💘 There’s plenty to LOVE about February in Whittier!

This month, we’re celebrating a major investment in Whittier’s future with the completion of the Murphy Reservoir replacement project! This state-of-the-art reservoir quadruples water storage capacity, ensuring greater reliability for residents and businesses and enhanced fire protection for our hillsides. Thank you to all who joined us at the ribbon cutting to mark this important milestone!

Also in this month’s news, mark your calendars for upcoming community meetings, the next Compost Giveaway event, and scholarship opportunities for local students. February is also a great time to visit the Whittier Public Library, where you can explore Story Times, make seasonal crafts, and join in on the always-popular Blind Date with a Book reading challenge.

We hope to see you out and about in February!

Brian Saeki, City Manager

The City of Whittier is offering a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors planning to attend college or trade school in the fall. Sponsored by Whittier’s waste management providers, Athens Services and Republic Services, the Social Services Scholarship Program invites students to write a short essay on sustainable consumption practices for a chance to win a cash award.

The essay should explore how consumer choices can contribute negatively to the solid waste problem and suggest ways to reduce waste through purchasing and disposal habits. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors residing within the incorporated Whittier City limits. Essays must follow MLA formatting, and students are encouraged to submit a senior portrait along with their entry.

The deadline for submissions is February 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and essays should be sent to gonzalezr@cityofwhittier.org. For more information, visit WhittierPRCS.com or contact 562-567-9400.

The Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services department invites you to sign up for its popular Spring Day Camp scheduled to take place March 24th through March 28th at the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.). The cost is $125 per child and will cover snacks and activities throughout the duration of the camp.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and opens at whittierrec.com beginning at 9:00 a.m. on February 3. Please contact PRCS at (562) 567-9400 with any questions.

Calling all Whittier artists! Be a part of the 22nd Annual Community Street Banner Program for a chance to see your art displayed along Whittier's streets. This year's theme is "My Community, Our Community." Show us what that means to you with your own banner design!

Submissions are now open to all ages, however artists must live, work, or go to school within the City of Whittier. To submit a banner, first create a mock-up design measuring 14" by 5" vertically oriented. Artists can draw, paint, or use other mediums to create artwork of their choosing.

Drop off your submission at the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.) no later than March 14th at 5:00 p.m. Keep in mind, selected artists will be chosen to paint their design on a large banner measuring either 104" by 30" or 60" by 24" that will be viewed from a distance.

Questions about this program? Call (562) 567-9430 or visit the Whittier Parks, Recreation and Community Services website.

Ready for some strumming fun? Join us on Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave) to Learn the Ukulele with the Lee Sisters! This program is for ages 8-12, and space is limited. Be sure to sign up at the Central Adult Reference Desk to reserve your spot. For more information, contact us at (562) 567-9900. Don't miss out on this musical adventure!

Happening at the Whittwood Branch Library on February 10th at 6:00 p.m.—join us for Family Bingo Night! Hop into the fun with an exciting evening of bingo, prizes, and spring-themed animal facts that will entertain all ages. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season change with family and friends. Be sure to sign up at the Children’s Desk at the Whittwood Branch (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.) to reserve your spot. For more details, call (562) 567-9900. See you there!

Join us for a full-service Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, February 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Whittier Central Library Community Room (7344 Washington Ave.) This event is designed to connect veterans with essential resources, support networks, and fellow veterans in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover programs and services tailored specifically to their needs. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your community and access valuable support. For more information, please call either library branch at (562) 567-9900 or (562) 567-9905.

Join us for the City Resource Connection Event—a special opportunity to meet City staff and explore the many programs and services available to Whittier residents!

📍 Evergreen Elementary School, 12915 Helmer Dr.

📅 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

💲 FREE & open to all!

This event is designed to bring the community together, providing valuable information on local programs, services, and resources to help residents stay informed and engaged. Whether you’re looking for recreation opportunities, public safety updates, or ways to get involved in the community, this is your chance to connect with the City in a welcoming and informative setting.

Stop by, say hello, and see what’s available to you—we can’t wait to connect with you!

Happening all month long at both library locations—Blind Date with a Book is back! It’s not about the cover, it’s about the connection. Select a mystery book, unwrap the excitement, and let the pages unfold. Fill out the Rate-Your-Date form and return it to the Adult Reference Desk to collect a prize! Don’t miss out—submit your form by February 28th to be eligible. Visit either library location to find your perfect match and start your literary adventure today! For more information, call (562) 567-9900 or (562) 567-9950.

Did you know that in addition to Valentine's Day, February 14th is also Love My Library Day? Join us at the Central Library at 3:30 p.m. for a fun-filled afternoon of crafts and activities to show your love for the Library! Children ages 6-12 are invited to celebrate and get creative. Space is limited, so be sure to call the Children's Reference Desk to reserve your spot. Don’t miss out on the fun at the Central Library, located at 7344 Washington Ave. For more information, call the Central Library at (562) 567-9900.

Celebrate creativity and heartfelt expression this February with the MakerSpace activity of the month: Origami Heart Envelopes. Visit the Whittier Public Library’s MakerSpace (7344 Washington Ave.) to craft these charming folded designs, perfect for sending a special message to a loved one. The MakerSpace is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with walk-ins available Monday through Wednesday and appointments available online. This activity is also available at the Whittwood Branch (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.). Stop by and join the fun while supplies last.

Join us for After School Adventures on Thursday, February 20th, at 3:30 p.m. at the Whittwood Branch Libray (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.) This engaging program invites children ages 5-12 to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of storytelling and hands-on creativity as they craft their own musical instruments. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore music and imagination in a lively library setting. Registration is required—please call (562) 567-9950 for more information.

Calling all teen bookworms! Join the Whittier Public Library's monthly Teen Book Club for a fun and relaxed evening—no assigned readings and no registration required. Share your latest reads, discover new favorites, and enjoy book-themed activities and crafts. Plus, we’ve got boba! This event will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, at the Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave) at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect with fellow readers.

Calling all teens! The next Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting is happening on Wednesday, February 26th at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library, located at 7344 Washington Ave., 90602. TAB is open to all high school students looking to get involved and make a difference at their library. First-time attendees must submit an application, available online or in person at the Central Library and Whittwood Branch Library. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your ideas and connect with fellow teens! For more information, call the Central Library at (562) 567-9900 or Whittwood Branch at (562) 567-9950.

Join the Whittier Public Library’s REEL Club on Thursday, February 20, at 6 PM at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) for a special screening and discussion with filmmaker Elizabeth Ai. New Wave transports audiences to the 1980s, when the Vietnamese American youth of Orange County found freedom and rebellion in the synth-driven sounds of New Wave music. What begins as a vibrant subcultural movement unfolds into a poignant exploration of identity, loss, and healing in the wake of the Vietnam War. Blending music, punk and goth aesthetics, and raw emotion, Ai’s film captures a generation navigating the unspoken traumas of their parents while forging their own spaces of self-expression. Free tickets are available at both Whittier Public Library locations, but space is limited. Don’t miss this powerful cinematic experience. For more information call the Central Library at (562) 567-9900.

The Whittier Public Library invites the community to a special evening of music and storytelling with Chic Street Man on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) As a musical ambassador for peace and human rights, Chic Street Man blends acoustic folk-blues with powerful storytelling and audience participation, celebrating love, harmony, and positive change. This family-friendly performance is presented in partnership with The Music Center’s Art’s Grown L.A. program. Admission is free, with tickets available at the Adult Reference Desk. For more information, call (562) 567-9900. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music and connection!

The Spring season of Adult Softball in Whittier is here, and it's time to gather your team for some exciting competition. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or coworkers, there are multiple league options available. Games take place at York Field on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with coed and men’s leagues offered on select days. Weeknight games begin at 6:45 p.m., while Sunday games start at 9:00 a.m., with scheduling adjustments possible. Umpire fees are $15 per game, payable in cash each week. Players must be 18 or older, though 17-year-olds may participate with a signed liability waiver. Those without a team can join the Free Agent List on the Whittier Team Sideline page. Registration is open now at WhittierRec.com, and for more details call our Whittier Parks and Rec Department at 562-567-9430.

Parents, take a well-deserved night off while your kids enjoy an evening packed with fun activities! Kids' Sports Night Out features a variety of sports activities, dinner and drinks, a movie screening, and more for youth ages 5 to 12. Register now for $15 per child at WhittierRec.com or call (562) 567-9430 for more information.

Whittier residents, get ready to green up your gardens with FREE compost at our upcoming giveaway event.

📅 Saturday, March 8th, 2025

⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (while supplies last)

📍 Whittier Public Parking Lot

(Parking lot between Milton & Comstock)

🚗 Entrance on Milton Ave.

This event is drive-up only (no walk-ups), and residents must bring sturdy containers for transport (no plastic bags allowed). A valid ID or utility bill is required to participate. Due to safety and weight concerns, containers cannot exceed 32 gallons, and there is a 30-gallon limit per resident during the first hour. Athens’ compost is a nutrient-rich blend of green waste, wood waste, and food scraps, OMRI Listed® and licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture—perfect for your home garden!

Give your plants a boost while reducing waste! Ca;; Athens Services for event inquiries at (888) 336-6100 or email pubwks@cityofwhittier.org.