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to be built and will highlight the partnership of Southern California Edison and the Whittier Conservancy in supporting sustainability and improving Whittier’s environment and quality of life.

The Whittier Conservancy, through the foresight of Conservancy board members Lilyan & Scott Neal, acquired columns from a historic building on the Nelles property after it was demolished.

During conversations regarding how to best display this piece of Whittier’s history, the prospect of participating in the renovation of the Greenway Trail soon emerged as a prime

Preser

The Whittier Conservancy was awarded a $50,000 Edison International Corporate Contribution Grant in August 2009 for restoration of historic structures that will be displayed at the Greenway Trail’s Palm Station.

The Palm Station, situated at Palm Park, will feature typical Whittier residential designs and will serve as an educational exhibit highlighting three main architectural styles of early Whittier homes (Victorian, Craftsman and Spanish Eclectic). While the Palm station was never completed due to lack of funding, the Conservancy’s grant will allow this station

WHI T

EDISON AWARDS CONSERVANCY $50,000 a tur Hist oric & Na

PAY TO THE ORDER OF

The WHITTIER CONSERVANCY

The City of Whittier Fifty thousand & no cents 16011 E. Whittier Boulevard Whittier, CA, 90603 (562) 947-1920 Phone

FOR

Edison Grant, Whittier Greenway ~ Palm Station

opportunity to contribute to Whittier’s architectural history and natural beauty. Furthermore, we envision the Palm Station as a potential meeting location on the Greenway trail for residents’ biking and walking excursions.

This grant involves a true collaboration between

Aug 24, 09

$

DATE

50,000 DOLLARS

Mary Gorman-Sullens, Mike Tacconi

Southern California Edison, the Whittier Conservancy, members of the community, and the City of Whittier. The Conservancy also thanks fellow Whittier resident Sylvia Southerland, Regional Public Affairs Manager for Edison, whose leadership and support made this grant possible.

HISTORIC Neighborhood PETITIONS FOR RECOGNITION On Wednesday, August 12th, a group of residents from the Earlham Drive block directly south of Whittier College went before the city’s Historic Resources Commission with a petition urging the city to declare their neighborhood a historic district.

This meeting marked the first time residents have initiated the designation of their own neighborhood for historic status.

Represented by residents Deirdre and John Murdy, who bought a house on Earlham in 2004, the petition was accompanied by a report detailing the history of Earlham Drive as it related to the founding of the college. Anchored by Earlham Hall, home to the first president of Whittier College, the proposed district includes eight houses which were significant to the original settlers of the Quaker community as well as the College’s founders. The Conservancy supports the residents’ proposal. Public hearings will commence this fall in hopes that the City will concur.

Quaint Earlham Drive and residents, Deirdre & John Murdy

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS HISTORIC PRESERVATION and energy are expended on replacements that often benefit the manufacturers more than the consumers. Properly caulking existing wood windows and using inside strip draft barriers are not only more cost effective, but they preserve the financial and aesthetic value of historic resources.

Recently, the city of WhitSustainable lifestyles start with an acknowledgement that actier allowed window changetions and decisions we as individuals make can collectively lower outs on historic homes with our carbon footprints. By reusing existing housing stock and a majority vote of the City commercial buildings, “greening” what we already have, and reinCouncil. In the historic vesting in older communities, we can simultaneously reduce the district of College Heights, load on landfills and displace future carbon emissions. Historic a homeowner was given a preservation is a key component in the promotion of sustainable variance to bypass the code development and the biggest impact can be made right in your and installed inappropriate own home. vinyl windows on a house that One big myth currently being circulated is the notion that was a “contributing resource” window replacement will save energy. In fact, research now to the district. City Hall is shows that much more energy escapes through un-insulated also contemplating a window walls, under doors, and up attics than through drafty windows. replacement in order to bring In addition, window replacement is resulting in a cumulative erothe 1955 signature building up sion of historic resources nationwide. to current energy standards.

Historic wood windows with properly installed storm winThe Conservancy’s recommendows can easily last more than 100 years, while most new dation to the city is to have a windows are likely to be replaced within 25. Money, materials, historic preservation architect

look at their plans and do reflective cost/benefit analyses before approving anything that would result in removal of the original windows.

We as a community should recognize that new windows provide little net environmental benefit, cost money, and diminish the dollar value of historic structures. Economic data supports the fact that buildings with original features and construction materials hold their value, while remodels with inappropriate materials compromise the structure’s appraised value. In the downturn of the housing industry, historic neighborhoods have fared much better than contemporary tract housing.

Please take a look at the information below and call us if you have any questions about window replacement on your home. There are ways to both conserve and preserve.

online window preservation information My windows are old and drafty; why shouldn’t I buy new ones?

1) More energy is typically lost through your roof and uninsulated walls than through your windows. Adding just 3 and ½ inches of insulation in your attic can save more energy than replacing your windows.

2) Replacement windows are called “replacement” for a reason. Manufacturers often offer “lifetime” warranties for their windows. What they don’t make clear is that 30% of the time, a replacement window will be replaced within 10 years.

3) Replacement windows that contain vinyl or PVC are toxic to produce and create toxic by-products. Installing these in your house is not a “green” approach.

4) If your windows are 60 years or older, chances are that the wood they are made of is old growth – dense and durable wood that is now scarce. Even high-quality new wood windows, except for mahogany, won’t last as long as historic wood windows.

5) Studies have demonstrated that a historic wood window 2

properly maintained, weather-stripped, and with a storm window, can be just as energy efficient as a new window.

6) According to studies, it can take 240 years to recoup enough money in energy savings to pay back the costs of installing replacement windows.

7) Each year, Americans demolish 200,000 buildings. That is 124 million tons of debris, or enough waste to construct a wall 30 feet high and 30 feet thick around the entire US coastline. Every window that goes to a dump adds to this problem.

8) With a little bit of practice, it can be easy – and inexpensive – to repair and maintain your wood windows.

9) Not a DIY-er? Hiring a skilled tradesperson to repair your windows fuels the local economy and provides jobs.

10) Historic wood windows are an important part of what gives your older building character.

To read this article in full, please visit http://www.preservationnation. org/issues/sustainability/

FALL 2009

Mission Statement The Whittier Conservancy is committed to the preservation and enhancement of Whittier’s unique character and quality of life.

The Conservancy promotes awareness and appreciation of Whittier’s historic, aesthetic, and natural resources. The Conservancy works for the preservation and sensitive use of Whittier’s significant residential structures, landmark commercial buildings, and notable landscapes, including its valuable cultivated trees, public parks, and the natural beauty of the Whittier Hills.

WHITTIEr CONSERVANCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2009

PRESIDENT ~

Mary Gorman-Sullens VICE PRESIDENT ~ CHARLES CLAVER SECRETARY ~ MEL STURR TREASURER ~ MICHAEL TACCONI

GEORGE PRATHER JOHANNES RITTERSHAUSEN SALLY SCHACHT JOHN SMITH IV

P. O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608 www.whittierconservancy.org

Conservancy Editorial WHAT’SWRONGWITH THIS PICTURE? Anyone who’s been Uptown lately can hardly miss the newly constructed “Serenity Plaza” on the northern end of Greenleaf Avenue. This new cinderblock edifice dwarfs the Atrium Business Court to the south and the Tudor to the north and gives an adobe, Santa Fe Mission style that is completely incompatible with any existing building as well as the character of Uptown.

We have heard many residents ask how this building could have been approved under the new Uptown Specific Plan.Well, while residents and business owners were brainstorming to form a shared vision for the new Uptown Specific Plan, this project was already in the works.

We have learned that the final color scheme and design elements for this very building were changed by city staff AFTER final city approval. This means that the current building IS NOT the development that was originally reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board (Recently Dissolved by the City Council), Planning Commission, and finally, our elected City Council.

Now we have a rather large, inappropriate, incompatible development without the oversight and codified guidelines that were part of the old Specific Plan, the prevailing document that—by law-- required “new structures, as well as rehabilitations, [to] incorporate [Uptown Specific Plan] design elements in order to create a harmony between the old and new structures along Greenleaf and Philadelphia.”

(USP EIR, adopted 1989) The same is true for the “renovations” of the old Los Portales and Myers/Boston Store buildings.

The Conservancy does not have an issue with the businesses that have come to Uptown and occupy these buildings. In fact, we welcome and support them!

Rather, it is the buildings, not their occupants that have become sources of contention due to the insensitive nature of their size and design.

Let’s hope that new construction, from this point forward, is sensitive to the historic nature of Uptown, reflects and complements what is already there, and follows both intent and the guidelines of the newly adopted Uptown Specific Plan. Stay tuned…

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

living & working in uptown

Kyle moved to Whittier 22 years ago because he loved the unique community, beautiful old homes, and the city’s creative energy. Together with his wife Marie, they’ve owned and restored three Spanish-style properties, one of which was featured on the Historic Neighborhood Association’s 2008 home tour, and have raised two daughters in the process! Marie has been an attorney located in Uptown for 11 years, while also finding time to nurture her passion for cooking. Kyle worked as theVP of a food distributorship for many years and now owns and operates restaurants all over the South Land. Says Kyle “we feel like we’ve become part of Whittier and Whittier is a part of us.

This community is more than a place to live, it’s a home.”

To learn more about Fenix 5-4, you can visit www.fenix54.com or stop by 6754 Greenleaf Ave!

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The Preservationist recently sat down with Kyle Koestner, co-owner of Fenix 5-4, Uptown Whittier’s newly opened juice bar, sandwich establishment, and purveyor of organic/natural products. The self-described “pure food eatery” is nestled in the 1922 Art Deco building on the corner of Greenleaf and Philadelphia.

The Preservationist: Tell us about your business?

Kyle: Well, the concept is to serve healthy food for a variety of diets, from vegan to vegetarian to meats that are organic and of course juices from raw fruits and vegetables. We put a lot of love into our cooking; we do everything from scratch – all our soups, salads – and use organic and locally grown ingredients. And we’re very passionate about wheatgrass and other types of “superfoods”.

It’s really the best quality we can find and then home-cooked when you order.

The Preservationist: Normally you pay a premium for “organic”.Your offerings seem very competitively priced. What gives?

Kyle: What we do is mix really great, and often more expensive, ingredients in the perfect portions, so customers feel like they’re getting a great value and we can still use premium products.

Our goal was not to do a six-foot high turkey sandwich, but use the best turkey and blend it with other ingredients, like a fruit chutney, that pick up the taste buds. Also my wife, Marie, who’s back in the kitchen right now, came up with many of the recipes originally to meet our home budget!

The Preservationist: Why did you choose Uptown Whittier?

Kyle: My partner Johnny Nixon and I are big fruit and vegetable “juicers” and we were looking to open just such a place in Whittier. We have several other different types of restaurants all over in Griffith Park, Encino, Sherman Oaks and what not. But when this space opened up we immediately jumped on it. Look, there are Quads and Whitwoods in every town, but Uptown is a jewel. There’s a real positive vibe here now, a distinct character, and a great mixing of energies. It’s fun to be around and work in! While I’ve lived in Whittier for 22 years, Johnny likes it so much he’s thinking about moving from the West Side!

The Preservationist: Would you change anything about your experience so far in Uptown?

Kyle: We’ve started an organization called Fix Uptown Now, or F.U.N., which strives to bring all of Whittier, irrespective of previous political positions or personalities, together around a couple of key Uptown issues such as parking, cleanliness, and safety. The goal is to create a better environment for business and patrons, while also helping to implement the city’s Uptown Specific Plan.

We’re excited about this group and already have hundreds of supporters!

The Preservationist: What advice would you have for someone who wants to do something like you have done?

Kyle: Well first you have to be passionate about what you do. Also look for the value equation. In our case, we saw this huge movement towards sustainability and healthy living. The young people today are especially conscious about the environment and their personal health. So now here I am, I walk to-and-from work, make pure, really healthy food, and I’m meeting all kinds of great new friends! Those are my sustainable values!

FALL 2009

A HEALTHY FICUS ON PAINTER

A DECLINING FICUS ON PAINTER

COMPACTED SOIL & ROOTS CUT

What’s Killing Whittier’s Fig (Ficus) Trees?

Like many other cities in Southern California, Whittier is home to majestic canopies of Indian laurel-leaf fig (Ficus nitida) trees. The plantings along Painter Avenue north of Whittier Boulevard are particularly noteworthy for their imposing, handsome habit. Unfortunately, residents may have noticed that some of the Indian laurel-leaf figs in Whittier are declining and even dying. A fungal disease called sooty canker is responsible for this decline and death, and it is killing ficus trees throughout Southern California. The first disease symptoms are abnormal leaf drop and a thinning of the crown. Twigs and small branches die back first, followed by the larger branches. Eventually the disease advances to the main trunk and kills the tree. Because the fungus typically attacks only one branch or section at a time, it is common to see trees with conspicuous splotches of brown, dead areas intermingled with dark green healthy leaves.

Unfortunately, little is known about sooty canker on Indian Laurel-leaf figs although stressed and/or wounded trees seem particularly susceptible to infection. Improper culturing, especially inadequate watering, is primarily responsible for stressing trees. Stressed trees will become more common as we continue through another in a series of drought years, and residents are asked to reduce water use. The disease also infects the tree primarily through bark wounds, like those caused by pruning, and can be spread via pruning tools, wind, rain, and insects, birds,

and other animals. Urban street trees are particularly vulnerable to infection as they grow under naturally stressful conditions, such as restricted root zones, compacted soil, polluted air, inadequate water and nutrients, and are subjected to practices that create wounds, like frequent and severe branch and root pruning.

Whittier residents will notice a striking correlation between diseased trees and recent sidewalk repairs, as these tend to damage root structures and weaken a tree’s natural defenses.

Unfortunately there is no cure for sooty canker, so prevention is the best and only option. Water trees correctly; not by calendar or clock, but when needed. To do so, apply enough water to moisten the upper foot of soil at the base of the tree thoroughly and avoid over watering. Sound bark is the first line of defense.

Prune only when absolutely necessary. If detected early enough, it may be possible to prune out initial infections that are confined to a few branches. Cut at least one foot below the infected wood, using proper pruning techniques. When pruning diseased trees, disinfect equipment and saws between cuts with a 4:1 water-tohousehold bleach solution. Do not use chain saws because they cannot be adequately cleaned.

For additional information and downloadable brochures about tree and plant care, please visit: http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/ and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/

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THE PRESERVATIONIST Fix Uptown Now. (F.U.N.), a new community group in Whittier, is focused on advocating change that will have immediate and positive impacts on the Uptown Whittier business district.

F.U.N. is attracting a diverse and passionate membership of individuals representing practically every organization in Whittier, including the Whittier Conservancy, the Uptown Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Coalition for a Better Whittier, the Northwest Whittier Hills and Friendly Hills Homeowner’s Associations, and a great many Whittier residents.

The Conservancy is formally represented in F.U.N. by Mary Sullens and Charles Claver.

The City of Whittier Economic Development Strategy Fiscal Year 2008-2009 states, “Uptown is recognized as the “heart” of the community, both from a business and cultural standpoint.”

Our historic business district is currently in revival, and ap-

celebrate sustainability with us at the 22nd Annual Conservancy Party!

proaching a tipping point with positive momentum. With active participation of organizations like F.U.N., Uptown can realize the true potential it has been seeking to regain over the last 22 years. F.U.N continues to add to its list of supporters and asks for no annual dues, just your support.

Historic Uptown is one ofWhittier’s most precious resources. Uptown represents our beginnings as a city, our identity today, and our hope for the future.The 1987Whittier Earthquake dealt our community a severe setback and we are still struggling to recover. Our collective voice is imperative in creating a community focused on restoring our historic business district to its former splendor. As concerned citizens ofWhittier, we now step forward with a clear and united mission. Our desire to live, work, and shop in historic Uptown leads us to identify the following pressing issues that can and must be solved in order to “Fix Uptown Now”: 1) Address safety concerns and loitering; 2) Advocate for the seriously neglected care and maintenance of Uptown; 3) Support better management of parking resources such as parking enforcement; and 4) Help implement the new Uptown Specific Plan.

F.U.N.’s statement of purpose:

To help Fix Uptown Now, please e-mail: fun.whittier@verizon.net

The Whittier Conservancy Annual Dinner will be held Saturday, October 10th, at seven o’clock in the evening, in the courtyard of the historic National Bank Building in Uptown. Located at 13006 Philadelphia, the 1923 Beaux Arts classic is one of Whittier’s most iconic and historic structures. We are excited to present our annual event at one of Uptown’s signature buildings!

As the Whittier Conservancy celebrates its 22nd Anniversary, we will honor the Southern California Edison (SCE) Company.

In July, SCE awarded the Conservancy a $50,000 grant for the construction of the new Palm Station rest stop along the Whittier Greenway Trail. (See related story) Edison representative Sylvia Southerland, along with SCE executives and employees will accept an award for continued leadership in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. SCE has granted the Conservancy a total of $75,000 over the last two years for projects to enhance Whittier’s Greenway Trail.

During the Annual Dinner, the Conservancy will also present awards to recent examples of exemplary historic preservation and community enhancement. Residential, commercial, and institutional submissions are all eligible for consideration and will be chosen in the following categories: • • • • •

The BOTTLE ROOM

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Historic Preservation Historic Restoration New Construction – Residential New Construction - Commercial Community Enhancement

Admission is $40.00 per person, which will include appetizers and a delicious dinner catered by Chef Denise Portillo and her Il Bella Cafe (12824 E Hadley St)!

The always exciting and eclectic silent auction will also be on display, the proceeds of which will benefit the Conservancy’s annual operating expenses. To donate an item, please call Maria Claver at (562) 693-5853. All donated items are tax deductible.

We hope to see you on October 10th!

FALL2008 2009 SPRING

The Whittier Conservancy Taste of Historic Whittier was sold out and a rousing success! Four beautiful homes, many delicious courses, and lovely accompanying wines later, more than one guest was eager to book a place for next years event!

The Whittier Conservancy Membership Application ______________________________________________________________________________________________ To become a member or renew your membership, please complete and send the following form with your tax-deductible donation to: The Whittier Conservancy P.O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608-9114

Quantity:

$40.00 per ticket for the Annual Conservancy Party ~ OCTOBER 10, 2009, 7PM, The Historic Bank of America Building

______________________________________________________________________________________________

$25.00 Individual Membership

$10.00 Student Membership

$45.00 Family Membership

$100.00 Patron $________ License Plate Frames $30 each

Yes, I want to be a part of the Whittier Conservancy!

Name: __________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

Fall 2009

COMMUNITY CALENDAR / EVENTS / NOTES SAVE THE DATE ~ Saturday, October 10th, 7PM The Whittier Conservancy Annual Preservation Party To be held at the Historic Bank of America Building, Greenleaf & Philadelphia.

Awards for preservation, rehabilitation, enhancement, and adaptive reuse of both commercial and residential structures will be presented.

October 14th, 7:00PM, City Hall---Historic Resources Commission to discuss Earlham resident’s petition for designation of Earlham Historic District.

October 24th- Whittier Historic Neighborhood Association Annual Tour.

10AM - 4PM, Go to www.whittierhistoric.org for more details October 24th- Historic Uptown Whittier Antique Fair.

8AM - 4PM, Philadelphia & Greenleaf. Appraisals, Food, Calliope & more!

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 above.

For any questions, please call The Whittier Conservancy at (562) 693-5853.

The Whittier Conservancy P.O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608-9114

Send Your RSVP for the Conservancy Party TODAY!

The Emporium Building and The Bank of America circa 1930 SW corner of Philadelphia St. at Bright Ave. Also shown: Whittier Secretarial School, Roger’s Drug Store, Hill & Garden Clothiers, & the Whittier Grocery.

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 Contributor: Unknown

Annual Whittier Holiday Events The Grand Illumination, Friday December 4th, 6 - 10PM The 56th Annual Christmas Parade, Saturday December 12th, 10AM The Holiday Sonata, Saturday Dec. 19th Local Docent Led Hikes Offered by The Puente Hills Landfill, Native Habitat Preservation Authority Learn about the history, wildlife & restoration of the Preserve  October 10th ~ Arroyo Pescadero Trailhead, 9AM to 11AM To reserve your space or for more information contact Helen Cohen at: 562-945-9003 or hcohen@habitatauthority.org www.habitatauthority.org Whittier - CA Grown - Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, flowers, breads, fresh fish, and more.

Relocated to the parking lot on the corner of Philadelphia & Bright.

8AM - 1PM, every Friday Friends of the Whittier Public Library Support your library, donate and shop at the “Friends” bookstore, corner of Comstock & Bailey. Hours: Tues 10-2, Fri 9-12, Sat 10-12, Thurs 10AM - 2PM (for donations only) 562-696-4498 Whittier Art Gallery 8035 S Painter Ave. Regular Hours: Wed through Sun, Noon - 5PM 562-698-8710 www.whittierartgallery.org

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITTIER, CA PERMIT NO. 177 Return Service Requested