By Tony Aiello
Northgate Market Update
Movement continues to increase at the site of the new Northgate Market coming soon to La Mirada at 12720 Valley View Avenue in the Mirada West Shopping Center.
Asbestos cleanup and removal continues and has been more significant than expected, according to reports.
Steven Chavez, who represents Northgate through a public relations firm told us the company is scheduled to meet with the City of La Mirada this coming week to, “expedite the permit process.”
Chavez could not confirm or deny the perceived November 2025 store opening date, but did say that temporary construction fencing would soon be installed in the parking lot and that the market will create 150 new jobs for the local economy once opened.
La Mirada residents are looking forward to Northgate’s signature offerings, including a full-service meat department, an in-house tortilleria, a bakery with fresh bolillo rolls and tres leches cakes, and a taqueria serving authentic Mexican dishes.
Dutch Bros. Construction Continues
Construction continues on the new Dutch Bros. coming to La Mirada, located at the northeast corner of Beach Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue at the old Polly’s Pies site.
Dutch Bros Coffee is a rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it is still headquartered.
Known for its vibrant, customer-centric culture and high-energy “broistas,” the company operates over 1,000 locations across 18 states as of early 2025, primarily in the western U.S., with recent expansion into states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.
The chain emphasizes fast service, community engagement, and a fun atmosphere, earning a loyal following, particularly among younger customers, with 56% of its rewards program members under 25.
Dutch Bros has transitioned from franchising to company-owned stores since 2017, supports local communities through initiatives like the “Drink One for Dane” fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and aims to reach 4,000 locations by 2035-2040, with 2024 revenues reaching $1.28 billion.
The La Mirada location, initially slated to open last month, looks to be aiming for a late-summer 2025 opening.
Frozen Opens at La Mirada Theatre
In the enchanting kingdom of Arendelle, sisters Anna and Elsa grow up isolated in their castle, drifting apart. When Elsa’s hidden magical powers unleash during her coronation, she flees, plunging Arendelle into a fierce winter. Anna embarks on a daring quest to find her sister, joined by rugged ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the cheerful snowman Olaf.
Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical is now showing through June 29, 2025 proudly presented by the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment.
Discover the global sensation based on the Academy Award-winning film in this Los Angeles regional premiere featuring beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus new music crafted for the stage.
Brimming with magic, humor, and a captivating score, FROZEN is a heartfelt story of sisterhood, acceptance, and the true essence of love.
Our “ace” theatre reviewer, Ace Acuigoa, attended the press opening night. Look for his exclusive review coming here soon.
“Distraction scammers” Claim La Mirada Victim
A 78-year-old La Mirada resident who was simply gardening outside her home, was burglarized in broad daylight-resulting in a loss of $50,000 worth in family valuables.
The perpetrators were three females. One of the individuals distracted the victim while the other two slipped through a side gate and burglarized her home.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has seen an increase in these type of scams that target seniors across Southern California.
If you have any information about this incident you are encouraged to call the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station at (562) 863-8711.
Gondola Pizza Family Mourns Loss With Message
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Onorato “Sam” Agrusa — the beloved original founder of Gondola Pizza.
Sam came to the U.S. from Sicily in pursuit of the American dream — not just for himself, but for his family and his future community. In 1970, that dream became reality when he opened Gondola Pizza right here in La Mirada. With his unforgettable recipes, warm heart, and gift for making everyone feel like family, he built more than a restaurant — he built a home.
He and his wife, Josephine, knew everyone by name and greeted every guest as if they were family. Her presence and kindness have always been a part of the Gondola story — and Josephine continues to be a beautiful part of it today.
If you’ve ever sat around a table at Gondola’s, you’ve experienced a piece of Sam’s heart. You’ve tasted tradition. You’ve felt community. You’ve been part of a story that started with one man’s vision and grew into something timeless.
And that story continues.
For the past few decades, Gondola Pizza has remained a true family-run restaurant — lovingly carried forward by Sam’s daughter Maria and her husband Alberto. Together they’ve honored Sam’s legacy while also expanding it, and crafting new dishes rooted in the same spirit of excellence and warmth with the help of our dedicated team (many whom have been with us for decades).
Gondola’s is still here. Still family-owned. Still serving the community that Sam loved so deeply. And we will continue to do so with the same passion, hospitality, and love he modeled from the very beginning.
Thank you, Sam, for giving us more than a place to eat. You gave us a place to belong. Your legacy lives on in every dish, every smile, and every memory made around our tables.
And to our community: thank you for your support, your stories, and your love. You’ve helped keep this legacy alive. God bless you all.
With love,
Maria, Alberto, and the entire Gondola Pizza Family
Courtesy Gondola Pizza Instagram @gondolapizza
