Biola University Approved For Provisional NCAA Division II Membership
Biola University's application for membership into the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II has been approved for the three-year membership process.
"We couldn't be more excited about the news of joining the NCAA Division II," said Biola University President Barry H. Corey. "Membership will allow Biola to become part of an organization that aligns closely with our vision and values. I believe we have a great deal to offer one another."
Approval by NCAA officials is the culmination of a several-year effort on the part of Biola administrators. After careful consideration of the value of changing athletic affiliations, the Board of Trustees voted in January of 2015 to pursue NCAA membership. Under the leadership of Biola Director of Athletics Dr. Bethany Miller, the University prepared and submitted its application in January of this year, and underwent an NCAA campus review in April.
Biola, which has been affiliated with the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1964, has seen its accomplishments on the field increase in recent years. The university reached an athletic milestone last season when for the first time in program history its teams earned a spot inside of the top-10 in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup rankings. In addition, Biola's athletic teams won five Golden State Athletic Conference championships during the 2015-16 season.
The Eagles will continue as an active member of the GSAC conference and the NAIA for the 2016-17 school year while completing Provisional Year One with the NCAA. Beginning in Provisional Year Two (2017-18), Biola will join the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference and compete with schedules made up of NCAA opponents. With successful completion of Provisional Year Three (2018-19) of the membership process, the Eagles will gain full, active NCAA DII membership and become eligible to compete for NCAA Division II championships beginning as early as 2019-20.
The PacWest Conference is made up of 14 member institutions and sponsors 15 NCAA Division II sports. The conference is made up of institutions based in Southern California, Northern California, Hawaii and Utah. Biola will join a conference featuring former GSAC rivals Azusa Pacific, California Baptist, Concordia-Irvine, Fresno Pacific and Point Loma.
"The NCAA Division II is a great fit for Biola University," said Miller. "The strong emphasis on student-athlete academic success, community engagement, and competitive excellence aligns with our philosophy to develop student-athletes in Christ like character and to thrive at Biola and beyond. We have much to accomplish during our Provisional Membership period, and we are committed to becoming a model Division II institution."
Biola Athletics sponsors 19 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs (nine men's, 10 women's). Over the past five seasons Biola's athletic teams won 10 GSAC championships and four GSAC tournament championships, sending 44 different teams to their respective NAIA national tournaments. Over the previous three years, Biola's student-athletes have accumulated 102 NAIA All-American honors and 234 all-conference honors.
"Biola is ready for the next era of competition in intercollegiate athletics," said Corey.
Re-posted with permission, (c) Biola University
CONTEST: Like Our Post On Facebook for Your Chance to Win Family 4-Pack to Splash!
The La Mirada Blog and Splash! La Mirada want to send you to cool off this summer with the family!
Just like the special post on our Facebook page regarding the contest by 11:00 p.m. Tuesday August 2nd.
You will be automatically entered into a contest to receive a FREE general admission family 4-pack to Splash! La Mirada including Bucaneer Bay.
A winner will be picked, at random by the La Mirada Blog on Wednesday, August 3rd at 10 a.m.
La Mirada Blog makes final decision on winner. No entries after 8/2/16 at 11:00 p.m. Players assume all responsibilities
Thank you Splash! Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada!
Join the Public Safety Dog Walkers Program
La Mirada~The next Captain K-9 meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at Gardenhill Park, 14435 Gardenhill Drive, at 6 p.m. Dog owners and their pets are encouraged to attend.
The “Captain K-9” Dog Walker Watch program encourages recreational dog walkers to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for local law enforcement.
Captain K-9 participants are trained to effectively observe and report suspicious activity while on routine walks with their dogs and how to best help dispatchers and deputies respond to criminal activity.
For more information on the Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch program, contact La Mirada Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres at (562) 902-2986.
Latest Crime Report; Two Vehicles Vandalized on Barnwall
The following is the crime report for June 20-June 26, 2016 as reported by the City of La Mirada:
Robbery-A cell phone and cash were stolen during a robbery at a business on the 14500 block of Telegraph Rd. The suspect used a simulated weapon to steal items from the location. No injuries were reported.
Aggravated Assault-A victim was assaulted during a domestic incident. The victim and suspect were both treated for minor injuries. The suspect was eventually arrested.
Residential Burglary-Cash was stolen during a burglary on the 14100 block of Adoree St. Cash and jewelry were reported stolen on the 15700 block of Orsa Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A cash register with cash was stolen on the 13800 block of Biola Ave. All items were recovered. A storage unit was broken into on the 15000 block of Alondra Blvd. Exact loss is yet to be determined.
Vehicle Burglary-Two window-smash burglaries occurred on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. Two vehicles were broken into on the 14900 block of Barnwall St. A sedan was broken into on the 15500 block of Dalmatian Ave.
Grand Theft Vehicle- A sedan was stolen from the 15500 block of La Mirada Blvd. A truck was reported stolen on the 14000 block of Mansa Dr.
La Mirada to Enforce 4th of July Fireworks and Party Regulations
On July 4, the La Mirada Public Safety Team will be patrolling throughout neighborhoods to enforce fireworks and party regulations. Residents are reminded to follow all City regulations.
The discharging of fireworks on City-owned property including parks, sidewalks and City facilities, is prohibited. The use of “safe and sane” fireworks is only allowed on July 4 from 3 to 10 p.m.
Streets may not be blocked off for parties and large gatherings. Residents hosting large parties that disturb the peace may be billed for the costs of breaking up the party. Individuals who discharge fireworks or conduct celebrations on private property without the owner’s permission will be cited.
Public drinking of alcoholic beverages and public intoxication are prohibited. All laws will be proactively enforced. Citations will be issued and arrests will be made for any violations.
Residents are encouraged to take an active part in reporting criminal activity. To report a crime in progress, dial 911. To report illegal fireworks or other criminal activity, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
La Mirada Independence Day Celebration
La Mirada Blog recommends to NOT bringing your dog to this event
La Mirada~A spectacular fireworks show will light up the skies over La Mirada on Sunday, July 3 as part of the city's annual Independence Celebration.
Festivities will take place at La Mirada Regional Park starting at 4 p.m. A variety of food will be offered for sale by local community service organizations. Live music will be played throughout the evening by Eagles tribute band, “Heartache Tonight,” and 80s band “Betamaxx.”
“The Independence Celebration is a favorite event of the year for many,” says Community Services Director Lori Thompson. “Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled day as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”
The evening will conclude with a patriotic program and fireworks show.
As a reminder to those planning to attend, charcoal bbq's are not permitted at the park. To help prevent trip hazards, rope and caution tape around picnic areas should not be used.
For more information, call (562) 943-7277.
Editors note: The La Mirada Blog does not recommend taking your dogs to this event annually held on July 3rd. It is our belief large crowds and of course the large mortar fireworks in the evening are a recipe for disaster. Many disturbing incidents involving dogs have been witnessed at this event over the years.
Of course, it is not illegal to bring your dog to an open space park, but we strongly discourage it on this day. Over 10,000 people traditionally attend this event. Also, if you live near the park, on this day, make arrangements for babysitters for your pets or stay home with them yourself.
Then, the next day on the 4th, of course, the responsibility continues as La Mirada is STILL a city that allows the sale of safe-and-sane fireworks. The fireworks sales/stands are a fundraising opportunity for many local groups who say they just cannot do without the money-it being one of the largest fundraisers of the year.
Thus, the city becomes a war zone for the night with large sophisticated projectiles detonated by residents, mixing in with the families enjoying their legal fireworks.
Law enforcement is overwhelmed and of course cannot keep up with the dozens of calls and infractions. The deputy city manager doing a ride-along with officers just doesn't cut it. The economic effect is also troubling. The city has to pay an astronomical amount of money to pay for all the deputies and other personnel it has to deploy.
ALL fireworks should be banned in La Mirada, period, just like in other cities, who's non-profits and other organizations seem to get along just fine without selling fireworks.
Worldâs Largest Swim Lesson at Splash! La Mirada
The Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center will join aquatic facilities around the world for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Friday, June 24. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event kicks off at 10 a.m. The free event aims to promote the importance of teaching children to swim and the message that “Swim Lessons Save Lives”.
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 support drowning prevention and water safety. Community members of all ages and swimming abilities are encouraged to take part in this event.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson spokeswoman, and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Janet Evans will kick off the event. Participants will take part in a free swim lesson which helps send the message that “Swim Lessons Save Lives” Following the lesson, participants age 13 and under will receive free admission to the Splash! Buccaneer Bay Waterpark with a paid adult.
To register for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson or for more information, call (562) 902-3191 or visit www.splashlamirada.com. Pre-registration is encouraged but participants may also come early and register on the day of the event. Splash! is located at 13806 La Mirada Boulevard.
Traditional Japanese All-You-Can-Eat Buffet May Take Former China Star Spot
La Mirada~A new restaurant may be coming to La Mirada, occupying the empty building at the southeast corner of La Mirada Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue in the Theatre Center adjacent to the La Mirada Theatre for the Peforming Arts.
City Planner Gabriel Bautista told the La Mirada Blog that Shabuya, featuring all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu, has submitted plans for tenant improvements with the intent to remodel the inside of the building located at 15028 Rosecrans Avenue.
The La Mirada Chamber of Commerce has also also reported in their newsletter that Shabuya “has recently signed a lease with the property management company 
Kimco.”
Shabu-shabu is a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables served at the dining table hotpot style-quickly boiled in water and accompanied with dipping sauces when finished. Seafood, chicken and lamb can also be used. The beef is usually rib eye or top sirloin and is traditionally served with shiitake and enokitake mushrooms.
We have tried to reach the owners of Shabuya, but so far our calls have gone unreturned. They currently operate the Shabuya in Los Angeles on Wilshire Boulevard and their website touts, “we pride ourselves as a traditional shabu-shabu establishment.”
The building has been vacant since China Star Buffet (also known as Asian Palace Buffet at one time) closed its doors in September of 2013.
Other Development News
Plans seem to be continuing for The Habit to take over the former Starbucks located at the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and La Mirada Boulevard. There seems to be indications that permits will be pulled relatively soon in relation to this project.
552 Graduate at La Mirada High’s 55th Commencement Ceremony
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| Some of the 552 ex-students of La Mirada High School anxiously wait in line to receive their diplomas from district officials at the school's 55th commencement ceremony Friday at Goodman Stadium. Photo (c) 2016 La Mirada Blog, Alondra Urizar |
La Mirada~Once the gates to La Mirada High School's Goodman Stadium opened at 5 p.m., friends and family packed the bleachers to the brim to attend the 55th annual commencement ceremony.
The lines to enter both gates extended around the corner onto Foster Road until most were settled in after the beginning of the ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Traffic was also affected in the surrounding communities with heavier traffic in both La Mirada and Norwalk.
The graduating class of 552 seniors were introduced by the high school's graduation band before 2015-2016 class president, Nestor Guerrero, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The valedictorian, Lawrence Koh, received the National AP Scholar award and gave his address after the national anthem sung by the La Mirada Chamber Choir.
After the jazz ensemble played "One Love" by Bob Marley, Princeton-bound salutatorian Vittorio Reynoso-Avila, gave his address.
“The best grad speech I've heard in a long time,” said head basketball coach and teacher at La Mirada Bryce Jones via his Twitter account.
The ceremony finished at approximately 8:30 p.m. where graduates walked away from the stadium and met overjoyed families and friends outside.
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