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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.

SEPTEMBER 2025

A Message from the City Manager, Roubik Golanian  With September here, kids are back in school, football season is underway, and new challenges are on the horizon. As always, our top priority remains the safety and well-being of Glendale’s residents and businesses. With schools back in session, traffic safety is critical, and I thank our Police Department for its tireless efforts to keep our community safe and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable. At the same time, we are in the heart of fire season, and I urge everyone to remain vigilant. September is also National Preparedness Month, which serves as an important reminder to stay ready for emergencies of all kinds. Heightened awareness and preparedness are essential, and our Fire Department continues to lead with professionalism and dedication in protecting our neighborhoods. This fiscal year’s budget adoption was only the beginning of the challenges we face. As we proceed through the year, we must also recognize that the financial forecast does not bode any better. In July, the Glendale City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, making difficult but necessary choices, including operational reductions, project delays, and a hiring freeze, to protect core services for our community. While this approach maintains services today, it also makes clear that long-term financial stability must remain a top priority. I would like to remind everyone of an important fact: a 911 emergency response only happens because firefighters and police officers answer the call. Weekly trash service is possible thanks to crews working early mornings and long hours. Potholes are filled and streetlights kept on because our Public Works staff are out maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Glendale moving. The hiring freeze is a real challenge as we strive to maintain service levels, but I have full trust and faith in our current employees to step up and continue providing the quality of service our community expects and deserves. Looking ahead, the City’s five-year forecast shows additional shortfalls, as the cost of providing essential services and completing needed projects continues to outpace any new revenues we can reasonably expect. This reality underscores the importance of careful planning, exploring new revenue options, and evaluating ongoing expenditures. At the same time, Glendale has a long history of rising to challenges. By working together with transparency, resilience, and innovation, we can ensure that our City continues to deliver the services our community relies upon while preparing responsibly for the future.

La Crescenta Rehabilitation Project Update

100 Years of the Alex Theatre

The Alex Theatre is celebrating 100 years of creative legacy and cultural impact with a Centennial Season filled with history, community, and bold new beginnings. From music and film to dance and comedy, this milestone season showcases a rich mix of genres while ushering in a new chapter for Glendale’s landmark venue. As it enters its second century, the Alex continues to shine as a cultural anchor and a leader in Southern California’s live arts scene.

Review and Comment on the Draft Mobility Element 

You’re invited to review and provide comment on the draft Mobility Element – now available at GlendalePlan.com! To give the community ample time to participate, no end date has been set. In addition, after a second extension, the draft Land Use Element also remains open for review. The City will provide a 30-day public notice before closing the comment period on both elements.
 
To submit a comment on one or both elements, visit tinyurl.com/GlendalePlanComment or email the City of Glendale Long Range Planning team at GlendalePlan@GlendaleCA.gov. If you have any questions, you’re also welcome to send an email to that address or call (818) 548-2140. 
 

City staff will be out in the community over the coming weeks to connect in person about the draft elements. Details on additional upcoming events will be posted soon on GlendalePlan.com and social media channels. Make sure to RSVP! 

Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder to take simple steps now that can make all the difference in an emergency. Create a family communication plan, build a supply kit with food, water, and essentials, and stay informed through reliable sources.

Glendale Water & Power Celebrates Launch of Eland 1 Solar Project

On December 9, Arevon Energy announced the start of operations at the Eland 1 Solar-plus-Storage Project in Mojave, California. This 384-megawatt solar project, paired with 150 MW/600 MWh of energy storage, is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Eland 1 operates under a long-term power purchase agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and will serve both the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Glendale Water & Power (GWP). Glendale’s share of the project is 25 MW.

GWP joined partners at the ribbon-cutting event on August 5, 2025, marking a major milestone in bringing clean, reliable energy to the community.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Glendale

Earlier this year, the Office of the State Fire Marshal 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.

On July 29, the City Council adopted the updated FHSZ maps for our Local Responsibility Area. To help educate the public about the new CAL FIRE maps, the Glendale Fire Department launched a multi-channel outreach effort. This included updating the City’s website with key resources and mailing informational materials to impacted residents. In-person outreach also included presentations at several HOA meetings—Montecito Park, College Hills, Whiting Woods, and Northwest Glendale—where staff discussed defensible space requirements and how the updated maps may affect homeowners. Let's keep Glendale fire-safe!

New Library Hours Begin September 2

As of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, new schedules are in effect at Central Library and Casa Verdugo Library to better serve the community.

New Hours:

Central Library

• Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Casa Verdugo Library

• Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

These updates are designed to improve the public’s experience at the library by focusing on the times with higher visitation and when programs are most active, ensuring staff can support programs and activities smoothly across all locations and engage with the public at community outreach events and the Bookmobile.

Additionally, thanks to the City Council's approval of the FY25-26 Budget, Teen Space and Sound Space hours will increase this fall.

The Business Customer Engagement Portal by OPOWER 

Glendale Water & Power has introduced the Business Customer Engagement Digital Web Service – Energy Management Cloud through Oracle, giving businesses personalized energy data, insights, and recommendations to better manage and reduce energy use.

Business customers can create an account at GWP.opower.com. To register, visit the account creation page (or the main login page and click “Don’t have an account? Create one”). You’ll need your GWP Customer ID (without leading zeros) and your name or business name exactly as it appears on your bill. Then, enter an email address and create a password to complete your setup.

September 11 Remembrance

The City of Glendale pauses to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We also pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and all who stepped forward in the face of tragedy.

We will never forget.

Dive-In Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch

Pacific Community Pool is hosting a free Dive-In Movie Night on Friday, September 12, featuring Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2002). Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the movie will start at approximately 7:45 PM. Bring your inner tubes and U.S. Coast Guard–approved floaties and spend the evening enjoying this family movie from the water or pool deck.

Space is limited, so arrive early. Visit GlendaleAquatics.com or call (818) 937-7433 for more information. See you there!

Event Details
September 12, 2025
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Pacific Community Pool
509 S. Pacific Ave.,
Glendale, CA 91204

Free Compost Giveaway

Mark your calendars! Glendale’s third Composting Giveaway of the year takes place on Saturday, September 13. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your garden while helping reduce waste.

We’ll be providing free, high-quality compost — perfect for:

• Improving soil health

• Boosting plant growth

• Helping your landscape thrive

What to bring:

• Your own sturdy containers or bags

This is a simple, sustainable way to support your garden and the environment right in your own backyard.

Flu Shot for Seniors

The Adult Recreation Center invites all seniors aged 60 and older to a free Flu Shot Event on Tuesday, September 16. No appointments are required: simply stop by, roll up your sleeve, and take an easy step toward protecting your health. Vaccines will be available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged.

To help ensure adequate supply, please RSVP by September 12 by calling (818) 548-3775. Please note that vaccinations will still be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis even if you RSVP.

Event Details
September 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado St.,
Glendale, CA 91205

5th Annual Take It to The Track Event (GA: Free)

The Grigor Gevorgyan Foundation, in association with Manoukian Enterprise Inc., has partnered with the Glendale Police Department to bring the community an exciting and educational experience. This event gives participants the rare opportunity to safely experience high-speed driving on a racetrack, not on public streets.

Registration is required and will close once capacity is reached. If you plan to drive your own vehicle on the track, you must register at least two weeks in advance. Unregistered participants will not be permitted, no exceptions, as this is a mandatory safety requirement enforced by the track.

For early VIP registration, contact info@GrigorGevorgyan.org.

Event Details
September 21, 2025
8:00 AM
Willow Springs International Raceway
75th Street West, Rosamond, CA

Promotional & Swearing-In Ceremony

The Glendale Police Department will hold its next Swearing-In and Promotional Ceremony on September 24, 2025. These ceremonies welcome new officers, recognize promotions, and introduce new professional staff. The program includes the oath of office, badge pinning, and remarks from the Chief, with family, colleagues, and community members in attendance.

The event serves as an opportunity to honor achievements, celebrate milestones, and highlight the department’s ongoing commitment to serving the Glendale community.

Event Details
September 24, 2025
10:30 AM
Police Community Room
131 N. Isabel St.
Glendale, CA 91206

Assisted Senior Living Presentation

Final Screening of Classic Films Under the Stars!

Interpretive Hike: Full Moon Night Hike

Brand Associates 2026 Dance Series 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 season of the Brand Associates Dance Series. Dance companies with at least five years of experience that present educational, site-specific, outdoor dance programs appropriate for all ages are encouraged to apply.

The Dance Series is sponsored by the Brand Associates, who generously provide an honorarium to all selected companies. Participating groups will also be required to attend a mandatory photoshoot at Brand Library & Art Center in January/February 2026. Performances are scheduled for Saturday evenings, April 25 through May 16, 2026.

Applications close October 31, 2025. Groups with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Looking for a Hidden Jewel? Visit Pacific Community Pool 

Pacific Community Pool is open year-round. Visit GlendaleAquatics.com for current hours of operation for lap and recreation swim, swim lesson schedules, fall swim team and water polo information, and general program details. For questions, call (818) 937-7433.

Group and private swim lesson registration is now open. Lesson spaces fill quickly, make sure your 2025 residency is verified and your MyGlendaleParks.com account is current before registering.

We’re excited to welcome back the Glendale Gators swim team and the Glendale Polo Bears water polo team this fall. Full program information is available at GlendaleAquatics.com.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Did you know that having a working smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%? That’s why the American Red Cross, along with fire departments, local volunteers, and community partners, is bringing the Sound the Alarm campaign to Glendale.

As part of this fire safety initiative, volunteers will visit homes to install free smoke alarms and provide essential home fire safety education. Appointments take about 30 minutes, a small investment of time that could make a life-saving difference.

Event Details
October 25, 2025
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Veterans Day

The City of Glendale is proud to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Save the date for Glendale’s inaugural Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony. Details will be posted on GlendaleCA.gov/Veterans as they become available.

Event Details:
November 11, 2025
11:00 AM 
Police Community Room
131 N. Isabel St.
Glendale, CA 91206

Splash Pads Open for Summer 2025!

Ride the Free Shuttle to Deukmejian Wilderness Park 

End-of-Summer Cleanout?

Glendale residents are encouraged to take advantage of the City’s free Bulky Item Pickup program to dispose of unwanted items and keep them out of the landfill.

Who Can Participate

• Single-family homes & 2–4 unit properties: Schedule online at GlendaleCA.gov/BulkyItem

• Apartments (5+ units) & businesses: Contact your property manager or a City-approved hauler

Accepted Items

• Appliances: A/C units, dishwashers, dryers, stoves, toilets

• Electronics: Computers, monitors, microwaves, printers

• Furniture: Mattresses, desks, chairs, bookshelves

• Other: BBQs (no propane tanks), exercise equipment, securely wrapped glass

For questions, call (818) 548-3916 or email Recycle@GlendaleCA.gov.

Make a Splash This Summer at Glendale’s Wading Pools! 

Wading pools (1–2 ft. deep) are perfect for kids 8 & under and open in September for rentals.

Planning a small party?
You can reserve wading pools at Brand, Glenoaks, and Dunsmore Parks through September, subject to availability.

Rental Rates:

• $118 for the first hour

• $29 per additional hour

• Optional: $51 to reserve nearby tables

Call (818) 937-7433 to see if there is pool availability. Visit GlendaleAquatics.com for program details.

Stay Connected!

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