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Joyce Clark Unfiltered

For "the rest of the story"

Feb 26

20

Farewell to Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps

Posted by Joyce Clark on February 20, 2026
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Glendale finances  | Tagged With: , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

It’s February 2026, and City Manager Kevin Phelps has departed as Glendale’s city manager.   The Business Journal named Phelps as one of the Most Admired Leaders in 2024. Due to Phelps’ focus on employee culture, Glendale also received the Best Place to Work, 2025, in the extra-large category from the Business Journal and was named Best City for Business in AZ by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce in 2025.

When Kevin Phelps was first hired by Glendale in 2015, Glendale’s finances were a mess, and the Wall Street Journal said Glendale was in “worse financial straits than any city except Detroit.”

Among Kevin’s many accomplishments as Glendale’s city manager, two stand out for me. The first is Glendale’s thriving economy. Phelps took a city in financial trouble to a city whose bond ratings are outstanding. Property taxes have not gone up in eleven years. The city’s economic base is diversified. The Bell Road corridor is a retail powerhouse. Westgate is known as an experiential entertainment district. The Loop 303 corridor has become a prime submarket for industrial, distribution and manufacturing facilities. This economic triangle provides financial stability for Glendale for many years to come.

Instead of the traditional role of a city as a regulator, it has become a facilitator for businesses. Now city departments focus on working together to support our businesses. All city departments seek ways to ensure that this community thrives, from small businesses to the largest.

The second area of note is the employee environment. Employees are financially recognized by their peers annually for their unique contributions to the organization. Department heads are encouraged to assist one another. Employees annually learn the ‘why’ of current city goals. Employees are encouraged to take risks and to innovate. The culture of the organization has improved dramatically.

During my twenty-four years of service, I have worked with many city managers. Only two have earned my admiration and respect. When I first became a councilmember, I worked with Dr. Martin Vanacour. He stood out for his financial acumen and his support for city employees. Kevin Phelps has done the same. Both have been exceptional leaders of Glendale.

Despite our mutual respect there were policy issues with which Kevin and I disagreed. Two that stood out are the city’s current logo and the placement of council offices in the renovated city hall. I abhor the current city logo. It will always be the Google logo to me. It conveys nothing and delivers no message about what Glendale is. As for council offices, placing them in the former basement of city hall has never been appropriate and symbolically devalues the city council. We agreed to disagree and remain respectful of one another. Make no mistake. Kevin Phelps’ departure as Glendale’s city manager is a profound loss.

Former Gilbert City Manager Patrick Banger has assumed the position. I wish him good luck for he certainly has enormous shoes to fill.

© Joyce Clark, 2026   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Feb 26

12

83rd Avenue is Alligator Alley…long overdue

Posted by Joyce Clark on February 12, 2026
Posted in City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Former Councilmember Joyce Clark • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale finances • Glendale zoning issues • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

The last four years I served on Glendale city council, from 2020 to 2024, I pushed hard to have 83rd Avenue from Glendale Avenue to Northern Avenue (I call it Alligator Alley) reconstructed. I call it Alligator Alley because it is possibly the worst road in Glendale. It has so many patches you would think you were riding on an old-fashioned, rippled washboard.

I have to say that the city’s Transportation department has always accommodated any previous concern I have had but this time, they have dropped the proverbial ball. Or should I say they have not picked it up.

The necessary funding and reconstruction design are there. In 2023, staff revealed that there were right-of-way issues with several property owners along 83rd Avenue. I was told at the time that if the city could not acquire the necessary right-of-way through negotiation it would have to condemn the strips needed. Three years later, this is still an unresolved issue.

In 2024, staff said they were waiting for Salt River Project to resolve their issues at the intersection of 83rd and Glendale Avenue. Two years later, the Transportation department is still waiting. They have the ability to reach out to SRP to prioritize this project. They have not done so.

This situation is unacceptable.

83rd Avenue is a traffic reliever road when there are major events such as football games and concerts at Westgate. The heavy traffic makes a terrible road even worse.

It is way past time for the Transportation department to get its act together. If there are still property owner hold outs, then it is time to condemn the strips needed for reconstruction. It’s also time for staff to get SRP to immediately resolve its issues.

If you share my view of 83rd Avenue, I urge you to send an email expressing your concerns to our Director of Transportation, Purab Adabala and to Jamsheed Mehta, Assistant City Manager overseeing the Transportation department. Their email addresses are:

Haven’t we waited long enough? It reminds me of the city’s commitment to finish Heroes Park.

© Joyce Clark, 2026   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Jan 26

25

Braggin’ on Glendale

Posted by Joyce Clark on January 25, 2026
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Glendale finances • Glendale zoning issues • Luke Air Force Base • VAI Resort • Westgate • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

When I first began serving as a Glendale city councilmember in 1992, its population was 159,023 and its square miles were 52.2. In 2025, its population exploded to 265,599, an increase of over 100,000. Its square miles increased to 67.2, an increase of 15 square miles.

In 2019, Glendale’s city council adopted its vision for the Loop 303 corridor. It rejected the concept of adding more residential and instead chose to earmark that area for manufacturing and industrial development.  In 6 short years, the Loop 303 corridor has become the premier site for such development.

In December of 2025, recent news from many trade publications highlighted Glendale, Arizona, as a leader in economic growth and investments across multiple sectors. Did you know that Glendale leads all U.S. submarkets in industrial sales volume, surpassing $1 billion this year alone, driven by major deals like Walmart’s $152 million purchase of a 1.28 million-square-foot warehouse near Luke Air Force Base?

This reflects the city’s booming industrial sector along the Loop 303 corridor, where developments like a 2.4 million-square-foot industrial park by Lincoln Property Company are attracting logistics and manufacturing firms. Additionally, Glendale was named Arizona’s Best City for Business in June 2025 by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, citing its pro-growth policies, job creation (nearly 13,000 jobs added in six years), and over $1.5 billion in ongoing investment projects, primarily in the Sports and Entertainment District.

This includes high-profile developments around Westgate Entertainment District, such as hotels, retail, and entertainment venues tied to attractions like State Farm Stadium.

Key projects contributing to these figures include:

  • The $1 billion VAI Resort, a 70-acre complex with a Mattel Adventure Park, hotels, and entertainment features, approved for construction and expected to boost tourism.
  • Nestlé USA’s $675 million beverage factory, which opened in early 2025 and created over 350 jobs.
  • Mark Anthony Brewing’s $250 million facility for White Claw and other products, operational since 2020.
  • Walmart acquired a 1.28 million square-foot building near Luke Air Force Base.

The $152 million purchase is Phoenix’s second-largest industrial building sale ever recorded.

These investments have helped Glendale diversify beyond sports and events (e.g., Super Bowl economic impacts exceeding $1 billion in regional activity), positioning it as a top West Valley hub for business and development.

Businesses in the Loop 303 Corridor, Glendale, AZThe Loop 303 corridor in Glendale, Arizona, has seen significant industrial and commercial development, attracting various companies focused on manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Below is a compiled list of businesses located in this area (not all inclusive as I may have missed some), based on available information from economic development reports, real estate listings, and news articles. The list includes details of their operations where available:

  • Red Bull

             Manufacturing facility (first in North America, over $280 million investment,

             750,000 sq ft)

             Reems and Peoria Roads

  • Amazon

             Distribution operations; leased industrial building

             VT303; also surrounding The Cubes

  • REI

             Warehouse complex (400,000 sq ft)

              Loop 303 corridor

  • Williams Sonoma

              Distribution or warehousing

             The Cubes at Glendale

  • S. Merchants

             Distribution or warehousing

             The Cubes at Glendale

  • White Claw

              Production facility

              Surrounding The Cubes at Glendale

  • Ball Corporation

             Manufacturing (food storage and aluminum cans; supplies Red Bull)

             Surrounding The Cubes; Loop 303 corridor

  • Walmart

             Distribution center (1.25 million sq ft)

             Park303 Phase 1

  • FedEx

             Distribution or logistics

             Surrounding The Cubes at Glendale

  • Sub-Zero

             Manufacturing center (nearly 700,000 sq ft, luxury appliances)

             Loop 303 corridor (opened 2011, expanded 2016)

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods

             Distribution center (624,000 sq ft, high-tech)

             Loop 303 corridor (opened 2013)

  • Chewy

             Online pet products distributor

             Loop 303 corridor

  • UPS

             Distribution operations

             Loop 303 corridor

  • Bimbo Bakeries

             Distribution operations

             Loop 303 corridor

  • Dollar Tree

             Regional distribution facility (1.3 million sq ft)

             Park303 Phase 2 Building C

  • Logisticus Group

             Third-party logistics (550,000 sq ft lease)

             Park303 Phase 2

  • Axle on Demand

             Logistics specialist (126,075 sq ft pre-lease)

             Echo Park 303

Several developments like VT303 North, Bethany Bay, and Latitude 303 Logistics are under construction or recently completed as of 2025 but do not have publicly announced tenants yet. The area continues to grow with speculative industrial projects attracting e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics firms.

There is no doubt that Glendale has become a powerhouse in the Valley. Thirty years ago, it was a small town with an economy that was unremarkable. With the advent of the Bell Road corridor, the growth of Luke Air Force Base, the development of the Westgate area and the Loop 303 corridor, it has become a vibrant community with a diversified economic base.

It’s braggin’ time! If you are a manufacturing, logistics or distribution facility and need to grow where the weather is perfect year-round with a great roadway system and an abundant labor force, welcome to Glendale, Arizona!

© Joyce Clark, 2026   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law

and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have

not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic,

scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Jan 26

22

Alert for La Buena Vida and Stonehaven residents

Posted by Joyce Clark on January 22, 2026
Posted in City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale zoning issues • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Yesterday, as a city Interested Party, I received notification that Diversified Partners, the developer of the small commercial center on Cardinals Way and 91st Avenue, is proposing to place a convenience store and 8 gas pumps at the site indicated in red below:

 

A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6pm at the Holiday Inn, 6151 N. 99th Avenue. If you cannot attend, please contact Phil Martinez for the City of Glendale  at 623-930-3071 or email him at pmartinez@glendaleaz.com with your comments.

I believe that this use is an inappropriate location for such an intense use and will add to the congestion already experienced on Cardinals Way. I urge you to take the time to attend this neighborhood meeting and to learn more about this proposed project.

© Joyce Clark, 2026   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law

and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have

not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic,

scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

 

Sep 25

29

Glendale is having a November bond election

Posted by Joyce Clark on September 29, 2025
Posted in City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development  | Tagged With: , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Please note: I have not posted in the past few months due to a family member’s medical emergency. The situation has stabilized, granting me the freedom to write about Glendale, its people, places and events, once again.

On November 4, 2025, Glendale is on your ballot regarding two bond questions. Let’s start with what are bonds. Bonds are a way for cities to pay for large, expensive capital projects like the construction or renovation of city buildings. The city sells the bonds to investors and pays the investors back with interest over 20 to 25 years.

Glendale is seeking voter approval for two bond questions. Question 1 asks you to approve an investment of $30 million for flood control. In late September of this year, we experienced heavy monsoon storms that caused flooding throughout the city. One of the hardest hit areas was the Grand Avenue, Bethany Home Road, and 43rd Avenue intersection. Once again, streets and businesses were flooded. This area needs some permanent relief and funds approved from Question 1 will provide a permanent solution.

Question 2 asks you to approve an investment of $35 million for the city’s operations campus. It is a 40-year-old campus in need of major renovation. One of the most critical elements is replacing swamp coolers with air conditioning. Yes, our employees work in buildings that still use old, swamp coolers and we all know how ineffective that is during the monsoon season when the humidity is high. Some of these 40-year-old buildings have never been renovated.

The first question always asked, is, will these bonds raise my property taxes? The answer is no for two reasons. One, the city has a self-imposed debt limit. This means that the city will not issue new bond debt until old bond debt is paid off. By keeping the debt limit constant, the debt payments remain at the same level and no property tax increase is required. Two, the city council passed a resolution that publicly pledges that the debt limit will remain constant to insure that property taxes do not increase.

I pulled up my most recent property tax bill reflecting 2025. My bill is $3700, and Glendale’s portion is $306.69 or 10% of my entire bill. By way of contrast, schools/education are $2843.32 or 77% of my property tax bill. The remaining portion or 13% is for the county and special districts. It should be noted that Tolleson education increased year over year by 89% and community college education increased by 57%. As you will note, Glendale’s portion is low and the major reason for an annual increase in your property tax can be attributed to education assessments that grow from year to year.

When you receive your mail in ballot in early October it will be long and full of all kinds of office seekers and questions. Glendale’s bond questions will be at the very end of your ballot. Please take the time to find them, vote yes, and mail your ballot back promptly. It is important and you can make the difference.

Glendale’s bond questions 1 and 2 are for critical needs within our community. I am voting yes on both questions. As Chairperson of the 2025 Glendale Bond Committee, I know how important these needs are. I urge you to join me in voting yes on Glendale bond questions 1 and 2.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Jun 25

21

Reposting alert for Rovey Farm subdivisions

Posted by Joyce Clark on June 21, 2025
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Glendale zoning issues • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , | No Comments yet, please leave one

I am reposting this blog in the hope that this time the link will work.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Yesterday as a city interested party, I received notice from D. R. Horton regarding their proposal, Westgate Parc, Case No. SR25-0322. They are proposing to change the zoning and to amend the General Plan for a 10.11 acre property located just south of the southeast corner of the 91st Avenue and Rose Lane intersection. This property is within the Rovey Farm subdivision and will impact those Rovey Farm homes to the north, east and south of its location.

The homes surrounding this parcel have 8,000 SF lots (the smallest lot size in Rovey Farm).

  • D.R. Horton is proposing changing the zoning from R1-8 (which requires 8,000 SF lots) to PAD Planned Area Development (PAD), which means practically anything is allowed.
  • D.R. Horton is also proposing changing the density from Medium Density Residential (MDR, 2.5 to 3.5 homes per acre) to Medium High Density Residential (MDR, 5 to 8 homes per acre).
  • They propose 38 homes on lot sizes of 30’ X 85’ (54.3%) and 32 homes on lot sizes of 50’ X 75” (45.7%). Ticky Tacky small homes in a gated community (gated to appease you).

D.R. Horton’s proposed plan is unacceptable. It will impact on the property values of all homes surrounding this proposed development.

It is simply an inappropriate project for this area.

As your retired Yucca district councilmember, I supported higher density residential WEST of 99th Avenue. If I were on council now, I would have met with their representative and told him I would not support this proposal. Hopefully, that would have been enough of a message for D.R. Horton to withdraw its plan.

I am attaching the 4 page informational letter from D.R. Horton as a pdf file here.

What can you do? Make your voice heard by:

  • Attending D.R. Horton’s neighborhood meeting on June 23rd, 6 PM at the Renaissance Hotel, Aurora Ballroom, 9495 W. Entertainment Blvd., Westgate.
  • Sending an email to Phil Martinez, Senior Planner, City of Glendale at pmartinez@glendaleaz.com and requesting that your email be copied to all members of the Planning Commission prior to the hearing for this proposal.
  • Contacting your Yucca district councilmember, Dianna Guzman at dguzman@glendaleaz.com
  • HOA boards – please send formal letters to Phil Martinez, Senior Planner, City of Glendale, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301

There are approximately 800 homes in Rovey Farm. Surely a majority of residents would join together to oppose this terrible project.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Jun 25

13

Alert for all residents and HOAs in Rovey Farms

Posted by Joyce Clark on June 13, 2025
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Glendale zoning issues • Westgate • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , , , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Yesterday as a city interested party, I received notice from D. R. Horton regarding their proposal, Westgate Parc, Case No. SR25-0322. They are proposing to change the zoning and to amend the General Plan for a 10.11 acre property located just south of the southeast corner of the 91st Avenue and Rose Lane intersection. This property is within the Rovey Farm subdivision and will impact those Rovey Farm homes to the north, east and south of its location.

The homes surrounding this parcel have 8,000 SF lots (the smallest lot size in Rovey Farm).

  • D.R. Horton is proposing changing the zoning from R1-8 (which requires 8,000 SF lots) to PAD Planned Area Development (PAD), which means practically anything is allowed.
  • D.R. Horton is also proposing changing the density from Medium Density Residential (MDR, 2.5 to 3.5 homes per acre) to Medium High Density Residential (MDR, 5 to 8 homes per acre).
  • They propose 38 homes on lot sizes of 30’ X 85’ (54.3%) and 32 homes on lot sizes of 50’ X 75” (45.7%). Ticky Tacky small homes in a gated community (gated to appease you).

D.R. Horton’s proposed plan is unacceptable. It will impact on the property values of all homes surrounding this proposed development.

It is simply an inappropriate project for this area.

As your retired Yucca district councilmember, I supported higher density residential WEST of 99th Avenue. If I were on council now, I would have met with their representative and told him I would not support this proposal. Hopefully, that would have been enough of a message for D.R. Horton to withdraw its plan.

I am attaching the 4 page informational letter from D.R. Horton as a pdf file here. Simply click on this link to view: DR Horton20250611_17533830

What can you do? Make your voice heard by:

  • Attending D.R. Horton’s neighborhood meeting on June 23rd, 6 PM at the Renaissance Hotel, Aurora Ballroom, 9495 W. Entertainment Blvd., Westgate.
  • Sending an email to Phil Martinez, Senior Planner, City of Glendale at pmartinez@glendaleaz.com and requesting that your email be copied to all members of the Planning Commission prior to the hearing for this proposal.
  • Contacting your Yucca district councilmember, Dianna Guzman at dguzman@glendaleaz.com
  • HOA boards – please send formal letters to Phil Martinez, Senior Planner, City of Glendale, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301

There are approximately 800 homes in Rovey Farm. Surely a majority of residents would join together to oppose this terrible project.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

May 25

19

Sports Complex open at Heroes Park

Posted by Joyce Clark on May 19, 2025
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Heroes Park • Yucca district  | Tagged With: , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the city opened the newest addition to Heroes Regional Park. Heroes Park is 88 acres, and the sports complex uses about 30 acres of the total acreage. The week prior to its opening Councilmember Dianna Guzman and I toured the complex. My thanks to Mike Keane, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation and Fred Sanchez, CIP Project Manager, Parks and Recreation, for sharing their knowledge and their pride in this newest addition to Glendale’s vast park system.

Heroes Park has the following existing elements: the library, a four-acre fishing lake, a splash pad, an archery range, basketball courts, an X-court for skaters and bikers, and a large picnic area with 10 reservable ramadas. By the way, you will soon see construction activity at the library as the city begins its expansion of meeting space at that facility.

This newest addition to Heroes Park adds eight new pickleball courts, the city’s first synthetic field with lights, two natural grass multi-use fields, a dog park, a play structure for adventurous and creative activity, plus additional 300+ parking spaces.

On my tour I took some photos that share the flavor of this new Heroes Park area. Here is the soccer field. It is lighted and boasts the first use of artificial turf for a sports field in Glendale. All lights in the park are shielded. Consequently, the light does not spill over into neighborhoods surrounding the park.

Here is a connection between the homes to the north of the sports complex. Residents in that neighborhood can simply walk into the park. This area also has a very large buffer area to protect the neighborhood.

There is a large, fenced maintenance area that will store the necessary equipment and supplies to make sure the park stays in tip-top condition.

Perhaps the jewel of this area is the children’s play area. It is a new concept as it has a raised area adjacent to the children’s play area that allows parents to keep an eye on their little ones as they play. Large shade trees were deliberately planted in this area to provide instant shade for children and parents alike. There are tables and benches for the use of parents while they keep an eye on their children.

There are 8 pickleball courts, a mini pitch area and a dog park separated with one area for small dogs and another for large dogs.

I am proud that during my tenure as the councilmember of the Yucca district, home to Heroes Park, I secured the funding for the design and construction of the new area as well as the coming library expansion. After waiting for 27 years (Heroes Park was added to the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) in 1998 the final element has yet to be built. That is the recreation and aquatic center. It is my goal to see those elements under construction in the next 3 years. Once they are completed, Heroes Regional Park will offer the explosion of new population in the Yucca district a full compliment of activities — serving all from the youngest to seniors. The City of Glendale will have finally fulfilled its commitment to the people of south and west Glendale after decades of waiting. I look forward to that day.

I drove through the area this past Sunday and some families have already discovered the children’s area and the ramadas. I suspect that as people become aware of this new area it will be lovingly and heavily used. This coming weekend I invite you to check it out and explore all the wonderful new activities that the sports complex provides. You will not be disappointed.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

May 25

1

Beware

Posted by Joyce Clark on May 1, 2025
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale finances • Glendale zoning issues • VAI Resort • Worker Power Super PAC  | Tagged With: , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

It has come to my attention that Worker Power while sending people to knock on doors has been spreading lies about the upcoming May Glendale special election (costing you the taxpayer about $250,000) on Propositions 401 and 402 in an effort to get your vote.

They have become desperate enough to become unethical. The very latest tactic is to tell voters when going door to door that there already is a playground on the 9-acre parcel (subject of the Propositions) and that children are playing there.

This is an outright lie. Nothing could be further from the truth. VAI Resort bought that 9-acre parcel  over a year ago and has nearly completed its administrative building and parking lot. They acknowledge that they are building at their own risk should Worker Power’s latest attempt to stop VAI succeed.

Once again, let me reinforce, as the retired councilmember (24 years of service) for that area which is part of the Yucca district, the Open Space designation on that parcel was intended to be a placeholder until it was developed commercially. It was never intended to become any kind of park. Period.

Worker Power, instigator of this special election:

  • Has cost you the taxpayer to pay about $250,000 for this special election
  • Has told voters many lies about the parcel in question as they go door to door
  • Is trying to bring California-style governance to Glendale

Outside unions want to decide Glendale’s future for us, but we know what’s best for our city. Props 401 & 402 will approve the VAI Resort and ensure local control. Keep decision-making in Glendale, not out-of-state unions. Vote YES on Propositions 401 and 402 to determine our own destiny.

When you get your mail in ballot, please vote YES and guarantee that VAI Resort will be able to finish their development.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 401

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 402

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

 

Apr 25

22

The two faces of Councilmember Lupe Conchas

Posted by Joyce Clark on April 22, 2025
Posted in City Council Actions • City issue and actions • City of Glendale • Glendale Economic Development • Glendale elected officials • Glendale finances • Glendale zoning issues • VAI Resort • Worker Power Super PAC  | Tagged With: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Councilmember Lupe Conchas, Cactus district, is truly an ambitious politician. He appears to have greater ambitions than being a Glendale councilmember. He seems to have his eye on the State Legislature and then on to a Congressional seat. Glendale is but a way point to build some credibility before he runs for other offices.

He appears to be a true politician, saying whatever benefits him at the moment, in every sense of the word. Case in point. In his January 24, 2025, weekly digital newsletter, he posted this photo with the caption, “I toured the incredible VAI Resort with Councilmember Baldenegro and Councilmember Guzman. It is amazing to see such an impressive project come to life! This will bring tremendous opportunities and excitement to Glendale and our residents.” He is very positive about VAI and publicly recognizes the value of VAI to Glendale.

Yet the City of Glendale published its Publicity Pamphlet regarding the upcoming $250,000 (voter expense) May 2025 special election generated by Worker Power, Conchas writes, “To the residents of Glendale: Please vote no on Proposition 401 (and 402). As one of the newest councilmembers, my vision is for Glendale to be a city that works for everyone. I believe it is my responsibility to listen to residents and learn where and how our governance can improve. Propositions 402 gives us the chance to correct what I see an oversight by the prior council. Corporate interests must be balanced with elected officials’ representation of their constituents. The VAI Resort development has asked for deals, waivers, and exemptions that are good for their business. City Council’s responsibility should be to ensure that the community, the residents, the people of Glendale are not left behind. These deals have not been good ones for the citizens of Glendale. Do you think that allowing VAI to exceed our dark sky ordinance and the flush of water from this resort into our city’s existing sewer system will be good for Glendale residents? I don’t. Thousands of residents signed the petition to put Proposition 402 on the ballot – people who live in Glendale. I want the VAI Resort to succeed, but they MUST make a better effort to address the concerns of our community. Let’s not let VAI Resort have another deal that costs the residents of Glendale. Let’s stay focused on what is best for our community. Join me and VOTE NO ON PROPOSTION 402.”

His position should come as no surprise to anyone. After all, Conchas received financial and manpower support exclusively from the unions, including Worker Power. In his councilmember acceptance speech, he made it very clear that he owed them and would not forget their support.

 Which is it Councilmember Conchas? Do you support VAI Resort or not? How do you reconcile saying, “This will bring tremendous opportunities and excitement to Glendale and our residents” and then turn around and say, “Join me and VOTE NO ON PROPOSTION 402” when VAI has said this action could delay or stop the project?

Your job as a councilmember is to support adopted policies of the city.

Which face is the true face of Lupe Conchas? I suspect it is that of an ambitious politician.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

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