Next week in Whittier

It looks this week could be a busy one for city officials and reporters trying to keep up with all of the activities here in Whittier. You'll see some of these upcoming things in stories, but probably not all. One report can only do so much.
But the week will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony 9 a.m. Monday for the Greenway Trail at the Palm Park, continue with Planning Commission and City Council meetings (Monday and Tuesday, respectively) and end with a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Wednesday.
The first question to ask about the ribbon cutting ceremony is the trail "really truly open?" Yes, I know that hordes of people have been using the trail, but city officials have said the trail isn't open, citing the fact they haven't taken it over and construction wasn't finished. It has to do with liability issues. We'll see what they say on Monday and you may see that lead in a Tuesday newspaper story.
But Monday won't be through until the Planning Commission at its 7 p.m. meeting discusses -- not approves -- tightening of the city's adult business ordinance, a new cell tower law and a parking structure design law.
The latter is a direct consequence of the Whittier Uptown Specific Plan the council is expected to approve at its 6:30 p.m. Tuesday meeting. That's not the only thing on the agenda. The award of a contract for the new police station also is expected. There's good news on this one. It looks like the bid came in about $2 million short of the architect's estimate. We'll see what the means for the city's budget, but it's about time we got some good news in Whittier.
And speaking of budgets, the Parks and Recreation Commission at its 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting will discuss possible city budget cuts and the effect on services. Remember the commission doesn't meet at City Hall but rather the Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St.
While you can watch the City Council and Planning Commission on channel 6 on cable television, the Parks and Recreation Commission is not on television.