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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.

JANUARY 2026

A Message from the City Manager, Roubik Golanian  As we begin 2026, the severe rainstorm and extreme weather experienced over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day offer a powerful reminder of both the challenges we face and the strength of our community. In alignment with emergency declarations issued by the State of California and Los Angeles County, the City of Glendale declared a local emergency to ensure rapid coordination, resource deployment, and continuity of essential services. This declaration allows the City to streamline response actions, and access additional resources to protect residents and critical infrastructure and provide access to state and federal funding that will pay for the damages. While many residents were gathered with family and loved ones, City employees across multiple departments—including Public Works, Glendale Water & Power, Police, Fire, and others—were working around the clock in difficult conditions to protect public safety and maintain critical infrastructure. Power was restored to nearly 7,000 customers following a major outage at the Western Substation on Christmas Eve. Teams responded to fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooded streets, while others ensured water service remained uninterrupted due to a water main break at the Maple Street and Central Avenue intersection of the City on Christmas Day. Staff ensured that emergency calls were answered, and essential City operations continued. These actions reflect the true heart of public service. Behind the scenes, City staff worked through heavy rain, long hours, to restore any service interruption and maintain the public health and safety for every resident. Their dedication during a time of celebration underscores the professionalism and commitment that define our City workforce. As we begin the new year, I encourage residents to take part in several opportunities to engage with one another and with City leadership. Applications are now open for the Glendale Community Academy, launching this February, which offers residents an inside look at City services and how departments work together to serve the community. Residents are also invited to attend the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast on January 15 at the Glendale Elks Lodge, a gathering that honors Dr. King’s legacy of equality, service, and unity. In addition, join us for City Hall in Your Neighborhood on the evening of January 20 at the Fremont Park Community Room, an in-person, conversational Council meeting designed to foster open dialogue and direct engagement with City leaders. There is much ahead for Glendale in the year to come. I am confident that by working together—residents, staff, and community partners—we will continue to strengthen our city, prepare for future challenges, and move Glendale forward with purpose and care.

Glendale Year-End Highlights

Over the past year, the City of Glendale delivered measurable outcomes across public safety, emergency response, sustainability, infrastructure, cultural engagement, workforce development, and economic vitality—demonstrating the City’s ability to translate strategic priorities into real-world outcomes.

Citywide Organizational Health During the January 7–9 windstorm emergency, the City demonstrated strong coordination and operational resilience, responding citywide to: 709 total incidents Over 3,400 emergency calls 146 downed power lines and 274 fallen trees

• Public safety capacity was also strengthened through targeted staffing and deployment improvements, including:
  
  • 22 new sworn police positions (total 270), expanding patrol, traffic, School Resource Officers, and Special Enforcement Detail
  • Official use of a 6th Patrol District in Downtown, improving coverage and response times

Last Call for the Community Academy!

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.

City Hall in Your Neighborhood

Join the City of Glendale for City Hall in Your Neighborhood on January 20 at the Fremont Park Community Room, located within Glendale’s newly renovated park. This in-person, conversational council meeting offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with City leaders, ask questions, and participate in community dialogue. We hope to see you there!

Event Details:
January 20, 2026
6:00 PM
Fremont Park Community Room
600 Hahn Ave.
Glendale, CA 91203

Glendale MLK Day 2026

Join community organizations to honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King and reflect on his everlasting contributions.

Email DMegerdichian@GlendaleCA.gov to RSVP by January 12, 2026.

Event Details:
January 15, 2026
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Glendale Elks Lodge #1289
120 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205

Christmas Tree Recycling! 

Volunteers Needed for Annual Homeless Count 

The Point-In-Time Homeless Count is an annual effort to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness in Glendale on a single day. This year, the Count will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Participation in the Count helps determine the future resources Glendale will receive to support homelessness prevention and response efforts in the community.

Volunteer registration is now open. Training is required for first-time participants.

Coal-Free Glendale

Big news for Glendale’s clean-energy future! The City’s agreement with the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) in Utah is now coal-free and transitioning toward hydrogen power. This transition lowers emissions, supports California’s decarbonization goals, and strengthens long-term reliability and cost efficiency.

Glendale is focusing on a hydrogen-ready future, securing access to a power unit designed to gradually increase its blend of clean hydrogen over time. This positions the City to participate in the regional shift from natural gas to hydrogen as the technology becomes more widely available.

La Crescenta Avenue Rehabilitation Project Update

Economic Development Strategic Plan 

The City of Glendale is updating its 3-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan and is seeking input from local and regional partners, business owners, and community organizations. The goal is to better understand Glendale’s current economic landscape and set priorities for the future.

Business owners, nonprofits, and community organizations are encouraged to share their perspectives by completing the survey. Feedback will help shape the City’s strategies, goals, and actions to strengthen Glendale’s economy and business environment.

Verdugo Wash Master Plan: Question & Answer 

Question: Will the Verdugo Wash remain a drainage channel? 

Answer: Yes, any proposed changes to the included in the Verdugo Wash Master Plan will ensure that the Verdugo Wash continues to serve its primary function as flood control infrastructure. 

Get answers to more questions about the Verdugo Wash Master Plan and how you can participate in the planning process at VerdugoWash.com. 

Commercial Turf Replacement Program -
Increased Rebate!

Glendale Water & Power, in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, is now offering a $7.00 per square foot rebate for replacing up to 50,000 square feet of grass with California Friendly® and native landscaping.

Beginning in January 2027, non-residential properties in California, including schools, parks, homeowner associations, and office parks, will be prohibited from using potable water to irrigate grass that is not used for recreation or other functional purposes.

This program promotes sustainable landscaping through turf removal, irrigation upgrades, and rainwater retention or filtration, supporting water efficiency and soil health. Synthetic turf is not an approved conversion option.

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.

General Plan OSCR Elements Update Underway

There is still time to take the Open Space and Conservation and Recreation (OSCR) survey and share your input on the vision, goals, and priorities for Glendale’s parks, open spaces, and recreation programs for the next 20 to 30 years.

The City is updating its OSCR Elements as part of the General Plan and is seeking community feedback to help guide this long-term effort. The project is funded by Los Angeles County’s 2016 Measure A.

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

Register Your Glendale Business 

Ride the FREE Shuttle to Deukmejian Wilderness Park! 

Get to Deukmejian Wilderness Park with ease and no driving required. The Wander the Wilderness Bus is a free shuttle service running on select weekends from either Pacific Park or Maple Park, making it easy to explore this beautiful park. While visiting, stop by the Stone Barn Nature Center.

Visit GlendaleCA.gov/WildernessBus for the latest schedule and more information.
Funding for the bus is provided by Metro, a partner in our community.

Event Details:
January 4 and 18, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
From Maple Park
820 E. Maple St.
Glendale, CA 91205

January 10 and 24, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
From Pacific Park
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

Glendale Outdoors! (GO!) Community Program 

Explore a new nature theme each month with a free outdoor adventure that includes an interpretive hike, nature craft, and a tour of the Stone Barn Nature Center.

Free bus transportation is available from Pacific Park Community Center (departs 8:30 AM, returns 12:30 PM), with water and snacks provided. Participants are encouraged to ride the bus but may also meet at the park. Bus funding is generously provided by Metro.

RSVP by January 7 at 3:00 PM.

Event Details:
January 10, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Deukmejian Wilderness Park
3429 Markridge Rd.
Glendale, CA 91214

Nature Journaling Program 

Peace of Mind Seminar 

Teen Night Out

Teen Night Out (TNO) provides a safe and welcoming space for teens to relax and enjoy activities such as video games, ping pong, karaoke, and access to a computer lab. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Explore more youth and family programs at GlendaleCA.gov/Youth-and-Family and stay connected by following @MyGlendaleTeens and using #MyGlendaleTeens.

Event Details:
January 16, 23, and 30, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pacific Community Center
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

Maple Inclusive Play Day 

Samurai Film Festival

Join the Friends of Shoseian at the Brand Park Tea House for their first event of the year, featuring a special day of classic samurai films.

Film Schedule:
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Samurai III – Duel at Ganryu Island
Miyamoto Musashi meets his archrival Sasaki Kojuro for a final duel on an island.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Tale of Zatoichi – The Blind Swordsman
Zatoichi, a blind swordsman and masseuse, faces many adversaries on his travels.

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Lone Wolf and Cub – Sword of Vengeance
The story of a Ronin who journeys through Japan with his young child, encountering adventure and danger along the way.

Fee: $10 per person, per film. Purchase tickets HERE.

Event Details:
January 18, 2026
10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Brand Park Tea House
1601 W. Mountain St.
Glendale, CA 91201

Maximize Your Social Security Check Presentation

Artist Walkthrough and Discussion of Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler at ReflectSpace 

Join Central Library’s ReflectSpace for an artist walkthrough and discussion of Viajero del Tiempo / Time Traveler with Carolyn Castaño and the Las Fotos Project on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

In Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler, Castaño draws on her late father’s photographic archive—comprising 4,000 photographs, films, and videos—to consider the fragility and ephemerality of memory and identity. Complementing Castaño’s work, the PassageWay features photographs by young women from the Las Fotos Project, an organization that elevates the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring. 

The program will take place in the ReflectSpace gallery and the Passageway. Seating is limited. 

Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler is on view through February 1, 2026. For more information, visit ReflectSpace.org. 

One Glendale Youth Volleyball Championship

Celebrate the exciting culmination of the One Glendale After School Youth Sports Program Volleyball season. Family members, friends, and community supporters are invited to fill the stands and cheer on young athletes during both the consolation and championship games.

The One Glendale Volleyball season began in October 2025 and concludes with this championship event in January 2026. The coed program serves 4th and 5th grade students from eight south Glendale elementary schools, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun.

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

Event Details:
January 23, 2026
Consolation Game: 6:30 PM
Championship Game: 7:30 PM
Pacific Community Center
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

Cash for College Event at GCC

Join Glendale Community College for an in-person Cash for College event offering free, hands-on assistance with completing FAFSA and CADAA financial aid applications. The event will also feature a Resource Fair, where attendees can access important college information and support services.

This event is open to high school seniors, current college students, and community members seeking financial aid assistance. RSVP is required. 

Event Details:
January 31, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Glendale Community College
1500 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
Parking: Free in Lots B and C (off E. Mountain St.)

Healthcare Job Fair

Attend the VJC Healthcare Job Fair to explore exciting career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, this event offers a chance to meet with top healthcare employers who are actively hiring.

At the job fair, you'll have the chance to network with industry experts and learn about various healthcare positions. Bring multiple copies of your resume and dress professionally to make a lasting impression.

Event Details:
February 10, 2026
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Pacific Community Center
501 S. Pacific Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204

New Year, New Recycling Habits!  

Skyline Pitch Toddler Agility Classes

Toddlers on the Pitch is a fun, movement-based class designed for young children to play, move, and explore soccer in a safe and positive environment. The program introduces basic agility, coordination, and first touches on the soccer ball, helping toddlers build confidence, burn energy, and develop motor skills.

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.