La Mirada Blog
Articles by Tony Aiello
La Mirada Voters Pass Measure I
City's First Ever Local Sales Tax Passed by Almost 2-1 Margin
La Mirada~According to the numbers coming out of the County of Los Angels Registrar-Recorder's office in Norwalk, La Mirada's Measure I has passed.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, 67% of the voters in La Mirada have voted yes on the measure.
As of now, the vote count stands at 8,949 voting yes and 4,612 voting no.
Measure I will raise $4-5 million annually by raising La Mirada's sales tax to 9.75 percent, from 8.75 percent for a period of five years.
The city says it needs the funds to maintain infrastructure.
An oversight committee will be formed to monitor the funds.
In other La Mirada related election news:
The Cerritos Community College District's school improvement bond, Measure G has passed by a wide margin receiving just under 70 percent of the vote (63,645 to 27,447). The district claim
s it needs the funds in order to continue meeting the existing needs and growing demands for expanded educational opportunities in the community. The bond will add $25 for every $100,000 of a home's assessed value and will be added to annual property tax bills for La Miradans.
La Mirada's Noel Jaimes (R) appears to be going down in defeat in the 57th State Assembly race. Ian Calderon (D) of Hacienda Heights has captured a little over 63 percent of the vote (65,297 to 37,696).
Bidding for her sixth two-year term, Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, defeated Benjamin Campos in the race for the new 38th Congressional District.
Sanchez will now serve in the new territory that was created by redistricting, that will include La Mirada, she formerly 
served in the 39th District that included La Mirada.
Sanchez received just under 68 percent of the vote, doubling up on Campos, 106,844 to 50,889.
In the 29th State Senate District, it appears to be too close to call. With all precincts reporting, Democrat Greg Diamond has 96 votes more than incumbent Senate Republican leader Bob Huff (18,000 to 17,904).
MEASURE I : La Mirada Voters to Decide on Infrastructure Needs
What do you think? Vote in our poll on this page!
La Mirada~For the first time in its 52-year history, and reflecting the current state of the economy, the city will ask residents for financial help to maintain city infrastructure and services by proposing a tax increase.
For as long as anyone can remember, La Mirada City Council incumbents running for re-election have always used the fact that La Mirada has never had a local tax as a major part of their platform. Those days appear to be over.
Measure I will be on the November 6 ballot, and if passed by voters, will raise the sales tax in La Mirada from 8.75 percent to 9.75. The tax would go into effect April 1st of next year, and would last for a period of five years.
The measure has opposition, most notably former councilman Pete Dames who served from 1994-2011.
He said the way the measure has been presented is the classic “bait and switch” in politics and he doesn’t like it, “From the very beginning this was supposed to be all about the infrastructure and nothing else.”
“Once the actual wording (of the measure) came out, it was unbelievable, they added other things. They used all the common buzz words including senior care and police services,” said Dames, who asserted other then infrastructure repair needs, the city is fine.
Councilmember Steve Jones, a supporter of Measure I disagreed, “We’ve consistently said these funds are for infrastructure repairs,” look at our City’s record, La Mirada has always done what it said it would do. Measure I will maintain City services by assuring La Mirada has the money needed for infrastructure repairs without taking funds from other vital services.”
The aging La Mirada infrastructure repairs that are needed-identified as about $67 million worth according to a city study-includes traffic lights, streets and curbs, and the sewer system, among other things.
The measure is worded so the money would be put into the general fund instead of a specific need such as infrastructure-the latter requiring a state mandated two-thirds vote.
By including the other items in the measure, along with the infrastructure repairs, only a majority vote is required (50 percent plus one).
If the measure passes, the future tax revenue would go into the general fund and the city can spend the money on anything it desires.
“Money raised by Measure I will go directly into the ground for repairs throughout La Mirada,” says Mayor Gabe Garcia. “Both a twenty-nine member Citizen Task Force and the entire La Mirada City Council have strongly supported Measure I,” Garcia added. “The City Council is committed to making sure every dollar is spent as intended to repair roads, sewers and other infrastructure in La Mirada.”
City Manager Tom Robinson agreed with Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Jones, “The reality is that La Mirada needs additional funding in the coming years to make necessary infrastructure repairs. If the City doesn’t have funding to make repairs in a planned and orderly manner, we will face more costly, emergency repairs that will take resources from other services.”
The revenue was originally expected to generate $8-10 million annually or around $45-50 million for the five year period. However, a recent study by the city tax consultant revealed the revenue was miscalculated, and the city will only receive $4-5 million annually instead, generating $20-25 million total, and falling short of the $67 million total needed.
Call from Distraught Boy to Sheriff’s Department Ends Peacefully in La Mirada
La Mirada~The Sheriff's department received a telephone call from a 15 year-old boy early Tuesday evening threatening to harm himself.
Lieutenant Evans of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station told the La Mirada Blog they received a call from the boy shortly after 5 p.m. who said he had a knife and also wanted to be shot by police.
The boy was at Los Coyotes Middle School when he made the call. As officers were arriving, he made his way across the field and into the flood control channel, also carrying a backpack.
Parents and children conducting soccer practice on the school field observed officers running across the field.
Deputies caught up with the juvenille, with assistance from a sheriff's helicopter, north of the school at Behringer Park, where he was detained without incident behind the homes on Keating Drive.
The Lieutenant said he does not know why the boy was distraught and no other information is available at this time.
“Community Singspiration” to Honor Veterans and Their Families
La Mirada~Along with its regular worship service, La Mirada Christian Church is pleased to announce a monthly "Community Hymn Singspiration," singing the songs and hymns of our Christian heritage.
La Mirada Christian Church has been a part of the community since 1960 and is growing with an emphasis on Midlife adults (ages 45+).
The Singspiration is open to the public, and those interested may request some of their favorite hymns by visiting their website: www.MidlifeWorship.com.
The November Singspiration will be on Sunday, November 11th at 5:30 pm. and will feature a special tribute to Veterans and their families.
Complimentary refreshments will be served following each event. It is suggested to arrive a few minutes early the evening of the event as seating fills up quickly.
Each Sunday morning at 10:00 am La Mirada Christian Church offers its weekly multi-generational worship service with a balanced mix of hymns and contemporary music, presented at a pleasing decibel level with Midlife adults in mind, plus dynamic expository teaching of the Bible.
La Mirada Christian Church is located at 12104 Los Coyotes Ave., behind The Home Depot. For more information, contact Pastor Jay Mahan at (562) 943-2213, ext. 1, e-mail at Jay@LaMiradaChurch.com, or by visiting the church website at: www.LaMiradaChurch.com.
La Mirada Symphony Presents First Free Concert of Season
La Mirada~The La Mirada Symphony Orchestra will feature a "Celebration of Nature" theme for its concert at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, free, on October 27th.
Dr. Robert Frelly of Chapman University begins his second season as conductor. Highlights include autumn from “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, “Water Music” by Handel, and On the Trail from the “Grand Canyon Suite” by Grofe.
Free concerts are also scheduled at the theatre for January 12th, February 23rd, and the annual POPS concert April 16th, 2013.
This Saturday’s concert begins at 8 pm and donations are welcome. For more information visit http://www.lamiradasymphony.com/
Overflow Crowd Floods District for 1st Annual College Fair & Expo
Norwalk~Hundreds of students and parents descended on the Norwalk-La Mirada School District headquarters as the school district hosted the 1st Annual NLMUSD College Expo Day 2012 this last Thursday.
The distric
t-the 15th largest in California-welcomed representatives from colleges and universities from all over Southern California and beyond, to interact with students and parents, hand out brochures and other literature containing important information and answer questions they might have.
Each representative had an information table in which parents and students were able to discuss the requirements to attend the college or university.
Also, topical workshops were presented during two session times. In Session 1, Tiana Otabuah (UCI) presented a workshop on “College 101”; Kaplan Test Prep presented “SAT Test Prep”; UCLA presented “Tips on Writing a Personal Statement”; and Cypress College presented a workshop on “Financial Aid”.
During Session 2, Otabuah presented a workshop on “What Juniors Need to Know”; Cerritos College presented “Community College and Transferring”; CSUF presented a workshop on “Early Outreach Program (UOP)”; and Cypress College presented a second workshop on “Financial Aid”.
Representatives from the City of Norwalk, City of La Mirada, PTA, and ROP were also present at the community event to talk about their services.
The occasion featured a welcome greeting from Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez and a special message
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| Students and parents pack a classroom to listen to a representative from UCLA give tips on writing a personal statement for college. |
from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
The idea was born when middle and high school counselors of the school district, at one of their monthly meetings, were discussing ways to revamp a district college handbook. In the past, the district’s high schools and middle schools held their own college information nights. The counselors decided to have an event for all the schools
Soon, the district counselor team of Irene Rifilato (Norwalk High School), David Hallum (La Mirada High School), Candida Hernandez (Los Coyotes Middle School) and Jenny Amaya (Waite Middle School) were chosen by the other counselors to organize the new expo.
Resident Advocacy Group Forms in La Mirada Over Train Noise
Advocacy group forms to seek resident protection from future noise by lobbying for a sound wall
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| Residents who recently gathered at a home on San Ardo Drive to discuss a railroad sound wall |
La Mirada~The Valley View Grade Separation Project, now officially started, and in its early stages, has rekindled an issue as old as the city itself-train traffic and the noise associated with it; and a former school board member is heading up a new advocacy group to ensure resident’s interests are protected.
The Valley View project-a $65 million joint venture between Caltrans, BNSF Railway, and the cities of La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs will create a railroad bridge and underpass, allowing the Valley View Avenue traffic at Stage Road, to flow underneath the tracks, eliminating the need for a grade signal.
When the endeavor is completed, sometime in late 2014, barring any unexpected occurrences the trains will no longer have to sound their whistle at the intersection, bringing relief too many. More importantly, traffic congestion will be essentially eliminated at the intersection.
However, that’s not good enough for Nancy Jenkins and her dozens of neighbors in the Neff Park/Stage Road area of La Mirada who are concerned train traffic and the noise associated with it, that they experiencing now, will only increase in the future.
After a city-sponsored informational meeting about the Valley View project held on August 13th, many of the group felt disenfranchised.
“They made us feel like we weren’t allowed to speak,” said Jenkins, who said the group repeatedly asked about a sound wall and was told over and over again it is not in the city’s budget.
“It was understood that in no uncertain terms nobody wanted to address the problems of the sounds we live with 24/7,” said Jenkins, “This is nothing new for us. We have had issues with the noise around here for a very long time.
Group member Carlos Garcia concurred, “They seemed to get mad when we started asking questions.”
Then, Jenkins said, a city-provided facilitator attempted to lead the group with feel-good chants, yes chants, leaving attendees with their jaws dropped. “It was just an inane thing,” she said.
Since then, Jenkins along with others, have created an advocacy group, organizing and mobilizing, by canvassing the neighborhood and gathering signatures for a petition to present to the city, with the hopes in finding some support for a sound wall.
She also is looking forward to discussions with city officials about the wall, and gives the city the benefit of the doubt, as their might have been some misunderstandings at the city-run meeting.
The group currently has over 650 signatures and their goal is to get about 800, and then present the petition at the October 23rd City Council meeting. Most of the initial supporters live on San Ardo Drive which runs parallel with the train track, but now the effort has reached as far north as San Esteban Drive to the north, and Figueras Road to the east.
Jenkins, a former Norwalk-La Mirada School Board member, who last served in that capacity in 1987 after three terms, is the informal leader of the group.
She and the others want to make it perfectly clear, their main concern is the new third mainline track slated to be laid down soon.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Matadores Start Out League Play With Dramatic Win; Should Coast Through Suburban
La Mirada~The La Mirada High School Football team beat Norwalk in dramatic fashion this past Friday night 29-23, in the opening game of Suburban League play for both teams.
Norwalk took the lead 23-20 with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter on a field goal by Jorge Perez.
However, La Mirada's Gerry Myres found Tyler Luatua for a 59-yard catch-and-run touchdown, securing the win for Matadores (4-1, 1-0).
Myres completed 9 of 15 passes for 178 yards, and saved his longest completion of the night for the winning score.
Adam Carrasco carried the ball 29 times for 165 yards, including all of his teams 66 yards in a grueling 3rd quarter 11-play TD drive.
After a tough pre-league schedule in which the Mats went 3-1, Norwalk may be the Matadores toughest foe in a notoriously very weak Suburban League, made even weaker this year with the recent announcement of the discontinuation of the varsity football program at Cerritos High School, another Suburban team.
The program was shut down due mostly from ongoing Cerritos parent concerns about player safety.
Now a five team league with Cerritos gone-don't look up-because the Mats have only four games remaining for the regular season.
Another key contest for the Mats will be the regular season finale November 2nd at home vs. rival Mayfair.
La Mirada next travels to Bellflower Friday, September 28th to take on the Monsoons (2-2, 0-0).
Traffic Incident Snarls Traffic at Theatre Center
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| Photo sent into the La Mirada Blog by Twitter follower shows victim being loaded into ambulance. |
La Mirada~Two cars collided last night in La Mirada resulting in one victim being transported to the hospital.
The incident occurred a little after 9 p.m. at Rosecrans Avenue and the La Mirada Theatre Center's north entrance; located next to Panera Bread.
Apparently the vehicle traveling westbound on Rosecrans was attempting to turn into the center, and was cut off by the vehicle traveling eastbound on Rosecrans also attempting to turn into the center, said Lt. Woolum of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station.
She said both vehicles were traveling at a slow rate of speed and the accident was considered minor.
However, one victim was transported to the hospital complaining of neck pain.
Photos sent in our by Twitter fans show the two vehicles involved were SUV's.
Get instant La Mirada news at twitter.com/lamiradablog
La Mirada Cub Scouts to Host Recruitment Night
La Mirada~The Cub Scout Pack 919 of La Mirada is holding their Fall Round-up Recruitment Night this Friday, September 21, 2012, at 6 p.m.
The location of the event is the Community Presbyterian Church, 13701 Hillsborough Drive in La Mirada (near Behringer Park).
Cub scouting is a program tailored for boys 1st through 5th grade, guiding and helping them to become reliant, dependable, and caring individuals.
For almost 50 years, Pack 919 of La Mirada, has been weaving lifetime values into fun and educational activities designed to assist parents in strengthening character, good citizenship, and physical fitness in youth.
Along with teaching family values, scouting offers a lot of fun including family camps, hikes, bike rides and many other fantastic events, making it fun with a purpose!
For additional information contact Cub Master Moses Covarrubias at (562) 774-7439.
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