I am pleased to officially welcome and congratulate Whittier's newly elected Mayor James Becerra, Council Member Aida Macedo, and Council Member Vicky Santana to the Whittier City Council! It is a new day for Whittier and I look forward to working with each of them as they come together to shape the future of our community.

Many thanks to outgoing Mayor Joe Vinatieri, as well as Council Members Fernando Dutra and Octavio Martinez, for their longstanding commitment to serving Whittier residents. Under their collective leadership, Whittier completed countless improvement projects, prioritized support for public safety, and maintained a balanced budget that has helped the city continue to thrive. Whittier is grateful for your service and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Finally, I would like to recognize the City Clerk department for their leadership in coordinating an efficient and well-administered election, along with the Communications team for supporting public outreach and voter awareness efforts throughout the process. Thank you to everyone who voted by mail and in person — we are stronger when we work together.

May highlights include a variety of family-friendly activities like our Public Safety Expo & Kiddie-K Fun Run, Whittier's annual Memorial Day ceremony at City Hall, Bike to Work Day, and Whittier Public Library programming for reading enthusiasts of all ages. Follow City of Whittier on social media for updates and scroll below for details - we hope to see you out an about as we gear up for another busy summer season in Whittier!

Conal McNamara, City Manager

Whittier Elects New Leadership in Historic Election

Register for Summer WYN Club

Join us for Founders Day at Central Park (6532 Friends Ave.) on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as we celebrate community, history, and local businesses. This exciting event, hosted by the Whittier Historical Society & Museum, will feature a classic car show, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the beloved tradition of sharing Quaker bread. Come connect with Whittier’s rich heritage, enjoy great food, and take part in a fun-filled day honoring the past and present of our community. Don’t miss out—scan the QR code on the flyer or visit whittiermuseum.org for more details!

Join the Whittier Parks, Recreation & Community Services team for an afternoon focused on water safety, recreation, and community at Water Safety Day at the Palm Park Aquatics Center.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Palm Park Aquatics Center, 5703 Palm Ave.

This free event is open to all ages and no registration is required.

Activities include free recreational swimming, free swim lessons for all ages, hands-on CPR demonstrations, arts and crafts, games, giveaways, and opportunities to meet representatives from CHP, Whittier Police Department, and the Fire Department. A food vendor will also be on-site.

Free recreational swim will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free “Largest Swim Lessons” sessions will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Proper swim attire is required. Swimmers under 50 inches tall or those needing assistance must be accompanied by an adult. No floaties or lifejackets are permitted. Locker rooms will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, towels, and sandals. No pets are permitted, except service animals. For more information, please call (562) 567-9495.

Are you looking for employment? Not sure what kinds of jobs are available to you? Your next opportunity could be just around the corner!

Join the Whittier Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 12 for a free job fair at the Villalobos Hall located on the campus of Whittier College. Participate in an afternoon of networking, job searching, and on-the-spot interviews with local employers ready to hire!

⏰ 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

📍 Whittier College, Villalobos Hall

Whether you're actively job hunting or just exploring your options — this is the event for you. Get to know local companies and find the right fit! Visit www.whittierchamber.com for more info or call (562) 698-9554.

Join District 3 Whittier City Council Member Cathy Warner for a casual, drop-in conversation at the Whittwood Branch Library. Residents are invited to stop by, ask questions, share concerns, or simply say hello and connect one-on-one. Light refreshments will be served. This event is open to all Whittier community members.

Location: Whittwood Branch Library, 10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave., Whittier, CA 90603

Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Questions? Please call 562-567-9301.

Calling all book lovers and library enthusiasts! The Friends of the Whittier Public Library will host their annual Spring Book Sale beginning Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17.

Visit the Friends Bookstore at 6703 Comstock Ave. in Uptown Whittier and enjoy BOGO sales on books, audio tapes, magazines, CDs, puzzles, and more. The sale takes place Friday & Saturday, May 15 & 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Support the Whittier Public Library through your purchases and bring home your next favorite read! Learn more at www.whittierlibraryfriends.org.

Join us for the Spring Youth Market and shop from 50+ amazing youth vendors showcasing their creativity, style, and entrepreneurial spirit to the community!

The market will take place at the Whittier Community Center (7630 Washington Ave.) on Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You’ll find unique items, fun crafts, and some of the best deals in town. Shop and find the perfect gift while supporting local youth vendors.

👉 For more info visit www.WhittierRec.com or call (562) 567-9430. Come shop, support, and celebrate the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs!

Mark your calendar for Whittier’s annual Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 14 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Celebrate the ride with your fellow commuters at various stations along the Greenway Trail:

📍 Palm Station (5703 Palm Ave.)

📍 Laurel Station (corner of Lambert Rd. & Laurel Ave.)

📍 Walnut Station (Whittier Blvd. south of Mar Vista St.)

Swing by for refreshments, giveaways, and local bike vendors—all while doing your part for a healthier, more sustainable Whittier. Trade four wheels for two and make your morning commute a little more fun!

Have questions? Call (562) 567-9400 to learn more.

Mark your calendars for a morning of family fun and community connection at Whittier’s annual Public Safety Expo & Kiddie-K Fun Run on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Whittier City Hall (13230 Penn St.).

Hosted by the City of Whittier in collaboration with the Whittier Police Department, Whittier PRCS, and LA County Fire, the event features:

• Safety demonstrations and emergency vehicle displays
• Health and wellness information
• Food vendors
• Hands-on activities for all ages

Kids ages 1 through 12 are also invited to sign up for the Kiddie-K Fun Run, with different race times by age group. Registration is free and includes a commemorative t-shirt and medal while supplies last. Visit WhittierRec.com to register for the Fun Run or call (562) 567-9450 with questions.

Experience an evening of powerful words and creative expression at the Whittier Public Library’s Poetry Reading!

Join us as a talented group of poets share original works, including poetry, flash fiction, and excerpts from short stories.

🗓 Saturday, May 16

🕕Time: 2:00 P.M.

📍 Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Featuring readings by Rocío Carlos, Ramón García, José Enrique Medina, and Mariano Zaro, this inspiring event also offers insight into each writer’s creative process. Come listen, reflect, and celebrate the art of storytelling through poetry.

For more information contact the Whittier Public Library.

📞 (562) 567-9900

Love movies? Join our monthly Kanopy Club and enjoy thought-provoking films all for free! This month’s featured film is Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021), a heartfelt and imaginative story perfect for a cozy movie discussion.

🗓 Monday, May 18

🕕6:00 P.M.

📍Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.)


Watch the film using Kanopy, then join us to share your thoughts and connect with fellow film lovers. It’s a relaxed, fun way to experience great cinema together!

Got Questions? Contact the Whittwood Branch Library

📞 (562) 567-9950

Join fellow readers for an engaging discussion at our Wednesday Night Book Group!

This month, we’re diving into Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson, a gripping nonfiction account of the critical months leading up to the Civil War.

🗓 Wednesday, May 20

🕕Time: 6:00 P.M.

📍 Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Explore history, share perspectives, and connect with a community of book lovers in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.

For more info contact the Central Library.

📞 (562) 567-9900

Discover the story behind one of the ocean’s greatest mysteries at Reel Club!

We’ll be screening The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52 (2021), a moving documentary about a whale whose unique call has captivated scientists and storytellers alike.

🗓 Thursday, May 21

🕕Time: 6:00 P.M.

📍 Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Stick around after the film for a thoughtful discussion about the themes, science, and emotion behind this fascinating story.

To learn more contact the Central Library.

📞 (562) 567-9900

Let your imagination run wild at Crafty Tales! This fun and creative program brings stories to life through hands-on crafts and engaging storytelling.

🗓 Thursday, May 21

🕞 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

📍 Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Perfect for kids ages 6–12, each session begins with a story that sparks creativity, followed by a themed craft activity.

Space is limited! Be sure to register at the Children’s Desk or call (562)567-9900.

Los Angeles County is providing free lead paint hazard remediation services to select households through the Lead Free Homes LA program, including limited areas within Whittier. Eligibility is based on several factors, including the age of the home and other program requirements. Households that qualify have already been contacted directly by mail.

If you did not receive a notice, your home is likely not included in the current service area or does not meet eligibility criteria. The program is expected to expand to additional areas over time. Residents can learn more about lead safety and available resources through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Whittier residents have an opportunity to step up and make a difference when it matters most through upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training 🚨.

Designed to prepare everyday community members for real-life emergencies, this free program equips participants with practical, life-saving skills to use in the critical moments following a disaster when professional responders may be delayed.

Over the course of this three-day training, participants will learn how to provide basic first aid, respond effectively during emergencies, use fire extinguishers safely, and support their neighbors in times of crisis. The program emphasizes teamwork, preparedness, and building a more resilient Whittier community.

CERT training will take place at the Whittier Emergency Operations Center from Friday through Sunday, June 12–14, 2026. Friday sessions will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with full-day trainings on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Open to individuals ages 16 and older, the program is free to attend, and participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of completion.

Whether you’re looking to gain valuable skills or simply want to be better prepared to help your family and neighbors, CERT training is a meaningful way to become a true hometown hero 💪

For more information, please email CERT@fire.lacounty.gov

Join the Whittier Police Department for an E-Bike Education & Safety Seminar. 🚲

Have you been thinking about riding or are you already cruising around town? Make sure you know the rules, risks, and how to stay safe!

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026

⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

📍 Whittier Community Center Gymnasium (7630 Washington Ave.)

The WPD Traffic Bureau will cover safe riding practices, current laws, and how to protect yourself and others on the road. Whether you’re a parent, rider, or just curious, this workshop is for you! Please call the Whittier Police Department at (562) 567-9200.

Ride smart. Ride safe. See you there! 🚔

Get ready to splash into summer starting Memorial Day weekend! Whittier’s free splash pad and splash fountains are the perfect way to stay cool and have fun all summer long!

🌴 Splash season begins: Saturday, May 23

Daily Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

📍 Splash Pad Location:

• Lee & Erika Owens (LEO) Park – 7954 Greenleaf Ave.

📍 Splash Fountain Locations:

• Palm Park – 5703 Palm Ave.

• Parnell Park – 15390 Lambert Rd.

• Michigan Park – 8228 Michigan Ave.

From playful spray features at LEO Park to interactive fountains at our other favorite parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. So tell your friends, grab your towel, and make it a splash-worthy day in Whittier! Have questions? Call (562) 567-9400 for more info.

The City of Whittier is offering eligible businesses free 23-gallon Slim Jim recycling and organics containers while supplies last.To receive containers, businesses must complete an application and provide proof of an active Whittier business license. Applications and submission instructions are available on the City’s website under the SB 1383 section. Container pickups will be scheduled on Wednesdays through the Public Works Department. Are you a qualified business owner? Visit www.CityofWhittier.org/1383 to learn more and apply. Questions? Contact the Public Works Department at 562-567-9500.

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