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San Fernando unveils 'Safe and Beautiful Parks' plan to boost patrols, maintenance and cameras
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Summary
City staff presented a multi‑department plan to increase patrols, improve maintenance and pursue security assessments after the police department reported incidents across several parks; council asked for more frequent restroom cleaning, a Cindy Montañez Park community meeting and an ICRMA security assessment.
City staff presented the Safe and Beautiful Parks initiative to the San Fernando City Council, proposing short‑term increases in patrols and targeted enforcement, medium‑term security assessments and camera reviews, and longer‑term community engagement and volunteer patrols to improve safety and the park experience. Police data summarized activity across parks during fiscal 2024–25, with Recreation Park and Las Palmas Park recording the highest level of extra patrols. The department also logged incidents including alcohol and cannabis violations, after‑hours use, narcotics‑related offenses, property vandalism and a small number of violent incidents. The chief said the city conducts extra patrols at parks and that ‘‘the probability of being a victim of a crime here in San Fernando is low, but it’s not nonexistent.’’ The initiative proposes immediate steps: increased beat patrols and reserve‑officer deployments, better coordination with recreation staff, and targeted maintenance responses. Staff said they will work with the city’s insurer (ICRMA) to conduct a security assessment of camera placement and vulnerabilities, with assessments scheduled to begin October 1–2. Council members pressed for clearer maintenance commitments. Council Member Victoria Garcia asked for a stronger daily cleaning plan and for restroom upkeep; public works staff said bathroom cleaning is contracted in the evening and that the city will evaluate adding daytime cleaning (the contract is currently above $100,000 annually). Council Member Patty Lopez asked that parks be strictly closed at 10 p.m. per municipal code and requested more lighting and restroom improvements at Cindy Montañez Park; the police chief confirmed officers are logging park closures and said staff would work to correct sign/code inconsistencies. Council Member Joe Fajardo asked whether parks were safe for average residents; the police chief said he personally uses park trails at night but emphasized the program’s goal is to increase visible patrol and community confidence. Councilmembers asked staff to return with a plan that includes costs and a timeline; staff said they will present a recommendation to the recreation commission before returning to council. No formal vote was required; council gave direction to proceed with the short‑term steps, pursue the ICRMA security assessment, evaluate cleaning frequency and schedule a community meeting about Cindy Montañez Park.
