La Mirada NewsBites | Holiday ’25 Edition 

La Mirada Kicks Off 2025 Holiday Home Decorating Contest
It’s that time of year again! The City of La Mirada has officially opened nominations for its 2025 Holiday Home Decorating Contest, celebrating community spirit and creativity.

Residents can nominate homes between December 1 and December 8, with winners to be selected in three festive categories: Most Original, Best Use of Lights, and Best Holiday Scene.

Online voting will take place from December 15–18 at cityoflamirada.org/holidayhome-judging, and winners will be announced the week of December 22.

This annual tradition brings neighbors together to spread holiday cheer and showcase the city’s brightest, most creative displays.

City Advances Ordinance to Regulate Electric Bikes and Scooters
The La Mirada City Council is moving forward with a proposed ordinance to regulate electric mobility devices (EMDs) such as e-bikes, electric skateboards, and motorized scooters, following months of review by the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.

The Commission discussed sample rules from other cities during meetings on March 27, April 24, May 22, and June 26. On June 26, members unanimously recommended that the Council adopt the new regulations to address growing safety concerns involving EMDs on sidewalks, trails, and public spaces.

The draft ordinance would create Chapter 10.27 in the Municipal Code, banning EMD operation on sidewalks, public drainage channels, athletic fields, equestrian paths, and hiking trails. Riders must follow traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and avoid reckless behavior. No passengers are allowed on single-rider devices, and minors under 16 cannot carry others.

Enforcement includes administrative fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for subsequent violations. Parents or guardians of juveniles cited will share responsibility for payment. Sheriff’s deputies may issue citations, and warnings could precede fines during an initial grace period.

At the August 12 study session, Council members explored higher penalties and device confiscation but were advised by the City Attorney that state law caps fines for infractions and limits impoundment authority. Exemptions apply to public employees on duty and individuals using mobility aids under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If approved, city staff plans an outreach campaign through La Mirada Living, social media, and local schools to educate riders on the new rules and promote safe, legal use of EMDs as eco-friendly transportation options.

Biola Students Win Big at Gloo AI Hackathon
Biola University students made a national impression at the Gloo AI Hackathon in Boulder, Colorado, bringing home two major awards and $15,000 in prizes. Competing against nearly 700 industry professionals — including engineers from Google and YouVersion — Biola teams secured two of the event’s nine awards.

The AI Lab’s project “Ephphatha,” a live 3D American Sign Language translation system for churches, won the Hacker’s Choice Award. Another student project, “Flora,” an AI-powered screen-time wellness app, earned first place in the “Vibe Coding” category.

Biola’s teams stood out for their innovation and their commitment to creating technology aligned with Christian values and human flourishing. Faculty leaders praised the students for their curiosity, humility, and sense of purpose as they competed on a global stage.

Holiday Toy & Food Drive Underway in La Mirada
La Mirada’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive is now in full swing, running from November 3 through December 8. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to help support local families during the holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at these designated city locations:

• Activity Center – 13810 La Mirada Blvd.
• City Hall – 13700 La Mirada Blvd.
• Community Sheriff’s Station – 13716 La Mirada Blvd.
• Community Gymnasium – 15105 Alicante Rd.
• Resource Center – 13710 La Mirada Blvd.
• Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center – 13806 La Mirada Blvd.

All donated items will be distributed to local organizations including the Interfaith Food Center, Grace Evangelical Free Church, St. Paul of the Cross Church, Beatitudes of Our Lord Church, Neighborhood Life Church, and the La Mirada Volunteer Center.

The community’s generosity helps brighten the season for families in need across La Mirada.

Chili Holiday Returns December 6 at Splash!
La Mirada’s beloved Chili Holiday celebration is back on Saturday, December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.

Families can enjoy a festive evening packed with activities, including:
✨ Live entertainment
✨ Holiday crafts
✨ Story time with Mrs. Claus
✨ Photos with Santa
✨ Holiday train rides
✨ Tree lighting ceremony

Guests can warm up with hot dogs, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and of course — delicious chili.

Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to support local families during the season.

For more information, call (562) 943-7277.

Santa’s Holiday Caravan Returns December 16–18 🎅✨
Santa is coming to La Mirada for three nights of festive fun, bringing holiday cheer to neighborhoods across the city! Beginning at 5 p.m. each evening from December 16–18, Santa and his magic sleigh will cruise through town, waving to families and spreading Christmas joy.

Here’s when Santa will visit each area:

📍 December 16
Neff Park • Gardenhill • Biola • Foster Road neighborhoods

📍 December 17
North La Mirada • Hillsborough • Creek Park • Greenhills

📍 December 18
Windermere Park • La Pluma • Escalona

Families can track Santa’s route in real time using the Glympse Santa Tracker:
🔗 https://glympse.com/!lmsantasholidaycaravan

MAPS: https://www.cityoflamirada.org/departments/community-services/special-events/santa-s-holiday-caravan

For more details, call (562) 943-7277 or visit cityoflamirada.org.

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