S.F. Council Funds Library, Revitalization Projects

The go-ahead for a new library and other revitalization projects topped budget approvals by the San Fernando City Council this week.

The proposed $25-million general and enterprise funds, as well as a $9-million redevelopment agency budget, were all approved unanimously by the five-member council.

Both the budget proposals and the accompanying objectives set for the 1999-2000 fiscal year reflect the city’s plans to enhance aesthetics and its image “as a business-friendly community,” said Saul Gomez, administrative services manager.

“Much of it has to do with new construction and other projects aimed at bringing a certain style and consistency to the streets of our city,” Gomez said.

Judith Babka, manager of the L.A. County Library branch in San Fernando, is pleased at the prospect of a permanent home for the library, which will be two blocks closer to the “heart of the city.”

Since 1988, the library has been located on Library Street, in a leased building that was once a dress store--Lucille’s ‘Round the Clock Shop. Before that, it was housed in what is now part of the courts complex, at Macneil and 1st streets, across from the police station.

“With the adjacent food court and Spanish bookstore, we will really be part of a focal community hub,” Babka explained. “We’re very busy here, especially with our large school population. Percentage-wise, San Fernando has one of the largest under-18 populations in the state.”

Construction on the 8,500-square-foot facility is expected to begin during the coming year.

To continue to encourage more visitor and business activity, officials plan to unveil a Web site with information about the city, including its services and history. They also want to establish a family festival sometime in the fall.

A similar effort nearly two years ago was unsuccessful, Gomez said, because it duplicated a popular one in Monrovia but failed to consider demographics unique to San Fernando, such as its 85% Latino population.

Other objectives for the coming year will be a continued effort to reduce problem rental properties that are improperly maintained by absentee owners. A corollary program to encourage more first-time home buying in the city will be resumed as well. Currently 45% of the city’s dwellings are rentals, Gomez said.