Give Blood at Resource Center

The American Red Cross is partnering with the City of La Mirada to host an upcoming blood drive, urging community members to roll up their sleeves and donate to help meet a critical need for blood across Southern California. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 27, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the La Mirada Resource Center, located at 13710 La Mirada Boulevard.

With summer in full swing, the Red Cross has highlighted an urgent need for blood donations, particularly Type O, as seasonal challenges like vacations and severe weather can disrupt donation schedules. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” said Amy Papageorges, executive director of the American Red Cross Long Beach and South Bay Chapter. “From accident victims to cancer patients, your donation can be a lifeline.”

The La Mirada blood drive comes at a crucial time, as the Red Cross recently noted that disasters like hurricanes can impact blood supplies for days, emphasizing the importance of consistent donations. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to participate, with a special call for platelet donors, whose contributions are vital for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.

To make the donation process faster, the Red Cross encourages attendees to use RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation health history online or via the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or using the app. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows, but appointments are strongly recommended.

As an incentive, those who donate between June 1 and June 30, 2025, will receive a $15 gift card by email, while supplies last. The Red Cross also ensures a safe donation environment, following strict safety protocols.

The La Mirada Resource Center, a hub for local events, is easily accessible with ample parking. Donors are required to bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification and must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

City Council Reorganizes

The La Mirada City Council conducted its annual reorganization on Tuesday, June 10, selecting Ed Eng as Mayor for the 2025-26 term. Councilmember Anthony A. Otero was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem each serve one-year terms.
Ed Eng was first elected to the City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2020 and 2024. This will be his third term as Mayor. He has been a resident of La Mirada since 1990 and is a bestselling author, business professor, Board advisor, and former senior executive at a Fortune 500 company.
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony A. Otero was elected to the City Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. This will be his second term as Mayor Pro Tem. He has been a resident of La Mirada since 2007 and is currently a Police Captain-Commanding Officer.
Also serving on the City Council are Michelle Velasquez Bean, Steve De Ruse, and John Lewis.
For more information, call La Mirada City Hall at (562) 943-0131. -City of La Mirada

La Mirada City Council (L-R) Councilmember John Lewis, Mayor Ed Eng, Councilmember Michelle Velasquez Bean and Councilmember Steve De Ruse (Mayor Pro Tem Otero not shown). Photo-City of La Mirada

Public Hearing on Fire Maps

The City of La Mirada will hold a Public Hearing on June 24 to consider the adoption of the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). The updated map, released by the California State Fire Marshal on March 24 identifies areas in Los Angeles County at moderate, high, or very high risk for wildfire hazards. To comply with California Government Code Section 51179, the City of La Mirada must adopt these maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 51178.5, fire hazard zones are determined based on fuel load, slope, fire weather, and other relevant conditions such as wind patterns. These designations help communities plan and prepare for potential
wildfire threats.
The City Council will consider adopting the new LRA map via local ordinance during its regularly scheduled meetings on June 24 and July 8, 2025. Meeting agendas and related documents will be available online at cityoflamirada.org and at La Mirada City Hall, 13700 La Mirada Blvd., beginning the Friday before each meeting.
Public comments are encouraged and may be submitted via email to malfonso@cityoflamirada.org or by mail to City Hall through June 24, 2025. -City of La Mirada

July 3rd Independence Celebration

The highly anticipated Independence Celebration will be held on Thursday, July 3rd at La Mirada Regional Park located at 13701 Adelfa Drive.

This beloved community tradition, expected to draw up to 20,000 attendees, promises a vibrant evening of live music, food, family-friendly activities, and fireworks.

The evening will culminate in a patriotic program followed by a dazzling fireworks show at approximately 9:00 p.m., lighting up the La Mirada sky.

Enjoy performances from the country band “Dawson,” and the Latin pop and salsa band “Tabu,” beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort but should note that alcohol, pets, and personal fireworks are not permitted to ensure a safe environment. For those planning to attend, the City recommends arriving early to secure parking and enjoy the full range of activities.

PARKING will be available at La Mirada Regional Park. Overflow parking will be available at La Mirada Civic Center, the stadium parking lot at La Mirada High School and Biola University (entrance off La Mirada Boulevard). The City will provide free shuttle service from Biola University beginning 3 p.m. Shuttle service will stop approximately 45 minutes after the event.

Recreational Vehicles (RV’s) may park in lots, but may not take up more than one parking stall. RV and vehicle parking will also be permitted in select areas as marked on the north and south sides of Foster Road between Santa Gertrudes Avenue and Lisburn Place on July 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. All vehicles parked on Foster Road before 10 a.m. on July 3 may be subject to a citation.

Overnight parking and camping will not be permitted at La Mirada Regional Park. Vehicles may be cited or towed. For more information contact the City of La Mirada at 562-943-7277.