WHITTIER – U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez delivered a $750,000 check to the City of Whittier and the Whittier Union High School District, which will help transform the athletic fields at Sierra Education Center (SEC) into a community recreation space that can be used for youth sports programs and serve more than 2,000 young people annually.

Sánchez, who represents the 38th District, was joined by Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo, Board President Jaime Lopez, Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri and Whittier City Manager Brian Saeki for a ceremony at SEC on March 14.

“Every community should have places to relax and come together as neighbors,” Sánchez said. “These funds will be used to transform underused property at the Sierra Education Center into recreation space for all to enjoy. I am proud to be here today to deliver this funding, and I will keep fighting to ensure our communities get the resources they need and deserve.”

The funding for the recreation space was secured as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Signed by President Joe Biden in December 2022, the Appropriations Acts provides money for a host of community projects within Sánchez’s 38th District, which includes Whittier.

“We thank Congresswoman Sánchez for providing this generous gift that will positively impact the Whittier community for generations to come,” Oviedo said. “We have a vision to turn the Sierra Education Center into the heart of our education community, with resources and services available to every resident. This is a great day for the City of Whittier and for Whittier Union.”

The Sierra Education Center houses the Whittier Union High School District offices and Board room, Sierra Vista High School, Frontier High School, Whittier Union Adult School, and the District’s fleet of school buses, as well as a soccer field, track, basketball courts and other open areas.

PHOTO CAPTION

WUHSD_SANCHEZ: U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez delivers a $750,000 check on March 14 to help fund a community resource space that can be used for sports programs at Whittier Union High School District’s Sierra Education Center. From left to right, Whittier City Manager Brian Saeki, Rep. Sánchez, Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, WUHSD Board of Trustees President Jaime Lopez and Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo.