Happy Holidays, Glendale!

As I sit writing this message, I can feel the change around us. The air is a bit crisper than it was a few weeks ago as we head into a southern California winter; there are fallen leaves on the ground and a few more clouds in the sky. I can’t help but feel thankful for the exciting, and admittedly at times challenging, year we have had. As we head into this final month of 2021, let’s take a moment to look back at some of our accomplishments:

• We came together as a community to take care of our health and safety and that of our neighbors; 
• We slowed the spread of COVID-19 by receiving the vaccine! Between the Glendale Fire Department’s partnership with Glendale Memorial Hospital to visit and vaccinate homebound seniors, the City’s partnership with Adventist Health Glendale and Glendale Community College to sponsor the Jewel City Vax Clinic, the Civic Center’s partnership with Tri-State Clinics, and multiple Pop-Up Health Fairs and Vaccine Clinics with LA County, the City of Glendale helped administer over 30,600 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine!
• We discovered a new love of Al Fresco dining, which will be permanent in two major commercial areas throughout the City;
• We began the planning process for exciting new projects and programs, including the Verdugo Wash, Housing Element, and Bicycle Transportation Plan; 
• We completed a Citywide Pedestrian Plan with recommendations to improve pedestrian safety;
• We established a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco to improve the health of our community;
• We offered Education Connection and Maple Starz After School Camp programs to provide residents with distance learning and summer camps; 
• We eliminated single use plastics at City Facilities;
• We prohibited the distribution of disposable foodware accessories at restaurants and for take-out services unless a customer requests these items;
• We replaced gas-powered equipment with zero-emission, battery-powered equipment to expand “Green Zones” to all City parks.

I’m extremely proud of what the City and our community have accomplished together this year! I look forward to more innovative and exciting changes we’ll come across in the new year. For now, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a prosperous New Year!

Holiday Waste Collection

Notice for Residential and Multi-Family complexes with 2-4 units: Public Works Integrated Waste will be CLOSED on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Because these holidays occur on Saturday, collection services will not be affected. 

Notice for Commercial and Multi-family complexes with 5+ units: On Christmas and New Year’s Day, collection service will be delayed until the following day as specified by your franchise hauler. Visit our website to look up your franchise hauler.

Glendale Awarded 2021 Public Works Traffic, Mobility & Beautification Award

The City of Glendale received the 2021 American Public Works Association local chapter’s BEST Award. The Glendale Train Station 1st/Last Mile Regional Improvement Projects got top honors in the Traffic, Mobility & Beautification category for a city with over 200,000 residents. The Project improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure (addition of a Class IV bike lane) and critical access for residents and regional commuters between residential and commercial destinations. The Project improves and creates a true gateway to the historic Glendale Transit Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The improvements include the installation of new bus shelters with solar LED lights, furniture at the GTC, and bioretention landscaping at two intersections. The Project is an essential part of the City of Glendale’s continued efforts to improve the experience of pedestrians and cyclists within our City and improve 1st/last mile connectivity. Learn more here.

Holiday Water & Power Saving Tips

Why stop at shopping sales to save extra money when you can lower your utility bill and save there too? Here are a few ways to conserve energy and water during the holidays:

• Switch to LED lights for decorations and regular use lighting.
• Our Energy & Water Efficiency Marketplace offers online shopping for energy and water efficient products at discounted prices.  
• Use smart plugs and timers for your holiday lights.
• Defrost frozen foods in the fridge instead of running them under water.
• Install faucet aerators. Find them at our Marketplace.
• Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
• Use lower settings on the dishwasher.
• Wash your fruits and veggies in a bowl. Collect the water and use it for your plants.