Glendale (PDF) - Hazard Mitigation Web Portal - State of California
Glendale (PDF) - Hazard Mitigation Web Portal - State of California
Glendale (PDF) - Hazard Mitigation Web Portal - State of California
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Natural <strong>Hazard</strong>s <strong>Mitigation</strong> PlanCity <strong>of</strong> <strong>Glendale</strong>, <strong>California</strong>SECTION 2:Section 2 – Community Pr<strong>of</strong>ileCOMMUNITY PROFILEPast earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and landslides have exposed <strong>Glendale</strong>’s residents andbusinesses to the financial and emotional costs <strong>of</strong> recovery. These same natural hazards have thepotential to pose a future negative impact on the citizens, property, environment, and economy<strong>of</strong> the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Glendale</strong>. Furthermore, as more people move to areas vulnerable to these hazards,the risk associated with these natural hazards increases. The historical record shows that evenin those parts <strong>of</strong> the community that are essentially “built-out” (i.e., have little or no vacant landremaining for development), population density continues to increase as low-density housing isreplaced with medium- and high-density development projects. This in effect places even morepeople at risk from the hazards that can impact the area.Given that natural hazards are inevitable, and that populations in hazardous areas are increasingin response to development pressures, there is an urgent need to develop strategies, coordinateresources, and increase public awareness to reduce the risk and losses from future naturalhazard events. Identifying the risks posed by natural hazards, and developing strategies toreduce the impact <strong>of</strong> a hazard event can assist in protecting life and property. In <strong>Glendale</strong>, localresidents and businesses can work together with the City to create a natural hazards mitigationplan that addresses the potential natural hazards <strong>of</strong> most concern to <strong>Glendale</strong>.Geography and the EnvironmentThe city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Glendale</strong> is located in northeast Los Angeles County at the eastern end <strong>of</strong> the SanFernando Valley. The city has a total area <strong>of</strong> 30.7 square miles <strong>of</strong> developed and undevelopedland and is characterized by sharp contrasts in terrain. Distinct topographic features separatethe city into four specific areas. From north to south these include: 1) the steeply rising rangefront <strong>of</strong> the San Gabriel Mountains, 2) the gently south-dipping but elevated alluvial fan surfaceknown as the La Cañada Valley at the base <strong>of</strong> the San Gabriel Mountains, 3) the lower, but notless impressive, bedrock highlands <strong>of</strong> the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills, and 4)the even more gently south-dipping alluvial surface (piedmont) at the base <strong>of</strong> the VerdugoMountains. Farther south, just outside city limits, is the northeastern end <strong>of</strong> the Santa MonicaMountains, which are locally referred to as the Hollywood Hills.Elevations in the southern part <strong>of</strong> the city range from about 420 feet above mean sea level at itssouthernmost point to about 800 feet at the base <strong>of</strong> the Verdugo Mountains. Mount Verdugoreaches an elevation <strong>of</strong> 3,126 feet, whereas the top <strong>of</strong> Flint Peak in the San Rafael Hills sits at anelevation <strong>of</strong> 1,889 feet. In the San Gabriel Mountains, the highest point within the city is at anelevation <strong>of</strong> about 4,800 feet.The city is served by the 210, 134, 5 and 2 freeways. Its major arterial highways include ChevyChase Drive, <strong>Glendale</strong> Avenue - Verdugo Road - Canada Boulevard - La Crescenta Avenue,Brand Boulevard, Central Avenue, and San Fernando Road, which run generally north to south,and Foothill Boulevard, Honolulu Avenue, Glenoaks Boulevard, Broadway, Colorado Street, andChevy Chase Drive, which run primarily east to west (see Map 2.1).Passenger transportation is provided by the Beeline Transit System, MetropolitanTransportation Authority (MTA) bus lines, the MTA Gold Line light rail system, Metrolink,City <strong>of</strong> Los Angeles Department <strong>of</strong> Transportation LADOT shuttle and commuter expressbuses, and <strong>Glendale</strong>’s Dial-a-Ride Program.Map 2.1: Freeways and Major Arterial Highways in the <strong>Glendale</strong> Area2006 PAGE 2 - 1