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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.

DECEMBER 2025

A Message from the City Manager, Roubik Golanian  As we close out on 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on a year that asked a great deal of all of us and revealed, once again, the strength of our Glendale community. Through challenges and progress alike, our city continued to move forward with resilience, care, and a shared commitment to one another. This year marked success with many projects and programs. We celebrated the re-grand opening of Fremont Park, a transformed space that now serves as a central hub for recreation and community programming. Our Public Works Department earned the prestigious APWA Award for the beautification and revitalization of San Fernando Road, a project that continues to support local businesses, traffic safety, and strengthens the character of our commercial corridors. Glendale was also honored as the Most Business-Friendly City of 2025, reflecting years of intentional work to streamline processes, strengthen partnerships, and support economic vitality. In 2025, Glendale Water & Power reached a historic milestone: for the first time, our power portfolio contains no coal sources, marking a significant achievement in our long-term commitment to sustainability and a cleaner energy future for the community. And while utility bills have become a challenge for households nationwide, Glendale is no exception as we make the necessary infrastructure investments today to ensure a reliable future. This year, GWP delivered bill assistance to thousands of residents and deferred 2025’s increases over the next few years, helping ease financial strain and ensuring that our clean-energy transition remains fair, accessible, and community-centered. This year also prompted us to look back and learn. It has been one year since the devastating windstorm and subsequent wildfires in our neighboring communities that challenged our City in profound ways. In the months since, we have made significant advances in wildfire mitigation, vegetation management, infrastructure hardening, and community preparedness—efforts that strengthen our ability to respond to future emergencies and protect our residents. On another note, we bid farewell to Police Chief Manuel “Manny” Cid, who is departing Glendale to serve the City of Anaheim. While his leadership will be deeply missed, we congratulate him on his success, and the new challenges he has chosen to embrace. He leaves behind a strong legacy, and we are grateful for the strong foundation he has built for the next chapter of the Glendale Police Department. Like many cities across California, Glendale continues to navigate significant fiscal challenges driven by rising operational costs, infrastructure needs, and long-term financial pressures. Forecasted revenues have not come in as expected. The efforts to balance budget is complex and at times difficult, we remain fully committed to responsible stewardship, transparent budgeting, and protecting the essential services our residents rely upon. These challenges will require extensive planning and careful balancing strategies.  As we look toward 2026, I am deeply proud of the progress made and profoundly grateful to the people who make it possible—our residents, businesses, volunteers, and the dedicated City employees who serve Glendale with passion and professionalism every day. Your resilience, collaboration, and civic pride are what continue to make Glendale the Jewel City. On behalf of the City of Glendale, I wish you and your families a safe and joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous new year.

Pioneer Village Announces Opening of Affordable Housing Waiting List 

Pioneer Village is pleased to announce the opening of its waiting list for affordable apartment homes in Glendale. Eligible households are invited to apply for an opportunity to live in this newly developed, high-quality housing community designed to support seniors and individuals seeking long-term stability.

The waiting list application period is open through November 12.

For more information, eligibility guidelines, or to request reasonable accommodations, visit NationalCORE.org/PioneerVillage.

La Crescenta Rehabilitation Project Update

Winter Outdoor Decorating Contest is Back!

This year, residents and businesses are invited to decorate their exteriors with festive flair for a chance to be one of five recognized winners. All you need to do is upload a photo of your decorations to participate. If you share an outdoor space, feel free to collaborate with your neighbors or community members and enter together.

Glendale Housing Authority Turns 50 in December 

For half a century, the Glendale Housing Authority and its dedicated staff have played a central role in enabling affordable housing in Glendale. 

• The Authority has been deemed a High Performing housing agency by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for 23 straight years for its administration of the Section 8 program. 
• The Authority has initiated construction and is nearing completion on the largest, single, affordable housing project in California in production. 
• The Housing Authority was the first in California to produce an Affordable Housing Strategy when it was required by the State. 
• When most Redevelopment agencies controlled 20% set-aside funds for affordable housing development, the Glendale Housing Authority was one of a few housing authorities in the State that managed these funds, enabling Glendale to prioritize affordable housing. 
• The Glendale Housing Authority has authored two State affordable housing bills that have been signed into law. AB 1110 provides protections for renters when they’re issued rent increases, and SB 1177 established the Glendale Burbank Pasadena Regional Housing Trust. 

Congratulations to the Glendale Housing Authority on 50 years! 

Holiday Street Construction Moratorium in Effect!

The Holiday Street Construction Moratorium is in effect through January 2, 2026. To support local businesses during the holiday shopping season, Public Works has paused non-emergency construction projects on major streets across the city. This helps reduce traffic and parking disruptions, allowing residents and visitors to fully enjoy Glendale’s shopping and dining districts.

Please note that the moratorium applies only to construction on streets and alleys marked in red and within the hashed red zones (shown above).

For more information, contact Public Works Engineering at (818) 548-3945.

What Places Matter to You?  

The North Glendale and East-West Glendale Historic Contexts and Surveys will identify, record, and evaluate historic properties in north, east and west Glendale to better understand and preserve the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Share the places that matter to you using an interactive map on Engage Glendale. Your input will help inform the historic context documents and guide future preservation efforts, ensuring Glendale’s history is documented accurately and reflects the stories and places important to the community.  

Holiday Office Closures and Collection Schedule

City of Glendale offices will be closed on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25, 2025) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026). For both holidays, Thursday collections will shift to Friday, and Friday collections will shift to Saturday.

Multi-family (5+ unit) and business customers should contact their property manager or owner for their specific collection schedule.

Shape the Verdugo Wash Master Plan 

The Verdugo Wash Master Plan is a multi-year effort to reimagine the 9.4-mile Verdugo Wash from Crescenta Valley Regional Park to the Los Angeles River as a space that continues to provide flood protection while enhancing parks, open spaces, community connections, and natural habitats.

Maximize Savings with Increased Energy and Water Efficiency Rebates  

Glendale Water & Power has increased rebate amounts for ENERGY STAR appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electric appliances for a limited time. Take advantage of these enhanced savings before the additional rebate amounts end.

Through a partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Glendale Water & Power is offering rebates to help residents conserve water indoors and outdoors. Rebates are available for high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers, and replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping.

General Plan OSCR Elements Update Underway

The City of Glendale has officially launched the update of its Open Space and Conservation and Recreation (OSCR) Elements as part of the City’s General Plan. This update will guide the vision, goals, and priorities for Glendale’s parks, open spaces, and recreation programs for the next 20–30 years. The project is funded by Los Angeles County’s 2016 Measure A.

Visit GlendaleOSCR.com to take the survey and share your input!

GUSD Facility Master Plan Community Engagement Meetings

Join Glendale Unified School District at one of several regional community meetings to share your feedback as we plan the next chapter for Glendale Schools. These meetings will highlight recent campus improvements, findings from facility assessments, and future goals for our district.

Meeting Schedule:

• Wednesday, December 3 – R.D. White Elementary | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Thursday, December 4 – Rosemont Middle School | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Monday, December 8 – Hoover High School | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 10 – Glendale High School | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 16 – Virtual & at GUSD District Office | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Trail Safety Patrol

As a Trail Safety Patrol (TSP) volunteer, you’ll have a unique opportunity to assist the City of Glendale by providing public assistance and helping protect natural resources. Your presence and guidance will enhance the experience and safety of visitors enjoying Glendale’s parks and trails.

The TSP includes two units: the Mountain Bike Unit and the Hike Unit. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete a background check, participate in City-mandated trail safety training, attend a First Aid/CPR certification class, be in good health, and commit to a minimum of two volunteer hours per month.

Celebrate the Holidays with Los Rebeldes Románticos at Brand Library & Art Center 

Get into the festive spirit as Los Rebeldes Románticos present an afternoon of free music filled with passion and joy. Enjoy a heartwarming mix of romantic bolero ballads, lively cumbias, and traditional holiday songs celebrated across Latin America. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season with family, friends, and community.

Event Details:
December 6, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Brand Library Recital Hall
1601 W. Mountain St.
Glendale, CA 91201

Holiday in Harmony at the Alex Theatre

Celebrate the season with Holiday in Harmony, a joyful collaboration between the Angeles Chorale and the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles. This vibrant concert launches the Chorale’s 51st season and is part of the Alex Theatre’s Centennial Season, featuring festive favorites like Gloria by John Rutter, The Polar Express, S’vivon, and Sleigh Ride.

Event Details:
December 10, 2025
7:30 PM
Alex Theatre
216 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203

Birdwalk on the Riverwalk

The annual bird-watching trek along the Los Angeles River in Glendale offers a unique opportunity to observe the many bird species that visit the river during the fall and winter months. The morning will be led by Alexander de Barros of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, a camera, and water. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.

Event Details:
December 13, 2025
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Glendale Narrows Riverwalk
300 Paula Ave.
Glendale, CA 91201

Metro On the Move Workshop Supports Senior Transit Riders

Glendale seniors are invited to attend an informational workshop on the Metro On the Move Riders Program, designed to help older adults navigate public transportation with confidence.

The workshop will introduce Metro’s Older Adult Transportation Mobility Riders Program, which helps seniors plan trips, use transit to reach local attractions, and travel safely. Participants will also learn about the Travel Buddies program, which pairs new riders with experienced transit users for group outings to museums, events, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a hands-on Metro trip to Los Angeles planned for January 2026.

For more information, contact CSPCares@GlendaleCA.gov or call (818) 548-3775.

Event Details:
December 15, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Adult Recreation Center
201 East Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205

Gifting Alternatives this Holiday Season

One way to reduce waste this holiday season is by skipping traditional wrapping paper, which often cannot be recycled and ends up in landfills. Instead, consider creative and sustainable alternatives that give gifts a personal touch:

• Wrap gifts with fabric, scarves, or shawls using the Japanese art of furoshiki
• Save and reuse gift bags, tissue paper, and boxes from previous years
• Decorate plain or brown paper with drawings, stamps, or twine for a simple, charming look
• Use materials already at home, such as old jars, newspapers, magazines, or maps for unique and eco-friendly wrapping

Small choices like these can make a big difference in reducing waste and keeping the holidays a little greener.

Glendale Care Program

The Glendale Care Program offers a monthly electric bill discount for eligible low-income customers, now increased to $35 per month. Customers can apply for Glendale Care by submitting an application and providing documentation of their low-income status. To learn more about the Glendale Care program, and to see if you qualify, click the button below. 

LA Regional Food Bank

'Tis the Season to Adopt!

Bring joy home this season with Home for the Holidays, a festive promotion running December 14–31 that waives adoption fees for large dogs (40 lbs. and over) and cats (1 year and older). Whether you’re cozying up this winter or hosting family festivities, make this holiday season complete with the love of a pet by your side.

Event Details:
December 14–31, 2025
Pasadena Humane
361 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105

“Be the Light” Exhibit Shines in Adams Hill

A new burst of holiday spirit is brightening Adams Hill with the unveiling of “Be the Light,” a community-crafted art installation now on display at the historic Richfield Gas Station in Adams Square Mini Park. Sponsored by the Adams Hill Neighborhood Association in coordination with the Community Services & Parks Department, the exhibit was installed before Thanksgiving and will remain on view through January 9, 2026. 

“Be the Light” came to life during Make Art in the Mini Park, Adams Hill’s annual community art-making event held on November 22. Residents of all ages gathered to design and assemble the installation under the guidance of local artist Cathy Hrenda, who provided materials and creative direction.

The result is a joyful and collaborative piece that reflects the neighborhood’s creativity, warmth, and unity. “Be the Light” stands as both a festive display and a symbol of the brightness a community can create together.

Event Details:
Now through January 9, 2026
Adams Square Mini Park's Historic Gas Station
1020 E. Palmer Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205

Glendale Community Academy Applications Now Open!

Interested in learning how your local government works? The City of Glendale invites residents to apply for the upcoming 2026 Glendale Community Academy, a multi-week learning experience offering an inside look at how City departments operate through weekly sessions, expert-led presentations, and hands-on activities.

The Academy runs every Thursday from February 5 to March 19, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the City Hall Campus. Because space is limited and sessions build on one another, participants must be able to attend all dates to be accepted.

Applications close January 9, 2026.

Simplify Recycling with RecycleCoach

Recycling in Glendale has never been easier! The City has partnered with RecycleCoach, a free interactive app that helps residents learn exactly how to dispose of everyday items.

Simply take a photo or type an item, and the app instantly tells you where it goes — trash, recycle, or green bin. You can also set up collection reminders and access recycling tips in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog.

Celebrate World Soil Day with Glendale’s Composting Program

On December 5, celebrate World Soil Day by giving back to the Earth through composting, an easy and effective way to improve soil health and reduce landfill waste. When organic materials break down naturally, they help prevent harmful methane emissions and enrich gardens throughout Glendale.

To support residents in getting started, the Public Works Department offers one free compost bin per household. Composting is simple, fun, and a meaningful way to make a positive environmental impact at home.

Discover What’s New This Season: Winter Leisure Guide Available Online

The Leisure Guide is the go-to seasonal e-publication for the latest programs, classes, services, and events offered by the Community Services & Parks Department. From activities for tots to teens, adults to seniors, there is truly something for everyone.

The guide also includes a full list of parks, facility rental information, and a department phone directory—all in one easy-to-access publication.

Check out or download the latest edition at GlendaleCA.gov/LG! The Winter edition is now available.

Pacific Community Pool is heated and open year-round, rain or shine!

Group and private swim lesson registration is open.

• Swim Lessons:
  • Registration for December lessons is open now.
  • January registration begins Tuesday, December 30, 2025
  • 9:00 AM for verified residents
  • 10:00 AM for all others
  • Verify residency and update your account at MyGlendaleParks.com before registering.
  • Residency must be verified annually.
• New Requirements (Effective January 2, 2026):
  • Residency verification required to continue receiving resident rates.
  • A new release of liability form must be submitted upon facility entry.
• Swim & Water Polo Teams:
  • Glendale Gators Swim Team and Glendale Polo Bears Water Polo Team are on winter break.
  • Programs resume in spring; registration opens March 3, 2026.
• Pool Rentals:
  • Private pool rentals available year-round.
  • Wading pool rentals for summer 2026 open Friday, January 2, 2026.

Visit GlendaleAquatics.com for current hours of operation, swim lesson times, swim team and water polo team information, and general program and registration information. You may also call (818) 937-7433 with questions.

Facility Details:
Pacific Community Pool
509 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

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.