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San Fernando council directs staff to draft ordinance requiring public vetting of city land sales
Summary
Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia secured council direction for staff to draft an ordinance requiring wider community outreach and disclosure before the city considers selling, leasing, or developing city-owned land; the motion also asks staff for a report on past property dispositions and to consider posting city property on the website.
The San Fernando City Council voted to direct staff to prepare an ordinance and accompanying staff report that would increase transparency and community engagement before the city entertains sales, leases or other dispositions of city‑owned land.
Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia introduced the item as a transparency measure aimed at ensuring “proposed sales and or development of city-owned lands provide the optimal financial benefit to the city and align with community sensibilities.” She told the council she wants the ordinance to require community outreach and that staff present “a full range of legal and business options” before the council considers proposals from private interests.
Garcia also asked staff to compile a report on how the city has previously disposed of or transferred property, including development agreements or other arrangements with public or private partners, and suggested posting a list of city-owned properties on the city website to inform residents. “If it’s city property, it’s the people’s property,” Garcia said during discussion.
City counsel and staff noted existing statutory requirements such as the Surplus Land Act and explained that closed-session confidentiality is preserved for active negotiations but does not eliminate the possibility of greater public disclosure earlier in the process. Staff recommended drafting the ordinance and returning it for first reading in early June so the council could complete both readings by June 30, 2026 if desired.
Vice Mayor Garcia moved to direct staff to prepare the proposed ordinance and a staff report on past property disposals and related agreements; the motion was seconded and carried by consensus.
Councilmembers said they support greater clarity for residents and asked staff to propose specific notice and outreach steps, including whether a public posting of city property and agreements is feasible under state law.
