SPRING 2008
CONSERVANCY AWARDED $25,000 GRANT FOR GREENWAY TRAIL TREES In January 2008, the Whittier Conservancy was awarded the Edison International Corporate Contribution Grant: Sustaining a Quality Environment in the amount of $25,000. The money was presented to the City of Whittier to be used for the purchase and planting of trees on the Greenway Trail. (continued on pg. 2)
Do your part to preserve and protect what’s special about Whittier...Become a new member or renew your membership today! Consider making a donation to the Whittier Conservancy to support our programs and efforts to preserve our city’s unique history. Donations may be sent to the address listed on page 7. For any questions, please call The Whittier Conservancy at (562) 693-5853.
L to R: Sylvia Southerland- SCE (Edison), Owen Newcomer- Whittier Mayor, Maria ClaverWhittier Conservancy grant writer, Dorothea Boyd- President, Whittier Conservancy
broadway massacre redux About twelve years ago, residents at the corner of Broadway and Greenleaf awoke to the cringing sounds of chain saws and grinders as three gorgeous oaks were ground to their stumps, leaving the corner blighted and leafless. It caused an uproar that put the Conservancy into action as the City was inundated with questions and complaints. The “mature” replacement trees are exactly the same size as they were when planted, offering a frac-
tion of the shade and beauty once provided. A couple of years later, with sidewalks buckling under the expansion of the ficus trees on Painter, the City decided to wipe out ALL of the Painter Avenue canopy in order to “solve” the problem. Again, Conservancy members dropped everything and went to the defense of the trees. The idea that the city could not come up with a better slogan than “Save the concrete; take down the trees”
made no sense to us at all. We proferred the economic as well as the health benefit of beautiful tree-lined streets, noting at the time that a mature tree added at least $15,000 to the value of real estate. Hence, the meandering sidewalks on Painter that now accommodate the growth of the trees. From these two incidents emerged the Whittier Tree Ordinance, a citizen-driven, city-adopted policy that protects mature (continued on pg. 2) 1
THE PRESERVATIONIST
$25,000 FOR TREES Members of the Conservancy live throughout Whittier, come from a variety of backgrounds, and have many different occupations; but they all have at least one thing in common: respect for Whittier’s quality of life and passion for preserving and improving the city for generations to come. Of particular importance to the Conservancy is the recognition and protection of our beloved trees. The Conservancy has had many tree-oriented projects, including the planting of 110 trees for Whittier’s 110th. anniversary in 1997. In recent years the City of Whittier has been able to purchase and plant hundreds of trees
(cont. from p. 1)
in neighborhoods most in need of them. These projects were made possible by generous grants from the Conservancy. Trees are gifts that just keep on giving. They provide much-needed shade during the hot times and beauty for the enjoyment of all. Trees can impact our moods, providing psychological lifts that are difficult to measure. Trees in our living and working environment are also an important component of health, providing us with a natural carbon-dioxide filter. A well-maintained “urban forest” contributes to community pride, enhances property values, and makes office, industrial, and residential property easier to rent or
BROADWAY MASSACRE trees on public property and governs their removal only if there is an imminent danger AND a time-frame for public input. Last month, at 6:30 am in the pouring rain, the very same neighborhood (Broadway and Bright) became an ugly scene, literally and figuratively, 2
sell. A community’s respect for its trees is evident in its community spirit, and Whittier has been certified as a Tree City, USA. The Greenway Trail is the enhanced renovation of the old abandoned railroad rights of way that run the length of the City, from the 605 Freeway at the west end to the Lambert Road city limits in the east. Once an eyesore, the newly connected paths will enrich each neighborhood as they provide a walking, riding, and strolling link from one end of town to the other. Many of our local schools abut the trail, and kids can now travel safely along these great pedestrian byways.
The grant that the Conservancy received will allow the City to increase the enhancements along the Greenway Trail for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors. Current plans for rest stations along the trail include designing each station around a theme relevant to the treasures of Whittier. These include a citrus-themed station to reflect the old packing station at Whittier Blvd. and Penn Street, and a palm-themed station to complement Palm Park. This Whittier Conservancy/ Edison Tree Grant will provide much-needed landscaping and a spectacular addition to Whittier’s Urban Forest. H
(cont. from p. 1)
when three mature ficus tress were cut to the ground before anyone could even get a call through to city hall. It pitted tree-cutters against neighbors, neighbors against the city, and---worst of all--neighbors against neighbors. According to the Daily News, the City Council had
held an emergency closed session only 36 hours earlier in response to a resident who was concerned that his sick child might ingest or slip on the purple berries being dropped by the trees. His concerns were backed up by a doctor’s letter and the council considered this to be a threat of legal
action. While this was a unique and sad set of circumstances to be sure, we feel that the Council took a nuclear approach by granting a permanent solution to a temporary problem without considering any alternatives other than the complete removal of the trees. Written into (cont. on p. 4)
SPRING 2008
Whittier City Hall circa 1935-1940. Image from Calisphere. Calisphere is a service of the UC Libraries, powered by the California Digital Library. Copyright © 2007, The Regents of The University of California. Contributing Institution, Whittier Public Library
Welcome
“All of us must take responsibility for our city.” PRESIDENT ~ DOROTHEA BOYD
to the twenty-first year of the Whittier Conservancy. With new board members and a large advisory council, we are ready to carry on the tradition of trying to make Whittier the very best it can possibly be. We are surrounded by wonderful historic homes, some having entered their second century, incredible trees, the beautiful hills and citizens who, for the most part, loveWhittier. How can we keep what is good? How can we improve the quality of life? How can we encourage high class development? How can we bring more business to the area? By making sure buildings, whether commercial or residential, are maintained in good condition, or when newly constructed, adhere to the code; by helping the city observe the tree ordinance and encouraging the sensible and appropriate replacement of trees when necessary;
by enjoying and protecting our hills and those beyond our city limits; by encouraging the good business people who believe in Whittier; by dining and shopping whenever possible inWhittier; by attending city meetings, both commissions and council; by speaking when moved, by projects up for consideration and by encouraging city staff and council members to adhere to regulations closely, to take time when making important decisions, to consider all the possibilities. The Conservancy is dedicated to informing the public of issues that might affect the quality of life and encouraging the public to take action – by writing to the newspaper, speaking at Council and commission meetings or by attending such meetings and showing concern by their very presence. All of us must take responsibility for our city. Get out and vote.
Or stay at home and vote. Council members and commissioners give a great deal of their time to city business. For all their foibles, their mistakes, they do, for the most part, what they feel is best forWhittier. We may not always agree but they deserve our attention and that means out attention to issues and our interest in elections. Whittier has gone through very difficult changes, as have most American cities, sometimes not for the best. We are working hard to retain and regain, the best and most valuable pieces of our past. Our newsletter is newly energized; Berkeley Stewart, as designer and our advisory board, are bringing fresh ideas, larger editions and new insights. We hope you read it with enjoyment and interest. Suggestions are always welcome. O 3
THE PRESERVATIONIST ARTIST RENDERING BASED ON PROVIDED PLANS
UN-PAVED AREA BEFORE NEW CONSTRUCTION
hard to maintain its beautifully groomed campus, it remains nestled in a mantle of flora and fauna that existed long before the church occupied the site. Rabbits and squirrels frolic and dart about, the flowers flow with ebullient color, and the trees quake and bough in the breeze. In fact, for those not familiar, one would be hard-pressed to see UN-PAVED AREA AFTER NEW CONSTRUCTION either the church or its out(APPROXIMATE) buildings when driving north or south on Colima Road. The church’s expansion, which will be a phased development, includes ripping out all existing parking and re-grading the entire hillside; building a new 30,000 squarefoot sanctuary; paving over enough topography to accommodate 900 cars; and---believe hood it shares with tax-paying it or not---utilizing a portion of the taxpayer-funded wildlife homeowners, the venerable parkland to accomodate this Murphy Ranch Little League enterprise! playing fields, and---of great Ultimately, the hillside that concern to the Conservancygraces the northeast corner of --public parklands and nature Colima and Mar Vista will be areas. While the church has worked gone, graded away, with uncer-
they paradise paved
The Whittier Area Community Church, at the corner of Mar Vista and Colima, has made public its plans to expand its site significantly. This proposal will seriously affect the environment upon which it rests as well as the neighbor-
BROADWAY MASSACRE the language of the Tree Ordinance is a specific provision for a waiting period in order for the public to weigh in on the removal of a street tree. Given the circumstances, perhaps the neighbors would have come to same conclusion as the city, but the fact that residents were blindsided and disenfranchised 4
tainty as to what will replace it. The affected residents on Villa Verde Drive, which runs along the eastern boundary of the church property and currently accommodates all ingress and egress for church activities, are justified in their concerns over additional traffic and other environmental impacts. The Whittier Conservancy has gone on record asking that the city do a focused EIR (environmental impact report) to address the scope of the project and its anticipated cumulative impacts on both the neighborhood and the open space that will be compromised if the process continues without state-mandated oversight. To be clear, the Conservancy is not opposing the church’s plans, just asking for additional review in order to answer the questions mentioned herein. It is in everyone’s interest---the church, the city, and the residents---for fairness to dictate the outcome. k
(cont. from p. 2)
has not only enraged the neighborhood, but it has raised the issue of trust with our elected officials who really stretched the rules in order to accommodate an individual. With proper procedure, several alternatives could have been proposed and considered, such as: the drastic topping of
the trees to the point that no leaves or berries were an issue for another year; the pruning and covering of the trees to prevent the berries from encroaching on property in question; neighbors volunteering to rake and sweep the berries until the child recovers. The point is: the city acted rashly, and per-
haps improperly, in unilaterally granting an exemption to the hard-fought-for Tree Ordinance without any input from the public. The residents at Broadway and Bright are going to have long, hot summers for many years to come! n
SPRING 2008
Council’s Corner by Owen Newcomer
GREENWAY TRAIL PROGRESS/SAVE PIO PICO PARK The bridge is up! Pickering has a bridge again. The final bolt has been secured and the structure passed inspection mid-February. Now, a surface for bicycling and walking will be added to the bridge structure and the trail will be graded. After different procedures to cut out the original Salt Lake Route emblem proved unworkable, casts were made of the emblem so it could be displayed at the Depot on Greenleaf Avenue and reproduced in the concrete support for the new bridge. The emblem showed up well in the Whittier Daily News photo of the new bridge. Although a major part of the Greenway Trail, the bridge is only one part of an almost five-mile-long bicycle and walking trail that is re-
placing an abandoned Union Pacific Railroad line. Along the trail there will be interpretive stations that highlight the history of Whittier. The trail begins at Pioneer Boulevard at the west end of Whittier and goes near five schools and crosses Whittier Boulevard before it ends just north of Lambert Road between Gunn and Mills where it joins an active railroad line. We are negotiating with the Southern Pacific to buy an easement along the active rail line. Our goal is to extend the Greenway Trail so it goes to our eastern city border, and to extend it on the west so it connects with the San Gabriel River Trail. Already there are plans to connect the River Trail to Pio Pico State Historic Park.
Speaking of Pio Pico Park, the city is sending letters to state officials, to other cities in the Southeast and in the San Gabriel Valley asking those cities to also petition the state to keep Pio Pico State Historic Park open. Governor Schwarzenegger has listed Pio Pico Park and many other state parks on his closure list to resolve his state budget deficit. It is a foolish cut. Pio Pico was the first California State Historic Park. It is the only state park that touches on the era of Mexican rule, and it is an inspiration to local students and local residents. Just a few years ago, the state spent about $5 million to restore the adobe and to create a representative landscape of the period around
the adobe. Archeological digs have occurred, festivals are regularly scheduled and many local residents volunteer as docents in period costumes to promote understanding of our heritage. We cannot allow the state to close Pio Pico State Historic Park, and the city is leading the fight.You can help by joining with the Friends of Pio Pico and writing or telephoning the governor’s office and your local state Assembly and Senate representatives. (We would appreciate if you also keep petitioning these same state officials to sell Nelles to a private developer.) Hopefully, come July we will be able to bicycle or walk on the Greenway Trail to the Pio Pico Adobe, and get a fascinating tour led by a familiar local docent! R
Pio Pico Rancho, circa 1935-1940 Image from Calisphere. Calisphere is a service of the UC Libraries, powered by the California Digital Library. Copyright © 2007, The Regents of The University of California. Contributing Institution, Whittier Public Library
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CAL DOMESTIC LAWSUIT UPDATE In May of last year the Conservancy filed a lawsuit against the City of Whittier for allowing (on a 3/2 vote) the potential demolition of the historic California Domestic Water buildings on Whittier Blvd. across from Whittwood. The city had violated California law by not preparing an environmental impact report to determine the significant effects of demolishing a historic
CALISPHERE, HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
www.calisphere.org
A recent visit to the Uptown branch of the Whittier Public Library provided an introduction to a fabulous new resource available to all!
Old redwood pipeline from E. Whittier to La Habra Creator/Contributor: Unknown Date: 1906? Image from Calisphere. Calisphere is a service of the UC Libraries, powered by the California Digital Library. Copyright © 2007, The Regents of The University of California. Contributing Institution: La Habra Old Settlers Historical Society
resource. They also bypassed several city regulations requiring compliance with the Whittier Municpal Code. At this printing, we have entered into a tentative settlement agreement among the Conservancy, the City, and Cal Domestic. With the hope of avoiding a lengthy court battle, details of the settlement should be made public by the time our next newsletter goes to print. Thanks for all the encouragement and donations earmarked for this particular cause as we once again go to bat for the heritage of our community and for adherence to the law !
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS WEATHERING REAL ESTATE DOWNTURN Falling real estate values have captured headlines across the country, but in Whittier’s historic neighborhoods, there is some good news to report: During the past year, the median sales price of homes in 90601, which includes Whittier’s officially designated historic district, slipped only 1%, compared to much higher losses elsewhere in the City. During the same period, median prices have fallen 6% in 90603, 13% in 90605, and 18% in 90602. Why would Uptown neighborhoods be outperforming the rest of Whittier? One obvious difference among the various neighborhoods—and the one that’s of interest to the Whittier Conservancy—is the designation of a historic district in Uptown Whittier. 6
At times of real estate uncertainty, Uptown homebuyers may simply be willing to pay a bit more to live in a unique home in a uniquely protected neighborhood. Sloppy or unrestrained development might also drive down prices in neighborhoods where historic preservation is not practiced. This could help explain why prices in a premium neighborhood such as Friendly Hills, where Cityapproved mansionization and development that is out of character with surrounding properties may also be taking a toll on property values. For property owners, the losses are real: Since 2001, homes in the 90603 zip code which includes Friendly Hills have typically sold for about two percent more on average
than homes in 90601. As of January 2008, however, this relationship has shifted. According to Dataquick Information Systems of La Jolla, the median price of homes in the 90601 zip code is now $555,000, compared to $545,000 in 90603. For those in neighborhoods experiencing the greatest declines, and worrying about it, it may be time to consider a Conservancy membership. Our position is clear: The City of Whittier doesn’t need less historic preservation; it needs more. And whether you live in Uptown, Friendly Hills, or anywhere else in the city, the Conservancy stands ready— with your support—to protect your neighborhood, and improve its value, too. C
SPRING 2008
WHITTIEr CONSERVANCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2008
PRESIDENT ~
DOROTHEA BOYD VICE PRESIDENTS ~ SCOTT CRAWFORD, MICHAEL TACCONI SECRETARY ~ MEL STURR TREASURER ~ SCOTT NEAL MARIA CARPIAC JANE GOTHOLD REGINA PHELAN GEORGE PRATHER SALLY SCHACHT JOHN SMITH IV MARY SULLENS PHIL WINTNER
THE PRESERVATIONIST EDITORS:
MARIA CARPIAC CHARLES CLAVER BERKELEY STEWART P. O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608 www.whittierconservancy.org
REVIEW OF THE CONSERVANCY/FRIENDS OF THE HILLS, CANDIDATES FORUM Whittier City Council Elections! Tuesday, April 8th. Please remember to VOTE!
The Whittier Conservancy and Friends of the Whittier Hills hosted a lively and informative City Council Candidate’s Forum On Wednesday, March 19th, which was televised at City Hall. The Conservancy was fortunate to have secured as moderator Conny McCormack, former L.A. County Registrar of Voters/County Clerk and Whittier resident. Each candidate answered pre-selected questions from the Conservancy/Friends of the Hills as well as questions from the audience ranging from drilling for oil in the hills, code enforcement, and historic preservation to whether Modern/Contemporary architecture is appropriate for historic Uptown. While the Whittier Conservancy does not endorse candidates for office, we encourage our members to study the candidate’s positions on the issues that are important to our community: historic preservation, expansion and protection of the Whittier wilderness corridor, quality business, effective code enforcement, and redevelopment that is sensitive and complimentary to Whittier’s unique architectural heritage. C
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR / EVENTS / NOTES Whittier City Council Elections! Tuesday, April 8th Please remember to VOTE! Earth Day 2008 Saturday 4/12/2008 (10am - 3pm) Saturday, April 12, 2008 Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County Featuring: Environmental Exhibits! Hands-on Earth Friendly Activities! Free Family Fun! Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Community Meeting April 4/9/2008 Lend you support of the Metro extension to Whittier! Location: Whittier Historic Train Depot Greenleaf Avenue Rio Hondo Symphony Concert Series Sunday 4/13/2008 (3:00 PM) “Celebration for an Orchestra” Borodin & “In The Steppes of Central Asia” Stravinsky - The Firebird Suite (1919) PLUS Young Artists Competition Winners Rio Hondo Symphony Association Event Location: Vic Lopez Auditorium @ Whittier High School Whittier Historical Society & Museum 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff Saturday 4/19/2008 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Major fund raiser for the WHS & Museum. This is a International Chili Society Sanctioned Cookoff. Chili cookers are mem-
The Whittier Conservancy P.O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608-9114 Additional information and past newsletters can be found on the Conservancy website: www.whittierconservancy.org Consider making a donation to the Whittier Conservancy to support our programs and efforts to preserve our city’s unique history. Donations may be sent to the address listed on page 7. For any questions, please call The Whittier Conservancy at (562) 693-5853.
First Friends East Whittier Church, circa late 19th century Image from Calisphere. Calisphere is a service of the UC Libraries, powered by the California Digital Library. Copyright © 2007, The Regents of The University of California. Contributing Institution: Whittier Public Library
bers of ICS and are eligible for prizes. There will also be craft booths. Those who have questions or wish to participate please call the Whittier Museum, 562/945-3871 or Rosalie Dannenbaum, Chairperson at 562/698-1718 Cost: $3.00 per person Location: Whittier Historic Depot 114th Annual Founders’ Day Saturday 5/10/2008 (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Join in celebrating Whittier’s 114th birthday at the annual Founders’ Day event. The festivities will begin with a parade from City Hall to Central Park, located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Bailey Street. Entertainment, historic exhibits, games and food for the entire family. Admission is free, and food is available for purchase. The celebration is co-sponsored by the City of Whittier Community Services Department and the Whittier Historical Society. For more information, call (562) 464-3360. Cost: Free - food available for purchase Location: Central Park California Bike to Work Day Thursday 5/15/2008 Los Angeles County’s 14th Bike to Work Day is part of California Bike Commute Week May 12- 16. On May 15, commuters are encouraged to cycle to work. The bike to work day event held at the Historic Transportation Depot will provide information on bike routes, promote safety and promote bicycling throughout the County. Prize drawings, food and drink and free hand-outs! Two local bike stores will be invited to attend. Join us to promote this alternative way to commute which is both healthy and environmentally friendly.
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