In-N-Out Employee Found Dead in Restaurant Parking Lot Early This Morning
News

In-N-Out Employee Found Dead in Restaurant Parking Lot Early This Morning

La Mirada~A long-time employee of In-N-Out Burger was found shot to death in the parking lot of the restaurant early this morning.

A call came in to the sheriff’s department around 4:45 a.m. about a person down behind the eatery at 14341 Firestone Boulevard.

When deputies arrived, they found a woman unresponsive wearing an In-N-Out uniform. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

The woman, a charter employee of the La Mirada store, was identified as Josefina Alcocer by In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder, “The entire In-N-Out family grieves today over this senseless tragedy as we send out thoughts and prayers to the Alcocer family,” she said in a statement.

“Josefina had been a part of our In-N-Out family since 1996 and she was one of our original associates at our La Mirada restaurant. We are devastated and will miss her. We will remain strong and stand in love for Josefina.”

No suspect description is available at this time.

It is also unclear if any other employees were on duty at the time of the incident.

In-N-Out Executive Vice President Carl Van Fleet who was on the scene, said the restaurant is equipped with an expansive security camera system but couldn’t elaborate any further.

Officials will continue to investigate at the scene and the restaurant will not be open for business today. Firestone Boulevard is open to through traffic although reduced to one lane in each direction.

Check our Twitter feed for more information including the live Periscope broadcast shot earlier at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this case has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.


Century 21 Westworld La Mirada There For You Every Step of the Way
Community

Century 21 Westworld La Mirada There For You Every Step of the Way

If you’re buying or selling a home in the La Mirada area, turn to the exclusive real estate partner of the La Mirada Blog, Century 21 Westworld. Located at the La Mirada theatre center, Century 21 Westworld is the only Century 21 office in La Mirada and offers a prime location for the most walk-in buyers.

Owner/Broker Joel Kushell and Century 21 Westworld Realty have served the La Mirada area since 1975 when the office was opened with just two agents.

The current team at Century 21 Westworld delivers professionalism and expertise unsurpassed in the area, making them the leader for buying and selling homes in La Mirada and the surrounding communities for over 41 years. There are 25 experienced real estate agents at Century 21 Westworld and the Broker, Joel Kushell is proud that 80 % have been with the company between 20 and 32 years.

Located in the center of La Mirada for over 41 years, caring for their clients is top priority at Century 21 Westworld. Agents avoid the use of transaction coordinators and assistants. From meeting appraisers to installing lock boxes, to fielding clients’ calls, agents walk clients through every aspect of the process, every step of the way.

“When our clients hire us, we feel we owe them our time and expertise. We are there for them when they need us,” says Kushell.

Century 21 Westworld has the most experienced agents anywhere around. Most of the them have been in the business for over 25 years. The company has only full-time licensed agents answering the phones. At a time when social media seems to be taking over so many parts of our lives, Kushell says “this is still a people business” and “our agents talk to people and handle things on a personal level.”

Century 21 Westworld in La Mirada utilizes direct-mail advertising, hundreds of web sites, Homes and Land Magazine, professional photography for their listings and has access to the Century 21 referral program to attract even more buyers. They always strive to get the highest price for their sellers.

Century 21 Westworld is located at 15058 Rosecrans Avenue in La Mirada. Prime One Escrow, a full-service escrow company is located right next door.

Call today for an appointment at (714) 523-7151 or (562) 947-2861.


Award-Winning Beatles Biography Comes to La Mirada Stage
Arts & Entertainment

Award-Winning Beatles Biography Comes to La Mirada Stage

"In My Life" performs on March 4 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

La Mirada~Featuring the live music of renowned tribute band, Abbey Road, In My Life-A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles, is the nationally touring musical biography of the Beatles through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein. The show is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades. In My Life performs at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 4 at 8:00 pm. The show is appropriate for all ages.

More than just a Beatles tribute concert, In My Life gives the audience a chance to “be there” at pivotal moments in the extraordinary career of the Beatles: Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, The Ed Sullivan Show, Shea Stadium, Abbey Road Studios and the final live performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp offices. With manager Brian Epstein serving as narrator, In My Life allows the audience to get a glimpse inside the world of the Beatles from their point of view, as well as hear some of the greatest songs ever written. Historical settings such as the Cavern Club are established on stage with videos and images which play behind the actors and musicians on a video screen.

The La Mirada Blog is on Instagram
News

The La Mirada Blog is on Instagram

Instagram

The La Mirada Blog is on Instagram! Click the badge to check it out!

Shooting on Los Coyotes Avenue
News

Shooting on Los Coyotes Avenue

La Mirada~A shooting has been reported inside a home in the 12100 block of Los Coyotes Avenue.

The La Mirada Blog reported the incident at 5: 28 p.m. PT.

Sheriff's personnel and residents confirmed hearing at least two shots fired.

An elderly woman was evacuated from the residence.

Check the La Mirada Blog on Twitter for the latest.

021016 23:02 UPDATE: At around 10:30 p.m. the sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau entered the home after several unsuccessful attempts to contact barricaded suspect. Upon entering the home, officers found a male deceased from an apparent self inflicted gun shot wound.


City Council to Discuss Recording Meetings
News

City Council to Discuss Recording Meetings

La Mirada~Yes, it's been a long time coming.

Following a staff presentation at tonight's study session meeting, the city council is expected to discuss the recording of meetings and making them available on the city's website the next day.

Cost to the City would be an initial $3,500 set-up fee and $500 per month for web hosting services.

The City conducted a survey this past September and the report indicates 79 percent of respondents were supportive of city council meetings being recorded and made available online.

Mockingbird Flies Into La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Arts & Entertainment

Mockingbird Flies Into La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

If you are one of the many who pre-ordered and read last year’s “Go Set a Watchman”  last summer, you may have distaste for me merely bringing up the subject.

That release of Harper Lee's possible first draft or possible sequel to the beloved and Pulitzer- prize winning novel, “To Kill a Mockingird”, was not met by all with open arms.  Some (like me) refused to read it-- us librarians tend to be finicky on literary integrity and sources.

It is true what the author Neil Gaiman has put so eloquently:  "Google will bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian will bring you back the right one."  So how is this librarian to determine if Watchman was a sequel to Mockingbird?  Was the book never meant for publishing in the first place?  Or is it better to just pretend that Watchman was never released and focus on Lee's beautiful masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird?  I prefer the latter.

For me, I first read Mockingbird in ninth grade.  Soon to follow was me partaking of the film version.  In case you have never seen the film, you'll catch a glimpse of a young Robert Duvall and a not-to-be-missed Gregory Peck.  The film (released in 1962 by Universal) could not have been more poignant for a country at a turning point.  The Civil Rights Act was on the table amongst our country's law makers.  Dr. King was a household name for the non-violent protest movement.  JFK was in the White House.   I fell in love with the book.  I fell in love with the film.  To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that transcends time.

Now, in 2016, Phantom Projects takes on the stage version of To Kill a Mockingbird.  Steve Cisneros, the producing artistic director of Phantom (and a La Mirada native) follows up on a phenomenal performance of “Number the Stars” with Lee's Mockingbird.

Taking stage for ONE DAY ONLY (shows at 10:00 a.m. (SOLD OUT), 1:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT), and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th); I encourage you not to miss out.

Cisneros’ goal, to bring to stage performances that tackle topics for teens, is a one of a kind mission; Phantom Projects is unlike any other theatre troop you'll find nationwide.  Each season, two performances are based on literary pieces (previously presented were Lois Lowry's The Giver, S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, and Christopher Paul Curtis' The Watsons Go to Birmingham).  The third upcoming show of the current season, "Center of the Universe” was written by co-founder Bruce Gevirtzman and shows April 21st. Concluding the season with the fourth show is "The Young Artist's Project" on August 6th, wherein a cast is given only 14 days upon meeting to put together their best performance.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story set in 1930's Maycomb County, Alabama.  Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer, is left to raise his two children- inquisitive Jem and tom-boy Scout.  Jem and Scout are set on finding creative ways to lure the neighborhood recluse, Boo Radley, out of his home, their imaginations run wild in true childlike innocence.  When Atticus takes on a case of defending a young African American man, Tom Robinson, accused of raped, a lesson in race relations in the Jim Crowe south unfolds and Jem and Scout discover their fathers shoes are not easy to fill. 

Remember, Harper Lee's Mockingbird was released in the early 1960's, a time that could only be better than if it were released in present day.  If you are curious of the timing of this stage performance, take heed that Cisneros chose this piece about two years ago yet the timing couldn't be better to bring this book to life.

Teen Series Continues at Temporary Library Location
Community

Teen Series Continues at Temporary Library Location

La Mirada~Although closed for the first major renovation in its 46-year history, the La Mirada Library continues to offer free programs, including a series aimed at teens, at its temporary location.

The $4 million dollar construction project, being managed by the city, was approved in 2004 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The City of La Mirada has graciously set up space on the bottom floor of the Resource Center for scaled-down library services to continue. The center is located just across the civic center courtyard  at 13710 La Mirada Boulevard.

Some might remember this space as The Basement recreational teen center which was dedicated in June of 2003, but never really resonated with the youth in the area. The area later housed a computer center.

NEW! How to be a Grown Up for Teens Series

Part 1: Tuesday, February 9th 2016

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Part 2: Tuesday, February 16th 2016

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

As part of a State grant, La Mirada Library has been selected to provide a series of programs to local teens. This series is aimed at teaching teens essential life skills and a leg up on adulthood.

Topics include finance and budgeting, physical fitness, and etiquette. If you’re not blessed with the gift of gab learn to speak with confidence and eloquence for crowds large and small. A public speaking expert will give you tips and tricks to speaking in this two part program geared at teens 12-18 years of age.

NEW! The Whole World's Talkin'

Saturday, March 5th 2016, 2:00-3:00 PM

You can bring the whole family for folktales from Korea, Ghana, and India! A storyteller from Enrichment Works will bring a magical compass to transport us all over the world, revealing folktales from various countries and cultures. 

The Enrichment Works series is made possible through the generous funding by the LA County Board of Supervisors Fourth District Arts Education Partnership Program.

Both events will held at the Resource Center, Meeting Room #1



REVIEW: Empire Captures the Spirit of New York City
Arts & Entertainment

REVIEW: Empire Captures the Spirit of New York City

Skip the search for a restaurant for Valentine’s Day weekend. Instead, take the one you love, or even make it a family trip, to go see Empire, the latest production from The McCoy Rigby Entertainment Group. La Mirada’s Performing Arts Center hosts the first run of Empire, an entertaining and Broadway bound musical about the construction of the Empire State Building. This musical is entertaining, intriguing, and you as La Mirada residents get to be the first to enjoy this marvel!

Empire opens in New York City’s “Hey Day” of the roaring 20’s-- glitz, gold, glamor, wealth! All the magic and feeling you've read about in books by the likes of Fitzgerald, this is the time, striking while it's hot! But as quickly as that wealth may have come, it's quickly lost as America is hit by the stock market crash of 1929 and The Great Depression. What are the money makers who have held on to their money and still soaring high to do? Ask John J. Raskob and Al Smith-- a High Financer and the former governor of New York. Together, Raskob and Smith have one goal in mind-- build the largest building in the world to rule the New York city skyline. For such a task, they enlist architect, Michael Shaw, and Smith's "Can-Do" gal, Frankie Peterson.


Kevin Earley (far left), Stephanie Gibson (center) and the workers are featured in the musical “EMPIRE” - directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

To create a monument of such stature, Peterson tackles the workforce and Shaw the design. Together they gain the trust of their employees, a diverse migrant work force. We see the Al Smith building become a symbol of the power, magnitude, and enigmatic spirit of the people of New York, the “Empire State." Irish, Italian, and Mohawk Indian, all join in to earn an honest living and end up being the integral part of the story and reflecting the beauty of this building.

Enjoyable, lively, and a performance filled with romance and laughter, Empire is a delight and truly one of the most enjoyable productions to come to the La Mirada Performing Arts Center. Mesmerizing use of scenery projection and a cast pulling off dance numbers and acrobatics are all part of a special and nostalgic musical ready for Broadway.

Cast includes Kevin Earley, Stephanie Gibson, Tony Sheldon, Michael McCormick, Charlotte Maltby, and Joe Hart. Ensemble cast: Josh Walden, Cooper Stanton, Justin Michael Wilcox, Caleb Shaw, Tommy Bracco, Michael Baxter, Michael Starr, Juan Caballer, Joe Hart, and Caitlyn Calfas, Rachel Osting, Rachel King, Fatima El-Bashir, Tory Freeth, Christine Tucker, Richard Bulda, Jordan Richardson, Gabriel Navarro, Rodrigo Varandas, Katharine McDonough, Josh Walden, Tommy Bracco, and Juan Caballer.

Book, Music and Lyrics by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull. Musical Direction by Sariva Goetz. Directed and Choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge. Produced by Sue Vaccaro, Ricky Stevens, and The Rivet Gang. Production Stage Manger: Jill Gold. Assistant Stage Manager: Nicole Wessel. Flying Sequence Choreographer: Paul Rubin. Casting Director: Julia Flores. Scenic and Co-Projection Designer: David Gallo and Brad Peterson. Costume Designer: Leon Wiebers. Lighting Designer: Jared A. Sayeg. Sound Designer: Philip G. Allen.

LA MIRADA WEATHER

Explore