News
News Ticker: Last Carnival in La Mirada Shuts Down
Last Remaining Carnival in La Mirada Shuts Down
October came and went this year and an annual event didn’t take place in La Mirada and it appears to have signaled the end of yet another era in town.
The St. Paul of the Cross Fiesta was the last true “carnival” in La Mirada that featured the classic rides, food, games, an entertainment stage and so much more.
Beatitudes of our Lord Church discontinued their event this past decade and of course the “4 La Mirada Kids Carnival” at Benton School shut down in 2017 after 23-year run.
The three-day St. Paul event dates back to the 1970’s as far as I can tell, after speaking with some neighbors, a representative from the church and by utilizing my own recollection.
Organizers were unable to pull it off this year cited by a number of reasons: the amount of hard work along with the time the volunteers put in with not enough profit to show for it and also the cost of permits and security seems to be an issue.
They did host a one-day “feast” this year to commemorate St. Paul’s death on October 18th, 1775 and it was held on October 20th in Gannon Hall.
La Mirada resident Diane Whetsell said many neighbors looked forward to the celebration every October, “I sure did miss it (this year)! A lot of parishioners and friends got together for this event.”
The church has not completely ruled out bringing back the carnival next year.
Trogman Joins PIH
La Mirada resident Richard Trogman, FACHE, has joined PIH Health as System Chief Operating Officer (COO) & President of PIH Health Hospital-Downey. Trogman is a seasoned healthcare executive with 29 years of progressive healthcare experience. His first day with PIH Health was on Monday, October 7th.
Annual Art Show
The annual Mirrors of Your Mind Art Show presented by the Arts Colony of La Mirada is now underway through Friday, November 22.
Exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
An award reception will conclude the show on Saturday, November 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m.
Sponsors include Century 21 Westworld Realty; Prime One Escrow; Art Supply Warehouse; Oriental Art Supply & Gamblin Artists Colors.
Artists interested in joining the Arts Colony of La Mirada are encouraged to visit acolm.org or call (562) 941-4116 for additional information.
OBITUARY-Murray Oxman from Oxman’s Surplus
Murray Oxman, 70, of Brea and Santa Fe Springs, passed away on August 19th. He was the co-owner and operator, along with his brother Jason, of Oxman’s Surplus which was founded in 1960 by his parents Jerome and Miriam Oxman, also known as “Mr. and Mrs. O.”
Oxman’s Surplus grew into a sprawling military surplus outlet and now encompassing 7,000 square feet with army surplus, camping equipment, and clothing, along with the original garages now called Gadgeteers Paradise, the store and military museum attracts customers from all over the world.
This store has been a favorite of La Mirada area kids for generations and veterans came to the store for treasured memorabilia which is impossible to find anywhere else.
Miriam Oxman, who passed away in 2017 and her late husband, Jerome Oxman, who passed in 2013, started the historical collection for the museum beginning in 1950 when Mr. O bought a discarded B-29 Bomber Norden Bombsight which is still in the store.
The Museum is actually the entrance to the store and there is no charge to see it.
Murray, a familiar fixture at the cash register of Oxman’s for many years, was a veteran of the US Navy, loved to play ice hockey and root for the Anaheim Ducks and was an avid golfer. He supported many youth organizations and was active in Congregation B’nai Israel, the La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs Chambers of Commerce and Associated Surplus Dealers.
Murray Oxman’s survivors include his wife Linda, who is a teacher, sons Zachary and Josh, brothers Brian and Jason; aunts Rene Oxman, Tessie Oxman, Phyllis Sarto and Barbara Snyder; many cousins and several grandchildren. Murray loved his family, his Jewish heritage, his country and every day he spent in the store.
Murray was buried alongside his parents on August 21st at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach.
The family plans to continue operating Oxman’s Surplus, where a memorial will be held.
La Mirada News Ticker #15
•The Arts Colony of La Mirada (ACOLM) Plein Art Painting Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The next group meeting will be July 11th with the location to be announced. Participants are required to bring their own snacks, drinks and art supplies. Contact Madeline Thomas for more info (562) 941-4116.
•The group is looking for volunteer face painters for the city’s summer concert series now underway Thursdays at 6:30 through August 8th, (7/25 at Creek Park). Painters should be there about 20 minutes in advance of the music starting at 6:30 p.m. The event Night Market begins at 4:00 p.m.
•We’re sad to report Marla Greer, a longtime member of ACOLM, passed away due to complications of a stroke. Her services will be held on Saturday June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St Joseph's Episcopal Church, 8300 Valley View St., Buena Park 90620. Those who knew her and intend to attend, please call Madeline Thomas at 562-941-4116 for a head count. Sherri Scialla at 714-904-7031 is the family's contact.
•After a long stint at La Mirada High School, popular teacher Ollie Lynch has confirmed with us he will not be returning to the school this fall. Lynch will be heading across town to El Camino High to lead the Independent Studies Program.
•Carol Schneider from the Year-Around Garden Club in Whittier recently presented a check of $500 to the La Mirada Historical Preservation Advisory Council at their monthly meeting. The money will be applied to the cost for the replacement of the tree identification plaques at the living arboretum at Neff Park created by La Mirada founder Andrew McNally in the late nineteenth century. A La Mirada organization also donated $1000 for the project, but they wish to remain anonymous.
•The Friends of the La Mirada Library will be installing the 2019-2020 board members at their meeting Thursday, June 27 at 6:30pm.
•The Chop Shop will be hosting its official grand opening Sunday June 23 from 10:00a-4:00 p.m. There will be raffles, giveaways, food and 50% off all cuts. The barber shop is located at 13948 Valley View Avenue.
•Last month, La Mirada resident Margie Cramer had her garden chosen to be part of the prestigious Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour. Read more about the tour and Margie’s garden here.
City Hall Waterfall Reaches Crossroads
La Mirada~Is this the end for the iconic fountain and water fall at La Mirada City Hall?
The 49-year old fountain and pools at La Mirada City Hall are showing their age and were shut down due to public safety concerns and excessive water loss and power usage, according to a recent staff report.
The item was discussed at the March 12 City Council Study Session.
The City Council now seems poised to make a decision about the future of the water feature, a familiar landmark of the La Mirada landscape.
Much of the feature still retains most of the original plumbing and electrical system-and it was failing. Also, the water pumps and valves used for the operation of the fountain were beyond their normal life expectancy and have to be replaced as well.
The pool surfaces also have multiple cracks and are in need of extensive repair. Saturated soil has been observed around the structure due to the leaks, the report indicated.
The disabled fountain consists of three pools with a water fall from the largest pool dumping water to a smaller pool which then flows to another smaller pool to the south of the civic center stairway.
Staff has identified three options for the City Council’s consideration.
Option 1: Restore and renovate the feature to its original condition and replace the entire infrastructure. Cost: $1,000,000-$1,375,000.
Option 2: Reduce and modify the total pool area and install landscape (planters, rocks, shrubs, etc.) and hardscape within the reduced area. The entire infrastructure would still have to be replaced for remaining pools. A new patio deck is also being considered (Option 2A) Cost: $1,750,000-$2,250,000.
Option 3: Eliminate all the pools and replace with landscape and hardscape improvements. This is obviously the most cost-efficient option, especially from a maintenance standpoint moving forward, but it will dramatically change the legendary look of the city hall grounds. Cost: $500,000-$750,000.
The fountain debuted with the dedication of the city hall building on March 20, 1970.
New Chick-fil-A Opening May 23rd
Chick-fil-A will open its first La Mirada restaurant at 14303 Firestone Boulevard on May 23, bringing its handcrafted food and award-winning customer service, commitment to community engagement and hands-on mentoring for nearly 90 newly-hired Team Members.
The overnight Grand Opening First 100 Campout includes engaging activities for participants ages five and older who will also enjoy a Chick-fil-A meal during the countdown to the opening. Registration begins in the restaurant parking lot at 6 p.m., May 22. Details include: Up to 100 adults, ages 18 and older, will win a digital offer card with a year of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 meals with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries, and a medium beverage).
The community event is open to guests surrounding the restaurant with a list of eligible zip codes and complete rules found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings
New local owner Chris Schivley graduated from Long Beach State University in 2002 with a degree in criminal justice and went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy and administration in 2006. Schivley, who grew up in the Los Angeles County area, spent the first 20 years of his career in law enforcement. His first Chick-fil-A experience came a few years ago when his family began a weekly “date night” tradition of visiting the local Chick-fil-A in Long Beach.
After learning about the Chick-fil-A franchise owner opportunity from a colleague, Schivley’s interest was piqued and it didn’t take long before he realized the brand’s focus on serving freshly prepared food and mentoring young people matched his entrepreneurial goals. By the end of 2018, Schivley left his police department job to pursue his dream of becoming an Operator and was thrilled when he was selected for the new La Mirada restaurant.
Obituary and Service Information for Pat Ruiz
Patricia “Pat” Ruiz passed peacefully with family and friends at her side on April 11, 2019 at the age of 88.
Pat Ruiz was born in San Francisco in 1931 to Della and Edward Conroy. She was educated at St. Paul’s Catholic School, graduating in 1948. Pat attended Dominican College in San Rafael where she earned a baccalaureate in Education. She taught elementary school in San Francisco for one year.
Pat was married to Nick Ruiz in 1952 and had four children, Jacqui, Paul, Barbara, and Larry. The couple moved to La Mirada in 1956 and their children attended St. Paul of the Cross and Gardenhill Elementary Schools, McNally Jr. High School and La Mirada High School. Pat began teaching again when her children were in school and in 1975, she earned a master’s degree from La Verne College. Her beloved husband, Nick, passed away in 1981.
Pat created a history of community service in the City of La Mirada including: 26 years teaching at Escalona Elementary School; eight years as elected member of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified District (NLMUSD) Board of Education (two years as President); 40 years a cantor at St. Paul of the Cross (SPC) Catholic Church; 12 years a La Mirada Human Services Commissioner; and 11 years President of the La Mirada Symphony Association.
Dedicated activities included: charter (1956) and long-time member of the Ebell Women’s Club (President for two terms); member and President of the La Mirada Kiwanis Club; Chancel Choir member at the Community Presbyterian Church of La Mirada; and, member of the SPC School Advisory Board.
Pat has received awards for distinctive service from Cerritos College Foundation, NLMUSD, Congress of PTSA, County of Los Angeles, City of La Mirada Human Services Commission, Norwalk Gang and Drug Task Force, La Mirada Kiwanis, SPC Catholic Church, and the Whittier Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ LDS, among others.
She leaves behind daughter Jacqui and husband Dane Hill, daughter Barbara, son Paul and wife Tricia, son Larry and son-in-law Stephen Cook, and grandsons Dane Jr. and Nicolas.
There will be a time of farewell at the Chapel of Memories Mortuary, 12626 Woods Ave, Norwalk on Thursday April 25 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The Memorial Mass and Service will take place at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 14030 Foster Rd, La Mirada on Friday April 26 at 2:00pm. A private burial service will occur at Olive Lawn Cemetery, La Mirada. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Pat’s honor to The Patricia Ruiz Memorial Artist Scholar Fund at the California School of the Arts, San Gabriel Valley at http://sgv.csarts.net/patriciaruizmemorialfund
Source: Courtesy Barbara Ruiz
La Mirada Crime Report October 29-November 11
La Mirada Crime Report October 29th-November 11, 2018
Notable Arrests-A suspect was arrested on the 14800 block of Mercado Ave. for possession of a switch blade which was a result of a proactive pedestrian stop by deputies. 15 suspects were arrested throughout La Mirada for various warrants and narcotics violations.
Robbery-A suspect was arrested after being detained by a "good Samaritan" after witnessing the suspect attempt to carjack a vehicle on the 15200 block of Rosecrans Ave. No injuries were sustained during the incident.
Aggravated Assault-During a daytime domestic incident an assault was reported on the 14100 block of Gladeside Dr. Minor injuries were sustained by the victim. The suspect was arrested. A victim was attacked with a metal cane during a verbal argument on the 14500 block of Leffingwell Rd. No injuries were sustained and the suspect was arrested.
Residential Burglary-An overnight theft of a bicycle was reported on the 15200 block of Campina Ln.
Other Structure Burglary-A locker was broken into on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A wallet was stolen. Three storage units were broken into on the 15000 block of Alondra Blvd.
Vehicle Burglary-A late night window smash burglary was reported on the 15000 block of Imperial Hwy. A purse was reported stolen.A purse was stolen during an early morning burglary on the 15300 block of Loretta Dr. An early morning burglary was reported on the 12300 block of La Pomelo Rd. Various tools were reported stolen during an early morning burglary on the 12700 block of Loganberry Dr. An early morning burglary was reported on the 14100 block of Bora Dr. A laptop and wallet were reported stolen during a late night burglary on the 15000 block of Leffingwell Rd. Tools were stolen during an evening burglary on the 14700 block of Firestone Blvd.
Grand Theft-A tailgate was reported stolen from a vehicle on the 14000 block of Lynmark St. A lawnmower was stolen from a vehicle near the intersection of Las Flores Ave. and Ocaso Ave. Medical supplies were reported stolen on the 15300 block of Valley View Ave. Various items were stolen during a late night theft from an unlocked vehicle on the 15000 block of Leffingwell Rd.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A sedan was reported stolen on the 14800 block of Telegraph Rd. A sedan was reported stolen on the 13500 block of Bona Vista Dr. A van was reported stolen on the 16200 block of Avenida San Miguel. A vehicle was reported stolen on the 13800 block of Biola Ave. A tractor was reported stolen on the 16600 block of Knott Ave. A sedan was reported stolen on the 15300 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A sedan was reported stolen on the 13800 block of Larwin Rd. A sedan was reported stolen on the 12700 block of Oxford Dr. A sedan was reported stolen on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd.
Whittier Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Carjacking/Shooting Spree in 2017
A day-long sequence of events rolled through La Mirada in a deadly way
A 27-year-old Whittier woman will spend the remainder of her life in state prison for a 2017 shooting spree that left one man dead and three others injured, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced today.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Roger Ito sentenced Reyna Gomez to the maximum term of 83 years and four months, plus 270 years to life, in state prison.
Jurors convicted Gomez on Sept. 13 of one count of murder, 14 counts of attempted murder and one count of carjacking. Gun and gang allegations also were found to be true.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Chung of the Major Crimes Division and Emily Carmack of the Major Narcotics Division.
On April 29, 2017, Alejandro Lazo (dob 3/9/96) and Gomez allegedly carjacked a driver in Pico Rivera. The pair drove to Whittier where they are accused of shooting and wounding a man in an alley. The shooting spree continued when they allegedly opened fire on two vehicles and injured another person, prosecutors said.
They then drove to La Mirada in the stolen vehicle where they stopped at an intersection and allegedly shot at several vehicles. One driver, 44-year-old Jose Ricardo Sahagun, was killed by the gunfire. The defendants were later found nearby in another vehicle and were arrested.
Lazo is facing one count of murder, 14 counts of attempted murder and one count of carjacking. He is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on Dec. 11.
Case VA144673 was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Whittier Police Department.
Free Recycling Event Coming up at La Mirada Community Gymnasium Parking Lot
The City of La Mirada and EDCO Disposal will be sponsoring a free mulch distribution, paper shredding, and e-waste collection event on Saturday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be held in the parking lot of the La Mirada Community Gymnasium, located at 15105 Alicante Road.
This collection event is for La Mirada residents only. Proof of residency (i.e. CA Driver’s License or utility bill) will be required. Participants are asked to enter the Community Gymnasium parking lot from Alicante Road). Household hazardous waste materials will not be accepted at this event.
For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385.
Free Oil Filters for La Mirada Do-it-Yourselfer’s September 1st
The City of La Mirada will be holding a used motor oil filter exchange event on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pep Boys, 14207 Rosecrans Ave. In exchange for their used motor oil filters, residents will receive new motor oil filters free of charge. (La Mirada residents may receive up to 2 new filters in exchange for 2 used filters; valued up to $12; while supplies last.) After your next oil change, bring in your used oil and filters and receive vouchers for new oil filters to redeem at this one-day recycling event.
"Used motor oil and filters are highly recyclable," says Kevin Sales, La Mirada’s Used Oil Recycling Program coordinator. "The City wants to make used motor oil and filter recycling as easy for the Do-It-Yourselfer as possible. Both the motor oil and the steel from the automotive filter will be recycled; and you can redeem your filter voucher immediately for a free oil filter from Pep Boys."
The City of La Mirada encourages all residents to participate in the event and to recycle their used motor oil and filters. Supplementary educational materials will be available as well as additional oil change materials for eligible participants.
Other used oil collection centers can be located by calling 888-CLEAN-LA, or visiting CleanLA.com. Further information regarding the Filter Exchange Event can be obtained by contacting Kevin Sales at (562) 944-4766.
Recent posts
City Recognizes Public Safety Poster Contest Winners
La Mirada Library Events November 2024
