News
Three More Apply for Vacant La Mirada Seat
BREAKING NEWS: Six more, plus the three, file before deadline; see update below
La Mirada~Three more people threw their name in the ring yesterday by applying for a spot on the La MIrada City Council vacated by Susan Tripp when she resigned for business reasons.
This is a rare occurrence in La Mirada, happening only one other time in 1992 when the late Wayne Grisham was elected to Congress and vacated his La Mirada seat; Lou Piltz was then appointed to the panel.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. today. As of now, there are seven individuals who have applied with intent. Their occupation listed is public record.
Paul Brown, Deputy State Attorney.
Madeline Alexander, Retired Office Manager.
Edward Eng, Executive Director, Los Angeles County.
Robert Martin, Senior Computer Software Support Manager.
Pauline Deal, Norwalk-La Mirada School Board Member.
Andrew Sarega, Police Officer.
Chris Pflanzer, Owner, Public Relations Firm.
The city council will narrow the field down to three on June 28th. On July 5th council will conduct public interviews with the remaining three. Council will then deliberate and more than likely, will choose a new councilmember on July 19th, but by law, no later than August 16th.
UPDATE 06/22/10 17:15:The deadline has passed, and today six more residents filed applications for the vacant La Mirada seat:
Phillip Glen, Businessman.
John Hammargren, Retired Commander, LA County Sheriff Dept.
John Lewis, Attorney.
Michael Garcia, Deputy Fire Chief, Businessman.
Daniel Alexander, Manager, Research & Development/Senior Food Technologist.
Luis Cruz, Sales.
Applications Available for Council Vacancy
DEADLINE TODAY 5PM!
Applications are being accepted from residents who are interested in applying for a City Council seat being vacated by Susan Tripp, who submitted her resignation effective June 17.
The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. on June 22.
Applicants are required to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, be a registered voter and a resident of La Mirada.
Application forms are available at City Hall and may be downloaded here. Applicants are required to submit a written statement detailing their qualifying background and experience.
The City Council cited concerns with the cost of holding a Special Election, as well as the lengthy delay in returning the City Council to its full complement of five members, as reasons for choosing to appoint a new Councilmember to fill the term which expires in 2013.
Councilmember Tripp, who was elected to City Council in 2001, resigned to dedicate more time on a new business venture that requires her to spend significant time away from La Mirada. Her final City Council meeting will be on June 14.
For additional information, contact the City Clerk's Office at (562) 943-0131.
La Mirada City Council Will Appoint New Member
Qualified La Mirada Residents May Apply
La Mirada~In a very short time, the La Mirada City Council has become a group of seasoned veterans to one that resembles a rookie league team.
Last night, in response to the recent resignation of Susan Tripp, a special council study session was held at city hall to determine whether the city should hold a special election in 
November or appoint a new council member, to take office next month in July.
Tripp's last council meeting will be June 14th, with her resignation effective June 17th.
State law requires the city to either fill the vacancy, or call for an election, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy.
Councilman Gabe Garcia said, "I'm not in favor of an election. It makes no sense. That's why we get elected-to make these decisions. There are plenty of good people in the community to choose from."
Councilman Steve DeRuse agreed, "I think it's the best thing for the city."
City Clerk Anne Haraksin was asked by Councilman Larry Mowles what a special election would cost the city. She said the cost of the last election in La Mirada "was around $90,000" but indicated that was a stand-alone election in March, not part of a general November election-so the cost could fluctuate.
Susan Tripp Resigns from the La Mirada City Council
CITY OF LA MIRADA PRESS RELEASE
La Mirada~Councilmember Susan Tripp has announced her retirement from the La Mirada City Council after 10 years of service. Her retirement is effective June 17, 2011.
Councilmember Tripp was serving her third term on the City Council. She was first elected to the City Council on March 6, 2001 and re-elected on March 8, 2005 and March 3, 2009. She twice served as Mayor from March 2004 to March 2005 and from March 2009 to March 2010.
"For over 10 years, Susan has provided dedicated leadership to the City as a member of the La Mirada City Council," says Mayor Steve Jones. "Her record of service to this community spans two decades, and she certainly will be missed."
During Councilmember Tripp's service on the Council, the City completed the construction of the La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station in March 2008 and Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center in November 2007.
Councilmember Tripp consistently supported strong public safety services and programs. Prior to being elected to the City Council, she served on the Communitywide Drug and Gang Task Force, was the Public Safety Commission Chair, Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee Co-Chair, and Neighborhood Watch Advisory Council Chair. While on the City Council, she always placed public safety as the City's top priority and encouraged La Mirada residents to get involved with Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and other volunteer programs.
Service Arrangements for Cameron Gillett
Last week, a shock wave was sent throughout La Mirada, when news arrived of the tragic death of La Mirada High School graduate, and beloved athlete and community member, Cameron Gillett. The community is still reeling.
Although, we here at the La Mirada Blog have been saddened into silence, we feel it is our responsibility to post Service Arrangements, so as many people as possible may pay their respect. Our thoughts are with Cameron's loved ones and friends.
Here is a link to a nice story from the Long Beach Press-Telegram: http://tinyurl.com/3n4ay9k
Viewing:
Thursday, May 12, 2011, 3 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All Souls Mortuary
4400 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-8601
Funeral Services:
Friday, May 13, 2011, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Zoe Christian Fellowship
10252 Mills Avenue
Whittier, CA 90604
(562) 906-5000
Burial directly after the service:
Rose Hills Memorial Park
3688 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
(Lupine Lawn, Grave 1)
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ADVISORY: Coyote Sightings Being Reported in La Mirada
La Mirada~A dog was killed March 4th in La Mirada, in the Santa Gertrudes/Foster area, by a coyote, witnessed by its owner.
When Valerie Griego-Hirsch let her pet Chihuahua Pismo, out to use the grass for what dogs use it for, a coyote came out of nowhere and snatched the dog. When Valerie screamed, the coyote was startled and dropped the dog. However, Pismo was injured and died in her arms.
There has been an outcry from the community for authorities to address the issue of coyotes in La Mirada. There is also a checkered history of coyote attacks in the city. Read the multiple postings of residents on our Facebook page available at www.facebook.com/lamiradablog. You do not have to be a member of Facebook to read the postings.
There was also a sighting of two younger coyotes in the 13900 block of Mansa Drive early in the morning of March 12th around 3 a.m.
We are advising residents in La Mirada to be especially vigilant when it comes to preventing coyote attacks-especially those residents living near the Coyote Hils, Coyote Creek, La Mirada Creek, Milan Creek, and the La Mirada Golf Course.
Near the end of the winter season coyotes are more desperate for food, They are usually active in neighborhoods from 2-5 a.m. Small children and small pets should be especially guarded at all times.
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La Mirada City Council Election Results
Today is the Municipal Election for La Mirada City Council. There are three seats open. Check back here tonight for results. We will have immediate results of the absentee count on our Twitter feed around 8:45 pm. And ultimately the unofficial count by end of evening posted here. You can check our Twitter feed on the badge below, or go direct to twitter.com/lamiradablog
| Unofficial Final Results LM City Council | |
| Steve Jones | 2526 |
| Steve DeRuse | 1494 |
| Larry Mowles | 1429 |
| Paul Brown | 1267 |
| Andrew Sarega | 1141 |
See video update here: http://tinyurl.com/4p263ok
Early Morning Crash in La Mirada Kills Two
La Mirada~An early morning crash occurred in La Mirada this morning killing two people, resulting in one arrest, but not who you think.
A truck reportedly was traveling at a high rate of speed, near 100 mph, southbound on Santa Gertrudes Avenue about 2:04 a.m this morning.
After striking a vehicle exiting a housing tract westbound on Lawnhill Drive, the truck became out of control and struck a large tree near Benton Middle School, across the street from Beatitudes of our Lord church, just south of Olive Branch drive. The crash killed the driver and the only passenger.
In a twist, the driver of the vehicle that was hit when exiting Lawnhill, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
LA MIRADA TRAFFIC ADVISORY
The construction project at the Valley View/Alondra intersection in La Mirada (see story below), has reached a point where lane closures are now a factor. Valley View and Alondra are now reduced to one lane, creating huge backups especially at rush hour. "There is no way around it", says City Project Coordinator Gary Sanui, referring to the lane closures, with no pun intended. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. Stage Road has been a popular alternative, so watch for increased traffic.
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