Program Updates
Recap of Community Design Charrette #2
The Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Project Team held its second weeklong planning and design charrette on October 6th through 12th. Hundreds of residents and stakeholders shared ideas and weighed in on potential changes and future development to transform Whittier Boulevard into a safe, walkable and bikeable community-oriented space for residents, businesses and visitors. Highlights included:
- Pasadena Walking Tour with HWB Advisory Group members to explore and experience transit-oriented development around Metro stations, activated streets, sidewalks, alleys and public spaces, and infill housing.
- Saturday Community Open House at the IDEA Lab on Whittier Blvd with interactive discussion stations around maps and boards with proposed improvements and concepts for future development.
- Outreach visit and information sharing at faith-based Sunday services.
- Interactive studio at the Senior and Veterans Center.
- USC Graduate Student design proposal presentations at the IDEA Lab with Pico Rivera Youth Ambassador representatives.
- Focus meeting and strategy session with City department heads.
Before/After Renderings for Whittier Boulevard Now Available on Virtual Open House!
- Ever wonder what Whittier Boulevard might look like in the near future with some of the proposed recommendations implemented?
- As requested by members of the community, our project team has developed a neat before/after visualization tool on our Virtual Open House platform.
- Using the slider and a little imagination, you can now see what the future "uptown" Pico Rivera can look like!
- All renderings are meant for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered final recommendations or designs, all designs are subject to further public comment and review.
Pico Rivera Public Works and Engineering Department Participate in Design Activity for Historic Whittier Boulevard at the IDEA Lab
- On Thursday, November 16, the Pico Rivera Public Works and Engineering departments joined the Historic Whittier Boulevard Project Team for a design activity at the IDEA Lab.
- City staff discussed roadway improvements and configurations along Whittier Boulevard that were proposed by members of the community as a result of extensive outreach that would improve safety for vulnerable roadway users while transitioning towards a multi-modal corridor.
Youth Ambassador Program
Pico Rivera Youth Ambassador Spotlight - Meet Ellie Mejia!
Aspiration in Life?
I want to study political science at a 4-year university. I want to attend law school, obtain a J.D., and become a lawyer
How has participation in the Pico Rivera Youth Ambassadors program influenced your personal growth?
Participating in the Pico Rivera Youth Ambassador program has allowed me to grow in a safe space. I have improved in various areas, such as public speaking. This program has exposed me to different career pathways and increased my understanding of urban planning and design. What I found most enjoyable about the program is the positive, inclusive environment. I connect with peers with similar interests and discover new knowledge with them.
Let's Think, Talk, & Eat Tacos Event at the IDEA Lab
- On the evening of Thursday, October 26, 2023, the IDEA Lab was activated with youthful energy as a dynamic collaboration between Day One, a local non-profit organization, and the Pico Rivera Youth Ambassadors program hosted the “Let’s Think, Talk and Eat Tacos” youth planning event.
- The event aimed to provide a safe platform for young minds to come together, engage in thoughtful discussions, and share ideas for the future of Pico Rivera.
- A total of 33 participants comprised of enthusiastic youth from El Rancho High School, the Boys & Girls Club of Pico Rivera, and the Pico Rivera Sheriff's Explorer program came together to brainstorm and discuss various initiatives encompassing urban design, art, active transportation, and safety – each intended to leave a positive imprint on the future landscape of Whittier Boulevard.
In the Community
Upcoming Community Workshop - December 9, 2023
- We are inviting all residents, business owners and stakeholders to join us on Saturday, December 9th at the Senior Center Auditorium for a Community Workshop where our project team will share recommendations for the future of Whittier Boulevard that were developed using community feedback!
- Light snacks and refreshments will be available. Participants will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing for free giveaways.
- We welcome your insight and comments as we work to further refine alternatives to transform Whittier Boulevard into a safer, accessible, multi-modal corridor within a vibrant "uptown" district.