🐰 April is always a busy month in Whittier, and there’s no shortage of ways to connect, give back, and enjoy the season together!

The Whittier Public Library is celebrating Whittier Reads in partnership with the Whittier Public Library Foundation, encouraging neighbors throughout our city to read together as a community. Join the Library this month for a variety of themed programs and events inspired by this year’s book selection, "Boys of Riverside" by Thomas Fuller, including an Author Talk and ticketed reception at the end of the month.

Over with Parks, Recreation & Community Services, families can join the fun at our annual Eggxtravaganza or roll up their sleeves at the Keep Whittier Prettier Earth Day cleanup.

And if you’ve got kids at home, now’s the time to register for summer programs like Summer Day Camp, WYN Club, and VolunTEENS—don't wait as spaces in these programs fill quickly!

Looking ahead, be sure to save the date for the Public Safety Expo coming up in May, and take a moment to enjoy the sunshine and blooming beauty all around town. Here’s to a month full of fun, community, and time spent with the people who matter most.

Happy Spring, neighbors!

Shannon DeLong, Interim City Manager

Nominate a Home for Third Annual Whittier Beautification Awards

Mark your calendars! The City of Santa Fe Springs is hosting a Filter Exchange Event on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at AutoZone (11560 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670). Funded by CalRecycle, this eco-friendly event allows participants to recycle their used motor oil filters and receive a free replacement filter valued up to $15 in return! Supplies are limited, and there is a one-filter-per-household limit, so be sure to arrive early. Help keep our environment clean by properly disposing of used oil filters and earning a reward in the process.

Get Ready for Eggxtravaganza at Parnell Park April 12

Summer Youth Services in Whittier - Registration Opens Soon!

Community Cleanup & Compost Giveaway Set for May 10!

Mark your calendars! The City of Whittier, in partnership with Republic Services, will host a Community Cleanup and Compost Giveaway event on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Road, Whittier, CA 90604).

The event will offer several free services to Whittier residents, including:

Electronic Waste Recycling – Accepted items include TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, and similar devices. Please note that batteries, appliances, dishwashers, and air conditioning units will not be accepted.

Compost Giveaway – Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sturdy containers to collect free compost while supplies last.

Paper Shredding – Paper clips and plastic clips are acceptable. Paper should be brought in boxes or open plastic bags. Binders, cardboard, electronics, and batteries will not be accepted.

Clothing Donation – Gently used clothing and other items suitable for donation will be accepted. Bulk items will not be accepted. Proof of Whittier residency is required. Please bring a valid form of identification.

The Whittier Public Library Foundation is proud to present this year’s Whittier Reads selection, The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller.

This inspiring book tells the true story of an all-deaf high school football team that defied expectations, going from underdogs to an undefeated championship season.

The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the resilience, teamwork, and determination that made the California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) a powerhouse on and off the field.

To celebrate, the library is hosting a series of special events throughout April, including a free author talk and ticketed dinner reception with Thomas Fuller on Thursday, April 24 at 5pm.Tickets will be available for purchase at both libraries or online at Whittierplf.org .

Readers will also have the opportunity to hear from Coach Keith Adams, who played a key role in shaping this extraordinary team. He’ll share insights on what makes his players and CSDR so remarkable, offering a deeper understanding of their journey to success.

Copies of The Boys of Riverside are available for checkout and purchase at both Whittier Branch Libraries. Whether you’re a sports fan, an advocate for accessibility, or simply love a good underdog story, this is a book—and an event series—you won’t want to miss.

Wednesday Night Book Group - The Boys of Riverside

Huddle up with us at the Central Library for our Wednesday Night Book Group as we discuss this year’s Whittier Reads selection, The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory.Join us on April 16th at 6:00 PM for a lively conversation with fellow readers—please note, the author will not be present for this session but will be speaking the following week at Whittier Reads Author Talk event on April 24.. For more information, please call (562) 567-9900.

Keep Whittier Prettier Event Popping Up on April 19

In honor of Earth Day, the City of Whittier is inviting residents to help Keep Whittier Prettier by joining a community cleanup pop-up on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at three of Whittier’s most popular walking destinations.

Stop by one of the locations listed below to pick up free trash pickup supplies and a Keep Whittier Prettier t-shirt (while supplies last). Use the supplies during your walk or neighborhood cleanup and show your community pride!

Pop-Up Locations:

📍Palm Park Greenway Trail Station – 5703 Palm Ave.

📍Oak Greenway Trail Station – Lambert Rd. & Mills Ave.

📍Murphy Ranch Park Trailhead – 16200 Las Cumbres Dr.

No registration is required—just stop by, grab your gear, and help us Keep Whittier Prettier!

For more information, call (562) 567-9400.

Whittier Reads Programming with Reel Club: Deaf Out Loud April 21

Kanopy Club: See What I'm Saying

Make a Difference: Join Teen Advisory Board

Join us for the 29th Annual 5K Walk on Saturday, April 26, 2025!

This exciting community event will take place at Central Park in Uptown Whittier,(6532 Friends Ave.) starting at 8:00 AM. Sign-in and same-day registration open at 6:30 AM, followed by a welcome ceremony and warm-up at 7:30 AM.

Registered walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, medals for the first 600 participants, refreshments, entertainment, and tickets for prize drawings.

The 5K route takes participants through historic Uptown Whittier, with clearly marked paths and provided route maps.

Parking will be available in designated church parking lots, on the streets, and in Uptown parking structures.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying a fun and energetic walk through the community. Registration is now open—sign up today and help make a difference!

Mark your calendars for a morning of family fun and community connection at Whittier’s annual Public Safety Expo & Kiddie-K Fun Run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Whittier City Hall (13230 Penn Street).

Hosted by the City of Whittier in collaboration with the Whittier Police Department, Whittier PRCS, and LA County Fire, the event features:

• Safety demonstrations and emergency vehicle displays
• Health and wellness information
• Food vendors
• Hands-on activities for all ages

Kids ages 1 to 12 can also sign up for the Kiddie-K Fun Run, with different race times by age group. Registration is free and includes a commemorative t-shirt and medal while supplies last. Visit WhittierRec.com to register for the Fun Run or call 562-567-9450 with questions.

Get ready to dive into an exciting opportunity at the Fourth Annual Women’s Lifeguard Prep Academy! Hosted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division in partnership with the Women’s Fire League, this free, two-day event will take place on May 17 and May 18, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Venice Beach Lifeguard Operations (2300 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291).

Open to everyone 16 years and older, participants will experience hands-on lifesaving training, ocean rescue techniques, and beach fitness exercises led by LACoFD ocean lifeguards. Don’t miss this chance to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment! Registration is now open—scan the QR code or click here to sign up.

For more information, email FIRE-LIFEGUARDRECRUITMENT@FIRE.LACOUNTY.GOV.

This Earth Day, take a simple step toward a greener planet by recycling your old mattress with the Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program. This initiative works with California’s existing waste infrastructure to divert mattresses from landfills, whether through retailer take-back programs, curbside pickup, or drop-off at a participating location.

More than 75% of a mattress can be recycled, with materials like steel, foam, fibers, and wood transformed into new products such as carpet padding, recycled steel, and garden mulch. The program accepts foam and innerspring mattresses, box springs, and futons, though volume limits and residency restrictions may apply. Be sure to check with your local collection site before dropping off your items.

Celebrate Earth Day by visiting ByeByeMattress.com/California to find a recycling location near you and help spread the word!

Join us for Founders Day at Central Park (6532 Friends Ave.) on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as we celebrate community, history, and local businesses! This exciting event, hosted by the Whittier Historical Society & Museum, will feature a classic car show, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the beloved tradition of Quaker bread. Come connect with Whittier’s rich heritage, enjoy great food, and take part in a fun-filled day honoring the city’s past and present. Don’t miss out—scan the QR code on the flyer or visit whittiermuseum.org for more details!

The City of Whittier is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Civil Engineer to join our team! This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $9,818 to $12,763 per month and an exciting opportunity to contribute to important public works and infrastructure projects that shape our community. As a Senior Civil Engineer, you’ll play a key role in designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects, ensuring the safety and efficiency of Whittier’s roads, utilities, and public facilities. If you have the expertise and passion for engineering, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and welcoming city. Apply today at governmentjobs.com/careers/whittier and take the next step in your engineering career!