Unincorporated west Whittier is becoming part of the city of Whittier, with street signs showing the way. City staff changed out blue Los Angeles County signs to Kelly green ones over the past two weeks, a concrete visual of the annexation of about 90 acres of unincorporated Los Angeles County territory.

The expansion was approved by the Local Agency Formation Commission late last year and grants the city greater control and oversight of the corridor.

Annexation involves the formal process of incorporating unincorporated land into the city of Whittier, while the subsequent relinquishment process specifically refers to transferring ownership and jurisdictional control of Whittier Boulevard from Caltrans to the city. The approved annexation marks the first phase of this effort, with additional steps required for relinquishment as part of the city’s long-term plans.

“The last significant expansion of the city was in 1961 when East Whittier was annexed,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. “Since then, numerous City Councils have worked toward the vision of serving both sides of town with the same commitment to public safety, economic development, and community pride. This annexation not only opens the door to greater accessibility and future opportunities, but it represents another step toward our shared goal of making Whittier the best place in Southern California to raise a family.”

Outgoing city manager Brian Saeki, whose last day on the job is Feb. 21, said with the newly annexed areas “we’re able to implement cohesive planning and development strategies, address local needs more effectively, and promote a vibrant economic environment.”

Residents and businesses in the affected areas should have received letters explaining any changes. Most services will remain unchanged, such as water, sewer, electricity, gas and animal control remaining with current providers and fire and emergency response still handled by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Police services will transition to the Whittier Police Department.

Building and construction permits will now be managed by the city of Whittier’s Community Development Department and business licenses will be issued by the city’s Business License Division.

Trash service will transition to Athens Services, the city’s hauler, effective April 1, and affected residents and business owners will be notified ahead of the changeover. Street sweeping will be conducted by the city of Whittier’s Public Works Department.

Residents in the annexed areas will be eligible to vote in city elections, with potential adjustments to District 1 and 2 boundaries, according to city officials. Representatives at the federal, state, county, school and community college levels will remain the same.

The transition from annexation to the city providing streamlined services can take several months, as it involves coordination between Los Angeles County departments and city staff to transfer responsibilities, according to city spokesperson Katie Galvin-Surbatovic. While some services may become available immediately, others will take more time. A fact sheet is available on the city website at cityofwhittier.org.

Steve Sundin, 72, bought one of the county street signs to complete his collection from all eight homes he’s lived in Whittier. Born and raised in the city, Sundin’s newest acquisition was for Redman Avenue in what was once unincorporated Whittier.” I grew up at Redman,” Sundin said. “My folks built the house in 1950.”

The city of Whittier was right across a concrete path, but because the house was in an unincorporated area, “we were basically the stepchild. We had to use the county library, we couldn’t call Whittier P.D., we always had issues with trash collection.”

Sundin’s son bought the family home.

“After 75 years being in the county, it’s now in Whittier, and we have to see if this will be an advantage or a disadvantage,” Sundin said.