News
Latest La Mirada News Bites #4
Paper/E-Waste Recycling and Free Mulch Event
EDCO and the City of La Mirada are sponsoring a free paper shredding, e-waste collection and mulch event on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the
La Mirada Community Gymnasium parking lot, 15105 Alicante Road. All items will be shredded onsite with a limit of three bankers boxes (10”x12”x15”) per household.
Unwanted electronics (e-waste) will also be collected including TVs, computer monitors, printers, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, and answering machines. No household hazardous waste material will be accepted.
Free mulch will be available while supplies last. This is a self-serve, self-loading service, so residents must bring their own cans/bags and shovel. Limit of 3 cans/bags per vehicle will be enforced. If you plan to haul your mulch in an open truck or trailer, remember to bring a tarp to cover the material.
This event is for La Mirada residents only and proof of residency, such as a CA Driver's License or utility bill indicating a La Mirada address is required.
For more information, call the Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385.
La Mirada Volunteers Clean Up Creek Park
The “Love La Mirada” community group recently held a service day event in conjunction with the City of La Mirada’s Helping Hands program. Approximately 15 total volunteers painted the Creek Park sign and a bridge, picked up trash, and cleared walkways of debris.
“This event was a great way to promote the City’s Helping Hands program,” says Community Services Supervisor Lisa Montoya. “It was also an excellent opportunity to partner with a local organization to help better the community.”
The Helping Hands program provides free services to seniors, low-income and disabled La Mirada residents. Services include minor outdoor home maintenance and yard assistance, such as lawn mowing, planting, hedge trimming and painting.
The program is held on the last Saturday of each month, with exceptions during holiday weekends. This month’s event will take place on Saturday, October 29. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Resource Center at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers may sign up prior to the event or simply arrive at the Resource Center on the day of the event.
Community members, local businesses, churches and other groups make this worthwhile program possible. For more information about the program, call the Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
La Mirada Property Values Continue to Rise
Property values in La Mirada have grown by more than 4.5 percent during the past year according to a recent report by the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
La Mirada’s assessed value increase was $265 million, which is its highest mark ever at $6,051,859,016.
The increase in value is attributed primarily to the Assessor’s adjustment pursuant to Proposition 13 and re-assessments of property that were sold prior to January 1, 2016. The new figures were part of the 2016 Assessment Roll recently released by the Assessor’s Office.
The local housing market has also remained strong. The median sale price of a single family home in La Mirada from July to October 2016 is $525,000. This represents a $40,000 (8.2 percent) increase in median sale price from 2015.
For more information, call the La Mirada Economic Development Office at (562) 943-0131.
Reports of Abduction Attempts Continue to Unfold
La Mirada~We recently received multiple messages from concerned parents and residents about a possible child abduction at Windermere Park this past Monday and then at Behringer Park on Tuesday evening, but authorities have told us no crimes have been committed in either instances.
La Mirada Soccer Association President Ruben Orozco sent out a letter to parents Monday evening advising them of an apparent abduction attempt. The letter quickly went viral on social media within the La Mirada area.
Tuesday, a school administrator in La Mirada became concerned when hearing of the letter so she contacted Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District officials, according to our unnamed source.
An e-mail was immediately sent out to NLMUSD board members from the head of security for the district, Elaine Williams, advising that local law enforcement officials had informed the district no crime occurred near a child and there is no merit to the claim.
We contacted Lt. Robin Limon at the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station who said the call came in at 5:40 p.m. but was a “suspicious person only” incident and a report was taken.
However, Limon said there currently is an active ongoing investigation.
The league then sent out an additional letter on Tuesday evening stating a similar “kidnapping” attempt had occurred, this time at Behringer Park.
Limon told us there is no record of an incident at Behringer Park on Tuesday night.
Calls made to La Mirada Lieutenant Kevin Beggs have gone unreturned.
We will have more information here if it becomes available.
UPDATE: 21:28-100616: Since our initial report, the father of the child involved in the incident has contacted us. He advised us the first incident DID occur at Windermere Park on Monday. He asked his name not be used. He said a kidnap attempt investigation is ongoing. He told us his three-year old child was playing near bushes at the park while his five-year old played soccer. He said a male popped out "from behind the bushes" with his arms outstretched towards his daughter. He chased the man away. Report was taken, investigation ongoing.
We apologize if anyone was misled. We only reported the information that we were given. Parent recently exclusively contacted us only.
The family of the child has asked us to share the description of this man:
Hispanic Male, approximately 5'7 to 5'8, about 150-160 lbs, light complexion, dark brown hair, facial goatee, wearing cap; drove away in a tan 4-door sedan.
City Debuts New Smartphone App
La Mirada~Keeping in step with these technological times, the City of La Mirada recently launched the “My La Mirada” smartphone application and web portal for residents to access local services. “My La Mirada” enables residents to submit, track, and view service requests through their smartphones or online.
Residents can submit a variety of service requests and report issues such as graffiti, potholes, broken, street signs, and public records requests using one convenient system. Requests and issues are delivered to City staff and are tracked from start to finish. Residents have the option to receive notifications, real-time status updates, and comments on the submitted requests.
“My La Mirada” enhances communication between residents and City officials. To help reach all residents, the application supports 17 languages In-app widgets provide users information about local news, programs, services, events, and public facilities.
“My La Mirada” was launched in partnership with Accela, Inc., an innovative civic software company that helps residents and local governments connect to improve the quality of life in their communities.
“The ‘My La Mirada’ service request system is an innovative and convenient way for residents to stay connected to the City and report issues affecting local neighborhoods,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton.
The “My La Mirada” smartphone app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Service requests can also be submitted online at www.cityoflamirada.org. For more information on the “My La Mirada” system, call (562) 943-0131.
Latest La Mirada News #2
Arts Colony
The Arts Colony of La Mirada will hold its October meeting on Monday the 3rd at the La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. at 6:30 p.m. They will be discussing the upcoming "Mirrors of your Mind" open art show in November. Oil artist David Min will present a demonstration of his art and unusual method of applying paint to canvas. The public is welcome to join. For further information call 562-448-3427, 562-941-4116 or find the colony at acolm.org.
Disaster Preparedness
The City of La Mirada is joining thousands of communities across the country to participate in National Preparedness Month throughout the month of September. The month-long nationwide effort is hosted by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, encouraging households, businesses, and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies. Preparing can start with three important steps:
1. Get an emergency supply kit
2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency
3. Be informed about emergencies that could happen locally, and identify sources of information that will be helpful before, during, and after an emergency.
National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging individuals and communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. The La Mirada Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee (DPSC) will be meeting later this month to discuss plans for the upcoming Communitywide Disaster Exercise. This year the exercise will be held on October 20 in conjunction with the statewide earthquake awareness campaign The Great California ShakeOut.
Gala for a Cause October 14th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Raising the Roof with Laughter La Mirada Foundation Invites Community to “Party for a Purpose”
The La Mirada Community Foundation is teaming up with nationally known “Clean Comedians” and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, for a Gala for a Cause, on October 14th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Humor is often used to tear people down. But the producers of this comedy show hope to do some building up…literally.
“We are going to enjoy a fun evening of entertainment and assist some people who need home repairs," said Michael Lord, President of the La Mirada Community Foundation, who believes laughter may be the best medicine for helping local Veterans and seniors.
According to Hal Malkin, former Mayor of La Mirada, the beginning of the Foundation goes back to one generous woman. “Years ago, before her death, gifted monies from the sale of her home was initially used to help fund the Foundation. This Gala is in part possible because of her decision to pay it forward.”
Comedy & Variety with Zero Vulgarity
Adam Christing is the founder of CleanComedians.com and a long-time La Mirada resident. “Humor doesn’t have to be dirty to be funny,” says Christing, who will emcee the Gala.
The talent line includes: Carlos Oscar, a stand-up comedian who has appeared on the "Tonight Show”, the magic of Michael Grandinetti from TV’s “Masters of Illusion”, and Michael & Amy, a high-energy dueling piano duo.
Young players from Biola Youth Theatre will perform “Circle of Life” from their fall production of Lion King. Simply Irresistible will provide desserts. The Gala for a Cause will feature a silent auction and a chance for one attendee to win the opportunity to sink a putt on-stage for $10,000. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the silent auction & desserts. The live show will begin at 7 pm.
Tickets & Corporate Sponsorships are available here.
City Council to Elect Members by District
La Mirada~ At its September 13th meeting, city council members voted 4-1 to approve a settlement with a Latino voting rights group, avoiding a possible expensive litigation process.
The Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) sent a letter to the council in July accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. The letter imposed a deadline of August 17th to respond or risk being sued.
As part of the settlement, the city will create voting districts for the upcoming March 2017 election, including one that must be Latino-majority. The city must also pay MALDEF $30,000 for their expenses.
Councilman Andrew Sarega was the lone vote against the settlement saying the city gave in to group.
The city doesn’t believe it violated the act, but feel it is in their best interest to settle.
Resident Noel Jaimes said on his Facebook page, “The city capitulated to a lawsuit threat by a bully without a fight and now will be forced to divide the city of La Mirada into five districts, something that most La Mirada residents don't want.”
La Mirada City Councilman Steve DeRuse responding to the thread noting that as to date, no city has challenged and won a case against MALDEF and that the council acted to protect the city and limit the liability to $30,000 and to maintain control of the districting process, saying, “If this went to court a judge would be drawing our districts.”
After a series of public hearings for community input, including assistance by residents in drawing the districts, the council looks to have boundaries in place by November 8th.
Latest La Mirada News
City Council
The council recently recognized Temple Beth Ohr of La Mirada on its 60th anniversary. Rabbi Mark Goldfarb was on hand to accept a certificate on behalf of TBO. The synagogue, located at Rosecrans and Santa Gertrudes, was started by eight Jewish families in La Mirada shortly after subdivision in 1954. They hooked up on a supermarket bulletin board.
A resolution was passed authorizing the installation of stop signs and pavement markings on the east and west approaches of Hesse Drive at Talbot Drive.
A resolution was passed to remove the ladder-type crosswalk, signs and pavement markings on Telegraph Road at Armsdale Avenue. It has been determined the crosswalk is no longer needed for El Camino High School which currently operates at the site. The crosswalk remained from when the school operated as Mesa Elementary School.
Wow! How awesome to see residents Joe and Millie Emmerling recently recognized for their 70th wedding anniversary. The Emmerling’s moved to La Mirada in 
September of 1960. “We were here when La Mirada wasn’t a city yet,” the 98-year-old Mrs. Emmerling told the audience. They received a plaque and two tickets to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for their efforts.
The 1.5 acre parcel at 13400 Biola Avenue will be subdivided and construction of six single-family dwelling units will be developed. The parcel was formerly owned by Suburban Water and was the site of one of the original artesian water wells of Andrew McNally’s Windermere Ranch in the late nineteenth and early 20th century.
Sports
The La Mirada High School football team beat Orange Lutheran 24-17 on August 26th to open the 2016-17 campaign. The defending Suburban League and State Bowl champs then opened up the home season with a 34-0 loss to nationally ranked St. John Bosco this past Friday. The Matadores take on Mater Dei, also nationally ranked, this Friday September 9th on the road.
Eats
Although no lease has been signed yet, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen has submitted initial tentative plans to develop the lot adjacent to Savers at the Green Hills Shopping Center North at Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes.
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onstruction has begun on the new McDonald’s at the former site of The Carriage at Imperial Highway and Telegraph Road. The new Mickey D’s will be an ultra-modern facility similar to the store in Brea.
Across the street, construction has also begun on The Habit Burger Grill which will occupy the former Starbucks and Verizon facility on the southwest corner of La Mirada Boulevard and Imperial Highway.
Recorded Council Meetings Now on Cityâs Website
After many delays, The La Mirada City Council finally recorded their first meeting on May 24th, posting it the following morning on the City’s website.
The videos are hosted by Granicus, an online cloud service with more than 5 million government media files and public records and allow users to upload agendas to videos. Viewers are allowed to watch live or archived videos.
However, as of now the residents of La Mirada are only able to watch archived videos and are not able to view the meetings live.
Council agendas (available online and at city hall) are required by law to be posted 72 hours before council meetings. The recorded meetings will then be posted 14 to 15 hours later, said La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton.
“I think so far we’ve had about [35 to 45] views per meeting,” Boynton said. “I don’t even know if there’s a way to track who’s viewing it… It’s pretty early in the process, so it’s still a pretty new service we’re providing.”
As for videos posted live, Boynton said posting the videos the morning after makes it easier on the staff.
“It’s just the way that we’ve set it up. In terms of our staffing restrictions, it’s just easier to do it that way for us,” Boynton said.
A survey conducted by the city council showed 80% said they would like council meetings to be streamed online and from those, 80% said they would watch it.
“It was actually an overwhelming majority of individuals or residents of La Mirada who wanted our council meetings to be available online,” said Councilmember Andrew Sarega.
Recorded City Council Meetings Now on Cityâs Website
After many delays, The La Mirada City Council finally recorded their first council meeting on May 24th, posting it the following morning on the City’s website.
The videos are hosted by Granicus, an online cloud service with more than 5 million government media files and public records and allow users to upload agendas to videos. Viewers are allowed to watch live or archived videos.
However, as of now the residents of La Mirada are only able to watch archived videos and are not able to view the meetings live.
Council agendas (available online and at city hall) are required by law to be posted 72 hours before council meetings. The recorded meetings will then be posted 14 to 15 hours later, said La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton.
“I think so far we’ve had about [35 to 45] views per meeting,” Boynton said. “I don’t even know if there’s a way to track who’s viewing it… It’s pretty early in the process, so it’s still a pretty new service we’re providing.”
As for videos posted live, Boynton said posting the videos the morning after makes it easier on the staff.
“It’s just the way that we’ve set it up. In terms of our staffing restrictions, it’s just easier to do it that way for us,” Boynton said.
A survey conducted by the city council showed 80% said they would like council meetings to be streamed online and from those, 80% said they would watch it.
“It was actually an overwhelming majority of individuals or residents of La Mirada who wanted our council meetings to be available online,” said councilmember Andrew Sarega.
Sarega has aspired for the residents of La Mirada to become actively engaged in the council meetings for several years, talking about it frequently during his election campaign in 2013. With some residents unable to attend council meetings for various reasons, Sarega considers the decision to have videos recording a huge success.
“I want residents to get involved and to watch and to participate because unfortunately there are some that don’t necessarily want this to succeed and they question whether or not people view it,” Sarega said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s a huge win that we’re able to get the meetings streamed online and I want people to watch and get involved.”
Council meetings will be recorded for a year before being reviewed in June of 2017.
La Mirada City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
La Mirada City Council Recognizes Supervisor Knabe
La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council recognized Supervisor Don Knabe on August 9th for his career of public service, local support, and leadership for the past 20 years. The Supervisor’s term ends in November.
During his time as Supervisor, Knabe saw the City of La Mirada’s facilities expand to include the Community Gymnasium, Community Resource Center, Activity Center,
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| La Mirada City Council members Ed Eng, Steve De Ruse, Larry Mowles and Pauline Deal with Supervisor Don Knabe (center). |
Community Sheriff’s Station, and Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. His support was instrumental in making many of these facilities come to fruition.
Currently, Supervisor Knabe’s “Operation Libraries” project is investing over $4.4 million to renovate the La Mirada Library, which will open by the end of the year.
Supervisor Knabe also created the very popular Knabe Katch Fishing Derby in 1996. The 20th event takes place this year on Saturday, September 24th, as always at Regional Park Lake. The event’s future is uncertain after this year.
Supervisor Knabe was presented with a recognition plaque and a framed photo collage at the August 9th City Council meeting.
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