Residents deserve city leaders who listen and respond to their concerns, before issues go unaddressed and trust with city leadership breaks down further. For too long, many residents have been frustrated by our municipal system, which does not consistently provide clear answers, timely responses, or meaningful engagement. As a longtime Whittier resident and experienced public servant, Vicky Santana is running to help fix those systems and put residents first.

Public safety is about everyday life, feeling safe at home, on neighborhood streets, and when out in the community. Residents raise concerns about speeding, reckless driving, property crime, code enforcement issues, and response times. Residents should also feel safe walking in their neighborhoods, along the Greenway Trail, and in Uptown Whittier, day and night. Vicky supports strong partnerships with law enforcement and first responders, with a focus on visibility, accountability, and responsiveness. She will prioritize neighborhood level solutions, improved communication, and coordinated responses to recurring issues. Safety also means solving problems early by supporting youth programs, mental health resources, and community engagement so issues do not escalate.

Residents deserve a City Hall that responds clearly and consistently. Too often, people are unsure who to contact or what happens after they reach out. As a councilmember, Vicky will focus on improving systems so residents receive timely responses, clear follow up, and real solutions. City government should be accessible, respectful, and accountable, especially for seniors, working families, and those who feel unheard.

Whittier should remain a place where longtime residents, working families, seniors, and our children can afford to stay and build their futures. Vicky supports responsible housing solutions that increase affordability while protecting neighborhood character. Growth should be transparent, shaped by community input, and supported by the infrastructure needed to maintain quality of life.

Aging streets, traffic congestion, and speeding affect daily life in many neighborhoods. Vicky will advocate for safer roads, traffic calming measures, and smart infrastructure investments that improve pedestrian safety and accessibility near homes, schools, parks, and businesses. She also supports alternative transportation options, including continuing to subsidize the cost of the Whittier Cruiser, so residents have affordable, convenient ways to get around. Transportation planning should make daily life easier and safer, without making streets less safe or harder to use.

Parks and programs bring communities together and support healthy living. Vicky supports clean, safe parks, expanded youth programs, and strong senior services that reduce isolation and support healthy aging. She also supports maintaining a healthy tree canopy and investing in more open space, helping keep neighborhoods cooler, greener, and more enjoyable for all generations.

Trust in local government is earned. Vicky supports transparent decision making, responsible budgeting, and clear communication with residents. She will advocate for openness, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and decisions are made in full public view. Residents should know not just what decisions are made, but why.

Small businesses are the heart of Whittier. Vicky supports reducing unnecessary red tape, improving communication with business owners, and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Economic development should strengthen the community, reflect Whittier’s character, and support the people who live and work here.

Vicky Santana is running to restore trust, improve how city systems work and respond to residents, and ensure Whittier remains a safe, welcoming, and connected community for all.