As Whittier’s new City Manager, I’m honored to serve a community known for its history, civic pride, and commitment to working together. With many years in local government, I understand how important it is for residents to feel connected to their city and to have access to services and programs that improve daily life.

Summer in Whittier offers many ways to stay active and engaged. In July, residents can take part in our summer concert series on Mondays and Thursdays, enjoy family movie night in the park on July 19, or visit the Whittier Public Library for programs like the Summer Reading Club, Zine Fest, and Level Up Lounge.

For those planning to attend Independence Day activities, the annual fireworks show will be held at York Field on July 4. Details are available below.

I also invite you to explore the new Whittier Cruiser, our free all-electric shuttle serving Uptown and nearby destinations. The Cruiser is an easy way to shop, dine, and get around while reducing traffic and opening up parking.

City staff remain dedicated to providing programs, services, and improvements that support our community’s well-being. I look forward to meeting more of you this summer and working together to keep Whittier the great city that it is!

Conal McNamara, City Manager

Whittier Cancels 4th of July Freedom Walk Event

Celebrate Independence Day with a night of fireworks, live music, and family fun at York Field!

📅 Friday, July 4, 2025

🕔 Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

🎇 Fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.

📍 York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Rd.

Enjoy a performance by Legacy, playing a mix of pop and Latin hits before the fireworks. Bring picnic blankets and relax under the stars with friends and family.

🎟️ Admission: $5 per person. Veterans and youth 17 and under enter free.

🚍 Parking & Shuttle: Free shuttle service begins at 5:00 p.m. from Sierra Education Center (9401 S. Painter Ave.).

Reminders: Pets, barbecues, alcohol, and smoking are not allowed. We hope to see you there to celebrate the 4th of July!

REMINDER: All Fireworks are Illegal in Whittier

All fireworks are illegal in the City of Whittier, including so-called “safe and sane” fireworks. Violators may face a $5,000 fine. To report illegal fireworks, contact the Whittier Police Department’s Fireworks Tip Line at 562-567-9299.

Big news, Whittier! Our city’s new all-electric shuttle service has officially hit the streets, and residents are already loving it. The Whittier Cruiser is designed to make getting around some of our busiest destinations easier, greener, and (best of all) it's completely free!

During its first week, the Cruiser gave more than 700 rides to local favorites like Uptown, The Groves, and Rodeo 72. Social media has been buzzing with excitement, with thousands of likes, comments, and shares from neighbors eager to try it out.

Here’s how it works: just download the Ride Circuit app on your phone, select “Whittier,” and request a ride between any two points within the service area. No fixed routes. No fares. Just an on-demand, electric lift to wherever you’re headed.

The Cruiser operates Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 10 PM, making it perfect for lunch trips, shopping runs, or an evening out.

A few things to know:

• Riders need to be 18 or older to book a ride, but kids are welcome to come along with an adult.
• Pets can ride too if the driver gives the okay—just keep them on your lap or the floor.
• If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to bring your own car seat or booster as required by California law.

Even better, this is just the beginning. The Cruiser fleet is set to grow in the coming weeks, with more vehicles joining the service this summer and a wheelchair-accessible Cruiser arriving in late July so everyone can ride comfortably.

Ready to give it a spin? Download the app, hop aboard, and see why everyone’s talking about the Whittier Cruiser.

To learn more, visit the City's website or call 562-567-9400.

4th of July Holiday Closures

Whittier's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will offer the popular School Year WYN Club at the following campuses for the 2025–2026 school year:

🏫 Evergreen Elementary

🏫 Hoover Elementary

🏫 Laurel Elementary

🏫 Leffingwell Elementary

🏫 Murphy Ranch Elementary

🏫 Ocean View Elementary

This drop-in recreation program runs Monday through Friday from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m. (Closed on weekends and during school holidays.)

Children in 1st–5th grade can enjoy games, crafts, activities, and dedicated homework time under the supervision of our recreation staff.

📅 Registration begins Monday, July 14 at 9:00 a.m.

💻 Learn more or register: WhittierRec.com

📞 Questions? Call (562) 567-9430

Sign up now to level up your summer with the Whittier Public Library’s Summer Reading Club, running June 9–July 26. This free reading challenge is open to all ages, with fun goals and great prizes:

👶 Ages 0–5: Read 16 books and complete early learning activities.

📖 Ages 6–12: Read 6 books and collect stickers along the way.

📝 Teens 13–17: Read 3 books and submit short reviews to earn badges and entries into prize drawings.

📘 Adults 18+: Read 3 books and write reviews for chances to win rewards.

Read picture books, graphic novels, audiobooks—whatever you enjoy!

Track your progress on the BeanStack app or pick up a paper log at Central Library or the Whittwood Branch. Everyone who completes the challenge earns a reward, plus chances to win weekly and grand prizes.

Don’t miss out—join the fun and celebrate summer reading!

📞 Questions?

Central Library: (562) 567-9900

Whittwood Branch: (562) 567-9950

Parents, take the night off while your kids enjoy an evening of fun at Kids’ Sports Night Out! Held at the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.) on Friday, July 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this event is open to children ages 6 to 12 and costs just $15 per child. Participants will enjoy a night filled with sports, games, dinner, a movie, and more in a safe and supervised environment—giving you time for date night, errands, or simply relaxing.

Register now at WhittierRec.com to reserve your spot. For questions, call 562-567-9430.

Whittier residents are invited to participate in a Used Oil Filter Exchange Event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at AutoZone, located at 11855 Whittier Blvd. This event is open to Whittier residents only, and proof of ID will be required. Participants must bring a used oil filter to exchange, with a limit of two filters per household. Each eligible participant will receive a voucher valued up to $15, redeemable the same day, while supplies last. Used motor oil will also be accepted for recycling and must be stored in a clean container with a maximum limit of five gallons.

Join us for Movies in the Park, Whittier’s favorite summer tradition. The next screening will feature Moana 2 at Palm Park on Saturday, July 19. Events begin at 6:00 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk. Enjoy select Saturday showings from June through October with $1 snacks and treats available on-site.

Bring your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family, and enjoy an evening under the stars. Please note that pets, barbecues, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted. Service animals are welcome. For more information, call (562) 567-9450.

Get ready for a summer full of free fun at Whittier’s parks. Concerts in the Park are back and open to all ages, offering a perfect way to enjoy the season with friends and family. Pack a blanket, grab your crew, and spend your evenings under the stars.

Concerts take place Mondays at Central Park (13212 Park Street) and Thursdays at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Road) from June 30 through August 14. Events begin at 6:00 p.m., with live music from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy great tunes and delicious food from on-site food trucks each week. The next concert features Electric Vinyl performing classic rock on Monday, July 7 at Central Park. We'll see you there!

Zine Fest is back! Celebrate creativity, community, and all things DIY at our second annual Zine Fest—and it’s totally FREE!

📅 Saturday, July 19

🕥 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

📍 Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave.

We’re marking International Zine Month with hands-on workshops, creative stations, and activities for all ages:

🧵 Adults:

Kick things off at 10:30 a.m. in the MakerSpace with a video game-inspired needlepoint workshop. Spots are limited—sign up at the Central Adult Reference Desk and take home a special needlepoint zine!

🎨 All Ages:

• Try live screen printing with Colors in LA and customize your own free pencil pouch.
• Make your own zine with local artists Eori Tokunaga and Marie Harlan.
• Bring your zines to trade!
• Draw your favorite Super Smash Bros. characters with Ernie Moreno, then turn your artwork into a button.

🦁 Explore & Earn:

Pick up a stamp rally zine and help Leo the Lion level up as you explore the fest. Collect all the stamps to win a special Leo the Library Lion button!

📞 Questions? Call us at (562) 567-9900. Come get inspired—hope to see you there!

Join us for Tabletop Traditions, an evening of classic games and community connection at the Whittier Public Library’s Central Library.

📅 Tuesday, July 23

🕠 5:30–7:30 p.m.

📍 Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave.

Unplug and enjoy timeless games like backgammon, dominoes, and cribbage. Whether you’re an experienced player or trying something new, all skill levels are welcome.

Come on your own or bring a friend—everyone is invited to spend a relaxed evening of good old-fashioned fun in a screen-free setting.

📞 Questions? Call (562) 567-9900.

Wrap up the Summer Reading Challenge with an evening of games at the Level Up Lounge, a special event for adults at the Whittier Public Library.

📅 Wednesday, July 30

🕠 5:30–7:30 p.m.

📍 Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave.

Enjoy arcade games, video games, and giant-sized games in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a great way to unwind, have some friendly competition, and connect with other gamers.

Sign up at the reference desk at either library location to join in.

📞 Questions? Call (562) 567-9900.

Free summer meals for kids are available at the Central Library from June 9 through July 17 through the Lunch Buddies program. Meals are served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last. No sign-up, application, or income verification is required. Meals are offered to all youth 18 and under on a first come, first served basis.

Youth must be present and meals must be eaten on site. When you visit, you can also pick up a printed meal calendar and menu, along with free resources like Summer Reading Club details, take-home books to build your home library, crafts, and placemat coloring sheets. The Central Library is located at 7344 Washington Avenue.

For more information, call (562) 567-9900. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

Whittier Rec Swim Season

Splash into Summer 2025 with Whittier’s Splash Pad and Splash Fountains—your go-to free spots to cool off all season long. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, families, friends, and neighbors are invited to enjoy these water play areas every day from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting Saturday, May 24. The Splash Pad is located at Lee & Erika Owens (LEO) Park, while Splash Fountains are available at Palm Park, Parnell Park, and Michigan Parks.

Whether you're looking for a quick way to beat the heat or planning a full day of summer fun, Whittier's water features offer a refreshing break for all ages. The Splash Pad at LEO Park includes interactive water play elements, while the Splash Fountains provide a simple, refreshing experience at multiple park locations. For more information, please call 562-567-9400.