La Mirada~Although the city is basically built-out when it comes to new housing developments, there are still small-scale possibilities, even if they seem to take forever to culminate.

After nine long years, and countless delays, construction on The Orchards housing development in La Mirada began earlier this week at the site of the old Alondra Center.

The former outdoor strip mall located at Alondra Boulevard and Escalona Road was demolished in 2008.

Using bulldozers and other heavy equipment, construction workers were clearing debris and performing grading work on the land.

The 3.93 acre Alondra Center site was purchased recently by Irvine-based Brandywine after construction was stalled by a lengthy state environmental remediation process.

“We are very pleased to see construction begin on Brandywine’s new housing development in La Mirada,” says City Manager Tom Robinson.  “Having such an experienced private developer invest millions of dollars into building new housing in our community reflects the strength of the housing market in La Mirada.”

It all began in March of 2004 when then City Manager Andrea Travis, at a city council meeting, described the center as “blighted”, and city staff began the–not known at the time-long process of getting the site to be demolished with the intent for the city to purchase it and develop single family homes.

The latter did happen, but the city sold the property back to Brandywine earlier this year, suffering a multi-million dollar loss.

In 2004, it was a controversial decision at the time, with at least one business owner from the center (a second generation family-owned printing business) publicly opposing the decision to demolish the buildings. That business eventually moved to Santa Fe Springs.

But a report from the city’s Community Development Department then indicated the change was necessitated by the condition of the center, along with “poor tenant retention and an increase in vacancies leading to loitering, vandalism and public safety concerns with the overall condition of the center negatively impacted the aesthetics of the City,” it read.

La Mirada~The Cerritos College Speech and Debate team will be visiting the campus of La Mirada High School on Friday, May 17^th at 11 a.m.

The Cerritos team will demonstrate and inform the students about the opportunities and benefits that can be obtained from Forensics, which is the overall objective of their visit said member Miles Aiello.

“We will be giving students information that is essential to any individual who is determined to becoming a confident and collective speaker,” Aiello added, “Furthermore, students will learn the benefits of scholarship money that is available to collegiate students who excel in Forensics.”

In addition, the team will be conducting several demonstrations of some of the skills they work on such as dramatic interpretation and impromptu, persuasive speech.

Forensics is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your public speaking skills and the club believes it is valuable to any individual who wants to become a poised and intelligent speaker, which is exactly what they hope to relay to the students at La Mirada.

The Friends of the La Mirada Public Library (“Friends of the Library” or “FOL”) will host its next semi-annual Book Sale on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The fundraising event will be held at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Blvd. (behind the fire station), in the City of La Mirada.

The book sale will offer a wide selection of quality secondhand hardcover and paperback books as well as audio and video materials at bargain-basement prices.  Beginning at 1:30 p.m., customers may buy bags to fill with books for only $3.00 per bag.

“We are very excited about offering a wide variety of materials to the public at low cost,” said Hal Malkin, FOL’s Ways and Means vice president.  “Everyone from young readers to senior learners will find something that will appeal to them at affordable prices.”

La Mirada~Have a lot of fun and contribute to a great cause at Casino Night presented by the Southern California BEST Foundation.

The event will be held Saturday, April 27^th at the La Mirada Volunteer Center, 11900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada

Happy hour and dinner run from 5:30-7:00, followed by gaming, raffles, and a live auction from 7-11 p.m.

The cost is $40 or $75 per couple and includes gaming chips, dinner and entertainment.

All proceeds to support the Southern California Best Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Now in its eighth year of operation, BEST (Business, Education, Scholarship, Training) has presented over $25,000 to local high school students.

Its partners include The La Mirada High School Business Academy, the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce, and the La Mirada business community and service groups,

Checks and credit cards accepted and sponsorships are available.

For more information contact Mimi Frick at (562) 943-3177 or (562) 458-9650.

See you this Saturday night for Casino Night in La Mirada!