💐 Happy May, Whittier!

Each year, the City Council selects a new Mayor Pro Tem during the last Council meeting in April. We’re pleased to share that Council Member Octavio Cesar Martinez (District 2) has been selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2025. Thank you to all of our Council Members for their dedication to the Whittier community.

Whittier’s City Council continues to be represented by:

• Mayor Joe Vinatieri

• Mary Ann Pacheco – District 1

• Octavio Cesar Martinez – District 2

• Cathy Warner – District 3

• Fernando Dutra – District 4

We invite the community to tune in for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Study Session on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 p.m. This special Council meeting will provide an overview of key initiatives and funding priorities for the year ahead. You can stream the meeting live at cityofwhittier.org, watch it on cable Channel 3, or join us in person at Whittier City Hall.

We’re getting ready for summer, and May is packed with exciting programs and events for all ages. Join us for the Public Safety Expo & Kiddie-K Fun Run on May 17, a fun-filled day in partnership with Whittier PD, LA County Fire, CHP Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier PRCS. Families can also enjoy special library programs like the Stuffed Animal Sleepover—a cozy overnight adventure for your child’s favorite plushie—and Asian Mythical Creatures, where kids can explore the legends behind dragons, phoenixes, and more. Don’t forget to save the date for our Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 at Whittier City Hall, as we come together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Plus, scroll down for a sneak peek at this year’s Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park lineup—you won’t want to miss it!

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Interim City Manager these last few months. I’m excited to share that Conal McNamara will officially join the City of Whittier as our new City Manager on Monday, May 5. We look forward to this new chapter and the continued progress ahead.

Shannon DeLong, Interim City Manager

🔥 New fire hazard maps are out. What do they mean for Whittier?

The State of California has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, and Whittier is included. These maps show how likely wildfires are to occur in different areas over time based on natural conditions like vegetation, slope, and weather.

➡️ Areas are classified as Moderate, High, or Very High fire hazard

➡️ This is about long-term hazard, not current fire risk or home safety

➡️ Red on the map doesn’t mean you’re in danger now. It reflects how wildfire could behave over the next 30 to 50 years

📣 Why does this matter?

The City of Whittier is required by state law to adopt the updated fire hazard map for our area. However, the City does have some discretion:

• It may choose to expand the designated zones to include additional areas, based on local conditions and fire protection needs

• It cannot lower the severity level of any area shown on the map

• Once adopted, the local map is final and cannot be challenged by the State

Adopting the map means:

• Certain properties may become subject to new state building code requirements

• Defensible space rules may apply to more homes

• It may affect insurance availability or cost, especially in Very High zones

🗣️ We’re currently in the public comment period of map adoption. This is your opportunity to review the map, learn more, and share your feedback before adoption is finalized.

💬 Want to learn more or submit a comment?

✔️ Visit our webpage

✔️ Email questions or comments to: ccd@cityofwhittier.org

Get ready to speed into fun at the City of Whittier’s Public Safety Expo & Kiddie-K Fun Run! Join the City of Whittier, Whittier Police Department, LA County Fire Department, and CHP Santa Fe Springs on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Whittier City Hall (13230 Penn St.) for a Sonic-themed day packed with excitement.

This FREE, family-friendly event will feature safety demonstrations, emergency vehicles and big trucks, health and wellness information, food vendors, and special Sonic-themed activities and photo opportunities. Kids can participate in the Kiddie-K Fun Run with FREE registration, which includes a race t-shirt and medal while supplies last.

Race times are scheduled by age group: ages 1-3 at 10:00 a.m., ages 4-5 at 10:15 a.m., ages 6-9 at 10:30 a.m., and ages 10-12 at 10:45 a.m. Only participating children need to register—family and friends are welcome to cheer them on without signing up.

To register, visit WhittierRec.com. For more information, contact Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services by calling (562) 567-9450.

Don’t miss this high-energy day—gotta go fast!

Need a night off? We’ve got you covered! Drop the kids off for an evening of games, sports, dinner, a movie, and more, while you enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether it’s date night, errands, or just some quiet time, Kids’ Sports Night Out is the perfect solution.

📅 Date: Friday, May 9th

🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

📍 Location: Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

👧 Ages: 5–12

💵 Cost: $15 per child

Registration is open now at WhittierRec.com! Questions? Call 562-567-9430 for more info.

Get ready for one of the cutest events of the year! Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal for a special afternoon of stories, crafts, and bedtime fun at the Whittier Central Library.

After a cozy storytime, your plushie will spend the night at the library—who knows what adventures they’ll have while you're away! Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas, and families will return the next morning to pick up their stuffed friend and a special souvenir photo.

📅 Drop-off & Storytime: Friday, May 9 at 3:00 p.m.

📅 Pick-up: Saturday, May 10 between 10:00–11:00 a.m.

📍 Location: Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave.

👉 Open to: Ages 5–10

✨ Space is limited! Call 562-567-9900 to reserve your spot. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Whittier Public Library.

☀️ Get ready for a summer full of fun, fitness, and new experiences—summer registration kicks off soon!

👉 Summer Class Registration opens Monday, May 9 at 9:00 a.m.

From dance and gymnastics to stained glass, dog training, water aerobics, and more—there’s a class for everyone in the family!

👉 Summer Swim Lesson Registration opens Monday, May 12 at 9:00 a.m.

Our swim lessons are super popular and fill up FAST, so set those alarms and don’t miss your chance to snag a spot.

🖱️ Register online at WhittierRec.com and make this summer one to remember!

Take a night off and let the Whittier College Women’s Basketball team host a fun-filled evening for your kids! Join them for "Kids Night Out" on Friday, May 9, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Whittier College.

Children ages 2–14 years old (must be potty trained) will enjoy games, crafts, a movie, snacks, and a safe, fun environment, all while being supervised by Whittier College players and coaches. The cost is $20 per child, with a multi-sibling discount available.

To register, email Kristen Dowling at kdowling@whittier.edu or call (562) 907-4932. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for your kids to have a blast while you enjoy a well-deserved evening off!

Whittier residents are invited to take part in a Free Community Cleanup and Compost Giveaway on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Road, Whittier, CA 90604). This drive-through event will offer electronic waste recycling (accepted items include TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, and similar electronics—no batteries, appliances, dishwashers, or AC units).

Residents can also pick up free compost by bringing their own sturdy containers. Additionally, paper shredding and clothing donations will be accepted, with a few guidelines: no bulk items, no binders, cardboard, electronics, or batteries for shredding, and paper should preferably be brought in boxes (plastic bags must be open). An ID will be checked for City of Whittier residency. This event is brought to you by the City of Whittier and Republic Services—don't miss this great opportunity to recycle, donate, and give back to the environment!

Join us for Founders Day as we celebrate community, history, and local business at Central Park, located at 6532 Friends Ave!

The event will take place on Saturday, May 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with Quaker bread, a car show, lively entertainment, and plenty of family fun! This special event is presented by the Whittier Historical Society and the City of Whittier.

To learn more about the festivities, visit www.whittiermuseum.org and explore all the exciting activities planned for the day. Don’t miss this wonderful celebration of Whittier’s rich heritage!

Asian Mythical Creatures: Legends Come to Life

Just for Teens at the Whittier Public Library

🎤 Teens, it’s your time to shine! Join us for Teen Open Mic Night on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (after hours) at the Whittwood Branch Library, 10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.

Teens interested in performing can email teens@whittierlibrary.org to request a five-minute time slot—spots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-up sign-ups will also be accepted if space remains on the day of the event. Not ready to perform? No problem! Come cheer on your friends and enjoy a night of talent, fun, and community. For more information, call (562) 567-9900.

Our next Teen Advisory Board Meeting is on Wednesday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m. at the Whittwood Branch located at 10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave., 90603. 

Teens must submit an application before attending your first meeting. Applications can be found on our website or in person at the Central Library and Whittwood Branch Library.

Open to all high school students. We hope to see you there! 

For more information call the Central Library (562) 567-9900 or Whittwood Branch (562) 567-9950.

📣 Calling all teen bookworms!

Join our monthly Teen Book Club – no assigned readings, no registrations needed! 🙌

Discuss your latest reads, discover new favorites, and get crafty with book-themed activities. 🎨📖

🧋Join the club, we have boba!

Tuesday, March 11th at 5:30 p.m., at the Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave. 90603).

For more information, contact us at 562-567-9900.

Wednesday Night Book Group "Evergreen"

May Movie Dates at the Whittier Public Library

Enjoy a cozy afternoon with the whole family at Family Film Afternoon!

Join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Whittwood Branch Library for a special showing of The Wild Robot (2024) (PG).

Bring your favorite blanket and pillow, settle in, and enjoy a relaxing movie experience with snacks and good company. For more information, please call (562) 567-9950..

Step into a world of magic and mystery at this month’s Kanopy Club!

Join us at the Whittwood Branch Library on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for a special screening of Labyrinth (1986), the beloved fantasy film starring the legendary Goblin King.

Bring a friend, grab some snacks, and get ready for a night of adventure and imagination!

Get ready for a battle of epic proportions at REEL Club!

Join us on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library for a screening of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007).

The King of Kong is a must-watch for anyone who loves high-stakes competition and unforgettable characters. Bring your game face—you won’t want to miss it!

Pedal Power: Bike to Work Day is Back!

Dancing with the Whittier Stars - May 16

🩸Whittier Blood Drive - May 22

Celebrate Memorial Day May 27

The City of Whittier invites the community to gather in remembrance and honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Join us for a meaningful Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26th, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Whittier City Hall, located at 13230 Penn Street.

This annual event brings together residents, veterans, community leaders, and local organizations for a morning of reflection and gratitude. All are welcome to attend and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and dedication. For questions about this ceremony, please call (562) 567-9400.

Support Local Youth Vendors: Youth Services Community Swap Meet

🎶 Sunset Music is BACK, Whittier! Get ready for 13 amazing concerts this summer—yes, thirteen! Join us Monday and Thursday nights all summer long for live music, dancing, and good vibes in the park.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic or grab dinner from a local food truck, and enjoy the best community concert series around. Friends, family, neighbors, and serious dance moves welcome!

📍 Mondays @ Central Park – 6532 Friends Ave.

• June 30 – Whittier Regional Symphony (Classical)

• July 7 – Electric Vinyl (Classic Rock)

• July 14 – The Dreamboats (50s/60s Oldies)

• July 21 – 4 Lads of Liverpool (Beatles Tribute)

• July 28 – Upstream (Caribbean & Reggae)

• August 4 – Journey Through Time (Journey Tribute)

• August 11 – City Beat Band & the Mainstreet Horns (Rock/Blues w/ Horns)

📍 Thursdays @ Parnell Park – 15390 Lambert Rd.

• July 10 – Juke Box (Pop/Top 100)

• July 17 – Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars Tribute)

• July 24 – y2k2k! (2000s Pop)

• July 31 – The Taylor Swift Experience (Taylor Swift Tribute)

• August 7 – Radio Royalty (Pop/Top 100)

• August 14 – Mariachi Jalisco (Mariachi)

🌅 Free concerts. Beautiful parks. Incredible music. All summer long. Let’s dance, Whittier! Questions about Concerts in the Park? Call (562) 567-9450.

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, plushies, friends, and neighbors—it’s almost time for Movies in the Park!

Join us on select Saturdays for a season of fun with free outdoor movie nights under the stars. Each event begins at 6:00 p.m., except for our October date, which starts at 5:00 p.m. to make the most of the daylight. All movies are FREE and open to all ages!

🎬 2025 Movie Schedule & Ratings:

• June 14 – Despicable Me 4 at Guirado Park (Rating: PG)

• July 19 – Moana 2 at Palm Park (Rating: PG)

• August 9 – Cars at Parnell Park (Rating: G)

• September 27 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at Penn Park (Rating: PG-13)

• October 11 – Double Feature at Michigan Park (Starts at 5:00 p.m.)

◦ Beetlejuice (Rating: PG)

◦ Beetlejuice 2 (Rating: PG-13)

Please note: Some films are rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for younger children. Parental guidance is advised.

🎥 Don’t miss these community favorites. We’ll see you at the park! Questions about Movies in the Park? Call (562) 567-9450.

Splash Pad & Fountain Season is Almost Here!

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