SPRING 2017
30th Anniversary!
SAVE the DATE - OCT 14
for “Preservation, Progress & Public Awareness— The legacy of the Whittier Conservancy.”
“The theater could be a jewel in our crown,” said Peter Holliday, an art and architectural history professor at Cal State San Bernardino. He said that the film palace, designed like the court of a Spanish hacienda, is one of a few remaining examples of a once-popular style of theater architecture in Southern California. “Interestingly, it is the kind of theater that some developers are now trying to re-establish, we have a chance to keep what other cities are trying to imitate.”
Open Space, Sports Venues, & Community Needs Revealed
-Whittier Votes to Raze Historic Theater, October 15, 1989 LATimes
Everything we’ve done and every suggestion we’ve made has been rooted in California law that requires historic preservation to be considered as part of a project’s environmental review. Because the loss of a community’s identity as well as its invaluable assets affects everyone, we have taken a holistic approach to this very important issue. The Conservancy has been steadfast in advocating for a quality project that benefits all stakeholders: the City of Whittier, the developer, and the living, breathing constituents of the immediate area who deserve some room to roam and space to be. Not only does the currently-proposed project provide less than half of the required open space for the 2,250 + new residents, but it will also under-fund the city’s park fees by over a million dollars and further strain our existing park system, especially the nearby Greenway Trail. cont. on pg 6
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The residents of Whittier are blessed with trails on thousands of acres in the Whittier Hills preserve as well as access to the Greenway Trail. The Conservancy has contributed mightily to both over many years of environmental activism, including the donation of tens of thousands of dollars in grant money and countless hours of advocacy. But there remains one glaring deficit in Whittier’s recreational repertoire: usable open space in the way of neighborhood parks and large playing fields for youth sports. Nowhere is this more evident than in the newly-created District 1, which encompasses much of Uptown and nearly all of southwest Whittier and which is visibly underserved by viable parkland. Remarkably, what appears to be missing is already here—right before our eyes—at the site of the Nelles School, at Whittier Blvd. and Sorenson. Of the existing historic resources officially identified by the State Office of Historic Preservation, two are particularly relevant to the needs of Whittier: one is a building, the Old Gymnasium; the other is an oval patch of dirt, the historic track and field. Both have been given equal status as historic resources worthy of retention and both could well serve the youth of our community for years to come. The Conservancy has proposed that these unique, irreplaceable features be incorporated into the Nelles site as part of their plan for the property. The cost would be minimal given the fact that the site is being purchased for about a third of its fair market value and that home prices have escalated dramatically since the Nelles project was proposed. Our seven-year effort on behalf of the historic Nelles School is not just about “saving old buildings.” Arial illustration of the Nelles Site, showing location of current sports field
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In 2017, the Whittier Conservancy celebrates 30 years of preserving and protecting Whittier. Born in the aftermath of the Whittier Narrows earthquake, the Conservancy was founded as a watchdog organization to hold the City responsible for protecting Whittier’s historic neighborhoods. Our advocacy led early on to the formation of the Historic Resources Commission, which now oversees the application of local preservation ordinances. By using sound criteria to identify historic places worthy of preservation, we believe a community can make land use decisions that ensure progressive change for the better. We believe that the City has an obligation—legal and moral—to maintain and safeguard the historic places that contribute to the cultural identity of this community. Having worked successfully to preserve a variety of buildings and sites, as well as the treasured natural resources of the Whittier hills, we have much to celebrate. But there is more to our mission than preserving history and culture. We believe, too, that preservation helps protect the economic and environmental value of existing buildings, because both demolition and new construction consume tremendous amounts of energy and generate tons of waste. With modifications to improve energy and efficiency, existing buildings may often be adaptively re-used without placing new burdens on the environment. Reinvesting in historic buildings also creates jobs, retains more capital in the community, leverages public infrastructure that has already been paid for by taxpayers, and provides an attractive return on investment. With so many benefits to offer, preservation is often simply a wiser use of available dollars and cents. It is important as well that our organization is made up of real people who live, work, learn, and play in our community. We believe preservation can work as a catalyst for revitalization and renewal, creating attractive, exciting, and thriving neighborhoods, which can be enjoyed by those of us who experience these places daily. We are anything BUT an anti-progress organization; instead, we promote a richer diversity of buildings, allowing new to coexist with old. We are, in this way, proudly invested in a community that is rich in history, with a heritage that tells our story. Among our accomplishments over the past thirty years are, the saving of several historic WHITTIEr homes and much more: • The Casey House, 1989
• Greenway Trail Palm Trees, 2009
• The Dorland House, 1990
• National Trust Grant for Earlham Hall, 2010
• Worsham Canyon, 1991
• Palm Park Rest Station, 2011
• Proposition “A” for Parks, 1992
• Education Grant for Whittier City Schools, 2012
• The Historic Resources Ordinance, 1993, which led to the enactment of the Mills Act, the creation of our historic districts and The Historic Neighborhood Association
• Governors Award for Historic Preservation, 2013
• Whittier Hills Preserve, 1994, 1998, 2001 • California Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, 1995 • The Whittier Conservancy 110 Tree project, spearheaded by Damon Cofer, 1997 • Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, 1998 • The McGee House, 2004 • California Domestic Water, 2007 • The Greenway Trail, 2008 • Earlham Hall, Whittier College, 2008 • Guilford Hall, Whittier College, 2009
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• Hadley Street Medians Project, 2014 • Whittier City Tree Grant, 2015, 2016
With so much accomplished, we are grateful to the 700 families who support the Conservancy’s mission. Please join us as we celebrate our first 30 years of community action. We are the guardians who work diligently on your behalf to preserve Whittier’s special character for generations to come. Whether you are a new or longtime renewing member, we thank you for your support! Mary Gorman-Sullens, President
CONSERVANCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2017
INTERIM PRESIDENT
MARY GORMAN-SULLENS VICE-PRESIDENT
DEIRDRE MURDY TREASURER
MEL STURR SECRETARY
GWEN WOIRHAYE TANIA CRUSE FRED KERZ THERESA RIVAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HELEN RAHDER P. O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608
www.whittierconservancy.org info@whittierconservancy.org
updates
SPRING 2017
This summer, the City of Whittier is considering an overhaul of the Historic Resources Ordinance. Since this law is the only thing standing between preservation and demolition, it is imperative that residents of historic districts and neighborhood groups become involved in this process. The Conservancy’s public policy committee will be looking at any proposed amendments and will make suggestions and alternative recommendations. Citizen input is vital. Public hearing schedules will be posted.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Whittier Narrows Earthquake--which means it is also the 30th anniversary of the Whittier Conservancy! Hard to believe that we have been at the forefront of neighborhood stabilization, historic preservation, sustainability, and other quality of life issues for almost a third of a century! Help us celebrate our longevity and success by joining in the festivities on October 14th. SAVE the DATE for “Preservation, Progress, and Public Awareness---the legacy of the Whittier Conservancy.”
Take a look at the beautiful restoration of historic Guilford Hall at the corner of Comstock and Penn. Moved from Whittier College last year, this remarkable landmark home is being converted into a duplex as the centerpiece of the 11-unit Penn Court Affordable Housing project. Units in Guilford will sell for about $500,000 each and are almost complete. A grand-opening celebration will be held this summer.
In honor of our thirty years of community involvement, we are embarking on a plan to provide Landmark Plaques for all structures that have been designated by the City of Whittier. These plaques will be provided at no cost to the homeowners and businesses that have been honored with landmark status. We are currently seeking reciprocal grants from other community organizations to help defray the cost.
http://www.geologyin.com/2016/01/shallowearthquakes-deeper-tremors.html
The Conservancy has been awarded another grant of $10,000 by Southern California Edison for our “Urban Forest” Restoration project! The drought has damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees in Whittier and our plan is to help both individuals and neighborhoods as they strive to replace trees hard-hit over the past few years. We are always looking for suggestions on locations for plantings and re-plantings.
http://www.cityofwhittier.org/council/comms/default.asp
Volunteer Opportunities are always welcome for events like Earth Day, Founders’ Day, Pio Pico Celebration, etc. Since the Conservancy is a registered non-profit organization, service hours can be documented and verified for students needing community engagement experiences. Paid internships for college students are also available, but competitive. Spread the word!
Calling for interested residents to volunteer for the upcoming vacancy on the Historic Resources Commission and the Planning Commission. Applications are now being accepted by the city and an appointment will be made in June. If you live in a historic home, historic district, or just care about the future of Whittier’s cultural resources, this is your opportunity to serve. WHITTIER COLLEGE INTERN, ANGELICA KLEIN
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THE PRESERVATIONIST
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot /SAVED
30 years of commitme
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Guilford Hall /SAVED - Sustainable Development
Earlham Hall /SAVED, Earlham Historic District
Central Park, Hadley-Greenleaf & College Hills Historic Districts
SPRING 2017 Palm Park Rest Station
Hadley Street Medians Project
nt to the community
California Domestic Water /SAVED - Nominated for the 2013 Governors Award for Historic Preservation
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pocket parks
Historic gymnasium / slated for demolition
cont. from pg1 Adding traffic and congestion while diminishing open space is not in keeping with 21st century sustainable, urban planning. We can and should expect better. The Conservancy proposes considering both the historic gymnasium and the much-needed track and field as usable community activity centers. Currently, Whittier youth teams are scrambling to rent such space from other cities and schools while we have these wonderful, readily-available facilities right here. Tell your council representative that you want quality development with reasonable open space that serves the needs of both current and future residents while respecting this important historic site. ❧
The name speaks for itself. Pocket Parks are tiny parcels of leftover land that serve as “open space” in planned communities. They are highly favored by developers because small, virtually unusable pieces of property can cumulatively qualify as required parkland acreage. Some of these spots lie in very inaccessible areas, behind homes, on top of utility easements, and even next to trash enclosures. While cute and individually appreciated, pocket parks do not serve the public in ways that park land is intended. ❧
NELLES SPECIFIC PLAN OPEN SPACE Required Open Space: 10.8 acres City Approved Open Space: 7.2 acres Actual, fragmented Open Space inc. Pocket Park: 4.6 acres Contiguous Open Space: 2.6 acres Contiguous Usable Open Space: approx 1.4 acres
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100% Amount of Private Open Space
0% Amount of Public Open Space
CONDOS FOR SALE AT PENN COURT
There are still four condos left for sale at the beautiful project at Penn and Comstock. Soon to be known as Penn Court, two of these units are set aside for first-time, moderate income home buyers. The other two will be market-rate units in the beautifully restored Guilford Hall. All have three bedrooms and will be owner-occupied. If you or someone you know wants to live in an urban courtyard development in the heart of Uptown, contact Heritage Housing Partners of Pasadena at (626) 403-4663 ex. 111. Prices range from $387,000 to $505,000. Mills Act property tax relief is available with the Guilford units. Amenities: Private patios and outdoor space; Walking distance to shops and dining along Greenleaf Avenue and Whittier College; Secure parking garage. ❧
SPRING 2017
TRIBUTE TO TED SNYDER Ted in testimony to City Council:
…although our organization has a special “focus on historic preservation, our interests do not stop there. Like you, we live here and we want to see progress in a range of areas including economic development, infrastructure improvement, the arts, sustainability, open space, recreation, education, services to seniors, and all of the other aspects of quality by which any community is measured. We take the view that if you think creatively, there are ways to meet everyone’s interests and find those elusive win-win solutions.
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Born in Minnesota in 1951, young Ted moved to California with his parents in the post-war migration to the west. After living in Fresno and Santa Fe Springs, the family moved to Whittier where two more siblings were added and parents Ted Sr. and Margaret became pillars of community activism. Ted attended local public schools and graduated from Cal High in 1969. He got his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific, where he was a theater major. Over the years, Ted made his living as an actor, musician, mail carrier, communications professional, and campaign consultant. He managed and wrote the literature for many of Whittier’s council races. His passion, though, was nature. Ted spent part of everyday hiking in the Whittier hills. He said it helped him clear his mind and clarify his thoughts. His love and respect for the environment led him to volunteer for and support the mission of the Conservancy. Ted advocated for the betterment of Whittier; from individual neighborhood causes to the preservation of the hills, to the effort to tie sustainability to historic preservation, Ted understood the holistic approach that is necessary to protect the delicate balance between “progress” and “protection.” He actively sought to educate the public about understanding the cause and effect relationship between development and community needs. Under Ted’s leadership as president for the past three years, the Conservancy initiated important battles, made news, and worked tirelessly to make Whittier a better place to live.
Speaking on behalf of the Conservancy’s positions, Ted testified in his final weeks at several important public hearings, articulating the case for the state surplus property at the Nelles School site. Over the past three years, Ted scoured engineering maps, economic data, preservation law, and community needs to try to convince city leadership that all could be achieved in a better project than that which has been proposed and now approved. Still asserting the Conservancy’s environmental stance, he was thoughtful, respectful, and effective to the end. The City of Whittier, under the direction of Mayor Joe Vinatieri, has issued a proclamation in Ted’s honor and will take the unprecedented step of planting a tree in his name in his beloved Sycamore Canyon later this year. The California State legislature, as requested by Assembly Speaker Ian Calderon, adjourned in his name and has presented his wife Terry with a state proclamation as well. In the example of Ted’s life, the Whittier Conservancy finds much inspiration. Preservation is not just about saving old buildings; it’s about making better communities— enabling development that is democratically respectful, culturally relevant, and economically viable. Ted understood that, and it’s up to the rest of us to harness his energy, enthusiasm, and intellect to carry the cause forward.
Thank you, Ted.
Photo courtesy: Matt Berkelhammer
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THE PRESERVATIONIST The Whittier Conservancy P.O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608-9114
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITTIER, CA PERMIT NO. 177
Return Service Requested
Support the Whittier Conservancy, Whittier’s unique history and quality of life. Application inside! or at www.whittierconservancy.org
COMMUNITY CALENDAR / EVENTS / NOTES Join the California Preservation Foundation and Pasadena Heritage at the Pasadena Hilton to celebrate their 40th Anniversary - May 10–13 Explore the most innovative historic preservation practices by examining the region’s rich legacy as a steward of historic places. Explore iconic historic places in tours, mobile workshops, and engaging conference sessions. Conservancy executive director Helen Rahder-Rawitsch is leading a workshop on citizen participation and the development process. Workshop - WED, 5/10, 1–5PM register at: www.californiapreservation.org/education/conference/ 2nd Wednesday Uptown Whittier Art Strolls - May 10, June 14 & July 12, 5–9pm Remembering Huell Howser - Luis Fuerte, Huell’s 5-time-Emmy-winning cameraman & author of new book, “Louie, take a look at this!” will be at the Whittwood Library to tell stories & sign books! Tues, May 9, 6:30pm, Whittwood Branch Library, 10537 Santa Gertrudes - FREE
HIKE! May 20, 9–11 am Free - Join the Docents of the Puente Hills Preservation Habitat Authority for a themed morning hike. Get details & RSVP at the MEETUP site: www.meetup.com/Puente-Hills-Preserve-Hikers/events/ Hills Alive! Program Field trips for schools can be arranged by/through a teacher for an entire class or grade. Reservations are taken on a first-come, firstserved basis. Reservations for the upcoming school year open on the first of August. If you would like to talk about the possibilities, contact Hills Alive, by phone at 562-945-9003 or via e-mail at HillsAlive@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
“Preservation, Progress, and Public Awareness - the legacy of the Whittier Conservancy.”
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
✶ ✶ Support Dancing with the Whittier Stars ✶ ✶ - May 24, 2017 4pm Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. For Info: (562) 567-9400
June 3 - 17th Annual Uptown Whittier Car Show - Featuring an estimated 400+ vintage and classic cars & vintage jeeps, trucks, and other specialty vehicles
October 14th - SAVE the DATE for our 30th Anniversary Celebration!