I hope your summer season has been a great one! Things are staying busy in Whittier and we have more in store for you and your family in August.
We are excited to announce the completion of the Greenway Trail east extension, which has added 2.9 miles from Mills Ave. to the corner of First Ave. and Lambert Rd. near the County line. Please join us for a ribbon cutting and refreshments on Friday, August 18 at 9:00 a.m. as we mark the official dedication and thank the many City Council members (past and present), local dignitaries, partner agencies, boards and commissions, and community advocates that have helped make this extension possible. The City has also acquired additional land north of the terminus at First Ave. which will be developed into new park or fitness space, and is similarly looking to extend the trail west toward the San Gabriel River bike path in the future. Grab your walking shoes or bike and be a part of this much anticipated celebration on August 18!
Visit www.whittierrec.com to view a list of recreational swim and aquatics classes before the summer's over, and scroll below for information on our upcoming Family Movie Night, Concerts in the Park, and August events hosted by the Whittier Public Library. As always, please remember to follow @WhittierCityGov on social media to stay connected 24/7. Stay cool, Whittier!
Brian Saeki, City Manager
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Council Corner: City Recognizes Residents
with Inaugural Beautification Awards
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The Whittier City Council kicked off its first Whittier Beautification Awards program last month recognizing Whittier residents who have gone above and beyond to maintain and enhance their homes and promote the overall beautification of our community. Nominees were judged for demonstrating exceptional landscape, exterior maintenance, and aesthetic curb appeal. Five winners were selected and presented with a yard sign, a certificate, and a vinyl window cling to commemorate their award. Follow the City's social media posts to see photos of the big winners and start thinking about your home improvements now before next year's contest is announced! Read more about the program guidelines here.
The Whittier City Council will meet at City Hall (13230 Penn St.) on August 8 and August 22 (2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month) at 5:30 p.m. and participation is encouraged either in person or via Zoom. For inquiries regarding City Council meetings or to review meeting agendas, please contact the City Clerk department at (562) 567-9850 or email clerk@cityofwhittier.org.
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Whittier Police Department Hosts
National Night Out at Parnell Park August 3
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The Whittier Police Department, in partnership with the Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services staff, will host its annual National Night Out on Thursday, August 3 at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd.) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The free community event is aimed at encouraging strong partnerships with law enforcement and bringing police and neighbors together to enhance local camaraderie and build a safer, more enjoyable community. Whittier's "Night Out Against Crime" will feature exhibits, demonstrations, and giveaways, as well as a concert in the park featuring the famed "Anything for Salinas" Selena tribute band. Enjoy inflatable attractions, face painting, and food vendors serving up tasty bites. Contact PRCS at (562) 567-9450 with inquiries and join us!
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Look & Feel: Tell Us What Makes Whittier Special |
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As part of the City's current branding initiative, we would love to hear from you on what makes Whittier such a unique and special place in which to live, work, shop, and play. The City is requesting residents’ feedback on our community's existing brand identity and core values, meaning what makes Whittier... Whittier! A public survey is now available that will look to identify insights, stories, distinctive cultural references, traditions, historic landmarks, themes, and defining characteristics of the community that will help the City establish a vision and strategy for future branding efforts, not only inclusive of logos and graphics, but mapping and navigation, wayfinding, placemaking, and re-designed gateway and monument signage citywide. Please take the short survey here or email publicinfo@cityofwhittier.org with questions. We thank you in advance for your time and participation!
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Mega-Makers: Library Offers
3D Print & Design Course for Grades 5-8
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The Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) will host its Mega-Makers workshop for youth in grades 5 through 8 on Monday, August 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library's "Makerspace" tech lab. Students will learn how to design objects for 3D printing and the Library will provide the computers. Contact the Library to learn more at (562) 567-9900 or visit the Adult Reference Desk to register. Space is limited.
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Movin' and Groovin' Under the Stars:
Attend Final Summer Concert August 7
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The City of Whittier's Parks, Recreation & Community Services team will host the final performance of their Summer Concerts in the Park series on Monday, August 7 at Central Park (6532 Friends Ave.) at 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring a picnic dinner from your favorite Whittier restaurant or visit one of our participating food truck vendors. Grab your dancing shoes, invite your friends and neighbors, and join us for the R&B sounds of The City Beat Band. Please call (562) 567-9450 to learn more.
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City Seeks Feedback on Future
Park Improvements
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The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services department is requesting residents' feedback regarding thoughts, ideas, solutions, and more on how to improve our City parks and recreational programming to meet the needs of residents and their families. This future Parks Master Plan will focus on strategy and planning, inventory, prioritization, funding needs, and more to ensure that Whittier's play spaces are modern, inclusive, and engaging for all community members. To learn more about the Parks Master Plan process and to take the survey, please click here or speak to a PRCS staff member for assistance at (562) 567-9400.
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It's Splash Pad Season:
Stay Cool through Labor Day
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The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services staff will be operating our City splash pads and fountains throughout the month that are sure to help you and your little ones beat the heat! Enjoy the waterworks for free between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily at various park locations including Lee & Erika Owens Park, Palm Park, Parnell Park, and Michigan Park now through September 4. Contact PRCS with questions at (562) 567-9400.
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Postcard History Series:
Book Talk & Signing at Central Library August 14
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The Whittier Public Library invites residents to a Book Talk & Signing with co-authors and historians Mike Garabedian and Tracy Wittman on Monday, August 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.). The discussion will focus on their new book "Postcard History Series - Whittier" which features vintage postcards highlighting Whittier's unique landmarks and places. Seating is limited; tickets are available at the Adult Reference Desk and books will be available for purchase. Please call (562) 567-9900 with inquiries.
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Small Business Support: Apply for California Competes Tax Credit by August 14 |
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The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and Grant Program (CCGP), offered through the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), is available each year to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying during one of three application periods offered each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on twelve different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region. The deadline to apply for this round is August 14 and informational webinars will be offered on Thursday, August 3 at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. to help answer FAQs regarding the application process. Register HERE to attend a session and for more details on how to apply for the annual tax credit. Get started on growing your business this year!
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Don't Miss Kids' Sports Night Out August 18 |
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The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services division will host a Kids' Sports Night Out from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 18 at the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.) for kids ages 5 to 10. The evening will feature a variety of sports activities, as well as dinner and a movie for $10 per child. Please register at www.WhittierRec.com or contact City staff at (562) 567-9430 with questions.
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Adaptive Recreation: Dance the Night Away
on August 18 at Parnell Park
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The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services' Adaptive Recreation team will host a Throwback Boogie Dance Night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18 at the Parnell Park Community Center (15390 Lambert Rd.). The evening will feature a tie-dye themed dance party paired to the sounds of the 60s and 70s. The cost is $5 per person and free for caregivers. The Adaptive Recreation program provides opportunities for social interaction, creative expression, emotional release, and physical activity for residents with developmental disabilities ages 14 and older and hosts a variety of activities, scavenger hunts, classes, and field trips throughout the year. Please register for the dance at www.WhittierRec.com or contact a member of the Adaptive Rec staff at (562) 567-9430 or by email to adaptiverec@cityofwhittier.org with questions. Click here to learn more and read the August 2023 Adaptive Rec newsletter.
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Movies in the Park:
Enjoy Family Favorites Every Month
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The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services staff will host Movies in the Park once a month on select Saturdays through October. Don't miss Disney favorite "Zootopia" at JG Whittier Park (7227 Whittier Ave.) on Saturday, August 19 with the fun kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Kids can enjoy free crafting, games, and play activities and $1 concessions will be available for purchase. Don't miss a great night out with the family at a different local park each month and remember to bring a picnic dinner from your favorite Whittier restaurant, your lawn chairs, and a blanket. All screenings begin at dusk. For more information call (562) 567-9450.
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Feature Film: Don't Miss REEL Club on
August 21 at the Whittier Public Library
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This month at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.), film enthusiasts are invited to REEL Club on Monday, August 21 at 6:00 p.m. for a special screening of "The Booksellers," a documentary exploring the ever-evolving world of New York vintage booksellers. To learn more about the event and other REEL Club perks, call (562) 567-9900.
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Library Invites Teens to 90s-Themed
Movie Night on August 23
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Local teens are invited to a special movie night at the Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.) featuring the 90s cult classic "10 Things I Hate About You" on Wednesday, August 23 at 5:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Please contact the Whittwood Branch with questions at (562) 567-9950.
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Students Run Whittier: Register for Fall Season |
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The City's Parks, Recreation & Community Services division is now accepting registration for the fall session of Students Run Whittier which will take place on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Michigan Park (8228 Michigan Ave.) happening August 17 through November 16. Local students are encouraged to join the weekly meet-up and learn to train, enjoy some evening exercise, or make new friends. Visit www.WhittierRec.com to register or scan the QR code on the flyer. Get your running shoes ready and call (562) 567-9430 to learn more.
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Well-Being Initiative Aims to Increase
Drug Awareness & Prevention
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The City of Whittier, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, has developed an awareness campaign focused on the dangers of fentanyl and other controlled substances, concerns around abuse of prescription pills, and how to access free and low-cost mental health support to better serve families in our community as we gear up for the back-to-school season. In addition to details on free trainings and informational workshops for teens, parents, or caregivers, residents can visit www.cityofwhittier.org/whittierwellbeing to access:
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Resource toolkits for students, teachers, and parents on identifying signs and symptoms of drug use and how to talk to a loved one about getting help
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Links to local drug prevention agencies and national partners
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Flyers for local support group meetings available online or in person and conducted in English and Spanish
If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please call the Substance Abuse Services Hotline at (844) 804-7500 to be connected with a treatment program and download the RecoverLA mobile-friendly app for personalized assistance. For anyone looking for mental health support, please call the LA County Mental Health Hotline available 24/7 at (800) 854-7771.
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Spooktacular 5K: Save the Date & Register
for Whittier's Family Run/Walk
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The City's annual Spooktacular 5K Run/Walk is coming up on Saturday, October 28 kicking off from the front of the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.) and following its historic route through Uptown Whittier. Same day registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. Pricing varies per person with discounts offered for groups and students. The Children's Creepy Crawly 1/2 Mile Dash is $25 for youth ages 12 and younger and begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is now open at www.Whittier5K.com or call (562) 567-9430 with questions.
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Say No to Mosquitoes: Vector Control Urges Residents to Protect Family & Homes |
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Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes! The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and the City of Whittier are encouraging residents to take action to protect against mosquito breeding grounds and limit the number of potential sources in and around your home. Tipping and tossing stagnant water collected in vases, planters, and other areas where standing water can occur helps discourage the laying of eggs and transmission of mosquito-oriented diseases like West Nile Virus in our community. Residents are also reminded to protect themselves by applying mosquito repellent with DEET listed as an active ingredient to further discourage bites. Resources are available, including a home checklist for residents and information on Neighborhood Mosquito Watch programs, via the Vector Control website at www.glamosquito.org.
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Stay connected to
@WHITTIERCITYGOV
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