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
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.
Latest Crime Report: Alicante Road Hit With Multiple Window Smash Burglaries
The following is the crime report for May 30th-June 12th 2016 as reported by the City of La Mirada:
Aggravated Assault- A male adult was assaulted by two suspects using a BB gun after a verbal altercation on the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy. The victim was transported to the hospital for an eye injury. Residential Burglary-Two gaming systems were reported stolen on the 14800 block of Mercado Ave. A laptop, jewelry and coin jar were stolen on the 14400 block of Watkins Dr. The garage door had been left open. An incident occurred on the 14300 block of De Alcala Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-A vacuum was stolen from a storage shed on the 15100 block of Cordova Rd.
Grand Theft-A backpack was stolen from a vehicle during a window-smash burglary on the 15100 block of Rosecrans Ave. A rammer tool was stolen from a construction site on the 14400 block of Alondra Blvd. An ATM machine was stolen from a business on the 14100 block of Imperial Hwy. The incident is remains under investigation.
Vehicle Burglary-Three window-smash burglaries were reported on the 15800 block of Alicante Rd. Items stolen included a tool bag, a box of tape, a music stand, and a bag with various items. A window-smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Alicante Rd. It is unknown if there was any loss in the incident. A purse was stolen during a window-smash burglary on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A tool bag with various tools was stolen on the 15900 block of Golva Dr. A window-smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A briefcase and backpack were stolen. Jewelry, phone charger and golf clubs were stolen on the 15900 block of Glazebrook Dr. A purse was stolen during a window smash burglary on the 12000 block of Santa Gertrudes Ave. A third-row seat was stolen on the 15600 block of Hesse Dr.
Spring Beautification Winners to be Presented With Awards
The winners of the annual La Mirada Spring Beautification program will be announced tonight.
The program recognizes the efforts of homeowners, schools, and businesses who enhance and preserve the beauty of the community. Property owners who have achieved a measure of excellence in the exterior maintenance and landscaping of their property are honored through this program.
Spring Beautification reinforces the high standards of the City and the spirit of neighborhood pride, which is the foundation of a well-kept community. Well-kept homes increase neighborhood property values and preserve La Mirada as an attractive community.
For this year’s program, volunteer judges reviewed homes in La Mirada from March 14 through March 25 for excellence in landscaping and exterior maintenance.
Award recipients will be honored at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on Monday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m. The “Most Improved” and “Most Outstanding” award recipients will be shown during a slideshow presentation and winners will be presented with awards. Over 200 residents will receive recognition.
Kiwanis Awards $1000 to Five La Mirada High School Seniors
Fom right to left: President Steve Jones, Dante Gonzales, Michael Caplan, Vittoria Reynoso-Avila, Tori Pflanzer, Madison Friend, Scholarship Chair Pat Ruiz |
La Mirada~The winners of the 2015-2016 La Mirada Kiwanis Senior Scholarships were honored at the May 18th breakfast meeting of the club. Each will receive a $1000 award which will be deposited in their student account at the college of their choice.
All of the awardees are senior students at La Mirada High School graduating in 2016. Dante Gonzales will study Environmental Science at UC Berkeley. Michael Caplan will seek a career in Law at UCSB. Vittorio Reynoso-Avila will study for an Engineering Degree at Princeton U. Tori Pflanzer will study Psychology at Biola University. Madison Friend will attend UC Davis to become a Veterinarian.
In the past few years, Kiwanis has distributed over100 computers which were brought up to standard by Chris Staples, Kiwanian and owner of Advanced Network Consulting. They were distributed to children at Elementary Schools in La Mirada for their home use. Also, children with special needs were thrilled to get 10 IPads for their classroom use.
This year, $5000 was allocated to Middle School teachers who applied for the grants for projects or equipment to benefit students in their classrooms, their MP Rooms or their grade level studies. Teachers from Benton, Los Coyotes and Hutchinson Middle Schools benefitted from this special grant program from Kiwanis.
Kiwanis President, Steve Jones, said, “We are proud of the projects that La Mirada Kiwanis night and morning groups have chosen to fulfill the motto of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World.” These projects have enriched the lives of the children of La Mirada in sports, in schools, in Scout groups, in the arts and more.”
Matadores to Play in 49th 605 All-Star Classic
Whittier~Paul Tully and AJ Rivas from La Mirada High School will participate in the 49th 605 All-Star Football Classic Friday, June 3rd.
The game, pitting schools on the east side of the 605 freeway against teams on the west side, was started in 1967 by the Whittier Kiwanis Club and showcases high school seniors many playing in their last game.
This year, the game has been moved to Pioneer High's new Titan Stadium. Game time is 6:05 p.m.