News
La Mirada Voters Pass Measure I
City's First Ever Local Sales Tax Passed by Almost 2-1 Margin
La Mirada~According to the numbers coming out of the County of Los Angels Registrar-Recorder's office in Norwalk, La Mirada's Measure I has passed.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, 67% of the voters in La Mirada have voted yes on the measure.
As of now, the vote count stands at 8,949 voting yes and 4,612 voting no.
Measure I will raise $4-5 million annually by raising La Mirada's sales tax to 9.75 percent, from 8.75 percent for a period of five years.
The city says it needs the funds to maintain infrastructure.
An oversight committee will be formed to monitor the funds.
In other La Mirada related election news:
The Cerritos Community College District's school improvement bond, Measure G has passed by a wide margin receiving just under 70 percent of the vote (63,645 to 27,447). The district claim
s it needs the funds in order to continue meeting the existing needs and growing demands for expanded educational opportunities in the community. The bond will add $25 for every $100,000 of a home's assessed value and will be added to annual property tax bills for La Miradans.
La Mirada's Noel Jaimes (R) appears to be going down in defeat in the 57th State Assembly race. Ian Calderon (D) of Hacienda Heights has captured a little over 63 percent of the vote (65,297 to 37,696).
Bidding for her sixth two-year term, Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, defeated Benjamin Campos in the race for the new 38th Congressional District.
Sanchez will now serve in the new territory that was created by redistricting, that will include La Mirada, she formerly 
served in the 39th District that included La Mirada.
Sanchez received just under 68 percent of the vote, doubling up on Campos, 106,844 to 50,889.
In the 29th State Senate District, it appears to be too close to call. With all precincts reporting, Democrat Greg Diamond has 96 votes more than incumbent Senate Republican leader Bob Huff (18,000 to 17,904).
MEASURE I : La Mirada Voters to Decide on Infrastructure Needs
What do you think? Vote in our poll on this page!
La Mirada~For the first time in its 52-year history, and reflecting the current state of the economy, the city will ask residents for financial help to maintain city infrastructure and services by proposing a tax increase.
For as long as anyone can remember, La Mirada City Council incumbents running for re-election have always used the fact that La Mirada has never had a local tax as a major part of their platform. Those days appear to be over.
Measure I will be on the November 6 ballot, and if passed by voters, will raise the sales tax in La Mirada from 8.75 percent to 9.75. The tax would go into effect April 1st of next year, and would last for a period of five years.
The measure has opposition, most notably former councilman Pete Dames who served from 1994-2011.
He said the way the measure has been presented is the classic “bait and switch” in politics and he doesn’t like it, “From the very beginning this was supposed to be all about the infrastructure and nothing else.”
“Once the actual wording (of the measure) came out, it was unbelievable, they added other things. They used all the common buzz words including senior care and police services,” said Dames, who asserted other then infrastructure repair needs, the city is fine.
Councilmember Steve Jones, a supporter of Measure I disagreed, “We’ve consistently said these funds are for infrastructure repairs,” look at our City’s record, La Mirada has always done what it said it would do. Measure I will maintain City services by assuring La Mirada has the money needed for infrastructure repairs without taking funds from other vital services.”
The aging La Mirada infrastructure repairs that are needed-identified as about $67 million worth according to a city study-includes traffic lights, streets and curbs, and the sewer system, among other things.
The measure is worded so the money would be put into the general fund instead of a specific need such as infrastructure-the latter requiring a state mandated two-thirds vote.
By including the other items in the measure, along with the infrastructure repairs, only a majority vote is required (50 percent plus one).
If the measure passes, the future tax revenue would go into the general fund and the city can spend the money on anything it desires.
“Money raised by Measure I will go directly into the ground for repairs throughout La Mirada,” says Mayor Gabe Garcia. “Both a twenty-nine member Citizen Task Force and the entire La Mirada City Council have strongly supported Measure I,” Garcia added. “The City Council is committed to making sure every dollar is spent as intended to repair roads, sewers and other infrastructure in La Mirada.”
City Manager Tom Robinson agreed with Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Jones, “The reality is that La Mirada needs additional funding in the coming years to make necessary infrastructure repairs. If the City doesn’t have funding to make repairs in a planned and orderly manner, we will face more costly, emergency repairs that will take resources from other services.”
The revenue was originally expected to generate $8-10 million annually or around $45-50 million for the five year period. However, a recent study by the city tax consultant revealed the revenue was miscalculated, and the city will only receive $4-5 million annually instead, generating $20-25 million total, and falling short of the $67 million total needed.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/15/12-10/21/12
Residential Burglary-A residential burglary was reported on the 14800 block of San Ardo Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-two commercial burglaries were reported last week. An incident was reported on the 16300 block of Trojan Wy. Copper wire was stolen from the location. A burglary to a vacant building was reported on the 14700 block of Alondra Blvd.
Grand Theft-A grand theft was reported on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. The incident is currently under investigation.
Grand Theft Vehicle-Two vehicles were reported stolen last week. A vehicle theft occurred on the 16300 block of Alpine Pl. The vehicle was recovered the next day on the 13000 block of La Mancha St. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 15100 block of Caravaca Rd. A third row seat was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A window smash burglary occurred on the 15300 block of Fairhope Dr. A tote bag containing various items was stolen. Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats, electronics, and cash were taken from the vehicles.
Call from Distraught Boy to Sheriff’s Department Ends Peacefully in La Mirada
La Mirada~The Sheriff's department received a telephone call from a 15 year-old boy early Tuesday evening threatening to harm himself.
Lieutenant Evans of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station told the La Mirada Blog they received a call from the boy shortly after 5 p.m. who said he had a knife and also wanted to be shot by police.
The boy was at Los Coyotes Middle School when he made the call. As officers were arriving, he made his way across the field and into the flood control channel, also carrying a backpack.
Parents and children conducting soccer practice on the school field observed officers running across the field.
Deputies caught up with the juvenille, with assistance from a sheriff's helicopter, north of the school at Behringer Park, where he was detained without incident behind the homes on Keating Drive.
The Lieutenant said he does not know why the boy was distraught and no other information is available at this time.
Dry Winds Forecast for La Mirada Area
La Mirada~Powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to begin blowing Wednesday night across La Mirada and all of Southern California, heightening the risk of wildfires, forecasters said.
Wind gusts from 30 mph to 50 mph are expected expected across a wide swath of the region, including the valleys and along the Grapevine, according to the National Weather Service. The dry northeast winds, along with the low humidity, are expected to last until Friday evening.
"The state will be set for potentially bringing the strongest and most widespread Santa Ana wind event so far this season," the agency said in a statement Tuesday. "Dry fuels will bring the potential for critical fire weather conditions."
The agency issued fire weather watches, which signal elevated brush-fire danger, from San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties
La Mirada Properties Grow in Assessed Value
La Mirada~Assessed valuation of private properties in the City of La Mirada passed the $5 billion mark for the first time during 2012, according to the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
The value of properties in La Mirada grew by $103,205,988 to a total of $5,062,501,248 during the year. The pace of growth in La Mirada, which is a nearly fully developed community, was on par with the County as a whole.
There are 13,416 residential parcels in La Mirada, 486 commercial-industrial parcels and 62 residential income properties, according to the Assessor’s report.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/8/12-10/14/12
Robbery-A robbery was reported on the 12700 block of Valley View Ave. The incident is currently under investigation.
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 13600 block of Duffield Ave. The incident is also currently under investigation.
Residential Burglary-Three residential burglary incidents were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 15200 block of Vanada Rd. It was determined that no entry was actually made. An incident was reported on the 13400 block of Fontwell Ct. A computer and accessories were stolen from the residence. A burglary was reported on the 14200 block of Whiterock Dr. Various items were taken from the residence.
Vehicle Burglary-Six vehicle burglaries were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Various electronics were stolen from the vehicle. An incident was reported on the 14300 block of Rosecrans Ave. A car stereo was taken from the vehicle. A third row seat was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A window smash burglary occurred on the 15300 block of Fairhope Dr. A tote bag containing various items was stolen. Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats, electronics, and cash were taken from the vehicles.
Grand Theft Vehicle-Two vehicle thefts were reported last week. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 11600 block of Hollyview Dr.A vehicle reported stolen from the 14700 block of Los Fuentes Rd. was recovered the next day.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/1/12-10/7/12
Robbery-A robbery was reported on the 13900 block of Whiterock Dr. The incident is currently under investigation.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 15400 block of Lemon Dr. It is unknown if any items were stolen from the location.
Vehicle Burglary-An incident was reported on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats were stolen from a vehicle in the parking lot.
Grand Theft-A grand theft was reported from the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A cell phone and cash were stolen from a backpack.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A vehicle was reported stolen from the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A vehicle reported stolen from Montebello PD jurisdiction was recovered near Parise Dr. and Priscilla St.
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Resident Advocacy Group Forms in La Mirada Over Train Noise
Advocacy group forms to seek resident protection from future noise by lobbying for a sound wall
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| Residents who recently gathered at a home on San Ardo Drive to discuss a railroad sound wall |
La Mirada~The Valley View Grade Separation Project, now officially started, and in its early stages, has rekindled an issue as old as the city itself-train traffic and the noise associated with it; and a former school board member is heading up a new advocacy group to ensure resident’s interests are protected.
The Valley View project-a $65 million joint venture between Caltrans, BNSF Railway, and the cities of La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs will create a railroad bridge and underpass, allowing the Valley View Avenue traffic at Stage Road, to flow underneath the tracks, eliminating the need for a grade signal.
When the endeavor is completed, sometime in late 2014, barring any unexpected occurrences the trains will no longer have to sound their whistle at the intersection, bringing relief too many. More importantly, traffic congestion will be essentially eliminated at the intersection.
However, that’s not good enough for Nancy Jenkins and her dozens of neighbors in the Neff Park/Stage Road area of La Mirada who are concerned train traffic and the noise associated with it, that they experiencing now, will only increase in the future.
After a city-sponsored informational meeting about the Valley View project held on August 13th, many of the group felt disenfranchised.
“They made us feel like we weren’t allowed to speak,” said Jenkins, who said the group repeatedly asked about a sound wall and was told over and over again it is not in the city’s budget.
“It was understood that in no uncertain terms nobody wanted to address the problems of the sounds we live with 24/7,” said Jenkins, “This is nothing new for us. We have had issues with the noise around here for a very long time.
Group member Carlos Garcia concurred, “They seemed to get mad when we started asking questions.”
Then, Jenkins said, a city-provided facilitator attempted to lead the group with feel-good chants, yes chants, leaving attendees with their jaws dropped. “It was just an inane thing,” she said.
Since then, Jenkins along with others, have created an advocacy group, organizing and mobilizing, by canvassing the neighborhood and gathering signatures for a petition to present to the city, with the hopes in finding some support for a sound wall.
She also is looking forward to discussions with city officials about the wall, and gives the city the benefit of the doubt, as their might have been some misunderstandings at the city-run meeting.
The group currently has over 650 signatures and their goal is to get about 800, and then present the petition at the October 23rd City Council meeting. Most of the initial supporters live on San Ardo Drive which runs parallel with the train track, but now the effort has reached as far north as San Esteban Drive to the north, and Figueras Road to the east.
Jenkins, a former Norwalk-La Mirada School Board member, who last served in that capacity in 1987 after three terms, is the informal leader of the group.
She and the others want to make it perfectly clear, their main concern is the new third mainline track slated to be laid down soon.
Crossroads Shopping Center Getting Facelift
La Mirada~Demolition work is underway at the Crossroads Shopping Center at Imperial Highway and La Mirada Boulevard.
The demolition work will clear the site for the development of a 13,650 square foot Walgreens Pharmacy drug store. Construction on the new drug store is set to begin in November. Other improvements at the shopping center will include the a 30,000 square-foot supermarket and other retail shops. This project will be completed in 2013.
“This is the first development to be guided by the modern design standards set forth in the Imperial Highway Specific Plan,” says City Manager Tom Robinson. “We are looking forward to the economic benefits and aesthetic improvements this project will bring to our community.”
Demolition work will continue at Crossroads through the coming weeks. Storm drain line relocation at the site will be completed by the end of September, and grading work will follow in October.
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