Glendale, CA

Located at the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in Southern California, Glendale is a vibrant city that offers an ideal balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. With its diverse neighborhoods, thriving business scene, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Glendale is a great place to call home. In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of living in Glendale, showcasing the best businesses, restaurants, parks, activities, and sites that make this city truly special.

Diverse Culinary Scene

Glendale's multicultural community is reflected in its wide array of restaurants and eateries. From authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Raffi's Place to the delectable Armenian pastries at Porto's Bakery, Glendale offers a culinary adventure that's sure to delight foodies and casual diners alike.

Verdugo Mountains Hiking Trails

The Verdugo Mountains provide a stunning natural backdrop for Glendale and offer numerous hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular trails include the Beaudry Loop and the Stough Canyon Nature Center trails, which offer panoramic views of Glendale, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles basin.

Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand

For those who love shopping, Glendale is home to the Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand, two premier shopping destinations. The Glendale Galleria boasts over 200 stores, while The Americana at Brand offers a unique outdoor shopping experience, complete with a picturesque trolley and dancing fountains.

The Alex Theatre

The historic Alex Theatre, a local landmark since 1925, is a cultural gem that hosts a variety of live performances, including concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. This beautifully restored venue adds a touch of glamour and charm to Glendale's bustling arts scene.

Vibrant Arts and Culture

Glendale is home to several museums and cultural centers, such as the Forest Lawn Museum and the Brand Library & Art Center. These institutions showcase Glendale's rich history and commitment to the arts, providing opportunities for both education and enjoyment.

Outdoor Recreation at Local Parks

With numerous parks spread across the city, Glendale offers plenty of green spaces for residents to enjoy outdoor activities. Popular parks include the scenic Brand Park, which features the historic Doctor's House Museum, and Verdugo Park, which offers sports fields and a skate park.

Convenient Transportation

Glendale's strategic location provides residents with easy access to neighboring cities, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Burbank. The city is well-connected by major highways, and public transportation options include the Glendale Beeline and the nearby Metro Gold Line.

With its rich cultural offerings, diverse culinary scene, abundant shopping opportunities, and scenic outdoor spaces, Glendale, California, is a fantastic place to live, work, and play. The city's convenient location and vibrant community make it an ideal destination for people seeking a well-rounded, fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're a long-time resident or just considering a move to Glendale, this city has something to offer everyone.

Less than 10 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles is Glendale, Calif., a city with nearly 200,000 residents and an enviable location if you’re a retailer.

“Within a 10-mile radius, we have access to more than 2.5 million people,” says Soua Vang, deputy director of economic development for the City of Glendale. “We are strategically located within the LA marketplace, just minutes away from some of Southern California’s most popular destinations.”

If you’re a visitor, those popular destinations may include the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Universal Studios. If you work or reside in the LA area, those attractions include Dodger Stadium, Disneyland, Cryto.com Arena and SoFi Stadium, to name just a few.

Regardless of whether you live, work or play in the area, Glendale has become synonymous with shopping thanks to its two powerhouse retail destinations: Brookfield’s Glendale Galleria and Caruso’s The Americana at Brand.

“Glendale is unique in that we benefit from two strong owner/operators,” Vang says. “Retailers continue to choose Glendale as their very first location because of strong market fundamentals and our competitive advantage.”

Premiere Retail

Apple, Disney, Baskin-Robbins, Panda Express and Massis Kabob all debuted their first brick-and-mortar locations in Glendale. Amazon added itself to that list in 2022 when it opened Amazon Style, its first physical fashion store, at The Americana at Brand.

Vang notes the two regional shopping centers pull in some of the world’s most notable retailers, including Gucci, Amazon Style, Tiffany & Co. and Tesla, in addition to traditional mall staples. She believes the city’s proximity to tourist destinations and LA’s major media corridor force the retail offerings to remain fresh, unique as well as upscale and accessible.

“There’s a lot of talent nearby, and California is the number-one state in terms of innovation,” she says. “For businesses that maintain a presence and continue to thrive here, there’s a lot of market access.”

Naturally, part of attracting a diverse array of retailers involves providing a diverse array of shop space. The Galleria and The Americana at Brand are two of those offerings, but many more exist within the city limits —bringing new creative retail and food and beverage options to fruition.

“We have a very low retail vacancy rate of 2.4 percent,” Vang says. “We always strive for a healthy mix of boutiques and global brands, and we have a desire to further enrich the arts, culture and entertainment experiences in Glendale. We have a strong appetite for creative placemaking.”

In that vein, Glendale is reimagining public spaces and creating more pedestrian-friendly urban centers. The city is planning to convert Artsakh Avenue, located in the heart of Glendale’s Arts & Entertainment District, into a one-way walkable street that provides shaded areas, outdoor seating, performance spaces and public art. Vang notes construction is anticipated to commence in late 2024.

Artsakh Avenue has been a big focus for the city as of late. The city council launched Artsakh Creative, a pilot retail accelerator program for pop-up concepts to temporarily inhabit city-owned commercial space in December 2020. The goal was to turn this avenue into the “heart of the district.”

“We’re doing our part to encourage new retail growth in the city,” Vang says. “We want to do what we can for young brands and entrepreneurs looking to test out the program with limited expense. The tenants don’t pay rent for the first six months, and the hope is they may want to stay in that space longer or find another permanent location.”

The two latest tenants to move in were Union Jack’s Tea and Paperback Brewery Co., who have existing Glendale locations and will use the Artsakh locations to promote themselves to a new market of consumers.

A very successful comedy club, The Glendale Room, was one of the first Artsakh tenants. The Glendale Room applied in the second round through a competitive process and was selected to continue in its Artsakh location. It was also recently featured on USA Today’s list of the 10 best open mic spots in Los Angeles.

City Services

Beyond providing space and infrastructure, Glendale is doing what it can to help current and prospective businesses thrive. In legislation-heavy places like California, this includes assistance with labor laws. Glendale sponsors a free human resources (HR) hotline in partnership with the California Employers Association to provide guidance and advice to all Glendale employers on anything HR-related.

“Small mom and pops don’t necessarily have the manpower or capacity to get up to speed with labor law changes,” Vang adds. “The hotline offers insight on HR compliance, current labor laws and employee handbook policies, all free of charge to all businesses.”

Glendale also offers a business concierge team that provides one-on-one assistance as owners and developers navigate the permitting process. Vang notes the city prides itself on bringing its divisions together quickly to get permits approved.

“We think like a business,” she says. “If companies and businesses aren’t open, we aren’t making any money.”

The concierge team can facilitate site tours, organize property visits and arrange meetings with landlords. An online permit portal also makes it easy to upload documents or check the status of any pending approvals.

The expedited process seems to be working. Glendale has recently welcomed Copa Vida, Golden Goose footwear, Dodgers Clubhouse sporting apparel and a Gucci store. The economic development team will continue its work on Artsakh Avenue and throughout the city as it looks to attract more experiential retail that will resonate with its residents, workers and visitors.

“We want destination amenities that will appeal to everyone,” Vang says. “Glendale is certainly a Southern California retail hub, and we’re ready to see and receive this next round of innovative ideas.”

— By Nellie Day This post is posted as part of Shopping Center Business’ Retail Insight series. Click here to subscribe to the Retail Insight newsletter, a four-part newsletter series, followed by video interviews delivered to your inbox in May/June.

Located in sunny Southern California, Glendale is a vibrant city just a short drive away from some of the region's most picturesque and inviting beaches. In this article, we will explore the top beaches near Glendale, including their unique features, accessibility, parking options, and fascinating histories. Get ready to pack your beach bag and embark on a seaside adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Just a quick drive down the freeway, Santa Monica State Beach is an iconic destination that offers a classic California beach experience. This expansive beach boasts a historic pier, the bustling Third Street Promenade, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Parking is abundant, with multiple lots nearby, and the beach is easily accessible via stairs or ramps. Santa Monica State Beach is not only a popular spot for sunbathing, but also for surfing, beach volleyball, and people-watching.

Address: 17000 CA-1, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Will Rogers State Beach, named after the famous humorist and actor, is a serene escape from the bustling city. Stretching along the Pacific Coast Highway, this beach offers a wide, sandy expanse perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Parking is available in a large lot with convenient access to the beach, making it a breeze to enjoy a day of seaside relaxation. The beach also has a fascinating history, as it was once part of Will Rogers' private ranch.

Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Located in the heart of Malibu, the Malibu Lagoon State Beach (also known as Surfrider Beach) is a mecca for surfers and beach enthusiasts alike. Known for its world-class waves, this beach attracts surfers from around the globe, making it a fantastic spot for both surfing and spectating. The beach also features the Malibu Lagoon, home to a variety of bird species and a popular destination for birdwatching. Parking is available in a nearby lot, with a short walk required to access the beach.

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Zuma Beach is a stunning, expansive stretch of sand situated along the pristine Malibu coastline. This beach is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, as it is less crowded than some of its neighboring beaches. Zuma Beach offers ample parking in its large lot, and the beach is easily accessible via a short walk. The crystal-clear waters and gentle waves make this beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with friends and family.

Glendale's convenient location within Southern California allows residents and visitors to experience the beauty of nearby beaches, each with its own distinct character and charm. Santa Monica State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and Zuma Beach all offer unique highlights and histories that make them worth exploring. So grab your sunscreen, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to discover the best beaches near Glendale, California.

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2023

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Glendale Council PTA Honors Eight at Founders’ Day Event

Glendale, CA – The Glendale Council PTA honored Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and seven amazing public school supporters on Founders’ Day. Portantino received the Elected Official Honorary Service Award for his leadership on policies that improve learning outcomes for children and for his long-standing support of K-12 public education. In addition to Portantino, GUSD Administrative Secretary Christine Giannamore and the Eveleigh Restaurant received the Very Special Person Award. GUSD Parent Katrin Avanessians and Crescenta Valley High Science Teacher Orenda Tuason received the Honorary Service Award, and Hoover High School Spanish Teacher Rosendo Rojas received the Outstanding Teacher Award. GUSD Human Resources Director Dr. Kyle Bruich received the Outstanding Administrator Award and Retired GUSD Administrator Stephen Williams was given the Golden Oak Service Award.

“I want to congratulate all of the wonderful school supporters who received awards. They are making a positive difference for the health and wellbeing of our children and everyone who supports public education deserves our appreciation. I am proud to be a PTA member and to be in a position to advocate for children,” stated Senator Portantino. “I am grateful to the Glendale Council PTA members for their hard work, advocacy and dedication to our children. I’ve said it for years, if you want something done right, go to the PTA and ask for help. This is a tremendous institution and I am deeply appreciative of this honor.”

Senator Portantino has been a lifelong advocate of K-12 public school education. Since being elected to office, he has championed policies that place student wellbeing and success at the forefront of California’s legislative agenda – including later start times for high schools. This year, the Senator’s legislative agenda includes proposals for expanding behavioral health services in schools, mental health education and training for students and teachers, screening for risk of dyslexia, addressing language barriers for IEP students, and improving emergency safety procedures for students with special needs. He has also advocated for establishing a dishwasher grant program for K-12 schools to address the state’s single-use trash and waste crisis – an idea initiated and championed by the GUSD and Glendale environmentalists.

"Glendale Council PTA is excited to honor Senator Anthony Portantino with our Elected Official Honorary Service Award for his outstanding policy work and legislation that positively impacts the lives of all children,” stated Lerna Amiryans, Glendale Council PTA President. “Senator Portantino has been a strong partner of Glendale Council PTA, supporting our advocacy efforts and local initiatives, including SB 328 and SB 1255. Anthony is also a proud Glendale Council PTA All-Star member, supporting all 24 Glendale Unified School District PTA/PTSA units."

Senator Portantino is a product of public schools as the father of two public school educated daughters, is a long-time PTA member, and an All Star member of every GUSD School PTA. Glendale Council PTA serves and represents the schools of the Glendale Unified School District. GCPTA serves as the governing body that oversees the activities of twenty-four school unit PTAs and serves the Units in their pursuit of PTA programs by providing training and facilitating the flow of information from PTA. Senator Portantino has collaborated on many initiatives with local PTAs, First District PTA and the California PTA.

Moving to a new neighborhood can be exciting, but also overwhelming. A great way to get to know your new surroundings is by exploring the local parks. From the lush greenery of Maple Park to the charming Verdugo Park, these parks in Glendale, CA have something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for your new go-to park on the weekends, or a spot with hiking trails and scenic lakes, the parks in Glendale offer a wide variety of activities. So pack a picnic and come along as we tour some of the favorite parks in Glendale, CA.

#1: Maple Park & Community Center

This multi-use park and community center provides those living in Glendale with an array of amenities, from meeting rooms and a sprawling terrace to a full court gym and multi-use fields. The park also has a tennis court and plenty of picnic tables (18 to be exact), making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day.

Amenities: Tennis court, Multi-use fields, Indoor gym, Picnic area, Walking paths, Computer lab, Kitchen, Meeting Room, Restrooms

Address: 820 E Maple St, Glendale, CA 91205

#2: Nibley Park

From 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, you can enjoy playing on the playground or grilling up some tasty food at Nibley Park.

Amenities: BBQ grill, Playground, Picnic area, Tennis courts, Basketball court

Address: 1103 E Mountain St, Glendale, CA 91207

#3: Verdugo Park

Verdugo Park offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities, breathtaking scenery, and community events. This scenic park is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, enjoy a picnic with friends, or take a leisurely hike.

Amenities: BBQ grills, Playground, Picnic area, Baseball field, Basketball courts, Garden

Address: 1621 Canada Blvd, Glendale, CA 9120

#4: Palmer Park

This neighborhood park in Glendale is a favorite for its athletic amenities, wading pool, and handful of reservable picnic tables.

Amenities: BBQ Grills, Picnic area, Playground, Fitness equipment, Basketball court, Skate park, Wading pool

Address: 610 E Palmer Ave, Glendale, CA 91205

#5: Brand Park

Brand Park is a beautiful and can’t-miss park in Glendale. This expansive, 31-acre park boasts a stunning library, hiking and biking trails, sports amenities, lush gardens, and much more.

Amenities: Basketball court, Fields, Picnic area, Playground, Hiking and biking trails, Wading pool

Address: 1601 W Mountain St, Glendale, CA 91201

#6: Oakmont View Park

This charming park in Glendale offers peace and quiet, along with two tennis courts if you’re feeling active.

Amenities: Tennis courts

Address: 2940 Oakmont View Dr, Glendale, CA 91208

#7: Pacific Community Center & Park

Located in South Glendale, Pacific Community Center & Park aims to promote learning, wellness, and community. There’s an array of amenities and facilities here, from multi-purpose fields and courts to a computer lab and arts and science room.

Amenities: Picnic area, Multi-purpose field, Multi-purpose court, Playground, Meeting rooms, Computer lab, Game room

Address: 501 S. Pacific Ave. Glendale, CA 91204

#8: Montrose Community Park

This Glendale park features a handful of BBQs, making it a great spot to grill up some food and enjoy a sunny day. With several sports amenities, you’ll be able to get active here with baseball, basketball, or tennis.

Amenities: Playground, BBQ grills, Picnic area, Basketball court, Tennis courts, Baseball field

Address: 3529 Clifton Pl, Glendale, CA 91208

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