News
Bicyclist Struck and Killed at California’s Most Dangerous Railroad Crossing
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| A bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene near his bicycle after being struck by a BNSF freight train Friday afternoon near the Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada border. Photo (c) Brian Feinzimer |
Santa Fe Springs~A bicyclist was struck and killed at the intersection of Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues earlier this afternoon just outside the La Mirada city limits shortly before 3:00 p.m.
It was first reported on our Twitter feed by @momofabc3 at 2:47 pm.
Witnesses on the scene told us a man was attempting to cross the track when his wheel became stuck in the rails and he fell off his bicycle. While attempting to get out of the way he was struck by the train. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rosecrans Avenue was closed in both directions for hours as officials conducted an investigation. Metrolink and Amtrak service was also delayed.
We have an unconfirmed report that the victim was possibly a transient from the North Fork Coyote Creek encampment near the Rosecrans bridge, just a couple of hundred yards to the west.
The railroad crossing at Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in California.
Just last week, as reported on this website, Metro officials announced plans at a community meeting held in La Mirada that a grade separation project has been proposed for the intersection. The project is fully funded with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2018 with Rosecrans Avenue more than likely to be reconstructed to go over the railway tracks.
California’s Most Dangerous Railroad Crossing Will Be Fixed
Metro will hold two community meetings on the grade separation project On September 30th from 3-5 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LM Resource Center
Santa Fe Springs~A Grade Separation Project is being considered at the railroad crossing at the intersection of Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues in the city of Santa Fe Springs, just beyond the La Mirada western border.
Los Angeles County Metro is partnering with the BNSF Railway along with the City of Santa Fe Springs and Caltrans. The project is fully funded by the State's Section 190 Program, Proposition 1A, Measure R and BNSF.
The crossing has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in California, thus it is ranked first on the priority list for crossings eligible for funding. The project is expected to cost $130 million.
Once constructed, motorists will be able to travel safely through the intersection without the possibility of train to vehicle collisions. It will also improve the efficiency of train movement and eliminate the need for required train horns at the intersection. Metro officials say approximately 130 trains and 45,000 vehicles use this crossing daily.
There have been numerous accidents at the intersection over the years the last being on January 7, 2013 when 26-year-old Emily Scott of La Mirada was killed when her automobile collided with a freight train. There have also been suicides and attempted suicides at or near the intersection.
In June of this year Caltrans released its Benefit-Cost Analysis of the project. The report stated four fatalities, six injuries, and five property damage only incidents have occurred over a 10-year period that involve this at-grade intersection.
On October 30 2012 two LA County Sheriff's deputies pushed a disabled vehicle off the tracks preventing a mass transit disaster. We reported here in 2009 of a train vs. car incident.
Residents can learn about the proposed alternatives, provide feedback and talk one-on-one with project representatives at the September 30th meetings.
Future meetings will be held. For more information visit here or call (888) 512-1198.
Metro representatives say construction could begin as early as spring of 2018.
Citadel 10th Shopping Extravaganza Will Benefit La Mirada Theatre Group
Get exclusive deals, proceeds from tickets sold benefit Phantom Projects/La Mirada; Tickets on sale now for L.A.’s favorite shop-for-a-cause event at www.PhantomProjects.com or www.CitadelOutlets.com.
LOS ANGELES~Phantom Projects Theatre Group of La Mirada and L.A.’s Choice for Outlet Shopping, The Citadel Outlets, invites the public behind the Assyrian Wall for a day of fun, shopping and fundraising at the Center’s 10th Annual Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, October 3, 2015. As a participating charity, Phantom Projects will receive a portion of funds from the more than 4,500 Angelenos expected to attend one of the best shopping days of the year.
“We are always looking for new ways to raise funds, and as this is our first year year participating in Citadel Outlet’s Shopping Extravaganza we’re very excited to introduce this opportunity to the community,” said Steve Cisneros, Producing Artistic Director of Phantom Projects.
For many organizations, including Phantom Projects, Citadel Outlet’s Shopping Extravaganza is one of the largest single fundraising event of the year. The day of fun-filled shopping includes access to exclusive deals on top of Citadel Outlet’s daily savings of 30-70% off retail prices. From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., event attendees can enjoy:
-Added discounts at over 90 luxury fashion brands
-Private catered lunch
-Live entertainment
-Complimentary Tasting by Stella Rosa by San Antonio Winery for guests 21+
-The chance at $90,000 in prizes including Grand Prize packs and gift cards to Michael Kors, Nike, Steve Madden, Kate Spade, Disney Outlet & more
Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at www.PhantomProjects.com or www.citadeloutlets.com. Selecting Phantom Projects Theatre Group from the drop down menu when purchasing ensures Citadel Outlets donates $25 of each ticket directly to the non-profit theatre troupe.
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.
La Mirada Crime Report: Cars Ransacked at The Villages
La Mirada Blog Facebook fan Jann Rodriguez reported two cars got ransacked in the early morning hours of July 21st at The Villages gated community in La Mirada.
The following is the crime report for La Mirada July 13th-19th 2015:
Aggravated Assault-A domestic assault was reported on the 14200 block of Gagely Dr. A male adult was arrested in connection with the incident.
Residential Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 15300 block of San Ardo Dr. Electronics and jewelry were stolen from the residence. A burglary to a garage was reported on the 14700 block of San Feliciano Dr. Various power tools were stolen from the residence. A bicycle was reported stolen from a garage on the 15200 block of Borda Rd. A burglary to a hotel room was reported on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd.
Other Str
ucture Burglary-An attempted burglary was reported on the 15700 block of Pescados Dr. A burglary was reported on the 14100 block of Rosecrans Ave. Medical equipment was taken in the incident.
Vehicle Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 14500 block of Cortina Dr. Third row seats from the vehicle were stolen in the incident. A vehicle burglary and an attempted burglary were reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. An burglary was reported on the 14900 block of Firestone Blvd.
Grand Theft-Batteries from a cell tower were reported stolen on the 13800 block of La Mirada Blvd. A metal ramp was reported stolen on the 15800 block of Imperial Hwy. A shoplifting incident was reported on the 12300 block of La Mirada Blvd. A male adult was arrested in connection with the theft.
Grand Theft Vehicle- A truck was reported stolen from the 16500 block of Trojan Way. The vehicle was recovered several days later by the Whittier Police.A truck reported stolen from Buena Park was recovered on the 14900 block of Gagely Dr.
La Mirada Music Celebrating 18-Year Anniversary
La Mirada~Come by and grab a bite and shop for a great deal as La Mirada Music will be celebrating their 18 years in town this Saturday, July 25th from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Hot Dogs, Burgers and live music will greet guests and merchandise will be priced to move at this clearance event.
La Mirada Music is located at 14928 Leffingwell Road (just west of La Mirada Blvd) in La Mirada.
For more information call (562) 941-4495.
Sporting News Grill to Host Grand Opening Party
La Mirada~The city’s newest restaurant & sports bar, the Sporting News Grill, is now open and will be hosting a grand opening party Wednesday, July 15th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with drinks, prizes and giveaways.
It is located at the Holiday Inn Hotel, 14299 Firestone Boulevard at the 5 freeway.
The La Mirada Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ribbon cutting preceding the grand opening at 4:30 p.m.
As part of the event, Sporting news Grill will donate 25 % of all proceeds to “From Maddi’s Closet,” a non-profit organization based in La Mirada that works to build public awareness of childhood cancer throughout our community bringing love, hope and joy to children battling the disease.
The La Mirada unit will be the first in California and the largest for the Holiday Inn chain of restaurants now operating all over the country.
The restaurant will feature a full-service sports bar and will offer over 20 flat screen TV's, one 80" flat LED TV and 24 beer lines.
The former home of Lew’s and more recently the Red Robin, the interior has been gutted and revamped. It is roomy and spacious featuring stonework and polished wood.
The menu includes appetizers, classic & specialty burgers, a wide variety of fresh salads, pizza, gourmet steaks and more.
For more information visit snglamirada.com.
Bridge Demolition Will Cause Freeway Shutdown During Overnight Hours
Removal of old carmenita road bridge will require the Sanata
Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs~
Home on Stamy Road Charred by Fire
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| Fire damaged a home on Stamy Road in the early morning hours July 4th, 2015. Photo (c) B. Rodriguez |
La Mirada~A house fire broke out early this morning in the 12000 block of Stamy Road near Loretta Street.
La Mirada Blog fan on Twitter, @Sophonnlb first reported the blaze at 1:50 a.m.
That was followed by fann @QueenKarly714 at 2:03 a.m. saying, “huge fire by creek park!! Someone yelled ammo then bang bang! So many fire trucks someone said people and dogs inside!”
The cause of the fire is unknown and it is also unknown at this time if there were any injuries.
Six-Hour Standoff Ends on Borda Road
La Mirada~A woman was taken into custody early this morning in La Mirada after barricading herself inside the garage of her home for six hours in the 15200 block of Borda Road, as first reported by this website.
The woman reportedly was armed with a gun and threatened her husband, who left the property.
The incident was first reported on the La Mirada Blog Twitter feed at 9:55 p.m. and real-time updates continued into the night and early morning.
Residents were evacuated from nearby homes.
The Norwalk Sheriff’s, the SWAT team and a K-9 unit responded to the scene.
After several attempts failed to get the woman to come out, tear gas was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody without incident around 3:45 a.m.
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