Apparent kidnapping in La Mirada results in one arrest by Norwalk Sheriffâs
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.
If you have further information, contact LASD Norwalk Sheriff's Station detectives (562) 863-8711. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call "LA Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
One of a Kind History Book for La Mirada Scheduled for Release in 2013
Deadline to for entries extended to September 1st, 2012
La Miradans Glen Cantrell, Raymond Fernandez, Morgan Hurley and Tony Aiello are right now working on the first ever of its kind history book along with many, many La Mirada folks who
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| Authors for new "real life" history book about La Mirada scheduled for release in 2013- l to r, Glen Cantrell, Morgan Hurley, Raymond Fernandez, and Tony Aiello gathered at The Carriage recently. |
were raised in the same Community.
This La Mirada Community Memoirs sets a brand new standard in city history books where history will be presented factually and chronologically with the memories of our fellow neighbors who lived throughout the City.Six decades of cherished and not so pleasant memories will be put into book format with no holds barred.
Send in your story about growing and living in La Mirada and be part of this one of a kind book to be published in 2013.
The deadline to submit your memory is September 1st, 2012. Submit your entries to: cantrellglen50@yahoo.com
The book is currently heading over 100,000 words, making this book epic status. Join us fellow La Miradans as we remember The Courtesy Capitol of the World - La Mirada.
La Mirada Girls Develop a Lifelong Friendship Through Sports
La Mirada~ Actually, of course, it's just the beginning of their life journey for the young ladies on the La Mirada High Softball team, but, in many ways it is the end of a very special time for eight La Mirada girls.
When the Lady Matadores fell to Don Lugo in the CIF Division 2 semi-finals recently, it was the last time that the eight seniors on the team would play together.
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| On to the next step. La Mirada High's Lisa Perez, Shelbee Gomez, Mylee Macahilig, Rabecca Rice, Courtney Skogen, Jenevie Rivas, Rochelle Sablay, and Ambar Hickman |
We spoke with Rich Trujillo, La Mirada's head coach for the past 13 seasons, via telephone. He was on the La Mirada High softball field preparing for an orientation about La Mirada softball for a new group of incoming current La Mirada eighth graders.
"It's bittersweet," said Trujillo, "we have known these kids, and their parents, personally, for a long time."
Lisa Perez, Shelbee Gomez, Mylee Macahilig, Rabecca Rice, Courtney Skogen, Jenevie Rivas, Rochelle Sablay, and Ambar Hickman have basically been playing together since they were about eight, playing in La Mirada youth leagues, travel ball, and then ultimately at La Mirada High School.
Many communities have children growing up together playing youth sports and in many instances, there will be two or three kids, who stay together and will play in high school together, in whatever sport. But, to have eight kids grow up playing ball, and graduate high school, together, is truly rare.
In fact, word is there would have been nine, but one girl chose not to play this year.
La Mirada Soccer Girls Star in Tournaments
La Mirada~This year, the La Mirada Soccer Association had three La Mirada teams compete in the District Commissioners Cup. All three made it to the quarter finals, two teams made it to the finals and the La Mirada Blues won the Championship Game in Orange for the Fall 2011/2012 season.
La Mirada went 32 GF (goals for) and 2 GA (goals against), in the first round, 4 GF and 2 GA in the quarter finals and 5 GF and 2 GA in the semi finals.
Out of all the La Mirada GU10 (girls under 10) teams that competed this season, they selected one player from each team to fill out the LMSA GU10 All-Star team. This team competed against JUSA, OJSC, Canyon, Anaheim, FRYSC and surrounding recreational soccer clubs to win the all-star Championships Tournament. They had 15 goals scored, and did not allow any goals during the tournament.
The La Mirada Xtreme competed in the JUSA spring season, finishing 5-1-2 , and they made the playoffs. They went 3-0 in the playoffs, avenging an earlier tie against West Covina, and won the Championship with a 3-1 victory over the OJSC Orange United team. During the playoffs they went 14 GF and 1 GA.
What an outstanding season for these young girls. Congratulations La Mirada Xtreme -Caitlyn, Katy, Valerie, Amanda, Nicole, Jessica, Julisa, Trinity, Megan, Maddy, Team Captain's Sabrina & Pam and our goalie Jazzy .
Bike Trail Closes for One Year
Santa Fe Springs~The North Fork Coyote Creek bike trail has been closed by Caltrans for one year.
The trail, used by many La Mirada residents, is located on Foster Road, just east of Marquadt Avenue just outside of the city limits in Santa Fe Springs.
Caltrans says the closure is necessary because it falls within the limits of the I-5 South Corridor Improvement Project scheduled to be completed in 2015.
The trails travels 13 miles to Seal Beach, meeting up with the Mid San Gabriel trail about six miles from the ocean, in northeast Long Beach.
For more information call 855-454-6335 or visit our links page and click the I-5 South Corridor Improvement Project link.
La Mirada Kiwanis Announce Scholarship Recipients
La Mirada~The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada recently announced their recipients for this year's scholarship awards to high school seniors who are interested in continuing their education.
"We are excited to present the awards to our 2012 group, who are a great bunch of kids," said La Mirada Kiwanis Scholarship Chairperson Lou Piltz.
For over 30 years, the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada has offered the scholarships; open to all current high school seniors.
Scholarship amounts are awarded in the amounts of $500 and $1000, this year totally $11,000, with 14 students overall, receiving gifts.
To qualify, students must reside in La Mirada, but can be attending any high school.
Piltz said the applicants were judged on "their merit, grades, school activity; along with their community involvement and accomplishments, and other determining factors."
This year, three students attending high schools outside of La Mirada were rewarded. They include Alexa Ortega-Ramirez of La Serna High School who received $1000; Jonathan Reveles, Whittier Christian High School, $500; and Caitlyn Cappadona, St. Joseph High School (Lakewood), $500.
El Camino High School winners were Courtney Morrison ($1000) and Zoraya Silva ($1000).
The remaining winning students are all attending La Mirada High School. They are: Teresa Co ($1000), Phyong-Lien Ngheim ($1000), Megan Hoyarek ($1000), Ramon G Visaiz ($1000), Christy Pflanzer ($1000), Melissa Aceves ($500), Eric Matheny ($500), Nicholas Sanchez-McCormick ($500), and Nicholas Popoy ($500).
For La Mirada High School students, they will be presented with their prize by Kiwanis, at a tea on the campus Monday June 18th. The time is still yet to be determined.
For the El Camino students, a presentation ceremony will be held Thursday, June 21st.
La Mirada Millitary Banner Program Recognizes Troops
La Mirada~Banners featuring the names of those serving in the United States Armed Forces are now on display from utility light poles on Rosecrans Avenue."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.
La Mirada Salutes Veterans at Olive Lawn Memorial Park
La Mirada~A beautiful La Mirada spring morning greeted over 300 people as they attended the annual Memorial Day Program at Olive Lawn Memorial Park in La Mirada this past Monday.The traditional program was hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) La Mirada Post 9148, its Ladies Auxiliary, and Olive Lawn-along with added support provided by the City of La Mirada.
Past Commander of the Post, Rick Bergquist, presided over the ceremony, informing the crowd the holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day, and originated after the American
Civil War. But by the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
He explained that in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order "to create a convenient three-day weekend," which drew a chuckle from the crowd.
Numerous American flags peppered the cemetery on this day, placed on veteran's graves by Boy Scouts, "La Mirada is well represented by the veteran community here," said Berquist.
Christopher Guerra (Troop 919), a Boy Scouts of America Life Scout, led the crowd for the Pledge of Allegiance.
An inspiring Memorial Day address was given by Captain Roy Twaddell, Chaplain, California State Military Reserve.
The glorious voice of Jacinda Perez filled the park, captivating and consuming the crowd with her rendition of "God Bless America."
Olive Lawn and La Mirada VFW to Host Annual Memorial Day Service
La Mirada~A Memorial Day Program will be conducted Monday, May 28th at Olive Lawn Memorial Park, 13929 La Mirada Blvd.
Proudly supported by the City of La Mirada, the event is hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars La Mirada Post 9148 and its ladies auxiliary, and Olive Lawn.
Community service organizations including the boy scouts and cub scouts will participate with floral presentations.
This year's Memorial address will be given by Captain Roy Twaddell, Chaplain, from the California State Military Reserves.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. sharp, and is scheduled for one hour.
Seating is limited, so lawn chairs are not only allowed, but recommended.
For more information, call the VFW Post at 562-941-4097.
Community Foundation, City Council Honors Haugh, Jenkins Scholarship Winners
La Mirada~The La Mirada Community Foundation has awarded new scholarships to local high school students in a special ceremony at the La Mirada City Council meeting this week that honors community pioneers Bob Jenkins and Ray Haugh.
This year, 19 applications were received for the Bob Jenkins Scholarship and nine hopefuls were submitted for the Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship.
The Foundation's subcommittee selected four recipients for the Bob Jenkins Scholarship and one for the Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship.
Bob Jenkins Community Service Scholarships were earned by Krystal Tapper, Jonathan Reveles, Ramon Gerardo Visaiz, and Garrett Yniguez. The Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship was captured by Courtney Morrison. All of the recipients live in La Mirada.
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Krystal Tapper displays her $1,000 scholarship presented by Mayor Gabe Garcia and the La Mirada City Council this week. Tapper is also joined by members of her very proud family. Tapper has been volunteering for several years with Brothers of Charity. She also spends countless hours preparing hundreds of sandwiches to distribute throughout the Los Angeles area to feed the homeless. |
Here is more about this year's honorees: Krystal Tapper displays a high level of volunteerism in the community. Miss Tapper has been volunteering for several years with Brothers of Charity. She spends countless hours preparing hundreds of sandwiches to distribute throughout the Los Angeles area to feed the homeless. She also volunteers at special events and activities for the school and community. Miss Tapper is the Finance Director for the La Mirada High School Rotary Interact Club where she is actively involved in participating with fundraising activities.
Jonathan Reveles is extremely motivated to help where he is needed. As a youth leader, he has volunteered for a number of years at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. He devoted over 240 hours to the hospital as an ambassador where he assisted with discharging patients, taking them flowers, and providing emotional support. Reveles also received the Los Angeles County's Junior Volunteer of the Year award for his volunteer efforts at the hospital. In addition, Mr. Reveles is an active member of Key Club and is currently serving as President. He has been instrumental in organizing events such as beach clean-up days, Toys for Tots fundraiser, and volunteering at City wide events.
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