GLENDALE CA

Glendale CA is a city with a population of nearly 192,000. It’s the 22nd largest city in the state, and is cut in half by the Verdugo Mountains. This city serves as a suburb within the Greater Los Angeles area.

HISTORY

The first people recorded to have lived in this area were the Tongva, or “People of the Earth”. Spanish Missionaries renamed them as Gabrielenos, to specify that they lived near the Mission of San Gabriel Arcangel. A Spanish army corporal, who ranched in the area, was given possession of the land in this area by the governor, Diego de Borica. This corporal was Jose Verdugo, and had been grazing his livestock there since 1784.

His grandson built the Verdugo Adobe in 1860, and that is the oldest building still standing in Glendale. This same property is where the famous Oak of Peace can be found, which is where a peace treaty was signed in 1847.

The property that was part of this ranch was eventually sold off by descendants, and now make up the neighborhoods of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and Atwater Village.

It wasn’t until 1884 that local residents decided to select a name for their community, and the name Glendale was selected. They received streetcars in 1904, and incorporated in 1906.

The beautiful El Miradero estate was built in 1904, and the beautiful architecture is a perfect blending of Moorish, Indian, and Spanish styles. The inspiration for the building was a building at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The building now serves at the Brand Library.

ECONOMY AND CULTURE

The leading employer in Glendale is the Glendale Adventist Medical Center, followed closely by the City of Glendale. The area school district, the Memorial Medical Center, and the local college are also major employers.

Nestle and Walt Disney Imagineering are also located in Glendale, and these along with other entities contribute to a thriving and diverse employment opportunity.

The Grand Central Air Terminal was the jumping off place for Charles Lindbergh’s West to East flight across the country. During WWII, the terminal was camouflaged to protect it from possible bombing. Bob’s Big Boy also got its start in this city, as did Baskin Robbins. The Glendale Public Library is also well known.

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

The entrepreneurial spirit of Glendale is also evidenced by a strong commitment to helping the less fortunate. There are many charitable groups in Glendale, such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Habitat for Humanity. Residents often donate cars for Heritage for the Blind, an organization which helps people who have visual impairment and other disabilities. People with vision problems can learn about their eye disorders, find facilities for rehabilitation, and get support living independently through Heritage for the Blind, which accepts car donations on their website. These vehicle donations provide funding for their many services.

Glendale has a plenty to offer both visitors and residents. Everyone enjoys the diversity and sense of wonder that flourish in Glendale.