Book Dedication Event for New La Mirada History Book
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| The compilers of "Reflections of McNally's Mirror," Glen Cantrell, Tony Aiello and Raymond Fernandez seen here at the Neff Barn, will be attending a Book Dedication at Oxman's Surplus. |
A new history book about La Mirada, by those who lived it
La Mirada~The first history book published about the history of La Mirada since 1970, compiled by two former childhood residents and a La Mirada native, is now complete and available for purchase.
The book, “Reflections from McNally’s Mirror,” at 9 x 6 x 2 inches features 172 pages of early La Mirada history up until the 1980’s, 138 personal stories sent in from La Mirada residents, and 292 rare pictures and photos.
Also included in the book is the entire history of the La Mirada City Council races from incorporation to today and includes the winners and all candidates.
The last history book written about La Mirada was the iconic “La Mirada: From Rancho to City” by C.W. Bob Camp published in 1970.
“Reflections from McNally’s Mirror” has been dedicated to the late Jerome Oxman, community activist and founder of Oxman’s Surplus who passed away in February of this year at 97.
There will be a special Book Dedication Event at Oxman’s this Saturday, October 26th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be an opportunity to purchase the book and meet the three authors-Glen Cantrell, Raymond Fernandez and Tony Aiello.
Oxmxan’s Surplus and Museum is located at 14128 Rosecrans Avenue, just east of Valley View Avenue.
The book is also available for purchase from Xlibris Publishing at www.lamiradabook.com.
Great Fun for the Whole Family at Halloweenfest 2013 at the Neff Estate
Costumed superheroes, fairy princesses, ghost and goblins will fill the night with laughter at the City of La Mirada’s annual Halloweenfest on Wednesday, October 31 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Neff Estate.
The event will feature a haunted maze, Jack-O-Lantern contest, games, crafts and tasty food for sale. This family-oriented event is perfect for all ages.
A costume contest for patrons and their pets will take place throughout the evening. Arrive early to enter and win!
The costume contest categories and start times are as follows:
Pets, 4:40 p.m.
2 and under 5:00 p.m.
3 to 5 5:30 p.m.
6 to 8 6:00 p.m.
9 to 12 6:30 p.m.
13 and up 7:00 p.m.
For more information, call Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
UPDATED: Brush Fire Spreads to Home on Fairhope Drive
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| Smoke rises from a home in La Mirada Wednesday afternoon. Photo courtesy @maand3 |
La Mirada~Los Angeles County firefighters earlier battled a structure fire originally reported at the 8300 block of Los Coyote Drive in Buena Park near Los Coyotes Country Club.
Inspector Mora of the LA County Fire Department told the La Mirada Blog the incident originally started as a brush fire and was reported at 12:13 p.m. today.
The fire spread to the backyard of a home on Fairhope Drive in the unincorporated area of Orange County west of Beach Boulevard and firefighters were quickly on scene with sufficient personnel, said Mora.
It appears just the one home has been affected with fire seen coming through the attic at one time.
No injuries have been reported and the cause is currently under investigation.
John Glenn High School to Host NLMUSD College Expo
Information on nearly 50 colleges and universities will be available to students
Norwalk~Students looking for options regarding their post-secondary educational careers are encouraged to attend the second annual Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District College Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John Glenn High School gym.
Nearly 50 colleges and universities will be on hand at the expo to give students information on application processes, majors available at their respective schools and more. The event will also feature workshops on the fundamentals of college admission, writing personal statements, community college programs and transfer options.
“Last year, 80 percent of the District’s seniors self-reported that they had planned to further their education after graduation,” said Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez. “With the College Expo, we want to see that number grow and encourage our students to think about life after they walk across that graduation stage.”
Norwalk High School Counselor Irene Rifilato, one of the counselors organizing the expo, said she expects a large turnout. Last year’s attendance exceeded the 500 expected. The event is open to the community, including students in elementary and middle schools and their parents. Another workshop, aimed at the transition from middle to high school, is available for younger students.
51st La Mirada Symphony Season to Open This Sunday
La Mirada~Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue is the theme of the first season concert of the La Mirada Symphony on Sunday, October 20th at 3pm at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Robert Frelly conducts a varied program of modern and classic pieces beginning with John Adams’ Short Ride on a Fast Machine and ending with Overture to William Tell.
The highlight of the program will be Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by acclaimed pianist, Grace Fong. Ms. Fong has performed across the globe from the Disney Concert Hall to major cathedrals and concert halls throughout Europe.
Admission and parking is free, with a $5 donation suggested. For more information visit http://www.lamiradasymphony.com/.
Saturday Walk at Creek Park Will Raise Awareness For Children With Apraxia
La Mirada Resident Coordinates Local Event After Daughter Receives Help From National Organization
La Mirada~-A local woman, Laura Wetzel, is coordinating the La Mirada Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech event on Saturday, October 19th at La Mirada Creek Park. Already nearly 100 registered participants have raised over $6,000. All proceeds will benefit important Apraxia programs and research of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA).
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a very challenging and complicated neurological speech disorder in children. This little known disorder makes it difficult or impossible for children to accurately produce sounds, syllables, and/or words despite having a good understanding of language. The Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech® is held as a means to heighten awareness and funding.
Latest La Mirada Bi-Weekly Crime Report; At Least Four Assaults Reported
Aggravated Assault-A domestic assault was reported on the 15300 block of Loretta Dr. The suspect, who was the victim's significant other, attacked the victim while asleep. The incident is under investigation. A shooting occurred on the 12900 block of Duffield Ave. The victim was standing with friends in front of a house when a trio of suspects pulled up in a vehicle. After a short exchange of words, one of the suspects brandished a handgun and began shooting, then fled the scene. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to the foot. The incident remains under investigation. An assault was reported on the 13200 block of Parise Dr. The suspect, who is related to the victim, was arrested by responding deputies for choking the victim. A stabbing was reported on the 14900 block of Gagely Dr. The victim was stabbed after confronting the suspect in the street regarding suspicious behavior. The incident remains under investigation.
Residential Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 15500 block of Loretta Dr. Jewelry and electronics were stolen from the residence. An incident occurred on the 12800 block of Colima Rd. It is unknown if any property was stolen. A burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Clearwater Dr. Various items and jewelry was taken from the home. Cash was reported stolen in a burglary reported on the 14300 block of Manecita Dr. A burglary was also reported on the 15400 block of Illora Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A motorcycle was reported stolen from a garage on the 14000 block of Whiterock Dr.
Grand Opening for New Model Homes Scheduled for November
La Mirada~Brandywine Homes marked the start of construction on The Orchards housing development with a groundbreaking ceremony last month. The new residential development on Alondra Blvd. will include 41 single family homes.
“We are very excited about the enhancements this new neighborhood will bring to our community,” said Mayor Steve De Ruse who lives nearby, “I have watched this site since 1975 and I know all my neighbors and everyone who knows about this are really waiting for this project and are really excited about it.”
“Brandywine has a record of building quality neighborhoods throughout our region, and I’m certain The Orchards project will meet these high standards,” De Ruse added. “This neighborhood will be an important addition to the supply of quality and attractive homes in La Mirada.”
The two-story, Craftsman-style homes will range from approximately 1,300 to 2,000 square feet. Each home will offer three or four bedrooms, two and one-half to three and one-half bathrooms, two-car attached garages and will feature private fenced rear yards. A new decorative block wall, perimeter landscaping, and street and sidewalk improvements will also be completed as part of the project. Four model homes will open in mid-November.
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| Mayor Steve DeRuse tells the gathering he is very excited about the new new community currently under construction in La Mirada. Photo Bishop Imaging |
This was the last ceremony for former City Manager Tom Robinson who told the La Mirada Blog, “We are very pleased to see the Brandywine project move ahead. It’s been four years in the making (with Brandywine). We are pleased we have gone through the various steps of the process that were necessary and get this project moving. I think we’ll see some real high-quality product that people can live in and enjoy for many years to come.”
“La Mirada is an excellent place to live and raise a family, and these homes will be a fine addition to our community,” said Robinson.
Brandywine indicated that a grand opening for the model homes is scheduled to be announced for mid-November.
For more information about the model homes and new neighborhood visit: livetheorchards.com.
For additional photos of the groundbreaking ceremony visit our Flickr feed here. Photos courtesy Bishop Imaging.
Fire Guts Strip Mall Just North of City Limits
South Whittier~A fire broke out at an aging strip mall early this morning in South Whittier across the street from the La Mirada city limits.
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| A vacant pet store is one of many businesses fully engulfed in this exclusive photo sent in by La Mirada Blog fan @MsDaizzzy. |
No one was injured in the three-alarm blaze that started shortly after 3:00 a.m. at the northeast corner of Leffingwell Road and La Mirada Boulevard in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
No one was injured although a firefighter reportedly received minor burns.
Authorities believe the fire started in a laundromat on the property. A liquor store and a pet store were also among the five businesses damaged. Neighbors on the scene told the La Mirada Blog the former reptile and fish store was vacant.
Los Angeles County firefighters knocked down the blaze by 5:30 and a few hours later trash bins and bulldozers were already on scene.
The fire was first reported on our La Mirada Blog Twitter feed by @andygmz416 at 3:30 a.m.
The cause of the blaze is unknown at this time and is currently under investigation.
See additional exclusive photos of the aftermath cleanup on our Flickr feed here.
Superior Grocers Opening La Mirada Location
La Mirada~Superior Grocers will be hosting a grand opening for their latest store to open this Saturday, September 28th at 7:00 a.m. in La Mirada, at 12710 Valley View Avenue at Imperial Highway.
The independently owned Santa Fe Springs based chain opened its first store in Covina in 1981 and today is the largest independently-owned chain of grocery stores in Southern California, operating over 40 stores in Southern California, with most in Los Angeles County.
The new store is expected to offer an extensive produce selection, full-service bakery, full-service meat and in-store restaurant.
The company’s website indicates they are committed to being active partners in the communities they serve.
Get a sneak peek of the Saturday grand opening specials here.
The building was the former Vons La Mirada that opened in 1968 and closed March 27th, 2010. It was then replaced by Bestway Supermarkets until July of this year.
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