CC_01212025_Public_Comments_8d — Glendale City Council, January 21, 2025

January 20, 2025
By email
Re: Agenda item 8.d. for the January 21, 2025, meeting–Verdugo Wash Dear Mayor Asatryan and Members of the City Council,
The Crescenta Highlands Neighborhood Association urges you to take NO action on this issue at the January 21st meeting for the following reasons:

First, the city needs to resolve by a legal opinion untainted by any conflict of interest just which council members may and may not vote on the issue. If this necessitates an appeal of the FPPC decision, it should be pursued.

Second, the city should take no action on this issue until such time as it can be placed on the agenda at a sufficiently early hour so that members of the public are not discouraged from attending by the lateness of the hour. As one retired attorney mentioned at a recent meeting when it was finally his turn to speak to an important housing issue, “It’s past my bedtime.” It has long been the practice of this council to place the most controversial items–and therefore the ones most members of the public will want to speak to–last on the agenda. I hope that Agenda item 8.a. addresses this issue.

The CHNA has previously expressed reservations about this project. As I wrote in my February 22, 2022, letter to Bradley Calvert–which I do not believe was answered–the feasibility study suffered from many defects. The online survey was biased in favor of going forward with the project. Nearby residents had expressed valid concerns about an increase in crime facilitated by easier access to their yards. The project failed to consider how flooding in a developed Wash would damage the development or how it would suffer from decreased water flow.

Finally, if/when council decides to proceed, it should choose a firm that has demonstrated its expertise in projects closer to Glendale and with more similar challenges. All of the recommended firm’s projects shown in the staff report are far afield and in much larger cities.

Sincerely,
Mary-Lynne Fisher, President
Crescenta Highlands Neighborhood Association
cc: City Clerk

January 19, 2025

Glendale City Council & Staff

Re: Item #8d Community Development, Verdugo Wash Master Plan - RFP Consultant Selection

Dear Council Members & Staff,

As you can see by the letters below, the Crescenta Valley Community Association has been following the Verdugo Wash project since before 2016. We are writing today to express the following concerns regarding Item #8d:

1) The project continues to move forward while public support continues to erode 2) Issues of safety, security, noise, property lines, property values and eminent domain still have not been properly addressed
3) Glendale certainly has more critical priorities than this very expensive proposal 4) The vote of the full body of the council is not expected 5) The consultant selected is not an experienced local firm

Please consider holding off the vote on this item until such time that the issue of council eligibility is resolved and the above concerns are addressed.

Thank you for your consideration,

Susan Bolan
CVCA Steering Committee Member

February 22, 2022

Bradley Calvert, Assistant Director,
Community Development Department
City of Glendale
633 East Broadway, Room 103
Glendale, CA 91206

Re: Verdugo Wash Project, Feasibility Study & Visioning

Dear Bradley Calvert,

Below you will find a letter sent by the Crescenta Valley Community Association in 2016, stating our position regarding the feasibility study of the Verdugo Wash. At that time, our association supported looking at the wash as viable recreational space with the caveat that many of the neighbors’ concerns as outlined in the letter, would be addressed in the study.

In reviewing the 132-page pre-design report, our association does not feel that the listed items below of safety, security, noise, property lines, property values and eminent domain have been properly addressed. In addition, the report fails to state with the confidence of hard data, that flood capacity will not be compromised and that adjacent properties will not be at risk by the introduction of any new designs or “interventions.” Further, we did not see suggested mitigation measures that will ensure a safe and secure location for both users of the space and neighboring properties nor any ballpark estimates on cost.

While we support the expansion of open space within neighborhoods and opportunities for safe separation of pedestrians, bikes and vehicles, we are not sure this is the best choice for the wash areas north of Glendale Community College. In our opinion, the Visioning portion of the study is premature if the items of concern are not considered. We are sure there are many more that we did not list.

We sincerely hope that Glendale is still at the stage of “whether we should be altering our flood channels” and not, “how are we going to make this dream happen?”

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project.

Sincerely,

Susan Bolan
CVCA Steering Committee Member

April 19, 2016

Scott Ochoa
City Manager

The Crescenta Valley Community Association continues to support the city of Glendale doing a feasibility study of the proposed pedestrian and bicycle path along the Verdugo Wash flood control channel.

We acknowledge that there may be concerns from residents about the Verdugo Wash Bike Trail project with regard to safety and security, noise, property lines, property values and eminent domain. The CVCA feels that the best way to address these concerns as well as to evaluate the scope and cost of such a project is to move forward with a feasibility study. Therefore, the CVCA stands by our original letter of May 29, 2014 to support this effort.

Bill and Sharon Weisman
Members of the CVCA Steering Committee

Mayor Asatryan, City Council Members,

Glendale Environmental Coalition supports the City of Glendale proceeding with the Phase 2 study of the Verdugo Wash.

The study, which is fully funded by the state, should build upon the opportunities identified in the Phase 1 Visioning Plan identified as:

1. Sustainable Transportation and Connectivity
: The creation of a linear park with
pedestrian and bicycle pathways encourages non
-
motorized transportation, and
provides opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy greenspace. This initiative promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reli
ance on vehicles, thereby
decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering healthier lifestyles.

2. Resilience and Flood Planning
: Maintaining the wash's primary function for flood
control is essential. The visioning plan includes strategies to ensure that any developments do not compromise its ability to manage stormwater effectively, thereby safeguarding surrounding communities fr
om flood risks.

3. Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity
: The plan focuses on regenerating local ecology
and increasing wildlife habitats along the 9.4
-
mile stretch of the wash. This includes
reintroducing native vegetation and creating environments conducive to local wildlife, thereby promoting biodiversity.

4. Urban Heat Island Mitigation
: By incorporating enhanced vegetation and sustainable
design strategies, the project aims to reduce urban heat island effects. This approach not only cools the local microclimate but also improves air quality and overall environmental comfort for resident
s.

The study will include three design alternatives for each segment of the Verdugo Wash along with phasing flexibility for the segments, cost estimates, funding sources and an environmental impact report.

The chosen contractor will use local project management, designers and public outreach experts along with partners in other areas of the country. The contractor has experience on other public open spaces, including river adjacent parks such as Allegheny R iverfront Park in
Pittsburgh and Waterloo Greenway in Austin Texas. The master plan does not include any physical build
-
out of the Wash.

By analyzing at a detailed level these opportunities as well as the safety, design and engineering challenges for each of Glendale’s varied communities through which the Wash runs will help inform future decisions regarding if and how to transform the Verd ugo Wash into a
valuable ecological and recreational asset for the Glendale community.

We urge you to vote to approve the contract with MVVA so we can fully analyze this potential project.

Thank you in advance,

Glendale Environmental Coalition

You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I support the Verdugo Wash Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:19:18 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:18 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I support the Verdugo Wash Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Michael Tucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 9:51:34 AM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: I support the Verdugo Wash Project

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Hello,

I moved to Glendale several years ago and recently bought a house in the Montecito Park area.

While I don't bike or walk much in Glendale, I would like to and will with the Verdugo Wash. Something like the Verdugo Wash would be ideal and a boon for our community—a serene place to walk, bike, or take a stroll. I know some folks have concerns, but this study will work toward getting answers and finding solutions—which is only good. Please proceed with the study.

Thank you for your time,
—Michael Tucker
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Save Verdugo wash, cancel waste of money
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:20:04 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:19 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Save Verdugo wash, cancel waste of money

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Anatoly Bakman <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2025 6:52:53 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Save Verdugo wash, cancel waste of money

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Again City of Glendale council is returning to the wrong project on Verdugo wash. This will only be a waste of California and city of Glendale money.

Please stop this project from consideration.

Anatoly Bakman
3644 Markridge road
Glendale CA 91214
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Cortes, Karen; Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa Subject: FW: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:18:00 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:17 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Joann Lo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 1:47:03 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
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Hello, Mayor Asastryan,
I am a Glendale resident and voter. I live in the La Crescenta area. I am emailing to express my support for the proposed Arroyo Verdugo Greenway. This transformative project will provide a safe outdoor space for kids, families, and all residents to walk, run, bike, and be in a green space that connects many GUSD schools and city parks. I hope you support the project as well.

Thank you,
Joann Lo

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From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Aleksanian, Tereza; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Urge "Vote No" on Verdugo Bike Lanes and provide Attorney to Council Members Gharpetian and Najarian Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:19:34 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:03:02 AM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Cc: Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Urge "Vote No" on Verdugo Bike Lanes and provide Attorney to Council Members Gharpetian and Najarian

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Dear Mayor Asatryan:

I am opposed to proceeding forward with the Verdugo Wash bicycle lane studies. Please vote no on further studies.

The City does not need an additional path for arsonists or homeless encampments to start fires in the neighborhoods in proximity to the Verdugo Wash, which is next to the Verdugo Hills. Portions of these neighborhoods, including mine, are mapped by the City of Glendale to be in a High Risk or Ember Intrusion Area. I want to stay alive and keep my house, not have it burned down. The safety of my home and neighborhood is a higher priority than recreation, especially for people outside my neighborhood who could not care less about my safety and home. (The bike lanes will not
serve as a significant commuter route,
given the workplace location relative to residences situation in our region.) Promises of increased police patrols to offset crime potential are inadequate, as other patrolling priorities may at any time take precedence.

I believe the involvement of the FPPC in the voting status of two of the City Council members is politically motivated by those on the Council who are pushing for the Verdugo bike lanes and shoving it down our throats. The idea that the Verdugo Wash bike lanes affects property values in the neighborhoods in proximity to the Verdugo Wash and Verdugo Hills is absurd. The City’s fire mapping already did that. I thus urge you as mayor to provide an attorney to Council Members Gharpetian and Najarian so they can appeal the opinion and be allowed to participate in the vote on the Verdugo Wash Bike lanes.

Thank you.

Patricia Wood
1419 Oak Circle Drive
Glendale
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash Study
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:19:04 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 10:10:20 AM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: Verdugo Wash Study

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Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I’m reaching out only to those of you who can participate in this discussion without conflicts of interest, in accordance with the FPPC’s guidance.

First and foremost, I urge you to approve the Verdugo Wash study. This is a grant-funded initiative, meaning there is no cost to the city, and it will allow consultants to address critical questions and concerns from the community. These are issues—like cost, feasibility, and project applicability—that cannot be fully explored or resolved without this study.

It’s also worth emphasizing the bigger picture. Our city currently lacks adequate safe on-street options for biking, and pedestrians remain at risk in high-injury corridors. If we can’t commit to meaningful on-street solutions, we owe it to the community to pursue off-street facilities. Dismissing both approaches is simply not acceptable.

Finally, no matter where one stands on the specifics—such as the project’s starting or ending points —this study is an essential first step. It lays the groundwork for future decisions and discussions, ensuring we can move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Please support the Verdugo Wash study and help us take this important step.

Sincerely,
Alex Calleros
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo wash
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:19:50 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Mark Forbes <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2025 12:04:05 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Verdugo wash

Dear City Council Members,

First please allow me to thank you for your service to the citizens of Glendale.

I am writing to you to respectfully express my opinion about the long discussed Verdugo wash project. In short, I strongly encourage you to stop this project and the wasteful spending of taxpayer funds. If you want to spend funds on this project stopping at Glendale College on the North end I could understand it. Beyond that, it is not wanted by me or any Glendale residents I know. I have been a resident since 1986.

If any of you or your staff wish to discuss this matter with me in person in greater detail, I would be happy to do so.

Respectfully,

Mark Forbes
3207 Country Club Dr.

Glendale

January 20, 2025 Glendale City Council 613 E. Broadway Glendale, CA 91206 Subject: Support for the Verdugo Wash Contract Selection - Study the Wash Dear Mayor Asatryan and Councilmembers, Walk Bike Glendale supports the City of Glendale continuing its consideration of the Verdugo Wash

proceeding

with

the

Phase

2 study.

The study, which already has full funding, should build upon the opportunities identified in the Phase

1 Visioning

Plan

which

proposed

transforming

the

Wash

into

9.4 mile

linear

park

designed

for

walking

and

cycling.

This

would

provide

residents

and

visitors

with

dedicated

space

for

active

transportation,

and

promote

healthier

lifestyles

while

creating

seamless

connections

the

various

neighborhoods,

city

centers,

parks

and

schools

within

proximity

the

Wash.

All

this

aligns

with

Glendale's

existing

mobility

strategies,

such

the

Bicycle

Transportation

Plan

and

the

Citywide

Pedestrian

Plan.

coordinating

with

these

plans,

the

Verdugo

Wash

project

contributes

comprehensive

and

connected

active

transportation

network

across

the

city.

Proceeding with the Phase 2 study should provide the City with sufficient detail and information regarding

these

opportunities

well

the

design

and

engineering

and

safety

challenges

order

make

informed

future

decisions

regarding

the

Verdugo

Wash
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Walk Bike Glendale Steering Committee

Sincerely,
Mary-Lynne Fisher, President
Crescenta Highlands Neighborhood Association
cc: City Clerk

You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: VERDUGO WASH Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:37:03 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:21 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: VERDUGO WASH Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Lynda Croner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:17:10 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Cc: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>
Subject: VERDUGO WASH Project

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To all Council persons:

I am writing to you as a resident, homeowner & taxpayer of North Glendale, Ca.

I am vehemently opposed to this preposterous Verdugo Wash Bike path project.

We have plenty of open space for bike riders! This is a total waste of our tax payer money.

We are in a SEVERE FIRE ZONE already without bringing in people from out of the area!!

It is a beautiful and peaceful area and we’d like it to stay that way!

This proposed “city- style bike path" will only INCREASE CRIME in our area providing easy access.

ALSO, council member Vartan Gharpetian and Are Najarian must be allowed to speak and vote on this issue as we voted them in (40% of the City Council who were voted in by we the taxpayers).

This type of project does not belong in our neighborhoods where wildlife roam and kids can still play outside!

Thank you,

Lynda
Homeowner, Whiting Woods, Glendale, Ca

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: 1/21/25 reminder: YES.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:46 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:16 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: 1/21/25 reminder: YES.

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: grey james <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 2:51:12 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: 1/21/25 reminder: YES.

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YES Verdugo Wash.

YES Human Relations Committee

Good chat, Grey.

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Accept grand funds and approve staff consultant choice Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:33:24 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:05 PM
To: Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Accept grand funds and approve staff consultant choice

Please include this and all the emails I’m going to forward as part of the record for tonight’s agenda on this item

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Khushnam Joshi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:28:43 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Accept grand funds and approve staff consultant choice

Dear Mayor Elen and Glendale City Council Members,

As long-standing residents of Glendale, my husband and I urge you to vote YES on item 8D of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

This project encourages sustainable transportation, resilience and flood planning, habitat and biodiversity restoration, and urban heat island mitigation. As a city, Glendale prides itself on being at the forefront of sustainability, and it should continue to vote YES to measures that align with its vision and values for a sustainable future.

Best regards,
Khushnam and Aresh
Glendale Residents, 91203

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Agenda item 8.d. for the January 21, 2025, meeting–Verdugo Wash Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:02 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:10 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Agenda item 8.d. for the January 21, 2025, meeting–Verdugo Wash

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: donna libra <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 11:33:55 AM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Cc: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Agenda item 8.d. for the January 21, 2025, meeting–Verdugo Wash

Dear Mayor Asatryan and Members of the City Council,
By email
The Crescenta Highlands Neighborhood Association urges you to take NO action on this issue at the January 21 meeting for the following reasons:

Sincerely,
Donna Libra
818-606-4662
st
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Agenda Item 8D
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:54 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:14 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Agenda Item 8D

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Chris Davis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 4:44:17 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 8D

Dear Mayor Asatryan,

I am writing to share my support for using state funding for the feasibility study for the Verdugo Wash Project. As a longtime resident of Glendale who lives just a couple of blocks away from Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, I wholeheartedly support determining the best approach to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in this dangerous corridor bordered by Canada Blvd. and Verdugo Rd.

Thank you for your support of this important study.

Sincerely,
Chris Davis
Glendale, CA

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:32:46 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:07 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Kelly Straw <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:07:43 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

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To whom it may concern:

As a resident of Glendale, I strongly support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project.

Thank you,
Kelly
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:32:32 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:07 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Kate Gill <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 3:38:52 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support

As a resident of Glendale, I strongly support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway. It sounds like an incredible investment in this beautiful city! Please push the project through!

Katherine Gill
1625 Campbell St
Glendale CA 91207

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:31:34 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:08 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Liza Nedelman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:31:59 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway support

Hello,

As a proud resident of the neighborhood of North Glendale/Verdugo Viejo, I strongly support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway proposed project. I think it will vastly improve our beautiful city.

Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

Best,
Liza
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:33:09 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:05 PM
To: Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: John Blickstead <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:29:31 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Good afternoon,

I'm a resident of Citrus Grove and am writing to voice my enthusiastic support for the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project. I'm very excited about what this will bring to the city and I can't wait to bring my family.

John Blickstead
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:33:00 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:06 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: J Patrick Adair <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:13:55 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

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Dear Madame Mayor and City Council Members,

I am writing to you all today in strong support of continuing the study to reimagine the Verdugo Wash.

My son and I cycle along the LA Bike Path in Frogtown nearly every weekend. We enjoy the safe cycling paths, the access to nature, and the proximity of great local businesses.

To have a space like that near our home in Glendale would be a dream come true!

Please continue to study an amazing project that can benefit all of Glendale!

Thank you so much.

Cheers,
Patrick
—
J. Patrick Adair Design
[email protected]
434-249-4572

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I support item 8D.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:56 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:14 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I support item 8D.

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Elizabeth Vitanza <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 4:58:21 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: I support item 8D.

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Dear Mayor and Council,

Please vote yes on item 8D - execute a contract to prepare the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

I live near the Wash and would love to see this area become a pedestrian friendly zone in Glendale.

As you know, the potential benefits to this project are many, and the financials are solid:

· No money will be required from Glendale. The entire contract amount is covered by grant funds acquired from state grants awarded to Glendale. · Accepting grant funds and awarding the consultant contract does NOT mean moving forward with the project or with any segment of the project. · No commitments are made as to which segment(s) of the channel will be developed or if any will be developed.
· Consultant and sub-contractor work will take approximately three years and will include extensive technical study and existing conditions evaluation, robust community engagement and outreach, draft plan (including transportation study, construction plan, maintenance plan etc), short and long-term funding opportunities, environmental review as required by CEQA, and a public art master plan.
· MVVA will use local project management, designers and public outreach experts along with partners in other areas of the country. The contractor has experience on other public open spaces, including river adjacent parks. The master plan does not include any physical build-out of the Wash.
· By analyzing at a detailed level these opportunities as well as the safety, design and engineering challenges for each of Glendale’s varied communities through which the Wash runs will help inform future decisions regarding if and how to transform the Verdugo Wash into a valuable ecological and recreational asset for the Glendale community.

Please move forward. We need to move Glendale forward too. This is an amazing opportunity for our city to be a leader in so many ways.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth
Verdugo Woodlands (Santa Maria Avenue)
small business owner (Sparr Heights)

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I Support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:31:48 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:08 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I Support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Isabelle Esposito <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:57:51 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: I Support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

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Hello,

As a resident of Glendale, I strongly support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway!

Thank you for your service!

Best,
Isabelle Esposito
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I support the Verdugo Wash project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:55 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:14 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I support the Verdugo Wash project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Kokorowski, Heather D <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 4:24:53 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: I support the Verdugo Wash project

CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear Mayor Asatryan and Council Members:

I am a homeowner in the Sycamore Woods area next to the Verdugo Wash. I fully support the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway Project, and I advocate for using state funds to conduct a feasibility and safety study for the project.

The Verdugo Wash is currently a fenced-off flood channel, forcing walkers and cyclists onto busy roads, many of which are without sidewalks or bike lanes. While it serves its original purpose, the wash has much greater potential. Developing it into a multi-use trail would create safe, accessible routes to places like Crescenta Valley Park, Glorietta Park, Glendale Sports Complex, and Verdugo Park.

I understand the safety and privacy concerns of local residents, especially since I live next to a proposed access point. That’s why a feasibility study is critical to gather community input and address concerns. Solutions like lighting, policing, and cameras can make this project both safe and embraced by residents.

I support this project because I’ve seen the benefits of similar multi-use trails, such as the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle. This trail transformed a historic railroad route into a 20-mile network, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and businesses. As a graduate student, I biked 18 miles each way along this route to get to multiple part-time teaching positions spread throughout the region, improving my health and reducing my reliance on cars.

Glendale has the chance to create a similar transformation. Please support further studies and outreach to make the Verdugo Wash project a reality.

Thank you,
Heather Kokorowski

Heather Kokorowski
Los Angeles Pierce College
Associate Professor, Earth Science
Distance Education Support Specialist
Lead, LAPC Peer Online Course Review (POCR)

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I Support the Verdugo Wash Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:56 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:14 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I Support the Verdugo Wash Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Sebastian Buras <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 4:26:16 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: I Support the Verdugo Wash Project

Hello!

I’ve lived in Glendale for over 2 years near Adam’s Square. I regularly walk and bike around Glendale for groceries or restaurants, to the Americana, Brand Park, and to the LA River. However, I’ve noticed that I we don’t have many easily accessible, large swaths of recreational land accessible, especially in South Glendale. The LA river bike path is loud near the 5, Griffith Park is difficult to get to on a bike, Forest Hill Lawn closes too early, and I don’t always want to hike in the mountains.

I support the Verdugo Wash Project so that we can have a large, peaceful strip of land that everyone of all fitness levels will be able to use. I would also love to visit Montrose more often, but Verdugo Rd is quite scary as a cyclist, so having the Verdugo Wash as a secondary North/South arterial for bikes and pedestrians would truly unite our community better.

I understand that residents who share a fence with the wash are concerned about crime and a homeless presence, but I think the feasibility study would answer those concerns.

I also believe that Glendale already does an amazing job with keeping our city safe and clean, and the Wash would not be exempt from those standards.

Please Support the Verdugo Wash Project!

Thank you,
Sebastian Buras
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: I support the Verdugo Wash project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:48 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:17 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: I support the Verdugo Wash project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Lindsay Johnston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 2:26:58 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: I support the Verdugo Wash project

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear City Council members,

I have lived in Glendale for 6 years and love living in this city. I live near Pacific and Glenoaks and my fiancé and I love to go on daily walks, sometimes walking up to 6-8 miles, just taking in parts of the city, discovering new neighborhoods and small businesses. We also regularly walk to nearby grocery stores, libraries, and coffee shops, rather than driving.

As we walk, we have had many close encounters with dangerous drivers, often having to jump out of the way of reckless drivers or observing smashed buildings and broken fences and street poles from obvious car wrecks. We have often discussed the possibility of getting bikes, but we simply do not feel safe biking in Glendale, especially as projects like the bike lane on Brand - which we walk almost daily- was shut down.

We would love an area that feels safe to walk and bike in, and the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway seems like a perfect opportunity to provide a safe place for outdoor recreation and micro mobility.

Not only do we need to safeguard pedestrians’ safety, but the recent fires that have ravaged our nearby communities show us that we need to begin thinking more sustainably. If Glendale can provide an alternative to driving for its residents, that will be a huge step forward in saving our environment and protecting our city.

Please consider this study, as it has the possibility of creating a safer, more sustainable Glendale.

Thank you,
Lindsay Johnston
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: In support of the Arroyo Verdugo greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:00 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:12 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: In support of the Arroyo Verdugo greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 10:43:06 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>
Subject: In support of the Arroyo Verdugo greenway

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https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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Dear council,
I wholeheartedly support this endeavor. I am a lifelong Glendale resident. My husband and I have owned a home in Montrose since 2007. Although our kids will be grown by the time, this project could be completed, it would’ve been wonderful in our childhood or theirs. I hope the next generation will get to enjoy this. It’s the kind of vision that creates thriving social cities.

Regards,
Samya McCoy
Sent from my iPhone
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Jan. 21: Vote YES on Item 8D
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:20 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png
Outlook-2g0quhc5.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Jan. 21: Vote YES on Item 8D

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Rachel Ridgway <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:00:51 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Jan. 21: Vote YES on Item 8D

CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear Esteemed Council Members:

I am writing to urge you to vote YES on Item 8D, which would authorize the City to execute a Professional Service Agreement with MVVA for the preparation of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan using grant funds.

I want to emphasize several key points about this agreement:

First, this contract requires no financial commitment from Glendale, as the entire amount is covered by state grants already awarded to the city.

Additionally, approving this agreement does not commit the city to moving forward with any physical development or construction. No decisions are being made about which segments of the channel, if any, will be developed.

The master plan process will be thorough and comprehensive, taking approximately three years to complete. It will include:

Extensive technical studies and existing conditions evaluation Robust community engagement and outreach
Development of draft plans covering transportation, construction, and maintenance
Analysis of short and long-term funding opportunities
Environmental review as required by CEQA
A public art master plan
MVVA brings valuable expertise to this project, combining local project management, designers, and public outreach experts with experienced partners from across the country. Their experience with public open spaces and river-adjacent parks will be invaluable in analyzing the opportunities, safety considerations, design requirements, and engineering challenges unique to each of Glendale's diverse communities along the Wash.

This master plan represents a visionary opportunity for Glendale, offering numerous potential benefits:

1. Sustainable Transportation and Connectivity: The potential creation of a linear park with pedestrian and bicycle pathways would enhance non-motorized transportation options and provide accessible green space for people of all abilities, particularly in downtown Glendale where such opportunities are limited.

2. Resilience and Flood Planning: The plan will prioritize maintaining the Wash's essential flood control function while exploring additional community benefits.

3. Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity: The proposed 9.4-mile stretch presents opportunities for regenerating local ecology, reintroducing native vegetation, and creating environments that support local wildlife.

4. Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Enhanced vegetation and sustainable design strategies could help reduce urban heat island effects, improving air quality and environmental comfort for residents.

I strongly encourage you to vote in favor of accepting these grant funds and approving the contract with MVVA. This will allow for a thorough analysis of this potential project that could transform the Verdugo Wash into a valuable ecological, recreational, and educational asset for our community.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Best regards,
rr

Rae Ridgway
Instructor of Geology & Oceanography
Physical Sciences Division
Tel: (818) 240-1000, Ext.5768
www.glendale.edu

Do you want to learn more about the classes I teach? Check out my liquid syllabus: sites.google.com/view/oceanrocks/home
Do you want to learn more about GCC's Team Internships? Check out the website: glendale.edu/teaminternships

Do you want resources for Contextualized Teaching & Learning? Enroll in the Canvas shell: gcc.instructure.com/enroll/CN9L7F It's easy to get on my calendar: Call/text: (657) 667-3423 or Book a time: https://calendly.com/oceanrocks/

Book time to meet with me

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Please Consider for Verdugo Wash Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:01 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:11 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Please Consider for Verdugo Wash Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Hemmati, Shayan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 8:43:22 AM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: Please Consider for Verdugo Wash Project

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender. Hi council members,

As a member of the community, I implore you to please consider approving the consultant and to move ahead with the study.

It will provide the public with a suite of options to consider, including cost, access, privacy, and help address many questions people have raised about the proposed project.

Absent a feasibility study, we cannot know the answers to these questions and make an informed decision.

Thank you,
Shayan Hemmati, Glendale resident and teacher
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: PLEASE implement the Verdugo Wash Project! Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:59 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:11 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: PLEASE implement the Verdugo Wash Project!

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Camille Gibney <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 7:52:45 AM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: PLEASE implement the Verdugo Wash Project!

Councilmembers,

I have lived in the La Crescenta area of Glendale for my entire life. I love it for its natural beauty, and feel as though it only makes sense to increase the amount of nature and walkable/ bikeable areas in our city as possible. Biking is the transport of the future, and it is currently not safe in Glendale due to prioritization of cars and a culture of aggressive driving. I believe the only way to change this and reduce the amount of pedestrian deaths and accidents in Glendale is to build areas that prioritize bikes and walking.

Making biking safer and more robust will ultimately cut down vehicle traffic as well. It is a win for everybody! Those that want to drive will still be able to, and those who want to travel by other means will finally have safe options.

Please carefully consider the benefits of this project and the Brand Blvd bike lanes and the joy it could bring to the citizens of Glendale. This project does not take away from anybody, it only adds benefits to those living here. Please help Glendale become a less polluted city with more transportation options and fewer pedestrian injuries.

I appreciate your time,
Camille Gibney
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Please support 8D - study the Verdugo Wash Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:54 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:15 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Please support 8D - study the Verdugo Wash

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Joanna Hovland <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 3:40:25 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: Please support 8D - study the Verdugo Wash

[You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

As a Glendale resident for 55+ years and a home owner of a house that backs into the Verdugo Wash for 20+ years I ask that you support this project. I would hope that extra attention would be paid to those of us directly affected by this. Since the wash is on the other side of our backyard and one of our Oak trees shades part of the wash I would appreciate my opinion mattering to you.

Right now it feels like Glendale is a micro version of what is happening in the U.S. at large, and frankly it seems Dan Brotman is the only Council person who has the future of Glendale (as opposed to particular residents of Glendale) in mind. Please do the right thing and think about the future of our city. It's sad that doing the right thing is now considered "brave" as opposed to "doing one's job".

Most kindly,
Joanna Saporito Hovland
(also a business owner on Brand Blvd. for 20 years, where politics were put ahead of safety for pedestrians and cyclists)
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Please Support the Verdugo Wash Study
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:51 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:17 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Please Support the Verdugo Wash Study

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: David Billett <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 1:19:45 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]> Subject: Please Support the Verdugo Wash Study

Honorable Mayor Asatryan and Council Members Kassakhian and Brotman, Please support the Verdugo Wash technical feasibility study, Agenda Item 8D, at the January 21st City Council meeting.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, this project has the potential to provide essential amenities for recreation, transportation and the general well being of our community.

Glendale should not be left behind as surrounding cities build similar infrastructure and develop public spaces. This is a world-class plan and will improve transportation and mobility for all while taking positive steps to reduce car dependency and foster community.

Thank you for your continued vision and support to make Glendale a more beautiful and healthy place for all of us.

Sincerely,
David Billett
1540 Ridgeway Drive
Glendale, CA 91202
213-705-3349
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Public Comment - Support Verdugo Wash Motion (Action Item #8D) Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:58 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:12 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Public Comment - Support Verdugo Wash Motion (Action Item #8D)

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Jennifer Ho <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:42:55 PM
To: Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment - Support Verdugo Wash Motion (Action Item #8D)

CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Resending my support for tomorrow's meeting, action item #8D. Thank you.

On Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 3:14 PM Jennifer Ho <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear City Council Members:

As a local resident who would like to see better public health outcomes and more ways to strengthen our community, I strongly urge the City Council to advance subsequent phases of work for this project, including APPROVING THE MOTION to prepare the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

There are so many benefits to connecting Crescenta Valley Community Park with the rest of the broader pedestrian and cyclist network of the city. I support win-win efforts to:

Revitalize the Wash as an active transportation corridor and community space/asset, whose infrastructure will bring positive economic impact & improve businesses in our communities
Incorporate tools that appease safety and privacy concerns for surrounding neighborhoods shall they arise
Retain the wash’s function as a flood control channel, with major ecological enhancements to support native plants and wildlife, groundwater infiltration, better air quality, and reduction of heat island effect.

Engage in meaningful engagement with Gabrielino-Tongva leaders (like Gabrielino-Tongva chief, Rich Toyon), allowing them to co-manage and/or lead in this project.

Move forward with a project that includes–not excludes–La Crescenta.

It is amazing to already see strong support and primarily positive responses for this project thus far. I also understand potential safety and privacy concerns - which can and should be addressed in parallel and/or if they materialize.

I love this community and would like to see revitalization of the Wash so that it can become a community and environmental gem that we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jennifer H.

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support 8D Tomorrow!
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:56 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:13 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support 8D Tomorrow!

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Polly Geller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 6:27:11 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: Support 8D Tomorrow!

Hello,

As a resident of 91208, avid walker/hiker, I would like you to go forward with the study for Project 8D which will allow more residents to enjoy a walkable/bikeable/runnable & greener path in our neighborhood.

We need more spaces like these now more than ever!

Thank YOU for doing what you do & fighting for our
community.

Humbly,

Polly Geller
Poet
Professor, ArtCenter College of Design
Montrose resident since 2022

Polly Geller
https://www.tumblr.com/pollyopolis

"Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity." - Maori Proverb

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:55 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:08 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Anne Blackstock-Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:10:34 PM
To: Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]> Subject: Support for Arroyo Verdugo Greenway

Hello Glendale City Councilmembers,

I am a resident of Royal Canyon (Verdugo Woodlands neighborhood) and a parent of two young children who will go to Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School. I am excited about the prospect of a safe, natural park that my children can use to play, bike, and get around safely. Our neighborhood is hilly, does not have sidewalks, and cars drive way too fast, which makes it unsafe for us to walk with our kids or teach them to ride bicycles. Having the Verdugo Greenway nearby would make our neighborhood more family friendly and would help us to feel safe and supported by the city of Glendale. We hope you approve this transformative project. We are very eager to see it become a reality soon!

Sincerely,
Anne Blackstock-Bernstein
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support for the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:03 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Amy Kwa <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 1:03:03 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project

Dear Glendale City Council members,

I'm writing in support of the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway project to turn the Verdugo Wash into a network of pedestrian-friendly zones across Glendale that would connect many GUSD schools and city parks. Our kids need a safe outdoor space where they can play, bike and move around the city safely without having to worry about the traffic on the street.

Thank you,
Amy Kwa
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support for the Verdugo Wash Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:54 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:15 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for the Verdugo Wash Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Telly Tse <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 3:50:22 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: Support for the Verdugo Wash Project

Good afternoon City Council Members,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones are doing well.

As a resident, parent, and public school advocate in our city, I am in strong support of the Verdugo Wash project.

As you know, my fellow constituents are always looking for safe and easy ways to get around the city. Our roads are notoriously unsafe and we need to find a way to change this.

The Verdugo Wash project serves as a viable alternative to increased bicycle and pedestrian access by road. If built, it would serve as a stress-free and safe path that connects people to schools and parks across north and south Glendale. Imagine a walkway that allows residents to bike and walk between CV Park, Fremont Elementary, Glorietta Park, Verdugo Park, GCC, and so many other places in between! The vote tomorrow is for a study for the potential ramifications of such a project. Many concerns have been raised and while many of them are valid, they can only be addressed and mitigated by conducting this study. Let's move forward with the study so that we can truly assess the impacts of this project.

Change in the status quo can be hard for some to accept. But if we look at cities where such a project has been implemented, it has transformed them for the better. Chicago and New York are two examples that come to mind. I believe this project will reap long- term benefits for Glendale and it will be another jewel in our wonderful city.

Sincerely,

Telly Tse
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support for Verdugo Wash (Agenda item 8D)
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:58 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:12 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for Verdugo Wash (Agenda item 8D)

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Sevana Sammis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 9:27:30 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Support for Verdugo Wash (Agenda item 8D)

Hi Glendale City Council Members,

I am writing to express my support for the Verdugo Wash pedestrian/biking project. We need safe protected bike lanes and walking paths. This proposed project is such a wonderful use of space along the wash that will revitalize this space, connect parts of Glendale that have never been connected before, and create a new community space that promotes healthy habits. In our age of phones and screens, this project is paramount in creating a safe space for kids and adults to exercise and enjoy nature.

Our city is unfortunately not pedestrian friendly and this would be (a long overdue) move in the right direction. As someone who grew up in Glendale, as a child I would have loved to have had this. Now as a parent, runner, and biker, I would love to see the city council do all that they can to expedite this project and make it a reality for our children and our entire community. I also hope this is not the last project of its kind and that you continue seeking out innovative solutions that create spaces for people to connect with one another and nature through exercise.

Thanks!

-Sevana Sammis
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support for Verdugo Wash bike path study
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:52 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:16 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support for Verdugo Wash bike path study

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: KIK <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 3:26:31 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Verdugo Wash bike path study

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear honorable council members,

As your constituent and resident of South Glendale, I urge you to advance the technical feasibility study for the Verdugo Wash bike path.

We want to use our brandnew e-bikes on a beautiful nature path, safely away from the gas and tire pollution and danger of cars and trucks in the city of Glendale.

We understand that there are $6 million of State funding available for an extensive study of environmental impacts.

Please move ahead and spend it on this beautiful, forward thinking project.

Humans are entirely made by nature and belong into the outdoors for their mental and physical health. Biking and walking are essential movements that are recommended for heart health by physicians. The Verdugo Wash project needs to move forward for the communal health of Glendale, youth and adults, despite the pushback of single family homeowners in some areas of the Wash.

Thank you for reading.

Karin Kachler (she/her)
[email protected]
Connect. Protect. Support. Repair. (TM)
I acknowledge and thank the Gabrielino, Tongva, Tataviam, Chumash, Acjachemen, and Serrano Nations whose traditional lands I reside, learn, and share knowledge on.

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support grant funding for Verdugo Wash
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:05 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support grant funding for Verdugo Wash

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: nickilambert (null) <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 1:37:05 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Support grant funding for Verdugo Wash

Dear Mayor Asatryan and Councilmembers,
I am writing to support the use of state grant funds for the Verdugo Wash Master Plan preparations. This will cost the city nothing, and will provide the information needed for future decisions regarding the Verdugo Wash as a restored green space.

Thank you,
Christina Rizzo
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Support the Verdugo Wash Study
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:57 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:13 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Support the Verdugo Wash Study

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: diana matsushima <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:19:15 PM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]> Subject: Support the Verdugo Wash Study

[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear Mayor Asatryan and City Council Members,
I urge you to vote to accept the grant funds and approve the contract with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MVVA) for the detailed study of the Verdugo Wash Plan. There are several potential positive outcomes to the Plan and modification of the Wash depending on the results of the Plan. The study conducted by MVVA will help identify to what extent a modification of the Wash can contribute to Sustainable Transportation, Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity, Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Resilience and Flood Planning. Without using any City funds, the MVVA will do a thorough analysis of the Verdugo Wash Plan. Based on the study, the City Council can decide which changes will enhance the community and should be undertaken.

My family and I have lived in the Verdugo Woodlands area for over 30 years and would like to see Glendale move forward.

I appreciate your efforts.

Sincerely,
Diana S. Matsushima
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Transform the wash!
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:01 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:12 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Transform the wash!

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Gerry Duggan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:21:43 PM
To: Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>
Subject: Transform the wash!

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It’s been my pleasure to raise a family in CV.

My son is 15 and a sophomore at CV high so I don’t guess he will get too much use out of a future greenway at the wash - BUT I know a lot of people will. And that is what we should be constantly doing: striving to leave our community better than when we found it.

I have few regrets of picking la Crescenta to live. One of the drawbacks of the community is how unfriendly it is to pedestrians and cyclists. My son really didn’t get much time on his bicycle because we were afraid to lose him on these streets. And it was not long ago that another young person died on a bicycle in the last few days weeks. A tragedy that future CV kids might avoid with a safer place to be kids.

I grew up in a community in New Jersey that had quieter streets. Perhaps the wash will become a safe place where parents don’t have to worry about whether or not a distracted driver might shatter their lives. It will cost some money, and it will cost some consternation against neighbors afraid of the unknown, but the rewards will far outweigh any potential drawbacks in making the wash a place where the community can be at peace with nature.

I hope you approve the the study and I hope you one day green light this place.

I can assure you, there are no New Yorkers that miss the trains that used to rumble along the highline.

We have such wonderful biodiversity here, and my life is improved by walking and listening to the owls at night and stomping around in nature and enjoying our finches, and even our coyotes getting people into nature will be at own reward.

Thanks for reading this. I appreciate you.

Gerry Duggan
Freelance writer, CV resident
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Greenway Study--In Favor!
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:01 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:11 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Greenway Study--In Favor!

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Sara Hollar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 9:52:38 AM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]> Subject: Verdugo Greenway Study--In Favor!

Hi Glendale City Council!

I hope you're well.

I'm writing to let you know I'm extremely in favor of continued environmental study for the verdugo greenway project to go forward.

The proposed greenway would connect my house to my parents house with a safe walking and biking pathway. What a wonderful gift to my children as they get older to be able to bike to Nana's house! Right now the wash has important water management use, but is not use-able for people. As Glendale continues to grow in population it would be so wonderful to have this space for recreation.

My understanding is that the study is already funded from the state so although it is expensive it's not coming from the city's budget and is worth using these funds so future glendalians (my kids!) can have the best possible outdoor space.

all the best!
-Sara

Sara Hollar
She/Her
[email protected]

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash - Support!
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30:00 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:10 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Wash - Support!

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Kristen Kolada Caplan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 11:32:30 AM
To: Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]> Subject: Verdugo Wash - Support!

CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Hi City Council members,

I live in Sparr Heights and have 3 young children. We love to bike and be active outside, but there is a severe lack of safe biking areas near to us and really anywhere in Glendale.

Further, I work in Burbank and if there were a safe bike commute option between north Glendale and Burbank, I would consider biking to and from work.

The Verdugo Wash would be an amazing resource for recreation, commuting, improvement of nature and the utilization of a severely underused city space. My family and I wholeheartedly support moving forward with the next steps on this project. I understand that there is some opposition from those who live near or adjacent to the wash, however we must take into account the benefit of the majority of citizens vs the minority who live near it.

Prior studies have shown that bike lane projects near to houses neither decrease nor increase the home values - it is neutral as far as that aspect is concerned.

As the Climate Crisis affects us all, we need to be working towards creative, imaginative solutions that encourage everyone to decrease their car usage in favor of cleaner options. The Verdugo Wash would be a fantastic step forward in this goal.

Thank you,
Kristen Caplan
Sparr Heights / Glendale resident
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash Feasibility Study
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:55 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:15 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Wash Feasibility Study

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Shannon Clark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 3:55:03 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: Verdugo Wash Feasibility Study

Dear Glendale City Council Members,

As a long-time Glendale resident and high school teacher, I’m asking for your support of the Verdugo Wash feasibility study (Item 8d) at tomorrow’s meeting.

In my classroom, I teach my students the importance of gathering evidence and making informed decisions. This study is just that--a critical first step to evaluate the potential for a bike trail and park that could transform our city. Safer streets, increased property values, more tourism, environmental improvements. These benefits are worth exploring with the right data in hand.

Thank you for considering this important step toward a brighter future for Glendale.

Sincerely,
Shannon Clark-Reed
Glendale Resident and High School Teacher
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash Master Plan: PLEASE VOTE YES ON ITEM 8D Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:59 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:13 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Wash Master Plan: PLEASE VOTE YES ON ITEM 8D

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: kathy hartley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 7:11:16 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>; Brotman, Daniel <[email protected]>; Gharpetian, Vartan <[email protected]>; Najarian, Ara <[email protected]>; Kassakhian, Ardashes <[email protected]>
Subject: Verdugo Wash Master Plan: PLEASE VOTE YES ON ITEM 8D

On Tuesday, January 21 I urge you all to vote YES on item 8D authorizing the City to execute a Professional Service Agreement with MVVA, using grant funds, for the preparation of the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

To reiterate: I urge council to vote to accept the grant funds and approve the contract with MVVA to allow full analysis of this potential project for Glendale and it’s wonderful natural environment potential!

THANK YOU for your Service!

Kathleen Hartley
2905 Greenwich Rd.

Glendale CA 91207
323-253-5775

I Urge acceptance State grant funds awarded to Glendale For use in execution of the MVVA contract offered to prepare the Verdugo Wash Master Plan.

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:58 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:13 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Wash Project

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:07:07 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Subject: Verdugo Wash Project

Hi there,
I’m a Glendale resident in the verdugo woodlands - I love the idea of the Verdugo Wash Project! I have a newborn son and think it would be a beautiful and safe alteration to our city and amazing asset for the children of Glendale.

Please consider moving forward with a technical study of the verdugo ways project.

Thank you,
Justin
Sent from my iPhone
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: Verdugo Wash Project Support
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:29:58 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:13 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: Verdugo Wash Project Support

Onward and Upward,

Elen Asatryan
Mayor
| City of Glendale
613 E. Broadway, Suite 200 | Glendale, CA 91206
818-548-4844 | FB | IG

Well done > Well said ✊
From: Erin Caswell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 7:29:28 PM
To: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Subject: Verdugo Wash Project Support

Hello,

My name is Erin Caswell and I’ve been a resident of Glendale for 3.5 years. I wanted to send a message of strong support for the Verdugo Wash study, please proceed with this project. This would be such a huge benefit to the city and would provide much needed community recreational green space and a safe option for bikers to use to connect parts of the city. I would bike more in Glendale if I felt it was safer to do so.

Thank you!

Erin
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Garcia, Michael
Cc: Zemaitaitis, Vilia; Santilena, Teresa; Cortes, Karen Subject: FW: VERDUGO WASH Project
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:37:03 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

logo Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Asatryan, Elen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:21 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Calvert, Bradley <[email protected]>; Golanian, Roubik <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: VERDUGO WASH Project