Council forms ad hoc to plan immigration resource fair; favors nonprofit partners and breakouts

The San Fernando City Council on March 17 voted to create a two‑member ad hoc committee to work with staff and community nonprofits on organizing an immigration information event — described by council and staff as either an informational forum, a resource fair, or a hybrid of both.

Staff described two models: a resource fair in which multiple nonprofits and service providers host booths (useful for one‑on‑one conversations and confidential assistance) and a forum format that features panel presentations for general information. Council members favored a hybrid approach: short informational or panel sessions followed by breakout sessions or a resource fair so attendees can pursue individual needs.

Council directed the ad hoc to vet nonprofit partners, consider translation services, and return with recommended partners and a proposed timeline. Council members emphasized partnering with nonprofit immigration‑service providers rather than promoting commercial entities, and asked that public safety and eligibility concerns be taken into account when selecting providers.

The council named Councilmember Patty Lopez and Councilmember Joe Fajardo to the ad hoc, and asked staff to return with recommendations for co‑sponsorship and scheduling. Councilmembers also discussed community outreach and promotion; staff suggested bringing recommendations back to council as early as May so that organizations would have adequate time to plan logistics and fundraising, if required.

Ending: The ad hoc will work with staff, shortlisted nonprofits and elected‑office staff to bring a formal proposal back to the full council for approval and scheduling.