The History of Independence Day and Fireworks in La Mirada
Re-posted from 2013
The 4th of July has been celebrated in La Mirada for over 120 of our Nation’s 237 years of existence. It could be longer; this is just what we have learned from documents found during research.
In the late nineteenth century, ranch hands on Andrew McNally’s Windermere Ranch enjoyed the Fourth of July by eating cut watermelon and resting underneath the shade of pepper trees.
La Mirada Blog Facebook fan Sharon Collins-Shepard recalls the first fireworks stands appearing in La Mirada in the late 1950’s, “I moved to La Mirada in 1955. I'm thinking the first fireworks stands went up around ‘58 or ‘59. They use to have one on the corner of Valley View and Rosecrans where the Market Basket was (now a Pep Boys).”
We’re not sure what year the first organized celebration of fireworks occurred in La Mirada, but it appears to be the early 70’s.
We believe 1977 was the last year of the annual Independence Day fireworks shows at Regional Park, before it was cancelled due to crowd control issues and the famous rock-throwing incident that shut down the show.
In The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada history manual, historian Mark Royston writes the community fireworks show was resurrected eight years later in 1985 when member Ari Barendrecht suggested they organize their own event and hold it at La Mirada High School’s Goodman Stadium on July 4th of every year.
The reemergence of the event was a success.
Water Outage on Costa Mesa Drive
La Mirada~There has been a water service interruption for residents on Costa Mesa Drive.
Fans on the La Mirada Blog Facebook page have indicated the outage began last night.
Large trucks have also been spotted working in the area.
It is unknown how many residents are affected at this time.
5th Annual La Mirada Olive Fest Coming Saturday September 20th
La Mirada~The 5th Annual La Mirada Olive Fest (formerly the La Mirada Blog Fest), presented by the La Mirada Blog in association with the La Mirada Community Foundation, is set for Saturday, September 20th at La Mirada Regional Park from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The free event, which celebrates the history of La Mirada, along with its artistic and musical heritage, will feature live entertainment, an art walk, vendors selling arts & crafts, kids activities, live music featuring La Mirada bands, food from local restaurants, an antique car show and more!
Various community businesses, service groups and organizations also will be represented.
For more information about the La Mirada Olive Fest call (562) 483-3574, visit the Fest website at lmolivefest.wordpress.com or email lmolivefest@gmail.com.
La Mirada 8u Girls All-Star Team Headed to Lancaster
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| Back Row: Manager Charles Gandara, Coaches: Stacey Foote, Eddie Amezcua and Rick Gonzalez Middle Row: Jaclyn Ibarra, Kailey Vasquez, Katie Jaime, Madison Foote, Julissa Detrinidad, Lauren Amezcua & Rosalyn Gonzalez First Row: Taylor Parra, Jordan Vasquez, Mia Rafael, Madison Becerra and Gaby Gandara |
The La Mirada Girls Softball Association (8u Gold All-Star Team) continues its season with an extremely impressive record. The team of eight and nine year olds began the season with a second place finish at the Mirada Madness Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend.
The girls then lost in the semi-finals in the Field of Dreams tournament in La Habra but finished strong with a first place finish at the Summer Slam tournament in North Torrance.
The girls recently finished third in the LA/South Bay District tournament in Norwalk/Downey which qualifies them to compete in the state tournament in Lancaster from July 4th through the 6th. The team has an overall record of 15-5-1 and has had contributions from each and every player on the roster.
The team has had great pitching performances from Madison Foote, Kailey Vasquez & Jaclyn Ibarra who have a combined ERA of 1.90. They also have a great defense led by Katie Jaime at shortstop, Gaby Gandara at 2nd base and Julissa Detrinidad at catcher.
The girls average six runs per game and have had key hits in crucial situations from Jordan Vasquez, Lauren Amezcua, Madison Becerra, Mia Rafael, Rosalyn Gonzalez & Taylor Parra which has been monumental for the team.
LM Regional is the Place to be on 3rd of July
La Mirada’s annual Independence Celebration will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 4 to 9 p.m. at La Mirada Regional Park. The celebration will include live music, a patriotic program and fireworks show.
This celebration is one of La Mirada’s most popular events of the year. Don’t miss live music by Motown/Disco band “Yard Sale,” and Country tribute band “Country Nation.” A variety of tasty food will be available for purchase by La Mirada’s local community service and athletic organizations. The celebration will conclude with a patriotic program and fireworks spectacular. Bring the family and celebrate our nation’s independence.
The City’s Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark will also be open this day from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is located behind the park.
For more information, please call (562) 943-7277 or visit cityoflamirada.org.
La Mirada Crime Report June 9th-22nd, 2014
The following is the La Mirada crime report for June 9th-22nd, 2014
Aggravated Assault-A domestic assault was reported on the 15000 block of Desman Rd. The altercation involved the suspect stabbing the victim with tweezers. The victim sustained minor injuries. The incident remains under investigation. An assault was reported on the 11600 block of Singleton Dr. A suspect was arrested in connection with the incident. An assault with a firearm was reported on the 13000 block of Duffield Ave. A male Hispanic suspect pointed a handgun at the victim. No injuries were reported.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary to a garage was reported on the 13900 block of Biola Ave. Various tools were stolen from an unsecured garage. A burglary to a vacant business occurred on the 14500 block of Alondra Blvd. The suspects were interrupted during the burglary and stolen property was recovered.
Vehicle Burglary-A window smash burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A purse and other items were stolen from the vehicle. Five vehicles were burglarized at a car dealership on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. All of the vehicles sustained damage in the incident.
Grand Theft- A grand theft was reported on the 15300 block of Campillos Rd. Jewelry was reported stolen from a residence. A commercial air conditioning unit was reported stolen from the 11800 block of La Mirada Blvd.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A semi trailer was reported stolen from the 14300 Alondra Blvd. A pick-up truck was reported stolen from Edwards Rd and Ramhurst Dr. A semi trailer was stolen from the 14300 block of Industry Cir. A vehicle reported stolen from the City of Brea was recovered on the 14300 block of Grayville Dr. An older model Acura was reported stolen from the 15100 block of Manzanares Rd. The vehicle was recovered the same day by the Pomona Police Department with major strip damage. A trailer was reported stolen from the 14700 block of Firestone Blvd. A trailer laden with freight was reported stolen from the 16500 block of Trojan Wy.
City Council Recognizes Beatitudes Softball After Tournament Crown
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| Mayor Larry Mowles (center) congratulates the CYO Championship-winning Beatitudes of Our Lord Girls Softball team at the June 24 City Council meeting. Also pictured are Team Coaches Bernard Edwards and Danny Acosta, Athletic Director Mary Forrest, and Reverend Anthony Page. |
La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council recognized the Beatitudes of Our Lord Girls Softball Team for their championship victory at the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Championship Tournament at this past Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The team placed first in the tournament featuring 66 catholic school teams competing for the CYO Championship title. The championship game was played against St. Louise de Marillac from Covina and was tied at the end of regulation play. The teams went into a California tie breaker and Beatitudes of Our Lord won the game 4-2.
The team includes Tatum Anzaldo, Delanie Delgado, Amanda Hernandez, Jackie Jimenez, Rhiannon Lewis, Katherine Machado, Ariel Medina, Eliana Pedroza, Alyssa Rodriguez, Nicole Saragueta, Audrey Tamayo, Cameron Vasquez, Colleen Wolfe, and Veronica Valadez. The team is coached by Bernard Edwards and Danny Acosta and Mary Forrest is the Athletic Director.
The Carriage Waits in Limbo as Traffic Study is Completed
La Mirada~A decision on the iconic coffee shop The Carruage, in La Mirada,,,,,
Set a Record at Splash! With Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Janet Evans
La Mirada~Splash! Regional Aquatics Center will join aquatic facilities around the world to break the world record for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Friday, June 20 at 7:30 a.m. The free event aims to promote the importance of teaching children to swim and water safety.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson spokeswoman, and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Janet Evans will kick off the event at Splash! Janet is recognized as the best female distance swimmer of all time!
Statistics indicate drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related deaths for children ages 1-14. The World’s Largest Swim Lesson was created to promote drowning prevention and understand water safety.
On Friday, June 20, all participating organizations around the world, including Splash!, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record by hosting swim lessons all together. Community members of all ages and swimming abilities are encouraged to take part in this event at Splash!
Participants will receive a free swim lesson, an opportunity to meet four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Janet Evans, admission to a free water safety fair and early admission for themselves to the Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark for just $5 per participant. The Waterpark will open early at 9:30 a.m.; participants can enjoy the park until closing at 5:30 p.m.
To register for “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson”, or for more information, call (562) 902-3191 or visit www.splashlamirada.com. Splash! is located at 13806 La Mirada Boulevard.
REVIEW: Graceful Production of Les Miserables Now Showing Through June 22nd in La Mirada
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| James Barbour (with Nathaniel Irvin on ground) star in the LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS/McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT production of LES MISERABLES, directed by Brian Kite and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts could not have ended their 2013-2014 season in a more spectacular manner. Their production of Les Miserables was epically successful as the audience riveted at the company’s ability to stage one of the most emotionally compelling musicals in such a graceful manner. It is to no surprise that the production was such a huge success when taking into account the talented cast and creative team.
Set in France during the 1800’s, Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who rebuilds his life after being freed from 19 years of slavery for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. After being showed mercy and kindness by a bishop, he is inspired to live a life guided by love. Engulfing the audience into a revolutionary period in France, Les Miserables reminds viewers of the power of love during times of despair.
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