July 4th, 2025

If you have any concerns that you'd like to talk with me about, please email me at LBaldenegro@GLENDALEAZ.com, or you can contact me by phone at: (623) 930-2244

Whether he’s assisting with programs at the Glendale Community Center, connecting with residents at O’Neil Park Recreation Center, or hosting BINGO with local seniors, Councilmember Baldenegro is always happy to meet with constituents to discuss any questions, comments, or concerns.

To schedule a time to connect, feel free to reach out by phone at 623-930-2244 or via email at lbaldenegro@glendaleaz.com.

Councilmember Message

As we continue to enjoy events and activities throughout the summer, it's important to prioritize health and safety in Glendale's extreme heat. Staying hydrated is vital—make sure you and your family members, especially young children and older adults, are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid prolonged time outdoors during peak heat hours, seek shade when possible, and take frequent breaks in cool or air-conditioned spaces. Protecting ourselves and our loved ones during these hot months helps ensure we can all enjoy everything our community has to offer—safely and comfortably.

The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, and businesses. providing hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites throughout the Valley. Heat Relief Network launched in 2005 after a weeklong heat wave causing about 30 deaths in the homeless population.

The city is operating 13 heat relief sites in 2025. In the summer of 2024, 54,056 bottles of water were distributed at Glendale locations. This almost doubled 2023's amount, which was 26,000 bottles.

For more information about the City of Glendale's Heat Relief Stations, click here!

To watch this week's Councilmember Message, click here!

Next City Council Meeting: August 12th, 2025

623 Day in Downtown Glendale was a tremendous success, offering a fantastic opportunity to highlight the charm and uniqueness of Historic Downtown Glendale.

The event received outstanding media coverage, including features on broadcast television, radio, print and multiple shoutouts across social media platforms.

Even more exciting, 623 Day drew nearly four times the usual number of shoppers and visitors compared to a typical Monday—an incredible boost for our local community and businesses!

I had the pleasure of reading this 623 Day Ocotillo District Proclamation issued by the City of Glendale Mayor, Jerry Weiers to the residents, patrons and business owners on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.

This first-ever 623 Day wasn’t just about fun; it was also about shining a spotlight on the businesses and people that make Downtown Glendale feel like home. Shoppers explored local boutiques, sampled treats at downtown cafés, and enjoyed Arizona's wonderful sunny weather.

Exclusive deals and 6.23 promotions from local merchants, created a sense of unity and celebration. With its upbeat energy and warm neighborhood feel, 623 Day set the stage for what promises to become an annual tradition that brings the Glendale community together in a meaningful way.

Thank you to all the residents, businesses, visitors and media teams who took part in 623 Day in Downtown Glendale! Your support of local shops, the arts, and community spirit truly made the day special. Thank you for helping Downtown Glendale shine!

Annual Christmas in July| Saturday, July 12, 2025

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Annual Christmas in July on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The locally owned businesses in the Catlin Court and Old Towne shopping and dining districts have planned a very merry day! There will be festive things to do throughout the day, including make and take activities (some have a nominal fee), artist demonstrations, and fun photo ops. 

Returning this year is the Recipe Trail Cookbook. Follow the activity sheet to pick up recipes along the way.

Start at the Arizona Information Center (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the activity list and walking map. The first 100 guests will receive the commemorative event sticker which is part of the ongoing sticker series produced by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association. 

Don't miss the special Charm Drop to add to (or begin) your HDG Charm Bracelet. The starter bracelet and special event charm can be purchased for $5 at Glendale Flowers & Gifts (7163 N. 58th Drive,) Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.,) or Pink House Boutique (7009 N. 58th Ave.) Then, follow the Charm Trail map to purchase additional charms for $2 each at more than 30 participating shops. Each charm depicts the unique and iconic qualities of the individual businesses.

We are also happy to announce that an Air-Conditioned Bus will be provided to shoppers that will be on a continual loop throughout Downtown Glendale, from 10am-3pm!

An important part of our Annual Christmas in July event is the Back to School Supply Drive to benefit the Glendale Elementary School District. Click Here for a list of requested items.

Glendale Community Center

Located in the heart of downtown Glendale at 5401 W. Ocotillo Drive, the Glendale Community Center is a small, vibrant neighborhood hub offering various free community programs. The center caters to all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Programs encompass educational, recreational, and fitness activities, aiming to enhance community engagement and well-being.

Program Highlights: 

Youth Programs: Activities designed to foster learning and social skills.

Teen Programs: Engaging activities that promote personal development and community involvement.

Adult Programs: Educational and recreational activities tailored to adult interests and fitness.

Senior Programs: Programs focused on social interaction, learning, and physical wellness for seniors.

After School Programs: Free, drop-in Afterschool Program for youth ages 6-14 that provides supervised recreational activities, crafts, games, sports, clubs, homework help, and special events. This is a non-licensed program and will run from August 2024 through May 2025, Monday through Friday. Daily meals from St. Mary's Food Bank will be provided to participants and any other youth in the community. Registration required, for more information click here!

Membership:

Enjoy a FREE Membership at the Glendale Community Center! This membership grants you access to a variety of classes and programs for all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. By signing up, you'll receive updates on everything happening at the center, including a monthly calendar of classes and events.

For more information or any questions about the programs, click here please call the Glendale Community Center directly at 623-930-4700.

O'Neil Recreation Center

The O'Neil Recreation Center is conveniently located on 67th Avenue and Missouri and offers a variety of free community programs for all ages. Some programs include Stay & Play hours for young families, Virtual Fitness classes and board & card games for adults/seniors, Afterschool and Teen programs, and more! For more information, click here!

Program Highlights: 

Youth Programs: Activities designed to foster learning and social skills.

Teen Programs: Engaging activities that promote personal development and community involvement.

Adult Programs: Educational and recreational activities tailored to adult interests and fitness.

Senior Programs: Programs focused on social interaction, learning, and physical wellness for seniors.

After School Programs: Free, drop-in Afterschool Program for youth ages 6-14 that provides supervised recreational activities, crafts, games, sports, clubs, homework help, and special events. This is a Non-Licensed program and will run from August 2024 through May 2025, Monday through Friday. Daily meals from St. Mary's Food Bank will be provided to participants and any other youth in the community.

Membership:

Enjoy a FREE Membership at the Glendale Community Center! This membership grants you access to a variety of classes and programs for all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. By signing up, you'll receive updates on everything happening at the center, including a monthly calendar of classes and events.

For more information or any questions about the programs, click here or call the O'Neil Community Center directly at (623) 640-0893.

Save Money and Conserve Water

With Expanded Rebate Program in City of Glendale



As temperatures rise during the scorching Arizona summer months, so does our water use for amenities, such as pools and yards. Conserving this precious resource has never been more important as long-term drought worsens in the Southwest. Fortunately, the city of Glendale provides water conservation rebates that allow residents and businesses to become more sustainable and save money.

There are many ways people can save money in Glendale when they permanently reduce the amount of water used at their single-family residential properties. The water rebate program has greatly expanded to serve more residents and provide higher dollar amounts per eligible rebate project in the last few years. Those who receive water service from the city of Glendale and are in good standing (i.e. no outstanding debt owed to the city) are eligible for a residential landscape conversion rebate.

The purpose of the residential landscape conversion rebate is to encourage permanent water savings through the conversion of unwanted grass to xeriscape - a desert-friendly landscape. Residents in existing homes can receive up to $3,000 for xeriscape conversions ($1 per square foot) and up to $250 for artificial grass (25 cents per square foot). Residents in new homes can also receive up to $500 for xeriscape (50 cents per square foot) and up to $250 for artificial grass ($0.25 per square foot).

There is even a way to save money and help the environment by doing laundry. Glendale provides a rebate of up to $200 to residents who replace older, inefficient clothes washers with water-efficient Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR-labeled clothes washers. In order to qualify for a rebate, the new clothes washer must be listed on the current ENERGY STAR Product Search list, and have an Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.2 or less.

The Glendale Water Services Department has been able to expand its water rebate program thanks to a $450,000 grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA). The city of Glendale has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by offering a water conservation rebate program since 1986, and this grant has allowed the program to expand to better serve Glendale water users.

“Our city is excited to continue making it easier for our customers to start or expand their environmentally-friendly practices to help preserve a precious natural resource – water – while also saving money,” said Glendale Environmental Programs Administrator Joanne Toms. “We all need to make smart choices every day to use water wisely, and we are grateful to WIFA for allowing us to create more opportunities for Glendale water users to take sustainable steps in their homes and businesses.”

Anyone interested in learning more or looking to apply for a water conservation rebate, should visit www.glendaleaz.com/rebates. To learn more, email greenliving@glendaleaz.com or call 623.930.3596.

We’re excited to kick off #NationalParksAndRecMonth with a visit to one of Glendale’s true gems — Foothills Park! Whether you're into skating at the skate plaza, swinging on the playground, or serving up a game of pickleball, this park has something for everyone. It's the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and spend time with family and friends.

Foothills Park isn’t just beautiful — it’s packed with great amenities and is surrounded by even more community resources. Skunk Creek Linear Park runs right through it, offering scenic paths for walking and biking. To the north, you’ll find the Foothills Branch Library, and on the southeast corner, the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center is just steps away. With so much to do in and around the park, it’s a hub for fun, fitness, and connection. Come out and play — there’s something here for everyone!

To watch the Glendale Communications team's feature video, click here!

Celebraring 4th of July Safely:

Tips and Recommendations!

When celebrating Independence Day in Glendale, Arizona, safety should be at the heart of the fun! Here are a few friendly reminders to help you stay safe and enjoy the day:

1. Fireworks Awareness: While professional fireworks displays—like Westgate's spectacular show—are legal and generally safe, large fireworks are not allowed in the city limits. Always attend public displays, stay behind safety barriers, and keep a close eye on children. For more information about the City of Glendale's Firework Policy, see the information below OR watch this video from the City of Glendale's Fire and Police Departments.
2. Sun & Heat Preparedness: Arizona sun in July is extremely hot! Temperatures often hit 110+ degrees Fahrenheit. Load up on sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. And don’t forget to hydrate: carry a reusable water bottle and drink often—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
3. Traffic and Parking: Glendale’s festivities draw big crowds, which means congested roads and limited parking. Plan ahead by checking local event details, arriving early, or carpooling. After the fireworks, traffic around the main viewing areas—like Westgate, can be very busy. Maybe wait to leave until traffic lightens or just be patient while leaving the festivities.
4. Pets and Families: July 4th events can be overwhelming for pets due to the noise. Consider leaving dogs or cats in a quiet, indoor, and secure location at home. Maybe turn on the radio or tv for background noise. Ensure your outside gates are secure as well. For families, set a designated meetup spot in case anyone gets separated, and make sure every kid knows a parent’s contact information.
5. Fire Safety at Home: If you’re grilling at home or tailgating, exercise caution around open flames-keep grills away from overhanging shade or dry brush, and always have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.
6. Pool and Water Safety: Always watch your children around water! If celebrating at a pool, ensure that an adult is a designated pool water watcher who will keep an eye on children while swimming!
7. If you have any medical emergencies, ensure to call 911, for non-emergencies call 623-930-3000

Above all, enjoy the lively spirit of the day: communities united, celebrating friendship, and freedom. Play it safe, stay cool, and make some unforgettable memories under the Glendale, Arizona sky!

• The Pavement Management Program here is COMPLETE for the current Fiscal Year. City staff is currently and actively pursuing commitments and schedules from our contractors to address the remaining miles in the Ocotillo District for the next fiscal year.

If you have any questions or want further information, please get in touch with the 24/7 Project Hotline at 602-532-6250. A map for 2024-2025 Pavement Management Program is now available on the Pavement Management website.

IMPORTANT LINKS (CLICK BELOW!)