Whittier is located in Los Angeles County, about 12 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles. A five Member City Council under the Council - Manager form of government governs the City. Whittier is a charter law city and was incorporated in 1898. The City covers 14.8 square miles and has an estimated population of 87,000. Founded in 1887 as a Quaker colony, Whittier's strong sense of history and vision for the future has made it an up-scale and dynamic residential community. Throughout the years, the City of Whittier has striven to provide a healthy and safe community and a well-maintained infrastructure enhanced by planned patterns of growth and development. Through a balance of economic, social, political, cultural and recreational opportunities, the City Council has encouraged an atmosphere conducive to community spirit and active participation in the affairs and progress of the community. Such efforts have been made to ensure a visually pleasing community in which the City's identity and character are preserved and enhanced.