2010 spring r s

SPRING 2010

Administration Building at Nelles, built in 1890,wrecked in 1920. McMurray Collection,Whittier Public Library

Historic Nelles Site sold to Lewis Homes The State of California announced in February that they selected the development team of Lewis Operating Group of Upland and Shapell Homes of Beverly Hills to develop the 74-acre Nelles property.

Whittier officials have indicated that any redevelopment should generate between $1 million and $1.5 million in annual sales tax and the city favors a mixed-use development for the property with 45 percent residential, 35 percent commercial and 20 percent medical offices with close proximity to PIH. The adjacent 20 acre Leggett & Platt

site is also for sale and being eyed for an extension of any development of the Nelles site.

An historic assessment of the property was completed for the State of California in 2005 in preparation for the initial sale of the property. Of particular note is the following conclusion: “The Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility has a multi-layered history, which is significant to the City of Whittier and to the State of California.�

The site contains six buildings that appear to be eligible for individual listing on the

General Municipal Election

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Whittier City Council Elections Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE: http://lavote.net/LOCATOR/Default.cfm

National Register, the site is listed as a State Historical Landmark, and the entire site is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.

As such, the entire site would be considered to be an historic resource under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and would be subject to all of the rules and regulations therein.

Of the 64 buildings on the 74 acre site, only 8 are eligible for historic designation. The Whittier Conservancy feels that there is plenty of land on the 74 acres for a successful mixed use development that could incorporate the older historic buildings for adaptive reuse along with infill development for big box, commercial, retail, senior and market rate housing.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the Whittier Conservancy encourages all Whittier residents to actively participate in the development process in order to advocate for sustainable, smart, and transit oriented development that will significantly improve the quality of life and property values of both Uptown and Whittier as a whole.

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

SUSTAINABLE/SMART GROWTH--IT’S NOW THE LAW! Last year, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law SB 375, known as the “anti-sprawl” bill. Its importance cannot be overstated.

Previously, California’s processes for regional transportation and housing simply meant widening roads, cutting through hills, increasing the number of freeway lanes, and rezoning precious agricultural and desert and hillside lands for “future growth potential.” In Whittier, the old idea of “putting Hadley through” was a clear example. This archaic method of “planning”—completely automobile dependent-- is what led to the cookie-cutter development that dots the landscape everywhere: the same earth-toned shopping centers with the same tenants selling the same merchandise and the same fast food.

This type of regional development produced cheap housing that requires long, expensive commutes and poor quality of life.

Built-out cities like Whittier, which were formed from a sense of common values and real community, DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW THE LEADER. We can retain our uniqueness by rejecting the kind of development and re-development that makes other cities homogenous clones.

SB 375 requires sustainable regional growth plans. Right now, counties have until 2011 to come up with sustainable community growth scenarios called for in the law. It is considered the most sweeping land-use reform in California since the California Environmental Quality Act in the seventies. If enacted with insight and real projection for California’s future, this bill--like many California initiatives—will become the national framework “Many communities have become key leaders in promoting environmental health, sustainable development, and sustainability education at the local level.

Sustainability is key at the local level because citizens are more likely to directly communicate service needs and preferences at the city or town level and are more likely to see the impact of sustainable decisions on their day to day lives. Citizens know when their city or town has made a commitment to sustainability and are likely to support change that has a positive outcome for their home community.

Sustainable development education prospers at the city level because local governments are already leaders in communicating with citizens. They are also more likely to integrate both time and place knowledge held by citizens and expert knowledge held by professionals into sustainability planning and action. Local governments, in the United States, have strongly influenced sustainability decision making and policy at the state and national levels, making them powerful leaders for positive change. Cities and towns are likely to be vital to citizen education and participation on environmental sustainability into the long-run--they are at the very heart of creating sustainability.”

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for transforming “inevitable growth” into “smart growth.”

Merging regional transportation needs with sustainable housing projects will become the antithesis of the devastating sprawl that has turned the Inland Empire and other areas into posters for blight.

SB 375 contains five important components: 1-creation of regional targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction tied to land use; 2-plans to meet those targets, even if they conflict with local plans; 3-regional transportation funding decisions that are consistent with the new plan; 4-transportation and housing plans that must be tied together; 5-new CEQA exemptions and streamlining for compliant projects.

With all of this in mind, Whittier has a wonderful and distinct opportunity with the Nelles School site property.

Large, undeveloped acreage, eight magnificent historic buildings, and proximity to the proposed Washington Blvd. light rail extension make this an ideal location for a project of exemplary sustainable possibilities. Let’s make it clear to our elected officials that a cookie-cutter archaic approach to developing the Nelles property will not be acceptable to this community. Whittier deserves nothing less than a well-thought-out sustainable approach that complements the city’s heritage and reflects something greater than immediate gratification via tax revenue: a commitment to future generations.

~ Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger is Associate Professor at Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts and is the Acting Chair of the Masters of Public Administration Program at Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco, MA. Among her many sustainability focused publications is her book Sustainable Development for Public Administration, with co-author John R. Bartle.

Dr Leuenbergers recommended reading on sustainable cities: Hallsmith, Gwendolyn. 2003. The key to sustainable cities: Meeting human needs/ transforming communities. B.C., Canada: New Society Publishers.

James, Sarah and Torbjorn Lahti. 2004. The natural step for communities: How cities and towns can change to sustainable practices. B.C., Canada: New Society Publishers.

Portney, Kent E. 2003. Taking sustainable cities seriously: Economic development, the environment, and quality of life in American cities. Cambridge: The MIT Press.

Roseland, Mark. 2005, Toward sustainable communities: Resources for citizens and their governments. B.C., Canada: New Society Publishers.

SPRING 2010

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

2010

PRESIDENT ~

MARY GORMAN-SULLENS VICE PRESIDENT ~ CHARLES CLAVER SECRETARY ~ BONNIE SHIRLEY TREASURER ~ MICHAEL TACCONI

DORTHEA BOYD GEORGE PRATHER LILYAN NEAL JOHANNES RITTERSHAUSEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ~

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

Message from the President Welcome to Conservancy 2010! We have been working hard to keep up with all that is going on that affects our quality of life. From trees to historic surveys to environmental issues, this is a busy time in Whittier.

This year we will be weighing in on several major projects facing the city.

The first is the Nelles Correctional School on Whittier Blvd. The 75 acre site includes eight magnificent historic structures which are all listed on the California Register of Historic Resources. Then there is the plan for oil drilling in the Whittier Hills. Finally, the city’s intention to modify the Whittier Blvd. Specific Plan will also require our vigilance.

Each of these important proposals will require a full EIR (environmental impact report) to address a broad range of issues and concerns vital to the Conservancy and the entire community.

After two controversial battles over street tree removal, we are considering making recommendations to the city to clarify and strengthen the Tree Protection Ordinance that we helped put in place a decade ago. Most recently, we submitted a grant proposal to secure start-up funds for the renovation of historic Earlham Hall at Whittier College.

Also on our agenda this year is an effort to encourage the city to combine existing, run-down housing stock with compatible new units to create owner-occupied historic “mini neighborhoods.” The Conservancy has enlisted the help of Heritage Housing Partners of Pasadena to evaluate opportunities that would benefit Uptown.

Soon we will be breaking ground on the Palm Park Rest Station on the Greenway Trail.

With a generous contribution from Southern California Edison, the Conservancy has been finalizing plans to start construction on this great project that will include the recycling of pillars salvaged from the Nelles site. Meanwhile, we continue to stress the theme of Sustainability as we try to advance the notion that we can each do our part to make our home—Whittier and Earth--eco-friendly.

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

PROGRESS ON EARLHAM After a long standoff among Whittier College, the neighbors on Earlham Drive, and the Conservancy, a compromise has been reached that will protect a significant piece of Whittier’s historic fabric.

Last summer, the residents of Earlham Drive petitioned the city for historic district status for their neighborhood. Eight homes, including two owned by the college, hold cultural significance for the entire city because they were built by and for the Quakers who had settled the community just a few years earlier.

In 1903, Dr. Charles E. Tebbetts, first president of Whittier College, built his stately home on Earlham Drive. Later known as Earlham Hall, it is now the centerpiece of both the neighborhood and the proposed historic district.

Months went by without any response from the city. In late November, in an effort to get the stalled petition moving forward, the Conservancy paid the application fee on behalf of the Earlham residents and requested that the matter be heard before the Historic Resources Commission. When that also failed to get the support of the majority of the City Council, negotiations became essential. The college wanted Guilford Hall, in the Campus Inn parking lot, removed from the petition. After many substantive discussions, the Conservancy, residents of Earlham Drive, and the college came up with a solution acceptable to all.

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On February 8th., the City Council voted to send the amended petition and application to the Historic Resources Commission for review. While Guilford Hall will now be omitted from the historic district application, the other seven homes, including historic Earlham Hall, remain. Part of the compromise included the protection of Guilford Hall, which had been on the college’s demolition list. This win/win compromise ensures that all structures will remain intact and the neighbors will have their petition heard before the commission within a few months.

Recently, the Conservancy submitted a grant proposal that—if successful—will provide funding for cost assessments associated with the rehabilitation and renovation of historic Earlham Hall.

SPRING 2010

OIL & OUR HILLS old photo: Whittier Hills, undated, Whittier Library History Room

The City owns approximately 1,290 acres of former oil fields in the hills north of the developed areas of the City. This area was commonly known as the Whittier Main Field, which produced oil for more than 100 years as an active oil field and drilled about 550 wells in that time until the early 1990s. The majority of the land encompassing the oil field was purchased from Chevron and Unocal with Measure A funds in order to preserve the land as open space and wildlife habitat.

The land is currently managed for the City by the Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority (Authority), a joint powers agency whose members include the City of Whittier, County of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. On October 28, 2008, the City awarded a competitive lease to Matrix Oil Corporation that could permit resumption of oil and gas extraction from the site. The agreement leases the City’s mineral rights underlying the Whittier Main Field to Matrix and provides that subject to a conditional use permit and numerous contractual provisions, Matrix could have certain rights, including drilling exploratory oil wells and extracting oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons from the land. In exchange for these rights, the project could generate a substantial long-term income stream for the City and for the preservation and enhancement of the Preserve’s eco-

logical resources and native habitat. Matrix Oil Corp., the operator of the Whittier Main Oil Field has submitted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to the City of Whittier to drill for the purpose of exploration and production of remaining oil and gas reserves at the site. In order to assist the City with evaluation of the suitability of the Matrix CUP application, an EIR will assess the environmental impacts of future drilling and operational activities in the area and, where appropriate, develop mitigation measures to reduce potential significant impacts. These mitigation measures could then be incorporated as conditions of approval for the CUP to be considered by the City. The Whittier Conservancy has been one of the lead grass roots organizations involved with the Save the Whittier Hills Movement over the past 25 years and is closely following this proposed project. The Conservancy has not taken an official position and will not do so until the findings of the formal EIR are released. For a complete review of the 62 page document, please visit the city of whittier website’s home page under Mineral Extraction Information. http://www.cityofwhittier.org Any questions should be directed to: Jeffery Adams, Planning Services Manager jadams@cityofwhittier.org

6754 GREENLEAF AVE WHITTIER, CA 90601

562-693-9780 WWW.FENIX54.COM 5

THE PRESERVATIONIST

FUTURE GOLD LINE / WASHINGTON BLVD ROUTE DEPENDS ON YOU Comments in support of the Washington Blvd. /Whittier route need to be submitted to METRO for inclusion into their Environmental Analysis Report.

Please submit your endorsements for the Washington Blvd. route to Metro by April 14, 2010:

TO: Ms. Kimberly Yu, Project Manager, Metro One Gateway Plaza, 99-22-2 Los Angeles, Ca. 90012 Fax. 213.922.3005 Email: yuki@metro.net

Reasons why Washington Blvd. is the most logical choice: • Will make the greatest positive impact on the communities and region connecting communities (Montebello, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier) and creating a destination light rail transit system.

• Best supports local and regional land use objectives: EXISTING DEVELOPMENT & PROPOSED LAND USE PLANS SUPPORT WASHINGTON BLVD ALIGNMENT

Please copy all emails and letters to: GoldLine@CityofWhittier.org (Comment cards can be obtained from this email address)

The city is seeking interest from local businesses, college students and residents in a campaign to submit daily support letters to the local newspapers for the Gold Line route along Washington Blvd. Sustained interest needs to be made clear and visible for the Washington Blvd. alignment over the next few weeks to raise local community awareness and support for this very important light rail route. Anyone interested in joining this letter writing initiative, please email GoldLine@CityofWhittier.org and your name will be added to the growing correspondence list and you will be given a date for your submission to the Editor.

The Whittier City Council has passed a resolution supporting the Washington Blvd. alignment.

If you have any further questions about the project, contact: Martin Browne, Transit Manager, City of Whittier 7333 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, CA 90602 Tel: 562 698 2131, Fax: 562 907 0043 E-mail: GoldLine@CityofWhittier.org

• Has the highest plan for projected growth in an environmentally sustainable manner • Is projected to have the highest number of NEW TRANSIT RIDERS • Will have the highest ridership of the two proposed alternatives. As per Metro study – over 1 million extra riders a year than the SR-60 route • Will provide a transit alternative for Whittier College students and faculty • Connects the region to Presbyterian Hospital • Will provide ridership to the highest population with zero vehicles available, as project by Metro Study • Will provide transit to the highest number of low income households, as projected by Metro Study • Links to commerce and their job sites • Links to downtown LA and Pasadena • Does not go through a EPA Superfund toxic site like the SR-60 alignment • Does not go through an environmentally sensitive site like Whittier Narrows • Does not end at a Park and Ride lot on Peck Road which will mainly provide one way commuter traffic in the peaks to and from downtown LA and have the potential for ‘empty’ trains in the off peak and weekends

Transit Dependent Population Density within ½ mile of the Station Locations ALTERNATIVE

POPULATION AGE <18

POPULATION AGE >65

POPULATION WITH 0 VEHICLES AVAILABLE

NUMBER OF LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS SERVED

PROJECTED STUDY AREA

204,498

63,862

60,276

79,218

SR 60

13,736

6,300

2,711

6,270

WASHINGTON BLVD

27,702

9,654

5,873

10,245

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M E M B E R S H I P

O P P O R T U N I T Y

SPRING 2010

The Whittier Conservancy M E M B E R S H I P

A P P L I C A T I O N

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

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________________________________________________________ $25 Friend $40 Household

Email:__________________________________________________________________ Please complete and send the above form with your tax-deductible donation to: The Whittier Conservancy, P.O. Box 9114, Whittier, CA 90608-9114

$100 Patron $250 Preservationist $500 Heritage Circle

New Member

$1000 Environmental Steward

Renewal member

License Plate Frames $30 each

I am interested in volunteering

ORDER NOW! THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SPACES: “The social changes of our era can help explain the dramatic increase in urban recreation… premium public spaces, with their diversity of functions, multitude of people, fine views and fresh air obviously have something to offer that is in great demand in society today.”

“In a Society becoming steadily more privatized with private homes, cars, computers, offices and shopping centers, the public component of our lives is disappearing. It is more and more important to make the cities inviting, so we can meet our fellow citizens face to face and experience directly through our senses. Public life in good quality public spaces is an important part of a democratic life and a full life.”

- Jan Gehl, a practicing Urban Design Consultant and Professor of Urban Design at the School of Architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark.

BE INFORMED & STAY UP TO DATE ON CITY OF WHITTIER ISSUES:

www.cityofwhittier.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

HUD Consolidated Plan 2010-2015 Wrong Address on Your Census Form Gold Line Phase ll Public Input Proposed Alcohol & Entertainment Ordinance Affordable Home Ownership Program Property Tax Internet Portal SBA Assistance for Small Businesses Nelles Information Updates Blue Star Program Greenway Trail Update Mineral Extraction Information Meeting Calendar, Agendas & Minutes Graffiti Abatement Program City Charter & Municipal Code Disaster Preparedness

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THE PRESERVATIONIST

SPRING 2010

COMMUNITY CALENDAR / EVENTS / NOTES REMEMBER TO VOTE! ~ Tuesday, April 13th April 11, 11AM - 4PM - L.A. Heritage Day *100+ heritage groups, societies & museums Showcases, performances & presentations ~ 3800 Homer Street, LA 90031 323-225-2700 / www.laheritagealliance.org GO METRO & take a free shuttle from the Heritage Square Gold Line Station or BIKE! Special secure bicycle parking has been arranged!

April 17, 10AM - 4PM ~ 5th Annual Whittier Historical Society CHILI COOK-OFF 4 Tastes for $5. Whittier Historic Depot, Greanleaf between Mar Vista & Penn April 24, 9AM - 4PM ~ 15th Historic Uptown Whittier Spring Antique Fair 9AM - 4PM, Free, Philadelphia & Greenleaf. Appraisals, Food and Entertainment Earth Day Events on April 24 ~ also Restoration Days ~ Preschooler Program Offered by The Puente Hills Landfill, Native Habitat Preservation Authority Learn about the history, wildlife & restoration of the Nature Preserve To reserve your space or for more information contact Helen Cohen at: 562-945-9003 or hcohen@habitatauthority.org - www.habitatauthority.org

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, contact The Whittier Conservancy at (562) 693-5853

May 8 ~ 116th ANNUAL WHITTIER FOUNDER’S DAY Central Park 10AM. Performances, exhibits, city clubs & organizations Call 562-464-3350 for more information June 19, 11AM - 3PM Pio Pico State Historic Park Living History Day 6003 Pioneer Blvd. / 562-695-1217 x102 Go to: www.piopico.org for more details 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

East Whittier School on Whittier Blvd. at Catalina Ave. Circa 1920 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, from the Whittier Library History Room photograph collection Contributor: Unknown

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

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