News
Nationâs Leading Latino Legal Civil Rights Organization Demands La Mirada Switch Election System
La Mirada~The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) recently sent a letter to the Mayor of La Mirada and the other city council members, accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).
MALDEF has placed demands on the city to convert to a by-district election system as compared to the at-large method to allow Latino residents to elect candidates to city council.
Latinos make up 36% of La Mirada’s eligible voter population, according to US Census Data.
After receiving complaints from a group of residents this year, MALDEF organized an investigation with the press release stating, “there are currently no Latino members on the five-seat council, and with one exception, there have been no Latinos on the city council since La Mirada’s incorporation in 1960.”
However, at present, Mayor Steve De Ruse is of Mexican descent, rebutting MALDEF’s claim.
After reviewing election returns and demographic information for La Mirada MALDEF claims the lack of success of Latino voters in La Mirada to elect candidates is due to racially polarized voting among the electorate, therefore violating the CVRA, the statement read.
Matthew Barragan, MALDEF Staff Attorney, said in a statement, “MALDEF stands with La Mirada’s Latino voters in their pursuit of a place in local government. These residents simply want a voice in who gets to have a say in important aspects of civic life.”
La Mirada City Manager Jeff Boynton acknowledged there are neighboring communities who have changed their process recently, “This is a process of something new for us and we have to see what it means for La Mirada. We have a lot to learn in the next couple of months and decisions will have to be made with benefits and drawbacks for whatever course of action is taken.”
MALDEF and their clients will pursue a judicial order to change the election system should the City of La Mirada fail to respond by August 17th or if they give an unsatisfactory response.
Boynton said a closed session will take place to discuss the matter with the city attorney at the duration of the next council meeting Tuesday, August 9th.
UPDATE: 07:32 08/6/16: We contacted MALDEF attorney, Matthew Barragan and asked him about the apparent miscalculation by the group of Latino representation on the La Mirada City Council, "If there were more than one [Latino] prior to that, it wouldn't change the result of our demand letter. And you know, us still believing the city's violation was based on a large investigation that had to do with more than just how many Latino members were on the council, he said.
CONTEST: Like Our Post On Facebook for Your Chance to Win Family 4-Pack to Splash!
The La Mirada Blog and Splash! La Mirada want to send you to cool off this summer with the family!
Just like the special post on our Facebook page regarding the contest by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday August 2nd.
You will be automatically entered into a contest to receive a FREE general admission family 4-pack to Splash! La Mirada including Bucaneer Bay.
A winner will be picked, at random by the La Mirada Blog on Wednesday, August 3rd at 10 a.m.
La Mirada Blog makes final decision on winner. No entries after 8/2/16 at 11:00 p.m. Players assume all responsibilities
Thank you Splash! Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada!
Latest Crime Report; Two Vehicles Vandalized on Barnwall
The following is the crime report for June 20-June 26, 2016 as reported by the City of La Mirada:
Robbery-A cell phone and cash were stolen during a robbery at a business on the 14500 block of Telegraph Rd. The suspect used a simulated weapon to steal items from the location. No injuries were reported.
Aggravated Assault-A victim was assaulted during a domestic incident. The victim and suspect were both treated for minor injuries. The suspect was eventually arrested.
Residential Burglary-Cash was stolen during a burglary on the 14100 block of Adoree St. Cash and jewelry were reported stolen on the 15700 block of Orsa Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A cash register with cash was stolen on the 13800 block of Biola Ave. All items were recovered. A storage unit was broken into on the 15000 block of Alondra Blvd. Exact loss is yet to be determined.
Vehicle Burglary-Two window-smash burglaries occurred on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Two vehicles were broken into on the 14900 block of Barnwall St. A sedan was broken into on the 15500 block of Dalmatian Ave.
Grand Theft Vehicle- A sedan was stolen from the 15500 block of La Mirada Blvd. A truck was reported stolen on the 14000 block of Mansa Dr.
La Mirada to Enforce 4th of July Fireworks and Party Regulations
On July 4, the La Mirada Public Safety Team will be patrolling throughout neighborhoods to enforce fireworks and party regulations. Residents are reminded to follow all City regulations.
The discharging of fireworks on City-owned property including parks, sidewalks and City facilities, is prohibited. The use of “safe and sane” fireworks is only allowed on July 4 from 3 to 10 p.m.
Streets may not be blocked off for parties and large gatherings. Residents hosting large parties that disturb the peace may be billed for the costs of breaking up the party. Individuals who discharge fireworks or conduct celebrations on private property without the owner’s permission will be cited.
Public drinking of alcoholic beverages and public intoxication are prohibited. All laws will be proactively enforced. Citations will be issued and arrests will be made for any violations.
Residents are encouraged to take an active part in reporting criminal activity. To report a crime in progress, dial 911. To report illegal fireworks or other criminal activity, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Traditional Japanese All-You-Can-Eat Buffet May Take Former China Star Spot
La Mirada~A new restaurant may be coming to La Mirada, occupying the empty building at the southeast corner of La Mirada Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue in the Theatre Center adjacent to the La Mirada Theatre for the Peforming Arts.
City Planner Gabriel Bautista told the La Mirada Blog that Shabuya, featuring all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu, has submitted plans for tenant improvements with the intent to remodel the inside of the building located at 15028 Rosecrans Avenue.
The La Mirada Chamber of Commerce has also also reported in their newsletter that Shabuya “has recently signed a lease with the property management company 
Kimco.”
Shabu-shabu is a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables served at the dining table hotpot style-quickly boiled in water and accompanied with dipping sauces when finished. Seafood, chicken and lamb can also be used. The beef is usually rib eye or top sirloin and is traditionally served with shiitake and enokitake mushrooms.
We have tried to reach the owners of Shabuya, but so far our calls have gone unreturned. They currently operate the Shabuya in Los Angeles on Wilshire Boulevard and their website touts, “we pride ourselves as a traditional shabu-shabu establishment.”
The building has been vacant since China Star Buffet (also known as Asian Palace Buffet at one time) closed its doors in September of 2013.
Other Development News
Plans seem to be continuing for The Habit to take over the former Starbucks located at the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and La Mirada Boulevard. There seems to be indications that permits will be pulled relatively soon in relation to this project.
Latest Crime Report: Alicante Road Hit With Multiple Window Smash Burglaries
The following is the crime report for May 30th-June 12th 2016 as reported by the City of La Mirada:
Aggravated Assault- A male adult was assaulted by two suspects using a BB gun after a verbal altercation on the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy. The victim was transported to the hospital for an eye injury. Residential Burglary-Two gaming systems were reported stolen on the 14800 block of Mercado Ave. A laptop, jewelry and coin jar were stolen on the 14400 block of Watkins Dr. The garage door had been left open. An incident occurred on the 14300 block of De Alcala Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A vacuum was stolen from a storage shed on the 15100 block of Cordova Rd.
Grand Theft-A backpack was stolen from a vehicle during a window-smash burglary on the 15100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A rammer tool was stolen from a construction site on the 14400 block of Alondra Blvd. An ATM machine was stolen from a business on the 14100 block of Imperial Hwy. The incident is remains under investigation.
Vehicle Burglary-Three window-smash burglaries were reported on the 15800 block of Alicante Rd. Items stolen included a tool bag, a box of tape, a music stand, and a bag with various items. A window-smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Alicante Rd. It is unknown if there was any loss in the incident. A purse was stolen during a window-smash burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A tool bag with various tools was stolen on the 15900 block of Golva Dr. A window-smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A briefcase and backpack were stolen. Jewelry, phone charger and golf clubs were stolen on the 15900 block of Glazebrook Dr. A purse was stolen during a window smash burglary on the 12000 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A third-row seat was stolen on the 15600 block of Hesse Dr.
La Mirada Paramedic Unit Collides With Vehicle
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| The paramedic unit from LA County Fire Station 49 in La Mirada collided with another vehicle this afternoon at La Mirada Boulevard and Oakwood Drive. Photo La Mirada Blog Twitter feed @LaMiradaBlog via Joe Flores |
La Mirada~A paramedic vehicle from L.A County Fire Station 49 in La Mirada collided with another vehicle today at the intersection of La Mirada Boulevard and Oakwood Drive.
The incident occurred about 1:30 p.m.
La Mirada Blog fan Joe Flores reported the paramedic unit was traveling northbound on La Mirada Boulevard. A female was driving southbound on La Mirada and attempted a left turn on to Oakwood.
It is unclear was caused the mishap. It is also unclear if the emergency vehicle had its lights and siren on at the time of the incident.
No injuries were reported at scene.
La Mirada Community Members Remember Our Fallen Heroes
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| La Mirada community members line up for the Presentation of Colors Monday at Olive Lawn Memorial Park as Reverend Richard Bergquist addresses the crowd. The park has been hosting the ceremony since 1961. Photo Alondra Urizar |
Approximately 200 community members attended the annual observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m held at Olive Lawn Memorial Park. The park has hosted the event each of the last 55 years-since 1961.
To commemorate the event, American flags were placed on gravestone markers of fallen service men and women by members of the Veteran Foreign Wars, the Boy Scout troops 438 and 919, and Cub Scout pack 919. The VFW post 9148 has served La Mirada and veterans for 57 years.
Cathy Moreno has led troop 919 as Scout Master for two years and previously led Cub Scout Pack 919 for four years. She has attended the event for nine years.
“This weekend is really special to us because it’s a lot of service. We provide to the veterans and the fallen veterans and families and so it’s kind of a work week for us but our boys don’t mind it and they get up early and do what they have to do,” Moreno said.
The Boy Scouts troops 438 and 919 and Cub Scout pack 919 gather at 7 a.m. to place flags on the gravestone markers. Flags are placed on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to allow others to observe and respect the veterans. The troops and cub pack also placed 3,000 flags at Rose Hills Memorial Park at 5 p.m. the day prior.
Post chaplain of Gold and Blue Star Families and Reverend Richard Bergquist welcomed and introduced speakers before the posting of colors, flag raising and pledge of allegiance was given.
Chaplain major Kenneth S. Valardi of the United States Air Force Reserve gave a passionate Memorial Day address, reminding members of the La Mirada community why veterans should be remembered.
Memorial wreaths were placed by La Mirada City Council and Mayor Steve DeRuse, the Ebell Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Olive Lawn Memorial Park, Rotary of La Mirada, VFW Post 9148, VFW Auxiliary and past commander and president club.
Safely Dispose of Hazardous Waste for Free This Saturday at Regional
La Mirada~There will be a free Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste Recycling Roundup for La Mirada area residents on Saturday, May 21, at La Mirada Regional Park, in the Tennis Court Parking Lot on Adelfa Drive, in La Mirada from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals, car batteries, used motor oil, paint, pesticides, home-generated sharps waste, e-waste, and more. It's a free and easy way to safely dispose of items that are too toxic to trash.
For more information, contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works at 1(888) CLEAN LA or www.CleanLA.com or the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at 1 (800) 238-0172 or www.lacsd.org.
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