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This publication is brought to you by Mayor Ara Najarian and City Councilmembers Ardy Kassakhian, Dan Brotman, Elen Asatryan, and Vartan Gharpetian.

MAY 2025

A Message from the City Manager, Roubik Golanian  As spring takes hold in Glendale, we welcome new milestones, ongoing projects, and the ability to take on new challenges with fresh opportunities. This week we kicked off our budget discussions and study sessions. While our departments have been working diligently to close-out FY 2024-25 and plan for FY 2025-26, this week’s discussion kicked off the public conversation about the City’s long-term financial health and stability. We have created a “Budget 101” video and encourage you to engage in the process. Our Finance Department presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, providing a snapshot of revenues and expenses, as well as recommended adjustments from the current FY 2024-25 adopted budget. Over the past several quarters, sales tax revenues have softened, reflecting trends seen across public agencies statewide and nationally. Additionally, General Fund revenues initially expected to remain stable—such as building permits and landfill operation fees—have materialized in smaller increments due to reduced demand. The financial reality is clear: our General Fund expenses for essential City services are outpacing revenue. Frankly, this is due to inflation, higher cost of goods and services, labor, and contractual services in support of Glendale projects and programs – despite any good in the increased revenues the City experienced. Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear more from our team as we provide updates and share key information. Your input and involvement are essential as we navigate this process. We encourage you to attend the upcoming budget study sessions to share your thoughts and priorities. All sessions will take place at 9:00 AM at the City Council Chambers located at 613 E. Broadway Street, Suite 210 and will also be accessible virtually through the City’s website. Thursday, May 8, 2025: Budget Study Session #1: FY 2024-25 General Fund Projection, Five-Year General Fund Forecast (Video) Tuesday, May 20, 2025: Budget Study Session #2: Departmental Presentation, Proposed FY 2025-26 Citywide Budget, Vacancy Reporting  Wednesday, June 4, 2025: Budget Study Session #3: Capital Improvement Program, Fleet, Parking Fees Thursday, June 12, 2025: Budget Study Session #4: Follow-Up Items While we work through the budget process, the City remains focused on delivering meaningful improvements and services that impact day-to-day life in Glendale. Whether you’re attending a community event, tuning in to a Council meeting, or simply staying informed, your engagement is valued. Thank you for being an active part of what makes Glendale a vibrant place to call home.

La Crescenta Avenue Enhancements Continue

The La Crescenta Avenue Rehabilitation Project aims to enhance roadway conditions, improve traffic safety, and boost pedestrian accessibility throughout the corridor.

Features of the project include:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Resurfacing roadways, installing new larger sewer lines and bio-retention facilities, planting new street trees, and modernizing traffic signals to improve pedestrian and commuter experience and safety.
• Roadway Improvements: Removal of one travel lane in each direction to accommodate a center two-way left-turn lane and dedicated bicycle lanes.
• Enhanced Pedestrian Amenities: Upgrading sidewalks, installing ADA-compliant curb ramps, realigning intersections, and adding new signalized pedestrian crossing with creative crosswalk designs for improved visibility and safety.

Tentative Construction Schedule:

• May 1 - 15: Contractor performing fiber optic installation at the following locations:
• La Crescenta Avenue between Honolulu Avenue and Montrose Avenue
• Montrose Avenue between Ramsdell Avenue and La Crescenta Avenue
• At the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Honolulu Avenue 
• May 1 - 15: Contractor performing potholing and utility locating for traffic signal upgrades
• May 1 - 30: Contractor performing sewer upgrades between Verdugo Road and Paloma Avenue
• May 15 - 30: Contractor performing traffic signal conduit installation at various locations

GWP Celebrates Completion of Rooftop Solar Installation on Perkins Building

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) has completed a rooftop solar installation at the Perkins Building located at the City Hall Complex— the first major milestone under Phase 1 of 6 in the Community Solar: City-Owned Projects initiative. The system will generate approximately 184 kW of clean energy, enough to power about 41 homes annually.

On April 14, 2025, GWP and the Glendale City Council celebrated the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, livestreamed on GWP’s social media channels. This marks an important step toward building a more sustainable and carbon-free future for Glendale.

Bus Rapid Transit Project by Metro

The North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project is part of Metro’s broader effort to enhance regional transit. This project will connect Los Angeles (North Hollywood and Eagle Rock), Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, improving access to jobs, education, and other key destinations.  

This planned system will offer faster, more reliable service than traditional bus routes and use electric zero-emission vehicles to reduce traffic and support cleaner air. On May 6, 2025, Metro staff presented an update to Glendale City Council and shared plans for continued community outreach. Residents can expect public meetings and opportunities to stay informed as the project moves forward.

New Electric Beeline Bus

The City of Glendale unveiled its first electric Beeline bus during the 2025 Earth Day Fair — a major milestone in the City’s Fleet Electrification Plan. Supported by $34.6 million in grant funding from the California State Transportation Agency, this initiative sets Glendale on the path to a fully zero-emissions transit fleet by 2035 — five years ahead of state requirements.

Dunsmuir Sediment Placement Site Update

Residents in northwest Glendale may have noticed increased truck activity near the Dunsmuir Sediment Placement Site. This is because the site is currently receiving natural sediment from the San Gabriel Valley as part of routine storm season maintenance.

Los Angeles County Public Works has confirmed that no fire debris from the Eaton Fire, hazardous materials, or residential/commercial waste are being transported to the site. Hauling operations are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekend activity as needed. Residents may notice increased truck traffic and temporary parking restrictions, which will be posted 48 hours in advance.

Speed Safety Program Update

The City of Glendale’s Public Works Department has launched the Speed Safety Program to improve traffic safety and reduce speeding. This initiative is part of a state-authorized pilot program enabled by California Assembly Bill 645 (AB 645), which allows Glendale to use speed safety cameras, a proven method to lower excessive speeding and reduce severe and fatal crashes on public streets.

The program is guided by two key documents adopted by the City Council on April 29^th, 2025:

• Impact Report: Assesses the program's effects on civil liberties, recommends camera locations, details collaboration with community organizations, and outlines financial considerations.
• Use Policy: Ensures transparency and accountability, describing operational procedures, data privacy protections, violation notification processes, and rules for data retention and public access.

With the policy framework in place, the next steps include procurement and vendor selection for implementing the Speed Safety Program. The next step is the procurement process to identify project funding needs; we will keep the community apprised as this effort progresses. 

Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Glendale

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, which may reclassify certain properties within Glendale into new fire hazard zones. These zones are categorized as Moderate, High, or Very High and are determined based on recent scientific data and climate modeling that assess wildfire hazard potential. The revised maps are available on the City website at Vegetation Management & Brush Abatement | City of Glendale, CA.

The City is responsible for reviewing and adopting the updated FHSZ maps for our Local Responsibility Area. At this time, we are in a notification period, where we are informing the community by way of making the maps accessible and available. Community members are encouraged to review the maps and provide input using the public comment form available on the site.

In the future, we will develop outreach and enforcement efforts, similar to that of brush and weed abatement, and communicate how we can all do our part to keep Glendale Fire-Safe.

Inaugural Women’s Fire Academy Lights the Way for Future Female Firefighters

The Glendale and Pasadena Fire Departments proudly launched a two-day Women’s Fire Academy, an interactive and empowering program designed to introduce women to careers in firefighting and emergency medical services. Held April 26-27, the Academy welcomed more than 40 participants and featured physical training, mentorship, and a behind-the-scenes look at the essential skills and demands of the fire service.

Nutrition Class Series: Food Labels Pt. 2

Join us every second Friday of the month through June for an exciting Nutrition Class Series hosted by WelbeHealth! These informative and engaging sessions are designed to help you make healthier choices, explore balanced eating habits, and learn practical tips for improving your overall well-being. For more information, call (818) 548-3775. 

Event Details:
May 9, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Adult Recreation Center
201 E Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205

Fire Service Day 2025

Fire Service Day honors the courageous men and women who serve in the fire service and protect our communities every day. From emergency response to public education, firefighters play a vital role in keeping us safe. This day highlights the courage, skill, and dedication that firefighters demonstrate daily, often in high-risk and life-threatening situations.

Join Glendale Fire Department for a family-friendly event featuring demonstrations, fire safety education, and opportunities to meet Glendale’s firefighters.

Event Details:
May 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fire Station 21 
421 Oak Street
Glendale, CA 91204

Teen Clothing & Prom Attire Swap

Join the Sustainability Office & Glendale Library Arts & Culture for the inaugural Teen Clothing and Prom Attire Swap! Come swap styles, reduce waste, and find your perfect prom look—all for free!

Plus enjoy a prom photo booth, DIY Accessory Table, and more!

Event Details:
May 10, 2025
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Central Library
222 E. Harvard St.
Glendale, CA 91205 

This event is exclusively for teenagers aged 13-18. All are welcome to drop off formal wear outfits suitable for teens.

Senior Street Fest and 90+ Birthday Celebration 

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body 

One Glendale ASYSP Soccer Championship

Come cheer on our young athletes at the One Glendale After School Youth Sports Program Soccer Championship! Enjoy an exciting evening of community spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship as students from Glendale schools compete for the title. Presented by the City of Glendale and Glendale Unified School District, with support from local partners and sponsors.

For more information, please contact John Maghaguian at (818) 937-7247 or JMagahaguian@GlendaleCA.gov.  

Event Details:
May 16, 2025
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Pacific Park & Community Center
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

Glendale Dodger Night

Join the City of Glendale for the 12th Annual Glendale Dodger Night as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. This annual fundraiser supports the Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing parks, recreation programs, and trails & open space activities that enrich the entire community.

Get your infield reserve tickets for $72 each and get ready to cheer on the Boys in Blue with your community! 

Event Details:
May 16, 2025
7:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Maple Inclusive Play Day

Join Community Services & Parks for Maple Inclusive Play Day (MIP Day)—a monthly celebration designed to bring families together in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Held every third Saturday of the month at Maple Park, this event is open to children of all abilities and their families.

MIP Day is a special opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and build a supportive community. Kids can play and make new friends at Shane’s Inspiration, the park’s all-inclusive playground, while engaging in accessible crafts and activities designed to ensure every child can participate and shine.

Event Details:
May 17, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Maple Park
820 E. Maple Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205

Guided Nature Hike

Join the Office of Sustainability and LA Works for a guided nature hike of Catalina Verdugo Trail. Led by LA Work’s Sophia Kay Bauldander, this immersive tour will introduce you to native plants and trees like laurel sumac, sycamores, and sages and explore their vital role in supporting local ecosystems. Registration is required.

Event Details:
May 24, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Catalina Verdugo Trail
2200 Fern Ln.
Glendale, CA 91208

Memorial Day Ceremony

The City of Glendale will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The ceremony will take place outside Glendale City Hall at the Memorial Wall, located near the corner of E. Broadway and Isabel St. This event is an opportunity to remember and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. The community is encouraged to attend and participate in this important event to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom.

Event Details:
May 26, 2025
9:30 AM 
Glendale City Hall Memorial Wall 
613 E. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91206

Free Food Distribution for Seniors

Are you a senior looking to receive a free food kit once a month? Nutritious packages will be available at the Adult Recreation Center with options including fruits, juices, vegetables, milk, cheese, grains, proteins, and more! The food box is designed to supplement dietary intake of calcium, potassium, and vitamins seniors need to stay healthy. Age and income eligibility requirements apply. 

To learn more, contact the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank at (323) 234-3030 x179 or CSFP@LAFoodBank.org.

Event Details:
May 27, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205

ARC Movie Matinee: Forrest Gump

Lights, camera, action! Join us for an ARC Movie Matinee, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy Forrest Gump on the big screen with friends. Come for the movie, stay for the company, and enjoy light refreshments. No ticket required—just bring your love for great films!

Requirements:

• Must have an active Activity Card
• Activity Cards available for purchase at the front desk

For more information, contact the Adult Recreation Center (818) 548-3775 or CspCares@GlendaleCA.gov. See you at the movies!

Event Details:
May 28, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205

Discover a Hidden Gem: Visit Pacific Community Pool!

Pacific Community Pool is open year-round and offers a wide range of aquatic programming for all ages. Visit GlendaleAquatics.com for current hours of operation, swim lesson schedules (group and private), swim team and water polo team details, and general program and registration information.

• May swim lessons: Online Registration NOW OPEN!
• June-August swim lessons: Online registration begins Tuesday, May 13 at 9:00 AM for verified residents and Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 AM for everyone.

Pool Rentals & Wading Pool Reservations

• Private pool rentals are available during non-operational hours.
• Wading pool reservations are open June 14 – August 31, 2025 (weekends available through September 28).
• Reserve early! For reservations outside these dates, call for availability.

For more information, please call (818) 937-7433.

Verdugo Jobs Center LA Wildfires Services

The Verdugo Jobs Center (VJC) has received limited funds to provide workforce assistance, such as job search or skills upgrading to individuals who have lost their job due to the Los Angeles Wildfires. Contact VJC to see if you qualify at VerdugoWorks.com or call (818) 937-8000.

Organics Recycling: Know What Goes Where 

The City encourages residents to support landfill diversion efforts by properly using the organics recycling cart. Separating food scraps from yard waste and placing them in the correct container helps improve processing efficiency and protect local ecosystems. Food-soiled paper, such as greasy pizza boxes, may be included, but compostable plastics and pet waste are not accepted. 

Free GCC Spring 2025 Classes

Don’t wait – Spring classes are here, and it’s the perfect time to jumpstart your future! Check out the schedule below and sign up today to secure your spot.

Maximize Savings with Increased Energy and Water Efficiency Rebates 

Unlock bigger savings with increased rebates! You can get $400 off a new electric range or oven, up to $2,500 for upgrading your HVAC system, or $1,000 for replacing your inefficient water heater. 

Take advantage of Glendale Water and Power's rebates today and save on energy-efficient upgrades!

Schedule Your Bulky Item Pickup Today!

Do you have old furniture or large household items that can’t be upcycled? Residents of single-family and multi-family households (1-4 units) can schedule a free bulky item pickup through the City. Don’t let unwanted items clutter your space—schedule your pickup today at GlendaleCA.gov/BulkyItem. 

For multi-family properties (5+ units), bulky item collection is managed by franchise haulers. Property managers can request service at GlendaleCA.gov/Hauler. 

GWP's Annual Student Art Contest is Now Open! 

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) invites K–12 students residing in Glendale to participate in the 2025 “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Contest. This annual competition encourages students to create original artwork that promotes water conservation and stewardship. Submissions should include a short water-related message and can be created using various media, such as digital art, crayons, markers, paints, or collage.

Prizes include:

• 1st Place: $100 Amazon Gift Card
• 2nd Place: $75 Amazon Gift Card
• 3rd Place: $50 Amazon Gift Card

Additionally, 15 entries will be selected by GWP and submitted to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) for a chance to be featured in the 2026 “Water is Life” Calendar. The submission deadline is June 5, 2025.

Free Shade Trees 🌲

Transform your outdoor space and save energy with Glendale’s Tree Power Program! Eligible residential customers in single-family homes can receive up to three free shade trees to plant on their property. Properly planted shade trees not only enhance your home’s aesthetics but can also reduce air conditioning costs by 10%–50%, making your home cooler and more energy-efficient.

To participate call our program arborist at (818) 957-4425 or click here to complete the information. 

Hazardous Waste: Dispose Safely, Not in the Trash

Improperly discarding hazardous items like batteries, paint, or propane tanks can pose risks to sanitation workers and the environment. The City offers free disposal for residents at the Environmental Management Center, open every Wednesday and the second Saturday of each month. Accepted items include medications, sharps, chemicals, and insect repellents. 

Become a Student Commissioner!

High school and college students who live in Glendale are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to serve their community as a Student Commissioner. Join the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission or the Sustainability Commission and help shape Glendale’s future while gaining leadership experience and civic insight.

Application Deadline: June 13, 2025

Stay Connected!

This is an official publication of the City of Glendale, distributed by the Communications Office. For inquiries, please contact City Connection Editor
Annette Ghazarian at Communications@GlendaleCA.gov or (818) 548-4844 Opt.1.