[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6378759,"mediaKeyId","2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66","parentId",2136989,"title","San Fernando council approves retrofits for downtown mall trash enclosures, opts against alley reconfiguration","audioSeconds",72,"startMs",1152000,"endMs",1224000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66&start=1152&end=1224","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66/thumbnail_1152000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6378759/California/San-Fernando-council-approves-retrofits-for-downtown-mall-trash-enclosures-opts-against-alley-reconfiguration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378759-7fe936758ec547825b0ccdc95a0b3612/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183909&Signature=fgLIPJF~1SWk~OGOJ3pDT-UIaFjjLcexnQN3kOxr8OtHx7YKLUtycx77m3X9onty73p6~gpQ7mUy4vEuvL91cIv1QXAI1T~FIou8gIvdeu3Pb7Ji770BiZfZg~eyEGr600FKiPmYNeRyDPOtlo5vaPn-c7DFtVr97PEGiHO0HT2HONznUDeEHBcmug131PfA8dCQVbeWS1IQX5nA7MC58JZBcNCRwZ9opZfoIaeKFPe50f0LTSsaJqPXxjw4yX0jv9QZ~4gWhr9dIFzN7cSkOX77aR5epmM5UjF3Mze9pUzT9Ss00INoD74092MZMuE1CAcvqAWXESfgt6LxYInIpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of San Fernando CA","date","2025-01-22T08:55:34Z","article","The City Council voted Jan. 21 to retrofit three downtown mall trash enclosures and demolish two others, a compromise the council said balances cost, speed of implementation and long‑term maintenance.

Project manager Isabelle (last name not provided) presented three options: (1) reorganize the alleyway and require businesses to build their own enclosed facades, (2) retrofit existing enclosures by adding roofs, doors and metal screening on three enclosures while demolishing two older enclosures, or (3) demolish all five existing enclosures and construct two centralized, new enclosures (one per alley). Staff estimated costs at roughly $180,000 for the retrofit option and about $376,000 for full demolition and reconstruction, depending on scope and site work.

After business owners and councilmembers weighed aesthetics, access and maintenance, the council voted to pursue option 2: retrofit three enclosures and demolish two (motion passed unanimously). Council members cited the retrofits as the fastest and most cost‑effective path. Councilmember Victoria Garcia said she preferred retrofitting rather than expanding alleyways, and Councilmember Joel Fajardo said he supported moving quickly to address the unsanitary conditions.

The chosen approach anticipates modifying outlets to limit access to paying customers (keyed gates or similar) and working with Republic Services and property owners to protect the area from illegal dumping. Staff will return with contract recommendations and final scopes and will confirm whether Measure W funds can be used for the work.

Nut graf: By approving retrofits rather than a full rebuild or alley reconfiguration, the council prioritized speed, lower cost and a manageable maintenance plan while leaving open future options for further downtown improvements.

Ending: Public Works will advance design and bid documents; council asked staff to report back with a recommended contractor award and confirm funding eligibility.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting (1/21/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","After reviewing three options, the council directed staff to retrofit three existing enclosures and demolish two, approving a phased approach to clean up downtown mall trash enclosures and improve public health and aesthetics.","taxTitle","San Fernando\tCity, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",70855,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378764,"San Fernando ratifies local emergency after January windstorm; city opens relief centers and seeks reimbursements",127,1024000,1151000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66&start=1024&end=1151","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66/thumbnail_1024000.jpg","/articles/6378764/California/San-Fernando-ratifies-local-emergency-after-January-windstorm-city-opens-relief-centers-and-seeks-reimbursements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378764-8b12295ebb0d405c2ede6497213af13f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183909&Signature=EEUca-hCePnZoNdk4cybgwni6a5YiM7sSCyOhmvicEXJphFP3PpAUzdRnwUlvrqZfH~AGzY5dh3snQF8WcrYPkI2Pn~~EWAivHw4BViUBXgI8ratx37iLTkAr3vi0z2I5fiZui3R9dMljZOGKcP~9FIemrp8gZs~qSRk~poW26kAEVHfV-lbI4a0HffFpyzT9S6XTwGrNGitot47BfO-4COCuWRMrwXzfn97jTvMOC2rCKg3cftD1DFk9qAUF7J6VjkSGYSgZc-2oW6Q8-j1hs1nssaeHk0EmXLCtIkiJUg9CJodcl6Z-TnRZ4chksF6b6hzBUea4bK3GGH5pLhw7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on Jan. 21 ratified a declaration of local emergency tied to the Jan. 7 windstorm and related regional fires, and reviewed the city's response and recovery steps.

City Manager Nick Kimball described the event and its local effects: \"During the first 24 hours of the windstorm, there were many downed trees and limbs ... Public works staff removed 72 fallen trees and limbs and responded to 14 electrical and traffic signal incidents,\" he said. Kimball also said a portion of the city lost power for about 18 hours and much of the area was under a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) alert.

The city opened short‑term community relief centers at Las Palmas Park and Recreation Park to allow residents to charge devices, use restrooms and access water and light snacks while power was restored. Staff said the centers were not used as overnight shelters because the event did not require large‑scale evacuation and Red Cross sheltering services were not activated. Local nonprofits coordinated donations and distribution; one event reportedly reached 200 families and more than 1,100 recipients.

Police and fire mutual‑aid deployments were also described. Kimball and staff emphasized that SFPD officers and dispatchers responded to mutual‑aid requests in hard‑hit communities while local public‑safety services continued to operate. The city will prepare reimbursement documentation for Cal OES and other state funds; staff warned that documentation and reimbursement requests typically take months.

Nut graf: Council unanimously ratified the city's emergency declaration to allow the municipality to pursue state reimbursement for its response costs, and staff described cleanup metrics and community assistance services activated after the storm.

Ending: Council asked staff to return with next steps; finance staff will compile damage and overtime costs for submission to the state.","The City Council ratified a local emergency declaration for the January 2025 windstorm and associated wildfires, after staff described damage, utility outages and the city’s relief‑center response. Council instructed staff to pursue reimbursement from state agencies.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378769,"San Fernando council adopts first reading of mixed‑use overlay to meet housing goals; staff to add recital language",345,680000,1025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66&start=680&end=1025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66/thumbnail_680000.jpg","/articles/6378769/California/San-Fernando-council-adopts-first-reading-of-mixeduse-overlay-to-meet-housing-goals-staff-to-add-recital-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378769-8b31dcd71d873ec5e4b7ab265793922b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183909&Signature=bLCIUGw3NFqOvJOBRGGOYSsUsGne2nq-6vUEeSjm0-Prys8feTiNx21JwZsn7Vo9WZWPiNvHQcP2hJB2M9h2suIuSbz0XakaggeKeJFwpSctGdxER-94QvHx7aHUhyYc1R8tYJqdZec3lrWNhKOoxw8fCxga~FCHaX9QNbe7Wehql7t3~u91WTQX7WhOduYhDR3sKTlZJX6~~fz6q6d8wLZlwBAtaTJgWdlYBNdFRjiaBrAIE4qkWubCHrHRm41i~QOY0FW4ZOoC85lDe1-H4mZ4gjcDlan8lKYivs32~qL2tYb5jjoVD6p-DYqBKXSlIt5mFkWROPCmZ28Ud7a6iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council approved the first reading of ordinances to add a Mixed‑Use Overlay on designated commercial corridors and to amend the zoning map to meet the city's housing element obligations (RHNA) on Jan. 21. The vote clears the measures to a required second reading and gave staff direction to add recital language expressing council concerns about the state process.

Deputy City Manager Kanika Kith and housing consultants from Rincon and Precision Civil Engineering presented the package of actions and the environmental review. Rincon Consultant Deanna Hanson explained the CEQA approach: the city prepared an initial study and a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the housing element update, assessing issue areas and identifying mitigation where required. Rima and Monique Emerson of the housing team said water and sewer analyses found system capacity sufficient at the high‑level housing element screening; individual projects may require site‑specific upgrades and mitigation.

The proposed Mixed‑Use Overlay would allow flexibility on C‑1 and C‑2 parcels for 100% commercial, 100% residential or mixed projects (mixed projects must have at least 50% floor area residential and fall generally in the 20–35 dwelling units per acre density range). The overlay does not raise height limits but adds architectural and landscape standards and requires a sewer/water infrastructure analysis and a fiscal impact analysis at project review.

Council debated the state's RHNA process and the risk of builder's‑remedy litigation if local controls are not enacted. City Attorney explained recent court precedent limiting judicial relief on RHNA counts and outlined risks to local control if the city failed to implement rezonings. Councilmembers pressed staff about water, sewer, police service impacts and whether the Mitigated Negative Declaration adequately addressed those issues; consultants said the MND addressed impacts at the program level and that site‑specific CEQA review could require further mitigation or EIRs if necessary.

After extensive discussion, the council voted to approve the ordinances for first reading and directed staff to add recital language underscoring council concerns about state law and to include supporting findings that projects will require site‑level utility and fiscal analyses before approval. The vote was unanimous. Staff will return for a second reading and final adoption; the ordinances will then be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review of conformance with the housing element.

Nut graf: The council chose to implement zoning changes that place anticipated housing growth on commercial corridors while protecting single‑family neighborhoods, but members asked staff to document the council's reservations about the state's RHNA process and to require project‑level infrastructure and fiscal studies.

Ending: The ordinances move to a required second reading. Staff will forward the approved text to HCD and return final drafts and any recital edits for adoption.","After hours of debate, San Fernando's City Council approved the first reading of zoning text and map amendments to establish a mixed‑use overlay in commercial corridors to implement the adopted housing element and meet RHNA obligations. Council asked staff to add recital language expressing concerns about state requirements.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378774,"San Fernando council confirms two commissioners, rejects one amid controversy over comments about Cindy Montanez",900,4338000,5238000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66&start=4338&end=5238","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66/thumbnail_4338000.jpg","/articles/6378774/California/San-Fernando-council-confirms-two-commissioners-rejects-one-amid-controversy-over-comments-about-Cindy-Montanez","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378774-804ae196423d1b86e14cc6bfdc6e6a2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183909&Signature=GgSjVPVR4sM79x8bpdB~Fsvhz1okiK1pczMMjrvkCSiPryHChQiMfnpP0MMIRPJu~UDP6CMH0MmsOD3blc8PNQlbmRjd~2HUDmZ4-Sop~Npz7ZfI8DRZMSFD8IEVKfJp3BNo0PyeoQdvQJ8xXXqssp7lljeA~v0RuMQdGRNOD7MphcuWUQWHq~rkhYFSL~-ZK0DgyPvbXM4k0GXmLph8OjH-HbD16ouorUMfQLX~vVcY3WOg8LokXWjUd4US1z0YCQU5e5aUx9e6QNZrNOzQMmenVJSYbF2VjV3s3LXhePk9Tns22hpAaD0nDQ9LfX5AV1fYalKWZ8g1KI7Yi~8shQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council confirmed two commission appointments on Jan. 21 and rejected a third after an extended public and council discussion.

Council member Patty Lopez's appointees were confirmed: Christian Garcia to the Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission and Mario Lua to the Planning and Preservation Commission. Both were approved by roll call vote after brief presentations of their resumes and remarks from the nominees.

The council declined to confirm Lopez's nomination of Ricardo Benitez to the Transportation and Public Safety Commission after vocal objections from Councilmember Joel Fajardo and an extended exchange during which Benitez apologized for remarks made at a prior meeting.

Fajardo criticized comments Benitez made at an earlier meeting about the late civic leader Cindy Montanez, saying the remarks were \"appalling\" and that \"the implication is that Cindy Montanez died because of support of LGBTQ issues in the city.\" Fajardo said those remarks, made in the presence of Montanez's family, were \"massively inappropriate.\" Benitez responded to the council: \"I apologize, honest to you for that. ... It's a lesson for me not to do any things like you mentioned. So I apologize on this from the bottom of my heart.\" He also described his long community involvement and said he wanted to serve the city.

The vote on the Benitez appointment failed: Councilmember Patty Lopez voted yes; Councilmember Victoria Garcia voted yes; Councilmember Joel Fajardo voted no; Vice Mayor Mary Salorio voted no; Mayor Mary Mendoza voted no. The motion did not pass.

Nut graf: The council confirmed two applicants viewed by members as qualified for advisory commission roles, while rejecting a third nomination after councilors expressed concern about the nominee's past public statements and behavior in public meetings.

Ending: Each approved appointment will be seated per council direction; staff will process necessary onboarding. The city clerk will note the failed appointment in the minutes and reopen the vacancy for the Transportation and Public Safety Commission.","Council approved two appointments to city commissions but voted down Ricardo Benitez for the Transportation and Public Safety Commission after a contentious exchange over remarks he made about the late Cindy Montanez.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378780,"San Fernando City Council discloses closed‑session settlement in Rosenberg workers' compensation case",2953,2034000,4987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66&start=2034&end=4987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136989-ae3b1d28aeb130cf73c42319e1cbce66/thumbnail_2034000.jpg","/articles/6378780/California/San-Fernando-City-Council-discloses-closedsession-settlement-in-Rosenberg-workers-compensation-case","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378780-de8f8f58a9b30366f46a49e173063ccd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183909&Signature=hr5q6qc0rG6mPOkP38Z7dtCbGg3TBTHjKgIh78VQ7Fdoz0krb3b4SafzQQdseA8pNoZydpYVUFBNa0Evu2QISvniqjMh63-F-DiU63f4P7rt4dIFCOs5ZM06jpp~WDymLji1FBMsMkHIMsgStL~gr3j73nvneBJvvGCQt2~5bS-tXdRqQBTEfz9QxbHk1Wafw2mMR7gPD~Gxm2RoH5W~Dvgp3l8nCgXVGvvIm9Oz0BTkh2RevGRSJNyqBIbxlwpUF1o0FCb8dH2EHx4e6Nsglt~Zsq0KjCp52qATD1PCZMJyu6L527qkuqOCrpd5PP484UOYITz9NL4r9YdSfwO-eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council announced that it approved the terms of a workers' compensation settlement in the matter Rosenberg v. City of San Fernando following a closed session Jan. 21. The action was reported by the city attorney after the council returned to open session.

City Attorney: \"The City Council, by unanimous vote, approved the terms of a settlement, which ... will result in the workers' comp settlement in accordance with the recommendation of City staff.\" The attorney said that a general presentation had been provided on labor negotiations and that, for other closed‑session items, \"feedback was given by the City Council, but no final reportable action was taken.\"

Nut graf: The council's announcement resolves an employee workers' compensation matter without public discussion of the settlement amount or terms at the open meeting; the attorney said the settlement follows staff recommendation and that the vote in closed session was unanimous.

In the meeting's brief readout, the city attorney did not provide monetary details or identify the staff recommendation beyond saying the settlement \"will result in the workers' comp settlements in accordance with the recommendation of City staff.\" The readout made clear the council met with all members present for the closed session.

Ending: The minutes and any required public filings from the closed session should reflect the formal settlement terms if and when the city releases them per applicable disclosure rules.","After meeting in closed session, the City Council unanimously approved terms of a workers' compensation settlement in the case Rosenberg v. City of San Fernando, city attorney reported at the Jan. 21 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

San Fernando council approves retrofits for downtown mall trash enclosures, opts against alley reconfiguration

San Fernando ratifies local emergency after January windstorm; city opens relief centers and seeks reimbursements

San Fernando council adopts first reading of mixed‑use overlay to meet housing goals; staff to add recital language

San Fernando council confirms two commissioners, rejects one amid controversy over comments about Cindy Montanez

San Fernando City Council discloses closed‑session settlement in Rosenberg workers' compensation case