CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 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 Councilmembers Mary Mendoza, Mary Solorio and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: None
TELECONFERENCING REQUEST None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia to approve the agenda as presented.
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)(2) AND 54956.9(E)(1) - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
One (1) matter
B) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.9 (D)(1) – EXISTING LITIGATION:
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
CASE NAME: MUNOZ DE BERDUGO V CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CASE NO: CASE 24CHCV01885
C) CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) – EXISTING LITIGATION:
CASE NAME: COALITION FOR CLEAN AIR V. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla reported that on Closed Session Item Nos. A and C that there was no reportable action and with respect to Item No. B. the City Council unanimously voted on the settlement agreement as recommended by the arbitrator on this matter and that copies of the agreement will be made available upon final execution of the agreement.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to adjourn the Closed Session meeting at 6:01 p.m. 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 6:01 p.m.
Present: Council: Mayor Joel Fajardo, Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia and Councilmembers Mary Mendoza, Mary Solorio, and Patty Lopez
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 None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT BOARD CHAIR
ADAN ORTEGA
B. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• APRIL 2026 AS DONATE LIFE CALIFORNIA MONTH
• APRIL 2026 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH & APRIL 29, 2026 AS DENIM DAY
• April 25, 2026 AS ARBOR DAY
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Dr. Roberto Lacarra announced that he is a candidate running for office in the June 2, 2026 Election for a State Senate District seat.
Enrique Cristobal commented on sexual assault allegations in the Police Department.
Marisol Diaz expressed her gratitude during her tenure with the City and thanked everyone for their support.
Steven Martinez commented on outreach to the community regarding Agenda Item No. 6.
Paulina Torres Field Deputy Representative with LA County Supervisor Horvath’s office provided updates on upcoming community events, noted that the grant program request process would be opening in June and provided information on an internship program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Fajardo pulled Consent Item Nos. 4 and 6 for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to approve the Consent Calendar 1, 2, 3 and 5:
1) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 2) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR CITY PROJECTS AND CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES 3) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR THE UNDER-AGE ALCOHOL
PURCHASE PREVENTION PROGRAM
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
5) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CO-SPONSORSHIP OF THE PUEBLO Y SALUD SAFE AND SOBER
GRADUATION TOWNHALL MEETING, AND REQUEST TO WAIVE FACILITY USE FEES The motion carried, unanimously.
4) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH R3
CONSULTING GROUP FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to award Contract No. 2493; authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement; adopted Resolution No. 8447, and consider all feedback given by Council in developing the RFP including but not limited to language to counteroffer on the contract; add a process that allows all waste haulers to have equal terms and to include participation in the Education Commission Scholarships; develop special rates for residential versus commercial category; how trash haulers will handle pick up during force majeure; increasing rates for composting; and staff to return to present outreach plan by the consultant. The motion carried, unanimously.
The City Council directed staff to negotiate an extension on the current trash hauler contract.
The motion carried by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo
NAYES: Solorio
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
6) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION RENAMING CESAR CHAVEZ DAY ON MARCH 31
IN THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO TO FARMWORKERS DAY, HONORING THE HARD WORK AND ESSENTIAL ROLE OF FARMWORKERS IN PRODUCING THE NATION’S FOOD, LABOR RIGHTS
MOVEMENT, AND EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS The City Council directed staff to return with community engagement framework for holiday date (4th Monday of March or 4th Friday of March (Friday before spring break); design options for Cesar Chavez murals; work with muralist to receive feedback on Cesar Chavez memorial site redesign concept; and additionally, and separately, directed staff to return after a review of street names with consideration to potentially rename Maclay Avenue.
PUBLIC HEARING
8) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED
CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE PLAN AND GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TO THE OPEN SPACE,
CONSERVATION, PARKS, AND RECREATION ELEMENT AND MOBILITY ELEMENT, AND
APPROVE THE ASSOCIATED CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DOCUMENTATION Mayor Fajardo opened the public hearing.
Director of Community Development Ron Garcia and representative from consultant from Rincon presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
Mayor Fajardo opened the public comment portion of the hearing. There being no public comment, Mayor Fajardo motioned to close public comments, seconded by Councilmember Solorio. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to adopt Resolution No. 8443 approving the Proposed City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan and General Plan Update to the Open Space, Conservation, Parks, and Recreation Element and Mobility Element; approve the California Environmental Quality Act determination; and recommended changes as follows:
1. Revise CARP documents to replace reference to promoting housing near transit from “Downtown” to “Commercial Corridors”;
2. Revise CARP documents to replace “require” with “explore” when referencing incorporating all electric systems; and
3. Revise Table 7 Climate Action and Resilience Plan Systems and Measures UE-3 to adding language informing and engaging the community on increasing diversion of landfilled organics in San Fernando.
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.
7) A CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP ON VARIOUS CITY COMMISSIONS BY REMOVING THE
REQUIREMENT THAT MEMBERS BE REGISTERED VOTERS OF THE CITY Mayor Fajardo opened the public hearing.
Mayor Fajardo opened public comments.
The following individual provided general comments on the proposed ordinance.
Miguel Montanez
There being no further comment, Mayor Fajardo motioned to close public comment, Councilmember seconded and the motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to introduce for first reading, in title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1740 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Fernando, California, amending the criteria for membership on various City Commissions by removing the requirement that members be registered voters of the City where such status is not mandated by State or Federal Law; and remove the one-year term limit on the Transportation commission. Criteria to read the same for each commission for second reading. The motion carried, by the following vote:
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Garcia, Fajardo – 4
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Mendoza - 1
ABSENT: None
9) A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDING FOR PROPOSED PROJECTS AS PART OF THE CITY CONSOLIDATED ALLOCATION ACTION PLAN FOR THE 52ND PROGRAM YEAR FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
Mayor Fajardo opened the public hearing.
Assistant to the City Manager Will Pettener presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor opened for public comments. There being no public comment, Motion by Mayor Fajardo to close public comment, seconded by Vice Mayor Garcia. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 8444 approving the Community Development Block Grant Funding for Proposed Projects as part of the City Consolidated Allocation Action Plan for the 52nd Program Year Funds for Fiscal Year 2026-2027;authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit documentation conveying the City Council’s Resolution to the Los Angeles County Community Development Authority (LACDA) for approval, as amended to delete internal marketing upgrades from the Small Business Assistance Program, and to include guidelines to require recipients to provide receipts of items purchased. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo – 5
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
10) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE CITY COUNCIL
PROCEDURAL MANUAL
Mayor Fajardo presented the staff report and noted that there would be additional changes including but not limited to the process of making motions and Council speaking order at events being revised. The City Council tabled the Item to the April 20, 2026 meeting, and directed staff to provide a redline version of the changes to the City Council before the next meeting.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
11) RECEIVE AND FILE PRESENTATION ON THE SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT’S THREEYEAR ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION “ACTION” PLAN Police Chief Fabian Valdez presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
The City Council directed staff to return with additional details to certain sections of the plan and updates will be brought back to a future Council meeting with applicable revisions to the action plan.
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:46 p.m. and reconvened at 8:58 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE 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.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to adopt resolution No. 8445 amending the budget for $5,000 with Mayor Fajardo adding $1,000 from his Community Investment Funds, if needed, for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to appropriate funds for the event. The motion carried, unanimously.
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to host the Pride Flag Raising event on June 6, 2026 at City Hall and the Vigil event on June 28, 2026 at Rudy Ortega Park and allowing up to one month for the advertising of the Vigil prior to the June 2 Election. The motion carried, unanimously.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
WITH IGNITE THE LIGHT OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS Assistant to the City Manager Pettener presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignite the Light of Hope Foundation (Contract No. 2476) to continue food distributions through an amended scope and to provide related fundraising support; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to make non-substantive changes and execute the Agreement. The motion carried, unanimously.
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE SAFE & BEAUTIFUL SAN FERNANDO
WORK PLAN
Public Works Operations Manager Rodrigo Mora presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
The City Council recommended to strike the sentence that mentions project starting in 2023; possibly paint planters terracotta color; add to priority list agenda item and include analysis on how we do daily tracking on bulky item pick up; and continue reporting the status of the projects through the Council Projects and Priorities Council update report. 15) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS YARD – FACILITY CONDITIONS REVIEW AND NEXT STEPS (TABLED FROM THE MARCH 16, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 16) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY’S FORMER AGREEMENT RELATED TO DISTRICT B IN THE
DOWNTOWN MALL AREA
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 17) CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND TIMELINES FOR ITEMS THE CITY COUNCIL WOULD LIKE COMPLETED BY APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30 This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 18) DISCUSSION REGARDING SAN FERNANDO CHILDREN’S DAY 2026 Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the city to cosponsorship of the Children’s Day Event, and authorize use of the City logo for promotional purposes. The motion carried, unanimously.
19) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO PROCLAIM APRIL 2026 AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 20) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FOR THE CITY OF
SAN FERNANDO
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 21) DISCUSSION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS (SENIOR
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT)
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting. 22) DISCUSSION REGARDING ADVOCATING FOR CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO STRENGTHEN
INVESTIGATIONS INTO ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
This item was tabled to the April 20, 2026 City Council meeting.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
23) DISCUSSION REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS IN PARKING & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA B
Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia presented the staff report.
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve the use of the Parking and Business Improvement Area B funds in the amount of $5,000 towards decorations in the Civic Center in honor of the United States 250th Anniversary. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABESENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Director of Administrative Services Melton shared information events occurring throughout the month of April: April 7th Walk the Block; April 8th Virtual Strategic Plan Community Workshop and the in person workshop at Las Palmas Park on April 15; the Small Business Assistance Program Workshop on April 9th and noted the application deadline has been extended to April 20; the TreePeople Arbor Day Tree Care and Family Nature Walk at Rudy Ortega Park on April 11; the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments meeting at City Hall Council Chamber on April 13; and the Business Forum for Employment Law on April 16 and Workplace Harassment & Investigations event on April 30.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Mendoza attended the League of California Cities Legislative Board Meeting, the Vietnam Welcome Home Event, the FIFA World Cup Ad Hoc Committee meeting, a Vietnam Veterans meeting, the Spring Jamboree, the Eagle Scout fundraiser event and requested to close the meeting in memory of Martin Torres.
Councilmember Solorio thanked Congresswoman Rivas for participating in the City’s Vita Clinic Event held at Las Palmas Park, noted she attended the CDBG Ad Hoc Committee meeting, the Spring Jamboree, extended congratulations to Los Angeles Unified School Board Member Gonez for running unopposed in the Election and attended her community forum; and attended the first Con Amor Autism & Neurodivergent Awareness Event here in San Fernando that occurred right after the Spring Jamboree.
Councilmember Lopez reported that she attended three to four events each weekend and thanked staff for their assistance in coordinating her attendance at a conference in Washington, D.C.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 6, 2026
Vice Mayor Garcia reported she attended the League of California Cities new bill briefing meeting, the Vietnam Welcome Home Veterans event, the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee, the Spring Jamboree and a fundraising event for the Eagle Scouts.
Mayor Fajardo requested that Spanish interpretation services be provided at the Business Forum event and stated that he would be willing to pay for those services directly. He also spoke about bringing back information on rent control in the City, an ordinance prohibiting family members from serving on City Commissions and making them ineligible to receive City grant-funded program benefits.
ADJOURNMENT 11:23 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adjourn the regular meeting in memory of Martin Torres, to the next regular meeting of April 20, 2026. The motion carried, unanimously.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the April 6, 2026,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of June 29, 2026.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk