Happy spring, Whittier! The days are getting longer and we have a lot of fun in store for you this month.

Special thanks to the veterans and volunteers that have helped make the Whittier Veterans Resource Center a success for 10 years now! The center, located at the Whittier Public Library, is the first of its kind and serves local veterans with resources for everything including housing and healthcare to employment and education. The Library hosted a breakfast last month to commemorate the milestone and pictured here are some of Whittier's most active veteran volunteers. Scroll below for a video recap of the event and information on a Veterans Resource Fair taking place at the Central Library on March 23rd.

Also included in this month's newsletter are details on organics recycling and free compost for residents, tax help for businesses, and annual events like Arbor Day and Eggxtravaganza. As always, please follow @WhittierCityGov on social media to stay connected this spring!

Brian Saeki, City Manager

Council Corner: Recent Highlights

Election Update: Plan Your Vote

Candidates Forum Takes Place March 11

Apply for California Competes Tax Credit

The State of California is seeking applications for the final round of its 2023-24 fiscal year California Competes Tax Credit. The program, sponsored by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), is an income tax credit available to businesses who want to come, stay, or grow in California.

The current application period began March 4th, 2024, and closes on March 18th, 2024. Visit the website for regulations and FAQs or review the application guide here. A webinar providing detailed instruction on completing the process will take place on March 14th (register here) from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Apply now to start or grow your business in 2024!

Celebrate Arbor Day in Whittier on March 14

It's time to plan a playdate because the brand new playground at Penn Park is now open! The Whittier City Council joined staff and local families for a special ribbon cutting marking the official completion of the much-anticipated renovation of the playground last month. The new play space includes cool slides, a waterfall climbing ramp, a crawl cave, bounce-friendly surfacing, and (most importantly) some froggy friends who can’t wait to meet you!

Weren't able to make the ribbon cutting? Watch the recap below and relive all the fun. Penn Park is located at 13950 Penn St. Please contact PRCS at (562) 567-9450 with questions.

Keep Whittier Prettier: Apply for 2nd Annual Whittier Beautification Awards

Whittier Receives Gold Level Energy Award

The Gateway Cities Council of Governments recognized Whittier during a City Council meeting last month for receiving a Gold Level Energy Action Award for 2023. The Whittier City Council was celebrated for prioritizing continued investment in energy and cost-saving measures at Whittier City Hall and City facilities.

Notable award highlights include:

• effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions for over 27K active Clean Power Alliance customers in Whittier
• conversion of 1,626 street lights to LED
• converting all City facilities to LED lighting
• installation of a variable speed pump at the Palm Park Pool
• replacement of (6) gas water heaters to heat pumps and
• ongoing installation of EV charging stations in Whittier.

The award celebrates Whittier's commitment to sustainability and the City's continued efforts to advance energy efficiency within the community. To learn more about green-friendly upgrades and enhancements, contact the Public Works department at (562) 567-9500.

Don't Miss EGGxtravaganza on March 23

Save the date for Whittier's most popular spring event! The annual "EGGxtravaganza" is set for Saturday, March 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd.). In the event of rainy weather, a separate rainout day is slated for March 30th (please watch for updates).

Enjoy family faire including an Easter Bunny photo booth, a variety of food vendors on site, music, inflatable attractions, age-specific Easter Egg hunts, and so much more.

$5 wristbands will be sold on-site the day of the event, or purchase four wristbands and receive one for free. Wristbands are required for egg hunts, photos, and inflatables, but not for food or chaperoning children.

Questions about the EGGxtravaganza? Please contact the Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services department at (562) 567-9450 to learn more.

City of Whittier residents (with proper identification or utility bill) can pick up free compost provided by Athens Services on March 16th at the Uptown Senior Center (13225 Walnut St.) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants are reminded to bring a shovel, dolly, and sturdy containers (no larger than 30-gallon) for the self-service event and masks, gloves, and protective eyewear are also encouraged. Athens' compost is a blend of organics material including green waste, wood waste, and food scraps. To learn more contact Athens Services at (888) 336-6100.

California State Senate Bill 1383 requires the reduction of organic waste disposed of in landfills. Organic waste is a renewable natural resource that can be repurposed into compost and mulch. It mainly comes from yard and kitchen waste at home, as well as food waste and scraps from industrial and commercial operations.

Here are just a few examples of what should now be placed in your green waste bin:

• Food scraps: fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, non-liquid dairy, egg shells
• Food-soiled paper: Napkins, pizza boxes, paper plates, cardboard egg cartons
• Yard waste: Plants, leaves, branches, grass

Food scraps can be placed in your green waste container loosely or in a paper bag (no plastic bags). Small countertop containers are available free of charge for Whittier residents and can be picked up from the Whittier Public Works counter at City Hall during regular business hours. Please contact your trash hauler directly with inquiries at Athens Services (888) 336-6100 or Republic Services (800) 299-4898.

The Whittier Public Library is celebrating Women's History Month by commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Visit the Library's website for a curated list of published works including books, films, photography, journalism, and other notable art created by and about women.

From trailblazing pioneers to unsung heroes, Whittier honors the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere!

The Whittier Public Library will host two special events for local teens in March:

• Teen Book Club on Tuesday, March 12th @ Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) at 5:30 p.m.
• Teen Movie Night on Friday, March 15th @ Whittwood Branch (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.) at 5:30 p.m. featuring a film about the ultimate boss babe in honor of Women's History Month...

To learn more about how your teen can get more involved with the Whittier Public Library, visit their website or call the Central Library at (562) 567-9900.

Join us for LEGO® building galore! Get ready to unleash your creativity with an abundance of LEGO® bricks at the Whittwood Branch Library.

Happening on the first Tuesday of every month at 3:00 p.m., this event is perfect for budding builders ages 5 to 12. No need to bring your own bricks - there are plenty to go around!

The Whittwood Branch Library is located at 10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave. Please contact Library staff at (562) 567-9950 with questions.

Join the Whittier Public Library for its Crafty Tales event at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) on Thursday, March 21st at 3:30 p.m. for local students ages 6 to 10. Participants will enjoy hands-on fun making crafts while listening to magical stories read aloud. Registration is required and space is limited; call the Central Library to reserve your space at (562) 567-9900 or visit the Reference Desk to RSVP.

Calling all local veterans! Join the Whittier Public Library for a Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.).

Explore valuable resources, connect with fellow veterans, learn more about benefit eligibility, and discover support networks. The event is free and open to all interested veterans and their families. Call (562) 567-9905 for more information.

***Did you know the Whittier Public Library's Veterans Resource Center has been serving the community for 10 years? Local veterans and volunteers were recognized during a breakfast earlier this month at the Library for their contributions to ensuring local veterans receive care, compassion, and support. Watch the video below and be sure to visit the Veterans Resource Center at the Central Library anytime Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to speak to a dedicated Veterans Service Officer.

Lace up your running shoes because Students Run Whittier is back for the spring season!

Every Thursday at Michigan Park (8228 Michigan Ave.), participate in the free program dedicated to coaching young runners and preparing them for 5K races.

Sessions are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and open to students in 4th through 8th grade. The season will officially run from March 7th through May 30th, 2024.

This is an excellent opportunity for kids to get active and enjoy time outdoors. Registration is free and available at www.WhittierRec.com. Call (562) 567-9430 with questions and let's hit the ground running together this spring!

Get ready to dive in! Registration for spring swim lessons at the Palm Park pool opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18th.

A variety of classes are offered including Parent & Child, Preschool, Levels 1 & 2, and Level 3, with costs varying by class. The pool is heated throughout the year to accommodate the change of seasons.

Classes are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 5:05 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. at Palm Park, located at 5730 Palm Ave.

Due to limited availability, the schedule of lessons is condensed. If you can't find a preferred class, keep an eye out for more options in June.

Lessons begin on Monday, April 15th. To view the schedule and register online, visit WhittierRec.com or call staff at (562) 567-9495 with questions.

Save the date for the Shelter's Right Hand 28th Annual "Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence" 5K Walk, benefiting the Women's and Children's Crisis Shelter. Gather with loved ones, neighbors, and friends on Saturday, April 20, starting with a fun, lively warm-up at Central Park (6532 Friends Ave.) in Uptown Whittier. Experience a picturesque trail route that begins and concludes at the park, with the event commencing at 8:00 a.m. Same day registration will be available at 6:30 a.m. and runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Secure your spot, explore sponsorship opportunities, and access additional event details by registering now at www.SheltersRightHand.org. Join the community and step out together for a worthy cause!