CC_11152022_Exhibit_1_8b — Glendale City Council, November 15, 2022

!melk+BuroHappold
visioning report
November 2022

Verdugo Wash Project Team touring the Verdugo Wash debris basin, April 2021

This report for the Verdugo Wash Visioning was written for the City of Glendale, California.

It was authored by !melk landscape architecture &
urban design, with the support of key project collaborator, Buro Happold Engineering.

Key contributions were provided by the Planning Staff of the City of Glendale, as well as valuable project stakeholders including Chief Anthony Morales and Richard Toyon of the Tongva Tribe, the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, and the Verdugo Wash Visioning Working Stakeholder Group.

In addition to thanking the above contributors, we
are grateful to the Los Angeles County Public Works
Department for their cooperation, the City Council for the opportunity to study this corridor, and to every Glendale community member who offered immensely constructive
input in the effort to re-imagine the Verdugo Wash.

City of Glendale, California
Community Development
633 E Broadway Room 103
Glendale, CA 91206
landscape architecture & urban design
111 John Street Suite 2650
New York City, 10038
!melk
about this report
Buro Happold Engineering
800 Wilshire Blvd 16th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017

the Verdugo Wash Visioning final report
table of contents
introduction
the project & the process
stakeholder & community engagement
the site today
existing conditions
historical accounts
the Vision for Verdugo Wash
first impressions
improved connectivity
potential impact
hydrological function
enhanced ecology
phasing implementation
community considerations

baseline hydrology
mobility considerations
interconnected ecologies
sustainability & planning
community outreach survey results
raw results
7 9
15 41
43 57
73 77
113
123
131
139
159
171
189
205
283
343
359
chapter 1.
chapter 2.
chapter 3.
appendix A.
appendix B.
appendix C.
appendix D.
appendix E.

1. introduction
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 8 A successful 21st century city includes accessible, open, public spaces that help improve walkability, safety, and physical and mental health.

The Verdugo Wash Visioning is the one of the first steps to realizing a truly connected Glendale - connected to the LA River, to Downtown, to various social and civic programs such as Glendale Community College, and - via an extensive mountain trail system - to multiple geographies.

A reimagined Verdugo Wash has the potential to bolster
resilience, both across Glendale’s natural environment
and its diverse communities.

The Visioning for the Verdugo Wash was not conceived
of in a vacuum! In fact, the premise of this project and this Visioning Study is rooted in ideas voiced by the
Glendale community!
Glendale, whose urban and suburban fabric is fully “built- out” - recognizes the importance of green open space. It is important to note that Glendale is simultaneously “parks- rich” and “parks-poor” - while the publicly-accessible natural areas are tremendous resources for Glendale, they most
enrich the lives of northern Glendale.

Glendale needs more green space.
introduction
the project & the process
project location: the Verdugo Wash is a 9.4-mile-long tributary of the Los Angeles River located in the Glendale area of Los Angeles County, California.

The channel begins just south of Interstate 210 in the Crescenta Valley. It flows southeast along the eastern edge of the Verdugo Mountains, then south through a pass between those mountains and the San Rafael Hills, and finally west to ultimately join the Los Angeles River just northeast of Griffith Park. san rafael
hills
griffith park
san gabriel mountains
Consider the Verdugo Wash, a 60-acre linear concrete
channel that runs through the 18 Glendale neighborhoods.

While the Verdugo Wash represents just 0.3% of the land area of Glendale, consider the following:

1. if one excludes the “natural / wild” areas, these 60-acres would represent a significantly substantial - equally
distributed - land area within Glendale;

2. The Verdugo Wash is a corridor - a contiguous spine that connects north and south Glendale. At some points, it is 90- feet wide, and more importantly, it comfortably navigates the pinching topographies of the Verdugo Mountains and San
Rafael Hills
The sum of these parts is greater than its whole. The
Verdugo Wash is the tremendously unique opportunity
to stitch together North and South Glendale!
The initial channelization of the Verdugo Wash was
engineered nearly 90 years ago. The City of Glendale
neither looks like it did in the 1930s (physically and
demographically) nor has the same overall sentiments about the Wash. Furthermore, hydrology engineering technology has made monumental strides since the mid 1930s, and
similarly, Glendale has experienced the advantages and
disadvantages of concretized waterways.
!melk+BuroHappold
9 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

9. 10.

11. The Visioning Process
The Verdugo Wash Visioning effort, led by the
!melk+BuroHappold team in close collaboration with the City of Glendale, will be an approximately one-year effort, comprised of the following stages:

Stage 1: Project Initiation & Pre-Design
The pre-design stage established the basic framework
for the study and involved: collecting and documenting
physical and visual data of the study area including existing conditions and future citywide initiatives; reviewing and discussing precedent projects; establishing goals and
objectives for the Verdugo Wash Visioning; establishing a public engagement strategy and schedule; and establishing a branding strategy for project identification.

Stage 2: Visioning
Using data collected from Stage 1, public feedback, and design direction established as part of the charrette
process, the !melk+BuroHappold team developed design
alternatives and interventions for the Verdugo Wash.

This included potential route alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists, identifying locations for public space improvements, types of open space, exploring areas for habitat restoration, design approaches to respond to different neighborhood
contexts, and sustainability measures.

The design team’s efforts were compiled and presented
by the City of Glendale, Community Development to City
Council on February 7, 2022.

The presentation was an update on the Verdugo Wash
Visioning Process, and requested a motion to provide input and feedback to staff regarding the current stage of the aesthetically compelling and interactive urban space.

This may include, but is not limited to; paving materials, landscape palette, art installations, wayfinding, and other unique design strategies that will create an identifiable vision. (Currently, Lighting Design, Public Art Strategy/ Procurement and Signage & Wayfinding are not
accounted for in the landscape scope.)
Create a strategic branding program that will provide
a recognizable identity for the Verdugo Wash and the
project that will serve as an identifiable symbol and brand to be incorporated into wayfinding and other graphic
representation of the vision.

Identify opportunity parcels that can serve as significant moments along the route. This should include parcels
to consider for acquisition, or those that are already in possession of the city that can be repurposed to support the objectives of the Verdugo Wash.

Identify early and easily implementable strategies by
creating a comprehensive vision that will make the
project viable for long-term implementation, but creates early “win” opportunities to stake claim in the corridor.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

8. Develop new pedestrian and cycling trails that will
allow the Verdugo Wash to serve as a multi-modal
transportation spine while supporting and enhancing the Citywide Pedestrian Plan and Bicycle Transportation Plan.

Establish connections amongst existing assets along the route such as Downtown Glendale, business districts,
entertainment venues, parks, and Griffith Park.

Identify and develop opportunities for public open space such as parks above or adjacent to the Verdugo Wash.

Identify and develop opportunities for fixed and
temporary uses along the Verdugo Wash to promote civic
and social engagement using urban design, art, and other placemaking strategies to create inspiring and activated places.

Identify sustainability, environmental restoration, and remediation measures including opportunities to restore the natural habitat in segments in or along the Verdugo Wash, and other strategies that will counter the effects of climate change.

Establish identifiable segments of the route that will
create unique urban design visions and environments
that are responsive to the surrounding urban context.

Utilize innovative experiential urban design, landscape architecture, art, and placemaking tools to create an
The Verdugo Wash Visioning offers a unique place-making opportunity that would significantly reshape the urban
framework and character of a major area of Glendale.

The goal of the project is to develop a high-level
vision, including but not limited to, conceptual design, programming, and integration of a re-imagined Verdugo
Wash into the existing and potential land use framework of the City.

The vision will help transform the utilitarian design of the Wash (as a flood control channel) into a significant contributor to the City’s character and amenities. The original tributary path will be revitalized, biodiversity will be reactivated, and the community will be reconnected with an active transportation corridor.

The Verdugo Wash Visioning will build upon strategies
identified in the Greener Glendale Plan and other existing efforts . Related city goals and targets will be incorporated into the design where possible. The key project objectives, as defined by the City of Glendale and the brief for the Verdugo Wash Visioning, are:

1. Create an overall urban design vision for the Verdugo Wash that extends from its northernmost origin to its
confluence with the Los Angeles River and Griffith Park.

The vision should respect the various neighborhoods
along the route, but also create an identifiable theme that is consistent for the entire Verdugo Wash.

We believe that the Verdugo Wash has the potential to go beyond a single utilitarian function to integrate multiple benefits to enrich the community.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 10 visioning process for the Verdugo Wash Project, and to note and file the report.

Subsequent to Community Development’s presentation, a
lengthy and robust period of comment and question ensued, and ultimately the project received City Council approval.

Other interactions included a presentation and discussion with the Upper Los Angeles River & Tributaries (ULART)
working group, and periodic “check-ins” with Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) regarding project intent,
feasibility, and overall operations and maintenance
considerations.

Stage 3: Visioning Refinements,
Community Input & Engagement
The !melk+BuroHappold team - with the valuable input
and feedback from various stakeholders - went back to the drawing boards to further refine the vision / framework for the Verdugo Wash.

Another layer of input was collected at a city-wide public event, hosted by the !melk team in Glendale on February 12, 2022. At this engagement effort, which occurred
simultaneously at three locations throughout the City
(Verdugo Park, Fremont Park, and the City’s downtown
storefront) in order to maximize attendance. A great deal of valuable input and education occurred that day!
The team was able to - first-hand - present the work done to date, while listening to feedback and reactions from the community. The team was then able to incorporate
the feedback received during public engagement events
and hearings, stakeholder review, and through City staff guidance. This includes refinement of all work products undertaken in Stage 2, and advancing them from the
conceptual to finalized vision documents.

Stage 4: Final Design & Report
The efforts of the Visioning stage culminate in (this)
final design report, which documents the process and
components of developing the Verdugo Wash Vision.

Ultimately, upon completion of the Visioning stage, it is the goal that the Final Vision Report encapsulates a set of tangible design ideas and schemes for the Verdugo Wash
that offers a unique identity, a distinct design vocabulary and offers enough welcome impressions that will be beloved by the community
It is our aim that these schemes will spark interest for the project - to further develop the Vision into a Concept Master Plan, which will be used to identify potential future phases (perhaps even pilot projects), which can be further developed in subsequent design stages.
!melk is particularly expert in creating strong “brand
identities” for places, and has cultivated a reputation for delivering well-crafted designs, from small to large scales. !melk’s designs - and as is the case for the Verdugo Wash Vision - almost always include a fundamental and simple “built-in” fundraising approach in order to activate the appropriate expertise to facilitate with fundraising strategies.

Visioning Design Report
This Vision report, shared herein, focuses on urban design challenges, landscape strategies, sustainability initiatives, mobility solutions, as well as the hydrological and biological function of the Verdugo Wash. Collectively, each of these areas contribute to a re-imagined multi-benefit Verdugo Wash. It is the sincere hope of the !melk team that the ideas provided herein will inspire future project phases including concept master planning on to implementation!
!melk+BuroHappold
11 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

Depending on considerations like
available funding and phasing
priorities, distinct projects can be
lifted out from the Masterplan and put
on their own track /timeline towards
implementation.

What is a “visioning study”?
In the grand scheme of things, the Verdugo Wash Visioning Study is in its very initial (exciting) stages!
The objective of a Visioning Study, in short, is to paint the picture of what is possible.

Possibility is formally defined as “feasibility” - and the feasibility of the Verdugo Wash Vision has been vetted
based on available data and as this project stage duration has allowed. Kindly reference the “road map” diagram below to understand where the Verdugo Wash project is today in relation to following design stages and any implementation.

VISIONING STUDY

DESIGN PACKAGES

AGENCY APPROVALS AGENCY APPROVALS

AGENCY APPROVALSDESIGN COMMISSIONPRESENTATIONS

COMMUNITY INPUTCOMMUNITY INPUT COMMUNITY INPUTSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT develop a design framework and
narrative overlay for the site
full-stage development of design
documents, by phase or project area, in
preparation for implementation

PROJECT

IDEATION

CONCEPT

MASTERPLAN
DETAIL

MASTERPLAN
define zoning, program, toolkit of
elements; identify funding streams
refinement of masterplan /
development of design packages
Feasibility
Most design ideas in this Design Report are organized as a “kit-of-parts”, which means each design idea is not yet pinned to a specific location within the Verdugo Wash.

An example of this would be the included “Access Point” study. Consider this a “catalogue” of options or possibilities, given the existing opportunities and constraints. Since these access points were initially suggested in the project’s Pre-Design Report, the community has provided input, and the project team responded by advancing the catalogue
by adding/deleting, shifting/expanding, and differentiating (e.g. human/wildlife). During the master planning stage of the project, additional and significant community
and stakeholder input will be crucial to advancing this “catalogue” into an actual, defined plan including “what access points, where,” “what design segment, where,” and “what program, where.”
The feasibility for a project the magnitude of the Verdugo Wash is rooted in its political, economical, and engineering realities.

With regard to Engineering Feasibility, any successful re- imagined Verdugo Wash must be anchored in a rigorous
analysis of what volume of space is available - or “freeboard” - to locate landscape elements. The Verdugo Wash has the potential to become a one-of-a-kind linear park, but must still of course function to convey stormwater.

With regard to City Policy / Politics and Economics, a project such as the Verdugo Wash will require a sequence of
growth checks in its lifespan. Such “checks” might include:

Cost Estimating of Capital Improvements; Operations &
Maintenance (O+M) Planning; City Council & City Agency
approvals
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 12 DESIGN COMMISSIONPRESENTATIONS

COMMUNITY INPUTSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
quantity and phasing of individual
packages to be confirmed

IMPLEMENTATION/

BUILD-OUT
PACKAGE “A”
PACKAGE “X”
PACKAGE “Z”
PACKAGE “B”
PACKAGE “C”
phased development of tender packages
for construction and phases of project
build-out
PACKAGE “Y”
public access to project
areas as they are
completed
OPENING(S)!
In the master planning process alone, the Project Team
recommends two cost estimates of the developing plan done by a professional cost estimator familiar with the contracting landscape in LA County. Additional cost estimating work is recommended in the Design, Engineering, and Project
Approvals stage as well. In the typical scenario when a design is shown to be too expensive, the project team gets creative in “right-sizing” the design, a process called value- engineering. This financial growth check ensures the project stays on budget.

Operations and Maintenance (O+M) planning functions
similarly, checking the design at regular intervals as more detailed design information becomes available. An expert O+M consultant will evaluate the plan to develop estimates of the time, staff, and funding required to maintain the design. In the scenario that the design becomes too costly to maintain, a possible solution would be to simplify the design.

Community & Stakeholder Input
Community and stakeholder input is essential to public
space design - it’s for the public after all!
A portion of this report is dedicated to the Community
Engagement and Public Outreach process to date. There
will be many more opportunities to weigh in on the re-
imagination of the Verdugo Wash.

We look forward to these interactions!
At every stage in the process, there will be numerous “check- ins” planned to interact with the community and stakeholder groups in order to collect input and feedback, which the design team will genuinely consider within the wider picture of stakeholder input and project realities.
!melk+BuroHappold
13 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 14 We’re the first to tell you that the success of a public realm project hinges on a well-conceived public engagement
process. Here at !melk, we have demonstrated a long-term commitment to genuine community outreach and are proud
of our deep portfolio showcasing these efforts and glowing reputation among the communities we have served.

A simple but critical aspect to public engagement is
consistent, direct, and honest conversations with community leaders, residents, stakeholders, and local agencies. There is nothing as formative to a design as this set of conversations and we welcome everyone’s participation in the process! An aspect of the community engagement process that
we too often see under-emphasized by others is the
methodology for soliciting, documenting and responding to input. !melk, however, recognizes the importance of a strong methodology to ensure:

1. We honor the time and effort of participating community members. For instance, we go to lengths to document
conversations so that they we can refer back to them as needed.

2. We honor participants’ voice, ensuring this rich community input (e.g. general information, ideas, and concerns) is folded into the process and truly informs the resulting design and solutions.

With this methodology, we can be confident the design is of and for your community! For our team, a successful project means that our design and related solutions are “future- focused” and inspiring - a place for the people of the local community that is representative of them and feels like “home”.

What we offer as designers is the ability to transform the identity of a place into a unique and community-specific expression of the community’s histories, desires, and pride; a welcoming place where one you can connect with yourself, others, and the environment.

For the Verdugo Wash Visioning project, stakeholder
engagement and community outreach has occurred in
various ways throughout the entire project duration,
per a Public Engagement Plan that was carefully
developed together with the City of Glendale.
a proven process: how the project will be a holistic integration of program and identity/form/character, guided by input from the City of Glendale, the community, and the design team. ©MELK introduction
stakeholder & community engagement
“ruled out”
program
!melk input
community input
community input

PROGRAM
FORM /

CHARACTER /

IDENTITY
CoG+!melk input
Project Website
In early 2021, Glendale city staff created a website specific to the Verdugo Wash Visioning Study, verdugowash.com, to communicate the premise of the Verdugo Wash Visioning
Study, share project updates, and invite residents to
participate in various engagement conversations.

As a project team, we are committed to promoting diversity and neighborhood representation throughout the design
process. Not everyone has the time or headspace to attend a formal community engagement event. To connect with these community members, the community dialogue began on the
platform of the Verdugo Wash website via an online survey.

Using this tool, we were able to collect general sentiments, initial ideas, preferences, aspirations, wishes, and aversions for consideration in the re-thinking of the Verdugo Wash and its potential transformation.
!melk+BuroHappold
15 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

This page captures the online community survey as it
appears on the verdugowash.com website.

ONLINE SURVEY: “My Vision Survey”

1. Do you work in Glendale?

YES / NO

2. What is your age group?
Under 18 / 18-24 / 25-34 / 35-44 / 45-54 / 55-65 / 65+

3. Image Preference Survey
Please rate the following pictures on a scale of 1 -10, 1 being not favored and 10 being excellent. My vision of the Verdugo Wash includes:

4. The new Verdugo Wash should cater to...
select priority level for each: HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW
Glendale Residents / Daily Commuters / Public Transit Users Tourists / Families / People with Disabilities / Children Teenagers / Older Adults / Wildlife

5. Which modes of transportation should the new
Verdugo Wash accommodate?
select priority level for each: HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW
Pedestrian / Skateboarding / Cycling / Electric Scooter Shared Shuttle Service / Delivery Robot / Equestrian

6. Which sorts of commutes should the new Verdugo
Wash serve?
select priority level for each: HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW
Commuting to Work / Transit Connections / Recreational
Amenity-Destination Based / Commuting to School
Ecological Mobility / Local Neighborhood Mobility / City Wide

7. “A key outdoor amenity for us could be...”
Write in answer

8. “The Verdugo Wash should be unique and memorable
because...?”
Write in answer

9. “The Verdugo Wash could become the ‘IT PLACE’ to
visit, if we had...”
Write in answer
the Verdugo Wash Visioning project website: https:/ /www.verdugowash.com/ is an important platform, where key project information is uploaded for public reference and review and online surveys were hosted.

Example image-based question where participants asked to rate their level of preference 1 to 10.

Above: the remaining images included in the image preference survey. 2 3
4 5
6 7
8 1
9 10
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 16 Neighborhood-Based Meetings
Since Glendale is known for its collection of well-organized neighborhoods, these groups proved to be an excellent
conduit for connecting with groups of Glendale residents, reaching engaged citizens, sharing the objective of the project, and for soliciting community input to guide the Verdugo Wash Visioning.

Neighborhood-based meetings were generally conducted
in the front and back yards of residents in their respective communities. This process facilitated pointed conversations around the existing conditions specific to each
neighborhood so that design solutions could respond to
each neighborhood’s unique context.

During these conversations, staff heard feedback related to issues such as:
• Crime and Safety
• Operations and Maintenance
• Privacy
• Impacts to surrounding land uses
• Opportunities for enhanced vegetation
• Overall cost
Additional meetings were also held with other interest
groups such as the Kiwanis Club and GoGlendale.

If the project moves into additional phases, an even
more robust approach will also be taken by forming
specific groups and committees that are focused
on their specific neighborhood to ensure that as the
design is refined, that it responds to each unique
condition that exists along the route.

Online Survey Results
The Project Team thanks everyone who made time to
answer the surveys! All results are included in Appendix E in this report, where you’ll see how sentiments and comments varied. There were:

Participants who expressed outstanding concerns about
the project (e.g. residential privacy for those whose homes back up the Wash, or questions regarding the hydrological feasibility of the project).

Participants who were open to the project with reservations (e.g. how much would both the capital improvements and
ongoing maintenance cost).

Participants who displayed great enthusiasm for the project and suggested ideas to enrich the project (e.g. ensure south Glendale can access opportunities at the Wash without
having to drive and park nearby).

The Verdugo Wash has immense potential to transform
the community of Glendale, so it’s natural for community members to have varied reactions to that potential change at this early point in the design process. Please enjoy reading people’s responses, as we did. We find it useful to put ourselves in each commenters’ shoes, to do our best to understand their perspective, which is all then folded into the design process.

In good faith response - especially to those with outstanding concerns and reservations - we have written a new report chapter, “Community Considerations” that includes
preliminary design solutions to questions like residential privacy.

September 11, 2021
Whiting Woods Neighborhood Meeting
October 23, 2021
Sycamore Woods Neighborhood Meeting
March 19, 2022
Woodbury Neighborhood Meeting
February 19, 2022
Verdugo Park, Fremont Park,
Downtown Storefront
February 12, 2022
Verdugo Wash Coalition
April 22, 2022
Kiwanis Club
August 4, 2021
West Glendale
April 2, 2022
Glendale Riverwalk Event
June 15, 2022
Planning Commission
July 7, 2022
Sustainability Commission
August 15, 2022
Parks and Community
Services Commission
October 24, 2022
Transportation and Parking
Commission
Throughout the visioning process City staff and the
design team engaged in several meetings with the
general public, neighborhood groups, and various
boards and commissions to obtain feedback and input.

The following outreach events / meetings for the Verdugo Wash Visioning were held throughout 2021 and 2022 as part of the Visioning process:
!melk+BuroHappold
17 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community-Wide Outreach Event
Feb 19th, 2022
While most of 2021’s outreach and engagement efforts were led by the City of Glendale Community Development staff, the Design Team organized a “grand” public outreach event advertised to the wider open to the public.

The largest in-person engagement conversation during
the Verdugo Wash Visioning Study occurred on Saturday
February 19th, 2022 at (3) three different locations within the City: Fremont Park, the 142 California Avenue city storefront, and Verdugo Park. Each location was staffed by City of Glendale staff as well as representatives from the Design Team.

This vision of this large-scale public outreach event was two- fold: 1) to connect with a “Greater Glendale” audience and 2) introduce a different method and scale of engagement that is - most importantly - fun!
To aid the Design Team to connect with a more diverse
cross-section of the community (e.g. those who may not
participate in a Homeowner’s Association, who may not own

PATTTERSON AVE

GREYDALE DR

N KENILWORTH AVE
CAÑADA BOULEVARD

COLINA DRIVE

FREMONT
PARK
11am
11am
11am
142 W

CALIFORNIA
AVE
public outreach event
We want to hear what YOU want for the Verdugo Wash!
Participate in outreach activities (at any one of 3 locations), to learn first-hand important project information, to give feedback on the current design vision, and to participate in visioning exercises with the Design Team to shape the future Verdugo Wash. Please stop by whether you have 5 minutes or 45!

We look forward to meeting you! - let us know which
location you’ll be at, by RSVPing here:
https:/ /www.surveymonkey.com/r/NW3KBY5
additional details at verdugowash.com
Saturday, February 19th
11am - 2pm outreach activities
3pm - 5pm debriefing & after party! VERDUGO
PARK

LOCATION C

LOCATION B

LOCATION A
February 19, 2022 public outreach event flyer: the above flyer was translated into Spanish and Armenian and circulated on numerous platforms to advertise this grand public outreach event, which was to take place at (3) three locations throughout Glendale - Fremont Park, the 142 California Avenue City storefront, and Verdugo Park. The event was well attended with 100+ participants! a home, whose first language is not English, or simply have not yet heard about the project), the Design Team prioritized community convenience and social equity.

To make attendance as convenient as possible, the Design Team hosted the same set of staffed activities at each of the (3) three public-facing locations throughout the City. The agenda and associated activities were purposely devised to establish interaction among attendees.

The City of Glendale Community Development staff
facilitated the translation of all event marketing and meeting materials to connect with Spanish and Armenian speakers, and had translators on-hand on Event day!
It was the Design Team’s hope that selecting public-facing venues would also entice members of the Community to
“stop on by” during one’s typical Saturday morning activities.

Significant marketing efforts were deployed to promote
attendance from as many Glendale community members
as possible! Specifically, marketing for the event occurred on the project website, social media blasts through citywide and department specific accounts, and various citywide and department newsletters.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 18 The ultimate objective for each was to promote an open, welcoming, and robust dialogue about the project. To vary the “rhythm” of the form of engagement, the Design Team crafted (6) six hands-on, interactive activities for an open- house/fair-style format.

At the event Welcome Station, attendees were greeted and oriented to the event layout and activities. Participants were encouraged to sign-in, and complete an initial survey and submit suggestions and considerations to the “Ideas Box”.

Introduce the Verdugo Wash Visioning Study
Premise, Context, Analysis, Opportunities &
Constraints, and “First Ideas”
Gather data and ideas about both the current and
desired mobility patterns and activities in/around
the Wash
Help Glendale community members “see” the scale
and impact of Verdugo Wash if it were to become a
community amenity; discuss how it might improve
quality of life.

Build rapport with the community and generate
positive “buzz” about the work being done.

Communicate how the community can contribute
and author the Vision, and have continued
involvement by staying abreast of project
developments.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. February 19, 2022 public outreach event table-long corridor mapping exercise at Verdugo Park location.

February 19, 2022 public outreach event: the public reviewing the background information on the Verdugo Wash and the Visioning project !melk+BuroHappold
19 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

character various sections segments / spatial conditions connectivity & access opportunity for improved micro-mobility existing cycling times
projected cycling times w/
additional access points / activatedVerdugo Wash
enhanced ecology establishing a community amenity maintaining existing hydrological infrastructure while creating a new public realm datum 1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8
87’
(in commercial area)
TYPE 5C
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in open space area)
TYPE 5B
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in residential area)
TYPE 5A
87’
12’
15’
75’
(in golf course)
TYPE 4
73’
22’
4’
11’
43’
(in open space area)
TYPE 3B 43’
12’
13’
40’ - 45’
TYPE 3A
(in residential area)
40’
6’
7’
25’
TYPE 2
(in residential area)
25’
6’
7’
10’ - 25’
TYPE 1
(in residential area)
24’6’
6’
W: 10’ - 25’TYPE 1

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’
8-MINUTE WALK
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
P.O.B. 8-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
8-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
18-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
6-MINUTE WALK
6-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
8-MINUTE WALK
9-MINUTE WALK
16-MINUTE WALK10-MINUTE WALK
2-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

WASH TRACE

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)

LA RIVER

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5
W: 75’

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

DOLARITA AVE

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK
2551 N VERDUGO ROAD

WABOSSO WAY

BABE HERMAN

FIELD PARKING LOT

VERDUGO SKATE PARK
LOT 32
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

BONNIE ACADEMY

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST
805 FAIRMONT AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
visioning
W: 87’
W: 87’
“UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH TRACE
1/4 MILE BUFFER

GLENDALE CITY LIMIT
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

COHESIVE, CONNECTED

LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR

EXISTING CHANNEL
URBAN FRAMEWORK:

ENHANCED ACCESS &

CONNECTIVITY
“SPECIAL MOMENTS”

GLENDALE BOUNDARY CATCH BASIN
INLET
OUTLET

PUMP STATION

ENERGY DISSIPATOR
PLUG
JS
OTHER

LA RIVER

WATERSHED

WASH WATERSHED
BASIN

STORMWATER ROUTES
character various sections segments / spatial conditions connectivity & access opportunity for improved micro-mobility existing cycling times
projected cycling times w/
additional access points / activatedVerdugo Wash
enhanced ecology establishing a community amenity maintaining existing hydrological infrastructure while creating a new public realm datum 1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8 87’
(in commercial area)
TYPE 5C
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in open space area)
TYPE 5B
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in residential area)
TYPE 5A
87’
12’
15’
75’
(in golf course)
TYPE 4
73’
22’
4’
11’
43’
(in open space area)
TYPE 3B 43’
12’
13’
40’ - 45’
TYPE 3A
(in residential area)
40’
6’
7’
25’
TYPE 2
(in residential area)
25’
6’
7’
10’ - 25’
TYPE 1
(in residential area)
24’6’
6’
W: 10’ - 25’TYPE 1

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’
8-MINUTE WALK
BASIN

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

WASH TRACE

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)

LA RIVER

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5
W: 75’

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

DOLARITA AVE

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK
2551 N VERDUGO ROAD

WABOSSO WAY

BABE HERMAN

FIELD PARKING LOT

VERDUGO SKATE PARK
LOT 32
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

BONNIE ACADEMY

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST
805 FAIRMONT AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
visioning
W: 87’
W: 87’
“UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH TRACE
1/4 MILE BUFFER

GLENDALE CITY LIMIT
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

COHESIVE, CONNECTED

LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR

EXISTING CHANNEL
URBAN FRAMEWORK:

ENHANCED ACCESS &

CONNECTIVITY
“SPECIAL MOMENTS”

GLENDALE BOUNDARY CATCH BASIN
INLET
OUTLET

PUMP STATION

ENERGY DISSIPATOR
PLUG
JS
OTHER

LA RIVER

WATERSHED

WASH WATERSHED
BASIN

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’
8-MINUTE WALK
BASIN

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

WASH TRACE

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)

LA RIVER

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5
W: 75’

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

DOLARITA AVE

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK
2551 N VERDUGO ROAD

WABOSSO WAY

BABE HERMAN

FIELD PARKING LOT

VERDUGO SKATE PARK
LOT 32
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

BONNIE ACADEMY

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST
805 FAIRMONT AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
visioning
W: 87’
W: 87’
“UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH TRACE
1/4 MILE BUFFER

GLENDALE CITY LIMIT
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

COHESIVE, CONNECTED

LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR

EXISTING CHANNEL
URBAN FRAMEWORK:

ENHANCED ACCESS &

CONNECTIVITY
“SPECIAL MOMENTS”

GLENDALE BOUNDARY CATCH BASIN
INLET
OUTLET

PUMP STATION

ENERGY DISSIPATOR
PLUG
JS
OTHER

LA RIVER

WATERSHED

WASH WATERSHED
BASIN

STORMWATER ROUTES
February 19, 2022 public outreach event: Informational boards with background material on the Verdugo Wash and the Visioning project Attendees were further encouraged to spend some time absorbing the content presented on the Project Introduction boards, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent of the scope and scale of the Visioning study. Actually, a majority of the day’s dialogue ended up occurring at these boards’ location than any other, as staff walked participants through the information on the boards, fielded questions, and followed the conversation as needed.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 20 character various sections segments / spatial conditions connectivity & access opportunity for improved micro-mobility existing cycling times
projected cycling times w/
additional access points / activatedVerdugo Wash
enhanced ecology establishing a community amenity maintaining existing hydrological infrastructure while creating a new public realm datum 1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8 87’
(in commercial area)
TYPE 5C
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in open space area)
TYPE 5B
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in residential area)
TYPE 5A
87’
12’
15’
75’
(in golf course)
TYPE 4
73’
22’
4’
11’
43’
(in open space area)
TYPE 3B 43’
12’
13’
40’ - 45’
TYPE 3A
(in residential area)
40’
6’
7’
25’
TYPE 2
(in residential area)
25’
6’
7’
10’ - 25’
TYPE 1
(in residential area)
24’6’
6’
W: 10’ - 25’TYPE 1

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’
8-MINUTE WALK
BASIN

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

WASH TRACE

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)

LA RIVER

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5
W: 75’

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

DOLARITA AVE

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK
2551 N VERDUGO ROAD

WABOSSO WAY

BABE HERMAN

FIELD PARKING LOT

VERDUGO SKATE PARK
LOT 32
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

BONNIE ACADEMY

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST
805 FAIRMONT AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
visioning
W: 87’
W: 87’
“UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH TRACE
1/4 MILE BUFFER

GLENDALE CITY LIMIT
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

COHESIVE, CONNECTED

LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR

EXISTING CHANNEL
URBAN FRAMEWORK:

ENHANCED ACCESS &

CONNECTIVITY
“SPECIAL MOMENTS”

GLENDALE BOUNDARY CATCH BASIN
INLET
OUTLET

PUMP STATION

ENERGY DISSIPATOR
PLUG
JS
OTHER

LA RIVER

WATERSHED

WASH WATERSHED
BASIN

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’
8-MINUTE WALK
BASIN

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

WASH TRACE

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)

LA RIVER

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5
W: 75’

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

DOLARITA AVE

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK
2551 N VERDUGO ROAD

WABOSSO WAY

BABE HERMAN

FIELD PARKING LOT

VERDUGO SKATE PARK
LOT 32
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

BONNIE ACADEMY

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST
805 FAIRMONT AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
visioning
W: 87’
W: 87’
“UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH TRACE
1/4 MILE BUFFER

GLENDALE CITY LIMIT
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

COHESIVE, CONNECTED

LANDSCAPE CORRIDOR

EXISTING CHANNEL
URBAN FRAMEWORK:

ENHANCED ACCESS &

CONNECTIVITY
“SPECIAL MOMENTS”

GLENDALE BOUNDARY CATCH BASIN
INLET
OUTLET

PUMP STATION

ENERGY DISSIPATOR
PLUG
JS
OTHER

LA RIVER

WATERSHED

WASH WATERSHED
BASIN

STORMWATER ROUTES
!melk+BuroHappold
21 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

“The Verdugo Wash should be “The Verdugo Wash should be unique and memorable because...”unique and memorable because...” “A key outdoor amenity for us “A key outdoor amenity for us could be...”could be...”
“The best linear park or trail “The best linear park or trail that I’ve seen/visited is...”that I’ve seen/visited is...” “It would be great if “It would be great if
the Verdugo Wash had...”the Verdugo Wash had...”
“The Verdugo Wash could become“The Verdugo Wash could become the ‘IT PLACE’ to visit, if we had...”the ‘IT PLACE’ to visit, if we had...” The first guided, group activity was titled “What If ... ?”, for which the objective is to encourage participants to think imaginatively about opportunities for the Wash.

Prompts such as, “The Verdugo Wash would be the ‘It’
place to be if...” were designed to encourage fresh thinking.

Participants were encouraged to write their responses
on post-it notes and stick them to the board to create a collection to each of the five prompts/boards.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 22 February 19, 2022 public outreach event Mapping Exercise documentation: attendees were invited to map out important daily routes and destinations in/around the Verdugo Wash and its environs !melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
!melk
+BuroHappold
VerdugoWASH
February 19, 2022 public outreach event: Selfie opportunity! Attendees were encouraged to snap a photo in front of one of the initial renderings of the vision for Verdugo Wash.

For a Mobility Mapping activity, participants were encouraged to map one or more typical mobility patterns of their daily routine such as commutes to work/school; “dot” stickers were placed on a large-format map indicating important destinations, or start/end locations. Attendees were prompted questions during this activity to gain a better understanding of how Glendale residents make mobility pattern decisions (e.g. why do you bike to this park location and not this one?) - in order to ultimately glean overall ease/safety. !melk+BuroHappold
23 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

February 19, 2022 public outreach event / Verdugo Park location: programming/character engagement mapping exercise For another Mapping exercise of Precedent Imagery, participants were handed a small deck of cards with curated precedent images and prompted to consider where along the Verdugo Wash it would be most ideal (or not!) to host a particular programs (e.g. gathering area) or design elements (e..g bench in a particular style). Participants placed the cards on the map, which was actually 3 separate 6-foot long maps of the Verdugo Wash corridor!
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 24 To further discuss the Verdugo Wash Visioning study, the public was invited to a debriefing “social event” upon the conclusion of the more structured outreach activities which had occurred earlier that day at various locations throughout Glendale.

February 19, 2022 public outreach event / Verdugo Park location: programming/character engagement mapping exercise “Continuing the Dialogue”
The day of Outreach was extended to an informal
rendezvous, where the Design Team and the City of Glendale staff convened locally for a Debriefing “social event”. The purpose of this convening was to further promote open
dialogue with the community - in a less structured format - and discuss the takeaways of the day, and share great ideas for the Verdugo Wash within a fun atmosphere!
There were no formal activities related to data gathering or project feedback, and conversations were not moderated.

All were welcome!
For the Project Team – comprised of City of Glendale staff and the !melk+BuroHappold consultants – this gathering
was used to discuss what was said throughout the day at each of the three “satellite” outreach events / locations, while continuing to set the tone that outreach can occur in a comfortable, positive environment to foster authorship together with the community!
It’s important to note that public outreach is a process. There will continue to be opportunities to weigh in on the Verdugo Wash Visioning, as it might progress. Public Outreach will continue in parallel to any future design stages.

The Public Outreach format - overall, to date - has allowed for the presentation of a brief introduction to the project (for those unfamiliar) and an open forum - through guided discussion - to learn about participants’ interests and desires for the Wash. Ultimately, there was general consensus and a spirit of unity around the notion that a re-imagined Verdugo Wash would certainly enhance quality of life in Glendale! !melk+BuroHappold
25 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

February 19, 2022 public outreach event:

Verdugo Park location
examples of the “precedent mapping” exercise
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT CITY OF GLENDALE 26 general discussion around the project introduction boards !melk+BuroHappold
27 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

February 19, 2022 public outreach event:

Fremont Park location
examples of the “precedent mapping” exercise
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT CITY OF GLENDALE 28 examples of the “mobility mapping” exercise
!melk+BuroHappold
29 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

February 19, 2022 public outreach event:
142 California Avenue storefront location
examples of the “what if” exercise
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT CITY OF GLENDALE 30 examples of the “precedent mapping” exercise
!melk+BuroHappold
31 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

What did Glendalians have to say about this project?
I fell in love with my house 20 years ago because it
backs up to the Wash, offering a magnificent view
of the Verdugo Mountains. I love to host garden
parties. I admit the Wash itself isn’t conventionally
attractive, but I’ve selected attractive low-growing
plants to enhance the mountain view.

The Wash’s concrete geometry amplifies sounds
up and down the Wash, like one neighbor’s barking
dog several blocks away, so I am open to ideas
for re-imagining the Wash! I have concerns about
operations, maintenance, and safety, and want to
ensure that access points are equitably placed and
not requiring any of my neighbors to move.

I am in my mid-30s and live in the Montrose
neighborhood. I live with epilepsy and unable to
drive at this time. I was contently biking to work
in Downtown Glendale and really enjoying the
additional activity in my day. And the autonomy - I
don’t like relying on public transit schedules.

I purchased a pedal-assist bike to support my uphill
commute home. But just before the pandemic
shutdowns, I was commuting to work on Verdugo
Road when I was hit by a car and broke my leg. I
haven’t biked since, and honestly, I won’t until
protected bikeways are implemented around me.

Biking in the Verdugo Wash would be incredible!
I live in a retirement home along the Wash north
of downtown Glendale. I visit my doctor regularly
who, at every appointment, encourages me to be
more active to better manage my blood sugar. My
daughter lives in Chicago, but we talk every Sunday
evening. She the real nag - getting on my case to
be more active! I was using the exercise facilities in
my multi-unit complex before the pandemic closed
it down. My vision has gotten worse so I can’t drive
any more, making it harder to be active other places.

If Verdugo Wash became a park, I think it would be
a safe place to walk since it is so close to the Home.

Besides a walking path, it would be great if there
were also shady spots to sit, chat, and maybe play
cards with my girlfriends.

I am a first generation Hispanic American, and attend
Glendale Community College. I currently live in a “parks- poor” community in west Glendale.

Between a full credit load this semester and a part-time job, I feel stressed out all the time and can’t seem to make the time to go the gym, even though I know it reduces my anxiety. I try to carpool with classmates to class, but when that doesn’t work out, I have to hustle to make the bus, an experience that always leaves me super frazzled!
I am enthusiastic about the idea of utilizing the Wash as a route to walk to class, especially if it was really green and shady with places to pause and review my notes before class.

I moved with my family to the US 6 years
ago. We rent an apartment in Vineland.

My husband uses the family car to go to
work on Saturdays so I am home with the
kids alone and always looking for things
to do with them! My oldest son always
wants to go to the skate park at Verdugo
Park, but it’s difficult to get there by public
transportation. I’d love to bike, but am
uncomfortable taking the streets, especially
after hearing a chilling story from my
neighbor. It occurred to me that if there was
a bike path in the Verdugo Wash, I’d be able
to connect with many places in Glendale
(by bike) that were really difficult to get to
before!
- “Gloria”
- “Erik”
- “Florence”
- “Bianca”
- “Elen”
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT CITY OF GLENDALE 32 We live in a secluded neighborhood in north Glendale nestled in the Verdugo foothills. Our house is located on a street that runs directly along the Verdugo Wash. We take a lot of pride in our neighborhood and love how quiet, safe, and remote it feels. We understand that the Wash in its current utilitarian state is needed to mitigate flood risk. We have intense concern that facilitating public access could jeopardize the safety and quiet that we value so much about our neighborhood. And as a wealth management advisor, I am skeptical about how the City could finance both the capital improvements and upkeep of a new public space. But as an enthusiastic bird watcher, I’d love to see more supportive native plantings and am curious about how additional planting could consider wildfire risk.

I also live in a secluded northern neighborhood along the Wash, and have more concerns about the Wash than hopes
it could benefit the City. I wonder about the security of my home if the Wash was made accessible to the public and what options would be available if people using the Wash behind my house riled up my dog into a barking frenzy, or what I should do if I ever witnessed antisocial behaviors behind my house? I wonder how the Wash improvements will be paid for, and then maintained and operated in perpetuity. I also want to be assured that any Wash improvements wouldn’t exacerbate
flood risks. I am particularly concerned that integrating public space in a neighborhood known for and sought out for its peace and quiet could reduce property values.

I am a student at Glendale High School and
live in Citrus Grove. A couple of nights a
week, I have practice at Glendale Sports
Complex, but it’s difficult for my mom to
get me there on time with other family
obligations.

I could go to practice on my own by bike if
the Verdugo Wash had a bike path. I’d get
there pretty quickly!
It would be great if there were also larger
gathering areas integrated along the route
so that my friends and I can hang out after
school and on the weekend.

I am an environmentalist! I live near the
Wash, and am keen to learn how this
project could support the surrounding
ecosystems. I have lots of questions! How
will the proposed deck system work?
Could parts of the concrete channel be
exposed so we can see the water? What is
the quality of the water in the Wash? Can
it be filtered to improve water quality?
There’s way too much concrete! Could
the concrete be removed to infiltrate
water to the aquifers? How can the Wash
be naturalized to enhance wildlife value?
There are so many species, including
native bees, butterflies, birds, and
mammals that the project could support!
We live in La Crescenta-Montrose and really
enjoy biking as couple. We have become
increasingly frustrated recently though...
we’ve witnessed a handful of vociferous
folks from a nearby neighborhood shoot
down modest - but otherwise well-supported
- proposals to integrate even basic bicycle
facilities! We are interested in how we
can support the Verdugo Wash Vision
as an active transportation corridor and
community amenity for Glendale.
- “Wendy & Scott”
- “Matt”
- “Dylan”
- “Carl”
- “Stephen & Judy”
Since the objective of any public space is to foster and enrich its community, we are sharing snippets of anecdotes we’ve heard so far from Glendale community members, capturing various points-of-view, hopes, desires, and concerns. Note these quotes are based on conversations with community members, but names and some details have been modified for privacy.
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33 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Stakeholder Outreach
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 34 The Verdugo Wash Vision’s objective is to integrate multi- purpose benefits including public space, mobility, equity, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Given this complexity, the Project Team invited key project
stakeholders to champion their “stakes” throughout this Visioning Study process and guide the Visioning for the Verdugo Wash.

We’d like to thank the members of the Working Stakeholder Group for their time, effort, and investment in this Visioning Study! Their contributions have been invaluable:
• George Ballteria, Board of Directors, Glendale Parks
and Open Space Foundation; Director of Design and
Construction, North East Trees; before that 25 year Director of Facilities and Senior Project Manager, City of Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency
• Shana Bonstin, Deputy Director of City Planning, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Los Angeles*; lives near Glorietta Park
• Dave Gallagher, Landscape Architect at Los Angeles
County Public Works*; lives near the Oakmont Debris Basin • John Howell, Chief Executive Officer, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
• Mickey Long, field biologist, retired Natural Areas
Administrator, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
• Evan Meyer, Executive Director, Theodore Payne
Foundation
• Tim Martinez, Land and Program Administrator, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
• Nancy Steele, Executive Manager, Friends of the Verde River; past Executive Director, Council for Watershed Health in Los Angeles; co-founder and president of Arroyos &
Foothills Conservancy 2000-2011
• Laura Stotler, retired Principal Planner, City of Glendale • Ana Tabuena-Ruddy, landscape architect; Project
Development & Inter-agency Coordination Manager,
Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services, City of Los Angeles*; lives near the Oakmont Debris Basin
• The Tongva Tribal Council, represented by Rich Toyon, retired landscape architect
• Diego Zapata, Nursery Manager, North East Trees
* comments are as individuals; titles are for reference The Role of a Stakeholder
While individual community members enrich the
engagement process by entrusting their insights, their points of view, what they’re excited about, and what concerns them, with the Design Team, stakeholders are engaged to tackle larger overarching themes.

It’s the Design Team’s role to say, “we heard you,” and respond with design options that collectively integrate feedback from the Community while managing wider project objectives and constraints.

Members of the working stakeholder group are also
members of the community, but they are distinguished from individual community members in that they don’t represent a single property, but a specific stake in the outcome or decision.

While Glendalians can offer valuable personal insights, the members of Verdugo Wash Working Stakeholder Group offer wider points-of-view, focusing on more overarching themes such as climate resilience, regional ecology, urban impact, connectivity, etc.

The complexity around establishing the Verdugo Wash as
a multi-benefit (enhancing public space, mobility, equity, climate resilience, ecological connectivity) place for Glendale is not something the Design Team can take on alone!
Together with the City of Glendale, the Design Team invited local stakeholders to champion their “stakes” throughout this Visioning Study process - to guide, direct, and challenge the visioning process! We would like to thank the members of the Working Stakeholder Group for their time, effort, and investment in this process! Their contributions have been invaluable.

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35 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Championing Safety & Operations+Maintenance
An internal working stakeholder group was also convened by the City of Glendale in order to discuss potential security, operations and maintenance of the Verdugo Wash.

The group was comprised of representatives from Police, Fire, Parks and Community Services, Public Works, Mobility, Office of Sustainability, and Community Development, and feedback included:

Police
Parks
Fire
Sustainability
Championing Functionality & Hydrology
A specific example of a Verdugo Wash-relevant “stake” being championed by local stakeholders is groundwater recharge.

The City of Glendale purchases and imports 60-70% of
the city’s drinking water, meaning only 30-40% is procured locally via well pumping of aquifer-based groundwater.

Aquifer stores are important because: 1) well water is vastly less expensive than importing water, gallon-for-gallon; 2) they promote climate resilience by cushioning water
stores during times of drought; and 3) they contribute to the region’s ecology as the LA River basin’s hydrology is naturally a complex mélange of above and below surface
flows.

Add emergency call boxes
Create operating hours
Leave enough room for motorcycle access in the event of an emergency
Some bicycle and foot patrol could be incorporated with appropriate funding
Good visibility from the street will allow for incorporation into existing patrols
Supports the idea of ambassadors looking over the wash
Ensure good lighting
Separation of pedestrians and cyclists
Would like to see a trail safety patrol
Create operating hours
What would the process be to clear and close the wash
when necessary
Ecological education opportunities
Stormwater retention
Using sustainable construction materials
Identify mental heal and environmental health benefits
(carbon capture)
Ensure equitable access

Follow fire resistant code requirements
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Available data indicates that the upper Verdugo Wash was in fact a creek before it was channelized north of the debris basin. Given that length of soft bottom condition, it likely facilitated meaningful groundwater recharge.

With this in mind, it is only reasonable that some
stakeholders - including the Tongva Tribe, the Arroyos
& Foothills Conservancy, and the Upper Los Angeles
River Tributaries Working Group - have taken interest in “groundwater recharge projects”.

In addition to this, and in connection with larger hydrological systems, the Design Team has also engaged with key
Agency Stakeholders such as Los Angeles County Public
Works (LACPW) Flood Control Department.

LACPW is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the mitigation of flood and debris flow risks for all the residents of LA County. Aside from this important functionality, LACPW also recognizes the merit of multi-purpose benefits, and is endeavoring to weave such benefits into improvement projects while of course never compromising storm event capacities.

The !melk+BuroHappold, together with the City of Glendale, has been in contact with the LACPW, regarding the Vision for the Verdugo Wash.

The Design Team is in receipt of a Flood Permit Guidance note, which summarizes the key flood control permit issues and the permit’s purpose. The note recommends submitting a Flood Control Permit, and has served as guidance in this initial Visioning stage. (It is indicated that the LACFCD will be able to assign a County staff person to the Verdugo Wash project once a permit application has been filed.)
In addition to interactions with LACPW, the Design Team has also met with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, whereby the Design Team became aware of the potential
permits that might be required for future Reviews and
Approvals.

Last, but not least - with regard to functioning site hydrology - the Design Team engaged with the Upper Los Angeles
River Tributaries working group during the Visioning
process.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT CITY OF GLENDALE 36 !melk+BuroHappold
37 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Working Stakeholder Group “sustainability” recommendations for the Verdugo Wash Vision graphic by !melk based on June 5, 2022 correspondence

Incredibly important is the Gabrielino-Tongva culture, which was - at one point in time - deeply intertwined with the “Verdugo Wash” and surrounding environs of the Crescenta Valley. While the Tongva were forcibly uprooted from their land centuries ago, the Tongva culture is still very much tied to the land in the Crescenta Valley and its environs.

Given the Tongva’s great legacy of land stewardship and resilient sensibility towards resource management, they would like to contribute to the collective dialogue around the most appropriate Vision for the Verdugo Wash.

Headwaters: Because there are few opportunities for
habitat restoration and water sequestration along with
developed recreation in the Crescenta Valley, the entire Verdugo Hills Golf Course property should be obtained
to create a true regional park that has both recreational and educational opportunities by re-imagining a park that utilizes storm water capture, native plant materials managed as the Tongva people have for thousands of years, a laid back riparian Blanchard channel, hiking and recreation, and dedicated learning memorials for the WPA Tuna CCC
Camp, the Tuna Camp Detention Center (as supported
and promoted by the Los Angeles Japanese American
Museum), and Tongva Village site of Wiqanga. The learning opportunities are enormous for this site at the nexus of history.

Stream Bed: The Verdugo Wash should be re-imagined
as the life giving force it had been for thousands of years by creating daylighted areas where the channelized stream can exit and create not only wildlife/riparian opportunities through pools and side tributary streams but gathering areas that were common during the centuries Tongva habitation.

Only native vegetation should be used
Mid Stream: Crescenta Valley Park and Mountain Oaks
represent the next best opportunity for water sequestration and stream daylighting. The importance of creating a
sustainable water supply through aquifer re—injection
cannot be over emphasized and to create recreational and educational opportunities through that same opportunity is fundamental. Mountain Oaks is a property the city of Glendale needs to pursue and obtain. Within the Mountain Oaks property and near the stream bed is an opportunity to create a native plant material gathering area endemic to the region and managed as the Tongva would have and a
ceremonial ground for tribal purposes is necessary and a tribute to the people who have stewarded these lands for centuries. Additionally, daylighting in this area provides a direct access to the Verdugo Mountains slopes and would establish a direct wildlife corridor.

Oakmont Debris Basin: The Oakmont Debris Basin
needs to also be re-imagined as a seasonal wetland as
managed by the Tongva people. The debris basin is a grand recreational and educational opportunity to return the
area to the probable seasonal wetland it once was. Without doubt it was a gathering area for materials integral in daily Native life such as food, pharmaceuticals, and for basketry and other structural materials. It is recommended that a boardwalk system be implemented to preserve the fragile environment of a wetland with informational and educational opportunities throughout.

Oakmont Golf Course: The golf course was once a riparian environment and flood plain as evidenced by the number of riparian trees still within the property. Recently, the course has reduced their greens to reduce their water consumption.

It is highly recommended the golf course goes further and adopts the Audubon International Golf Course design for sustainability and utilizes daylighting and tributary side streams to support native non-exotic plant species for- both wildlife habitation and creates swales and depressions for water sequestration.

Verdugo Park: Once a riparian environment and floodplain, the seasonal stream bed at the base of the Verdugo
Mountains is a ripe opportunity to restructure the area as a more natural riparian area with Tongva managed native plantings for gathering, recreational and educational
opportunities. Any interpretive signage should be more
than piecemeal but imagined and executed as a region
wide system of information from the headwaters to the
convergence with the Los Angeles River.

Confluence: Water served a daily ritual and importance in the life of the Tongva people as it was celebrated and central to their existence. Water was managed closely and provided the many resources in their daily existence and subsequently held a sacred place in their spirituality. Thus, the convergence of waters was a strategic and celebrated place. It was the place of meeting and council and the
recognition of the significance of water central to their history and daily existence. The Tongva simply believed that if they cared for their water and their land, the land and water cared for them. The meeting place of the two waters is a near sacred place to the Tongva and the land at this place should include a specific space for council, reflection and celebration. It is the culmination of the life of the Verdugo Wash and the life it supported both human and non-human.

This space should be of careful consideration and careful design and should have a direct interaction and access with the water and the land and human beings. This is also the culmination in an educational journey from headwaters to confluence and the final expression of the natural and native landscape architectural expression and possibly the most important. It needs to recognize the natural system of the movement of water through a land and it must be respectful to the people who stewarded the land for thousands of years. “The Tongva Tribal Council requests involvement in all
phases of design and planning of the Verdugo Wash
Sustainability project to ensure proper representation but to also ensure sustainable improvements are executed in the manner customary to the Tongva stewardship principles.

The Tribal Council also requests that the nomenclature of the project incorporates Tongva nomenclature and tells the history of the Tongva people in a true and proper manner as the basis of all history of the region the Verdugo Wash entails.” (excerpt from correspondence with Gabrielino- Tongva chief, Rich Toyon, May 27, 2022)
Gabrielino-Tongva Vision for the Verdugo Wash
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 38 right: Tongva recommendations for the Verdugo Wash Vision graphic by !melk based on correspondence with Gabrielino-Tongva Chief Anthony Morales and Richard Toyon

What does the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe recommend?
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39 INTRODUCTION: STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 40 2.
the site today
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41 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

Overview
The Verdugo Wash is a 9.4-mile long tributary of the LA River that was channelized to swiftly convey rainwater and debris from Glendale and surrounding areas to mitigate flood and debris flow risk. The quintessential Wash experience feels heavily engineered with its strict rectangular
geometries and hard, sterile concrete floor and walls. Nearly 60-acres in size, the Wash feels inhospitable lacking human scale, being sunk an average of 12-ft from the adjacent city fabric and any other human activity, and secured on all perimeters by chain link fencing.

Temporal Character
The Wash has two primary temporal characters: dry & empty or wet & coursing. Below are two sets of photos - at three areas along the Wash - to illustrate this contrasting condition.

In the left column are photos of what the Wash feels like the majority of the year: dry, vast, and underutilized. In the right column are those same three moments during the few annual precipitation events when the Wash feels wet, coursing, and useful. Here, the Wash performs as hydrological infrastructure:
receiving and channeling water from the hundreds of
stormwater outlets that drain the watershed, then hurriedly escorting that fresh water out of the city.
location: Confluence with LA River, looking upstream. left: “low-flow” condition during dry season; right: coursing condition during December 2021 rain event. These stairs were engineered to dissipate energy from Verdugo Wash water joining the LA River. location: Fremont Park. left: “low-flow” condition during dry season, April 2021; right: coursing condition during December 2021 rain event location: Oakmont Debris Basin. left: dry season, April 2021; right: wet condition, December 2021 rain event the site today
existing conditions
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43 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS

The “UPPER” Wash reach starts just south of Interstate 210 and flows into the Oakmont Debris Basin located just north of the Oakmont Golf Course. Water collects in the debris basin and is detained for a interval to allow debris to settle from the water flow. After spilling from the concrete dam, water enters the “LOWER” Wash reach and flows until it meets the Confluence to join the LA River. ©!MELK “UPPER W
ASH”
“LOWER WASH”
Project Site Segmentation
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 44 “UPPER W
ASH”
“UPPER W
ASH”
1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8
“LOWER WASH”
“LOWER WASH”

OAKMONT OAKMONT

DEBRIS DEBRIS

BASINBASIN

CONFLUENCECONFLUENCE
210210

The “LOWER WASH” ranges in width from approximately 43 ft to 86 ft and terminates at the confluence with the Los Angeles River The Oakmont DEBRIS BASIN & spillway split the “upper” & “lower” segments of the wash and is the only non-concrete bottom section north end of debris basin where water flows down into
the basin
water collecting in the debris basin, April 2021 water is detained behind the concrete spillway for a period of time, allowing debris to settle and be later
cleaned out during regular maintenance
The “upper wash” is the narrowest segment beginning at approximately 10 ft wide and widening to about 40 ft box culvert (highlighted by dotted
white circle) just south of interstate
210 is the start of the Verdugo
Wash in Glendale
The Verdugo Wash meeting the LA River at the
confluence (highlighted by dotted white rectangle)
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45 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS

Spatial Character
The Wash varies considerably in its width and depth in relation to the adjacent city fabric.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 46 87’
(in commercial area)
TYPE 5C
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in open space area)
TYPE 5B
87’
12’
12’
87’
(in residential area)
TYPE 5A
87’
12’
15’
75’
(in golf course)
TYPE 4
73’
22’
4’
11’
43’
(in open space area)
TYPE 3B 43’
12’
13’
40’ - 45’
TYPE 3A
(in residential area)
40’
6’
7’
25’
TYPE 2
(in residential area)
25’
6’
7’
10’ - 25’
TYPE 1
(in residential area)
24’6’
6’
Sections are cut within square call-outs on opposite page “Types” refer to areas of the wash with similar widths, shapes, and adjacent land uses

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47 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS
site analysis / !melk 3d model:
massing & land use along the corridor
of Verdugo Wash
W:XXX

WASH OVERALL WIDTH

TYPICAL SECTION
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 1
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 2
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 3
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 4
SECTION / SEGMENT TYPE 5

LOS ANGELES RIVER
W: 10’ - 25’
TYPE 1

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 75’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 48 (in residential area)
(in residential area)
(in residential area)
(in open space area)
TYPE 1
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 3B
this page / opposite page:
3D model development of areas typifying certain conditions along the Verdugo Wash, such as the channel’s profile (width and shape), as well as the adjacent land uses such as open space, residential and commercial. Graphics: ©!MELK W: 10’ - 25’
TYPE 1

LAUDERDALE AVE
P.O.B

CONFLUENCE

PARK VISTA DR

CLOUD AVE

SHIRLYJEAN ST

SPILLWAY
Cañada BLVD

GLORIETTA AVE

WABASSO WAY

VERDUGO SKATE PARK

PACIFIC AVE
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
TYPE 2
TYPE 3A
TYPE 4
TYPE 3B
TYPE 5A
TYPE 5B
TYPE 5C
W: 25’
W: 40’
W: 45’
W: 75’
W: 43’
W: 87’
W: 60’-80’

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49 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS
(in commercial area)
TYPE 5C
TYPE 4
TYPE 5B
(in golf course)
(in open space area)
TYPE 5A
(in residential area)

The Verdugo Wash has been inaccessible to the public since it was channelized. A useful exercise for starting the conversation of “what is possible” in this space is to digest just how much space there is. Have you visited any of these linear public spaces? If so, how does its footprint (black footprint below) and your experience there compare to the footprint of the Verdugo Wash (green footprint below)? How big is the Verdugo Wash? How does it compare in scale to other linear public spaces we may be familiar with?
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 50 At 9.4 miles long, the total surface area of
Verdugo Wash is approximately

2.6 million square-feet!

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51 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 52 !melk+BuroHappold
53 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 54 Verdugo Wash alignment, and surrounding environs
How does Verdugo Wash relate to the rest of Glendale?
The Wash touches at least eighteen distinct
neighborhoods as defined by the City of Glendale. There are even more distinct communities with unique characters within these neighborhoods, which should be studied in
more depth in future design phases.

Land uses vary along the Wash. At the northern end, these land uses tend to be single family residential and open space.

Immediately south of the debris basin is the golf course, where the wash is trapezoidal in shape and unfenced. After the golf course, the Wash returns to its typical rectangular, fenced condition. Cutting through Glendale to meet the LA River, land uses trend towards higher density residential and commercial, especially near downtown.
1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8

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55 THE SITE TODAY: EXISTING CONDITIONS
site analysis / !melk 3d model:
urban scale massing & land use
Verdugo Wash alignment, and adjacent urban land uses
1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 56 TONGVA: ITS ORIGINAL PEOPLE
The Tongva are original people of the Los Angeles basin; their presence can be traced back 9,000 years, although some studies indicate 11,500 to 18,000 years. Their territory “Tovaangar” stretched over 2,500 square miles and included modern-day Glendale. Due to the area’s favorable climate and their strategic location along the ocean extending
into the mountains, the Tongva developed a sophisticated social structure and rich oral history and demonstrated great economic strength. Not only did the Tongva name
most villages and physical features in the area, but many individuals spoke several different dialects and languages to facilitate trade amongst the neighboring nations.

TONGVA IN THE CRESCENTA VALLEY
The Tongva people’s history in the Crescenta Valley
(includes modern-day Glendale and La Crescenta-
Montrose) and their relationship and stewardship of the Verdugo Mountains is well-established and predates written California history. When translated to English, the name “Tongva” means “People of the Earth” and so it follows that the Tongva’s livelihood was deeply tied to the land. Primarily hunter-gathers, they changed location seasonally and
actively managed the land.

Tongva village sites were carefully considered & established according to three critical criteria: a credible water source, stable land placement, and a credible food source. The
Verdugo Mountains and immediate environs provided all
three of these conditions. At least three of the villages in this region – Wiqanga, Tujungna (Tohuunga)/Muuhungna,
and Hahamongna – were all located near water sources,
underscoring the Tongva ethic in which water was not just a resource that supported their people, but a gift worthy of celebration. The Tongva’s enduring occupancy in Crescenta Valley testifies to their great stewardship of the land, the life- giving waters of the Verdugo Mountain watershed, and the rich alluvial plains of the Crescenta Valley.
the site today
historical accounts
The approximate homeland of the Tongva Nation was surrounded by many other first Nations, facilitating rich trade. A neighborhood in Long Beach changed its Western name to Tonga nomenclature to honor its original people.

Image source: Long Beach Post News
In the Crescenta Valley, the Tongva founded several villages including Muuhonga, Tohuunga, & Haahamonga (circled) / Area mountain ranges labeled with today’s western names for reference. Image source: Decolonial Atlas Special thanks to Rich Toyon and the Tongva Tribe
for their contributions to this section of the report.
“Wiyot’s Children,” a painting by Mary Leighton Thomson, depicts the Tongva village of Sa-angna at Playa del Rey, Ballona Wetlands. Tongva village sites were carefully considered based on Tongva traditions of land stewardship, even shifting to respond to ecological dynamics. Image source: via SMBAS

GLENDALE
AREA
Tongva woman at her shelter covered with tule mats on the banks of the Los Angeles River. Image source: Bowers Museum Collection via SMBAS “SAN GABRIEL”

MOUNTAINS
“SANTA MONICA”

MOUNTAINS
“VERDUGO”

MOUNTAINS
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57 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS

VILLAGE OF WIQANGA
The Tongva village of Wiqanga in the western Crescenta
Valley was inhabited for at least a thousand years and most likely originated as a seasonal village that later became permanent. The age of the village is reasonably much older and concurrent with the age of the other nearby villages:

Tujungna (6,000 years old), Muuhungna (4,500 years old), & Hahamongna (4,000 years old). Over the centuries, the village most likely expanded and contracted, and possibly shifted position or established new boundaries. Based on artifacts found, Wiqanga extended into La Tuna Canyon
beyond the western Crescenta Valley.

Wiqanga supplied and traded with the two nearby Tongva
villages, Tujungna and Muuhungna, as well as Hahamongna.

Smaller villages, including Wiqanga, were strategically established to provide management bases over sustaining resources like forests, fresh water, and hunting grounds, as well as those with cultural significance like gathering areas.

Thus, it is unsurprising that Wiqanga was located near
both permanent and seasonal water sources including area springs and - in today’s western names – Blanchard Creek, Cook’s Creek, Dunsmore Creek and La Barranca Creek (now buried under the 210 freeway).

The Tongva name of “Wiqanga” means “place of the thorn,” referring to the thorns of the Opuntia cactus species
endemic to the area, a species the Spaniards later referred to as “Las Tunas” (La Tuna). Early missionaries traveling from Mission San Gabriel to Mission San Fernando would stop
at or near Wiqanga to replenish their water supplies before continuing their journey. The missionaries’ preferred route, “Old Indian Trail” and later “Old Padre Trail,” roughly followed the northern base of the Verdugo Mountains and is today a fair portion of La Crescenta and Honolulu Avenues.

The Village of Wiqanga was responsible for the
stewardship of the large, almost uninterrupted oak
forests on the northern side of the Verdugo Mountains.

Dominated by Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak), these
forests supplied an annual bounty of acorns that was key to their diet. At the northern base of the Verdugo Mountains, creeks flowing down joined creeks flowing from the San
Gabriel’s, forming the Verdugo Creek – and almost certainly sporting Tongva nomenclature – which likely flowed year- round without the interruptions of today’s Crescenta Valley.

This relationship of the Verdugo Creek (credible water
source) adjacent to the Verdugo Mountains’ oak forests
(credible food source) was blissful. Each Fall when the oak forests yielded their harvest of acorns, the Tongva people would process them into carbohydrate-rich acorn flour using the waters of the now-named Verdugo Creek to leech out
their tannic acid. On average, it took five hundred pounds of acorns per Tongva household per year for subsistence when combined with other dietary staples. Based on the
prominence of acorns in the Tongva diet, Wiqanga’s oak
stewardship role for the Nation, and the Tongva’s estimated population in the area, one can surmise that the Verdugo Creek flow at this location must have been quite ample to process multiple tons of acorns.

The Crescenta Valley was like many other parts of California where native peoples actively stewarded the land. Their land management practices had developed over thousands
of years and was based on a near complete understanding of the landscape ecology’s relationships, rhythms, and
intricacies. As a result, their stewardship was complex, sophisticated, and unequivocally sustainable.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 58 Wiqanga was named by the Tongva in reference to the Opuntia cactus species endemic to the area, pictured above. image source: University of California CalPhotos
A Tongva woman storing acorns in a granary. image source: California Historical Society Collection at the University of Southern California via wikipedia commons

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59 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
Based on tribal knowledge and artifacts found, the village of Wiqanga was likely located at the former Verdugo Hills Golf Course. The Tongva would have selected this location to steward the acorn-yielding oak woodlands of the “Verdugo” Mountains, and process them using fresh water from the site’s two artesian springs and the “Verdugo” Creek - where the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountain streams converge. Graphic by !MELK per 05/27/2022 correspondence with Gabrielino-Tongva chief Rich Toyon Remnant Oak Woodlands in the Verdugo Mountains. Image source: r/socalhiking

SPECIES PROFILE: QUERCUS AGRIFOLIA
The Coast Live Oak / syn. California Live Oak / Quercus agrifolia, is a medium-sized tree that grows along the
coasts of mid and southern California. It is characterized by evergreen foliage and a much-branched trunk that can become massive, highly contorted, and gnarled with age.

The lower limbs of ungrazed trees often recline on the
ground. Legacy specimens can be over 250 years old with trunk diameters 3-4 meters. Q. agrifolia is among the most important wildlife plants where it grows.

Mature Size: 25 - 82 ft tall by 15 - 35 ft wide
Crown: Typically broadly rounded and dense, especially
when aged 20 to 70 years; in later life the trunk and
branches are more well defined and the leaf density lower.

Younger trees are often shrubby.

Growth Rate: medium; height increases of 13–24”/year.

Leaves: dark green, oval, convex, spine-toothed margins Flowering: early-to-mid spring. Pendulous male catkins and inconspicuous yellow / cream / green female flowers.

Fruit: slender, reddish brown acorn 2-3.5 cm long x 1-1.5 cm broad; matures about 7-8 months after pollination (most red oak acorns take 18 months to mature). Acorns attract variety of birds and butterflies.

Climate: Only California-native oak thriving on coast.

Prefers mild climate afforded by ocean proximity; coastal fog supplies summer heat relief. Not frost tolerant.

Vegetation Communities: Grows on well-drained soils of
lower elevation coastal hills and plains, usually near year- round or perennial streams below 3,000 ft. It’s also often found in rocky hillsides that capture and hold more moisture.

Common vegetation communities are “Mixed Evergreen
Forest,” “Southern Oak Woodland,” and “Foothill Woodland.” Soils: Tolerates various soils; prefers deep, well draining loam Soil PH: 4.0 - 8; obligate relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which provide moisture and nutrients
Planting/Water Needs: Fairly easy to grow and drought-
tolerant after establishment. Ensure weekly watering through year one, then monthly starting at year two until tree is 10 ft tall. Once established, avoid direct summer water. May be planted near irrigated areas; trees will extend roots to access wetter areas. Shade root zones with mulch, rocks, or smaller native plants. Do not fertilize - trees will amend their root zone soil over time with their own leaves and build the natural mycorrhizal fungus in the soil they need to thrive. Gradually, they become islands of natural fertility that improve the health of the nearby plants.

Maintenance: Prune July-August; avoid pruning large limbs or over-thinning interior branches. Susceptible to several pests/diseases, especially oak crown and root rot fungi roots.

Avoid activities that disturb or compact soil around trees within the dripline. Avoid direct summer irrigation, especially in urban landscapes, as it could lead to oak root and crown rot.

Fire Resistance: Large trees are exceptionally fire resistant with thick bark. Generally recover well from fire. Branches may produce new shoots after having been lightly burned and trunks exposed to moderate fires often re-sprout from the base. Smaller trees are less resistant, with even low- to moderately severe fires often killing seedlings/saplings.

Wildlife Value: Very high. Attracts ~30 species of birds including Oak Titmouse, Western Scrub Jay, Steller’s Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Acorn Woodpecker. Hosts
41 (confirmed) up to 122 (likely) butterfly/moth species including California Sister, Propertius Duskywing, and Golden Hairstreak, other invertebrates like weevils and wasps and mammals like the California ground squirrel.
significance of the Coast Live Oak to the Tongva tribe
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 60 (1) (2)
(3)
(4)
information sources: Calscape - Calflora - USDA NRCS - USDA FEIS - LBJ Wildflower Center
Hundreds of animal species rely on the coast live oak during at least one part of their life cycles including the above native species (1) California scrub jay with acorn, (2) golden hairstreak butterfly, (3) bushtit nest, (4) acorn woodpecker and granary, (5) wasp gall, (6) california sister butterfly image sources: SCV Audubon - Socal Butterflies - Wikimedia
(5) (6)

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61 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
Q. agrifolia often flourish along the edges of seasonal washes like here in La Tuna Canyon of the Verdugo
Mountains. image source: LA Creek FreakLA Creek Freak
Q. agrifolia acorns are preferred by species like scrub jays and squirrels whose seed caching behavior helps sustain the oak’s populations. image source: CalfloraCalflora Q. agrifolia tends to grow either along
seasonal or perennial streams or towards
the bottom of hills in furrows to catch
the winter rains. image source: CNPS
Q. agrifolia rounded form in open-grown conditions
of Oak Savannah. image source: Calflora
A mature Coast Live Oak woodland dominated
by Quercus agrifolia at the Jack and Laura
Dangermond Preserve near Santa Barbara.

Image source: The Nature ConservancyThe Nature Conservancy

CHANGES FOR THE TONGVA
Between 1769 and 1840, the Tongva’s culture and landscape were irrevocably changed. The Spanish arrived bringing with them disease, invasive species, and livestock. The Spanish forced the Tongva to resettle around three missions, re- purposed their hunting and gathering lands for grazing and agriculture, in addition to inflicting suffering and cruelly enforcing religious conversion and assimilation. The changes at the hand of the Spanish had many effects:
1) UPENDED ECOLOGY
Removed from their villages, the Tongva were no longer
able to manage the sustaining landscape as they had for millennia. Their diet changed from acorn flour, other plants, and wild game. Grazing accelerated ecological changes as cattle foraged at will, kneading the earth with their hard hoofs, dispersed alien seeds, and defecated in waterways. 2) ALTERED HYDROLOGY
Whereas the Tongva selected village sites based on criteria such as “stable land placement” and were nimble in shifting their villages’ locations in sync with ecological dynamics, the Spanish mission sites were static and heavy.

Infrastructural investment exemplified the settlers’ pattern.

Notably, open, usually earthen canals called “zanjas” were dug to divert water from stream courses for agricultural and household purposes in the colonial settlements. Increasing populations and lack of respect for the waterways resulted in highly polluted water quality that become a true city hazard.

Competition for limited water resources also resulted in the earliest forms of modern day “water masters” to regulate and enforce zanja use. Flood events precipitated the first attempts at “controlling” waterways. Yet the zanjas were essential to young Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

These gravity-fed water channels supplied farmers with
irrigation water and children could often be found splashing around in them, many even using it as a bathtub. The zanjas were also dangerous, a source of crime and corruption, and an unofficial sewer - a streaming washing machine and giant trash can.

After California became an American state in 1850, new
zanjas began to be dug throughout the city. However, by 1903, an official end-of-year report to Los Angeles’s newly formed Board of Water Commissioners was the nail on the coffin for the zanja typology: “The zanja system has made its usual poor showing for the year,” he wrote. “It would certainly be the greatest folly to spend any more money in new
construction on this system.”
3) NEW NOMENCLATURE
Being advantaged in power and the written word, the
Spanish not only renamed the region’s physical and
topographical elements as they saw fit, but even renamed the “Tongva” people “Gabrielino” for the San Gabriel Mission.

While the Verdugo Mountains, the Verdugo Creek/Wash,
and the Crescenta Valley alluvial plains and canyons all had original Tongva names, these cultural landmarks of the Tongva were lost to history, especially following the Spanish Land Grants. Few Tongva place names in the LA Basin
remain, though some have been reestablished like “Tongva Peak” located in the Verdugo Mountains in 2002.

The Tongva have called the LA Basin and modern-day
Glendale home for at least 9,000 years and have been the land’s champions, despite the friction that began with the arrival of the Spanish. In fact, Native history is fiercely alive and abundant in the area of the Verdugo Wash today:
at the northern base of Verdugo Mountains, in the alluvial plains that make up the Crescenta Valley, and the waters that flow south from the San Gabriel Mountains.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 62 Misión San Gabriel Arcángel painted by Ferdinand Deppe, 1828. Deppe’s painting depicts the landscape in the aftermath of the Spanish conquest of the Tongva and neighboring Indigenous. In the foreground is an independent, “gentile” or un-baptized and therefore still free Tongva village (possibly She- vaangna, at Whittier Narrows on the San Gabriel River and the Rio Hondo). On the left are the large barracks in which more than 1,000 Indigenous - largely Tongva - were required to live. The largest building in the center are the many workshops in which Tongva and other Indigenous peoples manufactured items required to support Spanish ruler. To the right is the Mission chapel itself, which like every other building in the complex, was the work of Tongva artisans. Commentary & image source: California Historical Society Collection, via USC via Dornsife Dept of History
Despite their range of problems, many visitors commented on the beauty of the zanjas. Above: A zanja (center left) runs in front of sprawling lawns on Figueroa Street, circa 1892. The banks of zanjas often functioned as de facto parks. source: Los Angeles Public Library via LA curbed

Given the Tongva’s great legacy, their engaged, wise
presence today, and how the premise of this Visioning
process has been to re-imagine a Verdugo Wash (in today’s western name) that is dynamic, resilient, and contributes to the regional ecology, would it not be appropriate to reestablish a Tongva-honoring nomenclature for newly
envisioned place names along the corridor?
Relying on rigorous research, this nomenclature would
ground the establishment of new or improved features and connect the re-imagined Wash to the Tongva’s legacy of
stewardship and land knowledge in the basin.

The Tongva are original people of Los Angeles. Tovaangar, their territory, was once home to 100+ Tonga villages with Tongva nomenclature. Image source: Decolonial Atlas !melk+BuroHappold
63 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 64 RANCHOS, EARLY GLENDALE, & “THE JEWEL CITY”
European land expeditions provide the earliest written
descriptions of this area and were remarkably illustrative.

An diarist from the 1769 de Portolá expedition described the scene after crossing the Arroyo Seco, rhapsodizing for more than a thousand words that day about this “green, lush valley” its “very full flowing, wide river”, the “riot of color in the hills.” “The place defined abundance - native grapevines, wild roses and sage growing in rich soils, grizzly, antelope, quail and steelhead trout for the taking.” This expedition led to the founding of the Mission San Gabriel in 1771 and later, the Pueblo of Los Angeles.

The Glendale area was initially established quite loosely when corporal José María Verdugo, a Spanish soldier,
petitioned the Spanish governor in 1784 to allow him to graze his livestock in the area. The land was approximately one and a half leagues from the Mission on the road to
Monterey (which is still called Monterey Road), and lay roughly between the Arroyo Hondo (now called Arroyo
Seco) and the Los Angeles River as far as the “Saca de
Agua” (or water dam).

The area was called “Haleameupet” by the Tongva. The
vast grassy acres, the more than adequate water supply, and the beautiful green mountains to the north appealed to the corporal. The Governor granted Verdugo’s petition with several conditions including peaceful relations with the native peoples and agricultural improvements. The small empire thus obtained by Corporal José Maria Verdugo,
later known as Rancho San Rafael, was originally called by him, “Parajé de Zanja de Zacamutin” or “Rancho La Zanja”, meaning “ditch that brought water from the rivers.” Such nomenclature indicates the area was quite rich in water, no doubt due to the Verdugo Creek.

With the cession of California to the United States following the Mexican-American War, a 1848 Treaty provided that
land grants like this be honored; the US Land Commission confirmed the grant in 1855. In 1882, the grant was patented to the Julio and Catalina Verdugo Family for 36,403 acres.

Today, the Rancho would contain all or a good part of
Glendale, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Garvanza, Flintridge, Montrose, La Canada, the west part of Pasadena, and all of the area contained within the triangle formed by the junction of the Arroyo Seco and the Los Angeles River.

The Rancho was willed to Verdugo’s unmarried, blind
daughter, Catalina, upon his death, and managed by his son Júlio. Eventually split between the siblings, the Rancho was ultimately partitioned in 1871 into thirty-one parcels.

Catalina Verdugo Adobe, Glendale’s oldest home was constructed c. 1828 by Teodor Verdugo, who was Verdugo’s grandson & Catalina’s nephew. image source: Glendale (CA) Public Library Special Collections 1900 map of the initial Glendale town site and its relationship to Rancho San Rafael and region’s rich topography. Image source: book “Sectional & Road Map of Los Angeles County Including Part of Orange & Ventura Counties Showing the Oil and Mining Districts Compiled From Official Records” via Homestead Museum

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65 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
In 1884, area residents gathered to form a town site and chose the name “Glendale”. Development in the area then consisted of agriculture, a few homes along Figueroa Street, and summer cottages in the hills overlooking the Arroyo Seco. Unsurprising given the area’s natural beauty, areas like Mount Washington began attracting tourists by the 1890’s.

As part of a wave of public fascination with the romantic days of California’s Spanish and Mexican past, visitors made their way in droves “Out Glendale Way” to stroll about the area’s lush grounds.

Legacy oak tree at the Catalina Verdugo adobe in Glendale where the Treaty of Cahuenga was drafted in January 1847, and signed the following day in Cahuenga Pass. The tree was named “El Roble de la Paz” or “the oak of peace” by the adobe’s later owners. Sadly in 1987, estimated at 500 years old, this tree succumbed to disease. image source: Glendale (CA) Public Library Special Collections
Circa 1917 postcard explaining how Glendale was named for its natural setting.

In the 1910s, Glendale took its moniker, “the Jewel City” for how the city, with its background of the Verdugo Hills, ‘“sparkled like a jewel in the sun.” image source: Glendale (CA) Public Library Special Collections Circa 1917 postcard with “Panoramic View from Woodberry Hill, Orange Groves in Foreground, Glendale, California” illustrates the area’s rich agricultural era thanks to the area’s historic water resources. image source: Glendale (CA) Public Library Special Collections
postcards from “Out Glendale Way” advertising the new location of the famous, longtime beloved destination in Glendale, Casa Verdugo restaurant image source: Water & Power Museum

How did early surveying portray the Verdugo Wash?
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 66 United States Geographical Survey (USGS) Topographical Survey, 1894 is one of the oldest recorded maps for this area.

The Verdugo Wash is called out as three distinct segments:

1. Northern 1/3rd - “VERDUGO CREEK” starts approximately just south of today’s 210 Freeway and runs to the seasonal creek running down between Whiting Woods and Mesa Lila
Roads. The contours are very similar today, indicating the creek was relatively steep in this segment. While named a “Creek,” the legend signature indicates some intermittent hydrology at this point in time. However, given its nomenclature at this point in time, was likely more major than other “intermittent streams” such as those originating in the Verdugo Mountains.

2. Middle 1/3rd - “VERDUGO CANYON” starts at the Whiting Woods seasonal creek and appears to end where the natural canyon formed by the Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills ends. The brown relief signature is not identified in the legend, however by reading similar named features, one can surmise it indicates a seasonally wet, wash-like condition.

3. Southern 1/3rd - “VERDUGO WASH” begins where the
canyon yields to the plains and ends at the Wash’s confluence with the LA River. Note how the “Wash” portion bifurcates and then converges in the area just north of today’s Fremont Park. Likely due to the flatter plain topography and lack of development, flowing water had time and space to meander - and likely, infiltrate into the aquifers below.

LEGEND
map source: University of Texas - Austin Perry-
Castañeda Library Map Collection

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67 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS

Glendale on the map! A historically popular destination in Los Angeles

TRANSPORTATION INNOVATIONS
In 1902, the Glendale Rail Line was pioneered by L.C. Brand and Associates as “The Los Angeles & Glendale Electric
Railway”. One year later, the Los Angeles City Council
approved an electric railway line running from Los Angeles to Glendale. The franchise was soon sold to Henry E.

Huntington, owner of Pacific Electric Railway Co., who
would bring the “Red Cars” to Glendale by 1904 under the name of Los Angeles Interurban Railway (later changed to Pacific Electric). Noteworthy is the way in which this 1906 promotional brochure reads for the project,
“The fame of this ride, decidedly the most picturesque to any suburb, attracts thousands of tourists, requiring many additional cars on Sundays and holidays, while the hundreds of commuters going daily to and from business and home
are rapidly increasing in numbers.

The passage through the city, passing Central Park,
traversing Figueroa Street, Lake Shore Drive (today, Glendale Blvd), skirting Echo Park, through Edendale and the Pass between Elysian and Griffith Parks to the point where the most enchanting of all valley panoramas burst upon the view, is accomplished in fifteen minutes. The scene is framed on the north, in ascending order, by the San Rafael Hills, Verdugo Mountains and the San Gabriel range, showing Mts.

Lowe and Wilson in the foreground, while far to the east Mt.

Cucamonga’s dome and the other snow-capped peaks of the San Bernardino mountains rising eight thousand and nine thousand feet are discovered. The flight along the borders of Griffith Park, over the trestles spanning Los Angeles River, and through Tropico to the fine depot at Brand Boulevard and Fourth Street (today, Broadway), Glendale occupies but ten minutes.

Here, midway the broad valley, its beauties and surpassing advantages are fully realized. But five minutes are required for the remainder of the trip down the center of Brand
Boulevard, a thoroughfare 130 feet in width, flanked by seventy-two monoliths, eleven and one-half feet high,
capped by electric lights, with the space between the broad cement walks and curbs filled by graceful palms, on to
Mountain Avenue. Here at the end of the line is found the choicest residential portion of the valley, at the foothills. This is not a picture of a dissolving view, but one as eternal as the everlasting hills.”
With its proximity to Downtown, rail connection, and
picturesque landscapes, Glendale quickly became a popular destination. Acres of land in/around the Verdugo Wash
were part of a lush park with meandering pathways lined with vegetation - including varieties of cacti and a fragrant grove of oranges that was intended to represent the type of gardens found in the “old California days”.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 68 1904 map showing the Inter-Urban Railway route. The rail was eventually extended north, generally following today’s Canada Blvd to connect passengers to Montrose, La Canada, La Crescenta, and Tujunga. image source: Water and Power Museum

sources for this section:
https://www.kcet.org/shows/departures/hahamogna-native-tongva-people https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hahamongna,_California#cite_note-gnis-1 https://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=GNISPQ:3:::NO::P3_FID:1732526 https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/entertainment/tn- gnp-me-yamada-20180126-story.html
https://www.coloradoboulevard.net/forgotten-residents/
http://www.tongvapeople.org/?page_id=696
http://www.laalmanac.com/history/hi05.php
https://gabrielinotribe.org/history/
https://www.theriverproject.org/
https://gabrielenoindians.org/
https://la.curbed.com/2016/4/28/11490196/los-angeles-history-water-zanjas https://online.ucpress.edu/scq/article-abstract/32/4/269/84340/The-Casa-Ado- be-de-San-Rafael-The-Sanchez-Adobe-In?redirectedFrom=PDF As a result of these transportation innovations, a commercial district was created in the Casa Verdugo neighborhood at the corner of North Central Avenue and West Stocker Street, which established a new solid “urban core” within Glendale.

This economic district included a theatre, various stores, a school, and a post office - all of which sparked interest in more permanent residential development.

Subsequently, Glendale and its surrounding area
experienced a significant growth spurt beginning around 1904, due in large part to the arrival of the Pacific Electric line. In 1906, the City of Glendale was incorporated. The city’s population rose from ~14,000 in 1920 to over 60,000 by 1930.
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69 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
Acres of land in/around the Verdugo Wash were part of a lush park with meandering pathways lined with vegetation - including varieties of cacti and a fragrant grove of oranges that was intended to represent the type of gardens found in the “old California days.” source: https://www.theriverproject.org/

HISTORY OF FLOODING
The success of “Out Glendale Way” and the town’s quick
growth was threatened during the early 1930s when the
region was devastated by a series of unprecedented
flood events. The most damaging flood event came
after a November 1933 wildfire denuded the San Gabriel
Mountains of its vegetation, producing ubiquitous ash and compromising soil stability. Intense rain storms occurred in December, and on New Year’s Day 1934, the Verdugo
Wash began to swell and overflow its then natural channel, even bucking its banks and destroying homes, washing
out bridges, and blanketing the town in mud, boulders, and debris. On January 2nd, the Glendale News-Press published the headline, “36 dead and 31 Missing, Seek U.S. Aid.”
This news headline, “...Seek U.S. Aid,” embodied a larger national shift. Many American cities were founded along economically and agriculturally rich waterways and were similarly struggling with flood conflicts. So in response to public demands for federal aid for flood-prone areas like Glendale’s (and also for work relief in the midst of the Great Depression), Congress passed the Flood Control Act in
1936. This was the first act that recognized flood control as “a proper activity of the Federal Government.” Most
of the responsibility for planning and designing federal flood control projects was assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Why was the Verdugo Wash channelized?
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 70 flooded condition: pre-channelization
Left: the 1933-34 flood sent water, mud, and debris down the steep slopes of the San Gabriels. The flood followed the then mostly-natural wash through the Woodlands. The photo taken Jan 5, 1934 by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District shows the devastation. Right: a man surveys the heavily eroded banks the Verdugo Wash after the 1934 flood. image sources: https:/ /digital-collections.csun.edu/digital/collection/SFVH/id/1278/ Engineering report map documenting the extents of damage from the New Year’s Day Flood in La Canada Valley and vicinity.
typical condition, pre-channelization
the area that today known as the “Verdugo Wash” was originally a natural canyon channeling seasonal precipitation
the “BEFORE”

the “AFTER”

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71 THE SITE TODAY: HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
sources:

Special Collections, Glendale Public Library
https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_Views_of_Glendale_2_of_2.html https://digital-collections.csun.edu/digital/collection/SFVH/id/1278/ http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wmd/Watershed/LA/Larmp/LARMP-33%20Appen- dix%20A%20-%20History%20of%20the%20Los%20Angeles%20River.pdf https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/EP_870-1-29.pdf
The significant and impervious mountainous topography surrounding Glendale is a primary reason why this area has been particularly susceptible to flooding. During storm events, rain cascades down the mountains with force, having no “horizontal” distance before the town begins to slow down and infiltrate into the ground. When this forceful storm water “runs off,” it also carries considerable debris and mud, disturbing city activities.
typical condition, post-channelization
one of the standard segments of the Verdugo Wash, which was created to mitigate and divert waters from large-scale flood events
Verdugo Wash construction
Given the recent devastating flood events and the federal political climate regarding flooding, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and USACE partnered to engineer nearly

9.5 miles of the Verdugo Wash and mitigate flood risk in Glendale.

What was once a natural canyon channeling (and sometimes overflowing) seasonal precipitation was lined in concrete in order to create a safe place for water and debris to go during flash storm events and reduce, if not prevent, future flooding of Glendale homes and businesses. The use of concrete was an intentional material choice, selected to efficiently move stormwater from the city grid to the new wash channel and onto the LA River. Unlike the stream’s natural banks, concrete would not erode away during storm events, and would facilitate easier clean up of the mud and debris the floodwaters carry downstream.

While the Verdugo Wash channelization project was
certainly successful in reducing flood risk in Glendale, the channelization denuded the natural river of its many natural benefits. Wildlife habitats were fragmented, storm water runoff and pollution increased, and the original identity of the stream began to fade away. The Verdugo Wash
Visioning project aims to revitalize the original tributary path, reactivate biodiversity, and reconnect the community with an active transportation corridor.
the “BEFORE”

the “AFTER”

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 72 3.
the Vision for
Verdugo Wash
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73 INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 74 “sphere of influence” - notional urbanistic transformations for the Verdugo Wash in order to establish a multi-purpose community amenity for Glendale (graphic ©!melk)

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
the opportunity
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75 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Effectively, the Verdugo Wash was channelized with
a single-purpose in mind: to reduce flood risk. And in 1930s Glendale, and in light of flood events,
this made sense!
But Glendale today neither looks the same as 1930s
Glendale, nor are the needs of its residents the same as those who lived there in the 1930s.

In 1940 after the initial channelization of the Verdugo Wash, Glendale’s population was approximately 85,000; in 2020 this number had grown to nearly 200,000.

Glendale has undoubtedly been enlivened by this growth, but the City is spatially constrained with a built-out urban and suburban fabric. One could say that Glendale’s growth plates have fused. While fledgling “1930s Glendale” needed the safety of flood control to continue establishing, “2020s Glendale” is craving additional benefits related to health, happiness, and resilience.

These benefits include additional parks & open space,
convenient recreation opportunities, improved pedestrian and bicycle access & connectivity, improved water quality and aquifer recharge, reconnected ecologies, reduced
urban heat island effect, social equity, and new economic development opportunities.

At a scale of approximately 60-acres, navigating significant geographies that connect north and south Glendale, the
Verdugo Wash is a key opportunity for the City of Glendale to further mature urbanistically.

This is a critical moment to respond to the needs of today (and tomorrow’s!) constituents, and fold in additional
community benefits to this robust hydrology infrastructure.

The overall objective of the Verdugo Wash Visioning is to ensure that the channel continues to provide the safety of base flood control while integrating benefits to enrich Glendale’s health, happiness, and resilience.

Unique Identity
Regionally, southern California is unique in its mild, sunny Mediterranean climate, Hollywood glamour, laid-back
culture, and wild surrounding landscapes. Glendale is even more unique nestled as a foothill city between the San
Gabriel Mountains, the Verdugo Mountains, and San Rafael Mountains - yielding a beauty and fertility recognized by the Tongva, the Spanish explorers, City Founders and Current residents alike.

Glendale’s more recent history has been most remarkable, too, having supported a range of identities. From being historically home to some of the most extensive citrus
groves and wine crops, to serving as a crossroads of land and air mobility (railroad networks and Grand Central
Airport), to housing film studios and a thriving epicenter at Brand Boulevard, Glendale has so much to be proud of!
In addition, the City of Glendale is wonderfully diverse and can boast being the “safest mid-sized-city-in-America”! To this end, we recognize that any visioning for the
Verdugo Wash must be equally unique! The re-imagined
Verdugo Wash - like the City of Glendale - must be one of a kind!
Glendale: the “Jewel City”
The Verdugo Wash’s current form has enabled hundreds
of local residences, businesses, community institutions and open spaces to safely build “up against” the Wash. But this growth pattern is like a generations-long, city-scale gesture of the City “turning its back” to this critical waterway.

Once upon a time, the Wash was a multi-dimensional
link that connected the region physically, hydrologically and ecologically. After all, prior to its channelization, the Verdugo Wash was once a wild, naturalistic waterway
comprised of a creek, a canyon, and a wash! It connected the bejeweled hillsides and nurtured Glendale’s beloved coast live oaks and sycamore trees. It contributed to
Glendale’s identity.

It is the Project Team’s opinion that this identity is
important to underscore and reinstate, and that an
authentic re-imagining of the Verdugo Wash would honor
this heritage as a connector within a uniquely natural, geographic setting.

To be clear, it is not feasible to “naturalize” the Verdugo Wash by wholesale removing the concrete at this time.
(This would compromise its current hydrological function within the larger urban system as it relates to larger
infrastructure networks in Glendale.) What is feasible is establishing a landscape that offers experiences which
evoke these cultural and natural histories. It is our belief that this approach - re-imagining the Verdugo Wash as
a community amenity that also functions hydrologically - will contribute to the Glendale’s overall sustainability and resilience.

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
first impressions
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 78 establishing a multi-benefit open space for Glendale: the Verdugo Wash as an immersive, cohesive, connected landscape corridor that still functions as an active piece of hydrological infrastructure !melk+BuroHappold
79 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Overarching Design Principles
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
171819
2021
22 23

1. establish a cohesive,
connected landscape
corridor

2. enhance access &
connectivity

3. define gateways, markers,
“special moments”

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 80 Conceptual diagram illustrating optimal corridor rhythm. graphic: ©!melk The engineered Verdugo Wash channel today is
monotonous and inhospitable.

The key to activating the Verdugo Wash as a meaningful
community amenity - to attract a baseline of routine
use - is integrating relevant program / activity, all
while maintaining hydrological function and increasing
ecological connectivity
This could include playgrounds, plazas, flexible gathering areas, seating areas, pavilions, kiosks, gardens, planted areas, etc. The placement and location of any additional program is one of careful consideration and calibration with existing offerings throughout the city.

The Verdugo Wash also offers the tremendous opportunity to serve as a prominent north-south connector within
greater Glendale, while serving as a meaningful public space that maintains visitor interest and attention.

To break up the potential monotony of a 9.4-mile linear corridor, a collection of “moments” and “interventions” can help attract visitors, aid their navigation, and keep their interest to make the most of their experience in the re- imagined Verdugo Wash.

To attract visitors to the Verdugo Wash, we envision a
“macro-rhythm” of iconic “moments” that could, for example, coincide with gateway features, viewing platforms, or plazas or pocket parks at designated entrances.

These moments will function as places of intensity and be strategically located along the length of the Verdugo Wash, functioning as physical beacons and destinations.

As a second layer, we envision a “micro-rhythm” of
“interventions” that enrich the walking experience minute- by-minute, which translates into intervals of approximately 250-feet. These interventions provide both physical
comfort and continued interest. They can consist of spaces and objects like shady seating areas, artwork, kiosks, or water features, but can also be achieved through design variations such as shifts in topography or riffs of materials or geometries.

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81 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
!melk
establishing a connective spine: the existing project site navigates significant topographies (e.g. the “bottleneck” where the Verdugos and San Rafaels pinch) to make walking and biking as easy as possible between north and south Glendale.
integrating areas for activity: a “micro-rhythm” of programmatic interventions such as this seating area offer comfort and interest along the Verdugo Wash experience, which safeguards the journey from monotony!
placing interventions: gateways would welcome residents and visitors alike to the Verdugo Wash. Functioning as gateways, markers, and shade canopies, these elements will create a strong silhouette and facilitate navigation and orientation throughout the Verdugo Wash as a newly imagined linear park 250’-0”
125’-0”
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 82 below: existing open space program / community programming along the Verdugo Wash

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BABE HERMAN FIELD

VERDUGO PARK

GLORIETTA TENNIS
PARK
GOLF
CLUB

SOCCER FIELD
DAM

WHITING WOODS

TRAILHEAD

CRESCENTA VALLEY

SKATE PARK

CRESCENTA VALLEY

COMMUNITY PARK

GOLDEN FARMS

MARKETFREMONT
PARK

TUNNELED

WALKWAY

LA RIVER

GLENDALE COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

N BRAND BLVD

N GLENDALE AVE

N VERDUGO RD

VERDUGO BLVD

HONOLULU AVE

FOOTHILL BLVD

OCEAN VIEW BLVD

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83 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
below: possible synergies that program within the Wash can have with its environs

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

VERDUGO BLVD
5 7
9 16
1718
2021
2223
10 11
12 13
4 14
1 2
3 6
8 15
19 GLENDALE COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

N BRAND BLVD

N GLENDALE AVE

N VERDUGO RD

VERDUGO BLVD

HONOLULU AVE

FOOTHILL BLVD

OCEAN VIEW BLVD

LA RIVER

PLAYGROUND

COFFEE SHOP
KIOSK
KIOSK

FOOD TRUCK
PLAY-
GROUND
PLAY-
GROUND

AMPHITHEATER

MUSIC FESTIVAL
FLEA
MARKET

OUTDOOR
“OFFICE”

AREAS OUTDOOR

RECREATION

OUTDOOR MOVIE
BRIDGE
DAM

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 84 physical attributes of the Verdugo Wash channel: The dimensions of the existing channel vary. Generally, the width increases as the channel curves towards its confluence with the LA River, since the channel was hydrologically engineered to convey greater volumes of water in these lower reaches. The lower reaches of the wash, especially south of Glorietta Park, are 86 feet wide!

possibilities for passive recreation:

The Verdugo Wash can serve as a much-needed place of respite to complement a growing, densifying Glendale. Chat with a friend in a pleasant pedestrian comfort area with design elements like shade, benches, and picnic tables. Enjoy activities like bird watching in one of the native planted areas, or take in rich public art like murals or sculpture. !melk+BuroHappold
85 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
physical constraints: any proposed program - or proposed mobility - must correlate with the profile of the Verdugo Wash in any given location.

Based on current surrounding land use, the width / footprint of the Verdugo Wash is unlikely to expand much, if at all.

a relevant ecology: Native plants,
planted responsibly to manage
wildfire risk, would greatly
increase habitat value along
the Wash, attracting birds and
pollinators. In conjunction with
smart lighting, these measures
would invite wildlife to travel
along the corridor at night
between regional ecological
refuges such as the Verdugo
Mountains, San Gabriels, and
Griffith Park.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 86 Where appropriate, and as it relates to adjacent land use and context, the Verdugo Wash can have integrated program for multi-benefit community use!

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THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 88 possibilities for active recreation:

The Verdugo Wash will be most successful as a community amenity if it is activated - a destination in and of itself. This will attract more visitors, and by extension, promote appropriate, social behaviors that keep more “eyes on the street,” which promotes safety for all!
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89 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 90 An inventory of existing public recreational facilities in the City of Glendale. Locations for recreational programs within the Verdugo Wash will need to work smartly within this system to add geographical and activity diversity for Glendale residents. The City is currently working to update its Recreational Element, which coupled with further community outreach conversations in the future Master Planning phase will inform how the “additional programs” are sited along the Verdugo Wash. (graphic by !melk based on information from the City of Glendale’s 1996 Recreational Element)

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91 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Any intervention within the Verdugo Wash must be carefully located and calibrated against the required flood control capacities of the channel. The available flood capacity is known as “freeboard.” However, at the confluence area at the junction with the LA River, we have envisioned a strategy of intervention that “floats” above the Wash since this area of the existing Wash is basically at flood capacity.

Further feasibility work is anticipated in future planning phases.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 92 !melk+BuroHappold
93 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 94 possibilities for enhanced mobility:

The Verdugo Wash is a prime opportunity to connect Glendale.

Class 1 (traffic-separated) bikeways and gracious walkways are envisioned to establish a pleasant realm free of vehicular traffic! !melk+BuroHappold
95 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A primary project goal is to integrate continuous biking and walking paths along the length of the Wash.

Where space allows, the Class 1 bikeways would be
physically separated from the pedestrian paths. In instances where project constraints push the biking and walking paths together, materiality changes and related design elements will be turned up to ensure clarity of pathways for user safety.
at Fremont Park, a wider section of the Verdugo Wash an example of a Class-1 Bikeway that can be integrated into a new mobility corridor within the Verdugo Wash
different modes of mobility (designated cycling / scooter routes and pedestrian routes) will co-exist in a safe, clear, and efficient layout, to ultimately improve mobility throughout greater Glendale THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 96 reinstated ecologies
!melk+BuroHappoldTHE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE96 97THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS A primary project goal is to integrate continuous biking and walking paths along the length of the Wash.

PROPOSED INTERVENTION: “LANDSCAPE PLATFORM(S)”
at Fremont Park, a wider section of the Verdugo Wash an example of a Class-1 Bikeway that can be integrated into a new mobility corridor within the Verdugo Wash
newly integrated bikeways within the Verdugo Wash will positively impact commuting within Glendale
clear distinctions will be made between multi-modal routes to promote safety the newly integrated “green amenity space” is intended to vary in width and extent, in order to appropriately relate to the adjacent context / city fabric (a series of studies relating to potential privacy issues and solutions can be found in the “Community Considerations” chapter of this report) multi-modal, multi-level connectivity within a re-imagined Verdugo Wash different modes of mobility (designated cycling / scooter routes and pedestrian routes) will co-exist in a safe, clear, and efficient layout, to ultimately improve mobility throughout greater Glendale the big idea!
Create a “platform”, within the concrete channel which will effectively serve as a new “elevation” for community benefit and use! Integrating a platform will expand the functionality of the channel whereby the Wash can continue to function as a flood channel, while simultaneously offering a one-of-a-kind immersive landscape experience.

The reimagined Verdugo Wash is still a vital piece of hydrological infrastructure, however - with this simple “platform” solution - the possibility opens up to transform the channel into a 9.4-mile long linear park, replete with biking and walking paths, program, shade and ecologically-rich planting within water bio-filtration planters whose vegetation utilizes excess organic nutrients from city runoff and contributes cleaner water to the LA River. bikeways
trailstrails
pathways GATEWAYS
native plantings

WILDLIFE
HABITATSactivity
!melk+BuroHappold
97 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 98 “rewilding”

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99 THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“rewilding”

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 100
!melk
A nod to Glendale’s rich natural landscape
The proposed gateway structures are inspired by the
surrounding landscape. Sculptural volumes clad in fire resistant materials evoke the hills, mountains, and boulders that constitute the geologic base of Glendale’s natural history. They are strategically located at access points to serve as markers, which will both orient and draw people to the re-imagined Verdugo Wash!
early sketches of Verdugo Wash gateway designs ©MELK
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
!melk
!melk
this page: various locations and iterations of the Verdugo Wash gateways !melk
At the flexible gathering areas, residents of Glendale and visitors alike can - during the day - find respite at the plaza under the canopy, while - in the evening - look forward to attending community events such as small performances or film screenings.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 102

!melk
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

!melk
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 104
bespoke canopies - totally unique to the Verdugo Wash, that exist nowhere else! - will serve as gateways for the project the gateways will facilitate navigation and orientation for visitors to - and within - the Wash !melk
!melk
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
access to the Verdugo Wash will be integrated into the existing conditions in equitable and immersive ways! access to the Verdugo Wash will be integrated into the existing conditions in equitable and immersive ways! THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 106
A nod to Glendale’s rich natural landscape: the proposed gateway structures are inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Sculptural volumes clad in fire resistant materials evoke the hills, mountains, and boulders that constitute the geologic base of Glendale’s natural history.

The gateways are strategically located at access points to serve as markers, which will both orient and draw people to the re-imagined Verdugo Wash!

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Oakmont Debris Basin is a highly viable opportunity to significantly enhance ecological diversity and bolster hydrological resilience along the Verdugo Wash.

Accessible walkways elevated above the sensitive soft-bottom vegetation, wayfinding and educational signage, and other interventions would transform the basin into a rich natural park for Glendale.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 108

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 110
above left (view looking north from the dam), and above right (view looking north at the “mouth” of the wash) the Oakmont Debris Basin reimagined with accessible walkways elevated above the sensitive soft-bottom vegetation the new debris basin area would feature ample seating,
as well as wayfinding and educational signage

the Oakmont Debris Basin as a rich natural eco-park for Glendale !melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
the new debris basin area would feature ample seating,
as well as wayfinding and educational signage

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
improvedconnectivity
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 114
Connectivity
The Verdugo Wash Visioning project team has studied
in depth all of the land uses and transportation networks as they relate to larger Glendale, with a guiding question:
how can the Verdugo Wash improve connectivity for all
Glendalians?
It is important to note that a more successful Verdugo Wash will effectively connect logical destinations for the Glendale community, and prioritize areas that are disadvantaged or underserved.

As presented herein, we are promoting active transportation solutions that are suitable for all! - a principle that is based on the belief that a City should be “8-to-80”, accommodating for both 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds!
While there are many excellent definitions of social equity, design solutions must take into account the community’s varying needs. This includes understanding the existing offerings and adjacent land uses to ensure the distribution and mix of program throughout the community is equitable and accessible.
right: taking cues from adjacencies; initial “zoning” for the Verdugo Wash It is essential that the re-imagined Verdugo Wash takes cues from its adjacencies.

To the right is an initial “zoning” recommendation that takes into account the current “composition” of Glendale:
residential areas, schools, parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, commercial corridors, areas with higher urban heat island effects/higher pollution burdens/lower green space access, civic institutions, as well as office and commercial areas.

It is our aim for the Vision for Verdugo Wash to “feel” as if it always belonged to Glendale. Its appropriateness will be informed by distinct sub-areas that unify
program, land use, and mobility to enhance overall
cohesion and connectivity for Glendale.

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY
right: taking cues from adjacencies; initial “zoning” for the Verdugo Wash

GLENDALE COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

N BRAND BLVD

N GLENDALE AVE

N VERDUGO RD

VERDUGO BLVD

HONOLULU AVE

FOOTHILL BLVD

OCEAN VIEW BLVD

LA RIVER

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 116
BASIN

GOLF COURSE
P.O.B.

EXISTING ACCESS

POTENTIAL ACCESS
X.XX

DISTANCE (IN MILES)
8-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
5-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
7-MINUTE WALK
18-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
6-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
2-MINUTE WALK
11-MINUTE WALK
9-MINUTE WALK
8-MINUTE WALK
12-MINUTE WALK10-MINUTE WALK
2-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
3-MINUTE WALK
8-MINUTE WALK
Public Access
The Project Team studied land use, physical constraints, ecological connectivity potential, key community
destinations (e.g. parks & commercial zones) and locations significant to mobility-disadvantaged user groups (e.g. schools for youth and senior housing for the elderly) to suggest this set of potential access point candidates
These candidates were also rationalized based on the
distances between them, and refined based on community
input received to date.

Kindly note that the final quantity of access points
is not a “magic number” (a successful Verdugo Wash
could have many fewer than this initial study set).

Secondly, the exact locations will likely to shift to
respond to additional engineering and community input
in any future design phases.

Design/engineering advancement scenarios that would
influence access point recommendations include:

1. A traffic study that concludes safer options could be achieved elsewhere;

2. Conversations with utility companies reveal
insurmountable utility conflicts.

Differentiation of access points is also expected in future design phases. Examples of differentiation include:

3. Be design solely for wildlife use (no public access);

4. Have gated codes so that they are semi-private (e.g. for the use of a local community or business only).

What will be key in supporting a successful Verdugo Wash is not reaching a magic number of access points, but creating a rich, rationalized constellation of access points that are located based on where Glendale wants to go!
above / right: mapping of study of possible (existing & proposed) access points to the Verdugo Wash

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY
4-MINUTE WALK
6-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
4-MINUTE WALK
2-MINUTE WALK
11-MINUTE WALK
8-MINUTE WALK
P.O.B.

BASIN

GOLF COURSE

BOSTON AVE

DUNSMORE AVE

NEW YORK AVE

EAGLE CANYON CHANNEL

WHITING WOODS ROAD

OAKENDALE PI

SHIRLYJEAN ST

THE BASIN

SAN GABRIEL AVE

GLORIETTA TENNIS PARK

FERN LN

WABASSO WAY

OAK KNOLL RD

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

VERDUGO PARK
LOT 30

E GLENOAKS BLVD

GENEVA ST

N BRAND BLVD

N PACIFIC AVE

FIRST GERMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FREMONT PARK

CONCORD ST

ESTELLE AVE

SAN FERNANDO RD
above / right: mapping of study of possible (existing & proposed) access points to the Verdugo Wash note: a photo inventory of the annotated access points is provided in the Appendix of this report

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 118
existing access point “P1”
Boston Avenue
existing access point “P7”
Shirlyjean Avenue
proposed access point “P13”
Verdugo Elementary School
proposed access point “P19”
Pacific Avenue
existing access point “P2”
Dunsmore Avenue
existing access point “P8”
the Basin
proposed access point “P14”
Verdugo Skate Park
proposed access point “P20”
First German United Methodist Church
proposed access point “P3”
New York Avenue
existing access point “P9”
San Gabriel Avenue
proposed access point “P15”
“Lot 30”
existing access point “P21”
Fremont Park
note: more detailed documentation of each of these vignettes is provided in the Appendix of this report

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY
proposed access point “P4”
Eagle Canyon
proposed access point “P10”
Glorietta Tennis Park
existing access point “P16”
E Glenoaks Boulevard
existing access point “P23”
Concord Street
existing access point “P5”
Whiting Woods
proposed access point “P11”
Fern Lane / El Rito Avenue
proposed access point “P17”
Geneva Street / Monterey Road
proposed access point “P24”
Estelle Avenue
proposed access point “P6”
Oakendale Place
proposed access point “P12”
Wabasso Way
proposed access point “P18”
Brand Boulevard
proposed access point “P25”
San Fernando Road

Opportunities for Mobility
The Verdugo Wash’s positioning and surrounding networks provide great potential for a future multi-modal mobility corridor. Strategically positioned entry points will greatly improve the Wash’s frequency by welcoming youth activity, encouraging an active lifestyle, seamlessly connecting
commuters to major transit hubs, and providing a safe
alternative for bicyclists and pedestrians.

To model a future cycling network, an isochrone analysis was performed on the Verdugo Wash cycling network.

An isochrone analysis presents numerous travel lines, all originating from the same point simultaneously to display efficiency and accessibility. Assumptions of this analysis were that the average speed on a road without a bike lane is 5mph, with a bike lane is 10mph, and within the Wash is 20mph. Shown below is an isochrone analysis of present- day cycling times, originating from Downtown Glendale.

The most efficient bike travel is limited to the Downtown commercial hub and employment center, averaging 15
minutes or less.

If the Verdugo Wash opened tomorrow, utilizing only the existing entrance points, the analysis portrays the increased accessibility along the entire Wash; specifically improving efficiency within residential settings north of Downtown Glendale. There is a wider east to west reach, connecting to existing bike infrastructure. Bike travel efficiency to the suburb of Woodbury and Glendale Community College
would also improve.

If additional entrances were added to the Verdugo Wash
opening, the full impact of an integrated transit corridor can be projected. Bike travel cycling times under 10 minutes expand in Downtown Glendale and average 10 to 15 minutes within the ¼-mile Verdugo Wash buffer, significantly
improving accessibility within Woodbury and Verdugo
Woodland. This scenario also expedites travel to the LA River Bike Path and adjacent bike networks.

Ultimately, the Verdugo Wash should prioritize new entrance locations based on proximity to transit corridors and stops with higher ridership. Entrances should also be situated near Park & Ride lots to increase regional accessibility. Bike share and micro-mobility options should be integrated into existing transit service locations to maximize use. Connections to the LA River bike network should be established, mainly at the LA River and Verdugo Wash junction of Confluence Park.

Additional Wash entrances will also create opportunities for improved accessibility and transit equity in neighborhoods with limited mobility options.

The evaluation of entrance locations should include road hierarchy levels and the presence of on-street parking
to accommodate new traffic flows. These increases will
necessitate road diets, traffic calming, and adjusted
speeding limits. Identifying criticalities and priority areas for pedestrian safety enhancements should be prioritized, including studying the potential integration of school trips by analyzing youth walkability and school bus routes.

Gaps and Challenges for Mobility
A significant challenge for Verdugo Wash engagement
will be the transition from driving to cycling or walking for commuting. Reconfiguring the public space will potentially encourage active transportation options and reduce
the probability of fatal injuries due to pedestrian vehicle collisions. However, strategies need to be established as to what types of commutes the Wash will serve. The Wash could assist in commutes to work or school, recreational use, access to events or open spaces, and local to citywide mobility. Users of the Wash will not be limited to Glendale residents, as visitors and commuters will be welcome.

Individuals of all ages will interact with the Wash, including people with disabilities. The increased biodiversity will also welcome the presence of wildlife.

Establishing a transit corridor requires evaluations of all potential modes of transportation. Precedents tend to
primarily attract pedestrians and bicyclists, but active transportation also includes the use of manual or electric scooters and skaters, even stretching to delivery robots, drones, and equestrian travel. The Verdugo Wash mobility infrastructure will need to accommodate a wide range of modal activity.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 120
Existing cycling times
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY
Projected cycling times if existing access points were opened to the public Projected cycling times if both existing and proposed entrances were opened to the public
What level of connectivity is possible by an
accessible wash?
The heat maps below demonstrate the tremendous level
of connectivity that is possible when the Wash is opened at the studied access points. As previously mentioned, these access points are by no means “decided” and
subject to shifting, modification, deletion, feasibility checks, differentiation, and additional discussion with neighbors and other stakeholders.

IMAGINE! What if you could connect conveniently to
the Wash, zip along its spine to another destination, all while shaded by leafy trees and safely removed from
busy vehicular traffic? Evaluate the bottom right heat map. If a start point of yours lands in the colored areas, you could bike anywhere within its bounds within 30-minutes! 15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
potential impact
CITY OF GLENDALE124 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT Urban Design & Urban Impact
A number of factors need to be considered if we are to
imagine the Verdugo Wash transforming into a multi-benefit public space amenity that also continues to mitigate flood risk as a critical piece of hydrological infrastructure.

Some important considerations include:

Most importantly, the Verdugo Wash has not been
abandoned as stormwater infrastructure, nor will it be.

Glendale’s physical situation in and around mountainous terrain, the City’s continued development over the decades, and climate change scenarios all indicate the city is as prone to flooding as ever. The re-imagined Verdugo Wash must continue to function as stormwater infrastructure at its current design capacity (100 year storm event),
!melk studied the Verdugo Wash corridor, as defined by
a 1/2-mile buffer (coincidentally also a 10-minute walking radius), on the basis of architecture, open space, land use, owner, scale, shape, proximity to the wash, access, and other factors to highlight a number of “opportunity” parcels. “Opportunity Parcels,” in short, are properties whose
direct or indirect integration with the re-imagined
Verdugo Wash would enhance the future Verdugo Wash
experience as a public space amenity for Glendale.

More specifically, an “opportunity parcel” could mean:

Kindly note that what is presented is a “working list” of opportunity parcels that are intended to evolve and be
further calibrated as community outreach and design efforts advance in future phases.

The Verdugo Wash is a utilitarian concrete stormwater
channel varying in width from as narrow as 10ft to 87ft wide at its maximum where it merges with the Los Angeles River.

The Verdugo Wash is a “sunken” space, sitting at an
average of 10-feet to 12-feet below most of Glendale. This “contained” property would be conducive to a distinct, safe and connected cycling and pedestrian network. However
elevational barriers associated with this condition would require inspired and thoughtful access solutions in order to accommodate all types and levels of mobility.

The “sunken” condition of the channel will require careful consideration when it comes to public safety.

The majority of the Verdugo Wash channel lacks
an adjacent “right-of-way” (which, if available which
typically support maintenance activities or could serve as potential connection routes along the upper banks of the channel). A related constraint is the fact that there are many established homes and businesses whose
properties directly abut the channel, further challenging the establishment of any routes of connectivity or areas for program / activity along the banks of the channel.

Any intervention(s) within the Verdugo Wash channel
would require significant environmental permitting efforts.

The Verdugo Wash has been an important hydrological
infrastructure corridor, in place for nearly 100 years. It is a permanent fixture within the City of Glendale. Overhead power lines, various utilities and pipelines, pedestrian and vehicular crossings all interact with the channel. The associated agencies will need to be engaged in order to prioritize concerns and establish basic parameters and
guidelines.

Vetting interest of a possible sale to increase the footprint of the project.

Working with an adjacent property owner to provide
access to the wash (e.g. restaurant owner wants customers to be able to access their business via the Wash).

Transition an adjacent property to be in stronger
relationship with the Wash. An example of this would be a public park whose future restoration could integrate wash access, strong sight lines into the wash, potentially mutual programming, and green infrastructure
Collaborating with a property owner to enhance wildlife value like integrating native planting.

Working with a property owner to integrate Wash access
near. This process would address concerns such privacy
and security.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: POTENTIAL IMPACT

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SAN GABRIEL

MOUNTAINS

CONFLUENCE

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLORIETTA

TENNIS PARK
LOWELL

PARK N RIDE

FORMER VERDUGO

HILLS GOLF COURSE

GLENDALE CIVIC

AUDITORIUM

GLENDALE

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

COLLEGE VIEW
SCHOOL
OPEN
SPACE

WOODROW
WILSON
MIDDLE
SCHOOL

RD WHITE

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

COLUMBUS

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
POWER

SUBSTATION

PARKING
LOT 30

PARKING
LOT 31 SARTORIS
FIELD

CAMP BOB

WALDORF

J FREMONT

ELEM SCHOOL

CATALINA

VERDUGO
ADOBE

VERDUGO
PARK

BACHMAN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL MTNS OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
NIBLEY
PARK

FREMONT
PARK

FAIRMONT

PARK N RIDE

ELEANOR
TOLL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LOS

ANGELES
ZOO

DREAMWORKS
STUDIO

GLENDALE

WATER &
POWER

HERBERT
HOOVER
HIGH
SCHOOL

VERDUGO MOUNTAINS

PARK PROPERTY

OAKMONT

COUNTRY
CLUB

MONTROSE
PARK

CRESCENTA
VALLEY

SCHOOLS

LINCOLN

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

CRESCENTA
VALLEY
PARK

VERDUGO

WASH BASIN
New York Ave
Dunsmore Ave
Boston Ave
Lowell Ave
N Central Ave
N Pacific Ave
Pioneer Dr
W Dryden St
Coronado Dr
N Glendale Dr
Pioneer Dr
Patterson Ave
Fairmont Ave
Omar St
Patterson St
Burchett St
Arden Ave
Arden Ave
Burchett St
N Brand Blvd
N Louise St
E Mountain St
N Jackson St
Geneva St
N Verdugo Rd
Alpha Rd
Ru
stic Ln
Glorietta
El Rito Ave
Opechee Way
Wabasso Way
Cañada Blvd
Ave
San Gabriel Ave
Santa Rosa DrCountry Club Dr
Cañada Blvd
Country Club Dr
N Verdugo Rd
Oakmont View Dr
Shirlyjean St
Glenwood Ave
Ramsdell Ave
Whiting Woods Rd
El Lado Dr
El Lado Dr
El Lado Dr
Mills Ave
Park Vista Dr
E Glenoaks BlvdGlenoaks Blvd
Cañada Blvd
Montrose Ave
Honolulu Ave
Foothill Freeway
Honolulu Ave
Foothill Blvd
La Crescenta Ave
Pennsylvania Ave
La Crescenta Ave N Verdugo Rd
N Verdugo Rd
N Brand Blvd S Verdugo Rd
S Chevy Chase
E Broadway St
E Wilson Ave
N Pacific AveConcord St N Glendale Ave
E Chevy Chase Dr
San Fernando Rd
S Kenneth Rd
Glenoaks Blvd
Ventura Freeway
Camino San Rafael
San Fernando Rd

L A R I V E R

GLENDALE CITY BOUNDARY
1/2-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/2-MILE RADIUS
~10-MIN WALKING

1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SAN GABRIEL

MOUNTAINS

CONFLUENCE

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLORIETTA

TENNIS PARK
LOWELL

PARK N RIDE

FORMER VERDUGO

HILLS GOLF COURSE

GLENDALE CIVIC

AUDITORIUM

GLENDALE

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

COLLEGE VIEW
SCHOOL
OPEN
SPACE

WOODROW
WILSON
MIDDLE
SCHOOL

RD WHITE

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

COLUMBUS

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
POWER

SUBSTATION

PARKING
LOT 30

PARKING
LOT 31 SARTORIS
FIELD

CAMP BOB

WALDORF

J FREMONT

ELEM SCHOOL

CATALINA

VERDUGO
ADOBE

VERDUGO
PARK

BACHMAN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL MTNS OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
NIBLEY
PARK

FREMONT
PARK

FAIRMONT

PARK N RIDE

ELEANOR
TOLL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LOS

ANGELES
ZOO

DREAMWORKS
STUDIO

GLENDALE

WATER &
POWER

HERBERT
HOOVER
HIGH
SCHOOL

VERDUGO MOUNTAINS

PARK PROPERTY

OAKMONT

COUNTRY
CLUB

MONTROSE
PARK

CRESCENTA
VALLEY

SCHOOLS

LINCOLN

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

CRESCENTA
VALLEY
PARK

VERDUGO

L A R I V E R

GLENDALE CITY BOUNDARY
1/2-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8

BUILDING FOOTPRINT

VERDUGO WASH CORRIDOR
“OPPORTUNITY” PARCELS
(NORTHERN PORTION)

OPPORTUNITY PARCEL

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
Based on studies of land use, ownership, Wash
Right-Of-Way including service roads, development
patterns, open space, community destinations, mobility, hydrology, biology, sustainability recommendations,
and neighborhood character, !melk has highlighted the
following parcels as potential opportunities for elevating the re-imagined Verdugo Wash experience.

Highlighted in orange are parcels located within 1/2-mile of the Wash that offer opportunity to further enhance the Verdugo Wash experience.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 126

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SAN GABRIEL

MOUNTAINS

CONFLUENCE

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLORIETTA

TENNIS PARK
LOWELL

PARK N RIDE

FORMER VERDUGO

HILLS GOLF COURSE

GLENDALE CIVIC

AUDITORIUM

GLENDALE

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

COLLEGE VIEW
SCHOOL
OPEN
SPACE

WOODROW
WILSON
MIDDLE
SCHOOL

RD WHITE

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

COLUMBUS

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
POWER

SUBSTATION

PARKING
LOT 30

PARKING
LOT 31 SARTORIS
FIELD

CAMP BOB

WALDORF

J FREMONT

ELEM SCHOOL

CATALINA

VERDUGO
ADOBE

VERDUGO
PARK

BACHMAN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL MTNS OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
NIBLEY
PARK

FREMONT
PARK

FAIRMONT

PARK N RIDE

ELEANOR
TOLL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LOS

ANGELES
ZOO

DREAMWORKS
STUDIO

GLENDALE

WATER &
POWER

HERBERT
HOOVER
HIGH
SCHOOL

VERDUGO MOUNTAINS

PARK PROPERTY

OAKMONT

COUNTRY
CLUB

MONTROSE
PARK

CRESCENTA
VALLEY

SCHOOLS

LINCOLN

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

CRESCENTA
VALLEY
PARK

VERDUGO

L A R I V E R

GLENDALE CITY BOUNDARY
1/2-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
!melk+BuroHappold
127
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: POTENTIAL IMPACT

1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8
1/2 1 mile1/4
1/8

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SAN GABRIEL

MOUNTAINS

CONFLUENCE

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLORIETTA

TENNIS PARK
LOWELL

PARK N RIDE

FORMER VERDUGO

HILLS GOLF COURSE

GLENDALE CIVIC

AUDITORIUM

GLENDALE

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

COLLEGE VIEW
SCHOOL
OPEN
SPACE

WOODROW
WILSON
MIDDLE
SCHOOL

RD WHITE

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

COLUMBUS

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
POWER

SUBSTATION

PARKING
LOT 30

PARKING
LOT 31 SARTORIS
FIELD

CAMP BOB

WALDORF

J FREMONT

ELEM SCHOOL

CATALINA

VERDUGO
ADOBE

VERDUGO
PARK

BACHMAN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL MTNS OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
NIBLEY
PARK

FREMONT
PARK

FAIRMONT

PARK N RIDE

ELEANOR
TOLL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LOS

ANGELES
ZOO

DREAMWORKS
STUDIO

GLENDALE

WATER &
POWER

HERBERT
HOOVER
HIGH
SCHOOL

VERDUGO MOUNTAINS

PARK PROPERTY

OAKMONT

COUNTRY
CLUB

MONTROSE
PARK

CRESCENTA
VALLEY

SCHOOLS

LINCOLN

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

CRESCENTA
VALLEY
PARK

VERDUGO

L A R I V E R

GLENDALE CITY BOUNDARY
1/2-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH CORRIDOR

PARCEL OPPORTUNITIES
(SOUTHERN PORTION)

BUILDING FOOTPRINT

OPPORTUNITY PARCEL

EXISTING WASH

ACCESS POINT

POTENTIAL WASH

ACCESS POINT
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 128

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SAN GABRIEL

MOUNTAINS

CONFLUENCE

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLORIETTA

TENNIS PARK
LOWELL

PARK N RIDE

FORMER VERDUGO

HILLS GOLF COURSE

GLENDALE CIVIC

AUDITORIUM

GLENDALE

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

COLLEGE VIEW
SCHOOL
OPEN
SPACE

WOODROW
WILSON
MIDDLE
SCHOOL

RD WHITE

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

COLUMBUS

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
POWER

SUBSTATION

PARKING
LOT 30

PARKING
LOT 31 SARTORIS
FIELD

CAMP BOB

WALDORF

J FREMONT

ELEM SCHOOL

CATALINA

VERDUGO
ADOBE

VERDUGO
PARK

BACHMAN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO

MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

OPEN SPACE

SAN RAFAEL MTNS OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN

OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
NIBLEY
PARK

FREMONT
PARK

FAIRMONT

PARK N RIDE

ELEANOR
TOLL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LOS

ANGELES
ZOO

DREAMWORKS
STUDIO

GLENDALE

WATER &
POWER

HERBERT
HOOVER
HIGH
SCHOOL

VERDUGO MOUNTAINS

PARK PROPERTY

OAKMONT

COUNTRY
CLUB

MONTROSE
PARK

CRESCENTA
VALLEY

SCHOOLS

LINCOLN

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

CRESCENTA
VALLEY
PARK

VERDUGO

L A R I V E R

GLENDALE CITY BOUNDARY
1/2-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
1/4-MILE WASH BUFFER
!melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: POTENTIAL IMPACT

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
hydrological function
above: !melk visualization of the current United States Army Corps HEC-RAS hydrological model depicting heat map of available “freeboard”. After accounting for flow contingencies including climate change precipitation variations, wash segments shown in red and orange appear hydrologically constrained. Unless otherwise noted, these areas would require further study to vet for hydrological feasibility.

CONFLUENCE AREA
While the area of the Wash near the Confluence is a prime opportunity to restore ecological habitat and integrate public realm including mobility connections, this set of red dots indicates this area first requires further hydrological study to ensure the concept is feasible.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 132
Hydrology and Freeboard Analysis
Using the data available from the United State Army Corps HEC-RAS model, the !melk team has constructed a working parametric model to study and visualize the various flood risk considerations of the Verdugo Wash.

The physical section of the existing Wash changes in width, height, and profile along its 9.4-mile length.

Additionally, stormwater flows vary along the existing Wash.

Because water flows are inherently dynamic, the HEC-RAS model captures the design storm event (1 in 100 year statistical rain event) using a hundreds of “snapshots” with various defined parameters like water velocity and volume; hence the collection of data points visualized below. Together, these data points can be interpreted to understand how water flows during the storm event in today’s existing Wash configuration.

Stormwater velocities matter because water that is moving too quickly can scour the floor and walls surface of the Wash itself, causing events like wash wall collapse or even undermining bridge pilings. The existing Wash channel is concrete to prevent scouring while simultaneously causing water to move more quickly to the LA River in comparison to its historic, vegetated state. Any elements in the wash like vegetation slow down water flows and different types of vegetation can withstand higher water velocities before being uprooted/ broken and carried downstream.

Stormwater volumes are an critical parameter, too, and have been the focus of this Visioning Study stage. The integration of public realm elements (e.g. pedestrian and bicycle
pathways) depicted in this Design Vision Report have been conceptualized as inhabiting a structural deck built within the Wash safely above stormwater flows. This deck concept relies on additional stormwater capacity as expressed as the available “freeboard” - the distance between the
water level required to safely convey the storm event,
and the bottom of the “deck” that hosts any landscape
interventions.

The !melk team has studied various volumes associated with possible flood events (including that of the 100-year flood, plus an additional contingency for climate change, as well as an additional FEMA contingency). The Hydrology Appendix described this all in greater detail.

This valuable data and series of depictions will serve as a critical benchmark to facilitate design direction and decisions moving forward in future design phases to ensure public realm is safely integrated while maintaining the current level of flood protection.

NORTHERN SEGMENTS
Analysis of the red and orange dots north of
the debris basin (indicated by green dots)
reveals that the segment of the Wash is
hydrologically challenged.

This hydrological challenge is compounded
by its physical context (built-out residential
land uses), and given that there are fewer
community destinations in this area in
comparison to other segments of the Wash,
the project team recommends that no further
design work is done in this area at this time.

This recommendation would focus future
design efforts to the areas of the Wash
containing greater opportunities and fewer
challenges.

GOLF COURSE
While initial analysis of the golf course segment of the Wash reveals hydrological challenges, this area, in fact, contains multiple opportunities for relieving hydrological pressures. For instance, the golf course section of the Wash is currently a trapezoidal section configuration. Modifying to rectangular section configuration would effectively carry greater stormwater flows, which i turn increasing available “freeboard”.
!melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTION
< 0

AVAILABLE FREEBOARD
> 5
0 - 2
2 - 3.5

3.5 - 5

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 134
the current channel has capacity for all flood contingencies, however the FEMA floodplain sits almost at the top of the channel above axonometric view: floodplain freeboard contingencies isolated for clarity above: cross-section of the Verdugo Wash channel, identifying the elevations of freeboards associated with various flood contingencies at “Condition A” along the Wash condition “A”

!melk+BuroHappold
135
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTION
the current channel has capacity for all flood contingencies above axonometric view: floodplain freeboard contingencisolated for clarity above: cross-section of the Verdugo Wash channel, identifying the elevations of freeboards associated with various flood contingencies at “Condition B” along the Wash condition “B”

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 136
the current channel does not have adequate capacity for all flood contingencies, including the FEMA floodplain above axonometric view: floodplain freeboard contingencies isolated for clarity above: cross-section of the Verdugo Wash channel, identifying the elevations of freeboards associated with various flood contingencies at “Condition B” along the Wash condition “C”

!melk+BuroHappold
137
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTION
Recommendations
It has become increasingly clear from our studies and
observations of the Verdugo Wash - as a piece of hydrological infrastructure that is effectively functioning as a “channelized” tributary of the LA River - that any solution to mitigate future flooding and extreme events must be holistic.

A successfully re-imagined Verdugo Wash must be integrated within the Wash’s adjacent context, greater Glendale, and LA County and watershed. The recommended hydrological
approach for this project cannot be isolated or hyper-local, but rather holistic and tied into regional strategies.

In any future design studies, the project team recommends the following opportunities be drawn, modeled, and rigorously evaluated to increase the resilience of the Verdugo Wash, and by extension a facilitate the integration of a robust public realm. - designating floodable “extensions” or “bulbs” of the wash; - modifying the channel section such as selectively increasing the height(s) of the channel wall or deepening the channel.

The golf course’s trapezoid section channel could be modified to a rectangle channel section
- infiltrating stormwater with the Wash’s footprint, such as with suitable concrete alternatives and at the Debris Basin. - identifying streets surrounding the Wash to facilitate water catchment, like a “greenstreets” district;
- identifying opportunities for water filtration to improve water quality
- study the next level tributaries including Dunsmore Canyon, that feeds water to Wash from the San Gabriel Mountains, for opportunities to slow or infiltrate stormwater flows. These tributaries are routes that could function as safer wildlife routes within the region.

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
enhancedecology
Enhanced Ecology
Unique precipitation patterns and the rich topography
surrounding Glendale bore - through natural processes - the original Verdugo Wash (Creek), which served as the credible water source attracting the Tongva to the Wiqanga village just north of (today’s) I-210 on the Verdugo Creek. The Verdugo Wash is the central, defining element for Glendale’s foundation.

For various reasons explained throughout this report,
we understand that the channelization of the Verdugo
Wash greatly facilitated Glendale’s growth as a young
American city - however, we equally understand that
there were impacts to the local and regional ecologies.

The habitat areas in/around Glendale are fragmented, not infrequently degraded, and subject to climate change -
leading experts to conclude that many local flora and fauna populations are at serious risk.

Ecological enhancement along the Verdugo Wash
is a bona fide opportunity for Glendale to become a
leading example within the region, as it prioritizes
the vegetative and wildlife populations which will
collectively contribute to the City’s identity!
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 140
ULART revitalization plan - ecological connectivity opportunities

SAN RAFAEL CONNECTION DESIGN AREA
Improved ecological connections between Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills support wildlife
VERDUGO WASH / LA RIVER CONFLUENCE*
Improved community and ecological connections from LA River to upstream the Verdugo Wash *Confluence identified as key restoration moment in LARMP

URBAN TRAIL ACCESS
Improved trail connections and facilities between Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills increase community access to open space 1 2
3 !melk+BuroHappold
141
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY
ULART revitalization plan - ecological connectivity opportunities

URBAN TRAIL ACCESS
Improved trail connections and facilities between Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills increase community access to open space 1 2
3 VERDUGO PARK HUB
Improved ecological connections and trail access between the Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills support wildlife and increase community access to open space VERDUGO WASH / LA RIVER CONFLUENCE*
Improved community and ecological connections from LA River upstream to the Verdugo Wash. *Confluence identified as key restoratino area in LA River Master Plan

SAN RAFAEL CONNECTION
Improved ecological connections between the Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills support wildlife

verdugo mountainsverdugo mountains
significant ecological areasignificant ecological area
san rafael hillssan rafael hills
verdugo wash traceverdugo wash trace
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 142

san gabriel mountainssan gabriel mountains
san rafael hillssan rafael hills
!melk+BuroHappold
143
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

Verdugo Mountains
significant ecological area
Oakmont
golf course
debris
basin
not channelized
soft-bottomed
rich ecology
Oakmont Debris Basin
an ecologically-focused park
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 144

debris
basin
not channelized
soft-bottomed
rich ecology
to San Gabriel Mountains
!melk+BuroHappold
145
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

pollinator
meadows
bio-infiltration
wetland habitat
Oakmont Debris Basin
an ecologically-focused park
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 146
goals for the debris basin
- establish habitats & wildlife corridors
- improve water quality & increase recharge opportunities - create a safe and accessible recreational amenity
- develop experiential and educational opportunities around key habitats - explore partnerships with ULART and Tongva-Gabrielino Tribe - partner with LACPW to develop management approach that supports established habitats

pollinator
meadows
bio-infiltration
wetland habitat
bio-infiltration
wetland habitat
elevated pathways are accessible and
protect sensitive vegetation below
potential structure for visitor comfort and
formal environmental education programs
pollinator
meadows
pollinator
meadows
improved wooded edge / roadway buffer
!melk+BuroHappold
147
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

Oakmont Debris Basin
an ecologically-focused park
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 148
above rendered views: elevated pathways at the Oakmont Debris Basin

!melk+BuroHappold
149
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY
above rendered views: elevated pathways at the Oakmont Debris Basin

elevated accessible paths
protect sensitive habitat
improved wooded
edge/roadway buffer
pollinator
meadows

HABITAT CONNECTIVITY TO SAN GABRIEL & SAN RAFAEL MOUNTAINS Oakmont Debris Basin
an ecologically-focused park
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 150

bio-filtration wetland habitat

HABITAT CONNECTIVITY TO VERDUGO MOUNTAINS
!melk+BuroHappold
151
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

the “pollinator meadows”
pollinator
meadow
Invertebrates like southern California’s native bees and monarch butterflies are promising faunal candidates
to feature at the debris basin park, especially if further conversations with LACPW reveal the debris basin needs to function at historically high levels of debris collection.

Avian species, being highly mobile creatures, are innately more resilient to seasonal disturbances like debris
management, provided such activities are timed with
species’ vulnerable life cycle moments.

Pollinating neighbors typically can be easily invited to a new habitat - simply by providing their favorite food sources! THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 152
above rendered view: ecological park at the Oakmont Debris Basin

purple
sage
native milkweed
& monarch
valley
carpenter bee
chaparral night-
shade
common
sunflower
white sage
!melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

!melk
Oakmont Debris Basin
an ecologically-focused park
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 154
above rendered view: accessible recreation & environmental education opportunities at the Oakmont Debris Basin

!melk
observation / viewing
platform / outdoor
classroom
potential
gathering area
!melk+BuroHappold
155
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

native planting design considerations
It has been the initial intention and instinct - and
underscored in conversations at community
outreach events and with local stakeholders like
ULART and the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy
- that native planting directly enhances a place’s
ecology.

By providing seed banks for local ecological areas,
food and shelter for creatures, and facilitating
wildlife movement between the adjacent protected
areas like the Verdugo Mountains Significant
Ecological Area, tremendous ecological strides can
be achieved.

In addition, these planted areas will also provide
attractive, shady respite areas whose qualities are
also considerate of wildfire risks.
above: some plants that could be featured along the Wash and enhance the area’s ecology THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 156

above: some plants that could be featured along the Wash and enhance the area’s ecology !melk+BuroHappold
157
THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: ENHANCED ECOLOGY

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
phasing implementation
At 9.4-miles long, the transformation of the Verdugo Wash would need to be phased, meaning the Verdugo Wash would not be built all at once!
This is clear from many standpoints including that of actual construction, which will be limited to the “dry season” as well as the “lead time” required for any material procurement for hardscape and softscape elements. Phasing is also heavily dependent on available funding. The Visioning team has studied various parameters and scenarios to begin to answer the following questions:
1) Where should implementation first begin?
2) What sort of initial segmentation makes sense?
3) Should 100% of the design intent be implemented in each of the identified segments of the Verdugo Wash? Or should a “minimum viable product” (e.g. 50% of the design intent) be implemented in certain sections to prioritize connectivity? 4) Is there potential for pilot projects to be implemented as “early-win” moments along the corridor that could function anchor parks, key connections between destinations, or as wildlife bridges across the Wash?
Benefits of a Phased Approach
There is a plethora of benefits with regard to phasing
implementation! A phased approach to implementing the
Verdugo Wash Vision would allow for the identification and establishment of logical implementable “segments”.

Each of these segments - even if implemented in the most minimal form - will enhance Glendale’s current transportation network, and have a real impact on way movement occurs
throughout the City. At each phase, improvements to the public realm and connections to existing transportation systems will ensure that the project is integrated with its surroundings and is welcoming for users.

Location Considerations
Social equity analyses indicate that western Glendale is in the greatest need of the benefits that are associated with the Verdugo Wash Vision, such as green open spaces and
recreational opportunities. For this reason, the Project Team recommends an implementation scenario in that begins with this section (encircled in below diagrams) of the Verdugo Wash.
region may increase vulnerability in another. Therefore, sustainable urban drainage systems have introduced a more interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to current urban infrastructure design criteria.

Re-envisioning the stormwater management systems
around the Verdugo Wash as a holistic network, rather than solely concrete channels, will provide a more equitable and sustainable future.

Existing Conditions - Heat
Globally, temperatures have steadily increased since the 1950s, with five of the hottest years on record occurring in the last six years.

Changes in air temperature will increase the occurrence of extreme heat, heat waves, warm nights, drought, and
wildfires. When populations are exposed to extreme
P riority for C ool and
G reen Infrastructure
(Urban Heat Island)
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
E xisting E ntry P oints
Verdugo Wash
(Open C hannel)
1/4 Mile B uffer
C ity of G lendale
P riority for C ool and
G reen Infrastructure
(Urban Heat Island)
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
E xisting E ntry P oints
Verdugo Wash
(Open C hannel)
1/4 Mile B uffer
C ity of G lendale
C ool and G reen
Infras truc ture
P riority Areas
Data S ource(s ): C ity of
G lendale P ublic W orks , Los
Angeles C ounty Department
of P ublic W orks , The Trus t
for P ublic Land (C limate-
S mart C ities ).
!melk+BuroHappold 63VERDUGO WASH VISIONING
Urban heat island priority areas
data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, The Trust for Public Land (Climate-Smart Cities).

LOW

PRIORITY FOR COOL & GREEN

INFRASTRUCTURE (URBAN HEAT ISLAND)

MODERATE
HIGH

VERY HIGH
1/4 MILE BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH

CITY OF GLENDALE
1/2
1/4 1 mile

EXISTING ENTRY POINTS
The Verdugo Wash also has an opportunity to align with and build upon strategies identified in the Greener Glendale Plan and other existing reports. These strategies may include, but are not limited to encouraging natural, low water use landscaping in yards and parkways, exploring the design of recreation areas that can hold runoff, and enhancing wildlife corridors and the native habitat. There will also be efforts to identify significant ecological areas, wildlife corridors, and habitats for preservation, including oak woodlands.

Additionally, it will be important to identify areas that are not within walking distance of recreational open space, to develop strategies for providing more equitable and
universal access to the added amenities. The Verdugo Wash site has the potential to incorporate aspects of the Grayson Repowering Project. The City of Glendale Department of Water and Power has proposed to repower the Grayson
Power Plant as a more reliable and efficient clean-air facility.

The plant will be turned into a 260-megawatt net modern power generator with estimated commercial operation in
summer of 2022.

Glendale’s Tree Power Program for free shade trees is a successful project that helps eligible residential customers C alE nviroS creen
S core (C E S 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
E xisting E ntry P oints
Verdugo Wash
(Open C hannel)
1/4 Mile B uffer
C ity of G lendale
C alE nviroS creen
S core (C E S 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
E xisting E ntry P oints
Verdugo Wash
(Open C hannel)
1/4 Mile B uffer
C ity of G lendale
P ollution B urden
and P opulation
C harac teris tics
Data S ource(s ): C ity of
G lendale P ublic W orks , Los
Angeles C ounty Department
of P ublic W orks , C alifornia
Office of E nvironmental
Health Hazard As s es s ment.
save energy by offering them up to three free shade trees to plant on their property. Properly planted shade trees can help residents save 10%-50% in air conditioning costs.

Challenges & Gaps for Sustainability
There are a range of upcoming challenges and study
gaps that would benefit from citywide planning processes (independent of the Verdugo Wash Visioning process).

A primary task of the Visioning sustainability framework is to identify areas that are not within 1/3-mile distance of an existing public park or open space and developing strategies to provide park space for them. It will also be beneficial to produce a citywide canopy coverage inventory and analysis and adopt a canopy coverage plan.

The project will also require the development of a
sustainable urban watershed planning process that
addresses the ecological integrity of all Glendale water sources.
!melk+BuroHappold 65VERDUGO WASH VISIONING
Pollution & population map: this figure outlines the CES 3.0 scores for census tracts within Glendale. The highest pollution burden is concentrated around Downtown and the western border of Glendale, intersecting the Verdugo Wash. CES 3.0 emphasizes that these census tracts experience pollution from more than one source, where populations facing socioeconomic vulnerability can be further susceptible to negative health effects. data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 10-20

CAL ENVIROSCREEN SCORE
(CES 3.0)
20-30
30-40
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80
80-90
90-99
1/4 MILE BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH

CITY OF GLENDALE

EXISTING ENTRY POINTS
Urban Heat Island Priority Areas ©BuroHappoldPollution burden by population in Glendale ©BuroHappold THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 160

Urban Heat Island Priority Areas ©BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: PHASING IMPLEMENTATION
Mobility & Connectivity Considerations
Mobility analyses and community outreach conversations
have resulted in a list key destinations that would greatly benefit from increased active transportation connectivity:
- Downtown Glendale;
- Glendale Community College;
- Existing public parks, especially Verdugo Park;
- Glendale Sports Complex;
- LA River multi-use pathways;
- Destinations serving mobility-challenged neighbors
including schools, senior housing, and community centers. “Building Future Demand”
A very relevant consideration to phasing is the level at which connectivity is successful.

Perhaps 100% of the ultimate design intent does not
need to be implemented on “Day 1” of implementation for the area to reach “minimum product viability” supporting Glendale in walking and biking along the Verdugo Wash.

The Project Team also suggests considering making
use of a “Phase 0”, or a “pilot stage” of the project before major design changes are implemented. This is useful
in identifying the minimum intervention for cyclists and visitors to be able to use the Verdugo Wash.

A pilot project helps reinforce the demand for a project and encourages early adoption to allow visitors to become comfortable with proposed change in the built environment.

Potential interventions for a pilot project to open the Wash may include the following:
• Existing access points are opened & made accessible • Safety measures in place to avoid sliding/falls,
including resurfacing as needed
• Ensure access points and wash pathway grades are
ADA compliant
• Integrate clear wayfinding and temporary
interventions
• Implement needed safety measures at adjacent
intersections near existing access points
• Parking locations are communicated to visitors

Users who may be interested in using the Verdugo Wash as a mobility corridor, might include local residents and cycling enthusiasts, who will be able to generate feedback about the experience of interacting with the Verdugo Wash and their mobility patterns.

Having users enter the Verdugo Wash also helps to include it in online platforms like Google Maps, Waze and Strava.

This also creates the opportunity for placemaking and
programming within the Wash, such as bike repair stalls, popups, and other retail activation facilities.

phasing approach
“segmentation” considerations
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 162
The Project Team studied various phasing scenarios
based on social equity factors, with the assumption that implementation would begin near the Confluence/Downtown area and continue northwards towards the Oakmont Debris Basin.

As studies, these phasing scenarios serve simply to
reveal lessons in what happens when implementation is
“segmented” in different ways.

Kindly note: Access points, in particular, would
be vetted with local residents and community
stakeholders (like utility companies) in higher detail
for feasibility during any future design phases. As
discussed in the Hydrology Section, the segment of the
Wash north of the Debris Basin is not being recommended for further design study at this time.
phasing study:

SCENARIO “A”
opposite page>

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: PHASING IMPLEMENTATION

SCENARIO
A

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 164
phasing approach
“segmentation” considerations
phasing study:

SCENARIO “B”
opposite page>
Kindly note: in any future
design phases, access points, in
particular, would be vetted with
local residents and community
stakeholders (like utility
companies) in higher detail for
feasibility. The segment of the
Wash north of the Debris Basin is
not being recommended for further
design study at this time.

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: PHASING IMPLEMENTATION

SCENARIO
B

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 166
phasing approach
“segmentation” considerations
phasing study:

SCENARIO “C”
opposite page>
Kindly note: in any future
design phases, access points, in
particular, would be vetted with
local residents and community
stakeholders (like utility
companies) in higher detail for
feasibility. The segment of the
Wash north of the Debris Basin is
not being recommended for further
design study at this time.

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: PHASING IMPLEMENTATION

SCENARIO
C

The Project Team recommends the following segments -
preliminarily named for convenience - as the starting point for further discussion, with regard to the potential phased implementation of the re-imagined Verdugo Wash.
“NORTH”
Segment would offer connections to Crescenta Valley
YMCA, existing Lowell Parking Lot, and potentially to
northern Verdugo Mountain trail heads. If Verdugo Wash could be connected across I-210, this segment could link to the Wiqanga (Tongva village) / La Tuna Canyon site. This additional scope extending to Wiqanga/La Tuna could be
considered in future design/planning phases. The “NORTH” segment is not being recommended for further design
study at this time (refer to Hydrology Section)
“DEBRIS BASIN”
Envisioned as ecologically-focused pilot project featuring habitat restoration, water filtration, and aquifer recharge.

The basin would function as a stand-alone park until linked from the south by wash improvements in future phases.
“GOLF COURSE”
Golf course manager in favor of project. Opportunity to enhance key wildlife corridor by collaborating with this landowner. Changing existing trapezoidal channel to box channel will improve hydrology and provide more secure
boundary between the transformed wash public space and
the surrounding private golf facility.
“GLORIETTA CONNECTOR”
Key wash link through canyon that connects to destinations such as Catalina Verdugo Adobe and Glendale Sports
Complex.
“SAN RAFAEL CONNECTION”
Provide wildlife corridor between Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills, as initially proposed by Upper LA River Tributaries (ULART) and seconded & ground-truthed by
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC). This segment
would also connect neighbors to key civic, recreational, and educational destinations. A potential pilot project in this segment could provide an essential wildlife corridor.
“VERDUGO CONNECTOR”
Key Wash link that connects historic neighborhoods and
destinations including multiple local schools and trail heads. “DOWNTOWN”
Connects largest office and commercial node in the City; high economic opportunities and programming synergies
possible.
“CONFLUENCE”
Area should be prioritized to address high social equity needs, to connect Glendale to LA River trails and Griffith Park and increase ecological value. Preliminary analysis of the USACE HEC-RAS model indicate severe hydrological
constraints; Additional hydrological feasibility studies are needed. Optimally, this segment is married with LA River Master Plan vision and United States Army Corps Alternative 20 for this area, which would re-create vital habitats.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 168
phasing approach
summary

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: PHASING IMPLEMENTATION

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS
134134
210210
22 SAN RAFAEL
HILLS
glendale community college
downtown glendale
fremont park
LA river confluence
oakmont country club
glorietta tennis park
wiqanga / la tuna
canyon site
verdugo park
oakmont debris basin
crescenta valley park
“NORTH”
“DEBRIS BASIN”
“GOLF COURSE”
“GLORIETTA
CONNECTOR”
“SAN RAFAEL
CONNECTION”
“VERDUGO
CONNECTOR”“DOWNTOWN”
“CONFLUENCE”

the Vision for Verdugo Wash
communityconsiderations
In response to conversations with community
members, we offer several additional studies
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 172

SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL

SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL
10’

RESIDENCE
FRONT
YARD
5’
SIDE
WALK
33’

ROADWAY
20’

PLANTED
BUFFER

7.3’
45’

VERDUGO WASH

FLOOD CHANNEL
40’

RESIDENTIAL

BACK-YARD
14’

SERVICE
ROAD
15’

SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL

SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL
25’

RESIDENTIAL

BACK-YARD
20’

RESIDENTIAL

BACK-YARD
90’

VERDUGO WASH

FLOOD CHANNEL
15’

SINGLE FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL

MULTI FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL
90’

VERDUGO WASH

FLOOD CHANNEL
12’

RESIDENTIAL

BACK-YARD
30’

MULTI-FAMILY

PARKING LOT
A) Below are two conditions of residential land uses abutting the Wash. On the left is a residence with a street buffering their front yard from the Wash (e.g. stretches of El Lado Dr) & on the right is a residence whose backyard abuts the Wash. The condition on the right is more sensitive to privacy than that on the left based on 1) the increased horizontal distance to the Wash for a “front yard” Wash condition & 2) the psychological difference we feel between a “back-yard” vs a “front yard” since a front yard meets a public space - the street.

B) In many instances, residential properties line both sides of the Verdugo Wash. Residents’ spatial relationships with the Wash vary, however. Where some residents keep dense vegetation along the Wash (left) obscuring the view of the Wash, others maintain minimal vegetation (right). The condition on the left is currently maintaining a higher level of back-yard privacy. Similarly, some residents have elected to erect privacy fencing along their Wash edge, in comparison to residents who experience the County’s Wash security fence, which is the porous chain-link type.

C) In some cases, multi-family unit properties abut the Verdugo Wash. Single-family residents are acclimated to higher levels of privacy than those who reside is multi-family units.

In conversations during community outreach events, the
Project Team heard concerns about potential privacy
conflicts along the Verdugo Wash, should it become
accessible as a public space amenity. In response, the Project Team explored various notions of residential privacy and devised an initial set of straightforward, implementable solutions.

The opposite page features a map / inventory of residential land uses along the Verdugo Wash corridor that has been codified to illustrate the “privacy study” extents.

Below, on this page, a sectional analysis studies the various conditions along the Verdugo Wash (varying width and
depth dimensions of the channel against existing land use plans and satellite imagery).

Spatial factors identified to affect levels of privacy are: (A) the difference between a residence whose backyard abuts the Wash in comparison to a resident whose frontyard is across a public street that runs directly along the Wash; (B) the difference in residents’ existing choices to either enhance privacy or increase views along a back-yard Wash edge; & (C) the difference between single-family and multi- family properties abutting the Wash.
“I live along the Wash, how can my privacy be maintained?” !melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 174
FENCE
WALL

RESIDENTIAL

LANDSCAPE
BUFFER

EXISTING

RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC REALM

WASH CHANNEL

WASH CHANNEL
A vegetated buffer can be implemented along the edges of the Wash - within the channel - in order to physically distance any public realm from residential properties and decrease visual connectivity.

Fences can be integrated to establish a clear limit between private property and the public realm. Fences can range in type, and the final material and design can offer solutions from completely “screened and solid” to “open and perforated”.

If a fence solution is deemed inadequate, a wall can be proposed in certain locations. Walls are more robust than fences, severing visual and acoustic connectivity.

EXISTING

RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC REALM

WASH CHANNEL

HORIZONTAL
OFFSET
Offsetting the public realm - within the channel - to leave a “gap” between the private and public realms enhances privacy. This offset can be horizontal or vertical.

EXISTING

RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC REALM

WASH CHANNEL

VERTICAL
OFFSET
Privacy solutions
After mapping the extents and studying the factors affecting levels of privacy, the Project Team devised an initial set of possible solutions for maintaining adjacent residents’ privacy. !melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS
perforated fence consideration: a perforated fence will allow sound to travel directly through the fence, with only a slight reduction in noise level.
berm consideration: similar to vegetated buffers, berms with densely planted vegetation can also reduce noise levels by refracting sound. planted buffer consideration: dense, layered planting consisting of a mixture of tree canopy, shrubs, and dense understory planting will decrease noise level by refracting sound. A 30-foot planting buffer, for example, could reduce the perceived noise level by up to 5dB. wall consideration: a solid wall will provide the greatest reduction in noise level by blocking and reflecting sound, and reducing noise levels by up to 15dB.

Noise reduction over distance: a typical conversation occurs at a volume of 70 decibels (dB). The human voice’s volume decreases as distance from the source increases. For example, a person standing six feet from a conversation will hear the conversation at 54dB, while someone standing 24 feet away would hear the conversation at 42dB.
6’-0”

PERFORATED FENCE

MINIMAL REDUCTION OF NOISE LEVEL
direct sound
refracted sound
30’ PLANTING BUFFER
REDUCES SOUND LEVEL AN ADDITIONAL 5DB
24’-0”
54 dB (-16dB) 42dB (-28dB)70 dB 70 dB
sources: Dobson, Martin, and Jo Ryan. “Trees & Shrubs for Noise Control.” Trees.org.uk, Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service, https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/8c/8c69f212-a82e-424b-96d1-c8ff6dc02403.pdf.

Engineering ToolBox, (2005). Required Voice Level at Distance. [online] Available at: https://www.engineeringtoolbox. com/voice-level-d_938.html [Accessed Day Mo. Year].
reflected sound
transmitted sound

SOLID WALL
REDUCES SOUND LEVEL AN ADDITIONAL 15DB
Noise mitigation solutions
The Project Team learned from community members
that the existing Verdugo Wash conveys sound too well
and can be a source of disruption. The hard lines and
concrete materiality of the Wash are responsible for this sound-carrying effect.

Interventions in the Wash are expected to dampen this
sound-carrying effect, yet the creation of adjacent public realm brings the sound of new people and activities. Below is an initial set of possible acoustic reduction solutions that could offset the new source of noise. Remember that the decibel system is logarithmic, so reduction figures are significantly greater than they appear!
The Project Team studied the City of Glendale’s
fire codes and related sources to outline landscape
parameters to promote fire-resistance.

The objective of the City of Glendale’s fire codes (for building and landscape) is to promote and protect public health, safety, and welfare by recognizing the hazardous fire potential created by grass, weeds, shrubs, and trees, which all provide a ready fuel supply that augments the spread or intensity of a wildfire.

The fire code should be generally understood as a set of minimum requirements to manage “hazardous vegetation”
while maintaining sufficient vegetation for soil erosion control, functional, and aesthetic purposes. City Fire Officials have discretion over these minimums.

Relevant Definitions from the Glendale Fire Code:
“Defensible Space” - space within 100 feet of a building or structure where vegetation capable of causing a fire to spread must be modified to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire to provide access by fire and other emergency personnel to defend the building or structure from the threat of fire.

“Hazardous Vegetation” - Refuse, grass, weeds, shrubs,
trees, and other vegetation which, in the opinion of the fire code official, are in such condition and location, or by the unique characteristics of a species, as to provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread of intensity of a fire.

According to the map of the City of Glendale - last updated in February 2008 - several areas have been designated
as “High Fire Hazard Areas”. The area of Glendale that is most at risk of wildfire exposure is the northern-most parts surrounded by the natural area of the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains.

The fire code stipulates for “defensible spaces” in the “Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas” or “High Fire Hazard Areas”. In Glendale, hazardous vegetation - including
dry grass, weeds and shrubs - near homes is one of the
major contributors to catastrophic wildland fires. Creating defensible space - a buffer - is a proven strategy to slow the spread of wildfire, to improve both the safety of firefighters and a structure’s chance of surviving a wildfire.

Community members expressed concerns about wildfire risk with the addition of vegetation in and or around the Verdugo Wash (that would come with the realization of the Vision for the Verdugo Wash).

Glendale has been known for its natural beauty since
before its incorporation. This natural setting serves as the benchmark for a future Verdugo Wash, however notably
carries wildfire risk.

ZONE 1
Two zones make up the required
100 feet of defensible space.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE
ZONE 2ZONE 1
ZONE 2
Extends 30 feet out from buildings,
decks, and other structures
Extends 30 to 100 feet out from
buildings, decks, and other structures
• Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds.
• Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles
from your yard, roof and rain gutters.
• Trim trees regularly to keep branches a
minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
• Remove dead branches that hang over your
roof, and keep branches 10 feet away from
your chimney.
• Remove or prune flammable plants and
shrubs near windows.
• Remove vegetation and items that could
catch fire from around and under decks.
• Cut or mow annual grass down to a
maximum height of 4 inches.
• Create a minimum horizontal spacing of
20 feet between shrubs and trees.
• Create a minimum vertical spacing of
6 feet between grass, shrubs and the
lowest branches on a tree.
• Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark,
cones, and small branches. However, they
may be permitted to a depth of 4 inches if
erosion control is an issue.
• Protect water quality. Do not clear
vegetation near waterways to bare soil.

Excessive clearing can cause soil erosion.

Creating and maintaining defensible space is
essential for increasing your homes's chance
of surviving a wildfire. It's the buffer that
homeowners are required to maintain on their
property between a structure and the plants,
brush and trees or other items surrounding
the structure that could catch fire. This space
is needed to slow the spread of wildfire and
improves the safety of firefighters defending
your home.

ReadyForWildFire.org
30feet 70feet
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 176
September 1-5, 2017, the La Tuna Wildland Fire burned 7,194 acres of rural areas in the vicinities of La Tuna, Tujunga, Sunland, and the cities of Los Angeles, Glendale, and Burbank. image source: KPCC
Diagram of a required property’s “defensible space zones” requiring management of “hazardous vegetation” image source: City of Glendale Fire Department
The Glendale Fire Department separates the 100-foot defensible space area into two zones: Zone 1 begins at the outside wall of a building, a deck, or other structure and extends 30 feet; Zone 2 begins at 30 feet from the building and extends to 100 feet from the building. image source: Glendale Fire Department How can additional vegetation mitigate wildfire risk?

Property owners within the High Fire Hazard Area (HFHA) are required to maintain defensible spaces around their property for the safety of the community. The Glendale Fire Department annually inspects properties in the High Fire Hazard Area to ensure that the defensible space standards are met.

The project team has reviewed the Glendale Fire Code
and summarized the points salient to the Verdugo Wash
Visioning. The re-imagined Verdugo Wash landscape
shall avoid a ready fuel supply that could augment the
spread or intensity of a fire but still function to prevent soil erosion and enhance ecology, microclimate, and
aesthetics.

How the “Zone 2” 100 feet of defensible space is designed and how it’s maintained is dependent on adjacent vegetation, topography, and proximity to nearby structures.

There is actually no universal specific standard for
maintaining defensible space that works for every property.

Instead, vegetation design and maintenance should be
intelligently based on the conditions present to achieve the ultimate goal of reduced wildfire risk.

Within the fire hazard zone, the project must initially install, irrigate, and maintain “Defensible Spaces” in congruence with Glendale Fire Code. Specifically:

Permitting
Verdugo Wash modification plans and specifications need be submitted to the City to secure city permits - and the site be subject to inspections - for wash improvements located within very high fire hazard severity zone. Fire officials have discretion over these minimums at all times.

Design Parameters
Landscape plans and specifications shall comply with
Defensible Space parameters including location of design elements and both vegetative and non-vegetative materials selection.

Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
Future O+M planning shall explicitly address Glendale Fire Code to account for time, staff, funding, and any future permitting needed to maintain defensible spaces in the
Wash within the 30-ft and 100-ft defensible space zones.

The final resulting O+M Plan shall be prescriptive for
hazardous vegetation management:

Hazardous Vegetation Management
Shall occur regularly year-round and include:
- Removal of dead foliage, twigs and branches
- Safe disposal of all cut vegetation and refuse
- Soil erosion management
- Keeping roofs free from combustible matter
- Being subject to field inspections by fire official as required Building Construction
Any building construction shall employ materials and
construction methods that confer wildfire exposure
protection with the designated Fire Hazard area, including compliance with applicable Building Codes:

1. California Building Code, Chapter 7A

2. California Residential Code, Section R327

3. California Referenced Standards Code, Chapter 12-7 A !melk+BuroHappold
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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS
Data sources: https://www.glendaleca.gov/home/
showpublisheddocument/58083/637864887721530000 ; https://www.glendaleca. gov/government/departments/fire-department/fire-prevention/vegetation- management-and-brush-abatement/defensible-space ; 10 Firefree Steps, https:// www.firefree.org/10steps/ ; Beatty, Russell. “Landscape Design for Fire Safety.” Pacific Horticulture, 17 June 2014, https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/ landscape-design-for-fire-safety/ ; “City of Santa Barbara Fire Prevention Bureau High Fire Hazard Area .” City of Santa Barbara, https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/ civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=225058 ; Detweiler, Amy Jo, and Stephen Fitzgerald. Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes, Pacific Northwest Extension, Redmond, OR, 2006 ; FHSZ Viewer, https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ ; “Fire Resistant Plants for Chelan/Douglas County Washington.” Washington State University, Sept. 2017 ; Kuhns, Michael, and Barbara Daniels. “Firewise Landscaping - Utah.” Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, https://ffsl.utah.gov/wp-content/ uploads/FirewiseLandscaping07.pdf ; “Landscaping Guidelines for Homes in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.” City of Glendora, https://www.cityofglendora.org/home/ showpublisheddocument/9266/635314295761300000 ; “PlantReferenceGuide.” Ventura County Fire Department, Fire Hazard Reduction Program ; “Preparing Homes for Wildfire.” National Fire Protection Association, https://www.nfpa.org/ Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire ; “Professional Practice, Resilient Design: Fire.” American Society of Landscape Architects, https://www.asla.org/fire.aspx ; “Prohibited-Plant-List-By-Hunt-Research- and-Dudek---July-2011.” Hunt Research Corporation and Dudek and Associates, Scott Franklin Consulting Co, July 2011 ; Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/5819/glendale.pdf ; (ADD GLENDALE FIRE CODES, 2017 & 2020)

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 178
The City of Glendale issued a February 2008 update to the map designating “High Fire Hazard Areas” within Glendale city boundaries. The fire code stipulates the creation of “defensible spaces” in these High Fire Hazard Areas. graphic by !melk with CALFIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones GLENDALE “VERY HIGH SEVERITY ZONE” (VHFHSZ) AREAS

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS

CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH AND LOW FIRE RESISTANCE VEGETATION High fire-resistant plants
• Leaves contain lots of moisture;
• Less build-up of dead wood or other plant materials
(twigs, leaves, needles, etc.);
• Water-like sap without strong odor;
• Low sap or resin content;
• Many deciduous species.

Low fire-resistant plants
• Plant material (twigs, leaves, needles, etc.)
that is fine, dry, or dead;
• Contain volatile waxes, terpenes, or oils;
• Aromatic leaves;
• Gummy, resinous, or odorous sap;
• Loose or papery bark.
10’
Tree spacing to promote fire resistance
Shrub spacing to promote fire resistance
safer: small groups of shrubs are safer than large
groups
less safe: shrubs are planted in dense clusters, with
less than 15’-0” of space between groups
safer: disconnected tree canopies are safer than
overlapping tree canopies
less safe: scenarios where many trees canopies
overlap can create a more continuous source of fuel
for fire to spread.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 180
tree canopies 15-20’ apart shrub groupings 15-20’ from other shrubs and trees
grasses and perennials kept under
12” height within 30’ of structures
existing roadway buffer planting
trees 10-30’ from
structures
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planting Design Studies
While a universal specific standard for maintaining defensible space does not exist, the Project Team studied a variety of sources to develop preliminary planting parameters that could be employed to mitigate wildfire risk in the Very High Fire Hazard areas of the City.

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tree canopies 15-20’ apart
grasses and perennials kept under
18” height within 70’ of structures
shrubs 15-20’ apart
trees 10-30’ from
structures
shrubs in groupings 10’
or less in diameter

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We heard from many community members - project
proponents, skeptics, and opponents alike! - that the issue of Operations and Maintenance (O+M) including security are a top concern: “let’s not build something that cannot be safely operated or well maintained.”
The Project Team wholeheartedly agrees with this!
Good maintenance plays a vital role in park safety.

The presence of refuse, graffiti/vandalism, poorly maintained pathways, planting, and other design elements can
contribute to a perception of lack of safety. Such “slips” in maintenance can offer the perception, or suggest to users that an area is uncared for and therefore lacks adequate supervision.

If ignored and physical conditions further deteriorate, a cycle of abuse can begin in which legitimate users start to avoid an area, and the space becomes overtaken by inappropriate users and uses.

Appropriate lighting, surveillance, maintenance, robust material choices, and strong design detailing are elements which can help decrease vandalism and inadvertent damage in a public space.

Studies by rails-to-trails conservancy and others have shown that trails and public open spaces themselves don’t generate crime. But these spaces are not immune to it either. Since trails and public open spaces are community focal points, incidents in these spaces can generate a lot of attention.

And concerns about safety, both real and perceived, can keep people away from the trail. These concerns should be addressed both before and after a trail is built through design, outreach, policing, and programming.

In this section, we:

1. summarize conversations held to date with relevant
stakeholders on these topics;

2. outline the O+M planning process in future design phases;

3. share brief case studies for other public space projects that share characteristics with the Verdugo Wash to gleam lessons, best practices, and demonstrate that corridor public spaces can be safely operated and well maintained.

Operations & Maintenance (O+M) Stakeholders
The following City departments were represented in the
Verdugo Wash Internal Working Stakeholder Group:
• City of Glendale Fire Department
• City of Glendale Police Department
• City of Glendale Parks Department
• City of Glendale Public Works
• City of Glendale Mobility Office
• City of Glendale Sustainability Office
• City of Glendale Community Development Office
Other O+M Stakeholders:
• Los Angeles County Public Works - Flood Control
• City of Glendale Water and Power
• Private Utility Companies
City of Glendale Internal Working Stakeholder Group

A working stakeholder group meeting was formed to discuss early strategies for operations and maintenance of the
re-imagined Verdugo Wash. The following is a summary of those conversations:

General Operations & Emergency Planning
•

•

•
•
Sustainability
•

•

•
•
•

•
•
Follow fire resistant code requirements. Fire-resistant vegetation should be irrigated. Fire marshal to review
construction plans to ensure compliance;
Create operating hours (e.g. scenario: Wash only open
dawn to dusk);
What would the process be to clear & close the wash
when necessary? (e.g. scenario: utilize controlled
access points, city staff to sweep wash at the end of
operating hours and secure access points);
Add emergency call boxes and security cameras,
consider integrating inclement weather alarm system;
Design pathways to accommodate motorcycle access
in the event of emergency;
City bicycle/foot safety patrol preferred though
requires appropriate funding; good visibility from the
street allows for incorporation into existing patrols;
Supports the idea of ambassadors looking over the
wash, if desired by the community;
Incorporate safe lighting levels that are respectful of neighbors;
Separation of pedestrians and cyclists;
Garbage truck clearance not necessary: utilize other
methods for refuse collection.

Prioritize stormwater retention and filtration; consider integrating cistern-collected irrigation system;
Lighting should also be wildlife-friendly/dark-sky
compliant & respectful of neighbors;
Utilize sustainable construction materials and methods
Identify mental health benefits;
Identify environmental health benefits (e.g. carbon
capture, air quality, reduced urban heat island effect); Ensure equitable access;
Integrate ecological education opportunities.

How will the Verdugo Wash be operated and maintained?

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THE VISION FOR VERDUGO WASH: COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS
sources: Rails-to-Trails-Is-It-Safe; Project for Public Spaces-1; Park-People-Stationed-Park-Managers; Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW) Flood Control is currently responsible for operations and management of the Verdugo Wash.

The Project Team met three times with LACPW staff during the Visioning study to discuss existing O+M efforts and what is possible regarding conceptual transformation ideas for the re-imagined Verdugo Wash.

A critical path item for the transformation of the Verdugo Wash is securing permits from LACPW, which will require a prescriptive, 3-year minimum, O+M plan with verified funding source.

Other public agency and private utility companies have
pipes and lines running along or crossing the Wash include:
• Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
• Glendale Water and Power
• Southern California Edison (SCE)
• Southern California Gas (SCG)
• other private utilities (e.g. internet)
In future design phases, a Civil Engineer would map the locations, owners, right-of-ways, and required clearances for all Verdugo Wash-related utilities (electrical, gas, phone, internet, storm, potable, sanitary, other).

The Civil Engineer would conduct meetings with municipal and private utilities staff to verify information and
understand project opportunities and constraints, and would coordinate a utility plan with the design team that detailed required utility modifications.

O+M Planning Process
In future design phases, it is strongly recommended that the Project Team include a specialized Operations &
Maintenance consultant who is expert in estimating the
personnel, time, funding and equipment required to maintain proposed design options.

The O+M Consultant’s role would involve developing options and recommendations for:
- securing the Wash (like fencing, other barriers, and access points);
- monitoring the Wash (via security cameras, emergency
call boxes, alert system to warn users and managers of
inclement weather);
- work closely with relevant stakeholders (e.g. City of Glendale Parks Dept) to manage O+M expectations
including discussions of whether O+M will be in-house and/ or contracted;
- provide estimate of staff time, equipment, and annual funding required to upkeep various design options;
- develop O+M management structure, financing, & funding sources.

This consultant would develop Operations and Maintenance strategies to integrate within the development of the
overall Masterplan. In addition, the O+M Consultant
would also author an O+M manual with an outline of
O+M responsibilities between Glendale and LACPW with
estimated costs, which is required for the permitting process with the County.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 184
Project Summary
elevated rails-to-trails project in very parks-poor region of the city; 2.7 miles long with 4 anchor parks; 12 access points Capital Funding
initial opening 2015 for $95M total: $50M federal; $20M private donations; $5 million from the City of Chicago. $20M more needed for improvements including two parks
Annual Operating Budget
not yet known
Operating Hours
6am-11pm every day
Physical Security
no gates or locks to prevent entry after hours
Monitoring
Multiple cameras at every access ramp and at locations
where the trail bends obscuring line-of-sight; regular 911 call boxes
O+M Stakeholders & Roles
Chicago Park District: Responsible for maintaining/
coordinating trail security
Chicago Police Dept: Provides two officers on bikes during the day and into evening past closing time; adjusts as
needed. Local police beats contribute occasional foot
patrols.

Department of Cultural and Natural Resources: Manages & maintains landscape; provides administration/management of contracts for refuse collection and enhanced maintenance regimes.

Trust for Public Land: Project Manager
Lessons Learned

1. Initial set of trash cans overflowed after opening weekend prompting the Parks Dept to add more. Lesson: adapt
management as needed.

2. Some crime has been reported along the trail. However, 606 project as been credited with reducing area crime
overall. A study comparing crime rates in surrounding
Chicago neighborhoods in 2011 with crime rates in 2015
after the opening of the 606 showed that crime rates had fallen faster in neighborhoods around the project site than in other neighborhoods nearby. Study authors theorized
that the reduction of crime was a result in increased area lighting, higher foot traffic, and community programming which are keeping trail visible and active. Lesson: Invest in community programming and safety elements; involve
police in early planning efforts.

3. Public urination has been as issue since there are
no restrooms along the trail. Lesson: Invest in public restrooms.

4. Due to success of the project, area rents are rising rapidly putting pressure on lower-income families. City of Chicago sponsors loan program that provides area homeowners up
to $25,000 in a zero interest loan to make home repairs in return for staying there. A portion of the loan is forgiven each month the owner stays in the home. Lesson: city
to maintain project leader role in lieu of hiring parks- specific non-profit; sponsor corridor housing study to
evaluate economic opportunities and address possible
gentrification.

5. Elevated condition of the former railway has led to visual privacy conflicts with adjacent residents. Lesson: study and address possible privacy conflicts.

6. Skateboarders use the 606 at night (site cannot be
secured) Lesson: Ensure security after hours.

7. Some Verdugo Wash neighbors are concerned about
project attracting crime. Local 606 neighbors living much larger city with significantly higher baseline crime rates than Glendale were also initially concerned about possible crime spikes. Lesson: Invest in safety. Address in early planning stages though implementation and secure future funding
sources/commitments.

O+M case studies
Police and trail users converse on the 606 Trail. Patrol presence is very effective strategy for maintaining
corridor safety. Image source: DNA Info
The following case studies are intended to serve
as benchmarks, offer insights to guide preliminary
approaches to O+M, and communicate how the O+M
planning process supports sustainable design.

The 606 Trail
Chicago, IL
page sources: Chicago Tribune; Vibrant Cities Lab; NC
State Univ; DNA Info; Better Gov; Chicago Park District

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In future design phases, a specialized Operations & Maintenance Consultant would be tasked to coordinate with the Verdugo Wash design team, and project stakeholders, to analyze design options, craft O+M strategies, estimate O+M costs, and write a prescriptive O+M manual, etc.

Project Summary
30ft ht elevated railway-to-pedestrian parkway project; 1.45 miles long; 13 access points (5 are ADA);
Capital Funding
Completed 2014 for $187M total; $65M raised by Friends of the High Line non-profit; $35M from major private donations; Annual Operating Budget
$3M; funded by endowment & private fundraising
Operating Hours
changes seasonally
7am-10pm every day fall-spring
7am-11pm every day summer
Physical Security
elevated structure; access points are locked after hours Monitoring
Abundance of cameras along the High Line; as of 2011,
city assigned 11 patrol officers, seven other eyes-and-ears workers to the 3-acre High Line. Parks enforcement patrol officers walk the High Line during the day.

O+M Stakeholders & Roles
NYC Parks: owns the park
Friends of the High Line (FHL non-profit conservancy):
operate park under license agreement with NYC Parks; raises funds from private and public sources each year to cover operating costs.

FHL & NYC Dept of Parks: work together on park
maintenance
Community volunteers: assist with plant maintenance
Lessons Learned

1. Space is highly controlled space, so virtually no crime.

Trespassing is rare and usually somebody dropping in
from an adjacent building. Parks patrol officers issued 362 citations in 2011 for “quality-of-life” infractions typically for drinking, occasionally for prohibited items like dogs or bicycles. NYC Police Commissioner attributes high park
safety to its highly controlled access. He also quotes high visitorship (~3M visitors annually) and security cameras that both make illegitimate uses uncomfortable. Lesson:
control access, fund patrol officers, invest in design & programming to attract routine use.

2. Three public restrooms available. Tight, urban location required temporary O+M facilities initially; Lesson: plan for permanent facilities.

3. Effective public-private partnership supports maintenance needs. Lesson: explore public-private partnership.

Key O+M Consultant Role
During planning/design phases, a consultant was hired
to study High Line O+M. This consultant determined
operations/maintenance challenges and provided long-term management solutions. Challenges included: delivering
materials to the elevated railway itself; restrictions on vehicle type, the complex horticultural plantings, and lack of space for traditional storage yard and construction equipment.

The Consultant identified comprehensive maintenance
needs, defined daily operating costs based on maintenance staff requirements, proposed specific administrative, security and programming staff positions, designed temporary
maintenance and administrative facilities and identified specialized service equipment, and developed an O+M
Manual that helped define the public/private partnership that currently operates the High Line, helping prepare the Client transition from “development” mode to operating
mode.

High Line’s ecologically complex plantings require
nuanced gardening approach. Image source: High Line
Blog
The High Line
New York City, NY
page sources: thehighline.org; NYT High Line Low Crime, Gothamist, NYT $20M Gift, NYC Parks

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 186
Project Summary
Active FEMA Floodway project integrating multi-use
trail system and parks; 2.3 miles long; 160 acres. Anchor park along 53-mile trail system. “Buffalo Bayou Park is infrastructure you can live with.”
Capital Funding
2015 for $53M (majority privately funded)
Annual Operating Budget
$6.6M annual operating budget (2020) - sustained by
Downtown Tax Increment Finance Zone, the Houston First
Corporation, and the Houston Parks board. Security is
publicly funded. (confirm if $6.6M is for park or for wider trail system.)
Operating Hours
6am-11pm every day in lit areas / dawn to dusk in unlit areas.

Physical Security
Park porous on all edges - no gates or locks to prevent entry after hours
Monitoring
There are 24 hour patrols of weekend security, and a
hired guard who provides security from 4pm to 6am on
weeknights.

O+M Stakeholders & Roles
Buffalo Bayou Partnership (non-profit): responsible for O+M Volunteers & community service workers: support
conservation and O+M efforts by removing weeds/invasive species, planting native wildflowers, and trash pick-up and silt removal after heavy rains.

Houston Police Dept: Patrol trails and parks
Lessons Learned

1. Dog parks, sand volleyball courts, and other active program zones have successfully deterred criminal behaviors in these areas. Some crime like robbery has occurred within the wider Buffalo Bayou Trail system; events typically occur under bridges and other areas with limited visibility or not quickly accessible by the main road. Lesson: invest in community programming. Provide clear lines of sight, place extra
security cameras in obscured areas and emergency
phone call boxes along the corridor. Fund patrols during operating hours.

2. Overall trail system is difficult to navigate for users.

Lesson: invest in clear maps, signage and wayfinding.

3. Emergency first responders have difficulty locating people along the trail. Lesson: Integrate location markers along the corridor to help users communicate their location
during an emergency. Police and first responders should be trained on how to access and use the data.

4. Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been effective in hosting event-based programming that attracts routine use and
helps community engage more deeply with the landscape
(e.g. environmental education). Lesson: consider
partnerships

5. Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been successful in inviting thousands of volunteers annually to support O+M and
conservation efforts, which builds community ownership.

Lesson: consider community participation
Buffalo Bayou Park
Houston, TX
page sources: Houston-News-BBP-Security;
BuffaloBayou.org; Buffalo-Bayou-Partnership-O+M,
BuffaloBayou-2020-Annual-Report; Buffalo-Bayou-Crime
O+M case studies
The non-profit Buffalo Bayou Partnership invites
community volunteers to participate in park
conservation efforts. Image source: Buffalo Bayou
Partnership

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Project Summary
22-mile rails-to-trails loop
Capital Funding
unknown
Annual Operating Budget
unknown
Operating Hours
24 hours every day
Physical Security
Park porous on all edges - no gates or locks to prevent entry Monitoring
Path Force Unit patrols 10am-1am - primarily bike patrols, but also on foot, off-road motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles.

O+M Stakeholders & Roles
Atlanta BeltLine Inc: capital project development lead
City of Atlanta: responsible for O+M
Atlanta Department of Public Works: maintains trail lights Trees Atlanta: local non-profit organization prunes trees/ clears invasive growth
Atlanta Police Dept & Atlanta Police Foundation: responsible for security
Lessons Learned

1. Many partnerships for funding and operation including various city and state agencies and non-profits share capital and operating costs. Lesson: Involve stakeholders early and seek partnerships.

2. Design follows environmental design crime prevention principles. Lesson: integrate safety-enhancing design
principles

3. High level of safety features throughout trail. GA Dept of Transportation funded lighting installation & security camera upgrades. Bridges well lit and security cameras present throughout trail and adjacent parks. Trail features mile- marker locating system enabling fast emergency response times. Lesson: integrate safety features

4. High level of daily police patrols enabled by $1.8 million grant from the US Dept of Justice COPS program for military veterans. Lesson: Develop potential grant list and hold city staff/consultant time to apply

5. Conflicts between mobility users occur when fast bikers & skateboarders; and motorized scooters, which are prohibited, collide with pedestrians. Lesson: Invest in good etiquette signage, clear pavement delineations (and separation
when possible) for various modes, and consider
enforcement operations.

6. The BeltLine is considered safe during the day and very kid-friendly. As Atlanta suffers from relatively high base crime rate per capita, violent crimes have infrequently occurred on the trail, typically at night after patrols have left and when victims have been alone. Lesson: high visitorship and visible patrols maintain public safety during the day.

Securing the Wash and regular patrols can reduce crime
risk after hours.

7. Due to the massive surge in interest in BeltLine adjacent properties, property prices have increased pricing of
such properties, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

Developers have been transforming them into luxury
living and pricing out former residents. Atlanta Beltline Inc has funded only a small fraction of 5,600 promised
affordable housing units. Homes values within a half-mile of the BeltLine have increased 18-27% 2011-2015, leading to protests against gentrification. Lesson: Sponsor corridor housing study to evaluate economic opportunities and
address possible gentrification.

Atlanta BeltLine
Atlanta, GA
page sources: BeltLine.org-Pathway-Force; Atlanta-
Magazine; BeltLine-Security-Upgrades; BeltLine-
Strategic-Report
Atlanta BeltLine bike police serve as ambassadors for
visitors and patrol every day from 10am-1am. Image
source: Atlanta Magazine

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 188

Management strategies play an important role in park safety as well. Approaches that increase staff presence and visibility encourage higher levels of interaction between staff and parks goers, which enhances other safety-related initiatives.

There is evidence to suggest that moving from the current “flying squad” model where city crews rotate in and out of many parks doing maintenance work, to a “zone-based”
model where crews are responsible for specific areas, results in cleaner parks.

appendix A.
baseline hydrology
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY

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The Verdugo Wash is entirely located within the City of Glendale and is a 9.4-mile-long engineered channel and a tributary of the Los Angeles River. The Verdugo Wash was originally a natural riverbed before the engineered concrete channel was constructed in the 1930s by Los Angeles
County to improve the conveyance of flooding from the
Verdugo catchment into the Los Angeles River.

Based on an assessment of satellite topography for the
Glendale area, the natural Verdugo Wash catchment has
a total area of just over 21 square miles. The figure below shows the narrow, urbanized catchment alongside the lower reaches of the Wash and the catchment picking up runoff from the Verdugo Mountains, Crescenta Highlands and the non-urban areas of Angeles National Forest. Some areas outside of the natural catchment drain into the wash via sub- surface drainage networks.

Figure 2-1: Verdugo Wash catchment area ©BuroHappold
Heading upstream from the confluence with the Los Angeles River just northeast of Griffith Park, the channel extends northeast through heavily urbanized areas in the lower
catchment, then north between the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills and then it moves northwest along the eastern edge of the Verdugo Mountains. This upper part of the catchment is steeper and rockier with partial vegetation cover. The upper extremity of the channel is just south of Interstate 210 in the Crescenta Valley.

The Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam is the only part of the channel the Verdugo Wash that is “soft bottomed” or not lined in concrete. The basin has an approximate length of 0.3 miles and represents 3.2% of the total length of the Verdugo Wash.
appendix A
baseline hydrology
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY

VERDUGO WASH TRACE

CATCHMENT AREA
2 miles1/2
1/4 1 mile

Most of the constructed channel is rectangular in cross section, with varying widths from approximately 17 feet in the north in Crescenta Valley, to 89 feet to the south where it connects to the Los Angeles River.

Immediately downstream of the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam, the channel has a trapezoidal cross section with an average bottom width of 22 feet and a top width of 73 feet.

The trapezoidal channel represents approximately 9.5% of the entire length of the Verdugo Wash and passes through the Oakmont Country Club Golf Course.

Along the channel there are six access ramps to the channel and five tributaries are identified as feeding into the Verdugo Wash, as can be seen in Figure 2 3. These have been
considered when developing a potential top bank multi-
modal facility.

A HEC-RAS model developed by USACE has been provided
to the project team from LACFCD. This provides peak
flood flows and flood depths in the Verdugo Wash for the 1:100-year event, which is a key design constraint. The USACE HEC-RAS report provides information on the cross- section channel width and depth, as well as the calculated flow depths for the 1:100-year event. The Verdugo Wash
Visioning team has used this information to identify sections of the wash which may be suitable for intervention.

To ensure that the any interventions do not increase the risk of flooding to neighboring properties and surrounding areas, an assessment of the required freeboard has been undertaken.

Freeboard Classification
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
website provides two definitions of freeboard.
a. An additional amount of height above the Base Flood
Elevation used as a factor of safety (e.g., 2 feet above the Base Flood) in determining the level at which a structure’s lowest floor must be elevated or flood-proofed to be in accordance with state or community floodplain management regulations.
b. Freeboard is a factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. “Freeboard” tends to compensate for the many unknown
factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings, and
the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.

Freeboard is not required by National Flood Insurance
Program standards, but communities are encouraged to
adopt at least a 1-ft freeboard to account for the one-foot rise built into the concept of designating a floodway and the encroachment requirements where floodways have not been designated. Freeboard results in significantly lower flood insurance rates due to lower flood risk.

Seeing as there is no clear guidance on what freeboard to adopt for the Verdugo Wash, the design team has used the 2 feet FEMA guidance (as suggested in point (a) above) for freeboard classifications of the existing wash. Any areas with less than 2-ft available freeboard are considered unsuitable for structural interventions. It should also be emphasized that structural interventions within the channel will reduce the available freeboard in comparison with the baseline assessment.

An analysis has been carried out using the levels provided from the USACE flood model to assess the available
freeboard within the channel, presented in the forthcoming section “Opportunities & Constraints.”
Climate Change
To ensure that any proposals within the Verdugo Wash are resilient and equipped to deal with a changing future, it is recommended to apply a climate change allowance. An
article published in Nature by Polade et. al. (2017), titled “Precipitation in a warming world: Assessing the projected hydro-climate changes in California and other Mediterranean climate regions,” estimates the expected percentage
increase in precipitation intensity to be approximately 20% for the events above the 99th percentile for California. This can be seen in Figure 2-4.

Buro Happold therefore recommends applying a 20% climate change allowance to the 1 in 100-year event to represent the design flood event (DFE) for the future condition. This allowance will address the predicted increase in precipitation intensity and the associated uplift in water levels within the channel. This climate change allowance is in addition to the recommended 2 feet freeboard, which represents a buffer for safety and uncertainty.

Figure 2-2 top: The Verdugo Wash downstream close to its connection to the LA River; bottom: the wash immediately south of the debris basin where the only trapezoidal section condition exists.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 192

Figure 2-3: Access and Tributaries to the Verdugo Wash channel ©BuroHappold Figure 2-4: CMIP5 multi-model ensemble average changes in winter precipitation (a) frequency and (b) intensity average in different percentile categories over the Mediterranean-climate grids. source: Polade et. al. (2017), p.4 !melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY
Access ramp
Tributary
Verdugo Wash trace
Catchment

VERDUGO WASH TRACE

CATCHMENT AREA

ACCESS RAMP

TRIBUTARY

Figure 2-5: Typical sections throughout Verdugo Wash ©BuroHappold Prototypical Areas Of Study
To provide an understanding of the channel capacity for the DFE, 1 in 100-year return period plus 20% climate change allowance with a 2 feet freeboard applied, representative cross sections from the USACE model report have been
assessed.

Six typical segments have been identified within the
Verdugo Wash; the Debris Dam Basin is excluded from this assessment. See Figure 2-5 for an overview of the sections and their approximate associated length.

The following section provides and overview of the capacity within the identified six stretches, as well as an example cross section from the USACE model (1 in 100-year return period) based on a River Station within the given section.

A site photo from the approximate location has also been included to provide more of an understanding of the channel within that stretch of the Verdugo Wash.

The flow, velocity and water depth are presented both for the 1 in 100-year event, as well as the DFE, which includes 20% climate change allowance. The cross-section area
(CSA) percentage filled has also been calculated for the 1 in 100-year event. A similar exercise has been carried out for the DFE to understand the potential increase in water level because of climate change. At this preliminary stage, the velocity has been assumed to be unchanged to give
an upper estimate of the likely increase in depth. When calculating the CSA utilized in the DFE, the calculation approach has been revised so that 100% does not refer to the top of bank condition (like the 1 in 100-year calculation based on the USACE) but includes the recommended
allowance for 2 feet freeboard.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 194
Henderson Canyon

2.5-mile stretch
Golf Course

0.8-mile stretch
Glorietta Tennis Park

0.4-mile stretch
Glendale Community College

3.3-mile stretch
Concord Street

1.2-mile stretch
Confluence area

0.2-mile stretch

Calculations based on information extracted directly from the USACE model.

Calculations include 20% uplift in design flows for climate change and 2 feet freeboard.

The resultant CSA % is based on the area remaining following subtraction of the freeboard area.

Henderson Canyon segment (RS 4570)
Golf Course segment (RS 25979.37)
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY
1 RS 4570 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 9,665 cf/s 11,598 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 39.34 ft/s 39.34 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 5.6 ft 6.7 ft
CSA Filled (%) 70% 110%
1 2
RS 25979.37 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 18,000 cf/s 21,600 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 53.22 ft/s 53.22 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 6.5 ft 7.8 ft
CSA Filled (%) 65% 90%
1 2
2 WS DESIGN DISCHARGE

GROUNDWATER

BANK STATION

CRIT DESIGN DISCHARGE

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Glendale Community College segment (RS 16400)
Glorietta Tennis Park segment (RS 24755.26)
RS 24755.26 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 34,600 cf/s 41,520 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 59.77 ft/s 59.77 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 13.2 ft 15.8 ft
CSA Filled (%) 70% 95%
1 2
RS 16400 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 37,350 cf/s 44,820 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 55.57 ft/s 55.57 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 7.6 ft 9.2 ft
CSA Filled (%) 55% 75%
1 2

Calculations based on information extracted directly from the USACE model.

Calculations include 20% uplift in design flows for climate change and 2 feet freeboard.

The resultant CSA % is based on the area remaining following subtraction of the freeboard area. !melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY
Concord Street segment (RS 2847.55)
Confluence segment (RS 1291.30)
RS 2847.55 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 42,900 cf/s 51,480 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 51.64 ft/s 51.64 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 9.4 ft 11.33 ft
CSA Filled (%) 65% 90%
1 2
1 2
RS 1291.3 1:100 DFE (20% CC + 2ft)
Flow (cf/s) 42,900 cf/s 51,480 cf/s
Velocity (fs) 52.35 ft/s 52.35 ft/s
Water Depth (ft) 9.3 ft 11.17 ft
CSA Filled (%) 95% 140%
1 2

WS DESIGN DISCHARGE

GROUNDWATER

BANK STATION

CRIT DESIGN DISCHARGE

Hydrology Constraints
Two factors represent the major constraints for development within the Verdugo Wash from a hydrological perspective:
(1) the limited freeboard available within the channel; and (2) the high velocities for the higher order events, such as the 1-in-100-year event.

Limited Freeboard
Limited freeboard means that interventions within the
channel must be developed either above the water level or designed so that they can be inundated for the design flood event.

Additionally, in sections of the existing channel where the capacity is already close to the “maximum” for the
1-in-100-year event, there is not much space available for interventions within the channel, as hydrological capacity must be retained.

The base available freeboard (not including any
contingencies) within the existing Verdugo Wash flood
channel is depicted in Figure 2-11.

As already presented in the initial analysis of the Verdugo Wash, there exists very little if no right-of-way along the channel. With properties, residences, streets, parks, etc built up so close to the Verdugo Wash channel, and the
constraints associated with the retention of the hydrologic function of the channel, the capacity of the channel directly influences the typology and feasibility of any intervention.

As such, interventions will need to be strategically and specifically located to discrete sections of the Verdugo Wash. Furthermore, with any intervention, it must be
demonstrated that there is sufficient hydrologic capacity accommodated.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 198

Figure 2-11: Freeboard classification based on the USACE model for the 1 in 100-year event ©BuroHappold !melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY
mile0 1/2
1/4
< 2 FT
< 2 FT

FREEBOARD CLASSIFICATION

BRIDGES & CHANNEL CROSS SECTIONS

BRIDGES

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION
2 FT - 3.5 FT
2 FT - 3.5 FT

3.5 FT - 5 FT

3.5 FT - 5 FT
> 5 FT
> 5 FT
Hydrological Velocities
The velocities for the 1-in-100-year event have also been analyzed and presented visually, based on the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) model. This information is depicted in Figure 2-12.

As can be seen from the Figure, high velocities are modeled for the entirety of the channel, in the downstream sections.

In these sections, the velocities are in excess of 50-feet per second (or 35 miles per hour).

This fast-moving water represents a risk to any people or animals in the Verdugo Wash for the higher order return periods, and it must therefore be assured that a flood
warning and evacuation plan is implemented to ensure that the appropriate evacuation is undertaken, and that - should portions of the Wash become accessible as a community
park - the channel is closed off to the public prior to significant precipitation events.

These velocities also have implications for the types of interventions for consideration.

Cycling pathways on platforms and any planting within the Verdugo Wash, for example, would have to be designed
and constructed in such a way to be able to withstand the modeled velocities, and ensure that debris is not transported downstream causing potential issues with the capacity.

Anticipatory Planning
The implications of climate change and the associated
operation and maintenance (O&M) constitute further
considerations for the future planning of the Verdugo Wash.

The future almost certainly holds an increase in precipitation intensity, which will inevitably further reduce the available capacity within the Verdugo Wash.

Thus, with any design scenario, it is recommended to plan for an additional 20% capacity to serve as a climate change allowance. With this contingency, any design scenario for the Verdugo Wash would take into account not only the
multi-benefit public space aspect but also seek to preserve hydrologic function.

Additional options to reduce the impact of climate change are further explored in the “Mitigation” section (on the following spread).

The primary function of the Verdugo Wash is to convey
stormwater and to do so, O&M is required. The condition of the channel itself and its concrete walls and bottom must be accessible to inspection, and repair, if required. It is also important that debris does not get trapped and accumulate within the channel. (The existing Debris Basin Dam, for example, is found to collect sediments and its information has been sought from the LACFD on the type of materials and frequency of removal.)
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 200

Figure 2-12: Velocity classification based on the USACE model for the 1-in-100-year event ©BuroHappold !melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY
mile0 1/2
1/4

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION VELOCITIES
< 20 FT/SEC
20 - 35 FT/SEC
35 - 50 FT/SEC
> 50 FT/SEC
Hydrology Opportunities
A key guiding principle is to maintain the hydrologic function of the channel, but there are opportunities to better utilize this extensive piece of stormwater infrastructure. In areas with capacity, structural interventions can be implemented to provide and improve the ecological conditions, connectivity through cycle and pedestrian paths, as well as public
realm. Based on the restrictions represented by the major constraints, limited freeboard, and high velocities, a ‘point by point’ intervention strategy can be developed seeking to maximize connectivity. The sections of the channel with the most freeboard available represent the areas with the greatest opportunities for structural interventions within the channel.

The Debris Basin Dam is one location, for example, that would serve as a good candidate for both ecological and civic enhancement. The Debris Basin Dam is understood to have limited implications for the “higher order” flood events.

In addition, for more frequent return periods water can be slowed down in this particular location (instead of rapidly being transported downstream). This thereby creates
opportunities for a range of vegetation / plant species.

Additionally, the Debris Basin Dam is prime area to consider groundwater recharge. Recharging groundwater aquifers
in arid environments, which often have insufficient
water resources available to meet potable and non-
potable demands, may help the overall natural water
balance.

A water supply assessment for City of Glendale found that 68% of the City’s water is imported. Though the amount of potential groundwater recharge would be limited due to the infrequency and velocities of the higher order events, any groundwater recharge could contribute to larger offsets of urban water use.

Another - albeit more significant - idea for consideration is to somehow increase the capacity of the channel. This can be done through modifications to the various “profiles” or “cross-sections” where feasible. These are physical alterations to the profile of the channel itself - such as extending the walls or transforming the trapezoidal sections into rectangular profiles, in order to affect the baseline water level. This is explored further in the table on the following page.

Figure 2-13: Debris Basin Dam photos from the Project Team’s site visit in April 2021.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 202

Hydrology Mitigation
The following is a collection of potential mitigation strategies that can be implemented to address modifications to the hydrological performance of the Verdugo Wash.

In addition to these ideas, there are opportunities outside of the actual Verdugo Wash channel (and therefore outside of the scope area) that can affect the capacity of the channel.

Such ideas will be explored in a future phase.

Installment of
screen protection
against gardens
alongside the
Verdugo Wash.

Wider stormwater
management
outside of the
Verdugo Wash site
boundary
Extend the walls of
the Verdugo Wash
channel vertically
by building new
walls on top of the
existing top of
bank.

Change of channel
cross-section
Groundwater
recharge
Reduces the worries and hesitations
neighbors along the Verdugo Wash have
expressed in terms of their privacy and
safety being reduced as a result of the
project.

Reducing the overland flows through
sustainable drainage systems, such
as infiltration basins, green roofs, rain
gardens, and permeable pavements.

A wider green infrastructure approach
to stormwater in Glendale can reduce
the flows in the Verdugo Wash and
thereby adjust for the flows resulting
from the increase predicted in rainfall
intensity because of climate change.

As a result, the existing utilization of
the channel can be maintained in the
future. Consider opportunities within the
tributaries feeding the Verdugo Wash,
like Dunsmore Canyon, which could also
function as key ecological connections.

This could increase the capacity of
the channel and allow for further
interventions within the wash, while
maintaining the hydraulic capacity.

By changing the trapezoidal sections
of the channel to a rectangular cross-
section, the water level is drastically
reduced. This allows for interventions
within the channel. Having tiered
sections could also provide public
realm along the Verdugo Wash while
maintaining the hydraulic functioning of
the channel.

By providing infiltration of stormwater
along the wash there would be benefits
in terms of groundwater recharge, which
can be used to meet water demands.

Reduces the worries and hesitations
neighbors along the Verdugo Wash
have expressed in terms of their
privacy and safety being reduced as a
result of the project.

Having the financial resourcing
and locating areas suitable for
intervention. From the perspective of
the Verdugo Wash, the timelines of
future interventions and quantified
assessments of green infrastructure
in the catchment would have to
be considered if it is intended to
compensate for the effect of climate
change in the channel.

This would further close off the
channel and would add more concrete
to the existing channel, rather than
representing a re-naturalization
process. Potential issues with the
existing design life of the wash and the
structural integrity of the added walls.

Understood to represent expensive
work which would have to be agreed
with the Golf Course, as this is where
the trapezoidal sections are located.

Changes to the cross sections would
have to happen during a time of year
where larger precipitation events will
not/ are very unlikely to occur.

The amount of infiltrated stormwater
is understood to represent a small
volume for the larger order events,
where there are capacity issues in
terms of interventions within the
Verdugo Wash.

This would be most relevant in sections
of the Verdugo Wash where residential
houses and garden are located just
adjacent to the wash, such as the more
urbanized downstream sections.

This would be considered suitable in
the upstream sections of the Verdugo
catchment as more space is available
for the implementation of green
infrastructure. This does however
come with a host of benefits and would
be beneficial also in more densely
urban areas as it improves ecological
conditions, reduces urban heat island
effect, and increases amenity.

This would be most relevant in sections
where there is limited freeboard available,
such as sections upstream of the Debris
Basin Dam.

This could be relevant in the section of
the Verdugo Wash going through the
Golf Course, just downstream of the
Debris Basin Dam.

This would be suitable in areas that are
permeable, such as the Debris Basin
Dam. Other parks and open areas in close
proximity to the Verdugo Wash could also
be investigated, but that would contain
conveying flood water out of the channel.

ITEM BENEFITS POTENTIAL ISSUES SUITABLE LOCATIONS
!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX A: HYDROLOGY

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 204

appendix B.
mobility considerations
!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY

CITY OF GLENDALETHE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT DRAFT206

The story of the Verdugo Wash has always been about
movement.

Water told the first story - finding the route of least resistance. Precipitation running down the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains collected in the former Verdugo Creek and was funneled between the Verdugo Mountains and San
Rafael Hills through the Verdugo Canyon before washing
across the alluvial plains to join the LA River.

Beyond the flow of water, we can understand the Verdugo Wash in terms of rail infrastructure, which hugged the
contours of the nearby mountains to connect riders to
stations in Montrose, La Crescenta, La Canada, and Tujunga.

The popularity of the automobile tells today’s story best.

Looking to traverse up from south Glendale and avoiding the highway - which is a necessity for those on foot and bike - one follows the roadways of Glenoaks, Verdugo, La Canada, and La Crescenta. This set of similar paths, intuited from the natural landscape’s rich topography, is so basic we no longer register it.

However, the opportunity to transform the Verdugo Wash
into a vibrant, accessible, and interconnected pedestrian and cycling spine is a very attainable future narrative.

Such a corridor would entirely transform connectivity for Glendalians, serving those seeking active alternatives for purposes like health, climate, financial, recreation, and necessity.

Aligning with the City of Glendale’s goals of increasing multi- modal transportation options for its residents, the Verdugo Wash’s positioning and contribution to surrounding networks would provide monumental potential for a future multi-
modal mobility corridor while providing public park space for Glendale’s residents. The associated benefits would be numerous, including aspects of economy, public health, and safety. Strategically positioned entry points would greatly improve the Wash’s visitation for recreational and functional trips, would encourage an active lifestyle, seamlessly
connect commuters to major transit hubs, and provide a safe alternative for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Figure 1-1 left: Existing cycling times from downtown; and right: projected cycling times from downtown, anticipating additional entrances and the use of cycling paths in the Verdugo Wash. Per the legend, the darker the color, the faster the cycle time ©BuroHappold appendix B
mobility considerations
!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
5 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
15 MINUTES
20 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
30 MINUTES

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 208
P 8 SAN GABRIEL AVE ( EXISTING)
P1: Boston Avenue (existing access point) P2: Dunsmore Avenue (existing access point) P5: Whiting Woods Road looking north (existing access point) P6: Oakendale Place (potential access point) P9: San Gabriel Avenue (existing access point) P10: Glorietta Tennis Park (potential access point) P14: Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School (potential access point)P13: Oak Knoll Road (potential wildlife access point) In-depth analysis of key destinations, land uses, mobility network, apparent site constraints, and distances rationalized for pedestrians and bicyclists resulted in the following set of access points candidates. The Project Team recommends this set of candidates be further studied and discussed together with the community and relevant stakeholders.
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P 7 BASIN ( EXISTING)
P 11 WABASSO WAY (POTENTIAL)
P 15 LOT 30 (EXISTING)
P3: New York Avenue looking north (proposed access point) P4: Eagle Canyon Channel (potential wildlife access point) P7: Shirlyjean Street looking north (existing access point) P8: Basin (existing access point) P11: Fern Lane / El Rito Avenue (potential access point) P12: Wabasso Way (potential access point) P15: Verdugo Park (potential access point) P16: Lot 30 (existing access point)

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 210
P 19 BONNIE ACADEMY (EXISTING)
P17: E Glenoaks Boulevard Bridge looking east-northeast (potential access point)
P21: First German United Methodist Church (existing access point) P18: Geneva Street & Monterey Road looking west
(potential access point)
P25: San Fernando Road (potential access point)
P22: Fremont Park (potential access point)
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P 21 CONCORD ST(POTENTIAL)
P19: N. Brand Boulevard (potential access point) P20: N. Pacific Avenue (potential access point) P24: Estelle Ave (potential access point)P23: Concord Street (potential access point)

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 212
P1: Boston Avenue
P1: Boston Avenue (existing access point)
to verdugo
mountain trail
heads
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P1: Boston Avenue
wash bank can
accommodate
wildlife movement
ramps provide
potential access
points for wildlife

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 214
P2: Dunsmore Avenue
P2: Dunsmore Avenue (existing access point)

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
215
APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P2: Dunsmore Avenue
ramp can be used for
wildlife access
connection to dunsmore canyon
channel (potential wildlife passage
corridor to san gabriel mountains)

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 216
P3: New York Avenue looking north (proposed access point) P3: New Y ork Avenue
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P3: New Y ork Avenue

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 218
P4: Eagle Canyon Channel
prioritized as potential wildlife crossing
P4: Eagle Canyon Channel (potential wildlife access point) access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P4: Eagle Canyon Channel
prioritized as potential wildlife crossing existing ramp where channel connects to the wash could be used
for wildlife passage

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 220
P5: Whiting Woods Road looking north (existing access point) P5: Whiting Woods Road
potential wildlife corridor along
bank adjacent to el lado dr
established wildlife corridor
to whiting wood trailhead and
into verdugo mountains
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
221
APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P5: Whiting Woods Road
potential wildlife corridor along
bank adjacent to el lado dr
connection to eagle canyon (potential
corridor for wildlife passage to san
gabriel mountains)
ramps provide access to wash
wildlife corridor and corridor
connections
existing traffic light at
intersection provides safer
crossing across honolulu ave

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 222
P6: Oakendale Place (potential access point)
P6: Oakendale Place
opportunity to differentiate this
access point for local residence only
(e.g. with private gated entry)
potential wildlife corridor along
bank adjacent to el lado dr
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P6: Oakendale Place
opportunity to differentiate this
access point for local residence only
(e.g. with private gated entry)
potential wildlife corridor along
bank adjacent to el lado dr

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 224
P7: Shirlyjean Street looking north (existing access point) P7: Shirlyjean Avenue
connection to camp
bob waldorf, verdugo
mountain trails
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P7: Shirlyjean Avenue
potential switchback for
north access
connection to oakmont debris
basin and san rafael ecological
connection
existing traffic light at
intersection provides safer
crossing across la crescenta ave

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 226
P8: Oakmont Debris Basin
P 7 BASIN ( EXISTING)
P8: Basin (existing access point)
ULART-proposed elevated parkway connection
to the verdugo mountains
connection to leviathan’s
teeth trailhead
most promising candidate for ecological
connection between san rafael hills and
verdugo mountains
halls canyon (open channel) is a potential
wildlife corridor to san gabriel mountains
access point candidate study

!melk+BuroHappold
227
APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P8: Oakmont Debris Basin
connection to leviathan’s
teeth trailhead
opportunity to create and
enhance wetland and native
habitat
connection to oakmont
country club golf course
(active wildlife corridor)
connection to john c. fremont
elementary school
connection to honolulu ave
most promising candidate for ecological
connection between san rafael hills and
verdugo mountains
halls canyon (open channel) is a potential
wildlife corridor to san gabriel mountains
existing traffic light at
intersection provides safer
crossing across la crescenta ave

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 228
Southern California Edison Right-Of-Way at Oakmont Country Club potential wildlife corridor
Southern California Edison R.O.W. at Oakmont Country Club (potential wildlife corridor)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
Southern California Edison Right-Of-Way at Oakmont Country Club potential wildlife corridor
land beneath the southern california edison row power lines should be considered as a wildlife corridor from verdugo mountains to the wash

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 230
P9: San Gabriel Avenue
P 8 SAN GABRIEL AVE ( EXISTING)
P9: San Gabriel Avenue (existing access point)
wildlife can follow existing ramp into wash
(chain-link gate/fence would need to be opened
or retrofitted with wildlife fencing)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P9: San Gabriel Avenue
wildlife can follow existing ramp into wash
(chain-link gate/fence would need to be opened
or retrofitted with wildlife fencing)
connection to sparr tunnel
(potential connection to san
rafael hills)
connection to oakmont
country club golf course
(active wildlife corridor)

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 232
P10: Glorietta Tennis Park (potential access point)
P10: Glorietta Tennis Park
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P10: Glorietta Tennis Park
high priority site for passage
between verdugo mountains and
san rafael hills - connection to fern
lane underpass and SCE right-of-
way
additional connection to san rafael
hills via fern lane underpass and
SCE right-of-way
connection to sparr tunnel
(potential wildlife passage to
san rafael hills)
existing traffic light at
intersection provides safer
crossing across verdugo rd

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 234
P11: Fern Lane / El Rito Avenue
P11: Fern Lane / El Rito Avenue (potential access point) work with existing homeowners to encourage wildlife value and
enhance privacy
connection to glorietta park
wildlife corridor connections
work with existing homeowners
to encourage wildlife value and
enhance privacy
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P11: Fern Lane / El Rito Avenue
connection to glorietta park
wildlife corridor connections
connection to glendale sports
complex; connection to
hwy-2 underpass (key wildlife
crossing to san rafael hills)
connection to oak knoll road
wildlife corridor connecting to
san rafael hills
work with existing homeowners
to encourage wildlife value and
enhance privacy
existing traffic light at fern lane at
intersection provides safer crossing
of verdugo road

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 236
P12: Wabasso Way
P 11 WABASSO WAY (POTENTIAL)
P12: Wabasso Way (potential access point)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
at multi-family complex

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 238
P13: Oak Knoll Road (potential wildlife access point)
connections to verdugo park
wildlife corridor, leading to the
verdugo mountains
note: The working stakeholder group requested this
potential access point be evaluated. The Project Team
has concluded that its feasibility is compromised by the presence of existing an struture and its redundancy with other nearby potential access points (e.g. P14).
access point candidate study
P13: Oak Knoll Road

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
connections to verdugo park
wildlife corridor, leading to the
verdugo mountains
could be a wildlife corridor,
especially at night/early
morning and during other
times of low human activity/
traffic
cross n verdugo road to
access potential wildlife
corridors extending to the
san rafael hills
work with residents on oak
knoll road to enhance native
landscaping

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
P13: Oak Knoll Road

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P14: Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School
P14: Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School (potential access point) (left: from west side from Colina Dr) (right: from east side at Crestmont Ct) work with school to confirm
feasibility and operations
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P14: Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School
connection to oak knoll road
wildlife corridor connecting to
san rafael hills
work with school to confirm
feasibility and operations
new bridge

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
connection to verdugo park
wildlife corridor connections to
verdugo mountains

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P15: Verdugo Park
P15: Verdugo Park (potential access point)
at existing pedestrian bridge
wildlife corridor connection
to verdugo mountain north of
stengel field (avoids humans)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P15: Verdugo Park
at existing pedestrian bridge
existing glendale community
college pedestrian bridge
connection to wildlife corridors at
glendale community college
one of two proposed key routes
between verdugo mountains and
san rafael hills

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P16: Lot 30
P 15 LOT 30 (EXISTING)
P16: Lot 30 (existing access point)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P16: Lot 30
lot 30 opportunities
potential for construction
of overpass or underpass
to cross n verdugo road
connection to hillside south
of mountain st (natural
habitat area)
connection to glendale
community college and verdugo
park wildlife corridors
ada compliant; provides wash access
for wildlife - most likely candidate for
southern passage between the san
rafael hills and verdugo mountains
existing traffic light at e mountain
street intersection at intersection
provides safer crossing
existing bus stop

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P17: E Glenoaks Boulevard Bridge looking east-northeast (potential access point)
P17: E Glenoaks Boulevard
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P17: E Glenoaks Boulevard
serves woodrow wilson
middle school
employ privacy measures to
distinguish existing multi-family
and proposed access point
at multi-family complex
historic bridge would
be respected; utility
modifications likely
needed

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P18: Geneva Street & Monterey Road looking west
(potential access point)
P18: Geneva Street & Monterey Road
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P18: Geneva Street & Monterey Road
historic bridge would
be respected
make use of existing
green space
connects to woodrow
wilson middle school

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 250
P19: N Brand Boulevard
P19: N. Brand Boulevard (potential access point)

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P19: N Brand Boulevard
downtown glendale
opportunity to connect to
established business

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P20: N Pacific Avenue
P20: N. Pacific Avenue (potential access point)

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P20: N Pacific Avenue
proposed BRT routes
existing bus stop
existing bus stop
existing traffic light at
intersection provides safer
crossing of w glenoaks blvd
and n pacific ave

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 254
P21: First German United Methodist Church
P 19 BONNIE ACADEMY (EXISTING)
P21: First German United Methodist Church (existing access point)

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING
historic bridge
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P21: First German United Methodist Church
historic bridge
existing traffic light at intersection
provides safer crossing of kenilworth
ave and w glenoaks blvd

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P22: Fremont Park
P22: Fremont Park (potential access point)
ramp connection to fremont
park for humans and wildlife
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P22: Fremont Park
fremont park could serve as an “island” of
habitat and open space for humans and
wildlife traveling between verdugo park
and the los angeles river

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P23: Concord Street
P 21 CONCORD ST(POTENTIAL)
P23: Concord Street (potential access point)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P23: Concord Street
viewing platform to
enjoy views of santa
monica mountains
viewing platform to enjoy views of
verdugo mountains, san rafael hills,
and san gabriel mountains

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P24: Estelle Avenue
P24: Estelle Ave (potential access point)
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P24: Estelle Avenue
proposed bikeway

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

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P25: San Fernando Road
P25: San Fernando Road (potential access point)
consider creating access to wildlife
passage that connects to glendale
narrows riverwalk and griffith park
opportunity area for
ecosystem restoration
access point candidate study

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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
P25: San Fernando Road
opportunity area for potential
development or recreational
opportunities
fairmont park and ride
existing sidewalk along san
fernando passes under fairmont
and 134
bridge modifications and/
or working with adjacent
commercial business owner
anticipated
potential connection throughout
wash corridor to connect los
angeles river to the san gabriel
mountains
opportunity area for
ecosystem restoration
existing traffic light at san
fernando and fairmont
provides safer crossing

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE LEGEND
INSTITUTIONAL (e.g. government, church)
3+ UNIT RESIDENTIAL
1+2 UNIT RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE
MIXED USE (e.g. store+residential)

OPEN SPACE / RECREATIONAL
YOUTH/ELDERLY (e.g. school, daycare, senior housing)

UTILITY / INDUSTRIAL / PARKING

Access Point Evaluation
During the previous Pre-Design stage of the Verdugo Wash Visioning, the Project Team identified, studied and evaluated 23 access points along the Wash in order to - via quantitative metrics - understand the merits of such access and prioritize segments of the Wash.

This evaluation considered the following: cycling
infrastructure, transit accessibility, traffic and parking, employment centers, community facilities and environmental justice. Since the Wash passes through many distinct
and diverse neighborhoods, this approach also creates a framework to better understand the context around each
potential access point. The findings from this evaluation were used to progress the Concept Designs and initial
Project Phasing ideas.

Methodology
This evaluation was carried out by identifying a series of parameters within a 1/2-mile study area for each access point. Parameters were selected based on their impacts on improving connectivity for Glendale residents, ensuring the safety of all road users, and ensuring an equitable distribution of recreational green space to all Glendale residents. Once the parameters were identified and selected, each access point was assigned a score from 1 to 3 (low, moderate, and high) using natural breaks (Jenks). These parameters were then used to develop cumulative scores in order to evaluate the access points within the context of the overall project mobility goals.

Figure 1-2: Existing & potential access points
along the Verdugo Wash ©!MELK
Table 1-1: Parameters for access point evaluation ©BuroHappold THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 264

Figure 1-3: Cycling infrastructure availability ©BuroHappold Available Infrastructure for Cycling
The Verdugo Wash is intended to form a multi-modal
spine that would greatly improve accessibility for active transportation users throughout the City of Glendale.

To improve connectivity, the Wash must also plug into
existing bicycle infrastructure. For this reason, the
availability of cycling infrastructure was selected as a parameter as it determines the multi-modal accessibility to the Wash from the surrounding areas. Through this
parameter, areas with relatively low infrastructure can be identified as focus areas for public realm and bicycle network improvements.

Glendale’s bicycle network relies heavily on sharrows, which are painted markings on vehicle travel lanes. Sharrows do not provide sufficient separation or protections for users of active transportation modes. Roadways with sharrows are de-prioritized in the analysis to evaluate cycling
infrastructure more effectively. Based on this analysis, it is found that access points closer to Downtown have
higher cycling accessibility than residential areas along the northern portion of the wash. Glendale Community College and adjacent areas have moderate accessibility, while
several of the northern portions of the Wash have lower accessibility for cyclists.
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

BIKE LANE

SHARROW

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

AVAILABILITY OF

CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE

Figure 1-4: Bicycle and pedestrian collisions (2015-2019) ©BuroHappold Pedestrian and Bike Safety
Pedestrian and cyclist safety are critical in the evaluation of the benefits of integrating access points to the Verdugo Wash.

One consideration is that access points would create
alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists away from fast-moving traffic, reducing the potential for collisions.

Access points closer to Downtown Glendale tend to see
more collisions based on the data, while northern portions of the Wash see relatively fewer collisions per unit length of roadway. This assessment also sheds light on which road segments and intersections adjacent to the Wash will require design interventions to mitigate pedestrian and cyclist collisions with automobiles.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 266
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

BICYCLE COLLISION

CROSSING IN CROSSWALK AT INTERSECTION

CROSSING IN CROSSWALK NOT AT INTERSECTION

CROSSING, NOT IN CROSSWALK

IN ROAD, INCLUDING SHOULDER

NOT IN ROAD

PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE COLLISIONS

Figure 1-5: Transit accessibility ©BuroHappold
Transit
Transit stops adjacent to access points to the Wash
increase access to the Wash, and support visitors from
outside Glendale. This also encourages use of the Wash for commuting by improving access to bus service lines that connect to economic centers and employment hubs. Transit stops adjacent to access points also have the potential to become micro-mobility hubs with access to shared bicycle or scooter facilities. Access points in Fremont Park, Downtown Glendale and College Hills have high transit accessibility, and are well-suited to serve commuters. The northern portion of the Wash which passes through the residential areas like Oakmont, Whiting Woods and Crescenta Highlands have
lower transit accessibility, and therefore have less potential for integrated micro-mobility stations.
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APPENDIX B: MOBILITY
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

BEELINE ROUTES

METRO BUS ROUTE

BUS STOPS

CONNECTIVITY W/ TRANSIT

Traffic: Level of Service
Level of Service is a qualitative measure used to evaluate the quality of motor vehicle traffic service. It is measured as a ratio of the peak vehicles per hour and the designed capacity of the road network.

Level of service is typically measured from A to F, where A indicates the free, unrestricted flow of traffic and F indicates queuing and severe delays. A level of service of A or B implies that there is residual capacity in the network, suggesting opportunities to redistribute traffic within the network, widen sidewalks or increase the availability of pedestrian facilities on segments adjacent to access points.

Relative to other metrics, level of service is de-prioritized as it will require longer-term input and doesn’t directly affect access to the Wash in the early phases of the project.

Access points with limited capacity for road-level
interventions are concentrated along larger arteries in the Downtown area. Access points in residential areas have more potential for road diets, but this is subject to further study.

Figure 1-6: Vehicular level of service on adjacent street ©BuroHappold THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 268
C or lower
A or B

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

LEVELS OF SERVICE

Traffic: Parking
Access points with nearby parking facilities provide
additional modes of access for visitors who travel to the Wash by car.

The number of visitors to the Wash by car is expected
to be low, as it is within walking distance for a significant proportion of Glendale’s residents. Park and ride facilities create additional opportunities for commuters and
recreational users to access the Wash.

Since the primary users of the Wash are Glendale residents, most visitors are expected to be within walking distance of the Wash. Since the Wash is already well-serviced by existing parking in Downtown Glendale as well as public park-and-ride facilities, parking is de-prioritized in the evaluation of access points. It is found that access points in Downtown Glendale are better suited for visitor use, as there is higher surface and multi-story parking availability.

PARKING ACCESSIBILITY
LOW

MULTI-STOREY

SURFACE

PARK & RIDE

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

PARKING

Employment
The number of jobs within the study area of each access point will determine the number of people who may use
the Wash for their daily commute to work. Areas with a lower number of jobs within a ½ mile radius are more likely to be origins for commuters who will use that Wash to
reach employment areas. There is a higher concentration of employment in the Downtown and confluence portion
of the wash, while the northern portion of the wash sees moderate to low employment. This creates opportunities for commuters to travel to areas with high employment from the low employment areas.

EMPLOYMENT
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

Proximity to Community Facilities: Parks
The Verdugo Wash has the potential to provide green
infrastructure to residents across the city. It presents an opportunity to integrate existing parks like Fremont Park, Verdugo Park and Glorietta Park into the Verdugo Wash
project. Access points in areas where there is a lack of green space can provide valuable access for residents who may not have existing green infrastructure near their homes.

Access points near Verdugo Park, Fremont Park and
Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park create
opportunities to integrate the Wash into a recreational corridor. Access points in Rossmoyne and Montrose
Verdugo City have limited or no park access and would
benefit from additional greening interventions.

PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC PARK
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT

Proximity to Community Facilities: Schools & Institutions Since the Verdugo Wash provides an alternative for pedestrians away from streets with high levels of traffic, it can help to create safe routes to school for families with young children. Access points near schools can be used to commute to school, as well as for recreation and after-school activities.

There are several schools across the study area that may be able to take advantage of the Wash as a commuting route. Access points near Glendale Community College are well-suited for potential commuters from other parts of the city.

PROXIMITY TO SCHOOLS
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT
SCHOOL
Proximity to Community Facilities: Trails
Access points near a trailhead can encourage enthusiasts, hikers, and recreational visitors to use the Wash as part of their visit to a hiking trail. Access points 3 through 7 can be used to access Whiting Woods Trailhead and Verdugo
Mountains Open Space Preserve.

PROXIMITY TO TRAILS
LOW
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT
TRAILS

Environmental Justice
Environmental justice seeks to address the exposure
of community environmental health burdens on people.

CalEnviroScreen 4.0 is used as a metric for the exposure to environmental hazards for vulnerable populations within the Verdugo Wash study area.

This metric identifies access points which have higher levels of community environmental health burden and will benefit the most from the provision of additional green space.

Access points closest to the Ventura Freeway see the
highest CalEnviroScreen scores, and would benefit the most from greening interventions
Figure 1-12: CalEnviroScreen scores ©BuroHappold
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 274

ENVIROSCREEN SCORE
LOW

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT
1 2
3 4
5 Cumulative Evaluation
Based on the previous ten metrics presented herein, a
unified ranking was developed to understand the areas
which would benefit the most from having access to the
Wash. This evaluation is used to inform an initial notion of phasing and design opportunities for the project, which are presented on the following pages.

Access points closer to Downtown Glendale, Confluence
Park and Glendale Community College rank highly for
improving accessibility and are expected to see the
highest use. These access points are also well-suited to be integrated into Glendale’s public transportation and bicycle network.

MODERATE
HIGH

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT

VERDUGO WASH ALIGNMENT
Access Point Evaluation:

Opportunities & Constraints
Existing access points have the potential to serve as “quick wins” and can also be used for pilot projects. Among the existing access points, “P15” and “P19” are well suited to being prioritized in the first phase of opening the wash as they provide access to jobs and Glendale Community
College. Access points “P4” and “P6” have moderate
accessibility but will require improvements to the cycling network to be able to provide multi-modal access to the Wash. Access points “P1”, “P2” and “P3” are expected to see lower use, and are better suited to later stages of the project, as they have the potential to connect to schools and parks.

Existing access points may also have design constraints due to issues of ownership of adjacent parcels, which may constrain sizing and transitions onto streets and sidewalks.

Future access points present opportunities for more
ambitious design interventions and can support a wide
variety of users and activities. The access to confluence park, “P23” is an important strategic access point, and create potential to connect to the LA River Bike Path in addition to a welcoming public realm for Glendale residents. “P20” and “P21” are well suited to visitor needs due to their proximity to the park and ride. In the more residential northern portion of the Wash, “P5” is well suited to serving Montrose Verdugo City, has trail access and provides opportunities for families with young children access the nearby kindergarten through safer routes than on vehicular streets.

Several access points have limited pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on adjacent streets, which are an important component to ensuring the success of the Verdugo Wash.

Incorporating sidewalks, streets and intersections that support multi-modal transportation will be instrumental in realizing the mobility benefits of the Verdugo Wash project.

Connections To Existing
Transportation Infrastructure
Integration with existing public transit stops, pedestrian routes and the existing bicycle network in Glendale is key to ensuring that the Verdugo Wash can function as an
artery in the City’s transportation network. Connections to existing facilities also help to induce future demand for the Wash and encourage visitation. BuroHappold has provided recommendations for connecting the Wash to Glendale’s
bicycle and transit networks.

Connections to Transit Infrastructure
Glendale’s Beeline and Metro Bus routes present an
opportunity to provide access to the Wash from across the city and wider region for visitors, and create alternative modes for commuters. For example, a resident living in the Mariposa, Adams Hill or Somerset neighborhoods can take a bus to the nearest Verdugo Wash access point and use a shared or personal bicycle to visit the Verdugo Mountains.

Making connections along N Brand Blvd to commercial areas in Downtown Glendale will also bring economic benefits to businesses in Glendale.

Connections to Bike Network
Integrating the Wash with Glendale’s bicycle network will require improvements on segments and intersections
outside of the Wash. A significant amount of Glendale’s existing bicycle infrastructure utilizes shared lane markings, which do not provide adequate separation between cyclists and vehicular traffic. Converting shared lane markings into dedicated bicycle facilities, particularly those connecting to the Wash, will ensure a safer environment for cyclists by minimizing conflicts between modes. Intersections adjacent to the Wash also play a role in ensuring a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists to connect to it. The City of Glendale is in the process of updating its citywide bike plan, which will focus on improving connections to the Wash.

Improvements at Confluence Park and a bridge connection to the LA River Bike path will expand opportunities for the Wash to be connected to the greater region’s active transportation network. On the northern portion of the Wash, access to the trail heads at Whiting Woods and
Oakmont can be integrated into the Wash so that a
contiguous path connects the regional network to Glendale’s trail system. A full list of recommended improvements
relating to adjacent bike lane segments and intersections is detailed in Table 1-2.

Benefits Of Added Bicycle Paths
The addition of a bicycle path to the Verdugo Wash will have many benefits, among which are increased safety,
access, air quality, and an increase in property values. The separation between bicyclists and automobiles through
a bike trail improves safety. Separated bicycle routes are highly effective because they redirect cyclists away from vehicular traffic, reducing conflicts between modes. Having a dedicated route also discourages pedestrians from
jaywalking. In transitions between dedicated and on-street facilities, lowering vehicular speeds has also been shown to improve safety as collisions are less likely to be fatal.

Bicycle paths offer a parking-free alternative to getting around.

This is especially attractive for the denser neighborhoods in Glendale, where additional cycling infrastructure can alleviate parking demand. By reducing the number of car trips taken in the neighborhood, bicycle paths will not only benefit cyclists but also the neighborhood. Reducing the number of car trips means less congestion and improvements to
air quality in neighborhoods with improvements to bicycle infrastructure.

Furthermore, the addition of bicycle paths has been shown to increase neighborhood desirability and thus property values across the United States. Several studies have shown that identical homes will sell for more with a bicycle path adjacent or in proximity to them than without one. Residents also cite safety and efficiency as additional benefits to their streets in areas with a more robust cycling network.

A study to determine the impact of the bicycle and
pedestrian “Bush Creek trail” on property values in Bush Creek, Santa Rosa, California showed overwhelming opinion that the trail added positive value to the neighborhood. In fact, 61% of real estate agents said they used proximity to the trail as a selling point. 33% of residents indicated the trail would make their homes easier to sell, and 23% of residents said the addition of the bicycle and pedestrian path would allow their home to sell for more. It was also found that the addition of a bike trail did not lead to an increase in crime in the area.

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Shared Or Separated Pedestrian & Cycling Paths
Since the Verdugo Wash is 9.5 miles long, its character, layout and scale will vary based on its surrounding context. A part of this variation will inform whether a dedicated bicycle lane or a shared right of way for all users.

Where possible, a dedicated bicycle lane will allow for unimpeded flows for bicyclists that allow for higher
speeds and increased efficiency. This separation between pedestrians and cyclists ensures safety and minimizes the risk of collisions between pedestrians and cyclists. However, there are areas where space within the Wash may be limited due to available freeboard. A shared right-of-way may be used for pedestrians and active transportation users, and should incorporate calming mechanisms for cyclists as well as appropriate paving. There are also portions of the Wash where visitation is expected to be lower, such as the Whiting Woods and Montrose Verdugo City. In locations where
these constraints occur, it may be appropriate to utilize a shared right of way, as conflicts between users are less likely in areas with low footfall. Transitions between shared and dedicated bike paths should incorporate buffer zones and appropriate signage to ensure that riders are aware of the change and to reduce their speed.

BIKE NETWORK INTEGRATION

BIKE PATHS

BIKE LANE

SHARROW

CONNECTION TO BIKE NETWORK

POTENTIAL ACCESS POINT
Table 1-2: Recommended Bike Network Improvements
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 278

Micro-Mobility Integration
Micro-mobility offers a convenient, affordable, and safe mode of transportation, and includes motorized or human powered devices that can be operated in the same facilities as bicycles. The City of Glendale is currently in the process of implementing a Shared Mobility Pilot program, which will involve electric bicycles, electric scooters, and standard bicycles. Micro-mobility is a suitable option for dense urban areas as well as suburban contexts, as it makes it easier for riders to traverse longer distances.

Since the Verdugo Wash is designed to be bike-friendly, it will also support micro-mobility systems in Glendale.

Access points close to transit stops along the Verdugo
Wash, particularly in Downtown Glendale, College Hills, and Montrose Verdugo City, can make use of micro-mobility
hubs, which are docking stations for storing and charging devices. Access points near micro-mobility hubs can also include ramps or elevators for riders to enter the Wash with their device.

Parking Adjustments
Since the Verdugo Wash is expected to provide
improvements to Glendale’s pedestrian and bicycle networks, it is not expected to require additional parking. It is expected to replace car trips, reducing parking demand across the city. This is particularly beneficial to commercial areas in Glendale’s Downtown, which currently have limited active transportation options and a significant amount of parking capacity.

For visitors from outside Glendale, the four existing park and ride facilities – Fairmont, Harvey, Lowell, and Verdugo will be key nodes that connect to the Verdugo Wash. Visitors may also park in the surface and structured parking facilities in Glendale’s Downtown. A detailed parking study for the Verdugo Wash can be carried out during the pilot phase
of the project to understand visitation demands to better inform the parking adjustment strategy along the Wash.

Figure 1-15: Shared bicycle docking facility in Los Angeles Safety, Maintenance, & Operation Considerations
The successful management of the Verdugo Wash will
ensure smooth operations, effective maintenance and
servicing of facilities, and safety for all visitors.

Once completed, the Verdugo Wash linear park will
operate under the same rules and procedures as Glendale Community Services & Parks facilities.

The park will likely follow the same hours of operation as Glendale’s other parks, which is 6:00am – 10:00pm,
Monday through Sunday.

Vehicular access to streets along access points to the
park will ensure that emergency vehicles like fire trucks or ambulances will be able to service the Wash throughout its hours of operation.

The Verdugo Wash will be maintaining its hydrological
functions and will require additional operational
considerations compared to other park facilities in the City of Glendale. These additional considerations include removal of debris along the waterways and ensuring that the park can be evacuated and access-restricted before major flood events. Based on hydrological models, the velocity of water during a 1-in-100-year flood present a risk to users within the Wash. A robust flood warning plan will be required to ensure that people are able to evacuate, and the channel is closed off to public prior to significant precipitation events.

This may be done in coordination with park management,
and the Wash can be closed to the public on days where
high levels of precipitation are expected. Park cleaning and operations will ensure that there is no debris blocking the waterways following an event where water flows through the channel.
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Phasing Recommendations - Mobility Lens
A phased approach to the Verdugo Wash will be able
to create segments that contribute to Glendale’s active transportation network even at early stages of the project.

At each phase, improvements to the public realm and
connections to existing transportation systems will ensure that the project is integrated with its surroundings and is welcoming for users throughout project implementation.

Pilot Stage – Phase 0
BuroHappold recommends making use of a “Phase 0”, or
pilot stage of the project before major design changes are implemented, which identifies the minimum intervention
for cyclists and visitors to be able to use the Wash. A pilot project helps to create demand for the project and encourages early adoption to make visitors comfortable
with entering and using the Wash for recreational purposes.

Users who may be interested in the Wash include local
residents and cycling enthusiasts, who will be able to
generate feedback about the experience of interacting with the Wash and their mobility patterns.

Having users enter the Verdugo Wash also helps to include it in online platforms like Google Maps, Waze and Strava.

This also creates the opportunity for placemaking and
programming within the Wash, such as bike repair stalls, popups, and other retail activation facilities.

Potential interventions for a pilot project to open the Wash may include the following:
• Existing access points are opened & made accessible; • Safety measures in place to avoid sliding/falls
resurfacing along some areas;
• Ensuring that grade is ADA compliant along Wash and existing access points;
• Wayfinding and temporary interventions;
• Safety measures at adjacent intersections near existing access points;
• Parking locations are communicated to visitors;
Phase 1
In this early phase of the Wash, connecting the park to the LA River bike paths will facilitate circulation and mobility from a wider catchment area, and is expected to encourage access from Glendale residents and visitors alike. This phase is expected to see the highest visitation, as it will connect to N Brand Blvd, which provides easy access to Downtown Glendale. This phase is also well connected to the Metro Bus and Beeline system, which will make it easier to access from other parts of Glendale.

Phase 2
By connecting to several schools as well as Glendale
Community College, phase 2 will begin to demonstrate
the commuting potential of the Wash. Further, the existing access point near the college will be easier to incorporate into the design than a new access point. This entrance will also be able to service visitors from Rossmoyne who want to use the Wash to reach Downtown Glendale and the LA River bike path.

Phase 3
This phase will include connections to the Verdugo
Woodlands neighborhood, which is suburban but dense.

This portion of the Wash can be integrated with Glendale’s Safe Routes to School program, as it will provide alternative routes to schools that are protected from vehicular traffic.

This phase of opening will also include public realm
improvements at key intersections to ensure ease of access and safety for commuters and families with young children.

Phase 4
There is potential to integrate access points to the Wash with public realm improvements and sidewalk provisions
within this study area. Access to the Whiting Woods trailhead and passage through the rolling green spaces through
the Oakmont Country Club will be an attractor for cycling enthusiasts and trail visitors alike. Access points at this segment of the Wash will also support visitors to Montrose Shopping Park.

Phase 5
The final portion of the Wash is a longer-term priority and will be pursued based on design feedback from residents.

This segment of the Wash provides opportunities to visit the Verdugo Mountains trails and connect to the Crescenta Valley Park.
opposite page, Figure 1-16: A potential phasing scenario ©!MELK THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 280

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appendix C.
interconnectedecologies
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 284

Site Context
While the Verdugo Wash is located within an urban
environment, the wider landscape includes a variety of
natural and semi-natural habitats, including the three
distinct hillside/mountain ranges within the city boundary:
the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains - in addition to the numerous open spaces and parks within the city!
Important to note is the precious nature of the Verdugo Mountains, which are designated by the Los Angeles
County as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) as they are considered to support irreplaceable biological resources.

The ¼ mile buffer applied to the Verdugo Wash Visioning project overlaps with the SEA at the northern extent of the Wash, as illustrated in Figure 2-6.

The City of Glendale champions habitat restoration through its “Tree Reforestation” programs, which aims to increase tree canopy coverage. As of 2009, Glendale fosters 48,760 street trees with a variety of 246 species, providing multiple Unique precipitation patterns and the rich topography
surrounding Glendale bore - through natural processes - the original Verdugo Wash (Creek), which was the credible water source that attracted the Tongva to the Wiqanga village just north of 210 on the Verdugo Creek. The Verdugo Wash is
a central feature of how Glendale was eventually founded specifically here.

While the Wash’s channelization facilitated Glendale’s
growth as a young American city, there were
consequences on the local and regional ecologies. While this trade-off is not unique to Glendale, today’s habitat areas are fragmented, often degraded, and subject to climate
change - leading the scientific community to conclude that many local flora and fauna populations are at serious risk.

Ecological enhancement along the Verdugo Wash
is a bona fide opportunity to position Glendale as a
regional leader and support the vegetative and wildlife populations that collectively contribute to the City’s
identity.

Figure 2-6 The Verdugo Mountain SEA. ©BuroHappold
appendix C
interconnected ecologies
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benefits to both people and wildlife. Furthermore, under the City’s Municipal Code, the following habitat characteristics are also protected: Oak, Bay, and Sycamore trees; blue
line streams (riparian habitats), and ridgelines. Glendale’s Hillside Development Standards for new subdivisions also call for protection of natural hillsides, stream channels, habitat, and vegetation areas.

The landscape within Glendale includes several distinct vegetation and habitat types. Data relating to these different vegetation systems was obtained from the US Forest
Service Region 5 using the Classification and Assessment with Landsat of Visible Ecological Groupings (CALVEG)
classification system which aims to classify existing
vegetation, rather than indicating ‘potential vegetation’ as with other natural vegetation classification systems used in the US. CALVEG maps “dominance types,” indicating
the main habitat type within an assigned area. (Other
vegetation types may be present as an understory or mosaic component, but the system does not capture that level of detail.)
The City of Glendale CALVEG data is illustrated in Figure 2-7. While CALVEG includes ‘urban’ as a classification type, this has been removed from the figure to better illustrate the semi-natural habitats within the City of Glendale and those in proximity to the Verdugo Wash. Broad vegetation types have been grouped into similar colors to illustrate their distribution across the city. Scrub and shrub habitat (also known as chaparral) is the most prevalent, associated with the Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills. Some of these vegetation types include those associated with trees, including oak and mahogany species which are growing at smaller heights due to environmental stresses. The scrub/ shrub typology is interspersed with defined forest areas of taller, more mature trees which typically have a dominant species type such as oak, sycamore, eucalyptus, and big- cone Douglas fir. In the northern extent of the Verdugo Wash, these habitats almost directly border the Wash at the edge of the SEA.

Small, isolated pockets of annual meadow grassland typically occur around the foot of the mountains and hills; however, a small area is identified where the basin within the Verdugo Wash is located, indicating potential greater biodiversity value of the Wash in this area. The golf course which
straddles either side of the Verdugo Wash at the basin is indicated to be an area of non-native/ornamental planting, alongside several other open spaces and parks within the City of Glendale. This can be typical of urban open green and recreational spaces which have been designed for amenity interest, rather than habitat value It may be the case that some non-native ornamental planting types support local native biodiversity species, such as invertebrates and birds, Figure 2-7 City of Glendale CALVEG habitat typologies. ©BuroHappold THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 286

BARE GROUND / SOIL

SCRUB VEGETATION

CONIFER FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST TYPOLOGY

NATIVE ANNUAL GRASSLAND

NON-NATIVE / ORNAMENTAL VEGETATION

VERDUGO WASH
1/4 MILE BUFFER

CITY OF GLENDALE

that feed on pollen and nectar . Habitat value can be easily re-incorporated into these areas to promote connectivity.

This is explored further in the Biology Opportunities section.

Habitats
Within the Verdugo Wash itself, much of its length is
dominated by concrete with limited habitat value due to the largely hard engineered treatment of the channel for flood protection. Generally low water flow within the channel provides few opportunities for riparian habitat to establish and the hard concrete treatment of the channel prevents colonizing species from being able to establish which would aid successional plant growth. It was noted that the area in the channel that remains wet supports, at most, algal growth as illustrated in Figure 2-8, but no notable emergent or wetland plant species were noted within the water channel.

However, from a review of site photos from the walkover of the Verdugo Wash, it is apparent that there are pockets of habitat that exist sporadically along the length of the Wash.

These are incidental in nature and have occurred either through natural colonization of small areas, the Verdugo Wash basin and where vegetation from neighboring property encroaches into the Wash. Additionally, built features of the Wash, such as bridges can provide artificial roosting and nesting habitats for urban adapted species such as some birds.

The most significant area of semi-natural vegetation occurs within and bordering the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam.

The more natural substrate in this area, potentially gathered through the settling of debris out of the Wash flow, provides a relatively large area of open habitat which appears to support natural grassland species. The boundaries to the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam, further support scrub and shrub habitats (Figure 2-9) as well as sparse ephemeral type habitats in rockier substrates (Figure 2-10). Together these mosaics of habitat types may support an abundance of local flora and fauna including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Detailed surveys of the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam
could be undertaken by a wildlife specialist to identify the habitat types and extents that exist within the basin and the Figure 2-8 The Verdugo Wash, illustrating algal growth in the water channel. species that these habitats support. This information can then be used to support the design of habitat enhancements and restoration within this area while also seeking to support community interest, open space, and providing a community nature resource.

Figure 2-10 Rockier habitat within the Verdugo Wash basin, supporting a variety of plant species
Figure 2-9 The approach to the Verdugo Wash basin, illustrating the scrub hab- itat on the boundaries either side and wider grassland within the basin itself Species
Except for the Verdugo Wash basin area, it is considered that the Wash itself currently has limited ecological value for wildlife species to utilize the Wash as habitat for connectivity, foraging or sheltering/ nesting due to its largely open and unvegetated nature. The tall, hard edges in certain parts of the Wash, as illustrated in Figure 2-8, also likely create barriers for numerous species to access the Wash, further limiting its existing value for wildlife.

The Verdugo Wash basin has the greatest potential within the study area to support wildlife species. Scrub and trees around the periphery of the basin may support nesting bird species and provide connectivity for small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. The wider basin, with a combination of !melk+BuroHappold
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Table 2-1 Example list of species recorded in areas of ecological interest connected to the Verdugo Wash

SPECIES - BIRD

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

SPECIES - REPTILE / AMPHIBIAN

SPECIES - MAMMAL

SPECIES - BUTTERFL Y

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

VERDUGO

MOUNTAINS

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

SAN RAFAEL

MOUNTAINS

GRIFFITH
PARK

GRIFFITH
PARK
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 288

bare substrate, scrubby species and emergent vegetation may provide an important nectar and sheltering resource for invertebrate species which, in turn can support bird and mammal populations as a food source.

Any proposed interventions within the basin should
be supported by further investigation of the current
ecological properties of the area to identify if there are future management opportunities to support wildlife
populations that already exist within the basin, or if there are opportunities to encourage further species into the area.

Table 2-1 provides a snapshot of species that have been recorded within the surrounding areas of ecological interest such as the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and Griffith Park. Due to the location of the Verdugo Wash between
these three areas, it provides an opportunity to connect the areas together to support species movement and population mixing where they may otherwise be isolated from each
other.

The data presented in the table is not an exhaustive list and is comprised from publicly available records submitted to iNaturalist for the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park areas.

The San Rafael Hills are not included as a listed site on iNaturalist, and a general search for wildlife species records for this area provided few results. Therefore, the lack of species listed against the San Rafael Hills is more a reflection on less available data, rather than a true lack of species supported by the habitats.

Species recorded between the Verdugo Mountains and
Griffith Park areas are similar due to the similarities in habitats that exist in both areas, consisting of chaparral and woodland habitat types.

Whilst some species are mobile and known to move between the areas, or considered likely to do so, such as ravens, coyotes and even mountain lions, smaller bird species,
reptiles and butterflies will require more continuous habitat than the current urban development between the areas
provided. Targeted species or habitat planting types through the Wash could help increase the permeability of the urban area of the City of Glendale to species identified within the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and Griffith Park. !melk+BuroHappold
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Biodiversity Opportunities
Habitat Connectivity: Los Angeles incorporates a diverse and large expanse of natural mountainous and shrubland
habitat intersected by the Los Angeles River. According to the California Coastal Conservancy, due to urbanization and channelization of the rivers, nearly 100% of original wetlands and approximately 90-95% of in-stream riparian habitat .

This loss of natural habitat has led to fragmentation of the natural landscape, creating isolated patches of optimal habitat for the native wildlife. However, The City of Los Angeles has envisioned and established goals to revitalize the river and enhance its potential for the public and for biodiversity by using the river system to create habitat corridors and ecological enhancement (8).

The most significant opportunity that the Verdugo Wash
Visioning represents for biodiversity is the potential to create a vegetated corridor that provides new habitat connectivity between the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, Griffith Park, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Los Angeles River.

The Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park are both classified as Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) which are in proximity to the Verdugo Wash (Figure 2-14). Due to the highly
urbanized environment of the City of Glendale, particularly towards the southern extent of the city, there is a physical barrier to dispersal for many species associated with the Verdugo Mountain and San Rafael Hills in the north of the city and the Los Angeles River and Griffith Park in the south.

The Verdugo Wash crosses through the city in a continuous north-south length creating the potential to provide both upland and riparian connectivity, which is largely absent elsewhere in the region (x). This means that vegetating strategic parts of the channel could help join up these SEAs and support restoration of habitat links across the city (See Table 0-1 in the mitigation section for a full list of habitat connectivity and enhancement techniques).

The Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan (LARRMP) highlights habitats and linkages that could be established to improve habitat connectivity (Figure 2-15). The LARRMP incorporates two individual plans, The Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Revitalization Plan (ULART) and the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan (LLARRP).

The ULART Plan proposes potential ecological connectors throughout the Verdugo Wash section.

Figure 2-14: Areas where improved habitat connectivity is desired (source: LARRMP) Figure 2-15: Ecological Corridor Opportunities relevant to Verdugo Wash area source: LARRMP
The ecological corridor opportunities relevant to the
Verdugo Wash area are:
• The San Rafael Ecological Connection
• The Urban Trail Access
• The Confluence
The San Rafael Ecological Connection: The San Rafael
Ecological Connection is proposed to create a link between the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills, east to west. To show a more in-depth pathway and description of this corridor the Verdugo – San Rafael Connection has been split into three mapped sections:

1. The Oakmont Country Club to the Verdugo Mountains;

2. The Oakmont Country Club; &

3. The San Rafael Hills to The Oakmont Country Club
Figure 2-16 shows the suggested routes for a habitat corridor linking the Oakmont Country Club section to the Verdugo Mountains SEA. The corridor appears to be a feasible option due to retained undeveloped areas (indicated by red arrows).

This proposed corridor runs through the Oakmont Country Club which has potential to increase biodiversity and form better habitat connectivity through changes to management of areas within the golf course (Figure 2-17). Management methods to promote biodiversity could include reducing
vegetation gaps across the golf club by providing native tree and shrub species enabling a link to long roughs and limiting light spill on these nominated routes. This will help strengthen vegetated routes through the club grounds to serve as wildlife corridors. Reducing management intensity and frequency, in areas where feasible, will create a higher diversity and density of habitat cover, structure, and variety.

Where there is opportunity to plant additional vegetation, native species would be recommended to promote a greater biodiversity. Other management practices to enhance
biodiversity include avoiding, or reducing, the use toxic chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides and as well as linking habitats within the golf course and THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 290

Figure 2-16: Zoomed in map of proposed Verdugo - San Rafael habitat connection, zoned in on potential habitat corridor routes linking the Oakmont Country Club with the Verdugo Mountains SEA ©BuroHappold
ensuring wildlife corridors are established to adjacent semi- natural habitat outside the golf course to provide routes to and from the golf course area.

There are multiple resources available to aid identifying best practice for enhancing biodiversity on a golf course.

Audubon International has developed a set of environmental management guidelines and have a certification scheme
in place called The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Program (ACSP) for Golf which provides information and guidance on six key environmental components including
site assessment/ environmental planning, wildlife & habitat management, chemical use reduction & safety, water
conservation, water quality management, and outreach
& education (11) scheme in place called The Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) (14) for Golf which provides information and guidance on six key environmental components including site assessment/ environmental
planning, wildlife & habitat management, chemical use
reduction & safety, water conservation, water quality
management, and outreach & education (11).
“Golf Sustainable” is another resource available providing an online resource of information on sustainability and golfing.

The website (15) contains articles on best practice as well as research and precedent biodiversity success stories from golf courses across Europe and North America. For example, a German golf club called St. Leon-Rot have built a biotope habitat for endangered reptiles, made from existing materials they had on site (16). The Memmingen Gut Westerhart golf course has dedicated time and effort to promote biodiversity on their golf course. Their efforts have made a significant difference with a study indicating over 60 species of bees found throughout the golf course, three of which are Red List species (17).

The Oakmont Country Club then has potential to connect to the San Rafael Hills. Figure 0-9 shows the proposed habitat corridor leading from the golf course to the San Rafael Hills.

Further greening and vegetation planting will strengthen the routes purpose as a connection opportunity, particularly in the areas marked with a black square in Figure 2-19.
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VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN SEA IN GLENDALE

PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

HABITAT CORRIDOR ROUTE

Figure 2-18: Example of biotope habitat creation for endangered lizards at The St. Leon-Rot golf course. Image taken from Golf Sustainable website (Golf Sustainable 2022)
These areas include a freeway crossing which typically
conflicts with species movement due to the risk of collisions with traffic. While wildlife can cross using the existing underpass, to prevent wildlife from attempting to cross the freeway itself, fencing a section of the freeway on either side may be needed to channel wildlife towards the underpass.

An example of where wildlife fencing has been used to divert migrating wildlife over a highway rather than crossing it can be seen in Figure 2-20. The green circle in Figure 0-9 represents an additional area of connectivity that could be explored.

Figure 2-17: Zoomed in map of proposed Verdugo - San Rafael habitat connection, zoned in on potential habitat corridor routes linking The Oakmont Country Club with the San Rafael Hills ©BuroHappold
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VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN SEA IN GLENDALE

PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

HABITAT CORRIDOR ROUTE

Figure 2-19: Zoomed in map of proposed Verdugo - San Rafael habitat connection, zoned in on potential habitat corridor routes linking The Oakmont Country Club with the San Rafael Hills ©BuroHappold
Figure 2-20: Example of use of fencing to channel migrating wildlife in Wyoming over bridge rather than crossing freeway.

Photo credit: Joe Riis/National Geographic Creative
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VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN SEA IN GLENDALE

PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

HABITAT CORRIDOR ROUTE

The Urban Access Trail
The habitat corridor connecting the San Rafael Hills to the Verdugo Mountains through the Glendale Community
College, Verdugo Park, and Bachman open space appears
to be feasible in principle. However, there are several roads, and the Community College itself, which may cause limitations to the connectivity of this corridor and will need further consideration and potentially implementation of mitigation measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts to wildlife. There is a need to consider how and where wildlife is likely to cross roads, especially major routes such as the Cañada Boulevard, North Verdugo Road, and the CA-2
freeway, and how to enable them to safely cross or bypass these features.

Currently there is a major project being carried out in the Los Angeles Region with the construction of the Liberty Canyon Figure 2-22: Zoomed in map of proposed Urban Access Trail habitat connection linking the San Rafael hills with the Verdugo Mountains. The black squares represent areas that would need vegetation to support function as a habitat corridor ©BuroHappold Figure 2-21: Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing Project in Los Angeles. image source: Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 294

VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN SEA IN GLENDALE

PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

Wildlife Crossing over the Ventura Freeway to provide a safe crossing for mountain lions and other wildlife (Figure 2-21).

Providing vegetation throughout the corridor and particularly in areas marked with a black square in Figure 2-22, as well as fencing sections of the freeway as proposed earlier, may increase wildlife and driver safety by leading them to a designated wildlife crossing. A designated wildlife route with improved habitats and vegetation structure may also be
necessary to channel wildlife through Glendale Community College.

A vegetated, direct route through the City of Glendale with safe crossing points established is advised for this habitat corridor to provide its best opportunity for connecting wildlife to either side of the Wash.

The Confluence
The proposed ecological connection at the confluence
may prove quite challenging for wildlife due to the heavily urbanized industrial area, two major roads, and the LA River itself. The wash is likely the best potential route for terrestrial species to travel to and from Griffith Park and the Verdugo Mountains or San Rafael Hills.

A separate project is currently proposing a pedestrian and equestrian bridge nearby and this can potentially be used to facilitate the crossing of wildlife. If this was to be used for pedestrians and wildlife, greening of the bridge on one side at least would be advised to enhance permeability and cover for crossing animals.

Floating islands, wildlife bridges or accessible ledges could benefit animals trying to cross the river and could help mitigate the chances of animal entrapment and/or drowning.

Figure 2-23: Zoomed in map of proposed Confluence habitat connection linking the Wash and LA River with Griffith Park SEA ©BuroHappold !melk+BuroHappold
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VERDUGO WASH

VERDUGO MOUNTAIN SEA IN GLENDALE

PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

Due to hydrological limitations throughout the Wash as
discussed in the hydrology section. the feasibility to vegetate the entirety of the Wash allowing for a continuous habitat corridor is restricted. Out of the three suggested ULART habitat corridors, the urban access trail will have the most potential due to the available freeboard of the Wash being greatest at this point, and so greater interventions within the channel can be accommodated here compared to the rest of the length of the Wash before compromising flood capacity.

The San Rafael Ecological Connection also provides
potential as a habitat corridor due to incorporating the debris basin and opportunity for the golf course area
through changing the trapezoidal sections of the channel to be rectangular, and thereby lowering the baseline water level.

The confluence area is found to be close to capacity for the 1 in 100-year event, excluding a climate change allowance. As it is considered currently unfeasible to alter the cross section to increase the conveyance capacity, the opportunities
for interventions within the channel are deemed very
limited in this section. Therefore, the habitat corridor at the confluence is looking like a more challenging opportunity for connectivity.

Native Planting
Areas of the Wash where there is opportunity to plant
vegetation should seek to incorporate maximum
native species to support ecological restoration and
connectivity. This can include a variety of planting types and species to provide a variety of habitats throughout the Wash for both people and wildlife to enjoy. A diverse mix of native grass and wildflower species planting should be incorporated to maximize the benefit across the invertebrate community. Additionally, a wider diversity of species will likely provide a longer flowering time, providing a food resource for more months than a limited species diversity could provide.

In addition to targeting native wildflower planting to provide a pollinator food resource along the Wash, native tree and shrub species should also be promoted, particularly those typical of the native chaparral scrub and oak woodland
habitat types that are found in the surrounding area.

Including these will provide a variety in habitat structure alongside the wildflower planting and build on the inherent benefits of providing species of local wildlife interest on the site. Where there are species of particular interest for Glendale and LA County, plants that can support these
species could be incorporated into the Wash where possible to support this local biodiversity. For example, provision of native milkweed for the monarch butterfly or coastal sage scrub would benefit the California gnatcatcher.

A species list (21) was created by LA County based
on factors such as whether the plants were native or
appropriate to the LA River system, grow-able in nursery conditions, have success probability, will provide potential for wildlife habitat, require minimal maintenance and water, have aesthetic appeal, and propagules of the plants are available within the LA River watershed. The use of these plants was aimed to provide continuity along the LA River landscape.

Some of the species communities shortlisted include coastal sage scrub, dry meadow, desert scrub, and climate-adapted trees, which may be appropriate for the Verdugo Wash
Encouraging establishment of a pool, or pools, of water, even if only temporary, at the basin could be a good opportunity to create some water-associated habitat that has been lost from the Wash. It could allow for the potential restoration of a riparian-type habitat benefiting native plants and wildlife and increasing the potential to entice species that are no longer present along the Wash such as amphibious species.

Species Opportunities
Where areas of opportunity along the Wash present
themselves for greening and habitat enhancement, the
addition of vegetation, or features that provide support for specific species, can help entice them to the Wash and its surrounding area. This would be ideal for species of interest or concern in California.

Monarch Butterflies: during their annual migration, Monarch butterflies winter along the Californian coast (Figure 2-14) utilizing the LA River during their migration. They are an important pollinator species with a wealth of cross-cultural significance. Due to population declines and increasing threats to their survival such as habitat loss, use of
pesticides, and climate change affecting habitat suitability in their overwintering grounds, the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act 2020 was
introduced which led to the establishment of the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund. Planting native milkweed along areas of the Wash will support their survival. It will provide breeding resources for monarch larva and the
nectar plants which feed the adults. Protecting existing monarch habitat and avoiding herbicides and pesticides is also advised to influence this species presence along the Verdugo Wash and help expand their distribution and habitat opportunities.

Figure 2-24: Map of Monarch Migration Patterns. image source: unknown THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 296

Mountain Lions
Los Angeles is proudly one of two mega-cities in the world that homes a large cat population (22). Currently there is a quasi-stable population of breeding mountain lions inhabiting the Santa Monica Mountains and few individuals in the Verdugo Mountains.

However, concerns are rising for the long-term survival of this species in the County due to habitat fragmentation and encroaching urbanization. Threats facing this mountain lion population include weak genetic diversity, road collision fatalities, rodenticide poisoning, and intra-specific strife.

Los Angeles stakeholders are planning and implementing
measures to increase mountain lion recovery such as the construction of a wildlife crossing over the 101 freeway in the Agoura Hills, targeted for completion in 2023.

The Verdugo Wash has the potential to deliver a suitable route for mountain lions to use as a corridor between
the San Rafael Hills, the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park (as shown in the previous habitat connectivity section) - especially if the Wash is closed at night to the public with controlled, wildlife-friendly lighting where external lighting is required. Viable access points for the cats to enter/exit the Wash and suitable vegetation cover along the routes are two important features that would increase the likelihood that these corridors would be used by them.

Importantly, consideration must be given to the safety
perceptions of encouraging mountain lion access along and across the Wash, given the route’s proximity to residents’ gardens. Interestingly, Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy (AFC) tracks mountain lions in the area and has documented their significant movements in the area already - albeit not always successful - including between the San Gabriel Mountains and Verdugo Mountains.

By providing designated routes within and across the
Verdugo Wash that caters to mountain lions, conflict should be reduced as mountain lions have been well documented in their human avoidance behavior.

Mountain Lions reside in the natural areas surrounding and near the Verdugo Wash including this female in the Verdugo Mountains. image source: J. Turner via LAist
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California Gnatcatcher & Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat
California gnatcatchers are an important “umbrella” species for the threatened Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. This means that efforts to support the gnatcatcher necessarily integrate the sage scrub chaparral habitat, and along with that a whole host of plants and animals from that habitat.

While the California gnatcatcher is not likely present along the Verdugo Wash, there is potential for the species to expand their range due to them being in proximity of the Wash with bird conservation areas providing their preferred chaparral habitat close by (Figure 2-25) (23). Incorporating semi-open sage scrub species may attract the California gnatcatcher to areas along the Wash.

Figure 2-25: Map displaying California Gnatcatcher’s current range, optimal habitat, and bird conservation regions in relation the Verdugo Wash. image source (24)
California Gnatcacher (Polioptila californica). image source California Audubon Coastal sage scrub can exist just above the coastal bluffs as pictured above.

Plants include: California Sage Brush, Black Sage, some Poison Oak, Coast Live oaks and some Monkey flowers. image source Las Pilitas Nursery Coastal sage scrub can be amazing in its texture and color. Plants include:

California Sage Brush, Black Sage, some Poison Oak, Coast Live Oaks and Monkey Flowers. image source Las Pilitas Nursery
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Amphibians & Aqueous Habitats
Frogs and toads have previously inhabited tributaries of the LA River and nearby neighborhoods were allegedly named
Frogtown due to the vast number of frogs that used to
emerge from the river’s banks.

The potential to create suitable habitat for frogs or any amphibian species is unlikely due the Wash being mostly dry with little to no water present. However, if the debris basin was managed in a way that could provide a permanent or
seasonal pond, frog and toad species may colonize. If pool/ pools were established at the debris basin and there were features at these pools such as shelter, shade, and food, then it may have potential to become a habitat for amphibians and other species.

Threatened frog species such as the foothill yellow-legged frogs are unlikely to occur at pools along the Wash as they are sensitive to anthropogenic activities and development and require rocky streams that flow year-round. California red-legged frogs (A) breed in ponds (both permanent
and seasonal) and have been found to breed in artificial impoundments such as stock ponds.

Arroyo toads (B) also breed in seasonal shallow ponds and have been documented at other LA River basins such as
Upper Big Tujunga Creek, Alder Creek, and Arroyo Seco.

Other native amphibian species whose distributions show potential of inhabiting the Wash’s basin include the California Toad (Anaxyrus borea halophilus) (C), Baja California Tree Frog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca) (D), California Tree
Frog (Pseadacris cadaverina), Western Spadefoot (Spea
hammondii), Monterey Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii)
(E), Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris) (F), and Black- Bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris)
(Figure 0-15) (26).

However even if the Wash’s debris basin is transformed
into a permanent or temporary pool, amphibian species
are still less likely than avian species (e.g. birds and many invertebrates) to occur due to limited habitat connectivity outside of the Wash; therefore further conservation
management strategies would need to be considered to
create connectivity for amphibians.

Some of the amphibian candidates for Verdugo Wash debris basin restoration efforts (see letter call outs in text for identification). image sources: wikipedia Figure 2-26: Maps of amphibian species’ distributions in relation to the Verdugo Wash (approximate location of Verdugo Wash represented by black circle.

Map sources: adapted from California ERPs website ©Gary Nafis (A) (B) (C) (D)
(E)
(F)
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Habitat Features
Formal Features: throughout the Wash and in adjacent
spaces like the debris basin and golf course, there are opportunities to provide new habitat features to further support local biodiversity and increase connectivity success.

Commonly, these are formal, built features that provide roosting, nesting, and sheltering spaces for bats, birds, and invertebrates. Such features can be mounted on large specimen trees within or in proximity to the Wash, or even on free-standing posts amongst appropriate native planting.

Examples of habitat features which could be incorporated into the Wash’s design are provided in Table 0-1. A fantastic way to involve the community and also reduce costs would be to organize community projects for people, schools,
and organizations to build and erect these features. While providing real, evidence-based ecological value, these
features only support species that are able to adapt to a “found” space, provided they find its characteristics like location, materiality, and dimensions suitable.

Informal Features: There are many other species, however, including a plethora of fungi, invertebrates, and primary cavity nesting bird species that are unable to utilize
“found” spaces. Many of these creature are involved in the decomposition processes vital to functioning ecologies, or are compelled to build their homes, like woodpeckers.

Two great examples of “informal” features for these species would be allowing dead, coarse woody debris and even erect, dead trees (“snags”) to just be in wide open areas like the Debris Basin potentially, provided their location is considered with respect to public safety and wildfire risk. Similarly, deadwood stumps can be accelerated into invertebrate
habitat by drilling holes into deadwood stumps. Many native bees create their nests in unvegetated soil; key locations to allow for this type of natural diversity should be considered in future phases.

A beautiful story that featured an informal approach to habitat feature integration was the artful reuse of a legacy hardwood tree at UC-Davis in the Native American Contemplative Garden. In 2021, a hefty 80-yo California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) succumbed to old age and broke apart. Instead of removing the tree, the Garden team elected to leave the trunk in place as “stumpery.” The unique, gnarled tree had inspired the original siting of the garden. By leaving it in place, not only does this dead tree now serve as captivating public art, but it enriches the garden’s ecology serving as shelter/ nesting sites for birds and small mammals and substrate for decomposing invertebrates. image source: UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

INVERTEBRATESMAMMALSBIRDS
Bee Bricks & Towers
Invertebrate/Pollinator Walls or Individual Hotels/Features Mounted Bat Boxes
Integrated Bat Boxes
Generalist Bird Boxes
Freestanding bee tower and bee bricks/wood for solitary bees. Install near pollinator friendly planting. Should be positioned in a warm sunny spot, south facing, with no vegetation in front of the holes. Bee towers designed to be set into a concrete base approx 30mm into the ground.

Can be purchased or constructed.

Can be custom designed bought or built to fit available space and local requirements using local materials including recycled/reused wood and rubble substrate.

Designed to accommodate crevice dwelling bats which can be associated with urban environments, such as the Eastern Pipistrelle, Little Brown Bat, and Big Brown Bat. Can be attached to the external walls of buildings or larger trees. Should be sited at least 3m high, away from direct artificial light and facing south/ southwest.

Bat tubes, integrated bat boxes or bat bricks can be incorporated into building elevations. The tubes and integrated bat boxes can often be placed behind cladding, with only a gap for the entrance visible. Other integrated boxes come with a customizable front for adding development-specific bricks or render for seamless inclusion into the building.

A variety of bird boxes can be provided across the project site, which can add to the visual amenity of open spaces as well as providing a valuable nesting site for urban bird species and educational opportunities. Boxes should include a range of open-fronted to smaller enclosed entrances to suit a variety of bird species and nesting preferences. Boxes can be placed on buildings, trees, or posts amongst vegetation. Boxes can be designed with dimensions to match target species via resource Nestwatch Table 0-1: habitat feature examples that can be integrated throughout the project site to enhance biodiversity for invertebrate, mammal, and bird species THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 300

Climate Change & Hydrological Conditions
The main constraint for biological enhancement and
increasing habitat connectivity along the Wash would
be the consideration of the existing design allowance for one in one-hundred-year flood events as well as future
climate change impacts that will affect extreme rainfall events, increasing perceived flood capacity requirements by 20%. Due to the capacity of water that the Wash needs to currently accommodate and the prediction of increased water volume during storm events, the feasibility of greening the Wash and establishing the proposed habitat corridors is reduced considerably.

The extent to which habitats can be created within the
channel itself will largely be dictated by how much channel occurs above the one-hundred-year flood level plus
20% climate change. Interventions within the Wash to
accommodate planting will reduce the available capacity due to the requirement for planters to hold enough soil to support the plants in the long-term.

As identified in the hydrology study, there are currently only a few areas within the Wash that can accommodate
any intervention without compromising the flood capacity, and these areas represent the parts of the Wash that can reasonably be considered for biodiversity enhancements. In this instance, where possible, proposed vegetation should seek to join up with areas of existing greenspace and habitat identified within the City of Glendale that border the Wash, to create stepping-stones across the city where a continuous link is not feasible.

Other climate change constraints that need to be considered are predicted rainfall and temperature. Projected results show average rainfall will remain constant but will suffer more prolonged drought and more severe precipitation
events. Temperatures will likely rise meaning vegetation will be vulnerable to thermal stress and drought conditions.

Therefore, restricting suitable planting species to those that are likely to persist in drought conditions will help avoid the need for irrigation beyond establishment. Where planting can be incorporated within the Wash, consideration will need to be given to the type of habitats that the environment of the Wash can reasonably support.

While targeting the restoration of riparian and wet woodland habitats would support the recovery of a diminishing
ecosystem within California, consideration of the water demand of these habitats will need to be given alongside the predicted flows and water levels for the Wash. If for most of the year, flows will be low and water availability for planting within the Wash scarce, it will not be reasonably feasible to support a riparian ecosystem without significant irrigation intervention which would be unsustainable.

Plants that have a higher resilience to drought may need to be incorporated to reduce the rate of planting failure in the future. Utilizing native and adapted species such as arid specialists that can cope with environmental stresses such as extremes of heat and limited water will help create biodiversity improvements along the Wash that are resilient and can adapt to the predicted effects of climate change in Los Angeles County.

Existing Knowledge
Existing detailed ecological survey information for the Verdugo Wash is currently limited in extent. The identified habitats presented in Figure 0-7 are broad habitat categories assigned based on remote habitat classification techniques with some field survey. Whether any of the habitats in
proximity to the Verdugo Wash have been ground-truthed is currently unknown.

The habitat types and faunal species supported by the
semi-natural vegetation identified within the Verdugo Wash basin is also currently unknown. Further investigation into any existing biodiversity data on this area will be required to better understand the existing value of the basin for biodiversity and how interventions as a part of the project can aim to support and enhance the area while also
providing a key community resource. Where data does not exist, surveys by a wildlife specialist should be sought to support the project.

Current Conditions of the Wash
The existing construction of the channel limits how
vegetation can be established. It is likely that in areas where habitat enhancement can be implemented, built planting
beds would be required to support a suitable soil substrate to support plant-life in an otherwise barren environment.

These containers would require maintenance and higher
levels of irrigation than plants that are in natural ground due to the limitation of root growth and increased rates of desiccation experienced within planting containers.

The walls of the Wash may cause animal entrapment and
providing escape routes in the form of vegetation, steps, ladders, holes, and bridges would need to be considered.

Should measures be explored to increase the flood capacity of the Wash by extending wall heights, this could reduce the suitability of the Wash as a habitat corridor for wildlife.

Additionally, a review of satellite imagery on Google
Earth™ of the Verdugo Wash basin indicates that the
basin is actively managed, with imagery across several
years appearing to show that the ground gets cleared
of vegetation at least every other year, if not annually. It would be useful to obtain information as to why the area is cleared, whether it is for channel or habitat maintenance purposes, and by what mechanism. Scope for adjusting the management regime to promote biodiversity can then be
explored.

Human Disturbance
Disturbance to wildlife caused by the presence of humans in the Wash is another constraint to consider. The
proposed opening of the Wash is being designed with the consideration to accommodate people as well as creating habitat for native wildlife. However this does present conflict as wildlife may be deterred by human activity in or nearby the Wash. Wildlife may also be hesitant to use the Wash if routes are overly or poorly lit.

Methods can be put in place to mitigate the effects of
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at night allowing nocturnal species a less disturbed corridor to pursue or restricting specific trails and/or access points to humans so that only wildlife can use them. Additionally, the use of wildlife friendly lighting, following the International Dark Skies Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting and keeping access and exit routes unlit for wildlife will increase permeability for species.

Additionally, allowing the Wash to be used as a habitat corridor for wildlife may present human-wildlife conflict constraints. A percentage of the public may not agree with having wildlife routes so close to their homes, arguing that their safety is at risk from species such as the mountain lion and coyotes that may use the Wash as a route to connecting habitats.

The table below shows multiple mitigation strategies that could be implemented to improve the Wash for wildlife and to provide increased permeability and success of the Wash to function as a habitat corridor
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Ensure human access points of Wash are usable
for wildlife
Increase wash wildlife connectivity and permeability by providing maximum possible wildlife access points & utilizing wildlife enhancing strategies
Provision of water Direct and/or collect water to create of small pools (e.g., spring/seep management). Even temporary collections of water are valuable for wildlife.

Continuous vegetation and habitat provided at
access points and leading to them
Helps direct wildlife to access/exit points
Provide alternative routes so animals can
bypass entering the Wash
Examples of this include creating wildlife bridges, gantries, or underpasses.

Alternatively, green already existing bridges
Provide escape routes specifically designed for
wildlife
Steps, ladders, ramps, ledges, floating islands, gaps in walls or fences etc. can be used to provide safe passage of species and mitigate the risk of animal entrapment
Use of wildlife friendly fencing If fencing is to be used, wildlife friendly fencing ensures mobile or migrating species can pass through without harm or stress

STRATEGY DESCRIPTION
Close Wash off to public at night Less disturbance at night may help permeability for nocturnal wildlife Artificial lighting at key access points should be
limited or designed to be wildlife sensitive
To ensure that nocturnal species such as bats have dark vegetation features to fly along. The International Dark Skies Association’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting constitute a robust benchmark
Connect tree canopies Will help provide continuity of vegetated cover - must balance this strategy with wildfire mitigation measures
Install habitat features for wildlife Will provide shelter and other resources for wildlife. E.G. Bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels, cavities in walls, deadwood stumps. Habitat features would have to be placed above the 1:100 water level in the DFE.

Species-specific plant choices Choosing plant species that have a particular benefit to specific protected, threatened, or important faunal species on a regional, national, or local or identified benefit to pollinators.

Greening the Wash with native vegetation Terraced planters, gabions for vertical planting on Wash walls, hanging and overhanging planters etc., native species, drought- tolerant species, these would need to be installed above the 1:100 water level in the DFE unless velocity mitigation measures were employed. Avoid use of non-native invasive species

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Summary Of Area Legislation & Policy/Schemes
The County of Los Angeles, the City of Glendale, and
other regional jurisdictions have numerous existing plans and strategies that wholly or partly relate to the natural environment and conserving or enhancing it. The Verdugo Wash project should ensure that it aligns with the aims of these plans and utilize information relating to habitats and species considered to be of value or conservation
need to ensure that the Verdugo Wash contributes to the preservation of these resources.

Greener Glendale Plan (2011)
The Plan assesses what actions the City and community
have already taken to be more sustainable and recommends how to build on these efforts. Nine Sustainability Focus Areas are developed, the most relevant ones for Verdugo Wash are listed below:

URBAN NATURE
UN3 – Implement programs to increase biodiversity in
Glendale: Verdugo Wash Visioning can contribute to
increasing biodiversity in Glendale. The channel’s inherent linear nature could provide an opportunity for additional connectivity for biodiversity through otherwise highly urban areas.

UN4 – Ensure there is accessible park and recreational
open space to serve residents: Verdugo Wash Visioning can provide opportunities for accessible public space where water and its changing nature provides a key role.

WATER
WT5- Implement stormwater management practices to
protect water quality and replenish local groundwater
sources: Verdugo Wash Visioning has the potential to
implement solutions that can contribute to improved runoff water quality; however, the concrete lined channel limits the benefits associated with replenishment of local groundwater sources and without further intervention this is likely to be limited to the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam area.

WT5-E: Explore design of recreation areas that can hold runoff: Opportunities to capture runoff will be considered for new recreation areas, as well as opportunities for new recreation in areas that currently hold runoff such as the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam.

OurCounty: Los Angeles Countywide Sustainability Plan
(2019)
OurCounty is a regional sustainability plan for Los Angeles which outlines what local governments and stakeholders
can do to enhance well-being and reducing damage to
the natural environment while adapting to climate change.

Twelve goals are set out to achieve this. Those providing the most opportunity for the Verdugo Wash Visioning are listed below:

Goal 5: Thriving ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity Verdugo Wash Visioning can create and enhance
ecosystems along the channel by establishing habitats of relevance for local, native biodiversity.

Goal 6: Accessible parks, beaches, recreational waters, public lands, and public spaces that create opportunities for respite, recreation, ecological discovery, and cultural activities Verdugo Wash Visioning can provide opportunities for
accessible public space where water and its changing nature provides a key role.

LA River Master Plan (2020)
The master plan provides an introduction and context of the Los Angeles River, before addressing the future of the Los Angeles River as an inclusive and connected open space, which also includes implementation and how to integrate design and performance objectives in a multi-jurisdictional context. Nine goals are supported by actions and methods to set the strategic directions for the Los Angeles River. The most relevant for Verdugo Wash Visioning are listed below:

1. Reduce flood risk and improve resilience: A key
component of the Verdugo Wash Visioning is to ensure that the channel still maintains it flood protection purposes and provides the necessary resilience to future climate change.

2. Provide equitable, inclusive, and safe parks, open space, and trails: Verdugo Wash Visioning can create an inviting space that naturally connects different areas due to channel’s length.

3. Support healthy, connected ecosystems: Verdugo Wash Visioning can connect ecosystems, using the way the Wash crosses Glendale to connect the Verdugo Mountains, San
Rafael Hills, and Los Angeles River by establishing new habitat linkages through the city.

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Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Revitalization
Plan (2020)
The ULART plan focuses on multi-benefit projects that
prioritize the restoration of natural habitats, increase green areas, and open space, and engage underserved
communities. The ULART planning area consists of the
entire Los Angeles River watershed feeding into the point where it meets the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan in the City of Vernon.

California Assembly Bill 466 (AB 466), signed into law
on September 28, 2017, is relevant for the Verdugo Wash Visioning as this legislation established the ULART Working Group and required them “to develop, through watershed- based planning methods and community engagement,
a revitalization plan for the Upper Los Angeles River, the tributaries of the (…) Verdugo Wash, and any additional tributary waterway that the working group determines to be necessary.”
The goals and the objectives of Water and Environment
Committee (identified by the Working Group) are as follows:
• Create equitable opportunities to enhance watershed health, ecosystem functions, habitat, and biodiversity; increase local water supplies; and improve water quality • Reduce flood risk to communities by prioritizing natural systems
• Balance the utilization of available space and resources for both the environment and the community
• Assess all opportunities for resiliency to climate change Reader’s Guide for the LA River Ecosystem Restoration
Project (2016)
This report provides a local environmental review of the proposed LA River Ecosystem Restoration Project which
proposes to restore aquatic riparian ecosystems native to the Los Angeles River along an approximate 11-mile length.

The project aims to restore ecosystems in accordance with flood risk management while also providing consideration for recreation opportunities. The report highlights how historic treatment of the Los Angeles River to channel flood waters to the coast as efficiently as possible, along with urban sprawl, disconnected the river from its flood plain and significant ecological zones. This would have contributed to the 90% loss of Southern California’s riparian habitat.

The report indicates the importance of contributing
resources outside of the LA River Project boundary
to supporting and enhancing the Los Angeles River
ecologically. The Verdugo Wash is highlighted specifically as a tributary with the potential to provide connectivity between the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and the Los Angeles River.

The LA SEA Program
“Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) are officially designated areas within LA County with irreplaceable biological
resources.” The Verdugo Mountains are one area within LA County with this designation and partially lies within the ¼ mile project buffer of the Verdugo Wash at its most northerly extent. The SEA Program aims to conserve biodiversity
within Los Angeles County by designating and supporting important biological resource areas in such a way that they can sustain themselves in the long-term. While the SEA
Program aims to guide development within SEAs, some of
the guiding principles of the SEA Program are relevant to measures that the Verdugo Wash Visioning project could
provide and support, including:

Create new places where biodiversity can be woven through urban fabric;
Ensure that individual SEAs can thrive by reducing
fragmentation, creating, or preserving connectivity and habitat functionality;
Ensure the continuation of natural ecosystem, services that improves quality of life for all who live in Los Angeles County.

Verdugo Wash Visioning Study - Community Outreach
Based on community outreach workshops for Verdugo Wash, feedback items with a close link to hydrology and biology can be summarized as follows:

Ensure design and features that create safe access: the project will consider the relationship between people and the Verdugo Wash at the channel edges, and access to the Wash will be reviewed as the design progresses. Consideration will need to be given to the constraints that varying water levels within the channel will pose to access.

Create areas that provide small gathering spaces: the
hydrological constraints for the Verdugo Wash are likely to mean that there will be more flexibility in creating small gathering spaces adjacent to the channel. In some areas, where the cross section and capacity of the channel
provides greater flexibility, small spaces cantilevering over or extending into the Verdugo Wash footprint could be
considered.

Incorporate trails and pathways: creation of trails and pathways associated with the Verdugo Wash Visioning can help support access to nature of residents who live within proximity to the Wash but potentially do not have access to natural spaces, such as where the Wash is in a more
urban part of Glendale. Incorporation of habitat features around trails and pathways in these areas will create new opportunities for residents to connect with nature.
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Verdugo Wash Revisioning Report – Wildlife Corridors
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, June 22, 2022
Bobcat kittens above Whiting Woods in Glendale, view to Mount Lukens in background – photo by Johanna Turner 1 Special thanks to the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy for contributing this “Wildlife Corridors” section.
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The Challenge
From river to channel. Once a flowing river from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains around the toe of the Verdugo Mountains, the Verdugo Wash served as a vital tributary of the Los Angeles River. The County of Los Angeles concretized the wash in the 1930s to mitigate extreme flooding in the Crescenta Valley. An unintentional consequence was fragmentation of the urban fabric and loss of habitat and biodiversity.

Large remnants of mountainous islands remain, largely isolated from each other and the San Gabriel Mountains by development.

Fragmentation. The San Gabriels are relatively rich in biodiversity. Conversely, the ecological health and biodiversity of natural habitat islands within the Glendale region, namely the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills and Griffith Park, are in decline [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/211133#page/1/mode/1up]. Reestablishing and maintaining healthy, fully-functioning ecosystems requires reconnecting them with other large masses of natural habitat. For the Verdugos and the San Rafaels that means the San Gabriels; for Griffith Park it means the San Gabriels or the Santa Monica Mountains or both.

Wildlife corridors. Maintaining and enhancing
connectivity for wildlife is essential to support
ecosystem functions. Wildlife corridors connect
isolated areas of habitat for animal movement.

They allow for mating between populations to
prevent inbreeding, and for mountain lions, bears,
deer, coyotes, foxes and other animals to have
healthy populations with good genetic diversity. They allow seasonal migration to complete life cycles and enable individuals to find food and shelter. This all results in better predator-prey relationships, and predators keep mice, rat, squirrel and other populations, like deer, balanced and under control. In addition, wildlife eat native seeds and berries then disseminate them in their scat;
they also carry them in their fur and shed them as they move about. These seeds help maintain native plant diversity and codependent relationships with reliant insects, which in turn provide food for birds. Habitat connectivity is demonstrably essential for avian species [Soule, Michael E., et al. 1988. “Reconstructed Dynamics of Rapid Extinctions of Chaparral-Requiring Bird in Urban Habitat Islands.” Conservation Biology V.2 No. 1].

It all adds up to biodiversity. [Richard Attenborough, A Life on Our Planet, Netflix] Climate change. In addition, enhancing connectivity by linking natural landscapes has been identified as the single most important adaptation strategy to conserve biodiversity during climate change [Heller, N.E. and Zavaleta, E.S. (2009) Biodiversity Management in the Face of Climate Change: A Review of 22 Years of Recommendations]. 2 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 308

Regional Habitat Connectivity
Connecting habitat islands. The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy is working to secure passageways for wildlife between the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, Griffith Park and San Gabriel Mountains. The goal is to create, secure and enhance wildlife corridors …
(i) between the San Rafaels and the Verdugos, where passage is extremely challenging but successfully navigated by P-41 mountain lion and Red Tag Bear #2
[https://arroyosfoothills.org/land/wildlife-corridors/hahamongna-tujunga-wildlife-co rridor/validating-the-corridor];
(ii) to cross East Chevy Chase Drive in the San Rafaels, through gaps in this residential corridor;
(iii) between the San Rafaels and, to their east, the Arroyo Seco > Hahamongna Watershed Park, and then into the lower San Gabriel Mountains; (iv)from the Verdugos on their northeast, first down to the Verdugo Wash, then up tributaries leading from check dams along the base of the San Gabriel Mountains;
(v) between the westerly Verdugos and Big and Little Tujunga Canyons, and then into the lower San Gabriels;
(vi)linking Griffith Park to the above-described corridor matrix --- giving P-22, at least theoretically, a means to find a mate and/or leave Griffith Park, his home range for more than 10 years, and bring along a host of other wildlife. 3 !melk+BuroHappold
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Figure 2 Regional Connectivity
If successful, wildlife will readily and safely move between these three large habitat islands and the bio-rich San Gabriels.

The Verdugo Wash. The Verdugo Wash (“Wash”) divides and distances the natural habitat found in the San Rafaels from that in the Verdugos. It does the same for the Verdugos and the San Gabriels. The Wash as river facilitated connectivity; the Wash as channel interrupts and generally precludes it.

Wildlife using the Verdugo Wash. We don’t know the extent of wildlife movement in the Wash. We know there is activity from eyewitness reports, but it is not documented or well understood, Wildlife cameras, strategically placed, could give us that knowledge, but permission sought from the County of Los Angeles has yet to be granted. What we do know is that wildlife access is limited and potential use of the Wash could be substantially enhanced by removing barriers and facilitating access, if only where there is no alternative route than via the Wash [see Recommendations at Locations, below]. Steep and deep channel sides, high fences and locked gates are some of the physical prohibitors.

Right of ways. Some of the Wash is bordered by public right-of-ways (“Right-of-Ways”), more in the upper reaches than the lower. We similarly know wildlife use these Right-of-Ways but need to document it to understand the extent. Barriers also exist, primarily fencing and steep sides to the Wash.
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Crossing the Verdugo Wash. The Wash acts as a barrier to passage laterally, from one side to the other. Addressing barriers and creating passage is of primary importance if corridors are to exist and function between the Verdugos and the San Rafaels and between the Verdugos and the San Gabriel Mountains.
● Of the bridges that cross the Wash, one pedestrian bridge connecting Verdugo Park with Lot #32, in particular, shows real promise (see Location-Specific Recommendations, Glendale Community College, below); a few others may receive some wildlife use.
● There are a number of ramps that lead into the Wash that could be used if gates were removed or modified for wildlife access.
● Channels leading into the Wash are promising candidates for ingress and egress.

Accommodations and modifications to the Wash and Right of Ways would be an essential step toward successfully creating corridors (particulars discussed below).

More study is required.

Urban-tolerant wildlife. Many wild animal species that occur within our cities are urban-adapted and tolerate a degree of proximity to humans and anthropogenic disturbances. While these populations will use human-made structures like bridges to move within the urban environment, measures such as integrating habitat and increasing permeability of such spaces help make movement practical.

All wildlife. The words “wildlife corridor” bring medium and large mammals to mind. But movement is every bit as important for the entire spectrum of animal life that is wild, such as migratory and resident birds; butterflies, bees, and other insects and arthropods; amphibians and reptiles; and small mammals.

Wildlife species requirements. Different species have distinct requirements and preferences, including when it comes to movement and passage. Universally though, all wildlife need habitat for cover, safety, relief from heat, rest, food, rearing young and sustenance. Native habitat is paramount for a myriad of reasons. Except for the Oakmont Debris Basin, the Wash is devoid of habitat, and generally the Right-of-Ways suffer the same deficiency. More natural habitat within and next to the Wash would encourage use. A highly desirable goal is to restore some of the essential functions of a natural stream or river to the Wash and Right of Way for amphibians, insects and birds.

Climate change and plants. Likewise, corridors are the most effective measure for the natural movement of plant species in response to climate change for the facilitation of pollination, movement of seeds, and the natural recruitment of native plants [https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Plants/Climate].
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Biological Survey. A biological survey of organisms and habitat is needed to assess the condition of the ecological resources under consideration. One conducted by Cheryl Swift in 1990 might be helpful.

Enhancements
Figure 3 San Gabriel Mountains - Verdugo Mountains - San Rafael Hills Connectivity This treatment -- Revisioning the Verdugo Wash – Wildlife Corridors -- addresses two questions:

1. What is required of the Verdugo Wash for wildlife passage between (i) the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills, (ii) the Verdugo Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, and (iii) Griffith Park and the San Gabriel Mountains (Figures 2 and 3)?

2. What can be done, in the context of revisioning the Verdugo Wash, to enhance biodiversity through connectivity of the Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills and Griffith Park?
As of submission of this Verdugo Wash Revisioning Report – Wildlife Corridors treatment the draft revisioning report is not yet available to review. However, it is 6 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 312

understood that the report will include a conceptual design, but that it may or may not be determinative of any final design that is adopted and implemented.

To answer the above two questions we must try to understand what wildlife will require for passage, and what all native life will require for biodiversity. ● What is minimally required of the Wash to realize the objectives? ● What is required of the Wash if a multi-benefit design anticipates minimal use of the Wash by wildlife (favoring Right-of-Ways, for instance) to realize the objectives?
● What is required of the Wash if a multi-benefit design readily accommodates wildlife in the Wash?
Enhancement considerations are influenced by the design perspective.

Two routes. For a number of reasons, when connecting large areas of natural habitat, two safe and inviting corridors between each pair should be the baseline target. ● Animals move when motivated. The north-south distances of the east end of the Verdugos and the west side of the San Rafaels are considerable. The east-west length of the Verdugos is several times longer. Multiple routes can be expected to increase overall passage.
● Different species have different requirements. Designing different routes creates the potential to address broader needs of all species.
● Effective dissemination of plant material and movement of less mobile creatures dictate multiple pathways.
● A second corridor can provide insurance if the first is not as well traveled as anticipated.
● The Liberty Canyon overpass of the 101 Fwy (Figure 4) will be 175’ wide, naturally landscaped, devoted exclusively to wildlife, with a direct unimpeded travel from natural open space on one side to natural open space on the other.

The routes suggested below are often narrow and circuitous, rely on hop scotching between small habitat islands, and are sometimes shared with humans.
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Figure 4 Liberty Canyon wildlife overpass
Of the six Debris Basin Channels to be investigated for connecting the Verdugos with the San Gabriels, aim to utilize the two most favorable. See Location-Specific Recommendations for Verdugos – San Gabriels Passage, below.

For Verdugos - San Rafaels connectivity, one route should include Oakmont Country Club and a second Verdugo Park. See Location-Specific Recommendations for Verdugos – San Rafaels Passage, below.

There are at least two opportunities for ingress-egress for Griffith Park (see Location-Specific Recommendations for Griffith Park - San Gabriel Mountains Passage, below).

The two routes connecting Griffith Park with the San Gabriels are the Verdugo Wash and the Los Angeles River to the Arroyo Seco.

Bridges and ramps. In addition to the elimination of barriers to access the Right of Ways and the Wash, the modification of existing structures or construction of new ones will be called for. Existing bridges may be made to function well for wildlife with modifications, like widening or addition of parallel landscaped catwalks. In certain locations new bridges may be the better solution. Existing ramps may need to be modified and new ramps constructed. Fencing to direct and funnel wildlife will sometimes be advisable.

Design features. Design features for wildlife movement through human-built environments include:
● Native vegetation, including trees and pollinators, preferably locally sourced and grown from seed collected from extant populations that still exist in adjacent areas, with plans calling out local vs generic material; native vegetation creates and encourages biodiversity much more consequentially than non-natives. ● Continuous natural habitat, which is best for passage along a wildlife corridor. ● Where continuous habitat is not practical, wildlife will often move from one area of natural habitat to another in steppingstone fashion for relative safety, provided the next area is in a line of sight within reasonable reach. 8 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 314

● Existing green space like parks, gardens, and public realm areas along corridors can be used as sites for introducing native habitat.
● Quiet areas.
● Strategically subduing lighting and downlighting.
● Unlit, ‘dark’ routes for nocturnal species.
● Access points at ground level in long stretches of fence. ● Vegetation to help wildlife over tall fences.
● Properly designed, people will appreciate and benefit greatly from new landscaping.

These and other suitable design criteria can be identified and incorporated into public and private development guidelines and requirements. The goal is to invite wildlife to move safely and readily from one large area of natural habitat to another to access food, water, and potential mates; for refuges and escape from heat, wildfires, noise and other natural and man-made stressors; and to avoid potentially harmful interactions with people.

Designs must account for the entire spectrum of animal life that is wild, such as migratory and resident birds; butterflies, bees, and other arthropods; amphibians and reptiles; and small mammals, as well as large. They must also account for the facilitation of pollination, movement of seeds, and propagation of natives.

Wildlife-human interactions. Another major objective for wildlife corridors in the urban or suburban setting is to reduce wildlife-human interactions. Cars hitting wildlife is all too familiar. Bridges and culverts can provide a safe alternative. If not possible or practical for city streets, traffic calming may reduce incidents. Yellowstone National Park utilizes motion sensors to trigger warning lights when bison or other wildlife are on park roads.

Successfully designed corridors are inviting to wildlife and should naturally move them along, whether through continuous habitat or in stepping-stone fashion. Animals should not have to travel through yards or public areas of human activity in route to natural areas when more suitable passage can be created.

Future Verdugo Wash designs. As the community considers designs or redesigns of the Wash now and into the future, the challenges and opportunities for wildlife discussed herein need to be evaluated and addressed -- reevaluated and readdressed, including interactions with people.
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Location-Specific Recommendations for Verdugos – San Gabriels Passage Figure 5 Verdugo Mountains - San Gabriel Mountains Connectivity San Gabriel Mountains debris basin channels
Six channels lead from debris check dams in the lower
San Gabriels to the Verdugo Wash (“debris channels”)
(Figure 5). While the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
has some camera data from debris channel mouths,
permitted access for cameras down each channel can
inform us of current wildlife use and conditions.
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Moving down the nine-mile length of the Verdugo Wash, the following routes have been verified by physical examination:

Verdugo Hills Golf Course to Boston Avenue
Figure 7 Verdugo Hills Golf Course - Blanchard, Cooks Canyon Debris Channels Connectivity The abandoned Verdugo Hills Golf Course is
near the headwaters of the Verdugo Wash
(Figure 7). The golf course site is currently
unmaintained. While some of it has reverted to
natural habitat, there is much to restore and
enhance with native vegetation. In addition to
providing open space and habitat for wildlife,
the Verdugo Hills Golf Course holds fine
potential for wildlife connectivity between the
San Gabriel Mountains and the Verdugo
Mountains.

By moving west from the Verdugo Hills Golf
Course and the headwaters of the Wash
along the north side of the 210 Freeway,
wildlife can cross under the 210 at the La
Tuna underpass and then into the Verdugos.
12 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 318

To the north are the San Gabriels. The Blanchard Canyon debris channel (Figures 7 and 8) is the furthest west of the six debris channels. Bounded by access roads on either side, it cuts the shortest distance through the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and the Crescenta Valley to the San Gabriels and may be the most promising. Access for the Blanchard Canyon debris channel is needed from the golf course. Felhaber-Houk Park, a separate area of open space located to the north has an existing ramp (Figure 7-yellow dot along Blanchard Canyon debris channel) that could serve as an additional access point into that debris channel.

Just to the east of Blanchard Canyon lies the Cooks Canyon debris channel (Figure 7).

Also bounded by dirt access roads on both sides, it may be a candidate for some type of semi-permanent or removable decking over the debris channel to aid wildlife passage through the Crescenta Valley’s urban plain.

The Verdugo Wash, just south of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, runs through a long tunnel beginning at La Tuna Canyon Road under the 210 Freeway and lets out just east of the extreme southern end of Lowell Avenue. The Blanchard Canyon debris channel starts just southeast of the golf course and intersects the Wash tunnel. The Cooks Canyon debris channel starts just north of the 210 Fwy and likewise intersects the Wash tunnel. Both debris channels and the tunnel should be studied for potential wildlife passage, including reducing the length of the tunnel to make it more appealing to wildlife.

Other candidates for passage from the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, headwaters of the Verdugo Wash, Blanchard Canyon debris channel and Cooks Canyon debris channel are nearby culverts under the 210 Freeway and the strip of habitat leading easterly along the 210 Freeway to the Lowell Avenue underpass.
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Boston Avenue to Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park Figure 9 Boston Avenue - New York Avenue, Dunsmore Canyon Debris Channel Connectivity The ramps in and out of the Verdugo Wash on both
sides of Boston Ave could be used as access points
by wildlife (Figure 10). The southern bank along the
Verdugo Wash, southeast of Boston Avenue, is
narrower, steeper, and adjacent to residences, but
can still accommodate wildlife movement.

The trail alongside the Crescenta Valley Dog Park can
be enhanced for wildlife passage with native trees
and shrubs, leading from Boston Avenue to the
Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park.

The southern end of
Dunsmore Avenue
leads to a ramp which
could be used for
access into the Verdugo Wash. Directly across from the outlet of this ramp into the Verdugo Wash lies a tunnel (Figure 11), which runs a short distance and connects
directly into the Verdugo Mountains. This tunnel could 14 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 320

accommodate wildlife passage in and out of the Verdugo Wash.

The Dunsmore Canyon debris channel is another narrow, steep channel which feeds into the Verdugo Wash. Its potential for decking over or other modifications for wildlife passage should be studied and considered.

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park to Oakmont Debris Basin 15 !melk+BuroHappold
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Figure 12 Eagle, Pickens, Halls Canyon Debris Channels Connectivity To the west of where Pennsylvania Avenue becomes Honolulu Avenue lies the confluence of Eagle Canyon debris channel and the Verdugo Wash (Figure 12). Eagle Canyon runs from the San Gabriel Mountains above Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, through the Crescenta Valley and into the Verdugo Wash south of Mountain Oaks.

Any future planning efforts should consider wildlife passage as part of any proposed improvements. An existing ramp where the Eagle Canyon debris channel emits into the Verdugo Wash could be used for wildlife passage.

Across the way from Eagle Canyon debris channel along the west bank of the Verdugo Wash lies another potential wildlife corridor. The bank alongside lengthy El Lado Drive leading down to the Verdugo Wash provides a connection from Mountain Oaks to Camp Bob Waldorf. This bank should be a dedicated wildlife passage and could be enhanced with plantings and strategic access points to accommodate wildlife.

Along this route lies Whiting Woods Road. This quiet, wooded road is used by wildlife to connect from El Lado Dr and the Verdugo Wash to the Whiting Woods trailhead and the Verdugo Mountains. Residents have reported sighting bear and other wildlife along this road. Access for wildlife from the Wash and El Lado Drive paralleling Whiting Woods Road (Figure 12-Whiting Woods route) seems like a likely route. 16 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 322

The southern cul-de-sac of El Lado Drive offers unobstructed access for wildlife into the hillside and canyon habitat of the Camp Bob Waldorf campus, and west into the Verdugo Mountains.

Coming from the other direction, wildlife can move from the Oakmont Debris Basin westerly along the west rim of the Verdugo Wash (Figure 12-Wash Oakmont Wetland route), then under Shirlyjean St. bridge to an ideal ramp (Figure 12-yellow dot) leading into the northeast corner of Camp Bob Waldorf (Figure 12-Waldorf route) or via a channel leading into the Wash at about the same location.

Location-Specific Recommendations for Verdugos – San Rafaels Passage The following routes have been verified by physical examination:
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Oakmont Debris Basin and Country Club
Figure 13 Oakmont Debris Basin, Country Club Connectivity The Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Plan (“ULART”) recognized the area surrounding the Oakmont Debris Basin and Oakmont Country Club as the “San Rafael Ecological Connection” (Figure 13). Ecological connections within the ULART Plan are “areas that connect the community with wildlife and nature… (T)hese are places… where neighborhoods and open space, nature preserves, or mountains meet.” Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has, through independent analysis and ground-truthing, identified the “San Rafael Ecological Connection” area as the most promising candidate for an ecological connection between the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Mountains. Opportunities exist to enhance the Oakmont Debris Basin for wildlife by creating and enhancing wetland and native habitat and opening up or enhancing existing wildlife passage into the Oakmont Country Club and Verdugo Mountains.

The ULART report identified the land beneath the Southern California Edison power lines from the Oakmont Country Club into the Verdugo Mountains as the “Northern Wildlife Crossing” (Figure 13-Oakmont SCE ROW). The plan proposes an elevated parkway connecting the Country Club with the Verdugo
Mountains. Some type of connection here for wildlife is crucial.
18 Oakmont Debris Basin and Country Club
Figure 13 Oakmont Debris Basin, Country Club Connectivity The Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Plan (“ULART”) recognized the area surrounding the Oakmont Debris Basin and Oakmont Country Club as the “San Rafael Ecological Connection” (Figure 13). Ecological connections within the ULART Plan are “areas that connect the community with wildlife and nature… (T)hese are places… where neighborhoods and open space, nature preserves, or mountains meet.” Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has, through independent analysis and ground-truthing, identified the “San Rafael Ecological Connection” area as the most promising candidate for an ecological connection between the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Mountains. Opportunities exist to enhance the Oakmont Debris Basin for wildlife by creating and enhancing wetland and native habitat and opening up or enhancing existing wildlife passage into the Oakmont Country Club and Verdugo Mountains.

AFC recognizes the Oakmont Country Club golf course as an active wildlife corridor, confirmed by remote wildlife camera. Opportunity exists to enhance the ecological value of the golf course by expanding native habitat areas, reducing irrigation areas, and securing wildlife corridors, such as the Edison power lines route. As stated by the Tongva Tribal Council letter providing sustainability recommendations for this project:
“Oakmont Golf Course: The golf course was once a riparian environment and flood plain as evidenced by the number of riparian trees still within the property. Recently, the course has reduced their greens to reduce their water consumption. It is highly recommended the golf course goes further and adopts the Audubon International Golf Course design for sustainability and utilizes daylighting and tributary side streams to support native non-exotic plant species for both wildlife habitation and creates swales and depressions for water sequestration.”
From the southern end of Oakmont Country Club, wildlife could follow an existing ramp into the Verdugo Wash (Figure 13-yellow dot). A chainlink gate/fence (Figure 14) would have to be opened or retrofitted with wildlife fencing for access. 19 !melk+BuroHappold
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Sparr Tunnel
Figure 15 Oakmont Country Club - Glorietta Park Connectivity Once down the golf course ramp and into the Wash, wildlife can travel south a short distance under Cañada Boulevard to an existing tunnel leading northeast from the Wash on a diagonal under Verdugo Rd. and City property at the southeast corner of Verdugo Rd. and Sparr Blvd. (“Sparr Tunnel”). The Sparr Tunnel carries water from a distant location, but does not daylight, so it would have to be opened for wildlife on the City property. They could then move a short distance up Sparr Boulevard to Bayberry Drive for easy access into the greater San Rafael Hills (Figure 15-Sparr route). The viability of the Sparr Tunnel should be analyzed.

From the low elevation San Rafael Hills, wildlife would proceed easterly through open space south of Bayberry Dr. toward the 2 Freeway (still Sparr route), then north or south (Figure 15-West Shoulder route) to pass under the 2 Freeway at Stancrest Drive, near Descanso Gardens to the east, (Figure 15-Stancrest route) or Fern Lane, north of the Glendale Sports Complex, (Figure 15-Fern route) for immediate access to expansive natural open space in the interior of the San Rafaels.

Drainage culverts and tunnels under the 2 Freeway can provide additional passage for all manner of creatures and seeds and need investigation.

Glorietta Park
20 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 326

Glorietta Park straddles the Wash. Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has identified the east side of Glorietta Park as a high priority site for passage between the Verdugos and San Rafaels. A new ramp would be required into the Wash, and if the design preference is to use the Wash for wildlife passage only to the extent necessary, it could be located at the north end of the park, just south of the Sparr Tunnel. When designing for a ramp, consideration could also be given to infrastructure improvements to better connect both sides of Glorietta Park.

Dedicating a wildlife corridor south through Glorietta Park along its east side, planted with native shrubs for cover, will lead to Glorietta Avenue. Installing native plants along the north side of Glorietta Avenue could give passage to Verdugo Rd.

The greatest impediment to wildlife between Glorietta Park and the San Rafaels is North Verdugo Road. The intersection of North Verdugo Road and Glorietta Avenue has been identified by local residents and Glendale City staff as prone to car accidents and a candidate for traffic-calming infrastructure. Traffic-calming could be multi-benefit — enhancing safe passage across Verdugo Rd. for pedestrians during daylight hours and for wildlife during low-traffic hours. The following should be included with traffic calming measures:
● Enhancing native landscaping on both sides of North Verdugo Road. ● Opening up chain-link fencing at Edison property to the east of North Verdugo Road.
● Installing a “wildlife crossing” signal or signage.

After crossing Verdugo Rd., wildlife
would follow an Edison Right of
Way to and across a quiet Mira
Vista Drive into a large peninsula
of natural habitat south of Los
Encinos Avenue, then to Fern
Lane at the 2 Freeway (Figure 16)
and east under the freeway to
expansive open space of the San
Rafaels (Figure 15-Glorietta and
Fern routes).

Edison route
An alternate route is the Southern California Edison right of way, commencing to the southeast of Mira Vista Drive and leading southeast to natural habitat along the 2 Freeway south of Fern Lane (Figure 15-Fern SCE ROW route). Then they can head 21 !melk+BuroHappold
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north to the Fern Lane underpass or south to the Sherer Lane underpass of the 2 Freeway (Figure 15-SR2 South Shoulder route).

Oak Knoll Road route
Figure 17 Oak Knoll Road Connectivity
As already described, the Fern Lane underpass of the 2 Freeway serves as a critical wildlife passage post.

Following the San Rafael Hills south from Fern Lane along the western side of the 2 Freeway (Figure 17-SR2 West
Shoulder route) can lead to a potential corridor through private properties along Verdugo Knolls Drive (Figure
17-Oak Knoll N route). A wooded, riparian canyon runs
through these private properties -- some with homes on
them and a couple vacant parcels (Figure 18). There are signs of wildlife movement. Conservation easements and
potential acquisition of vacant parcels may be desired. 22 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 328

The wooded canyon at
Verdugo Knolls Dr empties
out to Oak Knoll Road
(Figure 19) — a quiet and
peaceful street that wildlife
may walk down as a corridor
(Figure 17-Oak Knoll route),
especially at night, early
morning, and other times of
low human activity and
traffic. Working with
neighbors to enhance native
landscaping would be desirable. Wildlife can be imagined crossing Verdugo Rd. at Oak Knoll Road if there were inviting habitat on the west side of Verdugo Rd., in turn leading to the Wash, where access would need to be created. Wildlife would then use the Wash to travel south, exiting at a new ramp into Verdugo Park just south of the Cañada Boulevard overpass and north of the Skate Park (Figure 17-Wash Oak Knoll route).

Sherer Lane Underpass
The swath of hillside habitat
running south from along the west
side of the 2 Freeway from Fern
Lane to Verdugo Knolls Dr
continues south to an underpass
at Sherer Lane (Figure 17-SR2
West Shoulder route and Figure
20) — another critical passage
point that is relatively quiet and
reportedly used by wildlife for
passage under the 2 Freeway.

The east side of the 2 Freeway running south from Sherer Lane (Figure 17-Sherer and Mountain routes) could lead to a potential wildlife crossing of the freeway at East Mountain Street (“Mountain St.”) if suitably retrofitted for wildlife, as by adding a landscaped catwalk off the side, but if not practical over a new bridge north of Mountain St. Once on the west side of the 2 Freeway they could then proceed west through the lower San Rafael Hills to Glendale Community College in the manner described below.

As an alternative, installing a bridge south of Mountain St. can be considered if, as a practical matter, wildlife will cross the relatively quiet portion of Mountain St. immediately east of the 2 Fwy interchange.
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Verdugo Park
Figure 21 Verdugo Park Connectivity
Big picture, given the breadth of the Verdugo Mountains two ingress/egress routes toward the San Rafael Hills would be highly desirable. The first is described above, utilizing the Oakmont Debris Basin and the Oakmont Country Club golf course. The second utilizes Verdugo Park. The route to Verdugo Park (Figure 21) should be readily apparent on Figure 22.
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Figure 22 Verdugo Mountains - Verdugo Park Terrain
It moves from the Las Flores Motorway along the north
side of Sunshine Road through property owned by the
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (Figures 21 and
22-AFC’s Sunshine Preserve), crossing Sunshine Road
and continuing through uninterrupted natural open space to the upper sloping reaches of Verdugo Park (Figure 23).

Wildlife then move south along this sloping half of
Verdugo Park. They can move to the bottom of the slope
then directly east along the north side of Stengel Field to the Wash, or they can circumnavigate Stengel Field to
avoid humans. What follows is a discussion of possible
routes to move between the Verdugo Wash and the San
Rafael Hills.
26 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 332

Glendale Community College
Figure 24 Verdugo Park - Glendale Community College Connectivity From the San Rafael Hills above the Glendale
Community College campus, we have identified
northern and southern “perimeter routes” for wildlife
passage around the campus, with potential
connections to Verdugo Park (Figure 24).

The northern perimeter route utilizes Campus Way
(Figure 24-GCC N) and connects with the footbridge
that spans across the Verdugo Rd. and Cañada Blvd
junction (Figure 24-GCC Bridge). The campus
perimeter leading to the footbridge onramp along
Verdugo Rd. (Figure 24-GCC N on) would need to be
landscaped with native plants to provide cover for
wildlife.

The southern perimeter route follows the perimeter of
the campus along Mountain St., and then along the Verdugo Rd. perimeter of the campus to the same footbridge across Verdugo Rd. and Cañada Blvd. (Figure 24-GCC S,).
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A large lawn on the east approach to the footbridge creates a landscaping opportunity for the college. Once on the footbridge (Figure 25), potential exists to "naturalize" the interior sides with native plants to provide cover and safety for wildlife passage. This could be achieved by installing planter boxes or
widening the bridge to accommodate plant life. The
footbridge blocks out much of the noise from the busy
Verdugo Rd., below.

This Glendale Community College footbridge leads to
Lot 32, a City of Glendale owned parking lot. We
anticipate wildlife using the sloping ramp leading down from the Glendale Community College footbridge to
Lot 32 (Figure 26) rather than the opposing ramp with
steps. Some non-parking
sections of this parking lot
could be softened and
“greened” with native
landscaping. With the
removal of 2 to 4 parking
spaces, a naturalized trail crossing for wildlife could be created from the Glendale Community College footbridge ramp to the bank of the Verdugo Wash.

The bank along the edge of the Verdugo Wash (Figure 27) could be naturalized and
improved with a trail, connecting
the north end of Lot 32 with an
existing pedestrian bridge to
Verdugo Park (Figure 28). The bridge, which spans the
Verdugo Wash, appears readily usable by wildlife.

Other opportunities for
connection between Glendale
Community College and
Verdugo Park include
(i) constructing an overpass
to connect the Glendale
Community College southern
perimeter route (Figure
24-GCCS) with a tree-lined,
quiet drive alongside the
south side of Glendale Civic Auditorium (Figure 24-GCC
route, Figure 29), to a
naturalized new trail heading
28 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 334

north along the east side of the Wash to the pedestrian bridge (Figure 28) from the northwest corner of Lot 32 into
Verdugo Park (Figure 24-GCC route)
(ii) recommissioning a mothballed tunnel once used for people from the campus periphery to the southeast corner of the Glendale Civic Auditorium (Figure 24-Tunnel Gate location for the new overpass and the existing tunnel), then following the same route as above
Lot 30
From the hillside south of Mountain
St. and west of the 2 Fwy. wildlife
can follow natural habitat down to
Verdugo Rd. across from Lot 30
(Figure
24-Mountain and Lot 30 routes) - another City of Glendale owned parking lot. This site has potential for construction of an overpass or underpass across Verdugo Rd. from
south of CII Vaquero to Lot 30 (Figure 24-see Build
Overpass). Wildlife then go to an existing ramp at the
southwest corner of Lot 30 (Figure 30) for easy access
into the Wash (Figure 24-yellow dot). Then they move up the Wash to a partial ramp (Figure 31) below Stengel
Field that would need to be lowered.

This route, with the newly constructed bridge over the Wash, may be the most likely candidate for southern passage between the San Rafaels and Verdugos. (Southern passage utilizes Verdugo Park; northern passage utilizes the Oakmont Country Club golf course.)
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Chevy Chase and Glenoaks
Figure 32 Glendale Community College to Chevy Chase Drive, Glenoaks Boulevard Connectivity Both East Chevy Chase Drive (“Chevy Chase”) and East Glenoaks Boulevard (“Glenoaks”) pass under the 2 Freeway. There is a substantial undeveloped range of hills below Chevy Chase and another below Glenoaks, as seen in the image below. It can be assumed that wildlife of all manner inhabit these ranges. 30 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 336

Figure 33 Ranges south of Chevy Chase Drive and Glenoaks Boulevard Passage potential exists from the western end of both ranges to open space along both sides of the 2 Freeway (Figure 32-Glenoaks and Chevy Chase routes) leading north.

On the west side of the 2 Freeway wildlife can move to the Verdugo Park complex (Figure 32-Glenoaks route). On the east side of the 2 Fwy. wildlife move either to potential new wildlife bridge crossing the 2 Freeway on one side or the other of Mountain St. (Figure 32-Chevy Chase-Glenoaks route), or on to the Sherer Underpass (Figure 32-Mountain route).

Drainage culverts and tunnels under the 2 Freeway can provide additional passage for all manner of creatures and seeds and need investigation.

Verdugo Park to Confluence Park
The confluence of the Verdugo Wash with the Los Angeles River has been recognized as an “Opportunity Area” for recreational development in the City of Los Angeles’ Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan. Restoration of this confluence area also features, as part of the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Feasibility Report, Alternative 20.

The construction of a pedestrian and bikeway trail along the Wash could open up access for wildlife passage from Verdugo Park to Confluence Park and the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. Planting native trees and shrubs along the trail can serve to provide cover for wildlife moving during non-peak hours of human activity. Trail connectivity to Fremont Park should be considered, which can serve as an “island” of habitat and open space for humans and wildlife on the journey through the urban plain between Verdugo Park and the Los Angeles River.
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APPENDIX C: ECOLOGY

Location-Specific Recommendations for Griffith Park - San Gabriel Mountains Passage
P-22, the world-famous mountain lion, somehow crossed two freeways to end up at Griffith Park and has been isolated there for more than 10 years. This highlights that Griffith Park is a biological island, cut off from the greater Santa Monica Mountains, of which they are a part. Is this apex predator the only species suffering such isolation? No, certainly not. All manner of wildlife are similarly constrained. Do we care about the ecological health of the world’s largest urban park? If the answer is yes, we must allow it to reconnect with habitat in the greater Santa Monica Mountains, the bio-rich San Gabriel Mountains, or both for a more hopeful outcome. (Mountain lions have been documented to travel up to 10 miles in one night [mountainlion.org]. It is ‘possible’ for a mountain lion to get from Griffith Park to the Verdugos without having to encounter any humans in nighttime or dusk/dawn when normally expected to move.) There are two, and only two, potential corridors to connect Griffith Park with the San Gabriel Mountains:

1. The Los Angeles River to the Arroyo Seco to the San Gabriel Mountains

2. The Los Angeles River (briefly) to the Verdugo Wash to the San Gabriel Mountains
The shorter route of the two, by far, is Verdugo Wash. Any reimagining of the Wash from its confluence with the Los Angeles River to Verdugo Park should include wildlife passage.

There are multiple locations along the Los Angeles River for movement in and out of Griffith Park. Starting upriver …
● The Los Angeles River abuts Griffith Park where it goes under the 134 Fwy at Forest Lawn and continuing westerly along the northern boundary of Griffith Park. Forest Lawn Drive would need to be passed. A channel that leads from the River under Forest Lawn Drive to a natural waterway with heavy natural habitat on the east side of 6250 Forest Lawn Drive (currently the Junior Achievement Building) needs investigation.
● In addition, the channel’s walls are sloped and accessible for entry/exit; it remains sloped up to a location just downriver from 1533 Rancho Avenue, Glendale, where it narrows and the walls become vertical. Once out of the channel at this point wildlife have direct access to Griffith Park by using an equestrian tunnel under the 134 Freeway. Once out of the tunnel they cross the Main Trail then Zoo Drive to natural open space.
32 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 338

● Once out of the channel as above-described, wildlife could have an alternative to traveling up the channel by moving parallel along a strip of land between the River and the 134 Freeway westerly to other undercrossings. Habitat would need to be enhancemed.
● Both wildlife access and passage should be addressed and suitably included in projects relating to Confluence Park and the southern reaches of the Verdugo Wash.
● Four inlets for drainage tunnels from Warren Harding Golf Course under the 5 Freeway into the Wash can be investigated for passage.
● Physical inspection suggests that three large inlets just west of the North Atwater Bridge for tunnels leading from the Park and under the 5 Freeway would provide ready dedicated passage for all manner of wildlife, if one or more hinged ‘cat’s head’ covers were left open.
● A horse trail moves under the 5 Freeway just south of the three inlets for easy Griffith Park access.
● Other culverts and tunnels under the 5 Freeway can provide additional passage for all manner of creatures and seeds and can be investigated.

Acknowledgements
Submitted by Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy on 6/22/2022, with contributions from:

George Ballteria, Board of Directors, Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation; Director of Design and Construction, North East Trees; retired Director of Facilities and Senior Project Manager, City of Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency
Shana Bonstin, Deputy Director of City Planning, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Los Angeles, Glendale resident
Mark Duttweiler, GIS specialist
Paul Edelman, Chief of Natural Resources and Planning for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and Deputy Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
33 !melk+BuroHappold
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APPENDIX C: ECOLOGY

Dave Gallagher, Landscape Architect with Los Angeles County Public Works, Glendale resident
Mike Lawler, President, Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley.

Michael C. Long, field biologist, retired Natural Areas Administrator, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Travis Longcore, Ph.D. GISP, Associate Adjunct Professor, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles.

Seth P. D. Riley, Ph.D., Wildlife Ecologist and Branch Chief for Wildlife, National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area; and Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles.

Ana Tabuena-Ruddy, Landscape Architect,; Project Development & Interagency Coordination Manager, Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services, City of Los Angeles, Glendale resident
Jeff Sikich: Biologist, National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Nancy Steele, Executive Manager, Friends of the Verde River; past Executive Director, Council for Watershed Health in Los Angeles; co-founder and President of Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy 2000-2011
Laura Stotler, retired Principal Planner, City of Glendale Tongva Tribal Council, liaison Richard Toyon
Johanna Turner, wildlife tracker and photographer.

Amanda Zellmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biology, Occidental College.

With a special thanks to Lew Phelps
34 THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 340

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APPENDIX C: ECOLOGY

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 342

appendix D.
sustainability &planning
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APPENDIX D: SUSTAINABILITY

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 344

The Verdugo Wash Sustainability Framework articulates
the goals, strategies, and key performance indicators for environmental sustainability and climate resiliency as they relate to the Verdugo Wash.

It considers and integrates collected data, existing efforts, and historical context including the site’s environmental history (and pre-development condition), as well as current barriers and consequences resulting from the channelization of the Wash. The framework identifies opportunities to
enhance the natural environment, address climate change, and encourage habitat restoration.

This will help to identify locations for design interventions and provide an initial high-level understanding of how the Verdugo Wash can contribute to citywide sustainability
efforts such as reducing the urban heat island effect, treating stormwater, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
greening the city.

Lastly, the sustainability framework outlines opportunities to address social factors such as equitable design and
equitable access to benefit the entire community.

The Verdugo Wash Sustainability Framework is principally organized around six key elements - or project focus areas.

These are articulated as succinct goal statements as follows:

Within each key element, there is a vision that serves as a statement of long-term aspirations and objectives which break down the vision into implementable components.

Key performance indicators that serve as a barometer of long-term sustainability and are aligned where possible with the measuring and monitoring efforts of city and regional programs and policies.

Finally, design strategies are listed that align with each of the key elements; this is not an exhaustive list of strategies, but an illustrative set that may be built upon and expanded in future design phases.

Enhance the natural environment
Mitigate climate change
Encourage habitat restoration
Incorporate innovative urban design
Foster an inclusive economy
Prioritize equitable design & access
appendix D
sustainability & planning long-term
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APPENDIX D: SUSTAINABILITY

Vision
Improve water quality, reduce the impacts of
the urban heat island effect, and advance the city’s
sustainability goals through conceptual design for the
natural environment.

Objectives
Increase Glendale’s tree canopy coverage;
Ensure there is accessible park and recreational open
space to serve residents;
Implement stormwater management practices to
protect water quality & replenish local aquifers;
Improve water quality;
Combat the urban heat island effect.

Key Performance Indicators
Percent tree canopy cover (number of trees);
Percent of trees planted in sidewalk planting sites
Number of residents using local parks and recreational
open spaces.

Champions
Community Services & Parks
Public Works
Design Strategies
Implement best management practices (BMPs) within
and adjacent to the Wash, including stormwater planters, tree well filters, vegetated swales, and vegetated filter strips;
Incorporate bio infiltration into the design of adjacent parks and public properties.

Vision
Address climate change through conceptual design
strategies for urban design, hydrology, and mobility
Objectives
Combat the urban heat island effect;
Promote/encourage alternative transportation forms;
Increase Glendale’s tree canopy coverage.

Key Performance Indicators
SOV trip reductions;
Citywide transportation emissions;
Tree plantings;
Cool and vegetated surface areas.

Champions
Public Works
Sustainability Office
Design Strategies
Implement urban cooling strategies that mitigate
extreme heat, such as cool and vegetated surfaces,
shade structures, shade trees and vines;
Provide a convenient, safe, and affordable alternative to car travel in the form of multi-use paths.
natural environment climate change
Vision
Foster an inclusive and prosperous economy through
conceptual strategies for urban design, equity, and
mobility.

Objectives
Promote economic growth and prosperity without
displacement, with a focus on local businesses and
disinvested neighborhoods;
Create more opportunities for new sustainable MWBE
businesses to open in Glendale;
Support green jobs training in Glendale;
Encourage sustainable business practices.

Key Performance Indicators
Cost of living proportional to household incomes;
Number of MWBE businesses;
Number of green jobs/workers in Glendale.

Champions
Community Development
Sustainability Office
Design Strategies
Develop anti-displacement protections for neighboring
renters and small businesses
inclusive economy
Sustainability Framework Plan
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 346

Vision
Restore the natural and historic habitat through
conceptual design strategies for urban design and
mobility
Objectives
Increase Glendale’s tree canopy coverage;
Increase biodiversity in Glendale.

Key Performance Indicators
Number of native plant species represented in the
Verdugo Wash;
Wildlife corridors improved/added.

Champions
Public Works (Forestry Section)
Design Strategies
Use signage and platforms to educate residents and
visitors about native, invasive, and climate-adapted
species;
Establish wetland habitat within the soft-bottomed
debris basin;
Establish habitat corridors in conjunction with efforts on adjacent properties.
habitat restoration
Vision
Deploy human-centered urban design strategies that
address equity, the natural and built environment, and
habitat restoration
Objectives
Incorporate Greener Glendale sustainability concepts
into the Community Plans and other General Plan
documents;
Incorporate green building practices into community
sustainability outreach and education;
Implement SCAG Sustainable Communities Program
strategies in Glendale to increase livable environments; Promote and encourage the use of alternative forms of
transportation.

Key Performance Indicators
Mode share in Glendale
Linear feet of multi-modal transport paths
Champions
Community Development
Public Works
Sustainability Office
Design Strategies
Provide access for active modes (walking, biking, and
rolling) into the Verdugo Wash;
Incorporate shading and vegetation into the public
space design.
urban design
Vision
Address social equity through conceptual design
strategies for urban design and mobility.

Objectives
Ensure there is accessible park and recreational open
space to serve current and future residents;
Encourage the use of locally grown organic foods.

Key Performance Indicators
Percent of residents living within walking distance (1/3 mile) of a park and recreational open space
Champions
Community Development
Community Services & Parks
Design Strategies
Apply universal design principles to the access points
from surrounding streets, including wide paths and
ramps, accessible bathrooms, shade, and lighting;
Prioritize implementation in areas of Glendale that have less existing access to parks and open space, namely
the downstream portion nearest downtown.
equitable access
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APPENDIX D: SUSTAINABILITY

The Verdugo Wash will be the beacon for urban
sustainability and social equity in Glendale, enhancing the City’s natural environment and addressing the climate
change and biodiversity crises, and incorporating equitable design and access.

The Verdugo Wash Visioning process requires many
considerations, including those related to culture, mobility, environment, health and wellbeing, and economic vitality.

As an amenity space that has the potential to connect
multiple neighborhoods, there is an additional opportunity to establish ecological and transit corridors. The sustainability framework that will be developed during this visioning
process will articulate the goals and strategies for
environmental sustainability and climate resiliency as they relate to the Verdugo Wash.

The framework will consider and integrate collected data, existing efforts, and historical context. This includes the site’s environmental history (and pre-development condition),
as well as current barriers and consequences resulting
from the channelization of the Wash. The framework will identify opportunities to enhance the natural environment, address climate change, and encourage habitat restoration.

This will help to identify locations for design interventions and provide an initial high level understanding of how the Verdugo Wash can contribute to citywide sustainability
efforts such as reducing the urban heat island effect, treating stormwater, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
greening the City. Lastly, the sustainability framework will also seek to identify opportunities to address social factors such as equitable design and equitable access to benefit the entire community.

Key elements of the sustainability plan will guide the vision to address environmental and social factors in the area.

These elements will both align with existing goals and
targets and incorporate newly identified opportunities
and needs within the community. These key elements are
expressed through the following sustainability goals:

Existing Efforts
The City of Glendale executed the “Greener Glendale Plan” in 2011, addressing sustainability and climate change in local government operations.

The plan outlines seven focus areas of improvement: energy, water, waste, transportation, urban design, urban nature, and environmental health.

At the regional level, the Los Angeles County Board
of Supervisors adopted “OurCounty”: the Los Angeles
County-wide Sustainability Plan in 2019, which provides a regional framework for local governments and stakeholders to enhance community sustainability, adapt to climate
change, and reduce damage to the natural environment.

OurCounty specifically focuses on communities that are
disproportionately affected by environmental pollution.

These plans are foundational to future Glendale sustainability frameworks, and relevant initiatives and goals will be brought into the Verdugo Wash Visioning process.

One example of a relevant strategy or action is Glendale’s Citywide Pedestrian Plan spotlight on adding pedestrian head starts and high visibility crosswalks in high collisions intersections. Additional examples can be found in the Sustainability Plan which sets objectives to increase the City’s tree canopy coverage by 20,000 trees by 2035 as well as ensure that there is accessible park and recreational open space to serve residents.

The County also recently completed the LA River Master
Plan, which outlines development and management goals
for the 51-mile section of the LA River running through Los Angeles County. At large, the plan identifies strategies and goals to reduce flood risk, improve resiliency, provide open space, support ecosystems, enhance arts and culture, address potential adverse impacts, and promote healthy, safe water. The plan also identifies how it will work within existing and future planning documents.

At the State level, the Verdugo Wash is assessed within the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
(MRCA)’s Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries (ULART) Revitalization Plan, addressing future opportunities and projects to revitalize waterfronts throughout north LA
County. The plan, completed in 2020, has an emphasis
on disadvantaged communities along the Verdugo Wash,
Aliso Canyon Wash, Pacoima Wash, Tujunga Wash, Burbank
Western Channel, Arroyo Seco, and Upper LA River. The
plan’s outreach process helped highlight specific community needs and desires for the Verdugo Wash. These included
safe access design features, inclusion of small gathering spaces, and incorporation of trails and pathways. The plan also identifies and scores various revitalization opportunities for the tributary. These include but aren’t limited to adding an educational facility, creating multi-use and mountain biking trails, and locations for enhancing wildlife corridors.

Enhance the natural environment
Encourage habitat restoration
Mitigate climate change
Benefit the entire community by incorporating equitable design and access
•
•
•
•
THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 348

Sustainability Opportunities & Constraints
Parks & Open Space
Parks and open space are an integral part of the Glendale identity. Not only was the city initially sited within the natural beauty of three distinct hillside/mountain ranges (Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains), but nearly one-third of the city’s land area is either parkland or open space (including private lands). From an equity perspective, approximately 90% of Glendale residents
reside within 1/3-mile of a public park or recreational open Parks and Open Space
Surface Waters and
Wetland Cover
Private Golf Courses
Private Open Space
Crescenta Valley
Community Park
City of Glendale Parks
Parks and Open Space
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
Existing Entry Points
City of Glendale
Parks and Open Space
Surface Waters and
Wetland Cover
Private Golf Courses
Private Open Space
Crescenta Valley
Community Park
City of Glendale Parks
Parks and Open Space
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
Existing Entry Points
City of Glendale
Parks and
Open Space
Data Source(s): City of
Glendale Public Works, Los
Angeles County Department
of Public Works, Los Angeles
Department of Sanitation.
space; a notable exception being South Glendale, which
lacks adequate open space. The city boasts 43 public parks as well as public school yards open to the public after- hours, and many open space trails. The City also takes on reforestation and implements habitat protection measures.

These initiatives and their impacts are further discussed in the Biology section of this report.
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INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS
Parks and open space
data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Sanitation.

SURFACE WATERS / WETLAND

PRIVATE GOLF COURSES

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE

CRESCENT VALLEY PARK

CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS

PARKS & OPEN SPACE

VERDUGO WASH
1/4 MILE BUFFER

CITY OF GLENDALE
1/2
1/4 1 mile

Stormwater
Open Channel
Lateral Line
Public Culvert
Gravity Main
Natural Drainage
Catch Basin
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Stormwater
Open Channel
Lateral Line
Public Culvert
Gravity Main
Natural Drainage
Catch Basin
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Stormwater
Infrastructure
Data Source(s): City of
Glendale Public Works, Los
Angeles County Department
of Public Works, Los Angeles
Department of Sanitation.

Sustainability Opportunities & Constraints
Water Quality & Management
Especially in southern California, water quality and water management are important tenets of sustainability. About seventy percent of Glendale’s water supply is provided from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which is conveyed over long distances from 1) northern California (via the State Water Project) and 2) the Colorado River (via the Colorado River Aqueduct.)
The Verdugo Wash is a central asset in Glendale’s
stormwater infrastructure. For these reasons, existing
conditions and future precipitation levels will influence the final design vision. Water is also connected to other key sustainability themes like urban ecology, extreme heat, and climate change mitigation efforts.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 350
Stormwater infrastructure
data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Sanitation.

OPEN CHANNEL

LATERAL LINE

PUBLIC CULVERT

GRAVITY MAIN

NATURAL DRAINAGE

CATCH BASIN

EXISTING ENTRY POINTS
1/4 MILE BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH

CITY OF GLENDALE
1/2
1/4 1 mile

The City of Glendale experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild wet winters, though winter- drought has been common in recent years. On average,
the city receives approximately 19 inches of rain per year.

The rainiest months of the year, January and February,
each experience approximately 3-4 inches of rain. The city contains both year-round and seasonal streams as well as extensive stormwater infrastructure.

As the Wash was channelized and the surrounding area was developed, the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater decreased and runoff increased. Green infrastructure, including
vegetative surfaces, can help to increase infiltration and reduce runoff from certain rain events, but stormwater
infrastructure is essential in managing runoff from heavy rain events and storms, particularly for downstream and low-lying areas.

Minimal changes are expected for the annual precipitation in Glendale under both low and high emission scenarios. The average observed historical 1-day maximum is 2.8-inches, with a projected mid-century increase of 0.1-0.2 inches.

There is a projected increase of about one week in maximum lengths of dry spells compared to the historic average of 128 days. While averages aren’t expected to change much in the Glendale area, California is projected to have more severe variation in wet and dry years. This can lead to “whiplash events” which are particularly important in that they
contribute to and intensify various other climate hazards.

When dry years are followed by very wet years, mudslides and landslides are more likely to occur. This is due to declines in vegetation during the dry years which otherwise offer soil stabilization. When wet years are followed by dry years, wildfires are much more likely. This is because the wet years allow a lot of new vegetation to grow, but it eventually dries out in the drought period – leading to increases in fuel sources for fire.

The Los Angeles Climate-Smart Cities analysis, performed by The Trust for Public Land, has identified areas where the potential for groundwater infiltration projects is highest.

Their model, which accounts for riparian areas, flood-prone areas, permeable soils, wetland areas, groundwater basins, historic channels, and slope identifies much of the Verdugo Wash project area as having high potential for infiltration projects.

Year
Number of Extreme Heat Days
Number of Extreme Heat Days in Glendale, CA
Number of extreme heat days in Glendale under both emission scenarios with observed historical values.

The threshold (98th percentile) for an extreme heat day in this community is 97.61 degrees Fahrenheit.

Historic RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994
1998
2002
2006
2010
2014
2018
2022
2026
2030
2034
2038
2042
2046
2050
2054
2058
2062
2066
2070
2074
2078
2082
2086
2090
2094
2098
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 70
Data Source: Cal-Adapt
Year
Temperature (F)
Annual Average Temperatures in Glendale, CA
Annual average maximum and minimum temperature projections in Glendale under low and high emissions scenarios Historic Maximum Temperature RCP 4.5 Maximum Temperature RCP 8.5 Maximum Temperature Historic Minimum Temperature RCP 4.5 Minimum Temperature RCP 8.5 Minimum Temperature 1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994
1998
2002
2006
2010
2014
2018
2022
2026
2030
2034
2038
2042
2046
2050
2054
2058
2062
2066
2070
2074
2078
2082
2086
2090
2094
2098
50 60
70 80
90 40
Data Source: Cal-Adapt
Data from the City’s latest Urban Water Management Plan shows that over 81% of water usage is from residential
homes (both single family and multi-family), around 12% is from commercial use, and the remaining is split between industrial, municipal, and landscape irrigation. In 2020, the annual water usage was just over 21,000 acre-feet in total, or an average of 95.3 gallons per person per day.

Not many modifications have occurred to the Wash itself since the 1930s, but additional flood control support
structures and projects have been added in the area. These projects were predominately led by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and United States Army Corps of Engineers. They include additional debris basins in the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains, as well as additional concrete lining of other major channels in the region.

There are also 5 dams and reservoirs within the City of Glendale, which were all constructed between 1930 and
1950. These include Brand Park, East Glorietta, Chevy Chase 1290 Reservoir, Glenoaks Reservoir, and Diedrich Reservoir.

Early stormwater management infrastructure was largely set in the 100-year base flood standard, grounded in frequency- based design that has proven challenging for modern day standards. The ”new normal” of climate change has deemed prior storm-predictions less reliable, and has presented areas of opportunity for more sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches. Reducing flood vulnerability in one !melk+BuroHappold
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INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS
Year
Precipitation (inches/year)
Precipitation in Glendale, CA
Precipitation in inches per year in Glendale under low and high emission scenarios with observed historical values.

Historic RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5
1950
1956
1962
1968
1974
1980
1986
1992
1998
2004
2010
2016
2022
2028
2034
2040
2046
2052
2058
2064
2070
2076
2082
2088
2094
2100
0 20
40 60
Data Source: Cal-Adapt
Precipitation in inches, per year in Glendale under low and high emission scenarios with observed historical values (source: Cal-Adapt) Number of extreme heat days in Glendale under both emission scenarios with observed historical values. The threshold (98th percentile) for an extreme heat day in this community is 97.61 degrees Fahrenheit. (source Cal-Adapt) Annual average (maximum & minimum) temperature projections in Glendale, under low & high emissions scenarios (source Cal-Adapt) HISTORIC

HISTORIC
RCP 4.5
RCP 4.5
RCP 8.5
RCP 8.5

HISTORIC MAX/MIN
RCP 4.5 MAX TEMP RCP 4.5 MIN TEMP
RCP 8.5 MAX TEMP RCP 8.5 MIN TEMP

region may increase vulnerability in another. Therefore, sustainable urban drainage systems have introduced a more interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to current urban infrastructure design criteria.

Re-envisioning the stormwater management systems
around the Verdugo Wash as a holistic network, rather than solely concrete channels, will provide a more equitable and sustainable future.

Sustainability Opportunities & Constraints
Extreme Heat
Globally, temperatures have steadily increased since the 1950s, with five of the hottest years on record occurring in the last six years.

Changes in air temperature will increase the occurrence of extreme heat, heat waves, warm nights, drought, and
wildfires. When populations are exposed to extreme
temperatures, heat stress can lead to broader welfare
Priority for Cool and
Green Infrastructure
(Urban Heat Island)
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Priority for Cool and
Green Infrastructure
(Urban Heat Island)
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Cool and Green
Infrastructure
Priority Areas
Data Source(s): City of
Glendale Public Works, Los
Angeles County Department
of Public Works, The Trust
for Public Land (Climate-
Smart Cities).

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 352
Urban heat island priority areas
data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, The Trust for Public Land (Climate-Smart Cities).

LOW

PRIORITY FOR COOL & GREEN

INFRASTRUCTURE (URBAN HEAT ISLAND)

MODERATE
HIGH

VERY HIGH
1/4 MILE BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH

CITY OF GLENDALE
1/2
1/4 1 mile

EXISTING ENTRY POINTS

and economic impacts. This includes heat illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fatigue, and heat cramps. Heat waves have also been shown to contribute to increased mortality rates. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths within the US, accounting for over a quarter of weather-related fatalities since 1990. During a 2006 California heat wave, mortality rates increased by 5% across the state, with a 12% increase in at-home deaths. In that same heat wave, the south coast region experienced a 5.6% increase in hospitalizations during peak heat-wave days. These impacts are magnified in cities due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

Both annual average temperatures and the frequency of
extreme heat days are projected to increase in the City of Glendale. The current historic average number of extreme heat days, where temperatures reach over 97.6°F, is around

4.3 days per year. By mid-century, the number of extreme heat days are projected to increase by 9.3 to 15.9 days.

The annual average maximum temperature in Glendale is
expected to increase by 4.4°F to 5.8°F by mid-century, and

5.7°F to 8.6°F by late century. The annual average minimum temperatures are also expected to increase by 4.5°F to 5.9°F by mid-century and 5.7°F to 9.0°F by late century.

There is opportunity within the Verdugo Wash for additional cool and green infrastructure, to mitigate UHI effects and provide respite for residents during extreme heat days.

Efforts can be focused on moderate to very high need areas, such as near the West Glenoaks entry point. These design interventions may include, but are not limited to increased tree canopies, shade structures, drinking fountains, and splash pads.

Glendale is an urban heat island, experiencing higher
temperatures than outlying areas.

The Los Angeles Climate-Smart Cities analysis has identified areas where the potential for cool and green infrastructure is greatest. Extreme heat conditions occur when summer temperatures are hotter or more humid than average,
reaching 10 degrees or more above average and lasting two to three days. UHIs are a direct result of a warming planet, causing infrastructure to absorb and re-emit heat at higher levels than natural landscapes. Greening of the Verdugo Wash and surrounding areas may assist in the reduction of UHI effects.

Environmental Opportunities
Environmental justice is defined within State law to mean “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption,
implementation and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, and policies.” It is critically important in the Greater Los Angeles region, where the burden of
environmental pollution is unequally distributed. Air pollution, proximity to industrial pollutants, and water and soil pollution are examples of the types of hazards that impact health that environmental justice communities tend to bear. It is also Opportunities for Sustainability
The Verdugo Wash sustainability framework can help
enhance the natural environment and encourage habitat
restoration while mitigating climate change.

It will ensure that equitable design and access to recreate and commute are incorporated from the beginning of the
process. In doing so, it will look to include goals and policy- making recommendations outlined in UC Berkeley’s targeted universalism framework. Targeted universalism aims to
create universal goals, identify gaps, and address barriers in access. There are additional opportunities to reduce runoff and improve water infiltration and lessen the impacts of the Urban Heat Island in the area.
important to note that race is a more powerful predictor of pollution exposure than social class; racial minorities are more likely to be exposed to environmental pollution than whites of the same social class. Los Angeles County is
also characterized by a particularly high level of residential segregation by race and ethnicity, and especially evident in Glendale due to its history as a sundown town.

CalEnviroScreen (CES 3.0) is a state-wide screening
methodology that uses environmental, health, and
socioeconomic information to identify California
communities that are disproportionately burdened by
multiple sources of pollution and sensitive to the effects of such pollution. CES 3.0 is a composite score of 20 indicators across 4 main components, exhibited in the following matrix, and is used as a tool to reduce pollution and prioritize State infrastructure investments.
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INTRODUCTION: THE PROJECT & THE PROCESS
Pollution & population factors
pollution burden
(exposures)
environmental
effects
population
characteristics
(sensitive populations)
socioeconomic
factors
OZONE-

DIESEL PM-

PESTICIDE USE-

SOLID WASTE

SITES & FACILITIES
-

CLEANUP
SITES
-

IMPAIRED WATER
BODIES
-

GROUNDWATER

THREATS
-

HAZARDOUS WASTE

GENERATORS & FACILITIES
-
PM2.5-

ASTHMA-

POVERTY-

EDUCATIONAL

ATTAINMENT
-

LINGUISTIC

ISOLATION
-

UNEMPLOYMENT-

HOUSING BURDENED

LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
-

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE-

LOW-BIRTH WEIGHT

INFANTS
-TRAFFIC-

TOXIC RELEASES

FROM FACILITIES
-

DRINKING WATER

CONTAMINANTS
-

The Verdugo Wash also has an opportunity to align with and build upon strategies identified in the Greener Glendale Plan and other existing reports. These strategies may include, but are not limited to encouraging natural, low water use landscaping in yards and parkways, exploring the design of recreation areas that can hold runoff, and enhancing wildlife corridors and the native habitat. There will also be efforts to identify significant ecological areas, wildlife corridors, and habitats for preservation, including oak woodlands.

The plant will be turned into a 260-megawatt net modern power generator with estimated commercial operation in
summer of 2022.

Glendale’s Tree Power Program for free shade trees is a successful project that helps eligible residential customers CalEnviroScreen
Score (CES 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
CalEnviroScreen
Score (CES 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Pollution Burden
and Population
Characteristics
Data Source(s): City of
Glendale Public Works, Los
Angeles County Department
of Public Works, California
Office of Environmental
Health Hazard Assessment.
save energy by offering them up to three free shade trees to plant on their property. Properly planted shade trees can help residents save 10%-50% in air conditioning costs.

Challenges & Gaps for Sustainability
There are a range of upcoming challenges and study
gaps that would benefit from citywide planning processes (independent of the Verdugo Wash Visioning process).

The project will also require the development of a
sustainable urban watershed planning process that
addresses the ecological integrity of all Glendale water sources.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 354
Pollution & population map: this figure outlines the CES 3.0 scores for census tracts within Glendale. The highest pollution burden is concentrated around Downtown and the western border of Glendale, intersecting the Verdugo Wash. CES 3.0 emphasizes that these census tracts experience pollution from more than one source, where populations facing socioeconomic vulnerability can be further susceptible to negative health effects. data source(s): City of Glendale Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 10-20

CAL ENVIROSCREEN SCORE
(CES 3.0)
20-30
30-40
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80
80-90
90-99
1/4 MILE BUFFER

VERDUGO WASH

CITY OF GLENDALE

EXISTING ENTRY POINTS

ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Environmental justice is defined within State law to mean “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption,
implementation and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, and policies.” It is critically important in the Greater Los Angeles region, where the burden of
environmental pollution is unequally distributed. Air pollution, proximity to industrial pollutants, and water and soil pollution are examples of the types of hazards that impact health that environmental justice communities tend to bear. It is also important to note that race is a more powerful predictor of pollution exposure than social class; racial minorities are more likely to be exposed to environmental pollution than whites of the same social class. Los Angeles County is
also characterized by a particularly high level of residential segregation by race and ethnicity, and especially evident in the Glendale due to its history as a sundown town.

CalEnviroScreen (CES) is a state-wide screening
methodology that uses environmental, health, and
socioeconomic information to identify California
communities that are disproportionately burdened by
multiple sources of pollution and sensitive to the effects of such pollution. CES 3.0 is a composite score of 20
indicators across 4 main components, exhibited in Figure 46, and is used as a tool to reduce pollution and prioritize State infrastructure investments. Note that the draft CES

4.0 was in the public comment period when this analysis was conducted and the finalized version is recommended
to be utilized in future phases, as it includes methodology improvements and data updates.

Figure 47 below outlines the CES 3.0 scores for census
tracts within Glendale. The highest pollution burden is concentrated around Downtown and the western border
of Glendale, intersecting the Verdugo Wash. CES 3.0
emphasizes that these census tracts experience pollution from more than one source, where populations facing
socioeconomic vulnerability can be further susceptible
to negative health effects. From an environmental justice standpoint, the downstream portion of the Verdugo
Wash has the greatest potential to improve social and
environmental outcomes and should thus be prioritized for the implementation of design measures.

Figure 46: Pollution and Population Factors
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Figure 47: Pollution and Population Map ©BuroHappold
CalEnviroScreen
Score (CES 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
CalEnviroScreen
Score (CES 3.0)
10 - 20
20 - 30
30 - 40
40 - 50
50 - 60
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 99
Existing Entry Points
Verdugo Wash
(Open Channel)
1/4 Mile Buffer
City of Glendale
Pollution Burden
and Population
Characteristics
Data Source(s): City of
Glendale Public Works, Los
Angeles County Department
of Public Works, California
Office of Environmental
Health Hazard Assessment.

THE VERDUGO WASH VISIONING STUDY • FINAL REPORT CITY OF GLENDALE 356

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appendix E.
community
outreach online
survey results
raw data
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ONLINE SURVEY RESUL TS
“Initial Visioning Concepts: Narrow Segments”
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ONLINE SURVEY RESUL TS
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ONLINE SURVEY RESUL TS
“Verdugo Wash Visioning Survey”
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ONLINE SURVEY
“My Vision of the Verdugo Wash”
Results from Glendale Residents around the Wash
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ONLINE SURVEY
“My Vision of the Verdugo Wash”
Results from Glendale Residents not around the Wash
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ONLINE SURVEY
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Results from non-Glendale Residents
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Glendale City CouncilNovember 15, 2022

Glendale City Council
November 15, 2022