Glendale launches Verdugo Wash Master Plan to explore linear-park, ecology and mobility opportunities

Teresa Santolina, identified in the presentation as the project manager for the Verdugo Wash Master Plan, briefed the Planning Commission on Nov. 19 about a new master-planning effort for the Verdugo Wash.

Santolina said the Verdugo Wash is a 9.4‑mile tributary of the Los Angeles River that runs from Crescenta Valley Regional Park through about 18 Glendale neighborhoods and five existing open spaces before meeting the LA River near Griffith Park under the 134 Freeway. The Wash covers roughly 60 acres and was channelized in the 1930s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. “We call that the Verdugo Wash,” Santolina said as she introduced the project’s scope and varied existing conditions.

The master plan is scoped to run about 34 months; Santolina said the effort kicked off in July and staff estimated they were about four months into the work at the Nov. 19 meeting. The plan will explore multimodal-transportation and connectivity improvements, ecological and water-quality restoration, water-infiltration opportunities, market-feasibility and cost estimates, and ongoing operations and maintenance strategies. Staff also said the Wash project will include branding and a public art package to convey historical and cultural significance and environmental education.

Santolina noted potential partnerships with LA County Flood Control and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and said staff convened a Project Development Committee of stakeholders the previous week to advise outreach efforts. Staff plans to release a public survey and host additional outreach sessions with a possible first community meeting in early 2026; project information and signup are to be available at verdugowatch.com and glendaleplan.com.

Commissioners had no questions following the presentation, and the meeting adjourned.