We keep hearing about community engagement and community input; when and where will it take place? Are we still a democracy in Whittier?
Posts or Projects Slider
Home
Posts or Projects Slider
Posts Slider
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."
Whittier City Council Passes Eviction Moratorium in 4-1 Vote
On Tuesday evening, in its first remote meeting after the state and county safer-at-home mandates, the Whittier City Council enacted a COVID-19 eviction moratorium in a 4-1 vote.
Five Ways You Can Help
Scientists say that helping others can help with stress management, immune building, and more. Here are some ways you can exercise your altruism muscle
Escape Online: Travel, Learn, See, Hear, Taste, Move, and More
Escape the boundaries of your safe-at-home stay with events and activities available free online.
The Money Crunch: Resources for Whittier Area Emergency Needs
Sustainable City News shares local, regional, and national resources for workers feeling the crunch in greater Whittier.
Whittier City Council Caves to Angry Mob
Shayla Myers, a member of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, said, “Adopting an ordinance and tracking many of the problems that the City of Los Angeles is seeing with this ordinance is a step backwards when it comes to thinking about the real needs of our clients who are unhoused on the streets of Whittier. There are many, many things that the city of Whittier could do, but seizing and destroying people’s belongings in violation of the constitution is not one of them."
The Trial Nixon Never Had
Bugatti cites among Nixon’s accomplishments the creation of OSHA, the opening of China, the end of the draft, and the Environmental Protection Act.
Council Commits to Building Shelter Beds
“Unless we are actually actively going out of our way to house these individuals, the state of emergency doesn’t mean anything,” Councilmember Josue Alvarado said.
How to Build a Friendlier Whittier: Interview
“Having spaces that aren’t just diverse but are also inclusive–where people of diverse backgrounds feel safe to be themselves and to show up and be creative–becomes a competitive advantage,” Campbell says.
Creating An Anti-Racist Whittier, Together
Louisville, Kentucky-based anti-racist organizer Chris Crass returns to his hometown of Whittier on Monday to give a talk at Whittier College, where the Sociology...
Pitchforks, Torches & Peace at Parnell Park
Members of the encampment said they do not want to live in the park, but affordable housing is unavailable, and waiting lists for services are full. One man has a job at a popular local restaurant that doesn't pay enough to afford rent. Another man lost his job three months ago and has been in the park for two months. One woman has been on a Section 8 waiting list for 12 years.
Whittier Candidates Vie for Assembly
The first Millennial elected to the State Assembly, Majority Leader Ian Calderon, who lives in and serves Whittier, made a surprise announcement on Tuesday, November 26, that he would not seek re-election for AD 57 in 2020.
SCOTUS Says Cities Must Provide Housing
On Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States declined unanimously to hear an appeal by cities (including Whittier) of Martin v. Boise, a key part of the case law which says that removal of unhoused persons from public land without offering shelter is unconstitutional. This sets a mandate for cities like Whittier to provide housing.
Write Your Life Story
The group meets to share and appreciate stories. One person’s story may trigger memories that lead to more stories. Think how you would love to have stories written by your grandparents or other relatives who have gone before you; your heirs will one day treasure yours.
Ready, Set, Vote: Radical Changes to Voting Rules in 2020
Voting in the upcoming March 3rd election will be very different for Whittier and L.A. County voters. Many old polling places are gone. In their place are vote centers. Residents can vote at any Voting Center for up to 10 days before Election Day. The goal of this article is to clear up any questions and misconceptions about the new voting system.
Donna
“There’s nowhere else I can sleep at night where I feel safe.”
Julie
“People think they’re homeless because they deserve it […]”
Four Whittier Assembly Contenders Remain
In late November, State Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon made a surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election for AD 57 in 2020. While Assembly candidates typically spend upwards of two years preparing their campaign, this left the field open to candidates willing to pursue a fast-and-furious three-month campaign leading up to the March 3rd primary.
Whittier Area Arts & Entertainment: 31 Events in January 2020
How will you spend the first month of the new decade? Check out 31 opportunities in January 2020 to learn something new, make something by you, and have fun.
Whittier City Council Passes Eviction Moratorium in 4-1 Vote
On Tuesday evening, in its first remote meeting after the state and county safer-at-home mandates, the Whittier City Council enacted a COVID-19 eviction moratorium in a 4-1 vote.
Five Ways You Can Help
Scientists say that helping others can help with stress management, immune building, and more. Here are some ways you can exercise your altruism muscle
The Money Crunch: Resources for Whittier Area Emergency Needs
Sustainable City News shares local, regional, and national resources for workers feeling the crunch in greater Whittier.
City of Whittier to Close Facilities, Events, Programs Through March
The City of Whittier is canceling or postponing non-essential programs, events, and recreation classes as well as board, commission, and committee meetings through the end of March.
Whittier’s Coronavirus Lockdown Begins
The coronavirus pandemic has reached Los Angeles County, with predictions of an overtaxed healthcare system. Disorganized but swift social distancing in Whittier has included school closures and event cancellations. Find out what you can do to protect yourself and the community at large.
“Second 57 Freeway” Could Impact Whittier Wildlife
“I can’t emphasize enough how critically important it is to maintain wildlife movement through this area at the very least,” asserted Andrea Gullo, Executive Director of the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority. “This linkage will affect the Authority’s, many cities’ and the County of Los Angeles’ ongoing commitment to the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor.”
Whittier, Meet Your New City Council
Although not all the results are in, Mayor Joe Vinatieri and District 3 Councilwoman Cathy Warner have indisputably been re-elected to Whittier City Council. Newcomer Jessica Martinez will join Henry Bouchot (District 2), Fernando Dutra (District 4) and the re-elected incumbents to take her first public seat as Whittier's District 1 representative.
City of Whittier Requests Input on Housing Priorities
The City invites stakeholders (residents) to complete a two-part online survey that will help prioritize local programs and activities to address housing and community needs. Surveys should be completed no later than March 12th.
Measure W & Whittier City Council Votes Still Being Counted
As many as a third of ballots county-wide were yet to be counted as of Thursday night. With no close races, however, Whittier's election results are fairly certain. Learn why, and see current ballot counts.
Coronavirus Declared a Public Health Emergency in L.A. County
On the morning of Wednesday, March 4, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health joined the City of Los Angeles in declaring a local and public health emergency in response to increased spread of coronavirus across the country and six new cases in the County.
Interview: Local Social Work Professor on Whittier’s Unhoused
"Our service area has approximately 400 beds for 5,000 people designated as homeless. Los Angeles county has 60,000 people without housing. Too many people, too few beds. Where can our neighbors sleep at night? And rebuild their lives during the day?
What–and Who–Pays For Local Campaigns?
Sustainable City News reviewed contributions made to candidates for Whittier City Council. Some contributions raised troubling questions.
Candidate Profile: Rolando Cano, Mayoral Candidate
Our City has a big fight ahead against drugs and gangs that feed our homeless problem and put our schools and neighborhoods in danger, and this must become our top priority.
Candidate Profile: Louis Reyes, Mayoral Candidate
I am challenging a 14-year incumbent because I believe together as a community we can work to solve our most pressing issues to address our homelessness crisis, protect our environment with no oil drilling, and implement government reforms to bring more accountability to city hall.
Candidate Profile: Primo Castro, Assembly District 57 Candidate
"As a steadfast public servant for nearly 20 years, I have worked to enhance opportunities and resources to numerous communities throughout California."
