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September 26, 2025
Cactus District Weekly Update
| | 🌵 Let’s Stick Together… on Facebook and Instagram! 🌵 | | |
Glendale's Hometown Treasures
Last night, Glendale came together for an unforgettable evening at the 2nd Annual Hometown Treasures Banquet, hosted at the GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club by the Glendale Ambassadors. This event has quickly become one of our city’s most cherished traditions, a night to honor the people who have shaped Glendale through service, leadership, and heart.
Each Glendale council district had the opportunity to nominate one outstanding individual as a “Hometown Treasure.” These honorees, selected for their lasting contributions to our community, were recognized with commemorative plaques and charitable donations made in their name. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have on the lives of many.
I was proud to nominate the Honorable Quentin Tolby as the Cactus District’s Hometown Treasure. Judge Tolby’s legacy in Glendale is profound. As a former mayor and judge, he helped guide our city with integrity and vision. His leadership laid the foundation for many of the civic advancements we benefit from today.
Beyond his official roles, Judge Tolby has remained deeply engaged in our community, mentoring future leaders, writing for local newspapers, and serving on the Aviation Advisory Commission. His thoughtful journalism and continued public service reflect a lifelong commitment to Glendale’s growth and unity.
Judge Tolby is more than a public servant; he’s a symbol of what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. I’m honored to recognize him on behalf of the Cactus District, and I thank him for the example he continues to set.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Hometown Treasures. Your dedication makes Glendale stronger, and your stories inspire us all.
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🚨 Strengthening Service: Glendale Police Unveils New Property & Evidence Facility
This week, the City of Glendale Police Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its brand-new property and evidence facility, marking a significant step forward in enhancing public safety and service to the community.
As the department’s needs have grown, so has the demand for expanded storage and more advanced evidence processing capabilities. This new facility delivers on both fronts, providing the space and technology necessary to support our officers and investigators in their critical work.
Guests were treated to guided tours led by experts from each area of the facility, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how this upgrade will improve operations and accountability. It was a pleasure to attend and witness firsthand the thoughtful design and dedication behind this project.
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🌟 Welcoming Vallarta Supermarkets to the Cactus District!
This week, we also proudly celebrated the groundbreaking of a brand-new Vallarta Supermarket, soon to open its doors at 5836 W. Camelback Road in the Cactus District. The event marked an exciting milestone for our community, bringing fresh opportunities for local shopping, jobs, and connection.
It was an honor to take part in this important occasion and to personally welcome the Vallarta team to our district. Their commitment to serving diverse communities with quality products and vibrant culture is a perfect fit for Glendale.
| | Maricopa Association of Governments Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee | |
This month, I participated in my first official meeting as a voting member of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee (CICC). It was a valuable opportunity to build our mission, goals, and charter while focusing on how we can create real change in our region. It was also a great chance to connect with fellow committee members and strengthen collaboration.
I'm proud that we added a dedicated seat for academics, ensuring representation from our community colleges, school districts, ASU, private universities, Midwestern, Arizona Christian, and, of course, Glendale Community College right here in our city.
Together, we also wore purple and passed a resolution for domestic violence prevention and awareness, showing our collective commitment to stand with survivors and raise awareness across Maricopa County.
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SHAZAM! Glendale to Honor Suns Legend Al McCoy with Park & Court Dedication
Al McCoy was the unmistakable ‘Voice of the Suns’ and a proud member of the Glendale community. On Monday, September 29, the City of Glendale and the Phoenix Suns and Mercury Foundation will celebrate the man whose voice defined Suns basketball in the city he proudly called home for an incredible 50 years.
Take a timeout to see the fun ways we will honor this iconic broadcaster!
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Last week, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) held an online community meeting regarding the 51st Ave/Camelback Rd Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) remedial investigation project. This project involves the installation of monitoring wells, as well as sampling and testing groundwater to evaluate water quality in the area.
You can view the PowerPoint presentation or listen to the meeting recording here.
The project’s information page is: https://azdeq.gov/51st-Camelback.
If you have questions for our team about this project, please don't hesitate to contact Megan Sheldon, Deputy Director of Environmental Resources, at msheldon@glendaleaz.com or 623-930-4115.
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La semana pasada, el Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Arizona (ADEQ) tuvo una reunión comunitaria sobre el proyecto de remediación del Fondo Rotatorio para el Aseguramiento de la Calidad del Agua (WQARF) de la Avenida 51 y Camelback. Este proyecto incluye la instalación de pozos de monitoreo, así como muestras y análisis de aguas subterráneas para evaluar la calidad del agua en la zona.
Puede ver la presentación de PowerPoint o escuchar la grabación de la reunión aquí.
La página de información del proyecto es: https://azdeq.gov/51st-Camelback.
Si tiene alguna pregunta para nuestro equipo sobre este proyecto, no dude en comunicarse con Megan Sheldon, Subdirectora de Recursos Ambientales, en msheldon@glendaleaz.com o al 623-930-4115.
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Understanding the HAWK Signal: Safety Tips for Glendale’s New Crosswalk
A new High-Intensity Activated crosswalk (HAWK) is going up at 67th Ave and Montebello. Here's what you need to know when you approach one or use it to cross a road throughout the city.
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🛑 September is National Preparedness Month!
Are you ready for the unexpected? With recent events like the flooding in Texas, it's crucial to have an emergency kit readily available.
Your basic supply kit should include:
💧 Water (1 gallon/person/day)
🍫 Non-perishable food
📻 Battery-powered radio & NOAA Weather Radio
🔦 Flashlight & extra batteries
🩹 First aid kit
👕 Clothing and personal items for 3 days
🚨 Whistle, dust mask, and more!
Don't wait until it's too late! Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones. For a complete list of recommended items and tips on how to build your own emergency kit, visit Ready.gov, and check out this helpful video to personalize your kit.
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🛑 ¡Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de la Preparación!
¿Estás listo para lo inesperado? Con eventos recientes como las inundaciones en Texas, es importante tener un kit de emergencia a mano.
Tu kit básico de suministros debe incluir:
💧 Agua (1 galón por persona al día)
🍫 Alimentos no perecederos
📻 Radio de pilas y radio meteorológica de la NOAA
🔦 Linterna y pilas de repuesto
🩹 Botiquín de primeros auxilios
👕 Ropa y artículos personales para 3 días
🚨 Silbato, mascarilla antipolvo y más.
¡No esperes a que sea demasiado tarde! Prepárate ahora para protegerte y proteger a tus seres queridos. Para obtener una lista completa de artículos recomendados y consejos para armar tu propio kit de emergencia, visita Listo.gov y mira este útil video para personalizar tu kit.
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2025 Special Bond Election
The Glendale City Council has placed two important bond questions on the ballot this November.
To help residents learn more and ask questions, the City will host the following Open House Informational Meetings:
Tuesday, September 30
6:30-7:30 pm
Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, Coyote Room
5600 W Union Hills Dr, Glendale, AZ 85308
Thursday, October 2
6:30-7:30 pm
Glendale Main Library, Auditorium
5959 W Brown St, Glendale, AZ 85302
The deadline to register to vote is October 6, 2025. This will be an all-mail election. The Maricopa County Elections Department will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters on October 8, 2025. All ballots must be received by Election Day, November 4, 2025.
For election information, such as how to register to vote or to verify your registration status, please visit the Glendale City Clerk’s election page.
Mail ballots can also be dropped off at the Glendale City Clerk's Office, M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For additional locations, voters can search for a list of ballot drop-off and voting locations here.
Learn more at Bond 2025 | City of Glendale, AZ.
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🚦 Traffic Safety Spotlight
As the weather begins to cool and more people head outdoors to walk, bike, and enjoy our parks, it’s a good time to revisit some important safety tips. In light of recent pedestrian-vehicle crashes in our city, we’re sharing important resources to help keep our community safe. The City of Glendale has produced a series of short educational videos covering:
- 🛑 Crossing Guard Safety
- 🚲 Bicycle Safety
- 🚶 Pedestrian Safety
These videos are also available on the City of Glendale Traffic Education Programs webpage, under “Useful Resources and Links.”
Let’s all do our part to stay alert, informed, and safe as we enjoy the season.
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Fire Prevention Week 2025 is Almost Here!
This year’s focus: Battery Safety
| | OPEN TO GLENDALE RESIDENTS ONLY | | | | |
Passport250 Is Now Live!
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in true Arizona style! The new America250 AZ: Celebrate & Explore Passport is your free mobile guide to 250 unforgettable places across the state, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks.
No app needed—just sign up, check in, and start exploring.
| | LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | |
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Honoring Achievement: National Merit Semifinalists from Thunderbird High School
The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board proudly recognized Thunderbird High School seniors, Jaydi Bricker and James Chandler, as Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Ranking among the top 1% of U.S. high school seniors based on their PSAT scores, Jaydi and James now advance in the selection process for nearly 7,000 prestigious scholarships.
Congratulations, Jaydi and James! This achievement highlights Glendale Union's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.
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Glendale Union High School District
The Glendale Union High School District invites you to the Annual Industry Advisory Breakfast on Wednesday, October 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Thunderbird High School. Join us to network, share your expertise, and support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students across the district to become the future of Arizona’s workforce.
Contact Tracy.Mayfield@guhsdaz.org for more information.
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Grow, Play, Learn with Glendale Public Library's School Readiness Program. During this eight-week program, 4- and 5-year-olds will learn basic knowledge for school through stories, songs, and games. Caregivers will learn tips to support their children at home and prepare them for success in school.
This program is designed for caregivers and their children to participate together. If you have more than one child attending, please register them individually under their own names.
https://ow.ly/697b50WTo7F
| | For more information about Desert Diamond Events, click here. | |
🌳 Discover Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Looking for a new park to explore in Glendale? Whether you're planning a family picnic, a morning walk, or a weekend game of basketball, the Park Finder tool makes it easy to locate parks, trails, and recreation facilities near you.
Check it out and find your perfect spot to play, relax, and connect with nature: Glendale Park Finder
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THE FALL/WINTER GLENDALE@PLAY RECREATION MAGAZINE IS HERE
The Fall/Winter edition of the Glendale@Play Recreation Magazine is available online. Discover everything Glendale Parks & Recreation has to offer, from youth and adult sports to dance classes, special events, and school break programs.
Don’t miss out—plan your fall fun today!
VIEW IT HERE
Starting with the Spring 2026 edition of the Glendale @Play Recreation Magazine, we’re asking readers to subscribe by providing their email and mailing address. This helps us stay connected with those who want to stay active, informed, and involved in all things Glendale Parks and Recreation!
SUBSCRIBE HERE
| | Looking for more to do in Glendale? Click Here for the Parks and Recreation calendar.🗓️ | | |
📣 Hey, kids! It's Flag Football Season!
Registration is open, and practices start this month! Our flag football program teaches fundamentals and rules of the game, all while having fun.
Ready, set, hike! Our flag football program will teach participants fundamentals and rules of the game while having FUN! Flag football is a safe, no-contact alternative to tackle football, making it safer for younger players.
🏈 Register now: https://ow.ly/3AEz50WJ1kC (Youth Sports Leagues; Youth Flag Football)
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Our youth sports clinics are open for registration!
Experience the Fastest Game on Two Feet – Lacrosse! 🥍
Tuesday, October 21
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Ages 6–14
Kickstart Your Game with Our Soccer Clinic! ⚽
Wednesday, October 22
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Ages 5–12
View all our sports programs here: https://ow.ly/1kW050WJcMZ
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🦕 RAWR-some fun awaits!
🦖 Get ready to:
🎨 Make cool dino-crafts
🪨 Dig up fossils like a real explorer
🎲 Play Jurassic games
🍪 Snack on tasty dino-themed treats
🗓️ Saturday, September 27th
⏱️10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍Glendale Community Center
Ages 3-5
Spots are limited—save yours today and join the adventure! 🌋✨
REGISTER HERE
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CRAFTY SATURDAYS
🗓️ Saturdays
🕛 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍O'Neil Recreation Center
6448 W. Missouri Ave
Ages 6+
Join us every Saturday for a fun craft or art project - with free supplies provided!
FREE REGISTRATION
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MARVEL SATURDAYS
🗓️ Saturdays
🕛 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍Glendale Community Center
5401 W. Ocotillo Rd.
Ages 8+
9/27/25: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
10/04/25: Eternals
10/11/25: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
10/18/25: Black Panther Wakanda Forever
10/25/25: Thor: Love and Thunder
11/01/25: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
11/15/25: The Marvels
With Mravel Movie Saturdays at GCC, we create a fun, engaging, and interactive experience fo any and all Marvel fans, allowing them to bond over their shared love of superheroes. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the MCU, this free program offers
MORE INFO HERE
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FALL RECREATION PROGRAMS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Join us for a new season of youth and adult recreation teams and clinics!
This season, we’re excited to introduce Adult Pickleball and Adult Ultimate Frisbee Leagues—perfect for players looking for fun, fitness, and friendly competition.
VIEW THE PROGRAMS HERE
| | GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS | |
🎟️ Explore Arizona’s Cultural Gems with a Glendale Culture Pass
Looking for a fun and affordable way to experience Arizona’s rich cultural scene? The City of Glendale’s Culture Pass program lets you check out free admission for two to participating museums, botanical gardens, and other cultural venues across the Valley.
Simply visit any Glendale library location, choose a pass from the Culture Pass display, and check it out at the service desk. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are valid for seven days, with a limit of two per month per person.
Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking to explore something new, Culture Passes are a great way to connect with the arts, history, and nature—without spending a dime.
Learn more and explore available passes by visiting the Glendale Culture Pass page.
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Need something new to read—or just something fun to do? Request a Teen Book Box from your library! Each box comes with a craft or activity, three library books picked just for you, and other surprises (everything but the books and box is yours to keep).
One box per teen, per month. Open to ages 12–18. You’ll need a library card and email address to register.
Don’t have a card yet? Sign up online and grab it when you pick up your box!
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Teen Venture: Plant Pot Decorating
Monday, September 29
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Heroes Regional Park Library
Get crafty with us at Teen Venture, our monthly art program for ages 12–18! This session, decorate a flowerpot with a variety of colorful materials. Ideal for a little plant friend or as a one-of-a-kind gift.
For ages 12-18 only. Registration required
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Teen Makers: Creating with 3D Pens
Monday, September 29
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Foothills Library
Come explore different tech gadgets and maker tools. Attendees will face building challenges, play with cool tech toys, and learn to use maker tools. Each month features a new project.
This month, participants can draw in 3 dimensions, using 3D pens to make their creations jump off the page.
For ages 12-18 only. Registration required.
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Join us on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss emotionally uplifting and inspirational fiction. This month, we will discuss The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
If you are interested in attending this meeting virtually, please register with an email address so the event host can contact you with a Teams invite: https://ow.ly/b7Mj50WTo4z
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Crafty Kids: Mitten Monsters!
Thursday, October 9, 2025
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Main Library, Storytime Room
5959 W Brown St
Glendale, AZ 85302
It's the perfect season to create a monster! Kids aged 5-11 are invited to visit our "laboratory," where we're reimagining kids' gloves along with other crafty materials to design a cuddly—or scary—stuffed monster buddy. All supplies provided. Younger children are welcome to join with the assistance of their adult. First-come, first-served.
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Library FUN!
Discover the App that Makes Life Easier
Discover everything the Glendale Public Library has to offer, right from your phone or tablet! The Glendale Library mobile app makes it easy to search the catalog, manage your account, access digital resources, and stay connected with library events and services.
From storytime to workshops and fun activities, there's something for everyone. Download now and take the library with you!
Learn more and Register!
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Saturday, September 27, 2025
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Academy of Math & Science|Glendale
4540 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
| | Are you a small business owner in the Cactus District or do business in Glendale? | | |
We’re launching a low-pressure, no-cost way for you to get connected: the Cactus District Small Business Network!
All you have to do is place a free membership sticker on your door — no meetings, no obligations, just a simple way to show you're part of a growing community of local businesses.
Members might be featured in future newsletters and social media, and we’ll create opportunities to spotlight your business and connect with residents, without asking you to step away from your day-to-day work.
Support local. Build community. Stay focused on your hustle.
Sign up today, and we’ll put you on our list for an upcoming sticker printing order.
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The City of Glendale offers an Emergency Home Repair Program designed to help eligible homeowners maintain the safety and livability of their homes. This program provides essential repairs for issues that pose immediate risks, such as lack of running water, electricity, or heating and cooling.
To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, including residing within Glendale city limits, owning and occupying their home for at least one year, and meeting federal income guidelines for low/moderate-income households. Assistance is limited to emergency repairs that directly impact habitability.
For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the City of Glendale's Home Repair Assistance page or call (623) 930-3670.
Ensuring safe and stable housing is a priority. Don't hesitate to explore this valuable resource if you are in need of it!
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La ciudad de Glendale ofrece un programa de reparación de viviendas de emergencia diseñado para ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas elegibles a mantener la seguridad y habitabilidad de sus hogares. Este programa proporciona reparaciones esenciales para problemas que representan riesgos inmediatos, como la falta de agua potable, electricidad o calefacción y refrigeración.
Para calificar, los solicitantes deben cumplir con ciertos requisitos, incluyendo residir dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Glendale, ser propietarios y ocupar su hogar durante al menos un año, y cumplir con las pautas de ingresos federales para hogares de ingresos bajos/moderados. La asistencia se limita a reparaciones de emergencia que impacten directamente la habitabilidad.
Para obtener más detalles sobre la elegibilidad y cómo aplicar, visita la página de Asistencia para Reparación de Viviendas de la Ciudad de Glendale o llama al (623) 930-3670.
Asegurar una vivienda segura y estable es una prioridad. ¡No dudes en explorar este valioso recurso si lo necesitas!
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Want to save some money while helping the planet? 🌍
Check out our Water Conservation rebates! This program is all about encouraging our community to conserve water and make water-efficient upgrades that really work.
💧 For more details, visit: Glendale's Water Rebate Program | City of Glendale, AZ
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Water Conservation Rebates
Water Conservation rebates are a financial incentive, where the cost is partially offset by the City of Glendale for its water customers in the Glendale service area. The purpose of this rebate program is to encourage community water conservation efforts and water-efficiency upgrades that are proven to save water.
Glendale cares about the water we all share!
Please read the full program terms and conditions here.
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¿Quieres ahorrar algo de dinero mientras ayudas al planeta? 🌍
¡Consulta nuestros reembolsos por Conservación de Agua! Este programa trata de alentar a nuestra comunidad a conservar agua y hacer mejoras en eficiencia que realmente funcionan.
💧 Para más detalles, visita: Glendale's Water Rebate Program | City of Glendale, AZ
Reembolsos por Conservación de Agua
Los reembolsos por conservación de agua son un incentivo financiero, donde el costo es parcialmente compensado por la Ciudad de Glendale para sus clientes de agua en el área de servicio de Glendale. El propósito de este programa de reembolsos es animar los esfuerzos de conservación de agua de la comunidad y las mejoras en eficiencia que han demostrado ahorrar agua.
¡A Glendale le importa el agua que todos compartimos!
Por favor, lea los términos y condiciones completos del programa aquí.
| | CITY NEWS & STREET REPAIR UPDATES | |
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City Manager's Update
Week of September 22, 2025
From honoring fallen heroes to welcoming exciting new businesses, Glendale has plenty to celebrate this fall. Check it out in the latest update from our City Manager.
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New Look. Same Great City.
Have you seen our new look? We’re excited to share that our new and improved Glendale website is now live!
Visit www.GlendaleAZ.gov and experience a simplified layout, an official .gov domain, and enhanced search capabilities.
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Pavement Management Program
(PMP) Activities
If you have any questions or would like further information, please call the 24/7 Project Hotline at 602-532-6250.
The Glendale Pavement Management website provides details on the current schedule, process, impacts, and frequently asked questions for pavement management activities.
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Cactus District (As of Thu., 9/25/25):
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Residential streets between Olive Avenue and Peoria Avenue, between 43rd Avenue and 51st Avenue – Crack sealing to take place this Fall to prepare for the Slurry Seal application later in the program.
In the event of inclement weather, crack seal and slurry seal/seal coat activities typically resume the next possible working day as conditions improve.
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Graffiti Removal Request
The City of Glendale appreciates its citizens' participation in the removal of graffiti.
To report graffiti, please visit the city’s service request system by clicking the icon below. When prompted for the issue type, look for Neighborhood Concerns or simply start typing the issue.
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By using GlendaleOne to report this issue, staff will automatically be assigned for follow-up. Submitters also have the option to personalize notification preferences for automatic progress updates, add photos, search a knowledge base of frequently asked questions, quickly access important phone numbers, and request a variety of other city services.
If you prefer to call, you can leave a detailed message at 623.930.2940. The City of Glendale strives to remove all reported graffiti within 48 hours of being notified.
If you witness graffiti in progress, please contact the Glendale Police Department immediately at 623-930-3000.
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Need Notary Services?
Visit the City Clerk's Office at the Glendale Civic Center located at
5750 W Glenn Drive
Glendale, AZ 85301
This service is completely FREE for Glendale residents.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Please note that holiday hours may vary)
If you have any questions, please call the Clerk's Office at 623-930-2030
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¿Necesita Servicios Notariales?
Visite la oficina de la ciudad en el Centro Cívico de Glendale ubicado en
5750 W Glenn Drive
Glendale, AZ 85301
Este servicio es completamente GRATUITO para los residentes de Glendale.
Horas de Operación
De lunes a viernes
De 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
(Los horarios pueden variar por los días festivos)
Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame al 623-930-2030
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