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A PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON COMMENDING CARLOS R. FANDINO JR. FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF
SERVICE TO THE CITY OF VERNON
WHEREAS, Carios R. Fandino Jr., was a dedicated employee of the City of Vernon for over 35 years and faithfully performed his duties as a public servant since hired on January 23, 1989 and throughout his career at the City, culminating in his retirement as City Administratorryeffective July 1 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, prior to his career with the City of Vernon, Mr. Fandino served in the United States Marine Corps and, in 1990, while employed with the City, was activated as a reservist to serve in military operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning the rank of E-5 Sergeant and acquiring numerous medals and awards during his tenure: the Navy Achievement Award, Sea Service Deployment Award, Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Freedom Award, and Southwest Asia Deployment Award; and WHEREAS, beginning in the position of System Operator, Mr. Fandino steadily promoted through the Public Utilities Department ranks and served in various leadership positions: Water and Power Dispatcher effective July 16, 1989; Senior Dispatcher effective July 29, 1990; Systems Supervisor effective July 1, 1997; Engineering and Operations Project Manager effective July 1, 2001; Systems Manager effective July 1, 2003; Transmission and Distribution Manager effective September 17, 2006; appointed as Interim Director of Light and Power effective August 2, 2010; appointed as Director of Vernon Public Utilities (formerly Light and Power and Vernon Gas and Electric) effective September 16, 2010; and WHEREAS, while in the Public Utilities Department, Mr. Fandino served on the original team tasked to commandeer the Vernon Electrical System following a successful negotiation with Southern California Edison to reinstate the City's operating rights, served on the team charged with constructing the Malburg Generating Station (MGS), oversaw the commissioning of the Fiber Optics and Natural Gas enterprises, and during his tenure, participated in nearly every aspect of the Department's operations; and WHEREAS, effective March 15, 2016, Mr. Fandino was appointed as City Administrator where his leadership was instrumental in positioning Vernon for financial stability, cost savings, and economic development such as: the adoption of key tax measures including the Utility Users Tax, Sales Tax, and Public Safety Tax; stabilization of the City's General Fund and elimination of transfers from utility reserves; the transition of fire protection services to Los Angeles County; the re-acquisition of MGS; mixed-use rezoning to enable varied land uses in the City which include residential developments; and infrastructure investments to strengthen and prolong the useful life of utility facilities and to support clean commerce like data centers, green hydrogen facilities, and electric vehicle charging plazas; and WHEREAS, Mr. Fandino led with charisma, humility, creativity, and passion as he encouraged the transformative change in the City necessary for long-term growth and opportunity for its businesses and residents while promoting enhanced community engagement and fortifying a positive rapport with neighboring Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) cities' leaders and constituents; and WHEREAS, in addition to his service with the City of Vernon, Mr. Fandino devoted time to civic duties and served the community of San Fernando, California as a volunteer Reserve Police Officer; and WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished career with the City of Vernon and as a Marine Corps Veteran, Mr. Fandino earned the deepest respect of his colleagues and community through his leadership, dedication, contributions, and commitment to the City of Vernon and SELA community. Mr. Fandino is an exemplary employee and will truly be missed; and
WHEREAS, it is an honor to express our appreciation to Mr. Fandino for his dedication and acknowledge him for his many achievements, visionary thinking, and commendable service to the City of Vernon and wish Carlos good health upon his retirement and for continued success in life's pursuits.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON, ON BEHALF OF ITS EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES HEREBY COMMEND AND THANK CARLOS R, FANDINO JR. FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY. THIS PROCLAMATION IS BEING PRESENTED TO CARLOS R. FANDINO JR, BY THE
HONORABLE MAYOR JUDITH MERLO FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON THIS 6th DAY OF AU„G~JST TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-FOUR.
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CITY OF VERNON
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By:
JUDITH MERLO, Mayor