La Mirada Blog
Articles by News Services
West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in La Mirada
La Mirada~The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) confirmed West Nile virus activity for the first time this year in La Mirada.
GLACVCD encourages residents to take the following safety precautions to protect against mosquito-borne diseases:
Eliminate or manage all sources of standing water to discourage mosquito breeding every week. The work residents do now will make a big difference.
If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and use an insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD). Always apply according to label instructions. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Contact GLACVCD at 562-944-9656 or visit glacvcd.org if there is a significant problem or potential mosquito breeding source where you live or work. West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
There is no cure for West Nile virus. One in five persons infected with West Nile virus will exhibit symptoms. Symptoms usually occur between five and 15 days, and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months.
One in 150 people infected with the virus will become extremely ill. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.
GLACVCD offers a variety of digital content on their website’resources page.
Summertime Safety Series Offered by La Mirada P.A.R.K. Program
The La Mirada Positive Alternatives and Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.) program is hosting a Summer Safety series for youth. The series will include special presentations from first responders and other safety professionals emphasizing safe behavior. The activities are held from 2:15 to 3 p.m. every Thursday, from July 9 through August 27, at the following sites:
July 9th, Gardenhill Park – Animal Safety; July 16th, Frontier Park – First Aid; July 23rd, Windermere Park – Insect Awareness; July 30th Gardenhill Park – Fire Safety; August 6th, Frontier Park – Personal Safety; August 13th, Windermere Park – Pedestrian Safety; August 20th Gardenhill Park – Bicycle Safety; August 27th Frontier Park – Electrical Safety.
“We encourage all kids to attend the Summer Safety series,” says Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres. “Through presentations and activities, children will learn valuable tips to stay safe and avoid trouble.”
The P.A.R.K. program is a free recreation program that offers a variety of activities such as reading club, homework club, science workshops, sports tournaments, crafts, and cooking classes. During the summer months, the program is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The P.A.R.K. program is offered at Frontier, Gardenhill and Windermere Parks in La Mirada and is available to ages 5 to 17.
For more information on the P.A.R.K program or the Summer Safety series, visit Windermere, Frontier or Gardenhill Park or call (562) 943-7277.
Annual Independence Celebration at Regional Park
La Mirada~The city’s annual Independence Celebration will be held July 3 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at La Mirada Regional Park.
The celebration will include live music by 80's band "Neon Nation", and motown band "Stone Soul". A variety of tasty food will be on sale by La Mirada’s local service and athletic groups. The celebration will conclude with a patriotic program and exciting fireworks spectacular.
Be sure to keep the following guidelines in mind on the day of the event:
Parking: In addition to parking at La Mirada Regional Park, overflow parking is available at the La Mirada High School stadium lot, BIOLA University (entrance off of La Mirada Blvd.), and Civic Center Plaza. All red curb restrictions are being enforced. Patrons parking in red zones will be issued citations. Parking along Foster Road is allowed only after "No Parking" signs have been covered the day of the event by the City.
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Graduations Celebrate Academic Excellence
Norwalk/La Mirada~Nearly 1,500 graduates from the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Class of 2015 received diplomas as family members cheered their academic achievements during six commencement ceremonies held throughout the District this week.
Each ceremony featured student speakers who recounted the joys and struggles that constituted their scholastic journeys, and expressed appreciation to the friends, family and instructors who kept them focused on their studies and on the path to success.
Southeast Military Academy and Law Enforcement High held the first of the six commencement ceremonies on June 15, followed by John Glenn High that evening with 320 grads. On June 16, El Camino Continuation High celebrated its 91 grads and La Mirada High held a ceremony for its 510 grads. On June 17, Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School held commencement exercises for 54 grads followed by Norwalk High with 460 grads.
La Mirada Library Hosts Author Panel
La Mirada~Join the La Mirada Library as they celebrate National Library Week with an event sure to sing to a romantic heart: Romance is… an Author Panel. On Saturday, April 25, 2015; 2:00 – 4:00pm, authors will share their adventures of writing one of the most popular genres in the literary world - Romance.
Sabrina Sol is the chica who loves love. She writes steamy romance stories featuring smart and sexy Latina heroines. Sabrina lives in sunny Southern California with her husband, three kids, two Beagles, one Bulldog and is part of a larger, extended Mexican family whose members are definitely not the source of inspiration for some of her characters. At least, that’s what she’s been telling them.
Jill Sorenson is the RITA award nominated author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels, including the Aftershock series by Harlequin. She lives in the San Diego area with her family. She’s a soccer mom who loves nature, coffee, reading, twitter and reality TV.
Genevieve Turner writes historical romance fresh from the Golden State. In a previous life, she was a scientist studying the genetics of behavior, but now she’s a stay at home mom studying the intersection of nature and nurture in her own kids. She lives in beautiful Southern California, where she manages her family and homestead in an indolent manner.
City Reacts to Increase of Massage Establishments; Passes Moratorium
La Mirada~In October 2011, the State of California enacted a law (AB 619) that eliminated the City’s ability to regulate massage establishments. It also created a new regulatory entity, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), which was given tremendous oversight authority over these businesses.
Since the creation of CAMTC, many cities, including La Mirada have experienced a significant increase in the number of massage establishments in their communities. The number of massage establishment’s in La Mirada increased from one in 2011 to eight currently operating.
“Instead of professionalizing massage therapists, the legislation unfortunately created a way for massage establishments to proliferate because cities were effectively prevented from regulating them.” says Senior Administrative Analyst Mark Rounds.
In response to local government leaders calling on State Legislature to repeal the 2011 law, the State enacted Assembly Bill 1147, which restored some of the land use used in regulating massage establishments. The bill became effective January 1, 2015.
The new changes must be made in the form of municipal code amendments, which require additional time for consideration. As a result, the City Council recently approved a temporary moratorium, which will expire in approximately 10 months, on the establishment of any new massage business until the necessary code amendments can be made.
Vehicles Burglarized on Fairhope; Suspects Arrested
La Mirada~Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies arrested multiple suspects in La Mirada for burglary on Monday evening.
On April 6, the La Mirada Public Safety Team received a call of a possible vehicle burglary in progress. When Deputies arrived, they immediately detained a male on the 15400 block of Fairhope Drive. Shortly after, two other males and a female were detained nearby.
During the investigation, six victims were located. Of the six victims, four were parked on Fairhope Drive, one was parked on Harshaw Place, and one was parked on Bluefield Avenue. Each of the suspects were in possession of property stolen from the vehicles. Deputies also recovered property from the suspects that may have been involved in other incidents. The adults were subsequently arrested and the juvenile was detained.
The arrest is a great example of residents remaining vigilant and calling the Public Safety Team when they see a possible crime in progress. To report crimes against property or a suspicious person in your neighborhood, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station at (562) 902-2960. Call 911 to report an emergency or crimes against persons.
Free Tours at La Mirada’s Historic Neff Estate
La Mirada~Bring your family and take a trip back in time to learn about La Mirada’s historic Neff Estate at Neff Park. The Neff Estate covers 10 acres and is home to the Neff Mansion, George House and Neff Barn built in the 1800s.
Built in 1892, the Neff Mansion is a two-story, fully decorated mansion that contains many historical artifacts.
The free tours provide information on La Mirada history and are conducted by members of the La Mirada Historical Preservation Advisory Council. Tours are offered on the third Saturday of every month beginning April 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. Donations are welcome and benefit restoration efforts on the Neff Estate.
“We encourage all La Mirada residents and their families to take a tour of the Neff Estate,” says Community Services Director Lori Thompson. “It is a great way to spend quality family time and learn something about local history.”
The Neff Mansion is located at Neff Park at 14300 San Cristobal Drive in La Mirada. For more information on Neff Park tours, contact the La Mirada Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.
La Mirada Kiwanis Offering Scholarship Funds for High School Seniors Residing in La Mirada
La Mirada~High School seniors who reside in La Mirada are invited to apply for scholarships to attend colleges, universities or accredited trade schools of their choice.
One of the objectives of the Kiwanis organization is to serve the youth in the community. La Mirada Kiwanis has provided computers and Ipads to students in need, has served pancake breakfasts as fundraisers for local youth sports groups, supports Kiwanis youth leadership groups in two high schools, two middle schools, two elementary schools, at Cal State Fullerton College, and has raised over $10,000 each year for scholarships for graduating seniors.
Pat Ruiz, Chair of the La Mirada Kiwanis Scholarship Committee said, “The deadline for accepting applications for this year’s scholarships is on Monday, April 27. Interested students may receive the application packet by downloading the material at our web site or through the counselors at their school.
Applications can be downloaded here or you may call (562) 941-5779 for more information.
Interview for applicants will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Awards of $1000, $500 or $250 will be sent to the student’s account at the school of their choice for a jump start for their college career.
La Mirada Streetlight Poles Replacement in Progress
La Mirada~Southern California Edison (SCE) is currently installing over 1,800 concrete streetlight poles throughout La Mirada. This is in an effort to upgrade the aging steel poles in the community which, on average, are over 50 years old.
The project is a result of a mandate from the State Public Utilities Commission. SCE is investing over $7 million in the project.
“It was a high priority to make sure the new streetlight poles could withstand different weather conditions such as the high winds, heat and rain,” says SCE Rep Eddie Marquez. “They are also more aesthetically pleasing and have a more modern look to them.”
Contractors are currently removing the existing steel poles and installing the new concrete poles. In some cases, the poles must be replaced in the exact same location, resulting in an interruption of service. SCE has attempted to keep interruptions to a minimum.
SCE is approximately 50 percent complete with most of the neighborhoods north of Rosecrans finished. The entire project is expected to be completed by May.
For more information on the street light replacement project, please contact the City’s Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385 or Southern California Edison at (800) 655-4555.
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