Olympian and Former La Mirada Softball Star Jersey to be Retired at LMHS.

Former Athletic Star and USA Olympian will have her jersey retired at a ceremony at La Mirada High School. Photo jenniefinch.com.

La Mirada~Eighteen years after she graduated from La Mirada High School , La Mirada native and softball great Jennie Finch will be returning to the Matador diamond to have her jersey retired.

Finch’s number 27 will be honored in a ceremony Tuesday, March 22^nd at 3:00 p.m. After, she will throw out the first pitch before the Matadores key rival game vs. Mayfair High School.

An 80’s kid, she was born and grew up in La Mirada. She began pitching at age eight, trained by her father when he noticed she had “a cannon of an arm.”  She played on many traveling ball clubs before high school, winning two American Softball Association Titles, one at age 12 and the other at 14.

At La Mirada High she graduated in 1998 and lettered four times in softball and twice in basketball and volleyball. As a senior she was captain in all three sports.

She finished her career in softball at La Mirada with a 50-12 record, four Suburban league titles and an ERA of 0.15 including 784 strikeouts in 445 total innings pitched. She had six perfect games and 13 no-hitters.

She went on to play for the University of Arizona for four years where she left the program the career leader in strikeouts, shutouts, innings pitched and tied for no-hitters (8). Her jersey #27 was retired by the university in 2003.

For Team USA, Finch led the American team to a gold medal in the Olympic Games at Athens in 2004 and a silver medal at Beijing in 2008.

At the La Mirada ceremony, she is expected to attend with family and friends and be presented with a framed jersey, according to first-year head coach Brent Tuttle.

Tuttle also said Finch purchased a set of uniforms for the varsity team this year.

The event is open to the public.

• Mar 22, 2016

The La Mirada Spring Market is Here

If you’re buying or selling a home in the La Mirada area, turn to the exclusive real estate partner of the La Mirada Blog, Century 21 Westworld. Located at the La Mirada Theatre Center, Century 21 Westworld is the only Century 21 office in La Mirada and offers a prime location for the most walk-in buyers.

Owner/Broker Joel Kushell and Century 21 Westworld Realty have served the La Mirada area since 1975 when the office was opened with just two agents.

The current team at Century 21 Westworld delivers professionalism and expertise unsurpassed in the area, making them the leader for buying and selling homes in La Mirada and the surrounding communities for over 41 years. There are 25 experienced real estate agents at Century 21 Westworld and the Broker, Joel Kushell is proud that 80 % have been with the company between 20 and 32 years.

Located in the center of La Mirada for over 41 years, caring for their clients is top priority at Century 21 Westworld. Agents avoid the use of transaction coordinators and assistants. From meeting appraisers to installing lock boxes, to fielding clients’ calls, agents walk clients through every aspect of the process, every step of the way.

“When our clients hire us, we feel we owe them our time and expertise. We are there for them when they need us,” says Kushell.

• Mar 22, 2016

World’s Largest UFC Gym Celebrates Grand Opening in La Mirada March 19th

UFC^® Fighters Matt Hughes, Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson and James Moontasri to Make Special Guest Appearances

La Mirada, Calif. – UFC GYM^®, the fast-growing franchise that combines mixed martial arts (MMA) and fitness, will celebrate the grand opening of the new 47,000 square foot location from 9 am to 6 pm Saturday, March 19 in La Mirada. Located at 14920 La Mirada Boulevard, the La Mirada gym is noted as the largest location since the organization’s debut.

“UFC GYM has quickly become the premier fitness destination of Los Angeles County,” UFC GYM President Adam Sedlack said. “The reception we’ve received from the local community has been amazing. Unlike other gyms, our coaches include professional caliber athletes with years of experience in an array of training disciplines, eager to share their knowledge and passion with our members. This location represents the best workout facility we’ve ever built and we want to celebrate this gym’s opening with the entire community.”

UFC^® Hall of Famer and former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes, former WEC featherweight champion and current no. 3 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Urijah Faber, no. 6 ranked UFC featherweight Cub Swanson and UFC lightweight contender James Moontasri will lead free seminars and sign autographs throughout the entire day.

UFC GYM will also raffle several exciting prizes, including a trip for two to Las Vegas and tickets to an upcoming UFC event. Guests will also have the opportunity to obtain special grand opening incentives during the month of March.

Highlighted by a 30-foot Octagon^®, members of this top-of-the-line signature gym will have access to strength training and cardio machines, battle ropes, agility ladders, bag room, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio, large group fitness rooms and other functional training equipment for dynamic workouts. The gym’s explosive workout environment uses cutting-edge training techniques inspired by UFC athletes and provides members with everything needed for the entire family to sweat, move, live and Train Different^®.

OPENING DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

*Must be 18 years or older and must be present to win. See entry form for additional contest rules and regulations.

As one of the brands signature gyms, La Mirada is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, joining the regions Corona, South Corona, Rosemead and Torrance locations with the same distinction in Southern California.

• by Tony Aiello
• Mar 19, 2016

Biola Wins GSAC Tournament Men’s Basketball Championship

Fullerton~The turnaround is complete. Biola Men’s Basketball once again reigns supreme in the Golden State Athletic Conference as Dr. Dave Holmquist’s boys clinched the conference tournament title with a 60-52 victory over No. 7 Hope International last Tuesday night.

“We just have one great thing after another happening for us,” said Holmquist. “To win on their court against a very good, well-coached team feels great.”

Eight points was the largest lead either team had the entire night in what will go down as another absolute GSAC Instant Classic. This Instant Classic just so happened to be seen live by a crowd of about 2,000 and delivered to living rooms all across Southern California courtesy FOX Sports Prime Ticket.

Shining bright in the biggest moment, a huge defensive performance from start-to-finish and team effort on the offensive end carried the Eagles, the regular season champions, to the tournament title as well. It is the team’s first tournament title since 2011-12 and clinches the team’s first berth at the NAIA National Tournament since that same year.

Throughout this journey Dr. Holmquist continues to remark on is just how close this team is, how much they care for one another and how much fun they have together. All three of those aspects were on full display for the audience throughout this evening’s battle.

• by Neil Morgan
• Mar 15, 2016

La Mirada Crime Report February 22-March 6, 2016

La Mirada crime as reported by the City of La Mirada February 22^nd-March 6^th, 2016

Aggravated Assault-A suspect was arrested for an assault that occurred at a party on the 15100 block of Escalona Rd.  The victim sustained injuries to the face and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Three adult males were assaulted by a male wielding a metal pipe on the 14700 block of Beach Blvd.  No injuries were sustained by the victims.

Burglary-Several purses and coins were stolen from a residence on the 13800 block of Foster Rd.

Other Structure Burglary-An attempted burglary occurred at a business on the 14700 block of Beach Blvd. A shed was broken into and various tools were taken on the 16000 block of Phoebe Ave.

Vehicle Burglary-A window-smash burglary was reported on the 12000 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A purse containing a cell phone was stolen from the vehicle. A window-smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd.  Several backpacks containing laptops, tablets, cash and other electronic equipment were stolen from vehicle. Personal documents were reported stolen on the 14900 block of Gagely Dr. Power tools were reported stolen from a window smash burglary on the 13200 block of Flemington Ct.

Grand Theft-Two bags containing baseball equipment was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 15300 block of Hayford St. A locked bicycle was stolen from the front of a business on the 14800 block of Valley View Ave. A purse, wallet, cash, passport and laptop were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 14200 block of Mansa Dr.

Grand Theft Vehicle-An attempted vehicle theft was reported on the 16100 block of Canary Ave. The vehicle was recovered by the victim just outside the property. Armed Robbery Suspects Taken into Custody. A commercial truck was reported stolen from the 16800 block of Knott Ave. The vehicle was recovered by personnel from Norwalk Sheriff's Station. A sedan was reported stolen by the corner of Biola Ave and Mansa Dr. The vehicle was recovered by personnel from Century Sheriff's Station. A commercial truck was reported stolen from the 14700 block of Alondra Blvd. A sedan stolen from the City of Bell was recovered on the 13600 block of Biola Ave by personnel from Norwalk Sheriff's Station.

• Mar 09, 2016

Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations and License Clinic at La Mirada Regional March 10th

A Pet Vaccination and Licensing Clinic will be held at La Mirada Regional Park on Thursday, March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.

La Mirada pet owners will have the opportunity to renew or obtain new animal licenses, vaccinations and microchipping.

Licenses for altered dogs will be $20 and unaltered dogs $60. There is a senior citizen discount for altered dog licenses-only costing $7.50. Altered cats are $5.00 to license and unaltered felines are $10.00.

Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats will cost $7.00. Purevax, an optional alternative Rabies vaccine for cats will be available for $20.00. Other vaccines include DHPP $19.00, Bordetella $14.00, FVRCP $18.00 and FELV $21.00.

AVID Microchips for Cats and dogs will cost $28.

Other Services include roundworm deworming/tapeworm deworming with the cost based on the weight of the pet.

Payment by cash or credit card only (additional $3 charge for credit card) will be accepted for all veterinary services.  Checks will be accepted for licensing services.  Proof of a prior Rabies vaccine should be provided by pet owners to ensure a 3-year Rabies vaccination as opposed to a 1-year.  Valid proof is a Rabies Certificate, License Renewal Notice, or license tag.

For more information regarding the Vaccination Clinic or Animal Control, call La Mirada City Hall at (562) 943-0131.

• Mar 05, 2016

Exclusive Interview With Member of The Imagination Movers Showing This Sunday at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

"Reach High, Think Big, Work Hard, Have Fun!"

This Sunday, March 6^th, The Imagination Movers are coming to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for two shows only-grab your tickets and your kiddos and get ready to have some fun!

Described by some as a cross between the Blue Man Group and Red Hot Chili Peppers FOR KIDS, the Imagination Movers promise a fast paced and entertaining show!  So who are the Imagination Movers--- have you EVER watched the Disney Channel???

This awesome quartet featuring Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, "Smitty" Smith, and Rich Collins bring forth music in a unique style delivering messages about reading, holidays, dogs, the tooth fairy, and so much more--- all matters kids care about in a "care about kids" way.  Their performance art captures the attention of kids and will not bore parents (like me who have heard way too many of some not-so-hip kids music)!

I had a chance to learn more about The Imagination Movers recently from Scott Durbin himself (you know, the one that used to have the long hair- now sporting a Mohawk-keyboardist and vocalist):

La Mirada Blog: What is the goal with The Imagination Movers in their performances that are "education" centered when teaching is now taking a different approach ie: Common Core?

Scott Durbin: Honestly, I think as long as the Movers keep true to creating music for the body and brain we’ll be on the right path. We know that childhood obesity is a significant problem and so we’ve made it a priority to promote being physically active. We feel that when you couple that with encouraging creative thought and expression, you’ve got the makings of a winning combination. But we don’t stop there - at the end of every concert, we tell kids everywhere to consider picking up and learning a musical instrument. We feel through our own modeling of playing live music for families, kids will see the power at their proverbial fingertips, and the educational research certainly supports the positive cognitive and emotional impact that learning music at an early age can have.

LMB: Tell us a little bit about your work with The Buddy Walk.

SD: We've been national partners with the Buddy Walk Program (through the National Down Syndrome Society) for a few years now. We’ve attended Buddy Walks, performed at them, raffled off signed guitars and other Mover memorabilia as well as donated a percentage of the money we raised during our crowd-funding campaign which helped bring about our most recent CD/DVD release, Licensed to Move. Working with the Buddy Walk Program has been a mission that is close to our collective hearts and as long as we get to do what we do - we’ll be serving the Down’s community selflessly.

LMB: What are the plans of Imagination Movers for the upcoming year?

SD: Big thing is we’ll be working on our 10th album. That’s crazy in and of itself! Through the ups and downs, the four Movers have remained friends and continue to be creative. We’re proud that the songs we wrote for the Disney show as well as the new music we’ve added. We continue to write and to create content that seeks to challenge our audience instead of pacify them. As for other endeavors, we’re hoping our animated concept, Super Movers, finds a broadcast home. I mean any show that let’s kids know that EVERYONE has the power to become a super hero (super kind, a super big brother, a super dancer), is something I’d want my kids watching; and we’ll continue to play live music for families near and far.

Catch The Imagination Movers this Sunday at two shows—1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Show Length is estimated at 60 minutes.  Tickets are $15/Child and $20/Adult.  VIP Passes are $25 in addition to admission and include a meet-and-greet with the band including time to take photos and receive autographs.

Call the La Mirada Performing Arts Center Box Office at 562-944-9801.

• by Sandra Green
• Mar 04, 2016

Enrichment Works Storytelling Concert at La Mirada Library

The La Mirada Library is pleased to announce that Enrichment Works will present “The Whole World’s Talkin’” at the La Mirada Resource Center on Saturday, March 5th at 2:00 p.m.  This program is made possible from funding provided by Fourth District Arts Education Partnership Program.

Bring the whole family for folktales from Korea, Ghana, and India! A storyteller from Enrichment Works will bring a magical compass to transport us all over the world, revealing folktales from various countries and cultures.

Please Note: The La Mirada Library is closed for refurbishment and this program will be held in the La Mirada Resource Center (13710 La Mirada Blvd.) in Meeting Room #1. For more information about this program, please call (562) 943-0277.

For other programs in this series please visit the County of Los Angeles Public Library website: colapublib.org. La Mirada Library is part of the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

• Mar 03, 2016

Biola Men’s Basketball Wins GSAC Championship

BIOLA ATHLETICS

La Mirada~Before the season began in October the coaches in the Golden State Athletic Conference voted and picked Biola Men’s Basketball to finish fifth in the conference standings.

After a 4-12 GSAC run in 2014-15, this Biola Eagles team smashed all preseason expectations and on Saturday became the 2015-16 GSAC Champions. It’s Biola’s first GSAC regular season title since 2001-02 and solidifies the Eagles’ place as the front-runner to win the conference tournament and earn a bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

On Saturday night, the Eagles completed its 27-3 run through the regular season with 65-59 win over No. 5 Hope International to clinch the conference title and finish with a regular season conference record of 14-2.

“I feel great,” said Head Coach Dr. Dave Holmquist. “I’ve coached here 36 years and I’ve never been more proud of a team than this one. I think this win tonight is just a reflection of the kind of effort and character these players showed all year long.”

The crowd inside Chase Gymnasium was shattering decibel levels throughout the night as the large contingent of Biola supporters and much smaller group of Hope International fans battled back and forth to support their respective sides.

A three-point make from Ryan Swain opened the scoring in the first minute of play. Those points gave Biola an instant lead, a lead that would carry throughout the entire 40 minutes of play as the Eagles never trailed.

Never losing the lead was not indicative of exactly how the night played out, as a well-coached HIU team kept tensions running high and the score close throughout.

• by Neil Morgan
• Mar 02, 2016

La Mirada to Host Part-Time Job Information Event

The City of La Mirada Community Services Department has opened up a number of part-time summer jobs in the recreation field and at Splash!. Interested applicants are invited to attend a job information event on Tuesday, March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center, 13806 La Mirada Boulevard.

Staff members from recreation, Splash!, and human resources will be on site to answer questions about the available positions and to explain the hiring process and aquatics testing procedures. Applicants with entry level and advanced swimming skills may bring a swim suit and practice the aquatic skills test in advance of the hiring process. Positions are available in aquatics for those with entry level and advanced swimming skills.

“We want to provide an opportunity for interested applicants to learn more about the positions available as well as the hiring process,” says Aquatics Supervisor Paul Castillo. “This event is the perfect time to ask questions and take the next step.”

For more information about City of La Mirada job opportunities, contact (562) 943-0131 or visit www.cityoflamirada.org.

• Mar 02, 2016