MEASURE I : La Mirada Voters to Decide on Infrastructure Needs
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La Mirada~For the first time in its 52-year history, and reflecting the current state of the economy, the city will ask residents for financial help to maintain city infrastructure and services by proposing a tax increase.
For as long as anyone can remember, La Mirada City Council incumbents running for re-election have always used the fact that La Mirada has never had a local tax as a major part of their platform. Those days appear to be over.
Measure I will be on the November 6 ballot, and if passed by voters, will raise the sales tax in La Mirada from 8.75 percent to 9.75. The tax would go into effect April 1st of next year, and would last for a period of five years.
The measure has opposition, most notably former councilman Pete Dames who served from 1994-2011.
He said the way the measure has been presented is the classic “bait and switch” in politics and he doesn’t like it, “From the very beginning this was supposed to be all about the infrastructure and nothing else.”
“Once the actual wording (of the measure) came out, it was unbelievable, they added other things. They used all the common buzz words including senior care and police services,” said Dames, who asserted other then infrastructure repair needs, the city is fine.
Councilmember Steve Jones, a supporter of Measure I disagreed, “We’ve consistently said these funds are for infrastructure repairs,” look at our City’s record, La Mirada has always done what it said it would do. Measure I will maintain City services by assuring La Mirada has the money needed for infrastructure repairs without taking funds from other vital services.”
The aging La Mirada infrastructure repairs that are needed-identified as about $67 million worth according to a city study-includes traffic lights, streets and curbs, and the sewer system, among other things.
The measure is worded so the money would be put into the general fund instead of a specific need such as infrastructure-the latter requiring a state mandated two-thirds vote.
By including the other items in the measure, along with the infrastructure repairs, only a majority vote is required (50 percent plus one).
If the measure passes, the future tax revenue would go into the general fund and the city can spend the money on anything it desires.
“Money raised by Measure I will go directly into the ground for repairs throughout La Mirada,” says Mayor Gabe Garcia. “Both a twenty-nine member Citizen Task Force and the entire La Mirada City Council have strongly supported Measure I,” Garcia added. “The City Council is committed to making sure every dollar is spent as intended to repair roads, sewers and other infrastructure in La Mirada.”
City Manager Tom Robinson agreed with Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Jones, “The reality is that La Mirada needs additional funding in the coming years to make necessary infrastructure repairs. If the City doesn’t have funding to make repairs in a planned and orderly manner, we will face more costly, emergency repairs that will take resources from other services.”
The revenue was originally expected to generate $8-10 million annually or around $45-50 million for the five year period. However, a recent study by the city tax consultant revealed the revenue was miscalculated, and the city will only receive $4-5 million annually instead, generating $20-25 million total, and falling short of the $67 million total needed.
Celebrate Halloween at the Neff Estate
La Mirada~The annual Halloweenfest will offer safe and festive fun on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Neff Estate.
The free event will feature food, a haunted house tour, a haunted maze, games and crafts, and a costume contest for people and their pets!
Participants will collect candy at various booths throughout the night. This family-oriented event is perfect for all ages.
Rumor has it ghosts from the McNally Mansion are scheduled to appear.
Costume Contest categories and start times: are as follows:
Pets, 4:40 p.m; Under 2, 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; and 13 and up, 7:00 p.m.
For more information, call (562) 943-7277.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/15/12-10/21/12
Residential Burglary-A residential burglary was reported on the 14800 block of San Ardo Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-two commercial burglaries were reported last week. An incident was reported on the 16300 block of Trojan Wy. Copper wire was stolen from the location. A burglary to a vacant building was reported on the 14700 block of Alondra Blvd.
Grand Theft-A grand theft was reported on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. The incident is currently under investigation.
Grand Theft Vehicle-Two vehicles were reported stolen last week. A vehicle theft occurred on the 16300 block of Alpine Pl. The vehicle was recovered the next day on the 13000 block of La Mancha St. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 15100 block of Caravaca Rd. A third row seat was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A window smash burglary occurred on the 15300 block of Fairhope Dr. A tote bag containing various items was stolen. Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats, electronics, and cash were taken from the vehicles.
Call from Distraught Boy to Sheriff’s Department Ends Peacefully in La Mirada
La Mirada~The Sheriff's department received a telephone call from a 15 year-old boy early Tuesday evening threatening to harm himself.
Lieutenant Evans of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station told the La Mirada Blog they received a call from the boy shortly after 5 p.m. who said he had a knife and also wanted to be shot by police.
The boy was at Los Coyotes Middle School when he made the call. As officers were arriving, he made his way across the field and into the flood control channel, also carrying a backpack.
Parents and children conducting soccer practice on the school field observed officers running across the field.
Deputies caught up with the juvenille, with assistance from a sheriff's helicopter, north of the school at Behringer Park, where he was detained without incident behind the homes on Keating Drive.
The Lieutenant said he does not know why the boy was distraught and no other information is available at this time.
Dry Winds Forecast for La Mirada Area
La Mirada~Powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to begin blowing Wednesday night across La Mirada and all of Southern California, heightening the risk of wildfires, forecasters said.
Wind gusts from 30 mph to 50 mph are expected expected across a wide swath of the region, including the valleys and along the Grapevine, according to the National Weather Service. The dry northeast winds, along with the low humidity, are expected to last until Friday evening.
"The state will be set for potentially bringing the strongest and most widespread Santa Ana wind event so far this season," the agency said in a statement Tuesday. "Dry fuels will bring the potential for critical fire weather conditions."
The agency issued fire weather watches, which signal elevated brush-fire danger, from San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties
La Mirada Properties Grow in Assessed Value
La Mirada~Assessed valuation of private properties in the City of La Mirada passed the $5 billion mark for the first time during 2012, according to the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
The value of properties in La Mirada grew by $103,205,988 to a total of $5,062,501,248 during the year. The pace of growth in La Mirada, which is a nearly fully developed community, was on par with the County as a whole.
There are 13,416 residential parcels in La Mirada, 486 commercial-industrial parcels and 62 residential income properties, according to the Assessor’s report.
“Community Singspiration” to Honor Veterans and Their Families
La Mirada~Along with its regular worship service, La Mirada Christian Church is pleased to announce a monthly "Community Hymn Singspiration," singing the songs and hymns of our Christian heritage.
La Mirada Christian Church has been a part of the community since 1960 and is growing with an emphasis on Midlife adults (ages 45+).
The Singspiration is open to the public, and those interested may request some of their favorite hymns by visiting their website: www.MidlifeWorship.com.
The November Singspiration will be on Sunday, November 11th at 5:30 pm. and will feature a special tribute to Veterans and their families.
Complimentary refreshments will be served following each event. It is suggested to arrive a few minutes early the evening of the event as seating fills up quickly.
Each Sunday morning at 10:00 am La Mirada Christian Church offers its weekly multi-generational worship service with a balanced mix of hymns and contemporary music, presented at a pleasing decibel level with Midlife adults in mind, plus dynamic expository teaching of the Bible.
La Mirada Christian Church is located at 12104 Los Coyotes Ave., behind The Home Depot. For more information, contact Pastor Jay Mahan at (562) 943-2213, ext. 1, e-mail at Jay@LaMiradaChurch.com, or by visiting the church website at: www.LaMiradaChurch.com.
La Mirada Symphony Presents First Free Concert of Season
La Mirada~The La Mirada Symphony Orchestra will feature a "Celebration of Nature" theme for its concert at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, free, on October 27th.
Dr. Robert Frelly of Chapman University begins his second season as conductor. Highlights include autumn from “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, “Water Music” by Handel, and On the Trail from the “Grand Canyon Suite” by Grofe.
Free concerts are also scheduled at the theatre for January 12th, February 23rd, and the annual POPS concert April 16th, 2013.
This Saturday’s concert begins at 8 pm and donations are welcome. For more information visit http://www.lamiradasymphony.com/
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/8/12-10/14/12
Robbery-A robbery was reported on the 12700 block of Valley View Ave. The incident is currently under investigation.
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 13600 block of Duffield Ave. The incident is also currently under investigation.
Residential Burglary-Three residential burglary incidents were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 15200 block of Vanada Rd. It was determined that no entry was actually made. An incident was reported on the 13400 block of Fontwell Ct. A computer and accessories were stolen from the residence. A burglary was reported on the 14200 block of Whiterock Dr. Various items were taken from the residence.
Vehicle Burglary-Six vehicle burglaries were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Various electronics were stolen from the vehicle. An incident was reported on the 14300 block of Rosecrans Ave. A car stereo was taken from the vehicle. A third row seat was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A window smash burglary occurred on the 15300 block of Fairhope Dr. A tote bag containing various items was stolen. Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats, electronics, and cash were taken from the vehicles.
Grand Theft Vehicle-Two vehicle thefts were reported last week. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 11600 block of Hollyview Dr.A vehicle reported stolen from the 14700 block of Los Fuentes Rd. was recovered the next day.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 10/1/12-10/7/12
Robbery-A robbery was reported on the 13900 block of Whiterock Dr. The incident is currently under investigation.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 15400 block of Lemon Dr. It is unknown if any items were stolen from the location.
Vehicle Burglary-An incident was reported on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats were stolen from a vehicle in the parking lot.
Grand Theft-A grand theft was reported from the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A cell phone and cash were stolen from a backpack.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A vehicle was reported stolen from the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A vehicle reported stolen from Montebello PD jurisdiction was recovered near Parise Dr. and Priscilla St.
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