CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026
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 Joel Fajardo called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Present:
Council: Mayor Joel Fajardo, Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmember Mary Mendoza, Mary Solorio and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: None
TELECONFERENCING REQUEST None
City Attorney Padilla requested to walk on the following as Item D):
D) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) AND 54956.9(E)(1) - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
One (1) matter
Motion by Councilmember Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to add the walk on item as presented by City Attorney Padilla. The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Garcia - 4
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Fajardo - 1
ABSENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia to approve the agenda, as amended.
The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
PUBLIC STATEMENTS None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION (5:02 P.M.)
By consensus, Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session.
A) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) - EXISTING
LITIGATION
CASE NAME: BRAND ESTATES, LLC V. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
LACSC CASE NO.: 25STCP02636
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) – EXISTING
LITIGATION
CASE NAME: COALITION FOR CLEAR AIR V. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO C) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 - CONFER WITH
CHIEF OF POLICE DISCUSS SECURITY OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES AND PLANS FOR
ADDRESSING THREATS TO THE SAME
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION The following was reported by City Attorney Padilla:
In respect to Item A, Mayor Fajardo recused himself from discussion and that the City Council unanimously voted to approve the substitution of Corin Kahn in place of current attorney of record Dan Alderman in so far as Mr. Kahn possessed the required expertise in the area.
In respect to Item B, no reportable action was taken.
In respect to Item C, item was not heard and continued to next meeting.
In respect to Item D, (walk on item) Mayor Fajardo recused himself from part 2 of the discussion and noted no reportable action was taken.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adjourn the Closed Session special meeting. The motion carried, unanimously.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL – REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M. (OPEN SESSION) Mayor Joel Fajardo called the regular meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Joel Fajardo, Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmembers Mary Mendoza, Mary Solorio, and Patty Lopez
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith, City Attorney Richard Padilla, Police Chief Fabian Valdez, Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton, Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo, Director of Community Development Ron Garcia, and City Clerk Julia Fritz
Absent: None
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE
Mayor Fajardo stated he might need to leave the meeting early due to childcare matters and stated using just cause to teleconference back into the meeting remotely.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – MARCH 2026
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Andrea Alarcon submitted a written comment regarding tenant rights.
Mary Galvan Rosas spoke regarding the recent loss of Belinda Barragan and on recognizing and honoring her at a future Council meeting.
Mayor Fajardo mentioned that tonight’s City Council meeting would be adjourned in memory of Ms. Barragan.
Alexis Chavez spoke regarding concerns over being displaced from his home by the landlord and noted improper police reporting.
Mayor Fajardo requested staff to reach out to Mr. Chavez.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
Joseph Ramos spoke in opposition to Agenda Item No. 12.
Maricruz H. spoke regarding concerns over the eviction event that occurred with daughter and son-in-law as mentioned by Alexis Chavez and questioned the accuracy of the police report.
Paulina Torres Field Deputy representative from Supervisor Horvath’s office, reported on rent relief application information, noted staff would be visiting the business corridor area to provide related resources and provided information on homelessness resources.
Patty Garcia spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 15.
Yolanda Haro spoke in opposition to Agenda Item No. 14.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Garcia requested to pull Item No. 4 for discussion.
Councilmember Solorio requested to pull Item No. 2 for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopezto approve Consent Calendar Item Nos 1 and 3:
1) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING JOB SPECIFICATION FOR AN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AND ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AMENDING THE SALARY PLAN AND TABLE OF ORGANIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 The motion carried, unanimously.
2) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR CITY PROJECTS AND CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES The City Council received and filed the update report.
4) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FERNANDEÑO TATAVIAM BAND
OF MISSION INDIANS TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A MURAL ON THE WATER TANK AT RUDY ORTEGA SR. PARK AND APPROVE FINAL DESIGN OF THE MURAL
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to amend Section 3 to reflect all three parties of the agreement. The motion carried, unanimously.
Mayor Fajardo requested to consider Item No. 14.
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT A PLANNING AND PRESERVATION
COMMISSIONER
Mayor Fajardo presented the staff report.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to approve Nicole Mohr to be appointed to the Planning and Preservation Commission. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Solorio, Lopez, Fajardo - 3
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Mendoza, Garcia - 2
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
5) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A MILITARY USE
EQUIPMENT POLICY GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT, AS REQUIRED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 481; AND APPROVAL OF THE 2025 ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT Mayor Fajardo opened the public hearing.
Commander CJ Chiasson presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Fajardo opened public comments. There being no comments, Mayor Fajardo motioned, Councilmember Lopez to close public comments. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to introduce for first reading, in title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1739 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, adopting a Military Equipment Policy governing the use of military equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481”; and approve the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Report. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Garcia. Fajardo – 5
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Fajardo closed the public hearing.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
6) RECEIVE AND FILE AN UPDATE REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALL-CITIES VIGIL TO
HONOR LIVES LOST IN FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Solorio, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to direct staff to host the Vigil as a City event, at a park with no street closure requirement, approved a budget of $6,000 with $1,000 donated from Mayor Fajardo's Community Investment Fund, if needed, staff to work with Councilmembers Solorio and Lopez to assist with coordinating community outreach for the event and return to the April 6, 2026 Council meeting with a budget resolution to appropriate funds. The motion carried, unanimously. 9) PRESENTATION OF FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION PERTINENT TO DISCUSSION OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026 REGARDING LOCAL SALES TAX MEASURES
City Attorney Richard Padilla presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions. No action taken and the City Council received and filed the report.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Mayor Fajardo announced he would be leaving early from the Council meeting and would be invoking childcare just cause teleconferencing option to rejoin the meeting.
It was noted that Item No. 10 would be considered at this time along with Item No. 19. 10) PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026; AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MID-YEAR
PROPOSED BUDGET
Director of Administrative Services Erica Melton presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adopt Resolution No. 8437, as amended to increase Public Works overtime hours to 600 hours ($25,000 towards overtime) and include the cost of supplies ($20,000 in concrete). The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Garcia - 1
ABSENT: None
19) DISCUSSION AND FORMAL APPROVAL OF CITYWIDE BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY
PROGRAM, ADOPTION OF PROGRAM NAME, AND MIDYEAR BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS Mayor Fajardo presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council adopted the program name of Safe and Beautification San Fernando.
Mayor Fajardo announced he would be participating through remote teleconferencing using just cause due to childcare and left the meeting at 9:18 p.m.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
The meeting was turned over to Vice Mayor Garcia.
8) DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON PROGRAMMING AND SCOPE FOR THE 2026
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Director of Recreation and Community Services Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to return to the March 16 meeting with an updated report including costs to host the event on June 27th or July 4th, to include a drone show, and an option for an alternative location.
TELECONFERENCING REQUESTS/DISCLOSURE
Mayor Fajardo re-joined the meeting at 9:30 p.m. and requested to participate remotely due to childcare matters using just cause and stated there was no one in the room over 18 years old. 7) DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY’S 115TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Director of Recreation and Community Services Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Councilmember Solorio to select Option A to utilize current budget of $13,000 for entertainment and light refreshments at the customary venue, at the Lopez Adobe House. Motion failed due to lack of a second.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to select Option B to combine the Celebration with the monthly Foodzilla event in front of City Hall - similar to the El Grito celebration, with the city organizing the stage and entertainment and My Valley Pass would be responsible for vendor selection. The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
11) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING A SECOND COMMUNITY FORUM – PUBLIC
QUESTIONS & LISTENING SESSION
Councilmember Solorio presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to return to a future Council meeting with event details.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING REVIEW OF RENTAL CONTROL POLICIES IN
THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
Councilmember Lopez presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to prepare a report and bring back at a future Council meeting regarding the city’s affordable housing program. Staff confirmed that the city does not have rental control regulations.
By consensus the City Council continued Item Nos. 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 to the March 16, 2026 meeting.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS YARD – FACILITY CONDITIONS REVIEW AND NEXT STEPS 15) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO REQUEST CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NANCY C. AVERY
16) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN 17) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE USE OF CITY LOGO, CO-SPONSORSHIP,
AND SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION FOR THE CESAR CHAVEZ MARCH FOR JUSTICE 18) DISCUSSION, UPDATES, AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH A FARMER’S MARKET IN
SAN FERNANDO
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
City Manager Kith provided updates regarding the Mission City Baseball League opening day event, the upcoming Parent Academy and reminded the City Council to look out for a meeting request to discuss the City’s strategic plan.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Lopez stated that she will use her platform to address issues impacting the most vulnerable and proceeded to read a statement.
Councilmember Solorio mentioned she attended the Independent Cities Association seminar, a reception honoring Tribal President Rudy Ortega and requested to close the meeting in memory of Fortino Perez and Catalina Perez and Belinda Barragan. She also spoke about having an emergency policy (honoree death) regarding agendizing a proclamation at a regular City Council meeting and would be agendizing an item for discussion at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Mendoza reported she attended the San Fernando Mile Run event.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting March 2, 2026
Vice Mayor Garcia commented on setting policy for an exception for time sensitive Certificate of Recognition/Proclamation, clarified that the money spent towards lights in the mall area came from special funds that can only be used towards mall beautification projects and commented on elections costs. She also noted attending the California Contract Cities Executive Board meeting, the Human Trafficking Awareness event, and spoke about the celebration recognition meeting, mentioned she participated in a public safety meeting put on by Sheriff Luna and attended the San Fernando Mile Run event.
Mayor Fajardo requested to close the meeting in memory of the servicemen in the armed forces who were killed in the conflicts in the middle east and the young girls who were killed in the bombing in Iran. He reported meeting with Supervisor Horvath’s office about issues related to the San Fernando Aquatics Center existing lease terms and suggested that the City Council come up with a plan for the pool facility and suggested that staff research projects that maybe covered under the Prop 4 funds and commented on the midyear budget discussion.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back an item to the next Council meeting to consider waiving the recognition policy in emergency situations, such as when the death of a recipient supersedes waiting to agendize the item for a celebration recognition meeting, followed by approval of a proclamation.
Councilmember Solorio requested to close the meeting in memory of Fortino Perez and Catalina Perez and Belinda Barragan.
ADJOURNMENT 11:23 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to adjourn the regular meeting in memory of Fortino Perez and Catalina Perez and Belinda Barragan to the next regular meeting of March 16, 2026.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the March 2, 2026,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of April 20, 2026.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk