The final days of summer are here, neighbors, and we hope you and your family celebrated "Parks Make Life Better Month" in July by enjoying a concert or movie at one of Whittier's beautiful parks. This month, don't miss National Night Out with the Whittier Police Department and a proper ode to the eighties from Radio Royalty on Thursday, August 7, at Parnell Park (details below).

Also in this month's newsletter is information on the City's transition to a single solid waste hauler taking place in November, a screening of Cars at Parnell Park's Movie in the Park date, creative programming available at the Whittier Public Library in August, and how to register early for upcoming fall activities like recreation classes and the annual Spooktacular 5K walk.

Finally, I want to recognize the City Council for their quick action in committing $30,000 of relief funding to address the urgent needs of children and families in Whittier affected by recent immigration enforcement. The Council is set to receive a detailed report from staff at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, August 12, regarding potential impacts and further resources relative to immigration enforcement activities within our city. Please click here for up-to-date information on meeting times and locations, agendas, and instructions on how to participate.

It's been great connecting with so many of you out and about this summer. As always, please remember to SHOP WHITTIER for all your back-to-school needs!

Conal McNamara, City Manager

City Approves Emergency Relief Funds for Whittier Families Impacted by Immigration Enforcement

City Transitions to Single Solid Waste Hauler November 1

Celebrate National Night Out August 7

Join Whittier for a special National Night Out edition of our Concerts in the Park series this Thursday, August 7, at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd.), presented in partnership with the Whittier Police Department. Connect with your neighbors and enjoy live music by Radio Royalty, an energetic '80s tribute band performing all of your favorite throwback hits!

Families can also enjoy inflatable attractions, the LA Galaxy goalie challenge, craft activities, food trucks, and a wide variety of local vendors and sponsors offering giveaways and local resources for all ages. The Whittier Police Department will also be on-site showcasing their impressive lineup of public safety technology, vehicles, and equipment, offering a hands-on look at how they help keep our community safe every day.

Pre-show activities begin at 6:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Remember to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets for a fun-filled summer evening of music, safety, and community pride under the stars.

Join Los Angeles County Public Works and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts for a Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste collection event on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rio Hondo College, Parking Lot A, located at 3600 Workman Mill Road.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for residents to safely dispose of hazardous and electronic waste items that should not be thrown away with regular trash. Accepted items include motor oil, antifreeze, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, cleaners with acids or dye, pesticides, herbicides, household and car batteries, old electronics, and more. Click here for the complete list of items and materials you can toss.

No reservation is needed to participate. For more information, please contact the LA County Sanitation Districts at (800) 238-0173 or email info@lacsd.org. Thank you for contributing to a safer and cleaner community!

Whittier, rev your engines for Movies in the Park! Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen and friends are cruising into Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd, Whittier) on Saturday, August 9 for a high-speed night of family fun with Disney-Pixar’s feature film Cars.

Fuel up on $1 snacks and treats, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready for a full-throttle evening under the stars. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. Please note that pets, barbecues, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted, but service animals are welcome. Don’t get left in the dust—see you at the starting line! For more information, call (562) 567-9450.

Register for Fall Recreation Classes August 11

Recreational Swim Open Weekends Only Beginning August 11

Recreational Swim will be offered only on Saturdays and Sundays beginning August 11 through Labor Day weekend at the Palm Park Pool (5703 Palm Ave).

Recreational Swim is open to all ages and is $3 per person. No reservations are required. Swimmers must wear swimwear to enter the pool. For more information, call (562) 567-9450.

Arts & Chats: Creativity Meets Community

Have you ever wondered where your favorite Whittier street names originated from? Join us at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) on Monday, August 11, at 6:00 p.m. for a fascinating presentation with special guest Mark Tapio Kines (@lastreetnames). Learn about the people, places, and events that inspired the names you see throughout Whittier during this featured event sponsored by the Whittier Public Library. It promises to be an evening perfect for local history buffs and curious minds alike! Call (562) 567-9900 to learn more.

Join us for Ice Cream with a Cop on Wednesday, August 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bruster’s, (15526 Whittier Blvd.). Come out, enjoy a cone, and spend some time chatting with Whittier Police Department officers in a friendly, relaxed setting. It’s a great way to connect with your local law enforcement and have some fun!

Get Uptown Funky at the final Concert in the Park of the season on Thursday, August 14, at 6 p.m. at Parnell Park (13950 Lambert Rd.). Enjoy Bruno & the Hooligans performing all your favorite Bruno Mars hits. Grab dinner from the food trucks or pack a picnic to share with friends, and don’t forget your lawn chairs!

Join the Whittier Public Library on Wednesday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the Homework Center (central Library) for an exclusive preview of AtoZ Database. Discover how this premier resource can help you find sales leads, mailing lists, conduct market research, explore employment opportunities, reconnect with friends and relatives, and so much more. Space is limited; please call (562) 567-9900 or visit the Adult Reference Desk to reserve your spot. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to unlock powerful tools for your personal and professional endeavors.

August brings a host of exciting news and events for our 55+ community! In honor of National Senior Citizens Day, we invite seniors to celebrate with us on Thursday, August 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Uptown Senior Center (13225 Walnut St.). Enjoy coffee, donuts, and a special gift (while supplies last), as we recognize the incredible seniors who enrich our Whittier community each and every day.

Seniors should also note that Parnell Park will be closing after August 16 to undergo exciting park renovations. During this time, all senior programs and activities will be held at the Uptown Senior Center, so make sure to swing by and see what’s new!

For a full list of programs, events, fitness classes, and upcoming senior trips, check out our monthly Senior Newsletter, available both online at WhittierPRCS.org and in-person at the Senior Center. We’ll see you soon for another great month of senior fun!

Get ready for a frightfully fun time as one of Whittier’s favorite family-friendly traditions returns in October. Whether you're running or walking, it's time to dust off your running shoes, put on your best costume, and show off your best ghoulish gallop!

Early bird rates are available now through August 31 at $40 for 5K Individual participants, $35 per person for 5K groups of four or more, and $25 for the Creepy Crawly ½ Mile Dash (ages 10 & under). Prices do not include service fees.

Enjoy a family costume contest, pancake breakfast, awards, and live entertainment along the course. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spooky seasonal favorite—register today at Whittier5k.com and save before prices go up on September 1.

On August 18 at 5:30 p.m., attend the always popular "Small Space Gardening for Adults" workshop in the Central Library Community Room (7344 Washington Ave. under the blue EZ Ups) to explore the benefits of gardening as a tool for healing, bonding, and community building. Participants will receive gardening supplies and a special calendar with room for daily action items to help with starting projects and curating green spaces. Participation is limited; call (562) 567-9900 to RSVP.

For children looking to get their hands dirty, seed gardening for youth ages 6 to 12 will take place earlier in the afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the Central Library Community Room. This hands-on program, led by Lorraine Johnson from the UC Master Gardener Program, offers a fun opportunity to make friends, grow plants, and learn about nature. Each child will receive gardening supplies and a special calendar with daily action items to explore plant life and environmental responsibility. Space is limited, so please register at the Central Library Children’s Reference Desk.

These programs are supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Learn more about unique and engaging Whittier Public Library programming at www.whittierlibrary.org.

Calling all student runners: meet friends and train this fall with Students Run Whittier, a community-based program inspiring youth in grades 2 through 8 to build confidence, set goals, and improve both physical and mental wellness through distance running. Participants train weekly with supportive coaches and mentors, gradually building endurance in preparation for a culminating 5K event.

More than just a running club, Students Run Whittier promotes positive lifestyle habits, teamwork, and perseverance. Training sessions kick off September 2 and take place at Michigan Park on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as participants work toward completing the annual Spooktacular 5K in October together. To learn more about this program call (562) 567-9450 or register at www.WhittierRec.com.

Calling all young performers—don’t miss Jr. Theater and your chance to take the stage this fall in local productions of Aladdin Jr. and The Nutcracker. Whittier's Junior Theater provides an exciting opportunity for children to build confidence, develop performance skills, and be part of a magical theater experience. Spots fill up quickly, so register today at www.whittierrec.com and let the show begin!

Bring your unfinished craft projects to Maker Night on Monday, August 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Central Library MakerSpace (7344 Washington Ave.). The theme of the evening is UFO: Unfinished Objects. Whether you’re knitting, scrapbooking, or working on another creative project, Maker Night is a great chance to share your tips, get inspired by your peers, and finally finish what you started!

Registration is not required and creatives of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, are invited to participate. Don't miss a stress free get together with like-minded crafters at the Whittier Public Library. For more information, call 562-567-9900.

Book Club: Whittier Public Library Hosts August Meet-Ups for Teens & Adults

Game On: Play Fantasy Realms at the Whittier Public Library

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