La Mirada Blog

Articles by Tony Aiello

Seniors Treated to Live Music From Local Jazz Band
Community

Seniors Treated to Live Music From Local Jazz Band

Breezwood Village residents enjoy the music of "The Brass Ring"

La Mirada~Residents of La Mirada's retirement homes were recently treated to a performance by a local jazz band.

All four members of the group are juniors at La Mirada High School.

The band, The Brass Ring, performed at The Palms on September 6th, The Vistas on September 7th, and the Breezwood Village on September 8th, all in La Mirada.

"The residents were tapping their feet, singing along, and having a great time", said Amy Hyde, Assistant Manager of Breezwood Village, "They just love to see young people play, and they believe in the importance of supporting  music education. They didn't want them to leave!"

Over 30 people enjoyed the music at Breezwood, with about 30 each at The Vistas and The Palms.

Performers include: Stuart Wegner, tuba; Josh Saenz, flugelhorn, trumpet, cornet; Amber Palmer, flute; and Christian Ocampo, drums.

Check out their YouTube clip of their performance. Way to go guys! Keep up the good work!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3DD967D09B64C29D

 

Obstacles Stall Man’s Desire to Open Art/Tattoo Gallery in La Mirada
News

Obstacles Stall Man’s Desire to Open Art/Tattoo Gallery in La Mirada

La Mirada~Mario Lopez of Norwalk wants to open an Art Gallery/Tattoo Parlor in La Mirada, but is facing some obstacles.

He wishes to occupy one of the vacant spaces at the strip mall at Leffingwell Avenue and La Mirada Blvd.-a center that many would consider a condemnable eyesore, but I digress.

"People have a bad image of tattoo places in their minds, an intimidation factor. We would like to change that perception," said Lopez, who recently guested on The La Mirada Blog Radio Show, "Tattoo's aren't all about gangs, shaved heads, and walls of tattoo designs."

Lopez, who has a bachelors degree in animation, envisions an art gallery, with the tattoo aspect being a small part of the business-placing more emphasis on art, "people will be able to see the proper technique of getting a tattoo, but again, it will just be a part of the business. I plan for an art gallery displaying pieces for sale, from artists from all over Southern California."

He told us that he has extensive connections in the art industry, and has already contacted the Arts Colony of La Mirada, and other art organizations about having regularly scheduled art exhibits.

He wants to name is new establishment, "The Basement Gallery."

"As far as tattoo's go, I want to show people the artistic side of the industry-the talent that goes into tattooing properly," Lopez said, who is looking to move his family to La Mirada.

However, it may be a bumpy yellow brick road to make La Mirada's first tattoo shop happen.

Pancakes and Fishing Hosted by Knabe This Saturday at Regional Park
Community

Pancakes and Fishing Hosted by Knabe This Saturday at Regional Park

La Mirada~Youngsters get out your fishing rods, the fishing derby is this Saturday!

Fourth Supervisorial District Supervisor, Don Knabe and The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will host the 14th Annual Knabe Katch “Family Fishing Day” at the lake at La Mirada Regional Park this Saturday, September 18th, from 8:00 AM-11:00 AM.

Over 1000 youth and their parents are expected to attend this year’s event. More than 100 volunteers will be available to assist and mentor the youth from the local Junior League organization.

The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada will be providing it's famous pancake breakfast, bright and early, and free of charge at 7:00 AM.

Participating partners include the California Department of Fish and Game and the City of La Mirada who will provide free educational stations, bait, and a limited number of fishing rods that will be available on loan.

La Mirada Regional Park is located at 13701 Adelfa Avenue, La Mirada.

De Ruse Announces He’s Running for City Council
News

De Ruse Announces He’s Running for City Council

La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council Race in March of next year, may have just got a little more interesting.

La Mirada resident Steve De Ruse has announced he will be filing for candidacy in the upcoming La Mirada City Council election on March 8, 2011.

De Ruse, a La Mirada resident since 1976, joins Larry Mowles as individuals who have expressed their desire to run for council.

Three seats are up for grabs; those of Steve Jones, Hal Malkin, and Pete Dames.

Malkin, a council member since 1994,  has already announced he will not be seeking a fifth term. Dames, also in line for a fifth,  has declined to commit one way or another, which is customary for him. Jones is sure to run again, although not confirmed.

De Ruse currently is a second-term member of the La Mirada Community Services Commission.

What’s Going On With the KFI Tower?
News

What’s Going On With the KFI Tower?

Blinding Lights Are Not Permanent

La Mirada~ Chances are, if you live in Southern California you have noticed it.

Chances are, if you live in the La Mirada area, you can't help but notice it.

The KFI Tower-an iconic monument in La Mirada since 1948-has been running amuck lately, with high intensity, almost blinding, strobe lights blinking, that can be seen throughout the metropolitan basin. Normally the bright lights or on only during the day, and the red ones at night.

We have received numerous emails here at the La Mirada Blog from residents; most expressing the lights are way to bright.

Bob Cymbolin wrote us: "This thing is way too bright and imposing...and it is constantly flashing. Is there any way to stop it? Everyone wants safety, but this high intensity flashing day and night is way overboard. You can see it for miles across the southland."

The original tower collapsed after a single engine plane crashed into it in 2004, killing Jim and Mary Ghosoph, who were traveling to Fullerton Airport from El Monte.  In 2008, a new tower was constructed with new high intensity red flashing lights and other safety upgrades.

City Officials Get Residents Geared up for Undertaking
Community

City Officials Get Residents Geared up for Undertaking

La Mirada~About 100 residents showed up this past Tuesday evening  for the Valley View Avenue Grade Separation Community Meeting hosted by the cities of La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs at the La Mirada Activity Center. 

La Mirada residents look at the plans

The long awaited $75 million project-which is fully funded-is a joint effort between the two cities, Caltrans and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF).

By creating an underpass at the railroad tracks, the project will lower the Valley View/Stage Road intersection, eliminating the railroad crossing, allowing trains to cross over Valley View on a bridge.

With no train delays, this will enable traffic to flow freely, minimize delays, dramatically improve public safety, and reduce noise at the intersection.

The proposed construction schedule has most of the major work beginning early 2011 and continuing through mid-2013.

Most of the residents at the meeting live in the adjacent areas of the project. Their main concern was the hopeful reduction of train horns-a nuisance to a lot of residents for many years.

VIDEO: Fire Starts in La Mirada Backyard
News

VIDEO: Fire Starts in La Mirada Backyard

La Mirada~A fire broke out in the backyard at 12803 Graff, in La Mirada yesterday afternoon. Firefighters from Station 49 in La Mirada responded and quickly doused the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Incorrect address is given in video.

See the raw video: http://youtu.be/qypsXXtSP9U

Come and Celebrate La Mirada Living Past and Present This Saturday
Community

Come and Celebrate La Mirada Living Past and Present This Saturday

La Mirada~The 1st annual La Mirada BlogFest, a reunion/gathering of La Mirada residents past and present, will take place this Saturday, August 14th at Regional Park, 11:30am-6:00pm.

Come and see the La Mirada band, "The Shakedown" perform beginning at 1:00.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, games, supplies, bbq's, etc. The event will be in the general area of the old La Mirada plunge site.

The vision for the future is to have an art/food/music festival every August to celebrate the legacy, heritage, and traditions of La Mirada.

Later in the evening, Neff High School will be holding it's 40th reunion at the Fullerton Marriott, and a picnic the next day at Neff Park, Sunday, Aug. 15th at 1:00pm.

VIDEO: Firefighters Make Quick Work of Dumpster Fire
News

VIDEO: Firefighters Make Quick Work of Dumpster Fire

EARLIER TODAY:  Dumpster fire on border of Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada, adjacent to homes in La Mirada.

http://www.youtube.com/user/lamiradablog#p/a/u/0/t3LHziT75bU

 

First Parent Meeting With New Administration at La Mirada High
Schools

First Parent Meeting With New Administration at La Mirada High

La Mirada~A parent meeting will take place Wednesday, August 11th,  at La Mirada High School from 5:00-7:00 pm.

This will be the first opportunity for parents to meet the new principal, Bill Seals, and his staff, who will share their professional backgrounds and goals for the upcoming school year at La Mirada.

Signs on campus will direct you to the location of the meeting, not yet determined. More than likely it will be held in the MPR room or gymnasium.

After the initial introduction, the staff will split up into smaller groups so parents can introduce themselves to the new administration.