Sorensen Library

Sorensen Library when it was only 1,000 sq ft.

The Sorensen Library is only a couple of blocks away from my house.  And the best part of this is that it is right next to the Sorensen Park.  I loved going to the library because it was so close to my house.  The only downturn to it was that the library was smaller than a 3 bedroom house.  The library was only 1,048 sq ft.  It was small and there was barely enough space for people to walk through.  In 1992, the library was closed due to major budget cuts, but was reopened in 1996. 

The new Sorensen Library

Afters years of planning to rebuild it, the dream of many children that needed that library finally became true.  The constructed began in Nov 2008 and was opened in October 2010.  Although the constructed took over a year and a half, it has been worth it.  The library is the first in the County Libraries with LEED silver rating.  This is also to promote a better environment for the residents of the city.  The building is over 10,000 sq ft.  It has a children's and teen center.  It has various programs for the students.  It also has a homework center.  It has a copy machine and access for the Internet.  I am excited to visit this new library and now take my nephews to rent books. 

Graffiti

There has been a recent increase in graffiti in the City of Whittier.  Due to this, the city has implemented a 24-hour hot line where residents can call and report any vandalism.  The city has adopted a new policy that once a report of vandalism is reported, the city will remove the graffiti within 24 hours.  The city says that this has really showed as a form to stop graffiti.  When the perpetrators see that their graffiti is not there anymore, they loss courage and don't try to redo the graffiti.  The city wants to keep their streets clean and do not want to have a bad city for its residents.  For commercial properties that are affected by this, they have three free clean ups of graffiti.  After the three times that they have had this problem, the owners must respond to clean it.  In another effort to help minimize graffiti, the city installed a $500 reward program.  If a person calls and leads to those who are committing the graffiti, they will receive $500 as a token of appreciation by the city.  Lets try and keep Whittier free of graffiti.  For more information go to the following links  

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD DEPOT

Build in 1892 the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was established in Whittier to serve the community.  The depot was built on 11825 Bailey Street.  Due to an increase in population at that time.  Southern Pacific build a branch line from its main line in Santa Fe Springs.  The depot served local citrus packing companies and a gas works.   In the 1900's  it was decided that they would build the Pacific Electric Railway paralleled to the Southern Pacific Track.  Due to an increase of automobiles, in 1938 the Electric Railway was closed by Whittier.  Therefore Southern Pacific decided to take over the Electric Railway.  It still provided freight train service to Whittier until 1967.  From 1967 until to the mid-1980's the depot was occupied by different industrial tenants.  On July 1, 1978, the depot was register in the National Register of Historic Places.  Plans began to restore the depot.  In 2004 Whittier decided to move it to Greenleaf St.  Due to this the building was taken off the list of historic Places.  In 2005 the depot became enlisted again in the National Register of Historic Places.  Now it is a museum of what used to be Southern Pacific Railroad.    

Comm 435 (w#6) video commentary

I know that this is not related to my subject but it has caught my attention. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Underground Tunnels

Whittier Cardinals

Cal High

I graduated from Whittier High School in 2007 and when I entered the school, there was numerous rumors about the auditorium being haunted.  Also the school was on one side of the street and the rest of the classes was crossing the street.  There was two ways of going to the other side one was to cross the street, or the other one was to go down the tunnel which went underneath the street.  And many people said that we had to pay to go through the tunnel.  Of course they would always tell that to freshman to mess with the fresh meat.  The myth that was true was of the tunnels constructed underneath the school.  This tunnels were constructed during WWII when there was a threat of bombs.  This tunnels would be used in case that bomb attacks happen.  The residents would go in the tunnels and hide there.  The tunnels stretch from Whittier High School all the way to California High School.  The tunnel is about 7 miles long.  I personally have never seen the tunnels, but many of my friends have said that they have gone under there and that they are true.

Studio Danza

Studio Danza is not only a studio for professional dancers to practice their choreography, but it is also open to those who want to learn how to dance.  The studio is open from Monday-Friday.  Many people go to practice their moves there.  although the studio is not that big, it is still enough to go and practice.  Apart from that, Studio Danza also provides instructional classes like Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, and Hip-Hop.  These classes are a favorite because people always want to know how to dance different types of genres.

Another great thing about Studio Danza is that it provides cardio classes mixing up the different types of genres.  The class that is a must all the time is Zumba.  This class is one of the favorite because it combines fun dancing moves while still burning off those calories.  The instructor is a Zumba graduate and is prepared to show Zumba moves.

The studio has many other events that they do outside of the studio.  With in the studio there are different groups of dancers that dance ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, etc.  These groups go out into competitions and represent Studio Danza and Whittier.  Studio Danza is a great place to either come and see people perform or get into shape by joining one of their many classes.  The good thing is that the classes are only $10 per class.  And of course there are packages for much more discount.  For more information go to their website at Studio Danza  

Wednesday Night is Fair Night

Every Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. the local Farmer Market is in Uptown Whittier.  Not only is there fresh produce, but there are live bands and plenty to eat from.  I absolutely love the Farmers Market and the fair that happens on Wednesday nights.  It is so much fun.  Many local residents and even some that are not in the community come and enjoy time here in Uptown Whittier.

The fair is 3 blocks on Greenleaf Ave.  Apart from eating there is also pony rides and jumpers so children do not get frustrated.  what i truly love and enjoy is how local bands come out and sing their music so they could promote themselves.  It brings a lot of new faces to the market.

The market also has hard to find produce, but it is not over priced which is so good.  They also sell bake goods, organic food, they do face painting for the children.  It is a great place to go out with the family and have a fun time without having to spend a lot of money.