La Mirada Blog
Articles by Tony Aiello
Matadores Topple Bucs In Suburban Opener
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
La Mirada~Blake Wilson shook off a rough first inning then helped his own cause with the bat as La Mirada beat Bellflower on a very windy day in La Mirada, 7-5, in the Suburban League opener for both teams.
Wilson gave up four first-inning runs to the Bucs but the Matadores battled back and put up a five-spot in the third inning highlighted by Wilson's bases-clearing double to take a 5-4 lead.
In the top of the fourth, Wilson gave up a solo home run to Brandon Polizzi to tie the game and than a single and a walk, but Wilson coaxed the Bucs into an inning-ending double play.
That fourth inning and the game might have been saved when Mats third baseman Devon Aldridge made a superb on-the-knees play and throw for the first out of the inning.
The Mats regained the lead 6-5 in the bottom of the frame when Ethan Lopez doubled home Aldridge. They added another in the sixth on an RBI single by R.J. Lan.
Tyler Charlton held the Bucs at bay by pitching scoreless fifth and sixth innings and Eric Tapper survived a shaky seventh to preserve the victory.
The two teams square off Friday at Bellflower beginning at 3 p.m.
Planning Commission Delays Voting on Fate of Nostalgic Eatery
La Mirada~An overflow crowd of over 250 people-many wielding signs-showed up at the planning commission meeting last night to support The Carriage Coffee Shop and they left with a small victory, although it could just be a temporary reprieve.
After a public hearing, the commission voted 4-0 to delay the decision of granting McDonald’s a conditional use permit for a drive-through at a new restaurant to replace the 49-year old relic at 14871 Imperial Highway, while a preliminary traffic study is conducted.
Commissioner Keith Chung made the request after more than 30 residents and others spoke on behalf of The Carriage, with many of them concerned about increased traffic and potential problems associated with it.
Tab Johnson is partner and development manager for Rich Development Enterprises, LLC who are the owners of the Crossroads Center property where the Carriage is located, “This is a well thought out project. We are not generating any additional traffic,” he said.
Currently, the Carriage has a month-to-month lease agreement with the development company.
That fact that McDonald’s is requesting to construct a drive-through at its new 4,335 square foot restaurant is what the commission was considering along with a variance to allow a stand-alone sign, which is being requested by McDonald’s.
They weren’t deciding if a new McDonalds was going in, only deciding about the drive-through, which confused many in the audience and this reporter.
City Planner Gabriel Bautista tried to explain to the audience that this is a private deal involving private property. He explained that any restaurant can negotiate with the land owner and build there because that is what it is zoned for, as long as they meet city general plan and land usage requirements.
There is not a drive-through at the current establishment (The Carriage), thus creating the need for the hearing.
La Mirada Planning Commission May Decide Fate of The Carriage Coffee Shop
La Mirada~Protestors are expected to fill the council chambers as the planning commission will decide whether or not to grant a conditional use permit to McDonalds , paving the way for the restaurant goliath to replace one of La Mirada’s long standing businesses and landmarks-The Carriage Coffee Shop.
If granted, the permit would allow McDonalds to construct a drive–thru at the new restaurant.
The meeting will take place Thursday, March 20th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The proposed action set off a firestorm in the community on our Facebook page since we broke the story on March 5th-generating over 120 comments so far from people weighing in.
Many residents say this is another example of small-town La Mirada disappearing, “We don't need another fast food restaurant, especially McDonalds. The Carriage is a city landmark and the only coffee shop in town. It has been a meeting place for La Mirada residents forever. We need more family restaurants in this town, not less, said Blog fan Barbara Hayes.
Still others like Blog fan Richard Marcher says it makes good economic sense for La Mirada, “It appears that McDonald's market research finds a high demand for their product. That is why they chose to invest in the community. Individually, you may not care for it, but collectively you do.”
The Carriage operates on a month to month lease and the owners of the property-Rich Development, LLC-have not returned our calls.
Although the tearing down of The Carriage would be a blow to nostalgia lovers, the city would stand to gain a substantial amount of monies in sales tax because of the higher volume and longer operating hours a McDonalds would bring to the table.
Detectives Continue to Work Stubborn Bona Vista Case; Asking for Public Help
La Mirada~Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau continue to investigate the recent shooting death of a young man and are asking for the public for help.
Officials have concluded Dominique Mendoza, 20, of La Mirada was shot outside the home at 13409 Bona Vista Lane in La Mirada on February 16th sometime before 12:41 a.m. when they received the shots fired call.
When police arrived they found evidence of a shooting but no victim.
A bit later, an unknown person dumped Mendoza’s body in the parking area of the emergency trauma center at Presbyterian Hospital in Whittier. A passerby noticed the body lying on the ground.
Sgt. Ken Clark told the La Mirada Blog yesterday that Mendoza, “May have known the people who shot him.”
“We’re asking for help, Clark said, “We believe there is someone out there who witnessed what happened.”
Because the investigation is still ongoing, Clark offered very little more about the details of the case at this time.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Sgt. Ken Clark or Sgt. Tim Cain at the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Shooting Victim in Norwalk Was La Mirada Resident
La Mirada~A shooting victim found on the 12000 block of Lowemont Street in Norwalk this past Sunday morning has been identified as a La Mirada resident.
Carlos Aguilar, 25, of La Mirada was pronounced dead at the scene at around 1:42 a.m. according to the La Mirada Lamplighter Newspaper.
Officials are continuing their investigation, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
John Glenn to Play Home Football Games at Goodman Stadium
Norwalk~The John Glenn High School varsity football team will play their home games at Goodman Stadium in La Mirada beginning with the 2014-15 season the school has announced.
Glenn Athletic Director Linda Parra confirmed to the La Mirada Blog that Glenn will play eight home games at La Mirada beginning August 28th against Magnolia High.
Four of the Eagles eight home games will be played on a Thursday night in weeks when La Mirada High is also playing at home.
The Eagles will also have Thursday night games on September 4th, 25th, and October 30th against Pioneer, Bellflower and Norwalk respectively.
Friday night opponents at home include Santa Ana Valley, Gardena, and Mayfair.
La Mirada will play Glenn October 13th with the Matadores playing as the home team.
EXCLUSIVE: La Mirada to Reconvene Gang and Drug Task Force
La Mirada~The City Manager has called for the reconvening of a community group that has sat idle in recent years.
Jeff Boynton told the La Mirada Blog the Gang and Drug Task Force, which existed for a number of years in the city in the past, will be reconvening beginning with the initial meeting last evening (Thursday).
Boynton told the LMB the group will include representatives from the “Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Probation, School District, clergy, counseling services, and City staff.”
In the past the group met periodically to discuss general issues in the community, primarily involving youths, the idea being that the members of the group could serve as mentors and a resource for the kids.
No McKidding; Road May be Paved for McDonald’s to Replace The Carriage
La Mirada~Whatever you think of the concept, a McDonald's may be opening in La Mirada for the first time ever.
The La Mirada Blog has learned the La Mirada Planning Commission will be voting at its March 20th meeting whether or not to grant a McDonald's franchisee a conditional use permit to allow a drive-thru at the proposed new restaurant.
The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m.
La Mirada High Basketball Boys Fall
Santa Margarita~The La Mirada High Boys Basketball season came to an end Friday night falling to Santa Margarita 66-51, in the CIF Southern Section Division 3AA Semifinal.
The Matadores fell behind early 9-0 and never seemed to recover in front of a raucous crowd at Santa Margarita.
La Mirada ends the season with a overall record of 21-10 including going 10-2 in the Suburban League with their two losses to Mayfair who lost to Mater Dei 77-59 in the Cif-SS Open Division quarterfinal.
La Mirada Cub Scout Pack Hosts Annual Dinner and Show
La Mirada~Over 200 guests attended the Blue and Gold Dinner hosted by La Mirada Cub Scout Pack 919 this past Friday at Community Presbyterian Church of La Mirada.
Every February, packs across America celebrate the “birthday” of Scouting and it is the highlight of the year, bringing families together for an evening of fun and cheer.
The theme for the La Mirada pack event this year was Star Wars and included a silent auction, a bbq dinner and a live auction along with plenty of kids’ activities.
An entertainment show entitled the “Star Wars Extravaganza” included a laser battle that wowed the crowd.
The event serves as a major fundraiser for the pack with all funds, “going back to the pack,” said Sandra Green who serves as the pack city liaison and also helps organizes various events.
Parent Kati Dominguez told us, “This is certainly our biggest event and everyone gets really excited We have some really awesome parents who really go all out, so it makes it really nice.”
Cub Scouting is a year-round, family-oriented part of the Boy Scouts of America program designed for boys for boys who are in first through fifth grades (or are 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age promoting character development, good citizenship and personal achievement.
Cub Master Brandon VanScoy advised us the Scouts hand out flyers at local elementary schools every May and September in ”The Roundup” a program designed to inform the community about Scouting.
Anyone looking for more information about the La Mirada Cub Scout Pack including how to join may call (562) 310-3171 for more information.
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