Latest City News Bites
Volunteers Sought for Homeless Count
The City of La Mirada is seeking volunteers to assist with the 2018 Homeless Count. Each year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) coordinates a count of homeless persons in the region to estimate the homeless population in Los Angeles County. This year’s Count will be held on Wednesday, January 24 from 8 to 11 p.m.
The Homeless Count involves volunteers canvassing predetermined areas and tallying homeless and transient persons from a distance. Volunteers are not allowed to engage with the homeless.
Volunteers will receive training at a briefing prior to the Count and should expect to assist in La Mirada from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24. Volunteers are needed to participate as drivers using personal vehicles, navigators, team leaders, and counters. Participants must be over 18 years of age.
For more information or to sign-up, contact the La Mirada Resource Center at (562) 943-7277.
Supervisor Hahn Presents New Mobile Stroke Unit
On Monday, January 8, Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at LA County Fire Station #30 in Cerritos to mark the launch of a Mobile Stroke Unit in the southeastern region of the county.
The Mobile Stroke Unit is equipped with a portable CT scanner that allows UCLA medical professionals to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The Mobile Stroke Unit was developed to eliminate delays in treatment and meet the specialized needs of stroke victims in the fields. Mobile Stroke Units can save lives and prevent or reduce the long-term brain damage and disability associated with strokes. The technology is new and this particular unit is the first in the Western United States.
The Mobile Stroke Unit is part of a pilot program launched by UCLA Health and funded by both the philanthropic efforts of the Arlene and Henry Gluck Foundation and the County of Los Angeles. Six months ago the county Board of Supervisors agreed to fund the pilot program by passing a motion authored by Supervisor Hahn to provide $1.5 million to fund and expand this pilot program.
This Mobile Stroke Unit is now available to respond to stroke-related emergency calls in the cities of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada, Norwalk, Paramount, and Signal Hill, as well as the area of unincorporated Whitter.
La Mirada Offers AARP Tax Assistance Program
The City of La Mirada offers residents the opportunity to receive free tax assistance with the AARP Tax Assistance Program at the La Mirada Activity Center. With this program, free federal and state income tax assistance is offered to seniors and low-income community members.
Taxpayers are asked to bring driver’s license or California ID, records of income and deductions including forms W-2, W2P, and 1099’s, statements showing interest and dividends, a copy of last year’s return, affordable health care statements, and any other pertinent records.
Income tax assistance for seniors will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Activity Center and low-income tax assistance will be held on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. This program will begin on February 6 through April 13.
Appointments are highly encouraged. Walk-ins are taken on a first-come, first served basis. Space is limited. The Activity Center is located at 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
For additional information, call the La Mirada Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
La Mirada Welcomes LA County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jeff Dusky
The La Mirada City Council recently introduced Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jeff Dusky, who will serve as the new La Mirada Service Area Lieutenant.
Lt. Dusky is a 31-year veteran of the County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He has worked on a variety of assignments at Norwalk, Firestone, and Lynwood Sheriff’s Station and Field Operations Support Services from 1989 to 2000. During those years in Field Operations, he was a member of La Mirada’s Special Assignment Officers (SAO) team for four years.
Since 2000, Lt. Dusky has held the ranks of Narcotic Detective, Sergeant, Chief’s Aide, and Lieutenant, which he promoted to in 2015. Lieutenant Dusky is looking forward to continuing to enhance law enforcement in La Mirada.
“I am proud and honored to return to the City of La Mirada as the Service Area Lieutenant and serve its residents once again,” said Dusky. “La Mirada has a team of dedicated deputies working together to keep the community safe and the City Council and residents are supportive of the team’s efforts.”
Community Remembers Don Gauthier; La Mirada Ticker #10
Godfather of La Mirada Football Passes
Longtime active community member, the man who many consider the Godfather of La Mirada Football, has died.
Don Gauthier passed away early Monday morning after suffering a stroke sources tell us.
He was the President of La Mirada Pop Warner Football for over 25 years and was also the La Mirada High School Freshman Football head coach for over 35 years, coming over from Neff High in the mid 70’s.
In the early 90’s, Gauthier’s freshmen teams went undefeated for a span of ten years.
Longtime assistant Kenny Meyer said the kids loved him, “He was an old fashioned, no-nonsense coach.”
Gauthier was also very active in La Mirada Little League and was a well-respected, dedicated La Mirada man.
TICKER: Ryan Vargas, 17, of La Mirada has temporarily moved to North Carolina after he signed a deal with Rev Racing. He will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. The La Mirada High junior plans on finishing schooling online to devote more time to furthering his career. Go get ém Ryan!
Recently, Judge Rafael Ongkeko ruled in favor of La Mirada Lamplighter Publisher Brian Hews in a defamation case filed by Central Basin Director Leticia Vazquez by dismissing the case and ordering Vasquez to pay attorney’s fees. At last report, Vasquez planned on filing an appeal.
Beginning this fall (2018-19 school year), Artesia, Cerritos and John Glenn High Schools will leave the Suburban League in athletics competition in major sports and will join Oxford Academy, Pioneer and Whitney to form the new 605 League. At this time, that will leave just four teams in the Suburban League-Norwalk, Mayfair, Bellflower and La Mirada.
La Mirada Councilman Andrew Sarega Announces Campaign for Congress to Replace Rep. Ed Royce
La Mirada City Councilman Andrew Sarega, a Republican, announced Tuesday that he will be a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives to replace retiring Rep. Ed Royce in Congress.
Sarega said he will commit $200,000 to help fund his campaign and will file documents with the Federal Election Commission.
“I have grown extremely frustrated with the careless manner in which both Sacramento and Washington D.C. politicians enact laws that negatively impact our communities,” Sarega said.
“As a Councilman, I have seen firsthand how these laws take local control away from residents and replace our neighborhoods with one-size- fits-all policies. Out-of- touch politicians need to be held accountable. Many are entrenched in their jobs, serving special interests at the expense of their constituents.”
La Mirada News Bites #10
One of La Mirada’s Original Businesses Moving its Pharmacy
The owner of Valley View Rexall Drugs is moving the pharmacy portion of the business out of the building at Roseview Center North across the street to Roseview Center South, occupying two units.
The current store will remain and continue operation as a compounding drug manufacturer, mail center, and sellers of in-home supplies and mobility equipment, among other things.
The drug store operates as the retailer of its parent company, Valley View Drug Co, Inc.
Roseview North and South were the first retail centers built in La Mirada in the mid 1950’s. The very first La Mirada city hall was housed at the south center.
Pastor Jack Exits Living Faith
Pastor Jack Miranda held his final mass for Living Faith Church at Foster Road Elementary on December 31st.
The current La Mirada Kiwanis President told us via e-mail that his family will remain in La Mirada and he will “continue to serve our community as an invested citizen.”
Steve Camarillo and his wife Maria, are the new pastors at the church.
Living Faith was founded by Miranda and his wife Eileen in 1999.
Sylvia Piltz Dies at 98
Also on December 31st, Sylvia Piltz, wife of former City Councilman and Mayor Lou Piltz died at 98 we have learned from Mark Royston of the Kiwanis Chronicles.
The Piltz’s were married in 1941 and moved to La Mirada in 1957 starting a long span of community service.
While Lou manged the Hiram’s grocery store that would eventually become a Lucky store, Sylvia ran their Orange Julius stand at the original La Mirada shopping center.
Cup of Joe with Ian
California State Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, who represents La Mirada’s District 57, will be hosting a Community Coffee on Saturday, January 20th inside the Benton Middle School multipurpose room at 15709 Olive Branch Drive from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Residents are invited to have a cup of coffee and ask questions about local issues and state legislation.
For more information call (562) 692-5858 or visit asmdc.org/gw.
Agrusa’s Moves to La Habra
After over 20 years at the same location, at the corner of southwest corner of Valley View and Rosecrans Avenues, Agrusa’s Italian Restaurant has moved to La Habra.
The little hidden gem with staying power was actually not located in the city of La Mirada, but in Santa Fe Springs, directly on the border of the two cities.
Their new location is at 1240 W. Imperial Highway, just east of Beach Boulevard.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th at 11:30 a.m.
UPDATE: 15:53 01/28/18 The La Mirada Blog has learned Agrusa's will be re-opening its Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada location sometime in February for lunch only Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. As of this time we expect only sandwiches and pizzas will be served. Stay tuned!
La Mirada Pack 815 Will Allow Girls to Become Cub Scouts Beginning January 1st
La Mirada~Many of you may have heard the news announced this past October; Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is moving to a Family Scouting Program allowing girls to now become Cub Scouts.
Although this topic may still be considered a “hot button,” Cub Scout Pack 815 of La Mirada has stayed informed. Together, its leaders have made the decision to move to a Family Scouting Program as of January 1st, 2018.
“Family units are not the same as they were fifty or even twenty years ago,” Cubmaster Sandra Green shared. “When my oldest son started Cub Scouts about seven years ago, I noticed many of the leaders were women. His den leader was a busy working mom, the committee chair was a full time working mom and so many of the key roles to keep the pack going were filled by women.”
She continued, “Years ago, Cub Scouts was geared more towards a father-son program but now, it’s the norm to have moms, aunts, and grandmothers leading dens and packs.”
OBITUARY: Miriam “Mrs. O” Oxman
Miriam Oxman, 95, of Buena Park passed away November 18, 2017. She started a mail-order business at Rosecrans and Valley View Avenues in Santa Fe Springs in 1961 with her husband Jerome Oxman that would become Oxman’s Surplus, a landmark in Southern California for its extraordinary military museum, war memorabilia, and surplus military sales to the public
Miriam Averbook was born August 26, 1922 in Superior, Wisconsin, and married Jerome Oxman of Duluth, Minnesota, in 1947. The couple came to California on their honeymoon and never went back.
Together, Mr. and Mrs. “O” created “Oxman’s Surplus, which grew into a sprawling military surplus outlet and a military museum. Miriam established a military-themed cafe in the store, featuring hot dogs, chicken nuggets and MREs, the military ready-to-eat meals that soldiers eat on the battlefield.
Oxman's is a favorite of generations of La Mirada kids.
Even in her 90’s Mrs. O was a fixture in the store, coming to work every day to be with the customers who cherished and loved her. Veterans from all over the world came to the store, for treasured memorabilia which was impossible to find anywhere else. Miriam got such a kick out of serving customers.
City Bites
Help those less fortunate this holiday season with La Mirada’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. Now through December 11, donations of new, unwrapped toys, and nonperishable food items will be accepted at the following City facilities: Activity Center, City Hall, Community Sheriff’s Station, Gymnasium, La Mirada Library, Splash!, and the Resource Center. This wonderful program will help provide holiday gifts and meals for La Mirada families in need during the holiday season.
The La Mirada Activity Center will be hosting free dental screenings on Wednesday, November 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. No insurance is necessary. New Age Dental will be providing a dentist to conduct screenings to seniors age 55 and above. The dentist will be performing checkups only. If there is something of concern during a checkup, community members will be advised to go to their regular dental care facility for treatment. For additional information, contact the La Mirada Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
Registration for winter swimming lessons at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center opened earlier this week. Registration can be completed online, by phone, or in person at Splash! or the Resource Center. Splash! offers a variety of swim lessons for all ages and ability levels with morning, evening, and weekend classes available, If assistance is needed to determine class level, skill tests are available prior to registration. Participants may come to Splash! during recreational swim hours for testing. For additional information on swim lessons or other aquatic programs, call Splash! at (562) 902-3191 or visit splashlamirada.com.
Lowest Prices Prices Ever Offered to La Mirada Residents for Theatre Subscription Deals
Guests were given historic tours of the Theatre; viewed a panel discussion with several key individuals who discussed building the Theatre, the early days of the Theatre, and ways it has evolved over the last four decades; and saw free rotating performance by theatrical groups.
If you missed the Theatre’s Open House event, do not worry because the celebration is not over yet. The Theatre is currently offering its lowest subscription prices ever!
Purchase both screenings of the Angels in America series for the low price of $25. The series include Part one: Millennium Approaches and Part two: Perestroika. Purchase tickets before they are all sold out to this must-see theatrical event of the year!
The Your Theatre Your Seat promotion allows each La Mirada resident household one free ticket to a show of their choosing. Some restrictions may apply.
Low priced subscription deals are still available for La Mirada residents. The four-show package deal is currently 45 percent off and the three-show package deal is 40 percent off.
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard.
For additional information on upcoming shows and package deals, visit lamiradatheatre.com or call (562) 944-9801.
Reading Oasis at Foster Road to Open at the Thanksgiving Feast
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| Foster Road Principal Sal Villagomez cuts the ribbon at the new Reading Oasis flanked by (l to r), NLMUSD Trustee Jesse Urquidi, La Mirada City Councilman John Lewis, Cerritos College Trustee President Zurich Lewis, NLMUSD Superintendent Hasmick Danielson and Trustee Chris Pflanzer along La Mirada Kiwanis President Jack Miranda and Interclub Director Debbie Schiebel. (Photo La Mirada Kiwanis) |
La Mirada~On Wednesday November 1st, members from the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada unveiled the Reading Oasis at Foster Road Elementary School.
The Kiwanis Club, with the help of Scholastic and several other donors, designed a bright, spacious room and filled it with several books, tables, and computers. Their vision was to provide a space for children and members of the community to gather, read, and grow. There are over 1,200 books in the room all of a wide variety, including Spanish books as well as a few audio books.
The co-chairs of this project were proud to present the room to all the esteemed members of the community that attended the grand opening. They graciously thanked all of the donors who together contributed a total of 14,000 to make this room financially possible as well as those who attended the "working parties" to get the room set up.
Foster Road's principal, Sal Villagomez, showed his gratitude to the Kiwanis Club for setting forth the idea and working with him to bring such a positive contribution to the school and the community as a whole. He mentioned his hopes to garner more parent involvement and this room is a clear step in that direction.
After discussing the intention and overall vision for the room, the grand opening commenced with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Reading Oasis will be introduced and opened to the public during the Foster Road's Thanksgiving Feast on November 16th.
La Mirada Kiwanis to Host Grand Opening of New Reading Area at Foster Road Elementary
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada will host a grand opening of a new reading area at Foster Road Elementary on Wednesday, November 1st from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The “Reading Oasis” have a new reading area filled with over 1,200 books, bean bags, colorful carpet, a rocking chair, an audio station and decorative walls so that the students of the school will have a fun area to read by themselves or have adults read to them.
The La Mirada service club partnered with Scholastic Books, the Kiwanis CNH Foundation, the California Jaycee Foundation and Walmart for this project.
Light refreshments will be served. Foster Road Elementary is located at 13900 Foster Road in La Mirada.
For more information or to join Kiwanis please call (714) 670-0186.
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