Nationâs Leading Latino Legal Civil Rights Organization Demands La Mirada Switch Election System
La Mirada~The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) recently sent a letter to the Mayor of La Mirada and the other city council members, accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).
MALDEF has placed demands on the city to convert to a by-district election system as compared to the at-large method to allow Latino residents to elect candidates to city council.
Latinos make up 36% of La Mirada’s eligible voter population, according to US Census Data.
After receiving complaints from a group of residents this year, MALDEF organized an investigation with the press release stating, “there are currently no Latino members on the five-seat council, and with one exception, there have been no Latinos on the city council since La Mirada’s incorporation in 1960.”
However, at present, Mayor Steve De Ruse is of Mexican descent, rebutting MALDEF’s claim.
After reviewing election returns and demographic information for La Mirada MALDEF claims the lack of success of Latino voters in La Mirada to elect candidates is due to racially polarized voting among the electorate, therefore violating the CVRA, the statement read.
Matthew Barragan, MALDEF Staff Attorney, said in a statement, “MALDEF stands with La Mirada’s Latino voters in their pursuit of a place in local government. These residents simply want a voice in who gets to have a say in important aspects of civic life.”
La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton acknowledged there are neighboring communities who have changed their process recently, “This is a process of something new for us and we have to see what it means for La Mirada. We have a lot to learn in the next couple of months and decisions will have to be made with benefits and drawbacks for whatever course of action is taken.”
MALDEF and their clients will pursue a judicial order to change the election system should the City of La Mirada fail to respond by August 17th or if they give an unsatisfactory response.
Boynton said a closed session will take place to discuss the matter with the city attorney at the duration of the next council meeting Tuesday, August 9th.
UPDATE: 07:32 08/6/16: We contacted MALDEF attorney, Matthew Barragan and asked him about the apparent miscalculation by the group of Latino representation on the La Mirada City Council, "If there were more than one [Latino] prior to that, it wouldn't change the result of our demand letter. And you know, us still believing the city's violation was based on a large investigation that had to do with more than just how many Latino members were on the council, he said.
Ribbon Cutting for New Playground Equipment at Frontier Park
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| City officials and community members gather for a ribbon cutting this past Friday as the new playground equipment was unveiled at Frontier Park. Earlier this year the city council allocated more than $714,000 for play area renovations that also include Anna J. Martin Park and the tot lot at the community gymnasium. |
Shirley Jones and Paul Williams to Appear at Symphony Gala
La Mirada~You are invited to the first annual Golden Clef Awards Gala, honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to the musical arts, Saturday, August 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The first recipients are actress Shirley Jones, composer Paul Williams, Roy Disney, Jr. and Supervisor Don Knabe. Veteran Broadway performers Rex Smith, James Mulligan, and Carly Bracco provide musical entertainment. Host Morgan Brittany will engage Shirley Jones and Paul Williams in intimate onstage chats and include film clips of their career highlights.
Disney fans will enjoy the tribute to Roy Disney, Jr., often credited with saving the Disney legacy. Disney producer and historian, David Bossert, presents a special segment highlighting the missing portion of Fantasia known as “Destino.” The film marries Salvador Dali art to music and will be shown at the gala.
Organizers are working hard to ensure an entertaining evening to kick start the 2016-2017 La Mirada Symphony season. All proceeds go toward funding the free admission concerts provided by the LMS for the community. A silent auction of valuable packages offers another opportunity for music lovers to support the symphony. The $100 VIP package includes an after show reception with hors d'oeuvres, wine bar, and meet-and-greet with the honorees. All other seats are $60.
Order tickets through the La Mirada Theatre Box Office here or call 562-944-9804.
Limited half price tickets available and 15% off VIP using code animate here.
Biola University Approved For Provisional NCAA Division II Membership
Biola University's application for membership into the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II has been approved for the three-year membership process.
"We couldn't be more excited about the news of joining the NCAA Division II," said Biola University President Barry H. Corey. "Membership will allow Biola to become part of an organization that aligns closely with our vision and values. I believe we have a great deal to offer one another."
Approval by NCAA officials is the culmination of a several-year effort on the part of Biola administrators. After careful consideration of the value of changing athletic affiliations, the Board of Trustees voted in January of 2015 to pursue NCAA membership. Under the leadership of Biola Director of Athletics Dr. Bethany Miller, the University prepared and submitted its application in January of this year, and underwent an NCAA campus review in April.
Biola, which has been affiliated with the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1964, has seen its accomplishments on the field increase in recent years. The university reached an athletic milestone last season when for the first time in program history its teams earned a spot inside of the top-10 in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup rankings. In addition, Biola's athletic teams won five Golden State Athletic Conference championships during the 2015-16 season.
The Eagles will continue as an active member of the GSAC conference and the NAIA for the 2016-17 school year while completing Provisional Year One with the NCAA. Beginning in Provisional Year Two (2017-18), Biola will join the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference and compete with schedules made up of NCAA opponents. With successful completion of Provisional Year Three (2018-19) of the membership process, the Eagles will gain full, active NCAA DII membership and become eligible to compete for NCAA Division II championships beginning as early as 2019-20.
The PacWest Conference is made up of 14 member institutions and sponsors 15 NCAA Division II sports. The conference is made up of institutions based in Southern California, Northern California, Hawaii and Utah. Biola will join a conference featuring former GSAC rivals Azusa Pacific, California Baptist, Concordia-Irvine, Fresno Pacific and Point Loma.
"The NCAA Division II is a great fit for Biola University," said Miller. "The strong emphasis on student-athlete academic success, community engagement, and competitive excellence aligns with our philosophy to develop student-athletes in Christ like character and to thrive at Biola and beyond. We have much to accomplish during our Provisional Membership period, and we are committed to becoming a model Division II institution."
Biola Athletics sponsors 19 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs (nine men's, 10 women's). Over the past five seasons Biola's athletic teams won 10 GSAC championships and four GSAC tournament championships, sending 44 different teams to their respective NAIA national tournaments. Over the previous three years, Biola's student-athletes have accumulated 102 NAIA All-American honors and 234 all-conference honors.
"Biola is ready for the next era of competition in intercollegiate athletics," said Corey.
Re-posted with permission, (c) Biola University
CONTEST: Like Our Post On Facebook for Your Chance to Win Family 4-Pack to Splash!
The La Mirada Blog and Splash! La Mirada want to send you to cool off this summer with the family!
Just like the special post on our Facebook page regarding the contest by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday August 2nd.
You will be automatically entered into a contest to receive a FREE general admission family 4-pack to Splash! La Mirada including Bucaneer Bay.
A winner will be picked, at random by the La Mirada Blog on Wednesday, August 3rd at 10 a.m.
La Mirada Blog makes final decision on winner. No entries after 8/2/16 at 11:00 p.m. Players assume all responsibilities
Thank you Splash! Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada!
Join the Public Safety Dog Walkers Program
La Mirada~The next Captain K-9 meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at Gardenhill Park, 14435 Gardenhill Drive, at 6 p.m. Dog owners and their pets are encouraged to attend.
The “Captain K-9” Dog Walker Watch program encourages recreational dog walkers to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for local law enforcement.
Captain K-9 participants are trained to effectively observe and report suspicious activity while on routine walks with their dogs and how to best help dispatchers and deputies respond to criminal activity.
For more information on the Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch program, contact La Mirada Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres at (562) 902-2986.
Latest Crime Report; Two Vehicles Vandalized on Barnwall
The following is the crime report for June 20-June 26, 2016 as reported by the City of La Mirada:
Robbery-A cell phone and cash were stolen during a robbery at a business on the 14500 block of Telegraph Rd. The suspect used a simulated weapon to steal items from the location. No injuries were reported.
Aggravated Assault-A victim was assaulted during a domestic incident. The victim and suspect were both treated for minor injuries. The suspect was eventually arrested.
Residential Burglary-Cash was stolen during a burglary on the 14100 block of Adoree St. Cash and jewelry were reported stolen on the 15700 block of Orsa Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A cash register with cash was stolen on the 13800 block of Biola Ave. All items were recovered. A storage unit was broken into on the 15000 block of Alondra Blvd. Exact loss is yet to be determined.
Vehicle Burglary-Two window-smash burglaries occurred on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Two vehicles were broken into on the 14900 block of Barnwall St. A sedan was broken into on the 15500 block of Dalmatian Ave.
Grand Theft Vehicle- A sedan was stolen from the 15500 block of La Mirada Blvd. A truck was reported stolen on the 14000 block of Mansa Dr.
La Mirada to Enforce 4th of July Fireworks and Party Regulations
On July 4, the La Mirada Public Safety Team will be patrolling throughout neighborhoods to enforce fireworks and party regulations. Residents are reminded to follow all City regulations.
The discharging of fireworks on City-owned property including parks, sidewalks and City facilities, is prohibited. The use of “safe and sane” fireworks is only allowed on July 4 from 3 to 10 p.m.
Streets may not be blocked off for parties and large gatherings. Residents hosting large parties that disturb the peace may be billed for the costs of breaking up the party. Individuals who discharge fireworks or conduct celebrations on private property without the owner’s permission will be cited.
Public drinking of alcoholic beverages and public intoxication are prohibited. All laws will be proactively enforced. Citations will be issued and arrests will be made for any violations.
Residents are encouraged to take an active part in reporting criminal activity. To report a crime in progress, dial 911. To report illegal fireworks or other criminal activity, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
La Mirada Independence Day Celebration
La Mirada Blog recommends to NOT bringing your dog to this event
La Mirada~A spectacular fireworks show will light up the skies over La Mirada on Sunday, July 3 as part of the city'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 Eagles tribute band, “Heartache Tonight,” and 80s band “Betamaxx.”
“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 bbq's 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, call (562) 943-7277.
Editors note: The La Mirada Blog does not recommend taking your dogs to this event annually held on July 3rd. It is our belief large crowds and of course the large mortar fireworks in the evening are a recipe for disaster. Many disturbing incidents involving dogs have been witnessed at this event over the years.
Of course, it is not illegal to bring your dog to an open space park, but we strongly discourage it on this day. Over 10,000 people traditionally attend this event. Also, if you live near the park, on this day, make arrangements for babysitters for your pets or stay home with them yourself.
Then, the next day on the 4th, of course, the responsibility continues as La Mirada is STILL a city that allows the sale of safe-and-sane fireworks. The fireworks sales/stands are a fundraising opportunity for many local groups who say they just cannot do without the money-it being one of the largest fundraisers of the year.
Thus, the city becomes a war zone for the night with large sophisticated projectiles detonated by residents, mixing in with the families enjoying their legal fireworks.
Law enforcement is overwhelmed and of course cannot keep up with the dozens of calls and infractions. The deputy city manager doing a ride-along with officers just doesn't cut it. The economic effect is also troubling. The city has to pay an astronomical amount of money to pay for all the deputies and other personnel it has to deploy.
ALL fireworks should be banned in La Mirada, period, just like in other cities, who's non-profits and other organizations seem to get along just fine without selling fireworks.
