Glendale (PDF) - Hazard Mitigation Web Portal - State of California

Natural Hazards Mitigation PlanCity of Glendale, CaliforniaSECTION 2:Section 2 – Community ProfileCOMMUNITY PROFILEPast earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and landslides have exposed Glendale’s residents andbusinesses to the financial and emotional costs of recovery. These same natural hazards have thepotential to pose a future negative impact on the citizens, property, environment, and economyof the city of Glendale. 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 of 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 of a hazard event can assist in protecting life and property. In Glendale, localresidents and businesses can work together with the City to create a natural hazards mitigationplan that addresses the potential natural hazards of most concern to Glendale.Geography and the EnvironmentThe city of Glendale is located in northeast Los Angeles County at the eastern end of the SanFernando Valley. The city has a total area of 30.7 square miles of 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 of the San Gabriel Mountains, 2) the gently south-dipping but elevated alluvial fan surfaceknown as the La Cañada Valley at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, 3) the lower, but notless impressive, bedrock highlands of the Verdugo Mountains and the San Rafael Hills, and 4)the even more gently south-dipping alluvial surface (piedmont) at the base of the VerdugoMountains. Farther south, just outside city limits, is the northeastern end of the Santa MonicaMountains, which are locally referred to as the Hollywood Hills.Elevations in the southern part of the city range from about 420 feet above mean sea level at itssouthernmost point to about 800 feet at the base of the Verdugo Mountains. Mount Verdugoreaches an elevation of 3,126 feet, whereas the top of Flint Peak in the San Rafael Hills sits at anelevation of 1,889 feet. In the San Gabriel Mountains, the highest point within the city is at anelevation of about 4,800 feet.The city is served by the 210, 134, 5 and 2 freeways. Its major arterial highways include ChevyChase Drive, Glendale 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 of Los Angeles Department of Transportation LADOT shuttle and commuter expressbuses, and Glendale’s Dial-a-Ride Program.Map 2.1: Freeways and Major Arterial Highways in the Glendale Area2006 PAGE 2 - 1