La Mirada Community Foundation to Host Gala for a Cause
The La Mirada Community Foundation is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and Clean Comedians for its Gala for a Cause on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. It is a black tie-optional event featuring live comedy, magic, and music. There will also be a silent auction, desserts by Simply Irresistible, and a chance to win prizes from local businesses.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises money for a variety of programs in the La Mirada community. It supports services and programs for La Mirada residents, as well as community youth organizations and educational programs. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in La Mirada.
To purchase tickets, visit LMGala.com. For more information, contact La Mirada Community Foundation President Michael Lord at (562) 397-0921.
Dog Walkers Can Help Deter Criminal Activity
La Mirada~The next Captain K-9 meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at Behringer Park, 15900 Alicante Road, at 6 p.m. Dog owners and their pets are encouraged to attend.
The Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch program encourages recreational dog walkers to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for local law enforcement,” says
La Mirada Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres.
Captain K-9 participants are trained to effectively observe and report suspicious activity while on routine walks with their dogs and how to best help dispatchers and deputies respond to criminal activity.
For more information on the Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch program, contact
the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Reports of Abduction Attempts Continue to Unfold
La Mirada~We recently received multiple messages from concerned parents and residents about a possible child abduction at Windermere Park this past Monday and then at Behringer Park on Tuesday evening, but authorities have told us no crimes have been committed in either instances.
La Mirada Soccer Association President Ruben Orozco sent out a letter to parents Monday evening advising them of an apparent abduction attempt. The letter quickly went viral on social media within the La Mirada area.
Tuesday, a school administrator in La Mirada became concerned when hearing of the letter so she contacted Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District officials, according to our unnamed source.
An e-mail was immediately sent out to NLMUSD board members from the head of security for the district, Elaine Williams, advising that local law enforcement officials had informed the district no crime occurred near a child and there is no merit to the claim.
We contacted Lt. Robin Limon at the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station who said the call came in at 5:40 p.m. but was a “suspicious person only” incident and a report was taken.
However, Limon said there currently is an active ongoing investigation.
The league then sent out an additional letter on Tuesday evening stating a similar “kidnapping” attempt had occurred, this time at Behringer Park.
Limon told us there is no record of an incident at Behringer Park on Tuesday night.
Calls made to La Mirada Lieutenant Kevin Beggs have gone unreturned.
We will have more information here if it becomes available.
UPDATE: 21:28-100616: Since our initial report, the father of the child involved in the incident has contacted us. He advised us the first incident DID occur at Windermere Park on Monday. He asked his name not be used. He said a kidnap attempt investigation is ongoing. He told us his three-year old child was playing near bushes at the park while his five-year old played soccer. He said a male popped out "from behind the bushes" with his arms outstretched towards his daughter. He chased the man away. Report was taken, investigation ongoing.
We apologize if anyone was misled. We only reported the information that we were given. Parent recently exclusively contacted us only.
The family of the child has asked us to share the description of this man:
Hispanic Male, approximately 5'7 to 5'8, about 150-160 lbs, light complexion, dark brown hair, facial goatee, wearing cap; drove away in a tan 4-door sedan.
The Latest #3: College Expo at JGHS, Fall Youth Sports Leagues Forming, Friends of Library Book Sale
Annual College Expo at JGHS
Admission representatives from over 50 colleges will offer workshops and information at the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District’s 5th annual College expo.
The event was created by counselors in the district to connect students with college and career readiness.
Topics including financial aid, community college transfer options, admissions and entrance exams, among others, will be covered by specialists to help young people plan to meet their goals.
The expo runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 19th at John Glenn High School, located at 13520 Shoemaker Avenue. Food will available for purchase from clubs.
Friends Fall Book Sale
Join the Friends of the La Mirada Library at the Fall Book Sale to purchase books at astoundingly low prices. The Friends will have their annual sale on Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center. The Activity Center is located at 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
A pre-sale for members only will be held on Friday, October 7 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The $10 annual membership can be paid at that time. A wide variety of books will be available.
For more information, contact the Friends of La Mirada Library at LaMiradaFOL@outlook.com or look on Facebook for Friends of the La Mirada Library.
Youth Sports Leagues Forming
Register now for fall youth sports leagues offered by the City of La Mirada. Recreational youth sports offered for the fall season includes Friday Night Football, Volleyball, and Volleytennis. Children ages 5 to 17 are invited to participate.
Get ready to spend Friday nights out at the field, with La Mirada’s semi-annual Friday Night Football league. Open to participant’s ages 5 to 14, the league is played with flags and emphasis is on football fundamentals. Friday Night Football games are played at Behringer Park during the fall season. The league cost is $70, and includes one practice during the week and one game on Friday night.
The City of La Mirada’s Youth Volleyball league is back in swing for the fall season. Open to ages 9 to 17, the league focuses on the basics of volleyball, including passing, setting, hitting, serving, and defense. The Youth Volleyball league is held at the La Mirada Community Gymnasium and the cost is $75.
Volleytennis is offered to 7 to 8 year olds who want to play volleyball. The net in this league is lowered to a tennis-level height, and the ball may bounce between each hit. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of volleyball and allows kids to learn basic passing and serving techniques. Games are played on Saturday or Sunday afternoons at the community gym.
City Debuts New Smartphone App
La Mirada~Keeping in step with these technological times, the City of La Mirada recently launched the “My La Mirada” smartphone application and web portal for residents to access local services. “My La Mirada” enables residents to submit, track, and view service requests through their smartphones or online.
Residents can submit a variety of service requests and report issues such as graffiti, potholes, broken, street signs, and public records requests using one convenient system. Requests and issues are delivered to City staff and are tracked from start to finish. Residents have the option to receive notifications, real-time status updates, and comments on the submitted requests.
“My La Mirada” enhances communication between residents and City officials. To help reach all residents, the application supports 17 languages In-app widgets provide users information about local news, programs, services, events, and public facilities.
“My La Mirada” was launched in partnership with Accela, Inc., an innovative civic software company that helps residents and local governments connect to improve the quality of life in their communities.
“The ‘My La Mirada’ service request system is an innovative and convenient way for residents to stay connected to the City and report issues affecting local neighborhoods,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton.
The “My La Mirada” smartphone app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Service requests can also be submitted online at www.cityoflamirada.org. For more information on the “My La Mirada” system, call (562) 943-0131.
Latest La Mirada News #2
Arts Colony
The Arts Colony of La Mirada will hold its October meeting on Monday the 3rd at the La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. at 6:30 p.m. They will be discussing the upcoming "Mirrors of your Mind" open art show in November. Oil artist David Min will present a demonstration of his art and unusual method of applying paint to canvas. The public is welcome to join. For further information call 562-448-3427, 562-941-4116 or find the colony at acolm.org.
Disaster Preparedness
The City of La Mirada is joining thousands of communities across the country to participate in National Preparedness Month throughout the month of September. The month-long nationwide effort is hosted by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, encouraging households, businesses, and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies. Preparing can start with three important steps:
1. Get an emergency supply kit
2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency
3. Be informed about emergencies that could happen locally, and identify sources of information that will be helpful before, during, and after an emergency.
National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging individuals and communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. The La Mirada Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee (DPSC) will be meeting later this month to discuss plans for the upcoming Communitywide Disaster Exercise. This year the exercise will be held on October 20 in conjunction with the statewide earthquake awareness campaign The Great California ShakeOut.
Gala for a Cause October 14th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Raising the Roof with Laughter La Mirada Foundation Invites Community to “Party for a Purpose”
The La Mirada Community Foundation is teaming up with nationally known “Clean Comedians” and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, for a Gala for a Cause, on October 14th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Humor is often used to tear people down. But the producers of this comedy show hope to do some building up…literally.
“We are going to enjoy a fun evening of entertainment and assist some people who need home repairs," said Michael Lord, President of the La Mirada Community Foundation, who believes laughter may be the best medicine for helping local Veterans and seniors.
According to Hal Malkin, former Mayor of La Mirada, the beginning of the Foundation goes back to one generous woman. “Years ago, before her death, gifted monies from the sale of her home was initially used to help fund the Foundation. This Gala is in part possible because of her decision to pay it forward.”
Comedy & Variety with Zero Vulgarity
Adam Christing is the founder of CleanComedians.com and a long-time La Mirada resident. “Humor doesn’t have to be dirty to be funny,” says Christing, who will emcee the Gala.
The talent line includes: Carlos Oscar, a stand-up comedian who has appeared on the "Tonight Show”, the magic of Michael Grandinetti from TV’s “Masters of Illusion”, and Michael & Amy, a high-energy dueling piano duo.
Young players from Biola Youth Theatre will perform “Circle of Life” from their fall production of Lion King. Simply Irresistible will provide desserts. The Gala for a Cause will feature a silent auction and a chance for one attendee to win the opportunity to sink a putt on-stage for $10,000. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the silent auction & desserts. The live show will begin at 7 pm.
Tickets & Corporate Sponsorships are available here.
From Maddi’s Closet Children’s Cancer Fundraiser November 12th at Dodger Stadium
Children fighting cancer will benefit from a fundraiser sponsored by From Maddi’s Closet on Saturday, November 12th in the exclusive Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles.
The “Knock It Out of the Park” themed event is one of the major fundraisers for From Maddi’s Closet’s efforts to assist children fighting cancer. In recent years, the local group has donated more than $400,000 to provide emotional and financial support to three thousand patients and their families and support with children’s cancer research. 
“Childhood cancer is the number one disease-related killer of children in our country, and it is critically important that we increase awareness of what we can do to fight this terrible disease,” says Donna Holmes, president and founder of From Maddi’s Closet.
Holmes has been actively carrying her message about the battle against children’s cancer to local groups. She has spoken with local Chambers of Commerce, service clubs, businesses and numerous other community organizations. She is available to speak to groups that are interested in learning more about the importance of working together to improve the lives of children and families facing this difficult battle.
From Maddi’s Closet is a local nonprofit organization started twelve months ago after Madison Leslie Holmes lost her battle with cancer at four years of age.
Maddi’s family and friends began the organization to carry on the extraordinary spirit of generosity and compassion the young girl had shown to other children fighting cancer. Despite her illness, Maddi befriended other children undergoing treatment, and gave her own toys and clothing to those in need. She asked her family to sit with other children who were more sick, frightened or lonely when they had no family members at the hospital.
Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer. The group raises funds for pediatric cancer research, and offers support to ill children and their families whose emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at Children’s Hospitals in Orange County and Los Angeles.
From Maddi’s Closet also involves children in helping children. A Junior Advisory Board composed of middle school and high school students represents the organization at many public events, operates public awareness booths, hosts inpatient and outpatient projects, and assists at the annual We Can Family Camp for children with cancer and the recent Meet the Experts Event for patients and families, co-sponsored by From Maddi’s Closet and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
La Mirada Soccer Association and Biola Womens Soccer Team Up
La Mirada~ Biola University’s Women's Soccer has partnered with La Mirada Soccer Association to host families that participate in the youth soccer league for their match against Menlo College on Saturday September 24th.
The Biola coaching staff invites La Mirada Soccer Association families to come out to the soccer match at a steep discount and enjoy a night of competitive collegiate soccer as the No. 11 Eagles (7-0, 1-0) host Golden State Athletic Conference foe Menlo College (5-2-1, 0-1).
Any La Mirada Soccer Association player will be given free admission to the match, with their family receiving half-priced cash-only admission ($3 per person). Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.
City Council to Elect Members by District
La Mirada~ At its September 13th meeting, city council members voted 4-1 to approve a settlement with a Latino voting rights group, avoiding a possible expensive litigation process.
The Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) sent a letter to the council in July accusing the city of violating the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. The letter imposed a deadline of August 17th to respond or risk being sued.
As part of the settlement, the city will create voting districts for the upcoming March 2017 election, including one that must be Latino-majority. The city must also pay MALDEF $30,000 for their expenses.
Councilman Andrew Sarega was the lone vote against the settlement saying the city gave in to group.
The city doesn’t believe it violated the act, but feel it is in their best interest to settle.
Resident Noel Jaimes said on his Facebook page, “The city capitulated to a lawsuit threat by a bully without a fight and now will be forced to divide the city of La Mirada into five districts, something that most La Mirada residents don't want.”
La Mirada City Councilman Steve DeRuse responding to the thread noting that as to date, no city has challenged and won a case against MALDEF and that the council acted to protect the city and limit the liability to $30,000 and to maintain control of the districting process, saying, “If this went to court a judge would be drawing our districts.”
After a series of public hearings for community input, including assistance by residents in drawing the districts, the council looks to have boundaries in place by November 8th.
