Glendale residents are set to decide on a significant bond measure concerning Glendale Community College (GCC). The measure will remain open until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5.
The general election’s early voting began on October 7, and ballot drop-off locations have been available since October 8. Glendale City Clerk Suzie Abajian has encouraged residents to participate, emphasizing the importance of local, state, and national decisions impacting the community. Residents seeking election information can access resources at glendalevotes.org, contact Abajian directly, or visit her office at Glendale City Hall. Abajian noted that materials are provided in multiple languages, including Armenian, Spanish, Tagalog, and English.
Overview of Measure GCC
On the ballot, Glendale residents will vote on Measure GCC, known as the “School Improvements Bond Measure.” A “yes” vote would permit the Glendale Community College District to issue $600 million in bonds for school improvements, resulting in a $25 levy per $100,000 of assessed property value. Measure GCC requires a 55% majority to pass.
GCC Superintendent and President Ryan Cornner stated that this bond addresses the college’s aging infrastructure, where some buildings are over 60 years old. Planned improvements include modernizing outdated facilities, building a public service academy for local police and fire training, and creating an occupational and physical therapy training center at GCC’s Montrose campus. Upgrades would also extend to the performing and fine arts complex, an 80-year-old auditorium, a sound stage, and increased ADA compliance, technology infrastructure, and safety measures.
Cornner emphasized that none of the funds would go toward administrative salaries or benefits. Should the measure pass, an independent citizens’ oversight committee would conduct annual audits and ensure transparency in spending. He noted that Measure GCC would provide the resources needed for critical programs such as nursing, paramedics, firefighting, and engineering, while also ensuring ADA accessibility, earthquake safety, and other safety and environmental improvements.
Support for Measure GCC
Several local officials and organizations back Measure GCC, including State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, Glendale City Councilman Ardy Kassakhian, and the Glendale Unified School District Board of Education. The measure has also received endorsements from groups like the Glendale Fire Foundation, Armenian National Committee of America — Glendale, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, and the Glendale Environmental Coalition.
Ballot Drop-Off and Voting Center Information
Ballot drop-off locations are open 24/7 at sites including Glendale Central Library, Pacific Park Library, Wilson Mini Park, and others in Los Angeles and Glendale.
Voting centers across Los Angeles County are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through November 4, and on Election Day, November 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local centers include La Crescenta Woman’s Club, Glendale Community College, and Tekeyan Cultural Association.
