Safety Code or Sections 37606 and 37624.3 of the Government Code)
j. Any other purpose specifically authorized by law.
The City Council shall publicly report at the public meeting during which the closed session is held any action taken and the roll call vote thereon, unless a late time is permitted for such report. In no case shall the report be delayed later than the next regular meeting of the City Council.
1.7 CLOSED SESSIONS CONFIDENTIALITY
All matters discussed during closed sessions shall be private and confidential.
The disclosure by any person of the topics or details of such matters is prohibited, except by the City Attorney who is designated to make any disclosures required by State law.
1.8 QUORUM; VOTE REQUIREMENTS
a. Three of the City Council’s five total members shall constitute a quorum. A quorum of the City Council shall be required for the City Council to conduct a City Council meeting and transact official business.
b. Except as otherwise provided by applicable State or federal law, if a quorum or more of the City Council’s total membership is present for a vote on an item of business, motions on such items may be approved by a simple majority of the members present and participating in the vote, excluding those members who have recused themselves from a vote. Member who abstain on a motion but who do not recuse themselves shall be counted toward the quorum.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 481 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 4 c. Paragraph (b) of this Section notwithstanding, as required by Government Code Section 36936, resolutions, orders for the payment of money and ordinances shall require no less than three (3) affirmative votes of the total membership of the City Council in order to be approved. d. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section notwithstanding, as required by State law, urgency ordinances and urgency interim zoning ordinances within the meaning of Government Code Sections 36937 and 65858, respectively shall require a minimum of (4) affirmative votes of the City Council’s total membership to be approved. The City Council shall comply with all other applicable supermajority approval requirements prescribed by State or federal law for certain ordinances, resolutions or motions.
1.9 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
a. If a Councilmember, without the prior permission of the City Council, is absent from all regular meetings of the City Council for 60 days consecutively from the last regular meeting he/she attended, his/her office becomes vacant and shall be filled as any other vacancy, as provided by Government Code Section 36513.
b. If a Councilmember is absent without permission for two (2) consecutive regular meetings, the City Clerk shall use his or her best efforts to send a courtesy e-mail and regular mail notice to the absent Councilmember within fourteen (14) business days of the second missed regular meeting, notifying him or her of the provisions of this policy and Government Code Section 36513. The delivery of such notice is purely a courtesy extended to members of the City Council and failure of the City Clerk to deliver or timely deliver such notice shall not operate to prevent the seat of a Councilmember who has been absent without permission from all regular meetings of the City Council for 60 or more consecutive days from being declared vacant. It is the personal responsibility of each Councilmember to keep track of his or her attendances of all meetings of the City Council so to avoid vacating his or her City Council seat.
c. If a regular meeting of the City Council is cancelled or is otherwise rescheduled for any reason, the 60 consecutive unexcused absence period shall reset for all members of the City Council.
2. AGENDA PROCEDURES AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
2.1 AGENDA
The order of business of each City Council meeting shall be as contained in the Agenda prepared by the City Manager. The City Council shall follow the order of October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 482 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 5 business as outlined in the prepared Agenda. Items may be taken out of order by the Presiding Officer or by majority consent of the City Council.
The Agenda for all regular meetings, with all background staff reports, shall be available to the public at the meeting and 72 hours in advance of the meeting (usually on Thursday of the prior week) at the City Clerk’s office.
The Agenda may be amended in accordance with State law, prior to any meeting.
2.2 AGENDA DEADLINE
a. A citizen requesting to place an item on a City Council agenda may submit a written request at any time to the City Council (or any Councilmember). The request may also be made during the public comment portion of a City Council meeting.
Items raised by the public during public comment, may be referred to staff by the City Council for follow up and possible placement on a future agenda for formal action.
A Councilmember wishing to sponsor a citizen request may place the item on an upcoming agenda under the heading “Administrative Reports.” b. When a member of the City Council wishes to have an item placed on an agenda of an upcoming City Council meeting, the following procedures shall be followed:
i. The member wishing to have an item placed on an agenda for an upcoming meeting shall provide the City Clerk with an agenda report that provides a general description of the item, the desired action and includes any other relevant written materials or information which the member would like to have considered at the meeting. The agenda report and any other supplementary material must be submitted to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. the Wednesday preceding the City Council meeting. Except as provided in paragraph b.ii. of this Section 2.2, all items requested to be placed on an agenda by a Councilmember shall appear on the agenda for discussion and action. No items, however, shall be placed on the agenda without an agenda report.
ii. Items that have been previously agendized, discussed and determined by action of the City Council are discouraged from being placed on the agenda for an upcoming meeting by a Councilmember unless the Councilmember can demonstrate a change of circumstances pertaining to the item or present new October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 483 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 6 information of substantial importance that was not known at the time previous City Council action occurred. In such case, the Councilmember must follow the procedures set forth in
paragraph b.i above and include in the agenda report the reason for reconsideration of the item, i.e., changed circumstances, new information, etc., with supporting information. The item shall be tentatively placed on the agenda as a repeat item under the heading “Administrative Reports.” The repeat item, however, shall not be discussed nor acted upon by the City Council unless the repeat item is first approved for discussion as set forth in Section 2.5.
2.3 POSTING OF NOTICE AND AGENDA
Copies of the Notice and Agenda shall be delivered and posted in accordance with State law.
a. Location of Posting – Notices and Agendas shall be posted at the following locations:
i. Bulletin board at City Hall, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, California, 91340; and
ii. City’s website: www.sfcity.org .
2.4 ROLL CALL
A roll call of Councilmembers shall be held at the beginning of each City Council meeting by the City Clerk, who shall enter the names of those present in the minutes.
2.5 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda shall include an item entitled “Approval of Agenda” to occur immediately after “roll call.” During the “Approval of Agenda” portion of the meeting, the City Council shall determine whether to consider repeat items submitted by Councilmembers pursuant to paragraph b.2. of Section 2.2. A Councilmember may make a motion to approve the agenda as presented or make a motion to approve the agenda with the elimination of the repeat item(s) tentatively placed on the agenda under the heading “Administrative Report”. If the agenda is approved as presented, the request to consider a repeat item is deemed approved and discussion and action on that item may occur during City Council items.
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2.6 APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar includes agenda items that are non-controversial or routine in nature, or have been previously discussed at length and there is group consensus. These items are grouped together and voted on in one motion. Any Councilmember may request that an item on the Consent Calendar be removed to be discussed and considered separately.
If the Consent Calendar includes second reading and adoption of an Ordinance, the motion to approve the Consent Calendar shall include a statement that the City Council waive full reading and adopt the ordinance by title only, unless full reading was already waived as part of the motion to approve the ordinance for first reading.
2.7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Unless the reading of the minutes of the previous Council meeting is requested by a majority of the City Council, such minutes may be approved without reading if the Clerk has previously furnished each Councilmember with a copy thereof.
2.8 PUBLIC HEARINGS
The following procedure for conducting public hearings should be followed:
a. The Presiding Officer shall introduce the public hearing matter by title and open the public hearing.
b. At the direction of the City Manager, the appropriate staff member presents the staff report and recommendations. The City Council may pose questions to City staff.
c. If the public hearing is a quasi judicial proceeding, the applicant or appellant whose matter is before the City Council shall be afforded the opportunity address the City Council on the matter and receive questions from the City Council before proceedings are opened up for public comment. d. The Presiding Officer shall open the public comment and testimony portion of the public hearing.
e. Councilmember should refrain from interrupting or posing questions to members of the public during their allotted time to speak, however the Presiding Officer may interject if the person speaking becomes disruptive to the proceedings or otherwise fails to comply with meeting decorum rules or if the person speaking is discussing issues unrelated to the business at hand.
Councilmembers may also interject with motions to raise points of privilege (e.g., to advise that the Councilmember cannot hear the speaker or that October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 485 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 8 there is some other condition of the proceedings that is disruptive or distracting).
f. After all members of the public have been given an opportunity to comment on the public hearing matter, the Presiding Officer will announce closing of the public comment portion of the public hearing.
g. If the public hearing is a quasi judicial proceeding, the applicant or appellant whose matter is before the City Council shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to questions posed by members of the public and/or rebut or provide clarification response to comments and other assertions made by members of the public.
h. Councilmembers may the pose additional questions to City staff and/or project applicants or appellants before it begins deliberations on the matter. i. The City Council shall then deliberate on the matter until such time as the City Council is ready to entertain a motion to close the public hearing and vote on the matter.
j. If the City Council wishes to receive additional information before taking action on the matter, the City Council may move to reopen the public hearing so that the City Council may receive additional information. The City Council may also move to continue the public hearing.
2.9 PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
The following are typical items which require the holding of a public hearing by the City Council prior to formal action:
a. Abandonment of Streets
(Amendments to Fees and Areas of Benefit)
b. Amendments to the Zoning and Ordinances which are Site Specific c. Budget Adoption
d. Conditional Use Permit Appeals
e. Franchises, Granting of
f. General Plan Amendments
g. Grant/Fund Applications When Federal/State Regulations so Mandate h. Housing and Community Development Act Funds
i. Moratorium Extensions
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 486 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 9 j. Thoroughfare Improvements
k. Underground Utility Districts, Establishment of
I. Vehicle Code Enforcement on Private Streets
m. Zoning Map Changes
n. Zone Variance Appeals
Other typical items may come before the City Council from time to time, for which State or Federal laws require the holding of a public hearing. In addition, the City Council may call for a public hearing for other items.
2.10 NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No matters other than those appearing on the posted agenda shall be acted upon by the City Council except in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Ralph M. Brown Act, codified at Section 54950 et seq. of the California Government Code. Any request to place a matter of business on a future agenda must be made in accordance with paragraph b of Section 2.2.
A proposal to create an Ad Hoc Committee for a matter or topic not directly related to the City Council's consideration and deliberation of an agendized action item must be agendized at a future meeting date before final action to create the Ad Hoc committee and to appoint its members can be taken.
2.11 ADJOURNMENT
To allow clarification of the record, a motion to adjourn a meeting to the next regular meeting should specify this. A motion to adjourn to an adjourned meeting shall specify the date, time and place of said adjourned meeting.
3. PRESIDING OFFICER
3.1 PRESIDING OFFICER
The Mayor shall be the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall preside. In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the City Council shall elect a temporary Presiding Officer to serve until the arrival of the Mayor or Vice Mayor or until adjournment.
3.2 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the City Council shall be called to order by the Mayor or if the Mayor is absent, the Vice Mayor. In the absence of both the Mayor and the Vice October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 487 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 10 Mayor, the meeting shall be called to order by the City Clerk, whereupon the City Clerk shall immediately call for the selection of a temporary Presiding Officer. In the absence of a quorum of three (3) Councilmembers, the City Clerk shall call the meeting to order and declare the same adjourned to a stated day and hour.
3.3 PARTICIPATION OF PRESIDING OFFICER
The Presiding Officer is primarily responsible for the conduct of the meeting; however, may move, second and debate from the Chair, subject only to such limitations of debate as are imposed on all Councilmembers, and shall not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a Councilmember by reason of being the Presiding Officer.
3.4 QUESTION OR MOTION TO BE STATED
The Presiding Officer may verbally restate each question immediately prior to calling for the vote. Following the vote, the Presiding Officer (or City Clerk) shall announce whether the question was carried or defeated, and may summarize the action taken by the City Council before proceeding to the next item of business.
3.5 SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS
The Mayor shall sign ordinances, resolutions and contracts approved by the City Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall sign all such documents as have been adopted and approved by the City Council. In the absence of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the temporary Presiding Officer shall sign all such documents.
3.6 MAINTENANCE OF ORDER
The Presiding Officer is responsible for the maintenance of order and decorum at all time. No person shall be allowed to speak who has not first been recognized by the Presiding Officer. All questions and remarks should be addressed to the Presiding Officer.
3.7 DURATION OF MEETING
If a meeting exceeds four hours, the Presiding Officer may call for a motion to adjourn all remaining items of business to an adjourned meeting, a special meeting or to the next regular meeting. For purposes of this section, the fourhour limit is inclusive of any special meeting, adjourned regular meeting or adjourned special meeting held immediately before or after a regular meeting October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 488 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 11
4. RULES, DECORUM, AND ORDER
4.1 POINTS OF ORDER
The Presiding Officer shall determine all Points of Order subject to the right of any Councilmember to appeal to the City Council. If an appeal is taken, the question shall be, “Shall the decision of the Presiding Officer be sustained?” in which event a majority vote shall govern and conclusively determine such question of order.
4.2 DECORUM AND ORDER – COUNCILMEMBER
a. Councilmembers shall accord the utmost courtesy to each other, to City employees, and to the general public appearing before the City Council and shall refrain at all times from derogatory remarks.
b. Every Councilmember desiring to speak shall address the Presiding Officer and, upon recognition by the Presiding Officer, shall confine discussion to the question under debate.
c. Every Councilmember desiring to question the administrative staff should address questions to the City Manager or City Attorney who shall be entitled to either answer the inquiry directly or to designate some member of the staff for that purpose.
d. A Councilmember, once recognized, shall not be interrupted while speaking, unless called to order by the Presiding Officer, or a Point of Order is raised by another Councilmember, or the speaker chooses to yield to questions from another Councilmember.
e. If a Councilmember is called to order while speaking, he/she shall cease speaking immediately until the question of order is determined; and if ruled out of order shall remain silent or shall alter his remarks so as to comply with rules of the City Council.
f. Any Councilmember may move to require the Presiding Officer to enforce the rules. A majority of the City Council shall require enforcement of the rules if the Presiding Officer has refused.
4.3 DECORUM AND ORDER – EMPLOYEES
Members of the Administrative staff and employees of the City shall observe the same rules of procedure and decorum applicable to members of the City Council.
The City Manager shall insure that all City employees observe such decorum. Any staff member, including the City Manager, desiring to address the City Council or members of the public shall first be recognized by the Presiding Officer. All October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 489 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 12 remarks should be addressed to the Presiding Officer and not to any one individual Councilmember or public member.
4.4 DECORUM AND ORDER – PUBLIC
The City Council, elected by the public, must be free to discuss issues confronting the City in an orderly environment. Public members attending City Council meetings shall observe the same rules of order and decorum applicable to the City Council. Any person making impertinent derogatory or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous while addressing the City Council or while attending the City Council meeting may be removed from the room if the Presiding Officer so directs the sergeant-at-arms and such person may be barred from further audience before the City Council.
Unrecognized remarks from the audience, clapping, stamping of feet, whistles, yells and similar demonstrations which do not permit the meeting to proceed in an orderly manner shall not be permitted by the Presiding Officer, who may direct the sergeant at-arms to remove such offenders from the room if they do not cease upon request by the Presiding Officer. Aggravated cases shall be prosecuted by appropriate complaint signed by the Presiding Officer.
4.5 ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
The Chief of Police shall be ex-officer sergeant-at-arms of the City Council.
He/she shall carry out all orders and instructions given him by the Presiding Officer for the purpose of maintaining decorum in the City Council Chambers.
Upon instructions from the Presiding Officer, it shall be the duty of the Chief of Police or his representative to eject any person from the City Council Chambers or place such person under arrest or both. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
4.6 PERSONAL INTEREST
No Councilmember disqualified from participation under State law or the City’s Conflict of Interest Code shall remain at the Council dais during the debate or vote on any such matter. The Councilmember shall publicly state the grounds for disqualification on the record and upon acceptance by the Presiding Officer shall leave the Council dais during the debate or vote on the issue.
4.7 LIMITATIONS OF DEBATE
No Councilmember should be allowed to speak more than once upon any one subject until every Councilmember choosing to speak has spoken. Merely asking a question, or making a suggestion, is not considered as speaking. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
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4.8 DISSENTS AND PROTESTS
Any Councilmember shall have the right to express dissent from, or protest to, any action of the Council and request that the reason be entered into the minutes. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
4.9 PROCEDURES IN ABSENCE OF RULES
In the absence of a rule to govern a point or procedure, Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
5. ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
5.1 MANNER OF ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
During the public comment portion of a regular meeting, members of the public may address the City Council on agenda items before consideration or on any subject matter within the City Council’s jurisdiction.
No member of the public shall enter into any discussion without first being recognized by the Presiding Officer. (Robert’s Rules of Order). All remarks and questions shall be addressed to the Presiding Officer and not to any individual Councilmember, staff member or other person.
Any member of the public desiring to address the City Council shall present the City Clerk with a speaker’s card, stating his/her name. For purpose of staff follow up, the speaker may also provide his/her address.
Members of the public that cannot attend the meeting may submit a letter or statement to include in the record, which must be received by the City Clerk’s Office no later than 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting to be provided to City Council and made available for public review. The City Clerk will not read written comments and the member of the public must be present to address the City Council. Public comment will not be accepted via telephone or video conference, or other medium of communication.
During a public hearing, all remarks shall be limited to the subject under consideration. For a special meeting, members of the public may address the City Council concerning any item listed on the agenda before or during consideration. Unlike regular meetings, the City Council does not have to allow public comment on non-agenda matters.
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5.2 TIME LIMITATION
Any public member addressing the City Council shall limit his address to three (3) minutes unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer or majority of the City Council.
The Presiding Officer shall have the discretion but not the obligation to allow members of the public to comment on items appearing on the agenda under Administrative Reports and Consent Calendar sections of the agenda.
5.3 ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL AFTER MOTION IS MADE
After a motion has been made, no member of the public shall address the City Council without securing permission of the Presiding Officer or by a majority vote of the City Council. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
5.4 WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
The City Manager is authorized to receive and open all mail addressed to the City Council as a whole, and give it immediate attention to the end that all administrative business, not necessarily requiring City Council action, may be disposed of between City Council meetings. Any communication requiring City Council action will be reported to the City Council at its next regular meeting together with a report and recommendation of the City Manager. The City Manager is authorized to open mail addressed to individual Councilmembers, unless specifically requested otherwise from an individual member.
6. MOTIONS
6.1 PROCESSING OF MOTIONS
When a motion is made and seconded, it may be stated by the Presiding Officer before debate. A motion may be withdrawn by the mover without the consent of the Councilmember seconding it.
6.2 MOTIONS OUT OF ORDER
The Presiding Officer, or a majority of the City Council, may at any time permit a member to introduce an ordinance, resolution or motion presently on the agenda out of the regular agenda order. (Reference Sections 2.1) (Robert’s Rules of Order)
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6.3 DIVISION OF MOTION
If a motion contains two or more divisible propositions, the Presiding Officer may, and upon request of a Councilmember shall (unless appealed by another Councilmember), divide the same. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.4 PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS
When a motion is before the City Council, no other motion shall be entertained except the following:
a. Adjourn
b. Fix Hour of Adjournment
c. Table
d. Previous Question
e. Amend
f. Postpone
(Robert’s Rules of Order).
6.5 MOTION TO ADJOURN (NOT DEBATABLE)
A motion to adjourn shall be in order at any time except as follows:
a. When repeated without intervening business or discussion, b. When made as an interruption of a Councilmember while speaking, c. When the previous question has been ordered, or
d. While a vote is being taken.
A motion to adjourn “to another time” (i.e., to an adjourned meeting) shall be undebatable and unamendable, except as to the time set. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.6 MOTION TO FIX HOUR OF ADJOURNMENT
A motion to specify a definite hour to which the subject meeting shall be adjourned is undebatable and unamendable, except as to the time set. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
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6.7 MOTION TO TABLE
A motion to table shall be used to temporarily bypass the subject and shall preclude all amendments or debate of the subject under consideration. If the motion shall prevail, the matter may be “taken from the table” at any time prior to the end of the next meeting. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.8 MOTION TO CALL FOR THE PREVIOUS QUESTION
Such a motion shall be used to close debate on the main motion and shall be undebatable. If the motion fails, debate shall be reopened if the motion passes, a vote shall be taken on the main motion. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.9 MOTION TO AMEND
A motion to amend shall be debatable only as to the amendment. An amendment modifying the intention of a motion shall be in order, but an amendment relating to a different matter shall not be in order. A substitute motion on the same subject shall be acceptable and voted first, then the main motion as amended. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.10 MOTION TO CONTINUE
Motions to continue to a definite time shall be amendable and debatable as to suitability of postponement and time set for postponement. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
6.11 GENERAL CONSENT
Unless otherwise required as noted in Section 7.2, the City Council may by general, unanimous or silent consent do business with less regard for formal motions. Where there appears to be no objection, the formality of voting can be avoided by the Presiding Officer asking if there is any objection by any Councilmember to the proposed action, and, if there is none, the Presiding Officer shall announce the result. The action thus taken is by general consent of the City Council. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
7. VOTING
7.1 VOTING PROCEDURE
Motions shall be adopted by voice vote, roll call vote or by the general consent/“no objection” method, as described in Section 6.11. The results of the vote shall be entered in full in the minutes.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 494 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 17 The order of a roll call vote shall be designated by the City Clerk, with the Mayor voting last.
Except as otherwise provided herein, the “no objection” method for expediting lengthy agendas may be used unless any Councilmember requests a voice or roll call vote. The approval of the motion in the minutes shall be reflected as a “no objection” vote or that the motion “carried unanimously”. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
Roll call votes shall be taken on all ordinances, resolutions, or orders for the payment of money unless the vote is unanimous.
Motions requiring a 4/5ths affirmative vote shall be announced by City staff prior to City Council consideration of the motion.
7.2 VOTING
Every ordinance, resolution or order for the payment of money requires three affirmative votes (with the exception of urgency ordinances, which require four affirmative votes). Any member may change his vote on any item before the next order of business. The votes shall be lost motions and may be reconsidered. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
7.3 FAILURE TO VOTE
Every Councilmember should vote unless disqualified for cause. Abstentions shall not be counted as a vote.
7.4 RECONSIDERATION
Any member who voted with the majority may move a reconsideration of any action at the same meeting. After a motion for reconsideration has once been acted upon, no other motion for reconsideration thereof shall be made without unanimous consent of the City Council. (Robert’s Rules of Order)
8. RESOLUTIONS
8.1 RESOLUTIONS PREPARED IN ADVANCE
Where a resolution has been prepared in advance, the procedure shall be:
staff/City Council report (if needed), discussion (if needed), motion, second, City Council votes, and results declared. All resolutions shall be read in full, unless the full reading is waived by unanimous consent of the City Council. Items of the Consent Calendar are automatically deemed to have the full reading waived by common consent. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure) October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 495 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 18
8.2 RESOLUTIONS NOT PREPARED IN ADVANCE
Where a resolution has not been prepared in advance, the procedure shall be to instruct the City Attorney or City Manager to prepare a resolution for presentation at the next City Council meeting. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
8.3 URGENCY RESOLUTIONS
In matters of urgency, a resolution may be presented verbally in motion form together with specific instructions for written preparation for later execution.
After the resolution has been verbally stated, the voting procedure for resolutions prepared in advance as stated in Section 8.1 shall be followed.
Urgency resolutions shall be avoided except when absolutely necessary and shall be avoided entirely when resolutions are required by law or in improvements acts, zoning matters and force account work on public project. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
9. ORDINANCES
9.1 INTRODUCTION (FIRST READING)
At the time of introduction, an ordinance shall be read in full, unless, after reading the title, reading is waived by unanimous consent of the City Council.
The procedure for introduction of an ordinance shall be: reading of the title by the Presiding Officer or City staff member, motion to introduce first reading, second, discussion (if needed), City Council votes, and results declared. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
9.2 ADOPTION (SECOND READING)
With the sole exception of ordinances which take effect immediately (as outlined in the following sections), no ordinance shall be adopted by the City Council on the day of introduction, nor within five days thereafter, nor at any time other than a regular or adjourned meeting.
If the Ordinance was unanimously approved at the time of introduction, adoption (second reading) of the ordinance may be placed on the Consent Calendar with the recommendation that City Council waive full reading of the ordinance and adopt by title only. If it was not unanimously approved at the time of introduction, the ordinance shall be read in full unless, after reading the title, the full reading is waived by unanimous consent of City Council. Unless approved on the Consent Calendar, the procedure for adoption of an ordinance shall be:
reading of the title by the Presiding Officer or City staff member, motion to pass, October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 496 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 19 second reading and adoption of ordinance second, discussion, vote and result declared. (Suggested League of California Cities Procedure)
9.3 AMENDMENT FOLLOWING INTRODUCTION
In the event that an ordinance is altered after its introduction, a motion for an amended introduction shall be required. The ordinance shall not be considered for adoption until five days thereafter and not at any meeting other than a regular or adjourned meeting. The correction of typographical or clerical errors shall not constitute making an alteration within the meaning of this Section.
9.4 EFFECTIVE DATE
All ordinances, except as listed below, shall become effective 30 days after adoption, or upon such later date as may be designated in the ordinance. The following ordinances shall become effective immediately upon adoption:
a. Urgency Ordinances;
b. Ordinances calling, or otherwise relating to, an election; c. Ordinances relating to street improvement proceedings; d. Ordinances relating to taxes for the usual and current expenses of the City; or
e. Ordinances covered by particular provisions of law prescribing the manner of their passage and adoption.
9.5 PUBLISHING
It shall be the duty of the City Clerk to cause each ordinance to be published within 15 days after adoption with the names of those Councilmembers voting for and against the ordinance.
9.6 URGENCY ORDINANCES
Any ordinance declared by the City Council to be necessary as an urgency measure for preserving the public peace, health or safety, and containing a statement of the reasons for its urgency, may be introduced and adopted at the same meeting. Such Ordinance must be passed by a least four affirmative votes.
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10. MINUTES
10.1 PREPARATION OF MINUTES
It is the City Clerk’s responsibility to maintain the record (minutes) of City Council meetings. Minutes shall be approved by the City Council, to lend further weight to the accuracy and completeness of the record. The City Clerk shall have exclusive responsibility for preparation of the minutes and any directions for changes to conform with fact shall be made by action of the City Council.
The City Clerk shall keep “Action Minutes” in order to maintain a full and true record of all proceedings of the City Council. The minutes shall consist of a clear and concise statement of each and every City Council action including the motions made and the vote thereon. Reasons for making motions or voting, City Council debate and audience reaction are generally not included in the minutes.
Such items may be included if considered to be particularly relevant or otherwise necessary by the City Clerk.
10.2 ABSENCE OF CITY CLERK
If the City Clerk is absent from a City Council meeting, the Deputy City Clerk shall act. If there is none, the Mayor shall appoint one of the Councilmembers as City Clerk Pro Tem. (Government Code Section 36804)
11. REORGANIZATION
11.1 SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 36801 “The City Council shall meet at the meeting at which the declaration of the election results for a general municipal election is made pursuant to Elections Code Sections 10262 and 10263 and, following the declaration of the election results and the installation of elected officials, choose one of its members as Mayor and one of its members as Mayor Pro Tempore.” The terms of office of the Mayor of the City Council and Vice Mayor shall be for one year, or until their successors have been chosen. In those years in which a general municipal election is not held, the City Council shall choose a Mayor of the City Council and Vice Mayor at the first regular meeting in December. Nothing herein shall be deemed or construed to prohibit any person from serving any number of consecutive one-year terms in any office in this City.
The following procedure shall be used:
Election of Mayor:
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 498 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 21 a. City Clerk opens the nominations for the position of Mayor b. Nomination(s) is/are made for Mayor, and seconded
c. Hearing no objections, motion to close nominations
d. City Clerk conducts a roll call vote and each Councilmember announces their vote for Mayor until a Mayor is elected by majority vote e. City Clerk announces the results
Election of Vice Mayor: (City Clerk to follow steps a-e above)
11.2 SELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS AND DELEGATES
After the procedure prescribed in Section 11.1 has been completed, the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the City Council, may appoint new City Council liaisons/delegates to the various City Committees and Commissions, or as liaison/delegate to any other organization as may be appropriate. Nothing in this Section would prohibit the Mayor, with approval of a majority of the City Council from making changes or other appointments during any other time.
12. COMMITTEES
12.1 GENERAL
The Mayor may, subject to concurrence of a majority of the City Council: (a) designate standing and ad hoc committees (collectively “Committee”); and (b) make appointments to all committees.
Each standing committee shall consist of two (2) Councilmembers. An ad hoc committee may consist of either one or two Councilmembers.
12.2 PURPOSE
The primary purpose of each Committee is to provide a forum for the thorough vetting of matters within the committee’s subject matter jurisdiction, before they are presented to the City Council. A secondary purpose is to provide guidance to City staff on matters within the committee’s subject matter jurisdiction, enabling staff to obtain interim guidance as they develop and refine matters for presentation to the City Council. The objective is to eliminate, to the extent possible, those situations where the City Council is forced to deal with large and difficult issues at their meetings without any prior formal discussion or analytical input to guide staff’s work product.
Ad hoc committees shall have a clear and definite scope and will be dissolved upon completion of the scope, unless otherwise extended by the City Council with a new scope. Ad hoc committees are less formal than standing committees and are therefore not subject to the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
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12.3 LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORITY
No committee may approve a contract or expenditure of funds.
No committee may provide any direction to City staff, the City Attorney, or consultants engaged by the City, except that a City Council standing committee may provide such direction at a duly noticed meeting of a standing committee, where such direction concerns a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the standing committee, such direction does not conflict with the policies or direction established by the City Council, and where such direction will not result in an expenditure of resources in excess of the applicable amounts allocated in the approved annual budget.
12.4 APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
All City Council standing committees shall comply with the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. All City Council standing committees shall comply with the procedures set forth in Sections 1 through 5, inclusive, of this Procedural Manual, to the extent reasonably practicable. In the event of any conflicts between the provisions of Sections 1 through 5 and the provisions of this Section 12, the latter shall control.
12.5 MEETING DATE AND TIME
By agreement of both members, each standing committee shall establish a time and place for regular meetings, as required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. In order to minimize the extra demands on City staff, and to maximize public participation, each standing committee shall, to the maximum extent possible, conduct its business at the regularly scheduled meeting.
12.6 QUORUM
Only one member of a committee must be present in order to establish a quorum. The scheduling of meetings so as to facilitate the participation of both members of a two-person committee is strongly encouraged.
12.7 STAFFING
The City Manager shall appoint a staff member to be the primary staff liaison for each standing committee. The designated staff liaison shall coordinate all meetings of the standing committee, ensure that each meeting is recorded via audio-tape and cause the recorded audio-tape(s) to be delivered to the City Clerk upon completion of the meeting. The recorded audio-tape(s) shall be retained by the City Clerk for the same period as recorded audiotapes of City Council meetings. The designated staff liaison shall work with the City Manager to ensure that the appropriate staff member(s) attend the meetings of the standing October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 500 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 23 committee, and that the direction provided by the standing committee is carried out.
12.8 AGENDAS
The agenda for all regular meetings of a standing committee, with all background staff reports, shall be available to the public at the meeting and 72 hours in advance of the regular meeting (24 hours in advance of a special meeting) at the City Clerk’s office. The Agenda may be amended in accordance with State law, prior to any meeting.
When the City Council desires to have an item placed on an agenda for an upcoming meeting of a standing committee, the City Council shall provide the designated staff liaison with that directive at a meeting of the City Council. At that time, the City Council may also charge the designated staff liaison with the responsibly for conducting preliminary research and collecting/preparing any written materials that may aid the Committee in its discussion of the matter.
12.9 REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES
The agendas for City Council meetings shall include a section entitled Standing Committee Updates. The Committee Chair is responsible for making a brief report on the activities of the committee to the full City Council. If there is nothing to report, then “Nothing to Report” is an acceptable comment.
All written materials presented to a standing committee are public records, and shall be maintained as directed by the City Clerk.
13. PROCEDURE FOR FILLING CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
13.1 If a vacancy occurs to any City Council seat, the vacancy may be filled by appointment or by special election in compliance with Government Code Section 36512(b). The filling of vacancies by appointment shall be subject to the restrictions of Government Code section 36512(d)(1) which prohibits the filling of a vacancy by appointment if the appointment would result in a majority of the members serving on the City Council being appointees.
13.2 If the City Council elects to fill a vacancy to a City Council seat by appointment, any appointment shall be made in subject to the following procedures:
a. At a regular or special meeting of the City Council, the City Council shall direct the City Clerk to make an application available, at the earliest possible date and time, for individuals interested in being appointed to the vacant City Council seat, and establish a reasonable due date for the applications.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 501 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 24 b. At a regular or special meeting of the City Council, the City Council will allow all applicants to address the City Council for the purpose of stating their experience and qualifications for being granted the appointment. The City Council shall determine the uniform amount of time candidates will receive to address the City Council.
c. Following the presentations by potential appointees, the City Council will receive comment from interested members of the public.
d. Following public comment, the City Council may commence deliberation on one of the following options:
i. Make an appointment to fill the vacant City Council position and direct the City Clerk to administer the Oath of Office; or ii. Defer making an appointment until Councilmembers have had additional time to consider the applicants, and a further opportunity should they wish to interview the finalists one-onone. e. As provided under Government Code Section 36512, if the City Council does not fill the vacancy by appointment within 60 days from the date of the vacancy or fails to call an election within 60 days from the date of the vacancy, the vacant seat shall automatically be filled by election as provided under Government Code section 36512 and other applicable laws.
14. PRIORITY GOAL SETTING MEETING
14.1 The City Council shall hold a special study session every year during the budget process to set priorities and goals for the subsequent fiscal year. The purpose of setting goals and priorities is to provide the City Manager with guidance for allocating funds in the City Manager’s Proposed Budget. a. City Council goals articulate city-wide long-term strategic goals and objectives that the organization strives to achieve over the next three to five years. Goals tend to remain relatively stable overtime. b. Priorities are specific short-term items that are reasonably achievable in the upcoming fiscal year. Priorities typically fit within city-wide goals but provide more specific focus for the upcoming fiscal year.
14.2 When setting goals and priorities, City Council shall take into consideration staff resources available to accomplish said goals and priorities. The goals and priorities should be reviewed semi-annually (i.e., twice a year) with the City Manager and updated to reflect goals and priorities that are reasonably October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 502 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 25 attainable given limited staff resources.
15. OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD AND OTHER STATIONERY USE POLICIES
15.1 AUTHORIZED USE OF LETTERHEAD
Official City letterhead or any other official Stationery of the City must be used with care to avoid misunderstandings, including but not limited to, misrepresentations of official City Council-approved policies or actions. When authorized or otherwise directed by a majority of the City Council at a duly noticed meeting of the City Council, official City letterhead and/or other official Stationery may be used by members of the City Council to communicate official City Council-approved action or policy. Without the prior approval of the City Council but subject to the restrictions and requirements of this Section below and Section 15.3, an individual Councilmember may use official City letterhead and/or other official Stationary for the following purposes, provided the Councilmember makes clear in the correspondence that he or she is communicating in his or her individual capacity and not on behalf of the City or the City Council as a body: (i) to acknowledge the receipt of communications submitted to the Councilmember by members of the public; (ii) to offer simple congratulations or appreciation to members of the public for their civic involvement or personal achievements which reflect positively on the San Fernando community; (iii) to offer simple condolences and/or best wishes to members of the public who have endured personal hardship or loss; (iv) to respond to inquires by members of the public seeking publicly available and nonprivileged information about City programs or services; or (v) to request information from other public agencies or non-City organizations; or (vi) to express personal support for legislation or other public policies or initiatives, provide it is made clear by the Councilmember that the Councilmember is expressing such support in his or her individual capacity and not on behalf of the City Council as a body.
15.2 UNAUTHORIZED USE OF OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD OR OTHER OFFICIAL STATIONERY In addition to any other prohibition set forth under this Chapter, elsewhere in this Manual, under the San Fernando Municipal Code or State law or Federal law, no member of the City Council communicating with any other person or entity through the medium of official City letterhead or other official Stationery of the City, may represent that he or she is communicating or otherwise acting in a representative capacity for the City Council or the City or communicating a position or opinion in the name of the City Council or the City unless the City Council has been expressly authorized to do so by a majority of the City Council at a duly noticed meeting of the City Council. The City Council reserves the right to request that any communications using City letterhead or other City October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 503 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 26 Stationery which are issued in the name of the City Council or the City must be reviewed and vetted by the City Council as a body at a duly noticed meeting of the City Council before the communication is disseminated. Under no circumstances may City letterhead or other official Stationary be used in any manner that (i) would constitute a violation of Government Code Section 8314, Government Code Section 82041.5 or any other applicable statute or regulation governing the use of public resources; or (ii) that discloses confidential or privileged information that a Councilmember has acquired in his or her official capacity as a member of the City Council where such disclosure may only be made with the consent of the City Council acting as a body and such consent has not been formally granted by the City Council acting as body.
15.3 PREPARATION OF COMMUNICATIONS USING OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD OR OTHER
OFFICIAL STATIONERY
It shall be the official policy of the City to have all City Councilmember communications using official City letterhead or other official Stationery prepared by secretarial staff of the City Manager’s office, with prior verbal or written notice by the requesting Councilmember to the City Manager. City secretarial staff may not commence the drafting of such communications until the City Manager has confirmed either verbally or in writing that the City Manager has been notified of a Councilmember’s request to communicate using official City letterhead or other official Stationery of the City. The City Manager reserves the right to review all such communications before they are disseminated to verify compliance with these policies and the City Manager further reserves the right to seek input and direction from the City Council at a duly noticed meeting of the City Council before authorizing staff to disseminate any such communications. Councilmembers shall not receive personalized official letterhead or Stationery nor shall Councilmembers be entitled to maintain their own stock of letterhead or Stationery or maintain electronic templates of such Stationery. The rights and duties of the City Manager under this Chapter shall be delegated to the person who has been formally designated by the City Manager or a majority of the City Council to act in place of the City Manager during any period time in which the City Manager is on vacation, on extended leave or is otherwise physically unable to discharge his or her duties at the time the request is made.
15.4 COUNTERFEIT LETTERHEAD OR STATIONERY
Except as may otherwise be allowed under City Council Resolution No. 6904 approved May 5, 2003, no member of the City Council may affix the City seal or any other City logo on any personal letterhead, Stationery or any other written document, whether or not such letterhead, Stationery or document is transmitted in paper form or electronically. All such written communications October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 504 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 27 improperly bearing the City seal or any other City logo shall be deemed unauthorized and counterfeit.
15.5 DEFINITIONS
a. “City seal” shall have the same meaning as set
forth under Section 1-13 of the San Fernando
Municipal Code as the same may be amended
from time to time. The City seal as described
under Section 1-13 appears as follows:
b. “City logo(s)” shall mean and include all logos
or designs used for purposes of symbolically
representing the authority of the City of San
Fernando and the capacity of its officers,
employees and agents as representatives of the
City of San Fernando. City logos include, but are
not limited to this image:
16. STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST
16.1 FORM 700 OVERVIEW
One of the main laws designed to prevent self-dealing in governmental decisionmaking is the Political Reform Act of 1974 (the PRA). The PRA is codified under the California Government Code. The PRA requires that most state and local government officials disclose their personal income and assets, as well as disqualify themselves from participating in certain governmental decisions that may impact their personal economic interests. As required under the PRA, local elected officials must annually disclose their economic interests through a form referred to as the Form 700 – Statement of Economic Interests (the Form 700).
The Form 700 is filed annually with the City Clerk. Any member of the public is permitted to inspect and copy a Form 700 during normal business hours.
Members of the City Council and the Planning and Preservation Commission shall be mindful of PRA requirements to complete an annual Form 700 and to complete the same upon assuming and departing from public office also as required under the PRA.
16.2 TIMELY SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST The City Clerk notifies those required to file a Form 700 of the precise filing deadline. Under State law, annual Form 700’s are due by or before April 1st of October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 505 of 520 Procedural Manual – City Council of the City of San Fernando 28 each year or such other date as the Fair Political Practices Commission may prescribe by regulation for local elected officials. The Form 700 must also be filed within thirty (30) days of assuming or leaving office. Irrespective of notice provided by the City Clerk or any other City official or employee, it is the individual responsibility of each member of each City Council and each member of the Planning and Preservation Commission to keep themselves aware of filing deadlines and to file a Form 700 by or before the prescribed deadline.
16.3 REVIEW BY CITY CLERK AND CITY ATTORNEY
The City Clerk, as the City’s filing officer for the submission of Form 700’s, shall perform those duties set forth under Government Code Section 81010 and such other tasks, duties and responsibilities as may be prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission. Upon request made by a City Councilmember or member of the Planning and Preservation Commission, the City Attorney shall also conduct a facial review of the requesting filer’s Form 700. The City Attorney shall be given a minimum of ten (10) calendar days to complete its review. A facial review consists of reviewing statements for the following items: (a) the cover sheet includes the name and address of the filer, the period covered and the type of statement; (b) the summary page is completed and the required schedules are attached; (c) all information is legible and readable reproductions of the statement can be made; and (d) the verification is complete. Neither the City Clerk nor the City Attorney are responsible for verifying the truth of representations made by a filer in their Form 700 nor are they under any duty to perform any sort of investigation or inquiry as to the truth or accuracy of such representations or whether a filer has fully identified all disclosable interests.
The filer shall be solely and exclusively responsible for any errors or omissions in the filer’s Form 700, notwithstanding review by the City Clerk or the City Attorney.
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 506 of 520 October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 507 of 520 This Page
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AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers
From: Mayor Mary Mendoza
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion and Consideration on a Permanent Home for La Campana de la Libertad (Mexican Liberty Bell) and Establishment of El Grito as a Permanent Annual City Event
RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 509 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
Mary Mendoza Mayor
Permanent Home for La Campana de la Libertad (Mexican Liberty Bell) and Establishment of El Grito as a Permanent Annual City Event
✔ ✔ ✔
In 2023, the City of San Fernando received La Campana de la Libertad (Mexican Liberty Bell) as a donation. This historic replica symbolizes liberty, heritage, and the shared values of Mexico and the United States. Currently, the bell does not have a permanent location. Establishing a home for the bell is important so it may be seen by the community, admired with pride, and serve as a constant reminder of its historical and symbolic significance.
The ideal location should offer public visibility, easy community access, and reflect the bell’s values of liberty, unity, and cultural understanding. Potential locations may include a prominent public space, a historical landmark, a city park, a museum, or another site of historical importance. Until a permanent home is determined, the bell can remain secured at City Hall.
Please note: the best location for the bell would be in or near city hall in a location where it cannot be easily vandalized. Ideally in a tower outside by the court area City Hall allowing the ability to ring the bell as needed.
Additionally, given the cultural importance of El Grito de Independencia to the San Fernando community, it is recommended that the Council establish El Grito as a permanent annual City event.
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding the selection of a permanent location for La Campana de la Libertad, with preference for a secure and visible site such as City Hall’s court area or other suitable locations.
2. Seek input from community members, including Javier Verdin and Mr. Rodriguez, who were instrumental in securing the donation.
3. Establish El Grito de Independencia as a permanent annual City-sponsored event.
4. Direct staff to identify potential funding sources, with option to allocate from the FY 2026–2027 budget if no other funding becomes available before finalization. ✔
October
ATTACHMENT "A"
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October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 512 of 520
AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers
From: Mayor Mary Mendoza
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion and Consideration on Cancellation of the November 3, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 513 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
Mary Mendoza Mayor
Cancellation of November 3, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting ✔ ✔ ✔
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting falls on Monday, November 3, 2025, the day immediately prior to the November 4, 2025 Election Day. Cancelling this meeting would allow members of the Council, staff, and residents who wish to participate in the election process the time and flexibility to do so without conflict.
It is recommended that the City Council discuss and provide direction to cancel the November 3, 2025 regular meeting and reschedule it to November 10, 2025. ✔
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg
ATTACHMENT "A"
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October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 516 of 520
AGENDA REPORT
REVIEW: ☒ City Clerk ☒ Director of Admin. Services ☒ Interim City Manager CITY COUNCIL 117 MACNEIL STREET, SAN FERNANDO, CA 91340 (818) 898-1201 WWW.SFCITY.ORG To: Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers
From: Mayor Mary Mendoza
Date: October 6, 2025
Subject: Discussion and Consideration to Expand the 2026 FIFA World Cup/2028 Olympic Games Preparation & Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee to Include California 175 and America 250
RECOMMENDATION:
I have placed this on the agenda (Attachment “A”) for City Council discussion to provide staff with direction.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
See Attachment “A” that was submitted to request to agendize this item for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no impact to the budget by discussing this item. Additional future costs to be determined based on City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request to Agendize an Item for City Council Discussion/Consideration B. California 175 & America 250 City Toolkit
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 517 of 520 City Council | 117 Macneil Street | San Fernando, CA 91340 | (818) 898-1201 | Form # CC-003.1 (07/2017) | Page 1 of 1
REQUEST TO AGENDIZE AN ITEM FOR CITY COUNCIL
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION
CITY COUNCILMEMBER INFORMATION
NAME TITLE
ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT Title of the item you are requesting to be agendized.
PRIORITIES
Is this included in the current FY priorities?
Yes No
BUDGET
Is this a budgeted item?
Yes No
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a fiscal impact? If yes, indicate amount.
Yes No $
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Provide the reason you are requesting this item be agendized.
ATTACHMENTS Do you have any attachments to include?
Yes No
RECOMMENDATION Indicate the direction you are recommending.
Mary Mendoza Mayor
Expansion of the FIFA World Cup / Olympic Games Preparation and Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee to Include California 175 (CA175) and America 250 (AMERICA250) Celebrations ✔ ✔ ✔
The City of San Fernando currently has an Ad Hoc Committee focused on preparation and opportunities related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. In addition to these significant events, California is celebrating 175 years of statehood (CA175), and the United States will soon commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (AMERICA250).
Governor Gavin Newsom has encouraged cities to participate in CA175, and AMERICA250 is a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative that promotes national reflection and unity. By incorporating these milestone celebrations into the existing Ad Hoc Committee, the City can ensure a coordinated approach that leverages visibility, cultural pride, and community engagement. This expansion will provide opportunities for San Fernando to showcase its heritage, participate in statewide and national initiatives, and explore economic and cultural benefits.
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve expanding the scope of the existing FIFA World Cup / Olympic Games Preparation and Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee to include CA175 and AMERICA250 celebrations.
2. Direct the Ad Hoc Committee to explore opportunities for San Fernando’s participation in these milestone events.
3. Support staff in coordinating with state and national partners to highlight the City’s role in these celebrations.
4. Rename the Ad Hoc to: • World Cup & Olympics/California 175 & America 250 Ad Hoc Committee
5. Issue a Proclamation recognizing September 9th as California’s 175th anniversary of statehood. ✔
ATTACHMENT "A"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 518 of 520 CALIFORNIA 175 & AMERICA 250
CITY TOOLKIT
BACKGROUND
California is celebrating 175 years of statehood kicking off Tuesday, September 9, 2025 through summer 2026 when the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The California Governor’s Office is leading efforts to celebrate and highlight California’s ingenuity and innovation, resilience, joy and sense of belonging while encouraging civic engagement, storytelling and creative partnerships. The Governor’s Office is also engaged with America250, a non-partisan, non-profit, encouraging residents to observe the nation’s anniversary through a series of initiatives.
CELEBRATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
We want this to truly be a celebration for all Californians across the state. To help your community commemorate the occasions, we’ve come up with a list of ideas below - but encourage other creative ways to uplift these anniversaries!
1. Issue a Proclamation recognizing September 9th as California’s 175th anniversary of statehood
2. Request official CA175/A250 logos for free by submitting a Branding Toolkit Request Form
JUNE 2025 | 1
ATTACHMENT "B"
October 6, 2025 CC Special & Regular Mtg Page 519 of 520 CALIFORNIA 175 / AMERICA 250: CITY TOOLKIT
3. Incorporate commemorations into parades, festivals, community gatherings, and fairs by using one of the official logos and/or uplifting the anniversaries in these events
4. Light up your city building in blue and gold - the official state colors - on September 9
5. Community day(s) of service - create your own, partner with California Volunteers, or get ideas at America Gives. Please reach out to [email protected] for a connection.
6. Become a Clean California Community. Please reach out to [email protected] for a connection.
7. Create a time capsule for your own community to keep
8. Encourage your local library, museum or tourism center to uplift the anniversaries through programs and CA 175 / A250 branding
9. Encourage students to submit an entry to America’s Field Trip, an initiative by America250
10.Encourage your community members to participate in other America250 initiatives by sharing their story or nominating an unsung champion to be included in the permanent record
11.Collect and share stories of what it means to be a Californian, American, or resident of your community
12.Participate in America’s Potluck, an initiative to encourage communities across the country to gather together to share a meal and create community and a sense of belonging on Sunday, July 5, 2026 - or a day of your choosing
13.Purchase an America250 flag from the approved California vendor and showcase your pride for America’s birthday - for purchasing details contact: James Giraudo, [email protected], (800)453-3524 JUNE 2025 |2
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