Return of Tony Bennett to Highlight Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Weekend Celebration
La Mirada~The city’s original movie theatre was opened by Stanley-Warner on December 20, 1962 along Luitwieler Avenue (La Mirada Boulevard) with the west coast “Hollywood” premiere of Barrabas starring Anthony Quinn.
For the next 13 years or so the La Mirada theatre was the place where adults, families & kids went to see the latest releases. Teens and others packed the house for Saturday matinees as this writer can personally attest to.
The movie theatre closed on August 19, 1975 a day before the “La Mirada 4” theatre opened at the new, adjacent La Mirada Mall and the City Council approved converting the old movie house to a performing arts theatre.
Two years later, on September 16, 1977, the La Mirada Civic Theatre opened its doors with a premier performance by Tony Bennett and the opening weekend also included an Open House featuring ongoing stage performances viewed by attendees.
Now, forty years later, the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts as it is now called, will be re-creating the events of that weekend as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.
It begins on Thursday, October 12 (change of date) at 8:00 p.m. with a gala return performance by the legend himself, the Theater’s original star performer, Tony Bennett.
On Sunday, October 22 from noon to 4:00 p.m. there will be a Open House featuring Phantom Projects, La Mirada Symphony and musical theatre performances who will pay tribute to the Theatre’s tradition of Broadway hits.
In addition, the Theatre will host a fascinating discussion with several key individuals who were part of the building and early days of the Theatre. A behind the scenes tour will also be available.
As part of the celebration, the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has an exclusive special offer available only to La Mirada residents as a show of gratitude for their support of the Theatre: 50% off all subscriptions to the 2017/18 McCoy/Rigby series at the theatre!
The upcoming season features five incredible shows including South Pacific, Cabaret, Disney’s Newsies, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and End of the Rainbow.
Tickets to the October 12th Tony Bennett performance go on sale to La Mirada residents and theatre subscribers only on August 21-23 (CODE: GoldTony2) with tickets going on sale to the general public September 1st.
For more information on the 40th anniversary celebration or other exclusive special offers visit the theatre website or call the theatre box office at (562) 944-9801. Purchase tickets in person at the box office weekdays between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m and Saturdays Noon to 7:00 p.m.
UFC to Host Taste of La Mirada/Farmers Market August 31st
La Mirada~ Join the UFC GYM La Mirada for the Taste of La Mirada Food & Fitness Event Thursday, August 31st from 4:00pm-9:00pm.
Various restaurants and food vendors from the greater La Mirada area will be converging on the UFC parking lot which will also feature a La Mirada Farmers Market.
Prizes will be raffled off including a 48” television and autographed boxing gloves.
There will be music, entertainment, fitness, games and more.
UFC will also be offering free guest workouts to the community from August 18th to August 31st.
Local restaurants or food trucks interested in participating may contact James at james.white@ufcgym.com.
UFC Gym La Mirada is located at 14000 La Mirada Boulevard, adjacent to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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Splash! and Armada Host Sectional Championships
The 2017 California-Nevada Speedo La Mirada Sectionals will be held at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center July 20-23.
Members from the Central California, Pacific, Southern California, San Diego/Imperial and Sierra Nevada Swimming are eligible.
You can get more information here and see live coverage of the event here.
The event is hosted by La Mirada Armada Swimming.
OTHER SWIMMING NEWS: La Mirada’s Catherine Sanchez finished tied for second in the women’s 100 fly with a time of 1:00.59 at the Los Angeles Swimming Invitational Sunday, July 16th.
Throw a Party and Support the VFW
The La Mirada VFW Post 9148 banquet room is available to rent for your next large gathering-including now on Friday’s.
Contact Robin or Gloria at (562) 943-0105 for more details.
La Mirada Connection
The Los Angeles Times is reporting former Obama administration employee Sam Jammal is running in Orange County's 39th Congressional District, saying his immigrant background is representative of its constituents.
Jammal, 35, of Fullerton, was raised in La Mirada by a Colombian mother and Jordanian father. The district has a heavy Latino and Asian population.
Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) had held the seat for 13 terms.
Cerritos College Courses to be Offered at La Mirada Adult School Campus
La Mirada~This fall, Cerritos College courses will be offered at the Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School as part of a partnership between the two districts at the La Mirada campus at 15920 Barbata Road in La Mirada.
Residents across the eastern portion of the district will have better access to high-demand English, speech and math classes. Courses at the La Mirada location start September 5, 2017. Register online www.cerritos.edu/lamirada.
Fall classes at the College’s main campus located at 11110 Alondra Blvd. in Norwalk will begin on August 14. Enroll online at www.cerritos.edu.
“By expanding our services to the La Mirada site, we look forward to a closer engagement with more of our neighbors. Residents will have greater access to education through these resources available in the heart of La Mirada,” said Zurich Lewis, president, Cerritos College Board of Trustees.
For questions concerning classes at La Mirada, please call 562-467-5025.
TICKER: Roseview Barber at Valley View and Rosecrans has gone out of business. The original owner was Al back in the 60’s and 70’s and the only other owners, we all knew as Louie and Debbie. Since the Shabuya restaurant opened at La Mirada Boulevard and Rosecrans a little over a month ago, the parking lot has been packed. Business has diminished slightly since the opening, but the eatery appears to have established itself as an area destination. I don’t know how many La Mirada residents are eating there, but we like the sales tax going into our city coffers!
First Annual Health & Wellness Fair This Saturday
La Mirada~The community is invited to participate in the first annual La Mirada Health and Wellness Day on Saturday, July 22nd from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at La Mirada Regional Park
The event is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the City of La Mirada and UFC Gym/La Mirada.
Everyone is invited to enjoy a great day of fitness, health, and delicious food from the Farmers Market.
UFC Gym will be hosting various fitness classes throughout the day including Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Athletic Training, Functional Training, wrestling for both youth and adult and various fitness seminars.
Bring the entire family as fitness and health education programs will be hosted for kids as well. Many health organizations will also be onsite to provide wellness related information as well as a blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross.
UFC Gym will also be bringing out several up-and-coming UFC fighters for pictures, autographs, and live demonstrations throughout the day.
UFC/La Mirada General Manager James White says this new event provides a great partnership opportunity, “It really brings forth an important goal of Supervisor Hahn for our region. Her vision that communities can enjoy healthy lifestyles that promote happiness, family, and overall wellness of individuals has been the inspiration for the La Mirada Health and Wellness Day, he said in an email.
“La Mirada has always been an active community that enjoys safety, strong engagement, and family oriented programs. This is our way of helping to continue that tradition of making La Mirada a great place to live.”
A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to Love La Mirada, an organization dedicated to helping people discover more about La Mirada by serving and connecting with La Mirada residents and Catch a Lift-the organization enabling post 9/11 combat wounded veterans all over the U.S. to recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally through physical fitness, motivation and support.
Album Release Party at Sportsman’s Lounge Will Help Fight Cancer
La Mirada~If you have had someone you love affected by Breast Cancer or any other cancer, you will not want to miss the release of TiMo's the Pink Album being released on Saturday, July 22 at Sportsman's Lounge in La Mirada.
The album cover and t-shirts have the names of those who have sailed on from cancer. Those who would like to attend the release can click on the link below.
A percentage from every sale is helping fighters directly through A Promise of Hope Foundation--a local breast cancer organization.
TiMo Tunes is a 4 Piece Band dedicated to improving lives through music.
To purchase tickets for the event visit here and to purchase the album visit here.
Tradition of Prudent Fiscal Management Continues as City of La Mirada Approves Budget With Healthy Surplus
La Mirada~The City Council has approved the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18 with emphasis on public safety, capital improvements, and quality programs and services.
Developed using the city’s traditional prudent fiscal management practices and a conservative approach to revenue forecasting, the budget provides public safety services at a high level, maintains City programs and services to meet community needs and continues the robust capital improvements schedule.
General Fund operating revenues are projected at $44,166,147 for the year and expenditures are budgeted at $35,017,904 including non-capital project transfers.
Result: $8 million city surplus for this fiscal year.
“The adopted budget puts safety first by prioritizing funding for law enforcement services while continuing our commitment to responsible fiscal management,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton. “City finances have remained stable and investment in key infrastructure projects is evident throughout La Mirada.”
Some $8,926,208 is provided for Public Safety, including general law enforcement services, the Community Sheriff’s Station, probation and district attorney services, emergency preparedness, code enforcement, Neighborhood Watch, and other public safety volunteer programs.
A total of $28,303,000 is allocated for the city’s continued aggressive capital improvements and repair program. Major projects proposed in Fiscal Year 2017-18 include Residential Street Improvement Phases III and IV and the Santa Gertrudes (Alicante to Rosecrans) Sidewalk and Block Wall,
Other projects include the Leffingwell Road Street Rehabilitation, and median improvements on La Mirada Boulevard, Rosecrans Avenue, and Valley View Avenue.
Funding for the proposed projects includes $10.35 million from Measure I, $7.11 million from the General Fund, $2.36 million in Prop C funds, $2.25 million in Gas Tax funds, $2.55 million in Measure R funds, and $950,000 in Agency bond proceeds.
The Public Works Department will receive $7,245,978 to maintain the City’s streets, parks, and recreational areas, parkways, medians, public buildings, and storm drain facilities. This department will also coordinate and manage the City’s capital improvement projects.
La Mirada Independence Day Celebration
A spectacular fireworks show will light up the skies over La Mirada on Monday, July 3 as part of La Mirada’s annual Independence Celebration.
Festivities will take place at La Mirada Regional Park starting at 4 p.m. A variety of food will be offered for sale by local community service organizations. Live music will be played throughout the evening by Led Zeppelin tribute band “Lad Zep,” and “Hit Me 90’s” playing music from the 90’s.
“The Independence Celebration is a favorite event of the year for many,” says Community Services Director Lori Thompson. “Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled day as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”
The evening will conclude with a patriotic program and fireworks show.
As a reminder to those planning to attend, charcoal barbeques are not permitted at the park. To help prevent trip hazards, rope and caution tape around picnic areas should not be used.
For more information, contact the Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Recognizes Benton Arts Educator as Teacher of the Year
Norwalk~Benton Middle School art teacher Jennifer Hodge has been recognized as Norwalk-La Mirada Unified’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year for inspiring her students to adopt a lifelong appreciation of the arts and apply their creative, critical thinking skills in other subject areas.
“It's such a privilege to work alongside students as they gain the confidence and skills to communicate an important message and use art as a creative tool for self-expression,” Hodge said. “It's a pleasure to work in a district that allows student choice in selecting electives and pathways that inspire them.”
Hodge started as a substitute teacher at Gardenhill Elementary School 16 years ago and transitioned into Benton’s visual and performing arts magnet as an art teacher in 2010.
She immediately noticed Norwalk-La Mirada Unified’s high value on teacher input and collaboration, and various professional development opportunities. Hodge also takes part in the annual Caring Beyond the Classroom event, when teachers provide school supplies to students at the beginning of each year.
“It's an incredible honor to represent the hard-working and highly qualified teachers of Norwalk-La Mirada Unified,” Hodge said. “I look forward to spreading awareness about the great things our teachers do to help students be the best versions of themselves at school and at home.”
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified recognizes outstanding teachers, staff and administrators at each school during its annual Stars Award Night April 6. District-level recognitions went to:
• Chris Moton, Student & Family Services: District Administrator of the Year
• Michael Gotto, Benton Middle School: School Site Administrator of the Year
• Darlene Reyes, Educational Services: Classified Manager/Confidential Employee of the Year
• Heather Yeager, Hutchinson Middle School: Classified Employee of the Year
“Jennifer is an example of the high-quality teachers we have throughout our schools who inspire our students to pursue their dreams,” Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “Congratulations to all of our teachers, staff and administrators who were recognized for their hard work.”
50th Annual 605 All-Star Game Saturday at Pioneer High
Whittier~For some, this will be their last competitive game, others will be moving on to play college ball.
The 50th Annual 605 All-Star game that features graduating high school seniors, will take place Saturday, June 3rd at Pioneer High’s Richard Torres Stadium.
La Mirada quarterback Tristan Meyer will lead the eastern squad after leading his Matadores to a CIF-SS Division 3 Final this past December.
Game time is 6:05.
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East All Stars WR Gabriel Bermudez St. Paul Head Coach: Ray Fenton of Los Alamitos |
West All Stars PK Clay D'Amico Valley Christian Head Coach: Woodie Grayson of Valley Christian |
World War II Veteran and Last Charter Member of VFW Post 9148 Celebrates His 100th Birthday
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| The Markel family with La Mirada resident and World War II veteran Arthur Markel celebrating his 100th birthday this past Sunday at the VFW Post 9148. |
La Mirada~Friends, family and guests gathered this past Sunday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9148 in La Mirada to celebrate the 100th birthday of resident and member Arthur Markel.
A La Mirada resident, Arthur is the last surviving charter member of the La Mirada based post that was chartered on May 23rd, 1959 and originally met at Gardenhill School.
Arthur is a 54-year resident and is the devoted husband to Jean Markel, who is no longer with us. They were married for over 60 years.
Arthur served in World War II as a tank operator and named his tank "Jenny" after his beloved wife.
