[{"_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",6082993,"mediaKeyId","2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6","parentId",2935508,"title","Council approves first reading of zoning update; narrows private-tree review and authorizes limited assistance for arborist reports","audioSeconds",5362,"startMs",7230000,"endMs",12592000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6&start=7230&end=12592","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6/thumbnail_7230000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082993/California/Council-approves-first-reading-of-zoning-update-narrows-private-tree-review-and-authorizes-limited-assistance-for-arborist-reports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082993-b9164c9d497919b8e5bb6457075548ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202893&Signature=ZD4R7kACW4e1~arKhZyJrju9Cjfyl32cJVst5HDkUIYN6TYO6Zth1jhXF0Ay9omNbaKUUlLNCSzJJJYlDuqXfhIugHItI~p8cNbdKizB8pPwlhOdqFUW5i5WEO273-KpbhTRmY6ayvEophH875rIlQn4mK~i4LyHp0PwcvtNDniRSYa9RQJ~upbXnaxKrXZUT6SKvGsPrn8TH8D2ejKMIekKAgXLtEyzhcB8RPaSPmgpDyDK1P8J2On7TbaZRmmqlBSgCNAFLgg2txvkwNiPs4vwSfR31TMh2NRCGeNsd~BMwPtModaRIflOwHMSyI4pd9CACjEj-mot2h-29lKKcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of San Fernando CA","date","2025-04-09T20:47:33.7Z","article","The San Fernando City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace the city’s zoning provisions and advanced amendments addressing tree preservation and landscape standards.

The zoning code replacement updates rules for housing, accessory dwelling units, mixed-use overlays and other land-use charts to align local code with state requirements and the city’s recently adopted Urban Forest Management Plan. Staff described goals including clarity for users, codifying existing city procedures and adding development standards requested by council.

Council discussion centered on proposed tree-preservation rules for private property. The draft set thresholds for protected trees by species, trunk diameter and height and included a process that required an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist report and Planning Commission review for removal in many cases. Several councilmembers and members of the public urged relief for homeowners, noting high costs for arborist reports and urgent safety concerns when damaged trees threaten structures.

Council approved edits that remove the requirement for Planning Commission review for tree removals on private property provided the tree meets the ordinance’s criteria and is documented by an arborist report; the city will retain review for public-right-of-way trees. The council also approved a provision directing staff to return with options for limited financial assistance or subsidy for certified arborist reports for low-income households and to preserve staff’s right to inspect and verify reports. The roll call on the ordinance first-reading motion and its tree-related edits resulted in a 3–2 approval: Patty Lopez — no; Victoria Garcia — no; Joe Fajardo — yes; Mary Salorio — yes; Mary Mendoza — yes. (Staff indicated the nonconforming-use provisions in the existing code were not changed as part of this vote; staff also agreed to study possible exemptions related to rebuilding after disasters and to meet with an affected business to review concerns.)

The ordinance will return for final reading and adoption after staff updates the draft consistent with council direction and prepares materials required for the Housing and Community Development compliance review for accessory dwelling unit provisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting (4/7/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","City Council voted to approve the first reading of a comprehensive zoning code update and to revise private-property tree procedures to remove Planning Commission review for qualifying removals and study low-income assistance for arborist reports.","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},6082998,"Council approves July 4 Independence celebration with added budget for expanded drone show",2357,7982000,10339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6&start=7982&end=10339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6/thumbnail_7982000.jpg","/articles/6082998/California/Council-approves-July-4-Independence-celebration-with-added-budget-for-expanded-drone-show","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082998-e9314aeccf882d1c3a4df86587ac1141/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202893&Signature=EKwtn0BHvfztYNHY~X9UTIZOJeab7HjmQGau4~6EQOjGzVkoDSq9HIdCwMOh7qVbEIUbXSeqkUfoblwVM864eGrMi9UjGJi1Z42Q3gA~ar0jByDOonXl0kSkly9y7rKvX3Huo94VPSGtgNL3v9OrLHHNDJoMs~Jw8xf21-MV6PNO~OIh4qEs924BiUT4IaHkd0pyVVEHs3RU5oqfFzDY4V914Bqxbb0uQIEMCl1Oi9MVvx1nFwmBM0r0U38hNANwwB3wsgAkt8pMSCnfLt8Lh7JfsUBx9foQgHNlzxwoPktzFooJBnmAb4QnbvlRCnj5Jp9OiaLu-rfa3~2u1IMHig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council voted to host the city’s Independence Day celebration on July 4 and approved a budget increase to expand the drone show and retain carnival amenities.

Staff presented two scheduling options: a July 4 program with a larger drone show and fewer ancillary carnival features or a July 5 event that would allow more rides and a larger drone count for slightly lower cost. Council discussed safety, scheduling and resident access; several members emphasized the value of a community gathering on the holiday itself.

After discussion the council approved a motion to hold the event on July 4 with a $20,000 enhancement to the current appropriation. The enhancement will allow an upgraded drone program and continued elements such as a zip line and slides. The roll call vote was: Patty Lopez — yes; Victoria Garcia — yes; Joe Fajardo — yes; Vice Mayor Mary Salorio — yes; Mayor Mary Mendoza — no. Motion passed 4–1.

Staff will return with the amended budget detail and vendor confirmations; the council asked staff to prioritize public safety, public notice, and additional inflatable attractions to reduce queue times for children.

The council also discussed the tradeoffs between fireworks and drone shows, and reviewed vendor quotes and clearance constraints identified by the Fire Department; staff said fireworks would require additional permits and a larger safety perimeter.","The council approved holding the city’s Independence Day celebration on July 4 with additional funding to expand the drone show and include carnival amenities. Council members voted to increase the event appropriation to cover enhanced drone programming.",{"_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},6083001,"Council accepts donated plaque honoring long-serving Las Palmas park directors",5458,2171000,7629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6&start=2171&end=7629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6/thumbnail_2171000.jpg","/articles/6083001/California/Council-accepts-donated-plaque-honoring-long-serving-Las-Palmas-park-directors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083001-b60c85d00a6b5b95d44b06e3c8e839a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202893&Signature=OSoQSTwCGsCeLqeezf2MYHBi68~9zHnlPwjDOU5n9dDsuUPcpjWBBJxzIqBR7Vw7jfaNMlrR9QzV4iLGHzwc~QmaTUQggYIuP86dVzSs6Tt6H0uyka0UqjupJlZnBOQVWpBGHPw10asnQ0dGuL9uUfy3yHJvalRrVxUW5NoZ~TMM7eMQpID8Co7MvhwvyfEAPVYUQa-8bRLm3VfDr2tpljdpOVjgGb5CuKEW~2kMapbx5S-Zsg2y9hwizRCY2q26i8rbjM293G2AHEsgyY8s-wJgLElXMC~D5sxCe1tZUCEuH-UAkJHgeIMxn~0jlRVLkpXc6S3nELIIRPMW1ZmWoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council accepted a donor-funded commemorative plaque for Las Palmas Park honoring former park directors Julian Leon and Jess Margarito and authorized staff to install the plaque and coordinate a dedication event.

Representatives of the Las Palmas neighborhood committee described a successful March fundraising pancake breakfast and requested a community dedication. Parks staff confirmed the plaque will be funded entirely by the donors and presented a sample inscription and placement options.

Councilmember Victoria Garcia disclosed she attended the fundraiser. Councilmember Joe Fajardo asked that any acceptance include the understanding that future park redesigns or relocations could affect plaque placement. The council approved acceptance and installation and asked staff and the donors to coordinate an unveiling ceremony; the council also suggested a QR code next to the plaque for historical context.

The motion passed unanimously.","Council authorized installation of a donated plaque recognizing Julian Leon and Jess Margarito for decades of service at Las Palmas Park and approved a public dedication coordinated by the donors and city staff.",{"_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},6083006,"San Fernando names Flora Sanchez to Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission",245,8532000,8777000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6&start=8532&end=8777","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6/thumbnail_8532000.jpg","/articles/6083006/California/San-Fernando-names-Flora-Sanchez-to-Parks-Wellness-and-Recreation-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083006-3b2187e7302f699fd064dc2849d59fe6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202893&Signature=UScVfm5h4hEVe1EEe5dYwshQGfsMX-tSX8bRlDAZ4csjoj5n4Mo7xTlCgKEl7WnntSL~xewRzPbIgvAweuS3SaCkF7O7mofm3hdmzyFpcgWPyAhHidk3W9QDmL~27bjbwdoRuqsFQa5HSot-LdCuCgaXEOiISL3m1r3QqllGHX8YauNbbzTc8VL5r8WbmJTlKYxGLjL~pd-OJwtC31W8iTW3voAp3GdHVCxy3X9kGfj4X3zfiSg9sUHnD70h-wekPv~8KOGi3qY-ReWDiM8Amusjo-C8fpBlAuPtVcC93ncoHtCpJ3OPx76vJaO3vWXRzSh-pXOqGbzxZkg2ukB2Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Fernando City Council unanimously appointed Flora Sanchez to the Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission during its May 7 meeting.

Councilmembers praised Sanchez’s community work and financial planning background. The city manager presented Sanchez’s experience, noting her volunteer leadership with Girl Scouts and neighborhood outreach, and highlighted her commitment to financial literacy and community events.

Councilmember Joe Fajardo said, “Welcome. Congratulations. And I look forward to working with you.” Councilmember Victoria Garcia and Councilmember Patty Lopez also extended congratulations; Vice Mayor Mary Salorio and Mayor Mary Mendoza joined the vote to approve the appointment.

Sanchez told the council she was “incredibly honored and grateful” for the appointment and said she looked forward to protecting and improving parks and recreational services.

The appointment passed on a voice/roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor.","The City Council appointed Flora Sanchez to the Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission. Sanchez has a background in financial planning, community service and volunteer work with Girl Scouts and local nonprofits.",{"_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},6083009,"Hundreds urge San Fernando to become sanctuary city; council declines to direct staff to draft ordinance",4841,2411000,7252000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6&start=2411&end=7252","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2935508-cca8f61f2be665ce4018e8246d0197a6/thumbnail_2411000.jpg","/articles/6083009/California/Hundreds-urge-San-Fernando-to-become-sanctuary-city-council-declines-to-direct-staff-to-draft-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083009-9222186db65996c263e565a83a9f602e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202893&Signature=NLgYZJSGcN9d-gt9OKCn6evpf~V6bNgg60CNBC5lQ9t6cLVRM4zhmIgM4K2jjfEMYcKZUw98nKgZ~692qfV2argVVSxoM68swaPue91wc0rSlkNOsQKrx-0UkcOAWfkAqJHGAostJxs2LbMGWXH0EBu4mcSK1nLiRtrKNbck918-iGaH6DnS4Jiay3mlIl2mtJwopoZDwg~HmIs3hzSq93iLJH1pXW6AEzJzxhxmhc51JPslT~5XsP9RO35Pt2bKUoOQeIcwSBbqHJvJ1VS55h9vWhlDJu~DG4PoJWS~2NX8GTLm3a9g4UU0WK-gNBz2DZHcKj4pi3yfOg7bvlLVjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents and representatives from immigrant-rights groups urged the San Fernando City Council on May 7 to adopt a sanctuary policy that would limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The call for a formal policy dominated public comment, with speakers including Brandon Gonzalez, who said he was representing State Senator Caroline Mendeavor and urged the council: “I once again strongly ask the city council to support designating the city of San Fernando as a sanctuary city.” Maria Flores, a community member, told the council: “I am here to voice my strong support for making San Fernando a sanctuary city.”

Supporters framed the measure as a public-safety and family-stability step. Joanna Reyes, district director for Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, said her office backs a local policy and described state-level efforts to help families prepare for immigration detention. Lawyers and service providers also addressed the council: Jana Whaley of Public Counsel said a sanctuary policy “will ensure that the city's resources are dedicated to meeting local needs rather than carrying out federal immigration enforcement.”

Council debate focused on what new local language would add to California law and whether a local label would increase legal or political exposure. Several speakers and staff referenced Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act. Police Chief Fabian Valdez noted legal obligations on local law enforcement and said the department will follow state requirements: “It is my duty to ensure that we comply with state law ... the policy of the San Fernando Police Department is we will adhere to the California Values Act and all its mandates.”

Mayor Mary Mendoza said she supports immigrant residents but opposed adopting a local designation at this time, saying, “I cannot support designation at this time,” and citing concern that a local declaration could draw federal attention and possibly increase risk to residents.

Councilmember Patty Lopez moved to direct staff to draft an \"immigrant protections\" policy that would: prohibit use of city property by immigration authorities without a judicial warrant; prohibit city personnel from providing access to city data about immigration status without judicial process; and prohibit city personnel from collecting immigration status information unless required by law. The motion was seconded and put to roll call. The council vote was: Patty Lopez — yes; Victoria Garcia — no; Joe Fajardo — no; Vice Mayor Mary Salorio — yes; Mayor Mary Mendoza — no. The motion failed 2–3.

After the vote, several council members and community leaders said they would pursue other ways to reassure residents. Council members and staff described ongoing steps the city has already taken, including a written San Fernando Police Department policy that limits cooperation with federal immigration holds and the city manager’s plan to provide know-your-rights materials and legal resources for residents.

The council did not adopt a new ordinance or direct staff to draft a final local policy on May 7. Councilmembers who opposed the motion said they wanted more study and a careful drafting process; supporters said they would continue advocating for a local measure in coming meetings.

Local and state advocates said they will keep pushing for a formal measure and urged the council to prioritize clear, written protections so residents feel safe reporting crimes and seeking city services.

Council action on immigration policy remains open; staff and councilmembers signaled further outreach and possible follow-up drafts in future agendas.","Dozens of residents and several advocacy groups called on the San Fernando City Council to adopt a sanctuary policy to restrict local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Councilmembers debated legal scope and local risk and voted down a motion to direct staff to draft a formal ordinance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves first reading of zoning update; narrows private-tree review and authorizes limited assistance for arborist reports

Council approves July 4 Independence celebration with added budget for expanded drone show

Council accepts donated plaque honoring long-serving Las Palmas park directors

San Fernando names Flora Sanchez to Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission

Hundreds urge San Fernando to become sanctuary city; council declines to direct staff to draft ordinance