EXCLUSIVE: School District Superintendent Reflects with La Mirada Blog
Dr. Ruth Perez, The Superintendent of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District for the five past years, recently announced she is leaving the district to become Deputy Superintendent at the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the Nation with an enrollment of over 600,000 students.
Her first day at LAUSD will be September 15th and her last day at NLMUSD will be September 11th.
She came to NLMUSD in 2009 after a nationwide search to replace Ginger Shattuck who retired after 15 years on the job.
She served as chief academic officer at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District in North Carolina the previous three years.
In her new role she will work directly under the tutelage of LAUSD Superintendent Dr. John Deasey and will oversee area superintendents in the district and will be in charge of instruction and leadership.
Perez spoke with me over the telephone Wednesday morning.
Decision: “I didn’t seek out this position. The opportunity came to me. It really wasn’t about the money. Financially, it’s not much difference. This is a lifetime opportunity. When in a lifetime do you get a chance to have an impact on 650,000 kids? It took me a while to decide after prayer and reflection. I truly loved every day I showed up work here (NLMUSD). This is a phenomenal district. It’s hard to leave; I have a good gig here and I love serving the two communities.”
Accomplishments: “We have a hard working, emotionally-connected, dedicated staff that has achieved a lot these last five years. As a leader, you provide the focus and everyone else does the work. Our graduation rate has continued to climb, the dropout rate continues to decline and our English Learner Program is one of the top performing (in the State) at 84% (efficiency). I feel so good about our district.”
Future: "I am honored, and go into my new job humbly. I’m leaving a wonderful district, but look forward to new challenges. It’s all about giving to needy kids. I know from personal life experience that a solid education is the ticket to get out of poverty; to turn kids into contributors. That’s how our country works.”
La Mirada Little League Hosting Players From Japan
La Mirada~Players from La Mirada Little League and Isehara, Japan will take part in an exhibition contest at Behringer Park in La Mirada beginning at 5:00 p.m. tonight.
The game is part of a week-long schedule of activities for the Japanese youngsters that are visiting in La Mirada. The program, organized by former city councilman Pete Dames and co-sponsored by the City of La Mirada has been in existence for over 30 years.
The players will be attending a Dodger game and visiting the Grand Canyon during their stay and on Saturday at 4:00 p.m players from LMLL, LMBA, and Japan will play on teams consisting of players of all leagues "mixed-up" as part of their farewell games activities. Those games will also be played at Behringer.
NLMUSD Superintendent Ruth Perez Resigns
Norwalk~Dr. Ruth Perez, Superintendent of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District since 2009 has resigned, the La Mirada Blog has learned from our sources.
Reportedly she has accepted a post at the Los Angeles Unified School District as Deputy Superintendent for the 600,000+ pupil district, the second largest in the nation.
The timing is precarious as the district recently approved going to the public this November to ask for $375 million in long-term bond funds in the form of Measure G.
She announced the resignation to the district Leadership Team in closed session last night.
We will report further as it becomes available.
UPDATE 12:37 082014: Dr. Perez opened up to the La Mirada Blog about her decision to leave in a phone interview conducted within the last hour. We will post her comments soon right here.
Water Main Break Affecting La Mirada Residents
La Mirada~Around 9:00 p.m. tonight a water main break occurred just east of the Mansa/De Alcala intersection in La Mirada affecting an unknown amount of residents at this time.
081214 13:20 UPDATE: Suburban Water Systems is finishing up the repair of the break and their office has told the La Mirada Blog that all residents affected by the outage should see normal water pressure restored within three hours.
Sporting News Grill Coming to La Mirada; Troop 919 Gets Eagle Scout; Latest La Mirada News Bites #2
Use 24-hour Graffiti Hotline to Report Vandalism
The City of La Mirada provides a 24-hour Graffiti Removal Hotline as part of its aggressive graffiti abatement efforts. In most cases, graffiti on public property or within the right-of-way can be removed within one day of notice.
Graffiti vandalism is unsightly and may encourage further vandalism or other criminal activity. Residents and businesses can assist the La Mirada Public Safety Team by reporting graffiti immediately. A $1,000 cash reward may be given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a graffiti vandal.
The 24-hour Graffiti Removal Hotline is: (714) 522-5858 and to report graffiti online, click here to submit a report.
To report a crime in progress, call 9-11 or the Community Sheriff's Station at (562) 902-2960. Be a good witness and gather as much information as possible, such as
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| BEFORE AND AFTER: Patrick Perez of Boy Scout Troop 919 shows the playhouse he built to replace the old one at Hoover Elementary as part of his Eagle Scout Project |
a description of the suspect, license plate information, and direction of travel. Never put yourself in danger by intervening with a crime in progress. For graffiti prevention tips, visit www.cityoflamirada.org.
Boy Scout Troop 919 Whittier/La Mirada Produces Another Eagle Scout
Scouts, Leaders and Committee Members of Troop 919 recently announced with great pleasure that Patrick A. Perez has been found worthy of the rank of Eagle Scout.
For his project Patrick removed a dilapidated log cabin playhouse at Hoover Elementary in Whittier and built a new larger and safer "one room schoolhouse" play house to replace it.
Patrick’s Eagle Ceremony took place this past May at the Community Presbyterian Church of La Mirada.
District Graduation Rate Increases
The Norwalk-La Mirada unified School District is reporting the district graduated 93.9 percent of its 1,599 high school seniors last year, a 1.5 percentage-point increase over 2011-12, according to data released by the California Department of Education. Dropout rates also fell to 3.1 percent, as opposed to 8.8 percent in 2009-10.
Student From La Mirada One of Five Recepients
Denny’s, one of America's largest full-service family restaurant chains, and the Magic Johnson Foundation, one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations in the world aimed at empowering underserved communities, today announced the recipients of their 2014 Shami Sall Memorial Scholarship.
Three high school students – Malanna Wheat (Los Angeles), Alexis Lorenz (La Cañada) and Philip Thompson (Oxnard) – and two college students – Zoey Cigar Hodge (Los Angeles) and Micah Earley (La Mirada) – will each receive a $2,500 scholarship on behalf of the restaurant chain and non-profit organization. The winners will also be publically recognized by representatives from Denny’s and the Magic Johnson Foundation this fall.
All five winners submitted an essay depicting his or her life story and how one can live by Shami Sall’s personal mantra – “give a hand up instead of a handout.” Applicants also submitted two letters of recommendation from a community leader, teacher or principal along with a copy of his or her most recent GPA. Essays were reviewed and judged by the Magic Johnson Foundation.
The eponymous scholarship was started in 2013 to honor the memory of Shami Sall, a much-loved and admired senior director of operations at Denny’s who passed away in 2012. The scholarship is part of Denny’s Hungry for Education program, which will provide more than $200,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college students in partnerships with eight leading non-profit minority advocacy organizations this year.
Latest La Mirada Crime Report; Bicycle Stolen From Backyard on Granada
The following is the crime report for La Mirada July 21-August 3, 2014
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 13800 block of Bora Dr. One victim sustained injuries during the assault. The incident is currently under investigation. A domestic assault was reported on the 14100 block of El Mirador St. A suspect was taken into custody by responding deputies.
Residential Burglary-A burglary involving two suspect was reported on the 13900 block of Elmbrook Dr. Cash and a checkbook was stolen from the location. The incident remains under investigation. An attempted residential burglary was reported on the 15900 block of Rosalita Dr. The suspects attempted to gain entry through a bedroom window by removing the screen. A burglary occurred to a vacant property on the 13200 block of Duffield Ave. The residence was vandalized.
Other Structure Burglar-A burglary to a business was reported on the 14500 block of Firestone Blvd. No loss was reported from the location.A burglary to a business was reported on the 12200 block of La Mirada Blvd. Cash and medications were taken from the location.
Vehicle Burglary-Two separate vehicle burglaries were reported in a parking lot on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd. Third row seats from SUV's were taken in both incidents.
La Mirada Chamber Welcomes Two New Members
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Two new members of the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce are flanked by board members: Octavio Duran (Edco) Director of Sales; Anna Li (Edward Jones Investments) Financial Advisor; Lori Hopkins (Popular Community Bank) Vice President & Bank Manager; Gil Reyes (Sugar & Spice) Owner; Dustin Dahl; Mark Gay (Synergy Homecare) Owner; David Cassidy (Simple Signal) I.P. Director; Richard Trujillo (Trujillo & Daughters Insurance Agency) Owner. |
La Mirada~A grand opening celebration was held recently at the new location of Sugar & Spice Bakery and Deli as the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce welcomed the eatery as one of it newest members.
Another new member, Synergy HomeCare and franchisee Mark Gay was also introduced as a new member.
Synergy HomeCare opens the door to peace of mind by providing the high quality care your older loved ones deserve.
A longtime fixture in the community, Sugar & Spice is now owned by Gil and Irene Reyes and is located in the Home Depot shopping center at 12240 La Mirada Boulevard. The sandwich shop features Boars Head meats and cheeses and a nice array of gourmet sandwiches, pastries, baked goods, salads and a soup of the day.
There is always a wide variety of gourmet specialty cakes and cupcakes for sale at the shop which also specializes in custom orders for both-including orders for cupcakes of 100 or more!
Sugar & Spice opened in La Mirada on March 17, 1981 on the corner of La Mirada Boulevard and Leffingwell, when Barbara Moncrief of La Mirada outgrew her kitchen at home baking specialty cakes. The bakery has made cakes for Hollywood production parties and more.
For more information about the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce call (562) 902-1970 or e-mail info@lamiradachamber.org.
Cause of Death in La Mirada Unknown at This Time
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| Police arrive at the scene in La Mirada on Wednesday. Photo La Mirada Blog Twitter |
La Mirada~Police responding to a call Wednesday morning apparently discovered a man dead in La Mirada on Borego Drive.
Lt. Beggs of the La Mirada Sheriff Substation said there is no further information available at this time.
Deputies responded to the home at around 9:30 a.m. and around 11:30 a coroners official arrived on the scene.
REVIEW: In The Heights at Chance Theatre
Anaheim Hills~A big round of applause is in order for the Chance Theater’s epically successful production of “In the Heights”. Captivated audience members laughed, cried, and danced in their seats as the talented cast welcomed everyone to Washington Heights, New York. Directing this unprecedented production could not have been an easy task, however director Oanh Nguyen captured the spirited, fiery essence of “In the Heights’” with much finesse.
Raising questions on racial and personal identity, “In the Heights” explores the social and political lives of a vibrant latin community living in Washington Heights. Whether seeking to escape life in the barrio or desiring to thrive within its boundaries, community members aim to discover the meaning of home. Transcending a merely physical nature, they ultimately come to find that home is a self-defined concept that can consists of a variety of personal attachments such as family, friendship, and love.
Buccaneer Bay Open Daily and More at Splash!
La Mirada~Buccaneer Bay at Splash! Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada is now open daily though September 28th as summer in La Mirada is in full swing.
Choose to soar down the 25 foot tall water slide, float in the lazy river, or splash in the spray areas. Little ones can enjoy the play structure and toddler slide located in the Neverland Splash Zone.
Splash is also a great location for end of summer celebrations and parties.
On Friday nights through August 22nd, Buccaneer Bay is open from 3-8 p.m. and the price is $13.95 for all ages and free to season pass holders.
There is one final swim-in movie scheduled at Splash this season-the encore presentation of Frozen Sunday August 24th. Cost is $6 and moviegoers can swim while they watch or sit on the deck. Makes for a great summer evening!
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