Iconic Musical Playing in La Mirada April 21-May 14
La Mirada~Powerful, poignant and timely as ever, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth show of its 2016-2017 season, the most acclaimed musical of all time, West Side Story, book by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein with musical direction by Brent Crayon, choreography by John Todd and directed by Ovation award-winner Richard Israel.
“Story” will preview on Friday, April 21, 2017 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 22) and run through Sunday, May 14, 2017 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story, is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. As powerful, poignant, and timely as ever, the thrilling Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim score – including “Tonight,” “Maria,” “America” and the classic “Somewhere,” remains one of the best ever written.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Performances are 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. There will be no performance on Saturday, April 22 at 2pm.
New Habit Burger Grill Opens in La Mirada
La Mirada~The wait is over and clamoring burger lovers in town will have a new reason to celebrate, as the La Mirada Blog has confirmed, The Habit Burger Grill will open for business officially Thursday, April 20th culminating a week of free food giveaways!
The new Habit Burger Grill, home of the popular, award-winning Charburgers that are always grilled over an open flame and made-to-order, is located at 14986 Imperial Highway site of the former Starbuck’s which moved across the street.
A handful of pre-opening events will take place, beginning with the first on Monday, April 17, where the first 200 guests will be awarded with a free Charburger, fries, and a drink during Free Burger Day at 11:30am and again at 5pm.
The next event, “Free Habit Day”, will take place on Tuesday, April 18, where the first 200 guests who arrive will be offered a free chargrilled meal from pre-selected menus at 11:30am and again at 5pm.
Lastly, on Wednesday, April 19, starting at 11:30am, the first 200 people who visit The Habit will enjoy a free chargrilled meal from pre-selected menus.
The more than 2,700-square-foot Habit restaurant seats 64 people and will be open Sunday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade albacore tuna, fresh chicken and hand-fileted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries and tempura green beans.
Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal. Their restaurants have been serving the Best Tasting Burger in America exactly this way since the first Habit opened in 1969.
“4 La Mirada Kids” Carnival May 5-7 at Benton
The annual “4 La Mirada Kids” Community Carnival is fast approaching and pre-sale tickets are now on sale. Tickets may be purchased for $15 by contacting local schools and athletic groups or by visiting the La Mirada Resource Center. A percentage of the proceeds collected from ticket sales will be returned to local schools and other organizations.
The carnival will take place from Friday May 5 through Sunday, May 7 at Benton Middle School, located at 15709 Olive Branch Drive. Guests can expect a fun-filled weekend with family and friends enjoying amusement park rides, food, and entertainment. Exciting rides and amusements will be available for those seeking thrills. Milder rides for younger children will also be offered.
The “4 La Mirada Kids” Carnival is sponsored by the La Mirada Community Foundation to raise funds for youth groups and community organizations that provide educational, cultural, and extracurricular opportunities in La Mirada.
Individuals or organizations wishing to volunteer or become event or booth sponsors at the Community Carnival should contact Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
Latest Community Event News
Arts Colony of La Mirada to Host Art in the Garden Tour
The Arts Colony of La Mirada presents its Art in the Garden Tour on Sunday, April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the rear parking area of the Activity Center.
Four home gardens will be viewed that showcase various gardening styles and artwork from members and students. Light refreshment will be served.
For more information, call (562) 941-4116 or visit here.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
A great selection of quality secondhand hardcover and paperback books, as well as audio and video materials will be available for purchase at bargain prices during the semi-annual Friends of the La Mirada Public Library Book Sale!
The book sale will kick off with a “members-only” pre-sale on Friday, April 28 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the La Mirada Activity Center. Non-members may purchase a membership for $10 during the pre-sale to take advantage of the early bird shopping event.
The book sale is open to the general public on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The popular “three-bucks-a-bag” clearance sale will begin at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about the book sale, call (562) 943-0277.
La Mirada Know Your Roots Tree Scavenger Hunt
Join in the fun! The City of La Mirada will be hosting its first tree scavenger hunt in celebration of Arbor Day on Saturday, April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Neff Estate, 14300 San Cristobal Drive. Community members will use the arboretum guide to find some of the oldest trees in La Mirada, many planted by La Mirada pioneer Andrew McNally.
For more information, contact the La Mirada Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
La Mirada Resident Dies in Cerritos Crash
Cerritos~A La Mirada resident, 58-year-old Ronald Franken, was killed after he was involved in a two-car crash this past Friday evening. His name was released this morning by the coroner's office.
The accident occurred at Marquardt Avenue and Artesia Boulevard around 9:15 p.m. in the city of Cerritos. He passed a few hours later at UC Irvine Medical Center.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. The condition of the passenger in the other vehicle is unknown.
Man Injured in Fight at La Mirada Movie 7 After Seat-Kicking Incident
La Mirada~A man was injured last night at the AMC Movie 7 after a fight started inside the theatre when a patron complained about another patron kicking their seat.
The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. during the 9:50 showing of “Belko Experiment,” a witness told us.
The witness said two couples began arguing in the back of the theatre and a fight ensued. At one point a female allegedly pulled out a “box-cutter” type knife and began stabbing the male victim.
The couple fled the scene and were caught a short time later when, “deputies conducted a traffic stop nearby and arrested the suspects on an assault with a deadly weapon charge,” said Sergeant Jason Cunningham from the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station who confirmed that the seat-kicking seem to spark the incident.
Cunningham said it is unclear whether the weapon used was a box-cutter or an actual knife.
Photos from the scene from a La Mirada Blog Twitter fan, seem to indicate a slash-type wound. WARNING: Graphic photos.
Afterwards, blood could be seen around the auditorium seats as witnesses assisted the victim, who was treated at the scene and released.
Easter Egg Hunt and Kiwanis Duck Race April 15th
The City of La Mirada invites the community to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. at La Mirada Regional Park.
The free event is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and features crafts, games, music, and the popular Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt is for children ages 10 and under and begins promptly at 10:15 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance at the event and is available for photos for a small fee.
Support the La Mirada Kiwanis Club as they will be serving a pancake breakfast before the egg hunt.
For more information, contact the La Mirada Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.
Immediately following the hunt, head on over to Splash! as the Kiwanis Club will host their 10th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Derby Duck Race.
This fun–for-all-ages event will take place at Splash! Bring a blanket, and enjoy some family time. All kids’ games and activities are FREE! The Duck Race is sponsored by La Mirada Kiwanis and benefits multiple La Mirada community groups.
Purchase your duck today for your chance to win big. Fifty percent of duck sales go directly to the selling groups. With $3,500 in cash prizes, and many other prizes, your odds are better than the lottery, and more fun! There is a corporate race and the main race with over 5,000 ducks.
Individual ducks for main race are $5.00 or 6 for $25.00, visit the Duck Race web site for more information including how to be a duck sponsor.
We’ll see you and your family Saturday, April 15th at Splash! after the Easter Egg Hunt!
Latest La Mirada News; City Council Bypasses Sarega Again
TICKER: The old traffic signals from the 1960’s have been removed and upgraded at Imperial/Telegraph. Shabuya Restaurant looks like it’s about to open soon. The Habit Burger Grill also looks like it will be opening soon. Receiving reports Oxman’s Surplus may start selling guns. City reporting eviction notice will be served at the end of the month to marijuana dispensary at Green Hills Shopping Center South. It appears The Flag Man may have been evicted from his home at De Alcala/Valley View. The City Council is considering banning smoking in all La Mirada parks. K-Grill cuisine has opened at Roseview Center North.
Council Reorganizes
John Lewis and Andrew Sarega were sworn in as the newest La Mirada City Council members March 28th at the reorganization meeting after their recent election victories. The council elected Ed Eng as the new Mayor and Larry Mowles as the Mayor Pro-Tem. Sarega was bypassed for a third time, sparking a war of words at the meeting, with Eng and Councilman Steve DeRuse saying Sarega is “unqualified” to lead the city. Sarega, disappointed, said that the Mayor position in La Mirada is mostly ceremonial. Traditionally, La Mirada Mayors have “taken turns” being Mayor since the city was incorporated in 1960. The only other time a councilperson was bypassed, as far as we can tell, was Ken Jones in the late 1970’s.
La Mirada Jazz Band
The 8-Bit Jazz Heroes is a duo out of La Mirada that arranges and performs jazz versions of classic video game music. They’re currently booking about three to four gigs a week and have a residency every Wednesday night at Eqeko Peruvian Cuisine in Santa Ana. They are also working on their first EP. They just finished performing at BeachCon, a CSULB gaming convention. Check out their website and Facebook page.
Relay for Life La Mirada
The event will take place May 20-21 at Splash! Aquatic Center benefiting the American Cancer Society. The relay is partnering with Clothes for the Cause. This year they need as many donations as possible. Here is a link to their Facebook Event Page.
Where: IQ Air Headquarters at 14351 Firestone Blvd. in the parking lot on Saturday April 8th taking donations until 1:00 p.m. or call (949) 463-6061 for early Saturday pickup.
La Mirada High Sophomore Receives NASCAR Award Recognizing Racing Skills
La Mirada~Zooming across a black-and-white checkered finish line at 140 miles an hour in a 400-horsepower car is not unusual for La Mirada High School sophomore Ryan Vargas, who’s been racing since he was 11.
“Growing up, I always loved monster trucks, demolition derbies and Thomas the Tank Engine,” Ryan said. “When my dad took me to a NASCAR event at Irwindale Speedway, I found out that kids could actually race cars and saw it as an opportunity to do something I loved.”
Since then, Ryan has tied for national championships in the Bandolero division in 2014, set five track records across Nevada, California and Arizona, and earned Rookie 
of the Year in 2015 at The Bullring at Las Vegas. In 2016, he competed in 27 races, placing in the top five 12 times and top 10 25 times, along with reaching fifth place in the California state standings.
Most recently, he was awarded the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award by NASCAR, which recognizes a high-performing minority or female driver contributing on and off the track in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
“I’m just really, really thankful,” Ryan said. “Being selected to receive this amazing award is such an honor in my life and in my career.”
La Mirada Arts Colony Home Garden Tour April 23rd
The Arts Colony of La Mirada will hold their next meeting on Monday, April 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Resource Center located at 13710 La Mirada Blvd
Watercolor artist Jim Shalchak will demonstrate his technique by emphasizing the importance of selective vision through simplification and focus. The meeting is free to the art appreciating public.
The Arts Colony will be presenting its Art in the Garden Tour on Sunday, April 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the parking area east of the Activity Center at 13810 La Mirada Blvd.
Four home gardens will be viewed that will showcase various gardening styles and artwork from members and students. Light refreshments will be served. For information call 562-760-3175, 562-944-4535. Art entry forms for garden tour available here.
