Dunkel Bros. Continues Christmas Tradition at New Location
Some of what you need to know about the Dunkel Bros. 2018 Christmas Display
La Mirada~Dunkel Bros. Orange County Machinery Moving has been in business since 1975 and has been based in La Mirada for the last 16 years.
The company relocated last year from their South Firestone Boulevard location along the freeway, to their new beautiful location located at the northeast corner of Alondra Boulevard and Phoebe Avenue, just east of Valley View Avenue. The change was necessitated by the construction involved with the current Interstate 5 Widening Project.
Although moving heavy machinery may be what the company is known for, over the years they have also created elaborate and unique Christmas light displays at its headquarters during the holidays for the public to enjoy.
This year is no exception; perhaps the best ever.
The display at the beautiful new Dunkel location features over two million lights all wired together and synced with holiday music, which can also be heard on 88.7 FM from your car.
The planter boxes within the display were designed and built by Dunkel Bros. exclusively for this display with each box containing 10,000 lights!
Peter Dunkel and Larry Dunkel are the owners of Dunkel Bros/La Mirada. Peter told us his Christmas spirit was instilled by his wonderful parents, Otto & Herbie who were married for 65 years. He told us every Christmas season they would load up their family of 12 kids and venture out to see the different holiday lights and displays.
The design of the new La Mirada headquarters for Dunkel Bros. includes wide, meandering sidewalks ensuring the safety of the community while offering a close up look at the detail of the free exhibit. A stage has also been built for Christmas-themed shows and carolers.
SCHEDULE: Santa will appear nightly 6-9- p.m. Saturday December 1st through December 23rd. The jolly old elf will be handing out gifts for the kids.
Santa’s reindeer arrive nightly 5-10 p.m. for eight days beginning Saturday December 15th.
Look for our live broadcast on Facebook Sunday December 4th at approximately 5:00 p.m.
OTHER XMAS DISPLAYS: The “Christmas Vacation” display at 15912 Golva is back this year bigger and better than ever. The display is set to be ready Saturday December 1st.
A really cool display is located at 14774 Hardaway Drive, go by and check it out.
See a really cool Christmas display in La Mirada? Send us an email or DM us on social media.
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.
La Mirada News Ticker #14
>The City of La Mirada and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health will be offering all community members free flu vaccinations on Wednesday, October 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center.
>La Mirada's annual Salute to Veterans event is scheduled for Monday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Join us in honoring our local veterans who have served or are currently serving in our nation's military. The Salute to Veterans event will include military memorabilia displays, veterans' resources, guest speakers, and a military banner retirement ceremony. For additional information, contact the Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.
>The Arts Colony of La Mirada will present its “Mirrors of Your Mind” Art Show. The art exhibit will be open to the public on Monday, November 5 through Friday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the La Mirada Activity Center. An award reception will conclude the art show on Saturday, November 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. Artists interested in getting involved in the Arts Colony of La Mirada are encouraged to visit their website at acolm.org or by calling (562) 941-4116 for additional information.
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.
Phantom Projects Announces Pay What You Will Day at LM Theatre for the Performing Arts Box Office
La Mirada~No longer will price have to be a factor for any teen, family, or student who wants to be part of a live theatre experience. For one day only, on October 13, 2018, from 12pm-4pm, patrons may arrive to the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Box Office and pay what they can for any show in the 4-show season from Phantom Projects Theatre Group. No patron will be turned away.
"The idea that anyone might not be able to be in the audience because of financial limitations pains me greatly. We are a non-profit, yes, and ticket sales are crucial, but at the end of the day, the educational element of what we do is far more important. We want to remove any excuse as to why someone can’t be a theatregoer,” commented Producing Artistic Director Steve Cisneros, who created the company at the age of 17 when pricing often limited his theatre-going abilities.
Pay What You Will tickets will be made available on Saturday October 13th, in-person only, at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Box Office. Tickets may be purchased from Noon to 4:00 pm. Tickets, available via cash only, will be available on a first come, first served basis.
The 4 Show season, any of which are available for purchase on this day, include: Afflicted: Daughters of Salem (November 15, 2018), The Outsiders (February 21, 2019), Wonder (April 11, 2019) and The 13th Annual Young Artist Project (August 3, 2019)
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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.
INFO: Annual Youth Fishing Derby at Regional Park
La Mirada~The annual Hahn Catch Youth Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, September 22nd at the La Mirada Regional Park lake from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The event is open to children ages 5-15 years of age and no fishing license is required. Bring your own pole as their is a limited supply available for loan.
La Mirada Kiwanis will once again be providing a pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. sharp.
For more information call (562) 902-5645 or (626) 333-1369.
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.
Phantom Projects Benefit Gala for Arts Education August 4th at La Mirada Theatre
Courtnee Draper, star of Disney Channel’s first original series, The Jersey, and world-wide smash hit video game, Bioshock Infinite will be honored as a founding member of the troupe.
La Mirada~Phantom Projects Theatre Group will host it’s annual event: The Phantom Cabaret: A Benefit Gala for Arts Education, taking place on August 4 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Because of this fundraising event, the group is able to provide over $20,000 in donated theatre tickets and performances to non-profits, schools, and youth groups.
The fabulous evening includes a night of entertainment, dinner, silent auction and more. The event pays tribute to the non-profit organization’s work with at-risk youth through the performing arts.
This year, the first ever Alumni Award will be presented to an outstanding veteran of the troupe, founding member Courtnee Draper who started with the troupe at the age of 11.
She would continue to perform with the group on stage over the next 12 years, while growing her on-camera career. She starred in Disney Channel’s original TV Series, The Jersey, which saw her performing alongside legendary athletes such as Peyton Manning, Tony Hawk and Laila Ali. After starring in a handful of Disney Channel movies, Courtnee transitioned into more adult roles becoming a regular on The Bold and the Beautiful, and making appearances on such shows as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tru Calling, Veronica Mars, and CSI: Miami.
After taking a break to pursue a career in law, she returned in a major way to star as Elizabeth in the world-wide smash hit video games Bioshock Infinite and Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea. The game earned her two Spike Video Game award nominations, one for Best Actress, and winning the other for Best Song.
The event will also feature performances and presentations from alumni and community members, including James McFarlane, Mayor of La Mirada Larry Mowles, Tessa Githens, Angela Griswold, The Jazz Angles, Jargie the Science Girl! and more.
Phantom Projects Theatre Group started in 1997 when a then 17-year old Steve Cisneros approached his high school Language Arts teacher, Bruce Gevirtzman, with the idea of taking plays Gevirtzman had written to local schools.
Immediately the idea grew from one touring show, rehearsed out of Cisneros’ parents’ 2-car garage, to a full six-show season at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The touring program has expanded to three touring shows, an education department, a costume rental dept and much, much more. The troupe’s home is now a 5,000 square foot facility.
The non-profit theatre troupe which aims to build theatre audiences of tomorrow through inspirational theatrical pieces, has performed for over 500,000 teens through its combination of shows.
Tickets for the Phantom Cabaret Benefit Gala start at $45 and can be purchased by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at 714.994.6310 or visiting: PhantomProjects.com/gala
City and School District Collaborate on College Banner Project After Student Proposal
La Mirada residents will notice new street banners along Adelfa Drive in front of La Mirada High School. The new banners were created as part of a College Banner Program to honor La Mirada High School students who recently graduated and plan to continue their education at a college or university the following year. The banners feature a photo of the graduate, the graduate’s name, a noteworthy achievement, as well as the college or university they plan to attend. The class of 2018 is the first graduating class to participate in this new program.
The idea for the college banners was developed and proposed by the Youth in Government students at the February 27 City Council meeting. Through the Youth in Government program, La Mirada High School students have an opportunity to learn about local government and recommend programs to enhance the community.
The College Banner Program was approved by the City Council and implemented this year in collaboration with the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
“We are extremely proud to highlight the achievements of our La Mirada High School graduates with this new College Banner Program,” says Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin. “We hope these banners serve as an inspiration and encouragement for other high school students to pursue a college education or trade.”
Similar to the “Presidential Portraits” banners and the military banners, college banners are installed on light poles along Adelfa Drive between Foster Road and Alicante Road. The college banners will be replaced every year with new La Mirada High School graduates.
For additional information on the College Banner Program, call Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
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