Two Men Who Shot at Pedestrians in Unincorporated Whittier Arrested by Norwalk Deputies

Whittier~Two young adults have been arrested by Norwalk Sheriff’s after they eluded them in an incident early Sunday morning.

At 12:50 a.m., Norwalk Station Patrol Deputies arrested Carlos Hernandez, 18 of Whittier and Roman Rosales 19 of Long Beach for assault with a firearm, discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle at a person and evading a peace officer.

The deputies were on patrol in the area of Carmenita Road and Trumball Street, when they saw a car occupied by two men, fire at a group of three people standing at the bus stop on Carmenita Road, south of Trumball Street. The suspects fled in their vehicle and were arrested after a short vehicle pursuit.

A loaded pistol was recovered by the deputies after the arrest.Anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed this crime are asked to contact Operations Safe Streets Detective Farias at Norwalk Station (562) 863-8711.

• by Randy Economy
• Jun 25, 2012

Historical Day in La Mirada as Valley View Separation Project Commences

Santa Fe Springs~An idea, a vision, and a conversation, ongoing since the late 1990's, has finally come to fruition as the ground breaking ceremony for the Valley View Grade Separation Project took place today at the intersection of Valley View Avenue and Stage Road on the La Mirada/Santa Fe Springs border.

The $65 million project-the largest transportation improvement project ever undertaken by either of the two cities-will construct and create a grade separation at the Valley View Avenue and the BNSF Railway/Stage Road intersection.

BNSF, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and LA Metro are the other project partners.

It is funded by state and federal resources and BNSF Railway.

"We are very fortunate to be able to move forward with the Valley View Avenue grade separation project. This important project will not only facilitate better and safer traffic circulation, but will also help revitalize the local economy, said City of Santa Fe Springs Mayor William K. Rounds."

The project is also a component of the $163 million Triple Track Project, which is a collaboration of Caltrans and BNSF Railway to improve the flow of international trade and passenger and commuter rail.

The Triple Track Project will be completed within a 15-mile segment of the railway between the cities of Commerce and Fullerton, and will result in the laying of a third track next to the existing two.

When the grade separation project is completed, traffic on Valley View-estimated to be 40,000 vehicles daily- will flow under the rail tracks resulting in improved safety for motorists, an enhanced traffic flow, and reduced air pollution associated with idling vehicles.

• by Tony Aiello
• Jun 20, 2012

Apparent kidnapping in La Mirada results in one arrest by Norwalk Sheriff’s

An apparent kidnapping involving a La Mirada resident on Thursday, has resulted in the arrest of one suspect by members of the Norwalk Sheriff's Department.

Norwalk Sheriff's Station deputies responded to a "person with a gun" call at 3:49 P.M. on the 14000 block of East Plantana Drive, La Mirada.

When they arrived, deputies were told that that 27-year old Suspect Derek Martin of Brea came to a residence in La Mirada looking for his 18-year girlfriend, who is also a resident of Brea.

Instead he found a 22-year old man from Corona and pointed a handgun at him, demanding he tell the whereabouts of the 18-year old woman.

The 18-year old woman heard the commotion and stepped out of the residence. Suspect Martin demanded that she get into his car. Out of fear, the victim complied. Sheriff's deputies began a search and contacted neighboring police agencies.

Later, Brea Police Department officers located the vehicle on the 200 block of Ash Avenue in Brea.

Norwalk Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene and were able to locate Suspect Martin and the 18-year old victim, who was unharmed.

Suspect Martin was arrested at approximately 6:20 P.M. for assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping and is being held in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.

• by Randy Economy
• Jun 15, 2012

La Mirada Millitary Banner Program Recognizes Troops

"La Mirada is home to many brave men and women in serving our country," said Mayor Gabe Garcia. "These banners are a reminder of their efforts to protect our great nation."

La Mirada's Military Banner program recognizes La Mirada residents who are currently serving in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or National Guard.

To be eligible for the program, the serviceperson being recognized must be serving on active duty and be a current La Mirada resident.  An immediate family member may also submit an application for the program on their behalf.

Participants need to complete an application and include a copy of the driver's license or a current utility bill showing proof of residency of the military serviceperson or his/her immediate family.

For more information, call (562) 943-7277.

• Jun 04, 2012

La Mirada City Council Moves Forward With Budget Despite Continuous Lambasting of State Actions

La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council took the first major steps into adopting a new fiscal budget for next year on Tuesday night.

La Mirada and many other area municipalities will be going into the new budget year without the luxury of having income generated from "economic engines" such as community redevelopment agencies.

City officials said that La Mirada's worst financial challenge stems from the State of California actions that have "impacted the City's budget far more than the Great Recession."

"The State's elimination of redevelopment agencies will have far-reaching negative impacts. The State's process for dissolving redevelopment was poorly conceived and executed, and has caused financial chaos and confusion for local governments throughout California," said Kevin Prelgovisk, Assistant City Manager.

But, overall, La Mirada's financial position is better than most area cities, however, without changes to the current law, La Mirada's General Fund could lose nearly $58 million, almost twice the annual operating budget.

"Financial blows of this magnitude will have severe negative impacts on La Mirada's ability to provide services and make critical infrastructure repairs," Prelgovisk said.

Councilman Steve Jones was blunt in his assessment of the new budget challenges from Sacramento.

"The state of California is acting like your addicted uncle who has the keys to your house," Jones quipped.

• by Randy Economy
• May 25, 2012

Bermudez, Calderon Campaigns Engage in War of Words Over “Porno” Mailers

The campaign battle between local state assembly candidates Ian Calderon and Rudy Bermudez has taken yet another twist with the wife of Bermudez diving into the fray with a week and a half before voters head to the ballot box.

Calderon and Bermudez are engaged in one of California's nastiest primary campaigns in the newly created 57th Assembly District.

Voters on Friday and Saturday will be receiving a giant sized post card from Nancy Bermudez, the longtime wife of the former assemblyman that attacks the first time candidate Calderon for portraying her husband for supporting a bill that "wrongfully" portrayed him as "supporting child pornography."

The Los Cerritos Community Newspaper was emailed an advance copy of the campaign mailer from Bermudez campaign advisor Bruce Young.

In the mailer, Nancy Bermudez states "Ian Calderon sent out a mailer claiming Rudy voted with the porn industry on AB 281, which is an outright lie."

"As you can see, AB 281was a bill sponsored by the District Attorneys to increase the penalties for child porn. Even Ian's uncle, (Senator) Ron (Calderon), voted for the bill. Ian Calderon needs to stop lying. Ian hasn't earned the right to lie about someone who risked his life to keep us safe." The signature of Nancy Bermudez appears at the bottom of the mailer.

The bill, that Bermudez and every other member of the State Assembly voted to support, increases the penalty for possession of child pornography by making the possession of more than 100 prohibited items an alternate felony misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail or by imprisonment in state prison for 16 months, 2 or 3 years.

• by Randy Economy
• May 25, 2012

57th Assembly Campaign Turns Into a War of Charges and Counter Charges; La Mirada’s Jaimes in Race

The race for a local California State Assembly seat between Democrats Rudy Bermudez and Ian Calderon has literally turned into a steel cage match that now includes charges of money laundering, and hiding personal income sources, and the filing of complaints with state campaign regulators.

Did Assemblyman Tony Mendoza mastermind an elaborate money laundering scheme to skirt California campaign finance laws to help benefit the campaign of the candidate who is running to take his place in Sacramento?

Did assembly candidate Ian Calderon fail to report $60,000 in income to state officials?

State campaign reform officials have opened up an official inquiry to determine if Mendoza and Assembly candidate Rudy Bermudez worked in tandem to avoid campaign contribution limits after $50,000 in donations were allegedly transferred between at least a half dozen campaign committees involving at least four local elected officials.

Mendoza is a former Chairman of the controversial Latino Caucus that is comprised of elected officials in Sacramento who serve as members of the Assembly and State Senate.

This week Latino Caucus Chairman Assemblyman Ricardo Lara blasted Mendoza in a statement that has sent several political observers into a tailspin.

• by Randy Economy
• May 22, 2012

Refuse Hauler Will Pay for Street Sweeping Services if City Extends Agreement

City expected to approve $60,000 mailing program; other news from recent city council study session and regular council meeting

La Mirada~The city is claiming it will save $238,000 per year by approving a three-year extension to its current 10-year agreement that went into effect on July 1, 2009 with EDCO Disposal for refuse services in La Mirada

EDCO has proposed to find a new company for street sweeping, and pay for it, in exchange for the three-year extension of its original deal slated to end in 2019. Now their agreement will be extended to 2022.

For street sweeping services, the city has contracted with R.F. Dickson Co. for the past 48 years-currently under the terms of a five-year agreement set to expire next month on June 24^th.

The new street sweeping company would be approved by the city and would be bound by current specifications and level of services.

City of La Mirada Public Works Director Steve Forster told the La Mirada Blog it is expected that Dickson would be one of the applicants when EDCO searches for a new street sweeping provider.

The City of La Mirada, even in these tough economic times, allocates funding for social service agencies that provide services to residents in La Mirada.

"This is money that comes out of the general fund," said City Manager Tom Robinson.

The agencies submit their request through an application process, and then are scrutinized by the city's Community Services Commission. The commission then provides their recommendations.

• by Tony Aiello
• May 13, 2012

La Mirada Weekly Crime Summary

CRIME REPORT

April 30-May 6

Residential Burglary-Two residential burglaries were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 14800 block of Valeda Dr. Jewelry and miscellaneous documents were taken. An incident was reported on the 12800 block of Gabbett Dr. A side porch door was pried open. Jewelry, flatware, and a television were stolen from the home.

Other Structure Burglary-A burglary to a business was reported on the 14500 block of Alondra Blvd. Cash was stolen from the location. A burglary to a storage shed was reported on the 14100 block of Angell St.

Vehicle Burglary Five vehicle burglaries were reported last week. An incident was reported on the 12000 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A driver's side window was shattered. No loss from the vehicle was reported. A window smash burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. Cell phones and cash were taken. A burglary was reported on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A tote bag containing paperwork was stolen.Two vehicle burglaries were reported on the 13000 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave.

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• May 09, 2012

1,200 La Mirada Lamplighter Newspapers stolen from Newsroom Office Prior to Distribution

Cerritos~Members of the Cerritos Sheriff's Department are investigating the theft of 1,200 undelivered community newspapers from outside the office of Los Cerritos Community Newspaper on early Friday morning.

According to Brian Hews, Publisher of both the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper and La Mirada Lamplighter, over 1,200 printed newspapers of Friday's edition of the Lamplighter were stolen from the front of the Lamplighter office located at the corner of Artesia Boulevard and Shoemaker Avenue in Cerritos.

Hews said that their home-delivery person, Eddie Garcia, leaves the papers at the office at around 4 am in the morning with other business delivery drivers taking those papers between 7 am and 9 am.

"Our Sports Editor Loren Kopff took the Cerritos papers at 7:30 am, and said the Lamplighter papers were in front of the office when he left. Maria Gonzalez, Lamplighter Marketing Consultant, arrived at the office at 8:30 am and saw that the Lamplighter papers were gone, so they were obviously taken between 7:40 and 8:30", said Hews.

• by Randy Economy
• May 08, 2012