Recent Neighborhood Watch Meetings in La Mirada
By Brooklynn Ackerman
La Mirada~On Thursday, March 15th, City of La Mirada Public Safety officer Mary Cipres and the principal of Foster Road Elementary, Sal Villagomez, hosted a Neighborhood Watch meeting to give the community a chance to express some of their concerns.
Around 30 members of the community gathered at Foster Road Elementary to ask questions directly to the deputies that are assigned to the La Mirada area. The deputies were happy to answer any questions and shared a few positive updates.
Recently there have been a few troubling incidents in the area and the officers confirmed they have discovered the cause of the issues and have a firm handle on it. They reiterated that gang activity will not be tolerated and they are taking action to suppress it.
Cipres and the officers encourage the members of the community to call the La Mirada Sheriff's station at (562) 902-2960 if they witness anything suspicious, no matter how big or small.
She also shared a few other ways to stay informed and involved in the community. E-Watch is a weekly email that is sent out to provide updates about criminal activity in the city. You can access it on the city's website under "Reference Links".
In addition, you can download the app My La Mirada which is an easy way to bring attention to things that need to be addressed, such as broken city equipment, tagging, etc. You simply take a photo of what you are observing and send it through the app. You can also follow La Mirada Public Safety on Facebook (@LaMiradaPublicSafety) and on Twitter (@LaMiradaPS) to stay connected.
Additional meetings were hosted at Gardenhill Elementary on March 22nd and at a home in the Foster Park area on March 23rd.
Itâs the âEnd of an Eraâ in La Mirada
By Brooklynn Ackerman and Tony Aiello
La Mirada~April has a different feel in town this year as it appears that the “4 La Mirada Kids Carnival” at Benton Middle School will not take place after a 23-year run.
The three-day event has been held since 1994, when it was started by a core group consisting of Howard Haas (La Mirada High School Principal), Pete Dames (La Mirada City Council), Gary Sloan (La Mirada City Manager) and visionary Ray Haugh (Kiwanis Club of La Mirada).
Haugh originally pitched the idea about hosting a carnival in 1983, but it was shelved until 1994 when Haas approached the group saying that La Mirada High School was falling short by $10,000 for extracurricular activities. These funds were jeopardized by education budget cuts at the time.
So, the group started the event to help raise funds for local educational programs and activities such as field trips, sports and band equipment. In 1996, the carnival raised $33,500 for this purpose.
The carnival would go on to raise over $30,000 annually and consistently, for many years, with 100% of the proceeds going back into the community.
The Kiwanis Club was the major underwriter of the event until the La Mirada Community Foundation took over about 15 years ago. The Foundation has stated they would not be the signing authority (insurance) in 2018, putting the carnival in jeopardy.
Foundation member and former City Councilman Hal Malkin, an early-year organizer and contributor for many seasons said, “There have been some disasters over the past few years. Rain two years ago and last year the county shut down the rides,” he said in a phone interview, “It’s just dwindled over the years and it’s the end of an era, it’s seen its life.”
Also in question this year is where the carnival would be hosted as Benton is currently undergoing major athletic field renovations.
Current organizers are hopeful and said the event could possibly be held at an alternate location this year and perhaps return to Benton next year if a new sponsor could be found.
Latest La Mirada Crime Report
The following is the La Mirada crime report as reported by the City of La Mirada Feb. 26. - Mar. 04, 2018.
Notable Arrests-Ten suspects were arrested throughout La Mirada for various warrants and narcotics violations.
Residential Burglary-Several credit cards were reported stolen during a daytime burglary on the 12300 block of Bristol Dr.
Other Structure Burglary-An early morning window smash burglary was reported on the 14800 block of Telegraph Rd. The exact loss is yet to be determined.
Vehicle Burglary-A daytime window smash burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. The exact loss is yet to be reported.
Grand Theft- Several personal items were reported stolen from two unlocked vehicles on the 14700 block of Excelsior Dr. A package was stolen from a residence on the 13100 block of San Felipe St.
Grand Theft Vehicle-A sedan was reported stolen on the 14800 block of Telegraph Rd. A SUV was reported stolen on the 14400 block of San Ardo Dr. The vehicle has since been recovered by Norwalk Sheriff's. A sedan was reported stolen on the 15900 block of Imperial Hwy. A stolen sedan was recovered on the 14700 block of Beach Blvd. The vehicle was reported stolen out Fullerton PD's area.
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La Mirada News Ticker #12
A Neighborhood Watch meeting will take place in the Foster Park area of the city on Thursday, March 15th at 6:30 p.m. at Foster Road Elementary School, 13930 Foster Road in La Mirada. Residents will have the opportunity to meet with local officials including members of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and learn how to protect their home and property. For more information call (562) 902-2960.
The La Mirada/WhittierRelay for Life will host their first annual golf tournament “Relay Fore Life” on Friday, March 16th at the La Mirada Golf Course. Entry fee is $100 per player and $400 per foursome. Sponsorships are also available.
A yet-to-be-disclosed food manufacturer is relocating from the South Bay area of Los Angeles to La Mirada after purchasing the industrial property at 16200 Trojan Way for $17.5 million. Cha-ching!
The Valley View Avenue Interchange Project is 26% complete. Within the next two weeks the contractor will conduct a full freeway closure of northbound I-5 between Beach Blvd. and Valley View Ave. to re-stripe lanes. Valley View Avenue will be elevated to meet with the new Valley View Avenue Bridge. In turn, N. Firestone Boulevard will be elevated to meet Valley View Avenue. In preparation for these modifications, N. Firestone Blvd. will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Gateway Drive and Valley View Avenue by late March. Trucks over 2,500 lbs. and / or more than 25 feet long will not be permitted to drive on this portion of N. Firestone.
By late March, the existing N. Firestone Boulevard will close for more than one year between Knott Avenue and Trojan Way in La Mirada for demolition to prepare for the widening of I-5 and to allow demolition and reconstruction of the bridge over Coyote Creek. N. Firestone Boulevard will be rebuilt to the east.
Latest La Mirada Crime Report
Notable Arrests-Seven suspects were arrested throughout La Mirada for various warrants and narcotics violations. A suspect was arrest for DUI on the 14700 block of Firestone Blvd. A suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property belonging to the City. Nine suspects were arrested throughout La Mirada for various warrants and narcotics violations.
Aggravated Assault-A drive by shooting was reported near the intersection of Foster Rd. and Duffield Dr. No injuries were sustained during the incident. The matter is still under investigation. A victim was approached at gunpoint by two suspects demanding money near the intersection of Marlette Dr. and Foster Rd. The victim ran and the suspects were scared off. No injuries were sustained during the incident. Two suspects were arrested for mutual combat pursuant a domestic incident on the 14700 block of Alondra Blvd. A victim was shot and sustained critical injuries near the intersection of Parise Dr. and Belcher Ln. The incident is still under investigation.
Residential Burglary- A burglary was reported on the 14600 block of Excelsior Dr. The exact loss is yet to be determined.
Other Structure Burglary-An early morning burglary was reported on the 14700 block of Beach Blvd. The exact loss is yet to be determined.
Vehicle Burglary-A cell phone and wallet were reported stolen during daytime burglary on the 16400 block of Shadow Ct. Cash was reported stolen during a daytime burglary on the 16100 block of Summershade Dr. An early morning burglary was reported on the 13000 block of Bona Vista Ln. No items were taken from the vehicle. A purse was reported stolen during a daytime window smash burglary on the 14300 block of La Fonda Dr. An early morning burglary was reported on the 14700 block of Gandesa Dr. The exact loss is yet to be determined.
Latest La Mirada News Ticker #11
The 2018 Pacific Collegiate Swimming and Diving Conference (PCSC) Championships continue at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center for the first time since 2015. The meet runs Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 14-17.
As we first reported here, plans continue for a brand new Popeye’s to be constructed on the long-vacant lot at the northeast corner of Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes. Recently the Planning Commission approved plans for a new restaurant that will feature a drive-thru and dining area.
The La Mirada Relay for Life is hosting its kickoff event February 15th at the La Mirada Golf Course. The relay will be held May 19-20 at Splash!
The Olson Company, who is building the Olive Walk townhome project on La Mirada Blvd., has now acquired the last piece of the Van Dam property on Valley View Avenue just north of Rosecrans Avenue. A similar project is expected at this new site. Olson has already hosted two community meetings.
The UFC Gym in La Mirada is celebrating its two-year anniversary in the city with a party on Saturday, February 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The La Mirada Symphony is busy preparing for its concert on Sunday February 25th that will feature guest performers soloist Greg Adamson on cello and soloist Sorah Myung on violin.
Pee Wee Blue Team Recognized and Other City News Bites
La Mirada Pop Warner Pee Wee Blue Team Recognized For Achievements
The La Mirada City Council recognized the La Mirada Pop Warner Pee Wee Blue team for its Athletic achievements while competing at local and championship levels.
For the past two regular seasons, the Pee Wee Blue team has gone undefeated. The team has won the Orange Empire Conference and Southern California River Bowl Conference, which include teams from across Southern California.
After earning the championship title in both conferences, the Pee Wee Blue team advanced to the Wescon Conference where they competed against teams from throughout California. Through their dedication and hard work, the team earned the California Wescon Championship.
The team composed of players ages 11 and 12 includes 18 boys and one girl. Players are also taught the importance of academics; each player is required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average. The majority of players maintain a 3.8 grade point average or higher. Two players, Justin Contreras and Larissa Robles, have earned the All American title, which is the highest scholar athlete acknowledgement within Pop Warner National.
“La Mirada is proud to be represented by a phenomenal team that excels both on and off the field,” says Community Services Director Lori Thompson. “The young talent combined with the amazing work of the coaches and parents create an environment of success for these athletes.”
A Night of Memories at the Father-Daughter Dance
The popular Father-Daughter candy-themed dance will be held on Friday, February 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the La Mirada Community Gymnasium. This special event provides the perfect opportunity for fathers to bond with their daughters and enjoy a memorable night out.
Fathers and daughters will be in for a night of dancing and creating memories. In addition to music and dancing, there will also be crafts, refreshments, and fun activities for all to enjoy.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite party attire. A photo booth will also be available for souvenir photos to commemorate the event. The cost is $37 per couple with the cost of each additional daughter set at $17. All girls are encouraged to attend the dance with their fathers and dance the night away.
For additional information or to sign up, contact Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
Life is a Cabaret at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is now showing Cabaret, a sexy, modern rendition of a timeless production.
Set in Germany during the 1930’s, an American writer, Clifford Bradshaw, travels to Germany in search of a story for his novel and stumbles upon the beautiful, yet eccentric Sally Bowles.
Sally, who is a performer at the famous “Kit Kat Klub”, entices Cliff and unexpectedly leads him on a journey that is novel-worthy.
The emcee of the Kit Kat Klub exclaims, “Leave your troubles at the door” and sets a sensual, racy tone that lingers throughout the remainder of the show. The performers heat up the theater and enchant the audience with amazing vocals.
Aside from the glitz and glamour, the play also showcases the hysteria that arose within Nazi Germany and presents morals that are still pertinent to this day.
The writers and performers brilliantly intertwine drama, romance and comedy to keep the audience entertained from start to finish. This show is marvelous and truly sticks with you. So much so that you may find yourself imitating a German accent and attempting to the dance like the performers days after leaving the theater!
Don’t miss your chance to see Cabaret at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts now showing through February 11th.
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.
