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.   

GREENWAY TRAL

Whittier in 2009 purchased the 5.8 mile trail way that was before property of the Union Pacific.  Now the trail has been renamed The Greenway Trail.  This long trail begins at the 605 and ends approximately at the end of on Lambert Road by Mills Ave.  the cost of the trail was approximately $11 million dollars. 

This trail is great because many people are taking advantage of this trail to exercise.  It is also great because families can come out and walk, job, or do bicycle with their young ones with out having to worry about cars colliding into them.  Although there are several light stops in between the trail, it is a less harm for the riders. 

Also the trail is good for the environment.  through out the 5 miles ride, there are several wind sculptures that are helping mother earth.  The trail goes behind house, businesses, and through the middle of the city.  Many people that find places far to walk, but close enough to drive find the trail a great alternative.  they can ride their bicycles and save on gas, and at the same time do some exercises. 

Currently Whittier is trying to acquire a line so they can take the Greenway trail and connect it to Orange County.  Through out the path there are several art exhibitions that demonstrate what Whittier was like in previous time.  Like there is a Sycamore stations which represent the Sycamore trees and the wagons that were used before in that path.  an Oak Station is currently under construction.  this part will show the progress of the Quakers since they funded Whittier up to now.  

For more information go to The Greenway Trail

For pictures Photos of Greenway Trail

THE WHITTWOOD MALL



Whittwood Mall original



  I have lived in Whittier all my life and my favorite place to go was the Whittwood Mall. It was my favorite place to go because it was real close to home and it also was a very big mall.  Inside the mall there were trains where I could sit and ride all day long.  Also my favorite place was the Sanrio store because it sold Hello Kitty things.  But unfortunately the Whittwood Mall was destroyed.



Current Town Center


The only stores that stayed there are JcPenny, Sears, and Mervyn's which now is Khole's.  The mall was closed and when they decided to close it, the stores remained in the same place but now it is not a close mall, but rather is a shopping place.  Now it is called the Whittwood Town Center.  Where all the stores used to be now there are parking lots for the other stores.  The other stores that are now there are PetSmart, Worldwide Market, Target, Pay Less shoe store, Jamba Juice, etc.  


Behind the town center, there are constructing Condo's that are now for sale.  I think that they shouldn't of taken away the mall because it was a good thing, there were many stores and it was a mall.  Now if Whittier Residents want to go to a mall, the closest one would either be the Brea Mall, the Montebello Mall, or the Downey Mall, depending on where you live.  Now we are stuck with the World Market and other stores that are not of my interest.  All I wish for is for them to put a Sanrio store.     

WHITTER COLLEGE

Founded in 1887 by the Religious Society of Friends, the Whittier College also named after John Greenleaf Whittier, the college started in 1901 with only 25 students.  In 1893 the construction of the first building, Founders Hall began.  This building was held for classes, gym, and dormitories.  As more people began to apply and get accepted there was more buildings constructed.  In 1912 four senior prankster put the rock which is now the icon of the college.  The college started to compete in sports of the same magnitude like USC, UCLA, and Cal Berkeley. 

What Whittier College is most famous for is their alumnus Richard Millhouse Nixon.  Who in the 1930 spend his four undergraduates years.  During the time he spend at Whittier College he was involved in many campus activities.  He was a member of the Orthogonian Society, was an active member of the debate club, was student body president, and played football. 

Whittier has followed the footsteps of the Quakers by helping others.  Today Whittier College has a wide diversity of students which is great because it helps the students socialize with people that they will eventually need to familiarize once they graduate. 

A Prison in Whittier

In 1890 this facility was constructed for troubled youth, in 1941 the institution was named Fred C. Nelle's Correction Facility to honor the superintendent from school.  For many years, the youth jail was there for troubled children, but also it foster many that didn't have any where to go.  In the early 20th Century, the facility had one of the best programs in the state for manual training and music.  The children from Nelle's would play against Whittier High School in football games. 

There was a problem though, when the juveniles would escape they would have to notify the surrounding schools.  Due to budget cut problems the school was closed in 2004.  In 2007 an anonymous letter was send to State Senator, Gloria Romero.  Apparently this person worked in the youth correction time ago knew that there were some bodies buried around there.  There has  been past reporting that mysterious sounds and laughter's from children are heard around the buildings.  Wow spooky.

Now that the facility is closed it is used for movies and television shows.  The television show The Othersiders reported that while they were filming there.  They could feel that there was paranormal activity and concluded that the building is haunted. For Whittier residents this should be the least of their worries.

When Nelle's closed the State wanted to convert it to a men's prison.  I was really worried because Nelle's is only a couple of blocks down my house, and I have little nieces and nephews.  The other option was to convert it into a State Mental Hospital.  Right behind Nelle's is a private elementary school.  That would worry a lot of parents because it will concern their children's safety.  The City of Whittier put a bet to get the property, but it lost the bet.  As of now the state has not decided the faith of Nelle's.  Hopefully there is no State Prison next to homes and schools.

Whittier Museum

The Whittier Museum is only a couple of minutes from my house so I decided that I should go and see what the history of Whittier is all about.  The museum is a beautiful place and the outside painting, truly does sum up what Whittier is all about.  The museum opened in 1983.  When I was inside the museum i was looking at the timeline of Whittier.  To my surprise Manuel Nieto in 1784 was granted  by the king of Spain 300,000 acres of land stretching from Whittier to the sea, and from Santa Ana River to the San Gabriel River.  When i was looking at that, I wonder if i could be related to Manuel Nieto, since we both have the same last name (Nieto).  The timeline was great, It really demonstrated how Whittier became about this great city.  The museum is held up by pure grants and donations from people and other organizations.  If you want to taste a little bit of Whittier, then go to the the Whittier Museum Website for more information on the museum. Whittier Museum

El Ranchito

This was the mansion of Pio Pico, the last Governor of California under Mexican rule.  This house is one of the last 19th Century houses that were build from adobe.  Pio de Jesus Pico IV build this house in 1848 which he named El Ranchito.  This house is mostly referred as the Pio Pico Mansion, but its true name is El Ranchito.  In 1917 the house was deeded to California.  Now this is a historical place that can be visited by many. 

The house itself is historical since it was build from sun-dried mud blocks called adobe.  The house was restored because it suffered some major damages due to earthquakes in 1987 and 1994.  The mansion is now used as a historical landmark for the history of California.  Also there are a lot of events that go in the mansion such as book signing.  Also it is used as a place where pictures can be taken for wedding, Quinceañeras, baptisms, and other events.  For more information on park hours and directions visit Pio Pico Mansion   

THE HOME THAT FOUNDED WHITTIER

Bailey home in 1887



Build in 1860 this is the historical house where Jonathan Bailey moved in 1887.  This house was the foundation for the formation of the city of Whittier.  When Bailey migrated here from Ohio with other Quakers, this was the house where everybody would meet.  Only eight days after the Quakers moved, they had a meeting on the front porch of the ranch.  Also since there was no church build, this is where services would be held.  Bailey held business, church services, and other activities from his home.  

He used his home as a tool to develop the city.  Now the house is a historic museum that can be visited by many.  The architectural is the same and all the furniture inside is also intact.  It is a great place to visit, not only for fun but to learn more about the history of Whittier.  The house address is 13421 E. Camilla St., Whittier, CA 90601   

Bailey home 2010

Planned Parenthood

Almost every Tuesday a group of people that are against abortion stand in front of the Planned Parenthood located on Walnut and Greenleaf.  Most of the people protesting are middle age.  They bring banners and posters with aborted babies to protest.  The group stands right in front of the Clinic and are there for hours.  As cars go by they scream  at the drivers to get more attention.  And sometimes they also scream at the people coming out from the clinic.

From time to time, a  priest goes there and prays the Rosary with more people.  I know that it is a free country and people should be able to express themselves, but i think that there should be respect in everything.  The mothers that go into the clinic have a reason why they do not wish to keep their children and it is their decision not nobody else's.  The people protesting say some words to the incoming or outgoing people that are really explicit.  Protest and let your voice be heard but don't disrespect others. 

KING RICHARDS ANTIQUE CENTER.

Every time I drive by Whittier Blvd going east-bound, I always see this place called King Richards Antique Center.  It did caught my attention many years ago when my mother took me, but it was so long ago that I forgot how it looked inside.  I decided to go in there.  The building is old, it is over 100 years old, so I honestly believed that it was going to be antiques that would not capture my attention.  To my surprise when I walked into the store it was as if I was entering into a time machine back into the future.  There is 2 floors full of antiques from Barbies, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and many more.  Each section of the store has a theme.  There is antiques related to that theme.  I think that one day is not enough to go and see the amazing antiques they have.  They have clothes, shoes, hair accessories, kitchen supplies, toys, tables, chairs, and etc.  There are many many things to see at.  It is a great place to really feel and see what it was back in the day.  If you want to know more information go to the stores link. King Richards

Sage Lounge

Like 13 years back, Uptown Whittier used to be the place to be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.  I remember when my parents used to take me to the Village Cinema, there where cars cruising, girls with their high heels and short skirts.  It was a night life there.  It was rare to see teenagers up there.  Well there was but only in the late afternoons.  But the adults own the night.  There used to be a nightclub called Ibiza.  I think that's why many went to Uptown Whittier.  Now it is not as much fun as years back.  Now in Uptown Whittier, there is a lot of teenagers.  Some are still in middle school.  Uptown Whittier somewhat turned from a theme of nigh clubs with racing cars to a more Gothic scenery.  Most of the teenagers that hang up there now are punks, emo, and Gothics.  Ibiza is not there any more.  There is most bars and lounges now.  One of my favorite lounge up there is Sage Restaurant and Lounge.  It has a welcome vibe and I can relate to their music.  Their food is really good, and of course the night club is where all the young people gather to have fun.  I just miss the old Uptown Whittier. 

Whittier Earthquake

It was early morning in 1987 when suddenly Whittier was hit with a an earthquake of a magnitude of 5.9.  This occurred on Oct. 1, 1987.  Whittier was in great shock, many homes were destroyed.  The epicenter was in Whittier Narrows.  The bad thing was that only a couple of days later there was another earthquake that hit Whittier.  The magnitude of this earthquake was of 5.6.  Only a hand full of people died, but there were hundreds that were injured.  The damages went into the 9 digit mark.  The earthquake actually hit in Whittier Narrows, the North part of Whittier.  In Uptown Whittier, there where man businesses that were damaged.  Many people until this day remember that earthquake and are still scared of what happened during that first week of October 1987.

Neighborhoods in Whittier

I have lived in Whittier for 19 years.  I know that there is Uptown Whittier, where most of shopping centers and businesses are.  But that's it,  I did not know that there where more parts to Whittier.  Just North of Uptown Whittier is the neighborhood known as Central Park and Hadley-Greenleaf.  In this part, there is a lot of Spanish Colonial Revival homes.  This sector is in the Whittier Historic Neighborhood Association.  Going North towards the hills, there is Starlite Estates.  Much of this part contains high end scales houses.  As we can say where most of the wealthy people in Whittier live.  Surrounding Whittier College is known as College Hills, this part of Whittier is also known as a historic place.  To the East side is known as East Whittier.  Friendly Hills, Murphy Ranch, and Leffingwell Ranch is enclosed in East Whittier.  Whittier is truly a beautiful place to known better and relate to. 

WHITTIER HIGH SCHOOL

Whittier High School only started with 47 students in 1900.  As more school were opening around the area, the school became to be known as Whittier High School.  Only five years after there was another building added which is not the center for WHS.  The rapid influx of students led to the construction of a girls' gym, an administration building and an auditorium in 1923.  The Long Beach earthquake in 1933 made most of the buildings unsafe to teach.  Therefore classes where held in the basement or storage rooms in school.  Following the years construction began to expand, there was now a boys gym. science building, dressing room, and cafeteria.  The auditorium stood there, but was only recently reconstructed to put the library there.  In 1952, the student enrollment was over 3,500. It was at this time that the District opened a new high school called El Rancho. Growth continued and in 1953, California High School opened, followed by Santa Fe in 1955, Sierra in 1957, Pioneer in 1959, La Serna in 1961, and Monte Vista in 1964. 

WHS in its early days



Richard Nixon in 1933 was a student of Whittier High School.  Many of the buildings that are  in school are named after alumna's or members of the Cardinal community.  Several moves where recorded here like the blockbuster 1985 Back to the Future, and the 1989 Back to the Future II.  The cardinal is the school mascot since 1930.  I am proud to say that I am a Red and White Cardinal. 



NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS

After almost two years of construction the new Police Headquarters right next to the city hall has been built.  The new building which is three stories high is replacing the old facility that was much smaller.  This new building has locker room and an exercise room on the first floor.  Also it has extra space in the locker were more stuff can be kept.  The second floor is dedicated to receiving phone calls. and it has more space which allows more people on the phone to take incoming emergency calls.  The third floor is design for evidence.  It has new storage for all the evidence and it also has new equipment for fingerprints and blood samples.

The new building also has a better jail system.  It has cameras in every jail and the cells are in the middle of the room which allow for a 360 look.  In every cell there is a toilet and sink, and a camera to keep an eye on the inmates.  Also the new police headquarter has separate enclosed interviewing rooms adjacent to the lobby.  This are for people that want to come and file a report.  The cost of the building is said to be $35 million dollars.  The building is 55,000 sq ft. Now that the building is being occupied the other police building that was used before will be renovated and used for storage purposes only.

Crepes and Grapes Cafe

Why go oversees to France to taste a good tasting and looking Crepe when there is a cafe on Greenleaf.  Crepes and Grapes Cafe has a variety of food and it taste delicious.  I had never tasted crepes before and I have heard that they taste delicious.  I went and I order one with vanilla sauce and I topped it with fresh Strawberry and Raspberry fruit.  Oh my!! it was sooo delicious.
  I was so happy that I decided to follow everyone word on how good the crepes were on this restaurant.  Apart from the crepes the food was magnificent.  What I truly was amazed was that this restaurant is not that spacious but it has a good ambient and a good French vibe.  I felt as if I flown all the way to France.  The architectural design is soft and speaks out.  One of my favorite things there was that you are able to see how the crepes are made, which made my day.  I absolutely loved how they picked up the flat crepe and turned it into a beautiful design.  An edible design.  For more info visit their website. A little of France in Whittier

Disturbia

For people not following thriller movies, this modest house is no typical home.  This house is the center of the thrill for the 2007 movie Disturbia.  Shia LaBeouf, Carrie Anne Moss, and Amanda Wash started in this intense thriller where a mysterious neighboor turns out to be a serial killer.  The other houses that came out in the movie are in the same street and a couple of street down this house.  The house is located on Painter and Camilla St.  If any body is interested in checking out the place just drive by, please do not disturb the neightboors. 

The Legendary Turnbull Canyon

Turnbull Canyon has been in the pages of many mystery spots.  The trail starts in in the city of Whittier and ends in Hacienda Heights.  There has been  myths about KKK meetings up in this 2-way road to do their rituals.  There has also been other reports of Witchcraft and other crazy and "scary" things going on over here.  One of the biggest myths is that as you are driving you car uphill, if you put the car on neutral that the car keeps on going up the hill.  So I took matters into my hands an decided to do this extravagant trick.  I took my Jeep Grand Cherokee up the mountain and I stopped, put the car in neutral and hoped to be pushed by an unwillingly force upward.  I was scared at first believing that the myth truly did exist.  To my disappointment the car did not move up, but it was sure moving down because of the gravity.  Again this was one of those legendary myths that will continue to persist since others will say otherwise.