Vehicle Burglaries Lead LM Crimes; La Mirada Weekly Crime Report 12/10/12-12/16/12
CRIME REPORT
Aggravated Assault -A fight was reported near Duffield Ave. and Ratliffe St. A male at the location was assaulted by two unknown males.
Vehicle Burglary-Six vehicle burglaries were reported last week. A window smash burglary to a semi-truck was reported on the 16800 block of Trojan Way. It is unknown if items were taken. Cash and school supplies were reported stolen from a vehicle on the 13700 block of Biola Ave. Two window smash burglaries were reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A laptop and other items were stolen from one vehicle. A leather bag stolen from another vehicle was recovered nearby. A burglary was reported on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. Identification and miscellaneous clothing were stolen from the vehicle. A burglary also occurred on the 15500 block of La Mirada Blvd.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary to a business occurred on the 15700 block of Imperial Hwy. Cartons of cigarettes and electronics were stolen.
Grand Theft -Steel shelving was reported stolen from a business on the 14700 block of Artesia Blvd. A grand theft was reported on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. The incident is currently under investigation.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A utility trailer was reported stolen from a business on the 14700 block of Artesia Blvd.
La Mirada Blog Calms Community as News Agencies Trip Over Themselves
La Mirada Blog First to Report Situation at La Mirada High; Uses Social Media to Reassure Parents
La Mirada~Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies help secure La Mirada High School Friday morning after an unspecified threat was made against the school according to the Norwalk Sheriff's Station.
Captain Pat Maxwell said they were dealing with unsubstantiated rumors only, "At this point of the investigation, there is no specific information that the threat is credible, or to identify the source or wording of the alleged threat. It appears to be spoken concerns only," he said in a press release issued by the Sheriff's Department about 8:20 a.m. Friday morning, about ten minutes after the first La Mirada Blog followers were already tweeting us letting us know that there was some kind of police activity at the school.
At 8:10 a.m. follower @MaryRandall8 tweeted, "Anyone know what is going on at La Mirada High? LOTS of police activity." Eight minutes later and two minutes before the sheriff press release follower @MimsyYamaguchi reported, "My son said there were threats at La Mirada High, so there's an increased sheriff presence on campus and the park,"
Yesterday was the last day of school for students before beginning winter break and sheriff's deputies continue to work closely with school officials to ensure the safety of the students on the heels of the events in Connecticut last week, and to help deal with the ramifications of the tragedy that has affected many schools across the nation.
Deputies on the La Mirada campus yesterday encouraged students to ask questions and/or comment on what was, or is, on their mind in regards to school safety.
Officials from schools continue to grapple with numerous threats and the copycat syndrome that seems to follow in such tragedies. Earlier in the day deputies entered the Diamond Ranch High School campus in Pomona after two telephone threats that morning against the school. A similar security alert also occurred at South Pasadena High earlier in the day.
Shortly after the sheriff press release, at 8:37 a.m., the La Mirada Blog informed its readers of the situation by linking to the sheriff press release on its Twitter feed. With over 1000 followers in the La Mirada area, the service allows for messages to get out into the community almost immediately.
Within that same hour hour we already had parents tweeting us, on-scene at the school, letting us know that everything was under control, messages we were able to relay to followers. At 9:20 a.m. LM Blog fan @Crab_Apel tweeted "only a few police units out front. Things seem to be normal at the school. Nothing serious." Again, a message we were able to get out into the community almost immediately.
La Mirada student @LeviFrafjord tweeted, "every where I looked I saw a cop."
Throughout the day, news stations continued to blast the "breaking story" of the "police presence" at La Mirada High, giving the impression something was wrong, even though most in the La Mirada community already knew there was no story, as early as 9:30 a.m. they knew, thanks to our Twitter feed.
La Mirada Blog fan @ipadsforautism tweeted, "Numerous High Schools in the area had similar events this week, everyone is understandably jumpy given recent events."
Even into the early evening the news stations led with the "big story" at La Mirada High, but most parents in La Mirada already knew, since early in the morning, there was no story.
Kick off the New Year by Plunging Down the Waterslides at Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
La Mirada~Join the crowd for the 5th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.
The event will be held at the Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center on Tuesday, January 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. Adventurers will receive a photo of the plunge, hot chocolate, and admission to recreational swimming in the heated 25-yard pool from noon to 5 p.m. This exciting adventure is offered for $5 and free to 2013 season passholders. 2013 Buccaneer Bay Season passes are available at a special holiday price of $49 and include a free Splash! Holiday Bear.
Those not interested in plunging into the chilly pool are invited to swim in the heated 25-meter pool from noon to 5 p.m. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Free parking and complimentary use of lifejackets are always offered. Hot cocoa, coffee, and mochas will be available for purchase.
Splash! is located at 13806 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, CA 90638. For more information call Splash! at (562) 902-3191 or visit www.splashlamirada.com.
Give the gift of fun and adventure with a 2013 Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark season pass
For a limited time season passes are on sale for just $49. Receive a
free holiday Splash! Bear with each purchase. Pass holders receive a
number of special offers including free admission to the 5th annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day.
The Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark offers families a fun-filled day
with 3 two story waterslides, a zero depth play structure for the little
ones, a lazy river, warm water spa, and ample room to play and enjoy
time with friends and family. Splash! is the family-friendly waterpark
your family will want to return to time and time again.
Splash! also offers year-round swim lessons for all ages in the
heated 25-yard pool, your Buccaneer Bay season pass includes special
coupons for swim lessons. Free parking and complimentary use of
lifejackets are always offered.
Splash! is located at 13806 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, CA 90638. For more information call Splash! at (562) 902-3191 or visit www.splashlamirada.com.
City Council Helps La Mirada Landmark Resident Celebrate Her 90th Birthday
La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council recognized and congratulated Jeannette Murphy on her 90th birthday at a recent council meeting, and presented her with a certificate to commemorate the occason.
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| La Mirada Mayor Gabe Garcia shares a laugh with Jeanette Murphy while presenting her with a certificate for her 90th birthday photo Joelle Lai |
Ms. Murphy was born in Nebraska in 1922, and married Theodore Murphy after meeting him while working at the Health Department in Lincoln in May of 1942.
Theodore served in WWII and afterward, he and Jeanette purchased their first home in East Los Angeles in 1947. They then lived in Whittier in prior to moving to La Mirada 1989.
She currently volunteers some of her time making pillows for the Pediatrics Department at Whittier Presbyterian Hospital, where she also worked in the Accounting Department for eight years at one time.
She also spends time playing cards with her friends and neighbors, and has enjoyed living at La Mirada Landmark for over 23 years.
She joked with Mayor Gabe Garcia as he presented her with the certificate on behalf of the City Council, all part of the city's Birthday Recognition Program.
REVIEW: Walking in a Winter Wonderettes Wonderland at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~Christmas is all about reflecting on past holidays and creating new memories and if you are looking for a cheerful evening of Christmas entertainment, “Winter Wonderettes” is a delightful and buoyant musical enjoyable for all ages.
Created and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by John Vaughan and musical direction by Brian Baker, The Wonderettes are a joyous quartet of ladies who celebrate Christmas of 1968 with jubilant enthusiasm, wit, humor and verve.
The two act musical is more than a nostalgic jukebox musical with familiar and lesser known Christmas songs from around the world. “Winter Wonderettes” has an established plot
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| The Wonderettes at curtain call last Saturday at La Mirada. Now playing through December 30th. photo broadwayworld.com |
with clever writing.
Set in a beautifully decorated and brightly lit hardware store, The Wonderettes are the entertainment for the employee Christmas party. And how they entertain! Outfitted in lovely and vibrant vintage dresses, the gals act, sing, dance and engage the audience from beginning to end.
Each Wonderette has a distinct and well developed personality. Misty Cotton (Missy), Shannon Warne (Cindy Lou), Bets Malone (Suzy) and Julie Dixon Jackson (Betty Jean) shine and sparkle like baubles on a Christmas tree. Starting with “Mister Santa,” a Christmas version of “Mr. Sandman,” and finishing with “Winter Wonderland,” “Winter Wonderettes” is a nonstop frolic and perfect for anyone who needs a little Christmas.
“Winter Wonderettes is now playing through December 30th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada. Click here for ticket information.
Matadores Lose Webb in Victory Over Lakewood
La Mirada~The La Mirada High School Boys Basketball team beat Lakewood last night 70-46 in the opening round of the North Orange County Championships at Sonora High School.
Charlie Reid had 17 points as the Matadores (6-1), playing their fifth game in six days, led after the first quarter, 29-9.
The victory didn't come without a price however, as star point guard Taelin Webb fractured his lower tibia and is "expected to be out at least eight weeks," said La Mirada head coach Bryce Jones.
Webb is averaging 25 points a game for the Mats, and has spurred the team to their quick start in the 2012-13 campaign.
The Mats next play vs. Capistrano Valley at Sonora High, Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
La Mirada is scheduled to play 15 games in the month of December before opening league play January 2nd at home against Bellflower.
A New 60’s Musical, “Winter Wonderettes” Now Playing at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
La Mirada~La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy-Rigby Entertainment bring you the most “Wonder”ful holiday treat of the season with Winter Wonderettes now playing through Sunday, December 30th at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.
Yes, it’s Christmas and the Wonderettes are back and the ladies are entertaining as ever at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Winter Wonderland” and 20 other seasonal favorites, to save their holiday party.
The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!
Wonderettes is directed by Roger Bean who created the long-running off-Broadway hit The Marvelous Wonderettes, which played here in La Mirada in the spring of 2011.
The Choreographer is John Vaughan and musical direction is by Brian Baker.
Winter Wonderettes is now playing through December 30th with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8 p.m. on Fridays; 2 pm and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, December 8. Talkbacks with the actors will be on Wednesday, December 12 and Wednesday, December 26.
Tickets range from $20 - $70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available.
City Holiday Home Decorating Program in Full Swing
La Mirada~There's still time to get your decorations out and create your own festive holiday display. Judging is currently underway for The City of La Mirada’s annual Holiday Home Decorating program.
Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and help spread holiday cheer throughout La Mirada. No application is needed for this program. Every decorated home in La Mirada will be considered for recognition.
Judging for the Holiday Home Decorating program will run through December 14. Winners will be selected in the categories of Most Original, Best Use of Lights, and Best Holiday Scene. Award winners will receive a holiday ornament. Winners will be announced on the City’s website at www.cityoflamirada.org.
For more information on the Holiday Home Decorating program, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
La Mirada City Manager Announces Retirement
La Mirada~Although already expected, La Mirada City Manager Tom Robinson recently announced his plans to retire.
Robinson came to La Mirada in 1985 and worked his way up to Community Services Director.
He became City Manager in 2008 when he replaced Andrea Travis, who resigned, when she clearly wore out her welcome, and was about to be fired.
“When I was selected as City Manager in 2008, the City Council requested that I commit to serving four years in the position,” Robinson said in a prepared statement, “That commitment has been fulfilled.”
Discussions will begin at the December 11th City Council meeting about hiring Robinson, 62, on a part-time basis until a replacement can be found.
“I have enjoyed my years in La Mirada, and appreciate the opportunity to serve as City Manager in such an outstanding community,” wrote Robinson. “Any achievements I have made would not have been possible without the support of past and present members of the City Council, our dedicated City staff, and the community.”
“After 40 years in local government management, it is time to prepare for life’s next chapter,” he said. “As I turn the page, however, be assured that I will continue to perform my responsibilities as City Manager with the same commitment as always.”
Sources indicate to us the City will use Robinson in the recruitment process, with pay.
His lifetime annual pension will be $189,227 when he retires.
La Mirada Weekly Crime Report; Eight Car Burglaries Plague LM, Ocaso Ave Hit With Grand Theft
The following is the weekly crime report for La Mirada provided by the city for the week of November 26-December 4, 2013:
Aggravated Assault-An assault occurred on the 15100 block of Las Flores Ave. The victim was attacked with an unknown object by two suspects. The incident is currently under investigation.
Residential Burglary-Three residential burglaries were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 16500 block of Summershade Dr. There was no loss reported in the incident. An incident was reported on the 13700 block of Capistrano Rd. Cash and jewelry were stolen from the home. A burglary occurred on the 13900 block of Plume Dr. A safe containing cash and a firearm was taken.
Vehicle Burglary-Eight vehicle burglaries were reported last week. An incident occurred on the 16700 block of Valley View Ave. The vehicle's stereo and stereo accessories were stolen. Bags containing various paperwork and other items were stolen from a vehicle on the 16000 block of Canary Ave. One of the stolen bags was recovered. Four vehicle burglaries were reported on the 16800 block of Trojan Way-all related to each other. A suspect was taken into custody in connection with one of the incidents. The incidents are currently under investigation. A window smash burglary was reported on the 15200 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A wallet and other various items were stolen from the vehicle. A burglary to a toy hauler trailer occurred on the 15200 block of Valeda Dr. Various items from the trailer were removed, however they were later recovered.
Grand Theft- Grand theft was reported on the 15600 block of Ocaso Ave. Cash and jewelry were stolen from inside of a residence. A back flow device was reported stolen from the 13700 block of Hillsborough Dr.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A vehicle was reported stolen from the 16200 block of Phoebe Ave. The vehicle was recovered later the same evening on the 16800 block of Trojan Way. A vehicle reported stolen from the city of Fullerton was recovered near Mart Dr and Mercado Ave.
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