Letter: Verdugo Park seems to be in a sorry state

I am a resident of north Glendale and was taking my dog on a walk in Verdugo Park this morning at about 10:30 a.m.

I started to walk and noticed an extremely disheveled looking man who — I am sure — was homeless. He had a picnic table covered with bags. I walked by him (my usual route) and he sort of stood up and looked very irritated. I wasn’t sure if he was scared of my dog or just irritated. I took off quickly and did not want to have any interaction with him.

Next, I noticed a dead squirrel on the ground, next to a tree. Looked like it had been there a while, which could spread disease. Didn’t let my dog go near it.

As I continued walking, I noticed a young couple, on a blanket, making out, very uninhibited. I decided to walk away from them. It was time for “lights, cameras and action.”

What I did not see was any city employees working in the park. I always used to see a guy on a little cart, driving around the park. Guess the city of Glendale must be cutting back on services. I also noticed that there were no people with small children in the playgrounds.

I grew up in Hollywood and lived in L.A. for many years. Believe me, I have seen it all. I am really astonished at how Verdugo Park has gone downhill. I called the Parks and Recreation Department. I do not expect that they will call back very soon.

Seems like maybe the residents of Glendale need to be informed about the state of Verdugo Park.

Virginia Arce Gillooly
Glendale