Williams Makes Surprise Appearance at Alumni Game
La Mirada~Derrick Williams, the number two pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, made a surprse appearance at the annual La Mirada High Boys Basketball Alumni Game this past Tuesday night.
The game features La Mirada basketball stars of yesterday against the current varsity team of today.
Since the NBA was still in lockout mode, the gym was a buzz as to whether or not Williams would show up. Rumors were flying since Williams was apparently tweeting during the course of the day, hinting at an appearance.
Williams lead the Matadores to the CIF-2A semifinals against Loyola in 2009, before heading to Arizona where he led the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament Elite Eight this past March.
At halftime, Williams walked into the gym, and was welcomed by teammates and fans.
With an apparent very successful NBA career ahead of him, this was probably the last oppoortunity to see him compete on the La Mirada High floor.
In the second half, Williams entertained the crowd with a few attempted dunks, connecting on a couple, and also had a very nice spin-move, no-look assist to 2006 graduate Casey James.
Photos, Above, Williams enters the game. Also pictured, from left to right, Mike Estrada, Sammy Piazza, Josh Siemens, Casey James, former coach Larry Kaupang, Miles Aiello, Stephen Kaupang, Steve Kaupang, Williams, Ryan Kaupang, and Taylor Siemens. Below, 2011 game participants.
Residents Past and Present Are Invited to Submit Stories For New La Mirada Book
History Book About La Mirada to be Filled With Real Stories
La Mirada~People who grew up in the local suburb of La Mirada, approximately 30 miles south east of Los Angeles, now have the opportunity to share memories of their childhood experience of living in the town.
Four current or one-time residents of La Mirada ("The Mirror"), so named by Andrew McNally, the patriarchal leader of the Neff-McNally family that later produced the Rand-McNally publishing corporation, have decided to take stories from other residents through May 1st, 2012.
Work on the book will then begin in January of 2012 and the expected publishing date will be sometime in December of 2012.
The four involved in the compilation are well-known in the community in their own rights and hope to spark a large response, as a result.
CRIME REPORT: Vehicles Main Targets for Thieves
The following is the crime report for La Mirada November 7-13
Aggravated Assault
One aggravated assault was reported last week. The suspect was known to the victim. The victim was non-desirous of prosecution.
Vehicle Burglary
Five vehicle burglaries were reported last week. Burglaries were reported on the 12000 block of La Mirada Blvd. and 15100 block of Alondra Blvd. In these incidents, the victim's identification and personal information were stolen. A GPS/Stereo system was stolen from a vehicle on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Various items were stolen from vehicles on the 16000 block of Avenida San Miguel and 14700 block of Alondra Blvd
Neighborhood Watch Guide Available Online
Learn the steps to start a Neighborhood Watch group by downloading a Neighborhood Watch guide from the City's website at www.cityoflamirada.org. The guide can be accessed via the Public Safety/Neighborhood Watch page.
This guide will help you organize volunteers, develop a neighborhood map,establish a roster, identify concerns and issues, develop strategies, schedule training and take action. It also contains information on City resources.
NEW! Food Truck Lineup Announced for La Mirada High
La Mirada~The Gourmet Food Truck Lineup at La Mirada High School has been announced for this week.
Participating at the school Thursday November 17th from 5:00-9:30 p.m. are: Meet N Potatoes, Slummin Gourmet, All American Grill, Surfer Taco, Brats Berlin &
Twist Burgers.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the athletics department and is held in the administration parking lot.
CRIME REPORT: Biola Avenue Hot Spot for Thefts
La Mirada Crime Report October 31- November 6, 2011
Robbery
A robbery was reported near Excelsior Dr. and La Mirada Blvd. Deputies took three suspects into custody in connection with the incident.
Aggravated Assault
Two aggravated assaults were reported last week. An assault was reported on the 14900 block of Valeda Dr. One suspect was arrested. An unknown suspect assaulted a male at a business on the 14900 block of Leffingwell Rd.
Residential Burglary
A burglary was reported on the 12100 block of Tanfield Dr. Several watches were stolen from the home. A laptop computer was reported stolen from an apartment on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave.
Other Structure Burglary
A tool storage locker was reported burglarized on the 13800 block of Biola Ave.
It doesn’t snow here often, but when it does
Are you looking for a place to go skiing that's not too far from home, and yet doesn't take hours battling traffic to actually get there and get back safely? One can search through mountains high and past big bears to find such a sweet spot, to no avail. One longs for the proverbial swimming hole of ski resorts; a little-known place secret to most everyone except the locals, and, like Jackson, Wyoming, the standard practice to tell others about the place is to say, "that place was terrible," when in reality, it's actually great, and especially so since so few people go.
Well, today is your fortunate day.
During the ski season, if you notice a day where it is very rainy, and cold enough to snow in the mountains, get ready! Early the next morning, do like I did and head up to Mt. Baldy. Put some chains in your car, and, from our part of town, take Imperial to the 57 north, to the 210 east, and exit the freeway on Mills Avenue heading north, which turns into the aptly-named Mt. Baldy Road. You'll know you've found the place when you see a smallish parking lot and a simple shack. Bust out whatever you use to carve up the white stuff, and head on up the ski lift for a great day of moderate to difficult runs. Take a break at the little lodge near the top of the first mountain lift; you'll find plenty of old-school character: simple grub, a super-hot stove to dry off your duds, and a great place to hang out with friends. Hit the slopes again, and be back at home before dinner. Seriously, the drive there and back is super-easy compared to some of the other ski resorts available to us.
It doesn't snow often on Baldy, but when it does, head on out for a day you won't forget for a long time. Don't forget, "Mt. Baldy sucks."
Biola University to Lease Old Rancho School Site
News from recent City Study Session
La Mirada~Biola University has leased the former Rancho Elementary School site from the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District to house the University's home school K-12 operations.
The city will partner with Biola to allow continued access to the four-acre playing fields by youth sports organizations such as the La Mirada Girls Softball Association and the La Mirada Soccer Association.
As part of the agreement, the city will provide mowing services, with Biola providing all other general maintenance.
In other news, after a few years of an estranged relationship, the city and the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce may be entering into a new partnership. The city is exploring the idea of providing in-kind services to the Chamber such as office space for monthly meetings.
The city eliminated its subsidy to the Chamber in recent years.
New Chamber President, Debra Ellis told the La Mirada Blog that the Chamber has become all-volunteer, recently eliminating the salaried Director position and is "just dealing with obligations at this time."
NEW! Food Truck Lineup Announced for La Mirada High
La Mirada~The Gourmet Food Truck Lineup at La Mirada High School has been announced for this week.
Participating at the school Thursday November 10th from 5:00-9:30 p.m. are: Grilled Cheese Truck, Crepes Bonaparte, Bakery Truck, Curb A Peel, & Chuck Wagon.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the athletics department and is held in the administration parking lot.