La Mirada Blog
Articles by Tony Aiello
Modern Day Monolith Now on Display
Super stone traveled through La Mirada to its new home
Los Angeles~After over 40 years, Michael Heizer’s conception has become a reality.
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| Terry Semel (co-chair LACMA board), LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Gabrielle Govan, Mary Heizer (artist's wife), Micahel Govan (museum director), and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa lead the way to the new exhibit. photo Tony Aiello |
After a similar failed attempt in 1969, his Levitated Mass officially opened this past Sunday morning at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Under clear blue skies with warm temperatures, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and a throng of reporters and admirers, helped welcome the newest monumental outdoor artwork installed at the museum.
The ceremony was open free to the public.
The art exhibit is a 456-long concrete slot, over which sits the 340-ton granite boulder brought to the museum in a well publicized event this past March. As visitors walk through the slot, the pathway descends to fifteen feet in depth, running underneath the giant stone before ascending back up.
This past March, the megalith was transported 108 miles to its new home after being discovered by Heizer at a Jurupa Mountains quarry in Riverside County.
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| Visitors are dwarfed by Giant Rock. photo Tony Aiello |
The giant granite traveled on a specially designed route covering four counties and 22 cities-with La Mirada being one of them.
Director of Development for the museum, Melissa Bomes was very excited to finally see the rock here, “My stomach is fluttering like a butterfly right now,” she said, “We are so excited to have this here, and we really look forward to the metropolitan area coming to visit us for years to come.”
“We hope residents of the cities that participated will take advantage of our special offer.”
As a thank you gesture, the museum is offering free admission through July 1st to residents in communities through which the boulder passed, including La Mirada. Residents must show proof of living in a zip code along the route.
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| The Rock in La Mirada this past March 5th. photo @hking |
Historical Day in La Mirada as Valley View Separation Project Commences
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| La Mirada City Manager Tom Robinson, Councilman Steve Jones, Mayor Gabe Garcia, Councilman Larry Mowles and Assistant to the City Manager, Jeff Boynton were some of the participants in the groundbreaking ceremony. |
Santa Fe Springs~An idea, a vision, and a conversation, ongoing since the late 1990's, has finally come to fruition as the ground breaking ceremony for the Valley View Grade Separation Project took place today at the intersection of Valley View Avenue and Stage Road on the La Mirada/Santa Fe Springs border.
The $65 million project-the largest transportation improvement project ever undertaken by either of the two cities-will construct and create a grade separation at the Valley View Avenue and the BNSF Railway/Stage Road intersection.
BNSF, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and LA Metro are the other project partners.
It is funded by state and federal resources and BNSF Railway.
"We are very fortunate to be able to move forward with the Valley View Avenue grade separation project. This important project will not only facilitate better and safer traffic circulation, but will also help revitalize the local economy, said City of Santa Fe Springs Mayor William K. Rounds."
The project is also a component of the $163 million Triple Track Project, which is a collaboration of Caltrans and BNSF Railway to improve the flow of international trade and passenger and commuter rail.
The Triple Track Project will be completed within a 15-mile segment of the railway between the cities of Commerce and Fullerton, and will result in the laying of a third track next to the existing two.
When the grade separation project is completed, traffic on Valley View-estimated to be 40,000 vehicles daily- will flow under the rail tracks resulting in improved safety for motorists, an enhanced traffic flow, and reduced air pollution associated with idling vehicles.
La Mirada Girls Develop a Lifelong Friendship Through Sports
La Mirada~ Actually, of course, it's just the beginning of their life journey for the young ladies on the La Mirada High Softball team, but, in many ways it is the end of a very special time for eight La Mirada girls.
When the Lady Matadores fell to Don Lugo in the CIF Division 2 semi-finals recently, it was the last time that the eight seniors on the team would play together.
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| On to the next step. La Mirada High's Lisa Perez, Shelbee Gomez, Mylee Macahilig, Rabecca Rice, Courtney Skogen, Jenevie Rivas, Rochelle Sablay, and Ambar Hickman |
We spoke with Rich Trujillo, La Mirada's head coach for the past 13 seasons, via telephone. He was on the La Mirada High softball field preparing for an orientation about La Mirada softball for a new group of incoming current La Mirada eighth graders.
"It's bittersweet," said Trujillo, "we have known these kids, and their parents, personally, for a long time."
Lisa Perez, Shelbee Gomez, Mylee Macahilig, Rabecca Rice, Courtney Skogen, Jenevie Rivas, Rochelle Sablay, and Ambar Hickman have basically been playing together since they were about eight, playing in La Mirada youth leagues, travel ball, and then ultimately at La Mirada High School.
Many communities have children growing up together playing youth sports and in many instances, there will be two or three kids, who stay together and will play in high school together, in whatever sport. But, to have eight kids grow up playing ball, and graduate high school, together, is truly rare.
In fact, word is there would have been nine, but one girl chose not to play this year.
La Mirada Kiwanis Announce Scholarship Recipients
La Mirada~The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada recently announced their recipients for this year's scholarship awards to high school seniors who are interested in continuing their education.
"We are excited to present the awards to our 2012 group, who are a great bunch of kids," said La Mirada Kiwanis Scholarship Chairperson Lou Piltz.
For over 30 years, the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada has offered the scholarships; open to all current high school seniors.
Scholarship amounts are awarded in the amounts of $500 and $1000, this year totally $11,000, with 14 students overall, receiving gifts.
To qualify, students must reside in La Mirada, but can be attending any high school.
Piltz said the applicants were judged on "their merit, grades, school activity; along with their community involvement and accomplishments, and other determining factors."
This year, three students attending high schools outside of La Mirada were rewarded. They include Alexa Ortega-Ramirez of La Serna High School who received $1000; Jonathan Reveles, Whittier Christian High School, $500; and Caitlyn Cappadona, St. Joseph High School (Lakewood), $500.
El Camino High School winners were Courtney Morrison ($1000) and Zoraya Silva ($1000).
The remaining winning students are all attending La Mirada High School. They are: Teresa Co ($1000), Phyong-Lien Ngheim ($1000), Megan Hoyarek ($1000), Ramon G Visaiz ($1000), Christy Pflanzer ($1000), Melissa Aceves ($500), Eric Matheny ($500), Nicholas Sanchez-McCormick ($500), and Nicholas Popoy ($500).
For La Mirada High School students, they will be presented with their prize by Kiwanis, at a tea on the campus Monday June 18th. The time is still yet to be determined.
For the El Camino students, a presentation ceremony will be held Thursday, June 21st.
La Mirada Salutes Veterans at Olive Lawn Memorial Park
La Mirada~A beautiful La Mirada spring morning greeted over 300 people as they attended the annual Memorial Day Program at Olive Lawn Memorial Park in La Mirada this past Monday.The traditional program was hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) La Mirada Post 9148, its Ladies Auxiliary, and Olive Lawn-along with added support provided by the City of La Mirada.
Past Commander of the Post, Rick Bergquist, presided over the ceremony, informing the crowd the holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day, and originated after the American
Civil War. But by the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
He explained that in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order "to create a convenient three-day weekend," which drew a chuckle from the crowd.
Numerous American flags peppered the cemetery on this day, placed on veteran's graves by Boy Scouts, "La Mirada is well represented by the veteran community here," said Berquist.
Christopher Guerra (Troop 919), a Boy Scouts of America Life Scout, led the crowd for the Pledge of Allegiance.
An inspiring Memorial Day address was given by Captain Roy Twaddell, Chaplain, California State Military Reserve.
The glorious voice of Jacinda Perez filled the park, captivating and consuming the crowd with her rendition of "God Bless America."
Olive Lawn and La Mirada VFW to Host Annual Memorial Day Service
La Mirada~A Memorial Day Program will be conducted Monday, May 28th at Olive Lawn Memorial Park, 13929 La Mirada Blvd.
Proudly supported by the City of La Mirada, the event is hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars La Mirada Post 9148 and its ladies auxiliary, and Olive Lawn.
Community service organizations including the boy scouts and cub scouts will participate with floral presentations.
This year's Memorial address will be given by Captain Roy Twaddell, Chaplain, from the California State Military Reserves.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. sharp, and is scheduled for one hour.
Seating is limited, so lawn chairs are not only allowed, but recommended.
For more information, call the VFW Post at 562-941-4097.
La Mirada Resident Has Helped La Mirada Community Garden Grow
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| Bob Berklite and Jeanne Jenkins stand in front of entrance to La Mirada Garden |
See the Print Version in This Weeks Edition of the La Mirada Lamplighter!
La Mirada~ For more than 20 years, every morning, one can find longtime La Mirada resident Bob Berklite at the La Mirada Community Gardens tending to his garden, and talking soil with his friends.
Recently, Berklite and the others on the five-member advocate committee decided to hand over the day-to-day business of the garden to a new generation.
Now, Jeanne Jenkins, Chris Stevens, and other La Mirada baby boomers are geared up to lead the new garden committee.
Jenkins, who's in charge of membership, told us, "There are a lot of diverse people, I enjoy being here and I love talking with everyone, I learn a lot from them."
The garden, one of over 80 in Los Angeles County, is located at the Fountain of Light church (formerly Mt. Olive Lutheran) at 13518 Biola Avenue.
With yellow foxgloves around us and birds singing in the background, I sat down at the garden for a few minutes recently with the 87-year old who says he will still maintain his own personal garden space, but it's time for a new group of people to head up the committee, which oversees operations.
"We had a member die recently, that happens a lot around here," he said jokingly referring to the older age of a lot of the gardeners.
At 43,000 square feet, and occupying approximately one acre of land, the sanctuary is divided into 43 plots, each assigned to one gardener. Most of the garden spots are approximately 20' x 30' in size, and currently the garden has two plots available.
Some grow to save money on their produce bills, and some grow for the love of it, but most people are a combination of the two. The gardeners often share their bounty and it really makes for a nice social setting.
"We just had a sign put up; the community doesn't even know we have a garden here," said Berklite.
The garden also recently added a community blog on the Internet.
Plots cost $120 annually, but you can share a spot with someone to cut the price in half. Also, the large area is just too much for some, so dividing it makes sense, to maintain productivity.
Each plot is equipped with its own water supply valve.
The garden is open basically from sunup to sundown, and each gardener receives their own access key, since the garden is enclosed and secure.
The City of La Mirada handles all the costs associated with the garden including, administrative duties, the water bill, and other utilities and costs.
Not only is the garden one of the best kept secrets in La Mirada, it has been around for quite some time, and is now fueling a new generation of cultivators.
Miss Saigon Breaks Sales Record at La Mirada Theater
La Mirada~The recent run of the multiple Tony Award winning play Miss Saigon, at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts was the highest grossing production ever at the theatre said Producing Artistic Director, Brian Kite.
"Of the possible 26,271 seats available for the entire run, we sold over 22,000 of them, with numerous sell-outs, including the last two performances," said Kite who directed the La Mirada rendition of Saigon, which bowed out this past Sunday after 26 days.
He indicated the only other production from the past that might come close in gross sales would be "the first time Peter Pan was here."
Although it left Broadway in January of 2001, after a ten year run and 4,092 performances, Saigon has spawned numerous other productions across the globe and is still the 11th longest-running Broadway musical in musical theatre history.
Bolstered by rave reviews early in the La Mirada run, Kite told the La Mirada Blog the surge in ticket sales sent the staff scrambling, "We had to order 11,000 extra programs. Also, we had to hire additional help at the box office, because the phone was simply ringing off the hook."
Kite estimates that 10-15,000 "new people" visited La Mirada during the play's run, most non-residents.
The temporary visitors boost the local economy.
"They spend their money at La Mirada gas stations, convenience stores and other establishments in La Mirada. Mr. V's and other restaurants in town have told us they have seen an increase in business this last month," Kite said.
The attendance at Saigon also seems to have spurred sales for the upcoming, latest installment of Peter Pan, returning again to the La Mirada Theatre June 1st through June 24th, with Cathy Rigby once again revisiting her flying role as Peter.
The theatre was converted from a local movie house to a performing arts center in 1979 with the opening act being Tony Bennett.
For ticket information, call the theatre box office at (562) 944-9801.
Refuse Hauler Will Pay for Street Sweeping Services if City Extends Agreement
City expected to approve $60,000 mailing program; other news from recent city council study session and regular council meeting
La Mirada~The city is claiming it will save $238,000 per year by approving a three-year extension to its current 10-year agreement that went into effect on July 1, 2009 with EDCO Disposal for refuse services in La Mirada
EDCO has proposed to find a new company for street sweeping, and pay for it, in exchange for the three-year extension of its original deal slated to end in 2019. Now their agreement will be extended to 2022.
For street sweeping services, the city has contracted with R.F. Dickson Co. for the past 48 years-currently under the terms of a five-year agreement set to expire next month on June 24th.
The new street sweeping company would be approved by the city and would be bound by current specifications and level of services.
City of La Mirada Public Works Director Steve Forster told the La Mirada Blog it is expected that Dickson would be one of the applicants when EDCO searches for a new street sweeping provider.
The City of La Mirada, even in these tough economic times, allocates funding for social service agencies that provide services to residents in La Mirada.
"This is money that comes out of the general fund," said City Manager Tom Robinson.
The agencies submit their request through an application process, and then are scrutinized by the city's Community Services Commission. The commission then provides their recommendations.
New Housing Project Coming to La Mirada
Look for expanded version of this story in this weekend's La Mirada Lamplighter
La Mirada~After sitting vacant for more than eight years, the La Mirada City Council is expected to approve this month, a 41-unit new housing project for the former Alondra Center, after the project was recently approved by the city's Planning Commission.
"We're excited and ready to start swinging some hammers and moving some dirt," said Brett Whitehead, president of Brandywine Homes who is purchasing and developing the property, "we hope to begin grading by July, and have model homes open for viewing by January of next year."
Bounded by Alondra Boulevard on the south, Escalona Road on the west, Dalmatian Avenue on the east, and homes on the north, the new neighborhood is proposed to be a closed-gate community, with a private vehicular entrance and three controlled pedestrian access gates.
The City of La Mirada Redevelopment Agency (RDA) has acquired 10 of 11 parcels on the property. The execution of a purchase agreement for the remaining parcel (previous Arco gas station), is still under negotiation.
The Whittier Daily News is reporting the city stands to lose at least $7 million on the deal-paying $12.5 million to purchase the property and receiving only about $5.7 million from Brandywine.
Although other shopping centers in the city seem to fall into a similar category, in March 2004, then city manager Andrea Travis defined the center as "blighted", and the city began the process of demolishing the site, with the intent to ultimately purchase it and develop single family homes.
According to the recent report from the city's Community Development Department, the change was necessitated by the condition of the center, along with "poor tenant retention and an increase in vacancies leading to loitering, vandalism and public safety concerns. The overall condition of the center negatively impacted the aesthetics of the City"
In 2005, the decline of the housing market led to a failed attempt to develop the property.
The two-story homes of the Orchards housing project will vary from 1,995 sq. ft. to 2,720 sq. ft. and will range from $400,000 to $500,000.
VIDEO: See Brandywine Homes president Brett Whitehead briefly describe housing project to the planning commission here.
Photos: Artists rendering of proposed development; a view of the vacant lot
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