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Glendale council ratifies local emergency for January windstorms, restricts park barbecues
Summary
The Glendale City Council on Jan. 15 ratified a Jan. 8 proclamation of local emergency for windstorms and fires, authorized remote meetings under California Government Code section 54953(e), and announced park and library operational limits as the city returns toward normal operations.
The Glendale City Council on Wednesday ratified a local emergency the city manager declared on Jan. 8 in response to high winds and fires, and made the findings under California Government Code section 54953(e) to allow the Jan. 15 special meeting to be held remotely.
City Attorney Garcia asked the council to make the findings recorded in the meeting so the council could lawfully meet remotely. The council approved the motion by roll call, with the measure carrying unanimously. The council later voted to ratify the director of emergency services’ proclamation of a local emergency; that resolution also passed by unanimous roll call.
The ratification matters because state emergency procedures require a council ratification within seven days of a local declaration for the proclamation to remain in effect and to trigger certain emergency authorities and state assistance.
City Manager Galani told the council the city is returning to normal operations and said, "we are returning to normal operations. We're actually currently at level 3." He directed residents to the city's website for updates and federal assistance resources, saying information is posted on GlendaleCA dotgov and that the web page includes FEMA resources and assistance information.
Galani and Fire Chief Fish reported operational changes tied to public safety: all trails and most open spaces would open starting the day after the meeting except Duquesne Park; barbecuing in parks would remain prohibited until further notice; and public libraries would operate normally except for Chevy Chase Library, which would resume staff hours on Thursday, Jan. 16. Galani said a more detailed report on the windstorm's effects would be provided to the council the following Tuesday.
Mayor Asadarian offered public thanks to city employees across departments, including fire, police, public works and Water & Power, for their response during the emergency and noted multilingual communications helped maintain public calm.
No amendments to the proclamation were made at the meeting. Council members did not vote to end the emergency; the ratification preserves the existing proclamation declared Jan. 8, 2025. Staff will continue recovery updates and will provide a fuller effects report to the council on the timeline announced at the meeting.
Details of the votes and the related motions are in the council record for Jan. 15.
