Derrick Williams Update
La Mirada~Recently the La Mirada Blog spoke with Derrick Williams, La Mirada basketball star now attending the University of Arizona.
Williams told us that he finished up a little summer school activity, has returned home to La Mirada, and is getting ready for the first day of school, August 24th.
Williams, who originally signed a letter-of-intent to play with USC, decided not to play there when the team began to unravel after the Tim Floyd front-office situation.
Of course, Floyd was seen on the LM campus as early as Williams' junior year in high school, and was directed here by someone in the La Mirada hierarchy.
Bottom line, we don't get to see Williams play just up the freeway this season, something that disappoints him very much.
Of course, being in the PAC-10, he will make visits when UOA comes to play USC and UCLA. Besides, Arizona is not that far away.
![Phantom Projects’ 3rd Annual Young Artists Project Unites Seven Performers for a Unique Evening of Original Music, Theatre, Film, and Dance at the La Mirada Theatre, August 8th at 7 P.M.](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
Phantom Projects’ 3rd Annual Young Artists Project Unites Seven Performers for a Unique Evening of Original Music, Theatre, Film, and Dance at the La Mirada Theatre, August 8th at 7 P.M.
La Mirada~ Put seven promising young artists in a workshop environment with no creative limits, stir with the guidance of a veteran director, and cook under the pressure of a public performance within weeks and what do you get? You get a theatrical event that blends drama, poetry, comedy, dance, film, and spoke word.
Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group's Third Young Artist Project is currently providing this kind of crucible for a talented troupe of former strangers who are suddenly experiencing the joy and pressure of creating professional theatre.
They will perform their evening program at 7 p.m. on August 8 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. For tickets ($6 to $20) or additional information, call 714-994-6310 or visit PhantomProjects.com.
The Young Artists Project is the brainchild of Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects Founder and Artistic Director, who launched the program in 2007 as part of his company's 10th Anniversary.
The group had never met before their first rehearsal, and rehearsed every day for 14 days including one unique rehearsal that began at 12-midnight and ran until 8AM. The participating artists are Marnin Grace Abad (18, Anaheim), Gennesis Lopez (18, Los Angeles), Emily Lappi (16, Las Flores), Caitlin Selitrennikoff (19, Anaheim Hills), Emily Walker (18, Huntington Beach), Jon Wayne (19, La Habra), Kelley Williams (20, Alta Dena).
High School Football Season Just Around the Corner
La Mirada~A touch of Autumn in the evenings indicates football season is almost here.
The 2009 La Mirada Matadores begin play September 4 against rival St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs.
Follow the Mat's progress all season long right here and look for an exclusive team-by-team Suburban League preview here on the La Mirada Blog the week of August 17th. Check for La Mirada game times on our community calendar.
Also, check out the cool 2009 LM Football web-site at www.eteamz.com/lamiradafootball. The link has also been added to our La Mirada Links page. Go Matadores!
![A 3rd of July I Will Never Forget; Dog is Killed as Fireworks Explode](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/chamber_forum_9-18-22.jpg)
A 3rd of July I Will Never Forget; Dog is Killed as Fireworks Explode
FLASHBACK
The following is a re-post from a story I wrote in 2009 after witnessing a dog get killed on July 3rd of that year at La Mirada Blvd and Foster Road after the very young dog ran frightened from the fireworks show at Regional Park after the family had brought the dog to the event earlier in the day.
The La Mirada Blog is recommending dogs not to be taken to the annual celebration at Regional Park.
We all know parks and dogs go hand in hand, but this is one exception. The crowd is to large and dogs simply don't like fireworks.
Please do NOT take your dogs to Regional Park for the 3rd of July celebration, there are simply to many things that can wrong.
If you are worried about your dog staying home alone, you simply can't go the event.
Read this story I wrote six years ago, and I hope it makes you and others aware of the increased possibility of mishap.
Story originally written July 26th, 2009
Frustration, Joy, Despair; All in One Day
La Mirada~A friend, we'll call him MP, recently told me, "Tony, you have to write a La Mirada book someday."
Well, add another chapter.
An opinion piece, me? I don't do these any more, but I absolutely feel compelled in this instance.
Finally after over two weeks, I am able to write this story. As I said, over two weeks has passed now, and this year's 3rd of July event is now fading into distant memory for most.
Not so fast.
I worked the Kiwanis of La Mirada booth during the middle of the day; helping the club barbeque and prepare tri-tip sandwiches to be sold to the crowd. It was the most pleasant part of my day. What a line we had around 6 p.m. What a blast!
I had some interesting thoughts and observations throughout the day, but one that kept bothering me was the fact that many people had brought their dogs to this event.
People, I know dogs love parks, but this is simply an event you cannot bring your dogs to. During the day maybe, but still, there were way too many people to have your dog there, even during the day. And I had to wonder how many of those people were going to bring their dogs home for the evening. This worried me.
As a general rule dogs don't like fireworks. This is common knowledge. Sure, there are some exceptions, but for the most part they dislike fireworks and loud noises. In fact special precautions must be taken for your dog during the 4th of July, even at your own home. Guess what? You can't have both. You can't own a dog and go see the fireworks show. Someone needs to monitor the dog at home. It's a simple as that.
This bothered me all day after seeing dog after dog nervously looking around at the overwhelming crowd.
After finishing up at the booth I wandered over to the family's blanket to relax and watch the fireworks show. Fireworks really don't do much for me, but it's that family, quality factor thing.
At 9:07 p.m. the lights went out in the park and the show was about to begun. Just as the first projectile exploded, a little black dog went frantically racing by our blanket; leash still attached. You could barely see him because of his color and because of the darkness of the night.
I heard people laughing and it sickened me. This dog was obviously traumatized and bolted from its owners grasp. How did this happen? Who would be so irresponsible to let this happen? My worst fear was coming true.
Our blanket was located behind one of the softball diamonds, with our backs to the parking lot and Foster Road. The dog ran towards the lot and Foster Road. It was running so fast in the dark, and I immediately gave chase. I ran as fast as I could. I just wanted to get to the dog and let him/her know, it was OK.
![McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts Announces “National Youth Summer Stock” for Talented Young Singers and Dancers from So.California and Across the Nation](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts Announces “National Youth Summer Stock” for Talented Young Singers and Dancers from So.California and Across the Nation
Yorba Linda~The McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts (MRCA) will launch the nation's only "Summer Stock" for talented young musical theatre performers, selected by audition from Southern California and throughout the United States, to be held in Orange County, California from July 13 through August 15, 2009.
![Rest Easy: How to Ensure a Goods Night Rest](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/resorce_center-grace.jpg)
Rest Easy: How to Ensure a Goods Night Rest
Sleep problems are actually extremely common in our society, and they can have serious consequences. Sleep problems can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, loss of energy, fatigue and emotional instability, and in the longer term, can elevate your risk of serious health conditions including high blood pressure and heart attack. And poor sleeping can cause difficulties with learning, memory, thinking and feelings, which may lead to poor school and work performance. Furthermore, problem sleepiness can manifest as drowsy driving or workplace accidents and errors.
Aside from some of the more serious things that could be negatively affecting your sleep, there are some variables or situations that you can have more control over. Let's talk about how to change your sleeping conditions so you sleep easier and get the rest your body needs:
![Genesis Awards 2006](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
Genesis Awards 2006
The 20th gala honoring members of the news and entertainment media for highlighting animal issues. There were two firsts for me at this years event. I recorded live segments of my radio show and my wife Carmen co-hosted with me. Below you can listen to the program's four segments that were recorded live in March 2006.
Segment 1: Tony and Carmen on the red carpet, before the festivities, spontaneously interviewing Kelly Bishop and then Steve Valentine (with a lot of chatter in between).
Segment 2: Tony and Carmen in the press room following the awards ceremony. Interviews include Jennifer Aspen, Don Woodard, Joe Mantegna, Tippi Hedren
Segment 3: Bob Linden (Go Vegan Radio), Amy Anzel (Animal Fair Magazine)
Segment 4: Esai Morales & wrap up of the show
More interviews from after the show
Steve Valentine Nadine Schubailat Ed Begley Jr.
![2007 Genesis Awards Photos](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
2007 Genesis Awards Photos
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Persia White | Meredith Eaton-Gilden | Tony with Burt Young |
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Tony interviewng Burt Young |
![Genesis Photos Added](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
Genesis Photos Added
We have been covering the Genesis Awards since 2001. The La Mirada Blog is very sensitive to animal issues. If you know of any concerns or issues involving animals that you think should get more attention, please let us know. Celebrities lend their name to help raise awareness.
Enjoy the celebrity photos from past coverage that many of you have been asking for. Also, look for the 2008 photos to come out soon.
19th Genesis Awards photos (2005)
17th Genesis Awards photos (2003)
16th Genesis Awards photos (2002)
15th Genesis Awards photos (2001)
This, by far, will always be my favorite Genesis coverage. I met and interviewed Valerie Harper (Rhoda), I chummed it with Traci Bingham, met LA District Attorney Steve Cooley, and chatted with the now deceased, Dennis Weaver. I also met Genesis perennials, Linda Blair and James Cromwell, whom I interviewed for the first time.
![Genesis Awards 2005](https://www.lamiradablog.com/assets/lmb/theatre-grace.jpg)
Genesis Awards 2005
Tony Aiello attended the 19th annual Genesis Awards in Beverly Hills on March 19th, 2005. The ceremony presents awards to the media for outstanding coverage of animal rights/abuse issues during this last year. Many celebrities attended this event to lend their name in support of animals. Tony had sit-down interviews with many of them, discussing this great cause. The interviews were played on Tony's radio show on Monday's April 11th, 18th and April 25th, 2005. Of course, if you didn't have a chance to listen live, you can listen now.
Click the play buttons below to listen to an interview.
April 11, 2005: Linda Blair (actress), Tippi Hedren (shambala.org), Bill Brochtrup (NYPD Blue), Angus T. Jones (actor), Stephen Bishop (recording artist), Nellie McKay (recording artist.)
April 18, 2005: Steve Valentine (NYPD Blue), Will Estes (actor), Lake Bell (actress), Julia Barr (actress, All My Children.)
April 25, 2005: Christian Martin (Dateline), Persia White (Girlfriends), Sofia Vassilieva (actress), & James Cromwell (movie actor)
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