We keep hearing about community engagement and community input; when and where will it take place? Are we still a democracy in Whittier?
Category: <span>Opinions</span>
International Competition Builds Community in Whittier
I look forward to the competition every year, despite the unreasonable pain and suffering caused by attempting to complete over 200 challenges with 14 teammates in eight days. I joke; it's really fun!
Commentary and Interview: Houseless Protest Group Occupies Central Park, City Hall
"At all times, Whittier should have a shelter open, and they don’t, so we are going to stay until it is open."
Opinion: A Heartfelt PSA from a Friend
We had a movement going in Italy, asking people to keep going out and supporting local businesses, feeling that the government was overreacting, but in hindsight this was not a great plan.
Opinion: School Closure Now
"The school district has a key role to play in stopping the tsunami of illness and death that is heading our way by moving classes online. When you look back years (or even weeks) from now, you will be glad that you moved swiftly and decisively at this moment."
Sustainable City News Endorses YOU
As the March 3rd Election approaches, numerous media outlets of varying size and distribution method are endorsing candidates for offices at every level of government. Sustainable City News will not be one of them. Instead, we are wholeheartedly endorsing voting.
Opinion: Yes on Measure W
Barring major cuts to the city budget, MEASURE W is the only way Whittier can continue to provide the services we rely on while working to solve some of our most pressing issues.
Opinion: Senate Bill 50 Failed and My Generation Still Has No Place to Live
Moving back home to Downey, California was a tough transition but was going to be a short one, I assumed. “This is temporary!” I assured my mom, who only had a couch to offer me. “No need to unpack the boxes, I’ll be out of here in no time.” A year later and I’m still living at home.
Opinion: Homes For Whittier Says We Should Build Granny Flats
Honestly, having a legally sound ADU ordinance is just the beginning. Whittier should be actively promoting ADUs (e.g. City website, bill inserts, Park and Rec classes), letting people know that building one is an option, making sure fees are reasonable and in line with other cities, making standard plans available and making low-interest loans or other financial help available for construction.
Resolving to Do Better on Homelessness
A public safety response to homelessness is neither effective nor fiscally responsible. Ordinances that disproportionately impact people with nowhere else to be, when they are otherwise committing no crime, shouldn’t exist. Period.