CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – 5:00 P.M
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 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 Solorio and Patty Lopez
Staff: City Manager Kanika Kith and City Attorney Richard Padilla
Absent: Councilmember Mary Mendoza
TELECONFERENCING REQUEST None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio 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)(4) - INITIATION
OF LITIGATION
One (1) matter
B) 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
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
RECONVENED FROM SPECIAL MEETING AND REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Padilla noted that Councilmember Mendoza arrived at Closed Session at 5:06 p.m. and that only Item A. was heard. Vice Mayor Garcia left the Closed Session meeting at 5:46 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adjourn Closed Session 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 (via teleconference) 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
Vice Mayor Garcia participated via teleconference using just cause for childcare.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by City Clerk Julia Fritz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to approve the agenda. The motion carried, unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
A. ANNUAL RECOGNITION
• PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 19, 2026 TO APRIL 25, 2026, AS LIBRARY WEEK • PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 22, 2026, AS EARTH DAY
• PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND DECLARING April 24, 2026, AS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
Dystanie Flores submitted correspondence seeking support on Assembly Bill 1795, Senate Bill 876, and Assembly Bill 1860 related to wildfire recovery and insurance reform bills.
Michael Feinstein spoke about redistricting in the State of California.
Adriana Gomez submitted correspondence and requested to postpone action on the proposed Access Driveway License Agreement with R&M Veady for one-way access into Parking Lot No. 4 regarding Agenda Item No. 10.
Cesar Hernandez spoke regarding water being recently shut off and now his property is red tagged and was seeking assistance to resolve the situation.
DR Chavez spoke regarding the safety in the City and in the City of Los Angeles particularly with recreation centers.
Lional suggested that the city hold more open street events.
It was noted that Public Comments were reopened to allow the following individuals time to speak:
Maricela Rodriguez suggested the Police Department help with more support during the beginning and end of school days for enhanced public safety.
Linda Montanez spoke regarding ADU’s being built in the City and is concerned with traffic and parking issues.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Mendoza requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 6 for discussion.
Vice Mayor Garcia requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 7 for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the Consent Calendar excluding Item Nos. 6 and 7:
1) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
a. February 17, 2026 Special & Regular CC
Meeting
b. March 2, 2026 Special & Regular
CC Meeting
2) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WARRANT REGISTER 3) RECEIVE AND FILE STATUS UPDATES FOR CITY PROJECTS AND CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
4) CONSIDERATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
5) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TREE PEOPLE, INC. FOR SAN FERNANDO URBAN FOREST IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
8) CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A REQUEST TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY
REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR USE OF FUNDS FROM THE MEASURE A
ANNUAL ALLOCATION FOR SAN FERNANDO RECREATION PARK FACILITY ROOF REPAIRS The motion carried, unanimously.
Items heard out of order
25) PRESENTATION FROM PATRICIA LARA LADD ON EMPOWERING SAN FERNANDO THROUGH
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to meet with Patricia Lara to discuss potential collaboration efforts to offer workshops and resources for small businesses.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to approve the agenda and previous Consent Calendar excluding item nos. 6 and 7. The motion carried, unanimously. 6) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE UTILIZING THE LAS PALMAS PARK PATIO AS A VETERANS’ HONOR GARDEN AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO COORDINATE A COMMUNITY LED VETERANS’
ENGRAVING PROJECT
Motion by Councilmember Mendoza, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to approve the project with Option B, to allow the group to begin fundraising; and return to the Veteran’s Ad Hoc Committee to find another location that is in an open area and would always be available for viewing. The motion carried, unanimously.
7) CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 ANNUAL FEE SCHEDULE TO UPDATE THE FACILITY USE RENTAL LIST TO INCLUDE
THE OUTDOOR SPACE OF LOPEZ ADOBE HOUSE AND THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES
OF THE PIONEER HOUSE
Motion by Vice Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to adopt Resolution No. 8446 amending the City’s adopted Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Fee Schedule to update the “Indoor Facility Use Rental” list to be “Facility Use Rental” and to include the outdoors of Lopez Adobe House and the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Pioneer House to the Facility Use Rental list. The motion carried, by the following vote:
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: Garcia - 1
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10) CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN ACCESS DRIVEWAY LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH R&M VEADY INC. FOR ONE-WAY ACCESS INTO CITY-OWNED PARKING LOT NO. 4 Director of Community Development Ron Garcia presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve an Access Driveway License Agreement with R&M VEADY Inc. (Contract No. 2500) for one-way access into the City-owned Parking Lot No. 4 (1000 Truman Street) from the adjacent commercial parking lot located at 104 S. Maclay Avenue; and with no net loss of parking spaces attributed to this agreement, and to apply anti-graffiti coating on glass provided it doesn’t impact or void the manufacturer warranty or contractors warranty. The motion carried, unanimously.
The City Council directed staff to continue outreach with businesses regarding parking and trash issues; and to work with all businesses to create a potential employee parking lot a few blocks away.
It was noted that the City Council recessed the meeting at 7:53 p.m. and reconvened at 8:04 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET FOR THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION EVENT ON JUNE 27, 2026; AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING
FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF DECORATIONS
Director of Recreation and Community Services Julio Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adopt Resolution 8448 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence Celebration Event on June 27, 2026; and adopt Resolution No. 8449 to appropriate funds toward the purchase of decorations for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence Celebration in the amount of $5,000. The motion carried, by the following vote:
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
11) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING SECOND READING ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 1740 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, AS AMENDED City Manager Kith presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Solorio approve for second reading, in title only, and waive further reading the adoption 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, as amended to revise non-substantive portions of each City Commission section to ensure consistent content throughout; and to remove the phrase stating that “the term of office for each member shall be one year” relating to the Transportation and Public Safety Commission in Paragraph (a) of Section 90‑71, as amended to add back unintended deletion of the eligibility requirement to be 18 years of age. The motion carried, unanimously.
12) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE CITY COUNCIL
PROCEDURAL MANUAL
The City Council continued the item to the next regular meeting to allow Councilmembers additional time to review the redlined changes.
13) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE FIFA WORLD CUP PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS
AND EVENTS
Director of Recreation and Community Services Salcedo presented the staff report and responded to Councilmember questions.
Motion by Vice Mayor Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to Approved FIFA World Cup Promotional Efforts and authorize staff to host two (2) FIFA World Cup watch parties to be held on June 12 and June 24 in the City; and authorized staff to plan for up to $28,200 in cost per event. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Solorio, Mendoza, Garcia - 4
NAYES: Fajardo - 1
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The City Council directed staff to determine the best option for a viewing screen layout for both dates and reach out to businesses in the Mall to survey if both watch party events can be held in front of their businesses; participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Banner Program
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
for citywide decorations; and coordinate a free community soccer clinic through CAL SOUTH, LA84 at San Fernando Middle School.
14) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS YARD – FACILITY CONDITIONS REVIEW AND NEXT STEPS (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report. The City Council received and filed the report.
15) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY’S FORMER AGREEMENT RELATED TO DISTRICT B IN THE DOWNTOWN MALL AREA (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING) This item was continued to the next regular meeting.
16) CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND TIMELINES FOR ITEMS THE CITY COUNCIL WOULD LIKE COMPLETED BY APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30 (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
Mayor Joel Fajardo presented the staff report.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to research extending affordable covenants due to expire and on implementing rent stabilization for other properties that are considered affordable covenant housing. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Solorio - 1
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to direct staff to bring back an Ordinance restricting Councilmembers' 1st degree relatives (child, parent, spouse, sibling) from being appointed by that Councilmember to a Commission; and any Councilmember whose spouse is being appointed by another Councilmember, that Councilmember should abstain from voting on the appointment. The motion carried, by the following vote:
ROLL CALL
AYES: Lopez, Mendoza, Garcia, Fajardo - 4
NAYES: Solorio - 1
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The City Council continued the discussion regarding a Farmers Market to the next meeting.
The City Council directed staff to update ordinance to increase Planning Commission appeal to 15 days, with the zoning code amendment.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
The City Council directed staff to research whether Councilmembers or family applying for limited program grant funds should be excluded from receiving funding; and that Council should not benefit from programs that the City Council created.
The City Council directed staff to hold off on sending a letter in opposition to Los Angeles Unified School District regarding the paint color palette used to re-paint school facilities. 17) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO PROCLAIM APRIL 2026 AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING) Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to direct staff to create a Certificate of Proclamation for April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and include the proclamation as an annual re-occurring item. The motion carried, with Councilmember Solorio absent (briefly stepped away from the dais).
18) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FOR THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING) Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Mendoza, seconded by Councilmember Solorio to direct staff to create a Transparency and Accountability Act Ad Hoc Committee and appointed Councilmembers Lopez and Solorio to the committee. The motion carried unanimously. 19) DISCUSSION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS (SENIOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT) (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING) Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
The City Council directed staff to coordinate outreach to promote job opportunities at the Senior Center at Las Palmas Park.
20) DISCUSSION REGARDING ADVOCATING FOR CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO STRENGTHEN
INVESTIGATIONS INTO ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
Councilmember Patty Lopez presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to submit a formal advocacy letter to California’s Congressional delegation, including Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, and Congresswoman Luz Rivas urging immediate action to strengthen the investigation, prevention, and prosecution of abuse against women and children. The motion carried, unanimously.
21) DISCUSSION REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS IN PARKING & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA B (TABLED FROM THE APRIL 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia presented the staff report.
City Council discussion to provide staff direction for: Decorations for America's 250th birthday in Parking & Business Improvement Area B, Installing a directory in Parking & Business Improvement Area B, and Direction that the (A) promotion of retail activities; (B) providing music; (C) promotion of public events; and (D) decoration of public places in Parking & Business Improvement Area B will come from Parking & Business Improvement Area B funds. Explore directory in the mall area and do research and bring to area b ad hoc for discussion.
22) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR LAUSD LABOR STRIKE –
COMMUNITY RESOURCE COORDINATION (CHILD CARE, FOOD DISTRIBUTION, AND EARLY
CHILDHOOD SUPPORT)
Councilmember Mary Solorio presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Solorio to direct staff to assess and establish temporary childcare options at city facilities prioritizing working families and coordinating partnership efforts with Los Angeles Unified School District. Motion failed due to lack of second. 23) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR INSTALLATION OF SHADE
STRUCTURES AT SAN FERNANDO RECREATION PARK PLAYGROUND
Councilmember Mary Solorio presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Solorio, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to direct staff to evaluate, identify funding sources, and return with a cost estimate and implementation plan for the installation of shade structures over the playground at San Fernando Recreation Park, and further and return with information for the City Council consider appropriating the necessary funds to complete the project to ensure safe and accessible recreational space for children during periods of extreme heat and evaluating the shade in different parks as well. The motion carried unanimously. 24) DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CO-SPONSORSHIP AUTHORIZATION TO USE THE CITY LOGO AND PROMOTE THE VFW DAY OF SERVICE MAY 30TH, 2026 Councilmember Mary Solorio presented the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Solorio, seconded by Mayor Fajardo to approve the use of the City logo for Veteran’s For War Day of Service, subject to not promoting any candidate for election. The motion carried, unanimously.
The City Council directed staff to work with VFW on staff’s recommendation on what is feasible for the event and to promote through social media, email, and to recruit volunteers.
SAN FERNANDO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES – Special and Regular Meeting April 20, 2026
STAFF COMMUNICATION INCLUDING COMMISSION UPDATES
Assistant to the City Manager Pettner provided the following updates: Republic Services Fruit Trees Giveaway – 4/25, 8AM-12PM starting at Parking Lot 6N; American Red Cross Sound the Alarm – 4/25, 10AM-1PM with Basecamp at Las Palmas Park; Children’s Day 2026 – 4/26, 2-6PM at Pioneer Park; 2
nd Business Forum on Workplace Harassment & Investigations – 4/30, 8:30- 9:30am in Council Chambers; Walk the Block – 5/6, 5:30-6:30PM at Pioneer Park; City Beautification Project – Damaged Backflow Fence Repair and requested direction regarding holding the regular June 1, 2026 City Council meeting. The City Council requested that the June 1 meeting be cancelled and rescheduled to a special meeting to be held on June 8, 2026.
GENERAL CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND LIAISON UPDATES Councilmember Mendoza attended the Food and Wine Festival at Los Angeles Mission College.
Councilmember Lopez attended a small business family-owned grand opening event.
Councilmember Solorio thanked staff and colleagues for their work tonight.
Vice Mayor Garcia sf middle school tour at city hall ad hoc cal cities contract and attended a catholic orthodox church event.
Mayor Fajardo reported on the recent business forum event, talked about updating the City Council Procedural Manual and potentially brining back information related to Project Labor Agreement of there is staff capacity, and requested to close in memory of all the innocent lives lost recently in the middle east.
ADJOURNMENT 11:29 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Fajardo, seconded by Councilmember Lopez to adjourn the regular meeting to the next regular meeting of May 4, 2026. The motion carried, unanimously.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the April 20, 2026,
Regular meeting and approved by the San Fernando
City Council at the meeting of June 29, 2026.
_________________________________________
Julia Fritz, CMC
City Clerk