Whittier Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Whittier Proclaims June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month
The Whittier City Council proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month, recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ individuals and encouraging the building of a community where all people are treated with dignity and respect. Council members expressed pride in joining other cities that stand for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that these rights are human rights. The proclamation was accepted by Whittier Pride, symbolizing the broader LGBTQ+ community's hard work and hopes. Several council members shared personal remarks, emphasizing inclusivity, welcoming all residents, and advocating for equal rights and dignity.
Whittier Council Addresses Trees, Public Safety, Data Centers, and Approves Hazard Mitigation Plan
Several residents voiced concerns about public safety and environmental issues during the public comment period. Tom spoke against data centers, advocated for reinstating the tree manual, and removing the Greenleaf Promenade, citing the importance of trees for cooling and beauty, and the community's opposition to tree elimination. Brendan Orsega provided historical facts. A speaker read controversial protected speech related to racial slurs and hate speech, using it to critique the Mayor's comments on public comment limitations and to assert free speech rights. Brian Niehaus, representing the Whittier City Employees Association, raised concerns about proposed salary increases for executive staff (27%) versus frontline employees and increased medical costs for frontline workers. Robert Martiz, president of the Whittier City Employee Association, echoed these concerns about compensation, employee retention, and feeling unappreciated. Another speaker supported the union's concerns and the LGBTQ+ community, congratulating Whittier Pride on assisting a same-sex marriage. Another speaker, representing Whittier Pride, spoke about fundraising and community events. Multiple speakers, including Connie McCormick and James Sass, strongly advocated for reinstating the tree protection ordinance, citing perceived deception by previous councils regarding insurance threats and the need to protect healthy trees from development. Ken Bodger supported reinstating and improving the tree manual and reallocating consultant fees. Raquel expressed concerns about Flock cameras violating Fourth Amendment rights and the lack of tree services. Austin McCormick reiterated concerns about the elimination of tree protections under false pretenses for development. Nick Donovan warned of potential catastrophic events like fires and urged the council to act on protecting the community from AI data centers and to work with neighboring cities. Bruce Iverson detailed difficulties with city permits for his final home, seeking answers and fairness. Magdalena Namo urged the council to reinstate the tree manual, cancel no-bid contracts for new tree plans, and address the loss of trees, particularly on Comstock. Maggie Moe, chair of the Conservancy's Urban Forest Committee, emphasized the urgency of reinstating the tree manual and potentially adding private property trees. A speaker on Zoom read biblical passages. Javier criticized the mayor and council regarding ICE presence and tree safety, questioning their motives and ethics. Noah Larios supported reinstating the tree protection ordinance and parkway tree manual. Cash spoke against data centers and advocated for rental protections and rent control. A statement was made about the brush fire on Kalima, thanking first responders and emphasizing the importance of rebuilding Station 17 and operationalizing a helihydrant. Information was provided on how to subscribe to city notifications and enable push notifications for emergencies. A speaker noted the lack of Spanish translation in emergency social media posts and suggested PSAs for fire preparedness. Council discussed and approved charter amendments related to election dates and term limits, with some council members expressing reservations about losing election sovereignty and potential cost increases. Item 10B, an engineering evaluation for Hadley Street and Magnolia Avenue intersection upgrades, was discussed, with staff recommending against a protected left turn signal based on MUTCD warrants, though a lane shift was considered feasible. Councilmember Pacheco motioned to direct staff to install a left-turn signal, but the motion failed due to lack of a second. The council also approved annual assessments for parking districts one and two and the Foxley Drive Lighting Assessment District. Ben Pongetti presented the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, highlighting risks like earthquakes, wildfires, and climate change, and the need for grant funding for implementation. Concerns were raised about outreach to vulnerable populations, evacuation plans for hillside neighborhoods, and the city's emergency response plan. The council approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Finally, the council adopted a technology disruption policy to comply with Senate Bill 707, including provisions for remote participation, Spanish agenda translation, and closed captioning. The council also decided to form an ad hoc committee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Councilmember Warner, to develop guidelines for administering $200,000 in community funding for local businesses and nonprofits.
Alejandra Rogetto Named Whittier's First Poet Laureate
The Whittier City Council honored Alejandra Rogetto as Whittier's first Poet Laureate. The selection process, initiated in May 2023 by a joint committee including members from the Cultural Arts Commission and Library Board of Trustees, involved a comprehensive application and selection process with broad outreach. Alejandra Rogetto, a Whittier native who attended local schools and Whittier College, was chosen for her published work, creative vision, and commitment to connecting the community through poetry. Her goals include bringing poetry to diverse, multi-generational communities, creating gathering spaces for poets and writers, nurturing emerging artists, and celebrating Whittier's creative voices. The council expressed enthusiasm for the new program and Rogetto's role in enriching the city's literary arts.
Pointe Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Updates Council on Restoration, Wildfire Preparedness
The Whittier City Council received a presentation from the Pointe Hills Habitat Preservation Authority regarding their work in habitat restoration, ecological activities, and wildfire preparedness efforts. The presentation highlighted the restoration of 320 acres preserve-wide, focusing on removing non-native vegetation and restoring coastal sage scrub. It also emphasized the importance of the Whittier Hills as a habitat for species like the coastal California gnatcatcher and coastal cactus wren. The authority also discussed their wildfire preparedness measures, including vegetation clearance around homes and trails, and securing grant funding for wildfire resiliency. The presentation also included an update from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority on their ranger duties and response to a recent brush fire on Kalima Road.
Whittier Council Approves Parking and Lighting Assessments, Forms Community Funding Committee
The Whittier City Council approved the annual assessment for Parking District Number One and Parking District Number Two, which fund uptown parking facilities and structures. The assessment for Parking District One is approximately $375 per property owner. For Parking District Two, the assessment is $10 per month, plus a $100 annual fee. Public comment during these hearings was largely oppositional, with speakers criticizing the necessity of these fees, calling them discriminatory, and suggesting they deter business. The council also approved the annual assessment for the Foxley Drive Lighting Assessment District, confirming that the cost to property owners has not increased. Finally, the council decided to form an ad hoc committee, comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Councilmember Warner, to develop guidelines, review requests, and recommend awards for $200,000 in community funding for local businesses and nonprofits. This committee was chosen over other options for direct solicitation or district-based allocations.
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The Whittier News archive
Whittier union June Board Meeting 2026
Planning Commission Meeting
Special City Council Meeting
EWCSD Board of Education Meeting - Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
City Council-WRSA-WUA Joint Meeting
EWCSD Board of Education Meeting - Monday, June 8th, 2026
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