City Council Helps La Mirada Landmark Resident Celebrate Her 90th Birthday
Community

City Council Helps La Mirada Landmark Resident Celebrate Her 90th Birthday

La Mirada~The La Mirada City Council recognized and congratulated Jeannette Murphy on her 90th birthday at a recent council meeting, and presented her with a certificate to commemorate the occason.

La Mirada Mayor Gabe Garcia shares a laugh with Jeanette Murphy while presenting her with a certificate for her 90th birthday photo Joelle Lai

Ms. Murphy was born in Nebraska in 1922, and married Theodore Murphy after meeting him while working at the Health Department in Lincoln in May of 1942.

Theodore served in WWII and afterward, he and Jeanette purchased their first home in East Los Angeles in 1947. They then lived in Whittier in prior to moving to La Mirada 1989.

She currently volunteers some of her time making pillows for the Pediatrics Department at Whittier Presbyterian Hospital, where she also worked in the Accounting Department for eight years at one time.

She also spends time playing cards with her friends and neighbors, and has enjoyed living at La Mirada Landmark for over 23 years.

She joked with Mayor Gabe Garcia as he presented her with the certificate on behalf of the City Council, all part of the city's Birthday Recognition Program.

REVIEW: Walking in a Winter Wonderettes Wonderland at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Arts & Entertainment

REVIEW: Walking in a Winter Wonderettes Wonderland at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

La Mirada~Christmas is all about reflecting on past holidays and creating new memories and if you are looking for a cheerful evening of Christmas entertainment, “Winter Wonderettes” is a delightful and buoyant musical enjoyable for all ages.

Created and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by John Vaughan and musical direction by Brian Baker, The Wonderettes are a joyous quartet of ladies who celebrate Christmas of 1968 with jubilant enthusiasm, wit, humor and verve.

The two act musical is more than a nostalgic jukebox musical with familiar and lesser known Christmas songs from around the world. “Winter Wonderettes” has an established plot

The Wonderettes at curtain call last Saturday at La Mirada. Now playing through December 30th. photo broadwayworld.com

with clever writing.

Set in a beautifully decorated and brightly lit hardware store, The Wonderettes are the entertainment for the employee Christmas party. And how they entertain! Outfitted in lovely and vibrant vintage dresses, the gals act, sing, dance and engage the audience from beginning to end.

Each Wonderette  has a distinct and well developed personality. Misty Cotton (Missy), Shannon Warne (Cindy Lou), Bets Malone (Suzy) and Julie Dixon Jackson (Betty Jean) shine and sparkle like baubles on a Christmas tree. Starting with “Mister Santa,” a Christmas version of “Mr. Sandman,” and finishing with “Winter Wonderland,” “Winter Wonderettes” is a nonstop frolic and perfect for anyone who needs a little Christmas.

“Winter Wonderettes is now playing through December 30th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada.  Click here for ticket information.

Matadores Lose Webb in Victory Over Lakewood
Sports

Matadores Lose Webb in Victory Over Lakewood

La Mirada~The La Mirada High School Boys Basketball team beat Lakewood last night 70-46 in the opening round of the North Orange County Championships at Sonora High School.

Charlie Reid had 17 points as the Matadores (6-1), playing their fifth game in six days, led after the first quarter, 29-9.

The victory didn't come without a price however, as star point guard Taelin Webb fractured his lower tibia and is "expected to be out at least eight weeks," said La Mirada head coach Bryce Jones.

Webb is averaging 25 points a game for the Mats, and has spurred the team to their quick start in the 2012-13 campaign.

The Mats next play vs. Capistrano Valley at Sonora High, Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

La Mirada is scheduled to play 15 games in the month of December before opening league play January 2nd at home against Bellflower.

A New 60’s Musical, “Winter Wonderettes” Now Playing at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Arts & Entertainment

A New 60’s Musical, “Winter Wonderettes” Now Playing at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

La Mirada~La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy-Rigby Entertainment  bring you the most “Wonder”ful holiday treat of the season with Winter Wonderettes now playing through Sunday, December 30th at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.

Yes, it’s Christmas and the Wonderettes are back and the ladies are entertaining as ever at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” “Winter Wonderland” and 20 other seasonal favorites, to save their holiday party.

The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Wonderettes is directed by Roger Bean who created the long-running off-Broadway hit The Marvelous Wonderettes, which played here in La Mirada in the spring of 2011.

The Choreographer is John Vaughan and musical direction is by Brian Baker.

Winter Wonderettes is now playing through December 30th with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8 p.m. on Fridays; 2 pm and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

There will be no matinee performance on Saturday, December 8. Talkbacks with the actors will be on Wednesday, December 12 and Wednesday, December 26.

Tickets range from $20 - $70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available.

City Holiday Home Decorating Program in Full Swing
Community

City Holiday Home Decorating Program in Full Swing

La Mirada~There's still time to get your decorations out and create your own festive holiday display.  Judging is currently underway for The City of La Mirada’s annual Holiday Home Decorating program.

Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and help spread holiday cheer throughout La Mirada.  No application is needed for this program.  Every decorated home in La Mirada will be considered for recognition.

Judging for the Holiday Home Decorating program will run through December 14.  Winners will be selected in the categories of Most Original, Best Use of Lights, and Best Holiday Scene. Award winners will receive a holiday ornament.  Winners will be announced on the City’s website at www.cityoflamirada.org.

For more information on the Holiday Home Decorating program, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.

La Mirada City Manager Announces Retirement
News

La Mirada City Manager Announces Retirement

La Mirada~Although already expected, La Mirada City Manager Tom Robinson recently announced his plans to retire.

Robinson came to La Mirada in 1985 and worked his way up to Community Services Director.

He became City Manager in 2008 when he replaced Andrea Travis, who resigned, when she clearly wore out her welcome, and was about to be fired.

“When I was selected as City Manager in 2008, the City Council requested that I commit to serving four years in the position,” Robinson said in a prepared statement, “That commitment has been fulfilled.”

Discussions will begin at the December 11th City Council meeting about hiring Robinson, 62, on a part-time basis until a replacement can be found.

“I have enjoyed my years in La Mirada, and appreciate the opportunity to serve as City Manager in such an outstanding community,” wrote Robinson.  “Any achievements I have made would not have been possible without the support of past and present members of the City Council, our dedicated City staff, and the community.”

“After 40 years in local government management, it is time to prepare for life’s next chapter,” he said.  “As I turn the page, however, be assured that I will continue to perform my responsibilities as City Manager with the same commitment as always.”

Sources indicate to us the City will use Robinson in the recruitment process, with pay.

His lifetime annual pension will be $189,227 when he retires.

La Mirada Weekly Crime Report; Eight Car Burglaries Plague LM, Ocaso Ave Hit With Grand Theft
News

La Mirada Weekly Crime Report; Eight Car Burglaries Plague LM, Ocaso Ave Hit With Grand Theft

The following is the weekly crime report for La Mirada provided by the city for the week of November 26-December 4, 2013:

Aggravated Assault-An assault occurred on the 15100 block of Las Flores Ave. The victim was attacked with an unknown object by two suspects. The incident is currently under investigation.

Residential Burglary-Three residential burglaries were reported last week. A burglary was reported on the 16500 block of Summershade Dr. There was no loss reported in the incident. An incident was reported on the 13700 block of Capistrano Rd. Cash and jewelry were stolen from the home. A burglary occurred on the 13900 block of Plume Dr. A safe containing cash and a firearm was taken.

Vehicle Burglary-Eight vehicle burglaries were reported last week. An incident occurred on the 16700 block of Valley View Ave. The vehicle's stereo and stereo accessories were stolen. Bags containing various paperwork and other items were stolen from a vehicle on the 16000 block of Canary Ave. One of the stolen bags was recovered. Four vehicle burglaries were reported on the 16800 block of Trojan Way-all related to each other. A suspect was taken into custody in connection with one of the incidents. The incidents are currently under investigation. A window smash burglary was reported on the 15200 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A wallet and other various items were stolen from the vehicle. A burglary to a toy hauler trailer occurred on the 15200 block of Valeda Dr. Various items from the trailer were removed, however they were later recovered.

Grand Theft- Grand theft was reported on the 15600 block of Ocaso Ave. Cash and jewelry were stolen from inside of a residence. A back flow device was reported stolen from the 13700 block of Hillsborough Dr.

Grand Theft Vehicle-A vehicle was reported stolen from the 16200 block of Phoebe Ave. The vehicle was recovered later the same evening on the 16800 block of Trojan Way. A vehicle reported stolen from the city of Fullerton was recovered near Mart Dr and Mercado Ave.

To receive this report directly to your inbox, sign up at cityoflamirada.org


Matadores Start Off on the Right Note at El Rancho Classic
Sports

Matadores Start Off on the Right Note at El Rancho Classic

Pico Rivera~The La Mirada High School Boys Basketball team continued their quick start on the young season by defeating Alhambra High tonight at Pioneer High School, 77-50 in pool play of the 19th Annual Blue Pride Classic.

Taelin Webb led the Matadores with 26 points.

The Matadores (2-0), picked by many to win the Suburban League this year, will play every day this week in the tournament giving 2nd-year coach Bryce Jones a good idea of how his 2012-13 squad performs in some tough real-game competition, after weeks of scrimmages.

The Matadores play today at 4:30 p.m. against Roosevelt High and Thursday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m. against Sunny Hills. Both games will be played at El Rancho High School with Friday and Saturday match-ups of the tournament still to be determined.

The Matadores will also compete in the Sonora Tournament December 10th through the 15th and the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic December 26th through the 29th.

The first official home game of the season for the Mats is December 21st against Sonora High School beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Suburban League play will open Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 as La Mirada will host the Bellflower Buccaneers starting at 6:30 p.m.





Rummage Sale to Benefit Anti-Bullying Program
Community

Rummage Sale to Benefit Anti-Bullying Program

La Mirada~On Saturday December 1st, Phantom Projects Theatre Group will hold a Rummage Sale to benefit their upcoming anti-bullying school tour, which travels to middle schools and high schools each school year. The Rummage Sale will be held at Phantom Projects’ Rehearsal Hall, 15517 Phoebe Ave, La Mirada on Saturday, December 1st. Hours for the sale are 8AM-2PM.

Items for sale include men’s, women’s and children’s clothes and accessories, toys, books, antique and modern furniture, dishes and other house wares, CDs, electronics, collectables, art and more. Each person spending $40 or more will receive 2 free tickets to a Phantom Projects performance at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“We received so many wonderful things donated from the community, that we have something for everyone,” said Steve Cisneros, Phantom Project’s founder.

La Mirada Boy Scout Eagle Project Improves La Mirada’s Oldest Home
Community

La Mirada Boy Scout Eagle Project Improves La Mirada’s Oldest Home

Friends, Family, and fellow scouts from Boy Scout Troop 919 in La Mirada recently converged on the Neff Estate for the "Erik Moreno Eagle Project"

La Mirada~Boy Scout Erik Moreno, 17, from La Mirada Troop  919 recently completed his Eagle Project at Neff Park in his effort to become an Eagle Scout-the highest award attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

This is the 100-year anniversary of the Eagle Scout program. The first Eagle Scout medal was awarded in 1912 to 17-year-old Arthur Rose Eldred, a member of Troop 1 of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York

Despite the drizzly weather on a recent weekend, dozens of troop members, friends and family were on hand to lend support.

To earn Eagle Scout status, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve, scouts are required to earn 21 different merit badges along with many other requirements. One of those other requirements is the planning and developing of an extensive project, one that benefits the community-an Eagle Project.

The scout must organize, lead, and manage the project on their own, demonstrating both leadership and a commitment to duty.

Troop 191 Scoutmaster Carl Freeman said, “His role is to manage the project. I cannot dictate to him, he has to dictate to me. He is in charge of the entire project. He is in charge of safety, leadership, management, and overseeing the project.”

“The adults here can make suggestions, but he makes the decisions. Basically, as adults, we have a teenager telling us what to do. He makes the decisions and that is part of it. If there is an issue or problem that comes along he makes the call and he learns a lesson from it. So, he learns and we all learn.”

“With every project you do, and everything in life you do, there are lessons learned. And you have to learn to adjust. Things don’t always happen the way you want them to; timelines and everything like that. That is what Eric is learning right here.”

LA MIRADA WEATHER

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