CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 MACNEIL STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – SPECIAL MEETING 5:00 P.M. (CLOSED SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Present:
Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio, seconded by to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:01 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) –
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Case Name: Rene Lupercio v. City of San Fernando
Case No.: 2:24-cv-603621-CBM (JPPx)
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) –
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Case Name: Brand Estates, LLC v. City of San Fernando
LACSC Case No.: 2SSTCPO2030
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
C) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
One (1) Matter - Facts Unknown to Potential Plaintiff
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney noted that Councilmember Fajardo recused himself from Item B; and stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Mary Mendoza called the regular meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Mary Mendoza, Vice Mayor Mary Solorio and Councilmembers Joel Fajardo, Victoria Garcia, and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton, Interim Director of Community Development Ron Garcia, and City Clerk Julia Fritz
Absent: None
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE
None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 AS CALIFORNIA’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATEHOOD
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
The following spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 8:
Ricardo Benitez
Sabina Montes
Angelica Estrada
Doris Torres
Dolores Rodriguez spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 7 and Item No 8.
Olga Torregon
Emma Romo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 8 and offered a prayer.
Dani Verelu
Bessy Arteaga
Antonio Escobedo
Ramiro Harrero
Ofelia Herrera
Chris Richards spoke in support of the Agenda Item No. 13.
Stephano Padilla Public Affairs Representative for South Coast AQMD provided information on current incentive programs.
Marcela Rodriguez spoke in support of the Police Department.
John David Rivera commented on Agenda Item No. 11 regarding Area B Funds, questioned the status of his public records request submitted to the City and is not in support of the City terminating the Mall Association Agreement.
Maricela Gutierrez spoke regarding public safety surrounding the ICE raids at the Home Depot and through the city.
Virginia Sandoval spoke regarding concerns with the ICE raids.
Brissa Magana spoke regarding safety precautions associated with the ICE raids at Home Depot and is support of Agenda Item No. 8.
Ruben Lugo spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 9 and the safety of the community.
Tom Ross submitted correspondence in support of Agenda Item No. 11.
Sean Rivas submitted correspondence regarding concerns associated with Agenda Item No. 9 and questioned City Council’s leadership.
Beatriz Medrano submitted correspondence in support of Agenda Item No. 8.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
Ronnie Vidaurre submitted correspondence regarding concerns regarding community programming and Christmas decorations for the Tree Lighting event.
Isabel Maturman submitted correspondence regarding concerns with the ICE raids and questioned certain portions of “Safe San Fernando” and its oversight.
Councilmember Patty Lopez submitted correspondence pertaining to seeking justice and transparency for the death of Carlos Manzo, asking for change in Mexico and protection for Michoacan families living in Mexico and abroad.
Brenda Reyes submitted correspondence in support of Agenda Item No. 8.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Garcia requested to pull Consent Item No. 5 for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to approve the Consent Calendar, excluding Item No. 5:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. September 2, 2025 – Special & Regular CC
Meeting
September 15, 2025 – Special &
Regular CC Meeting
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-111 APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER OF NOVEMBER 3, 2025
3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR CITY PROJECTS AND CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES 4) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIONS POLICY
The motion carried, unanimously.
5) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION RE-APPOINTING A PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVE AND APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY GOVERNING BOARD Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Solorio to adopt Resolution No. 8415 re-appointing Human Resources and Risk Manager, Sergio Ibarra, as the City’s primary representative, re-appoint Director of Administrative Services/City Treasurer, Erica D. Melton, as the alternate representative, and appoint City Manager, Kanika Kith, as the substitute alternate representative to the Independent Cities Risk Management Authority Governing Board and directed staff to return research an alternative such as California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, as an example for comparison purposes. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO SUPPORT THE REQUEST TO HONOR CHARLES WHITE, 1979 HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER AND SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNUS Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Lopez approved the City submitting a letter in support of the White family’s request to recognize Charles White by placing the name on the wall of the gymnasium and adding his name to the San Fernando High School Football Field in his honor, and directed staff to prepare and transmit such correspondence to the appropriate representatives of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The motion carried, unanimously.
6) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING CONTINUING THE COMMUNITY
RECOGNITION MEETING PROGRAM
City Clerk Julia Fritz presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lopez, to reschedule the December 9, 2025 recognition meeting to January 26, 2026, and to hold the next recognition meeting on July 27, 2026; with an option to review for budget purposes, while maintaining the current level of food and dessert offerings, seeking donations from local businesses, and continuing the expenditure of $320 per event. The motion carried unanimously.
7) RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SAN
FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT
John Perez from Strategic Leadership Consultants presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 7:56 p.m. and reconvened at 8:12 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
8) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO CO-SPONSOR A SAN FERNANDO CHRISTMAS PARADE
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council continued the item to the November 17, 2025 City Council meeting to allow staff to collect additional information from the organizer including, but not limited to, a traffic control plan to determine what effect the event will have on City resources and budgetary needs.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
9) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING IMMIGRATION CUSTOM ENFORCEMENT
AT THE HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to host a community forum in the Council Chambers after the holidays to engage residents and address immigration concerns. Invite civil rights groups, legal organizations, regional law enforcement, and other agencies to provide information and support. Promote the event through flyers, email, and social media to ensure broad community participation.
10) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY PLAN FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS (THE CITY COUNCIL TABLED THE ITEM TO THE NOVEMBER 17, 2025 REGULAR
MEETING)
11) DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING, AND CITY COUNCIL ACTION AS RECOMMENDED,
STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE SAN FERNANDO
MALL AREA, USE OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA B FUNDS, REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS REGARDING THE SAN FERNANDO MALL ASSOCIATION, INC. AKA MALL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, INC. AGREEMENT, AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A
RESOLUTION AFFIRMING RELATED ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Councilmember Joel Fajardo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to terminate the agreement between the City of San Fernando and the San Fernando Mall Association, Inc., aka Mall Assessment District, Inc. Contract No. 768 dated December 17, 1984 and direct staff to issue a notice of termination as prescribed in the Agreement and to take such other actions as may be necessary to close out the same. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Councilmember Fajardo, seconded Councilmember Garcia to approve the development and implementation of strategies for strengthening economic development and business engagement in the San Fernando Mall Area; and reformulate the Mall Association MOU Ad Hoc committee to be the San Fernando Mall and Area B Funds Ad Hoc committee; and engage with businesses through email, letters and phone calls in the Area B Funds location to receive feedback on suggestions on how the annual funds should be used. The motion carried, unanimously.
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO TRADEMARK REGISTRATION FOR “DISCOVER SAN FERNANDO”
Mayor Mary Mendoza presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
Motion by Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Mayor Mendoza to approve initiating the process to trademark the name of "Discover San Fernando", and direct staff to take the necessary steps to file for trademark protection on behalf of the City. The motion carried, unanimously.
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF EIGHT AIR PURIFIERS THROUGH VETERANS SUPPORT INITIATIVE AND ALICIA BROADOUS DUNCAN MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTER (THE CITY COUNCIL TABLED THE ITEM TO THE NOVEMBER 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING)
15) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE PROMOTION OF THE CITY’S
PROGRAMS, RESOURCES, AND EVENTS (THE CITY COUNCIL TABLED THE ITEM TO THE NOVEMBER 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING)
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Staff provided updates on upcoming events related to San Fernando Together, Foodzilla, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Veterans Day and mentioned that City Hall, Recreation Park and Las Palmas Park will be closed to the public from December 25 through January 5. Status was also provided on the San Fernando Mall Sign Restoration project and announced the five new Police Department Corporals, Hector Torres, Mason Hill, Jeff Pack, Raul Barahona and Alex Licea.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Garcia reported attending the Kids First Grand Reopening, the City’s Día de Los Muertos event; the San Fernando High School Dia de Los Muertos event; the City Council Community Recognition Celebration meeting; the Foodzilla event; and extended congratulations to the five newly promoted Corporals. She also mentioned she attended California Contract Cities Board meeting and the Southern California Association of Governments policy meeting; and announced that she recently graduated from the Water Education for Latino Leaders - WELL Untapped Fellowship Program.
Councilmember Lopez spoke about the passing of Carlos Manzo.
Councilmember Fajardo requested to close the meeting in memory of Anthony Duarte and reported attending the Ad Hoc Waste Hauling Committee meeting and expressed appreciation for the consultant’s presentation on the Police Department’s organizational assessment.
Vice Mayor Solorio extended congratulations to Councilmember Garcia on her graduation from the Well Untapped Fellowship Program and to the recently promoted Police Department Corporals. She also reported attending the New Horizons for Youth Gala Fundraiser and invited Councilmembers to attend the Independent Cities Association seminar in Santa Barbara being held in February where she will be a keynote speaker.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Adjourned Regular Meeting November 10, 2025
Mayor Mendoza reported attending the Glen Oaks Christian Harvest Festival, the World Cup & Olympic/California 175 & America 250 Celebration Ad Hoc Committee meeting and reported she also attended the Día de Los Muertos events hosted at Recreation Park, the San Fernando High School and at Mission Cemetery, which was hosted by Los Angeles Councilmember Rodriguez.
ADJOURNMENT (10:31 p.m.)
Mayor Mendoza adjourned the meeting in memory of Anthony Duarte to the next regular meeting of November 17, 2025.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the November 10, 2025,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of January 5, 2026.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk